Koll asks Madeline for the message that was sent for him. She gives him an envelope and he opens it away from the others. It reads: Koll, A bird man attacked a wolf. He's not yours is he? Loro. It is not the message he was expecting. Interesting, though. What had Whistler been up to?
"Madeline," says Koll, "what was the message sent for Mr. Whistler?"
"I don't know. I didn't read it..." Madaline says, gesturing to the desk in the corner. "It was carried in by a weirdly feathered hawk-bird."
Koll nods as he remembers. "Ha, that was sent by Singe, how long ago? Seems like ages."
Koll goes down to his new room. It is clean and sufficiently spartan for his tastes. The monkey is there. "Hello, Koll Jr. Did you miss us? Sorry to have left you behind. Maybe you can come on our next adventure. Why don't we go out now. I have a friend to visit."
The monkey jumps onto his shoulder and Koll walks out into the city and heads toward the Shrine where he had served Brother Hodges. The Shrine of Suffering seems to have changed a lot in the week that the group has been gone. The majority of the people there seem to have the 'disease' that's been spreading throughout the area. Any homeless and needy that once came seem to have been driven away by the crowds of these diseased Baldurians. Brother Hodges is currently tending to a small group of them, a tent erected to prevent the sun from causing too much discomfort.
"Brother Hodges!" Koll calls out. "It is good to see you again. I can tell you that Eddard's cloak has been a great comfort and aid to me while I was gone. Things have gotten much worse, haven't they? Do you have any new insights into this disease? How can I help?"
"Right now all we can do is make them comfortable," Brother Hodges responds. He turns to Koll and smiles in spite of the circumstances around him. "I am glad to see you are well. I've had many people visit, asking if you were coming back. You've gathered quite the following." He dips his cloth back into some water and turns his attention back to one of the odd catatonic people. "They respond to base instincts, but that's all. They'll eat and drink and barely move unless prodded along. The guards have been bringing them all here when they're found in town."
Koll Jr. hops over to one of the people and starts poking him. He lets out a small, "Oooh," noise and pokes him a few more times.
"I don't think it's an actual disease," Koll says. "Have you seen anyone catch it? They're in this state because of a drug, I think. I have experienced it, but I need to learn more. The drug transports one's mind to a shared dream realm where some are enslaved. I think it's possible that the only way to save them is to go into that realm and free them."
Brother Hodges looks back up from his work, perplexed at how Koll could come to such a conclusion. "A drug?" He asks. "But... some of them are children."
"Perhaps, I am jumping to conclusions. It is odd. Children wouldn't be taking drugs. There are many unanswered questions. My friends and I are going to try to get to the bottom of this, nevertheless. How are your children? I hope Sissa has been doing her exercises."
"Every day," Hodges responds, shaking his head. "You really got in her head, you know. But it's good. She needed focus."
Koll Jr bounces up and around Koll, sitting on his shoulder for a better look at the scene. "The guards are just dropping these victims off here?" Koll asks. "Are they providing any monetary support for your services?"
Brother Hodges chuckles. "Of course not, and nor would I ask for it. Sometimes a family member comes looking for their lost one, and often times more than not they find them here. It's... a happy ending in a way. They get to spend their last days with those they care for."
"But this is a wider problem for all of Baldur's Gate. Your humility and charity is admirable, but this burden is not yours alone." Koll helps one of the catatonics drink some water. "Listen, I have a little money that can buy food or blankets or pillows. Let me know what you need."
Brother Hodges sighs. He knows he won't be able to sustain the current care he's been giving them. "Water is not a problem," he says, "but food is expensive when feeding a village. Many of them are already suffering from malnutrition because I don't have enough hands to hand-feed them all. What I need more than anything is for this to go away. But until that happens, I need more people to care."
"I will have more food sent you tomorrow. And while I am here, I will serve you as best I can. Perhaps those that took inspiration from me before will follow my lead once again." Koll then digs into his pack and pulls out the gem he had stolen aboard the abandoned ship, the one he had been feeling guilty about. "I wanted to give this to you, in particular. It is found treasure, but I took it for myself rather than sharing with my adventuring companions. It was a moment of weakness and it would please me to see it put to use in Ilmater's name."
Brother Hodges accepts the gemstone and thanks Koll for his charitable contribution.
Then he sets about helping Brother Hodges to feed and comfort the diseased, knowing he will likely be late or miss dinner with the Scarlet Dawn. He gets Koll Jr to help out as best a monkey can by running back and forth fetching things for them.Through the course of helping care for the diseased folk, Koll notices a strange difference between many of the children and all of the adults. The children always seem to have some sort of dried blood coming from their ears and nose. Even after cleaning it, a small bit trickles out the next hour. Koll ponders this discovery until he realizes that the hour is getting late. He needs to attend to the business of delivering Loro his drug money. He has many questions for his brother.
Singe empties out tome after tome into his room. The subjects vary between the meaningless ramblings of local researchers to the long history of ancient civilizations. Three of the tomes have hand-written notes stuffed into them, likely from the half-dragon harbormaster in Chult.
One such tome is written in a language Singe is not familiar with, even the text of the title eludes you - Note: This tome should not exist. I suggest you burn it upon its arrival.
The second tome with a note stuffed into it seems to be an ancient book of memorization and logic exercises. It's unimaginable how powerful the person must have been to create this tome, as merely reading a few passages has Singe's mind clear as a bell. Note: This is an amazing find. I still have a few centuries of my life left, so I will purchase it from you when you are done. As I must wait a century to use it, I will offer you 10,000 gold coins in the form of gems and jewels.
The third tome seems to be the personal notes of a wizard in a script that is encrypted. Note: I was able to decipher a few words, which leads me to believe that this book contains the secrets to that room and the wizard that lived within. Be careful if you read it, as every wizard has contingencies against their knowledge being taken and used.
Singe stops when he discovers the tomes and puts all but the first away.
"Excuse me, Perrin?" Singe asks, walking into the bustling kitchen, "Could you take a look at this?" He extends a book out towards Perrin, keeping an arm's length away from it.
“Uhhh....sure. But you know I’m not that smart but, what’s the problem.” Perrin says taking the book.
Lera pouts in the corner, having wanted to talk to Perrin privately.
Madaline glares at Singe's arrival and mumbles, "Food ain't done yet."
"Yes, I know, I don't want you to read it. I just want you to tell me if it's bad." Singe says, looking a little ashamed.
“What do you mean by bad?” Perrin asks confused as he stares at the book.
“More likely evil, and less likely poorly written.” Lera says snidely.
"This was in the wizard's demiplane," Singe explains, "Zindar told me to burn it."
“Oh. Okay.” Perrin says taking a big whiff of the book using his divine sense to attempt to detect if the book is holding any undead, fiends, or celestials in it.
“It just smells like ash to me. Which might just be the book itself? Normally when I open up my divine powers something of evil descent smells like a burnt pie while something of good descendant smells like a fresh cherry pie out of the over. I can’t tell what this means by ash because it could just be ash itself. I have a spell that could tell if the object is desecrated but I won’t be able to do it until tomorrow. Until then maybe just leave the book alone. Or if there is a temple nearby take it there. I’m sure a trained priest could tell.” Perrin offers as advice to Singe’s problem.
"Hmmm," Singe frowns, "I can ask a friend tomorrow. Thank you though." He turns and leaves.
Perrin shakes his head “I pray that’s not an evil book. We already have so much to deal with. But, let’s continue. I want this to be the best dinner possible.” Perrin says with a smile before he goes back to cooking.
Singe finishes unloading the tomes, nothing else of immediate interest is noticed.
"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
As the others began bustling about the newly renovated guild hall, Zamar excused himself. "This has been a long road. I think I will retire to my room and rest up before dinner. It sounds like we are going to try to sit down to a real meal together?"
Once in his room, Zamar unpacked and doffed his armor. He lit a candle and rested quietly on his bed, letting himself become accustomed to the dimness. He sat, scanning the shadows. "I know you are not Kara. And I know you've been appearing to Polly as well. Why are you truly here? What is it you need?"
The room remained silent and still, nothing moving around Zamar. Minutes pass in silence, nothing happening. Just as he started to think nothing was there, a slight breeze brushed the hairs on his neck.
Zamar closed his eyes and let the sensation wash over him,trying to reach out with his senses. "Talk to me." he whispered. He felt something moving around him. "I can be," the something whispered into his right ear. "...whatever you wish," he heard in his left ear.
"It's not about what I wish. What do you wish? Why are you here?"
Zamar felt what seemed to be a hand run through his hair, but there was no reply.
Perrin, after exploring around the renovated guild hall goes to his bedroom to change into more comfortable clothes for cooking before heading into the kitchen. Obviously, Madaline was there to show Perrin how much she has improved and assist him in making dinner. Lera also shows up but she is there more because she wants to have a conversation with Perrin.
Perrin and Madaline make some Shepard's Pie, some spiced beef and roasted carrots and boiled potatoes, cheddar soup, and some cherry pie for dessert. There is also, of course, some ale, wine, bread rolls, and some non-alcoholic beverages for Polly and those who don't like ale or wine. //Cooking Check: 15//
Singe at one point comes in and asks for Perrin's advice before leaving. With the majority of the cooking set and Singe now gone Lera finally speaks up.
“More evil objects?” Lera looks at Perrin. “Why can’t things be inanimate?”
“Because then life would be boring and easy,” Perrin responds followed with a chuckle.
“I feel like we’ve earned boring and easy,” Lera laughed a little. “I’m sorry I got mad at you.”
“Don’t be. I used magic to manipulate your emotions. That’s a line that I shouldn’t have crossed.” Perrin says, changing to a more serious tone. “You know. Sword Frank has never really liked you. Even more so since you got the cog imprinted on you. Do you have any idea of what that cog does?”
“I think it makes me... more volatile,” Lera bit her lip. “And it made killing people less... icky.”
“No wonder Sword-Frank doesn’t like it,” Perrin responds. He then thinks for a moment before asking “So, do you know what you’re going to do? Like, are you going to have someone try and identify it?”
“Grasalfan is going to work on it,” Lera replied. “But I don’t like Sword-Frank either, and that’s not the cog talking. I saw him in the astral plane, and it looked like you were possessed by a snake with wings. And snakes are normally evil.”
“Sword-Franks not evil.” Perrin immediately responds. “He’s just....passionate. This is how I know he’s not evil.” Perrin continues “When I open up my divine senses I get the smell of the most delicious cherry pie coming from myself. That wasn’t there until Sword-Frank and myself bonded. That means he’s a celestial. Celestials aren’t evil.” He finishes with an affirmative nod.
“I’m part celestial,” Lera countered. “And I don’t feel very good right now.”
“That’s because you got that cog messing with you. You saw what it did to the modrons. I can’t imagine how it’s affecting you. I’m sure once Grasalfan figures it out and gets it removed you’ll be feeling better.” Perrin says with a reassuring smile.
“I killed a person long before the cog got in my head,” Lera frowned. “Like you and your sword, I don’t think these objects can introduce anything new. I think they just... amplify what’s already there.”
Perrin’s smile fades. He’s obviously never thought of the sword like that. Is it really amplifying his desires? “Lera. Killing someone doesn’t make you a bad person. What determines if you’re a bad person is how you feel about killing that person afterward. If you don’t regret it. If you don’t wonder if there was a better way then that makes you a bad person. These items may be amplifying something about us but that doesn’t mean they have to control us. The cog may amplify your anger and your wild tendencies. That doesn’t mean you have to let it control you. Remember, it’s still your body and your mind. You can make the cog work for you. And if it’s feeding off of something you don’t like about yourself. Well, then let’s change that. Everyone is like a desert Lera. We have all kinds of different ingredients that go into what makes us us. And sometimes we may not like what is added to make us. So, we simply remove it and replace it with something we do like.”
“I think I was stupid to ever think that a person like you would ever want to be friends with me,” Lera rose to her feet. “I already have a dad on this adventure, I don’t need another one.”
“Lera, wait. Don’t leave. I’m not trying to be your dad. I’m trying to be your friend but I don’t know what you want me to say.” Perrin says to her as she rises to her feet. “I’ve never dealt with anything like this before. I was a simple farm boy before I attempted a revolt against Embree. I just....I thought you were looking for someone to talk to about what’s happening to you and to give you advice. And you came to me because I have something similar. And I thought we were friends. I though we were the best of friends on this crazy journey.”
“I don’t want to change my whole personality, Perrin,” Lera sniffled a little bit. “I want to be a good person, but I still want to be me. I don’t want to be your project or someone you’re trying to fix. I just wanted a friend. I guess I was hoping you were scared too, but you seem very happy with your sentient sword.”
“I’m sorry.” Perrin paces a little bit not really knowing what to say next. “If you don’t want to change then don’t change, for anyone. Not even me. And....I’m not going to lie I am happy with my sword. He helps me to defend those I wish to protect. I honestly don’t think I could have held off that Modron without him. But, I also chose him. I had the choice to use him or not. But, I made the decision to accept him and I’m content with that choice. You didn’t have that option, did you?”
“That sword wants to kill me, why would you choose it?” Lera asked.
“Because I don’t think I’ll be able to accomplish what I want to without it. If I want to make the world a better place, if I want to make it so I don’t have to worry about some Lord or dragon or demon terrorizing those I care about, I think I need the sword to do it. And...I am worried about its desires to kill you. But, I know I’m powerful enough to prevent it from doing that. And if I’m not holding the sword then someone else is and what if they’re not powerful enough to prevent that.” Perrin explains.
“This feels like a shortcut to me, like you’re cheating,” Lera replied. “I think you’re powerful enough to do those things without a dumb sword. Or at least, I thought you’d believe in yourself enough to work hard to get there."
“I thought I was too. And then you saw what that Modron did. It took out your dad in one shot. And then the dragon. If we hadn’t gotten lucky with the iron bands I think it would have taken us all out. I’ve realized that there are much more powerful enemies out there and I need every advantage I can get against them. And just because I have him doesn’t mean I’m not working hard to get even stronger. I pray and train every day. Cade is proof of my work. I couldn’t make a magical animal before but now I can.” Perrin replies rather defensively at Lera accusations of him cheating.
“Whatever,” Lera rolled her eyes.
Perrin let’s out a big sigh as he grabs onto the counters. He just stares down at it for a minute before he speaks back up. “I don’t want to fight Lera. And I don’t want to lose our friendship.”
"Friends don't always got to be friendly," Madaline speaks up as she continues beating the potatoes. "Sometimes they just gotta be there to smooth out and mush ya. This good, Perrin?" She shows him the mashed potatoes.
Perrin looks over at her at the dish. “Yeah. That’s good.” He says while giving her a grateful smile for attempting to help and not asking any questions in this probably very confusing argument for her.
Lera storms out.
Perrin doesn't know what to do. He honestly has no idea what else he could say. Perrin looks to Madaline for some sort of guidance.
Madaline looks from Perrin to the door where Lera just stormed out of. "What?" she asked, shrugging. "Go apologize? I don't know what you want from me. I'm just trying not to burn something."
"Okay. You do that. I'll do that. Man, when did everything hit the fan like this." Perrin says as he runs out after looking for Lera.
As the day continues, everyone goes off to do their own things, finally coming together again for dinner. Delicious smells waft from the kitchen as the various members of the Scarlet Dawn begin to gather at the table. It's quickly apparent not all members are present. Dinner rolls are already on the table, in a little basket and covered with a cloth, keeping them warm and soft. Containers of ale and wine are also available, along with a smaller container holding a bit of juice, presumably for Polly. The six year old bounces in her chair, shoving bread into her mouth, clearly happy to be home. Finally, Madaline exits the kitchen pushing a cart with a covered cauldron on it. "Dinner!" she yells then proceeds to serve cheddar soup to every place setting, even if there's nobody in the seat.
As Madaline is serving dinner Perrin gives her a smile. He then pours himself a glass of ale and says to the others. “I’m glad you all decided to come to dinner.” As Perrin says this he makes sure to look at Lera. Unsure if she would show up after their argument. “I was hoping everyone would be here as a sort of pseudo-celebration of our first mostly successful mission. And to hopefully finally discuss everything that happened.”
Singe raises his glass, "To our first successful adventure!"
Perrin will toast to that, he downs his glass of ale in one long drink.
"I assume you have some questions about what happened in Neshkel?" Singe prompts Perrin.
“Yes. Though I guess it’s less of what happened in Neshkel and more of what before all of this that lead to your arrest?” Perrin says as he refills his glass with more ale.
"I believe we have previously spoken about the baron." Singe says, looking at the walls, "My partner was killed by the baron when he spoke about the undead in the land. He officially died due to disease."
"Then what was that whole thing about you and murder?" Perrin asks
Singe frowns, “I suppose he decided that the best way to keep the story from escaping was to kill me and killing me legally is far easier than having hordes of zombies chase after me.”
"So, he weaved a story of you killing your partner. Then, how did you get out of that jail cell?" Perrin asks while he eats and drinks.
"Lord Embree and Lady Kris decreed I was to be set free." Singe says, still dumbfounded by the events of the day.
"But why? That doesn't sound like Embree. Especially since he tends to keep a good relationship with Tethyr. Though, he's never had their guards at the borders before." Perrin says aloud
Singe shakes his head, "I have no idea, and that's what scares me."
"Do you think Duke Eltan had something to do with it? Though there was something weird going on between Kris and Embree. She smelled normal but, they were obviously intimate with each other the night before." Perrin asks Singe
"I don't trust Eltan." Singe says, "But I do think he got us out of that scrape."
Perrin sighs. "I imagine he's not going to do this for nothing. Especially if he got you out of something as drastic as murder. I wonder what he'll want as payment."
"The Thraul is the true culprit here," Zamar interjects. "I believe it is making many people act out of character. I believe Woe's assessment of Eltan, but his actions do not match the man she describes."
"I can start researching the thraul in a few days, I've got some reading to do and a book that might tell us more about Dapple's captors." Singe offers, "There's a lot of things to learn about, I'm excited but a little overwhelmed."
"Research is not my strong suit, but I have a few contacts within the city. I can talk to them and see if they have heard anything." Zamar says
"Man. This drug is really becoming a problem. I plan on finding Frank. Maybe, he can tell me what the Flaming Fist is doing about it." Perrin offers.
“I think the Thraul is made of monster brains,” Lera piped up. “Also, I could see it in the astral plane. It was like a poof of psionic energy.”
Singe nods, "Quite possible. Psionic energy you said?"
“Definitely,” Lera nodded. “I know my energies.”
"That definitely narrows my research," Singe muses, "I apologize if I'm not around this week, I'm going to busy."
"I think we're all going to be busy this week. There is a variety of things I want to do this week and I'm sure everyone else has plans as well." Perrin says aloud while he continues to eat and drink.
"When will E be back?" Polly asked, her mouth full of bread. She dunked her bread into the soup. "Where did Mr. Whistler go?" Shoving the bread in her mouth, she looked around the table at everyone present. "Where are the others?"
"I don't know when he'll be back. Or where the others are. Hopefully they'll all be back soon." Perrin answers Polly.
Polly frowns and sits back in her seat. She looked at Lera, a smile crossing her face, but before she could say anything, Madaline reentered the room with the cart. She began clearing the soup bowls, then started placing the main course. Shepherds Pie, spiced beef with roasted carrots, and boiled potatoes. "Enjoy," she says in monotone, before leaving for the kitchen again.
"Oh, Shanolia, before I forget, tomorrow I'm going to be visiting a tailor so I can take that fur and get what you wanted made." Singe says after everyone except Shanolia has begun digging into their shepherds pie.
She nods at him. "Thank you. I really only want a new glove, so if you want something made for yourself as well, feel free."
Perrin sighs at Shanolias not eating. “You know we all know what’s under that. You don’t have to hide it. But, if you insist can’t you at least loosen it up enough so you can eat underneath the mask.” He says directed at the elf.
"Eat!" Polly interjected. As the Scarlet Dawn were eating this wonderful dinner, there was a loud knocking at the door. From the kitchen Madaline yelled, "Someone get that, eh?"
“I got it.” Perrin says as he excuses himself to the door.
As Perrin opens the door, he sees a young boy. Without a word, the boy shoves a letter into Perrin's hand, and runs off.
"Who was that?" Singe asks.
“A messenger boy.” Perrin says as he walks back to the dinner table opening and reading the letter as he goes.
The letter appears to be from Woe. In it, she explains that she's on a quick errand for Duke Eltan and will regretfully miss dinner tonight. She does go on to say she will rejoin the group the next morning.
“It’s from Woe. Shes not coming to dinner tonight because she’s doing something for Duke Eltan. But she’ll be back tomorrow morning.” Perrin tells the group.
"Interesting." Zamar says. "I wonder if we will be privy to this errand."
“Who knows?” Perrin says before taking another long drink of his ale.
Dapple takes a place at the table with the rest of the group. As the soup is served, he sniffs at the new food, and a smile crosses his features as he takes a taste. "This is delicious Perrin? What kind of cheese is it made from? I've never tasted anything like it!" he exclaims. He continues to eat as the others talk, and when Singe mentions researching the books and Dapple's captors, he reacts with s growl low in hus throat. "I... think I have more about them to share now. Its been difficult to process, and come to grips with." He looks down at the table, as if afriad to meet anyone's eyes.
"Go on Dapple. Why don't you share what you know? And what happened with the berries? You kind of went into a funk after gathering them. Also, it's Cheddar Cheese. But if you liked that you'll love desert." Perrin says with a smile.
The tabaxi looks up briefly, then back down at the table as he begins to tell his tale. "When I went into that crevasse looking for the berries, I emerged into a lush oasis in the middle of that cold and snow. Trees, bushes - one loaded with those berries - it was warm, and green, and... amazing." He pauses as he pictures it once again in his mind's eye. "There were these specks of light floating and darting around, and I, uh, started chasing them for some reason, until they led me to a specific tree, and the most beautiful woman came out of it. She was all white, like the tree, with branches growing out of her in places, but not in an unnatural way, if you follow me. I've heard of dreads before and I think that's what she was."
Perrin just continues to eat and drink as he's waiting for Dapple to finish his story.
"I told her why I was there, after the berries for the villagers and children, and she wanted to make a deal. She'd give me as many as I wanted, but i had to stay with her one day for each berry since they were magic and would feed a person for a day." Dapple closes his eyes and a strange look comes over his face. "The thought of staying there, trapped again, was... terrifying, but we needed the food too. I wasn't sure what to do and was filled with so many emotions. It was overwhelming." He stops again, drawing a deep breath before continuing. "Seeing, or sensing my distress, she did something with the lights. They were almost hypnotic, and these memories of things that happened, things I did while I was trapped and enslaved, came flooding back."
"I could see myself being freed from that chamber periodically. Being sent places that I didn't... still don't recognize and forced to do things." Dapple's voice drops to a whisper, and he glances sideways at Polly before continuing. "Bad things. Stealing , or... worse," is all he says finally. "Over the years, or centuries really, it was different wizards. They had an amulet that controlled me. Still does, I suppose. I got a strange feeling as I saw it, that it contains part of my soul. That's how it works." He falls silent, waiting to see how everyone reacts to this admission.
Polly blinks at the story. "But, it was just a dream, right? You aren't a bad person! I know you aren't!"
“No. He’s not a bad person Polly. The wizards that captured and use him are.” Perrin says
Singe is silent, looking into his shepherd's pie, thinking. "Was there any distinctive markings about the wizards?"
“Did you get a good look at the amulet? Do you think you could describe it?” Perrin adds
Dapple looks up, thinking about the questions. "I... think the wizards were all similar in a way. I remember they all had black hair, but no other similarities that I can recall. Does that make sense? The amulet was silver, I think? No, wait. It was on a silver chain, but it was a stone - like a pearl, but swirling red inside, like blood in water." He sits back, ignoring the food. "There's something else. Even more troublesome. I... I think I'm not the only one they captured and controlled this way. When I took more time to think about what I saw, there were others. Sometimes we were forced to work together for our... missions. Other tabaxi like me, and not just anyone. It was other members of my clan!" He pauses again. Looking down, Dapple realizes his claws are out and digging into the table. He quickly relaxes his grip and jerks his hands away from the table with a guilty look in the direction of the kitchens and presumedly, Madaline. "They aren't all dead. I'm not the last one. I need to find them, rescue them. Somehow." Poking at the plate of Shepards pie in front of him, Dapple lets this all sink in. "There is one last thing. She told me - the dryad - that they were getting close to us back in the mountains. Like they could track me somehow. She said I was putting all of you in danger. That they would make me kill you. It's not safe for me to be here. I'm putting all of you at risk."
Singe nods, "The dryad is probably correct. If an amulet was infused with part of someone's soul, the owner of the amulet could probably scry in on us as we speak. But it is also a blessing as it will be an opportunity to learn about these wizards. I may be able to afford you more protection given time, it will be the first thing I do tomorrow or the day after."
"I unfortunately don't know a lot about scrying but, I do have a spell that lets me locate an object. If your scared that they are nearby I can attempt to look for the amulet and will know if its within 1000 feet of me." Perrin offers to Dapple.
"I doubt a wizard would be foolish enough to come here and forcefully take back Dapple," Singe muses, "But weirder things have happened. If this feels pressing, I can see about getting you protection at the Tower of Diplomacy; it's one of the most protected buildings in this city."
"What if they can just take control of me without actually taking me? I could turn on you all before we knew they were outside. If you can help, Singe, I'll take it. I don't want to hurt anyone else." Dapple says
"If they could do that then why didn't they as soon as they knew you were gone?" Perrin questions before continuing as if he already knows they answer "We'll all do our best to protect you. We're not going to let anyone take you or hurt anyone of us."
Singe looks at Dapple, "If they do try to take control, I have a spell to stop you. But I'll see what I can scrape up in terms of protection tomorrow."
"If we can buy more time to find my clan mates, I'll do whatever it takes. Tell me how I can help," responds Dapple.
Perrin comments back in after taking a drink, "I think I have the same spell. Hold Person. I can also have Cade be with you. If something happens he can alert us. I think after finding out more about these wizards and how to protect you from them then we can find some clue about where your clan is."
The room goes quiet after that but, only for a moment as they are soon interrupted by Madaline coming out of the kitchen with desert in hand. Several freshly backed Cherry Pies. Perrin is so excited to see everyone dig into his creation. However, the front door bursts open and Koll walks on in.
"Sorry I'm late," says Koll, arriving after the others are almost done eating. "Well, not very sorry. I was out helping the catatonic and malnourished masses growing in number down at the Shrine of Suffering. Whatever is going on in this city with the disease and Thraul is just terrible and you'll forgive me if I don't have much of an appetite." He picks up a roll. "Thank you, Perrin, for your efforts, I don't mean to be ungrateful. But we need to get to the bottom of this. I'm off to the Happy Hangman to deliver Loro his money. And hopefully we can get some answers from him. Who's coming?"
Shanolia stands up, having not eaten anything while the others ate. "I'm coming."
Upon seeing Koll enter and ask his question Perrin responds “That’s your brothers place, right? I’ll come with you. I’m sure he’ll ask where his cherry pie is.” Perrin says with a smile. “Luckily I made some fresh today. Grab one for him and give me just a couple minutes to change into my armor.” Perrin tell Koll before he leaves the table and heads downstairs to change into his armor. He also instructs Cade while he’s down there to keep an eye on Dapple and to alert us if someone attempts to attack him or if he starts acting weird.
When Perrin is ready to leave, Koll says, "I'm glad you're coming. You and your pies definitely have a way of smoothing things over. And Shanolia, I know you said you wanted to apologize. That's fine, but I'm not particularly interested in playing nice with Loro. We've done his dirty work and we're even. We need answers about Thraul, and we need to put a stop to what it's doing to this city."
“I agree. Whatever this drug is it’s messing with people and not just here but all over. And thanks for the compliment Koll. It been a rough day. I needed that boost.” Perrin tells Koll as they’re waking.
"Rough how? I thought you were glad to be back."
“I am. I truly am" says Perrin. "It’s just that Nashkel was stressful and then once I was back in the hall me and Lera ended up having a big fight in the kitchen over Sword-Frank.”
"It seems that things in Nashkel could have gone much worse. I imagine seeing Embree again was hard for you, but it looks like he's already been defeated by Duke Eltan and the Thraul. As for Lera, I'm sure your friendship will survive a little strife, if you're willing to put up with it - I can't imagine her having any sort of non-volatile relationship."
"Yeah. I just don’t like to fight my friends. It hurts. I just hope she can see that I’m not going to let him take over me. That I’m using him and his great powers to do good and that I won’t ever allow him to hurt someone who doesn’t deserve it.”
Travel to the Happy Hangman goes by uneventful. The city is still its bustling self, but there seems a weariness in the air as though they're afraid to enter an alley and run in to those that are diseased. It also seems to be the majority of the talk on the streets. Criers call out about a looming plague, their copies of the Baldur's Mouth full of tips and actions to take in the case of encountering those that are plagued. As Koll, Perrin and Shanolia get closer to the Happy Hangman, a tower wolf steps out of an alleyway up ahead. He eyes the three of them suspiciously, but doesn't challenge them as they pass by. The guard at the door is a member that Koll is not familiar with. A tiefling, his horns curl up around his pointed ears. His purple tail is wrapped around a bottle of booze. "Hangman's closed," he growls as the three of you approach. "Find booze elsewhere."
"Smell like I sound I'm lost in a crowd/and I'm hungry like the wolf," Koll recites. "Looking for Loro. I'm his brother."
The tiefling smirks and says, "You the one that laid a beating on Vivicus, eh?" He gives Koll a sharp-toothed grin and eyes Shanolia up and down as if assessing her assets. "Loro been pissed about that, brother."
"That's bad information," Koll says. "But hopefully we can clear the air."
“I’m sure he’s just mad because he hasn’t my cherry pie in a while,” Perrin says with a smile.
"Stay here," the tiefling responds. "I'll see if'n he's available." With that, the tiefling gives a sharp knock on the door. Latches are pulled along with a heavy metal bar and he's let inside. The interior of the Hangman is abnormally dark, as though it were impossible to see past the darkness and inside without passing through the doorway. The tower wolf behind the three companions leans against a wall, watching as they wait.
Koll returns his stare. Perrin does the same with a smile. Shanolia watches him closely.
It's about ten minutes before the door opens again. Loro, Vivicus, and three other tower wolves come out. Loro and Vivicus stand just outside the doorway as the other three walk around and join the one at the wall. Loro looks worse for wear, as though stress has taken a beating on him the past week. Aside from that, he's decked out in impressive leathers and has a jet-black rapier that Koll has never seen before. Vivicus looks like he's seen better days. His arm lies in a sling and it's tough for him to move his neck, as his upper body is completely upright and stiff.
"Brother," Loro says nonchalantly. "You brought a rat with you..."
Koll looks to Shanolia to let her speak for herself.
Shanolia turns her attention to Loro after fishing through her back for the gems she acquired on Lantan. "What I've done was foolish and no doubt cost you more gold than I could ever hope to repay, this I know. I only hope you can look past my rash decision and accept my meager peace offering, in the hopes that we may get along better in the future." She holds out the small bag of gems towards Loro.
"I brought a cherry pie," Perrin says holding it out for Loro. "I know how much you like them.”
Koll drops his bag with two thousand gold in it on the ground at his own feet and it lands with a jangling thump. "This is your money. We're square. I don't know what happened to you, Vivicus, but it ain't got nothing to do with us. You say a birdman did it? Viscardi has a personal assistant who's Kenku. Was it him? When did it happen? We saw him in Lantan. He came looking for Viscardi's stowaway sister who was with us, but we were gone before he could catch up and he still hasn't returned."
Loro looks at the bags of gold and shrugs. “Those are meager amounts now. We’ve expanded. How about you accept that as payment for your first job. And yes... I know about Whistler, and it was him on the very day you left on the ship. I’ll give you one guess what he was asking about.” His face takes an angry look and he steps down the small stairs towards Koll. “One guess... a member of your guild asking about something like that.” He puts a finger up to Koll’s face. “What do you think he asked about?” This close, Koll can see that Loro’s eyes are bloodshot and his face is pale and drawn.
"Was he asking about the iron chests that our father died protecting from us? From me? That was my first 'job' brother. One I spent five years in a dungeon for, so yeah, I asked him to look into it. Maybe if you weren't such an arrogant prick all the time things wouldn't have gone down like they did. I'm just sorry Vivicus had to pay the price of your pride. I've asked you about those chests and you tell me you don't know. But I think you do. Maybe they got something to do with Thraul? You been messing with that stuff, Loro? Think it's gonna make you powerful? It'll only consume you in the end. It'll consume everyone, and that's bad business."
Perrin, not liking the direction this is taking, prepares to put his shield up in case things go south. Shanolia tosses the gems back into her pack and watches the wolves behind them closely.
Loro puts his hand down and nods. "That's right. Blame me for father's death rather than taking responsibility for your own actions. Let it out, Koll," he says, gesturing to his face. "You want to punch me? Hrm? Take that pent up rage out on your brother and maybe kill another of your family members?" He stares at Koll, arms wide to let him have the first hit. "Come on, brother."
Shanolia puts her arm out in front of Koll. "Don't. He's not worth it." Perrin just stands there, waiting to see Koll's choice.
Koll laughs loudly. "Blame you? Nice try, Loro. Oh, I don't blame you, I know what I did. I had a lot of time to think about it. And I know that I have now helped spread that noxious drug around the Sword Coast. I take responsibility for my actions. Do you? You blame me for Vivicus getting roughed up, meanwhile the city is in shambles cuz of that drug you peddle. Do you care? I do. Where does it come from Loro?"
"You're an idiot, brother," Loro says, taking a step back. "A coward that chases ghosts and thinks he knows what's best. Our father was pathetic and weak, dying to prevent us from becoming better than he was. You're just like him..." Loro shakes his head, "A waste of space."
Koll sees that Loro is not himself. He is dispassionate, his rage is just an act. There is something else going on. He ignores Loro's attempts to insult him and the memory of their father. "Where does the drug come from? You must know that it's bad. How long's the money gonna keep flowing if your clients keep getting erased? Wait, are you even you any more? Or are you under someone else's control?" Koll looks to the other tower wolves. "Who is this?"
Loro laughs, a loud billowing laughter as he steps back further. The tower wolves begin laughing as well, as if there were some sort of joke that the three members of the Scarlet Dawn weren't privy to. One of the 'diseased' walk outside from the doorway of the Happy Hangman, followed by another, and another, and another. One after another they shamble out and towards Koll and his entourage. Glancing around, even more begin to shamble out from the alleyways. "As my last bit of love for you, brother. I will let you run for you life!" His laughter picks up again as he says this.
"Sorry for doing this to your brother Koll." Perrin says before casting Calm Emotions on Loro and the other members of the Tower Wolves.
As Perrin grabs his holy symbol and begins chanting, the tower wolves leap into action. Groans escape the mouths of the diseased citizens, as though attempting to yell for help. Loro's rapier is out upon the first utterance of a spell. In two quick strides, the dark blade is thrusted towards Perrin's throat.
The point of Loro's rapier slides across Perrin's throat protection, narrowly avoiding a killing blow on the halfling. The other tower wolves raise their crossbows and watch, waiting for Loro to give the sign to fire. (Held action to attack on any sign of aggression)
The shambling Baldurians stumble towards the group, now side-by-side with Loro. The ones from the alleyways begin to trickle out and towards the three members of the Scarlet Dawn.
As Perrin lets out his final gesture, Loro freezes in place, eyes glaring as he fights the spell. The Tower Wolves release their bolts, aimed at the armored halfling. Two bolts pierce Perrin's back while another pierces his armor's chest. Perrin feels a sharp pain in his chest as though his heart were punctured. Blood begins spewing forth from the bolt's entry-wound as Perrin falls backward.
"Do you really wish to die here and now, BROTHER!?" Loro screams as the spell releases him. It's the first true emotion Koll has seen Loro display this whole time.
"Damnit, Perrin," Koll says, kneeling down by the fallen halfling, seeing if he's alive and if he can staunch his bleeding. He looks up at Loro. "What in the Nine Hells have you become?"
"I... own... this... city!" Loro yells, arms rising up. The tower wolves howl and the 'diseased' Baldurians yell into the air. All around the city, the yells of the diseased rise up in unison.
The most major of wounds in Perrin's chest heals. Blood no longer flows freely from the wound. He hears Koll whispering for him to stay down.
As the Scarlet Dawn retreat past the shambling diseased, they reach out at them and moan. The sounds of Loro's laughter fills their ears as they flee, and Koll is left without the answers he wanted. Something is wrong with his brother, sure... but he's never seen his brother wield so much power before. Perrin's pie lies smashed upon the cobblestone, trampled by the numerous diseased Baldurians.
Every alley they pass, they feel as though another diseased is watching them. As Koll, Perrin, and Shanolia make it back to the Scarlet Dawn guildhouse, they see one of the diseased standing, head flopped to the side, outside the hall. It acts as though it doesn't even acknowledge them, eyes not even wondering to their direction.
Shanolia goes to her room with the events of the evening swirling in her mind. As she lays in her spiderweb hammock, staring into the darkness, a sound catches her attention. Unsure of what she heard, the Elf sits upright, listening closer. There it is - a whispering - but it doesn't seem to be coming from her room. She cocks her head to the side as she climbs from the hammock, moving closer to the door and straining to hear what's being said - to no avail. She can, however, make out that the whispering is coming from another of the group’s bedrooms.
The Elf sighs, throwing on her Cloak of Elvenkind and sneaking out into the common area to determine who’s room it’s coming from. After a moment she's able to determine two things; the whispering is in Abyssal - though she still can't understand what’s being said - and the whispering is coming from Singe's room. Curious, she presses her ear to the door, wondering what demon Singe could possibly be communing with, but is surprised to hear the unmistakable sounds of heavy breathing denoting that Singe is asleep.
Slowly, cautiously, Shanolia pushes to door open and is met with a lump on the bed that is, in fact, a sleeping Fire Genasi. Nobody else is in the room, and yet the whispering is louder than before, coming from near the bookshelf. Eyeing the books, she makes her way carefully across the room to investigate. The whispering is coming from the floor between the desk and bookshelf, and yet as she gets down to search for the source, it stops. In all this time, she could only make out a single word; Gate.
There lies a book, wedged between the desk and bookshelf, and as she pulls it free she sees the image of a face. With one more quick peek at Singe to make sure he’s still asleep, Shanolia rises to her feet and sneaks back to her room, doffing her cloak and getting comfortable in her hammock once more to begin reading the mysterious book.
As Shanolia starts reading the book, her mind becomes a blur, voices whispering in Abyssal, strange images. The next thing she knows, it's morning and the book sits before her, the cover looking up at her. She doesn't remember what the book said, but she understands the power held within.
###
/r 2d20kh1+9 #Stealth = (14+16)+9 = 25
/r 1d20+2 #Perception = (18)+2 = 20
Shanolia can now cast Gate - once per Long Rest - to summon a demon. No material component is needed so long as she has the book in her possession.
The next morning Singe checks to see if all of his books are in their proper places. Singe's door opens with a slam, "WHERE'S MY BOOK?" He screams.
"It's in here!" Shanolia says from her room.
Singe's hair curls, it stands on end, "YOU TOOK MY BOOK?"
"I believe 'borrowed' is the term you were looking for." Shanolia says as she steps out of her room. "And yes. When I hear a book speaking in Abyssal, it tends to pique my interest."
"You speak falsehoods!" Singe spits, "I would have let you look at the book, I would have asked your advice on the book, but instead you take the book as I sleep! I trust you, scratch that, I ******* trusted you! And you take advantage of it! Give me the book."
Perrin walks out of the room, clearly tired from the night before and still in his sleep wear, wiping the sleep out of his eyes "What's happening out here?"
"She stole the book!" Singe points at Shanolia accusingly.
"What book?" Perrin says with a loud yawn.
"Actually, if I stole it, I wouldn't be telling you I have it." Shanolia remarks, "This book will allow the opening of a portal, to pull a Demon through."
"The book I showed you last night," Singe says, he whips around, "GIVE IT TO ME."
"You know, you could *not* be an arsehole about it." Shanolia holds the book out to him.
"Woo! Woo! Calm down everyone. That books open a portal to pull a demon through. You should get rid of that." Perrin says to the two of them.
Singe snatches the book out of her hand and lights his hand. The book is entirely engulfed, the flames bending around the book itself, setting the table on fire. Pulling back, the flames stop, but the book is completely untouched. The table, on the other hand, is ablaze.
"****!" Singe yells as he casts control flames.
"****, Singe. Put it out." Perrin says as he leaps back.
"Now look what you've gone and done!" Shanolia snaps. Singe grits his teeth, the flames subsiding.
"Does it speaking in Abyssal seem so far-fetched now?" Shanolia comments.
"Of course the evil book can't be burned. Maybe some holy power can get rid of it?" Perrin wonders aloud.
As the flames disappear, Singe turns to Shanolia, "Don't. Ever. Enter. My. Room. Again." He turns and enters his room, slamming the door behind him.
"Dickhead." She goes back into her room to prepare to visit Flint.
Perrin yells out to Singe "So, that's a no! I was going to try and smite it!" With no response Perrin goes back into his room to put on actual clothes and prepare for the day.
After 15 minutes Singe appears in a clean suit, backpack over his shoulder and the book under his arm. He leaves the folded wolf skin next to Shanolia's door and walks over to Perrin, "Could we try to smite this in the training room?"
"Yeah." Perrin says having already changed into his armor.
Dapple and Koll emerge after all the door slamming. "What's happening?," Dapple asks as he sniffs the smoky air before getting close enough to the table to see the damage there. "What's that book?"
Singe and Perrin walk up to the training room, Singe throws the book on the floor and walks a respectable distance away.
Dapple follows, joining Singe as he moves away to watch. Perrin, summoning Frank, begins to channel in a lot of power for this strike. The strike lands inches away from the book.
Perrin’s eyes widen as he is unable to harm the book. “Singe. Put this somewhere very very secure. Sword-Frank is freaking out. He can’t destroy it. Only the true owner of the book will know how to destroy it.”
"True owner? Is that one of the books you found with me?" Dapple asks.
Perrin nods. “The books just one of many issues.” He says and quickly explains what happened the night before with the Tower Wolves and the thraul zombies.
"The Flaming Fist and other ruling bodies of the city need to be notified - there is an army of zombies in the city waiting to be commanded." Koll thinks aloud, "The question is, who else has this power? Certainly not just Loro. Duke Eltan and others probably are probably in control of their own contingents of Thraul addicts. I smell a war."
“I’d guess also other members of the bigger thieves guild. Embree had some in his room so maybe even him.” Perrin says.
"That foul man seemed to be in control of nothing. More like he was being controlled himself," Dapple says.
“My guess is that woman he was with.” Perrin says, having dismissed Frank.
"My insight is that it was Eltan who was calling the shots there." Koll muses.
Singe straightens, “Well, good day everyone.” He snatches the book on the way out the door.
"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
After the book incident with Singe, Shanolia goes back into her room and gather her pack and her weapons - making sure she has the ten pounds of adamantine from the "iron" bands - before heading out to visit Flint, still upset enough to not bother asking the others to join her and in her petty mood nearly tripping over the wolf pelt Singe left outside her door. With an irritated sigh, she grabs the pelt and throws it over her shoulder, deciding to deal with that as well while she's out. As Shanolia steps out into the sun, she notices one of the diseased, sitting on the ground across the path from the Guildhall. The person is just staring at the entrance of the Guildhall, head cocked to the side in a disturbing manner. With a scoff, Shanolia shakes her head and flips off the diseased person until she's out of their sight, memories of last night still fresh in her mind. Though she sees diseased every so often, she makes it to Flint's without incident, strolling right in and leaning on the counter as a bell tolls to signal her arrival.
"One moment!"Comes a gruff voice from the back. Soon, Flint appears behind the counter, and upon seeing Shanolia, his eyes narrow."I told you the next time you showed your face here, I'd kill you," he growled.
"Nice to see you, too."She chuckles."You did say that, but that's before I came across something that made me think of you, old friend."With a snarl, Flint slams his hammer down on the counter.
"We are not friends. Give me a good reason to not kill you right now and take everything you have on you!"
"Because if you kill me now you forfeit any chance of getting your hands on more of this..." She pulls out a piece of the adamantine and sets it on the counter. Flint's eyes sparkle at the glimpse of the adamantine. Releasing his grip on his hammer, he picks up the piece and inspects it closely.
"Where did you find this?"
"That piece - and the roughly ten pounds in my possession - came from an item found on a derelict ship off the Sword Coast during our journey to Chult... though then it was a bit more... intact."
"How did you manage to break it?"
"I didn't. A dragon did."Flint grips the adamantine tightly in his hand. Glaring at Shanolia once again.
"And what do you want me to do with it?"
"Like I said; I have about ten pounds of the material. I only need one thing from you and you get to keep the rest of it."
"What do you want?"
"Back on the derelict ship, I broke something very dear to me; My mother's rapier. It needs a new blade."She pulls the hilt of the rapier from her pack, a splintering bit of the old blade still poking out."Can you do that for me, old friend?"
"I'm tempted to say no,"Flint says, looking at the broken rapier."Only an idiot would go and destroy a fine weapon like this."He picks up the hilt and glares at her again."I need more than this to do it. It's also going to take a week. And 1500 gold pieces. Up front."
"Shame."She takes the hilt back."I've only half of what you ask. Perhaps once I get these gems traded and this pelt tailored I'll have more to offer."
"Then, I'll just kill you now, and take those gems for myself,"Flint threatens."I told you never to show your face again."
"Never said I have the gems on me."She starts walking away."Left them back at the guild hall. I'm not stupid enough to try and bargain with you in a place where I've no backup and no insurance."
"I'll make sure nobody in this town touches that metal,"Flint screams."Good luck getting anything done with it."
"I can buy a new rapier, Flint. I just thought you, of all people, would understand the sentiment of dead family's possessions." She stops just outside the door, looking at the Goliath over her shoulder and smirking at his apparent rage, knowing that she hit a nerve with the 'dead family' bit.
After but a moment she sets off, looking to sell the metal before Flint can make good on his word. It doesn't take long for her to find another smith just down the street and once again, she strolls in and leans on the counter as the bell tolls. A moment later, a female Tiefling walks out and greets her.
"G'day, what can we do for you?"
"Good day to you, Miss. I'm looking to sell a bit of a rare metal and I've had little luck elsewhere." She sets a small piece of the adamantine on the counter."I've nearly ten pounds of the stuff but I'd rather not pull it all out until I'm sure I can sell it."The Tiefling leans against the counter, inspecting the adamantine.
"Oh, this is pretty, for sure. But it's no wonder that nobody wants it. We get very little of it around here. I know of one person who would die to get his hands on some, however. You should try Flint!"She places the metal back on the counter."I'm sure he'd have a heart attack upon seeing it."
"I've tried Flint's already, he was the first person I visited. However, we could not come to an agreement." She sighs and sets the metal back in her pouch, pulling out the broken rapier hilt."How much would you need to make a new blade for my mother's rapier?" At this, a grin crosses the Tiefling's lips.
"You're her, aren't you?"
"I'm not sure what you're asking, Miss." The Tiefling laughs and crosses to the shop entrance, locking the door and turning the sign to 'Closed.' Turning back, she's still smiling.
"I think you do. He talks about you. All the time." Shanolia smirks beneath her mask, hand coming to rest on her obsidian dagger.
"So the brute does still think of me? Does Mikael still talk about me?" She chuckles and draws the blade, rubbing her thumb gently on the tip as if she doesn't have a care in the world."I jest. Mikael can't talk, after all. What type of murder fantasies does Flint create in my absence, I wonder?"
"Murder?"The Tiefling jumps up and sits on the counter."He misses you, dear. He used to talk about you quite a bit, but lately, it's almost... nonstop."
"Eh... what?" Shanolia falters in her confidence."I just visited him and the first thing from his mouth was how he wanted to kill me for showing my face."
"Okay, you gotta tell me the story."The woman sits forward, laughing. "What happened between you two?"
"Not so much what happened between us. It's what happened to-" She stops abruptly."How do I know I can trust you?"
"You assume he wants you dead," She says, laughing again."And here I am asking for a juicy story. You do the math."
"I made a mistake and his son was killed."Shanolia takes a deep breath."He was angry - rightfully so, I suppose - and... well..."She gestures to her face."He ruined my life."The smile fades from the Tiefling's face.
"He... never told me that. I never knew!"Her gaze drifts to the floor and she slumps a little."I'm sorry, I thought I was going to get some juicy gossip. Look, I love Flint, he's like a big brother to me. He... taught me a lot of my skills. I'm only saying this because I love and admire him."She takes a deep breath and slides off the counter, walking over to Shanolia and placing a hand on the Elf's shoulder."He cares about you. I can tell - by the way he talks about you, the look in his eyes."Shanolia rests her hand on the Tiefling's, her gaze falling to the floor.
"I... I can't very well go back to him now; he's bloody pissed. Seems that my return has stirred up some... strong emotions. Caring or otherwise."
"Okay, here's what I'm going to do. My name's Ealith,"The Tiefling says, giving Shanolia's shoulder a squeeze."Flint and I go drinking at a tavern called The Low Lantern. It's down at the docks, and it's actually one of the ships. Lots of sailors, naturally. We'll be there tonight. And tomorrow night. Shit, we're there every night. Let me talk to him. Come and see us at the tavern. I'll get this sorted out. I've always wanted to play matchmaker, and this is one hell of a challenge."
"The Low Lantern?"She looks back at the Tiefling."I'll be there, though I may not be alone. What time?"
"After dark."Ealith is grinning from ear to ear."I promise he won't hurt you. He wouldn't want to piss me off."
"Thank you. And for what it's worth... tell him I'm sorry."
"It'll mean more coming from you."
"I suppose."
"Chin up,"Ealith says, ushering Shanolia out of the store."Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some real work to do." Shanolia steps back out into the sun, feeling a little worse than before.
With a chuckle and a shake of her head once Ealith shuts the door, she sets off and finds a tailor, placing an order for a new left-handed glove lined new facemask, both lined with the fur. After paying 70 gold, Shanolia sets off towards the Counting House to exchange her pouch of gems, trading them over for 136 gold without any issue and finally buying a brazier and the materials needed for the Find Familiar spell before heading home, flipping off the diseased person outside of the Guildhall one more time for good measure on her way inside.
Once down in her bedroom, she performs the ritual for Find Familiar, smiling to herself after an hour as her new spider friend crawls from the brazier onto her hand and up her arm, the large black widow coming to rest on Shanolia's shoulder, her eight eyes glowing similar to Shanolia's two, ten balls of red light in the otherwise dark room.
As the sun begins to set on Baldur's Gate, Shanolia begins seeking out someone to accompany her on her journey to the Low Lantern, eventually deciding to ask Woe because of her knowledge of the city perhaps the biggest draw for the Elf. It doesn't take long to find her and she agrees to tag along, a strong drink being just what the bard needs after a long day reading at the Tower of Diplomacy.
"Are you going to fill me in on what we're doing at the tavern? This isn't just a drink between friends, is it?" Woe winks at Shanolia.
"While I'm sure there'll be time for us to share a drink, I'm afraid you're correct. I need your expertise of the city to even find the place, and I may need you to watch my back while we're there."
"Of course I have your back! Still, who are we up against?"
"An old friend. I've spent a long time thinking he hates me but someone close to him has told me that's not the case. Still, he's threatened my life one too many times for me to feel safe."
"Hm, I see. I'll watch out. Good luck. Sounds like lots of emotions to me. I hope you find a resolution." Woe sees movement on Shanolia's shoulder and stops talking. "you know that there's a spider on your shoulder?"
"Of course." She rests her palm in front of the spider, allowing her to walk onto her hand. "Want to hold her? I promise, she won't bite."
"Sure!" Woe holds her hand our towards the spider. "But let's start walking. I know where the Low Lantern is." Woe turns her hand so that the spider is always on top. "Now tell me about your little friend here!"
The spider walks onto Woe's hand without hesitation, her hairy legs tickling the bard. "Her name is Gwyn. She's a familiar, like Singe's bird." Shanolia explains as the pair begin walking.
"Very nice!" Woe lets the spider walk back onto Shanolia's hand. Then she jokes "No more delays here, I feel you're stalling! Let's go!"
"Guilty as charged~" Shanolia chuckles half-heartedly as Gwyn crawls back onto her hand and up her arm, trying to have a sense of humour despite her underlying fear.
Neither of them sees anything out of the normal. Shanolia does notice that the zombies seem to have disappeared. The one outside the Guildhall is gone, and they don't see any as they walk through the city.
"Hey... Do you find it odd that the diseased citizens are just... Gone?"
"these things are weird. I am not sure what it means. What's your theory?"
"I've no doubt that some powerful figures are using the drug to control the masses. Knowing that - and not seeing any of them - is a bit unsettling..."
"you think we're walking into a trap?"
"Not to upset you, but I assumed we were walking into a trap with Flint; that's why I brought you along. Just... Keep your eyes open, yeah?"
"Of course I will!"
For the rest of the walk, Shanolia is on high alert - watching rooftops and alleys and such. They make it to the tavern without issue.
"Stay close. If anyone bothers you, feel free to say I'm your girlfriend." Shanolia whispers before entering and looking around for Flint and Ealith. "We're looking for a Tiefling and a bald Goliath, most likely sitting together."
As Shanolia and Woe enter the lively bar, it's clear to see this place was a favourite of the sailors and other shady types. Nobody looked up as the two entered, why would they? The only people who came here belonged here. Many were singing loudly, some were playing cards. In a corner, Ealith popped her head up and motioned to Shanolia, then put her hands on Flint's shoulders, saying something close to his face.
Shanolia rests her hand on her dagger and holds her pack close as she moves towards Ealith, peeking over her shoulder and gesturing for Woe to follow.
Woe whispers to Shanolia: "we could get in danger and see if your friend rescues you. Then we know! Just bump into that big guy in front of us and we'll have a fight on our hands!"
"That Goliath over there wants to kill me," Shanolia whispers back. "We very well could end up in a scrap if things don't go well."
"Alright then. I'll follow your lead!"
The two walk over to Ealith and Flint's corner.
Ealith stands straight again and smiles as Shanolia and Woe approach. She gives Woe a little nod of approval, and takes Shanolia by the hand, pulling her into a chair across from Flint, then sits next to Flint. "Now," she said, motioning to the bartender. "We're going to have a couple drinks and a nice, civil chat."
Shanolia keeps an eye on Flint as she sits, her expression hidden by her mask yet the glow of her red eyes pierces the shadow cast by her cloaks. Gwyn climbs down from her shoulder and comes to rest in her lap.
Flint stares down at both of his tightly balled fists resting on the table, his jaw tense. "Flint," Ealith said, in a sing song voice. "We talked about this." The goliath shook his head no.
Shanolia looks at Flint, her voice a monotone that Woe hasn't heard in a while. "Tell me the truth, old friend. How do you really feel about my return to Baldur's Gate?"
Flint didn't move, didn't look up. The bartender walked over, slamming four mugs of ale in front of them and walking off without a word. Flint picked up his, and consumed the entire thing in on hefty gulp.
Shanolia turns her gaze to Ealith, saying nothing.
Woe just looks at Flint, then does the same to the mug in front of her.
Ealith raises a finger to Shanolia and nods. "Flint. You promised me. Tell her." Flint tosses the mug away, hitting another patron. A cry went up as an angered man rose from his seat. He immediately sat upon seeing who had thrown it. Flint swallowed hard, finally lifting his face to meet Shanolia's gaze. He looked quickly away, mumbling something under his breath.
Her gaze returns to Flint, patience wearing thin.
Ealith jabbed her elbow into Flint's ribs and he sat upright. "I'm sorry," he blurted out. "I'm sorry I threatened your life." As she said it, his face turned crimson.
"Threats are nothing new for me, old friend, I get them every day. What you should apologize for is something else entirely..."
"What?" Flints embarrassment turned to anger again. "You should be the one to apologize." Ealith placed a hand on his arm, and he looked at the table again.
"What I did is unforgivable. No apology can reconcile my mistake. I've accepted that. That's why your threats do not surprise me, but I will not let them deter me. You were the father I never had." She takes a breath, organizing her thoughts. "And as I ruined your life, you ruined mine. You lost your son, and I lost any chance of having children of my own."
Flint's head dropped even further, but not before Shanolia caught a glimpse of wetness on his cheeks.
"Once more I will ask you, old friend. What does my return make you feel? Truthfully."
Flint looked up, his eyes full of tears. "I love you, girl. I always have. My son... you broke my heart."
"It broke my heart perhaps as much as yours." Tears begin to well in her eyes. "He was a brother to me... And after Thia..." She chokes up. After a second, she clears her throat and continues., "But then, as I was still mourning - full of regret - you ruined my life."
While Woe is listening, she is watching Ealith closely. When Flint starts revealing his feelings, Woe mumbles a couple of words, carefully moves her hands under the table and starts to listen to Ealith's thoughts. Ealith is completely focused on Flint and Shanolia. She appears to love good, juicy gossip, and is soaking it all in. She also, clearly, wants this to go well.
"Your face is still there," Flint cried. "My son is not!"
Woe shifts her attention to the guy that got hit by the flying beer glass. She starts to listen to his thoughts, hoping to find out why he was so afraid; The man who got hit by the mug is pretty scared by Flint. He remembers the last time Flint kicked his ass in a bar brawl.
"I still have my life, yes. Though sometimes I wonder if I deserve it. We both lost someone we love dearly that night. We both know who's to blame. We both know there's nothing I can do to make it right. Even after twelve years hearing his name still destroys me inside." Her monotone wavers, betraying the sorrow in her voice. "I have to live with their coffins on my shoulders for centuries. I'm sorry our information was bad. I'm sorry that someone sold us out. I'm sorry that Kuori died when it should've been me. There's nothing I can do now but repent. And I've done a lot of repenting..." She pulls off the glove and bandages on her left hand, revealing a crisscrossing of scars on her hand and wrist spanning twelve years; one as fresh as last night.
Clearly breaking, Flint grabs Shanolia's left hand. "I should beat you for doing this to yourself, girl."
"Believe me; nobody blames me for his death more than myself. So go on - beat me. Gods know I deserve it..."
Flint stands suddenly, yanking Shanolia from her seat. He swung an arm at her, but instead of punching her, threw it around her neck in a hug. Woe moves her attention back to Ealith when Flint hugs Shanolia. Then she drops her spell. A small smile playing around her lips.
Shanolia is shocked; though perhaps more so is Gwyn, who flies onto the table and scurries and jumps back onto Shanolia's arm, climbing into her cloak where she's safe. With her face hidden from view, the Elf begins to cry into Flint's chest, her arms wrapping around him. After a few seconds, she pulls away and quickly wipes her tears before grabbing her mug and almost pouring it on her mask in an effort to drink it and calm her nerves. With a sigh, she sets the mug down and sits again, head in her hands.
Woe puts her hand on Shanolia's shoulder. Flint paused, looking around the tavern. Many eyes were on him, curious as to what had just happened. Angry, he stormed out. Ealith smiled, and put a hand on Shanolia's bare hand. "I think this was a good step for you both."
"I... I need to leave..." She stands and walks out as well, needing fresh air. As she exits the tavern - Woe following close behind - Gwyn reappears on her shoulder, and the two return to the Guildhall, the eyes of the diseased upon them once more.
Having been up late the night before Perrin attempts to sleep in but gets woken up by Singe and the missing book incident. Being awake and dressed to leave Perrin makes some breakfast and heads out into the city in search of someone he can buy a pair of Sending Stones from. Dapple, not knowing the city much, comes with Perrin as he starts his shopping trip. Along the way, Perrin tells Dapple all about their scavenger hunt within the city. He also explains what Sending Stones are and how he is getting them so he and Frank can communicate when they are apart. By the way, Perrin talks it is obvious that he is head-over-heels for Frank. Unfortunately, the duo is unable to find the stones today but they are able to set up a meeting with a wizard tomorrow in order to buy the stones. (Investigation to find stone seller: 10) That night Perrin mediates in his room on Sword-Frank. It is during this meditation that Perrin realizes that he can tap into more of Sword-Frank's power. That this power will go a long way in helping him defend his friends. (Unlocked first of many power-ups for Sword-Frank)
Perrin's Downtime: Day 2
Perrin and Dapple return to the city in order to continue shopping. They met up with the wizard in a semi-private area in order to buy, trade, and sell. Dapple doesn't seem interested in anything content with the magic boots he got from the dragon's horde. Perrin and the wizard are able to hash out a deal of 500 gold pieces for a pair of Sending Stones. While their Perrin and Dapple explain some of Dapple's personal problems to see if the wizard has anything that would help. Not possessing anything but having an idea about an amulet that might the wizard offers to do some research in exchange for gold. Not having a lot between them Perrin decides that it might be best to sell his Jade Spell Gem in order to get this done. The wizard is instantly interested in the gem and offers Perrin a straight trade, the gem for research of the amulet. Perrin, however, coming from a town where trade is always happening spots a bad deal and begins to add some pressure on the wizard to offer something better (Insight: 20).
"Baldur's Gate is a big city. There are a lot of people here who are willing to buy this and are more forthcoming with their information than you. You should really be honest with me. Tell me what you know if you want even a chance to obtain the gem." Perrin tells the wizard.
The wizard fidgets. "Okay, okay. I'll give you 10,000 gold pieces for it. I won't even charge you for the amulet if I can find it."
"That includes the research to find it?" Perrin questions to make sure.
"Everything." The wizard confirms.
"Deal," Perrin says with a smile as they exchange the gem for 10,000 gold pieces and a potential amulet.
Not expecting to have this much money Perrin takes it back to the guild house to figure out what he wants to do. He eventually figures that some of it should go to the team so he writes two notes, one for Singe and one for Zamar. In the note to Zamar, he leaves 1000GP and explains that its to go towards the party funds. In the note to Singe, he also leaves 1000GP and explains its to help him with his research that's going to benefit the whole team. During this day Perrin also runs into Mr. Whistler who explains to him that the group got paid 2000GP by Grasalfan for their job and its sitting in the guild coffers.
Perrin's Downtime: Day 3
Perrin, having figured out what he to do with his money, once again takes Dapple along with him as they make their way over to Flints, the only blacksmith Perrin knows in the city. Upon arrival, Flint begins to help them out. Perrin explains that he wants armor for his dog Cade and he ends up commisioning a special order of Scale Male for Cade. Flint lets him know that this order will run him 200GP and will take about a week to make. Perrin happily pays and agrees on the wait time. Perrin also lets Flint know that he is in the market for some Full Plate armor.
Flint brings points out a beautiful set of armor, inlaid with filigree, and says, "This 'ere armor will protect you from fire!"
Perrin whistles, “That’s a beaut. How much?”
"This 'ere'll cost ya 14,000 GP!" Flint responds without missing a beat.
Perrin physically winces “That’s....that's way out of my price range. Do you have any full plate cheaper than that?” He asks.
Flint nods and brings out another set. "Not as good as the other, in terms of savin' ya from fire, but it's a good set. 3000 gold pieces for this one."
“Does this set have any special tricks to it?” Perrin asks.
"It helps you not get hit," Flint responds with a deadpan face. (It's Armor +1)
“That sounds good. While I’m here, do you have anything special in the way of shields?” Perrin asks.
"I got a shield with a face," Flint offered with a shrug.
“Can I make the face resemble someone? Like can the face look like me or is it always this same face?” Perrin asks.
"Nothin' as fancy as that," Flint said. "But you can make the face change expressions."
“As cute as that sounds I think I’ll pass,” Perrin says before paying for his new full plate armor.
Having finished with Perrin Flint turns to Dapple in order to help him. Dapple explains how he is looking for some breastplate armor. Flint offers Dapple a piece of breastplate similar to what Perrin just purchased and for the same price, 3000GP (Breastplate +1).
"Its very pretty, but too rich for my blood. Maybe another time." Dapple tells Flint.
"Dapple. Do you want the breastplate?" Perrin asks him.
Dapple responds with a rueful grin. "No, not really. I'll just stay behind you! We have more important problems."
"Hmmmmmm.......all right, Flint, do you have any normal standard issue breastplate?" Perrin asks aloud.
Perrin looks at Flint, "Can he trade in his current armor for a little discount?" (Persuasion: 25)
Flint looks at what Dapple is currently wearing and nods. "That armor and 25 gold pieces."
"Sold !" blurts Dapple. "I'll take it." He fishes out the coin and asks, "Any place I can change?"
"I... er... guess ya can go in back?" Flint answers.
"Oh, here is fine. I don't want to be a bother," Dapple says, starting to doff the chain shirt he wears right in the middle of the shop. Perrin teasingly cat call as Dapple changes.
As he wriggles within his new armor, settling into it, Dapple turns to Perrin. "Where next?" Perrin simply responds with "Let's go to the docks."
As they leave the blacksmith, Perrin sees one of the Thraul zombies. It watches every movement that Dapple and Perrin make, but it doesn't move. Dapple, on the other hand, smells something, over the grit and the grime of the blacksmiths. It's a familiar smell, one that reminds him of home, of someone he once knew. Dapple smells another tabaxi, but not just any tabaxi, a member of his tribe. (Perrin: Perception Natural 20, Dapple: Perception Unnatural 20).
“Looks like we’re being watched by the wolves,” Perrin whispers to Dapple.
Dapple stops dead in his tracks, hand dropping to the hilt of his weapon. All he can think of is the memory of the other members of his tribe, still controlled by the wizards. Had they found him so soon? "They're here" he manages to reply, on the verge of panic.
“Dapple calm down. Come on. Follow me.” Perrin says as he grabs Dapple and starts leading him through the city taking the most backward way Perrin can to the Guildhall. The duo makes it back without incident but the zombies and smell of someone from Dapple's tribe are concerning.
Perrin's Downtime: Day 4
Perrin awakes deciding today he is going to find Frank. Putting on his new armor, his Pa's armor safely put away within Perrin's room, he treks towards the dock to look for his lover. (Perception: 6). Perrin wanders the docks, in the direction he last recalls the ship, and sure enough, he finds it docked. It appears to have only recently docked, and workers are still running around on deck. Perrin waits by the ship for an hour and a half before he hears a voice call from the ship "Perrin!"
Looking up, Perrin sees Frank leaning over the edge of the boat, waving furiously at him. "Hey! Give me a bit and I'll be right down!"
Perrin suddenly has a huge smile come across his face. “Hurry Up!” He yells back.
Frank grins down at Perrin for a moment, before disappearing on the ship once again. Another 30 minutes pass, and suddenly Frank is at Perrin's side. "I missed you!"
Immediately Perrin tenderly grabs Frank's face and brings him into a kiss followed by a big hug. Holding Perrin close, he whispered, "I guess you missed me, too."
“You have no idea,” Perrin whispers back to him while he cuddles his head into Frank.
"Err..." Frank said, pulling away suddenly. "There's someone watching us." He makes a quick gesture toward an alley. There, a Thraul zombie sits in the dirt, watching.
**** Perrin thinks before turning to Frank “Are you free to leave or does Captain Wyre need you for anything else?
"Nah," Frank said, clearly distracted by being watched. "I'm on shore leave for a while."
“Let’s go. I’ll treat you to a bathhouse and we can catch up. Do you want to stop someplace first to change out of your uniform?” Perrin asks, not wanting to let Frank in on the zombies yet.
"I can change at the bathhouse," Frank said, holding up his rucksack. Leaning close, he whispers in Perrin's ear, "Why is that guy watching us?"
“It’s....its a long story. I’ll catch you up on everything at the bathhouse.” Perrin tells him
"Okay," Frank says, taking Perrin by the hand.
Perrin grasps it tightly and then leads Frank out of the docks and into the more fancy part of Baldurs Gate. Going to a nice bathhouse where he pays for a private bath for the two of them and some lunch. While within the bath Perrin catches Frank up on everything that's happened in the fifteen days they've been apart.
Frank chewed thoughtfully as he listened to the tale. "And now they're... what, following you?"
“Yeah. Following and watching us. And I didn’t think about it but now I’m going to be scared that they’re going to follow you after seeing us.” Perrin says, worry clear on his face.
"Then, I'll just have to stick with you the whole time I'm here." Frank smiled, sliding closer to Perrin.
Perrin holds Frank close. “Nobody is ever going to hurt you. Not while we’re together.” Perrin tells him, pulling him protectively closer.
"And what about you?" Frank holds up a fist. "Anyone hurts you, I'll... I'll punch 'em in the face!"
Perrin chuckles. “I feel safer already.”
"Yeah, that's right," Frank chuckled.
Perrin, sitting there laughing looks over at Franks equipment and then at his own. With that he makes a decision, “Frank. What’s the Flaming Fists rules about your equipment and uniform?”
Frank looked at Perrin, puzzled. "Well, as long as I'm on the ship, I have to be in issued gear. If I'm on leave, it doesn't matter."
"What about personal trinkets? Are you allowed to wear any personal items like a ring or something while on the ship?" Perrin asks
"Yeah?" Frank pulled away. "Why?"
Perrin smiles before standing up. "Come on then. I want to get you something special for you to have while on leave?"
"Er..." Frank looked worried. "Perrin, we... haven't known each other... very long. I like you. I think that's clear. But... aren't we moving a little... fast?"
Perrin looks at Frank. Just taking in his question. He takes a deep breath sits back down before answering. "I...I...I guess you might be right. But...but....if there's one thing I've learned while on my adventures so far, its that it can all be over in an instance. In about a month I've come close to death more times than I can count. And in each of those moments, I think about everything I still haven't done in my life. All the things I still want to do. And, I've come to learn that life is too short. And that I want to live it all to the fullest while I still can. So, I guess I'm moving fast because I don't know when I'll be whisked away to some next big adventure. And I don't know if the next monster I face will be my last. But...but...if me moving fast scares you, Frank. If you want me to slow down when it comes to us then I will."
Frank takes all this in, and pulls Perrin close in response, holding him in silence. Perrin just settles into the embrace, breathing deeply. Not really realizing this about himself until he said it aloud nor realizing how much Frank really means to him.
After a long moment of silence, Frank finally spoke. "I... guess I never thought of it this way. I'm just enjoying the here and now, not thinking about what might happen to you. Or if the ship runs into trouble. In that case... I guess we aren't moving too fast, just trying to make the most of life while we have it, yeah?" He brought Perrin's face up to meet his, giving him a quick kiss. "Does this mean I can stay at your place when I'm in the Gate?"
Perrin smiles. "Most definitely."
"Alright, then," Frank said, grinning. "Let's make the most of life, then!"
"Lets," Perrin responds. Picking Frank up and carrying him out of the tub so, they can go enjoy the most of life within the city. While within the city Perrin takes Frank to a jeweler where he gets him a Ring of Water Walking for 600GP.
In the thrill of living life, Perrin decides to search for a tattoo parlor (Investigation: 5) in order to get this tattoo he has been thinking about for a while. The first person Perrin inquire to about tattoo parlors sends him in the direction of The Twisting Needle. It is near the docks, and caters to the sailors who pass through the port. Upon seeing it Perrin questions Frank if he knows anything about the establishment.
"The guys come here all the time," he explains. "I've never been brave enough, though."
"Well, I'm with you now. You'll have nothing to fear." Perrin says with a smile as he holds Franks hand as they walk into the Twisting Needle.
As the pair walk in, a bored-looking human girl looks up from the chair she's lounging in. "Yo," she says lazily. "Whatcha want?"
"I want to get a custom tattoo." Perrin answers.
The girl's bored expression doesn't change. "Duh. Whatcha want?"
"I want a pair of rainbow feathered wings on my back," Perrin responds.
"Shirt," she said, standing. As she did, it was clear she was a tattoo fanatic, as every inch of her skin was covered in symbols and images. "Off."
Perrin takes off his upper part of his armor, his shirt, all that until he is bare-chested except for his holy symbol to Yondalla. He hands his stuff to Frank for safe keeping.
The girl grabbed a large sheet of parchment and some charcoal. With a deft hand, she spun Perrin in place, so he was facing away from her. Placing the paper against his back, she began to draw something. "What about you?" she asked Frank. "Oh, erm... n-no thanks," he replied quickly.
Perrin smiles, and knowing that Frank is a little scared of the place distracts him but talking to him, "So, after this why don't we head back to the guild hall. You can meet Dapple and catch up with all the others as well."
Frank simply nods, watching the woman like a hawk. From the back room, a Firbolg shambled out from behind a curtain. "Oh, hello there," he said, spotting the duo. "Getting ya'self some ink?"
"Yeah. First time." Perrin says with a smile.
"Well y'aren't going to find better hands," he said, grinning. "Amber of the Inked Vein has the softest touch in the Gate. You'll leave thinking she's not e'n touched ya." He extended a hand. "I'm Bryan Gentletree."
"Hi, Bryan. I'm Perrin Cherrycheeks and this is my boyfriend Frank Talle." Perrin introduces each other with a smile.
Bryan shakes Perrin's hand vigorously. "Nicet'meetcha! I'm the owner of The Twisting Needle. Well, of this branch, anyway." "Stop. Moving," Amber growled, placing a hand on Perrin's head, steading him. "This is a precise measurement."
"Nice to meet you too and I'm sure you get this a lot but your quite tall," Perrin says with a smile.
"And you're quite short!" Bryan grins down at him. "You're not a sailor." He looks Frank up and down. "You might be." Frank nods. "Yes, I am. How did you know?" "You lot are in here all the time." Bryan winks at him. "You look like a virgin, like your boyfriend. You can't come in here and not get some ink." At this Frank looks at Perrin and shrugs.
"If you want to get something go ahead. Whatever you want?" Perrin tells Frank with a smile.
"Yeah, but what do I want?" Frank looks around at the artwork surrounding them. "Come with me," Bryan says, looping his arm through Franks and leads him to a sofa and table, piled high with books. "There are options. Anything your brain can think up." Amber finished doing her measurements and once again spun Perrin around. She put the paper on a nearby table and grabbed a smaller paper. Taking notes, she said, "Rainbow. Feathered wings." She looked up, taking in Perrin's frame. "Down the backs of your arms, or only on your back?"
"Only on the back. If I like the experience and the artwork I might come back for more." Perrin says with a smile.
Amber raises an eyebrow and nods. "Sit. This will take an hour." With that, she turned and exited through the curtain to the back room.
As Perrin does what he is instructed he looks over to Frank, a smile on Perrin's face. "Help me pick," Frank said, grinning. "I can't do this without you."
"Well. My tattoo is holding a special meaning and memory for me. It reminds me of you and that night we spent together in Chult. It was the night that I discovered the sword I named after you was special. That a giant celestial rainbow-winged serpent inhabits the sword and helps me protect those I care about. Helps me protect you. I want to express the night with something beautiful. Though it is not exactly me picking something for you I say think of a precious memory you want to represent and find something you think best represents that." Perrin says aloud, hoping he is making sense.
"Oh," interjected Bryan. "If you want meanin'..." He paused, flipping the book closed and grabbing another. "This one has lotsa meanin' in it." Upon opening the book, Frank saw that the images within were all nautical. He flipped a few pages, before pausing. "This one," he said, pointing to the image of an anchor with two stars. "This one means something to me. I want this. Right here." He taps his chest, directly over his heart. Bryan nodded, understanding. "Hey Darksin, I gotta virgin for ya," he called out as he headed toward the curtain. Before disappearing, he said, "Mike'll be right out to help ya."
Perrin smiles before saying curiously "So, I told you what mine means, what about yours?"
"Let me get it first," Frank said, fidgeting. "Then I'll explain."
Perrin smiles. "Okay. And I'm so happy you're brave enough to get one with me. And don't worry, I'm right here with you. I won't let anything bad happen."
Just then a Tiefling burst out from the curtain. "Anchor?" he says pointing at Frank with both hands. "Yeah, you're the anchor aren't you? I'm Mike. I'm gonna do your work," he said, holding out a hand to Frank. "Come on, right this way." He leads Frank to one of the chairs against the far wall, and the two of them conversed a moment before the tiefling started gathering his supplies. Shortly afterward, Bryan exited the curtain again, this time joined by an Air Genasi. "Hey, Darksin. Smoke and I are gonna go get Amber some coffee. She's going to need it." Mike grunted in agreement, already deep in thought, and the firbolg and genasi left the building. Soon, Amber came out, paper in hand, a huge grin on her face. She gently placed the paper in front of Perrin and watched him for his reaction.
Perrin's smile widens at the image. "This is exactly what I was hoping for. Can we get started right away?" he asks obviously excited for this.
"This is going to take a lot of time." Amber looked down at the drawing then back up at Perrin. "And a lot of money."
"How much money? For both mine and my boyfriends?" Perrin asks.
Amber walks away without a word, wanders over to Frank and Mike, glances at what's going on there and returns. "1500."
"Can do," Perrin says as he takes out his coin purse and counts out 1500 gold for the tattoos.
Amber nods, taking the gold and tossing it on her table. She went into the back, then returned with a large padded table. "Lay down," she commands.
Frank's tattoo doesn't take long, only about an hour. After he is done, Mike will pull a chair over near Perrin's table where they can talk. Showing Perrin his finished tattoo, there's an addition to it that wasn't in the original picture. That addition is the word "Perrin" in the anchor. "The anchor is a symbol for stability," Frank explains. "The stars are to guide me on my way."
Perrin, at seeing the tattoo and after learning the meaning will have Frank come in close since he thinks he should move as little as possible while she's working on his back, and give Frank a kiss. "It's beautiful. Does it still hurt? I do have some healing magic, if it won't mess with the tattoo I can pump some into you." he offers after the kiss.
"It hurts," Frank said, thinking. "But... I kinda want it to hurt. I did it for you, and I want to remember every moment of it."
Perrin smiles at Franks response and just lays there enjoying Franks company and unknowingly falling more and more in love with Frank Talle.
After what seemed like forever, Amber finally put her tool down. "Done," she said, beaming with pride. "Don't wear your armor. Don't go swimming. Clean it regularly. I hid a penis in it." Gathering the gold she tossed on her table, she walked away, into the back room.
Perrin stands and stretches. It's hard to lay still for 8 hours. Putting on a loose fitting shirt he turns to Frank and says "Let's go home. I'll whip us up a quick snack from the kitchen before bed. Okay?" Frank nods, helping Perrin out the door.
Perrin's Downtime: Day 5
Perrin, whose back is very sore from yesterday, spends this day doing nothing but hanging out with Frank. Perrin and Frank go and get some salve for their tattoos but otherwise spend the day laying about together and really getting to know one another. Perrin shows Frank around the guild hall and lets everyone say hi and talk to him for a little bit. They all also see Perrin's new tattoo as he doesn't wear a shirt on this day due to the tattoo. Perrin asks Frank all kinds of question about his childhood and life before they met. (Which all the responses is still being compiled up.) Frank in turn asks Perrin which he answers. All in all it a generally relaxing and peaceful day.
Perrin's Downtime: Day 6
Perrin and Frank are sitting in the common room of the basement. Perrin had just made some pancakes and is happily watching Frank eat his cooking. Singe walks down, back from a day of research, “Hey Perrin.”
"Hey, Singe. Did you find that money and note I left you?" Perrin asks seeing the fire genasi walking down. Frank give Singe a nod to acknowledge his presence.
“Um yes, thank you.” Singe frowns, “I need to talk to you, preferably privately.”
"Oh, okay." Perrin says before turning to Frank, "I'll be back soon." He tells him before giving him a kiss on the cheeks. Perrin will then stand up and follow Singe to where he wants to be for this private conversation.
Singe walks into his room, closing the door behind Perrin. “So, Sword-Frank’s staying?”
Perrin sighs, already not liking where this conversation is going."Yes. Sword-Frank is staying. I know a lot of you don't like him and are scared that he is going to take control of me but, I'm learning how to control and harness his powers more and more. I can even summon and dismiss him on command now." Perrin explains.
Singe nods, “And you are separate? It isn’t you and you don’t share its thoughts and ideas?”
"No. Sword-Frank isn't me. We don't share a brain or anything like that. Yes, we are bonded. And yes I do agree with some of his ideas. I agree that unredeemable evils of the world should be destroyed. But, that doesn't mean that I believe every person who is a little bit chaotic is evil. I swore an oath of peace and understanding. That understanding goes out to all beings: even to those who seem extreme or are a little chaotic." Perrin says, hoping he can make Singe understand his bond relationship with this celestial being.
“I would like to see it.” Singe says.
"Sword-Frank. Sure, but, ummm....may I ask why first?" Perrin asks, unsure about what his wizard friend is going to do.
“I would like to learn more about it.” Singe says, knowing what Perrin fears, “I will not hurt it.”
When Singe says he wants to know more, Franks curious, but not overly worried. He'll allow Singe to look him over.
"Okay. I don't know if he'll stay physically here if I let go of him but I'll keep him out for a little bit so you can look at him." Perrin says before he summons Sword-Frank into his hand.
Singe nods, “Hi Frank, if that is your preferred name, I would like to learn more about you. An ally who does not know his ally would lead to mistrust and would be... chaotic. Please remain for one minute.” Singe pulls out a pearl and begins to cast Identify.
"He's curious about you as well. But, he gives you permission to look him over." Perrin tells Singe holding onto Sword-Frank so he doesn't disappear.
Singe frowns, “Thank you, Frank, for your time.”
“Are you done with him?” Perrin asks. Singe nods solemnly.
Perrin dismisses Sword-Frank, “So, what do you think of him now?” He asks after Sword-Frank is gone.
“It is a tool.” Singe says, “I don’t like how you anthropomorphize it. If it becomes anything more than a complacent tool, I won’t have any remorse about removing it. But until then,” Singe softens, “I think it’s a member of the team.”
Perrin smiles. “I’m glad you’re no longer angst Sword-Frank. Maybe the other will come around as well.”
“They won’t.” Singe states, “Imagine if we made a deal with the white dragon, enough of us would have thought it was a good idea but others would be unsettled by it. It’s the nature of our group, I can’t remember when we were all on the same page.”
“I think the last time was when we were all trying to get into the guild. But, I’m happy someone else here isn’t totally against him.” Perrin says, his smile faltering a little. “If there’s nothing else you wish to talk about I’m going to go back to my boyfriend,” Perrin tells Singe as he’s awkwardly standing there.
Oh yes!” Singe cries, “How did you come into 1000 gold pieces?”
“Oh, yeah. Well, I went to a wizard to buy some Sending Stones for when I and Frank have to eventually separate for work. I took Dapple with me so he could see some more of the city and I could keep an eye on him. I asked him about something to help with Dapple’s situation. He said he could do some research for an amulet he’s heard about that would help but be asking for more than I had. Looking for something to trade all I had that he was interested in was that jade spell gem. Originally he wanted to do a straight trade. Research and amulet for the gem. But, I was able to talk him into doing the research for the amulet and 10,000 gold pieces for the gem. I felt bad because I kind of told you I was going to give the gem to you but I thought the amulet to help Dapple was more important. So, in order to kind of make up for it, I gave you part of the money.” Perrin explains, hoping Singe would understand why he did what he did.
Singe smiles, “The gem would have been nice, but that definitely lightens the load. I appreciate the spending money, I’ll keep it for when I really need it.”
“I know research and spells can be expensive so I figured it would help,” Perrin says with a smile.
“Now go enjoy your boyfriend,” Singe says, grinning, “Just don’t get up to anything too crazy or we all might burst in!”
Perrin laughs aloud “Maybe I’ll spend some of the guild coffers for some better locks on my door and maybe make it so sound can’t escape from the room.” He says before leaving and going back to Frank who has finished his pancakes. Perrin smiles at him before saying "So, is there anything you would want to do today?"
Frank looks down, a blush crossing his face before he looks back up to Perrin saying, "Well, now that your back is better there is one thing I've been waiting to do with you since I saw you waiting on the docks for me."
Perrin, catching on to what Frank is saying, leans in closer and whispers into his ears "Well, Hello Sailor." Perrin barely has enough time to mentally command Cade to guard his door before Frank has Perrin lifted up, into their room, and the door locked.
Singe walks away from the guildhall, still upset by the tome theft, and finds his way through the upper city to the squat Tower of Diplomacy. He walks through the double doors to the reception desk, “Excuse me, Charles? Is Head Ambassador Capathax in?”
Charles nods. "She's doing some research, but I'm sure she'll be happy to see you. Go on in."
“In the Vault?” Singe asks, “Will the Door still work for me?”
Charles raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"
Singe nods and walks back to the double doors, he opens them to the Vault. The underground room is filled with books of law and history. At a table near the center of the Vault, surrounded by papers, Elama is deep in thought. As Singe approaches, she doesn't look up, but says, "About time you came to see me."
Singe smiles, “It’s been a long month.” He proceeds to tell her everything that’s happened.
"Interesting. I've been studying this epidemic happening in the city, but it seems you may have figured it out." Elama sits back in her chair. "Do you have proof of this? What about the children? They seem to have additional symptoms, though, who would be feeding a drug to children?"
“I don’t know, it may be accidental or needed? It sounds dumb as I say it, but what if the Thraul plane requires literal brainpower to exist?” Singe muses.
"Brainpower," Elama says, drifting into thought again. "Brainpower," she repeats, standing from her seat. "Mind control. Something feels... familiar about this. Let me do more focused research, and see what I can come up with."
“We met flumphs, they’re focused on psychic energy and Lera mention psychic energy being used, but I don’t think it’s flumph based, they seem benign.” Singe says, standing as well.
"Brain," Elama said as realization crossed her face. "Oh... no..."
“What?” Singe pauses, “Oh, oh, you went to the underdark in your adventuring days, um ack! There was a hive mind right? Or was that the drow?”
Elama placed a hand on Singe's shoulder and squeezed it. "I fear Baldur's Gate has bigger problems. Have you ever heard of an Elder Brain?"
Singe's eyes go wide, “Oh no. Oh shit.”
"You must say nothing." Elama pointed a finger in Singe's face. "Hear me? We need hard proof before we start crying wolf."
Singe nods, “But what it comes out into the open?”
"We'll handle it."
“Oh, um, could you help me with this book.” Singe presents the demonic tome, “I don’t want to give it to Shanolia but if it’s necessary... Is there anything you can tell me?”
Elama took the book, opened it, and immediately put it down. "This... doesn't look good."
“Yeah,” Singe squirms, “She claims it can summon a demon, I don’t want her near it. Do you know of some where safe I can put it? If I knew what it could do and how to keep it from doing it I would feel more comfortable.”
"Can she read it?" Elama asked, her brow furrowed.
“Apparently,” Singe says with a shrug, “Comes from her obsession with the spider queen I suppose.”
"You let her look at it?"
“I didn’t! She took it!” Singe complains.
"She took it?"
“While I was sleeping! She heard it whispering in Abyssal and snuck into my room, taking it from it’s hiding place!” Singe complains.
"The book called to her." Elama frowned. "It will continue to call to her. My suggestion is to destroy it."
“I tried! I tried to burn it, Perrin tried to smite it! Frank, Perrin’s sword, says only it’s true owner will know who to destroy it, which is probably Shanolia.” Singe explains.
"Then let her have it." Elama's frown got deeper. "I don't suggest she uses it, but if she can read the book, and if it calls to her, she's going to feel compelled to find it. Let her have it, supervise her, and help her find a way to destroy it." Elama placed a hand on Singe's shoulder again. "I have faith in you. You can lead her down the correct path."
“I worry she might find me lecturing especially after today’s outburst... but it’s worth a try.” Singe says, “I mentioned Eilistraee -you told me her when you talked about your drow friend who came to the surface- she didn’t notice. I think she may be to deep in with Lloth.”
"That could become problematic, for sure," Elama said, scratching her chin. "Again, I think you could help her. Become her friend. Talk to her. See why she has turned to Lloth. You can do this. Have faith in yourself."
Singe nods, “Ok, I can do that. Thank you so much.” Singe gives her a hug and walks to a door opening it to the first floor of the Tower.
"Just don't let her use that book," Elama called after him.
“Definitely,” Singe calls back, letting the door close behind him.
He continues on to Glenfellow's Folds and opens the door. As the door opens, screams erupt around Singe. Tawna, Franklin, and Callie converge on him, tugging and pulling on him excitedly.
“Hello everyone!” Singe says, picking each of them up.
"Where did you go?" asked Callie.
"What did you do?" asked Franklin.
"What did you bring me?" Tawna chimed in.
“We went to the jungle and found an old portal! Then the mountains and killed a dragon!” Singe checks his pockets, “And from the dragon’s lair, we found piles of coins! Here is a silver pieces from frozen lair of Nydhi!”
As the children continued their screams of delight, Paela entered from the backroom. Upon seeing Singe, a huge smile crossed her face. "Okay now, leave him alone. Go play," she said, shooing the children off. The kids left, all musing what they would do with their silver piece. Paela grabbed Singe, and embraced him tightly. "I'm so happy your back!" She peered around him. "Where's your friend?"
“Excellent question,” Singe says, “I haven’t seen her since we got home,” He pulls out a bolt of cloth, “I found this, I thought you might appreciate it.”
"Oh, this is beautiful," Paela said, running her fingers over the fine cloth. "I'll certainly make something wonderful with this. Come in! Join me for tea?"
“Sure. As you might expect, suits aren’t exactly resilient to adventuring so I was hoping if you weren’t too busy you could do some repairs.”
"Of course, of course," Paela said, leading Singe into the back, through her work station and into the kitchen. She got a kettle on the fire and gathered a tray of cheeses, fruits, crackers, bread, and small cakes, placing them before Singe. Then she pulled out a tiny sewing kit. "What needs repairing?"
“Mostly suit jackets,” Singe begins showing her jackets as he explains the adventure.
Paela repairs the jackets while they sip tea, snack, and talk about adventures. Finally she finishes the last repair. "Now, take better care," she says, handing them back. "Or let me teach you how to sew!"
Singe takes them carefully folding them away, “I’ll try. Also, have you ever worked with pelt? A friend skinned a winter wolf and was planning on making gloves out of it. I was also going to persuade her to get a cloak or a cape made out of it.”
Paela nods. "A few times. Couple of special orders that took me a while to complete. Requires special needles, though, and the last special order broke my pelt needle. If you can get me another, and the pelt, I can try to make something for you. Or rather, your friend," she said with a wink.
“Paela!” Singe whines, “I swear it’s for someone else!”
"Oh, I believe you," she retorts with another wink.
“You caught me! It’s a girl!” Singe cries in mock annoyance, “But she’s not a special friend, there is no special friend!”
"Aww," sighed Paela. "When are you going to bring babies around? I'm holding so much hope for you! I want babies. Not of my own. I have plenty."
“Tell that to Marigold Sis,” Singe wags his finger, “Or Perrin, does he have a girlfriend yet?”
"But," she said with a grin. "You're the challenge! Look, I just want you to be happy and spread that happiness to others. And babies."
Singe pauses, “Did Perrin get a job? Did he get a girlfriend?”
"No and no." Paela frowns. "He's still... Perrin."
Singe sighs, “That’s unfortunate, he’ll find something. Well, I’ll see you later, with a pelt, a needle and, yes, a friend.”
Paela's face lit up immediately. "That friend from before? I've been hoping you'd bring her along again!"
“Different friend Sis.” Singe smiles.
Paela sighs dramatically. "Some day, you'll bring home a special friend." She rolls her eyes and pretends to pass out at the table.
“One day.” Singe says and leaves.
Returning to the guildhall, Singe goes to knock on Shanolia's door, stops, and goes to his room to read.
"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
Singe takes his meals in his room for the next three days, coming out very rarely, always with the tome of clear thought in his hands.
Singe's Downtime- Day 5-6
Singe researches spells, getting help from Elama and finds other spells in the High House of Wonders. Overall it costs 400gp and results in identify, counterspell, and dispel magic. At dinner, Singe begins to hint that his birthday is coming up on the 27th.
Through out the week, Singe looks under his bed, tempted to show Shanolia the tome again. Every time he leaves it there and makes sure he alarms the door before he goes to bed.
"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
Shanolia spends day 2 moping around the guild hall, inside of her head, yet on day 3 that sadness turns to anger and she spends most of the day in the training room - practising her magic and sword skills until the sun comes up on day 4. Once she finally tires out, it dawns on the Elf that her new accessories are probably done by now, so without missing a beat she packs her weapons up and heads out. She makes it across town without issue, picking up her new mask and glove and changing out of the old ones as she walks. When she looks up from donning her new mask, a very familiar shop is right in front of her; Flint's. She shakes her head and scoffs slightly even as she walks through the door. A few moments later, a booming voice came from the back.
"Yeah?" The large form of Flint came through the door. "What do you..." He trailed off upon seeing Shanolia.
"Here. Take it. I'll find a way to get the money." She begins placing the adamantine piece by piece onto the counter, followed by the rapier handle, while muttering. "I told myself I'm done with this life..."
Flint took a deep breath, placing a hand on the hilt of the rapier. "What life?" he asked, keeping his eyes on Shanolia.
She looks at him over her new mask, her red eyes pleading. "How else will I get 1000 gold in a week, old fr- Flint?"
Flint frowned, looking down at the hilt and bits of adamantine. "500 now. 500... when you have it."
"I have it... It's in platinum and silver as well, but I have it." She pulls out her coin pouch and pours it onto the counter, beginning to count the coins.
Flint watches as she counts. He doesn't watch the money but watches her. "You've taught me a valuable lesson, girl." He takes a deep breath before continuing. "Taking one life for another doesn't bring back the first. It was wrong of me."
"Your anger was not unjustified, Flint." She slides 320gp, 10pp, and 800sp towards him, putting the rest in her pouch.
He reaches a hand out, bypassing the coin, and grabbing her arm. "Anger is one thing. Revenge is another. I regret my actions."
She tenses and looks up at him when he grabs her, her fear slightly masked. "You're matting the fur..."
Flint gently releases her arm. "I'd like..." He trails off, pausing. "Fine, nevermind." He quickly picks up the coin, metal, and hilt, then heads toward the back room.
"I'm sorry. I know it means nothing, but I'm sorry." She takes a deep breath. "You can say whatever you'd like. I tuned out my emotions long ago."
Flint paused in the doorway. "I don't believe that," he said over his shoulder, not moving.
"Nobody does..." She sighs.
Flint cleared his throat, still not moving. "Come back in a few days," he finally said, and quickly moved into the back room.
She walks out silently, heading to a tavern and drowning her sorrows in drink. Long after dark, she leaves to head home, a bit distracted by the army of diseased citizens watching her on her walk. She laughs and flips them off, cursing and speaking in Abyssal when one of them seems to laugh.
"You stupid druggie ****~ I'm in control of me... what about hic you~?"
The zombie smiles. "Soon,"
"Eh, stupid ****..." She continues home, making it with no issue and nearly falling down the stairs, jumping and tripping over the table in the common room as Koll comes out of his room.
"Do you need help, Shanolia?"
"Hey hic Hey, big guy~" She slurs, obviously hammered out of her mind.
"You probably need to lie down next to a bucket." Koll will try to guide Shanolia to her room safely and then find her a bucket.
She clings onto him, feeling his muscles and fighting his attempts to bring her to her room. "I need to lie down hic next to a big hunk like you... ... ...hic"
"This isn't appropriate." Koll attempts to pick her up and take her to her bed, but she easily worms her way from his grasp. "Well, I'm not going to force you, Shanolia, clearly."
"Come wiiith meee~" She hugs him again. "I want to sleep with you~"
Koll stands like a statue, feeling awkward. He doesn't want to encourage her in any way so remains cold and unmoving. "I don't think you really do. We are teammates and it would make things very awkward. And you're drunk. Where were you tonight?"
"I do~" She rests her forehead on his chest. "I need hic you..." Her hands' grips tighten and her voice gets quiet. "I need someone..."
"You seek comfort." Koll will give her a hug. "Come, lie down. I'll stay with you till you fall asleep."
"Okay... but I don't have a bed..." She mumbles. "Can we use yours?"
"Okay." She hugs him tightly, her energy much more reigned in, and allows him to carry her to his bed. After a few minutes of silence, she looks up at him, her blues eyes hazy and unfocused. "Hey... hic Koll? Do you guys hate me?"
"Hate? It is an emotion born of overattachment contaminated by fear and disgust. I do not hate you, and I don't see why any of the others would either." Koll looks Shanolia in the eyes. "But, if you want me to be honest, I have misgivings about you - about your devotion to a dark god, the pain and anger you carry with you. You are not at peace with yourself."
"I've hurt so many people... Too many... I don't deserve peace..."
"How will you make amends? You will only cause more pain if you continue to punish yourself. Suffering begets suffering. I have hurt people, too, and though I atone for my sins daily through pain and prayer, and through good deeds, it is not punishment, for I do not suffer. It is atonement because I give my pain and devotion freely. To help others be free of suffering you must also free yourself. We all have scars. Allow your wounds to heal." He pauses a minute, and she doesn't respond. "Sorry, I'll stop talking now. Just close your eyes..."
"I..." She starts to talk but stops, tears flowing from her eyes as she rests her head on his chest and begins to sob freely, eventually falling asleep in his arms.
Shanolia wakes early the next morning with a massive headache and little memory of the previous night. Slowly, she crawls out of Koll's bed and exits into the common room, crossing and knocking on Singe's door.
Singe opens the door a crack, he's still in his sleep clothes, "Yeah?"
"Singe, may I speak with you a moment?"
"Um, it's something like 6 in the morning." Singe says, wiping his eyes, "But sure," He opens the door. Barry is perched on the back of the chair and moves as Singe pulls it out and motions for Shanolia to sit. He sits on the bed.
She sits, avoiding his gaze. "I know it's early but if I didn't come now the hangover would go away and I'd go back to being a self-righteous arsehole." She takes a deep breath. "I'm sorry."
"Ok?" Singe shifts on the bed.
"I'm sorry for taking your book, for what I said, for how I've acted."
"Oh," Singe squirms, "It's... ok. I also acted impulsively."
She nods slowly, still not looking at him.
"Do you want the book?" Singe asks.
"Oh... umm... really?" She fidgets nervously. "Don't you want to sell it? Or learn from it yourself?"
Singe begins to speak then pauses, it's a long pause, "Later in the week, I would not be opposed to looking at it with you. I don't like the book, those I've shown it to also don't like it. It's a bad book, to say the least."
"I've gathered that it's a bad book. It allows the reader to open a gateway for demons." She finally looks at him, her eyes a beautiful blue. "I know you don't believe it, but that's the truth."
Singe looks nervously around, "What do you know of demons?"
"In general, I know that they're not to be trifled or toyed with. The only demon I've really put time into researching is the Yochlol - Handmaidens of Lolth - for obvious reasons."
"Perrin, Whistler just told me something very interesting: those chests I had been wondering about, the ones Loro and I tried to steal all those years back, well, apparently they are somewhere here in the guildhouse - something to do with the previous owner. They contained alchemical supplies stolen from the Tower of Diplomacy. That raises a whole new set of question about who this place belonged to, and my hunch that they had something to do with thraul just got stronger. Anyway, I was wondering if you had a way to find hidden things?" Koll says
"Yeah, I have a spell that can do that. It works better if I've seen the object before but if you can describe it to me I can still find it or rather, all chests within the area of my spell that match that description." Perrin tells Koll, having just come back from a successful shopping trip.
"They are small, iron chests, about yay big," says Koll holding hands about a foot apart. "That's all I know."
"All right, I'll see what I can do but I can only hold the spell for a maximum of 20 minutes so we don't have too long," Perrin says before casting the spell and helping Koll attempt to find these iron chests.
As you walk through the current storage rooms, you don't see anything fitting the description given.
As you move around the basement, you get a hit. There, deep below and to the north, are the crates Koll described. As you stand in front of this wall, you realize it's where the open hole was discovered, but it seems the work crews have filled it in and fixed it.
"It's in this wall, Koll at least that's what the spell is telling me. But they fixed it so, to get to it you'd have to bust through it. If you do get it fixed." Perrin tells Koll.
Woe hears a commotion outside her room and steps out. She finds Perrin and Koll staring at a wall, rubbing their chins. She cocks her head to the side as she joins the two men who have become good friends during the last month. "What are we looking at?" She asks with a chuckle.
"Koll is looking for the chests that got him thrown in jail. Interestingly enough my magic has traced them to inside the wall. I'm waiting for him to decide whether he wants to blow a hold in the wall or not." Perrin answers.
"I forget, there was a hole here before?" Koll says
"Yes. Now, do you want to punch through and make a new hole? We got paid 2000GP for our mission so we can use it to fix it back up. Or Woe has Mending and she can just mend it back together." Perrin says
"What do you think? Why would they be walled up? Is someone just hiding evidence or do you think there's some danger?" Koll says
"I don't know. Maybe they didn't know it was there." Perrin answers "Hmmm....should we get a Warhammer from upstairs and use that?" Perrin suggests
Koll remains stony-faced as he punches the wall, letting out grunts of pain and anger as he does so.
"I'll take that as a no." Perrin says
After bloodying his knuckles, he stops and starts pulling the bricks away. "Wanna help?"
"Yeah let me get a warhammer." Perrin says going upstairs to grab one and preceding to use it to bust a hole in the wall.
Seeing a dark opening before them, Koll harnesses his ki to better see in the dark. He perceives a path that leads down slightly and to the north. "Shall we? Coming, Woe?"
Woe will follow you in.
"Let's go," Perrin says still wielding the warhammer.
The dark cavern spirals downward as stone steps lead the group of you deeper and deeper beneath the city. You can all hear the sound of rushing water as you near the sewer systems of Baldur's Gate. There, an iron portcullis is seen on an alcove as the stairs themselves continue downward.
Perrin peers into the darkness past the portcullis, but is unable to see anything. The rancid smell assaults his nostrils, though, as this must be an entrance to the sewers beneath the city.
Perrin steps back “That’s definitely the sewer. I hope your chests aren’t down there.” Perrin says. “Also, can anyone make some magical light for me?”
"I can't make light, but I can see." Koll looks beyond the portcullis. He'll also try to see how it opens if it has a lock and find out if it has been recently used.
Koll moves past Perrin and looks down the tunnels beyond the portcullis. The tunnels seem to be a maze network that may lead throughout the city. The tunnels are quite large further down, nearly thirty feet wide. Beyond the point of the Monk's darkvision, he thinks he sees something move in the darkness. It's gone as quick as it was there. Glancing around the immediate area, Koll can see no way of opening the portcullis from the sewer-side. From his side, a crank is precariously positioned on the far end of the twisted stairway, embedded into a wall. It looks to be worse for wear, however, and Koll's unsure if it'll even work.
"Perrin, is your spell still working? Do you know which way we should go? I think we should continue down." Koll says
“It stopped a while ago but I can cast it again. If I do so though that’s the last time today I can use it and it’ll only be on for 10 minutes.” Perrin tells Koll
“I think it might be best to save it. I believe the chests are further down these stairs.” Perrin says as he decides to swing his pack around in search for a torch to help him see as they descend further down.
Woe follows her friends. She is able to see well with her dark vision. She also looks out past the portcullis.
"I think I saw some movement out in the sewers. But for now maybe let's try and follow these stairs. I wonder what we'll find!" Woe says
“Let’s go, if we get to the bottom and still haven’t found the chests I’ll Locate Objects again,” Perrin says having put away the warhammer in favor of a torch in one hand and his other hand free.
The three continue down, making a mental note of the sewer access under the guild hall. The stairs start to even out of the spiral into a straight line into a large room. The room itself looks completely abandoned, but the light from Perrin's torch causes the shadows to swim as strange forms take shape and dissipate. The air is cold here, and gone is the rancid smell of the sewers. A small mist hovers over the floor where rubble is littered nearly everywhere. This room seems to have been completely abandoned, the walls stripped of anything there might have been with rubble piled in various areas.
Koll will search about, along with the walls, on the floor and through piles of rubble.
Perrin begins his prayer again while clutching his holy symbol. (Casting Locate Object Again)
"Guys, I am not sure this is safe. I feel... Hm, a presence of some sort. And it's not good. I feel we should be more prepared. Maybe bring the others!" Woe says
“We’ll run if we have to. And I can summon Frank if I need to.” Perrin says while concentrating on the spell.
Upon Woe saying that, a strange creature leaps atop a pile of rubble, then immediately leaps towards Koll as he searches. A second one appearing a leaping towards Perrin.
Perrin narrowly dodges out of the way, but he feels something sharp attempting to pierce his mind and devour his brain as the creature closes in. Perrin falls to the ground as the creature climbs atop him. His face is contorted and his eyes are empty. The same thing happens to Koll.
When Woe sees Koll fall as well attacked by the second walking brain creature, his empty eyes upon her, she fears the worst. Her heart feels like it is squeezed by an iron grip.
What can I do?How can I resolve this?
She shouts at the creatures: "Leave my friends alone, back up, you don't get to eat their brains!!!"
Inside her something starts to rage, to boil. Something completely unknown to her. A new force, she didn't know she had inside her. She channels the energy and throws it against the creatures. With a flash of bright light the two brains explode and flecks of tissue and blood cover the whole room (/r 4d8+4=22).
Woe sinks to the floor and covers her face for a moment, just to breathe, to calm her shaking hands.
Then she looks at Perrin's empty eyes. "You see, you're not the only one with special powers anymore!"Then she chuckles, slowly starting to drag her friends up the stairs, not leaving either one out of her sight. When she arrives at the living quarters of the Scarlet Dawn, she pulls Perrin in his bed and Koll in his. She places a small, empty chest next to his bed. It is severely damaged, but bears the markings that Koll described (investigation /r 2d20kh1+3=16). Then she contacts Duke Eltan for help. He promises to send a Cleric to check on her friends within the hour.
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Koll asks Madeline for the message that was sent for him. She gives him an envelope and he opens it away from the others. It reads: Koll, A bird man attacked a wolf. He's not yours is he? Loro. It is not the message he was expecting. Interesting, though. What had Whistler been up to?
"Madeline," says Koll, "what was the message sent for Mr. Whistler?"
"I don't know. I didn't read it..." Madaline says, gesturing to the desk in the corner. "It was carried in by a weirdly feathered hawk-bird."
Koll nods as he remembers. "Ha, that was sent by Singe, how long ago? Seems like ages."
Koll goes down to his new room. It is clean and sufficiently spartan for his tastes. The monkey is there. "Hello, Koll Jr. Did you miss us? Sorry to have left you behind. Maybe you can come on our next adventure. Why don't we go out now. I have a friend to visit."
The monkey jumps onto his shoulder and Koll walks out into the city and heads toward the Shrine where he had served Brother Hodges. The Shrine of Suffering seems to have changed a lot in the week that the group has been gone. The majority of the people there seem to have the 'disease' that's been spreading throughout the area. Any homeless and needy that once came seem to have been driven away by the crowds of these diseased Baldurians. Brother Hodges is currently tending to a small group of them, a tent erected to prevent the sun from causing too much discomfort.
"Brother Hodges!" Koll calls out. "It is good to see you again. I can tell you that Eddard's cloak has been a great comfort and aid to me while I was gone. Things have gotten much worse, haven't they? Do you have any new insights into this disease? How can I help?"
"Right now all we can do is make them comfortable," Brother Hodges responds. He turns to Koll and smiles in spite of the circumstances around him. "I am glad to see you are well. I've had many people visit, asking if you were coming back. You've gathered quite the following." He dips his cloth back into some water and turns his attention back to one of the odd catatonic people. "They respond to base instincts, but that's all. They'll eat and drink and barely move unless prodded along. The guards have been bringing them all here when they're found in town."
Koll Jr. hops over to one of the people and starts poking him. He lets out a small, "Oooh," noise and pokes him a few more times.
"I don't think it's an actual disease," Koll says. "Have you seen anyone catch it? They're in this state because of a drug, I think. I have experienced it, but I need to learn more. The drug transports one's mind to a shared dream realm where some are enslaved. I think it's possible that the only way to save them is to go into that realm and free them."
Brother Hodges looks back up from his work, perplexed at how Koll could come to such a conclusion. "A drug?" He asks. "But... some of them are children."
"Perhaps, I am jumping to conclusions. It is odd. Children wouldn't be taking drugs. There are many unanswered questions. My friends and I are going to try to get to the bottom of this, nevertheless. How are your children? I hope Sissa has been doing her exercises."
"Every day," Hodges responds, shaking his head. "You really got in her head, you know. But it's good. She needed focus."
Koll Jr bounces up and around Koll, sitting on his shoulder for a better look at the scene. "The guards are just dropping these victims off here?" Koll asks. "Are they providing any monetary support for your services?"
Brother Hodges chuckles. "Of course not, and nor would I ask for it. Sometimes a family member comes looking for their lost one, and often times more than not they find them here. It's... a happy ending in a way. They get to spend their last days with those they care for."
"But this is a wider problem for all of Baldur's Gate. Your humility and charity is admirable, but this burden is not yours alone." Koll helps one of the catatonics drink some water. "Listen, I have a little money that can buy food or blankets or pillows. Let me know what you need."
Brother Hodges sighs. He knows he won't be able to sustain the current care he's been giving them. "Water is not a problem," he says, "but food is expensive when feeding a village. Many of them are already suffering from malnutrition because I don't have enough hands to hand-feed them all. What I need more than anything is for this to go away. But until that happens, I need more people to care."
"I will have more food sent you tomorrow. And while I am here, I will serve you as best I can. Perhaps those that took inspiration from me before will follow my lead once again." Koll then digs into his pack and pulls out the gem he had stolen aboard the abandoned ship, the one he had been feeling guilty about. "I wanted to give this to you, in particular. It is found treasure, but I took it for myself rather than sharing with my adventuring companions. It was a moment of weakness and it would please me to see it put to use in Ilmater's name."
Brother Hodges accepts the gemstone and thanks Koll for his charitable contribution.
Then he sets about helping Brother Hodges to feed and comfort the diseased, knowing he will likely be late or miss dinner with the Scarlet Dawn. He gets Koll Jr to help out as best a monkey can by running back and forth fetching things for them.Through the course of helping care for the diseased folk, Koll notices a strange difference between many of the children and all of the adults. The children always seem to have some sort of dried blood coming from their ears and nose. Even after cleaning it, a small bit trickles out the next hour. Koll ponders this discovery until he realizes that the hour is getting late. He needs to attend to the business of delivering Loro his drug money. He has many questions for his brother.
Singe empties out tome after tome into his room. The subjects vary between the meaningless ramblings of local researchers to the long history of ancient civilizations. Three of the tomes have hand-written notes stuffed into them, likely from the half-dragon harbormaster in Chult.
One such tome is written in a language Singe is not familiar with, even the text of the title eludes you - Note: This tome should not exist. I suggest you burn it upon its arrival.
The second tome with a note stuffed into it seems to be an ancient book of memorization and logic exercises. It's unimaginable how powerful the person must have been to create this tome, as merely reading a few passages has Singe's mind clear as a bell. Note: This is an amazing find. I still have a few centuries of my life left, so I will purchase it from you when you are done. As I must wait a century to use it, I will offer you 10,000 gold coins in the form of gems and jewels.
The third tome seems to be the personal notes of a wizard in a script that is encrypted. Note: I was able to decipher a few words, which leads me to believe that this book contains the secrets to that room and the wizard that lived within. Be careful if you read it, as every wizard has contingencies against their knowledge being taken and used.
Singe stops when he discovers the tomes and puts all but the first away.
"Excuse me, Perrin?" Singe asks, walking into the bustling kitchen, "Could you take a look at this?" He extends a book out towards Perrin, keeping an arm's length away from it.
“Uhhh....sure. But you know I’m not that smart but, what’s the problem.” Perrin says taking the book.
Lera pouts in the corner, having wanted to talk to Perrin privately.
Madaline glares at Singe's arrival and mumbles, "Food ain't done yet."
"Yes, I know, I don't want you to read it. I just want you to tell me if it's bad." Singe says, looking a little ashamed.
“What do you mean by bad?” Perrin asks confused as he stares at the book.
“More likely evil, and less likely poorly written.” Lera says snidely.
"This was in the wizard's demiplane," Singe explains, "Zindar told me to burn it."
“Oh. Okay.” Perrin says taking a big whiff of the book using his divine sense to attempt to detect if the book is holding any undead, fiends, or celestials in it.
“It just smells like ash to me. Which might just be the book itself? Normally when I open up my divine powers something of evil descent smells like a burnt pie while something of good descendant smells like a fresh cherry pie out of the over. I can’t tell what this means by ash because it could just be ash itself. I have a spell that could tell if the object is desecrated but I won’t be able to do it until tomorrow. Until then maybe just leave the book alone. Or if there is a temple nearby take it there. I’m sure a trained priest could tell.” Perrin offers as advice to Singe’s problem.
"Hmmm," Singe frowns, "I can ask a friend tomorrow. Thank you though." He turns and leaves.
Perrin shakes his head “I pray that’s not an evil book. We already have so much to deal with. But, let’s continue. I want this to be the best dinner possible.” Perrin says with a smile before he goes back to cooking.
Singe finishes unloading the tomes, nothing else of immediate interest is noticed.
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
As the others began bustling about the newly renovated guild hall, Zamar excused himself. "This has been a long road. I think I will retire to my room and rest up before dinner. It sounds like we are going to try to sit down to a real meal together?"
Once in his room, Zamar unpacked and doffed his armor. He lit a candle and rested quietly on his bed, letting himself become accustomed to the dimness. He sat, scanning the shadows. "I know you are not Kara. And I know you've been appearing to Polly as well. Why are you truly here? What is it you need?"
The room remained silent and still, nothing moving around Zamar. Minutes pass in silence, nothing happening. Just as he started to think nothing was there, a slight breeze brushed the hairs on his neck.
Zamar closed his eyes and let the sensation wash over him,trying to reach out with his senses. "Talk to me." he whispered. He felt something moving around him. "I can be," the something whispered into his right ear. "...whatever you wish," he heard in his left ear.
"It's not about what I wish. What do you wish? Why are you here?"
Zamar felt what seemed to be a hand run through his hair, but there was no reply.
Zamar Zahuv - Level 4 Aasimar Bard in Whispers of Dissent
Golos - Level 1 Halfling Barbarian in Night's Dark Terror
Jerrok Flametongue - Level 6 Human Barbarian in Zendikar - Whispers of the Aeons
R'thr Ka'ri - Level 5 Paladin in The Adventures of Bubbles (every other Wednesday)
Johnathan Moonspeaker - Level 6 Druid in Web of Lies (every other Friday)
DM of Something Wicked This Way Comes - D&D Modernverse (every other Tuesday)
Perrin, after exploring around the renovated guild hall goes to his bedroom to change into more comfortable clothes for cooking before heading into the kitchen. Obviously, Madaline was there to show Perrin how much she has improved and assist him in making dinner. Lera also shows up but she is there more because she wants to have a conversation with Perrin.
Perrin and Madaline make some Shepard's Pie, some spiced beef and roasted carrots and boiled potatoes, cheddar soup, and some cherry pie for dessert. There is also, of course, some ale, wine, bread rolls, and some non-alcoholic beverages for Polly and those who don't like ale or wine. //Cooking Check: 15//
Singe at one point comes in and asks for Perrin's advice before leaving. With the majority of the cooking set and Singe now gone Lera finally speaks up.
“More evil objects?” Lera looks at Perrin. “Why can’t things be inanimate?”
“Because then life would be boring and easy,” Perrin responds followed with a chuckle.
“I feel like we’ve earned boring and easy,” Lera laughed a little. “I’m sorry I got mad at you.”
“Don’t be. I used magic to manipulate your emotions. That’s a line that I shouldn’t have crossed.” Perrin says, changing to a more serious tone. “You know. Sword Frank has never really liked you. Even more so since you got the cog imprinted on you. Do you have any idea of what that cog does?”
“I think it makes me... more volatile,” Lera bit her lip. “And it made killing people less... icky.”
“No wonder Sword-Frank doesn’t like it,” Perrin responds. He then thinks for a moment before asking “So, do you know what you’re going to do? Like, are you going to have someone try and identify it?”
“Grasalfan is going to work on it,” Lera replied. “But I don’t like Sword-Frank either, and that’s not the cog talking. I saw him in the astral plane, and it looked like you were possessed by a snake with wings. And snakes are normally evil.”
“Sword-Franks not evil.” Perrin immediately responds. “He’s just....passionate. This is how I know he’s not evil.” Perrin continues “When I open up my divine senses I get the smell of the most delicious cherry pie coming from myself. That wasn’t there until Sword-Frank and myself bonded. That means he’s a celestial. Celestials aren’t evil.” He finishes with an affirmative nod.
“I’m part celestial,” Lera countered. “And I don’t feel very good right now.”
“That’s because you got that cog messing with you. You saw what it did to the modrons. I can’t imagine how it’s affecting you. I’m sure once Grasalfan figures it out and gets it removed you’ll be feeling better.” Perrin says with a reassuring smile.
“I killed a person long before the cog got in my head,” Lera frowned. “Like you and your sword, I don’t think these objects can introduce anything new. I think they just... amplify what’s already there.”
Perrin’s smile fades. He’s obviously never thought of the sword like that. Is it really amplifying his desires? “Lera. Killing someone doesn’t make you a bad person. What determines if you’re a bad person is how you feel about killing that person afterward. If you don’t regret it. If you don’t wonder if there was a better way then that makes you a bad person. These items may be amplifying something about us but that doesn’t mean they have to control us. The cog may amplify your anger and your wild tendencies. That doesn’t mean you have to let it control you. Remember, it’s still your body and your mind. You can make the cog work for you. And if it’s feeding off of something you don’t like about yourself. Well, then let’s change that. Everyone is like a desert Lera. We have all kinds of different ingredients that go into what makes us us. And sometimes we may not like what is added to make us. So, we simply remove it and replace it with something we do like.”
“I think I was stupid to ever think that a person like you would ever want to be friends with me,” Lera rose to her feet. “I already have a dad on this adventure, I don’t need another one.”
“Lera, wait. Don’t leave. I’m not trying to be your dad. I’m trying to be your friend but I don’t know what you want me to say.” Perrin says to her as she rises to her feet. “I’ve never dealt with anything like this before. I was a simple farm boy before I attempted a revolt against Embree. I just....I thought you were looking for someone to talk to about what’s happening to you and to give you advice. And you came to me because I have something similar. And I thought we were friends. I though we were the best of friends on this crazy journey.”
“I don’t want to change my whole personality, Perrin,” Lera sniffled a little bit. “I want to be a good person, but I still want to be me. I don’t want to be your project or someone you’re trying to fix. I just wanted a friend. I guess I was hoping you were scared too, but you seem very happy with your sentient sword.”
“I’m sorry.” Perrin paces a little bit not really knowing what to say next. “If you don’t want to change then don’t change, for anyone. Not even me. And....I’m not going to lie I am happy with my sword. He helps me to defend those I wish to protect. I honestly don’t think I could have held off that Modron without him. But, I also chose him. I had the choice to use him or not. But, I made the decision to accept him and I’m content with that choice. You didn’t have that option, did you?”
“That sword wants to kill me, why would you choose it?” Lera asked.
“Because I don’t think I’ll be able to accomplish what I want to without it. If I want to make the world a better place, if I want to make it so I don’t have to worry about some Lord or dragon or demon terrorizing those I care about, I think I need the sword to do it. And...I am worried about its desires to kill you. But, I know I’m powerful enough to prevent it from doing that. And if I’m not holding the sword then someone else is and what if they’re not powerful enough to prevent that.” Perrin explains.
“This feels like a shortcut to me, like you’re cheating,” Lera replied. “I think you’re powerful enough to do those things without a dumb sword. Or at least, I thought you’d believe in yourself enough to work hard to get there."
“I thought I was too. And then you saw what that Modron did. It took out your dad in one shot. And then the dragon. If we hadn’t gotten lucky with the iron bands I think it would have taken us all out. I’ve realized that there are much more powerful enemies out there and I need every advantage I can get against them. And just because I have him doesn’t mean I’m not working hard to get even stronger. I pray and train every day. Cade is proof of my work. I couldn’t make a magical animal before but now I can.” Perrin replies rather defensively at Lera accusations of him cheating.
“Whatever,” Lera rolled her eyes.
Perrin let’s out a big sigh as he grabs onto the counters. He just stares down at it for a minute before he speaks back up. “I don’t want to fight Lera. And I don’t want to lose our friendship.”
"Friends don't always got to be friendly," Madaline speaks up as she continues beating the potatoes. "Sometimes they just gotta be there to smooth out and mush ya. This good, Perrin?" She shows him the mashed potatoes.
Perrin looks over at her at the dish. “Yeah. That’s good.” He says while giving her a grateful smile for attempting to help and not asking any questions in this probably very confusing argument for her.
Lera storms out.
Perrin doesn't know what to do. He honestly has no idea what else he could say. Perrin looks to Madaline for some sort of guidance.
Madaline looks from Perrin to the door where Lera just stormed out of. "What?" she asked, shrugging. "Go apologize? I don't know what you want from me. I'm just trying not to burn something."
"Okay. You do that. I'll do that. Man, when did everything hit the fan like this." Perrin says as he runs out after looking for Lera.
As the day continues, everyone goes off to do their own things, finally coming together again for dinner. Delicious smells waft from the kitchen as the various members of the Scarlet Dawn begin to gather at the table. It's quickly apparent not all members are present. Dinner rolls are already on the table, in a little basket and covered with a cloth, keeping them warm and soft. Containers of ale and wine are also available, along with a smaller container holding a bit of juice, presumably for Polly. The six year old bounces in her chair, shoving bread into her mouth, clearly happy to be home. Finally, Madaline exits the kitchen pushing a cart with a covered cauldron on it. "Dinner!" she yells then proceeds to serve cheddar soup to every place setting, even if there's nobody in the seat.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
As Madaline is serving dinner Perrin gives her a smile. He then pours himself a glass of ale and says to the others. “I’m glad you all decided to come to dinner.” As Perrin says this he makes sure to look at Lera. Unsure if she would show up after their argument. “I was hoping everyone would be here as a sort of pseudo-celebration of our first mostly successful mission. And to hopefully finally discuss everything that happened.”
Singe raises his glass, "To our first successful adventure!"
Perrin will toast to that, he downs his glass of ale in one long drink.
"I assume you have some questions about what happened in Neshkel?" Singe prompts Perrin.
“Yes. Though I guess it’s less of what happened in Neshkel and more of what before all of this that lead to your arrest?” Perrin says as he refills his glass with more ale.
"I believe we have previously spoken about the baron." Singe says, looking at the walls, "My partner was killed by the baron when he spoke about the undead in the land. He officially died due to disease."
"Then what was that whole thing about you and murder?" Perrin asks
Singe frowns, “I suppose he decided that the best way to keep the story from escaping was to kill me and killing me legally is far easier than having hordes of zombies chase after me.”
"So, he weaved a story of you killing your partner. Then, how did you get out of that jail cell?" Perrin asks while he eats and drinks.
"Lord Embree and Lady Kris decreed I was to be set free." Singe says, still dumbfounded by the events of the day.
"But why? That doesn't sound like Embree. Especially since he tends to keep a good relationship with Tethyr. Though, he's never had their guards at the borders before." Perrin says aloud
Singe shakes his head, "I have no idea, and that's what scares me."
"Do you think Duke Eltan had something to do with it? Though there was something weird going on between Kris and Embree. She smelled normal but, they were obviously intimate with each other the night before." Perrin asks Singe
"I don't trust Eltan." Singe says, "But I do think he got us out of that scrape."
Perrin sighs. "I imagine he's not going to do this for nothing. Especially if he got you out of something as drastic as murder. I wonder what he'll want as payment."
"The Thraul is the true culprit here," Zamar interjects. "I believe it is making many people act out of character. I believe Woe's assessment of Eltan, but his actions do not match the man she describes."
"I can start researching the thraul in a few days, I've got some reading to do and a book that might tell us more about Dapple's captors." Singe offers, "There's a lot of things to learn about, I'm excited but a little overwhelmed."
"Research is not my strong suit, but I have a few contacts within the city. I can talk to them and see if they have heard anything." Zamar says
"Man. This drug is really becoming a problem. I plan on finding Frank. Maybe, he can tell me what the Flaming Fist is doing about it." Perrin offers.
“I think the Thraul is made of monster brains,” Lera piped up. “Also, I could see it in the astral plane. It was like a poof of psionic energy.”
Singe nods, "Quite possible. Psionic energy you said?"
“Definitely,” Lera nodded. “I know my energies.”
"That definitely narrows my research," Singe muses, "I apologize if I'm not around this week, I'm going to busy."
"I think we're all going to be busy this week. There is a variety of things I want to do this week and I'm sure everyone else has plans as well." Perrin says aloud while he continues to eat and drink.
"When will E be back?" Polly asked, her mouth full of bread. She dunked her bread into the soup. "Where did Mr. Whistler go?" Shoving the bread in her mouth, she looked around the table at everyone present. "Where are the others?"
"I don't know when he'll be back. Or where the others are. Hopefully they'll all be back soon." Perrin answers Polly.
Polly frowns and sits back in her seat. She looked at Lera, a smile crossing her face, but before she could say anything, Madaline reentered the room with the cart. She began clearing the soup bowls, then started placing the main course. Shepherds Pie, spiced beef with roasted carrots, and boiled potatoes. "Enjoy," she says in monotone, before leaving for the kitchen again.
"Oh, Shanolia, before I forget, tomorrow I'm going to be visiting a tailor so I can take that fur and get what you wanted made." Singe says after everyone except Shanolia has begun digging into their shepherds pie.
She nods at him. "Thank you. I really only want a new glove, so if you want something made for yourself as well, feel free."
Perrin sighs at Shanolias not eating. “You know we all know what’s under that. You don’t have to hide it. But, if you insist can’t you at least loosen it up enough so you can eat underneath the mask.” He says directed at the elf.
"Eat!" Polly interjected. As the Scarlet Dawn were eating this wonderful dinner, there was a loud knocking at the door. From the kitchen Madaline yelled, "Someone get that, eh?"
“I got it.” Perrin says as he excuses himself to the door.
As Perrin opens the door, he sees a young boy. Without a word, the boy shoves a letter into Perrin's hand, and runs off.
"Who was that?" Singe asks.
“A messenger boy.” Perrin says as he walks back to the dinner table opening and reading the letter as he goes.
The letter appears to be from Woe. In it, she explains that she's on a quick errand for Duke Eltan and will regretfully miss dinner tonight. She does go on to say she will rejoin the group the next morning.
“It’s from Woe. Shes not coming to dinner tonight because she’s doing something for Duke Eltan. But she’ll be back tomorrow morning.” Perrin tells the group.
"Interesting." Zamar says. "I wonder if we will be privy to this errand."
“Who knows?” Perrin says before taking another long drink of his ale.
Dapple takes a place at the table with the rest of the group. As the soup is served, he sniffs at the new food, and a smile crosses his features as he takes a taste. "This is delicious Perrin? What kind of cheese is it made from? I've never tasted anything like it!" he exclaims. He continues to eat as the others talk, and when Singe mentions researching the books and Dapple's captors, he reacts with s growl low in hus throat. "I... think I have more about them to share now. Its been difficult to process, and come to grips with." He looks down at the table, as if afriad to meet anyone's eyes.
"Go on Dapple. Why don't you share what you know? And what happened with the berries? You kind of went into a funk after gathering them. Also, it's Cheddar Cheese. But if you liked that you'll love desert." Perrin says with a smile.
The tabaxi looks up briefly, then back down at the table as he begins to tell his tale. "When I went into that crevasse looking for the berries, I emerged into a lush oasis in the middle of that cold and snow. Trees, bushes - one loaded with those berries - it was warm, and green, and... amazing." He pauses as he pictures it once again in his mind's eye. "There were these specks of light floating and darting around, and I, uh, started chasing them for some reason, until they led me to a specific tree, and the most beautiful woman came out of it. She was all white, like the tree, with branches growing out of her in places, but not in an unnatural way, if you follow me. I've heard of dreads before and I think that's what she was."
Perrin just continues to eat and drink as he's waiting for Dapple to finish his story.
"I told her why I was there, after the berries for the villagers and children, and she wanted to make a deal. She'd give me as many as I wanted, but i had to stay with her one day for each berry since they were magic and would feed a person for a day." Dapple closes his eyes and a strange look comes over his face. "The thought of staying there, trapped again, was... terrifying, but we needed the food too. I wasn't sure what to do and was filled with so many emotions. It was overwhelming." He stops again, drawing a deep breath before continuing. "Seeing, or sensing my distress, she did something with the lights. They were almost hypnotic, and these memories of things that happened, things I did while I was trapped and enslaved, came flooding back."
"I could see myself being freed from that chamber periodically. Being sent places that I didn't... still don't recognize and forced to do things." Dapple's voice drops to a whisper, and he glances sideways at Polly before continuing. "Bad things. Stealing , or... worse," is all he says finally. "Over the years, or centuries really, it was different wizards. They had an amulet that controlled me. Still does, I suppose. I got a strange feeling as I saw it, that it contains part of my soul. That's how it works." He falls silent, waiting to see how everyone reacts to this admission.
Polly blinks at the story. "But, it was just a dream, right? You aren't a bad person! I know you aren't!"
“No. He’s not a bad person Polly. The wizards that captured and use him are.” Perrin says
Singe is silent, looking into his shepherd's pie, thinking. "Was there any distinctive markings about the wizards?"
“Did you get a good look at the amulet? Do you think you could describe it?” Perrin adds
Dapple looks up, thinking about the questions. "I... think the wizards were all similar in a way. I remember they all had black hair, but no other similarities that I can recall. Does that make sense? The amulet was silver, I think? No, wait. It was on a silver chain, but it was a stone - like a pearl, but swirling red inside, like blood in water." He sits back, ignoring the food. "There's something else. Even more troublesome. I... I think I'm not the only one they captured and controlled this way. When I took more time to think about what I saw, there were others. Sometimes we were forced to work together for our... missions. Other tabaxi like me, and not just anyone. It was other members of my clan!" He pauses again. Looking down, Dapple realizes his claws are out and digging into the table. He quickly relaxes his grip and jerks his hands away from the table with a guilty look in the direction of the kitchens and presumedly, Madaline. "They aren't all dead. I'm not the last one. I need to find them, rescue them. Somehow." Poking at the plate of Shepards pie in front of him, Dapple lets this all sink in. "There is one last thing. She told me - the dryad - that they were getting close to us back in the mountains. Like they could track me somehow. She said I was putting all of you in danger. That they would make me kill you. It's not safe for me to be here. I'm putting all of you at risk."
Singe nods, "The dryad is probably correct. If an amulet was infused with part of someone's soul, the owner of the amulet could probably scry in on us as we speak. But it is also a blessing as it will be an opportunity to learn about these wizards. I may be able to afford you more protection given time, it will be the first thing I do tomorrow or the day after."
"I unfortunately don't know a lot about scrying but, I do have a spell that lets me locate an object. If your scared that they are nearby I can attempt to look for the amulet and will know if its within 1000 feet of me." Perrin offers to Dapple.
"I doubt a wizard would be foolish enough to come here and forcefully take back Dapple," Singe muses, "But weirder things have happened. If this feels pressing, I can see about getting you protection at the Tower of Diplomacy; it's one of the most protected buildings in this city."
"What if they can just take control of me without actually taking me? I could turn on you all before we knew they were outside. If you can help, Singe, I'll take it. I don't want to hurt anyone else." Dapple says
"If they could do that then why didn't they as soon as they knew you were gone?" Perrin questions before continuing as if he already knows they answer "We'll all do our best to protect you. We're not going to let anyone take you or hurt anyone of us."
Singe looks at Dapple, "If they do try to take control, I have a spell to stop you. But I'll see what I can scrape up in terms of protection tomorrow."
"If we can buy more time to find my clan mates, I'll do whatever it takes. Tell me how I can help," responds Dapple.
Perrin comments back in after taking a drink, "I think I have the same spell. Hold Person. I can also have Cade be with you. If something happens he can alert us. I think after finding out more about these wizards and how to protect you from them then we can find some clue about where your clan is."
The room goes quiet after that but, only for a moment as they are soon interrupted by Madaline coming out of the kitchen with desert in hand. Several freshly backed Cherry Pies. Perrin is so excited to see everyone dig into his creation. However, the front door bursts open and Koll walks on in.
"Sorry I'm late," says Koll, arriving after the others are almost done eating. "Well, not very sorry. I was out helping the catatonic and malnourished masses growing in number down at the Shrine of Suffering. Whatever is going on in this city with the disease and Thraul is just terrible and you'll forgive me if I don't have much of an appetite." He picks up a roll. "Thank you, Perrin, for your efforts, I don't mean to be ungrateful. But we need to get to the bottom of this. I'm off to the Happy Hangman to deliver Loro his money. And hopefully we can get some answers from him. Who's coming?"
Shanolia stands up, having not eaten anything while the others ate. "I'm coming."
Upon seeing Koll enter and ask his question Perrin responds “That’s your brothers place, right? I’ll come with you. I’m sure he’ll ask where his cherry pie is.” Perrin says with a smile. “Luckily I made some fresh today. Grab one for him and give me just a couple minutes to change into my armor.” Perrin tell Koll before he leaves the table and heads downstairs to change into his armor. He also instructs Cade while he’s down there to keep an eye on Dapple and to alert us if someone attempts to attack him or if he starts acting weird.
When Perrin is ready to leave, Koll says, "I'm glad you're coming. You and your pies definitely have a way of smoothing things over. And Shanolia, I know you said you wanted to apologize. That's fine, but I'm not particularly interested in playing nice with Loro. We've done his dirty work and we're even. We need answers about Thraul, and we need to put a stop to what it's doing to this city."
“I agree. Whatever this drug is it’s messing with people and not just here but all over. And thanks for the compliment Koll. It been a rough day. I needed that boost.” Perrin tells Koll as they’re waking.
"Rough how? I thought you were glad to be back."
“I am. I truly am" says Perrin. "It’s just that Nashkel was stressful and then once I was back in the hall me and Lera ended up having a big fight in the kitchen over Sword-Frank.”
"It seems that things in Nashkel could have gone much worse. I imagine seeing Embree again was hard for you, but it looks like he's already been defeated by Duke Eltan and the Thraul. As for Lera, I'm sure your friendship will survive a little strife, if you're willing to put up with it - I can't imagine her having any sort of non-volatile relationship."
"Yeah. I just don’t like to fight my friends. It hurts. I just hope she can see that I’m not going to let him take over me. That I’m using him and his great powers to do good and that I won’t ever allow him to hurt someone who doesn’t deserve it.”
Travel to the Happy Hangman goes by uneventful. The city is still its bustling self, but there seems a weariness in the air as though they're afraid to enter an alley and run in to those that are diseased. It also seems to be the majority of the talk on the streets. Criers call out about a looming plague, their copies of the Baldur's Mouth full of tips and actions to take in the case of encountering those that are plagued. As Koll, Perrin and Shanolia get closer to the Happy Hangman, a tower wolf steps out of an alleyway up ahead. He eyes the three of them suspiciously, but doesn't challenge them as they pass by. The guard at the door is a member that Koll is not familiar with. A tiefling, his horns curl up around his pointed ears. His purple tail is wrapped around a bottle of booze. "Hangman's closed," he growls as the three of you approach. "Find booze elsewhere."
"Smell like I sound I'm lost in a crowd/and I'm hungry like the wolf," Koll recites. "Looking for Loro. I'm his brother."
The tiefling smirks and says, "You the one that laid a beating on Vivicus, eh?" He gives Koll a sharp-toothed grin and eyes Shanolia up and down as if assessing her assets. "Loro been pissed about that, brother."
"That's bad information," Koll says. "But hopefully we can clear the air."
“I’m sure he’s just mad because he hasn’t my cherry pie in a while,” Perrin says with a smile.
"Stay here," the tiefling responds. "I'll see if'n he's available." With that, the tiefling gives a sharp knock on the door. Latches are pulled along with a heavy metal bar and he's let inside. The interior of the Hangman is abnormally dark, as though it were impossible to see past the darkness and inside without passing through the doorway. The tower wolf behind the three companions leans against a wall, watching as they wait.
Koll returns his stare. Perrin does the same with a smile. Shanolia watches him closely.
It's about ten minutes before the door opens again. Loro, Vivicus, and three other tower wolves come out. Loro and Vivicus stand just outside the doorway as the other three walk around and join the one at the wall. Loro looks worse for wear, as though stress has taken a beating on him the past week. Aside from that, he's decked out in impressive leathers and has a jet-black rapier that Koll has never seen before. Vivicus looks like he's seen better days. His arm lies in a sling and it's tough for him to move his neck, as his upper body is completely upright and stiff.
"Brother," Loro says nonchalantly. "You brought a rat with you..."
Koll looks to Shanolia to let her speak for herself.
Shanolia turns her attention to Loro after fishing through her back for the gems she acquired on Lantan. "What I've done was foolish and no doubt cost you more gold than I could ever hope to repay, this I know. I only hope you can look past my rash decision and accept my meager peace offering, in the hopes that we may get along better in the future." She holds out the small bag of gems towards Loro.
"I brought a cherry pie," Perrin says holding it out for Loro. "I know how much you like them.”
Koll drops his bag with two thousand gold in it on the ground at his own feet and it lands with a jangling thump. "This is your money. We're square. I don't know what happened to you, Vivicus, but it ain't got nothing to do with us. You say a birdman did it? Viscardi has a personal assistant who's Kenku. Was it him? When did it happen? We saw him in Lantan. He came looking for Viscardi's stowaway sister who was with us, but we were gone before he could catch up and he still hasn't returned."
Loro looks at the bags of gold and shrugs. “Those are meager amounts now. We’ve expanded. How about you accept that as payment for your first job. And yes... I know about Whistler, and it was him on the very day you left on the ship. I’ll give you one guess what he was asking about.” His face takes an angry look and he steps down the small stairs towards Koll. “One guess... a member of your guild asking about something like that.” He puts a finger up to Koll’s face. “What do you think he asked about?” This close, Koll can see that Loro’s eyes are bloodshot and his face is pale and drawn.
"Was he asking about the iron chests that our father died protecting from us? From me? That was my first 'job' brother. One I spent five years in a dungeon for, so yeah, I asked him to look into it. Maybe if you weren't such an arrogant prick all the time things wouldn't have gone down like they did. I'm just sorry Vivicus had to pay the price of your pride. I've asked you about those chests and you tell me you don't know. But I think you do. Maybe they got something to do with Thraul? You been messing with that stuff, Loro? Think it's gonna make you powerful? It'll only consume you in the end. It'll consume everyone, and that's bad business."
Perrin, not liking the direction this is taking, prepares to put his shield up in case things go south. Shanolia tosses the gems back into her pack and watches the wolves behind them closely.
Loro puts his hand down and nods. "That's right. Blame me for father's death rather than taking responsibility for your own actions. Let it out, Koll," he says, gesturing to his face. "You want to punch me? Hrm? Take that pent up rage out on your brother and maybe kill another of your family members?" He stares at Koll, arms wide to let him have the first hit. "Come on, brother."
Shanolia puts her arm out in front of Koll. "Don't. He's not worth it." Perrin just stands there, waiting to see Koll's choice.
Koll laughs loudly. "Blame you? Nice try, Loro. Oh, I don't blame you, I know what I did. I had a lot of time to think about it. And I know that I have now helped spread that noxious drug around the Sword Coast. I take responsibility for my actions. Do you? You blame me for Vivicus getting roughed up, meanwhile the city is in shambles cuz of that drug you peddle. Do you care? I do. Where does it come from Loro?"
"You're an idiot, brother," Loro says, taking a step back. "A coward that chases ghosts and thinks he knows what's best. Our father was pathetic and weak, dying to prevent us from becoming better than he was. You're just like him..." Loro shakes his head, "A waste of space."
Koll sees that Loro is not himself. He is dispassionate, his rage is just an act. There is something else going on. He ignores Loro's attempts to insult him and the memory of their father. "Where does the drug come from? You must know that it's bad. How long's the money gonna keep flowing if your clients keep getting erased? Wait, are you even you any more? Or are you under someone else's control?" Koll looks to the other tower wolves. "Who is this?"
Loro laughs, a loud billowing laughter as he steps back further. The tower wolves begin laughing as well, as if there were some sort of joke that the three members of the Scarlet Dawn weren't privy to. One of the 'diseased' walk outside from the doorway of the Happy Hangman, followed by another, and another, and another. One after another they shamble out and towards Koll and his entourage. Glancing around, even more begin to shamble out from the alleyways. "As my last bit of love for you, brother. I will let you run for you life!" His laughter picks up again as he says this.
"Sorry for doing this to your brother Koll." Perrin says before casting Calm Emotions on Loro and the other members of the Tower Wolves.
As Perrin grabs his holy symbol and begins chanting, the tower wolves leap into action. Groans escape the mouths of the diseased citizens, as though attempting to yell for help. Loro's rapier is out upon the first utterance of a spell. In two quick strides, the dark blade is thrusted towards Perrin's throat.
The point of Loro's rapier slides across Perrin's throat protection, narrowly avoiding a killing blow on the halfling. The other tower wolves raise their crossbows and watch, waiting for Loro to give the sign to fire. (Held action to attack on any sign of aggression)
The shambling Baldurians stumble towards the group, now side-by-side with Loro. The ones from the alleyways begin to trickle out and towards the three members of the Scarlet Dawn.
As Perrin lets out his final gesture, Loro freezes in place, eyes glaring as he fights the spell. The Tower Wolves release their bolts, aimed at the armored halfling. Two bolts pierce Perrin's back while another pierces his armor's chest. Perrin feels a sharp pain in his chest as though his heart were punctured. Blood begins spewing forth from the bolt's entry-wound as Perrin falls backward.
"Do you really wish to die here and now, BROTHER!?" Loro screams as the spell releases him. It's the first true emotion Koll has seen Loro display this whole time.
"Damnit, Perrin," Koll says, kneeling down by the fallen halfling, seeing if he's alive and if he can staunch his bleeding. He looks up at Loro. "What in the Nine Hells have you become?"
"I... own... this... city!" Loro yells, arms rising up. The tower wolves howl and the 'diseased' Baldurians yell into the air. All around the city, the yells of the diseased rise up in unison.
The most major of wounds in Perrin's chest heals. Blood no longer flows freely from the wound. He hears Koll whispering for him to stay down.
As the Scarlet Dawn retreat past the shambling diseased, they reach out at them and moan. The sounds of Loro's laughter fills their ears as they flee, and Koll is left without the answers he wanted. Something is wrong with his brother, sure... but he's never seen his brother wield so much power before. Perrin's pie lies smashed upon the cobblestone, trampled by the numerous diseased Baldurians.
Every alley they pass, they feel as though another diseased is watching them. As Koll, Perrin, and Shanolia make it back to the Scarlet Dawn guildhouse, they see one of the diseased standing, head flopped to the side, outside the hall. It acts as though it doesn't even acknowledge them, eyes not even wondering to their direction.
Shanolia goes to her room with the events of the evening swirling in her mind. As she lays in her spiderweb hammock, staring into the darkness, a sound catches her attention. Unsure of what she heard, the Elf sits upright, listening closer. There it is - a whispering - but it doesn't seem to be coming from her room. She cocks her head to the side as she climbs from the hammock, moving closer to the door and straining to hear what's being said - to no avail. She can, however, make out that the whispering is coming from another of the group’s bedrooms.
The Elf sighs, throwing on her Cloak of Elvenkind and sneaking out into the common area to determine who’s room it’s coming from. After a moment she's able to determine two things; the whispering is in Abyssal - though she still can't understand what’s being said - and the whispering is coming from Singe's room. Curious, she presses her ear to the door, wondering what demon Singe could possibly be communing with, but is surprised to hear the unmistakable sounds of heavy breathing denoting that Singe is asleep.
Slowly, cautiously, Shanolia pushes to door open and is met with a lump on the bed that is, in fact, a sleeping Fire Genasi. Nobody else is in the room, and yet the whispering is louder than before, coming from near the bookshelf. Eyeing the books, she makes her way carefully across the room to investigate. The whispering is coming from the floor between the desk and bookshelf, and yet as she gets down to search for the source, it stops. In all this time, she could only make out a single word; Gate.
There lies a book, wedged between the desk and bookshelf, and as she pulls it free she sees the image of a face. With one more quick peek at Singe to make sure he’s still asleep, Shanolia rises to her feet and sneaks back to her room, doffing her cloak and getting comfortable in her hammock once more to begin reading the mysterious book.
As Shanolia starts reading the book, her mind becomes a blur, voices whispering in Abyssal, strange images. The next thing she knows, it's morning and the book sits before her, the cover looking up at her. She doesn't remember what the book said, but she understands the power held within.
###
/r 2d20kh1+9 #Stealth = (14+16)+9 = 25
/r 1d20+2 #Perception = (18)+2 = 20
Shanolia can now cast Gate - once per Long Rest - to summon a demon. No material component is needed so long as she has the book in her possession.
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
The next morning Singe checks to see if all of his books are in their proper places. Singe's door opens with a slam, "WHERE'S MY BOOK?" He screams.
"It's in here!" Shanolia says from her room.
Singe's hair curls, it stands on end, "YOU TOOK MY BOOK?"
"I believe 'borrowed' is the term you were looking for." Shanolia says as she steps out of her room. "And yes. When I hear a book speaking in Abyssal, it tends to pique my interest."
"You speak falsehoods!" Singe spits, "I would have let you look at the book, I would have asked your advice on the book, but instead you take the book as I sleep! I trust you, scratch that, I ******* trusted you! And you take advantage of it! Give me the book."
Perrin walks out of the room, clearly tired from the night before and still in his sleep wear, wiping the sleep out of his eyes "What's happening out here?"
"She stole the book!" Singe points at Shanolia accusingly.
"What book?" Perrin says with a loud yawn.
"Actually, if I stole it, I wouldn't be telling you I have it." Shanolia remarks, "This book will allow the opening of a portal, to pull a Demon through."
"The book I showed you last night," Singe says, he whips around, "GIVE IT TO ME."
"You know, you could *not* be an arsehole about it." Shanolia holds the book out to him.
"Woo! Woo! Calm down everyone. That books open a portal to pull a demon through. You should get rid of that." Perrin says to the two of them.
Singe snatches the book out of her hand and lights his hand. The book is entirely engulfed, the flames bending around the book itself, setting the table on fire. Pulling back, the flames stop, but the book is completely untouched. The table, on the other hand, is ablaze.
"****!" Singe yells as he casts control flames.
"****, Singe. Put it out." Perrin says as he leaps back.
"Now look what you've gone and done!" Shanolia snaps. Singe grits his teeth, the flames subsiding.
"Does it speaking in Abyssal seem so far-fetched now?" Shanolia comments.
"Of course the evil book can't be burned. Maybe some holy power can get rid of it?" Perrin wonders aloud.
As the flames disappear, Singe turns to Shanolia, "Don't. Ever. Enter. My. Room. Again." He turns and enters his room, slamming the door behind him.
"Dickhead." She goes back into her room to prepare to visit Flint.
Perrin yells out to Singe "So, that's a no! I was going to try and smite it!" With no response Perrin goes back into his room to put on actual clothes and prepare for the day.
After 15 minutes Singe appears in a clean suit, backpack over his shoulder and the book under his arm. He leaves the folded wolf skin next to Shanolia's door and walks over to Perrin, "Could we try to smite this in the training room?"
"Yeah." Perrin says having already changed into his armor.
Dapple and Koll emerge after all the door slamming. "What's happening?," Dapple asks as he sniffs the smoky air before getting close enough to the table to see the damage there. "What's that book?"
Singe and Perrin walk up to the training room, Singe throws the book on the floor and walks a respectable distance away.
Dapple follows, joining Singe as he moves away to watch. Perrin, summoning Frank, begins to channel in a lot of power for this strike. The strike lands inches away from the book.
Perrin’s eyes widen as he is unable to harm the book. “Singe. Put this somewhere very very secure. Sword-Frank is freaking out. He can’t destroy it. Only the true owner of the book will know how to destroy it.”
"True owner? Is that one of the books you found with me?" Dapple asks.
Perrin nods. “The books just one of many issues.” He says and quickly explains what happened the night before with the Tower Wolves and the thraul zombies.
"The Flaming Fist and other ruling bodies of the city need to be notified - there is an army of zombies in the city waiting to be commanded." Koll thinks aloud, "The question is, who else has this power? Certainly not just Loro. Duke Eltan and others probably are probably in control of their own contingents of Thraul addicts. I smell a war."
“I’d guess also other members of the bigger thieves guild. Embree had some in his room so maybe even him.” Perrin says.
"That foul man seemed to be in control of nothing. More like he was being controlled himself," Dapple says.
“My guess is that woman he was with.” Perrin says, having dismissed Frank.
"My insight is that it was Eltan who was calling the shots there." Koll muses.
Singe straightens, “Well, good day everyone.” He snatches the book on the way out the door.
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
After the book incident with Singe, Shanolia goes back into her room and gather her pack and her weapons - making sure she has the ten pounds of adamantine from the "iron" bands - before heading out to visit Flint, still upset enough to not bother asking the others to join her and in her petty mood nearly tripping over the wolf pelt Singe left outside her door. With an irritated sigh, she grabs the pelt and throws it over her shoulder, deciding to deal with that as well while she's out. As Shanolia steps out into the sun, she notices one of the diseased, sitting on the ground across the path from the Guildhall. The person is just staring at the entrance of the Guildhall, head cocked to the side in a disturbing manner. With a scoff, Shanolia shakes her head and flips off the diseased person until she's out of their sight, memories of last night still fresh in her mind. Though she sees diseased every so often, she makes it to Flint's without incident, strolling right in and leaning on the counter as a bell tolls to signal her arrival.
"One moment!" Comes a gruff voice from the back. Soon, Flint appears behind the counter, and upon seeing Shanolia, his eyes narrow. "I told you the next time you showed your face here, I'd kill you," he growled.
"Nice to see you, too." She chuckles. "You did say that, but that's before I came across something that made me think of you, old friend." With a snarl, Flint slams his hammer down on the counter.
"We are not friends. Give me a good reason to not kill you right now and take everything you have on you!"
"Because if you kill me now you forfeit any chance of getting your hands on more of this..." She pulls out a piece of the adamantine and sets it on the counter. Flint's eyes sparkle at the glimpse of the adamantine. Releasing his grip on his hammer, he picks up the piece and inspects it closely.
"Where did you find this?"
"That piece - and the roughly ten pounds in my possession - came from an item found on a derelict ship off the Sword Coast during our journey to Chult... though then it was a bit more... intact."
"How did you manage to break it?"
"I didn't. A dragon did." Flint grips the adamantine tightly in his hand. Glaring at Shanolia once again.
"And what do you want me to do with it?"
"Like I said; I have about ten pounds of the material. I only need one thing from you and you get to keep the rest of it."
"What do you want?"
"Back on the derelict ship, I broke something very dear to me; My mother's rapier. It needs a new blade." She pulls the hilt of the rapier from her pack, a splintering bit of the old blade still poking out. "Can you do that for me, old friend?"
"I'm tempted to say no," Flint says, looking at the broken rapier. "Only an idiot would go and destroy a fine weapon like this." He picks up the hilt and glares at her again. "I need more than this to do it. It's also going to take a week. And 1500 gold pieces. Up front."
"Shame." She takes the hilt back. "I've only half of what you ask. Perhaps once I get these gems traded and this pelt tailored I'll have more to offer."
"Then, I'll just kill you now, and take those gems for myself," Flint threatens. "I told you never to show your face again."
"Never said I have the gems on me." She starts walking away. "Left them back at the guild hall. I'm not stupid enough to try and bargain with you in a place where I've no backup and no insurance."
"I'll make sure nobody in this town touches that metal," Flint screams. "Good luck getting anything done with it."
"I can buy a new rapier, Flint. I just thought you, of all people, would understand the sentiment of dead family's possessions." She stops just outside the door, looking at the Goliath over her shoulder and smirking at his apparent rage, knowing that she hit a nerve with the 'dead family' bit.
After but a moment she sets off, looking to sell the metal before Flint can make good on his word. It doesn't take long for her to find another smith just down the street and once again, she strolls in and leans on the counter as the bell tolls. A moment later, a female Tiefling walks out and greets her.
"G'day, what can we do for you?"
"Good day to you, Miss. I'm looking to sell a bit of a rare metal and I've had little luck elsewhere." She sets a small piece of the adamantine on the counter. "I've nearly ten pounds of the stuff but I'd rather not pull it all out until I'm sure I can sell it." The Tiefling leans against the counter, inspecting the adamantine.
"Oh, this is pretty, for sure. But it's no wonder that nobody wants it. We get very little of it around here. I know of one person who would die to get his hands on some, however. You should try Flint!" She places the metal back on the counter. "I'm sure he'd have a heart attack upon seeing it."
"I've tried Flint's already, he was the first person I visited. However, we could not come to an agreement." She sighs and sets the metal back in her pouch, pulling out the broken rapier hilt. "How much would you need to make a new blade for my mother's rapier?" At this, a grin crosses the Tiefling's lips.
"You're her, aren't you?"
"I'm not sure what you're asking, Miss." The Tiefling laughs and crosses to the shop entrance, locking the door and turning the sign to 'Closed.' Turning back, she's still smiling.
"I think you do. He talks about you. All the time." Shanolia smirks beneath her mask, hand coming to rest on her obsidian dagger.
"So the brute does still think of me? Does Mikael still talk about me?" She chuckles and draws the blade, rubbing her thumb gently on the tip as if she doesn't have a care in the world. "I jest. Mikael can't talk, after all. What type of murder fantasies does Flint create in my absence, I wonder?"
"Murder?" The Tiefling jumps up and sits on the counter. "He misses you, dear. He used to talk about you quite a bit, but lately, it's almost... nonstop."
"Eh... what?" Shanolia falters in her confidence. "I just visited him and the first thing from his mouth was how he wanted to kill me for showing my face."
"Okay, you gotta tell me the story." The woman sits forward, laughing. "What happened between you two?"
"Not so much what happened between us. It's what happened to-" She stops abruptly. "How do I know I can trust you?"
"You assume he wants you dead," She says, laughing again. "And here I am asking for a juicy story. You do the math."
"I made a mistake and his son was killed." Shanolia takes a deep breath. "He was angry - rightfully so, I suppose - and... well..." She gestures to her face. "He ruined my life." The smile fades from the Tiefling's face.
"He... never told me that. I never knew!" Her gaze drifts to the floor and she slumps a little. "I'm sorry, I thought I was going to get some juicy gossip. Look, I love Flint, he's like a big brother to me. He... taught me a lot of my skills. I'm only saying this because I love and admire him." She takes a deep breath and slides off the counter, walking over to Shanolia and placing a hand on the Elf's shoulder. "He cares about you. I can tell - by the way he talks about you, the look in his eyes." Shanolia rests her hand on the Tiefling's, her gaze falling to the floor.
"I... I can't very well go back to him now; he's bloody pissed. Seems that my return has stirred up some... strong emotions. Caring or otherwise."
"Okay, here's what I'm going to do. My name's Ealith," The Tiefling says, giving Shanolia's shoulder a squeeze. "Flint and I go drinking at a tavern called The Low Lantern. It's down at the docks, and it's actually one of the ships. Lots of sailors, naturally. We'll be there tonight. And tomorrow night. Shit, we're there every night. Let me talk to him. Come and see us at the tavern. I'll get this sorted out. I've always wanted to play matchmaker, and this is one hell of a challenge."
"The Low Lantern?" She looks back at the Tiefling. "I'll be there, though I may not be alone. What time?"
"After dark." Ealith is grinning from ear to ear. "I promise he won't hurt you. He wouldn't want to piss me off."
"Thank you. And for what it's worth... tell him I'm sorry."
"It'll mean more coming from you."
"I suppose."
"Chin up," Ealith says, ushering Shanolia out of the store. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some real work to do." Shanolia steps back out into the sun, feeling a little worse than before.
With a chuckle and a shake of her head once Ealith shuts the door, she sets off and finds a tailor, placing an order for a new left-handed glove lined new facemask, both lined with the fur. After paying 70 gold, Shanolia sets off towards the Counting House to exchange her pouch of gems, trading them over for 136 gold without any issue and finally buying a brazier and the materials needed for the Find Familiar spell before heading home, flipping off the diseased person outside of the Guildhall one more time for good measure on her way inside.
Once down in her bedroom, she performs the ritual for Find Familiar, smiling to herself after an hour as her new spider friend crawls from the brazier onto her hand and up her arm, the large black widow coming to rest on Shanolia's shoulder, her eight eyes glowing similar to Shanolia's two, ten balls of red light in the otherwise dark room.
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 sun begins to set on Baldur's Gate, Shanolia begins seeking out someone to accompany her on her journey to the Low Lantern, eventually deciding to ask Woe because of her knowledge of the city perhaps the biggest draw for the Elf. It doesn't take long to find her and she agrees to tag along, a strong drink being just what the bard needs after a long day reading at the Tower of Diplomacy.
"Are you going to fill me in on what we're doing at the tavern? This isn't just a drink between friends, is it?" Woe winks at Shanolia.
"While I'm sure there'll be time for us to share a drink, I'm afraid you're correct. I need your expertise of the city to even find the place, and I may need you to watch my back while we're there."
"Of course I have your back! Still, who are we up against?"
"An old friend. I've spent a long time thinking he hates me but someone close to him has told me that's not the case. Still, he's threatened my life one too many times for me to feel safe."
"Hm, I see. I'll watch out. Good luck. Sounds like lots of emotions to me. I hope you find a resolution." Woe sees movement on Shanolia's shoulder and stops talking. "you know that there's a spider on your shoulder?"
"Of course." She rests her palm in front of the spider, allowing her to walk onto her hand. "Want to hold her? I promise, she won't bite."
"Sure!" Woe holds her hand our towards the spider. "But let's start walking. I know where the Low Lantern is." Woe turns her hand so that the spider is always on top. "Now tell me about your little friend here!"
The spider walks onto Woe's hand without hesitation, her hairy legs tickling the bard. "Her name is Gwyn. She's a familiar, like Singe's bird." Shanolia explains as the pair begin walking.
"Very nice!" Woe lets the spider walk back onto Shanolia's hand. Then she jokes "No more delays here, I feel you're stalling! Let's go!"
"Guilty as charged~" Shanolia chuckles half-heartedly as Gwyn crawls back onto her hand and up her arm, trying to have a sense of humour despite her underlying fear.
Neither of them sees anything out of the normal. Shanolia does notice that the zombies seem to have disappeared. The one outside the Guildhall is gone, and they don't see any as they walk through the city.
"Hey... Do you find it odd that the diseased citizens are just... Gone?"
"these things are weird. I am not sure what it means. What's your theory?"
"I've no doubt that some powerful figures are using the drug to control the masses. Knowing that - and not seeing any of them - is a bit unsettling..."
"you think we're walking into a trap?"
"Not to upset you, but I assumed we were walking into a trap with Flint; that's why I brought you along. Just... Keep your eyes open, yeah?"
"Of course I will!"
For the rest of the walk, Shanolia is on high alert - watching rooftops and alleys and such. They make it to the tavern without issue.
"Stay close. If anyone bothers you, feel free to say I'm your girlfriend." Shanolia whispers before entering and looking around for Flint and Ealith. "We're looking for a Tiefling and a bald Goliath, most likely sitting together."
As Shanolia and Woe enter the lively bar, it's clear to see this place was a favourite of the sailors and other shady types. Nobody looked up as the two entered, why would they? The only people who came here belonged here. Many were singing loudly, some were playing cards. In a corner, Ealith popped her head up and motioned to Shanolia, then put her hands on Flint's shoulders, saying something close to his face.
Shanolia rests her hand on her dagger and holds her pack close as she moves towards Ealith, peeking over her shoulder and gesturing for Woe to follow.
Woe whispers to Shanolia: "we could get in danger and see if your friend rescues you. Then we know! Just bump into that big guy in front of us and we'll have a fight on our hands!"
"That Goliath over there wants to kill me," Shanolia whispers back. "We very well could end up in a scrap if things don't go well."
"Alright then. I'll follow your lead!"
The two walk over to Ealith and Flint's corner.
Ealith stands straight again and smiles as Shanolia and Woe approach. She gives Woe a little nod of approval, and takes Shanolia by the hand, pulling her into a chair across from Flint, then sits next to Flint. "Now," she said, motioning to the bartender. "We're going to have a couple drinks and a nice, civil chat."
Shanolia keeps an eye on Flint as she sits, her expression hidden by her mask yet the glow of her red eyes pierces the shadow cast by her cloaks. Gwyn climbs down from her shoulder and comes to rest in her lap.
Flint stares down at both of his tightly balled fists resting on the table, his jaw tense. "Flint," Ealith said, in a sing song voice. "We talked about this." The goliath shook his head no.
Shanolia looks at Flint, her voice a monotone that Woe hasn't heard in a while. "Tell me the truth, old friend. How do you really feel about my return to Baldur's Gate?"
Flint didn't move, didn't look up. The bartender walked over, slamming four mugs of ale in front of them and walking off without a word. Flint picked up his, and consumed the entire thing in on hefty gulp.
Shanolia turns her gaze to Ealith, saying nothing.
Woe just looks at Flint, then does the same to the mug in front of her.
Ealith raises a finger to Shanolia and nods. "Flint. You promised me. Tell her." Flint tosses the mug away, hitting another patron. A cry went up as an angered man rose from his seat. He immediately sat upon seeing who had thrown it. Flint swallowed hard, finally lifting his face to meet Shanolia's gaze. He looked quickly away, mumbling something under his breath.
Her gaze returns to Flint, patience wearing thin.
Ealith jabbed her elbow into Flint's ribs and he sat upright. "I'm sorry," he blurted out. "I'm sorry I threatened your life." As she said it, his face turned crimson.
"Threats are nothing new for me, old friend, I get them every day. What you should apologize for is something else entirely..."
"What?" Flints embarrassment turned to anger again. "You should be the one to apologize." Ealith placed a hand on his arm, and he looked at the table again.
"What I did is unforgivable. No apology can reconcile my mistake. I've accepted that. That's why your threats do not surprise me, but I will not let them deter me. You were the father I never had." She takes a breath, organizing her thoughts. "And as I ruined your life, you ruined mine. You lost your son, and I lost any chance of having children of my own."
Flint's head dropped even further, but not before Shanolia caught a glimpse of wetness on his cheeks.
"Once more I will ask you, old friend. What does my return make you feel? Truthfully."
Flint looked up, his eyes full of tears. "I love you, girl. I always have. My son... you broke my heart."
"It broke my heart perhaps as much as yours." Tears begin to well in her eyes. "He was a brother to me... And after Thia..." She chokes up. After a second, she clears her throat and continues., "But then, as I was still mourning - full of regret - you ruined my life."
While Woe is listening, she is watching Ealith closely. When Flint starts revealing his feelings, Woe mumbles a couple of words, carefully moves her hands under the table and starts to listen to Ealith's thoughts. Ealith is completely focused on Flint and Shanolia. She appears to love good, juicy gossip, and is soaking it all in. She also, clearly, wants this to go well.
"Your face is still there," Flint cried. "My son is not!"
Woe shifts her attention to the guy that got hit by the flying beer glass. She starts to listen to his thoughts, hoping to find out why he was so afraid; The man who got hit by the mug is pretty scared by Flint. He remembers the last time Flint kicked his ass in a bar brawl.
"I still have my life, yes. Though sometimes I wonder if I deserve it. We both lost someone we love dearly that night. We both know who's to blame. We both know there's nothing I can do to make it right. Even after twelve years hearing his name still destroys me inside." Her monotone wavers, betraying the sorrow in her voice. "I have to live with their coffins on my shoulders for centuries. I'm sorry our information was bad. I'm sorry that someone sold us out. I'm sorry that Kuori died when it should've been me. There's nothing I can do now but repent. And I've done a lot of repenting..." She pulls off the glove and bandages on her left hand, revealing a crisscrossing of scars on her hand and wrist spanning twelve years; one as fresh as last night.
Clearly breaking, Flint grabs Shanolia's left hand. "I should beat you for doing this to yourself, girl."
"Believe me; nobody blames me for his death more than myself. So go on - beat me. Gods know I deserve it..."
Flint stands suddenly, yanking Shanolia from her seat. He swung an arm at her, but instead of punching her, threw it around her neck in a hug. Woe moves her attention back to Ealith when Flint hugs Shanolia. Then she drops her spell. A small smile playing around her lips.
Shanolia is shocked; though perhaps more so is Gwyn, who flies onto the table and scurries and jumps back onto Shanolia's arm, climbing into her cloak where she's safe. With her face hidden from view, the Elf begins to cry into Flint's chest, her arms wrapping around him. After a few seconds, she pulls away and quickly wipes her tears before grabbing her mug and almost pouring it on her mask in an effort to drink it and calm her nerves. With a sigh, she sets the mug down and sits again, head in her hands.
Woe puts her hand on Shanolia's shoulder. Flint paused, looking around the tavern. Many eyes were on him, curious as to what had just happened. Angry, he stormed out. Ealith smiled, and put a hand on Shanolia's bare hand. "I think this was a good step for you both."
"I... I need to leave..." She stands and walks out as well, needing fresh air. As she exits the tavern - Woe following close behind - Gwyn reappears on her shoulder, and the two return to the Guildhall, the eyes of the diseased upon them once more.
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
Perrin's Downtime: Day 1
Having been up late the night before Perrin attempts to sleep in but gets woken up by Singe and the missing book incident. Being awake and dressed to leave Perrin makes some breakfast and heads out into the city in search of someone he can buy a pair of Sending Stones from. Dapple, not knowing the city much, comes with Perrin as he starts his shopping trip. Along the way, Perrin tells Dapple all about their scavenger hunt within the city. He also explains what Sending Stones are and how he is getting them so he and Frank can communicate when they are apart. By the way, Perrin talks it is obvious that he is head-over-heels for Frank. Unfortunately, the duo is unable to find the stones today but they are able to set up a meeting with a wizard tomorrow in order to buy the stones. (Investigation to find stone seller: 10) That night Perrin mediates in his room on Sword-Frank. It is during this meditation that Perrin realizes that he can tap into more of Sword-Frank's power. That this power will go a long way in helping him defend his friends. (Unlocked first of many power-ups for Sword-Frank)
Perrin's Downtime: Day 2
Perrin and Dapple return to the city in order to continue shopping. They met up with the wizard in a semi-private area in order to buy, trade, and sell. Dapple doesn't seem interested in anything content with the magic boots he got from the dragon's horde. Perrin and the wizard are able to hash out a deal of 500 gold pieces for a pair of Sending Stones. While their Perrin and Dapple explain some of Dapple's personal problems to see if the wizard has anything that would help. Not possessing anything but having an idea about an amulet that might the wizard offers to do some research in exchange for gold. Not having a lot between them Perrin decides that it might be best to sell his Jade Spell Gem in order to get this done. The wizard is instantly interested in the gem and offers Perrin a straight trade, the gem for research of the amulet. Perrin, however, coming from a town where trade is always happening spots a bad deal and begins to add some pressure on the wizard to offer something better (Insight: 20).
"Baldur's Gate is a big city. There are a lot of people here who are willing to buy this and are more forthcoming with their information than you. You should really be honest with me. Tell me what you know if you want even a chance to obtain the gem." Perrin tells the wizard.
The wizard fidgets. "Okay, okay. I'll give you 10,000 gold pieces for it. I won't even charge you for the amulet if I can find it."
"That includes the research to find it?" Perrin questions to make sure.
"Everything." The wizard confirms.
"Deal," Perrin says with a smile as they exchange the gem for 10,000 gold pieces and a potential amulet.
Not expecting to have this much money Perrin takes it back to the guild house to figure out what he wants to do. He eventually figures that some of it should go to the team so he writes two notes, one for Singe and one for Zamar. In the note to Zamar, he leaves 1000GP and explains that its to go towards the party funds. In the note to Singe, he also leaves 1000GP and explains its to help him with his research that's going to benefit the whole team. During this day Perrin also runs into Mr. Whistler who explains to him that the group got paid 2000GP by Grasalfan for their job and its sitting in the guild coffers.
Perrin's Downtime: Day 3
Perrin, having figured out what he to do with his money, once again takes Dapple along with him as they make their way over to Flints, the only blacksmith Perrin knows in the city. Upon arrival, Flint begins to help them out. Perrin explains that he wants armor for his dog Cade and he ends up commisioning a special order of Scale Male for Cade. Flint lets him know that this order will run him 200GP and will take about a week to make. Perrin happily pays and agrees on the wait time. Perrin also lets Flint know that he is in the market for some Full Plate armor.
Flint brings points out a beautiful set of armor, inlaid with filigree, and says, "This 'ere armor will protect you from fire!"
Perrin whistles, “That’s a beaut. How much?”
"This 'ere'll cost ya 14,000 GP!" Flint responds without missing a beat.
Perrin physically winces “That’s....that's way out of my price range. Do you have any full plate cheaper than that?” He asks.
Flint nods and brings out another set. "Not as good as the other, in terms of savin' ya from fire, but it's a good set. 3000 gold pieces for this one."
“Does this set have any special tricks to it?” Perrin asks.
"It helps you not get hit," Flint responds with a deadpan face. (It's Armor +1)
“That sounds good. While I’m here, do you have anything special in the way of shields?” Perrin asks.
"I got a shield with a face," Flint offered with a shrug.
“Can I make the face resemble someone? Like can the face look like me or is it always this same face?” Perrin asks.
"Nothin' as fancy as that," Flint said. "But you can make the face change expressions."
“As cute as that sounds I think I’ll pass,” Perrin says before paying for his new full plate armor.
Having finished with Perrin Flint turns to Dapple in order to help him. Dapple explains how he is looking for some breastplate armor. Flint offers Dapple a piece of breastplate similar to what Perrin just purchased and for the same price, 3000GP (Breastplate +1).
"Its very pretty, but too rich for my blood. Maybe another time." Dapple tells Flint.
"Dapple. Do you want the breastplate?" Perrin asks him.
Dapple responds with a rueful grin. "No, not really. I'll just stay behind you! We have more important problems."
"Hmmmmmm.......all right, Flint, do you have any normal standard issue breastplate?" Perrin asks aloud.
Perrin looks at Flint, "Can he trade in his current armor for a little discount?" (Persuasion: 25)
Flint looks at what Dapple is currently wearing and nods. "That armor and 25 gold pieces."
"Sold !" blurts Dapple. "I'll take it." He fishes out the coin and asks, "Any place I can change?"
"I... er... guess ya can go in back?" Flint answers.
"Oh, here is fine. I don't want to be a bother," Dapple says, starting to doff the chain shirt he wears right in the middle of the shop. Perrin teasingly cat call as Dapple changes.
As he wriggles within his new armor, settling into it, Dapple turns to Perrin. "Where next?" Perrin simply responds with "Let's go to the docks."
As they leave the blacksmith, Perrin sees one of the Thraul zombies. It watches every movement that Dapple and Perrin make, but it doesn't move. Dapple, on the other hand, smells something, over the grit and the grime of the blacksmiths. It's a familiar smell, one that reminds him of home, of someone he once knew. Dapple smells another tabaxi, but not just any tabaxi, a member of his tribe. (Perrin: Perception Natural 20, Dapple: Perception Unnatural 20).
“Looks like we’re being watched by the wolves,” Perrin whispers to Dapple.
Dapple stops dead in his tracks, hand dropping to the hilt of his weapon. All he can think of is the memory of the other members of his tribe, still controlled by the wizards. Had they found him so soon? "They're here" he manages to reply, on the verge of panic.
“Dapple calm down. Come on. Follow me.” Perrin says as he grabs Dapple and starts leading him through the city taking the most backward way Perrin can to the Guildhall. The duo makes it back without incident but the zombies and smell of someone from Dapple's tribe are concerning.
Perrin's Downtime: Day 4
Perrin awakes deciding today he is going to find Frank. Putting on his new armor, his Pa's armor safely put away within Perrin's room, he treks towards the dock to look for his lover. (Perception: 6). Perrin wanders the docks, in the direction he last recalls the ship, and sure enough, he finds it docked. It appears to have only recently docked, and workers are still running around on deck. Perrin waits by the ship for an hour and a half before he hears a voice call from the ship "Perrin!"
Looking up, Perrin sees Frank leaning over the edge of the boat, waving furiously at him. "Hey! Give me a bit and I'll be right down!"
Perrin suddenly has a huge smile come across his face. “Hurry Up!” He yells back.
Frank grins down at Perrin for a moment, before disappearing on the ship once again. Another 30 minutes pass, and suddenly Frank is at Perrin's side. "I missed you!"
Immediately Perrin tenderly grabs Frank's face and brings him into a kiss followed by a big hug. Holding Perrin close, he whispered, "I guess you missed me, too."
“You have no idea,” Perrin whispers back to him while he cuddles his head into Frank.
"Err..." Frank said, pulling away suddenly. "There's someone watching us." He makes a quick gesture toward an alley. There, a Thraul zombie sits in the dirt, watching.
**** Perrin thinks before turning to Frank “Are you free to leave or does Captain Wyre need you for anything else?
"Nah," Frank said, clearly distracted by being watched. "I'm on shore leave for a while."
“Let’s go. I’ll treat you to a bathhouse and we can catch up. Do you want to stop someplace first to change out of your uniform?” Perrin asks, not wanting to let Frank in on the zombies yet.
"I can change at the bathhouse," Frank said, holding up his rucksack. Leaning close, he whispers in Perrin's ear, "Why is that guy watching us?"
“It’s....its a long story. I’ll catch you up on everything at the bathhouse.” Perrin tells him
"Okay," Frank says, taking Perrin by the hand.
Perrin grasps it tightly and then leads Frank out of the docks and into the more fancy part of Baldurs Gate. Going to a nice bathhouse where he pays for a private bath for the two of them and some lunch. While within the bath Perrin catches Frank up on everything that's happened in the fifteen days they've been apart.
Frank chewed thoughtfully as he listened to the tale. "And now they're... what, following you?"
“Yeah. Following and watching us. And I didn’t think about it but now I’m going to be scared that they’re going to follow you after seeing us.” Perrin says, worry clear on his face.
"Then, I'll just have to stick with you the whole time I'm here." Frank smiled, sliding closer to Perrin.
Perrin holds Frank close. “Nobody is ever going to hurt you. Not while we’re together.” Perrin tells him, pulling him protectively closer.
"And what about you?" Frank holds up a fist. "Anyone hurts you, I'll... I'll punch 'em in the face!"
Perrin chuckles. “I feel safer already.”
"Yeah, that's right," Frank chuckled.
Perrin, sitting there laughing looks over at Franks equipment and then at his own. With that he makes a decision, “Frank. What’s the Flaming Fists rules about your equipment and uniform?”
Frank looked at Perrin, puzzled. "Well, as long as I'm on the ship, I have to be in issued gear. If I'm on leave, it doesn't matter."
"What about personal trinkets? Are you allowed to wear any personal items like a ring or something while on the ship?" Perrin asks
"Yeah?" Frank pulled away. "Why?"
Perrin smiles before standing up. "Come on then. I want to get you something special for you to have while on leave?"
"Er..." Frank looked worried. "Perrin, we... haven't known each other... very long. I like you. I think that's clear. But... aren't we moving a little... fast?"
Perrin looks at Frank. Just taking in his question. He takes a deep breath sits back down before answering. "I...I...I guess you might be right. But...but....if there's one thing I've learned while on my adventures so far, its that it can all be over in an instance. In about a month I've come close to death more times than I can count. And in each of those moments, I think about everything I still haven't done in my life. All the things I still want to do. And, I've come to learn that life is too short. And that I want to live it all to the fullest while I still can. So, I guess I'm moving fast because I don't know when I'll be whisked away to some next big adventure. And I don't know if the next monster I face will be my last. But...but...if me moving fast scares you, Frank. If you want me to slow down when it comes to us then I will."
Frank takes all this in, and pulls Perrin close in response, holding him in silence. Perrin just settles into the embrace, breathing deeply. Not really realizing this about himself until he said it aloud nor realizing how much Frank really means to him.
After a long moment of silence, Frank finally spoke. "I... guess I never thought of it this way. I'm just enjoying the here and now, not thinking about what might happen to you. Or if the ship runs into trouble. In that case... I guess we aren't moving too fast, just trying to make the most of life while we have it, yeah?" He brought Perrin's face up to meet his, giving him a quick kiss. "Does this mean I can stay at your place when I'm in the Gate?"
Perrin smiles. "Most definitely."
"Alright, then," Frank said, grinning. "Let's make the most of life, then!"
"Lets," Perrin responds. Picking Frank up and carrying him out of the tub so, they can go enjoy the most of life within the city. While within the city Perrin takes Frank to a jeweler where he gets him a Ring of Water Walking for 600GP.
In the thrill of living life, Perrin decides to search for a tattoo parlor (Investigation: 5) in order to get this tattoo he has been thinking about for a while. The first person Perrin inquire to about tattoo parlors sends him in the direction of The Twisting Needle. It is near the docks, and caters to the sailors who pass through the port. Upon seeing it Perrin questions Frank if he knows anything about the establishment.
"The guys come here all the time," he explains. "I've never been brave enough, though."
"Well, I'm with you now. You'll have nothing to fear." Perrin says with a smile as he holds Franks hand as they walk into the Twisting Needle.
As the pair walk in, a bored-looking human girl looks up from the chair she's lounging in. "Yo," she says lazily. "Whatcha want?"
"I want to get a custom tattoo." Perrin answers.
The girl's bored expression doesn't change. "Duh. Whatcha want?"
"I want a pair of rainbow feathered wings on my back," Perrin responds.
"Shirt," she said, standing. As she did, it was clear she was a tattoo fanatic, as every inch of her skin was covered in symbols and images. "Off."
Perrin takes off his upper part of his armor, his shirt, all that until he is bare-chested except for his holy symbol to Yondalla. He hands his stuff to Frank for safe keeping.
The girl grabbed a large sheet of parchment and some charcoal. With a deft hand, she spun Perrin in place, so he was facing away from her. Placing the paper against his back, she began to draw something. "What about you?" she asked Frank. "Oh, erm... n-no thanks," he replied quickly.
Perrin smiles, and knowing that Frank is a little scared of the place distracts him but talking to him, "So, after this why don't we head back to the guild hall. You can meet Dapple and catch up with all the others as well."
Frank simply nods, watching the woman like a hawk. From the back room, a Firbolg shambled out from behind a curtain. "Oh, hello there," he said, spotting the duo. "Getting ya'self some ink?"
"Yeah. First time." Perrin says with a smile.
"Well y'aren't going to find better hands," he said, grinning. "Amber of the Inked Vein has the softest touch in the Gate. You'll leave thinking she's not e'n touched ya." He extended a hand. "I'm Bryan Gentletree."
"Hi, Bryan. I'm Perrin Cherrycheeks and this is my boyfriend Frank Talle." Perrin introduces each other with a smile.
Bryan shakes Perrin's hand vigorously. "Nicet'meetcha! I'm the owner of The Twisting Needle. Well, of this branch, anyway." "Stop. Moving," Amber growled, placing a hand on Perrin's head, steading him. "This is a precise measurement."
"Nice to meet you too and I'm sure you get this a lot but your quite tall," Perrin says with a smile.
"And you're quite short!" Bryan grins down at him. "You're not a sailor." He looks Frank up and down. "You might be." Frank nods. "Yes, I am. How did you know?" "You lot are in here all the time." Bryan winks at him. "You look like a virgin, like your boyfriend. You can't come in here and not get some ink." At this Frank looks at Perrin and shrugs.
"If you want to get something go ahead. Whatever you want?" Perrin tells Frank with a smile.
"Yeah, but what do I want?" Frank looks around at the artwork surrounding them. "Come with me," Bryan says, looping his arm through Franks and leads him to a sofa and table, piled high with books. "There are options. Anything your brain can think up." Amber finished doing her measurements and once again spun Perrin around. She put the paper on a nearby table and grabbed a smaller paper. Taking notes, she said, "Rainbow. Feathered wings." She looked up, taking in Perrin's frame. "Down the backs of your arms, or only on your back?"
"Only on the back. If I like the experience and the artwork I might come back for more." Perrin says with a smile.
Amber raises an eyebrow and nods. "Sit. This will take an hour." With that, she turned and exited through the curtain to the back room.
As Perrin does what he is instructed he looks over to Frank, a smile on Perrin's face. "Help me pick," Frank said, grinning. "I can't do this without you."
"Well. My tattoo is holding a special meaning and memory for me. It reminds me of you and that night we spent together in Chult. It was the night that I discovered the sword I named after you was special. That a giant celestial rainbow-winged serpent inhabits the sword and helps me protect those I care about. Helps me protect you. I want to express the night with something beautiful. Though it is not exactly me picking something for you I say think of a precious memory you want to represent and find something you think best represents that." Perrin says aloud, hoping he is making sense.
"Oh," interjected Bryan. "If you want meanin'..." He paused, flipping the book closed and grabbing another. "This one has lotsa meanin' in it." Upon opening the book, Frank saw that the images within were all nautical. He flipped a few pages, before pausing. "This one," he said, pointing to the image of an anchor with two stars. "This one means something to me. I want this. Right here." He taps his chest, directly over his heart. Bryan nodded, understanding. "Hey Darksin, I gotta virgin for ya," he called out as he headed toward the curtain. Before disappearing, he said, "Mike'll be right out to help ya."
Perrin smiles before saying curiously "So, I told you what mine means, what about yours?"
"Let me get it first," Frank said, fidgeting. "Then I'll explain."
Perrin smiles. "Okay. And I'm so happy you're brave enough to get one with me. And don't worry, I'm right here with you. I won't let anything bad happen."
Just then a Tiefling burst out from the curtain. "Anchor?" he says pointing at Frank with both hands. "Yeah, you're the anchor aren't you? I'm Mike. I'm gonna do your work," he said, holding out a hand to Frank. "Come on, right this way." He leads Frank to one of the chairs against the far wall, and the two of them conversed a moment before the tiefling started gathering his supplies. Shortly afterward, Bryan exited the curtain again, this time joined by an Air Genasi. "Hey, Darksin. Smoke and I are gonna go get Amber some coffee. She's going to need it." Mike grunted in agreement, already deep in thought, and the firbolg and genasi left the building. Soon, Amber came out, paper in hand, a huge grin on her face. She gently placed the paper in front of Perrin and watched him for his reaction.
Perrin's smile widens at the image. "This is exactly what I was hoping for. Can we get started right away?" he asks obviously excited for this.
"This is going to take a lot of time." Amber looked down at the drawing then back up at Perrin. "And a lot of money."
"How much money? For both mine and my boyfriends?" Perrin asks.
Amber walks away without a word, wanders over to Frank and Mike, glances at what's going on there and returns. "1500."
"Can do," Perrin says as he takes out his coin purse and counts out 1500 gold for the tattoos.
Amber nods, taking the gold and tossing it on her table. She went into the back, then returned with a large padded table. "Lay down," she commands.
Frank's tattoo doesn't take long, only about an hour. After he is done, Mike will pull a chair over near Perrin's table where they can talk. Showing Perrin his finished tattoo, there's an addition to it that wasn't in the original picture. That addition is the word "Perrin" in the anchor. "The anchor is a symbol for stability," Frank explains. "The stars are to guide me on my way."
Perrin, at seeing the tattoo and after learning the meaning will have Frank come in close since he thinks he should move as little as possible while she's working on his back, and give Frank a kiss. "It's beautiful. Does it still hurt? I do have some healing magic, if it won't mess with the tattoo I can pump some into you." he offers after the kiss.
"It hurts," Frank said, thinking. "But... I kinda want it to hurt. I did it for you, and I want to remember every moment of it."
Perrin smiles at Franks response and just lays there enjoying Franks company and unknowingly falling more and more in love with Frank Talle.
After what seemed like forever, Amber finally put her tool down. "Done," she said, beaming with pride. "Don't wear your armor. Don't go swimming. Clean it regularly. I hid a penis in it." Gathering the gold she tossed on her table, she walked away, into the back room.
Perrin stands and stretches. It's hard to lay still for 8 hours. Putting on a loose fitting shirt he turns to Frank and says "Let's go home. I'll whip us up a quick snack from the kitchen before bed. Okay?" Frank nods, helping Perrin out the door.
Perrin's Downtime: Day 5
Perrin, whose back is very sore from yesterday, spends this day doing nothing but hanging out with Frank. Perrin and Frank go and get some salve for their tattoos but otherwise spend the day laying about together and really getting to know one another. Perrin shows Frank around the guild hall and lets everyone say hi and talk to him for a little bit. They all also see Perrin's new tattoo as he doesn't wear a shirt on this day due to the tattoo. Perrin asks Frank all kinds of question about his childhood and life before they met. (Which all the responses is still being compiled up.) Frank in turn asks Perrin which he answers. All in all it a generally relaxing and peaceful day.
Perrin's Downtime: Day 6
Perrin and Frank are sitting in the common room of the basement. Perrin had just made some pancakes and is happily watching Frank eat his cooking. Singe walks down, back from a day of research, “Hey Perrin.”
"Hey, Singe. Did you find that money and note I left you?" Perrin asks seeing the fire genasi walking down. Frank give Singe a nod to acknowledge his presence.
“Um yes, thank you.” Singe frowns, “I need to talk to you, preferably privately.”
"Oh, okay." Perrin says before turning to Frank, "I'll be back soon." He tells him before giving him a kiss on the cheeks. Perrin will then stand up and follow Singe to where he wants to be for this private conversation.
Singe walks into his room, closing the door behind Perrin. “So, Sword-Frank’s staying?”
Perrin sighs, already not liking where this conversation is going."Yes. Sword-Frank is staying. I know a lot of you don't like him and are scared that he is going to take control of me but, I'm learning how to control and harness his powers more and more. I can even summon and dismiss him on command now." Perrin explains.
Singe nods, “And you are separate? It isn’t you and you don’t share its thoughts and ideas?”
"No. Sword-Frank isn't me. We don't share a brain or anything like that. Yes, we are bonded. And yes I do agree with some of his ideas. I agree that unredeemable evils of the world should be destroyed. But, that doesn't mean that I believe every person who is a little bit chaotic is evil. I swore an oath of peace and understanding. That understanding goes out to all beings: even to those who seem extreme or are a little chaotic." Perrin says, hoping he can make Singe understand his bond relationship with this celestial being.
“I would like to see it.” Singe says.
"Sword-Frank. Sure, but, ummm....may I ask why first?" Perrin asks, unsure about what his wizard friend is going to do.
“I would like to learn more about it.” Singe says, knowing what Perrin fears, “I will not hurt it.”
When Singe says he wants to know more, Franks curious, but not overly worried. He'll allow Singe to look him over.
"Okay. I don't know if he'll stay physically here if I let go of him but I'll keep him out for a little bit so you can look at him." Perrin says before he summons Sword-Frank into his hand.
Singe nods, “Hi Frank, if that is your preferred name, I would like to learn more about you. An ally who does not know his ally would lead to mistrust and would be... chaotic. Please remain for one minute.” Singe pulls out a pearl and begins to cast Identify.
"He's curious about you as well. But, he gives you permission to look him over." Perrin tells Singe holding onto Sword-Frank so he doesn't disappear.
Singe frowns, “Thank you, Frank, for your time.”
“Are you done with him?” Perrin asks. Singe nods solemnly.
Perrin dismisses Sword-Frank, “So, what do you think of him now?” He asks after Sword-Frank is gone.
“It is a tool.” Singe says, “I don’t like how you anthropomorphize it. If it becomes anything more than a complacent tool, I won’t have any remorse about removing it. But until then,” Singe softens, “I think it’s a member of the team.”
Perrin smiles. “I’m glad you’re no longer angst Sword-Frank. Maybe the other will come around as well.”
“They won’t.” Singe states, “Imagine if we made a deal with the white dragon, enough of us would have thought it was a good idea but others would be unsettled by it. It’s the nature of our group, I can’t remember when we were all on the same page.”
“I think the last time was when we were all trying to get into the guild. But, I’m happy someone else here isn’t totally against him.” Perrin says, his smile faltering a little. “If there’s nothing else you wish to talk about I’m going to go back to my boyfriend,” Perrin tells Singe as he’s awkwardly standing there.
Oh yes!” Singe cries, “How did you come into 1000 gold pieces?”
“Oh, yeah. Well, I went to a wizard to buy some Sending Stones for when I and Frank have to eventually separate for work. I took Dapple with me so he could see some more of the city and I could keep an eye on him. I asked him about something to help with Dapple’s situation. He said he could do some research for an amulet he’s heard about that would help but be asking for more than I had. Looking for something to trade all I had that he was interested in was that jade spell gem. Originally he wanted to do a straight trade. Research and amulet for the gem. But, I was able to talk him into doing the research for the amulet and 10,000 gold pieces for the gem. I felt bad because I kind of told you I was going to give the gem to you but I thought the amulet to help Dapple was more important. So, in order to kind of make up for it, I gave you part of the money.” Perrin explains, hoping Singe would understand why he did what he did.
Singe smiles, “The gem would have been nice, but that definitely lightens the load. I appreciate the spending money, I’ll keep it for when I really need it.”
“I know research and spells can be expensive so I figured it would help,” Perrin says with a smile.
“Now go enjoy your boyfriend,” Singe says, grinning, “Just don’t get up to anything too crazy or we all might burst in!”
Perrin laughs aloud “Maybe I’ll spend some of the guild coffers for some better locks on my door and maybe make it so sound can’t escape from the room.” He says before leaving and going back to Frank who has finished his pancakes. Perrin smiles at him before saying "So, is there anything you would want to do today?"
Frank looks down, a blush crossing his face before he looks back up to Perrin saying, "Well, now that your back is better there is one thing I've been waiting to do with you since I saw you waiting on the docks for me."
Perrin, catching on to what Frank is saying, leans in closer and whispers into his ears "Well, Hello Sailor." Perrin barely has enough time to mentally command Cade to guard his door before Frank has Perrin lifted up, into their room, and the door locked.
Singe's Downtime- Day 1
Singe walks away from the guildhall, still upset by the tome theft, and finds his way through the upper city to the squat Tower of Diplomacy. He walks through the double doors to the reception desk, “Excuse me, Charles? Is Head Ambassador Capathax in?”
Charles nods. "She's doing some research, but I'm sure she'll be happy to see you. Go on in."
“In the Vault?” Singe asks, “Will the Door still work for me?”
Charles raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"
Singe nods and walks back to the double doors, he opens them to the Vault. The underground room is filled with books of law and history. At a table near the center of the Vault, surrounded by papers, Elama is deep in thought. As Singe approaches, she doesn't look up, but says, "About time you came to see me."
Singe smiles, “It’s been a long month.” He proceeds to tell her everything that’s happened.
"Interesting. I've been studying this epidemic happening in the city, but it seems you may have figured it out." Elama sits back in her chair. "Do you have proof of this? What about the children? They seem to have additional symptoms, though, who would be feeding a drug to children?"
“I don’t know, it may be accidental or needed? It sounds dumb as I say it, but what if the Thraul plane requires literal brainpower to exist?” Singe muses.
"Brainpower," Elama says, drifting into thought again. "Brainpower," she repeats, standing from her seat. "Mind control. Something feels... familiar about this. Let me do more focused research, and see what I can come up with."
“We met flumphs, they’re focused on psychic energy and Lera mention psychic energy being used, but I don’t think it’s flumph based, they seem benign.” Singe says, standing as well.
"Brain," Elama said as realization crossed her face. "Oh... no..."
“What?” Singe pauses, “Oh, oh, you went to the underdark in your adventuring days, um ack! There was a hive mind right? Or was that the drow?”
Elama placed a hand on Singe's shoulder and squeezed it. "I fear Baldur's Gate has bigger problems. Have you ever heard of an Elder Brain?"
Singe's eyes go wide, “Oh no. Oh shit.”
"You must say nothing." Elama pointed a finger in Singe's face. "Hear me? We need hard proof before we start crying wolf."
Singe nods, “But what it comes out into the open?”
"We'll handle it."
“Oh, um, could you help me with this book.” Singe presents the demonic tome, “I don’t want to give it to Shanolia but if it’s necessary... Is there anything you can tell me?”
Elama took the book, opened it, and immediately put it down. "This... doesn't look good."
“Yeah,” Singe squirms, “She claims it can summon a demon, I don’t want her near it. Do you know of some where safe I can put it? If I knew what it could do and how to keep it from doing it I would feel more comfortable.”
"Can she read it?" Elama asked, her brow furrowed.
“Apparently,” Singe says with a shrug, “Comes from her obsession with the spider queen I suppose.”
"You let her look at it?"
“I didn’t! She took it!” Singe complains.
"She took it?"
“While I was sleeping! She heard it whispering in Abyssal and snuck into my room, taking it from it’s hiding place!” Singe complains.
"The book called to her." Elama frowned. "It will continue to call to her. My suggestion is to destroy it."
“I tried! I tried to burn it, Perrin tried to smite it! Frank, Perrin’s sword, says only it’s true owner will know who to destroy it, which is probably Shanolia.” Singe explains.
"Then let her have it." Elama's frown got deeper. "I don't suggest she uses it, but if she can read the book, and if it calls to her, she's going to feel compelled to find it. Let her have it, supervise her, and help her find a way to destroy it." Elama placed a hand on Singe's shoulder again. "I have faith in you. You can lead her down the correct path."
“I worry she might find me lecturing especially after today’s outburst... but it’s worth a try.” Singe says, “I mentioned Eilistraee -you told me her when you talked about your drow friend who came to the surface- she didn’t notice. I think she may be to deep in with Lloth.”
"That could become problematic, for sure," Elama said, scratching her chin. "Again, I think you could help her. Become her friend. Talk to her. See why she has turned to Lloth. You can do this. Have faith in yourself."
Singe nods, “Ok, I can do that. Thank you so much.” Singe gives her a hug and walks to a door opening it to the first floor of the Tower.
"Just don't let her use that book," Elama called after him.
“Definitely,” Singe calls back, letting the door close behind him.
He continues on to Glenfellow's Folds and opens the door. As the door opens, screams erupt around Singe. Tawna, Franklin, and Callie converge on him, tugging and pulling on him excitedly.
“Hello everyone!” Singe says, picking each of them up.
"Where did you go?" asked Callie.
"What did you do?" asked Franklin.
"What did you bring me?" Tawna chimed in.
“We went to the jungle and found an old portal! Then the mountains and killed a dragon!” Singe checks his pockets, “And from the dragon’s lair, we found piles of coins! Here is a silver pieces from frozen lair of Nydhi!”
As the children continued their screams of delight, Paela entered from the backroom. Upon seeing Singe, a huge smile crossed her face. "Okay now, leave him alone. Go play," she said, shooing the children off. The kids left, all musing what they would do with their silver piece. Paela grabbed Singe, and embraced him tightly. "I'm so happy your back!" She peered around him. "Where's your friend?"
“Excellent question,” Singe says, “I haven’t seen her since we got home,” He pulls out a bolt of cloth, “I found this, I thought you might appreciate it.”
"Oh, this is beautiful," Paela said, running her fingers over the fine cloth. "I'll certainly make something wonderful with this. Come in! Join me for tea?"
“Sure. As you might expect, suits aren’t exactly resilient to adventuring so I was hoping if you weren’t too busy you could do some repairs.”
"Of course, of course," Paela said, leading Singe into the back, through her work station and into the kitchen. She got a kettle on the fire and gathered a tray of cheeses, fruits, crackers, bread, and small cakes, placing them before Singe. Then she pulled out a tiny sewing kit. "What needs repairing?"
“Mostly suit jackets,” Singe begins showing her jackets as he explains the adventure.
Paela repairs the jackets while they sip tea, snack, and talk about adventures. Finally she finishes the last repair. "Now, take better care," she says, handing them back. "Or let me teach you how to sew!"
Singe takes them carefully folding them away, “I’ll try. Also, have you ever worked with pelt? A friend skinned a winter wolf and was planning on making gloves out of it. I was also going to persuade her to get a cloak or a cape made out of it.”
Paela nods. "A few times. Couple of special orders that took me a while to complete. Requires special needles, though, and the last special order broke my pelt needle. If you can get me another, and the pelt, I can try to make something for you. Or rather, your friend," she said with a wink.
“Paela!” Singe whines, “I swear it’s for someone else!”
"Oh, I believe you," she retorts with another wink.
“You caught me! It’s a girl!” Singe cries in mock annoyance, “But she’s not a special friend, there is no special friend!”
"Aww," sighed Paela. "When are you going to bring babies around? I'm holding so much hope for you! I want babies. Not of my own. I have plenty."
“Tell that to Marigold Sis,” Singe wags his finger, “Or Perrin, does he have a girlfriend yet?”
"But," she said with a grin. "You're the challenge! Look, I just want you to be happy and spread that happiness to others. And babies."
Singe pauses, “Did Perrin get a job? Did he get a girlfriend?”
"No and no." Paela frowns. "He's still... Perrin."
Singe sighs, “That’s unfortunate, he’ll find something. Well, I’ll see you later, with a pelt, a needle and, yes, a friend.”
Paela's face lit up immediately. "That friend from before? I've been hoping you'd bring her along again!"
“Different friend Sis.” Singe smiles.
Paela sighs dramatically. "Some day, you'll bring home a special friend." She rolls her eyes and pretends to pass out at the table.
“One day.” Singe says and leaves.
Returning to the guildhall, Singe goes to knock on Shanolia's door, stops, and goes to his room to read.
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
Singe's Downtime- Day 2-4
Singe takes his meals in his room for the next three days, coming out very rarely, always with the tome of clear thought in his hands.
Singe's Downtime- Day 5-6
Singe researches spells, getting help from Elama and finds other spells in the High House of Wonders. Overall it costs 400gp and results in identify, counterspell, and dispel magic. At dinner, Singe begins to hint that his birthday is coming up on the 27th.
Through out the week, Singe looks under his bed, tempted to show Shanolia the tome again. Every time he leaves it there and makes sure he alarms the door before he goes to bed.
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
Shanolia spends day 2 moping around the guild hall, inside of her head, yet on day 3 that sadness turns to anger and she spends most of the day in the training room - practising her magic and sword skills until the sun comes up on day 4. Once she finally tires out, it dawns on the Elf that her new accessories are probably done by now, so without missing a beat she packs her weapons up and heads out. She makes it across town without issue, picking up her new mask and glove and changing out of the old ones as she walks. When she looks up from donning her new mask, a very familiar shop is right in front of her; Flint's. She shakes her head and scoffs slightly even as she walks through the door. A few moments later, a booming voice came from the back.
"Yeah?" The large form of Flint came through the door. "What do you..." He trailed off upon seeing Shanolia.
"Here. Take it. I'll find a way to get the money." She begins placing the adamantine piece by piece onto the counter, followed by the rapier handle, while muttering. "I told myself I'm done with this life..."
Flint took a deep breath, placing a hand on the hilt of the rapier. "What life?" he asked, keeping his eyes on Shanolia.
She looks at him over her new mask, her red eyes pleading. "How else will I get 1000 gold in a week, old fr- Flint?"
Flint frowned, looking down at the hilt and bits of adamantine. "500 now. 500... when you have it."
"I have it... It's in platinum and silver as well, but I have it." She pulls out her coin pouch and pours it onto the counter, beginning to count the coins.
Flint watches as she counts. He doesn't watch the money but watches her. "You've taught me a valuable lesson, girl." He takes a deep breath before continuing. "Taking one life for another doesn't bring back the first. It was wrong of me."
"Your anger was not unjustified, Flint." She slides 320gp, 10pp, and 800sp towards him, putting the rest in her pouch.
He reaches a hand out, bypassing the coin, and grabbing her arm. "Anger is one thing. Revenge is another. I regret my actions."
She tenses and looks up at him when he grabs her, her fear slightly masked. "You're matting the fur..."
Flint gently releases her arm. "I'd like..." He trails off, pausing. "Fine, nevermind." He quickly picks up the coin, metal, and hilt, then heads toward the back room.
Flint paused in the doorway. "I don't believe that," he said over his shoulder, not moving.
"Nobody does..." She sighs.
Flint cleared his throat, still not moving. "Come back in a few days," he finally said, and quickly moved into the back room.
She walks out silently, heading to a tavern and drowning her sorrows in drink. Long after dark, she leaves to head home, a bit distracted by the army of diseased citizens watching her on her walk. She laughs and flips them off, cursing and speaking in Abyssal when one of them seems to laugh.
"You stupid druggie ****~ I'm in control of me... what about hic you~?"
The zombie smiles. "Soon,"
"Eh, stupid ****..." She continues home, making it with no issue and nearly falling down the stairs, jumping and tripping over the table in the common room as Koll comes out of his room.
"Do you need help, Shanolia?"
"Hey hic Hey, big guy~" She slurs, obviously hammered out of her mind.
"You probably need to lie down next to a bucket." Koll will try to guide Shanolia to her room safely and then find her a bucket.
She clings onto him, feeling his muscles and fighting his attempts to bring her to her room. "I need to lie down hic next to a big hunk like you... ... ...hic"
"This isn't appropriate." Koll attempts to pick her up and take her to her bed, but she easily worms her way from his grasp. "Well, I'm not going to force you, Shanolia, clearly."
"Come wiiith meee~" She hugs him again. "I want to sleep with you~"
Koll stands like a statue, feeling awkward. He doesn't want to encourage her in any way so remains cold and unmoving. "I don't think you really do. We are teammates and it would make things very awkward. And you're drunk. Where were you tonight?"
"I do~" She rests her forehead on his chest. "I need hic you..." Her hands' grips tighten and her voice gets quiet. "I need someone..."
"You seek comfort." Koll will give her a hug. "Come, lie down. I'll stay with you till you fall asleep."
"Okay... but I don't have a bed..." She mumbles. "Can we use yours?"
"Yeah...okay," says Koll resignedly. "Sleeping only."
"Okay." She hugs him tightly, her energy much more reigned in, and allows him to carry her to his bed. After a few minutes of silence, she looks up at him, her blues eyes hazy and unfocused. "Hey... hic Koll? Do you guys hate me?"
"Hate? It is an emotion born of overattachment contaminated by fear and disgust. I do not hate you, and I don't see why any of the others would either." Koll looks Shanolia in the eyes. "But, if you want me to be honest, I have misgivings about you - about your devotion to a dark god, the pain and anger you carry with you. You are not at peace with yourself."
"I've hurt so many people... Too many... I don't deserve peace..."
"How will you make amends? You will only cause more pain if you continue to punish yourself. Suffering begets suffering. I have hurt people, too, and though I atone for my sins daily through pain and prayer, and through good deeds, it is not punishment, for I do not suffer. It is atonement because I give my pain and devotion freely. To help others be free of suffering you must also free yourself. We all have scars. Allow your wounds to heal." He pauses a minute, and she doesn't respond. "Sorry, I'll stop talking now. Just close your eyes..."
"I..." She starts to talk but stops, tears flowing from her eyes as she rests her head on his chest and begins to sob freely, eventually falling asleep in his arms.
Shanolia wakes early the next morning with a massive headache and little memory of the previous night. Slowly, she crawls out of Koll's bed and exits into the common room, crossing and knocking on Singe's door.
Singe opens the door a crack, he's still in his sleep clothes, "Yeah?"
"Singe, may I speak with you a moment?"
"Um, it's something like 6 in the morning." Singe says, wiping his eyes, "But sure," He opens the door. Barry is perched on the back of the chair and moves as Singe pulls it out and motions for Shanolia to sit. He sits on the bed.
She sits, avoiding his gaze. "I know it's early but if I didn't come now the hangover would go away and I'd go back to being a self-righteous arsehole." She takes a deep breath. "I'm sorry."
"Ok?" Singe shifts on the bed.
"I'm sorry for taking your book, for what I said, for how I've acted."
"Oh," Singe squirms, "It's... ok. I also acted impulsively."
She nods slowly, still not looking at him.
"Do you want the book?" Singe asks.
"Oh... umm... really?" She fidgets nervously. "Don't you want to sell it? Or learn from it yourself?"
Singe begins to speak then pauses, it's a long pause, "Later in the week, I would not be opposed to looking at it with you. I don't like the book, those I've shown it to also don't like it. It's a bad book, to say the least."
"I've gathered that it's a bad book. It allows the reader to open a gateway for demons." She finally looks at him, her eyes a beautiful blue. "I know you don't believe it, but that's the truth."
Singe looks nervously around, "What do you know of demons?"
"In general, I know that they're not to be trifled or toyed with. The only demon I've really put time into researching is the Yochlol - Handmaidens of Lolth - for obvious reasons."
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
Day 2 Downtime After Shopping
"Perrin, Whistler just told me something very interesting: those chests I had been wondering about, the ones Loro and I tried to steal all those years back, well, apparently they are somewhere here in the guildhouse - something to do with the previous owner. They contained alchemical supplies stolen from the Tower of Diplomacy. That raises a whole new set of question about who this place belonged to, and my hunch that they had something to do with thraul just got stronger. Anyway, I was wondering if you had a way to find hidden things?" Koll says
"Yeah, I have a spell that can do that. It works better if I've seen the object before but if you can describe it to me I can still find it or rather, all chests within the area of my spell that match that description." Perrin tells Koll, having just come back from a successful shopping trip.
"They are small, iron chests, about yay big," says Koll holding hands about a foot apart. "That's all I know."
"All right, I'll see what I can do but I can only hold the spell for a maximum of 20 minutes so we don't have too long," Perrin says before casting the spell and helping Koll attempt to find these iron chests.
As you walk through the current storage rooms, you don't see anything fitting the description given.
As you move around the basement, you get a hit. There, deep below and to the north, are the crates Koll described. As you stand in front of this wall, you realize it's where the open hole was discovered, but it seems the work crews have filled it in and fixed it.
"It's in this wall, Koll at least that's what the spell is telling me. But they fixed it so, to get to it you'd have to bust through it. If you do get it fixed." Perrin tells Koll.
Woe hears a commotion outside her room and steps out. She finds Perrin and Koll staring at a wall, rubbing their chins. She cocks her head to the side as she joins the two men who have become good friends during the last month. "What are we looking at?" She asks with a chuckle.
"Koll is looking for the chests that got him thrown in jail. Interestingly enough my magic has traced them to inside the wall. I'm waiting for him to decide whether he wants to blow a hold in the wall or not." Perrin answers.
"I forget, there was a hole here before?" Koll says
"Yes. Now, do you want to punch through and make a new hole? We got paid 2000GP for our mission so we can use it to fix it back up. Or Woe has Mending and she can just mend it back together." Perrin says
"What do you think? Why would they be walled up? Is someone just hiding evidence or do you think there's some danger?" Koll says
"I don't know. Maybe they didn't know it was there." Perrin answers "Hmmm....should we get a Warhammer from upstairs and use that?" Perrin suggests
Koll remains stony-faced as he punches the wall, letting out grunts of pain and anger as he does so.
"I'll take that as a no." Perrin says
After bloodying his knuckles, he stops and starts pulling the bricks away. "Wanna help?"
"Yeah let me get a warhammer." Perrin says going upstairs to grab one and preceding to use it to bust a hole in the wall.
Seeing a dark opening before them, Koll harnesses his ki to better see in the dark. He perceives a path that leads down slightly and to the north. "Shall we? Coming, Woe?"
Woe will follow you in.
"Let's go," Perrin says still wielding the warhammer.
The dark cavern spirals downward as stone steps lead the group of you deeper and deeper beneath the city. You can all hear the sound of rushing water as you near the sewer systems of Baldur's Gate. There, an iron portcullis is seen on an alcove as the stairs themselves continue downward.
Perrin peers into the darkness past the portcullis, but is unable to see anything. The rancid smell assaults his nostrils, though, as this must be an entrance to the sewers beneath the city.
Perrin steps back “That’s definitely the sewer. I hope your chests aren’t down there.” Perrin says. “Also, can anyone make some magical light for me?”
"I can't make light, but I can see." Koll looks beyond the portcullis. He'll also try to see how it opens if it has a lock and find out if it has been recently used.
Koll moves past Perrin and looks down the tunnels beyond the portcullis. The tunnels seem to be a maze network that may lead throughout the city. The tunnels are quite large further down, nearly thirty feet wide. Beyond the point of the Monk's darkvision, he thinks he sees something move in the darkness. It's gone as quick as it was there. Glancing around the immediate area, Koll can see no way of opening the portcullis from the sewer-side. From his side, a crank is precariously positioned on the far end of the twisted stairway, embedded into a wall. It looks to be worse for wear, however, and Koll's unsure if it'll even work.
"Perrin, is your spell still working? Do you know which way we should go? I think we should continue down." Koll says
“It stopped a while ago but I can cast it again. If I do so though that’s the last time today I can use it and it’ll only be on for 10 minutes.” Perrin tells Koll
“I think it might be best to save it. I believe the chests are further down these stairs.” Perrin says as he decides to swing his pack around in search for a torch to help him see as they descend further down.
Woe follows her friends. She is able to see well with her dark vision. She also looks out past the portcullis.
"I think I saw some movement out in the sewers. But for now maybe let's try and follow these stairs. I wonder what we'll find!" Woe says
“Let’s go, if we get to the bottom and still haven’t found the chests I’ll Locate Objects again,” Perrin says having put away the warhammer in favor of a torch in one hand and his other hand free.
The three continue down, making a mental note of the sewer access under the guild hall. The stairs start to even out of the spiral into a straight line into a large room. The room itself looks completely abandoned, but the light from Perrin's torch causes the shadows to swim as strange forms take shape and dissipate. The air is cold here, and gone is the rancid smell of the sewers. A small mist hovers over the floor where rubble is littered nearly everywhere. This room seems to have been completely abandoned, the walls stripped of anything there might have been with rubble piled in various areas.
Koll will search about, along with the walls, on the floor and through piles of rubble.
Perrin begins his prayer again while clutching his holy symbol. (Casting Locate Object Again)
"Guys, I am not sure this is safe. I feel... Hm, a presence of some sort. And it's not good. I feel we should be more prepared. Maybe bring the others!" Woe says
“We’ll run if we have to. And I can summon Frank if I need to.” Perrin says while concentrating on the spell.
Upon Woe saying that, a strange creature leaps atop a pile of rubble, then immediately leaps towards Koll as he searches. A second one appearing a leaping towards Perrin.
Perrin narrowly dodges out of the way, but he feels something sharp attempting to pierce his mind and devour his brain as the creature closes in. Perrin falls to the ground as the creature climbs atop him. His face is contorted and his eyes are empty. The same thing happens to Koll.
When Woe sees Koll fall as well attacked by the second walking brain creature, his empty eyes upon her, she fears the worst. Her heart feels like it is squeezed by an iron grip.
What can I do? How can I resolve this?
She shouts at the creatures: "Leave my friends alone, back up, you don't get to eat their brains!!!"
Inside her something starts to rage, to boil. Something completely unknown to her. A new force, she didn't know she had inside her. She channels the energy and throws it against the creatures. With a flash of bright light the two brains explode and flecks of tissue and blood cover the whole room (/r 4d8+4=22).
Woe sinks to the floor and covers her face for a moment, just to breathe, to calm her shaking hands.
Then she looks at Perrin's empty eyes. "You see, you're not the only one with special powers anymore!" Then she chuckles, slowly starting to drag her friends up the stairs, not leaving either one out of her sight. When she arrives at the living quarters of the Scarlet Dawn, she pulls Perrin in his bed and Koll in his. She places a small, empty chest next to his bed. It is severely damaged, but bears the markings that Koll described (investigation /r 2d20kh1+3=16). Then she contacts Duke Eltan for help. He promises to send a Cleric to check on her friends within the hour.