"sorry for my inattentiveness ive been very enthralled with my research, with the party we have i assume the ladies have there own room if you are in need of me you can find me there, i shall be retiring for the night, good job all"
Bugs leaned back in his chair and enjoyed his juice. He looked around the inn and contemplated what it might tell about their . . . well, what was Madryck to them anyway? Employer? Not yet. Their beneficiary? Not by any definition of the word Bugs knew. Not yet anyway. Their host? Check. The guy who sent the letters. Check. Whatever that meant. And the inn itself did not seem to offer any clues as it appeared to be a normal inn. Aside from inter-planar spells and vicious Grimlocks, of course. Well, time would tell.
Bugs sat and contemplated the universe for awhile. After a bit he announced, "The time for rest seems to be upon us. I shall go to the men's dorm upstairs and get some rest." He nodded towards Wildred. "Sir. I shall see you and your colorful eyeware upstairs at some point. Enjoy your pondering." With that he turned and bounded up the stairs.
"You know that grimlock seemed really down when I first spoke to him. He didn't seem hostile at all at first, I wonder why they all suddenly attacked as soon as they crossed over...I just can't help but wonder if there is something more going on...." Halei speaks towards Wildred, thinking out loud.
Halei downs the rest of the mead in her horn before heading upstairs. She is not at all tired yet. She still buzzed with restlessness from the exciting day and decides that instead of laying in bed staring at the ceiling she would explore and see what she could find looking around the inn.
She tiptoes around to avoid waking anybody, looking under tables and chairs, picking up books on bookshelves and keeping an eye out for anybody who may also be unable to sleep and might enjoy some company, trying to kill time while she waits for herself to settle.
At this wildred tidies up the table to a fashion and tucks the chairs neatly under the table as walks upstairs he decides to share the room with his new found acquaintance the Harengon as he's still a bit unsure of the surgeon wearing the blood stained apron.
claritas says up for a while journaling about the possible anatomy of the new species shes has encountered only going into her trance four hours before daybreak
Stalker doesn't mind sitting and sleeping in an Inn's chair if there is information to be found. He's slept on the ground many days. He might even pretend to be asleep as talk goes on...but not drinking much...even if it appears so.
Balliol, Halei, Stalker and Wildred wake and make their way downstairs. You have had a good long rest.
As you wake, you hear the chirping of birds and ensemble of forest wildlife, accompanied by the sounds of hammering and construction.
As you make your way to the top of the stairs, the smell of fresh breakfast cooking delights your nostrils. You make your way downstairs to a hive of activity as small woodland creatures of all sorts are busily tending to repair the inn from the damage inflicted the evening prior.
You enter the eastern dining room to see the table piled high with edible sundries. You notice the back of a man dressed in black standing and peering out of the southern window looking over the property's front garden. He turns to greet you all. He looks quite old and frail.
"My friends! Come in, sit down and have something to eat with me," he requests. "I apologise for my tardiness and thank you for heeding my invitation and for your patience. I am Madryck and am delighted to make your acquaintance." He gestures for you all to sit down.
"I have been following your careers for some time now. I need your help and have a request of you. I've acquired many treasures and made important contacts during my lengthy adventuring career," says Madryck. "I would like to pass the treasures I possess and the favours I am owed to you. In exchange, I ask that you travel to Prismeer, a domain in the Feywild, and find out what fate has befallen the archfey that rules it. This archfey, Zybilna, is my patron and inspiration—the source of my power."
"I have been unable to contact Zybilna for the better part of a year, and I fear something terrible has happened. My adventuring days are over, but Zybilna has been good to me, and I would like to know she is well before I take my leave."
"Every eight years, our world is visited by a travelling extravaganza called the Witchlight Carnival. It recently returned and is camped three days' travel from here. I'm asking you now because this carnival might pack up and leave in a week or two, and it contains your only route to Prismeer—a fey crossing if you will."
"Seek out Zybilna of Prismeer, help her if you can, and return with proof that she is alive and well. Upon your return, all the hard-won earnings of my adventuring career shall be yours."
Wildred wants to check with insight and see if all madryck said his what it seems is he holding anything back or do I feel he has any other motives behind sending the group.
Wildred wants to check with insight and see if all madryck said his what it seems is he holding anything back or do I feel he has any other motives behind sending the group.
Madryck seems genuine in his request for help. You are not sure if he is holding back information from you. (Ooc: You can ask him any questions. Talk with him).
Stalker clears his throat. "What does this have to do with last night's attack?"
He orders a cider to rinse the night from his mouth. He decides the old man's interest to be...interesting. "Does Zybilna have any enemies you know of? You believe we can find out what happened to her at this Witchlight Festival? What kind of foe might we meet there? Do they mind us intruding on their party? Is there anything about Prismeer we should know about? Is there anything in your collection of adventuring items that might help us?"
Stalker strokes his read beard in thoughtful consideration, awaiting more information from the oldster. He's not signed any contract with the dwarven guards, as of yet, and an adventure outside of this inn - though he likes it here - fuels his young heart.
"I would love to help! I don't think I've ever gone on an adventure like this before. What do you believe may have happened to her?" Halei mumbles through a mouthful of food, famished from skipping dinner.
Wildred looks to the group with a serious expression and says
"Time passes differently in the Feywild, I think Zybilna’s realm this prismeer will be no different.I have come across many accounts in my studies of others crossing over into the domains of the feywild. While for some, it was a matter of days, for others, it was years that passed on the Material Plane before they could return.Sometimes just a few days pass but in the material realms it is the equivalent of a lifetime,so we must be prepared for the worse"
He stares thoughtfully with an expression of sadness for a moment....and continues
"I for one am in my friend,riches or no riches I would be foolish to miss an opportunity like this!"
He looks to stalker
"I have heard of the carnival. And heard tell it is run by a pair of shadar-kai"
Madryck continues to address Balliol, Halei, Stalker and Wildred.
"Yes, young wizard, you are correct. If I recall, the shadar-kai that run the carnival are named Mister Witch and Mister Light. They acquired it more than a hundred years ago through some wager with an Eldrin." he ponders, "Her name escapes me."
"Zybilna, a fairy godmother to mortals, created the carnival as a means by which mortals could enter her realm and beseech her aid. Much the same way she made the tides of this inn as a neutral place the light and dark realms can join. But the once predictable waxing and waning of the inn between the material, feywild, and shadowfell are now becoming more unbalanced, unpredictable, and sporadic."
"It must be sixty-four years since I visited the carnival. I am sure a lot has changed. I can't presume to know what form the fey crossing currently takes or how well hidden and protected it is. You may have to search thoroughly."
"I trust you are willing and able? If so, would you make your way to the carnival, find the crossing to the domain of delight, Prismeer. Prismeer is ruled by Zybilna, who dwells in the Palace of Heart's Desire, a magnificent structure in the heart of the domain. Zybilna can assume many forms and is brilliant, secretive, and wise. She presents herself to mortals, usually assuming the form of a statuesque woman with long white hair and a small tattoo shaped like a chicken's foot below one eye. Find her and assure me of her well being. Do this for me, and I will gift all that is mine to the four of you."
As Madryck describes Zybilna to you, roll 1d8.
If you rolled a 1, read this.
When you were a small child, a woman matching Zybilna’s description reunited you with a lost pet.
If you rolled a 2, read this.
A woman matching Zybilna’s description visited you once when you were sick as a child and made you feel better.
If you rolled a 3, read this.
A woman matching Zybilna’s description scared away a bully who antagonized you as a child.
If you rolled a 4, read this.
You remember an older family member telling you about a woman with long white hair who helped deliver you when you were born.
If you rolled a 5, read this.
A woman matching Zybilna’s description gave money to your family so that you never wanted for anything as a child.
If you rolled a 6, read this.
You used to have trouble speaking as a child until a woman matching Zybilna’s description put her hand on your head.
If you rolled a 7, read this.
You fell into an icy pond as a child and probably would have died had a woman matching Zybilna’s description not fished you out of the cold water and wrapped you in a blanket.
If you rolled a 8, read this.
You remember sneaking into the Witchlight Carnival as a child and running into a woman matching Zybilna’s description. She gave you a cupcake that made you feel special when you ate it.
"Well we shouldn't waste anymore time.unless there are any objections we should be on our way.daylight is wasting and the carnival has an awful habit of not staying in one spot for to long!I thank you Madryck my dear fellow i don't suppose you have a few gold pieces to help us along our way,?traveling isn't cheap these days you know."
Balliol had stood in the back and observed their host as the others asked questions. He had been about to ask what Zybilna was like when Madryck answered his as-yet unasked question. A fairy godmother? And . . . he seemed to recall just such a visitor once when he was young and sick. He'd never quite trusted the memory. He didn't like the idea of putting his faith in such a patron - they were great when they were there but . . . not every child got better when they were sick like he did. He always wondered where the silver haired lady had been for the others?
Still, a some-time fairy godmother was better than none. And she seemed to have done much good if the stories were true.
"There is some sort of gate at this carnival? Do you have any idea what the portal will look like? Or if the various Misters will allow access to them?" He paused, then added, "In addition, I suppose, there is the still unanswered question of last nights attack. Do you believe it to be just part of the more erratic connection to the Shadowfell? Or is it something else? To say that the connection is "sporadic" does not seem to indicate an increased likelihood of attack. In fact, one would assume it would affect the other side as much as it does this side. These attackers, who you seem to have been expecting, do they seem prepared for the openings? As if they know when they will come even if they seem sporadic to you?"
(Insight Check)
Balliol was curious about the answer. Nothing about last nights attack had seemed sporadic. But he was also pretty sure that a carnival from the feywild was not something he wanted to miss.
The description of the woman passingly reminded Halei of a lady who had helped her as a child. The lady had returned her favorite calico kitten named Cinna that she had lost and spent all day calling for in the woods.
Halei shoved the rest of the food into her mouth and hurried over to the door, her bare feet padding the floor as she went.
"I think we should probably get going! We could spend all day wondering about everything on the way," she said a little impatiently after everyone had finished their questions, excited to start the journey and thus a bit distracted from the conversation.
You hear the other dwarves rouse from their sleep upstairs.
"Master Bugglesworth, I am afraid I have not the answers you seek. The inn's tidal shifts are a mystery. I need you to bring me news of Zybilna. Her absence is troubling, and I am lost without her guidance. As for the Carnival, I know not of the door to Prismeer or what bargain the shadar-kai will make."
As you accept Madryck's quest, he nods approvingly at the two fairies, and they flitter off elsewhere. "This is excellent news, my friends!" he bursts excitedly, ushering you to gather your belongings and meet him out the front of the inn.
The five veteran dwarves clamber down the stairs and enter the breakfast room just as you are exiting to head upstairs and gather your things. They share jovial well-wishes and want for your safe travels. Giving Stalker an extra ribbing on his way out.
Sometime later...
You reunite with Madryck and his two fairy friends as they wait for you out front of the inn. Standing next to a well worn and battered coach, drawn by two magnificent and robust looking horses. One a brown and white mare and the other a black stallion. As you make your way into the increasingly crowded carriage, Madryck hands Wildred a small pouch (containing 24 silver pieces, 8 gold pieces, and a bronze key). "Bring me good news." He closes the carriage door and smiles as one of the fairies smacks the stallion on its hind.
You are on your way.
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"sorry for my inattentiveness ive been very enthralled with my research, with the party we have i assume the ladies have there own room if you are in need of me you can find me there, i shall be retiring for the night, good job all"
Bugs leaned back in his chair and enjoyed his juice. He looked around the inn and contemplated what it might tell about their . . . well, what was Madryck to them anyway? Employer? Not yet. Their beneficiary? Not by any definition of the word Bugs knew. Not yet anyway. Their host? Check. The guy who sent the letters. Check. Whatever that meant. And the inn itself did not seem to offer any clues as it appeared to be a normal inn. Aside from inter-planar spells and vicious Grimlocks, of course. Well, time would tell.
Bugs sat and contemplated the universe for awhile. After a bit he announced, "The time for rest seems to be upon us. I shall go to the men's dorm upstairs and get some rest." He nodded towards Wildred. "Sir. I shall see you and your colorful eyeware upstairs at some point. Enjoy your pondering." With that he turned and bounded up the stairs.
"You know that grimlock seemed really down when I first spoke to him. He didn't seem hostile at all at first, I wonder why they all suddenly attacked as soon as they crossed over...I just can't help but wonder if there is something more going on...." Halei speaks towards Wildred, thinking out loud.
Halei downs the rest of the mead in her horn before heading upstairs. She is not at all tired yet. She still buzzed with restlessness from the exciting day and decides that instead of laying in bed staring at the ceiling she would explore and see what she could find looking around the inn.
She tiptoes around to avoid waking anybody, looking under tables and chairs, picking up books on bookshelves and keeping an eye out for anybody who may also be unable to sleep and might enjoy some company, trying to kill time while she waits for herself to settle.
At this wildred tidies up the table to a fashion and tucks the chairs neatly under the table as walks upstairs he decides to share the room with his new found acquaintance the Harengon as he's still a bit unsure of the surgeon wearing the blood stained apron.
claritas says up for a while journaling about the possible anatomy of the new species shes has encountered only going into her trance four hours before daybreak
Stalker doesn't mind sitting and sleeping in an Inn's chair if there is information to be found. He's slept on the ground many days. He might even pretend to be asleep as talk goes on...but not drinking much...even if it appears so.
After a calming walk around the outside of the inn Halei returns to meditate in her bed.
Balliol, Halei, Stalker and Wildred wake and make their way downstairs. You have had a good long rest.
As you wake, you hear the chirping of birds and ensemble of forest wildlife, accompanied by the sounds of hammering and construction.
As you make your way to the top of the stairs, the smell of fresh breakfast cooking delights your nostrils. You make your way downstairs to a hive of activity as small woodland creatures of all sorts are busily tending to repair the inn from the damage inflicted the evening prior.
You enter the eastern dining room to see the table piled high with edible sundries. You notice the back of a man dressed in black standing and peering out of the southern window looking over the property's front garden. He turns to greet you all. He looks quite old and frail.
"My friends! Come in, sit down and have something to eat with me," he requests. "I apologise for my tardiness and thank you for heeding my invitation and for your patience. I am Madryck and am delighted to make your acquaintance." He gestures for you all to sit down.
"I have been following your careers for some time now. I need your help and have a request of you. I've acquired many treasures and made important contacts during my lengthy adventuring career," says Madryck. "I would like to pass the treasures I possess and the favours I am owed to you. In exchange, I ask that you travel to Prismeer, a domain in the Feywild, and find out what fate has befallen the archfey that rules it. This archfey, Zybilna, is my patron and inspiration—the source of my power."
"I have been unable to contact Zybilna for the better part of a year, and I fear something terrible has happened. My adventuring days are over, but Zybilna has been good to me, and I would like to know she is well before I take my leave."
"Every eight years, our world is visited by a travelling extravaganza called the Witchlight Carnival. It recently returned and is camped three days' travel from here. I'm asking you now because this carnival might pack up and leave in a week or two, and it contains your only route to Prismeer—a fey crossing if you will."
"Seek out Zybilna of Prismeer, help her if you can, and return with proof that she is alive and well. Upon your return, all the hard-won earnings of my adventuring career shall be yours."
Wildred wants to check with insight and see if all madryck said his what it seems is he holding anything back or do I feel he has any other motives behind sending the group.
Madryck seems genuine in his request for help. You are not sure if he is holding back information from you. (Ooc: You can ask him any questions. Talk with him).
Stalker clears his throat. "What does this have to do with last night's attack?"
He orders a cider to rinse the night from his mouth. He decides the old man's interest to be...interesting. "Does Zybilna have any enemies you know of? You believe we can find out what happened to her at this Witchlight Festival? What kind of foe might we meet there? Do they mind us intruding on their party? Is there anything about Prismeer we should know about? Is there anything in your collection of adventuring items that might help us?"
Stalker strokes his read beard in thoughtful consideration, awaiting more information from the oldster. He's not signed any contract with the dwarven guards, as of yet, and an adventure outside of this inn - though he likes it here - fuels his young heart.
"I would love to help! I don't think I've ever gone on an adventure like this before. What do you believe may have happened to her?" Halei mumbles through a mouthful of food, famished from skipping dinner.
Wildred looks to the group with a serious expression and says
"Time passes differently in the Feywild, I think Zybilna’s realm this prismeer will be no different.I have come across many accounts in my studies of others crossing over into the domains of the feywild. While for some, it was a matter of days, for others, it was years that passed on the Material Plane before they could return.Sometimes just a few days pass but in the material realms it is the equivalent of a lifetime,so we must be prepared for the worse"
He stares thoughtfully with an expression of sadness for a moment....and continues
"I for one am in my friend,riches or no riches I would be foolish to miss an opportunity like this!"
He looks to stalker
"I have heard of the carnival. And heard tell it is run by a pair of shadar-kai"
am i still in trance?
Madryck continues to address Balliol, Halei, Stalker and Wildred.
"Yes, young wizard, you are correct. If I recall, the shadar-kai that run the carnival are named Mister Witch and Mister Light. They acquired it more than a hundred years ago through some wager with an Eldrin." he ponders, "Her name escapes me."
"Zybilna, a fairy godmother to mortals, created the carnival as a means by which mortals could enter her realm and beseech her aid. Much the same way she made the tides of this inn as a neutral place the light and dark realms can join. But the once predictable waxing and waning of the inn between the material, feywild, and shadowfell are now becoming more unbalanced, unpredictable, and sporadic."
"It must be sixty-four years since I visited the carnival. I am sure a lot has changed. I can't presume to know what form the fey crossing currently takes or how well hidden and protected it is. You may have to search thoroughly."
"I trust you are willing and able? If so, would you make your way to the carnival, find the crossing to the domain of delight, Prismeer. Prismeer is ruled by Zybilna, who dwells in the Palace of Heart's Desire, a magnificent structure in the heart of the domain. Zybilna can assume many forms and is brilliant, secretive, and wise. She presents herself to mortals, usually assuming the form of a statuesque woman with long white hair and a small tattoo shaped like a chicken's foot below one eye. Find her and assure me of her well being. Do this for me, and I will gift all that is mine to the four of you."
As Madryck describes Zybilna to you, roll 1d8.
If you rolled a 1, read this.
When you were a small child, a woman matching Zybilna’s description reunited you with a lost pet.
If you rolled a 2, read this.
A woman matching Zybilna’s description visited you once when you were sick as a child and made you feel better.
If you rolled a 3, read this.
A woman matching Zybilna’s description scared away a bully who antagonized you as a child.
If you rolled a 4, read this.
You remember an older family member telling you about a woman with long white hair who helped deliver you when you were born.
If you rolled a 5, read this.
A woman matching Zybilna’s description gave money to your family so that you never wanted for anything as a child.
If you rolled a 6, read this.
You used to have trouble speaking as a child until a woman matching Zybilna’s description put her hand on your head.
If you rolled a 7, read this.
You fell into an icy pond as a child and probably would have died had a woman matching Zybilna’s description not fished you out of the cold water and wrapped you in a blanket.
If you rolled a 8, read this.
You remember sneaking into the Witchlight Carnival as a child and running into a woman matching Zybilna’s description. She gave you a cupcake that made you feel special when you ate it.
"Well we shouldn't waste anymore time.unless there are any objections we should be on our way.daylight is wasting and the carnival has an awful habit of not staying in one spot for to long!I thank you Madryck my dear fellow i don't suppose you have a few gold pieces to help us along our way,?traveling isn't cheap these days you know."
Balliol had stood in the back and observed their host as the others asked questions. He had been about to ask what Zybilna was like when Madryck answered his as-yet unasked question. A fairy godmother? And . . . he seemed to recall just such a visitor once when he was young and sick. He'd never quite trusted the memory. He didn't like the idea of putting his faith in such a patron - they were great when they were there but . . . not every child got better when they were sick like he did. He always wondered where the silver haired lady had been for the others?
Still, a some-time fairy godmother was better than none. And she seemed to have done much good if the stories were true.
"There is some sort of gate at this carnival? Do you have any idea what the portal will look like? Or if the various Misters will allow access to them?" He paused, then added, "In addition, I suppose, there is the still unanswered question of last nights attack. Do you believe it to be just part of the more erratic connection to the Shadowfell? Or is it something else? To say that the connection is "sporadic" does not seem to indicate an increased likelihood of attack. In fact, one would assume it would affect the other side as much as it does this side. These attackers, who you seem to have been expecting, do they seem prepared for the openings? As if they know when they will come even if they seem sporadic to you?"
(Insight Check)
Balliol was curious about the answer. Nothing about last nights attack had seemed sporadic. But he was also pretty sure that a carnival from the feywild was not something he wanted to miss.
The description of the woman passingly reminded Halei of a lady who had helped her as a child. The lady had returned her favorite calico kitten named Cinna that she had lost and spent all day calling for in the woods.
Halei shoved the rest of the food into her mouth and hurried over to the door, her bare feet padding the floor as she went.
"I think we should probably get going! We could spend all day wondering about everything on the way," she said a little impatiently after everyone had finished their questions, excited to start the journey and thus a bit distracted from the conversation.
Stalker nods as he considers the information given. "I'm for going, too. Whenever we're ready!
You hear the other dwarves rouse from their sleep upstairs.
"Master Bugglesworth, I am afraid I have not the answers you seek. The inn's tidal shifts are a mystery. I need you to bring me news of Zybilna. Her absence is troubling, and I am lost without her guidance. As for the Carnival, I know not of the door to Prismeer or what bargain the shadar-kai will make."
As you accept Madryck's quest, he nods approvingly at the two fairies, and they flitter off elsewhere. "This is excellent news, my friends!" he bursts excitedly, ushering you to gather your belongings and meet him out the front of the inn.
The five veteran dwarves clamber down the stairs and enter the breakfast room just as you are exiting to head upstairs and gather your things. They share jovial well-wishes and want for your safe travels. Giving Stalker an extra ribbing on his way out.
Sometime later...
You reunite with Madryck and his two fairy friends as they wait for you out front of the inn. Standing next to a well worn and battered coach, drawn by two magnificent and robust looking horses. One a brown and white mare and the other a black stallion. As you make your way into the increasingly crowded carriage, Madryck hands Wildred a small pouch (containing 24 silver pieces, 8 gold pieces, and a bronze key). "Bring me good news." He closes the carriage door and smiles as one of the fairies smacks the stallion on its hind.
You are on your way.