Lerak silently listen to Val. It was a lot of information but the main thing was that Zybilna was emprisoned somewhere. This group seemed to handle itself quite well and tries to avoid unnecessary fight, so he decided that he would stick with them.
He checks with Clapperclaw if he could help in anything "I know how to play bagpipes. This, to me, looks like preety much like a giant bagpipes !" he says with a good laugh.
While helping if he can, he talks to the whole crew. “I like the way you handle things, I can see us working in a good synergy.”Lerak says, giving a good slap on his harengon compagnon.
”So, if i may ask, what is the long plan ? 3 hags have taken control of this place. You met one but did a deal with her it seems. Do you think she will willingly release Zybilna or we will have to fight her ? Can we submit her or only violence will work with hags?”
Lerak tries to remember what he knows about hags (Arcana: 5)
(OOC: we may need to rewind if the party ran into trouble taking off in the balloon, but in any case, once Valrieth gets a chance, she's happy to discuss this matter.)
”So, if i may ask, what is the long plan ? 3 hags have taken control of this place. You met one but did a deal with her it seems. Do you think she will willingly release Zybilna or we will have to fight her ? Can we submit her or only violence will work with hags?”
"Well," Valrieth says, "our Quest has two main goals. One is to find and rescue the children who were kidnapped from the Witchlight Carnival in our world. The carnival owners made a bargain with the hags that they could continue to run the carnival as long as they let the hags take anyone who went on a carnival ride without paying for a ticket or without having their ticket punched." Val shudders briefly at the memory of the little girl in a pig mask who seemed to reach out from a mirror in the carnival. Val now suspects that the little girl was one of Bavlorna's lornlings. "Various children have gone missing over the years, including Dirlagraun's son, Star."
"The other goal is to free Zybilna and restore her to power in Prismeer. Of course, first, we have to figure out how to get to Zybilna's palace, known as the 'Palace of Heart's Desire.' The problem is that we haven't found anyone who knows how to get there. So we just follow the Path that the Fates provide and hope to find allies -- like all of you! -- who can help us on this Quest. Once we finally reach the palace," Val says, as she digs down in her backpack, "we'll need to use an alicorn, that is, the horn of a unicorn, to undo the magic and free Zybilna...somehow." She pulls a beautiful, spiraling horn out of her backpack to show it to everyone. "We're not sure how to use it yet, but I believe that we are Destined to find out. And of course, first we had to find a unicorn horn, which we just did...yesterday. That's why Finley -- and Gan-Re -- traded away their ability to whisper. It was in exchange for the alicorn."
Val puts the alicorn back in her backpack and continues, "As for the hags...well, so far, we've only met Bavlorna, and we weren't confident that just the three of us -- me, Finley, and Octavian -- could defeat here. We were trying to get Octavian's heart back, as we promised to do, so Finley eventually made a bargain with Bavlorna. Now we have to return with a painting from the home of Skabatha, another hag, in just 8 days." Val gives Finley a reassuring look, "Which I'm sure we'll do, Finley, now that we've found new allies of Zybilna to help us!"
Val scans the sky and looks toward the mountains in the east. She sighs and says, "The hags are Fey creatures and, from what we've heard, quite powerful. Bavlorna is definitely evil but also petty and somehow small-minded." Val's tone and expression reveal a mixture of offense, disgust, and anger. It's the first time you've seen the harengon look truly angry: she's practically quivering with emotion. "But she is twisted and very, very wicked."
Val looks to Lerak and finally answers his question, "I believe that we will have to confront the hags, eventually, if we want to restore Zybilna to power. In any case, I may have to confront Bavlorna." She says, somewhat dramatically, "To learn Bavlorna's secret weakness, I made a fey bargain that I would not leave Prismeer until Bavlorna has been killed."
ilifir watches valrieth through the whole thing, face a featureless mask of impassivity "valrieth, what is your natural lifespan?" he asks at the end with a sharp tone "it better be a damn good weakness if you think im going to openly cross a hag, especially a great hag." he raises one irritated eyebrow "glow and gloam save me, but this madhouse will see me under"
at this he clams up for a moment, closing his eyes briefly and taking a deep breath before continuing "but ill help you. we need to take all precautions, stack the odds in our favour, divide them, ambush her, whatever it takes" he carefully makes eye contact with each of them "and dont. say. her. name" he says with utmost seriousness "i dont know if she can hear it, but it seems fitting does it not? and id rather not risk it"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic byVitaly S Alexius
Now you may expect a straight path but, Clapperclaw guides the ballon on a more erratic path where at times he would let the balloon drift like a dandelion seed floating in the wind. The winds whip incessantly as the balloon soars over the mountains and at times the basket is flung about like a ball of yarn in the hands of an energetic kitten. Even though the mist hangs heavy, Clapperclaw never seems lost and eventually lands the ballon at the edge of a sprawling forest. The mists part to reveal a primeval forest. A fragrant breeze wafts between the enormous trees, sending motes of pollen dancing into the air. Patches of sunlight kiss the forest floor, and the sweet melody of birdsong echoes all around. Though there are several trees that have been blighted or tainted in some way.
"Here we are in Thither as promised. Do be careful as this forest holds unknowable dangers. I will stay with the balloon. About 20 minutes south is Nib's cave he knows more about Thither than I do though he is a curmudgeon" says Clapperclaw.
ilifir watches valrieth through the whole thing, face a featureless mask of impassivity "valrieth, what is your natural lifespan?" he asks at the end with a sharp tone "it better be a damn good weakness if you think im going to openly cross a hag, especially a great hag." he raises one irritated eyebrow "glow and gloam save me, but this madhouse will see me under"
Valrieth looks a little hurt or offended at Ilifir's tone.
at this he clams up for a moment, closing his eyes briefly and taking a deep breath before continuing "but ill help you. we need to take all precautions, stack the odds in our favour, divide them, ambush her, whatever it takes" he carefully makes eye contact with each of them "and dont. say. her. name" he says with utmost seriousness "i dont know if she can hear it, but it seems fitting does it not? and id rather not risk it"
Val shrugs at that, "Sure. OK. We were more careful not to say the name of Hither's ruler too often at first. But once you meet her...I don't know. I have a hard time imagining her paying close attention to anything outside of her cottage. She's definitely powerful, but she's also lazy. Her corruption chokes the whole land of Hither, and I think that she's content to force its residents to come to her. Then she delights in twisting their bargains, like when she took Octavian's heart."
Val takes a deep breath for courage and then continues. "And," she says a bit defiantly, "I was careful about my bargain, Ilifir. I am stuck in Prismeer until Bav... -- um -- Hither's ruler is killed. But I did not promise that we would be the ones to do it. Maybe we won't have to confront her. Perhaps we'll be able to restore Zybilna, and she will be the one to punish the Hourglass Coven. I haven't seen anything in the Stars to indicate one way or the other: I just have a feeling that we won't be that lucky. My intuition just tells me that the Path to the palace lies through the hags, and I think that they are going to try to stop us from getting there."
"i apologise, i have been undiplomatic, i tend to do so when stressed" ilifir says, seeing her offense to his tone "indeed that was wise, and i hope we do get lucky, but i will attempt to prepare for the worst. intuition is powerful, and should be trusted whenever reasonable" he considers her words about the hag and sighs "i hate lacking information, and against a hag that is all there will be"
as they leave he bows shallowly to clapperclaw "i appreciate your guidance and will remember it"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic byVitaly S Alexius
Finley nods at Val. “Th’ hag isn’t all powerfuland knowing, aye? Ah got her ta agree ya only ah single heart if things go wrong it’s only mine that is lost.” He tugs at his beard, before looking to Clapperclaw, “thanks again, ye stay safe while we speak to Nibs. What do they look like?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Finley Stoneshaft, Dwarf Artificer - The Wild Beyond the Witchlight, Falkas, Half-Elf Drow Warlock - Keys of Empire
"i apologise, i have been undiplomatic, i tend to do so when stressed" ilifir says, seeing her offense to his tone "indeed that was wise, and i hope we do get lucky, but i will attempt to prepare for the worst. intuition is powerful, and should be trusted whenever reasonable" he considers her words about the hag and sighs "i hate lacking information, and against a hag that is all there will be"
"Thank you," Valrieth says primly, "I know how you feel, and it's a lot to take in. Just in case Thither 'sees me under' -- as you put it -- you should know the weakness of Hither's ruler in case you have to confront her yourselves..." Val explains Bavlorna's weakness: if the hag sees anyone running widdershins (i.e., running counterclockwise in a tight circle around her), she starts to sneeze uncontrollably. While the hag is sneezing, she cannot cast spells. (OOC: I assume that it means that you have to be in melee range of the hag while using your movement to move counterclockwise around her.)
Val also shares that Bavlorna seems to be a shut-in, never leaving her cottage. She doesn't seem to have any guards other than a will-o'-wisp that guards her bedroom and seems to obey her. Sir Talavar also told them that the hag has the ability to conjure minions, called Lornlings, that look like tiny versions of herself. Finley and Val saw a couple of these Lornlings, but it was unclear what their abilities were or how many of them Bavlorna can conjure. Val admits,"We're still missing some important information, but we hoped that the widdershins allergy would limit what the hag could do. Without her magic, we thought that we had a good chance to survive a fight with the hag long enough to kill her."
"Here we are in Thither as promised. Do be careful as this forest holds unknowable dangers. I will stay with the balloon. About 20 minutes south is Nib's cave he knows more about Thither than I do though he is a curmudgeon" says Clapperclaw.
Val scrambles out of the basket and then, remembering her backpack, pulls herself up to look over the edge of the basket again. She reaches out, but the backpack is still a few feet away. Not for the first time in her life, she wishes that she were a great big harengon, like Lerak. Or just that she could reach a little farther. She imagine reaching the backpack...can practically feel it in her hand. Suddenly, the backpack rises up off of the basket and floats up into her hand. She blinks in surprise and grabs the backpack reflexively, dropping down to the ground.
Val steps forward and clumsily takes Clapperclaws claws in her hands and looks up into the empty eye sockets of the stag's head. "Thank you, Clapperclaw, for getting us here safely. You have been a great help! I hope that a good star shines down on you and keeps you safe. We'll return here as soon as we can, and then we'll need you to fly us right back to Downfall, if you can."
As she takes her first steps in Thither, Val's bare feet are happy to feel moss underfoot instead of the wet, smelly mud of Hither. Some of the tension and worry leaves her face. Her nose wiggles as she sniffs the fragrant air, and her ears twitch and swivel toward the sounds of the birds in the trees. She smiles as she looks around at the trees.
Before they head off toward Nib's cave, Val stands next to Finley and looks around at their new companions. "I think that you're all caught up on our adventure so far," Val says. "Right, Finley? Or...at least...the parts that matter. We have found the alicorn, but we don't know how to get to the palace yet. We have completed the first stage of this Quest, meeting one of the hags and getting from Hither to Thither. But now, our focus must be finding the painting and returning it to Hither in time. The Path ahead is winding and unclear to me. We know almost nothing about Thither or about the hag who rules it." Then she smiles reassuringly and says, "But the Fates brought us all together, just when we needed to go to Thither. I take that as a good Sign! I'm sure that there will be dangers ahead, but if we are brave and good, I'm sure we will find more allies of Zybilna who will help us along the way."
Val normally walks second in line because of her perception. Her survival also gives her a decent chance at navigating in the wilderness. But if there's a fight, she'll immediately fall back, behind Lerak and Finley, preferring to fight from a range of 30 - 60 ft away.
She imagine reaching the backpack...can practically feel it in her hand. Suddenly, the backpack rises up off of the basket and floats up into her hand. She blinks in surprise and grabs the backpack reflexively, dropping down to the ground.
Lerak sees this magic happening and, most importantly, witnesses the surprise on Val's face. With a big laugh he calls Val and says: "Ah Ah some surprise magic I see. I am glad I am not the only one. You might witness it someday, but when I get angry, weird magic happens around as well. You see, you are not alone my friends."
He then gets out of the basket in one big jump and lands on grass. Flowers, trees... what a sight. The smell ! This is much better than the stinky swamp he was thrown into a couple of days earlier. Lerak looks around as to check if the landing site was safe and asks again the scarecrow "In witch direction lives your friend ?"
"Wow. Okay, so, let me just make sure I have this all right," Otto says as he lazily performs some flourishes with what seems like a full deck of ethereal cards he's conjured into his hands. "Big Z is trapped by this coven in a cauldron, we need an alicorn to save her, which you have. But we don't know how to get to her yet. But before we can get any closer, we have to first steal this painting and bring it back to Hither?"
He takes a beat, looking at each of his four allies, looking a little frustrated. But then it subsides, his head lolling and his face turning towards the ground. He lets our an exasperated sigh.
"Well. I know trying to forge ahead on my own means certain death. Never woulda made it this far if I hadn't met you all, for heck's sake. And at least our primary goal--finding Big Z--is aligned."
He looks up, now focused on Clapperclaws.
"And you promise you'll stay here, and when it's time for us go back to Hither, you will lead us there? And if after that, we still need some guidance, you'll still help us?"
Assuming Clapperclaws is agreeable, Otto will smile and clasp his hands closed around the deck of cards, which vanishes. He then walks to the edge of the basket and attempts to fancifully vault over and out onto the forest floor.
His vault is skillful, though he lets out an audible grunt as he swings his legs over the railing. The drop to the forest floor is a bit further than he expected, so he lands into a somersault and then pops up onto his feet. It wasn't terribly graceful, and the impact of the ground hit harder than he expected, but he does his best to stifle any embarrassment and keep a confident air about him.
"Okay then. The only question I have left, as we look for this Nib: why are you two looking for Big Z in the first place? Like, heck, I understand you want to help these kids and now you're in this bargain and everything. Is that all that got you seeking out Big Z?"
He looks to Otto, "Me? Well, she helped me when I needed 'elp most with me smithin' an' well me and Gan-Re came to th' carnival lookin' ta help her just as much as y'all wannae do. Val has explained most of th' rest o' our story though."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Finley Stoneshaft, Dwarf Artificer - The Wild Beyond the Witchlight, Falkas, Half-Elf Drow Warlock - Keys of Empire
Lerak sees this magic happening and, most importantly, witnesses the surprise on Val's face. With a big laugh he calls Val and says: "Ah Ah some surprise magic I see. I am glad I am not the only one. You might witness it someday, but when I get angry, weird magic happens around as well. You see, you are not alone my friends."
The dazed look of wonder clears from Valrieth's face as she looks at Lerak, reassessing him. "Oh?", she says with keen interest, "In Faerun, I never really knew other harengon. Does your magic come from living in the Feywild? Or...did you inherit it from your parents?"
"Okay then. The only question I have left, as we look for this Nib: why are you two looking for Big Z in the first place? Like, heck, I understand you want to help these kids and now you're in this bargain and everything. Is that all that got you seeking out Big Z?"
Val has always been interested in magic. Not just big, powerful wizards but the everyday or whimsical magic of fairy tales. She's fascinated by his cards. Val is also glad that she's not the only little person in their group anymore.
In response to Otto's question, Val says, "Well, Big Z (as you call her) was apparently the patron of an old warlock named Madryck Roslof, but he had lost contact with Big Z. About a week ago, I think -- it seems strange that it was just a week ago! -- I was one of a group of ladies who accepted a Quest from Mr. Roslof to find out what had happened to Big Z and help her if we could. He told us that there was a 'fey crossing' to Prismeer in the Witchlight Carnival. Sadly, those other ladies are no longer on the Quest, but Finley and Gan-Re joined Hisashi and me at the Witchlight Carnival, and they took up the Quest with us. I may have mentioned in Hither that Hisashi and Gan-Re fell through portals back to Faerun. I suppose that they had other Destinies. I miss them both, and I hope that I get to see them again once I complete this Quest."
Val goes silent for a moment, her eyes seeming to look far away in thought. As you start to think that she's done talking, she suddenly blinks and focuses again on Otto, almost as though she's surprised to see him. She smiles suddenly and says, "But Finley and I are still here and are still committed to the Quest! As I said yesterday, I'm so so so glad that you found us when you did and that you're joining us on our Quest!"
(OOC: I think that the group is ready to take their leave of Clapperclaw and would now head south to Nib's Cave.)
Val goes silent for a moment, her eyes seeming to look far away in thought. As you start to think that she's done talking, she suddenly blinks and focuses again on Otto, almost as though she's surprised to see him. She smiles suddenly and says, "But Finley and I are still here and are still committed to the Quest! As I said yesterday, I'm so so so glad that you found us when you did and that you're joining us on our Quest!"
"Oh, erm, yeah. Likewise. Before meeting you all I was shoulders deep in stinky bog water, so, yeah. Likewise."
"Oh! And here," Otto produces four ethereal playing cards like he did before, handing one out to each of Ilifnir, Val, Lerak, and Finley. "Just so we can, ya know," and then, in their heads, he says "talk without talking."
Psychic Whispers - Psionic Dice Rolls = 5, 3 - Ilifnir and Lerak can speak with Otto mentally for 5 hours; Val and Finley can speak with Otto mentally for 3 hours
As the group travels towards Nib's Cave, Otto will purposefully stay about 30 feet ahead of the party, attempting to remain hidden while also scouting for danger.
The party heads south through the forest. Lerak and Otto are the first to see cozy torchlight radiating from a cave in the wooded hillside. Twenty feet from the cave is a tree with a weathered sheet of parchment nailed to its trunk.
On the parchment is
Wanted: Will of the Feywild!
Bring me this imp alive and unharmed, and I’ll bury you up to your neck in silver.
"doesnt sound like a great reward" ilifir says dryly "especially as its so variable. also i note they didnt indicate why there is a bounty on this imp" he frowns slightly "although perhaps its a friend gone missing? that would be a happy reasoning behind the alive and unharmed bit" left unsaid is the other reasoning that came to mind
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic byVitaly S Alexius
Lerak silently listen to Val. It was a lot of information but the main thing was that Zybilna was emprisoned somewhere. This group seemed to handle itself quite well and tries to avoid unnecessary fight, so he decided that he would stick with them.
He checks with Clapperclaw if he could help in anything "I know how to play bagpipes. This, to me, looks like preety much like a giant bagpipes !" he says with a good laugh.
While helping if he can, he talks to the whole crew. “I like the way you handle things, I can see us working in a good synergy.” Lerak says, giving a good slap on his harengon compagnon.
”So, if i may ask, what is the long plan ? 3 hags have taken control of this place. You met one but did a deal with her it seems. Do you think she will willingly release Zybilna or we will have to fight her ? Can we submit her or only violence will work with hags?”
Lerak tries to remember what he knows about hags (Arcana: 5)
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
"Well," Valrieth says, "our Quest has two main goals. One is to find and rescue the children who were kidnapped from the Witchlight Carnival in our world. The carnival owners made a bargain with the hags that they could continue to run the carnival as long as they let the hags take anyone who went on a carnival ride without paying for a ticket or without having their ticket punched." Val shudders briefly at the memory of the little girl in a pig mask who seemed to reach out from a mirror in the carnival. Val now suspects that the little girl was one of Bavlorna's lornlings. "Various children have gone missing over the years, including Dirlagraun's son, Star."
"The other goal is to free Zybilna and restore her to power in Prismeer. Of course, first, we have to figure out how to get to Zybilna's palace, known as the 'Palace of Heart's Desire.' The problem is that we haven't found anyone who knows how to get there. So we just follow the Path that the Fates provide and hope to find allies -- like all of you! -- who can help us on this Quest. Once we finally reach the palace," Val says, as she digs down in her backpack, "we'll need to use an alicorn, that is, the horn of a unicorn, to undo the magic and free Zybilna...somehow." She pulls a beautiful, spiraling horn out of her backpack to show it to everyone. "We're not sure how to use it yet, but I believe that we are Destined to find out. And of course, first we had to find a unicorn horn, which we just did...yesterday. That's why Finley -- and Gan-Re -- traded away their ability to whisper. It was in exchange for the alicorn."
Val puts the alicorn back in her backpack and continues, "As for the hags...well, so far, we've only met Bavlorna, and we weren't confident that just the three of us -- me, Finley, and Octavian -- could defeat here. We were trying to get Octavian's heart back, as we promised to do, so Finley eventually made a bargain with Bavlorna. Now we have to return with a painting from the home of Skabatha, another hag, in just 8 days." Val gives Finley a reassuring look, "Which I'm sure we'll do, Finley, now that we've found new allies of Zybilna to help us!"
Val scans the sky and looks toward the mountains in the east. She sighs and says, "The hags are Fey creatures and, from what we've heard, quite powerful. Bavlorna is definitely evil but also petty and somehow small-minded." Val's tone and expression reveal a mixture of offense, disgust, and anger. It's the first time you've seen the harengon look truly angry: she's practically quivering with emotion. "But she is twisted and very, very wicked."
Val looks to Lerak and finally answers his question, "I believe that we will have to confront the hags, eventually, if we want to restore Zybilna to power. In any case, I may have to confront Bavlorna." She says, somewhat dramatically, "To learn Bavlorna's secret weakness, I made a fey bargain that I would not leave Prismeer until Bavlorna has been killed."
ilifir watches valrieth through the whole thing, face a featureless mask of impassivity "valrieth, what is your natural lifespan?" he asks at the end with a sharp tone "it better be a damn good weakness if you think im going to openly cross a hag, especially a great hag." he raises one irritated eyebrow "glow and gloam save me, but this madhouse will see me under"
at this he clams up for a moment, closing his eyes briefly and taking a deep breath before continuing "but ill help you. we need to take all precautions, stack the odds in our favour, divide them, ambush her, whatever it takes" he carefully makes eye contact with each of them "and dont. say. her. name" he says with utmost seriousness "i dont know if she can hear it, but it seems fitting does it not? and id rather not risk it"
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic by Vitaly S Alexius
The guards release the lines and Clapperclaw pilots the balloon towards the east.
(This is what you might have seen if you tried to take the balloon by force)
Now you may expect a straight path but, Clapperclaw guides the ballon on a more erratic path where at times he would let the balloon drift like a dandelion seed floating in the wind. The winds whip incessantly as the balloon soars over the mountains and at times the basket is flung about like a ball of yarn in the hands of an energetic kitten. Even though the mist hangs heavy, Clapperclaw never seems lost and eventually lands the ballon at the edge of a sprawling forest. The mists part to reveal a primeval forest. A fragrant breeze wafts between the enormous trees, sending motes of pollen dancing into the air. Patches of sunlight kiss the forest floor, and the sweet melody of birdsong echoes all around. Though there are several trees that have been blighted or tainted in some way.
"Here we are in Thither as promised. Do be careful as this forest holds unknowable dangers. I will stay with the balloon. About 20 minutes south is Nib's cave he knows more about Thither than I do though he is a curmudgeon" says Clapperclaw.
Valrieth looks a little hurt or offended at Ilifir's tone.
Val shrugs at that, "Sure. OK. We were more careful not to say the name of Hither's ruler too often at first. But once you meet her...I don't know. I have a hard time imagining her paying close attention to anything outside of her cottage. She's definitely powerful, but she's also lazy. Her corruption chokes the whole land of Hither, and I think that she's content to force its residents to come to her. Then she delights in twisting their bargains, like when she took Octavian's heart."
Val takes a deep breath for courage and then continues. "And," she says a bit defiantly, "I was careful about my bargain, Ilifir. I am stuck in Prismeer until Bav... -- um -- Hither's ruler is killed. But I did not promise that we would be the ones to do it. Maybe we won't have to confront her. Perhaps we'll be able to restore Zybilna, and she will be the one to punish the Hourglass Coven. I haven't seen anything in the Stars to indicate one way or the other: I just have a feeling that we won't be that lucky. My intuition just tells me that the Path to the palace lies through the hags, and I think that they are going to try to stop us from getting there."
"i apologise, i have been undiplomatic, i tend to do so when stressed" ilifir says, seeing her offense to his tone "indeed that was wise, and i hope we do get lucky, but i will attempt to prepare for the worst. intuition is powerful, and should be trusted whenever reasonable" he considers her words about the hag and sighs "i hate lacking information, and against a hag that is all there will be"
as they leave he bows shallowly to clapperclaw "i appreciate your guidance and will remember it"
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic by Vitaly S Alexius
Finley nods at Val. “Th’ hag isn’t all powerfuland knowing, aye? Ah got her ta agree ya only ah single heart if things go wrong it’s only mine that is lost.” He tugs at his beard, before looking to Clapperclaw, “thanks again, ye stay safe while we speak to Nibs. What do they look like?”
Finley Stoneshaft, Dwarf Artificer - The Wild Beyond the Witchlight, Falkas, Half-Elf Drow Warlock - Keys of Empire
"Thank you," Valrieth says primly, "I know how you feel, and it's a lot to take in. Just in case Thither 'sees me under' -- as you put it -- you should know the weakness of Hither's ruler in case you have to confront her yourselves..." Val explains Bavlorna's weakness: if the hag sees anyone running widdershins (i.e., running counterclockwise in a tight circle around her), she starts to sneeze uncontrollably. While the hag is sneezing, she cannot cast spells. (OOC: I assume that it means that you have to be in melee range of the hag while using your movement to move counterclockwise around her.)
Val also shares that Bavlorna seems to be a shut-in, never leaving her cottage. She doesn't seem to have any guards other than a will-o'-wisp that guards her bedroom and seems to obey her. Sir Talavar also told them that the hag has the ability to conjure minions, called Lornlings, that look like tiny versions of herself. Finley and Val saw a couple of these Lornlings, but it was unclear what their abilities were or how many of them Bavlorna can conjure. Val admits, "We're still missing some important information, but we hoped that the widdershins allergy would limit what the hag could do. Without her magic, we thought that we had a good chance to survive a fight with the hag long enough to kill her."
Val scrambles out of the basket and then, remembering her backpack, pulls herself up to look over the edge of the basket again. She reaches out, but the backpack is still a few feet away. Not for the first time in her life, she wishes that she were a great big harengon, like Lerak. Or just that she could reach a little farther. She imagine reaching the backpack...can practically feel it in her hand. Suddenly, the backpack rises up off of the basket and floats up into her hand. She blinks in surprise and grabs the backpack reflexively, dropping down to the ground.
Val steps forward and clumsily takes Clapperclaws claws in her hands and looks up into the empty eye sockets of the stag's head. "Thank you, Clapperclaw, for getting us here safely. You have been a great help! I hope that a good star shines down on you and keeps you safe. We'll return here as soon as we can, and then we'll need you to fly us right back to Downfall, if you can."
As she takes her first steps in Thither, Val's bare feet are happy to feel moss underfoot instead of the wet, smelly mud of Hither. Some of the tension and worry leaves her face. Her nose wiggles as she sniffs the fragrant air, and her ears twitch and swivel toward the sounds of the birds in the trees. She smiles as she looks around at the trees.
Before they head off toward Nib's cave, Val stands next to Finley and looks around at their new companions. "I think that you're all caught up on our adventure so far," Val says. "Right, Finley? Or...at least...the parts that matter. We have found the alicorn, but we don't know how to get to the palace yet. We have completed the first stage of this Quest, meeting one of the hags and getting from Hither to Thither. But now, our focus must be finding the painting and returning it to Hither in time. The Path ahead is winding and unclear to me. We know almost nothing about Thither or about the hag who rules it." Then she smiles reassuringly and says, "But the Fates brought us all together, just when we needed to go to Thither. I take that as a good Sign! I'm sure that there will be dangers ahead, but if we are brave and good, I'm sure we will find more allies of Zybilna who will help us along the way."
Val normally walks second in line because of her perception. Her survival also gives her a decent chance at navigating in the wilderness. But if there's a fight, she'll immediately fall back, behind Lerak and Finley, preferring to fight from a range of 30 - 60 ft away.
Lerak sees this magic happening and, most importantly, witnesses the surprise on Val's face. With a big laugh he calls Val and says: "Ah Ah some surprise magic I see. I am glad I am not the only one. You might witness it someday, but when I get angry, weird magic happens around as well. You see, you are not alone my friends."
He then gets out of the basket in one big jump and lands on grass. Flowers, trees... what a sight. The smell ! This is much better than the stinky swamp he was thrown into a couple of days earlier. Lerak looks around as to check if the landing site was safe and asks again the scarecrow "In witch direction lives your friend ?"
Perception: 21
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
"Just head 20 minutes south and once you see a grumpy elderly human man in a cave then you will have found Nib" says Clapperclaw.
"Wow. Okay, so, let me just make sure I have this all right," Otto says as he lazily performs some flourishes with what seems like a full deck of ethereal cards he's conjured into his hands. "Big Z is trapped by this coven in a cauldron, we need an alicorn to save her, which you have. But we don't know how to get to her yet. But before we can get any closer, we have to first steal this painting and bring it back to Hither?"
He takes a beat, looking at each of his four allies, looking a little frustrated. But then it subsides, his head lolling and his face turning towards the ground. He lets our an exasperated sigh.
"Well. I know trying to forge ahead on my own means certain death. Never woulda made it this far if I hadn't met you all, for heck's sake. And at least our primary goal--finding Big Z--is aligned."
He looks up, now focused on Clapperclaws.
"And you promise you'll stay here, and when it's time for us go back to Hither, you will lead us there? And if after that, we still need some guidance, you'll still help us?"
Assuming Clapperclaws is agreeable, Otto will smile and clasp his hands closed around the deck of cards, which vanishes. He then walks to the edge of the basket and attempts to fancifully vault over and out onto the forest floor.
Acrobatics - 12
His vault is skillful, though he lets out an audible grunt as he swings his legs over the railing. The drop to the forest floor is a bit further than he expected, so he lands into a somersault and then pops up onto his feet. It wasn't terribly graceful, and the impact of the ground hit harder than he expected, but he does his best to stifle any embarrassment and keep a confident air about him.
"Okay then. The only question I have left, as we look for this Nib: why are you two looking for Big Z in the first place? Like, heck, I understand you want to help these kids and now you're in this bargain and everything. Is that all that got you seeking out Big Z?"
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
"Tha' was about everything, Val." Finley nods.
He looks to Otto, "Me? Well, she helped me when I needed 'elp most with me smithin' an' well me and Gan-Re came to th' carnival lookin' ta help her just as much as y'all wannae do. Val has explained most of th' rest o' our story though."
Finley Stoneshaft, Dwarf Artificer - The Wild Beyond the Witchlight, Falkas, Half-Elf Drow Warlock - Keys of Empire
The dazed look of wonder clears from Valrieth's face as she looks at Lerak, reassessing him. "Oh?", she says with keen interest, "In Faerun, I never really knew other harengon. Does your magic come from living in the Feywild? Or...did you inherit it from your parents?"
Val has always been interested in magic. Not just big, powerful wizards but the everyday or whimsical magic of fairy tales. She's fascinated by his cards. Val is also glad that she's not the only little person in their group anymore.
In response to Otto's question, Val says, "Well, Big Z (as you call her) was apparently the patron of an old warlock named Madryck Roslof, but he had lost contact with Big Z. About a week ago, I think -- it seems strange that it was just a week ago! -- I was one of a group of ladies who accepted a Quest from Mr. Roslof to find out what had happened to Big Z and help her if we could. He told us that there was a 'fey crossing' to Prismeer in the Witchlight Carnival. Sadly, those other ladies are no longer on the Quest, but Finley and Gan-Re joined Hisashi and me at the Witchlight Carnival, and they took up the Quest with us. I may have mentioned in Hither that Hisashi and Gan-Re fell through portals back to Faerun. I suppose that they had other Destinies. I miss them both, and I hope that I get to see them again once I complete this Quest."
Val goes silent for a moment, her eyes seeming to look far away in thought. As you start to think that she's done talking, she suddenly blinks and focuses again on Otto, almost as though she's surprised to see him. She smiles suddenly and says, "But Finley and I are still here and are still committed to the Quest! As I said yesterday, I'm so so so glad that you found us when you did and that you're joining us on our Quest!"
(OOC: I think that the group is ready to take their leave of Clapperclaw and would now head south to Nib's Cave.)
"Oh, erm, yeah. Likewise. Before meeting you all I was shoulders deep in stinky bog water, so, yeah. Likewise."
"Oh! And here," Otto produces four ethereal playing cards like he did before, handing one out to each of Ilifnir, Val, Lerak, and Finley. "Just so we can, ya know," and then, in their heads, he says "talk without talking."
Psychic Whispers - Psionic Dice Rolls = 5, 3 - Ilifnir and Lerak can speak with Otto mentally for 5 hours; Val and Finley can speak with Otto mentally for 3 hours
As the group travels towards Nib's Cave, Otto will purposefully stay about 30 feet ahead of the party, attempting to remain hidden while also scouting for danger.
Stealth - 10 + 4 if given guidance = 14
Perception - 15
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
The party heads south through the forest. Lerak and Otto are the first to see cozy torchlight radiating from a cave in the wooded hillside. Twenty feet from the cave is a tree with a weathered sheet of parchment nailed to its trunk.
On the parchment is
Wanted: Will of the Feywild!
Bring me this imp alive and unharmed, and I’ll bury you up to your neck in silver.
"doesnt sound like a great reward" ilifir says dryly "especially as its so variable. also i note they didnt indicate why there is a bounty on this imp" he frowns slightly "although perhaps its a friend gone missing? that would be a happy reasoning behind the alive and unharmed bit" left unsaid is the other reasoning that came to mind
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic by Vitaly S Alexius
"Yeah," Valrieth says, "I wouldn't agree to that bargain! Does it say who wants this Will of the Feywild? Who is offering that so-called reward?"
Here is the picture of the wanted poster. Ass the party gets closer they see the wanted poster and the reward would be given by Granny Nightshade