When Hemlock opens the satchel and sees the eight coins, and before he touches them, he once again whistles twice and then says, "Friend". He then picks a couple up, feeling the stickiness of them and wondering whether that is merely the remains of the rodents in the bag.
He places them gently down and closes the satchel before heading out with it and reporting back to whichever of his friends are still there.
"It seems we have not fully dealt with the mimic issue. There are two juvenile mimics that are unaccounted for", he says quietly so as not to alarm the centaur family or Semmer or Lichen.
As the others are resting, he will do likewise as he thinks about what to do with the mimics, keeping the satchel close so no-one gets any unexpected surprises. He will hwoever enquire as to where the key is so they lock up the chest for now and do a more thorough search after their rest.
The centaurs are very relieved and grateful, with the father especially showing genuine contrition about his animosity towards Saoirse and the rest of the party. They would do anything to help you out. The mother even says when you ask for her help to check it out one last time "I never want to see the inside of that chest again. I'd like to move my workshop up to West Branch, pull out our winter clothes, and be done with it."
"Honestly, I've never liked having a spoil of war," the father agrees. "If you're ready to give away your grandmother's chest, I think that these adventurers will make better use of it."
The centaurs clearly mostly want to just be by themselves, to help her process her experience, and to debrief and comfort each other.
A brief check-in on the others you mentioned (feel free to insert yourselves in any of these):
Lichen heads first towards North Branch (he missed lunch), but he just gathers some food into his arms, and wants to walk off to West Lookout to meditate and eat in peace. He does pass by the rest of the teens though, who greet him as a hero, but also with shame of not having noticed him missing, and the interaction is a little awkward. Lichen isn't part of their 'freedom fighter' shtick, and doesn't seem like a totally natural part of their social circle, or comfortable with being heralded as a hero just because he was kidnapped. After some meaningful looks, the teens decide to let him go in peace, with only Kristoff (the elder bugbear brother) accompanying him in close, supportive silence, and carrying an extra armload of fruit and snacks. Cylence does not interject himself in those interactions, but when Lichen meets the wood-elf's eyes, he sees a sort of genuine respect and care that leaves him walking a little bit taller, a little more confident.
Before and after that interaction, the teens are gathered attentively around Cylence while he deliveres a riveting lecture/epic about a resistance movement among a noble goblin clan many years an countless miles away from here, and how careful planning, patience, and tactics allowed them to fend off a threatening army for decades. He is making their mistakes clear, while also advising them on how to learn from them. He is also telling them that they are too young to be fighting in this way... though that part of the lecture is clearly less emphasized.
Frederico has woken up, and is aware of his surroundings. Father and little brother are gathered close to him, and he is sitting up and eating bits of a vegetable stew. Tears have clearly streamed down all three faces, especially Frederico's, but there is a general sense of gratitude and hope for the future, which seems to be even more central to their mood than the grief for Frederico's athletic prospects. The boy will gladly talk to any one of you who wants to sit with him, though he would be overwhelmed if everyone were there.
Tesfaye, Saffron, and Eliza have fallen into a pretty intense debate about whether it would have been appropriate to test everyone and reveal shapeshifters. At some point, Fitzwhistle must have walked in, because he has joined Tesfaye in defending the stance that more knowledge is better and that secrecy is never truly noble - to a degree that the Tortle seems a little frustrated to be aligned with. Both Tesfaye and Fitzwhistle still seem a little oblivious to how emotional this subject is for Saffron, and keep saying that they're just trying to be logical about this, which clearly pisses Saffron off more. Eliza is doing what she can to support Saffron's arguments, but its clear that nobody is really making any headway on convincing anyone else.
Anyone who sees Lam and Sha working to clean up and bury the bodies will help. Tecelão-Raiz even offers to come down with you to help bless the bodies to the use of the land, and to Shar's peaceful embrace. While doing this work, you find a ring on Hermes' finger with an interesting stone in it - you're pretty sure it's a sending stone.
The village is alive with its regular movements, and people go about their regular lives. We are approaching dusk, and the sun has passed below the tips of the mountains that surround the valley. Soon, people will prepare evening meals, and after that, many will gather on West Lookout for the daily storytelling circle.
"Honestly, I've never liked having a spoil of war," the father agrees. "If you're ready to give away your grandmother's chest, I think that these adventurers will make better use of it."
Saoirse, who was in the middle of handing the key to the centaur family, is caught by surprise. She of course understands the urge of the centaur mother to get rid of it, and wonders if she herself will ever forget what they all saw inside that chest. But at the same time, she cannot deny this is going to be very useful for the party's travels. So she thanks them and hangs the key from her holy symbol, which she is still wearing around her neck despite her beliefs having changed so much since she began wearing it. That periapt still contained a sample of her blood before it was transformed by the Hunter's Bane so, all in all, it still had a deep meaning to her.
It felt a bit strange not to know the names of the members of this centaur family, and the fire genasi was about to ask about this, but as she didn't want to steal more private time from them, she turned to leave them be and went towards her friends, where she found Hemlockchecking the bag of juvenile mimics:
- This is so weird - she said, also looking inside the bag with a mix of disgust and curiosity - They are monstrosities, they were trained by Vince -and gods know I don't want to spend even one second thinking about how he did it -, they were supposed to cause havoc in Village Tree and still ... the fact that we can now care for them sounds kind of ... cute? Am I going crazy or what? - she tells the druid and as she whistles twice, says "Friend" and touches one of the coins she adds - Should we give them names? I mean, not one for each since it won't be easy to distinguish them, but what about a single name for them all? Like ... I don't know ... Mimi, or ... Chester (because they tend to look like chests?). Chester 1, Chester 2, Chester 3 ... What are we going to do about the two missing ones by the way? Should we inform Cylence about this? Or do you think you could try to look for them using your bear smell, Hemlock?
As she says all of this, she suddenly turns to Lam:
- Ummm, sorryLam. Here I am talking about naming the young mimics while you're still recovering from the big one biting you! - she says apologetically.
Hemlock thinks for a moment about what Saoirse says.
"The young mimics are merely tools to Vince, but we must remain cautious. They are predators after all. But I do not believe they are evil. I am just not sure what we should do with them", he says contemplating just that. "As for names...", he shrugs. "It can do no harm I guess".
"As for finding the missing two, I agree we need to find them, and we should warn Cylence. Wherever they are, they will have replaced something that belongs. We should check in the chest for items that look out of place. Hermes and Poniros might have hidden the originals in there".
- There were several weapons down there, perhaps some of them do not belong to this family. - Saoirseisn't fond of the idea of bothering the centaur family again, but this is too important to ignore - All right, I'll ask them about this.
With that, the blood hunter approaches the centaur father and mother once again:
- Sorry for bringing the chest again, but I'm afraid there's a loose end we still need to solve. The kidnappers mimicked two objects in Village Tree, and we think the originals might be inside the heirloom chest. We need to identify them as soon as possible. Did youcatch anything that didn't really belong there? As I remember, there were many dolls, javelins, spears, a particularly beautiful looking longbown, a centaur armor ... - she lists everything she remembers, hoping to help the centaur woman remember.
Lam holds up the sending stone found on Hermes’s body and shows it to Sha. “Will this talk to someone? Not Tesfaye?” He takes both the ring and the stone with him, but elects not to try to use either for the moment as he wants to get back to Hemlock and Saoirse.
At the mention of his injury, Lam instinctively puts his hand on his own chest- but he still takes a peek inside of the bag without daring to put his arm inside. “Little ones… not as bad as big one,” he says to Saoirse. He nods in response to Saoirse and Hemlock’s words regarding the importance of finding the missing two mimics. He waits with Hemlock as Saoirse questions the centaur parents one more time, then (supposing the answers don’t change his plans) he wants to take whichever of his friends will go with him to where Cyclence and the teens are- to warn Cyclence about the mimics, and to see that the teens are ok.
Lam holds up the sending stone found on Hermes’sbody and shows it to Sha. “Will this talk to someone? Not Tesfaye?”
”I believe so, Poniros also had one it may be a bad idea to experiment with them until we learn more about them.” Yawn stretch quiver rrowl. “Excuse me I’m really feeling the physical exertion of the past few days.”
Actually, the Centaur replies to Saoirse, "pretty much all of that sounds like things that were already down there. I make wooden dolls, and my grandmother was a knight working for the high elves, in her youth.
I think we'll stay here so I can rest, but you should go on to story circle. It should be starting soon."
- Oh - Saoirse says a little disappointed, she had expected to find at least one of copied objects inside the chest - We shall keep looking, then. Your grandmother must have been an amazing woman! But do excuse me, I don't want to bother you further. Hope you feel better soon! And yes, we will of course visit the story circle.
She waves goodbye to the centaur family and when she goes back to her friends she tells them that, unfortunately, the search for the missing mimics will need to go on.
He waits with Hemlock as Saoirse questions the centaur parents one more time, then (supposing the answers don’t change his plans) he wants to take whichever of his friends will go with him to where Cyclence and the teens are- to warn Cyclence about the mimics, and to see that the teens are ok.
- Yes - Saoirse tells Lam - Let's go find Cylence and the teens. I imagine they will be on their way to the story circle too.
Tecelão-Raiz even offers to come down with you to help bless the bodies to the use of the land, and to Shar's peaceful embrace.
Sha-gravis is honored by Tecelão-Raiz’s offer. Afterwards he would mention the lunar event taking place the next night and his intention to participate in the subsequent ritual of submersion in water reflecting the moon as it is eclipsed to honor the moon maiden’s mothering of many species… he will ask about the harpy egg he left for safekeeping and finally ask for help telling a story at story hour as he is quite tired but wants to encourage proper acknowledgement of his goddess.
Hemlock nods, "Very well, we will have to search. I suggest we pair up and walk different paths to story circle, and every so often whistle twice sharply and call 'Come'. If any are within earshot they will start to move towards you. We should do that when at the story circle as well, in case they are disguised there as something used for the tale telling".
As Saoirse and Lam had already decided to pair up and go find Cylence on the way, he will look for Sha to do a quick wander around calling or the juvenile mimics.
It's such a clever approach that I'll just give it to you. Whoever walks through the pantry and whistles for the juvenile mimic is surprised to see a small jar of some yellowish spice with the label missing shift into an almost liquid form and ooze/crawl towards them happily. An identical jar sits beside it, and has all the signs of having sat forgotten on that shelf for many months. There's still one missing.
When Lam finds Cylence and the teens, they're already on their way to the circle. Cylence grimaces at the warning, but mumbles that he'll take care of it as soon as it shows up.
Tecelão-Raiz' dedication of the bodies is surprising to Sha - it is clear that she has no formal training in the church, but she has been given a vision of the moon goddess' true form, and her brief speech links the cycle of life and death to the cycle of the moon, and the washing away of sin and suffering by death and renewal. The spirit of the goddess is clear within her - even without any of the memorized songs and prayers in Sha'seducation. To Sha's request, however, she answers "I can not help you to tell a story. When called to tell, you must tell as your self. How you tell is a demonstration of who you are, even more than which story you speak. Wait, until you feel moved to tell the story, and lifted by the setting." Though blind in her eyes now, she can clearly see in some other way.
When you begin to head directly to the West Lookout, you are reminded that it was there you found Hermes nearly destroying Saoirse,nearly shoving her off of the edge and down to her death. Saoirse pauses before stepping onto the long rope bridge, and becomes keenly aware of something that has always been true in Village Tree: it is not quite stationary. The whole tree sways slightly even when the breeze is very slight, as the trunk's 100+feet below the center platform bends microscopically back and forth. Each branch and lookout sways as well, slightly separately from the main trunk. It's why the bridges need to be made of flexible vine and rope - the distance between the parts of the village is always in flux by just a couple of feet, as things sway inwards or outwards. West Lookout is slightly higher up than west branch, which is slightly higher than the central platform. It's far enough from west branch to actually see its sway, and notice that the vine bridge ways a little bit too... and to remember that it is a very, very long drop down. That kids and other civilians comfortably and confidently walk across the bridge even as you approach it is of some comfort. Still though, Saoirse, make a wisdom saving throw.
Hemlock whistles twice and says friend, before placing the young mimic into the satchel with the others. He had not had chance to catch up with Sha, who had been busy with the bodies of the mimics.
He then makes his way to the story circle, where he will repeat his strategy for calling the young mimics.
If he sees the others on the way, he will report back that only one now remains unaccounted for.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sha will retrieve his harpy egg, and head to the story gathering. He gently hums as he checks over the shell and feels for any responses from within. He gives Hemlock a wave at the good news of having found a youngling mimic. He will hopefully arrive in time for Lichen’s telling.
When/if there seems to be an appropriate moment Sha will begin a telling of the mother of monsters his goddesses children. He will use Thaumaturgy to help and when everyone is close he will twilight sanctuary the gathering…
performance 11 ?guidance 4. ?advantage for embellishing with spells 5
Hemlock nods, "Very well, we will have to search. I suggest we pair up and walk different paths to story circle, and every so often whistle twice sharply and call 'Come'. If any are within earshot they will start to move towards you. We should do that when at the story circle as well, in case they are disguised there as something used for the tale telling".
As Saoirse and Lam had already decided to pair up and go find Cylence on the way, he will look for Sha to do a quick wander around calling or the juvenile mimics.
"Clever!", the fire genasi replies to Hemlock's suggestion. With that she and Lam begin to make their way towards the West Lookout, following the direct route. As they walk they go whistling - twice each time - and saying "Come!" hoping the last of the juvenile mimics appears before reaching the Story circle. This raises a few curious looks from any of the locals they come across ("Why are they whistling? These outsiders can't get any weirder!", they seem to be thinking), but this doesn't stop genasi nor bugbear from doing what they know they have to do to ensure the local's safety.
Maybe because she's concentrated on this task, she doesn't fully realize what is happening until she's about to step on the bridge leading to the lookout. All of a sudden Saoirsefeels her stomach turn and a wave of coldness that is so unfamiliar to one with her body temperature. What is happening? Why is she scared of a bridge she's crossed several times before? The blood hunter takes several steps back, and this causes her to crash into Lam, who was just walking behind her...
Lam is equally impressed at Hemlock’s idea- it seems like it would have to work if they could cover the whole Village Tree. He follows Saoirse to the West Lookout and makes his own attempts at whistling- which it takes a couple of tries for him to do correctly, but he is soon offering his own pairs of whistles along with Saoirse. He hopes that they can find the remaining mimics, or at least that they won’t cause chaos in the storytelling circle. His eyes dart to each ordinary small object in the area as if he expects each one to pop up and start moving. He, like Saoirse, notices the looks the two are getting, but he continues to do what he can to ensure everyone’s safety. He’s already allowed too much danger today. Between the teens, and Saoirse at the very spot they’re going-
He is thinking this thought when Saoirse stumbles back and bumps into him. This almost sends Lam crashing back as well, but he does his best to steady himself- and if he succeeds, he tries to also help steady Saoirse with a hand on her shoulder. He looks at her wondering what caused her to step back without warning, and sees a hint of fear in her eyes that surprises him. He wonders if Saoirse was thinking the same as he was when they came in sight of the scene of the horrific event from earlier. His own eyes shine in concern, both for making sure neither of them lose footing right here and for what he sees on Saoirse’s face. He keeps his hand on her shoulder if she allows, and asks, “Are you OK?”
Saoirse regains composure quickly, and the bump into Lam is no more than a minor embarrassment. Hemlock finds no more young mimics as of yet, and people give you questioning looks when they see you whistling and beckoning. If Sha-Gravis tries to tell a story before the event is set in motion, people will look at him in confusion, and Cylence will approach and gently tell him.to wait until it's time.
When you cross the bridge to West Lookout, most of the village's younger children are alteady there, sitting on the ground around the unlit fire pit, or playing with each other. They are welcome underfoot, and any adult in the community can comfortably redirect a child being little too unruly or loud, it's not immediately obvious which kids belong to which parents. The adults sit around the fire pit in the next row back, where a circle of vine and wood has lifted to form benches (there are three rows like this). Saoirse's heart catches in her throat again when she sees how close to the edge some of the children run while playing tag, but none of the locals raise an eyebrow, and she is able to calm herself. More people continue to come in and find a place to sit and stsrt chatting with neighbors. You are surprised to see that Semmer comes, as well as Frederico, Filìpe, and their father.
Tesfaye is already there, and waves you excitedly over to some seats near them. Fitzwhistle sits nearby with Tecelao-Raiz, the two of them seem to have rekindled some feelings, and have plenty to talk about.
Tesfaye is also chatting with a few elves, listening intently as they describe their approach to child-rearing. Apparently Tesfaye's was different - they had a hundred siblings, and they all were expected to fend for themselves. When the ty turned five, they and their few surviving siblings were invited into the community and the education system, and raised by the tortles who choose education as their career. The elves are shocked by this, and have plenty of questions, and you might too, but these are interrupted when Tecelao-Raiz steps up to the fire pit.
"We are gathered in this most sacred place, where the tree looks out on the valley, and our memories and fantasies come to life in each other's minds."The moment that she begins speaking, the rings of seating become perfectly silent, such that only her voice can be heard. If you try to speak, you find that no sound escapes your lips. At the same time, you can see that kids playing, and people chatting, just outside of the rings still seem to be able to hear each other. One couple even stands up to step outside the circle and continue their conversation. For the locals, this is pretty standard, and nobody seems surprised. Most of the kids are settling down though - they love this. All of the villages elders (minus Rhys) also seem to be present, and to love the ceremony of it. Tecelao-Raiz continues: "There are countless stories."
Everyone can be heard as they respond in chorus "and all of them are true." Strangely, even though you can hear that she's speaking elvish, you all understand every word as though it was you mother tongue. Tesfaye gestures wildly and tries to make contact with each of you. You can tell what they're trying to get across (not because of any magic) - they think this is awesome, for both arcane and cultural reasons. The magics of language comprehension and audience quieting continue as the older Dryad speaks on.
She sets a few logs in the middle of the unlit fire pit. "We thank the old pine, who has moved to the next world, and given his body for our spirits to use. The fire is a symbol of the warmth of community, and it is our partner in the weaving of tales. We thank all those whose tellings have forged this space." The ashes and dead coals beneath the fresh logs begin to glow during these sentences, and flames suddenly lick out of the dry wood. Tesfaye is enraptured by the bardic magic at work in the space, and in the words.
"When you feel moved to tell your story, simply come to the center." This is directed at your group - everone else knows how this works. "I begin with a tale from back when all the animals were still people, and we had not yet come to the world...(the hummingbird story)." As she speaks, the fire seems to participate in the telling, swelling to an almost threatening roar as she describes hummingbird flying into it, and calming nearly to bare coals at the end.When she finishes and steps away from the fire pit, the silence on the audience fades, and the flames flicker back to life. Some of the youngest children and their parents leave the circle, heading towards bedtime.
Soon after, Frederico's father walks to the middle, and silence falls on the audience again. "This tale comes from a forested valley similar to ours, but one where magic was rare, and all of the people were simple humans.... (river's giving, Levar burton reads)." During his telling, you can see by Cylence's face that he finds the descriptions of the dragon extremely humorous. The fire and the smoke seem.to.shape themselves as he speaks, miming events of the story. When he speaks of bells, you're sure you can really hear them. The Harpy's egg by Sha-Gravis' side stirrs a little - a faint coo coming from inside. It likes this. Filípe and his father walk off together, the little boy quite proud of his dad. Frederico and dad exchange a few quiet words and a hug, and Frederico moves over to sit with the teens, who all take turns embracing him tightly. By the end of the hug-round, he is blushing and giggling.
Semmer stands up and walks to the middle, and magical silence falls on the audience again. She limps slightly, but the few hours she's spent in the sun have done a great deal to heal her, and it seems like the act of storytelling is meant to heal her as well. (Tamarack tree story).
Cylence steps up to the middle, and gives a meaningful nod to one of the last of the young kids, and the few families left with kids under about 8 or 9 years old take the cue and head off for bedtime. His voice is commanding, and soothing, and he is clearly an experienced storyteller, and yet, the fire does not seem to dance and respond to him, and you do not experience the minor illusions that accompanied the previous storytellers. He's not a local after all, nor a bard. But the audience's attention is no less rapt. It is clear that he is continuing a story that he has been telling for many evenings, and people are delighted to be back in the tale. "Let's see now. When last you met Frodo, Samwise, and the others, the fellowship had been forced to turn back from the mountain pass. Now, they are heading down into the Mines of Moria... ...dug too greedily, and too deep... ...fly, you fools!.."(Most people have tears streaming down cheeks as he narrates Gandalf's apparent death) "... and they stepped into the light of the surface again, to continue their essential quest."He bows slightly, clearly enjoying the act of performing, and steps aside.
Tesfaye steps up to the circle now, and the hush is not just the magic, but also people's deep excitement at a new tale, and a teller who hasn't performed for them before. "Okay, well, this is a story that I heard back home, and I thought it was cool because, like, time travel is a superfascinating idea, and it messes with your head, so like, this is a time travel story. Um, its also a story set in a world without a lot of magic. I really hope its good enough to match some of what I've heard here. Alright, let's go..." The tortle is quite nervous, and they keep glancing at the fire, hoping that it will dance with their storytelling, and that some of the bardic illisions will spring up around him. While that doesn't happen, once they begin the tale the telling is confident and sure, the words memorized and recited dutifully. (The Merchant at the Alchemist's Gate). Some of the teens fall asleep during part of the long story, and many seem confused as they listen, but there is still applause and encouragement from all as they go back to their seat.
Lichen rises next, to applause from the teens, and many others. He's a favorite storyteller, and a master of the craft. The campfire rears up as if to greet him before he even says a word. There are bruises on his face, but they are not very prominent in the firelight. He doesnt bother with an intro, instead launching right into the story. "The moon was a two-headed dragon. One was light, and the other darkness." Immediately, dark smoke collects on one side of the fire, and the other's flames go silvery rather than red. The combination sheds silver light on exactly half of the listening circle, but rotates slowly, giving the effect of a slowly rotating moonlight.
"Each head wished to give the world its gifts, and each was ready to visit its wrath when necessary. The light head gave the gifts of light, and of understanding, and was a beacon of hope. When she saw injustice, she would burn it away in blinding light!" (The smoke fades away, and the fire flares uncomfortably bright). "In her light, there was no space for privacy, and no understanding of pain. Her children were beautiful, shining, and all similar to each other.
"The dark head gave the gifts of calmess and peace, and of comfort in times of pain. She guided the dead to the next world, and she believed in secrets. When she saw evil and intolerance, she drowned it in endless darkness!"(Smoke billows up, and all the audience is shrouded in darkness, and Sha's harpy egg hums musically - despite the magical silence). "Her children came in countless forms, each with their own strabge powers and skills, and often kept to the darkness.
"The two heads knew that either was not whole without the other, and that they shared a body." (The light returns to balance) "When anyone came to either head for help, they were ready to lean on each other and use each other's strengths, which were really all her own strength."
"But one day, there was a man, a leader, one who believed himself to be a hero. He told everyone that he was the champion of the light, and that he would drive out the darkness. The dark dragon's children were called monsters, and hunted by him and his followers. The man did, in fact, defeat a great evil, so when he told all that the light had chosen him, that only the light head was good, the people followed." (The smoke dies down leaving only the silver flames, but they are weak and sickly).
"With their belief, the people ripped the moon in two, and the dark head was banished to the darkness. The only people left who worshipped the dark dragon were thise who wished to abandon the light completely, in sorrow or in hate.
"Each head, alone, survived, but their lonliness for each other turned sometimes to hate, and their followers learned to hate each other. But, there was still a spark of hope (a single small flame sits in the middle of the fire pit, otherwise you all.sit in darkness). There were those who remembered, or discovered, that these were two halves of the whole. When the two halves conmected again, there were bursts of power. Thir power is vested in us even now, with Sha-Gravis as the spark that brought it to us. It was Shar that gave me strength in the darkness i was trapped in today, and it was Selŭne's light that healed me when I returned. For they are one."The clouds suddenly part, and the near-full moon finds itself positioned just right for a beam of light to pierce the canopy, and the whole circle is illuminated, dwarfing the light of the flame as the campfire returns to normal. Lichen looks a little surprised - he's not sure whether that particular effect came from him. Thank you to Sha-Gravis, who taught me this story. I have changed some details, but not what is true. He bows, and returns to the teens, who clap his shoulders in awe and love.
The moment passes, and you all can feel eyes on you. Nobody is saying it directly, but all those who remain around the fire are hoping to hear each of you share a story.
(Ooc: my hope is that, during the next couple weeks, each of your characters tells a whole story. It can be them telling a tale from their life, or any story that you think they may have picked up from their culture or their travels. Include a performance roll, to see whether you can get the campfire and light to assist your telling.)
The sudden rush of fear and vertigo goes away as quickly as it appeared, leaving Saoirseconfused for an instant, until she remembers Lamhas asked how she's feeling and she hasn't answered yet.
- I'm ... okay? - she says, sounding unsure at first - I ... think? - she places a hand on her heart, noticing it's already calming down - Yes. Yes, I'm fine. Just surprised. I felt terrrified all of a sudden, as if I was about to fall down the bridge. I remembered Hermes and ... - Saoirse stops and takes a couple of short quick breaths - ... Gods, I thought it was over, but I may need more time to shake it off - She breathes in and out one more time, this time slowly and deeply, and then adds - Let's continue, okay? Story circle will surely make me forget all this. Look! There I see Tesfaye, Sha and Hemlock, let's go to them.
As the party gathers and sits next to Tesfaye, Saoirseis finally able to speak a little to Frederico, Filìpe, and their father. The genasi has to make a conscious effort to remind herself that this Filìpe is the real one and that the copycat is dead, but once that is done she finds herself smiling to them and remembering that even though there's still many battles ahead, they have already won the one that has allowed Frederico to attend the Story Circle with his family tonight. The blood hunter shares words of encouragement with the young elf, telling him that, with time, there will be much more he'll will be able to do and she will be very happy to see that when she is able to return to the Tree. Turning to speak to Frederico's father, she apologizes for her behaviour upon reaching Village Tree:
- I was exhausted, worried, and ... dissapointed at myself, I guess. I wanted to protect the kids far better than I did. We all wanted to. - she lowers her voice so that Frederico doesn't hear this part - But that does not excuse my behaviour. I'm truly sorry.
After this, she'll talk a little to Tesfaye, too. Though the conversation is soon interrupted by the first of the tales, Saoirseis able to tell her Tortle friend that she's interested in learning all they can share about alchemy.
- I got this from Hermes - she shows them the sling - Do you think we could craft alchemic ammo that I could throw with this? That could be really helpful. Something like smoke bombs or for example. By the way, I haven't seen Saffron nor Eliza, aren't they coming? They were with you, weren't they? Oh, don't tell me you guys argued again because of the antishifter potion?
This last question dies as Tecelao-Raiz begins telling her tale.
Hemlock sits with Tesfaye, riveted as the storytellers come up one by one and tell their tales. And then their turn towards himself and his friends, and he looks a little bit taken aback. He watches as Sha-Gravis eagerly stands and tells his tale his goddesses children.
When Sha is done, he stands up and walks to the firepit to tell his tale. Not being a natural storyteller, he is quite nervous, but he uses his magic to help his confidence and begins.
“Once upon a time", he begins in his slow drawling speech, "in the heart of a dense forest nestled between towering trees and winding streams, there lived a gentle Firbolg. He was unlike many of his kin, for he harboured a deep fascination with the night sky and the myriad of stars that adorned it like diamonds scattered upon a velvet tapestry”.
“Every night, while the rest of his tribe slumbered peacefully in their homes, he would venture out into the clearing at the edge of the forest. There, beneath the canopy of twinkling stars, he felt a sense of belonging and wonder that stirred his soul like nothing else could”.
“He spent countless hours studying the constellations, tracing the patterns with his keen eyes and committing their stories to memory. He learned of the ancient tales woven into the fabric of the night sky by the gods themselves, stories of love, bravery, and adventure”.
“As he grew older, his bond with the stars deepened. He began to notice subtle patterns and movements, discovering hidden meanings in their celestial dance. Guided by the stars, he found purpose and direction in his life, feeling as though they whispered secrets to him in the silent language of the cosmos”.
“One fateful night when the moon was new, as he gazed up at the heavens with his eyes alight with wonder, he noticed a peculiar alignment of stars he had never seen before. It seemed as though they formed a pathway leading into the depths of the forest, beckoning him to follow”.
“But he was hesitant, and decided to stay in the forest. On the next new moon, however, he saw the very same peculiar alignment of stars he had seen during the previous new moon. He realised that this was no mere coincidence”.
“Intrigued by this celestial phenomenon, he decided to heed the call of the stars and embark on a journey into the unknown. But first he had to convince the clan elders to let him leave, and chief amongst those was his very own grandfather”.
“Now, it was incredibly rare for a Firbolg to be allowed to leave the village and wander, but after he explained his desire to leave the forest and of the portent in the stars, he was surprised that the elders agreed”.
“Not only that, but they also handed him a wooden amulet with a moon on one side and small constellation on the other. The constellation matched what he had seen in the night sky on the last two new moons. Apparently the amulet had come into the possession of the clan many generations before, but the knowledge of exactly how was lost”.
“And so with the wooden amulet and the guidance of the stars to light his way, he ventured deep into the heart of the forest, each step filled with anticipation and excitement”.
“Along the way, he encountered countless wonders: shimmering lakes reflecting the starlight, ancient trees whispering tales of days long past, and elusive creatures that danced in the shadows just beyond his sight. Through it all, he felt the reassuring presence of the stars above, guiding him ever onward”.
“After many weeks of travel, he emerged from the depths of the forest and came across new people quite different to himself. He was both tentative and excited to meet these strangers”.
“On one occasion, he came upon the scene of a broken wagon, and used his mighty lifting capability to enable them to repair the wheel. Another time he healed a young farm boy after a terrible injury. He even purified a villages winter store of crops, which had become diseased and would have meant many starved. On each occasion that he helped, he shied away from the attention and simply moved on, following the stars”.
“He then came across a much larger settlement than he had before. There were so many people living there! And they lived so closely together. The townsfolk were very welcoming, having heard tale of a stranger walking the countryside helping the people as he travelled”.
“That was until he heard the terrified squealing of a pig that was about to be slaughtered. He tried to help the poor animal, and there was an accident. The gentle Firbolg was put in an iron cage on the back of a wagon, and taken to a prison made of stone and iron”.
“But he had faith in the stars, and they had indeed led him to exactly where he needed to be. To where he was needed. There in that prison he met the most wonderful friends, who shared his passion for helping people”, he finishes, sending a shy smile to his friends sat together watching and listening.
When Hemlock opens the satchel and sees the eight coins, and before he touches them, he once again whistles twice and then says, "Friend". He then picks a couple up, feeling the stickiness of them and wondering whether that is merely the remains of the rodents in the bag.
He places them gently down and closes the satchel before heading out with it and reporting back to whichever of his friends are still there.
"It seems we have not fully dealt with the mimic issue. There are two juvenile mimics that are unaccounted for", he says quietly so as not to alarm the centaur family or Semmer or Lichen.
As the others are resting, he will do likewise as he thinks about what to do with the mimics, keeping the satchel close so no-one gets any unexpected surprises. He will hwoever enquire as to where the key is so they lock up the chest for now and do a more thorough search after their rest.
The centaurs are very relieved and grateful, with the father especially showing genuine contrition about his animosity towards Saoirse and the rest of the party. They would do anything to help you out. The mother even says when you ask for her help to check it out one last time "I never want to see the inside of that chest again. I'd like to move my workshop up to West Branch, pull out our winter clothes, and be done with it."
"Honestly, I've never liked having a spoil of war," the father agrees. "If you're ready to give away your grandmother's chest, I think that these adventurers will make better use of it."
The centaurs clearly mostly want to just be by themselves, to help her process her experience, and to debrief and comfort each other.
A brief check-in on the others you mentioned (feel free to insert yourselves in any of these):
Lichen heads first towards North Branch (he missed lunch), but he just gathers some food into his arms, and wants to walk off to West Lookout to meditate and eat in peace. He does pass by the rest of the teens though, who greet him as a hero, but also with shame of not having noticed him missing, and the interaction is a little awkward. Lichen isn't part of their 'freedom fighter' shtick, and doesn't seem like a totally natural part of their social circle, or comfortable with being heralded as a hero just because he was kidnapped. After some meaningful looks, the teens decide to let him go in peace, with only Kristoff (the elder bugbear brother) accompanying him in close, supportive silence, and carrying an extra armload of fruit and snacks. Cylence does not interject himself in those interactions, but when Lichen meets the wood-elf's eyes, he sees a sort of genuine respect and care that leaves him walking a little bit taller, a little more confident.
Before and after that interaction, the teens are gathered attentively around Cylence while he deliveres a riveting lecture/epic about a resistance movement among a noble goblin clan many years an countless miles away from here, and how careful planning, patience, and tactics allowed them to fend off a threatening army for decades. He is making their mistakes clear, while also advising them on how to learn from them. He is also telling them that they are too young to be fighting in this way... though that part of the lecture is clearly less emphasized.
Frederico has woken up, and is aware of his surroundings. Father and little brother are gathered close to him, and he is sitting up and eating bits of a vegetable stew. Tears have clearly streamed down all three faces, especially Frederico's, but there is a general sense of gratitude and hope for the future, which seems to be even more central to their mood than the grief for Frederico's athletic prospects. The boy will gladly talk to any one of you who wants to sit with him, though he would be overwhelmed if everyone were there.
Tesfaye, Saffron, and Eliza have fallen into a pretty intense debate about whether it would have been appropriate to test everyone and reveal shapeshifters. At some point, Fitzwhistle must have walked in, because he has joined Tesfaye in defending the stance that more knowledge is better and that secrecy is never truly noble - to a degree that the Tortle seems a little frustrated to be aligned with. Both Tesfaye and Fitzwhistle still seem a little oblivious to how emotional this subject is for Saffron, and keep saying that they're just trying to be logical about this, which clearly pisses Saffron off more. Eliza is doing what she can to support Saffron's arguments, but its clear that nobody is really making any headway on convincing anyone else.
Anyone who sees Lam and Sha working to clean up and bury the bodies will help. Tecelão-Raiz even offers to come down with you to help bless the bodies to the use of the land, and to Shar's peaceful embrace. While doing this work, you find a ring on Hermes' finger with an interesting stone in it - you're pretty sure it's a sending stone.
The village is alive with its regular movements, and people go about their regular lives. We are approaching dusk, and the sun has passed below the tips of the mountains that surround the valley. Soon, people will prepare evening meals, and after that, many will gather on West Lookout for the daily storytelling circle.
DM: Heavy is the Head
Saoirse, who was in the middle of handing the key to the centaur family, is caught by surprise. She of course understands the urge of the centaur mother to get rid of it, and wonders if she herself will ever forget what they all saw inside that chest. But at the same time, she cannot deny this is going to be very useful for the party's travels. So she thanks them and hangs the key from her holy symbol, which she is still wearing around her neck despite her beliefs having changed so much since she began wearing it. That periapt still contained a sample of her blood before it was transformed by the Hunter's Bane so, all in all, it still had a deep meaning to her.
It felt a bit strange not to know the names of the members of this centaur family, and the fire genasi was about to ask about this, but as she didn't want to steal more private time from them, she turned to leave them be and went towards her friends, where she found Hemlock checking the bag of juvenile mimics:
- This is so weird - she said, also looking inside the bag with a mix of disgust and curiosity - They are monstrosities, they were trained by Vince - and gods know I don't want to spend even one second thinking about how he did it -, they were supposed to cause havoc in Village Tree and still ... the fact that we can now care for them sounds kind of ... cute? Am I going crazy or what? - she tells the druid and as she whistles twice, says "Friend" and touches one of the coins she adds - Should we give them names? I mean, not one for each since it won't be easy to distinguish them, but what about a single name for them all? Like ... I don't know ... Mimi, or ... Chester (because they tend to look like chests?). Chester 1, Chester 2, Chester 3 ... What are we going to do about the two missing ones by the way? Should we inform Cylence about this? Or do you think you could try to look for them using your bear smell, Hemlock?
As she says all of this, she suddenly turns to Lam:
- Ummm, sorry Lam. Here I am talking about naming the young mimics while you're still recovering from the big one biting you! - she says apologetically.
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Hemlock thinks for a moment about what Saoirse says.
"The young mimics are merely tools to Vince, but we must remain cautious. They are predators after all. But I do not believe they are evil. I am just not sure what we should do with them", he says contemplating just that. "As for names...", he shrugs. "It can do no harm I guess".
"As for finding the missing two, I agree we need to find them, and we should warn Cylence. Wherever they are, they will have replaced something that belongs. We should check in the chest for items that look out of place. Hermes and Poniros might have hidden the originals in there".
- There were several weapons down there, perhaps some of them do not belong to this family. - Saoirse isn't fond of the idea of bothering the centaur family again, but this is too important to ignore - All right, I'll ask them about this.
With that, the blood hunter approaches the centaur father and mother once again:
- Sorry for bringing the chest again, but I'm afraid there's a loose end we still need to solve. The kidnappers mimicked two objects in Village Tree, and we think the originals might be inside the heirloom chest. We need to identify them as soon as possible. Did you catch anything that didn't really belong there? As I remember, there were many dolls, javelins, spears, a particularly beautiful looking longbown, a centaur armor ... - she lists everything she remembers, hoping to help the centaur woman remember.
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Lam holds up the sending stone found on Hermes’s body and shows it to Sha. “Will this talk to someone? Not Tesfaye?” He takes both the ring and the stone with him, but elects not to try to use either for the moment as he wants to get back to Hemlock and Saoirse.
At the mention of his injury, Lam instinctively puts his hand on his own chest- but he still takes a peek inside of the bag without daring to put his arm inside. “Little ones… not as bad as big one,” he says to Saoirse. He nods in response to Saoirse and Hemlock’s words regarding the importance of finding the missing two mimics. He waits with Hemlock as Saoirse questions the centaur parents one more time, then (supposing the answers don’t change his plans) he wants to take whichever of his friends will go with him to where Cyclence and the teens are- to warn Cyclence about the mimics, and to see that the teens are ok.
”I believe so, Poniros also had one it may be a bad idea to experiment with them until we learn more about them.” Yawn stretch quiver rrowl. “Excuse me I’m really feeling the physical exertion of the past few days.”
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn
Actually, the Centaur replies to Saoirse, "pretty much all of that sounds like things that were already down there. I make wooden dolls, and my grandmother was a knight working for the high elves, in her youth.
I think we'll stay here so I can rest, but you should go on to story circle. It should be starting soon."
DM: Heavy is the Head
- Oh - Saoirse says a little disappointed, she had expected to find at least one of copied objects inside the chest - We shall keep looking, then. Your grandmother must have been an amazing woman! But do excuse me, I don't want to bother you further. Hope you feel better soon! And yes, we will of course visit the story circle.
She waves goodbye to the centaur family and when she goes back to her friends she tells them that, unfortunately, the search for the missing mimics will need to go on.
- Yes - Saoirse tells Lam - Let's go find Cylence and the teens. I imagine they will be on their way to the story circle too.
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Sha-gravis is honored by Tecelão-Raiz’s offer. Afterwards he would mention the lunar event taking place the next night and his intention to participate in the subsequent ritual of submersion in water reflecting the moon as it is eclipsed to honor the moon maiden’s mothering of many species… he will ask about the harpy egg he left for safekeeping and finally ask for help telling a story at story hour as he is quite tired but wants to encourage proper acknowledgement of his goddess.
(help=advantage on the roll maybe?)
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn
Hemlock nods, "Very well, we will have to search. I suggest we pair up and walk different paths to story circle, and every so often whistle twice sharply and call 'Come'. If any are within earshot they will start to move towards you. We should do that when at the story circle as well, in case they are disguised there as something used for the tale telling".
As Saoirse and Lam had already decided to pair up and go find Cylence on the way, he will look for Sha to do a quick wander around calling or the juvenile mimics.
It's such a clever approach that I'll just give it to you. Whoever walks through the pantry and whistles for the juvenile mimic is surprised to see a small jar of some yellowish spice with the label missing shift into an almost liquid form and ooze/crawl towards them happily. An identical jar sits beside it, and has all the signs of having sat forgotten on that shelf for many months. There's still one missing.
When Lam finds Cylence and the teens, they're already on their way to the circle. Cylence grimaces at the warning, but mumbles that he'll take care of it as soon as it shows up.
Tecelão-Raiz' dedication of the bodies is surprising to Sha - it is clear that she has no formal training in the church, but she has been given a vision of the moon goddess' true form, and her brief speech links the cycle of life and death to the cycle of the moon, and the washing away of sin and suffering by death and renewal. The spirit of the goddess is clear within her - even without any of the memorized songs and prayers in Sha's education. To Sha's request, however, she answers "I can not help you to tell a story. When called to tell, you must tell as your self. How you tell is a demonstration of who you are, even more than which story you speak. Wait, until you feel moved to tell the story, and lifted by the setting." Though blind in her eyes now, she can clearly see in some other way.
When you begin to head directly to the West Lookout, you are reminded that it was there you found Hermes nearly destroying Saoirse, nearly shoving her off of the edge and down to her death. Saoirse pauses before stepping onto the long rope bridge, and becomes keenly aware of something that has always been true in Village Tree: it is not quite stationary. The whole tree sways slightly even when the breeze is very slight, as the trunk's 100+feet below the center platform bends microscopically back and forth. Each branch and lookout sways as well, slightly separately from the main trunk. It's why the bridges need to be made of flexible vine and rope - the distance between the parts of the village is always in flux by just a couple of feet, as things sway inwards or outwards. West Lookout is slightly higher up than west branch, which is slightly higher than the central platform. It's far enough from west branch to actually see its sway, and notice that the vine bridge ways a little bit too... and to remember that it is a very, very long drop down. That kids and other civilians comfortably and confidently walk across the bridge even as you approach it is of some comfort. Still though, Saoirse, make a wisdom saving throw.
DM: Heavy is the Head
Hemlock whistles twice and says friend, before placing the young mimic into the satchel with the others. He had not had chance to catch up with Sha, who had been busy with the bodies of the mimics.
He then makes his way to the story circle, where he will repeat his strategy for calling the young mimics.
If he sees the others on the way, he will report back that only one now remains unaccounted for.
(OOC: Have claimed it :-) )
Sha will retrieve his harpy egg, and head to the story gathering. He gently hums as he checks over the shell and feels for any responses from within. He gives Hemlock a wave at the good news of having found a youngling mimic. He will hopefully arrive in time for Lichen’s telling.
When/if there seems to be an appropriate moment Sha will begin a telling of the mother of monsters his goddesses children. He will use Thaumaturgy to help and when everyone is close he will twilight sanctuary the gathering…
performance 11 ?guidance 4. ?advantage for embellishing with spells 5
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn
"Clever!", the fire genasi replies to Hemlock's suggestion. With that she and Lam begin to make their way towards the West Lookout, following the direct route. As they walk they go whistling - twice each time - and saying "Come!" hoping the last of the juvenile mimics appears before reaching the Story circle. This raises a few curious looks from any of the locals they come across ("Why are they whistling? These outsiders can't get any weirder!", they seem to be thinking), but this doesn't stop genasi nor bugbear from doing what they know they have to do to ensure the local's safety.
Maybe because she's concentrated on this task, she doesn't fully realize what is happening until she's about to step on the bridge leading to the lookout. All of a sudden Saoirse feels her stomach turn and a wave of coldness that is so unfamiliar to one with her body temperature. What is happening? Why is she scared of a bridge she's crossed several times before? The blood hunter takes several steps back, and this causes her to crash into Lam, who was just walking behind her...
(OOC: WIS ST 18)
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Lam is equally impressed at Hemlock’s idea- it seems like it would have to work if they could cover the whole Village Tree. He follows Saoirse to the West Lookout and makes his own attempts at whistling- which it takes a couple of tries for him to do correctly, but he is soon offering his own pairs of whistles along with Saoirse. He hopes that they can find the remaining mimics, or at least that they won’t cause chaos in the storytelling circle. His eyes dart to each ordinary small object in the area as if he expects each one to pop up and start moving. He, like Saoirse, notices the looks the two are getting, but he continues to do what he can to ensure everyone’s safety. He’s already allowed too much danger today. Between the teens, and Saoirse at the very spot they’re going-
He is thinking this thought when Saoirse stumbles back and bumps into him. This almost sends Lam crashing back as well, but he does his best to steady himself- and if he succeeds, he tries to also help steady Saoirse with a hand on her shoulder. He looks at her wondering what caused her to step back without warning, and sees a hint of fear in her eyes that surprises him. He wonders if Saoirse was thinking the same as he was when they came in sight of the scene of the horrific event from earlier. His own eyes shine in concern, both for making sure neither of them lose footing right here and for what he sees on Saoirse’s face. He keeps his hand on her shoulder if she allows, and asks, “Are you OK?”
Saoirse regains composure quickly, and the bump into Lam is no more than a minor embarrassment. Hemlock finds no more young mimics as of yet, and people give you questioning looks when they see you whistling and beckoning. If Sha-Gravis tries to tell a story before the event is set in motion, people will look at him in confusion, and Cylence will approach and gently tell him.to wait until it's time.
When you cross the bridge to West Lookout, most of the village's younger children are alteady there, sitting on the ground around the unlit fire pit, or playing with each other. They are welcome underfoot, and any adult in the community can comfortably redirect a child being little too unruly or loud, it's not immediately obvious which kids belong to which parents. The adults sit around the fire pit in the next row back, where a circle of vine and wood has lifted to form benches (there are three rows like this). Saoirse's heart catches in her throat again when she sees how close to the edge some of the children run while playing tag, but none of the locals raise an eyebrow, and she is able to calm herself. More people continue to come in and find a place to sit and stsrt chatting with neighbors. You are surprised to see that Semmer comes, as well as Frederico, Filìpe, and their father.
Tesfaye is already there, and waves you excitedly over to some seats near them. Fitzwhistle sits nearby with Tecelao-Raiz, the two of them seem to have rekindled some feelings, and have plenty to talk about.
Tesfaye is also chatting with a few elves, listening intently as they describe their approach to child-rearing. Apparently Tesfaye's was different - they had a hundred siblings, and they all were expected to fend for themselves. When the ty turned five, they and their few surviving siblings were invited into the community and the education system, and raised by the tortles who choose education as their career. The elves are shocked by this, and have plenty of questions, and you might too, but these are interrupted when Tecelao-Raiz steps up to the fire pit.
"We are gathered in this most sacred place, where the tree looks out on the valley, and our memories and fantasies come to life in each other's minds." The moment that she begins speaking, the rings of seating become perfectly silent, such that only her voice can be heard. If you try to speak, you find that no sound escapes your lips. At the same time, you can see that kids playing, and people chatting, just outside of the rings still seem to be able to hear each other. One couple even stands up to step outside the circle and continue their conversation. For the locals, this is pretty standard, and nobody seems surprised. Most of the kids are settling down though - they love this. All of the villages elders (minus Rhys) also seem to be present, and to love the ceremony of it. Tecelao-Raiz continues: "There are countless stories."
Everyone can be heard as they respond in chorus "and all of them are true." Strangely, even though you can hear that she's speaking elvish, you all understand every word as though it was you mother tongue. Tesfaye gestures wildly and tries to make contact with each of you. You can tell what they're trying to get across (not because of any magic) - they think this is awesome, for both arcane and cultural reasons. The magics of language comprehension and audience quieting continue as the older Dryad speaks on.
She sets a few logs in the middle of the unlit fire pit. "We thank the old pine, who has moved to the next world, and given his body for our spirits to use. The fire is a symbol of the warmth of community, and it is our partner in the weaving of tales. We thank all those whose tellings have forged this space." The ashes and dead coals beneath the fresh logs begin to glow during these sentences, and flames suddenly lick out of the dry wood. Tesfaye is enraptured by the bardic magic at work in the space, and in the words.
"When you feel moved to tell your story, simply come to the center." This is directed at your group - everone else knows how this works. "I begin with a tale from back when all the animals were still people, and we had not yet come to the world... (the hummingbird story)." As she speaks, the fire seems to participate in the telling, swelling to an almost threatening roar as she describes hummingbird flying into it, and calming nearly to bare coals at the end.When she finishes and steps away from the fire pit, the silence on the audience fades, and the flames flicker back to life. Some of the youngest children and their parents leave the circle, heading towards bedtime.
Soon after, Frederico's father walks to the middle, and silence falls on the audience again. "This tale comes from a forested valley similar to ours, but one where magic was rare, and all of the people were simple humans.... (river's giving, Levar burton reads)." During his telling, you can see by Cylence's face that he finds the descriptions of the dragon extremely humorous. The fire and the smoke seem.to.shape themselves as he speaks, miming events of the story. When he speaks of bells, you're sure you can really hear them. The Harpy's egg by Sha-Gravis' side stirrs a little - a faint coo coming from inside. It likes this. Filípe and his father walk off together, the little boy quite proud of his dad. Frederico and dad exchange a few quiet words and a hug, and Frederico moves over to sit with the teens, who all take turns embracing him tightly. By the end of the hug-round, he is blushing and giggling.
Semmer stands up and walks to the middle, and magical silence falls on the audience again. She limps slightly, but the few hours she's spent in the sun have done a great deal to heal her, and it seems like the act of storytelling is meant to heal her as well. (Tamarack tree story).
Cylence steps up to the middle, and gives a meaningful nod to one of the last of the young kids, and the few families left with kids under about 8 or 9 years old take the cue and head off for bedtime. His voice is commanding, and soothing, and he is clearly an experienced storyteller, and yet, the fire does not seem to dance and respond to him, and you do not experience the minor illusions that accompanied the previous storytellers. He's not a local after all, nor a bard. But the audience's attention is no less rapt. It is clear that he is continuing a story that he has been telling for many evenings, and people are delighted to be back in the tale. "Let's see now. When last you met Frodo, Samwise, and the others, the fellowship had been forced to turn back from the mountain pass. Now, they are heading down into the Mines of Moria... ...dug too greedily, and too deep... ...fly, you fools!.." (Most people have tears streaming down cheeks as he narrates Gandalf's apparent death) "... and they stepped into the light of the surface again, to continue their essential quest." He bows slightly, clearly enjoying the act of performing, and steps aside.
Tesfaye steps up to the circle now, and the hush is not just the magic, but also people's deep excitement at a new tale, and a teller who hasn't performed for them before. "Okay, well, this is a story that I heard back home, and I thought it was cool because, like, time travel is a superfascinating idea, and it messes with your head, so like, this is a time travel story. Um, its also a story set in a world without a lot of magic. I really hope its good enough to match some of what I've heard here. Alright, let's go..." The tortle is quite nervous, and they keep glancing at the fire, hoping that it will dance with their storytelling, and that some of the bardic illisions will spring up around him. While that doesn't happen, once they begin the tale the telling is confident and sure, the words memorized and recited dutifully. (The Merchant at the Alchemist's Gate). Some of the teens fall asleep during part of the long story, and many seem confused as they listen, but there is still applause and encouragement from all as they go back to their seat.
Lichen rises next, to applause from the teens, and many others. He's a favorite storyteller, and a master of the craft. The campfire rears up as if to greet him before he even says a word. There are bruises on his face, but they are not very prominent in the firelight. He doesnt bother with an intro, instead launching right into the story. "The moon was a two-headed dragon. One was light, and the other darkness." Immediately, dark smoke collects on one side of the fire, and the other's flames go silvery rather than red. The combination sheds silver light on exactly half of the listening circle, but rotates slowly, giving the effect of a slowly rotating moonlight.
"Each head wished to give the world its gifts, and each was ready to visit its wrath when necessary. The light head gave the gifts of light, and of understanding, and was a beacon of hope. When she saw injustice, she would burn it away in blinding light!" (The smoke fades away, and the fire flares uncomfortably bright). "In her light, there was no space for privacy, and no understanding of pain. Her children were beautiful, shining, and all similar to each other.
"The dark head gave the gifts of calmess and peace, and of comfort in times of pain. She guided the dead to the next world, and she believed in secrets. When she saw evil and intolerance, she drowned it in endless darkness!" (Smoke billows up, and all the audience is shrouded in darkness, and Sha's harpy egg hums musically - despite the magical silence). "Her children came in countless forms, each with their own strabge powers and skills, and often kept to the darkness.
"The two heads knew that either was not whole without the other, and that they shared a body." (The light returns to balance) "When anyone came to either head for help, they were ready to lean on each other and use each other's strengths, which were really all her own strength."
"But one day, there was a man, a leader, one who believed himself to be a hero. He told everyone that he was the champion of the light, and that he would drive out the darkness. The dark dragon's children were called monsters, and hunted by him and his followers. The man did, in fact, defeat a great evil, so when he told all that the light had chosen him, that only the light head was good, the people followed." (The smoke dies down leaving only the silver flames, but they are weak and sickly).
"With their belief, the people ripped the moon in two, and the dark head was banished to the darkness. The only people left who worshipped the dark dragon were thise who wished to abandon the light completely, in sorrow or in hate.
"Each head, alone, survived, but their lonliness for each other turned sometimes to hate, and their followers learned to hate each other. But, there was still a spark of hope (a single small flame sits in the middle of the fire pit, otherwise you all.sit in darkness). There were those who remembered, or discovered, that these were two halves of the whole. When the two halves conmected again, there were bursts of power. Thir power is vested in us even now, with Sha-Gravis as the spark that brought it to us. It was Shar that gave me strength in the darkness i was trapped in today, and it was Selŭne's light that healed me when I returned. For they are one." The clouds suddenly part, and the near-full moon finds itself positioned just right for a beam of light to pierce the canopy, and the whole circle is illuminated, dwarfing the light of the flame as the campfire returns to normal. Lichen looks a little surprised - he's not sure whether that particular effect came from him. Thank you to Sha-Gravis, who taught me this story. I have changed some details, but not what is true. He bows, and returns to the teens, who clap his shoulders in awe and love.
The moment passes, and you all can feel eyes on you. Nobody is saying it directly, but all those who remain around the fire are hoping to hear each of you share a story.
(Ooc: my hope is that, during the next couple weeks, each of your characters tells a whole story. It can be them telling a tale from their life, or any story that you think they may have picked up from their culture or their travels. Include a performance roll, to see whether you can get the campfire and light to assist your telling.)
DM: Heavy is the Head
The sudden rush of fear and vertigo goes away as quickly as it appeared, leaving Saoirse confused for an instant, until she remembers Lam has asked how she's feeling and she hasn't answered yet.
- I'm ... okay? - she says, sounding unsure at first - I ... think? - she places a hand on her heart, noticing it's already calming down - Yes. Yes, I'm fine. Just surprised. I felt terrrified all of a sudden, as if I was about to fall down the bridge. I remembered Hermes and ... - Saoirse stops and takes a couple of short quick breaths - ... Gods, I thought it was over, but I may need more time to shake it off - She breathes in and out one more time, this time slowly and deeply, and then adds - Let's continue, okay? Story circle will surely make me forget all this. Look! There I see Tesfaye, Sha and Hemlock, let's go to them.
As the party gathers and sits next to Tesfaye, Saoirse is finally able to speak a little to Frederico, Filìpe, and their father. The genasi has to make a conscious effort to remind herself that this Filìpe is the real one and that the copycat is dead, but once that is done she finds herself smiling to them and remembering that even though there's still many battles ahead, they have already won the one that has allowed Frederico to attend the Story Circle with his family tonight. The blood hunter shares words of encouragement with the young elf, telling him that, with time, there will be much more he'll will be able to do and she will be very happy to see that when she is able to return to the Tree. Turning to speak to Frederico's father, she apologizes for her behaviour upon reaching Village Tree:
- I was exhausted, worried, and ... dissapointed at myself, I guess. I wanted to protect the kids far better than I did. We all wanted to. - she lowers her voice so that Frederico doesn't hear this part - But that does not excuse my behaviour. I'm truly sorry.
After this, she'll talk a little to Tesfaye, too. Though the conversation is soon interrupted by the first of the tales, Saoirse is able to tell her Tortle friend that she's interested in learning all they can share about alchemy.
- I got this from Hermes - she shows them the sling - Do you think we could craft alchemic ammo that I could throw with this? That could be really helpful. Something like smoke bombs or for example. By the way, I haven't seen Saffron nor Eliza, aren't they coming? They were with you, weren't they? Oh, don't tell me you guys argued again because of the antishifter potion?
This last question dies as Tecelao-Raiz begins telling her tale.
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Hemlock sits with Tesfaye, riveted as the storytellers come up one by one and tell their tales. And then their turn towards himself and his friends, and he looks a little bit taken aback. He watches as Sha-Gravis eagerly stands and tells his tale his goddesses children.
When Sha is done, he stands up and walks to the firepit to tell his tale. Not being a natural storyteller, he is quite nervous, but he uses his magic to help his confidence and begins.
“Once upon a time", he begins in his slow drawling speech, "in the heart of a dense forest nestled between towering trees and winding streams, there lived a gentle Firbolg. He was unlike many of his kin, for he harboured a deep fascination with the night sky and the myriad of stars that adorned it like diamonds scattered upon a velvet tapestry”.
“Every night, while the rest of his tribe slumbered peacefully in their homes, he would venture out into the clearing at the edge of the forest. There, beneath the canopy of twinkling stars, he felt a sense of belonging and wonder that stirred his soul like nothing else could”.
“He spent countless hours studying the constellations, tracing the patterns with his keen eyes and committing their stories to memory. He learned of the ancient tales woven into the fabric of the night sky by the gods themselves, stories of love, bravery, and adventure”.
“As he grew older, his bond with the stars deepened. He began to notice subtle patterns and movements, discovering hidden meanings in their celestial dance. Guided by the stars, he found purpose and direction in his life, feeling as though they whispered secrets to him in the silent language of the cosmos”.
“One fateful night when the moon was new, as he gazed up at the heavens with his eyes alight with wonder, he noticed a peculiar alignment of stars he had never seen before. It seemed as though they formed a pathway leading into the depths of the forest, beckoning him to follow”.
“But he was hesitant, and decided to stay in the forest. On the next new moon, however, he saw the very same peculiar alignment of stars he had seen during the previous new moon. He realised that this was no mere coincidence”.
“Intrigued by this celestial phenomenon, he decided to heed the call of the stars and embark on a journey into the unknown. But first he had to convince the clan elders to let him leave, and chief amongst those was his very own grandfather”.
“Now, it was incredibly rare for a Firbolg to be allowed to leave the village and wander, but after he explained his desire to leave the forest and of the portent in the stars, he was surprised that the elders agreed”.
“Not only that, but they also handed him a wooden amulet with a moon on one side and small constellation on the other. The constellation matched what he had seen in the night sky on the last two new moons. Apparently the amulet had come into the possession of the clan many generations before, but the knowledge of exactly how was lost”.
“And so with the wooden amulet and the guidance of the stars to light his way, he ventured deep into the heart of the forest, each step filled with anticipation and excitement”.
“Along the way, he encountered countless wonders: shimmering lakes reflecting the starlight, ancient trees whispering tales of days long past, and elusive creatures that danced in the shadows just beyond his sight. Through it all, he felt the reassuring presence of the stars above, guiding him ever onward”.
“After many weeks of travel, he emerged from the depths of the forest and came across new people quite different to himself. He was both tentative and excited to meet these strangers”.
“On one occasion, he came upon the scene of a broken wagon, and used his mighty lifting capability to enable them to repair the wheel. Another time he healed a young farm boy after a terrible injury. He even purified a villages winter store of crops, which had become diseased and would have meant many starved. On each occasion that he helped, he shied away from the attention and simply moved on, following the stars”.
“He then came across a much larger settlement than he had before. There were so many people living there! And they lived so closely together. The townsfolk were very welcoming, having heard tale of a stranger walking the countryside helping the people as he travelled”.
“That was until he heard the terrified squealing of a pig that was about to be slaughtered. He tried to help the poor animal, and there was an accident. The gentle Firbolg was put in an iron cage on the back of a wagon, and taken to a prison made of stone and iron”.
“But he had faith in the stars, and they had indeed led him to exactly where he needed to be. To where he was needed. There in that prison he met the most wonderful friends, who shared his passion for helping people”, he finishes, sending a shy smile to his friends sat together watching and listening.
With his tale done, he simply sits back down.
Performance (with guidance): 3-1+2=4
(OOC: Realised he has enhance ability so switched out guidance for that - then realised he has no spell slots left so switched back haha)
Sha-gravis thinks back to a time when he told his family a story told to him by his mother…
East of the Sun and West of the Moon
The title is indicative of a twilight time the journey and creatures are like the moon maiden’s children.
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn