"One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it." - Jean de La Fontaine
Business now conducted, the four of you resolve to leave the Edge of the East with Mimzy leading the troupe in a northeasterly direction. Dorn is able to procure a waterskin stuffed with several dozen boiled crawfish for you to nibble on, and Snibfi shakes each of your hands. "May you find what it is you seek. And thank you, Mender, for the coins - some seem to date as far back as Sundabar's origins!"
Welcome to the Mermosan Marsh. It is unlike anywhere the average traveler has set foot - each of you becomes accustomed to (or re-acquainted with) its truly inhospitable nature. Clots of green fog collect on the stagnant air, making it difficult to breathe even through your Thayan Breathguards. You are frequently startled by the sporadic and violent eruption of gaseous geysers which replenish the ever-lingering, ever-putrid stench of decay, or by the occasional flash of feral eyes piercing the gloom. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, great gnarled trees cast tenebrous shadows. The undergrowth begins to thicken and thicken until the sky is nigh-devoured by the woody, intertwining canopy. If it were not for Mimzy, you are sure you would all be hopelessly lost by now - but the fairy seems to know this particular route like the back of her hand.
The journey would have been a breeze if everyone owned a set of silky moth wings, but with the oversized Swamp Soles you wear and tangled roots which, you are convinced, are actively trying to trick and ensnare you, it takes well over two hours. In the dark, the swamp sings a different song. The wind whispers susurrantly through the trees, carrying with it the soft growls, hums and buzzes of the creatures of the night, and the soft sigh of swishing grass underscores it all. There is something else too... a sourceless, heavy rasping sound, like a dying man drawing his final breath.
Despite this, the trek is largely uneventful - no wolves or wights seem to prowl tonight, although you do find yourself catching flickers of far-off ethereal light in your periphery. Exhausted after walking for what feels like an age, Mimzy signals your arrival. Hidden in the roots of the tree, you see this (or rather, this is what it would look like during the day):
From inside, the alluring aroma of fruit and pastry wafts to you. Someone is humming an unfamiliar yet enchanting tune. How do you wish to proceed?
Mugwort gives a whole body shake as they enter the small alcove of protection from the swamp, "There's no place like home," he whispers while frowning.
Turning to his fellow travellers he pushes his mask up his forehead and smiles, "Now you have a taste of moving in the swamps. And we 'only' walked along the better, drier paths. You have Mimzy to thank for being kind to you on that regard." He looks around to see where Mimzy has flitted off to while we all stand in the deepening dark.
Before entering the Hag's Lair... Mimzy paused to respond to her mother's melodic humming... and sings the Lullaby of Woe... as she beacons to her companions to follow her inside...
Wolves asleep amidst the trees
Bats all a swaying in the breeze But one soul lies anxious wide awake Fearing no* manner of ghouls, hags and wraiths But heartache and woe
Deep, deep woe
Birds* are silent for the night Cows turned in as daylight dies But one soul lies anxious wide awake Fearing no* manner of ghouls, hags and wraiths...
As they set out on their way, Mender would have continued to look through his book, studying the draconic spells and writing within. As the swap got deeper and thicker, he would sling the book around his back and pull out a dagger. Slashing at the weeds and branches, he would attempt to clear a path to the hag's den. After a futile attempt to use his dagger as a machete, he would remember one of the spells from his book of shadow. He would mutter a few draconic words and cast mold earth. Instantly the soft marshy soil would churn and level itself, plowing under some of the dense undergrown and burying rocks and fallen branches. The kobold would continue to cast this spell as they made their trek through the dark and mysterious swamp until they reached their destination....
Mender would turn to Mugwort and let out and exhausted sign. "What paths? I didn't see any paths." The tired kobold would grumble as he bent over and began picking clumps of mud and stone out from between his clawed toes. "And did you hear some of those sounds out there? What was that anyway?" he would ask before turning to look at Mimzy as she sang her song. "That.. is really pretty Mimzy..." He would say before turning to face the nearby pool of water "and also kind of terrifying..." he would whisper to himself. Seeing the pool of water, he would mutter a few more draconic words and raise his claws upwards. As he finished the shape water, a small geyser of water would leap upwards near the bank of the water. He would then stick proceed to stick his feet and then hands in the pillar of water, making sure they were as clean as possible. He would allow anyone else that wanted to clean up to do the same before he allowed the pillar of water to sink back into the marsh. "The last thing I want to do is make Mimzy's house all dirty..." He would say as he waiting for Mimzy to lead them all inside.
"Mender? What in the nine hells did you do? Some scaley magics to form paths? Paths that arrows pointing to this Home?" Mugwort practically facepalm'ed as he looked back into the darkening expanses beyond the sheltered spot. "I know you meant well but one does NOT live long giving the swamp access so easily. I need to see what I can do to amend this."
He slaps himself in the side of his head, "Should have used Pass," he started pacing in a small circle. He stops short and nods to himself as he yells loudly, "Zee, I need to step out for a few minutes to cover our tracks. Keep our friends entertained with your lovely lullabyes!" Sliding his mask down firmly into place, he bolts off into the darkness; back along the trails the group just traversed.
Muttering to himself, he gets as far as safely possible from the Hag's home - a good ten minutes. He stops and begins making gestures and crooning words to the surrounding darkness. Plant Growth As he watches, the plants and trees seem to wiggle and shift as the plants show rapid new growth and the tree limbs hanging down sprout new foliage. WIth a squint and grunt, he makes certain there is still a narrow tract of clear 'path' among all the new, dense growth.
Taking a moment to view the change, Mugwort turns and starts a slow trot back toward the Hag's home... and suddenly stops a good 500 yards from his destination. Looking and listening, he debates taking time to commune with nature and his surroundings so he might obscure the path again with another spell of growth. He practically dances from foot to foot as he strains to sense his surroundings before coming to a conclusion.
[ PERCEPTION: 15 ]
Mugwort knows this area well enough. He has 'visited' Mimzy many a time over their years as friends and adventurous partners. Even so, it is wise to be careful in the swamps - especially at night. He moves just off the 'causeway' Mender had created and climbs a tree to perch on a wide limb. Settling in, he leans against the tree trunk and takes the time to mediate and soak in the energies of Nature around him. [ NATURAL RECOVERYPHB p. 68 ] As the time passes, Mugwort feels the energies of the swamp as they swirl about the area. The power of Nature pulls at him as he meditates and breathes in it's vitality.
Once certain he is 'recharged' enough to continue, Mugwort climbs down onto the path and repeats his motions and words to induce Plant Growthin the area. Again, making certain to leave a slight opening to ensure a path for those who are careful. Once satisfied (and drenched in sweat), he will trot back the final distance to the Hag's home hoping 'that will do' for now.
Mugwort vanishes into the undergrowth with mettle and a mission, settling into the bend of a tree to recover his energy. This respite will take the goblin the better part of an hour, but he is confident he knows the route back to Griselda's lair. As he makes himself comfortable, the day's toils begin to catch up with Mugwort and his eyelids feel heavier and heavier...
~~
Mimzy begins to hum a lullaby - the lyrical form of a cautionary tale which is widely known and appraised amongst the fey but alien to most others. It is... haunting. She decides to give Mugwort until the song's final verse to return, but when he shows no signs of doing so, will she lead her friends inside or continue to wait?
~~
Hot, bothered and worn out, Mender still remembers his manners, using the shape water cantrip on a nearby puddle to lave his clawed feet. He is shocked when, glancing down at the water's reflection, he sees not himself - but the majestic visage of a smiling dragon, with scales of brass weathered by the sand and bleached by the sun and sea. This lasts barely a moment, causing the kobold to question whether he actually saw Ragmar or whether it was all a hallucination.
"Wait... Ragmar?" Mender would gasp, barley louder than a whisper. He would slowly reach his hand out towards the image in the water before it disappeared in the blink of an eye... "Did.. Did any of you see that?" He would ask, shaking his head and looking around to Fon and Mimzy... realizing that Mugwort had disappeared back down the trail. Glancing down the trail, he watched as the marsh seemingly reclaimed the path right before his eyes as the foliage quickly consumed his newly created walkway.
Mimzy not wishing to keep her mother waiting she decides to go ahead, and lead her friends inside the lair. Besides, Mugwort is a big boy and he knows if he is not careful mother will have her stewpot waiting for him if he strays too far...
Seeing Mimzy make her way inside, Mender would quickly scamper up behind her. The picture of the brass dragon both comforted the kobold and filled him with worry. "Was Ragmar still alive?" He wondered to himself as he followed the fairy into her home. He tried his best to quickly dust himself off and would quickly cast mending to repair any tears or snags on his clothing as he made his way inside.
Griselda's abode awaits. The texture of the cavernous entrance is reminiscent of a torus palatinus, giving the tunnel an unnerving, jugular appearance. Stepping through the threshold feels akin to being swallowed whole. Lead by Mimzy, you stumble down the dark passageway (perhaps with the light cantrip or similar spell cast) which leads you deeper and deeper into the hill via endless twists and turns. After walking for several minutes, a row of candles set into the wall heralds your arrival at a circular ebony door. Upon reaching to knock, it swings open of its own accord. The irresistible aroma of freshly baked pastry washes over you, and the sound of... laughter? ... can be heard. Stepping into the vestibule, you are met with a descending stone staircase and, following that, a bedroom of sorts. Paintings of seemingly random, everyday objects line the walls. Numerous yellowed books are slotted into small alcoves (some covered in a thick layer of dust, some recently handled). Straw bedding is bundled into a greater alcove, and above, a fairy-sized hammock is strung up. A simple clockwork timepiece set into a wooden wish hangs above the foyer.
Another doorway leads into a second room, where the laughter seems to be coming from. This one, too, opens automatically when approached. Waiting to greet you is none other than Griselda herself, accompanied by the tallest figure you have ever laid eyes on. KaelrocIronside, please describe your character.
Mugwort...
You cannot help but slip away into dream for a few moments. As you do so, something very strange happens... check your DMs.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Hi there! I'm a Christian musician based in Canada :)
Having completed his attempts at hiding their earlier travel path, Mugwort starts trotting back toward the Hag Mother's home. His nerves strung taunt even more so after his meditative 'rest' and communion with the swamp. 'Something feels akilter,' he thinks as he speeds up.
Sitting beside the hag, you see a grey, bald - humanoid. The eyes white, the creature clearly not blind but natural. He is laughing, mumbling to the hag next to him. He begins to stand. The head rises, taller, and taller, … and taller… The humanoid stands perhaps just shy of eight feet into the air. You recall such massive humanoids in the far-far west by north-west regions of the world, “Goliaths”.
His eyes, despite their white texture, appear kind or perhaps it is his gestures? A creature of such size you begin to observe him delicately, carefully, and orderly straighten the table as if they were preparing for a meal.
Now standing in the room almost scratching the ceiling, a Goliath, wearing full split mail armor that he has casually loosened, perhaps to remove? Nearby the stool a shield - resting against one of the roots, peculiarly this one is the only straight one. He smiles towards Griselda and states "are you ready for food?" and stretches into the air. Around his belt appears to be a coiled rope and the opposite side a small bag.
Perception DC 10:
Lastly, you notice as he stretches into the sky - a polished bracelet made of horned antler, representing two axes clashing into each other.
(needs the perception check pass from above) History DC 17
You have seen this design before, perhaps from a book, a story of fighters? You absolutely remember this type of bracelet served a religious purpose, of servitude.
(needs the perception check pass from above) Religion DC 15
You recognize this holy relic, a relic of an Uthgard - the barbarian deity. His armor and shield eludes to a cleric, or perhaps a paladin? Unusual for a barbarian.
(needs the perception check pass from above) Religion DC 20
You recognize this distant relic, a relic of the warrior god Uthgard. A mortal who rose to become a deity as he ruled the 11 great Northern tribes of warriors. Additionally, he conquered various beast and displayed these feats through totems lined the text as you recall. His gear looks as a cleric, or perhaps a paladin? Yet, you do not sense… magic? Divinity? Presence - other than his sheer size?
He finishes his stretch and turns and faces directly at the group.
Hello… I am Kaelroc "Steadyhand" Ferunsud. Little creatures... your names? *a slight pause* and are you hungry?
He does not appear startled by the party's presence. He glances at each one of you, clearly - assessing you.
Looking at the Kobold, he does not appear to be alarmed. Glancing over your shoulder and through the doorframe, clearly looking to see if there are more of you.
Looking at the Fairy, he appears to chuckle a little and moves his eyes to the next.
Glancing towards the Kenku, a slight expression crosses his eyes - confusion.
Lastly, turning to the hag he states: Griselda, it appears we have company.
Spoiler - all perception checks
Fairy DC10
He has clearly seen a fairy before and apparently was amused in his last encounter with your kind.
Kenku - DC12
Observing his stone expressions - you are not convinced he knows what you are. His multiple glances make it clear - It is apparent he does not know what, how, or anything of your people’s existence.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mender would try his hardest not to touch anything as he moves through the house. He would even take his tail and hold it tightly in his hands to ensure that he didn't bump into anything as he did not want to upset Mimzy's mother. After entering the room, Mender would quickly keep hold of his tail with one hand while taking off his leather hat with the other. "Hello... Nice to meet you both." The kobold would reply nervously. "Your very nice daughter Mimzy told us we were going to meet her sweet mother... I... I didn't know we where going to meet her father as well." The teal colored Kobold would say as he squeezed his leather hat and tail tightly. "I... I've never met a giant before...."
Perception! 16
Upon seeing the symbol.. [rolled 19 in case I get a manipulated dice roll message] he would whisper a few word in draconic as he cast
guidance on himself as he tried to think back to the books he had read on his island to see if he recognized the symbol... History! 25 plus 2 Religion! 14 plus 1
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mender would try his hardest not to touch anything as he moves through the house. He would even take his tail and hold it tightly in his hands to ensure that he didn't bump into anything as he did not want to upset Mimzy's mother. After entering the room, Mender would quickly keep hold of his tail with one hand while taking off his leather hat with the other. "Hello... Nice to meet you both." The kobold would reply nervously. "Your very nice daughter Mimzy told us we were going to meet her sweet mother... I... I didn't know we where going to meet her father as well." The teal colored Kobold would say as he squeezed his leather hat and tail tightly. "I... I've never met a giant before...."
Kaelroc states gently: I am not her father, nor a giant. I am a goliath. I did ask for your name though, Kobold.
You notice that his muscles extremely defined, chiseled and colored of a grey granite tone throughout. He may not be a giant, but you could imagine that he would hold his own in a brawl with one.
"OH! OH! Sorry.. I.. My name is Mender." He would reply as he feels his face and neck getting hot with embarrassment. "I apologize... I... I like your bracelet.. Uthgard right? The barbarian diety?" He would suggest as he quickly tries to change the subject. "I... read about him in a book once..." The kobold add before trying to slowly slide around the two imposing figures. he would then take a seat next to Mimzy. "Mugwort is outside still... I am sure he will be here soon... He was just trying to clean up the marsh a bit..."
The woman seated near Kaelroc pulls down her hood and a sudden silence settles over the room. Unlike what you had imagined based on Mimzy's description, Griselda the Hag is strikingly beautiful. With high cheekbones and cold brown eyes, she exudes an air of nobility, and her dark, ivy hair frames the features of her olive-toned face. She wears a torn woolen garment with thorny briars woven into it, and a number of bangles on her wrists and ankles upon which dangle berries, beads and the tiny skulls of rodents and birds. There is a duality to her presence - both comforting and threatening in equal measure. As she smiles at you... each candle in the room flickers.
"My my, Mimzy. It seems introductions are in order, both on your part and on mine..."she purrs, glancing at the goliath stranger. Leaning across the table, she traces a long fingernail across Fon's beak. "Break the ice, bird. Which of the wonderful little misfits might you be?"
Business now conducted, the four of you resolve to leave the Edge of the East with Mimzy leading the troupe in a northeasterly direction. Dorn is able to procure a waterskin stuffed with several dozen boiled crawfish for you to nibble on, and Snibfi shakes each of your hands. "May you find what it is you seek. And thank you, Mender, for the coins - some seem to date as far back as Sundabar's origins!"
Welcome to the Mermosan Marsh. It is unlike anywhere the average traveler has set foot - each of you becomes accustomed to (or re-acquainted with) its truly inhospitable nature. Clots of green fog collect on the stagnant air, making it difficult to breathe even through your Thayan Breathguards. You are frequently startled by the sporadic and violent eruption of gaseous geysers which replenish the ever-lingering, ever-putrid stench of decay, or by the occasional flash of feral eyes piercing the gloom. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, great gnarled trees cast tenebrous shadows. The undergrowth begins to thicken and thicken until the sky is nigh-devoured by the woody, intertwining canopy. If it were not for Mimzy, you are sure you would all be hopelessly lost by now - but the fairy seems to know this particular route like the back of her hand.
The journey would have been a breeze if everyone owned a set of silky moth wings, but with the oversized Swamp Soles you wear and tangled roots which, you are convinced, are actively trying to trick and ensnare you, it takes well over two hours. In the dark, the swamp sings a different song. The wind whispers susurrantly through the trees, carrying with it the soft growls, hums and buzzes of the creatures of the night, and the soft sigh of swishing grass underscores it all. There is something else too... a sourceless, heavy rasping sound, like a dying man drawing his final breath.
Despite this, the trek is largely uneventful - no wolves or wights seem to prowl tonight, although you do find yourself catching flickers of far-off ethereal light in your periphery. Exhausted after walking for what feels like an age, Mimzy signals your arrival. Hidden in the roots of the tree, you see this (or rather, this is what it would look like during the day):
From inside, the alluring aroma of fruit and pastry wafts to you. Someone is humming an unfamiliar yet enchanting tune. How do you wish to proceed?
Hi there! I'm a Christian musician based in Canada :)
Mugwort gives a whole body shake as they enter the small alcove of protection from the swamp, "There's no place like home," he whispers while frowning.
Turning to his fellow travellers he pushes his mask up his forehead and smiles, "Now you have a taste of moving in the swamps. And we 'only' walked along the better, drier paths. You have Mimzy to thank for being kind to you on that regard." He looks around to see where Mimzy has flitted off to while we all stand in the deepening dark.
Before entering the Hag's Lair... Mimzy paused to respond to her mother's melodic humming... and sings the Lullaby of Woe... as she beacons to her companions to follow her inside...
Wolves asleep amidst the trees
Bats all a swaying in the breeze
But one soul lies anxious wide awake
Fearing no* manner of ghouls, hags and wraiths
But heartache and woe
Deep, deep woe
Birds* are silent for the night
Cows turned in as daylight dies
But one soul lies anxious wide awake
Fearing no* manner of ghouls, hags and wraiths...
As they set out on their way, Mender would have continued to look through his book, studying the draconic spells and writing within. As the swap got deeper and thicker, he would sling the book around his back and pull out a dagger. Slashing at the weeds and branches, he would attempt to clear a path to the hag's den. After a futile attempt to use his dagger as a machete, he would remember one of the spells from his book of shadow. He would mutter a few draconic words and cast mold earth. Instantly the soft marshy soil would churn and level itself, plowing under some of the dense undergrown and burying rocks and fallen branches. The kobold would continue to cast this spell as they made their trek through the dark and mysterious swamp until they reached their destination....
Mender would turn to Mugwort and let out and exhausted sign. "What paths? I didn't see any paths." The tired kobold would grumble as he bent over and began picking clumps of mud and stone out from between his clawed toes. "And did you hear some of those sounds out there? What was that anyway?" he would ask before turning to look at Mimzy as she sang her song. "That.. is really pretty Mimzy..." He would say before turning to face the nearby pool of water "and also kind of terrifying..." he would whisper to himself. Seeing the pool of water, he would mutter a few more draconic words and raise his claws upwards. As he finished the shape water, a small geyser of water would leap upwards near the bank of the water. He would then stick proceed to stick his feet and then hands in the pillar of water, making sure they were as clean as possible. He would allow anyone else that wanted to clean up to do the same before he allowed the pillar of water to sink back into the marsh. "The last thing I want to do is make Mimzy's house all dirty..." He would say as he waiting for Mimzy to lead them all inside.
"Mender? What in the nine hells did you do? Some scaley magics to form paths? Paths that arrows pointing to this Home?" Mugwort practically facepalm'ed as he looked back into the darkening expanses beyond the sheltered spot. "I know you meant well but one does NOT live long giving the swamp access so easily. I need to see what I can do to amend this."
He slaps himself in the side of his head, "Should have used Pass," he started pacing in a small circle. He stops short and nods to himself as he yells loudly, "Zee, I need to step out for a few minutes to cover our tracks. Keep our friends entertained with your lovely lullabyes!" Sliding his mask down firmly into place, he bolts off into the darkness; back along the trails the group just traversed.
Muttering to himself, he gets as far as safely possible from the Hag's home - a good ten minutes. He stops and begins making gestures and crooning words to the surrounding darkness. Plant Growth As he watches, the plants and trees seem to wiggle and shift as the plants show rapid new growth and the tree limbs hanging down sprout new foliage. WIth a squint and grunt, he makes certain there is still a narrow tract of clear 'path' among all the new, dense growth.
Taking a moment to view the change, Mugwort turns and starts a slow trot back toward the Hag's home... and suddenly stops a good 500 yards from his destination. Looking and listening, he debates taking time to commune with nature and his surroundings so he might obscure the path again with another spell of growth. He practically dances from foot to foot as he strains to sense his surroundings before coming to a conclusion.
[ PERCEPTION: 15 ]
Mugwort knows this area well enough. He has 'visited' Mimzy many a time over their years as friends and adventurous partners. Even so, it is wise to be careful in the swamps - especially at night. He moves just off the 'causeway' Mender had created and climbs a tree to perch on a wide limb. Settling in, he leans against the tree trunk and takes the time to mediate and soak in the energies of Nature around him. [ NATURAL RECOVERY PHB p. 68 ] As the time passes, Mugwort feels the energies of the swamp as they swirl about the area. The power of Nature pulls at him as he meditates and breathes in it's vitality.
Once certain he is 'recharged' enough to continue, Mugwort climbs down onto the path and repeats his motions and words to induce Plant Growth in the area. Again, making certain to leave a slight opening to ensure a path for those who are careful. Once satisfied (and drenched in sweat), he will trot back the final distance to the Hag's home hoping 'that will do' for now.
Mugwort vanishes into the undergrowth with mettle and a mission, settling into the bend of a tree to recover his energy. This respite will take the goblin the better part of an hour, but he is confident he knows the route back to Griselda's lair. As he makes himself comfortable, the day's toils begin to catch up with Mugwort and his eyelids feel heavier and heavier...
~~
Mimzy begins to hum a lullaby - the lyrical form of a cautionary tale which is widely known and appraised amongst the fey but alien to most others. It is... haunting. She decides to give Mugwort until the song's final verse to return, but when he shows no signs of doing so, will she lead her friends inside or continue to wait?
~~
Hot, bothered and worn out, Mender still remembers his manners, using the shape water cantrip on a nearby puddle to lave his clawed feet. He is shocked when, glancing down at the water's reflection, he sees not himself - but the majestic visage of a smiling dragon, with scales of brass weathered by the sand and bleached by the sun and sea. This lasts barely a moment, causing the kobold to question whether he actually saw Ragmar or whether it was all a hallucination.
~~
What does Fon choose to do at this time?
Hi there! I'm a Christian musician based in Canada :)
"Wait... Ragmar?" Mender would gasp, barley louder than a whisper. He would slowly reach his hand out towards the image in the water before it disappeared in the blink of an eye... "Did.. Did any of you see that?" He would ask, shaking his head and looking around to Fon and Mimzy... realizing that Mugwort had disappeared back down the trail. Glancing down the trail, he watched as the marsh seemingly reclaimed the path right before his eyes as the foliage quickly consumed his newly created walkway.
Mimzy not wishing to keep her mother waiting she decides to go ahead, and lead her friends inside the lair. Besides, Mugwort is a big boy and he knows if he is not careful mother will have her stewpot waiting for him if he strays too far...
Seeing Mimzy make her way inside, Mender would quickly scamper up behind her. The picture of the brass dragon both comforted the kobold and filled him with worry. "Was Ragmar still alive?" He wondered to himself as he followed the fairy into her home. He tried his best to quickly dust himself off and would quickly cast mending to repair any tears or snags on his clothing as he made his way inside.
Fon, Mimzy and Mender...
Griselda's abode awaits. The texture of the cavernous entrance is reminiscent of a torus palatinus, giving the tunnel an unnerving, jugular appearance. Stepping through the threshold feels akin to being swallowed whole. Lead by Mimzy, you stumble down the dark passageway (perhaps with the light cantrip or similar spell cast) which leads you deeper and deeper into the hill via endless twists and turns. After walking for several minutes, a row of candles set into the wall heralds your arrival at a circular ebony door. Upon reaching to knock, it swings open of its own accord. The irresistible aroma of freshly baked pastry washes over you, and the sound of... laughter? ... can be heard. Stepping into the vestibule, you are met with a descending stone staircase and, following that, a bedroom of sorts. Paintings of seemingly random, everyday objects line the walls. Numerous yellowed books are slotted into small alcoves (some covered in a thick layer of dust, some recently handled). Straw bedding is bundled into a greater alcove, and above, a fairy-sized hammock is strung up. A simple clockwork timepiece set into a wooden wish hangs above the foyer.
Another doorway leads into a second room, where the laughter seems to be coming from. This one, too, opens automatically when approached. Waiting to greet you is none other than Griselda herself, accompanied by the tallest figure you have ever laid eyes on. KaelrocIronside, please describe your character.
Mugwort...
You cannot help but slip away into dream for a few moments. As you do so, something very strange happens... check your DMs.
Hi there! I'm a Christian musician based in Canada :)
Having completed his attempts at hiding their earlier travel path, Mugwort starts trotting back toward the Hag Mother's home. His nerves strung taunt even more so after his meditative 'rest' and communion with the swamp. 'Something feels akilter,' he thinks as he speeds up.
Kaelroc "Steadyhand" Ferunsud
Sitting beside the hag, you see a grey, bald - humanoid. The eyes white, the creature clearly not blind but natural. He is laughing, mumbling to the hag next to him. He begins to stand. The head rises, taller, and taller, … and taller… The humanoid stands perhaps just shy of eight feet into the air. You recall such massive humanoids in the far-far west by north-west regions of the world, “Goliaths”.
His eyes, despite their white texture, appear kind or perhaps it is his gestures? A creature of such size you begin to observe him delicately, carefully, and orderly straighten the table as if they were preparing for a meal.
Now standing in the room almost scratching the ceiling, a Goliath, wearing full split mail armor that he has casually loosened, perhaps to remove? Nearby the stool a shield - resting against one of the roots, peculiarly this one is the only straight one. He smiles towards Griselda and states "are you ready for food?" and stretches into the air. Around his belt appears to be a coiled rope and the opposite side a small bag.
Perception DC 10:
Lastly, you notice as he stretches into the sky - a polished bracelet made of horned antler, representing two axes clashing into each other.
(needs the perception check pass from above) History DC 17
You have seen this design before, perhaps from a book, a story of fighters? You absolutely remember this type of bracelet served a religious purpose, of servitude.
(needs the perception check pass from above) Religion DC 15
You recognize this holy relic, a relic of an Uthgard - the barbarian deity. His armor and shield eludes to a cleric, or perhaps a paladin? Unusual for a barbarian.
(needs the perception check pass from above) Religion DC 20
You recognize this distant relic, a relic of the warrior god Uthgard. A mortal who rose to become a deity as he ruled the 11 great Northern tribes of warriors. Additionally, he conquered various beast and displayed these feats through totems lined the text as you recall. His gear looks as a cleric, or perhaps a paladin? Yet, you do not sense… magic? Divinity? Presence - other than his sheer size?
He finishes his stretch and turns and faces directly at the group.
Hello… I am Kaelroc "Steadyhand" Ferunsud. Little creatures... your names? *a slight pause* and are you hungry?
He does not appear startled by the party's presence. He glances at each one of you, clearly - assessing you.
Looking at the Kobold, he does not appear to be alarmed. Glancing over your shoulder and through the doorframe, clearly looking to see if there are more of you.
Looking at the Fairy, he appears to chuckle a little and moves his eyes to the next.
Glancing towards the Kenku, a slight expression crosses his eyes - confusion.
Lastly, turning to the hag he states: Griselda, it appears we have company.
Spoiler - all perception checks
Fairy DC10
He has clearly seen a fairy before and apparently was amused in his last encounter with your kind.
Kenku - DC12
Observing his stone expressions - you are not convinced he knows what you are. His multiple glances make it clear - It is apparent he does not know what, how, or anything of your people’s existence.
Mender would try his hardest not to touch anything as he moves through the house. He would even take his tail and hold it tightly in his hands to ensure that he didn't bump into anything as he did not want to upset Mimzy's mother. After entering the room, Mender would quickly keep hold of his tail with one hand while taking off his leather hat with the other. "Hello... Nice to meet you both." The kobold would reply nervously. "Your very nice daughter Mimzy told us we were going to meet her sweet mother... I... I didn't know we where going to meet her father as well." The teal colored Kobold would say as he squeezed his leather hat and tail tightly. "I... I've never met a giant before...."
Perception! 16
Upon seeing the symbol.. [rolled 19 in case I get a manipulated dice roll message] he would whisper a few word in draconic as he cast
guidance on himself as he tried to think back to the books he had read on his island to see if he recognized the symbol...
History! 25 plus 2
Religion! 14 plus 1
After greeting and making the proper introductions Mimzy will flit over towards her mother and take her place at the table beside her.
Perception: 15
Kaelroc states gently: I am not her father, nor a giant. I am a goliath. I did ask for your name though, Kobold.
You notice that his muscles extremely defined, chiseled and colored of a grey granite tone throughout. He may not be a giant, but you could imagine that he would hold his own in a brawl with one.
"OH! OH! Sorry.. I.. My name is Mender." He would reply as he feels his face and neck getting hot with embarrassment. "I apologize... I... I like your bracelet.. Uthgard right? The barbarian diety?" He would suggest as he quickly tries to change the subject. "I... read about him in a book once..." The kobold add before trying to slowly slide around the two imposing figures. he would then take a seat next to Mimzy. "Mugwort is outside still... I am sure he will be here soon... He was just trying to clean up the marsh a bit..."
The woman seated near Kaelroc pulls down her hood and a sudden silence settles over the room. Unlike what you had imagined based on Mimzy's description, Griselda the Hag is strikingly beautiful. With high cheekbones and cold brown eyes, she exudes an air of nobility, and her dark, ivy hair frames the features of her olive-toned face. She wears a torn woolen garment with thorny briars woven into it, and a number of bangles on her wrists and ankles upon which dangle berries, beads and the tiny skulls of rodents and birds. There is a duality to her presence - both comforting and threatening in equal measure. As she smiles at you... each candle in the room flickers.
"My my, Mimzy. It seems introductions are in order, both on your part and on mine..." she purrs, glancing at the goliath stranger. Leaning across the table, she traces a long fingernail across Fon's beak. "Break the ice, bird. Which of the wonderful little misfits might you be?"
Hi there! I'm a Christian musician based in Canada :)