When Autumn expresses her interest in seeing the dragons, and they both receive no response from the postulate, Vinn subtly turns to her. "Maybe they think they can deceive us into believing there aren't any dragons. But we're not fools. 'Dragon's Rest' is the perfect name to lure them all here for a quick holiday."
Shortly after the traverse up the mountain and the kobolds swarm around them excitedly, Vinn laughs. His mind is taken away from thinking of today's earlier dangers. The draconic creatures reminded him of his clan's younglings, and he briefly misses home. Then, when their chatter fades into silence with the approach of an older human woman, Vinn recognizes the behavior himself. Ah, she's probably one of those leaders.
"Hi Abbott-- my name is Vinn. I've heard a lot of stories, and I was curious if any of them were true. So far, this place hasn't disappointed," the druid shares after Sir Beauregard. ''Seeing these little guys is probably the highlight of my visit yet," he adds. Vinn then picks some of the breakfast fruit he took out of his pocket and peels them to share with the younger looking kobolds. "Sir, what's this message you're delivering anyway? Anything the Abott Runara could share?"
Vinn looks at Sir Beauregard with confusion and mouths a quiet (but not subtle) "WHAT?" Maybe he should have gone through the knight's belongings instead.
Autumn gives Vinn a knowing nod. "Perhaps," she murmurs between the two of them, grinning a little. "Looking forward to finding out though-"
As they approach, Autumn grins curiously at the friendly little kobolds. Just as she's about to chatter back, answering and asking as many questions as she can, the Abbott appears.
As soon as Beau and Vinn start muttering and mouthing to each other, she steps forward. Maybe drawing the Abbott's attention and maybe just being overly assertive and utterly unaware of any amount of ceremony that should be observed. (Typical Fae-)
"I'm also in search of stories. Specifically, interested in recording the lore of this island. Big stories and small ones." She flashes another friendly grin and a little wave at the Kobolds.
Runara graciously takes the scroll, breaks the seal and reads for a moment in silence, her face an indecipherable mask. After reading the scroll a genial look returns to her face and she nods in gratitude. "Thank you, Sir Beauregard, for delivering this communiqué from your Knight Commander. I recognize what great risk you took to bring it to these shores."
She rolls up the scroll, returns it to its case and hands it to one of the kobolds who studies it curiously before scrambling off.
"On my word, I will entrust you with a serious reply to bring back to your superiors... But first, I'd like you to spend some time with us, so you can prepare your own personal account of our operation to bring back to your order. It will also give me a chance to observe what kind of a champion this order would send to represent their interests... Many have come to these shores seeking to oppose evil, and many among them were far too eager to embrace and perpetuate even more evil in the name of that crusade." She concludes with a welcoming smile. "Stay with us, Sir Beauregard and we shall see the substance of your character."
Vinn & Autumn:
Mistress Runara's countenance seems to lift at Vin's greeting and their love of the kobolds. "They are a rather delightful sort, aren't they? It's a shame. Centuries of indoctrination and forced conscription by wicked chromatic dragon lords have given rise to the unfortunate belief that they are evil by nature. I've certainly never found that to be the case and clearly you too can see how a species such as theirs can thrive and contribute to the betterment of the world when offered the right opportunities"
She extends her arms to gesture all around her. "I hope this place continues to feed your sense of wonder.... You are very much welcome here. You may quarter in the temple (A5) or one of the monastic cells you see along the path here (A1). I believe the westernmost cell is currently unoccupied if the four of you don't mind sharing. Meals are offered in the dining hall (A3) at sunrise and sunset and mid-day food is set out throughout the day... My one warning to you is to mind yourself in the wilderness. Never travel alone. I'm told you've already encountered some of the island's predatory residents. There are plenty more where that came from. They don't dare come near the cloister, but if you're wise, you'll travel together if you travel at all.”
She turns her attention to Autum. "If it's lore you're after, you'll find plenty up in the library at the top of the hill (A4). The kobolds also love to share their knowledge of the world, though you may want to adjust your expectations for their.. unique perspective. And, of course, you're always welcome up at the temple, (A5) where the congregants here go to reflect and ask The Justicebringer for wisdom and guidance... The only thing I ask in return is service. Everyone here serves according to their talents. And, judging from the look of you, your talents extend far beyond the sort of domestic chores that most of our postulates are tasked with..."
Just then, something seems to occur to her. "...why don't you all take the time you need to settle in, rest, explore, and then, when you're ready, seek out Tarak. You'll find him in the cell adjoining yours. I'm believe he has a task for you of serious importance once you're ready to hear it. But, for now, unless you all have any more questions, I must return to my own duties. I bid you a safe and enriching visit to our home."
Runara waits for any remaining questions you may have, but will take her leave whenever you're ready to venture off... What would you like to do?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Sir Beauregard looks up at Runara. “I shall do as you command.” As she does not bid him to rise, he waits a moment and then concludes that this is one of the many ways monks and knights differ. He stands tentatively, being careful not to crowd her with his bulk.
The knight mingles politely, gazing at the view and considering Runara’s words. He looks troubled. She may simply mean that knights are prone to violence, but more likely she doubts orcish blood can be washed away by good upbringing. He watches the kobolds and cannot disagree that they seem harmless. What would his life have been like if he had been raised to scrub the stones of an isolated mountain? An image of orc raiders lounging around the temple fingering bloody scimitars comes to mind and he doubts his kind would ever receive the same mercy or deserve it. No, Runara is right that his talents are not domestic. He will strive to be the champion she expects.
After conversing with the kobolds, sharing the story of the harpy if it does not seem to scare them too much and asking them for what they know of the area around the temple, he considers himself rested. He eats what food is set out, trying to moderate himself as best he can. He then starts at the temple and makes his way down to the cells, exploring each of the marked locations on the map as instructed. After settling in the party’s cell, placing his pack near the door so that later he can sleep on the floor in front of the door to keep the others safe, he goes to receive Tarak’s quest.
"I don't blame the kobolds," Vinn replies to Abbott Runara's comments, willing himself to ignore her request to do some service. "I feel like there aren't a lot of opportunities for organized union and labor rights when your boss is a literal dragon."
When the Abbott gives permission to the group to explore, Vinn grins. "Don't mind if I do. In fact--" Vinn turns to the draconic sprites. "Would any of you like to give me a tour? This is your home after all-- and I'll tell you some stories about mine."
And Vinn embarks on his exploration of Dragon's Rest—naturally, he indulges in the dining room's mid-day fare, complimenting the kobolds on their culinary skills. "Did you make this? You've got the makings of a city restaurant," he tells them. In the library, he flips through books, asking his tour guides about their favorites. (If they're illiterate, Vinn mentions that he's also a fan of pictures.) When they enter the temple, Vinn gazes the holy space with a look of wonder. "If you also built this, I'm sure you can build your own restaurant too. We can use a well-known disguise to get by in the city-- three kobolds in a robe-coat," he quips. On their way back, Vinn notices a room that wasn't mentioned (A2) and asks the kobolds, "What's in there?"
While they walk from one space to another, Vinn keeps an eye out for anything noteworthy—whether it's roses for Sir Beauregard, shiny statues whose composition he debates is silver or not, or suspicious scrapes beneath bookcases, contemplating the possibility of hidden doors like he's read in his books (this place was too special to be normal). If Vinn spots any roses, he inquires with the kobolds about any seeds for planting.
Vinn eventually makes his way to the monastic cell, throwing his pack on the bed, and asking the kobolds if they can get them extra pillows before leaving to meet Tarak and the rest of the group.
Autumn beelines for the library, asking some of the librarians if they can recommend any good starting places on researching the island's history and local myth or fairytales. With a stack of books set aside for her to begin her reading and research, she also makes a point of returning to chat with some of the kobolds, asking if they have any favorite storytellers in their group.
The kobolds are rapt by Sir Beuregard’s story of the harpy’s song and its effect on the Platinum Plume.
They say they’ve heard the song too sometimes, but Mistress Runara tells them not to listen but instead to plug their ears which they do because they’re good kobolds and know how to listen but not listen to the harpy but listen to Mistress Runara instead because she’s real smart and won’t hurt them like the harpy will. They know Mistress Runara is right because they’ve seen some of their kin fall in love with the music so much that they swim out to the bigwater and never come back which is not a good thing do because of the dead things that walk in the water sometimes and like to eat naughty kobolds who get too close.
Before Sir Beauregardhas a chance to ask more, he hears a ruckus behind him. Apparently, the kobolds got very excited by Vin’s idea that they might lead your group on a tour. Once the idea is introduced, they each vie for the chance to be the tour leader. They each claim to be the “smartestest” and “runniest” and “makes laughingest” jumping in front of one and other until they start to lose their composure… occasionally baring teeth and hissing at one and other.
Just before things take a more violent turn, a taller kobold dressed in leather armor wades into the fray and barks at them to stop.
She introduces herself as Agga, “Bossuv all these dum dums.”
She waves at other kobolds, dismissive but not unkind, ordering them all to, “Shoo and make room for bigland guests to move and not trip on good kobolds, eh?”
The other kobolds comply…
Well…
They sorta comply.
They still hover nearby, eager to watch as Agga begins leading the party up the hill.
“Come.”She says, not even bothering to look behind. “Much seeing to do and sun moves realfast, so follow quick.”
The Tour
As she begins the grand the tour, she starts by pointing up to the stone statue of a dragon standing in the middle of the central promenade.
“Astalagan, the Architect…" She explains. "Builted dragonsrest longlongtimes ago but dieded in great battle praise Bahamut.” She turns and gives a sharp look at the other kobolds who trail behind you. “Not for touching or climbing.” A few of the kobolds recoil at this rebuke. Clearly they’ve been guilty of that violation themselves at times.
“Keep up. Keep up.”She says pushing her way up the hill. “We go next to dining hall so hungry biglanders eat good koboldfood.”
The other kobolds hop in place, salivating at the idea, but Agga cocks an eyebrow turning to them. “No seconds or thirdsies.”
Upon that, they deflate, but still follow you all up the hill.
The Dining Hall
Agga leads you through a doorway in the rock which opens into a dining room with a long table. Two benches run the length of the table, and a single chair sits at the table’s head. A short hallway connects to a small, tidy kitchen.
The food is not quite as bad as you started suspecting it might be once you learned that the kobolds prepare most meals.
The midday meal consists of bread, fruit, and fresh root vegetables washed down with some watered down wine. As you eat you have a chance to witness, with no small amount of amusement, how well-organized this motley hive of kobolds really is. It strikes you that it must’ve taken some doing to accomplish.
In response to Vinn’s compliment about the food, one of the cooks, a silent kobold who the others refer to as Frubnotsosmart starts beaming and staring at Vinn with wide-eyed admiration.
Before you’re entirely finished taking in your fill Agga starts clattering a metal spoon against a metal mug while standing on one of the benches, calling out. “Okayokay, finishup the goodfood cuz time for more tour now, come hurry hurry.”
With that, she hops off the bench and proceeds out the door. As you turn away to follow her you might see some of the trailing kobolds snatching whatever scraps of leftovers remained on your plate and compulsively stuffing it into their tunics for later.
Frub, however, remains focused on Vinn. Stills smiling, he abandons his post to start following the tour. Occasionally, he pulls scraps of food out of his apron (the ends of carrots, potato peels left over from his prepwork) and silently offers them Vinn with a grinning nod that says, “Go ahead. Eat! It’s good!”
The Library
Of all the doorways cut into the cliff face, only one has an actual door. This entry’s door is made of sturdy oak with iron bands, and it swings open easily to reveal a spacious library. Bookshelves line every wall, with three free-standing shelves in the west half of the room. In the east half is a table with two benches, writing implements, book stands, and glass-shielded lamps.
The kobolds seem to have little interest in this place. The look bored and eager to move on.
Agga explains, “Kobolds not doing reading good and get extra chores when they chew the books so don’t come in here much. Me though likes to come and sit sometimes for quiet and to get away from dum dums who always be making trouble. Mistress Runara comes reads all times. Same being Brother Tarrak. Same being Sister Varnoth. Go through and do your booklooking but be real hurry hurry cuz got to be finishing and getting back to chorses.”
She then leave you all to explore and patrol the other kobolds to keep them from making a mess of the stacks.
All the while, Frub continues to follow Vinn, still smiling and still just cycling through offering the same inedible scraps from his apron. It’s annoying but you don’t get the sense it’s malevolent. He just thinks you’re the bees knees and wants you to be his friend. When you ask him what his favorite book is, he points to the closest one without even looking.
You glance at the cover of the heavy tome and read, On the Matter of Magecraft and the City: A Summary for the Lords of Waterdeep.
Frub then offers you the same raw turnip he’s offered you three times already and rubs his nose, still smiling.
At that moment, Agga opens the door again and pounds on it.
“Okay no more readingtime. We go up to temple now quick quick.”
As everyone files out, Autumn remains behind to do more research.
Autumn:
As the others venture up to the temple, you dig through the stacks, identifying some of the more frequently referenced tomes... by flipping through you start putting together a common scholarly consensus about the island's origins.
Ages ago, a fire-breathing red dragon called Sharruth rampaged up and down the Sword Coast. Three metallic dragons joined forces to battle Sharruth and imprisoned her beneath the ocean floor, believing seawater would quench her fire and keep her bound forever. But Sharruth’s fury, legend says, caused the undersea volcanic activity that formed Stormwreck Isle.
In all likelihood, Sharruth is long dead and entombed beneath the island, but the powerful magic embodied in such an ancient dragon has left a permanent mark . That magic has drawn other dragons to the island throughout the centuries, making it a recurring battlefield in the conflict between chromatic and metallic dragons. Several of these dragons have died there, each leaving behind a spiritual scar that causes unpredictable magical effects.
The Temple
After ascending to the highest point of the cloister, Sir Beauregard, Vinn and Ephraim arrive at an open-air temple. The aging structure overhangs the cliff, supported by arched stone struts anchored to the cliff face. The north wall of the temple is carved directly into the rock, while the rest is open to the sea air.
A palpable feeling of serenity suffuses the place. The air is positively thick with it. Enough to feel a slight buzz on your skin.
Heavy pillars mark the three open sides, supporting the wooden roof. In the center of the temple stands a stone statue of a kind-looking old man with canaries perched on his hands, shoulders, and head. Depressions in the statue’s pedestal at the four cardinal directions hold offerings of incense and a few worthless but pretty rocks left by the kobolds.
Ephraim & Sir Beauregard:
You recognize the figure as Fizban the Fabulous, one of the most famous avatars of Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon. The canaries represent the seven gold dragons that follow him wherever he goes.
Agga waits for a moment, balanced on the balls of her feet… Looking at the statue, then turning and looking off into the glorious horizon, saying nothing, lost in her private thoughts, just breathing in the sanctity of the place... The other kobolds that follow display similar reverence. Some drop to their knees. Others simply bow their heads. Others gingerly step forward to place a rusty bolt or a piece of sea glass in the offering plate.
Finally, Agga blinks away the religious fugue she was in. She looks around, sees you and simply says, “Is Great Justicemaker temple,” then bows toward the statue, reverently.
Then, seeming almost embarrassed by her expression of religious fervor, she turns around and heads back down the mountain. The other kobolds follow.
The Winch House
A small, free-standing building halfway up the path has a peaked roof and a weathered wooden door. A sturdy wooden pallet wrapped with rope hangs beneath the building on an iron chain, lying flat against the cliff face.
As you pass by it, Vinn asks Agga what it is. Agga looks over and says, “Is winchouse. Big boats come, bring foodstuff, toolsandsuch… kobolds turn big big wheel make go chik-chik-chik-chik-chik then down come big wood floor part down to the water. Biglanders put newstuff on big wood floorpart, then kobolds turn big big wheel make go chik-chik-chik-chik-chik again until stuff not down there but up here and that’s the end.”
By that point, there’s no more ground to cover except the distance to the monastic cells. Agga chatters something to the kobolds in draconic.
For those who speak Draconic:
"Back to chores you dum dums thank you love you."
And they scatter off, presumably returning to their duties without complaint. Agga doesn’t even bother saying goodbye as she unceremoniously returns to her duties, overseeing the other kobolds.
The Monastic Cells
You glance into the open doorways of the various cells as you pass heading east to west. Through the first two doors you see a collection of crudely made hammocks… Clearly a space for the kobolds to sleep.
The third is filled with junk and tools. Inside, you hear the voice of a kobold talking to themselves as they digging though a disorganized pile of metal objects.
The fourth doorframe is covered by a sun-bleached, tattered war banner with the emblem removed and patched over.
The fourth is empty at the moment but sits open to the world, displaying a small nursery of herbs and ornamental trees.
Finally, you arrive at your own empty, well-maintained cell. There’s a small desk, a chair and enough room for all of you to set up bedrolls to sleep on. It’s not the finest of accommodations, but it’s no worse than any of the other cells in the cloister.
By the time you’re finished setting up “camp” and acclimating yourselves to your new temporary home, you notice that the sun is getting low in the sky. You’re just about to discuss heading back up to the kitchen when you hear the occupant of the cell next to you returning. This, you’ve been told, must be Tarak. So, you step out of your cell to introduce yourselves.
Tarak’s cell
You walk over to meet your neighbor, finding him in the middle of setting up a mortars and pestle on a counter beside some desiccated herbs.
He is a human in late middle age. He has pale skin tanned darker with many freckles, auburn hair and a beard that is mostly gray, and gray-blue eyes. Faded tattoos in an abstract design peek up the side of his neck from beneath his dirt-stained robes. A gold hangman’s noose is worked into the design of these visible tattoos.
Vin:
You recognize the mark as a symbol associated with the Gilded Gallows, a thieves’ guild that operates in a country far to the southeast called Elturgard.
The man turns when he hears the sound of your arrival, his eyes sweeping over you all appraisingly. He raises a canny eyebrow.
“New arrivals, eh? Think I heard about ye. Got the little beasties all in a flurry ye does. Aye, nothin wrong with that. We all needs a bit a diversion now and then. S’pecially way out here.”
He turns back to his work with a distracted, frustrated sigh, placing the dried herbs into the mortar.
“Just mind ye don’t harm yerself while yer here, alright… Cause, we’re runnin’ outta ways to do much about it if ye do...”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Sir Beauregard stays in the temple, first admiring the workmanship of the statue and building, then turning to the sea. He stands a long time gazing at the water, watching the sun play along the waves, the waves washing over the rocks, and the rocks glistening below.
He turns to the statue before he leaves, and says something in Celestial. His tone is confidential with little hint of his usual formality.
We were wrong. Sune has already sown roses in the waves.
He bows to the statue and walks at a calm and measured pace down to Tarak’s cell, oddly arriving just as Autumn speaks.
Vinn tries to quietly slip the carrot ends, potato peels, and turnips from his pockets, attempting to conceal them among Tarak’s herbalism supplies. The kobolds provided a brief amusement, but Vinn admits it was his own mistake for requesting a tour from them. He was relieved when Agga took over and made the experience as brief and concise as possible
However, dealing with Frubnotsosmart proved to be a mix of endearing and exasperating for Vinn, who reluctantly accepted Frub's offerings during the tour. After mistaking a raw turnip for something else and gagging upon tasting it, Vinn forces it down and pats the kobold’s head. “I’ll save the rest for later, Frub—thanks,” he says. Vinn wonders now in hindsight—maybe draconic creatures have a penchant for raw turnips? Vinn ends up keeping two in his pocket, just in case they encounter a dragon and he would need to use them to bargain or bait with.
Meanwhile, On the Matter of Magecraft and the City: A Summary for the Lords of Waterdeep, weighed down Vinn's pack in their shared room. He felt he was too far in with trying to not disappoint Frub and his adoration, when he rashly took it off the shelf.
Standing now in this cell room, it was relieving to find that Tarak was not another kobold. “Abbott mentioned that we'd have to do some work around here to earn our keep. If you can't work magic like Autumn mentioned, I'm willing to put my skills to use. But casting two spells is pretty much all I can do in a day, so don’t expect any more than that.” Eyeing the gold hangman's noose tattoo on Tarak's neck with curiosity, he adds, "Quite the career change. You must've done something real special, that you thought finding redemption with the kobolds is the best move you’ve got.”
In response to Autumn's question, Tarak says, "Aye, but it's limited... In normal times it's no issue. I'm able to brew a steady supply of healing tonics using some herbs I grow here in my garden and the heartcap mushrooms that grow in the sea caves on the island's southern banks... I have an arrangement with the natives who live down there. Simple exchange. I give ‘em food scraps ‘n compost. They allow me to harvest the mushrooms.
Last time I went though, my usual contacts didn’t show. The tribe... They blocked my path. Called on some sort of beast under the water to force me out. I didn’t stay to find out what it was.... Figured I must’ve done something to offend or wear out my welcome, but I'm not sure how... I've considered sending someone else as an ambassador. Varnoth or one of the little 'uns... but they're not exactly the diplomatic type... But perhaps you all can give it a go. You all are folks of skill from what I understand... If you were able to make headway, you'd be doing a great service to the cloister."
In response to Vinn's statement about his tattoo he adjusts his sleeve slightly, reactively covering it up. His face grows a bit more stern. "Aye... We all have a past. Those of us on the island, maybe more than most... But it's exactly that. The past."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Sir Beauregard watches solemnly as Tarak covers his tattoos. He involuntarily scowls and fingers one of his tusks, as he does when regretting the past he inherited at birth and which he cannot so easily conceal. But the scowl quickly passes and he brightens up.
”And we shall be your ambassadors! Perhaps Vinn can visit his friend in the kitchens and obtain us a bag of compost fit as a peace offering to a tribe of…hm…well, you haven’t said. We could do with directions and a description.” He smiles hopefully.
"Hey, now," Vinn holds both hands up sheepishly. "I didn't mean you did anything evil. From what I know, you either did something very illegal or you've very much upset the G. G. and that's why you're here. Met plenty of criminals who are just as morally good or bad as any regular folk." He then gestures vaguely. "Like you said, the past is the past, and clearly you're an alright guy if you're living here."
Vinn then perks up at Sir Beauregard's suggestion. "Way ahead of your, Sir-- Frub seemed real insistent in giving these to me. The little guy really likes me, so this is probably the good stuff for them." Vinn takes out two turnips and presents them with a toothy grin. "If the neighboring tribe are anything like the kobolds, they're going to LOVE theese way more than an old bag of compost."
Tarrak looks visibly relieved that the party is willing to attempt contact. To Sir Beauregard's question about what the tribe is, Tarrak replies... "Well, t'be honest, I don't rightly know what their proper name might be... I just call 'em mushroomfolk, cause, well... That's the best way to describe whatever it is they are."He hesitates, thinking about how to better explain. "Imagine a morel... but as big as a man... with arms and legs to walk with... but no mouth... Don't need 'em I suppose. They have other ways of talking..."
Seeing the look of confusion in your eyes he gestures in a swipe and moves to pull out his map of the island. "Trust me. You'll see what I mean."
He pulls out his trusty map of the island (see below) and taps at a point on the southern tip. "Seagrow Caves. That's where you'll find them. There's a rowboat down at the docks where you first arrived. That's what I usually use to get myself down there, but if you've had your share of sea travel and prefer to trek along the coast, that's fine too. It'll take a few hours no matter which route ye take. So, ye won't make it to the caves before nightfall.
"The caves themselves are hard to miss, it is. Just follow the brilliant colored algae in the area and it'll lead ye straight to it... but beware. Whatever it is those mushroomfolk sent against me... it was playing for keeps. So, watch yourselves, and be ready for anything. In fact..."
He moves to a mostly empty shelf and produces to small bottles with red liquid in them. "I'm taking a huge risk putting these in your hands, but I'm praying to the Platinum Dragon that it's a worthwhile investment.... See, these are our last two healing potions. If they keep you alive long enough to re-open trade with the mushroom folk, it'llve all been worth the risk."
He sees Vinn's presentation of the turnips and adds, "Aye, that'll do just fine in their eyes. If you can get past the gatekeeper and earn their trust... I'm sure they'd consider it a fine trade for some heart cap mushrooms. I wish you all the best of luck. This whole island is counting on you."
Questions on the table for the party:
What route would you like to take down to the caves
When would you want to leave?
Is there anything you want to do before you embark?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Sir Beauregard would prefer to walk (as it is difficult to swim in chainmail), he would prefer to leave immediately, and he has nothing else to do before he goes.
Vinn is prepared to mostly leave, and would rather walk seeing how limited their group's abilities were against the harpies aboard The Platinum Plume.
Vinn reconsiders Sir Beauregard's suggestion, and with Tarrak's confirmation, returns to the kitchen to ask Agga for a sack of turnips in a bed of prepwork scraps. He will make some effort to avoid running into Frubnotsomart, but isn't rude if he can't. Vinn thanks them by druidcrafting some dish garnishments-- bright green and red/orange sprigs for plated meals and tiny decorative flowers for desserts or sliced fruit.
Sir Beauregard walks with Vinn back up to the kitchens to carry the bundle of food. As they go he chats amiably. “You know, I wonder if that chef… Frub, was it? I wonder if he might know something about the mushroom tribe or the sea beast. He might have given you the scraps to protect you rather than fatten you up. He certainly has taken a liking to you, and while you might find it embarrassing, Sune teaches us that kindness is the seed of love and should not be rejected even if it is unlikely to bloom. If you’ll accept my counsel, you will thank him and see if he can share his thoughts on our quest.”
The knight walks in silence for a bit, looking out at the view. “To be honest, I thought mushrooms liked dung,” he says to no one in particular.
"Oh." The idea that Frubnotsosmart didn't want to just give Vinn gifts, but to protect him, left the genasi flushing lavender on his blue skin. "I didn't consider that... you know Sir, you're a pretty nice guy. I can understand why The Platinum Plume's crew loved ya."
Vinn nods his head in agreement. "I'll ask Agga and him about the mushroom people and the sea beast then." Vinn then hears the tail end of Sir Beauregard's dung comment. "I don't know if that's true or not, but hey, if Agga and Frub confirm that too we can ask them for a nice, big bag of crap. Since it was your idea, you can be the one to carry and gift it to the tribe-- you've been great with everyone so far, so I feel it's only natural for you to lead."
When Autumn expresses her interest in seeing the dragons, and they both receive no response from the postulate, Vinn subtly turns to her. "Maybe they think they can deceive us into believing there aren't any dragons. But we're not fools. 'Dragon's Rest' is the perfect name to lure them all here for a quick holiday."
Shortly after the traverse up the mountain and the kobolds swarm around them excitedly, Vinn laughs. His mind is taken away from thinking of today's earlier dangers. The draconic creatures reminded him of his clan's younglings, and he briefly misses home. Then, when their chatter fades into silence with the approach of an older human woman, Vinn recognizes the behavior himself. Ah, she's probably one of those leaders.
"Hi Abbott-- my name is Vinn. I've heard a lot of stories, and I was curious if any of them were true. So far, this place hasn't disappointed," the druid shares after Sir Beauregard. ''Seeing these little guys is probably the highlight of my visit yet," he adds. Vinn then picks some of the breakfast fruit he took out of his pocket and peels them to share with the younger looking kobolds. "Sir, what's this message you're delivering anyway? Anything the Abott Runara could share?"
Still holding his pose, Sir Beauregard whispers to Vinn, “I don’t actually know what it says.”
Vinn looks at Sir Beauregard with confusion and mouths a quiet (but not subtle) "WHAT?" Maybe he should have gone through the knight's belongings instead.
Autumn gives Vinn a knowing nod. "Perhaps," she murmurs between the two of them, grinning a little. "Looking forward to finding out though-"
As they approach, Autumn grins curiously at the friendly little kobolds. Just as she's about to chatter back, answering and asking as many questions as she can, the Abbott appears.
As soon as Beau and Vinn start muttering and mouthing to each other, she steps forward. Maybe drawing the Abbott's attention and maybe just being overly assertive and utterly unaware of any amount of ceremony that should be observed. (Typical Fae-)
"I'm also in search of stories. Specifically, interested in recording the lore of this island. Big stories and small ones." She flashes another friendly grin and a little wave at the Kobolds.
Sir Beauregard:
Runara graciously takes the scroll, breaks the seal and reads for a moment in silence, her face an indecipherable mask. After reading the scroll a genial look returns to her face and she nods in gratitude. "Thank you, Sir Beauregard, for delivering this communiqué from your Knight Commander. I recognize what great risk you took to bring it to these shores."
She rolls up the scroll, returns it to its case and hands it to one of the kobolds who studies it curiously before scrambling off.
"On my word, I will entrust you with a serious reply to bring back to your superiors... But first, I'd like you to spend some time with us, so you can prepare your own personal account of our operation to bring back to your order. It will also give me a chance to observe what kind of a champion this order would send to represent their interests... Many have come to these shores seeking to oppose evil, and many among them were far too eager to embrace and perpetuate even more evil in the name of that crusade." She concludes with a welcoming smile. "Stay with us, Sir Beauregard and we shall see the substance of your character."
Vinn & Autumn:
Mistress Runara's countenance seems to lift at Vin's greeting and their love of the kobolds. "They are a rather delightful sort, aren't they? It's a shame. Centuries of indoctrination and forced conscription by wicked chromatic dragon lords have given rise to the unfortunate belief that they are evil by nature. I've certainly never found that to be the case and clearly you too can see how a species such as theirs can thrive and contribute to the betterment of the world when offered the right opportunities"
She extends her arms to gesture all around her. "I hope this place continues to feed your sense of wonder.... You are very much welcome here. You may quarter in the temple (A5) or one of the monastic cells you see along the path here (A1). I believe the westernmost cell is currently unoccupied if the four of you don't mind sharing. Meals are offered in the dining hall (A3) at sunrise and sunset and mid-day food is set out throughout the day... My one warning to you is to mind yourself in the wilderness. Never travel alone. I'm told you've already encountered some of the island's predatory residents. There are plenty more where that came from. They don't dare come near the cloister, but if you're wise, you'll travel together if you travel at all.”
She turns her attention to Autum. "If it's lore you're after, you'll find plenty up in the library at the top of the hill (A4). The kobolds also love to share their knowledge of the world, though you may want to adjust your expectations for their.. unique perspective. And, of course, you're always welcome up at the temple, (A5) where the congregants here go to reflect and ask The Justicebringer for wisdom and guidance... The only thing I ask in return is service. Everyone here serves according to their talents. And, judging from the look of you, your talents extend far beyond the sort of domestic chores that most of our postulates are tasked with..."
Just then, something seems to occur to her. "...why don't you all take the time you need to settle in, rest, explore, and then, when you're ready, seek out Tarak. You'll find him in the cell adjoining yours. I'm believe he has a task for you of serious importance once you're ready to hear it. But, for now, unless you all have any more questions, I must return to my own duties. I bid you a safe and enriching visit to our home."
Runara waits for any remaining questions you may have, but will take her leave whenever you're ready to venture off... What would you like to do?
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Sir Beauregard looks up at Runara. “I shall do as you command.” As she does not bid him to rise, he waits a moment and then concludes that this is one of the many ways monks and knights differ. He stands tentatively, being careful not to crowd her with his bulk.
The knight mingles politely, gazing at the view and considering Runara’s words. He looks troubled. She may simply mean that knights are prone to violence, but more likely she doubts orcish blood can be washed away by good upbringing. He watches the kobolds and cannot disagree that they seem harmless. What would his life have been like if he had been raised to scrub the stones of an isolated mountain? An image of orc raiders lounging around the temple fingering bloody scimitars comes to mind and he doubts his kind would ever receive the same mercy or deserve it. No, Runara is right that his talents are not domestic. He will strive to be the champion she expects.
After conversing with the kobolds, sharing the story of the harpy if it does not seem to scare them too much and asking them for what they know of the area around the temple, he considers himself rested. He eats what food is set out, trying to moderate himself as best he can. He then starts at the temple and makes his way down to the cells, exploring each of the marked locations on the map as instructed. After settling in the party’s cell, placing his pack near the door so that later he can sleep on the floor in front of the door to keep the others safe, he goes to receive Tarak’s quest.
"I don't blame the kobolds," Vinn replies to Abbott Runara's comments, willing himself to ignore her request to do some service. "I feel like there aren't a lot of opportunities for organized union and labor rights when your boss is a literal dragon."
When the Abbott gives permission to the group to explore, Vinn grins. "Don't mind if I do. In fact--" Vinn turns to the draconic sprites. "Would any of you like to give me a tour? This is your home after all-- and I'll tell you some stories about mine."
And Vinn embarks on his exploration of Dragon's Rest—naturally, he indulges in the dining room's mid-day fare, complimenting the kobolds on their culinary skills. "Did you make this? You've got the makings of a city restaurant," he tells them. In the library, he flips through books, asking his tour guides about their favorites. (If they're illiterate, Vinn mentions that he's also a fan of pictures.) When they enter the temple, Vinn gazes the holy space with a look of wonder. "If you also built this, I'm sure you can build your own restaurant too. We can use a well-known disguise to get by in the city-- three kobolds in a robe-coat," he quips. On their way back, Vinn notices a room that wasn't mentioned (A2) and asks the kobolds, "What's in there?"
While they walk from one space to another, Vinn keeps an eye out for anything noteworthy—whether it's roses for Sir Beauregard, shiny statues whose composition he debates is silver or not, or suspicious scrapes beneath bookcases, contemplating the possibility of hidden doors like he's read in his books (this place was too special to be normal). If Vinn spots any roses, he inquires with the kobolds about any seeds for planting.
Vinn eventually makes his way to the monastic cell, throwing his pack on the bed, and asking the kobolds if they can get them extra pillows before leaving to meet Tarak and the rest of the group.
Autumn beelines for the library, asking some of the librarians if they can recommend any good starting places on researching the island's history and local myth or fairytales. With a stack of books set aside for her to begin her reading and research, she also makes a point of returning to chat with some of the kobolds, asking if they have any favorite storytellers in their group.
Talking to the Kobolds
The kobolds are rapt by Sir Beuregard’s story of the harpy’s song and its effect on the Platinum Plume.
They say they’ve heard the song too sometimes, but Mistress Runara tells them not to listen but instead to plug their ears which they do because they’re good kobolds and know how to listen but not listen to the harpy but listen to Mistress Runara instead because she’s real smart and won’t hurt them like the harpy will. They know Mistress Runara is right because they’ve seen some of their kin fall in love with the music so much that they swim out to the bigwater and never come back which is not a good thing do because of the dead things that walk in the water sometimes and like to eat naughty kobolds who get too close.
Before Sir Beauregard has a chance to ask more, he hears a ruckus behind him. Apparently, the kobolds got very excited by Vin’s idea that they might lead your group on a tour. Once the idea is introduced, they each vie for the chance to be the tour leader. They each claim to be the “smartestest” and “runniest” and “makes laughingest” jumping in front of one and other until they start to lose their composure… occasionally baring teeth and hissing at one and other.
Just before things take a more violent turn, a taller kobold dressed in leather armor wades into the fray and barks at them to stop.
She introduces herself as Agga, “Bossuv all these dum dums.”
She waves at other kobolds, dismissive but not unkind, ordering them all to, “Shoo and make room for bigland guests to move and not trip on good kobolds, eh?”
The other kobolds comply…
Well…
They sorta comply.
They still hover nearby, eager to watch as Agga begins leading the party up the hill.
“Come.” She says, not even bothering to look behind. “Much seeing to do and sun moves realfast, so follow quick.”
The Tour
As she begins the grand the tour, she starts by pointing up to the stone statue of a dragon standing in the middle of the central promenade.
“Astalagan, the Architect…" She explains. "Builted dragonsrest longlongtimes ago but dieded in great battle praise Bahamut.” She turns and gives a sharp look at the other kobolds who trail behind you. “Not for touching or climbing.” A few of the kobolds recoil at this rebuke. Clearly they’ve been guilty of that violation themselves at times.
“Keep up. Keep up.” She says pushing her way up the hill. “We go next to dining hall so hungry biglanders eat good koboldfood.”
The other kobolds hop in place, salivating at the idea, but Agga cocks an eyebrow turning to them. “No seconds or thirdsies.”
Upon that, they deflate, but still follow you all up the hill.
The Dining Hall
Agga leads you through a doorway in the rock which opens into a dining room with a long table. Two benches run the length of the table, and a single chair sits at the table’s head. A short hallway connects to a small, tidy kitchen.
The food is not quite as bad as you started suspecting it might be once you learned that the kobolds prepare most meals.
The midday meal consists of bread, fruit, and fresh root vegetables washed down with some watered down wine. As you eat you have a chance to witness, with no small amount of amusement, how well-organized this motley hive of kobolds really is. It strikes you that it must’ve taken some doing to accomplish.
In response to Vinn’s compliment about the food, one of the cooks, a silent kobold who the others refer to as Frubnotsosmart starts beaming and staring at Vinn with wide-eyed admiration.
Before you’re entirely finished taking in your fill Agga starts clattering a metal spoon against a metal mug while standing on one of the benches, calling out. “Okayokay, finishup the goodfood cuz time for more tour now, come hurry hurry.”
With that, she hops off the bench and proceeds out the door. As you turn away to follow her you might see some of the trailing kobolds snatching whatever scraps of leftovers remained on your plate and compulsively stuffing it into their tunics for later.
Frub, however, remains focused on Vinn. Stills smiling, he abandons his post to start following the tour. Occasionally, he pulls scraps of food out of his apron (the ends of carrots, potato peels left over from his prepwork) and silently offers them Vinn with a grinning nod that says, “Go ahead. Eat! It’s good!”
The Library
Of all the doorways cut into the cliff face, only one has an actual door. This entry’s door is made of sturdy oak with iron bands, and it swings open easily to reveal a spacious library. Bookshelves line every wall, with three free-standing shelves in the west half of the room. In the east half is a table with two benches, writing implements, book stands, and glass-shielded lamps.
The kobolds seem to have little interest in this place. The look bored and eager to move on.
Agga explains, “Kobolds not doing reading good and get extra chores when they chew the books so don’t come in here much. Me though likes to come and sit sometimes for quiet and to get away from dum dums who always be making trouble. Mistress Runara comes reads all times. Same being Brother Tarrak. Same being Sister Varnoth. Go through and do your booklooking but be real hurry hurry cuz got to be finishing and getting back to chorses.”
She then leave you all to explore and patrol the other kobolds to keep them from making a mess of the stacks.
All the while, Frub continues to follow Vinn, still smiling and still just cycling through offering the same inedible scraps from his apron. It’s annoying but you don’t get the sense it’s malevolent. He just thinks you’re the bees knees and wants you to be his friend. When you ask him what his favorite book is, he points to the closest one without even looking.
You glance at the cover of the heavy tome and read, On the Matter of Magecraft and the City: A Summary for the Lords of Waterdeep.
Frub then offers you the same raw turnip he’s offered you three times already and rubs his nose, still smiling.
At that moment, Agga opens the door again and pounds on it.
“Okay no more readingtime. We go up to temple now quick quick.”
As everyone files out, Autumn remains behind to do more research.
Autumn:
As the others venture up to the temple, you dig through the stacks, identifying some of the more frequently referenced tomes... by flipping through you start putting together a common scholarly consensus about the island's origins.
Ages ago, a fire-breathing red dragon called Sharruth rampaged up and down the Sword Coast. Three metallic dragons joined forces to battle Sharruth and imprisoned her beneath the ocean floor, believing seawater would quench her fire and keep her bound forever. But Sharruth’s fury, legend says, caused the undersea volcanic activity that formed Stormwreck Isle.
In all likelihood, Sharruth is long dead and entombed beneath the island, but the powerful magic embodied in such an ancient dragon has left a permanent mark . That magic has drawn other dragons to the island throughout the centuries, making it a recurring battlefield in the conflict between chromatic and metallic dragons. Several of these dragons have died there, each leaving behind a spiritual scar that causes unpredictable magical effects.
The Temple
After ascending to the highest point of the cloister, Sir Beauregard, Vinn and Ephraim arrive at an open-air temple. The aging structure overhangs the cliff, supported by arched stone struts anchored to the cliff face. The north wall of the temple is carved directly into the rock, while the rest is open to the sea air.
A palpable feeling of serenity suffuses the place. The air is positively thick with it. Enough to feel a slight buzz on your skin.
Heavy pillars mark the three open sides, supporting the wooden roof. In the center of the temple stands a stone statue of a kind-looking old man with canaries perched on his hands, shoulders, and head. Depressions in the statue’s pedestal at the four cardinal directions hold offerings of incense and a few worthless but pretty rocks left by the kobolds.
Ephraim & Sir Beauregard:
You recognize the figure as Fizban the Fabulous, one of the most famous avatars of Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon. The canaries represent the seven gold dragons that follow him wherever he goes.
Agga waits for a moment, balanced on the balls of her feet… Looking at the statue, then turning and looking off into the glorious horizon, saying nothing, lost in her private thoughts, just breathing in the sanctity of the place... The other kobolds that follow display similar reverence. Some drop to their knees. Others simply bow their heads. Others gingerly step forward to place a rusty bolt or a piece of sea glass in the offering plate.
Finally, Agga blinks away the religious fugue she was in. She looks around, sees you and simply says, “Is Great Justicemaker temple,” then bows toward the statue, reverently.
Then, seeming almost embarrassed by her expression of religious fervor, she turns around and heads back down the mountain. The other kobolds follow.
The Winch House
A small, free-standing building halfway up the path has a peaked roof and a weathered wooden door. A sturdy wooden pallet wrapped with rope hangs beneath the building on an iron chain, lying flat against the cliff face.
As you pass by it, Vinn asks Agga what it is. Agga looks over and says, “Is winchouse. Big boats come, bring foodstuff, toolsandsuch… kobolds turn big big wheel make go chik-chik-chik-chik-chik then down come big wood floor part down to the water. Biglanders put newstuff on big wood floorpart, then kobolds turn big big wheel make go chik-chik-chik-chik-chik again until stuff not down there but up here and that’s the end.”
By that point, there’s no more ground to cover except the distance to the monastic cells. Agga chatters something to the kobolds in draconic.
For those who speak Draconic:
"Back to chores you dum dums thank you love you."
And they scatter off, presumably returning to their duties without complaint. Agga doesn’t even bother saying goodbye as she unceremoniously returns to her duties, overseeing the other kobolds.
The Monastic Cells
You glance into the open doorways of the various cells as you pass heading east to west. Through the first two doors you see a collection of crudely made hammocks… Clearly a space for the kobolds to sleep.
The third is filled with junk and tools. Inside, you hear the voice of a kobold talking to themselves as they digging though a disorganized pile of metal objects.
The fourth doorframe is covered by a sun-bleached, tattered war banner with the emblem removed and patched over.
The fourth is empty at the moment but sits open to the world, displaying a small nursery of herbs and ornamental trees.
Finally, you arrive at your own empty, well-maintained cell. There’s a small desk, a chair and enough room for all of you to set up bedrolls to sleep on. It’s not the finest of accommodations, but it’s no worse than any of the other cells in the cloister.
By the time you’re finished setting up “camp” and acclimating yourselves to your new temporary home, you notice that the sun is getting low in the sky. You’re just about to discuss heading back up to the kitchen when you hear the occupant of the cell next to you returning. This, you’ve been told, must be Tarak. So, you step out of your cell to introduce yourselves.
Tarak’s cell
You walk over to meet your neighbor, finding him in the middle of setting up a mortars and pestle on a counter beside some desiccated herbs.
He is a human in late middle age. He has pale skin tanned darker with many freckles, auburn hair and a beard that is mostly gray, and gray-blue eyes. Faded tattoos in an abstract design peek up the side of his neck from beneath his dirt-stained robes. A gold hangman’s noose is worked into the design of these visible tattoos.
Vin:
You recognize the mark as a symbol associated with the Gilded Gallows, a thieves’ guild that operates in a country far to the southeast called Elturgard.
The man turns when he hears the sound of your arrival, his eyes sweeping over you all appraisingly. He raises a canny eyebrow.
“New arrivals, eh? Think I heard about ye. Got the little beasties all in a flurry ye does. Aye, nothin wrong with that. We all needs a bit a diversion now and then. S’pecially way out here.”
He turns back to his work with a distracted, frustrated sigh, placing the dried herbs into the mortar.
“Just mind ye don’t harm yerself while yer here, alright… Cause, we’re runnin’ outta ways to do much about it if ye do...”
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Autumn frowns and leans in to glance at the herbs. "...What do you mean, 'running out of ways'? Don't you have healing magic?"
Sir Beauregard stays in the temple, first admiring the workmanship of the statue and building, then turning to the sea. He stands a long time gazing at the water, watching the sun play along the waves, the waves washing over the rocks, and the rocks glistening below.
He turns to the statue before he leaves, and says something in Celestial. His tone is confidential with little hint of his usual formality.
We were wrong. Sune has already sown roses in the waves.
He bows to the statue and walks at a calm and measured pace down to Tarak’s cell, oddly arriving just as Autumn speaks.
Vinn tries to quietly slip the carrot ends, potato peels, and turnips from his pockets, attempting to conceal them among Tarak’s herbalism supplies. The kobolds provided a brief amusement, but Vinn admits it was his own mistake for requesting a tour from them. He was relieved when Agga took over and made the experience as brief and concise as possible
However, dealing with Frubnotsosmart proved to be a mix of endearing and exasperating for Vinn, who reluctantly accepted Frub's offerings during the tour. After mistaking a raw turnip for something else and gagging upon tasting it, Vinn forces it down and pats the kobold’s head. “I’ll save the rest for later, Frub—thanks,” he says. Vinn wonders now in hindsight—maybe draconic creatures have a penchant for raw turnips? Vinn ends up keeping two in his pocket, just in case they encounter a dragon and he would need to use them to bargain or bait with.
Meanwhile, On the Matter of Magecraft and the City: A Summary for the Lords of Waterdeep, weighed down Vinn's pack in their shared room. He felt he was too far in with trying to not disappoint Frub and his adoration, when he rashly took it off the shelf.
Standing now in this cell room, it was relieving to find that Tarak was not another kobold. “Abbott mentioned that we'd have to do some work around here to earn our keep. If you can't work magic like Autumn mentioned, I'm willing to put my skills to use. But casting two spells is pretty much all I can do in a day, so don’t expect any more than that.” Eyeing the gold hangman's noose tattoo on Tarak's neck with curiosity, he adds, "Quite the career change. You must've done something real special, that you thought finding redemption with the kobolds is the best move you’ve got.”
In response to Autumn's question, Tarak says, "Aye, but it's limited... In normal times it's no issue. I'm able to brew a steady supply of healing tonics using some herbs I grow here in my garden and the heartcap mushrooms that grow in the sea caves on the island's southern banks... I have an arrangement with the natives who live down there. Simple exchange. I give ‘em food scraps ‘n compost. They allow me to harvest the mushrooms.
Last time I went though, my usual contacts didn’t show. The tribe... They blocked my path. Called on some sort of beast under the water to force me out. I didn’t stay to find out what it was.... Figured I must’ve done something to offend or wear out my welcome, but I'm not sure how... I've considered sending someone else as an ambassador. Varnoth or one of the little 'uns... but they're not exactly the diplomatic type... But perhaps you all can give it a go. You all are folks of skill from what I understand... If you were able to make headway, you'd be doing a great service to the cloister."
In response to Vinn's statement about his tattoo he adjusts his sleeve slightly, reactively covering it up. His face grows a bit more stern. "Aye... We all have a past. Those of us on the island, maybe more than most... But it's exactly that. The past."
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Sir Beauregard watches solemnly as Tarak covers his tattoos. He involuntarily scowls and fingers one of his tusks, as he does when regretting the past he inherited at birth and which he cannot so easily conceal. But the scowl quickly passes and he brightens up.
”And we shall be your ambassadors! Perhaps Vinn can visit his friend in the kitchens and obtain us a bag of compost fit as a peace offering to a tribe of…hm…well, you haven’t said. We could do with directions and a description.” He smiles hopefully.
"Hey, now," Vinn holds both hands up sheepishly. "I didn't mean you did anything evil. From what I know, you either did something very illegal or you've very much upset the G. G. and that's why you're here. Met plenty of criminals who are just as morally good or bad as any regular folk." He then gestures vaguely. "Like you said, the past is the past, and clearly you're an alright guy if you're living here."
Vinn then perks up at Sir Beauregard's suggestion. "Way ahead of your, Sir-- Frub seemed real insistent in giving these to me. The little guy really likes me, so this is probably the good stuff for them." Vinn takes out two turnips and presents them with a toothy grin. "If the neighboring tribe are anything like the kobolds, they're going to LOVE theese way more than an old bag of compost."
Tarrak looks visibly relieved that the party is willing to attempt contact. To Sir Beauregard's question about what the tribe is, Tarrak replies... "Well, t'be honest, I don't rightly know what their proper name might be... I just call 'em mushroomfolk, cause, well... That's the best way to describe whatever it is they are." He hesitates, thinking about how to better explain. "Imagine a morel... but as big as a man... with arms and legs to walk with... but no mouth... Don't need 'em I suppose. They have other ways of talking..."
Seeing the look of confusion in your eyes he gestures in a swipe and moves to pull out his map of the island. "Trust me. You'll see what I mean."
He pulls out his trusty map of the island (see below) and taps at a point on the southern tip. "Seagrow Caves. That's where you'll find them. There's a rowboat down at the docks where you first arrived. That's what I usually use to get myself down there, but if you've had your share of sea travel and prefer to trek along the coast, that's fine too. It'll take a few hours no matter which route ye take. So, ye won't make it to the caves before nightfall.
"The caves themselves are hard to miss, it is. Just follow the brilliant colored algae in the area and it'll lead ye straight to it... but beware. Whatever it is those mushroomfolk sent against me... it was playing for keeps. So, watch yourselves, and be ready for anything. In fact..."
He moves to a mostly empty shelf and produces to small bottles with red liquid in them. "I'm taking a huge risk putting these in your hands, but I'm praying to the Platinum Dragon that it's a worthwhile investment.... See, these are our last two healing potions. If they keep you alive long enough to re-open trade with the mushroom folk, it'llve all been worth the risk."
He sees Vinn's presentation of the turnips and adds, "Aye, that'll do just fine in their eyes. If you can get past the gatekeeper and earn their trust... I'm sure they'd consider it a fine trade for some heart cap mushrooms. I wish you all the best of luck. This whole island is counting on you."
Questions on the table for the party:
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Sir Beauregard would prefer to walk (as it is difficult to swim in chainmail), he would prefer to leave immediately, and he has nothing else to do before he goes.
Vinn is prepared to mostly leave, and would rather walk seeing how limited their group's abilities were against the harpies aboard The Platinum Plume.
Vinn reconsiders Sir Beauregard's suggestion, and with Tarrak's confirmation, returns to the kitchen to ask Agga for a sack of turnips in a bed of prepwork scraps. He will make some effort to avoid running into Frubnotsomart, but isn't rude if he can't. Vinn thanks them by druidcrafting some dish garnishments-- bright green and red/orange sprigs for plated meals and tiny decorative flowers for desserts or sliced fruit.
Sir Beauregard walks with Vinn back up to the kitchens to carry the bundle of food. As they go he chats amiably. “You know, I wonder if that chef… Frub, was it? I wonder if he might know something about the mushroom tribe or the sea beast. He might have given you the scraps to protect you rather than fatten you up. He certainly has taken a liking to you, and while you might find it embarrassing, Sune teaches us that kindness is the seed of love and should not be rejected even if it is unlikely to bloom. If you’ll accept my counsel, you will thank him and see if he can share his thoughts on our quest.”
The knight walks in silence for a bit, looking out at the view. “To be honest, I thought mushrooms liked dung,” he says to no one in particular.
"Oh." The idea that Frubnotsosmart didn't want to just give Vinn gifts, but to protect him, left the genasi flushing lavender on his blue skin. "I didn't consider that... you know Sir, you're a pretty nice guy. I can understand why The Platinum Plume's crew loved ya."
Vinn nods his head in agreement. "I'll ask Agga and him about the mushroom people and the sea beast then." Vinn then hears the tail end of Sir Beauregard's dung comment. "I don't know if that's true or not, but hey, if Agga and Frub confirm that too we can ask them for a nice, big bag of crap. Since it was your idea, you can be the one to carry and gift it to the tribe-- you've been great with everyone so far, so I feel it's only natural for you to lead."