B'Reh swallows hard at the magistrate’s sharp reaction, instinctively pressing her hand over the letter as if to reassure herself it was still there, still hers to deliver. She had miscalculated—badly. The depth of his anger, the venom in his words, it went beyond simple distrust. There was something personal in his loathing for Susan, something deep-rooted that she hadn't anticipated.
The way his beak snapped shut, the hard finality in his voice, made it clear that any further words would only dig them deeper into trouble. For once, B'Reh wisely chose silence. She lowered her head in a small, deferential nod, then stepped back, glancing apologetically to her companions. She had pushed too far, too openly. A mistake she would remember.
Without another word, she turned toward the door, her wings shifting restlessly against her back. Whatever the truth was, whatever the magistrate feared, she doubted she would find her answers here. Better to take their leave while they still could go in dignity.
Vira recognizes the magistrate is beyond reasoning and silently leaves with the others. Once outside, she notices B'Reh's tension and claps a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You asked the right questions. If he can't handle that, it's his problem, not yours." She offers a smirk. Letting go, she rolls her shoulders and nods toward the inn. "Come on, let’s get to the Wrangler’s Rest. No point letting him ruin our meal."
Brynlee nods in agreement. "He just seems like a sour old man to me, nothing we can do to change that. At least we got the letter of introduction and we won't have to wait to see the Alderheart Magistrate once we get there!"
You all walk back down the stairs and down the road to the inn as the last rays of sunlight slip over the horizon, revealing a multitude of stars in the sky above. As you enter, you see Sherwin waiting at a table. Brynlee heads over to sit down with the mapach, clearly curious to hear what he has to say, and bursting with questions.
"So, did you come from Meadowfen? Did all the Ashbarrow survivors make it there alright? How are Quincy and Tessa doing? And are the Ashbarrow Tenders helping Sylas take care of everything?"
[[ Rather than go back and find what I said last time for the specific prices on food and rooms, and worry about tracking every little pound of rations and piece of silver, would you all be okay with using just a general "room/board/restocking" charge when we're in settlements? It will probably often end up rounding to slightly lower or higher than what you would owe if we tracked everything precisely, but it's a bit less work for me and y'all won't have to worry about as many little things on your character sheets or stating every time you want to track down a simple vendor for things like ammunition, rations, or spell components not covered by a focus (and honestly variance in price is probably a bit more realistic ;)). Here I'd probably just say 1gp for everyone to cover food, board for the night, and rations used in the swamp, and then an extra 5sp for Aric to cover arrows. We can always haggle a little bit on the general charge if you feel it's too low/high, or you can toss out some extra silver or gold here and there if you want to say you got something like your own room, a nicer meal, drinks for others, etc. ]]
B'Reh offers Vira and Brynlee a small nod of gratitude, though the tension in her shoulders remains. She appreciates their words, truly, but the weight of her misstep lingers. It wasn't just about the magistrate's anger—there was something deeper there, something unresolved that gnawed at her curiosity. But now wasn't the time to dwell.
She follows the others into the Wrangler’s Rest, the warm, familiar scents of cooking food and burning wood offering a welcome distraction from the lingering unease. Settling at the table with Sherwin, she listens quietly as Brynlee bombards him with questions. She pulls a modest plate of food toward her, eating slowly and carefully, keeping her attention on the conversation as she waits to hear what news the mapach has brought.
[I'm fine with that - subtracting 1gp from b'Reh's purse for room and board. If it ever becomes an important mechanic, like if we venture into an environment where food/water/supplies aren't abundant, we can always revert to tracking stuff.]
"Brynlee you may slow down your questions. The great rhythm still beats strong, we are not out of time for answers. But to go in order, yes, I come from Meadowfen. From what I could tell, the survivors all made it. Quincy and Tessa are very busy helping out. Quincy is getting a lot of hands on experience with Wren on the injured survivors. The Ashbarrow Tenders who survived are helping as best as they can. But they didn't all make it. Barrett and Sorel died heroes from what I heard. I was inbetween towns when it all went down so I wasn't there to help.
On to the more pressing matter. Abilene asked me to fetch you to return, with me taking over as official Tender representative on this mission. Apparently there is a group of them who were hoping to speak to you before the fire came, and the current situation hasn't changed that and so the sooner you can return the better"
Vira listens intently, setting her fork down as Sherwin delivers his news. She exhales sharply at the mention of Barrett and Sorel, shaking her head. "They deserved better." There's a beat of silence before she refocuses, glancing between Brynlee and Sherwin. "I get that the Tenders want her back, but will the journey be safe on her own?"She leans forward, resting her arms on the table.
Brynlee's face falls somewhat, hearing of the deaths of Barret and Sorel, two of the elder Tenders she had looked up to immensely during her time in Ashbarrow before moving to Meadowfen. "Oh, I...I sort of assumed this would take precedence over speaking with the woodsages. I guess that's why you're here though." She seems disappointed to be losing her chance at completing a mission for the Tenders, but doesn't make any move to argue with Sherwin. Letting out a heavy sigh, she steels herself before continuing. "Okay. I can travel back to Meadowfen tomorrow." She looks toward Vira. "If Sherwin made it here on his own, I'm sure I can make it back just the same. Those bandits will probably still be laying low after the beating we gave them the other day, and I'll be able to outrun something like an emberbat swarm without Eliza's cart to slow me down."
B'Reh looks up from her meal, her expression briefly flickering with disappointment as the realization settles in that Brynlee will be parting ways with them. She had grown used to her presence—the steady beat of her voice in conversation, the surety of her magic in battle, and the quiet moments of shared understanding when words weren’t needed. The loss is a small but significant shift, an unexpected imbalance in the Rhythm of their journey.
She lets out a slow breath, nodding. “The Rhythm carries us where we are needed,” she says, a note of reluctance in her tone despite her acceptance of the inevitable. “May it guide your steps safely back to Meadowfen, Brynlee. We will hold to our path as well.”
She glances at Sherwin then, her sharp gaze studying him as she considers their next steps, her voice calm but inquisitive. "Are there any changes or new information for our mission, too? Or do you we just go ahead as planned?"
Sherwin has no further information to share, so the rest of the evening is spent eating and sharing stories of the last few days. As Brynlee mentally prepares to make the short journey back to her most recent home in Meadowfen alone, the others begin looking ahead to their own, much longer journey, to the great tree city of Alderheart. With just over three measures to get there and get the Birdfolk Council to send supplies back to Meadowfen, the seriousness of the town's situation sets back in after the temporary reprieve of the swamp rescue mission. After a couple hours of chatting and camaraderie, the party heads to their rooms to rest and make ready for the new day's journey.
As the sun begins to rise over Winnowing Reach, you all reunite outside the Wrangler's Rest to say your farewells to Brynlee. She wipes a tear from her eye, clearly feeling some attachment to you all even after just a few short days. "Good luck with your journey. I probably won't hold as much authority with the Tenders in Meadowfen now that the Autumnals and Summerblossoms are there from Ashbarrow, but I'll do what I can to make sure everyone survives the next few measures and stretches their supplies as far as possible to buy you guys some time."She reaches down to her wrist and unties the charm there, holding it out to Vira. "You should take this. I broke my attunement to it last night, figured you all would need it more than me. Command words are nasce and ritur. Keep them all alive, yeah?" She looks once again at everyone. "Well, I guess this is goodbye for now. See you guys back in Meadowfen?"
Vira takes the charm with a determined nod, tying it securely around her wrist. "We’ll see this through, Brynlee. I promise." Her voice is steady, but there’s a softness to it, an unspoken gratitude for everything they’ve been through together. She hesitates only a moment before stepping forward and wrapping Brynlee in a careful hug, mindful of her strength and the hedge's spines. "Stay safe, alright? We’ll be back before you know it." As she pulls away, she looks at the others, determination hardening her expression. "We’ve got a long road ahead, but we’ll make it. No one’s getting left behind."
B'Reh steps forward after Vira, offering Brynlee a solemn nod. "May the Rhythm guide you back to Meadowfen safely," she says, her voice steady but carrying the weight of her concern. "Keep a careful watch as you travel—alone, every shadow stretches farther, and every sound carries more meaning. Trust your instincts and do not linger where danger may gather." She clasps Brynlee’s arm in a firm but brief gesture of parting before stepping back. Without further words, she turns to her pack, tightening the straps and shifting the weight on her shoulders. With a final glance toward the rising sun, she nods to the others, her expression composed but resolute. "Let’s move. The road won’t shorten itself."
"Brynlee, I have seen your abilities grow while you were stationed at Meadowfen. I have no doubt that you will be guided safely back, and that you will be able to help buy us as much time as we need. You are stronger than you believe. We will see you when we return." He turns to the others, "I know Brynlee well, but the rest of you I know little about. Maybe you can tell me a bit about yourselves as we walk. We will make a better team if we know each other's strengths and weaknesses. I will start. I can provide some healing, but I am also close to nature. I can talk to animals, as well as turn into them. And even use nature as an offensive weapon. Oh, and I have a little friend" and he clicks his finger and a two-foot-long beetle with an orange shell and ten black spots on its back appears next to him and starts flying alongside the party.
Vira smirks at Sherwin’s introduction, glancing at the large beetle now buzzing beside him. "Well, I don’t have a cute little friend like that, but I do have a big axe." She taps the greataxe strapped across her back. "I’m good at hitting things hard, climbing when needed, and getting the drop on enemies before they know I’m there." She rolls her shoulders, still feeling the weight of the journey ahead. "I know the wilds well enough to survive, and I won’t hesitate to take the lead in a fight." She gives Sherwin a nod of approval. "Having someone who can heal and talk to animals sounds useful. We’ll need all the help we can get to make it to Alderheart in time."
B'Reh falls into step beside Sherwin, listening attentively as he describes his abilities. She watches as the large beetle appears, studying its markings with quiet interest before nodding in approval. Another healer would be a great boon to their group—while she could call upon the divine for healing, it was always best to have more hands prepared for when battle turned dire.
"I am a cleric of Order devoted to Tyton, the Nightfather," she says, her voice steady. "Through my faith, I can provide blessings, guidance, and healing, when needed. The Rhythm moves through me, allowing me to mend wounds, steel minds, and ward against darkness." She shifts her grip on her spear. "I would like to think of myself as a capable fighter as well. I am swift on my feet, and my wings allow me to move freely through battle. I can be where I am needed most."
With B'Reh and Vira's parting words, Brynlee sets off back to the west toward Meadowfen and the Ashbarrow Tenders.
As the rest of the party, along with your new companion Sherwin and his everbug familiar, make your way through the town towards the eastern road to Alderheart, you hear a voice call out, "Adventureres! Adventureres!!" Hurrying across the town square towards you all, her cart in tow, is Eliza, the eluran trader.
"What timing! I just finished up my trading here in Winnowing Reach last night, and it seems you've wrapped up whatever business you had here as well! Would it terribly trouble you all if I were to travel with you once more to the great tree city? It's just that the roads seem to be getting more dangerous, and I've already seen how stunning your abilities in combat are. You'd be well compensated for the trouble!" She pauses for a breath, then gives an odd look to Sherwin. "Oh. Hello dear. I'm Eliza Pennygleam, I don't believe we've met. These fine heroes rescued me from the most awful group of bandits on their way here, and then fought off TWO swarms of emberbats as well!"She looks to B'Reh. "What happened to your hedge friend, dear?"
"Greetings Eliza. I am Sherwin Lightfinger, Tender from Ashbarrow. I am glad that my new travelling companions are as capable as they look. I personally have no objections to you joining us on our travel, however as I have only just met them, I do not speak on their behalf."
B'Reh offers Eliza a polite nod as the eluran trader approaches, noting her enthusiasm. "Eliza, good to see you again. I'm glad your trading here was successful." She listens to the request and then glances at the others before nodding. "I have no objections to you traveling with us. The roads are indeed dangerous, and having another companion—especially one as resourceful as yourself—may prove beneficial." That said, she makes a mental note to reassess their pace after their first day of travel. A larger group may slow them down, and time is of the essence. If necessary, they may need to adjust their plans. For now, however, she simply offers Eliza a small smile. "We were just setting out. I hope you're ready for another long road ahead."
(How does her traveling with us affect the journey? Will we be significantly slower?)
Vira grins as Eliza approaches, glad to see the trader again. "Eliza! Figured we'd run into you sooner or later. Of course, you can travel with us—strength in numbers and all that. Brynlee got called back to Meadowfen for Tender business, but Sherwin has joined us to finish our mission to Alderheart." She steps forward and motions to the cart. "I can take this for you again. Might as well keep up the tradition, yeah?" She smirks, but keeps her eyes on the road ahead, knowing better than to count on an easy journey.
B'Reh swallows hard at the magistrate’s sharp reaction, instinctively pressing her hand over the letter as if to reassure herself it was still there, still hers to deliver. She had miscalculated—badly. The depth of his anger, the venom in his words, it went beyond simple distrust. There was something personal in his loathing for Susan, something deep-rooted that she hadn't anticipated.
The way his beak snapped shut, the hard finality in his voice, made it clear that any further words would only dig them deeper into trouble. For once, B'Reh wisely chose silence. She lowered her head in a small, deferential nod, then stepped back, glancing apologetically to her companions. She had pushed too far, too openly. A mistake she would remember.
Without another word, she turned toward the door, her wings shifting restlessly against her back. Whatever the truth was, whatever the magistrate feared, she doubted she would find her answers here. Better to take their leave while they still could go in dignity.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Pallid Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Order Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant Path Barbarian - Runewarren || Shaephina - Half-Drow Blood Cleric/Wizard - Murder Court || Ianjin - Gallus Open Hand Monk - Mad Empiricist || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute Court || Arista - Human Frost Giant Sorcerer - The Old Keep ||
Vira recognizes the magistrate is beyond reasoning and silently leaves with the others. Once outside, she notices B'Reh's tension and claps a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You asked the right questions. If he can't handle that, it's his problem, not yours." She offers a smirk. Letting go, she rolls her shoulders and nods toward the inn. "Come on, let’s get to the Wrangler’s Rest. No point letting him ruin our meal."
Brynlee nods in agreement. "He just seems like a sour old man to me, nothing we can do to change that. At least we got the letter of introduction and we won't have to wait to see the Alderheart Magistrate once we get there!"
You all walk back down the stairs and down the road to the inn as the last rays of sunlight slip over the horizon, revealing a multitude of stars in the sky above. As you enter, you see Sherwin waiting at a table. Brynlee heads over to sit down with the mapach, clearly curious to hear what he has to say, and bursting with questions.
"So, did you come from Meadowfen? Did all the Ashbarrow survivors make it there alright? How are Quincy and Tessa doing? And are the Ashbarrow Tenders helping Sylas take care of everything?"
[[ Rather than go back and find what I said last time for the specific prices on food and rooms, and worry about tracking every little pound of rations and piece of silver, would you all be okay with using just a general "room/board/restocking" charge when we're in settlements? It will probably often end up rounding to slightly lower or higher than what you would owe if we tracked everything precisely, but it's a bit less work for me and y'all won't have to worry about as many little things on your character sheets or stating every time you want to track down a simple vendor for things like ammunition, rations, or spell components not covered by a focus (and honestly variance in price is probably a bit more realistic ;)). Here I'd probably just say 1gp for everyone to cover food, board for the night, and rations used in the swamp, and then an extra 5sp for Aric to cover arrows. We can always haggle a little bit on the general charge if you feel it's too low/high, or you can toss out some extra silver or gold here and there if you want to say you got something like your own room, a nicer meal, drinks for others, etc. ]]
DM - A Humblewood Adventure | Holm Erebos - Dread Tyrant
B'Reh offers Vira and Brynlee a small nod of gratitude, though the tension in her shoulders remains. She appreciates their words, truly, but the weight of her misstep lingers. It wasn't just about the magistrate's anger—there was something deeper there, something unresolved that gnawed at her curiosity. But now wasn't the time to dwell.
She follows the others into the Wrangler’s Rest, the warm, familiar scents of cooking food and burning wood offering a welcome distraction from the lingering unease. Settling at the table with Sherwin, she listens quietly as Brynlee bombards him with questions. She pulls a modest plate of food toward her, eating slowly and carefully, keeping her attention on the conversation as she waits to hear what news the mapach has brought.
[I'm fine with that - subtracting 1gp from b'Reh's purse for room and board. If it ever becomes an important mechanic, like if we venture into an environment where food/water/supplies aren't abundant, we can always revert to tracking stuff.]
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Pallid Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Order Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant Path Barbarian - Runewarren || Shaephina - Half-Drow Blood Cleric/Wizard - Murder Court || Ianjin - Gallus Open Hand Monk - Mad Empiricist || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute Court || Arista - Human Frost Giant Sorcerer - The Old Keep ||
"Brynlee you may slow down your questions. The great rhythm still beats strong, we are not out of time for answers. But to go in order, yes, I come from Meadowfen. From what I could tell, the survivors all made it. Quincy and Tessa are very busy helping out. Quincy is getting a lot of hands on experience with Wren on the injured survivors. The Ashbarrow Tenders who survived are helping as best as they can. But they didn't all make it. Barrett and Sorel died heroes from what I heard. I was inbetween towns when it all went down so I wasn't there to help.
On to the more pressing matter. Abilene asked me to fetch you to return, with me taking over as official Tender representative on this mission. Apparently there is a group of them who were hoping to speak to you before the fire came, and the current situation hasn't changed that and so the sooner you can return the better"
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
Vira listens intently, setting her fork down as Sherwin delivers his news. She exhales sharply at the mention of Barrett and Sorel, shaking her head. "They deserved better." There's a beat of silence before she refocuses, glancing between Brynlee and Sherwin. "I get that the Tenders want her back, but will the journey be safe on her own?" She leans forward, resting her arms on the table.
Brynlee's face falls somewhat, hearing of the deaths of Barret and Sorel, two of the elder Tenders she had looked up to immensely during her time in Ashbarrow before moving to Meadowfen. "Oh, I...I sort of assumed this would take precedence over speaking with the woodsages. I guess that's why you're here though." She seems disappointed to be losing her chance at completing a mission for the Tenders, but doesn't make any move to argue with Sherwin. Letting out a heavy sigh, she steels herself before continuing. "Okay. I can travel back to Meadowfen tomorrow." She looks toward Vira. "If Sherwin made it here on his own, I'm sure I can make it back just the same. Those bandits will probably still be laying low after the beating we gave them the other day, and I'll be able to outrun something like an emberbat swarm without Eliza's cart to slow me down."
DM - A Humblewood Adventure | Holm Erebos - Dread Tyrant
B'Reh looks up from her meal, her expression briefly flickering with disappointment as the realization settles in that Brynlee will be parting ways with them. She had grown used to her presence—the steady beat of her voice in conversation, the surety of her magic in battle, and the quiet moments of shared understanding when words weren’t needed. The loss is a small but significant shift, an unexpected imbalance in the Rhythm of their journey.
She lets out a slow breath, nodding. “The Rhythm carries us where we are needed,” she says, a note of reluctance in her tone despite her acceptance of the inevitable. “May it guide your steps safely back to Meadowfen, Brynlee. We will hold to our path as well.”
She glances at Sherwin then, her sharp gaze studying him as she considers their next steps, her voice calm but inquisitive. "Are there any changes or new information for our mission, too? Or do you we just go ahead as planned?"
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Pallid Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Order Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant Path Barbarian - Runewarren || Shaephina - Half-Drow Blood Cleric/Wizard - Murder Court || Ianjin - Gallus Open Hand Monk - Mad Empiricist || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute Court || Arista - Human Frost Giant Sorcerer - The Old Keep ||
Sherwin has no further information to share, so the rest of the evening is spent eating and sharing stories of the last few days. As Brynlee mentally prepares to make the short journey back to her most recent home in Meadowfen alone, the others begin looking ahead to their own, much longer journey, to the great tree city of Alderheart. With just over three measures to get there and get the Birdfolk Council to send supplies back to Meadowfen, the seriousness of the town's situation sets back in after the temporary reprieve of the swamp rescue mission. After a couple hours of chatting and camaraderie, the party heads to their rooms to rest and make ready for the new day's journey.
As the sun begins to rise over Winnowing Reach, you all reunite outside the Wrangler's Rest to say your farewells to Brynlee. She wipes a tear from her eye, clearly feeling some attachment to you all even after just a few short days. "Good luck with your journey. I probably won't hold as much authority with the Tenders in Meadowfen now that the Autumnals and Summerblossoms are there from Ashbarrow, but I'll do what I can to make sure everyone survives the next few measures and stretches their supplies as far as possible to buy you guys some time." She reaches down to her wrist and unties the charm there, holding it out to Vira. "You should take this. I broke my attunement to it last night, figured you all would need it more than me. Command words are nasce and ritur. Keep them all alive, yeah?" She looks once again at everyone. "Well, I guess this is goodbye for now. See you guys back in Meadowfen?"
DM - A Humblewood Adventure | Holm Erebos - Dread Tyrant
Vira takes the charm with a determined nod, tying it securely around her wrist. "We’ll see this through, Brynlee. I promise." Her voice is steady, but there’s a softness to it, an unspoken gratitude for everything they’ve been through together. She hesitates only a moment before stepping forward and wrapping Brynlee in a careful hug, mindful of her strength and the hedge's spines. "Stay safe, alright? We’ll be back before you know it." As she pulls away, she looks at the others, determination hardening her expression. "We’ve got a long road ahead, but we’ll make it. No one’s getting left behind."
B'Reh steps forward after Vira, offering Brynlee a solemn nod. "May the Rhythm guide you back to Meadowfen safely," she says, her voice steady but carrying the weight of her concern. "Keep a careful watch as you travel—alone, every shadow stretches farther, and every sound carries more meaning. Trust your instincts and do not linger where danger may gather." She clasps Brynlee’s arm in a firm but brief gesture of parting before stepping back. Without further words, she turns to her pack, tightening the straps and shifting the weight on her shoulders. With a final glance toward the rising sun, she nods to the others, her expression composed but resolute. "Let’s move. The road won’t shorten itself."
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Pallid Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Order Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant Path Barbarian - Runewarren || Shaephina - Half-Drow Blood Cleric/Wizard - Murder Court || Ianjin - Gallus Open Hand Monk - Mad Empiricist || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute Court || Arista - Human Frost Giant Sorcerer - The Old Keep ||
"Stay safe" Aric says. "Yes, we should get moving." He pauses. "Where are we going again?" He adds with a head tilt.
D&D since 1984
"Brynlee, I have seen your abilities grow while you were stationed at Meadowfen. I have no doubt that you will be guided safely back, and that you will be able to help buy us as much time as we need. You are stronger than you believe. We will see you when we return." He turns to the others, "I know Brynlee well, but the rest of you I know little about. Maybe you can tell me a bit about yourselves as we walk. We will make a better team if we know each other's strengths and weaknesses. I will start. I can provide some healing, but I am also close to nature. I can talk to animals, as well as turn into them. And even use nature as an offensive weapon. Oh, and I have a little friend" and he clicks his finger and a two-foot-long beetle with an orange shell and ten black spots on its back appears next to him and starts flying alongside the party.
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
Vira smirks at Sherwin’s introduction, glancing at the large beetle now buzzing beside him. "Well, I don’t have a cute little friend like that, but I do have a big axe." She taps the greataxe strapped across her back. "I’m good at hitting things hard, climbing when needed, and getting the drop on enemies before they know I’m there." She rolls her shoulders, still feeling the weight of the journey ahead. "I know the wilds well enough to survive, and I won’t hesitate to take the lead in a fight." She gives Sherwin a nod of approval. "Having someone who can heal and talk to animals sounds useful. We’ll need all the help we can get to make it to Alderheart in time."
B'Reh falls into step beside Sherwin, listening attentively as he describes his abilities. She watches as the large beetle appears, studying its markings with quiet interest before nodding in approval. Another healer would be a great boon to their group—while she could call upon the divine for healing, it was always best to have more hands prepared for when battle turned dire.
"I am a cleric of Order devoted to Tyton, the Nightfather," she says, her voice steady. "Through my faith, I can provide blessings, guidance, and healing, when needed. The Rhythm moves through me, allowing me to mend wounds, steel minds, and ward against darkness." She shifts her grip on her spear. "I would like to think of myself as a capable fighter as well. I am swift on my feet, and my wings allow me to move freely through battle. I can be where I am needed most."
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Pallid Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Order Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant Path Barbarian - Runewarren || Shaephina - Half-Drow Blood Cleric/Wizard - Murder Court || Ianjin - Gallus Open Hand Monk - Mad Empiricist || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute Court || Arista - Human Frost Giant Sorcerer - The Old Keep ||
With B'Reh and Vira's parting words, Brynlee sets off back to the west toward Meadowfen and the Ashbarrow Tenders.
As the rest of the party, along with your new companion Sherwin and his everbug familiar, make your way through the town towards the eastern road to Alderheart, you hear a voice call out, "Adventureres! Adventureres!!" Hurrying across the town square towards you all, her cart in tow, is Eliza, the eluran trader.
"What timing! I just finished up my trading here in Winnowing Reach last night, and it seems you've wrapped up whatever business you had here as well! Would it terribly trouble you all if I were to travel with you once more to the great tree city? It's just that the roads seem to be getting more dangerous, and I've already seen how stunning your abilities in combat are. You'd be well compensated for the trouble!" She pauses for a breath, then gives an odd look to Sherwin. "Oh. Hello dear. I'm Eliza Pennygleam, I don't believe we've met. These fine heroes rescued me from the most awful group of bandits on their way here, and then fought off TWO swarms of emberbats as well!" She looks to B'Reh. "What happened to your hedge friend, dear?"
DM - A Humblewood Adventure | Holm Erebos - Dread Tyrant
"Greetings Eliza. I am Sherwin Lightfinger, Tender from Ashbarrow. I am glad that my new travelling companions are as capable as they look. I personally have no objections to you joining us on our travel, however as I have only just met them, I do not speak on their behalf."
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
B'Reh offers Eliza a polite nod as the eluran trader approaches, noting her enthusiasm. "Eliza, good to see you again. I'm glad your trading here was successful." She listens to the request and then glances at the others before nodding. "I have no objections to you traveling with us. The roads are indeed dangerous, and having another companion—especially one as resourceful as yourself—may prove beneficial." That said, she makes a mental note to reassess their pace after their first day of travel. A larger group may slow them down, and time is of the essence. If necessary, they may need to adjust their plans. For now, however, she simply offers Eliza a small smile. "We were just setting out. I hope you're ready for another long road ahead."
(How does her traveling with us affect the journey? Will we be significantly slower?)
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Pallid Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Order Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant Path Barbarian - Runewarren || Shaephina - Half-Drow Blood Cleric/Wizard - Murder Court || Ianjin - Gallus Open Hand Monk - Mad Empiricist || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute Court || Arista - Human Frost Giant Sorcerer - The Old Keep ||
Vira grins as Eliza approaches, glad to see the trader again. "Eliza! Figured we'd run into you sooner or later. Of course, you can travel with us—strength in numbers and all that. Brynlee got called back to Meadowfen for Tender business, but Sherwin has joined us to finish our mission to Alderheart." She steps forward and motions to the cart. "I can take this for you again. Might as well keep up the tradition, yeah?" She smirks, but keeps her eyes on the road ahead, knowing better than to count on an easy journey.
Athletics to pull cart: 21
Aric adds "Always good to see you and of course you can travel with us. Things get exciting."
D&D since 1984