Moderately relieved at Ariel's return, I send him on roundabout high-altitude patrols of the area as we travel, staying within the range of our mental connection and out of range of any threats he sees.
%Don't risk yourself, my little aide. Too much literal blood and sweat went into your creation.%
#Yes, Master. Wouldn't want to be replaced with a newer model.#
%As Jason & I learn more, maybe I can upgrade you. Give you LASER eyes or something.%
#%Lay-zer?#
%Never mind. If it happens you'll find it interesting.%
As a bit of time passes and I'm working on the promised Horseshoes, I suddenly starle and sit upright. Whispering "Wow." to myself, I stand and find Jason.
"Jason, I just got a clear premonition of danger out of nowhere. Someone, somewhere wants us to know that the dragon of the swamps are far too hazardous for us to attempt, at least for now.Like, a SERIOUSLY strong feeling of 'KEEP AWAY!'! This wasn't some subtle telepathic message, either, more like a touch of power, pressing a pretty firm impression!"
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
"No problem. I was already thinking that it was too much for us. We might be able to do something if it was just a juvenile, but one that large could kill us all with a single breath. I figure it would be more prudent for us to identify the major threats in that swamp, dragon included, persuade Lywenta to handle them, and then we clean up. That green undoubtedly threatens much of the land lord Douglas wishes to claim, so it should not take too much in the way of persuasion."
"I find it more interesting that you were contacted at all. Think it was one of the local gods?"
"Considering it didn't happen to leave a reply-to address or a signature I couldn't tell which, but the sheer presence behind it seems to indicate it, yes. A hopeful sign that I've been noticed, maybe? " I grin, then add "Now it's going to be pure speculation on who deems me worth noticing, at this point. I may be trying to contact the sender over the next few days."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
I grin at Rachel's response, "The woman who just spent a couple of hours as an eagle, draws Magic from the spirits of Nature, and is best buds with a gorilla doesn't think that deities are likely to be an active part in this world."
I spend some time keeping an eye on the crew. I can't stop them from looking, and I certainly won't stop Thalica from enjoying herself, but I sure as heck can give them an evil eye if they do anything else.
Travis, having waking up from his sleep often wondered what deities existed here in this weird D&D style world. He, got out his 'prayer'book as it was called here. Although it resembled nothing like the prayer books back on earth. He, sat on the side of his bed held one hand on his so-called prayer book. Which, in reality, gave him the power to cast divine spells."Oh, God of this world help me to be a seeker of knowledge and not a slave to darkness. Help, me not to judge others harshly, but to treat others with respect. Help me to do good to others. Also, if you were to be kind enough to show a way to get back to earth. That would be great. Amen,"He said then open his eyes got dressed then went topside on deck.
"Oh, my god well this is a sight for sore eyes especially before breakfast," Travis said quietly to himself as he past both Vicky and Rachel sunbathing on the deck. "Good, morning ladies hope you didn't forget the sunblock," He said as his eyes started to take in their shapely forms. He, quietly pinched himself looked out towards the open sea. "This, is a damn big lake isn't it," He said as his stomach started grumbling. "I need my coffee fix and something to eat," He said then made a beeline to the ships galley. Once, there he was able to have some warm porridge and cut up fruit. Most importantly some hot brewed coffee he took a sip. "Hmm, well I guess this will have to do strange this has more of a herbal earthy taste," He adds.
Helping, to pass the time Travis then decided to gather some of his left over herbs from one of his sacks. "I never did discover what these plants were capable of? So, now may be a good opportunity to make up a concoction," He said inspecting some of the 'red-stemmed' leaves he had gathered from one of the adventures he had when the 'Elven teen's' were present. After he gathered materials and also some glass jars he had from storage. He, obtained some whiskey from the ships galley indicating that he needed some for an experiment. To two parts of dried herbs he added two parts almost pure alcohol then waited to see what happened.
Apothecary # 21
He made up a few bottles of the unknown plant extract. Then labeled them 'Elven red-stemmed ' extract.
(KN I need you to make up some effects for this extract)
The next morning, as the light of the first sun peeps over the horizon, I put myself in the bow, sitting cross-legged and eyes closed, feeling the building warmth on my face and praying silently, seeking the entity that contacted me with it's hints and guidance. Mentally open to contact, I see if my extended invitation is answered. After about an hour of this passiveness, I go back to working on the items, practicing swordplay with the sailors and getting schooled more than a few times by their expertise. The crowsnest also sees my presence as well, as my healthy respect for heights gets tested.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
" Jason, Caesar is something i can see. I have abilities that come from nature. I can believe in that. Nature tells me to kill no one . How many people have died because they heard voices from God, little g or big g? God told them to commit genocide. I dont want that here. A little tolerance would go a long ways. How do we know anyone is actually speaking to a god or is it a manifestation of mental illness? "
Later i smile as Travis walks by. " I wish we had sunblock. We have to be careful and keep our exposures short. Thankfully im not fair skinned. That is a big help. "
I hold up a hand, "Believe me, I understand where you're coming from, I felt the same way on Earth."
"But we are now experiencing life in a world where the gods are known to have a direct impact on mortals, often answer prayers, and occasionally quite literally walk amongst them. We see evidence, albeit inconclusive, of their power every time Travis and Grant use their extraordinary abilities, and while we personally don't have access to them yet, spells exist that allow people like us to talk with or even go visit divine entities. I'm pretty sure the news would spread fast if a planewalker went to visit the outer realms and discovered that Mount Celestia was just a cardboard cutout."
"Sure, any one particular person might be delusional, or even just being deluded by a clever trickster, that much hasn't changed. But this is a different world, one where I can defy one of the most fundamental laws of physics I once held as nigh sacrosanct by creating matter from nothing at all, and you can transform your body into entirely different creatures. What we once thought impossible is an everyday occurrence here, and so every assumption we have about the way reality works needs challenging. In the end, while I'm still not likely to obey mysterious voices in my or someone else's head without question, there's not a huge amount of room for doubt that there are entities in this world with deific levels of power. Whether those entities are as advertised or worth serving, well, that's another matter."
I purse my lips as I think on this. " You are right Jason. It is a whole new world. I need to keep an open mind regarding it. So many bad experiences in our world.... That's no excuse though. " I grin at him. " I do believe you are wiser since your transformation. "
Day three of the Voyage comes and goes the Captain informs you that you can gaze upon the coast line of the marsh as they are at their farthest south as they past by. You can see the coastline as the far reaches of your eyesight. You can see some trees but the haze of the humidity of the marsh makes seeing details difficult. I will need spot checks from everyone that is looking that way to see the marsh. Otherwise it is just another day on the lake.
Approaching Jason quietly, I say "It actually worked. I had clear communication from some entity. Seemed peaceful but no real solid information, just asking me to bide my time and wait. It was an interesting experience, very unlike Ariel's communication. If I find out more, I'll let you know."
---------
Looking carefully across the water, I try to see if I can discern anything of interest. 21 Spot.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
I grin at Rachel's comment, "Why thank you. I don't know if I'm wiser, but my experiences here have certainly shaken up some of my thinking."
Later, I nod to Grant, "Interesting, very interesting. When able, we might want to try and summon a lantern archon, ask it a few questions. Chances are it won't know for sure who or what is making contact with you, but it probably could confirm any potentially questionable info you're given."
As we get closer to the marsh, I ask, "Up for another scouting run Rachel? You can take one of the constructs this time, or heck, both. More eyes can't hurt."
I nod upon hearing Jason. " I would love to take another look out there. How about Ping come with me? I want you to still have one of them here in case something happens. " After instructing Caesar again about guarding my friends i climb to the upper deck. Summoning the eagle form again , i grin at the rush i will soon experience. A few moments after i feel myself morphing into a golden eagle I crouch down and take flight. Waiting a bit for Ping, I then head out I start out low and move away from the ship before soaring higher. I make a big curve as i head gradually towards the swamp. I will scout it clearly but leave myself enough time to return safely.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Spot 6
"It was Winter when I wound up here and now I can barely see anything through the heat waves. Who's been here the longest out of all of you. If I had to guess, it's Jason."
I nod, "You're right, but only by about a minute or two. Me, then Rachel, and finally Dennis all crossed over at roughly the same time, one after the other. Honestly, it was Dennis who held us together at the start. You'd have liked him I think. He was a former Army Ranger, taught us a lot of what we needed survive in this world."
"Still not sure what happened to him. Just disappeared one day, I hope he just went home, he had a family waiting for him. We know he's alive at least, had someone cast a divination which confirmed it."
Hearing Jonathan, I comment "With two suns in the sky, I'm not surprised that weather here is random. The planet would never get too far from any single sun at any point in it's orbit."' I pause for a moment "Ummm, that's assuming it actually IS in orbit. Hell, for all we know, the suns could be goddesses in shining chariots, and here the Flat Earthers could actually be right. Physics here is optional, after all."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
"As if we needed another reminder that this isn't earth." I say, " As far as your Army Ranger buddy, I wish we did still have him and envy him if he has made it home. Maybe his purpose here was to depart wisdom to you before he was returned by the powers that be."
Moderately relieved at Ariel's return, I send him on roundabout high-altitude patrols of the area as we travel, staying within the range of our mental connection and out of range of any threats he sees.
%Don't risk yourself, my little aide. Too much literal blood and sweat went into your creation.%
#Yes, Master. Wouldn't want to be replaced with a newer model.#
%As Jason & I learn more, maybe I can upgrade you. Give you LASER eyes or something.%
#%Lay-zer?#
%Never mind. If it happens you'll find it interesting.%
As a bit of time passes and I'm working on the promised Horseshoes, I suddenly starle and sit upright. Whispering "Wow." to myself, I stand and find Jason.
"Jason, I just got a clear premonition of danger out of nowhere. Someone, somewhere wants us to know that the dragon of the swamps are far too hazardous for us to attempt, at least for now.Like, a SERIOUSLY strong feeling of 'KEEP AWAY!'! This wasn't some subtle telepathic message, either, more like a touch of power, pressing a pretty firm impression!"
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
"No problem. I was already thinking that it was too much for us. We might be able to do something if it was just a juvenile, but one that large could kill us all with a single breath. I figure it would be more prudent for us to identify the major threats in that swamp, dragon included, persuade Lywenta to handle them, and then we clean up. That green undoubtedly threatens much of the land lord Douglas wishes to claim, so it should not take too much in the way of persuasion."
"I find it more interesting that you were contacted at all. Think it was one of the local gods?"
"Considering it didn't happen to leave a reply-to address or a signature I couldn't tell which, but the sheer presence behind it seems to indicate it, yes. A hopeful sign that I've been noticed, maybe? " I grin, then add "Now it's going to be pure speculation on who deems me worth noticing, at this point. I may be trying to contact the sender over the next few days."
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
I shake my head at this. Mumbling i say, " Gods.... are we all going crazy now?" I shrug and head to my cabin to freshen up.
I grin at Rachel's response, "The woman who just spent a couple of hours as an eagle, draws Magic from the spirits of Nature, and is best buds with a gorilla doesn't think that deities are likely to be an active part in this world."
I spend some time keeping an eye on the crew. I can't stop them from looking, and I certainly won't stop Thalica from enjoying herself, but I sure as heck can give them an evil eye if they do anything else.
Travis, having waking up from his sleep often wondered what deities existed here in this weird D&D style world. He, got out his 'prayer'book as it was called here. Although it resembled nothing like the prayer books back on earth. He, sat on the side of his bed held one hand on his so-called prayer book. Which, in reality, gave him the power to cast divine spells."Oh, God of this world help me to be a seeker of knowledge and not a slave to darkness. Help, me not to judge others harshly, but to treat others with respect. Help me to do good to others. Also, if you were to be kind enough to show a way to get back to earth. That would be great. Amen," He said then open his eyes got dressed then went topside on deck.
"Oh, my god well this is a sight for sore eyes especially before breakfast," Travis said quietly to himself as he past both Vicky and Rachel sunbathing on the deck. "Good, morning ladies hope you didn't forget the sunblock," He said as his eyes started to take in their shapely forms. He, quietly pinched himself looked out towards the open sea. "This, is a damn big lake isn't it," He said as his stomach started grumbling. "I need my coffee fix and something to eat," He said then made a beeline to the ships galley. Once, there he was able to have some warm porridge and cut up fruit. Most importantly some hot brewed coffee he took a sip. "Hmm, well I guess this will have to do strange this has more of a herbal earthy taste," He adds.
Helping, to pass the time Travis then decided to gather some of his left over herbs from one of his sacks. "I never did discover what these plants were capable of? So, now may be a good opportunity to make up a concoction," He said inspecting some of the 'red-stemmed' leaves he had gathered from one of the adventures he had when the 'Elven teen's' were present. After he gathered materials and also some glass jars he had from storage. He, obtained some whiskey from the ships galley indicating that he needed some for an experiment. To two parts of dried herbs he added two parts almost pure alcohol then waited to see what happened.
Apothecary # 21
He made up a few bottles of the unknown plant extract. Then labeled them 'Elven red-stemmed ' extract.
(KN I need you to make up some effects for this extract)
The next morning, as the light of the first sun peeps over the horizon, I put myself in the bow, sitting cross-legged and eyes closed, feeling the building warmth on my face and praying silently, seeking the entity that contacted me with it's hints and guidance. Mentally open to contact, I see if my extended invitation is answered. After about an hour of this passiveness, I go back to working on the items, practicing swordplay with the sailors and getting schooled more than a few times by their expertise. The crowsnest also sees my presence as well, as my healthy respect for heights gets tested.
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
" Jason, Caesar is something i can see. I have abilities that come from nature. I can believe in that. Nature tells me to kill no one . How many people have died because they heard voices from God, little g or big g? God told them to commit genocide. I dont want that here. A little tolerance would go a long ways. How do we know anyone is actually speaking to a god or is it a manifestation of mental illness? "
Later i smile as Travis walks by. " I wish we had sunblock. We have to be careful and keep our exposures short. Thankfully im not fair skinned. That is a big help. "
I hold up a hand, "Believe me, I understand where you're coming from, I felt the same way on Earth."
"But we are now experiencing life in a world where the gods are known to have a direct impact on mortals, often answer prayers, and occasionally quite literally walk amongst them. We see evidence, albeit inconclusive, of their power every time Travis and Grant use their extraordinary abilities, and while we personally don't have access to them yet, spells exist that allow people like us to talk with or even go visit divine entities. I'm pretty sure the news would spread fast if a planewalker went to visit the outer realms and discovered that Mount Celestia was just a cardboard cutout."
"Sure, any one particular person might be delusional, or even just being deluded by a clever trickster, that much hasn't changed. But this is a different world, one where I can defy one of the most fundamental laws of physics I once held as nigh sacrosanct by creating matter from nothing at all, and you can transform your body into entirely different creatures. What we once thought impossible is an everyday occurrence here, and so every assumption we have about the way reality works needs challenging. In the end, while I'm still not likely to obey mysterious voices in my or someone else's head without question, there's not a huge amount of room for doubt that there are entities in this world with deific levels of power. Whether those entities are as advertised or worth serving, well, that's another matter."
I purse my lips as I think on this. " You are right Jason. It is a whole new world. I need to keep an open mind regarding it. So many bad experiences in our world.... That's no excuse though. " I grin at him. " I do believe you are wiser since your transformation. "
Day three of the Voyage comes and goes the Captain informs you that you can gaze upon the coast line of the marsh as they are at their farthest south as they past by. You can see the coastline as the far reaches of your eyesight. You can see some trees but the haze of the humidity of the marsh makes seeing details difficult. I will need spot checks from everyone that is looking that way to see the marsh. Otherwise it is just another day on the lake.
Approaching Jason quietly, I say "It actually worked. I had clear communication from some entity. Seemed peaceful but no real solid information, just asking me to bide my time and wait. It was an interesting experience, very unlike Ariel's communication. If I find out more, I'll let you know."
---------
Looking carefully across the water, I try to see if I can discern anything of interest. 21 Spot.
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
As we make our approach by the closest part of the swamp i gaze upon it curiously. I shade my eyes as i do so.
Spot: 10
I grin at Rachel's comment, "Why thank you. I don't know if I'm wiser, but my experiences here have certainly shaken up some of my thinking."
Later, I nod to Grant, "Interesting, very interesting. When able, we might want to try and summon a lantern archon, ask it a few questions. Chances are it won't know for sure who or what is making contact with you, but it probably could confirm any potentially questionable info you're given."
As we get closer to the marsh, I ask, "Up for another scouting run Rachel? You can take one of the constructs this time, or heck, both. More eyes can't hurt."
Spot 18
I nod upon hearing Jason. " I would love to take another look out there. How about Ping come with me? I want you to still have one of them here in case something happens. " After instructing Caesar again about guarding my friends i climb to the upper deck. Summoning the eagle form again , i grin at the rush i will soon experience. A few moments after i feel myself morphing into a golden eagle I crouch down and take flight. Waiting a bit for Ping, I then head out I start out low and move away from the ship before soaring higher. I make a big curve as i head gradually towards the swamp. I will scout it clearly but leave myself enough time to return safely.
Spot: 29
Spot 6
"It was Winter when I wound up here and now I can barely see anything through the heat waves. Who's been here the longest out of all of you. If I had to guess, it's Jason."
I nod, "You're right, but only by about a minute or two. Me, then Rachel, and finally Dennis all crossed over at roughly the same time, one after the other. Honestly, it was Dennis who held us together at the start. You'd have liked him I think. He was a former Army Ranger, taught us a lot of what we needed survive in this world."
"Still not sure what happened to him. Just disappeared one day, I hope he just went home, he had a family waiting for him. We know he's alive at least, had someone cast a divination which confirmed it."
Hearing Jonathan, I comment "With two suns in the sky, I'm not surprised that weather here is random. The planet would never get too far from any single sun at any point in it's orbit."' I pause for a moment "Ummm, that's assuming it actually IS in orbit. Hell, for all we know, the suns could be goddesses in shining chariots, and here the Flat Earthers could actually be right. Physics here is optional, after all."
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
"As if we needed another reminder that this isn't earth." I say, " As far as your Army Ranger buddy, I wish we did still have him and envy him if he has made it home. Maybe his purpose here was to depart wisdom to you before he was returned by the powers that be."
Travis makes three potions that seem to turn out a dark red color almost dried blood red. He looks at the carefully. Does he try one?