"Very well, a story you ask for, aye? Then a story you will get!"
"It was a dark, and stormy night. The rain pounded and the wind howled against the windows of The Stable, a fancy tavern on the outskirts of the small, frontier town. The Stable was famous throughout the land for it's fine ale and it's even finer cookies. For they had a baker employed at The Stable that had been trained in the finest bakeries of the distant citadels. She made delicious cookies of peanut butter, chocolate morsels, frosted, and even ginger cookies!"
"On that dark and stormy night, the door burst open and in walked a gang of ruffians. Hooligans, Ne'er-do-wells, and Thugs all, they had their swords drawn and crossbows locked, looking for the baker. They drug her out of The Stable, claiming that she would only cook her delicacies for them now."
"The next day, a handsome, dashing fellow entered The Stable looking for his usual coffee and snickerdoodle only to hear the sad news about the baker, Sarah, being kidnapped to cook for the evil gang. The handsome, dashing fellow, who went by the name of Ash, immediately whirled about and left The Stable in search of Sarah."
"Ash picked up the evil gang's tracks, and followed them for several hours as they wound through the forest, over hills, and through creeks. The tracks eventually led him to the next nearest village, which had it's own tavern called simply 'Bill's Place'. Sure enough, the tracks led straight to the tavern."
"Ash, throwing caution to the wind, barged into Bill's Place and bellowed 'WHERE IS SARAH? I HAVE COME TO RESCUE HER!' Much to his surprise, the evil gang was passed out at their tables, half eaten cookies all around and crumbs littering their faces. Sarah, hearing Ash's call came out of the kitchen and told him that she had put a little sleeping mint in this batch of cookies and she was just getting ready to escape."
"Ash offered his arm to Sarah, and they rushed back to The Stable. It is said that to this day, if you catch the wind just right, you can still smell the enticing scent of chocolate chip cookies wafting out of the windows of The Stable, and hear Ash and Sarah giggling contentedly."
'Meerkthistle nods throughout Kestrell's story, though her gaze remains on the small fire as she continues to feed it an assortment of dried berries, herbs, leaves and roots from her seemingly well stocked chain pouch. As the half-elven sorcerer finishes his light hearted tale, the apparently satisfied Mudgazer says,'
"A story asked, a story given. My thankss to you, nameless seeker of answerss. Enjoy the fire, itss warmth and itss scentss. There are no... chocolate chip cookiess here, but what food I offer, I offer freely."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Mazin smiles and nods at Meerkthistle's words... Then stops at the mention of the bowl. He looks down at his hand, just realizing now that he broke the bowl.
"Ahhh, apologies. That was an accident."
He needs more practice controlling his strength.
At Kestrell's story, Mazin let's out a deep laugh. "Hahaha, she already freed herself! What is a stick-or-doodle?"
"A story asked, a story given. My thankss to you, nameless seeker of answerss. Enjoy the fire, itss warmth and itss scentss. There are no... chocolate chip cookiess here, but what food I offer, I offer freely."
"You are welcome Meerkthistle. I am enjoying the fire, even without delicious cookies! This swamp eel is surprisingly satisfying!"
At Kestrell's story, Mazin let's out a deep laugh. "Hahaha, she already freed herself! What is a stick-or-doodle?"
'Kestrell chuckles at Mazin's laugh.'
"That's right, she didn't need his help, although it was appreciated! A snick-er-doodle is a delicious baked good with sugar and cinnamon on top. Dipped into coffee, especially in the morning, it will get your day started right!"
Cinder has been thinking of stories to tell, and finally settles on one.
”In the city I grew up in there is a story of how it came to be. An old adventuring wizard, tired from years of traveling and fighting and almost dying, decided to retire. So using some of the magic he had learned along the way, he created a well that would never run dry, and a tree that would always grow back. After building a house, hoping to spend the rest of his days in peace, a woman pounded on his door one day, begging for help to save her family from a pack of thieves. Years of habit made him accept her plea, and he saved her family, but they found out about his magic, and decided to live next to him, building their own house out of the regrowing tree. They did help him farm the land, so he begrudgingly accepted them. It wasn’t long until others heard about this fertile land protected by a powerful wizard, and more people decided to settle down in this growing village. The wizard, only wanting solitude, was nevertheless elected mayor, and as the city grew, so did the requests for magical help. It came to be one day that he decided to do something that would help the town and bring himself peace. He cast a spell that made him become one with the land. It was forever fertile, and to this day has never seen a famine. The well and the tree have been lost in the city, and in honor of the wizard, no trees have been cut down in the city, so that some measure of peace could be given to him.”
Cinder has been thinking of stories to tell, and finally settles on one.
”In the city I grew up in there is a story of how it came to be. An old adventuring wizard, tired from years of traveling and fighting and almost dying, decided to retire. So using some of the magic he had learned along the way, he created a well that would never run dry, and a tree that would always grow back. After building a house, hoping to spend the rest of his days in peace, a woman pounded on his door one day, begging for help to save her family from a pack of thieves. Years of habit made him accept her plea, and he saved her family, but they found out about his magic, and decided to live next to him, building their own house out of the regrowing tree. They did help him farm the land, so he begrudgingly accepted them. It wasn’t long until others heard about this fertile land protected by a powerful wizard, and more people decided to settle down in this growing village. The wizard, only wanting solitude, was nevertheless elected mayor, and as the city grew, so did the requests for magical help. It came to be one day that he decided to do something that would help the town and bring himself peace. He cast a spell that made him become one with the land. It was forever fertile, and to this day has never seen a famine. The well and the tree have been lost in the city, and in honor of the wizard, no trees have been cut down in the city, so that some measure of peace could be given to him.”
'The old hermit pulls her painted and stitched hide cloak closer about her shoulders as the growing wind blows across the hillside, causing the plume of white smoke to dance and swirl on the air current like an ivory ribbon. The stiffening breeze causes the sweet scent of the herb-fed fire to disperse somewhat, which Meerkthistle reacts to by putting a couple of larger pieces of wood onto the sputtering flames. Having finished her fire-tending duties for the moment, the lizardfolk elder looks across at Cinder and says,'
"An interesting story, most curteous of devil scions. I have never heard of such a city... but then I rarely travel, even in my youth. Amidst the crowdss and behind the high wallss of such placess iss not for me, no. The swamp and open marsh providess all I need, yess. All we need it providess. Hmm. Yess.
It iss true that peopless are drawn to safety, to power, to magic. Thiss wizard should have forseen that such would happen. But to leave a land better, cleaner, purer than one found it.. such iss a noble deed. I wonder though if thiss city still growss, ass such placess alwayss do, and if so... where doess the wood come from... hmm. Elsewhere, yess? A good story though. Yess, a good story.
You are all almost done now... then you may finish your questionss and I will bid you farewell. Doerss you are, yess? My talking boress you, yess? I see it in some of your eyess, I do. Very well. Two more storiess and I will share my great wisdom with you, yess? Hehehe."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Alwin blinks as he looks up and realizes the he was probably supposed to tell a story; it was also at this time that he remembers that this would require him to talk for a prolonged period of time. Everyone else seemed to have such interesting stories also – there was no way his would be able to amount to anything.
“If i...t’s alright I’ll le….ts someone else t…t…t…alk. I don’t really know any gre….at sto….ries. Plus i…t would be int…erupted too much.” He just looks around and then back to the ground, his hands coming together as his thumbs twirl. It was clear the half-elf was nervous about talking, let along telling a story.
Alwin blinks as he looks up and realizes the he was probably supposed to tell a story; it was also at this time that he remembers that this would require him to talk for a prolonged period of time. Everyone else seemed to have such interesting stories also – there was no way his would be able to amount to anything.
“If i...t’s alright I’ll le….ts someone else t…t…t…alk. I don’t really know any gre….at sto….ries. Plus i…t would be int…erupted too much.” He just looks around and then back to the ground, his hands coming together as his thumbs twirl. It was clear the half-elf was nervous about talking, let along telling a story.
Mazin stares at Alwin with a neutral expression on his face.
"You think too much. She did not ask for a great story, just a story from each of us. I have heard you speak with confidence and authority. What was different then? Do not think, just feel and speak. What ever comes will be good enough."
Alwin blinks as he looks up and realizes the he was probably supposed to tell a story; it was also at this time that he remembers that this would require him to talk for a prolonged period of time. Everyone else seemed to have such interesting stories also – there was no way his would be able to amount to anything.
“If i...t’s alright I’ll le….ts someone else t…t…t…alk. I don’t really know any gre….at sto….ries. Plus i…t would be int…erupted too much.” He just looks around and then back to the ground, his hands coming together as his thumbs twirl. It was clear the half-elf was nervous about talking, let along telling a story.
'Meerkthistle just stares at Alwin patiently following his self-deprecating words, but begins to nod as the half-elven warrior's allies begin to offer encouragement. Looking up into the gusty and increasingly cloudy sky, the understanding but persistant lizardwoman says,'
"No, it iss not alright, Alwin of the elvess. A small price for hospitality a story iss, yess? Capable you are and listen to your companionss you should, hmm. No great sagass do I require, no. Such are still to be written, yess. A simple tale, honestly given iss all I ask."
'As all eyes rest upon the anxious fighter, who shifts uncomfortably and is about to again refute his ability and worthiness to share a story, when all of a sudden the tanned skinned, platinum haired man pauses, eyes closed for a brief moment.'
[OOC] Alwin ONLY may read the below spoiler:
'Suddenly Alwin sees himself as he thinks others see him, somewhat hunched in an unconfident posture, head turned slightly up, down or aside, never facing forward, never dealing directly with that which lies ahead. A weak man. A worthless man. Then Alwin sees what he somehow now realises others actually see when they look at him - a steadfast warrior, well-trained and committed to the causes that he adopts, causes that speak to a good heart and a level mind. A strange burst of courage emerges within him as a sharp though fleeting image of him standing beside these companions in some great, yet distant, battle appears briefly in his minds eye. While the image fades too quickly, the alien sense of bravery lingers a little longer in the searching warrior's soul before also fading away.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The strange confidence hits Alwin and he can’t help as a faint smile hits him “Th…ere is one story I really like…” his voice holding a bit of tone as if a memory is recalling itself to him. He begins to take his finger and utilize the light and shadows created by the fire to tell his story.
“An old sword master is teaching his pupil about life, he looks to the pupil and says “A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil-he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” The sword mast paused to look at the pupil, but continued without letting the pupil talk “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.” The sword master freezes for a moment as he touches his heart and then touches the boy’s heart “The same fight is going inside you, and inside every other person as well.”
Alwin pauses as he looks around the room “The boy begins to contemplate what the master has said, his mind racing as he remembers that a battle always requires a victor. He then asks the master one simple question “Which wolf will win?” The master can’t help but let out a chuckle as he just pats the boy on the should and responds with the simplest of answers “The one you feed.”
With that Alwin stops using the shadows to help tell his story, the confidence that he seemed to gain slowly turning back into shyness. He just looks around the room wondering how it was perceived.
The strange confidence hits Alwin and he can’t help as a faint smile hits him “Th…ere is one story I really like…” his voice holding a bit of tone as if a memory is recalling itself to him. He begins to take his finger and utilize the light and shadows created by the fire to tell his story.
“An old sword master is teaching his pupil about life, he looks to the pupil and says “A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil-he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” The sword mast paused to look at the pupil, but continued without letting the pupil talk “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.” The sword master freezes for a moment as he touches his heart and then touches the boy’s heart “The same fight is going inside you, and inside every other person as well.”
Alwin pauses as he looks around the room “The boy begins to contemplate what the master has said, his mind racing as he remembers that a battle always requires a victor. He then asks the master one simple question “Which wolf will win?” The master can’t help but let out a chuckle as he just pats the boy on the should and responds with the simplest of answers “The one you feed.”
With that Alwin stops using the shadows to help tell his story, the confidence that he seemed to gain slowly turning back into shyness. He just looks around the room wondering how it was perceived.
[OOC] Performance check for shadow puppets: 19
'Meerkthistle arcs her scarred right eye-ridge and hisses out a broken chortle as Alwin completes his story. Poking the small fire, which offers up a tiny puff of ash to the hungrily swirling hillside breezes, the apparently pleased elder says,'
"Well, well, well... Yess, Alwin of the elvess. A good story, indeed. Hmm. Not so hard, yess? My thankss for sharing it, you have. Yess. That which we feed... indeed."
'Peering at everyone assembled around the fire as she says the last, Meerkthistle chuckles again and stands. Stretching briefly as she stomps her left foot on the ground, the so-called shaman says with a wry tone, as she waves a finger warningly at you all,'
"Have to wake up sleepy limbss sometimes when my age you are, yess. Sit and talk too much I do. Hmm, no doubt, yess. A lesson for you all to keep moving, hmm. And to that end, wordss of wisdom I promised, yess? Yess. And so listen then... to find these false hunterss, these killerss for sport, you must... speak to someone who knowss who they are! Yess, yess. Someone who hass seen the killerss, yess? Wise. Wise wordss. Hmm? Hehehe."
'It is about this time that you all start to feel a puzzling warmth spread through your organs and limbs, starting from your lungs, throats and mouths, before diffusing not unpleasantly throughout the rest of your bodies. The sensation leaves you light-headed at first, but eventually subsides into a tingling in the back of your minds and behind your eyes, a strange energy that seems to both sharpen your senses and enliven your awareness of your surroundings. Watching you all blink, rub your eyes or look around in wonder at your suddenly heightened perception, Meerkthistle continues,'
"Not me though, no. Know the killerss I do not. Seen them, I have not. But know of one who might have, I do. Oh, yess. She who watchess with sadnesss but much interest what those townfoolss do. Yess. She who watchess the streamss that they overfish. Who rememberss the namess of the ancient treess that they have cut down. Her friendss, yess. Rail and weep at their hungry netss and axess doess sweet Cyprusss. Yess. To the Frogmaiden you should go, yess. Speak with the pretty one, the wearer of gownss of mosss and garlandss of liliess. Amidst the soundss of her favoured she waitss. Yess, there you should go."
'Apparently satisfied that her promise to you has been fulfilled, Meerkthistle begins to shuffle towards her hut, no longer seeming the spry tree-leaper that you first met scant hours before, now appearing every bit the quintessential old withered recluse. Stopping at her green curtained entryway, the puzzling lizardwoman mutters by way of farewell before entering, without turning around,'
"Strong and wise you are. Some more than otherss, but together moreso than any alone. Mind thiss you should. And beware thiss land, for ancient and dark are itss secretss. Rush not into destiny, for destiny findss those for whom it iss meant, and all iss rarely ass it seemss. Till next we meet, heross of the lizardfolk. Yess. Till next we meet."
'With that the lizardwoman enters her hut and leaves you alone upon the hillside before the sputtering fire and the growing winds. As you all turn to look at each other, a sudden and fleeting image materialises then fades within each of your minds - a small lagoon covered in water lilies and lily pads, upon the banks of which many tall moss covered trees grow. The trees' low hanging branches trail leaves and twigs in the murky still waters below.'
[OOC] The mysterious lingering effects that you all feel grants a temporary +2 bonus on all perception checks and wisdom saving throws for the next 12 hours.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
"No frogs here on the side of a hill. Perhaps we should head for the low ground? Unless we want to run up to those ruins real quick and GET IT ON, WOOOOOOWEEE!"
Mazin listen as Alwin begins to speak his tale. He watches as the shadows play on the ground as Alwin speaks. Mazin smiles warmly at Alwin after he finishes, he goes to say something, but Meerkthistle speaks before him. He watches as the old lizardfolk shaman goes into the hut.
"Did everyone else get that vision? Where is that lagoon?" Mazin says with a surprised tone. Daruk told him he had the potential to speak with the land through the spirits, but this did not seem like he was describing.
((OOC any check you want me to make to see if Mazin recalls seeing anything similar to the vision?))
Mazin listen as Alwin begins to speak his tale. He watches as the shadows play on the ground as Alwin speaks. Mazin smiles warmly at Alwin after he finishes, he goes to say something, but Meerkthistle speaks before him. He watches as the old lizardfolk shaman goes into the hut.
"Did everyone else get that vision? Where is that lagoon?" Mazin says with a surprised tone. Daruk told him he had the potential to speak with the land through the spirits, but this did not seem like he was describing.
((OOC any check you want me to make to see if Mazin recalls seeing anything similar to the vision?))
[OOC] @Joe - feel free to make a history, religion or nature check (one of these only - your choice) to see if any of this encounter rings any bells with Mazin and I'll let you know.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Altani wishes Meerkthistle goodbye as she wanders off to her hut"Until we meet again."
Looking back at the others, she smiles. "Entertaining stores, it is good to hear others tales. My people hold the art of story telling in high regard."
She shifts on the spot "So now we must make a decission, yes? I also witnessed the vision of a lake covered in lilies with moss covered trees at it's banks where Cypruss dwells. We should try to find the lake, even if we have to ask in the village.
I am uncomfortable like you Kestrell about these ruins and what lives in them but this may have to wait until another time. I fear if we do not find whatever is killing the lizardfolk soon, it will kill again. Maybe even tonight."
Alwin just blinks as he listens and nods"I saw it t...t...t...o - is it possible that the place may be inside the ruins? It wouldn't be uncommon for natu...re to take back something made by one of the races when it is lef...t."
'Wazzock has been kneeling by the fire, enjoying the last of the fading warmth and herb-scents, when the burly cleric stands up and walks over to join the conversation. Listening to what you are all saying, she then glances back thoughtfully towards Meerkthistle's hut, apparently going over in her mind what the old lizardwoman had told them. Finally the half-orc warrior says,'
"It seems we should seek out this Cypruss if we want to find out more about the murders. Exploring ruins can wait, for we have pledged our aid to the townsfolk. To the best of my knowledge, lagoons do not usually form atop hills, but rather in lowlands, usually near creeks, streams and rivers. I do not think that we will find this woman who dresses in grass and wears flowers in her hair atop this hill or inside some old ruins.
What else did the lizardfolk elder say about this Cypruss? Did not Meerkthistle not also give her another name?"
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
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'Meerkthistle nods throughout Kestrell's story, though her gaze remains on the small fire as she continues to feed it an assortment of dried berries, herbs, leaves and roots from her seemingly well stocked chain pouch. As the half-elven sorcerer finishes his light hearted tale, the apparently satisfied Mudgazer says,'
"A story asked, a story given. My thankss to you, nameless seeker of answerss. Enjoy the fire, itss warmth and itss scentss. There are no... chocolate chip cookiess here, but what food I offer, I offer freely."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Mazin smiles and nods at Meerkthistle's words... Then stops at the mention of the bowl. He looks down at his hand, just realizing now that he broke the bowl.
"Ahhh, apologies. That was an accident."
He needs more practice controlling his strength.
At Kestrell's story, Mazin let's out a deep laugh. "Hahaha, she already freed herself! What is a stick-or-doodle?"
"You are welcome Meerkthistle. I am enjoying the fire, even without delicious cookies! This swamp eel is surprisingly satisfying!"
'Kestrell chuckles at Mazin's laugh.'
"That's right, she didn't need his help, although it was appreciated! A snick-er-doodle is a delicious baked good with sugar and cinnamon on top. Dipped into coffee, especially in the morning, it will get your day started right!"
Cinder has been thinking of stories to tell, and finally settles on one.
”In the city I grew up in there is a story of how it came to be. An old adventuring wizard, tired from years of traveling and fighting and almost dying, decided to retire. So using some of the magic he had learned along the way, he created a well that would never run dry, and a tree that would always grow back. After building a house, hoping to spend the rest of his days in peace, a woman pounded on his door one day, begging for help to save her family from a pack of thieves. Years of habit made him accept her plea, and he saved her family, but they found out about his magic, and decided to live next to him, building their own house out of the regrowing tree. They did help him farm the land, so he begrudgingly accepted them. It wasn’t long until others heard about this fertile land protected by a powerful wizard, and more people decided to settle down in this growing village. The wizard, only wanting solitude, was nevertheless elected mayor, and as the city grew, so did the requests for magical help. It came to be one day that he decided to do something that would help the town and bring himself peace. He cast a spell that made him become one with the land. It was forever fertile, and to this day has never seen a famine. The well and the tree have been lost in the city, and in honor of the wizard, no trees have been cut down in the city, so that some measure of peace could be given to him.”
'The old hermit pulls her painted and stitched hide cloak closer about her shoulders as the growing wind blows across the hillside, causing the plume of white smoke to dance and swirl on the air current like an ivory ribbon. The stiffening breeze causes the sweet scent of the herb-fed fire to disperse somewhat, which Meerkthistle reacts to by putting a couple of larger pieces of wood onto the sputtering flames. Having finished her fire-tending duties for the moment, the lizardfolk elder looks across at Cinder and says,'
"An interesting story, most curteous of devil scions. I have never heard of such a city... but then I rarely travel, even in my youth. Amidst the crowdss and behind the high wallss of such placess iss not for me, no. The swamp and open marsh providess all I need, yess. All we need it providess. Hmm. Yess.
It iss true that peopless are drawn to safety, to power, to magic. Thiss wizard should have forseen that such would happen. But to leave a land better, cleaner, purer than one found it.. such iss a noble deed. I wonder though if thiss city still growss, ass such placess alwayss do, and if so... where doess the wood come from... hmm. Elsewhere, yess? A good story though. Yess, a good story.
You are all almost done now... then you may finish your questionss and I will bid you farewell. Doerss you are, yess? My talking boress you, yess? I see it in some of your eyess, I do. Very well. Two more storiess and I will share my great wisdom with you, yess? Hehehe."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Alwin blinks as he looks up and realizes the he was probably supposed to tell a story; it was also at this time that he remembers that this would require him to talk for a prolonged period of time. Everyone else seemed to have such interesting stories also – there was no way his would be able to amount to anything.
“If i...t’s alright I’ll le….ts someone else t…t…t…alk. I don’t really know any gre….at sto….ries. Plus i…t would be int…erupted too much.” He just looks around and then back to the ground, his hands coming together as his thumbs twirl. It was clear the half-elf was nervous about talking, let along telling a story.
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Mazin stares at Alwin with a neutral expression on his face.
"You think too much. She did not ask for a great story, just a story from each of us. I have heard you speak with confidence and authority. What was different then? Do not think, just feel and speak. What ever comes will be good enough."
Persuasion 19
"Yes, do not worry Alwin. Tell us about your favorite desert."
"Or a little of the history of the elves. You seem to have a good mind for remembering lore from the past"
Yevna Galanodel - Wood Elf | Level 8 | Druid/Circle of Spores 6 - Ranger 2 - Ravnica
Nyx - Satyr | Level 9 | Rouge/Swashbuckler 5 - Bard/Collage of Lore 4 - Lost Mine of Phandelver/Storm King's Thunder
'Meerkthistle just stares at Alwin patiently following his self-deprecating words, but begins to nod as the half-elven warrior's allies begin to offer encouragement. Looking up into the gusty and increasingly cloudy sky, the understanding but persistant lizardwoman says,'
"No, it iss not alright, Alwin of the elvess. A small price for hospitality a story iss, yess? Capable you are and listen to your companionss you should, hmm. No great sagass do I require, no. Such are still to be written, yess. A simple tale, honestly given iss all I ask."
'As all eyes rest upon the anxious fighter, who shifts uncomfortably and is about to again refute his ability and worthiness to share a story, when all of a sudden the tanned skinned, platinum haired man pauses, eyes closed for a brief moment.'
[OOC] Alwin ONLY may read the below spoiler:
'Suddenly Alwin sees himself as he thinks others see him, somewhat hunched in an unconfident posture, head turned slightly up, down or aside, never facing forward, never dealing directly with that which lies ahead. A weak man. A worthless man. Then Alwin sees what he somehow now realises others actually see when they look at him - a steadfast warrior, well-trained and committed to the causes that he adopts, causes that speak to a good heart and a level mind. A strange burst of courage emerges within him as a sharp though fleeting image of him standing beside these companions in some great, yet distant, battle appears briefly in his minds eye. While the image fades too quickly, the alien sense of bravery lingers a little longer in the searching warrior's soul before also fading away.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
The strange confidence hits Alwin and he can’t help as a faint smile hits him “Th…ere is one story I really like…” his voice holding a bit of tone as if a memory is recalling itself to him. He begins to take his finger and utilize the light and shadows created by the fire to tell his story.
“An old sword master is teaching his pupil about life, he looks to the pupil and says “A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil-he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” The sword mast paused to look at the pupil, but continued without letting the pupil talk “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.” The sword master freezes for a moment as he touches his heart and then touches the boy’s heart “The same fight is going inside you, and inside every other person as well.”
Alwin pauses as he looks around the room “The boy begins to contemplate what the master has said, his mind racing as he remembers that a battle always requires a victor. He then asks the master one simple question “Which wolf will win?” The master can’t help but let out a chuckle as he just pats the boy on the should and responds with the simplest of answers “The one you feed.”
With that Alwin stops using the shadows to help tell his story, the confidence that he seemed to gain slowly turning back into shyness. He just looks around the room wondering how it was perceived.
[OOC] Performance check for shadow puppets: 2
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
'Meerkthistle arcs her scarred right eye-ridge and hisses out a broken chortle as Alwin completes his story. Poking the small fire, which offers up a tiny puff of ash to the hungrily swirling hillside breezes, the apparently pleased elder says,'
"Well, well, well... Yess, Alwin of the elvess. A good story, indeed. Hmm. Not so hard, yess? My thankss for sharing it, you have. Yess. That which we feed... indeed."
'Peering at everyone assembled around the fire as she says the last, Meerkthistle chuckles again and stands. Stretching briefly as she stomps her left foot on the ground, the so-called shaman says with a wry tone, as she waves a finger warningly at you all,'
"Have to wake up sleepy limbss sometimes when my age you are, yess. Sit and talk too much I do. Hmm, no doubt, yess. A lesson for you all to keep moving, hmm. And to that end, wordss of wisdom I promised, yess? Yess. And so listen then... to find these false hunterss, these killerss for sport, you must... speak to someone who knowss who they are! Yess, yess. Someone who hass seen the killerss, yess? Wise. Wise wordss. Hmm? Hehehe."
'It is about this time that you all start to feel a puzzling warmth spread through your organs and limbs, starting from your lungs, throats and mouths, before diffusing not unpleasantly throughout the rest of your bodies. The sensation leaves you light-headed at first, but eventually subsides into a tingling in the back of your minds and behind your eyes, a strange energy that seems to both sharpen your senses and enliven your awareness of your surroundings. Watching you all blink, rub your eyes or look around in wonder at your suddenly heightened perception, Meerkthistle continues,'
"Not me though, no. Know the killerss I do not. Seen them, I have not. But know of one who might have, I do. Oh, yess. She who watchess with sadnesss but much interest what those townfoolss do. Yess. She who watchess the streamss that they overfish. Who rememberss the namess of the ancient treess that they have cut down. Her friendss, yess. Rail and weep at their hungry netss and axess doess sweet Cyprusss. Yess. To the Frogmaiden you should go, yess. Speak with the pretty one, the wearer of gownss of mosss and garlandss of liliess. Amidst the soundss of her favoured she waitss. Yess, there you should go."
'Apparently satisfied that her promise to you has been fulfilled, Meerkthistle begins to shuffle towards her hut, no longer seeming the spry tree-leaper that you first met scant hours before, now appearing every bit the quintessential old withered recluse. Stopping at her green curtained entryway, the puzzling lizardwoman mutters by way of farewell before entering, without turning around,'
"Strong and wise you are. Some more than otherss, but together moreso than any alone. Mind thiss you should. And beware thiss land, for ancient and dark are itss secretss. Rush not into destiny, for destiny findss those for whom it iss meant, and all iss rarely ass it seemss. Till next we meet, heross of the lizardfolk. Yess. Till next we meet."
'With that the lizardwoman enters her hut and leaves you alone upon the hillside before the sputtering fire and the growing winds. As you all turn to look at each other, a sudden and fleeting image materialises then fades within each of your minds - a small lagoon covered in water lilies and lily pads, upon the banks of which many tall moss covered trees grow. The trees' low hanging branches trail leaves and twigs in the murky still waters below.'
[OOC] The mysterious lingering effects that you all feel grants a temporary +2 bonus on all perception checks and wisdom saving throws for the next 12 hours.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
"Thank you Milkthistle!"
'Kestrell looks around.' "So, we need to find a swamp, some frogs and a woman named Cypruss?"
'Kestrell listens for frogs using his freshly improved listening skills.'
Perception: 19
"No frogs here on the side of a hill. Perhaps we should head for the low ground? Unless we want to run up to those ruins real quick and GET IT ON, WOOOOOOWEEE!"
Mazin listen as Alwin begins to speak his tale. He watches as the shadows play on the ground as Alwin speaks. Mazin smiles warmly at Alwin after he finishes, he goes to say something, but Meerkthistle speaks before him. He watches as the old lizardfolk shaman goes into the hut.
"Did everyone else get that vision? Where is that lagoon?" Mazin says with a surprised tone. Daruk told him he had the potential to speak with the land through the spirits, but this did not seem like he was describing.
((OOC any check you want me to make to see if Mazin recalls seeing anything similar to the vision?))
[OOC] @Joe - feel free to make a history, religion or nature check (one of these only - your choice) to see if any of this encounter rings any bells with Mazin and I'll let you know.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
“You saw that too? I thought I was going a bit crazy there for a second.”
Cinder looks relieved that she’s not suddenly getting visions out of nowhere. Thinking on the lagoon, has Conder passed it on her way to Ambersilt?
Altani wishes Meerkthistle goodbye as she wanders off to her hut "Until we meet again."
Looking back at the others, she smiles. "Entertaining stores, it is good to hear others tales. My people hold the art of story telling in high regard."
She shifts on the spot "So now we must make a decission, yes? I also witnessed the vision of a lake covered in lilies with moss covered trees at it's banks where Cypruss dwells. We should try to find the lake, even if we have to ask in the village.
I am uncomfortable like you Kestrell about these ruins and what lives in them but this may have to wait until another time. I fear if we do not find whatever is killing the lizardfolk soon, it will kill again. Maybe even tonight."
Yevna Galanodel - Wood Elf | Level 8 | Druid/Circle of Spores 6 - Ranger 2 - Ravnica
Nyx - Satyr | Level 9 | Rouge/Swashbuckler 5 - Bard/Collage of Lore 4 - Lost Mine of Phandelver/Storm King's Thunder
Alwin just blinks as he listens and nods "I saw it t...t...t...o - is it possible that the place may be inside the ruins? It wouldn't be uncommon for natu...re to take back something made by one of the races when it is lef...t."
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
"Which ruins? There are two right? The ones at the top of this hill, and then the hidden ruins that draw thrillseekers into town?"
'Wazzock has been kneeling by the fire, enjoying the last of the fading warmth and herb-scents, when the burly cleric stands up and walks over to join the conversation. Listening to what you are all saying, she then glances back thoughtfully towards Meerkthistle's hut, apparently going over in her mind what the old lizardwoman had told them. Finally the half-orc warrior says,'
"It seems we should seek out this Cypruss if we want to find out more about the murders. Exploring ruins can wait, for we have pledged our aid to the townsfolk. To the best of my knowledge, lagoons do not usually form atop hills, but rather in lowlands, usually near creeks, streams and rivers. I do not think that we will find this woman who dresses in grass and wears flowers in her hair atop this hill or inside some old ruins.
What else did the lizardfolk elder say about this Cypruss? Did not Meerkthistle not also give her another name?"
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown