Jove sends Caiphon up top to see if he can pull out the pitons after Aisha. "Thanks for the rappel, Aisha. I can carry the rope and pitons for you, if you still need it."
Harmony was glad that Abraxas agreed with her and Olive about taking the orb back first. Then she watched Aisha climb down the side of the building, setting pitons to make their climbs down easier. She was careful to not get her outfit caught on anything as she made her way down along with the others. "Thanks for doing that for us, Aisha." she thanked the other with a smile. Once they would start heading back to Rusikivek, she would follow behind them.
There is no difference in the environment, but the air is noticeably cooler than it was when you first approached the ziggurat.
The party follows Aisha's path, scaling the sides of the crumbling structure with ease, and Caiphon retrieves the pitons for Jove.
OOC: Where to? Your current leads as a reminder:
Orb of the Magi: The Order of Thalassa is offering 200 gold per contractor to recover an artifact called the Orb of the Magi from Vandyr. Mitsi has offered to induct Abraxas into the Order of Thalassa if you can successfully return the Orb.
The Annual Vandyr Hunt: A flyer mentioned the Annual Vandyr Hunt, sponsored by Mayor Cheval. Sign-ups are located at the Fiend's Forge in Ruskivek.
Apocalyptic Visions: You shared a vision from Gabrielle of a ritual led by scaled creatures on Vandyr that led to the destruction of the world. The vision showed a river being diverted to the location of the ritual that prevented the destruction.
Abraxas says, "Ruskivek it is then?" He moves back up the path that will take them to the portal. Once there, he hopes to jump back to the Order of Thalassa to see if they have in fact recovered the Orb of the Magi from Vandyr.
If Abraxas has misunderstood the party's plans, he will stay with them, not wandering off on his own.
Aisha gives in to the group's desire, saying "Allright. We shall go back, but we should not dally, yes? What if that northern compulsion is the red lizards of doom?" She says, listing a possibility as she makes sure the orb is securely tucked in her bag.
"This one could be wrong, but you all did repeatedly emphasize an alpacalypse yes? Though how lizards and alpacas spell doom, Aisha does not know..."
With that Aisha is ready to leave, and as much as she wants to ask to join the hunt, the idea starting g to excite her, preventing mass-death seems far more important, even if she doesn't understand all the details. But learning how to turn alpacas I to weapons? That could be useful.
Aisha's tracking brings you back to the site of the small stone structure that houses the portal to the city of Ruskivek in just under half the day. The only presence you see along the way is the occasional large winged creatures soaring in the distance.
It is very late when you arrive through the teleportation circle in the Order of Thalassa, and the guards lead you by candlelight back to the entrance of the structure, which is much quieter without the hectic activity of the day. The compulsion to head northward seems to have ended now that you have left Vandyr.
"I will leave a note for madam Mitsi of your arrival. She will be here in the morning if you will return then," a guard says.
Abraxas will fine a nice inn close to the Order. He'll have a big dinner, inviting all his colleagues, then retire to review spells and take a long rest. In the morning, he is up early. As soon as the others are ready he goes to meet with Mitsi, encouraging Aisha and Jove to show her the orb. "Is this what you were looking for?" he says.
He'll also ask Mitsi about the compulsion to travel north they felt on the moon.
Jove is still sort of on edge. He eats with the group and such, but doesn't go out of his way to join in with any activities. He retires for the night with Gabrielle's necklace held close to him.
OOC: Assuming everyone else is following Abraxas and Jove's actions.
The crowd has mostly dispersed from the Laughing Rhino Inn and Tavern when you arrive, and those that remain are too far in their drinking to pay much attention to you. In the morning, Abraxas leads the party back to the Order of Thalassa. True to the guard's word, Mitsi is at her desk, but the small old woman is not alone; a clean-shaven tall human man with strawberry blonde hair, in his thirties, is standing beside her, and spins to face you when Mitsi points in your direction.
"--you they'd be here, you stubborn brute," you hear her say as you approach.
"Are you the--" the man begins, but is shortly interrupted by Mitsi. "Manners, Captain. We have manners here."
"Welcome back. I am glad to see you have returned safely, and I'm sure you have some findings to show me, but it looks like your efforts have not gone unnoticed since your arrival. This is Captain Fritjof of the city guard. Captain, this is Abraxas, a bright applicant of the Order, and his companions," she says as Fritjof crosses his arms and taps his feet impatiently.
Without missing a beat, he continues, "You are the ones who defeated the Ice Basilisk?"
OOC: 1 gold piece has been removed from each character's inventory for the night at the inn.
Harmony was glad as they got back to the portal without any trouble, making it back to Ruskivek very late at night though and how Mitsi would be at the Order in the morning. So they went back to the inn, eagerly joining Abraxas and the others in eating while trying to make friendly conversation before going to bed. The next morning, she got ready as then they all had gone to the Order again where they saw Mitsi. But there was a man with her too, listening to Mitsi as she introduced the man as captain of the city guard. He then asked if they are the ones who defeated the Ice Basilisk, sighing. "It's nice to meet you. Yes, we did 'defeat' the Ice Basilisk in a way." Harmony had soon said back to Fritjof, nodding and with a smile.
"Good. I need your help. The militia is stretched thin, and I can't get..." Fritjof sighs and nervously toys with his sleeve. "It's my sister."
He paces for a moment to clear his thoughts. "There was a band of goblin bandits beneath the city. During a patrol of the sewers we ran them out, and when we cleaned out what they had left behind, we found this," he says. He hands you a crude map draw onto parchment, which contains a river flowing south that leads toward an X marked by a single word: Xagafell.
"My sister, Denisha...she says it must lead to something worth something if these goblins were searching for it, but what if it's their lair, or some sort of trap? She left with her friends; they're trained wizards, but only recent graduates of the academy. There has been no word in four tendays. My superiors won't release me from my post, and the militia says they'll look into it, but it's not soon enough! The word around the city is the ones that slew the Ice Basilisk were hanging about the Order of Thalassa, and...well, now you're caught up. Can you help me? Help my sister?" he finishes.
Jove speaks to the party telepathically. "I hate to be the devil's advocate, but there are more important things at play that someone's sister. The fate of this world is in danger. I just think we should take an objective look before diving in. Do we know anything about the academy or Xagafell? The river flowing south, is that the one from our vision?"
"How could you...this is a matter of life and--" Fritjof begins.
"Captain. Shut it. I didn't wake up early this morning for nothing, you can finish pleading for help poorly after we finish our business," Mitsi interrupts.
Palming the orb, Mitsi holds it closely to her face, peering at it with her eyes enlarged by her thick spectacles and muttering, "Tell me everything. Where did you find it, what did you learn about it?"
Abraxas recounts the story in exasperating detail, moment by moment. He encourages Jove, Harmony, Olive, and Aisha to add any information they consider significant.
"We followed your directions as exactly as we could, heading east, though we did all feel a compulsion to turn north as we went."
Mitsi does not seem surprised by any of the information, until the compulsion to travel northward is mentioned.
"The Orb of the Magi is a curious artifact. Unlike most items of magic, its properties change based on its location. On Vandyr, for example, a warm climate of volcanoes and desert, the Orb expanded that heat, causing much of its surrounding area to dry entirely. Here in Ruskivek, where the surrounding land is perfect for farming, it will improve the fertility of the land, and ward against unnatural storms. The farms outside of the city proper will be thrilled to hear it has been returned.
"As I expected, you have succeeded. Not only did you locate and recover the Orb of the Magi, you were able to uncover its properties and learn much. You have proven to share the basic tenets of our order. As promised, you'll each receive a reward of 200 gold pieces, but more importantly...welcome, Scribe Abraxas Onassis. I am pleased to introduce you formally to the Order of Thalassa. As a Scribe, you are granted access to all first floor libraries, and may use the resources of the Order when you need them, and may find work here at any time,"Mitsi says warmly.
After retrieving your reward, handing the Orb off to another scribe, and handing Abraxas some paperwork, Mitsi says, "Now about this compulsion to the north. I won't pretend to know why, but it doesn't sound to me like a simple hunch. If something is calling you there, it is surely related to the Dune Sea. A great sea of water lay in that direction until recently, when it dried up completely. We had assumed natural causes, but perhaps there is something larger at stake. Maybe like your Ice Basilisk, hmm?"
"Now will you help my sister?" Fritjof blurts from the side, finally letting his impatience show once more.
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Jove sends Caiphon up top to see if he can pull out the pitons after Aisha. "Thanks for the rappel, Aisha. I can carry the rope and pitons for you, if you still need it."
--- --- We want Grung! --- ---
~https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=DragonbornDoug ~
Harmony was glad that Abraxas agreed with her and Olive about taking the orb back first. Then she watched Aisha climb down the side of the building, setting pitons to make their climbs down easier. She was careful to not get her outfit caught on anything as she made her way down along with the others. "Thanks for doing that for us, Aisha." she thanked the other with a smile. Once they would start heading back to Rusikivek, she would follow behind them.
OOC: Assuming Olive is also climbing down.
There is no difference in the environment, but the air is noticeably cooler than it was when you first approached the ziggurat.
The party follows Aisha's path, scaling the sides of the crumbling structure with ease, and Caiphon retrieves the pitons for Jove.
OOC: Where to? Your current leads as a reminder:
Orb of the Magi: The Order of Thalassa is offering 200 gold per contractor to recover an artifact called the Orb of the Magi from Vandyr. Mitsi has offered to induct Abraxas into the Order of Thalassa if you can successfully return the Orb.
The Annual Vandyr Hunt: A flyer mentioned the Annual Vandyr Hunt, sponsored by Mayor Cheval. Sign-ups are located at the Fiend's Forge in Ruskivek.
Apocalyptic Visions: You shared a vision from Gabrielle of a ritual led by scaled creatures on Vandyr that led to the destruction of the world. The vision showed a river being diverted to the location of the ritual that prevented the destruction.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
OOC: Ready to advance once an action is determined.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Olive has suggested that we just take the Orb back and that's the course that she will continue to recommend.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Abraxas says, "Ruskivek it is then?" He moves back up the path that will take them to the portal. Once there, he hopes to jump back to the Order of Thalassa to see if they have in fact recovered the Orb of the Magi from Vandyr.
If Abraxas has misunderstood the party's plans, he will stay with them, not wandering off on his own.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Aisha gives in to the group's desire, saying "Allright. We shall go back, but we should not dally, yes? What if that northern compulsion is the red lizards of doom?" She says, listing a possibility as she makes sure the orb is securely tucked in her bag.
"This one could be wrong, but you all did repeatedly emphasize an alpacalypse yes? Though how lizards and alpacas spell doom, Aisha does not know..."
With that Aisha is ready to leave, and as much as she wants to ask to join the hunt, the idea starting g to excite her, preventing mass-death seems far more important, even if she doesn't understand all the details. But learning how to turn alpacas I to weapons? That could be useful.
(Ooc posting from phone)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
OOC: To Ruskivek it is!
Aisha's tracking brings you back to the site of the small stone structure that houses the portal to the city of Ruskivek in just under half the day. The only presence you see along the way is the occasional large winged creatures soaring in the distance.
It is very late when you arrive through the teleportation circle in the Order of Thalassa, and the guards lead you by candlelight back to the entrance of the structure, which is much quieter without the hectic activity of the day. The compulsion to head northward seems to have ended now that you have left Vandyr.
"I will leave a note for madam Mitsi of your arrival. She will be here in the morning if you will return then," a guard says.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Abraxas will fine a nice inn close to the Order. He'll have a big dinner, inviting all his colleagues, then retire to review spells and take a long rest. In the morning, he is up early. As soon as the others are ready he goes to meet with Mitsi, encouraging Aisha and Jove to show her the orb. "Is this what you were looking for?" he says.
He'll also ask Mitsi about the compulsion to travel north they felt on the moon.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Jove is still sort of on edge. He eats with the group and such, but doesn't go out of his way to join in with any activities. He retires for the night with Gabrielle's necklace held close to him.
--- --- We want Grung! --- ---
~https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=DragonbornDoug ~
OOC: Assuming everyone else is following Abraxas and Jove's actions.
The crowd has mostly dispersed from the Laughing Rhino Inn and Tavern when you arrive, and those that remain are too far in their drinking to pay much attention to you. In the morning, Abraxas leads the party back to the Order of Thalassa. True to the guard's word, Mitsi is at her desk, but the small old woman is not alone; a clean-shaven tall human man with strawberry blonde hair, in his thirties, is standing beside her, and spins to face you when Mitsi points in your direction.
"--you they'd be here, you stubborn brute," you hear her say as you approach.
"Are you the--" the man begins, but is shortly interrupted by Mitsi. "Manners, Captain. We have manners here."
"Welcome back. I am glad to see you have returned safely, and I'm sure you have some findings to show me, but it looks like your efforts have not gone unnoticed since your arrival. This is Captain Fritjof of the city guard. Captain, this is Abraxas, a bright applicant of the Order, and his companions," she says as Fritjof crosses his arms and taps his feet impatiently.
Without missing a beat, he continues, "You are the ones who defeated the Ice Basilisk?"
OOC: 1 gold piece has been removed from each character's inventory for the night at the inn.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Harmony was glad as they got back to the portal without any trouble, making it back to Ruskivek very late at night though and how Mitsi would be at the Order in the morning. So they went back to the inn, eagerly joining Abraxas and the others in eating while trying to make friendly conversation before going to bed. The next morning, she got ready as then they all had gone to the Order again where they saw Mitsi. But there was a man with her too, listening to Mitsi as she introduced the man as captain of the city guard. He then asked if they are the ones who defeated the Ice Basilisk, sighing. "It's nice to meet you. Yes, we did 'defeat' the Ice Basilisk in a way." Harmony had soon said back to Fritjof, nodding and with a smile.
"Good. I need your help. The militia is stretched thin, and I can't get..." Fritjof sighs and nervously toys with his sleeve. "It's my sister."
He paces for a moment to clear his thoughts. "There was a band of goblin bandits beneath the city. During a patrol of the sewers we ran them out, and when we cleaned out what they had left behind, we found this," he says. He hands you a crude map draw onto parchment, which contains a river flowing south that leads toward an X marked by a single word: Xagafell.
"My sister, Denisha...she says it must lead to something worth something if these goblins were searching for it, but what if it's their lair, or some sort of trap? She left with her friends; they're trained wizards, but only recent graduates of the academy. There has been no word in four tendays. My superiors won't release me from my post, and the militia says they'll look into it, but it's not soon enough! The word around the city is the ones that slew the Ice Basilisk were hanging about the Order of Thalassa, and...well, now you're caught up. Can you help me? Help my sister?" he finishes.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Jove speaks to the party telepathically. "I hate to be the devil's advocate, but there are more important things at play that someone's sister. The fate of this world is in danger. I just think we should take an objective look before diving in. Do we know anything about the academy or Xagafell? The river flowing south, is that the one from our vision?"
--- --- We want Grung! --- ---
~https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=DragonbornDoug ~
"First, Mitsi, is this orb?" Abraxas says. "Fritjof, we have to know the answer to that question, I think anyway, before we can answer your question."
Abraxas will say this as peacefully as he can, hopeful persuading Fritjof to remain calm.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
"How could you...this is a matter of life and--" Fritjof begins.
"Captain. Shut it. I didn't wake up early this morning for nothing, you can finish pleading for help poorly after we finish our business," Mitsi interrupts.
Palming the orb, Mitsi holds it closely to her face, peering at it with her eyes enlarged by her thick spectacles and muttering, "Tell me everything. Where did you find it, what did you learn about it?"
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Abraxas recounts the story in exasperating detail, moment by moment. He encourages Jove, Harmony, Olive, and Aisha to add any information they consider significant.
"We followed your directions as exactly as we could, heading east, though we did all feel a compulsion to turn north as we went."
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
((A few more days if luck holds out and I should be back to normal posting. this move has been literal hell ~.~;))
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Jove says, "So what exactly is north of the portal?"
--- --- We want Grung! --- ---
~https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=DragonbornDoug ~
OOC: Sorry to hear that, Rai.
Mitsi does not seem surprised by any of the information, until the compulsion to travel northward is mentioned.
"The Orb of the Magi is a curious artifact. Unlike most items of magic, its properties change based on its location. On Vandyr, for example, a warm climate of volcanoes and desert, the Orb expanded that heat, causing much of its surrounding area to dry entirely. Here in Ruskivek, where the surrounding land is perfect for farming, it will improve the fertility of the land, and ward against unnatural storms. The farms outside of the city proper will be thrilled to hear it has been returned.
"As I expected, you have succeeded. Not only did you locate and recover the Orb of the Magi, you were able to uncover its properties and learn much. You have proven to share the basic tenets of our order. As promised, you'll each receive a reward of 200 gold pieces, but more importantly...welcome, Scribe Abraxas Onassis. I am pleased to introduce you formally to the Order of Thalassa. As a Scribe, you are granted access to all first floor libraries, and may use the resources of the Order when you need them, and may find work here at any time," Mitsi says warmly.
After retrieving your reward, handing the Orb off to another scribe, and handing Abraxas some paperwork, Mitsi says, "Now about this compulsion to the north. I won't pretend to know why, but it doesn't sound to me like a simple hunch. If something is calling you there, it is surely related to the Dune Sea. A great sea of water lay in that direction until recently, when it dried up completely. We had assumed natural causes, but perhaps there is something larger at stake. Maybe like your Ice Basilisk, hmm?"
"Now will you help my sister?" Fritjof blurts from the side, finally letting his impatience show once more.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!