Fritjof glares, "Family is everything to me. Were I able to flaunt such strength as yours, I would have charged into Xagafell myself, but it would have done Denisha no good to get myself killed as well. I am in your debt, and I assure you I will do everything in my power to ensure you are rewarded. I will see you tomorrow, if you wish."
Denisha grimaces in the silence that follows as her brother walks away. "Thank you all, truly. I wish that there was more I could do to help. I certainly don't deserve the kindness you've already shown me. I should have listened to Frit, and never set foot near those ruins, but I -- Abraxas, I would be happy to share my spells with you when I have a new spellbook in hand," she says.
Ruskivek Known Locations: The Laughing Rhino (Inn/Tavern) The Order of Thalassa (Arcane Guild)
Jove speaks telepathically to all. "That's fine Aisha. We can always take Dallas back if he refuses to work with us. Those goblins would be happy to forward their invasion plan with their translator".
He speaks regularly to Denisha, "So, Delilah, why don't you tell us what you were actively helping those goblins with? What plans were you trading them?"
Aisha sighs, and gives Deneisha a pitied look. Aisha had no animus towards the woman herself. Just the cowardly -in her opinion- guard. Sure maybe charging in by himself wouldn't have accomplished anything but to not even come with the group? Pitiful coward. Aisha lets the group know she'll be busy until around midnight or so, maybe less. Aisha and Tsavi make thier way out of the north post area, and would head to where the 'hunt' sign up area was located. She figured if they were going back to the place the hunt was to take place anyway... she may as well try to come back and potentially win something. Assuming the place wasn't closed, and with posters and signs about it here and there (if I recall) the location shouldn't be difficult to find, and find out when it's taking place, what the rules are, etc.
((OOC - Depending on what there is to reply to in character, the following will happen only after the above is taken care of.))
Aisha's next course of action would be to head to the guild and see if her 'item hunt' was successful on the Thallasa side.
Harmony didn't like that Jove kept calling Denisha anything but her actual name, listening to Aisha warn Fritjof against underestimating the creatures before berating him about how saving his sister cost them time with little reward and how he would be at fault if they fail their mission, asking for compensation. "Aisha, I'm sure that he will give us something as a reward." she had said to her before hearing Fritjof question that they only did this for the money. "Of course we wanted to save Denisha, it definitely wasn't about the money. It wouldn't be right to let a brother and sister be separated after all." she said back to him. Then she listened to Aisha, very surprised to hear that she is looking for her sister who has been missing for years. "I had no idea. When we get back home after all this, do you want help looking for her?" Harmony had said to her, feeling bad for the other at having lost her family and trying to find them to this day. Harmony had heard as Fritjof said that he would make sure that they get rewarded before walking away, hearing Denisha thank them. "It's fine, really. We only did what anyone would." she said back to her with a nod and a smile. But then she had heard Jove in her head talk about taking Denisha back if Fritjof refuses to work with them, the goblins happy to forward the plan with their translator as she was completely shocked. She was also annoyed as he again keeps calling Denisha by anything other than her name, pouting. 'NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT!! There is no way we could take her back, that would be just mean and cruel! How could you possibly even think of doing that?! Also, please call her by her actual name. After all that she went through, you don't need to be so rude to her.' Harmony had said back to Jove in his head, sighing. "I'm so sorry about him, Denisha. Why did the goblins need your help translating? What kind of things were you translating and what were the goblins planning?" she then asked Denisha, feeling bad that she was taken prisoner by the goblins and now left with nothing along with having lost her wizard friends to them as well.
Denisha appears on the verge of tears. "I don't...this has all just been so overwhelming. Do you think this is easy for me? My friends are dead, and I only live because apparently my brother pressured you into saving me, and..." She calms, reassured by Harmony's kind words.
"I'm sorry...I don't know why the goblins needed my help. I wasn't translating for them, I was actually teaching them how to speak Common and Dwarvish. I don't know if there was a reason for it, but they said it was the only way for me to live," she explains.
_____________________________________
Aisha makes her way across the city, and after obtaining some directions, finds herself at the doorstep of the Fiends' Forge. Built more roughly than the Laughing Rhino, the tavern's doors are sagging on their hinges, and rowdy laughter can be heard from hundreds of feet away. Stepping inside, she sees dozens of dwarves crowding the bar and tables within, drinking heartily in the early evening. There are also a handful of gnomes, and a few of the tabaxi-like humanoids that form the bulk of Ruskivek's populace.
Harmony had seen Denisha start to cry and talk about how this has been so overwhelming for her, her friends dead and only living because Fritjof pressured them into saving her. Now she was even more disappointed in Jove, making a girl cry like this. She then heard that Denisha didn't know why, not translating for them but just teaching them how to speak Common and Dwarvish. She could understand learning Common, but why would goblins need to know Dwarvish as well? Are they working with Dwarves or looking into information/treasure that would belong to them? "Oh, really? That seems like it may be important, you should let your brother know of that too. But don't cry. I really am sorry that we couldn't save your friends. Try to get back to your wizard studies so that you can become a great wizard and be able to defend yourself easier. If you ever need any help after we save the world, feel free to call us. Oh actually since it's likely that we may not leave until tomorrow, you should watch me perform later. That'll cheer you up!" Harmony had then said back to Denisha with a big old grin as she gently patted the other's shoulder.
((OOC - If Aisha had been there she would have made one snarky comment about hos Denny had such faith in her friends lives :x))
Aisha would be a bit taken aback by the condition of the place, it wasn't quite what she expected. She was anticipating something more akin to a hunters lodge, or some rich persons fancy. Instead it was a bar, that was apparently on the verge of disrepair, or at-least well on it's way to it. Regardless, she would make her way in, after pulling her hood over her face to hide most, if not all of it's features from view, even from those she was speaking to. Keeping an eye on everyone around her subtly, especially the other Tabaxi-like folk. With Tsavi having been commanded to wait outside and hide, and remain quiet (stealth: 29), keeping her ears perched for particular words such as 'mug or attack' or other similarly meaning words as she made her way to the barkeep or whomever seemed to be running the place at the time.
Mmn... Grreetings. This one is here about the hunt. She wishes to join in it, but does not know the.. ceremony, Sign up, or whatever you wish to call it. Regardless, she wishes to join and wants to know the details, rules, and such.
"I do not know, but I do not think Jove was making a serious suggestion," Abraxas says to his friends. "Denisha," he says to her, "thank you for your willingness to share your knowledge of the Weave. We should exchange what we know, increasing both our skills. My friends and I will probably be traveling again, but when we are next back here, you and I should trade spells."
Abraxas wants to buy more rations and prepare to go back to saving the world.
Jove will retire for the day and go meditate in the inn. He wants to get on with saving the world. He will pray to Gabrielle or anyone else. I don't know what he is explicitly searching for, but some guidance would be cool. (I am honestly okay with such a vague request to be met with nothing. Maybe I'm just getting on Gabrielle's good side)
"We got ourselfs another hunter!" The dwarf barman shouts, followed by a clamor of dwarves responding to the call by shouting and slamming their mugs and fists on their tables.
"Ye certainly look the part. 'Ere. Jus' sign yer name 'ere, and ye take this, this'll get ye to Vandyr while the Hunt is on, ye take it to the Order of Thalassy and they'll let ye pass free o' charge. The rules are simple: Ye take the heads o' basilisks, hydras, or wyverns. The biggest o' each heads get mounted fer all to see at the Mayor's Hall. Each o' those trophies gets a hunnerd gold pieces," he explains. "Ye only got a few days left afore it ends."
____________________________________
OOC: What would Abraxas, Harmony, and Olive like to do for the evening? If you would like to resupply, just let me know how many rations, etc. you would like to purchase. I'll resolve Jove's meditation along with the others, and Aisha's return to the Order of Thalassa.
Aisha would take the pen or pencil or charcoal or whatever it ended up being, and would carefully scribble a rough estimation of her name, being one of those few beings who could read well, but lacked the ability to write. If not for her fur, a blush of embarrassment would have been plain to see. When she was done, she wasn't sure how well it had came out but hoped it would work well enough to be passable. Taking the paper as instructed, she would look to the dwarf, though still not quite enough to see her face fully, seeing how everyone reacted, these dwarves didn't seem like bad people.... and so she kept her hands to herself. That didn't always save people from her occasional kleptomania, but this time... Offering him a nod, she would say T-thank you, uh, Mister Dwarf. Aisha would have already had one to show if not for... her eyes trailed to her small arms, and tiny frame. Neverrrmind. This one will do her best.
As she leaves, she does take a moment to look around once more, looking for anyone who seemed out of place.. perhaps a noble in hiding, or a more shadowy figure. (Perc: 6) and would note their features, race, and so forth if anyone caught the eye of the tiger.
Once outside, unless stopped, she would call Tsavi out from her perfect hiding, somehow blending in with the shadows of a nearby alley, likely startling a few people as a living shadow escaped and formed into a panther. Aisha heading back to the order, which luckily enough was also the destination for the entry. Aisha would have to ask the others if she could take a detour by herself to collect a head at some point.... since they already had, and both her and Tsavi were fast, if nothing else.
Making her way into the Order, Aisha would head to wherever the front desk was, and if she wasn't already there, would inquire the nearest person where the lady she had spoken to with the group was before currently was. Whether waiting there, or seeking her out, when Aisha finally did meet her, Aisha would hand her the hunt entry form, letting her know of her interest, and politely touching on the topic of the 'magic item hunt' she had spoken to her about before they departed last time.
OOC: 20 days of rations and 40 arrows have been added to Olive's inventory, and 12 gp removed. Note that Olive is over her carrying capacity, and will need to get rid of some weight before adventuring.
5 days of rations have been added to Harmony's inventory and 2 gp and 5 sp removed.
20 days of rations have been added to Abraxas's inventory and 10 gp removed.
Harmony Performance:26
At the Laughing Rhino that night, Abraxas studies his spells in his room while Jove meditates in his room and Olive readies herself for bed in her own. The sounds of Harmony's music resound through the floorboards, a spirited performance that has the whole tavern cheering and clapping.
For Jove:
The symbol of Gabrielle slowly becomes warmer and more familiar to you over the course of your meditation. Tracing its lines, and clearing your mind allows you to focus on the task at hand. Your mind is filled with a picture of the moon Vandyr as you know it, but from a bird's eye view of the landscape. It's as if you yourself are flying over the barren, volcanic lands.
From this vantage point, you note what looks at first like a massive crater. As your view grows closer, however, you realize it is not a crater, but a dried up body of water in the middle of a valley. Some sort of settlement has been built within, full of lizardfolk and salamanders. As you fly over the settlement, you see human sacrifice, you see portals shimmering into view all throughout the valley, hydra and naga and fire elementals pouring through to a world beyond, and at the end of it all, you see a large structure of wood, a dam that has been built to block the water that formerly filled this valley.
Beyond the wall, Vandyr looks quite different. Though not lush by Rikirta or Toril's standards, the land is nowhere near as barren as the desolate lands you've seen. An image flits through your mind of the dam breaking, water rushing through to pound at the settlement below. One by one, the portals blink out of view - and then, the image of Vandyr fades as you snap out of your trance in a cold sweat, your fingers nearly bleeding from a constant grip on Gabrielle's symbol. You're not sure how long your meditation lasted, but the sounds of drinking, laughter, and Harmony's music have been replaced by the dead quiet of night.
________________________________
Nobody seems out of place to Aisha in the Fiends' Forge. Most of the patrons bear the clothing, calluses, and attitude of simple craftsmen.
The sun sets during her walk to the Order of Thalassa. Mitsi is hard to miss at the front desk, the short old human woman hard at work. She scowls and answers, "Well I'm glad you're having fun and all hunting, but you don't need a slip to get to Vandyr, you know. Your friend Abraxas is a member of our order now, and I don't mean to revoke your access unless you give me reason to."
"Ah, yes, I put your money to good use, you know. Been searching far and wide for leads," she says, grinning widely when Aisha mentions the search for magic items. "It's nigh impossible to just find a powerful item like that, you know, but you're in luck. I spoke with the Order of Skogyr in Lyrikav, a city in Tir Na Gren. They're an arcane guild, like us, and it just so happens that they're looking for help with an investigation. They want help exploring some ruins nearby, a tower they call Turmaether. Now there are a lot of rumors floating around about this place, that a great master will master the citadel and lead the forces of light, that the last person to enter Turmaether became a deity...now most of these sound like balderdash, but there's one rumor that the Order of Skogyr is certain of: There are powerful weapons of light within, weapons that they don't want in the wrong hands. They're offering a good price for anything recovered, and you can keep what you like. I've got a contact for you too, some bard, named...More Juice Beer? That's what it sounded like, anyway. I know you're not up to speed on geography around here, but Tir Na Gren is practically on the edge of the world. The quickest way there is to pass through Meerwald and get yourself on a ship through the Hagalaz Sea."
Aisha would listen raptly, as for the most part, even if 'baulderdash' such stories were always interesting, and mortals have risen to deity-dom before.... Aisha would, however, begin to show signs of disappointment. Not at her discovery, but the fact that this discovery was very likely FAR, FAR away. Aisha's mind kept flitting back through the details, the contacts name being especially unique... so either this person was part of some family or tribe that was 'like that' or the contacts name sounded one way, but wasn't spelled the way it came off. This put Aisha in a tough spot. Especially considering her recent verbal assailment of a certain guard captain. Offering Mitsi a smile, Aisha would finally respond: Mmm.. This one finds this discovery both...pleasant and horrible. Aisha thanks you for your hard worrk. And Yes, Aisha knows she does nyot require such a pass to get to Vandyr, but Aisha would also not like to hear "you did nyot turn in your slip, and thus you get no credit or reward' or some cattail like such, you know? Better safe than sorrrry. Sadly your revelation has given Aisha much to think on. Therre is one question .. maybe two, Aisha feels she must ask... Considerrign the best possible conditions, and no 'hiccups' how long would it take to get from here to there under the absolute most ideal conditions, and what would an estimate be on the worst conditions, stalling, etc? Aisha wishes to know a rough.. min-max if this makes sense as it will factor into her consideration considerrrrably. And trravel expenses? You mentioned a boat or ship etceterrrra.
Also which side of the world is this contact on? here within the city? or on the other end?
After Aisha got her answers, she would apologize to Mitsi for the bother, casting Goodberry (x10) and placing them on the desk as a sort of thank-you snack. You have been of grrreat assistance Misti, please, do have fun the rest of your time awake today!
Aisha would then make her way out, heading to the Laughing Rhino to get a real bed for the night. Bringing Tsavi in with her, who of course, also slept on the bed. However, if the place had or offered a bathing area.. Aisha would take full advantage of it before sleeping. And just before bed, Aisha would reach out to the Cat lord with her mind, seeking her peoples patron, asking him for guidance if he would deign to offer it to his wandering child. Curious why she was chosen out of the many, and asking about the 'being' considered a deity here that had summoned her. Something something .. shadow... What was its name again?
In the morning, when Aisha would wake up, she intends to go meet with Mr Captain of the Guard, to make sure he delivers on his end. And .. based on how well or poorly he delivers... will determine what Aisha does next.
"This contact is in Lyrikav, at the Order of Skogyr. It would take, oh, maybe a couple of months if you hurried through. If you really took your time it could take three or four, I suppose. Meerwald is a port city, there are plenty of ships available, and probably not too steep in price. Lyrikav is a popular destination, too," Mitsi answers.
As Aisha ruminates that night, the name of the new city rings like a beacon in her mind. Whether it be guidance from her deity, the new deity that summoned her, or her own curiosity, one thing is certain: Lyrikav holds an answer to...something.
The night passes peacefully, and morning brings you together again in the common room of the Laughing Rhino.
OOC: Each character has received the benefits of a long rest. 1 gp has been removed from all inventories but Harmony's for the night at the inn.
Aisha wakes up, feeling rested, and a bit torn... The fate of this world, and their own was in the balance, but they -the party- had no idea 'when' it was supposed to take place. Which made choosing other paths frustratingly difficult - as one too many side-excursions would doom two realms. Aisha's hand idly petted along Tsavi's head, neck, and back as she considered these implications. And.. Aisha wasn't used to having to consider discussing the 'where to go's' with others... She was used to just following her heart, and the catlord's whimsies. But it was possible this was all the catlords whimsy... Aisha shook her head, overwhelmed a bit, kissing the bridge of Tsavi's nose, before, with a sigh, exiting her room, and heading downstairs. If there was some form of 'continental/complimentary breakfast' she (and Tsavi) would pause long enough to partake in it, but it was clear, she had somewhere to be, and plenty on her mind.
Aisha would then head to where Fritjolf was supposed to be going to meet up with him. Aisha was determined to make sure they got as decent a reward as possible. And.. if on the way there.. Aisha spotted a street merchant selling a "Sack" she would make sure to purchase it, as she had a moment of inspiration the night before.
She also had things to discuss with the party regardless now, but hat could be saved for later. And Aisha needed to do a bit of shopping 'after' all was said and done, as well as to confirm something with Mitsi before the party left to wherever they were going to go.
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Occassional Dungeon Master.
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Fritjof glares, "Family is everything to me. Were I able to flaunt such strength as yours, I would have charged into Xagafell myself, but it would have done Denisha no good to get myself killed as well. I am in your debt, and I assure you I will do everything in my power to ensure you are rewarded. I will see you tomorrow, if you wish."
Denisha grimaces in the silence that follows as her brother walks away. "Thank you all, truly. I wish that there was more I could do to help. I certainly don't deserve the kindness you've already shown me. I should have listened to Frit, and never set foot near those ruins, but I -- Abraxas, I would be happy to share my spells with you when I have a new spellbook in hand," she says.
Ruskivek Known Locations:
The Laughing Rhino (Inn/Tavern)
The Order of Thalassa (Arcane Guild)
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Jove speaks telepathically to all. "That's fine Aisha. We can always take Dallas back if he refuses to work with us. Those goblins would be happy to forward their invasion plan with their translator".
He speaks regularly to Denisha, "So, Delilah, why don't you tell us what you were actively helping those goblins with? What plans were you trading them?"
--- --- We want Grung! --- ---
~https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=DragonbornDoug ~
"We're not taking her back, Jove. I get that you didn't want to rescue her in the first place, but you don't have to be so hostile towards her now."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Aisha sighs, and gives Deneisha a pitied look. Aisha had no animus towards the woman herself. Just the cowardly -in her opinion- guard. Sure maybe charging in by himself wouldn't have accomplished anything but to not even come with the group? Pitiful coward. Aisha lets the group know she'll be busy until around midnight or so, maybe less. Aisha and Tsavi make thier way out of the north post area, and would head to where the 'hunt' sign up area was located. She figured if they were going back to the place the hunt was to take place anyway... she may as well try to come back and potentially win something. Assuming the place wasn't closed, and with posters and signs about it here and there (if I recall) the location shouldn't be difficult to find, and find out when it's taking place, what the rules are, etc.
((OOC - Depending on what there is to reply to in character, the following will happen only after the above is taken care of.))
Aisha's next course of action would be to head to the guild and see if her 'item hunt' was successful on the Thallasa side.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Harmony didn't like that Jove kept calling Denisha anything but her actual name, listening to Aisha warn Fritjof against underestimating the creatures before berating him about how saving his sister cost them time with little reward and how he would be at fault if they fail their mission, asking for compensation. "Aisha, I'm sure that he will give us something as a reward." she had said to her before hearing Fritjof question that they only did this for the money. "Of course we wanted to save Denisha, it definitely wasn't about the money. It wouldn't be right to let a brother and sister be separated after all." she said back to him. Then she listened to Aisha, very surprised to hear that she is looking for her sister who has been missing for years. "I had no idea. When we get back home after all this, do you want help looking for her?" Harmony had said to her, feeling bad for the other at having lost her family and trying to find them to this day. Harmony had heard as Fritjof said that he would make sure that they get rewarded before walking away, hearing Denisha thank them. "It's fine, really. We only did what anyone would." she said back to her with a nod and a smile. But then she had heard Jove in her head talk about taking Denisha back if Fritjof refuses to work with them, the goblins happy to forward the plan with their translator as she was completely shocked. She was also annoyed as he again keeps calling Denisha by anything other than her name, pouting. 'NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT!! There is no way we could take her back, that would be just mean and cruel! How could you possibly even think of doing that?! Also, please call her by her actual name. After all that she went through, you don't need to be so rude to her.' Harmony had said back to Jove in his head, sighing. "I'm so sorry about him, Denisha. Why did the goblins need your help translating? What kind of things were you translating and what were the goblins planning?" she then asked Denisha, feeling bad that she was taken prisoner by the goblins and now left with nothing along with having lost her wizard friends to them as well.
Denisha appears on the verge of tears. "I don't...this has all just been so overwhelming. Do you think this is easy for me? My friends are dead, and I only live because apparently my brother pressured you into saving me, and..." She calms, reassured by Harmony's kind words.
"I'm sorry...I don't know why the goblins needed my help. I wasn't translating for them, I was actually teaching them how to speak Common and Dwarvish. I don't know if there was a reason for it, but they said it was the only way for me to live," she explains.
_____________________________________
Aisha makes her way across the city, and after obtaining some directions, finds herself at the doorstep of the Fiends' Forge. Built more roughly than the Laughing Rhino, the tavern's doors are sagging on their hinges, and rowdy laughter can be heard from hundreds of feet away. Stepping inside, she sees dozens of dwarves crowding the bar and tables within, drinking heartily in the early evening. There are also a handful of gnomes, and a few of the tabaxi-like humanoids that form the bulk of Ruskivek's populace.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Harmony had seen Denisha start to cry and talk about how this has been so overwhelming for her, her friends dead and only living because Fritjof pressured them into saving her. Now she was even more disappointed in Jove, making a girl cry like this. She then heard that Denisha didn't know why, not translating for them but just teaching them how to speak Common and Dwarvish. She could understand learning Common, but why would goblins need to know Dwarvish as well? Are they working with Dwarves or looking into information/treasure that would belong to them? "Oh, really? That seems like it may be important, you should let your brother know of that too. But don't cry. I really am sorry that we couldn't save your friends. Try to get back to your wizard studies so that you can become a great wizard and be able to defend yourself easier. If you ever need any help after we save the world, feel free to call us. Oh actually since it's likely that we may not leave until tomorrow, you should watch me perform later. That'll cheer you up!" Harmony had then said back to Denisha with a big old grin as she gently patted the other's shoulder.
((OOC - If Aisha had been there she would have made one snarky comment about hos Denny had such faith in her friends lives :x))
Aisha would be a bit taken aback by the condition of the place, it wasn't quite what she expected. She was anticipating something more akin to a hunters lodge, or some rich persons fancy. Instead it was a bar, that was apparently on the verge of disrepair, or at-least well on it's way to it. Regardless, she would make her way in, after pulling her hood over her face to hide most, if not all of it's features from view, even from those she was speaking to. Keeping an eye on everyone around her subtly, especially the other Tabaxi-like folk. With Tsavi having been commanded to wait outside and hide, and remain quiet (stealth: 29), keeping her ears perched for particular words such as 'mug or attack' or other similarly meaning words as she made her way to the barkeep or whomever seemed to be running the place at the time.
Mmn... Grreetings. This one is here about the hunt. She wishes to join in it, but does not know the.. ceremony, Sign up, or whatever you wish to call it. Regardless, she wishes to join and wants to know the details, rules, and such.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"I do not know, but I do not think Jove was making a serious suggestion," Abraxas says to his friends. "Denisha," he says to her, "thank you for your willingness to share your knowledge of the Weave. We should exchange what we know, increasing both our skills. My friends and I will probably be traveling again, but when we are next back here, you and I should trade spells."
Abraxas wants to buy more rations and prepare to go back to saving the world.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Jove will retire for the day and go meditate in the inn. He wants to get on with saving the world. He will pray to Gabrielle or anyone else. I don't know what he is explicitly searching for, but some guidance would be cool. (I am honestly okay with such a vague request to be met with nothing. Maybe I'm just getting on Gabrielle's good side)
--- --- We want Grung! --- ---
~https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=DragonbornDoug ~
"We got ourselfs another hunter!" The dwarf barman shouts, followed by a clamor of dwarves responding to the call by shouting and slamming their mugs and fists on their tables.
"Ye certainly look the part. 'Ere. Jus' sign yer name 'ere, and ye take this, this'll get ye to Vandyr while the Hunt is on, ye take it to the Order of Thalassy and they'll let ye pass free o' charge. The rules are simple: Ye take the heads o' basilisks, hydras, or wyverns. The biggest o' each heads get mounted fer all to see at the Mayor's Hall. Each o' those trophies gets a hunnerd gold pieces," he explains. "Ye only got a few days left afore it ends."
____________________________________
OOC: What would Abraxas, Harmony, and Olive like to do for the evening? If you would like to resupply, just let me know how many rations, etc. you would like to purchase. I'll resolve Jove's meditation along with the others, and Aisha's return to the Order of Thalassa.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Olive will buy 20 rations and 40 arrows before heading to bed.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Harmony will buy another 5 rations and then do a little performance in town for everyone including Denisha before going to bed.
Abraxas will buy 20 rations. He will study his spells and write in his journal before sleeping.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Aisha would take the pen or pencil or charcoal or whatever it ended up being, and would carefully scribble a rough estimation of her name, being one of those few beings who could read well, but lacked the ability to write. If not for her fur, a blush of embarrassment would have been plain to see. When she was done, she wasn't sure how well it had came out but hoped it would work well enough to be passable. Taking the paper as instructed, she would look to the dwarf, though still not quite enough to see her face fully, seeing how everyone reacted, these dwarves didn't seem like bad people.... and so she kept her hands to herself. That didn't always save people from her occasional kleptomania, but this time... Offering him a nod, she would say T-thank you, uh, Mister Dwarf. Aisha would have already had one to show if not for... her eyes trailed to her small arms, and tiny frame. Neverrrmind. This one will do her best.
As she leaves, she does take a moment to look around once more, looking for anyone who seemed out of place.. perhaps a noble in hiding, or a more shadowy figure. (Perc: 6) and would note their features, race, and so forth if anyone caught the eye of the tiger.
Once outside, unless stopped, she would call Tsavi out from her perfect hiding, somehow blending in with the shadows of a nearby alley, likely startling a few people as a living shadow escaped and formed into a panther. Aisha heading back to the order, which luckily enough was also the destination for the entry. Aisha would have to ask the others if she could take a detour by herself to collect a head at some point.... since they already had, and both her and Tsavi were fast, if nothing else.
Making her way into the Order, Aisha would head to wherever the front desk was, and if she wasn't already there, would inquire the nearest person where the lady she had spoken to with the group was before currently was. Whether waiting there, or seeking her out, when Aisha finally did meet her, Aisha would hand her the hunt entry form, letting her know of her interest, and politely touching on the topic of the 'magic item hunt' she had spoken to her about before they departed last time.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
OOC: 20 days of rations and 40 arrows have been added to Olive's inventory, and 12 gp removed. Note that Olive is over her carrying capacity, and will need to get rid of some weight before adventuring.
5 days of rations have been added to Harmony's inventory and 2 gp and 5 sp removed.
20 days of rations have been added to Abraxas's inventory and 10 gp removed.
Harmony Performance: 26
At the Laughing Rhino that night, Abraxas studies his spells in his room while Jove meditates in his room and Olive readies herself for bed in her own. The sounds of Harmony's music resound through the floorboards, a spirited performance that has the whole tavern cheering and clapping.
For Jove:
The symbol of Gabrielle slowly becomes warmer and more familiar to you over the course of your meditation. Tracing its lines, and clearing your mind allows you to focus on the task at hand. Your mind is filled with a picture of the moon Vandyr as you know it, but from a bird's eye view of the landscape. It's as if you yourself are flying over the barren, volcanic lands.
From this vantage point, you note what looks at first like a massive crater. As your view grows closer, however, you realize it is not a crater, but a dried up body of water in the middle of a valley. Some sort of settlement has been built within, full of lizardfolk and salamanders. As you fly over the settlement, you see human sacrifice, you see portals shimmering into view all throughout the valley, hydra and naga and fire elementals pouring through to a world beyond, and at the end of it all, you see a large structure of wood, a dam that has been built to block the water that formerly filled this valley.
Beyond the wall, Vandyr looks quite different. Though not lush by Rikirta or Toril's standards, the land is nowhere near as barren as the desolate lands you've seen. An image flits through your mind of the dam breaking, water rushing through to pound at the settlement below. One by one, the portals blink out of view - and then, the image of Vandyr fades as you snap out of your trance in a cold sweat, your fingers nearly bleeding from a constant grip on Gabrielle's symbol. You're not sure how long your meditation lasted, but the sounds of drinking, laughter, and Harmony's music have been replaced by the dead quiet of night.
________________________________
Nobody seems out of place to Aisha in the Fiends' Forge. Most of the patrons bear the clothing, calluses, and attitude of simple craftsmen.
The sun sets during her walk to the Order of Thalassa. Mitsi is hard to miss at the front desk, the short old human woman hard at work. She scowls and answers, "Well I'm glad you're having fun and all hunting, but you don't need a slip to get to Vandyr, you know. Your friend Abraxas is a member of our order now, and I don't mean to revoke your access unless you give me reason to."
"Ah, yes, I put your money to good use, you know. Been searching far and wide for leads," she says, grinning widely when Aisha mentions the search for magic items. "It's nigh impossible to just find a powerful item like that, you know, but you're in luck. I spoke with the Order of Skogyr in Lyrikav, a city in Tir Na Gren. They're an arcane guild, like us, and it just so happens that they're looking for help with an investigation. They want help exploring some ruins nearby, a tower they call Turmaether. Now there are a lot of rumors floating around about this place, that a great master will master the citadel and lead the forces of light, that the last person to enter Turmaether became a deity...now most of these sound like balderdash, but there's one rumor that the Order of Skogyr is certain of: There are powerful weapons of light within, weapons that they don't want in the wrong hands. They're offering a good price for anything recovered, and you can keep what you like. I've got a contact for you too, some bard, named...More Juice Beer? That's what it sounded like, anyway. I know you're not up to speed on geography around here, but Tir Na Gren is practically on the edge of the world. The quickest way there is to pass through Meerwald and get yourself on a ship through the Hagalaz Sea."
OOC: Where is Aisha staying for the night?
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OOC: Jove can carry some of Olive's rations if you want.
--- --- We want Grung! --- ---
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Aisha would listen raptly, as for the most part, even if 'baulderdash' such stories were always interesting, and mortals have risen to deity-dom before.... Aisha would, however, begin to show signs of disappointment. Not at her discovery, but the fact that this discovery was very likely FAR, FAR away. Aisha's mind kept flitting back through the details, the contacts name being especially unique... so either this person was part of some family or tribe that was 'like that' or the contacts name sounded one way, but wasn't spelled the way it came off. This put Aisha in a tough spot. Especially considering her recent verbal assailment of a certain guard captain. Offering Mitsi a smile, Aisha would finally respond: Mmm.. This one finds this discovery both...pleasant and horrible. Aisha thanks you for your hard worrk. And Yes, Aisha knows she does nyot require such a pass to get to Vandyr, but Aisha would also not like to hear "you did nyot turn in your slip, and thus you get no credit or reward' or some cattail like such, you know? Better safe than sorrrry. Sadly your revelation has given Aisha much to think on. Therre is one question .. maybe two, Aisha feels she must ask... Considerrign the best possible conditions, and no 'hiccups' how long would it take to get from here to there under the absolute most ideal conditions, and what would an estimate be on the worst conditions, stalling, etc? Aisha wishes to know a rough.. min-max if this makes sense as it will factor into her consideration considerrrrably. And trravel expenses? You mentioned a boat or ship etceterrrra.
Also which side of the world is this contact on? here within the city? or on the other end?
After Aisha got her answers, she would apologize to Mitsi for the bother, casting Goodberry (x10) and placing them on the desk as a sort of thank-you snack. You have been of grrreat assistance Misti, please, do have fun the rest of your time awake today!
Aisha would then make her way out, heading to the Laughing Rhino to get a real bed for the night. Bringing Tsavi in with her, who of course, also slept on the bed. However, if the place had or offered a bathing area.. Aisha would take full advantage of it before sleeping. And just before bed, Aisha would reach out to the Cat lord with her mind, seeking her peoples patron, asking him for guidance if he would deign to offer it to his wandering child. Curious why she was chosen out of the many, and asking about the 'being' considered a deity here that had summoned her. Something something .. shadow... What was its name again?
In the morning, when Aisha would wake up, she intends to go meet with Mr Captain of the Guard, to make sure he delivers on his end. And .. based on how well or poorly he delivers... will determine what Aisha does next.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"This contact is in Lyrikav, at the Order of Skogyr. It would take, oh, maybe a couple of months if you hurried through. If you really took your time it could take three or four, I suppose. Meerwald is a port city, there are plenty of ships available, and probably not too steep in price. Lyrikav is a popular destination, too," Mitsi answers.
As Aisha ruminates that night, the name of the new city rings like a beacon in her mind. Whether it be guidance from her deity, the new deity that summoned her, or her own curiosity, one thing is certain: Lyrikav holds an answer to...something.
The night passes peacefully, and morning brings you together again in the common room of the Laughing Rhino.
OOC: Each character has received the benefits of a long rest. 1 gp has been removed from all inventories but Harmony's for the night at the inn.
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Aisha wakes up, feeling rested, and a bit torn... The fate of this world, and their own was in the balance, but they -the party- had no idea 'when' it was supposed to take place. Which made choosing other paths frustratingly difficult - as one too many side-excursions would doom two realms. Aisha's hand idly petted along Tsavi's head, neck, and back as she considered these implications. And.. Aisha wasn't used to having to consider discussing the 'where to go's' with others... She was used to just following her heart, and the catlord's whimsies. But it was possible this was all the catlords whimsy... Aisha shook her head, overwhelmed a bit, kissing the bridge of Tsavi's nose, before, with a sigh, exiting her room, and heading downstairs. If there was some form of 'continental/complimentary breakfast' she (and Tsavi) would pause long enough to partake in it, but it was clear, she had somewhere to be, and plenty on her mind.
Aisha would then head to where Fritjolf was supposed to be going to meet up with him. Aisha was determined to make sure they got as decent a reward as possible. And.. if on the way there.. Aisha spotted a street merchant selling a "Sack" she would make sure to purchase it, as she had a moment of inspiration the night before.
She also had things to discuss with the party regardless now, but hat could be saved for later. And Aisha needed to do a bit of shopping 'after' all was said and done, as well as to confirm something with Mitsi before the party left to wherever they were going to go.
Occassional Dungeon Master.