Badger listens intently to Syndra's account, rubbing his nose thoughtfully. "People who were dead are dying again. Of course! That must be the meaning of the rotten apple I bit into last tenday..." Swinging his legs from his seat on the couch, he raises his hand, coughs politely, and asks in his gravelly voice:
Urgh, pardon me, my lady. The name is Badger, if you please. I have some questions. If you are dying of this curse, why not arrange for someone to raise you again? Have any of the clerics attempted to make contact with the spirits of those who have died? Has any effort been made to divine the location of this Soulmonger?
At this last, from a leather pouch Badger draws a small obsidian stone with a string attached, and starts swinging it back and forth, observing its pendulum motion.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Syndra responds to Badger, "I'm afraid that when they finally succumb, they can not be raised again. In fact, no one can be raised at all. Temples and scholars of divine magic are at a loss to explain the curse. Trying to make contact with spirits seems to work, though I've been told you're speaking with the echo of the soul in a body, not the actual soul. Attempts to find the persons actual soul all fail. It doesn't seem to effect the undead of the land. As to divining the location, well...indeed, as mentioned, powerful Harpers believe one location of this Soulmonger may be the peninsula of Chult. I'm afraid anything more specific isn't known at the moment. And so i ask you to head to Chult and find it."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Barty has been quiet this time, hanging in the corner as he is accustomed. When asked for questions, he ponders and paces a bit. “Do we know if there are any leads on how to find this Soulmonger? Are there any other Magic’s that have been effected. Any lore about its origins? What did my mother use for a weapon?” He looks quizzically as he barrages his host with questions.
Sir Darak Darkhall: Even less accustom to introducing himself, Darak tries his best to remember the words Gregory always would recite. Stepping forward confidently past the others, the Knight grasps Syndra's frail hand gently and says, "I present to you, Sir..."
Pausing a moment to gather himself, he starts again, "I beg your pardon... I am Sir Darak Darkhall, Son of Dartleth Darkhall, Champion of Tyr, Warden of the Deep and Knight of the Realm. I do hereby pledge my blade to your most righteous cause, my lady." Bowing gracefully for a man clad in heavy armor, Darak lifts the lady's hand to his lips, planting a single soft kiss upon the leathery flesh.
Hmm, most intriguing. Very interesting, mumbles Badger, although it is unclear whether he is referring to Syndra's answers, or to his observations of the pendulum. He hops off the couch, and while the conversation continues, he walks past each of the newcomers, swinging the pendulum and rubbing his nose or stroking his beard knowingly. He clucks most approvingly as he passes Kaspaatu, but shakes his head with dismay as he passes Sickle, murmuring under his breath. Finally he resumes his seat and quietly mutters: So let it be. An aura of destiny surrounds each of us here (well, most of us).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"I am Kasaaptu, an acquaintance in PASSING of your friend Cassandra. I am here at her behest."
She considers the word Soulmonger....what kind of power that object must possess...
" Is there information on who or what controls the soulmonger? I am surely interested in solving this mystery and striking this evil thing from this plane "
Syndra takes the various queries in stride, taking a moment to consider each response, before speaking. She smiles kindly to Sir Darak Darkhalls proclamation and kiss.
"Well, son of Balinda, I'm afraid not. The Chultan peninsula is a large, untamed wild jungle, infested with undead, monstrous lizards, terrible insects, and awful disease. And we will need to search through it's depths to find clues to the whereabouts of this evil." She pauses, considering his next question, "I am not aware of other magic that has been affected. I think if it was anything significant, we would know. As for lore about it's origins, I'm afraid not, it's mysterious and unknown." She smiles kindly at the last answer, "Your mother was particularly skilled with the hand crossbow. It would seem as if, at times she would send a barrage of bolts at our enemies in a single moment, so quick was she at firing and reloading it. It was magnificent to see. She was also quiet the climber. Hopefully her son has captured some of her talents."
She waits for Darak to complete his ceremonial pledge before nodding graciously with a smile, "Darak, I dare think that this group of young adventurers will need your bravery and skill. We gladly accept your pledge, and hold you to it. Though trudging through a hot jungle in that armor may make you wish you'd chosen otherwise."
Finally she regards Kasaaptu sadly, "So Cassandra is gone." She sighs heavily. "Thank you for coming. I don't know what relationship you had with her, but that you are brave enough to be willing to stay and help this cause, I feel it must have been strong. No one here should doubt your heart. Sadly we have little information on this thing. It will be important for us to discover as much as we can."
She addresses the whole group, "I have a map of the peninsula. Unfortunately much of it is just...empty and unknown. But at least it will give us some guidance. You've all been quite polite and truly admirable volunteering for this work. Know that if we conquer this evil and I remain in this world, I will gladly reward each of you with an item of great value. Though I know this is not required, it will be my honor to provide you with at least a symbolic token of the wonderous bravery you'll have exhibited completing this quest. Are there any other questions?"
Sickle had been standing in a corner, absently rubbing the leaf of a potted hanging vine in the corner. He is silent for a moment while the others ask their questions, then steps forward and says, “My lady, what you ask is difficult, but I for one am willing to assist in this matter. My mother explained to me before I left the Spine that the world was in upheaval, but she and the other druids couldn’t sense why. This must be it.”
He paused for a moment and thought, then continued, “How far to this peninsula? Have you arranged for travel or are we to take care of that? And finally, and I hate to ask this of someone facing what you are, but preparations of an expedition like this could prove to be expensive. I don’t mean to be presumptuouss...while I have some gold of my own, and I’m sure we can pool some resources, do you have any resources to offer in this endeavor?”
Silas looks at Syndra than at everyone else, sighing a bit as he was poised for action but found no one else was, After a few moment to ingest what been said speaks himself. "As you would not request assistance without proper preparation like a traveling accommodation towards this Chult. Any information you have on the country from it's wildlife to religions would be a great help I believe. As you obtain a map but it is blank, we will be venture into the unknown then even a tidbit of information matters greatly,"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
"Seems to me time is of the essence and we should prepare to leave as soon as possible. I am sure we will be able to discover the knowledge we seek in the jungles of Chult."
She downs her glass of wine and can barely suppress her excitement in the possibilities this new land and quest will bring. She should have the opportunity to collect samples and reagents useful for her magic studies. She wonders which demons call Chult their domain.
Syndra smiles at the statement of dedication and bravery, "I could not expect you to journey there in any traditional manner. I grow weaker by the day, and though I wish this problem solved for all people, it would be nice were I to survive to see it done. Therefore, I have acquired the means to teleport all of us to the largest city in the region, Port Nyanzaru. It is also the only city, at least the only city not laying hidden and ruined beneath the jungle. We can make arrangements in Port Nyanzaru, and I believe it would suit us all to learn what we need on the ground there. I'm not terribly familiar with Chult, but I do know it's hot, the air is thick, the people are strange, and the jungles are wild and hazardous. The giant lizards they use in replace of oxen or other beast of burden are fierce, and can tear a man apart easily. The city used to belong to the Amn nation, but nearly ten years ago they relinquished control to a wealthy and powerful consortium of traders. It is a rich city, with much wealth flowing in and out of its walls as they trade their wares all up the sword coast. I will arrange for all of us, including myself to be teleported to the city. From there, I have made arrangements to stay with the merchant prince Wakanga O'tamu. There are two inns I suggest you then secure rooms at, either the Thundering Lizard or Kaya's House of Repose, depending on wether you want a raucous time and interactions with locals, or a good night sleep. To answer your question Cleric of Torm, I can provide 50 gold each to manage supplies and the like. I will provide that on our arrival in Chult. Time is of the essence. I would like to leave tomorrow morning, leaving you this evening to acquire anything you think you might not find at Port Nyanzaru. Though, I have to say, you can acquire almost anything there, aside from perhaps a fur coat. If you have more questions, I can answer them, otherwise, 8am tomorrow morning, please be prompt."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Sickle listened carefully, intrigued, then said, “Your genrousity is much appreciated, my lady. I am ready immediately, unless my comrades wish to resolve anythiNo here. There is nothing for me in this city.”
"I am prepared to leave at any moment but I would a message sent to the church, informing them of my department to his Chult," Silas responses quickly with little thought, "Should we leave tomorrow than I will take my leave and return to the church for the night"
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
I shall return on the morrow, says Badger, once I have consulted the oracles once more. This quest may more likely succeed if we forsee the dangers ahead.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Badger retired to a small alcove in the alley beside the furniture shop. A large half-finished oaken chiffonier leaned against the outer wall, and with some discarded upholstery linen, Badger creating a comfortable dry space underneath that would serve as his lodging for the night. He drew out a deck of cards that he'd traded from a Barovian ***** some months earlier, and shuffled them thoroughly. Badger decided he would begin by peering into the future of his potential companions. A two-card draw should suffice...
First for the tiefling. Already the fates had illuminated this one, so he wasn't surprised by his first draw. The inverted Marionette and the Enchanter. A most auspicious combination! The very strings of destiny were in her grasp, and her charm would sway many to aid in her victory.
Next he drew for the knight, Sir Darak. The Hooded one and the Priest. Interesting! Despite the confidence inherent in his piety, his doom would come from a quarter unlooked-for.
The third draw was for the cleric of Torm. Abjurer and Berserker. Alas, another harbinger of ruin! He too would trust overmuch in the protection of his faith, but ultimately would crumble under the fury of a powerful enemy.
The halfling was next. The inverted Paladin and the inverted Swashbuckler. Two powerful cards for good but both inverted! This was an omen of tragedy. Potential allies of strength and skill would turn instead to be the means of his downfall.
Finally, he drew for the half-orc. Already the pendulum had swung unfavourably before this one, and Badger drew the cards with shaking fingers. The Anarchist and the Rogue. He gasped in alarm, dropping the remainder of the deck. Chaos and Deception! Discord and Mischief! Great emblems of misfortune and woe lay mightily on this one.
Drawing the scraps of fabric around him, Badger lay down on his makeshift bed and slept fitfully that night, heavy with the burden felt by all cursed with the gift of foresight.
The Tale of the Sparrow and the Albatross (as recounted by the renowned svirfneblin sage Bazshihir Dimwort to Kaspaatu the Tiefling)
There was a captain of a ship, starting on his first voyage as master of his vessel. Although his crew were hardy and quick to obey, his navigator was inept, and soon had them far off course. Trusting to fate, the captain and crew relied on the omens known to them. Now you may know that observation of the flight of birds can give guidance to the enlightened mind. Far out to sea though they were, the crew sighted a small sparrow. They agreed that land must be nigh, so they followed the small bird seeking its nesting-place. But though the sparrow be a symbol of clement weather, its flight was erratic and troubled, and it led them instead to water filled with ice so large as to tower above the mast of the ship.
With great fear they steered the vessel between those perilous bergs, knowing that the slightest error could breach the hull and send them to a frozen death. But behold, another bird was sighted, this time an albatross. Widely known as heralds of storms and other perils at sea, the crew at first attempted to shoot it from the sky. But the captain called for them to stay their hand, because he saw that it flew bold and true, precisely along the safest path between the precarious obstacles, and ultimately guided them to safety.
Thus it is that those aspects of the natural world that many revere can turn instead to their doom, and those that some shun and spurn can to others be a source of salvation.
Sadly, the tale doesn't end there. Once clear of the ice, one young mariner then shot the albatross anyway. Soon after the ship was becalmed and half the crew were lost to starvation and thirst. The captain made the sailor wear the dead albatross around his neck for the remainder of the voyage as penance for his folly.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Barty steps forward “I’ll be ready whenever you need me.... thing is though I already had the big goodbye moment with the folks. Would I be able to sleep here. I would love to continue to hear tales of my parents, or just a library maybe. You won’t even notice I’m here. Either way whatever you need you’ll have my full efforts, on the Baxter name.
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Badger listens intently to Syndra's account, rubbing his nose thoughtfully. "People who were dead are dying again. Of course! That must be the meaning of the rotten apple I bit into last tenday..." Swinging his legs from his seat on the couch, he raises his hand, coughs politely, and asks in his gravelly voice:
Urgh, pardon me, my lady. The name is Badger, if you please. I have some questions. If you are dying of this curse, why not arrange for someone to raise you again? Have any of the clerics attempted to make contact with the spirits of those who have died? Has any effort been made to divine the location of this Soulmonger?
At this last, from a leather pouch Badger draws a small obsidian stone with a string attached, and starts swinging it back and forth, observing its pendulum motion.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Syndra responds to Badger, "I'm afraid that when they finally succumb, they can not be raised again. In fact, no one can be raised at all. Temples and scholars of divine magic are at a loss to explain the curse. Trying to make contact with spirits seems to work, though I've been told you're speaking with the echo of the soul in a body, not the actual soul. Attempts to find the persons actual soul all fail. It doesn't seem to effect the undead of the land. As to divining the location, well...indeed, as mentioned, powerful Harpers believe one location of this Soulmonger may be the peninsula of Chult. I'm afraid anything more specific isn't known at the moment. And so i ask you to head to Chult and find it."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Barty has been quiet this time, hanging in the corner as he is accustomed. When asked for questions, he ponders and paces a bit. “Do we know if there are any leads on how to find this Soulmonger? Are there any other Magic’s that have been effected. Any lore about its origins? What did my mother use for a weapon?” He looks quizzically as he barrages his host with questions.
Sir Darak Darkhall: Even less accustom to introducing himself, Darak tries his best to remember the words Gregory always would recite. Stepping forward confidently past the others, the Knight grasps Syndra's frail hand gently and says, "I present to you, Sir..."
Pausing a moment to gather himself, he starts again, "I beg your pardon... I am Sir Darak Darkhall, Son of Dartleth Darkhall, Champion of Tyr, Warden of the Deep and Knight of the Realm. I do hereby pledge my blade to your most righteous cause, my lady." Bowing gracefully for a man clad in heavy armor, Darak lifts the lady's hand to his lips, planting a single soft kiss upon the leathery flesh.
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Hmm, most intriguing. Very interesting, mumbles Badger, although it is unclear whether he is referring to Syndra's answers, or to his observations of the pendulum. He hops off the couch, and while the conversation continues, he walks past each of the newcomers, swinging the pendulum and rubbing his nose or stroking his beard knowingly. He clucks most approvingly as he passes Kaspaatu, but shakes his head with dismay as he passes Sickle, murmuring under his breath. Finally he resumes his seat and quietly mutters: So let it be. An aura of destiny surrounds each of us here (well, most of us).
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"I am Kasaaptu, an acquaintance in PASSING of your friend Cassandra. I am here at her behest."
She considers the word Soulmonger....what kind of power that object must possess...
" Is there information on who or what controls the soulmonger? I am surely interested in solving this mystery and striking this evil thing from this plane "
Syndra takes the various queries in stride, taking a moment to consider each response, before speaking. She smiles kindly to Sir Darak Darkhalls proclamation and kiss.
"Well, son of Balinda, I'm afraid not. The Chultan peninsula is a large, untamed wild jungle, infested with undead, monstrous lizards, terrible insects, and awful disease. And we will need to search through it's depths to find clues to the whereabouts of this evil." She pauses, considering his next question, "I am not aware of other magic that has been affected. I think if it was anything significant, we would know. As for lore about it's origins, I'm afraid not, it's mysterious and unknown." She smiles kindly at the last answer, "Your mother was particularly skilled with the hand crossbow. It would seem as if, at times she would send a barrage of bolts at our enemies in a single moment, so quick was she at firing and reloading it. It was magnificent to see. She was also quiet the climber. Hopefully her son has captured some of her talents."
She waits for Darak to complete his ceremonial pledge before nodding graciously with a smile, "Darak, I dare think that this group of young adventurers will need your bravery and skill. We gladly accept your pledge, and hold you to it. Though trudging through a hot jungle in that armor may make you wish you'd chosen otherwise."
Finally she regards Kasaaptu sadly, "So Cassandra is gone." She sighs heavily. "Thank you for coming. I don't know what relationship you had with her, but that you are brave enough to be willing to stay and help this cause, I feel it must have been strong. No one here should doubt your heart. Sadly we have little information on this thing. It will be important for us to discover as much as we can."
She addresses the whole group, "I have a map of the peninsula. Unfortunately much of it is just...empty and unknown. But at least it will give us some guidance. You've all been quite polite and truly admirable volunteering for this work. Know that if we conquer this evil and I remain in this world, I will gladly reward each of you with an item of great value. Though I know this is not required, it will be my honor to provide you with at least a symbolic token of the wonderous bravery you'll have exhibited completing this quest. Are there any other questions?"
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Badger raises his hand once more, and says: Urgh ... forgive me, but ... where is Chult?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Sickle had been standing in a corner, absently rubbing the leaf of a potted hanging vine in the corner. He is silent for a moment while the others ask their questions, then steps forward and says, “My lady, what you ask is difficult, but I for one am willing to assist in this matter. My mother explained to me before I left the Spine that the world was in upheaval, but she and the other druids couldn’t sense why. This must be it.”
He paused for a moment and thought, then continued, “How far to this peninsula? Have you arranged for travel or are we to take care of that? And finally, and I hate to ask this of someone facing what you are, but preparations of an expedition like this could prove to be expensive. I don’t mean to be presumptuouss...while I have some gold of my own, and I’m sure we can pool some resources, do you have any resources to offer in this endeavor?”
Silas looks at Syndra than at everyone else, sighing a bit as he was poised for action but found no one else was, After a few moment to ingest what been said speaks himself. "As you would not request assistance without proper preparation like a traveling accommodation towards this Chult. Any information you have on the country from it's wildlife to religions would be a great help I believe. As you obtain a map but it is blank, we will be venture into the unknown then even a tidbit of information matters greatly,"
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDone"Seems to me time is of the essence and we should prepare to leave as soon as possible. I am sure we will be able to discover the knowledge we seek in the jungles of Chult."
She downs her glass of wine and can barely suppress her excitement in the possibilities this new land and quest will bring. She should have the opportunity to collect samples and reagents useful for her magic studies. She wonders which demons call Chult their domain.
Syndra smiles at the statement of dedication and bravery, "I could not expect you to journey there in any traditional manner. I grow weaker by the day, and though I wish this problem solved for all people, it would be nice were I to survive to see it done. Therefore, I have acquired the means to teleport all of us to the largest city in the region, Port Nyanzaru. It is also the only city, at least the only city not laying hidden and ruined beneath the jungle. We can make arrangements in Port Nyanzaru, and I believe it would suit us all to learn what we need on the ground there. I'm not terribly familiar with Chult, but I do know it's hot, the air is thick, the people are strange, and the jungles are wild and hazardous. The giant lizards they use in replace of oxen or other beast of burden are fierce, and can tear a man apart easily. The city used to belong to the Amn nation, but nearly ten years ago they relinquished control to a wealthy and powerful consortium of traders. It is a rich city, with much wealth flowing in and out of its walls as they trade their wares all up the sword coast. I will arrange for all of us, including myself to be teleported to the city. From there, I have made arrangements to stay with the merchant prince Wakanga O'tamu. There are two inns I suggest you then secure rooms at, either the Thundering Lizard or Kaya's House of Repose, depending on wether you want a raucous time and interactions with locals, or a good night sleep. To answer your question Cleric of Torm, I can provide 50 gold each to manage supplies and the like. I will provide that on our arrival in Chult. Time is of the essence. I would like to leave tomorrow morning, leaving you this evening to acquire anything you think you might not find at Port Nyanzaru. Though, I have to say, you can acquire almost anything there, aside from perhaps a fur coat. If you have more questions, I can answer them, otherwise, 8am tomorrow morning, please be prompt."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Sickle listened carefully, intrigued, then said, “Your genrousity is much appreciated, my lady. I am ready immediately, unless my comrades wish to resolve anythiNo here. There is nothing for me in this city.”
"I am prepared to leave at any moment but I would a message sent to the church, informing them of my department to his Chult," Silas responses quickly with little thought, "Should we leave tomorrow than I will take my leave and return to the church for the night"
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDoneI shall return on the morrow, says Badger, once I have consulted the oracles once more. This quest may more likely succeed if we forsee the dangers ahead.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Kasaaptu heads to find a quiet place to stay the night where she can prepare for the journey and get a good meal.
And she tells Badger, " I look forward to hearing the rest of the albatross story"
Badger retired to a small alcove in the alley beside the furniture shop. A large half-finished oaken chiffonier leaned against the outer wall, and with some discarded upholstery linen, Badger creating a comfortable dry space underneath that would serve as his lodging for the night. He drew out a deck of cards that he'd traded from a Barovian ***** some months earlier, and shuffled them thoroughly. Badger decided he would begin by peering into the future of his potential companions. A two-card draw should suffice...
First for the tiefling. Already the fates had illuminated this one, so he wasn't surprised by his first draw. The inverted Marionette and the Enchanter. A most auspicious combination! The very strings of destiny were in her grasp, and her charm would sway many to aid in her victory.
Next he drew for the knight, Sir Darak. The Hooded one and the Priest. Interesting! Despite the confidence inherent in his piety, his doom would come from a quarter unlooked-for.
The third draw was for the cleric of Torm. Abjurer and Berserker. Alas, another harbinger of ruin! He too would trust overmuch in the protection of his faith, but ultimately would crumble under the fury of a powerful enemy.
The halfling was next. The inverted Paladin and the inverted Swashbuckler. Two powerful cards for good but both inverted! This was an omen of tragedy. Potential allies of strength and skill would turn instead to be the means of his downfall.
Finally, he drew for the half-orc. Already the pendulum had swung unfavourably before this one, and Badger drew the cards with shaking fingers. The Anarchist and the Rogue. He gasped in alarm, dropping the remainder of the deck. Chaos and Deception! Discord and Mischief! Great emblems of misfortune and woe lay mightily on this one.
Drawing the scraps of fabric around him, Badger lay down on his makeshift bed and slept fitfully that night, heavy with the burden felt by all cursed with the gift of foresight.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
(+1 Inspiration for Badger) (waiting for Barty and Sir Darak to reply)
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Barty steps forward “I’ll be ready whenever you need me.... thing is though I already had the big goodbye moment with the folks. Would I be able to sleep here. I would love to continue to hear tales of my parents, or just a library maybe. You won’t even notice I’m here. Either way whatever you need you’ll have my full efforts, on the Baxter name.