"Well, either you hit your head somewhere or someone is playing an elaborate prank on you. Wait... we had to deal with quicksand and narrow paths across sheer cliffs to get here. What kind of opening are you talking about?"
Fouder frowns. "No, we went through some kind of...well I don't know what it was. Some kind of portal, I would guess, but I know very little about them. It severed the connection between Solomon and the weasel, when the weasel went through first...it was most peculiar."
"At least we're here now. I shall look forward to meeting with Cembessa. I do hope she is more amenable than the deva."
"That would not be difficult", Solomon snorts derisively. "Kolyyt is a stubborn, petulant creature, and if left unchecked will rule over us as a tyrant would."
"I cannot say I am optimistic that Cembessa will be any better, but I will keep an open mind during our meeting tomorrow."
You further discuss the orb and any ideals about your meeting with Cembessa in the morning and each of you begin to drift off to sleep. Despite your weariness learned over the last several months of keeping watch and never relaxing too much in fear of attack. This is the first time in a long time that you’ve rested in a peaceful town, dry, warm, and full. You all sleep comfortably.
As day begins to break through the canopies of the forest. The sun beams and shadows dance across your eyelids. The smell of fires and light conversation begin to float along the branches reaching up from down below. You gather your equipment and head down the spiraling staircase around the massive redwood tree. You walk to the communal dining table and see fresh fruit plates and a large cauldron of oatmeal being served by an elderly halfling eoman with greeting strawberry blond hair. Her eyes are wrinkled and squinted to where you can’t tell if her eyes are even open. She greets you warmly and serves each of you a bowl.
After completing your meal, the same woman that spoke to Elyse yesterday walks up to meet you. “The Lady will see you now.” As she guides you through the camp to the base of another redwood tree. Walking around to the backside of the root system there is a rather large opening of a dug in cavern. The entrance approximately 25 feet by 25 feet. With a stone staircase leading down into a well lit interior.
You see an open chamber before you, kind of barren actually. There is a bed, a table and chair, planted hanging plants. The room is circled around the trees root system in the middle of the room as the roots pierce down from the ceiling and continue pass into the floor. Off to the side on the right you see a large nest like structure. You see the golden egg sitting in it, but you also see two more that look identical. A short woman with elven features, light green skin tone and yellow eyes. Wearing a silky dress with a quiet and calm demeanor greets you . “Welcome travelers, I hear I have you to thank for brining me the final egg back to me. I also hear some of you faced off with Kolyyt and live to tell the tale, most impressive....”. She trails off, allowing a response.
"My companion and I spoke with him briefly...", Solomon says while gesturing towards Fouder, "...a distraction to allow safe passage of the egg."
He declines to mention the attempt to take his eye, and aware that there is some sort of relationship between Kolyyt and Cembessa, decides to speak plainly. "I do not hold him in high regard. Should he gain more power, I fear he would do more harm than good in the long term. Kolyyt spoke of you, and was angered when I suggested that you should agree a truce; instead of fighting over a ruined city, working together to rebuild it. Why do you war with him, when there are far worse things to worry about outside Waterdeep?"
The smile tightens and slowly fades at the idea of the war. “Kolyyt is a wound on the world, leave him alone and it will begin to fester and spread like an infection across the lands. I like my father, like our father fights for balance in the world, the true natural order. One does not tell the winds where to blow, where the grass to grow, and demand people to live under their thumb. I don’t fight for the city, I fight to stop the blight that is that arrogant angel..... she trails off a bit more before finishing with Could you imagine what he would’ve done with these precious creatures under his control?” As she walks over to the eggs. Gently rubbing the shell on one of the eggs. “I can not fight everything at once, I can only do what I can, where I am. Once this is taken care of, the next matter I will move on to. I have to trust that there are others out there to bring balance as well.. Why do you deliver babies to this old matron while other evils are out in the world?”
Fingolin bows respectfully before speaking "Heryn, helping your fighters bring you the egg seemed like a good way to reach you. We have been living in hiding and on scraps on the streets of Waterdeep for too long. We'd like to make things better if we can. We did not know what to expect, really, and we helped your side more on a hunch. If my friends don't mind me speaking on their behalf, we'd like to continue helping you in strengthening this community you've built. Seeing the people content in their labours yesterday lifted my heart."
Cembessa continues to shift the nest around, fluffing it up and waving her hands over the eggs as you can feel a gentle heat radiate from her hands. “Yes, the world is a much more dark place since the Sundering of our Father. This place in the forest is a nice pocket of the way things use to be, for however long that last.... we will see. The world is much more chaotic and much more difficult to predict. Usually dragons once they hatch are left to their own means to survive. I find the corruption of the world without The Maker may leave them too vulnerable to darkness. Just like any other mother, I will raise these children to help maintain a balance of nature, the order of life, and sanctity of death.” She walks away from the nest closer to the group. A poise and posture that comes from confidence of many years of existence. “What would your plans be as part of this community?”
Tennezaz will stay quiet for the most part as the does not think it would be the wisest choice for him to say anything so that the woman does not question his appearance or past. For him he considers his past to be done with since none had survived in the cult and their Lord seemingly haven done nothing to protect them from the Sundering.
As she questions them about what they will do he crosses his arms slightly. "We came here to see which side is worth allying ourselves with or if it would have been a smarter option to forge ahead into the outside world to see what was there for us."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Rekuberk Onc Level 8 | Half Orc | Barbarian (The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Fouder watches Cembessa with the nest, admiring the care she is giving. However, he cannot help but feel concerned over the potential that the nest contains, and how her mothering will allow her to control that power. He just hopes that Cembessa is being genuine with her motivations. He watches her, silently, trying to gauge how sincere she is being.
Cembessa directs herself to respond to Tennanaz’s statement. Still speaking eloquently, but much more blunt. “Well, you’ve met Kolyyt and had dealing with him and have seen what his goals are. You have come here, enjoyed the residency of our camp, our food. People here are peaceful when they are able to be. They have purpose.... family. I have stated to you, that I plan to embark in our Father’s path, bringing balance to the world. Illuminating what can be and casting the darkness back into the shadows. The fact that you stand here today after dealing with Kolyyt’s soldiers and the Angel himself, means you are quite capable. I would have purpose for you, but if you believe you can manage better out in the world on your own.... so be it. I just would hope you deliver the same light into the world.”
Fouder:
The facial features and mannerisms that she speaks with are very hard to read. She is obviously a being that’s been around for a long time. The youthful elven features of her face keep her astoundingly beautiful but stoic and reserved. Being said she has elven features, she doesn’t appear to be fully elven. Just something is off about her that you know she’s not a full elf. You’ve seen the camp she has built and how the people are living in peace. She doesn’t seem deceitful or purposefully hiding anything, but you can’t discern her ultimate motives.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I think it would be good to have a purpose other than selfish survival. But my friends have seen first hand how power corrupts and I don't blame them for being cautious. You speak of balance and the Father's path, yet we don't know why these people follow you and why should we. Tell us more about you, heryn, and alleviate our concerns. Who are you? What is your power?"
“They choose to follow me, because I have provided in a season of drought. I have protected them from the onslaught of scavengers and the soldiers of the corrupt. I will lead them to glory that has been taken away from them since the Sundering. You wish to see my power?!” Her words have been calm and stoic up until this point. She has begun raising her voice just beneath a yell. There is passion in her words, though she doesn’t seem threatening. Though her reserved mannerisms have now turned to heavy breathing and pacing. With a push of her arms a great wind pushes the group back 15 feet. The sudden blast of force is just enough to clear room and not do any damage. “I will show you my power!”With the a green swirl of energy begins to fluctuate around her as she begins to morph her anatomy. The slender and beautiful woman before you begins to change: her teeth become pointed and begin to grow, talons form as the arms enlarge (like a puppy whose arms are bigger than its body). Scales begin to pierce through her soft skin and her eyes flash bright yellow as the iris disappears. A flash of green light temporarily blinding the group erupts from her form. When your vision returns a large fully grown Platinum dragon stands before you. “I have watched this world for centuries, I have done the Father’s commands since I was a hatchling. The darkness trying to take hold of this plane in his absence is a plague unto humanity. If you wish to be champions that return the world as it once was, hopefully better.... I have work for you. If not, leave my domain peacefully.” The dragon turns the colossal head of hers towards the eggs as she begins to nuzzle them with her snout.
Solomon looks up in awe (and only a little fear) at the being in front of him. "If these eggs are yours, then we are honored to reunite you with them. If not, then they are still with one of their own, a far more acceptable arrangement than in the hands of Kolyyt. Forgive me, but I have a deep distrust of the angels, devas, demons and others acting like spoiled children who have escaped from their wetnurses, and are now running amok. A dragon... a dragon such as yourself is a different prospect."
He looks round at his companions, before drawing his sword and laying it in front of him as he kneels. "I seek to help affect the same changes to the world as you do. I travelled to Waterdeep from Neverwinter to seek old friends, who I was unable to locate, and in doing so found new friends", he says gesturing to the group. "I hope I speak for us all when I ask for an alliance against those who would corrupt this world."
His heart thrumming in his chest, Fouder is intimidated at the sight of Cembessa's draconic form, and he lowers himself to a crouch, bowing before her.
The dragon mightily standing before now speaks telepathically to everyone. “Good, a wise decision that will lead to the prosperity to the realm. War is one thing, the bodies rage against each other in the front lines while everyone suffers. This deva requires removal and as such requires precision. You have seen Kolyyt leads through fear and violence. His men only act out of that fear. If possible I do not wish men to be harmed. He has sent one of his lieutenants to Mount Sar. He did not prove successful in stealing my children from me, now he ventures outward to gather power elsewhere. I task you in venturing to the peak of the mountain. A fortress called Blackstaff Tower. Ensure this power is not reclaimed, if you’re too late... destroy it. As my foothold in power grows, I will grant boons to my champions as order is restored. Rest tonight, then go forth at dawn.” Cembessa stands tall, posturing as she can in the low cavern.
(sorry about the color change, mobile... I’ve had enough editing)
You take your leave of the dragon and head back out into the camp. You see the same peaceful village. People of all races and states of life working together on fixing homes, preparing meals, making equipment and clothing, while the children play. You have the day to explore or help or do as you please until one more night of rest, then you have a mission.
After leaving the dragon, Fingolin says: "You don't see that every day... You have been very quiet, Fouder. You too, Tenezzaz. Is there something amiss?"
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"Well, either you hit your head somewhere or someone is playing an elaborate prank on you. Wait... we had to deal with quicksand and narrow paths across sheer cliffs to get here. What kind of opening are you talking about?"
Fouder frowns. "No, we went through some kind of...well I don't know what it was. Some kind of portal, I would guess, but I know very little about them. It severed the connection between Solomon and the weasel, when the weasel went through first...it was most peculiar."
"At least we're here now. I shall look forward to meeting with Cembessa. I do hope she is more amenable than the deva."
Zydalia Quexx - Level 2 - Tiefling/Barbarian
Fouder Amberbreaker - Level 4 - Mountain Dwarf/Tempest Cleric
DM - The Children of Hadal
"That would not be difficult", Solomon snorts derisively. "Kolyyt is a stubborn, petulant creature, and if left unchecked will rule over us as a tyrant would."
"I cannot say I am optimistic that Cembessa will be any better, but I will keep an open mind during our meeting tomorrow."
You further discuss the orb and any ideals about your meeting with Cembessa in the morning and each of you begin to drift off to sleep. Despite your weariness learned over the last several months of keeping watch and never relaxing too much in fear of attack. This is the first time in a long time that you’ve rested in a peaceful town, dry, warm, and full. You all sleep comfortably.
As day begins to break through the canopies of the forest. The sun beams and shadows dance across your eyelids. The smell of fires and light conversation begin to float along the branches reaching up from down below. You gather your equipment and head down the spiraling staircase around the massive redwood tree. You walk to the communal dining table and see fresh fruit plates and a large cauldron of oatmeal being served by an elderly halfling eoman with greeting strawberry blond hair. Her eyes are wrinkled and squinted to where you can’t tell if her eyes are even open. She greets you warmly and serves each of you a bowl.
After completing your meal, the same woman that spoke to Elyse yesterday walks up to meet you. “The Lady will see you now.” As she guides you through the camp to the base of another redwood tree. Walking around to the backside of the root system there is a rather large opening of a dug in cavern. The entrance approximately 25 feet by 25 feet. With a stone staircase leading down into a well lit interior.
You see an open chamber before you, kind of barren actually. There is a bed, a table and chair, planted hanging plants. The room is circled around the trees root system in the middle of the room as the roots pierce down from the ceiling and continue pass into the floor. Off to the side on the right you see a large nest like structure. You see the golden egg sitting in it, but you also see two more that look identical. A short woman with elven features, light green skin tone and yellow eyes. Wearing a silky dress with a quiet and calm demeanor greets you . “Welcome travelers, I hear I have you to thank for brining me the final egg back to me. I also hear some of you faced off with Kolyyt and live to tell the tale, most impressive....”. She trails off, allowing a response.
"My companion and I spoke with him briefly...", Solomon says while gesturing towards Fouder, "...a distraction to allow safe passage of the egg."
He declines to mention the attempt to take his eye, and aware that there is some sort of relationship between Kolyyt and Cembessa, decides to speak plainly. "I do not hold him in high regard. Should he gain more power, I fear he would do more harm than good in the long term. Kolyyt spoke of you, and was angered when I suggested that you should agree a truce; instead of fighting over a ruined city, working together to rebuild it. Why do you war with him, when there are far worse things to worry about outside Waterdeep?"
The smile tightens and slowly fades at the idea of the war. “Kolyyt is a wound on the world, leave him alone and it will begin to fester and spread like an infection across the lands. I like my father, like our father fights for balance in the world, the true natural order. One does not tell the winds where to blow, where the grass to grow, and demand people to live under their thumb. I don’t fight for the city, I fight to stop the blight that is that arrogant angel..... she trails off a bit more before finishing with Could you imagine what he would’ve done with these precious creatures under his control?” As she walks over to the eggs. Gently rubbing the shell on one of the eggs. “I can not fight everything at once, I can only do what I can, where I am. Once this is taken care of, the next matter I will move on to. I have to trust that there are others out there to bring balance as well.. Why do you deliver babies to this old matron while other evils are out in the world?”
Fingolin bows respectfully before speaking "Heryn, helping your fighters bring you the egg seemed like a good way to reach you. We have been living in hiding and on scraps on the streets of Waterdeep for too long. We'd like to make things better if we can. We did not know what to expect, really, and we helped your side more on a hunch. If my friends don't mind me speaking on their behalf, we'd like to continue helping you in strengthening this community you've built. Seeing the people content in their labours yesterday lifted my heart."
Elvish:
Lady
"What do you intend to do with the eggs?" Solomon's blunt question cuts through the respectful motions and words of the bard next to him.
Cembessa continues to shift the nest around, fluffing it up and waving her hands over the eggs as you can feel a gentle heat radiate from her hands. “Yes, the world is a much more dark place since the Sundering of our Father. This place in the forest is a nice pocket of the way things use to be, for however long that last.... we will see. The world is much more chaotic and much more difficult to predict. Usually dragons once they hatch are left to their own means to survive. I find the corruption of the world without The Maker may leave them too vulnerable to darkness. Just like any other mother, I will raise these children to help maintain a balance of nature, the order of life, and sanctity of death.” She walks away from the nest closer to the group. A poise and posture that comes from confidence of many years of existence. “What would your plans be as part of this community?”
Tennezaz will stay quiet for the most part as the does not think it would be the wisest choice for him to say anything so that the woman does not question his appearance or past. For him he considers his past to be done with since none had survived in the cult and their Lord seemingly haven done nothing to protect them from the Sundering.
As she questions them about what they will do he crosses his arms slightly. "We came here to see which side is worth allying ourselves with or if it would have been a smarter option to forge ahead into the outside world to see what was there for us."
Rekuberk Onc Level 8 | Half Orc | Barbarian (The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks)
Kayassa Level 3 | Satyr | Warlock (Cleath13's LMoP)
Bertolt Silentlash Level 3 | Variant Human | Bard (Our Little Lives Kept in Equipoise: Death House)
Daerthe Narcion Level 4 | Drow | Rogue (Karmoli's Great Upheaval)
Fouder watches Cembessa with the nest, admiring the care she is giving. However, he cannot help but feel concerned over the potential that the nest contains, and how her mothering will allow her to control that power. He just hopes that Cembessa is being genuine with her motivations. He watches her, silently, trying to gauge how sincere she is being.
Insight: 16
Zydalia Quexx - Level 2 - Tiefling/Barbarian
Fouder Amberbreaker - Level 4 - Mountain Dwarf/Tempest Cleric
DM - The Children of Hadal
Cembessa directs herself to respond to Tennanaz’s statement. Still speaking eloquently, but much more blunt. “Well, you’ve met Kolyyt and had dealing with him and have seen what his goals are. You have come here, enjoyed the residency of our camp, our food. People here are peaceful when they are able to be. They have purpose.... family. I have stated to you, that I plan to embark in our Father’s path, bringing balance to the world. Illuminating what can be and casting the darkness back into the shadows. The fact that you stand here today after dealing with Kolyyt’s soldiers and the Angel himself, means you are quite capable. I would have purpose for you, but if you believe you can manage better out in the world on your own.... so be it. I just would hope you deliver the same light into the world.”
Fouder:
The facial features and mannerisms that she speaks with are very hard to read. She is obviously a being that’s been around for a long time. The youthful elven features of her face keep her astoundingly beautiful but stoic and reserved. Being said she has elven features, she doesn’t appear to be fully elven. Just something is off about her that you know she’s not a full elf. You’ve seen the camp she has built and how the people are living in peace. She doesn’t seem deceitful or purposefully hiding anything, but you can’t discern her ultimate motives.
"I think it would be good to have a purpose other than selfish survival. But my friends have seen first hand how power corrupts and I don't blame them for being cautious. You speak of balance and the Father's path, yet we don't know why these people follow you and why should we. Tell us more about you, heryn, and alleviate our concerns. Who are you? What is your power?"
Persuasion: 10
“They choose to follow me, because I have provided in a season of drought. I have protected them from the onslaught of scavengers and the soldiers of the corrupt. I will lead them to glory that has been taken away from them since the Sundering. You wish to see my power?!” Her words have been calm and stoic up until this point. She has begun raising her voice just beneath a yell. There is passion in her words, though she doesn’t seem threatening. Though her reserved mannerisms have now turned to heavy breathing and pacing. With a push of her arms a great wind pushes the group back 15 feet. The sudden blast of force is just enough to clear room and not do any damage. “I will show you my power!” With the a green swirl of energy begins to fluctuate around her as she begins to morph her anatomy. The slender and beautiful woman before you begins to change: her teeth become pointed and begin to grow, talons form as the arms enlarge (like a puppy whose arms are bigger than its body). Scales begin to pierce through her soft skin and her eyes flash bright yellow as the iris disappears. A flash of green light temporarily blinding the group erupts from her form. When your vision returns a large fully grown Platinum dragon stands before you. “I have watched this world for centuries, I have done the Father’s commands since I was a hatchling. The darkness trying to take hold of this plane in his absence is a plague unto humanity. If you wish to be champions that return the world as it once was, hopefully better.... I have work for you. If not, leave my domain peacefully.” The dragon turns the colossal head of hers towards the eggs as she begins to nuzzle them with her snout.
Solomon looks up in awe (and only a little fear) at the being in front of him. "If these eggs are yours, then we are honored to reunite you with them. If not, then they are still with one of their own, a far more acceptable arrangement than in the hands of Kolyyt. Forgive me, but I have a deep distrust of the angels, devas, demons and others acting like spoiled children who have escaped from their wetnurses, and are now running amok. A dragon... a dragon such as yourself is a different prospect."
He looks round at his companions, before drawing his sword and laying it in front of him as he kneels. "I seek to help affect the same changes to the world as you do. I travelled to Waterdeep from Neverwinter to seek old friends, who I was unable to locate, and in doing so found new friends", he says gesturing to the group. "I hope I speak for us all when I ask for an alliance against those who would corrupt this world."
Fingolin feels excitement bubbling in his chest as he picks himself up off the floor. A platinum dragon!
"My friend Solomon spoke well. My skills are yours, heryn. Thank you for this demonstration."
His heart thrumming in his chest, Fouder is intimidated at the sight of Cembessa's draconic form, and he lowers himself to a crouch, bowing before her.
Zydalia Quexx - Level 2 - Tiefling/Barbarian
Fouder Amberbreaker - Level 4 - Mountain Dwarf/Tempest Cleric
DM - The Children of Hadal
The dragon mightily standing before now speaks telepathically to everyone. “Good, a wise decision that will lead to the prosperity to the realm. War is one thing, the bodies rage against each other in the front lines while everyone suffers. This deva requires removal and as such requires precision. You have seen Kolyyt leads through fear and violence. His men only act out of that fear. If possible I do not wish men to be harmed. He has sent one of his lieutenants to Mount Sar. He did not prove successful in stealing my children from me, now he ventures outward to gather power elsewhere. I task you in venturing to the peak of the mountain. A fortress called Blackstaff Tower. Ensure this power is not reclaimed, if you’re too late... destroy it. As my foothold in power grows, I will grant boons to my champions as order is restored. Rest tonight, then go forth at dawn.” Cembessa stands tall, posturing as she can in the low cavern.
(sorry about the color change, mobile... I’ve had enough editing)
You take your leave of the dragon and head back out into the camp. You see the same peaceful village. People of all races and states of life working together on fixing homes, preparing meals, making equipment and clothing, while the children play. You have the day to explore or help or do as you please until one more night of rest, then you have a mission.
After leaving the dragon, Fingolin says: "You don't see that every day... You have been very quiet, Fouder. You too, Tenezzaz. Is there something amiss?"