Part 1: The Death of a Friend... Day 16, 1200 hours
Many tears are wept by both people you recognize and people who you do not. Stories are told about the exploits of the famous explorer archaeologist as people dressed in black hang their heads in grief. Nevertheless, time passes and the mourners begin to head home after saying their final goodbyes to their friend. One priest even lowers himself before the body, grasps diamond dust, and begins mystically chanting... but it is to no avail (anyone who is proficient in arcana or religion please make me a said check [but only one]). At any rate, you find yourselves to be some of the last people left amongst the once large crowd of people, all alone... except for two people who stood at the back of the crowd. As the loved ones depart these people approach you. One is a female sun elf, older but still spry, dressed in the noble finery of a northerner. The other is far more mysterious, they are draped in a heavy black cloak and wear a silver mask covering all of their face. Nevertheless, your attention is suddenly stolen by the spry elf who speaks to you: "Beautiful ceremony indeed... It is quite clear that your friend meant quite a bit to each of you. Now we have an-" Suddenly the masked figure cuts in, she speaks with a dry, raspy voice, one that reminds you of several other people who you recall have died like your friend... "There is no time for pleasantries, you see... 'heroes'. There is a chance... though slim, that your friend can be saved. The deceased's soul, along with several others might be able to be rescued. If you act quickly, you can save those still living with the affliction as well." She then stands back, seeming to let all of you take in what was just said. The elf then continues where the masked person (who based on the raspy voice does seem to be a woman) left off: "Well... indeed. There is a way for you save him. You see I am Remallia Haventree, a High Harper, and member of the Council of Waterdeep during the Rise of Tiamat. Currently, I am leading a cell of those who harp to investigate this strange affliction. We believe there are some similarities between this 'curse' as it is being dubbed, and how a lich feeds souls into their phylacteries. Therefore, a lich might be able to trace the origin of this 'curse'. We have organized a strike team to raid the lair of a lich dubbed the 'Duchess of Rot', stealing her phylactery and thus forcing her to reveal the origin of the affliction. Zaldara Cordress or the 'Duchess' has a tower in the nearby forest called Cloakwood. I assume that most of you are familiar with it, as the journey should be relatively close enough, but also far enough to not put innocents at risk." The masked woman has been tapping her foot up to this point and cuts Remallia off and begins speaking rapidly: "You are taking up too much time! We need you, yes all of you, to join us in this attack. For her phylactery is a spellbook bound in human skin locked inside of her basement. You should not be in too much danger as we shall be providing a distraction on the upper floors of her tower. This is of grave importance. Will you accept this quest?"
Harpers:
The Harpers is a scattered network of spellcasters and spies who advocate equality and covertly oppose the abuse of power, magical or otherwise. The organization has risen , been shattered, and risen again several times. Its longevity and resilience are largely due to its decentralized, grassroots, secretive nature, and the autonomy of its various members. The Harpers have small cells and lone operatives throughout the Forgotten Realms, although they interact and share information with one another from time to time as needs warrant. The Harpers' ideology is noble, and its members pride themselves on their ingenuity and incorruptibility. Harpers don't seek power or glory, only fair and equal treatment for all .
Motto. "Down with tyranny. Fairness and equality for all."
Beliefs. The Harpers' beliefs can be summarized as follows:
--One can never have too much information or arcane knowledge.
--Too much power leads to corruption, and the abuse of magic, in particular, must be closely monitored.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Arcana check for Priest: 1d20+6 = 23
Yes, I accept Craben will instantly reply.
In his head, he thinks We can bring him back, I must do whatever necessary then. Also, a High Harper who am I to deny a High Harper. Plus this is a one in a lifetime opportunity to learn about Liches up and close.
The masked person seems (you can't really tell because of the mask) surprised at your speed and eagerness to answer them, and so they continue in a raspy voice. "At 2000 *COUGH* hours tonight there shall be a ship called The Diviner on the docks of *COUGH* Baldur's Gate. It is a keelboat southward bound towards Cloakwood. It is manned by *PAUSE* Callbrax a... tricky halfling, but trustworthynonetheless."They then pause and take a deep raspy breath, only to then continue: "He knows how to work the vessel and is to be your *COUGH* captain. It should only be around a three day journey, and you should arrive at a *COUGH* sea cave connected to the tower. Remallia will then blow her *COUGH* horn, and with that, you all shall enter the cellar. It is imperative *PAUSE* that you move as quickly as possible, for the longer we spend fighting *COUGH* someone of the Duchess' caliber... the more casualties there shall be. The sooner that you get the *COUGH* spellbook, the sooner we can end the skirmish. Now once you have found the tome, you are to return to the Diviner. Once there, *ANOTHER DEEP BREATH* Callbrax shall be able to activate a short-range teleport to teleport both you all and the phylactery to me. Are there any more questions?" She then begins to pant and gasp for air, as if she had just run an incredibly long distance. Remallia then goes over to check on her, while also looking at you all expectantly.
Wait, Luskan looks disfigured... Remallia seems to be wearing the mask to hide something, maybe a disfigurement as well. Could she be affected by the same plague as Luskan?He does not point it out for the risk of offening someone with such a high status.
"Uh, when do we start? Ah, wait... 2000 hours, right. Umm... I guess I'll se 'yall there tonight!" Gwen says, thrilled to be doing something interesting, she hasn't done anything but hang around Baldur's Gate since Luskan got sick. She goes to her house to pack up her bag for the journey ahead.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"The hero sought to save the world.
"If I keep trying, I'll be able to win," the hero thought.
But the harder the hero fought, the further the world seemed to tumble away.
Drowning in doubt, the hero could not even save themselves.
Hero, if you still believe in a brighter future, hold in your heart a thorn that can pierce all doubt."
As the heroes depart the masked person waves to them, which from their coughing bent over position, seems more like an accidental sign of "go away". Meanwhile Haventree, while still caring for the masked one remarks: "Do what you must before you leave heroes. We should hopefully draw away from most of her defenses, but Liches are known to create powerful safeguards..."
Craben: As soon as he departs from the graveyard he instantly heads towards the library, Yosben follows him but Craben will ignore him the entire time too wrapped up in his own mind. He begins to pack all the equipment he could think that he would need. His quarterstaff, crossbow, shield, some ink, paper, explorers pack, and all the books he could carry, and find, about Liches and diseases. He'll also look for any content about why a soul wouldn't come back after a Raise Dead spell. Afterwards, he heads straight to the docks, arriving hours early, and begins reading his books on a bench trying to learn everything he can about Liches before the boat arrives.
Clay: After accepting the quest Clay will go to the Lords Alliance Faction building. While he is there he makes sure that he has everything he needs for the upcoming adventure. He will also tell his commanding officer about the quest he received from a High Harper and figure out if there are any Lord's Alliance members going on this quest and if the Lord's Alliance has any special missions for him while at the Lich's Lair. Not quite sure what to do after reporting to the Lord's Alliance Clay will head to the docks. There he will find Craben deep in his books. When Craben doesn't respond to his prodding he will leave him alone and head to a nearby bar finding Gwen trying to start a bar fight.
Yosben: He follows Craben back to the library. As he see's Craben grabbing all these different books he has to ask him, every single time, what the title of this book is and why is Craben grabbing it. Yosben will make sure to make the same old joke about how Craben is going to defeat the enemy by throwing heavy books at them. Of course, Yosben almost doubles over at his own joke. When Craben leaves for the docks Yosben will take to the streets making sure he has everything he needs. About an hour before they are intended to meet up Yoseb heads to the docks finding Crasben reading like normal. He'll begin asking him question after question about what he is reading.
Gwen: Afterwards Gwen will prepare by grabbing all her equipment that she deems necessary. She is excited to go out and do something. She has been sitting at home for far too long. However, in her excitement to leave she finished packing way too early. With nothing to do, Gwen heads to her favourite bar by the docks. There she begins drinking a little. After a few hours of casual drinking, she cannot take this boredom anymore and finds the drunkest individuals around in the hopes of starting a bar fight. At this time Clay walks in and Gwen is relieved to find someone to talk to. The first question Gwen asks Clay is what time is the boat suppose to arrive having already forgotten.
You all eventually make it to the docks. The night has arrived at the metropolis of Baldur's Gate. As the sun sets and the moon rises you all make your respective journey to the docks. However, when you make it to the location where The Diviner is supposed to be located, you're confused. For all you see is a ruined and dilapidated boat, it's clearly been abandoned for some time. This cannot be the boat that you're supposed to take, can it? It is then when you notice the name, mostly worn away it reads: "The Diviner" so it seems like you're in the right place when BOO!a cry shakes you out of your reverie as you whirl around and you see a halfling rolling on the floor laughing. He's dressed in a sailor's garb, but you also see several magical trinkets around him. In between laughs he cries out, pointing towards all of you: "HAH! You... hahah should've seen yer faces hahaha! Eyes wide as hahahaha dinner plates! Hahahaha! Oh... hah well then." He promptly gets up off the floor and brushes himself off. "Well... anyway. Halloo there, I'm Callbrax. I assume you're the strike team that Haventree formed." He then gestures behind you in the direction of the ship: "And that right there is me pride n' joy. The Diviner. What a beauty she is. Er... wait. Here, I'll allow for you to see through the mirage." He waves his hand in arcane gestures as the age seems to vanish from the ship and it looks pristine. The halfling then quickly jogs off and runs up the gangplank and motions for you to follow. However, everyone has walked up the gangplank except one. As Craben walks up it he suddenly feels it vanish from under him as he falls into the water below. With a great big splash, the halfling can hardly contain himself as he breaks down with laughter. Eventually during his torrent of laughter he waves towards Craben as Craben is strangely brought right back onto the deck and subsequently (through a couple of prestidigitation) dried. And with that you set off!
We're now going to do another (albeit shorter) cooperative roleplay. The first day will be done by Spartin, the second by Lemur, and the final by Bob. Describe each day of your ship travel along with what the group is doing. If you want to know about Callbrax here he is:
Personality Traits: I have a joke for every occasion, especially occasions when humor is innapropriate. Nobody can stay angry at me for long, since I can defuse any amount of tension. Ideal: Free Thinking. Inquiry and curiosity are the pillars of progress. Bonds: I'll always remember my first ship (The Diviner) Flaws: I have trouble trusting my allies (normally I work alone).
Craben: Immediately finds a place to sit on the boat and sticks his nose into a book called Liches Reborn, about Lich Phylacteries, trying to cram as much research as he can in before our arrival.
Clay: Paces back and forth across the boat for an hour, sits around for another, sharpens his sword for an hour, inspects it for another. Overall, he's very, very bored. He occasionally cracks an awkward joke trying to get attention, but no-one else is really listening.
Gwen: Excitedly jumps on the boat, she has only been on one actual boat for a couple hours, this would be her first overnight boat trip. She begins by searching every nook and cranny of the boat, letting her hand run through the water, keeping herself busy for the most part.
Yosben: Callbrax and Yosben have basically started a prank war. Creating illusions to try and scare each other, and scaring the rest of the passsengers more in the process. They are also taking each other's stuff when the other isn't looking and trying to use it in some humorous way. Thier prank war has definitely lightened the mood on the ship.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"The hero sought to save the world.
"If I keep trying, I'll be able to win," the hero thought.
But the harder the hero fought, the further the world seemed to tumble away.
Drowning in doubt, the hero could not even save themselves.
Hero, if you still believe in a brighter future, hold in your heart a thorn that can pierce all doubt."
Craben: Finishes Liches Reborn, in fact, he finished that the first day. He is now reading Plagues of Faerun, trying to find anything relating to what happened to Luskan, but to no Avail. He is terrified when Yosben tells him he "Accidentally" dropped a book in the ocean. he spends the rest of the day trying to recall as much information from the book as he can, so he would not need it anymore.
Clay: Begins doing the same thing he did yesterday, but this time to other weapons, not his own. Finally, someone laughed at one of his jokes, "What did one eye say to the other? Something smells between us" only really a polite chuckle from Gwen.
Gwen: Enjoyed the previous day and the morning of the next, but after lunch, she began to feel nautious. Callbrax says that that she's getting seasick. As Gwen throws up over the side of the ship, she regrets her excitement, and hears a few worried comments from Callbrax, whith some brand new stains on the side of the ship.
Yosben: Gives the book back to Craben, which he was hiding in his quarters. Callbrax is beginning to get used to his jokes, but that doesn't stop him from doing so. He even went so far as to create an illusory fire on deck. Callbrax was terrified, and Yosben called it "Payback for the other day". After that, surprisingly, he gets a bit bored, and decides to borrow one of Craben's books, promising not to drop it in the ocean this time.
Craben: Craben eventually finished his book, and tried to get more info from Yosben. He did not remember much. There were no more books to read, so he decided to tell stories.
Clay: Clay volunteers to clean up Gwen's barf, because he had nothing else important to do. He tries thinking of riddles instead, thinking he might be able to get them. It didn't work. His best one was: "What is blue and wet and has dangerous creatures lurking in it?" The answer: sea. everybody knew. He was disappointed to that, so he just slept.
Gwen: Gwen says sorry to Clay, but he said it's OK. She wants to have some fun, so he gathers up the crew to play around. Nobody was bored with all of Gwen's happiness.
Yosben: Yosben reads the book. and the boat lurches. the book falls off the boat. He makes an illusory book instead. Clay was the only one to notice the fake book.
It is in the evening on the third day of your boat ride that the winds seem to blow a little colder. The evergreen treetops of the Cloakwood rustle endlessly. Callbrax steers the boat alongside rocky shores. “See that?” he says to you, pointing to a monolithic black tower appearing just above the dark forest. “Zaldara,” the mage says ominously. “We’re close.” Minutes later, the wind howls a lonely note as Callbrax brings The Diviner as close as he can to the shore. A small cliff 10 feet high rises up from the rocks. Atop the cliff, you see dense trees and Zaldara’s lair poking above. The mage hops into the knee‐deep water, motioning for you to grab your equipment follow. The ocean is cold as death. Callbrax walks onto the shore and touches the cliff wall, muttering an arcane incantation. As he does, the wall parts just a bit, revealing a stone stair going upwards into darkness. Suddenly a bleat breaks the night that fills your heart with adrenaline and dread. “That’s Remallia’s horn. Good luck and be quick.”
And just like that... an adventure begins.
Part 1: The Death of a Friend...
Day 16, 1200 hours
Many tears are wept by both people you recognize and people who you do not. Stories are told about the exploits of the famous
explorerarchaeologist as people dressed in black hang their heads in grief. Nevertheless, time passes and the mourners begin to head home after saying their final goodbyes to their friend. One priest even lowers himself before the body, grasps diamond dust, and begins mystically chanting... but it is to no avail (anyone who is proficient in arcana or religion please make me a said check [but only one]). At any rate, you find yourselves to be some of the last people left amongst the once large crowd of people, all alone... except for two people who stood at the back of the crowd. As the loved ones depart these people approach you. One is a female sun elf, older but still spry, dressed in the noble finery of a northerner. The other is far more mysterious, they are draped in a heavy black cloak and wear a silver mask covering all of their face. Nevertheless, your attention is suddenly stolen by the spry elf who speaks to you: "Beautiful ceremony indeed... It is quite clear that your friend meant quite a bit to each of you. Now we have an-" Suddenly the masked figure cuts in, she speaks with a dry, raspy voice, one that reminds you of several other people who you recall have died like your friend... "There is no time for pleasantries, you see... 'heroes'. There is a chance... though slim, that your friend can be saved. The deceased's soul, along with several others might be able to be rescued. If you act quickly, you can save those still living with the affliction as well." She then stands back, seeming to let all of you take in what was just said. The elf then continues where the masked person (who based on the raspy voice does seem to be a woman) left off: "Well... indeed. There is a way for you save him. You see I am Remallia Haventree, a High Harper, and member of the Council of Waterdeep during the Rise of Tiamat. Currently, I am leading a cell of those who harp to investigate this strange affliction. We believe there are some similarities between this 'curse' as it is being dubbed, and how a lich feeds souls into their phylacteries. Therefore, a lich might be able to trace the origin of this 'curse'. We have organized a strike team to raid the lair of a lich dubbed the 'Duchess of Rot', stealing her phylactery and thus forcing her to reveal the origin of the affliction. Zaldara Cordress or the 'Duchess' has a tower in the nearby forest called Cloakwood. I assume that most of you are familiar with it, as the journey should be relatively close enough, but also far enough to not put innocents at risk." The masked woman has been tapping her foot up to this point and cuts Remallia off and begins speaking rapidly: "You are taking up too much time! We need you, yes all of you, to join us in this attack. For her phylactery is a spellbook bound in human skin locked inside of her basement. You should not be in too much danger as we shall be providing a distraction on the upper floors of her tower. This is of grave importance. Will you accept this quest?"Harpers:
The Harpers is a scattered network of spellcasters and spies who advocate equality and covertly oppose the abuse of power, magical or otherwise. The organization has risen , been shattered, and risen again several times. Its longevity and resilience are largely due to its decentralized, grassroots, secretive nature, and the autonomy of its various members. The Harpers have small cells and lone operatives throughout the Forgotten Realms, although they interact and share information with one another from time to time as needs warrant. The Harpers' ideology is noble, and its members pride themselves on their ingenuity and incorruptibility. Harpers don't seek power or glory, only fair and equal treatment for all .
Motto. "Down with tyranny. Fairness and equality for all."
Beliefs. The Harpers' beliefs can be summarized as follows:
--One can never have too much information or arcane knowledge.
--Too much power leads to corruption, and the abuse of magic, in particular, must be closely monitored.
--No one should be powerless.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
"Ah, why not" Gwen says, cracking her knuckles quietly, "It'd be nice to see him alive again."
Inside Gwen's head: We can bring him back again?! Yes! Let's get going now!!
"The hero sought to save the world.
"If I keep trying, I'll be able to win," the hero thought.
But the harder the hero fought, the further the world seemed to tumble away.
Drowning in doubt, the hero could not even save themselves.
Hero, if you still believe in a brighter future, hold in your heart a thorn that can pierce all doubt."
~ Guild Wars 2
"We can bring him back? Hmm...sure, I would." He cleared his throat. "Why not? It's our friend!"
Arcana check for Priest: 1d20+6 = 23
Yes, I accept Craben will instantly reply.
In his head, he thinks We can bring him back, I must do whatever necessary then. Also, a High Harper who am I to deny a High Harper. Plus this is a one in a lifetime opportunity to learn about Liches up and close.
"High Harper!" Yosben whistles, then says, "I do. He was one of my closest friends. If there is a chance to save him, or just his soul, I'll do it!"
The masked person seems (you can't really tell because of the mask) surprised at your speed and eagerness to answer them, and so they continue in a raspy voice. "At 2000 *COUGH* hours tonight there shall be a ship called The Diviner on the docks of *COUGH* Baldur's Gate. It is a keelboat southward bound towards Cloakwood. It is manned by *PAUSE* Callbrax a... tricky halfling, but trustworthy nonetheless." They then pause and take a deep raspy breath, only to then continue: "He knows how to work the vessel and is to be your *COUGH* captain. It should only be around a three day journey, and you should arrive at a *COUGH* sea cave connected to the tower. Remallia will then blow her *COUGH* horn, and with that, you all shall enter the cellar. It is imperative *PAUSE* that you move as quickly as possible, for the longer we spend fighting *COUGH* someone of the Duchess' caliber... the more casualties there shall be. The sooner that you get the *COUGH* spellbook, the sooner we can end the skirmish. Now once you have found the tome, you are to return to the Diviner. Once there, *ANOTHER DEEP BREATH* Callbrax shall be able to activate a short-range teleport to teleport both you all and the phylactery to me. Are there any more questions?" She then begins to pant and gasp for air, as if she had just run an incredibly long distance. Remallia then goes over to check on her, while also looking at you all expectantly.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
"Not at all. I am ready when everybody else is!"
"I can do tricky!" Yosben says with a grin
Wait, Luskan looks disfigured... Remallia seems to be wearing the mask to hide something, maybe a disfigurement as well. Could she be affected by the same plague as Luskan? He does not point it out for the risk of offening someone with such a high status.
Knowing that something is up but also that time is of the essence Craben decides to not ask any questions right now.
I just need to grab my equipment from the library and I'll be ready to go.
"Uh, when do we start? Ah, wait... 2000 hours, right. Umm... I guess I'll se 'yall there tonight!" Gwen says, thrilled to be doing something interesting, she hasn't done anything but hang around Baldur's Gate since Luskan got sick. She goes to her house to pack up her bag for the journey ahead.
"The hero sought to save the world.
"If I keep trying, I'll be able to win," the hero thought.
But the harder the hero fought, the further the world seemed to tumble away.
Drowning in doubt, the hero could not even save themselves.
Hero, if you still believe in a brighter future, hold in your heart a thorn that can pierce all doubt."
~ Guild Wars 2
"Wait! 2000 hours! That's like--" He counts on his fingers, then begins laughing at his own joke, which he tends to do often.
As the heroes depart the masked person waves to them, which from their coughing bent over position, seems more like an accidental sign of "go away". Meanwhile Haventree, while still caring for the masked one remarks: "Do what you must before you leave heroes. We should hopefully draw away from most of her defenses, but Liches are known to create powerful safeguards..."
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Craben: As soon as he departs from the graveyard he instantly heads towards the library, Yosben follows him but Craben will ignore him the entire time too wrapped up in his own mind. He begins to pack all the equipment he could think that he would need. His quarterstaff, crossbow, shield, some ink, paper, explorers pack, and all the books he could carry, and find, about Liches and diseases. He'll also look for any content about why a soul wouldn't come back after a Raise Dead spell. Afterwards, he heads straight to the docks, arriving hours early, and begins reading his books on a bench trying to learn everything he can about Liches before the boat arrives.
Clay: After accepting the quest Clay will go to the Lords Alliance Faction building. While he is there he makes sure that he has everything he needs for the upcoming adventure. He will also tell his commanding officer about the quest he received from a High Harper and figure out if there are any Lord's Alliance members going on this quest and if the Lord's Alliance has any special missions for him while at the Lich's Lair. Not quite sure what to do after reporting to the Lord's Alliance Clay will head to the docks. There he will find Craben deep in his books. When Craben doesn't respond to his prodding he will leave him alone and head to a nearby bar finding Gwen trying to start a bar fight.
Yosben: He follows Craben back to the library. As he see's Craben grabbing all these different books he has to ask him, every single time, what the title of this book is and why is Craben grabbing it. Yosben will make sure to make the same old joke about how Craben is going to defeat the enemy by throwing heavy books at them. Of course, Yosben almost doubles over at his own joke. When Craben leaves for the docks Yosben will take to the streets making sure he has everything he needs. About an hour before they are intended to meet up Yoseb heads to the docks finding Crasben reading like normal. He'll begin asking him question after question about what he is reading.
Gwen: Afterwards Gwen will prepare by grabbing all her equipment that she deems necessary. She is excited to go out and do something. She has been sitting at home for far too long. However, in her excitement to leave she finished packing way too early. With nothing to do, Gwen heads to her favourite bar by the docks. There she begins drinking a little. After a few hours of casual drinking, she cannot take this boredom anymore and finds the drunkest individuals around in the hopes of starting a bar fight. At this time Clay walks in and Gwen is relieved to find someone to talk to. The first question Gwen asks Clay is what time is the boat suppose to arrive having already forgotten.
Part 2: A Tranquil Journey
Day 16, 2000 hours
You all eventually make it to the docks. The night has arrived at the metropolis of Baldur's Gate. As the sun sets and the moon rises you all make your respective journey to the docks. However, when you make it to the location where The Diviner is supposed to be located, you're confused. For all you see is a ruined and dilapidated boat, it's clearly been abandoned for some time. This cannot be the boat that you're supposed to take, can it? It is then when you notice the name, mostly worn away it reads: "The Diviner" so it seems like you're in the right place when BOO! a cry shakes you out of your reverie as you whirl around and you see a halfling rolling on the floor laughing. He's dressed in a sailor's garb, but you also see several magical trinkets around him. In between laughs he cries out, pointing towards all of you: "HAH! You... hahah should've seen yer faces hahaha! Eyes wide as hahahaha dinner plates! Hahahaha! Oh... hah well then." He promptly gets up off the floor and brushes himself off. "Well... anyway. Halloo there, I'm Callbrax. I assume you're the strike team that Haventree formed." He then gestures behind you in the direction of the ship: "And that right there is me pride n' joy. The Diviner. What a beauty she is. Er... wait. Here, I'll allow for you to see through the mirage." He waves his hand in arcane gestures as the age seems to vanish from the ship and it looks pristine. The halfling then quickly jogs off and runs up the gangplank and motions for you to follow. However, everyone has walked up the gangplank except one. As Craben walks up it he suddenly feels it vanish from under him as he falls into the water below. With a great big splash, the halfling can hardly contain himself as he breaks down with laughter. Eventually during his torrent of laughter he waves towards Craben as Craben is strangely brought right back onto the deck and subsequently (through a couple of prestidigitation) dried. And with that you set off!
We're now going to do another (albeit shorter) cooperative roleplay. The first day will be done by Spartin, the second by Lemur, and the final by Bob. Describe each day of your ship travel along with what the group is doing. If you want to know about Callbrax here he is:
Personality Traits: I have a joke for every occasion, especially occasions when humor is innapropriate. Nobody can stay angry at me for long, since I can defuse any amount of tension.
Ideal: Free Thinking. Inquiry and curiosity are the pillars of progress.
Bonds: I'll always remember my first ship (The Diviner)
Flaws: I have trouble trusting my allies (normally I work alone).
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Craben: Immediately finds a place to sit on the boat and sticks his nose into a book called Liches Reborn, about Lich Phylacteries, trying to cram as much research as he can in before our arrival.
Clay: Paces back and forth across the boat for an hour, sits around for another, sharpens his sword for an hour, inspects it for another. Overall, he's very, very bored. He occasionally cracks an awkward joke trying to get attention, but no-one else is really listening.
Gwen: Excitedly jumps on the boat, she has only been on one actual boat for a couple hours, this would be her first overnight boat trip. She begins by searching every nook and cranny of the boat, letting her hand run through the water, keeping herself busy for the most part.
Yosben: Callbrax and Yosben have basically started a prank war. Creating illusions to try and scare each other, and scaring the rest of the passsengers more in the process. They are also taking each other's stuff when the other isn't looking and trying to use it in some humorous way. Thier prank war has definitely lightened the mood on the ship.
"The hero sought to save the world.
"If I keep trying, I'll be able to win," the hero thought.
But the harder the hero fought, the further the world seemed to tumble away.
Drowning in doubt, the hero could not even save themselves.
Hero, if you still believe in a brighter future, hold in your heart a thorn that can pierce all doubt."
~ Guild Wars 2
Craben: Finishes Liches Reborn, in fact, he finished that the first day. He is now reading Plagues of Faerun, trying to find anything relating to what happened to Luskan, but to no Avail. He is terrified when Yosben tells him he "Accidentally" dropped a book in the ocean. he spends the rest of the day trying to recall as much information from the book as he can, so he would not need it anymore.
Clay: Begins doing the same thing he did yesterday, but this time to other weapons, not his own. Finally, someone laughed at one of his jokes, "What did one eye say to the other? Something smells between us" only really a polite chuckle from Gwen.
Gwen: Enjoyed the previous day and the morning of the next, but after lunch, she began to feel nautious. Callbrax says that that she's getting seasick. As Gwen throws up over the side of the ship, she regrets her excitement, and hears a few worried comments from Callbrax, whith some brand new stains on the side of the ship.
Yosben: Gives the book back to Craben, which he was hiding in his quarters. Callbrax is beginning to get used to his jokes, but that doesn't stop him from doing so. He even went so far as to create an illusory fire on deck. Callbrax was terrified, and Yosben called it "Payback for the other day". After that, surprisingly, he gets a bit bored, and decides to borrow one of Craben's books, promising not to drop it in the ocean this time.
Craben: Craben eventually finished his book, and tried to get more info from Yosben. He did not remember much. There were no more books to read, so he decided to tell stories.
Clay: Clay volunteers to clean up Gwen's barf, because he had nothing else important to do. He tries thinking of riddles instead, thinking he might be able to get them. It didn't work. His best one was: "What is blue and wet and has dangerous creatures lurking in it?" The answer: sea. everybody knew. He was disappointed to that, so he just slept.
Gwen: Gwen says sorry to Clay, but he said it's OK. She wants to have some fun, so he gathers up the crew to play around. Nobody was bored with all of Gwen's happiness.
Yosben: Yosben reads the book. and the boat lurches. the book falls off the boat. He makes an illusory book instead. Clay was the only one to notice the fake book.
Part 3: To the Cellar
Day 19, 1700 hours
It is in the evening on the third day of your boat ride that the winds seem to blow a little colder. The evergreen treetops of the Cloakwood rustle endlessly. Callbrax steers the boat alongside rocky shores. “See that?” he says to you, pointing to a monolithic black tower appearing just above the dark forest. “Zaldara,” the mage says ominously. “We’re close.”
Minutes later, the wind howls a lonely note as Callbrax brings The Diviner as close as he can to the shore. A small cliff 10 feet high rises up from the rocks. Atop the cliff, you see dense trees and Zaldara’s lair poking above.
The mage hops into the knee‐deep water, motioning for you to grab your equipment follow. The ocean is cold as death. Callbrax walks onto the shore and touches the cliff wall, muttering an arcane incantation. As he does, the wall parts just a bit, revealing a stone stair going upwards into darkness.
Suddenly a bleat breaks the night that fills your heart with adrenaline and dread. “That’s Remallia’s horn. Good luck and be quick.”
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
The moment the stairway is revealed, Gwen bursts up the stairs, excited to get a first look.
"The hero sought to save the world.
"If I keep trying, I'll be able to win," the hero thought.
But the harder the hero fought, the further the world seemed to tumble away.
Drowning in doubt, the hero could not even save themselves.
Hero, if you still believe in a brighter future, hold in your heart a thorn that can pierce all doubt."
~ Guild Wars 2
This doesn't sound good... Clay thought