Using the thin, flat blade of a knife, Arisa is able to pry up the small section of floor board and expose a small compartment below. It's not very big, only about a foot across, both long and wide. Peering inside, she sees a rather large book, about two inches thick, and a long, thin wooden box. Assuming that she pull them both out and begins flipping through the book, she sees that it is a collection of passages that she would guess go back well over a hundred years. The wooden box contains a quick and a couple of ink vials.
The passages vary widely. Many of the entries are simple journal style notes written by people who have stayed here the hut, whether it's for a single night or a number of days. They vary widely, from details of their stay, what they saw nearby, flowers that were in bloom at the time, what wildlife they saw up here, what birds they saw soar overhead, how they felt looking up the night sky, who was here, what they talked about, to how they felt at the time, the troubles, fears and struggles they face in life, visions they've had, what they hope to aspire to, or even an account of the specific dangers they've encountered along their travels along this path.
There are also a number of poems and other more creative passages, and even a number of drawings and sketches, some of which are very good, having been made with a high level of artistic precision.
It's basically a rich and very detailed historical, but mostly anonymous account of hundreds of people who have stopped at this hut over the past century or two.
Arisa is charmed by the Journal, and spends some time reading the entries. She then composes her own entry, a brief summary of their adventures so far. “It’s a guest logbook, of sorts. If anyone wants, you could add something. The entries, artwork, poems- go back many years!”. she explains to the others.
Zyllith walks up to where Arisa is examining the discovered journal, "Oh aye, we'd best leave a luv'ly tail o' tha' Dragon Aces' mighty deeds aye? if'n nothin' else, t'would be might nice fer other blokes whot pass by here ta' know tha' we passed 'ere once. I'd be 'appy ta volunteer a verse if ye' like."
"Aye, luv'ly!" Zyllith chirped with a grin as she took hold of the journal and began to write to it with a gusto.
'And on this day, the Mighty Adventurers of the Dragon's Aces did pass through on their way to Grand Adventures...'
Her surprisingly crisp and clean penmanship scribed out a tale with certainly far more flourish and style then what actually occurred. Still she spent several minutes writing out an account of the group's adventures thus far, quickly summarized to avoid taking up too much of the journal's pages. All of which amounted to mainly saying 'We befriended Dragons and took down Giants!'
Belkas looks at the passage written about their adventures. It feels good to have left a mark on the world, to know that maybe someone will come by in a hundred years and read about what they have done. He then scans back across the pages, looking to see if by chance Claugiyliamatar wrote anything, or anyone else he might have heard of.
Flipping through the book, Belkas doesn't see any entries that appear to be written by Claugiyliamatar. However, as he's perusing the pages, he suddenly stops, and both Arisa and Zyllith notice a slight expression of surprise, confusion, or shock, cross his face. Something. It's clear that he's somewhat taken aback by what he sees. If either of them look at the entry, you see nothing remarkable, it's just a standard "we stopped here for the night, played dice, told stories, sang songs, and drank way too much whiskey..." type of account.
Belkas
The journal entry itself is nothing special, but the name that's signed beneath jumps out at you... Bali Graybelt. You know that name. You could never forget it, nor her face that went with it. You can still picture her slightly chiseled cheek bones that were framed by short wavy black hair and her eyes that were as green as emeralds.
Bali was an old hill dwarf, at least to you; still quite young for a dwarf, and she was one of those that were held captive in slavery by the orcs with you, before you were traded to the horrible denizens of the Underdark, who... well... you know full well what they did to you in those dank caves far below the surface for so long, before your desperate pleas for help were heard and answered by the demon lord Glasya and your new life... or whatever you want to call it, all began.
Anyway, you and Bali were both prisoners in that orc camp, and even though life was miserable hard and often painful, you always remember her being a very stoic, good natured dwarf who had a song or a story for all occasions... just as you remember all the beatings and the constant fear of being mercilessly tortured... all of which paled in magnitude to what you endured in the Underdark.
You often fell asleep to her whispers and softly hummed melodies at night, and even in the daytime hours of hard and often horrifically punishing, labor and humiliation, Bali was always telling stories to try and lift everyone's else's sprits whenever the guards weren't too close by. Sometimes she wove tales, (surely tall as the trees), that would last for days or even weeks on end, since they could only be safely told in small bits.
You never know what happened to Bali, or anyone else from that camp. If you ever thought about it, you would have assumed that they were either still prisoners, or dead, as many of the slaves ended up. But here you are, looking at her name on the pages of this journal, and given that it is one of the later entries, it seems that Bali did indeed survive and has traveled this same path sometime in the recent past.
Meanwhile, Vernon and Ciri are outside the hut, visiting and keep watch in the sunshine, when they suddenly look over and spot a figure nearby, not 60 feet away. Well, they thought they were keeping a good eye out, but it seems that they were engrossed in their conversations about magic and tinkering. They now they find themselves having been surprised by a female elf...
((Welcome petessius! You are officially in, and can now describe exactly who it is that is standing near them outside the stone hut.))
"Hail and well met,"she says. "I mean you no harm, if you mean none to me. You are welcome to stay at the hut. It belongs to all. Just be respectful and leave it better than you found it."
She wears a cloak and hood the color of dead leaves, secured over one shoulder by a simple green pin. She carries a longbow in her hand with an arrow knocked, but relaxed. An old and weathered backpack is carried cinched tight to her shoulders.
((Imagine - if you will - this character with a cloak and hood.))
"I was tracking a band of orcs in this region. I believe it is safe here, but I wanted to be certain. Have you seen any sign of them? Mind if I look around once before we have a proper talk?"
Survival Check to find signs of the roving orc band: 23 (*see game log)
The elf returns from her search and sets her backpack down. She stows her weapons and pulls out rations to share with the party. The usual fair is bolstered by fresh fruits and wild vegetables. She gives a portion to any who are willing to share the meal with her. She eats her own portion quickly. Being closer, those of you who are familiar with the symbol would recognize the symbol for the Emerald Enclave engraved on Figwyn's cloak pin. There are additional markings, denoting her rank as an Autumnreaver.
"My name is Figwyn Alderbark. I am a ranger and have been guiding travelers through the wilds of this land for some time now. Who are you and what brings you up the Long Road?"
Belkas sits back, stunned. Bali had been here, in this very hut. He feels warmth spread through his chest. Seeing her name makes him feel a mixture of joy and sadness, as well as frustration that he missed meeting her. Although, since she was here and apparently well, there is a good chance he will be able to find her, or she might find him.
Belkas hears an unknown voice outside the hut, jumps to his feet and rushes outside. He is surprised to see an unknown elf there, but as she seems peaceful and introduces herself to the group, he relaxes.
"I am Belkas," he says. "It is a pleasure to come across a friendly face. I had been expecting to only run into orcs, or worse, in these hills."
He decides to let the others, who are better at talking to strangers, explain the group's mission. Looking down at his drow-styled black leather armor, he feels suddenly self-conscious and hopes the elf isn't overly offended or inquisitive.
To his familiar he thinks, 'We have a visitor, Crowley. Stay invisible, fly around, and check out the area. She doesn't look hostile, but let's just make sure she isn't acting as bait for an ambush.'
“Greetings, Figwyn. It is a useful cabin, and while we have not planned to stay today, we might have need of it if we run across the orcs. I am Arisa, Cleric of Mystra. We are seeking information and allies in what we fear may be a brewing conflict- with giants”. Arisa seems cautious to reveal more until they can determine more of the stranger.
Arisa is a beautiful, slightly built human girl in her young 20's, she wears a suit of blued half-plate mail and carries a worn leather backpack, a quarterstaff, and a shield emblazoned with a blue 8-point star in a circle. She has fair skin, brown hair and green eyes, and the look of someone who spent most of their time reading, not wearing armor. Over her armor she has a weathered blue hooded traveling cloak and she wears brown leather boots.
"I am Vernon Garrick, Knight of Myth Drannor, Protector of the Light..." He relaxes his shield arm to show his own Emerald Enclave pin (Springwarden) while glancing towards Figwyn's. "...and pleased to meet you."
Vernon's profile is dominated by the lance at his back, with its green banner. The other three feet of him are clad in chain mail, although most of that is hidden by his shield, which bears the image of a unicorn wielding a flaming hammer and an eye shield. The war hammer at his side is not flaming, but it does have some intricate dwarven carving.
During her search of the area around the hut, Figwin does indeed find signs that an orc band has passed through this area not a few days prior. To her expert eyes, it appears that they have traveled from east to west, which would indicate that they have traveled further into the Sword Mountains.
Meanwhile and invisible Crowley flies overhead while doing his own search, but he sees no other creatures or immediate threats nearby.
'Nothing to see from up here,' Crowley informs Belkas. 'If there's any danger, it'll come from her and that oversized bow she carries.'
Belkas relaxes a little, pulls out his own rations to add to the meal, and sits down to eat.
He smiles and Figwyn and says, "Thank you for sharing you food with us. If I may ask, among the travelers you have guided through these hills, did you by any chance meet a dwarf named Bali Greybelt? I knew her when I was young, and," he pauses for a moment, "and I would very much like to see her again."
Zyllith bursts forth from the cottage once she hears of a new person to greet. Her golden eyes gaze directly back at Figwyn accompanied by a large grin before she takes a rebellious bow as part of her introduction. "Ahoy ther' luv! Pleasure meetin' one whot's eager ta' hunt troublesome orcs along tha' path before us. Me name's Zyllith, pirate o' tha' Sea o' Fallen Stars, an' eager purveyor o' Adventure! I see ye've met tha' others, thus now ye've had tha' pleasure o' meeting tha Dragon Aces! Tha' most glorious band o' adventurer's this side o' tha' Sword Coast. Or 'least we aim ta' be at tha'." She gives the newcomer a wink, finished with her introduction.
On the surface, there's nothing unusual about Zyllith's appearance, at least for those familiar with Tieflings. Red skin, black hair, eyes like solid orbs of pure gold. Her horns, while prominent, sweep backwards giving off a sleek style. More so it's her mannerisms that seem unusual, as if her thick accent wasn't enough evidence of her foreign nature. Add to that both the studded leather armor that she wears and the rapier at her hip, while certainly functional, are both much more stylish and decorated then normal for the usual adventurer gear.
Arisa smiles broadly at Zylyth’s entry. “Perhaps you should tell some of our tale. It has been an adventure! But first, we would be willing to travel with you along our path- perhaps we can help you find and deal with these orcs- if their arent too many.”.
As you look around, it appears that the elf called Figwyn has wandered off, probably in her desire to try and track the orc band that she said had recently passed through the area. You don't see her anywhere around the hut. 🤷♂️
Ciri shrugs and looks at the rest of you. "Hmmm... strange. I wonder where she has gotten off to. At any rate, shall we continue on? I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to a nice glass of wine when we reach Amphail. Maybe they'll even have some nice cheese for you, Vernon!"
"By the way, did you find anything interesting inside the hut?"
"Aye, tis rioght time we got movin' now." Zyllith agreed, ready to get back on the road. She continued on to answer Ciri's question, "Arisa did find a might fascinatin' journal inside whot marked tha' passage o' many a travelers. Dunae worry tho', as I made sure ta' inscribe a note o' our own grand Adventures within."
Belkas sighs, he had hoped that Figwyn might have seen Bali, but that was probably too much good luck. He packs up the rest of his meal, grabs his backpack and prepares to head back onto the road. He makes a few gestures and speaks a few words and then the uplifting music of a popular song begins to play in the air above them.
Using the thin, flat blade of a knife, Arisa is able to pry up the small section of floor board and expose a small compartment below. It's not very big, only about a foot across, both long and wide. Peering inside, she sees a rather large book, about two inches thick, and a long, thin wooden box. Assuming that she pull them both out and begins flipping through the book, she sees that it is a collection of passages that she would guess go back well over a hundred years. The wooden box contains a quick and a couple of ink vials.
The passages vary widely. Many of the entries are simple journal style notes written by people who have stayed here the hut, whether it's for a single night or a number of days. They vary widely, from details of their stay, what they saw nearby, flowers that were in bloom at the time, what wildlife they saw up here, what birds they saw soar overhead, how they felt looking up the night sky, who was here, what they talked about, to how they felt at the time, the troubles, fears and struggles they face in life, visions they've had, what they hope to aspire to, or even an account of the specific dangers they've encountered along their travels along this path.
There are also a number of poems and other more creative passages, and even a number of drawings and sketches, some of which are very good, having been made with a high level of artistic precision.
It's basically a rich and very detailed historical, but mostly anonymous account of hundreds of people who have stopped at this hut over the past century or two.
Arisa is charmed by the Journal, and spends some time reading the entries. She then composes her own entry, a brief summary of their adventures so far. “It’s a guest logbook, of sorts. If anyone wants, you could add something. The entries, artwork, poems- go back many years!”. she explains to the others.
Zyllith walks up to where Arisa is examining the discovered journal, "Oh aye, we'd best leave a luv'ly tail o' tha' Dragon Aces' mighty deeds aye? if'n nothin' else, t'would be might nice fer other blokes whot pass by here ta' know tha' we passed 'ere once. I'd be 'appy ta volunteer a verse if ye' like."
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
“That would be lovely!”. Arisa says, signing her entry with a flourish.
"Aye, luv'ly!" Zyllith chirped with a grin as she took hold of the journal and began to write to it with a gusto.
'And on this day, the Mighty Adventurers of the Dragon's Aces did pass through on their way to Grand Adventures...'
Her surprisingly crisp and clean penmanship scribed out a tale with certainly far more flourish and style then what actually occurred. Still she spent several minutes writing out an account of the group's adventures thus far, quickly summarized to avoid taking up too much of the journal's pages. All of which amounted to mainly saying 'We befriended Dragons and took down Giants!'
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Belkas looks at the passage written about their adventures. It feels good to have left a mark on the world, to know that maybe someone will come by in a hundred years and read about what they have done. He then scans back across the pages, looking to see if by chance Claugiyliamatar wrote anything, or anyone else he might have heard of.
Flipping through the book, Belkas doesn't see any entries that appear to be written by Claugiyliamatar. However, as he's perusing the pages, he suddenly stops, and both Arisa and Zyllith notice a slight expression of surprise, confusion, or shock, cross his face. Something. It's clear that he's somewhat taken aback by what he sees. If either of them look at the entry, you see nothing remarkable, it's just a standard "we stopped here for the night, played dice, told stories, sang songs, and drank way too much whiskey..." type of account.
Belkas
The journal entry itself is nothing special, but the name that's signed beneath jumps out at you... Bali Graybelt. You know that name. You could never forget it, nor her face that went with it. You can still picture her slightly chiseled cheek bones that were framed by short wavy black hair and her eyes that were as green as emeralds.
Bali was an old hill dwarf, at least to you; still quite young for a dwarf, and she was one of those that were held captive in slavery by the orcs with you, before you were traded to the horrible denizens of the Underdark, who... well... you know full well what they did to you in those dank caves far below the surface for so long, before your desperate pleas for help were heard and answered by the demon lord Glasya and your new life... or whatever you want to call it, all began.
Anyway, you and Bali were both prisoners in that orc camp, and even though life was miserable hard and often painful, you always remember her being a very stoic, good natured dwarf who had a song or a story for all occasions... just as you remember all the beatings and the constant fear of being mercilessly tortured... all of which paled in magnitude to what you endured in the Underdark.
You often fell asleep to her whispers and softly hummed melodies at night, and even in the daytime hours of hard and often horrifically punishing, labor and humiliation, Bali was always telling stories to try and lift everyone's else's sprits whenever the guards weren't too close by. Sometimes she wove tales, (surely tall as the trees), that would last for days or even weeks on end, since they could only be safely told in small bits.
You never know what happened to Bali, or anyone else from that camp. If you ever thought about it, you would have assumed that they were either still prisoners, or dead, as many of the slaves ended up. But here you are, looking at her name on the pages of this journal, and given that it is one of the later entries, it seems that Bali did indeed survive and has traveled this same path sometime in the recent past.
Meanwhile, Vernon and Ciri are outside the hut, visiting and keep watch in the sunshine, when they suddenly look over and spot a figure nearby, not 60 feet away. Well, they thought they were keeping a good eye out, but it seems that they were engrossed in their conversations about magic and tinkering. They now they find themselves having been surprised by a female elf...
((Welcome petessius! You are officially in, and can now describe exactly who it is that is standing near them outside the stone hut.))
The elf raises a hand in greeting.
"Hail and well met," she says. "I mean you no harm, if you mean none to me. You are welcome to stay at the hut. It belongs to all. Just be respectful and leave it better than you found it."
She wears a cloak and hood the color of dead leaves, secured over one shoulder by a simple green pin. She carries a longbow in her hand with an arrow knocked, but relaxed. An old and weathered backpack is carried cinched tight to her shoulders.
((Imagine - if you will - this character with a cloak and hood.))
"I was tracking a band of orcs in this region. I believe it is safe here, but I wanted to be certain. Have you seen any sign of them? Mind if I look around once before we have a proper talk?"
Survival Check to find signs of the roving orc band: 23 (*see game log)
The elf returns from her search and sets her backpack down. She stows her weapons and pulls out rations to share with the party. The usual fair is bolstered by fresh fruits and wild vegetables. She gives a portion to any who are willing to share the meal with her. She eats her own portion quickly. Being closer, those of you who are familiar with the symbol would recognize the symbol for the Emerald Enclave engraved on Figwyn's cloak pin. There are additional markings, denoting her rank as an Autumnreaver.
"My name is Figwyn Alderbark. I am a ranger and have been guiding travelers through the wilds of this land for some time now. Who are you and what brings you up the Long Road?"
Belkas sits back, stunned. Bali had been here, in this very hut. He feels warmth spread through his chest. Seeing her name makes him feel a mixture of joy and sadness, as well as frustration that he missed meeting her. Although, since she was here and apparently well, there is a good chance he will be able to find her, or she might find him.
Belkas hears an unknown voice outside the hut, jumps to his feet and rushes outside. He is surprised to see an unknown elf there, but as she seems peaceful and introduces herself to the group, he relaxes.
"I am Belkas," he says. "It is a pleasure to come across a friendly face. I had been expecting to only run into orcs, or worse, in these hills."
He decides to let the others, who are better at talking to strangers, explain the group's mission. Looking down at his drow-styled black leather armor, he feels suddenly self-conscious and hopes the elf isn't overly offended or inquisitive.
To his familiar he thinks, 'We have a visitor, Crowley. Stay invisible, fly around, and check out the area. She doesn't look hostile, but let's just make sure she isn't acting as bait for an ambush.'
“Greetings, Figwyn. It is a useful cabin, and while we have not planned to stay today, we might have need of it if we run across the orcs. I am Arisa, Cleric of Mystra. We are seeking information and allies in what we fear may be a brewing conflict- with giants”. Arisa seems cautious to reveal more until they can determine more of the stranger.
Arisa is a beautiful, slightly built human girl in her young 20's, she wears a suit of blued half-plate mail and carries a worn leather backpack, a quarterstaff, and a shield emblazoned with a blue 8-point star in a circle. She has fair skin, brown hair and green eyes, and the look of someone who spent most of their time reading, not wearing armor. Over her armor she has a weathered blue hooded traveling cloak and she wears brown leather boots.
"I am Vernon Garrick, Knight of Myth Drannor, Protector of the Light..." He relaxes his shield arm to show his own Emerald Enclave pin (Springwarden) while glancing towards Figwyn's. "...and pleased to meet you."
Vernon's profile is dominated by the lance at his back, with its green banner. The other three feet of him are clad in chain mail, although most of that is hidden by his shield, which bears the image of a unicorn wielding a flaming hammer and an eye shield. The war hammer at his side is not flaming, but it does have some intricate dwarven carving.
During her search of the area around the hut, Figwin does indeed find signs that an orc band has passed through this area not a few days prior. To her expert eyes, it appears that they have traveled from east to west, which would indicate that they have traveled further into the Sword Mountains.
Meanwhile and invisible Crowley flies overhead while doing his own search, but he sees no other creatures or immediate threats nearby.
'Nothing to see from up here,' Crowley informs Belkas. 'If there's any danger, it'll come from her and that oversized bow she carries.'
Belkas relaxes a little, pulls out his own rations to add to the meal, and sits down to eat.
He smiles and Figwyn and says, "Thank you for sharing you food with us. If I may ask, among the travelers you have guided through these hills, did you by any chance meet a dwarf named Bali Greybelt? I knew her when I was young, and," he pauses for a moment, "and I would very much like to see her again."
Zyllith bursts forth from the cottage once she hears of a new person to greet. Her golden eyes gaze directly back at Figwyn accompanied by a large grin before she takes a rebellious bow as part of her introduction. "Ahoy ther' luv! Pleasure meetin' one whot's eager ta' hunt troublesome orcs along tha' path before us. Me name's Zyllith, pirate o' tha' Sea o' Fallen Stars, an' eager purveyor o' Adventure! I see ye've met tha' others, thus now ye've had tha' pleasure o' meeting tha Dragon Aces! Tha' most glorious band o' adventurer's this side o' tha' Sword Coast. Or 'least we aim ta' be at tha'." She gives the newcomer a wink, finished with her introduction.
On the surface, there's nothing unusual about Zyllith's appearance, at least for those familiar with Tieflings. Red skin, black hair, eyes like solid orbs of pure gold. Her horns, while prominent, sweep backwards giving off a sleek style. More so it's her mannerisms that seem unusual, as if her thick accent wasn't enough evidence of her foreign nature. Add to that both the studded leather armor that she wears and the rapier at her hip, while certainly functional, are both much more stylish and decorated then normal for the usual adventurer gear.
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Arisa smiles broadly at Zylyth’s entry. “Perhaps you should tell some of our tale. It has been an adventure! But first, we would be willing to travel with you along our path- perhaps we can help you find and deal with these orcs- if their arent too many.”.
As you look around, it appears that the elf called Figwyn has wandered off, probably in her desire to try and track the orc band that she said had recently passed through the area. You don't see her anywhere around the hut. 🤷♂️
Ciri shrugs and looks at the rest of you. "Hmmm... strange. I wonder where she has gotten off to. At any rate, shall we continue on? I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to a nice glass of wine when we reach Amphail. Maybe they'll even have some nice cheese for you, Vernon!"
"By the way, did you find anything interesting inside the hut?"
"Aye, tis rioght time we got movin' now." Zyllith agreed, ready to get back on the road. She continued on to answer Ciri's question, "Arisa did find a might fascinatin' journal inside whot marked tha' passage o' many a travelers. Dunae worry tho', as I made sure ta' inscribe a note o' our own grand Adventures within."
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
“It is amazing! I will return it to the hiding spot, but perhaps you’d like to see it first?”. Arisa shows the journal, with the latest entries.
Belkas sighs, he had hoped that Figwyn might have seen Bali, but that was probably too much good luck. He packs up the rest of his meal, grabs his backpack and prepares to head back onto the road. He makes a few gestures and speaks a few words and then the uplifting music of a popular song begins to play in the air above them.