Even after a little breather, KD was still very blue. The artificer re-investigates the room and rediscovers a copper amulet containing tiny interlocking gears sitting atop one of the piles she sifted through just before the shapeshifter attacked. She'd also be able to point out the shiny 1 foot long rod that Demetrios had found around the same time as well. It was now located by Lilly's feet. And as Lilly looked down for something, she'd see it too.
When Lilly would retrieve her ladle, a gear would be glued to it. It was unfortunate, but not without a fix. The halfling remembered that KD had pointed out one of the Kings had a solvent for something like this. A little dab of that and her own cleaning touch, Lilly's ladle would be back to normal.
XP Granted - Successful Bonding: Adabra - Successful Bonding: Joybell - Mimic - High RP efforts
Total XP: 860 XP per Player: 215 (Must be added yourselves)
Lilly looked at her ladle with sad anger for a few moments, though eventually remembered that kings might have a solution (literally) to the problem. A new bauble on the floor, that she almost tripped over, attracted her attention, so, now in one hand she had her ruined (temporary) ladle, and in another - a curiously looking rod. "I wonder what it does," said she out loud turning the thing. "Too simple for the mechanisms but too pretty to be just a part of something." She would return the thing to the rightful owner, of course, she just wanted to know what this thing is for.
(Very well deserved level! :3 Thank you all for your patience and continued engagement.)
Taking a breather standing next to Onu, Demetrios would be able to confirm that the two items picked up by KD and Lilly were both the sources of magic tickling his senses. The paladin would watch over the recovering monk while the ladies spent some time with the items.
This wasn't the first time Onu was in rough shape after a battle, but one thing was for sure, the man never complained. Instead, the first words and actions were thinking of others. He did not show concern for much else at this time. In time, his senses assured him everyone was accounted for and well.
Fired up with adrenaline and surrounded by sources of never ending inspiration. Holding a magical piece of it in her palm, KD was firing on all cylinders. Her intellectual gears were churning, pumping out concept after concept as she'd mentally deconstruct it all while identifying it at the same time.
Safely with ladle in hand again, Lilly picked up the rod that stood out. As she noted, the simple design sure spoke truth of its form naturally followed its function. She'd take a look at it and give it chance. The halfling says the right word. Then right before her eyes the pole expands. Curious enough, the weight remained the same in her palm.
(Just as a side note, I choose not to penalize anyone for having to step away for RL stuff. Even if gone for a long hiatus. If the player and character wish to return in ANY capacity, I will do my best to find a balance. I hope that fellow players can/do understand and respect this.
MIA characters are always assumed to be somewhere that is suitable, (ie. keeping watch somewhere is always a good one. If Hex would like Arty to have stayed back with Adabra etc.), so that they may have the opportunity to return to the story or be of benefit in some way. A single 'requirement' on return would be an RP post or event that could help justify their characters gaining/being equal in experience.
Currently Nemo has expressed he will not be joining back with their character, and I haven't heard back from Hex in any of my check ins, but I wanted to put this out there to be known. I just feel due to say this and to be a little sappy... Everyone's time, energy and effort to contribute to this story (and others), and to my daily learning, is endlessly appreciated. To the DM's who have touched my creative soul and inspired me to try to share the same experience given to me, DMs and players, I genuinely thank you.)
Onu looks around the room, slowly letting the reality of their most recent encounter sink in. Everyone was on their feet, even if they were hurt, they had made it through....and earned themselves a reward. From a King no less. Things were looking up indeed. Catching KD's eye Onu would speak up 'Well then, shapeshifter vanquished, it seems we should update the Kings and reap our hard-won rewards!'
Woosh! The heavy rod suddenly transformed into a long pole, knocking down stuff from two piles on both sides. "Wow!" Lilly could immediately come up with an application, but she knew a potentially useful magic item when she saw one. "Those gnomes truly know how to make things! Maybe it was not for nothing, that we came here, they might help with the dragon too."So what if the gnomes did not use those items themselves to fight the shapechanger? They are not adventurers. If anything, Lilly was dangerously close to overconfidence in the group's unbeatable strength.
"It's quite impressive. We should go let the kings know, and the others, and they can have a chance to calm themselves. Eat some mushroom food. Perhaps we can rest here for the night. It's been one long day. I have a bunch of ideas I want to try. Onu, I might have something for you that I could actually finish."KD says in a patter of excited words. The normally reserved woman is lighting up in this place.
She lets the others know about the clockwork amulet. "It plays with time, and chance, and lets you make sure one strike is very likely to be true. Someone should make use of this who can truly hit hard. Demetrios?'she says, staring up at the big paladin.
The pole's very interesting to her, and you can see her mind running through a lot of options and uses. She asks to experiment with it a bit, nods to herself, and hands it back to Lilly, confident that the small woman could find it more useful than anyone.
Before they head back to the kings, she sifts through the pile of junk and gizmos, helping herself to a few items that might seem useless now, but could help her complete a few puzzles her mind's been wrestling with for a long time.
If anyone could find a use for the thing, that would be KD. Or Onu - to prod and poke his way while scouting? Though, for the moment she thought it did not matter. The rod (the Cool Pole, as she cold it) belonged to the kings.
Once the group has collected themselves, and a little bit of treasure, they make their way back to the Kings’ chamber. Regardless of which route they’d decide to take, the doors would be locked. It would take KD’s special knock to get them back inside. And not to their surprise, the two kings’ were practically as you left them. Gnerkli was still glued to the chair and Korboz was wide-eyed and still frightened. He fidgeted, looking at you all expectantly. “D-did you get it?”
As they approach the kings chambers, Onu would check over his clothing, tucking in shirttails, readjusting his trousers, and sighing sadly at the ruin that has become his topcoat. Once KD provides the secret knock and the door was opened, Onu would step to the fore and address the Kings 'Your Majesties, we have tracked the shapeshifter, cornered it in your treasure room and destroyed the foul creature.' bowing deeply as he addressed the kings, he wobbles ever so slightly on uncertain legs. 'There is nothing more to fear, your halls are safe once more.'
"Yes, I believe the monster that threatened you and ate some of you people is a mimic. I've read about them. It was a hard fight but it is no more. We found some things of interest in the room after it fell,"KD says, indicating the amulet and the pole.
"Now, we are tired, and beaten up, and also famished. Think we could rest the night here, now that your realm... realms? are safe? I would also like to spend a bit of time with your inventors if possible. I'm a bit of a tinkerer myself. Have some ideas."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(DM forgot once again in the excitement of battle!) Delayed Roll: 10 Lilly is unaffected.
Korboz would stare wide-eyed and unsure, pupils dilating and darting between you all. He has no reason not to trust you all, but it’s difficult to do so without being presented or shown proof, especially considering the artificer wasn’t blue when she left. Tentatively, the King would peer out the doorway he’d then very slowly tip toe his way down the hall. It takes some time, but unless escorted, he’s ridiculously cautious and continuously looking behind him. Finally, he’d reach the treasure room. It’d take a little personal amping up, but the king would eventually peek into the room. His eyes fall over the corpse. A soft gasp of surprise leaves him and he stumbles back. “That’s it!” He scurries as fast as his legs would take him, finding the tallest and sturdiest person to hide behind (Demetrios).
After a few breaths to calm his shakes, Korboz reappears with his solution in hand. His demeanour has changed. He’s more calm and remorseful as he begins to free his fellow King from his binds. “You are all very much welcomed to stay the night to rest. It’s the least we could do…” He’d speak softly as he’d work with care.
'A night's rest would be most welcomed your Majesties, I'm afraid your intruder pushed our little band to the very limits of what we're capable of and cost us most of our meager supplies.' at this last bit the monk would gesture towards the halfling who had poured healing potions to keep the team on their feet.
The halfling readily stepped forward. "Onu means we had to spend our healing potions. Luckily, we had some, otherwise, we would be eaten just like your poor subjects, your Majesties."Too excited to get into the selling mood (unforgivable sin back home!), and since they were on the matter of magic and potions, Lilly showed to the kings both things she was carrying: the unfortunate ladle and the amazing Cool Pole. "Look what the thing did to my ladle! May I ask you for that solution that can break the glue? Oh, and this is something we found in the piles of..."she was not sure how to politely call the mess back in the vault, "... treasure? The thing sure collected all it could find around!" She handed the Pole to his majesty.
Korboz finally finishes freeing Gnerkli from his binds. The second king rises from his seat, rubbing where he was bound. After an exhale of relief, he’d exchange a look of pure appreciation with the adventurer’s before turning to pull Korboz into a hug. After a few moments of reconciliation and forgiveness, both kings turn to face you, and both give you all deep full bows to display formal gratitude from them, and their kingdom. There was remorse in their eyes from the continued mention of how risky the job was and how close they were to perishing themselves.
After a steadying breath, Gnerkli would step forward. “There are little words that could be said to make up for the risks you took today, but please take some comfort in knowing that we acknowledge these efforts and are entirely grateful for your heroics. Again, we welcome you all to make yourselves at home here, any time, for rest and refuge, as long as necessary.We are willing to share any food, drinks or supplies within our means, should you ever be in need.” His head would dip in thanks once again. “Please accept any items you discovered as humble gifts of our thanks.” He’d say. Then the gnome king would move to their bed.
As Gnerkli retrieved the chest, Korboz would step forward to face Lilly, “Of course.” He’d reach for his solution and hand it all to the halfling. There would be enough for her to restore her ladle back to normal with some left over for a future application should they ever find themselves in another sticky situation.
King Gnerkli returns with a small unlocked chest. Onu could confirm that was the chest he spotted under the bed earlier. Nudging it a little closer to the adventurers, he then opens it to present it’s contents to them. The chest contains a hat of wizardry, a fully charged wand of pyrotechnics and a well loved book. It’s a spellbook that the rock gnomes of Gnomengarde share. Its cover describes its title as Magick of Gnomengarde (in Common and Gnomish), and it contains the wizard spells burning hands, detect magic, identify, mage armor, magic missile, shield, and sleep. The group would have permission to copy the spells, should any of them happen to be a wizard or someone who likes scrolls.
"Thank you!!!" Lilly was very impressed and accepted the gifts - the solution and the Pole - with genuine gratitude. As sparkly as the hat was, the halfling did not even look at its direction (she was way past the phase of imagining herself to be a wizard - with a pointy hat and heaps of scrolls). The wand was pretty, though (she had to restrain herself from the attempt to send a flare right here), and lighter to carry too, but the girl did not try to keep it.
Like everyone else, for the moment, she would mostly appreciate some rest.
Lilly’s enthusiasm received a genuinely warm smile from Gnerkli. He’d lean forward to whisper to her, “Just don’t tell Fibblestib and Dabbledob.” He’d wink to her. The inventor’s were hoarders, and it was one of those situations that as long as no one said anything, they’d never notice anything’s gone missing. It’s the only way they’ve been able to keep most of the spaces ‘junk’ free!
The Kings’ would escort the group back to their throne room where they would provide what ever supplies they could to help make everyone comfortable for the night. They’d personally lend their own pillows or blankets should their heroes find the need for it. They’d even send for more food and mushroom brew should it be required. Once settled in, the group would be able to take a long rest at their leisure.
Catchin’ Zs! (Time to smash that long rest button and decide you’re next day!)
That was really, like REALLY good to get some rest. As Lilly hoped, by the morning the horrible bruise was gone and sleeping in the tunnels proved to be quite soothing, almost like in a respectable halfling-house. (Well, that part was a lie, nothing can be compared to the comfort of a true halfling-house) But the food was definitely good! Giving a few ideas about more broad usage of mushrooms (Lilly even wrote a few).
"Well, where to today? Don't know if all those nice items can help us to fight a dragon" (to be fair, the very idea still sounded too far-fetched) "but we had something else to do."Lilly scratched her nose thinking. "Had something to do with dwarves... Oh, yes! We had to warn them about the dragon! And then return to the Townmaster. So... Shall we?"
Accomplishment had been running through Demetrios' veins when they had successfully reported back to the kings with the good news. While they might not have been able to save some of the gnomes lost to the shapeshifter, at least they prevented it from happening again. They quelled Korboz's paranoia and brought peace back to Gnomengarde... What was there not to feel accomplished about?! Who knew a make shift group of individuals could make a such a big difference!
However, once the feelings slowly wore off, the paladin was ready to hit the hay. When offered a place to stay, with food and accommodations for them, Demetrios thanked them profusely. It had been a long day and rest was more rewarding than anything they had been given (even though he appreciated that too!).
When morning came and after a quick workout to warm up the muscles (you never know what you could run into out there), , Demetrios felt refreshed and ready for another day of travel. A warm chuckle rumbles from his chest when Lilly begins to recall their next quest. "Correct. The excavation site should be to the west of where we are now, if I recall correctly."He trusted KD to correct him as she had the map (ooc: I think she has the map, if not then whoever has it, feel free to correct me!). He begins to move from his place, standing tall. "I'm ready when you all are."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
KD ate and drank more mushroom-based products than she ever had in her life. She opened up a bit with the party as she ate, very relieved to be alive. She and Onu engaged in some rather familiar banter -- the jig was up, and it was plain to see that the two knew each other fairly well. "Onu, I've been thinking of something that might make those weapons you use even more effective. You're happy with the staff, right? Don't want to switch it for something else? My idea would work for any weapon, but it'd be hard to change it, so I wanted to make sure."
Regardless of Onu's reply, KD would make her goodbyes to the party and head straight for Fibblestib and Dabbledob's workshop. She wipes her feet, and washes her hands, never breaking eye contact. The intent smile never drops from her face.
"Hello! Now that we've saved your kings from madness (turns out it was misguided fraternal love and concern the whole time who'd have thought) and rid your tunnels of a frankly terrifying mimic, the one thing I would like is the use of your workshop. I may sleep here. The kings seemed to want us to have the run of the place, so I hope that's okay. Fibblestib, I love your freeze---sanity ray. I had some thoughts on how to make the beam a bit more focused, perhaps travel longer distances. Imagine the kind of defense you could set up in conjunction with the waterfall out there. And Dabbledob... well."She leans back, head cocked, smile on her face, arms out. "That straitjacket! Brilliant. I've been working on this suit of armor, and a design like this could help complete it. Would you mind if I work a bit in here on my armor, using some inspiration from your straitjacket? Some time tonight, a good night's sleep under that workbench over there, and a few hours in the morning is all I should need. I also have some ideas about creating an... assistant of a sort. Mechanical. Need some expensive items but I can look for those. And I also have in mind a focus for me to help with some of the things I do, but I don't really have the capacity for that now. Anyhow what is that and are you using it..."
The artificer flows into the room like a soft avalanche, polite, smooth, unrelenting, and all around Fibblestib and Dabbledob before they have a chance to blink. Before they know it, they're helping her work, fetching, teaching, stabilizing, dismantling...
And as she works, she hums to herself, in a harmonic that seems difficult to replicate.
Onu too was grateful for the rest, he needed it after the encounter with the mimic. He also needed time to try to patch and repair his torn topcoat. It simply wouldn't do to go about as he was, he'd look more like a vagabond than the third son of a Grand Duke.
As KD inquired to his needs, he'd lift his head from his sewing and begin talking shop, reviewing which gadgets had worked and which could use improvements. 'I must say, your ingenious design to hide this blade in the walking stick worked brilliantly against both of our most recent foes'. He reaches over and plucks the walking staff off the tunnel floor and tosses it towards the artificer 'But happy to have your brilliant mind at work for whatever you think might work better.'
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Even after a little breather, KD was still very blue. The artificer re-investigates the room and rediscovers a copper amulet containing tiny interlocking gears sitting atop one of the piles she sifted through just before the shapeshifter attacked. She'd also be able to point out the shiny 1 foot long rod that Demetrios had found around the same time as well. It was now located by Lilly's feet. And as Lilly looked down for something, she'd see it too.
When Lilly would retrieve her ladle, a gear would be glued to it. It was unfortunate, but not without a fix. The halfling remembered that KD had pointed out one of the Kings had a solvent for something like this. A little dab of that and her own cleaning touch, Lilly's ladle would be back to normal.
XP Granted
- Successful Bonding: Adabra
- Successful Bonding: Joybell
- Mimic
- High RP efforts
Total XP: 860
XP per Player: 215
(Must be added yourselves)
just an unstable unicorn.
(Hurray, level!)
Lilly looked at her ladle with sad anger for a few moments, though eventually remembered that kings might have a solution (literally) to the problem. A new bauble on the floor, that she almost tripped over, attracted her attention, so, now in one hand she had her ruined (temporary) ladle, and in another - a curiously looking rod. "I wonder what it does," said she out loud turning the thing. "Too simple for the mechanisms but too pretty to be just a part of something." She would return the thing to the rightful owner, of course, she just wanted to know what this thing is for.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
(Very well deserved level! :3 Thank you all for your patience and continued engagement.)
Taking a breather standing next to Onu, Demetrios would be able to confirm that the two items picked up by KD and Lilly were both the sources of magic tickling his senses. The paladin would watch over the recovering monk while the ladies spent some time with the items.
This wasn't the first time Onu was in rough shape after a battle, but one thing was for sure, the man never complained. Instead, the first words and actions were thinking of others. He did not show concern for much else at this time. In time, his senses assured him everyone was accounted for and well.
Fired up with adrenaline and surrounded by sources of never ending inspiration. Holding a magical piece of it in her palm, KD was firing on all cylinders. Her intellectual gears were churning, pumping out concept after concept as she'd mentally deconstruct it all while identifying it at the same time.
Safely with ladle in hand again, Lilly picked up the rod that stood out. As she noted, the simple design sure spoke truth of its form naturally followed its function. She'd take a look at it and give it chance. The halfling says the right word. Then right before her eyes the pole expands. Curious enough, the weight remained the same in her palm.
Treasure!
KD identifies: Clockwork Amulet
Lilly identifies: Pole of Collapsing
DM Note
(Just as a side note, I choose not to penalize anyone for having to step away for RL stuff. Even if gone for a long hiatus. If the player and character wish to return in ANY capacity, I will do my best to find a balance. I hope that fellow players can/do understand and respect this.
MIA characters are always assumed to be somewhere that is suitable, (ie. keeping watch somewhere is always a good one. If Hex would like Arty to have stayed back with Adabra etc.), so that they may have the opportunity to return to the story or be of benefit in some way. A single 'requirement' on return would be an RP post or event that could help justify their characters gaining/being equal in experience.
Currently Nemo has expressed he will not be joining back with their character, and I haven't heard back from Hex in any of my check ins, but I wanted to put this out there to be known.
I just feel due to say this and to be a little sappy... Everyone's time, energy and effort to contribute to this story (and others), and to my daily learning, is endlessly appreciated. To the DM's who have touched my creative soul and inspired me to try to share the same experience given to me, DMs and players, I genuinely thank you.)
<3 ixi
just an unstable unicorn.
Onu looks around the room, slowly letting the reality of their most recent encounter sink in. Everyone was on their feet, even if they were hurt, they had made it through....and earned themselves a reward. From a King no less. Things were looking up indeed. Catching KD's eye Onu would speak up 'Well then, shapeshifter vanquished, it seems we should update the Kings and reap our hard-won rewards!'
Woosh! The heavy rod suddenly transformed into a long pole, knocking down stuff from two piles on both sides. "Wow!" Lilly could immediately come up with an application, but she knew a potentially useful magic item when she saw one. "Those gnomes truly know how to make things! Maybe it was not for nothing, that we came here, they might help with the dragon too." So what if the gnomes did not use those items themselves to fight the shapechanger? They are not adventurers. If anything, Lilly was dangerously close to overconfidence in the group's unbeatable strength.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"It's quite impressive. We should go let the kings know, and the others, and they can have a chance to calm themselves. Eat some mushroom food. Perhaps we can rest here for the night. It's been one long day. I have a bunch of ideas I want to try. Onu, I might have something for you that I could actually finish." KD says in a patter of excited words. The normally reserved woman is lighting up in this place.
She lets the others know about the clockwork amulet. "It plays with time, and chance, and lets you make sure one strike is very likely to be true. Someone should make use of this who can truly hit hard. Demetrios?' she says, staring up at the big paladin.
The pole's very interesting to her, and you can see her mind running through a lot of options and uses. She asks to experiment with it a bit, nods to herself, and hands it back to Lilly, confident that the small woman could find it more useful than anyone.
Before they head back to the kings, she sifts through the pile of junk and gizmos, helping herself to a few items that might seem useless now, but could help her complete a few puzzles her mind's been wrestling with for a long time.
If anyone could find a use for the thing, that would be KD. Or Onu - to prod and poke his way while scouting? Though, for the moment she thought it did not matter. The rod (the Cool Pole, as she cold it) belonged to the kings.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Once the group has collected themselves, and a little bit of treasure, they make their way back to the Kings’ chamber. Regardless of which route they’d decide to take, the doors would be locked. It would take KD’s special knock to get them back inside. And not to their surprise, the two kings’ were practically as you left them. Gnerkli was still glued to the chair and Korboz was wide-eyed and still frightened. He fidgeted, looking at you all expectantly. “D-did you get it?”
just an unstable unicorn.
As they approach the kings chambers, Onu would check over his clothing, tucking in shirttails, readjusting his trousers, and sighing sadly at the ruin that has become his topcoat. Once KD provides the secret knock and the door was opened, Onu would step to the fore and address the Kings 'Your Majesties, we have tracked the shapeshifter, cornered it in your treasure room and destroyed the foul creature.' bowing deeply as he addressed the kings, he wobbles ever so slightly on uncertain legs. 'There is nothing more to fear, your halls are safe once more.'
"Yes, I believe the monster that threatened you and ate some of you people is a mimic. I've read about them. It was a hard fight but it is no more. We found some things of interest in the room after it fell," KD says, indicating the amulet and the pole.
"Now, we are tired, and beaten up, and also famished. Think we could rest the night here, now that your realm... realms? are safe? I would also like to spend a bit of time with your inventors if possible. I'm a bit of a tinkerer myself. Have some ideas."
(DM forgot once again in the excitement of battle!)
Delayed Roll: 10
Lilly is unaffected.
Korboz would stare wide-eyed and unsure, pupils dilating and darting between you all. He has no reason not to trust you all, but it’s difficult to do so without being presented or shown proof, especially considering the artificer wasn’t blue when she left. Tentatively, the King would peer out the doorway he’d then very slowly tip toe his way down the hall. It takes some time, but unless escorted, he’s ridiculously cautious and continuously looking behind him. Finally, he’d reach the treasure room. It’d take a little personal amping up, but the king would eventually peek into the room. His eyes fall over the corpse. A soft gasp of surprise leaves him and he stumbles back. “That’s it!” He scurries as fast as his legs would take him, finding the tallest and sturdiest person to hide behind (Demetrios).
After a few breaths to calm his shakes, Korboz reappears with his solution in hand. His demeanour has changed. He’s more calm and remorseful as he begins to free his fellow King from his binds. “You are all very much welcomed to stay the night to rest. It’s the least we could do…” He’d speak softly as he’d work with care.
just an unstable unicorn.
'A night's rest would be most welcomed your Majesties, I'm afraid your intruder pushed our little band to the very limits of what we're capable of and cost us most of our meager supplies.' at this last bit the monk would gesture towards the halfling who had poured healing potions to keep the team on their feet.
The halfling readily stepped forward. "Onu means we had to spend our healing potions. Luckily, we had some, otherwise, we would be eaten just like your poor subjects, your Majesties." Too excited to get into the selling mood (unforgivable sin back home!), and since they were on the matter of magic and potions, Lilly showed to the kings both things she was carrying: the unfortunate ladle and the amazing Cool Pole. "Look what the thing did to my ladle! May I ask you for that solution that can break the glue? Oh, and this is something we found in the piles of..." she was not sure how to politely call the mess back in the vault, "... treasure? The thing sure collected all it could find around!" She handed the Pole to his majesty.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Korboz finally finishes freeing Gnerkli from his binds. The second king rises from his seat, rubbing where he was bound. After an exhale of relief, he’d exchange a look of pure appreciation with the adventurer’s before turning to pull Korboz into a hug. After a few moments of reconciliation and forgiveness, both kings turn to face you, and both give you all deep full bows to display formal gratitude from them, and their kingdom. There was remorse in their eyes from the continued mention of how risky the job was and how close they were to perishing themselves.
After a steadying breath, Gnerkli would step forward. “There are little words that could be said to make up for the risks you took today, but please take some comfort in knowing that we acknowledge these efforts and are entirely grateful for your heroics. Again, we welcome you all to make yourselves at home here, any time, for rest and refuge, as long as necessary.We are willing to share any food, drinks or supplies within our means, should you ever be in need.” His head would dip in thanks once again. “Please accept any items you discovered as humble gifts of our thanks.” He’d say. Then the gnome king would move to their bed.
As Gnerkli retrieved the chest, Korboz would step forward to face Lilly, “Of course.” He’d reach for his solution and hand it all to the halfling. There would be enough for her to restore her ladle back to normal with some left over for a future application should they ever find themselves in another sticky situation.
King Gnerkli returns with a small unlocked chest. Onu could confirm that was the chest he spotted under the bed earlier. Nudging it a little closer to the adventurers, he then opens it to present it’s contents to them. The chest contains a hat of wizardry, a fully charged wand of pyrotechnics and a well loved book. It’s a spellbook that the rock gnomes of Gnomengarde share. Its cover describes its title as Magick of Gnomengarde (in Common and Gnomish), and it contains the wizard spells burning hands, detect magic, identify, mage armor, magic missile, shield, and sleep. The group would have permission to copy the spells, should any of them happen to be a wizard or someone who likes scrolls.
just an unstable unicorn.
"Thank you!!!" Lilly was very impressed and accepted the gifts - the solution and the Pole - with genuine gratitude. As sparkly as the hat was, the halfling did not even look at its direction (she was way past the phase of imagining herself to be a wizard - with a pointy hat and heaps of scrolls). The wand was pretty, though (she had to restrain herself from the attempt to send a flare right here), and lighter to carry too, but the girl did not try to keep it.
Like everyone else, for the moment, she would mostly appreciate some rest.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Lilly’s enthusiasm received a genuinely warm smile from Gnerkli. He’d lean forward to whisper to her, “Just don’t tell Fibblestib and Dabbledob.” He’d wink to her. The inventor’s were hoarders, and it was one of those situations that as long as no one said anything, they’d never notice anything’s gone missing. It’s the only way they’ve been able to keep most of the spaces ‘junk’ free!
The Kings’ would escort the group back to their throne room where they would provide what ever supplies they could to help make everyone comfortable for the night. They’d personally lend their own pillows or blankets should their heroes find the need for it. They’d even send for more food and mushroom brew should it be required. Once settled in, the group would be able to take a long rest at their leisure.
Catchin’ Zs!
(Time to smash that long rest button and decide you’re next day!)
Roll Call: Everybody!
just an unstable unicorn.
That was really, like REALLY good to get some rest. As Lilly hoped, by the morning the horrible bruise was gone and sleeping in the tunnels proved to be quite soothing, almost like in a respectable halfling-house. (Well, that part was a lie, nothing can be compared to the comfort of a true halfling-house) But the food was definitely good! Giving a few ideas about more broad usage of mushrooms (Lilly even wrote a few).
"Well, where to today? Don't know if all those nice items can help us to fight a dragon" (to be fair, the very idea still sounded too far-fetched) "but we had something else to do." Lilly scratched her nose thinking. "Had something to do with dwarves... Oh, yes! We had to warn them about the dragon! And then return to the Townmaster. So... Shall we?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Accomplishment had been running through Demetrios' veins when they had successfully reported back to the kings with the good news. While they might not have been able to save some of the gnomes lost to the shapeshifter, at least they prevented it from happening again. They quelled Korboz's paranoia and brought peace back to Gnomengarde... What was there not to feel accomplished about?! Who knew a make shift group of individuals could make a such a big difference!
However, once the feelings slowly wore off, the paladin was ready to hit the hay. When offered a place to stay, with food and accommodations for them, Demetrios thanked them profusely. It had been a long day and rest was more rewarding than anything they had been given (even though he appreciated that too!).
When morning came and after a quick workout to warm up the muscles (you never know what you could run into out there), , Demetrios felt refreshed and ready for another day of travel. A warm chuckle rumbles from his chest when Lilly begins to recall their next quest. "Correct. The excavation site should be to the west of where we are now, if I recall correctly." He trusted KD to correct him as she had the map (ooc: I think she has the map, if not then whoever has it, feel free to correct me!). He begins to move from his place, standing tall. "I'm ready when you all are."
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
KD ate and drank more mushroom-based products than she ever had in her life. She opened up a bit with the party as she ate, very relieved to be alive. She and Onu engaged in some rather familiar banter -- the jig was up, and it was plain to see that the two knew each other fairly well. "Onu, I've been thinking of something that might make those weapons you use even more effective. You're happy with the staff, right? Don't want to switch it for something else? My idea would work for any weapon, but it'd be hard to change it, so I wanted to make sure."
Regardless of Onu's reply, KD would make her goodbyes to the party and head straight for Fibblestib and Dabbledob's workshop. She wipes her feet, and washes her hands, never breaking eye contact. The intent smile never drops from her face.
"Hello! Now that we've saved your kings from madness (turns out it was misguided fraternal love and concern the whole time who'd have thought) and rid your tunnels of a frankly terrifying mimic, the one thing I would like is the use of your workshop. I may sleep here. The kings seemed to want us to have the run of the place, so I hope that's okay. Fibblestib, I love your freeze---sanity ray. I had some thoughts on how to make the beam a bit more focused, perhaps travel longer distances. Imagine the kind of defense you could set up in conjunction with the waterfall out there. And Dabbledob... well." She leans back, head cocked, smile on her face, arms out. "That straitjacket! Brilliant. I've been working on this suit of armor, and a design like this could help complete it. Would you mind if I work a bit in here on my armor, using some inspiration from your straitjacket? Some time tonight, a good night's sleep under that workbench over there, and a few hours in the morning is all I should need. I also have some ideas about creating an... assistant of a sort. Mechanical. Need some expensive items but I can look for those. And I also have in mind a focus for me to help with some of the things I do, but I don't really have the capacity for that now. Anyhow what is that and are you using it..."
The artificer flows into the room like a soft avalanche, polite, smooth, unrelenting, and all around Fibblestib and Dabbledob before they have a chance to blink. Before they know it, they're helping her work, fetching, teaching, stabilizing, dismantling...
And as she works, she hums to herself, in a harmonic that seems difficult to replicate.
Onu too was grateful for the rest, he needed it after the encounter with the mimic. He also needed time to try to patch and repair his torn topcoat. It simply wouldn't do to go about as he was, he'd look more like a vagabond than the third son of a Grand Duke.
As KD inquired to his needs, he'd lift his head from his sewing and begin talking shop, reviewing which gadgets had worked and which could use improvements. 'I must say, your ingenious design to hide this blade in the walking stick worked brilliantly against both of our most recent foes'. He reaches over and plucks the walking staff off the tunnel floor and tosses it towards the artificer 'But happy to have your brilliant mind at work for whatever you think might work better.'