Stormraider Keep (A M.E.T.A.L. Campaign)

(Ah, sorry, will roll once more as Aurelius has advantage on saves vs. Charm (half-elf)) WIS save 18)

Aurelius glances at Fylanis, and responds in Elvish, "Foolish is continuing to prop up a petty tyrant.  A true leader has no need to be vengeful or vindictive.  They lead by example of wisdom and compassion.  Only the weak need to be constantly validated by forcing obedience from their subjects under threat of punishment.  The nobility are supposed to be just that: noble.

"Elves- for all your longevity, you can be quite short-sighted at times. Ten warriors following a captain they love can defeat a hundred conscripts compelled by fear. Despots always fall, sooner or later.  I would return after my friend is recovered and speed that fall, if it were not for the fact that it would cause complications for my dear Lady.

"Let us gather our things and then point us in the direction of Leilatha's fortress and we will travel rapidly.  Unless you know of another nearby source of allies. And my offer is sincere... If you are endangered by your association with me, then join us."

Elyria discreetly nods to Aurelius and Flynt as they leave, still on her knees, her eyes fixed on the floor. This was definitely not her comfort zone, a court, a Fey court at that, she would have fled but the thought of finding Rahkeshi kept her focused on the task at hand.

Lady Sylmare:

After arriving at their quarters and gathering their things, Aurelius will  descend to ground level and spend a few minutes casting find steed and resummon his warhorse, Lady. He will mount and offer Flynt a seat on her back as well, and then head in the direction of the fortress.

"Do you think this artifact we seek might be useful to find before we attempt a rescue mission?" He asks Flynt.

"I can't say for certain but by all indicators it may lie in Leilathas fortress along with your friend. We're probably going to need all the help we can get so I think we should wait until Elyria can join us." Flynt replies. Addressing Sybann he repeats his earlier inquiry about her exchange with Fylanis. "Seeing how we may not see one another again, perhaps you can tell me now what information you were talking about. I promise you will be compensated." 

Persuasion: 15

"Agreed. I was going to wait for her just outside Sylmare's borders."

"You two, as well as Olcelle, may join us there also if that is your wish. If not, I thank you for your kindness and assistance thus far."

(To make matters simpler, I'm not going to bother with spoilers.  But I will direct things to Aurelius/Flynt or Elyria as appropriate. Aurelius - given the second WIS save you do not suffer the charm effects.) 

Elyria:

"If Leilatha has your companion, it will be most difficult to retrieve her," Sylmare says. "Her fortress has magics that would greatly hinder outsiders from getting in. She has many Satyrs that serve her.  And I doubt she would be open to negotiation."  She takes a step back, glancing at the elderly man that still stands near her throne. "Do we even have a way to help her?" she asks.  

"I think only the Medallion of Gwyllin might be of help.  It is said to be deep within the Gwyllinwald, but long has it been lost," says the man. 

Lady Sylmare turns back to Elyria, a smile on her face. "How fortuitous! It seems you may be able to help both me and yourself. In return for my knowledge of how to get to Gwyllinwald and how to use this medallion, there is something you could bring back to me from that forest.  In the heart of Gwyllinwald is a type of mushroom that grows nowhere else.  I would have some.  Bring me that, and gain the medallion, and I will show you how to enter Leilatha's fortress."

She pauses a moment, frowning a bit at Elyria.  "I'm not so sure though about your ability to survive the forest alone. A shame your companions chose to abandon you." 

Aurelius and Flynt: 

Fylanis and Sabynn look at each other a moment, then Fylanis speaks in Elvish. "We will not accompany you to Leilatha's fortress.  I do not doubt your prowess, but I do not think you would be able to make way against the magic that protects her there.  I know not how she does it, as she is not a great wizard, but those that approach find themselves lost.  And if perchance you get there, you find your strength and power sapped away.  She also has a fair number of soldiers.  I see little hope in going there."

Sabynn does look at Flynt. "I suppose it does little harm now," she says in Common.  You notice Fylanis looks at her skeptically, but does not stop her. "I had only thought as you were talking that there was a large force of Satyr's near the crossing nearly a year ago."   The elf woman pauses a moment, "Hmm, maybe 10 months ago now.  I believe they intercepted someone crossing from your Plane.  But the Satyrs are likely servants of Leilatha. She lives near many of their villages and employs a great number as both servants and soldiers."  

"I will find these mushrooms for you Lady Sylmare, with or without my companions." Elyria answers with clear determination, still kneeling and looking down. "I am ready to leave Lady Sylmare." She adds, seeing no time to waste if she is to find Aurelius and Flynt again.

Elyria: 

Lady Sylmare laughs - a bit of a scornful sounds. "You are free to go dear, but do you even know where you are going?  The forest you seek is about two days travel across the plains to the west.  When you come to Gwyllinwald you will find it a wild place.  Many claim that its paths shift and twist to lure and entrap unwary travelers.  And finally,"  she says, her voice taking a more ominous tone.  "Be warned that your companion Aurelius is now an enemy of myself and my people.  He has been given one hour.  After that he will be hunted down.  Those who accompany him do so at their own risk." 

She waves her hand to dismiss you and turns to sit again on her throne.  One of the armored guards escorts you to the wide double doors.  They enter into a small reception hall of sorts which then go through yet another set of double doors to the outside.  Soon you are down the ramp and back on the ground.  Alone, as the guard has now returned.  

"Very well, I thank you again.  Can you at least point us in the right direction, and let us know at what point we will have crossed out of Sylmare's domain?  And if you see our companion, Elyria, perhaps you can let her know that we will await her there.

One more thing: Can you explain to me why the Betrayer's companions wore the colors of Sylmare?  Are she and Leilatha in league somehow?"

Assuming Elyria at least has an inkling about where to go and what to get she let's herself be shown outside Lady Sylmare's palace in silence. She then uses her fey magic to speed up in order to catch up with the others (expeditious retreat 10 minutes). She then quickly get's her gear and tries to find Aurelius and Flynt, leaving Alvahollow the same way they arrived.
Perception to spot Aurelius and Flynt with help from Aelric scouting from above: 13

Aurelius and Flynt:

When Aurelius asks his question, Sabynn relays it to Fylanis in Elvish. "He says this Betrayer - the Fairy - was wearing the colors of Lady Sylmare.  What could this mean?" He replies in Elvish, "That is quite strange, I have never seen and Fairies in her halls." 

Sabynn then addresses Aurelius in Common. "I am sorry, but I do not know of any Fairies in our Lady's service.  Sprites - yes.  Now, while I have heard Lady Sylmare may have cooperated with Lady Leilatha in the past, they are fierce rivals.  I doubt they are working together now." 

"If you wish to continue north, there is an old road that will take you much of the way," Sabynn says.  "Where the road climbs out of this valley you will be able to see the snowcapped mountains in the distance.  That is pretty much the edge of our Lady's domain.  I'm sorry it is not as definitive as some of the other boundaries."  She looks over at Fylanis and now switches to Elvish. "Where do they go once they leave the Lady's lands?"  

Fylanis continues in Elvish, "The old road leads to a mine in the mountains, but if you get there you have gone too far.  The only bridge is a small wooden one over a stream not far from the mine.  It is really little more than planks set flush with the ground.  Beyond that where you need to go is not really a road, more of a trail, but you should see it.  It follows a low spot between two ridges.  This is where it starts to get steep.  It will open up as you get higher, into rockier territory and near to Leilatha's stronghold." 

Sabynn then adds, "Good luck. I am sorry it did not work out with our Lady.  If I see Elyria I will be sure to let her know where you have gone." 

Elyria: 

By the time you reach the rooms you had been given and gather up your gear, it seems Aurelius and Flynt have already moved on.  But just as you are about to leave, Olcelle arrives, seeming out of breath. "Ah, there you are.  I have heard a bit of what your companion has done.  May luck be with him, but I would not want to be hunted by my Lady."  She reaches into a small pouch she was carrying and pulls a rolled up paper.  "I was to give you this.  I was instructed that if you read the words, the amulet's location will be revealed to you.  But you must be very close - within a few hundred feet I believe."

She then pauses for a breath, "I can acompany you to the edge of Lady Sylmare's lands to see you on your way. Just let me know when you are ready to go." 

Olcelle then shakes her head, "Yes, and one more thing."  She draws out another sheet of paper. "The mushrooms you seek."  The paper has a hand drawing of mushrooms in charcoal.  "I was told they are purple in color, and beneath are white stripes.  They should be unmistakable from what I heard."  

As you head out, you let Aelric scout above.  You are headed to the west with Olcelle.  It is only a few minutes later that Aelric returns, indicating that Aurelius and Flynt are heading to the north and are perhaps 10-15 minutes of travel from you. 

Elyria is happy to see Olcelle again and accepts the rolled up paper with the incantation and the drawing of the mushroom. "Thank you Olcelle, you are kind to help me. I would much appreciate your company to the edge of Lady Sylmare's lands." She says and starts moving as fast as she can as long as Olcelle can keep up. "Do you know what the amulet and the mushrooms are for Olcelle?" She shouts as they run north together, towards Aurelius and Flynt.

Elyria: 

Olcelle manages to keep up at first. "You are headed north and not towards the Gwyllinwald?  I'm afraid I don't know what the mushrooms would be for.  Undoubtedly if they are rare they might have some power? Or magical use?  As for the amulet, I cannot say for sure.  I have heard of other such objects that somehow house the fey magics involved with bargains and gifts.  But that is a guess." 

"I must catch up with my associates first Olcelle, they must know of the quest given to me by Lady Sylmare. Please explain how I get to Gwyllinwald after I have talked to them." Elyria shouts, slowing down enough for Olcelle to keep up.

Elyria: 

"Ah, I understand.  You do know Lady Sylmare's forces will not care who you are if they catch up with your companion?  But I do understand," Olcelle responds.  She manages to keep up with you as you lessen your pace. "It will be a bit more difficult if you have to avoid Lady Sylmare's lands to get to Gwyllinwald.  You can head northwest into the hills then work your way back south once you see the plains.  There isn't much of a trail I'm afraid - you'll just be traveling overland." 

"Thanks Olcelle, I'm glad you understand, I'm torn over my allegiance to my associates and my duty to find the one that is lost to me. I hope I will find a way through it all." Elyria responds, hoping to catch sight of Aurelius and Flynt soon.

Aurelius will keep Lady at a brisk trot on the northward road, while frequently scanning behind and to the sides for any signs of pursuit.
(How much game time has elapsed since his banishment?)

Flynt swings up onto Lady taking the seat offered. As the two ride along Flynt shows Aurelius the compass. 

"This should guide us through the twisting paths. It points the way to the artifact we seek."

Aurelius and Flynt:

It has been roughly 40 minutes since you were sent out from Lady Sylmare's hall.  Lady has manages to keep up the brisk trot and you are have now reached the crest of the hill coming out of the valley.  As Sabynn had described, as you come over the ridge you can see mountains with permanent snowcaps in the far distance. This must be the edge of Sylmare's lands.  Before you the sparse forest continues as the hilly lands begin to rise in elevation.  

You see no signs of anyone else here at the moment.  

(Elyria - I am assuming you are traveling at the 'fast' pace with Olcelle towards the north border.)