The man holds his son’s eyes for a moment, before turning to ease a lever and cast a glance at the mainsail as he speaks.
“Snow. I can hardly believe it is you. Grown, indeed, and you’ve turned your talents toward the betterment of your friends from what I can tell. Your mother must be very proud…”
The ship is at full sail, and four of the crew stand or float just above the deck, their pale faces visible now, cheeks puffing out hugely as they blow torrents continuously into the sails which snap as the rigging groans, capturing the air and pulling the ship forward and up. The gray clouds swirl about you, lending everything you see an aura of mystery and surreality.
“To ache for knowledge, with every drop of your being, thus was I born. And a question unanswered, when the answer seems clear, is nothing I’ve ever had the patience to accept. Can you understand that?” “Snow. Has it been twenty years? How can that be. It seems less, to me. Yet, the answers I have sought have so often hung just over the horizon, just beyond knowing, if only one more clue could bring the horizon closer and dazzling sunlight with it, then…”
He stops mid-sentence, sighs deeply, looks fully at Snow.
“...But I have learned the truth, though it took me from everyone I did love. From sweet Daffodil. From you. Or…,” he continues, checking a compass, then looking back to Snow, his eyes full of passion “or, nearly so, for there is but one detail remaining. One lock, the pattern of whose tumblers I have yet to crack.” “That was what brought me to Jen Ghessa, to study there in the great library of Idiwala, funded by the Jenghen Imperial University, until… until my funding was not renewed. The empire gave up on me, as Pomeroy did so many years before. I was so close. I had spent my last penny on research.” He sets his jaw once again.
“This ship has been under my command for many years. I offered my services to transport personages who desired privacy, for my crew tells no secrets. I accepted a commission by the imperial steward to transport the emperor’s retinue here to the Vale of Deshar for his Spring Celebration. For the payment will be enough to support my research for another year. By then I will surely unlock this final clue. And then I can return home, to your mother. To you. As has been my wish for… for so long.”
VARIELKY
Tamazaert is quietly singing to Sura in a corner – the infant having slept through the entire engagement, as Granophyre brings Varielky up to speed. “Safiyah is none other than the High Priest of Idiwala in Kalahata. And if rumor is to be believed, she is imprisoned in the Poppy Citadel!”
AUGER
(OOC: Re Invocation choice. Let’s keep meta-gaming thought separate from RP.)
The Dowager, her voice sounding in his mind akin to his mother’s as he floats in the Sea of Stars, responds to Auger’s questions.
Any commentary she can share on the night's events in general.
Not in particular.
The connection to the Roc. Auger describes it as carefully as he can. Why does it create a feeling of contentment within him? How is it somehow... family?
“When we do not have a context for the things we feel, we may use feelings we do understand to describe them. It may be that when you have spent more time with the source of this emotion – the roc – you may understand the nuance more completely and describe it using different words.”
The Roc-riders and their Warlock-like connection to the Sea of Stars: Can Auger use his own powers to strengthen his connection to the Roc? To Baylen? And for the riders specifically, would they be empowered as he is, through a connection to... another Pixie? Some other power?
“This is beyond my experience, Auger. I can tell you no more. Rocs are magical creatures, but they arrived in Yurreali from Yxtopil after the fall of the Dominion, after my…captivity had already begun.”
Does she know anything of this part of the world (the Bantus)?
No.
Finally Auger apologizes for following his own needs and curiosity when it clearly had carried him far, far away from Strewn and his quest.
“Auger, nothing is more important than understanding and following your own heart. Sometimes it may direct you to do things you do not understand. I think this is a hurdle which, once overcome, because it came from following your heart, will lead you without fail toward your true destiny. I trust you Auger.”
At this time, Driss nudges Auger slightly. “Errmmm thought you’d want to know he’s back. And not empty-taloned.”
The great bird has returned, its beak and claws bloody. It is feasting on a steer, and near to Driss, you see the front half of a goat, mostly bled dry but still warm, which the bird seems to have brought back for you two.
“Looks like we won’t have to count on yer rations…,” says the chimp, cheerfully.
At first, Varielky nods along, happy to know that the others achieved both goals while she caused all sorts of trouble. If they were prone to distractions as she were, it would have been a wonder that the journey had reached the point it did. It is then that, at a slight delay, Varielky fully processes Granophyre's words. "The high priestess of Idiwala in Kalahata!" Varielky calls out in shock, then immediately sends an apologetic look to Tamazaert, hoping she didn't wake Sura up. She then continues in a hushed tone: "That is... I met her while we stayed in Kalahata. I've talked to her. But, I'd never have imagined... She helped me look through the library. I could have asked for her name, even out of politeness merely. It would have saved us so much time..." In fact, this is the second lead she had missed. And although the first could have been wrong entirely, in this case, she talked with the woman herself!
Varielky looks down as her words trail off, reprimanding herself quietly. Again, she finds that her little interest in non-warriors proves detrimental. She'll have to work on that. "But the poppy citadel... well, we managed to break into this castle while the emperor was here. Perhaps the act is no longer in the realm of the impossible."
Varielky then looks around. Being preoccupied with the duel against Sorakayoshi, Varielky didn't notice Auger's "kidnapping". When she boarded the ship and didn't see him, she assumed he was inside with Tamazaert and Granophyre. "But where is Auger?" She asks.
Snow listens to his father's tale, of his hunger to find the answers which he seeks, and can't help but draw comparisons to his own life. Certainly in recent times, he himself has made deals with the University of Pomeroy as well. All in the name of fund raising. The knowledge he himself seeks being ultimately the location of his Father.
"I...do understand. I am more like you than I care to admit, although my path has been....different", he says choosing his words carefully. Now was not the time to delve into his formative years and mistakes made along the way.
"My journey is also one of discovery, and has led me to many places, all in the search for something precious to me. And now I have found it", he says and looks away, a little embarrassed.
He looks his father right in the eyes before continuing, trying to read him.
"I need to know your priorities. You have stolen my companions and I away from under the nose of a particularly evil Jenghen Captain. That will undoubtedly have an effect on this big pay day of yours", he says seriously. "It could jeopardise your research. And yet, it could be the best thing that could have happened".
"So tell me Chanakya Trivedi Das...father. Would you like to know what you got yourself into here? Or do you value your prospective funding more than your son?", he says frankly and brutally.
"Sorry to phrase it so brutally, but I am not playing around here, lives are at stake. But believe me we have a lot to offer. My journey started out with the goal of finding you, and that I have, but as it turns out it is far from over. And it may just be we can help each other", he adds with his most dashing smile, offering his hand to the man in front of him.
At Driss' touch, Auger instantly comes back to himself and gives full attention to the Roc. Auger stands and approaches the great bird descended from kin in... Ickstopol, Yxtopil, the Dowager had said? As he had been doing, Auger speaks to the Roc, respectfully and comfortingly.
"Ah Baylen - I see you have brought food. May we partake? You are kind and thoughtful."
At Driss' confused look at him, Auger realizes that he did not in fact say words. Instead he had somehow made sounds a human should not make.
Processing it all later he will come to understand that through his powers to manipulate sound and air, he spoke in a form for the Roc's ears. This was new. A gift from the Dowager, perhaps. And of course he did not use actual words. Roughly speaking what he had said was:
SOARING ONE! JOY! FRESH KILL! A CONVOCATION? SOARING ONE! STRONG!
But even that does not truly capture it. Auger finds his speech is reflective of a few things, including angles of wing (soaring is very different from diving), a head turned this way and not that, one leg partially raised, a celebration with others (Joy!). The exultation of the hunt and the feeling of dominance and mastery that comes with it (Fresh kill!).The convocation is a reference to Baylen, Driss and Auger being in one grouping. Together. A complicated concept boiled down into one shrill shriek, but in this case meaning a request for permission to share food like... friends, or even family. Strong! Mind and body at least in this case did not appear to be separate concepts for Rocs, a strong body is reflective of a strong mind. And, if in a convocation, then the Strong would take care of those in need. Be kind and thoughtful.
The convolutions and connotations of Roc speech will be a source of endless consideration for Auger as he tries to come to terms with his sudden knowledge and ability. Of this he is sure.
That was the reflection for later. In this moment, Auger is shocked at his own ability and waits for a response, his head tilted down and twisted to the side but with one eye looking up to Baylen. Yes, he was outwardly signaling to Baylen that he was waiting on a response before doing anything more. The bold question with connotations and implications out there for Baylen to think on. A convocation?
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
The bard sees that it was indeed a sacrifice for the older man to have fled El Harrouch Castle with he and his companions aboard. And the momentousness of the decision may not yet have sunk in amid so much confusion. Snow’s direct questions do not elicit immediate answers. Rather, the elder Das fishes in a pocket for his pipe, and takes a moment of silence to light it and puff upon it contemplatively.
“There is… always a way, Snow,” he finally replies, somewhat weakly. When the bard offers his hand, he takes it though, in his strong, weathered grip, and with a deep frown, the corners of his eyes moistening, as they peer deeply into his son’s, he pumps twice very firmly, and it is a long moment before he releases it. He then turns very suddenly, perhaps to hide the tear which wells up, and says, “for the rest of your questions, let us wait until morning. My head feels ripe to burst as an elvish summer melon” he turns briefly, a golden glint in his eye flashing through a single round tear, before retreating to his cabin. “Make yourself comfortable.”
VARIELKY
Granophyre and Benita’s incredulity passes quickly, for Granophyre is well aware of most people’s lack of scholarly acumen, while Benita laughs flat-out, ribbing her friend remorselessly, although Varielky knows that Benita too had spent time at the King’s Blade in Kalahata and had a conversation with the bartender there named Safiyah, but had drunk so much ale by then she had no recollection.
“Wasn’t he with you?,” Benita asks Granophyre when Varielky brings up Auger’s absence.
“I thought he’d been on deck,” says Tamazaert, anxiously, while gently rocking Sura.
Granophyre and Benita, and I imagine, Varielky too, rush to the deck for an answer, passing the Captain on his way below deck, who nods curtly, his face turned away from you.
You find Snow in the tight enclosure of the three-walled control room.
AUGER
(OOC: I can’t imagine that there is a word in roc-speak for ‘convocation.’ Many adult humans don’t really know what it means. The roc thinks like an animal. Speaking with it means using very simple phrases. :)
The roc replies to Auger, and Auger understands that it hated the name Wyrm, and responds readily to Baylen. It makes rolling clicking noises, which resonate like a melodic field drum deep in its breast.
Driss, wide-eyed, laughs. “Wull. Looks like he likes his new name. Baylen it is then.” Auger begins to take in, by watching Driss, who grooms Wyrm — or, Baylen, rather, and engages in a set of behavioral trainings which he tells Auger he does every day more than once.
“Keeps him fresh,” says the chimp. “Now he’ll need to sleep off the meal. Gives me a chance to cook this here lamb up. He’ll awaken in a couple o hours and we Kim see wots wot then.”
Snow spots the tear on his father's cheek but doesn't mention it and doesn't stare. The thought occurs to him that this must have taken his father more by surprise than he himself. After all, at least he knew he was looking for him.
"Rest well", he says as his father walks away, then takes in a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
He had mixed feelings upon finding his father, and that was not about to be resolved by a couple of minutes of catching up, but he had found him. He was alive and there would be more conversations.
It also felt good to have been vindicated, not only for believing his father was still alive, but that the clues he was following were leading the way to him. He wondered what his father would think about what he had learned from the library at the tree. Did his father have similar visions when he went there?
As he watches his father retreat to his cabin, he spots the other's moving towards him in a hurry.
"What's happened?", he asks, immediately on high alert thinking Sorakayoshi has found a way to follow them. "Are we being followed?", he adds as he looks at the controls of the airship and wonders whether he can pilot it.
"Umm, no." Varielky answers then looks back for a moment to make sure, solely because Snow asked. "I don't think so, anyhow."Though on second thought, something could have followed them, and as long as it made no sound, she wouldn't know. "Have you seen Auger? Have we taken off without him?" The point of fighting Sorakayoshi, at least originally, was to buy time. If she failed in that as well, that would be deplorable.
A frown crosses Snow's face at mention of Auger. All the drama surrounding his father and their escape had pushed thoughts of Auger to the back of his mind, and he hadn't passed on what he knew.
"Apologies, I have been distracted", he says to them. He looks out to the sky before carrying on.
"Auger felt a connection to the Aerie, as you might remember. He felt drawn to it. When we got here, he realised the connection was coming from one of the Roc's nesting here", he starts, turning back to look at his companions.
"He went to it, said he had to know what the connection was. He told me he would meet us on the airship", he continues, then starts to shake his head.
"The next thing I know, the Roc flew over me, and Auger was in it's talons. He was unharmed, and I managed to communicate with him through magic. He went willingly, unsure of the outcome but needing to know. He said he would find us when he is able. Be that in Kalahata or in the Vale. He said to leave word with friends".
"I sent one last message, which I believe made it to him, but he didn't reply so I can't be sure. I told him what we learned at the Archives. I believe he knows about Safiyah, who she is and where she is. He knows where we will be", he finishes.
He looks at Varielky, not certain how she would take the news that he is gone.
"So the rock took him?" Varielky is mostly worried, but not overly so. "Well, Auger's a capable man. He should be able to take care of himself, I'm sure." Both to reassure herself and everyone else, but actually, she had no way to be sure, as she didn't know Auger that well. If you threw Varielky alone in the wilderness, there was no guarantee she'd be able to take care of herself. Could Auger? What she meant is that he could defend himself. Well, a dead man can't find food, so that already makes his chances better. At the very least, Varielky realised she cared for him. She somewhat knew it already, but sometimes one needs to be reminded of such things.
"But beyond his safety, how does that affect us?" Varielky asks Granophyre. "Will we wait for Auger to join us again, or do we continue without him? It might be complicated to avoid being found - as I'm sure we will be thoroughly searched for - while also leaving hints for Auger to find us."
Auger watches the behavioral training as best he can and talks with Driss and Baylen in turn in order to learn more, taking any chance to translate between the two of them as needed. He particularly works on the sound of the name Baylen, in the Roc tongue for them. He wants their trust, both of them.
As the great Roc settles down Auger says, more quietly this time, in the language of the Rocs, Soaring One! Auger respect! Auger thanks! Driss and Auger eat!
Auger then assists with the cooking to the extent he is able, wonders idly what Py has gotten up to and then joins Driss in the meal together, where he goes over the nature of the behavioral training as much as he can. Learning to fly was going to be a matter of direct interest for the time being.
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Granophyre’s brow knits upon hearing of Auger’s decision, but in a moment he breathes deeply, “I hope he knows what he is doing, but I have faith in our friend. Without the courage to follow our hearts, we wither.”
He acknowledges Varielky’s questions, but rather than offering answers, adds queries of his own.
“We must also consider Tamazaert. What now for her? And the Captain of this vessel, the elder Das. Snow… I do not wish to pry, but your meeting was plainly not only unexpected, but also… significant.”
Benita, from the sidelines, watches the clouds part as you ascend above them into a crystal clear and chill night lit only by silent and distant stars, and shivers, holding her elbows, as the clouds roll away like a vast gray blanket beneath you.
AUGER
Py has indeed returned. ‘Master I scouted the area and thought I might see better from the next ridge. But I became lost. The ledge is much harder to see from below than here. It was only when the roc returned that I saw my way. There is no safe way down without flying. That has not hindered you before, but you must certainly use your magic to leave on your own. There are mountains as far as I can see for many miles. On a clear day I might be able to see farther.’
(OOC: please roll three animal handling rolls, DC15, with advantage thanks to Driss’ help, for the afternoon’s activities:
1. Pet Baylen
2. Feed Baylen
3. Help saddle Baylen (without fastening the saddle).
Success means you can move on to the next activity. Failure means try the same activity again with your next roll. Feel free to narrate the results.)
"You picked up on that?", Snow says regarding his father, although he isn't really surprised.
"I cannot remember how much I told you about my purpose in the Vale, but the search for my father, whom I haven't seen in many, many years, was the instigator", he says.
"He left in search of the Old Mystics, certain that they still existed and could yet be found. It became an obsession of his, and no doubt it still is".
He looks back to the cabin his father disappears into, not for the first time.
"He is a stranger to me, but I truly believe that blood is thicker than water. He didn't spare a thought when it came to helping us out back at the Aerie", he adds, trying to convince himself as much as the others.
"Perhaps if we can help him in his search, help get the funding he needs or solve the puzzle he is left with, he will help us return. The use of this airship for getting around and staying hidden from our enemies would be invaluable".
"I don't know anything about Tamazaert in truth, so cannot say as to what happens now. Is there somewhere safe we can take her?"
Varielky refrains from saying anything about the father-son situation. It was none of her business, and although she had her opinions, she wasn't even entirely sure how she felt regarding these matters. She remembered very little of her own parents: short, vague scenes, seemingly memories that aren't even hers.
"Sorakayoshi saw Benita, although only for a brief moment. Right?" Varielky turns to confirm with Benita, though neither of them could really know. "As long as he doesn't remember her face, she and Tamazaert should be able to move freely around the Vale and Kalahata, I assume." Varielky then turns to Benita completely. "I wish you could stay with us, but perhaps it is best if the two of you separate from us for the time being."
Speaking generally again, Varielky continues: "We should find a place to let them off. In one of the small villages in the Vale, maybe. From there, the two of them could either stay sheltered from danger or return to Kalahata. Your father too, Ca-" Varielky stops herself, thinks for a moment, then tries again. "Snow." It is the first time Varielky calls Snow by his name. Until now, it's only been "Captain" or the like. "Your family matters aside, funding should not be his problem now. Sorakayoshi was fuming when we left. I reckon he'll do his best to have anyone who aided us in our escape punished."
Auger accepts Py at its word and sticks to the business at hand of trying to learn how to manage, control and ride this Roc. He continues speaking to Baylen when the situation dictates. Given Auger's lack of experience with animals he must lean on that and on Driss for his knowledge.
While Driss does his best to help Auger with learning to interact with the great Roc, the afternoon goes poorly. Auger attempts to pet Baylen as he sees Driss doing but something is not right. Too hard or too soft, Auger could not judge. Baylen appeared annoyed at his touch, and said so quite clearly to Auger. When feeding time came it did not go well, Baylen snapping at Auger for his somehow clumsy approach. Eventually Driss assigns Auger to carry food to Driss to pass to Baylen. Auger was not allowed near the bird while feeding, for his own safety Driss seemed to indicate. Finally with the saddling, Auger thought he had gotten the hang of things with Baylen seeming to appreciate what he was up to, but as he worked with Driss to place the saddle, Auger thought he saw a problem, and when trying to move by Baylen's neck to fix it, the bird reacted poorly to his touch again and the saddle was nearly lost over the cliff edge as Baylen reacted while it was not yet fastened. It was a long afternoon.
Details
Animal Handling attempts:
Roll 1: 9
Roll 2: 10
Roll 3: 14
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Re: Varielky to Benita: "I wish you could stay with us, but perhaps it is best if the two of you separate from us for the time being."
Benita bites her lip, lost in thought until Varielky disturbs her reverie. “I’m not sure bruiser. I’m no spring flower — even though I may look like one,” she directs capriciously toward Snow. To Varielky, “I don’t know if I’m cut out for sitting around and waiting… for what comes next. And living in Kalahata isn’t free. Master Strewn… if I feel strong enough…?,” to which the old sage replies, “Erremmm… I am not certain I think it a good idea, Benita, I should feel such remorse if something were to…” But he tapers off and then seems to make up his mind. “Benita, it is up to you,” which seems to frighten her more than she had been before, although she remains poised and nods slowly to Granophyre in thanks, holding his eyes gratefully.
“I would like to know what Tamazaert wants,” Granophyre continues, “before making a decision. But the day has been long and I am weary. I suggest we rest on our laurels tonight, for we have achieved today everything we set out to do. We know what our next step must be. I shall say good night, and tomorrow we can make a decision.”
AUGER
Driss is hard to read as the day proceeds. He munches on dried lamb strips, chewing thoughtfully, and is plainly an experienced and patient instructor.
“Ach neh,” he replies if Auger expresses disappointment. “Ye should’ve seen im with Sorakayoshi. Ye’d have some perspective. Rocs are proud beasts and don’t do well when whipped into submission. Yer gettin sum o the brunt o that, see. He—Baylen—he don’t trust ye. Cuz he don’t trust no one. Not after that.
Wull… he trusts me,” he says with a toothy grin. “But it’ll take time for him to get used to ye, Sonny. A chick isn’t hatched in a day.”
(OOC: nothing of note occurs for the rest of the day. You may carry on conversing with Driss or continue the next day with essentially the same schedule of events, now with rolls at DC14, still with advantage.)
Snow was sure Varielky was right, it was exactly the point he had made to his father, that he would now be a wanted man just like them after his actions.
As the others discuss how to proceed, and who would accompany them, it occurs to him that he too has a choice to make. If his father declined to help them, he would be torn between helping Strewn and joining his father's search for the Old Mystics.
The thought distracts him for some moments, because although he was fully invested in Strewn's search for the lost Dwarven clan, could he really part ways with his father so soon after their reunion? He hoped he wouldn't have to make that choice.
He comes out of his reverie as Strewn bids the goodnight.
"Indeed, good night", he says to Strewn, giving him a nod.
"I will stay here a short while before finding a place to rest as well. I am sure my father would not have left the controls unattended if it was not safe to do so", he adds, wondering at their route, and where they were going.
"It may be wise for one of us to remain awake through the night anyway, as you say Sorakayoshi was indeed fuming and will try any means to track and follow us. That being the case, I will wake one of you in a couple of hours if you like?".
If the others agree and leave him alone, he will spend some time looking at the controls of the Reaver’s Word and trying to see how the spell functions that creates the ghost sailors. Whether it is a device like the one he uses for the Animu Borongo's propulsion.
Varielky nods quietly. She didn't plan on having a baby anytime soon, if ever at all, but wondered if she could just sit and wait for nine moons. The situatuon seemed to impossible to imagine and weigh the options, for her. "It's your choice." She echoes Granophyre.
Varielky bids the others good night as well, though she's not sure where she's supposed to sleep. She'll figure it out, somehow. To Snow she says he can wake her when he finally needs to rest himeself. "Just knock on the door until I answer. I wake up easily."
With the day of struggle behind him, Auger is happy to focus on his food in silence while considering the day's lessons.
After an evening meal, Auger takes out a piece of his Thufa wood and a carving knife and sets about the process of slowly whittling the wood down to a basic figure. Auger remembers that he never did get Varielky to teach him something of woodcarving. Hopefully she was okay. Hopefully all of them were okay. They had to be.
With Driss, Auger shares his disappointment but also his hopes.
"Back home I am a carpenter of some note in my little village. I've spent time as a wagonwright. A shipwright. I've raised houses. I've built stools. The smith's house always had a special order for pieces of the right shape to fit some of their metal. Working the wood seems easy when you know it and what its about. Some wood is spongy and soft, though strong in its way. Some wood is harder then a rock, though brittle. Regardless of the circumstance, when the thing you are trying is new, it feels like this. Fail. Fail. Fail. But learn. I'll get it, I'm sure. But there is much I do not know."Auger turns and gazes at Baylen, "And, as you say, trust to earn."
Sighing Auger turns the conversation back towards Driss, "Tell me more of how you came to be a trainer of Rocs and their riders and found your way to the Aerie in the Vale."
Auger engages in chat with Driss into the evening and is willing to discuss any matters not pertaining to his mission with Strewn and the others or his connection to his fallen Pixie patron, the Dowager.
(OOC: I'll hold off on rolling for Day 2 so we can focus on anything in this discussion with Driss.)
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
The bard finds that the controls of the Reaver’s Word are more or less standard issue, and match memories he has from when he was much younger — a child —and his father brought him to a control room to hold the wheel and try the levers. He showed him then some of the basics which might return to mind after focusing on the memories. As for the ghostly crew however, there is nothing comparable in Snow’s experience. He notes that the box — the cantrip battery which would ordinarily be controlled by one or several Eyes to pilot and focus the ancient dominion energy to drive the ship through the skies — usually an ancient looking, immovable chest whose enchantment kept it from being moved — the chest is gone. There is a spot on the deck where it should be. Instead, only relatively fresh planks.
The crew has continued to carry on, following the eldar Das’ last orders, maintaining, Snow gathers, a long arcing path through the skies, at first heading west, now turning southward. Their transparent forms are hard to make out, but they continue to man the sails and three now stand on tiptoe, incessantly blowing their magical winds to keep the ship moving steadily forward.
The night passes without incident and in the morning you both awaken at level 8.
AUGER
Driss seems content to converse with Auger, and to watch the clouds quietly roll past and the sun creep slowly across the heavens until it dips down below the high western peaks of the Bantu range. His prior reservations seem to lessen by the hour, and he takes to Auger, finding his connection with the roc of interest, and happy to speak about himself in a slow drawl.
“I’m from Hyewush by birth. Ye may not know the place, it’s… oh ya do? Well that’s a first among humans. Fer a foreigner you know these lands better’n many who’ve spent their whole lives here.
“Ye wull. I fell in love with the most dazzling woman ye ever knew back there, I wuz like I had a warm thermal under me wings pushin me to fly higher n I really could. Suffice t say things didn’t work out. I left. Soul searchin. Come up into the Vale mostly workin as a guard but I wuz drawn to the big ol birds. Can’t say why. Some things yer just born to do. I linked with a roc myself. But… it died, went crazy like some em do, or maybe a curse. Never found out fer sure. Been trainin others now fer twenty year.
“Wull look I been talkin so long the stars now sharp as a hatchlings hunger. I’m goin sleep. Try again tomorrow. Yum.”
As the Chimp settles himself for the evening Auger turns away to study the night sky while he thinks on the background Driss shared. He lost his true love it sounded like. In Hyewush. Auger had been there. So long ago now it felt, though it had only been a few weeks really. In Hyewush they had still been a full party and had the carriage and had just dealt with the Imperial Orc fighters for the first time. Hyewush. They met Kotashin there and several others including Futurtensh... what had she said to Auger in her Reading?
“Ooohhh...mmmmm, Pestilence (Legend: Temple, Face: Flea). The cards say, No. Ruin comes to this endeavor. Ruin in proportion to the size of...your ambitions. And how far you’re in under yer head, derling.”
Pestilence. That felt spot on. That Reading had seemed to apply to his own need to find his cousin, and the trouble that had created. Echoes of it persist. The High Priestess was saved by their actions and then pleadings with the Azhvuv Queen. And the High Priestess was the key to their quest it appeared. The quest. The quest he should rejoin.
Augers thoughts carry on for a while as he ponders how so many were lost shortly after Hyewush. Auger pauses and whispers a prayer to Piya in hope of peace for the fallen. Then he goes to bed.
The next day Auger again attempts to help Driss with Baylen. The petting goes even more poorly than the previous day, with Auger seeming to catch Baylen in a poor mood. Despite that poor start, the feeding goes amazingly well. Baylen appears relaxed and seems to accept Auger's role as a feeder with ease and respect, possibly even affection, though that is still hard to judge, speaking with him or not. When it comes time to place the saddle atop Baylen Auger cannot help but smile. Everything goes smoothly and fairly easily. This time when he makes an adjustment to the saddle there are no issues. The sense of making progress is wonderful.
SNOW
The man holds his son’s eyes for a moment, before turning to ease a lever and cast a glance at the mainsail as he speaks.
“Snow. I can hardly believe it is you. Grown, indeed, and you’ve turned your talents toward the betterment of your friends from what I can tell. Your mother must be very proud…”
The ship is at full sail, and four of the crew stand or float just above the deck, their pale faces visible now, cheeks puffing out hugely as they blow torrents continuously into the sails which snap as the rigging groans, capturing the air and pulling the ship forward and up. The gray clouds swirl about you, lending everything you see an aura of mystery and surreality.
“To ache for knowledge, with every drop of your being, thus was I born. And a question unanswered, when the answer seems clear, is nothing I’ve ever had the patience to accept. Can you understand that?”
“Snow. Has it been twenty years? How can that be. It seems less, to me. Yet, the answers I have sought have so often hung just over the horizon, just beyond knowing, if only one more clue could bring the horizon closer and dazzling sunlight with it, then…”
He stops mid-sentence, sighs deeply, looks fully at Snow.
“...But I have learned the truth, though it took me from everyone I did love. From sweet Daffodil. From you. Or…,” he continues, checking a compass, then looking back to Snow, his eyes full of passion “or, nearly so, for there is but one detail remaining. One lock, the pattern of whose tumblers I have yet to crack.”
“That was what brought me to Jen Ghessa, to study there in the great library of Idiwala, funded by the Jenghen Imperial University, until… until my funding was not renewed. The empire gave up on me, as Pomeroy did so many years before. I was so close. I had spent my last penny on research.” He sets his jaw once again.
“This ship has been under my command for many years. I offered my services to transport personages who desired privacy, for my crew tells no secrets. I accepted a commission by the imperial steward to transport the emperor’s retinue here to the Vale of Deshar for his Spring Celebration. For the payment will be enough to support my research for another year. By then I will surely unlock this final clue. And then I can return home, to your mother. To you. As has been my wish for… for so long.”
VARIELKY
Tamazaert is quietly singing to Sura in a corner – the infant having slept through the entire engagement, as Granophyre brings Varielky up to speed. “Safiyah is none other than the High Priest of Idiwala in Kalahata. And if rumor is to be believed, she is imprisoned in the Poppy Citadel!”
AUGER
(OOC: Re Invocation choice. Let’s keep meta-gaming thought separate from RP.)
The Dowager, her voice sounding in his mind akin to his mother’s as he floats in the Sea of Stars, responds to Auger’s questions.
Any commentary she can share on the night's events in general.
Not in particular.
The connection to the Roc. Auger describes it as carefully as he can. Why does it create a feeling of contentment within him? How is it somehow... family?
“When we do not have a context for the things we feel, we may use feelings we do understand to describe them. It may be that when you have spent more time with the source of this emotion – the roc – you may understand the nuance more completely and describe it using different words.”
The Roc-riders and their Warlock-like connection to the Sea of Stars: Can Auger use his own powers to strengthen his connection to the Roc? To Baylen? And for the riders specifically, would they be empowered as he is, through a connection to... another Pixie? Some other power?
“This is beyond my experience, Auger. I can tell you no more. Rocs are magical creatures, but they arrived in Yurreali from Yxtopil after the fall of the Dominion, after my…captivity had already begun.”
Does she know anything of this part of the world (the Bantus)?
No.
Finally Auger apologizes for following his own needs and curiosity when it clearly had carried him far, far away from Strewn and his quest.
“Auger, nothing is more important than understanding and following your own heart. Sometimes it may direct you to do things you do not understand. I think this is a hurdle which, once overcome, because it came from following your heart, will lead you without fail toward your true destiny. I trust you Auger.”
At this time, Driss nudges Auger slightly. “Errmmm thought you’d want to know he’s back. And not empty-taloned.”
The great bird has returned, its beak and claws bloody. It is feasting on a steer, and near to Driss, you see the front half of a goat, mostly bled dry but still warm, which the bird seems to have brought back for you two.
“Looks like we won’t have to count on yer rations…,” says the chimp, cheerfully.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
At first, Varielky nods along, happy to know that the others achieved both goals while she caused all sorts of trouble. If they were prone to distractions as she were, it would have been a wonder that the journey had reached the point it did. It is then that, at a slight delay, Varielky fully processes Granophyre's words. "The high priestess of Idiwala in Kalahata!" Varielky calls out in shock, then immediately sends an apologetic look to Tamazaert, hoping she didn't wake Sura up. She then continues in a hushed tone: "That is... I met her while we stayed in Kalahata. I've talked to her. But, I'd never have imagined... She helped me look through the library. I could have asked for her name, even out of politeness merely. It would have saved us so much time..." In fact, this is the second lead she had missed. And although the first could have been wrong entirely, in this case, she talked with the woman herself!
Varielky looks down as her words trail off, reprimanding herself quietly. Again, she finds that her little interest in non-warriors proves detrimental. She'll have to work on that. "But the poppy citadel... well, we managed to break into this castle while the emperor was here. Perhaps the act is no longer in the realm of the impossible."
Varielky then looks around. Being preoccupied with the duel against Sorakayoshi, Varielky didn't notice Auger's "kidnapping". When she boarded the ship and didn't see him, she assumed he was inside with Tamazaert and Granophyre. "But where is Auger?" She asks.
Varielky
Snow listens to his father's tale, of his hunger to find the answers which he seeks, and can't help but draw comparisons to his own life. Certainly in recent times, he himself has made deals with the University of Pomeroy as well. All in the name of fund raising. The knowledge he himself seeks being ultimately the location of his Father.
"I...do understand. I am more like you than I care to admit, although my path has been....different", he says choosing his words carefully. Now was not the time to delve into his formative years and mistakes made along the way.
"My journey is also one of discovery, and has led me to many places, all in the search for something precious to me. And now I have found it", he says and looks away, a little embarrassed.
He looks his father right in the eyes before continuing, trying to read him.
"I need to know your priorities. You have stolen my companions and I away from under the nose of a particularly evil Jenghen Captain. That will undoubtedly have an effect on this big pay day of yours", he says seriously. "It could jeopardise your research. And yet, it could be the best thing that could have happened".
"So tell me Chanakya Trivedi Das...father. Would you like to know what you got yourself into here? Or do you value your prospective funding more than your son?", he says frankly and brutally.
"Sorry to phrase it so brutally, but I am not playing around here, lives are at stake. But believe me we have a lot to offer. My journey started out with the goal of finding you, and that I have, but as it turns out it is far from over. And it may just be we can help each other", he adds with his most dashing smile, offering his hand to the man in front of him.
At Driss' touch, Auger instantly comes back to himself and gives full attention to the Roc. Auger stands and approaches the great bird descended from kin in... Ickstopol, Yxtopil, the Dowager had said? As he had been doing, Auger speaks to the Roc, respectfully and comfortingly.
"Ah Baylen - I see you have brought food. May we partake? You are kind and thoughtful."
At Driss' confused look at him, Auger realizes that he did not in fact say words. Instead he had somehow made sounds a human should not make.
Processing it all later he will come to understand that through his powers to manipulate sound and air, he spoke in a form for the Roc's ears. This was new. A gift from the Dowager, perhaps. And of course he did not use actual words. Roughly speaking what he had said was:
SOARING ONE! JOY! FRESH KILL! A CONVOCATION? SOARING ONE! STRONG!
But even that does not truly capture it. Auger finds his speech is reflective of a few things, including angles of wing (soaring is very different from diving), a head turned this way and not that, one leg partially raised, a celebration with others (Joy!). The exultation of the hunt and the feeling of dominance and mastery that comes with it (Fresh kill!).The convocation is a reference to Baylen, Driss and Auger being in one grouping. Together. A complicated concept boiled down into one shrill shriek, but in this case meaning a request for permission to share food like... friends, or even family. Strong! Mind and body at least in this case did not appear to be separate concepts for Rocs, a strong body is reflective of a strong mind. And, if in a convocation, then the Strong would take care of those in need. Be kind and thoughtful.
The convolutions and connotations of Roc speech will be a source of endless consideration for Auger as he tries to come to terms with his sudden knowledge and ability. Of this he is sure.
That was the reflection for later. In this moment, Auger is shocked at his own ability and waits for a response, his head tilted down and twisted to the side but with one eye looking up to Baylen. Yes, he was outwardly signaling to Baylen that he was waiting on a response before doing anything more. The bold question with connotations and implications out there for Baylen to think on. A convocation?
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
SNOW
The bard sees that it was indeed a sacrifice for the older man to have fled El Harrouch Castle with he and his companions aboard. And the momentousness of the decision may not yet have sunk in amid so much confusion. Snow’s direct questions do not elicit immediate answers. Rather, the elder Das fishes in a pocket for his pipe, and takes a moment of silence to light it and puff upon it contemplatively.
“There is… always a way, Snow,” he finally replies, somewhat weakly. When the bard offers his hand, he takes it though, in his strong, weathered grip, and with a deep frown, the corners of his eyes moistening, as they peer deeply into his son’s, he pumps twice very firmly, and it is a long moment before he releases it. He then turns very suddenly, perhaps to hide the tear which wells up, and says, “for the rest of your questions, let us wait until morning. My head feels ripe to burst as an elvish summer melon” he turns briefly, a golden glint in his eye flashing through a single round tear, before retreating to his cabin. “Make yourself comfortable.”
VARIELKY
Granophyre and Benita’s incredulity passes quickly, for Granophyre is well aware of most people’s lack of scholarly acumen, while Benita laughs flat-out, ribbing her friend remorselessly, although Varielky knows that Benita too had spent time at the King’s Blade in Kalahata and had a conversation with the bartender there named Safiyah, but had drunk so much ale by then she had no recollection.
“Wasn’t he with you?,” Benita asks Granophyre when Varielky brings up Auger’s absence.
“I thought he’d been on deck,” says Tamazaert, anxiously, while gently rocking Sura.
Granophyre and Benita, and I imagine, Varielky too, rush to the deck for an answer, passing the Captain on his way below deck, who nods curtly, his face turned away from you.
You find Snow in the tight enclosure of the three-walled control room.
AUGER
(OOC: I can’t imagine that there is a word in roc-speak for ‘convocation.’ Many adult humans don’t really know what it means. The roc thinks like an animal. Speaking with it means using very simple phrases. :)
The roc replies to Auger, and Auger understands that it hated the name Wyrm, and responds readily to Baylen. It makes rolling clicking noises, which resonate like a melodic field drum deep in its breast.
Driss, wide-eyed, laughs. “Wull. Looks like he likes his new name. Baylen it is then.” Auger begins to take in, by watching Driss, who grooms Wyrm — or, Baylen, rather, and engages in a set of behavioral trainings which he tells Auger he does every day more than once.
“Keeps him fresh,” says the chimp. “Now he’ll need to sleep off the meal. Gives me a chance to cook this here lamb up. He’ll awaken in a couple o hours and we Kim see wots wot then.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Snow spots the tear on his father's cheek but doesn't mention it and doesn't stare. The thought occurs to him that this must have taken his father more by surprise than he himself. After all, at least he knew he was looking for him.
"Rest well", he says as his father walks away, then takes in a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
He had mixed feelings upon finding his father, and that was not about to be resolved by a couple of minutes of catching up, but he had found him. He was alive and there would be more conversations.
It also felt good to have been vindicated, not only for believing his father was still alive, but that the clues he was following were leading the way to him. He wondered what his father would think about what he had learned from the library at the tree. Did his father have similar visions when he went there?
As he watches his father retreat to his cabin, he spots the other's moving towards him in a hurry.
"What's happened?", he asks, immediately on high alert thinking Sorakayoshi has found a way to follow them. "Are we being followed?", he adds as he looks at the controls of the airship and wonders whether he can pilot it.
"Umm, no." Varielky answers then looks back for a moment to make sure, solely because Snow asked. "I don't think so, anyhow." Though on second thought, something could have followed them, and as long as it made no sound, she wouldn't know. "Have you seen Auger? Have we taken off without him?" The point of fighting Sorakayoshi, at least originally, was to buy time. If she failed in that as well, that would be deplorable.
Varielky
A frown crosses Snow's face at mention of Auger. All the drama surrounding his father and their escape had pushed thoughts of Auger to the back of his mind, and he hadn't passed on what he knew.
"Apologies, I have been distracted", he says to them. He looks out to the sky before carrying on.
"Auger felt a connection to the Aerie, as you might remember. He felt drawn to it. When we got here, he realised the connection was coming from one of the Roc's nesting here", he starts, turning back to look at his companions.
"He went to it, said he had to know what the connection was. He told me he would meet us on the airship", he continues, then starts to shake his head.
"The next thing I know, the Roc flew over me, and Auger was in it's talons. He was unharmed, and I managed to communicate with him through magic. He went willingly, unsure of the outcome but needing to know. He said he would find us when he is able. Be that in Kalahata or in the Vale. He said to leave word with friends".
"I sent one last message, which I believe made it to him, but he didn't reply so I can't be sure. I told him what we learned at the Archives. I believe he knows about Safiyah, who she is and where she is. He knows where we will be", he finishes.
He looks at Varielky, not certain how she would take the news that he is gone.
"It was his choice".
"So the rock took him?" Varielky is mostly worried, but not overly so. "Well, Auger's a capable man. He should be able to take care of himself, I'm sure." Both to reassure herself and everyone else, but actually, she had no way to be sure, as she didn't know Auger that well. If you threw Varielky alone in the wilderness, there was no guarantee she'd be able to take care of herself. Could Auger? What she meant is that he could defend himself. Well, a dead man can't find food, so that already makes his chances better. At the very least, Varielky realised she cared for him. She somewhat knew it already, but sometimes one needs to be reminded of such things.
"But beyond his safety, how does that affect us?" Varielky asks Granophyre. "Will we wait for Auger to join us again, or do we continue without him? It might be complicated to avoid being found - as I'm sure we will be thoroughly searched for - while also leaving hints for Auger to find us."
Varielky
Auger watches the behavioral training as best he can and talks with Driss and Baylen in turn in order to learn more, taking any chance to translate between the two of them as needed. He particularly works on the sound of the name Baylen, in the Roc tongue for them. He wants their trust, both of them.
As the great Roc settles down Auger says, more quietly this time, in the language of the Rocs, Soaring One! Auger respect! Auger thanks! Driss and Auger eat!
Auger then assists with the cooking to the extent he is able, wonders idly what Py has gotten up to and then joins Driss in the meal together, where he goes over the nature of the behavioral training as much as he can. Learning to fly was going to be a matter of direct interest for the time being.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
VARIELKY and SNOW
Granophyre’s brow knits upon hearing of Auger’s decision, but in a moment he breathes deeply, “I hope he knows what he is doing, but I have faith in our friend. Without the courage to follow our hearts, we wither.”
He acknowledges Varielky’s questions, but rather than offering answers, adds queries of his own.
“We must also consider Tamazaert. What now for her? And the Captain of this vessel, the elder Das. Snow… I do not wish to pry, but your meeting was plainly not only unexpected, but also… significant.”
Benita, from the sidelines, watches the clouds part as you ascend above them into a crystal clear and chill night lit only by silent and distant stars, and shivers, holding her elbows, as the clouds roll away like a vast gray blanket beneath you.
AUGER
Py has indeed returned. ‘Master I scouted the area and thought I might see better from the next ridge. But I became lost. The ledge is much harder to see from below than here. It was only when the roc returned that I saw my way. There is no safe way down without flying. That has not hindered you before, but you must certainly use your magic to leave on your own. There are mountains as far as I can see for many miles. On a clear day I might be able to see farther.’
(OOC: please roll three animal handling rolls, DC15, with advantage thanks to Driss’ help, for the afternoon’s activities:
1. Pet Baylen
2. Feed Baylen
3. Help saddle Baylen (without fastening the saddle).
Success means you can move on to the next activity. Failure means try the same activity again with your next roll. Feel free to narrate the results.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"You picked up on that?", Snow says regarding his father, although he isn't really surprised.
"I cannot remember how much I told you about my purpose in the Vale, but the search for my father, whom I haven't seen in many, many years, was the instigator", he says.
"He left in search of the Old Mystics, certain that they still existed and could yet be found. It became an obsession of his, and no doubt it still is".
He looks back to the cabin his father disappears into, not for the first time.
"He is a stranger to me, but I truly believe that blood is thicker than water. He didn't spare a thought when it came to helping us out back at the Aerie", he adds, trying to convince himself as much as the others.
"Perhaps if we can help him in his search, help get the funding he needs or solve the puzzle he is left with, he will help us return. The use of this airship for getting around and staying hidden from our enemies would be invaluable".
"I don't know anything about Tamazaert in truth, so cannot say as to what happens now. Is there somewhere safe we can take her?"
Varielky refrains from saying anything about the father-son situation. It was none of her business, and although she had her opinions, she wasn't even entirely sure how she felt regarding these matters. She remembered very little of her own parents: short, vague scenes, seemingly memories that aren't even hers.
"Sorakayoshi saw Benita, although only for a brief moment. Right?" Varielky turns to confirm with Benita, though neither of them could really know. "As long as he doesn't remember her face, she and Tamazaert should be able to move freely around the Vale and Kalahata, I assume." Varielky then turns to Benita completely. "I wish you could stay with us, but perhaps it is best if the two of you separate from us for the time being."
Speaking generally again, Varielky continues: "We should find a place to let them off. In one of the small villages in the Vale, maybe. From there, the two of them could either stay sheltered from danger or return to Kalahata. Your father too, Ca-" Varielky stops herself, thinks for a moment, then tries again. "Snow." It is the first time Varielky calls Snow by his name. Until now, it's only been "Captain" or the like. "Your family matters aside, funding should not be his problem now. Sorakayoshi was fuming when we left. I reckon he'll do his best to have anyone who aided us in our escape punished."
Varielky
Auger accepts Py at its word and sticks to the business at hand of trying to learn how to manage, control and ride this Roc. He continues speaking to Baylen when the situation dictates. Given Auger's lack of experience with animals he must lean on that and on Driss for his knowledge.
While Driss does his best to help Auger with learning to interact with the great Roc, the afternoon goes poorly. Auger attempts to pet Baylen as he sees Driss doing but something is not right. Too hard or too soft, Auger could not judge. Baylen appeared annoyed at his touch, and said so quite clearly to Auger. When feeding time came it did not go well, Baylen snapping at Auger for his somehow clumsy approach. Eventually Driss assigns Auger to carry food to Driss to pass to Baylen. Auger was not allowed near the bird while feeding, for his own safety Driss seemed to indicate. Finally with the saddling, Auger thought he had gotten the hang of things with Baylen seeming to appreciate what he was up to, but as he worked with Driss to place the saddle, Auger thought he saw a problem, and when trying to move by Baylen's neck to fix it, the bird reacted poorly to his touch again and the saddle was nearly lost over the cliff edge as Baylen reacted while it was not yet fastened. It was a long afternoon.
Details
Animal Handling attempts:
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
SNOW and VARIELKY
Re: Varielky to Benita: "I wish you could stay with us, but perhaps it is best if the two of you separate from us for the time being."
Benita bites her lip, lost in thought until Varielky disturbs her reverie. “I’m not sure bruiser. I’m no spring flower — even though I may look like one,” she directs capriciously toward Snow. To Varielky, “I don’t know if I’m cut out for sitting around and waiting… for what comes next. And living in Kalahata isn’t free. Master Strewn… if I feel strong enough…?,” to which the old sage replies, “Erremmm… I am not certain I think it a good idea, Benita, I should feel such remorse if something were to…” But he tapers off and then seems to make up his mind. “Benita, it is up to you,” which seems to frighten her more than she had been before, although she remains poised and nods slowly to Granophyre in thanks, holding his eyes gratefully.
“I would like to know what Tamazaert wants,” Granophyre continues, “before making a decision. But the day has been long and I am weary. I suggest we rest on our laurels tonight, for we have achieved today everything we set out to do. We know what our next step must be. I shall say good night, and tomorrow we can make a decision.”
AUGER
Driss is hard to read as the day proceeds. He munches on dried lamb strips, chewing thoughtfully, and is plainly an experienced and patient instructor.
“Ach neh,” he replies if Auger expresses disappointment. “Ye should’ve seen im with Sorakayoshi. Ye’d have some perspective. Rocs are proud beasts and don’t do well when whipped into submission. Yer gettin sum o the brunt o that, see. He—Baylen—he don’t trust ye. Cuz he don’t trust no one. Not after that.
Wull… he trusts me,” he says with a toothy grin. “But it’ll take time for him to get used to ye, Sonny. A chick isn’t hatched in a day.”
(OOC: nothing of note occurs for the rest of the day. You may carry on conversing with Driss or continue the next day with essentially the same schedule of events, now with rolls at DC14, still with advantage.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Snow was sure Varielky was right, it was exactly the point he had made to his father, that he would now be a wanted man just like them after his actions.
As the others discuss how to proceed, and who would accompany them, it occurs to him that he too has a choice to make. If his father declined to help them, he would be torn between helping Strewn and joining his father's search for the Old Mystics.
The thought distracts him for some moments, because although he was fully invested in Strewn's search for the lost Dwarven clan, could he really part ways with his father so soon after their reunion? He hoped he wouldn't have to make that choice.
He comes out of his reverie as Strewn bids the goodnight.
"Indeed, good night", he says to Strewn, giving him a nod.
"I will stay here a short while before finding a place to rest as well. I am sure my father would not have left the controls unattended if it was not safe to do so", he adds, wondering at their route, and where they were going.
"It may be wise for one of us to remain awake through the night anyway, as you say Sorakayoshi was indeed fuming and will try any means to track and follow us. That being the case, I will wake one of you in a couple of hours if you like?".
If the others agree and leave him alone, he will spend some time looking at the controls of the Reaver’s Word and trying to see how the spell functions that creates the ghost sailors. Whether it is a device like the one he uses for the Animu Borongo's propulsion.
Varielky nods quietly. She didn't plan on having a baby anytime soon, if ever at all, but wondered if she could just sit and wait for nine moons. The situatuon seemed to impossible to imagine and weigh the options, for her. "It's your choice." She echoes Granophyre.
Varielky bids the others good night as well, though she's not sure where she's supposed to sleep. She'll figure it out, somehow. To Snow she says he can wake her when he finally needs to rest himeself. "Just knock on the door until I answer. I wake up easily."
Varielky
With the day of struggle behind him, Auger is happy to focus on his food in silence while considering the day's lessons.
After an evening meal, Auger takes out a piece of his Thufa wood and a carving knife and sets about the process of slowly whittling the wood down to a basic figure. Auger remembers that he never did get Varielky to teach him something of woodcarving. Hopefully she was okay. Hopefully all of them were okay. They had to be.
With Driss, Auger shares his disappointment but also his hopes.
"Back home I am a carpenter of some note in my little village. I've spent time as a wagonwright. A shipwright. I've raised houses. I've built stools. The smith's house always had a special order for pieces of the right shape to fit some of their metal. Working the wood seems easy when you know it and what its about. Some wood is spongy and soft, though strong in its way. Some wood is harder then a rock, though brittle. Regardless of the circumstance, when the thing you are trying is new, it feels like this. Fail. Fail. Fail. But learn. I'll get it, I'm sure. But there is much I do not know." Auger turns and gazes at Baylen, "And, as you say, trust to earn."
Sighing Auger turns the conversation back towards Driss, "Tell me more of how you came to be a trainer of Rocs and their riders and found your way to the Aerie in the Vale."
Auger engages in chat with Driss into the evening and is willing to discuss any matters not pertaining to his mission with Strewn and the others or his connection to his fallen Pixie patron, the Dowager.
(OOC: I'll hold off on rolling for Day 2 so we can focus on anything in this discussion with Driss.)
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
VARIELKY and SNOW
The bard finds that the controls of the Reaver’s Word are more or less standard issue, and match memories he has from when he was much younger — a child —and his father brought him to a control room to hold the wheel and try the levers. He showed him then some of the basics which might return to mind after focusing on the memories. As for the ghostly crew however, there is nothing comparable in Snow’s experience. He notes that the box — the cantrip battery which would ordinarily be controlled by one or several Eyes to pilot and focus the ancient dominion energy to drive the ship through the skies — usually an ancient looking, immovable chest whose enchantment kept it from being moved — the chest is gone. There is a spot on the deck where it should be. Instead, only relatively fresh planks.
The crew has continued to carry on, following the eldar Das’ last orders, maintaining, Snow gathers, a long arcing path through the skies, at first heading west, now turning southward. Their transparent forms are hard to make out, but they continue to man the sails and three now stand on tiptoe, incessantly blowing their magical winds to keep the ship moving steadily forward.
The night passes without incident and in the morning you both awaken at level 8.
AUGER
Driss seems content to converse with Auger, and to watch the clouds quietly roll past and the sun creep slowly across the heavens until it dips down below the high western peaks of the Bantu range. His prior reservations seem to lessen by the hour, and he takes to Auger, finding his connection with the roc of interest, and happy to speak about himself in a slow drawl.
“I’m from Hyewush by birth. Ye may not know the place, it’s… oh ya do? Well that’s a first among humans. Fer a foreigner you know these lands better’n many who’ve spent their whole lives here.
“Ye wull. I fell in love with the most dazzling woman ye ever knew back there, I wuz like I had a warm thermal under me wings pushin me to fly higher n I really could. Suffice t say things didn’t work out. I left. Soul searchin. Come up into the Vale mostly workin as a guard but I wuz drawn to the big ol birds. Can’t say why. Some things yer just born to do. I linked with a roc myself. But… it died, went crazy like some em do, or maybe a curse. Never found out fer sure. Been trainin others now fer twenty year.
“Wull look I been talkin so long the stars now sharp as a hatchlings hunger. I’m goin sleep. Try again tomorrow. Yum.”
(OOC: you may make rolls for day 2 If you wish.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
As the Chimp settles himself for the evening Auger turns away to study the night sky while he thinks on the background Driss shared. He lost his true love it sounded like. In Hyewush. Auger had been there. So long ago now it felt, though it had only been a few weeks really. In Hyewush they had still been a full party and had the carriage and had just dealt with the Imperial Orc fighters for the first time. Hyewush. They met Kotashin there and several others including Futurtensh... what had she said to Auger in her Reading?
Pestilence. That felt spot on. That Reading had seemed to apply to his own need to find his cousin, and the trouble that had created. Echoes of it persist. The High Priestess was saved by their actions and then pleadings with the Azhvuv Queen. And the High Priestess was the key to their quest it appeared. The quest. The quest he should rejoin.
Augers thoughts carry on for a while as he ponders how so many were lost shortly after Hyewush. Auger pauses and whispers a prayer to Piya in hope of peace for the fallen. Then he goes to bed.
The next day Auger again attempts to help Driss with Baylen. The petting goes even more poorly than the previous day, with Auger seeming to catch Baylen in a poor mood. Despite that poor start, the feeding goes amazingly well. Baylen appears relaxed and seems to accept Auger's role as a feeder with ease and respect, possibly even affection, though that is still hard to judge, speaking with him or not. When it comes time to place the saddle atop Baylen Auger cannot help but smile. Everything goes smoothly and fairly easily. This time when he makes an adjustment to the saddle there are no issues. The sense of making progress is wonderful.
Details
Animal Handling rolls
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory