You attempt to recall whether you have seen the symbol before -- a blue star within a white diamond, you swear it is familiar.
That's right, you remember now. Tales tell of the symbol belonging to Titania, the Summer Queen, an ancient and powerful archfey. Much of the tales remain shrouded in mystery, though they reference a Seelie (sometimes referred to as Summer) Court over which she presides. You get the sense that she is a figure not too dissimilar to Celene's own Faerie Queen, the Lady Yolande; except significantly older and more powerful.
Generally perceived in Celene's folklore as benevolent, it is believed that the Seelie Court has dominion over the feyrealm, standing in opposition to the more enigmatic and nefarious Unseelie Court (sometimes referred to as the Gloaming Court). Stories involving the Unseelie Court are fractured and, it is believed, sensationalized. They tell of a mysterious figure known simply as the Queen of Air and Darkness.
Whereas the Summer Queen is often depicted as ethereal and in swirling whites, the Queen of Air and Darkness is depicted as a beautiful but terrible female faerie with angular features, bone-white skin, all-black eyes, and long black hair.
((Damn, that's a high total! Have a wall of information.))
It takes mere seconds for you to understand the symbol the insects are depicting. The feyrealm, over which the Seelie Court presides, often displays such patterns. In this case, the symbol is that of an archfey known as the Summer Queen, Titania.
It comes as no surprise to you that you would find her symbol here. Everything to date has suggested that Prospect is likely what has oft been referred to, within planar studies, as a 'fey crossing'; that is to say, an area where the veil between the feyrealm and other planes is thinner. Though to date, your research into uncontrolled planar gate creation has predominantly been theoretical, the situational irony -- that you now find yourself on the precipice of discovering, quite by chance, a real-life example of one such crossing -- is not lost on you. If your research is correct, such fey crossings cannot be forcibly closed (unless through magics beyond your comprehension) and serve to become a frequent point of travel between realms. It seems, to you, as though Saltmarsh may well change from being a quiet backwater town should this information come to pass; forget whether the Traditionalists or Loyalists will win, the crown would definitely seek to utilise a crossing such as this.
Aware of the potential of fey crossings within your own plane of existence, the fact that there should be an example of one here, within Saltmarsh, infers that there could well be multiple planes accessible from the feyrealm. A smorgasbord of potential destinations awaits should you enter the realm. It does leave you with the following question, however; if this fey crossing has been here over aeons, how come there is nothing within Saltmarsh's history that suggests a connection between the town and the feyrealm? Unless such history has been lost or forgotten. Indeed, this leads to a further question of "why now?" Have there been any events that have recently occurred that served to thin the veil between realms?
A pang of anxiety hits you then, if this crossing has somehow become less stable... what of the plane it leads to, how chaotic might that be? A plane that is shifting, lacking constants, and ever-changing. Furthermore, what of your other theories regarding planes of existence that for every plane there is an under-plane; if there is a feyrealm (or feywild) could there be a... what? Feydark? Currently, you surmise that you require further information before forming any solid conclusions.
Waking for the next watch, Meresaa notices the pattern Nikita has sketched (not sure if the bugs are continuing to hold the formation or not) and a glimmer of recognition crosses her face as she withdraws a small notebook from a pocket within her robe and begins thumbing through to find what she's looking for.
As everyone rests, the blue woman ponders their predicament and what she might be able to do to better assist the group. She tinkers with several items from an array of pockets, searching for some sort of inspiration before fixating on her dagger. A small, relatively insignificant weapon among the party's arsenal. Bringing the full force of her significant intellect and creativity to bear, she sets to work.
((Jumping forward to post-LR but feel free to go back if anyone else wants to add.))
Once Boyd rouses himself, she approaches and flatly asks, "Might I have use of your dagger, Mr. Nilsson?"
Assuming he acquiesces, she holds it in one hand and inspects it. Still staring at the blade, she reaches into a pocket and retrieves another and holds it out to Boyd, hilt first.
Returning her gaze to his, she simply says, "I propose a trade. My dagger for yours. While your blade is certainly quite serviceable, I've taken some liberties with the design of mine which I think you'll find quite useful, given your skillset. It's balanced for throwing -- although it doesn't need to be -- and the blade is sharpened in a manner that common whetstones simply can't achieve. I believe it will manage to strike true more easily as well as doing more damage in an altercation than your current armament. It also has a certain peculiarity that I think you may find quite to your liking..." She smiles slyly with this statement. "It has a way of finding its way back to your hand when thrown."
Boyd:
Not sure if I can share it within our campaign or if I'll need to publish it to the community, but try adding "Meresaa's Returning Dagger" to your inventory and let me know whether it works or not.
((Also jumping between scenes but happy to play any of them out if desired.))
Sitting next to Nikita as they prepare to continue, she once again retrieves her notebook and opens to a page she had marked.
"That design you had sketched last night. Are you familiar with it? I've come across it in my studies quite a bit and, while it's both exciting and fascinating to find it here, the connotations of its appearance are overwhelming and somewhat terrifying. I'm afraid it raises far more questions than it might have answered..."
She falls silent for a moment before sharing her concerns (see Meresaa's spoiler above).
((Something something The Upside Down something something... 😅))
Nikita is now wearing her studded leather and rapier comfortably. Having also flipped through her spell book a bit, almost as an afterthought. That Protection from Evil and Good that Ermasnietsz cast with the boggles... that's a good one. May become important with so many fey about.
She listens raptly to Meresaa's deductions and opinions on planar interactions, an area she knows next to nothing about.
"The fey Summer Queen Titania is well known in my home, the Faerie Kingdom of Celene, and this is indeed her symbol. I know less about her Summer (or Seelie) Court, and next to nothing about their foil. The terrible Queen of Air and Darkness of the Gloaming Court which stands opposed."
Thumbtack, who had been cleaning her feathers a bit, suddenly looks up and around nervously.
"I'm inclined to avoid the courts altogether. My most pressing concern is that our... Or at least my goal in this was to investigate the portal and attempt to close it to stop the trouble that it's brought about."
She chews on a lip, deep in thought for several moments.
"I'm now of the opinion that there won't be any way for us to do that by any means I've ever encountered or heard of. Saltmarsh will be forever changed and this will likely throw the region into chaos as the powers that be struggle for control of the immediate area as it will inevitably be seen as a resource to gain an advantage over opposing factions."
Standing now, she paces with long strides as she continues. Arms crossed with chin in one hand, she stares through the floor absently.
"I'm afraid that if we're to accomplish that and, potentially save Ms. Hawkes, we'll have to traverse the portal ourselves to seek out some sort of power which might be able to close the rift and save countless lives in the inevitable conflicts that will arise in the near future. Whatever caused it to open in the first place (I assume it was several years ago since so many other odd happenings seem to align with that theory) will either be here in Prospect or, I fear, among the fey."
Seeming to suddenly remember she isn't alone and speaking to herself, her head snaps back up to look around at the group and she sighs.
"I have no ties nor allegiance to any part or party of this land. But, until I can find a way home, it's only logical that I... We... act as if we're here to stay and that means attempting to avoid the devastation that the continued existence of this planar gate will bring about. I hope I'm wrong and that finding Mr. Sedgewick will reveal a solution to the larger problem, but I've found it unwise to bank on the best possible outcome. If it comes to it, are we all willing to traverse another plane of existence in an attempt to save this one?"
Boyd walks the perimeter of the two rooms that the group will be camping in, keeping an eye out for traps or hidden enemies. He avoids the fire-hall doors and the submerged corridor. Apparently satisfied with their safety, he sits against the wall of the larger room and keeps an eye on the dogtopus, making sure that it doesn't attack Esther (or any of his companions, for that matter); he clearly doesn't trust it, but is willing to give it a chance.
He turns to Ermasnietz and inquires about their new "pet." "So you've all sorts of strange things, right? Ah, don't give me that look, I can tell you have. You ever heard of something like this?" He gestures at the Sagacitas. "Weirds me out, seeing something like that. S'pose it shouldn't, since I've seen stranger things below the waves, but up on land... on land things don't look like that, eh? ..." He peters off for a moment then refocuses. "So it wasn't hurting people on purpose? This Sedgwick bloke was giving its children - or pieces of it? - to people or something? That's no good at all... Saltmarsh is only a stone's throw from my home..."
After watching the entrances and the creature for a while, and seeing that others will be able to keep watch without him, Boyd falls asleep against the wall, waking up every hour or two for a few minutes, looking around, and falling back asleep. The middle-aged man looks a bit haggard, but he's been holding his own in these fights with boggles and plant-things. Hopefully this experience materializes in an increased understanding of tactics, where he can weave in and out of the fray a bit better.
(POST-LR)
When he awakes, Meresaa approaches the groggy barrel-chested man. "'Ello Meresaa, sleep well?" As usual, though, the business-like blue woman cuts straight to the point. "I suppose you can see my knife, sure." He procures his broad-bladed skinning knife from its leather sheathe and hands it to the professorial magician. When she trades him the magical dagger, he whistles in appreciation of its craftsmanship. "Whew, this is a fine gift, Meresaa, are you sure? ... Thank you, I'll take good care of it, then." He tucks it in his belt next to a hidden throwing dagger he hasn't yet needed to use.
He listens to the conversation between Nikita and Meresaa with a peculiar sort of attention - he knows it's important, but he understands essentially none of it, and he knows he's light years away from having the requisite knowledge to chime in. However, he does ask about this "Ferry Kingdom of Ceiling" that Nikita mentions: "So this place, that's where Claude's from? Or his neck thing I mean... yeah, Maud. Because didn't he kill Toska in the place where this portal is supposed to be? 'Round out back the manor?"
When Meresaa asks her final question, Boyd contemplates in silence for a while... "Well... I suppose I'm in for a copper in for a crown, and if there's no Scarlet Brotherhood there, then all the better. Nikita's the only other, er, native of this, uh, area, as I understand it. And she's been as eager as anyone to follow this path. Ermasnietsz... hope you don't mind me saying, but you seem to be looking for a life's purpose regardless of your location - I've seen that same look before, it's not uncommon in Monmurg, you know. And Faila, what about you? You could make a go of a simple life. Ensar is a decent town with decent people and I might be able to set you up with a place to live..."
"Whew, this is a fine gift, Meresaa, are you sure? ... Thank you, I'll take good care of it, then."
"Quite sure," she replies with her warm, knowing smile. "And that's the thing about this knife: You don't have to take any particular care of it. It won't dull, chip, or break and it's difficult to lose track of thanks to its returning property." An oversized, almond-shaped, violet eye winks at the man.
"So this place, that's where Claude's from? Or his neck thing I mean... yeah, Maud. Because didn't he kill Toska in the place where this portal is supposed to be? 'Round out back the manor?"
Recalling their brief drink at The Ruddy Tankard, Nikita smiles and gives 'Uncle Boyd' a fond look as he speaks of Celene and the portal.
"Celene is where I am from, but it is in this world, same as your home. A hundred leagues north of Keoland here instead of south where you're from. But you can call it the 'Ferry Kingdom of Ceiling' for all the good it does me. We're talking about a portal to other worlds here. Other planes. Such as the places the rest of our group are all from, Lady Meresaa from... Ravnica? And the others from different planes too. I hope we can find a way for everyone to return home if they want. Many of all these creatures around us are from the Feywild. But there may be a darker, opposite plane to the Feywild, just as the Seven Heavens are opposed by the darker planes such as the Abyss or the Nine Hells." She shudders visibly before controlling herself.
"And speaking of the Hells, that is where Maud, Claude's attached Imp is from, no doubt. I think with Toska, they ended up at the portal itself. Which, if this Sagacitas' telepathic memories are correct, is in an outbuilding on these grounds outside Prospect. I do not know if either of them are alive, but I think that is where we have to go, though perhaps we should search the remainder of the house for Sedgewick first?"
"I'm not sure it would be a particularly fruitful search. From what we've gathered, I don't see Mr. Sedgewick as much of a fighter. If he sensed danger, whether from us or the brigands, he would have sprung his traps and retreated - no doubt to his new toy: the portal. There's little doubt in my mind that he's found other ways to harness and weaponize its wonders. I'm quite certain the sagacitas are only the tip of that particular iceberg."
Meresaa regards Nikita.
"We can surely sweep the house but I'm confident that our quarry has either fortified his position or escaped beyond the portal completely."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ermasnietsz
Ermasnietsz has been sitting motionless for awhile, both of her arms are carefully huddled together when her legs remain sprawled on the floor.
When she notices that Boyd is trying to talk to her, she momentarily snaps out of her trance-like condition and continues to speak, "Yes, there's a possibility that a particular part of my current body has similar cells that might originate from aberrant creatures. A recent event can be related to my peculiar assumption. When I tried to nudge a larvae using my wand in the medical tent, it transferred energy to my body. The action was puzzling, and I'm still confused."
"I might've seen such sort of creature in Avernus or in Faerun, but it will be quite difficult for me to recall it."
Does Ermasnietsz recall something from her past life?
Arcana14(Information about inhabitants of different planes)
Ermasnietsz silently watches the silly shenanigans of the revitalized girl with the expression of an disinterested observer. She starts to speak when she suddenly remembers multiple similar events of the immediate past.
"There were more creatures like them with some of the people who've been living in Saltmarsh. Do you want to know what happened to the little lampreys? Esther, did you made friends during your stay here?"
I told them not to kill the lampreys, but they didn't listen to me. The clockwork sorcerer thinks before suddenly freezing and dropping on the ground like a clockwork toy who's run out of rotational power. She's slowly preparing for a long rest that's mechanically an active hibernation period for her when she can retain full consciousness of her surrounding.
((Apologies for missing your post previously))
"Friends?" Esther thinks aloud. "Well, that distant-voiced lady, Asha, kept me company whilst I was alone in the dark. Otherwise, it was just Billy and the tentacle creatures. There were a couple of strange men but I cannot recall their faces -- they're the..." Her eyes become teary, "they're the ones that took me and Billy."
Over the course of the night each of the party members, even those in a trance, experience images of strange lands. It is unclear whether these images are from the Sagacitas or due to the thinning of the veil between planes.
Once more, there are images of the desolated city. This time they are more sombre than before; it speaks of war, long passed, yet brutal. Little remains of the city's inhabitants, their bodies reclaimed by nature, and the only items lying as a testament to their existence are the odd broken clay pot or rusted tool. Ruined buildings litter the landscape, though most are caved-in, and overgrown with vine and moss.
((Image of the Ruined City. These come and go fleetingly throughout the night.))
The night comes and goes without issue. The only sounds are the creaking and cracking of Prospect as the invading flora assaults the property's very foundations. The Sagacitas seem content to wait for the party, occasionally bounding off to the submerged passageway to the north of the room.
Ermasnietsz - After you wake, a voice enters your mind (see spoiler).
"Hello?"Toska grunts in your mind. "Still there? Managed to escape den. Spriggans and Boggles worshipping statue of onyx woman." You get the sense that Toska is trying to preserve her strength. "Den led to Prospect Crypt. Currently outside back of house."
You are certain that you have not seen this creature within Faerun or Avernus before.
However ((given that you rolled high)), regarding the giant creatures that the Sagacitas projected into your mind earlier, you begin to suspect you might know what they are. As you search your mind you recall tales of a once-beautiful, now hideously deformed group of giants. If your suspicions are correct then, unfortunately, those that attacked the Sagacitas are arguably the most wicked of all the giant races - Fomorians.
It would make sense, as it is long believed that the Fomorians invaded Faerun from the Feywild. Legend has it that over time the Fomorians' hearts became twisted by a lust for power and magic, however, a powerful curse was placed upon them -- disfiguring them and removing their ability to perform magic.
You know enough to know that Fomorians are to be avoided at all costs. Fairytales tell of the giants entering into Faerun and snatching newborn children and their mothers for twisted and nefarious purposes. The creatures bear a grudge against most humanoids, especially those able to cast magic.
Flabbergasted by the bounding tentacled quadruped, Faila watches it with wide eyes and open mouth. The sight of it still makes her skin crawl. That's not natural! Not any sort of animal that should exist in this world! It doesn't belong here!
But it's friendly enough now, and so, when Meresaa curls up against the wall to sleep, Faila, exhausted, follows suit, finding a spot to curl up in a fetal position, taking out the Skurra cloak and wrapping herself up in it. The heavy buzzing and growing of the life around her gives off an aura of warmth and comfort... at least until the dreams come.
Dreams of a strange, overgrown city. Overgrown like this basement. Dreams of terror, of fleeing through an overgrown forest, chased by things with feathers and teeth. They killed everyone except me. Why not me? And dreams of more plants, entangling, entwining plants, all around, hiding her from view, from the predators hunting from her. Finally her sleep is dreamless, and long. Even after she wakes, eyes open, she lays where she is, imagining the vines growing all around her, like a hidden cocoon. But eventually she gets up to join the others as they discuss what to do.
Boyd's suggestion to her causes tears to mist her eyes. "I would love a simple life," she says. "Where is Ensar? I'd like to go there." She doesn't say it, but she doesn't want to go to the Ferry Kingdom or the other strange places where monstrosities and fiends dwell.
After taking some time to regain her full energy and reset her bodily function, Ermasnietsz will examine her surrounding for awhile to be certain of the fact that everyone's in mint condition. She recalls that Esther has replied to her enquiry immediately and with more time she could've extracted more information from the girl, but Ermasnietsz had decided to limit the interaction with her surrounding instead of continuing the conversation. So, the conversation remained unfinished.
If she finds Nikita or Meresaa awake during that time, she will try to relay the information about Fomorians to any one of them and tell her to note it all down. "Boyd, asked me about something particular but I figured out something completely different. I recalled lores about Fomorians but I'm not suppose to recall it. Perhaps, it's a false memory planted inside my brain by the necro-alchemists."
She's briefly interrupted by the unpleasant voice of Toska and she wonders, "How did she manage to survive? And she's also using telepathy!"
"Toska is alive, but I'm uncertain of the condition of Claude-Maude. We have so many tasks to accomplish yet we're nowhere near the halfway."
Telepathic Message to Toska:"Try to conceal yourself and don't try to draw any attention. We'll be there to deal with the issue."
(Everyone can read the spoiler regarding Ermasnietsz's arcana check.)
She's briefly interrupted by the unpleasant voice of Toska and she wonders, "How did she manage to survive? And she's also using telepathy!"
((I believe this was a message sent to you via the sending stones.))
Raising a hairless eyebrow at Ermasnietsz's (" Ermasnietsz' "?) colorful account, Meresaa responds lightly.
"'Fomorians,' you say? I'm not familiar with the creatures but they sound like a nasty lot. Let's hope we don't encounter any during our little adventure, eh? Oh, and do remind me to inquire further about 'necro-alchemists' another time, would you dear? That sounds positively intriguing but is perhaps best left for a time with somewhat less pressing business to which we must attend."
Meresaa studies Faila's interaction with Boyd and, after a few moments, offers a suggestion.
"Once we're back aboveground and confident the area is relatively safe, you could venture back to the carnival and ask if Lady Isolde could spare someone as an escort to see you there safely. I assume she'll feel somewhat indebted to us for our help in the present matter. Truly, this isn't a venture I'd wish on anyone, much less one so young and in need of a stable environment."
She takes a breath, allowing herself another moment of pondering. The blue woman briefly places a reassuring hand on Faila's upper arm and smiles before continuing.
"If you make the decision to accompany us, there's no doubt in my mind that it will be dangerous... But I see much potential in you yet. These trials may extinguish any -- or all -- of our flames, but they can also forge us anew as we'll certainly come out the other end changed for the experience. Inter-planar travel is a thing of legend with few recorded accounts of its success. Those who have traveled between the planes are usually lauded as heroes... Or villains, I suppose. It's not an undertaking to be considered lightly."
Suddenly waving a dismissive hand and letting out a melodic laugh, the slender scientist's demeanor suddenly shifts.
"There I go getting too far ahead of myself again! Let's see to the current predicament first. As far as we know, we might yet be able to take care of the whole ordeal from right here and be done with the thing in its entirety before dinner!"
Standing and stretching (with her formidable reach), she strides to the barred door. Gingerly, she holds her hand near the knob/latch to see if it's hot. If not, she presses an ear to the door to see if she hears any sort of movement from within the razed hallway beyond.
Faila smiles at Meresaa. The strange blue woman first seemed to her just as alien as anything from the Ferry Kingdom, but now she's nearly family, if Faila had any family. "I like that idea! Let's be done with it before dinner!" She springs to her feet, feeling ready for anything. "Wherever the rest of you go, I'll go too. Even if it's... interplanar." This bold assertion seems to make her nervous, but she stays standing and ready to follow.
Boyd makes a face and shrugs when Ermanietsz says his comment spurred her to recall some forgotten bit of information. "Glad to be of help..." he looks at Esther as if to say that he has no idea what his companions are talking about either.
"Ensar's where I'm from. It's a quick trip on a boat from here. Nice little town - mainly fishermen, but it's got everything. Bigger than Saltmarsh but much smaller than Monmurg. I know some people who'd give you a room to stay in for a while while you get your bearing. I'd offer you my house, but it's probably not safe right now..."
He trails off and listens to Meresaa shore up Faila'sresolve. "Well, suit yourself. The offer stands whenever we get out of here."
The older man gets up and stretches, casts a wary glance at the octodog, and checks their options. "Well, we can go back or we can check this waterway." He points at the submerged hallway. "Meresaa... ah... can you... can you breathe water?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Nikita's History check to attempt to recall the star and diamond symbol in relation to any knowledge she has of the feywild: 11
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Arcana: 24 to recall knowledge of the pattern from her research on planar portals.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Nikita's History check:
You attempt to recall whether you have seen the symbol before -- a blue star within a white diamond, you swear it is familiar.
Generally perceived in Celene's folklore as benevolent, it is believed that the Seelie Court has dominion over the feyrealm, standing in opposition to the more enigmatic and nefarious Unseelie Court (sometimes referred to as the Gloaming Court). Stories involving the Unseelie Court are fractured and, it is believed, sensationalized. They tell of a mysterious figure known simply as the Queen of Air and Darkness.
Whereas the Summer Queen is often depicted as ethereal and in swirling whites, the Queen of Air and Darkness is depicted as a beautiful but terrible female faerie with angular features, bone-white skin, all-black eyes, and long black hair.
Meresaa's Arcana check:
((Damn, that's a high total! Have a wall of information.))
It takes mere seconds for you to understand the symbol the insects are depicting. The feyrealm, over which the Seelie Court presides, often displays such patterns. In this case, the symbol is that of an archfey known as the Summer Queen, Titania.
It comes as no surprise to you that you would find her symbol here. Everything to date has suggested that Prospect is likely what has oft been referred to, within planar studies, as a 'fey crossing'; that is to say, an area where the veil between the feyrealm and other planes is thinner. Though to date, your research into uncontrolled planar gate creation has predominantly been theoretical, the situational irony -- that you now find yourself on the precipice of discovering, quite by chance, a real-life example of one such crossing -- is not lost on you. If your research is correct, such fey crossings cannot be forcibly closed (unless through magics beyond your comprehension) and serve to become a frequent point of travel between realms. It seems, to you, as though Saltmarsh may well change from being a quiet backwater town should this information come to pass; forget whether the Traditionalists or Loyalists will win, the crown would definitely seek to utilise a crossing such as this.
Aware of the potential of fey crossings within your own plane of existence, the fact that there should be an example of one here, within Saltmarsh, infers that there could well be multiple planes accessible from the feyrealm. A smorgasbord of potential destinations awaits should you enter the realm. It does leave you with the following question, however; if this fey crossing has been here over aeons, how come there is nothing within Saltmarsh's history that suggests a connection between the town and the feyrealm? Unless such history has been lost or forgotten. Indeed, this leads to a further question of "why now?" Have there been any events that have recently occurred that served to thin the veil between realms?
A pang of anxiety hits you then, if this crossing has somehow become less stable... what of the plane it leads to, how chaotic might that be? A plane that is shifting, lacking constants, and ever-changing. Furthermore, what of your other theories regarding planes of existence that for every plane there is an under-plane; if there is a feyrealm (or feywild) could there be a... what? Feydark? Currently, you surmise that you require further information before forming any solid conclusions.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Waking for the next watch, Meresaa notices the pattern Nikita has sketched (not sure if the bugs are continuing to hold the formation or not) and a glimmer of recognition crosses her face as she withdraws a small notebook from a pocket within her robe and begins thumbing through to find what she's looking for.
As everyone rests, the blue woman ponders their predicament and what she might be able to do to better assist the group. She tinkers with several items from an array of pockets, searching for some sort of inspiration before fixating on her dagger. A small, relatively insignificant weapon among the party's arsenal. Bringing the full force of her significant intellect and creativity to bear, she sets to work.
((Jumping forward to post-LR but feel free to go back if anyone else wants to add.))
Once Boyd rouses himself, she approaches and flatly asks, "Might I have use of your dagger, Mr. Nilsson?"
Assuming he acquiesces, she holds it in one hand and inspects it. Still staring at the blade, she reaches into a pocket and retrieves another and holds it out to Boyd, hilt first.
Returning her gaze to his, she simply says, "I propose a trade. My dagger for yours. While your blade is certainly quite serviceable, I've taken some liberties with the design of mine which I think you'll find quite useful, given your skillset. It's balanced for throwing -- although it doesn't need to be -- and the blade is sharpened in a manner that common whetstones simply can't achieve. I believe it will manage to strike true more easily as well as doing more damage in an altercation than your current armament. It also has a certain peculiarity that I think you may find quite to your liking..." She smiles slyly with this statement. "It has a way of finding its way back to your hand when thrown."
Boyd:
Not sure if I can share it within our campaign or if I'll need to publish it to the community, but try adding "Meresaa's Returning Dagger" to your inventory and let me know whether it works or not.
((Also jumping between scenes but happy to play any of them out if desired.))
Sitting next to Nikita as they prepare to continue, she once again retrieves her notebook and opens to a page she had marked.
"That design you had sketched last night. Are you familiar with it? I've come across it in my studies quite a bit and, while it's both exciting and fascinating to find it here, the connotations of its appearance are overwhelming and somewhat terrifying. I'm afraid it raises far more questions than it might have answered..."
She falls silent for a moment before sharing her concerns (see Meresaa's spoiler above).
((Something something The Upside Down something something... 😅))
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Nikita is now wearing her studded leather and rapier comfortably. Having also flipped through her spell book a bit, almost as an afterthought. That Protection from Evil and Good that Ermasnietsz cast with the boggles... that's a good one. May become important with so many fey about.
She listens raptly to Meresaa's deductions and opinions on planar interactions, an area she knows next to nothing about.
"The fey Summer Queen Titania is well known in my home, the Faerie Kingdom of Celene, and this is indeed her symbol. I know less about her Summer (or Seelie) Court, and next to nothing about their foil. The terrible Queen of Air and Darkness of the Gloaming Court which stands opposed."
Thumbtack, who had been cleaning her feathers a bit, suddenly looks up and around nervously.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"I'm inclined to avoid the courts altogether. My most pressing concern is that our... Or at least my goal in this was to investigate the portal and attempt to close it to stop the trouble that it's brought about."
She chews on a lip, deep in thought for several moments.
"I'm now of the opinion that there won't be any way for us to do that by any means I've ever encountered or heard of. Saltmarsh will be forever changed and this will likely throw the region into chaos as the powers that be struggle for control of the immediate area as it will inevitably be seen as a resource to gain an advantage over opposing factions."
Standing now, she paces with long strides as she continues. Arms crossed with chin in one hand, she stares through the floor absently.
"I'm afraid that if we're to accomplish that and, potentially save Ms. Hawkes, we'll have to traverse the portal ourselves to seek out some sort of power which might be able to close the rift and save countless lives in the inevitable conflicts that will arise in the near future. Whatever caused it to open in the first place (I assume it was several years ago since so many other odd happenings seem to align with that theory) will either be here in Prospect or, I fear, among the fey."
Seeming to suddenly remember she isn't alone and speaking to herself, her head snaps back up to look around at the group and she sighs.
"I have no ties nor allegiance to any part or party of this land. But, until I can find a way home, it's only logical that I... We... act as if we're here to stay and that means attempting to avoid the devastation that the continued existence of this planar gate will bring about. I hope I'm wrong and that finding Mr. Sedgewick will reveal a solution to the larger problem, but I've found it unwise to bank on the best possible outcome. If it comes to it, are we all willing to traverse another plane of existence in an attempt to save this one?"
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
(PRE-LR)
Boyd walks the perimeter of the two rooms that the group will be camping in, keeping an eye out for traps or hidden enemies. He avoids the fire-hall doors and the submerged corridor. Apparently satisfied with their safety, he sits against the wall of the larger room and keeps an eye on the dogtopus, making sure that it doesn't attack Esther (or any of his companions, for that matter); he clearly doesn't trust it, but is willing to give it a chance.
He turns to Ermasnietz and inquires about their new "pet." "So you've all sorts of strange things, right? Ah, don't give me that look, I can tell you have. You ever heard of something like this?" He gestures at the Sagacitas. "Weirds me out, seeing something like that. S'pose it shouldn't, since I've seen stranger things below the waves, but up on land... on land things don't look like that, eh? ..." He peters off for a moment then refocuses. "So it wasn't hurting people on purpose? This Sedgwick bloke was giving its children - or pieces of it? - to people or something? That's no good at all... Saltmarsh is only a stone's throw from my home..."
After watching the entrances and the creature for a while, and seeing that others will be able to keep watch without him, Boyd falls asleep against the wall, waking up every hour or two for a few minutes, looking around, and falling back asleep. The middle-aged man looks a bit haggard, but he's been holding his own in these fights with boggles and plant-things. Hopefully this experience materializes in an increased understanding of tactics, where he can weave in and out of the fray a bit better.
(POST-LR)
When he awakes, Meresaa approaches the groggy barrel-chested man. "'Ello Meresaa, sleep well?" As usual, though, the business-like blue woman cuts straight to the point. "I suppose you can see my knife, sure." He procures his broad-bladed skinning knife from its leather sheathe and hands it to the professorial magician. When she trades him the magical dagger, he whistles in appreciation of its craftsmanship. "Whew, this is a fine gift, Meresaa, are you sure? ... Thank you, I'll take good care of it, then." He tucks it in his belt next to a hidden throwing dagger he hasn't yet needed to use.
He listens to the conversation between Nikita and Meresaa with a peculiar sort of attention - he knows it's important, but he understands essentially none of it, and he knows he's light years away from having the requisite knowledge to chime in. However, he does ask about this "Ferry Kingdom of Ceiling" that Nikita mentions: "So this place, that's where Claude's from? Or his neck thing I mean... yeah, Maud. Because didn't he kill Toska in the place where this portal is supposed to be? 'Round out back the manor?"
When Meresaa asks her final question, Boyd contemplates in silence for a while... "Well... I suppose I'm in for a copper in for a crown, and if there's no Scarlet Brotherhood there, then all the better. Nikita's the only other, er, native of this, uh, area, as I understand it. And she's been as eager as anyone to follow this path. Ermasnietsz... hope you don't mind me saying, but you seem to be looking for a life's purpose regardless of your location - I've seen that same look before, it's not uncommon in Monmurg, you know. And Faila, what about you? You could make a go of a simple life. Ensar is a decent town with decent people and I might be able to set you up with a place to live..."
"Quite sure," she replies with her warm, knowing smile. "And that's the thing about this knife: You don't have to take any particular care of it. It won't dull, chip, or break and it's difficult to lose track of thanks to its returning property." An oversized, almond-shaped, violet eye winks at the man.
Meresaa stifles a chuckle but lets Nikita reply.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Recalling their brief drink at The Ruddy Tankard, Nikita smiles and gives 'Uncle Boyd' a fond look as he speaks of Celene and the portal.
"Celene is where I am from, but it is in this world, same as your home. A hundred leagues north of Keoland here instead of south where you're from. But you can call it the 'Ferry Kingdom of Ceiling' for all the good it does me. We're talking about a portal to other worlds here. Other planes. Such as the places the rest of our group are all from, Lady Meresaa from... Ravnica? And the others from different planes too. I hope we can find a way for everyone to return home if they want. Many of all these creatures around us are from the Feywild. But there may be a darker, opposite plane to the Feywild, just as the Seven Heavens are opposed by the darker planes such as the Abyss or the Nine Hells." She shudders visibly before controlling herself.
"And speaking of the Hells, that is where Maud, Claude's attached Imp is from, no doubt. I think with Toska, they ended up at the portal itself. Which, if this Sagacitas' telepathic memories are correct, is in an outbuilding on these grounds outside Prospect. I do not know if either of them are alive, but I think that is where we have to go, though perhaps we should search the remainder of the house for Sedgewick first?"
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"I'm not sure it would be a particularly fruitful search. From what we've gathered, I don't see Mr. Sedgewick as much of a fighter. If he sensed danger, whether from us or the brigands, he would have sprung his traps and retreated - no doubt to his new toy: the portal. There's little doubt in my mind that he's found other ways to harness and weaponize its wonders. I'm quite certain the sagacitas are only the tip of that particular iceberg."
Meresaa regards Nikita.
"We can surely sweep the house but I'm confident that our quarry has either fortified his position or escaped beyond the portal completely."
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Ermasnietsz
Ermasnietsz has been sitting motionless for awhile, both of her arms are carefully huddled together when her legs remain sprawled on the floor.
When she notices that Boyd is trying to talk to her, she momentarily snaps out of her trance-like condition and continues to speak, "Yes, there's a possibility that a particular part of my current body has similar cells that might originate from aberrant creatures. A recent event can be related to my peculiar assumption. When I tried to nudge a larvae using my wand in the medical tent, it transferred energy to my body. The action was puzzling, and I'm still confused."
"I might've seen such sort of creature in Avernus or in Faerun, but it will be quite difficult for me to recall it."
Does Ermasnietsz recall something from her past life?
Arcana 14 (Information about inhabitants of different planes)
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
((Apologies for missing your post previously))
"Friends?" Esther thinks aloud. "Well, that distant-voiced lady, Asha, kept me company whilst I was alone in the dark. Otherwise, it was just Billy and the tentacle creatures. There were a couple of strange men but I cannot recall their faces -- they're the..." Her eyes become teary, "they're the ones that took me and Billy."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Night - Day #2 - More Dreams
Over the course of the night each of the party members, even those in a trance, experience images of strange lands. It is unclear whether these images are from the Sagacitas or due to the thinning of the veil between planes.
Once more, there are images of the desolated city. This time they are more sombre than before; it speaks of war, long passed, yet brutal. Little remains of the city's inhabitants, their bodies reclaimed by nature, and the only items lying as a testament to their existence are the odd broken clay pot or rusted tool. Ruined buildings litter the landscape, though most are caved-in, and overgrown with vine and moss.
Nikita - Please make a History check.
The night comes and goes without issue. The only sounds are the creaking and cracking of Prospect as the invading flora assaults the property's very foundations. The Sagacitas seem content to wait for the party, occasionally bounding off to the submerged passageway to the north of the room.
Ermasnietsz - After you wake, a voice enters your mind (see spoiler).
"Hello?" Toska grunts in your mind. "Still there? Managed to escape den. Spriggans and Boggles worshipping statue of onyx woman." You get the sense that Toska is trying to preserve her strength. "Den led to Prospect Crypt. Currently outside back of house."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Ermasnietsz's Arcana check:
You are certain that you have not seen this creature within Faerun or Avernus before.
However ((given that you rolled high)), regarding the giant creatures that the Sagacitas projected into your mind earlier, you begin to suspect you might know what they are. As you search your mind you recall tales of a once-beautiful, now hideously deformed group of giants. If your suspicions are correct then, unfortunately, those that attacked the Sagacitas are arguably the most wicked of all the giant races - Fomorians.
It would make sense, as it is long believed that the Fomorians invaded Faerun from the Feywild. Legend has it that over time the Fomorians' hearts became twisted by a lust for power and magic, however, a powerful curse was placed upon them -- disfiguring them and removing their ability to perform magic.
You know enough to know that Fomorians are to be avoided at all costs. Fairytales tell of the giants entering into Faerun and snatching newborn children and their mothers for twisted and nefarious purposes. The creatures bear a grudge against most humanoids, especially those able to cast magic.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Nikita History: 23
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Flabbergasted by the bounding tentacled quadruped, Faila watches it with wide eyes and open mouth. The sight of it still makes her skin crawl. That's not natural! Not any sort of animal that should exist in this world! It doesn't belong here!
But it's friendly enough now, and so, when Meresaa curls up against the wall to sleep, Faila, exhausted, follows suit, finding a spot to curl up in a fetal position, taking out the Skurra cloak and wrapping herself up in it. The heavy buzzing and growing of the life around her gives off an aura of warmth and comfort... at least until the dreams come.
Dreams of a strange, overgrown city. Overgrown like this basement. Dreams of terror, of fleeing through an overgrown forest, chased by things with feathers and teeth. They killed everyone except me. Why not me? And dreams of more plants, entangling, entwining plants, all around, hiding her from view, from the predators hunting from her. Finally her sleep is dreamless, and long. Even after she wakes, eyes open, she lays where she is, imagining the vines growing all around her, like a hidden cocoon. But eventually she gets up to join the others as they discuss what to do.
Boyd's suggestion to her causes tears to mist her eyes. "I would love a simple life," she says. "Where is Ensar? I'd like to go there." She doesn't say it, but she doesn't want to go to the Ferry Kingdom or the other strange places where monstrosities and fiends dwell.
Ermasnietsz
After taking some time to regain her full energy and reset her bodily function, Ermasnietsz will examine her surrounding for awhile to be certain of the fact that everyone's in mint condition. She recalls that Esther has replied to her enquiry immediately and with more time she could've extracted more information from the girl, but Ermasnietsz had decided to limit the interaction with her surrounding instead of continuing the conversation. So, the conversation remained unfinished.
If she finds Nikita or Meresaa awake during that time, she will try to relay the information about Fomorians to any one of them and tell her to note it all down. "Boyd, asked me about something particular but I figured out something completely different. I recalled lores about Fomorians but I'm not suppose to recall it. Perhaps, it's a false memory planted inside my brain by the necro-alchemists."
She's briefly interrupted by the unpleasant voice of Toska and she wonders, "How did she manage to survive? And she's also using telepathy!"
"Toska is alive, but I'm uncertain of the condition of Claude-Maude. We have so many tasks to accomplish yet we're nowhere near the halfway."
Telepathic Message to Toska: "Try to conceal yourself and don't try to draw any attention. We'll be there to deal with the issue."
(Everyone can read the spoiler regarding Ermasnietsz's arcana check.)
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
((I believe this was a message sent to you via the sending stones.))
Raising a hairless eyebrow at Ermasnietsz's (" Ermasnietsz' "?) colorful account, Meresaa responds lightly.
"'Fomorians,' you say? I'm not familiar with the creatures but they sound like a nasty lot. Let's hope we don't encounter any during our little adventure, eh? Oh, and do remind me to inquire further about 'necro-alchemists' another time, would you dear? That sounds positively intriguing but is perhaps best left for a time with somewhat less pressing business to which we must attend."
Meresaa studies Faila's interaction with Boyd and, after a few moments, offers a suggestion.
"Once we're back aboveground and confident the area is relatively safe, you could venture back to the carnival and ask if Lady Isolde could spare someone as an escort to see you there safely. I assume she'll feel somewhat indebted to us for our help in the present matter. Truly, this isn't a venture I'd wish on anyone, much less one so young and in need of a stable environment."
She takes a breath, allowing herself another moment of pondering. The blue woman briefly places a reassuring hand on Faila's upper arm and smiles before continuing.
"If you make the decision to accompany us, there's no doubt in my mind that it will be dangerous... But I see much potential in you yet. These trials may extinguish any -- or all -- of our flames, but they can also forge us anew as we'll certainly come out the other end changed for the experience. Inter-planar travel is a thing of legend with few recorded accounts of its success. Those who have traveled between the planes are usually lauded as heroes... Or villains, I suppose. It's not an undertaking to be considered lightly."
Suddenly waving a dismissive hand and letting out a melodic laugh, the slender scientist's demeanor suddenly shifts.
"There I go getting too far ahead of myself again! Let's see to the current predicament first. As far as we know, we might yet be able to take care of the whole ordeal from right here and be done with the thing in its entirety before dinner!"
Standing and stretching (with her formidable reach), she strides to the barred door. Gingerly, she holds her hand near the knob/latch to see if it's hot. If not, she presses an ear to the door to see if she hears any sort of movement from within the razed hallway beyond.
Perception: 7
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Faila smiles at Meresaa. The strange blue woman first seemed to her just as alien as anything from the Ferry Kingdom, but now she's nearly family, if Faila had any family. "I like that idea! Let's be done with it before dinner!" She springs to her feet, feeling ready for anything. "Wherever the rest of you go, I'll go too. Even if it's... interplanar." This bold assertion seems to make her nervous, but she stays standing and ready to follow.
Boyd makes a face and shrugs when Ermanietsz says his comment spurred her to recall some forgotten bit of information. "Glad to be of help..." he looks at Esther as if to say that he has no idea what his companions are talking about either.
"Ensar's where I'm from. It's a quick trip on a boat from here. Nice little town - mainly fishermen, but it's got everything. Bigger than Saltmarsh but much smaller than Monmurg. I know some people who'd give you a room to stay in for a while while you get your bearing. I'd offer you my house, but it's probably not safe right now..."
He trails off and listens to Meresaa shore up Faila's resolve. "Well, suit yourself. The offer stands whenever we get out of here."
The older man gets up and stretches, casts a wary glance at the octodog, and checks their options. "Well, we can go back or we can check this waterway." He points at the submerged hallway. "Meresaa... ah... can you... can you breathe water?"