NikitaArcana: 14 ((rolled in character sheet, visible in campaign log.))
To Faila and the rest, she muses sadly: "We have to go to the portal, at least. We have an additional reason now: to help these tree knights return to their world. Once there, I think I at least will go through, at least if that is what it takes to close the portal or rescue Asha Hawkes."
"But, we should not force Esther to take this risk with us. Perhaps one of us can escort her back to Saltmarsh... Nick Nack?" She looks fondly at the gnome. "I know you dreaded something befalling your friends and having to witness such again. This way, at least you won't have to. Faila, of course you could also go, though I think with your..." (uncharacteristically, Nikita struggles for the right word) "... affinity for nature and medicine, we will need you should we go to the portal. And possibly to the Feywild beyond. It is everyone's choice, but I hope if we go together, we will help each other."
(Nikita translates the gist to the tree-knight, including that Esther is a non-combatant who we have freed from captivity and need to send home safely.)
"Either way, let's take what we need here, carefully, given that ballista right there, and then move towards the portal."
Boyd chews his lip while thinking. "Aye. I've made up my mind. I'm ready to go through this portal." He kneels down to Esther. "Don't worry. You don't have to go. Nick will take care of you and take you back your mother and you can see her right after we get out of here. You just have to do us one favor: Tell O'Toole what you saw here; tell him the Sanguine Cabal was here and tell him we went through a magic thing in a small building in the gardens. OK?"
He stands up and looks to Nikita, "So... if they aren't using all this treasure... think you could ask them if we can have it? Could help on the other side."
Faila stares at the tree knights, amazed and enchanted. Even their posture and assured chest-plate knocking carries a regal bearing like a forest of hoary old trees with bones deep in the earth. Deep in the basement. Wherever they are. And Faila doesn't even like trees. She smiles broadly and bows low and subserviently to the tree knights. "I'll go," she says, her uncertain, quiet voice belying the seeming confidence and excitement she seems to suddenly be radiating.
Esther looks cautiously at Nick Nack. "Alright, if you don't mind, sir,"she says. Nick shoots a toothy grin at her and winks. "Not a problem, Ms Esther," he says with a bow, "'sides I've got a few things to take care of in Saltmarsh." He looks around at the rest of the group. "Not much sense in letting all this," he beckons to the piles of gold coins. "Migh' as well set up a business of sorts in this area. Ne'er know, could serve as a base of operations. Already got a number o' contacts 'n' all."
"I know Sergeant O'Toole,"Esther replies to Boyd, "I'll let him know about everything. Don't you worry. He's always been kind to my mother and me." Momentarily overwhelmed, she grabs Boyd in a hug. "Thank you Mr Boyd. Thank you all," she says tearfully. "I'll never forget all that you've done for me... and for Saltmarsh."
The party, accompanied by the tree knights, proceed southwards. Sure enough, a large set of stairs leads upwards, a crack of surface light shines from above.
You get the sense that the tree knights are finding it hard to express how they came to be. Attempting to recall your memories of any potential magical phenomenon that could cause the elves to assume their current state.
If the elves bodies were not changed or transformed in some way, perhaps then their spirits entered the shells in which they currently reside. Could an elf's, or an eladrin's, spirit enter the vegetation next to where it was slain? Maybe if there was enough conviction or perceived need to continue on rather than enter any after-life.
You are not certain but believe that this is the only logical explanation. These are not elves, as such, but rather elven spirits contained within the vegetation and plant growth; this would also explain their ever-changing forms.
Breaking through thick iron basement doors, long-rusted with age, you find yourselves in a small wooded area a small way northwest of Prospect's main house. The tree knights managed to clear the thick vegetation that had obscured the basement's exit; they seemed to have a natural affinity with the strange-looking plants.
In front of you, at the back of Prospect's main house, you see what appears to be an observatory overlooking the grounds. Smashed glass windows surround its walls and unnatural-looking growth extends from within. The Sagacitas, without warning, dashes off towards the observatory and leaps in through one of the broken windows. You hear loud noises and the sound of a scuffle coming from inside.
Bowing low, the tree knight captain bids the party halt. Extending its arm it points towards the observatory. Two of the knights creep towards the southern exterior of the building, drawing their swords.
To the east of the observatory, a fountain stands spewing out green, algae-rich water. Cocking its 'head' the tree knight captain points for two more of the knights to approach the fountain with swords drawn. As they are no more than 20ft from the fountain you watch as their movements quicken. Moments later you hear a shout... but its a familiar voice. "Gerrof me, you bleedin' logs! I'll sets you ablaze - jus' yer watch!"
Swiftly apprehending the wounded orc woman, they drag her back to where the party is located. "Jus' lemme go!"she shouts before looking, mouth agape, at the party. "Well, you lot took yer time. 'e's in there y'know. Whatevers left o' 'im." She winces and moves her hand to her abdomen. "Blasted spriggan got me. They was all crowded 'round this weird statue. Soon as they saw me I ran bu' well, obviously I weren't quick enough. Managed to kill the bugger tha' gave me this though... they got spines tha' can be snapped jus' as easy as any mans." She looks at Boyd, "no offence."
You can see that Toska is putting on a brave face. Even a layman could tell that the wound looks serious and, if left untreated, would likely prove fatal.
To Toska - "Hold still. That wound..." Nikita looks around, her gaze settling on the wild young druid, giving her a tentative smile.
"Faila, can you help her? I think you, or perhapsMeresaa, are the only ones among us that can. I am relieved you chose to stay with us. We need you very much. I think as a group, we will all need each other." Nikita attempts to help any mundane Medicine attempt with her Mage Hand, though it won't be needed in case of a healing spell. "Or if you prefer to save your magic, I have a healing potion."
In Elvish to the tree knights: "This half-orc Toska is an ally, though a somewhat aggressive and unpredictable one. Clearly wounded by our enemies inside.... Spriggans? Is this the structure where you believe the portal to be? One for yes, two for no as before, three for unsure."
These elven spirits deserve to be home... trapped here without their bodies... we must win the portal.
To Toska back in Common, (hopefully as she is being healed or receiving medical attention): "The spriggans fought you? Maud attacked them - or attacked you? Is she dead now, or gone elsewhere? And who did you say is in there... Sedgewick? I think we are going to need to go in there and confront them, but if we go, we all go together." The Sagacitas is already in there - we need to help them!
(Nikita summarizes her question and any answers to Elvish for the tree knights as necessary.)
Faila nods eagerly at Nick Nack's suggestion of heading back to town to start a business. It sounds so sensible, so secure, so... normal. "Please do," she says to the gnome, and pulling the sack of gold from her belt, she hands it to him. "We'll try to come home."Home! To have a home to come home to! Shyly, she smiles at Esther, who is not much younger than she is, if at all, but she feels a world apart from the girl, so she doesn't say anything.
With relief the urchin girl trails after the party and the tree knights, whom she keeps staring at in awe. A sense of relief washes over her as they ascend the basement stairs and break out into the garden again. She almost tries to follow the tree knights as they approach the observatory, but roots herself in place instead when they gesture for the party to halt. She is shocked when they drag Toska back to the party, but sees her painful wound and cries out, "Toska! What happened?" She rushes towards the party's old friend, reaching her rag-wrapped hands towards the wound on the orc's abdomen. If Toska lets her touch it the wound would begin to mend under her fingers.
Cure Wounds for 4 hit points (rolled in game log).
((I should specify, the image is the back of Prospect's main house... I shall include a larger picture in a spoiler below. The observatory is at the back of the property.))
The tree knight captain pounds at his chest three times in answer to Nikita's question. It turns to the observatory and points with its right-hand whilst its left-hand taps the hilt of its sword - it strikes its chest once, as though asking for approval.
Toska stands unsteadily on her feet before slumping next to a nearby tree. "What's this? New allies?"she grunts, nodding towards the tree knight captain. "Spriggans," Toska rubs her wound tentatively, obviously re-living a painful memory. "Bloody miserable thin's. They was worshippin' a strange statue or shrine or summin'. Maud seem t' recognise the lady it depicted, told me she'd -- or is it he'd? It were definitely more Maud than Claude...Either way, Maud told me that she'd deal with the issue. She approached the Spriggans and start'd speakin' an odd language... thought she was strikin' some sorta bargain, truth be told."
The wounded orc gladly accepts help from Faila. Her condition seems stable though it is clear she is still in no condition to fight and in need of rest.
"Where was I?"Toska asks, rubbing at the now-mended wound. "Oh yeah, nex' thin' I know she's pointing a' me an' I'm bein' rushed by the buggers! 'course I managed to take sev'ral of 'em down but well..." she taps her side, "one of 'em got me good. Thought t'were th' end, so I sent th' message to Ermasnietsz 'ere."
Pausing to take a drink ((I assume offered)), Toska continues. "After tha' the cave seem t'open up. The walls were covered in this odd, glowin' slime. It was then tha' I realised - the caves were not natural but dug. Wha'ev'r dug 'em mus' be big mind, real big. Anyway, sure enough, I managed t' follow them all the way to what mus' 'ave been th' family crypt. It was all crumbling an' caved in but there was enough of a gap t' crawl through. It's jus' to th' north o' here." She points northward.
"No' sure where Maud an' Claude is now... or even if Claude is still in there," Toska says, stretching her back. "But one thin' I do know. Tha' bloke -- Sedgewick -- he's in tha' room wit' the windows. 'least I reckon it's 'im. I caugh' a glimpse o' a shadowy figure, more abomination than man a' this point. 'eard 'im mutterin' out loud to 'imself, mentioned summit 'bout Brinck. 'e seemed might angry, an' I were in no condition to figh', else I woulda. Still, glad y'' bough' back-up..." The orc woman tries to stand but looks as unsteady as before, placing a steadying hand on the nearby tree. "We gonna do this or wha'?"
You have come across the term spriggan relatively regularly during your childhood, normally within fanciful fairytales designed to get young, mischievous children to behave. They are the subject of myth and legend, and most references to them are negative.
From what you remember, spriggans are raucous, nasty fey that resemble ugly, hairy gnomes. Known as being grim, mirthless, and unpleasant, scoffing at merriment and cleverness as a waste of time. They created no beautiful things and only laughed at the misfortune of others.
Tales tell of spriggans having the ability to be able to grow to the size of an ogre or shrink to the size of a kitten. It was long-threatened that misbehaving children would be whisked away and become spriggans themselves. But both of these elements may just be rumours or storytelling, as such you are unsure as to their validity.
Nikita does offer Toska a quick drink from her waterskin and hands her one of her healing potions (free action), telling Toska what it is.
"Yes, we're going to do this, or at least I am." In response to the tree knight's request for approval, Nikita thumps her own chest once in solidarity. "The Sagacitas has already joined the battle from the sounds of it. Everyone is free to make their own choice, but I think we must confront Sedgewick."
Nikita's stance shifts subtly, and it almost seems as if she begins humming to herself as her pace quickens, starting her Bladesong (bonus action).
Somehow lighter on her feet, she moves quickly 40' towards the best visible entrance to the Observatory, whether the broken window that the Sagacitas jumped through or a door. As an action, she casts and concentrates on Protection from Evil and Good on herself.
Boyd hugs Ester back. "You'll be alright, Esther. You just think about taking care of your mum when you get back to Saltmarsh - she's been worried sick without you." He stealthily tries to wipe a couple tears from his eyes when he stands up. He's not exactly a reserved or stoic person, but something about Esther's situation seems to have particularly touched him.
((in the backyard))
Boyd seems to be completely unoffended by Toska's comment about men's' backs. He's had his own problems with lumbago and is inclined to agree that his back is weaker than he'd like.
"I think Nick should should start taking Esther to Saltmarsh right now. I know we'll be missing his purple finger stuff, but I think we've got to get Esther out of the area. We can't fail now..."
He looks at the broken window where the dogtopus jumped in and his hand naturally goes to rest on the handle of his skinning knife; his hand seems surprised to find 'Meresaa's Returning Dagger' there, before he remembers the trade he made in the basement. "I'm ready." he says, his eyes not leaving the broken window to the observatory.
Slowly blinking her enormous cobalt eyes, Meresaa gives a quiet "hmph" as if to say "Would you look at that..." as she removes a short length of cord from one of her pockets. She proceeds to carefully roll the map depicting Cendriane, tie it loosely with the cord, and delicately deposit it into her pack amongst it's many pockets and partitions.
Barely glancing up from her current diversion, she quips, "We may have a lead on stabilizing this portal, should directly shutting it prove impossible or undesirable. I... Oh."
She stops short as she notices the party moving toward the exit.
With all the talk of sending Nick Nack and Esther back to town before proceeding, a thought occurs to the vedalken woman. Turning to the two, she kneels down and retrieves the shield bearing the Scarlet Brotherhood's crest.
"Mr. Nack, I'm sure it goes without saying that we expect you to be on your best behavior and to keep the young Esther safe along your journey back. But I must ask you to do one other thing once you get there. She's going to speak with Sergeant O'Toole and tell him of what we've found. I have no doubt at some point he'll feel the need to take the matter to the Council and they'll likely need some convincing of this fantastical story. Take this shield with you. My hope is that, at the very least, seeing this relic will help convince them that more is happening under their noses than they previously believed. With any luck that could be enough to spur them to some sort of action." She shrugs her narrow shoulders and chuckles. "At the very least, the good sergeant will know how to handle the situation and, if it isn't needed, he'll have a new trophy to adorn his mantle." Smiling warmly, she pats Nick Nack's cheek with one long-fingered hand before regaining her feet.
"Oh," she adds, suddenly remembering something and fishing a few items from her bag. "I certainly hope we'll be back before long. But, should anything unfortunate happen and Prospect be left unmanned and unclaimed, there are far too many wonders here in need of cataloging and research. It would break my heart for them to be buried beneath an abandoned, decaying building. Here are the keys and deed for the manor. If all goes well, we'll have Ms. Hawkes back shortly and she'll be able to reclaim her family's home. Otherwise, I'm sure between you and the good sergeant you'll be able to figure out the appropriate path forward.
((in the yard))
"I suppose there's not much else to do but confront this Mr. Sedgewick and get the whole messy ordeal over and done with."
The blue woman lifts her chin imperiously and throws the edges of her cloak behind her shoulders, exposing her newly requisitioned dented armor. She draws Boyd's skinning knife and holds it reversed in her left hand, with the flat of the blade pressed to the inside of her forearm. Reaching into a pocket at her hip, she removes a small burlap pouch tied with string and palms it before striding forward to follow Nikita and Boyd.
"Maybe," Faila says hopefully, "we can just talk to him, and he'll change his mind." She follows closely behind Meresaa, looking wholly unprepared for anything more dangerous than just that.
Nikita - You move quickly to the smashed observatory window closest to the woods. As you draw closer there is the sound of loud cursing, the voice sounds bitter and twisted, barely human. While you are in the process of moving toward the building, you notice that several of the plants move and flow out of your way, and some of the leafier vines hide your presence from any looking out of the windows.
The tree knights follow, stoically creeping into position. No words pass between them, yet they see co-ordinated in their actions.
Looking in through the window, what you see causes your stomach to turn...
Boyd - Bidding Nick and Esther farewell, you follow Nikita towards the observatory. Similarly, you note that much of the surrounding vegetation moves and twists out of your way clearing a path. Stopping just shy of the window, you watch as Nikita's face pales. Following her gaze, you stare in through the window and brace yourself...
Mereseaa - Stuffing the relevant documents you can find into your belongings, you proceed to follow the others out of the basement.
Nick Nack nods as you give him the shield with the Scarlet Brotherhood's crest. "Righ' y' are," he says with a wink as you pat his face. "Fear not, Nick'll make sure Esther gets back t' Sal'marsh safely. Wha' with Esther, O'Toole, an' Dolan's help i' should be able t' convince th' council t' take action." You notice that Nick Nack's pack has been filled with as many coins and, well, nicknacks from Prospect's treasure hoard as it can carry.
He leans into you and whispers, "'sides, Esther's mum an' tha' used to be a big deal within Sal'marsh. A fledg'lin' business entrepreneur migh' be able t' use tha' to their advantage -- don' y' think." Once more, he winks and takes Esther by the hand. "Come, come Miss Esther. Time t' take y' back t' town an' yer mum," he says courteously.
Nick Nack and Esther are just about to depart as you bring up the deed to Prospect. A glint enters Nick's eye as he gladly accepts it from you. "Worry not, Ms Meresaa. Ol' Nick knows exac'ly wha' t' do wit' this."
Striding after Nikita, Boyd, and the tree knights, you quickly find yourself on the west side of the observatory. Nikita and Boyd crouch, transfixed by what is occurring inside. Once you glance up through the window, you can tell why...
Faila - Following closely behind Meresaa, wondering whether this whole incident might be concluded peacefully. Peering in through the window, you quickly see that the prospect of peace is bleak...
Inside the observatory is a mess. Strange, veiny tentacles cling to the walls, shelving, floor, and ceiling. Up-turned desks and couches litter the interior, scrolls and books have been torn from shelves and a smashed telescope lies on the floor. The Sagacitas dogtopus is slumped against the wall to the southeast, thick black viscous pouring from multiple wounds, several of its tentacles have been torn out and writhe around on the floor.
In the centre of the room is the thing that was Theodore Sedgewick. Its bloated form no longer resembles a man, corrupted and twisted by greed and power. Mutated by feeding on the life energies drawn out of his victims by the unwilling Sagacitas, without contemplation of the side effects. Eyes and teeth cover the exterior of the creature's bulbous form, a large glistening tongue drops from its mighty maw, and several large tentacle appendages squirm from its head and back ((nature checks to learn more)).
((The creature that was Theodore Sedgewick))
Theodore's slippery and slimy form slinks towards its injured prey. It leaves a trail of the same looking iridescent purple slime as the Sagacitas larvae as it moves. "MORE FOOD!"its main mouth shouts as it approaches the Sagacitas. Several smaller mouths up and down its body open at this point and make sounds not too dissimilar to a nest of chicks waiting for their mother to feed them. The noise of the smaller mouths is gibberish, it is deeply unnerving and fear-inspiring, digging into the heads of all those that can hear them.
Gibbering: Please can everyone make a DC 10 Wisdom Saving Throw
Acting quickly, the tree knights on either side of the window push into the room and draw their swords in unison. One of them, standing to the south of the room, is instantly snared by one of the tentacles near the wall; becoming restrained.
ALL - Please roll initiative ((you can use the campaign roller)).
Boyd approaches the window and hesitates when he sees Nikita's face. He braces himself and peers over the windowsill and groans. "Procan protect. What... is..." He jerks his head away from the window and looks a bit pale. As gibbering fills the air, the older man shakes his head, takes a few deep breaths, and draws his weapon.
Despite having seen so much strangeness recently, Nikita recoils at the aberration that Sedgewick has turned into - and listens to its gibbering. From Toska's words, she had been prepared for Spriggans, but not... not this.
It looks and sounds like one of Iuz's abyssal demons just before it caught us and began to rip us apart...
Part of her, a small part of her, dark and despairing, begins to give in. To concede that some things are too strange and awful to confront properly. To the horror of every other fiber of her being. Nikita draws on the inspiration that she has gained with her companions, and in communicating with Asha Hawkes and the poor, now mutilated, Sagacitas and the tree knights... willing herself to regain control over her own mind and body.
Meanwhile, her owl familiar maintains her equilibrium far better, trying to send calming thoughts into Nikita's reeling brain.
Nikita WIS Save (using Inspiration): 8, 10 NikitaNature check: 17 Nikita Initiative: 10
Faila follows the others over and looks inside....and screams. A high piercing shriek like a frightened child, and then the sound seems to morph into something like a bird call, more animal than human, but all rage and terror.
Nikita Arcana: 14 ((rolled in character sheet, visible in campaign log.))
To Faila and the rest, she muses sadly: "We have to go to the portal, at least. We have an additional reason now: to help these tree knights return to their world. Once there, I think I at least will go through, at least if that is what it takes to close the portal or rescue Asha Hawkes."
"But, we should not force Esther to take this risk with us. Perhaps one of us can escort her back to Saltmarsh... Nick Nack?" She looks fondly at the gnome. "I know you dreaded something befalling your friends and having to witness such again. This way, at least you won't have to. Faila, of course you could also go, though I think with your..." (uncharacteristically, Nikita struggles for the right word) "... affinity for nature and medicine, we will need you should we go to the portal. And possibly to the Feywild beyond. It is everyone's choice, but I hope if we go together, we will help each other."
(Nikita translates the gist to the tree-knight, including that Esther is a non-combatant who we have freed from captivity and need to send home safely.)
"Either way, let's take what we need here, carefully, given that ballista right there, and then move towards the portal."
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
Boyd chews his lip while thinking. "Aye. I've made up my mind. I'm ready to go through this portal." He kneels down to Esther. "Don't worry. You don't have to go. Nick will take care of you and take you back your mother and you can see her right after we get out of here. You just have to do us one favor: Tell O'Toole what you saw here; tell him the Sanguine Cabal was here and tell him we went through a magic thing in a small building in the gardens. OK?"
He stands up and looks to Nikita, "So... if they aren't using all this treasure... think you could ask them if we can have it? Could help on the other side."
Faila stares at the tree knights, amazed and enchanted. Even their posture and assured chest-plate knocking carries a regal bearing like a forest of hoary old trees with bones deep in the earth. Deep in the basement. Wherever they are. And Faila doesn't even like trees. She smiles broadly and bows low and subserviently to the tree knights. "I'll go," she says, her uncertain, quiet voice belying the seeming confidence and excitement she seems to suddenly be radiating.
Farewells
Esther looks cautiously at Nick Nack. "Alright, if you don't mind, sir," she says. Nick shoots a toothy grin at her and winks. "Not a problem, Ms Esther," he says with a bow, "'sides I've got a few things to take care of in Saltmarsh." He looks around at the rest of the group. "Not much sense in letting all this," he beckons to the piles of gold coins. "Migh' as well set up a business of sorts in this area. Ne'er know, could serve as a base of operations. Already got a number o' contacts 'n' all."
"I know Sergeant O'Toole," Esther replies to Boyd, "I'll let him know about everything. Don't you worry. He's always been kind to my mother and me." Momentarily overwhelmed, she grabs Boyd in a hug. "Thank you Mr Boyd. Thank you all," she says tearfully. "I'll never forget all that you've done for me... and for Saltmarsh."
The party, accompanied by the tree knights, proceed southwards. Sure enough, a large set of stairs leads upwards, a crack of surface light shines from above.
Nikita's Arcana check:
You get the sense that the tree knights are finding it hard to express how they came to be. Attempting to recall your memories of any potential magical phenomenon that could cause the elves to assume their current state.
If the elves bodies were not changed or transformed in some way, perhaps then their spirits entered the shells in which they currently reside. Could an elf's, or an eladrin's, spirit enter the vegetation next to where it was slain? Maybe if there was enough conviction or perceived need to continue on rather than enter any after-life.
You are not certain but believe that this is the only logical explanation. These are not elves, as such, but rather elven spirits contained within the vegetation and plant growth; this would also explain their ever-changing forms.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Mid-afternoon - Day 3 - Gardens
Breaking through thick iron basement doors, long-rusted with age, you find yourselves in a small wooded area a small way northwest of Prospect's main house. The tree knights managed to clear the thick vegetation that had obscured the basement's exit; they seemed to have a natural affinity with the strange-looking plants.
In front of you, at the back of Prospect's main house, you see what appears to be an observatory overlooking the grounds. Smashed glass windows surround its walls and unnatural-looking growth extends from within. The Sagacitas, without warning, dashes off towards the observatory and leaps in through one of the broken windows. You hear loud noises and the sound of a scuffle coming from inside.
Bowing low, the tree knight captain bids the party halt. Extending its arm it points towards the observatory. Two of the knights creep towards the southern exterior of the building, drawing their swords.
To the east of the observatory, a fountain stands spewing out green, algae-rich water. Cocking its 'head' the tree knight captain points for two more of the knights to approach the fountain with swords drawn. As they are no more than 20ft from the fountain you watch as their movements quicken. Moments later you hear a shout... but its a familiar voice. "Gerrof me, you bleedin' logs! I'll sets you ablaze - jus' yer watch!"
Swiftly apprehending the wounded orc woman, they drag her back to where the party is located. "Jus' lemme go!" she shouts before looking, mouth agape, at the party. "Well, you lot took yer time. 'e's in there y'know. Whatevers left o' 'im." She winces and moves her hand to her abdomen. "Blasted spriggan got me. They was all crowded 'round this weird statue. Soon as they saw me I ran bu' well, obviously I weren't quick enough. Managed to kill the bugger tha' gave me this though... they got spines tha' can be snapped jus' as easy as any mans." She looks at Boyd, "no offence."
You can see that Toska is putting on a brave face. Even a layman could tell that the wound looks serious and, if left untreated, would likely prove fatal.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
To Toska - "Hold still. That wound..." Nikita looks around, her gaze settling on the wild young druid, giving her a tentative smile.
"Faila, can you help her? I think you, or perhaps Meresaa, are the only ones among us that can. I am relieved you chose to stay with us. We need you very much. I think as a group, we will all need each other." Nikita attempts to help any mundane Medicine attempt with her Mage Hand, though it won't be needed in case of a healing spell. "Or if you prefer to save your magic, I have a healing potion."
In Elvish to the tree knights: "This half-orc Toska is an ally, though a somewhat aggressive and unpredictable one. Clearly wounded by our enemies inside.... Spriggans? Is this the structure where you believe the portal to be? One for yes, two for no as before, three for unsure."
These elven spirits deserve to be home... trapped here without their bodies... we must win the portal.
Nature check to know what a Spriggan is: 19.
To Toska back in Common, (hopefully as she is being healed or receiving medical attention):
"The spriggans fought you? Maud attacked them - or attacked you? Is she dead now, or gone elsewhere? And who did you say is in there... Sedgewick? I think we are going to need to go in there and confront them, but if we go, we all go together." The Sagacitas is already in there - we need to help them!
(Nikita summarizes her question and any answers to Elvish for the tree knights as necessary.)
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
Faila nods eagerly at Nick Nack's suggestion of heading back to town to start a business. It sounds so sensible, so secure, so... normal. "Please do," she says to the gnome, and pulling the sack of gold from her belt, she hands it to him. "We'll try to come home." Home! To have a home to come home to! Shyly, she smiles at Esther, who is not much younger than she is, if at all, but she feels a world apart from the girl, so she doesn't say anything.
With relief the urchin girl trails after the party and the tree knights, whom she keeps staring at in awe. A sense of relief washes over her as they ascend the basement stairs and break out into the garden again. She almost tries to follow the tree knights as they approach the observatory, but roots herself in place instead when they gesture for the party to halt. She is shocked when they drag Toska back to the party, but sees her painful wound and cries out, "Toska! What happened?" She rushes towards the party's old friend, reaching her rag-wrapped hands towards the wound on the orc's abdomen. If Toska lets her touch it the wound would begin to mend under her fingers.
Cure Wounds for 4 hit points (rolled in game log).
((I should specify, the image is the back of Prospect's main house... I shall include a larger picture in a spoiler below. The observatory is at the back of the property.))
((Looking to post a little later today.))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
The tree knight captain pounds at his chest three times in answer to Nikita's question. It turns to the observatory and points with its right-hand whilst its left-hand taps the hilt of its sword - it strikes its chest once, as though asking for approval.
Toska stands unsteadily on her feet before slumping next to a nearby tree. "What's this? New allies?" she grunts, nodding towards the tree knight captain. "Spriggans," Toska rubs her wound tentatively, obviously re-living a painful memory. "Bloody miserable thin's. They was worshippin' a strange statue or shrine or summin'. Maud seem t' recognise the lady it depicted, told me she'd -- or is it he'd? It were definitely more Maud than Claude... Either way, Maud told me that she'd deal with the issue. She approached the Spriggans and start'd speakin' an odd language... thought she was strikin' some sorta bargain, truth be told."
The wounded orc gladly accepts help from Faila. Her condition seems stable though it is clear she is still in no condition to fight and in need of rest.
"Where was I?" Toska asks, rubbing at the now-mended wound. "Oh yeah, nex' thin' I know she's pointing a' me an' I'm bein' rushed by the buggers! 'course I managed to take sev'ral of 'em down but well..." she taps her side, "one of 'em got me good. Thought t'were th' end, so I sent th' message to Ermasnietsz 'ere."
Pausing to take a drink ((I assume offered)), Toska continues. "After tha' the cave seem t'open up. The walls were covered in this odd, glowin' slime. It was then tha' I realised - the caves were not natural but dug. Wha'ev'r dug 'em mus' be big mind, real big. Anyway, sure enough, I managed t' follow them all the way to what mus' 'ave been th' family crypt. It was all crumbling an' caved in but there was enough of a gap t' crawl through. It's jus' to th' north o' here." She points northward.
"No' sure where Maud an' Claude is now... or even if Claude is still in there," Toska says, stretching her back. "But one thin' I do know. Tha' bloke -- Sedgewick -- he's in tha' room wit' the windows. 'least I reckon it's 'im. I caugh' a glimpse o' a shadowy figure, more abomination than man a' this point. 'eard 'im mutterin' out loud to 'imself, mentioned summit 'bout Brinck. 'e seemed might angry, an' I were in no condition to figh', else I woulda. Still, glad y'' bough' back-up..." The orc woman tries to stand but looks as unsteady as before, placing a steadying hand on the nearby tree. "We gonna do this or wha'?"
Nikita's Nature check:
You have come across the term spriggan relatively regularly during your childhood, normally within fanciful fairytales designed to get young, mischievous children to behave. They are the subject of myth and legend, and most references to them are negative.
From what you remember, spriggans are raucous, nasty fey that resemble ugly, hairy gnomes. Known as being grim, mirthless, and unpleasant, scoffing at merriment and cleverness as a waste of time. They created no beautiful things and only laughed at the misfortune of others.
Tales tell of spriggans having the ability to be able to grow to the size of an ogre or shrink to the size of a kitten. It was long-threatened that misbehaving children would be whisked away and become spriggans themselves. But both of these elements may just be rumours or storytelling, as such you are unsure as to their validity.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Nikita does offer Toska a quick drink from her waterskin and hands her one of her healing potions (free action), telling Toska what it is.
"Yes, we're going to do this, or at least I am." In response to the tree knight's request for approval, Nikita thumps her own chest once in solidarity. "The Sagacitas has already joined the battle from the sounds of it. Everyone is free to make their own choice, but I think we must confront Sedgewick."
Nikita's stance shifts subtly, and it almost seems as if she begins humming to herself as her pace quickens, starting her Bladesong (bonus action).
Somehow lighter on her feet, she moves quickly 40' towards the best visible entrance to the Observatory, whether the broken window that the Sagacitas jumped through or a door. As an action, she casts and concentrates on Protection from Evil and Good on herself.
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
((back in the basement))
Boyd hugs Ester back. "You'll be alright, Esther. You just think about taking care of your mum when you get back to Saltmarsh - she's been worried sick without you." He stealthily tries to wipe a couple tears from his eyes when he stands up. He's not exactly a reserved or stoic person, but something about Esther's situation seems to have particularly touched him.
((in the backyard))
Boyd seems to be completely unoffended by Toska's comment about men's' backs. He's had his own problems with lumbago and is inclined to agree that his back is weaker than he'd like.
"I think Nick should should start taking Esther to Saltmarsh right now. I know we'll be missing his purple finger stuff, but I think we've got to get Esther out of the area. We can't fail now..."
He looks at the broken window where the dogtopus jumped in and his hand naturally goes to rest on the handle of his skinning knife; his hand seems surprised to find 'Meresaa's Returning Dagger' there, before he remembers the trade he made in the basement. "I'm ready." he says, his eyes not leaving the broken window to the observatory.
((also back in the basement))
Slowly blinking her enormous cobalt eyes, Meresaa gives a quiet "hmph" as if to say "Would you look at that..." as she removes a short length of cord from one of her pockets. She proceeds to carefully roll the map depicting Cendriane, tie it loosely with the cord, and delicately deposit it into her pack amongst it's many pockets and partitions.
Barely glancing up from her current diversion, she quips, "We may have a lead on stabilizing this portal, should directly shutting it prove impossible or undesirable. I... Oh."
She stops short as she notices the party moving toward the exit.
With all the talk of sending Nick Nack and Esther back to town before proceeding, a thought occurs to the vedalken woman. Turning to the two, she kneels down and retrieves the shield bearing the Scarlet Brotherhood's crest.
"Mr. Nack, I'm sure it goes without saying that we expect you to be on your best behavior and to keep the young Esther safe along your journey back. But I must ask you to do one other thing once you get there. She's going to speak with Sergeant O'Toole and tell him of what we've found. I have no doubt at some point he'll feel the need to take the matter to the Council and they'll likely need some convincing of this fantastical story. Take this shield with you. My hope is that, at the very least, seeing this relic will help convince them that more is happening under their noses than they previously believed. With any luck that could be enough to spur them to some sort of action." She shrugs her narrow shoulders and chuckles. "At the very least, the good sergeant will know how to handle the situation and, if it isn't needed, he'll have a new trophy to adorn his mantle." Smiling warmly, she pats Nick Nack's cheek with one long-fingered hand before regaining her feet.
"Oh," she adds, suddenly remembering something and fishing a few items from her bag. "I certainly hope we'll be back before long. But, should anything unfortunate happen and Prospect be left unmanned and unclaimed, there are far too many wonders here in need of cataloging and research. It would break my heart for them to be buried beneath an abandoned, decaying building. Here are the keys and deed for the manor. If all goes well, we'll have Ms. Hawkes back shortly and she'll be able to reclaim her family's home. Otherwise, I'm sure between you and the good sergeant you'll be able to figure out the appropriate path forward.
((in the yard))
"I suppose there's not much else to do but confront this Mr. Sedgewick and get the whole messy ordeal over and done with."
The blue woman lifts her chin imperiously and throws the edges of her cloak behind her shoulders, exposing her newly requisitioned dented armor. She draws Boyd's skinning knife and holds it reversed in her left hand, with the flat of the blade pressed to the inside of her forearm. Reaching into a pocket at her hip, she removes a small burlap pouch tied with string and palms it before striding forward to follow Nikita and Boyd.
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Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
"Maybe," Faila says hopefully, "we can just talk to him, and he'll change his mind." She follows closely behind Meresaa, looking wholly unprepared for anything more dangerous than just that.
Nikita - You move quickly to the smashed observatory window closest to the woods. As you draw closer there is the sound of loud cursing, the voice sounds bitter and twisted, barely human. While you are in the process of moving toward the building, you notice that several of the plants move and flow out of your way, and some of the leafier vines hide your presence from any looking out of the windows.
The tree knights follow, stoically creeping into position. No words pass between them, yet they see co-ordinated in their actions.
Looking in through the window, what you see causes your stomach to turn...
Boyd - Bidding Nick and Esther farewell, you follow Nikita towards the observatory. Similarly, you note that much of the surrounding vegetation moves and twists out of your way clearing a path. Stopping just shy of the window, you watch as Nikita's face pales. Following her gaze, you stare in through the window and brace yourself...
Mereseaa - Stuffing the relevant documents you can find into your belongings, you proceed to follow the others out of the basement.
Nick Nack nods as you give him the shield with the Scarlet Brotherhood's crest. "Righ' y' are," he says with a wink as you pat his face. "Fear not, Nick'll make sure Esther gets back t' Sal'marsh safely. Wha' with Esther, O'Toole, an' Dolan's help i' should be able t' convince th' council t' take action." You notice that Nick Nack's pack has been filled with as many coins and, well, nicknacks from Prospect's treasure hoard as it can carry.
He leans into you and whispers, "'sides, Esther's mum an' tha' used to be a big deal within Sal'marsh. A fledg'lin' business entrepreneur migh' be able t' use tha' to their advantage -- don' y' think." Once more, he winks and takes Esther by the hand. "Come, come Miss Esther. Time t' take y' back t' town an' yer mum," he says courteously.
Nick Nack and Esther are just about to depart as you bring up the deed to Prospect. A glint enters Nick's eye as he gladly accepts it from you. "Worry not, Ms Meresaa. Ol' Nick knows exac'ly wha' t' do wit' this."
Striding after Nikita, Boyd, and the tree knights, you quickly find yourself on the west side of the observatory. Nikita and Boyd crouch, transfixed by what is occurring inside. Once you glance up through the window, you can tell why...
Faila - Following closely behind Meresaa, wondering whether this whole incident might be concluded peacefully. Peering in through the window, you quickly see that the prospect of peace is bleak...
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Mid-afternoon - Day 3 - Observatory
Inside the observatory is a mess. Strange, veiny tentacles cling to the walls, shelving, floor, and ceiling. Up-turned desks and couches litter the interior, scrolls and books have been torn from shelves and a smashed telescope lies on the floor. The Sagacitas dogtopus is slumped against the wall to the southeast, thick black viscous pouring from multiple wounds, several of its tentacles have been torn out and writhe around on the floor.
In the centre of the room is the thing that was Theodore Sedgewick. Its bloated form no longer resembles a man, corrupted and twisted by greed and power. Mutated by feeding on the life energies drawn out of his victims by the unwilling Sagacitas, without contemplation of the side effects. Eyes and teeth cover the exterior of the creature's bulbous form, a large glistening tongue drops from its mighty maw, and several large tentacle appendages squirm from its head and back ((nature checks to learn more)).
Theodore's slippery and slimy form slinks towards its injured prey. It leaves a trail of the same looking iridescent purple slime as the Sagacitas larvae as it moves. "MORE FOOD!" its main mouth shouts as it approaches the Sagacitas. Several smaller mouths up and down its body open at this point and make sounds not too dissimilar to a nest of chicks waiting for their mother to feed them. The noise of the smaller mouths is gibberish, it is deeply unnerving and fear-inspiring, digging into the heads of all those that can hear them.
Acting quickly, the tree knights on either side of the window push into the room and draw their swords in unison. One of them, standing to the south of the room, is instantly snared by one of the tentacles near the wall; becoming restrained.
ALL - Please roll initiative ((you can use the campaign roller)).
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Boyd approaches the window and hesitates when he sees Nikita's face. He braces himself and peers over the windowsill and groans. "Procan protect. What... is..." He jerks his head away from the window and looks a bit pale. As gibbering fills the air, the older man shakes his head, takes a few deep breaths, and draws his weapon.
Peering through the vines, Meresaa's large eyes grow even wider in bewilderment, disbelief, and revulsion.
Nature: 18
WIS save: 14 (racial advantage)
Initiative: 14
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Despite having seen so much strangeness recently, Nikita recoils at the aberration that Sedgewick has turned into - and listens to its gibbering. From Toska's words, she had been prepared for Spriggans, but not... not this.
It looks and sounds like one of Iuz's abyssal demons just before it caught us and began to rip us apart...
Part of her, a small part of her, dark and despairing, begins to give in. To concede that some things are too strange and awful to confront properly. To the horror of every other fiber of her being. Nikita draws on the inspiration that she has gained with her companions, and in communicating with Asha Hawkes and the poor, now mutilated, Sagacitas and the tree knights... willing herself to regain control over her own mind and body.
Meanwhile, her owl familiar maintains her equilibrium far better, trying to send calming thoughts into Nikita's reeling brain.
Nikita WIS Save (using Inspiration):
8, 10Nikita Nature check: 17
Nikita Initiative: 10
Thumbtack WIS Save: 19
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
Faila follows the others over and looks inside....and screams. A high piercing shriek like a frightened child, and then the sound seems to morph into something like a bird call, more animal than human, but all rage and terror.
Wisdom saving throw: 7
Intiative: 17
Ermasnietsz: Wisdom Saving Throw
Initiative
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