This is the most time Lelith has spent in the material plane with a group of people in active conversations, the forest outside normative space was a lot more unforgiving toward careless words, a mere mortal calling themselves by a name or title in the realm of the fey they would find their very being and identity stolen/absorbed by a much more powerful entity sharing said name or title. Everyone there spoke in riddles, half-truths, lies, and metaphors. The natives there followed a certain set of rules that were all known, none overstepped, and if they did they would die on that very second. It was a realm of fairytales and impossible wonders, even time did not flow the same way there. But that realm, Lelith called home. But this place, the material plane, was a lot more chaotic and free than she had imagined. She did not know what to make of it, she even felt a bit lost. Lelith took a hasty step back from the group to gather her scattered thoughts.
When Aoe touches Johnathan to cast the spell, he flinches ever so slightly. He wasn’t used to people being that forward and upfront before. However he is curious to see what happens and restrains himself. After he feels the magic flowing through him he feels blessed from the guidance, a strange and unsettling feeling. What was a bard doing in a place like this? Strange. Well thanks Aoe , that’s one way to introduce yourself. He turns to face Ralik. Johnathan always had great respect for warriors, especially those that have proven themselves. Only time will tell if he can live up to his reputation. Greetings Ralik, it’s always nice to meet a proven warrior.
Johnathan looks to see Kerwyn asking questions about the mission ahead. A wise and efficient use of time. He will leave him in his conversation, as it doesn’t seem right to interrupt at this time. He sighs a little when looking back at Aoe. Well I suppose you would like to see some of my magic then as well then. It only seems fair. He thinks back to Cairon’s speak, memorising his speech pattern and grammar. He looks to the group in front of him and mutters something under his breath. He pulls up his hood and spins around 360 degrees. While he is in motion black shadows covers his form. He starts to change in height and shape. And when he faces the group again he looks exactly like Cairon. He looks to his companions and speaks, although his voice sounds exactly like Cairons.
Well hello there. What do you think of this magic trick? Quite useful when infiltration restricted areas.
He spins again and transforms back into his usual self. I’ve got more tricks, but I’ll save those for another time. After a brief pause from all the spinning, he notices Shavaris keeping a distance from everyone. He approaches her saying Shavaris isn’t it. You seem a bit quiet. What do you think of this mission we’re going on?
Rum looks at Lelith quizzically for a second, then lifts his head slightly in understanding. “No I am not in disguise. I merely use the terms father, brother and sister as that is what we call each other at the monastery. Is that not ok?”, he says seriously, before getting distracted by the small masked person dancing around his legs and singing.
He looks up as Yam introduces herself. He once more places his palm on his chest and bows his head. “I am Rum, M…”, he responds, about to call the older dwarf Mother but stops himself now uncertain if it was ok.
He turns to Greko as the lizardfolk speaks, struggling a little to follow his words as he keeps referring to himself by his own name. He gets the gist though, they had a daunting task before them, but they would prevail.
“I will do my best and will trust in The Great Dragon to guide our path”, he says solemnly. He notices Lelith take a step backwards from the group, looking a bit uncomfortable, before a sudden thought crosses his mind.
“If you were there when the alicorn was taken, and you have had time to travel here, that means those that took it have a very long head start. Could they have already reached this, Great Deku Tree, that was spoken of?”, he asks Greko and the others.
Shavaris looks up as the warrior, Ralik she thinks his name was? with her pale face, her brown hair with a blonde streak quite a wild mess after her travels and replies, “the name is Shavaris, nice to meet you.”
Her elven ears perk up when she watches in awe as the man in the red beard completely transforms and it makes her take a step back. When he addresses her she seems to focus on his words. “Yes, it is, pleased to meet you, mister? I’m sorry, I believe I missed your name.” she seems a tad embarrassed. “The mission you ask?”and you watch as a sly smile slowly creeps across her pallid features as she looks over her group seeing the breadth of talent. And as Kerwyn gets right to the point asking pertinent questions to assist, “Oh, we got this.”
as she says these words, she doesn't feel as confident as she is trying to put off. Trying to make herself feel like the old Shavaris, before she lost her sister. She just needs to calm down and she'll find herself once again.
Ro turns to see Ralik and a smile gleams across his face. "It has been a while, Ralik. I hope your head has healed properly," Ro says jokingly, pointing to his own face where Ralik was hit, "Yes the situation has grown dire. More dire than a petty thief and a concussion. Nonetheless, it is good to see you again. A shame we won't be traveling together, but I wish your band good luck on its journey."
Ro stands with his band and watches passively as the members of the group introduce themselves. Ro makes several small attempts to introduce himself, each time being cut off by someone else. It is of no fault of his band members, Ro just naturally speaks with a low and calm voice. It was easy for his voice to get overpowered in conversation. Suddenly a voice comes from Ro(?), it sounds like a man speaking in a mocking, falsetto, "And I'm Ro! Hero of all the land, ready to strike at evil with the blade that is justi-"
The voice is cut short as Ro grows flustered and punches a book strapped to the back of his waist. "Ouch, what was that for?""You're embarrassing me, I can introduce myself Kazek.""Oh really, 'cuz all I've witnessed so far is several old folk mumble about youth, a tabaxi looking for family, a midget doing barrel rolls, a loner elf and a shy little boy too timid to introdu-"
In a flustered panic, Ro shoves the speaking book into a bag of holding and yells louder than he's ever spoken thus far, "Kazek, stop! You're being incredibly rude!" Ro's face grows increasingly red as he realizes the display he has made in front of his bandmates.
"I-I-I'm extremely sorry! Please forgive my friend's brashness," Ro bows deeply in apology. He takes a deep breath, straightens up and puts a hand over his chest, "My name is Ro Aleron. It is a pleasure to meet you all."
Ro turns to Rum, "I believe if the alicorn had already made it to the Lord of Darkness we would have heard of it, either by messenger or by screams of catastrophe. I pray we still have time to catch up to Blix and his men."
Chuba looks to Brevon for confirmation as she speaks. "We are band. Task to retrieve Shard and Triforce. Where begin?"
"Where all things must, at the beginning."Brevon considers a moment, turning back to the platform. "Wise Cairon! Have you knowledge of the enemy? Of the location of the alicorn, the unicorn mare, and the shards?"
"It is nice to meet you, Rum. It is okay to call me whatever you wish, dear. People have called me in all sorts of names these many years, even though my name is rather simple." Yam speaks slowly, her alto voice rather calming, one could say. "So I do not min-"
As she is interrupted by Ro and Kazek's display of friendship, Yam listens to the whole outburst patiently. Aleron? She had heard that name somewhere before... but she cannot put her finger on where nor when. Well, if she's not imagining it, she's sure the matter will rise at some point. Kindly, perhaps comfortingly, she says: "Pleasure to meet you too, Ro. Don't be so tense, though. I doubt anyone would be here if they were this easily offended by a... book?" Her face then takes a serious expression, in complete contrast to the kind expression from before. "However, that is indeed a concern. Unless they take some detour, I'm doubtful we'll ever be able to intercept them before they reach their destination. In fact, every moment we spend standing here is a moment not spent chasing them." This type of task was not strange to Yam. There have been disputes in the past over a stolen item or a kidnapped person. The simplest solution is to head directly to the final destination of the thief or kidnapper if it is known. However, this time, waiting there will be enemies, and many of them.
Cairon shuffled for a moment, his brow furrowed, then he directed his attention to Brevon and answered.
"The only enemies I can name for certain are the Lord of Darkness and Blix. Blix had the alicorn, last I knew, and was in search for the mare after she fled. I don't know what Blix would have done with the alicorn, either hold on to it while he completes his mission or rush it back to Darkness before it could be taken from him or..."
Cairon paused, and his eyes turned down to the ground.
"The Empress believes that the quest, the journey, is often the solution. She has not shared with me the whereabouts or motivations of Blix, or where the alicorn is, or where the mare has gone, or where the Shard of Division is hidden, if it is in fact hidden and not lost forever."
Orin, standing next to Brevon says "Where was Blix last seen? That sounds like a good enough starting point. Also, isn't the first band going after Blix too?"
Aoe clears his throat with a loud “Ah-em,” preparing to speak.
“Cairon, you have my gratitude for this invitation to such a gathering, for the safety of the realm surely is no time for divisions. I do however hear the whispering of a fear, rippling deep within the depths of my own mind…” pausing.
“that perhaps we are in fact invited this, to give our lives, so that others may live… and yet even knowing this truth and potential ending, still I accept the call, for this is a task requiring each of us, banded together, in fellowship.” As he speaks it becomes more a speech than a personal discourse, his stage voice and practiced stances and gestures give import to the issues at hand.
looking around the gathering, “we are the tip of the spear,” he exclaims as he thrusts his staff forward in imitation, “but too we are the shield for the common folk,” he holds his other arm up as if carrying a shield as well.
remembering he is not in fact putting on a show, he calms into a gentler posture and gets to his point, “tasked with finding the mare, I propose our band venture south to find Morla… I suspect he may know some possible places the mare would go to hide, for every creature has their instinctual mechanisms,” he looks around the room, “be it hiding with eyes open,” pointing to Shavaris, “or right in the thick of it,” gesturing toward Ralik. he pauses for effect…
“But Cairon if you might indulge me,” then spreading his arms to include the entire crowd, “or any other who knows of such things…” eyes turning back to Cairon while arms still open to the gathering, “why might his abode be called the swamp of sadness? And how might we prepare ourselves to enter into it in the safest way possible?”
Having finished his request, he walks slowly toward the precipice with hands clasped together behind his back, looking out across the continent to the south, toward the horizon where the swamp sits far in the distance, awaiting what came next, be it answer, argument, or agreement.
A heaviness fills the air as Orin asks his question, which somehow seems to open the door for more inquiry.
"Blix was last seen in Faron Woods, where the stallion was slain." Cairon answers. "The first band is after the alicorn, not Blix, though you may have to take the alicorn from him or worse. The second band is to find the mare and defend her, though he may be pursuing her. Either band could come into conflict with him or even Darkness himself."
He paused, watching as Aoe mimed his battle, putting on more of a show than anything. Cairon smiled, but it was Atreyu who emerged again from where he'd gone, his face sullen, eyes sunken. He looked frightened.
"The Swamp of Sadness!?" He said, raising his hands in gesticulation. "It feeds on your depressions and anxieties! It'll try to pull you down to your death! It will make you sadder, and sadder, and sadder, until it begins to take you down one by one!"
Chuba is silent as discussion occurs all around her, until she says, to Brevon and their band: "Beginning? Aye. Let us begin at beginning then. I am Chuba Treewalker Kashikatake of southern Eternia mountains." Here she nods to each of the band. "Near there live wise monks who may give us knowledge for our quest. The Greybeards of High Hrothgar. Or, if preferred," and she nods in deference to the group, "we start in Faron Woods to look for clues. Thoughts?"
Johnathan looks at Shavaris very curiously. There is something about the way she responds that seems both familiar and strange. My name is Johnathan. As he is about to continue this conversation he hears Aoe’s “speech”. He turns to Shavaris, looks like the bard has a way with words. Wonder how long he was waiting to say that whole thing. Johnathan smirks ever so slightly, but quickly returns to his cold, neutral resting face. He doesn’t want to let his guard down, even if the bard was entertaining to watch. It has been a while since he found joy out of something, the last few days haven’t been pleasant so a nice distraction is always welcome. He looks over the rest of the bands. So many people in one room. Then again the fate of the world rested in their hands, so perhaps we are gonna need all the help we could get.
Johnathan speaks up to Cairon. Do we have any information about King Haggard? From what I know he is hunting the unicorn as well. It could be a good starting point to see where his forces are. They may be close to the unicorn already.
Jek listens intently to the conversation. No one is answering his questions, though. He might have asked too many too quickly, that happens when he's excited.
"Oooohhh, the Graybeards. I've heard of them! They like to shout at things until they explode. There's that dragon, too. Parthanax, right? They are supposed to know a lot, but don't like sharing with just anybody."
"What about the Mystics? All they talk about is Crystals. 'My race was separated by the Crystal of Truth, Skeksis are bad' You know how it is. They are pretty nice, though. What is it they call themselves? Oh, the urRu! They live by the Tower of the Elephant in the Shem Desert. I used to talk to them when my Caravan went by."
Thinking some more, he will ask "Wait, does anyone know what the Triforce thingy is?" Before anyone from his band can answer, Jek will yell out to the entire room. "DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT THE TRIFORCE THINGY IS?"
Brevon looks troubled."I know little to nothing of the Triforce shards,"he admits to Jek and Chuba. "Knowledge is needed, yes. And our quest must begin somewhere. If these Greybeards of High Hrothgar are wise people with great knowledge, it may be they have things that would be helpful for us. But, it is a great journey to reach High Hrothgar. And on the other hand, as Jek says, the Mystics have lore of the Crystals. What say you others?"
Rum listens to Yam respectfully, but turns his attention to Ro a little perplexed, as he interrupts and has a conversation with what turns out to be a speaking book. His mind focusses as Ro and Yam speak about the fate of the alicorn though.
They all shared the same worry, that they were far from the alicorn with time running out, and didn’t even know it’s exact location. At least there was some hope that this Blix person would not send or take the alicorn directly back to this Lord of Darkness.
The herald then chimes in with some answers to the questions of the other bands, getting him to thinking.
“So do we blindly chase after the alicorn, or do we intercept it as you say Yam? We don’t know where it is, only where it will be. I am not familiar with the lands of which we speak, but what is the quickest way to get to this Great Deku Tree?”, he asks.
"Haggard is reclusive and rarely leaves Hagsgate, as I understand." Cairon says in reply to Johnathan. "His thrall though, the Red Bull, may go out for him. I'd be wary of the bull, though. It is very dangerous."
Cairon's attention switches to Jek while he was shouting about the Triforce.
"The Triforce is in three pieces; the Triforce of Wisdom, the Triforce of Courage, and the Triforce of Power. Individually, the pieces augment whosoever should wield them with magical powers. When combined, they grant whoever is touching it their wildest wishes. It is the only known way to recombine the Dark Crystal and the Shard of Division."
“And should the swamp of sadness be approached from Riverwood by land or from god’s eye by sea? What is the fastest way, and what the safest; that we might make the best decision for band and realm?” Aoe asks across the crowd, looking like they are ready to separate and go their own ways.
he looks across to the other two groups one after the other, catching the eyeline of Greko and Brevon looking his way, and each in their own time, uses the cantrip message twice to wish them each good tidings on the journey ahead, “May we meet again. Good luck and god’s speed.”
Cairon finally held his hands up over his head, gently waving as if he is ready for all the chatter to ease.
"My friends, I am sorry. There is much going on and I believe I may have missed some of your questions. I believe Kerwyn asked where the mare was last seen, and where to start tracking her. She was last seen in Faron Woods, but I wouldn't know how to track her. We have plenty of aid we can offer. What is it that you desire?"
Some of the adventurers were already moving to the center of the platform, back toward the stairwell that would allow them to go back down and exit from the Tower.
"It doesn't matter where you approach the swamp from." Cairon said, answering Aoe's question. "I suppose the fastest way would be to gain mounts from the stables and travel overland, but there is no safe way to traverse the swamp, but the lands around the swamp are relatively safe. You may encounter something in the wilderness, but you probably won't."
This is the most time Lelith has spent in the material plane with a group of people in active conversations, the forest outside normative space was a lot more unforgiving toward careless words, a mere mortal calling themselves by a name or title in the realm of the fey they would find their very being and identity stolen/absorbed by a much more powerful entity sharing said name or title. Everyone there spoke in riddles, half-truths, lies, and metaphors. The natives there followed a certain set of rules that were all known, none overstepped, and if they did they would die on that very second. It was a realm of fairytales and impossible wonders, even time did not flow the same way there. But that realm, Lelith called home. But this place, the material plane, was a lot more chaotic and free than she had imagined. She did not know what to make of it, she even felt a bit lost. Lelith took a hasty step back from the group to gather her scattered thoughts.
When Aoe touches Johnathan to cast the spell, he flinches ever so slightly. He wasn’t used to people being that forward and upfront before. However he is curious to see what happens and restrains himself. After he feels the magic flowing through him he feels blessed from the guidance, a strange and unsettling feeling. What was a bard doing in a place like this? Strange. Well thanks Aoe , that’s one way to introduce yourself. He turns to face Ralik. Johnathan always had great respect for warriors, especially those that have proven themselves. Only time will tell if he can live up to his reputation. Greetings Ralik, it’s always nice to meet a proven warrior.
Johnathan looks to see Kerwyn asking questions about the mission ahead. A wise and efficient use of time. He will leave him in his conversation, as it doesn’t seem right to interrupt at this time.
He sighs a little when looking back at Aoe. Well I suppose you would like to see some of my magic then as well then. It only seems fair.
He thinks back to Cairon’s speak, memorising his speech pattern and grammar. He looks to the group in front of him and mutters something under his breath. He pulls up his hood and spins around 360 degrees. While he is in motion black shadows covers his form. He starts to change in height and shape. And when he faces the group again he looks exactly like Cairon. He looks to his companions and speaks, although his voice sounds exactly like Cairons.
Well hello there. What do you think of this magic trick? Quite useful when infiltration restricted areas.
He spins again and transforms back into his usual self. I’ve got more tricks, but I’ll save those for another time. After a brief pause from all the spinning, he notices Shavaris keeping a distance from everyone. He approaches her saying Shavaris isn’t it. You seem a bit quiet. What do you think of this mission we’re going on?
Rum looks at Lelith quizzically for a second, then lifts his head slightly in understanding. “No I am not in disguise. I merely use the terms father, brother and sister as that is what we call each other at the monastery. Is that not ok?”, he says seriously, before getting distracted by the small masked person dancing around his legs and singing.
He looks up as Yam introduces herself. He once more places his palm on his chest and bows his head. “I am Rum, M…”, he responds, about to call the older dwarf Mother but stops himself now uncertain if it was ok.
He turns to Greko as the lizardfolk speaks, struggling a little to follow his words as he keeps referring to himself by his own name. He gets the gist though, they had a daunting task before them, but they would prevail.
“I will do my best and will trust in The Great Dragon to guide our path”, he says solemnly. He notices Lelith take a step backwards from the group, looking a bit uncomfortable, before a sudden thought crosses his mind.
“If you were there when the alicorn was taken, and you have had time to travel here, that means those that took it have a very long head start. Could they have already reached this, Great Deku Tree, that was spoken of?”, he asks Greko and the others.
Shavaris looks up as the warrior, Ralik she thinks his name was? with her pale face, her brown hair with a blonde streak quite a wild mess after her travels and replies, “the name is Shavaris, nice to meet you.”
Her elven ears perk up when she watches in awe as the man in the red beard completely transforms and it makes her take a step back. When he addresses her she seems to focus on his words. “Yes, it is, pleased to meet you, mister? I’m sorry, I believe I missed your name.” she seems a tad embarrassed. “The mission you ask?” and you watch as a sly smile slowly creeps across her pallid features as she looks over her group seeing the breadth of talent. And as Kerwyn gets right to the point asking pertinent questions to assist, “Oh, we got this.”
as she says these words, she doesn't feel as confident as she is trying to put off. Trying to make herself feel like the old Shavaris, before she lost her sister. She just needs to calm down and she'll find herself once again.
@OculisAlbumCorvum
Ro turns to see Ralik and a smile gleams across his face. "It has been a while, Ralik. I hope your head has healed properly," Ro says jokingly, pointing to his own face where Ralik was hit, "Yes the situation has grown dire. More dire than a petty thief and a concussion. Nonetheless, it is good to see you again. A shame we won't be traveling together, but I wish your band good luck on its journey."
@Coronate @Antlan @TerranImperium @ VolcanoLair @FireCat5
Ro stands with his band and watches passively as the members of the group introduce themselves. Ro makes several small attempts to introduce himself, each time being cut off by someone else. It is of no fault of his band members, Ro just naturally speaks with a low and calm voice. It was easy for his voice to get overpowered in conversation. Suddenly a voice comes from Ro(?), it sounds like a man speaking in a mocking, falsetto, "And I'm Ro! Hero of all the land, ready to strike at evil with the blade that is justi-"
The voice is cut short as Ro grows flustered and punches a book strapped to the back of his waist. "Ouch, what was that for?" "You're embarrassing me, I can introduce myself Kazek." "Oh really, 'cuz all I've witnessed so far is several old folk mumble about youth, a tabaxi looking for family, a midget doing barrel rolls, a loner elf and a shy little boy too timid to introdu-"
In a flustered panic, Ro shoves the speaking book into a bag of holding and yells louder than he's ever spoken thus far, "Kazek, stop! You're being incredibly rude!" Ro's face grows increasingly red as he realizes the display he has made in front of his bandmates.
"I-I-I'm extremely sorry! Please forgive my friend's brashness," Ro bows deeply in apology. He takes a deep breath, straightens up and puts a hand over his chest, "My name is Ro Aleron. It is a pleasure to meet you all."
Ro turns to Rum, "I believe if the alicorn had already made it to the Lord of Darkness we would have heard of it, either by messenger or by screams of catastrophe. I pray we still have time to catch up to Blix and his men."
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
"Where all things must, at the beginning." Brevon considers a moment, turning back to the platform. "Wise Cairon! Have you knowledge of the enemy? Of the location of the alicorn, the unicorn mare, and the shards?"
"It is nice to meet you, Rum. It is okay to call me whatever you wish, dear. People have called me in all sorts of names these many years, even though my name is rather simple." Yam speaks slowly, her alto voice rather calming, one could say. "So I do not min-"
As she is interrupted by Ro and Kazek's display of friendship, Yam listens to the whole outburst patiently. Aleron? She had heard that name somewhere before... but she cannot put her finger on where nor when. Well, if she's not imagining it, she's sure the matter will rise at some point. Kindly, perhaps comfortingly, she says: "Pleasure to meet you too, Ro. Don't be so tense, though. I doubt anyone would be here if they were this easily offended by a... book?" Her face then takes a serious expression, in complete contrast to the kind expression from before. "However, that is indeed a concern. Unless they take some detour, I'm doubtful we'll ever be able to intercept them before they reach their destination. In fact, every moment we spend standing here is a moment not spent chasing them." This type of task was not strange to Yam. There have been disputes in the past over a stolen item or a kidnapped person. The simplest solution is to head directly to the final destination of the thief or kidnapper if it is known. However, this time, waiting there will be enemies, and many of them.
Varielky
Cairon shuffled for a moment, his brow furrowed, then he directed his attention to Brevon and answered.
"The only enemies I can name for certain are the Lord of Darkness and Blix. Blix had the alicorn, last I knew, and was in search for the mare after she fled. I don't know what Blix would have done with the alicorn, either hold on to it while he completes his mission or rush it back to Darkness before it could be taken from him or..."
Cairon paused, and his eyes turned down to the ground.
"The Empress believes that the quest, the journey, is often the solution. She has not shared with me the whereabouts or motivations of Blix, or where the alicorn is, or where the mare has gone, or where the Shard of Division is hidden, if it is in fact hidden and not lost forever."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Orin, standing next to Brevon says "Where was Blix last seen? That sounds like a good enough starting point. Also, isn't the first band going after Blix too?"
D&D since 1984
Aoe clears his throat with a loud “Ah-em,” preparing to speak.
“Cairon, you have my gratitude for this invitation to such a gathering, for the safety of the realm surely is no time for divisions. I do however hear the whispering of a fear, rippling deep within the depths of my own mind…” pausing.
“that perhaps we are in fact invited this, to give our lives, so that others may live… and yet even knowing this truth and potential ending, still I accept the call, for this is a task requiring each of us, banded together, in fellowship.” As he speaks it becomes more a speech than a personal discourse, his stage voice and practiced stances and gestures give import to the issues at hand.
looking around the gathering, “we are the tip of the spear,” he exclaims as he thrusts his staff forward in imitation, “but too we are the shield for the common folk,” he holds his other arm up as if carrying a shield as well.
remembering he is not in fact putting on a show, he calms into a gentler posture and gets to his point, “tasked with finding the mare, I propose our band venture south to find Morla… I suspect he may know some possible places the mare would go to hide, for every creature has their instinctual mechanisms,” he looks around the room, “be it hiding with eyes open,” pointing to Shavaris, “or right in the thick of it,” gesturing toward Ralik. he pauses for effect…
“But Cairon if you might indulge me,” then spreading his arms to include the entire crowd, “or any other who knows of such things…” eyes turning back to Cairon while arms still open to the gathering, “why might his abode be called the swamp of sadness? And how might we prepare ourselves to enter into it in the safest way possible?”
Having finished his request, he walks slowly toward the precipice with hands clasped together behind his back, looking out across the continent to the south, toward the horizon where the swamp sits far in the distance, awaiting what came next, be it answer, argument, or agreement.
A heaviness fills the air as Orin asks his question, which somehow seems to open the door for more inquiry.
"Blix was last seen in Faron Woods, where the stallion was slain." Cairon answers. "The first band is after the alicorn, not Blix, though you may have to take the alicorn from him or worse. The second band is to find the mare and defend her, though he may be pursuing her. Either band could come into conflict with him or even Darkness himself."
He paused, watching as Aoe mimed his battle, putting on more of a show than anything. Cairon smiled, but it was Atreyu who emerged again from where he'd gone, his face sullen, eyes sunken. He looked frightened.
"The Swamp of Sadness!?" He said, raising his hands in gesticulation. "It feeds on your depressions and anxieties! It'll try to pull you down to your death! It will make you sadder, and sadder, and sadder, until it begins to take you down one by one!"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Chuba is silent as discussion occurs all around her, until she says, to Brevon and their band: "Beginning? Aye. Let us begin at beginning then. I am Chuba Treewalker Kashikatake of southern Eternia mountains." Here she nods to each of the band. "Near there live wise monks who may give us knowledge for our quest. The Greybeards of High Hrothgar. Or, if preferred," and she nods in deference to the group, "we start in Faron Woods to look for clues. Thoughts?"
Orin says "Sounds good to me. Do we need anything in town or should we be on our way?"
D&D since 1984
Johnathan looks at Shavaris very curiously. There is something about the way she responds that seems both familiar and strange. My name is Johnathan. As he is about to continue this conversation he hears Aoe’s “speech”. He turns to Shavaris, looks like the bard has a way with words. Wonder how long he was waiting to say that whole thing. Johnathan smirks ever so slightly, but quickly returns to his cold, neutral resting face. He doesn’t want to let his guard down, even if the bard was entertaining to watch. It has been a while since he found joy out of something, the last few days haven’t been pleasant so a nice distraction is always welcome. He looks over the rest of the bands. So many people in one room. Then again the fate of the world rested in their hands, so perhaps we are gonna need all the help we could get.
Johnathan speaks up to Cairon. Do we have any information about King Haggard? From what I know he is hunting the unicorn as well. It could be a good starting point to see where his forces are. They may be close to the unicorn already.
Jek listens intently to the conversation. No one is answering his questions, though. He might have asked too many too quickly, that happens when he's excited.
"Oooohhh, the Graybeards. I've heard of them! They like to shout at things until they explode. There's that dragon, too. Parthanax, right? They are supposed to know a lot, but don't like sharing with just anybody."
"What about the Mystics? All they talk about is Crystals. 'My race was separated by the Crystal of Truth, Skeksis are bad' You know how it is. They are pretty nice, though. What is it they call themselves? Oh, the urRu! They live by the Tower of the Elephant in the Shem Desert. I used to talk to them when my Caravan went by."
Thinking some more, he will ask "Wait, does anyone know what the Triforce thingy is?"
Before anyone from his band can answer, Jek will yell out to the entire room. "DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT THE TRIFORCE THINGY IS?"
Brevon looks troubled. "I know little to nothing of the Triforce shards," he admits to Jek and Chuba. "Knowledge is needed, yes. And our quest must begin somewhere. If these Greybeards of High Hrothgar are wise people with great knowledge, it may be they have things that would be helpful for us. But, it is a great journey to reach High Hrothgar. And on the other hand, as Jek says, the Mystics have lore of the Crystals. What say you others?"
Rum listens to Yam respectfully, but turns his attention to Ro a little perplexed, as he interrupts and has a conversation with what turns out to be a speaking book. His mind focusses as Ro and Yam speak about the fate of the alicorn though.
They all shared the same worry, that they were far from the alicorn with time running out, and didn’t even know it’s exact location. At least there was some hope that this Blix person would not send or take the alicorn directly back to this Lord of Darkness.
The herald then chimes in with some answers to the questions of the other bands, getting him to thinking.
“So do we blindly chase after the alicorn, or do we intercept it as you say Yam? We don’t know where it is, only where it will be. I am not familiar with the lands of which we speak, but what is the quickest way to get to this Great Deku Tree?”, he asks.
"Haggard is reclusive and rarely leaves Hagsgate, as I understand." Cairon says in reply to Johnathan. "His thrall though, the Red Bull, may go out for him. I'd be wary of the bull, though. It is very dangerous."
Cairon's attention switches to Jek while he was shouting about the Triforce.
"The Triforce is in three pieces; the Triforce of Wisdom, the Triforce of Courage, and the Triforce of Power. Individually, the pieces augment whosoever should wield them with magical powers. When combined, they grant whoever is touching it their wildest wishes. It is the only known way to recombine the Dark Crystal and the Shard of Division."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
“And should the swamp of sadness be approached from Riverwood by land or from god’s eye by sea? What is the fastest way, and what the safest; that we might make the best decision for band and realm?” Aoe asks across the crowd, looking like they are ready to separate and go their own ways.
he looks across to the other two groups one after the other, catching the eyeline of Greko and Brevon looking his way, and each in their own time, uses the cantrip message twice to wish them each good tidings on the journey ahead, “May we meet again. Good luck and god’s speed.”
Cairon finally held his hands up over his head, gently waving as if he is ready for all the chatter to ease.
"My friends, I am sorry. There is much going on and I believe I may have missed some of your questions. I believe Kerwyn asked where the mare was last seen, and where to start tracking her. She was last seen in Faron Woods, but I wouldn't know how to track her. We have plenty of aid we can offer. What is it that you desire?"
Some of the adventurers were already moving to the center of the platform, back toward the stairwell that would allow them to go back down and exit from the Tower.
"It doesn't matter where you approach the swamp from." Cairon said, answering Aoe's question. "I suppose the fastest way would be to gain mounts from the stables and travel overland, but there is no safe way to traverse the swamp, but the lands around the swamp are relatively safe. You may encounter something in the wilderness, but you probably won't."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York