The caravan trundles on in the dark, with the Thri-Kreen coming out to do what they can to help with watch. They walk along on top of the carts, their spears in hand and chakras ready, prepared to be ambushed again. The night goes on and on...and in the middle of the night, Aoe, knowing where they are going, and not wishing to face his past, departs quietly on his horse and heads back south, daring face the creature again before his own history.
Jareth's Labyrinth exists within the confines of Hyboria...and yet...doesn't. There is a physicality to the place that is tangible to anyone who visits, for better or worse, but there are doorways hidden in plain sight, traps that are nearly indetectable, and paths you can walk for days that can suddenly return you to the entrance of the Labyrinth within moments. On top of this, it is said that the master of the Labyrinth, Jareth the Goblin King, has abilities that bend and warp both time and space, even violating physical laws such as gravity...
AURYN
The Hunt for the Last Unicorn
Part II
Everything I've done I've done for you...
...I move the stars for no one!
A couple of days brought the Dawn Guard past the far north western edges of the Mushroom Forest. A vast construct came into view as the colossal fungi thinned, and soon it became apparent that they were staring at the outer walls of the Labyrinth. Walls and hedges, pillars and posts stretched for miles and miles and miles, and beyond that the rooves of a vast, if shoddy, city...and beyond that...a castle.
A few hours on this route and there was a smell in the air; a campfire. The smell was faint at first as the road edged off to the west, cutting away from the northern climbs of the Labyrinth and directing the band along toward the Eternia River miles away. And within a half days ride from where they first left the forest they began to hear voices, and to see the rooves of hastily constructed buildings that looked like they were put together with whatever the builders could get their hands on. The voices seemed to be in a fierce debate, maybe even an argument. One voice, a man's was deep, smooth and confident. The other was shrill, fast and nasal, probably male but probably not human or similar being. Another voice, this one deep and mostly unintelligible and from a simple mind, and then yet another voice, nasal and gruff, subservient but dissenting. This continued on as the band rolled the road, though they couldn't understand whoever was having this discussion that was, by now, obviously somewhat hostile.
Johnathan tried his best to talk Aoe out of going on his own. He saw Aoe like a father figure of the group, the wise and experienced traveler that knew much of the land. The bard that had secrets, secrets he told Johnathan the night before they traveled on the boat. Johnathan understood that Aoe had some history in this land and eventually said goodbye to his friend, telling him to avoid the monster they just faced.
For the days traveled to the camp Johnathan kept a lookout with echo as much as he could. He didn’t want to get snuck up on again. When he had a moment he would try to talk to Delphinium, but ended up talking small talk for the most part. Johnathan wasn’t used to opening up to people, especially if they didn’t know of his nature, but he wanted to try and ease the fairy. He understands the fairy’s concern to protect their land from evil. All to well unfortunately.
As they go nearer to campfire Johnathan pulls everyone to the side, How do we want to handle this? They maybe know a bit of the labyrinth. Should we sneak towards them. If we are we should leave the wagons for now, they make too much noise. He pauses, and pulls out a stone from his pocket. In terms of stealth options I can turn two people invisible if they want or, he holds up the stone, I can create a silence spell on this stone and throw it at the camp if we want to ambush them. You could also use the stone to sneak up on them but unfortunately you won’t be able to hear them. Thoughts?
As Aoe heads off, Shavaris thinks of Ralik and starts to wonder, maybe it's them? Are they difficult to stick with on this journey? She shrugs, oh well, not like any of them are going to change. Guess we need to just keep going and not worry about things like that.
The view before them as they leave behind the strange, yet beautiful mushroom forest, is quite the sight. She's never seen anything like it before and the labyrinth. What a labyrinth, how would they ever get through that? She knew they had to, had to get to Blix. But this? it was worse than a fortress, she hoped the magically inclined ones of her party had ways to help circumvent it.
As Johnathan pulls them aside, she listens and is about to volunteer to go scout but another idea dawns, "If the intent is just to understand what is going on, possibly listen to the conversation and get a better idea on who they are, Johnathan, wouldn't you be able to do that with echo? If not, I would be happy to scout ahead and see what info I can gather."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
That morning, Kerwyn assures Delphinium that he sent his message out via the Auryn. “I sent it to Brevon and Greko, don’t you worry. I’m sure they will look into it right away, assuming they aren’t in the middle of fighting off the forces of evil, that is.”
Later … “That sounds like a good plan.” Kerwyn says to Shavaris. “They sound hostile, let’s be ready everyone.” Kerwyn listens hard to see if he can catch more of the conversation, sort out what they are arguing about.
Perception : 6
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
“Sure thing Shavaris, I’ll send him ahead” With that Echo will go ahead and try to listen in on the conversation. But something was off with Echo, Johnathan didn’t seem to be able to talk through him anymore, or see through him as far. Ever since the Harpy fight Johnathan has felt a change in his power, but he tries anyway. If Johnathan has to get closer to stay within 100 feet from echo he will do so as quietly as possible.
Shavaris nods in agreement at Kerwyn's warning and as Johnathan needs to get closer to echo to get near the camp, she joins him. This is such a strange area, she keeps her eyes open, knowing that Johnathan's senses are with echo once they get to their spot.
Johnathan returns to the group with Echo sitting on his shoulder. Well good news and bad. The good news a group of 4 seem to want to get in the labyrinth. They have a guide, but it isn’t human. I don’t really know what it is. Anyways, they’re making their way through for some reason. He pauses for a sec, almost regretting telling the others.
The bad news is one of them was extremely arrogant and full of himself and will most likely drive me insane. Also I believe there was a mention of an army but I wasn’t to sure what they meant by it, either it’s their army or we have an arm to face now. I don’t really know which is worse. How should we approach them? They seem friendly enough. Should we tail them?
The first thing Delphinium did the following day after the encounter with the creature was pester and annoy Kerwyn until they agreed to send a message for the worried fairy. Kerwyn made a good call in answering them first thing in the following morning when the fairy bopped their nose and called their name over and over until they agreed to send a message. Delphinium gave details of their mother, sister and how to get in touch with them. They also asked about the fate of his friends from Kokiri Village. It was a lot of complicated things all mentioned and talked about in 5 seconds of Kerwyn waking up. Delphinium was satisfied with the outcome though and when they checked with Kerwyn later they assure Delph the message was sent. Delphinium seemed to be a lot more relieved now that message was out and they would hopefully hear something soon. They went back to their less worried self and spent time working with the thri-kreen as well as just being super positive and upbeat all over the caravan. They offered to carry messaged from carriage to carriage and trasnported various items for folks. They seemed happy to help with whatever they could.
When the group stopped due to voices and movement of others ahead Delphinium was very curious and tried to peek at the unknown folks from afar flying up high to get a peek then flying back down. Apparently, Shavaris and Johnathan were sneaking up on them when Delph got back down. When Johnathan says they seem friendly Delphinium just says "They are friendly? Let's just go say hi! I like meeting new people even ones that are full! Do they have a lot of food? Do you think they will share? Should I go ask them? Why does that drive you insane? Ohh! Ill go first to say hi! Oh wait... unless someone else is hungry?" Delphinium begins to flutter slowly in their direction waiting a bit to see if anyone of the dawn guard disagrees with Delphinium giving a greeting to the new encounters.
Shavaris listens to her friends, then adds, "while I was with you Johnathan I noticed the group as well, though obviously couldn't hear them. Looks like there's a short fox Lupine, that is about 2 and a half feet tall. He was very animated and waving a mace or sceptor or something. There's a big hairy bastard with horns. Looks like a bugbear? Had a big long tail. A Dwarf of some sort. And a human, probably male, but with eccentric features and platinum blonde hair. It's standing up on top of his head and running down his back. Which one of those was the guide? And which one should we keep you far away from?"
She watches Delph as they are about to burst from the excitement of meeting new friends, "I don't see why we shouldn't go say hi? But I think I'll hang towards the back of the group with Johnathan, no reason for us to get into trouble unless necessary." she gives a quick side eye to Ward, but then smiles. "So, shall we?"
Delphinium having gotten one person to say yes immediately zooms off towards the knew folks like a shooting comet of blue light. The sound of "weeeeeeee" being heard. They will get to flutter right in front of the quartet and say "Hello! I'm Delphinium! I'm with some heroes! What are your names? Are you heading to the labyrinth too? Are you heroes trying to save the world too? Oh oh, do you need the help of super cool heroes? Did you run into that mean invisible creature in the mushroom forest? We did. They were very rude and attacked us and didn't apologize at all."
I could always go for a bite Delphinium, Johnathan says with a small chuckle in his voice. But no, I think we should just go, before they leave us. Johnathan turns to Shavaris return. He didn’t even notice that she followed him. Damn she is good. You saw them as well then? I believe that fox is the guide and unfortunately it has a bit of an ego with it. You don’t need to worry about me, I can behave myself. Let’s just see if this guide really can get through the labyrinth. He nods at Shavaris’s idea. Johnathan wasn’t the best with people, but the fairy might help with this. It is the embodiment of friendship, no way they could turn such a cute creature. Sure Delphinium, you can go ahead. I’ll hang back with Shavaris. We will have your back. With that Johnathan will start following the leading person to the group. While everyone seems to at least want to trust these strangers, Johnathan was still wary of the human. The Dwarf claimed that the human had an army of some sorts, but was unclear where they are now.
There's a moment where none of the group fathered at the transient camp know how to react. Only the human seems to keep his composure, a broad smirk crawling across his face. The big thing with horns roars, a half animal half human sound, and the little Lupine darts around his legs, barking at Delphinium's appearance and wielding its mace.
"Declare yourself, interloper! Are you friend or foe?!" The Lupine calls, mace ready.
"Foe!" The Dwarf says in his gruff voice. He reaches nearby and pulls out a bronze sprayer and points it directly at Delphinium.
"Ah!" The human said, gesturing toward the incoming Dawn Guard with one hand in a very grandiose manner. "See! Didn't I tell you there would be adventurers?"
Ward rolls his eyes as Delph charges ahead ”Here we go.” He chuckles before moving up behind Delph waiting for her and when the other groups responds he waved his hands, holding back laughter at the Dwarf’s reaction. ”We mean no harm, unless you are an invisibly hunter of the forest, then he might give you quite the smack.” Ward says pointing towards Delph again.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
P: The Traveling Ward: Natural Napalm Enthusiast. (AURYN: The Hunt For The Last Unicorn.)
Kerwyn steps forward, his hand shaking, pointing. “You! I saw you in my dreams, I saw what you did you filthy fountain tainting, banquet spoiling culinary terrorist! Watch out Delph, that’s not the only hose that he has that is dangerous!” Kerwyn stops and looks down at the ugly dwarf’s groin.
“What is your name and where are you from? Where did you defile after I saw you.” Kerwyn looks at him accusingly. “And the way you looked at me, winked at me, like I was in on it … like you really enjoyed it! You filthy little man.. uh dwarf!”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The group looks around as the Warforged announces that the Dawn Guard means now harm, and then the mean looking bastard starts yelling at Hoggle.
The Dwarf, for his part, at least has the good grace to look astounded by whatever is happening. His mouth falls open and his blue eyes shoot open in shock and horror at Kerwyn's accusation. He listens to the tirade for a moment, then screws up his face, and shakes the sprayer at Kerwyn.
"Have you been spying on me!" The Dwarf accuses. He continues, his face going from frustration to anger. "Is that the kind of person you are, huh? Is that what you like to do? Sneak up on people and watch them pee? You better get your story straight pal because I ain't winkin' at nobody but your momma!"
Shavaris stands dumbfounded as once they approach the group, Kerwyn completely unleashes on the dwarf that was giving Delph the stink eye. She steps up by Kerwyn, in case something goes sideways and gives Kerwyn a questioning look.
“My momma?” The dwarf hit a sore spot with Kerwyn. “That’s really interesting, I mean really fascinating because… because I don’t know who my mother is. Would you tell me please?” Kerwyn’s eyes tear slightly but he seems dangerously mad at this point. His hand subconsciously rests on his thrown glaive. His jaw stammers. His head goes down and a gush of words comes out of his mouth.
“I grew up in a small town on the edge of the Faron woods, kind of near the Mistytomb hamlet. I didn’t know who my father or mother was. I was raised by the priest in our town and the only item that was left with me was this.” Kerwyn holds up the glaive, folds up the spokes and fits it into a necklace around his neck. “I always knew it was important, that there was something different about me. Only later when I visited Castle Eternia, clueless like I was, did I notice this image in many reliefs all over the castle, murals and on an statue of the father of the king. I don’t know what to make of it. No one has been able to tell me definitely who my mother or my father was. I’ve always been .. searching…”. He pauses, trying to gather himself.
He looks at the dwarf, Hoggle by name apparently, “I haven’t been spying on you.” He pauses, considering. “Have you been spying on me? Why are you here?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The Dwarf starts to say something else, but is interrupted as Kerwyn's story continues. He thinks for a moment, makes a mean face, then turns his back on the Fighter, stomping off like a petulant child. He points the sprayer at Delphinium with a hint of menace as he goes, and then he's off sulking somewhere near a series of sculpted hedges.
"Don't mind Piggle." The human says...
"Hoggle!" The Dwarf shouts from his pouting corner.
"He's moody, and a bit too craven to fight to get his home back. If he didn't have this lot here to fight his battles for him, why, I don't know what he might do."
Johnathan kept his distance while the others began the conversations. What could go wrong? We say hi, maybe get a guide to help navigate the labyrinth. But then Kerwyn started losing his temper at a your momma joke. It strange what triggers this group. Johnathan starts to approach. The fact that they didn’t attack us yet meant that they were at least considering a peaceful resolution. As Johnathan approaches he sees a dog. A shabby dog that almost looked familiar. Then it hits him, That dog. It was in my dream. What’s going on? Why am I dreaming of pets that I will meet? Johnathan is frozen at this moment. All at once he relives the nightmare once again, watching as the world is swallowed into darkness. Johnathan quickly snaps out of it as the tension in Kerwyn’s eyes were still there. Johnathan speaks to the group. Calm down Kerwyn, I’m sure the Dwarf didn’t mean anything by it. He pauses as his attention turns to the human. Are you trying to get into the labyrinth as then? We have business there as well. And what do you mean there would be adventures? We’re you expecting someone?
Delphinium sees the lupine creature and seems to recognize them immediately. The fairy declares, "I'm most assuredly friend! You offered me help in my dream before so I wouldn't call you foe! I didn't catch you're name though! Shouldn't you introduce yourself after I told you mine? Seems awfully rude not to. Oh! What kind of weapon is that? I like to use my fists more! Also.... wait, hey! Where are you pointing that thing! Im not a foe! Let me answer if you don't know what I am." Delphinium gets interrupted with their introduction to the lupine creature, who seems very noble, as a dwarf seems to point some kind of thing at the fairy. For some reason it gives Delph a foreboding feeling. They do learn the dwarf's name is Piggle from the human though.
As Kerwyn steps up for the little fairy Delph smiles at them definitely appreciating the vote of confidence that delph would smack them for being rude. The Dwarf however seems to remain rude and hurts Kerwyn's feelings. Delph listens to the story of Kerwyn and how they don't know their parents. Delph seems sad for them in contrast to the anger they show. The fairy flutters over to them, avoiding the sprayer that hoggle has, and puts a hand on Kerwyn's shoulder as they say "I'm sorry Kerwyn. Everyone should have a mother. It seems that Piggle might have a lead. They winked at them one time! You should ask what they know." The tiny fairy then gets close to Kerwyn's ear and says in a whisper to them, "I think they are very rude though. They also keep pointing that thing at me which makes me nervous for some reason. I don't think Piggle is a very reliable source of information. Oh! Do you think they could be lying? I'm so used to everyone telling the truth all the time."
The caravan trundles on in the dark, with the Thri-Kreen coming out to do what they can to help with watch. They walk along on top of the carts, their spears in hand and chakras ready, prepared to be ambushed again. The night goes on and on...and in the middle of the night, Aoe, knowing where they are going, and not wishing to face his past, departs quietly on his horse and heads back south, daring face the creature again before his own history.
An Immaterial World
Jareth's Labyrinth exists within the confines of Hyboria...and yet...doesn't. There is a physicality to the place that is tangible to anyone who visits, for better or worse, but there are doorways hidden in plain sight, traps that are nearly indetectable, and paths you can walk for days that can suddenly return you to the entrance of the Labyrinth within moments. On top of this, it is said that the master of the Labyrinth, Jareth the Goblin King, has abilities that bend and warp both time and space, even violating physical laws such as gravity...
AURYN
The Hunt for the Last Unicorn
Part II
Everything I've done I've done for you...
...I move the stars for no one!
A couple of days brought the Dawn Guard past the far north western edges of the Mushroom Forest. A vast construct came into view as the colossal fungi thinned, and soon it became apparent that they were staring at the outer walls of the Labyrinth. Walls and hedges, pillars and posts stretched for miles and miles and miles, and beyond that the rooves of a vast, if shoddy, city...and beyond that...a castle.
A few hours on this route and there was a smell in the air; a campfire. The smell was faint at first as the road edged off to the west, cutting away from the northern climbs of the Labyrinth and directing the band along toward the Eternia River miles away. And within a half days ride from where they first left the forest they began to hear voices, and to see the rooves of hastily constructed buildings that looked like they were put together with whatever the builders could get their hands on. The voices seemed to be in a fierce debate, maybe even an argument. One voice, a man's was deep, smooth and confident. The other was shrill, fast and nasal, probably male but probably not human or similar being. Another voice, this one deep and mostly unintelligible and from a simple mind, and then yet another voice, nasal and gruff, subservient but dissenting. This continued on as the band rolled the road, though they couldn't understand whoever was having this discussion that was, by now, obviously somewhat hostile.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Johnathan tried his best to talk Aoe out of going on his own. He saw Aoe like a father figure of the group, the wise and experienced traveler that knew much of the land. The bard that had secrets, secrets he told Johnathan the night before they traveled on the boat. Johnathan understood that Aoe had some history in this land and eventually said goodbye to his friend, telling him to avoid the monster they just faced.
For the days traveled to the camp Johnathan kept a lookout with echo as much as he could. He didn’t want to get snuck up on again. When he had a moment he would try to talk to Delphinium, but ended up talking small talk for the most part. Johnathan wasn’t used to opening up to people, especially if they didn’t know of his nature, but he wanted to try and ease the fairy. He understands the fairy’s concern to protect their land from evil. All to well unfortunately.
As they go nearer to campfire Johnathan pulls everyone to the side, How do we want to handle this? They maybe know a bit of the labyrinth. Should we sneak towards them. If we are we should leave the wagons for now, they make too much noise. He pauses, and pulls out a stone from his pocket. In terms of stealth options I can turn two people invisible if they want or, he holds up the stone, I can create a silence spell on this stone and throw it at the camp if we want to ambush them. You could also use the stone to sneak up on them but unfortunately you won’t be able to hear them. Thoughts?
As Aoe heads off, Shavaris thinks of Ralik and starts to wonder, maybe it's them? Are they difficult to stick with on this journey? She shrugs, oh well, not like any of them are going to change. Guess we need to just keep going and not worry about things like that.
The view before them as they leave behind the strange, yet beautiful mushroom forest, is quite the sight. She's never seen anything like it before and the labyrinth. What a labyrinth, how would they ever get through that? She knew they had to, had to get to Blix. But this? it was worse than a fortress, she hoped the magically inclined ones of her party had ways to help circumvent it.
As Johnathan pulls them aside, she listens and is about to volunteer to go scout but another idea dawns, "If the intent is just to understand what is going on, possibly listen to the conversation and get a better idea on who they are, Johnathan, wouldn't you be able to do that with echo? If not, I would be happy to scout ahead and see what info I can gather."
That morning, Kerwyn assures Delphinium that he sent his message out via the Auryn. “I sent it to Brevon and Greko, don’t you worry. I’m sure they will look into it right away, assuming they aren’t in the middle of fighting off the forces of evil, that is.”
Later … “That sounds like a good plan.” Kerwyn says to Shavaris. “They sound hostile, let’s be ready everyone.” Kerwyn listens hard to see if he can catch more of the conversation, sort out what they are arguing about.
Perception : 6
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
“Sure thing Shavaris, I’ll send him ahead” With that Echo will go ahead and try to listen in on the conversation. But something was off with Echo, Johnathan didn’t seem to be able to talk through him anymore, or see through him as far. Ever since the Harpy fight Johnathan has felt a change in his power, but he tries anyway. If Johnathan has to get closer to stay within 100 feet from echo he will do so as quietly as possible.
Echo perception: 16
John stealth:7
Shavaris nods in agreement at Kerwyn's warning and as Johnathan needs to get closer to echo to get near the camp, she joins him. This is such a strange area, she keeps her eyes open, knowing that Johnathan's senses are with echo once they get to their spot.
Stealth 31
Perception 12 (passive 20)
Johnathan returns to the group with Echo sitting on his shoulder. Well good news and bad. The good news a group of 4 seem to want to get in the labyrinth. They have a guide, but it isn’t human. I don’t really know what it is. Anyways, they’re making their way through for some reason. He pauses for a sec, almost regretting telling the others.
The bad news is one of them was extremely arrogant and full of himself and will most likely drive me insane. Also I believe there was a mention of an army but I wasn’t to sure what they meant by it, either it’s their army or we have an arm to face now. I don’t really know which is worse. How should we approach them? They seem friendly enough. Should we tail them?
The first thing Delphinium did the following day after the encounter with the creature was pester and annoy Kerwyn until they agreed to send a message for the worried fairy. Kerwyn made a good call in answering them first thing in the following morning when the fairy bopped their nose and called their name over and over until they agreed to send a message. Delphinium gave details of their mother, sister and how to get in touch with them. They also asked about the fate of his friends from Kokiri Village. It was a lot of complicated things all mentioned and talked about in 5 seconds of Kerwyn waking up. Delphinium was satisfied with the outcome though and when they checked with Kerwyn later they assure Delph the message was sent. Delphinium seemed to be a lot more relieved now that message was out and they would hopefully hear something soon. They went back to their less worried self and spent time working with the thri-kreen as well as just being super positive and upbeat all over the caravan. They offered to carry messaged from carriage to carriage and trasnported various items for folks. They seemed happy to help with whatever they could.
When the group stopped due to voices and movement of others ahead Delphinium was very curious and tried to peek at the unknown folks from afar flying up high to get a peek then flying back down. Apparently, Shavaris and Johnathan were sneaking up on them when Delph got back down. When Johnathan says they seem friendly Delphinium just says "They are friendly? Let's just go say hi! I like meeting new people even ones that are full! Do they have a lot of food? Do you think they will share? Should I go ask them? Why does that drive you insane? Ohh! Ill go first to say hi! Oh wait... unless someone else is hungry?" Delphinium begins to flutter slowly in their direction waiting a bit to see if anyone of the dawn guard disagrees with Delphinium giving a greeting to the new encounters.
Shavaris listens to her friends, then adds, "while I was with you Johnathan I noticed the group as well, though obviously couldn't hear them. Looks like there's a short fox Lupine, that is about 2 and a half feet tall. He was very animated and waving a mace or sceptor or something. There's a big hairy bastard with horns. Looks like a bugbear? Had a big long tail. A Dwarf of some sort. And a human, probably male, but with eccentric features and platinum blonde hair. It's standing up on top of his head and running down his back. Which one of those was the guide? And which one should we keep you far away from?"
She watches Delph as they are about to burst from the excitement of meeting new friends, "I don't see why we shouldn't go say hi? But I think I'll hang towards the back of the group with Johnathan, no reason for us to get into trouble unless necessary." she gives a quick side eye to Ward, but then smiles. "So, shall we?"
Delphinium having gotten one person to say yes immediately zooms off towards the knew folks like a shooting comet of blue light. The sound of "weeeeeeee" being heard. They will get to flutter right in front of the quartet and say "Hello! I'm Delphinium! I'm with some heroes! What are your names? Are you heading to the labyrinth too? Are you heroes trying to save the world too? Oh oh, do you need the help of super cool heroes? Did you run into that mean invisible creature in the mushroom forest? We did. They were very rude and attacked us and didn't apologize at all."
I could always go for a bite Delphinium, Johnathan says with a small chuckle in his voice. But no, I think we should just go, before they leave us. Johnathan turns to Shavaris return. He didn’t even notice that she followed him. Damn she is good. You saw them as well then? I believe that fox is the guide and unfortunately it has a bit of an ego with it. You don’t need to worry about me, I can behave myself. Let’s just see if this guide really can get through the labyrinth. He nods at Shavaris’s idea. Johnathan wasn’t the best with people, but the fairy might help with this. It is the embodiment of friendship, no way they could turn such a cute creature. Sure Delphinium, you can go ahead. I’ll hang back with Shavaris. We will have your back. With that Johnathan will start following the leading person to the group. While everyone seems to at least want to trust these strangers, Johnathan was still wary of the human. The Dwarf claimed that the human had an army of some sorts, but was unclear where they are now.
There's a moment where none of the group fathered at the transient camp know how to react. Only the human seems to keep his composure, a broad smirk crawling across his face. The big thing with horns roars, a half animal half human sound, and the little Lupine darts around his legs, barking at Delphinium's appearance and wielding its mace.
"Declare yourself, interloper! Are you friend or foe?!" The Lupine calls, mace ready.
"Foe!" The Dwarf says in his gruff voice. He reaches nearby and pulls out a bronze sprayer and points it directly at Delphinium.
"Ah!" The human said, gesturing toward the incoming Dawn Guard with one hand in a very grandiose manner. "See! Didn't I tell you there would be adventurers?"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Ward rolls his eyes as Delph charges ahead ”Here we go.” He chuckles before moving up behind Delph waiting for her and when the other groups responds he waved his hands, holding back laughter at the Dwarf’s reaction. ”We mean no harm, unless you are an invisibly hunter of the forest, then he might give you quite the smack.” Ward says pointing towards Delph again.
P: The Traveling Ward: Natural Napalm Enthusiast. (AURYN: The Hunt For The Last Unicorn.)
DM:
Kerwyn steps forward, his hand shaking, pointing. “You! I saw you in my dreams, I saw what you did you filthy fountain tainting, banquet spoiling culinary terrorist! Watch out Delph, that’s not the only hose that he has that is dangerous!” Kerwyn stops and looks down at the ugly dwarf’s groin.
“What is your name and where are you from? Where did you defile after I saw you.” Kerwyn looks at him accusingly. “And the way you looked at me, winked at me, like I was in on it … like you really enjoyed it! You filthy little man.. uh dwarf!”
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The group looks around as the Warforged announces that the Dawn Guard means now harm, and then the mean looking bastard starts yelling at Hoggle.
The Dwarf, for his part, at least has the good grace to look astounded by whatever is happening. His mouth falls open and his blue eyes shoot open in shock and horror at Kerwyn's accusation. He listens to the tirade for a moment, then screws up his face, and shakes the sprayer at Kerwyn.
"Have you been spying on me!" The Dwarf accuses. He continues, his face going from frustration to anger. "Is that the kind of person you are, huh? Is that what you like to do? Sneak up on people and watch them pee? You better get your story straight pal because I ain't winkin' at nobody but your momma!"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Shavaris stands dumbfounded as once they approach the group, Kerwyn completely unleashes on the dwarf that was giving Delph the stink eye. She steps up by Kerwyn, in case something goes sideways and gives Kerwyn a questioning look.
“My momma?” The dwarf hit a sore spot with Kerwyn. “That’s really interesting, I mean really fascinating because… because I don’t know who my mother is. Would you tell me please?” Kerwyn’s eyes tear slightly but he seems dangerously mad at this point. His hand subconsciously rests on his thrown glaive. His jaw stammers. His head goes down and a gush of words comes out of his mouth.
“I grew up in a small town on the edge of the Faron woods, kind of near the Mistytomb hamlet. I didn’t know who my father or mother was. I was raised by the priest in our town and the only item that was left with me was this.” Kerwyn holds up the glaive, folds up the spokes and fits it into a necklace around his neck. “I always knew it was important, that there was something different about me. Only later when I visited Castle Eternia, clueless like I was, did I notice this image in many reliefs all over the castle, murals and on an statue of the father of the king. I don’t know what to make of it. No one has been able to tell me definitely who my mother or my father was. I’ve always been .. searching…”. He pauses, trying to gather himself.
He looks at the dwarf, Hoggle by name apparently, “I haven’t been spying on you.” He pauses, considering. “Have you been spying on me? Why are you here?”
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The Dwarf starts to say something else, but is interrupted as Kerwyn's story continues. He thinks for a moment, makes a mean face, then turns his back on the Fighter, stomping off like a petulant child. He points the sprayer at Delphinium with a hint of menace as he goes, and then he's off sulking somewhere near a series of sculpted hedges.
"Don't mind Piggle." The human says...
"Hoggle!" The Dwarf shouts from his pouting corner.
"He's moody, and a bit too craven to fight to get his home back. If he didn't have this lot here to fight his battles for him, why, I don't know what he might do."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Johnathan kept his distance while the others began the conversations. What could go wrong? We say hi, maybe get a guide to help navigate the labyrinth. But then Kerwyn started losing his temper at a your momma joke. It strange what triggers this group. Johnathan starts to approach. The fact that they didn’t attack us yet meant that they were at least considering a peaceful resolution. As Johnathan approaches he sees a dog. A shabby dog that almost looked familiar. Then it hits him, That dog. It was in my dream. What’s going on? Why am I dreaming of pets that I will meet? Johnathan is frozen at this moment. All at once he relives the nightmare once again, watching as the world is swallowed into darkness.
Johnathan quickly snaps out of it as the tension in Kerwyn’s eyes were still there. Johnathan speaks to the group. Calm down Kerwyn, I’m sure the Dwarf didn’t mean anything by it. He pauses as his attention turns to the human. Are you trying to get into the labyrinth as then? We have business there as well. And what do you mean there would be adventures? We’re you expecting someone?
Delphinium sees the lupine creature and seems to recognize them immediately. The fairy declares, "I'm most assuredly friend! You offered me help in my dream before so I wouldn't call you foe! I didn't catch you're name though! Shouldn't you introduce yourself after I told you mine? Seems awfully rude not to. Oh! What kind of weapon is that? I like to use my fists more! Also.... wait, hey! Where are you pointing that thing! Im not a foe! Let me answer if you don't know what I am." Delphinium gets interrupted with their introduction to the lupine creature, who seems very noble, as a dwarf seems to point some kind of thing at the fairy. For some reason it gives Delph a foreboding feeling. They do learn the dwarf's name is Piggle from the human though.
As Kerwyn steps up for the little fairy Delph smiles at them definitely appreciating the vote of confidence that delph would smack them for being rude. The Dwarf however seems to remain rude and hurts Kerwyn's feelings. Delph listens to the story of Kerwyn and how they don't know their parents. Delph seems sad for them in contrast to the anger they show. The fairy flutters over to them, avoiding the sprayer that hoggle has, and puts a hand on Kerwyn's shoulder as they say "I'm sorry Kerwyn. Everyone should have a mother. It seems that Piggle might have a lead. They winked at them one time! You should ask what they know." The tiny fairy then gets close to Kerwyn's ear and says in a whisper to them, "I think they are very rude though. They also keep pointing that thing at me which makes me nervous for some reason. I don't think Piggle is a very reliable source of information. Oh! Do you think they could be lying? I'm so used to everyone telling the truth all the time."