"Hello!" the feline calls back cheerfully, her tail waving back and forth in a friendly manner."Are you here to see the gnomes like Katarina is? Katarina heard that the gnomes have many magic things the Townmaster wants to play with!"
She does not move from her spot by the water, seemingly waiting for an invitation to approach.
As Jasper, the elf in chain shirt, shield and spear, greets the feline-woman, a tall, imposing figure (who must have lingered) joins him, saying: "Jasper, dear, I'm here! I still haven't been able to find any trace of the gnomes and you?"
The tall, imposing figure is that of a blonde woman, who wears her heavy chain mail as naturally as others might wear a silk tunic. A thick mane of long, blond waves peeks out from under her helmet, falling over her shoulders. From behind her shoulders, partially hidden by thick hair, protrude the hilts of a pair of heavy weapons, probably a greatsword and a maul.
The woman opens her mouth pleasantly surprised, both for the beauty of the natural spectacle of the waterfall and the pool, and for the view of the several cave openings.
"Hey!" she embraces the elf with transport, kissing him on the cheek with a naturalness that denotes a certain familiarity "You found them! Those openings could very well be inhabited by gnomes... no? Do you want me to send Anator to have a look? And you saw what a pool!? The water must be invigorating and fresh! It seems made especially for taking a bath, at the end of the trek we made to get here..."
At that point, the woman realizes that the elf was looking at something that was neither the waterfall, nor the cave openings... she follows his gaze and finally notices the humanoid feline... and her imposing greataxe! Upon seeing her tail waving back and forth in a friendly manner, the adventuress assumes that the other is friendly and greats her warmly, with a bright smile and blue eyes shining with benevolence: "Oh, hello and well met! I didn't see you right away... I'm Khessa! Khessa Cabbagefield! What a pleasure to find someone who has the same tastes as me when it comes to weapons! You too like that, when you strike, the other one feels it, eh? You too came here to visit the gnomes, like me..." she puts an arm around the elf's shoulders "...and my dear Jasper?"
"Katarina I am," Katarina replies happily, nimbly jumping to her feet from an almost prone position. "Katarina Spring Blossom of clan Mystic Paws. Yes, yes, the chop-chop is very fun! It is very very big and it goes right through the bad beasties! Oooh! Yes, yes, Katarina is here to see the gnomes! We should all go see the gnomes together!"
The cat approaches now, every movement displaying both grace and power. It is clear by her posture that Katarina thinks very highly of herself, though she still acts quite open and inviting.
"Great, Katarina!" Khessa goes towards her and gives her a friendly pat on the shoulder "Together it will be easier to find them. And in a moment another friend of ours will join us too, Echo..." the blonde woman turns around for a moment "...she was right behind me, she'll be here any moment! She's a very sweet girl, you'll like her!"
"In the meantime, let me introduce you to my brother Anator!" Khessa pushes back a few voluminous strands of hair… and from beneath emerges a bat, eyeing Katarina with an unusually intelligent gaze, for an animal.
"Looks like a bat, huh?" says the blonde "But looks can be deceiving... the soul enclosed in this body is that of my brother Anator - it's a long story. Anyway, Anator, this is Katarina, our new friend!"
At these words, the bat seems to bow its head in what, for a humanoid, would be a deferential nod to the tabaxi.
"I think he likes you!" Khessa exclaims "He also was a warrior, you know? A very brave one..." (what's that sad shadow in her blue eyes now?) "Anyway," she promptly find her good mood again "it will be a kid's play for him to fly up to those cave openings up there and see if there is anyone inside or not! Why don't you go" she turns to the bat "and take a look, Anator, while Echo joins us?"
"Goodbye, bat-brother!" Katarina calls, waving to the bat as it flies off. She doesn't even seem to notice how strange it is that a human soul should be inside of a bat. "Come back soon, yes?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Jasper isn't able to make anything out from your position near the base of the pool, but as Anator flies over to the cave openings he sees movement and notices several humanoids who appear to be gnomes, some dressed like guards and others dressed more casually, going about their business.
Having heard the waterfall, Echo had slowed in her pace to tuck her hat under an arm and tie her hair up in a loose messy braid. She runs up to catch up with Khessa and Jasper once her hat is back snugly on her head. She whistles impressedly as she nears the pool, just managing to catch Anator taking flight and a new voice she's not heard before.
Katarina sees a lithe, tall young women with almost translucently pale skin. Katarina is not sure if it's just the lighting, but the young woman's eyes seem so dark you can't tell apart iris and pupil. She wears a simple linen blouse and overalls patched with colourful fabrics tucked into well-worn leather boots. Her hair is a strange mix of black and white strands, atop her head is a large sun hat.
Looking back down, the young woman finally spots the tabaxi woman, and blurts out, "oh! Hello! You are very pretty!" She does not hide her curious gaze, but then laughs a little sheepishly, "oh sorry, my manners- I'm Echo, pleasure to meet ya! Were you taking a break? The Gnomengard shouldn't be far now, or at least from what I've heard." With that, she tip toes to peer at the cave opening, attempting to make out any passages.
"You flatter Katarina!" the tabaxi says with a friendly smile, meeting Echo's curious look with an equally curious gaze. "Katarina is happy to meet you as well! She has come here to see the gnomes, and since she found your friends, Katarina thought it would only make sense to join you as all are going to the same place. Very clever, yes?"
As the party talks to the Tabaxi a shadowy figure steps towards them, emerging from the haze of the waterfall’s mist to reveal the form of a young woman. Wispy white hair blends with the fog of the waterfall, drawing attention to the woman’s pale blue skin which appears to be decorated with subtle swirl-like markings. She wears a dress of varying shades of dark blue, it’s long skirt slitted down each side to provide easy movement. Leather straps run across her torso, strapping an elegant bow and quiver full of arrows to her back. There is a strangely whimsical quality to the young woman as she stands before the group, though it’s hard to place just what creates this effect. Perhaps it’s the odd way she moves, as if she is floating, unconstrained by the weight of gravity. Or Perhaps it’s the way her pale hair seems to be blowing in a breeze despite the air being relatively still, save for the rushing of the waterfall. Pale purple eyes sparkle cheerfully, crinkling upwards as the Genasi greets the others with a cheerful smile. “Hello there! My name is Aura, Aura Dynernina.”Her voice has a flowery, almost breathy quality to it, as if she is expelling a significant amount of air with each word. “I could not help but overhear that you have all come to meet the Gnomes. A happy coincidence, as that is also why I am here! Perhaps I could join you? I am in dire need of companions, my journey thus far has been so terribly lonely.”
"Welcome among us Aura!" Khessa smiles brightly at the stranger "I'm Khessa, Khessa Cabbagefield. Rest assured that you will be in good company! But I must also warn you..." the blonde woman adds "There could be some risk involved... Do you know of Cryovain, the white dragon that is rampaging in this territory? This journey of us is just another step to get rid of it... and we have met the foul beat one time already..." she shivers a moment "Not a pleasant experience indeed!"
"Oh, Anator!" the tall adventuress turns to the returning bat "What are you saying?" (the small animal is NOT saying anything, of course!) "The gnomes are there in fact, in the caves! We have found them!"
Patting the genasi on her shoulder: "Did you already discover a way up, Aura, since you arrived before us?"
Jasper nods to both the newcomers and is happy to let Khessa do the talking. Asking Khessa, “Maybe we should announce ourselves? Not sneak around.” Jasper touches Khessa’s neck above the back and casts Vigilant Blessing(Advantage on next initiative roll).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP Dastion Salvi~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
"Is risky, you say?" Katarina purrs. "Well Katarina is ready for any challenge. She fights very good, and she has much magic in her blood... but still, she thinks that elf Jasper is maybe right; it would do much good to first talk before trying to fight or sneak. Always better to leave a place with friends than foes, it is."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Jasper’s appearance is that of an elf. Spear and shield in hand. Nearly new chain shirt armor with a tattered old red hooded cloak. Hair is finger brushed back behind his ears. Black powdered ash cover his eyes like a mask from ear to ear. And two blue tattoos run down his face left side. Vials and flasks attached to a leather belt. A bag hangs behind under the cloak.
Khessa narrows her eyes for a moment, feeling the elf's soft touch on her neck, once again appreciating the delicacy of Jasper's hands, the hands of a healer. Those hands that only a few hours before... But now is not the time to think about it: "Thanks Jasper!" she turns to the elf, looking at him gently with her blue eyes "The gifts of your hands are always both precious... and welcome".
"And yes, I didn't mean to sneak around," clarifies the blonde woman "I was looking for a route to climb up and then announce us, just so as not to shout from below".
At Katarina's words, the tall adventuress turns back to her, smiling openly: "Wonderful! It's a real pleasure for me, to meet a warrior who knows not only the value of strength and courage, but also that of friendship!" she chuckles for a moment, as if anticipating something funny "As a demonstration of the usefulness of this approach, I can't wait to introduce you to our friend Tookrashk!"
"But you also said that you have 'much magic in your blood'?" the woman's blue eyes light up with interest, while she frantically pulls out of her backpack a heavy bound tome that does not match her martial aspect; a quill and an inkwell also soon appear "This is so interesting! I study magic, you know? Besides fighting a bit. Thanks to Echo's help" she runs a hand on her friend's shoulders "I'm also managed to learn to cast some real spells! But to me everything in this field is still so new, so fascinating... This magic of yours you told me, is it in your blood? You mean you can call on it without studying? Echo does this too , you know? Only me, it seems, I need to write things down and read them loads of times before doing anything! Anyway, what's the magic? Does it manifest itself or can you control it? And..."
Khessa stops talking, embarrassed, realizing that the moment might not be the most suitable one: "Excuse me," she addresses everyone "sometimes I get a little carried away, when the arcane arts are involved... " she puts the tome and writing materials back in the backpack "...first things first, we are here to get the help of the gnomes, let's focus on that for now. But if when we have a moment we could talk about this again..." she looks hopefully towards the magical tabaxi.
Focusing again on the gnomes issue, if Khessa has found a way to reach the caves (or if Aura can show her one) the blonde arcane warrior leads the way along that path. Otherwise, she brings her hands to her mouth (while Anator discreetly hides in her hair again) and shouts: "Gnomes of the clan! We are a delegation from Phandalin, Harbin sent us! We come in peace! How can we come up to visit you?"
Echo places a hand on the cave wall, seemingly about to scale up onto the cave openings, but turns around when Aura emerges from the mist, "oh hello, hello! I didn't see you there! This is such a happy coincidence indeed!"
She 'ohhhh's as Katarina comments on her own strength, and addresses Aura, "are you an adventurer as well? It's just as Khessa says, the town could use some adventurers at the moment! The townmaster wasn't doing much last we saw him..." Echo sighs a little remembering Harbin, but smiles again as she asks Aura, "either way, the more the merrier!"
"Indeed, Katarina has magic," the Tabaxi says in response to Khessa's questions. "All of the Mystic Paw clan have magic, though Katarina's is maaaaayyyybbbee different from her sisters' and brothers'. You will likely see what Katarina means soon enough... it is not an easy thing to explain."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
While asking, Khessa looks around anyway to see if she notices a path that would allows to reach the gnomes' caves.
Perception (assuming Anator's help): 15
Khessa notices that there is a narrow footpath ascends the northeast slope, making it an easy climb to that cave entrance. As the party climbs the path and enters a shadowy cave opening, you don't notice any gnomes yet, not even any guards. They must be deeper inside the caves. As you enter the first cave opening, you see the path branches off to the left or goes straight where it appears to branch off left and right.
(To make things easier, I'm using one token for the party as a whole right now, the one with the crossed swords.)
Jasper standing up from the pool notices the resting individual. Gripping his spear tightly, Jasper stays on guard. “Hello there!”
Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP
Dastion Salvi ~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled
Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
"Hello!" the feline calls back cheerfully, her tail waving back and forth in a friendly manner. "Are you here to see the gnomes like Katarina is? Katarina heard that the gnomes have many magic things the Townmaster wants to play with!"
She does not move from her spot by the water, seemingly waiting for an invitation to approach.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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As Jasper, the elf in chain shirt, shield and spear, greets the feline-woman, a tall, imposing figure (who must have lingered) joins him, saying: "Jasper, dear, I'm here! I still haven't been able to find any trace of the gnomes and you?"
The tall, imposing figure is that of a blonde woman, who wears her heavy chain mail as naturally as others might wear a silk tunic. A thick mane of long, blond waves peeks out from under her helmet, falling over her shoulders. From behind her shoulders, partially hidden by thick hair, protrude the hilts of a pair of heavy weapons, probably a greatsword and a maul.
The woman opens her mouth pleasantly surprised, both for the beauty of the natural spectacle of the waterfall and the pool, and for the view of the several cave openings.
"Hey!" she embraces the elf with transport, kissing him on the cheek with a naturalness that denotes a certain familiarity "You found them! Those openings could very well be inhabited by gnomes... no? Do you want me to send Anator to have a look? And you saw what a pool!? The water must be invigorating and fresh! It seems made especially for taking a bath, at the end of the trek we made to get here..."
At that point, the woman realizes that the elf was looking at something that was neither the waterfall, nor the cave openings... she follows his gaze and finally notices the humanoid feline... and her imposing greataxe! Upon seeing her tail waving back and forth in a friendly manner, the adventuress assumes that the other is friendly and greats her warmly, with a bright smile and blue eyes shining with benevolence: "Oh, hello and well met! I didn't see you right away... I'm Khessa! Khessa Cabbagefield! What a pleasure to find someone who has the same tastes as me when it comes to weapons! You too like that, when you strike, the other one feels it, eh? You too came here to visit the gnomes, like me..." she puts an arm around the elf's shoulders "...and my dear Jasper?"
Jasper calms a bit as Khessa introduces herself. He moves his spear to his shield hand holding both. “I’m Jasper Mooncrest. Pleased to meet you.”
Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP
Dastion Salvi ~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled
Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
"Katarina I am," Katarina replies happily, nimbly jumping to her feet from an almost prone position. "Katarina Spring Blossom of clan Mystic Paws. Yes, yes, the chop-chop is very fun! It is very very big and it goes right through the bad beasties! Oooh! Yes, yes, Katarina is here to see the gnomes! We should all go see the gnomes together!"
The cat approaches now, every movement displaying both grace and power. It is clear by her posture that Katarina thinks very highly of herself, though she still acts quite open and inviting.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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"Great, Katarina!" Khessa goes towards her and gives her a friendly pat on the shoulder "Together it will be easier to find them. And in a moment another friend of ours will join us too, Echo..." the blonde woman turns around for a moment "...she was right behind me, she'll be here any moment! She's a very sweet girl, you'll like her!"
"In the meantime, let me introduce you to my brother Anator!" Khessa pushes back a few voluminous strands of hair… and from beneath emerges a bat, eyeing Katarina with an unusually intelligent gaze, for an animal.
"Looks like a bat, huh?" says the blonde "But looks can be deceiving... the soul enclosed in this body is that of my brother Anator - it's a long story. Anyway, Anator, this is Katarina, our new friend!"
At these words, the bat seems to bow its head in what, for a humanoid, would be a deferential nod to the tabaxi.
"I think he likes you!" Khessa exclaims "He also was a warrior, you know? A very brave one..." (what's that sad shadow in her blue eyes now?) "Anyway," she promptly find her good mood again "it will be a kid's play for him to fly up to those cave openings up there and see if there is anyone inside or not! Why don't you go" she turns to the bat "and take a look, Anator, while Echo joins us?"
And promptly the bat takes flight...
"Goodbye, bat-brother!" Katarina calls, waving to the bat as it flies off. She doesn't even seem to notice how strange it is that a human soul should be inside of a bat. "Come back soon, yes?"
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Jasper isn't able to make anything out from your position near the base of the pool, but as Anator flies over to the cave openings he sees movement and notices several humanoids who appear to be gnomes, some dressed like guards and others dressed more casually, going about their business.
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
Having heard the waterfall, Echo had slowed in her pace to tuck her hat under an arm and tie her hair up in a loose messy braid. She runs up to catch up with Khessa and Jasper once her hat is back snugly on her head. She whistles impressedly as she nears the pool, just managing to catch Anator taking flight and a new voice she's not heard before.
Katarina sees a lithe, tall young women with almost translucently pale skin. Katarina is not sure if it's just the lighting, but the young woman's eyes seem so dark you can't tell apart iris and pupil. She wears a simple linen blouse and overalls patched with colourful fabrics tucked into well-worn leather boots. Her hair is a strange mix of black and white strands, atop her head is a large sun hat.
Looking back down, the young woman finally spots the tabaxi woman, and blurts out, "oh! Hello! You are very pretty!" She does not hide her curious gaze, but then laughs a little sheepishly, "oh sorry, my manners- I'm Echo, pleasure to meet ya! Were you taking a break? The Gnomengard shouldn't be far now, or at least from what I've heard." With that, she tip toes to peer at the cave opening, attempting to make out any passages.
Perception: 10
"You flatter Katarina!" the tabaxi says with a friendly smile, meeting Echo's curious look with an equally curious gaze. "Katarina is happy to meet you as well! She has come here to see the gnomes, and since she found your friends, Katarina thought it would only make sense to join you as all are going to the same place. Very clever, yes?"
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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As the party talks to the Tabaxi a shadowy figure steps towards them, emerging from the haze of the waterfall’s mist to reveal the form of a young woman. Wispy white hair blends with the fog of the waterfall, drawing attention to the woman’s pale blue skin which appears to be decorated with subtle swirl-like markings. She wears a dress of varying shades of dark blue, it’s long skirt slitted down each side to provide easy movement. Leather straps run across her torso, strapping an elegant bow and quiver full of arrows to her back. There is a strangely whimsical quality to the young woman as she stands before the group, though it’s hard to place just what creates this effect. Perhaps it’s the odd way she moves, as if she is floating, unconstrained by the weight of gravity. Or Perhaps it’s the way her pale hair seems to be blowing in a breeze despite the air being relatively still, save for the rushing of the waterfall.
Pale purple eyes sparkle cheerfully, crinkling upwards as the Genasi greets the others with a cheerful smile.
“Hello there! My name is Aura, Aura Dynernina.” Her voice has a flowery, almost breathy quality to it, as if she is expelling a significant amount of air with each word. “I could not help but overhear that you have all come to meet the Gnomes. A happy coincidence, as that is also why I am here! Perhaps I could join you? I am in dire need of companions, my journey thus far has been so terribly lonely.”
"Welcome among us Aura!" Khessa smiles brightly at the stranger "I'm Khessa, Khessa Cabbagefield. Rest assured that you will be in good company! But I must also warn you..." the blonde woman adds "There could be some risk involved... Do you know of Cryovain, the white dragon that is rampaging in this territory? This journey of us is just another step to get rid of it... and we have met the foul beat one time already..." she shivers a moment "Not a pleasant experience indeed!"
"Oh, Anator!" the tall adventuress turns to the returning bat "What are you saying?" (the small animal is NOT saying anything, of course!) "The gnomes are there in fact, in the caves! We have found them!"
Patting the genasi on her shoulder: "Did you already discover a way up, Aura, since you arrived before us?"
While asking, Khessa looks around anyway to see if she notices a path that would allows to reach the gnomes' caves.
Perception (assuming Anator's help): 9
Jasper nods to both the newcomers and is happy to let Khessa do the talking. Asking Khessa, “Maybe we should announce ourselves? Not sneak around.” Jasper touches Khessa’s neck above the back and casts Vigilant Blessing(Advantage on next initiative roll).
Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP
Dastion Salvi ~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled
Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
"Is risky, you say?" Katarina purrs. "Well Katarina is ready for any challenge. She fights very good, and she has much magic in her blood... but still, she thinks that elf Jasper is maybe right; it would do much good to first talk before trying to fight or sneak. Always better to leave a place with friends than foes, it is."
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
Jasper’s appearance is that of an elf. Spear and shield in hand. Nearly new chain shirt armor with a tattered old red hooded cloak. Hair is finger brushed back behind his ears. Black powdered ash cover his eyes like a mask from ear to ear. And two blue tattoos run down his face left side. Vials and flasks attached to a leather belt. A bag hangs behind under the cloak.
Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP
Dastion Salvi ~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled
Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
Khessa narrows her eyes for a moment, feeling the elf's soft touch on her neck, once again appreciating the delicacy of Jasper's hands, the hands of a healer. Those hands that only a few hours before... But now is not the time to think about it: "Thanks Jasper!" she turns to the elf, looking at him gently with her blue eyes "The gifts of your hands are always both precious... and welcome".
"And yes, I didn't mean to sneak around," clarifies the blonde woman "I was looking for a route to climb up and then announce us, just so as not to shout from below".
At Katarina's words, the tall adventuress turns back to her, smiling openly: "Wonderful! It's a real pleasure for me, to meet a warrior who knows not only the value of strength and courage, but also that of friendship!" she chuckles for a moment, as if anticipating something funny "As a demonstration of the usefulness of this approach, I can't wait to introduce you to our friend Tookrashk!"
"But you also said that you have 'much magic in your blood'?" the woman's blue eyes light up with interest, while she frantically pulls out of her backpack a heavy bound tome that does not match her martial aspect; a quill and an inkwell also soon appear "This is so interesting! I study magic, you know? Besides fighting a bit. Thanks to Echo's help" she runs a hand on her friend's shoulders "I'm also managed to learn to cast some real spells! But to me everything in this field is still so new, so fascinating... This magic of yours you told me, is it in your blood? You mean you can call on it without studying? Echo does this too , you know? Only me, it seems, I need to write things down and read them loads of times before doing anything! Anyway, what's the magic? Does it manifest itself or can you control it? And..."
Khessa stops talking, embarrassed, realizing that the moment might not be the most suitable one: "Excuse me," she addresses everyone "sometimes I get a little carried away, when the arcane arts are involved... " she puts the tome and writing materials back in the backpack "...first things first, we are here to get the help of the gnomes, let's focus on that for now. But if when we have a moment we could talk about this again..." she looks hopefully towards the magical tabaxi.
Focusing again on the gnomes issue, if Khessa has found a way to reach the caves (or if Aura can show her one) the blonde arcane warrior leads the way along that path. Otherwise, she brings her hands to her mouth (while Anator discreetly hides in her hair again) and shouts: "Gnomes of the clan! We are a delegation from Phandalin, Harbin sent us! We come in peace! How can we come up to visit you?"
Echo places a hand on the cave wall, seemingly about to scale up onto the cave openings, but turns around when Aura emerges from the mist, "oh hello, hello! I didn't see you there! This is such a happy coincidence indeed!"
She 'ohhhh's as Katarina comments on her own strength, and addresses Aura, "are you an adventurer as well? It's just as Khessa says, the town could use some adventurers at the moment! The townmaster wasn't doing much last we saw him..." Echo sighs a little remembering Harbin, but smiles again as she asks Aura, "either way, the more the merrier!"
"Indeed, Katarina has magic," the Tabaxi says in response to Khessa's questions. "All of the Mystic Paw clan have magic, though Katarina's is maaaaayyyybbbee different from her sisters' and brothers'. You will likely see what Katarina means soon enough... it is not an easy thing to explain."
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
Khessa notices that there is a narrow footpath ascends the northeast slope, making it an easy climb to that cave entrance. As the party climbs the path and enters a shadowy cave opening, you don't notice any gnomes yet, not even any guards. They must be deeper inside the caves. As you enter the first cave opening, you see the path branches off to the left or goes straight where it appears to branch off left and right.
(To make things easier, I'm using one token for the party as a whole right now, the one with the crossed swords.)
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus