Tamryn levels his gaze at Jhaartael, looking him in the eyes. Then he tips his head back, laughing, before hunching forward, leaning on Jhaartael and holding his side with his other hand, wheezing with suppressed mirth.
“My dear friend, I think you may have misunderstood the nature of our employment. If we had been brought here to become spokespeople for a cause, the face of recruitment for a campaign, such explanations might matter. But we have not. We have been brought here because we are willing to lie, steal, cheat, and kill to achieve some higher cause. We have just been calmly discussing the costs and benefits of torturing a man. None of us is good.
What we are, or what we could be, is effective. And that means setting aside the prejudices of the past and trusting each other. It is notable that you haven’t questioned my origin or that of the sea-elves. Are we not also capable of murder, of treachery?
Akyan can, of course, answer your question or not. That is his choice. But it is an odd time to grow suspicious of a partner, chosen by our employers, after you have trusted those employers to thrust a bag over your head and send you gods know where.”
Mina watches as the three elves converse on the rightness of them all being there. She found it funny that Tamryn offered to take care of all the upscale issues that would need to be investigated. She didn't say much as the others discussed the issue at hand as well as their own abilities. She thought the only really way to gauge how well they worked together is when they actually started training. She was looking forward to that.
As Galinndan introduces themselves, "Welcome to the group, interesting that for a sun elf, you would be going to bed when it rises? There a reason for that? Good to meet you either way." She is enjoying meeting all the different types of elves, this was a fun experience so far. Though, she could do without teleporting again...
"I am pretty good with my longbow and have a couple spells that I know" she says modestly to add to the conversation.
"It is nice to meet another connoisseur of the finer things. You must tell me of the best places to revel in Waterdeep."
With a smile of his own, Galinndan responds: "As nice as that would be, I understand we are to not work in any of our previous residences for a reason. Though, if the chance arrives, I'll gladly take it."
As Galinndan introduces themselves, "Welcome to the group, interesting that for a sun elf, you would be going to bed when it rises? There a reason for that? Good to meet you either way."
Galinndan chuckles, and then answers: "Thank you. You might be able to guess that my family would not have been accepting of me learning the skills that have brought me here. So I always sneaked out in disguise during the night to travel among what commoners were awake at such a time, and learned what I could. I could claim I just liked to sleep until noon, it was common enough among the other young nobles."
"I am pretty good with my longbow and have a couple spells that I know" she says modestly to add to the conversation.
"Right, that was asked about. I must still be a bit out of it. I've trained with a focus on infiltration: disguises, illusions, forgery, the like. And my noble background should allow me to meet potential targets, maybe get a tour of anywhere we are to strike", he explains.
Akyan also stiffens when Tamryn grabs his shoulder. When Jhaartael speaks, he angrily jerks away from Tamryn and faces Jhaartael.
“I don’t know! Why don’t you ask my parents since you apparently know everything about my lineage!”
As he fixes Jhaartael with an icy stare, unwanted thoughts run through his head.
“This man probably knows more about my kin than I do. The only things I know about the Underdark are what I hear from others. And I’ve heard enough to know that I want nothing to do with it. Elran would never talk about it. He never said why we were on the surface. Why did he never tell me. Were we really abandoned? Or did Elran run away with me? Was I even born in the underdark? So many questions I will likely never have answered. Why did he have do dig up these thoughts!?”
Kyrsa watched the exchange closely, glad that someone had addressed the tension in the room. She’d noticed it earlier, but had decided to wait on stressing it herself. She frowns at Jhaaratael’s response thinking, We cannot work as a team if we cannot cooperate.
Memories of missions gone wrong flash through her head. Death everywhere, and the stench of the battlefield. Often times, placing to individuals who didn’t get along in a situation where they had to work together was enough to get them over it. But there were always exceptions…
Shet nods at Tamryn and Akyan’s words saying, “Jhaaratael, I must agree with Tamryn. Why judge Akyan based on the fact that he is a drow? He was chosen to fight for the good, shouldn’t that be proof enough that we can trust him as part of our team? As Tamryn said, none of us are particularly ‘good’ people…” She hesitates, sadness showing in her eyes, “But none of us are evil either, else why would the Circle of Light have accepted us?”
Cephas clears his throat. "Friends, I am elated that my simple lesson has stimulated such pondering and debate. The struggle for self-understanding is always worth the pain. However, could I kindly ask you to vacate my classroom? It's time for my nap..."
Akyan also stiffens when Tamryn grabs his shoulder. When Jhaartael speaks, he angrily jerks away from Tamryn and faces Jhaartael.
“I don’t know! Why don’t you ask my parents since you apparently know everything about my lineage!”
Upon hearing this uterrance from Akyan, Jhaartael ignores Tamryn's and Kyrsa's well meaning, but mis-placed, attempts at explaining the nature of their engagement. Even though he could barely believe himself among some many Tel-quessir apparently unaware of the the Lolthite imperative to kill all surface Tel-quessir.
Could it be that this drow did not grow up in the underdark? Then again, it could be another drow trick which would leave them all with a poisoned blade in their backs one night. No, he had to be sure... but how?
Then he struck upon it. The one question which would separate a Lolth fearing follower from one clean of Lolth's influence.
He responds to Akyan in a measured, but notedly gentler tone, "What is your relationship with Lolth?"
Akyan makes his way back out to the barracks, where he grabs his rapier from his bunk.
"Let him hate me for what I am. I'm used to that."
He unsheathes the blade and looks it over. The weapon looks as if it is rarely used. It still has an edge on it, but the basket and blade are tarnished. Shaking his head, he starts to clean it.
"This is why I always worked alone."
Still scowling, he continues to clean his sword. He does not address Tamryn when he approaches, instead he focuses on his work.
Kyrsa shakes her head at Jhaartael, and watches sadly as Akyan leaves. Quietly, she thanks Cephas, and walks out of the room. (She will leave with Mina or Galinndan if they are also heading out.) She respects Akyan's desire to be alone, but hopes that perhaps Tamryn can make him feel more welcome.
I understand Jhaartael's concern. But I do think it is misplaced. Hopefully they can sort this out on their own. We cannot have a divided company if we are to succeed with future missions.
Mina watches as the three leave and walks out with Kyrsa. "Well, that was something. I guess it is good to get these feelings and possible distrusts out in the open now so they can be worked through. Hopefully they can be or else we'll be broken before we even start."
Kyrsa nods, "Yes...hopefully they can figure this out before we are required to go on our first mission. If it drags out to long I might have a talk with both of them..." She sighs, "Though I suppose that isn't my place." She gives a sad chuckle, "Not anymore."
She sighs again, brushing back a strand of hair that had fallen loose from her bun, "What was your life like before this?" She makes a small gesture, indicating the area around them.
Tamryn approaches Akyan, sighs, and sits down on a nearby bunk.
"The good thing about a blade is that it renders history, ancestry, class, and wealth moot. All that matters is the skill of the one wielding it. It cuts through all the supposed niceties of society and renders us base and cunning. When it is a matter of kill or be killed, I'm sure our mutton-headed, sun elf friend will be as grateful for your blade at his side as anyone. In the meantime, unless you prefer to sit in here and brood the day away, why not come out with me to the yard and spar. You look like you've got a good blade and I've two daggers I'd like to try. If you like, you can imagine me a stuffed-shirt high elf and show me what you think of my lineage. Come, this is going to be an adventure. Let's have some fun!"
Tamryn stands and extends a hand to Akyan, waving with his other toward the door.
Jhaartael clenches his jaw. If the youth was raised without Lolth's influence, this had great significance. He had to make this right. If only the others had not pushed it and allowed him more time to observe.
He sighs.
How can so many self-avowed 'scoundrels' be so idealistic? If a group of Tel-quessir could be ignorant of the stain of Lolth on Drow, then certainly the non-tel-quessir 'employers' might be as well.His experience and upbringing had taught him that one could not afford to be lenient with a Drow. Doing so, one wound up dead. Yet if the Drow had not been raised as a Lolthite that was completely different. - Jhaartael's shoulders drop as he considers that he is as much a product of his stereotypical Ar-tel-quessir background as he had accused Akyan of by being a Drow. Stereotypes were powerful, both in the shorthanded truths they contained as well as the negative impact of their gaps in truth when misapplied. Yes, he definitely had to make this right.
Giving a begrudging groan, as much as Jhaartael was irritated by Tamryn's direct approach, he realized that here he had to do similar... address the harm he had caused before it festered... he could deal with the rest of the group's resentment later. First to find Akyan.
Jhaartael follows the group out of Cephas' room.
It does not take him long to find Akyan in the barracks. He approaches gently, carefully.
"Akyan, I owe you applogy. I am sorry for my distrust and that it has caused you pain. I can only offer that I am as much a product of Ar-tel-quessir upbringing as any Lolthite Drow". He careful to emphasise this distinction with a sympathetic tone. "As you have been raised beyond the Underdark and the stain of Lolth, you are as much a target of their malice as any other surface Tel-quessir. Indeed, likely more. I recognize you are our brother Tel-quessir and will strive to show you that in my actions and companionship. I only hope that you may eventually forgive my error."
Jhaartael looks with genuine concern at Akyan awaiting his rebuff or response.
Tamryn has a moment of surprise, as Jhaartael walked into the barracks just as he waved his hand at the door. He decides to give the two elves some privacy, signals to Akyan that he'll wait for him outside, and quickly heads for the door. He stays close enough to eavesdrop, though.
Mina smiles at Kyra, "Before this? Well, it is probably pretty boring to the likes of you all that have been recruited. Most recently I have been wandering on my outskirts of towns near where I grew up, basically a mercenary hunting down creatures that threatened these villages. Was a good way to make a living."she shrugs, gives Kyra a smile and continues, "I grew up in a fishing village with others of my kind. I do miss the sea.." she says wistfully.
Then they see Jhaartael walk across the yard to the barracks where the other two elves were. "Well, this should be interesting, maybe with luck this will settle this drow issue. I don't know about you, but I'm interested in learning about all these different kinds of eleves, I really have only been around other sea elves. And because of that, I'm afraid I'm pretty ignorant on others..." Mina stops walking and looks at Kyra, "Such as you? I'd like to know where you come from and anything else you'd like to share?" she gives her a warm smile and continues to walk if Kyra wants to.
Akyan stops cleaning his sword and looks at Tamryn.
"Might not be a bad idea, I haven't spared with anyone since... since Elran was murdered."
He open's his mouth to respond just as Jhaarteal walks in. He is taken aback by the apology. He was not expecting one.
"Is this some sort of trick? He let it go so fast, but he sounds genuine. I'm still not sure I should trust him just yet, but this is a start... I think."
Akyan stands up sheathing his rapier. "Distrust is something I understand. It's what kept me alive for most of my life. So, I will not hold it against you."
Looking a bit uncomfortable, he falls silent. After a moment, he sighs and looks at his sword before tossing it back with the rest of his gear. "Tamryn and I were about to spar. You may join us if you like."
2:00 PM rolls around, and those of you who wish to do so gather in the courtyard. Aldara is there waiting, alongside a female gnome dressed in purple robes.
"This is our resident wizard..." she begins.
"Breezy!" interjects the gnome, "Just call me Breezy!"
"Yes, uh... this is Breezy. She has prepared today's exercise, so I will let her explain the rest."
"Thank you! Oh, this is wonderful. It's always so exciting to see a new team starting out and learning to work together, although it's sad that it only happens when..."
Aldara clears her throat, and the gnome pauses, and then resumes, "Anyway, this will be fun for you! I have cast a version of magnificent mansion, and just through this portal you will find a demiplane containing a two-story structure. Your first training mission is to retrieve a lockbox that is found somewhere on the second floor. Eight agents are inside, acting as guards. Although they do know you are coming, they will strive to act in the role of normal guard duty, however, if they spot you, they will engage in combat without pulling punches. Do not fear, I have enchanted the demiplane so that anyone knocked unconscious will automatically stabilize, and be brought to the portal where they will be fully healed, although they will be removed from the scenario. The entrance to the building is such that the guards will not automatically see you enter the demiplane. You have one hour to retrieve your target. Any questions? If not, enter the portal when you are ready!"
She points to a shimmering doorway in the middle of the courtyard.
Jhaartael takes a remorseful inhale, then nods. "Yes. Thank you. That is a good idea. I cannot rely upon my control of the Weave at all times. I have some skill with the sword, but I have a feeling that the two of you can teach me quite a lot."
Awaiting their response, Jhaartael considers that he does have much to learn. Patience, observation. Hopefully the pain he caused can turn to healing... A drow sundered from Lolth! Could Akyan be a sign to the redemption of the Ssri-tel-quessir? If he is, then perhaps more could be discovered observing him that will lead to the untangling of the dark weaves about many more.
They go to spar until close to the next lesson, then Jhaartael begs their pardon that he had hoped to attend the next session. He salutes and joins the lesson in the courtyard.
Tamryn levels his gaze at Jhaartael, looking him in the eyes. Then he tips his head back, laughing, before hunching forward, leaning on Jhaartael and holding his side with his other hand, wheezing with suppressed mirth.
“My dear friend, I think you may have misunderstood the nature of our employment. If we had been brought here to become spokespeople for a cause, the face of recruitment for a campaign, such explanations might matter. But we have not. We have been brought here because we are willing to lie, steal, cheat, and kill to achieve some higher cause. We have just been calmly discussing the costs and benefits of torturing a man. None of us is good.
What we are, or what we could be, is effective. And that means setting aside the prejudices of the past and trusting each other. It is notable that you haven’t questioned my origin or that of the sea-elves. Are we not also capable of murder, of treachery?
Akyan can, of course, answer your question or not. That is his choice. But it is an odd time to grow suspicious of a partner, chosen by our employers, after you have trusted those employers to thrust a bag over your head and send you gods know where.”
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Mina watches as the three elves converse on the rightness of them all being there. She found it funny that Tamryn offered to take care of all the upscale issues that would need to be investigated. She didn't say much as the others discussed the issue at hand as well as their own abilities. She thought the only really way to gauge how well they worked together is when they actually started training. She was looking forward to that.
As Galinndan introduces themselves, "Welcome to the group, interesting that for a sun elf, you would be going to bed when it rises? There a reason for that? Good to meet you either way." She is enjoying meeting all the different types of elves, this was a fun experience so far. Though, she could do without teleporting again...
"I am pretty good with my longbow and have a couple spells that I know" she says modestly to add to the conversation.
Galinndan chuckles, and then answers: "Thank you. You might be able to guess that my family would not have been accepting of me learning the skills that have brought me here. So I always sneaked out in disguise during the night to travel among what commoners were awake at such a time, and learned what I could. I could claim I just liked to sleep until noon, it was common enough among the other young nobles."
"Right, that was asked about. I must still be a bit out of it. I've trained with a focus on infiltration: disguises, illusions, forgery, the like. And my noble background should allow me to meet potential targets, maybe get a tour of anywhere we are to strike", he explains.
Akyan also stiffens when Tamryn grabs his shoulder. When Jhaartael speaks, he angrily jerks away from Tamryn and faces Jhaartael.
“I don’t know! Why don’t you ask my parents since you apparently know everything about my lineage!”
As he fixes Jhaartael with an icy stare, unwanted thoughts run through his head.
“This man probably knows more about my kin than I do. The only things I know about the Underdark are what I hear from others. And I’ve heard enough to know that I want nothing to do with it. Elran would never talk about it. He never said why we were on the surface. Why did he never tell me. Were we really abandoned? Or did Elran run away with me? Was I even born in the underdark? So many questions I will likely never have answered. Why did he have do dig up these thoughts!?”
Kyrsa watched the exchange closely, glad that someone had addressed the tension in the room. She’d noticed it earlier, but had decided to wait on stressing it herself.
She frowns at Jhaaratael’s response thinking,
We cannot work as a team if we cannot cooperate.
Memories of missions gone wrong flash through her head. Death everywhere, and the stench of the battlefield. Often times, placing to individuals who didn’t get along in a situation where they had to work together was enough to get them over it. But there were always exceptions…
Shet nods at Tamryn and Akyan’s words saying, “Jhaaratael, I must agree with Tamryn. Why judge Akyan based on the fact that he is a drow? He was chosen to fight for the good, shouldn’t that be proof enough that we can trust him as part of our team? As Tamryn said, none of us are particularly ‘good’ people…” She hesitates, sadness showing in her eyes, “But none of us are evil either, else why would the Circle of Light have accepted us?”
Cephas clears his throat. "Friends, I am elated that my simple lesson has stimulated such pondering and debate. The struggle for self-understanding is always worth the pain. However, could I kindly ask you to vacate my classroom? It's time for my nap..."
Upon hearing this uterrance from Akyan, Jhaartael ignores Tamryn's and Kyrsa's well meaning, but mis-placed, attempts at explaining the nature of their engagement. Even though he could barely believe himself among some many Tel-quessir apparently unaware of the the Lolthite imperative to kill all surface Tel-quessir.
Could it be that this drow did not grow up in the underdark? Then again, it could be another drow trick which would leave them all with a poisoned blade in their backs one night. No, he had to be sure... but how?
Then he struck upon it. The one question which would separate a Lolth fearing follower from one clean of Lolth's influence.
He responds to Akyan in a measured, but notedly gentler tone, "What is your relationship with Lolth?"
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Akyan crosses his arms. Still glaring, he responds in a low tone, “I am not a religious man, and I would certainly never follow one such as Lolth.”
Nodding to Cephas, he turns to leave the classroom.
Tamryn wipes his face, with his hand and then looks at Jhaartael with disappointment.
”Friend, I know you mean well, but why would our new masters bring a Lolth-worshipper here? I do believe you owe the young one an apology.”
Tamryn hurries after Akyan, trying to catch up to him.
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Akyan makes his way back out to the barracks, where he grabs his rapier from his bunk.
"Let him hate me for what I am. I'm used to that."
He unsheathes the blade and looks it over. The weapon looks as if it is rarely used. It still has an edge on it, but the basket and blade are tarnished. Shaking his head, he starts to clean it.
"This is why I always worked alone."
Still scowling, he continues to clean his sword. He does not address Tamryn when he approaches, instead he focuses on his work.
Kyrsa shakes her head at Jhaartael, and watches sadly as Akyan leaves. Quietly, she thanks Cephas, and walks out of the room. (She will leave with Mina or Galinndan if they are also heading out.) She respects Akyan's desire to be alone, but hopes that perhaps Tamryn can make him feel more welcome.
I understand Jhaartael's concern. But I do think it is misplaced. Hopefully they can sort this out on their own. We cannot have a divided company if we are to succeed with future missions.
Mina watches as the three leave and walks out with Kyrsa. "Well, that was something. I guess it is good to get these feelings and possible distrusts out in the open now so they can be worked through. Hopefully they can be or else we'll be broken before we even start."
Kyrsa nods, "Yes...hopefully they can figure this out before we are required to go on our first mission. If it drags out to long I might have a talk with both of them..." She sighs, "Though I suppose that isn't my place." She gives a sad chuckle, "Not anymore."
She sighs again, brushing back a strand of hair that had fallen loose from her bun, "What was your life like before this?" She makes a small gesture, indicating the area around them.
Tamryn approaches Akyan, sighs, and sits down on a nearby bunk.
"The good thing about a blade is that it renders history, ancestry, class, and wealth moot. All that matters is the skill of the one wielding it. It cuts through all the supposed niceties of society and renders us base and cunning. When it is a matter of kill or be killed, I'm sure our mutton-headed, sun elf friend will be as grateful for your blade at his side as anyone. In the meantime, unless you prefer to sit in here and brood the day away, why not come out with me to the yard and spar. You look like you've got a good blade and I've two daggers I'd like to try. If you like, you can imagine me a stuffed-shirt high elf and show me what you think of my lineage. Come, this is going to be an adventure. Let's have some fun!"
Tamryn stands and extends a hand to Akyan, waving with his other toward the door.
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Jhaartael clenches his jaw. If the youth was raised without Lolth's influence, this had great significance. He had to make this right. If only the others had not pushed it and allowed him more time to observe.
He sighs.
How can so many self-avowed 'scoundrels' be so idealistic? If a group of Tel-quessir could be ignorant of the stain of Lolth on Drow, then certainly the non-tel-quessir 'employers' might be as well.His experience and upbringing had taught him that one could not afford to be lenient with a Drow. Doing so, one wound up dead. Yet if the Drow had not been raised as a Lolthite that was completely different. - Jhaartael's shoulders drop as he considers that he is as much a product of his stereotypical Ar-tel-quessir background as he had accused Akyan of by being a Drow. Stereotypes were powerful, both in the shorthanded truths they contained as well as the negative impact of their gaps in truth when misapplied. Yes, he definitely had to make this right.
Giving a begrudging groan, as much as Jhaartael was irritated by Tamryn's direct approach, he realized that here he had to do similar... address the harm he had caused before it festered... he could deal with the rest of the group's resentment later. First to find Akyan.
Jhaartael follows the group out of Cephas' room.
It does not take him long to find Akyan in the barracks. He approaches gently, carefully.
"Akyan, I owe you applogy. I am sorry for my distrust and that it has caused you pain. I can only offer that I am as much a product of Ar-tel-quessir upbringing as any Lolthite Drow". He careful to emphasise this distinction with a sympathetic tone. "As you have been raised beyond the Underdark and the stain of Lolth, you are as much a target of their malice as any other surface Tel-quessir. Indeed, likely more. I recognize you are our brother Tel-quessir and will strive to show you that in my actions and companionship. I only hope that you may eventually forgive my error."
Jhaartael looks with genuine concern at Akyan awaiting his rebuff or response.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Tamryn has a moment of surprise, as Jhaartael walked into the barracks just as he waved his hand at the door. He decides to give the two elves some privacy, signals to Akyan that he'll wait for him outside, and quickly heads for the door. He stays close enough to eavesdrop, though.
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Mina smiles at Kyra, "Before this? Well, it is probably pretty boring to the likes of you all that have been recruited. Most recently I have been wandering on my outskirts of towns near where I grew up, basically a mercenary hunting down creatures that threatened these villages. Was a good way to make a living." she shrugs, gives Kyra a smile and continues, "I grew up in a fishing village with others of my kind. I do miss the sea.." she says wistfully.
Then they see Jhaartael walk across the yard to the barracks where the other two elves were. "Well, this should be interesting, maybe with luck this will settle this drow issue. I don't know about you, but I'm interested in learning about all these different kinds of eleves, I really have only been around other sea elves. And because of that, I'm afraid I'm pretty ignorant on others..." Mina stops walking and looks at Kyra, "Such as you? I'd like to know where you come from and anything else you'd like to share?" she gives her a warm smile and continues to walk if Kyra wants to.
Akyan stops cleaning his sword and looks at Tamryn.
"Might not be a bad idea, I haven't spared with anyone since... since Elran was murdered."
He open's his mouth to respond just as Jhaarteal walks in. He is taken aback by the apology. He was not expecting one.
"Is this some sort of trick? He let it go so fast, but he sounds genuine. I'm still not sure I should trust him just yet, but this is a start... I think."
Akyan stands up sheathing his rapier. "Distrust is something I understand. It's what kept me alive for most of my life. So, I will not hold it against you."
Looking a bit uncomfortable, he falls silent. After a moment, he sighs and looks at his sword before tossing it back with the rest of his gear. "Tamryn and I were about to spar. You may join us if you like."
2:00 PM rolls around, and those of you who wish to do so gather in the courtyard. Aldara is there waiting, alongside a female gnome dressed in purple robes.
"This is our resident wizard..." she begins.
"Breezy!" interjects the gnome, "Just call me Breezy!"
"Yes, uh... this is Breezy. She has prepared today's exercise, so I will let her explain the rest."
"Thank you! Oh, this is wonderful. It's always so exciting to see a new team starting out and learning to work together, although it's sad that it only happens when..."
Aldara clears her throat, and the gnome pauses, and then resumes, "Anyway, this will be fun for you! I have cast a version of magnificent mansion, and just through this portal you will find a demiplane containing a two-story structure. Your first training mission is to retrieve a lockbox that is found somewhere on the second floor. Eight agents are inside, acting as guards. Although they do know you are coming, they will strive to act in the role of normal guard duty, however, if they spot you, they will engage in combat without pulling punches. Do not fear, I have enchanted the demiplane so that anyone knocked unconscious will automatically stabilize, and be brought to the portal where they will be fully healed, although they will be removed from the scenario. The entrance to the building is such that the guards will not automatically see you enter the demiplane. You have one hour to retrieve your target. Any questions? If not, enter the portal when you are ready!"
She points to a shimmering doorway in the middle of the courtyard.
Jhaartael takes a remorseful inhale, then nods. "Yes. Thank you. That is a good idea. I cannot rely upon my control of the Weave at all times. I have some skill with the sword, but I have a feeling that the two of you can teach me quite a lot."
Awaiting their response, Jhaartael considers that he does have much to learn. Patience, observation. Hopefully the pain he caused can turn to healing... A drow sundered from Lolth! Could Akyan be a sign to the redemption of the Ssri-tel-quessir? If he is, then perhaps more could be discovered observing him that will lead to the untangling of the dark weaves about many more.
They go to spar until close to the next lesson, then Jhaartael begs their pardon that he had hoped to attend the next session. He salutes and joins the lesson in the courtyard.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms