This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I seem to recall another shield a previous companion had that looked to be a dragon's scale," Neya says, thinking back to earlier adventures as she helps set up camp. "It may be a coincidence, as that shield's theme was more of an aesthetic, if memory serves?"
She takes second watch, doing the usual nighttime ritual prior to her shift.
Perception: 4
Also, she assesses if her own memory recalls correctly
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Oh my, that's quite a few more than I expected."She admits upon hearing the request. But after a bit of counting on her fingers and scrunching up her face a few times in thinking things over, she eventually smiled up at the party and said, "I can manage at least two of those tonight. But the rest, uh... will have to be tomorrow." She further assured. "So if you have any wording in particular mind for some, think on it, and let me know later, m'kay?~"
During the ride itself, Obsben seemed more distracted than usual, often needing Salty Bottom to help correct her course or fling snowballs her way during time's of rest. Though if ever asked what was the matter, she'd simply and brush things off as nothing being just a case of her developing a new story in her head! But even by her own strange standards as well, the lightling -- no matter how cumbersome in the moment it may be -- never let the scale leave her person; citing, if ever inquired, still needing to "feel it out more".
That evening in response to questions about fire and warmth, Obsben stood up proudly and declared, "Oh no need to worry about all that now. If you all could clear me about say... twenty or so feet of snow, I can take care of the rest. A story recently came to me about the Hospitality of a Gorgon, and I think the Great Weave will like it just enough to keep us safe for the evening.... well, us and Basil here. But nothing I can do about the other horses except save give'm a little extra Oomph in case there's any surprises tonight."
With that, and short of any insistence from others for further explanation, she empowered the horses for the night, then began pacing around in a wide circle and wove her tale of three gorgon sisters and their love for entertaining guest. But such was their mischievousness that any who stayed with them overnight would be subject to riddles or challenges of wit! Those that failed unfortunately would be made into statues made to pose and left in embarrassing positions. But those that succeeded would be given a great boon! At the end of the tale a great dome of silvery force swirled into being, before outwardly (if albeit loosely) appearing to blend into the surroundings. "There we go. We should keep watches just in case, of course."She further insists, then found a corner to quietly throw out a few sendings before finding her rest.
-Casting (5th level)Aid on Glühoof II, Glory and Opal. Granting 20 Max HP and Healing up to that amount. -Cast Sending at 3rd and 4th level to the below targets.
To Harper:
"S'up Baby! It's your girl, Obby. Found powerful dragon scale of Big T. Maybe? On our way back now. Want me to ice the party?"
(@Lerus: I will say the above is in a playful tone, but Harper would know it isn't unlikely that she could be serious as well, and will do her best to follow through.)
To Sage:
"Salutations. CRAP agent Obsben speaking. Returning soon with Spernik, Books, and new discoveries on druids. Suggest begin preparations for powerful divinations. Discretely. Say more tomorrow."
Perception: 19. (Assuming SB can be considered helping, made a flat roll. But if not, feel free to roll the disadv. roll on my behalf.)
(OOC: I am reluctant to resolve the Long Rest without having Graxx's potential sending message to Aleyd figured out, or giving you a chance to reply to the answer to all two/three sendings. Though unlikely, these details could change how you decide things going into the rest. In the meantime, I can clarify a few other things and ask couple of questions.)
Utar reseals the red door within the temple without difficulty. Is he also dismantling the puzzle-key?
The ration associated with this imminent Long Rest is the 4th one (per CRAPer) that you should be deducting from your inventory since you left Phlan. Two additional rations were spent on Spernik. If I remember correctly, Utar fed him once and Graxx is volunteering to do so now.
The group is agreeing not to start a campfire. Got it.
It doesn't sound like anyone is attuning to the Ring of Warmth, but I do ask that someone account for it in their inventory, please.
@Drache: The scale/shield you have in mind, is it the black one wielded by previous companion Cato back in Episode 3 (the first one Neya joined)? Or are you referring to something else?
Salty Bottom can indeed help in Obsben's watch.
Harper's response to Obby (first sentence also in playful tone):
"We don't "ice" allies, young one [chuckle]. If feasible, bring scale to me. Otherwise, take note of its final destination. I expect debrief upon arrival."
Lord Sage's response to Obby:
"Excellent news! I await for your arrival with eagerness. There is only so much we can do with short warning regarding powerful divinations. Nonetheless, hurry!"
Utar will break up the key and pass one part to each member of CRAP. To prevent the keys from harming their new holders, Utar has wrapped each part in a little of his ruined clothing. Offering each member of CRAP their choice of green, black, white or blue, he keeps the remaining part and stows it safely in his own pack.
"I remember Cato. Nature lover, terrifying in a fight. Always scribbling in a journal! He'd have liked the part of this adventure in the library, I'm sure. Wasn't his shield more defensive in nature? I certainly don't recall it doing anything offensive... Unless you were a dragon and happened to be on good terms with its former owner!"
Watching his attempt at a joke die in silence, Utar gets back to being useful.
"I can let Ekmong and Aleyd know of our return to Phlan in the morning."
OOC: No message to Aleyd from Graxx. He was just saying he could if someone wanted him to do so. My sincere apologies for the confusion.
Graxx will take the blue key from Utar.
”I will keep this as a reminder of how together we can overcome anything.”
Graxx reminisces as well laughing a bit.
”Ah, Cato. How many ten days has it been since we stood shoulder to shoulder. Many have come and gone in time. I’m thankful to Tempus for all those who have I have the honor of fighting beside in recent times.”
Graxx frowns.
”It makes me sad to think. One day… We’re going to fight our last battle together. Whether that be by one of us falling or going out separate ways. All things eventually come to and end. I’m thankful for each and every one of you and the memories we have shared together.”
The party continues to prepare their campfire-less camp for another night out in the wilds. Neya has a thought that pushes her into a memory. It is the memory of the first time she joined Utar and Graxx in a mission. They were brought together by the late Brother Keefe. Back then, before they named themselves the Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party, they were accompanied by some old friends: Drazzim, Darrius, Asley, and Cato. There had been others before them too: Rose, Charlotte, and Orla. And even others afterwards: Andmarir, Marfaen, Rag, and Praxx. It was only after meeting Doozey that the group felt complete, and now they are sharing that feeling with yet another newcomer: Obsben.
However, out of this incredible roster of adventurers, Neya is thinking of one in particular: a balding human man, middle aged and a bit overweight, usually dressed in black trousers, a white shirt, and a well-worn green velvet vest. Most distinctive of all, Cato carried a wide shield of pure black. A shield he fancied because it was not made of metal, but out of the scale of a black dragon. The Cult of the Dragon was after dragon-related artifacts even back then, but this shield was just another piece in a multitude of items the cult could have claimed. As impressive as it was, however, Neya is pretty sure that black scale was not enchanted, or perhaps it had lost its original dragon magic by then. She remembers Cato claiming they could sell the piece for a small fortune, but that he would rather use it as a shield than sell it into someone's art collection.
After the three veteran CRAPers reminisce a bit, they decide it is finally time to call it a night. Graxx gets a bit emotional, sharing a moment of true companionship with his "war band". He then sends everyone to bed and volunteers for the first watch.
@Graxx: In the hours following sundown, the wilds are still quite noisy. You identify the call of many animals. You hear nocturnal birds swooping by, night predators howling, rodents squeaking, horses neighing, and beasts snoring. None of them come near the party during your watch.
@Neya: Despite enhancing her eyes, at some point during the night, the fighting monk is sure she hears the noise of someone rummaging through a backpack. By the time she realizes it was her own gear that got sacked, the culprit had already vanished. (Neya loses 1 ration.)
@Utar: With his enchanted shield acting as the eye behind his back, Utar catches a glimpse of everything moving in the night near the camp. A pack of raccoons is dissuaded from getting nearer by the half-orc's vigilance.
@Obsben: Within your tiny hut, your attention is almost completely stolen by thoughts about the Scalebinder's Relic. You know you are not paying enough attention to your surroundings but hope that Salty Bottom is at least pulling his weight, as unlikely as that is. The burning inside you eventually builds up to a level that forces a squeak of pain out of you, waking all other CRAPers. Oh well, the sun was about to come up anyway. (Obsben takes 2 fire damage and her max HP drops by 2 as well.)
By the time the sun is fully above the horizon, Obsben's thoughtful spell on the mounts comes to an end, as does any previously cast iteration of this same spell on other party members. Those previous words of encouragement also run their course.
-> As the long rest is completed, all castings of Aid and benefits from Inspiring Leader end, as does Neya's Darkvision.
(OOC: The morning is yours. How would you like to proceed? Are you sending more messages?)
"I mean, well..."She looks to her all white robe and hat, before shrugging and accepting the white key, noting it as a constellation prize should she not be able to fulfill other objectives...
"Hmm~ What was... what? .... Ohhh~ Uhmm... Just a bit of heart burn. You know those trail rations are, uhh... well, I got some spicy ones is all."She grins playfully and adds, "So spicy in fact, even a ring of fire resistance can't stop it, or so it seems.... or it could be *****y goddess I told you guys about being petty with some mild cursing."She rubs her chin in consideration for a bit, before then shrugging and saying, "But, uh, if you wouldn't happen to have anything for that, I would not be opposed."
Apart from standing by to see what came of Utar's reaction to all that, Obby would find time before the group's departure to again embolden a few; if not by magic, then with another of her rousing tales of heroship and silliness.
(OOC: Not entirely certain just how self-aware she is of the fact that she's cursed. But given her reluctance to part with it, playing it safe for now...)
-Cast 5th level(Aid) on Obsben, Basil, & Glory. Though Obsben only really net gains 17 due to ongoing curse. -Cast 4th level(Aid) on Utar, and the two remaining horses. -Granting the party(including SB & Spernik) 14 temp HP with Inspiring Leadership.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx listens to Obsben’s words then looks down at his hands defeated.
”Poison or disease I could help with but… Curses… They are out of reach for me.”
Graxx sighs…
”I hate to ask this Obsben but can you tell us more about this mild cursing? I was cursed once and it lead to me hurting the warband and nearly getting myself killed.”
"Shore~ But, hmm... I'm no expert of course, as my own situation was technically consider a blessing to my kin, and thus the angle of how I looked into that whole mess was different.... before finding my own little fix."Obsben waggled her fingers and grinned up at Graxx. "And it's really not all that bad. Just a bit of heart burn-"She admitted, before looking away half-muttering. "That may or may not be burning away at my soul."
"But nothing as bad as something that'll make me hurt others or anything, as that's not really "her" way, you know?"She adds frankly.
In the morning, Utar finishes passing out the puzzle-key pieces for safekeeping. Neya gets the green piece, Graxx the blue piece, Obsben the white piece, and Utar the black piece. The cleric then seeks clarification on the pained noise the halfling uttered earlier but it sounds like Obsben is associating her inner-burning with the "curse of luck" that follows her people, or something of the sort. Graxx tries to poke a little deeper but gets a similar response. It remains to be seen whether the little witch can put two and two together, and if she can, whether she is willing to spell it out to her companions.
For now, Obsben busies herself with her usual post-rest rituals (Aid and Inspiring Leader).
Glory's current and max HP go up by 20.
Basil's current and max HP go up by 20.
Obsben's current and max HP go up by 19 and she gains 14 temp HP.
Utar's current and max HP go up by 15 and he gains 14 temp HP.
Opal's current and max HP go up by 15.
Glühoof II's current and max HP go up by 15.
Graxx gains 14 temp HP.
Neya gains 14 temp HP.
Salty Bottom gains 14 temp HP.
Spernik gains 14 temp HP.
With that out of the way, the party continues their ride back to Phlan. The day is overcast but the ambient temperature rises by the hour as the group's altitude lowers. Spernik is felling better than he has over the last couple of days, that story by Obsben making him feel a bit of relief despite knowing he is probably going to be locked up, or worse. Unlike the previous day, Spernik does not complain or mumble from behind his mouth-gag.
Taking breaks only to eat, hydrate, and rest their rumps, the party approaches Phlan just around dusk. They pass by Ernst's Livery as they enter town and wonder if it is time to return the rented mounts. By then, the effects from the two castings of the Aid spell come to their end (though you may keep the temp HP from Inspiring Leader.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Still on the road
Pulling Gluhoof II alongside Obsben on the route back to Phlan, Utar tries to offer what help he can to try and determine whether the scale is indeed cursed. Telling her about Graxx's weapon as well as the tainted land of the islet that they had cleansed.
"...Just for reference Graxx found a weapon that spoke to him and demanded he obey its commands. We, that is, Neya, Doozey, another halfling that I'm sure you'd like, and me managed to bring the big man to his knees long enough for me to call upon Torm to unbind the weapon from Graxx's mind. This shield starts telling you to light fires, you let us know. We also spent a bit of time in last few tendays or so cleansing some land further down the coast. Nice place if you like demonic perversion of a village and it's inhabitants and the very ground you walk on, anyway. That shouldn't be happening again there, although in fairness it might have been our fault that it happened in the first instance, but that is a much longer story that we likely don't have time for now..."
Unless Obsben stops him, Utar might just plough straight into the next story, oblivious.
(OOC - If this can be construed as in any way helpful, fine, otherwise Utar will add a religion check if allowed to or Obby gives him some details on her situation - 12)
Arriving at Phlan
Utar votes to return the horses and prevent incurring another day's rental, besides, Leadstopper Manor might not have enough room in the stables for all the animals and it might be best to stretch their own legs for a while anyway.
”Yes, let us return the mounts and our friend here I think.” says Graxx motioning to Spernik.
“Danger tends to follow us and I’d like to be responsible for one less life if possible. If not we can make arrangements.”
Graxx takes in a deep breath of the town.
”I have to say… It is nice to be back. As much as I love the wilds being able to breathe a little easier in the safety of town. Well… There is always danger but you know what I mean.” says Graxx.
"Hmm... I knew a Doozey once. Real... Really real sad fellow, from what I remembered. Like someone kicked his cat, fed it to a Bulette, and then served the crap made from it as some 'exotic dish'. And that's all within the same day." Said Obsben following the first half of the story. And it could've been that she would've taken the stories as merely just that: interesting tales for her to possibly weave into future narratives to spread in her travels. But being more the logical person than most gave her credit for, she does end up drifting in thought back to the scale, the connection, and the unsolved mysteries yet bound to it. As a bit of a transit soul, Obsben rarely if ever truly allowed herself to get attached to anyone, place, or thing. Not in the same way most others, at least. And yet...
"Hmm~ It's not as if I want to set anything on fire... nor am I turning into a dragon... I think? Hmm..."Ultimately, Obsben hadn't stopped Utar for sharing stories. If anything, they were encouraged along with a request of permission to write them down for future enjoyment! If denied as much, she of course then respects the Half-Orc's wishes... in the moment at least. But who was to say a quiet moment at some point in the future and away from the party wouldn't lead traitorous fingers into weaving something or other...
Either way, there are moments during the trip and lulls in conversation that again led her back to the scale and at least entertaining from a more arcane perspective the possibility of the shield doing the actual harm. (See previous post on roll)
In town...
"That would be for the best."Chimed in Obsben, her focus returning on the conversation at hand after throwing out another sending. "The sooner both -- along with the notes, which I did take care to make copies of when I could -- is off our hands, the better. Plus, we don't won't the raise the odds of that rather, uhm... "upstanding" guard captain or whatever coming across us slash hearing of our friend here and deciding to expedite certain matter."
She taps her chin a few times in further thought. "In fact, let's head right there with the mounts. I'll be able happy to give a bit of my cut later for any late fees or whatever." She further insists. But if the others are that determined to make the pitstop first, then she'd reluctantly acquiesce to the request.
To Harper:
"Back in Town. Heading to Lord Sage. Position too unstable to abscond with scale."
Utar shows some concern for Obsben, reiterating that they are there to help should the scale relic be a bigger burden that it seems.
@Utar: Cursed items are nothing new to you or to CRAP. Obsben currently has that same solemn look Graxx once displayed when wielding that accursed blade. It is a look of oblivious despair.
@Obsben: Though a bit reluctantly, you can no longer ignore all the signs. The flame inside you began burning brighter the moment you attuned to the fiery red scale. You now understand that, over time, this relic could very well be your downfall.
Graxx unmounts Glory and takes Spernik off as well.
Graxx will offer Spernik some of his rations.
"Eat... You need your strength..." says Graxx.
Graxx looks to Obsben.
"I can't think of anyone to send a message to. I could also send one to Captain Aleyd if needed."
Graxx looks to Utar.
"I say we don't risk a fire tonight. I know not everyone has completely recovered from the fight." says Graxx.
"We should be back in the warmth soon and out of this cold."
Graxx looks around at the surroundings.
"I will take first watch."
Perception: 10
"I seem to recall another shield a previous companion had that looked to be a dragon's scale," Neya says, thinking back to earlier adventures as she helps set up camp. "It may be a coincidence, as that shield's theme was more of an aesthetic, if memory serves?"
She takes second watch, doing the usual nighttime ritual prior to her shift.
Perception: 4
Also, she assesses if her own memory recalls correctly
History: 21
Extended Signature
"Oh my, that's quite a few more than I expected." She admits upon hearing the request. But after a bit of counting on her fingers and scrunching up her face a few times in thinking things over, she eventually smiled up at the party and said, "I can manage at least two of those tonight. But the rest, uh... will have to be tomorrow." She further assured. "So if you have any wording in particular mind for some, think on it, and let me know later, m'kay?~"
During the ride itself, Obsben seemed more distracted than usual, often needing Salty Bottom to help correct her course or fling snowballs her way during time's of rest. Though if ever asked what was the matter, she'd simply and brush things off as nothing being just a case of her developing a new story in her head! But even by her own strange standards as well, the lightling -- no matter how cumbersome in the moment it may be -- never let the scale leave her person; citing, if ever inquired, still needing to "feel it out more".
That evening in response to questions about fire and warmth, Obsben stood up proudly and declared, "Oh no need to worry about all that now. If you all could clear me about say... twenty or so feet of snow, I can take care of the rest. A story recently came to me about the Hospitality of a Gorgon, and I think the Great Weave will like it just enough to keep us safe for the evening.... well, us and Basil here. But nothing I can do about the other horses except save give'm a little extra Oomph in case there's any surprises tonight."
With that, and short of any insistence from others for further explanation, she empowered the horses for the night, then began pacing around in a wide circle and wove her tale of three gorgon sisters and their love for entertaining guest. But such was their mischievousness that any who stayed with them overnight would be subject to riddles or challenges of wit! Those that failed unfortunately would be made into statues made to pose and left in embarrassing positions. But those that succeeded would be given a great boon! At the end of the tale a great dome of silvery force swirled into being, before outwardly (if albeit loosely) appearing to blend into the surroundings. "There we go. We should keep watches just in case, of course." She further insists, then found a corner to quietly throw out a few sendings before finding her rest.
-Casting (5th level)Aid on Glühoof II, Glory and Opal. Granting 20 Max HP and Healing up to that amount.
-Cast Sending at 3rd and 4th level to the below targets.
To Harper:
"S'up Baby! It's your girl, Obby. Found powerful dragon scale of Big T. Maybe? On our way back now. Want me to ice the party?"
(@Lerus: I will say the above is in a playful tone, but Harper would know it isn't unlikely that she could be serious as well, and will do her best to follow through.)
To Sage:
"Salutations. CRAP agent Obsben speaking. Returning soon with Spernik, Books, and new discoveries on druids. Suggest begin preparations for powerful divinations. Discretely. Say more tomorrow."
Perception: 19. (Assuming SB can be considered helping, made a flat roll. But if not, feel free to roll the disadv. roll on my behalf.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
DM's Screen:
6, 20, 15, 17
(OOC: I am reluctant to resolve the Long Rest without having Graxx's potential sending message to Aleyd figured out, or giving you a chance to reply to the answer to all two/three sendings. Though unlikely, these details could change how you decide things going into the rest. In the meantime, I can clarify a few other things and ask couple of questions.)
Harper's response to Obby (first sentence also in playful tone):
"We don't "ice" allies, young one [chuckle]. If feasible, bring scale to me. Otherwise, take note of its final destination. I expect debrief upon arrival."
Lord Sage's response to Obby:
"Excellent news! I await for your arrival with eagerness. There is only so much we can do with short warning regarding powerful divinations. Nonetheless, hurry!"
Utar will break up the key and pass one part to each member of CRAP. To prevent the keys from harming their new holders, Utar has wrapped each part in a little of his ruined clothing. Offering each member of CRAP their choice of green, black, white or blue, he keeps the remaining part and stows it safely in his own pack.
"I remember Cato. Nature lover, terrifying in a fight. Always scribbling in a journal! He'd have liked the part of this adventure in the library, I'm sure. Wasn't his shield more defensive in nature? I certainly don't recall it doing anything offensive... Unless you were a dragon and happened to be on good terms with its former owner!"
Watching his attempt at a joke die in silence, Utar gets back to being useful.
"I can let Ekmong and Aleyd know of our return to Phlan in the morning."
OOC: No message to Aleyd from Graxx. He was just saying he could if someone wanted him to do so. My sincere apologies for the confusion.
Graxx will take the blue key from Utar.
”I will keep this as a reminder of how together we can overcome anything.”
Graxx reminisces as well laughing a bit.
”Ah, Cato. How many ten days has it been since we stood shoulder to shoulder. Many have come and gone in time. I’m thankful to Tempus for all those who have I have the honor of fighting beside in recent times.”
Graxx frowns.
”It makes me sad to think. One day… We’re going to fight our last battle together. Whether that be by one of us falling or going out separate ways. All things eventually come to and end. I’m thankful for each and every one of you and the memories we have shared together.”
The party continues to prepare their campfire-less camp for another night out in the wilds. Neya has a thought that pushes her into a memory. It is the memory of the first time she joined Utar and Graxx in a mission. They were brought together by the late Brother Keefe. Back then, before they named themselves the Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party, they were accompanied by some old friends: Drazzim, Darrius, Asley, and Cato. There had been others before them too: Rose, Charlotte, and Orla. And even others afterwards: Andmarir, Marfaen, Rag, and Praxx. It was only after meeting Doozey that the group felt complete, and now they are sharing that feeling with yet another newcomer: Obsben.
However, out of this incredible roster of adventurers, Neya is thinking of one in particular: a balding human man, middle aged and a bit overweight, usually dressed in black trousers, a white shirt, and a well-worn green velvet vest. Most distinctive of all, Cato carried a wide shield of pure black. A shield he fancied because it was not made of metal, but out of the scale of a black dragon. The Cult of the Dragon was after dragon-related artifacts even back then, but this shield was just another piece in a multitude of items the cult could have claimed. As impressive as it was, however, Neya is pretty sure that black scale was not enchanted, or perhaps it had lost its original dragon magic by then. She remembers Cato claiming they could sell the piece for a small fortune, but that he would rather use it as a shield than sell it into someone's art collection.
After the three veteran CRAPers reminisce a bit, they decide it is finally time to call it a night. Graxx gets a bit emotional, sharing a moment of true companionship with his "war band". He then sends everyone to bed and volunteers for the first watch.
@Graxx: In the hours following sundown, the wilds are still quite noisy. You identify the call of many animals. You hear nocturnal birds swooping by, night predators howling, rodents squeaking, horses neighing, and beasts snoring. None of them come near the party during your watch.
@Neya: Despite enhancing her eyes, at some point during the night, the fighting monk is sure she hears the noise of someone rummaging through a backpack. By the time she realizes it was her own gear that got sacked, the culprit had already vanished. (Neya loses 1 ration.)
@Utar: With his enchanted shield acting as the eye behind his back, Utar catches a glimpse of everything moving in the night near the camp. A pack of raccoons is dissuaded from getting nearer by the half-orc's vigilance.
@Obsben: Within your tiny hut, your attention is almost completely stolen by thoughts about the Scalebinder's Relic. You know you are not paying enough attention to your surroundings but hope that Salty Bottom is at least pulling his weight, as unlikely as that is. The burning inside you eventually builds up to a level that forces a squeak of pain out of you, waking all other CRAPers. Oh well, the sun was about to come up anyway. (Obsben takes 2 fire damage and her max HP drops by 2 as well.)
By the time the sun is fully above the horizon, Obsben's thoughtful spell on the mounts comes to an end, as does any previously cast iteration of this same spell on other party members. Those previous words of encouragement also run their course.
-> As the long rest is completed, all castings of Aid and benefits from Inspiring Leader end, as does Neya's Darkvision.
(OOC: The morning is yours. How would you like to proceed? Are you sending more messages?)
Neya will hold onto the green piece.
“It has been an invaluable chapter of our lives, so far. We’ve had many ups and downs. Best to do is enjoy the now.”
Extended Signature
Utar gives Obsben the choice between the remaining key parts: black or white. The half-orc pockets the other.
"What was that noise this morning, Obsben? Everything alright?"
"I mean, well..." She looks to her all white robe and hat, before shrugging and accepting the white key, noting it as a constellation prize should she not be able to fulfill other objectives...
"Hmm~ What was... what? .... Ohhh~ Uhmm... Just a bit of heart burn. You know those trail rations are, uhh... well, I got some spicy ones is all." She grins playfully and adds, "So spicy in fact, even a ring of fire resistance can't stop it, or so it seems.... or it could be *****y goddess I told you guys about being petty with some mild cursing." She rubs her chin in consideration for a bit, before then shrugging and saying, "But, uh, if you wouldn't happen to have anything for that, I would not be opposed."
Apart from standing by to see what came of Utar's reaction to all that, Obby would find time before the group's departure to again embolden a few; if not by magic, then with another of her rousing tales of heroship and silliness.
(OOC: Not entirely certain just how self-aware she is of the fact that she's cursed. But given her reluctance to part with it, playing it safe for now...)
-Cast 5th level(Aid) on Obsben, Basil, & Glory. Though Obsben only really net gains 17 due to ongoing curse.
-Cast 4th level(Aid) on Utar, and the two remaining horses.
-Granting the party(including SB & Spernik) 14 temp HP with Inspiring Leadership.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx listens to Obsben’s words then looks down at his hands defeated.
”Poison or disease I could help with but… Curses… They are out of reach for me.”
Graxx sighs…
”I hate to ask this Obsben but can you tell us more about this mild cursing? I was cursed once and it lead to me hurting the warband and nearly getting myself killed.”
"Shore~ But, hmm... I'm no expert of course, as my own situation was technically consider a blessing to my kin, and thus the angle of how I looked into that whole mess was different.... before finding my own little fix." Obsben waggled her fingers and grinned up at Graxx. "And it's really not all that bad. Just a bit of heart burn-" She admitted, before looking away half-muttering. "That may or may not be burning away at my soul."
"But nothing as bad as something that'll make me hurt others or anything, as that's not really "her" way, you know?" She adds frankly.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Ah, that's right. You can half that damage to just 1 fire damage and half the previous one to 0.5... zero damage.
Also, you may roll a religion or an arcana check to see if you realize you are cursed by the relic.
In the morning, Utar finishes passing out the puzzle-key pieces for safekeeping. Neya gets the green piece, Graxx the blue piece, Obsben the white piece, and Utar the black piece. The cleric then seeks clarification on the pained noise the halfling uttered earlier but it sounds like Obsben is associating her inner-burning with the "curse of luck" that follows her people, or something of the sort. Graxx tries to poke a little deeper but gets a similar response. It remains to be seen whether the little witch can put two and two together, and if she can, whether she is willing to spell it out to her companions.
For now, Obsben busies herself with her usual post-rest rituals (Aid and Inspiring Leader).
With that out of the way, the party continues their ride back to Phlan. The day is overcast but the ambient temperature rises by the hour as the group's altitude lowers. Spernik is felling better than he has over the last couple of days, that story by Obsben making him feel a bit of relief despite knowing he is probably going to be locked up, or worse. Unlike the previous day, Spernik does not complain or mumble from behind his mouth-gag.
Taking breaks only to eat, hydrate, and rest their rumps, the party approaches Phlan just around dusk. They pass by Ernst's Livery as they enter town and wonder if it is time to return the rented mounts. By then, the effects from the two castings of the Aid spell come to their end (though you may keep the temp HP from Inspiring Leader.)
Arcana: 23.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Still on the road
Pulling Gluhoof II alongside Obsben on the route back to Phlan, Utar tries to offer what help he can to try and determine whether the scale is indeed cursed. Telling her about Graxx's weapon as well as the tainted land of the islet that they had cleansed.
"...Just for reference Graxx found a weapon that spoke to him and demanded he obey its commands. We, that is, Neya, Doozey, another halfling that I'm sure you'd like, and me managed to bring the big man to his knees long enough for me to call upon Torm to unbind the weapon from Graxx's mind. This shield starts telling you to light fires, you let us know. We also spent a bit of time in last few tendays or so cleansing some land further down the coast. Nice place if you like demonic perversion of a village and it's inhabitants and the very ground you walk on, anyway. That shouldn't be happening again there, although in fairness it might have been our fault that it happened in the first instance, but that is a much longer story that we likely don't have time for now..."
Unless Obsben stops him, Utar might just plough straight into the next story, oblivious.
(OOC - If this can be construed as in any way helpful, fine, otherwise Utar will add a religion check if allowed to or Obby gives him some details on her situation - 12)
Arriving at Phlan
Utar votes to return the horses and prevent incurring another day's rental, besides, Leadstopper Manor might not have enough room in the stables for all the animals and it might be best to stretch their own legs for a while anyway.
(OOC As they lead Spernik through town, Utar will keep a watchful eye out for anyone following, you aren't paranoid if they actually are following you! - 27.)
Upon arriving in Phlan Graxx agrees with Utar.
”Yes, let us return the mounts and our friend here I think.” says Graxx motioning to Spernik.
“Danger tends to follow us and I’d like to be responsible for one less life if possible. If not we can make arrangements.”
Graxx takes in a deep breath of the town.
”I have to say… It is nice to be back. As much as I love the wilds being able to breathe a little easier in the safety of town. Well… There is always danger but you know what I mean.” says Graxx.
“If I recall, we first met with the Lord Sage in the late evening. Perhaps we might be able to deliver Spernk and the books to him tonight?”
Extended Signature
While on the Road...
"Hmm... I knew a Doozey once. Real... Really real sad fellow, from what I remembered. Like someone kicked his cat, fed it to a Bulette, and then served the crap made from it as some 'exotic dish'. And that's all within the same day." Said Obsben following the first half of the story. And it could've been that she would've taken the stories as merely just that: interesting tales for her to possibly weave into future narratives to spread in her travels. But being more the logical person than most gave her credit for, she does end up drifting in thought back to the scale, the connection, and the unsolved mysteries yet bound to it. As a bit of a transit soul, Obsben rarely if ever truly allowed herself to get attached to anyone, place, or thing. Not in the same way most others, at least. And yet...
"Hmm~ It's not as if I want to set anything on fire... nor am I turning into a dragon... I think? Hmm..." Ultimately, Obsben hadn't stopped Utar for sharing stories. If anything, they were encouraged along with a request of permission to write them down for future enjoyment! If denied as much, she of course then respects the Half-Orc's wishes... in the moment at least. But who was to say a quiet moment at some point in the future and away from the party wouldn't lead traitorous fingers into weaving something or other...
Either way, there are moments during the trip and lulls in conversation that again led her back to the scale and at least entertaining from a more arcane perspective the possibility of the shield doing the actual harm. (See previous post on roll)
In town...
"That would be for the best." Chimed in Obsben, her focus returning on the conversation at hand after throwing out another sending. "The sooner both -- along with the notes, which I did take care to make copies of when I could -- is off our hands, the better. Plus, we don't won't the raise the odds of that rather, uhm... "upstanding" guard captain or whatever coming across us slash hearing of our friend here and deciding to expedite certain matter."
She taps her chin a few times in further thought. "In fact, let's head right there with the mounts. I'll be able happy to give a bit of my cut later for any late fees or whatever." She further insists. But if the others are that determined to make the pitstop first, then she'd reluctantly acquiesce to the request.
To Harper:
"Back in Town. Heading to Lord Sage. Position too unstable to abscond with scale."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
ON THE ROAD
Utar shows some concern for Obsben, reiterating that they are there to help should the scale relic be a bigger burden that it seems.
@Utar: Cursed items are nothing new to you or to CRAP. Obsben currently has that same solemn look Graxx once displayed when wielding that accursed blade. It is a look of oblivious despair.
@Obsben: Though a bit reluctantly, you can no longer ignore all the signs. The flame inside you began burning brighter the moment you attuned to the fiery red scale. You now understand that, over time, this relic could very well be your downfall.