"right you are Vin, the most sense I've heard all day and I thank you for the company" hector says with a warm smile to vin and a less convincing smile toward the hell hound.
"You're also right Sam, though I have already thanked Griff you would not have understood that as you do not understand the common tongue of this realm, I ought to thank him properly" as the group are walking Sam feels a jolt and something heavy drop from his waist as the strap holding Griff's longsword comes loose and begins floating over to Hector's outstretched hand. Hector says a few more words to Griff in auran before handing over the sword and giving him a nod and continuing in common "whilst here you are under my protection and I will do my utmost to see no harm comes to you as will my guard, but with respect I will be keeping an eye on you."
With that short delay done with hector continues leading you guys along at a brisk pace, "we are upon the largest share of the broken Isles, making our way to the mount above the shattering, there we will seek audience with the elders so that your approach to the resting place of lumithor is not seen as a hostile one... The journey here carried risks, the journey between my two isles in this realm is fraught with possible dangers. The flock of cockatrice may have been roosting on on a nearby fragment, these fragments aren't big enough to be habitable by anything other than animals and wash around on the winds. They are opportunistic carrion birds petrify their prey and then dive alongside it picking away until it is no more before returning to roost. I believe Gewyn's summoning staved off their swarming enough that the lost smeagle may hopefully return to us once it shakes off the petrification, it is a homing animal after all, that is if it doesn't crash into some kind of fragment on its descent... As for preparing you there was no way of telling what we would encounter on our journey here, the constant movement of the isles makes any preparations moot, best to simply be prepared and vigilant for everything"
As Hector leads you through the side of this massive shard of cracked crystal, you all emerge onto the surface and into the winding streets of an ancient city, one that has suffered the great catastrophy, and then the majority of which has been left abandoned and crumbling. The closer you get to the mount the more people you see, kobold mostly but also dragonborn, air genasi, and shadar-kai. Hesitant and fearful, most take one look at a group of outsiders and hide, a handful of worker types do approach Hector with questions but after some words in auran they leave, disappointed.
Sam watches with some amusement as Griff's sword comes loose and beings floating away over to Hector. Amusement until he realizes his belt is undone and that Hector, in effect, was apparently trying to "pants" him! Quickly grabbing at his britches and his belt simultaneously, Sam turns red and turns away from the others as he tries to once again secure his family jewels in the proper fashion... Once done, Sam's embarrassment turns to anger and Sam simmers and plans his revenge. But otherwise acts like all is good and follows Hector, half listening to his malarky.
Vin does as Hector requested as they travel towards the surface of the giant shard, and ensures Neferox doesn't stray too far either. He listens to Hectors explanations without reply, focussing instead on their surroundings, and staying alert to any danger.
He was glad that at least some of the tension had subsided, and particularly that Griff had been trusted to walk unbound and even armed.
At one point during their journey, he approaches Sam, "I was wondering if you might help me with something. When you fight, you seem to be able to push your enemies away from you really easily, which allows you a certain amount of control. I was thinking that it would be really useful if my blasts of energy could have a similar effect. If I had been able to do something similar on the journey here, I could have protected everyone and the smeagles from those cockatrices far better". He looks at Sam, hoping that he hadn't picked a bad time, "Maybe you could work with me on it some time?". He hopes Sam agrees, because not only would it be a useful skill, but he feels he needs to do something to connect with his Half-Orc companion, having felt completely disconnected since he almost died. Ok, actually died and had to be brought back.
Once they arrive in the ancient city and he sees the workers approach Hector and retreat disappointed, he can't help but enquire, "What was that about?".
"supplies..." Hector says as a bit of an off hand answer to Vin's question, before further explaining, "the reason we were at Gojiin was to resupply, things that we can't make ot grow ourselves... but we only really got two loads of four over, we were supposed to be there a little longer to make deals and gather more but your arrival and request hastened our return. I wouldn't have been able to complete the supply run without leaving you all behind."
She feels Muir's hand on her shoulder. She appreciates it, but doesn't look up. She hears Sam and things just kinda boil over. She looks at him and holds his gaze for a moment. "Be as responsible for Sergor's deeds as he is? You really mean that?" The hurt and anger in her voice still there. But when he says 'I got you' the anger deflates. She gives Gewyn a smile as he talks to her, but cocks an eyebrow when he flicks her forehead wondering what the hell that was.
She heads over to Hector as things start to get going and his glance to Muir lightens her mood a touch, she can only imagine all the questions Hector withstood during those 10 hours on their last stretch. She's happy that Hector returns Griff's longsword and heads over to Griff, "Thank you. Truly, that.. I really wasn't sure we were going to make it with the rest and thanks for not just leaving us on that sled."
Seeing the other Shader-Kai is surprising to her, she realizes how little she knows of her race.
To Hector, "What should we know for our visit to the elders? Should we let you do the talking or how do you want to handle this?" She then looks a little sheepish, "I'm sorry about your supply run, we really appreciate this help."
Vin looks a little sheepish when Hector tells them they caused their supply run to be only half successful.
But he doesn't dwell on the supplies, asking instead ,"And will the good witch you spoke of be with the elders too? I am keen to speak with her and learn more of what it means to be....you know....brought back".
As he speaks of his death and revival, a low growl escapes from the throat of Neferox.
"It's ok, there was nothing you could have done to stop it", Vin whispers to her.
To Elthana Sam gives a noncommittal shrug and says "Well our only way to influence Sergor to let us know what Hog wanted to say and to free Hog is the bag. So whoever controls the bag, in some respects, is responsible for what happens. No?" Sam doesn't want more fighting but he does want to impress on Elthana and anyone else that he feels Hog is a hostage to the Treasury, or at least to Sergor, and that it's the team's responsibility to see he gets through all this safely. If not for their wanting him to deliver the load stone then Hog could have just evacuated to safety and not been in this position at all. He had signed up to run a shop, not to save the world or to be Sergor's pawn.
As they walk and Vin chats him up, Sam nods in understanding. "Controlling position can be just as important as hurting a foe, surely," Sam agrees. "What I do though has mostly to do with moments and bodyweight. A fight is kind of like a dance and how I move influences how they move, that allows me to dictate what they leave open or to choose to hit them while they are off balance and so on. I don't think it would translate directly to your magics... But I am sure with some time and practice we could adapt what we can and perhaps find even more ways..." Sam is already thinking upon this. He knows little of magic but the where and when to hit people would surely translate over... wouldn't it?
"I think out being attacked was more disruptive than our arrival... But tomato / total obscuring of the facts, as they say..." Sam grumbles when the supply run gets brought up.
"as the nature of your visit here is time sensitive i think the trip to see the good witch will have to wait until afterward, she lives in a lone house out in the lower shards with her partner, closer to the nature of this realm and out of reach of the cities and communes that have survived and flourished since the shattering..." Hector responds to vin and the group at large.
As the group gets closer to the mount there are visibly more people and along with them more patrols of warrior/guard type personell, they do not stop the group but brows are certainly raised and eyes keep a close watch. It appears that Hector's presence is easing your travels here. But alone with the rise in populace the group see build projects underway, and clearings for the growth of foods and resources, you see now as your position raises above the point of shattering below, that the cracks in this Ilse are populated by captured hafgufa who are used for farming purposes and capturing vapour streams for water. Even with the broken state of the isle, life continues to strive along.
"We are close to the mount at the top of the isle, it is not as grand or ostentatious as a Djiini palisade, but it is holy ground so to speak. I'll do the talking to start with if you don't mind and we'll see how far we get eh?" Hector muses with a smile. Then he has a thought, the smile fades and he flanges worriedly at Elthana. "Before we arrive does anyone have any magics that could alter the appearance of another?"
"I can't do anything like that, but Elthana and I are both pretty good at remaining hidden if it's not very bright", Vin suggests. "Although I would rather speak to these elders than do that".
"Who we trying to hide and why?" Sam asks, suspicious but glancing towards Griff thinking he's the likeliest suspect. "Is it truly your suggestion we go in lying from the get go? Plenty of people have seen us already, hard to imagine whatever you wish to hide wouldn't get revealed rather quickly through gossip if nothing else."
"Is it because I look like Nivara? Do you think she has made enemies with the elders? Make our conversation harder than it needs to be? I will do what is necessary and if hiding is it, I will. But Sam does have a point." Elthana looks down, feeling the weight of her unknown sister.
Sam considers Elthana's idea that it could be her and frowns. A moment later, though, he has an idea. Without breaking stride Sam gently places his helmet on Elthana and lowers the visor. "Hmmm, this could work," he says with mild amusement. "A bit loose though. Could you make your head a bit bigger?"
Muir nods "Nivara is not looked upon in high regards and Elthana is her clone. She destroyed a city.....Trying to convince them that Elthana is not Nivara could take up time and may not work. This is why Hector asks this...." Muir looks at Hector wondering what more he will add. "Unless he does speak about Griff and not Elthana but that seems unlikely in my head"
Elthana smiles at Sam's try and takes the visor back off. "I don't think this will work, but good..."she whips her head over to Muir, "Nivara destroyed a city?!"
Hector gives a wary glance to his dragonborn guards and nods in the direction of a small unassuming building. The dragonborn nod back and Hector leads the group to the door. "Very very short detour, hold this conversation for a moment..."
He enters and inside you all see a short blue skinned Goliath looking man tossing some kind grain into a large bowl, within which are two polished crystal slabs that are spinning quickly and filtering out flour from the sides. The man stops and looks confused at the group, then the stones stop as a small air elemental pokes it's face from the top of the large bowl.
Hector says a few words in auran and the Goliath looking guy gives a nod and a smile ushering you all into a back room.
The room is dimly lit as the crystal walls are thick, it feels safe enough to chat in without being overheard, through the thick door you hear the faint sounds of the bakers grindstone begin turning again as he himself begins whistling as he works.
"That man is a friend of mine, we can speak freely here... There's a few things you should all know before we meet the elders and this includes why I first came to this plane many lifetimes ago and what Elthana's predecessor, my sister, Nivara did. But first, are you ok with me continuing Elthana?..."
Vin is stunned speechless at the news Nivara destroyed an entire city. When Hector takes them into the private room and is about to tell them more, only to ask Elthana's permission, he turns to Elthana and gives her an encouraging nod.
"I know this is personal, Elthana. But it seems to me that this is something we all need to know before we face these elders. And it sounds like Muir knows part of it at least, anyway".
Elthana nods without Vin's encouragement. "Yes, I want them to know. I need to know and I can't imagine much of this is good and I'll need them to know. Please, continue Hector, but thank you for asking."
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"right you are Vin, the most sense I've heard all day and I thank you for the company" hector says with a warm smile to vin and a less convincing smile toward the hell hound.
"You're also right Sam, though I have already thanked Griff you would not have understood that as you do not understand the common tongue of this realm, I ought to thank him properly" as the group are walking Sam feels a jolt and something heavy drop from his waist as the strap holding Griff's longsword comes loose and begins floating over to Hector's outstretched hand. Hector says a few more words to Griff in auran before handing over the sword and giving him a nod and continuing in common "whilst here you are under my protection and I will do my utmost to see no harm comes to you as will my guard, but with respect I will be keeping an eye on you."
With that short delay done with hector continues leading you guys along at a brisk pace, "we are upon the largest share of the broken Isles, making our way to the mount above the shattering, there we will seek audience with the elders so that your approach to the resting place of lumithor is not seen as a hostile one... The journey here carried risks, the journey between my two isles in this realm is fraught with possible dangers. The flock of cockatrice may have been roosting on on a nearby fragment, these fragments aren't big enough to be habitable by anything other than animals and wash around on the winds. They are opportunistic carrion birds petrify their prey and then dive alongside it picking away until it is no more before returning to roost. I believe Gewyn's summoning staved off their swarming enough that the lost smeagle may hopefully return to us once it shakes off the petrification, it is a homing animal after all, that is if it doesn't crash into some kind of fragment on its descent... As for preparing you there was no way of telling what we would encounter on our journey here, the constant movement of the isles makes any preparations moot, best to simply be prepared and vigilant for everything"
As Hector leads you through the side of this massive shard of cracked crystal, you all emerge onto the surface and into the winding streets of an ancient city, one that has suffered the great catastrophy, and then the majority of which has been left abandoned and crumbling. The closer you get to the mount the more people you see, kobold mostly but also dragonborn, air genasi, and shadar-kai. Hesitant and fearful, most take one look at a group of outsiders and hide, a handful of worker types do approach Hector with questions but after some words in auran they leave, disappointed.
Sam watches with some amusement as Griff's sword comes loose and beings floating away over to Hector. Amusement until he realizes his belt is undone and that Hector, in effect, was apparently trying to "pants" him! Quickly grabbing at his britches and his belt simultaneously, Sam turns red and turns away from the others as he tries to once again secure his family jewels in the proper fashion... Once done, Sam's embarrassment turns to anger and Sam simmers and plans his revenge. But otherwise acts like all is good and follows Hector, half listening to his malarky.
Vin does as Hector requested as they travel towards the surface of the giant shard, and ensures Neferox doesn't stray too far either. He listens to Hectors explanations without reply, focussing instead on their surroundings, and staying alert to any danger.
He was glad that at least some of the tension had subsided, and particularly that Griff had been trusted to walk unbound and even armed.
At one point during their journey, he approaches Sam, "I was wondering if you might help me with something. When you fight, you seem to be able to push your enemies away from you really easily, which allows you a certain amount of control. I was thinking that it would be really useful if my blasts of energy could have a similar effect. If I had been able to do something similar on the journey here, I could have protected everyone and the smeagles from those cockatrices far better". He looks at Sam, hoping that he hadn't picked a bad time, "Maybe you could work with me on it some time?". He hopes Sam agrees, because not only would it be a useful skill, but he feels he needs to do something to connect with his Half-Orc companion, having felt completely disconnected since he almost died. Ok, actually died and had to be brought back.
Once they arrive in the ancient city and he sees the workers approach Hector and retreat disappointed, he can't help but enquire, "What was that about?".
"supplies..." Hector says as a bit of an off hand answer to Vin's question, before further explaining, "the reason we were at Gojiin was to resupply, things that we can't make ot grow ourselves... but we only really got two loads of four over, we were supposed to be there a little longer to make deals and gather more but your arrival and request hastened our return. I wouldn't have been able to complete the supply run without leaving you all behind."
She feels Muir's hand on her shoulder. She appreciates it, but doesn't look up. She hears Sam and things just kinda boil over. She looks at him and holds his gaze for a moment. "Be as responsible for Sergor's deeds as he is? You really mean that?" The hurt and anger in her voice still there. But when he says 'I got you' the anger deflates. She gives Gewyn a smile as he talks to her, but cocks an eyebrow when he flicks her forehead wondering what the hell that was.
She heads over to Hector as things start to get going and his glance to Muir lightens her mood a touch, she can only imagine all the questions Hector withstood during those 10 hours on their last stretch. She's happy that Hector returns Griff's longsword and heads over to Griff, "Thank you. Truly, that.. I really wasn't sure we were going to make it with the rest and thanks for not just leaving us on that sled."
Seeing the other Shader-Kai is surprising to her, she realizes how little she knows of her race.
To Hector, "What should we know for our visit to the elders? Should we let you do the talking or how do you want to handle this?" She then looks a little sheepish, "I'm sorry about your supply run, we really appreciate this help."
Vin looks a little sheepish when Hector tells them they caused their supply run to be only half successful.
But he doesn't dwell on the supplies, asking instead ,"And will the good witch you spoke of be with the elders too? I am keen to speak with her and learn more of what it means to be....you know....brought back".
As he speaks of his death and revival, a low growl escapes from the throat of Neferox.
"It's ok, there was nothing you could have done to stop it", Vin whispers to her.
To Elthana Sam gives a noncommittal shrug and says "Well our only way to influence Sergor to let us know what Hog wanted to say and to free Hog is the bag. So whoever controls the bag, in some respects, is responsible for what happens. No?" Sam doesn't want more fighting but he does want to impress on Elthana and anyone else that he feels Hog is a hostage to the Treasury, or at least to Sergor, and that it's the team's responsibility to see he gets through all this safely. If not for their wanting him to deliver the load stone then Hog could have just evacuated to safety and not been in this position at all. He had signed up to run a shop, not to save the world or to be Sergor's pawn.
As they walk and Vin chats him up, Sam nods in understanding. "Controlling position can be just as important as hurting a foe, surely," Sam agrees. "What I do though has mostly to do with moments and bodyweight. A fight is kind of like a dance and how I move influences how they move, that allows me to dictate what they leave open or to choose to hit them while they are off balance and so on. I don't think it would translate directly to your magics... But I am sure with some time and practice we could adapt what we can and perhaps find even more ways..." Sam is already thinking upon this. He knows little of magic but the where and when to hit people would surely translate over... wouldn't it?
"I think out being attacked was more disruptive than our arrival... But tomato / total obscuring of the facts, as they say..." Sam grumbles when the supply run gets brought up.
Muir says nothing and walks quietly along deep in thought….theres a first for everything
"as the nature of your visit here is time sensitive i think the trip to see the good witch will have to wait until afterward, she lives in a lone house out in the lower shards with her partner, closer to the nature of this realm and out of reach of the cities and communes that have survived and flourished since the shattering..." Hector responds to vin and the group at large.
As the group gets closer to the mount there are visibly more people and along with them more patrols of warrior/guard type personell, they do not stop the group but brows are certainly raised and eyes keep a close watch. It appears that Hector's presence is easing your travels here. But alone with the rise in populace the group see build projects underway, and clearings for the growth of foods and resources, you see now as your position raises above the point of shattering below, that the cracks in this Ilse are populated by captured hafgufa who are used for farming purposes and capturing vapour streams for water. Even with the broken state of the isle, life continues to strive along.
"We are close to the mount at the top of the isle, it is not as grand or ostentatious as a Djiini palisade, but it is holy ground so to speak. I'll do the talking to start with if you don't mind and we'll see how far we get eh?" Hector muses with a smile. Then he has a thought, the smile fades and he flanges worriedly at Elthana. "Before we arrive does anyone have any magics that could alter the appearance of another?"
Muir shakes his head "I could make her nearly undetectable instead"
"I can't do anything like that, but Elthana and I are both pretty good at remaining hidden if it's not very bright", Vin suggests. "Although I would rather speak to these elders than do that".
"It's an odd request too, what is your worry?".
"Who we trying to hide and why?" Sam asks, suspicious but glancing towards Griff thinking he's the likeliest suspect. "Is it truly your suggestion we go in lying from the get go? Plenty of people have seen us already, hard to imagine whatever you wish to hide wouldn't get revealed rather quickly through gossip if nothing else."
"Is it because I look like Nivara? Do you think she has made enemies with the elders? Make our conversation harder than it needs to be? I will do what is necessary and if hiding is it, I will. But Sam does have a point." Elthana looks down, feeling the weight of her unknown sister.
Sam considers Elthana's idea that it could be her and frowns. A moment later, though, he has an idea. Without breaking stride Sam gently places his helmet on Elthana and lowers the visor. "Hmmm, this could work," he says with mild amusement. "A bit loose though. Could you make your head a bit bigger?"
Muir nods "Nivara is not looked upon in high regards and Elthana is her clone. She destroyed a city.....Trying to convince them that Elthana is not Nivara could take up time and may not work. This is why Hector asks this...." Muir looks at Hector wondering what more he will add. "Unless he does speak about Griff and not Elthana but that seems unlikely in my head"
Elthana smiles at Sam's try and takes the visor back off. "I don't think this will work, but good..." she whips her head over to Muir, "Nivara destroyed a city?!"
Muir nods and says nothing more
Hector gives a wary glance to his dragonborn guards and nods in the direction of a small unassuming building. The dragonborn nod back and Hector leads the group to the door. "Very very short detour, hold this conversation for a moment..."
He enters and inside you all see a short blue skinned Goliath looking man tossing some kind grain into a large bowl, within which are two polished crystal slabs that are spinning quickly and filtering out flour from the sides. The man stops and looks confused at the group, then the stones stop as a small air elemental pokes it's face from the top of the large bowl.
Hector says a few words in auran and the Goliath looking guy gives a nod and a smile ushering you all into a back room.
The room is dimly lit as the crystal walls are thick, it feels safe enough to chat in without being overheard, through the thick door you hear the faint sounds of the bakers grindstone begin turning again as he himself begins whistling as he works.
"That man is a friend of mine, we can speak freely here... There's a few things you should all know before we meet the elders and this includes why I first came to this plane many lifetimes ago and what Elthana's predecessor, my sister, Nivara did. But first, are you ok with me continuing Elthana?..."
Vin is stunned speechless at the news Nivara destroyed an entire city. When Hector takes them into the private room and is about to tell them more, only to ask Elthana's permission, he turns to Elthana and gives her an encouraging nod.
"I know this is personal, Elthana. But it seems to me that this is something we all need to know before we face these elders. And it sounds like Muir knows part of it at least, anyway".
Elthana nods without Vin's encouragement. "Yes, I want them to know. I need to know and I can't imagine much of this is good and I'll need them to know. Please, continue Hector, but thank you for asking."