Almeric had been totally focussed on the Moon Demon during the fight and did not even notice the Giant Elk appearing behind him. Combat can be dynamic and confusing, no place for indecision or doubt and it is important to defeat the enemy in front of you quickly. No that the combat is over, it appeared the little girl had pulled another remarkable trick to increase her currency and potential. Cairneach, Tana and probably Thatch were engaged with Fahm, which meant Almeric could have some quiet time with Fergus.
Thatch goes and recovers his two arrows, checking them for damage before returning them to his quiver. Seeing Cainneach and Tana with the Giant Elk, he joins them, approaching with caution. “It is a majestic animal, but how did it get here? Is it friendly? What does it have to do with Famh?”
Tana immediately turns to Almeric when the fight is over, casting a glance over his wounds while he prays. She notes that the injuries could have been worse but shuffles around her pouch to produce some gauze to stem the bleeding. Offering to patch him up quickly, Tana gives an approving nod at her medical handiwork before seeing if anyone else had been hit.
At Cainneach's voice, Tana darts a glance over – having nearly forgotten about the giant elk now in their presence. Blinking curiously at the creature, she registers Cainneach's words and notes the missing form of Famh. Strange that she hadn't made the connection before.
"Yes, of course! Let me see if I can communicate with her." She responds with a faint smile in both their directions before gently prodding at the elk's mind.
'Famh? Are you alright? What happened?'
(I totally forgot to add but the first part is meant to be a Cure Wounds for Almeric oops 10 hitpoints)
"TANAAAA!!!" The wail of Famh's answering voice in the young druid's mind is immediate and unmistakable. Strangely, she seems less frantic than Tana would have expected, but for some reason rather more embarrassed. "I don't know what happened! It was one of the fae glamours I was using, but the one they taught me the longest ago and the one I know best. Naught but a little tonic for my constitution at first, so I'd not come down with sneezes and sniffles all the time on the chilly muirs; but it also gives me extra vigour of heart and limb that's seen me through a few perils hale. But it's never turned me into a beast before!"
"But I'm afraid I was terribly unfair to Primroseblossom. You know, the unicorn? He promised to protect Cainneach when I talked to him above; and, well, I was so upset when I realized what had happened I actually believed that Primroseblossom had played me a mean trick and protected Cainneach by turning me into this great huge lumpy beast so I could guard him without bothering to tell me how to get back. But even as I thought that it was as if I heard someone whispering to me not to be so silly, that he's a unicorn so of course he wouldn't be that cruel, and that I could change back if I only found the right 'mindset'. Whatever that means. So I'm going to try now, as hard as I can. But thank you so much, I'm so grateful just to be able to talk to you. I was so terribly afraid for a moment that no one would r... " She gulps, and her eyes flicker briefly towards Ori's club and Cainneach's bow. "Please stay by, I'll need your help if I don't manage to figure out this 'mindset' thing by myself."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The trance Famh-elk is in slowly grows deeper as she reaches into the core of her being to find that part which is most deeply, truly Famh. It reaches the point where she seems as wrapped in meditation as Sir Almeric had been. And no one with the slightest drop of sympathy for her situation can look upon her and not realize she is praying just as fervently ... indeed perhaps far more, crying out from the depths of her soul in a need like none she has ever known.
As her calm deepens still further and begins to make some headway against her desperation, those who are most deeply in touch with her true self at the moment begin to sense that she is appealing to at least three separate powers and prinicipalities of the spiritual realm. Salt perhaps only feels the undifferentiated whole with the instinctive innocent holiness of a true born beast. As a druid, Tana has spent her life in the liminal realm connecting the worlds of flesh and spririt and could find a path blindfold if need be; while Cainneach knows she is praying for him as well as herself, and shares enough of Famh's upbringing and life trajectory to understand who she would most likely be praying to. And of course, in his case... ;) As he eases deeper into the closeness between them, he thinks he can even hear her voice for the first time since her transformation ... if only in the silence of his listening heart.
"Morkaan; Lugh Lamfadha; Brigidh my Lady of fire and song; oh One True Holiness in many Old Thulish guises; my blood cries out to you!; the blood of a daughter of Thuland and of the Madhir fae cries your keen. Free me now from this elk's hame in which you armed and armored me; the battle is done and my dear companion calls me back who is also Your son." (WIS save 14)
"Gatanades; oh Mouth of God that whispers truth into the heart, guide my soul back to the body Briher Cadfael christened me in, I pray. Oh Eye of God who has watched over me from my birth and knows my good and ill; if my sins merit not that I be condemned to this form forever, help me see the path back to my own, I pray. And Fist of God or Pancrator, whether the new Selentines be right about ye or the old, let me but return to my body ere ye judge and smite me, but smite me to the heart if this happened to me for ever -- even unknowingly -- betraying ... those I care about." (INT save 4)
"And oh Primroseblossom, I'm so so sorry, I should have known you'd never be that mean. I don't know how I let such a horrible thought cross my mind and I promise I'll always remember its' but the Diachba (Fates) and price of my fae powers and no fault of yours, whatever might hap after this; if you'll only please whisper a hint in my ear about how to do this and change back. Please?..." (*whatever ability Famh clutches at most frantically as possibly having something to do with this*) (d8 ( ); ability roll in parenthesis after ability name. 1= Arcana ("The faeries did it, in the horrible ruin, with a Famh!")(7); 2= Nature ("Well isn't this just ducky, I'm an elk. What can I think of that's as not-elky as possible? For that matter, what does make them so bloody elky anyway?")(3); 3= Religion ("Morkaanades! HEEELP!")(2); 4=Athletics ("...breathe, Famh. Breathe!")(7); 5=Medicine ("Does it help if I nibble on some of this lichen over here?")(10); 6=Persuasion (casting dignity to the winds and really starting to blub and plead with Primroseblossom in her mind); 7=Acrobatics ( "....maybe if I get my body into the right position it will help my mind get into the right position?" )(18) * 8= cast a random spell in her mind and see what happens ("Well, magic and the Diachba got me into this. Just maybe ,,,")(d6 among all her spells, rolled in campaign log (5=catapult)
(seems to be contagious, I totally forgot to add the d8 roll that would make sense of the last part of that by telling us the ability Famh randomly clutches at is 1,
...Arcana. Oooch.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Watching Famh center herself, Tana quickly assures the others that Famh appears to be fine before turning back to aid her.
'I've never quite seen such a transformation... not an unintentional one at least. Beasts, though uncommon among my circles, were easily able to shift at command and never once felt stuck to a form.' She notes into Famh's mind, tipping her head curiously up at the creature.
'Try to hold onto what made you the person you were, perhaps imagine yourself and your appearance?'Tana attempts to coax Famh's transformation.
Almeric takes the opportunity of this distraction by Fahm to have a quiet word with Fergus. Taking the scribe by the arm, the Capellar walks them both to the chambers doorway.
"Many members of my Order have more than one master. When you have people who are experts in their field, they attract many interested parties. As mission commander, it is my job to ensure that there are no conflicting aims among all these masters. That can be a nuanced and delicate job. When I offered to kill you earlier, it was because I had identified a potential conflict from your Master and mine. We are not at that time yet, but my offer is sincere."
"I am grateful that your master kept you alive and guided you. I also got to test the effectiveness of my Holy Relic against infernal demons and spirits, which was invaluable. Do you have anything to say before we move on?"
Cainneach can hardly watch as Famh and Tana commune and the elk appears to drop into a fiercely meditative state, if such a thing makes sense. Perhaps it's the commingled magic of the two women and the fae, amplified by the elder power of the elk form, but Cainneach swears he can feel Famh's prayers filling the room, devoted and desperate in equal measure. He turns away for a moment, attempting to gather himself and galvanize his belief in Morkaan and the Old Gods, such that he might also offer a prayer on Famh's behalf. As he looks away, however, the forester sees Almeric ... and Fergus. "Oh yes, I'd nearly forgotten about that little puzzlement. What are the two of them talking about? Did Fergus intentionally release that monster? Was it Almeric's bidding? The Cappellar took a beating, but the gleam in his eye after the battle was concerning. He appeared to pray as fervently as Famh is now, but there was something about it, something consuming, dark. I can only imagine what words pass between those two now, but I can't quite see their lips ... I'll have to try to speak to Fergus out of Almeric's reach. Maybe with Thatch and Ori, could use some backup in case something goes awry ... Damn, I'd best get back to Famh, too many things ..." Cainneach pivots back toward the elk and the others, pausing to say to Thatch, "Pray with me for her return, if you would, friend. Famh seems safe in her current form, but I don't think she wants to remain that way. And when we're done, would you join me in speaking to Fergus? I'm concerned about our scribe." Cainneach nods grimly, kneels and implores Morkaan to aid in the unbinding of whatever magic has sealed Famh in the body of this elk.
Thatch places his hand on the Elk’s snout, seeking to calm the animal as Tana connects with it, while also reassuring Cainneach “Ah, Famh, you are truly marvelous. Surely she can return to her form, or the spell will run its course and wear off eventually.” Thatch tries to sound positive, but still knows very little of the fae magic. He turns his attention to Sir Almeric and Fergus as Cainneach mentions them. “You don’t think he released it on purpose, do you? Still, it did look like he did something that caused the specter to appear. Lead on when you are ready, I will support you.”
Fergus looks at the elk concerned but out of his depth to help Famh. As he watches the others reach out to her, he feels his arm being pulled as he is lead aside.
"Thank you for the sincere offer. I will do the same should ever the time come.
As I see it there is no conflict Sir, of any kind. Much like earlier with the sceptre, I was too hasty in my actions and inadvertently released that being. Fortunate though, when you think about it. Better that we released it than some exploring child or delving farmer. We have secured the area as per our benefactor's command. Congratulations, mission commander."
Fergus bows and heads back to the others to see if there is anything he can do to help.
(Deception: 14 for any of those who want to check if he meant to walk on the pattern. Arcana: 10 for helping Famh return to form.)
Fergus looks at the elk concerned but out of his depth to help Famh. As he watches the others reach out to her, he feels his arm being pulled as he is lead aside.
"Thank you for the sincere offer. I will do the same should ever the time come.
As I see it there is no conflict Sir, of any kind. Much like earlier with the sceptre, I was too hasty in my actions and inadvertently released that being. Fortunate though, when you think about it. Better that we released it than some exploring child or delving farmer. We have secured the area as per our benefactor's command. Congratulations, mission commander."
Fergus bows and heads back to the others to see if there is anything he can do to help.
(Deception: 14 for any of those who want to check if he meant to walk on the pattern. Arcana: 10 for helping Famh return to form.)
Almeric laughs in relief and slaps Fergus on the back, as if they are making a joke.
"Excellent! I would be really very sad to lose you Fergus. Of those here assembled, you are the most suitable for a life in the Order. I would be glad to make the introductions at some point in the future. I cannot play at castle noble for ever, and will be heading south next year, once my duty to Gorham is fulfilled. I would sincerely like you to come with me, so think about it."
With that, Almeric begins a thorough search of the place, looking for silver or gold as before.
There is little more in this chamber though some of the silver ritual items though tarnished may be worth 100gp or so to someone not overly discerning.
The Giant Cervid remains in the room as others in the group try to coax Famh out of her new form, it seems retracing steps will be needed to explore new areas in this ruin...
Watching Famh center herself, Tana quickly assures the others that Famh appears to be fine before turning back to aid her.
'I've never quite seen such a transformation... not an unintentional one at least. Beasts, though uncommon among my circles, were easily able to shift at command and never once felt stuck to a form.' She notes into Famh's mind, tipping her head curiously up at the creature.
'Try to hold onto what made you the person you were, perhaps imagine yourself and your appearance?'Tana attempts to coax Famh's transformation.
(Either Help Action or Animal Handling: 18)
"That's the trouble, Tana. If I'd known how it happened ... " Famh's 'voice' is growing steadier by the moment; she seems wonderfully comforted just to have someone to 'talk' to after ... to her ... such an infinitely long eternity with only an elk's bugle to communicate with. "I think you've given me the hint I need now, but ... it may take a bit. And it might not be the most pleasant thing to see. I get the feeling I'll have to ... reweave ... my sinews from elk to human again. Please warn everyone." She looks about for a place in the room where she can be out of direct view, but close enough to call for or provide aid in case another moon-thing should appear before she is finished. "As to what ultimately made it happen, I'm beginning to fear it's naught other than the same fae glamour that lets me do such strange sorcery to begin with. And it worked! I can feel the vigour in me even now. It's just ... I suppose I'll be taking a chance each time."
"And wonderful things can happen too! I think that's how I came to meet Primroseblossom, come to think ... " Her voice trails off as she moves over to the spot she's spotted and ... first making sure Cainneach does not have to watch this and that Tana has had time to pass the word on to the others ... she sets her jaw and begins the "reweaving".
===========================
(OOC: Our generous DM also offered that "2) Famh ... (can) ...change... back to human immediately........but has an elks lower legs, hooves, tail, antlers and ears until the end of her next long rest." I thought that would be a little longer than she could bear her handsome Thulish lad seeing her like that though. ;)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Is Famh-Elk too large at present to re-enter the tunnels? If so, Cainneach volunteers to stay with her, apparently not watching over her too closely, lest he be ... disturbed by the undoing of her transformation. ;-)
Cainneach concludes his prayers to Morkaan and looks up hopefully toward Famh, only to be disappointed in seeing that she still remains trapped in her massive elk form. The explanation from Tana is somewhat reassuring, although the "unweaving" sounds potentially unpleasant. He walks quickly to Famh-Elk, gives her as big a hug as he can manage around the huge beast's neck and whispers, "I trust in your powers and Morkaan to deliver you back to us, mo ghràidh. But if it takes a bit longer than we hope, I'll stand by you as long as need be." He looks meaningfully into her eyes and tries to smile reassuringly. The affection in the look, however, is fully genuine. He then turns back to the others.
Fergus bows and heads back to the others to see if there is anything he can do to help.
(Deception: 14 for any of those who want to check if he meant to walk on the pattern. Arcana: 10 for helping Famh return to form.)
Cainneach quickly grabs Thatch and Ori as Fergus heads back their way, then intervenes to have a quick word with the scribe before he can reach Famh and Tana. "Fergus, are you all right, man? We're all a bit concerned for you, can't figure as to why you would have breached that ritual circle. I'd think we've had enough experience at this point to avoid things of that nature if possible. You seemed to have an odd look about you heading toward it. Just want to make sure we're all on the same page here."
The Giant Cervid remains in the room as others in the group try to coax Famh out of her new form, it seems retracing steps will be needed to explore new areas in this ruin...
Finally, Cainneach volunteers the following to the party: "Unless we're happy with returning to the Baron and the ship, we've still yet to explore a few places in this gods-forsaken place. We can take the first passage heading east, back to where we descended to this floor. From there, the passage continues further east, or we can head north to another set of stairs heading downward. I believe we've covered everywhere else thus far."Cainneach proffers the map he's been maintaining if anyone asks to have a look.
The silence which echoes from the corner Famh-elk has withdrawn herself to may be reassuring to those who know little of anatomy, or who missed the word passed on by Tana: "reweaving". The others, if they can bear to think about it, can only imagine the titanic struggle she is going through not only to reshape her body but to not cry out while she is doing it ... and the more perceptive among the group might have some slight guess who she is struggling the hardest to avoid distressing more than the situation makes grimly unavoidable. In fact, you imagine a grim look settling in on her face as the sound of her breathing becomes deeper and slower. She is clearly using the trance she learned was in her but a few moments agone to try and ride out the pain. And you imagine beads of sweat rolling down her forehead as the slow seconds tick by and her slow breathing begins to be interrupted by little catches. But it is well over a minute, and you fear that Famh's will will crack and she'll cry out in her suffering, when suddenly her voice sets the echoes of the chamber dancing with a far more triumphant cry in Old Thulish, "<Cuimhnich Bàs Ailpein, buaidh shònraichte, Morkaan, Brigidh, Lugh!>". And it is with no less fervent joy that Famh-Famh continues to pray thanksgiving as she cleans herself with water from her skin and then walks back towards the retinue in her fully human form.
"Oh eternal God of Holiness who has called to your children in love since the dawn of time in the voice they were best able to hear; oh courteous Lord who spoke to thy servant Saint Julian of Norwich in her grave illness and told her thy name was Love. Praise be to Thee whose meaning was Love, Who was the Love who showed Thyself unto her for Love; and who has fulfilled in me Thy promise unto her: that 'Thou canst make all things well; Thou wilt make all things well; Thou shalt make all things well; and she unto whom Thou speakest can see for herself with joyous eyes and heart that ALL manner of things shall be well.' "
She leans on her short staff as she walks over towards the group that had been clustered around her. Her eyes go first to Cainneach, and an odd smile crosses her face at the same time that ... well, but of course the exertion of her transformation has both her cheeks covered with the rosiest of blushes, I'm sure it doesn't mean anything at all whatsoever about what might or might not be passing in her mind regarding a certain handsome Thulish forester lad ...,;,;,;}
She seems torn about something for a moment as her gaze lingers upon him; then she looks about at the surroundings and apparently decides to postpone it till later. Knowing Famh, you imagine that she is imagining somewhere considerably safer and an infinite degree more pleasant and comfortable She turns instead to include first Salt, then Tana and then the rest of the group, and says simply, "Thank you. From all of the depths of my heart." She seems a little discontented with the awkward phrasing, but there is no doubt as to her sincerity.
===========================
(sorry, meant to post these two together & then couldn't find this one and had to reconstruct)
With Famh restored, demons vanquished and bodies looted the companions can continue onwards......stairs downward, the eastern corridor or heading back out and shipward.
In the wearness following her struggles to reclaim her body from the elk form nd the subsequent reunion with ALL the friends she has grown to care about, Famh needs a moment to take a breath and remind herself exactly who and where she is. This last seems particularly difficult for her to accept, although she seems to have no problem with who is there with her. She sweeps the place several times with her gaze before turning (back) to her countryman with a sigh. "You know, Cainneach, the first few days on the ship, I thought no place could be more miserable to be than under that awning. Then I heard the stories the sailors were telling about what we'll face when we round Cape Calogon on our way to Beltayn, and I changed my mind and was sure THAT would be the most horrible place in the world." She looks back at the spot to which the stony spectre had been bound, and then around at the sprawled bones and the grim architecture of this temple to a moon ailing in eternal eclipse. "I think I'd like to change my mind again."
Whatever he may answer, the very sound of his voice and the steadiness of his gaze as he replies suddenly seems to trigger something in her mind, and she gazes at him anxiously. Her voice lowers to a confidential murmur as she asks, "Cainneach. Please tell me truth. I wasn't ... I wasn't a terribly ... FAT elk, was I??? ... ... .... ... ... And ... ummmmmmmmmmmmm ....*whisper* was the elk a... a... *#* " She suddenly gulps and falls silent. In fact, she falls silent with extreme haste as she realizes she's gone too far in her anxiety and mentioned the very point she's most desperate to NOT draw Cainneach's attention to, in case by some miracle he hadn't already noticed the elk's telltale lack of feminine grace. After a moment, she quickly finishes with a hasty casualness that she has not the slightest idea how well she is assuming (Deception roll 18), "...a hussy? I mean, I was modest about not showing ... you know ... wasn't I?" As the blush that covers her face from cheek to cheek would be perfectly appropriate for that question also, she trusts she has provided a plausible reason for her sudden concern that might also give him a chance to draw a gentlemanly veil of courtesy over the subject her unfortunate slip of the tongue had almost started a conversation about. And though she will NEVER believe anyone who tries to assure her that she actually hadn't been a boy elk, she just might be willing to accept that she'd hidden the salient evidence well enough that Cainneach really didn't see. In fact, she rather fervently hopes so.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
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Almeric had been totally focussed on the Moon Demon during the fight and did not even notice the Giant Elk appearing behind him. Combat can be dynamic and confusing, no place for indecision or doubt and it is important to defeat the enemy in front of you quickly. No that the combat is over, it appeared the little girl had pulled another remarkable trick to increase her currency and potential. Cairneach, Tana and probably Thatch were engaged with Fahm, which meant Almeric could have some quiet time with Fergus.
Thatch goes and recovers his two arrows, checking them for damage before returning them to his quiver. Seeing Cainneach and Tana with the Giant Elk, he joins them, approaching with caution. “It is a majestic animal, but how did it get here? Is it friendly? What does it have to do with Famh?”
(I totally forgot to add but the first part is meant to be a Cure Wounds for Almeric oops 10 hitpoints)
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)
"But I'm afraid I was terribly unfair to Primroseblossom. You know, the unicorn? He promised to protect Cainneach when I talked to him above; and, well, I was so upset when I realized what had happened I actually believed that Primroseblossom had played me a mean trick and protected Cainneach by turning me into this great huge lumpy beast so I could guard him without bothering to tell me how to get back. But even as I thought that it was as if I heard someone whispering to me not to be so silly, that he's a unicorn so of course he wouldn't be that cruel, and that I could change back if I only found the right 'mindset'. Whatever that means. So I'm going to try now, as hard as I can. But thank you so much, I'm so grateful just to be able to talk to you. I was so terribly afraid for a moment that no one would r... " She gulps, and her eyes flicker briefly towards Ori's club and Cainneach's bow. "Please stay by, I'll need your help if I don't manage to figure out this 'mindset' thing by myself."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
The trance Famh-elk is in slowly grows deeper as she reaches into the core of her being to find that part which is most deeply, truly Famh. It reaches the point where she seems as wrapped in meditation as Sir Almeric had been. And no one with the slightest drop of sympathy for her situation can look upon her and not realize she is praying just as fervently ... indeed perhaps far more, crying out from the depths of her soul in a need like none she has ever known.
As her calm deepens still further and begins to make some headway against her desperation, those who are most deeply in touch with her true self at the moment begin to sense that she is appealing to at least three separate powers and prinicipalities of the spiritual realm. Salt perhaps only feels the undifferentiated whole with the instinctive innocent holiness of a true born beast. As a druid, Tana has spent her life in the liminal realm connecting the worlds of flesh and spririt and could find a path blindfold if need be; while Cainneach knows she is praying for him as well as herself, and shares enough of Famh's upbringing and life trajectory to understand who she would most likely be praying to. And of course, in his case... ;) As he eases deeper into the closeness between them, he thinks he can even hear her voice for the first time since her transformation ... if only in the silence of his listening heart.
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
...Arcana. Oooch.
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Watching Famh center herself, Tana quickly assures the others that Famh appears to be fine before turning back to aid her.
'I've never quite seen such a transformation... not an unintentional one at least. Beasts, though uncommon among my circles, were easily able to shift at command and never once felt stuck to a form.' She notes into Famh's mind, tipping her head curiously up at the creature.
'Try to hold onto what made you the person you were, perhaps imagine yourself and your appearance?' Tana attempts to coax Famh's transformation.
(Either Help Action or Animal Handling: 17)
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)
Almeric takes the opportunity of this distraction by Fahm to have a quiet word with Fergus. Taking the scribe by the arm, the Capellar walks them both to the chambers doorway.
"Many members of my Order have more than one master. When you have people who are experts in their field, they attract many interested parties. As mission commander, it is my job to ensure that there are no conflicting aims among all these masters. That can be a nuanced and delicate job. When I offered to kill you earlier, it was because I had identified a potential conflict from your Master and mine. We are not at that time yet, but my offer is sincere."
"I am grateful that your master kept you alive and guided you. I also got to test the effectiveness of my Holy Relic against infernal demons and spirits, which was invaluable. Do you have anything to say before we move on?"
Cainneach can hardly watch as Famh and Tana commune and the elk appears to drop into a fiercely meditative state, if such a thing makes sense. Perhaps it's the commingled magic of the two women and the fae, amplified by the elder power of the elk form, but Cainneach swears he can feel Famh's prayers filling the room, devoted and desperate in equal measure. He turns away for a moment, attempting to gather himself and galvanize his belief in Morkaan and the Old Gods, such that he might also offer a prayer on Famh's behalf. As he looks away, however, the forester sees Almeric ... and Fergus. "Oh yes, I'd nearly forgotten about that little puzzlement. What are the two of them talking about? Did Fergus intentionally release that monster? Was it Almeric's bidding? The Cappellar took a beating, but the gleam in his eye after the battle was concerning. He appeared to pray as fervently as Famh is now, but there was something about it, something consuming, dark. I can only imagine what words pass between those two now, but I can't quite see their lips ... I'll have to try to speak to Fergus out of Almeric's reach. Maybe with Thatch and Ori, could use some backup in case something goes awry ... Damn, I'd best get back to Famh, too many things ..." Cainneach pivots back toward the elk and the others, pausing to say to Thatch, "Pray with me for her return, if you would, friend. Famh seems safe in her current form, but I don't think she wants to remain that way. And when we're done, would you join me in speaking to Fergus? I'm concerned about our scribe." Cainneach nods grimly, kneels and implores Morkaan to aid in the unbinding of whatever magic has sealed Famh in the body of this elk.
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
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Thatch places his hand on the Elk’s snout, seeking to calm the animal as Tana connects with it, while also reassuring Cainneach “Ah, Famh, you are truly marvelous. Surely she can return to her form, or the spell will run its course and wear off eventually.” Thatch tries to sound positive, but still knows very little of the fae magic. He turns his attention to Sir Almeric and Fergus as Cainneach mentions them. “You don’t think he released it on purpose, do you? Still, it did look like he did something that caused the specter to appear. Lead on when you are ready, I will support you.”
Fergus looks at the elk concerned but out of his depth to help Famh. As he watches the others reach out to her, he feels his arm being pulled as he is lead aside.
"Thank you for the sincere offer. I will do the same should ever the time come.
As I see it there is no conflict Sir, of any kind. Much like earlier with the sceptre, I was too hasty in my actions and inadvertently released that being.
Fortunate though, when you think about it. Better that we released it than some exploring child or delving farmer.
We have secured the area as per our benefactor's command. Congratulations, mission commander."
Fergus bows and heads back to the others to see if there is anything he can do to help.
(Deception: 14 for any of those who want to check if he meant to walk on the pattern.
Arcana: 10 for helping Famh return to form.)
Almeric laughs in relief and slaps Fergus on the back, as if they are making a joke.
"Excellent! I would be really very sad to lose you Fergus. Of those here assembled, you are the most suitable for a life in the Order. I would be glad to make the introductions at some point in the future. I cannot play at castle noble for ever, and will be heading south next year, once my duty to Gorham is fulfilled. I would sincerely like you to come with me, so think about it."
With that, Almeric begins a thorough search of the place, looking for silver or gold as before.
There is little more in this chamber though some of the silver ritual items though tarnished may be worth 100gp or so to someone not overly discerning.
The Giant Cervid remains in the room as others in the group try to coax Famh out of her new form, it seems retracing steps will be needed to explore new areas in this ruin...
(So these scimitars are silvered? Might come in handy if so.)
( Ah. No the scimitars are steel....though not the best nick. The ritual torcs, chains etc are all silver.)
"That's the trouble, Tana. If I'd known how it happened ... " Famh's 'voice' is growing steadier by the moment; she seems wonderfully comforted just to have someone to 'talk' to after ... to her ... such an infinitely long eternity with only an elk's bugle to communicate with. "I think you've given me the hint I need now, but ... it may take a bit. And it might not be the most pleasant thing to see. I get the feeling I'll have to ... reweave ... my sinews from elk to human again. Please warn everyone." She looks about for a place in the room where she can be out of direct view, but close enough to call for or provide aid in case another moon-thing should appear before she is finished. "As to what ultimately made it happen, I'm beginning to fear it's naught other than the same fae glamour that lets me do such strange sorcery to begin with. And it worked! I can feel the vigour in me even now. It's just ... I suppose I'll be taking a chance each time."
"And wonderful things can happen too! I think that's how I came to meet Primroseblossom, come to think ... " Her voice trails off as she moves over to the spot she's spotted and ... first making sure Cainneach does not have to watch this and that Tana has had time to pass the word on to the others ... she sets her jaw and begins the "reweaving".
===========================
(OOC: Our generous DM also offered that "2) Famh ... (can) ...change... back to human immediately........but has an elks lower legs, hooves, tail, antlers and ears until the end of her next long rest." I thought that would be a little longer than she could bear her handsome Thulish lad seeing her like that though. ;)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
(Is Famh-Elk too large at present to re-enter the tunnels? If so, Cainneach volunteers to stay with her, apparently not watching over her too closely, lest he be ... disturbed by the undoing of her transformation. ;-)
Cainneach concludes his prayers to Morkaan and looks up hopefully toward Famh, only to be disappointed in seeing that she still remains trapped in her massive elk form. The explanation from Tana is somewhat reassuring, although the "unweaving" sounds potentially unpleasant. He walks quickly to Famh-Elk, gives her as big a hug as he can manage around the huge beast's neck and whispers, "I trust in your powers and Morkaan to deliver you back to us, mo ghràidh. But if it takes a bit longer than we hope, I'll stand by you as long as need be." He looks meaningfully into her eyes and tries to smile reassuringly. The affection in the look, however, is fully genuine. He then turns back to the others.
Cainneach quickly grabs Thatch and Ori as Fergus heads back their way, then intervenes to have a quick word with the scribe before he can reach Famh and Tana. "Fergus, are you all right, man? We're all a bit concerned for you, can't figure as to why you would have breached that ritual circle. I'd think we've had enough experience at this point to avoid things of that nature if possible. You seemed to have an odd look about you heading toward it. Just want to make sure we're all on the same page here."
Insight 23 (vs. Fergus' Deception roll)
Finally, Cainneach volunteers the following to the party: "Unless we're happy with returning to the Baron and the ship, we've still yet to explore a few places in this gods-forsaken place. We can take the first passage heading east, back to where we descended to this floor. From there, the passage continues further east, or we can head north to another set of stairs heading downward. I believe we've covered everywhere else thus far." Cainneach proffers the map he's been maintaining if anyone asks to have a look.
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
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The silence which echoes from the corner Famh-elk has withdrawn herself to may be reassuring to those who know little of anatomy, or who missed the word passed on by Tana: "reweaving". The others, if they can bear to think about it, can only imagine the titanic struggle she is going through not only to reshape her body but to not cry out while she is doing it ... and the more perceptive among the group might have some slight guess who she is struggling the hardest to avoid distressing more than the situation makes grimly unavoidable. In fact, you imagine a grim look settling in on her face as the sound of her breathing becomes deeper and slower. She is clearly using the trance she learned was in her but a few moments agone to try and ride out the pain. And you imagine beads of sweat rolling down her forehead as the slow seconds tick by and her slow breathing begins to be interrupted by little catches. But it is well over a minute, and you fear that Famh's will will crack and she'll cry out in her suffering, when suddenly her voice sets the echoes of the chamber dancing with a far more triumphant cry in Old Thulish, "<Cuimhnich Bàs Ailpein, buaidh shònraichte, Morkaan, Brigidh, Lugh!>". And it is with no less fervent joy that Famh-Famh continues to pray thanksgiving as she cleans herself with water from her skin and then walks back towards the retinue in her fully human form.
"Oh eternal God of Holiness who has called to your children in love since the dawn of time in the voice they were best able to hear; oh courteous Lord who spoke to thy servant Saint Julian of Norwich in her grave illness and told her thy name was Love. Praise be to Thee whose meaning was Love, Who was the Love who showed Thyself unto her for Love; and who has fulfilled in me Thy promise unto her: that 'Thou canst make all things well; Thou wilt make all things well; Thou shalt make all things well; and she unto whom Thou speakest can see for herself with joyous eyes and heart that ALL manner of things shall be well.' "
She leans on her short staff as she walks over towards the group that had been clustered around her. Her eyes go first to Cainneach, and an odd smile crosses her face at the same time that ... well, but of course the exertion of her transformation has both her cheeks covered with the rosiest of blushes, I'm sure it doesn't mean anything at all whatsoever about what might or might not be passing in her mind regarding a certain handsome Thulish forester lad ...,;,;,;}
She seems torn about something for a moment as her gaze lingers upon him; then she looks about at the surroundings and apparently decides to postpone it till later. Knowing Famh, you imagine that she is imagining somewhere considerably safer and an infinite degree more pleasant and comfortable She turns instead to include first Salt, then Tana and then the rest of the group, and says simply, "Thank you. From all of the depths of my heart." She seems a little discontented with the awkward phrasing, but there is no doubt as to her sincerity.
===========================
(sorry, meant to post these two together & then couldn't find this one and had to reconstruct)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
With Famh restored, demons vanquished and bodies looted the companions can continue onwards......stairs downward, the eastern corridor or heading back out and shipward.
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1