Cainneach regards Thatch curiously, the look on his face still distant and unfocused. "I don't understand what you mean ... and where have you been? Were you in there? I thought it was just she and I, communing ... We spoke as plainly as two old friends, it was really quite pleasant. And she gave me this ..."Cainneach gestures to the sack, which he has yet to open. "Come now, let's leave her be, she needs her rest. Winter is coming, you know."Cainneach climbs out of the cleft, sure-footed despite the darkness, never letting go of Famh's hand. Once he is out, the forester settles upon the ground and cradles the woolen sack, precious gift that it is, in his lap. Salt tries to investigate, but Cainneach playfully pushes the hound's muzzle aside and scolds him. Once things are settled, he gently opens it to discover what treasure the crone has bestowed upon him.
Cainneach regards Thatch curiously, the look on his face still distant and unfocused. "I don't understand what you mean ... and where have you been? Were you in there? I thought it was just she and I, communing ... We spoke as plainly as two old friends, it was really quite pleasant. And she gave me this ..."Cainneach gestures to the sack, which he has yet to open. "Come now, let's leave her be, she needs her rest. Winter is coming, you know."Cainneach climbs out of the cleft, sure-footed despite the darkness, never letting go of Famh's hand. Once he is out, the forester settles upon the ground and cradles the woolen sack, precious gift that it is, in his lap. Salt tries to investigate, but Cainneach playfully pushes the hound's muzzle aside and scolds him. Once things are settled, he gently opens it to discover what treasure the crone has bestowed upon him.
Within the bag he finds a number of curious items:-
A small silver ring inscribed with images of stags and does-
https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/4716-restorative-ointment The jar currently contains 5 applications, if all are used then it may be replenished by burying the jar under an oak tree for a night and casting an object or coin the value of 10 silver into a deep body of water, chasm or otherwise irretrievable place.
( When an object is grasped the knowledge of its use passes into the one holding it.)
Cainneach slowly comes out of the reverie that was wrought upon him by the influence of the winter woman. As he goes through the items in the sack, the forester can scarcely believe the magnitude of the gifts that she has bestowed upon him and his friends! He cheerfully gestures to them as they emerge from the cave, passing the items around to each. Cainneach especially converses with Famh, experienced with the dweomers as she is. "The Cailleach surely looks fondly upon us! With all of these at our disposal, we'll be able to best the fachan, and do so much more beyond that! What do you make of these items, leannan? Have you ever seen the like?"Cainneach cradles the leather bag containing the acorn especially, as the thought of being able to summon a full-grown oak on any day fills him with joy.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
A quick but very comprehensive blush turns Famh's face from the ashen hue it had been before to the reddest of hawthorn sloes as she finally sees the Cailleach's true form and hears her words echoing through her mind. She takes a deep breath and then breaks into a shamefaced chuckle. "Aye, I'd make less o' a fool o' myself gin I did stop tae leuk closer, Lady. But its hard no tae lose ma head ower this handsome lad" She squeezes the hand that Cainneach has slipped into hers affectionately. "Thank ye for yer kindness tae him, and to us aw, e'en thouch it... took me a bit tae see it."
She is very quiet as the retinue returns to the surface, coming out of her muse only when Cainneach shows her the Cailleach's gifts. These she looks over with great curiosity, smiling once more at her beloved as she considers his question. "I've no seen anything like myself, a ghraid, but they're similar tae things from the old stories. Let me see now..." She reaches to take up and examine the ring, but her wrist brushes the grey leather bag en route. A curious look comes into her eyes ... half wince, half bemused grin ... and then she laughs. "Well, at least I wouldna be the bloody elk wi' this ... "
(OOC: not sure if picking up an item actually attunes you to it, so being a bit careful here. If not, Famh will indeed check out the ring next, and would be happy with either of these two items if someone wants the other.)
=========
Arcana (to identify the things she hasn't touched, and/or remember any lore about them) 15
As Famh looks over each item, she shares what she remembers of its lore with all her companions. Then she looks about from face to face. "I wonder gin she knew we were coming the whole time. Thare are five o' us, and she haed five gifts ready i' the sack tae give. As tae wha each is meant for, I suppose thon's for us tae decide. I'd suggest the salve gae tae Orior Vardi, as they're most oft i' the front o the mellay. And I'd be happy wi' either the ring or the grey bag, as they'd brin me closer tae the beasts ma Cainneach loves." She smiles at him again and pats his shoulder fondly, reaching out with the other hand to scritch Salt between the ears.
Vardi bows in the direction of the Cailleach as the blue-tinged flame flickers out abruptly, puts a hand to the passage wall for support for a moment in silence, then makes her way back to Ori and her coat'o'chain. She offers in a subdued whisper "Sounded like trouble, but did nay look like it ta me."by way of explanation.
Only when all have left the tunnel does she sit down next to Skoggi outside. Vardi spends some minutes making a fuss of him, though if it is more to reassure herself than the cat is unclear. The Lyften lass listens as the discussion turns to the gifts of Lady Winter, and smiles when she notes that neither Cainneach, Thatch or Famh appear to be in any lasting state of agitation despite their harrowing adventure below.
"If ye reckon tha heather salve would be best fra one in tha thick of it, Famh, then I'll nay lay claim ta tha' bag that Skoggi keeps sniffin' in tha direction of like he's found a rabbit in the undergrowth then." Vardi says amiably then suggests "Reckon tha flask would serve another here better than me."
Ori wasn't sure what he had just witness in that hole in the ground, but he sure knew he wanted out. He let the other go before him as he tried to make sense of what he and Vardi had crawled into. At least Vardi seemed as confused as himself so it wasn't just something Ori simply missed.
Once out of the hole, Ori observed the others. As they divided up some items, whatever that women was, had given Cainneach Ori finally decided he wasn't going to be able to piece it all together alone. "Alright, alright. Let's all take a quick pause and figure a few things out, aye? First off, I want a very clear explanation of what in the center ring happened down there. You look like ye had a near miss with some great beast, she looks like about lost her betrothed, and said mate looks like he found and old mate giving aways door prizes just stopping by." He looks at all in turn, "Anyone care to explain what happened?"
"Explanation? Yes. Clear? Tha may take a lifetime, if ever. Can ye explain an elemental force as ye would a woman?"Vardi offers quietly, staring into the fire as she sits, then shrugs as she concludes "She's the lady of the deer's wandering hooves, the teeth of the winter gale, the ice that makes ye glad of fire, the feather bed of snow that will freeze ye dead if ye stop ta sleep in it, yet she is also tha even-handed one who paints both tha hare and tha fox in her colours every year all tha better ta hide them fra tha hunters. She is what she is and who she is, and who she was as well. Giant-kin and wit' a giant's strengths become even larger in Winter's keeping, yet smaller as well, all tha better ta speak wit' smaller folk..."
The Lyften lass trails off, then looks to Ori as she concludes "...And I had tha cheek to tell her off, assuming she was abusing tha' strength, when all eyes on her did nay see straight!" and shudders at the recent memory.
Face in her hands the Joturnkin woman mutters glumly "Truly, I would ha' struck her down in anger for the terror in other's faces wi nay a second ta think had that terror also been writ on mine, but it nay came ta me like tha'. I saw an elderly woman in red plaid, a wolf and a fox at her feet by a blue fire. I cannay go about beating auld ladies ta death on suspicion alone. Would nay be right nor fair."
“An old woman in plaid?”Thatch looks at Vardi with confusion, running his hand through his thick, curly hair. “That’s not what I saw at all. A fearsome giant, all claws and teeth, looked about to eat Cainneach. Did none of you see it? Am I crazy?”Thatch looks around at the others.
Thatch joins the others in looking through the gifts Cainneach received from the wise woman, he lets Famh have first pick between the ring and the bag and then would take the other. “Did the wise women give you any guidance on how we could use these to defeat the Fachan, Cainneach? Or even where we can find it?”
As Famh looks over each item, she shares what she remembers of its lore with all her companions. Then she looks about from face to face. "I wonder gin she knew we were coming the whole time. Thare are five o' us, and she haed five gifts ready i' the sack tae give. As tae wha each is meant for, I suppose thon's for us tae decide. I'd suggest the salve gae tae Orior Vardi, as they're most oft i' the front o the mellay. And I'd be happy wi' either the ring or the grey bag, as they'd brin me closer tae the beasts ma Cainneach loves." She smiles at him again and pats his shoulder fondly, reaching out with the other hand to scritch Salt between the ears.
Cainneach is starting to emerge from the thrall of the cailleach and the memories of the lore he knew comes rushing back with help from Famh. The significance of the gifts and the implications for their fate are exciting, indeed! He nods appreciatively at Famh's words, then puts his arm around her shoulder and gives her an affectionate peck on the cheek.
Ori wasn't sure what he had just witness in that hole in the ground, but he sure knew he wanted out. He let the other go before him as he tried to make sense of what he and Vardi had crawled into. At least Vardi seemed as confused as himself so it wasn't just something Ori simply missed.
Once out of the hole, Ori observed the others. As they divided up some items, whatever that women was, had given Cainneach Ori finally decided he wasn't going to be able to piece it all together alone. "Alright, alright. Let's all take a quick pause and figure a few things out, aye? First off, I want a very clear explanation of what in the center ring happened down there. You look like ye had a near miss with some great beast, she looks like about lost her betrothed, and said mate looks like he found and old mate giving aways door prizes just stopping by." He looks at all in turn, "Anyone care to explain what happened?"
"Explanation? Yes. Clear? Tha may take a lifetime, if ever. Can ye explain an elemental force as ye would a woman?"Vardi offers quietly, staring into the fire as she sits, then shrugs as she concludes "She's the lady of the deer's wandering hooves, the teeth of the winter gale, the ice that makes ye glad of fire, the feather bed of snow that will freeze ye dead if ye stop ta sleep in it, yet she is also tha even-handed one who paints both tha hare and tha fox in her colours every year all tha better ta hide them fra tha hunters. She is what she is and who she is, and who she was as well. Giant-kin and wit' a giant's strengths become even larger in Winter's keeping, yet smaller as well, all tha better ta speak wit' smaller folk..."
The Lyften lass trails off, then looks to Ori as she concludes "...And I had tha cheek to tell her off, assuming she was abusing tha' strength, when all eyes on her did nay see straight!" and shudders at the recent memory.
Face in her hands the Joturnkin woman mutters glumly "Truly, I would ha' struck her down in anger for the terror in other's faces wi nay a second ta think had that terror also been writ on mine, but it nay came ta me like tha'. I saw an elderly woman in red plaid, a wolf and a fox at her feet by a blue fire. I cannay go about beating auld ladies ta death on suspicion alone. Would nay be right nor fair."
"Ori, I think Vardi's put it well, and beautifully. I think we three could see her benign form, but from the sound of it, Famh and Thatch could not. Such is the nature of the cailleach, showing and hiding as she sees fit. It is not for us to question who she chooses to reveal herself to. She spoke to me, gave me these gifts to share with you all. I cannae say why I was so blessed, but I am thankful to have met her."
“An old woman in plaid?”Thatch looks at Vardi with confusion, running his hand through his thick, curly hair. “That’s not what I saw at all. A fearsome giant, all claws and teeth, looked about to eat Cainneach. Did none of you see it? Am I crazy?”Thatch looks around at the others.
Thatch joins the others in looking through the gifts Cainneach received from the wise woman, he lets Famh have first pick between the ring and the bag and then would take the other. “Did the wise women give you any guidance on how we could use these to defeat the Fachan, Cainneach? Or even where we can find it?”
"Don't fear it, Thatch, our sad senses are easily deceived by one such as her. She encouraged us to kill the Fachan, mad and starving as it is. Fortunately, 'tis a wee one, so we have a chance. In her estimation, our strength, speed, and magicks should be enough to put it down and spare these good people its malevolence. I think amongst these gifts we might summon beasts to fight alongside, or at least heal ourselves if things become dire. The little giant's home will be marked by a dearth of life. She told me that nothing living can bear to be in its presence."
"Explanation? Yes. Clear? Tha may take a lifetime, if ever. Can ye explain an elemental force as ye would a woman?"Vardi offers quietly, staring into the fire as she sits, then shrugs as she concludes "She's the lady of the deer's wandering hooves, the teeth of the winter gale, the ice that makes ye glad of fire, the feather bed of snow that will freeze ye dead if ye stop ta sleep in it, yet she is also tha even-handed one who paints both tha hare and tha fox in her colours every year all tha better ta hide them fra tha hunters. She is what she is and who she is, and who she was as well. Giant-kin and wit' a giant's strengths become even larger in Winter's keeping, yet smaller as well, all tha better ta speak wit' smaller folk..."
The Lyften lass trails off, then looks to Ori as she concludes "...And I had tha cheek to tell her off, assuming she was abusing tha' strength, when all eyes on her did nay see straight!" and shudders at the recent memory.
Face in her hands the Joturnkin woman mutters glumly "Truly, I would ha' struck her down in anger for the terror in other's faces wi nay a second ta think had that terror also been writ on mine, but it nay came ta me like tha'. I saw an elderly woman in red plaid, a wolf and a fox at her feet by a blue fire. I cannay go about beating auld ladies ta death on suspicion alone. Would nay be right nor fair."
“An old woman in plaid?”Thatch looks at Vardi with confusion, running his hand through his thick, curly hair. “That’s not what I saw at all. A fearsome giant, all claws and teeth, looked about to eat Cainneach. Did none of you see it? Am I crazy?”Thatch looks around at the others.
...
"Dinna feel ower bad for yer cheek, Vardi. Ye have company.," Famh assures the Lyften lass, her cheeks reddened by more than the cold breeze of approaching winter. "I saw the giantess Thatch did, and whan she seizit ma Cainneach, I... lost ma head an grapplit wi' her. She haed the grace tae be amusit." She draws in a deep breath, somewhere between a sigh and a shudder. Drawing her hand across her brows, she blinks to try and clear away the pictures in her mind of what might have ensued had the Cailleach NOT been amused. "She telt me I shoud work on ma e'e, but ma memory wis juist as much at fault. Here I've been gang on aboot hou I ken the auld tales, I micht ha' rememberit her havin' twa faces."
Thatch joins the others in looking through the gifts Cainneach received from the wise woman, he lets Famh have first pick between the ring and the bag and then would take the other. “Did the wise women give you any guidance on how we could use these to defeat the Fachan, Cainneach? Or even where we can find it?”
"Don't fear it, Thatch, our sad senses are easily deceived by one such as her. She encouraged us to kill the Fachan, mad and starving as it is. Fortunately, 'tis a wee one, so we have a chance. In her estimation, our strength, speed, and magicks should be enough to put it down and spare these good people its malevolence. I think amongst these gifts we might summon beasts to fight alongside, or at least heal ourselves if things become dire. The little giant's home will be marked by a dearth of life. She told me that nothing living can bear to be in its presence."
Glad for a change of subject, Famh listens eagerly to what Cainneach learned from the Cailleach. At the last item, about the lifelessness about the Fachan's home, she looks around to see if any such dead spot can be seen from where the retinue stands (Perception 17). If nothing obvious presents itself, she offers tentatively, "We'd be less time searching these bare moors for such a place gin we knew which way tae start lookin'. Perhaps we oucht tae return tae Rory Mor and Mael tae see gin they know rumours o' spots thon are unnaturally barren. Besides," she adds, "Sir Almeric will want tae know whit we've learnit."
=========
(OOC: oops, forgot I had that PER roll in there before I edited! Not sure if it will flag it though, it gave me "Dice rolls not yet available for this section" the first time around.)
Famh does recall sighting a hilltop that was clear of heather north of the mire just before the sun set, she had thought it simply bare stone....but perhaps....
"Before heading off to search for the fachan's home, let's rest here for the night. It seems free enough from the dancing lights and other creatures stalking this land. The cailleach will keep us safe for now. In the morning we can set off."
As memory of the bare granite hill returns to Famh's mind, she shares her recollections with the others. "I think our knicht wad still want us tae report back tae him before our final attack... after aw, he's the ane will have tae answer tae the Duke and Baron for the performance o' this knicht-service ... but we micht scout the spot oot tomorrow and see gin it truly is where the Fachan bides or na."
=========
EDIT: She falls silent after this, pondering something deeply. After long consideration, she turns to Thatch. "The ring wad be best wi' ye, Thatch. It wad help ye scouting, and whan ye return hame I'd think 'twould be useful as a groom tae actually be able tae speak wi' yer horses."
The companions settled in for the night and passed it peacefully and somewhat warmly as the stone kept the wind away and the fire burned well into the night, those on watch saw the lights and heard snatches of conversation but none came close to them.
A thick mist rose from the lake in the early hours but it began to dissapate as the sun rose and they broke their fast.....in the still chill but sunny morning they considered their next move.
Cainneach is fine with either scouting the location that Famh noticed or heading directly back to report to Rory and Almeric if the location is not on the way.
"Dinna feel ower bad for yer cheek, Vardi. Ye have company.," Famh assures the Lyften lass, her cheeks reddened by more than the cold breeze of approaching winter. "I saw the giantess Thatch did, and whan she seizit ma Cainneach, I... lost ma head an grapplit wi' her. She haed the grace tae be amusit." She draws in a deep breath, somewhere between a sigh and a shudder. Drawing her hand across her brows, she blinks to try and clear away the pictures in her mind of what might have ensued had the Cailleach NOT been amused. "She telt me I shoud work on ma e'e, but ma memory wis juist as much at fault. Here I've been gang on aboot hou I ken the auld tales, I micht ha' rememberit her havin' twa faces."
Vardi winces sympathetically and offers "If ye have laid hands on tha likes of Her, yet lived ta tell tha tale, then I would call ye a most fortunate woman, Mistress Famh." then shrugs as she concedes "Nay doubt tha' particular auld lady ha' been making fools of those younger tha' Her fra a verra long time. So if ye feel like ye've been made ta look a fool, then ye ha' been taken in by a crafty one indeed. There's nay shame in that."
She absent-mindedly polishes the face plate of her helm as she murmurs "Two-faced? Ah well, that's high and mighty ladies fra ye where 'ere ye go. Scare ye witless wi' tha weight of their rank, yet thank ye most humbly fra yer service all in tha same sentence."
The Lyften lass seems content to sit by the fire, watching when needed, and dozing like a cat when not, one ear cocked for trouble. Skoggi does not move from his comfortable spot at her side except to growl at a light that comes a little too close for his liking to the fire's ruddy glow towards dawn.
OOC: Does Vardi know of any places about here noted for a lack of human settlement, or a lack of animal or plant life? History 14, Survival 23 on a nat 20.
Cainneach regards Thatch curiously, the look on his face still distant and unfocused. "I don't understand what you mean ... and where have you been? Were you in there? I thought it was just she and I, communing ... We spoke as plainly as two old friends, it was really quite pleasant. And she gave me this ..." Cainneach gestures to the sack, which he has yet to open. "Come now, let's leave her be, she needs her rest. Winter is coming, you know." Cainneach climbs out of the cleft, sure-footed despite the darkness, never letting go of Famh's hand. Once he is out, the forester settles upon the ground and cradles the woolen sack, precious gift that it is, in his lap. Salt tries to investigate, but Cainneach playfully pushes the hound's muzzle aside and scolds him. Once things are settled, he gently opens it to discover what treasure the crone has bestowed upon him.
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Within the bag he finds a number of curious items:-
A small silver ring inscribed with images of stags and does-
https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/4717-ring-of-animal-influence
A small flask of uisge beatha bearing the Cailleachs face-
https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/5419-potion-of-resistance COLD Refills at moonrise.
A grey leather bag depicting the Cailleach surrounded by a number of animals
https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/4582-bag-of-tricks ( For Panther read as Giant Lynx- Stats remain same.)
A small pale leather bag containing an acorn
https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/5412-feather-token TREE ( The acorn is replaced if used at sunrise the following day)
A Clay jar of a poultice which smells of heather
https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/4716-restorative-ointment The jar currently contains 5 applications, if all are used then it may be replenished by burying the jar under an oak tree for a night and casting an object or coin the value of 10 silver into a deep body of water, chasm or otherwise irretrievable place.
( When an object is grasped the knowledge of its use passes into the one holding it.)
Cainneach slowly comes out of the reverie that was wrought upon him by the influence of the winter woman. As he goes through the items in the sack, the forester can scarcely believe the magnitude of the gifts that she has bestowed upon him and his friends! He cheerfully gestures to them as they emerge from the cave, passing the items around to each. Cainneach especially converses with Famh, experienced with the dweomers as she is. "The Cailleach surely looks fondly upon us! With all of these at our disposal, we'll be able to best the fachan, and do so much more beyond that! What do you make of these items, leannan? Have you ever seen the like?" Cainneach cradles the leather bag containing the acorn especially, as the thought of being able to summon a full-grown oak on any day fills him with joy.
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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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A quick but very comprehensive blush turns Famh's face from the ashen hue it had been before to the reddest of hawthorn sloes as she finally sees the Cailleach's true form and hears her words echoing through her mind. She takes a deep breath and then breaks into a shamefaced chuckle. "Aye, I'd make less o' a fool o' myself gin I did stop tae leuk closer, Lady. But its hard no tae lose ma head ower this handsome lad" She squeezes the hand that Cainneach has slipped into hers affectionately. "Thank ye for yer kindness tae him, and to us aw, e'en thouch it... took me a bit tae see it."
She is very quiet as the retinue returns to the surface, coming out of her muse only when Cainneach shows her the Cailleach's gifts. These she looks over with great curiosity, smiling once more at her beloved as she considers his question. "I've no seen anything like myself, a ghraid, but they're similar tae things from the old stories. Let me see now..." She reaches to take up and examine the ring, but her wrist brushes the grey leather bag en route. A curious look comes into her eyes ... half wince, half bemused grin ... and then she laughs. "Well, at least I wouldna be the bloody elk wi' this ... "
(OOC: not sure if picking up an item actually attunes you to it, so being a bit careful here. If not, Famh will indeed check out the ring next, and would be happy with either of these two items if someone wants the other.)
=========
Arcana (to identify the things she hasn't touched, and/or remember any lore about them) 15
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
( None of the items require attunement. Famh is easily able to puzzle out their functions and connection to aspects of the Cailleach.)
As Famh looks over each item, she shares what she remembers of its lore with all her companions. Then she looks about from face to face. "I wonder gin she knew we were coming the whole time. Thare are five o' us, and she haed five gifts ready i' the sack tae give. As tae wha each is meant for, I suppose thon's for us tae decide. I'd suggest the salve gae tae Ori or Vardi, as they're most oft i' the front o the mellay. And I'd be happy wi' either the ring or the grey bag, as they'd brin me closer tae the beasts ma Cainneach loves." She smiles at him again and pats his shoulder fondly, reaching out with the other hand to scritch Salt between the ears.
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
Vardi bows in the direction of the Cailleach as the blue-tinged flame flickers out abruptly, puts a hand to the passage wall for support for a moment in silence, then makes her way back to Ori and her coat'o'chain. She offers in a subdued whisper "Sounded like trouble, but did nay look like it ta me." by way of explanation.
Only when all have left the tunnel does she sit down next to Skoggi outside. Vardi spends some minutes making a fuss of him, though if it is more to reassure herself than the cat is unclear. The Lyften lass listens as the discussion turns to the gifts of Lady Winter, and smiles when she notes that neither Cainneach, Thatch or Famh appear to be in any lasting state of agitation despite their harrowing adventure below.
"If ye reckon tha heather salve would be best fra one in tha thick of it, Famh, then I'll nay lay claim ta tha' bag that Skoggi keeps sniffin' in tha direction of like he's found a rabbit in the undergrowth then." Vardi says amiably then suggests "Reckon tha flask would serve another here better than me."
Ori wasn't sure what he had just witness in that hole in the ground, but he sure knew he wanted out. He let the other go before him as he tried to make sense of what he and Vardi had crawled into. At least Vardi seemed as confused as himself so it wasn't just something Ori simply missed.
Once out of the hole, Ori observed the others. As they divided up some items, whatever that women was, had given Cainneach Ori finally decided he wasn't going to be able to piece it all together alone. "Alright, alright. Let's all take a quick pause and figure a few things out, aye? First off, I want a very clear explanation of what in the center ring happened down there. You look like ye had a near miss with some great beast, she looks like about lost her betrothed, and said mate looks like he found and old mate giving aways door prizes just stopping by." He looks at all in turn, "Anyone care to explain what happened?"
Salt and Skoggi accepted the ministrations, the raven had departed sometime while they were underground.
The drifting lights avoided this area, it seemed it would make a safe enough camp as opposed to tromping through the mire in the dark....
"Explanation? Yes. Clear? Tha may take a lifetime, if ever. Can ye explain an elemental force as ye would a woman?" Vardi offers quietly, staring into the fire as she sits, then shrugs as she concludes "She's the lady of the deer's wandering hooves, the teeth of the winter gale, the ice that makes ye glad of fire, the feather bed of snow that will freeze ye dead if ye stop ta sleep in it, yet she is also tha even-handed one who paints both tha hare and tha fox in her colours every year all tha better ta hide them fra tha hunters. She is what she is and who she is, and who she was as well. Giant-kin and wit' a giant's strengths become even larger in Winter's keeping, yet smaller as well, all tha better ta speak wit' smaller folk..."
The Lyften lass trails off, then looks to Ori as she concludes "...And I had tha cheek to tell her off, assuming she was abusing tha' strength, when all eyes on her did nay see straight!" and shudders at the recent memory.
Face in her hands the Joturnkin woman mutters glumly "Truly, I would ha' struck her down in anger for the terror in other's faces wi nay a second ta think had that terror also been writ on mine, but it nay came ta me like tha'. I saw an elderly woman in red plaid, a wolf and a fox at her feet by a blue fire. I cannay go about beating auld ladies ta death on suspicion alone. Would nay be right nor fair."
“An old woman in plaid?” Thatch looks at Vardi with confusion, running his hand through his thick, curly hair. “That’s not what I saw at all. A fearsome giant, all claws and teeth, looked about to eat Cainneach. Did none of you see it? Am I crazy?” Thatch looks around at the others.
Thatch joins the others in looking through the gifts Cainneach received from the wise woman, he lets Famh have first pick between the ring and the bag and then would take the other. “Did the wise women give you any guidance on how we could use these to defeat the Fachan, Cainneach? Or even where we can find it?”
(Sorry for the delay, was travelling over the long weekend!)
Cainneach is starting to emerge from the thrall of the cailleach and the memories of the lore he knew comes rushing back with help from Famh. The significance of the gifts and the implications for their fate are exciting, indeed! He nods appreciatively at Famh's words, then puts his arm around her shoulder and gives her an affectionate peck on the cheek.
"Ori, I think Vardi's put it well, and beautifully. I think we three could see her benign form, but from the sound of it, Famh and Thatch could not. Such is the nature of the cailleach, showing and hiding as she sees fit. It is not for us to question who she chooses to reveal herself to. She spoke to me, gave me these gifts to share with you all. I cannae say why I was so blessed, but I am thankful to have met her."
"Don't fear it, Thatch, our sad senses are easily deceived by one such as her. She encouraged us to kill the Fachan, mad and starving as it is. Fortunately, 'tis a wee one, so we have a chance. In her estimation, our strength, speed, and magicks should be enough to put it down and spare these good people its malevolence. I think amongst these gifts we might summon beasts to fight alongside, or at least heal ourselves if things become dire. The little giant's home will be marked by a dearth of life. She told me that nothing living can bear to be in its presence."
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"Dinna feel ower bad for yer cheek, Vardi. Ye have company.," Famh assures the Lyften lass, her cheeks reddened by more than the cold breeze of approaching winter. "I saw the giantess Thatch did, and whan she seizit ma Cainneach, I... lost ma head an grapplit wi' her. She haed the grace tae be amusit." She draws in a deep breath, somewhere between a sigh and a shudder. Drawing her hand across her brows, she blinks to try and clear away the pictures in her mind of what might have ensued had the Cailleach NOT been amused. "She telt me I shoud work on ma e'e, but ma memory wis juist as much at fault. Here I've been gang on aboot hou I ken the auld tales, I micht ha' rememberit her havin' twa faces."
Glad for a change of subject, Famh listens eagerly to what Cainneach learned from the Cailleach. At the last item, about the lifelessness about the Fachan's home, she looks around to see if any such dead spot can be seen from where the retinue stands (Perception 17). If nothing obvious presents itself, she offers tentatively, "We'd be less time searching these bare moors for such a place gin we knew which way tae start lookin'. Perhaps we oucht tae return tae Rory Mor and Mael tae see gin they know rumours o' spots thon are unnaturally barren. Besides," she adds, "Sir Almeric will want tae know whit we've learnit."
=========
(OOC: oops, forgot I had that PER roll in there before I edited! Not sure if it will flag it though, it gave me "Dice rolls not yet available for this section" the first time around.)
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
(OK, it gave me "Dice rolls not available" again. Rolled in log instead ... lucky there, got a nat 20!)
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
Famh does recall sighting a hilltop that was clear of heather north of the mire just before the sun set, she had thought it simply bare stone....but perhaps....
"Before heading off to search for the fachan's home, let's rest here for the night. It seems free enough from the dancing lights and other creatures stalking this land. The cailleach will keep us safe for now. In the morning we can set off."
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
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As memory of the bare granite hill returns to Famh's mind, she shares her recollections with the others. "I think our knicht wad still want us tae report back tae him before our final attack... after aw, he's the ane will have tae answer tae the Duke and Baron for the performance o' this knicht-service ... but we micht scout the spot oot tomorrow and see gin it truly is where the Fachan bides or na."
=========
EDIT: She falls silent after this, pondering something deeply. After long consideration, she turns to Thatch. "The ring wad be best wi' ye, Thatch. It wad help ye scouting, and whan ye return hame I'd think 'twould be useful as a groom tae actually be able tae speak wi' yer horses."
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 companions settled in for the night and passed it peacefully and somewhat warmly as the stone kept the wind away and the fire burned well into the night, those on watch saw the lights and heard snatches of conversation but none came close to them.
A thick mist rose from the lake in the early hours but it began to dissapate as the sun rose and they broke their fast.....in the still chill but sunny morning they considered their next move.
Cainneach is fine with either scouting the location that Famh noticed or heading directly back to report to Rory and Almeric if the location is not on the way.
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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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"Dinna feel ower bad for yer cheek, Vardi. Ye have company.," Famh assures the Lyften lass, her cheeks reddened by more than the cold breeze of approaching winter. "I saw the giantess Thatch did, and whan she seizit ma Cainneach, I... lost ma head an grapplit wi' her. She haed the grace tae be amusit." She draws in a deep breath, somewhere between a sigh and a shudder. Drawing her hand across her brows, she blinks to try and clear away the pictures in her mind of what might have ensued had the Cailleach NOT been amused. "She telt me I shoud work on ma e'e, but ma memory wis juist as much at fault. Here I've been gang on aboot hou I ken the auld tales, I micht ha' rememberit her havin' twa faces."
Vardi winces sympathetically and offers "If ye have laid hands on tha likes of Her, yet lived ta tell tha tale, then I would call ye a most fortunate woman, Mistress Famh." then shrugs as she concedes "Nay doubt tha' particular auld lady ha' been making fools of those younger tha' Her fra a verra long time. So if ye feel like ye've been made ta look a fool, then ye ha' been taken in by a crafty one indeed. There's nay shame in that."
She absent-mindedly polishes the face plate of her helm as she murmurs "Two-faced? Ah well, that's high and mighty ladies fra ye where 'ere ye go. Scare ye witless wi' tha weight of their rank, yet thank ye most humbly fra yer service all in tha same sentence."
The Lyften lass seems content to sit by the fire, watching when needed, and dozing like a cat when not, one ear cocked for trouble. Skoggi does not move from his comfortable spot at her side except to growl at a light that comes a little too close for his liking to the fire's ruddy glow towards dawn.
OOC: Does Vardi know of any places about here noted for a lack of human settlement, or a lack of animal or plant life? History 14, Survival 23 on a nat 20.