You continue your conversation as you once again begin walking down the Twilit path. The small lights along the edges silently float up and down as you progress across the seemingly endless desert. Periodically, you look back towards Dusk, watching it's red-orange glow slowly fade from sight as you travel deeper into the Twilight. Eventually, you stop looking back. The light of Dusk has disappeared completely, almost as if it was never there. You are now left to walk the orange sands under the deep red sky. This leaves you with a sense of isolation, a feeling almost as if you've been dropped into the Abyss itself. Fixing your eyes forward, you hope to see the soft glow of Dawn in the distance. It's light might not be particularly welcoming, but it is certainly more so than the dreary half-light of the twilit desert.
After some time of plodding through the barren landscape, those of you in the front start to make out a large, dark shape sitting directly on the path. Kashika and Tamara both recognize this as the Bridge of Shadows, and as far as they know, the only way to cross the River of Darkness. As you approach the bridge, those of you who are unfamiliar with the area find it strange that you hear no water. You pause at the base of the bridge. Living up to it's name, it appears to be made completely from shadow. It's form is transparent, allowing you to see the dark river beneath. Looking at the river itself, it looks strikingly like a large crack in the land. Like the world itself at some point started breaking apart. It looks as if the night sky itself has been pored into it. Dark liquid silently flows through the fissure while tiny white flecks sparkle beneath it, like stars that were cast from the black black sky above you. Some of these specks flow with the river, others are stationary. You see the sand itself stops abruptly at what could be called the bank. Odd, as sand shouldn't create such a sharp cut in the land. It's almost as if an invisible force is all that's keeping the loose grains from being washed into the river.
Jack is left in a huffed, overexcited state as he finishes off the remainder of the bugs in front of him. With a grin, he watches Mordred deal the final blow, and can't help but chuckle along with Nygil. He wipes off the bug juice from his scythe and dagger, sliding them neatly back inside the large case on his back. "Exhilarating it was! I'm by no means a proficient fighter, but it looks like the rest of you can hold your own very well. I'd hate to get caught on the opposing side in a fight!" He sets his case down, and proceeds to begin wiping off the guts and dismembered wings stuck on his body and clothes until he feels Mordred put his hand on his shoulder. "I guess I should have brought my beekeeping suit... Ah, thank you, Mordred! You were incredible. That final swing of your claymore was massive!..." He trails off a bit, noticing his foggy demeanor. "Is everything okay?"
He nods as Tamara mentions preparations for the 'final fight,' or as Rethan suggests, the 'final bargain.' His cheery disposition becomes suddenly serious. "I agree. Preparation is key, whether we bargain or fight our way out, it would be best to prepare for the worst. But, we don't have to decide on anything right now, we still have a long way to go before we get there. Let's cross those bridges when we get to them, hm? For now our priority is to get there alive in the first place."
He notices Jumble jotting down all these notes, and smiles a little. He really is a wizard at heart, he thinks half-mindedly, and then continues while walking along the path. "And the way we'll be best prepared is by getting an idea of what we should expect to face." He looks towards the veterans, those that have memories stained in blood in these sands. "I know you've mentioned facing beetles and worms here before, but is there anything else? I don't mean to pry into any painful memories, but it would be helpful to know what you experienced here. Did your groups stay on the path or stray from it? Did you try to evade combat? What other creatures did you encounter?"
Stopping in front of the strange inky form in the road, Jack peers down into the depths of the river. He has since changed forms without a single word, the skin of the carpenter no longer serving him well. He takes instead the skin of the bard from his repertoire. Rosy, slightly tan skin speckled with freckles, accompanied by a chocolate cascade of long curly hair. Her eyes are no longer flat brown, but the color of honey and sage. "So..." She starts, clicking her tongue in thought. "Ever seen this before? I'm assuming we have to cross... whatever this is, right?"
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Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
Hearing Rethan's suggestion, Zalten responds "It certainly would be a preferable option to attempting to steal from a dragon, though I'm not sure how feasible it really is. If how Cyra talked to us is any indication, I doubt Zoran would consider us enough of a threat to take that kind of deal. He likely thinks whatever defenses he's set up would be enoug to crush any would-be theives".
As he trecks along with the group, his mind remains focused on the dimming light around them, the absence of any sunlight making him more and more uncomfortable as time moves on, the darkness deeply unfamiliar and discomforting. As they arrive at this shadowy bridge and the River of Darkness below it, that discomfort only grows. Whatever this strange thing is, the pure darkness of it makes him deeply alarmed. On edge and concered about the incredilby strange river in front of him that seems to break the very fabric of reality, he draws his crossbow, casts Light on a bolt, and shoots it into the river to the side of the bridge, hoping the glowing bolt will illuminate the darkness of the river enough to peer into it, even for just a moment
Perception if Needed (Rolling on character sheet from here on out): 12
Turning to those of his companions who have been here before, he asks, his voice betraying how uneasy he is" "What exactly is this place? Can we cross this bridge safely or do we need to try and find another way through?"
"It sounds like this is just the latest attempt in a long line of back and forth between the dragons. Presumably their defenses have been penetrated before, and they have to know it'll happen again. Not necessarily saying that we SHOULD approach Zoran, but it's an option to perhaps keep in mind."
Rethan blinks as Jack is replaced by a woman he doesn't recognize. "Jack....? Is that still you?"
Perception as well (when Zalten fires his lit bolt): 21
If nothing appears out of the ordinary (or as out of the ordinary as a shadowy bridge over a river of darkness CAN appear), Rethan sends Midnight to prowl forward on the bridge to make sure it's solid and nothing unexpected occurs.
Nygil peers curiously into the crack, watching as Zalten's arrow collides with the surface of the strange liquid. His first impulse is to stick his hand in it buuuut he decides that isn't the best idea so he pulls out his quarterstaff and thrusts it into the 'water'.
"This is strange... and that bridge looks... rather interesting actually. I'd wager my father would pay a pretty penny to have something like that at our manor... though he'd probably prefer it to be made out of light instead of shadow." He pauses, "He has a terrible taste in decor."
Jack looks back at Rethan with a single eyebrow raised. "Yes..? It's still me." She states, as if it's obvious. They did see her change shape, it wasn't as if she had hidden away to do it. And then it hits her: Maybe they didn't have my kind in their part of the world. Maybe they didn't come from the same world in the first place.She doesn't really know what to do with this information, so she focuses on what Nygil is saying instead. "Well, it may not be a terrible taste in decor, but terrible context instead. Something could look out of place in one space, and look marvelous in another. Maybe he doesn't have a good eye for context." It's her turn to pause. "Or maybe it's not to your personal liking, or both. I've seen both happen before."
She looks back at the river, trying to see if she notices anything out-of-the-ordinary as well. (Perception: 9)
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Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nygil shrugs, "He just likes to shove to many different colors together. I've told him they clash, but he doesn't care what I say. ...He also has a tendency to buy whatever the most popular... and thus expensive...thing is at auctions.I guess he thinks that if other people want it it will make him look good to have it in his house. Needless to say, we have a lot of oddities all 'arranged' in our main hall... well his main hall." He says the last part with a bit of distain.
He squints into the distance, half hoping to find more bugs to attack. Thinking of his father always puts him in a bad mood...
Perception: 11
If his staff didn't dissolve, catch fire, transform into a snake, or some other 'bad' thing after coming into contact with the water, he will attempt to scoop some up with his hand.
If nothing happens to his hand, he will scoop up more and look back at his companions with a sly smile, "What do you think will happen if I drink it?"
Zalten's bolt hits the liquid, slipping through it soundlessly. With it's light, you are able to follow it's trajectory. As soon as it sinks below the surface, the bolt slows it's course then slowly starts to float downstream. The soft light of the bolt doesn't illuminate anything of note, the only thing any of you notice is that it seems to move slightly faster that the non-stationary "stars".
When Nygil thrust's his staff into the river, the liquid simply moves around it, behaving exactly like a slow moving stream of water. Nothing noteworthy happens to the staff. When he sticks his hand in, the liquid feels a lot like luke-warm water.
Roll a d20 for me... Also tell me if you do decide to drink it...
Jumble blinked at Jack's transformation. Was that...? No, it didn't look like a spell. Perhaps she was a... what they called a changeling? Jumble had never actually met one, but not only would it match the change... it would also match the casualness with which he (she, now?) changed.
"Well, if he's not making a big deal of it, no need for me to," thought the bard as he turned his attention again to the bridge. He noticed some of the others testing the water running under it. Instead, Jumble muttered a quick bit of magic to conjure a small white chip-like token. He quickly tossed it onto the bridge to see if anything would happen to it within its six seconds of existence.
Kashika's life had never given her the opportunity to meet, nor the necessity or ability to have the luxury of curiosity in regards to changelings. Perhaps the he-now-she had used some spell? Kashika didn't feel the weave pulled but there were things Kashika could do that others could not, so.... Regardless. She didn't feel threatened by the change, though ultimately her expression seemed to show that she didn't see the point of it.. but also didn't care. So long as s/he wasn't a threat, what they did... didn't matter that much to her. Kashika had her goal, and this group, despite the rocky meeting seemed like they might be capable of it.
Her face and eyes shifting around the group as all of the above thoughts occurred in her head. Regardless she frowned at the others attempts to 'discern' the abyss. I-it's fine. The b-bridge I mean. I don't know about drinking the black stuff. You can probably t-touch it just fine, but ... who knows. I wouldn't r-risk it myself. I-in any c-case, I've been in the l-lower realms for a l-long time.. until i felt s-st-stronger. And I learned a bit about Z-zoran. a good m-metaphor would be that he is like a w-wizard, while his sister m...she hesitated breifly.Cyra.. is m-more like a b-b-barbarian. W-we could probably g-get him to n-n-egotiate though even I c-cannot say for certain.
H-however, I have b-been looking into both d-dragons, and I had convinced Cyra... d-during my f-f-f-first attempt to give us some ..... w-whats the word.... it's similar to favors b-but.. starts with a C...she shakes her head, as ultimately some would understand what she meant... I m-may just be able to convince Z-zoran of s-something. But I will need time to think of exactly how to a-approach it. B-but I h-have had a p-plan for a while .. generally. I didn't volunteer to come this time u-unprepared.
I understand n-not all of us have gotten off on the b-best foot, but if you can trust me atleast that much.. and I will e-explain before we enter the city... I will s-swear that I will get you all w-what you want .. if things go t-to plan.
Tamara watched with surprise, then intrigue as Jack changed from a man to a woman in front of everyone's eyes. She hadn't heard... her? them? cast a spell either. "A changeling?" she said, her mind briefly racing with possibilities. "I'd heard stories, but I never knew if they were true or not. That shapeshifting is something that would be very... very useful. If all this works out for us and you need a job, you can look me up if you want," she finished with a friendly-looking smile.
Tamara felt a sense of unease as she looked into the chasm. Not that she was worried about falling in or anything, but it just looked wrong in some fundamental way to her. Like somehow the world had been flipped upside down and falling in would send someone hurtling toward the stars. Granted, the tests of both her current and former companions proved that wouldn't happen, but that didn't make it look right.
She did, at least, get a little kick out of seeing nearly everyone leer at the bridge like it might bite them. "Don't worry, the bridge is perfectly solid." She hopped the first few feet to demonstrate. "Nygil, please don't drink the... shadow water. I couldn't guess what might happen, but mysterious magic rarely mixes well with living things. And I'd hate to lose a capable companion to such a foolish move."
Her eyes narrowed as she heard Kashika speak. She did not like the thought of someone supposed to be aiding her in the heat of battle hiding something or having their own agenda, even and maybe especially if it seemed benevolent. And... "Kashika, I don't know what you have in mind, but trying to make a deal with Zoran is like trying to make a deal with a fiend without giving up your soul. I don't know what Cyra could've given you that would be so valuable to her brother that he would negotiate in good faith and that she wouldn't have used herself already. And if it's soimportant..."Tamara hesitated for a moment, wondering if this was about to sink their expedition, but it seemed reasonable enough. "I feel like you can tell us right here and now what your plan is."
"Are you sure?" Nygil looks at the black liquid in his hands. "I've build up immunities to most poisons. ...perhaps just a sip?" It is difficult to tell if he is joking or not...until he takes a small sip of the water. Swishing it around in his mouth for a second, he spits it back out and waits a moment. "Hmm, lets see if it makes my tongue swell up. If it doesn't, I'll try swallowing some. ...even if it is poison, I want to know. You never know if it could be useful or not." He grins, still waiting to see if his tongue goes numb or swells up or has any other bad reaction.
If nothing happens, and no one steps in to stop him, he will drink the tiniest amount possible.
Jumble watches his token clatter silently onto the bridge before it vanishes after approximately six seconds.
Despite everyone telling him that it is a bad idea, Nygil decides to take a sip of the water. The liquid has absolutely no taste, the only thing hinting at it's existence is its luke-warm temperature and watery texture. Since it does not make his tongue swell up or go numb, he proceeds to swallow it. At this point he has also noticed that he managed to capture two of the 'stars'. They are shaped like tiny beads, and give off 20ft of light.
Nygil
You now have superior darkvision. It lasts 1d6 hours.
"Well... it doesn't taste like much," Nygil says...then he starts blinking and squinting before looking off into the distance. After a moment he laughs, "This stuff isn't dangerous at all. ...hey! If any of you are having trouble seeing you might want to try some."
He holds up the stars, "These are kind of neat." He stares at them for a second... "But not super useful to me." He walks over to Zalten, "Here, you seem like you like things that give off light." He hands them to the aasimar and then walks back over to the silent river. "Anyone have a bottle? We should take some of this with us... I just have a cup, which isn't super useful here."
Zalten watches his bolt dissapear into the water, flowing down the river gently, glowing faintly as it moves. He then dismisses the spell, happy to see that it didn't illuminate anything compltely alarming, though it did leave him still quite in the dark about the exact nature of this strange river
Zalten turns to Jack for a moment, nearly stumbling back in shock at her new form. It's not the first time he's ever interacted with a changeling, but the sudden change alarmed him, having been unaware Jack was one. Still, after a short moment, he regains his balance, refocusing on the river in front of him. Watching as Nygil talks about drinking some of the water, he sighs quietly, thinking to himself "Look at this fool. If he keeps going around doing stupid things like drinking from strange rivers and we can't keep him in check, he's going to get us all killed". Even so, he doesn't bother to try to stop him, knowing it wouldn't do him any good. As Nygil goes to drink it, he watches intently, remaining on edge just in case he consumes some sort of poison. When the water doesn't appear to produce any immedate negative effect, he's happy that it wasn't directly dangerous, but just a bit dissapointed the elf doesn't seem to face any consequences for what should have been an incredibly foolish choice
When Nygil hands him the two tiny stars, his heart fills with joy for a moment, as if he had truly been handed two stars out of the real night sky. In contrast to the light from his own spell the light of these stars feels more natural, as if he was finally in the glow of true starlight again. As much as it saddends him, he wraps them in a small cloth and puts them away in his pack to obscure their light for the time being, knowing that having a bright light out in the open of this dark desert could pose a risk to his safety and the safety of his companions. When Nygil asks for a bottle, he looks at the waterskin in his pack, but decides it's best to preserve the water he has with him rather than get rid of it to carry around whatever the "water" in this river is
"This stuff isn't dangerous at all. ...hey! If any of you are having trouble seeing you might want to try some."
...
"Anyone have a bottle? We should take some of this with us... I just have a cup, which isn't super useful here."
The bard's mouth dropped open as he watched Nygil drink the water. When he then reported it improved one's vision, Jumble gave the elf a confused, suspicious look. Even if it did, they still didn't know if there any long-term--or just not-immediately-evident--effects. He quickly jot down a note about the water, and a reminder to keep an eye on Nygil.
Then he thought a moment. If it DID boost perceptive ability, having some on hand for critical situations might be helpful, he agreed. But then the would-be wizard sighed; unfortunately, he had no watertight containers on him (other than his waterskin, and he sure wasn't going to replace his clean water with... whatever was in that river!)
"Well, unless someone has something to carry some of that dark water in," he finally said aloud, "we might as well get going; it appears the bridge is as safe now as it was when the others used it." Still keeping his eyes open and his wits about him, the bard proceeded to cross the bridge.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mordred had looked to the Aasimar with a nod as he had warned Nygil. Mordred had seen the small Kobold stand tall with pride, well as tall as she could have managed. Though she appeared to stifle a nasal like chuckle. Mordred though he had fought his damnest couldn't help but offer a smile her way. It was a bit.. Strange to see a smile on his face and perhaps it could be taken the wrong way. He had found her chuckle somewhat charming and a bit humorous in itself. Though he hadn't the heart to admit such a thing. He had his arms crossed as Kashika began to explain her plans to the others ones. He was surprised she had agreed with him on this moment, but he found himself nodding along with her.
"She's right, we can push through for now but near the gates we recover as best we can."
She really seemed to stutter a lot, he couldn't help but examine her a bit. Was she shy? Hardly she seemed forward enough. Skittish? Or maybe it was just a speech impediment? He was curious but he wouldn't pry into her life. Rethan had talked about.. Bargaining with the beast.
"To bargain you think? Help us and we won't steal from you? You have realized how arrogant his sister his yes? You know will most likely see us as lessers. How would you feel if a young lad.. A whelp had told you this. "Give me what I need and I won't be forced to take what you hold precious." I've seen you fight Rethan, you'd certainly pummel them into the ground forgive my language. Now imagine if you're ego was several times larger. I don't think he'd lower himself to bargain with us. That being said I won't go against the parties vote if that is indeed how everyone decides to go about it."
Though almost as if Mordred's head was a spinning top toy he had turned yet again to listen to Nygil this time. "I hadn't meant you." "Hadn't meant me?" He thinks inquisitively, why would Mordred receive such a pass? His armor? His stance? It was hard to believe he only doubted the other failed or new champions. Though he wouldn't push or question the issue any further than that. Though Mordred appeared surprised that Nygil hadn't dismissed the tales that all 3 failed champions had offered. Nygil seemed surprisingly tactical when talking of using his darts or others using magic. However Mordred could relate to the fact that fight up close was what he had done best.
The group had continued as now it was Jack talking to Mordred, he had thanked him for healing him before and claimed he forgot his bee keeping suit. Mordred had offered a small chuckle shaking his head before returning to his usual stern expression.
"It's no problem, out here we thrive together or fail together. If you ever need a hand don't be afraid to let me know. My swing? Ahh, it wasn't really very impressive it was mostly Jumble's magic that did the work in that moment."
Mordred had came to a halt at the bridge, Jack had asked many questions and Mordred wasn't sure.. Exactly where to start. Though before he could Jack had suddenly shifted forms.. Into that of a woman? He appeared rather confused and curious. What sorta creature.. Was he.. Or she? Looking around as the group chattered about he was glad to hear Zalten had agreed that the dragon wouldn't fear any would be thieves. It seemed Mordred wasn't alone in thinking this.
Mordred had heard Kashika talk of working a deal with Zoran. That they hadn't all met well, she had asked them to trust her? Mordred had looked at her with a blank expression.
"Trust is a two way street."
He had said flatly, he wasn't angry but he doubted she had trusted them. She made it clear she was a survivor above all else. He hadn't minded the poor introduction but it didn't appear she had trusted him. Mordred couldn't trust a person who wouldn't place any faith in him. If it did come to a vote on talking with Zoran or not he'd vote on not giving up the element of surprise to negotiate with such a powerful beast. Mordred looked to Tamara nodding in agreement.
"I agree with Tamara, I would vote against making a deal with Zoran. Also I think it is fair to ask what you're plan is in the here and now."
Before Mordred could protest to Nygil's choice as the others had, he had done so. A look of worry as he ran to Nygil ready to heal him except.. His vision was improved? Mordred had blinked for a moment before sputtering into a small fit of coarse laughter. His voice gravelly but his expression appeared rather soft.
"You've the devil's own luck ya know that Nygil? I'd caution you to be careful yet again but it seems you've got you're own way of doing things it seems."
OOC Sorry I got real sick yesterday ><
So I guess I didn't find anything with perception/investigation before. That's okay not all area's probably have stuff haha
Reading a buncha post and responding took forever Q~Q I'm almost positive I missed some stuff cause it was so much to catch up on lol
I don't think Mordred has a way to help carry the strange liquid besides a waterskin.
As we walk by Mordred will cast Divine Sense. (To see undead,devils,fiends.) And perception and investigation.
All of you cautiously make your way across the bridge, while it's shifting form is a bit unnerving, its surface is just as solid that of a normal structure. Mordred, luckily, does not sense anything within your proximity. As you continue plodding through the sands, you feel that sense of isolation slowly fading. Perhaps you are coming closer to Dawn?
I need all of you to make a perception check and tell me where in the group you are located. (Front, mid, back)
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You continue your conversation as you once again begin walking down the Twilit path. The small lights along the edges silently float up and down as you progress across the seemingly endless desert. Periodically, you look back towards Dusk, watching it's red-orange glow slowly fade from sight as you travel deeper into the Twilight. Eventually, you stop looking back. The light of Dusk has disappeared completely, almost as if it was never there. You are now left to walk the orange sands under the deep red sky. This leaves you with a sense of isolation, a feeling almost as if you've been dropped into the Abyss itself. Fixing your eyes forward, you hope to see the soft glow of Dawn in the distance. It's light might not be particularly welcoming, but it is certainly more so than the dreary half-light of the twilit desert.
After some time of plodding through the barren landscape, those of you in the front start to make out a large, dark shape sitting directly on the path. Kashika and Tamara both recognize this as the Bridge of Shadows, and as far as they know, the only way to cross the River of Darkness. As you approach the bridge, those of you who are unfamiliar with the area find it strange that you hear no water. You pause at the base of the bridge. Living up to it's name, it appears to be made completely from shadow. It's form is transparent, allowing you to see the dark river beneath. Looking at the river itself, it looks strikingly like a large crack in the land. Like the world itself at some point started breaking apart. It looks as if the night sky itself has been pored into it. Dark liquid silently flows through the fissure while tiny white flecks sparkle beneath it, like stars that were cast from the black black sky above you. Some of these specks flow with the river, others are stationary. You see the sand itself stops abruptly at what could be called the bank. Odd, as sand shouldn't create such a sharp cut in the land. It's almost as if an invisible force is all that's keeping the loose grains from being washed into the river.
Jack is left in a huffed, overexcited state as he finishes off the remainder of the bugs in front of him. With a grin, he watches Mordred deal the final blow, and can't help but chuckle along with Nygil. He wipes off the bug juice from his scythe and dagger, sliding them neatly back inside the large case on his back. "Exhilarating it was! I'm by no means a proficient fighter, but it looks like the rest of you can hold your own very well. I'd hate to get caught on the opposing side in a fight!" He sets his case down, and proceeds to begin wiping off the guts and dismembered wings stuck on his body and clothes until he feels Mordred put his hand on his shoulder. "I guess I should have brought my beekeeping suit... Ah, thank you, Mordred! You were incredible. That final swing of your claymore was massive!..." He trails off a bit, noticing his foggy demeanor. "Is everything okay?"
He nods as Tamara mentions preparations for the 'final fight,' or as Rethan suggests, the 'final bargain.' His cheery disposition becomes suddenly serious. "I agree. Preparation is key, whether we bargain or fight our way out, it would be best to prepare for the worst. But, we don't have to decide on anything right now, we still have a long way to go before we get there. Let's cross those bridges when we get to them, hm? For now our priority is to get there alive in the first place."
He notices Jumble jotting down all these notes, and smiles a little. He really is a wizard at heart, he thinks half-mindedly, and then continues while walking along the path. "And the way we'll be best prepared is by getting an idea of what we should expect to face." He looks towards the veterans, those that have memories stained in blood in these sands. "I know you've mentioned facing beetles and worms here before, but is there anything else? I don't mean to pry into any painful memories, but it would be helpful to know what you experienced here. Did your groups stay on the path or stray from it? Did you try to evade combat? What other creatures did you encounter?"
Stopping in front of the strange inky form in the road, Jack peers down into the depths of the river. He has since changed forms without a single word, the skin of the carpenter no longer serving him well. He takes instead the skin of the bard from his repertoire. Rosy, slightly tan skin speckled with freckles, accompanied by a chocolate cascade of long curly hair. Her eyes are no longer flat brown, but the color of honey and sage. "So..." She starts, clicking her tongue in thought. "Ever seen this before? I'm assuming we have to cross... whatever this is, right?"
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
Hearing Rethan's suggestion, Zalten responds "It certainly would be a preferable option to attempting to steal from a dragon, though I'm not sure how feasible it really is. If how Cyra talked to us is any indication, I doubt Zoran would consider us enough of a threat to take that kind of deal. He likely thinks whatever defenses he's set up would be enoug to crush any would-be theives".
As he trecks along with the group, his mind remains focused on the dimming light around them, the absence of any sunlight making him more and more uncomfortable as time moves on, the darkness deeply unfamiliar and discomforting. As they arrive at this shadowy bridge and the River of Darkness below it, that discomfort only grows. Whatever this strange thing is, the pure darkness of it makes him deeply alarmed. On edge and concered about the incredilby strange river in front of him that seems to break the very fabric of reality, he draws his crossbow, casts Light on a bolt, and shoots it into the river to the side of the bridge, hoping the glowing bolt will illuminate the darkness of the river enough to peer into it, even for just a moment
Perception if Needed (Rolling on character sheet from here on out): 12
Turning to those of his companions who have been here before, he asks, his voice betraying how uneasy he is" "What exactly is this place? Can we cross this bridge safely or do we need to try and find another way through?"
"It sounds like this is just the latest attempt in a long line of back and forth between the dragons. Presumably their defenses have been penetrated before, and they have to know it'll happen again. Not necessarily saying that we SHOULD approach Zoran, but it's an option to perhaps keep in mind."
Rethan blinks as Jack is replaced by a woman he doesn't recognize. "Jack....? Is that still you?"
Perception as well (when Zalten fires his lit bolt): 21
If nothing appears out of the ordinary (or as out of the ordinary as a shadowy bridge over a river of darkness CAN appear), Rethan sends Midnight to prowl forward on the bridge to make sure it's solid and nothing unexpected occurs.
Nygil peers curiously into the crack, watching as Zalten's arrow collides with the surface of the strange liquid. His first impulse is to stick his hand in it buuuut he decides that isn't the best idea so he pulls out his quarterstaff and thrusts it into the 'water'.
"This is strange... and that bridge looks... rather interesting actually. I'd wager my father would pay a pretty penny to have something like that at our manor... though he'd probably prefer it to be made out of light instead of shadow." He pauses, "He has a terrible taste in decor."
Jack looks back at Rethan with a single eyebrow raised. "Yes..? It's still me." She states, as if it's obvious. They did see her change shape, it wasn't as if she had hidden away to do it. And then it hits her: Maybe they didn't have my kind in their part of the world. Maybe they didn't come from the same world in the first place. She doesn't really know what to do with this information, so she focuses on what Nygil is saying instead. "Well, it may not be a terrible taste in decor, but terrible context instead. Something could look out of place in one space, and look marvelous in another. Maybe he doesn't have a good eye for context." It's her turn to pause. "Or maybe it's not to your personal liking, or both. I've seen both happen before."
She looks back at the river, trying to see if she notices anything out-of-the-ordinary as well. (Perception: 9)
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
Nygil shrugs, "He just likes to shove to many different colors together. I've told him they clash, but he doesn't care what I say. ...He also has a tendency to buy whatever the most popular... and thus expensive...thing is at auctions.I guess he thinks that if other people want it it will make him look good to have it in his house. Needless to say, we have a lot of oddities all 'arranged' in our main hall... well his main hall." He says the last part with a bit of distain.
He squints into the distance, half hoping to find more bugs to attack. Thinking of his father always puts him in a bad mood...
Perception: 11
If his staff didn't dissolve, catch fire, transform into a snake, or some other 'bad' thing after coming into contact with the water, he will attempt to scoop some up with his hand.
If nothing happens to his hand, he will scoop up more and look back at his companions with a sly smile, "What do you think will happen if I drink it?"
Zalten's bolt hits the liquid, slipping through it soundlessly. With it's light, you are able to follow it's trajectory. As soon as it sinks below the surface, the bolt slows it's course then slowly starts to float downstream. The soft light of the bolt doesn't illuminate anything of note, the only thing any of you notice is that it seems to move slightly faster that the non-stationary "stars".
When Nygil thrust's his staff into the river, the liquid simply moves around it, behaving exactly like a slow moving stream of water. Nothing noteworthy happens to the staff. When he sticks his hand in, the liquid feels a lot like luke-warm water.
Roll a d20 for me... Also tell me if you do decide to drink it...
Jumble blinked at Jack's transformation. Was that...? No, it didn't look like a spell. Perhaps she was a... what they called a changeling? Jumble had never actually met one, but not only would it match the change... it would also match the casualness with which he (she, now?) changed.
"Well, if he's not making a big deal of it, no need for me to," thought the bard as he turned his attention again to the bridge. He noticed some of the others testing the water running under it. Instead, Jumble muttered a quick bit of magic to conjure a small white chip-like token. He quickly tossed it onto the bridge to see if anything would happen to it within its six seconds of existence.
Sterling - V. Human Bard 3 (College of Art) - [Pic] - [Traits] - in Bards: Dragon Heist (w/ Mansion) - Jasper's [Pic] - Sterling's [Sigil]
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
9
(He's waiting on a response from everyone else before drinking it lol)
Kashika's life had never given her the opportunity to meet, nor the necessity or ability to have the luxury of curiosity in regards to changelings. Perhaps the he-now-she had used some spell? Kashika didn't feel the weave pulled but there were things Kashika could do that others could not, so.... Regardless. She didn't feel threatened by the change, though ultimately her expression seemed to show that she didn't see the point of it.. but also didn't care. So long as s/he wasn't a threat, what they did... didn't matter that much to her. Kashika had her goal, and this group, despite the rocky meeting seemed like they might be capable of it.
Her face and eyes shifting around the group as all of the above thoughts occurred in her head. Regardless she frowned at the others attempts to 'discern' the abyss. I-it's fine. The b-bridge I mean. I don't know about drinking the black stuff. You can probably t-touch it just fine, but ... who knows. I wouldn't r-risk it myself. I-in any c-case, I've been in the l-lower realms for a l-long time.. until i felt s-st-stronger. And I learned a bit about Z-zoran. a good m-metaphor would be that he is like a w-wizard, while his sister m... she hesitated breifly. Cyra.. is m-more like a b-b-barbarian. W-we could probably g-get him to n-n-egotiate though even I c-cannot say for certain.
H-however, I have b-been looking into both d-dragons, and I had convinced Cyra... d-during my f-f-f-first attempt to give us some ..... w-whats the word.... it's similar to favors b-but.. starts with a C...she shakes her head, as ultimately some would understand what she meant... I m-may just be able to convince Z-zoran of s-something. But I will need time to think of exactly how to a-approach it. B-but I h-have had a p-plan for a while .. generally. I didn't volunteer to come this time u-unprepared.
I understand n-not all of us have gotten off on the b-best foot, but if you can trust me atleast that much.. and I will e-explain before we enter the city... I will s-swear that I will get you all w-what you want .. if things go t-to plan.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Tamara watched with surprise, then intrigue as Jack changed from a man to a woman in front of everyone's eyes. She hadn't heard... her? them? cast a spell either. "A changeling?" she said, her mind briefly racing with possibilities. "I'd heard stories, but I never knew if they were true or not. That shapeshifting is something that would be very... very useful. If all this works out for us and you need a job, you can look me up if you want," she finished with a friendly-looking smile.
Tamara felt a sense of unease as she looked into the chasm. Not that she was worried about falling in or anything, but it just looked wrong in some fundamental way to her. Like somehow the world had been flipped upside down and falling in would send someone hurtling toward the stars. Granted, the tests of both her current and former companions proved that wouldn't happen, but that didn't make it look right.
She did, at least, get a little kick out of seeing nearly everyone leer at the bridge like it might bite them. "Don't worry, the bridge is perfectly solid." She hopped the first few feet to demonstrate. "Nygil, please don't drink the... shadow water. I couldn't guess what might happen, but mysterious magic rarely mixes well with living things. And I'd hate to lose a capable companion to such a foolish move."
Her eyes narrowed as she heard Kashika speak. She did not like the thought of someone supposed to be aiding her in the heat of battle hiding something or having their own agenda, even and maybe especially if it seemed benevolent. And... "Kashika, I don't know what you have in mind, but trying to make a deal with Zoran is like trying to make a deal with a fiend without giving up your soul. I don't know what Cyra could've given you that would be so valuable to her brother that he would negotiate in good faith and that she wouldn't have used herself already. And if it's so important..." Tamara hesitated for a moment, wondering if this was about to sink their expedition, but it seemed reasonable enough. "I feel like you can tell us right here and now what your plan is."
"Just checking," Rethan says to Jack with a smile. "There's a lot of ways for one to change their face, some seem to change more than just the looks."
"I agree with Tamara," he tells Nygil, "I can't imagine drinking water from the River of Darkness would have any positive results."
"Are you sure?" Nygil looks at the black liquid in his hands. "I've build up immunities to most poisons. ...perhaps just a sip?" It is difficult to tell if he is joking or not...until he takes a small sip of the water. Swishing it around in his mouth for a second, he spits it back out and waits a moment. "Hmm, lets see if it makes my tongue swell up. If it doesn't, I'll try swallowing some. ...even if it is poison, I want to know. You never know if it could be useful or not." He grins, still waiting to see if his tongue goes numb or swells up or has any other bad reaction.
If nothing happens, and no one steps in to stop him, he will drink the tiniest amount possible.
Jumble watches his token clatter silently onto the bridge before it vanishes after approximately six seconds.
Despite everyone telling him that it is a bad idea, Nygil decides to take a sip of the water. The liquid has absolutely no taste, the only thing hinting at it's existence is its luke-warm temperature and watery texture. Since it does not make his tongue swell up or go numb, he proceeds to swallow it. At this point he has also noticed that he managed to capture two of the 'stars'. They are shaped like tiny beads, and give off 20ft of light.
Nygil
You now have superior darkvision. It lasts 1d6 hours.
"Well... it doesn't taste like much," Nygil says...then he starts blinking and squinting before looking off into the distance. After a moment he laughs, "This stuff isn't dangerous at all. ...hey! If any of you are having trouble seeing you might want to try some."
He holds up the stars, "These are kind of neat." He stares at them for a second... "But not super useful to me." He walks over to Zalten, "Here, you seem like you like things that give off light." He hands them to the aasimar and then walks back over to the silent river. "Anyone have a bottle? We should take some of this with us... I just have a cup, which isn't super useful here."
Zalten watches his bolt dissapear into the water, flowing down the river gently, glowing faintly as it moves. He then dismisses the spell, happy to see that it didn't illuminate anything compltely alarming, though it did leave him still quite in the dark about the exact nature of this strange river
Zalten turns to Jack for a moment, nearly stumbling back in shock at her new form. It's not the first time he's ever interacted with a changeling, but the sudden change alarmed him, having been unaware Jack was one. Still, after a short moment, he regains his balance, refocusing on the river in front of him. Watching as Nygil talks about drinking some of the water, he sighs quietly, thinking to himself "Look at this fool. If he keeps going around doing stupid things like drinking from strange rivers and we can't keep him in check, he's going to get us all killed". Even so, he doesn't bother to try to stop him, knowing it wouldn't do him any good. As Nygil goes to drink it, he watches intently, remaining on edge just in case he consumes some sort of poison. When the water doesn't appear to produce any immedate negative effect, he's happy that it wasn't directly dangerous, but just a bit dissapointed the elf doesn't seem to face any consequences for what should have been an incredibly foolish choice
When Nygil hands him the two tiny stars, his heart fills with joy for a moment, as if he had truly been handed two stars out of the real night sky. In contrast to the light from his own spell the light of these stars feels more natural, as if he was finally in the glow of true starlight again. As much as it saddends him, he wraps them in a small cloth and puts them away in his pack to obscure their light for the time being, knowing that having a bright light out in the open of this dark desert could pose a risk to his safety and the safety of his companions. When Nygil asks for a bottle, he looks at the waterskin in his pack, but decides it's best to preserve the water he has with him rather than get rid of it to carry around whatever the "water" in this river is
The bard's mouth dropped open as he watched Nygil drink the water. When he then reported it improved one's vision, Jumble gave the elf a confused, suspicious look. Even if it did, they still didn't know if there any long-term--or just not-immediately-evident--effects. He quickly jot down a note about the water, and a reminder to keep an eye on Nygil.
Then he thought a moment. If it DID boost perceptive ability, having some on hand for critical situations might be helpful, he agreed. But then the would-be wizard sighed; unfortunately, he had no watertight containers on him (other than his waterskin, and he sure wasn't going to replace his clean water with... whatever was in that river!)
"Well, unless someone has something to carry some of that dark water in," he finally said aloud, "we might as well get going; it appears the bridge is as safe now as it was when the others used it." Still keeping his eyes open and his wits about him, the bard proceeded to cross the bridge.
Sterling - V. Human Bard 3 (College of Art) - [Pic] - [Traits] - in Bards: Dragon Heist (w/ Mansion) - Jasper's [Pic] - Sterling's [Sigil]
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Mordred had looked to the Aasimar with a nod as he had warned Nygil. Mordred had seen the small Kobold stand tall with pride, well as tall as she could have managed. Though she appeared to stifle a nasal like chuckle. Mordred though he had fought his damnest couldn't help but offer a smile her way. It was a bit.. Strange to see a smile on his face and perhaps it could be taken the wrong way. He had found her chuckle somewhat charming and a bit humorous in itself. Though he hadn't the heart to admit such a thing. He had his arms crossed as Kashika began to explain her plans to the others ones. He was surprised she had agreed with him on this moment, but he found himself nodding along with her.
"She's right, we can push through for now but near the gates we recover as best we can."
She really seemed to stutter a lot, he couldn't help but examine her a bit. Was she shy? Hardly she seemed forward enough. Skittish? Or maybe it was just a speech impediment? He was curious but he wouldn't pry into her life. Rethan had talked about.. Bargaining with the beast.
"To bargain you think? Help us and we won't steal from you? You have realized how arrogant his sister his yes? You know will most likely see us as lessers. How would you feel if a young lad.. A whelp had told you this. "Give me what I need and I won't be forced to take what you hold precious." I've seen you fight Rethan, you'd certainly pummel them into the ground forgive my language. Now imagine if you're ego was several times larger. I don't think he'd lower himself to bargain with us. That being said I won't go against the parties vote if that is indeed how everyone decides to go about it."
Though almost as if Mordred's head was a spinning top toy he had turned yet again to listen to Nygil this time. "I hadn't meant you." "Hadn't meant me?" He thinks inquisitively, why would Mordred receive such a pass? His armor? His stance? It was hard to believe he only doubted the other failed or new champions. Though he wouldn't push or question the issue any further than that. Though Mordred appeared surprised that Nygil hadn't dismissed the tales that all 3 failed champions had offered. Nygil seemed surprisingly tactical when talking of using his darts or others using magic. However Mordred could relate to the fact that fight up close was what he had done best.
The group had continued as now it was Jack talking to Mordred, he had thanked him for healing him before and claimed he forgot his bee keeping suit. Mordred had offered a small chuckle shaking his head before returning to his usual stern expression.
"It's no problem, out here we thrive together or fail together. If you ever need a hand don't be afraid to let me know. My swing? Ahh, it wasn't really very impressive it was mostly Jumble's magic that did the work in that moment."
Mordred had came to a halt at the bridge, Jack had asked many questions and Mordred wasn't sure.. Exactly where to start. Though before he could Jack had suddenly shifted forms.. Into that of a woman? He appeared rather confused and curious. What sorta creature.. Was he.. Or she? Looking around as the group chattered about he was glad to hear Zalten had agreed that the dragon wouldn't fear any would be thieves. It seemed Mordred wasn't alone in thinking this.
Mordred had heard Kashika talk of working a deal with Zoran. That they hadn't all met well, she had asked them to trust her? Mordred had looked at her with a blank expression.
"Trust is a two way street."
He had said flatly, he wasn't angry but he doubted she had trusted them. She made it clear she was a survivor above all else. He hadn't minded the poor introduction but it didn't appear she had trusted him. Mordred couldn't trust a person who wouldn't place any faith in him. If it did come to a vote on talking with Zoran or not he'd vote on not giving up the element of surprise to negotiate with such a powerful beast. Mordred looked to Tamara nodding in agreement.
"I agree with Tamara, I would vote against making a deal with Zoran. Also I think it is fair to ask what you're plan is in the here and now."
Before Mordred could protest to Nygil's choice as the others had, he had done so. A look of worry as he ran to Nygil ready to heal him except.. His vision was improved? Mordred had blinked for a moment before sputtering into a small fit of coarse laughter. His voice gravelly but his expression appeared rather soft.
"You've the devil's own luck ya know that Nygil? I'd caution you to be careful yet again but it seems you've got you're own way of doing things it seems."
OOC
Sorry I got real sick yesterday ><
So I guess I didn't find anything with perception/investigation before. That's okay not all area's probably have stuff haha
Reading a buncha post and responding took forever Q~Q I'm almost positive I missed some stuff cause it was so much to catch up on lol
I don't think Mordred has a way to help carry the strange liquid besides a waterskin.
As we walk by Mordred will cast Divine Sense. (To see undead,devils,fiends.)
And perception and investigation.
17
Perception Check
Investigation Check
18
(Ok sounds like you are all ready to move on.)
All of you cautiously make your way across the bridge, while it's shifting form is a bit unnerving, its surface is just as solid that of a normal structure. Mordred, luckily, does not sense anything within your proximity. As you continue plodding through the sands, you feel that sense of isolation slowly fading. Perhaps you are coming closer to Dawn?
I need all of you to make a perception check and tell me where in the group you are located. (Front, mid, back)