NikitaNature or History (same bonus): 21 (to identify that the Lord of Autumn is a firbolg and recall anything she might of firbolgs).
She continues to hum her bladesong softly as the second hound dies burning, keeping concentration on her Flaming Sphere, making it rise 10' further so as to be safely away from any in her group or the newcomer. Both continue for the next half minute or so. Nikita sees that the self-proclaimed Lord of Autumn has not made any move towards his weapons so she slowly sheathes her own rapier. Her quick and graceful steps become still.
(The Lord of Autumn would see a lithe, young High Elf, not born of the Fey Realm yet somehow clearly touched by it, a small owl perched on her shoulder. Blond hair frames a face whose prettiness is marred by a deep, livid scar from next to her left eye down her cheekbone.)
Nikita remains balanced on the balls of her feet and takes a deep breath. She speaks carefully, clearly a newcomer in unfamiliar territory trying to master her fight or flight instinct and measure her words. She takes note of the Lord of Autumn's gaze on Titania's soiled statue.
"We seek to defy or impede nothing except perhaps the corruption that now grips this temple, and we suspect, this lost city. In truth, we eventually seek audience with several Courts of the Feyrealm, first and foremost at the Seelie Court with the Summer Queen Titania, who I personally hold in reverence, a legend among my people. The defilement of her statue and of this once holy place is not our doing but that of some foul presence still lingering here."
Nikita pauses once and breathes. The Flaming Sphere and magical grace granted by her bladesong fade.
"All but one of us arrived in Cendriane through an unstable portal from a different world, Oerth. A portal we seek to stabilize. We sought refuge in this temple for safety when we heard the Formorians approaching. In the short time since then, we have been attacked, first by strange corrupted creatures or enchantments within these very pools and then by these strange hounds who now lie dead and burned at our feet."
She studies the newcomer curiously. "You speak of the Autumnal Court. In my ignorance, I admit that is not one of the Courts we had known to seek. You speak also of the Lord of Autumn in the third person. Is that whom I have the honor to address now? Please forgive any rudeness arising from my unfamiliarity with this world and of the 'stasis' you claim we defy. Disrespect is not our intent. I am Nikita Tantsora of the Faerie Kingdom of Celene on Oerth. My companions are Thumbtack, the fey owl upon my shoulder, Boyd of Monmurg, also in Oerth, Lady Meresaa of Ravnica, and Faila who, when not in sauro-avian form, is a young human woman, both the latter being from yet another world different from Oerth. The only (relatively) local denizen among us is our paid guide, Aruum Gold-Eater, who the hounds first attacked."
By this point, Nikita is starting to become breathless and subsides, wondering if she has said too much, waiting for a response. Hoping that her own serene demeanor keeps Faila's wild avatar calm. She wonders but does not yet ask what the 'most pressing' matters are for 'the Falltide'.
Boyd nods when his name is announced. He almost looks ready to interrupt for a moment but lets it slide. When Nikita finishes her introductions, the he steps forward into the light so this giant, hairy and leafy "Lord of Autumn" can see him better. Boyd is a middle-aged barrel-chested human man with a massive salt-and-pepper beard and short, unstyled hair. He wears a leather coat about the same color as his deeply tanned skin.
He wipes the blood off of a penknife that seems many time too small for his hand onto the dead hound's singed fur. Replacing the knife in a leather cord that hangs from his waist, he addresses the giant, ostentatious stranger. "I think we were just leaving - this place is all yours. Are those giants gone outside?" He looks to his comrades, lingering on the brutalized Goblin, to see if the group would be leaving this accursed place, or if there was some inscrutable reason that the spellcasters needed to stay here or even delve deeper.
"We seek to defy or impede nothing except perhaps the corruption that now grips this temple, and we suspect, this lost city. In truth, we eventually seek audience with several Courts of the Feyrealm, first and foremost at the Seelie Court with the Summer Queen Titania, who I personally hold in reverence, a legend among my people. The defilement of her statue and of this once holy place is not our doing but that of some foul presence still lingering here."
The firbolg says nothing at first, but his ears betray his silence as they twitch at mention of the Summer Queen. He respectfully nods at the explanation regarding culpability of the statue's defilement.
"All but one of us arrived in Cendriane through an unstable portal from a different world, Oerth. A portal we seek to stabilize. We sought refuge in this temple for safety when we heard the Formorians approaching. In the short time since then, we have been attacked, first by strange corrupted creatures or enchantments within these very pools and then by these strange hounds who now lie dead and burned at our feet."
Overtly now, the firbolg tilts his head at mentions of Oerth. His facial expression scrunches in slight confusion at mention of this word, as if he had no sense of its meaning save what was just told to him. As she recounts the recent fracas in the temple, his expression relaxes to that of empathy for their troubles.
"You speak of the Autumnal Court. In my ignorance, I admit that is not one of the Courts we had known to seek. You speak also of the Lord of Autumn in the third person. Is that whom I have the honor to address now?
The firbolg raises his fingertips to his brow and sweeps this arm out wide in a polite bow, still remaining silent though the confirmation is evident.
"Please forgive any rudeness arising from my unfamiliarity with this world and of the 'stasis' you claim we defy. Disrespect is not our intent. I am Nikita Tantsora of the Faerie Kingdom of Celene on Oerth. My companions are Thumbtack, the fey owl upon my shoulder, Boyd of Monmurg, also in Oerth, Lady Meresaa of Ravnica, and Faila who, when not in sauro-avian form, is a young human woman, both the latter being from yet another world different from Oerth. The only (relatively) local denizen among us is our paid guide, Aruum Gold-Eater, who the hounds first attacked."
The firbolg finally speaks, "Your intent is noted, Nikita Tantsora of the Faerie Kingdom of Celene on Oerth. Forsooth, you have shared so much information freely that it would seem foolish to suspect deceit. As you have declared, the Lord of Autumn stands before you on behalf of the Court of Autumn, or Autumnal Court as we have expressed."
He pauses, as if carefully choosing his words from thinking back through the conversation from Nikita, "Behold, a similar purpose in Cendriane it would seem that we share. Verily, this is a curious fortune arising from a most curious sight."
The firbolg raises his right arm to stroke his beard as he plunges deep into thought. He crosses his other arm across his chest underneath the right, and it can be seen that his palm is subtly quivering.
He wipes the blood off of a penknife that seems many time too small for his hand onto the dead hound's singed fur. Replacing the knife in a leather cord that hangs from his waist, he addresses the giant, ostentatious stranger. "I think we were just leaving - this place is all yours. Are those giants gone outside?" He looks to his comrades, lingering on the brutalized Goblin, to see if the group would be leaving this accursed place, or if there was some inscrutable reason that the spellcasters needed to stay here or even delve deeper.
His concentration broken, the firbolg looks puzzling at Boyd, "The Lord of Autumn did not recognize from the description by Nikita Tantsora of the Faerie Kingdom of Celene on Oerth that you are the keeper of this temple. As bound by Circumstance of the Seasonal Concords, the Court desires to leave no balance hanging and thusly seeks not to incur such a trade at this time. However, know that your generosity is noted by the Autumnal Court."
He pauses to let his declaration process before continuing, "The Formorians have continued on their quest without impediment, as their intent is in sanction with the desires of the Autumnal Court." The firbolg shares this information nonchantly, as if he sees nothing out of the ordinary by their presence.
As your gaze falls upon the Lord of Autumn, a wave of recognition sweeps over you. The towering height, weathered skin, and piercing eyes, reminiscent of ancient wisdom, all mark him as a Firbolg - a creature of the forest, a legend from the tales of old. The Lord of Autumn is like a figure plucked from the very pages of the stories of your youth, a noble being at one with the natural world.
Recalling the knowledge you have of Firbolgs, you remember that they possess an innate affinity with nature. Their senses are finely tuned to the secrets and rhythms of the wilderness, and they carry with them a profound respect for the elements and the creatures that inhabit it. Tales state that within the feywild, they are a common sight, and it is whispered that they can navigate its many twists and turns with unparalleled ease.
Lord of Autumn - As Aruum gazes upon the breathtaking beauty of your long, flowing leaf-cloak, his mouth hangs open in wonder. "Nice to meets you, Lord Golds-leaf,"he exclaims, struggling to grasp the intricacies of your speech and introduction. "Thanks you for dealing with those giantses. Have you comes to fix this place?" He asks with a shrug. "Jus' I thoughts you might like to knows about the trapdoors the dogsies guarded."
Dumbfounded, Boyd lets his mouth hang slightly agape in disbelief for a moment before snapping it shut. "Hang about. What's a fancy lad like you doing here anyhow? So far we've just seen Aruum and a Pisky working for Claude - I mean Maud. You know her? She's some sort of ghost or ghoul or some such what works for a fella whose name I ain't supposed to say." Knowing he's not making much sense, he looks to Nikitafor support with names.
"You working for her or you here on your own?"Assuming that the Lord of Autumn answers that he's not working for Maude, Boyd continues: "We've got to find 7... things... to fix this 'portal' back to Saltmarsh. You know were we can find them?" Boyd goes on to explain that they're headed for a kingdom, Astrazalian (he stumbles pronouncing it), that floats around the ocean to try to find the first of these things, a thing which is probably blue in color.
When Aruum chimes in, Boyd huffs. "He might want to know about a trapdoor in an evil temple." He says, meaning the Lord of Autumn."But we don't. Right, gang?" But his expression softens as has a thought. "Say... you see how all this stuff is gooey and black and tar around here? Wasn't one of the things that Tomnus showed - you know, one of the items? - black and covered in thorns. What say, if I was Sammerammy, and I was an evil bloke, I would make Asha tear up everything but the nasty item? What if the artifact for the evil court the uh..." He looks to Nikita for help. "The Court of Darkness is still here?"
As the Lord of Autumn introduces himself, Faila's loud shrieks and honks diminish, but she slinks forward and warily circles the massive firbolg, snarling and eyeing the door of the temple that he is blocking. After a few minutes, as the others discuss, the ruffled feathers slowly smooth down, as she continues pacing, going back and forth between the members of the group, very distinctly avoiding the water, avoiding the altar and not looking at anything that has hideous symbols, blackness, or any other corruption. Her clawed hands shake, but with anger, fear, or something else it is impossible to tell on the unreadable and perpetually predatory reptilian face. She stops next to Aruum and noses carefully at his wounds. Her own are difficult to see through the brightly colored feathers.
During this exchange with the newcomer, Meresaa remains silent. Giant, almond-shaped violet eyes peer up at the towering figure from an ovoid, blue face perched atop a rail-thin frame that, under nearly any other circumstances, would be considered quite tall.
When her name is mentioned, she barely moves or reacts except for an awkwardly soft click and whir from the small device in her hand as she remembers to pull the trigger once more.
(Everyone gets/replaces 12 HP: 7 in campaign roller +5)
"I... Ah... Um... We were... Uh..." she stammers before blinking several times and shaking her head slightly to clear it. Suddenly clearly self-conscious, she straightens her robe and lets out a heavy breath to try to collect herself, all while never taking her eyes off the hulking firbolg.
"I beg your pardon," she begins again with a sheepish smile. "I've never met one quite so..." trailing off once more and observing the Lord of Autumn as a whole before a sharp intake of breath, again re-centering herself. "'Quite like you,' is what I intended to say." Her cheeks flush, creating an odd new shade the others had not yet seen on the cerulean woman (not to mention an odd new demeanor for a normally quite composed and confident individual).
Taking a step forward, she remembers herself and presents with a somewhat more formal bow. "As my companion said, I am Meresaa of the Izzet... Formerly and possibly once again in the future (should we all survive this) of a world known as Ravnica." Standing and regarding the mountain of a magical creature once more, her focus waivers another moment before murmuring "So many questions..."
"Uh... We're seeking out a series of powerful magical artefacts that were once used to seal a planar portal near this location. From what we've gathered, there was one given to the cause by each of the courts but, as Nikita has pointed out, we haven't yet heard mention of the Autumn Court. Just how many courts are there here? It's really all a bit much to take in."
Suddenly Meresaa sits down heavily on the nearby steps. "I'm sorry... I'm not quite feeling myself at the moment. Fell into one of these pools and have felt a bit winded since. I think I just need to sit for a while. We've had more excitement in the last few days than I'm accustomed to."
Faila, straightening up suddenly and lashing her tail as her wounds and Aruum's seem to miraculously disappear, stops nosing the goblin and trots over to start nosing at Meresaa, growling discontentedly, the sound oddly vocalized in her throat, as if she's attempting to speak, with little awareness that the feathered dinosaur can't actually talk.
Nikita dares to hope there is an opportunity here. She tries not to let it slip through her fingers into darkness as she has thus far in her life, short though it has been in on an elven scale. Thumbtack, any help you can add, even a "verily" or "forsooth" of which you and thisLord of Autumn are so fond.
"Boyd, I do not think the Lord of Autumn works for Maud. Firbolgs such as he are legends among my people, though I never paid as much attention as I should have. Unless I miss my mark, he could help us navigate the Feyrealm better than any ally we could hope for, if he so chooses."
Nikita reaches for what little she remembers of her lady mother's grace and dignity when treating with other noble high elves, the youngest daughter always having found merchants and travelers and urchins far more interesting, down in the dirt where the fun is.
She bows. "My Lord of Autumn. Clear communication is paramount when so many from different worlds converse. When my companion Boyd suggests 'this place is all yours', it is a figure of speech, intended to convey not ownership to be transferred, but rather a lack of desire to impede. Nor have you made any move to impede us. In fact, you suggested we may share a common purpose. I am not yet perfectly certain of that, but..."
Nikita looks as much at her own group as she does at the towering Firbolg as she speaks. Trying to convince them.
"The portal between our worlds is unstable and perilous to both as elements of one world can become corruption to the other. Moreover, evil beings and fiends, such as this Maud who Boyd references and others we were forced to fight on Oerth have traversed the portal and use it for their own ends. We seek artifacts to stabilize it and render the portal dormant. We were given this quest by a departing ally, the spirit of Captain Tommus Iavus of the Astrazalian Guard, favored of Lady Shandria. And in fact, it is an audience at the Court of Stars we seek first, east along the river we were told. Within an hour of our recent arrival in Cendriane from Oerth, we met and arranged with Aruum Gold-Eater to guide us and I have grown fond of him already and hope he continues on with us. Yet, we desperately need the guidance of someone who traverses the Feyrealm with ease. As I believe you can."
She takes a deep breath. "The agreement I propose, to all of you, is that we assist the Lord of Autumn in his purpose here in Cendriane, even if it means delving deeper into this fallen temple to the trap doors which Aruum described. Perhaps to rid it of the defilement which we all sense? And in return, my Lord of Autumn, you would act as our ally and guide on at least the first leg of our quest, to Astrazalian and the Court of Stars."
As the conversation continues, the leaves of the cloak begin to sway as if impatiently dawdling about, though the firbolg is standing firmly still. He politely continues to converse with the party with a look of intrigue on his face as they reveal more to him.
Dumbfounded, Boyd lets his mouth hang slightly agape in disbelief for a moment before snapping it shut. "Hang about. What's a fancy lad like you doing here anyhow? So far we've just seen Aruum and a Pisky working for Claude - I mean Maud. You know her? She's some sort of ghost or ghoul or some such what works for a fella whose name I ain't supposed to say." Knowing he's not making much sense, he looks to Nikitafor support with names.
"You working for her or you here on your own?"Assuming that the Lord of Autumn answers that he's not working for Maude, Boyd continues: "We've got to find 7... things... to fix this 'portal' back to Saltmarsh. You know were we can find them?" Boyd goes on to explain that they're headed for a kingdom, Astrazalian (he stumbles pronouncing it), that floats around the ocean to try to find the first of these things, a thing which is probably blue in color.
The Lord of Autumn holds up a single palm, gesturing for Boyd to cease, "Hark, you pose but four questions, yet heed not my previous cautioning regarding the Circumstance. The Court of Autumn will only barter in equivalent terms."He pauses and clears his throat before continuing,
"Matters most pressing for that of the Falltide. Nay. Nay. Nay."Another pause before he speaks again with authority, "In exchange: As keeper of this temple, what can you tell the Lord of Autumn regarding its purpose? How is it that the keeper does not remember the presence of a trapdoor? Why would the keeper let the temple fall into such a despicable and sad state of ruin by his own neglect or perhaps inability to muster ongoing upkeep? What does the keeper know about the ruinous state of Cendriane as well?"
The Lord of Autumn looks upon Boyd expectantly.
As Aruum gazes upon the breathtaking beauty of your long, flowing leaf-cloak, his mouth hangs open in wonder. "Nice to meets you, Lord Golds-leaf,"he exclaims, struggling to grasp the intricacies of your speech and introduction. "Thanks you for dealing with those giantses. Have you comes to fix this place?" He asks with a shrug. "Jus' I thoughts you might like to knows about the trapdoors the dogsies guarded."
The Lord of Autumn lets loose a loud laugh, his bellowing filling the hall with newfound energy once again, "The Lord of Autumn makes acquaintance most graciously, given the forthcoming of information provided. This lead is of precise service to the Autumnal Court." He smiles upon Aruum, "May it behoof you to know that the giant-kin have continued on their mission within Cendriane and, at the least, should no longer impede matters."
He hesitates for a moment with regards to the question, then proceeds, "In exchange for the information, know that your question is confirmed true. The presence of the Lord of Autumn in Cendriane is aligned to this goal."
"I beg your pardon," she begins again with a sheepish smile. "I've never met one quite so..." trailing off once more and observing the Lord of Autumn as a whole before a sharp intake of breath, again re-centering herself. "'Quite like you,' is what I intended to say." Her cheeks flush, creating an odd new shade the others had not yet seen on the cerulean woman (not to mention an odd new demeanor for a normally quite composed and confident individual).
Not knowing how to respond to this introduction, the Lord of Autumn's once stoic facial expression softens to that of surprise and embarrassment. He reflexively reaches his arm to scratch at his hair and tries to hide his grin. His other hand begins to stealthily shudder, though this all subsides as Meresaa continues on.
"Uh... We're seeking out a series of powerful magical artefacts that were once used to seal a planar portal near this location. From what we've gathered, there was one given to the cause by each of the courts but, as Nikita has pointed out, we haven't yet heard mention of the Autumn Court. Just how many courts are there here? It's really all a bit much to take in."
The Lord of Autumn places a hand of his chest, "Hark, the Lord of Autumn reminds you that the same holds true for you in regards to the Circumstance of the Seasonal Concords. In sooth, this question can be clarified outside of the jurisdiction of the Autumnal Court, justified by your unfamiliarity with these lands."He pauses, as if puzzled by the simplicity of the question itself, "Behold, it is known to all that there are as many Courts and there needs to be, and as few of Courts as there needs not be. Seven are recognized, but vast majorities exist to keep all aspects in balance for the realm."
Faila, straightening up suddenly and lashing her tail as her wounds and Aruum's seem to miraculously disappear, stops nosing the goblin and trots over to start nosing at Meresaa, growling discontentedly, the sound oddly vocalized in her throat, as if she's attempting to speak, with little awareness that the feathered dinosaur can't actually talk.
The Lord of Autumn casts a warm glance towards the lizard-creature, his expression softening to that of understanding and acceptance. "Curious." he remarks in a subtle tone as he examines the shape and features of the shapeshifter more closely.
She bows. "My Lord of Autumn. Clear communication is paramount when so many from different worlds converse. When my companion Boyd suggests 'this place is all yours', it is a figure of speech, intended to convey not ownership to be transferred, but rather a lack of desire to impede."
The Lord of Autumn gives a polite nod to Nikita, "On behalf of the Court of Autumn, the past transgression shall be cast aside."
She takes a deep breath. "The agreement I propose, to all of you, is that we assist the Lord of Autumn in his purpose here in Cendriane, even if it means delving deeper into this fallen temple to the trap doors which Aruum described. Perhaps to rid it of the defilement which we all sense? And in return, my Lord of Autumn, you would act as our ally and guide on at least the first leg of our quest, to Astrazalian and the Court of Stars."
The Lord of Autumn raises his hands to his beard and begins to carefully stroke it. A long pause ensues, with his hand continuing to sporadically shake now and then. After a while, he breaks the silence in deep, solemn tones, "Verily, favors carry great weight in this realm. It is not the business of the Court of Autumn to freely grant these, much like that of information without equivalent exchange. Much like any of the recognized and unrecognized Courts, our dealings are done with discretion for reasoning most obvious."
He thinks for a moment, "This a most curious favor arising from a most curious fortune arising from a most curious sight." Another deep pause.
"...On behalf of the Compact of the Twice Stricken Silence, the Court of Autumn hereby grants this favor in equivalency per the Circumstance of the Seasonal Concords. The Lord of Autumn accepts the aid in fulfilling his all his purpose throughout all that is Cendriane, with understanding that equivalent return being the Lord of Autumn offers service as necessary to speed these individuals to the Astrazalian and summarily aid these same individuals in politicking with the Court of Stars."
Nikita - "Good gracious, Nikita, your behaviour is utterly incorrigible! Having been endowed with the gift of articulate speech, your initial act is to hinder and discredit my own self-expression. This nobleman, in his apparent self-proclaimed eminence, is fully entitled to employ any diction that he finds suitable. With utmost sincerity, I shall undertake the task of communicating with his brightly coloured lordship in a manner befitting of his high status, while also taking into account his personal preferences and ease of comprehension. I commit to utilising language that is both appropriate and conducive to fostering a harmonious exchange between us," Thumbtack quietly whispers in your ear.
Hovering gracefully before the Lord of Autumn, her wings stretched out in a magnificent display, Thumbtack lands with a graceful curtsey. "Forsooth, your Lordship,"she begins with eloquence, "I am of the belief that an agreement has been forged. Nonetheless, each member of our unassuming troupe reserves the freedom to accept these terms at their own discretion. As a mere avian, I am not the authorised voice for this collective. I beseech your Lordship, could you please enlighten us once more as to the task at hand?"
"Absolutely, yes!" Meresaa blurts out without waiting for input from the others. Once again, self-conscious eyes dart around as she clasps her hands in front of her. "That is, if the others are in favor."
The scaled, feathered creature that was Faila stares at Meresaa, then promptly sits down, aghast, and opening her jaws wide, howls. At least, that is the closest descriptor that comes to mind for the sound that comes out of her mouth.
Hovering gracefully before the Lord of Autumn, her wings stretched out in a magnificent display, Thumbtack lands with a graceful curtsey. "Forsooth, your Lordship,"she begins with eloquence, "I am of the belief that an agreement has been forged. Nonetheless, each member of our unassuming troupe reserves the freedom to accept these terms at their own discretion. As a mere avian, I am not the authorised voice for this collective. I beseech your Lordship, could you please enlighten us once more as to the task at hand?"
The Lord of Autumn listens raptly to the address coming from the bird, nodding his head in correct timing with each display of proper Court etiquette. He waits patiently for Thumbtack to finish before speaking in turn, "Verily, as having invoked the Compact of the Twice Stricken Silence, it is within reason to behoove those seeking to accord with proper knowledge before entering of their own volition. Behold, the Lord of Autumn's presence in Cendriane is at the beck and call of the Summer Queen."His expression sours slightly, as he brings out a clenched fist in front of him in a rare display of anger, the leaves on his cloak suddenly rustling in turn, "Stagnation most foul has gripped the very roots of this ancient province..." He softens and lets his arm relax again by his side.
He breathes a deep sigh, "This sojourn to Cendriane is to determine the cause and affect change by any means necessary. The Lord of Autumn's investigation thus far has led him here to this temple, with intent to fully explore this sacred grounds should clues behind the stasis lay underfoot." He hesitates before revealing the next bit of information, and even as he does so, says in a sheepish tone, "It also is fortuitous happenstance that this goal is shared by the Autumnal Court."
"Absolutely, yes!" Meresaa blurts out without waiting for input from the others. Once again, self-conscious eyes dart around as she clasps her hands in front of her. "That is, if the others are in favor."
The scaled, feathered creature that was Faila stares at Meresaa, then promptly sits down, aghast, and opening her jaws wide, howls. At least, that is the closest descriptor that comes to mind for the sound that comes out of her mouth.
The Lord of Autumn smiles warmly at the two and looks to the others.
"I am of course in favor of the accord," Nikita murmurs demurely, stating the obvious given that she had proposed it.
She looks curiously at both Faila and Boyd, both unpredictable in their own way. She attempts to discern what the large feathered reptile that Faila has transformed into means by her aghast look and her howl. That cannot be good, can it? Does she mistrust the fey giant?
Finding it difficult to tell, Nikita speaks of a worry that has been gnawing at her. "It may be that the 'foul stagnation' you speak of here in Cendriane, my Lord of Autumn, is caused by beings native to the Feyrealm, perhaps those dedicated to the Unseelie Court and the Queen of Air and Darkness. But there could be other possibilities. We know that the unstable portal between Oerth and the Feyrealm has caused elements of each plane to spill over into the other. What is natural in one plane may be aberrant in another. Moreover, individual beings have crossed over who may bode ill for us all."
She counts of instances of such on her fingers. "For example, on Oerth, we found the corpse of what I believe was a Gloura or Unicorn of the Deep who along with several other fey creatures ambushed humans near the portal and slew them, suffering some losses themselves. I remember one tale that some Gloura are loyal to the Queen of Air and Darkness, though that is speculation on my part."
"Conversely, here in Cendriane, a fiend named Maud who had been summoned to Oerth crossed over before us, and has apparently made alliances here to help her find relics. Aruum himself worked for her until recently, as did a Psyke that seemed displeased at Aruum's change in loyalty."
"Finally, an evil man, Theodore Sedgewick, thrall to a fell demonic cambion lord on Oerth, crossed the portal several times to gain power for himself. He enslaved a creature that he called Sagacitas, whose purple larvae parasitically draw life force from victim, then are capable of transferring it back to others. Sedgewick used this life energy transference from others to his own gain. We liberated the Sagacitas and it reunited with many of its larvae. They formed a large, strange, telepathic hive-mind creature, resembling a cross between an octopus and a dog. They were friendly to us for freeing them. With the aid of the spirits of Captain Tommus Iavas and his Eladrin soldiers, we slew the horror that Sedgewick had become in Oerth. But the Sagacitas too crossed the portal before us and we know not where they went. Only from their telepathy that they viewed Formorians as a threat."
"It seems to me," Meresaa intones, "that we'll be traveling with our new...companion for a while." She carefully stands and takes a single step toward the Lord of Autumn. "I'm sure there will be plenty of time to fill each other in on information which may prove pertinent to our shared goals. For now, I think it's important that we keep moving. We've caused quite a bit of noise which could very well have attracted undesirable attention."
Eyes still focused on the firbolg, she asks, "Does your investigation now take us further into this temple or to other locales within Cendraine?"
The firbolg returns the same warm smile to Nikita and listens intently to the information provided by Nikita, his expression vacillating between that of concern and confusion at the many events that have seemed to befallen this crew. He takes it all in and raises a hand following her descriptions, "Behold, it would appear that there is much to be discerned, wherefore has led you thus far in the Feywild. A bountiful harvest you have provided, and the Lord of Autumn will personally note the boon this has provided in the ongoing investigation. In sooth, the Lord of Autumn suspects that the wheat must be separated from the chaff as it relates to matters at hand."
The Lord of Autumn listens to Meresaa as she poses the course of action and offers a response, "Verily, provided the terms have been accepted by Boyd of Monmung and Faila sauro-avian young human woman from yet another world different from Oerth, it will be important to make haste in exploring these sacred grounds. If this crew has completed their exploration of this area, the Lord of Autumn beseeches any information that can be held in balance for this investigation."
He turns around, cloak of leaves swooshing behind him, and remarks, "Hark, there is but one curiosity that the Lord of Autumn must pursue."
Stepping back towards the entrance, he maneuvers back to the front of the statue of Titania. He gazes slowly all about the craftsmanship, stoically gazing at the defilement, tar, and grasping roots about the statue. He breathes in deep and provides a solemn salute to the stone Titania before holding his hand out in front of him. He speaks softly, "May the bonfires of Autumn restore that which this tribute deserves."
He snaps his fingers, and suddenly a roaring fire springs up about the base of the statue, attempting to engulf the grasping vines and tar in cleansing flame. (The Lord of Autumn casts Create Bonfire in an attempt to clean the elements miring the statue).
"I think Faila is at least open to the idea. Or if she is not, she will soon let us know quite forcefully. She may be thinking more in terms of instinctive bonds between us than of specifics of any agreement. What about you Boyd?"
Nikita turns to the grizzled man, hoping that his distrust of magic will not prevent him from seeing how important an ally the Firbolg might be.
"As for this temple, other than its obvious defilement and the threats and enchantments in the pools and on the runes, most of us know very little. We were very quickly set upon by the two hounds, to which our mundane weapons did no damage. Other than Aruum's observation of a trap doors guarded by the hounds, I noted that they seemed afraid of my Flaming Sphere, cringing as much from its shape as from the fire itself."
Lord of Autumn - With a mighty FWOOSH, the statue of the Summer Queen is engulfed in flames as you ignite the black and highly flammable tar. The sinister vines that once crept toward it are instantaneously burned away, leaving the smouldering statue to stand in relative peace, free from encroachment. While the temple's interior remains largely the same, you have the conviction that even the slightest removal of the desecration has breathed a touch of vitality back into the space.
Lord of Autumn - Please make an investigation check with advantage.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As the flames crackle, the cloak of leaves seem to rattle with vibrant energy, as if in approval of the gesture put forth by the Lord of Autumn. Another snap of the fingers and the flames cease their existence. The firbolg smiles and gazes upon the statue in its new light, clean from the vile foulness that once encroached upon its beauty.
Investigation Check: 15
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Nikita Nature or History (same bonus): 21 (to identify that the Lord of Autumn is a firbolg and recall anything she might of firbolgs).
She continues to hum her bladesong softly as the second hound dies burning, keeping concentration on her Flaming Sphere, making it rise 10' further so as to be safely away from any in her group or the newcomer. Both continue for the next half minute or so. Nikita sees that the self-proclaimed Lord of Autumn has not made any move towards his weapons so she slowly sheathes her own rapier. Her quick and graceful steps become still.
(The Lord of Autumn would see a lithe, young High Elf, not born of the Fey Realm yet somehow clearly touched by it, a small owl perched on her shoulder. Blond hair frames a face whose prettiness is marred by a deep, livid scar from next to her left eye down her cheekbone.)
Nikita remains balanced on the balls of her feet and takes a deep breath. She speaks carefully, clearly a newcomer in unfamiliar territory trying to master her fight or flight instinct and measure her words. She takes note of the Lord of Autumn's gaze on Titania's soiled statue.
"We seek to defy or impede nothing except perhaps the corruption that now grips this temple, and we suspect, this lost city. In truth, we eventually seek audience with several Courts of the Feyrealm, first and foremost at the Seelie Court with the Summer Queen Titania, who I personally hold in reverence, a legend among my people. The defilement of her statue and of this once holy place is not our doing but that of some foul presence still lingering here."
Nikita pauses once and breathes. The Flaming Sphere and magical grace granted by her bladesong fade.
"All but one of us arrived in Cendriane through an unstable portal from a different world, Oerth. A portal we seek to stabilize. We sought refuge in this temple for safety when we heard the Formorians approaching. In the short time since then, we have been attacked, first by strange corrupted creatures or enchantments within these very pools and then by these strange hounds who now lie dead and burned at our feet."
She studies the newcomer curiously. "You speak of the Autumnal Court. In my ignorance, I admit that is not one of the Courts we had known to seek. You speak also of the Lord of Autumn in the third person. Is that whom I have the honor to address now? Please forgive any rudeness arising from my unfamiliarity with this world and of the 'stasis' you claim we defy. Disrespect is not our intent. I am Nikita Tantsora of the Faerie Kingdom of Celene on Oerth. My companions are Thumbtack, the fey owl upon my shoulder, Boyd of Monmurg, also in Oerth, Lady Meresaa of Ravnica, and Faila who, when not in sauro-avian form, is a young human woman, both the latter being from yet another world different from Oerth. The only (relatively) local denizen among us is our paid guide, Aruum Gold-Eater, who the hounds first attacked."
By this point, Nikita is starting to become breathless and subsides, wondering if she has said too much, waiting for a response. Hoping that her own serene demeanor keeps Faila's wild avatar calm. She wonders but does not yet ask what the 'most pressing' matters are for 'the Falltide'.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Boyd nods when his name is announced. He almost looks ready to interrupt for a moment but lets it slide. When Nikita finishes her introductions, the he steps forward into the light so this giant, hairy and leafy "Lord of Autumn" can see him better. Boyd is a middle-aged barrel-chested human man with a massive salt-and-pepper beard and short, unstyled hair. He wears a leather coat about the same color as his deeply tanned skin.
He wipes the blood off of a penknife that seems many time too small for his hand onto the dead hound's singed fur. Replacing the knife in a leather cord that hangs from his waist, he addresses the giant, ostentatious stranger. "I think we were just leaving - this place is all yours. Are those giants gone outside?" He looks to his comrades, lingering on the brutalized Goblin, to see if the group would be leaving this accursed place, or if there was some inscrutable reason that the spellcasters needed to stay here or even delve deeper.
The Lord of Autumn listens to the two in turn:
The firbolg says nothing at first, but his ears betray his silence as they twitch at mention of the Summer Queen. He respectfully nods at the explanation regarding culpability of the statue's defilement.
Overtly now, the firbolg tilts his head at mentions of Oerth. His facial expression scrunches in slight confusion at mention of this word, as if he had no sense of its meaning save what was just told to him. As she recounts the recent fracas in the temple, his expression relaxes to that of empathy for their troubles.
The firbolg raises his fingertips to his brow and sweeps this arm out wide in a polite bow, still remaining silent though the confirmation is evident.
The firbolg finally speaks, "Your intent is noted, Nikita Tantsora of the Faerie Kingdom of Celene on Oerth. Forsooth, you have shared so much information freely that it would seem foolish to suspect deceit. As you have declared, the Lord of Autumn stands before you on behalf of the Court of Autumn, or Autumnal Court as we have expressed."
He pauses, as if carefully choosing his words from thinking back through the conversation from Nikita, "Behold, a similar purpose in Cendriane it would seem that we share. Verily, this is a curious fortune arising from a most curious sight."
The firbolg raises his right arm to stroke his beard as he plunges deep into thought. He crosses his other arm across his chest underneath the right, and it can be seen that his palm is subtly quivering.
His concentration broken, the firbolg looks puzzling at Boyd, "The Lord of Autumn did not recognize from the description by Nikita Tantsora of the Faerie Kingdom of Celene on Oerth that you are the keeper of this temple. As bound by Circumstance of the Seasonal Concords, the Court desires to leave no balance hanging and thusly seeks not to incur such a trade at this time. However, know that your generosity is noted by the Autumnal Court."
He pauses to let his declaration process before continuing, "The Formorians have continued on their quest without impediment, as their intent is in sanction with the desires of the Autumnal Court." The firbolg shares this information nonchantly, as if he sees nothing out of the ordinary by their presence.
Nikita's nature check:
As your gaze falls upon the Lord of Autumn, a wave of recognition sweeps over you. The towering height, weathered skin, and piercing eyes, reminiscent of ancient wisdom, all mark him as a Firbolg - a creature of the forest, a legend from the tales of old. The Lord of Autumn is like a figure plucked from the very pages of the stories of your youth, a noble being at one with the natural world.
Recalling the knowledge you have of Firbolgs, you remember that they possess an innate affinity with nature. Their senses are finely tuned to the secrets and rhythms of the wilderness, and they carry with them a profound respect for the elements and the creatures that inhabit it. Tales state that within the feywild, they are a common sight, and it is whispered that they can navigate its many twists and turns with unparalleled ease.
Lord of Autumn - As Aruum gazes upon the breathtaking beauty of your long, flowing leaf-cloak, his mouth hangs open in wonder. "Nice to meets you, Lord Golds-leaf," he exclaims, struggling to grasp the intricacies of your speech and introduction. "Thanks you for dealing with those giantses. Have you comes to fix this place?" He asks with a shrug. "Jus' I thoughts you might like to knows about the trapdoors the dogsies guarded."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Dumbfounded, Boyd lets his mouth hang slightly agape in disbelief for a moment before snapping it shut. "Hang about. What's a fancy lad like you doing here anyhow? So far we've just seen Aruum and a Pisky working for Claude - I mean Maud. You know her? She's some sort of ghost or ghoul or some such what works for a fella whose name I ain't supposed to say." Knowing he's not making much sense, he looks to Nikita for support with names.
"You working for her or you here on your own?" Assuming that the Lord of Autumn answers that he's not working for Maude, Boyd continues: "We've got to find 7... things... to fix this 'portal' back to Saltmarsh. You know were we can find them?" Boyd goes on to explain that they're headed for a kingdom, Astrazalian (he stumbles pronouncing it), that floats around the ocean to try to find the first of these things, a thing which is probably blue in color.
When Aruum chimes in, Boyd huffs. "He might want to know about a trapdoor in an evil temple." He says, meaning the Lord of Autumn. "But we don't. Right, gang?" But his expression softens as has a thought. "Say... you see how all this stuff is gooey and black and tar around here? Wasn't one of the things that Tomnus showed - you know, one of the items? - black and covered in thorns. What say, if I was Sammerammy, and I was an evil bloke, I would make Asha tear up everything but the nasty item? What if the artifact for the evil court the uh..." He looks to Nikita for help. "The Court of Darkness is still here?"
As the Lord of Autumn introduces himself, Faila's loud shrieks and honks diminish, but she slinks forward and warily circles the massive firbolg, snarling and eyeing the door of the temple that he is blocking. After a few minutes, as the others discuss, the ruffled feathers slowly smooth down, as she continues pacing, going back and forth between the members of the group, very distinctly avoiding the water, avoiding the altar and not looking at anything that has hideous symbols, blackness, or any other corruption. Her clawed hands shake, but with anger, fear, or something else it is impossible to tell on the unreadable and perpetually predatory reptilian face. She stops next to Aruum and noses carefully at his wounds. Her own are difficult to see through the brightly colored feathers.
During this exchange with the newcomer, Meresaa remains silent. Giant, almond-shaped violet eyes peer up at the towering figure from an ovoid, blue face perched atop a rail-thin frame that, under nearly any other circumstances, would be considered quite tall.
When her name is mentioned, she barely moves or reacts except for an awkwardly soft click and whir from the small device in her hand as she remembers to pull the trigger once more.
(Everyone gets/replaces 12 HP: 7 in campaign roller +5)
"I... Ah... Um... We were... Uh..." she stammers before blinking several times and shaking her head slightly to clear it. Suddenly clearly self-conscious, she straightens her robe and lets out a heavy breath to try to collect herself, all while never taking her eyes off the hulking firbolg.
"I beg your pardon," she begins again with a sheepish smile. "I've never met one quite so..." trailing off once more and observing the Lord of Autumn as a whole before a sharp intake of breath, again re-centering herself. "'Quite like you,' is what I intended to say." Her cheeks flush, creating an odd new shade the others had not yet seen on the cerulean woman (not to mention an odd new demeanor for a normally quite composed and confident individual).
Taking a step forward, she remembers herself and presents with a somewhat more formal bow. "As my companion said, I am Meresaa of the Izzet... Formerly and possibly once again in the future (should we all survive this) of a world known as Ravnica." Standing and regarding the mountain of a magical creature once more, her focus waivers another moment before murmuring "So many questions..."
"Uh... We're seeking out a series of powerful magical artefacts that were once used to seal a planar portal near this location. From what we've gathered, there was one given to the cause by each of the courts but, as Nikita has pointed out, we haven't yet heard mention of the Autumn Court. Just how many courts are there here? It's really all a bit much to take in."
Suddenly Meresaa sits down heavily on the nearby steps. "I'm sorry... I'm not quite feeling myself at the moment. Fell into one of these pools and have felt a bit winded since. I think I just need to sit for a while. We've had more excitement in the last few days than I'm accustomed to."
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Faila, straightening up suddenly and lashing her tail as her wounds and Aruum's seem to miraculously disappear, stops nosing the goblin and trots over to start nosing at Meresaa, growling discontentedly, the sound oddly vocalized in her throat, as if she's attempting to speak, with little awareness that the feathered dinosaur can't actually talk.
Nikita dares to hope there is an opportunity here. She tries not to let it slip through her fingers into darkness as she has thus far in her life, short though it has been in on an elven scale. Thumbtack, any help you can add, even a "verily" or "forsooth" of which you and this Lord of Autumn are so fond.
"Boyd, I do not think the Lord of Autumn works for Maud. Firbolgs such as he are legends among my people, though I never paid as much attention as I should have. Unless I miss my mark, he could help us navigate the Feyrealm better than any ally we could hope for, if he so chooses."
Nikita reaches for what little she remembers of her lady mother's grace and dignity when treating with other noble high elves, the youngest daughter always having found merchants and travelers and urchins far more interesting, down in the dirt where the fun is.
She bows. "My Lord of Autumn. Clear communication is paramount when so many from different worlds converse. When my companion Boyd suggests 'this place is all yours', it is a figure of speech, intended to convey not ownership to be transferred, but rather a lack of desire to impede. Nor have you made any move to impede us. In fact, you suggested we may share a common purpose. I am not yet perfectly certain of that, but..."
Nikita looks as much at her own group as she does at the towering Firbolg as she speaks. Trying to convince them.
"The portal between our worlds is unstable and perilous to both as elements of one world can become corruption to the other. Moreover, evil beings and fiends, such as this Maud who Boyd references and others we were forced to fight on Oerth have traversed the portal and use it for their own ends. We seek artifacts to stabilize it and render the portal dormant. We were given this quest by a departing ally, the spirit of Captain Tommus Iavus of the Astrazalian Guard, favored of Lady Shandria. And in fact, it is an audience at the Court of Stars we seek first, east along the river we were told. Within an hour of our recent arrival in Cendriane from Oerth, we met and arranged with Aruum Gold-Eater to guide us and I have grown fond of him already and hope he continues on with us. Yet, we desperately need the guidance of someone who traverses the Feyrealm with ease. As I believe you can."
She takes a deep breath. "The agreement I propose, to all of you, is that we assist the Lord of Autumn in his purpose here in Cendriane, even if it means delving deeper into this fallen temple to the trap doors which Aruum described. Perhaps to rid it of the defilement which we all sense? And in return, my Lord of Autumn, you would act as our ally and guide on at least the first leg of our quest, to Astrazalian and the Court of Stars."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
As the conversation continues, the leaves of the cloak begin to sway as if impatiently dawdling about, though the firbolg is standing firmly still. He politely continues to converse with the party with a look of intrigue on his face as they reveal more to him.
The Lord of Autumn holds up a single palm, gesturing for Boyd to cease, "Hark, you pose but four questions, yet heed not my previous cautioning regarding the Circumstance. The Court of Autumn will only barter in equivalent terms." He pauses and clears his throat before continuing,
"Matters most pressing for that of the Falltide. Nay. Nay. Nay." Another pause before he speaks again with authority, "In exchange: As keeper of this temple, what can you tell the Lord of Autumn regarding its purpose? How is it that the keeper does not remember the presence of a trapdoor? Why would the keeper let the temple fall into such a despicable and sad state of ruin by his own neglect or perhaps inability to muster ongoing upkeep? What does the keeper know about the ruinous state of Cendriane as well?"
The Lord of Autumn looks upon Boyd expectantly.
The Lord of Autumn lets loose a loud laugh, his bellowing filling the hall with newfound energy once again, "The Lord of Autumn makes acquaintance most graciously, given the forthcoming of information provided. This lead is of precise service to the Autumnal Court." He smiles upon Aruum, "May it behoof you to know that the giant-kin have continued on their mission within Cendriane and, at the least, should no longer impede matters."
He hesitates for a moment with regards to the question, then proceeds, "In exchange for the information, know that your question is confirmed true. The presence of the Lord of Autumn in Cendriane is aligned to this goal."
Not knowing how to respond to this introduction, the Lord of Autumn's once stoic facial expression softens to that of surprise and embarrassment. He reflexively reaches his arm to scratch at his hair and tries to hide his grin. His other hand begins to stealthily shudder, though this all subsides as Meresaa continues on.
The Lord of Autumn places a hand of his chest, "Hark, the Lord of Autumn reminds you that the same holds true for you in regards to the Circumstance of the Seasonal Concords. In sooth, this question can be clarified outside of the jurisdiction of the Autumnal Court, justified by your unfamiliarity with these lands." He pauses, as if puzzled by the simplicity of the question itself, "Behold, it is known to all that there are as many Courts and there needs to be, and as few of Courts as there needs not be. Seven are recognized, but vast majorities exist to keep all aspects in balance for the realm."
The Lord of Autumn casts a warm glance towards the lizard-creature, his expression softening to that of understanding and acceptance. "Curious." he remarks in a subtle tone as he examines the shape and features of the shapeshifter more closely.
The Lord of Autumn gives a polite nod to Nikita, "On behalf of the Court of Autumn, the past transgression shall be cast aside."
The Lord of Autumn raises his hands to his beard and begins to carefully stroke it. A long pause ensues, with his hand continuing to sporadically shake now and then. After a while, he breaks the silence in deep, solemn tones, "Verily, favors carry great weight in this realm. It is not the business of the Court of Autumn to freely grant these, much like that of information without equivalent exchange. Much like any of the recognized and unrecognized Courts, our dealings are done with discretion for reasoning most obvious."
He thinks for a moment, "This a most curious favor arising from a most curious fortune arising from a most curious sight." Another deep pause.
"...On behalf of the Compact of the Twice Stricken Silence, the Court of Autumn hereby grants this favor in equivalency per the Circumstance of the Seasonal Concords. The Lord of Autumn accepts the aid in fulfilling his all his purpose throughout all that is Cendriane, with understanding that equivalent return being the Lord of Autumn offers service as necessary to speed these individuals to the Astrazalian and summarily aid these same individuals in politicking with the Court of Stars."
"Hence forth, do we have an accord?"
Nikita - "Good gracious, Nikita, your behaviour is utterly incorrigible! Having been endowed with the gift of articulate speech, your initial act is to hinder and discredit my own self-expression. This nobleman, in his apparent self-proclaimed eminence, is fully entitled to employ any diction that he finds suitable. With utmost sincerity, I shall undertake the task of communicating with his brightly coloured lordship in a manner befitting of his high status, while also taking into account his personal preferences and ease of comprehension. I commit to utilising language that is both appropriate and conducive to fostering a harmonious exchange between us," Thumbtack quietly whispers in your ear.
Hovering gracefully before the Lord of Autumn, her wings stretched out in a magnificent display, Thumbtack lands with a graceful curtsey. "Forsooth, your Lordship," she begins with eloquence, "I am of the belief that an agreement has been forged. Nonetheless, each member of our unassuming troupe reserves the freedom to accept these terms at their own discretion. As a mere avian, I am not the authorised voice for this collective. I beseech your Lordship, could you please enlighten us once more as to the task at hand?"
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Absolutely, yes!" Meresaa blurts out without waiting for input from the others. Once again, self-conscious eyes dart around as she clasps her hands in front of her. "That is, if the others are in favor."
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The scaled, feathered creature that was Faila stares at Meresaa, then promptly sits down, aghast, and opening her jaws wide, howls. At least, that is the closest descriptor that comes to mind for the sound that comes out of her mouth.
The Lord of Autumn listens raptly to the address coming from the bird, nodding his head in correct timing with each display of proper Court etiquette. He waits patiently for Thumbtack to finish before speaking in turn, "Verily, as having invoked the Compact of the Twice Stricken Silence, it is within reason to behoove those seeking to accord with proper knowledge before entering of their own volition. Behold, the Lord of Autumn's presence in Cendriane is at the beck and call of the Summer Queen." His expression sours slightly, as he brings out a clenched fist in front of him in a rare display of anger, the leaves on his cloak suddenly rustling in turn, "Stagnation most foul has gripped the very roots of this ancient province..." He softens and lets his arm relax again by his side.
He breathes a deep sigh, "This sojourn to Cendriane is to determine the cause and affect change by any means necessary. The Lord of Autumn's investigation thus far has led him here to this temple, with intent to fully explore this sacred grounds should clues behind the stasis lay underfoot." He hesitates before revealing the next bit of information, and even as he does so, says in a sheepish tone, "It also is fortuitous happenstance that this goal is shared by the Autumnal Court."
The Lord of Autumn smiles warmly at the two and looks to the others.
"I am of course in favor of the accord," Nikita murmurs demurely, stating the obvious given that she had proposed it.
She looks curiously at both Faila and Boyd, both unpredictable in their own way. She attempts to discern what the large feathered reptile that Faila has transformed into means by her aghast look and her howl. That cannot be good, can it? Does she mistrust the fey giant?
Nature: 13
Finding it difficult to tell, Nikita speaks of a worry that has been gnawing at her. "It may be that the 'foul stagnation' you speak of here in Cendriane, my Lord of Autumn, is caused by beings native to the Feyrealm, perhaps those dedicated to the Unseelie Court and the Queen of Air and Darkness. But there could be other possibilities. We know that the unstable portal between Oerth and the Feyrealm has caused elements of each plane to spill over into the other. What is natural in one plane may be aberrant in another. Moreover, individual beings have crossed over who may bode ill for us all."
She counts of instances of such on her fingers. "For example, on Oerth, we found the corpse of what I believe was a Gloura or Unicorn of the Deep who along with several other fey creatures ambushed humans near the portal and slew them, suffering some losses themselves. I remember one tale that some Gloura are loyal to the Queen of Air and Darkness, though that is speculation on my part."
"Conversely, here in Cendriane, a fiend named Maud who had been summoned to Oerth crossed over before us, and has apparently made alliances here to help her find relics. Aruum himself worked for her until recently, as did a Psyke that seemed displeased at Aruum's change in loyalty."
"Finally, an evil man, Theodore Sedgewick, thrall to a fell demonic cambion lord on Oerth, crossed the portal several times to gain power for himself. He enslaved a creature that he called Sagacitas, whose purple larvae parasitically draw life force from victim, then are capable of transferring it back to others. Sedgewick used this life energy transference from others to his own gain. We liberated the Sagacitas and it reunited with many of its larvae. They formed a large, strange, telepathic hive-mind creature, resembling a cross between an octopus and a dog. They were friendly to us for freeing them. With the aid of the spirits of Captain Tommus Iavas and his Eladrin soldiers, we slew the horror that Sedgewick had become in Oerth. But the Sagacitas too crossed the portal before us and we know not where they went. Only from their telepathy that they viewed Formorians as a threat."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"It seems to me," Meresaa intones, "that we'll be traveling with our new...companion for a while." She carefully stands and takes a single step toward the Lord of Autumn. "I'm sure there will be plenty of time to fill each other in on information which may prove pertinent to our shared goals. For now, I think it's important that we keep moving. We've caused quite a bit of noise which could very well have attracted undesirable attention."
Eyes still focused on the firbolg, she asks, "Does your investigation now take us further into this temple or to other locales within Cendraine?"
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The firbolg returns the same warm smile to Nikita and listens intently to the information provided by Nikita, his expression vacillating between that of concern and confusion at the many events that have seemed to befallen this crew. He takes it all in and raises a hand following her descriptions, "Behold, it would appear that there is much to be discerned, wherefore has led you thus far in the Feywild. A bountiful harvest you have provided, and the Lord of Autumn will personally note the boon this has provided in the ongoing investigation. In sooth, the Lord of Autumn suspects that the wheat must be separated from the chaff as it relates to matters at hand."
The Lord of Autumn listens to Meresaa as she poses the course of action and offers a response, "Verily, provided the terms have been accepted by Boyd of Monmung and Faila sauro-avian young human woman from yet another world different from Oerth, it will be important to make haste in exploring these sacred grounds. If this crew has completed their exploration of this area, the Lord of Autumn beseeches any information that can be held in balance for this investigation."
He turns around, cloak of leaves swooshing behind him, and remarks, "Hark, there is but one curiosity that the Lord of Autumn must pursue."
Stepping back towards the entrance, he maneuvers back to the front of the statue of Titania. He gazes slowly all about the craftsmanship, stoically gazing at the defilement, tar, and grasping roots about the statue. He breathes in deep and provides a solemn salute to the stone Titania before holding his hand out in front of him. He speaks softly, "May the bonfires of Autumn restore that which this tribute deserves."
He snaps his fingers, and suddenly a roaring fire springs up about the base of the statue, attempting to engulf the grasping vines and tar in cleansing flame. (The Lord of Autumn casts Create Bonfire in an attempt to clean the elements miring the statue).
"I think Faila is at least open to the idea. Or if she is not, she will soon let us know quite forcefully. She may be thinking more in terms of instinctive bonds between us than of specifics of any agreement. What about you Boyd?"
Nikita turns to the grizzled man, hoping that his distrust of magic will not prevent him from seeing how important an ally the Firbolg might be.
"As for this temple, other than its obvious defilement and the threats and enchantments in the pools and on the runes, most of us know very little. We were very quickly set upon by the two hounds, to which our mundane weapons did no damage. Other than Aruum's observation of a trap doors guarded by the hounds, I noted that they seemed afraid of my Flaming Sphere, cringing as much from its shape as from the fire itself."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Lord of Autumn - With a mighty FWOOSH, the statue of the Summer Queen is engulfed in flames as you ignite the black and highly flammable tar. The sinister vines that once crept toward it are instantaneously burned away, leaving the smouldering statue to stand in relative peace, free from encroachment. While the temple's interior remains largely the same, you have the conviction that even the slightest removal of the desecration has breathed a touch of vitality back into the space.
Lord of Autumn - Please make an investigation check with advantage.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
As the flames crackle, the cloak of leaves seem to rattle with vibrant energy, as if in approval of the gesture put forth by the Lord of Autumn. Another snap of the fingers and the flames cease their existence. The firbolg smiles and gazes upon the statue in its new light, clean from the vile foulness that once encroached upon its beauty.
Investigation Check: 15