The voice sadly does not seem to respond to Nuria. At least, not directly. Can the voice not hear her? Can it even be the girl? She's dead, right? As if this wasn't crazy enough, how would the dead be talking?
But while she does not get a verbal response, it still feels that in some way the box actually wants to answer. Vague images, memories, flood into her. A memory of the box being opened for the first time, and within, the person found bliss. Within this box, lies heaven. This box gives what the world outside can not.
But this memory of finding the box, opening it for the first time to find paradise, was not upon the boat. It was somewhere far, far away. And while the memory originally slips, it is pulled back by something terrifying. The world itself shakes. A cry comes from the depths.
The song had wakened something from its slumber. And in a moment of lucidity, she snapped the box shut. Before greed would have her run away with it. Now there were emotions of regret, and foolishness- Too late.
That particular memory fades, and it almost feels as if the box awaits what is needed next. At the same time, her grip feels like it is slipping.
Nuria is not entirely sure what to make of these memories that are not hers. All she is sure of is that she will not open that box. The song was captivating enough, she will not let herself be drawn in by what she perceives as another sense of false bliss. But what should she do now? She wanted to destroy the thing, or at least permanently end the sound and hide it where no one can reach it. But where would that be? Even all the way out here at the bottom of the ocean she can hear it's call, and that means that whatever evil it had awakened can probably hear it as well. What should she do? What is this box wanting her to do? What is this dead woman wanting her to do? Feeling her grip slipping, she instinctively tries to grasp it harder.
As Nuria panics, mind racing, the box initially does not answer to her initial queries. No answer as to how to destroy it, perhaps a vague sense that enough distance would work to hide it - But that was an impossibility, with it stuck at the bottom of the ocean.
But when she wonders what the box wants, do more memories not her own flood into her.
This time, somehow, she knows these not only to be far, far away, but from long, long ago. Held in pale hands, the music box plays. To this listener, there are no ill effects. He gazes upon the box as if it was but an ordinary little plaything, although the little twisting miniature of the solar system, and the music, fills him with a soft warmth. Opposite side of the lid, a cloudy mirror sits, casting a vague reflection of a striking young man with piercing blue eyes, glowing softly. Yet, when he turns his eyes just the right way, it's almost as if he looks through the mirror, into...
A heavy voice behind him distracts his gaze. A slight reverb passes with each syllable, although the voice still sounds almost compassionate.
"Is it your time to leave as well then, Hephaestus?"
A split second of hesitation, before the memory calmly closes the box.
"No, my lord. But... Soon. I am unsure how much longer I can hold out, with things how they are."
"The world is dying. It only makes sense," the booming voice responds. The memory nods, calmly putting the box back. The splendorous, well-lit halls vaguely remind Nuria of the other memory - Instead there they had gone dark and dilapidated.
"You need not worry about me. I will be fine," the booming voice continued. Hephaestus pauses, then calmly speaks, never quite turning around to look at his master.
"My lord... Do you think, there may be a day, where those above will seek to free the box?"
There was a long, uncomfortable pause. Something the memory seemed to stick on. Before the inevitable answer.
"Perhaps."
"But that will not be for a very long time."
"And it will not be for mortals to decide when."
And with that the memory fades, and Nuria's grip immediately slips. As if whatever force had allowed her to hold onto that box had disappeared, and with it, she snapped back to her bed in cold sweat. As do Oren and Breldo, brought back to their own bodies, as if a strange, bad dream.
(Given the event being interrupted, I'll allow all three of you to make a d20 roll. Roll under a 10 and you will suffer a level of exhaustion.)
---
Slick and Khond's little debate meanwhile, ends up being... Inconclusive. It appears that the Tabaxi is just going to end up inviting himself come the morrow, really.
Nuria gasps as she wakes up. She is scared and confused. Her initial thought of that box was that it was evil. Something that seduces you in such a way could not be a good thing...could it? But that memory...someone would seek to free the box? Is that good or bad? The man holding it did not feel evil to her, the other voice...she's not sure. But all of that could just be some trick of the dark ma- Magic? What is she thinking? Magic is not real! "The World is dying." What could that mean? Did magic exist in this world at some point? No! no! NO! That all had to be some weird dream! Yes, that has to be it! The young rogue continues to lay there for a several minutes in denial, but deep down she knows it was real.
D20: 4
(well that makes sense. lol)
Eventually she manages to drag herself out of bed and head out to get breakfast. She looks like she didn't sleep at all, despite actually getting to sleep in a bed for once. Even as she looks around for Breldo, she still bears the lingering look of shock on her face, and her eyes are a bit distant.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
14
Oren awakens with a start, not really certain how much sleep he actually has gotten. He quickly looks out the window to try to figure out how early it is.
Khond doesn't approve of Rick, but he knows there's no stopping that monster from following along.
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Active Characters: Ernos, Tiefling Warlock in Tests and Trials | Khond Stardancer,Centaur Rogue in The Forgotten Wish | Blumeria "Bolt" Sirgula,Dragonborn Fighter/Sorcerer in Forged In Chaos
When the group initially wakes, it is still late at night. Or perhaps it is more apt to say that it is the very, very early morning? No matter how you look at it, sleep would be difficult to come by again for most of them, until they'd meet in the morning. For Breldo and Nuria, this is over breakfast, Breldo mostly fine to the point he has by now dismissed it as a strange dream, already fuzzy, while its effect are far more plain on Nuria's face. Oren too gets asked by his parents if the nerves of this job he's picked up have gotten to him. Ultimately, nothing a good night's sleep shouldn't fix.
A good night's sleep is also what Khond and Slick get, the former especially needing it, while Slick no doubt finds a place to rest with his Slick ways. Speaking of which, the consensus of his joining this expedition was... Very vague, at best.
And yet, somehow, all seem quite aware he's going to be showing up whether they want him to or not.
The best cure for weird dreams brought on by eating to close to going to bed is to chase it away with a hearty breakfast, so Breldo has ordered himself a hearty spread by the time Nuria joins him downstairs. He tactfully doesn't mention her somewhat worn appearance. Some folks just can't put away grub as well, if he felt a bit off, she probably had it worse.
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DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
"No Mum, that's not worrying me. I just had weird dreams and guess I tossed and turned more than I thought. Hopefully some travel on the road and a paying job will ease my dreaming mind tonight."
After a quick bit with his parents he will get kitted up for the new job, making sure he has all the equipment he needs, and will pack a bit of food for the road, with Mum's help. (Darn she's good at packing lunches!)
Blurry-eyed Nuria blinks. Does that mean he had weird dreams too? Huh. Blinks again. But he's blaming it on the food? She shakes her head slightly. Clearly not fully awake she speaks in a quiet voice. "I d-don't think it was the food. I think it was from the m-mus--" She stops herself from finishing that sentence. Breldo and the others had looked at her like she was crazy when she had mentioned hearing music on the ship before. He'd probably think she was even crazier if she brought it up again. She puts her face in her hands, and her dark hair falls forward. "Maybe it was the food. O-or I'm just still tired from my journey here and the excitement on the ship." She squeaks, "But- that dream. I'm used to n-nightmares, but that was nothing like anything I had before." She flinches after realizing she said that out loud. 'The world is dying...free the box...' those voices still ring in her head. There is no way that was a normal dream. Pulling her hands away from her eyes, she looks down at her barely touched food.
Still a little sore, Khond heads into the main building of the inn to find a meal. Best to make sure he's easy to find to be guided to the escort duty, too. When he approaches the bar to inquire about food, though, the centaur's face darkens as he reaches for his coin pouch and finds it missing. "Some blighter really stole my coin after that fight? The lot of cowards."
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Active Characters: Ernos, Tiefling Warlock in Tests and Trials | Khond Stardancer,Centaur Rogue in The Forgotten Wish | Blumeria "Bolt" Sirgula,Dragonborn Fighter/Sorcerer in Forged In Chaos
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
((That was intended to be all internal thoughts on Breldo's part. Outwardly, he would have phrased things a bit differently. Perhaps...))
"Hope dinner wasn't too much for you! My stomach had almost forgotten how to make room for hot grub, after being on the road! Took me a bit to get settled, but I fear it won't have too much time to get used to the comforts of a fine inn, if we're headed back out on the ol' dusty."
He pauses, mid-scoop when she mentions a dream before continuing to transfer breakfast to his mouth, chewing a bit and speaking around his food. "Yesterday was a bit of excitement, I doubt we'll see it's like again. Usually these sort of escort jobs are just a lot of walking or riding in one direction, then walking or riding in the other direction. No excuse not to stay sharp and alert, of course, the clients appreciate a bit of a show of being ready for anything."
1 Deception
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DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
((I think with Nuria's +3 Insight she'd probably normally be able to pick up on his unease, but with her being exhausted, maybe she misses it? Care to roll?))
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DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Nuria can tell the halfling is uneasy about something. Is she making him uneasy with her quiet ramblings? She hopes not...or...did he also experience something strange last night. After all, it was him who had brought up strange dreams in the first place. Why would he start talking about them if he hadn't had one himself? Even so, she's still not keen on explaining what she saw, did, and heard in that dream last night. She thinks she can trust Breldo, but the last thing she wants is for him to think she's mad. Attempting to push past her exhaustion, she gives him a weak smile, "N-no, diner was wonderful. It was m-much kinder to my stomach than some of the things I've eaten...." Oh that was a weird thing to say...why did she say that? Quickly continuing, she says, "I-I hope you're right. A n-nice walk will be much better."She blinks, "I-I will t-try to stay alert."She rubs her eyes, trying to force herself awake but with no success.
Pausing for a moment, Khond gives a soft, defeated sigh, "Thank you, Rick."
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Active Characters: Ernos, Tiefling Warlock in Tests and Trials | Khond Stardancer,Centaur Rogue in The Forgotten Wish | Blumeria "Bolt" Sirgula,Dragonborn Fighter/Sorcerer in Forged In Chaos
The groups all wake up in different positions, but enjoy a mostly peaceful morning regardless of where that exactly is. Oren's mother briefly looks worried over his words, but then takes his reassurances, leaving him with proper packed lunch before he'd go out to this quest. Nuria and Breldo in the meantime, share some words in the worning, Breldo notably hesitant to talk about silly dreams as he had. That must be what they were after all - Just strange dreams.
Khond and Slick in the meantime, meet in their tavern, the excitement of the day there that some absolute scum of the earth must have stolen Khond's purse! Luckily, the gracious and benevolent Slick is there to make sure he can pay for breakfast.
And with that, all of them would soon be able to head out in the direction of the market street.
(Anyone anything else?)
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The voice sadly does not seem to respond to Nuria. At least, not directly. Can the voice not hear her? Can it even be the girl? She's dead, right? As if this wasn't crazy enough, how would the dead be talking?
But while she does not get a verbal response, it still feels that in some way the box actually wants to answer. Vague images, memories, flood into her. A memory of the box being opened for the first time, and within, the person found bliss. Within this box, lies heaven. This box gives what the world outside can not.
But this memory of finding the box, opening it for the first time to find paradise, was not upon the boat. It was somewhere far, far away. And while the memory originally slips, it is pulled back by something terrifying. The world itself shakes. A cry comes from the depths.
The song had wakened something from its slumber. And in a moment of lucidity, she snapped the box shut. Before greed would have her run away with it. Now there were emotions of regret, and foolishness- Too late.
That particular memory fades, and it almost feels as if the box awaits what is needed next. At the same time, her grip feels like it is slipping.
Nuria is not entirely sure what to make of these memories that are not hers. All she is sure of is that she will not open that box. The song was captivating enough, she will not let herself be drawn in by what she perceives as another sense of false bliss. But what should she do now? She wanted to destroy the thing, or at least permanently end the sound and hide it where no one can reach it. But where would that be? Even all the way out here at the bottom of the ocean she can hear it's call, and that means that whatever evil it had awakened can probably hear it as well. What should she do? What is this box wanting her to do? What is this dead woman wanting her to do? Feeling her grip slipping, she instinctively tries to grasp it harder.
As Nuria panics, mind racing, the box initially does not answer to her initial queries. No answer as to how to destroy it, perhaps a vague sense that enough distance would work to hide it - But that was an impossibility, with it stuck at the bottom of the ocean.
But when she wonders what the box wants, do more memories not her own flood into her.
This time, somehow, she knows these not only to be far, far away, but from long, long ago. Held in pale hands, the music box plays. To this listener, there are no ill effects. He gazes upon the box as if it was but an ordinary little plaything, although the little twisting miniature of the solar system, and the music, fills him with a soft warmth. Opposite side of the lid, a cloudy mirror sits, casting a vague reflection of a striking young man with piercing blue eyes, glowing softly. Yet, when he turns his eyes just the right way, it's almost as if he looks through the mirror, into...
A heavy voice behind him distracts his gaze. A slight reverb passes with each syllable, although the voice still sounds almost compassionate.
"Is it your time to leave as well then, Hephaestus?"
A split second of hesitation, before the memory calmly closes the box.
"No, my lord. But... Soon. I am unsure how much longer I can hold out, with things how they are."
"The world is dying. It only makes sense," the booming voice responds. The memory nods, calmly putting the box back. The splendorous, well-lit halls vaguely remind Nuria of the other memory - Instead there they had gone dark and dilapidated.
"You need not worry about me. I will be fine," the booming voice continued. Hephaestus pauses, then calmly speaks, never quite turning around to look at his master.
"My lord... Do you think, there may be a day, where those above will seek to free the box?"
There was a long, uncomfortable pause. Something the memory seemed to stick on. Before the inevitable answer.
"Perhaps."
"But that will not be for a very long time."
"And it will not be for mortals to decide when."
And with that the memory fades, and Nuria's grip immediately slips. As if whatever force had allowed her to hold onto that box had disappeared, and with it, she snapped back to her bed in cold sweat. As do Oren and Breldo, brought back to their own bodies, as if a strange, bad dream.
(Given the event being interrupted, I'll allow all three of you to make a d20 roll. Roll under a 10 and you will suffer a level of exhaustion.)
---
Slick and Khond's little debate meanwhile, ends up being... Inconclusive. It appears that the Tabaxi is just going to end up inviting himself come the morrow, really.
Nuria gasps as she wakes up. She is scared and confused. Her initial thought of that box was that it was evil. Something that seduces you in such a way could not be a good thing...could it? But that memory...someone would seek to free the box? Is that good or bad? The man holding it did not feel evil to her, the other voice...she's not sure. But all of that could just be some trick of the dark ma- Magic? What is she thinking? Magic is not real! "The World is dying." What could that mean? Did magic exist in this world at some point? No! no! NO! That all had to be some weird dream! Yes, that has to be it! The young rogue continues to lay there for a several minutes in denial, but deep down she knows it was real.
D20: 4
(well that makes sense. lol)
Eventually she manages to drag herself out of bed and head out to get breakfast. She looks like she didn't sleep at all, despite actually getting to sleep in a bed for once. Even as she looks around for Breldo, she still bears the lingering look of shock on her face, and her eyes are a bit distant.
((Breldo wasn't aware of Nuria or Oren in his dream, yes? Would Nuria's gasp have been audible to him?))
18
(Said rolls weren't available, trying the space trick, see if I get flagged....)
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Rick has invited Rick to come along and that is good enough for Rick!
14
Oren awakens with a start, not really certain how much sleep he actually has gotten. He quickly looks out the window to try to figure out how early it is.
Khond doesn't approve of Rick, but he knows there's no stopping that monster from following along.
Active Characters:
Ernos, Tiefling Warlock in Tests and Trials | Khond Stardancer, Centaur Rogue in The Forgotten Wish | Blumeria "Bolt" Sirgula, Dragonborn Fighter/Sorcerer in Forged In Chaos
When the group initially wakes, it is still late at night. Or perhaps it is more apt to say that it is the very, very early morning? No matter how you look at it, sleep would be difficult to come by again for most of them, until they'd meet in the morning. For Breldo and Nuria, this is over breakfast, Breldo mostly fine to the point he has by now dismissed it as a strange dream, already fuzzy, while its effect are far more plain on Nuria's face. Oren too gets asked by his parents if the nerves of this job he's picked up have gotten to him. Ultimately, nothing a good night's sleep shouldn't fix.
A good night's sleep is also what Khond and Slick get, the former especially needing it, while Slick no doubt finds a place to rest with his Slick ways. Speaking of which, the consensus of his joining this expedition was... Very vague, at best.
And yet, somehow, all seem quite aware he's going to be showing up whether they want him to or not.
The best cure for weird dreams brought on by eating to close to going to bed is to chase it away with a hearty breakfast, so Breldo has ordered himself a hearty spread by the time Nuria joins him downstairs. He tactfully doesn't mention her somewhat worn appearance. Some folks just can't put away grub as well, if he felt a bit off, she probably had it worse.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
"No Mum, that's not worrying me. I just had weird dreams and guess I tossed and turned more than I thought. Hopefully some travel on the road and a paying job will ease my dreaming mind tonight."
After a quick bit with his parents he will get kitted up for the new job, making sure he has all the equipment he needs, and will pack a bit of food for the road, with Mum's help. (Darn she's good at packing lunches!)
Blurry-eyed Nuria blinks. Does that mean he had weird dreams too? Huh. Blinks again. But he's blaming it on the food? She shakes her head slightly. Clearly not fully awake she speaks in a quiet voice. "I d-don't think it was the food. I think it was from the m-mus--" She stops herself from finishing that sentence. Breldo and the others had looked at her like she was crazy when she had mentioned hearing music on the ship before. He'd probably think she was even crazier if she brought it up again. She puts her face in her hands, and her dark hair falls forward. "Maybe it was the food. O-or I'm just still tired from my journey here and the excitement on the ship." She squeaks, "But- that dream. I'm used to n-nightmares, but that was nothing like anything I had before." She flinches after realizing she said that out loud. 'The world is dying...free the box...' those voices still ring in her head. There is no way that was a normal dream. Pulling her hands away from her eyes, she looks down at her barely touched food.
Still a little sore, Khond heads into the main building of the inn to find a meal. Best to make sure he's easy to find to be guided to the escort duty, too. When he approaches the bar to inquire about food, though, the centaur's face darkens as he reaches for his coin pouch and finds it missing. "Some blighter really stole my coin after that fight? The lot of cowards."
Active Characters:
Ernos, Tiefling Warlock in Tests and Trials | Khond Stardancer, Centaur Rogue in The Forgotten Wish | Blumeria "Bolt" Sirgula, Dragonborn Fighter/Sorcerer in Forged In Chaos
((That was intended to be all internal thoughts on Breldo's part. Outwardly, he would have phrased things a bit differently. Perhaps...))
"Hope dinner wasn't too much for you! My stomach had almost forgotten how to make room for hot grub, after being on the road! Took me a bit to get settled, but I fear it won't have too much time to get used to the comforts of a fine inn, if we're headed back out on the ol' dusty."
He pauses, mid-scoop when she mentions a dream before continuing to transfer breakfast to his mouth, chewing a bit and speaking around his food. "Yesterday was a bit of excitement, I doubt we'll see it's like again. Usually these sort of escort jobs are just a lot of walking or riding in one direction, then walking or riding in the other direction. No excuse not to stay sharp and alert, of course, the clients appreciate a bit of a show of being ready for anything."
1 Deception
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
((I think with Nuria's +3 Insight she'd probably normally be able to pick up on his unease, but with her being exhausted, maybe she misses it? Care to roll?))
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Rolled at disadvantage she got a 15 for insight.
Nuria can tell the halfling is uneasy about something. Is she making him uneasy with her quiet ramblings? She hopes not...or...did he also experience something strange last night. After all, it was him who had brought up strange dreams in the first place. Why would he start talking about them if he hadn't had one himself? Even so, she's still not keen on explaining what she saw, did, and heard in that dream last night. She thinks she can trust Breldo, but the last thing she wants is for him to think she's mad. Attempting to push past her exhaustion, she gives him a weak smile, "N-no, diner was wonderful. It was m-much kinder to my stomach than some of the things I've eaten...." Oh that was a weird thing to say...why did she say that? Quickly continuing, she says, "I-I hope you're right. A n-nice walk will be much better." She blinks, "I-I will t-try to stay alert." She rubs her eyes, trying to force herself awake but with no success.
Rick makes sure he doesn't lose sight of Khond and is with him as he goes for breakfast,
"Ponyman... Khond (!) Rick agrees they were cowards! Rick will happily pay for friend Khond's breakfast."
Rick will make sure he pulls payment from the non-khond purses.
Pausing for a moment, Khond gives a soft, defeated sigh, "Thank you, Rick."
Active Characters:
Ernos, Tiefling Warlock in Tests and Trials | Khond Stardancer, Centaur Rogue in The Forgotten Wish | Blumeria "Bolt" Sirgula, Dragonborn Fighter/Sorcerer in Forged In Chaos
"Ponyman Khond is most welcome!"
Rick beams.
The groups all wake up in different positions, but enjoy a mostly peaceful morning regardless of where that exactly is. Oren's mother briefly looks worried over his words, but then takes his reassurances, leaving him with proper packed lunch before he'd go out to this quest. Nuria and Breldo in the meantime, share some words in the worning, Breldo notably hesitant to talk about silly dreams as he had. That must be what they were after all - Just strange dreams.
Khond and Slick in the meantime, meet in their tavern, the excitement of the day there that some absolute scum of the earth must have stolen Khond's purse! Luckily, the gracious and benevolent Slick is there to make sure he can pay for breakfast.
And with that, all of them would soon be able to head out in the direction of the market street.
(Anyone anything else?)