Khessa, as you cast detect magic there are no signs of magic coming from the gemstone. As you all continue to implore she come with you she speaks again "surely it is not worse than the 2 seasons we've already traveled. The majority of that we were alone. However, if you truly think we should ride with you, then I suppose we shall" she gets up from the wreckage, continuing to hold the badger. "So, where is it you are--" she corrects herself "or I suppose we are heading?" Looking in the direction of Khessa and Erlang.
(OOC: Avimm refuses to dig. It would seem this creature that has bound itself to you doesn't do everything you tell it to. There was a lot of character to character RP here, so if I missed something that was directed toward the wood elf, I apologize. Let me know and I will respond to it!)
... "So, where is it you are--" she corrects herself "or I suppose we are heading?" Looking in the direction of Khessa and Erlang...
"If you've really traveled a lot alone, you probably know better how to avoid danger than I think... but I still think you'll be safer with us. Welcome!" Khessa smiles at the wood elf, patting her on the shoulder "So, I'm Khessa, this cute one is Amelia... and you? What's your name?"
(OOC: I suppose the wood elf replies...) After the other says her name, the blonde arcane warrior continues: "Nice to meet you! Our final destination is Wolfwater, but if we first find a safe place where be able to leave you, you can stop there too".
...(OOC: Avimm refuses to dig. It would seem this creature that has bound itself to you doesn't do everything you tell it to...)
As Avimm refuses to dig, Khessa has a telepathic discussion with him: 'Avimm... first you didn't want to stay in the sunlight - and it's fine. As you see, I've tried not to summon you in that condition again, because I thought maybe it was annoying or painful for you - and I don't want to cause you discomfort or pain for no reason. But in this case, you have no reason not to help us dig! It's not something too tiring or painful... I'm doing it too! If you have a good reason, tell me... else, please come here and help us - or you can be sure I'll start summoning you in the sunlight with every shovelful of earth I dig up; and it doesn't matter if you become smoke... one thought is enough for me to summon you again - and you can rest assured that I will, in full sun, over and over again! Annoying, huh? So? The choice is yours... Do we help each other? Or do we hinder each other? I count (mentally) to 3! 1... 2...'
(OOC: @DM: Is Avimm finally persuaded to dig? Or does he insist on 'challenging' Khessa?)
Togar smiles at the wood elf, “Welcome aboard, my name is Togar. There is safety in numbers, and we are glad to have your company, to hear of your travels.” Togar continues settling things in the wagon, he also goes back to the wagon that was turned over and gathers any feed that is still useable for the horse team on their wagon, creating a faintly glowing shovel in his hands, and shoveling up the feed, putting it in our wagon to use for the horses. He sees all of these events as a great adventure, and surprisingly the studious Owlin has no issue with rolling up his sleeves and helping with whatever task needs to be done. He stores his spellbook in an inner pocket of his cloak as he picks up the conjured shovel and works away to bring the feed into the wagon. It is more physical activity than he is used to, after he gathers the feed, he rests his arm/wing on the shovel and looks at the graves being dug, resting for a bit.
When he sees the graves being dug and the cards from Kell being put there, he is fascinated again, watching and listening to the conversation. “I don’t understand your magic fully, or what these cards mean to you, but I hope to learn more as we go. Different ways….” When all is settled, Togar gets into the wagon, ready to continue moving forward on their journey.
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A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Togar you manage to gather an additional 1 week worth of feed. It is however, loose unlike the feed you currently have that is tied up so it doesn't break apart. "My name is Ileah" the elf greets everyone standing around her "I am ready when you all are, thank you for saving my life. Again."
Kell barks a short, humourless laugh at Khessa's question "That is an apt guess, Khessa. A very astute observation" As he talks, his accent changes slightly, losing a little of his frontier twang. Shaking his head, he hurries over to the rest of the group, signaling them all to be off.
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“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
You being to feel a struggle in your mind as if Dhaekzil is fighting you, and you feel your wrist begin to open and the tip of the blade protrude, but you manage to shake the feeling off and your wrist closes once again with the blade hidden away inside.
(OOC: With Ileah on board the wagon, it sounds like everyone is ready for week 4??)
'Avimm...' Khessa warns the artifact 'I don't know what you wanted to do, but I know one thing: try one more time to mess with my mind and I'll destroy you. I can't do it here, true enough, but as soon as I get back to the capital I definitely have no problem doing it. You are an evil artifact. I keep you with me because I believe that everyone should have a chance, even you. And if you act as an ally and not as a threat, I will continue to keep you with me. But try again to do that number and as soon as I get back to the capital I turn you to the main temple of some good deity - who surely can't wait to destroy or anyway make disappear forever an evil artifact like yourself. Avimm... I'm not used to repeat myself... you'll have no other warnings. Do that thing again, and you're finished. And now move your sorry 4ss and help us with the digging!'
After having lost the contest, Avimm finally helps? Because, well, if not, Khessa does what she had threatened to: she starts summoning him in the sun - summoning him again if he vaporizes. On the contrary, if he finally helps, she publicly thanks him in front of all: "Thank you Avimm! You contributed like one of us - and you'll be respected, like one of us. Well done".
(OOC: If Khessa gets Avimm to help with the digging, she is ready for week 4)
There is a satisfied sound that traverses your mind as you speak of destroying the creature / item. Then you hear in the back of your head "yess, destroy me. Put me somewhere they cannot find me. Release me from my form I wish no longer to be a slave." Assuming you decide to force Dhaekzhil into it's physical goblinoid form. It sits there and watches you dig. Other than the creature wincing the same way you or I would when you're sitting in a dark room and someone shines a flashlight in your eyes; the sun doesn't actually seem to bother it. Its form just seems to wisp around as if partially incorporeal.
(OOC: I realize I spelt Dhaekzhil's name incorrectly last post, my bad! Also, I know that Dhaekzhil / Avimm had spoken to you telepathically during the events of 'The Crypt of the Blood Witch' before you attuned to it; but I and the forum search function are having a tough time finding all the posts where that happened, so I'm going as if it hadn't spoken much to you. I am however going to continue looking for the posts so I can try to recall what it has said to you in the past.)
Khessa is amazed by Avimm's words; it's the first time he mentions someone who might find him or the fact that he hates his current status.
'Avimm, I'm glad you're starting to confide in me...' the blonde arcane warrior telepathically tells him 'I don't think I treat you like a slave. But I would like us to establish a collaborative relationship. You help me and I help you. Now you dig with us and I make sure 'they' don't find you. And I promise that as soon as I get back to the capital I will 'release you from your form'. I also explained to you how it can be done... It will not be difficult. You artifacts are not easy to destroy, granted, but in the capital there is certainly the main temple (therefore the most powerful clerics) of this or that good god. They'll be happy to destroy you, I won't have a hard time convincing them, you'll see. But, you help me, I help you. No tantrums. As you are (for now) part of me, you are part of this group - so when we fight I expect you to help us (as indeed you have). But even when it comes to digging a grave, I expect you to help us (unless you have a good reason not to). And look, I'm not making you do it in my place, like a slave. I'm asking you to do it with me, as an ally. An ally, who, when I return to the capital, I will be able to repay. By the way, just to better help me defend you from 'they', would you tell me who 'they' are? Don't worry, as long as I draw breath, they won't lay hands on you'.
(OOC: As far as I remember, Avimm had spoken in Khessa's mind only once, while Khessa and Dimitri were exploring the dungeon under the cellar of the den - and Avimm, without revealing who he was, had spoken in Khessa's mind advising her that , back at the den, her friends needed help. I don't remember any other occasion where Avimm spoke to her - although I admit one shouldn't rely too much on my memory)
(OOC: Now... I'm a bit embarrassed at the moment. On the one hand it's important for Khessa that Avimm acts as an ally, that's why I'm continuing the interaction with him - it's not just a matter of principle; it is rather important to find out to what extent Avimm can do his bidding and to what extent instead we can count on his collaboration - in case, during the campaign, for example, we have to decide whether or not to assign him a mission-critical task.... But I don't want to block the flow of the campaign for everyone, the other players risk getting a little bored just seeing an exchange of spoilers... @DM: If that seems better to you, it might even be fine for me if we continue the interaction with Avimm in private chat and in the meantime we all go on with week 4 - we do as you prefer)
"I am not a slave to you" the voice grunts "I will not di--" the voice disappears for a moment before returning with a quizzical tone "what is an artifact?" The voice again returns "do you like the way your brain functions? Because if you know who they is, it won't. You continue being my vessel and I'll protect you. Would you ask that child you call a god to dig this hole for you?" Dhaekzhil goes quiet after asking this question; it continues to simply sit there and watch as the two of you digging.
Week 4 of travel
Week 4 goes by uneventfully. You don't see a single soul on the road the whole week. You spend the week talking with Ileah and camping as you travel slowly down the road. "So, what's your business in this town? Wolfwater was it?" Ileah asks to anyone willing to give her a moment of their time.
Khessa'ssurvival skill provides each of you with 2 more days of fresh food. Kell'shunting trap captured 1 day worth of fresh food for you. (Rolled a 6in game log) You resort to eating your rations for the remaining days.
Week 5 of travel
As your traveling down the road, Khessa and Dusk, the two of you see a group of 8 men walking in your direction dressed in matching outfits. As you get closer to them, you realize they're holy men and they appear to be carrying a casket. They're all wearing black ceremonial robes. The stole they wear bears a large crystal ball embroidered on it.
You come across what appears to be a lovely picnic site on the side of the road. You see several blankets sprawled out, multiple picnic baskets with platters of wonderful smelling food sitting out. However, you see no evidence of life.
As darkness begins to fall upon you and you look for a place to stop for the night; you catch the sight of a rather unholy view. You notice standing or rather floating on the edge of the tree line, a ghastly humanoid figure. Looking in your direction and pointing into the forest.
As you begin getting closer and closer to Wolfwater you notice a few dead goblins on the road. Torn to shreds, by some sort of animal. As you travel further down the road, the bodies begin to appear more often. At first there's only a few bodies, but by the time you can see the town itself you're finding dozens of goblinoid bodies. Goblins, hobgoblins, and bugbears all dead. It looks like an angry bear came through and just tore them all apart.
Khessa'ssurvival skill provides each of you with 2 more days of fresh food. Kell'shunting trap captured 4 day worth of fresh food for you. (Rolled a 20in game log) You don't use any of your rations this week.
You may choose to interact with any of the memorable events that happened, or we can move on! If there was still something you wished to do in week 3, feel free to do so, but please separate it in the post so I am aware it's from week 3 and not 5!
Togar sees them coming down the road and his curiosity gets the best of him. He stands and urges whoever is driving the wagon at the moment to slow down for a moment, to see if the mourners and priests wish to interact. “May be best to leave them alone in their grief” he thinks to himself. He does look carefully at the crystal ball, trying to recall if he has ever seen it before, or read about it, wondering what the significance is.
History : 15
Abandoned picnic :
Togar finds this damned odd. He disembarks from the wagon but feel that it may represent a trap, so he activates his special ring and becomes invisible, he flaps his wings and begins to gain height, flying up 30-40 feet to examine the situation, scanning the forest and area around, looking for any observers, any trap that has been set.
Perception : 9
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A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Togar sees the ethereal figure and breathes in a sudden intake of air in surprise and amazement. He crouches down, getting near Erlang and Dusk, pointing out at it. “What is it, do you think? I’ve never seen one, is that a ghost? What should we do?” He relies on the others to decide whether to investigate or to drive on, in a hurry.
Scattering of goblinoid bodies :
Togar climbs down from the wagon as they come to a halt and begins to inspect the bodies, trying to determine what may have caused such wounds, searching for any clues among the bodies, and also looking for any tracks as to where the victors in the struggle may have gone.
Investigation : 21
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A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
'I don't understand if you are not smart enough to understand the difference between 'slave' and 'ally' or if you simply don't want to understand, since you insist on insinuating that I want you to dig for me, when I have already made it clear to you several times that I just want you to do it with me; anyway, I warned you that I don't like repeating' Khessa sighs mentally. 'Either through your own limitations, or out of free will, you chose not to act as an ally. So be it. I will do the same when the time comes. Evidently, this desire to be destroyed or otherwise kept away from 'they' (all things that I'd have gladly done for an ally) isn't all that important - or at least, it's less important than helping me with my tasks. I don't pretend to understand you - but I take note - and of course I will act accordingly in the future. Have a lot of fun watching... because you can bet that the fun will end sooner or later'.
And with this, the blonde arcane warrior believes she has exhausted all the sensible attempts at her disposal to convince Avimm to convert to camaraderie... If the creature insists on not helping dig, she, as she told him, stops insisting - but she also becomes aware of the fact that she cannot consider him a reliable ally - and, in time, she will take adequate measures.
Group of holy men:
"Good day people," Khessa greets the procession, with concern in her blue eyes "may I know what happened?" (and in the meantime he concentrates and tries to understand if their symbols and clothes are characteristic of some particular cult or religion).
Abandoned picnic:
Seeing Togar take off and become invisible, Khessa thinks: 'Good idea... Caution seems to me too, given the strange circumstances'.
The blonde arcane warrior takes the time to cast Detect Magic as a ritual to detect any traces of extraordinary phenomena at work.
Ghost :
"I also think it's a ghost..." Khessa comments, replying to Togar even if he wasn't addressing her directly "I don't know what happened to him, but I don't like the idea of leaving him like this, to wander in despair forever... I suppose that in the direction he's pointing us we'll find his body - burying which perhaps we can give him peace. I would say go and try. I don't like the idea of abandoning to such a fate a soul that I don't know if he deserved it or not".
"Not to mention," it occurs to the blonde arcane warrior, in a second moment "that we are approaching Wolfwater... What if it was the 'devil' we are looking for that caused this ghost to be in eternal despair? Following him, we might find some clues..."
Scattering of goblinoid bodies :
The tall adventuress helps Togar with his investigation, commenting in the meantime: "This could be the work of the 'devil' we are looking for... Which is not very reassuring, given the carnage it has managed to cause; but if we can at least figure out how it killed all... Whether with weapons, with fangs and claws, or with magic, maybe at least we'll get an idea of how it fights And if we find survivors who can tell us some more details, even better".
As you come to a quick stop to briefly speak to the holy men, they do stop to speak with you, though they continue hoisting the casket in the air. "Blessings to you fine travelers, from the Lady of Sight" two of them speak, closely enough in sync that you're capable of understanding them. Togar and Khessa, by the greeting and your rolls, you realize the crystal ball is meant to represent The Oracle, otherwise known as the Lady of Sight. "Nothing sinister happened, if that is your reason for inquiry. Unless you count going peacefully into the night sinister." Another speaks up "we must truly be on our way. Blessings be upon you." And with that, they begin shuffling up the road again.
Togar
You would know The Oracle is a fair deity who is typically worshiped by diviners, oracles, and the likes. She blesses the arcane-touched often.
Khessa
Other than the two titles, you don't really know much more on her.
Abandoned picnic setting
Khessa you spend 10 minutes casting detect magic through a ritual while Togar goes invisible and you all hear him fly away. Neither of you notice anything out of the ordinary, other than this lovely abandoned picnic. There appear to be no magical presences nearby, Khessa, and Togar, you physically see nothing out of place.
Ghost
Nothing for me to interact with yet. Just RP.
(OOC: Togar I switched your History check to a Religion. So it's a 13 instead of 15, but it still succeeds. Also! I ran out of time before I could finish the scattering of goblinoid bodies section of the week, but I wanted to get this post out, so I will make a separate post later tonight dealing with that along with anything else you wish to do with the new information. I also haven't had a chance to read our secret conversations Khessa. That will be coming tonight as well.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Group of Clerics
Listening to the interaction, Dusk thinks back to anything extra it might know of this group or their religion. ((religion 22))
Picnic
Dusk opens up all of the senses given to it in an attempt to notice anything the others may have missed. ((perception (passive 16) 12))
Ghost
Looking to the specter, Dusk listens to the others, and knows that ghosts often are trapped in this world. It then looks past the ghost into the forest and says, "Greetings fair spirit. Is there something to be wary of there? Or something that needs to be done?" ((perception (passive 16) 20))
Goblins
Though having little experience with dead bodies of really any kind, specifically with goblinoids, Dusk thinks back to any reading and looks over the bodies, trying to determine if anything is unusual with their deaths, knowing that no single bear would be able to kill this many. ((medicine 9))
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Group of holy men
With a respectful nod, Erlang acknowledges their words and the blessings bestowed upon them. "Blessings upon you as well." He says, watching them shuffling away.
Abandoned picnic setting
As they stop by the picnic, the tantalizing scents of the food waft towards him, tempting his senses. Erlang's instincts urge him to remain vigilant, reminding him that things are not always as they seem. He surveys the area, his eyes darting from one blanket to another, searching for any hidden signs or clues.
Perception: 13
Using his Divine Sense, he tries to sense if there's any celestial, fiend, or undead within 60 feet.
Ghost
Erlang's gaze follows the pointing finger of the ghastly figure into the forest. He leans against a nearby tree, his glaive propped up beside him. With a casual shrug, he says. "If burying this ghost's remains can bring him some peace, then I reckon it's worth a shot. Seems like he's pointing us into the forest. Maybe he wants us to go check it out?"
Using his Divine Sense, he tries to sense if there's any (more) celestial, fiend, or undead within 60 feet.
Scattering of goblinoid bodies
Erlang surveys the gruesome scene, his eyes scanning the scattered goblinoid bodies. He crouches down beside one of the fallen creatures, observing the gruesome wounds inflicted upon it, trying to see what had killed them.
Medicine: 4
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Khessa, as you cast detect magic there are no signs of magic coming from the gemstone. As you all continue to implore she come with you she speaks again "surely it is not worse than the 2 seasons we've already traveled. The majority of that we were alone. However, if you truly think we should ride with you, then I suppose we shall" she gets up from the wreckage, continuing to hold the badger. "So, where is it you are--" she corrects herself "or I suppose we are heading?" Looking in the direction of Khessa and Erlang.
Togar you load the small chest into the covered wagon that you're all riding in.
(OOC: Avimm refuses to dig. It would seem this creature that has bound itself to you doesn't do everything you tell it to. There was a lot of character to character RP here, so if I missed something that was directed toward the wood elf, I apologize. Let me know and I will respond to it!)
"If you've really traveled a lot alone, you probably know better how to avoid danger than I think... but I still think you'll be safer with us. Welcome!" Khessa smiles at the wood elf, patting her on the shoulder "So, I'm Khessa, this cute one is Amelia... and you? What's your name?"
(OOC: I suppose the wood elf replies...) After the other says her name, the blonde arcane warrior continues: "Nice to meet you! Our final destination is Wolfwater, but if we first find a safe place where be able to leave you, you can stop there too".
As Avimm refuses to dig, Khessa has a telepathic discussion with him: 'Avimm... first you didn't want to stay in the sunlight - and it's fine. As you see, I've tried not to summon you in that condition again, because I thought maybe it was annoying or painful for you - and I don't want to cause you discomfort or pain for no reason. But in this case, you have no reason not to help us dig! It's not something too tiring or painful... I'm doing it too! If you have a good reason, tell me... else, please come here and help us - or you can be sure I'll start summoning you in the sunlight with every shovelful of earth I dig up; and it doesn't matter if you become smoke... one thought is enough for me to summon you again - and you can rest assured that I will, in full sun, over and over again! Annoying, huh? So? The choice is yours... Do we help each other? Or do we hinder each other? I count (mentally) to 3! 1... 2...'
(OOC: @DM: Is Avimm finally persuaded to dig? Or does he insist on 'challenging' Khessa?)
Togar smiles at the wood elf, “Welcome aboard, my name is Togar. There is safety in numbers, and we are glad to have your company, to hear of your travels.” Togar continues settling things in the wagon, he also goes back to the wagon that was turned over and gathers any feed that is still useable for the horse team on their wagon, creating a faintly glowing shovel in his hands, and shoveling up the feed, putting it in our wagon to use for the horses. He sees all of these events as a great adventure, and surprisingly the studious Owlin has no issue with rolling up his sleeves and helping with whatever task needs to be done. He stores his spellbook in an inner pocket of his cloak as he picks up the conjured shovel and works away to bring the feed into the wagon. It is more physical activity than he is used to, after he gathers the feed, he rests his arm/wing on the shovel and looks at the graves being dug, resting for a bit.
When he sees the graves being dug and the cards from Kell being put there, he is fascinated again, watching and listening to the conversation. “I don’t understand your magic fully, or what these cards mean to you, but I hope to learn more as we go. Different ways….” When all is settled, Togar gets into the wagon, ready to continue moving forward on their journey.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Togar you manage to gather an additional 1 week worth of feed. It is however, loose unlike the feed you currently have that is tied up so it doesn't break apart. "My name is Ileah" the elf greets everyone standing around her "I am ready when you all are, thank you for saving my life. Again."
(OOC: Khessa give me a charisma check.)
Khessa's charisma check (I guess Avimm doesn't want to help me to give me advantage? Lol! Kidding...) 9
Kell barks a short, humourless laugh at Khessa's question "That is an apt guess, Khessa. A very astute observation" As he talks, his accent changes slightly, losing a little of his frontier twang. Shaking his head, he hurries over to the rest of the group, signaling them all to be off.
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
Khessa
You being to feel a struggle in your mind as if Dhaekzil is fighting you, and you feel your wrist begin to open and the tip of the blade protrude, but you manage to shake the feeling off and your wrist closes once again with the blade hidden away inside.
(OOC: With Ileah on board the wagon, it sounds like everyone is ready for week 4??)
DM
'Avimm...' Khessa warns the artifact 'I don't know what you wanted to do, but I know one thing: try one more time to mess with my mind and I'll destroy you. I can't do it here, true enough, but as soon as I get back to the capital I definitely have no problem doing it. You are an evil artifact. I keep you with me because I believe that everyone should have a chance, even you. And if you act as an ally and not as a threat, I will continue to keep you with me. But try again to do that number and as soon as I get back to the capital I turn you to the main temple of some good deity - who surely can't wait to destroy or anyway make disappear forever an evil artifact like yourself. Avimm... I'm not used to repeat myself... you'll have no other warnings. Do that thing again, and you're finished. And now move your sorry 4ss and help us with the digging!'
After having lost the contest, Avimm finally helps? Because, well, if not, Khessa does what she had threatened to: she starts summoning him in the sun - summoning him again if he vaporizes. On the contrary, if he finally helps, she publicly thanks him in front of all: "Thank you Avimm! You contributed like one of us - and you'll be respected, like one of us. Well done".
(OOC: If Khessa gets Avimm to help with the digging, she is ready for week 4)
Khessa
There is a satisfied sound that traverses your mind as you speak of destroying the creature / item. Then you hear in the back of your head "yess, destroy me. Put me somewhere they cannot find me. Release me from my form I wish no longer to be a slave." Assuming you decide to force Dhaekzhil into it's physical goblinoid form. It sits there and watches you dig. Other than the creature wincing the same way you or I would when you're sitting in a dark room and someone shines a flashlight in your eyes; the sun doesn't actually seem to bother it. Its form just seems to wisp around as if partially incorporeal.
(OOC: I realize I spelt Dhaekzhil's name incorrectly last post, my bad! Also, I know that Dhaekzhil / Avimm had spoken to you telepathically during the events of 'The Crypt of the Blood Witch' before you attuned to it; but I and the forum search function are having a tough time finding all the posts where that happened, so I'm going as if it hadn't spoken much to you. I am however going to continue looking for the posts so I can try to recall what it has said to you in the past.)
DM
Khessa is amazed by Avimm's words; it's the first time he mentions someone who might find him or the fact that he hates his current status.
'Avimm, I'm glad you're starting to confide in me...' the blonde arcane warrior telepathically tells him 'I don't think I treat you like a slave. But I would like us to establish a collaborative relationship. You help me and I help you. Now you dig with us and I make sure 'they' don't find you. And I promise that as soon as I get back to the capital I will 'release you from your form'. I also explained to you how it can be done... It will not be difficult. You artifacts are not easy to destroy, granted, but in the capital there is certainly the main temple (therefore the most powerful clerics) of this or that good god. They'll be happy to destroy you, I won't have a hard time convincing them, you'll see. But, you help me, I help you. No tantrums. As you are (for now) part of me, you are part of this group - so when we fight I expect you to help us (as indeed you have). But even when it comes to digging a grave, I expect you to help us (unless you have a good reason not to). And look, I'm not making you do it in my place, like a slave. I'm asking you to do it with me, as an ally. An ally, who, when I return to the capital, I will be able to repay. By the way, just to better help me defend you from 'they', would you tell me who 'they' are? Don't worry, as long as I draw breath, they won't lay hands on you'.
(OOC: As far as I remember, Avimm had spoken in Khessa's mind only once, while Khessa and Dimitri were exploring the dungeon under the cellar of the den - and Avimm, without revealing who he was, had spoken in Khessa's mind advising her that , back at the den, her friends needed help. I don't remember any other occasion where Avimm spoke to her - although I admit one shouldn't rely too much on my memory)
(OOC: Now... I'm a bit embarrassed at the moment. On the one hand it's important for Khessa that Avimm acts as an ally, that's why I'm continuing the interaction with him - it's not just a matter of principle; it is rather important to find out to what extent Avimm can do his bidding and to what extent instead we can count on his collaboration - in case, during the campaign, for example, we have to decide whether or not to assign him a mission-critical task.... But I don't want to block the flow of the campaign for everyone, the other players risk getting a little bored just seeing an exchange of spoilers... @DM: If that seems better to you, it might even be fine for me if we continue the interaction with Avimm in private chat and in the meantime we all go on with week 4 - we do as you prefer)
Oh, well, or we can continue Avimm interaction in spoiler here, but also going on in parallel with week 4 (as far as I am concerned)
Week 3 secret conversation
Khessa
"I am not a slave to you" the voice grunts "I will not di--" the voice disappears for a moment before returning with a quizzical tone "what is an artifact?" The voice again returns "do you like the way your brain functions? Because if you know who they is, it won't. You continue being my vessel and I'll protect you. Would you ask that child you call a god to dig this hole for you?" Dhaekzhil goes quiet after asking this question; it continues to simply sit there and watch as the two of you digging.
Week 4 of travel
Week 4 goes by uneventfully. You don't see a single soul on the road the whole week. You spend the week talking with Ileah and camping as you travel slowly down the road. "So, what's your business in this town? Wolfwater was it?" Ileah asks to anyone willing to give her a moment of their time.
Khessa's survival skill provides each of you with 2 more days of fresh food. Kell's hunting trap captured 1 day worth of fresh food for you. (Rolled a 6 in game log) You resort to eating your rations for the remaining days.
Week 5 of travel
As your traveling down the road, Khessa and Dusk, the two of you see a group of 8 men walking in your direction dressed in matching outfits. As you get closer to them, you realize they're holy men and they appear to be carrying a casket. They're all wearing black ceremonial robes. The stole they wear bears a large crystal ball embroidered on it.
You come across what appears to be a lovely picnic site on the side of the road. You see several blankets sprawled out, multiple picnic baskets with platters of wonderful smelling food sitting out. However, you see no evidence of life.
As darkness begins to fall upon you and you look for a place to stop for the night; you catch the sight of a rather unholy view. You notice standing or rather floating on the edge of the tree line, a ghastly humanoid figure. Looking in your direction and pointing into the forest.
As you begin getting closer and closer to Wolfwater you notice a few dead goblins on the road. Torn to shreds, by some sort of animal. As you travel further down the road, the bodies begin to appear more often. At first there's only a few bodies, but by the time you can see the town itself you're finding dozens of goblinoid bodies. Goblins, hobgoblins, and bugbears all dead. It looks like an angry bear came through and just tore them all apart.
Khessa's survival skill provides each of you with 2 more days of fresh food. Kell's hunting trap captured 4 day worth of fresh food for you. (Rolled a 20 in game log) You don't use any of your rations this week.
At the end of week 4:
At the end of week 5:
You may choose to interact with any of the memorable events that happened, or we can move on! If there was still something you wished to do in week 3, feel free to do so, but please separate it in the post so I am aware it's from week 3 and not 5!
Travel rolls
Khessa -- 15, 5
Elrang -- 13, 18
Togar -- 17, 20
Kell -- 1, 6
Dusk -- 19, 2
(OOC: Be sure to get done anything you'd like to do before we move on. Once we do, we will be back into a more normal style of play!)
Group of holy men :
Togar sees them coming down the road and his curiosity gets the best of him. He stands and urges whoever is driving the wagon at the moment to slow down for a moment, to see if the mourners and priests wish to interact. “May be best to leave them alone in their grief” he thinks to himself. He does look carefully at the crystal ball, trying to recall if he has ever seen it before, or read about it, wondering what the significance is.
History : 15
Abandoned picnic :
Togar finds this damned odd. He disembarks from the wagon but feel that it may represent a trap, so he activates his special ring and becomes invisible, he flaps his wings and begins to gain height, flying up 30-40 feet to examine the situation, scanning the forest and area around, looking for any observers, any trap that has been set.
Perception : 9
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Ghost :
Togar sees the ethereal figure and breathes in a sudden intake of air in surprise and amazement. He crouches down, getting near Erlang and Dusk, pointing out at it. “What is it, do you think? I’ve never seen one, is that a ghost? What should we do?” He relies on the others to decide whether to investigate or to drive on, in a hurry.
Scattering of goblinoid bodies :
Togar climbs down from the wagon as they come to a halt and begins to inspect the bodies, trying to determine what may have caused such wounds, searching for any clues among the bodies, and also looking for any tracks as to where the victors in the struggle may have gone.
Investigation : 21
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Week 3 secret conversation
DM
'I don't understand if you are not smart enough to understand the difference between 'slave' and 'ally' or if you simply don't want to understand, since you insist on insinuating that I want you to dig for me, when I have already made it clear to you several times that I just want you to do it with me; anyway, I warned you that I don't like repeating' Khessa sighs mentally. 'Either through your own limitations, or out of free will, you chose not to act as an ally. So be it. I will do the same when the time comes. Evidently, this desire to be destroyed or otherwise kept away from 'they' (all things that I'd have gladly done for an ally) isn't all that important - or at least, it's less important than helping me with my tasks. I don't pretend to understand you - but I take note - and of course I will act accordingly in the future. Have a lot of fun watching... because you can bet that the fun will end sooner or later'.
And with this, the blonde arcane warrior believes she has exhausted all the sensible attempts at her disposal to convince Avimm to convert to camaraderie... If the creature insists on not helping dig, she, as she told him, stops insisting - but she also becomes aware of the fact that she cannot consider him a reliable ally - and, in time, she will take adequate measures.
Group of holy men:
"Good day people," Khessa greets the procession, with concern in her blue eyes "may I know what happened?" (and in the meantime he concentrates and tries to understand if their symbols and clothes are characteristic of some particular cult or religion).
Abandoned picnic:
Seeing Togar take off and become invisible, Khessa thinks: 'Good idea... Caution seems to me too, given the strange circumstances'.
The blonde arcane warrior takes the time to cast Detect Magic as a ritual to detect any traces of extraordinary phenomena at work.
Ghost :
"I also think it's a ghost..." Khessa comments, replying to Togar even if he wasn't addressing her directly "I don't know what happened to him, but I don't like the idea of leaving him like this, to wander in despair forever... I suppose that in the direction he's pointing us we'll find his body - burying which perhaps we can give him peace. I would say go and try. I don't like the idea of abandoning to such a fate a soul that I don't know if he deserved it or not".
"Not to mention," it occurs to the blonde arcane warrior, in a second moment "that we are approaching Wolfwater... What if it was the 'devil' we are looking for that caused this ghost to be in eternal despair? Following him, we might find some clues..."
Scattering of goblinoid bodies :
The tall adventuress helps Togar with his investigation, commenting in the meantime: "This could be the work of the 'devil' we are looking for... Which is not very reassuring, given the carnage it has managed to cause; but if we can at least figure out how it killed all... Whether with weapons, with fangs and claws, or with magic, maybe at least we'll get an idea of how it fights And if we find survivors who can tell us some more details, even better".
Group of holy men:
Khessa's Religion check (to understand if their symbols and clothes are characteristic of some particular cult or religion): 8
Group of holy men
As you come to a quick stop to briefly speak to the holy men, they do stop to speak with you, though they continue hoisting the casket in the air. "Blessings to you fine travelers, from the Lady of Sight" two of them speak, closely enough in sync that you're capable of understanding them. Togar and Khessa, by the greeting and your rolls, you realize the crystal ball is meant to represent The Oracle, otherwise known as the Lady of Sight. "Nothing sinister happened, if that is your reason for inquiry. Unless you count going peacefully into the night sinister." Another speaks up "we must truly be on our way. Blessings be upon you." And with that, they begin shuffling up the road again.
Togar
You would know The Oracle is a fair deity who is typically worshiped by diviners, oracles, and the likes. She blesses the arcane-touched often.
Khessa
Other than the two titles, you don't really know much more on her.
Abandoned picnic setting
Khessa you spend 10 minutes casting detect magic through a ritual while Togar goes invisible and you all hear him fly away. Neither of you notice anything out of the ordinary, other than this lovely abandoned picnic. There appear to be no magical presences nearby, Khessa, and Togar, you physically see nothing out of place.
Ghost
Nothing for me to interact with yet. Just RP.
(OOC: Togar I switched your History check to a Religion. So it's a 13 instead of 15, but it still succeeds. Also! I ran out of time before I could finish the scattering of goblinoid bodies section of the week, but I wanted to get this post out, so I will make a separate post later tonight dealing with that along with anything else you wish to do with the new information. I also haven't had a chance to read our secret conversations Khessa. That will be coming tonight as well.)
Group of Clerics
Listening to the interaction, Dusk thinks back to anything extra it might know of this group or their religion. ((religion 22))
Picnic
Dusk opens up all of the senses given to it in an attempt to notice anything the others may have missed. ((perception (passive 16) 12))
Ghost
Looking to the specter, Dusk listens to the others, and knows that ghosts often are trapped in this world. It then looks past the ghost into the forest and says, "Greetings fair spirit. Is there something to be wary of there? Or something that needs to be done?" ((perception (passive 16) 20))
Goblins
Though having little experience with dead bodies of really any kind, specifically with goblinoids, Dusk thinks back to any reading and looks over the bodies, trying to determine if anything is unusual with their deaths, knowing that no single bear would be able to kill this many. ((medicine 9))
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
ok what the actual **** with those rolls not happening...
Let's try here... (note: adding guidance to all of them)
Religion 8
perception 1 28
perception 2 19
medicine 21
...
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Group of holy men
With a respectful nod, Erlang acknowledges their words and the blessings bestowed upon them. "Blessings upon you as well." He says, watching them shuffling away.
Abandoned picnic setting
As they stop by the picnic, the tantalizing scents of the food waft towards him, tempting his senses. Erlang's instincts urge him to remain vigilant, reminding him that things are not always as they seem. He surveys the area, his eyes darting from one blanket to another, searching for any hidden signs or clues.
Perception: 13
Using his Divine Sense, he tries to sense if there's any celestial, fiend, or undead within 60 feet.
Ghost
Erlang's gaze follows the pointing finger of the ghastly figure into the forest. He leans against a nearby tree, his glaive propped up beside him. With a casual shrug, he says. "If burying this ghost's remains can bring him some peace, then I reckon it's worth a shot. Seems like he's pointing us into the forest. Maybe he wants us to go check it out?"
Using his Divine Sense, he tries to sense if there's any (more) celestial, fiend, or undead within 60 feet.
Scattering of goblinoid bodies
Erlang surveys the gruesome scene, his eyes scanning the scattered goblinoid bodies. He crouches down beside one of the fallen creatures, observing the gruesome wounds inflicted upon it, trying to see what had killed them.
Medicine: 4