Only the fact that it was running away at full speed towards the pond saves the enemy from being impaled by the Gore's powerful lunge, which however penetrates the carapace and leaves a bloody wound in the fugitive's back.
Not even Aidwyn's sword hitting his back is enough to finish him off...
[[OOC: Aidwyn can do her Attack of Opportunity if she wants, just to further convince the monster of the errors of its ways... but it is unlikely that she will kill him, so in the meantime I continue to narrate its escape...]]
...then the crustacean horror, having reached the edge of the pond, dives in again, leaving a light crimson trail of blood in the waters. And this time it doesn't emerge again.
The creature that attacked you doesn't seem to want to resurface, so Zentromya returns to its original form.
Feeling that the clamor of the battle seems to have died down, Aedion asks Spira: "Everything okay, mom? Can I come out now? You stopped the Big Bad Beast who wanted to harm stepmom Aidwyn, right?"
Meanwhile, Solitude approaches Aidwyn: "How are you?" she starts checking the young heroine's condition, initially a bit worried, but soon relieved as she sees that the other seem to have come out practically unscatched"I don't know how you managed to scare that ugly thing away... However, I suggest we change places to spend the rest of the night..."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Whoof!," Spira sighs as the crustacean horror disappears into the pond. "What was that thing? And are you all right, Aidwyn?" There is an anxious look on her face as she approaches the young heroine from Longsaddle and examines her for injuries. She has had time to reassure Aedion it's safe now, and the little snake's jewel-like eyes are also intent as he watches. After a few minutes ...
===========================
Medicine 8
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Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
...After a few minutes, the tiefling healer realizes with relief and surprise how little damage the monstrous attacker actually managed to do. Perhaps thanks to the powers of Solitude, with which she had protected the young heroine just before the attack... Perhaps thanks to the increased skills of the warrior, who was able to deflect the blows quite well... Perhaps thanks to the trusty armor... Anyway, Aidwyn didn't suffer anything other than a bruise on her thigh, where the pincer had hit and squeezed... but nothing that a short rest can't erase.
“Why did the ugly beast want to harm Stepmom Aidwyn?” Aedion marvels telepathically "She's so good..."
Bemon then leaves you, without you telling him or asking anything else...
Once the newcomer is gone, Gaer mutters, seemingly unconvinced: "Well, how lucky we are... We haven't the faintest idea what he can do but if one day we 'need help' we can look for it... All we need is a little trip into the wilderness and we're good to go. And apparently he thinks he can possibly 'take care' of Balfby. Good to know".
"I admit that he didn't tell us much about him," Anita concedes "but he didn't ask too much about us either... It's clear that he too, like Colin, must not have bought my great 'magic-cake-baking' skills... but he wasn't insistent, he pretended to accept what I told him. I like him".
“Hey, do you want to compete with Thia?” the tiefling jokes "I think she's already got her eyes on him..."
"I didn't say this!" the ex-Zhentarim sticks her tongue out at him "You're just envious because he's more charming than you - even if he" she moves closer to the half-orc wizard, leaning against his broad chest "can't compete with Rash".
Party of Four - Lathander Temple:
The party changes camping location, leaving the pond to instead reach a much less fascinating place, a simple clearing on the side of the Long Road, but, apparently, safer, since the rest of the night passes without further inconveniences.
The next day, the cold got worse and the light annoying rain from the day before falls in the form of tiny splinters of ice.
Before you leave, Aedion is training to fly a little, trying to avoid the annoying precipitation, and proudly looking into the eyes of his tiefling mom every now and then... but suddenly, while he is aloft, he telepathically exclaims: "Hey! Yesterday's nasty beast is back!" and in fact, following his gaze, you notice the horror crustacean who, evidently, must have gotten up early in the morning and tried to follow you... now he was trying to crawl closer, from perhaps 70' away, but, realizing that you saw him, he stands up... apparently unsure whether to get any closer or not.
"Why do you want to hurt us?!" the baby-winged-snake telepathically exclaims "Leave us alone!"
Then Aedion rejoins Spira and reveals to you all: "The ugly beast replied that their masters want stepmom Aidwyn's shield... Should I answer them that it is ours and therefore they cannot have it?"
"I don't see any reason to talk to that monster any further..." Solitude advises nervously "We're far enough away that we can simply get on our horses and ride away. He won't be able to stop us or follow us - with many regards to his 'masters'. Let's go. Let's not look for trouble".
(Aidwyn wouldn't had taken the Attack of Opportunity on a fleeing animal even if it could have ended it. Or specially if it would had ended the poor thing. Big, but just an animal )
After putting the concerns of the others to a rest, specially after Spira's checks Aidwyn speaks to Zentromya.
"That... that was awesome! Thank you so much! You were amazing! and didn't know that you could turn into such a huge and magnificent size!"
"Even those who are small like me, when they love the force of good to the point of communing with it, can be made great, Aidwyn..." Zentromya replies, shrugging "Practically all the heroes I met in Elysium they became great because of what they loved (not because of what they hated). It's a path that you too are following, ever since you set out to dedicate yourself to Lathander".
[[ OOC: This is Zentromya's response immediately after the end of the battle. But it still remains to decide what to post about the next situation... as per my last post before this one, the next day you 'have visits'... ]]
"You are right but perhaps we should ask who their masters are and know who are behing my shield. Perhaps they have a rightful claim to it? Alas if they do, why do not introduce themselves and ask for it?. Anyway we should try to learn a little bit more, for I have the feeling that, even outrunning that thing this will not be the last time we hear of this..." she turns to Spira, Aedion and Zentromya "Do you think you can ask this before we leave? "
Zentromya becomes ambassador and manages telepathic communications [[ OOC: so all of you hear and all of you, when you want, can communicate in the same way ]] between you and the chitinous creature: "Who are your masters and what rights do they have on the shield?"
The crustacean creature's response is: "The fish gods from afar are my masters - and yours too, though you may not yet realize it. They are the creators. And they have commanded me to amass magical objects for them, giving me the gift of recognizing them. As they are the creators, all that exists is theirs. Give me the shield. It will be better for everyone. If you don't, when the fish gods return, I will tell them. Then their righteous wrath will then fall on you. They will enslave you. You will still lose your shield. But, along with it, much more. You'll lose... everything".
"There are so many gods," Zentromya replies "that the claim of these 'fish gods' to be 'the creators' seems to me to be unfounded..."
"If you don't believe me now..." the monster replies "You will believe me when they enslave you. The choice whether to give me the shield now, or to lose it in the future - along with everything you hold dear - is yours alone".
"You really do know how to flatter an orc,"the wizard says with a chuckle, putting an arm around Anita. "Anyway, he did seem like a nice enough guy... though I admit, I'm a little surprised at how ready he was to accept that Aidwyn's creepy wolf is serving the greater good right now. I'm still not sure that I entirely believe it, considering what little I know about Yeth Hounds."
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Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
"I feel like this Bemon must be up to something. It just seemed strange him coming in here like that," Roxana says. "And I hope the whole world isn't hearing crazy stories about us!" She listens to the exchange about Thia between Gaer and Anita. She interjects, "Well, I'm glad Gaer's not charming. I won't have to worry about any competition." She nudges him, giving him a grin.
She nods at Rash's Yeth Hound comment. "I hope Aidwyn's back soon so we can talk to her about Balfby."
(Aidwyn wouldn't had taken the Attack of Opportunity on a fleeing animal even if it could have ended it. Or specially if it would had ended the poor thing. Big, but just an animal )
(You know, I wasn't going to say anything, but now that you bring the subject up;
Neither would Spira have wasted a spell slot on the creature for the same reason, and because Spira is a strategist who would want to keep it in reserve in case another such thing showed up.; and,
Although Spira's player is a DM of 45 years experience who would never tell a fellow DM what to do in their game, they also feel compelled to observe that if they had snubbed a player by leaving their character the only PC without a partner in an adventure where they had taken an already pretty romantic-themed adventure and deliberately leaned into it by pairing up literally everyone else of importance except their character and Wumgu the goblin; and then rubbed salt in the wound by giving the old maid spinster what could be regarded in some lights as the booby prize of a little snake to take care of so Spira can become Toril's equivalent of the crazy cat lady, the LAST thing I would do is to further offend that very player by botting their character, in the middle of combat, with no obvious reason or need pushing you to hurry up the scene and get it over with, less than twenty-four hours after that player had last posted when their best recollection was that the stated acceptable post frequency was once a day)
Aidwyn lomos at aspira and replies to the big crustacean seeker.
”You say that when your Gods return all will be theirs to take. So it is of no consequence if I give up the shield now or not. Go back to the pond and leave us be. We have proven to you that we are a strong foe and having the shield now or later will be no difference to your Gods. If we fight again you may not survive and then you will not be here when they arrive.”
( On the posting frequency note; I know that sometimes my work schedule and trips take me away from the keyboard or even zones with good connection for a couple of days but I do too had felt the pressure of too many posts in a single day. I’ve lost entire scenes held in the time most of you had been online and I was sleeping due to the time difference. A little bit of slower pace would be appreciated sometimes. Last but not least even if I chuckle at the idea of the winged snakes crazy old lady do not give up on Spira yet… plenty of opportunities around!! Aidwyn thinks that Selune cleric was totally into her. ;) )
"Well, 'flatter'..." Anita replies, while enjoying the embrace of the half-orc's arm "A good look and a nice smile can have a good initial impact... but it is clear that they can't handle the comparison with the actions of those who gave you trust, love and a new life".
"Ah, so you don't find me charming..." Gaer feigns indignation in the meantime, in response to Roxana; he then turns, apparently disconsolate, to Rubybreeze, the inseparable Blood Hawk who is currently next to him, attached with her claws to his own chair "Ruby, Ruby... only you can truly appreciate me... You do find me charming, right?”
And the animal, as if it perfectly understands what its owner expects, nods its head.
"Good girl!" the tiefling smooths her feathers affectionately "You sure have good taste!"
Suddenly struck by an idea, Gaer turns to you all again: "Speaking of Rubybreeze... She can see very well from a long distance... I could have her follow Bemon without him noticing, if you want... and I can talk to her later and (with the help of a little magic) have her tell me what she saw".
"You are good with words, young soft-flesh" are the last words of the crustacean horror, as he is already starting to return towards the pond "but they will be of little help to you when you feel your mind melting. You have only delayed the inevitable".
The creature retreats, knowing from the outcome of the previous battle that it has little hope of beating you all without help. You watch it walk away...
[[ OOC: @Frandal: Okay, I'll keep this in mind and try to keep a slower pace, at least waiting a little longer before making two consecutive posts of mine.
@OisinmacCameron: Well, well, well... What an awkward situation.
I wouldn't have expected a complaints-only post in the In-Character thread... it would have seemed more natural to discuss any grievances in the Out-Of-Character thread. However, this time, I'll answer here (let's continue in OOC if I fail to give you satisfaction): if you think that I have discriminated against you or treated you unfairly, I'm sorry for that, but it doesn't seem like it to me and I will try to explain to you how I see it.
- Spira would have not wasted a spell slot I will try to keep this in mind the next time I need to decide Spira's actions.
- Spira left with no partner I think it was a result of how things happened, rather than a deliberate plot on my part. Spira met the same people as all the other characters. Nothing would have prevented her from taking an interest in one of the captive Zhentarim as Rash did, for example. Or taking an interest in one of the Zhentarim's prisoners (thinking to Milo, in particular... as Aidwyn took interest in Solitude, Spira could have taken an niterest in Milo — and perhaps Milo, instead of leaving, would have done as Solitude did and stayed). Even when she met Bemon, I didn't feel like Spira was particularly intrigued or interested in trying to get to know him better. To demonstrate the fact, however, that it is not my declared persecutory intent to leave Spira without love, I am also willing to accept suggestions from you on what type of character could 'ignite Spira's feelings' and try to make her meet him, if it's important to you. Go on and propose me what a kind of a partner Spira might like, in the OOC thread, and if there are no particular reasons not to do it, the partner will arrive.
- Aedion booby prize Once again... Aedion is not a 'prize' (booby or not) from me to Spira. You all have found the egg. Nobody forced anyone to take it; Spira decided to take it. Spira kept it and took care of it, rather than entrusting it to others. Then Aedion was born. Spira offered herself to him as his mother. Where is my will in all this?
- Botted Spira in combat 'less than twenty-four hours after that player had last posted' False. And just as I checked the dates of the posts, now, to reply, you could have checked them too before accusing me unjustly. The last time you posted was post #2194 (just after Spira's Guiding Bolt) which I think was dated 7/1/2024 7:37 AM (the times may vary for others, depending on the timezone, I suppose, but the time differences will obviously be the same - let's consider those). The post in which I took Spira's turn is #2208 which I think is dated 1/8/2024 5:47 PM. That's more than 34 hours later, not less than 24. Furthermore, in deciding to take Spira's turn, I had not based myself on when you had posted... but on when I had declared 'Now Spira is up for Round 2!', post #2207, which to me appears to be 7/1/2024 5:53 PM. When I decided to take Spira's turn, I did so considering that practically 24 hours had passed since I declared it was Spira's turn (oh, yes, not exactly 24 hours, but 23 hours and 54 minutes - but... you're not seriously holding a difference of 6 minutes in 24 hours against me, I hope?)
If I have not been exhaustive or satisfactory, we can certainly continue to discuss; believe it or not, but I have nothing against you (or I wouldn't have chosen you to play with me). But, if there is a need to continue the discussion, I would suggest, if necessary, to do it in the OOC thread. ]]
Since the girl from Longsaddle seems no less curious than him, Gaer discreetly goes out, finds a secluded place, communicates briefly with his proud bird of prey, whose eyes watch him attentively, then he releases her... and she -Blood Hawk takes flight, progressively gaining altitude.
The tiefling ranger reenters, returning to his companions, smiling confidently: "When Ruby returns, we will probably know something more about this mysterious admirer".
[[ OOC: If you like to continue conversing, go ahead... otherwise, the next post on this branch will be the outcome of the Rubybreeze 'stalking' ]]
With the crustacean creature returning to its pond without loot, the 'Gang of Four' is able to continue their journey.
Towards the end of the day you reach Amphail, a village which, judging by the number of ranches, has a tradition of horse breeding that has nothing to envy that of Longsaddle. Many villagers, returning from their work, appreciate your precious steeds with an expert eye as you pass by.
You find accommodation at Hagala's Manyturrets, an old and rather drafty inn. Nothing disturbs your rest and the next day you set off again, under the frown of a leaden gray sky, but without wind or precipitation to disturb the journey.
On this day you tackle a route between valleys, hills and mountain slopes, reaching the hamlet of Rassalantar. The small community consists of just six walled farms. They center around a spring-fed pond which drains into a stream and empties to the east into the Stump Bog, a sprawling, desolate marsh. Despite its small size, the hamlet is well patrolled by Waterdhavian soldiers. In fact, now only a day's journey separates you from your destination, Waterdeep...
A sergeant with penetrating eyes and a determined appearance, at the head of a patrol, approaches you and asks curiously: "Who do we have here? Where do you come from, foreigners? And what are the reasons for your journey?"
But, if there is a need to continue the discussion, I would suggest, if necessary, to do it in the OOC thread. ]]
(OOC: Agree wholeheartedly with the exception that as I offended you in such a public manner I'd like to apologize publicly. I've been working on something to do that, and it's written to return focus at the end to the story)
(OOC: to Painted, and all: Very deepest apologies for not controlling my meltdown better. I still think there might be more than one valid perspective on the whole relationship matter and can think of some specific points I would bring up in a conversation like the one you offered; but I'm on the autism spectrum so I admit my perspective might be a little different from the neurotypica. But that doesn't at all justify what I did. I should never have lost control and let that spill over here. It was the height of rudeness on my part to post this in the game thread rather than keeping it OOC and especially since I might be wrong about the whole thing, so I'm very sorry I did that. And I really want to thank you for your patience in answering me in such a reasonable and measured way. I would be happy to either talk more about this in the OOC / private message context, or not. Please message if you'd like to do that, and ... if so ... whether you'd prefer it in the OOC thread (since I did do this so publicly and owe the other players the chance to hear the conversation) or in a private exchange so the other players need not be further troubled. (Also open to input from the other players on that, of course!) ===== As far as the botting goes (as the specific and immediate accusation I need to retract and apologize for), I've again thought it over and realized that you are right, that was unjust of me to accuse you of. And also in that case, I'd be glad to discuss the point in a more nuanced way as to why my perspective on that was so different from what you actually were doing. And in both regards apologies for taking so long to write this and to (perhaps a little overscrupulously, but well intentioned) reread and rewrite to make sure I was being fair and had gotten all the immaturity I could out. ==== And since I really don't want this to be just another complaint post or even a discussion of my previous complaint post, I will without further ado turn you back to Spira (who really does love Aedion and has had a few things to say to me herself about the unjust statements I made) ) ...
Spira smiles and looks the sergeant in the eye as he approaches. "Hello, sergeant. I'm Sergeant Quspira Inirali, retired with an honorable discharge from the Berdusk to a second career in the clergy. My companion here, Aidwyn, has felt a call to dedicate herself at Lathander's temple in Waterdeep, and we've all come along to support her as friends and comrades who have seen battle together."
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Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
You continue to spend some pleasant time together, eventually separating to take care of your own affairs... In the evening, when you find yourself at the Sharnshield Mansion, Gaer gathers you at a table in the common room and, with a mysterious light in the eyes, he announces to you: "I spoke to Rubybreeze" (who is in fact perched on the back of the same chair he sits in) "and it seems that our admirer is indeed 'a little peculiar'..."
"Rubybreeze kept an eye on him and, in fact, Bemon, after staying at the Mansion for a while, probably meeting Thia, set off to leave the hamlet..." the tiefling moderates the tone of his voice, so that only you can hear "But once just out of sight, he changed, he... transformed. He became some sort of large snake... At least as big as me, according to Ruby. And with wings. Big brilliantly colored wings, capable of making him fly at great speed, faster than Ruby. She followed him for a while, noticed that he was heading in the same direction in which he actually told us that we can look for him... that is, towards south (so in the general direction of Triboar). In the end, the other, being faster, got too far away... so our good 'feathered spy' came back to report to me".
"In short," Gaer concludes, perplexed "even if there is no evidence that Bemon told us blatant lies... he certainly didn't tell us everything about himself".
Those solid-black eyes, similar to pools of starless night, look into yours, as if to ask you what you think.
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Party of Four - Lathender Temple:
Round 2:
Only the fact that it was running away at full speed towards the pond saves the enemy from being impaled by the Gore's powerful lunge, which however penetrates the carapace and leaves a bloody wound in the fugitive's back.
Not even Aidwyn's sword hitting his back is enough to finish him off...
[[OOC: Aidwyn can do her Attack of Opportunity if she wants, just to further convince the monster of the errors of its ways... but it is unlikely that she will kill him, so in the meantime I continue to narrate its escape...]]
...then the crustacean horror, having reached the edge of the pond, dives in again, leaving a light crimson trail of blood in the waters. And this time it doesn't emerge again.
[[ OOC: Gratz! Combat over! ]]
Party of Four - Lathander Temple:
The creature that attacked you doesn't seem to want to resurface, so Zentromya returns to its original form.
Feeling that the clamor of the battle seems to have died down, Aedion asks Spira: "Everything okay, mom? Can I come out now? You stopped the Big Bad Beast who wanted to harm stepmom Aidwyn, right?"
Meanwhile, Solitude approaches Aidwyn: "How are you?" she starts checking the young heroine's condition, initially a bit worried, but soon relieved as she sees that the other seem to have come out practically unscatched "I don't know how you managed to scare that ugly thing away... However, I suggest we change places to spend the rest of the night..."
"Whoof!," Spira sighs as the crustacean horror disappears into the pond. "What was that thing? And are you all right, Aidwyn?" There is an anxious look on her face as she approaches the young heroine from Longsaddle and examines her for injuries. She has had time to reassure Aedion it's safe now, and the little snake's jewel-like eyes are also intent as he watches. After a few minutes ...
===========================
Medicine 8
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Party of Four - Lathander Temple:
...After a few minutes, the tiefling healer realizes with relief and surprise how little damage the monstrous attacker actually managed to do. Perhaps thanks to the powers of Solitude, with which she had protected the young heroine just before the attack... Perhaps thanks to the increased skills of the warrior, who was able to deflect the blows quite well... Perhaps thanks to the trusty armor... Anyway, Aidwyn didn't suffer anything other than a bruise on her thigh, where the pincer had hit and squeezed... but nothing that a short rest can't erase.
“Why did the ugly beast want to harm Stepmom Aidwyn?” Aedion marvels telepathically "She's so good..."
A foreign admirer:
Bemon then leaves you, without you telling him or asking anything else...
Once the newcomer is gone, Gaer mutters, seemingly unconvinced: "Well, how lucky we are... We haven't the faintest idea what he can do but if one day we 'need help' we can look for it... All we need is a little trip into the wilderness and we're good to go. And apparently he thinks he can possibly 'take care' of Balfby. Good to know".
"I admit that he didn't tell us much about him," Anita concedes "but he didn't ask too much about us either... It's clear that he too, like Colin, must not have bought my great 'magic-cake-baking' skills... but he wasn't insistent, he pretended to accept what I told him. I like him".
“Hey, do you want to compete with Thia?” the tiefling jokes "I think she's already got her eyes on him..."
"I didn't say this!" the ex-Zhentarim sticks her tongue out at him "You're just envious because he's more charming than you - even if he" she moves closer to the half-orc wizard, leaning against his broad chest "can't compete with Rash".
Party of Four - Lathander Temple:
The party changes camping location, leaving the pond to instead reach a much less fascinating place, a simple clearing on the side of the Long Road, but, apparently, safer, since the rest of the night passes without further inconveniences.
The next day, the cold got worse and the light annoying rain from the day before falls in the form of tiny splinters of ice.
Before you leave, Aedion is training to fly a little, trying to avoid the annoying precipitation, and proudly looking into the eyes of his tiefling mom every now and then... but suddenly, while he is aloft, he telepathically exclaims: "Hey! Yesterday's nasty beast is back!" and in fact, following his gaze, you notice the horror crustacean who, evidently, must have gotten up early in the morning and tried to follow you... now he was trying to crawl closer, from perhaps 70' away, but, realizing that you saw him, he stands up... apparently unsure whether to get any closer or not.
"Why do you want to hurt us?!" the baby-winged-snake telepathically exclaims "Leave us alone!"
Then Aedion rejoins Spira and reveals to you all: "The ugly beast replied that their masters want stepmom Aidwyn's shield... Should I answer them that it is ours and therefore they cannot have it?"
"I don't see any reason to talk to that monster any further..." Solitude advises nervously "We're far enough away that we can simply get on our horses and ride away. He won't be able to stop us or follow us - with many regards to his 'masters'. Let's go. Let's not look for trouble".
(Aidwyn wouldn't had taken the Attack of Opportunity on a fleeing animal even if it could have ended it. Or specially if it would had ended the poor thing. Big, but just an animal )
After putting the concerns of the others to a rest, specially after Spira's checks Aidwyn speaks to Zentromya.
"That... that was awesome! Thank you so much! You were amazing! and didn't know that you could turn into such a huge and magnificent size!"
PbP Character: A few ;)
Party of Four - Lathander Temple:
"Even those who are small like me, when they love the force of good to the point of communing with it, can be made great, Aidwyn..." Zentromya replies, shrugging "Practically all the heroes I met in Elysium they became great because of what they loved (not because of what they hated). It's a path that you too are following, ever since you set out to dedicate yourself to Lathander".
[[ OOC: This is Zentromya's response immediately after the end of the battle. But it still remains to decide what to post about the next situation... as per my last post before this one, the next day you 'have visits'... ]]
The next morning;
"You are right but perhaps we should ask who their masters are and know who are behing my shield. Perhaps they have a rightful claim to it? Alas if they do, why do not introduce themselves and ask for it?. Anyway we should try to learn a little bit more, for I have the feeling that, even outrunning that thing this will not be the last time we hear of this..." she turns to Spira, Aedion and Zentromya "Do you think you can ask this before we leave? "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Party of Four - Lathander Temple:
Zentromya becomes ambassador and manages telepathic communications [[ OOC: so all of you hear and all of you, when you want, can communicate in the same way ]] between you and the chitinous creature: "Who are your masters and what rights do they have on the shield?"
The crustacean creature's response is: "The fish gods from afar are my masters - and yours too, though you may not yet realize it. They are the creators. And they have commanded me to amass magical objects for them, giving me the gift of recognizing them. As they are the creators, all that exists is theirs. Give me the shield. It will be better for everyone. If you don't, when the fish gods return, I will tell them. Then their righteous wrath will then fall on you. They will enslave you. You will still lose your shield. But, along with it, much more. You'll lose... everything".
"There are so many gods," Zentromya replies "that the claim of these 'fish gods' to be 'the creators' seems to me to be unfounded..."
"If you don't believe me now..." the monster replies "You will believe me when they enslave you. The choice whether to give me the shield now, or to lose it in the future - along with everything you hold dear - is yours alone".
Rash smiles.
"You really do know how to flatter an orc," the wizard says with a chuckle, putting an arm around Anita. "Anyway, he did seem like a nice enough guy... though I admit, I'm a little surprised at how ready he was to accept that Aidwyn's creepy wolf is serving the greater good right now. I'm still not sure that I entirely believe it, considering what little I know about Yeth Hounds."
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"I feel like this Bemon must be up to something. It just seemed strange him coming in here like that," Roxana says. "And I hope the whole world isn't hearing crazy stories about us!" She listens to the exchange about Thia between Gaer and Anita. She interjects, "Well, I'm glad Gaer's not charming. I won't have to worry about any competition." She nudges him, giving him a grin.
She nods at Rash's Yeth Hound comment. "I hope Aidwyn's back soon so we can talk to her about Balfby."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
(You know, I wasn't going to say anything, but now that you bring the subject up;
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Aidwyn lomos at aspira and replies to the big crustacean seeker.
”You say that when your Gods return all will be theirs to take. So it is of no consequence if I give up the shield now or not. Go back to the pond and leave us be. We have proven to you that we are a strong foe and having the shield now or later will be no difference to your Gods. If we fight again you may not survive and then you will not be here when they arrive.”
( On the posting frequency note; I know that sometimes my work schedule and trips take me away from the keyboard or even zones with good connection for a couple of days but I do too had felt the pressure of too many posts in a single day. I’ve lost entire scenes held in the time most of you had been online and I was sleeping due to the time difference. A little bit of slower pace would be appreciated sometimes.
Last but not least even if I chuckle at the idea of the winged snakes crazy old lady do not give up on Spira yet… plenty of opportunities around!! Aidwyn thinks that Selune cleric was totally into her. ;) )
PbP Character: A few ;)
A foreign admirer:
"Well, 'flatter'..." Anita replies, while enjoying the embrace of the half-orc's arm "A good look and a nice smile can have a good initial impact... but it is clear that they can't handle the comparison with the actions of those who gave you trust, love and a new life".
"Ah, so you don't find me charming..." Gaer feigns indignation in the meantime, in response to Roxana; he then turns, apparently disconsolate, to Rubybreeze, the inseparable Blood Hawk who is currently next to him, attached with her claws to his own chair "Ruby, Ruby... only you can truly appreciate me... You do find me charming, right?”
And the animal, as if it perfectly understands what its owner expects, nods its head.
"Good girl!" the tiefling smooths her feathers affectionately "You sure have good taste!"
Suddenly struck by an idea, Gaer turns to you all again: "Speaking of Rubybreeze... She can see very well from a long distance... I could have her follow Bemon without him noticing, if you want... and I can talk to her later and (with the help of a little magic) have her tell me what she saw".
Party of Four - Lathender Temple:
"You are good with words, young soft-flesh" are the last words of the crustacean horror, as he is already starting to return towards the pond "but they will be of little help to you when you feel your mind melting. You have only delayed the inevitable".
The creature retreats, knowing from the outcome of the previous battle that it has little hope of beating you all without help. You watch it walk away...
[[ OOC: @Frandal: Okay, I'll keep this in mind and try to keep a slower pace, at least waiting a little longer before making two consecutive posts of mine.
@OisinmacCameron: Well, well, well... What an awkward situation.
I wouldn't have expected a complaints-only post in the In-Character thread... it would have seemed more natural to discuss any grievances in the Out-Of-Character thread. However, this time, I'll answer here (let's continue in OOC if I fail to give you satisfaction): if you think that I have discriminated against you or treated you unfairly, I'm sorry for that, but it doesn't seem like it to me and I will try to explain to you how I see it.
- Spira would have not wasted a spell slot
I will try to keep this in mind the next time I need to decide Spira's actions.
- Spira left with no partner
I think it was a result of how things happened, rather than a deliberate plot on my part. Spira met the same people as all the other characters. Nothing would have prevented her from taking an interest in one of the captive Zhentarim as Rash did, for example. Or taking an interest in one of the Zhentarim's prisoners (thinking to Milo, in particular... as Aidwyn took interest in Solitude, Spira could have taken an niterest in Milo — and perhaps Milo, instead of leaving, would have done as Solitude did and stayed). Even when she met Bemon, I didn't feel like Spira was particularly intrigued or interested in trying to get to know him better.
To demonstrate the fact, however, that it is not my declared persecutory intent to leave Spira without love, I am also willing to accept suggestions from you on what type of character could 'ignite Spira's feelings' and try to make her meet him, if it's important to you. Go on and propose me what a kind of a partner Spira might like, in the OOC thread, and if there are no particular reasons not to do it, the partner will arrive.
- Aedion booby prize
Once again... Aedion is not a 'prize' (booby or not) from me to Spira. You all have found the egg. Nobody forced anyone to take it; Spira decided to take it. Spira kept it and took care of it, rather than entrusting it to others. Then Aedion was born. Spira offered herself to him as his mother. Where is my will in all this?
- Botted Spira in combat 'less than twenty-four hours after that player had last posted'
False.
And just as I checked the dates of the posts, now, to reply, you could have checked them too before accusing me unjustly. The last time you posted was post #2194 (just after Spira's Guiding Bolt) which I think was dated 7/1/2024 7:37 AM (the times may vary for others, depending on the timezone, I suppose, but the time differences will obviously be the same - let's consider those).
The post in which I took Spira's turn is #2208 which I think is dated 1/8/2024 5:47 PM. That's more than 34 hours later, not less than 24.
Furthermore, in deciding to take Spira's turn, I had not based myself on when you had posted... but on when I had declared 'Now Spira is up for Round 2!', post #2207, which to me appears to be 7/1/2024 5:53 PM. When I decided to take Spira's turn, I did so considering that practically 24 hours had passed since I declared it was Spira's turn (oh, yes, not exactly 24 hours, but 23 hours and 54 minutes - but... you're not seriously holding a difference of 6 minutes in 24 hours against me, I hope?)
If I have not been exhaustive or satisfactory, we can certainly continue to discuss; believe it or not, but I have nothing against you (or I wouldn't have chosen you to play with me). But, if there is a need to continue the discussion, I would suggest, if necessary, to do it in the OOC thread. ]]
A foreign admirer:
"Sure, let's see where Bemon is headed. Just in case," Roxana says. "Rubybreeze would be great for that!"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
A foreign admirer:
Since the girl from Longsaddle seems no less curious than him, Gaer discreetly goes out, finds a secluded place, communicates briefly with his proud bird of prey, whose eyes watch him attentively, then he releases her... and she -Blood Hawk takes flight, progressively gaining altitude.
The tiefling ranger reenters, returning to his companions, smiling confidently: "When Ruby returns, we will probably know something more about this mysterious admirer".
[[ OOC: If you like to continue conversing, go ahead... otherwise, the next post on this branch will be the outcome of the Rubybreeze 'stalking' ]]
Party of Four - Lathender Temple:
With the crustacean creature returning to its pond without loot, the 'Gang of Four' is able to continue their journey.
Towards the end of the day you reach Amphail, a village which, judging by the number of ranches, has a tradition of horse breeding that has nothing to envy that of Longsaddle. Many villagers, returning from their work, appreciate your precious steeds with an expert eye as you pass by.
You find accommodation at Hagala's Manyturrets, an old and rather drafty inn. Nothing disturbs your rest and the next day you set off again, under the frown of a leaden gray sky, but without wind or precipitation to disturb the journey.
On this day you tackle a route between valleys, hills and mountain slopes, reaching the hamlet of Rassalantar. The small community consists of just six walled farms. They center around a spring-fed pond which drains into a stream and empties to the east into the Stump Bog, a sprawling, desolate marsh. Despite its small size, the hamlet is well patrolled by Waterdhavian soldiers. In fact, now only a day's journey separates you from your destination, Waterdeep...
A sergeant with penetrating eyes and a determined appearance, at the head of a patrol, approaches you and asks curiously: "Who do we have here? Where do you come from, foreigners? And what are the reasons for your journey?"
(OOC: Agree wholeheartedly with the exception that as I offended you in such a public manner I'd like to apologize publicly. I've been working on something to do that, and it's written to return focus at the end to the story)
Spira smiles and looks the sergeant in the eye as he approaches. "Hello, sergeant. I'm Sergeant Quspira Inirali, retired with an honorable discharge from the Berdusk to a second career in the clergy. My companion here, Aidwyn, has felt a call to dedicate herself at Lathander's temple in Waterdeep, and we've all come along to support her as friends and comrades who have seen battle together."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
A foreign admirer:
You continue to spend some pleasant time together, eventually separating to take care of your own affairs... In the evening, when you find yourself at the Sharnshield Mansion, Gaer gathers you at a table in the common room and, with a mysterious light in the eyes, he announces to you: "I spoke to Rubybreeze" (who is in fact perched on the back of the same chair he sits in) "and it seems that our admirer is indeed 'a little peculiar'..."
"Rubybreeze kept an eye on him and, in fact, Bemon, after staying at the Mansion for a while, probably meeting Thia, set off to leave the hamlet..." the tiefling moderates the tone of his voice, so that only you can hear "But once just out of sight, he changed, he... transformed. He became some sort of large snake... At least as big as me, according to Ruby. And with wings. Big brilliantly colored wings, capable of making him fly at great speed, faster than Ruby. She followed him for a while, noticed that he was heading in the same direction in which he actually told us that we can look for him... that is, towards south (so in the general direction of Triboar). In the end, the other, being faster, got too far away... so our good 'feathered spy' came back to report to me".
"In short," Gaer concludes, perplexed "even if there is no evidence that Bemon told us blatant lies... he certainly didn't tell us everything about himself".
Those solid-black eyes, similar to pools of starless night, look into yours, as if to ask you what you think.