Seeing the demise of Phindis, which was only possible because Progo couldn't make himself move for a moment due to exploding mind syndrome, Progo relaxed slightly. "Progo is no coward, but can we out of here before Progo's head explodes over a piece of machinery we can purchase in town?" Progo notes that this trickster dwarf never seemed to be affected by the mind waves like Progo was until it was clear the end of the creature was near. That shot of his was clearly intentionally missed, which made Progo worried as you would have to be good shot to miss that closely on purpose. "Perhaps you will be lucky and they had the blasted thing in there with them." Well they had taken the effort to clear the room, Progo will still around long enough to see what they found before high tailing it out of there! As he drinks the potion he got from Normont earlier.
It would be some time, perhaps even up to a minute, before Werhann is responsive again. But when he finally comes back to his senses, Werhann is acutely aware of his physical condition.
"You're right," he responds to Progo, possibly after a substantial delay. "Normally, it would be best to go back to town and return when we are better prepared. The All-Hammer knows I feel almost naked without proper armour on me. But then again, we might return too late, only after the squid is already gone." He pauses briefly to consider their options. "Perhaps we could instead pause for a bit, a short rest if you will, and devise a better plan for what comes next? I think we can agree standing in the hall all close together is far from ideal against these shrieking psychic creatures."
Dev has slumped against the wall, wobbly, catching his breath, head bowed, eyes on the ground. If someone calls his name, he turns, like a feral cat, the hellish grin still marring his features. “WHAT??,” he grunts, his horns piercing the air. It takes a moment for him to come to himself. “Oh gosh,” he says, as the crackle completely dims around his eyes, and his complexion turns ashen, though his eyes are alert. “Oh gosh, I’m sorry… I was… in that thing’s mind when it died… I just… need to… I just need a minute.” For just a moment, compassion widens his eyes and raises his brow. But then it just goes slack. He steps slowly to a far corner and then, slumping down onto his haunches, looking at no one, tries to sort his thoughts.
When Progo and Werhann have spoken, Dev’s eerie voice, flat and emotionless, drifts from his end of the room. “Once, back by the lake, wasps built a nest in the tree next to our cottage.” It is a while before he continues. “We scraped together coppers and bought nightshade poison from a wandering tinker. I sprayed it at the nest using a bellows.” Another wait. “They were furious. But I can run fast and… my folks waited at the old burnt out shop. The wasps… not all of them died. But… the nest… they couldn’t live there any more. They didn’t bother us any more. Maybe this is like that…? Maybe the… thing… will leave?”
(Dev has taken no damage but is out of spell slots. After these 2 encounters, he’ll need a long rest before he can do much more than cantrips.)
Lokilia looks in decent condition and confirms it when Normont asks. "I'm ok," she says. She steps over toward Dev tough as he starts to talk. She listens to what he has to say, then quietly whispers to him. "You doing ok, Dev? I mean, that all seemed pretty scary." She sighs, "Not to mention sad. Those poor girls, and their father."
She keeps close to Dev, waiting for a response from him. Although she does continue on with a comment about his story, speaking out more loudly to the others. "I'm not so sure these are the sort that would be scared away," she says. She also adds, "And I don't mind take a rest. It's probably a good idea."
As people starts to rest and she looks at their injuries, she tells the others, "I can still provide more berries for healing if that would help."
(Lokilia is fully healed. She has 2 1st and 2 2nd spells. Plus the short rest will replenish her 2 uses of Wild Shape. So she could use an animal form in a fight.)
As whirring sounds start to come from Maggie, Normont stands up and surveys the scene in the room and then looks back to the others with concern etched on his face.
"I am sure 'Phindis' was indicating that the big squid was no longer here before Anna attacked and it went downhill. Not that we can trust his word of course, but perhaps it already left", he says almost hopefully. He doesn't really want to face it, but then again, if it has disappeared it can turn up anywhere and make more Phindis-creatures.
He then moves over to see if there was anything on what was Phindis.
"I think resting a little is a good idea. Progo, I am not sure what has happened to those creatures outside, whether they are still there. Was 'Phindis' controlling them, or the big squid? If you want to risk returning, we will not stop you, but be careful".
Maggie gets to her feet, looking a little scorched but otherwise ok.
Seeing Normont go to check out Phindis, Lokilia is tempted to check around the rest of the room. However, her concern for Dev takes precedence, so she keeps near him for the moment.
Lokilia looks in decent condition and confirms it when Normont asks. "I'm ok," she says. She steps over toward Dev tough as he starts to talk. She listens to what he has to say, then quietly whispers to him. "You doing ok, Dev? I mean, that all seemed pretty scary." She sighs, "Not to mention sad. Those poor girls, and their father."
“They were just kids…,” Dev whispers, his eyes shaky and moist but finding Lokilia’s momentarily when she mentions the girls. If his friend should sit gently beside him, he leans against her shoulder, lightly, as if afraid any movement he makes in the world will lead to further anguish.
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DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters// Chierhy Nbenbe in Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure
Seeing that the folk agree to a brief respite, Werhann returns to the room where the guards' equipment remains. He wasn't a fan of plundering, generally, but... the owner of that liquor is either dead, or... In any case, Werhann felt just a small pinch of guilt as he took the flask out of the crate.
"I can't promise that it's good, but every proper introduction should be done with some drinks around, and that's the best I've got," Werhann announces, raising the flask for all to see, even if, at the moment, they each seem focused on their own matters, more or less. All except the Ashari, perhaps. And while he's not sure if he's rushing them, perhaps, Werhann believes rallying everyone together could help morale. "I am Werhann Dike, a Hunter, as you know. But with the exception of Progo, I haven't heard any of your names." With that, he drinks a little of the liquor. Not a lot, making sure to leave a bit for each, but enough that he could feel if the flask doesn't actually contain liquor, just in case. After all, as a Dwarf, it was best he were the first to test for poisons. Not to mention, it had been quite a while since he drank any liquor.
"Quite so, and a little remiss", Normont replies to Werhann regarding the lack of introduction, even as he rifles through the effects of the former gnome, Phindis. Once done, he will look around the rest of the room as well. After a brief glance to Werhann, he dismisses the idea of drinking from the unknown flask.
"I am Normont Fizzlepeak, long time resident of Whitestone, artificer and former Pale Guard, recently appointed to the Hunt", he says almost formally. He certainly has questions for Werhann, but decides now is not the right time. Although he will be keeping a close eye out for tentacle growth on the dwarf.
"Go stand guard over there", he says to Maggie, pointing to the door further into the complex. Maggie dutifully obeys, moving to stand next to the tunnel deeper into the complex.
"I don't suppose there are any rags or cloths around?", he then asks the others.
Lokilia is certainly not going anywhere, not if she's needed. She was trying to be stoic, but when Dev meets her eyes, she nearly is in tears. She stays beside him, not moving when he leans against her shoulder. "Yea, it was a horrible thing. They were clearly beyond help by the time we got here though. Let's just hope we can prevent such a thing from happening to any others."
When Werhann introduces himself, Lokilia briefly signals with her hand that she doesn't want any of the contents of the flask either. She seems to be answering for the tiefling as well. "I am Lokilia Vaelphin, from Zephrah. And this young man is Dev Hornd, resident of Drynna, where he cares for his parents."
After the introduction she looks again at Dev. "Hope that was ok to introduce you," she says quietly, hoping that he hadn't found it rude of her.
As whirring sounds start to come from Maggie, Normont stands up and surveys the scene in the room and then looks back to the others with concern etched on his face.
"I am sure 'Phindis' was indicating that the big squid was no longer here before Anna attacked and it went downhill. Not that we can trust his word of course, but perhaps it already left", he says almost hopefully. He doesn't really want to face it, but then again, if it has disappeared it can turn up anywhere and make more Phindis-creatures.
He then moves over to see if there was anything on what was Phindis.
"I think resting a little is a good idea. Progo, I am not sure what has happened to those creatures outside, whether they are still there. Was 'Phindis' controlling them, or the big squid? If you want to risk returning, we will not stop you, but be careful".
Maggie gets to her feet, looking a little scorched but otherwise ok.
Searching Phimdis corpse Normont finds a pouch of 15 gold, a locket with two engraved profiles of young gnomes on the insides and a flask of green liquid with a purplish sheen.
Seeing Normont go to check out Phindis, Lokilia is tempted to check around the rest of the room. However, her concern for Dev takes precedence, so she keeps near him for the moment.
Lokilia looks in decent condition and confirms it when Normont asks. "I'm ok," she says. She steps over toward Dev tough as he starts to talk. She listens to what he has to say, then quietly whispers to him. "You doing ok, Dev? I mean, that all seemed pretty scary." She sighs, "Not to mention sad. Those poor girls, and their father."
“They were just kids…,” Dev whispers, his eyes shaky and moist but finding Lokilia’s momentarily when she mentions the girls. If his friend should sit gently beside him, he leans against her shoulder, lightly, as if afraid any movement he makes in the world will lead to further anguish.
Seeing that the folk agree to a brief respite, Werhann returns to the room where the guards' equipment remains. He wasn't a fan of plundering, generally, but... the owner of that liquor is either dead, or... In any case, Werhann felt just a small pinch of guilt as he took the flask out of the crate.
"I can't promise that it's good, but every proper introduction should be done with some drinks around, and that's the best I've got," Werhann announces, raising the flask for all to see, even if, at the moment, they each seem focused on their own matters, more or less. All except the Ashari, perhaps. And while he's not sure if he's rushing them, perhaps, Werhann believes rallying everyone together could help morale. "I am Werhann Dike, a Hunter, as you know. But with the exception of Progo, I haven't heard any of your names." With that, he drinks a little of the liquor. Not a lot, making sure to leave a bit for each, but enough that he could feel if the flask doesn't actually contain liquor, just in case. After all, as a Dwarf, it was best he were the first to test for poisons. Not to mention, it had been quite a while since he drank any liquor.
The flask contents are a fairly rough attempt at whiskey or at least aquavit.....
"Quite so, and a little remiss", Normont replies to Werhann regarding the lack of introduction, even as he rifles through the effects of the former gnome, Phindis. Once done, he will look around the rest of the room as well. After a brief glance to Werhann, he dismisses the idea of drinking from the unknown flask.
"I am Normont Fizzlepeak, long time resident of Whitestone, artificer and former Pale Guard, recently appointed to the Hunt", he says almost formally. He certainly has questions for Werhann, but decides now is not the right time. Although he will be keeping a close eye out for tentacle growth on the dwarf.
"Go stand guard over there", he says to Maggie, pointing to the door further into the complex. Maggie dutifully obeys, moving to stand next to the tunnel deeper into the complex.
"I don't suppose there are any rags or cloths around?", he then asks the others.
The ragged remains of Phindis and the girls clothing is here....
Lokilia is certainly not going anywhere, not if she's needed. She was trying to be stoic, but when Dev meets her eyes, she nearly is in tears. She stays beside him, not moving when he leans against her shoulder. "Yea, it was a horrible thing. They were clearly beyond help by the time we got here though. Let's just hope we can prevent such a thing from happening to any others."
When Werhann introduces himself, Lokilia briefly signals with her hand that she doesn't want any of the contents of the flask either. She seems to be answering for the tiefling as well. "I am Lokilia Vaelphin, from Zephrah. And this young man is Dev Hornd, resident of Drynna, where he cares for his parents."
After the introduction she looks again at Dev. "Hope that was ok to introduce you," she says quietly, hoping that he hadn't found it rude of her.
" Quinn, of Terrah. I'm going to watch that downward tunnel.", he moves up to the ' guardroom' and sits down, leaning against the wall as he looks down the sloping tunnel....
( Nothing happens while you all take a Short Rest.)
"Over here, I think I saw some clothing before," Werhann answers Normont's question, not quite sure what they're for, but he has no right to pass judgment on that after he just drank from the flask that lay next to them. Seeing that none wish to drink from said flask - a reasonable decision - Werhann closes the flask and places it back where he found it. He shouldn't drink too much before they're out of this place, and by then he could drink something proper. Hopefully.
"Pleased to meet you, Normont Fizzlepeak, Lokilia Vaelphin, Dev Hornd, Quinn of Terrah, and last but not least, Progo." He politely nods to each as he calls their name. Then, seeing they're a little more preoccupied with other matters, he decides to leave each alone for now and rest. He, too, perhaps even more, needs time to rest properly. He seems open to talking with anyone if they wish, though.
While resting, Werhann will occasionally sneak a look at Dev. Not intending to be rude, but he can't help but notice the reaction to the recent encounter. 'We hunters are accustomed to dealing with threats, and these threats are not always nameless monsters that we can excuse as having no desires but the destruction of the city and the lives of its residents. But these folk aren't all Hunters, or even mercenaries.' He looks at Normont and Progo, respectively. 'What led them to come to this place? Surely, not just to get me out?' And while he's not aware of it, all of these thoughts are directly transmitted to Progo's mind, for coincidentally being the last person he looks at.
Late edit: Werhann will use his three hit dice to recover some HP during the rest. Rolling a poor 2+4+2+1x3=11 HP regained.
Lokilia is certainly not going anywhere, not if she's needed. She was trying to be stoic, but when Dev meets her eyes, she nearly is in tears. She stays beside him, not moving when he leans against her shoulder. "Yea, it was a horrible thing. They were clearly beyond help by the time we got here though. Let's just hope we can prevent such a thing from happening to any others."
When Werhann introduces himself, Lokilia briefly signals with her hand that she doesn't want any of the contents of the flask either. She seems to be answering for the tiefling as well. "I am Lokilia Vaelphin, from Zephrah. And this young man is Dev Hornd, resident of Drynna, where he cares for his parents."
After the introduction she looks again at Dev. "Hope that was ok to introduce you," she says quietly, hoping that he hadn't found it rude of her.
Dev’s mind was elsewhere, replaying in a loop the psychic blast that the Phindis-creature first attacked them with, the one which, blithely, in a stroke, destroyed his own children — what was left of them. Echoes of the moment he has imagined a million times before. His own parents — his biological parents whom he has never met — placing him in a basket and sending him downriver, never to see him again.
When Lokilia asks him directly if it was all right that she has introduced him, he looks at her uncomprehendingly at first. What had he missed while buried in thought? He looks up at Werhann, and just nods but doesn’t respond to the drink offer — he seems quite oblivious to why the dwarf is holding the flask.
”Thanks,” he says softly to his friend. “No, that was fine. Sorry, I’m just…,” then he sees the wetness in her eyes and it’s his turn to show concern. And while he still mulls over the sad end of Phindis’ children — and Phindis, too — he also feels, deep in his heart, a golden warming of gratitude for his friend’s presence. Her empathy and understanding. A shuddering intake of breath, he wipes away a tear with the back of his hand, but remains right where he is, trying somehow to be a support for Lokilia as she is for him in this dark moment.
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DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters// Chierhy Nbenbe in Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure
"Excellent", Normont replies, pocketing what he found for now and heading over to grab a shirt or something from the crate. Something dark coloured along with a few extra items where the colour is not important.
Once he has what he is looking for, he wanders back into the nursery. He lays out the dark coloured shirt on the floor, then takes the other items and uses them to clean the blood and ichor off the head of what used to be Phindis.
He then wraps the head up, and places it inside his bag.
If he hasn't finished searching the nursery, he will do that now, after which he will take out his alchemist's supplies and look to identify the green liquid with purplish sheen.
(OOC: Normont gets nothing from a short rest, so he is basically keeping himself busy)
"Hm, it seems to be a potion of pugilism", Normont says after he has tested it. "I guess it would suit someone who is quite strong and used to brawling", he says showing it to the others to see if they are interested, but focussing mainly on Progo and Quinn.
"Or we can sell it", he adds, happy to hand it to one of the others or place it in his bag if no-one wants it.
(OOC: Want to see someone drink it and go all Popeye haha. Also, I have added it to our Party Inventory, along with the 15 gold and the locket)
As everyone takes time to rest, Lokilia sees no impetus to go anywhere. So she stays put with Dev. For a long while she just sits quietly, trying to let the horror of what happened to this family fade a bit. And also just feeling glad to have Dev still here with her.
Finally she speaks, her voice soft and sounding reflective. "You ever think about all of us that first met in the back room of The Cradle? Back in Drynna?" Her eyes brief glimpse Normont, as the gnome seems to remain in motion, keeping himself busy. "It's just the two of us left. Plus Normont. Would you have ever guessed that we'd be the ones still here? I mean, sure, Normont. But I don't even know what Hook was thinking when he invited the two of us!"
She stops talking, just sitting there keeping still once again. As terrible as some of what they'd faced had been, they're was a certain pride that she had made it. And an admiration for the talents Dev had shown. Not really thinking how out of the blue her comment may be, she says, "Dev, you are pretty amazing."
As everyone takes time to rest, Lokilia sees no impetus to go anywhere. So she stays put with Dev. For a long while she just sits quietly, trying to let the horror of what happened to this family fade a bit. And also just feeling glad to have Dev still here with her.
Finally she speaks, her voice soft and sounding reflective. "You ever think about all of us that first met in the back room of The Cradle? Back in Drynna?" Her eyes brief glimpse Normont, as the gnome seems to remain in motion, keeping himself busy. "It's just the two of us left. Plus Normont. Would you have ever guessed that we'd be the ones still here? I mean, sure, Normont. But I don't even know what Hook was thinking when he invited the two of us!"
Dev pulls back his hood slowly with one hand, and when he does, his eyes are already clicking with Lokilia's. "I was totally just thinking the same thing," he says, his voice balancing the ashari's in softness. "And...," a poignant sadness in his eyes that Lokilia knows is there whenever Dev is thinking about Magnus, "...and yeah I couldn't even have imagined the things we've seen and the people we've met. And Normont..." the teenager's eyes widen with awe when they fall on the gnome. He knows Lokilia knows that he idolizes Normont. He doesn't need to finish the sentence.
She stops talking, just sitting there keeping still once again. As terrible as some of what they'd faced had been, they're was a certain pride that she had made it. And an admiration for the talents Dev had shown. Not really thinking how out of the blue her comment may be, she says, "Dev, you are pretty amazing."
Somewhat out of the blue, Dev says, "You are pretty amazing," at the same time Lokilia says almost the same thing. Instantly, this pulls him out of his gloomy mood. Maybe they both laugh.
"Nah, but seriously. I'm not surprised that you're here still. I mean, I'm glad you are," his voice cracks with emotion as the thought swells that something just as terrible could have happened to her. "Glad... but not just glad. You've been like a... like..." he pauses, studying the thought, settling his back against the wall again. He picks up again a moment later, searching for the words. "You know when you see a hawk flying miles up and it doesn't even have to flap its wings? It just circles higher and higher? Like the air holds it up and it can just soar? That's how you've been the whole time for us." He bumps her shoulder with his. "And you're a really good friend."
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DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters// Chierhy Nbenbe in Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure
Normont looks across to Quinn. “I would like to go deeper and see what is there before we leave. Of the big squid has gone, this is a great opportunity to see what it was up to”.
He looks around at the others, “This is risky, any who feel it is not worth the risk should head out. I would understand if you do”.
He gathers his things ready to move on.
”There was mention of traps, so we need to be careful”.
Seeing the demise of Phindis, which was only possible because Progo couldn't make himself move for a moment due to exploding mind syndrome, Progo relaxed slightly. "Progo is no coward, but can we out of here before Progo's head explodes over a piece of machinery we can purchase in town?" Progo notes that this trickster dwarf never seemed to be affected by the mind waves like Progo was until it was clear the end of the creature was near. That shot of his was clearly intentionally missed, which made Progo worried as you would have to be good shot to miss that closely on purpose. "Perhaps you will be lucky and they had the blasted thing in there with them." Well they had taken the effort to clear the room, Progo will still around long enough to see what they found before high tailing it out of there! As he drinks the potion he got from Normont earlier.
Potion: 2d4+2= 3+4+2= 9 healing
It would be some time, perhaps even up to a minute, before Werhann is responsive again. But when he finally comes back to his senses, Werhann is acutely aware of his physical condition.
"You're right," he responds to Progo, possibly after a substantial delay. "Normally, it would be best to go back to town and return when we are better prepared. The All-Hammer knows I feel almost naked without proper armour on me. But then again, we might return too late, only after the squid is already gone." He pauses briefly to consider their options. "Perhaps we could instead pause for a bit, a short rest if you will, and devise a better plan for what comes next? I think we can agree standing in the hall all close together is far from ideal against these shrieking psychic creatures."
Varielky | Werhann
Dev has slumped against the wall, wobbly, catching his breath, head bowed, eyes on the ground. If someone calls his name, he turns, like a feral cat, the hellish grin still marring his features. “WHAT??,” he grunts, his horns piercing the air. It takes a moment for him to come to himself. “Oh gosh,” he says, as the crackle completely dims around his eyes, and his complexion turns ashen, though his eyes are alert. “Oh gosh, I’m sorry… I was… in that thing’s mind when it died… I just… need to… I just need a minute.” For just a moment, compassion widens his eyes and raises his brow. But then it just goes slack. He steps slowly to a far corner and then, slumping down onto his haunches, looking at no one, tries to sort his thoughts.
When Progo and Werhann have spoken, Dev’s eerie voice, flat and emotionless, drifts from his end of the room. “Once, back by the lake, wasps built a nest in the tree next to our cottage.” It is a while before he continues. “We scraped together coppers and bought nightshade poison from a wandering tinker. I sprayed it at the nest using a bellows.” Another wait. “They were furious. But I can run fast and… my folks waited at the old burnt out shop. The wasps… not all of them died. But… the nest… they couldn’t live there any more. They didn’t bother us any more. Maybe this is like that…? Maybe the… thing… will leave?”
(Dev has taken no damage but is out of spell slots. After these 2 encounters, he’ll need a long rest before he can do much more than cantrips.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Chierhy Nbenbe in Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure
Lokilia looks in decent condition and confirms it when Normont asks. "I'm ok," she says. She steps over toward Dev tough as he starts to talk. She listens to what he has to say, then quietly whispers to him. "You doing ok, Dev? I mean, that all seemed pretty scary." She sighs, "Not to mention sad. Those poor girls, and their father."
She keeps close to Dev, waiting for a response from him. Although she does continue on with a comment about his story, speaking out more loudly to the others. "I'm not so sure these are the sort that would be scared away," she says. She also adds, "And I don't mind take a rest. It's probably a good idea."
As people starts to rest and she looks at their injuries, she tells the others, "I can still provide more berries for healing if that would help."
(Lokilia is fully healed. She has 2 1st and 2 2nd spells. Plus the short rest will replenish her 2 uses of Wild Shape. So she could use an animal form in a fight.)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
As whirring sounds start to come from Maggie, Normont stands up and surveys the scene in the room and then looks back to the others with concern etched on his face.
"I am sure 'Phindis' was indicating that the big squid was no longer here before Anna attacked and it went downhill. Not that we can trust his word of course, but perhaps it already left", he says almost hopefully. He doesn't really want to face it, but then again, if it has disappeared it can turn up anywhere and make more Phindis-creatures.
He then moves over to see if there was anything on what was Phindis.
"I think resting a little is a good idea. Progo, I am not sure what has happened to those creatures outside, whether they are still there. Was 'Phindis' controlling them, or the big squid? If you want to risk returning, we will not stop you, but be careful".
Maggie gets to her feet, looking a little scorched but otherwise ok.
Investigation (with Guidance): 8+5+4=17
Seeing Normont go to check out Phindis, Lokilia is tempted to check around the rest of the room. However, her concern for Dev takes precedence, so she keeps near him for the moment.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
“They were just kids…,” Dev whispers, his eyes shaky and moist but finding Lokilia’s momentarily when she mentions the girls. If his friend should sit gently beside him, he leans against her shoulder, lightly, as if afraid any movement he makes in the world will lead to further anguish.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Chierhy Nbenbe in Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure
Seeing that the folk agree to a brief respite, Werhann returns to the room where the guards' equipment remains. He wasn't a fan of plundering, generally, but... the owner of that liquor is either dead, or... In any case, Werhann felt just a small pinch of guilt as he took the flask out of the crate.
"I can't promise that it's good, but every proper introduction should be done with some drinks around, and that's the best I've got," Werhann announces, raising the flask for all to see, even if, at the moment, they each seem focused on their own matters, more or less. All except the Ashari, perhaps. And while he's not sure if he's rushing them, perhaps, Werhann believes rallying everyone together could help morale. "I am Werhann Dike, a Hunter, as you know. But with the exception of Progo, I haven't heard any of your names." With that, he drinks a little of the liquor. Not a lot, making sure to leave a bit for each, but enough that he could feel if the flask doesn't actually contain liquor, just in case. After all, as a Dwarf, it was best he were the first to test for poisons. Not to mention, it had been quite a while since he drank any liquor.
Varielky | Werhann
"Quite so, and a little remiss", Normont replies to Werhann regarding the lack of introduction, even as he rifles through the effects of the former gnome, Phindis. Once done, he will look around the rest of the room as well. After a brief glance to Werhann, he dismisses the idea of drinking from the unknown flask.
"I am Normont Fizzlepeak, long time resident of Whitestone, artificer and former Pale Guard, recently appointed to the Hunt", he says almost formally. He certainly has questions for Werhann, but decides now is not the right time. Although he will be keeping a close eye out for tentacle growth on the dwarf.
"Go stand guard over there", he says to Maggie, pointing to the door further into the complex. Maggie dutifully obeys, moving to stand next to the tunnel deeper into the complex.
"I don't suppose there are any rags or cloths around?", he then asks the others.
Lokilia is certainly not going anywhere, not if she's needed. She was trying to be stoic, but when Dev meets her eyes, she nearly is in tears. She stays beside him, not moving when he leans against her shoulder. "Yea, it was a horrible thing. They were clearly beyond help by the time we got here though. Let's just hope we can prevent such a thing from happening to any others."
When Werhann introduces himself, Lokilia briefly signals with her hand that she doesn't want any of the contents of the flask either. She seems to be answering for the tiefling as well. "I am Lokilia Vaelphin, from Zephrah. And this young man is Dev Hornd, resident of Drynna, where he cares for his parents."
After the introduction she looks again at Dev. "Hope that was ok to introduce you," she says quietly, hoping that he hadn't found it rude of her.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Searching Phimdis corpse Normont finds a pouch of 15 gold, a locket with two engraved profiles of young gnomes on the insides and a flask of green liquid with a purplish sheen.
The flask contents are a fairly rough attempt at whiskey or at least aquavit.....
The ragged remains of Phindis and the girls clothing is here....
" Quinn, of Terrah. I'm going to watch that downward tunnel.", he moves up to the ' guardroom' and sits down, leaning against the wall as he looks down the sloping tunnel....
( Nothing happens while you all take a Short Rest.)
"Over here, I think I saw some clothing before," Werhann answers Normont's question, not quite sure what they're for, but he has no right to pass judgment on that after he just drank from the flask that lay next to them. Seeing that none wish to drink from said flask - a reasonable decision - Werhann closes the flask and places it back where he found it. He shouldn't drink too much before they're out of this place, and by then he could drink something proper. Hopefully.
"Pleased to meet you, Normont Fizzlepeak, Lokilia Vaelphin, Dev Hornd, Quinn of Terrah, and last but not least, Progo." He politely nods to each as he calls their name. Then, seeing they're a little more preoccupied with other matters, he decides to leave each alone for now and rest. He, too, perhaps even more, needs time to rest properly. He seems open to talking with anyone if they wish, though.
While resting, Werhann will occasionally sneak a look at Dev. Not intending to be rude, but he can't help but notice the reaction to the recent encounter. 'We hunters are accustomed to dealing with threats, and these threats are not always nameless monsters that we can excuse as having no desires but the destruction of the city and the lives of its residents. But these folk aren't all Hunters, or even mercenaries.' He looks at Normont and Progo, respectively. 'What led them to come to this place? Surely, not just to get me out?' And while he's not aware of it, all of these thoughts are directly transmitted to Progo's mind, for coincidentally being the last person he looks at.
Late edit: Werhann will use his three hit dice to recover some HP during the rest. Rolling a poor 2+4+2+1x3=11 HP regained.
Varielky | Werhann
Dev’s mind was elsewhere, replaying in a loop the psychic blast that the Phindis-creature first attacked them with, the one which, blithely, in a stroke, destroyed his own children — what was left of them. Echoes of the moment he has imagined a million times before. His own parents — his biological parents whom he has never met — placing him in a basket and sending him downriver, never to see him again.
When Lokilia asks him directly if it was all right that she has introduced him, he looks at her uncomprehendingly at first. What had he missed while buried in thought? He looks up at Werhann, and just nods but doesn’t respond to the drink offer — he seems quite oblivious to why the dwarf is holding the flask.
”Thanks,” he says softly to his friend. “No, that was fine. Sorry, I’m just…,” then he sees the wetness in her eyes and it’s his turn to show concern. And while he still mulls over the sad end of Phindis’ children — and Phindis, too — he also feels, deep in his heart, a golden warming of gratitude for his friend’s presence. Her empathy and understanding. A shuddering intake of breath, he wipes away a tear with the back of his hand, but remains right where he is, trying somehow to be a support for Lokilia as she is for him in this dark moment.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Chierhy Nbenbe in Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure
"Excellent", Normont replies, pocketing what he found for now and heading over to grab a shirt or something from the crate. Something dark coloured along with a few extra items where the colour is not important.
Once he has what he is looking for, he wanders back into the nursery. He lays out the dark coloured shirt on the floor, then takes the other items and uses them to clean the blood and ichor off the head of what used to be Phindis.
He then wraps the head up, and places it inside his bag.
If he hasn't finished searching the nursery, he will do that now, after which he will take out his alchemist's supplies and look to identify the green liquid with purplish sheen.
(OOC: Normont gets nothing from a short rest, so he is basically keeping himself busy)
14
After some time Normont is fairly sure it is a Potion of Pugilism.
"Hm, it seems to be a potion of pugilism", Normont says after he has tested it. "I guess it would suit someone who is quite strong and used to brawling", he says showing it to the others to see if they are interested, but focussing mainly on Progo and Quinn.
"Or we can sell it", he adds, happy to hand it to one of the others or place it in his bag if no-one wants it.
(OOC: Want to see someone drink it and go all Popeye haha. Also, I have added it to our Party Inventory, along with the 15 gold and the locket)
As everyone takes time to rest, Lokilia sees no impetus to go anywhere. So she stays put with Dev. For a long while she just sits quietly, trying to let the horror of what happened to this family fade a bit. And also just feeling glad to have Dev still here with her.
Finally she speaks, her voice soft and sounding reflective. "You ever think about all of us that first met in the back room of The Cradle? Back in Drynna?" Her eyes brief glimpse Normont, as the gnome seems to remain in motion, keeping himself busy. "It's just the two of us left. Plus Normont. Would you have ever guessed that we'd be the ones still here? I mean, sure, Normont. But I don't even know what Hook was thinking when he invited the two of us!"
She stops talking, just sitting there keeping still once again. As terrible as some of what they'd faced had been, they're was a certain pride that she had made it. And an admiration for the talents Dev had shown. Not really thinking how out of the blue her comment may be, she says, "Dev, you are pretty amazing."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Dev pulls back his hood slowly with one hand, and when he does, his eyes are already clicking with Lokilia's. "I was totally just thinking the same thing," he says, his voice balancing the ashari's in softness. "And...," a poignant sadness in his eyes that Lokilia knows is there whenever Dev is thinking about Magnus, "...and yeah I couldn't even have imagined the things we've seen and the people we've met. And Normont..." the teenager's eyes widen with awe when they fall on the gnome. He knows Lokilia knows that he idolizes Normont. He doesn't need to finish the sentence.
Somewhat out of the blue, Dev says, "You are pretty amazing," at the same time Lokilia says almost the same thing. Instantly, this pulls him out of his gloomy mood. Maybe they both laugh.
"Nah, but seriously. I'm not surprised that you're here still. I mean, I'm glad you are," his voice cracks with emotion as the thought swells that something just as terrible could have happened to her. "Glad... but not just glad. You've been like a... like..." he pauses, studying the thought, settling his back against the wall again. He picks up again a moment later, searching for the words. "You know when you see a hawk flying miles up and it doesn't even have to flap its wings? It just circles higher and higher? Like the air holds it up and it can just soar? That's how you've been the whole time for us." He bumps her shoulder with his. "And you're a really good friend."
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Chierhy Nbenbe in Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure
Quinn comes back around to the others, " All quiet down slope."
" Where to? We've got the critters upstairs and possibly Werhanns keeper and friends below."
" I'm ready either way."
( Short Rest is ended)
Normont looks across to Quinn. “I would like to go deeper and see what is there before we leave. Of the big squid has gone, this is a great opportunity to see what it was up to”.
He looks around at the others, “This is risky, any who feel it is not worth the risk should head out. I would understand if you do”.
He gathers his things ready to move on.
”There was mention of traps, so we need to be careful”.