Quinn will answer about his native land of Terrah and its beauty. He will explain to his elven friend that he too had a closed mind to the outside world and its many cultures but had a deep calling to travel and explore. This led him to discover his path in the world. He states that this new way of life was lonely at times but he is glad to find comrades. Quinn not being the most observant will probably not notice the flying creature until it is pointed out to him by Lokilia.
Magnus will happily accommodate Dev's requests, making sure to keep the sparkle effects right over the fire so as to not attract any other unwanted attention in the dark sky from the flashes. He explains that it is a basic spell and somewhat limited in what it can do, but with the help of others it can occasionally do such wonders. He will also take the time to cast the spell and clean up his friends equipment and remove the grime from traveling.
"As to where my power comes from, I am not entirely sure. One day when I was much younger I was playing with a group of children and one of them fell out of a tree and when I knelt down to help her, as she had broken her arm, I held her arm and wished her arm to mend, mainly to stop her from crying. A golden glow came over my hands and her arm was healed. After telling my parents what happened they took me down to the local Dawnfather temple and explained everything. The priests there took me in to teach me how to more control and harness my powers and were quite surprised when I sent out one of my green blasts a couple hundred feet away. AT which point they referred me to the local Ioun Temple which could better provide me with the teaching of both divine and magical powers." Magnus pauses, "After that it was a pretty uneventful way of life, until I was sent to run the office of the Cobalt Soul in town."
"Where did you come to love the sound of music and how did you become so skilled at it Dev?" Magnus asks.
Dev blinks. Skilled? He’d never thought of himself that way. The tiefling assumed that anyone could sing or dance, and often did. Just not when he was around. Or else they just preferred not to sing but could, and better than him, if they tried. But he does have his own story to tell about it, so he shares that with Magnus.
“When I was young, maybe five? My parents, they used to make fishing tackle and baits, and fishermen would come from all over to buy them. Well, umm, my parents… they stopped being able to see. Their eyes got too old and weak, they said. I felt so sad for them. We had a few books, and to pass the time at night, they asked me to read to them, and sing the songs they had taught me. It made them happy, so of course I did. Soon I ran out of books, so I made up stories. And I sang songs to go with the stories.
But what was really amazing was, I found my magic pan pipes and magic shoes. They washed up on the lake one day. And then I could, well, Normont says I can do magic. If that’s what it is.”
Lokilia decides to spend time with the animals once again today, especially after the harrowing encounter with the lions. She will use Speak with Animals (cast as ritual) to help out. She will tell them, "You were all great last night. Standing firm when we scared off those predators! Well done!"
Normont sends Amber to scout a little ways ahead, flying parallel to the road not directly over it, and not too high up. He instructs her to warn them of any other people travelling along the road, and any animals that might be close to the road.
"Interesting Dev, I can potentially find out what the extent of magic those items can achieve but it will take me awhile to understand the magic behind the spell or possibly a scroll when we get to a larger town." At which point Magnus mouth opens in a huge yawn as he greets their replacements reporting so far the night has been silent.
In the morning Magnus packs up his stuff and prepares to get ready for the day ahead. "Hopefully today is as quiet as yesterday, and hopefully whatever flying thing that was and those carrion birds over there, stay away from us."
"Interesting Dev, I can potentially find out what the extent of magic those items can achieve but it will take me awhile to understand the magic behind the spell or possibly a scroll when we get to a larger town."
Dev smiles amiably, but immediately forgets the offer. He is satisfied with his shoes and pan pipes and doesn't somehow think knowing more about them is important.
"Interesting Dev, I can potentially find out what the extent of magic those items can achieve but it will take me awhile to understand the magic behind the spell or possibly a scroll when we get to a larger town." At which point Magnus mouth opens in a huge yawn as he greets their replacements reporting so far the night has been silent.
In the morning Magnus packs up his stuff and prepares to get ready for the day ahead. "Hopefully today is as quiet as yesterday, and hopefully whatever flying thing that was and those carrion birds over there, stay away from us."
Survival w/guidance: 8
Dev, noticing the buzzards and crows and vultures, finds himself thinking about the big cats from the prior night. His imagination fills in their story after they were frightened away by the fireworks display. The cats return to the plainscows. They circle as the creatures sleep. They find the weakest one. They pounce. The next day, when the cats' stomachs are full and they doze in the morning sunlight, the birds come and scavenge what they can until the cats' next meal. At least, this is where the tiefling's imagination takes him. His thoughts of the graceful felines inspire a song, and, making up the words as he goes, the youth, oblivious to the presence of the others, sings softly of a hunter's thrilling triumph in the dead of night (giving bardic inspiration of 4 to Lokilia & Maguns' rolls).
Seemingly none the worse for wear from their ordeal the animals ate up the trail over the next few days and Ambers assistance led to those on Watch and acting as lookouts managing to avoid a number of possible dangers including a large pack of dholes and a group of humanoid figures that moved off to the south once they noted that the travellers had seen them.
For the most part the group avoid potholes and other issues and by the end of the third day found their surroundings transitioning from plains and scrub to pastures and then tended fields.
Those flocks and herds they saw all had people and canine? forms in attendance looking out for dangers and many of the fields also had workers in them who waved to those on the road.
They passed a large caravan headed in Drynnas direction and the lead driver asked them about dangers on the road.
Coming into the community proper there are a number of waystations and inns at the roadside as well as warehouses and goods stores.
As you come to a halt to consider your evening two tall lanky figures remove themselves from a roadside booth and approach. Both are gnolls dressed in aged but clean red and gold dyed leathers and leaning casually on polished polearms, the larger female one has a copper star affixed to her collar and eyes you in a way that seems both amiable and predatory.
" Evening. Whats your business in Turst Fields folks? Need any help finding your way?", she ventures.
Normont looks upon the two gnolls from atop his mount and smiles broadly.
"Just passing through, although we will of course be staying the night", he says amiably. The sight of gnolls was certainly unusual in most civilised settlements, but not in Turst Fields, and he had had first hand experience of their nature when he passed through here on his journey to Drynna. In fact, being the closest settlement to Whitestone, there was much trade between them.
He looks to the others, unsure whether to say more about their destination. He figures from here they could only be heading to Westruun or Whitestone. He decides less is more for now.
Dev gawks at the gnoll woman with her canine features in her gold-dyed leathers, attracted in some way to her amiable but predatory comportment. He can't look away.
Normont looks upon the two gnolls from atop his mount and smiles broadly.
"Just passing through, although we will of course be staying the night", he says amiably. The sight of gnolls was certainly unusual in most civilised settlements, but not in Turst Fields, and he had had first hand experience of their nature when he passed through here on his journey to Drynna. In fact, being the closest settlement to Whitestone, there was much trade between them.
He looks to the others, unsure whether to say more about their destination. He figures from here they could only be heading to Westruun or Whitestone. He decides less is more for now.
Dev gawks at the gnoll woman with her canine features in her gold-dyed leathers, attracted in some way to her amiable but predatory comportment. He can't look away.
"...and, places to see?," adds the tiefling. Then, catching himself, he glances around defensively at the others, justifying.
"I've never been here."
She cocked her head, thinking, " Places to stay- The Cracked Bone, thats mostly Dustpaws and farm workers with some rooms for itinerants. The Wheatsheaf, thats owned by one of the Zaveon cousins, a lot of merchants stay there on the way through. The Gilded Lark, pretty much only bigjobs stay there on their way through to Whitestone, Westruun and Emon...pricey. Oh and theres the Cozy Coils.......they have rooms but they kind of come with implied company as well, but, as the name says, they are very comfortable."
She turned towards Dev flashing a toothy grin, " Do you like farms? Cos we've got a lot of farms....a few orchards and the like but mostly grain and vegetables. Theres a memorial to the Dustpaws and locals who died defending the town from Ravagers. And, just quietly, if your looking for some smoke....Barkers Bargains will set you right. If your looking for a fight, The Cracked Bone has a circle in the basement....but its not for the faint hearted."
" Alrighty, I'll let you folks get on your way. Have a good evening."
She turned away from the group and curled two fingers towards the younger male gnoll who focused immediately, " Come on, Crocuta. We need to go feed Butcher and Clamp."
"The Cracked Bone has a fighting circle? I didn't know that", Normont replies. "Now you can probably tell I am not one for fighting, but I would be shocked if there was no coin to be made?", he says by way of a question to the gnoll doing the talking.
"Sounds like our kind of place", he says to the others after wishing the gnolls a good evening in return and they walk on.
Once out of earshot of the gnolls, he adds quietly with a hint of excitement, "Don't worry I didn't really mean that, just trying to lay a false trail in case anyone asks questions".
Normont looks upon the two gnolls from atop his mount and smiles broadly.
"Just passing through, although we will of course be staying the night", he says amiably. The sight of gnolls was certainly unusual in most civilised settlements, but not in Turst Fields, and he had had first hand experience of their nature when he passed through here on his journey to Drynna. In fact, being the closest settlement to Whitestone, there was much trade between them.
He looks to the others, unsure whether to say more about their destination. He figures from here they could only be heading to Westruun or Whitestone. He decides less is more for now.
Dev gawks at the gnoll woman with her canine features in her gold-dyed leathers, attracted in some way to her amiable but predatory comportment. He can't look away.
"...and, places to see?," adds the tiefling. Then, catching himself, he glances around defensively at the others, justifying.
"I've never been here."
She cocked her head, thinking, " Places to stay- The Cracked Bone, thats mostly Dustpaws and farm workers with some rooms for itinerants. The Wheatsheaf, thats owned by one of the Zaveon cousins, a lot of merchants stay there on the way through. The Gilded Lark, pretty much only bigjobs stay there on their way through to Whitestone, Westruun and Emon...pricey. Oh and theres the Cozy Coils.......they have rooms but they kind of come with implied company as well, but, as the name says, they are very comfortable."
She turned towards Dev flashing a toothy grin, " Do you like farms? Cos we've got a lot of farms....a few orchards and the like but mostly grain and vegetables. Theres a memorial to the Dustpaws and locals who died defending the town from Ravagers. And, just quietly, if your looking for some smoke....Barkers Bargains will set you right. If your looking for a fight, The Cracked Bone has a circle in the basement....but its not for the faint hearted."
" Alrighty, I'll let you folks get on your way. Have a good evening."
She turned away from the group and curled two fingers towards the younger male gnoll who focused immediately, " Come on, Crocuta. We need to go feed Butcher and Clamp."
Dev’s expression falls somewhat as the places are described, from curiosity toward disappointment.
‘Oh. She’s teasing about farms.’
Used to being teased, the tiefling wonders what she means by “circle,” but Normont’s response clarifies, enough for Dev to understand it’s not really his thing.
”The memorial sounds interesting,” he says, to no one in particular. He imagines setting up to busk there, or at whichever inn they stay at. He mentally tallies his coin.
”The Wheatsheaf? That sounds homey, if we’re to go somewhere other than you said,” he puts to Normont.
"My thoughts exactly", Normont replies to Dev and Lokilia as they continue along the road into the town proper.
He then looks around to make sure no other travellers are near, before turning to Magnus and lowering his voice again, "Is it possible that the Cerberus Assembly has spies in every town? I assume we should not speak of our purpose unless we are sure we are not overheard".
The companions made their way towards The Wheatsheaf where they were met by a stable boy and ostler who took their steeds and draught animals to be watered, curried and fed. The wagons were also put under cover with a young lad at the gate to allow them access to their goods and belongings.
The building was one of the tallest in Turst Fields and well lit by torch, lantern and brazier. Entering the front bar the place was middling busy with a number of tables of merchants and their guards, a smattering of independant travellers and some locals enjoying the food and beverages.
Of the employees working the floor they were mostly young humans with two dwarves and a gnoll bussing tables, at the bar holding court with a group of merchants that to Normonts eye seemed to be from Whitestone.
" .......not sure what Cousin Dariax was thinking getting on her bad side, but I wouldn't like to be in his shoes when she catches up with him....", the dwarf finished laughing uproariously, the merchants joined in the laughter.
The dwarf turned to them as they entered, " Welcome to the Wheatsheaf, what can I do you for?"
Dev shies away from the question, leaving Normont or the others to answer. His hood is up over his horns, and his natural curiosity sends his glance around the warm colors of the room looking for a stage or other spot where music or storytelling might be performed.
Quinn will answer about his native land of Terrah and its beauty. He will explain to his elven friend that he too had a closed mind to the outside world and its many cultures but had a deep calling to travel and explore. This led him to discover his path in the world. He states that this new way of life was lonely at times but he is glad to find comrades. Quinn not being the most observant will probably not notice the flying creature until it is pointed out to him by Lokilia.
Magnus will happily accommodate Dev's requests, making sure to keep the sparkle effects right over the fire so as to not attract any other unwanted attention in the dark sky from the flashes. He explains that it is a basic spell and somewhat limited in what it can do, but with the help of others it can occasionally do such wonders. He will also take the time to cast the spell and clean up his friends equipment and remove the grime from traveling.
"As to where my power comes from, I am not entirely sure. One day when I was much younger I was playing with a group of children and one of them fell out of a tree and when I knelt down to help her, as she had broken her arm, I held her arm and wished her arm to mend, mainly to stop her from crying. A golden glow came over my hands and her arm was healed. After telling my parents what happened they took me down to the local Dawnfather temple and explained everything. The priests there took me in to teach me how to more control and harness my powers and were quite surprised when I sent out one of my green blasts a couple hundred feet away. AT which point they referred me to the local Ioun Temple which could better provide me with the teaching of both divine and magical powers." Magnus pauses, "After that it was a pretty uneventful way of life, until I was sent to run the office of the Cobalt Soul in town."
"Where did you come to love the sound of music and how did you become so skilled at it Dev?" Magnus asks.
Dev blinks. Skilled? He’d never thought of himself that way. The tiefling assumed that anyone could sing or dance, and often did. Just not when he was around. Or else they just preferred not to sing but could, and better than him, if they tried. But he does have his own story to tell about it, so he shares that with Magnus.
“When I was young, maybe five? My parents, they used to make fishing tackle and baits, and fishermen would come from all over to buy them. Well, umm, my parents… they stopped being able to see. Their eyes got too old and weak, they said. I felt so sad for them. We had a few books, and to pass the time at night, they asked me to read to them, and sing the songs they had taught me. It made them happy, so of course I did. Soon I ran out of books, so I made up stories. And I sang songs to go with the stories.
But what was really amazing was, I found my magic pan pipes and magic shoes. They washed up on the lake one day. And then I could, well, Normont says I can do magic. If that’s what it is.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Breakfast was had and camp was broken as the companions got back on the road.
Midmorning they saw a large flock of mixed birds ( vultures, ravens, buzzards and kites) circling over a site a ways off north of the road.
The animals were spelled at a roadside well and looking at the chart they estimated another few days towards Turst Fields...
( Three Checks Again Please.)
Lokilia decides to spend time with the animals once again today, especially after the harrowing encounter with the lions. She will use Speak with Animals (cast as ritual) to help out. She will tell them, "You were all great last night. Standing firm when we scared off those predators! Well done!"
(Animal Handling: 13)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Normont sends Amber to scout a little ways ahead, flying parallel to the road not directly over it, and not too high up. He instructs her to warn them of any other people travelling along the road, and any animals that might be close to the road.
Amber Perception: 2+4=6 (Passive: 14)
"Interesting Dev, I can potentially find out what the extent of magic those items can achieve but it will take me awhile to understand the magic behind the spell or possibly a scroll when we get to a larger town." At which point Magnus mouth opens in a huge yawn as he greets their replacements reporting so far the night has been silent.
In the morning Magnus packs up his stuff and prepares to get ready for the day ahead. "Hopefully today is as quiet as yesterday, and hopefully whatever flying thing that was and those carrion birds over there, stay away from us."
Survival w/guidance: 8
Dev smiles amiably, but immediately forgets the offer. He is satisfied with his shoes and pan pipes and doesn't somehow think knowing more about them is important.
Dev, noticing the buzzards and crows and vultures, finds himself thinking about the big cats from the prior night. His imagination fills in their story after they were frightened away by the fireworks display. The cats return to the plainscows. They circle as the creatures sleep. They find the weakest one. They pounce. The next day, when the cats' stomachs are full and they doze in the morning sunlight, the birds come and scavenge what they can until the cats' next meal. At least, this is where the tiefling's imagination takes him. His thoughts of the graceful felines inspire a song, and, making up the words as he goes, the youth, oblivious to the presence of the others, sings softly of a hunter's thrilling triumph in the dead of night (giving bardic inspiration of 4 to Lokilia & Maguns' rolls).
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Seemingly none the worse for wear from their ordeal the animals ate up the trail over the next few days and Ambers assistance led to those on Watch and acting as lookouts managing to avoid a number of possible dangers including a large pack of dholes and a group of humanoid figures that moved off to the south once they noted that the travellers had seen them.
For the most part the group avoid potholes and other issues and by the end of the third day found their surroundings transitioning from plains and scrub to pastures and then tended fields.
Those flocks and herds they saw all had people and canine? forms in attendance looking out for dangers and many of the fields also had workers in them who waved to those on the road.
They passed a large caravan headed in Drynnas direction and the lead driver asked them about dangers on the road.
Coming into the community proper there are a number of waystations and inns at the roadside as well as warehouses and goods stores.
As you come to a halt to consider your evening two tall lanky figures remove themselves from a roadside booth and approach. Both are gnolls dressed in aged but clean red and gold dyed leathers and leaning casually on polished polearms, the larger female one has a copper star affixed to her collar and eyes you in a way that seems both amiable and predatory.
" Evening. Whats your business in Turst Fields folks? Need any help finding your way?", she ventures.
Normont looks upon the two gnolls from atop his mount and smiles broadly.
"Just passing through, although we will of course be staying the night", he says amiably. The sight of gnolls was certainly unusual in most civilised settlements, but not in Turst Fields, and he had had first hand experience of their nature when he passed through here on his journey to Drynna. In fact, being the closest settlement to Whitestone, there was much trade between them.
He looks to the others, unsure whether to say more about their destination. He figures from here they could only be heading to Westruun or Whitestone. He decides less is more for now.
"Any suggestions as to where we should stay?".
Dev gawks at the gnoll woman with her canine features in her gold-dyed leathers, attracted in some way to her amiable but predatory comportment. He can't look away.
"...and, places to see?," adds the tiefling. Then, catching himself, he glances around defensively at the others, justifying.
"I've never been here."
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
She cocked her head, thinking, " Places to stay- The Cracked Bone, thats mostly Dustpaws and farm workers with some rooms for itinerants. The Wheatsheaf, thats owned by one of the Zaveon cousins, a lot of merchants stay there on the way through. The Gilded Lark, pretty much only bigjobs stay there on their way through to Whitestone, Westruun and Emon...pricey. Oh and theres the Cozy Coils.......they have rooms but they kind of come with implied company as well, but, as the name says, they are very comfortable."
She turned towards Dev flashing a toothy grin, " Do you like farms? Cos we've got a lot of farms....a few orchards and the like but mostly grain and vegetables. Theres a memorial to the Dustpaws and locals who died defending the town from Ravagers. And, just quietly, if your looking for some smoke....Barkers Bargains will set you right. If your looking for a fight, The Cracked Bone has a circle in the basement....but its not for the faint hearted."
" Alrighty, I'll let you folks get on your way. Have a good evening."
She turned away from the group and curled two fingers towards the younger male gnoll who focused immediately, " Come on, Crocuta. We need to go feed Butcher and Clamp."
"The Cracked Bone has a fighting circle? I didn't know that", Normont replies. "Now you can probably tell I am not one for fighting, but I would be shocked if there was no coin to be made?", he says by way of a question to the gnoll doing the talking.
"Sounds like our kind of place", he says to the others after wishing the gnolls a good evening in return and they walk on.
Once out of earshot of the gnolls, he adds quietly with a hint of excitement, "Don't worry I didn't really mean that, just trying to lay a false trail in case anyone asks questions".
Dev’s expression falls somewhat as the places are described, from curiosity toward disappointment.
‘Oh. She’s teasing about farms.’
Used to being teased, the tiefling wonders what she means by “circle,” but Normont’s response clarifies, enough for Dev to understand it’s not really his thing.
”The memorial sounds interesting,” he says, to no one in particular. He imagines setting up to busk there, or at whichever inn they stay at. He mentally tallies his coin.
”The Wheatsheaf? That sounds homey, if we’re to go somewhere other than you said,” he puts to Normont.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Lokilia nods. "Wheatsheaf does seem like the better place to go, I guess."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"My thoughts exactly", Normont replies to Dev and Lokilia as they continue along the road into the town proper.
He then looks around to make sure no other travellers are near, before turning to Magnus and lowering his voice again, "Is it possible that the Cerberus Assembly has spies in every town? I assume we should not speak of our purpose unless we are sure we are not overheard".
The companions made their way towards The Wheatsheaf where they were met by a stable boy and ostler who took their steeds and draught animals to be watered, curried and fed. The wagons were also put under cover with a young lad at the gate to allow them access to their goods and belongings.
The building was one of the tallest in Turst Fields and well lit by torch, lantern and brazier. Entering the front bar the place was middling busy with a number of tables of merchants and their guards, a smattering of independant travellers and some locals enjoying the food and beverages.
Of the employees working the floor they were mostly young humans with two dwarves and a gnoll bussing tables, at the bar holding court with a group of merchants that to Normonts eye seemed to be from Whitestone.
" .......not sure what Cousin Dariax was thinking getting on her bad side, but I wouldn't like to be in his shoes when she catches up with him....", the dwarf finished laughing uproariously, the merchants joined in the laughter.
The dwarf turned to them as they entered, " Welcome to the Wheatsheaf, what can I do you for?"
Dev shies away from the question, leaving Normont or the others to answer. His hood is up over his horns, and his natural curiosity sends his glance around the warm colors of the room looking for a stage or other spot where music or storytelling might be performed.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Quinn will speak up, “We are looking for a place to rest tonight and you were recommended. How many rooms do you have available?”