The night comes and the Docile Donkey becomes lively. Xymox's fiddle and song are a highlight of the night. As word spreads about your heroic actions in cleansing the brewery of evil spirits the townsfolk begin to arrive. The celebratory atmosphere spills out into the street and the town square as well. The innkeeper is busy and his barmaids are running. Several butts of Monstordrink Mist were found that are pure and the revelry is intense. You are really settling in to the accolades from townsfolk and "CHADWICK LEROY JENKINS!!!!" echoes through the room. The music stops and the room quiets to look to the door framing Chadwick's mom. Hap is walking in behind her. She moves through the parting crowd straight to your table and stands in front of Chadwick, hands on hips, "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH WORRY YOU HAVE CAUSED BACK HOME?! WE HAD A WATCH FIRE OUT FRONT LIT AND EVERYTHING...."
The innkeeper slides up beside Ma Jenkins handing Hap a mug on the way. Hap sips while the innkeeper puts a goblet of mead in her hand before she can notice. She stops mid-sentence and looks down to see the goblet and then up to the innkeeper. "Now, Ma. Have some Golden Fields mead. I just received a case from Waterdeep yesterday. Is this one that you like?," he says smoothly. She looks down again and nods, politely saying "Thank you, Gren. That is very kind of you." He gently leads her elbow to a nearby small table that is somehow open. Two barmaids arrive with a plate of sweet pies and some fruit. Hap nods to Gren a thanks. He pats Chadwick on the chest as he walks by, "That was a close one son."
The Docile Donkey returns to its lively state. After a cup of mead and a sweet pie Ma Jenkins returns. "All of these people are talking about what you and your friends did last night, Pinky. How dreadful it must have been to have suffered through all of that. We will get you home tomorrow for a hot bath and a warm bed to sleep in proper. Your Dad made us arrangements here at the inn tonight. I hear that a parade is happening tomorrow. All for my sweet little boy." Hap coughs gently, "He's a grown man now, Ma. Let's leave him be with his friends to enjoy their night." They both then head upstairs to turn in .
Chadwick cringes when he hears his mom's voice. "Starker any chance you could teleport me out of here?" He then smiles and nods as his mom begins her tirade.
"I'm looking forward to heading home soon ma, but we're leaving at first light to hopefully put this whole ordeal to rest. So I'm not sure if we're going to actually be able to make it for the festivities, or home tomorrow. The Fey can be unpredictable ya know."
He shrugs like he's talking about an ornery cousin.
"I tried telling the mayor that it's not really over yet, but he didn't want to listen. I think the parade and spectacle is more about trying to gloss over his negligence than trying to celebrate the defeat of the evil that was poisoning the town and it folks.
The way that he's always talking so loud and acting big, he could learn a few things from my companions." He nods towards Hoid and Kragen."
The Company retires for the evening. Upon returning to your rooms you discover that your equipment is not present. Gren explains that it was taken for cleaning as it was "quite gross" and should be back in the morning. The blacksmith and his apprentices have been working late to put things right with all of your hardware.
In the morning all of your armor and weapons are returned. All have been cleaned and oiled and are in nice condition. The damage to Chadwick, Kragen and Hoid's armor are going to require some extensive work to fix. Simply using a Mending will not be sufficient to correct the acid damage created. The plate and the chain can be fixed here if you like. But, the armorer here is not familiar working with mithril. He suggests traveling to Waterdeep to find an expert armorer there to perform the repairs.
I don't think Chadwick's armor was damaged, unless it occurred during the live session. I can double check this evening.
Chadwick informs the smith/armourer that he is interested in the repairs, once they return from their next journey. He also thanks him and his staff profusely for doing such a great job on the cleaning and maintenance. He offers a 20GP tip for him and his staff.
Unless there are any objections The Company will head back to where they last saw mistress Caellia.
(( Kragen and Chadwick's armor were both damaged after failing a save vs acid damage while fighting in the final battle. ))
A quick breakfast is served and you each get outfitted in your newly cleaned gear. Your clothes are restored and the foul stench of death and decay have been cleared. Xymox's clothing now has a faint lavender scent as well. The hike up to the well spring is uneventful. There is an odd feeling about in the forest though. It is as though the forest is holding its breath in anticipation of....*something*.
BTW, we are bringing the chest and it's contents with us.
Upon arriving at the well spring Chadwick will check how it's fairing.
Projecting his voice, but not yelling..."Mistress Caellia, the evil in the brewery has been purged. It may be some time before all the (he waves his hands around) poisons, necrotic energy, and what not can be fully cleansed. But we plan on the purification process as soon as we can. The wight we defeated had this chest with some items we wondered if were of interest to you.
There is an iron flask in there with some mystery substance. We have yet to open it, so we don't know what it contains."
He pauses and looks around to see if she has made an appearance yet.
"I am ready to begin the third task if the second has been completed to your saying.
Oh, and the ridiculous parade and festival the mayor is planning was not our doing. He has his own agenda."
Caellia emerges from the undergrowth and seems to walk from the trunk of a tree. "The Alewight was but a symptom, not the cause, Scion. The Pact has been broken. You bear a new chalice inset with the Pact Symbol. What is your intent?," the Lady of the Waters speaks softly from across spring. Her manner is saddened and her dress is in tatters. Crystalline tears can be seen in her eyes. A hardness can be seen behind the tears though. It seems to be unwise to assume she is somehow defeated.
Chadwick bows formally. "My Lady, my intent is to right the wrongs of my forefathers, restore the well and spring, then hopefully renew the pack. It is understandable though if you would not wish to enter a pact with the kin of oathbreakers." He has trouble meeting her eyes at the mention of oath breaking.
Chadwick seems genuinely distressed at her tattered appearance, it is concern, not judgment.
"Please tell us what we may do to help rectify the waters with the third act."
Caellia seems to glide across the spring, her passing leaving no ripple on the surface. As she approaches, the new chalice, symbol of the pact, appears in her hands. Water flows from her hand into the chalice, pure and bright.
"Oathbearer's Blood. Once broken, now whole.
If you would restore the waters and bear the bond your line betrayed, you must drink.
Know that this is no mortal oath.
This is fey-binding. Heart-binding.
What is given cannot be undone without cost.
As Thistledown gives Witness."
She nods behind The Company. Floating in the air, sitting crosslegged is tall, willowy figure dressed in tattered finery made of pressed reeds, pale feathers and frostbitten petals. Their face is obscured by a white mask with a ripples motif. They write with a long red quill upon a piece of parchment floating before them. As they complete a page, the parchment disappears into a cloud of bubbles. A new page appears to replace the last.
Starker: “My young friend, think carefully. You have already sworn an oath as a paladin. Do not let yourself be rent in twain. Get assurance that what you promise is consistent with your former oaths and that what you get in return is worth the loss of whatever freedom she is demanding.”
Xymox (stepping forward, voice low and deliberate): “Starker, your concern slices cleanly through the moment’s fog, as ever. You speak of oaths—and rightly so. To bind oneself to one code is noble; to bind oneself to two without wisdom is... folly dressed in virtue.”
He glances at Chadwick, his tone softens but does not lose its edge.
“But our dear paladin is no starry-eyed greenhorn. He knows, or ought to know, that some oaths are inked in blood, others in soul. And what the Fey ask is never merely ceremonial. It echoes. It roots. It changes.”
He folds his arms, gaze now toward the spectral scribe floating above.
“If the Lady of the Waters calls him ‘the key’—then we must wonder: to what door? And does it open inward… or shut behind him?”
Xymox smiles faintly, rueful.
“Just so, I say again: if you must drink, Chadwick—drink with your eyes open.”
Listening to Starker and Xymox guidance to Chadwick, Trolkarl nods
I can imagine no better counsel than what you’ve already heard, Chadwick—but still I will offer what life has taught me.
I am heir to a house dishonored not through weakness, but through pride and blind ambition. The burden of that legacy was never mine to choose… and yet I carry it still. Your ambition is the good of the town and its people, but there still may be consequences we do not see.
He looks directly at Chadwick, with a rare moment of sincerity and seriousness.
If I have gained any wisdom from that ruin, it is this: weigh the choice not only for yourself, but for your bloodline. For what is done here may not end with you. Consider not only the cost to you but the inheritance you leave behind.
Chadwick looks solemnly between his friends weighing their words. "I have been going over the words of the oath and while sometime the fey can be <pauses and give the fey a wink and a smile> creative in their interpretation, I believe there is no malice or trickery here. I take this oath not just to restore honor and right wrongs, it is also the right thing to do. They have suffered from the towns neglect and greediness. We should all be able to live in harmony and prosper. In addition to taken the oath I propose that it be written in stone and place near the well so no one forgets again. While Tyr blesses me greatly, we do live dangerous lives and if I am unable to continue the watch there should be more to continue forward."
He clears his throat, then continues.
"I vow to keep the spring and her memory, To honor the source, not only the harvest. I shall spill no sacred water, Nor raise hand in hatred beside it. By root, stone, leaf and light - let the pact flow again."
Chadwick's eyes become focused on something in the distance, then he begins to look around. A smile grows while his eyes become misty.
He comes to blinking looking surprised that the landscape is back to where it was. He tries to surreptitiously wipe the mist from his eyes which is difficult when wearing gauntlets.
He steps forward towards Caellia taking off the before mentioned gauntlets gently taking her hands (if she allows) in his while he takes a knee.
"My Lady as Tyr and The Company as my witnesses I swear I will continue you protect you and the waters as long as I'm capable. In the chance that I sire no heirs to pass the oath to I will erect a stone memorial near the well reminding the citizens that this land and resources are to be shared and honored.
And I thank you for the glimpse into the possible future."
Caellia gazes intently into Chadwick's eyes as he drinks from the chalice. As he comes to and kneels, holding his palms up she rests her delicate hands upon his. Her eyes close as he speaks his promise to her. A single, crystalline tear can be seen tracking down her left cheek. Her clothes become misty and then reform into a beautiful, quite immodest gown of diaphanous gauze seemingly made of moonbeams and mother of pearl. Her hair changes from a nest of knots and clumps into flowing, rippled locks bejeweled with semi-precious stones. A pulse of energy burst from her body to encompass the glade and well-spring. The plants stand up straight and no longer appear withered. The spring runs clear and bright. You see large clumps of black weeds and detritus rise from the depths of the pools and flow into the drain system constructed beside the outlet. This flows into the drain and the water level begins to rise in the drain. All of the foul material finds its way into the well house, filling the cistern there. The clear water of the stream begins to course down its natural path, wending down the hillside to the the river below.
Caellia begins to glide away from you towards her grove. You see that the fountain there has been restored and gurgles with the newly cleansed water of the well-spring. "This is my home, Oath Restorer. You will always be able to find me here. I leave you with a gift," she says as a mote of light drifts across the waters to Chadwick and seems to enter his chest. For a brief moment, his eyes flash with a pastel blue light. Then all is normal again.
”I expect that we will need to stress to the current owner of the brewery that he must not, under pain of pain, try to restore the unbalanced flow into his greedy pipes.”
<Bows respectfully towards the grove. Fills a water bag with the clear water. Soaks two dry (not from the alcohol-macerated set) mango slices marked with a zero into the clear water in the bag and eats one, handing the other to Cyrus.>
To Chadwick: ”May I have the iron flask, please? Inside it is a creature of unknown puissance who will be disposed to help is should we free it in an opportune moment.”
Cyrus enjoys his mango slice along with his master.
You all turn to look seeing Thistledown continuing to write. They stop, look about and then bow slightly. With a "POP", they disappear in the burst of a bubble. The birds are singing in the morning beams of sunlight streaming through the trees. It is a idyllic moment.
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The night comes and the Docile Donkey becomes lively. Xymox's fiddle and song are a highlight of the night. As word spreads about your heroic actions in cleansing the brewery of evil spirits the townsfolk begin to arrive. The celebratory atmosphere spills out into the street and the town square as well. The innkeeper is busy and his barmaids are running. Several butts of Monstordrink Mist were found that are pure and the revelry is intense. You are really settling in to the accolades from townsfolk and "CHADWICK LEROY JENKINS!!!!" echoes through the room. The music stops and the room quiets to look to the door framing Chadwick's mom. Hap is walking in behind her. She moves through the parting crowd straight to your table and stands in front of Chadwick, hands on hips, "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH WORRY YOU HAVE CAUSED BACK HOME?! WE HAD A WATCH FIRE OUT FRONT LIT AND EVERYTHING...."
The innkeeper slides up beside Ma Jenkins handing Hap a mug on the way. Hap sips while the innkeeper puts a goblet of mead in her hand before she can notice. She stops mid-sentence and looks down to see the goblet and then up to the innkeeper. "Now, Ma. Have some Golden Fields mead. I just received a case from Waterdeep yesterday. Is this one that you like?," he says smoothly. She looks down again and nods, politely saying "Thank you, Gren. That is very kind of you." He gently leads her elbow to a nearby small table that is somehow open. Two barmaids arrive with a plate of sweet pies and some fruit. Hap nods to Gren a thanks. He pats Chadwick on the chest as he walks by, "That was a close one son."
The Docile Donkey returns to its lively state. After a cup of mead and a sweet pie Ma Jenkins returns. "All of these people are talking about what you and your friends did last night, Pinky. How dreadful it must have been to have suffered through all of that. We will get you home tomorrow for a hot bath and a warm bed to sleep in proper. Your Dad made us arrangements here at the inn tonight. I hear that a parade is happening tomorrow. All for my sweet little boy." Hap coughs gently, "He's a grown man now, Ma. Let's leave him be with his friends to enjoy their night." They both then head upstairs to turn in .
Chadwick cringes when he hears his mom's voice. "Starker any chance you could teleport me out of here?" He then smiles and nods as his mom begins her tirade.
"I'm looking forward to heading home soon ma, but we're leaving at first light to hopefully put this whole ordeal to rest. So I'm not sure if we're going to actually be able to make it for the festivities, or home tomorrow. The Fey can be unpredictable ya know."
He shrugs like he's talking about an ornery cousin.
"I tried telling the mayor that it's not really over yet, but he didn't want to listen. I think the parade and spectacle is more about trying to gloss over his negligence than trying to celebrate the defeat of the evil that was poisoning the town and it folks.
The way that he's always talking so loud and acting big, he could learn a few things from my companions." He nods towards Hoid and Kragen."
After evening and we have retired to our rooms, Kragen works to repair his Chainmail using the Mending cantrip.
If successful, he will find Hoid and retrieve his Plate, explaining to him his approach. Then use Mending as well to repair.
The Company retires for the evening. Upon returning to your rooms you discover that your equipment is not present. Gren explains that it was taken for cleaning as it was "quite gross" and should be back in the morning. The blacksmith and his apprentices have been working late to put things right with all of your hardware.
In the morning all of your armor and weapons are returned. All have been cleaned and oiled and are in nice condition. The damage to Chadwick, Kragen and Hoid's armor are going to require some extensive work to fix. Simply using a Mending will not be sufficient to correct the acid damage created. The plate and the chain can be fixed here if you like. But, the armorer here is not familiar working with mithril. He suggests traveling to Waterdeep to find an expert armorer there to perform the repairs.
I don't think Chadwick's armor was damaged, unless it occurred during the live session. I can double check this evening.
Chadwick informs the smith/armourer that he is interested in the repairs, once they return from their next journey. He also thanks him and his staff profusely for doing such a great job on the cleaning and maintenance. He offers a 20GP tip for him and his staff.
Unless there are any objections The Company will head back to where they last saw mistress Caellia.
(( Kragen and Chadwick's armor were both damaged after failing a save vs acid damage while fighting in the final battle. ))
A quick breakfast is served and you each get outfitted in your newly cleaned gear. Your clothes are restored and the foul stench of death and decay have been cleared. Xymox's clothing now has a faint lavender scent as well. The hike up to the well spring is uneventful. There is an odd feeling about in the forest though. It is as though the forest is holding its breath in anticipation of....*something*.
Well Spring
BTW, we are bringing the chest and it's contents with us.
Upon arriving at the well spring Chadwick will check how it's fairing.
Projecting his voice, but not yelling..."Mistress Caellia, the evil in the brewery has been purged. It may be some time before all the (he waves his hands around) poisons, necrotic energy, and what not can be fully cleansed. But we plan on the purification process as soon as we can. The wight we defeated had this chest with some items we wondered if were of interest to you.
There is an iron flask in there with some mystery substance. We have yet to open it, so we don't know what it contains."
He pauses and looks around to see if she has made an appearance yet.
"I am ready to begin the third task if the second has been completed to your saying.
Oh, and the ridiculous parade and festival the mayor is planning was not our doing. He has his own agenda."
Caellia emerges from the undergrowth and seems to walk from the trunk of a tree. "The Alewight was but a symptom, not the cause, Scion. The Pact has been broken. You bear a new chalice inset with the Pact Symbol. What is your intent?," the Lady of the Waters speaks softly from across spring. Her manner is saddened and her dress is in tatters. Crystalline tears can be seen in her eyes. A hardness can be seen behind the tears though. It seems to be unwise to assume she is somehow defeated.
Chadwick bows formally. "My Lady, my intent is to right the wrongs of my forefathers, restore the well and spring, then hopefully renew the pack. It is understandable though if you would not wish to enter a pact with the kin of oathbreakers." He has trouble meeting her eyes at the mention of oath breaking.
Chadwick seems genuinely distressed at her tattered appearance, it is concern, not judgment.
"Please tell us what we may do to help rectify the waters with the third act."
Caellia seems to glide across the spring, her passing leaving no ripple on the surface. As she approaches, the new chalice, symbol of the pact, appears in her hands. Water flows from her hand into the chalice, pure and bright.
"Oathbearer's Blood. Once broken, now whole.
If you would restore the waters and bear the bond your line betrayed, you must drink.
Know that this is no mortal oath.
This is fey-binding. Heart-binding.
What is given cannot be undone without cost.
As Thistledown gives Witness."
She nods behind The Company. Floating in the air, sitting crosslegged is tall, willowy figure dressed in tattered finery made of pressed reeds, pale feathers and frostbitten petals. Their face is obscured by a white mask with a ripples motif. They write with a long red quill upon a piece of parchment floating before them. As they complete a page, the parchment disappears into a cloud of bubbles. A new page appears to replace the last.
Starker: “My young friend, think carefully. You have already sworn an oath as a paladin. Do not let yourself be rent in twain. Get assurance that what you promise is consistent with your former oaths and that what you get in return is worth the loss of whatever freedom she is demanding.”
Xymox (stepping forward, voice low and deliberate):
“Starker, your concern slices cleanly through the moment’s fog, as ever. You speak of oaths—and rightly so. To bind oneself to one code is noble; to bind oneself to two without wisdom is... folly dressed in virtue.”
He glances at Chadwick, his tone softens but does not lose its edge.
“But our dear paladin is no starry-eyed greenhorn. He knows, or ought to know, that some oaths are inked in blood, others in soul. And what the Fey ask is never merely ceremonial. It echoes. It roots. It changes.”
He folds his arms, gaze now toward the spectral scribe floating above.
“If the Lady of the Waters calls him ‘the key’—then we must wonder: to what door? And does it open inward… or shut behind him?”
Xymox smiles faintly, rueful.
“Just so, I say again: if you must drink, Chadwick—drink with your eyes open.”
Listening to Starker and Xymox guidance to Chadwick, Trolkarl nods
I can imagine no better counsel than what you’ve already heard, Chadwick—but still I will offer what life has taught me.
I am heir to a house dishonored not through weakness, but through pride and blind ambition. The burden of that legacy was never mine to choose… and yet I carry it still. Your ambition is the good of the town and its people, but there still may be consequences we do not see.
He looks directly at Chadwick, with a rare moment of sincerity and seriousness.
If I have gained any wisdom from that ruin, it is this: weigh the choice not only for yourself, but for your bloodline. For what is done here may not end with you. Consider not only the cost to you but the inheritance you leave behind.
Chadwick looks solemnly between his friends weighing their words. "I have been going over the words of the oath and while sometime the fey can be <pauses and give the fey a wink and a smile> creative in their interpretation, I believe there is no malice or trickery here. I take this oath not just to restore honor and right wrongs, it is also the right thing to do. They have suffered from the towns neglect and greediness. We should all be able to live in harmony and prosper. In addition to taken the oath I propose that it be written in stone and place near the well so no one forgets again. While Tyr blesses me greatly, we do live dangerous lives and if I am unable to continue the watch there should be more to continue forward."
He clears his throat, then continues.
"I vow to keep the spring and her memory,
To honor the source, not only the harvest.
I shall spill no sacred water,
Nor raise hand in hatred beside it.
By root, stone, leaf and light - let the pact flow again."
He looks around expectedly and slightly nervous.
Caellia offers the chalice filled with bright, clear water to Chadwick.....
He nods his head in thanks, then drinks.
Chadwick's eyes become focused on something in the distance, then he begins to look around. A smile grows while his eyes become misty.
He comes to blinking looking surprised that the landscape is back to where it was. He tries to surreptitiously wipe the mist from his eyes which is difficult when wearing gauntlets.
He steps forward towards Caellia taking off the before mentioned gauntlets gently taking her hands (if she allows) in his while he takes a knee.
"My Lady as Tyr and The Company as my witnesses I swear I will continue you protect you and the waters as long as I'm capable. In the chance that I sire no heirs to pass the oath to I will erect a stone memorial near the well reminding the citizens that this land and resources are to be shared and honored.
And I thank you for the glimpse into the possible future."
Caellia gazes intently into Chadwick's eyes as he drinks from the chalice. As he comes to and kneels, holding his palms up she rests her delicate hands upon his. Her eyes close as he speaks his promise to her. A single, crystalline tear can be seen tracking down her left cheek. Her clothes become misty and then reform into a beautiful, quite immodest gown of diaphanous gauze seemingly made of moonbeams and mother of pearl. Her hair changes from a nest of knots and clumps into flowing, rippled locks bejeweled with semi-precious stones. A pulse of energy burst from her body to encompass the glade and well-spring. The plants stand up straight and no longer appear withered. The spring runs clear and bright. You see large clumps of black weeds and detritus rise from the depths of the pools and flow into the drain system constructed beside the outlet. This flows into the drain and the water level begins to rise in the drain. All of the foul material finds its way into the well house, filling the cistern there. The clear water of the stream begins to course down its natural path, wending down the hillside to the the river below.
Caellia begins to glide away from you towards her grove. You see that the fountain there has been restored and gurgles with the newly cleansed water of the well-spring. "This is my home, Oath Restorer. You will always be able to find me here. I leave you with a gift," she says as a mote of light drifts across the waters to Chadwick and seems to enter his chest. For a brief moment, his eyes flash with a pastel blue light. Then all is normal again.
Starker:”Well done, Friend Chadwick!
”I expect that we will need to stress to the current owner of the brewery that he must not, under pain of pain, try to restore the unbalanced flow into his greedy pipes.”
<Bows respectfully towards the grove. Fills a water bag with the clear water. Soaks two dry (not from the alcohol-macerated set) mango slices marked with a zero into the clear water in the bag and eats one, handing the other to Cyrus.>
To Chadwick: ”May I have the iron flask, please? Inside it is a creature of unknown puissance who will be disposed to help is should we free it in an opportune moment.”
Cyrus enjoys his mango slice along with his master.
You all turn to look seeing Thistledown continuing to write. They stop, look about and then bow slightly. With a "POP", they disappear in the burst of a bubble. The birds are singing in the morning beams of sunlight streaming through the trees. It is a idyllic moment.