((Glad Korba could help wingman Flynn with the capt :P))
”Quite true. Though the Underdark does have its own beauty of course,” Korba replies as he chills a glass of whatever they can find, “But I must admit that I am enjoying being away for the time being.”
As Korba chills the glasses, Kenku-Rhaenys prepares the cheese and separates the grapes from its vines, using a spectral hand instead of the feathered ones. They're putting a grape over each slice of cheese.
"Is it true there is an underground ocean there? Must be amazing! Sure, the Underdark must be beautiful. And so is the Feywild! You should see it! Can be really dangerous, but it's fun too. I once shapeshifted into an Eladrin an went to one of their super posh noble parties. That's when I tried these for the first time", they say, eating a piece of cheese and a grape and offering the same to Korba. "At first I thought this wouldn't work out, but then, oh!, the mix of sweet and sharp is surprisingly good."
They reach for a glass of wine and stop frozen.
"Now, how on the sweet hells am I going to drink this with a beak?! Aw, damn, we should have brought a straw...."
At that moment, Stafford decides to be a nice staff and gives Rhaenys her changeling form back.
"You are welcome."
The changeling's eyebrows shoot up in surprise and a bright smile appears in her face.
- This is better! - she says aloud - Well, what was I saying? Ah! Noble Eladrin parties are fun. But let me tell you this: you've never been to a real party until you've been to a satyr party. Be careful, though, you tend a hand to these people and they end up taking the whole arm. And more. Their parties can last for several days straight. Gosh! Mum and dad were so angry when I returned home three days later.
She stops and raises her glass towards Korba:
- In any case. Cheers to both Underdark and Feywild, and the hope that we'll see many more interesting and beautiful places in the future!
"There is quite a sea down there, and it too is quite beautiful. Though I cannot imagine it is as vast as the ones between continents."Korba says, sipping his wine. "Drow parties are quite special as well, though, perhaps not for everyone's tastes... And yes. Cheers. It is good to have a group of like minded individuals to be on this voyage with."
Rhaenys rests her chin on the hand that is not holding the cup - or the occasional piece of cheese and grape - while looking to the half-drow as he speaks:
- Not for everyone's tastes, huh? Mmm. I've heard ... well, almost everyone has heard ( because, you know? We are kiiiiiind of told stories when we are little that if we "don't get to bed early drows will come and eat us" ) ... that drow society is not very kind. Not among themselves, not with other races - she looks away for an instant, with a mix of boldness and shyness when asking all this. She feels partially sure that Korba won't get offense, but at the same time, is a little worried that he does? In any case curiosity has, as always, taken the best of her - Specially the females. Towards males. And well, towards everyone else? So I guess what I mean is: were they very unkind to you down there? - And quickly adds -You don't look unkind to me! In fact, you were kind to me a while ago when I wasn't feeling fine. I thank you for that.
Afer saying all this, she does lean a little bit towards Korba and covers her face a little with a hand. Which is unnecessary, because, who else would be listening if they are alone? In fact, she remembers half way that she can do this telepathically.
" ... Though, you were a bit unkind towards Elora's servants. And let me say this: we don't do this on the surface! I mean, unless you want to be mean."
She is about to add something else, but something catches her eye on the night sky:
"Hey look!"- and she points with a finger - "A shooting star! Quickly, Korba, make a wish! Shooting stars are said to grant wishes!"
Rhaenys stares at the shooting star and does make her wish. And she gasps. Because it is not the same wish she wanted to happen when she first entered the Temple of Ilmater. Stafford gasps too. The sorceress looks at the staff surprised, not knowing what to think of all this.
"The matriarchs are unkind towards most males. And nearly all full bloods are... unkind... towards those who are not. I was only lucky enough that my parentage placed me in a position where I could not easily be removed from. Though there were those who tried. And once my family's, uh, protection, ceased,"unconsciously gripping the hilt of his sword, Korba adds, "I was forced to leave with what inheritance I could; though that, too, was not without it's own costs. As for the servants, I will try to remember that not all servants are slaves here on the surface. Though why they would take such a low position I cannot imagine." He then shrugs it off.
Looking to the stars through his dark lenses he says, "wishes by falling stars? Interesting. I only wish for vengeance and freedom..."again, gripping his sword. He then looks to his companion, finishes his glass of wine, and says, "Thank you for your understanding. I shall try to understand the surface more. If I make more mistakes please do let me know. Now let us retire for our trip in the morn."
Rhaenys is a little lost for words for a couple of seconds there. That double gasp has definitely startled both sorceress and staff, and she realizes she's going to need to think about that. Deeply. And, oh boy, isn't this a first for her!
She blinks and does a second realization, which is that Korba is replying, so she focuses on him once again. To what he says, she nods sympathetically. The half-drow doesn't specify that much, but at the same time he's saying a lot. In the end, the changeling just smiles lightly and says:
"Well, you see, for many people their main objective in life is simply to be fine, and as happy as possible, around their loved ones. And as such, they build their jobs, and their lives in general, revolving that objective. They do what is necessary to achieve that. And, sometimes, they even like what they do for a living! You never know!"
Regarding his wish, she frowns a little, but doesn't comment anything. She does say, though:
- Of course! And If I ever do anything wrong, please tell me so, too! Though I've never done anything wrong in my life so far - she bursts into laugher there, as she is clearly joking - Aaaanyway, let's go, yes - she says as she grabs the Cloak of Many Fashions, which has turned out to be quite nice to be sitting upon, and the remaining wine and food - Don't know about you, but I'm not leaving any of this behind.
She'll spend the rest of the way sipping the remaining wine and nibbling cheese and grapes. In the middle of the street? Well, yeah, why the hell not?
While Rhaenys, Korba, Flinn, and the new captain are busy at one inn Jodie stops by to see Captain Fox to do a little parlaying of her own.
She addresses Captain Fox, "Say, I came across a rather interesting die. Something a gambler might have a go at using, if they're the daring type... I don't suppose you know anyone who be interested trading?"
Jodie offers to perform (14) aboard Captain Flinn's ship and encourages (21) the crew to "Look out for dark cultists" She gives the captain and first mate 2 gp and 1 gp respectively with promise of more with any information.
Hewelathan pays Captain Blythe and then goes into Tormere with Tytus to upgrade his armor to hide armor. On the way back to Lady Elora's mansion, he asks to take a detour to find a local monastery. If they find such a place, he buys some food from a street vendor so that he (and Tytus, if he wants) can hang out there for a little while and watch the monks training / sparring.
OOC: Assuming that I can "flavor" Hewelathan's hide armor...
Hewelathan is proud to find locally-crafted, non-metal "hide" armor. It's a circle or curved rectangle that was cut from a giant crab's shell and strapped over the chest on top of a regular leather or padded coat. Hewelathan also finds the shell's bright red-orange color to be fascinating. (Others might call the color garish!)
The armor still confers an AC of 12 + DEX (max 2) just like regular hide armor. It's harder than plain leather armor but not as strong as a steel breastplate. Because the piece cut from the crab's shell is not forged or shaped in any way, it's a little unwieldy and limits the AC bonus from DEX to +2.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jodie:
Captain Fox takes the die and studies it, rolling it between his fingers.
"It doesn't feel like it's loaded, I suppose it's a magic die..." he says with a half-smile. "I have two of them myself... only for use in emergencies when losing is not an option, of course! I'm sure someone in my crew would be more than happy to relieve you of it, and you will get a very fair price."
(I assume you meant Captain Fox's ship, not Captain Flinn's ship...)
Jodie's performance is a modest success, netting her 14 silver pieces from the crew.
As she prepares to go, she speaks to the Captain and first mate. They are more than happy to take the gold pieces.
"Dark cultists... it sounds like you've had the misfortune of running into the Order of the Dragon," the Captain sighs. "I don't know much... but for some reason I cannot wrap my head around they're trying to free some ancient dragon that nearly conquered the world around two thousand years ago... if they've got their sights set on you then be wary indeed. Their spies could be anywhere... and not all of them are willing collaborators. Their leader has been known to put a dread curse on innocent people to force them to serve him."
(if Jodie wants to sell her die, she can get around 50 gp for it, possibly more if she wants to haggle a bit)
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Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Jodie listens intently to the captain's details on the Order of the Dragon, "Interesting"she replies, "I must relay this to the others. Do you know of anyone in town who may be cursed and not to be trusted?"
Jodie takes the captains advice, looking for a buyer for the die. "Perhaps someone is willing to trade something other than gold." She seeks out a buyer, willing to barter other common magic items (potions or scrolls?). Persuasion7
Tytus gladly spends time on picking armor together with Hewelathan. When asked about spending more time after shopping he hesitates before answering. He agrees without any seen emotions and it seems a little forced but sincere.
- Yes i could use something to eat and will gladly eat share a meal with you. I did not want to criticize before as that armor piece looks reliable, but are you not afraid it might make you stand out a little to much? I got to say it looks dashing, i think they had to treat it with something to get such a livid orange. Never seen a crab sporting such a vibrant color, did not seen many crabs when think about it. Anyway you look mighty in that man.
/After little chit chat which seemed a little bit like a smoke screen of words Tytus opens up a little bit/
- Thank you for that invite, I was going to study my book a little more but now that i spend that time with someone else i think maybe i obsess about that thing to much. Sometimes i think it tries to speak to me. You ever had that feeling? Like you are certain there is something more, but you can not even grasp what would that be. Strange feeling. Anyway how do you feel about our voyage to the island?
/Tytus is still going to obsess about that book that night :P/
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Currently playing: DM - Dragon of Icespire Peak | Tytus Wolan - Warlock (Chronicles of the Accursed) | Biezdar Kamrazzan - Warrior (Icespire Peak)
Jodie listens intently to the captain's details on the Order of the Dragon, "Interesting"she replies, "I must relay this to the others. Do you know of anyone in town who may be cursed and not to be trusted?"
Jodie takes the captains advice, looking for a buyer for the die. "Perhaps someone is willing to trade something other than gold." She seeks out a buyer, willing to barter other common magic items (potions or scrolls?). Persuasion7
"Most of those who have been uncovered were prominent merchants, especially those dealing with magic items," Fox replies. "I couldn't name anyone in specific right now who's suspected of being under the Order's thrall. Just keep an eye out for those who aren't acting quite right..."
You could trade the die for a cantrip/1st-level spell scroll or a common potion of healing. Otherwise, 50 gp, take it or leave it.
- Yes i could use something to eat and will gladly eat share a meal with you. I did not want to criticize before as that armor piece looks reliable, but are you not afraid it might make you stand out a little to much? I got to say it looks dashing, i think they had to treat it with something to get such a livid orange. Never seen a crab sporting such a vibrant color, did not seen many crabs when think about it. Anyway you look mighty in that man.
Hewelathan shrugs, "Perhaps it catches the eye, but so what if it does? We go soon to the Shaded Isle. I don't think that we'll have much chance of blending into a crowd there! The color? Oh? Well, I spent some years at sea, and you see many strange things from distant lands and shells in a vast range of colors. Some crabs are dull and dark; others have brilliant multi-colored shells."
(OOC: for Hewelathan's armor, imagine that the shell is colored like a deep-sea red crab.)
/After little chit chat which seemed a little bit like a smoke screen of words Tytus opens up a little bit/
- Thank you for that invite, I was going to study my book a little more but now that i spend that time with someone else i think maybe i obsess about that thing to much. Sometimes i think it tries to speak to me. You ever had that feeling? Like you are certain there is something more, but you can not even grasp what would that be. Strange feeling.
Hewelathan considers this question while he watches the monks. He wrinkles his brow and says, "Yes...? I mean, I sometimes feel that way about the land and sea or the forest and its animals. Certainly, an experienced sailor often feels like the sea is speaking to them, but it takes years to learn its language. And in the wilderness, when forces become unbalanced, Nature will tell you, if you know how to read the signs. Perhaps a monster has moved into the forest and is driving out other creatures or slaughtering them. Or a strange corruption is slowly killing the trees, and you have to read the signs in the wood and water and dirt to follow it to its source. I'm still learning these languages, and it can be frustrating, knowing that there is a message there if you could but read it."
Hewelathan glances at Tytus almost apologetically, "But a book? No, I have not had that feeling about a book. Of course, I've never had patience for sages who are not able to explain their topic clearly!"
Anyway how do you feel about our voyage to the island?
Hewelathan seems enthusiastic, "It'll be good to be on a ship again! And Blythe seems like an interesting and experienced captain. It should make for an interesting journey! Sailing also means that we won't be long in any one place, which will let me stop worrying about the curse I carry for a few days. I just wish that we had a happier destination!"
Tytus is glad he can now focus the talk on the Hewelathan as he feels he used up his tolerance to fear of opening to others :P
"So you have been traveling by the sea before? Were you a traveling merchant or maybe a pirate?" - little joke on the Tytus side, but immediately after he said that think it might have been true and now Hewelathan lures them to the open sea so he can ambush their team with his crew of pirates and slaughter them and take the magic items to sell them to that weird wizzard. Tytus will watch closely how Hewelathan acts while giving answer to that question. And after that too.
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Currently playing: DM - Dragon of Icespire Peak | Tytus Wolan - Warlock (Chronicles of the Accursed) | Biezdar Kamrazzan - Warrior (Icespire Peak)
"So you have been traveling by the sea before? Were you a traveling merchant or maybe a pirate?" - little joke on the Tytus side, but immediately after he said that think it might have been true and now Hewelathan lures them to the open sea so he can ambush their team with his crew of pirates and slaughter them and take the magic items to sell them to that weird wizzard. Tytus will watch closely how Hewelathan acts while giving answer to that question. And after that too.
Hewelathan, absorbed for a moment in watching the monks practice a particular technique for dodging the slash of a sword, doesn't absorb Tytus's question at first. As he starts to respond, he realizes what Tytus asked, "Yes, I have. No, I...uh...I was a -- Wait! A what?" He finally pulls his attention away from the monks to focus on Tytus. What did he just ask? Hewelathan stares at Tytus for a moment, blinking, as he recalls the man's question. But then he suddenly bursts into loud laughter, "Ha ha ha ha! A pirate? Ha ha ha! Oh! That's a good one!" He claps Tytus on the shoulder -- probably harder than he meant - in appreciation of the joke. It's even funnier to him because Tytus's expression was half-serious. He teases Tytus: "Worried that I'll make you 'walk the plank' as soon as we're out at sea, eh?"
Finally, Hewelathan recovers enough to say, "No. I was originally just a passenger, but I'm also a curious fellow. I started asking questions, and I was lucky enough to find a friendly sailor who was happy to answer by putting me to work. Well...I'm a quick study, and I soon proved useful enough that the first mate offered me free passage the next time I wanted to travel as long as worked the crew for a few ports along the way to my destination. And then, later, I crewed the journey of some treasure hunters because I was curious to see the strange birds and other animals in distant lands and isolated islands. But, yes, I suppose they I sailed mostly with the sort of sea-faring merchant ships that also took passengers."
Hewelathan turns his attention back to the monastery to see that the monks are finally leaving the yard and going back inside for meals or meditation or something. He gets up and suggests that they get back to Lady Elora's so that they're ready to leave early tomorrow. But as they walk, Hewelathan chuckles from time to time, humming or sometimes muttering quietly to himself, "Ha! A pirate!!" Or, "Ho ho ho. it's a pirate's life for me!"
After returning to Elora's manor, Rhaenys defintely takes the hot bath she had so wished for. Perhaps not for as long as she had initially imagined, but it makes wonders on the changeling nonetheless. She has a good night's rest, and when she wakes up next morning, she has a little conversation with her staff.
"So, about last night."
"Umm, yeah? Good wine, beautiful stars, very nice company... right!?"
"Yeah yeah, whatever. You know I don't mean that." -The sorceress sighs. She didn't want to talk about that so soon, but Stafford continues despite being pretty aware of her feelings. "You wished to be able to recover your shapeshifting abilities, and nothing else. No 'I wanna get rid of this presence that haunts my every thought', as you kept on saying not that long ago. Where does that leave us?"
"Well, Mr Nosey, I had hoped to meditate about that. By myself. Without you prying. Though I don't know how to achieve that since I definitely don't know how to compartmentalize my mind that much! Hey, see? I did say 'compartmentalize'. Don't I sound like a wizard now? Using smart words and that!"
"Be serious, Rhaenys Ilesere." Wha...? Stafford using the sorceress' full name? This was really going to be a serious talk. "Would you be okay with us being like this? But fixing the shapeshifting part? Because that changes the picture a lot."
"Weeell... Yes...? I might have grown to like you, you cranky old staff."
"Yet handsome."
"Fine. Cranky old HANDSOME staff."
"We could try to work on that. I'll be honest, this will be hard for me as well. Not sure if as hard as your trying to 'compartmentalize' your mind to have further privacy. But we could try. Together. Deal?"
"Deal."
"Okay. So what do you want to look like today? And we'll see how long I can refrain from changing it to something else, besides your natural form."
"Uhhhmm. How about an eladrin. A tall and handsome male eladrin. Red headed and brown eyed, as that reminds me of Autumn. Autumns in the Feywild are so beautiful!"
"There."
"Longer hair! And a little taller?"
"Don't push it, Rhaenys."
"Fiiiine."
So, in the morning, a tall red-headed and brown-eyed male Autumn Eladrin-Rhaenys joins the rest for breakfast, dressed in the black travelling clothes given to him the a couple of days before to replace the fine tunic that has already been cleaned by the manor's servants. On top of it, the Cloak of Many Fashions now has a color that reminds of the deep blue sea, perhaps to match the journey they'll soon be making.
Something like "The Wheel of Time" Moiraine's blue. But as a cloak, instead of a coat/scarf.
When everyone turns to look at him surprised he says:
- Yeees, yes, don't worry, it's just me. Good old Rhaenys looking like this today. Please continue as you were.
Then, on their way to Blythe's boat, he makes a couple of quick purchases. A forgery kit - which the eladrin looks with a dreamy face, thinking of all interesting stuff he'll be able to do with that cute box full of inks, seals, sealing wax, gold and silver leaf ... - and a beautiful green shoulder bag in which to keep that kit and a couple of random things more, separately from the backpack. He'll keep that bag hidden under the cloak.
Rhaenys' shoulder bag of random things.
Autumn Eladrin-Rhaenys then approaches Hewelathan, saying:
- Nice armor, by the way! Love the coloring. Is that .... - and he leans in to inspect the armour a little closer - ...made of some kind of crustacean? Amazing! Didn't know these armors actually existed!
With that, the sorcerer is ready to get on board the ship. That is his first time on a ship, and it sounds pretty exciting! As such, he goes singing to himself:
Flinn had a nice evening with the Captain (while ignoring TruthSeeker yelling at him that now isn't the time for romance). In fact, it was so nice that Flinn is already on the ship when the time comes to set sail...
Having finished everything that needed to be done (shopping, chatting, etc.) you all meet up at the ship.
"Welcome to the Tiderunner!"Captain Blythe says with a joyous smile as you arrive. "I certainly hope that you will enjoy your time with us! Come on, let's take a look around!"
The ship, as you might have guessed by looking at it, is extremely large and spacious. It almost looks like a luxury barge just as much as an adventuring vessel. The 'guest quarters' are spacious luxury apartments. There are two rooms available, which you can divide as you see fit.
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Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
After arriving back to the house with Tytus, Hewelathan goes to his room and locks the door. He wants to try something while he has complete privacy. He tells himself that he doesn't want to wait until there's a dire need to try it, but he knows that after many years of training, he want to try it in private because he'd be embarrassed if he tried it in front of his friends and failed.
Hewelathan thinks about Rhaenys's ever-changing form and tries to remember the feeling from his weird dream after they captured the gibbering mouther. He picks something close to his own size. Concentrating, he suddenly feels an odd sensation spread from his core out to the tips of his toes and the top of his head. Despite the change in shape and size, he's surprised that it doesn't feel like stretching or squeezing. It feels more fluid, almost like his body had become water or even smoke and then simply resolidified in a different shape. He looks down at his paws, large and grayish brown. He pads over to a mirror in the room to check his reflection and sees a wolf's face peering back!
Hewelathan doesn't leave his room for the rest of the night, but he tries a few other forms that night and early in the morning before the household is awake. He finally grabs some breakfast, eating as much as most men would eat in a day, and then heads to the ship.
Autumn Eladrin-Rhaenys then approaches Hewelathan, saying:
- Nice armor, by the way! Love the coloring. Is that .... - and he leans in to inspect the armour a little closer - ...made of some kind of crustacean? Amazing! Didn't know these armors actually existed!
Hewelathan beams. "Yes, the man said that it was cut from the shell of a giant crab. The shells of the adults are apparently thick and quite resilient," he says as he knocks on it with the shaft of a javelin before adjusting the straps a bit. He compliments Rhaenys's bag: "It suits you, and it seems quite practical."
When Hewelathan boards the boat next to Rhaenys, he looks especially clownish. Other than his cloak, the half-elf wears shabby clothes, the outlandish belt, and now a bright red-orange breastplate. It makes a poor contrast with the handsome eladrin's fine, new clothing and the staff that seems to radiate arcane power.
Eladrin-Rhaenys stares at the enormous ship in awe. It is HUGE! He quickly gets onboard looking at the sails, the masts, .... everything! ... with his beautiful brown autumn eyes open wide. And when he realizes Flinnis already there, he goes next to the paladin, nudges him and mutters "lucky boy!". Then tells Blythe:
- Captain, your ship is amazing! Uh.... I'm Rhaenys, by the way. Just a humble changeling and definitely not an stowaway! I did pay yesterday. Please don't kick me out? - the eladrin says with a friendly face - So, what do we do now? Do we have to do anything around here to help during the travel? Be mindful of any potential dangers, for example? Is there's any sea wildlife or monsters we should worry about?
Regarding the two guest rooms, Rhaenys expresses that he doesn't really care which one to use. In fact, even if he is assigned one on the very first day, the fickle changeling will 100% one day sleep in one room, and the next in the other just because he feels like it, unless he (or she, or they, depending on what form the changeling is wearing at the moment) is convinced that they always should use the same spot for any reason.
As the Mighty Nein would say: Let chaos reign!
The changeling will be keen on lending a hand (real or spectral) in whatever chore they can during the journey, but will many times be spotted seating on the main deck apparently doing nothing. After some inner negotiation with Stafford, she'll be wearing her natural form at those times. And though it will look like she's just seated feeling the sun and the wind in her skin - and well, that will truly be happening - she will be in fact testing her own mind, imagining it is composed of several different rooms in which she can be present or not. Depending on which room her Aberrant Mind is, she might be all alone. Or she might be speaking to Stafford. Or she might be speaking to any of the companions, as she can invite them in using her Telepathic Speech. This will simply not work very well in the first attempts, but she'll get better and better at it with time.
((Glad Korba could help wingman Flynn with the capt :P))
”Quite true. Though the Underdark does have its own beauty of course,” Korba replies as he chills a glass of whatever they can find, “But I must admit that I am enjoying being away for the time being.”
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
As Korba chills the glasses, Kenku-Rhaenys prepares the cheese and separates the grapes from its vines, using a spectral hand instead of the feathered ones. They're putting a grape over each slice of cheese.
"Is it true there is an underground ocean there? Must be amazing! Sure, the Underdark must be beautiful. And so is the Feywild! You should see it! Can be really dangerous, but it's fun too. I once shapeshifted into an Eladrin an went to one of their super posh noble parties. That's when I tried these for the first time", they say, eating a piece of cheese and a grape and offering the same to Korba. "At first I thought this wouldn't work out, but then, oh!, the mix of sweet and sharp is surprisingly good."
They reach for a glass of wine and stop frozen.
"Now, how on the sweet hells am I going to drink this with a beak?! Aw, damn, we should have brought a straw...."
At that moment, Stafford decides to be a nice staff and gives Rhaenys her changeling form back.
"You are welcome."
The changeling's eyebrows shoot up in surprise and a bright smile appears in her face.
- This is better! - she says aloud - Well, what was I saying? Ah! Noble Eladrin parties are fun. But let me tell you this: you've never been to a real party until you've been to a satyr party. Be careful, though, you tend a hand to these people and they end up taking the whole arm. And more. Their parties can last for several days straight. Gosh! Mum and dad were so angry when I returned home three days later.
She stops and raises her glass towards Korba:
- In any case. Cheers to both Underdark and Feywild, and the hope that we'll see many more interesting and beautiful places in the future!
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
"There is quite a sea down there, and it too is quite beautiful. Though I cannot imagine it is as vast as the ones between continents." Korba says, sipping his wine. "Drow parties are quite special as well, though, perhaps not for everyone's tastes... And yes. Cheers. It is good to have a group of like minded individuals to be on this voyage with."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Rhaenys rests her chin on the hand that is not holding the cup - or the occasional piece of cheese and grape - while looking to the half-drow as he speaks:
- Not for everyone's tastes, huh? Mmm. I've heard ... well, almost everyone has heard ( because, you know? We are kiiiiiind of told stories when we are little that if we "don't get to bed early drows will come and eat us" ) ... that drow society is not very kind. Not among themselves, not with other races - she looks away for an instant, with a mix of boldness and shyness when asking all this. She feels partially sure that Korba won't get offense, but at the same time, is a little worried that he does? In any case curiosity has, as always, taken the best of her - Specially the females. Towards males. And well, towards everyone else? So I guess what I mean is: were they very unkind to you down there? - And quickly adds - You don't look unkind to me! In fact, you were kind to me a while ago when I wasn't feeling fine. I thank you for that.
Afer saying all this, she does lean a little bit towards Korba and covers her face a little with a hand. Which is unnecessary, because, who else would be listening if they are alone? In fact, she remembers half way that she can do this telepathically.
" ... Though, you were a bit unkind towards Elora's servants. And let me say this: we don't do this on the surface! I mean, unless you want to be mean."
She is about to add something else, but something catches her eye on the night sky:
"Hey look!" - and she points with a finger - "A shooting star! Quickly, Korba, make a wish! Shooting stars are said to grant wishes!"
Rhaenys stares at the shooting star and does make her wish. And she gasps. Because it is not the same wish she wanted to happen when she first entered the Temple of Ilmater. Stafford gasps too. The sorceress looks at the staff surprised, not knowing what to think of all this.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
"The matriarchs are unkind towards most males. And nearly all full bloods are... unkind... towards those who are not. I was only lucky enough that my parentage placed me in a position where I could not easily be removed from. Though there were those who tried. And once my family's, uh, protection, ceased," unconsciously gripping the hilt of his sword, Korba adds, "I was forced to leave with what inheritance I could; though that, too, was not without it's own costs. As for the servants, I will try to remember that not all servants are slaves here on the surface. Though why they would take such a low position I cannot imagine." He then shrugs it off.
Looking to the stars through his dark lenses he says, "wishes by falling stars? Interesting. I only wish for vengeance and freedom..." again, gripping his sword. He then looks to his companion, finishes his glass of wine, and says, "Thank you for your understanding. I shall try to understand the surface more. If I make more mistakes please do let me know. Now let us retire for our trip in the morn."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Rhaenys is a little lost for words for a couple of seconds there. That double gasp has definitely startled both sorceress and staff, and she realizes she's going to need to think about that. Deeply. And, oh boy, isn't this a first for her!
She blinks and does a second realization, which is that Korba is replying, so she focuses on him once again. To what he says, she nods sympathetically. The half-drow doesn't specify that much, but at the same time he's saying a lot. In the end, the changeling just smiles lightly and says:
"Well, you see, for many people their main objective in life is simply to be fine, and as happy as possible, around their loved ones. And as such, they build their jobs, and their lives in general, revolving that objective. They do what is necessary to achieve that. And, sometimes, they even like what they do for a living! You never know!"
Regarding his wish, she frowns a little, but doesn't comment anything. She does say, though:
- Of course! And If I ever do anything wrong, please tell me so, too! Though I've never done anything wrong in my life so far - she bursts into laugher there, as she is clearly joking - Aaaanyway, let's go, yes - she says as she grabs the Cloak of Many Fashions, which has turned out to be quite nice to be sitting upon, and the remaining wine and food - Don't know about you, but I'm not leaving any of this behind.
She'll spend the rest of the way sipping the remaining wine and nibbling cheese and grapes. In the middle of the street? Well, yeah, why the hell not?
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
While Rhaenys, Korba, Flinn, and the new captain are busy at one inn Jodie stops by to see Captain Fox to do a little parlaying of her own.
She addresses Captain Fox, "Say, I came across a rather interesting die. Something a gambler might have a go at using, if they're the daring type... I don't suppose you know anyone who be interested trading?"
Jodie offers to perform (14) aboard Captain Flinn's ship and encourages (21) the crew to "Look out for dark cultists" She gives the captain and first mate 2 gp and 1 gp respectively with promise of more with any information.
Fargen Hill Dwarf Cleric/Barbarian - Hoard of the Dragon Queen, Jodie Olwen Half-Elf Bard- Chronicles of the Accursed
(OOC: Since Stafford regains charges each dawn I've rolled and got a high result. This means he's fresh as a daisy and at 50/50 charges.)
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Hewelathan pays Captain Blythe and then goes into Tormere with Tytus to upgrade his armor to hide armor. On the way back to Lady Elora's mansion, he asks to take a detour to find a local monastery. If they find such a place, he buys some food from a street vendor so that he (and Tytus, if he wants) can hang out there for a little while and watch the monks training / sparring.
OOC: Assuming that I can "flavor" Hewelathan's hide armor...
Hewelathan is proud to find locally-crafted, non-metal "hide" armor. It's a circle or curved rectangle that was cut from a giant crab's shell and strapped over the chest on top of a regular leather or padded coat. Hewelathan also finds the shell's bright red-orange color to be fascinating. (Others might call the color garish!)
The armor still confers an AC of 12 + DEX (max 2) just like regular hide armor. It's harder than plain leather armor but not as strong as a steel breastplate. Because the piece cut from the crab's shell is not forged or shaped in any way, it's a little unwieldy and limits the AC bonus from DEX to +2.
Jodie:
Captain Fox takes the die and studies it, rolling it between his fingers.
"It doesn't feel like it's loaded, I suppose it's a magic die..." he says with a half-smile. "I have two of them myself... only for use in emergencies when losing is not an option, of course! I'm sure someone in my crew would be more than happy to relieve you of it, and you will get a very fair price."
(I assume you meant Captain Fox's ship, not Captain Flinn's ship...)
Jodie's performance is a modest success, netting her 14 silver pieces from the crew.
As she prepares to go, she speaks to the Captain and first mate. They are more than happy to take the gold pieces.
"Dark cultists... it sounds like you've had the misfortune of running into the Order of the Dragon," the Captain sighs. "I don't know much... but for some reason I cannot wrap my head around they're trying to free some ancient dragon that nearly conquered the world around two thousand years ago... if they've got their sights set on you then be wary indeed. Their spies could be anywhere... and not all of them are willing collaborators. Their leader has been known to put a dread curse on innocent people to force them to serve him."
(if Jodie wants to sell her die, she can get around 50 gp for it, possibly more if she wants to haggle a bit)
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Jodie listens intently to the captain's details on the Order of the Dragon, "Interesting" she replies, "I must relay this to the others. Do you know of anyone in town who may be cursed and not to be trusted?"
Jodie takes the captains advice, looking for a buyer for the die. "Perhaps someone is willing to trade something other than gold." She seeks out a buyer, willing to barter other common magic items (potions or scrolls?). Persuasion 7
Fargen Hill Dwarf Cleric/Barbarian - Hoard of the Dragon Queen, Jodie Olwen Half-Elf Bard- Chronicles of the Accursed
Tytus gladly spends time on picking armor together with Hewelathan. When asked about spending more time after shopping he hesitates before answering. He agrees without any seen emotions and it seems a little forced but sincere.
- Yes i could use something to eat and will gladly eat share a meal with you. I did not want to criticize before as that armor piece looks reliable, but are you not afraid it might make you stand out a little to much? I got to say it looks dashing, i think they had to treat it with something to get such a livid orange. Never seen a crab sporting such a vibrant color, did not seen many crabs when think about it. Anyway you look mighty in that man.
/After little chit chat which seemed a little bit like a smoke screen of words Tytus opens up a little bit/
- Thank you for that invite, I was going to study my book a little more but now that i spend that time with someone else i think maybe i obsess about that thing to much. Sometimes i think it tries to speak to me. You ever had that feeling? Like you are certain there is something more, but you can not even grasp what would that be. Strange feeling. Anyway how do you feel about our voyage to the island?
/Tytus is still going to obsess about that book that night :P/
Currently playing: DM - Dragon of Icespire Peak | Tytus Wolan - Warlock (Chronicles of the Accursed) | Biezdar Kamrazzan - Warrior (Icespire Peak)
"Most of those who have been uncovered were prominent merchants, especially those dealing with magic items," Fox replies. "I couldn't name anyone in specific right now who's suspected of being under the Order's thrall. Just keep an eye out for those who aren't acting quite right..."
You could trade the die for a cantrip/1st-level spell scroll or a common potion of healing. Otherwise, 50 gp, take it or leave it.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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Hewelathan shrugs, "Perhaps it catches the eye, but so what if it does? We go soon to the Shaded Isle. I don't think that we'll have much chance of blending into a crowd there! The color? Oh? Well, I spent some years at sea, and you see many strange things from distant lands and shells in a vast range of colors. Some crabs are dull and dark; others have brilliant multi-colored shells."
(OOC: for Hewelathan's armor, imagine that the shell is colored like a deep-sea red crab.)
Hewelathan considers this question while he watches the monks. He wrinkles his brow and says, "Yes...? I mean, I sometimes feel that way about the land and sea or the forest and its animals. Certainly, an experienced sailor often feels like the sea is speaking to them, but it takes years to learn its language. And in the wilderness, when forces become unbalanced, Nature will tell you, if you know how to read the signs. Perhaps a monster has moved into the forest and is driving out other creatures or slaughtering them. Or a strange corruption is slowly killing the trees, and you have to read the signs in the wood and water and dirt to follow it to its source. I'm still learning these languages, and it can be frustrating, knowing that there is a message there if you could but read it."
Hewelathan glances at Tytus almost apologetically, "But a book? No, I have not had that feeling about a book. Of course, I've never had patience for sages who are not able to explain their topic clearly!"
Hewelathan seems enthusiastic, "It'll be good to be on a ship again! And Blythe seems like an interesting and experienced captain. It should make for an interesting journey! Sailing also means that we won't be long in any one place, which will let me stop worrying about the curse I carry for a few days. I just wish that we had a happier destination!"
Tytus is glad he can now focus the talk on the Hewelathan as he feels he used up his tolerance to fear of opening to others :P
"So you have been traveling by the sea before? Were you a traveling merchant or maybe a pirate?" - little joke on the Tytus side, but immediately after he said that think it might have been true and now Hewelathan lures them to the open sea so he can ambush their team with his crew of pirates and slaughter them and take the magic items to sell them to that weird wizzard. Tytus will watch closely how Hewelathan acts while giving answer to that question. And after that too.
Currently playing: DM - Dragon of Icespire Peak | Tytus Wolan - Warlock (Chronicles of the Accursed) | Biezdar Kamrazzan - Warrior (Icespire Peak)
Hewelathan, absorbed for a moment in watching the monks practice a particular technique for dodging the slash of a sword, doesn't absorb Tytus's question at first. As he starts to respond, he realizes what Tytus asked, "Yes, I have. No, I...uh...I was a -- Wait! A what?" He finally pulls his attention away from the monks to focus on Tytus. What did he just ask? Hewelathan stares at Tytus for a moment, blinking, as he recalls the man's question. But then he suddenly bursts into loud laughter, "Ha ha ha ha! A pirate? Ha ha ha! Oh! That's a good one!" He claps Tytus on the shoulder -- probably harder than he meant - in appreciation of the joke. It's even funnier to him because Tytus's expression was half-serious. He teases Tytus: "Worried that I'll make you 'walk the plank' as soon as we're out at sea, eh?"
Finally, Hewelathan recovers enough to say, "No. I was originally just a passenger, but I'm also a curious fellow. I started asking questions, and I was lucky enough to find a friendly sailor who was happy to answer by putting me to work. Well...I'm a quick study, and I soon proved useful enough that the first mate offered me free passage the next time I wanted to travel as long as worked the crew for a few ports along the way to my destination. And then, later, I crewed the journey of some treasure hunters because I was curious to see the strange birds and other animals in distant lands and isolated islands. But, yes, I suppose they I sailed mostly with the sort of sea-faring merchant ships that also took passengers."
Hewelathan turns his attention back to the monastery to see that the monks are finally leaving the yard and going back inside for meals or meditation or something. He gets up and suggests that they get back to Lady Elora's so that they're ready to leave early tomorrow. But as they walk, Hewelathan chuckles from time to time, humming or sometimes muttering quietly to himself, "Ha! A pirate!!" Or, "Ho ho ho. it's a pirate's life for me!"
After returning to Elora's manor, Rhaenys defintely takes the hot bath she had so wished for. Perhaps not for as long as she had initially imagined, but it makes wonders on the changeling nonetheless. She has a good night's rest, and when she wakes up next morning, she has a little conversation with her staff.
"So, about last night."
"Umm, yeah? Good wine, beautiful stars, very nice company... right!?"
"Yeah yeah, whatever. You know I don't mean that." - The sorceress sighs. She didn't want to talk about that so soon, but Stafford continues despite being pretty aware of her feelings. "You wished to be able to recover your shapeshifting abilities, and nothing else. No 'I wanna get rid of this presence that haunts my every thought', as you kept on saying not that long ago. Where does that leave us?"
"Well, Mr Nosey, I had hoped to meditate about that. By myself. Without you prying. Though I don't know how to achieve that since I definitely don't know how to compartmentalize my mind that much! Hey, see? I did say 'compartmentalize'. Don't I sound like a wizard now? Using smart words and that!"
"Be serious, Rhaenys Ilesere." Wha...? Stafford using the sorceress' full name? This was really going to be a serious talk. "Would you be okay with us being like this? But fixing the shapeshifting part? Because that changes the picture a lot."
"Weeell... Yes...? I might have grown to like you, you cranky old staff."
"Yet handsome."
"Fine. Cranky old HANDSOME staff."
"We could try to work on that. I'll be honest, this will be hard for me as well. Not sure if as hard as your trying to 'compartmentalize' your mind to have further privacy. But we could try. Together. Deal?"
"Deal."
"Okay. So what do you want to look like today? And we'll see how long I can refrain from changing it to something else, besides your natural form."
"Uhhhmm. How about an eladrin. A tall and handsome male eladrin. Red headed and brown eyed, as that reminds me of Autumn. Autumns in the Feywild are so beautiful!"
"There."
"Longer hair! And a little taller?"
"Don't push it, Rhaenys."
"Fiiiine."
So, in the morning, a tall red-headed and brown-eyed male Autumn Eladrin-Rhaenys joins the rest for breakfast, dressed in the black travelling clothes given to him the a couple of days before to replace the fine tunic that has already been cleaned by the manor's servants. On top of it, the Cloak of Many Fashions now has a color that reminds of the deep blue sea, perhaps to match the journey they'll soon be making.
Something like "The Wheel of Time" Moiraine's blue. But as a cloak, instead of a coat/scarf.
When everyone turns to look at him surprised he says:
- Yeees, yes, don't worry, it's just me. Good old Rhaenys looking like this today. Please continue as you were.
Then, on their way to Blythe's boat, he makes a couple of quick purchases. A forgery kit - which the eladrin looks with a dreamy face, thinking of all interesting stuff he'll be able to do with that cute box full of inks, seals, sealing wax, gold and silver leaf ... - and a beautiful green shoulder bag in which to keep that kit and a couple of random things more, separately from the backpack. He'll keep that bag hidden under the cloak.
Rhaenys' shoulder bag of random things.
Autumn Eladrin-Rhaenys then approaches Hewelathan, saying:
- Nice armor, by the way! Love the coloring. Is that .... - and he leans in to inspect the armour a little closer - ... made of some kind of crustacean? Amazing! Didn't know these armors actually existed!
With that, the sorcerer is ready to get on board the ship. That is his first time on a ship, and it sounds pretty exciting! As such, he goes singing to himself:
- ... the water is mischievous, ha!, I like how it misbehaves... ♫
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Flinn had a nice evening with the Captain (while ignoring TruthSeeker yelling at him that now isn't the time for romance). In fact, it was so nice that Flinn is already on the ship when the time comes to set sail...
Having finished everything that needed to be done (shopping, chatting, etc.) you all meet up at the ship.
"Welcome to the Tiderunner!" Captain Blythe says with a joyous smile as you arrive. "I certainly hope that you will enjoy your time with us! Come on, let's take a look around!"
The ship, as you might have guessed by looking at it, is extremely large and spacious. It almost looks like a luxury barge just as much as an adventuring vessel. The 'guest quarters' are spacious luxury apartments. There are two rooms available, which you can divide as you see fit.
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After arriving back to the house with Tytus, Hewelathan goes to his room and locks the door. He wants to try something while he has complete privacy. He tells himself that he doesn't want to wait until there's a dire need to try it, but he knows that after many years of training, he want to try it in private because he'd be embarrassed if he tried it in front of his friends and failed.
Hewelathan thinks about Rhaenys's ever-changing form and tries to remember the feeling from his weird dream after they captured the gibbering mouther. He picks something close to his own size. Concentrating, he suddenly feels an odd sensation spread from his core out to the tips of his toes and the top of his head. Despite the change in shape and size, he's surprised that it doesn't feel like stretching or squeezing. It feels more fluid, almost like his body had become water or even smoke and then simply resolidified in a different shape. He looks down at his paws, large and grayish brown. He pads over to a mirror in the room to check his reflection and sees a wolf's face peering back!
Hewelathan doesn't leave his room for the rest of the night, but he tries a few other forms that night and early in the morning before the household is awake. He finally grabs some breakfast, eating as much as most men would eat in a day, and then heads to the ship.
Hewelathan beams. "Yes, the man said that it was cut from the shell of a giant crab. The shells of the adults are apparently thick and quite resilient," he says as he knocks on it with the shaft of a javelin before adjusting the straps a bit. He compliments Rhaenys's bag: "It suits you, and it seems quite practical."
When Hewelathan boards the boat next to Rhaenys, he looks especially clownish. Other than his cloak, the half-elf wears shabby clothes, the outlandish belt, and now a bright red-orange breastplate. It makes a poor contrast with the handsome eladrin's fine, new clothing and the staff that seems to radiate arcane power.
Eladrin-Rhaenys stares at the enormous ship in awe. It is HUGE! He quickly gets onboard looking at the sails, the masts, .... everything! ... with his beautiful brown autumn eyes open wide. And when he realizes Flinn is already there, he goes next to the paladin, nudges him and mutters "lucky boy!". Then tells Blythe:
- Captain, your ship is amazing! Uh.... I'm Rhaenys, by the way. Just a humble changeling and definitely not an stowaway! I did pay yesterday. Please don't kick me out? - the eladrin says with a friendly face - So, what do we do now? Do we have to do anything around here to help during the travel? Be mindful of any potential dangers, for example? Is there's any sea wildlife or monsters we should worry about?
Regarding the two guest rooms, Rhaenys expresses that he doesn't really care which one to use. In fact, even if he is assigned one on the very first day, the fickle changeling will 100% one day sleep in one room, and the next in the other just because he feels like it, unless he (or she, or they, depending on what form the changeling is wearing at the moment) is convinced that they always should use the same spot for any reason.
As the Mighty Nein would say: Let chaos reign!
The changeling will be keen on lending a hand (real or spectral) in whatever chore they can during the journey, but will many times be spotted seating on the main deck apparently doing nothing. After some inner negotiation with Stafford, she'll be wearing her natural form at those times. And though it will look like she's just seated feeling the sun and the wind in her skin - and well, that will truly be happening - she will be in fact testing her own mind, imagining it is composed of several different rooms in which she can be present or not. Depending on which room her Aberrant Mind is, she might be all alone. Or she might be speaking to Stafford. Or she might be speaking to any of the companions, as she can invite them in using her Telepathic Speech. This will simply not work very well in the first attempts, but she'll get better and better at it with time.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra