Jodie awakes the next morning, revitalized by the new members of her troupe. "Tamphalic, I trust the elven chain fits you. It really fits most anyone, which is why it's pretty amazing. I have to admit, I was never one of those bookish bards...the lore college right? More like bore college really. But I did learn a lot of great songs about dragons. And if you have dragonfire going off in the background when you are hitting those high notes..." Jodie stops and takes a deep breath, "AMAZING". She holds the note with sustain, and then relaxes again and whispers, "Isn't what is happening to us right now and what Lord Akkron told us about the fallen heros pretty damn interesting? But I'd rather avoid the scheming creatures and their traps. What do kobolds value? I may fool them with some illusionary visage, but perhaps better to charm one or two and guide us around their territory."
Jodie ponders about the gnome-kobold rivalry and approaches Nickeline, "Don't take this the wrong way, but I could make you look a little...ugh...less...umm...Gnomish. Don't get me wrong, some of my best friends are gnomes. But it might avoid some trouble. I still have some supplies for my performances." Jodie pulls out her disguise kit and offers to create a disguise to appear like... "Nickeline, who do you want to be?" If willing, Jodie tries her best to adapt with Nickeline's wishes... (10) "If you hate it or the idea, that's ok too."
(OOC: Hmm, ok. Wondering how that roll will play out.)
The next day, after spending some time with the dragonnels in the morning (Animal Handling24 with guidance), Hewelathan leaves instructions for the sailors since they'll need to care for the creatures while he's gone to the Underdark. He tells Captain Blythe that the party plans to be back in just a few days.
Once the city gates open, Hewelathan prepares his spells and heads to the temple of Boccob, as arranged, to meet up with Tamphalic and the rest of the party.
The grey clouds and drizzle from yesterday have turned into a light but steady rain by morning. The wind seems to be picking up, presaging heavier storms on their way. Hewelathan wraps up with with dragonnels and then heads into the city.
At the temple of Boccob, you see a very wet dog coming toward the temple through the wet street.
It trots up the steps and just into the shelter of the portico before shaking vigorously and then transforming suddenly into Hewelathan. His hair and face still looks wet, but his cloak and other gear appear to be dry. He scowls up at the clouds but then turns toward his companions and smiles.
When you assemble in the morning, the Lord of the Shaded Isle is waiting for you, along with a large carriage without horses... or perhaps with phantom horses.
The teleportation circle is deep within the ruins,he explains. Guarded by some of the most powerful creatures on the island. That circle is the only way to safely teleport to or from the island because of the blight upon this land. I will personally make sure that you arrive there safely.
@Mister_Whisker - Is Lord Akkron sending the party in the carriage? That is, are we done with the lich for now, or does he plan to ride with them to the teleportation circle?
Hewelathan is happy to see that they won't to have to hike through the rain all the way to the teleportation circle. He thanks Lord Akkron but expresses some doubt at the carriage's size, saying, "It might be tight, but I suppose I'll fit if we all squeeze together." Tamphalic isn't sure what Hewelathan means by that since the half-elf is much smaller than the dragonborn and probably the shortest party member except Nickeline. (Hewelathan is barely 5' tall.)
Before they depart, Hewelathan asks Lord Akkron, "Thinking about our quest, I hope we can steal the item we seek. But if not, we may want to avoid a direct fight with the dark priestess. You knew her in life. Is there anything she values? Anything we can use as leverage or as a distraction? Or has her her...transformation...", he looks uncomfortable, suddenly realizing that he's talking to a lich about becoming undead, "...um...that is, would she have completely changed? Perhaps her new form comes with its own weaknesses?"
Hewelathan is very surprised to see Hildegard's mount. He says, "Hildegard, when did you tame that fiend?! Do you plan to ride with us in the carriage or beside it on that fiery mount?"
Hewelathan recommends to Nickeline that she waits to cast aid until the party is in the Underdark or at least until the party is ready to teleport there. "I guess it'll take us a couple of hours just to ride through the ruins to the teleportation circle, and it sounds like we're guaranteed safe passage at least that far," he says, glancing at Lord Akkron.
Once the party is in the carriage and on their way to the teleportation circle, Hewelathan very interested in what Tamphalic tells them about the deep dragons and kobolds. He also shares his progress with taming the Dragonnels. "Perhaps when we leave the Shaded Isle, we will have a couple of flying mounts with us," he says cheerily. Then he adds a bit wistfully, "It's too bad that Rhaenys didn't stay with us long enough to fly one. I hope the others are OK on whatever quest Lord Akkron set for them."
(Lord Akkron has his own transportation, in the form of what looks like an ordinary warhorse; he will ride next to the carriage to make sure that nothing delays your departure)
The Betrayor... Lord Akkron says. Yes, I knew her... I doubt there was anything that she cared about in life besides gaining Lolth's favor and the power that came with that favor. Even the child of her womb was nothing to her but another means to that end. She was vain and cruel, with no concern for those she destroyed to get what she wanted. She finally met her well-deserved fate when she made the mistake of betraying her house as well. I doubt that her transformation could have made her any more despicable than she already was... though I may be somewhat biased, considering...
He trails off, either unable or unwilling to complete that thought. He sighs.
The most exploitable weakness she has physically is that the embalming process used to create a mummy leaves it extremely vulnerable to fire. As for trying to bargain with her... I would not recommend it. She will tell you anything that you want to hear in order to get what she wants, before she stabs you in the back. I know that from experience... I think I still have the dagger she used lying around my fortress somewhere...
As you pile into the carriage, you are surprised to find that it is actually larger on the inside than the outside, and is easily able to accommodate you all quite comfortably.
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Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
The drizzling rain steams on the flaming nightmare as Hildegard slowly approaches the group. She nods in greeting to each, and bows to Lord Akkron.
To Hewelathan, she says, "I have a tragic tale to tell you."She glances at Lord Akkron and the others, as if to make sure she isn't interrupting anything before she speaks, and she does so loudly enough that all of them will be able to hear her. "Millenia ago, Tali Windrunner was orphaned by the mad Dragon Lord Sserah's rage. She fled the ruins of her home into a deep forest, and was taken in by the wood's celestial guardian, a unicorn. She taught her of the blessings of the Divine, of magic, of battle. And together, they set out to put an end to the madness of Sserah Nightbane. Tali Windrunner rode on her celestial steed as one of the Seven Heroes to imprison the Dragon Lord. Afterwards, they returned to the unicorn's grove, and founded the Order of the Seven Stars. Tali built a grand monastery, and the unicorn has watched over it, its studies and its monks, along with her forest, for thousands of years. In honor of Tali, the Order has always had a female paladin protector... this role has been mine for a number of years... but tragedy befell us not long ago, we were beset in our peaceful grove by the armies of the Cult of the Dragon. We were able to hold them at bay, and protect the monastery with Divine spells and protections. No fiend could stand against the blessings of the relics of Tali Windrunner! Nor against the righteous fury of her protector..."Hildegard is silent for a moment. "...Except... they were able to subdue the beast, and tore her alicorn from her forehead. She was driven mad, damned and fallen to the lowest of the Hells. The monks created one more powerful Divine spell before she was dragged away forever, a great magical item with powerful blessings of binding and exorcism, a set of tack that sealed her for her heavenly belonging, and even in her madness she obeys the binding. And this...!"
Hildegard drops the nightmare's bridle and sweeps her arms out, as if to embrace the totality of the aura of the hellish creature. "Here behold the terrible fate of Tali Windrunner's noble steed! And I, I have vowed to redeem her, if it is possible, and to set forth on the mission she once held dear, to stop the evil of Sserah, and of the Dragon Cult. The Cult, I believe, has her horn, and if I could but reclaim it, perhaps the Divine Order can reclaim its celestial warrior. We called her Parthena, though in truth she has had countless names over the centuries, but she only responds now to Perdita, the Lost." Hildegard drops her arms with a sorrowful sigh, her head bowed. "So you see, I am your staunch ally in the fight against Sserah... yours, and Lord Akkron's, who also rode to Sserah's defeat at the side of Tali and Parthena."
She looks up again at Hewelathan and smiles faintly. "I will ride as guard to the carriage... why not?" She listens curiously to his reminescence of former companions. "Were there others? If I understand--you all bear items cursed in some way by Sserah, and your group needed to separate to protect you from the Cult." She looks around at each of them, Hewelathan, Korben, and Jodie. "You have my protection... I will see Sserah's madness contained once more."With a deep breath, as the group boards the carriage and prepares to depart, she pulls herself up into the nightmare's saddle, reaching to grasp the reins.
"Since we'll be safe in the carriage, I can totally wait until we get there to cast Aid," Nickeline says to Hewelathan, climbing up into the carriage.
She listens to Hildegard's tale. 'How terrible,' she thinks as she looks with concern at the Nightmare. When Hildegard pledges her support to the party's mission, Nickeline feels that she ought to do the same. "And you have my shield," she says, "all of you."
"The only knowledge have worth trading is on metalworking, and I do not know whether that would interest a dragon," she says to Tamphalic, "but I do have a crystal ball that can spy on anyone in the world. I guess I could offer to scry on someone for the dragon."
"I know no kobold would deign to trade with me, though." When Jodie suggests using a disguise to avoid the kobold problem, Nickeline grins, for what gnome would pass up the chance to hoodwink someone? "That's hilarious; I love it," she says. "Do you have a fake beard in there? I've always wanted to pretend to be a dwarf."
Tamphalic listens to Hildegard's story with interest
"That's quiet the story and I hope you will succeed in finding a way of lifting the curse on Perdita. As it seems we all have curses let me also tell you about mine. As we are going into dangerous territories it's best to be upfront about it." Tamphalic says after which he has a short pause and takes a deep breath.
"For my curse I have only myself to blame. I went into the lair of an ancient blue dragon I found, it was with good intentions. To research and talk to the dragon, find out about his history and see if their might be connections to my clan. However, I became greedy when I saw his hoard and took this mask and wand from it. I left the lair back to my clan and the dragon came after me. However, instead of killing me he told my clan of what I did and cursed me. Now I cannot touch another being anymore without giving of a shock, and I've been banished from my clan. I'm hoping to eventually find a way of getting rid of this curse, but for now I'm mostly looking to redeem myself to my clan."
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"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
Korba listens silently as all of the newcomers explain why they’ve come to be with them, and how they have all offered their help. He says simply, “It seems we all have our issues to deal with. Hopefully the blade of which we are searching will be able to help lift the curses from your things as well. The problem I am dealing with lies simply in the fact that nearly no Drow are able to accept one who is not fully of their blood as one of their own, and they are jealous when one such as that is chosen by an item of great power.” Sighing, he adds, “I now also see the impact my people have had on many others outside of the Dark… Though I had thought that those simply deserved the fate given to them… well… no, that is clearly not enough. I will do what I can to remove my curse and repay those who have helped me.”
"That's quiet the story and I hope you will succeed in finding a way of lifting the curse on Perdita.
Hewelathan agrees with Tamphalic, exclaiming in reasonably-good Draconic:
"Indeed! A tragedy! And a terrible corruption!"
To Hildegard, he says, "The heart aches for Parthena, and I hope that we can help you redeem her. May the courage and faith of Tali Windrunner flow through you!" To answer her question briefly, he simply says, "Before you joined us, we were six. Lord Akkron wanted to split our group and rearrange us to confuse the Cult. I do not know where Rhaenys, Tytus, and Flinn have gone, but it is probably best that we not know."
The most exploitable weakness she has physically is that the embalming process used to create a mummy leaves it extremely vulnerable to fire. As for trying to bargain with her... I would not recommend it. She will tell you anything that you want to hear in order to get what she wants, before she stabs you in the back. I know that from experience... I think I still have the dagger she used lying around my fortress somewhere...
Thinking about how they're going to fight their way past a mummified priestess, it takes Hewelathan a moment to realize that Lord Akkron is speaking literally about being stabbed in the back. He glances over at Korba and Jodie and makes a sort of grimace (😬) that clearly expresses his thoughts: Yikes! What have we gotten ourselves into now?!
Hewelathan turns back to the lich and thanks him, "Thank you for that advice." He inclines his head toward Perdita and her flaming mane and hooves, saying, "We certainly have fire available to us."Then he bows his head slightly in thanks while touching his forehead with his hand. The gesture draws your attention to the fact that Hewelathan is wearing a circlet on his head today. It looks like something an elf lord might wear, but with Hewelathan's wet and unkempt hair, it just adds to the odd hodgepodge nature of gear.
Hewelathan is very interested to learn about Nickeline's crystal ball, but he saves that conversation for the ride to the teleportation circle. He chuckles at the disguise that Jodie is creating for the cleric: "Ho! Ho! Ho! Who's this dwarf you found to accompany us, Jodie?"
Lord Akkron approaches the nightmare and looks into its burning eyes. Though his face remains forever frozen in a skeletal grin, his shoulders slump as he learns the identity of the fiendish mare.
Tali was always the best of us, he sighs as he looks at the hellish creature that was once a noble unicorn and quite probably a friend of his. To simply slay her dear Yennara would have been cruel enough... but this...
He shakes his head sadly.
If you can retrieve her horn, then this vile crime can be undone. Hopefully the Cult of the Dragon still has it as a grim trophy so you can simply retrieve it when they have been vanquished.
After a few moments, he mounts his horse and your carriage begins to move. It will be about two hours before you arrive at the teleportation circle... as you journey through the ruins, you often catch glimpses of ghostly faces watching you from the shadows before fading into the darkness again.
(OOC: Is there anything that anyone would like to do or say during the journey? If you would like to RP amongst yourselves for a bit I'm happy to step back and let you do so for a while before the mission starts)
HIldegard listens to Tamphalic's story, seeming drawn away from her immersion in Perdita's suffering for a moment by it. "The bitterness of wrongdoing can at least be fertile soil for the sweet fruit of repentance,"she says. "I am happy for you, that you have found this. Persevere, keep walking, it is a hard and thorny road to come back from such a wrong and to earn the trust of your place in your clan again, but keep walking in humility, and you will get there." She looks up thoughtfully. "This task shall be for all of us, I think, a means of redemption, in some way."
She nods in agreement with Hewelathan. "It seems like sound wisdom to separate you, and I am grateful that we can come to your assistance in their stead. I will keep them in my prayers, too."She smiles sadly. "Thank you for your blessing... Tali Windrunner has been my hero since I was a little girl... it is the least I can do for her." From around her neck on a thin but sturdy chain, she reaches beneath her tabard and pulls out a handsomely engraved reliquary, decorated with pigment that letts the gold of its construction show through magnificently in details of the art. On closer inspection, it is an engraving of Tali herself, mounted on her beloved unicorn, menacing a dragon coiled beneath her feet. Hildegard reverently kisses it, and replaces it beneath her tabard. "As for fire... I have some magic that may help with that, and,"catching Hewelathan's meaningful nod at the nightmare, "Perdita will do her part."
Hildegard watches Jodie disguising Nickeline and smiles, and thoughit only lasts a moment, the smile is more light-hearted and carefree than any of her expressions have been yet. Though evil looms, there is still great joy to be found, if you open your eyes to it.Even as the patter of grey rain continues to drizzle down on them. I wonder why it's been so rainy these past few days... perhaps the sky sorrows with our task as well.
As Lord Akkron gazes into the nightmare's eyes, Hildegard stays silent, but her own eyes fill with tears again. Not just for the fate of Perdita, but her sorrowful gaze is fixed on Lord Akkron's grinning visage... it is clear that the paladin sorrows for him too. Yet how resigned he is to his lot, and doing what good he can with it. I would expect nothing less from such a great hero. None of us is without mistakes. Yet vengeance belongs to the Divine, and mercy as well. And her eyes light with hope as Lord Akkron affirms that retrieving the lost alicorn would allow Perdita to be restored. "If it is possible, I will retrieve it,"she promises, and makes a gesture of blessing over Lord Akkron. "Thank you, Lord Akkron, for all you have done, to bolster us for this fight. I pray the Cult's schemes will be undone, and I will not rest until their evil is stopped."
As the others board the carriage, Hildegard waits mounted on the nightmare, and, as Lord Akkron flanks one side of the carriage on his horse, Hildegard takes the other. She looks around her, watching for threats or danger, mumbling a prayer for every ghostly face that she sees.
"I sure hope so"Tamphalic says to Hildegard before sitting down in the carriage. Thinking about what he read the night before of how the deep dragon might be persuaded with some obscure lore. I know much of dragons, but such an ancient dragon will most likely no more, what kind of information could be interesting for such a creature as he sits down with the cat in his lab You stay close Whiskers, we'll probably need your assistance in scouting On which Whiskers just gives an affirming purr. Quietly sitting in the carriage waiting for the teleportation circle and whatever will happen afterwards.
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
(I'll go ahead and assume everyone is ready to move on)
After a couple hours, you arrive at what looks like it was probably a palace once, though most of the walls have collapsed. Lord Akkron dismounts and steps into the ruins of what looks like it was probably once a garden. You do not see any of the powerful beings that Lord Akkron mentioned, but... you can feel the otherworldly presence of beings you cannot see. Lord Akkron beckons for you to follow him, as he descends a winding stairway into a basement chamber of some kind.
The chamber at first looks completely empty besides the dust of ages. But the lich steps into the middle of the room and taps the floor with his staff...
It seems that it is nearly time for us to say our farewells,he says. May fortune favor you in this endeavor. Never let your guard down while you are in the lost city... even I do not know for sure all the dangers that may lurk below.
He produces a small tablet on which is inscribed the sigil needed to return from the Underdark and hands it to whomever is willing to take it. Before him is the circle, waiting for the first soul brave enough to step through.
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Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
After the first hour, the carriage finally makes it out of the rain, and Hewelathan finally relaxes a little. There's still cloud cover, and the hidden menace of the undead lurking in the desolate ruins keeps him from feeling truly happy. He eventually focuses on the conversation going on inside the carriage and shares some of the Accursed's previous adventures, like when he and Korba wrestled a gibbering mouther into a big crystal container.
Hewelathan points out, "We've heard the tragic story of Hildegard's unicorn, and we've heard of Tamphalic's shocking curse. But what of you, Nickeline? Is there a problem that plagues one of your wondrous possessions? If not, why did you seek out Lord Akkron's help?"
Once the group arrives at the palace, Hewelathan gets out of the carriage and looks around. As they follow Lord Akkron into the gardens, he wonders aloud, "Do you think that this was Lord Akkron's palace before the Calamity struck the island?"
Hewelathan suggests that someone other than Tamphalic carry the tablet with the sigil on it just so that the same person isn't carrying the tablet and the orb of direction. He thanks Lord Akkron for all of the lich's help. Since Lord Akkron is here to guard their departure, and they don't know what they'll find at the other side of this teleportation circle, Hewelathan offers to go first. That way, he can look around as soon as he arrives at the other and see whether they're going to face immediate danger. (Perception18)
Nickeline sits patiently, positively brimming with anticipation, as Jodie makes the disguise. When it is completed, she wears it with pride.
When Hewelathan asks if she, too, has a cursed item, Nickeline says, "You are correct: I came to Lord Akkron because of a corruption on one of my possessions, though it is not truly mine; it is a sacred relic of my order. It's kind of a long story." She takes the Crystal Ball of Telepathy out of its box. "This crystal ball was made by the founder of the monastery, whose hands were guided by Flandal himself. It can see far away, spy on people, and even facilitate telepathic communication. We used it mostly to keep track of miners as they dug for ore."
She continues, "One day—I don't know how they found out about it—the Cult of the Dragon showed up. This Firion guy demanded we give him the crystal ball, but the abbot refused, so he just left, saying that we'd give it up willingly before long. We didn't know at the time that he had left behind a fiend which hijacked the orb. It can see and speak to the user of the crystal ball and anyone around her. It and even influence the user, depending on how much of the crystal ball's power is used. We named him Kupfernickel because the crystal ball took on that ore's color when he moved in. I am the only cleric in my order, the elders sent me to bring it to Lord Akkron for aid. That's actually when they started calling me Nickeline."
Nickeline puts her hand on the crystal ball's surface. "I can demonstrate if you want," she says, "but Kupfernickel might talk to you. I think the ring Lord Akkron gave me"—she rubs the currently invisible Ring of Mind Shielding on her left hand with her thumb—"only lets me block him out. And since the demon could still be watching, we should be careful what we say when I'm using it, and you should stay at least ten steps (30 ft.) away if you don't want him to talk to you. Talking's mostly all he can do, but he says such awful things," Nickeline says through her disguise's dwarf-beard.
When the carriage stops, Nickeline would finally cast Aid on Korba, Hildegard, and Hewelathan (if they are willing, +5 max HP for 8 hours). She also offers to use her crystal ball to watch over Hewelathan when he scouts ahead.
(OOC: Assuming she casts Scrying: Wisdom Saving Throw against Kupfernickel's possible Scrying 6-->fail for her. Hewelathan would have to make a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw to resist Nickeline's Scrying, unless he fails the save deliberately.)
When the carriage stops, Nickeline would finally cast Aid on Korba, Hildegard, and Hewelathan (if they are willing, +5 max HP for 8 hours).
Hewelathan thanks her for the offer, but he suggests that she should perhaps provide the Aid to Jodie or even herself rather than him. "While I fought the dragonnels with Korba, for example, I did so in the shape of a wolf. It's hard to explain, but the wolf's injuries vanish or are cured by the transformation back to my own form," Hewelathan says. "For now, it's probably better to provide that boon to one of our other healers: you or maybe Jodie since she doesn't use a shield."
She also offers to use her crystal ball to watch over Hewelathan when he scouts ahead.
(OOC: Assuming she casts Scrying: Wisdom Saving Throw against Kupfernickel's possible Scrying 6-->fail for her. Hewelathan would have to make a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw to resist Nickeline's Scrying, unless he fails the save deliberately.)
(OOC: I don't think that Hewelathan would need to make the save. As I understand the current explanation, the demon scries on Nickeline. If that success, then anyone else within 30 ft. of Nickeline is within range of the demon's spell, and there's no saving throw for them.)
Hewelathan is very interested in Nickeline's crystal ball. He says, "Certainly! Even better than seeing what's around me, it will be useful to have a way to communicate telepathically. When I am in the shape of a beast, I cannot speak. So, even if I'm nearby, communicating my thoughts can be difficult."
Nickeline listens to Hewelathan's explanation of his animal transformations. 'Maybe I don't understand druids as well as I thought it did,' she thinks. She turns to Jodie and offers to include her in the Aid spell instead. "I promise you're not, like, a second choice," she mumbles to her.
"Yeah, it's great, isn't it?" Nickeline says to Hewelathan. "And if we're linked telepathically, we can stay in contact even if you're far ahead."
OOC: Rolled a 1 on d10 for the demon's scrying and suggestion and a 6-->fail on Suggestion (unless the Ring of Mind Shielding protects her)
OOC: Rolled a 1 on d10 for the demon's scrying and suggestion and a 6-->fail on Suggestion (unless the Ring of Mind Shielding protects her)
You feel the familiar compelling magic... but this time, no command is issued. For a time you expect something... but nothing comes. Eventually, it seems the demon has realized it cannot plant the thoughts into your head the way it normally does, and it has given up on the attempt. That said... it has now seen you in the chamber with Lord Akkron and the teleportation circle. It knows (or at least has reason to suspect) that you are being sent away from the Shaded Isle.
Jodie listens with unease about Nickeline's issue with Kupfernickel. "Another dark entity, this doesn't bode well."
Jodie steps forward and grabs the sigil, "Well, I plan on returning so I will take the 'ticket' if it suits you all. And I will accept whatever aid might be offered. The Underdark is strange place. A half-elf wears their years well if they find source of cheer. Though I expect little to be found where we go."
Woe the bards who pluck the strings of the Spider Queen
Jodie steps forward "I will go and scout the other side" and ever so quietly slips through space (22), passing through theshimmering circle before the party and out of the other.
Hildegard bows her head to Nickeline in thanks for the touch of her magic. "Thank you, Nickeline."And she nods to Jodie as the bard steps forward to scout, and waits a few seconds to see if she reappears to warn of some danger... turning to the lich, she says, "Thank you for your assistance, Lord Akkron. If the gods bless our success, we will return to you victorious."The eldritch glow of the teleportation circle mixes with the orange light from Perdita's flames, and if Jodie doesn't come back, Hildegard taps with her heels to nudge the nightmare forward. The fiendish creature steps forward smartly into the glow of the circle...
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Jodie awakes the next morning, revitalized by the new members of her troupe. "Tamphalic, I trust the elven chain fits you. It really fits most anyone, which is why it's pretty amazing. I have to admit, I was never one of those bookish bards...the lore college right? More like bore college really. But I did learn a lot of great songs about dragons. And if you have dragonfire going off in the background when you are hitting those high notes..." Jodie stops and takes a deep breath, "AMAZING". She holds the note with sustain, and then relaxes again and whispers, "Isn't what is happening to us right now and what Lord Akkron told us about the fallen heros pretty damn interesting? But I'd rather avoid the scheming creatures and their traps. What do kobolds value? I may fool them with some illusionary visage, but perhaps better to charm one or two and guide us around their territory."
Jodie ponders about the gnome-kobold rivalry and approaches Nickeline, "Don't take this the wrong way, but I could make you look a little...ugh...less...umm...Gnomish. Don't get me wrong, some of my best friends are gnomes. But it might avoid some trouble. I still have some supplies for my performances." Jodie pulls out her disguise kit and offers to create a disguise to appear like... "Nickeline, who do you want to be?" If willing, Jodie tries her best to adapt with Nickeline's wishes... (10) "If you hate it or the idea, that's ok too."
(OOC: Hmm, ok. Wondering how that roll will play out.)
Fargen Hill Dwarf Cleric/Barbarian - Hoard of the Dragon Queen, Jodie Olwen Half-Elf Bard- Chronicles of the Accursed
The grey clouds and drizzle from yesterday have turned into a light but steady rain by morning. The wind seems to be picking up, presaging heavier storms on their way. Hewelathan wraps up with with dragonnels and then heads into the city.
At the temple of Boccob, you see a very wet dog coming toward the temple through the wet street.
It trots up the steps and just into the shelter of the portico before shaking vigorously and then transforming suddenly into Hewelathan. His hair and face still looks wet, but his cloak and other gear appear to be dry. He scowls up at the clouds but then turns toward his companions and smiles.
@Mister_Whisker - Is Lord Akkron sending the party in the carriage? That is, are we done with the lich for now, or does he plan to ride with them to the teleportation circle?
Hewelathan is happy to see that they won't to have to hike through the rain all the way to the teleportation circle. He thanks Lord Akkron but expresses some doubt at the carriage's size, saying, "It might be tight, but I suppose I'll fit if we all squeeze together." Tamphalic isn't sure what Hewelathan means by that since the half-elf is much smaller than the dragonborn and probably the shortest party member except Nickeline. (Hewelathan is barely 5' tall.)
Before they depart, Hewelathan asks Lord Akkron, "Thinking about our quest, I hope we can steal the item we seek. But if not, we may want to avoid a direct fight with the dark priestess. You knew her in life. Is there anything she values? Anything we can use as leverage or as a distraction? Or has her her...transformation...", he looks uncomfortable, suddenly realizing that he's talking to a lich about becoming undead, "...um...that is, would she have completely changed? Perhaps her new form comes with its own weaknesses?"
Hewelathan is very surprised to see Hildegard's mount. He says, "Hildegard, when did you tame that fiend?! Do you plan to ride with us in the carriage or beside it on that fiery mount?"
Hewelathan recommends to Nickeline that she waits to cast aid until the party is in the Underdark or at least until the party is ready to teleport there. "I guess it'll take us a couple of hours just to ride through the ruins to the teleportation circle, and it sounds like we're guaranteed safe passage at least that far," he says, glancing at Lord Akkron.
Once the party is in the carriage and on their way to the teleportation circle, Hewelathan very interested in what Tamphalic tells them about the deep dragons and kobolds. He also shares his progress with taming the Dragonnels. "Perhaps when we leave the Shaded Isle, we will have a couple of flying mounts with us," he says cheerily. Then he adds a bit wistfully, "It's too bad that Rhaenys didn't stay with us long enough to fly one. I hope the others are OK on whatever quest Lord Akkron set for them."
(Lord Akkron has his own transportation, in the form of what looks like an ordinary warhorse; he will ride next to the carriage to make sure that nothing delays your departure)
The Betrayor... Lord Akkron says. Yes, I knew her... I doubt there was anything that she cared about in life besides gaining Lolth's favor and the power that came with that favor. Even the child of her womb was nothing to her but another means to that end. She was vain and cruel, with no concern for those she destroyed to get what she wanted. She finally met her well-deserved fate when she made the mistake of betraying her house as well. I doubt that her transformation could have made her any more despicable than she already was... though I may be somewhat biased, considering...
He trails off, either unable or unwilling to complete that thought. He sighs.
The most exploitable weakness she has physically is that the embalming process used to create a mummy leaves it extremely vulnerable to fire. As for trying to bargain with her... I would not recommend it. She will tell you anything that you want to hear in order to get what she wants, before she stabs you in the back. I know that from experience... I think I still have the dagger she used lying around my fortress somewhere...
As you pile into the carriage, you are surprised to find that it is actually larger on the inside than the outside, and is easily able to accommodate you all quite comfortably.
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The drizzling rain steams on the flaming nightmare as Hildegard slowly approaches the group. She nods in greeting to each, and bows to Lord Akkron.
To Hewelathan, she says, "I have a tragic tale to tell you." She glances at Lord Akkron and the others, as if to make sure she isn't interrupting anything before she speaks, and she does so loudly enough that all of them will be able to hear her. "Millenia ago, Tali Windrunner was orphaned by the mad Dragon Lord Sserah's rage. She fled the ruins of her home into a deep forest, and was taken in by the wood's celestial guardian, a unicorn. She taught her of the blessings of the Divine, of magic, of battle. And together, they set out to put an end to the madness of Sserah Nightbane. Tali Windrunner rode on her celestial steed as one of the Seven Heroes to imprison the Dragon Lord. Afterwards, they returned to the unicorn's grove, and founded the Order of the Seven Stars. Tali built a grand monastery, and the unicorn has watched over it, its studies and its monks, along with her forest, for thousands of years. In honor of Tali, the Order has always had a female paladin protector... this role has been mine for a number of years... but tragedy befell us not long ago, we were beset in our peaceful grove by the armies of the Cult of the Dragon. We were able to hold them at bay, and protect the monastery with Divine spells and protections. No fiend could stand against the blessings of the relics of Tali Windrunner! Nor against the righteous fury of her protector..." Hildegard is silent for a moment. "...Except... they were able to subdue the beast, and tore her alicorn from her forehead. She was driven mad, damned and fallen to the lowest of the Hells. The monks created one more powerful Divine spell before she was dragged away forever, a great magical item with powerful blessings of binding and exorcism, a set of tack that sealed her for her heavenly belonging, and even in her madness she obeys the binding. And this...!"
Hildegard drops the nightmare's bridle and sweeps her arms out, as if to embrace the totality of the aura of the hellish creature. "Here behold the terrible fate of Tali Windrunner's noble steed! And I, I have vowed to redeem her, if it is possible, and to set forth on the mission she once held dear, to stop the evil of Sserah, and of the Dragon Cult. The Cult, I believe, has her horn, and if I could but reclaim it, perhaps the Divine Order can reclaim its celestial warrior. We called her Parthena, though in truth she has had countless names over the centuries, but she only responds now to Perdita, the Lost." Hildegard drops her arms with a sorrowful sigh, her head bowed. "So you see, I am your staunch ally in the fight against Sserah... yours, and Lord Akkron's, who also rode to Sserah's defeat at the side of Tali and Parthena."
She looks up again at Hewelathan and smiles faintly. "I will ride as guard to the carriage... why not?" She listens curiously to his reminescence of former companions. "Were there others? If I understand--you all bear items cursed in some way by Sserah, and your group needed to separate to protect you from the Cult." She looks around at each of them, Hewelathan, Korben, and Jodie. "You have my protection... I will see Sserah's madness contained once more." With a deep breath, as the group boards the carriage and prepares to depart, she pulls herself up into the nightmare's saddle, reaching to grasp the reins.
"Since we'll be safe in the carriage, I can totally wait until we get there to cast Aid," Nickeline says to Hewelathan, climbing up into the carriage.
She listens to Hildegard's tale. 'How terrible,' she thinks as she looks with concern at the Nightmare. When Hildegard pledges her support to the party's mission, Nickeline feels that she ought to do the same. "And you have my shield," she says, "all of you."
"The only knowledge have worth trading is on metalworking, and I do not know whether that would interest a dragon," she says to Tamphalic, "but I do have a crystal ball that can spy on anyone in the world. I guess I could offer to scry on someone for the dragon."
"I know no kobold would deign to trade with me, though." When Jodie suggests using a disguise to avoid the kobold problem, Nickeline grins, for what gnome would pass up the chance to hoodwink someone? "That's hilarious; I love it," she says. "Do you have a fake beard in there? I've always wanted to pretend to be a dwarf."
Tamphalic listens to Hildegard's story with interest
"That's quiet the story and I hope you will succeed in finding a way of lifting the curse on Perdita. As it seems we all have curses let me also tell you about mine. As we are going into dangerous territories it's best to be upfront about it." Tamphalic says after which he has a short pause and takes a deep breath.
"For my curse I have only myself to blame. I went into the lair of an ancient blue dragon I found, it was with good intentions. To research and talk to the dragon, find out about his history and see if their might be connections to my clan. However, I became greedy when I saw his hoard and took this mask and wand from it. I left the lair back to my clan and the dragon came after me. However, instead of killing me he told my clan of what I did and cursed me. Now I cannot touch another being anymore without giving of a shock, and I've been banished from my clan. I'm hoping to eventually find a way of getting rid of this curse, but for now I'm mostly looking to redeem myself to my clan."
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
Korba listens silently as all of the newcomers explain why they’ve come to be with them, and how they have all offered their help. He says simply, “It seems we all have our issues to deal with. Hopefully the blade of which we are searching will be able to help lift the curses from your things as well. The problem I am dealing with lies simply in the fact that nearly no Drow are able to accept one who is not fully of their blood as one of their own, and they are jealous when one such as that is chosen by an item of great power.” Sighing, he adds, “I now also see the impact my people have had on many others outside of the Dark… Though I had thought that those simply deserved the fate given to them… well… no, that is clearly not enough. I will do what I can to remove my curse and repay those who have helped me.”
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Hewelathan agrees with Tamphalic, exclaiming in reasonably-good Draconic:
"Indeed! A tragedy! And a terrible corruption!"
To Hildegard, he says, "The heart aches for Parthena, and I hope that we can help you redeem her. May the courage and faith of Tali Windrunner flow through you!" To answer her question briefly, he simply says, "Before you joined us, we were six. Lord Akkron wanted to split our group and rearrange us to confuse the Cult. I do not know where Rhaenys, Tytus, and Flinn have gone, but it is probably best that we not know."
Thinking about how they're going to fight their way past a mummified priestess, it takes Hewelathan a moment to realize that Lord Akkron is speaking literally about being stabbed in the back. He glances over at Korba and Jodie and makes a sort of grimace (😬) that clearly expresses his thoughts: Yikes! What have we gotten ourselves into now?!
Hewelathan turns back to the lich and thanks him, "Thank you for that advice." He inclines his head toward Perdita and her flaming mane and hooves, saying, "We certainly have fire available to us." Then he bows his head slightly in thanks while touching his forehead with his hand. The gesture draws your attention to the fact that Hewelathan is wearing a circlet on his head today. It looks like something an elf lord might wear, but with Hewelathan's wet and unkempt hair, it just adds to the odd hodgepodge nature of gear.
Hewelathan is very interested to learn about Nickeline's crystal ball, but he saves that conversation for the ride to the teleportation circle. He chuckles at the disguise that Jodie is creating for the cleric: "Ho! Ho! Ho! Who's this dwarf you found to accompany us, Jodie?"
Actual picture of Nickeline's disguise:
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Lord Akkron approaches the nightmare and looks into its burning eyes. Though his face remains forever frozen in a skeletal grin, his shoulders slump as he learns the identity of the fiendish mare.
Tali was always the best of us, he sighs as he looks at the hellish creature that was once a noble unicorn and quite probably a friend of his. To simply slay her dear Yennara would have been cruel enough... but this...
He shakes his head sadly.
If you can retrieve her horn, then this vile crime can be undone. Hopefully the Cult of the Dragon still has it as a grim trophy so you can simply retrieve it when they have been vanquished.
After a few moments, he mounts his horse and your carriage begins to move. It will be about two hours before you arrive at the teleportation circle... as you journey through the ruins, you often catch glimpses of ghostly faces watching you from the shadows before fading into the darkness again.
(OOC: Is there anything that anyone would like to do or say during the journey? If you would like to RP amongst yourselves for a bit I'm happy to step back and let you do so for a while before the mission starts)
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HIldegard listens to Tamphalic's story, seeming drawn away from her immersion in Perdita's suffering for a moment by it. "The bitterness of wrongdoing can at least be fertile soil for the sweet fruit of repentance," she says. "I am happy for you, that you have found this. Persevere, keep walking, it is a hard and thorny road to come back from such a wrong and to earn the trust of your place in your clan again, but keep walking in humility, and you will get there." She looks up thoughtfully. "This task shall be for all of us, I think, a means of redemption, in some way."
She nods in agreement with Hewelathan. "It seems like sound wisdom to separate you, and I am grateful that we can come to your assistance in their stead. I will keep them in my prayers, too." She smiles sadly. "Thank you for your blessing... Tali Windrunner has been my hero since I was a little girl... it is the least I can do for her." From around her neck on a thin but sturdy chain, she reaches beneath her tabard and pulls out a handsomely engraved reliquary, decorated with pigment that letts the gold of its construction show through magnificently in details of the art. On closer inspection, it is an engraving of Tali herself, mounted on her beloved unicorn, menacing a dragon coiled beneath her feet. Hildegard reverently kisses it, and replaces it beneath her tabard. "As for fire... I have some magic that may help with that, and," catching Hewelathan's meaningful nod at the nightmare, "Perdita will do her part."
Hildegard watches Jodie disguising Nickeline and smiles, and thoughit only lasts a moment, the smile is more light-hearted and carefree than any of her expressions have been yet. Though evil looms, there is still great joy to be found, if you open your eyes to it. Even as the patter of grey rain continues to drizzle down on them. I wonder why it's been so rainy these past few days... perhaps the sky sorrows with our task as well.
As Lord Akkron gazes into the nightmare's eyes, Hildegard stays silent, but her own eyes fill with tears again. Not just for the fate of Perdita, but her sorrowful gaze is fixed on Lord Akkron's grinning visage... it is clear that the paladin sorrows for him too. Yet how resigned he is to his lot, and doing what good he can with it. I would expect nothing less from such a great hero. None of us is without mistakes. Yet vengeance belongs to the Divine, and mercy as well. And her eyes light with hope as Lord Akkron affirms that retrieving the lost alicorn would allow Perdita to be restored. "If it is possible, I will retrieve it," she promises, and makes a gesture of blessing over Lord Akkron. "Thank you, Lord Akkron, for all you have done, to bolster us for this fight. I pray the Cult's schemes will be undone, and I will not rest until their evil is stopped."
As the others board the carriage, Hildegard waits mounted on the nightmare, and, as Lord Akkron flanks one side of the carriage on his horse, Hildegard takes the other. She looks around her, watching for threats or danger, mumbling a prayer for every ghostly face that she sees.
"I sure hope so" Tamphalic says to Hildegard before sitting down in the carriage. Thinking about what he read the night before of how the deep dragon might be persuaded with some obscure lore. I know much of dragons, but such an ancient dragon will most likely no more, what kind of information could be interesting for such a creature as he sits down with the cat in his lab You stay close Whiskers, we'll probably need your assistance in scouting On which Whiskers just gives an affirming purr. Quietly sitting in the carriage waiting for the teleportation circle and whatever will happen afterwards.
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
(I'll go ahead and assume everyone is ready to move on)
After a couple hours, you arrive at what looks like it was probably a palace once, though most of the walls have collapsed. Lord Akkron dismounts and steps into the ruins of what looks like it was probably once a garden. You do not see any of the powerful beings that Lord Akkron mentioned, but... you can feel the otherworldly presence of beings you cannot see. Lord Akkron beckons for you to follow him, as he descends a winding stairway into a basement chamber of some kind.
The chamber at first looks completely empty besides the dust of ages. But the lich steps into the middle of the room and taps the floor with his staff...
It seems that it is nearly time for us to say our farewells, he says. May fortune favor you in this endeavor. Never let your guard down while you are in the lost city... even I do not know for sure all the dangers that may lurk below.
He produces a small tablet on which is inscribed the sigil needed to return from the Underdark and hands it to whomever is willing to take it. Before him is the circle, waiting for the first soul brave enough to step through.
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After the first hour, the carriage finally makes it out of the rain, and Hewelathan finally relaxes a little. There's still cloud cover, and the hidden menace of the undead lurking in the desolate ruins keeps him from feeling truly happy. He eventually focuses on the conversation going on inside the carriage and shares some of the Accursed's previous adventures, like when he and Korba wrestled a gibbering mouther into a big crystal container.
Hewelathan points out, "We've heard the tragic story of Hildegard's unicorn, and we've heard of Tamphalic's shocking curse. But what of you, Nickeline? Is there a problem that plagues one of your wondrous possessions? If not, why did you seek out Lord Akkron's help?"
Once the group arrives at the palace, Hewelathan gets out of the carriage and looks around. As they follow Lord Akkron into the gardens, he wonders aloud, "Do you think that this was Lord Akkron's palace before the Calamity struck the island?"
Hewelathan suggests that someone other than Tamphalic carry the tablet with the sigil on it just so that the same person isn't carrying the tablet and the orb of direction. He thanks Lord Akkron for all of the lich's help. Since Lord Akkron is here to guard their departure, and they don't know what they'll find at the other side of this teleportation circle, Hewelathan offers to go first. That way, he can look around as soon as he arrives at the other and see whether they're going to face immediate danger. (Perception 18)
Nickeline sits patiently, positively brimming with anticipation, as Jodie makes the disguise. When it is completed, she wears it with pride.
When Hewelathan asks if she, too, has a cursed item, Nickeline says, "You are correct: I came to Lord Akkron because of a corruption on one of my possessions, though it is not truly mine; it is a sacred relic of my order. It's kind of a long story." She takes the Crystal Ball of Telepathy out of its box. "This crystal ball was made by the founder of the monastery, whose hands were guided by Flandal himself. It can see far away, spy on people, and even facilitate telepathic communication. We used it mostly to keep track of miners as they dug for ore."
She continues, "One day—I don't know how they found out about it—the Cult of the Dragon showed up. This Firion guy demanded we give him the crystal ball, but the abbot refused, so he just left, saying that we'd give it up willingly before long. We didn't know at the time that he had left behind a fiend which hijacked the orb. It can see and speak to the user of the crystal ball and anyone around her. It and even influence the user, depending on how much of the crystal ball's power is used. We named him Kupfernickel because the crystal ball took on that ore's color when he moved in. I am the only cleric in my order, the elders sent me to bring it to Lord Akkron for aid. That's actually when they started calling me Nickeline."
Nickeline puts her hand on the crystal ball's surface. "I can demonstrate if you want," she says, "but Kupfernickel might talk to you. I think the ring Lord Akkron gave me"—she rubs the currently invisible Ring of Mind Shielding on her left hand with her thumb—"only lets me block him out. And since the demon could still be watching, we should be careful what we say when I'm using it, and you should stay at least ten steps (30 ft.) away if you don't want him to talk to you. Talking's mostly all he can do, but he says such awful things," Nickeline says through her disguise's dwarf-beard.
When the carriage stops, Nickeline would finally cast Aid on Korba, Hildegard, and Hewelathan (if they are willing, +5 max HP for 8 hours). She also offers to use her crystal ball to watch over Hewelathan when he scouts ahead.
(OOC: Assuming she casts Scrying: Wisdom Saving Throw against Kupfernickel's possible Scrying 6-->fail for her. Hewelathan would have to make a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw to resist Nickeline's Scrying, unless he fails the save deliberately.)
Hewelathan thanks her for the offer, but he suggests that she should perhaps provide the Aid to Jodie or even herself rather than him. "While I fought the dragonnels with Korba, for example, I did so in the shape of a wolf. It's hard to explain, but the wolf's injuries vanish or are cured by the transformation back to my own form," Hewelathan says. "For now, it's probably better to provide that boon to one of our other healers: you or maybe Jodie since she doesn't use a shield."
(OOC: I don't think that Hewelathan would need to make the save. As I understand the current explanation, the demon scries on Nickeline. If that success, then anyone else within 30 ft. of Nickeline is within range of the demon's spell, and there's no saving throw for them.)
Hewelathan is very interested in Nickeline's crystal ball. He says, "Certainly! Even better than seeing what's around me, it will be useful to have a way to communicate telepathically. When I am in the shape of a beast, I cannot speak. So, even if I'm nearby, communicating my thoughts can be difficult."
Nickeline listens to Hewelathan's explanation of his animal transformations. 'Maybe I don't understand druids as well as I thought it did,' she thinks. She turns to Jodie and offers to include her in the Aid spell instead. "I promise you're not, like, a second choice," she mumbles to her.
"Yeah, it's great, isn't it?" Nickeline says to Hewelathan. "And if we're linked telepathically, we can stay in contact even if you're far ahead."
OOC: Rolled a 1 on d10 for the demon's scrying and suggestion and a 6-->fail on Suggestion (unless the Ring of Mind Shielding protects her)
You feel the familiar compelling magic... but this time, no command is issued. For a time you expect something... but nothing comes. Eventually, it seems the demon has realized it cannot plant the thoughts into your head the way it normally does, and it has given up on the attempt. That said... it has now seen you in the chamber with Lord Akkron and the teleportation circle. It knows (or at least has reason to suspect) that you are being sent away from the Shaded Isle.
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Jodie listens with unease about Nickeline's issue with Kupfernickel. "Another dark entity, this doesn't bode well."
Jodie steps forward and grabs the sigil, "Well, I plan on returning so I will take the 'ticket' if it suits you all. And I will accept whatever aid might be offered. The Underdark is strange place. A half-elf wears their years well if they find source of cheer. Though I expect little to be found where we go."
Woe the bards who pluck the strings of the Spider Queen
Jodie steps forward "I will go and scout the other side" and ever so quietly slips through space (22), passing through theshimmering circle before the party and out of the other.
Fargen Hill Dwarf Cleric/Barbarian - Hoard of the Dragon Queen, Jodie Olwen Half-Elf Bard- Chronicles of the Accursed
Hildegard bows her head to Nickeline in thanks for the touch of her magic. "Thank you, Nickeline." And she nods to Jodie as the bard steps forward to scout, and waits a few seconds to see if she reappears to warn of some danger... turning to the lich, she says, "Thank you for your assistance, Lord Akkron. If the gods bless our success, we will return to you victorious." The eldritch glow of the teleportation circle mixes with the orange light from Perdita's flames, and if Jodie doesn't come back, Hildegard taps with her heels to nudge the nightmare forward. The fiendish creature steps forward smartly into the glow of the circle...