Two of Bell’s fingers of flame whoosh at the wererat (14 hits!). He picks up an old discarded cloak to defend himself from the spell, but drops it again moments later as, engulfed in fire, it transforms into red-hot flakes of fabric. But though his body should have been crisped too, vapors from the second potion he imbibed seem to shield him, though the vapors evaporate in the process (bye-bye, temporary HP!).
The wererat smirks at Bell with a superior air, but a moment later, Erudisia’s evocation slams into him with a shattering BOOM! that shakes the creaky staircase and blows Mushiska off his feet. On his back, Meredith’s quill then slices at him and he yells in pain. You see the word “liar” written in cursive torn through his tunic. "YEEOOWW!!," he yells.
Then, Marliza, in jackal form, stalks up to him, growling angrily before transforming into her human form, and confronting him face-to-face, hands balled into fists at her sides. The wererat holds up open palms beseechingly.
“Now, luvie, don’t be upset!” Backpedalling, he slips on a mound of gold coins and falls on his rump.
“You!,” Marliza shouts. “You were never going to set up shop with me, were you??? You were lying to me from the beginning, weren’t you!!”
“You tell him, lassie!,” a woman calls down from one of the open windows above you.
Mushika starts to prevaricate, but Marliza’s iron gaze clamps his mouth shut.
“I could kill you!,” the teenager says. “But… just GET AWAY FROM ME. I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!”
Mushika’s mouth begins to form words several times, but each time Marliza’s glare stops him. Looking around at all of you, his sliced tunic and lacerated chest twitching in pain, burned arms and whiskers still smoking, he raises his hands over his head in surrender.
“Okay, pet. Okay, you win. I’m going,” he says, and you see genuine sadness for a moment. This only fuels Marliza’s rage. The wererat schools his expression into an emotionless mask, his eyes remaining on Marliza. He backs away toward an alley. Does anyone stop him from departing?
Erudisia holds one exhausted hand to her throbbing ribs and glowers at the wicked cad as he slinks away.
Exemplar was always saying he needed more experience in the dealing of justice, perhaps she might write him a letter with Mushika’s description, habits and trespasses, and leave him to the First Glaive of Caer Callidyrr of Laurelshire!
Even just imagining Mushika having to deal with her eldest brother (and her eldest brother having to speak to Mushika) puts a dark smile on her face, which the ratman might see as he flees.
When Marliza, lost in her private thoughts, feels Meredith’s hand on her shoulder, she turns, ready to tear it off, perhaps thinking it was someone else’s. Her eyes flash to Meredith’s and only then does she catch herself. Then, at the bard’s words, the teenager’s mask shatters and she sobs miserably.
“I (sob) ruined everything! And… (sob) my pack will never forgive me! And…(sob) I don’t deserve for them to forgive me.”
People nearby start to filter out and stand in their doorways, watching the scene unfold as Erudisia and Bell begin to collect the fallen gold. A newcomer arrives and seems ready to leap for the coins and start a free-for-all. But someone else grabs them by the arm, holding them back and shaking their head significantly, pointing their eyes at the four of you. The message sinks in. You get to work and soon, Marliza joins you, with her jaw set tightly while the corners of her eyes burn, fighting back tears.
It doesn’t take long. Five or ten minutes later you have scooped up everything you can find in the brightening morning light. Soon after that, ten minutes of walking brings you to the Amberdune pack’s home.
Several of the jackalweres are outside, strapping books to a pull cart, preparing to transport their inventory to The Wide.
Korvala is there, overseeing the task. She looks up and peers warily as you approach, eyes fastened with urgent concern on Marliza, whose expression is downcast.
“What happened?,” she asks cautiously. Marliza doesn’t meet her eyes, and Korvala looks around to you with redoubled anxiety, but then takes note of your various injuries.
“Come in,” she urges. Soon, you are with her in her office, having been brought cups of strong, hot tea and small sweetcakes.
“Are you all right?…,” she asks, and many more questions follow…
Bell speaks up first which is contrary to her more reserved, 'bookish' ways of the past. "All right? Yes and no. And perhaps more of one than the other."
She looks about at her friends and cohorts, "As you may have noticed, we are somewhat the worse for wear. Not only from our adventure to and from the casino but, a little run-in with a pesky wererat that some," and there she looks over at Marliza, "should be schooled on. BUT, the good news is, we were able to gain enough gold for YOU, as we promised. And another but... we really need a drink and some healing before we start counting coin."
Bell almost wobbles as she plants herself in a chair.
Erudisia does not sit, letting Bell do the talking, Meredith do the supporting, while she empties first her pack of the collected gold, and then theirs if they allow it.
“May Nidalia’s Eternal Soul Bless You,” Korvala intones, fervently, when Bell reveals the party’s success. Korvala’s eyes flare in concern for Bell’s wobbly condition. She nods to one of the jackalweres, Avani, the middle-aged woman you first met at the Amberdune Books stall. Avani fetches clean cloths, boiled water, and soothing creams to disinfect, sooth, and bandage your wounds. (Everyone can immediately enjoy the effects of a Short Rest.)
After hearing your tale, which draws looks of awe and gasps of astonishment from the Pack, and which lasts until the sun is high in the sky, Korvala stands and claps her hands together once. In response, the entire Amberdune pack, each man or woman where they stand around the edges of the room or in the doorway, as one, mimics the motion and then kneels in supplication and gratitude, bowing their head.
And now, here in Korvala's spartan study with its small bookshelves and crossed blades on the wall, Korvala, too, kneels, bowing her head for a long moment to you four. Marliza, you understand, was intended by her leader to share this thanks with you three, but Marliza, too claps her hands before her, eyes holding Merediths as she mouths, “thank you,” and she joins the others, kneeling around you, eyes modestly cast down.
“You have given us our heart back, our Mother, our Protector!,” Korvala pronounces, fervently. “We are at your service with tooth and claw and deed should you ever need us.” She continues in Amnian Thorass, “May the Seas and Sands be ever merciful to you! May the forests and mountains make way for you!” The Amberdune jackalweres passionately echo the words. "Rahma al-Bahr wal-Rimal 'alayk da’iman! Wa-ltufah laka al-ghābāt wal-jibāl!"
After a moment of intense silence, Korvala again claps her hands in front of her and the others stand, eyes moist with gratitude, faces breaking into wide grins. There are many bows and hand shakes and continued thanks....
(You have completed the Quest of the Stygian Gambit!!)
(I assume you leave the gold with the jackalweres and part as friends. Is there anything else you would like to do/say here before returning to your inn?)
Bell will repeat the invitation to visit Candlekeep once their Protector is revived. Their books and experiences would make for interesting times there.
And, a 'thank you' for their ministrations to help the ladies recover from their recent 'adventures'.
Erudisia asks that she might write letters from time to time to see how their fortunes progress, if they are willing. She also agrees with Bell’s invitation, so far as she can on Candlekeep’s behalf.
Lastly, when they do leave, after a long rest, she asks whether they might visit Blueschist the dwarf before they return to Candlekeep.
Good question! I think Petey has been outside the Amberdune house, watching the cart. Food and tea were brought out to him and he has been paid a generous few silver pieces for his time and for the rodent-trouble he endured . He walks with you back to your inn before returning to his own home.)
Meredith will express her best wishes to the pack and maybe mention that if they happen to come across any moderately friendly feline shifters who are looking for someone to bite she might be amenable........she hangs back a little and gives Marliza a big hug whispering in her ear, " You will be amazing. Come and tell us about it when your ready."
She takes in Bell and Erudisias rather battered condition and wills the quill to become a tattoo down the right side of her face.
" Bedtime?"
" Uh.......I'm tired...Sleeptime."
She has no real plans beyond that and is unconcious the moment her head touches the pillow.
(What does the facial tattoo look like? Erudisia has a tattoo of her house crest on one hand and fingers iirc. Just need to get Little One and Bell some ink and we might be a gang.)
(Korvala and Marliza agree to write and keep you up to date on their plans to resurrect Nidalia. As you understand it, they will wait a tenday, until an auspicious constellation, Angharradh, the Silver Lady, appears in the night sky, before undertaking the rite. They also must ascertain the availability of a High Priest of Lathander and of a suitable space according to the Temple calendar. There is much to organize!)
You return to The Blade and Stars where the teenage half-wood elf you met when you first arrived in Baldur's Gate sits on a stool outside the stable, shelling nuts and popping them into his mouth and smiling at the world as it passes by. “Why it’s the lay-deeez come back!,” he trumpets, standing and beaming. “Don’t ye worry, lay-deez, yer palfrey’re as comfy as bobbins in a basket.”
“Quiet, Pud. C’mere and stop yer yappin!,” grumbles the stout stable hand, Bibit. He holds his young apprentice by the elbow and they both tip their caps as you pass.
Inside, the innkeeper, Lupin, she of the short-cropped tightly curled dark hair and anchor tattoo, she of the sad but welcoming smile, serves you sections of an enormous roasted striped bass with fresh bread and mead. You then settle into your rooms or the common room to nap, and clean up and relax for the remainder of the day.
(Blueschist’s shop is in one of the stately storefronts in the upper city facing The Wide, you determine by comparing the address on a calling card he left with you weeks ago.)
The following day dawns. Will you pay for another night in advance and leave your things in your rooms as you continue exploring Baldur’s Gate? Or, perhaps, settle your bill, saddle up, and visit Blueschist’s shop on the way out of town?
“What other business might we have left in the city?” Erudisia thinks of her friend, in the upper city. She might drop by and visit the young heiress for tea before leaving, after their visit to Blueschist shop, but that should be a brief matter, and with Little One present brief should be brief.
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Round 4 Results
Two of Bell’s fingers of flame whoosh at the wererat (14 hits!). He picks up an old discarded cloak to defend himself from the spell, but drops it again moments later as, engulfed in fire, it transforms into red-hot flakes of fabric. But though his body should have been crisped too, vapors from the second potion he imbibed seem to shield him, though the vapors evaporate in the process (bye-bye, temporary HP!).
The wererat smirks at Bell with a superior air, but a moment later, Erudisia’s evocation slams into him with a shattering BOOM! that shakes the creaky staircase and blows Mushiska off his feet. On his back, Meredith’s quill then slices at him and he yells in pain. You see the word “liar” written in cursive torn through his tunic. "YEEOOWW!!," he yells.
Then, Marliza, in jackal form, stalks up to him, growling angrily before transforming into her human form, and confronting him face-to-face, hands balled into fists at her sides. The wererat holds up open palms beseechingly.
“Now, luvie, don’t be upset!” Backpedalling, he slips on a mound of gold coins and falls on his rump.
“You!,” Marliza shouts. “You were never going to set up shop with me, were you??? You were lying to me from the beginning, weren’t you!!”
“You tell him, lassie!,” a woman calls down from one of the open windows above you.
Mushika starts to prevaricate, but Marliza’s iron gaze clamps his mouth shut.
“I could kill you!,” the teenager says. “But… just GET AWAY FROM ME. I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!”
Mushika’s mouth begins to form words several times, but each time Marliza’s glare stops him. Looking around at all of you, his sliced tunic and lacerated chest twitching in pain, burned arms and whiskers still smoking, he raises his hands over his head in surrender.
“Okay, pet. Okay, you win. I’m going,” he says, and you see genuine sadness for a moment. This only fuels Marliza’s rage. The wererat schools his expression into an emotionless mask, his eyes remaining on Marliza. He backs away toward an alley. Does anyone stop him from departing?
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Erudisia holds one exhausted hand to her throbbing ribs and glowers at the wicked cad as he slinks away.
Exemplar was always saying he needed more experience in the dealing of justice, perhaps she might write him a letter with Mushika’s description, habits and trespasses, and leave him to the First Glaive of Caer Callidyrr of Laurelshire!
Even just imagining Mushika having to deal with her eldest brother (and her eldest brother having to speak to Mushika) puts a dark smile on her face, which the ratman might see as he flees.
Meredith came up and put a hand on Marlizas shoulder, " You can do better, Babe. So Much Better."
" Shall we get on with our delivery? Erudisia? Will the gold fit back in your.......um........space.......thing?"
" Everyone well........I mean hopefully you are cos I'm fresh out of healing magic."
Erudisia grimaces. “It is inaccessible to me at the moment. We shall have to just divide it amongst our own packs.”
" Lets get to it then.", Meredith began filling her pockets...
When Marliza, lost in her private thoughts, feels Meredith’s hand on her shoulder, she turns, ready to tear it off, perhaps thinking it was someone else’s. Her eyes flash to Meredith’s and only then does she catch herself. Then, at the bard’s words, the teenager’s mask shatters and she sobs miserably.
“I (sob) ruined everything! And… (sob) my pack will never forgive me! And…(sob) I don’t deserve for them to forgive me.”
People nearby start to filter out and stand in their doorways, watching the scene unfold as Erudisia and Bell begin to collect the fallen gold. A newcomer arrives and seems ready to leap for the coins and start a free-for-all. But someone else grabs them by the arm, holding them back and shaking their head significantly, pointing their eyes at the four of you. The message sinks in. You get to work and soon, Marliza joins you, with her jaw set tightly while the corners of her eyes burn, fighting back tears.
It doesn’t take long. Five or ten minutes later you have scooped up everything you can find in the brightening morning light. Soon after that, ten minutes of walking brings you to the Amberdune pack’s home.
Several of the jackalweres are outside, strapping books to a pull cart, preparing to transport their inventory to The Wide.
Korvala is there, overseeing the task. She looks up and peers warily as you approach, eyes fastened with urgent concern on Marliza, whose expression is downcast.
“What happened?,” she asks cautiously. Marliza doesn’t meet her eyes, and Korvala looks around to you with redoubled anxiety, but then takes note of your various injuries.
“Come in,” she urges. Soon, you are with her in her office, having been brought cups of strong, hot tea and small sweetcakes.
“Are you all right?…,” she asks, and many more questions follow…
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Bell speaks up first which is contrary to her more reserved, 'bookish' ways of the past. "All right? Yes and no. And perhaps more of one than the other."
She looks about at her friends and cohorts, "As you may have noticed, we are somewhat the worse for wear. Not only from our adventure to and from the casino but, a little run-in with a pesky wererat that some," and there she looks over at Marliza, "should be schooled on. BUT, the good news is, we were able to gain enough gold for YOU, as we promised. And another but... we really need a drink and some healing before we start counting coin."
Bell almost wobbles as she plants herself in a chair.
Erudisia does not sit, letting Bell do the talking, Meredith do the supporting, while she empties first her pack of the collected gold, and then theirs if they allow it.
Meredith gives the slightest of frowns Bells way and stays close to Marliza.
" Yes, a pesky thief and charlatan that will rue the day he came up against we four Furies."
" Still, job done and all is well."
“May Nidalia’s Eternal Soul Bless You,” Korvala intones, fervently, when Bell reveals the party’s success. Korvala’s eyes flare in concern for Bell’s wobbly condition. She nods to one of the jackalweres, Avani, the middle-aged woman you first met at the Amberdune Books stall. Avani fetches clean cloths, boiled water, and soothing creams to disinfect, sooth, and bandage your wounds. (Everyone can immediately enjoy the effects of a Short Rest.)
After hearing your tale, which draws looks of awe and gasps of astonishment from the Pack, and which lasts until the sun is high in the sky, Korvala stands and claps her hands together once. In response, the entire Amberdune pack, each man or woman where they stand around the edges of the room or in the doorway, as one, mimics the motion and then kneels in supplication and gratitude, bowing their head.
And now, here in Korvala's spartan study with its small bookshelves and crossed blades on the wall, Korvala, too, kneels, bowing her head for a long moment to you four. Marliza, you understand, was intended by her leader to share this thanks with you three, but Marliza, too claps her hands before her, eyes holding Merediths as she mouths, “thank you,” and she joins the others, kneeling around you, eyes modestly cast down.
“You have given us our heart back, our Mother, our Protector!,” Korvala pronounces, fervently. “We are at your service with tooth and claw and deed should you ever need us.” She continues in Amnian Thorass, “May the Seas and Sands be ever merciful to you! May the forests and mountains make way for you!” The Amberdune jackalweres passionately echo the words. "Rahma al-Bahr wal-Rimal 'alayk da’iman! Wa-ltufah laka al-ghābāt wal-jibāl!"
After a moment of intense silence, Korvala again claps her hands in front of her and the others stand, eyes moist with gratitude, faces breaking into wide grins. There are many bows and hand shakes and continued thanks....
(You have completed the Quest of the Stygian Gambit!!)
(I assume you leave the gold with the jackalweres and part as friends. Is there anything else you would like to do/say here before returning to your inn?)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
(Erudisia is exhausted. She just wants to head back to the inn, have a tea, and sleep. But she will follow the other’s leads).
(Is Petey with us?)
Bell will repeat the invitation to visit Candlekeep once their Protector is revived. Their books and experiences would make for interesting times there.
And, a 'thank you' for their ministrations to help the ladies recover from their recent 'adventures'.
Erudisia asks that she might write letters from time to time to see how their fortunes progress, if they are willing. She also agrees with Bell’s invitation, so far as she can on Candlekeep’s behalf.
Lastly, when they do leave, after a long rest, she asks whether they might visit Blueschist the dwarf before they return to Candlekeep.
Good question! I think Petey has been outside the Amberdune house, watching the cart. Food and tea were brought out to him and he has been paid a generous few silver pieces for his time and for the rodent-trouble he endured . He walks with you back to your inn before returning to his own home.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Meredith will express her best wishes to the pack and maybe mention that if they happen to come across any moderately friendly feline shifters who are looking for someone to bite she might be amenable........she hangs back a little and gives Marliza a big hug whispering in her ear, " You will be amazing. Come and tell us about it when your ready."
She takes in Bell and Erudisias rather battered condition and wills the quill to become a tattoo down the right side of her face.
" Bedtime?"
" Uh.......I'm tired...Sleeptime."
She has no real plans beyond that and is unconcious the moment her head touches the pillow.
(What does the facial tattoo look like? Erudisia has a tattoo of her house crest on one hand and fingers iirc. Just need to get Little One and Bell some ink and we might be a gang.)
( Its basically the quill, a black writing feather, in black ink form.)
((Very nice.))
(Korvala and Marliza agree to write and keep you up to date on their plans to resurrect Nidalia. As you understand it, they will wait a tenday, until an auspicious constellation, Angharradh, the Silver Lady, appears in the night sky, before undertaking the rite. They also must ascertain the availability of a High Priest of Lathander and of a suitable space according to the Temple calendar. There is much to organize!)
You return to The Blade and Stars where the teenage half-wood elf you met when you first arrived in Baldur's Gate sits on a stool outside the stable, shelling nuts and popping them into his mouth and smiling at the world as it passes by. “Why it’s the lay-deeez come back!,” he trumpets, standing and beaming. “Don’t ye worry, lay-deez, yer palfrey’re as comfy as bobbins in a basket.”
“Quiet, Pud. C’mere and stop yer yappin!,” grumbles the stout stable hand, Bibit. He holds his young apprentice by the elbow and they both tip their caps as you pass.
Inside, the innkeeper, Lupin, she of the short-cropped tightly curled dark hair and anchor tattoo, she of the sad but welcoming smile, serves you sections of an enormous roasted striped bass with fresh bread and mead. You then settle into your rooms or the common room to nap, and clean up and relax for the remainder of the day.
(Blueschist’s shop is in one of the stately storefronts in the upper city facing The Wide, you determine by comparing the address on a calling card he left with you weeks ago.)
The following day dawns. Will you pay for another night in advance and leave your things in your rooms as you continue exploring Baldur’s Gate? Or, perhaps, settle your bill, saddle up, and visit Blueschist’s shop on the way out of town?
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
“What other business might we have left in the city?” Erudisia thinks of her friend, in the upper city. She might drop by and visit the young heiress for tea before leaving, after their visit to Blueschist shop, but that should be a brief matter, and with Little One present brief should be brief.