Chapter 6 The air in the sanctum crackles with latent power as you step through the portal, the weight of the fourth piece of the Rod of Seven Parts palpable in your grasp. Awaiting, as always, are the the Wizards Three.
Mordenkainen steps forward, the folds of his blue robes sweeping across the marble floor. He examines the rod piece with a furrowed brow, his fingers tracing the ancient lines of power etched into its surface.
“Another fragment reclaimed,” he says, his voice low and measured. “I must congratulate you and your team with the efficiency you have managed to implement in the recovery of these lost devices."
Mordenkainen gets to work, handing the rod to Tasha while Lady Alustriel has magic items laid out on a table waiting for your return. "I've managed to procure some much needed instruments for your party. Please take one."
Everyone gets to "re-tool" their gear between chapters. This time, please add one very rare magic item for each character but also one party item to be added, a legendary magic item agreed upon and shared between the party.
Mordenkainen finally says, "The path forward remains obscured.” Tasha leans in, eyes glinting with curiosity. “The rod should be pointing the way. Why the ambiguity?”
She gasps and then proclaims, “There is a veil upon this piece.”
Mordenkainen strides to a wide obsidian table, cluttered with celestial charts, enchanted compasses, and delicate instruments of gold and crystal. He gestures for you to place the fourth rod piece at the table’s center. As you do, the air shimmers, and the rod hums with a low, vibrating tone.
“Let us strip away the shadows,” Mordenkainen mutters.
With a snap of his fingers, glowing threads of blue light weave from his hands, wrapping around the rod piece. The table itself shifts, the surface turning into a swirling pool of starlight and mist. A projection of worlds, swirling nebulae, and constellations coalesces above it.
“There,” Mordenkainen says, his finger pointing to a familiar sphere—the war-torn world of Krynn. The image magnifies, zooming in on a vast, mountainous region cloaked in shadow.
“The Northern Dargaard Mountains,” Mordenkainen announces, the words weighted with significance. “A massive, ancient tree radiates traces of the rod’s magic and yet it is no longer there.”
The image shifts, showing the skeletal outline of a dying tree on a windswept hilltop. The rod piece’s pull seems to point directly to it—but the projection wavers, the tree blurring in and out of focus, distorted by a crimson glow.
Tasha frowns. “That’s not right. The magic’s being bent, redirected.”
Mordenkainen’s hands move deftly across the floating instruments, adjusting the image. The red glow intensifies, revealing a castle shrouded in crimson light.
“A disruption,” he murmurs. “This crimson moonlight is distorting the rod’s magic.”
Alustriel’s eyes narrow. “That must be Three Moons Vault. The death knight Lord Soth’s influence runs deep there. And he has allies, mages who twist the very fabric of Krynn’s magic.”
Mordenkainen nods gravely. “The mage Teremini Nightsedge is no stranger to manipulating moonlight. She has ensnared the fifth piece in a web of crimson magic.”
He waves his hand, and the image of the castle fractures, revealing dark corridors and arcane symbols pulsing within its walls.
“To reclaim the fifth piece,” Mordenkainen says, “you’ll need to disrupt the ritual and banish this crimson influence.”
Tasha steps forward, her tone unusually serious. “Be careful. Soth and his ilk don’t play fair. The crimson moonlight warps more than just magic, it warps the mind.”
Alustriel adds, “The Blue Fire Wardens, Krynn’s benevolent lycanthropes, may aid you. Their leader, Valendar, is likely caught in this web as well. Free him, and you may gain a powerful ally.”
Mordenkainen clasps his hands behind his back, his gaze sharp. “The path is dangerous, but destiny waits for no one. Go to Krynn. Find the fifth piece." He opens a portal to Krynn
Necyra listened intently to the Wizards' explanation, her mind racing with possibilities. The idea of venturing into the dark and twisted world of Krynn filled her with a sense of both excitement and trepidation.
Necyra carefully removed her Cloak of Protection, folding it neatly before stowing it in her backpack. As she turned her attention to the table of magic items, her eyes fell upon the Ioun Stone of Intellect. The marbled scarlet and blue sphere pulsed with an otherworldly energy. With a focused concentration, she reached out and took the stone, holding it in her palm. As she brought the stone to her forehead, she felt a surge of energy, her mind sharpening and her thoughts becoming clearer. The stone, now orbiting her head, granted her a boost to her intelligence, making her even more formidable.
Necyra readied herself for the challenges that lay ahead, her eyes scanning her fellow adventurers, looking for confirmation that they were ready for the next chapter in this grand adventure. She knew that the road to the fifth piece of the Rod of Seven Parts would be fraught with danger, but she was determined to see it through.
Trystane stands silently as the Wizards speak, his arms crossed, the faint flicker of his lightning-charged claws dissipating as he listens. When the table of magic items is revealed, his eyes immediately settle on the Manual of Bodily Health. A slight smirk crosses his face as he picks up the ornate tome, its leather cover embossed with intricate patterns of musculature and veins. “Now this,” he says, flipping through the pages, “is the kind of knowledge I can use.” The energy within the tome resonates with him as he holds it, already feeling its latent power stirring his troll-blooded physique. Turning to the portal shimmering with promise and peril, Trystane slides the manual into his pack, his expression steely. “A death knight, a warped moon, and a castle full of lunatics. Sounds like my kind of challenge.” He looks to his companions, his eyes glinting with determination. “Let’s grab this piece of the rod and remind them why they should fear the ones chasing it.”
As Trystane adjusts the strap of his pack, his thoughts drift to Alustriel’s mention of the Blue Fire Wardens—lycanthropes, beings both feared and misunderstood. He feels a flicker of kinship with them, a resonance born of his own nature. His troll-blooded transformation, a gift and a curse, is not so different from the primal duality they endure. “Lycanthropes, huh,” he mutters under his breath, his sharp claws idly flexing. “Might not be so bad to meet others who walk the line between beast and man. I know what it’s like to carry that weight.” He looks up at the portal, his smirk softening into something contemplative. “If they’ll have us, I’d like to see if we can make allies of them. I figure we have more in common than they might think.”
With that, he steels himself once more, ready to step into the unknown.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Talorin peruses over the various items, his hands running over almost everything in his search but still he's indecisive for now. As he goes spectral wings like those of an eagle sprout from him back, allowing him to hover and quickly his attention turns to testing out his newfound flight.
"Friendly lycanthropes? Delightful! You know I once met a werebear while traveling. She wasn't one of many words, but a pleasant fellow." he says. His eyes light up with Trystane's enthusiasm to meet the lycanthropes, "Think you'd be good at tracking fellow lycans?" he asks. "Perhaps a common smell or something?"
He asks Mordekainen, "Disrupt the ritual? Just normal old 'kill the guy chanting and holding a flaming heart' stuff? Or will we be finding something more intricate?" After the wizard answers he swoops in once more over the tables, and then flies through the portal with look of excitement for what lies beyond.
The rising sun limns the rolling hills around you. In the purple sky hang three moons—a red moon, a white moon, and a black moon discernible only because of the stars it blots out. Behind you stands a tall fruit tree in early bloom, its bright-orange buds still flowering. The doorway through which you’ve just emerged is a deep, dark furrow in the tree’s bark.
The fourth piece of the Rod of Seven Parts points to another tree on a nearby hill. That massive tree’s ashen bark and leafless branches suggest it is dying.
This tree is hundreds of feet tall. The tree’s leafless branches and bark are pale and soft-looking, and the hill is covered in the decomposing remains of sticky, gray fruits that hum with swarms of flies. Deep holes in the tree’s trunk—like rents in a rusted suit of armor—provide glimpses inside the tree’s rotten, hollow interior. Thick, gnarled roots spread in all directions. A gaping fissure at the base of the tree forms a rough, arched entrance into the trunk.
Perception or Survival DC 14, to spots vague humanoid footprints in the soft dirt.
A ledge of interwoven roots and packed dirt hangs sixty feet above the hollow’s eastern half, and a boulder leans against the hollow’s northern wall.
Following the tracks into the hollow of the tree you find a treant who surrenders and tells you that a small blue figure passed through here and he points out the medium sized hole that it went through. Judging by the tracks, these are the same footprints that you are following.
Once inside the hole you meet a kender named Riffle, who is clearly a werewolf. He initially defends himself but then, once he realizes that you are not interested in fighting, he opens up and asks you for help, "I'm a member of the Blue Fire Wardens", he points to the insignia on his blue cape. "We are a band of naturalists who oppose the Death Knight, Lord Soth. I'm separated from my other Blue Flame Members, because a Borthak has them trapped. I know that the monster loves peylon fruit but ever since that artifact-rod was removed from the peylon tree, the fruit has been rotting.
“The artifact was taken to the Three Moons Vault, but you’d be foolish to simply walk in and try to take it. I can sneak you into the vault—but first, I need your help."
“Borthaks love peylon fruit. When we were attacked, I ran here to find a peylon fruit so I could return and distract the borthak so the others can escape. It’s not fruit season, but this tree used to be magical, so I thought it might still have fruit. Anyway, if you help me find some, I’ll help you find your artifact.”
While searching for fruit with the kendar, the guardian of the tree confronts the party and the kendarwolf. A deadbark dryad says, "You are uninvited guests in my tree. Begone, you don't have permission to be here. But I am curious what you are trying to do. My name is Gazaia and I am the guardian of this peylon tree."
"I hate Lord Soth and his men for attacking my tree. I must confess, I feel extremely guilty for hiding when the soldiers were hacking and attacking the roots and branches of my tree. I wasn't much a guardian that day."
The party has gained Gazaia’s Secret
"Ahh, there is one piece of unspoiled peylon fruit that I am willing to give you, for a price."
"Give me a magic item, make it a good one, and I will hand over the ripe fruit."
When Trystane first encounters Riffle, his transformed features soften slightly, his claws retracting to a more passive stance. He tilts his head, taking in the werewolf's insignia and demeanor. "No need for defenses, friend. We’re not here to fight you. Sounds like you’ve had a rough go of it." Hearing about the Blue Fire Wardens, Trystane crouches slightly, bringing himself closer to Riffle's level. "I’ll help you with this Borthak and find your friends. No creature should stand alone against something like that." His tone is calm but carries the weight of someone who knows what it’s like to face overwhelming odds. His gaze flickers upward, through the sparse canopy, to the three moons hanging in the sky. A faint smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. "Three moons—red, black, white. Not something you see every day. You said your group is tied to nature. Which one do the Blue Fire Wardens respond to? Or is it all of them?" He gestures toward the glowing orbs above. "I’ve heard tales of moons tied to magic and fate. Curious if there’s one you call your own." As he speaks, his curiosity is genuine, the trollblood warrior displaying an unusual gentleness. The possibility of befriending the werewolf and learning more about the Wardens seems to spark something within him—a shared sense of belonging to something both primal and noble.
After agreeing to help Riffle, Trystane exchanges a firm nod with the kender-turned-werewolf. "Let’s find that peylon fruit and free your friends," he says, his voice steady. The group follows the faint trail deeper into the tree's hollow, the musty scent of decay growing stronger with each step. As they push through tangled roots and crumbling bark, Trystane keeps a wary eye on their surroundings. "Strange how the magic of this tree feels... wounded," he mutters to his companions, glancing at the kender. "It’s as if the land itself is mourning what’s been taken." Their path winds to a shadowy grove within the tree’s core, where the faint shimmer of otherworldly energy betrays the presence of something—or someone—watching.
As the dryad Gazaia emerges from the gloom, her piercing gaze locks onto the group, and Trystane raises a placating hand. "We’re here to help set things right, guardian," he says carefully, his deep voice echoing softly in the hollow. "But it seems we’ll need to earn your trust first."
Trystane steps forward, his towering form casting a shadow over the dryad, though his voice remains calm and measured. "Gazaia, I understand your anger and your guilt. Guardianship isn’t about never failing—it’s about continuing to stand for what you protect, even after setbacks. It’s clear you care deeply for this tree." He pauses, reaching into his pack. "You ask for a magic item, and I have two that might serve you well when trouble arises again. The first is a Potion of Invisibility, which could let you vanish and strike from the shadows or avoid danger altogether." He holds up the delicate vial, its contents invisible but the vial responds to gravity as if filled to the rim. "The second," he continues, drawing out another vial, "is a Potion of Heroism. It imbues the drinker with courage and resilience, a gift for facing enemies with the strength of a champion. Either would be a boon when those soldiers return—one to evade, the other to confront. The choice is yours, Gazaia." He steps back, offering both options in his outstretched hands, a calm sincerity in his gaze. "Which one will it be?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Talorin is ecstatic to meet a fellow Kender! His mouth is full of questions once after Trystane helps him see the party is there to help. "Are there more kender here? What kind of homes do you live in? Do you and the Blue Wardens hunt or farm? When you turn into a wolf how big are you? I once knew a halfling werebear and he'd get Large!"
When Trystane speaks to Gazaia Talorin feels a sympathetic tear roll down his face. The beauty of his companion's words are very clear.
[[ @Cyreon, really like that speech you wrote to Gazaia. Well done!
If the consumables aren't enough, could potentially up the ante with a Daern's Instant Fortress. Hopefully the potions do it since the idea of fortress on-demand is nice. But if needs be, we haven't really set up defensive points yet. ]]
[[ @Cyreon, really like that speech you wrote to Gazaia. Well done!
If the consumables aren't enough, could potentially up the ante with a Daern's Instant Fortress. Hopefully the potions do it since the idea of fortress on-demand is nice. But if needs be, we haven't really set up defensive points yet. ]]
OOC: Thanks! I'm not sure how playing with her feelings will be conceived by her but since I didn't want to surrender a real magic item (in contrast to a consumable), I felt that using her secret against her could sway her to accept something of lower value. And if need be, we could even part with both potions.
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
(Yurgojin also has a ring of Feather Fall he wears but isn't attuned to if that wiukd be helpful)
Gazaia takes the ring and puts it on her barky finger. "Exquisite. I love it. I love it. This is real magic." She summons the ripe peylon fruit which seems to spring like a growing flower, from her palm, then the petals shrink and the fruit grows and then ripens. With her other hand, she plucks the fruit and hands it to Riffel, "Now follow me. You must leave this place as quickly as possible."
"I’ll help you with this Borthak and find your friends. No creature should stand alone against something like that." His tone is calm but carries the weight of someone who knows what it’s like to face overwhelming odds.
"Our meeting must be fate. I will not turn down this generous offer to lay down your life for a stranger. I accept."
His gaze flickers upward, through the sparse canopy, to the three moons hanging in the sky. A faint smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. "Three moons—red, black, white. Not something you see every day. You said your group is tied to nature. Which one do the Blue Fire Wardens respond to? Or is it all of them?" He gestures toward the glowing orbs above. "I’ve heard tales of moons tied to magic and fate. Curious if there’s one you call your own." As he speaks, his curiosity is genuine, the trollblood warrior displaying an unusual gentleness. The possibility of befriending the werewolf and learning more about the Wardens seems to spark something within him—a shared sense of belonging to something both primal and noble.
“There’s no doubt about it, we Blue Fire Wardens venerate Habbakuk, the divine lord of beasts. However, many of us once worshiped Lunitari. That’s her in the sky, in her celestial form: Lunitari, the Red Moon. She is neither good nor evil. Her magic fuels the power of transformation, but it is Habbakuk that we now revere."
Riffel leads the party through a marshy lowland called Bittergrass Fen.
Over the next hour, the kendar becomes extremely chatty and shares the following information:
The Three Moons Vault, a heavily fortified keep located in the nearby mountains. It is overseen by the archmage Teremini Nightsedge, who serves the dreaded Lord Soth.
Teremini’s soldiers recently stole a magical shard from the heart of a sacred peylon tree. As a result, the tree and its dryad became corrupted. This shard is sure to be the rod you are looking for.
You are just going to love the Blue Fire Wardens, they are a group of benevolent lycanthropes and skilled trackers who worship the nature god Habbakuk and oppose Lord Soth. The Wardens launched an attack on the Three Moons Vault, but it ended in catastrophe. Their leader, Valendar, was captured during the assault. Valendar knows more about the vault and the stolen rod piece than any other Warden.
Rising from the fen are two rows of standing stones, each one a rough-carved pillar twenty feet high and ten feet thick. Floating inches above each standing stone is a ten-foot-diameter boulder. West of the fen is a swiftly flowing creek with muddy banks. Slopes to the north and east meet to form a rocky bluff.
An enormous, slavering monster attacks the bluff face, where a stone arch marks the entrance to an underground temple. A crumbling stone door separates the monster from the temple’s interior.
Talorin is ecstatic to meet a fellow Kender! His mouth is full of questions once after Trystane helps him see the party is there to help. "Are there more kender here? What kind of homes do you live in? Do you and the Blue Wardens hunt or farm? When you turn into a wolf how big are you? I once knew a halfling werebear and he'd get Large!"
Riffel blushes when he admits, "I'm a little wolf."
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
At this rate, the borthak is going first. I just need to know if there is a plan or if someone is holding the fruit. Otherwise, he might charge the character with the fruit.
Necyra watched in amazement as Gazaia summoned the peylon fruit. The Dryad's power was truly awe-inspiring.
As they ventured deeper into the tree, Necyra couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. She scanned the shadows, her senses alert. But there was no sign of danger, no lurking threat. The closer they got to the vault, the more intense the magical energy became. Necyra could feel it pulsing through the air, a tangible force that was both exhilarating and intimidating. She knew that the final confrontation with Lord Soth would be a difficult one, but she was ready to face the challenge.
As they approached the Three Moons Vault, Necyra readied herself for battle. The monstrous guardian that guarded the entrance was a formidable foe, but she was confident in her abilities. With her allies by her side, she knew they could overcome any challenge. "Let's take it down," she said, her voice filled with determination. "We can't let it hinder our progress."
Chapter 6
The air in the sanctum crackles with latent power as you step through the portal, the weight of the fourth piece of the Rod of Seven Parts palpable in your grasp. Awaiting, as always, are the the Wizards Three.
Mordenkainen steps forward, the folds of his blue robes sweeping across the marble floor. He examines the rod piece with a furrowed brow, his fingers tracing the ancient lines of power etched into its surface.
“Another fragment reclaimed,” he says, his voice low and measured. “I must congratulate you and your team with the efficiency you have managed to implement in the recovery of these lost devices."
Mordenkainen gets to work, handing the rod to Tasha while Lady Alustriel has magic items laid out on a table waiting for your return. "I've managed to procure some much needed instruments for your party. Please take one."
Everyone gets to "re-tool" their gear between chapters. This time, please add one very rare magic item for each character but also one party item to be added, a legendary magic item agreed upon and shared between the party.
Mordenkainen finally says, "The path forward remains obscured.” Tasha leans in, eyes glinting with curiosity. “The rod should be pointing the way. Why the ambiguity?”
She gasps and then proclaims, “There is a veil upon this piece.”
Mordenkainen strides to a wide obsidian table, cluttered with celestial charts, enchanted compasses, and delicate instruments of gold and crystal. He gestures for you to place the fourth rod piece at the table’s center. As you do, the air shimmers, and the rod hums with a low, vibrating tone.
“Let us strip away the shadows,” Mordenkainen mutters.
With a snap of his fingers, glowing threads of blue light weave from his hands, wrapping around the rod piece. The table itself shifts, the surface turning into a swirling pool of starlight and mist. A projection of worlds, swirling nebulae, and constellations coalesces above it.
“There,” Mordenkainen says, his finger pointing to a familiar sphere—the war-torn world of Krynn. The image magnifies, zooming in on a vast, mountainous region cloaked in shadow.
“The Northern Dargaard Mountains,” Mordenkainen announces, the words weighted with significance. “A massive, ancient tree radiates traces of the rod’s magic and yet it is no longer there.”
The image shifts, showing the skeletal outline of a dying tree on a windswept hilltop. The rod piece’s pull seems to point directly to it—but the projection wavers, the tree blurring in and out of focus, distorted by a crimson glow.
Tasha frowns. “That’s not right. The magic’s being bent, redirected.”
Mordenkainen’s hands move deftly across the floating instruments, adjusting the image. The red glow intensifies, revealing a castle shrouded in crimson light.
“A disruption,” he murmurs. “This crimson moonlight is distorting the rod’s magic.”
Alustriel’s eyes narrow. “That must be Three Moons Vault. The death knight Lord Soth’s influence runs deep there. And he has allies, mages who twist the very fabric of Krynn’s magic.”
Mordenkainen nods gravely. “The mage Teremini Nightsedge is no stranger to manipulating moonlight. She has ensnared the fifth piece in a web of crimson magic.”
He waves his hand, and the image of the castle fractures, revealing dark corridors and arcane symbols pulsing within its walls.
“To reclaim the fifth piece,” Mordenkainen says, “you’ll need to disrupt the ritual and banish this crimson influence.”
Tasha steps forward, her tone unusually serious. “Be careful. Soth and his ilk don’t play fair. The crimson moonlight warps more than just magic, it warps the mind.”
Alustriel adds, “The Blue Fire Wardens, Krynn’s benevolent lycanthropes, may aid you. Their leader, Valendar, is likely caught in this web as well. Free him, and you may gain a powerful ally.”
Mordenkainen clasps his hands behind his back, his gaze sharp. “The path is dangerous, but destiny waits for no one. Go to Krynn. Find the fifth piece." He opens a portal to Krynn
Necyra listened intently to the Wizards' explanation, her mind racing with possibilities. The idea of venturing into the dark and twisted world of Krynn filled her with a sense of both excitement and trepidation.
Necyra carefully removed her Cloak of Protection, folding it neatly before stowing it in her backpack. As she turned her attention to the table of magic items, her eyes fell upon the Ioun Stone of Intellect. The marbled scarlet and blue sphere pulsed with an otherworldly energy. With a focused concentration, she reached out and took the stone, holding it in her palm. As she brought the stone to her forehead, she felt a surge of energy, her mind sharpening and her thoughts becoming clearer. The stone, now orbiting her head, granted her a boost to her intelligence, making her even more formidable.
Necyra readied herself for the challenges that lay ahead, her eyes scanning her fellow adventurers, looking for confirmation that they were ready for the next chapter in this grand adventure. She knew that the road to the fifth piece of the Rod of Seven Parts would be fraught with danger, but she was determined to see it through.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Trystane stands silently as the Wizards speak, his arms crossed, the faint flicker of his lightning-charged claws dissipating as he listens. When the table of magic items is revealed, his eyes immediately settle on the Manual of Bodily Health. A slight smirk crosses his face as he picks up the ornate tome, its leather cover embossed with intricate patterns of musculature and veins. “Now this,” he says, flipping through the pages, “is the kind of knowledge I can use.” The energy within the tome resonates with him as he holds it, already feeling its latent power stirring his troll-blooded physique. Turning to the portal shimmering with promise and peril, Trystane slides the manual into his pack, his expression steely. “A death knight, a warped moon, and a castle full of lunatics. Sounds like my kind of challenge.” He looks to his companions, his eyes glinting with determination. “Let’s grab this piece of the rod and remind them why they should fear the ones chasing it.”
As Trystane adjusts the strap of his pack, his thoughts drift to Alustriel’s mention of the Blue Fire Wardens—lycanthropes, beings both feared and misunderstood. He feels a flicker of kinship with them, a resonance born of his own nature. His troll-blooded transformation, a gift and a curse, is not so different from the primal duality they endure. “Lycanthropes, huh,” he mutters under his breath, his sharp claws idly flexing. “Might not be so bad to meet others who walk the line between beast and man. I know what it’s like to carry that weight.” He looks up at the portal, his smirk softening into something contemplative. “If they’ll have us, I’d like to see if we can make allies of them. I figure we have more in common than they might think.”
With that, he steels himself once more, ready to step into the unknown.
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Talorin peruses over the various items, his hands running over almost everything in his search but still he's indecisive for now. As he goes spectral wings like those of an eagle sprout from him back, allowing him to hover and quickly his attention turns to testing out his newfound flight.
"Friendly lycanthropes? Delightful! You know I once met a werebear while traveling. She wasn't one of many words, but a pleasant fellow." he says. His eyes light up with Trystane's enthusiasm to meet the lycanthropes, "Think you'd be good at tracking fellow lycans?" he asks. "Perhaps a common smell or something?"
He asks Mordekainen, "Disrupt the ritual? Just normal old 'kill the guy chanting and holding a flaming heart' stuff? Or will we be finding something more intricate?" After the wizard answers he swoops in once more over the tables, and then flies through the portal with look of excitement for what lies beyond.
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
The rising sun limns the rolling hills around you. In the purple sky hang three moons—a red moon, a white moon, and a black moon discernible only because of the stars it blots out. Behind you stands a tall fruit tree in early bloom, its bright-orange buds still flowering. The doorway through which you’ve just emerged is a deep, dark furrow in the tree’s bark.
The fourth piece of the Rod of Seven Parts points to another tree on a nearby hill. That massive tree’s ashen bark and leafless branches suggest it is dying.
This tree is hundreds of feet tall. The tree’s leafless branches and bark are pale and soft-looking, and the hill is covered in the decomposing remains of sticky, gray fruits that hum with swarms of flies. Deep holes in the tree’s trunk—like rents in a rusted suit of armor—provide glimpses inside the tree’s rotten, hollow interior.
Thick, gnarled roots spread in all directions. A gaping fissure at the base of the tree forms a rough, arched entrance into the trunk.
Perception or Survival DC 14, to spots vague humanoid footprints in the soft dirt.
A ledge of interwoven roots and packed dirt hangs sixty feet above the hollow’s eastern half, and a boulder leans against the hollow’s northern wall.
Following the tracks into the hollow of the tree you find a treant who surrenders and tells you that a small blue figure passed through here and he points out the medium sized hole that it went through. Judging by the tracks, these are the same footprints that you are following.
Once inside the hole you meet a kender named Riffle, who is clearly a werewolf. He initially defends himself but then, once he realizes that you are not interested in fighting, he opens up and asks you for help, "I'm a member of the Blue Fire Wardens", he points to the insignia on his blue cape. "We are a band of naturalists who oppose the Death Knight, Lord Soth. I'm separated from my other Blue Flame Members, because a Borthak has them trapped. I know that the monster loves peylon fruit but ever since that artifact-rod was removed from the peylon tree, the fruit has been rotting.
“The artifact was taken to the Three Moons Vault, but you’d be foolish to simply walk in and try to take it. I can sneak you into the vault—but first, I need your help."
“Borthaks love peylon fruit. When we were attacked, I ran here to find a peylon fruit so I could return and distract the borthak so the others can escape. It’s not fruit season, but this tree used to be magical, so I thought it might still have fruit. Anyway, if you help me find some, I’ll help you find your artifact.”
While searching for fruit with the kendar, the guardian of the tree confronts the party and the kendarwolf. A deadbark dryad says, "You are uninvited guests in my tree. Begone, you don't have permission to be here. But I am curious what you are trying to do. My name is Gazaia and I am the guardian of this peylon tree."
"I hate Lord Soth and his men for attacking my tree. I must confess, I feel extremely guilty for hiding when the soldiers were hacking and attacking the roots and branches of my tree. I wasn't much a guardian that day."
The party has gained Gazaia’s Secret
"Ahh, there is one piece of unspoiled peylon fruit that I am willing to give you, for a price."
"Give me a magic item, make it a good one, and I will hand over the ripe fruit."
When Trystane first encounters Riffle, his transformed features soften slightly, his claws retracting to a more passive stance. He tilts his head, taking in the werewolf's insignia and demeanor. "No need for defenses, friend. We’re not here to fight you. Sounds like you’ve had a rough go of it." Hearing about the Blue Fire Wardens, Trystane crouches slightly, bringing himself closer to Riffle's level. "I’ll help you with this Borthak and find your friends. No creature should stand alone against something like that." His tone is calm but carries the weight of someone who knows what it’s like to face overwhelming odds. His gaze flickers upward, through the sparse canopy, to the three moons hanging in the sky. A faint smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. "Three moons—red, black, white. Not something you see every day. You said your group is tied to nature. Which one do the Blue Fire Wardens respond to? Or is it all of them?" He gestures toward the glowing orbs above. "I’ve heard tales of moons tied to magic and fate. Curious if there’s one you call your own." As he speaks, his curiosity is genuine, the trollblood warrior displaying an unusual gentleness. The possibility of befriending the werewolf and learning more about the Wardens seems to spark something within him—a shared sense of belonging to something both primal and noble.
After agreeing to help Riffle, Trystane exchanges a firm nod with the kender-turned-werewolf. "Let’s find that peylon fruit and free your friends," he says, his voice steady. The group follows the faint trail deeper into the tree's hollow, the musty scent of decay growing stronger with each step. As they push through tangled roots and crumbling bark, Trystane keeps a wary eye on their surroundings. "Strange how the magic of this tree feels... wounded," he mutters to his companions, glancing at the kender. "It’s as if the land itself is mourning what’s been taken." Their path winds to a shadowy grove within the tree’s core, where the faint shimmer of otherworldly energy betrays the presence of something—or someone—watching.
As the dryad Gazaia emerges from the gloom, her piercing gaze locks onto the group, and Trystane raises a placating hand. "We’re here to help set things right, guardian," he says carefully, his deep voice echoing softly in the hollow. "But it seems we’ll need to earn your trust first."
Trystane steps forward, his towering form casting a shadow over the dryad, though his voice remains calm and measured. "Gazaia, I understand your anger and your guilt. Guardianship isn’t about never failing—it’s about continuing to stand for what you protect, even after setbacks. It’s clear you care deeply for this tree." He pauses, reaching into his pack. "You ask for a magic item, and I have two that might serve you well when trouble arises again. The first is a Potion of Invisibility, which could let you vanish and strike from the shadows or avoid danger altogether." He holds up the delicate vial, its contents invisible but the vial responds to gravity as if filled to the rim. "The second," he continues, drawing out another vial, "is a Potion of Heroism. It imbues the drinker with courage and resilience, a gift for facing enemies with the strength of a champion. Either would be a boon when those soldiers return—one to evade, the other to confront. The choice is yours, Gazaia." He steps back, offering both options in his outstretched hands, a calm sincerity in his gaze. "Which one will it be?"
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Talorin is ecstatic to meet a fellow Kender! His mouth is full of questions once after Trystane helps him see the party is there to help. "Are there more kender here? What kind of homes do you live in? Do you and the Blue Wardens hunt or farm? When you turn into a wolf how big are you? I once knew a halfling werebear and he'd get Large!"
When Trystane speaks to Gazaia Talorin feels a sympathetic tear roll down his face. The beauty of his companion's words are very clear.
[[
@Cyreon, really like that speech you wrote to Gazaia. Well done!
If the consumables aren't enough, could potentially up the ante with a Daern's Instant Fortress. Hopefully the potions do it since the idea of fortress on-demand is nice. But if needs be, we haven't really set up defensive points yet.
]]
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
OOC: Thanks! I'm not sure how playing with her feelings will be conceived by her but since I didn't want to surrender a real magic item (in contrast to a consumable), I felt that using her secret against her could sway her to accept something of lower value. And if need be, we could even part with both potions.
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
(Yurgojin also has a ring of Feather Fall he wears but isn't attuned to if that wiukd be helpful)
Gazaia takes the ring and puts it on her barky finger. "Exquisite. I love it. I love it. This is real magic." She summons the ripe peylon fruit which seems to spring like a growing flower, from her palm, then the petals shrink and the fruit grows and then ripens. With her other hand, she plucks the fruit and hands it to Riffel, "Now follow me. You must leave this place as quickly as possible."
"Our meeting must be fate. I will not turn down this generous offer to lay down your life for a stranger. I accept."
“There’s no doubt about it, we Blue Fire Wardens venerate Habbakuk, the divine lord of beasts. However, many of us once worshiped Lunitari. That’s her in the sky, in her celestial form: Lunitari, the Red Moon. She is neither good nor evil. Her magic fuels the power of transformation, but it is Habbakuk that we now revere."
Riffel leads the party through a marshy lowland called Bittergrass Fen.
Over the next hour, the kendar becomes extremely chatty and shares the following information:
The Three Moons Vault, a heavily fortified keep located in the nearby mountains. It is overseen by the archmage Teremini Nightsedge, who serves the dreaded Lord Soth.
Teremini’s soldiers recently stole a magical shard from the heart of a sacred peylon tree. As a result, the tree and its dryad became corrupted. This shard is sure to be the rod you are looking for.
You are just going to love the Blue Fire Wardens, they are a group of benevolent lycanthropes and skilled trackers who worship the nature god Habbakuk and oppose Lord Soth. The Wardens launched an attack on the Three Moons Vault, but it ended in catastrophe. Their leader, Valendar, was captured during the assault. Valendar knows more about the vault and the stolen rod piece than any other Warden.
Rising from the fen are two rows of standing stones, each one a rough-carved pillar twenty feet high and ten feet thick. Floating inches above each standing stone is a ten-foot-diameter boulder. West of the fen is a swiftly flowing creek with muddy banks. Slopes to the north and east meet to form a rocky bluff.
An enormous, slavering monster attacks the bluff face, where a stone arch marks the entrance to an underground temple. A crumbling stone door separates the monster from the temple’s interior.
borthak init 15
Talorin Initiative: 16+1 = 17
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
Riffel blushes when he admits, "I'm a little wolf."
Yurgojin init: 13
Trystane: 17
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
At this rate, the borthak is going first. I just need to know if there is a plan or if someone is holding the fruit. Otherwise, he might charge the character with the fruit.
I feel like there's a decent chance Talorin would've taken hold of the fruit at some point out of curiosity.
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
Necyrinitive: 17
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Necyra watched in amazement as Gazaia summoned the peylon fruit. The Dryad's power was truly awe-inspiring.
As they ventured deeper into the tree, Necyra couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. She scanned the shadows, her senses alert. But there was no sign of danger, no lurking threat. The closer they got to the vault, the more intense the magical energy became. Necyra could feel it pulsing through the air, a tangible force that was both exhilarating and intimidating. She knew that the final confrontation with Lord Soth would be a difficult one, but she was ready to face the challenge.
As they approached the Three Moons Vault, Necyra readied herself for battle. The monstrous guardian that guarded the entrance was a formidable foe, but she was confident in her abilities. With her allies by her side, she knew they could overcome any challenge. "Let's take it down," she said, her voice filled with determination. "We can't let it hinder our progress."
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Bridgette is alert, ready for battle as yet again something stands in the party's way...
Initiative: 29.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
borthak lunches towards the fruit, and Talorin.
Round 1
Bridgette << your turn
borthak B1 (200/200)
Talorin, Yurgojin, Trystane, Necyra