Finn pummels the ant to death! The exoskeleton crunches and collapses under his blows and bitter-smelling ichor leaks out of the ruin he’s made of the ant.
After Seraphine's turn, if the remaining ant is still alive, Valerian will move forward a few steps so that he is in a 20ft range and throw a dagger that he pulls from his belt. (15 to hit, 4 damage)
If Seraphine totally demolished the ant like the other one she hit, Valerian will just stay in place and maybe just stumble down to sit, clearly not feeling very well. Now that the adrenaline is slowly wearing off, he can feel the piercing wounds thumping with pain. But as he holds the book ahead of him now, it feels like a reward and he hopes it is worth something.
Seraphine's lightning arc stuns the remaining ant right before Valerian's knife pierces its head, killing it.
The battle is won. Now might be a good time to mention that I intend to award and track experience points for this campaign. You don't have to worry about it, I'll let you know when you get to level 2. I also award experience points (as a group) for good RP and other non-combat situations, just so you know.
Those interested in studying the dead dwarf lady can make a nature check.
Assuming you'll get to work studying the book, this is what Valerian and the rest discover:
This is the journal / travel log of someone named Agate Shieldward, presumedly the dead dwarf lady. It details some recent minor adventures that she had in a group with 3 friends: a charming and kind half-elf bard named Taliesin, a huge goliath fighter by name of Icemoon, and an aloof but well-meaning human sorcerer named Sephi.
An entry dated a mere 5 days ago mentions taking on this very job (Rezlin, garden infestation, gather reagents, 50 gold reward) from a recruiter (different from how you heard about it).
An entry 3 days ago mentions that they did not have success in finding moles, so they waited for the potion to wear off, but it didn't. They spent a harrowing night camped in the flower garden. Taliesin had climbed up a flower to meditate under the stars and informed the group that he had seen a large white owl fly across the night sky, hunting.
An entry 2 days ago is written in shaky halting handwriting:
We were attacked - the strange bees - eyes were glowing purple - malevolent monsters, not normal bees - unprovoked - I was stung, poisoned - the others were carried away - I think they were still alive - can't remove stinger, barbed - think I'm dying - shrink potion still hasn't worn off - pain increasing, feel weak -
A shuddering breath leaves Valerian as he reads over the last few entries a few times, he doesn't want to accept that the situation they are in is far more dangerous than they had thought, even when they grew smaller than expected.
As he looked back to the fallen knight, who now had a name, not too far from him, Valerian knew it was just solid proof that they could truly die in this venture. A knight, likely as capable as them, was dead and the eerieness of reading her thoughts on the page clung to him. His first thought was that he did not want to be alone with this knowledge, it felt crushing. Trying to stagger up from where he was sitting, Valerian calls out, "My friends, gather around please. I fear this book bears some bad news."
Once everyone gets a glimpse of the last entries, he looks at all their reactions, not much different from his own. "I have to admit, this terrifies me." Valerian says shakily. He reminds himself that he has survived far worse and from the way the five ants were sprawled dead, he has capable companions. "If we want to survive this, we need a better plan." He adds, clearing his throat, trying to sound bolder than he feels.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Aralin wanders over to Val with everyone else after hearing him make the comments regarding the need to work together to survive.
"Val, agree, those diary notes are wearisome, the recent battle we fought highlights the need to work together, It would just as terrible to think if we lost anyone due to ants!, not sure I'd have enjoyed telling families back home how that happened,'
Aralin doesn't mean to sound haughty, he's concerned there might be too many chiefs (so to speak) or to many goings on without looking at our collective strengths and weaknesses and then planning accordingly.
"Words matter yes, yes they do but collaborative action speaks stronger, plus I want to make it back home in one piece!" he respectfully says this with a genuine odd attempt at smiling!
Looking back at the brave Knight, Aralin suggests to the company, "These noble people should be honoured before we move forward, before any other decisions are made, they should be given the opportunity to be sent on their way and ... given peace", as he says this he bows he head and walks over to the deceased.
Aralin can tell that the spike in the dwarf's stomach is a bee stinger. It appears to be a solid spike made of chitin, a hard, almost ceramic-like material. Clearly it was able to inject poison into the dwarf. You also know that dwarves are resistant to poison, so it must have been a high and potent dose. The trailing organic matter coming off it also inidicates what he knows to be true - that a bee sting results in a mortal injury to the bee, as well.
Finn can clearly see the panic spiral that could come from this new information. He adds his own thoughts, "When, not if, we get back to normal size, we should squeeze the old man for all he's worth. I don't tolerate those who take advantage of good people. The blood of Agate is on Rezlin's hands, I refuse to let him have anymore." His claws on full display show true anger bubbling to the surface from a well that runs deeper than just this one death. Finn is reliving a different trauma.
"Sticking together is good. Protecting each other is good. We can do this." The spotted tabaxi is not a beacon of intelligence, and is too wrapped up in his own head to offer a plan. He begins to pace, looking like a true tiger locked in a cage. He has energy to burn and is ready for somewhere to put it, just needing a direction to be pointed in.
Seraphine listens intently as Finn and Valerian recount the grim findings from Agate Shieldward's journal. Her eyes narrow, and her grip on her weapon tightens as the reality of their situation sinks in. This was no mere miscalculation; it felt like a deliberate trap. The knight’s tragic fate and the glowing purple eyes of the bees pointed to something far more sinister at play.
With resolve, she steps forward, her voice steady and clear. "This is no accident. Rezlin has sent us into a trap for some dark purpose, and I will see him pay for it." She kneels beside Valerian, placing a hand on his shoulder. Closing her eyes, she invokes a prayer to Kiaransalee, her voice barely a whisper, yet filled with fervent determination.
"Kiaransalee, guide me on this path of vengeance. Reveal the truth behind this plotting old man and grant us the strength to overcome his treachery." A soft glow emanates from her hand as she channels divine energy, healing Valerian's wounds. The light fades, but her resolve remains unshaken. (Healing Word for 5 HP.)
"We will honor Agate Shieldward and her companions, but we must also be ready for the challenges ahead. We need to stay vigilant, work together, and trust in our strengths. Finn, your instincts and agility, Valerian, your keen mind and observation, Aralin, your connection to the fey and your skills – these will be our tools to survive and overcome." She rises, her gaze fierce. "We will uncover the truth, and we will see justice done. Now, let’s move forward, but with caution and purpose. We are not just surviving; we are fighting back."
Seraphine takes a deep breath, scanning the worried faces of her companions. "There's one thing I think we must do before we proceed any further," she says, her tone decisive. "Rezlin sent us on this fool's quest, and I have a feeling his house holds the answers we need. We need to turn around and investigate. We might find clues or evidence that will help us understand his true intentions."
She looks at each of them, her eyes burning with determination. "We need to know what we're up against and why we were sent here. It’s possible there’s something in Rezlin’s house that will explain the shrinking potion’s true purpose, or perhaps a way to counteract it. We cannot continue blindly. We owe it to Agate Shieldward and her companions to uncover the truth. And I do not believe for one second longer that we are here to collect these reagents anyway. Our mission now, our only mission, must be to survive and to return to our normal selves."
Seraphine stands, gripping her weapon tightly. "Let's make our way back to the house. We'll be cautious, but we must find answers. Only then can we truly prepare for what lies ahead." She looks at her companions, seeking their agreement. "Are you with me?"
At first Valerian thinks it is Seraphine's healing but the buzz of energy doesn't seem to leave his body as he hears everyone offer up their opinions. He thanks her for offering him the help and turns back to the body of the knight. They might have all fallen into this trap but if they are vigilant and smart enough, they can survive.
After thinking for a few moments, Valerian nods, "I think you're on to something, Seraphine. After Agate's group didn't return or turn back to normal in four days, Rezlin would have known the faults of his potion but he sent us out anyway. Let's head back to his house."
Looking around for the oak tree so that they can retrace their steps, Valerian considers the advantages of going back to the house. "We will be safer in the house as well, somewhere hidden on ground. Looking at what happened before us, I think our biggest danger is flying creatures. They could take any of us away and that would isolate us. We're all far weaker alone."
Picking his dagger away from the ant and tucking it back in his belt, Valerian heads for the tree. "We have a good plan for now. Go back to the house, find clues and a place to hide for the night."
“I think the biggest danger might be his cat. If he really tricked us into this position, he will likely break his promise to keep her caged. If the cat is free, it will be ultimate proof that we have been tricked - but for what purpose I do not know.” Seraphine adds. After a pause, she continues, “One other thing to consider is if we should attempt to rescue Agate’s group from the bees. If they are still alive they could help us. I’m unsure what is the best path forward. We could first check out the house, but if the cat roams there we might not be able to get inside, in which case we could try to find the beehive. Or should we go directly to the bees and try to rescue anyone that might have survived? What do you all think?”
Valerian can understand the dilemma, they are stuck between two difficult options, both posing danger to them. He thinks back to his thoughts earlier in the day, how he would have been willing to do anything, take on this 'easy task' to prove his goodness to his Teirna and now perhaps both out of that conviction and his own morals, Valerian doesn't think it's right to leave Agate's crew.
"I think we should make an attempt to rescue the rest of the crew. If it had happened to us, I would hope someone would rescue us too. But I think it would be better to go to Rezlin's house first. We might be able to find out about the potion he gave us or even the potion he gave the bees which made them abnormal. Knowing the weaknesses of what we're finding gives us an upperhand." Valerian fails to mention that he needs a few moments of rest until the pain in his leg stops hindering him further.
Trying to think up a plan, he adds, "But you're right about the cat, it poses a great danger to us when we're at this size. We need to be careful, if we can spot the cat through a window, maybe we can move through the house and avoid it. We just need to a quite and quick." Valerian starts taking a few steps in the direction of the oak tree.
As you discuss amongst yourselves, at some point you realize that you are not alone. With a start, you notice that there is a mouse watching you. Tiny as it must be at normal size, now it seems greater than a bear. But still projecting timidity and hesitance.
After your first surprise, however, you quickly see that this does not seem to be an ordinary mouse. It has beautifully pure white fur, clean pink-skinned hands, tail, and ears, and reflective large black eyes that regard you with understanding. The animal cocks its head at you and says,
“Begin’ yer pardon, I didn’t mean to overhear yer conversation just now, but did ye say ye were considerin’ headin’ back to the cottage?” (Here it shakes its head in obvious disapproval) “Bad idea, that, very bad.”
Valerian blinks a few times, unsure of how real the world around him is now and says, "I think I might have hit my head somewhere, is the mouse speaking to us?" There was a shock to his tone as he stares ahead at the creature towers over them now.
A part of him felt stupid at the idea of trying to converse with this mouse, actually speak to it but they were already miniature sized, it seemed that Rezlin's garden had a lot of abnormalities that he couldn't ignore. Clearing his throat, he asks, "Could you tell us why you think it's a bad idea? Also can you speak with everyone? Is this something the man in the cottage has done?" Valerian is grasping for threads but they needed to unravel all this strangeness one way or the other.
Aralin, murmurs "I knew that cat was going to be a problem".
"Val, at least we have reasonable grounds to suspect the cat is an issue and prepare accordingly, I believe we need to concentrate for a time on what are the threats we need to cater for"
As he says this to Val and Co a mouse is suddenly talking to them. Aralin starts to chuckle, "This feels like been back in the feywild, I wont be surprised if the flowers start talking to us or worse.... the vines start to trouble us!".
Aralin turns to go and sit down and await the outcome of the mouses wisdom.
The mouse tentatively creeps closer to you, quickly rubs its head ears and whiskers with its hands as though to make sure they are clean and presentable, and explains,
“Call me Cheeky. Aye, I ken talk to anyone. You’ll find many a critter in this area what can do it. Nah, it ain’t Rezlin’s doin’, he’s a mean ol’ codger that don’t care fer us, don’t care fer nought but his plants n’ his accursed bees. An’ what’s more, he’s got an invisible little monster what lives in the cottage with ‘im, an’ it’ll spy you out easy and then Rezlin’ll be on ya right quick, an’ you’ll be doomed. An’ then there’s Tapdance to consider, she’s a right foul brute with a mean streak longer than me tail. I warn all the ordinary mice not to go in the cottage. I reckon ol’ Rezlin figures Tapdance to be a champion mouser, but really we just avoid ‘em all. But back to the speakin’ bit, me an’ the other Wise Critters figure it’s due to the pond, some old lingering magics in the pond have put an enchantment on this patch o’ land.”
Valerian carefully considers the words of the mouse and finds that it is a blessing they were approached by it before they ventured back into the house. "Thank you for offering us a warning, we didn't know of invisible creature."
He shuddered at the thought of being attacked without any sight on the creature and never knowing it was even there. "I think that settles it, we can't go back into the house and we can't just stay out here in the field where the owls or the bees could have a snap at us. We need to hide and plan our next move."Valerian says with resolution.
Looking back to the mouse, he asks, "Do you know of any safe places out here in the field where we could stay down low and hide?" Despite feeling mostly out of his place this entire time, Valerian felt a bit more justified in stepping up now. He may not be the most bold of them but he knew how to plan ahead and how to hide efficiently.
Seraphine's eyes widen in surprise as she realises that the mouse had approached them without them even noticing and then even hears it speak. The creature's size and the situation catch her off guard, but she quickly regains her composure. "Thank you, Cheeky," she says, nodding respectfully. "We appreciate your warning and your advice. In light of this news, we will avoid the cottage and its dangers."
She looks at her companions, agreeing with Valerian's assessment. "To me the mention of an invisible creature sounds like it could be an imp or some other familiar of a warlock (I figured that proficiency in Arcana might give her that idea). It would be dangerous for us to go back to the house without knowing more about what we are dealing with."
Turning her attention back to the mouse, she asks, "Cheeky, could you introduce us to other individuals of the group you referred to as the Wise Critters? Any help or guidance they could provide would be invaluable to us in navigating this dangerous place."
Finn smiles, at odds with the reaction of the group. This mouse is a light in the dark, offering guidance when they were grasping for straws. He hears Cheeky speak of Tapdance so poorly that Finn retracts his claws and keeps to a close lipped smile, "That cat really is a plague." He huffs, remembering her sour attitude. "I'm Finn, nothin' like Tapdance... despite the resemblance," he'll gesture a hand at his face.
He takes a breath and stills his racing heart, trying to remember his manners and his core tenant in helping others held down by those in power, "Thank you for the help, Cheeky. After you answer all of my friends' questions, what can we do for you or your friends? Is there any way in particular we can pay you back after we're big again?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Rori // Phandelver
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Aralin roars with enthusiasm 'no one attacks a member of team!' and again swings his Longsword at the closest Ant.
Bran | attacks: 24 | Damage: 4
Finn pummels the ant to death! The exoskeleton crunches and collapses under his blows and bitter-smelling ichor leaks out of the ruin he’s made of the ant.
Seraphine is up with just 1 ant left.
After Seraphine's turn, if the remaining ant is still alive, Valerian will move forward a few steps so that he is in a 20ft range and throw a dagger that he pulls from his belt. (15 to hit, 4 damage)
If Seraphine totally demolished the ant like the other one she hit, Valerian will just stay in place and maybe just stumble down to sit, clearly not feeling very well. Now that the adrenaline is slowly wearing off, he can feel the piercing wounds thumping with pain. But as he holds the book ahead of him now, it feels like a reward and he hopes it is worth something.
Seraphine charges her staff with the power of a storm and releases a lightning arc at the ant.
Action: cast Shocking Grasp, hit 20 for 3 lightning damage
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Yawning Portal || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan Shi - Liquid Swords || Syed - Drakkenheim || Kaelthor - Dragonlance ||
Seraphine's lightning arc stuns the remaining ant right before Valerian's knife pierces its head, killing it.
The battle is won. Now might be a good time to mention that I intend to award and track experience points for this campaign. You don't have to worry about it, I'll let you know when you get to level 2. I also award experience points (as a group) for good RP and other non-combat situations, just so you know.
Those interested in studying the dead dwarf lady can make a nature check.
Assuming you'll get to work studying the book, this is what Valerian and the rest discover:
This is the journal / travel log of someone named Agate Shieldward, presumedly the dead dwarf lady. It details some recent minor adventures that she had in a group with 3 friends: a charming and kind half-elf bard named Taliesin, a huge goliath fighter by name of Icemoon, and an aloof but well-meaning human sorcerer named Sephi.
An entry dated a mere 5 days ago mentions taking on this very job (Rezlin, garden infestation, gather reagents, 50 gold reward) from a recruiter (different from how you heard about it).
An entry 3 days ago mentions that they did not have success in finding moles, so they waited for the potion to wear off, but it didn't. They spent a harrowing night camped in the flower garden. Taliesin had climbed up a flower to meditate under the stars and informed the group that he had seen a large white owl fly across the night sky, hunting.
An entry 2 days ago is written in shaky halting handwriting:
We were attacked - the strange bees - eyes were glowing purple - malevolent monsters, not normal bees - unprovoked - I was stung, poisoned - the others were carried away - I think they were still alive - can't remove stinger, barbed - think I'm dying - shrink potion still hasn't worn off - pain increasing, feel weak -
That is the last entry.
A shuddering breath leaves Valerian as he reads over the last few entries a few times, he doesn't want to accept that the situation they are in is far more dangerous than they had thought, even when they grew smaller than expected.
As he looked back to the fallen knight, who now had a name, not too far from him, Valerian knew it was just solid proof that they could truly die in this venture. A knight, likely as capable as them, was dead and the eerieness of reading her thoughts on the page clung to him. His first thought was that he did not want to be alone with this knowledge, it felt crushing. Trying to stagger up from where he was sitting, Valerian calls out, "My friends, gather around please. I fear this book bears some bad news."
Once everyone gets a glimpse of the last entries, he looks at all their reactions, not much different from his own. "I have to admit, this terrifies me." Valerian says shakily. He reminds himself that he has survived far worse and from the way the five ants were sprawled dead, he has capable companions. "If we want to survive this, we need a better plan." He adds, clearing his throat, trying to sound bolder than he feels.
Aralin wanders over to Val with everyone else after hearing him make the comments regarding the need to work together to survive.
"Val, agree, those diary notes are wearisome, the recent battle we fought highlights the need to work together, It would just as terrible to think if we lost anyone due to ants!, not sure I'd have enjoyed telling families back home how that happened,'
Aralin doesn't mean to sound haughty, he's concerned there might be too many chiefs (so to speak) or to many goings on without looking at our collective strengths and weaknesses and then planning accordingly.
"Words matter yes, yes they do but collaborative action speaks stronger, plus I want to make it back home in one piece!" he respectfully says this with a genuine odd attempt at smiling!
Looking back at the brave Knight, Aralin suggests to the company, "These noble people should be honoured before we move forward, before any other decisions are made, they should be given the opportunity to be sent on their way and ... given peace", as he says this he bows he head and walks over to the deceased.
Aralin makes at nature check | 3
Aralin can tell that the spike in the dwarf's stomach is a bee stinger. It appears to be a solid spike made of chitin, a hard, almost ceramic-like material. Clearly it was able to inject poison into the dwarf. You also know that dwarves are resistant to poison, so it must have been a high and potent dose. The trailing organic matter coming off it also inidicates what he knows to be true - that a bee sting results in a mortal injury to the bee, as well.
Finn can clearly see the panic spiral that could come from this new information. He adds his own thoughts, "When, not if, we get back to normal size, we should squeeze the old man for all he's worth. I don't tolerate those who take advantage of good people. The blood of Agate is on Rezlin's hands, I refuse to let him have anymore." His claws on full display show true anger bubbling to the surface from a well that runs deeper than just this one death. Finn is reliving a different trauma.
"Sticking together is good. Protecting each other is good. We can do this." The spotted tabaxi is not a beacon of intelligence, and is too wrapped up in his own head to offer a plan. He begins to pace, looking like a true tiger locked in a cage. He has energy to burn and is ready for somewhere to put it, just needing a direction to be pointed in.
Rori // Phandelver
Seraphine listens intently as Finn and Valerian recount the grim findings from Agate Shieldward's journal. Her eyes narrow, and her grip on her weapon tightens as the reality of their situation sinks in. This was no mere miscalculation; it felt like a deliberate trap. The knight’s tragic fate and the glowing purple eyes of the bees pointed to something far more sinister at play.
With resolve, she steps forward, her voice steady and clear. "This is no accident. Rezlin has sent us into a trap for some dark purpose, and I will see him pay for it." She kneels beside Valerian, placing a hand on his shoulder. Closing her eyes, she invokes a prayer to Kiaransalee, her voice barely a whisper, yet filled with fervent determination.
"Kiaransalee, guide me on this path of vengeance. Reveal the truth behind this plotting old man and grant us the strength to overcome his treachery." A soft glow emanates from her hand as she channels divine energy, healing Valerian's wounds. The light fades, but her resolve remains unshaken. (Healing Word for 5 HP.)
"We will honor Agate Shieldward and her companions, but we must also be ready for the challenges ahead. We need to stay vigilant, work together, and trust in our strengths. Finn, your instincts and agility, Valerian, your keen mind and observation, Aralin, your connection to the fey and your skills – these will be our tools to survive and overcome." She rises, her gaze fierce. "We will uncover the truth, and we will see justice done. Now, let’s move forward, but with caution and purpose. We are not just surviving; we are fighting back."
Seraphine takes a deep breath, scanning the worried faces of her companions. "There's one thing I think we must do before we proceed any further," she says, her tone decisive. "Rezlin sent us on this fool's quest, and I have a feeling his house holds the answers we need. We need to turn around and investigate. We might find clues or evidence that will help us understand his true intentions."
She looks at each of them, her eyes burning with determination. "We need to know what we're up against and why we were sent here. It’s possible there’s something in Rezlin’s house that will explain the shrinking potion’s true purpose, or perhaps a way to counteract it. We cannot continue blindly. We owe it to Agate Shieldward and her companions to uncover the truth. And I do not believe for one second longer that we are here to collect these reagents anyway. Our mission now, our only mission, must be to survive and to return to our normal selves."
Seraphine stands, gripping her weapon tightly. "Let's make our way back to the house. We'll be cautious, but we must find answers. Only then can we truly prepare for what lies ahead." She looks at her companions, seeking their agreement. "Are you with me?"
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Yawning Portal || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan Shi - Liquid Swords || Syed - Drakkenheim || Kaelthor - Dragonlance ||
At first Valerian thinks it is Seraphine's healing but the buzz of energy doesn't seem to leave his body as he hears everyone offer up their opinions. He thanks her for offering him the help and turns back to the body of the knight. They might have all fallen into this trap but if they are vigilant and smart enough, they can survive.
After thinking for a few moments, Valerian nods, "I think you're on to something, Seraphine. After Agate's group didn't return or turn back to normal in four days, Rezlin would have known the faults of his potion but he sent us out anyway. Let's head back to his house."
Looking around for the oak tree so that they can retrace their steps, Valerian considers the advantages of going back to the house. "We will be safer in the house as well, somewhere hidden on ground. Looking at what happened before us, I think our biggest danger is flying creatures. They could take any of us away and that would isolate us. We're all far weaker alone."
Picking his dagger away from the ant and tucking it back in his belt, Valerian heads for the tree. "We have a good plan for now. Go back to the house, find clues and a place to hide for the night."
“I think the biggest danger might be his cat. If he really tricked us into this position, he will likely break his promise to keep her caged. If the cat is free, it will be ultimate proof that we have been tricked - but for what purpose I do not know.” Seraphine adds. After a pause, she continues, “One other thing to consider is if we should attempt to rescue Agate’s group from the bees. If they are still alive they could help us. I’m unsure what is the best path forward. We could first check out the house, but if the cat roams there we might not be able to get inside, in which case we could try to find the beehive. Or should we go directly to the bees and try to rescue anyone that might have survived? What do you all think?”
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Yawning Portal || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan Shi - Liquid Swords || Syed - Drakkenheim || Kaelthor - Dragonlance ||
Valerian can understand the dilemma, they are stuck between two difficult options, both posing danger to them. He thinks back to his thoughts earlier in the day, how he would have been willing to do anything, take on this 'easy task' to prove his goodness to his Teirna and now perhaps both out of that conviction and his own morals, Valerian doesn't think it's right to leave Agate's crew.
"I think we should make an attempt to rescue the rest of the crew. If it had happened to us, I would hope someone would rescue us too. But I think it would be better to go to Rezlin's house first. We might be able to find out about the potion he gave us or even the potion he gave the bees which made them abnormal. Knowing the weaknesses of what we're finding gives us an upperhand." Valerian fails to mention that he needs a few moments of rest until the pain in his leg stops hindering him further.
Trying to think up a plan, he adds, "But you're right about the cat, it poses a great danger to us when we're at this size. We need to be careful, if we can spot the cat through a window, maybe we can move through the house and avoid it. We just need to a quite and quick." Valerian starts taking a few steps in the direction of the oak tree.
As you discuss amongst yourselves, at some point you realize that you are not alone. With a start, you notice that there is a mouse watching you. Tiny as it must be at normal size, now it seems greater than a bear. But still projecting timidity and hesitance.
After your first surprise, however, you quickly see that this does not seem to be an ordinary mouse. It has beautifully pure white fur, clean pink-skinned hands, tail, and ears, and reflective large black eyes that regard you with understanding. The animal cocks its head at you and says,
“Begin’ yer pardon, I didn’t mean to overhear yer conversation just now, but did ye say ye were considerin’ headin’ back to the cottage?” (Here it shakes its head in obvious disapproval) “Bad idea, that, very bad.”
Valerian blinks a few times, unsure of how real the world around him is now and says, "I think I might have hit my head somewhere, is the mouse speaking to us?" There was a shock to his tone as he stares ahead at the creature towers over them now.
A part of him felt stupid at the idea of trying to converse with this mouse, actually speak to it but they were already miniature sized, it seemed that Rezlin's garden had a lot of abnormalities that he couldn't ignore. Clearing his throat, he asks, "Could you tell us why you think it's a bad idea? Also can you speak with everyone? Is this something the man in the cottage has done?" Valerian is grasping for threads but they needed to unravel all this strangeness one way or the other.
Aralin, murmurs "I knew that cat was going to be a problem".
"Val, at least we have reasonable grounds to suspect the cat is an issue and prepare accordingly, I believe we need to concentrate for a time on what are the threats we need to cater for"
As he says this to Val and Co a mouse is suddenly talking to them. Aralin starts to chuckle, "This feels like been back in the feywild, I wont be surprised if the flowers start talking to us or worse.... the vines start to trouble us!".
Aralin turns to go and sit down and await the outcome of the mouses wisdom.
The mouse tentatively creeps closer to you, quickly rubs its head ears and whiskers with its hands as though to make sure they are clean and presentable, and explains,
“Call me Cheeky. Aye, I ken talk to anyone. You’ll find many a critter in this area what can do it. Nah, it ain’t Rezlin’s doin’, he’s a mean ol’ codger that don’t care fer us, don’t care fer nought but his plants n’ his accursed bees. An’ what’s more, he’s got an invisible little monster what lives in the cottage with ‘im, an’ it’ll spy you out easy and then Rezlin’ll be on ya right quick, an’ you’ll be doomed. An’ then there’s Tapdance to consider, she’s a right foul brute with a mean streak longer than me tail. I warn all the ordinary mice not to go in the cottage. I reckon ol’ Rezlin figures Tapdance to be a champion mouser, but really we just avoid ‘em all. But back to the speakin’ bit, me an’ the other Wise Critters figure it’s due to the pond, some old lingering magics in the pond have put an enchantment on this patch o’ land.”
Valerian carefully considers the words of the mouse and finds that it is a blessing they were approached by it before they ventured back into the house. "Thank you for offering us a warning, we didn't know of invisible creature."
He shuddered at the thought of being attacked without any sight on the creature and never knowing it was even there. "I think that settles it, we can't go back into the house and we can't just stay out here in the field where the owls or the bees could have a snap at us. We need to hide and plan our next move." Valerian says with resolution.
Looking back to the mouse, he asks, "Do you know of any safe places out here in the field where we could stay down low and hide?" Despite feeling mostly out of his place this entire time, Valerian felt a bit more justified in stepping up now. He may not be the most bold of them but he knew how to plan ahead and how to hide efficiently.
Seraphine's eyes widen in surprise as she realises that the mouse had approached them without them even noticing and then even hears it speak. The creature's size and the situation catch her off guard, but she quickly regains her composure. "Thank you, Cheeky," she says, nodding respectfully. "We appreciate your warning and your advice. In light of this news, we will avoid the cottage and its dangers."
She looks at her companions, agreeing with Valerian's assessment. "To me the mention of an invisible creature sounds like it could be an imp or some other familiar of a warlock (I figured that proficiency in Arcana might give her that idea). It would be dangerous for us to go back to the house without knowing more about what we are dealing with."
Turning her attention back to the mouse, she asks, "Cheeky, could you introduce us to other individuals of the group you referred to as the Wise Critters? Any help or guidance they could provide would be invaluable to us in navigating this dangerous place."
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Yawning Portal || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan Shi - Liquid Swords || Syed - Drakkenheim || Kaelthor - Dragonlance ||
Finn smiles, at odds with the reaction of the group. This mouse is a light in the dark, offering guidance when they were grasping for straws. He hears Cheeky speak of Tapdance so poorly that Finn retracts his claws and keeps to a close lipped smile, "That cat really is a plague." He huffs, remembering her sour attitude. "I'm Finn, nothin' like Tapdance... despite the resemblance," he'll gesture a hand at his face.
He takes a breath and stills his racing heart, trying to remember his manners and his core tenant in helping others held down by those in power, "Thank you for the help, Cheeky. After you answer all of my friends' questions, what can we do for you or your friends? Is there any way in particular we can pay you back after we're big again?"
Rori // Phandelver