"She has a garden on the other side of the river, close to the nearest bridge."
Zarbyn looks around the room before adding, "Let's see what everyone thinks. We should also make some kind of a plan for how to deal with... 'worse case' scenarios."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
The group look at Vydar and for some reason, seem to trust him and usher him closer.
"You got anything for sale or trade or are you just spying on us while we chat with your girlfriend
At this comment Vydar looks up from his spellbook and looks over at them with one eyebrow raised. It's not often that's he's invited over to a group... at least not for any good reason. And why the heck are they assuming Lira is his girlfriend?! He's fairly sure that Lira is older than him... but then again the an elf's age is hard to guess by just looking at them. Without taking his eyes off the group, he closes his spellbook and puts it back in his satchel. Anything to trade? He doesn't have much he's willing to part with at the moment, or anything that these thugs might find interesting. His fingers brush against the broken collar of obedience... no despite the fact that they were interested in Lira's necklace and might find it interesting, it's probably best not to just trade it off... they don't need an item trail of where they've been, plus he hasn't gotten the chance to try and figure out how it works. Maybe the wizard they are looking for will be able to figure something out with it? Maybe even a way to get the necklace off Lira.
Then he finds a few copper charms within his pack... with everything that's gone on he doesn't remember exactly where these came from. From the 20 he has, he pulls 5 out. May as well humor these thugs, blend in to the crowd so to speak.
"Call it what you will but I like to keep an eye on those who do business with my companions. Wouldn't want her to get cheated you know." Moving over to their table, he sets the charms down. "Though from what I've seen you lot seem honest enough. I don't have much to trade right now. At least not on hand, not other than these anyway." He gestures to the charms. "Are they of any interest to you?" Despite his words he still does not trust these men, even if they for some reason trust him... are they just assuming he's some smuggler just because of his race? Or is there some other reason...
(They seem non threatening so far, just having some fun with Vydar)
(Ooc are any of the charms magical or unique in any way?)
”Interesting, got anything else of more value in that funny bag of yours? I can give you 20 gold for those relics, but to be honest I think you should bring them to a temple and have them examined. I would myself but don’t have the time.”
”If you or your friends ever need anything or anyone brought in or out, let us know. Look for the river barge with the guilded lily symbol.”
(Ooc the garden district is just east of your location, same side. )
"Hm, roses? If we can get our hands on some buds, I can make them blossom."Lira observes, a bit excited to try out her druidic magic on something other than fighting horrific creatures. "As for the worst case...the usual, I guess?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts |Kessintra - Drow Assassin Rogue - Curse of Strahd |
(They seem non threatening so far, just having some fun with Vydar)
(Ooc are any of the charms magical or unique in any way?)
”Interesting, got anything else of more value in that funny bag of yours? I can give you 20 gold for those relics, but to be honest I think you should bring them to a temple and have them examined. I would myself but don’t have the time.”
”If you or your friends ever need anything or anyone brought in or out, let us know. Look for the river barge with the guilded lily symbol.”
(Ooc the garden district is just east of your location, same side. )
Vydar rubs his chin in thought, "Unfortunately no, I just have a bunch more of those things." He replies, he doesn't really want them knowing what else he has in his pack even if they do seem to just be messing with thim, "Heh, maybe I will take your advice and take them to the temple. May as well see if they are anything special or not." Scooping them up he sticks them back in his satchel. "I'll be sure to let you know if I acquire any other more valuable items." Then he nods to the man's last comment, "Noted." He's not sure he want's to know what kind of people are smuggled in or out of here, but he can't say that wouldn't be useful. Depending on how everything unfolds here, it might be good to have a way out.
Having concluded your business in the tavern, the group heads north up Garden Street to the Public Gardens of the Garden District in the hopes of finding roses or rose plants that Lira can help grow. (G1 on the map)
Once intended as a noble estate, these gardens were built instead by Lord Azzur as a rare gesture of refinement in Blacksand. Winding paths cut through beds of exotic flowers, sculpted hedges, and trees gathered from across Titan. The air is heavy with perfume, and the sounds of the city fade behind the high stone walls. Rough-clad gardeners tend the grounds, and visitors wander among the blooms as if far from the chaos beyond.
A bored looking gate guard stands at the gated entrance. He looks at the group without much interest. "One Gold to enter the gardens. I don't recommend going into the center right now. Those leaf beasts are pretty aggressive guarding their prized plant."
As Zarbyn pays for entry he asks, "Is it ok to pick a bouquet of roses?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
The gate keeper looks at Amdaeng, "Why, a Black Lotus of course. Very rare, very dangerous. By order of Lord Azzur, anyone who tries to do more than just look at the beautiful flower will be executed."
To Zarbyn, "I suppose it is acceptable to take one bouquet of flowers, yes."
The inside of the garden grounds are beautiful. There are statues and runes from a civilization from long ago. Tall trees provide shade, while small paths go to various parts of the gardens. Small turtles, squirrels, and birds seem to enjoy the environment. It is a sharp contract to the filth and stench of Port Blacksand, yet, seems to fit in with the other strangeness and oddities the group has observed. Lira feels amazing in the garden, invigorated, and has almost a sense of euphoria in this beautiful place.
Jharek feels more at home as soon as he set eyes on the garden. He gladly pays his toll, heeds the warning and goes about exploring. He immediately feels at home, the outdoors are his home, he feels the stench and filth of the city melt away. He is willing to stay here as long as necessary. He begins to explore, the sights, sounds and smells of the garden. It soothes him.
Lira hands over the gold gladly, feeling a great relief as she enters the garden. It is beautiful, though a bit different from the untamed wilderness she has come to love. She gets a bit distracted wandering around and watching the various animals with a serene smile.
"Oh, right. Let's find some roses," she says as if just remembering, "I'd like to see the Black Lotus too while we're at it. Just see, we don't need any more trouble and I don't want to disturb this place."
Perception/nature to look for roses: 21/21
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts |Kessintra - Drow Assassin Rogue - Curse of Strahd |
You explore the gardens for a while, relaxing in the strangely serine setting. YOu realize that since this adventure has started, you have not really relaxed at all. As you move toward the center of the gardens, the hedges part into a quiet glade, and there — rising from a ring of mossy stones — blooms a single black lotus, its petals seem to glow with a faint purple light. The air is rich and heavy with its perfume, and the garden’s distant ambient noises fade to silence.
Around the lotus stand a half-dozen leaf-like humanoids, no taller than a child’s knee. Their skin is bark-brown and veined with green, their eyes bright like morning dew. Tiny spears of thorn and reed rest easily in their hands, but it is their posture — calm, firm, and utterly watchful — that gives you pause.
One steps forward standing stiffly, its voice surprisingly clear. “You may look… but do not touch.”
Those with sharp eyes realize that there are more hidden in the surrounding foliage.
When they all finally come upon the Black Lotus and hear the warning of the guardians Zarbyn will stop and observe it's singular beauty from a distance.
Speaking his immediate thoughts aloud, "I wonder how rare it is?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Another leaf-skinned figure steps closer, lowering its tiny spear and gazing reverently at the bloom.
“This is the Black Lotus. This wonderful flower blooms but once every thirty-three years, and only for a single cycle of the moon. When it opens, the garden holds its breath, and even the winds fall silent. It is said the Serpent Queen commissioned some druids who were able to find seeds from the jungles of southern Allansia. What makes this interesting is that the Lotus is not supposed to bloom for another 10 years. Something has triggered it to bloom early."
Lev follows along at the back of the group, removing his hood to avoid suspicion since they are no longer directly nearby and of his former gang members... at least not one's he knows of.
It's difficult to relax, even within the tranquil garden. He stiffens when the leaf-like humanoids step forward, a frown creasing his forehead as the creature addresses them as if expecting them to break the rules they'd been told prior to entering the garden. Huffing quietly, he glances at the lotus, then back at the leafy individual who steps forward to answer Zarbyn's question.
Part of him wonders why the creature volunteered this information... are they just here to provide background on the flora for whomever asks? Regardless, he decided to break his prolonged silence and as a question of his own, "Does anyone have any idea why this would happen? ...are there records of such a thing occurring before?" He frowns at the plant... he doesn't have much knowledge of forbs, blooming seasons, and so forth but... isn't it normal for flowers to bloom early sometimes? Can't things like that happen due to shifts in the weather or soil?
Perhaps it wasn't really worth asking the question, what was the point anyways? Oh well, the question was asked and he might as well try to keep his mind off of his wanted poster.
Noting the gatekeeper's words about the black lotus, Vydar takes a few minutes to cast Detect magic.
As Vydar looks around the garden, he attempts to hide his interest...and surprise. He's never been in anything like this before, and certainly hadn't expected someplace like this to be in a city with such a bad reputation.
(if not able to do so before entering)
When the group approaches the black flower, Vydar blinks at the small leaf person as it waves it's spear at them. He takes note of the others nearby. Would they be upset if he were to cast a spell? He could walk away to cast it then return, but that might be a bit suspicious...
The leafy tiny man loots at Lev. “I believe there has been a drastic event on Allansia. Something has triggered the lotus to bloom. I’ve heard rumors that the lotuses can somehow communicate with each other. “
Vydar:
the lotus is magic, it is also protected by some sort of clear spell similar to leomunds tiny hut. Some random flora and fauna emanate magic. The leaf men have faint auras as well (like fey or fairy). There seems some magical traps near the lotus. The exterior walls of the garden glow with magic. Likely an enchantment to protect the life within.
"Excuse me, I don't mean to be rude and interrupt," Zarbyn rudely interrupts when the thin stick-man says something momentous must have happened, "but how long ago did it bloom?"
"And do you know of any significance that's usually associated with the blooming of the black lotus... since it so rarely blooms?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
— A basic prayer.
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"She has a garden on the other side of the river, close to the nearest bridge."
Zarbyn looks around the room before adding, "Let's see what everyone thinks. We should also make some kind of a plan for how to deal with... 'worse case' scenarios."
At this comment Vydar looks up from his spellbook and looks over at them with one eyebrow raised. It's not often that's he's invited over to a group... at least not for any good reason. And why the heck are they assuming Lira is his girlfriend?! He's fairly sure that Lira is older than him... but then again the an elf's age is hard to guess by just looking at them. Without taking his eyes off the group, he closes his spellbook and puts it back in his satchel. Anything to trade? He doesn't have much he's willing to part with at the moment, or anything that these thugs might find interesting. His fingers brush against the broken collar of obedience... no despite the fact that they were interested in Lira's necklace and might find it interesting, it's probably best not to just trade it off... they don't need an item trail of where they've been, plus he hasn't gotten the chance to try and figure out how it works. Maybe the wizard they are looking for will be able to figure something out with it? Maybe even a way to get the necklace off Lira.
Then he finds a few copper charms within his pack... with everything that's gone on he doesn't remember exactly where these came from. From the 20 he has, he pulls 5 out. May as well humor these thugs, blend in to the crowd so to speak.
"Call it what you will but I like to keep an eye on those who do business with my companions. Wouldn't want her to get cheated you know." Moving over to their table, he sets the charms down. "Though from what I've seen you lot seem honest enough. I don't have much to trade right now. At least not on hand, not other than these anyway." He gestures to the charms. "Are they of any interest to you?" Despite his words he still does not trust these men, even if they for some reason trust him... are they just assuming he's some smuggler just because of his race? Or is there some other reason...
Insight: 11
(They seem non threatening so far, just having some fun with Vydar)
(Ooc are any of the charms magical or unique in any way?)
”Interesting, got anything else of more value in that funny bag of yours? I can give you 20 gold for those relics, but to be honest I think you should bring them to a temple and have them examined. I would myself but don’t have the time.”
”If you or your friends ever need anything or anyone brought in or out, let us know. Look for the river barge with the guilded lily symbol.”
(Ooc the garden district is just east of your location, same side. )
"Hm, roses? If we can get our hands on some buds, I can make them blossom." Lira observes, a bit excited to try out her druidic magic on something other than fighting horrific creatures. "As for the worst case...the usual, I guess?"
| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Kessintra - Drow Assassin Rogue - Curse of Strahd |
" Perhaps roses not from her own garden? If she recognises them things could go badly."
Vydar rubs his chin in thought, "Unfortunately no, I just have a bunch more of those things." He replies, he doesn't really want them knowing what else he has in his pack even if they do seem to just be messing with thim, "Heh, maybe I will take your advice and take them to the temple. May as well see if they are anything special or not." Scooping them up he sticks them back in his satchel. "I'll be sure to let you know if I acquire any other more valuable items." Then he nods to the man's last comment, "Noted." He's not sure he want's to know what kind of people are smuggled in or out of here, but he can't say that wouldn't be useful. Depending on how everything unfolds here, it might be good to have a way out.
Having concluded your business in the tavern, the group heads north up Garden Street to the Public Gardens of the Garden District in the hopes of finding roses or rose plants that Lira can help grow. (G1 on the map)
Once intended as a noble estate, these gardens were built instead by Lord Azzur as a rare gesture of refinement in Blacksand. Winding paths cut through beds of exotic flowers, sculpted hedges, and trees gathered from across Titan. The air is heavy with perfume, and the sounds of the city fade behind the high stone walls. Rough-clad gardeners tend the grounds, and visitors wander among the blooms as if far from the chaos beyond.
A bored looking gate guard stands at the gated entrance. He looks at the group without much interest. "One Gold to enter the gardens. I don't recommend going into the center right now. Those leaf beasts are pretty aggressive guarding their prized plant."
Amdaeng hands over one gold for herself and another for her Assistance Bear.
" Leaf Beasts? Which plant do they guard?"
As Zarbyn pays for entry he asks, "Is it ok to pick a bouquet of roses?"
The gate keeper looks at Amdaeng, "Why, a Black Lotus of course. Very rare, very dangerous. By order of Lord Azzur, anyone who tries to do more than just look at the beautiful flower will be executed."
To Zarbyn, "I suppose it is acceptable to take one bouquet of flowers, yes."
The inside of the garden grounds are beautiful. There are statues and runes from a civilization from long ago. Tall trees provide shade, while small paths go to various parts of the gardens. Small turtles, squirrels, and birds seem to enjoy the environment. It is a sharp contract to the filth and stench of Port Blacksand, yet, seems to fit in with the other strangeness and oddities the group has observed. Lira feels amazing in the garden, invigorated, and has almost a sense of euphoria in this beautiful place.
Jharek feels more at home as soon as he set eyes on the garden. He gladly pays his toll, heeds the warning and goes about exploring. He immediately feels at home, the outdoors are his home, he feels the stench and filth of the city melt away. He is willing to stay here as long as necessary.
He begins to explore, the sights, sounds and smells of the garden. It soothes him.
Lira hands over the gold gladly, feeling a great relief as she enters the garden. It is beautiful, though a bit different from the untamed wilderness she has come to love. She gets a bit distracted wandering around and watching the various animals with a serene smile.
"Oh, right. Let's find some roses," she says as if just remembering, "I'd like to see the Black Lotus too while we're at it. Just see, we don't need any more trouble and I don't want to disturb this place."
Perception/nature to look for roses: 21/21
| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Kessintra - Drow Assassin Rogue - Curse of Strahd |
You explore the gardens for a while, relaxing in the strangely serine setting. YOu realize that since this adventure has started, you have not really relaxed at all. As you move toward the center of the gardens, the hedges part into a quiet glade, and there — rising from a ring of mossy stones — blooms a single black lotus, its petals seem to glow with a faint purple light. The air is rich and heavy with its perfume, and the garden’s distant ambient noises fade to silence.
Around the lotus stand a half-dozen leaf-like humanoids, no taller than a child’s knee. Their skin is bark-brown and veined with green, their eyes bright like morning dew. Tiny spears of thorn and reed rest easily in their hands, but it is their posture — calm, firm, and utterly watchful — that gives you pause.
One steps forward standing stiffly, its voice surprisingly clear.
“You may look… but do not touch.”
Those with sharp eyes realize that there are more hidden in the surrounding foliage.
When they all finally come upon the Black Lotus and hear the warning of the guardians Zarbyn will stop and observe it's singular beauty from a distance.
Speaking his immediate thoughts aloud, "I wonder how rare it is?"
Another leaf-skinned figure steps closer, lowering its tiny spear and gazing reverently at the bloom.
“This is the Black Lotus. This wonderful flower blooms but once every thirty-three years, and only for a single cycle of the moon. When it opens, the garden holds its breath, and even the winds fall silent. It is said the Serpent Queen commissioned some druids who were able to find seeds from the jungles of southern Allansia. What makes this interesting is that the Lotus is not supposed to bloom for another 10 years. Something has triggered it to bloom early."
Lev follows along at the back of the group, removing his hood to avoid suspicion since they are no longer directly nearby and of his former gang members... at least not one's he knows of.
It's difficult to relax, even within the tranquil garden. He stiffens when the leaf-like humanoids step forward, a frown creasing his forehead as the creature addresses them as if expecting them to break the rules they'd been told prior to entering the garden. Huffing quietly, he glances at the lotus, then back at the leafy individual who steps forward to answer Zarbyn's question.
Part of him wonders why the creature volunteered this information... are they just here to provide background on the flora for whomever asks? Regardless, he decided to break his prolonged silence and as a question of his own, "Does anyone have any idea why this would happen? ...are there records of such a thing occurring before?" He frowns at the plant... he doesn't have much knowledge of forbs, blooming seasons, and so forth but... isn't it normal for flowers to bloom early sometimes? Can't things like that happen due to shifts in the weather or soil?
Perhaps it wasn't really worth asking the question, what was the point anyways? Oh well, the question was asked and he might as well try to keep his mind off of his wanted poster.
Noting the gatekeeper's words about the black lotus, Vydar takes a few minutes to cast Detect magic.
As Vydar looks around the garden, he attempts to hide his interest...and surprise. He's never been in anything like this before, and certainly hadn't expected someplace like this to be in a city with such a bad reputation.
(if not able to do so before entering)
When the group approaches the black flower, Vydar blinks at the small leaf person as it waves it's spear at them. He takes note of the others nearby. Would they be upset if he were to cast a spell? He could walk away to cast it then return, but that might be a bit suspicious...
The leafy tiny man loots at Lev. “I believe there has been a drastic event on Allansia. Something has triggered the lotus to bloom. I’ve heard rumors that the lotuses can somehow communicate with each other. “
Vydar:
the lotus is magic, it is also protected by some sort of clear spell similar to leomunds tiny hut. Some random flora and fauna emanate magic. The leaf men have faint auras as well (like fey or fairy). There seems some magical traps near the lotus. The exterior walls of the garden glow with magic. Likely an enchantment to protect the life within.
Lira finds several species and colors of Rosa Rubiginosa. She can easily harvest a bouquet of flowers and then can enhance them with Druid magic)
"Excuse me, I don't mean to be rude and interrupt," Zarbyn rudely interrupts when the thin stick-man says something momentous must have happened, "but how long ago did it bloom?"
"And do you know of any significance that's usually associated with the blooming of the black lotus... since it so rarely blooms?"