Something Lira said in post 758 is curious. She seems to know something of Paevira. You thought how paevira acted in port Rentarn a bit odd at first, then wondering off by herself. Guilds
also Ning has some sort of fear reaction to her. Maybe she associated Lira with the kobolds?
Lira's eyes widen in excitement. What a handy item. She sets it down and gets to work with her cook's utensils to make a hearty breakfast stew for everyone, as well as two special treats with her Chef feat. (These give 2 temp HP to whoever eats them). It isn't unlike the stew Shareella gave her, she realizes...Ugh, but it is less evil certainly.
All homebrew items are searchable on you PC sheet, under inventory, manage inventory
Missile stick (homebrew, 1/day wand of magic missile) 1/day
Claw of the snake demon Myurr (Cursed?) (Homebrew)
Magic Cold Studded Leather, +1, Cold Resistance: (Homebrew, can add to character sheet) Very well-made studded Leather armor, on the inside, has ice embossed. (Needs some modifications to fit properly)
Map of pyramid and crater (outside)
Bracers of Faith: Allows the bearer to cast Shield of Faith 1/ long rest. (homebrew)
Dull collars of obedience from those outside on all Kobolds except the two in cloaks.
3 dull crystal amulets
Black felt bag: ( Artifact 2: Ebony Statue of the snake demon Myurr)
Potion of Healing
Necklace of Kobold ears, 10 gold pieces,
scroll of lessor restoration
Flask of acid: 2d6 damage, can be thrown
secret location of the cult of the dragon king in Port Blacksand, and a strange-looking key with a snake skull head.
Natalie Storms Whip a homebrew item, from Paevira: the whip belonged to the famed explorer, Natalie Storm, When you roll a 20 on your attack roll with this magic weapon, the target takes an extra 7 damage of the weapon’s type.
Missing (Artifact 1: Silver, you believe the Coven of Eternal Winter: Kobolds/ have it from Cache 1)
After his morning ablutions Zarbyn joins the others for breakfast.
"These bracers allow one to cast Shield of Faith once a day." He takes them off and places them near the middle of the group, "We should identify the other things we have that may be magical or useful in some way and decide in whose hands they would best be served."
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"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.”
Lira agrees, adding the key and note to the pile. She is still in the mindset of her guild and doesn't want the others to think she is holding out on them. She is unlikely to take anything unless she is the only one who can use it.
"I can probably find the cave entrance where I met Shareella if you all want to investigate it…The goblins likely took Silver and escaped that way," she remarks as they finish eating, "But first, can you show me where Paevira was abducted? Maybe those kobolds left a trail too."
Iólinder kept his gaze fixated on the fire while Lira told of her troubles up to this point. Any addition to the group that could help them achieve their goals that much faster or better should be welcomed with open arms but there was something about the situation that nagged him. For starters Lira just flat-out admitted that she was a professional thief and a member of a thieves' guild. In any other situation that alone was grounds enough for Iólinder to bring her to justice as per Libra's doctrine but given his current predicament that would not be wise. It made him feel conflicted. For now he decided to give the half-elf woman the benefit of the doubt until further notice. After all, all people have their talents and it would be folly not to utilise every resource at their disposal. Iólinder just hoped his brother acolytes-in-training would never learn of him aiding, or heavens forbid: abetting, a known criminal. He would never hear the end of it.
Second was Paevira's predicament. She was taken by the kobolds and the way Lira both expressed an interest in her as well as her folding into the party: were they just replacing Paevira with the next stranger that happened to pop up? Iólinder knew the adventuring life made for strange bedfellows but this was a rather very quick changing of the guard. Again he defaulted to the benefit of the doubt and the hope that Lira would prove to be an asset and not a liability.
Iólinder kept staring into the fire until the fatigue threatened to overwhelm him. After making arrangements for the nightwatch, he crawled into his bedroll when he could. At dawn he woke and spent a brief respite in prayer. With a new partymember and clearly a need for more protective and healing magic, Iólinder petitioned the gods for just that. When the morning meeting rolled around and the discussion turned to the distribution of the loot, he put down his claim. 'I'll take the missile stick.' Hearing himself say the words made him realise just how silly that sounded, as if a child had named it. 'If I need to allocate more magic towards protection and healing, I'll need something as backup aside from my crossbow.'
He then reached for the spell scroll. 'Lesser Restoration? That can come in handy. If I'm not mistaken, that's more of a clerical spell, no?' He checked with Vydar. 'If so, I'll take it.'
Other than that Iólinder did not put down a claim on any of the other items. He did keep an eye on Vydar, if only to see how he handled the second claw dagger.
So the missile stick can only cast Magic Missile as a level 1 spell once per day, correct? Because the item description is that of an ordinary Wand of Magic Missile.
Also checked the legacy Cure Wounds vs the 2024 Cure Wounds. The latter now heals for 2d8+modifier with an extra 2d8 for every level upcasted. Was healing magic really in that much need of a boost?
Amdaeng put the blue potion into the pile to be identified as she had no idea what it was and then queried Lira, " So how did you know of Pae again? And is everyone in Sharellas employ controlled by collars? Also she wants to bring an Ice Age on? She worships Farigiss?"
"My guild master told me to look out for her since she's part of a rival guild. That's all she told me." Lira sighs and hugs her knees to her chest, wondering just how much might have been hidden from her. "It seemed like the females got the charmed amulets and the males got the collars. Yes. And she didn't mention worshipping anyone."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia| Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA| Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren| Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Mavilius - Tiefling Bard - Golden Vault| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
“I’m Lev,” Lev breaths as they begin introductions, he watches wearily as Iolinder tends to Lira, looking relieved that she’s now further from death.
In spite of his obvious injuries, he decides to wait on further healing. If they are going to rest, might as well let nature tend him before wasting vital resources. Still, this means he’s rather quiet as they make their way out-focusing most of his energy on simply ignoring the pain.
He seems rather withdrawn once they set up camp. As the rest strike up a conversation, he sits silently staring deeply into the fire. Clearly more than just a few things are on his mind as he sits leaned forward with hands clasped in front of him and his brow farrowed.
When Paevira’s name is mentioned, he stiffens. He doesn’t speak up but his eyes move from the flames to Lira. Not in anger, not at her. Rather his expression holds concern for someone else and anger at himself. He waits as the conversation plays out, expression softening and then hardening again as Lira tells more of her story and the others question her.
Before everyone goes to bed, he looks like he wants to say something to Lira, however he instead withdraws again. She’s already been through a lot today, and more than likely his questions would just wear her out more. Besides, he needs rest just as much as she does. Whatever he has to say can wait until tomorrow.
While he is usually an early riser, the previous day had taken a toll on him. As a result, he is one of the last members of the party to wake up, much to his own annoyance. He is still quite stiff from the wounds he’d received, and he has a tension headache, so that doesn’t help his mood at all.
Of course, since he’d slept in so late everyone else had already started talking. He grimaces when Amdaeng mentions Paevira again, only for Lira to state again that she is a member of a thieves guild. So that means Paevira is too… He rubs his forehead, shitting his eyes and letting out a long breath. What sort of guilds are these?
He takes whatever is left of breakfast, half-listening to the conversation and half lost in thought. Finally, when Paevira starts talking about her guild master he stands up and walks over to her. Standing in front of her he looks her in the eyes and says bluntly, “So you are part of a thieves guild? We did not know Paevira was part of one… but if I had I would have asked her the same thing. What sort of things does your guild have you do? Aside from stealing that is.” It is unclear if he is angry or bothered, as his words are simply to the point rather than accusing. “What guild is this? What would they have had you do if you found Paevira. Why were you following us? Did they have anything to do with your attempt to steal from Sharella?” He pauses, setting his jaw to keep from asking further questions. Letting out a breath, he puts a hand on her shoulder. “If your guild is having you do things… things worse than just stealing. Things you feel are evil, then get out now. Cut ties while you are in the company of people who won’t let the guild come after you. …Its not worth it to stick around.” His tone softens as he says that last line, and his eyes go distant before he averts them and backs off.
He doesn’t even wait for a response from her really, perhaps feeling like he might have overstepped even though he isn’t remorseful about the confrontation. He moves to where the loot is resting, eying the items wearily before looking at the rest of the group.
“Have these been divided out yet?” He places a hand on the leather armor before eyeing it again. Several of the party members could use it, and he is rather tempted to assign the armor to Vydar since the Wizard seems intent on putting himself in harms way. Still, it might make more sense for one of the front liners to take it. That left him, Amdaeng, and Iolinder. He’s sure Lira could put it to use too, but he’s not sure if she is staying with the group yet… or really if they should fully trust her currently. She seems trustworthy, but this whole guild business has left a bitter taste in his mouth. That and the strange vision he saw before… well not dying, has stirred up memories and feelings he’d tried to set aside during this venture. His left hand strays to the amulet at his neck, and his face hardens. Iolinder said he is a follower of Libra right? Perhaps he’ll have to have a private talk with him sometime. The things they need justice for are stacking up, and he needs to make sure he is prepared for when he can finally exact his own. He looks back at the group, “If no one else has claimed this armor, then I will take it.”
Lira frowns thoughtfully, trying to figure out the best way to describe Shareella to Amdaeng and the others. "She looks like...Some kind of royal ice elf? I started to think she was a mountain fey while talking to her, but the goblins said she was a vampire...Either way, this kept repeating in my head while I was charmed with the kobolds: 'Feeling all of the pain and hatred in the world, our great leader, Shareela has awakened, her heart filled with pain. She has given us our purpose. If we can acquire several of the five artifacts hidden by the cult of the dragon king, Shareela can release the ice prince once again and create another Age of Ice, removing all of the greed, cruelty, and hate in the land of Allansia and the world of Titan. Resetting the land to a time of peace, love, and happiness.'"
Lev's many questions hardly surprise her. The real surprise is they haven't chased her away, really, though she doesn't exactly feel welcome. Why doesn't she leave...? That damn charm...It showed her 'family', that strange feeling. Now she is being overly sentimental perhaps...But she does want to pay back the adventurers for saving her at least.
"A good thief doesn't need to hurt anyone. You don't notice them until they're long gone. That's what I've tried to be, at least...I steal, gather information. That's all. The guild...might do more. It isn't up to me." She shakes her head, looking faintly sad before instinctively trying not to think too hard about it.His comment that they will protect her if the guild comes after her leaves her dumbstruck, just staring as he casually moves on to the discussion of dividing the loot.
She doesn't have to go back...She'd already been considering hiding out in the mountains instead of returning, using her newfound cold resistance to just...survive in solitude the rest of her days. But she wants to do more than just survive now.
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| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia| Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA| Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren| Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Mavilius - Tiefling Bard - Golden Vault| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
Lira's breakfast is excellent. Actually, it's the best meal you have had since leaving the expert cooking of Yursor and the Rudderless Galley. (She has chefs feat).
Your physical wounds are healed but several of the group have had significant traumatic experiences in the past few days. The information about Shareella is puzzling. Storms notes indicated that 5 artifacts were needed for the ritual, but Lira mentioned "several." The information about the collars of obedience and the collars that Lira and some of the other Kobolds wore is interesting. You have obtained one artifact, that of ebony. The Silver Artifact that was in Cache 1 is likely in the hands of the Kobolds who trapped Cache 1 and left the note. The cruelty of the cult of the dragon king toward the Coven and their need to sacrifice is quite concerning.
You have the trail from yesterday at the bottom of the mountain from cache 1 (can take a short difficult route or longer route to cache 3), also Lira can lead you to the cave entrance she found that led to the pyramid and Shareella. You could investigate what happened to Paevira.
Also, reviewing Natalie Storms Notes regarding cache 3, and Shareella might be useful. Lots to think about and consider. As the morning sun rises and you see it will be another beautiful day in the mountains. The map also shows that you will be climbing in elevation from here on out, and eventually, it will get cold and at Cache 4 and 5, possibly even have snow.
"We really need to finish dividing up these items. Don't be shy, if you think it will serve you or even someone else among us please speak up." Zarbyn will look around to see how everyone feels or reacts to his impromptu advice. "They do none of us any good if one or two packs them all away for a rainy day. Let's spread them out among whoever wants or needs them."
He will then use his compass to take a reading and make sure they are not going to head off in the wrong direction.
"And if we have an extra winter jacket and stuff to share with Lira, it's going to get cold as we go up higher into the mountains."
Lira and everyone else will notice this morning he looks like normal, same as yesterday except his skin is not deathly pale and he has no fangs.
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"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 cold doesn't...well, I don't really notice it since the amulet," Lira admits, "But higher up the mountain that may not be the case, so thank you." She nods, then focuses her attention on the items spread out before them. No need to be shy. Right.
"I can use the acid for traps, and since I fight better with a little range...The whip would be useful. If no one objects, of course."Her vibrant green gaze falls on the claw dagger next. "And...well, I've already seen a vision of Myurr...Not keen to see another, but if we need that dagger's power, I'm willing."
She will also take a little time to study the dull amulets/collars and try to figure out how they work.
(The locking mechanism is magical in nature. You see no way to remove it. You know it falls off on death, the male kobolds and wolves all wore a collar of obedience. It has spikes on the inside)
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Amdaeng
Something Lira said in post 758 is curious. She seems to know something of Paevira. You thought how paevira acted in port Rentarn a bit odd at first, then wondering off by herself. Guilds
also Ning has some sort of fear reaction to her. Maybe she associated Lira with the kobolds?
Lira knows Dwarvish so inspects the words closely, wanting to make sure this isn't some kind of weird enchanted pot before she tries using it.
Perception 10
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
It says “warm, medium, hot”
when she says the word, the pot instantly heats up to the correct temperature. No fire required.
Lira's eyes widen in excitement. What a handy item. She sets it down and gets to work with her cook's utensils to make a hearty breakfast stew for everyone, as well as two special treats with her Chef feat. (These give 2 temp HP to whoever eats them). It isn't unlike the stew Shareella gave her, she realizes...Ugh, but it is less evil certainly.
Cooking roll: 15 + 2 from proficiency= 17
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
(Ooc: please decide on who is carrying the items and any items that your pc equips. All the homebrew ones are available in manage inventory)
All homebrew items are searchable on you PC sheet, under inventory, manage inventory
Missile stick (homebrew, 1/day wand of magic missile) 1/day
Claw of the snake demon Myurr (Cursed?) (Homebrew)
Magic Cold Studded Leather, +1, Cold Resistance: (Homebrew, can add to character sheet) Very well-made studded Leather armor, on the inside, has ice embossed. (Needs some modifications to fit properly)
Map of pyramid and crater (outside)
Bracers of Faith: Allows the bearer to cast Shield of Faith 1/ long rest. (homebrew)
Dull collars of obedience from those outside on all Kobolds except the two in cloaks.
3 dull crystal amulets
Black felt bag: ( Artifact 2: Ebony Statue of the snake demon Myurr)
Potion of Healing
Necklace of Kobold ears, 10 gold pieces,
scroll of lessor restoration
Flask of acid: 2d6 damage, can be thrown
secret location of the cult of the dragon king in Port Blacksand, and a strange-looking key with a snake skull head.
Natalie Storms Whip a homebrew item, from Paevira: the whip belonged to the famed explorer, Natalie Storm, When you roll a 20 on your attack roll with this magic weapon, the target takes an extra 7 damage of the weapon’s type.
Missing (Artifact 1: Silver, you believe the Coven of Eternal Winter: Kobolds/ have it from Cache 1)
After his morning ablutions Zarbyn joins the others for breakfast.
"These bracers allow one to cast Shield of Faith once a day." He takes them off and places them near the middle of the group, "We should identify the other things we have that may be magical or useful in some way and decide in whose hands they would best be served."
Lira agrees, adding the key and note to the pile. She is still in the mindset of her guild and doesn't want the others to think she is holding out on them. She is unlikely to take anything unless she is the only one who can use it.
"I can probably find the cave entrance where I met Shareella if you all want to investigate it…The goblins likely took Silver and escaped that way," she remarks as they finish eating, "But first, can you show me where Paevira was abducted? Maybe those kobolds left a trail too."
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
Iólinder kept his gaze fixated on the fire while Lira told of her troubles up to this point. Any addition to the group that could help them achieve their goals that much faster or better should be welcomed with open arms but there was something about the situation that nagged him. For starters Lira just flat-out admitted that she was a professional thief and a member of a thieves' guild. In any other situation that alone was grounds enough for Iólinder to bring her to justice as per Libra's doctrine but given his current predicament that would not be wise. It made him feel conflicted. For now he decided to give the half-elf woman the benefit of the doubt until further notice. After all, all people have their talents and it would be folly not to utilise every resource at their disposal. Iólinder just hoped his brother acolytes-in-training would never learn of him aiding, or heavens forbid: abetting, a known criminal. He would never hear the end of it.
Second was Paevira's predicament. She was taken by the kobolds and the way Lira both expressed an interest in her as well as her folding into the party: were they just replacing Paevira with the next stranger that happened to pop up? Iólinder knew the adventuring life made for strange bedfellows but this was a rather very quick changing of the guard. Again he defaulted to the benefit of the doubt and the hope that Lira would prove to be an asset and not a liability.
Iólinder kept staring into the fire until the fatigue threatened to overwhelm him. After making arrangements for the nightwatch, he crawled into his bedroll when he could. At dawn he woke and spent a brief respite in prayer. With a new partymember and clearly a need for more protective and healing magic, Iólinder petitioned the gods for just that. When the morning meeting rolled around and the discussion turned to the distribution of the loot, he put down his claim.
'I'll take the missile stick.' Hearing himself say the words made him realise just how silly that sounded, as if a child had named it. 'If I need to allocate more magic towards protection and healing, I'll need something as backup aside from my crossbow.'
He then reached for the spell scroll. 'Lesser Restoration? That can come in handy. If I'm not mistaken, that's more of a clerical spell, no?' He checked with Vydar. 'If so, I'll take it.'
Other than that Iólinder did not put down a claim on any of the other items. He did keep an eye on Vydar, if only to see how he handled the second claw dagger.
So the missile stick can only cast Magic Missile as a level 1 spell once per day, correct? Because the item description is that of an ordinary Wand of Magic Missile.
Also checked the legacy Cure Wounds vs the 2024 Cure Wounds. The latter now heals for 2d8+modifier with an extra 2d8 for every level upcasted. Was healing magic really in that much need of a boost?
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
(Yes, magic missile once per day, so three missiles shoot out. ) we’ll stay with old rules for now. )
Amdaeng put the blue potion into the pile to be identified as she had no idea what it was and then queried Lira, " So how did you know of Pae again? And is everyone in Sharellas employ controlled by collars? Also she wants to bring an Ice Age on? She worships Farigiss?"
(Blue potion is a potion of healing)
"My guild master told me to look out for her since she's part of a rival guild. That's all she told me." Lira sighs and hugs her knees to her chest, wondering just how much might have been hidden from her. "It seemed like the females got the charmed amulets and the males got the collars. Yes. And she didn't mention worshipping anyone."
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
Amdaeng kept the blue potion of healing....just in case....
" So Sharella is? A Sorcerer? "
“I’m Lev,” Lev breaths as they begin introductions, he watches wearily as Iolinder tends to Lira, looking relieved that she’s now further from death.
In spite of his obvious injuries, he decides to wait on further healing. If they are going to rest, might as well let nature tend him before wasting vital resources. Still, this means he’s rather quiet as they make their way out-focusing most of his energy on simply ignoring the pain.
He seems rather withdrawn once they set up camp. As the rest strike up a conversation, he sits silently staring deeply into the fire. Clearly more than just a few things are on his mind as he sits leaned forward with hands clasped in front of him and his brow farrowed.
When Paevira’s name is mentioned, he stiffens. He doesn’t speak up but his eyes move from the flames to Lira. Not in anger, not at her. Rather his expression holds concern for someone else and anger at himself. He waits as the conversation plays out, expression softening and then hardening again as Lira tells more of her story and the others question her.
Before everyone goes to bed, he looks like he wants to say something to Lira, however he instead withdraws again. She’s already been through a lot today, and more than likely his questions would just wear her out more. Besides, he needs rest just as much as she does. Whatever he has to say can wait until tomorrow.
While he is usually an early riser, the previous day had taken a toll on him. As a result, he is one of the last members of the party to wake up, much to his own annoyance. He is still quite stiff from the wounds he’d received, and he has a tension headache, so that doesn’t help his mood at all.
Of course, since he’d slept in so late everyone else had already started talking. He grimaces when Amdaeng mentions Paevira again, only for Lira to state again that she is a member of a thieves guild. So that means Paevira is too… He rubs his forehead, shitting his eyes and letting out a long breath. What sort of guilds are these?
He takes whatever is left of breakfast, half-listening to the conversation and half lost in thought. Finally, when Paevira starts talking about her guild master he stands up and walks over to her. Standing in front of her he looks her in the eyes and says bluntly, “So you are part of a thieves guild? We did not know Paevira was part of one… but if I had I would have asked her the same thing. What sort of things does your guild have you do? Aside from stealing that is.” It is unclear if he is angry or bothered, as his words are simply to the point rather than accusing. “What guild is this? What would they have had you do if you found Paevira. Why were you following us? Did they have anything to do with your attempt to steal from Sharella?” He pauses, setting his jaw to keep from asking further questions. Letting out a breath, he puts a hand on her shoulder. “If your guild is having you do things… things worse than just stealing. Things you feel are evil, then get out now. Cut ties while you are in the company of people who won’t let the guild come after you. …Its not worth it to stick around.” His tone softens as he says that last line, and his eyes go distant before he averts them and backs off.
He doesn’t even wait for a response from her really, perhaps feeling like he might have overstepped even though he isn’t remorseful about the confrontation. He moves to where the loot is resting, eying the items wearily before looking at the rest of the group.
“Have these been divided out yet?” He places a hand on the leather armor before eyeing it again. Several of the party members could use it, and he is rather tempted to assign the armor to Vydar since the Wizard seems intent on putting himself in harms way. Still, it might make more sense for one of the front liners to take it. That left him, Amdaeng, and Iolinder. He’s sure Lira could put it to use too, but he’s not sure if she is staying with the group yet… or really if they should fully trust her currently. She seems trustworthy, but this whole guild business has left a bitter taste in his mouth. That and the strange vision he saw before… well not dying, has stirred up memories and feelings he’d tried to set aside during this venture.
His left hand strays to the amulet at his neck, and his face hardens. Iolinder said he is a follower of Libra right? Perhaps he’ll have to have a private talk with him sometime. The things they need justice for are stacking up, and he needs to make sure he is prepared for when he can finally exact his own.
He looks back at the group, “If no one else has claimed this armor, then I will take it.”
Lira frowns thoughtfully, trying to figure out the best way to describe Shareella to Amdaeng and the others. "She looks like...Some kind of royal ice elf? I started to think she was a mountain fey while talking to her, but the goblins said she was a vampire...Either way, this kept repeating in my head while I was charmed with the kobolds: 'Feeling all of the pain and hatred in the world, our great leader, Shareela has awakened, her heart filled with pain. She has given us our purpose. If we can acquire several of the five artifacts hidden by the cult of the dragon king, Shareela can release the ice prince once again and create another Age of Ice, removing all of the greed, cruelty, and hate in the land of Allansia and the world of Titan. Resetting the land to a time of peace, love, and happiness.'"
Lev's many questions hardly surprise her. The real surprise is they haven't chased her away, really, though she doesn't exactly feel welcome. Why doesn't she leave...? That damn charm...It showed her 'family', that strange feeling. Now she is being overly sentimental perhaps...But she does want to pay back the adventurers for saving her at least.
"A good thief doesn't need to hurt anyone. You don't notice them until they're long gone. That's what I've tried to be, at least...I steal, gather information. That's all. The guild...might do more. It isn't up to me." She shakes her head, looking faintly sad before instinctively trying not to think too hard about it. His comment that they will protect her if the guild comes after her leaves her dumbstruck, just staring as he casually moves on to the discussion of dividing the loot.
She doesn't have to go back...She'd already been considering hiding out in the mountains instead of returning, using her newfound cold resistance to just...survive in solitude the rest of her days. But she wants to do more than just survive now.
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
Lira's breakfast is excellent. Actually, it's the best meal you have had since leaving the expert cooking of Yursor and the Rudderless Galley. (She has chefs feat).
Your physical wounds are healed but several of the group have had significant traumatic experiences in the past few days. The information about Shareella is puzzling. Storms notes indicated that 5 artifacts were needed for the ritual, but Lira mentioned "several." The information about the collars of obedience and the collars that Lira and some of the other Kobolds wore is interesting. You have obtained one artifact, that of ebony. The Silver Artifact that was in Cache 1 is likely in the hands of the Kobolds who trapped Cache 1 and left the note. The cruelty of the cult of the dragon king toward the Coven and their need to sacrifice is quite concerning.
You have the trail from yesterday at the bottom of the mountain from cache 1 (can take a short difficult route or longer route to cache 3), also Lira can lead you to the cave entrance she found that led to the pyramid and Shareella. You could investigate what happened to Paevira.
Also, reviewing Natalie Storms Notes regarding cache 3, and Shareella might be useful. Lots to think about and consider. As the morning sun rises and you see it will be another beautiful day in the mountains. The map also shows that you will be climbing in elevation from here on out, and eventually, it will get cold and at Cache 4 and 5, possibly even have snow.
"We really need to finish dividing up these items. Don't be shy, if you think it will serve you or even someone else among us please speak up." Zarbyn will look around to see how everyone feels or reacts to his impromptu advice. "They do none of us any good if one or two packs them all away for a rainy day. Let's spread them out among whoever wants or needs them."
He will then use his compass to take a reading and make sure they are not going to head off in the wrong direction.
"And if we have an extra winter jacket and stuff to share with Lira, it's going to get cold as we go up higher into the mountains."
Lira and everyone else will notice this morning he looks like normal, same as yesterday except his skin is not deathly pale and he has no fangs.
"The cold doesn't...well, I don't really notice it since the amulet," Lira admits, "But higher up the mountain that may not be the case, so thank you." She nods, then focuses her attention on the items spread out before them. No need to be shy. Right.
"I can use the acid for traps, and since I fight better with a little range...The whip would be useful. If no one objects, of course." Her vibrant green gaze falls on the claw dagger next. "And...well, I've already seen a vision of Myurr...Not keen to see another, but if we need that dagger's power, I'm willing."
She will also take a little time to study the dull amulets/collars and try to figure out how they work.
Investigation 10
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
(The locking mechanism is magical in nature. You see no way to remove it. You know it falls off on death, the male kobolds and wolves all wore a collar of obedience. It has spikes on the inside)