Yarina moves to take a closer look at the bowl in the middle of the room, taking a few sniffs to see if she can recognize the particular herb being crush there.
Survival: 15
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| Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren| Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance |
As the bottle reaches your hands, you are surprised by its weight. It looks empty, but you can feel it full. As you move it in your hands, you can feel the weight inside shift, as if some unseen liquid resides within.
Yarina,
You recognize this herb. It is prominent in this area. Several bundles of it are in various stages of dried or drying while hanging from the rafters. Its name is Wyndor's Herb. You recognize it as an herb commonly used in healing potions.
Eldrin turns the bottle over slowly in his hands, silver brows narrowing with focused intrigue. The glass looks empty, yet the weight is undeniable—something stirs within, unseen but present. As he tilts it, he feels the mass shift inside like a fluid resisting motion. He frowns, not with alarm, but with scholarly dissatisfaction. “Invisible contents… not arcane, at least not obviously so. No residue. No aura.”
He turns the bottle slightly in the light. Still nothing. His expression shifts into something between respect and mild annoyance. “Clever. Possibly alchemical… or deliberate obfuscation. And here I am without a dwarf to taste it.” The corners of his mouth lift ever so slightly in an ironic smile. “Resilient constitution and an appalling sense of caution—ideal for field testing.”
With a small sigh of resignation, Eldrin straightens. The bottle still balanced in hand, he steps purposefully toward the window. The mage hand—still active, flickering faintly with his focus—drifts ahead, fingers ghosting over the latch before pushing the shutters open with a quiet creak.
Eldrin leans forward, calling out in a tone of clear but respectful inquiry. “Adabra. This bottle—high shelf, left side—sealed and… not quite empty. May I ask its intended purpose?”
A pause. Then, almost to himself, he murmurs with a faint note of contrition, “Perhaps I should have asked before touching it.”
When first noticing the small lockbox, Meira stepped slowly past it, trying to ignore it. But as her curiosity got the better of her, she slowly made her way back over to take a closer look at it under the stair. She looks over it to see if there is any indication on the outside of what might be within. After taking a long look, she tests the lid to see if it is open or not. She keeps an eye out, hoping no one else notices her looking.
Seeing that she can only glimpse the herbs and jars resting on the lower shelves, Lyradoes a few small jumps to try and get a better view—rather unsuccessfully. She considers hopping onto a chair, but then reconsiders; Adabra would probably not appreciate a halfling dirtying her furniture just to satisfy her curiosity.
She wonders why the woman stays silent about living away from Phandalin all this time, and is just about to ask again when she remembers Yarina's words. Perhaps it's Adabra's right to remain private about such things. Still, she says brightly, "May Lady Luck smile upon you, Ms. Adabra! We hope to see you soon in Phandalin. Surely the people there will make you feel welcome!"
Idly pacing around the windmill with nothing to do, the cleric turns to the others and asks, "So, what now? Are we heading back to Phandalin to get our payment, or should we travel straight to the next board job? We could go warn those dwarven prospectors, or ask the gnomes how to defeat a dragon! I'm certain they'll have all sorts of useful inventions."
You walk past the lockbox and then double back around to it. It's a wooden box ornately decorated with a silver filigree inlaid depicting a tree of life growing to cover most of the lid. There is a keyhole in the front of the box. Experience tells you people usually store keepsakes or other valuables in boxes like this. You test the lid and find it locked.
Lyra,
As you jump up to get a better look, you notice a few more types of herbs stored in jars. Willow Bark, Dune Poppy, Mistletoe. Tymora rewards your tenacity, and you also spot a small moonstone on a higher shelf that is barely within your reach.
Adabra smiles at you warmly after her hug with Zepyros, "Thank you, my friend. May Chauntea fill your stores with abundance." Before she walks out of the windmill, she adds, "Living here has been the greatest blessing of my life. I hope I get to come back soon."
Eldrin,
Adabra turns back to you as you call out from the opened window and responds, "Oh that. You wouldn't be interested in that, deary." She gives you a sly smile and winks. "Why don't you hold onto it for me? Find mine in Phandalin later, and I'll reward you for its return. That's one potion I've never been able to replicate despite my best efforts." She turns to continue her journey but yells over her shoulder, "It makes you invisible."
Eldrin stares at the bottle in his palm, its weight betraying the lie of its appearance. His brows lift ever so slightly—a rare crack in his usually unreadable composure. Invisible… not just concealed. Truly invisible.
He exhales softly through his nose, pacing a short line along the stone floor. A potion that vanishes not only the drinker, but itself. Ingenious. His fingers tighten just slightly around the bottle, a scholar’s reverence in his touch. Illusion magic can bend the eye, trick perception—but this? This is more than a spells trick or a Bladesong’s blur.
He paces again, muttering to himself with dry amusement, “And here I thought I’d already learned every way the world could outpace my textbooks.”
After a moment more of marveling in silence, Eldrin returns to the window and looks outward, lifting the vial in a quiet toast toward Adabra’s retreating figure. “A potion that hides even from the eye of the one who holds it. I assure you, madam, I am most interested.”
His tone softens, touched with genuine admiration. “To stumble upon the unknowable—and in liquid form, no less. You have my respect.”
Whatever flicker of wonder had momentarily broken through is quickly sheathed beneath the usual veil of distance and poise.
He turns back to the others, brushing a bit of dust from his sleeve as if nothing at all remarkable had occurred. Then, with a glance toward the workbench and the still air that smells of crushed herbs and time, he offers only:
“Quite an achievement.”
The words are simple—measured, even detached—but there’s a glint behind his eyes, a rare trace of something flickering beneath the frost: respect. Or perhaps envy.
Lyra grins widely at the sight of the moonstone. After a few enthusiastic hops, she manages to reach it on her third attempt. "What a beautiful stone! I'm pretty sure it'll bring us good luck."
The tiny cleric—who seems to find potential fonts of luck wherever she looks—rummages through her backpack as she whistles a happy tune, pulls out a thin leather strap, and ties it carefully around the stone. Then she loops it around her neck.
"I’ll hold on to this for a while, and return it to Ms. Adabra full of adventuring stories!"
Meira had not really expected the box to be unlocked. In fact, the box itself was rather interesting to her. But she tries to make sure nobody sees her, then quickly pulls out her Thieves' Tools. See tries to open the lock. (Dex Check w/ tools: 8)
Yarina’s heavy footsteps are quiet on the wooden floor, but the creak of her armor gives her presence away as she stops behind Meira. Her arms are crossed over her chest, greatsword resting at her back, and her expression is calm—but firm.
“Meira,” she says evenly, not raising her voice, “borrowing is one thing. But I hope you’re not about to steal from the woman we just risked our lives to protect.”
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| Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren| Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance |
Meira tries to deftly slip her Thieves' Tools back into her pocket, as she turns to Yarina. (Sleight of Hand: 17; this beats Yarina's Passive Perception so I'm assuming she doesn't notice the tools being secreted away. But if DM or player object I can change things.)
"Stealing?" Meira says, giving the Dragonborn a quizical look. "I was only admiring this box. I'd thought I would remind Adabra about it so she didn't forget it. Seems too valuable to leave behind."
She steps back a bit, so Yarina can see the box still sitting on the table. "Do you see the beautiful design?" she adds with a smile, again admiring the beauty of the object.
As soon as Adabra had come downstairs, she immediately spoke to her. "Adabra, I couldn't help but notice the small box there under the stair. It seems perhaps important. I didn't want you to forget it." She motions towards the small table it rests on.
You deftly slip your tools into the lock and almost immediately hear a click as the box unlocks. This simple lock only had a single pin to keep prying eyes out. Hearing Yarina come up behind you, you slip your tools back into your pocket with none the wiser. As Adabra comes down the stairs, before Zephyros offers aid, you talk to her. She walks over to you and Yarina, smiles, then gives the box a forlorn look. "I lost the key to that box what feels like a lifetime ago." She places her hand lovingly on the box, and tries to lift the lid with a hope beyond hope. To her surprise, the box lid lifts open ever so slightly. She looks at you incredulously. "How..." She looks back at the box and lifts the lid completely.
Inside are several envelopes that appear to have been sealed with a wax seal at one point but have all been opened already. Adabra takes a letter out of the top one and reads it before lovingly putting the letter back into the envelope and then the envelopes into her bag to take with her. "Thank you! You don't know what this means to me." She appears to be on the verge of crying as she takes six gold coins out of her bag and hands three of them to you and three to Yarina. That is when she turns back to Zephyros as he offers aid.
Yarina tilts her head, unsure what to think about the strange turn of events. Perhaps she was just seeing things, but then how did the apparently stuck box suddenly open...? Glancing at Meira, she just gives a shrug, turning her thoughts to Lyra's question about what the party should do now.
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| Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren| Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance |
"Maybe just a bit of good luck for a day that hasn't had much luck," Meira says to Adabra. She takes the coins, "Thank you. Hopefully we will see you again in Phandalin."
Once the woman has left, Meira tells the others, "Perhaps we should head on to our next destination? Was it the dwarves that were closer?"
When Adabra drops her bags and hugs him, he lets out a very surprised "Oh!" and slowly pats his hand on the alchemists back. To the battle-hardened fighter, it did indeed feel like an uncomfortable eternity.
"Indeed the dwarves are closest to us,"Zephyros answers Meira. "And I believe we should journey there, rather than back to town." Ironheart adds. Before the burly man continues, he inspects his weapon, and seems to almost glare at the middle prong. Producing a sharpening stone out of his bag, he begins sharpening his prized possession. As the grizzly man does this, he speaks once again. "I also believe we need to operate as a team this go around. When we fought that Manticore, it seemed everyone was too divided on what to do. Next time we fight an evil beast, we should finish the job with swift precision. Should we fight a humanoid, however,"Zephyros goes on expectantly, glancing at the dragonborn warrior and the half-elven ranger. "Then maybe we show mercy, depending on the situation. Are we in agreement that we should at least form some sort of code of operations?" The veteran concludes with a question.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Adventurers,
It appears the group has chosen to visit the dwarven excavators. Please post any actions you would like to take before leaving the windmill. Then give me a perception roll for your travel.
As Zephyros suggests his 'code of operations' Meira quietly sighs. "You would bind us to make our decision now? We should allow for adjusting to each situation." She says nothing more, simply checking that her gear is all set and heads out the broken door.
Yarina nods slowly as Zephyros speaks, arms crossed over her chest, her expression thoughtful. “Agreed. The dwarves may not even know they’re in danger. If a dragon’s hunting in these mountains, every moment counts.” She glances briefly out the window in the direction of the eastern peaks, jaw tightening.
At his mention of a code, her gaze returns to the group, nodding again. “A code makes sense. Clarity saves lives. We hesitated during the manticore fight—not fatally, but it could’ve gone worse. If we know how we fight, we won’t waste time arguing in the middle of a battlefield.”
She pauses as Meira moves past her and outside, then adds, “The manticore gave us useful information, but that was a rare case. Most threats don’t stop to talk. We can’t assume we’ll always get that lucky.” With nothing left to do in the windmill, Yarina turns and strides toward the door.
Eldrin stands slightly apart from the group, listening as the more physically inclined members debate their strategies and the lessons learned from the recent battle. Their words, sharp and straightforward are a contrast to his usual, more measured introspection. He reflects on the tone of the conversation, on the deliberate search for improvement, and, perhaps surprisingly, finds something to respect in it.
He watches Zephyros, speaking of teamwork and precision, qualities that resonate with Eldrin's own philosophy, though from a very different perspective.
Eldrin takes a quiet step to the side, his attention still fixed on the discussion, observing the nuances of their approach. They are, at least, he thinks, seeking to learn from their past actions. There is value in that. More than simple brute force... they look for ways to improve. To become more effective. This is a rare thing, even among those who rely so heavily on their physical might.
Then, as Meira and Yarina give their respective thoughts, Eldrin reflects further, considering the necessity of adaptability in any group, especially one thrown into the chaos of battle. Yes, he muses silently, adjusting to each situation is crucial. Precision is important, but flexibility is the real key to survival.
A small, almost imperceptible sigh escapes him as he observes the others, particularly Meira's dismissive remark. She has a point, of course. Perhaps there’s truth in both views, he thinks. Flexibility and structure... perhaps a blend of both is required. Adapt when needed, but act with purpose when the situation calls for it.
He turns back to the group, the soft hum of his thoughts subsiding. "A code... yes," he says, his voice calm but purposeful. "A framework can guide our actions, but only so far. As Meira said, we must have room to adjust. Precision, when it's needed... but also the ability to think on our feet. That is what will keep us alive."
He then glances out the window toward the mountains, his expression contemplative. "Let's just hope we won't need to make too many decisions like that."
Yarina moves to take a closer look at the bowl in the middle of the room, taking a few sniffs to see if she can recognize the particular herb being crush there.
Survival: 15
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance |
Eldrin,
As the bottle reaches your hands, you are surprised by its weight. It looks empty, but you can feel it full. As you move it in your hands, you can feel the weight inside shift, as if some unseen liquid resides within.
Yarina,
You recognize this herb. It is prominent in this area. Several bundles of it are in various stages of dried or drying while hanging from the rafters. Its name is Wyndor's Herb. You recognize it as an herb commonly used in healing potions.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights. DM for Dragons of Icespire Peak Pbp
Eldrin turns the bottle over slowly in his hands, silver brows narrowing with focused intrigue. The glass looks empty, yet the weight is undeniable—something stirs within, unseen but present. As he tilts it, he feels the mass shift inside like a fluid resisting motion. He frowns, not with alarm, but with scholarly dissatisfaction. “Invisible contents… not arcane, at least not obviously so. No residue. No aura.”
He turns the bottle slightly in the light. Still nothing. His expression shifts into something between respect and mild annoyance. “Clever. Possibly alchemical… or deliberate obfuscation. And here I am without a dwarf to taste it.” The corners of his mouth lift ever so slightly in an ironic smile. “Resilient constitution and an appalling sense of caution—ideal for field testing.”
With a small sigh of resignation, Eldrin straightens. The bottle still balanced in hand, he steps purposefully toward the window. The mage hand—still active, flickering faintly with his focus—drifts ahead, fingers ghosting over the latch before pushing the shutters open with a quiet creak.
Eldrin leans forward, calling out in a tone of clear but respectful inquiry.
“Adabra. This bottle—high shelf, left side—sealed and… not quite empty. May I ask its intended purpose?”
A pause. Then, almost to himself, he murmurs with a faint note of contrition,
“Perhaps I should have asked before touching it.”
When first noticing the small lockbox, Meira stepped slowly past it, trying to ignore it. But as her curiosity got the better of her, she slowly made her way back over to take a closer look at it under the stair. She looks over it to see if there is any indication on the outside of what might be within. After taking a long look, she tests the lid to see if it is open or not. She keeps an eye out, hoping no one else notices her looking.
(Investigation: 7, Perception: 8 - if needed)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Seeing that she can only glimpse the herbs and jars resting on the lower shelves, Lyra does a few small jumps to try and get a better view—rather unsuccessfully. She considers hopping onto a chair, but then reconsiders; Adabra would probably not appreciate a halfling dirtying her furniture just to satisfy her curiosity.
She wonders why the woman stays silent about living away from Phandalin all this time, and is just about to ask again when she remembers Yarina's words. Perhaps it's Adabra's right to remain private about such things. Still, she says brightly, "May Lady Luck smile upon you, Ms. Adabra! We hope to see you soon in Phandalin. Surely the people there will make you feel welcome!"
Idly pacing around the windmill with nothing to do, the cleric turns to the others and asks, "So, what now? Are we heading back to Phandalin to get our payment, or should we travel straight to the next board job? We could go warn those dwarven prospectors, or ask the gnomes how to defeat a dragon! I'm certain they'll have all sorts of useful inventions."
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Meira,
You walk past the lockbox and then double back around to it. It's a wooden box ornately decorated with a silver filigree inlaid depicting a tree of life growing to cover most of the lid. There is a keyhole in the front of the box. Experience tells you people usually store keepsakes or other valuables in boxes like this. You test the lid and find it locked.
Lyra,
As you jump up to get a better look, you notice a few more types of herbs stored in jars. Willow Bark, Dune Poppy, Mistletoe. Tymora rewards your tenacity, and you also spot a small moonstone on a higher shelf that is barely within your reach.
Adabra smiles at you warmly after her hug with Zepyros, "Thank you, my friend. May Chauntea fill your stores with abundance." Before she walks out of the windmill, she adds, "Living here has been the greatest blessing of my life. I hope I get to come back soon."
Eldrin,
Adabra turns back to you as you call out from the opened window and responds, "Oh that. You wouldn't be interested in that, deary." She gives you a sly smile and winks. "Why don't you hold onto it for me? Find mine in Phandalin later, and I'll reward you for its return. That's one potion I've never been able to replicate despite my best efforts." She turns to continue her journey but yells over her shoulder, "It makes you invisible."
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights. DM for Dragons of Icespire Peak Pbp
Eldrin stares at the bottle in his palm, its weight betraying the lie of its appearance. His brows lift ever so slightly—a rare crack in his usually unreadable composure. Invisible… not just concealed. Truly invisible.
He exhales softly through his nose, pacing a short line along the stone floor. A potion that vanishes not only the drinker, but itself. Ingenious. His fingers tighten just slightly around the bottle, a scholar’s reverence in his touch. Illusion magic can bend the eye, trick perception—but this? This is more than a spells trick or a Bladesong’s blur.
He paces again, muttering to himself with dry amusement, “And here I thought I’d already learned every way the world could outpace my textbooks.”
After a moment more of marveling in silence, Eldrin returns to the window and looks outward, lifting the vial in a quiet toast toward Adabra’s retreating figure. “A potion that hides even from the eye of the one who holds it. I assure you, madam, I am most interested.”
His tone softens, touched with genuine admiration. “To stumble upon the unknowable—and in liquid form, no less. You have my respect.”
Whatever flicker of wonder had momentarily broken through is quickly sheathed beneath the usual veil of distance and poise.
He turns back to the others, brushing a bit of dust from his sleeve as if nothing at all remarkable had occurred. Then, with a glance toward the workbench and the still air that smells of crushed herbs and time, he offers only:
“Quite an achievement.”
The words are simple—measured, even detached—but there’s a glint behind his eyes, a rare trace of something flickering beneath the frost: respect. Or perhaps envy.
Lyra grins widely at the sight of the moonstone. After a few enthusiastic hops, she manages to reach it on her third attempt. "What a beautiful stone! I'm pretty sure it'll bring us good luck."
The tiny cleric—who seems to find potential fonts of luck wherever she looks—rummages through her backpack as she whistles a happy tune, pulls out a thin leather strap, and ties it carefully around the stone. Then she loops it around her neck.
"I’ll hold on to this for a while, and return it to Ms. Adabra full of adventuring stories!"
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Meira had not really expected the box to be unlocked. In fact, the box itself was rather interesting to her. But she tries to make sure nobody sees her, then quickly pulls out her Thieves' Tools. See tries to open the lock. (Dex Check w/ tools: 8)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Yarina’s heavy footsteps are quiet on the wooden floor, but the creak of her armor gives her presence away as she stops behind Meira. Her arms are crossed over her chest, greatsword resting at her back, and her expression is calm—but firm.
“Meira,” she says evenly, not raising her voice, “borrowing is one thing. But I hope you’re not about to steal from the woman we just risked our lives to protect.”
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance |
Meira tries to deftly slip her Thieves' Tools back into her pocket, as she turns to Yarina. (Sleight of Hand: 17; this beats Yarina's Passive Perception so I'm assuming she doesn't notice the tools being secreted away. But if DM or player object I can change things.)
"Stealing?" Meira says, giving the Dragonborn a quizical look. "I was only admiring this box. I'd thought I would remind Adabra about it so she didn't forget it. Seems too valuable to leave behind."
She steps back a bit, so Yarina can see the box still sitting on the table. "Do you see the beautiful design?" she adds with a smile, again admiring the beauty of the object.
As soon as Adabra had come downstairs, she immediately spoke to her. "Adabra, I couldn't help but notice the small box there under the stair. It seems perhaps important. I didn't want you to forget it." She motions towards the small table it rests on.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Meira & Yarina,
You deftly slip your tools into the lock and almost immediately hear a click as the box unlocks. This simple lock only had a single pin to keep prying eyes out. Hearing Yarina come up behind you, you slip your tools back into your pocket with none the wiser. As Adabra comes down the stairs, before Zephyros offers aid, you talk to her. She walks over to you and Yarina, smiles, then gives the box a forlorn look. "I lost the key to that box what feels like a lifetime ago." She places her hand lovingly on the box, and tries to lift the lid with a hope beyond hope. To her surprise, the box lid lifts open ever so slightly. She looks at you incredulously. "How..." She looks back at the box and lifts the lid completely.
Inside are several envelopes that appear to have been sealed with a wax seal at one point but have all been opened already. Adabra takes a letter out of the top one and reads it before lovingly putting the letter back into the envelope and then the envelopes into her bag to take with her. "Thank you! You don't know what this means to me." She appears to be on the verge of crying as she takes six gold coins out of her bag and hands three of them to you and three to Yarina. That is when she turns back to Zephyros as he offers aid.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights. DM for Dragons of Icespire Peak Pbp
Yarina tilts her head, unsure what to think about the strange turn of events. Perhaps she was just seeing things, but then how did the apparently stuck box suddenly open...? Glancing at Meira, she just gives a shrug, turning her thoughts to Lyra's question about what the party should do now.
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance |
"Maybe just a bit of good luck for a day that hasn't had much luck," Meira says to Adabra. She takes the coins, "Thank you. Hopefully we will see you again in Phandalin."
Once the woman has left, Meira tells the others, "Perhaps we should head on to our next destination? Was it the dwarves that were closer?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
When Adabra drops her bags and hugs him, he lets out a very surprised "Oh!" and slowly pats his hand on the alchemists back. To the battle-hardened fighter, it did indeed feel like an uncomfortable eternity.
"Indeed the dwarves are closest to us," Zephyros answers Meira. "And I believe we should journey there, rather than back to town." Ironheart adds. Before the burly man continues, he inspects his weapon, and seems to almost glare at the middle prong. Producing a sharpening stone out of his bag, he begins sharpening his prized possession. As the grizzly man does this, he speaks once again. "I also believe we need to operate as a team this go around. When we fought that Manticore, it seemed everyone was too divided on what to do. Next time we fight an evil beast, we should finish the job with swift precision. Should we fight a humanoid, however," Zephyros goes on expectantly, glancing at the dragonborn warrior and the half-elven ranger. "Then maybe we show mercy, depending on the situation. Are we in agreement that we should at least form some sort of code of operations?" The veteran concludes with a question.
Adventurers,
It appears the group has chosen to visit the dwarven excavators. Please post any actions you would like to take before leaving the windmill. Then give me a perception roll for your travel.
12
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights. DM for Dragons of Icespire Peak Pbp
As Zephyros suggests his 'code of operations' Meira quietly sighs. "You would bind us to make our decision now? We should allow for adjusting to each situation." She says nothing more, simply checking that her gear is all set and heads out the broken door.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Yarina nods slowly as Zephyros speaks, arms crossed over her chest, her expression thoughtful. “Agreed. The dwarves may not even know they’re in danger. If a dragon’s hunting in these mountains, every moment counts.” She glances briefly out the window in the direction of the eastern peaks, jaw tightening.
At his mention of a code, her gaze returns to the group, nodding again. “A code makes sense. Clarity saves lives. We hesitated during the manticore fight—not fatally, but it could’ve gone worse. If we know how we fight, we won’t waste time arguing in the middle of a battlefield.”
She pauses as Meira moves past her and outside, then adds, “The manticore gave us useful information, but that was a rare case. Most threats don’t stop to talk. We can’t assume we’ll always get that lucky.” With nothing left to do in the windmill, Yarina turns and strides toward the door.
Perception for travel: 14
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance |
"Can we assume we won't sometimes though?" Meira retorts. She says this as she is walking past Yarina, seemingly ready to drop the conversation.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Eldrin stands slightly apart from the group, listening as the more physically inclined members debate their strategies and the lessons learned from the recent battle. Their words, sharp and straightforward are a contrast to his usual, more measured introspection. He reflects on the tone of the conversation, on the deliberate search for improvement, and, perhaps surprisingly, finds something to respect in it.
He watches Zephyros, speaking of teamwork and precision, qualities that resonate with Eldrin's own philosophy, though from a very different perspective.
Eldrin takes a quiet step to the side, his attention still fixed on the discussion, observing the nuances of their approach. They are, at least, he thinks, seeking to learn from their past actions. There is value in that. More than simple brute force... they look for ways to improve. To become more effective. This is a rare thing, even among those who rely so heavily on their physical might.
Then, as Meira and Yarina give their respective thoughts, Eldrin reflects further, considering the necessity of adaptability in any group, especially one thrown into the chaos of battle. Yes, he muses silently, adjusting to each situation is crucial. Precision is important, but flexibility is the real key to survival.
A small, almost imperceptible sigh escapes him as he observes the others, particularly Meira's dismissive remark. She has a point, of course. Perhaps there’s truth in both views, he thinks. Flexibility and structure... perhaps a blend of both is required. Adapt when needed, but act with purpose when the situation calls for it.
He turns back to the group, the soft hum of his thoughts subsiding. "A code... yes," he says, his voice calm but purposeful. "A framework can guide our actions, but only so far. As Meira said, we must have room to adjust. Precision, when it's needed... but also the ability to think on our feet. That is what will keep us alive."
He then glances out the window toward the mountains, his expression contemplative. "Let's just hope we won't need to make too many decisions like that."
Perception Check:22