After listening to Thurston’s outburst, Hurrigs normal warm demeanor leaves his face, and he carries a more fathering look,
”Caroline, no one is condemning you for what ya ‘ave done. Ya did what ya needed to do. Thurston is a little hot headed, being a paladin and all, moral dilemmas get his knickers in a bunch. Ya had no other choice to save ya flock. In another life, I did the same to make a quick buck. Except my role was the extorter not the extortee.”
Hurrig pauses for a minute, the first time he has thought about his past in a long time. His face wells up for a brief second before he shakes it off and continue,
"It’s not always easy to do the morally high thing as Thurston said. When the Morrigan came, ya saw no other option. But now you have an option. Fight with us, continue to work with ‘em, but feed us information so we could take ‘em down and free many more from your situation.”
Hurrig extends a hand towards Caroline, hoping to make a truce and add an ally in a daunting fight.
Caroline seems desperate, and is about to open her mouth to answer Thurston again when Hurrig steps in.
"I... I can do tha'," she acknowledges, with a sniff.
"I can't just throw Sora out an' oppose 'er," the gnome adds, clearly for Thurston's benefit. "Not unless y'plan on just marchin' o'er east right now an' wipin' out t'lot o' 'em."
The sarcasm is plain in her voice.
"I can wait though. I can help when the time comes. When will ye return? How many men can ye raise?"
For the first time since this conversation began, hope tinges her voice.
"Thank ya lass. I am unsure of exactly when we will return, there's some goblin trouble in Sheercleft that must be dealt with first. As for men, the elves of Hyranathar may be willing to help us after this. We may 'ave to pay a visit to Khaz a Grungon so I could talk ta some old friends... But you are surely not alone, and I bet there are others who will band together ta remove The Morrigan." Hurrigs usual warm welcoming demeanor is returned with his new friends hope, "For now, continue ta do what they ask of ya, and raise these basilisk big and strong. They may come in handy. We should be off though."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Mavi Göz Mal - Half Orc Monk Level 1 Not Another Lost Mine of Phandelver
Drita - Aasimar Hexblade Warlock Lvl 3 Tomb of Annhilation
“Uhm a-also here is your book back...” Vark says as he hands her the basilisk guide back. “If uhm... if you ever make a translated version I’d be happy to buy it.” He says with a weak smile before looking to his friends. “We... should probably get going?”
Caroline gestures another instruction to the basilisk brood mother and the enormous beast relaxes and begins to plod back off towards the nearest cave. The little gnome hops over the fence and finally removes her mask to reveal a not unattractive face with button-like features. If you look carefully, you can see the Swiftstep family resemblance, but for one thing. Patches of skin all across her face are grey and hard like stone.
"Thank ye, Hurrig," she answers softly, "we'll be ready."
A broad smile spreads across her face as Vark hands her back the book.
"Oh! By the Lady! Thank ye!" She exclaims, spontaneously embracing the young half-orc. "Ye don't know 'ow many years of my life 'ave gone int' this ol' thing. I don' 'ave much in t'way o' paper at t'moment, but if I get me 'ands on some I will. It's nice t'know somebody else cares."
She glances about furtively at the other items the party had begun to remove from the house.
"Errr, ehem... ah yes! We will put everything back, we will simply take what is Sora's and be on our way" Hurrig is a little dumbfounded as he starts to pull sacks of anise and mint and place them back in the larger barrels. "I had a good idea for some nice beer with these, but I 'spose I can pick up soe mint and anise back in Sheercleft." He starts to just talk to himself and unloading the trade goods.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Mavi Göz Mal - Half Orc Monk Level 1 Not Another Lost Mine of Phandelver
Drita - Aasimar Hexblade Warlock Lvl 3 Tomb of Annhilation
Jex's calm mock disinterest is replaced by frustration at the deal being struck. His plan involved no armies and liberation, just simple daggers in the dark. He especially resented the idea of giving up his new clothes, especially the fancy hat. But he says nothing and puts them down with nothing more than a pout in protest.
Once the party have returned the gnome's possessions and packed up Sora's magic items, Caroline leads them to the main gate, pulls her mask back on and guides the basilisks away towards the caves where they can do no harm.
"Farewell," she says simply. "I 'ope I will see y'again."
Although the stronger members of the group are able to lift the heavy barrel of cosmetics, it takes two working together to carry it comfortably for any great distance. Fortunately, stealth is less of a concern on the return journey. It's not yet noon when they arrive back at the wagon, which appears intact and unmolested. Out here in the wilderness the odds of anyone stumbling upon it are low.
As they make their way back, Vark occasionally glances back towards the fortress in the distance. Once they've finished loading the wagon, he turns back to his companions. "So uhm... off to Sheercleft now?"
"Yeah," Bründir grumbles, "Sheercleft don't 'ave much fer fighters, but they're good friends o' th' dwarves. Need to appeal to houses an' kings. If we're lucky, we can get 'elp."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Once the barrel is aboard and Jex has seen to his animals, the travellers and their wagon set off on the journey back south-east, heading for the pass that Bründir, Valaith and Vark came down just ten days ago. In only a week and a half, what was once a simple escort mission has rapidly escalated into a much more important task with far higher stakes.
For Hurrig, this journey is much more recent and the memory is harrowing. He set out just three days after the others, a week ago by now, and with four companions, but he alone survived the journey down the mountain. Goblins abound and it is no longer the relatively safe trail it once was.
The party push on, eating on the march, and make it about twenty-four miles before the bright silver of the moon starts to obscure the sun high overhead. According to the map the old bandit compound is about twelve miles ahead of them still and after that it's another nine to the the treeline. Due to the wagon, they'll likely have to take a detour to avoid the rougher mountain terrain, but it's not likely to cost them more than four hours overall. However, for now, it's time to make camp for the night.
Hurrig begins to set up the camp, once he has a fire going he grabs himself a big glass of mead he sits down and thinks to himself for a while. "I can take first watch if ya like."He sits stokes the fire a little, finishes his mead and fills another glass pulling out some rations to eat.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Mavi Göz Mal - Half Orc Monk Level 1 Not Another Lost Mine of Phandelver
Drita - Aasimar Hexblade Warlock Lvl 3 Tomb of Annhilation
"As you wish, though perhaps we should double the watch? We are close to two enemies here and risk being caught by either. I am not wounded or tired and would be happy to take a second watch."
Valaith echoes Jex's sentiment and accompanies Hurrig and Vark on the first two watches. The half-elf takes the second half of the night, first together with Bründir and then his usual dawn watch, which Thurston joins him for. However, dreams plague the party as they rest and sleep is hard to come by. Deeply personal dreams of home, failure, powerlessness and loss wear at the travellers throughout the night.
(Everyone loses 5 points of vigour to psychic damage.)
While Valaith tosses in her sleep, her brother so close, and yet just out of reach, Vark stands tall upon Endelfjell. He is perched at the peak, his body cloaked in robes of shadow, and with a one sweeping motion of his arm he expels a wave of icy wind that casts Aureaonus down from mountain into the dark depths below. In his other hand he clutches a star-like sigil of dark metal. It is heavy for its size - far weightier than iron or steel, but it is a burden he must bear.
(Vark, please roll a wisdom save.)
Nevertheless, each watch passes without incident, but for the distant calls of nocturnal beasts, and not long after sunrise the party is read to move again. They head south across the foothills, giving the old Morrigan compound a wide berth, until around noon they finally reach the forest. Two large stone markers rise up out of the ground here, carved with enormous dwarven heads that break the treeline looking out north.
Jex wakes for his watch a little annoyed at the dreams he had been having. He had few regrets in life, and fewer fears and so this sensation was unusual for him. He sits and meditates on what he had seen, searching for reasons why he would be reminded of such feelings and attempting to centre himself.
As they march the next day he is in a better mood, thoughts of the night pushed behind him, though he does feel a little tired he puts it down to the double watch he took. He is chatty and telling nonsense stories. But as they see the statues his tone changes to one of actual interest.
"Ah, I have seen these before. Ancient dwarven Road markers, built to ward off evil on the old trade routes. Very interesting, supposedly powerful with old long forgotten magic."
As Jex's fingertips gently brush the hewn granite, he finds that it is unnaturally warm to the touch and he instinctively jerks his hand back before he burns himself. As this happens, a piece of parchment pops into existence in front of him in a puff of smoke. It is a message from Hyarantar.
Dear Jex,
thank you again for procuring so much basilisk blood so quickly. Over the course of the last couple of days I was able to successfully produce an antidote and it has already saved many of our people from the demon plague. The requested sample will follow this message in the Yolaban.
Lord Keltin has also tasked me with investigating this book you have provided us with. A most fascinating tome. My draconic is a little rusty, but I have been working my way through it. If these cultists truly channel the power of the Morrigan this could be grave news indeed. It is possible that the 'prison' the journal describes is an abandoned fortress from the second era. I will continue to research the matter and contact you should I learn more.
Jex smiles in surprise as he almost burns himself on the rock. "How bizarre, I've never heard they were hot before, fascinating. Perhaps if a dwarf tries? Perhaps it is the elf in me that the rock dislikes."
He reads through the note quickly, though he is not really interested in the content.
"The sample you wanted might be in the bag now. Maybe we should tell them we know where the prison is, or we can let them figure it out for themselves."
Vark seems shaken when he wakes up, and is even more quiet than usual in the morning. Before they get going he does his usual ritual and seems distant for the rest of the day as they travel.
Bründir stop Jex for a moment, "There's somethin' we need to tell ye. Not a problem anymore, now that we've got that cure, but ye're cursed like th' elves. Thurston saw it an' Hurrig 'elped keep it down. We didn't want ye worryin' or doin' anythin' rash. Drink the stuff they sent, then we'll be fine to move on."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
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After listening to Thurston’s outburst, Hurrigs normal warm demeanor leaves his face, and he carries a more fathering look,
”Caroline, no one is condemning you for what ya ‘ave done. Ya did what ya needed to do. Thurston is a little hot headed, being a paladin and all, moral dilemmas get his knickers in a bunch. Ya had no other choice to save ya flock. In another life, I did the same to make a quick buck. Except my role was the extorter not the extortee.”
Hurrig pauses for a minute, the first time he has thought about his past in a long time. His face wells up for a brief second before he shakes it off and continue,
"It’s not always easy to do the morally high thing as Thurston said. When the Morrigan came, ya saw no other option. But now you have an option. Fight with us, continue to work with ‘em, but feed us information so we could take ‘em down and free many more from your situation.”
Hurrig extends a hand towards Caroline, hoping to make a truce and add an ally in a daunting fight.
Mavi Göz Mal - Half Orc Monk Level 1 Not Another Lost Mine of Phandelver
Drita - Aasimar Hexblade Warlock Lvl 3 Tomb of Annhilation
Iznik Sylnithas - Half Drow Blood Hunter Level 2 Precipice of Voids
Caroline seems desperate, and is about to open her mouth to answer Thurston again when Hurrig steps in.
"I... I can do tha'," she acknowledges, with a sniff.
"I can't just throw Sora out an' oppose 'er," the gnome adds, clearly for Thurston's benefit. "Not unless y'plan on just marchin' o'er east right now an' wipin' out t'lot o' 'em."
The sarcasm is plain in her voice.
"I can wait though. I can help when the time comes. When will ye return? How many men can ye raise?"
For the first time since this conversation began, hope tinges her voice.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
"Thank ya lass. I am unsure of exactly when we will return, there's some goblin trouble in Sheercleft that must be dealt with first. As for men, the elves of Hyranathar may be willing to help us after this. We may 'ave to pay a visit to Khaz a Grungon so I could talk ta some old friends... But you are surely not alone, and I bet there are others who will band together ta remove The Morrigan." Hurrigs usual warm welcoming demeanor is returned with his new friends hope, "For now, continue ta do what they ask of ya, and raise these basilisk big and strong. They may come in handy. We should be off though."
Mavi Göz Mal - Half Orc Monk Level 1 Not Another Lost Mine of Phandelver
Drita - Aasimar Hexblade Warlock Lvl 3 Tomb of Annhilation
Iznik Sylnithas - Half Drow Blood Hunter Level 2 Precipice of Voids
“Uhm a-also here is your book back...” Vark says as he hands her the basilisk guide back. “If uhm... if you ever make a translated version I’d be happy to buy it.” He says with a weak smile before looking to his friends. “We... should probably get going?”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Caroline gestures another instruction to the basilisk brood mother and the enormous beast relaxes and begins to plod back off towards the nearest cave. The little gnome hops over the fence and finally removes her mask to reveal a not unattractive face with button-like features. If you look carefully, you can see the Swiftstep family resemblance, but for one thing. Patches of skin all across her face are grey and hard like stone.
"Thank ye, Hurrig," she answers softly, "we'll be ready."
A broad smile spreads across her face as Vark hands her back the book.
"Oh! By the Lady! Thank ye!" She exclaims, spontaneously embracing the young half-orc. "Ye don't know 'ow many years of my life 'ave gone int' this ol' thing. I don' 'ave much in t'way o' paper at t'moment, but if I get me 'ands on some I will. It's nice t'know somebody else cares."
She glances about furtively at the other items the party had begun to remove from the house.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
"Errr, ehem... ah yes! We will put everything back, we will simply take what is Sora's and be on our way" Hurrig is a little dumbfounded as he starts to pull sacks of anise and mint and place them back in the larger barrels. "I had a good idea for some nice beer with these, but I 'spose I can pick up soe mint and anise back in Sheercleft." He starts to just talk to himself and unloading the trade goods.
Mavi Göz Mal - Half Orc Monk Level 1 Not Another Lost Mine of Phandelver
Drita - Aasimar Hexblade Warlock Lvl 3 Tomb of Annhilation
Iznik Sylnithas - Half Drow Blood Hunter Level 2 Precipice of Voids
Jex's calm mock disinterest is replaced by frustration at the deal being struck. His plan involved no armies and liberation, just simple daggers in the dark. He especially resented the idea of giving up his new clothes, especially the fancy hat. But he says nothing and puts them down with nothing more than a pout in protest.
Seeing the others giving back the objects, Thurston remembers that he also got something and he silently give the spyglass to Caroline.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Caroline takes the spyglass gratefully.
Once the party have returned the gnome's possessions and packed up Sora's magic items, Caroline leads them to the main gate, pulls her mask back on and guides the basilisks away towards the caves where they can do no harm.
"Farewell," she says simply. "I 'ope I will see y'again."
Although the stronger members of the group are able to lift the heavy barrel of cosmetics, it takes two working together to carry it comfortably for any great distance. Fortunately, stealth is less of a concern on the return journey. It's not yet noon when they arrive back at the wagon, which appears intact and unmolested. Out here in the wilderness the odds of anyone stumbling upon it are low.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
As they make their way back, Vark occasionally glances back towards the fortress in the distance. Once they've finished loading the wagon, he turns back to his companions. "So uhm... off to Sheercleft now?"
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"Yeah," Bründir grumbles, "Sheercleft don't 'ave much fer fighters, but they're good friends o' th' dwarves. Need to appeal to houses an' kings. If we're lucky, we can get 'elp."
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Once the barrel is aboard and Jex has seen to his animals, the travellers and their wagon set off on the journey back south-east, heading for the pass that Bründir, Valaith and Vark came down just ten days ago. In only a week and a half, what was once a simple escort mission has rapidly escalated into a much more important task with far higher stakes.
For Hurrig, this journey is much more recent and the memory is harrowing. He set out just three days after the others, a week ago by now, and with four companions, but he alone survived the journey down the mountain. Goblins abound and it is no longer the relatively safe trail it once was.
The party push on, eating on the march, and make it about twenty-four miles before the bright silver of the moon starts to obscure the sun high overhead. According to the map the old bandit compound is about twelve miles ahead of them still and after that it's another nine to the the treeline. Due to the wagon, they'll likely have to take a detour to avoid the rougher mountain terrain, but it's not likely to cost them more than four hours overall. However, for now, it's time to make camp for the night.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Hurrig begins to set up the camp, once he has a fire going he grabs himself a big glass of mead he sits down and thinks to himself for a while. "I can take first watch if ya like." He sits stokes the fire a little, finishes his mead and fills another glass pulling out some rations to eat.
Mavi Göz Mal - Half Orc Monk Level 1 Not Another Lost Mine of Phandelver
Drita - Aasimar Hexblade Warlock Lvl 3 Tomb of Annhilation
Iznik Sylnithas - Half Drow Blood Hunter Level 2 Precipice of Voids
Jex shrugs.
"As you wish, though perhaps we should double the watch? We are close to two enemies here and risk being caught by either. I am not wounded or tired and would be happy to take a second watch."
Valaith echoes Jex's sentiment and accompanies Hurrig and Vark on the first two watches. The half-elf takes the second half of the night, first together with Bründir and then his usual dawn watch, which Thurston joins him for. However, dreams plague the party as they rest and sleep is hard to come by. Deeply personal dreams of home, failure, powerlessness and loss wear at the travellers throughout the night.
(Everyone loses 5 points of vigour to psychic damage.)
While Valaith tosses in her sleep, her brother so close, and yet just out of reach, Vark stands tall upon Endelfjell. He is perched at the peak, his body cloaked in robes of shadow, and with a one sweeping motion of his arm he expels a wave of icy wind that casts Aureaonus down from mountain into the dark depths below. In his other hand he clutches a star-like sigil of dark metal. It is heavy for its size - far weightier than iron or steel, but it is a burden he must bear.
(Vark, please roll a wisdom save.)
Nevertheless, each watch passes without incident, but for the distant calls of nocturnal beasts, and not long after sunrise the party is read to move again. They head south across the foothills, giving the old Morrigan compound a wide berth, until around noon they finally reach the forest. Two large stone markers rise up out of the ground here, carved with enormous dwarven heads that break the treeline looking out north.
(Intelligence (History) checks please.)
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Jex wakes for his watch a little annoyed at the dreams he had been having. He had few regrets in life, and fewer fears and so this sensation was unusual for him. He sits and meditates on what he had seen, searching for reasons why he would be reminded of such feelings and attempting to centre himself.
As they march the next day he is in a better mood, thoughts of the night pushed behind him, though he does feel a little tired he puts it down to the double watch he took. He is chatty and telling nonsense stories. But as they see the statues his tone changes to one of actual interest.
"Ah, I have seen these before. Ancient dwarven Road markers, built to ward off evil on the old trade routes. Very interesting, supposedly powerful with old long forgotten magic."
He reaches up to touch one for good luck.
As Jex's fingertips gently brush the hewn granite, he finds that it is unnaturally warm to the touch and he instinctively jerks his hand back before he burns himself. As this happens, a piece of parchment pops into existence in front of him in a puff of smoke. It is a message from Hyarantar.
Dear Jex,
thank you again for procuring so much basilisk blood so quickly. Over the course of the last couple of days I was able to successfully produce an antidote and it has already saved many of our people from the demon plague. The requested sample will follow this message in the Yolaban.
Lord Keltin has also tasked me with investigating this book you have provided us with. A most fascinating tome. My draconic is a little rusty, but I have been working my way through it. If these cultists truly channel the power of the Morrigan this could be grave news indeed. It is possible that the 'prison' the journal describes is an abandoned fortress from the second era. I will continue to research the matter and contact you should I learn more.
Godspeed,
Peldirion
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Jex smiles in surprise as he almost burns himself on the rock. "How bizarre, I've never heard they were hot before, fascinating. Perhaps if a dwarf tries? Perhaps it is the elf in me that the rock dislikes."
He reads through the note quickly, though he is not really interested in the content.
"The sample you wanted might be in the bag now. Maybe we should tell them we know where the prison is, or we can let them figure it out for themselves."
He passes the note back for the others to read.
Vark seems shaken when he wakes up, and is even more quiet than usual in the morning. Before they get going he does his usual ritual and seems distant for the rest of the day as they travel.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Bründir stop Jex for a moment, "There's somethin' we need to tell ye. Not a problem anymore, now that we've got that cure, but ye're cursed like th' elves. Thurston saw it an' Hurrig 'elped keep it down. We didn't want ye worryin' or doin' anythin' rash. Drink the stuff they sent, then we'll be fine to move on."
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero