Abraxxus nods to Kiven and keeps moving. Later when Eya speaks to him on the subject he looks frustrated. " Thank you for the kind words. You did warn me beforehand. I should have known. I am monstrous to most. Few females will be with me...willingly at least. " He shakes his head angrily. " I hate that I fell for her ruse. By Tiamat!!"
As it turned out, the kitchens had a roasting spit large enough to handle the elephant seal, at least once it was chopped up a bit. It looks like the duke liked to be prepared for a large feast out here if there was need.
A fire was set, and soon enough the incredibly ugly animal was sizzling away. It would take a few hours to cook, but you had the time before the sun dropped below the horizon.
Elise stayed well away, but Titus, Tallus, and Dostan soon filter in as the smell of roasting meat starts to fill the house. There are some wary looks exchanged, but soon enough the two knots start to relax, especially after Respar finds a dusty cask of strong wine in the cellar. Soon enough Tallus starts showing off his skill with throwing knives, hitting targets while blindfolded, and then sinking the next knife into the hilt of the first. Titus soon gets into a discussion of the philosophical meaning of some of the Father Below's teachings with Blau, and when Dostan gets drunk enough, he challenges Grumblejack to an arm wrestling contest, looking genuinely surprised when he loses.
The seal meat turns out to be pretty flavorful, if a bit tough. Soon enough as the sun sets people start filtering back to their rooms to get what sleep they might.
---
The next morning, as Eya gets up, she encounters Kili perched on a mantle in the hall. He looks nervous as he whispers, "She's down there, I think she's waiting for you."
Elise stiffly stands in the foyer. "Assuming you even manage to find the temple, I have no intention of trekking through that forest more than necessary. I will regularly send an emissary your way instead. It will carry a report on any details necessary to the mission's success. I suggest responding in kind. With luck this will be the last time we must deal with each other directly."
---
Eventually, one way or another, the ninth knot is roused and ready to go. Caer Bryr lies to the southeast. Somewhere within lies the Horn of Abbadon, Vetral Kali, and the Tears of Achlys
Let me know what kind of search pattern you're using and give me perception checks. The highest result will treat the others as aid another actions.
Once the group reaches the banks of the Broken River, near the Brack, they first tell Kili to begin searching from above, for a temple that is a spire covered in vegetation. There might be signs of others recently (within the last few weeks) trying to enter it. If Kili reaches the Lake to the east, she can then begin searching the far bank. The group then spreads out and begins searching for the temple from the ground, taking their time. "Better we take our time and get it right the first time. I'd hate to miss it. If we search both banks and fail to find it, we can start again after a rest and try further from the water. With the six of us [including Calarel], I'd say two teams. One closer to the water, one a little further inland. I'll stay further inland, since I'm better at climbing than swimming, if it comes down to that."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Eya nods to Kiliketz as she goes to meet Elise. Eya glares at the witch, then replies, "That's fine by me. Put that jealousy aside, and don't try anything stupid. We do our job, you do yours, and we won't have any major problems. Bye."
---
Eya helps as best she can with the search. She uses the map and her knowledge of geography to try and make locating the area easier.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Enjoying the discussions from the night before, and mulling over the topics further as they travel, Blau looks around for any exposed stonework that may provide some clue as to the Temple they seek.
Perception 17 and he does have Stonemasonry, if it helps 10 (one rank, no other bonus)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
While they're traveling to the forest, Eya brings something important up to the group, "I've been working on a new spell that can disrupt our enemies in a few novel ways. If you hear me say the word "Firefly," I'm going to need all of you to immediately close your eyes, okay?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Abraxxus quickly says, " I will help search more inland. I don't like big bodies of water. " He carries his massive axe in one hand and rests it on his shoulder. He flies at tree top level to help see the spire but so as not to expose himself too much to the gaze of any possible enemies. " Maybe today we will taste combat again., " he says to himself and the axe.
The group sets out, with Kiliketz flying overhead and checking the spire tops for any details that might give a hint.
The Caer Bryr is thick and overgrown in every sense of the word, with tall, gnarled trees covered with vines and mushrooms, moss, ferns, and thorned plants everywhere you look on the floor. You are constantly getting the sense of being watched. and frequently spot things moving out of the corner of your eyes
Progress is fairly steady in spite of this, you have already ruled out one of the rock spires, having investigated the base and found no trace of it being anything other than a rock formation. As you are approaching the next, without warning, a deep voice booms out, echoing amongst the trees and making it difficult to pin down where its coming from. "What business do you have here? This is no place for your kind."
At the manor Kiven attends dinner with the others, mostly just to size up Elise and her Knot and also to keep an eye on Calarel if she wants to attend. Depending on her desires, he'd likely retire earlier than most others to avoid the social aspect and study his books. He tries to arrange time with Eya's spell book if she'll allow, in her room or his, to copy Unseen Servant and Shield. He offers his spell book to her in turn, and assists Calarel with her studies if she is up for it. He does try to excuse himself for a bit and get away from Calarel to work on his spell scars, adding scars for Shield and a Snowball. He knows this is darker magic than he had previously ever studied and thus wants to spare Calarel from watching the process, but is fascinated with it none the less, especially how handy it is given his current lifestyle.
Kiven also tells Calarel that he has concerns about their next assignment, as he is sure she does, but that they can discuss it when there are fewer ears around. He does ask her if she is feeling up for a difficult quest.
Once the group has set out in the morning Kiven drops behind the others as they head up the river bank towards where they hope to find the Horn, asking Calarel to speak with him. "Calarel, I would surmise that this mission does not sit well with you. What do you understand about it? I too am uneasy about the matter. It seems to me, however, that this demon and the plague he brings will escape in short time whether we involve ourselves or not, but staying in this game we play with Cardinal Thorn is the only way to influence what may come as we attempt to slay the demon and get our hands on the cure. Do you agree with this logic? Remember, do yourself the service of speaking your mind freely, even if you disagree."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Eya becomes more alert and quickly looks around as the voice is heard. She mutters a spell and a shimmering purple light briefly glitters across her body.
"Hello? What do you mean our kind? We're searching for a colleague, an elf. Who are you?" Eya asks.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Glowering at the challenge, Blau looks around for the unseen sentry, keeping ready for attacks.
Perception 14
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
There is a loud groaning noise, and what you had taken for a tree turns to look at you. The tree creature is easily twice Grumblejack's height. It takes two slow steps forward, the ground shuddering slightly. "I am Jurak the elder, guardian of this vale. I do not seek violence, but it will come if you lie to me again. Now, tell me true, what is your purpose in this place?"
Jurak squints down at you suspiciously, then seems to relax, "I do not know this name, but elves are what you call the pointy-eared humans right? The birds sang to me of one such recently entering the Vale, along with three of the round ear variety. If that sounds like them then I am sorry travelers, but I have bad news. I was not able to intercept them before they entered a dark place. There is nothing to be done for them now, it would be best to leave this place and mourn elsewhere."
The treant turns to regard Abraxxus, asking curiously, "I do not recall ever having seen one of the lizard-folk with wings before, might that have been a gift from your God?
"Yes, the pointy eared ones like them," Eya says, pointing to Kiven and Celarel. "Which dark place do you mean? Could you show us where? Why is it best to leave this place? If he's able to be found, we should try," Eya responds.
Kiven whispers to Calarel "ever seen one of those before?" "I have only seen them in texts. As long as we stay alive, there are benefits to this lifestyle, it would seem."
Celarel takes a bit of meat, but then retreats away from the gathering. She instead works on her exercises instead. For the first time, she's able to conjure a brief mote of light. It is only there for a moment before it is gone, and she is unable to repeat the feat, but the minor bit of success brings the first smile to her face that Kiven has ever seen.
Later, as Kiven tells her about what is to come, she looks disturbed to say the least. On the subject of dealing with a difficult quest she simply states, "You know your limits, and you know mine. I know you wouldn't just throw your life away on some stupid decision, so I guess I will have to trust your judgement."
She squirms a bit on the topic of the Horn, "And you're sure the seal can't be reinforced? Or maybe there could be a way to shunt it back where it belongs?"
---
Jurak peers at Abraxxus a bit longer, shaking his huge head a bit and causing a few leaves to fall as he starts rambling, "Wings like a bat, I've never known Gozreh to do such things, but he always was a fickle one. Such things on a body like yours never quite look right, a bat, a bird, sure, but they're made for it. Even my friend Calliaste, she's light enough at least for it, but her wings don't look quite right on her either. Oh, uh, please don't mention that I said that to her, I'd rather not spoil our visits..."
He turns back towards Eya, "Oh, I'm sorry, you had questions, what were they again?" After Eya's response, he nods, "If those four are lucky, and I mean very lucky, then they merely got eaten by the toad people. If not, well, then they may have fallen prey to the spirits of that place, a fate far worse than mere death. Either way, there would be nothing to find. You would be risking all for naught."
"The evils of that mountain have long been a threat. I spent many a year trying to contain it, though I was limited to dealing with the servants of that evil as they came and went from the place. Long ago a leader of your kind bound up the evil. It is quiet now, but no less potent and deadly. They charged me with watching over the place, watching for signs that it is getting loose again, and keeping others from entering."
"Surely you see now why you cannot go there. Best to go back to your homes."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Eya laughs when she sees Grumblejack then she turns and shouts out to the house, "Hey! Anyone know how to cook a big-ass seal?"
---
After dinner, Eya stops by and checks in on Kiven and Celarel as well just to see how things are going.
---
Before bed, Eya studies in her room, copying a couple more spells into her book, and making sure the Alarms are up before bed.
Copying a couple spells here. Just Hideous Laughter and Expeditious Retreat from Tyris' spellbook.
Abraxxus nods to Kiven and keeps moving. Later when Eya speaks to him on the subject he looks frustrated. " Thank you for the kind words. You did warn me beforehand. I should have known. I am monstrous to most. Few females will be with me...willingly at least. " He shakes his head angrily. " I hate that I fell for her ruse. By Tiamat!!"
As it turned out, the kitchens had a roasting spit large enough to handle the elephant seal, at least once it was chopped up a bit. It looks like the duke liked to be prepared for a large feast out here if there was need.
A fire was set, and soon enough the incredibly ugly animal was sizzling away. It would take a few hours to cook, but you had the time before the sun dropped below the horizon.
Elise stayed well away, but Titus, Tallus, and Dostan soon filter in as the smell of roasting meat starts to fill the house. There are some wary looks exchanged, but soon enough the two knots start to relax, especially after Respar finds a dusty cask of strong wine in the cellar. Soon enough Tallus starts showing off his skill with throwing knives, hitting targets while blindfolded, and then sinking the next knife into the hilt of the first. Titus soon gets into a discussion of the philosophical meaning of some of the Father Below's teachings with Blau, and when Dostan gets drunk enough, he challenges Grumblejack to an arm wrestling contest, looking genuinely surprised when he loses.
The seal meat turns out to be pretty flavorful, if a bit tough. Soon enough as the sun sets people start filtering back to their rooms to get what sleep they might.
---
The next morning, as Eya gets up, she encounters Kili perched on a mantle in the hall. He looks nervous as he whispers, "She's down there, I think she's waiting for you."
Elise stiffly stands in the foyer. "Assuming you even manage to find the temple, I have no intention of trekking through that forest more than necessary. I will regularly send an emissary your way instead. It will carry a report on any details necessary to the mission's success. I suggest responding in kind. With luck this will be the last time we must deal with each other directly."
---
Eventually, one way or another, the ninth knot is roused and ready to go. Caer Bryr lies to the southeast. Somewhere within lies the Horn of Abbadon, Vetral Kali, and the Tears of Achlys
Let me know what kind of search pattern you're using and give me perception checks. The highest result will treat the others as aid another actions.
Once the group reaches the banks of the Broken River, near the Brack, they first tell Kili to begin searching from above, for a temple that is a spire covered in vegetation. There might be signs of others recently (within the last few weeks) trying to enter it. If Kili reaches the Lake to the east, she can then begin searching the far bank. The group then spreads out and begins searching for the temple from the ground, taking their time. "Better we take our time and get it right the first time. I'd hate to miss it. If we search both banks and fail to find it, we can start again after a rest and try further from the water. With the six of us [including Calarel], I'd say two teams. One closer to the water, one a little further inland. I'll stay further inland, since I'm better at climbing than swimming, if it comes down to that."
Perception 17
Eya nods to Kiliketz as she goes to meet Elise. Eya glares at the witch, then replies, "That's fine by me. Put that jealousy aside, and don't try anything stupid. We do our job, you do yours, and we won't have any major problems. Bye."
---
Eya helps as best she can with the search. She uses the map and her knowledge of geography to try and make locating the area easier.
K. Geography: 27
Enjoying the discussions from the night before, and mulling over the topics further as they travel, Blau looks around for any exposed stonework that may provide some clue as to the Temple they seek.
Perception 17 and he does have Stonemasonry, if it helps 10 (one rank, no other bonus)
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
While they're traveling to the forest, Eya brings something important up to the group, "I've been working on a new spell that can disrupt our enemies in a few novel ways. If you hear me say the word "Firefly," I'm going to need all of you to immediately close your eyes, okay?"
Abraxxus quickly says, " I will help search more inland. I don't like big bodies of water. " He carries his massive axe in one hand and rests it on his shoulder. He flies at tree top level to help see the spire but so as not to expose himself too much to the gaze of any possible enemies. " Maybe today we will taste combat again., " he says to himself and the axe.
Perception: 24
The group sets out, with Kiliketz flying overhead and checking the spire tops for any details that might give a hint.
The Caer Bryr is thick and overgrown in every sense of the word, with tall, gnarled trees covered with vines and mushrooms, moss, ferns, and thorned plants everywhere you look on the floor. You are constantly getting the sense of being watched. and frequently spot things moving out of the corner of your eyes
Progress is fairly steady in spite of this, you have already ruled out one of the rock spires, having investigated the base and found no trace of it being anything other than a rock formation. As you are approaching the next, without warning, a deep voice booms out, echoing amongst the trees and making it difficult to pin down where its coming from. "What business do you have here? This is no place for your kind."
At the manor Kiven attends dinner with the others, mostly just to size up Elise and her Knot and also to keep an eye on Calarel if she wants to attend. Depending on her desires, he'd likely retire earlier than most others to avoid the social aspect and study his books. He tries to arrange time with Eya's spell book if she'll allow, in her room or his, to copy Unseen Servant and Shield. He offers his spell book to her in turn, and assists Calarel with her studies if she is up for it. He does try to excuse himself for a bit and get away from Calarel to work on his spell scars, adding scars for Shield and a Snowball. He knows this is darker magic than he had previously ever studied and thus wants to spare Calarel from watching the process, but is fascinated with it none the less, especially how handy it is given his current lifestyle.
Kiven also tells Calarel that he has concerns about their next assignment, as he is sure she does, but that they can discuss it when there are fewer ears around. He does ask her if she is feeling up for a difficult quest.
Once the group has set out in the morning Kiven drops behind the others as they head up the river bank towards where they hope to find the Horn, asking Calarel to speak with him. "Calarel, I would surmise that this mission does not sit well with you. What do you understand about it? I too am uneasy about the matter. It seems to me, however, that this demon and the plague he brings will escape in short time whether we involve ourselves or not, but staying in this game we play with Cardinal Thorn is the only way to influence what may come as we attempt to slay the demon and get our hands on the cure. Do you agree with this logic? Remember, do yourself the service of speaking your mind freely, even if you disagree."
Eya becomes more alert and quickly looks around as the voice is heard. She mutters a spell and a shimmering purple light briefly glitters across her body.
"Hello? What do you mean our kind? We're searching for a colleague, an elf. Who are you?" Eya asks.
Casting Mage Armor.
Perception: 23
Bluff: 28
Glowering at the challenge, Blau looks around for the unseen sentry, keeping ready for attacks.
Perception 14
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Lagging at the back of the group while assuming others will find the Horn, Kiven suddenly becomes interested and scans the area with his Detect Magic.
There is a loud groaning noise, and what you had taken for a tree turns to look at you. The tree creature is easily twice Grumblejack's height. It takes two slow steps forward, the ground shuddering slightly. "I am Jurak the elder, guardian of this vale. I do not seek violence, but it will come if you lie to me again. Now, tell me true, what is your purpose in this place?"
"Aiden Kael is his name. We really are searching for him. What are you guarding the vale from? We mean your forest no harm," Eya responds.
She's getting angry but does her best to remain calm before lighting this whole treants world on fire.
Bluff: 27
Jurak squints down at you suspiciously, then seems to relax, "I do not know this name, but elves are what you call the pointy-eared humans right? The birds sang to me of one such recently entering the Vale, along with three of the round ear variety. If that sounds like them then I am sorry travelers, but I have bad news. I was not able to intercept them before they entered a dark place. There is nothing to be done for them now, it would be best to leave this place and mourn elsewhere."
The treant turns to regard Abraxxus, asking curiously, "I do not recall ever having seen one of the lizard-folk with wings before, might that have been a gift from your God?
"Yes, the pointy eared ones like them," Eya says, pointing to Kiven and Celarel. "Which dark place do you mean? Could you show us where? Why is it best to leave this place? If he's able to be found, we should try," Eya responds.
Abraxxus looks up at this creature in surprise. He flaps his wings for just a bit. " Yes, Jurak. They are a gift from my god. "
Kiven whispers to Calarel "ever seen one of those before?" "I have only seen them in texts. As long as we stay alive, there are benefits to this lifestyle, it would seem."
The night before...
Celarel takes a bit of meat, but then retreats away from the gathering. She instead works on her exercises instead. For the first time, she's able to conjure a brief mote of light. It is only there for a moment before it is gone, and she is unable to repeat the feat, but the minor bit of success brings the first smile to her face that Kiven has ever seen.
Later, as Kiven tells her about what is to come, she looks disturbed to say the least. On the subject of dealing with a difficult quest she simply states, "You know your limits, and you know mine. I know you wouldn't just throw your life away on some stupid decision, so I guess I will have to trust your judgement."
She squirms a bit on the topic of the Horn, "And you're sure the seal can't be reinforced? Or maybe there could be a way to shunt it back where it belongs?"
---
Jurak peers at Abraxxus a bit longer, shaking his huge head a bit and causing a few leaves to fall as he starts rambling, "Wings like a bat, I've never known Gozreh to do such things, but he always was a fickle one. Such things on a body like yours never quite look right, a bat, a bird, sure, but they're made for it. Even my friend Calliaste, she's light enough at least for it, but her wings don't look quite right on her either. Oh, uh, please don't mention that I said that to her, I'd rather not spoil our visits..."
He turns back towards Eya, "Oh, I'm sorry, you had questions, what were they again?" After Eya's response, he nods, "If those four are lucky, and I mean very lucky, then they merely got eaten by the toad people. If not, well, then they may have fallen prey to the spirits of that place, a fate far worse than mere death. Either way, there would be nothing to find. You would be risking all for naught."
"The evils of that mountain have long been a threat. I spent many a year trying to contain it, though I was limited to dealing with the servants of that evil as they came and went from the place. Long ago a leader of your kind bound up the evil. It is quiet now, but no less potent and deadly. They charged me with watching over the place, watching for signs that it is getting loose again, and keeping others from entering."
"Surely you see now why you cannot go there. Best to go back to your homes."