Lia looks around at the group as they decide to act as security for the meeting. She must make sure that none fall this time. No matter what. She grits her teeth in determination. " This sounds like fun. What could go wrong? " Her face wears a smile while inside she feels far from smiling.
As Velon speaks to her in private she thinks carefully before replying. " Velon, I am sorry. It was so hard watching you fall...then be reanimated. I would have let you kill me rather than harm you. The one person i let die in all of our adventures was you. You. I failed you. I am so very sorry. I cant stop remembering you falling. " Her voice breaks as she begins to cry. " It...will not happen again. Whatever it takes Velon.... I won't let you down again. Just remember that... if you see something that you do not agree with. It was done for you. " Tears pour down her face.
Mari hears this news with alarm. Her face turns pale. " The zhents...damn. They can't recognize me or I am dead. We must be careful. Knowing the Zhents this very could be a trap. "
Perry takes the comb and tests it by changing Lia's hairstyle only slightly from how it normally is by making it very, very slightly shorter. "Hmmmmm, very interesting," he says. Then, the bard of glamour attempts to change the hairstyle completely to twin curly pigtails to see what happens.
---
At Cratol's manor, Penelope can be seen drinking and laughing at the feast. "Oh my gosh, I feel like it's been forever since I had a day out like this,"she complains. Then, she tells stories of what they've been through to the various staff and other people around. "Ugh, it was so terrible you know. We were out in this crappy frozen sea place and there was a big ancient dragon who was really old and was going barmy. And he made us go talk to some frogs but they didn't know common, except for one frog okay, but actually the frogs were cool. Anyway, then we were trapped in this castle that I guess got teleported into ice...still not sure on the details there but there were a lot of undead in there and it was all just so, so awful."
The stories continue for some time.
---
Regarding the meeting with the Zhents, "I agree with Mari. I don't know much about the Zhents or even the Cult, but I smell a trap brewing. If this artifact is as important as it seems, then everyone will be trying to get it. I say we at least sync up with the Harpers first and make sure we are all on the same page for any contingency plans in case things go south. We should at the very least be prepared for an encounter with either the Cult or the Zhents or both."
At the meeting discussing the trade for the mask, Lawrance offers “What about we have a surprise planned for either the zhentarim or Cult, if they try to ruin the deal? A decoy or a quick exit for our group, hopefully with the mask? I know of a spell that can disguise the magic of an item, making it detect like an artifact or other magical object, if Perry or Mari could make a fake mask. Then we could try to teleport or plane shift out if something happens and still have the real mask. I’d have to find the spell at our next stop, but it’s a basic one.”
“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
Cratol practices with the staff, finding it well balanced. He becomes more and more in tune with the weapon, at one point, on a downswing, there's a rush of air, and dust flies away from the staff. Cratol finds that he is able to channel brief but intense gusts of wind through the staff, effectively extending his reach and giving his strikes more power. He feels that there is more, and the longer he practices, the more he can feel the weather around him shift and move, feel how it might be changed.
With the staff, Cratol has reach, making it relatively simple to stay out of arm's length of most opponents. In addition his strikes are counted as one step higher on the monk damage table, and the DC for any conditions imposed (such as stun) increases by 1
He is capable of solidifying the air below him as well, making him able to quite literally run through the air for brief periods. However he must end his turn on a solid surface or fall as normal (subject to the usual monk slowfall stuff that is)
Once per day, he can use the staff to change the weather, as per the 5E spell Control Weather.
Lia freezes up as she notices her new hairstyle. She pulls out her mirror and examines it critically. " Well.. this is a little different than what i usually do with my hair. Velon, how does this look? Should i keep this hairstyle for now? "
Mari looks at Lawrance with consideration. " That is a good idea wizard. A very good idea. Planning for a trap does us no harm if everything goes well. What do you think Perry? Think we can fabricate some kind of mask "
Morgaine returns to her room after the evening meeting with the white dragon and gets some much needed rest. While they travel to Cratol's home world, she will practice with her own weapons and learn what she can from Cratol. She also spend as much time with Poljen as she can.
Once they arrive at Cratol's home and hears of a great feast being prepared; she spends the day getting ready. Hearing of an interesting comb that will place the wearers hair into whatever they wish intrigues Morgaine and remembering Perry talking about it, she will seek him out to see if she may use it for the evening.
Perry replies to Lia, "Hmm, I can make a small illusion of a mask or disguise myself as carrying it on my person, but I can't craft an actual replica I'm afraid. Lawrance, I do like the idea of prepping some sort of NOPE spell to get us out just in case, though hopefully it doesn't come to that."
When he sees Cratol try out the staff, Perry claps excitedly, "Bravo, bravo! Excellent show! Who knew a simple stick could be so powerful?"
The group finds the people of Redcliffe welcoming enough, if slightly standoffish. You get the sense that this is a very tight-nit community. They aren't even entirely sure about Cratol himself, as grateful as they are for his recent stint at leading them in reclaiming and restoring this place, they hardly know him.
There are still some signs of the orcish occupation here. The squatters had been far from good tenants, and left their mark on most of the buildings. Repairs are well underway of course.
You also meet some of Cratol's relatives, mostly cousins who had never met the monk before this past year. One of them, a middle aged man apparently responsible for the caravans that trade the iron ore that is the trade staple of the village, asks what it would cost to send a shipment with you wherever you're headed next.
In spite of the short notice, a dinner for the town's guests is quickly arranged. Relatively simple fare, but wholesome. Perhaps the highlight was a dish of Chevon (goat meat), braised with leeks.
Velon wipes Lia's tears away and says "you can't be expected to keep everyone alive if we all run off in different directions." "Perry tells me you actually called upon a good deal of divine healing right as I left you all, some of which I'm sure was intended for me. You couldn't have known what I had decided to do in that moment." He smiles at her and continues "the biggest embarrassment might be that it wasn't Cratol or Poljen running off and falling, it was me, of all people. Do you not blame yourself, my love."
----------------------
"Well shorter hair can be very sexy Lia, so no complaints here!"
"Mari, regarding the Zhents, perhaps Perry has a hat that you could borrow for the occasion; a magical one, perhaps?"
"Yes, we must talk to the Harpers before the day of the meeting, and prepare a few tricks of our own as you all have suggested. We have the cube, we have Lawrance's walls of...something, and we have a teleportation scroll. If we have to leave in a hurry though I don't want to do so if the castle is in danger of a dragon attack, so we'll need to keep in touch with Poppo. I only wish we had a few secret dragons of our own..."
"Lawrance, we can't teleport to the castle still, correct? It would take a great deal more resources to set up a circle here and create or alter scrolls?"
Poljen frowns. "Of course we need to to plan as if the Cult will attack. And we must get away with the mask. But I am curious. Do we know what the price to be paid is?" He pauses, "And I won't be surprised if the the Zhents have already made a deal with the Cult whereby they still get to keep whatever is paid to them, in exchange for luring us to an ambush and giving the mask to the cult."
Responding to Velon's question, Lawrance says "Sorry, Velon. I don't have the knowledge yet to change the teleport scroll to anything other than it's fixed destination, and the castle doesn't have the magic inscribed permanently enough to use to teleport to. I'm depending on Poppo to reinforce that magic, but it takes a year's worth of casting to make it stick. We still could teleport to known safe places such as Candlekeep or Waterdeep with the magic I do know, but it takes a while to cast."'
Discussing the options with Perry, he offers "I was hoping we can make a switch of some kind during the trade, but if that can't work, then maybe we should see about somehow tagging the items being offered in trade for the artifact? Someway we can trace it or follow it, if the Zhentarim try something unfunny? Time is so pressing, and I've not enough of it to complete all the defenses I had hoped to build for us, so we need sneaky instead. Any ideas?"
“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
After recuperating for a time at Redcliffe, the Blaze returns to their castle, and proceed westwards, towards the storm coast, beyond which lies the Moonshae isles, where the exchange will take place.
An inquiry returns a message that if you wish to discuss things beforehand, that an old friend of yours, Mr Creel, can meet with you in Baldur's gate. Otherwise you can meet with the agents when they arrive in Moray in a few days.
After spending a day at his home and bringing the staff with him Cratol will spend the next day working out with it in the morning and evening when he does his regular work outs. He will see what else he can do with the staff as he continues to work with it and get used to it.
"I'm certainly up for going back to Baldur's Gate. I need some materials for my research and I also want to find some spells that could help us further in our quests. These remaining two sigils on the Circle scroll we got from the Cult also need sourcing." Lawrance mentally inventories his shopping list, eyes distant. Coming back to focus on the present, he adds "I think I'd like to find a mask there, too. Perry? Could you help me with that? Something similar to what we've seen, in white or close enough that we could illusion it to match the real one when we see it?"
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“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
"So Cratol, what is your new weapon that we came all of this way for? What does it do? Does it kill red dragons in a single strike, by chance? That would be most useful."
Morgiane enjoys tye festivities at Cratol's home and talks to the towns people. Once back at the castle she spends time in training with her weapins and with Poljen. They talk of what woukd be the best option for the trade they know is coming and to prepare for if anything should go wrong. She also talks about items to possibly purchase once they arrive at Baldaur's Gate.
Lia tries to quit thinking about Velon dying but is unsuccesful. She spends a lot of time walking around by herself and pondering what to do.
As she hears mention of Baldur's Gate Lia smiles sadly. " I would love to go back there and see Creel again. It would also be nice to pick up more dragon slaying arrows. " The smile is replaced by a frown shortly after. " Creel and our trip to Greenest. How many companions we have lost since that sunny day we departed from Baldur's Gate. "
Mari frowns at this news. " Hat of disguise for me. It will be nice to reach civilization again though. "
Velon keeps trying to reassure Lia from time to time, but leaves her be at others. "Lia, your only fault is not choosing to love someone smarter, someone that won't run off in an icy tomb. I hear Lawrance is available, actually. Unless you count his bird, and his staff, and whoever else he talks to when he is alone..." He hopes to make her smile a bit, at least, while she works things out.
Lia glowers at Velon upon him suggesting Lawrance. " She pulls her dagger free and waves it at him. " Smiling she resheathes it and kisses him softly. " Very funny Sir Paladin. Next time you mention something about Lawrance and i and you not like what happens. " Her wink belies her words.
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Lia looks around at the group as they decide to act as security for the meeting. She must make sure that none fall this time. No matter what. She grits her teeth in determination. " This sounds like fun. What could go wrong? " Her face wears a smile while inside she feels far from smiling.
As Velon speaks to her in private she thinks carefully before replying. " Velon, I am sorry. It was so hard watching you fall...then be reanimated. I would have let you kill me rather than harm you. The one person i let die in all of our adventures was you. You. I failed you. I am so very sorry. I cant stop remembering you falling. " Her voice breaks as she begins to cry. " It...will not happen again. Whatever it takes Velon.... I won't let you down again. Just remember that... if you see something that you do not agree with. It was done for you. " Tears pour down her face.
Mari hears this news with alarm. Her face turns pale. " The zhents...damn. They can't recognize me or I am dead. We must be careful. Knowing the Zhents this very could be a trap. "
Perry takes the comb and tests it by changing Lia's hairstyle only slightly from how it normally is by making it very, very slightly shorter. "Hmmmmm, very interesting," he says. Then, the bard of glamour attempts to change the hairstyle completely to twin curly pigtails to see what happens.
---
At Cratol's manor, Penelope can be seen drinking and laughing at the feast. "Oh my gosh, I feel like it's been forever since I had a day out like this," she complains. Then, she tells stories of what they've been through to the various staff and other people around. "Ugh, it was so terrible you know. We were out in this crappy frozen sea place and there was a big ancient dragon who was really old and was going barmy. And he made us go talk to some frogs but they didn't know common, except for one frog okay, but actually the frogs were cool. Anyway, then we were trapped in this castle that I guess got teleported into ice...still not sure on the details there but there were a lot of undead in there and it was all just so, so awful."
The stories continue for some time.
---
Regarding the meeting with the Zhents, "I agree with Mari. I don't know much about the Zhents or even the Cult, but I smell a trap brewing. If this artifact is as important as it seems, then everyone will be trying to get it. I say we at least sync up with the Harpers first and make sure we are all on the same page for any contingency plans in case things go south. We should at the very least be prepared for an encounter with either the Cult or the Zhents or both."
At the meeting discussing the trade for the mask, Lawrance offers “What about we have a surprise planned for either the zhentarim or Cult, if they try to ruin the deal? A decoy or a quick exit for our group, hopefully with the mask? I know of a spell that can disguise the magic of an item, making it detect like an artifact or other magical object, if Perry or Mari could make a fake mask. Then we could try to teleport or plane shift out if something happens and still have the real mask. I’d have to find the spell at our next stop, but it’s a basic one.”
“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
Cratol practices with the staff, finding it well balanced. He becomes more and more in tune with the weapon, at one point, on a downswing, there's a rush of air, and dust flies away from the staff. Cratol finds that he is able to channel brief but intense gusts of wind through the staff, effectively extending his reach and giving his strikes more power. He feels that there is more, and the longer he practices, the more he can feel the weather around him shift and move, feel how it might be changed.
With the staff, Cratol has reach, making it relatively simple to stay out of arm's length of most opponents. In addition his strikes are counted as one step higher on the monk damage table, and the DC for any conditions imposed (such as stun) increases by 1
He is capable of solidifying the air below him as well, making him able to quite literally run through the air for brief periods. However he must end his turn on a solid surface or fall as normal (subject to the usual monk slowfall stuff that is)
Once per day, he can use the staff to change the weather, as per the 5E spell Control Weather.
As usual, this item is subject to feedback.
Lia freezes up as she notices her new hairstyle. She pulls out her mirror and examines it critically. " Well.. this is a little different than what i usually do with my hair. Velon, how does this look? Should i keep this hairstyle for now? "
Mari looks at Lawrance with consideration. " That is a good idea wizard. A very good idea. Planning for a trap does us no harm if everything goes well. What do you think Perry? Think we can fabricate some kind of mask "
Morgaine returns to her room after the evening meeting with the white dragon and gets some much needed rest. While they travel to Cratol's home world, she will practice with her own weapons and learn what she can from Cratol. She also spend as much time with Poljen as she can.
Once they arrive at Cratol's home and hears of a great feast being prepared; she spends the day getting ready. Hearing of an interesting comb that will place the wearers hair into whatever they wish intrigues Morgaine and remembering Perry talking about it, she will seek him out to see if she may use it for the evening.
Perry replies to Lia, "Hmm, I can make a small illusion of a mask or disguise myself as carrying it on my person, but I can't craft an actual replica I'm afraid. Lawrance, I do like the idea of prepping some sort of NOPE spell to get us out just in case, though hopefully it doesn't come to that."
When he sees Cratol try out the staff, Perry claps excitedly, "Bravo, bravo! Excellent show! Who knew a simple stick could be so powerful?"
The group finds the people of Redcliffe welcoming enough, if slightly standoffish. You get the sense that this is a very tight-nit community. They aren't even entirely sure about Cratol himself, as grateful as they are for his recent stint at leading them in reclaiming and restoring this place, they hardly know him.
There are still some signs of the orcish occupation here. The squatters had been far from good tenants, and left their mark on most of the buildings. Repairs are well underway of course.
You also meet some of Cratol's relatives, mostly cousins who had never met the monk before this past year. One of them, a middle aged man apparently responsible for the caravans that trade the iron ore that is the trade staple of the village, asks what it would cost to send a shipment with you wherever you're headed next.
In spite of the short notice, a dinner for the town's guests is quickly arranged. Relatively simple fare, but wholesome. Perhaps the highlight was a dish of Chevon (goat meat), braised with leeks.
Velon wipes Lia's tears away and says "you can't be expected to keep everyone alive if we all run off in different directions." "Perry tells me you actually called upon a good deal of divine healing right as I left you all, some of which I'm sure was intended for me. You couldn't have known what I had decided to do in that moment." He smiles at her and continues "the biggest embarrassment might be that it wasn't Cratol or Poljen running off and falling, it was me, of all people. Do you not blame yourself, my love."
----------------------
"Well shorter hair can be very sexy Lia, so no complaints here!"
"Mari, regarding the Zhents, perhaps Perry has a hat that you could borrow for the occasion; a magical one, perhaps?"
"Yes, we must talk to the Harpers before the day of the meeting, and prepare a few tricks of our own as you all have suggested. We have the cube, we have Lawrance's walls of...something, and we have a teleportation scroll. If we have to leave in a hurry though I don't want to do so if the castle is in danger of a dragon attack, so we'll need to keep in touch with Poppo. I only wish we had a few secret dragons of our own..."
"Lawrance, we can't teleport to the castle still, correct? It would take a great deal more resources to set up a circle here and create or alter scrolls?"
Poljen frowns. "Of course we need to to plan as if the Cult will attack. And we must get away with the mask. But I am curious. Do we know what the price to be paid is?" He pauses, "And I won't be surprised if the the Zhents have already made a deal with the Cult whereby they still get to keep whatever is paid to them, in exchange for luring us to an ambush and giving the mask to the cult."
Responding to Velon's question, Lawrance says "Sorry, Velon. I don't have the knowledge yet to change the teleport scroll to anything other than it's fixed destination, and the castle doesn't have the magic inscribed permanently enough to use to teleport to. I'm depending on Poppo to reinforce that magic, but it takes a year's worth of casting to make it stick. We still could teleport to known safe places such as Candlekeep or Waterdeep with the magic I do know, but it takes a while to cast."'
Discussing the options with Perry, he offers "I was hoping we can make a switch of some kind during the trade, but if that can't work, then maybe we should see about somehow tagging the items being offered in trade for the artifact? Someway we can trace it or follow it, if the Zhentarim try something unfunny? Time is so pressing, and I've not enough of it to complete all the defenses I had hoped to build for us, so we need sneaky instead. Any ideas?"
“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
After recuperating for a time at Redcliffe, the Blaze returns to their castle, and proceed westwards, towards the storm coast, beyond which lies the Moonshae isles, where the exchange will take place.
An inquiry returns a message that if you wish to discuss things beforehand, that an old friend of yours, Mr Creel, can meet with you in Baldur's gate. Otherwise you can meet with the agents when they arrive in Moray in a few days.
"To Baldur's Gate then... I'm curious to learn more about this deal from Mr. Creel."
After spending a day at his home and bringing the staff with him Cratol will spend the next day working out with it in the morning and evening when he does his regular work outs. He will see what else he can do with the staff as he continues to work with it and get used to it.
"I'm certainly up for going back to Baldur's Gate. I need some materials for my research and I also want to find some spells that could help us further in our quests. These remaining two sigils on the Circle scroll we got from the Cult also need sourcing." Lawrance mentally inventories his shopping list, eyes distant. Coming back to focus on the present, he adds "I think I'd like to find a mask there, too. Perry? Could you help me with that? Something similar to what we've seen, in white or close enough that we could illusion it to match the real one when we see it?"
“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
"So Cratol, what is your new weapon that we came all of this way for? What does it do? Does it kill red dragons in a single strike, by chance? That would be most useful."
Morgiane enjoys tye festivities at Cratol's home and talks to the towns people. Once back at the castle she spends time in training with her weapins and with Poljen. They talk of what woukd be the best option for the trade they know is coming and to prepare for if anything should go wrong. She also talks about items to possibly purchase once they arrive at Baldaur's Gate.
Lia tries to quit thinking about Velon dying but is unsuccesful. She spends a lot of time walking around by herself and pondering what to do.
As she hears mention of Baldur's Gate Lia smiles sadly. " I would love to go back there and see Creel again. It would also be nice to pick up more dragon slaying arrows. " The smile is replaced by a frown shortly after. " Creel and our trip to Greenest. How many companions we have lost since that sunny day we departed from Baldur's Gate. "
Mari frowns at this news. " Hat of disguise for me. It will be nice to reach civilization again though. "
Velon keeps trying to reassure Lia from time to time, but leaves her be at others. "Lia, your only fault is not choosing to love someone smarter, someone that won't run off in an icy tomb. I hear Lawrance is available, actually. Unless you count his bird, and his staff, and whoever else he talks to when he is alone..." He hopes to make her smile a bit, at least, while she works things out.
Lia glowers at Velon upon him suggesting Lawrance. " She pulls her dagger free and waves it at him. " Smiling she resheathes it and kisses him softly. " Very funny Sir Paladin. Next time you mention something about Lawrance and i and you not like what happens. " Her wink belies her words.