Necromancer's Delusion-Homebrew

As the situation calms down, Mucor would let out a sigh of relief and a loud snort. He would move to heal any injured soldiers on the battlefield except for the 30 enemy forces that did not surrender. Once he had done all that he could, he would once again begin working to mold earth and bury the undead and enemy forces like he has done countless times already. Remaining behind until all that is left of the battlefield are fresh mounds of tilled soil and large areas of colorful mushrooms and blooming plants. 

You spend the next 2 days aiding in the sieges across Eraas. With each battle you learn different ways to ensure the safe capture of the living Drekthar. Aryn, Alexandria, Juliana and Torq focus mainly on the destruction of the undead and on two occasions served as a distraction standing out in the open making noise to draw in the undead. This method did lead to more punishment of their bodies, nearly being overwhelmed by a swarm of over a thousand zombies but only a few scratches serve as a reminder of the past few days.

Gaelin and Jinara fare better utilizing their powerful spells to destroy and section off the living and undead. In one such engagement, Gaelin animated daggers from the goblins and singlehandedly held off a flanking group of hundreds on undead. In a different battle the undead and drekthar had already broken through the gates. A group of civilians trapped in a tavern was about to be overrun by the undead when Jinara encircled the building with a wall of flame that halted the zombie advance.

The unlikely minotaur named Mucor was the real star across the battles. When a small walled town was completely surrounded, he used his druidic magic to cause vines and plants to reinforce the failing wooden walls that were about to fall. This act was quickly followed up with a wall of flame that incinerated the zombies crowding by the gate. It was also Mucor who stopped a complete revolt by the soldiers in the town of Deepholde who wanted to murder the entirety of the unconscious Drekthar. Mucor stood defiantly and even took a blow to the chin from the Sergeant’s hammer without flinching or retaliating. This scene along with his towering form ended the coup before it could gather support. In your last battle there was a sea of thousands outside the walls of Sunmount. Mucor summoned armies of direwolves that served as a diversion from the unconscious saving thousands of lives.

Throughout the time, you watch as Varian slowly regains his composure and the dark bags under his eyes dissipate. He informs you that the meeting has been scheduled 2 days from now and that he was successful in amending the rules to allow you to carry two one-handed weapons or one two-handed weapons. However, in return the leaders are allowed three guards each. “Thank you for your help. I’m sure the leaders will be quite agreeable now that so many days have passed without any sign of Daegon or Aemyra. I recommend you return to your castle and take the following day to rest. You are welcome to stay here on the Aurora but it will be cramped and uneventful, though the view may be worth it. If you depart to your castle I will come myself to transport you to the meeting the morning of the 2nd day.” He says taking a small bite from some bread and savors it. “I am hopeful that the worst is over, but there is still much to be done. Blessings Lightbringers.”

(You have the afternoon of the current day and one full day to do whatever you like before the meeting.)

Aryn will stretch a bit and reply, "Thank you for trusting us and supporting our abilities.  Two weapons will be plenty."  Turning to the group, "I can do with some rest."

"Sounds good to me as well." Mucor would say with a nod to Aryn and then to Varian. Once back to  Daybreak, Mucor would make his way to the grove. Once there, instead of heading to the monastary, he would make his way towards Button's cave. "Hello old friend, how are you and your family?" The minotaur would reply with a snort. The minotaur would listen to his friend and nod along before dumping out a bag full of undead limbs for the mushroom family to eat.  "Hey... This might sound strange... but do you ever wish you were different? Do you ever wish you were like everyone else?" The Minotaur would ask looking  rather serious. "If you could be anything you wanted to be... what would it be?" 

"Agreed."  Torq says with furrowed brow.  He had much to think about over the much needed day of rest.  Once they returned to the castle, he'd put an wing over each of the twins and escort them back to their quarters.  He'd spend an hour or so with them in conversation before taking his leave and flying up into the air.  He'd fly high above the clouds and circle around the castle looking out over the expanse of land before him.  While flying he would contemplate his place in the group and his thoughts on the war and Drekthar.  Seeing them lower their weapons went against everything he thought about their nature.  An inner rage still burned within him but it seemed to have subsided greatly.  After hours of coasting around in the skies he'd return to check in with everyone.

"Thank you for everything Varian. We will eagerly await your visit to castle Daybreak."  Gaelin says with a smile and bow.  When they arrive at the castle Gaelin and Valeera will head directly to her den and take a bath to remove the stench and grimy concoction of undead goo, ash, dirt and blood.  After their bath they'll go down to the dining hall to eat and converse with any others who happen to be down there.  "Valeera, are you willing to accompany us to the meeting?  While I doubt they would be stupid enough to setup a trap for us, your presence would greatly aid us if such were the case."  he asks.  Once he's eaten enough he'll begin to practice his presentation of the events of the Black Tower's destruction.  After a few hours he'll retire to Valeera's den for a bit then return to his quarters and practice some more before sleeping. 

The following day he'll sleep in until 9 or 10 in the morning, unless someone comes to wake him then continue his practice for the coming meeting and leave the day open to whatever the group or Valeera want to do.

Arcana:  7    (if adv)  22  

Mucor- Button smiles as much as its mushroom shape will allow and replies, "I am well friend.  We are growing quickly thanks to you.  These look delicious.  Thank you for your continuous gifts."  Sinuous arms sprout from the ground and pull the rotted flesh into the large cluster of blueish black mushrooms that glow brightly with excitement at this new food source.  Button looks down at the clusters of mushrooms then to the arms and legs that curl around the undead limbs.  "I am new to fully understanding this form.  I adore it and wouldn't change but know it has its own restrictions.  Were I in your situation I would surely change my shape to gain some advantage in the many fights you and the others seem to find yourselves in.  As to what I would become, I think I would fancy being like Valeera or Aryn.  They both seem very nice and each have their own advantages.  A dragon is much more powerful but can't fit everywhere.  Aryn I think is a reasonably dangerous and appropriately sized creature that would give the best overall benefit in battle.  Perhaps with wings, like your more muscular bird friend.  I don't fancy birds, they seem to enjoy eating my kind but I do see the advantages of being able to fly.  Regardless of what you choose, what you do defines you more than what you look like."

Gaelin- You remove the caked gore from your bodies and make your way to the dining hall.  Valeera looks at you lovingly and responds, "I would accompany you to the nine hells if you asked."  Her eyes flare as she says this and you feel butterflies in your core as a warm shudder flows through you.  Your first attempt in the dining hall is worse than the first aboard the Aurora.  You take a moment to focus and remember Varian's teachings and Mucor's assistance.  By the end of the day you successfully create a terrifyingly beautiful recreation of the group's approach and subsequent explosion at the Black Tower.  You feel confident that this will clear up any meanings lost in translation of your group's verbal account.

(@All- Assuming nothing crazy happens before you take a long rest the first night...)

You each awake the following day feeling well rested and prepared for whatever the day may hold. For the first time you feel as if a burden has been lifted from your shoulders as you allow the hopeful thought of Daegon's demise being true.  You exhale and feel your muscles relax and a smile creeps onto each of your faces as the feeling of success flows through you.  With a stretch and yawn you get up and set about the castle doing as you please.  

Aryn will wake up bright and early consulting her notes and remembering the many outstanding opportunities that remain for he group.  She will eat breakfast and go up to Valeera's den expecting to find her brother.  When she sees he isn't there she'll spend an hour conversing with Valeera and say, "Let's go wake up lazy bones."  and walk arm in arm with Valeera to her brother's room.  She'll attempt to pick the lock and if successful sneak into the room with Valeera and pounce on him.  "Wake up brother.  There will be plenty of time to sleep when we're dead."   

After waking Gaelin, Aryn will head tot he grove and wake Mucor, then systematically find the rest of the group.  Once she has all of them together she'll say, "We have a chance to make a difference today.  The way I see it we can try to find the lost daughter, attack the other Moonshaper werewolf caves or go after the Golden Company thieves guild that Darin used to work for."

Sleight of hand:  16

Stealth:    33

Torq ruffles his feathers as he awakens and is suddenly bombarded by Aryn's enthusiasm. While he was always ready for a fight, he didn't expect it to come this early.   Did he not used to wake up before the dawn to begin the days work during his time with the military? His time as an adventurer were beginning to make him soft, he thought.  His training did kick in after about 30 seconds of being dazed.  He was dressed and ready for war within 10 seconds.  "I'm fine with any of those.  The Moonshapers seem to be the largest threat.  Do we know where they are though?"  he asks.  His stomach grumbled, he was hungry but he fought to keep it quiet.  He could wait until the group made their decision then head towards the dining hall.  Perhaps the twins were hungry as well.  He'd bring them some food and might get a kiss from each.  

Mucor would make his way towards the group after being awakened by Aryn. The groggy Minotaur would quickly get dressed and collect his gear. After glancing down and examining his reflection in the pond in the center of the grove. He would let out a loud snort and run his hands through his shaggy mane. A moment later his features would change as his hair darkens and retracts into his skin. His ears would perk up and his skin would transform as the hair fades. After his transformation, he would make his way towards his companions and at the list of potential activities for the day... he would rub his beard. "I suppose we should do whatever is going to help the most people... I guess that sounds like taking care of the Moohshapers." Mucor would reply with a smile. 

"Ahhh.  You're crazy!...  I'm up I'm up. "  Gaelin shouts at his sister.  Once she explains herself to the group he adds, "Might as well give her what she wants.  She'll probably kill us if we don't or at least give us each a heart attack."

The twins remind you that there are at least two more caves located in central Telgun.  Lucius was one of three bosses.  One of the other bosses is named Draco.  Gaelin & Mucor, you would remember that these bosses are brothers from a noble family who were cursed and bitten by wolves.    

Someone make a history or survival check with advantage since the twins know the general area.  

Mucor survival check! surviving things! 21 (Plus 1 from guidance!)

Gaelin will cast Guidance on whoever makes the check.

Mucor- You are able to narrow the potential locations down to three areas, The Hollow Highlands, The Slumbering peaks and Caragar Volcano.  Each of these have cave networks large enough to hold the multitude of slaves, workers and officers.  

"So between the Hollow Highlands, The Slumbering peaks and Caragar Volcano... which of those places would you think is most likley to be full of werewolves? I would say probably not a volcano because that sounds like it would be awfully hot for someone covered with fur. Trust me." The tan elvish man would say with a smile.

"I agree and if there are at least two bosses and cave systems left we have a good chance to pick one.  Is this a new form you're testing Mucor?  It looks quite dashing if I do say so myself."  Torq adds with a slight pause between statements taking a moment to look over Mucor's form.  "Should we check with Herbert to see if he's familiar with either location and he could help us get there quicker?"

If the group agrees with asking Herbert Torq, or the group will head to the grove and find him.  "Herbert, are you familiar with the Hollow Highlands or Slumbering Peaks?  If so could you transport us there?  We have reason to believe the Moonshapers might be utilizing a cave for their sale trade." 

"Yes... not bad."  Aryn says distracted partially by the dashing elf Mucor.  "Let's find out if Herbert can assist then make way."  she adds with a slight shake of her head to clear her thoughts.

"Thank you Torq" Mucor would say with a smile and small nod as if not sure how to react to positive feedback on his appearance. "yes, I can only try out a few appearances a day for limited amounts of time, but this one does feel pretty good." He would say standing up straighter, as if a little more confident. He would then turn from torq and smile to Aryn as they mention Herbert before nodding in agreement. "Sounds like we need to visit the grove." . 

"Works for me."  Gaelin adds as they make their way to the grove and await Herbert's response.