The woman-in-leaves thinks for a long time, her fingers laced beneath her chin as she looks into the distance. The devil seethes but lets her deliberate and Axonia and Viviora seem to be holding their breath. Finally, Passalwyck raises her gaze. "I've heard enough and have reached a decision. Thank you for your time, protectors."
"Madam Passalwyck, there are other protectors to question..." says the devil.
"There is no need," she says. "Next time bring me a more compelling grievance, Bael. Goodbye, protectors."
The devil opens his mouth to object but Passalwyck lifts a fist-sized stone and claps it on the table. Like reversed-lightning, the room is returned to early morning darkness as all five of the intruders blink out of the room.
Any adventurers that choose to rise for the day find the others have already breakfasted and left, presumably to secure mounts. Gentoa and Neventi have not come down, but sounds of activity can be heard through her door as adventurers pass on their way to the dining room on the first floor. Following breakfast and packing, all that is left to do is to wait for the horses to arrive.
Dog throws 55 gold down for a draft horse at Dalsus', and then buys a wagon (38.5 gp) from Ferguson and the other provisions and tack horses need. He brings them all back and hopes that Tock or Gash can have bought all the provisions the people will need for a few days on the road. He resolves to find a spell that handles all of this transportation and upkeep so he doesn't have to.
He returns to the Wheat and Mane as quickly as he can and hopes Nev is no longer cross.
The entire party gathers outside the Wheat and Mane when the city is still waking up. They now have a covered wagon pulled by two draft horses (Marble Macy and Wintervane), a riding horse (Windspear), a pony (Butterfly Bell), and two mules (Cranky and Corker). Neventi and Gentoa join the group and both are clearly thrilled with what they see.
"Hooray!" Neventi says in a playful voice to her daughter. "We're on our way!"
"Neigh neigh!" says Gentoa. "Neigh neigh!"
(Last chance to do some shopping before y'all leave Masa behind! Gash wanted sending stones?)
Dog gives Nev a "see I told you I'm trustworthy" look when she sees the horses and wagon. He asks Gash if there is a spell that creates horses out of thin air, or summons a wagon, or handles transportation somehow... because Dog has officially resigned as the party's chief transportation and logistics officer.
When he sees Bulwark, Martin, and Althus, he apologizes for leaving the Inn so early and without notice, hoping that they got a good night's sleep, and fills them in briefly on Nev's insistence of getting horses and leaving Masa for their next destination asap (he notes, out of earshot of Nev, that she has not said where they are headed since she seemed to have lost her memory following the amulet incident, and he's not pushing it).
He asks Gash also out of earshot of Nev about the cursebreaking spell and if Gash can now cast it without a scroll, and if they should try it that night when Nev is asleep, and they can heal her immediately if need be. He asks about the sound and light and time needed to cast it.
Dog suggests they all have breakfast at the inn while they still have the chance to eat fresh warm home cooked meals not off a campfire. Assuming Nev doesn't have a granola bar and some gorp raring to go immediately, she still needs to eat and hopefully won't object to breakfast.
He will bring up the topics and questions I'd meant him to bring up in the parlor the night before.
(If Gash is going shopping, Dog will ask him to look for items that ward against scrying or divination magic.)
(This is the post, #3598, where Dog tried to chat about the day, the horses, and invite the new guys to come along on a trip - Bulwark, Nev is even a little new to you. He'll answer any questions they have about the beginning of this whole adventure, either at breakfast or on the road.
And the shopping I meant as a thing to do on the way out of town as the horses and wagon were departing - I don't want Nev thinking we are delaying. Dog really does want to get on the road.)
(You are in the SE of Masa and are leaving through one of the West gates, so you have to cross the entire city to leave anyway, passing right through the city square, even.)
Gash splits off from Dog and heads into the magic shop.
“Hello again! I wanted to see what you have in the way of sending stones. I have a rather large party and keeping lines of communication open has been important. But I’m the only one who can do it. And well it’s magically taxing. I’d like to get a few sets just to ensure we can communicate clearly as possible. Would it be possible to have a set that work in more than just a pair? That would be nice to have four or so and they all work together rather than just pairs.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gash- Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
He has to visit three different shops, but in the end Gash is able to locate three functioning pairs of sending stones. The prices are 430, 455, and 465 gold at each of the respective establishments (or 1350 in total). After he makes any purchases, he meets the rest back at the Wheat and Mane, the last to arrive. And with that, the party sets off across Masa, passing through the town square, past the tavern Bounty, and out through the southwest gate. Bulwark, Neventi, Gentoa, and Tock all ride in the wagon. Dog rides Windspear, Gash sits on the pony, and Martin and Althus each ride a mule.
Neventi sighs with relief as they leave Masa, bumping along through wheel ruts of the road that winds out of the city to connects to the Long Road. "I am so happy to be on our way," she says. "Vallas or bust!"
End of Chapter 7.
(Everyone welcome to level 8! Post your level-up decisions in the OOC chat. Roll for HP with advantage.)
With an early start to the day, the party makes good progress. The Long Road is in good repair here and the fresh mounts move steadily throughout the day. The morning starts out brisk and, despite a sunny day, never truly warms. A chilling breeze does not help matters. Winter has come early and it is all the travelers can do to huddle in their cloaks to fend off the cold. Thus, while the pace is good, the journey is uncomfortable.
In the late afternoon, with plenty of light and energy remaining, the party stops to water the mounts at a small creek and take a much needed break from the saddle. By Martin's estimation, they are already halfway to Tinosa, a moderately-sized neighbor to Masa. They won't make it before nightfall, but they will surely arrive tomorrow.
This stretch of the road is busy. Many travelers, including merchants, families moving to Masa for work, bards traveling to Tinosa, and other assorted groups. For a time, the group finds themselves traveling alongside a caravan bringing imported goods from Masa to Tinosa and Lucarepus, the next small city beyond Tinosa. It is nice to have some company and the conversation stays on trivial topics, when the combined group are not simply plodding along in silence.
Come nightfall, the 6 adventurers, Neventi and Gentoa, and 14 members of the caravan all pitch their tents in an open field adjacent to the long road. A few sparse trees, devoid of their leaves, offer little protection to the deepening cold, but several large fires help keep the group warm. It is a clear night and no crickets, birds, or frogs remain to sing their songs of the night. It is still and quiet and, for now, safe.
(RP any interactions you would like after which I will start up the next day.)
Dog would try to speak with Gash through message (instigating by tapping his temple) about how the cursebreaking spell works, and if it would work to try it after Nev goes to sleep. He'd try to fill in every member of the party in quiet asides - they could set a first watch but no one really goes to sleep and then have healing spells and lay on hands at the ready in case the amulet tries to kill her again. Watch for a time when Genny is deep asleep, and Nev is sleeping with the amulet visible, and give Gash whatever aid he needed for stealth etc to cast the spell.
(The talking would be over the course of the day and then setup would be at night.)
(Also, we totally meant to drop the stolen notes from the Accords back at Axonia's room didn't we, and we failed to do so? Also also, I didn't read any spoilers for whatever RP/battle/dream sequence Martin, Bulwark, and Althus had that morning while we were horse shopping, so if any character wanted us to know anything, it'll have to be in-game.)
Martin sits at the evening’s fire, and quietly says to the others “So... we saw Axonia one more time. And a devil named Bael. And I think a Fae. Passalwyck? They were having a trial of some sort. An accusation that Axonia had violated the Accords in asking us to get the assassin. We are being watched, constantly. We should be careful, and probably start looking into some sort of magic that protects against magical spying. But then again, such protection could work against us if one side decided to cheat.”
"Passalwyck is a person? Not a place, that's good to know for sure. Can you describe her exactly? Every detail you can remember. Where was this? Did you see what they decided? And Bael - wow. We met him when this whole thing started. Big scary guy. Good points about divination magic. We really should act like we are being constantly watched. Which, if you are listening, the Accords probably don't say anything about trying to remove a cursed amulet to allow the decision to genuinely be made by the mother, do they? Passalwyck? That wouldn't be fair. We're going to take it off and see what a healthy Neventi Drahm really wants to do. That's protection. If you don't want us to protect her, let us know."
This is all said away from Nev. Dog will have spent he vast majority of the day's ride with Nev and Genny, telling her about the journey from the mountains to Masa, and glossing over the details of what they did in Masa. But trying to introduce her to Martin and Althus and even Bulwark. Also trying to get a sense of what she remembers, how she acts with Genny, how Genny acts with her, if she ever touches the amulet.
“Passalwyck is a woman, dress made of autumn leaves. I’m guessing powerful, to be mediating for angels and devils. That’s what’s got me thinking Fey. Especially with that name.” Martin waves his hand in dismissal. “Axonia’s exonerated.”
MD did that description sound similar to the dryad woman who offered Marduk's stewardship we met on the flight from the angel/devil battle way back when? Dog will describe her in detail to Martin to see if they are the same person/creature.
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Martin, Althus, and Bulwark:
The woman-in-leaves thinks for a long time, her fingers laced beneath her chin as she looks into the distance. The devil seethes but lets her deliberate and Axonia and Viviora seem to be holding their breath. Finally, Passalwyck raises her gaze. "I've heard enough and have reached a decision. Thank you for your time, protectors."
"Madam Passalwyck, there are other protectors to question..." says the devil.
"There is no need," she says. "Next time bring me a more compelling grievance, Bael. Goodbye, protectors."
The devil opens his mouth to object but Passalwyck lifts a fist-sized stone and claps it on the table. Like reversed-lightning, the room is returned to early morning darkness as all five of the intruders blink out of the room.
Any adventurers that choose to rise for the day find the others have already breakfasted and left, presumably to secure mounts. Gentoa and Neventi have not come down, but sounds of activity can be heard through her door as adventurers pass on their way to the dining room on the first floor. Following breakfast and packing, all that is left to do is to wait for the horses to arrive.
As soon as they’re gone, Martin lets out several breaths. “Who is that?”
Paladin - warforged - orange
DM, Gash, and Tock:
Dog throws 55 gold down for a draft horse at Dalsus', and then buys a wagon (38.5 gp) from Ferguson and the other provisions and tack horses need. He brings them all back and hopes that Tock or Gash can have bought all the provisions the people will need for a few days on the road. He resolves to find a spell that handles all of this transportation and upkeep so he doesn't have to.
He returns to the Wheat and Mane as quickly as he can and hopes Nev is no longer cross.
Dog:
Tock says, "That sure cost a lot. Let me cover some of it." and gives him 200 gold.
The entire party gathers outside the Wheat and Mane when the city is still waking up. They now have a covered wagon pulled by two draft horses (Marble Macy and Wintervane), a riding horse (Windspear), a pony (Butterfly Bell), and two mules (Cranky and Corker). Neventi and Gentoa join the group and both are clearly thrilled with what they see.
"Hooray!" Neventi says in a playful voice to her daughter. "We're on our way!"
"Neigh neigh!" says Gentoa. "Neigh neigh!"
(Last chance to do some shopping before y'all leave Masa behind! Gash wanted sending stones?)
Dog gives Nev a "see I told you I'm trustworthy" look when she sees the horses and wagon. He asks Gash if there is a spell that creates horses out of thin air, or summons a wagon, or handles transportation somehow... because Dog has officially resigned as the party's chief transportation and logistics officer.
When he sees Bulwark, Martin, and Althus, he apologizes for leaving the Inn so early and without notice, hoping that they got a good night's sleep, and fills them in briefly on Nev's insistence of getting horses and leaving Masa for their next destination asap (he notes, out of earshot of Nev, that she has not said where they are headed since she seemed to have lost her memory following the amulet incident, and he's not pushing it).
He asks Gash also out of earshot of Nev about the cursebreaking spell and if Gash can now cast it without a scroll, and if they should try it that night when Nev is asleep, and they can heal her immediately if need be. He asks about the sound and light and time needed to cast it.
Dog suggests they all have breakfast at the inn while they still have the chance to eat fresh warm home cooked meals not off a campfire. Assuming Nev doesn't have a granola bar and some gorp raring to go immediately, she still needs to eat and hopefully won't object to breakfast.
He will bring up the topics and questions I'd meant him to bring up in the parlor the night before.
(If Gash is going shopping, Dog will ask him to look for items that ward against scrying or divination magic.)
(This is the post, #3598, where Dog tried to chat about the day, the horses, and invite the new guys to come along on a trip - Bulwark, Nev is even a little new to you. He'll answer any questions they have about the beginning of this whole adventure, either at breakfast or on the road.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/play-by-post/35065-the-long-road-of-the-mage-king-game-thread?page=181#c3616
And the shopping I meant as a thing to do on the way out of town as the horses and wagon were departing - I don't want Nev thinking we are delaying. Dog really does want to get on the road.)
(You are in the SE of Masa and are leaving through one of the West gates, so you have to cross the entire city to leave anyway, passing right through the city square, even.)
(Gash would like to have split off from Dog buying horses to inquire about sending stones)
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
(Can do!)
Gash splits off from Dog and heads into the magic shop.
“Hello again! I wanted to see what you have in the way of sending stones. I have a rather large party and keeping lines of communication open has been important. But I’m the only one who can do it. And well it’s magically taxing. I’d like to get a few sets just to ensure we can communicate clearly as possible. Would it be possible to have a set that work in more than just a pair? That would be nice to have four or so and they all work together rather than just pairs.”
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
He has to visit three different shops, but in the end Gash is able to locate three functioning pairs of sending stones. The prices are 430, 455, and 465 gold at each of the respective establishments (or 1350 in total). After he makes any purchases, he meets the rest back at the Wheat and Mane, the last to arrive. And with that, the party sets off across Masa, passing through the town square, past the tavern Bounty, and out through the southwest gate. Bulwark, Neventi, Gentoa, and Tock all ride in the wagon. Dog rides Windspear, Gash sits on the pony, and Martin and Althus each ride a mule.
Neventi sighs with relief as they leave Masa, bumping along through wheel ruts of the road that winds out of the city to connects to the Long Road. "I am so happy to be on our way," she says. "Vallas or bust!"
End of Chapter 7.
(Everyone welcome to level 8! Post your level-up decisions in the OOC chat. Roll for HP with advantage.)
Chapter 8: Six Hundred Miles
With an early start to the day, the party makes good progress. The Long Road is in good repair here and the fresh mounts move steadily throughout the day. The morning starts out brisk and, despite a sunny day, never truly warms. A chilling breeze does not help matters. Winter has come early and it is all the travelers can do to huddle in their cloaks to fend off the cold. Thus, while the pace is good, the journey is uncomfortable.
In the late afternoon, with plenty of light and energy remaining, the party stops to water the mounts at a small creek and take a much needed break from the saddle. By Martin's estimation, they are already halfway to Tinosa, a moderately-sized neighbor to Masa. They won't make it before nightfall, but they will surely arrive tomorrow.
This stretch of the road is busy. Many travelers, including merchants, families moving to Masa for work, bards traveling to Tinosa, and other assorted groups. For a time, the group finds themselves traveling alongside a caravan bringing imported goods from Masa to Tinosa and Lucarepus, the next small city beyond Tinosa. It is nice to have some company and the conversation stays on trivial topics, when the combined group are not simply plodding along in silence.
Come nightfall, the 6 adventurers, Neventi and Gentoa, and 14 members of the caravan all pitch their tents in an open field adjacent to the long road. A few sparse trees, devoid of their leaves, offer little protection to the deepening cold, but several large fires help keep the group warm. It is a clear night and no crickets, birds, or frogs remain to sing their songs of the night. It is still and quiet and, for now, safe.
(RP any interactions you would like after which I will start up the next day.)
Dog would try to speak with Gash through message (instigating by tapping his temple) about how the cursebreaking spell works, and if it would work to try it after Nev goes to sleep. He'd try to fill in every member of the party in quiet asides - they could set a first watch but no one really goes to sleep and then have healing spells and lay on hands at the ready in case the amulet tries to kill her again. Watch for a time when Genny is deep asleep, and Nev is sleeping with the amulet visible, and give Gash whatever aid he needed for stealth etc to cast the spell.
(The talking would be over the course of the day and then setup would be at night.)
(Also, we totally meant to drop the stolen notes from the Accords back at Axonia's room didn't we, and we failed to do so? Also also, I didn't read any spoilers for whatever RP/battle/dream sequence Martin, Bulwark, and Althus had that morning while we were horse shopping, so if any character wanted us to know anything, it'll have to be in-game.)
(That's fine and yup.)
Martin sits at the evening’s fire, and quietly says to the others “So... we saw Axonia one more time. And a devil named Bael. And I think a Fae. Passalwyck? They were having a trial of some sort. An accusation that Axonia had violated the Accords in asking us to get the assassin. We are being watched, constantly. We should be careful, and probably start looking into some sort of magic that protects against magical spying. But then again, such protection could work against us if one side decided to cheat.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
"Passalwyck is a person? Not a place, that's good to know for sure. Can you describe her exactly? Every detail you can remember. Where was this? Did you see what they decided? And Bael - wow. We met him when this whole thing started. Big scary guy. Good points about divination magic. We really should act like we are being constantly watched. Which, if you are listening, the Accords probably don't say anything about trying to remove a cursed amulet to allow the decision to genuinely be made by the mother, do they? Passalwyck? That wouldn't be fair. We're going to take it off and see what a healthy Neventi Drahm really wants to do. That's protection. If you don't want us to protect her, let us know."
This is all said away from Nev. Dog will have spent he vast majority of the day's ride with Nev and Genny, telling her about the journey from the mountains to Masa, and glossing over the details of what they did in Masa. But trying to introduce her to Martin and Althus and even Bulwark. Also trying to get a sense of what she remembers, how she acts with Genny, how Genny acts with her, if she ever touches the amulet.
“Passalwyck is a woman, dress made of autumn leaves. I’m guessing powerful, to be mediating for angels and devils. That’s what’s got me thinking Fey. Especially with that name.” Martin waves his hand in dismissal. “Axonia’s exonerated.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
MD did that description sound similar to the dryad woman who offered Marduk's stewardship we met on the flight from the angel/devil battle way back when? Dog will describe her in detail to Martin to see if they are the same person/creature.