Anafrey would let out a small laugh as a tear runs down her face. She would sit a moment staring off into the distance without making a move.. other than to laugh as another tear drips from her cheek. After a few very long seconds she would quickly grab the flail and throw it off into the distance. "Get away from me you damn cursed thing!" She would shout as she clutches the silver necklace around her neck. Then looking to Ebokk, she would reply. The creator of the flindbar... that damned flail.. He was forsaken by that dwarven god... and tricked into creating that weapon after accepting help from the only god that answered his prayers...Yeenoghu" She would say as she moves to stand up. "I.. I think I am finally free..." She would add as she looks to her companions with a smile. "But I think we should destroy that flail... or at the very least.. hide it so it can never be found." She would say as she looks towards the weapon laying in the dirt.
Erric runs headlong at Anafrey, arms wide, and collides with her legs in a giant hug.“You’re back! You did it! What a.... strange place to come back to yourself, but I’ll take it!”
Anafrey would give Erric a tight squeeze... as tight as she can manage before looking to Jam. Releasing Erric a new set of tears would begin to fall as a smile spreads across her face. Anafrey would move towards Jambiya and give her a long hug "Thank you... Thank you so much"
Jambiya just hugs her and cries and cries, making incoherent blubbering sounds. Finally she pulls back and looks up at her friend’s face. “You’re not back, you were never gone. I’m just glad you don’t have to fight to be yourself anymore.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
she/her Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands.
Erric suggests a short rest right there, right now, during which he'll sing some songs (giving, through song of rest, an extra d6 of healing to anyone using their own hit dice), and they can at least begin to identify some of the boot treasures, and also Anafrey can process what she's gone through.
Then heading back out to the myconids, saying goodbye, and climbing back out to the surface?
I'm waiting on you all to decide what you want to do next. It's possible I could do a gigantic leap to advance the story a great deal, but I don't want to rob you of playing it out if you'd like. I guess I'll leave it up to you. What do you want to do? It would all be RP; there are no more hurdles to jump before the end of this chapter. I would have some questions that would need to be answered to know how to narrate the jump.
Maldorn pats Anafrey in the shoulder in a more contained but still heartfelt reaction: "You are one strong huntress. That cursed weapon never had a chance." The old man smiles widely as Sagitta curls around Anafrey's upper arm for the moment: "Enjoy that hug, Icy. It's from both Sagitta and I."
After she suggests that the group destroys the flail, Maldorn adds: "I am not sure how one destroys such a powerful item. If this is really to be our next focus, then it might be best for Icy here to keep the flail in her possession until we find a way to destroy it. It looks like the necklace is protecting her, right? We should not risk anyone else being possessed by it after finally breaking its control."
With that, Maldorn shows support for Erric's rest/exit plan and will also engage in some detailed studying of their loot when given the chance to do so.
Jambiya is all smiles as her friends express their relief and joy... until she realizes they have to destroy the flail. She stares at it balefully where it lays in the dirt.
At Maldorn suggestion, she shakes her head vigorously. “We can’t ask her to carry it again! How can we do that?”
But after some discussion, she realizes that nobody else dares touch it. “Then we have to leave it to Anafrey. If you don’t want to, we can leave it right there. Dig a hole and push it in.”
Anafrey would cry with Jambiya for a long time and gives sagitta a firm hug in return before the dread of having to dispose of the flail began to fill her. After resting and inspecting the new treasures, Anafrey would take out a bedroll and fold it so that it was double thick before picking up the flail. She would then wrap it up tightly inside the bedroll and tie it tightly so it could not be easily opened and the flail could not slide out. "I don't really look forward to having this thing again... but It is probably best if i hold on to it."
What happens to the flindbar? You have picked it up, but are you planning to take it home? What are you thinking?
There's not really a good reason to head back to Waterdeep for anyone except Ebokk, who plans to do so. Do you four head back to Seldom Spring, traveling up the High Road?
If so, you'll be traveling through Neverwinter. Is there anything you would like to buy or sell while in town?
Do you try to take the horses and ponies or send them back to Waterdeep with Ebokk?
Can you think of anything else that you want to make sure I don't forget to cover?
The shortsword is a magic (+1) shortsword called Tymora's Grace. When you roll a 1 or a 2 on a damage die for an attack you make with this magic weapon, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll, even if the new roll is a 1 or a 2. Aside from the sword and Anafrey's necklace, nothing you picked up from the derro is magical. Well, that's not entirely true, but I really doubt any of you would have spent an hour touching and concentrating on Brunthor's boot. You'll learn more about it later.
Ah, thought that the ring/bracelets/spiky spheres were magical, no worries. I'm sure they're meaningful in other ways, or else hilariously mundane.
I'd say bring flindbar with given Anafrey's wrapping and determination? I doubt Ebokk's family want it. Erric would be curious about Skadoula and the other gnome in Waterdeep, but that can be a thing for later. More pressing things for us in Seldom Spring. If going through Neverwinter, Erric would want to take a real close look at the boot treasures to piece together what they were, who had them before, how they can be used, etc. If we're leveling up and Erric gets more spells, he might need to pick up components. Horses/ponies I think is up to Ebokk.
Should it come time to say goodbye to Ebokk, Erric will get very sentimental and meaningful and almost cry at having to say goodbye to their companion. "I can't thank you enough for all you did. Even though you introduced us to a whole new set of problems and almost got our friend possessed and likely killed and you died and I had to kiss you to bring you back... you were kind and devoted and strong and thoughtful. And you always meant well. I'm sorry we kept messing up your name. I'd like to see you next time I'm in the 'Deep. Come by Seldom Spring too -- you'd get a kick out of it."
He'd work on the next stanzas of the ballad he'd been working on. It'll take him a while to process it all, but it'll be good.
Maldorn clarifies: "I only suggested Icy because I'm guessing her new necklace protects her. It brought her back, so I am counting on its power to keep our friend safe." Seeing Anafrey pack the cursed weapon, he adds: "It looks like we are bringing it with us. Perhaps Jambiya's parents will know what to do with a such a thing. Experienced adventurer know this kind of thing, right?"
After being told what the shortsword does, the old ranger changes his mind on his earlier request: "Icy will need a new close-quarter weapon now that she is freed from that flail. This enchanted blade seems to fit the bill quite nicely, wouldn't you all say?" He additionally suggests: "As for the spidery boots, I think anyone could benefit from those. I have a feeling Jambiya would have the most fun with them, though."
To Ebokk: "I am sad to see you go, friend, but I understand that the place you call home is not the same place that we do. Thank you for accepting our invite to become a temporary adventurer with us and for playing a vital part in freeing Icy from your dad's curse. I look forward to seeing you again when our paths cross. Farewell." Sagitta flicks his tongue out to say goodbye.
(OOC#1: Are we really sending Ebokk back to Waterdeep, with multiple horses, on his own? Didn't it take three days for us to get here? Seems like a dangerous trip for a single person.)
(OOC#2: If the answer is yes and we go through Nerverwinter, Maldorn will try to find a fletcher and ask them to make him some fancy Blood Hawk arrows with the beaks, claws, and feathers he collected in the island. If he can find someone to enchant them even better. He'll also sell the moonstone.)
Jambiya believes, "We should definitely take the Flindbar back to Seldom Spring, my dads will have some idea of what to do with it. Maybe Grumpy Pops will even know something about all of this. And, while I'm like, really homesick, I can't imagine leaving you on the road alone, Ebokk. Let's take him home, then we'll come back up the High Road through Neverwinter to get home. It'll just add a week to the trip, that's not too much."
"These boots? I guess they might help me keep out of the way if we get into a fight?" She will take the Boots of Spider Climbing.
Jambiya has nothing pressing to do in Waterdeep or Neverwinter, but she is antsy to get home. She will continue talking to animals all. the. time. Because it's cool.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
she/her Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands.
You all can go ahead and level up. That way, if you have any comments or additions to this, it can be from that advantage.
The party leaves the body of Thrakk and passes through the myconid chamber. There is a general feeling of departure — not happy or sad — coming from the myconids as the party says their goodbyes and ascends the trash chute. (No one has yet "identified" the boots for Jambiya, so she doesn't get to utilize them for this.) As the feeling of urgency which accompanied them upon their descent has ended, the party takes their time and climbs up, experiencing no mishaps. As they exit the cave, they realize it is very dark outside. Time has slipped by as they were underground, and they're not even sure what time it is. They relight the campfire Thrakk had been using and decide an order of watch. It is during third watch that the sun begins to rise, and it is late morning when the party is finally fully rested. Jambiya agreed to take fourth watch, and is delighted when Snap makes an appearance during her watch. The pseudodragon seems neither pleased nor upset to see the little goblin girl, though he does seem inclined to be near her congenially and does not shy away from her attention.
Anafrey:
During the night, you have a dream. You find yourself walking along a lane through a seemingly endless grassland. The sun is either on its way up or down, causing the sky to be an intense and very interesting blue. A soft breeze is blowing, create rhythmic waves in the grass and brushing enticingly against your skin. The lane is straight and smooth. It seems to go on forever. Only because of the horizon do you lose sight of it. There is a dwarf walking beside you. He is thin with a dark beard and wearing leather armor and furs along with a green cloak. You didn't know he was there before, but you're not at all surprised to find him there now. He asks, "What do you think is beyond the horizon?" You say something to the effect of you don't know. "Life is full of mysteries. The future is one of my favorites. But it's the past that concerns me now," the dwarf says, concern and regret replacing the previous curiosity in his voice. "Anin didn't know what he was doing. He was careless. He was tricked. But it wasn't really his fault. You should blame Yeenoghu. Yeenoghu is the one who cursed Anin — twisted him and filled his mind with the drive to do his bidding. Now he is trapped. His soul may never be able to join me or the All-Father. Even if his soul were set free, he is still too wrapped up with Yeenoghu. He would be doomed to an eternity in the Abyss. Poor Anin. If only there was someone willing to give the poor dwarf a chance. To let him live again. Perhaps with time he could remember. Remember his childhood. Remember his family. Remember me. If only." The dwarf is then gone. You reach up and touch the necklace hanging around your neck as you continue to walk along that path toward the unknown horizon. The pendant is smooth and almost warm to the touch. "If only," the dwarf's voice echoes.
Once everyone is awake, the party looks for and finds their horses and ponies. It seems the animals survived their time alone in the wilderness. Snap and the equines seem very comfortable around each other. Snap flies around and lands on a few, and the horses almost seem to welcome it. The party wonders if there is a story behind that. Jambiya asks, and it turns out Snap played guard dog while the party was away, even scaring away two wolves that came sniffing around. She can't get a straight story out of any of them, but the horses are very thankful, and Snap is proud and pleased with himself.
Ebokk doesn't understand why the party would want to travel for days the wrong direction just to escort him back to Waterdeep, but he is thankful and doesn't fuss too much. There is much chatter on the way back to Waterdeep as a lot happened in a short amount of time. Ebokk and Jambiya occasionally compare pieces of their adventure to ones they heard from their fathers. The dwarf and goblin girl connect in a new way, now really considering for the first time this shared family profession and the big shoes they've attempted to fill.
Once back in Waterdeep, Ebokk takes them to the livery from which he rented the horses and ponies and returns them. Jambiya makes a big deal over saying goodbye to all of them and relaying their responses to the party. Snap is rambunctious, taking the opportunity to be a big showoff before leaving his new four-legged friends.
First stop!
Erric had expressed interest in looking up both Skadoula and Eilikasys while in Waterdeep. Do you still want to do that? Maldorn, do you want to go ahead and look into having someone make you some fancy blood hawk arrows with the beaks, claws, and feathers you collected on the island, and maybe find someone to enchant them? Also, besides selling the moonstone, what else do you all have that you'd like to sell? Do you want to try to do that in Waterdeep? Erric, as for components, I'm assuming you need diamonds or pearls or other items that have a price attached?
Maldorn, do you want to go ahead and look into having someone make you some fancy blood hawk arrows with the beaks, claws, and feathers you collected on the island, and maybe find someone to enchant them? Also, besides selling the moonstone, what else do you all have that you'd like to sell? Do you want to try to do that in Waterdeep?
Yes on the arrows. Maldorn has 9 beaks, 18 claws, and a pile of feathers. Yes on attempted enchantment as well.
Maldorn will indeed try to sell the moonstone here in Waterdeep. He is not interested in selling anything else at the moment.
Jambiya just stares at Anafrey, hands clasped together, eyes shining. “‘Frey?”
she/her
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands.
Anafrey would let out a small laugh as a tear runs down her face. She would sit a moment staring off into the distance without making a move.. other than to laugh as another tear drips from her cheek. After a few very long seconds she would quickly grab the flail and throw it off into the distance. "Get away from me you damn cursed thing!" She would shout as she clutches the silver necklace around her neck. Then looking to Ebokk, she would reply. The creator of the flindbar... that damned flail.. He was forsaken by that dwarven god... and tricked into creating that weapon after accepting help from the only god that answered his prayers...Yeenoghu" She would say as she moves to stand up. "I.. I think I am finally free..." She would add as she looks to her companions with a smile. "But I think we should destroy that flail... or at the very least.. hide it so it can never be found." She would say as she looks towards the weapon laying in the dirt.
Erric runs headlong at Anafrey, arms wide, and collides with her legs in a giant hug. “You’re back! You did it! What a.... strange place to come back to yourself, but I’ll take it!”
Anafrey would give Erric a tight squeeze... as tight as she can manage before looking to Jam. Releasing Erric a new set of tears would begin to fall as a smile spreads across her face. Anafrey would move towards Jambiya and give her a long hug "Thank you... Thank you so much"
Jambiya just hugs her and cries and cries, making incoherent blubbering sounds. Finally she pulls back and looks up at her friend’s face. “You’re not back, you were never gone. I’m just glad you don’t have to fight to be yourself anymore.”
she/her
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands.
Erric suggests a short rest right there, right now, during which he'll sing some songs (giving, through song of rest, an extra d6 of healing to anyone using their own hit dice), and they can at least begin to identify some of the boot treasures, and also Anafrey can process what she's gone through.
Then heading back out to the myconids, saying goodbye, and climbing back out to the surface?
What a crazy place!
I'm waiting on you all to decide what you want to do next. It's possible I could do a gigantic leap to advance the story a great deal, but I don't want to rob you of playing it out if you'd like. I guess I'll leave it up to you. What do you want to do? It would all be RP; there are no more hurdles to jump before the end of this chapter. I would have some questions that would need to be answered to know how to narrate the jump.
I'd be fine with a big jump if others are! I think it's a lot of fun story beats that can happen back in town or at the bottom of a cave...
Maldorn pats Anafrey in the shoulder in a more contained but still heartfelt reaction: "You are one strong huntress. That cursed weapon never had a chance." The old man smiles widely as Sagitta curls around Anafrey's upper arm for the moment: "Enjoy that hug, Icy. It's from both Sagitta and I."
After she suggests that the group destroys the flail, Maldorn adds: "I am not sure how one destroys such a powerful item. If this is really to be our next focus, then it might be best for Icy here to keep the flail in her possession until we find a way to destroy it. It looks like the necklace is protecting her, right? We should not risk anyone else being possessed by it after finally breaking its control."
With that, Maldorn shows support for Erric's rest/exit plan and will also engage in some detailed studying of their loot when given the chance to do so.
(OOC: I'm fine with a big plot jump too.)
(Also good with a jump.)
Jambiya is all smiles as her friends express their relief and joy... until she realizes they have to destroy the flail. She stares at it balefully where it lays in the dirt.
At Maldorn suggestion, she shakes her head vigorously. “We can’t ask her to carry it again! How can we do that?”
But after some discussion, she realizes that nobody else dares touch it. “Then we have to leave it to Anafrey. If you don’t want to, we can leave it right there. Dig a hole and push it in.”
she/her
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands.
Anafrey would cry with Jambiya for a long time and gives sagitta a firm hug in return before the dread of having to dispose of the flail began to fill her. After resting and inspecting the new treasures, Anafrey would take out a bedroll and fold it so that it was double thick before picking up the flail. She would then wrap it up tightly inside the bedroll and tie it tightly so it could not be easily opened and the flail could not slide out. "I don't really look forward to having this thing again... but It is probably best if i hold on to it."
(i am OK with a jump)
The shortsword is a magic (+1) shortsword called Tymora's Grace. When you roll a 1 or a 2 on a damage die for an attack you make with this magic weapon, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll, even if the new roll is a 1 or a 2. Aside from the sword and Anafrey's necklace, nothing you picked up from the derro is magical. Well, that's not entirely true, but I really doubt any of you would have spent an hour touching and concentrating on Brunthor's boot. You'll learn more about it later.
The boots that were in the ogre's backpack are boots of spider climbing.
Ah, thought that the ring/bracelets/spiky spheres were magical, no worries. I'm sure they're meaningful in other ways, or else hilariously mundane.
I'd say bring flindbar with given Anafrey's wrapping and determination? I doubt Ebokk's family want it. Erric would be curious about Skadoula and the other gnome in Waterdeep, but that can be a thing for later. More pressing things for us in Seldom Spring. If going through Neverwinter, Erric would want to take a real close look at the boot treasures to piece together what they were, who had them before, how they can be used, etc. If we're leveling up and Erric gets more spells, he might need to pick up components. Horses/ponies I think is up to Ebokk.
Should it come time to say goodbye to Ebokk, Erric will get very sentimental and meaningful and almost cry at having to say goodbye to their companion. "I can't thank you enough for all you did. Even though you introduced us to a whole new set of problems and almost got our friend possessed and likely killed and you died and I had to kiss you to bring you back... you were kind and devoted and strong and thoughtful. And you always meant well. I'm sorry we kept messing up your name. I'd like to see you next time I'm in the 'Deep. Come by Seldom Spring too -- you'd get a kick out of it."
He'd work on the next stanzas of the ballad he'd been working on. It'll take him a while to process it all, but it'll be good.
Maldorn clarifies: "I only suggested Icy because I'm guessing her new necklace protects her. It brought her back, so I am counting on its power to keep our friend safe." Seeing Anafrey pack the cursed weapon, he adds: "It looks like we are bringing it with us. Perhaps Jambiya's parents will know what to do with a such a thing. Experienced adventurer know this kind of thing, right?"
After being told what the shortsword does, the old ranger changes his mind on his earlier request: "Icy will need a new close-quarter weapon now that she is freed from that flail. This enchanted blade seems to fit the bill quite nicely, wouldn't you all say?" He additionally suggests: "As for the spidery boots, I think anyone could benefit from those. I have a feeling Jambiya would have the most fun with them, though."
To Ebokk: "I am sad to see you go, friend, but I understand that the place you call home is not the same place that we do. Thank you for accepting our invite to become a temporary adventurer with us and for playing a vital part in freeing Icy from your dad's curse. I look forward to seeing you again when our paths cross. Farewell." Sagitta flicks his tongue out to say goodbye.
(OOC#1: Are we really sending Ebokk back to Waterdeep, with multiple horses, on his own? Didn't it take three days for us to get here? Seems like a dangerous trip for a single person.)
(OOC#2: If the answer is yes and we go through Nerverwinter, Maldorn will try to find a fletcher and ask them to make him some fancy Blood Hawk arrows with the beaks, claws, and feathers he collected in the island. If he can find someone to enchant them even better. He'll also sell the moonstone.)
(OOC So what abilities does my necklace have? Other than Anti-possesion by evil flail abilities?)
I am fine with working escorting our friend back home and then heading off from there.
Anafrey, I will address your necklace in the "jump".
Jambiya believes, "We should definitely take the Flindbar back to Seldom Spring, my dads will have some idea of what to do with it. Maybe Grumpy Pops will even know something about all of this. And, while I'm like, really homesick, I can't imagine leaving you on the road alone, Ebokk. Let's take him home, then we'll come back up the High Road through Neverwinter to get home. It'll just add a week to the trip, that's not too much."
"These boots? I guess they might help me keep out of the way if we get into a fight?" She will take the Boots of Spider Climbing.
Jambiya has nothing pressing to do in Waterdeep or Neverwinter, but she is antsy to get home. She will continue talking to animals all. the. time. Because it's cool.
she/her
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands.
"Back to Waterdeep it is!" Maldorn says, feeling relief in knowing that Ebokk won't need to travel on his own.
You all can go ahead and level up. That way, if you have any comments or additions to this, it can be from that advantage.
The party leaves the body of Thrakk and passes through the myconid chamber. There is a general feeling of departure — not happy or sad — coming from the myconids as the party says their goodbyes and ascends the trash chute. (No one has yet "identified" the boots for Jambiya, so she doesn't get to utilize them for this.) As the feeling of urgency which accompanied them upon their descent has ended, the party takes their time and climbs up, experiencing no mishaps. As they exit the cave, they realize it is very dark outside. Time has slipped by as they were underground, and they're not even sure what time it is. They relight the campfire Thrakk had been using and decide an order of watch. It is during third watch that the sun begins to rise, and it is late morning when the party is finally fully rested. Jambiya agreed to take fourth watch, and is delighted when Snap makes an appearance during her watch. The pseudodragon seems neither pleased nor upset to see the little goblin girl, though he does seem inclined to be near her congenially and does not shy away from her attention.
Anafrey:
During the night, you have a dream. You find yourself walking along a lane through a seemingly endless grassland. The sun is either on its way up or down, causing the sky to be an intense and very interesting blue. A soft breeze is blowing, create rhythmic waves in the grass and brushing enticingly against your skin. The lane is straight and smooth. It seems to go on forever. Only because of the horizon do you lose sight of it. There is a dwarf walking beside you. He is thin with a dark beard and wearing leather armor and furs along with a green cloak. You didn't know he was there before, but you're not at all surprised to find him there now. He asks, "What do you think is beyond the horizon?" You say something to the effect of you don't know. "Life is full of mysteries. The future is one of my favorites. But it's the past that concerns me now," the dwarf says, concern and regret replacing the previous curiosity in his voice. "Anin didn't know what he was doing. He was careless. He was tricked. But it wasn't really his fault. You should blame Yeenoghu. Yeenoghu is the one who cursed Anin — twisted him and filled his mind with the drive to do his bidding. Now he is trapped. His soul may never be able to join me or the All-Father. Even if his soul were set free, he is still too wrapped up with Yeenoghu. He would be doomed to an eternity in the Abyss. Poor Anin. If only there was someone willing to give the poor dwarf a chance. To let him live again. Perhaps with time he could remember. Remember his childhood. Remember his family. Remember me. If only." The dwarf is then gone. You reach up and touch the necklace hanging around your neck as you continue to walk along that path toward the unknown horizon. The pendant is smooth and almost warm to the touch. "If only," the dwarf's voice echoes.
Once everyone is awake, the party looks for and finds their horses and ponies. It seems the animals survived their time alone in the wilderness. Snap and the equines seem very comfortable around each other. Snap flies around and lands on a few, and the horses almost seem to welcome it. The party wonders if there is a story behind that. Jambiya asks, and it turns out Snap played guard dog while the party was away, even scaring away two wolves that came sniffing around. She can't get a straight story out of any of them, but the horses are very thankful, and Snap is proud and pleased with himself.
Ebokk doesn't understand why the party would want to travel for days the wrong direction just to escort him back to Waterdeep, but he is thankful and doesn't fuss too much. There is much chatter on the way back to Waterdeep as a lot happened in a short amount of time. Ebokk and Jambiya occasionally compare pieces of their adventure to ones they heard from their fathers. The dwarf and goblin girl connect in a new way, now really considering for the first time this shared family profession and the big shoes they've attempted to fill.
Once back in Waterdeep, Ebokk takes them to the livery from which he rented the horses and ponies and returns them. Jambiya makes a big deal over saying goodbye to all of them and relaying their responses to the party. Snap is rambunctious, taking the opportunity to be a big showoff before leaving his new four-legged friends.
First stop!
Erric had expressed interest in looking up both Skadoula and Eilikasys while in Waterdeep. Do you still want to do that? Maldorn, do you want to go ahead and look into having someone make you some fancy blood hawk arrows with the beaks, claws, and feathers you collected on the island, and maybe find someone to enchant them? Also, besides selling the moonstone, what else do you all have that you'd like to sell? Do you want to try to do that in Waterdeep? Erric, as for components, I'm assuming you need diamonds or pearls or other items that have a price attached?
Yes on the arrows. Maldorn has 9 beaks, 18 claws, and a pile of feathers. Yes on attempted enchantment as well.
Maldorn will indeed try to sell the moonstone here in Waterdeep. He is not interested in selling anything else at the moment.