As your rest, and your sparring continues, you hear footsteps running towards you. It's a gnome, one of the attendants of the gold dragon Protanther. "An elf has come," she says, running up. "She is outside. She flew as an eagle, and then transformed. She says she must speak with the emissaries of Waterdeep." She motions for you to follow outside, which you all do.
You find two gnomes, two kobolds and a halfling gathered around the form of an elf; the elf is seated cross-legged on the ground as the halfling is performing a healing spell upon her. You can see immediately that she has been very badly wounded; her dress of grey wool is ripped and burnt in many places, and she has scars across her face and arms that are now beginning to heal magically.
She looks up as you approach, and Soar and Bazavur would recognise Sarel, an elf mage in service of the Council of Waterdeep who has previously teleported you across the land. She stares at you blankly - she seems confused, perhaps in shock, as you come nearer.
Bazavur walks up right next to her and kneels. “Sarel, what happened? Do you bring news from the council?” Bazavur tries to get a sense of what happened to her. Maybe what caused her injuries and how recent they might be.
Tobin comes near as well and listens, waiting for those who know of healing and diplomacy to speak up first. His only interjection is to ask, “Has Waterdeep been attacked?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Soaa rushes to her side, eyes flashing with Divine Sense just to ensure all is as it seems. "Sarel, it's Soar, let me help you," she says, laying on hands for 20 points (if it seems she still needs it). She doesn't ask "what happened" as it's already been asked, but she waits to hear the wizard's replies, offering her hand to hold if it is needed, and a steady face to look at, if it's comforting.
Bazavur, the woman's injuries are very recent and probably life-threatening, though with the magical healing she is now receiving she is no longer in any danger. Still very weak though. She looks in your general direction, but still seems rather confuse and out of it.
Tobin, in answer to your question, the woman shakes her head but doesn't seem able to speak yet.
Soar, your Divine sense does not reveal anything untoward. Your use of lay on hands closes a few more wounds, and Sarel seems to recover herself enough to speak now.
"I have come..." she takes a breath, "... to find you and..." another deep breath, "... take you to..." a pause, and a swallow, and another pause, and then she begins again.
"My apologies, I have never been to this place, so my attempt to teleport was not entirely successful. I found myself in a situation where I needed to fight, and then flee. I thought I was prepared, but..." she trails off for a moment and looks into the distance. "I hate being a bird. People say it must be wonderful to fly through the skies and look down. I hate it. I hate not being myself. Not even for a second!" You hear a mix of disgust and fear in her voice, and she shakes her head and once more begins anew.
"I am here at the Council's orders. To teleport you. To meet one of the enemy. A cultist. One who wishes to defect." She falls silent, and regards the two wood elves who she does not know, without speaking further.
Soar listens and heals Sarel for another 10hp as she hears the story (if there's a disease or poison she'll use 5hp of that to cure it).
"I'm sorry that happened, but grateful you are safe. Do you wish to rest for a few hours or days before returning to Waterdeep? Our negotiations are... ongoing. Otaaryliakkarnos can give a better state of play, should you need it,"Soar says. She sees her reaction to Aiwin and Varan, and introduces them briefly, saying she had just met them but that they were emissaries of the High Forest and wished to help in the fight against the Cult. Her curiosity can't wait long, however.
"Turncoat? Doesn't happen to be an elf woman going by the name Talis, does it?"
Varan hangs in the back of the group, letting those who know this elf talk and care for her. When introduced he gives a polite nod and only adds, "This sounds like a conversation better held inside, where she can rest a bit more comfortably."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Bazavur stands and backs a few paces away as Soar moves in. He stands arms crossed listening to her, trying to figure out why this message from the council wasn’t sent by some other means. During the next break in conversation he would add, “As soon as you are up for it, I am ready to go. I’m sure the others are as well.”
(OOC I’m wondering why this message from the council wasn’t sent with a sending spell. Something about this feels off)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tobin:
Standing nearby and listening, Tobin waits for a name or a place he recognizes so he can consider if he knows the person or place discussed. Given the delicacy of the topic, he refrains from taking notes about the defector’s name for now.
When the name ‘Talis’ comes up, he considers if he has ever heard of such an elf, especially as it pertains to the cult of the dragon…
History: 18
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Tobin, the name does ring a bell. You've been reading up extensively about the Cult of the Dragon, and its historical activities in the many forms it has taken over the centuries. Talis is a name that has cropped up from time to time, a half-elf sorcerer often linked to the leadership but never quite taking a prominent role, and always escaping into the shadows when things go badly. Rumoured to be ambitious, but cautious, and good at surviving.
Bazavur, you can attempt an Insight, or other relevant check if you wish.
Varan, it seems Sarel and those healing her agree with your suggestion, and with their help, you all move back into the cave, sheltered from the wind and from prying eyes.
Soar, once you are all back in the cave, Sarel replies to you: "No, Talis is not a name I know. They sent a letter addressed to the Emissaries of the Council. Lady Silverhand opened it on your behalf, and gave it to me to hand to you in person." Sarel reaches into a small bag that she carries at her waist, and produces a folded note which she hands to Soar.
It reads:
“You don’t know me, but we can help each other immeasurably. My name is Iskander, and I made a terrible mistake in joining the Cult of the Dragon. The cult’s horrifying plans are sure to bring doom to all, but I can stop those plans with your help. Rescue me from the cult’s clutches, and I will deliver to you the prize of prizes: the Blue Dragon Mask. Without it, Severin faces an insurmountable setback in his effort to call Tiamat back to our world. The mask is here in Xonthal’s Tower, being studied and guarded by only a handful of wizards, including myself.
“The danger of my treason becoming known grows with every passing day, and if I’m discovered, I’ll surely be killed. Please hurry, for the sake of everyone and everything you value.”
Swing just approaches the newcomer as she comes into rest “I can’t do much, but the high forest does give me some of its power. Hopefully this helps you.” He says mutter some words in elvish as he casts Cure Wounds on Sarel.
Varan brings over a plate with some light food and a cup of water, handing it over to Sarel. He reads the letter over someone's shoulder, "A wizard's tower. Might be some other goods in there to ste... acquire that can help us out. Anyone happen to know anythin' about this Xonthal’s Tower?" His eyes glint at the thought of what valuables a wizard's tower might have, and he scratches at the palm of one of his hands.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
As your rest, and your sparring continues, you hear footsteps running towards you. It's a gnome, one of the attendants of the gold dragon Protanther. "An elf has come," she says, running up. "She is outside. She flew as an eagle, and then transformed. She says she must speak with the emissaries of Waterdeep." She motions for you to follow outside, which you all do.
You find two gnomes, two kobolds and a halfling gathered around the form of an elf; the elf is seated cross-legged on the ground as the halfling is performing a healing spell upon her. You can see immediately that she has been very badly wounded; her dress of grey wool is ripped and burnt in many places, and she has scars across her face and arms that are now beginning to heal magically.
She looks up as you approach, and Soar and Bazavur would recognise Sarel, an elf mage in service of the Council of Waterdeep who has previously teleported you across the land. She stares at you blankly - she seems confused, perhaps in shock, as you come nearer.
Bazavur walks up right next to her and kneels. “Sarel, what happened? Do you bring news from the council?” Bazavur tries to get a sense of what happened to her. Maybe what caused her injuries and how recent they might be.
(Medicine check: 10)
Tobin:
Tobin comes near as well and listens, waiting for those who know of healing and diplomacy to speak up first. His only interjection is to ask, “Has Waterdeep been attacked?”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Soaa rushes to her side, eyes flashing with Divine Sense just to ensure all is as it seems. "Sarel, it's Soar, let me help you," she says, laying on hands for 20 points (if it seems she still needs it). She doesn't ask "what happened" as it's already been asked, but she waits to hear the wizard's replies, offering her hand to hold if it is needed, and a steady face to look at, if it's comforting.
Bazavur, the woman's injuries are very recent and probably life-threatening, though with the magical healing she is now receiving she is no longer in any danger. Still very weak though. She looks in your general direction, but still seems rather confuse and out of it.
Tobin, in answer to your question, the woman shakes her head but doesn't seem able to speak yet.
Soar, your Divine sense does not reveal anything untoward. Your use of lay on hands closes a few more wounds, and Sarel seems to recover herself enough to speak now.
"I have come..." she takes a breath, "... to find you and..." another deep breath, "... take you to..." a pause, and a swallow, and another pause, and then she begins again.
"My apologies, I have never been to this place, so my attempt to teleport was not entirely successful. I found myself in a situation where I needed to fight, and then flee. I thought I was prepared, but..." she trails off for a moment and looks into the distance. "I hate being a bird. People say it must be wonderful to fly through the skies and look down. I hate it. I hate not being myself. Not even for a second!" You hear a mix of disgust and fear in her voice, and she shakes her head and once more begins anew.
"I am here at the Council's orders. To teleport you. To meet one of the enemy. A cultist. One who wishes to defect." She falls silent, and regards the two wood elves who she does not know, without speaking further.
Soar listens and heals Sarel for another 10hp as she hears the story (if there's a disease or poison she'll use 5hp of that to cure it).
"I'm sorry that happened, but grateful you are safe. Do you wish to rest for a few hours or days before returning to Waterdeep? Our negotiations are... ongoing. Otaaryliakkarnos can give a better state of play, should you need it," Soar says. She sees her reaction to Aiwin and Varan, and introduces them briefly, saying she had just met them but that they were emissaries of the High Forest and wished to help in the fight against the Cult. Her curiosity can't wait long, however.
"Turncoat? Doesn't happen to be an elf woman going by the name Talis, does it?"
Varan hangs in the back of the group, letting those who know this elf talk and care for her. When introduced he gives a polite nod and only adds, "This sounds like a conversation better held inside, where she can rest a bit more comfortably."
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Bazavur stands and backs a few paces away as Soar moves in. He stands arms crossed listening to her, trying to figure out why this message from the council wasn’t sent by some other means. During the next break in conversation he would add, “As soon as you are up for it, I am ready to go. I’m sure the others are as well.”
(OOC I’m wondering why this message from the council wasn’t sent with a sending spell. Something about this feels off)
Tobin:
Standing nearby and listening, Tobin waits for a name or a place he recognizes so he can consider if he knows the person or place discussed. Given the delicacy of the topic, he refrains from taking notes about the defector’s name for now.
When the name ‘Talis’ comes up, he considers if he has ever heard of such an elf, especially as it pertains to the cult of the dragon…
History: 18
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Tobin, the name does ring a bell. You've been reading up extensively about the Cult of the Dragon, and its historical activities in the many forms it has taken over the centuries. Talis is a name that has cropped up from time to time, a half-elf sorcerer often linked to the leadership but never quite taking a prominent role, and always escaping into the shadows when things go badly. Rumoured to be ambitious, but cautious, and good at surviving.
Bazavur, you can attempt an Insight, or other relevant check if you wish.
Varan, it seems Sarel and those healing her agree with your suggestion, and with their help, you all move back into the cave, sheltered from the wind and from prying eyes.
Soar, once you are all back in the cave, Sarel replies to you: "No, Talis is not a name I know. They sent a letter addressed to the Emissaries of the Council. Lady Silverhand opened it on your behalf, and gave it to me to hand to you in person." Sarel reaches into a small bag that she carries at her waist, and produces a folded note which she hands to Soar.
It reads:
Tobin:
”Ah, a fellow wizard,” thinks Tobin, likewise considering the name Iskander.
History rolled in game log: 20
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
(Rolled a 2 for insight in game log)
Bazavur, you can see that Sarel is looking pretty exhausted; it's hard to say anything further than that.
(Please roll for Tobin in the game log).
Swing just approaches the newcomer as she comes into rest “I can’t do much, but the high forest does give me some of its power. Hopefully this helps you.” He says mutter some words in elvish as he casts Cure Wounds on Sarel.
OOC:
Rolled a 10 in game log
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Varan brings over a plate with some light food and a cup of water, handing it over to Sarel. He reads the letter over someone's shoulder, "A wizard's tower. Might be some other goods in there to ste... acquire that can help us out. Anyone happen to know anythin' about this Xonthal’s Tower?" His eyes glint at the thought of what valuables a wizard's tower might have, and he scratches at the palm of one of his hands.
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Soar asks aloud if anyone has heard of Xonthal’s tower or knows where it is…
Anyone can make a History check if they wish. Please roll in the game log, and then post the outcome here. :)
Aiwin just shakes his head "Most of my time has been in the high forest."
OOC:
I rolled an 8
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Tobin considers if he has heard anything about this tower (History: 21).
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Bazavur likes the sound of the name of the tower as he racks his brain for more information. (History 17)