Individuals seemed to have come and gone in what she perceived to be a matter of moments. Fae could feel her ears flush, her heart flutter and her head begin to spin. She could sense herself become suddenly overwhelmed by the wealth of information and conversations taking place as if all at once. The wizard would clench her scarred hands and her eyes would dart around before she slams them shut.
You knew divination would test your mind. Breathe. Remember chronologically. Remain in the present.
Fae would breathe and mutter to herself as she processes, centering herself and her mind. It would take an awkward moment, but she would eventually exhale releasing her own grip. The wizard would open her eyes and look towards Yeemik. It'd look as if she were looking through him, at a memory behind her eyes, addressing his question. "The moment the spider revealed the situation with the dragon, I believed in the opportunity presented to us." She'd gesture to their talented charlatan.
Fae would then glance to Zeke and to Elra who brought the brazier. She'd turn to it, staring at the golden bowl, then through it, remembering what it looked like before the cleric began to clean it. "Elra... where did you find this?" She recognized it, it felt familiar. A wave of emotions related to the destroyed shrine that frequented her dreams washed over her. The familiar feelings of sorrow were present, but then, a feeling of hope stirred in her heart as she replayed the vision of Elra diligently cleaning the recovered brazier in her mind.
"Ethan, wait." The wizard would turn to the artificer as he's about to store the shield away in his gauntlet. She'd look to him then glance down at the shield, then through it as she replayed it's many questions through her mind. Fae would reach out to hover her hand over the shield's handprint as she thought out loud. A hint of a smile would creep up on her face, thinking she might be onto something (or going to make a fool of herself) "'If only I had a quill and some parchment for my notes... this must be studied. We must have the facts! '" Fae would repeat the words of the shield. "Does that not sound like Elra?" Or even myself? "Is he..." She'd look to the shield, "Are you a follower Oghma?" Further wondering if he could be a link to what happened to the shrine.
"Huh... oh," Elra looks down to the braizer, "I found it by the goblin's shrine to their god... so I was trying to drag it out. Zeke helped with that," She smiles. "Thanks again."
Zeke nods, 'Of course my friend, more than happy to help. I was often called upon to help move things at the temple as a boy. They had a name for that type of work - Strong Back, Simple Mind. It was part of my training to shut down everything around me and focus on the task at hand.'
Turning back to the goblins, the barbarian address Yeemik again 'Which brings me back to you Yeemik, what do I need to know to keep them safe from this dragon? How large is he? Does he breathe fire? Ice? Acid? Have you seen him use magic?'
Glaring down at the goblin, its clear the tiefling intends to extract the information he needs one way or another.
"He's HUGE! You guys are crazy. Why not just hide?" Yeemik tries to compose himself. "Ah, ok ok, I haven't seen him breath on anyone, well, not fire and stuff, you know. He's green though, if that matters. Not sure on magic. He just chomped on poor Ziebs."
Poor Gudren is a bit more willing to move around now if encouraged by the party but looks at everyone with wide, glassy eyes and a trembling lip. "Th-Tharden? N-Nundro?" He doesn't really react to specific questions or offers of his personal belongings back. The party can get him back into his clothes with a bit of effort, at least.
The shield responds to Ethan but then also Fae... "Attune? Attune! Very wise, a necessary step in proper analysis. As long as I'm not cursed. Wait, am I cursed? No, no, the evidence does not suggest... hidden? well if you insist, I shall continue my studies. If only I had a quill and... hmmm... I suppose that would not work, eh? Danger? What danger? What's happening? OH DEAR! ARE WE IN DANGER? Please... Please don't let them hurt me! Please don't let them hurt him!"
"Oh, hello! I'm...ah...um...hmmm... well hello! Oghma? Oh well I certainly developed an appreciation for Oghma in my studies but I grew up appreciating Corellon... OOH I remembered something! Corellon? Am I an elf? Was I an elf, that is? I should write this dow...oh. Hmmm."
Elra moves over to him and very gently tries to help him back into his clothes, "Come on, lets get you dressed. You've got to be freezing. Who are Tharden and Nundro?" she asks.
At the shields mention of possibly being cursed, Ethan replies,
"Oh, I hadn't considered you might be a cursed item...hmmm, it might be wise to have Elra do a full magical identify before I try any attunement."
At Fae's request, Ethan keeps the shield out as she asks her question.
"Don't worry, I am keeping record of what we learn, no need for pen and paper, not that you can use them in your current state, uh, sorry."
"So you where most likely an elf who followed Corellon and died in a battle, and that your death during the battle somehow caused you to be transferred into this shield."
"We still don't know your name yet, or how long you have been in this state. And we don't know how you were transferred into the shield and if there is anyway to restore you to your previous state, that was most likely, an elf."
Fae's head would tilt in curiosity to the shield's responses. She was not right, but she did feel positive for him remembering something about his identity. The scholar would smile and nod to Ethan, thanking him for giving her the opportunity to ask her delayed question and agreeing with him that it would definitely be wise for Elra to investigate it further for his safety.
Relieved to see Gundren finally coming around, she would still feel pain in her heart for all he's suffered and endured. Fae was seriously concerned about his mental state at this point. He's clearly distressed. She would offer to assist in handing Elra Grundren's supplies as she helped him, trying to provide as much space as possible.
As their attentive cleric continued to care for their traumatized companion, Fae would return to the conversation with Yeemik and Zeke. She'd look between them, then through them, her eyes darting a little bit as she sifted through her memories. The wizard would furrow her brows in thought, then glance over to Tarja, Arvel and the others, playing back scenes in her minds eye. "We've spotted the green dragon on our travels, and I believe there was evidence of poison at the caravan attacks... If I remember correctly, that investigation concluded that its a legendary poisonous beast." Fae would blink her eyes back into focus before looking up at Zeke. And if it's poison is anything like what Arvel suffered from the Spider, we will have to be careful. She'll think to herself as she glances back over to humble Elra naturally caring for Gundren. She's the only one who can neutralize the poison for us at this time. "We will have to keep her safe."
(For the life of me I swear we all did a check on learning more about green dragons in detail back at the caravans and I've gone back and can't find it lol But I was able to find the CIS scene. I swore Tarja and/or Elra had a great check. I could be imaging things. Wouldn't be the first lol If we haven't done a check specifically on the knowledge of green dragons, can I/we?)
(Ixi see your PM's for a possible reference to what you were trying to remember...)
I think we have enough scholars in the group, never mind the general interest among just about anyone with regard to dragons, that the party would know most basic, general information on green dragons including their typical alignment, physical appearance, demeanor, etc. Getting deep into specific history of various named green dragons, etc. would be a whole other thing, of course.
As Elra inquires further Gundren just looks up at her, appearing as if he might cry and pleads "Nundro?" (The names are a bit familiar to everyone in the party. (DC12 INT to remember) Tarja definitely knows without a roll.)
The shield keeps on rambling "yes, yes, we must carefully analyze all of the facts and build our base of knowledge on the subject at hand before we can form a proper hypothesis. Let's see where was I? The fear, yes, the fear, and the shadow, the shadow...shadow of what? It was large, oh and HOT! Yes hot! I was the shadow of, oh I'm so close..."
Suddenly there is a whooshing sound heard overhead and then the ground and the whole castle shake, dust falling from what is left of the collapses upper stories.
The shield finishes his thought "...a DRAGON!"
Yeemik looks to Arvel nervously says "I guess you're up, boss."
Nundro's not with us. We'll have you back with him soon. We'll get you safe to your brothers once we're out of here.
(To the rest of the party)
We can't leave Gundren alone here while we deal with this dragon. Elra, can you keep him close, keep an eye out? I have to go be a spider again...
Ugh, feels like just walking in to a hungry lion's den. I don't like this one bit.
Tarja clearly does not relish being up there with Arvel in front of the Dragon. She'll again turn into a Fiendish Giant Spider, but will wait to do that until the last possible moment before walking out (also so she gets to stay in the conversations with the party and the goblins until then :) )
Elra nods, "Ya, don't worry Gundren we'll get you back to your brothers,"she smiles at him, still trying to get his clothes back on him, gently trying to guide him back into them.
When Tarja mentions Elra staying behind with Gundren, she nods, hiding her disappointment that she doesn't get to see the dragon too, "Ya, I'll stay here with Gundren, I still need to finish cleaning off the brazier. We're going to have a fun time right!"
Zeke looks to Arvel and once he gets the signal he'll lead the procession out towards the dragon - intent on keeping himself between his friends and the scaly, poison breathing danger they are walking into.
"It's okay,"Elra says a Ethan sits down, "I've got Gundren here. But if you leave everything we haven't identified yet I can take a look at it while your with the dragon."
No matter how many times Fae's seen it now, it never ceases to amaze her how Tarja shifts. She'd watch Tarja skitter away, assuming her position next to the disguised Arvel. Fae would look to 'The Spider', flashing a vision of Arvel in his place in her minds eye. As confident and skilled as their charlatan is, a piece of her believed that he would perform even better knowing Elra was near. The scholar couldn't imagine leaving anyone out, especially if it meant losing out on Elra's desire to see a dragon. They're a team. No one gets left behind or forgotten.
Remembering the arrow slits in the walls, the wizard will run up to one, popping up on her tip toes to see how much she can see out. Fae will then turn around to face Ethan and Elra, "Perhaps there's a safe room that overlooks the meeting area so that you can keep Gundren safe, witness the dragon, and cheer Arvel on." She'd offer a smile to Elra. Elra could clean the brazier and identify the items from the location should she wish to do so.
One of the crumbling towers near the front (west side) of the castle could indeed offer a good vantage point of any exchange out from through arrow slits as suggested.
(Actually, regarding the dragon, anyone can make a Nature or History check to learn more. There are some things I plan to add to dragons in this game that may not be on the forgotten realms link I sent, and it would probably be unfair of me to give the PC's no opportunity to have known a few more general things.)
(More to post later today, but wanted to throw that check opportunity out there.)
Elra's eyes open up really wide, and she gets a little giddy. "Um, ya that could work!" She smiles. "Come on Gundren, we're going to go on a walk okay?"
(That's assuming Elra's gotten his clothes back on him at this point.)
Individuals seemed to have come and gone in what she perceived to be a matter of moments. Fae could feel her ears flush, her heart flutter and her head begin to spin. She could sense herself become suddenly overwhelmed by the wealth of information and conversations taking place as if all at once. The wizard would clench her scarred hands and her eyes would dart around before she slams them shut.
You knew divination would test your mind. Breathe. Remember chronologically. Remain in the present.
Fae would breathe and mutter to herself as she processes, centering herself and her mind. It would take an awkward moment, but she would eventually exhale releasing her own grip. The wizard would open her eyes and look towards Yeemik. It'd look as if she were looking through him, at a memory behind her eyes, addressing his question. "The moment the spider revealed the situation with the dragon, I believed in the opportunity presented to us." She'd gesture to their talented charlatan.
Fae would then glance to Zeke and to Elra who brought the brazier. She'd turn to it, staring at the golden bowl, then through it, remembering what it looked like before the cleric began to clean it. "Elra... where did you find this?" She recognized it, it felt familiar. A wave of emotions related to the destroyed shrine that frequented her dreams washed over her. The familiar feelings of sorrow were present, but then, a feeling of hope stirred in her heart as she replayed the vision of Elra diligently cleaning the recovered brazier in her mind.
"Ethan, wait." The wizard would turn to the artificer as he's about to store the shield away in his gauntlet. She'd look to him then glance down at the shield, then through it as she replayed it's many questions through her mind. Fae would reach out to hover her hand over the shield's handprint as she thought out loud. A hint of a smile would creep up on her face, thinking she might be onto something (or going to make a fool of herself) "'If only I had a quill and some parchment for my notes... this must be studied. We must have the facts! '" Fae would repeat the words of the shield. "Does that not sound like Elra?" Or even myself? "Is he..." She'd look to the shield, "Are you a follower Oghma?" Further wondering if he could be a link to what happened to the shrine.
just an unstable unicorn.
"Huh... oh," Elra looks down to the braizer, "I found it by the goblin's shrine to their god... so I was trying to drag it out. Zeke helped with that," She smiles. "Thanks again."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Zeke nods, 'Of course my friend, more than happy to help. I was often called upon to help move things at the temple as a boy. They had a name for that type of work - Strong Back, Simple Mind. It was part of my training to shut down everything around me and focus on the task at hand.'
Turning back to the goblins, the barbarian address Yeemik again 'Which brings me back to you Yeemik, what do I need to know to keep them safe from this dragon? How large is he? Does he breathe fire? Ice? Acid? Have you seen him use magic?'
Glaring down at the goblin, its clear the tiefling intends to extract the information he needs one way or another.
"He's HUGE! You guys are crazy. Why not just hide?" Yeemik tries to compose himself. "Ah, ok ok, I haven't seen him breath on anyone, well, not fire and stuff, you know. He's green though, if that matters. Not sure on magic. He just chomped on poor Ziebs."
Poor Gudren is a bit more willing to move around now if encouraged by the party but looks at everyone with wide, glassy eyes and a trembling lip. "Th-Tharden? N-Nundro?" He doesn't really react to specific questions or offers of his personal belongings back. The party can get him back into his clothes with a bit of effort, at least.
The shield responds to Ethan but then also Fae... "Attune? Attune! Very wise, a necessary step in proper analysis. As long as I'm not cursed. Wait, am I cursed? No, no, the evidence does not suggest... hidden? well if you insist, I shall continue my studies. If only I had a quill and... hmmm... I suppose that would not work, eh? Danger? What danger? What's happening? OH DEAR! ARE WE IN DANGER? Please... Please don't let them hurt me! Please don't let them hurt him!"
"Oh, hello! I'm...ah...um...hmmm... well hello! Oghma? Oh well I certainly developed an appreciation for Oghma in my studies but I grew up appreciating Corellon... OOH I remembered something! Corellon? Am I an elf? Was I an elf, that is? I should write this dow...oh. Hmmm."
(Inspiration to Fae!)
Elra moves over to him and very gently tries to help him back into his clothes, "Come on, lets get you dressed. You've got to be freezing. Who are Tharden and Nundro?" she asks.
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
At the shields mention of possibly being cursed, Ethan replies,
"Oh, I hadn't considered you might be a cursed item...hmmm, it might be wise to have Elra do a full magical identify before I try any attunement."
At Fae's request, Ethan keeps the shield out as she asks her question.
"Don't worry, I am keeping record of what we learn, no need for pen and paper, not that you can use them in your current state, uh, sorry."
"So you where most likely an elf who followed Corellon and died in a battle, and that your death during the battle somehow caused you to be transferred into this shield."
"We still don't know your name yet, or how long you have been in this state. And we don't know how you were transferred into the shield and if there is anyway to restore you to your previous state, that was most likely, an elf."
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Fae's head would tilt in curiosity to the shield's responses. She was not right, but she did feel positive for him remembering something about his identity. The scholar would smile and nod to Ethan, thanking him for giving her the opportunity to ask her delayed question and agreeing with him that it would definitely be wise for Elra to investigate it further for his safety.
Relieved to see Gundren finally coming around, she would still feel pain in her heart for all he's suffered and endured. Fae was seriously concerned about his mental state at this point. He's clearly distressed. She would offer to assist in handing Elra Grundren's supplies as she helped him, trying to provide as much space as possible.
As their attentive cleric continued to care for their traumatized companion, Fae would return to the conversation with Yeemik and Zeke. She'd look between them, then through them, her eyes darting a little bit as she sifted through her memories. The wizard would furrow her brows in thought, then glance over to Tarja, Arvel and the others, playing back scenes in her minds eye. "We've spotted the green dragon on our travels, and I believe there was evidence of poison at the caravan attacks... If I remember correctly, that investigation concluded that its a legendary poisonous beast." Fae would blink her eyes back into focus before looking up at Zeke. And if it's poison is anything like what Arvel suffered from the Spider, we will have to be careful. She'll think to herself as she glances back over to humble Elra naturally caring for Gundren. She's the only one who can neutralize the poison for us at this time. "We will have to keep her safe."
(For the life of me I swear we all did a check on learning more about green dragons in detail back at the caravans and I've gone back and can't find it lol But I was able to find the CIS scene. I swore Tarja and/or Elra had a great check. I could be imaging things. Wouldn't be the first lol If we haven't done a check specifically on the knowledge of green dragons, can I/we?)
just an unstable unicorn.
(Ixi see your PM's for a possible reference to what you were trying to remember...)
I think we have enough scholars in the group, never mind the general interest among just about anyone with regard to dragons, that the party would know most basic, general information on green dragons including their typical alignment, physical appearance, demeanor, etc. Getting deep into specific history of various named green dragons, etc. would be a whole other thing, of course.
https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Green_dragon
As Elra inquires further Gundren just looks up at her, appearing as if he might cry and pleads "Nundro?" (The names are a bit familiar to everyone in the party. (DC12 INT to remember) Tarja definitely knows without a roll.)
The shield keeps on rambling "yes, yes, we must carefully analyze all of the facts and build our base of knowledge on the subject at hand before we can form a proper hypothesis. Let's see where was I? The fear, yes, the fear, and the shadow, the shadow...shadow of what? It was large, oh and HOT! Yes hot! I was the shadow of, oh I'm so close..."
Suddenly there is a whooshing sound heard overhead and then the ground and the whole castle shake, dust falling from what is left of the collapses upper stories.
The shield finishes his thought "...a DRAGON!"
Yeemik looks to Arvel nervously says "I guess you're up, boss."
Intelligence Check: 17
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Nundro's not with us. We'll have you back with him soon. We'll get you safe to your brothers once we're out of here.
(To the rest of the party)
We can't leave Gundren alone here while we deal with this dragon. Elra, can you keep him close, keep an eye out? I have to go be a spider again...
Ugh, feels like just walking in to a hungry lion's den. I don't like this one bit.
Tarja clearly does not relish being up there with Arvel in front of the Dragon. She'll again turn into a Fiendish Giant Spider, but will wait to do that until the last possible moment before walking out (also so she gets to stay in the conversations with the party and the goblins until then :) )
Elra nods, "Ya, don't worry Gundren we'll get you back to your brothers," she smiles at him, still trying to get his clothes back on him, gently trying to guide him back into them.
When Tarja mentions Elra staying behind with Gundren, she nods, hiding her disappointment that she doesn't get to see the dragon too, "Ya, I'll stay here with Gundren, I still need to finish cleaning off the brazier. We're going to have a fun time right!"
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Zeke looks to Arvel and once he gets the signal he'll lead the procession out towards the dragon - intent on keeping himself between his friends and the scaly, poison breathing danger they are walking into.
Ethan ducks reflexively, as the shield mentions a dragon and something huge shakes the castle.
"Sorry, no time now, but we will study your situation more later."
Ethan pops the shield into his gauntlet and then picks up the last few items yet to be assessed, popping them into his gauntlet as well.
Ethan calls his Eldritch Canon down from the wall and lets it climb up onto his shoulder.
Ethan joins the others who are getting ready to move out to deal with the dragon.
DM, roughly how long has it been since the fight with Grol? the Eldritch Canon last 1 hour from summons
Summary of items found so far:
Elra:
Tarja:
Fae:
Ethan:
Not claimed yet:
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
"Ethan you could leave the shield with me and I can take a look at it while you guys go to meet the dragon," Elra offers.
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
"Oh, you're not coming?"
Ethan looks at the others, giving an enquiring look to Zeke.
"Maybe I should stay as well? I don't think anyone should be alone."
Ethan commands his Elditch Canon to climb down from his shoulder, as he walks over to Elra.
Ethan opens his gauntlet and pulls out the shield.
Ethan places the shield down next to Elra, as he sits down himself.
"Do we want to have a look at the other sword and chain shirt while we wait?"
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
"It's okay," Elra says a Ethan sits down, "I've got Gundren here. But if you leave everything we haven't identified yet I can take a look at it while your with the dragon."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
No matter how many times Fae's seen it now, it never ceases to amaze her how Tarja shifts. She'd watch Tarja skitter away, assuming her position next to the disguised Arvel. Fae would look to 'The Spider', flashing a vision of Arvel in his place in her minds eye. As confident and skilled as their charlatan is, a piece of her believed that he would perform even better knowing Elra was near. The scholar couldn't imagine leaving anyone out, especially if it meant losing out on Elra's desire to see a dragon. They're a team. No one gets left behind or forgotten.
Remembering the arrow slits in the walls, the wizard will run up to one, popping up on her tip toes to see how much she can see out. Fae will then turn around to face Ethan and Elra, "Perhaps there's a safe room that overlooks the meeting area so that you can keep Gundren safe, witness the dragon, and cheer Arvel on." She'd offer a smile to Elra. Elra could clean the brazier and identify the items from the location should she wish to do so.
just an unstable unicorn.
One of the crumbling towers near the front (west side) of the castle could indeed offer a good vantage point of any exchange out from through arrow slits as suggested.
(Actually, regarding the dragon, anyone can make a Nature or History check to learn more. There are some things I plan to add to dragons in this game that may not be on the forgotten realms link I sent, and it would probably be unfair of me to give the PC's no opportunity to have known a few more general things.)
(More to post later today, but wanted to throw that check opportunity out there.)
History: 14
Elra's eyes open up really wide, and she gets a little giddy. "Um, ya that could work!" She smiles. "Come on Gundren, we're going to go on a walk okay?"
(That's assuming Elra's gotten his clothes back on him at this point.)
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard