'Yes, Master Artificer we will need restraints to keep him from hurting himself or others. Otherwise i will be forced to make good on a promise I made him....'
Fae would step forward. She'd gently place a hand on Zeke's arm that was restraining Arvel. There were no words. It was just a small gesture of reassurance that she remembered, and she understood. They were going to figure it out.
Fae would then move to offer Ethan assistance with retrieving Arvel's items. She'd glance over her shoulder to Tarja giving her a nod of her head in agreement about the staff. They were about to handle it. Looking back to the artificer, Fae would add to the suggestion, "Do you have the cloth this originally was wrapped in?" He must have. Ethan kept everything. Tucking her hands in her sleeves, Fae would relieve the rod from Arvel's person using her robes to protect her skin from touching its surface for too long as Ethan searched and prepared the cloth for them to wrap it in.
"Once we have Arvel settled, I'm happy to share the notes I was just reviewing downstairs that were related to where Reidoth might have be going last." Fae would mention to Tarja. She didn't want to discuss it in front of him just in case, unfortunately.
Ethanlooks at the magical rod, remade from the pieces of other shattered rods.
"I suppose there could be a kind of leak, caused by the shattered nature of its construction."
"Hhhmmm..."
Ethanstarts to loose himself in thought for a moment, but Quinnstirs on his shoulder, bringing him back to the present.
Securing the rod away, Ethanlets out a sigh, as he begins pulling out tools and materials to fashion secure restrains for Arvel.
Looking up at Zekeand the others, Ethanremarks,
"Oh, um we should probably get him out of the armour as well. It has great illusion magic in it and I don't think we want him making use of that."
Ethanstarts putting together a couple of metal hands and attaching them to metal rods, so it looks like he has a couple of rigid puppet arms.
Quinnjoins him in his work, grabbing tools or materials and handing them to Ethan, as he needs them.
Next Ethanattaches various leather strips to the fingers, the hands and the arms he created.
"Right, so we bind these to his arms and then secure his hands and fingers as well. That way he cant move his fingers or wrists to cast spells."
Next Ethanstitches together various leather scraps to make a mask that will securely cover from just under Arvel's nose, to well under his chin, and from one ear all the way around to the other.
The mask has straps that come together back behind his head, some high, some low, to keep the fit secure.
"Um, this one should stop Arvelfrom being able to speak at all."
Ethanlooks thoroughly miserable, having had to use his crafting skills to create something to restrain one of his friends.
Ethanshows Zekeand the others how to attach the restraints, once they are ready to secure Arvel, but his normal enthusiasm is gone and he seems very melancholy.
With his restraints on and bound hand and foot and with an evil look in his eye, Arvelalmost certainly looks a little like Hannibal Lecter
Although, the mask doesn't cover his nose, but does fully cover his mouth.
The hand restrains is kind of like this, only there are individual rods for each finger and Velcro hasn't been invented yet :P.
Soon Arvel is bound like those kept at mental asylums that no one ever speaks of, some kept that way to prevent them from hurting others, some from hurting themselves.
The group is then left with the decision of where to keep him, if they'll feed him and give him water, and what to do with him long term.
(If you wish to relocate him before making a scene with the Hannibal Lecter setup and then apply Ethan's creations, that works too.)
Zeke carefully works to remove Arvel's armor without disrupting the hold of the chain, working with Tarja to ensure Arvel can't get free. Once the wizard's armor is off and safely in Ethan's hands, the barbarian drags their friend down the stairs and across town into the small jail cell the town maintains.
As the artificer binds up their friend, Zeke let's out the smallest sigh of relief as he coils and stows his new weapon. He'd thought to use it to pull a Dragon from the sky, to let Arvel and the others banish such a creature from this world. Instead, the first time he had used it was to restrain one of his most trusted allies, a friend and comrade he trusted. He only hoped they could find a way to break whatever has gripped his friend.
As Zekeand Ethan exit the cell and Zekecoils up his chain, Ethanperks up a little,
"Um, before everything, I mean, with Arvel, I was working on an idea for a mechanism to make using that chain easier."
"I had the idea to maybe try and copy the magic that makes your telescoping weapon work, to allow you to reel in the chain, once you had thrown the chain out."
"And then the idea kind of morphed to include the ability to cast the chain out like a fishing line and well, I was hoping you could take a look at the design and see what you thought."
Ethan's words spill out of him like a waterfall, eager to be thinking and talking about something other than Arvel's situation.
Ethanpulls his designs book out of his gauntlet and begins flicking through the pages
Quinnis still perched on Ethan's shoulder, watching Zekeand examining the design as Ethanbegins shows it off.
"So here are the main sketches of the design..."
Ethanshows a rough sketch of a humanoid torso with the arms outstretched but disappearing by the time they get to the elbows.
There is a disc-like object drawn in detail tucked in, in front of and under, one of the arms, with a harness reaching up and around the torso.
On the opposite page there is another drawing, this time from behind, that shows a channel running from the disc, up and then along the arm, out to the wrist.
Think, kind of like this, but for a chain:
But more like this in size (20-25cm/8-10in diameter):
Mounted into a harness kind of like this:
"So the idea is, if you twist this clockwise..."
Ethanindicates a dial in the centre of the disc-like object.
"...the chain will retract into the housing. This would be using the same magic that is in your telescoping weapon."
"Then, when you turn it counter-clockwise, it releases the chain, letting some of it out and removing any resistance to extracting more by pulling."
"So the chain goes along inside this channel, its a little like the one you use for your shield, and comes out at the wrist."
"There would be a weighted stop in the last loop of the chain, to stop it retracting down the channel any further, and when you swing the chain around, the weight should help you cast it out like a fishing line."
Ethanpulls out a small section of rope and demonstrates where the chain would come out when released, holding the rope to his wrist, letting about 2ft hang down.
Ethanthen scoops the loose end of rope into his free hand and begins swinging the rope around, over his head.
"So, kind of like this."
"Then, when your finished with the chain, or if you miss your target, you just let go of it and twist the control clockwise again, to cause it to reel back in automatically."
"I think it should allow you to make use of the chain, while also still being able to use your shield."
Quinnchitters from his perch on Ethan's shoulder,
"Ο πιο εντυπωσιακός κύριος, είσαι πολύ έξυπνος!"
"Most impressive master, you are very smart!"
Quinnlooks at Zeke, squinting his eyes at him,
"Είστε βέβαιοι ότι αυτό μπορεί να εμπιστευτεί τα υπέροχα σχέδιά σας; Έχει αναξιόπιστα μάτια, ακόμα κι αν τα φτερά του είναι μεγάλα και μεγαλοπρεπή."
"Και φαίνεται επικίνδυνος, είσαι βέβαιος ότι δεν θα σε ενεργοποιήσει, όπως αυτός;"
"Are you sure this one can be trusted with your great designs? He has untrustworthy eyes, even if his wings are large and majestic."
"And he looks dangerous, are you sure he wont turn on you, like that other one?"
Quinngestures with one of his tiny arms in the direction of Arvel's cell.
Ethanturns to look at his little humonculus.
"What is wrong with you, these are my friends, I don't want you talking like that, about them."
Ethanlooks back at Arvel's cell, a look of concern on his face.
"I don't think Arvelis ok, I think maybe Tarjaand Faeare right, that Arvelmight be under the control of some bad magic."
Ethan's gaze lingers on the cell, as he stands lost in thought.
Zeke smiles as Ethan reverts to form and begins prattling on about his plans and designs. He'd be happy to use anything the Master Artificer created of course, but he was happier to see his friend distracted - even if just for a moment - from the horror of losing their friend in the way they had.
With Arvel locked up, Elra kind of looses focus on everything else. She can be scene furiously writing in her journal, before she tears out the page and puts it in her pocket.
Tarja is thankful that Fae has some good notes - maybe she should learn to do that? She would usually trust her instincts rather than careful note-taking and planning, but this was definitely a time those instincts had led her astray, so it was good to check!
Yes, if you know anything about his whereabouts, that would be a good start!
Once Zeke and Ethan had left, with Arvel secure, she would relax and talk more freely.
I hope Reidoth is doing well, with forces like this after him. We need to get to him first!
Fae would let out a soft exhale. This whole situation was unpleasant for everyone. Each one of them has been affected by this and has had to participate in some way. Fae was not proud that she had to use her magic to invade Arvel’s mind, but it was a decision, just like the others, made with thought and care. They wouldn’t have done any of it if it wasn’t logical or didn’t feel necessary... But it was not any easier. We will figure it out...
The wizard was tempted to follow Ethan, Quinn and Zeke while they secured Arvel, just in case. But maybe it was best for her to stay out of the way and let them finalize the details. They’d definitely be okay without her magic with the Master Artificer’s crafting expertise. Besides, it was absolutely a good opportunity to review things with Tarja and to stay close to Elra, Gundren and Garaele. Fae would pull out her notes and share with Tarja and Elra. She’d point to a specific line, “I believe his last known potential destination was the forest to the North West.”
Druid Reidoth Rizen mentioned him on their first contact Carp mentioned him to Tarja Tarja has mentioned him as well before ‘Strange and scary things in the ruined town of Thundertree’ Forest to the North West Reidoth considered investigating Dendrar family mentioned being prodded for information about Reidoth Could Denrar related to the druid?
A duo of Sildar and Daran Edermath, the elven orchard owner, a pair that seems to have quickly bonded since your initial arrival in Phandalin only days ago, is once again in the town square when Zeke and the others emerge with a bound Arvel.
"What happened?" they ask, a bit shocked.
Explanation or no, seeing Zeke take Arvel to the cells at the townmaster's hall Sildar asks "do we need to keep a watch on him?""Doesn't look like he's going anywhere," adds Daran, referencing Ethan's bindings.
Prior to Ethan and Zeke finishing securing Arvel in his cell
"Oh yes, I mean, maybe not every minute, that seems like a lot, but regular checks to make sure he is still bound would be a good idea."
"And I would suggest more than one person is present when checking his cell."
"One person to watch the cell, while the other pokes him with a stick, just to make sure he is still bound."
"He knows illusion magic's and if he gets free of his bonds, he may try to make use of them, to try and escape."
"Also, when feeding him, I would suggest 3 people, one to watch the cell, one to remove the gag, ready to put it back as soon as he's done, and the last to actually feed him."
"He has a familiar, well, I think Krikkit is a familiar, but he's not like normal familiars, he has hands and wings and can speak, but most importantly, he can turn invisible."
"So I would suggest not hanging the key to Arvel's cell where it can just be picked up."
Ethan looks sadly at Arvel, as he and Zeke move him to his cell.
"We don't know what happened to him, maybe it's some bad magic that is controlling him, but we cant figure it out."
"Maybe he will come right in a few days, I just...I don't know what to do..."
Ethan goes quiet while the group finishes securing Arvel in his cell.
After Ethan shows his new design to Zeke
"Um, so anyway, I would need some time with your telescoping weapon handle, before I could finish the design."
"I need to copy all of the sigils in its design, so I can work out how to make the slight directional adjustment and then try and recreate it for the heart of the chain retractor."
"So, maybe one time, when you don't mind, I can study it and then go from there?"
Ethan looks around at their location before remarking.
"Should we get back to the others? Check how things are going there?"
Quinn flits over to the centre of Ethan's back and griping on and transforms himself into his small pack form, again making it look like Ethan has a small set of wings.
Zeke would nod solemnly as Ethan outlines the precautions that should be taken around Arvel for the foreseeable future. 'He is still our comrade and friend, but we fear he has been seized by forces beyond our ken and control for now. If you could help keep him safe while we work out what to do, we would be in your debt.'
As the artificer tallks of sigil and designs, the barbarian would smile again and draw his blade, twirling it neatly on his fist and offering it hilt first to his friend. 'My blade - or it's hilt - are always at your service - whether to strike down an enemy, or help further your knowledge. Simply tell me when and where you'd like to borrow it and it is yours.
"Oh, um, ok, well lets head back to the others and see how things are, and then maybe I can have a look at the mechanism tonight."
Ethanstartsheading back to the inn, to check on everyone else.
As they travel together, Ethansuddenly stops.
"Did I introduce you to Quinn?! I forgot didn't I?! Quinn!"
Quinntransforms back to his normal form and detaches from Ethan's back, coming to flit and float next to Ethan's shoulder.
"Zeke, this is Quinn. Quinn, this is Zeke."
"Quinnis my new homunculus. I created him this afternoon, well I had most of the design already worked out, but it wasn't until I was able to transfer the power source from the dysfunctional bag of holding, that I was able to, well, power him."
"Zekeis one of my friends, he is strong and an excellent martial combat expert, and he has some really exquisitely designed and constructed gadgets."
Ethanindicates Zeke's telescoping sword and shield mechanism.
"Now you be nice to him and if anything happens to me, you should find him to get help, ok?"
Quinn, still giving Zekea squinty look of suspicion, chitters a reply.
"Φαίνεται ότι μπορούσε εύκολα να με σκουριάσει, αλλά αν λες ότι είναι εντάξει, θα προσπαθήσω να σε πιστέψω."
"Τα φτερά του είναι πολύ μεγάλα και εκφοβιστικά, θα ήθελα φτερά σαν αυτά."
"He does look like he could quite easily squash me master, but if you say he is ok, I will try to believe you."
"His wings are very large and intimidating, I would like wings like those."
Quinngives Ethana hopeful look with his last remark.
"I'm sorry Quinn, but while I could redesign your physical body, your mind has been constructed with the knowledge to use insect style wings."
"To fix that, well that would require a complete rebuild, you wouldn't be you anymore."
"Besides, I like your wings Quinn."
Quinnlooks longingly at Zeke's wings, before turning at the mention of Ethanliking Quinn's wings.
"Αν σου αρέσει ο κύριος των φτερών μου, τότε μου αρέσουν επίσης."
"If you like my wings master, then I like them too."
Quinnlooks back at Zeke.
"Αλλά μου αρέσουν επίσης τα φτερά του."
"But I also like his wings as well."
Ethangrins and remarks to Zeke, as the trio continue heading back to the inn.
"He says he quite like's your wings. He says they are large and intimidating."
As Ethan translates for his strange companion, Zeke chuckles and smiles a bit. 'You needn't be jealous of my wings little friend, for while they are large they are quite useless.' The tiefling flares them out to their full size, curling them ever so slightly to emphasize the small talon at the apex of each wing.
'I'd much rather have small delicate wings like yours if they let me fly like yours. I'm glad you have yours Quinn, especially if they help keep our Artificer safe'
At the mention of keeping Ethan safe, Quinn's left forearm and hand, transform into a tiny force blaster, very similar in stylings to the one on Ethan'sEldritch Cannon.
"Θα πολεμήσω όποιον προσπαθεί να βλάψει τον αφέντη!"
"I will fight anyone who tries to hurt the master!"
Quinn waves the weapon around as he chitters energetically.
Ethan waves Quinn down.
"It's ok Quinn, we are safe for now."
Quinn's forearm and hand transform back to normal, and he gives a nod of finality and a grunt.
As the trio return to the inn, Ethan checks in to see how everyone is, heading up to Gundren's room.
Back in Gundren's room, Tarja goes over Fae's notes, keeping an eye on Gundren the whole time. Though Elra seems to be taking great care of him.
It seems that Thundertree could be a good place to try to find Reidoth, before the Black Spider and his ilk do. Reidoth would probably be somewhere in the woods, but the woods are too big to search without a better lead - maybe we could find that in Thundertree.
Now that you've laid it all in notes, it seems that so many leads point to Reidoth... I hope he hasn't gotten himself into more trouble than he can handle! But maybe we all have, with the Black Spider... Poor Gundren surely did.
Zeke nods solemnly at Quinn's chattering and takes careful note of the creature's armament. 'I'm glad for the extra firepower Master Artificer, for I fear our biggest challenges lay in front of us - and while I know this will all end in ruin, I would wish to keep the worst of it from you'
Fae would nod along with Tarja's thoughts as she'd suggest Thundertree as a starting point. It logically made sense to start there for some more information instead of wondering around in the woods, even with the teams skills. As Tarja would mention her sympathies for Gundren, Fae would remember the response she received from Arvel, sharing the moment of reflection with the druid for what Gundren suffered... he was severely tortured...
"Do you know the way to Thundertree Tarja?" Fae'd ask.
"Um, Arvelis secured, and Sildarand Daranare going to organize for him to be looked after."
"How is everyone? How are Gundrenand Sister Garaele?"
"Oh and I forgot to introduce Quinnto everyone before. Faehas already met him and I introduced him to Zeke, on the way back."
"Elra, Tarja, this is Quinn."
Ethanholds his hand out to the side and Quinnflies around from behind Ethan, to flit and float beside him.
"He is my new homuculus."
"Quinnthis is Elraand Tarja. They are two more of my friends, so be nice to them, ok?"
"Elrais a holy warrior of knowledge, which is really cool and Tarjais a druid and can transform into animals, which is also very cool."
"And you remember Fae, she is a wizard and has been very helpful with some of my work."
Ethangives Faea sheepish look.
"Um, I'm sorry about what Quinnsaid earlier, I didn't realize, um, about, you know..."
Ethanwaves in the direction of Fae's hands.
"...anyway, sorry if either of us has hurt you, I'm not always very observant with some thing's, sorry."
"Besides, I'm used to scares..."
Ethantakes off his right hand glove, the opposite one to his gauntleted hand, showing various small scares.
With a closer look, you can see that there are many small nicks and cuts, small spot burns and even some small faint blotches of green and purple discoloration.
Ethan's hands, are the hands of a broadly practiced crafter.
Quinnlooks around the group of people Ethanhas indicated are his friends.
"Πρέπει να είμαι καλός σε αυτούς, και είναι φίλοι σας, και δεν περιμένουν μόνο να σας προδώσουν;"
"Εντάξει κύριε, θα το θυμάμαι."
"Δεν είμαι απόλυτα πεπεισμένος ότι είναι ασφαλείς, οπότε θα τους παρακολουθώ, για κάθε περίπτωση, αλλά θα είμαι καλός."
"I am to be nice to these ones, and they are your friends, and they are not just waiting to betray you?"
"Ok master, I will remember."
"I am not completely convinced they are safe, so I will keep an eye on them, just in case, but I will be nice."
"So does anyone need me for anything? If not, I have some more things I would like to work on tonight."
Ethangives Zekea nod, indicating getting the details from his telescoping sword.
'Yes, Master Artificer we will need restraints to keep him from hurting himself or others. Otherwise i will be forced to make good on a promise I made him....'
Fae would step forward. She'd gently place a hand on Zeke's arm that was restraining Arvel. There were no words. It was just a small gesture of reassurance that she remembered, and she understood. They were going to figure it out.
Fae would then move to offer Ethan assistance with retrieving Arvel's items. She'd glance over her shoulder to Tarja giving her a nod of her head in agreement about the staff. They were about to handle it. Looking back to the artificer, Fae would add to the suggestion, "Do you have the cloth this originally was wrapped in?" He must have. Ethan kept everything. Tucking her hands in her sleeves, Fae would relieve the rod from Arvel's person using her robes to protect her skin from touching its surface for too long as Ethan searched and prepared the cloth for them to wrap it in.
"Once we have Arvel settled, I'm happy to share the notes I was just reviewing downstairs that were related to where Reidoth might have be going last." Fae would mention to Tarja. She didn't want to discuss it in front of him just in case, unfortunately.
just an unstable unicorn.
Ethan looks between Tarja and Fae,
"Oh, you think the rod might be cursed?"
Ethan looks at the magical rod, remade from the pieces of other shattered rods.
"I suppose there could be a kind of leak, caused by the shattered nature of its construction."
"Hhhmmm..."
Ethan starts to loose himself in thought for a moment, but Quinn stirs on his shoulder, bringing him back to the present.
Securing the rod away, Ethan lets out a sigh, as he begins pulling out tools and materials to fashion secure restrains for Arvel.
Looking up at Zeke and the others, Ethan remarks,
"Oh, um we should probably get him out of the armour as well. It has great illusion magic in it and I don't think we want him making use of that."
Ethan starts putting together a couple of metal hands and attaching them to metal rods, so it looks like he has a couple of rigid puppet arms.
Quinn joins him in his work, grabbing tools or materials and handing them to Ethan, as he needs them.
Next Ethan attaches various leather strips to the fingers, the hands and the arms he created.
"Right, so we bind these to his arms and then secure his hands and fingers as well. That way he cant move his fingers or wrists to cast spells."
Next Ethan stitches together various leather scraps to make a mask that will securely cover from just under Arvel's nose, to well under his chin, and from one ear all the way around to the other.
The mask has straps that come together back behind his head, some high, some low, to keep the fit secure.
"Um, this one should stop Arvel from being able to speak at all."
Ethan looks thoroughly miserable, having had to use his crafting skills to create something to restrain one of his friends.
Ethan shows Zeke and the others how to attach the restraints, once they are ready to secure Arvel, but his normal enthusiasm is gone and he seems very melancholy.
With his restraints on and bound hand and foot and with an evil look in his eye, Arvel almost certainly looks a little like Hannibal Lecter
Although, the mask doesn't cover his nose, but does fully cover his mouth.
The hand restrains is kind of like this, only there are individual rods for each finger and Velcro hasn't been invented yet :P.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Soon Arvel is bound like those kept at mental asylums that no one ever speaks of, some kept that way to prevent them from hurting others, some from hurting themselves.
The group is then left with the decision of where to keep him, if they'll feed him and give him water, and what to do with him long term.
(If you wish to relocate him before making a scene with the Hannibal Lecter setup and then apply Ethan's creations, that works too.)
Zeke carefully works to remove Arvel's armor without disrupting the hold of the chain, working with Tarja to ensure Arvel can't get free. Once the wizard's armor is off and safely in Ethan's hands, the barbarian drags their friend down the stairs and across town into the small jail cell the town maintains.
As the artificer binds up their friend, Zeke let's out the smallest sigh of relief as he coils and stows his new weapon. He'd thought to use it to pull a Dragon from the sky, to let Arvel and the others banish such a creature from this world. Instead, the first time he had used it was to restrain one of his most trusted allies, a friend and comrade he trusted. He only hoped they could find a way to break whatever has gripped his friend.
As Zeke and Ethan exit the cell and Zeke coils up his chain, Ethan perks up a little,
"Um, before everything, I mean, with Arvel, I was working on an idea for a mechanism to make using that chain easier."
"I had the idea to maybe try and copy the magic that makes your telescoping weapon work, to allow you to reel in the chain, once you had thrown the chain out."
"And then the idea kind of morphed to include the ability to cast the chain out like a fishing line and well, I was hoping you could take a look at the design and see what you thought."
Ethan's words spill out of him like a waterfall, eager to be thinking and talking about something other than Arvel's situation.
Ethan pulls his designs book out of his gauntlet and begins flicking through the pages
Quinn is still perched on Ethan's shoulder, watching Zeke and examining the design as Ethan begins shows it off.
"So here are the main sketches of the design..."
Ethan shows a rough sketch of a humanoid torso with the arms outstretched but disappearing by the time they get to the elbows.
There is a disc-like object drawn in detail tucked in, in front of and under, one of the arms, with a harness reaching up and around the torso.
On the opposite page there is another drawing, this time from behind, that shows a channel running from the disc, up and then along the arm, out to the wrist.
Think, kind of like this, but for a chain:
But more like this in size (20-25cm/8-10in diameter):
Mounted into a harness kind of like this:
"So the idea is, if you twist this clockwise..."
Ethan indicates a dial in the centre of the disc-like object.
"...the chain will retract into the housing. This would be using the same magic that is in your telescoping weapon."
"Then, when you turn it counter-clockwise, it releases the chain, letting some of it out and removing any resistance to extracting more by pulling."
"So the chain goes along inside this channel, its a little like the one you use for your shield, and comes out at the wrist."
"There would be a weighted stop in the last loop of the chain, to stop it retracting down the channel any further, and when you swing the chain around, the weight should help you cast it out like a fishing line."
Ethan pulls out a small section of rope and demonstrates where the chain would come out when released, holding the rope to his wrist, letting about 2ft hang down.
Ethan then scoops the loose end of rope into his free hand and begins swinging the rope around, over his head.
"So, kind of like this."
"Then, when your finished with the chain, or if you miss your target, you just let go of it and twist the control clockwise again, to cause it to reel back in automatically."
"I think it should allow you to make use of the chain, while also still being able to use your shield."
Quinn chitters from his perch on Ethan's shoulder,
"Ο πιο εντυπωσιακός κύριος, είσαι πολύ έξυπνος!"
"Most impressive master, you are very smart!"
Quinn looks at Zeke, squinting his eyes at him,
"Είστε βέβαιοι ότι αυτό μπορεί να εμπιστευτεί τα υπέροχα σχέδιά σας; Έχει αναξιόπιστα μάτια, ακόμα κι αν τα φτερά του είναι μεγάλα και μεγαλοπρεπή."
"Και φαίνεται επικίνδυνος, είσαι βέβαιος ότι δεν θα σε ενεργοποιήσει, όπως αυτός;"
"Are you sure this one can be trusted with your great designs? He has untrustworthy eyes, even if his wings are large and majestic."
"And he looks dangerous, are you sure he wont turn on you, like that other one?"
Quinn gestures with one of his tiny arms in the direction of Arvel's cell.
Ethan turns to look at his little humonculus.
"What is wrong with you, these are my friends, I don't want you talking like that, about them."
Ethan looks back at Arvel's cell, a look of concern on his face.
"I don't think Arvel is ok, I think maybe Tarja and Fae are right, that Arvel might be under the control of some bad magic."
Ethan's gaze lingers on the cell, as he stands lost in thought.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Zeke smiles as Ethan reverts to form and begins prattling on about his plans and designs. He'd be happy to use anything the Master Artificer created of course, but he was happier to see his friend distracted - even if just for a moment - from the horror of losing their friend in the way they had.
With Arvel locked up, Elra kind of looses focus on everything else. She can be scene furiously writing in her journal, before she tears out the page and puts it in her pocket.
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
Tarja is thankful that Fae has some good notes - maybe she should learn to do that? She would usually trust her instincts rather than careful note-taking and planning, but this was definitely a time those instincts had led her astray, so it was good to check!
Yes, if you know anything about his whereabouts, that would be a good start!
Once Zeke and Ethan had left, with Arvel secure, she would relax and talk more freely.
I hope Reidoth is doing well, with forces like this after him. We need to get to him first!
Fae would let out a soft exhale. This whole situation was unpleasant for everyone. Each one of them has been affected by this and has had to participate in some way. Fae was not proud that she had to use her magic to invade Arvel’s mind, but it was a decision, just like the others, made with thought and care. They wouldn’t have done any of it if it wasn’t logical or didn’t feel necessary... But it was not any easier. We will figure it out...
The wizard was tempted to follow Ethan, Quinn and Zeke while they secured Arvel, just in case. But maybe it was best for her to stay out of the way and let them finalize the details. They’d definitely be okay without her magic with the Master Artificer’s crafting expertise. Besides, it was absolutely a good opportunity to review things with Tarja and to stay close to Elra, Gundren and Garaele. Fae would pull out her notes and share with Tarja and Elra. She’d point to a specific line, “I believe his last known potential destination was the forest to the North West.”
Druid Reidoth
Rizen mentioned him on their first contact
Carp mentioned him to Tarja
Tarja has mentioned him as well before
‘Strange and scary things in the ruined town of Thundertree’
Forest to the North West Reidoth considered investigating
Dendrar family mentioned being prodded for information about Reidoth
Could Denrar related to the druid?
just an unstable unicorn.
A duo of Sildar and Daran Edermath, the elven orchard owner, a pair that seems to have quickly bonded since your initial arrival in Phandalin only days ago, is once again in the town square when Zeke and the others emerge with a bound Arvel.
"What happened?" they ask, a bit shocked.
Explanation or no, seeing Zeke take Arvel to the cells at the townmaster's hall Sildar asks "do we need to keep a watch on him?" "Doesn't look like he's going anywhere," adds Daran, referencing Ethan's bindings.
Prior to Ethan and Zeke finishing securing Arvel in his cell
"Oh yes, I mean, maybe not every minute, that seems like a lot, but regular checks to make sure he is still bound would be a good idea."
"And I would suggest more than one person is present when checking his cell."
"One person to watch the cell, while the other pokes him with a stick, just to make sure he is still bound."
"He knows illusion magic's and if he gets free of his bonds, he may try to make use of them, to try and escape."
"Also, when feeding him, I would suggest 3 people, one to watch the cell, one to remove the gag, ready to put it back as soon as he's done, and the last to actually feed him."
"He has a familiar, well, I think Krikkit is a familiar, but he's not like normal familiars, he has hands and wings and can speak, but most importantly, he can turn invisible."
"So I would suggest not hanging the key to Arvel's cell where it can just be picked up."
Ethan looks sadly at Arvel, as he and Zeke move him to his cell.
"We don't know what happened to him, maybe it's some bad magic that is controlling him, but we cant figure it out."
"Maybe he will come right in a few days, I just...I don't know what to do..."
Ethan goes quiet while the group finishes securing Arvel in his cell.
After Ethan shows his new design to Zeke
"Um, so anyway, I would need some time with your telescoping weapon handle, before I could finish the design."
"I need to copy all of the sigils in its design, so I can work out how to make the slight directional adjustment and then try and recreate it for the heart of the chain retractor."
"So, maybe one time, when you don't mind, I can study it and then go from there?"
Ethan looks around at their location before remarking.
"Should we get back to the others? Check how things are going there?"
Quinn flits over to the centre of Ethan's back and griping on and transforms himself into his small pack form, again making it look like Ethan has a small set of wings.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Zeke would nod solemnly as Ethan outlines the precautions that should be taken around Arvel for the foreseeable future. 'He is still our comrade and friend, but we fear he has been seized by forces beyond our ken and control for now. If you could help keep him safe while we work out what to do, we would be in your debt.'
As the artificer tallks of sigil and designs, the barbarian would smile again and draw his blade, twirling it neatly on his fist and offering it hilt first to his friend. 'My blade - or it's hilt - are always at your service - whether to strike down an enemy, or help further your knowledge. Simply tell me when and where you'd like to borrow it and it is yours.
"Oh, um, ok, well lets head back to the others and see how things are, and then maybe I can have a look at the mechanism tonight."
Ethan starts heading back to the inn, to check on everyone else.
As they travel together, Ethan suddenly stops.
"Did I introduce you to Quinn?! I forgot didn't I?! Quinn!"
Quinn transforms back to his normal form and detaches from Ethan's back, coming to flit and float next to Ethan's shoulder.
"Zeke, this is Quinn. Quinn, this is Zeke."
"Quinn is my new homunculus. I created him this afternoon, well I had most of the design already worked out, but it wasn't until I was able to transfer the power source from the dysfunctional bag of holding, that I was able to, well, power him."
"Zeke is one of my friends, he is strong and an excellent martial combat expert, and he has some really exquisitely designed and constructed gadgets."
Ethan indicates Zeke's telescoping sword and shield mechanism.
"Now you be nice to him and if anything happens to me, you should find him to get help, ok?"
Quinn, still giving Zeke a squinty look of suspicion, chitters a reply.
"Φαίνεται ότι μπορούσε εύκολα να με σκουριάσει, αλλά αν λες ότι είναι εντάξει, θα προσπαθήσω να σε πιστέψω."
"Τα φτερά του είναι πολύ μεγάλα και εκφοβιστικά, θα ήθελα φτερά σαν αυτά."
"He does look like he could quite easily squash me master, but if you say he is ok, I will try to believe you."
"His wings are very large and intimidating, I would like wings like those."
Quinn gives Ethan a hopeful look with his last remark.
"I'm sorry Quinn, but while I could redesign your physical body, your mind has been constructed with the knowledge to use insect style wings."
"To fix that, well that would require a complete rebuild, you wouldn't be you anymore."
"Besides, I like your wings Quinn."
Quinn looks longingly at Zeke's wings, before turning at the mention of Ethan liking Quinn's wings.
"Αν σου αρέσει ο κύριος των φτερών μου, τότε μου αρέσουν επίσης."
"If you like my wings master, then I like them too."
Quinn looks back at Zeke.
"Αλλά μου αρέσουν επίσης τα φτερά του."
"But I also like his wings as well."
Ethan grins and remarks to Zeke, as the trio continue heading back to the inn.
"He says he quite like's your wings. He says they are large and intimidating."
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
As Ethan translates for his strange companion, Zeke chuckles and smiles a bit. 'You needn't be jealous of my wings little friend, for while they are large they are quite useless.' The tiefling flares them out to their full size, curling them ever so slightly to emphasize the small talon at the apex of each wing.
'I'd much rather have small delicate wings like yours if they let me fly like yours. I'm glad you have yours Quinn, especially if they help keep our Artificer safe'
At the mention of keeping Ethan safe, Quinn's left forearm and hand, transform into a tiny force blaster, very similar in stylings to the one on Ethan's Eldritch Cannon.
"Θα πολεμήσω όποιον προσπαθεί να βλάψει τον αφέντη!"
"I will fight anyone who tries to hurt the master!"
Quinn waves the weapon around as he chitters energetically.
Ethan waves Quinn down.
"It's ok Quinn, we are safe for now."
Quinn's forearm and hand transform back to normal, and he gives a nod of finality and a grunt.
As the trio return to the inn, Ethan checks in to see how everyone is, heading up to Gundren's room.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Back in Gundren's room, Tarja goes over Fae's notes, keeping an eye on Gundren the whole time. Though Elra seems to be taking great care of him.
It seems that Thundertree could be a good place to try to find Reidoth, before the Black Spider and his ilk do. Reidoth would probably be somewhere in the woods, but the woods are too big to search without a better lead - maybe we could find that in Thundertree.
Now that you've laid it all in notes, it seems that so many leads point to Reidoth... I hope he hasn't gotten himself into more trouble than he can handle! But maybe we all have, with the Black Spider... Poor Gundren surely did.
Zeke nods solemnly at Quinn's chattering and takes careful note of the creature's armament. 'I'm glad for the extra firepower Master Artificer, for I fear our biggest challenges lay in front of us - and while I know this will all end in ruin, I would wish to keep the worst of it from you'
Fae would nod along with Tarja's thoughts as she'd suggest Thundertree as a starting point. It logically made sense to start there for some more information instead of wondering around in the woods, even with the teams skills. As Tarja would mention her sympathies for Gundren, Fae would remember the response she received from Arvel, sharing the moment of reflection with the druid for what Gundren suffered... he was severely tortured...
"Do you know the way to Thundertree Tarja?" Fae'd ask.
just an unstable unicorn.
Ethan knock and then enters Gundren's room.
"We're back."
"Um, Arvel is secured, and Sildar and Daran are going to organize for him to be looked after."
"How is everyone? How are Gundren and Sister Garaele?"
"Oh and I forgot to introduce Quinn to everyone before. Fae has already met him and I introduced him to Zeke, on the way back."
"Elra, Tarja, this is Quinn."
Ethan holds his hand out to the side and Quinn flies around from behind Ethan, to flit and float beside him.
"He is my new homuculus."
"Quinn this is Elra and Tarja. They are two more of my friends, so be nice to them, ok?"
"Elra is a holy warrior of knowledge, which is really cool and Tarja is a druid and can transform into animals, which is also very cool."
"And you remember Fae, she is a wizard and has been very helpful with some of my work."
Ethan gives Fae a sheepish look.
"Um, I'm sorry about what Quinn said earlier, I didn't realize, um, about, you know..."
Ethan waves in the direction of Fae's hands.
"...anyway, sorry if either of us has hurt you, I'm not always very observant with some thing's, sorry."
"Besides, I'm used to scares..."
Ethan takes off his right hand glove, the opposite one to his gauntleted hand, showing various small scares.
With a closer look, you can see that there are many small nicks and cuts, small spot burns and even some small faint blotches of green and purple discoloration.
Ethan's hands, are the hands of a broadly practiced crafter.
Quinn looks around the group of people Ethan has indicated are his friends.
"Πρέπει να είμαι καλός σε αυτούς, και είναι φίλοι σας, και δεν περιμένουν μόνο να σας προδώσουν;"
"Εντάξει κύριε, θα το θυμάμαι."
"Δεν είμαι απόλυτα πεπεισμένος ότι είναι ασφαλείς, οπότε θα τους παρακολουθώ, για κάθε περίπτωση, αλλά θα είμαι καλός."
"I am to be nice to these ones, and they are your friends, and they are not just waiting to betray you?"
"Ok master, I will remember."
"I am not completely convinced they are safe, so I will keep an eye on them, just in case, but I will be nice."
"So does anyone need me for anything? If not, I have some more things I would like to work on tonight."
Ethan gives Zeke a nod, indicating getting the details from his telescoping sword.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss