Tempest nods to Elia and will follow behind the others as they make their preparations. "I agree that the cliff is probably our best option. If we find that it is too difficult we can always try the tunnel as a secondary option. I should be able to carry one of you in spider form. Even if Rawk can't carry the other person we could create a safe network of ropes by hammering in anchor points into the cliff walls. In my Spider form I can also create a few safety webs on our ascent. Between those two things we should be able to avoid the natural dangers of the cliff. We still have the wind and waves to contend with."
After about an hour of planning Tempest will make his way to the grove in search of Elia. Once he finds her he will bow with respect and say, "M'lady. You wish to speak with me on how to banish this abomination. Tell me, truly, do we few stand a chance against such a creature with unknown and unheard of powers?"
Erro notices Ellis wears a decorated mantle that only some of the other well respected people in the village wore.
“I’d like to hear the story of how you came to earn that some day. But, for now, would you like to help me scrounge up some supplies? I have a feeling that you may command some extra respect around here,” Erro says to Ellis as he feels a feather on the mantle. (An RP way of asking for your high Persuasion rolls!)
”I think we need to round up all of the climbing equipment that we can find, if there is any! Perhaps at least we can find a bunch of rope. Maybe we can happen upon healing potions, and do you think they have any magic items around here? It sounds like we also need to procure a sturdy canoe.”
Erro will search the village for the above items with Ellis, if Ellis wishes to accompany, or if there isn’t something else that Ellis wants to do. He would make small talk the whole time and ask about his own village and about the people that Ellis came from.
Rawk will nod/ bounce her head in agreement and replies, "I think that's a good plan. We also need to make sure when we climb to be on the sea facing side so no one can see us or climb at night. We'd be easy pickings for anything with a bow or spells.... I think we have some spare rope. I don't know about a taking canoe, we have a long way to travel and it might be too cumbersome or loud to carry that through the jungle. You could check with [insert villager name here] to see if there are any additional magical items or herbal potions that we can have. I know the one given to me was the last of the powerful potions we had."
Ellis listened to Elia, nodding as he hoped that they can actually do this. He did agree with Tempest's ideas, how between him in his spider form and being able to create a network of ropes, that should be fine other than the wind and waves. Then Rawks talked about how they could speak with a villager about getting additional magical items or herbal potions. He nodded, keeping all of that in mind as they were planning. He was surprised as Erro wanted to know about the mantle, asking him to help with scrounging supplies and assuming that he would command some extra respect here. "Thank you and sure, I will help. Honestly Kanush gave me this as thanks and if something had happened to him. So I don't know if it will actually help." Ellis said back, listening to him and nodding. "Climbing equipment and rope would certainly be the most useful, along with healing potions if possible. Maybe, we would have to look and see if there are any magic items." Ellis had said back to him. Then he would go with Erro, asking around the town for any climbing gear and rope in particular, going to the one specific villager Rawk mentioned to inquire about herbal potions and magical items they could see about if there are any.
(OCC: I'm assuming Persuasion for this? Would I have advantage at all thanks to the Mantle and/or Erro helping Ellis out?)
No check needed...the villagers are well disposed to you all, and eager to help.
The rope is easy to procure, and you have given to you enough supplies to keep you going for a week.
After asking around, there are no magic items on offer! The village had only three potions of healing, which you surmise are created by Elia. After some discussion, your party gets to have 1 (the other 2 going with the larger raiding party).
When this is done, Tempest you easily find your way Elia's grove. Erro had found it the previous day - like the town itself, it is surrounded by a wall of bush and trees in a wide circular area. However at your approach, they part allowing you access. The grove is simple, but beautiful. Different trees grow strong at tall in a rough circle, and the ground is covered with plots of tended herbs, vegetables and multi-coloured flowers that dazzle the senses. A simple but well built wooden house rests towards the far edge, and Elia is currently sitting outside at a table, using a pestle and mortar to grind something. At your approach she looks up and smiles, beckoning you over and offering you a seat.
"Do you want a drink?" she asks, offering to pour you a cup of scented and pure-looking water.
When you are settled, she starts of "It is good to meet another Druid. I am one of the few left in our people, and feel woefully unprepared for it." a shadow crosses over her face for a moment "before we start, I gather there were things you wanted to ask or tell me?"
She looks at you questioningly.
((The rest of you feel free to post in-character any interactions with the rest of the party or village while Tempest and Elia discuss matters!))
"I would suppose that Kanush has chosen to leave you with the mantle because he thinks that you are worthy. And, thanks for helping me with the supplies, Ellis!"
After sufficiently gearing up for supplies, Erro will seek out the closest thing that he can find to a tavern or cafe, if there is such a place, and invite anyone else who might like to come along. He would ask Rawk about the best place to go. He wanted to indulge himself in whatever interesting food and drink that he could find in this exotic place before going off on an adventure that might be his last. Erro will also try chatting it up with the locals to see if anyone has any rumors or information on the place that they are heading.
"Yes, thank you" tempest replies taking the cup, "It is good to reconnect with others of our faith... How long have you been here, in this village? If this plan fails would your people try to relocate or attempt to defend it? Do you think we are capable of defeating this abomination?" Tempest asks in quick succession curious at the history of Elia and these people as well as their chances of surviving and helping these people.
Erro, Rawk would know there is not really anything that could be called a tavern; people tend to congregate to eat and drink at each other's houses, or in the many communal places around. The nearest is Old Werrin, who spends his time brewing a variety of interesting drinks - and is generally considered the person to go to for drinks for special occasions.
Old Werrin is, as the name suggests, an older man - one of the very few older people you have seen in the village. He hobbles a little, and you can see on his arms some nasty scars. He was once clearly a powerfully built man, but now appears to be much more sedate.
He greets you with a smile "Ah, I may not be old enough to fight, but I can fortify the young who are going off to war!"
You can see the various barrels and equipment he uses to brew, and there is a strange mixture of smells that comes from it. He gets a wooden goblet, loosens the lid of a large jug that sits on the ground, and pours you an interesting, almost sweet smelling drink. It is strong - very strong, and packs a fiery kick. There is a hard to define sweet aftertaste as well, and it slips easily down your throat.
Tempest
Elia smiles at your question. "I was born here, raised here. My mother was the Tree Singer before me." a sadness crosses her face "the Yuan-ti killed her three years back. They feared her magic, her power and set an ambush for her."
She pauses for a moment "I was still learning, and then it suddenly fell to me to be the Tree Singer. We have to age fast here, and few of us ever live to be old."
She takes a drink from her own cup "If we fail, then nothing changes. We fight on, slowly diminishing, slowly dying. Perhaps we will get another chance one day, or perhaps our people will just fade or scatter. All things have to die, and have their time, but it is the nature of life to struggle against that is it not?" she looks at you with a sad, fateful smile "And still, there is something very different about an ending - of a creature or a whole people - that comes about by the natural turn of time, than when the life is squeezed from it by creatures as cold and inhuman as the Yuan-ti. At least with a natural end, there is a the possibility that something will grow from that ending, something new. Whereas the Yuan-ti just leave oblivion and emptiness."
Her eyes have taken a far-away look, and you sense she is not so much talking to you as taking the chance to share thoughts out loud she often keeps hidden. "At the height of their power, the Yuan-ti could have wiped us out. They didn't, they treated us like a herd, like farm animals, to be culled and killed when the need arose. They always need sacrifices. Always." for the first time a glimmer of anger enters her usually calm voice "And they knew that we knew that. And I think in their inhuman way it amused them to humiliate us so."
She suddenly looks at you, resolute "yes, we can defeat this creature. But I cannot say what the cost will be, even if we do defeat it.You and your friends could loose their lives, and I know that you know that. And I am grateful that still you would risk yourselves for strangers."
She relaxes slightly, smiles gently again "Does that answer your questions Tempest?"
Tempest will listen intently as she speaks, agreeing that the natural order of life, death and new life is beautiful. He waits patiently and sips the liquid from the cup before answering with a calming smile. "All but one... How can we defeat this creature? I know you said you have something for me or to show me. What is it? I am prepared to die to save others. I nearly did back at the temple but our team works well together. I think Rawk will prove a valuable ally."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
((This is good stuff!))
Erro will reciprocate the smile and relax a little at the ability to bond over something as universal as good drink. Erro sips the brew, a bit too heartily at first as the fiery drink coats his throat. "That is strong. Oooh that is STRONG!" Erro laughs as he catches his breath . "I've known dwarven whiskeys with less punch!" He happily imbibes the rest, sipping rather than gulping. Erro would be very interested in Old Werrin, and he would certainly ask him about his battle scars after he felt comfortable (or tipsy) enough to broach the subject. He would also ask Werrin about his upcoming destination. Werrin must remember the place, maybe even spent some time there. He would ask him about the cliffs, or if he knew anything special about the tunnel. "While I'm up there, Werrin, my friend, is there anything I should look for if we find the old village?"
CON save: 3.
"Ellis, Rawk, you must come have some of this!"(The manner of speech determined by the CON roll :p)
Ellis had nodded to Erro, smiling and glad that they were able to get the supplies that they need. Then he invited him to go out to eat and drink, agreeing to go along since he did want to relax after so long of being on edge. He listened to Old Werrin, hearing Erro tell him to have the drink. But Ellis wasn't so sure, guessing that there was alcohol in it. "Thank you. Can I get a drink without alcohol though?" he then said back, wanting to also be ready to go tomorrow.
Erro, the world seems to be moving a little bit - perhaps the ground is not entirely stable? And Ellis seems to be a bit blurry - perhaps some magic spell he has cast?
Ellis, you notice that Erro is a little slurred in his speech, and seems to be asking two people called Rellis and Ewark to have a drink with him. At your request for something without alcohol, Werrin looks at you utterly nonplussed for a minute, glancing uncertainly at Erro. He frowns, trying to work out this baffling request, something that stretches the bounds of knowledge and challenges the fundamental nature of the multiverse itself. You see his face crinkle at the effort, as he puzzles his way through this conundrum. Eventually his face clears and he laughs, having resolved it the way people often do when their world-view is shaken, and decides he must have misunderstood what you were saying.
Still chuckling, he picks up a goblet and fills it half way with the strong stuff he gave Erro, then reaches into another container and pours some water in, diluting it. He turns with a pleased beam and passes you the slightly-watered-down drink.
He then turns to Erro. "Not sure if I can help you there. I was one of those who helped defend it, when I was still young and strong." he sighs "The Yuan-ti tore the place apart, so not sure what would be left. It's a place of shadow now, I'm told. Even on the brightest day the area surrounding it is always dark, and the shadows seem darker still." he leans forward, enjoying the drama "They say the shadows move all by themselves, reaching for the unwary as if Dendar itself,gods curse him, is reaching out to pull your souls into eternal dark. That's if the undead and shadow creatures don't rip you apart first!"
He pauses for dramatic effect "This may just be your last drink this side of eternity! And what a drink eh?" he finishes loudly, giving you both hearty slaps on the side.
"Mind, the slavers that stop there might have some interesting stuff, but the stick to the lighthouse so I'm told!" he finishes of in a happy conversational way.
Tempest
Elia nods "Rawk is one of our finest young fighters, a match even for Jaron, though she has not been allowed to gain the experience she needs to develop that. I am glad that Kurrk relented, I was not looking forward to having to force the issue."
She gets up and walks to a finely crafted box that sits nearby. She opens and pulls out a seed, on the surface seemingly tiny and nondescript but even as you look at it you can sense the raw power contained within it.
"My mother grew and nurtured some seeds, imbued them with extra power and growth. In happier times we would use them to restore areas blighted by disease or damaged by fire. However, we discovered that they are disruptive of the profane and unnatural rituals that Yuan-to use, we have used them to destroy some of their lesser corruptions in the past."
She hands the seed over to you "This is the most powerful we have left. Only a part of the Lingering Shadow, an aspect of it, was summoned to our world." a look of mixed fear and relief crosses her face "thank all that is holy the Yuan-ti lacked the power to summon it whole. They were unable to destroy Rutan's Heart so instead they bound the Lingering Shadow to it, corrupting it and the sacred grove around it. Yet still the Heart fights, and the Lingering Shadow is only kept in this world by new sacrifice, desecrating the grove anew."
She looks revolted for a moment, a visceral reaction to what the Yuan-ti have done "Now they are diminished, and able to have fewer sacrifices in, they rely on the slavers to bring the fresh blood they need. Plant this seed in the the Grove of Rutan's Heart, do the ritual of life to bring it's power out." She looks freshly upset "It will be destroyed, but in doing will weaken the Shadow's grip on the grove. In truth, I don't know if that will be enough on its own, or if you will have to find someway to further weaken it. But it is our best hope."
She looks at you earnestly "The seed can be activated by anyone, but you will find it easiest - but it might be best for you to teach your companions the ritual in case.. in case you are not able to."
She sits back, looking drawn, clearly worried by what is to happen.
“Rellis... save your enchantment spells for the enemy!” Erro laughs.
Erro listens to Werrin’s story and grows quiet, and leans in a little towards Werrin as Werrin leans in, drawn in. Erro jolts as Werrin suddenly grows loud and slaps his side, spilling some of his goblet. Erro appreciates the jest and laughs and joins in with him, holding his goblet high and clinking it with others in cheers (whether they reciprocate or not). He says to Ellis on the side, “I like this guy!”
”The lighthouse huh? Is this an actual lighthouse, or a figurative lighthouse? Oh what I wouldn’t give to sabotage the lighthouse and deprive the Yuan-ti and slavers of a few ships!”
Rawk watches this conversation with a puzzled look and declines any beverages. She knew all too well not to try anything from Werrin. Once, her father had allowed her a sip from his cup after much pleading and the taste was terrible. The whole room got fuzzy and seemed to wobble then the next day she had a headache that seemed to last hours. She politely stands and bobs her head and body slightly while the two enjoy their drinks thinking to herself, "We're doomed..."
After a short while she'd thank Werrin with a bow and leave Erro and Ellis unless they wished to follow her and head towards the grove to find Tempest and Elia. Curious as she was she'd quickly bounce and flutter along the way, still excited from the thought of being able to fight. She'd quietly but not sneakily make her way into the grove and slowly walk towards the pair. "Hey guys, Just checking in. Hope everything is going well." she chirps.
Ellis could hear how slurred Erro was speaking, talking about him having cast an enchantment spell when he certainly didn't. He got his drink, sniffing it and hesitating as he heard the old man talk about the village and the shadows, a little scared. Then he was surprised as he suddenly felt the pat on the back before clinking his glass with Erro's but still not drinking it. "We have to stop the Lingering Shadow first before thinking of sabotaging the lighthouse." Ellis would have said back to Erro, sighing. Then he had heard Rawk and seen her go to leave, thinking that they should go too. "Come on, let's get going too. Thank you for the drinks." he now said to Erro, thanking the old man with a bow before helping Erro out of his seat and supporting him as they walk out. He would follow where Rawk went, a grove as he could see Tempest and Elia, hoping that Tempest learned what he needed to know so they can stop this Lingering Shadow.
"Understood." Tempest replies respectfully taking the seed. "Do you think there's any way to save the heart? What is the ritual that must be performed?" he asks hopeful there might be some miraculous method to destroy the lingering shadow without damaging the heart. Tempest was reassured of the importance of this mission. He knew what had to be done, only hoping that he and his companions were strong enough to meet the challenge ahead of them.
He turns watching Elia's gaze shift from him and sees Rawk followed closely behind by Ellis who seems to be holding a staggering Erro. "Hello friends... It's good you've arrived at this moment. Elia is going to show us the ritual for activating this." he says holding up the seed. "It will allow us to sever the bond between the lingering shadow and this world."
Werrin looks as Erro conspiratorially "It was once a lighthouse, a fine building. Now the slavers have turned into into a den of treachery and foulness. Who knows what sort of debauched perversions are enacted there? What dark rituals to the most corrupt Powers? I have heard it said," he lowers he voice again in a dramatic whisper "that the slavers have supernatural strength, and can tear a man apart with their bare hands."
He looks solemnly at you "It would be a brave soul that would venture there, just to get their hands on their cache of treasure and plundered items. I heard tales..."
At this point you feel yourself being dragged off by Ellis and Rawk as Werrin gives you a wink.
Back in the Grove, Elia looks surprised by your question "No, I did not speak plainly. It is not the Heart that will be destroyed, but this seed. It will not grow life itself, but perhaps will allow other life to flourish again."
She pauses "I think your friends are here." she says, and you notice the surrounding wall of foliage part again, and the rest of your party enters. Elia looks questioningly at Erro, then turns to Rawk with a sigh "Werrin, by any chance?"
At Tempest's suggestion she sits on the floor and performs what Tempest recognises as a version the Ritual of Life, a common ritual to encourage growth and health of plant life. To the non-Druids the subtleties of it may be lost, but Tempest will be able to help you practice. At the end, Elia stands up. "I will let you go now, it is way past midday and I suggest you eat before you head out. The forest grows more dangerous and wild, and you will need to be at your full strength." She glances meaningfully at Erro.
Unless there is anything else you want to say to her, I'll assume your party will leave the grove. A short while later Kanush comes up to you
"I wanted to find you before you set out. Wish you good luck... and to thank you, well for all that you have done." he pulls a face "I wish I was able to fight with you in some way, but I have been told to rest and that I am 'too reckless' to join the raids by Jaron. So, I am to stay here cooped up. Is there anything I can do to help before you set off though?"
Tempest calms from Elia's clarification and nods. "Ah, good. When the heart is purified and lingering shadow defeated what will happen? Will the undead wither or will we still have to escape them? Should we retrieve the heart and return it to you?" he asks as more thoughts flood his mind. He had only thought of making it to the heart and fighting the lingering shadow. He never conceived what they'd do if they were victorious. After Elia replies he'd clutch her hands in his and bow respectfully giving her a reassuring nod. "We will not fail."
Tempest will eat plenty and pack some nuts and dried food in his pack for their multi-day trip. Seeing Kanush he'd smile and greet him warmly. "Thank you Kanush. We wouldn't have made it here without you. If possible could you draw us a quick map with some land marks in case we get lost?"
In answer to you question, Elia looks doubtful "The truth is, I do not know. The Shadow-creatures may go when it is banished, but I know little about necromancy so do not know if the undead will stay animated. Just, do not take unnecessary risks - if you have to get out of there, then go. Once the curse has been lifted, we can always try and fully clear it out another time if needed."
She smiles at your question about the Heart "The heart is part of the grove, it is not something you could carry! It will, hopefully, then begin to heal itself and the land around. It's presence should be repellent to the evil creatures that exist there. Even if we do not yet have the numbers to safely return there, I do not think then Yuan-ti have the strength to bring the Lingering Shadow back again once banished." She pauses "I hope"
--- Later
Kanush looks at Rawk "I am not sure what more I could add to what Rawk could say. It is West and a little South of hear. If you get lost, head west to the coast and follow that. It is fairly distinctive, so if you can find a high place, you should be able to find it."
Ellis had heard Tempest, seeing the seed and surprised but glad that they all will get to learn the ritual. So he would watch, not quite understanding it but figured that it must be because he isn't like Tempest or Elia, listening to her answers to his questions He nodded back to her as she told them that they should eat before heading out, how they need to be at full strength. Then he would have made sure to ate his fill of food before they saw Kanush who was wishing them good luck and thanking them, asking if they can do anything to help before they go since they have to stay here. "Thank you very much. It's alright, you've done more than enough to have helped us. Like Tempest said, we never would have made it through the forest without you. I'm sure that we'll see each other again and that it will be a celebratory reunion." Ellis had said to Kanush with a smile.
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Tempest nods to Elia and will follow behind the others as they make their preparations. "I agree that the cliff is probably our best option. If we find that it is too difficult we can always try the tunnel as a secondary option. I should be able to carry one of you in spider form. Even if Rawk can't carry the other person we could create a safe network of ropes by hammering in anchor points into the cliff walls. In my Spider form I can also create a few safety webs on our ascent. Between those two things we should be able to avoid the natural dangers of the cliff. We still have the wind and waves to contend with."
After about an hour of planning Tempest will make his way to the grove in search of Elia. Once he finds her he will bow with respect and say, "M'lady. You wish to speak with me on how to banish this abomination. Tell me, truly, do we few stand a chance against such a creature with unknown and unheard of powers?"
Erro notices Ellis wears a decorated mantle that only some of the other well respected people in the village wore.
“I’d like to hear the story of how you came to earn that some day. But, for now, would you like to help me scrounge up some supplies? I have a feeling that you may command some extra respect around here,” Erro says to Ellis as he feels a feather on the mantle. (An RP way of asking for your high Persuasion rolls!)
”I think we need to round up all of the climbing equipment that we can find, if there is any! Perhaps at least we can find a bunch of rope. Maybe we can happen upon healing potions, and do you think they have any magic items around here? It sounds like we also need to procure a sturdy canoe.”
Erro will search the village for the above items with Ellis, if Ellis wishes to accompany, or if there isn’t something else that Ellis wants to do. He would make small talk the whole time and ask about his own village and about the people that Ellis came from.
Rawk will nod/ bounce her head in agreement and replies, "I think that's a good plan. We also need to make sure when we climb to be on the sea facing side so no one can see us or climb at night. We'd be easy pickings for anything with a bow or spells.... I think we have some spare rope. I don't know about a taking canoe, we have a long way to travel and it might be too cumbersome or loud to carry that through the jungle. You could check with [insert villager name here] to see if there are any additional magical items or herbal potions that we can have. I know the one given to me was the last of the powerful potions we had."
Ellis listened to Elia, nodding as he hoped that they can actually do this. He did agree with Tempest's ideas, how between him in his spider form and being able to create a network of ropes, that should be fine other than the wind and waves. Then Rawks talked about how they could speak with a villager about getting additional magical items or herbal potions. He nodded, keeping all of that in mind as they were planning. He was surprised as Erro wanted to know about the mantle, asking him to help with scrounging supplies and assuming that he would command some extra respect here. "Thank you and sure, I will help. Honestly Kanush gave me this as thanks and if something had happened to him. So I don't know if it will actually help." Ellis said back, listening to him and nodding. "Climbing equipment and rope would certainly be the most useful, along with healing potions if possible. Maybe, we would have to look and see if there are any magic items." Ellis had said back to him. Then he would go with Erro, asking around the town for any climbing gear and rope in particular, going to the one specific villager Rawk mentioned to inquire about herbal potions and magical items they could see about if there are any.
(OCC: I'm assuming Persuasion for this? Would I have advantage at all thanks to the Mantle and/or Erro helping Ellis out?)
No check needed...the villagers are well disposed to you all, and eager to help.
The rope is easy to procure, and you have given to you enough supplies to keep you going for a week.
After asking around, there are no magic items on offer! The village had only three potions of healing, which you surmise are created by Elia. After some discussion, your party gets to have 1 (the other 2 going with the larger raiding party).
When this is done, Tempest you easily find your way Elia's grove. Erro had found it the previous day - like the town itself, it is surrounded by a wall of bush and trees in a wide circular area. However at your approach, they part allowing you access. The grove is simple, but beautiful. Different trees grow strong at tall in a rough circle, and the ground is covered with plots of tended herbs, vegetables and multi-coloured flowers that dazzle the senses. A simple but well built wooden house rests towards the far edge, and Elia is currently sitting outside at a table, using a pestle and mortar to grind something. At your approach she looks up and smiles, beckoning you over and offering you a seat.
"Do you want a drink?" she asks, offering to pour you a cup of scented and pure-looking water.
When you are settled, she starts of "It is good to meet another Druid. I am one of the few left in our people, and feel woefully unprepared for it." a shadow crosses over her face for a moment "before we start, I gather there were things you wanted to ask or tell me?"
She looks at you questioningly.
((The rest of you feel free to post in-character any interactions with the rest of the party or village while Tempest and Elia discuss matters!))
Do you like my Boots of Flying?
"I would suppose that Kanush has chosen to leave you with the mantle because he thinks that you are worthy. And, thanks for helping me with the supplies, Ellis!"
After sufficiently gearing up for supplies, Erro will seek out the closest thing that he can find to a tavern or cafe, if there is such a place, and invite anyone else who might like to come along. He would ask Rawk about the best place to go. He wanted to indulge himself in whatever interesting food and drink that he could find in this exotic place before going off on an adventure that might be his last. Erro will also try chatting it up with the locals to see if anyone has any rumors or information on the place that they are heading.
"Yes, thank you" tempest replies taking the cup, "It is good to reconnect with others of our faith... How long have you been here, in this village? If this plan fails would your people try to relocate or attempt to defend it? Do you think we are capable of defeating this abomination?" Tempest asks in quick succession curious at the history of Elia and these people as well as their chances of surviving and helping these people.
Erro
Erro, Rawk would know there is not really anything that could be called a tavern; people tend to congregate to eat and drink at each other's houses, or in the many communal places around. The nearest is Old Werrin, who spends his time brewing a variety of interesting drinks - and is generally considered the person to go to for drinks for special occasions.
Old Werrin is, as the name suggests, an older man - one of the very few older people you have seen in the village. He hobbles a little, and you can see on his arms some nasty scars. He was once clearly a powerfully built man, but now appears to be much more sedate.
He greets you with a smile "Ah, I may not be old enough to fight, but I can fortify the young who are going off to war!"
You can see the various barrels and equipment he uses to brew, and there is a strange mixture of smells that comes from it. He gets a wooden goblet, loosens the lid of a large jug that sits on the ground, and pours you an interesting, almost sweet smelling drink. It is strong - very strong, and packs a fiery kick. There is a hard to define sweet aftertaste as well, and it slips easily down your throat.
Tempest
Elia smiles at your question. "I was born here, raised here. My mother was the Tree Singer before me." a sadness crosses her face "the Yuan-ti killed her three years back. They feared her magic, her power and set an ambush for her."
She pauses for a moment "I was still learning, and then it suddenly fell to me to be the Tree Singer. We have to age fast here, and few of us ever live to be old."
She takes a drink from her own cup "If we fail, then nothing changes. We fight on, slowly diminishing, slowly dying. Perhaps we will get another chance one day, or perhaps our people will just fade or scatter. All things have to die, and have their time, but it is the nature of life to struggle against that is it not?" she looks at you with a sad, fateful smile "And still, there is something very different about an ending - of a creature or a whole people - that comes about by the natural turn of time, than when the life is squeezed from it by creatures as cold and inhuman as the Yuan-ti. At least with a natural end, there is a the possibility that something will grow from that ending, something new. Whereas the Yuan-ti just leave oblivion and emptiness."
Her eyes have taken a far-away look, and you sense she is not so much talking to you as taking the chance to share thoughts out loud she often keeps hidden. "At the height of their power, the Yuan-ti could have wiped us out. They didn't, they treated us like a herd, like farm animals, to be culled and killed when the need arose. They always need sacrifices. Always." for the first time a glimmer of anger enters her usually calm voice "And they knew that we knew that. And I think in their inhuman way it amused them to humiliate us so."
She suddenly looks at you, resolute "yes, we can defeat this creature. But I cannot say what the cost will be, even if we do defeat it.You and your friends could loose their lives, and I know that you know that. And I am grateful that still you would risk yourselves for strangers."
She relaxes slightly, smiles gently again "Does that answer your questions Tempest?"
Do you like my Boots of Flying?
Tempest will listen intently as she speaks, agreeing that the natural order of life, death and new life is beautiful. He waits patiently and sips the liquid from the cup before answering with a calming smile. "All but one... How can we defeat this creature? I know you said you have something for me or to show me. What is it? I am prepared to die to save others. I nearly did back at the temple but our team works well together. I think Rawk will prove a valuable ally."
((This is good stuff!))
Erro will reciprocate the smile and relax a little at the ability to bond over something as universal as good drink. Erro sips the brew, a bit too heartily at first as the fiery drink coats his throat. "That is strong. Oooh that is STRONG!" Erro laughs as he catches his breath . "I've known dwarven whiskeys with less punch!" He happily imbibes the rest, sipping rather than gulping. Erro would be very interested in Old Werrin, and he would certainly ask him about his battle scars after he felt comfortable (or tipsy) enough to broach the subject. He would also ask Werrin about his upcoming destination. Werrin must remember the place, maybe even spent some time there. He would ask him about the cliffs, or if he knew anything special about the tunnel. "While I'm up there, Werrin, my friend, is there anything I should look for if we find the old village?"
CON save: 3.
"Ellis, Rawk, you must come have some of this!" (The manner of speech determined by the CON roll :p)
Ellis had nodded to Erro, smiling and glad that they were able to get the supplies that they need. Then he invited him to go out to eat and drink, agreeing to go along since he did want to relax after so long of being on edge. He listened to Old Werrin, hearing Erro tell him to have the drink. But Ellis wasn't so sure, guessing that there was alcohol in it. "Thank you. Can I get a drink without alcohol though?" he then said back, wanting to also be ready to go tomorrow.
Ellis / Erro
Erro, the world seems to be moving a little bit - perhaps the ground is not entirely stable? And Ellis seems to be a bit blurry - perhaps some magic spell he has cast?
Ellis, you notice that Erro is a little slurred in his speech, and seems to be asking two people called Rellis and Ewark to have a drink with him. At your request for something without alcohol, Werrin looks at you utterly nonplussed for a minute, glancing uncertainly at Erro. He frowns, trying to work out this baffling request, something that stretches the bounds of knowledge and challenges the fundamental nature of the multiverse itself. You see his face crinkle at the effort, as he puzzles his way through this conundrum. Eventually his face clears and he laughs, having resolved it the way people often do when their world-view is shaken, and decides he must have misunderstood what you were saying.
Still chuckling, he picks up a goblet and fills it half way with the strong stuff he gave Erro, then reaches into another container and pours some water in, diluting it. He turns with a pleased beam and passes you the slightly-watered-down drink.
He then turns to Erro. "Not sure if I can help you there. I was one of those who helped defend it, when I was still young and strong." he sighs "The Yuan-ti tore the place apart, so not sure what would be left. It's a place of shadow now, I'm told. Even on the brightest day the area surrounding it is always dark, and the shadows seem darker still." he leans forward, enjoying the drama "They say the shadows move all by themselves, reaching for the unwary as if Dendar itself,gods curse him, is reaching out to pull your souls into eternal dark. That's if the undead and shadow creatures don't rip you apart first!"
He pauses for dramatic effect "This may just be your last drink this side of eternity! And what a drink eh?" he finishes loudly, giving you both hearty slaps on the side.
"Mind, the slavers that stop there might have some interesting stuff, but the stick to the lighthouse so I'm told!" he finishes of in a happy conversational way.
Tempest
Elia nods "Rawk is one of our finest young fighters, a match even for Jaron, though she has not been allowed to gain the experience she needs to develop that. I am glad that Kurrk relented, I was not looking forward to having to force the issue."
She gets up and walks to a finely crafted box that sits nearby. She opens and pulls out a seed, on the surface seemingly tiny and nondescript but even as you look at it you can sense the raw power contained within it.
"My mother grew and nurtured some seeds, imbued them with extra power and growth. In happier times we would use them to restore areas blighted by disease or damaged by fire. However, we discovered that they are disruptive of the profane and unnatural rituals that Yuan-to use, we have used them to destroy some of their lesser corruptions in the past."
She hands the seed over to you "This is the most powerful we have left. Only a part of the Lingering Shadow, an aspect of it, was summoned to our world." a look of mixed fear and relief crosses her face "thank all that is holy the Yuan-ti lacked the power to summon it whole. They were unable to destroy Rutan's Heart so instead they bound the Lingering Shadow to it, corrupting it and the sacred grove around it. Yet still the Heart fights, and the Lingering Shadow is only kept in this world by new sacrifice, desecrating the grove anew."
She looks revolted for a moment, a visceral reaction to what the Yuan-ti have done "Now they are diminished, and able to have fewer sacrifices in, they rely on the slavers to bring the fresh blood they need. Plant this seed in the the Grove of Rutan's Heart, do the ritual of life to bring it's power out." She looks freshly upset "It will be destroyed, but in doing will weaken the Shadow's grip on the grove. In truth, I don't know if that will be enough on its own, or if you will have to find someway to further weaken it. But it is our best hope."
She looks at you earnestly "The seed can be activated by anyone, but you will find it easiest - but it might be best for you to teach your companions the ritual in case.. in case you are not able to."
She sits back, looking drawn, clearly worried by what is to happen.
Do you like my Boots of Flying?
“Rellis... save your enchantment spells for the enemy!” Erro laughs.
Erro listens to Werrin’s story and grows quiet, and leans in a little towards Werrin as Werrin leans in, drawn in. Erro jolts as Werrin suddenly grows loud and slaps his side, spilling some of his goblet. Erro appreciates the jest and laughs and joins in with him, holding his goblet high and clinking it with others in cheers (whether they reciprocate or not). He says to Ellis on the side, “I like this guy!”
”The lighthouse huh? Is this an actual lighthouse, or a figurative lighthouse? Oh what I wouldn’t give to sabotage the lighthouse and deprive the Yuan-ti and slavers of a few ships!”
Rawk watches this conversation with a puzzled look and declines any beverages. She knew all too well not to try anything from Werrin. Once, her father had allowed her a sip from his cup after much pleading and the taste was terrible. The whole room got fuzzy and seemed to wobble then the next day she had a headache that seemed to last hours. She politely stands and bobs her head and body slightly while the two enjoy their drinks thinking to herself, "We're doomed..."
After a short while she'd thank Werrin with a bow and leave Erro and Ellis unless they wished to follow her and head towards the grove to find Tempest and Elia. Curious as she was she'd quickly bounce and flutter along the way, still excited from the thought of being able to fight. She'd quietly but not sneakily make her way into the grove and slowly walk towards the pair. "Hey guys, Just checking in. Hope everything is going well." she chirps.
Ellis could hear how slurred Erro was speaking, talking about him having cast an enchantment spell when he certainly didn't. He got his drink, sniffing it and hesitating as he heard the old man talk about the village and the shadows, a little scared. Then he was surprised as he suddenly felt the pat on the back before clinking his glass with Erro's but still not drinking it. "We have to stop the Lingering Shadow first before thinking of sabotaging the lighthouse." Ellis would have said back to Erro, sighing. Then he had heard Rawk and seen her go to leave, thinking that they should go too. "Come on, let's get going too. Thank you for the drinks." he now said to Erro, thanking the old man with a bow before helping Erro out of his seat and supporting him as they walk out. He would follow where Rawk went, a grove as he could see Tempest and Elia, hoping that Tempest learned what he needed to know so they can stop this Lingering Shadow.
"Understood." Tempest replies respectfully taking the seed. "Do you think there's any way to save the heart? What is the ritual that must be performed?" he asks hopeful there might be some miraculous method to destroy the lingering shadow without damaging the heart. Tempest was reassured of the importance of this mission. He knew what had to be done, only hoping that he and his companions were strong enough to meet the challenge ahead of them.
He turns watching Elia's gaze shift from him and sees Rawk followed closely behind by Ellis who seems to be holding a staggering Erro. "Hello friends... It's good you've arrived at this moment. Elia is going to show us the ritual for activating this." he says holding up the seed. "It will allow us to sever the bond between the lingering shadow and this world."
Werrin looks as Erro conspiratorially "It was once a lighthouse, a fine building. Now the slavers have turned into into a den of treachery and foulness. Who knows what sort of debauched perversions are enacted there? What dark rituals to the most corrupt Powers? I have heard it said," he lowers he voice again in a dramatic whisper "that the slavers have supernatural strength, and can tear a man apart with their bare hands."
He looks solemnly at you "It would be a brave soul that would venture there, just to get their hands on their cache of treasure and plundered items. I heard tales..."
At this point you feel yourself being dragged off by Ellis and Rawk as Werrin gives you a wink.
Back in the Grove, Elia looks surprised by your question "No, I did not speak plainly. It is not the Heart that will be destroyed, but this seed. It will not grow life itself, but perhaps will allow other life to flourish again."
She pauses "I think your friends are here." she says, and you notice the surrounding wall of foliage part again, and the rest of your party enters. Elia looks questioningly at Erro, then turns to Rawk with a sigh "Werrin, by any chance?"
At Tempest's suggestion she sits on the floor and performs what Tempest recognises as a version the Ritual of Life, a common ritual to encourage growth and health of plant life. To the non-Druids the subtleties of it may be lost, but Tempest will be able to help you practice. At the end, Elia stands up. "I will let you go now, it is way past midday and I suggest you eat before you head out. The forest grows more dangerous and wild, and you will need to be at your full strength." She glances meaningfully at Erro.
Unless there is anything else you want to say to her, I'll assume your party will leave the grove. A short while later Kanush comes up to you
"I wanted to find you before you set out. Wish you good luck... and to thank you, well for all that you have done." he pulls a face "I wish I was able to fight with you in some way, but I have been told to rest and that I am 'too reckless' to join the raids by Jaron. So, I am to stay here cooped up. Is there anything I can do to help before you set off though?"
Do you like my Boots of Flying?
Tempest calms from Elia's clarification and nods. "Ah, good. When the heart is purified and lingering shadow defeated what will happen? Will the undead wither or will we still have to escape them? Should we retrieve the heart and return it to you?" he asks as more thoughts flood his mind. He had only thought of making it to the heart and fighting the lingering shadow. He never conceived what they'd do if they were victorious. After Elia replies he'd clutch her hands in his and bow respectfully giving her a reassuring nod. "We will not fail."
Tempest will eat plenty and pack some nuts and dried food in his pack for their multi-day trip. Seeing Kanush he'd smile and greet him warmly. "Thank you Kanush. We wouldn't have made it here without you. If possible could you draw us a quick map with some land marks in case we get lost?"
Tempest
In answer to you question, Elia looks doubtful "The truth is, I do not know. The Shadow-creatures may go when it is banished, but I know little about necromancy so do not know if the undead will stay animated. Just, do not take unnecessary risks - if you have to get out of there, then go. Once the curse has been lifted, we can always try and fully clear it out another time if needed."
She smiles at your question about the Heart "The heart is part of the grove, it is not something you could carry! It will, hopefully, then begin to heal itself and the land around. It's presence should be repellent to the evil creatures that exist there. Even if we do not yet have the numbers to safely return there, I do not think then Yuan-ti have the strength to bring the Lingering Shadow back again once banished." She pauses "I hope"
--- Later
Kanush looks at Rawk "I am not sure what more I could add to what Rawk could say. It is West and a little South of hear. If you get lost, head west to the coast and follow that. It is fairly distinctive, so if you can find a high place, you should be able to find it."
Do you like my Boots of Flying?
Ellis had heard Tempest, seeing the seed and surprised but glad that they all will get to learn the ritual. So he would watch, not quite understanding it but figured that it must be because he isn't like Tempest or Elia, listening to her answers to his questions He nodded back to her as she told them that they should eat before heading out, how they need to be at full strength. Then he would have made sure to ate his fill of food before they saw Kanush who was wishing them good luck and thanking them, asking if they can do anything to help before they go since they have to stay here. "Thank you very much. It's alright, you've done more than enough to have helped us. Like Tempest said, we never would have made it through the forest without you. I'm sure that we'll see each other again and that it will be a celebratory reunion." Ellis had said to Kanush with a smile.