(If that was at me I can't say I know who or what a Mr rhex is. Also just a reminder for reference the Rod is 4ft long and 100lbs. Since you now know what it is you can add Rod of the Vonindod to your inventory.)

Torsus, the Rod remains inert in your hand but now that you have a better understanding of its purpose you should be able to attune to it easily. 

Lady Dene frowns and shakes her head. I'm afraid things aren't so simple mortal. The magic that keep us and the villagers animated in undeath doesn't just take hold when we die. It lives within each person born within our lands. It binds them to us, and prevents them from straying to far. Those who wander off perish. It is not a matter of if they run onto bandits along the road or fall victim of some footpad, but stray for too long and their souls simply return to us, leaving their bodies behind. Worse yet, their bodies reanimated, but without the soul of the person it belonged to, they become simple mindless beasts which terrorize those unfortunate enough to be close by. This information is not known by the villagers so I ask you not to tell the boy. Its simply best they stay here with us.

To Narz: Oh yes I certainly intend to keep an eye out for any of these adamantine fragments the giant mentioned. Such a rare and precious meta, I would love to experiment on it. Speaking of experiments, I believe I followed my end of the bargain. Now we can begin fulfilling yours. Ah but what to test first. I've experimented with so many potions its difficult to choose what to test first. If you would follow me to my laboratory we may begin.

On the way to the lab you can continue your dialog.if you wish otherwise we'll continue with Lady Denes request.

Narz' eyes went wide with the secret's revelation. Yet although it raised many, many, MANY questions for him as a wizard, such as how the land came to be so, and by what means they accomplished such soul binding, the hobgoblin closed his mouth in stopping just short of raising a single one. "Of course, Lady Denes. Let it not be said that we know nothing of holding to an agreement, even one made purely by word." He said while moving readily to follow after her. "And if you wouldn't mind terribly so, I would love to hear more about your previous experiments on our way there, and things ya feel ya might've been missing. As it could be while we're out and about dealing with them giants, we could pick up a few things and bring'em back fer ya." 

(OOC: The above can be further prelude to moving on to the grand experiments!)

Lady Dene gleefully tells you about several of her past experiments, each more bizarre than the last, and the more vizzare the more frequently they seem to end in failure. You get the sense that perhaps at one point she was quite sane and quite a talented mage, but living for so long beyond her normal lifespan has mad her utterly mad and prone to experimenting with grandiose ideas that have little chance of bearing fruit.

When you finally make it to her lab you find the place to be terribly filthy. Several beakers and apparatus stand perched precariously over several small fires which seem to be being tended by a overworked monkey familiar. Welcome to the lab! Pardon the mess, one of the invisibility potions may have, well exploded. Try not to step in broken glass but if you do be sure to tell me where it is, as we can't actually see it. Come come, I've got a few potions potions id like you to try. As promised I'll limit myself to three.

Claire please roll 3 d100

Claire tip-toes for a few steps before deciding being that careful is futile.  The monkey distracts her briefly and she almost walks into Lady Dene's back as she finishes speaking.  "Oh, uh, yes, right.  Three.  Do you know which one's you'll be having me try yet?"

11

25

52

Yes I think I know what I was to test, ah here it is, she pulls a small glass vial containing a slightly opaque substance that looks like solid ice but is in fact liquid. This one should make you resistant to cold while also giving you enhanced vision in the dark. Perfect for a winter hunt yes? Go ahead and give it a try.

The potion is sweet and not unpleasant to drink but you feel no immediate effect. After a moment your vision begins to blur and your surroundings seem to change. You're struck with a sudden cold sensation and as your vision returns you find yourself in a frozen tundra with tall peaks all around. Ahead you see a blue skinned giant in the distance. You begin to walk forward when suddenly a massive winged shadow darkens the area around you. Your vision goes dark again and you find yourself back in the laboratory no worse for wear. (No other effects. Potion has worn out)

Well, how do you feel? Is it working?

(For ease of making this quick ill post the other effects now and rp the responses after)

This next one is meant to give you the energy you need to keep going through even the toughest of conditions. Useful for lengthy treks in the wilderness or soldiers on the march yes?

The potion contains a dark brown substance thats extremely bitter to the taste. Forcing it down You're soon overcome with excess energy. You feel hyperactive and as though you don't need to blink or sleep. (You do not need any sleep for the next 1 days. After which you'll suffer a level of exhaustion.)

How do you feel? Tell me everything you can now. Did it taste okay? 

 Ah and here, the last one and the one I'm most interested in. This should give you the ability to read the thoughts of others for anywhere between say one to four hours depending on your metabolism. Why cast a spell when a potion can do the trick and is much more subtle eh? 

The vial contains a dark purple liquid which contains a tentecal which rests as the bottom. Luckily you aren't expected to try and consume it as part of the potion. You drink the rather bland substance but notice no immediate effects. You try to read someone's mind and nothing happens. Whatever your first thought is, everyone else hears it. (Your thoughts are audible for the 2 hours)

No need to say anything. Clearly this one was a failure.

Claire snaps back from her vision.  "Woah... was I... here the whole time?" she asks as no one seems to be question her apparent out of body experience.  "I was just in a snowy place and...(claire describes what she saw).  So... that was weird, but I don't really feel warm or like I have particularly good eyesight..."

Claire starts pacing and moving around all antsy after consuming the second.  "Taste?  Uhm.  Bad taste.  Not good taste.  Bitter.  Don't like this.  Also.  Need to move."  She shakes her hands out a little and can't seem to stay calm until her attention can finally be focused on the third and final potion.

'Ugh, why are all the potions so bland or gross?  The least she could do is make them taste all right... now... how do I tell if this one is working... should it happen automatically or do I have to try to read someone's mind?'  Clare squints at Lady Dene.

Throughout the entirety of the experiment Narz watched with rapt attention. Although he knew not what he might've done had Dene's estimation proved fatally off the mark, the subtle tension in both shoulders and expression softens after the first the first test. "Sounds more like you had closer to a vision... or a hallucination." Narz said. "But s'pose we'll have to wait and see, and I guess hope there's yet another bottle of that one to spare."

On that note, the hobgoblin quieted again as Claire moved on to the second potion. The result of which had him raising a brow and side-eying Torsus for a second. "Well that one worked out at least, and would definitely be helpful in a pinch. But definitely not something to take more than once if that jittereness is anything to go by." Narz eyes went a bit wide at some thought, before snickering and shaking his head. If asked what was funny however, he'd politely wave a hand in dismissal and say, "Just thinking of some goblins taking the stuff."

Then came the moment of true with the final potion. In spite of his best efforts to keep to a curious but otherwise fairly neutral expression, Narz couldn't help furrowing his brows and squeezing his hands as he held them behind his back. But once again he found himself sighing softly in relief and almost chuckling. Before he can say anything however, Lady Dene chimed in with her own point. But Narz raised a held up a finger in a halting gesture and say, "I wouldn't be so sure of that, Lady Dene. After all, it could be quite useful for interrogating someone that you might need to keep alive. Though, I'd understand if you prefer your own means of course." He said.

"But I believe that's all three and our part fulfilled. Once again, if not already said, you and your fellow Lords have our thanks, Lady Dene." Narz gives a formal bow. "And, uh... in the interest of easing the sharing of future knowledge -- and I do apologize if this asking far too much, but... might you have a scroll or perhaps even a spellbook containing a spell for long range communications? It may take me some time to figure out the intricacies of such, but I'm sure our time on the road will afford as much." 

Lady Dene looks quite pleased after hearing Narz's suggestion, excitedly exclaiming That's brilliant! A potion that makes the victims thoughts audible, making interrogation much easier! I'll have to rename the potion, and find the recipe. Perhaps it can be tweaked to last longer. Anyway I'd recommend doing your best not to have any thoughts dear. Least until it wears off. Thank you again, this has been most enlightening. Jeeves, my spellbook please!

The monkey familiar runs to a nearby bookshelf and pulls an old dusty tome off one of the shelves and brings it to Lady Dene. The spell you wish to copy is in here. Please feel free to copy it with my gratitude.

The spell book opens the spell you seek, sending. There are likely other, potentially powerful spells in the book. You're not sure she would appreciate you copying them however, as you yourself are aware wizards aren't keen to share their secrets like this. But you could perhaps sneak a peek and copy the spell later if you were careful

Torsus is only mildly intrigued by these experimental potions. Ultimately, he hopes that no harm comes to Claire, but she was also the one that volunteered for it. Each of them had varying effects, with which he watched in the same way someone might watch jerry springer when nothing else was on.. just enough interest because it's there and there's nothing else to do, but for him this was just repaying the debt they owe, and again, that Claire volunteered for.

By the end of it, he was glad that none of the potions seemed to have any detrimental effects though Torsus player has no idea why Narz would side eye him for the second potion and in the end, it all worked out. Narz even getting a spell for long distance communications, though Torsus knew nothing of such things. Somewhere in Torsus' heart though, he felt a tug for something. He wasn't quite sure what, nor what caused it. Regardless...

We're glad to be of mutual benefit to one another. And shake about the boy but if that would be his fate then it is best he stays here. Perhaps if he does not know it already, you should tell him of his fate should he leave, as that may smoulder any kindling of desire to leave. The answers you have given us will likely come in quite handy.. in regards to the giant and otherwise. And though I fear I repeat what Narz has said, if there was one giant, and they are seeking these things within your lands.. the odds are that there will be more. 

Luckily, giants are easily visible, and generally lacking in stealth besides. Though you will only defend your lands it may ultimately help out others as a byproduct. Regardless, We also would not want to overstay our welcome. I understand we were invited here but also that it is a rare occurance. Please, allow us only to spend the night at the inn to rest up before continuing our way out of your lands - and onto our journey ahead.

And Narz, Claire, when we have a moment alone, I  wish to speak with you both. he said, his words heavier than usual.

Claire would entreat Lady Dene for the recipes of the potions she tried, as she wants to study alchemy herself and feels, given her experience with the potions, it would help her begin her study into the topic.  Other than that, Claire is ready to move out, and well willing to lend Torsus an ear.

Although caught a bit off guard at the offer, Narz swiftly smothered his surprise and let a small but grateful smile bloom in its place. "I'll need some time, as you no doubt know, but you have my thanks." He assured Lady Dene. Before he can get much further into the details however, Torsus commentary and more lead to him look upon the Tortle with furrowed brows. But he nodded in understanding and said, "Understood, Torsus. Once we're back the Inn then. Though, I might be a touch late, as-..." He looks to Lady Dene. "I wouldn't dare presume I could borrow that for the duration it'a take me to transcribe while we're in town. So, uh, if you have some spot here I can begin the process, then that would be most appreciated." He requests.

Whenever he would get around to copying the spell (a 6 hour process by standard rules given the level of the spell), the only temptation Narz allotted himself is making a request of a use of the coffee/5 hour energy -- er, the energy boosting potion, if there any more to spare.

(OOC: Honestly can't remember why he side-eyed torsus earlier. lol)

(Narz. She has two more of the potions she's willing to give you. Drink it and you don't need to sleep for 1d4 days. We are just waiting on Torsus to finish moving at this point to discuss with you guys. Once that's done you guys are pretty much set to leave)

(OOC: Narz is totally downing one immediately, but will save that other for later. He may also suggest it be named something like Espresso or something. So with that in mind, here's the roll for the number of days: 4.)

(Ah, I was waiting on you to say 'you moved')

When everything is done on this end, Torsus walks with everyone back to the tavern. On the way there, as what he is saying isn't overall that private.. he tells them with some trepidation. I shall be blunt. While we were within the experimentation, I received what one might consider a vision if I were a preist or some other deific believer. I must go elsewhere. To be of the most help. Once my patrons learned of this ordning business in greater detail, they bid me elsewhere...  he said as they began to near the inn/tavern. his eyes looking to the sky as his head tilts back.

A heavy sigh escaping, perhaps hed grown a little fond of these two.. or perhaps he would simply miss the bickering amongst them. But come what may, he was to leave in the morning. Though should anything happen between then and now he would help defend them. 

I will leave this rod with you all, as where I am going, I will likely not need it. And with two of them - now that you know their purpose - you will be able to use it more freely. I am also tempted to leave my other trinkets with you... but ... I am loathe to part with them. They are what have kept me sane all these years... he says, admitting to it. Regardless, as they enter the Inn, he says his final piece. 

As such, I do wish you both luck proceeding henceforth. I had done some studies on giants before, as i think you all had as well, so I shall write my findings down to aid you all in the future. And perhaps I will leave some of mine supplies as well. 

As Torsus speaks, Claire seems to deflate for a moment, but she sets her jaw and nods to herself.  If there's one thing this journey has taught her so far, it was that companions came and went as quick as the winds changed.  She would have to be resilient against such goodbyes in the future, too, she was sure, and so she smiles wearily but genuinely.  "I wish you luck as well, Torsus.  Thank you for traveling with us.  I usually don't do this, and I know it may mean nothing to you, but..."  Claire exhales, and bows her head.  "May the Light watch over you and guide you towards safety and prosperity."  Finished with her short prayer, Claire steps aside to let Narz have his final word with his banter-buddy.

(OOC: Most weak sauce cup of coffee consumed known by anyone. lol)

As Torsus spoke of his patrons biddings, Narz couldn't help narrowing his eyes at the Tortle for a bit, before ultimately sighing in defeat. While their time together had been rife with "issues", even the hobgoblin looked a touch saddened at the news, if not disappointed, but also understanding as well. "And needless to say, there ain't no turning ya the course I take it." He stated more than asked, and yet there's a pause all the same to allow room for an answer. With or without one after a time, Narz had already turned his gaze back focusing on the what's ahead at the time, and before long nodded subtly in acceptance.

"Well don't you put yerself out on our account. 'specially travel'n alone as you will by the sounds of it... Well, mostly alone, if yer patrons are to count for somethin." He snorts. "...Go known'n I do still intend to keep my word about'em, by the way. Can't promise anything, but... if you yet still mean ta escape from'em by the time we meet again, then hopefully... hopefully then I'll have a solution for ya Tortle... and together we'll see you through it. Till then, try not to die, eh?" 

Torsus pursed his lips and sighed in a manner that one who was defeated might do. Unfortunately, not. it may only be a temporary diversion or perhaps a more lengthy one. Neither of my patrons are the most.... loving, and they are both quite demanding. And yes Narz, when I find a way to do so, you will be the first to know. I appreciate it. And I'm sorry for any disagreements, regardless of how much merit they may have had or lacked.

then, turning to Claire he nods first. And to you as well. Tell your patron, whoever that may be, that if they can free me from my soul-fate, they can have me themselves. It would likely be better than what otherwise awaits. he nods again, and sigh-grumbles, in that way that someone does when considering something hard... but shakes the webs from his mind. Then, looking at the inn, he says...

Regardless, let us eat well tonight.. atleast as well as we can.  he says, remembering their limited food options here... then, we shall rest, and be on our ways.

"Well shucks! Seems I truly right underestimated how bad you had it if you're thinking of going so far as to pledge yerself to Claire's deity." Narz said in almost genuine sounding disbelief, before turning to her with his hands raised in surrender. "Pardon my jest." He said with a small half-smile, before then furrowing his brows at a thought.

But after a moment of contemplation he shakes his head dismissively and once again regards Torsus. "But as you say, Torsus. Though I might be able to at least flavor it a bit up with magic, if either of you are so inclined, a meal is nevertheless very much in order after that meeting. Because even I'll admit that it... it was a bit tense there at the start." He paused in step and ran a hand over his beard. "Hmm... We're definitely gonna need to do somethin' 'bout our numbers tho' at this point. But I s'pose that's a tomorrow and a next town sorta thing fer us. Ain't it, Claire?" He smirks, and with that, if they hadn't already by then, presses on inside the Inn to speak with the keeper to get dinner arranged, if not access to a kitchen long enough to whip up something at least edible for the party to close out the evening on a pleasant note.

(Just a heads up I apologize for being absent. Been distracted with other things. Won't be able to move us along tonight as I'm exhausted but gonna try to catch up on sleep and stuff and hopefully get us moved along in the next couple days. Feel free to continue any rp in the meantime and I'll post when I'm able to get us moved along.)