Stella’s confidence was always so admirable. Alys tries to set aside all self-doubt, she was no god. She’d inhale a new breath and focus on everything she’s learned this year and how much she’s grown through it all. 

Alys Intelligence Check: 17 + Guidance: 2 

Using your combined mental prowess, you're able to mold these four elements to form a smaller version of the planet you stand on. 

"Well done. There is one last part of the test. Populate this new world. Create the creatures that have shared this planet with us."

Last check. DC18.

Stella gives Alys a reassuring smile and thumbs up before focusing and drawing on all her memories, of what the different beautiful denizens of the world are, from the littlest to the most massive.

Charisma + Psi Dice: 29+4

Alys’ eyes would soften from Stella taking a moment to reassure her. Although the elf hasn’t been performing at her peek, it appeared to be enough to keep up with Stella and the challenge. Inhaling a shaky breath, the wizard would once again try to cast aside her self doubt and ground herself in the love of those around her. She appreciated how something so small as a spark could grow into something so wonderful and important to her.

Alys Intelligence Check: 27 + Guidance: 4 

Stella and Alys are able to use the combined mental energies of the party to create simulacra of beasts that exist in this world, both mundane and magical. As soon as you complete the test, the world you are standing in fades away and you find yourselves back in the chamber where Anastasia and the other witches have been examining you. "Excellent work. You have passed the Test of the Cosmos. If you were academy students, you would have earned your status as full-fledged witches and been able to study the higher mysteries. But I think that this will suffice." Anastasia conjures the Staff of Myrion from the aether and hands it to you all. "This staff has been carried by my family for 30 generations. Use it well."

A grinning Courage lightly nudges Stella with his elbow, and kind of gives her a look that practically says 'Hear that? Full fledged witch!' Then, as if remembering decorum, the tiefling promptly screws up his expression into a more serious veneer, and bowed partway at the waist to Anastasia. "You have our thanks, Lady Anastasia." He said, before coming out of the bow with a soft smile. "For the sake of all, we shall make sure this gift will be put to good use." With that said, Courage then looked to Alys, Stella, and then Vastra, figuring any one of the three might step up to hold on to the staff, forgetting all about using the bag of holding. 

Alys would nod softly and remain quiet. Blue hues would look to the others, and if no one was going to step up to grab the staff, she'd hesitantly do so.

Stella returns Courage's grin with a slight smile of her own before adopting a serious expression appropriate to the moment. She bows and steps forward to take the staff (not intending to keep it). "Thank you very much for your assistance. We will put this to good use."

"I'm sure that you will." 

"That only leaves the Ring of Maran left in Naraka. Alys darling, sorry to tax you more after you so wonderfully accomplished this test for us, but are you able to teleport us back to Greywatch Tower? I expended all of my teleportation ability for the day." 

"Indeed. Be nice to take a rest once we're there as well. Even if resource aren't exactly, uh... taxed at the moment. Best we get them when we can. Because soon enough, we aren't likely to get many opportunities to do so when things truly kick off." Courage both commented and advised as Souperb pantomimed yawning before seeming to doze off on the tiefling's shoulder. "But take it with a grain assault this old man's advice. You lot know yourselves far better than I, and that includes your limits. And who knows what other agents might yet still be at work in other ways now that the one failed to keep word from spreading, eh?"

"Y-yes." Alys half snaps out of her daze and tip toes forward. She'd inhale a deep breath. Closing her eyes, she'd begin to hum a melody laced with magic and as the tune unfolded, it'd nudge at your senses, reminding you of the destination you were all headed.

Casting [Tooltip Not Found]: 82

Alys is successfully able to teleport everyone back to Greywatch Tower. "Excellent work Misfits. That leaves Naraka as your last destination. I suggest that you rest and return to full strength. Naraka is a militaristic society, they will almost certainly test your strength in battle before the give you the ring."

"Couldn't have said it better myself." Courage chuckled for a moment, before pausing at a thought and clearing his throat awkwardly after. "About the rest idea, that is... Ahem... anyways. I'll see you lot in the morning." With that, the tiefling hustled off to the bed. Except sleep would not come so easily for him, as too many ideas following the group's previous encounters eventually compelled him to action.

So, though bound to wake up groggy the next day, the sound of hammer tinging against metal, arcane phrases spoken, and even some flashes as the final touches of Arcane armor are finally completed...

Next Morning Prep(if there's time):

Come the next day, Courage seemed to be both wired and tired at the same time. Which might account for why breakfast (if the party relies on him for such this go around), is a fairly simple affair of bagels, muffins, and other small on the go foods. Still exceptionally tasty, nutritious, and with plenty of flavors to fit each member of the group. But simple.  But in all other preparations there is no slack out of the tiefling.

Day's Prep:
---> Cast (5th level) Aid on Courage, Vastra, and Alys, granting 20 additional HP.
---> Special Treats given to Alys, Stella, Vastra, and Yvan. (As a bonus action, the treats can be consumed to gain 5 Temp HP that last until depleted or next long rest)
--->Yklwa made into Spell Storing Item (Contains 8 charges of [2nd level]Cure Wounds)
--->Expend 1 use of Defensive Field to gain 15 Temp HP (lasts until depleted or next long rest)

"Thank you..." Alys would bow her head respectfully when the group was thanked and provided with a reminder of their final task, the ring.

When Courage would agree and remind them of 'rest', Alys would pull up her cloak to snuggle up in the fur. She'd nod. "Goodnight Courage. Happy tinkering." She'd give a gentle smile as he went his way for the night.

Alys would then tip toe up to Yvan. She'd give him a gentle bump of her hip. With a happy hum she'd weave her fingers between his and start tugging him away.

The elf would look back over her shoulder to Stella and Vastra, giving them a warm smile. "Good night you two! See you in the morning!"

Come morning, Alys would eventually peek her head out at the smell of Courage's Souperb cooking. It smelled so yummy! She'd pop back to rouse Yvan awake to come for breakfast.

Happily accepting even the 'simplest' of goodies from Courage's spread, Alys beamed as she nibbled on her fair share. "Fank ryooo!" She'd thank them with full cheeks. Delighted coos would continue leave her as she snacked and waited for the others to enjoy their share.

Greater Portent: 12 | 12 | 14

Vastra just looks at Stella. "So where do you think they're running off to?"

Yvan would have been lying if he said he didn't enjoy the lack of fighting during their gathering of the relic's. Sure, for the first bit of it there were some fights, but the team fought well together, and no one made it out of them too badly injured. He enjoyed sitting back and letting the others truly shine too. He watched them, amazed at all their capabilities, remembering how far they came to get to where they were now... 

Even though they were told the next relic would be obtained by testing their strength, the goliath didn't seem all that bothered by it. He even gave Alys a light bump of his hip in return with a small smile at the corner of his lips, and as always, showed no resistance to her tugging him along. He bid the others a goodnight as well after the elf's. They all deserved a good rest.

And a good rest was had! He had always slept better when within Alys' presence, and when she would awaken him, he'd quickly steal a small kiss from her before readying up and joining the rest to where breakfast had been served. 

Simple as the spread may have been, Yvan tried everything. He had a healthy appetite and was able to put away a decent amount of food (he also may have put a few blueberry muffins away for later). He would even try sharing some of the food to Hoodini too, maybe even Obsidian when Stella wasn't looking. Good food shouldn't go to waste!

"I... think I can speak for everyone when I say we appreciate all the meals you make for us, Courage." Yvan says with a look of gratitude towards the tieflings way. "I haven't really had this much good food in... a long time. Consecutively, anyway. Thank you."

Stella shrugs and tosses Vastra a grin. "Bed. Night, you two!" She smiles and heads to do a little shopping if possible before going to her own room.

(OOC: If possible, I'd like to pick up three greater potions of healing for emergencies)

"Eh, uh... eh!" Courage emitted, perking up just moments before stuffing breakfast biscuit into his maw. "What ya -- Oh! Heheh. Your welcome. All of you! Though, that comment does leave me curious again on just who was response for cooking prior ot my joining up!" He admits, grinning brightly. "But that can be a story for another time. We got a big day ahead of us, so lets see those chompers moving and get a move on, ya?"

(Stella is able to pick up the potions)

"Thank you Courage."

After eating the breakfast that Courage prepared for you, you all head back to Greywatch Tower to meet Father Tarkus. "The Teleportation Circle to get you to Naraka is ready, although I will tell you now to not expect a warm reception from them. They are a militaristic society that does not have a terribly fond view of societies that they deem to be weaker than theirs. I would imagine that they will test your strength to ensure that they aren't entrusting the Ring of Maran to a bunch of 'soft, pampered Riiselians'. I have the utmost faith that you will prove worthy of the ring."

You all head through the portal and arrive in a Spartan-esque room and meet a detachment of Dragonborn soldiers that are led by a tall Dragonborn with black scales and a well-decorated uniform that would lead you to believe that he is an official that has more than proved himself in combat. "I am Colonel Drathkor, commander of the 43rd Infantry Regiment. I have been assigned to look over you while you are here, Riiselians" 

There's a fair amount of distaste coming from the Colonel when he says that last word.

Courage started to raise for an 'Uhm, actually' regarding his own origins, only to let the gesture fall to the way side in just emeting the Dragonborn's eyes. "Eh, uhm... A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Colonel Drathkor, as well as thank you for any guidance you can provide while we are here." He said with a polite smile despite the Dragonborn's attitude. "Which speaking of said guidance, we were told to anticipate a test, but not much on it beyond it being likely a test of "strength" in some manner. I don't suppose you can add more clarity on the matter."