[EARLIER, RESPONDING TO VASTRA]: "My lady, I've done enough work for enough people to know when someone is deserving of my respect, nobility or lack there of notwithstanding." He gives her a warm, sincere smile.
Alys would pull out a second document she transcribed translation on and place it beside Theleus' journal. "He was out in the woods meditating and came across a super natural being, 'The Master.'" She'd clear her throat before reciting some of it from memory, "One day this ancient being will return to set this world right.I will do my part by making this manor into something that would be pleasing to 'the Master'.' and 'I believe the manor's staff are much improved in their new forms.'"
Furlong, earlier: Vastra smiles back, touched by the words that you've said to her. "Thank you, Furlong. It means a lot to hear you say that."
Everyone: Maxwell's pleasant expression fades away after you tell him of Theleus' ultimate fate and what he did to the other servants. "Those poor people. How am I going to tell their families what happened?" He manages to hold himself together and resolves to read the journal after Alys recites the passage detailing his unholy works. As he goes through the book, his hands shake as he learns of how his friend went mad. "Theleus was dead long before you got to him. Whoever this 'Master' is, it took Theleus and made him into some twisted, insane monster. Thank you for bringing this to my attention." He looks at Barnabus. "Yes, I would be willing to pay for a Cleric to call upon his spirit, so that we may speak with him and possibly learn more about this Master that drove him to do such horrible deeds."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
"Well, Master Hartley, please do keep us apprised. We are more than happy to be of service, and if your interview of the skull brings about any more action items you need tended to, we are always in the market for good work from good people."
"I would request that you be there with me while the spell is cast and assist in the interview. I have asked much of you already and would more than understand if you wish to have no further involvement in this horrible business. But for the sake of my servants, as well as the man I once called friend, I must know what this Master is and what can be done to prevent further tragedy. I would be willing to give you all further reward for going the extra mile. But I am a man of my word, so you will of course be given the reward promised for prior services, regardless of whether you wish to continue or not."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Alys would bow her head to Maxwell, "I would be willing to take transcriptions of this interview, as I am interested in knowing more. There were symbols I do not recognize." She'd thumb through her journal to pull up the sketch she took of it to show Maxwell. And she'd love to witness and study the cleric performing the ritual of course...
Rinn nods at Alys' request. "I think that would be wise," he says. "It is best to know as much about your opponent as possible. Who knows when this 'Master' will cross our paths again?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd) Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist) Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
As promised, Maxwell gives you your reward, fetching eight pouches containing 150 gold pieces. He then leaves the apartment, notifying his wife and son that he has some business to attend to. You all head to a nearby temple of Lathander, a large cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows that depict his work throughout the ages. An aasimar woman in priestly garb approaches you all upon entry. "Lathander's Blessings. My name is Cecelia and I am the priestess of this temple, how can I assist you?" "This skull belonged to a friend of mine who had gone down a dark path in recent weeks. His name was Theleus. I request that you call upon his spirit, so that we may learn more about what caused this dark turn." "Of course. I must however insist that you pay tithe to Lathander for this service."Maxwell willingly pays 75gp for the service and Cecelia takes you all to a side room in the church.
She burns some incense and begins to pray. "Lathander, we gather here and ask that you call forth the spirit of Theleus, so that we might learn his secrets!" Winds begin to swirl, coalescing around the skull as a pale blue light begins to glow in it's eyes. "What have you called me here for?" The skull speaks, in a voice that sounds like a hissing whisper. "His spirit will not remain long, but you should be able to get a few answers out of it."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
You all hold a quick debate on which questions to ask the skull before coming up with five that you think will do the job. Cecelia steps forward to ask the questions that Alys writes out for her.
1. What is the symbol? 2. Where in the woods did you come into contact with the Master? 3. How does the Master plan to return? 4. Who is the Master? 5. What was your role in the Masters plan?
1. The Master's symbol. 2. Deep in the woods, far from the mansion. 3. My fellow servants work to bring him back. 4. A spirit of nature, most displeased. 5. Help ready this world for his return.
The winds going around the skull die down and the light fades from it's eyes as the spell ends. "Well it sounds like this Master will be coming across everyone's path soon, so this visit was a productive one for us." "Indeed. Should the lot of you decide to return to the forest, learn more about this Master and stop his return, I would be ever grateful and give you a larger reward than the one I have already given you. I would not want what happened to my servants to be repeated on a larger scale."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Kasha sighed. No. This didn't fare well at all. This went against her mother's teachings - her wisdom. Even father agreed. Mother never spoke of this Master. Most concerning. She absentmindedly walked over to Alys. "Do you have some of those chocolate covered nuts?"she asked.
Barnabus sighed as well. Not for the same reasons as Kasha, perhaps, for he soon halfheartedly glared at the skull. "Well, it ain't exactly alot to go off on there, boss man, truth be told."He looks back at richy rich with an apologetic grin. "But... that ain't never stopped us before man! So, sure. We'll -- er, that is to say, after some conference among ourselves, I'm sure we'll be head'n right on out that way -- A-after some resupply'n in town too! Right guys?"He makes a wide, sweeping gesture with his arms and stare at the group with hopeful eyes. "Between Ms. Kasha and Yvan-all-mighty we totally got this. All we really need to know is a bit a history 'bout this forest and forest lord first if'n we can."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Yes, preparations are in order. If we're going to be preventing the return of this master, we can't do so without the proper supplies or the proper knowledge. I suggest that we put our funds to good use and buy some supplies, before attempting to do some research on this Master as well as the forest Theleus found him in. I'm sure that a city of this size has a library we might do some research in."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Stella smiles. "Sounds like an excellent idea. I'll meet you all at the same inn as last time? I've got some shopping to do, and I think Obsidian needs a bath. See you!" Hardly waiting for a confirmation, she heads off into the city, Obsidian on her shoulder.
Stella will go by a blacksmith's to pick up a +1 rapier, then an herbalist for 2 potions of healing, whatever the equivalent here is of a cat spa to get Obsidian cleaned up, and finally a human spa to help work out some of the residual soreness from the manor fight and its accompanying wounds.
Stella: You break off with the rest of the group to do some shopping. First, you head back to Dio's workshop to go purchase a +1 rapier. It gleams with an arcane sharpness, as well as a rune indicating that this was made by Dio, who also reminds you to tell anyone who asks about the rapier that it was made by him. Next, you visit an Earth Genasi herbalist, who brews up your potions for you, but also fixates on your hair while she does so. You worry, at first thinking that this strange woman must've somehow figured out that you're a secret noble, but she tells you that it's because she thinks that it would make a good ingredient for a potion. Simultaneously relieved and weirded out, you pay for your potions and exit as fast as you can.
After that, you focus on more personal objectives, taking Obsidian to a cat spa and telling him to play nice with the other cats, which he does. Then you go to a spa for humanoids, looking to soothe your body after the abuse it took at the manor. You pay for a dip in the hot tub, as well as 45 minutes with a Tiefling masseuse, who tastefully covers up the areas you wish her to avoid with a warm towel, and gives you a massage, kneading away all of the tension that you had.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Barnabus mutely cheers and pumps a fist in the air. "There's this one thing I saw I'm hope'n to get this time. But after that, anything I got I'm all for putting towards a library run. Shoot! I'll even meet cha'll theret as soon as I'm done! 'till then."He gives a two fingered salute, and then bustles off right after Stella for a while.
Despite knowing it might cost him a little extra, he tries to find the store from last time to acquire a more enchanted instrument to add to his repertoire. And maybe something more Clockwork oriented for good measure. If it proves cheap enough.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Yvan had lagged behind the others who had decided to go shopping as well, noting where the library was in the town to meet them there when he had finished procuring some new items for himself. After a bit of browsing, he decides to pick up an evergreen cloak and some gauntlets to make him stronger. Donning his new gear, he rejoins the group at the library.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Barnabus, Yvan, and Vastra all go to Dio's as well, with the Wizard acquiring a Pearl of Power. You bump into Stella while at the store, but when you go to the library, she goes off for some Stella time, to cool down from the mission. The rest of you then meet up with Rinn, Alys, Kasha, and Furlong at the city library. You enter the library and it's massive. For some of you, the library has more books than you've ever seen in your entire life. There are three stories, all of them having rows of bookshelves and rooms to study in.
Vastra is in her own mind as she looks at all of the books. I haven't seen this many books in one place since I was at the academy. It makes the library here look like a quaint little book collection. I'm sure that there's a book that would help us somewhere in that labyrinth. If only they weren't so dead-set on keeping their knowledge to themselves.
If you wish to attempt to learn more about the forest you were at and if it's significant at all, roll history.
If you wish to learn more about the symbol that you saw at the manor and try and connect it to the Master or the other servants working to bring him back, roll religion.
You are able to work in pairs and gain advantage on these checks.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Stella groans with delight as she gets her nice, relaxing massage. She makes sure to tip the masseuse, then stops for a snack before heading to meet the others.
Alys would shake her head as if shaking herself out of a daze, "Yes of course Kasha. My apologies." She'd open the bag of holding to pull out Kasha's giant bag of nuts to give to her.
While at the shop, Alys would manage to strike a good trade back deal with Dio. Her pearl and the agreed upon sum, for a Pearl of Power to match Vastra's.
Alys, standing right next to Vastra would vibrate with excitement while in the library. "Eeee! So many books!" She'd grab the fellow wizards hand and tug her towards no shelf in particular, "Where should we start!?" Here eyes would be darting back and forth scanning over the various bookspines.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
just an unstable unicorn.
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[EARLIER, RESPONDING TO VASTRA]: "My lady, I've done enough work for enough people to know when someone is deserving of my respect, nobility or lack there of notwithstanding." He gives her a warm, sincere smile.
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
Alys would pull out a second document she transcribed translation on and place it beside Theleus' journal. "He was out in the woods meditating and came across a super natural being, 'The Master.'" She'd clear her throat before reciting some of it from memory, "One day this ancient being will return to set this world right. I will do my part by making this manor into something that would be pleasing to 'the Master'.' and 'I believe the manor's staff are much improved in their new forms.'"
just an unstable unicorn.
"Truly disturbing." Kasha whispered, maybe to everyone, maybe to herself. "Such is not the intended course of nature."
Furlong, earlier: Vastra smiles back, touched by the words that you've said to her. "Thank you, Furlong. It means a lot to hear you say that."
Everyone: Maxwell's pleasant expression fades away after you tell him of Theleus' ultimate fate and what he did to the other servants. "Those poor people. How am I going to tell their families what happened?" He manages to hold himself together and resolves to read the journal after Alys recites the passage detailing his unholy works. As he goes through the book, his hands shake as he learns of how his friend went mad. "Theleus was dead long before you got to him. Whoever this 'Master' is, it took Theleus and made him into some twisted, insane monster. Thank you for bringing this to my attention." He looks at Barnabus. "Yes, I would be willing to pay for a Cleric to call upon his spirit, so that we may speak with him and possibly learn more about this Master that drove him to do such horrible deeds."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
"Well, Master Hartley, please do keep us apprised. We are more than happy to be of service, and if your interview of the skull brings about any more action items you need tended to, we are always in the market for good work from good people."
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
"I would request that you be there with me while the spell is cast and assist in the interview. I have asked much of you already and would more than understand if you wish to have no further involvement in this horrible business. But for the sake of my servants, as well as the man I once called friend, I must know what this Master is and what can be done to prevent further tragedy. I would be willing to give you all further reward for going the extra mile. But I am a man of my word, so you will of course be given the reward promised for prior services, regardless of whether you wish to continue or not."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Alys would bow her head to Maxwell, "I would be willing to take transcriptions of this interview, as I am interested in knowing more. There were symbols I do not recognize." She'd thumb through her journal to pull up the sketch she took of it to show Maxwell. And she'd love to witness and study the cleric performing the ritual of course...
just an unstable unicorn.
Rinn nods at Alys' request. "I think that would be wise," he says. "It is best to know as much about your opponent as possible. Who knows when this 'Master' will cross our paths again?"
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd)
Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist)
Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
As promised, Maxwell gives you your reward, fetching eight pouches containing 150 gold pieces. He then leaves the apartment, notifying his wife and son that he has some business to attend to. You all head to a nearby temple of Lathander, a large cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows that depict his work throughout the ages. An aasimar woman in priestly garb approaches you all upon entry. "Lathander's Blessings. My name is Cecelia and I am the priestess of this temple, how can I assist you?" "This skull belonged to a friend of mine who had gone down a dark path in recent weeks. His name was Theleus. I request that you call upon his spirit, so that we may learn more about what caused this dark turn." "Of course. I must however insist that you pay tithe to Lathander for this service." Maxwell willingly pays 75gp for the service and Cecelia takes you all to a side room in the church.
She burns some incense and begins to pray. "Lathander, we gather here and ask that you call forth the spirit of Theleus, so that we might learn his secrets!" Winds begin to swirl, coalescing around the skull as a pale blue light begins to glow in it's eyes. "What have you called me here for?" The skull speaks, in a voice that sounds like a hissing whisper. "His spirit will not remain long, but you should be able to get a few answers out of it."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
You all hold a quick debate on which questions to ask the skull before coming up with five that you think will do the job. Cecelia steps forward to ask the questions that Alys writes out for her.
1. What is the symbol?
2. Where in the woods did you come into contact with the Master?
3. How does the Master plan to return?
4. Who is the Master?
5. What was your role in the Masters plan?
1. The Master's symbol.
2. Deep in the woods, far from the mansion.
3. My fellow servants work to bring him back.
4. A spirit of nature, most displeased.
5. Help ready this world for his return.
The winds going around the skull die down and the light fades from it's eyes as the spell ends. "Well it sounds like this Master will be coming across everyone's path soon, so this visit was a productive one for us." "Indeed. Should the lot of you decide to return to the forest, learn more about this Master and stop his return, I would be ever grateful and give you a larger reward than the one I have already given you. I would not want what happened to my servants to be repeated on a larger scale."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Kasha sighed. No. This didn't fare well at all. This went against her mother's teachings - her wisdom. Even father agreed. Mother never spoke of this Master. Most concerning. She absentmindedly walked over to Alys. "Do you have some of those chocolate covered nuts?" she asked.
Barnabus sighed as well. Not for the same reasons as Kasha, perhaps, for he soon halfheartedly glared at the skull. "Well, it ain't exactly alot to go off on there, boss man, truth be told." He looks back at richy rich with an apologetic grin. "But... that ain't never stopped us before man! So, sure. We'll -- er, that is to say, after some conference among ourselves, I'm sure we'll be head'n right on out that way -- A-after some resupply'n in town too! Right guys?" He makes a wide, sweeping gesture with his arms and stare at the group with hopeful eyes. "Between Ms. Kasha and Yvan-all-mighty we totally got this. All we really need to know is a bit a history 'bout this forest and forest lord first if'n we can."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Yes, preparations are in order. If we're going to be preventing the return of this master, we can't do so without the proper supplies or the proper knowledge. I suggest that we put our funds to good use and buy some supplies, before attempting to do some research on this Master as well as the forest Theleus found him in. I'm sure that a city of this size has a library we might do some research in."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Stella smiles. "Sounds like an excellent idea. I'll meet you all at the same inn as last time? I've got some shopping to do, and I think Obsidian needs a bath. See you!" Hardly waiting for a confirmation, she heads off into the city, Obsidian on her shoulder.
Stella will go by a blacksmith's to pick up a +1 rapier, then an herbalist for 2 potions of healing, whatever the equivalent here is of a cat spa to get Obsidian cleaned up, and finally a human spa to help work out some of the residual soreness from the manor fight and its accompanying wounds.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Stella: You break off with the rest of the group to do some shopping. First, you head back to Dio's workshop to go purchase a +1 rapier. It gleams with an arcane sharpness, as well as a rune indicating that this was made by Dio, who also reminds you to tell anyone who asks about the rapier that it was made by him. Next, you visit an Earth Genasi herbalist, who brews up your potions for you, but also fixates on your hair while she does so. You worry, at first thinking that this strange woman must've somehow figured out that you're a secret noble, but she tells you that it's because she thinks that it would make a good ingredient for a potion. Simultaneously relieved and weirded out, you pay for your potions and exit as fast as you can.
After that, you focus on more personal objectives, taking Obsidian to a cat spa and telling him to play nice with the other cats, which he does. Then you go to a spa for humanoids, looking to soothe your body after the abuse it took at the manor. You pay for a dip in the hot tub, as well as 45 minutes with a Tiefling masseuse, who tastefully covers up the areas you wish her to avoid with a warm towel, and gives you a massage, kneading away all of the tension that you had.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Barnabus mutely cheers and pumps a fist in the air. "There's this one thing I saw I'm hope'n to get this time. But after that, anything I got I'm all for putting towards a library run. Shoot! I'll even meet cha'll theret as soon as I'm done! 'till then." He gives a two fingered salute, and then bustles off right after Stella for a while.
Despite knowing it might cost him a little extra, he tries to find the store from last time to acquire a more enchanted instrument to add to his repertoire. And maybe something more Clockwork oriented for good measure. If it proves cheap enough.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Yvan had lagged behind the others who had decided to go shopping as well, noting where the library was in the town to meet them there when he had finished procuring some new items for himself. After a bit of browsing, he decides to pick up an evergreen cloak and some gauntlets to make him stronger. Donning his new gear, he rejoins the group at the library.
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Barnabus, Yvan, and Vastra all go to Dio's as well, with the Wizard acquiring a Pearl of Power. You bump into Stella while at the store, but when you go to the library, she goes off for some Stella time, to cool down from the mission. The rest of you then meet up with Rinn, Alys, Kasha, and Furlong at the city library. You enter the library and it's massive. For some of you, the library has more books than you've ever seen in your entire life. There are three stories, all of them having rows of bookshelves and rooms to study in.
Vastra is in her own mind as she looks at all of the books. I haven't seen this many books in one place since I was at the academy. It makes the library here look like a quaint little book collection. I'm sure that there's a book that would help us somewhere in that labyrinth. If only they weren't so dead-set on keeping their knowledge to themselves.
If you wish to attempt to learn more about the forest you were at and if it's significant at all, roll history.
If you wish to learn more about the symbol that you saw at the manor and try and connect it to the Master or the other servants working to bring him back, roll religion.
You are able to work in pairs and gain advantage on these checks.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Stella groans with delight as she gets her nice, relaxing massage. She makes sure to tip the masseuse, then stops for a snack before heading to meet the others.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Alys would shake her head as if shaking herself out of a daze, "Yes of course Kasha. My apologies." She'd open the bag of holding to pull out Kasha's giant bag of nuts to give to her.
While at the shop, Alys would manage to strike a good trade back deal with Dio. Her pearl and the agreed upon sum, for a Pearl of Power to match Vastra's.
Alys, standing right next to Vastra would vibrate with excitement while in the library. "Eeee! So many books!" She'd grab the fellow wizards hand and tug her towards no shelf in particular, "Where should we start!?" Here eyes would be darting back and forth scanning over the various bookspines.
just an unstable unicorn.