Chrys nods to Antonio as she finishes off her pie. "May ya find what yer seekin' here, scholar," she says to him with a nod of respect. "An' my thanks for yer help on the road, if we're partin' ways from here." Then, clapping her hands together, she yawns. "I'm gonna get some rest," she tells the others. "Just knock on my door if ya need somethin' tonight."
As she climbs the stairs to the rooms, she thinks about the ambush on the road and scowls a bit. Locking the door to her room, shucks off her pack, then looks for a window and opens it. The night scenery brings out a heavy sigh - nothing but forest in sight, when she would really prefer the company of some rocky mountains instead. Still, undiscouraged, she kneels by the window and clasps her hands for her evening prayer.
"O Marthammor Duin, patron of travelers... Thank you for givin' me the strength thus far to protect my companions on the road. May yer watchful eye continue to find the way for me, May you give me the strength to stand in front o' others, and take the force o' our enemies' blows, May you give me the wisdom ta let others lean on me in times o' need, An' may ya give me the sincerity to continue to resist the weariness an' temptations o' the long road ahead."
She prays silently for a few more minutes, before standing and shutting the window. Sitting on the bed, she digs through her pack until she pulls out the moonstone she still has - not nearly as fine in quality as the one she'd given Krackle long ago, but a moonstone just the same. She places it on the top of her pack, then leans back and puts her hands on her knees, resting, but staying alert for any sign of movement or noise as she waits.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(OOC: I still have the moonstone right? I know Krackle wanted to hold on to it. I know I paid back all my depts but I THINK I was able to still keep the stone.)
Krackle would curl up at the foot of the bed that lumen was sleeping in. The small kobold would occasionally flop and bump into the half-orcs foot during the night. Lumen took up much more of the bed, and when Krackle woke up to take second watch he would have migrated across the bed and have been sleeping across the half-orcs stomach. Once he was awake, he would roll out of bed and sit with his back to the wall. While listening for any sounds of movement outside his room and occasionally moving to open the door and peak out into the hallway... he would also focus on attaching the moonstone given to him by Chrys to a sting so that it could be tied around his neck. Once he had completed making his new necklace, it would dangle around his neck next to his half of the friendship bracelet he has purchased to share with his dragonborn friend weeks ago...
As you end the evening and make your way up to your rooms, you find them to be quite comfortable, which is no surprise, given the style you've seen in the rest of the lodge. Each room has two rustic, but comfortable beds, each with a neatly folded pile of wool blankets, and a small chest along one wall where you can secure your belongings. A single window looks out into the night, and as you look out, you realize just how dark it is out there over this tiny village and the wilds of the High Forest.
The sky is clear, but there is no moon to be seen; it's been steadily lessening in size since the day you first met during Shieldmeet. This fact reminds you that it's been about 15 days since you met... only a ten-day and a half, and already you've been through so much together, traveling, camping, fighting for your lives, and the lives of others alongside each other, and reveling in those few moments when you've enjoyed a few brief respite from danger. It's been a steady time frame of getting to know each other, learning to work together as a team, and learning more about yourselves, as well, as you have improved your own skills during this time.
And already, you have found quite a bit of adventure, you have made a few friends along the way, and have also made a few enemies, too. As you lay your heads down in the comfort and apparent safety of this inn that lies inside the edge of a massive forested wilderness, you can't help but think about these things and ponder what may lay ahead of you, both in the short term, as you head deeper into the forest tomorrow, and in the longer term. You know that you will become stronger as individuals, and also stronger as a team, and you also know that you will need those skills and the bond of togetherness if you're going to survive out in the wilds of Faerûn.
Peaceful rest takes you, although you do wake up a couple times during the night to what you think are noises outside, but as you open your eyes, you can't tell if they're near or far away, or if these sounds were only in your mind. Both times you're able to fall back asleep quickly, and the third time you wake, you hear roosters crowing and you see the first signs of lighting streaming through your window.
Chrys yawns and rubs her eyes. After wriggling her toes and putting her hair into a semblance of order, she collects her things and returns to the taproom to await the others. Depending on whether the breakfast was included with the stay or not, Chrys will either eat or wait to snack on a ration outside of the inn when everyone has regrouped.
Lumen felt like he didn’t really sleep, even when he was sleeping, and upon waking up and getting ready and gathering his things, he checks for the mask shards twice. Then he heads to the common room and follows Chrys’ lead on breakfast. He’s ready to trek down the path to the Old Man Tree.
Krackle would wake up and slowly stretch out on the bed. His tiny bones cracking and popping as he does so. After rolling out of bed onto the floor, the small kobold would let out one last yawn before meeting up with his companions. "So do you think breakfast was included in what we paid yesterday?" He would ask with a grin.
As you make your way down to the common room, you see Avgar hurriedly milling about, setting the table and preparing breakfast, which is certainly included with your overnight stay at the lodge. He bids you good morning and continues setting out the plates of ham, oat cakes, bread, butter, fruit slices and whole, fresh strawberries. You also see Antonio sitting in one of the comfy chairs, writing in a leather bound journal and sipping a mug of tea.
"Good morning, fellow forest travelers! I hope you slept well. I assume you're heading deeper into the wood today?"
Krackle would race towards the table once he realized it was already paid for and scramble up into a chair. He would excitedly dig in, filling his plate and eating until his small stomach looked like it was hiding a watermelon inside. Once finished eating he would not do Lumen. "yeah! I really like the spooky forest!" The kobold would add before letting out a small burp. Krackle would then quickly prepare to leave as well once everyone was finished eating.
"The Old Man Tree...? I wonder if that's an offspring of The Grandfather Tree, which I hear is a magnificent oak tree that stands well over 300 feet tall in the middle of the High Forest. It is said that the biggest trees in the forest are intelligent creatures that act as wardens of the wood. At least they were... your elf friend may know better than I, but from what I know, the massive Grandfather Tree is said to be the last surviving member of its kind. Although, there are other intelligent trees sprinkled throughout the forests of Toril."
"I should like to see this Old Man Tree with my own eyes, but for now, I plan to remain here and lay low in this very sleepy and out-of-the-way village for awhile. I may see you again if you pass through here again soon, but either way, be sure to keep your wits about you out there in the forest, watch out for trouble... and shadows... and may the gods watch over you and provide you with safe passage along your errand."
Lumen thanks the innkeeper for his time, and food, and prepares to get going. When the party's alone outside the inn, he says, "okay, wits about ourselves, we're probably still hunted out here by that shadow man. Let's look for our dryad friend and get going. "
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mercifully for Kess, the evening was blissfully comfortable as it was a refreshing balm for her mind. She had been particularly looking forward to getting to bed that night, and it was likely clear to the others that the battle against the thugs had been bothering her. It wasn't the first time she'd ever put those blades to practice, heavens no.
No, what truly bothered her was the memory of the man's dying plea for mercy right before the blades slit his flesh. Whether she was entirely comfortable with it or not, Kess had to accept the fact that she had now taken another life, that she had killed another person more relatable to herself, a human man who certainly had loved ones and dreams and goals... just like her. His final moments had played over and over and over in her head yesterday as she considered the look of sheer terror in the man's eyes as she had laid him low.
Now awake and refreshed with the morning sun, however, Kess decided that little could be done in dwelling on it. The bandit and his cohorts had attacked them first, not the other way around. Not to mention, he'd likely been party to other acts of banditry and mayhem; he knew the dangerous game he played, and the risks involved. The sum of his choices had simply caught up with him, and he'd finally provoked the ire of folk mightier and more able than himself.
Besides... Kess was hungry, and dwelling on what had happened was going to do no good whatsoever. She would take a few minutes to freshen up by washing herself with the complementary wash basin and towel, then she dressed and made her way down into the common room to join the Pie Pals and Antonio for their complementary breakfast. Kess was grateful for the spread, helping herself to some ham, strawberries and a piece of toast with some maple butter as well as some elven berry tea, taking a moment to once again compliment Avgar for his hard work and even made it a point to flash him a smile while tipping him 1 gold coin as a nod of appreciation; having long suffered tavern work, Kess knew that such gestures were not unappreciated, and it was always wise to be in a tavernkeep's good graces.
In a considerably better mood, Kess walked outside of the tavern, having taken a few oat cakes for the road and muching on one...
Rolling a thing as Kess eats breakfast: 20
And swallowing it, nodding at the others as she recalled Antonio's words.
As you finish breakfast and begin getting yourselves together to depart, Avgar bids you a fond farewell and thanks you profusely, with many bows and handshakes for patronizing the White Hart Inn.
"Be careful out there in the forest, tis a dangerous and mysterious place! I would not venture too far into it, but then again, I am not a hearty adventurer. May luck and good fortune find you on your travels through the wood, and if you should find yourselves passing this way again, please do stop for another stay! I'm always glad to have guests!"
Stuffing the last oak cake in your mouth (or your pocket), you walk out the door of the lodge and quickly reach the edge of the village where the path enters the forest. Looking back, you see a few villages doing outdoor chores and tending to their cottages and gardens, but they either don't see you, or don't pay you any attention. A few more steps, and you find yourselves out of the clearing and under the tall trees once again on this morning warm, clear summer morning.
(I'm working to finish a project during the next few days, so I may be slow with my postings. Feel free to RP with each other and enjoy some personal character interaction/introspection.)
"He said the Old Man Tree was three hours south, further down the path out of town. Then her tree was a left turn off the path, 500 paces. Best get going while we've got plenty of daylight ahead of us."
Chrys finishes her breakfast with a burp, rivalling Krackle for once as she wolfs down her food. "Boy, this place sure cost a pretty penny... but that breakfast was worth it," she grumbles, patting her stomach. When Antonio greets them and proffers his useful information unasked, Chrys smiles, glad to have been wrong about her initial impression of him.
"Thank ye," she tells the scholar. "I'm bettin' the Old Man tree an' this Grandfather Tree are one an' the same, ta be honest." That gives her pause, however. "... Guess this means we're goin' deeper into the forest that I thought we'd be. Oh boy," she mumbles into her cup as she takes another fortifying swig of tea to brace herself. Cleaning up after herself, she joins the others at the door as they prepare for the journey. "Well, like ya said... better early than late. I don't wanna be caught out in that forest alone at night if I don't haveta be."
Krackle would slip an extra piece of cake into his pocket as they leave the inn. "yeah! a grandpa is usually an old man so I bet you are right Chrys!" The kobold would exclaim as he bounces excitedly a few feet in front of the group. Once outside the Kobold would take a deep breath and open his eyes wide to take in the sights. the shade provided from the heavy tree cover was a blessing as the Krackle prepared to head off into the woods.
While you don't have any knowledge of The Old Man tree that is being mentioned, you do know that humans and other non-elven people often attribute such personality traits to natural features like certain trees, cliffs and rock formations. You do have knowledge of The Grandfather Tree, which is a massive 300+ foot tall tree that lies in the heart of The High Forest, but you also know that since it lies much further in the wood than a few hours walk from Noanar's Hold, it's unlikely that the two are one in the same.
You continue along the path that winds next to the River Dessarin, although there are times when the river meanders off in another direction and disappears from ten or twenty minutes before coming back into sight. Strolling beneath the massive pines that are interspersed with groves of birch trees, you also pass stands of spruce and the occasional patch of larch, all species that are more prevalent to the cooler climate of The North.
After about an hour, you come to a ford, where the river crosses the path. It's similar to the one you saw when you first turned onto this path yesterday near the edge of the forest. It's about ten feet across and it looks to be about 3-4 feet deep. The water is rushing a little bit faster, so it looks like it might be a little tricky footing to get across, but nothing too dangerous. If you wish to cross here, you can roll an Acrobatics (DEX) check.
And, while we're at it, roll a Perception check too.
(I am)
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
(Yep, Chrys can take first watch.)
Chrys nods to Antonio as she finishes off her pie. "May ya find what yer seekin' here, scholar," she says to him with a nod of respect. "An' my thanks for yer help on the road, if we're partin' ways from here." Then, clapping her hands together, she yawns. "I'm gonna get some rest," she tells the others. "Just knock on my door if ya need somethin' tonight."
As she climbs the stairs to the rooms, she thinks about the ambush on the road and scowls a bit. Locking the door to her room, shucks off her pack, then looks for a window and opens it. The night scenery brings out a heavy sigh - nothing but forest in sight, when she would really prefer the company of some rocky mountains instead. Still, undiscouraged, she kneels by the window and clasps her hands for her evening prayer.
"O Marthammor Duin, patron of travelers...
Thank you for givin' me the strength thus far to protect my companions on the road.
May yer watchful eye continue to find the way for me,
May you give me the strength to stand in front o' others, and take the force o' our enemies' blows,
May you give me the wisdom ta let others lean on me in times o' need,
An' may ya give me the sincerity to continue to resist the weariness an' temptations o' the long road ahead."
She prays silently for a few more minutes, before standing and shutting the window. Sitting on the bed, she digs through her pack until she pulls out the moonstone she still has - not nearly as fine in quality as the one she'd given Krackle long ago, but a moonstone just the same. She places it on the top of her pack, then leans back and puts her hands on her knees, resting, but staying alert for any sign of movement or noise as she waits.
Perception for 1st watch: 12
(OOC: I still have the moonstone right? I know Krackle wanted to hold on to it. I know I paid back all my depts but I THINK I was able to still keep the stone.)
Krackle would curl up at the foot of the bed that lumen was sleeping in. The small kobold would occasionally flop and bump into the half-orcs foot during the night. Lumen took up much more of the bed, and when Krackle woke up to take second watch he would have migrated across the bed and have been sleeping across the half-orcs stomach. Once he was awake, he would roll out of bed and sit with his back to the wall. While listening for any sounds of movement outside his room and occasionally moving to open the door and peak out into the hallway... he would also focus on attaching the moonstone given to him by Chrys to a sting so that it could be tied around his neck. Once he had completed making his new necklace, it would dangle around his neck next to his half of the friendship bracelet he has purchased to share with his dragonborn friend weeks ago...
Perception? 9
Lumen perception: 20
As you end the evening and make your way up to your rooms, you find them to be quite comfortable, which is no surprise, given the style you've seen in the rest of the lodge. Each room has two rustic, but comfortable beds, each with a neatly folded pile of wool blankets, and a small chest along one wall where you can secure your belongings. A single window looks out into the night, and as you look out, you realize just how dark it is out there over this tiny village and the wilds of the High Forest.
The sky is clear, but there is no moon to be seen; it's been steadily lessening in size since the day you first met during Shieldmeet. This fact reminds you that it's been about 15 days since you met... only a ten-day and a half, and already you've been through so much together, traveling, camping, fighting for your lives, and the lives of others alongside each other, and reveling in those few moments when you've enjoyed a few brief respite from danger. It's been a steady time frame of getting to know each other, learning to work together as a team, and learning more about yourselves, as well, as you have improved your own skills during this time.
And already, you have found quite a bit of adventure, you have made a few friends along the way, and have also made a few enemies, too. As you lay your heads down in the comfort and apparent safety of this inn that lies inside the edge of a massive forested wilderness, you can't help but think about these things and ponder what may lay ahead of you, both in the short term, as you head deeper into the forest tomorrow, and in the longer term. You know that you will become stronger as individuals, and also stronger as a team, and you also know that you will need those skills and the bond of togetherness if you're going to survive out in the wilds of Faerûn.
Peaceful rest takes you, although you do wake up a couple times during the night to what you think are noises outside, but as you open your eyes, you can't tell if they're near or far away, or if these sounds were only in your mind. Both times you're able to fall back asleep quickly, and the third time you wake, you hear roosters crowing and you see the first signs of lighting streaming through your window.
Chrys yawns and rubs her eyes. After wriggling her toes and putting her hair into a semblance of order, she collects her things and returns to the taproom to await the others. Depending on whether the breakfast was included with the stay or not, Chrys will either eat or wait to snack on a ration outside of the inn when everyone has regrouped.
Lumen felt like he didn’t really sleep, even when he was sleeping, and upon waking up and getting ready and gathering his things, he checks for the mask shards twice. Then he heads to the common room and follows Chrys’ lead on breakfast. He’s ready to trek down the path to the Old Man Tree.
Krackle would wake up and slowly stretch out on the bed. His tiny bones cracking and popping as he does so. After rolling out of bed onto the floor, the small kobold would let out one last yawn before meeting up with his companions. "So do you think breakfast was included in what we paid yesterday?" He would ask with a grin.
As you make your way down to the common room, you see Avgar hurriedly milling about, setting the table and preparing breakfast, which is certainly included with your overnight stay at the lodge. He bids you good morning and continues setting out the plates of ham, oat cakes, bread, butter, fruit slices and whole, fresh strawberries. You also see Antonio sitting in one of the comfy chairs, writing in a leather bound journal and sipping a mug of tea.
"Good morning, fellow forest travelers! I hope you slept well. I assume you're heading deeper into the wood today?"
Lumen wolfs down three plates of breakfast foods, preparing for a few days of hard tack.
"This is delicious, thank you. And yes, I believe we've got to go see some of the sights. Perhaps the Old Man Tree, which I think is near here?"
Lumen's ready to get going with plenty of daylight ahead of the group, as soon as people are ready.
Krackle would race towards the table once he realized it was already paid for and scramble up into a chair. He would excitedly dig in, filling his plate and eating until his small stomach looked like it was hiding a watermelon inside. Once finished eating he would not do Lumen. "yeah! I really like the spooky forest!" The kobold would add before letting out a small burp. Krackle would then quickly prepare to leave as well once everyone was finished eating.
"The Old Man Tree...? I wonder if that's an offspring of The Grandfather Tree, which I hear is a magnificent oak tree that stands well over 300 feet tall in the middle of the High Forest. It is said that the biggest trees in the forest are intelligent creatures that act as wardens of the wood. At least they were... your elf friend may know better than I, but from what I know, the massive Grandfather Tree is said to be the last surviving member of its kind. Although, there are other intelligent trees sprinkled throughout the forests of Toril."
"I should like to see this Old Man Tree with my own eyes, but for now, I plan to remain here and lay low in this very sleepy and out-of-the-way village for awhile. I may see you again if you pass through here again soon, but either way, be sure to keep your wits about you out there in the forest, watch out for trouble... and shadows... and may the gods watch over you and provide you with safe passage along your errand."
Lumen thanks the innkeeper for his time, and food, and prepares to get going. When the party's alone outside the inn, he says, "okay, wits about ourselves, we're probably still hunted out here by that shadow man. Let's look for our dryad friend and get going. "
Mercifully for Kess, the evening was blissfully comfortable as it was a refreshing balm for her mind. She had been particularly looking forward to getting to bed that night, and it was likely clear to the others that the battle against the thugs had been bothering her. It wasn't the first time she'd ever put those blades to practice, heavens no.
No, what truly bothered her was the memory of the man's dying plea for mercy right before the blades slit his flesh. Whether she was entirely comfortable with it or not, Kess had to accept the fact that she had now taken another life, that she had killed another person more relatable to herself, a human man who certainly had loved ones and dreams and goals... just like her. His final moments had played over and over and over in her head yesterday as she considered the look of sheer terror in the man's eyes as she had laid him low.
Now awake and refreshed with the morning sun, however, Kess decided that little could be done in dwelling on it. The bandit and his cohorts had attacked them first, not the other way around. Not to mention, he'd likely been party to other acts of banditry and mayhem; he knew the dangerous game he played, and the risks involved. The sum of his choices had simply caught up with him, and he'd finally provoked the ire of folk mightier and more able than himself.
Besides... Kess was hungry, and dwelling on what had happened was going to do no good whatsoever. She would take a few minutes to freshen up by washing herself with the complementary wash basin and towel, then she dressed and made her way down into the common room to join the Pie Pals and Antonio for their complementary breakfast. Kess was grateful for the spread, helping herself to some ham, strawberries and a piece of toast with some maple butter as well as some elven berry tea, taking a moment to once again compliment Avgar for his hard work and even made it a point to flash him a smile while tipping him 1 gold coin as a nod of appreciation; having long suffered tavern work, Kess knew that such gestures were not unappreciated, and it was always wise to be in a tavernkeep's good graces.
In a considerably better mood, Kess walked outside of the tavern, having taken a few oat cakes for the road and muching on one...
Rolling a thing as Kess eats breakfast: 20
And swallowing it, nodding at the others as she recalled Antonio's words.
The Old Man Tree... did that ring any bells?
As you finish breakfast and begin getting yourselves together to depart, Avgar bids you a fond farewell and thanks you profusely, with many bows and handshakes for patronizing the White Hart Inn.
"Be careful out there in the forest, tis a dangerous and mysterious place! I would not venture too far into it, but then again, I am not a hearty adventurer. May luck and good fortune find you on your travels through the wood, and if you should find yourselves passing this way again, please do stop for another stay! I'm always glad to have guests!"
Stuffing the last oak cake in your mouth (or your pocket), you walk out the door of the lodge and quickly reach the edge of the village where the path enters the forest. Looking back, you see a few villages doing outdoor chores and tending to their cottages and gardens, but they either don't see you, or don't pay you any attention. A few more steps, and you find yourselves out of the clearing and under the tall trees once again on this morning warm, clear summer morning.
(I'm working to finish a project during the next few days, so I may be slow with my postings. Feel free to RP with each other and enjoy some personal character interaction/introspection.)
"He said the Old Man Tree was three hours south, further down the path out of town. Then her tree was a left turn off the path, 500 paces. Best get going while we've got plenty of daylight ahead of us."
Chrys finishes her breakfast with a burp, rivalling Krackle for once as she wolfs down her food. "Boy, this place sure cost a pretty penny... but that breakfast was worth it," she grumbles, patting her stomach. When Antonio greets them and proffers his useful information unasked, Chrys smiles, glad to have been wrong about her initial impression of him.
"Thank ye," she tells the scholar. "I'm bettin' the Old Man tree an' this Grandfather Tree are one an' the same, ta be honest." That gives her pause, however. "... Guess this means we're goin' deeper into the forest that I thought we'd be. Oh boy," she mumbles into her cup as she takes another fortifying swig of tea to brace herself. Cleaning up after herself, she joins the others at the door as they prepare for the journey. "Well, like ya said... better early than late. I don't wanna be caught out in that forest alone at night if I don't haveta be."
Krackle would slip an extra piece of cake into his pocket as they leave the inn. "yeah! a grandpa is usually an old man so I bet you are right Chrys!" The kobold would exclaim as he bounces excitedly a few feet in front of the group. Once outside the Kobold would take a deep breath and open his eyes wide to take in the sights. the shade provided from the heavy tree cover was a blessing as the Krackle prepared to head off into the woods.
Kess
While you don't have any knowledge of The Old Man tree that is being mentioned, you do know that humans and other non-elven people often attribute such personality traits to natural features like certain trees, cliffs and rock formations. You do have knowledge of The Grandfather Tree, which is a massive 300+ foot tall tree that lies in the heart of The High Forest, but you also know that since it lies much further in the wood than a few hours walk from Noanar's Hold, it's unlikely that the two are one in the same.
You continue along the path that winds next to the River Dessarin, although there are times when the river meanders off in another direction and disappears from ten or twenty minutes before coming back into sight. Strolling beneath the massive pines that are interspersed with groves of birch trees, you also pass stands of spruce and the occasional patch of larch, all species that are more prevalent to the cooler climate of The North.
After about an hour, you come to a ford, where the river crosses the path. It's similar to the one you saw when you first turned onto this path yesterday near the edge of the forest. It's about ten feet across and it looks to be about 3-4 feet deep. The water is rushing a little bit faster, so it looks like it might be a little tricky footing to get across, but nothing too dangerous. If you wish to cross here, you can roll an Acrobatics (DEX) check.
And, while we're at it, roll a Perception check too.