Rafons Run: Road to Glanyrafon:

Tsahil:    "The Triton reels back his trident, slamming it into the downed body of the Caretaker." 

Attack: 21 Damage: 4  Attack: 7 Damage: 3 (both had advantage, reroll: Attack: 8 Damage: 5

 "By some magic, metal begins to materialize from the wound of the Caretaker, which looks more painful than the attack itself.  The Triton looks at you, saying.  'If you know what's good for you, you'll stay out of this.  If you're smart, you'll help me.'  He shouts back at the Caretaker  'Start talking, why did they send you, and tell me what you know!' "

"Tsahil sees, out of the corner of his eye, the driver, hiding behind one of the wagon's wheels.  He is carrying a shotgun in his hands."

Riverside Village:

Nae, Noldeme, Xamodas:

Unfortunately, Nae does not seem to recall the exacts of the ribbons.  Something about druids.  The large otter says to her, in a slow, deep voice.  "A name is something I have the honor of no longer having. What is a name, but a binding spell? However, it pleases you: most call me ancestor, others call me otter, but you may call me whatever you wish.  Tell me, it what manner does your beastounge come to you, are you a druid?"

As Vir is nudged forward, they cover their eyes.  They slowly walk onto the otter.  "Ah, well it is quite warm, that is nice."  Suddenly, as everyone is on the otter, it begins moving, and Vir loses their footing, falling backwards onto the otter.  Their fall becomes unusually slow, and they come to rest.  "Oh...very warm."  Vir doesn't uncover their eyes, but being a small size seems to be in no danger.

Noldeme does not seem to recall what it is...maybe it was a dream, or sometime when you were very young, you just feel like you've been here before.

Xamodas watches the otter swim away to the opposite bank.  Before too long, it makes it to the other side.

Xamodas

For a moment, he considers flying off.  Then, with a huff, he takes to the air and follows them to the other bank.

Macgullickson's Farm:

Zacharias:  "The Zeigeist is a realm of mind and spirit, any experience can be called to you here.  If you are trained in them, you should have no issue.  I am bound to what my followers believe protects them."  Both of his arms transform into long, arching blades, stylized like the form of a praying mantis.  He leans down into a menacing battle stance, His mask switches to the appearance of a mantis as well.  "When you are ready, you make make the first strike."

((You can call any object to you as an action, bonus action, or reaction while in the Zeitgeist, as long as you are acquianted with it. The object must be either worn or carried after it is summoned.  It doesn't physically call it from the material realm.  The object disappears if it is no longer worn or carried.  Your use of the object only pertains to your knowledge of it.  If you summon a completely made up object, a DC 20 Wisdom((Add you proficiency if your class lets you cast at least 1 spell) check is required for it to function beyond any obvious use and it can't be magical.  A DC 20 Intelligence(tool proficiency) check is required for an object the is made up, but you understand exactly how to craft such a device.))

((Also, in the Zeigeist, when you make a roll that uses your Constitution or Strength bonus, you can use your Wisdom or Intelligence bonus instead.))

Archway Offices:

Ulrich:  The door swings open.  "AH, finally! Get in here!"  says an elf with a look that you can only describe as 'sickeningly pizzazy'.  They pull you inside, and immediately begin throwing several outfits in your face.  "Put these on, there is a screen over there."  A soggy eyed, torment faced assistant is by their side, a worker from Archway, who is currently being used a human coat rack.

"I have to say, your supposed taste in fashion is spot on based on the 5 word description they gave me. Don't worry, I've chosen a lot of ho hum blacks and grays that should suit you just fine, but I've put in a couple of my own suggestions as well.  It's going to be terrible, terrible for me to bear.  They can't seriously expect me to dress you right based on only dimensions and a profession.  Whatever, we can buy something less disgusting when we get there.  Do you even know how important it is to look right, especially in Saisei.  You practically need a different outfit for standing and sitting to prevent ostricization.  Yet we just beg for uniforms, don't we?  At least you clerics have the decency to occasionally wear an interesting hat.  Otherwise, you'd be no different from some kind of private school.  You can't possibly think you can live like that, just walking around with all the taste of wood shavings, can you?  Of course not, that would be an insult to wood shavings.  And another thing..."  they continue to spout, and spout, and spout seemingly whatever comes to mind.

Archway Offices: 

Ulrich blinks, trying to pick up clothes as more are thrown at him. He takes them over to the screen and sets them down. He thinks over what he managed to catch of the elf's words and steps out. He raises his hand to stem the stream of consciousness.

"Thank you for your choices. And I understand." He takes a breath. "I will have enough issues being from the North. I do not need to add to them. Dress me as best you can so that people will actually be willing to talk to me. My tastes mean nothing in this. I have a role to play and the correct clothes will help. And you are traveling with me? What is your name?"

So I don't have my equipment available to me like usual? I have to "call" my sword, etc. and it costs an action, bonus or reaction to do so?

Quote from DirtyDogP >>

So I don't have my equipment available to me like usual? I have to "call" my sword, etc. and it costs an action, bonus or reaction to do so?

((Good point, you can also keep all the stuff you already have on you whenever you go there.))

Spearhead Tent Illusion:

Iam:    "I don't think there should be too much fighting in this one, but...best stay on your toes." says Eli.  "Just signal to me if you need me to step in, although I think that means you'll receive poor marks for this.  Just means you'll need some extra schooling before trying again.  I'm sure you'll do fine."  As you flip through the pages of your manual, you notice that a good deal of the pages are completely blank.  You set your cards inside for safekeeping, and you should be able to access them at any time.  The Manual (which was orginally the waiver you signed when you weren't looking) is suprisingly not all that heavy  despite being extremely thick, probably in part to the symbols on it.  However, it is still taxing to hold for long periods of time.

A different, much more congruant voice begins to lecture from above you.  "Hello, Iam Unsure, welcome to recruitment training regimen number 5, The Emperor.  Upon the completion of this training you'll have permission to view the contents of The Manual's 5th chapter, appropriately.  If you have finished a previous regimen, more information will be alotted on those chapters as well.  In more advanced regimen, in the field, and in the lab, this information will be vital for your success, for now, just it for notetaking. I'm sure, seeing as you're working here, you think you can store it all in that big brain of yours, but trust me, there's going to be a lot to remember, that's why I made a manual in the first place."

As the speaking continues, the illusion begins to form images that match along with his speaking  "The 5th seal, also known as the Emperor's seal, has always had traits that are given to the quality of desirable armies.  Loyal, efficient, enduring, able to go up against even the most devestating of threats.  However, we are not a military organization; division 5 is here build houses, bridges, and fences, not tear them down and take them for our own.  However, the traits of this aformentioned army are exactly what we would want for a civil structure: to work as expected, to use a few materials as possible, to last as long as possible, to maintain itself even under heavy stress.  As you might expect, these are some of the potential applications of the 5th seal.

The illusions shifts, creating the large image of a river running over a brook.  You almost immediately notice the bridge has very little support, you doubt it should be able to stand, let alone walk on.  "Now, with that in mind, take a look at this example bridge.  You may notice something a bit odd about it, but the application of the fifth seal makes this a completely sound structure.   You may use it as an example for this upcoming test."   

"To your left."  You see a set of carpenters tools and wood. "are some materials and supplies, slightly less than the amount used in your example.  To pass this lesson, using any amount of these materials, and an application the 5th seal, you need to create a structure that will carry you across this brook. You'll notice there aren't any nails or ropes, so that's your clue.  Lastly, you should keep in mind that these are never firm principles we are working with, it is still magic after all, definition: a mysterious or supernatural force,.  The intent you put behind your seal is just as important as the seal itself.  With that respect, I'll give you'll get full marks on this one if you can manage to dissassemble your example bridge without brute force.  Go ahead and begin."

Eli moves to the example bridge, and walk on it.  It holds him just fine.  "A very well crafted illusion indeed.  I'm not even sure this qualifies as an illusion."  He knocks on his head.  "Dangit, Eli, you're supposed to know about these things..."  he stops knocking on his head seemingly remembering you're here.  "...ah, right, your lesson, not mine, I shouldn't be thinking so hard, and especially not out loud.  As you instructor, I should just say for this one, try the first thing that comes to mind, and also remember that there are several ways to pass these tests, though maybe thinking outside the box might not be your strong suit- uh, sorry, is it rude to assume that since your a construct?    I apologize regardless!"

Goodhand's Inn:

Voldred:  ((I think any half decent Inn has doors that swing inward.  Otherwise, you risk opening the door too fast and smacking somebody in the face.  I think it's supposed to be based on what side locks?  If it swings toward you, it means you can lock it from that side.  Also, I think most exteral doors swing outward for security, or at least to keep a stiff breeze from throwing the doors open.  These have been DM door thoughts.))

You aren't doing yourself any favors to remain unsuspicious with that comment you just made. It's clear to see a few half-orcs are making unfriendly looks at you after your comment, but not suspicious.  You notice a woman in purple robes looking at you in a suspicious manner, you are almost certain he was looking directly where you had stored the stone, and she quickly turns away when you spot her.

"Alright, then, enjoy your beauty rest.  I assure you, my rooms are very secure, and no thief would dare." says the barkeep, handing you your food.  The meal is a spicy fish and mollusk curry, which, although delicious, might be somewhat upsetting to your stomach if you aren't used to spicy food, especially combined with an Ale.  Once done, you head upstairs to your windowless room and barricade your door with your bed.  "Don't you think you might be going a bit overboard?" says Twill.  "Sure, this ain't the most reputable town but...I guess your hunch was right before, so, whatever.  The rope is somewhere on the docks, based on my compass, so we'll check it out by morning.  I doubt it will be as easy as just walking it up and taking it, so be ready to make a plan."

You drift off to sleep, being fully prepared for anyone who assails you.  You have a host of odd visions, probably due to your curry.  Strange views of sea creatures, being underwater, the surface lit from a pale light coming from above, surrounded by visous looking fish.  They seem to be poking and prodding at you, inspecting you throughly, and less than gently. You can feel them biting at you.  A silouette appears from the waters, shooing away the fish.  The water  slowly drains from your dream, just the light remains, and the feeling off sand beneath you.  You can just barely see the color purple.  You see them reach at you, pulling out a glowing red object inspecting it.

Goodhand's Inn:

((The whole point of Voldred ordering spicy food was because he likes spicy food. He shouldn't suffer any side effects from a normal spicy meal. Maybe this one he ate is something special?))

((Also your description of Voldred's current situation is rather vague, so it's hard for me to understand what he can and can't do in his current state. I'm assuming he's having a really weird magic-induced dream to keep him busy while he's robbed in his sleep. If that's not the case I may need to retcon my post.))

Seeing that development, Voldred will grow angry at the brazen assault and try to force himself to wake up and attack the offender IRL. If that fails, he will try to fight them in the dream until he can wake up.

I'm not sure how relevant it's going to be, but here's for combat:

Initiative: 10

Dagger attack: 19 Damage: 6

Spearhead tent training illusion

Iam listens to the voice as it relates the task. He doesn't  miss the fact the illusion's voice implies it wrote the manual. Looking up at the sky Iam's voice responds, "So your Steve. You ask me to say hello in the manual. Very well written but I found the doodles might have been unnecessary."

Iam waves Eli off the bridge as he walks up to look it over and investigate. "Your fine, Eli. If I found myself in your position, I am sure there would be a great deal of nostalgia." Iam looks the bridge over patiently looking at its basic materials, the architecture, intent and design. He then looks at how it is put together and how the pieces are joined together. Once he has looked over the bridges connections he looks at the environment  of the stream and the bridges foundation. The last thing he checks he ritually casts detect magic looking the bridge over for arcane bindings. He expects illusion magic so takes his time looking for something more, even if it is the illusion of another magic.

Pausing he pulls out his manual and ritually casts detect magic a second time. He knows the spell the lady used to tell his future tied her magic into his own fate just as every spell he cast put a small part of himself in it. The whole organization seemed centered around fate and numerical magic which are both closely associated with spiritual or soul magic. He tries looking beyond the magic of the books actual spells to the connection magic that holds it to its owner, to this organization and to the person who wrote it. if even marginally  successful  he will then do the same with the bridge.

Investigation 15

Civil Engineering 4

Carpenter's tool 24

Woodworker's tools 9

Mason's tools 12

Arcana 20

Noldeme, Nae, and Xamodas | Chloro Hill 

Noldeme passes a few minutes of their travel through the water checking the surroundings, hoping to find any clues as to what she was feeling about this place, yet she doesn't get anything out of that exercise, and it's clear it frustrates her a little as she shakes her head and sits down to look at Vir. "So, really enjoying it at the end? See? Told ya you shouldn't be scared." She chuckles and waits until the otter reaches the other side.

Once the otter stops, she makes sure to help Vir back onto land, having the body strength to carry the small kobold with ease.

Wrightway Inn (Body) <-> ??? (Mind):

Orina:   "Making your wishes come true, eh...there was a phenomena that I remember that matches what you describe, but I can't see the relation to the Headstone.  However, seeing it is intensely magical, perhaps it jumpstarted something.  You see, after The Tower was first conquered, some strange new form of magic began to surface:  supposedly, during moments of intense stress, a person would awaken a strange and unique Power to assist them.  This was no average sorcery, however, even those with mundane lives and bloodlines could suddenly be embued with this power.  I once overheard a man call it...the song within, a "Soul Symphonic".  Sorry to say, but I have no theory beyond that, but being a man of science I can reccomend trying to recreate the scenario and see if it occurs again.   If my dungeon was completed, then I have no care if it becomes ruins, but my family should have made plans for it, so you may have bothered them by making that decision."

"Oh, no no, you give me too much credit.  The Tower has been and always will be, I have had no more of a hand in it's constructuion than any other.  I meant the spire built exactly at the dungeons position in the center of Barnborough."  You recall that there was no tower or town of any sort at it's location.  You feel the area around shudder for a moment, but Barnabus does not seem to notice.  "Oh, I'm glad you like The Gauntlets, them fitting you is certainly a good omen.  I was always inspired by lenses and apertures, and I was orginally working to create a device that create pictures of anything you could see, but I could never work out the mechanisms.  I hope you have been very careful with them, they are VERY dangerous, they have the ability to change the size of almost anything!  You could cause a lot of havoc if you aren't careful, I'm ashamed to admit their were several occasions in which I was not.  Something too large will become lighter than air and be carried off, and something smaller get's heavier, and when things get heavier, a little force called gravity starts to kick in.  Whatever you do, do NOT shrink things down too small with it's advanced setting, unless you want to have something dwarves call FUN."

"Well, yes, in a sense I would be dead, but my body is probably already gone, and my soul has no doubt passed.  I am no better at this point than the books I've already written, at it's quite difficult to feel much of anything in this state.  It is a lot to ask from you.  You should give the Headstone to my family, and they can determine what they wish.  I bet they have a magic hammer lying around, little bit of rapid concussive disassembly does the trick on just about anything.  They can't change my mind, unfortunately; I'm all output and no input, but I know it would make them happy to see me. "

Archway Offices:

Ulrich:  They go on for a bit, at first seemingly not paying attention to you, but it seems they just needed to finish a stream of thought before answering.  They seem to be looking over even more clothing with a meticulous eye while talking.  "Yes, darling, we're heading down their together to go on a weirdo hunt.  It may be more precise to say that I am taking you there as your guide, like I'm supposed to act like your parent.  Talk for you, hold your hand, dress you, find food and lodging, keep you from running out into the street and getting run over.  Whatever, your a cleric, as long as you heal me when I'm down I can't complain.  You may address me as Adorellan, or Adore, or Elan.  What is your name, then, since they didn't bother to tell me that, you can create a stellar look based on just name alone; if your name just doesn't match with the rest, you'll need to change that too.  Have you ever just..."

Nae chuckles "No no, not a druid, though my ma told me Id fit right in with them. Just always kinda had a knack with animals and recently acquired a magic that lets me talk with beasts." 
As they make it onto the other bank Nae looks over to Xamodas and watches to make sure he is able to make it to the other bank okay. 
"Thank you for your help over kindly otter for your help across." 

 "I am called Ulrich, Elan. Do you think that will do or have you a suggestion?" Ulrich tilts his head, watching them continue with the inspection. "I know which fork to use, at least here. Can't imagine that is different. Do you need me pompous, useless, lewd, needy, or simply silent?"

Rafons Run: Road to Glanyrafon:

Tsahil nods to the Triton, listens carefully to his interrogation. Meanwhile, he turns his drawn arrow to the driver: "Let's let them talk, alright? He was attacked, defended himself and wants explanation. Sounds fair."

If the driver acts agressively, Tsahil will shoot. He'll shoot the Caretaker if it seems that he overcame the Triton in some way.

((Sorry for the sudden lull in posting, I've been managing my time poorly after being a game.  Here is a rare and dangerous triple response, another rare and dangerous one will appear next time as well.))

Riverside Village

Nae, Noldeme, Xamodas:

"It is my pleasure." the otter says to Nae as you disembark. 

Noldeme helps Vir get back on dry land, Vir doesn't open their eyes until their toes touch the ground.  You are closer to the village now, from there, a short hooded figure leaning on a quarterstaff approaches you.  "Guests, we have? very strange guests indeed."  They uncover their hood, and lo and behold, another otter.  This one is about the height of a halfing and bipedal.  They approach Xamodas, unafraid.  "A long time it has been, since a one of Red's children has come to visit here.  Strange devices at work, there are, for you to be so far from your homeland.  Stay by my side, you must, and they will show you no harm."

The otter-person turns to Nae, Noldeme and Vir.  "Welcome as well, you are."  They look up at Noldeme, giving a tilt of the head.  Suddenly, they give a big grin and a hearty, cackling luahg.  "My my, grown, young Noldeme has!  A long time, time has it been.  Sick again, are you?  Remember me, you must not.  A story, I have, if you wish to hear it." 

They bid you to follow them into the village.  "Here, what brings you?  Accomedate your needs, I will try my best too."

Goodhand's Inn Room:

Voldred:  You awake with a start, grabbing your dagger and immediately jumping to your feet.  However, the person you saw in your dream is nowhere to be seen.  You look for the stone, and are relieved to find it is still right where you hid it.   You hear a disturbance from Twill's bed, and it seems she is tossing and turning violently in her sleep, before waking up with a start, hacking and coughing, taking deep, shaky breaths like she was just pulled up from drowning.  

Once she finally composes herself, she notices you are awake as well and says.  "Did you have a nightmare as well?  I don't think that's a coincidince, this place must be cursed or something.  I don't think spending another night here is a good idea."  She wipes the cold sweat from her forehead.  "I had it, I had the rope, Voldred, I was holding it, and something tried to take it from me.  I...know exactly where it is."

Spearhead Tent Training Illusion:

Iam:  Your detect magic reveals that the example bride has transmutation magic.  The bridge has posts in the "ground", marked with a symbol.  You find the same symbol on each one of the planks, an enclircled V.  Looking what little The Manual reveals to you confirms that this is indeed the Emperor Seal.  "The Emperor Seal (V) focuses primarily on physical fortification." says a blurb on the same page.  "Increasing the strength of a material by increasing it's resistance to active and reactive forces.  Think immovable object, rather than unstoppable force."

You manage to lay out the framework for a bridge, but not even a master engineer could develop something given how little you have to work with.  You look hard, thinking about magical connections.  You can feel the strangest connection through The Manual, reverberations of powerful intellect behind it's every word. You try to think about making the bridge connect somehow, still just normal material.  You carve a symbol on one plank, even two, but you can't seem to get them to connect.  Connections...connections...you idly place the two planks together, and realize that they are stuck by the seals you made, and some serious pulling is needed to seperate them, and you fling splinters everywhere, ruining the materials.  "Let me get that." says Eli, and the materials return to their original state.  "Seems like you're starting to get it."

Your not sure if tiny seals at the end of the planks will hold, you have a hunch the size of the seal is certainly very important.

((Looking for something along the lines of  "Iam [uses the seal in a certain way] intending to [make a thing happen]"   ))

Goodhand's Inn Room:

Angry and relieved at the same time, Voldred drops the dagger on the bed as he goes to retrieve his armor and starts putting it on.

"Pack your things, Twill, we're leaving. If you know where the rope is even better, let's go get it and get the hell out of here."

"Can't believe I'm having my dreams violated for a rope...it better be worth it. Although to be fair, it's probably because of that damn stone. And on the bright side, it did tell us where to find the rope, even if it was just a side effect of whatever they were trying to do. Still, if I get my hands on whoever did this, they're gonna regret it." Voldred mutters to himself as he's getting dressed.

Spearhead tent training illusion 

Iam leaves the building supplies. He moves back to the sample bridge. To an upper rail or plank he finds the symbols holding it in place he will break the circle on each and erase the symbols with sand or a file. Once he can find no more symbols he will gently try to remove the piece of the bridge.

Archway Offices:

Ulrich:  "Ulrich, that's a nice name, rolls off the tounge.  Ulrich...Ulllllllrich.  Ulllllrich and Elllllan."  This goes on for a bit, getting a bit quieter each time, until he finally says.  "Oh, Ulrich, I need not decide how you should act, I am here to work with you, not to baby you, as much my instructions would have you believe.   That being said..."  Elan scratches thier chin "...you look like the type who speaks softly, but carries a big stick.   When we're out there impersonating, yes, it might be better for me to do the talking, if you haven't noticed I'm rather experienced in that regard.  However, your input will be invaluable...beyond your work as a cleric, and proficiency with a northern fork, what exactly are your skills?"  Elan pulls out an outfit from the rack-assitant, a dark grey buisness suit with a black tie.  "Here, try this on, it probably won't fit but I can fix that; I'm one of the most skilled Prestidigitailors money can't buy ."

Rafon's Run: Road to Glanyrafon:

Tsahil:  The Caretaker tries to utter  "He's a cr-" but the Trition increases the pressure on the trident embedded in thier chest.  The Triton says.  "See, somebody who get's it!  Hard to abuct people with all your tricks when it's two against one, isn't it?  Just who do you think you are?"  The Caretaker rises up beyond the heat of the pain, putting their hands around the weapon to bring it up enough to speak.  "You are a criminal, and I am one who keeps order."  the Caretaker turns to Tsahil  "Homicide, arson, kidnapping, and a magical power he can't contain.  Decide if you are innocent or an accomplice, or I will decide for you."  The caretaker shouts a mystic word, and suddenly vanishes into a puff of silvery mist.  You still have a chance to make an attack as a reaction.

Goodhand's Inn Room:

Voldred:  

"Stones and ropes may raise your hopes, but fish will haunt your dreams."  Twill mutters to herself in a haze.  "Let's not bother taking the door, let's go out the...oh, right, no window.  Eh, no window, no problem."  Twill takes out a piece of chalk from a pouch, and begins a complex scribing on a wall, and singing a mnemonic to herself.  "l want a way outside... Ey, Ve ey ey, Ex Ex Ey."  She draws a large complex looking symbol on the wall, and suddenly a circle opening creates itself to a nearby alley where the symbol was.  "It won't last long, come on. Just leave the key and we can swing by for breakfast on our way back if we have the time and the safety."

Archway Offices

Ulrich takes the suit and goes back behind the partition to try it on. "I think I see how you mean. You will be almost as a translator? I tell you what I need and you express it in the best way?"

After a bit he comes out. "I should tell you, I have a staff that I need to keep near me. Us clerics and our religious accoutrements, you know. It is being disguised now so I do not know what appearance it shall have. As for what I can do..." He chuckles. "Before cleric, I knew only how to use my family's money to keep to myself. My social graces are more academic than practical at this point. Will I require a family name, I would rather not use my actual one. Shall we go with... what is that word? Lower born sent off with money to keep out of the family's hair? Or am I making this more complicated than it needs be. Feels like I am. I am not used to having this expectation of me to deal with."

Rafon's Run: Road to Glanyrafon

Tsahil tries to think what he should do, but he doesn't have information about the two men to really make a rational. His old instincts as city guard kick in, and he shoots at the Triton

Attack: 18; damage: 4