Elwin quickly found his groove as he followed the others toward the Free City. He eventually rode up beside Quentin, and spoke: "I wanted to thank you for the kind words of praise last night. I appreciated the gesture, and if I may confess, I do have an interest in engaging in discussions. Truth be told, I am interested in the magical arts, much as you... but perhaps with a bit less enthusiasm."
He smiled sympathetically before continuing, "Of course, my learning is dictated by my patron. Which is fine; he has given me much, particularly, my initial escape from my former lifestyle. But if possible, perhaps with some... guidance... I might learn a few things on my own as well?"
(( OOC: I'd given thought to having Elwin eventually pickup one-to-three levels in something such as Eldritch Knight; having regular discussions with Quentin might be a good excuse for that. ))
Quentin smiles as Elwin rides along to talk to him and perhaps with a bit too much enthusiasm Quentin replies, "Yes! I...I mean of course. I will happily guide and help you pick up a thing or two. I'm always happy to teach someone how magic is used and manipulated with your mind. And...well....if you wouldn't mind, perhaps you can tell me a little more about you and your patron. Umm....Warlocks really aren't welcomed in the Court so I'm afraid I don't know much about them."
"Ah!" began Elwin, eager to finally talk to someone about his situation. "Well, I'll tell you what I can... I must apologize though, I only know of my own patronage; I was familiar with the concept of warlocks before finding my patron, but had no idea how the relationship worked, so this one is the only reference I have.
"I CAN tell you that it mainly centers around each individual contract of patronage, and each patron is free to write those contracts as best suits them--so long as they can find willing clients, of course. From what I understand, the relationship must be voluntarily entered. I was fortunate in that I actually assisted my patron in a moment of need, and was presented with a contract with reasonably-favorable terms as a result. Apparently, many patrons create contracts that are rather lopsided, or demand quite a price; personally, I wouldn't have signed such, myself.
"All that said... well, my patron is an entity from the Shadowfell. Yes, yes, I know there are implications in that; but no worries, I'm not obligated to participate in anything needlessly dark or evil. Just to help my patron secure the occasional artifact, provide information, and fight on his behalf against other 'hexblades' if ever needed. I suspect he works under the Raven Queen herself, but even so, the full extent of my obligations are tied to him, and our contract--at best she merely has limited influence over the arrangement, not control."
Mindartis seems annoyed my mention of the Shadowfell. "The Shadowfell is a place that I've never enjoyed. It's almost completely devoid of emotion. I don't understand how anyone could live there."
Curiously Quentin asks, "How did you assist them? What exactly did you do? And have you been called upon to do anything else recently?" Judgment isn't in Quentin's voice as he asks these questions, it's just pure curiosity.
Elwin couldn't help but laugh at Mindartis' comments. "Yes, my patron is QUITE devoid of emotion. There are times when he observes me during training that I think he's been replaced by a lifelike statue." He shrugged before concluding, "I suppose it's just how they are, much like you're so energetic and vibrant. It's in their nature."
"How did you assist them? What exactly did you do? And have you been called upon to do anything else recently?"
He hesitated. Elwin hadn't thought on the incident in some time, but eventually continued, "He and... someone else were in the streets of Slate City one night, having a... I guess you'd call it a magical duel. He was losing, badly.
Now, understand, my patron has the look of an old man, in tattered robes. The other duelist, however, looked like a high elf noble, and she seemed far more out of place than he did. So I intervened, and told her to leave. It was pretty stupid, really; in hindsight, it's unlikely I could have actually done anything. But, surprisingly, she backed off and left. The old man turned out to be from the Shadowfell, and as it turned out, he offered me my contract as his way of saying 'thanks.' Ha, honestly, making an exchange like that is probably the closest to 'thanks' he ever gets!
"I only had one direct mission from him, sort of a trial before being given my first spells. It was simple, just track down a magical artifact from a small gang of hoodlums. It wasn't easy, but my patron and I have an... understanding, that he only puts me through difficulties that he knows I can conquer, and that will strengthen me. So far, there's been no regrets."
"I see. Well it definitely sounds like you received an amazing deal. Magical abilities and combine that with your skill with a spear. I'm certainly happy you're on our side here Elwin."Quentin replies with a smiles, before chuckling and adding,"Even if you have to travel with a uppity noble like myself."
"You're not as uppity as the fey that run the Seelie Courts," Mindartis laughs. "I would be careful though," he warns Elwin. "People who offer power like that can be very dangerous. Especially if it has something to with the Shadowfell."
I have to say I had not given much thought to other planes and entities until a couple weeks ago. We knew about the Pixie Tree fire and roving monsters and all. But only recently an older friar suggested I might be of more use in the Westwoods. I keep thinking that things are connected - Brother Elwin's patron, Lord Mindartis' quest, Sister Raven's father in the fens, missing kids, pixie tree, yadda yadda yadda. Of course I thought Lemmet and the satyrs were more connected too. But all of our dreams and visions last night - that is not coincidence.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & -Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
"Still could be," Mindartis laughs, "though I doubt it. I agree that something else is out there trying to talk to us, even if it isn't necessarily about the same thing. Though it does seem to me this Nameless Goddess is ready to find her name." He looks to Del, "I don't suppose there's anything about her manifesting as darkness outlined by flames is there?"
If your vision was Her, I would be very very surprised. There are no records of Her Words, of her speaking to anyone at all. Never darkness, never flame. Our Lady is not the only entity with an unknown name Del is pretty upset at the suggestion, like if you saw no difference between Sehanine and Lolth.
"The voice said something to me. 'Long have I been banned from the Twilight lands, but at last I might reach out to you. Speak my name, Warrior of the Sun, Son of the Warrior, for you are part of me and I am part of you."' I know it might offend you," Mindartis says. "But doesn't that sound like someone who finally has someway to reach out after a long time of being trapped? Someone who's trying to find something that's been lost for a long time? You said yourself that people think finding her name is her purpose."
Ours is a faith that accepts humility - supposedly, not my own chief virtue - so of course I might be wrong. But centuries of clerics would also have been wrong about Her Nature. There was no sign of Her being 'trapped', I feel, or Her clerics' divine magic would not have worked. "Speak my name" is a common instruction in dealings between mortals and others, whether divine, celestial, fey, fiend, or eldritch. So I will consider the possibility, but I would start with the many entities that have names but cannot speak them
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & -Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
Raven rides along with the others as they travel on towards the Free City.
Elwin quickly found his groove as he followed the others toward the Free City. He eventually rode up beside Quentin, and spoke: "I wanted to thank you for the kind words of praise last night. I appreciated the gesture, and if I may confess, I do have an interest in engaging in discussions. Truth be told, I am interested in the magical arts, much as you... but perhaps with a bit less enthusiasm."
He smiled sympathetically before continuing, "Of course, my learning is dictated by my patron. Which is fine; he has given me much, particularly, my initial escape from my former lifestyle. But if possible, perhaps with some... guidance... I might learn a few things on my own as well?"
(( OOC: I'd given thought to having Elwin eventually pickup one-to-three levels in something such as Eldritch Knight; having regular discussions with Quentin might be a good excuse for that. ))
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Quentin smiles as Elwin rides along to talk to him and perhaps with a bit too much enthusiasm Quentin replies, "Yes! I...I mean of course. I will happily guide and help you pick up a thing or two. I'm always happy to teach someone how magic is used and manipulated with your mind. And...well....if you wouldn't mind, perhaps you can tell me a little more about you and your patron. Umm....Warlocks really aren't welcomed in the Court so I'm afraid I don't know much about them."
"Ah!" began Elwin, eager to finally talk to someone about his situation. "Well, I'll tell you what I can... I must apologize though, I only know of my own patronage; I was familiar with the concept of warlocks before finding my patron, but had no idea how the relationship worked, so this one is the only reference I have.
"I CAN tell you that it mainly centers around each individual contract of patronage, and each patron is free to write those contracts as best suits them--so long as they can find willing clients, of course. From what I understand, the relationship must be voluntarily entered. I was fortunate in that I actually assisted my patron in a moment of need, and was presented with a contract with reasonably-favorable terms as a result. Apparently, many patrons create contracts that are rather lopsided, or demand quite a price; personally, I wouldn't have signed such, myself.
"All that said... well, my patron is an entity from the Shadowfell. Yes, yes, I know there are implications in that; but no worries, I'm not obligated to participate in anything needlessly dark or evil. Just to help my patron secure the occasional artifact, provide information, and fight on his behalf against other 'hexblades' if ever needed. I suspect he works under the Raven Queen herself, but even so, the full extent of my obligations are tied to him, and our contract--at best she merely has limited influence over the arrangement, not control."
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Mindartis seems annoyed my mention of the Shadowfell. "The Shadowfell is a place that I've never enjoyed. It's almost completely devoid of emotion. I don't understand how anyone could live there."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Curiously Quentin asks, "How did you assist them? What exactly did you do? And have you been called upon to do anything else recently?" Judgment isn't in Quentin's voice as he asks these questions, it's just pure curiosity.
Elwin couldn't help but laugh at Mindartis' comments. "Yes, my patron is QUITE devoid of emotion. There are times when he observes me during training that I think he's been replaced by a lifelike statue." He shrugged before concluding, "I suppose it's just how they are, much like you're so energetic and vibrant. It's in their nature."
He hesitated. Elwin hadn't thought on the incident in some time, but eventually continued, "He and... someone else were in the streets of Slate City one night, having a... I guess you'd call it a magical duel. He was losing, badly.
Now, understand, my patron has the look of an old man, in tattered robes. The other duelist, however, looked like a high elf noble, and she seemed far more out of place than he did. So I intervened, and told her to leave. It was pretty stupid, really; in hindsight, it's unlikely I could have actually done anything. But, surprisingly, she backed off and left. The old man turned out to be from the Shadowfell, and as it turned out, he offered me my contract as his way of saying 'thanks.' Ha, honestly, making an exchange like that is probably the closest to 'thanks' he ever gets!
"I only had one direct mission from him, sort of a trial before being given my first spells. It was simple, just track down a magical artifact from a small gang of hoodlums. It wasn't easy, but my patron and I have an... understanding, that he only puts me through difficulties that he knows I can conquer, and that will strengthen me. So far, there's been no regrets."
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
"I see. Well it definitely sounds like you received an amazing deal. Magical abilities and combine that with your skill with a spear. I'm certainly happy you're on our side here Elwin." Quentin replies with a smiles, before chuckling and adding, "Even if you have to travel with a uppity noble like myself."
"You're not as uppity as the fey that run the Seelie Courts," Mindartis laughs. "I would be careful though," he warns Elwin. "People who offer power like that can be very dangerous. Especially if it has something to with the Shadowfell."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
I have to say I had not given much thought to other planes and entities until a couple weeks ago. We knew about the Pixie Tree fire and roving monsters and all. But only recently an older friar suggested I might be of more use in the Westwoods. I keep thinking that things are connected - Brother Elwin's patron, Lord Mindartis' quest, Sister Raven's father in the fens, missing kids, pixie tree, yadda yadda yadda. Of course I thought Lemmet and the satyrs were more connected too. But all of our dreams and visions last night - that is not coincidence.
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
"Still could be," Mindartis laughs, "though I doubt it. I agree that something else is out there trying to talk to us, even if it isn't necessarily about the same thing. Though it does seem to me this Nameless Goddess is ready to find her name." He looks to Del, "I don't suppose there's anything about her manifesting as darkness outlined by flames is there?"
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
If your vision was Her, I would be very very surprised. There are no records of Her Words, of her speaking to anyone at all. Never darkness, never flame. Our Lady is not the only entity with an unknown name Del is pretty upset at the suggestion, like if you saw no difference between Sehanine and Lolth.
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
"The voice said something to me. 'Long have I been banned from the Twilight lands, but at last I might reach out to you. Speak my name, Warrior of the Sun, Son of the Warrior, for you are part of me and I am part of you."' I know it might offend you," Mindartis says. "But doesn't that sound like someone who finally has someway to reach out after a long time of being trapped? Someone who's trying to find something that's been lost for a long time? You said yourself that people think finding her name is her purpose."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
"And all I got was a dream about a hag complaining about doing the servant work." Raven says with a shake of her head.
"An actual hag?"
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Ours is a faith that accepts humility - supposedly, not my own chief virtue - so of course I might be wrong. But centuries of clerics would also have been wrong about Her Nature. There was no sign of Her being 'trapped', I feel, or Her clerics' divine magic would not have worked. "Speak my name" is a common instruction in dealings between mortals and others, whether divine, celestial, fey, fiend, or eldritch. So I will consider the possibility, but I would start with the many entities that have names but cannot speak them
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
"Yep, a hag." Raven confirms. "She kept calling herself Annie."
"Well I don't know many of those," Mindartis says, "So I plan on starting with this Unnamed Goddess. And stay away from hags, they're bad news."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Angrier than he has ever been, Del rides at the opposite side of the procession
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
Mindartis looks to Quentin. "Did I say something wrong? I don't see what's wrong with looking into any possibilities that I come across."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard