Elwin was clearly enjoying himself, having found a group of locals to sing alongside. He also seemed to be having quite the time using his minor magic to flavor the drinks of some of the customers (they started placing requests after he tried to show one young man how delicious the premium brews from Slate City were.)
Playing a longer set than he planned - musta got some extra energy from somewhere - but still Del stops leaving them wanting more to join his fellows. Hopefully the show sold enough drinks that other performers and/or sing-a-longs can carry the rest of the evening, 'cause he is beat.
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
Quentin spends some time downstairs with the others eating and drinking and in general talking. He does head up to take a bath and head to bed early though, knowing they’re going to have a long day tomorrow.
Del jokes with Mindartis, on an adrenaline high True, there are a couple out there better than I - which one do you know?
At some point he gets serious, talking to Elwin Can you tell me, brother, what magic that is granted feels like? All our perception is different, I know, but I am feeling - interference is not it - intercession? When I cast a healing spell before, some kind of potential was perceptible.
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
Can you tell me, brother, what magic that is granted feels like? All our perception is different, I know, but I am feeling - interference is not it - intercession? When I cast a healing spell before, some kind of potential was perceptible.
"Oh? Ah, well, my patron is teaching me to cast a few spells on my own, so I think I know where you're coming from. Intercession seems... like the right word for the type of arcane magic that we do ourselves. At least, the word feels familiar enough." The warlock was a bit surprised at the question, but as always was eager to investigate such topics.
He leaned forward onto the table and furrowed his brow as he thought for a moment. "As for the magic my patron empowers me with... it's definitely different. Casting a spell myself, I feel the weave... it's almost like I feel an invisible web, connecting everything, and can start to tug on the right threads to activate the changes I want.
"But with the power Orridon grants, there's none of that subtlety involved; there's very little nuance, even in the incantations and gestures. Its almost as if all of that are just rote mannerisms. Keys to unlock the magic. I can feel Orridon's power, which seems to have a distinct--maybe scent? flavor?--just sitting and waiting to be summoned, somewhere a vast distance away. And casting a particular spell is like... like turning a gear, one that causes his power to flow into me, and then from me out into the world, all in a very specific manner. I can direct the power, of course, but otherwise have very little ability to... to adjust the power or alter the spell in any way. And, I can feel that his power is not mine; I can only take so much at once, for so many times, before I need to recuperate. Each spell he teaches is like a different key, moving different gears and causing the power to behave differently; truth be told, if he didn't tell me what a spell did, I'd be able to cast it, and it would work flawlessly, but I'd be just as surprised with what happened as anyone else."
Elwin mulled over the situation a bit more, now surprising himself at how freely the description flowed. It seemed that learning the arcane arts for himself did help, as it gave him a second perspective from which to view the differences in spellcasting.
"I think I prefer controlling the magic myself, but using my patron's magic is just easier. Doing it myself, I have to memorize all the underlying details defining everything, and have to carefully exercise such control over it. Even troublesome thoughts can disrupt my own spells. So while I might prefer having that control... I know it's going to be much more useful for me to wield Orridon's power for anything significant."
He finally sat back, and looked at the not-quite-half-elf curiously. "But what of you? I know your magic is arcane in nature as well, but you don't quite access it in the same way a wizard might. What do you find different about the process?" He took a drink from his mug as he listened to Del's reply.
No surprise, I experience magic like music - vibrations, patterns, lyrics, and tones in the weave. It is learned, practiced, but also felt. You adjust to the patterns around you, like you might play a tune in a different key to accompany a singer with a different voice. Just recently I feel something - almost helping, almost wanting.
Ziia is sentient, kind of, in a way. Tapping the crwth. She has opinions, if not information. I couldn't be attuned, for example, if I harmed a forest. She likes songs or not, I can tell, but she doesn't request. She is a powerful instrument, there ought to be legends, how she sat in a vault for centuries makes no sense. But she's not in charge of anything.
And yet, there is a potential, an offer, a feeling of intercession. Just the last couple days. I've been using my strongest spells pretty hard, maybe that is opening my awareness. Feels like something is going to happen. To me or through me, not bad, I think, and not just by Ziia's doing. If I'm lucky it's Our Lady at work. Pray for me if you can.
Not being much of a musician, Elwin realized that he understood Del's description of his magic, but likely not nearly on the same level. Still, keeping a solemn face, he nodded. He hadn't ever really paid the gods much attention--it wasn't like they'd ever done much for him--but if a friend asked for a prayer... what was the harm?
He then smiled as he appraised Del's instrument. "She does indeed seem like a beauty. I'm looking forward to seeing her in action."
You all have a nice, relaxing evening, putting your worries aside and just enjoying the gratitude and admiration of the locals. But you have a big day ahead, and you and others who have to work in the morning call it an early night. Your room is comfortable, and your sleep is undisturbed.
In the morning after breakfast, you head out again. A steady rain is falling. The river crews set off for the docks to put their boats back in the water, load new cargo, and begin the grueling task of paddling upstream. Local fishermen, wrapped in oilskins, cast lines from the docks or go to set nets and check the crawfish traps. On the road to the west, teamsters wait as their wagons are loaded for the long, winding journey down the cliff face. You even see some people probably headed for the Council of Courts: one group preparing to fly down on summoned owls, another group getting aboard a large flying carpet, one richly dressed elf on a griffon, who, in spite of the rain, seems in no hurry to take off while people gather to stare in awe at the impressive beast, and even one young elf strapping himself into a bizarre mechanical construct.
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) WoodElf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2 Last Tree StandingTabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1 Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
We will not be unique, but I think owls are our practical transport Del suggests. I suppose we are travelling in finery rather than armor. In the Court, are weapons considered accessories or to be stowed? Del doesn't need much anyway, unless this is the sort of setting where a person is expected to wear a sword, only the crwth in her case - anything bulky or unfashionable or prohibited can stay in the walk-in.
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
Quentin has changed into his more regal clothing as he says, "Once I figure it out one day perhaps we can just teleport in but for now, let's just try and stay as dry as possible."
Elwin shrugged as he went to change into his fine clothing. He left his shield attached to his backpack, and dismissed his spear; not for the first time, he was grateful he could produce it as needed.
Mindartis puts on his fancy clothes, very excited he gets to dress up. He does stare at his greatsword for a long time though, not really sure if he should keep it on or not. After a few moments he decides to keep it, you never know when you need a big sword after all.
Del summons owls, and, dressed to the nines, you mount up and fly through the rain, quickly getting soaked. (Everyone roll a DC10 con save vs the Elvish Sniffles!)
The other owl riders are not far ahead of you, and you are able to simply follow them without worrying too much about finding your way. Though you are all following the river, so it would not have been difficult, anyway. Below, the river twists and rushes, becoming swifter and more violent, churning into whitewater between the rocks, and splitting into two separate pathways. The ground suddenly drops away as you fly over the edge of the cliff.
Circling back as your owls descend, you can see the long zigzag of roads across the cliff to the east. The two waterfalls plunge down hundreds of feet, splashing into the Lake of Rainbows. No rainbows are appearing in this weather, sadly. West of the falls, on a ledge above the lake, stands the magnificent Hall of Courts, its tall wooden spires reaching high up the cliff, carved wooden bridges stretching from tower to tower.
A tent has been set up in the courtyard of the hall, and once you dismount, you can get out of the rain. A guard in a black tabard marked with a silver chalice directs you to walk through a wooden arch, which dries you off completely. When you are ready, you follow the others in the courtyard to the grand entrance of the Hall, where more guards are standing by. Their captain, a one-winged Aarakocra looks at your group with a puzzled expression and asks for identification. Raven produces her letter from the Lady of Whispers, and the captain bows, saying, "Welcome, Ambassador Blackblade." Nobody takes your weapons away. You notice many of the other representives and their companions are also armed. Some of them are clearly bodyguards for their ambassadors. While nearly all the guests seem to be wood elves, the guards include a variety of other races.
As you enter, there is a small table to the side of the door with a jar full of small wooden balls and a large ledger. One of the two guards standing behind the table calls out to everyone entering, "Representatives, please draw for precedence and sign in." (The ledger is marked with blank lines for Name of Ambassador: Court: Number of Precedence. You see some of the others stopping by the table to sign in.)
You still have a few hours before lunch and the meeting. You can see that the entrance hall opens up into a large room where the other guests are mingling and chatting.
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) WoodElf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2 Last Tree StandingTabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1 Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“You’re the ambassador Raven so make sure to sign us in. I’m going to find the Princess. Lintelér asked me to deliver a message for him.” Quentin says to the others much happier now that he isn’t soaked.
Con ST: 11
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Elwin was clearly enjoying himself, having found a group of locals to sing alongside. He also seemed to be having quite the time using his minor magic to flavor the drinks of some of the customers (they started placing requests after he tried to show one young man how delicious the premium brews from Slate City were.)
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Raven will be sitting back enjoying her companion's antics.
Playing a longer set than he planned - musta got some extra energy from somewhere - but still Del stops leaving them wanting more to join his fellows. Hopefully the show sold enough drinks that other performers and/or sing-a-longs can carry the rest of the evening, 'cause he is beat.
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 smiles at Del when he sits down, "You did a great job Del! Second best bard I've ever met."
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
Quentin spends some time downstairs with the others eating and drinking and in general talking. He does head up to take a bath and head to bed early though, knowing they’re going to have a long day tomorrow.
Del jokes with Mindartis, on an adrenaline high True, there are a couple out there better than I - which one do you know?
At some point he gets serious, talking to Elwin Can you tell me, brother, what magic that is granted feels like? All our perception is different, I know, but I am feeling - interference is not it - intercession? When I cast a healing spell before, some kind of potential was perceptible.
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
"My sister," Mindartis smiles, "she can read any room and play something even the biggest critic would enjoy."
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
"Oh? Ah, well, my patron is teaching me to cast a few spells on my own, so I think I know where you're coming from. Intercession seems... like the right word for the type of arcane magic that we do ourselves. At least, the word feels familiar enough." The warlock was a bit surprised at the question, but as always was eager to investigate such topics.
He leaned forward onto the table and furrowed his brow as he thought for a moment. "As for the magic my patron empowers me with... it's definitely different. Casting a spell myself, I feel the weave... it's almost like I feel an invisible web, connecting everything, and can start to tug on the right threads to activate the changes I want.
"But with the power Orridon grants, there's none of that subtlety involved; there's very little nuance, even in the incantations and gestures. Its almost as if all of that are just rote mannerisms. Keys to unlock the magic. I can feel Orridon's power, which seems to have a distinct--maybe scent? flavor?--just sitting and waiting to be summoned, somewhere a vast distance away. And casting a particular spell is like... like turning a gear, one that causes his power to flow into me, and then from me out into the world, all in a very specific manner. I can direct the power, of course, but otherwise have very little ability to... to adjust the power or alter the spell in any way. And, I can feel that his power is not mine; I can only take so much at once, for so many times, before I need to recuperate. Each spell he teaches is like a different key, moving different gears and causing the power to behave differently; truth be told, if he didn't tell me what a spell did, I'd be able to cast it, and it would work flawlessly, but I'd be just as surprised with what happened as anyone else."
Elwin mulled over the situation a bit more, now surprising himself at how freely the description flowed. It seemed that learning the arcane arts for himself did help, as it gave him a second perspective from which to view the differences in spellcasting.
"I think I prefer controlling the magic myself, but using my patron's magic is just easier. Doing it myself, I have to memorize all the underlying details defining everything, and have to carefully exercise such control over it. Even troublesome thoughts can disrupt my own spells. So while I might prefer having that control... I know it's going to be much more useful for me to wield Orridon's power for anything significant."
He finally sat back, and looked at the not-quite-half-elf curiously. "But what of you? I know your magic is arcane in nature as well, but you don't quite access it in the same way a wizard might. What do you find different about the process?" He took a drink from his mug as he listened to Del's reply.
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
No surprise, I experience magic like music - vibrations, patterns, lyrics, and tones in the weave. It is learned, practiced, but also felt. You adjust to the patterns around you, like you might play a tune in a different key to accompany a singer with a different voice. Just recently I feel something - almost helping, almost wanting.
Ziia is sentient, kind of, in a way. Tapping the crwth. She has opinions, if not information. I couldn't be attuned, for example, if I harmed a forest. She likes songs or not, I can tell, but she doesn't request. She is a powerful instrument, there ought to be legends, how she sat in a vault for centuries makes no sense. But she's not in charge of anything.
And yet, there is a potential, an offer, a feeling of intercession. Just the last couple days. I've been using my strongest spells pretty hard, maybe that is opening my awareness. Feels like something is going to happen. To me or through me, not bad, I think, and not just by Ziia's doing. If I'm lucky it's Our Lady at work. Pray for me if you can.
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
"Do you think it's Ziia trying to help you?"
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
Not being much of a musician, Elwin realized that he understood Del's description of his magic, but likely not nearly on the same level. Still, keeping a solemn face, he nodded. He hadn't ever really paid the gods much attention--it wasn't like they'd ever done much for him--but if a friend asked for a prayer... what was the harm?
He then smiled as he appraised Del's instrument. "She does indeed seem like a beauty. I'm looking forward to seeing her in action."
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Mindartis nods enthusiastically, "Ya, it's a real pretty one. My sister prefers the Lyre."
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
You all have a nice, relaxing evening, putting your worries aside and just enjoying the gratitude and admiration of the locals. But you have a big day ahead, and you and others who have to work in the morning call it an early night. Your room is comfortable, and your sleep is undisturbed.
In the morning after breakfast, you head out again. A steady rain is falling. The river crews set off for the docks to put their boats back in the water, load new cargo, and begin the grueling task of paddling upstream. Local fishermen, wrapped in oilskins, cast lines from the docks or go to set nets and check the crawfish traps. On the road to the west, teamsters wait as their wagons are loaded for the long, winding journey down the cliff face. You even see some people probably headed for the Council of Courts: one group preparing to fly down on summoned owls, another group getting aboard a large flying carpet, one richly dressed elf on a griffon, who, in spite of the rain, seems in no hurry to take off while people gather to stare in awe at the impressive beast, and even one young elf strapping himself into a bizarre mechanical construct.
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) Wood Elf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2
Last Tree Standing Tabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1
Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive
Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth
Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
We will not be unique, but I think owls are our practical transport Del suggests. I suppose we are travelling in finery rather than armor. In the Court, are weapons considered accessories or to be stowed? Del doesn't need much anyway, unless this is the sort of setting where a person is expected to wear a sword, only the crwth in her case - anything bulky or unfashionable or prohibited can stay in the walk-in.
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
Quentin has changed into his more regal clothing as he says, "Once I figure it out one day perhaps we can just teleport in but for now, let's just try and stay as dry as possible."
Elwin shrugged as he went to change into his fine clothing. He left his shield attached to his backpack, and dismissed his spear; not for the first time, he was grateful he could produce it as needed.
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Raven uses the hat of disguise to give herself regal-looking clothing.
Mindartis puts on his fancy clothes, very excited he gets to dress up. He does stare at his greatsword for a long time though, not really sure if he should keep it on or not. After a few moments he decides to keep it, you never know when you need a big sword after all.
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
Del summons owls, and, dressed to the nines, you mount up and fly through the rain, quickly getting soaked. (Everyone roll a DC10 con save vs the Elvish Sniffles!)
The other owl riders are not far ahead of you, and you are able to simply follow them without worrying too much about finding your way. Though you are all following the river, so it would not have been difficult, anyway. Below, the river twists and rushes, becoming swifter and more violent, churning into whitewater between the rocks, and splitting into two separate pathways. The ground suddenly drops away as you fly over the edge of the cliff.
Circling back as your owls descend, you can see the long zigzag of roads across the cliff to the east. The two waterfalls plunge down hundreds of feet, splashing into the Lake of Rainbows. No rainbows are appearing in this weather, sadly. West of the falls, on a ledge above the lake, stands the magnificent Hall of Courts, its tall wooden spires reaching high up the cliff, carved wooden bridges stretching from tower to tower.
A tent has been set up in the courtyard of the hall, and once you dismount, you can get out of the rain. A guard in a black tabard marked with a silver chalice directs you to walk through a wooden arch, which dries you off completely. When you are ready, you follow the others in the courtyard to the grand entrance of the Hall, where more guards are standing by. Their captain, a one-winged Aarakocra looks at your group with a puzzled expression and asks for identification. Raven produces her letter from the Lady of Whispers, and the captain bows, saying, "Welcome, Ambassador Blackblade." Nobody takes your weapons away. You notice many of the other representives and their companions are also armed. Some of them are clearly bodyguards for their ambassadors. While nearly all the guests seem to be wood elves, the guards include a variety of other races.
As you enter, there is a small table to the side of the door with a jar full of small wooden balls and a large ledger. One of the two guards standing behind the table calls out to everyone entering, "Representatives, please draw for precedence and sign in." (The ledger is marked with blank lines for Name of Ambassador: Court: Number of Precedence. You see some of the others stopping by the table to sign in.)
You still have a few hours before lunch and the meeting. You can see that the entrance hall opens up into a large room where the other guests are mingling and chatting.
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) Wood Elf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2
Last Tree Standing Tabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1
Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive
Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth
Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
“You’re the ambassador Raven so make sure to sign us in. I’m going to find the Princess. Lintelér asked me to deliver a message for him.” Quentin says to the others much happier now that he isn’t soaked.
Con ST: 11