The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

Silent looks at Balassar and Alton. Well that's sorted out, then. To the kids he adds, Hold on to those weapons until we get back to Trean. Swap 'em amongst yourselves if you like, I got a javelin too if anyone wants somethin' more... javelin-ish. 

The three teens nod, and look at you, waiting for you to lead the way.

Are you headed back to Trean?

Silent is ready to return to Trean unless Balassar or Alton have anything else they want to take care of. 

Balassar just nods looking at them still trying to understand this all “Let’s get ya back then. By chance were any of ya smiths or warriors in ya past life?”

Alton hefts his backpack back on and walks beside the kids telling them the stories of some of the adventures their little trio has had, if they want.

You begin the journey back towards Trean; the teens know the way well enough, and are able to guide you on the best path.

Alton, the teens are quiet but want to hear your stories, as something to take their minds off what has just happened, and what could have happened.  Carri in particular wants to talk about anything else, and she often stays to listen to your words when the other two are off having their own conversation.

Balassar, the kids initially don't respond.  But while you are walking, Seomon says, quietly so that the others don't hear, Fighters maybe.  I don't remember much.  I know a little about how to use this, and he holds up the rapier now bound in cloth which he's carrying in hand, but I remember the feeling of being good at it. Really, really good.  It's weird.  I mean, I barely know how to hold it now.  Except...  He trails off.

You make camp for the first night of the journey back - it will likely take two nights and two full days to return.  Can you each give me two Perception checks, with advantage as the kids will join you for watch.  I'll assume the watch order Balassar -> Alton -> Silent, if that's okay.

(I’m good with that order) 

Silent encourages the kids to get rest if they want to aid him during his watch, but I assume they’ll ignore his advice (in true teenager fashion). 

Perception 16 

(edit: adding the second check, 17) 

(The order works for me)
While Alton is on watch, he will ask whomever is on watch about life in Trean and what they wanted to do before all the confusion.

Perception: 23, 11 

Balassar just stares out as they watch looking out for danger.

OOC:

perception check: 17

perception check: 19

5 13 4 13

Alton, you take watch with Ema.  She says she wanted to leave Trean and go to the city, maybe to be a performer, though she's not sure she's a good enough singer and she hasn't practised since the strange memories began.

Silent, you take watch with Carri, who seems lost in her own thoughts, but happy to be on the way back to the village.

Balassar, your watch is with Seomon, who spends more time practising with the rapier than actually looking for danger in the night.

Fortunately, the nights and the days' journey are quick and without incident; you meet no-one on the trail, and there's no sign of the Red Company; they're taking a different way back to civilisation, or perhaps waiting for you all to get ahead.

On the road, Carri suggests they concoct a story about why they ran away, and promise not to speak to their parents about the memories again until more time has passed and the memories are clearer.  She sounds unhappy but resigned that this will happen, whether she wishes it or not.  Ema and Seomon agree to pretend it was some kind of fever dream but they've recovered - not a very plausible story, but the best they can manage.  They seem to think you will either support them or at least stay silent - which is up to you, of course.

And so, two days later, you arrive in Trean.  Ema's mother, and Carri and Seomon's parents come out and hug their kids, and the village seems overjoyed at their safe return.  If you have anything you want to say to the teens, or their parents, before heading out, let me know.  I assume that once this is done, you're returning to Bladegarden?

Balassar will just smirk watching the kid practice as he just spends the watch near the fire sharpening his scimitar. He really didn’t understand anything going on but as far as he was concerned the kids were making the best choice. After a few more minutes of letting the kid practice he speaks up “Keep your eyes open as you practice. It won’t do you good if something sneaks up on you and gets a good hit in.” His voice is softer than usual as if the focus is to teach rather than scold.

As the kids come up with their story On the road Balassar nods remaining silent.

As they approach the town Balassar will finally break his silence before they get there “Look I don’t get this thing going on, but don’t let this stuff dictate your life or change it. Focus on what you want to do and go out and do it. And if any of you wish to be adventurers feel free to find us. I can’t teach much outside fighting or smithing, but I’d gladly teach any of ya any day.”

As the parents begin to come out a small smile creeps onto the dragonborns face as he looks to Alton “Do you mind doing the talking for us. You always come up with better ways to say things.”

Before reaching Trean, Silent takes back his weapons. He nods when Balassar invites the kids to come find them. 

If I catch wind any of you lot are traipsing around the wilderness by yourselves again, I’ll be pissed. You need any help, send word to Bladegarden. I’ll make sure some o’ the soldiers there can get word to us. 

After saying this, Silent draws back from the rest of the group and tells Alton and Balassar he’ll catch up with them afterwards if they’re heading into the village. He’ll wait on the outskirts doing his best to avoid the notice of any of the villagers. 

Balassar and Alton, you find that you are not asked too much in the way of questions.  The teens stick to their story, and their family seem happy to have them back and not inclined to press too hard, at least not in front of relative strangers.

Balassar, the three nod but don't give much other response to your offer about becoming adventurers.  

Silent, before they enter the village, Ema speaks to you alone.  I think we will hold you to that.  I don't think this thing is going to go away, no matter how much Carri wishes and prays for it.  I think we'll have to go to... there... one day.  And it would mean a lot if you could... help.  We'll come to Bladegarden when we're ready, and wait for you.  It won't be soon, but promise you won't forget us.  And... I... do you...  do you know what 'Den Omrifar' is?

Silent, you would of course know that the Dens are the leading families of the Kryn and rulers of the dynasty.  You can make a History check to see if you know any more.

Silent manages a small smile. Aye. Hold me to it. And take of those two. You’re the one with a soldier’s heart, regardless of who you were before. They’ll need you. 

Before responding any further, for knowledge about Omrifar, History 6 

Silent, you know that Den Omrifar is a Kryn den, but you know little more than that and have had no dealings with them.

Balassar looks to Alton "Should we head back to Silent now."

To Ema, Silent mutters, Omrifar... name doesn't ring a bell. If they're a Den, they're one o' the noble houses ruling the Dynasty. Can't say I know much more than that. 

He offers a hand to shake and says, In any case... till we meet again, kid. Take care o' yourself. 

Ema shakes Silent's hand, and the teens return to their families.  Balassar and Alton accompany them, and then return to Silent on the outskirts of the village as the sun is about to set.

What would you like to do next?

Where to next, lads? I know there's another job for us in Bladegarden. Balassar, you mentioned wanting to go to Ashguard. Could go with either one or something else. 

Let me know what the plan is...