The morning mist creeps off the Evermoors and into the edge of Silverwood as you make your way to the Hold. The condition of your party garners a few lengthy stares from the locals, but no one asks any questions. The Hold's lone inn provides the morning meal and the lodging you seek for eight pieces of silver. You learn that Elrik--the Harper contact in Olostin's Hold--returned late last night and can be found at his supply shop.
The Pikes spirits are noticeably lighter; their eagerness to return to Yartar is evident in their talk and demeanor. "No need to burn valuable time travelin' all the way to Yartar with us," explains Ferrian. "You're in the thick of it here. Best that you stay on. Finn and I will make straight for Hadrus, delivering any message you might have for him, of course."
Ferrian and Finnegas have a somewhat animated discussion about whether to join a west-bound caravan or to head out straight away on their own.
Aralea reiterates her intent to travel to Everlund immediately. "Uthgardts are one thing. Yikaria are entirely another."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Once the battle has ended and the party decides to break camp so they can head back to Olostin's hold, Gwin uses her Pearl of Power to refresh her spell energy a bit so she can heal the most grievously wounded.
Gwin allows the Pikes to keep her weapons until they reach Olostin's Hold. She suggests to Aralea that she wait and rest for 24 hours before heading to Everlund; that will give the party a chance to speak with Elrik, hopefully get a full night's rest, and then depending on what they learn from their new Harper contact they'll either join Aralea on her journey to Everlund or they can part ways.
Appreciative of the healing, Rixtonits down against a wall to take some weight off of his remaining injuries. "I agree with Aralea," he says. "We should make haste if at all possible. It is only a question of spells. Do we need to rest for the day and travel tonight or can we proceed now and risk more dangers on the road?"
"You're right about spells. I'd at least like to rest for a short while before we head out again. Though a longer one would make me much more useful. Thanks for the healing, Gwin. I'd meant to heal Rixton earlier but he's so smooth that I forgot anything was wrong with him."
Mola offers to heal anyone else further with healing word.
He tries to get the party, plus the Pikes, together with Aralea out of earshot, either by politely asking her to let them question the Pikes, or waiting for an opportunity. "We should stop by Elrik before we go. He's our main contact here and I have a feeling he knows something about what's going on. I did think that Aralea was one of us, but apparently not. Though I bet she can be trusted."
He's ready to head to Elrik's and find out where he's been, and what he knows about all this.
"Reaching Everlund is urgent," remarks Aralea, "but rest must come first." The wood elf will travel east the next morning.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
A visit with Elrik confirms much of what the group has previously learned. As you'd been warned, Elrik doesn't speak much. The stout dwarf sticks to the point and avoids superfluity in his words. He just returned from Everlund--a trip he makes monthly to visit family and pick up supplies--and he had no trouble going there or back. Regarding the Tree Ghost Tribe he says, "Exceedingly strange for them to roam anywhere outside the confines of the High Forest. Their bloodlust broadens. Their foes increase but so too does their might. The reason? I do not know. I suppose the Grandfather Tree might have something to do with it. Whatever the cause, they may soon have a war on their hands."
Upon learning that the group might venture into the High Forest, he simply mutters, "Foolhardy."
Regarding the Pikes and their rescue from the Hand, Elrik's face actually shows a bit of surprise at the tale. "Humbled Mizg'rak, did you? That's something. I'll make sure the Hold is on high alert in the weeks to come then."
Regarding the yak-men, Elrik says, "Heard tales of such things when I was young. The yakfolk of Zakhara. A place so distant it's meaningless."
Zakhara, a place you have seen only on maps, is a land that lies south and east of Faerun.
Regarding Aralea, he says, "Do with this what you will, but she's part of the Enclave. I'd bet my beard on it. I know a few things."
Each of you is familiar with the Emerald Enclave, a group of wilderness survivalists who seek to preserve the natural order by rooting out unnatural threats. They labor to keep civilization and the wilderness from destroying each other, and they help others survive the natural perils of the North. Generally speaking, the Harpers and the Enclave get along just fine when their areas of influence overlap.
Elrik suggests that he will equip the Pikes with a few things for their journey to Yartar.
Gwin responds to Elrik's foolhardy comment. Well, you know what they say. Children and fools tell the truth. And the truth is there's something amiss in our world, beyond basic bloodlust, and I cannot in good conscience (and as a Harper) ignore it. Thank you for your generosity toward the brothers Pike. I'm happy to help compensate out of my own purse, if need be.She also expresses her gratitude in regard to the information on Aralea. With a big yawn, Gwin announces to the larger group that she's going to head back to the inn to check on her horse and then rest for the remainder of the day/evening. I shall see you all at first light! Tyr's blessings on our repose.
Mola is happy to be able to talk through some of this with Elrik.
"What do you think of the idea that we were considering... going to talk to the Tree Ghosts and trying to get the story from the shaman who survived the ambush? Right now we have the Pikes who don't have memories. The shaman might. Are they too bloodthirsty to listen to us? Everlund would be more straightforward, but before I discard the idea, I wanted to ask you."
"I'd also love to hear anything you know about the Grandfather Tree -- where it is, what it's supposed to do, if anyone you know has seen it."
He tries to downplay the fight against Misg'rak. "I think he just got confused. We really didn't want to fight, but he sort of pressed the issue."
Does he know anyone in the Enclave, given his druidishness? He's ranged around quite a bit and was trained by the archdruid who worked loosely with the Harpers, so maybe she was part of the Enclave, or at least knew some of them? If so, later on, he'll try to say something in druidic and see if she responds.
He's happy to rest and start off for Everlund tomorrow first thing.
"What do you think of the idea that we were considering... going to talk to the Tree Ghosts and trying to get the story from the shaman who survived the ambush? Right now we have the Pikes who don't have memories. The shaman might. Are they too bloodthirsty to listen to us? Everlund would be more straightforward, but before I discard the idea, I wanted to ask you."
"Before you can talk to them, you must find them, Mola. For good reason they are called Tree Ghosts. If you survived a month in the High Forest, you might never see one tribe member. Too bloodthirsty to listen? Yes, I think so."
"I'd also love to hear anything you know about the Grandfather Tree -- where it is, what it's supposed to do, if anyone you know has seen it."
"It stands four or five days to the southeast of here, seemingly towering over the entire High Forest. Many years ago, I knew a wizard who had tamed a hippogriff. He saw the Grandfather Tree. Flew right over it. Couldn't talk enough about how tall the thing was. I don't know that the tree is supposed to do anything. Uthgardts believe it's sacred, it gives them power, and so forth. And they bury their dead all around it."
(Mola has suspected that certain acquaintances of his were part of the Emerald Enclave, but he never went so far as to ask them if they were indeed affiliated with the faction)
Rixtonidly cleans his fingernails with a dagger as he listens but does not contribute. "We will end up in the High Forest eventually," he says during the first long lull. "But we really ought to prepare for it better and collect more information where we know it to be first. The only thing for us now is to rest so that we can travel to Everlund as soon as possible."
Mola thanks Elkin for the help and the information. He gets a meal (lunch? dinner? who knows!) with the Pikes and chats with them amiably about Yartar, their craft, and what they plan to do on their way back. Also what they would ask smart Harpers if they were going to Everlund. He offers to lend them some money to buy some basic protection for the trip. He also offers to give them back Tarnie, the mule he up and purloined from them, if they haven’t realized that it was the same one. “Served us well, and a pleasant conversationalist. Really into sugar beets.”
Over the evening meal, the Pikes talk openly of returning to Yartar and resuming a life of normalcy. Finnegas makes it abundantly clear that he will see Hadrus Mar at the first possible opportunity. "He'll know all that we know, I assure you. Including everything the four of you have done for us."
Regarding Mola's question about what the Pikes might ask of the Harpers in Everlund, Finnegas replies, "I'm not sure, Mola...maybe something about the yak-men. Who are they? What are they?"
Elrik has a rather diverse collection of weapons and armor stored under the floor of his shop. He outfits the Pikes with chain shirts, shortswords, and crossbows.
When it comes time to part ways with the Pikes, Ferrian pats Tarnie on the neck and tells him, "Keep travelin', friend. You're in good company."
Ferrian then looks at Mola and says, "You've earned him. It's the least we can do. I've no wish to pen him up in the city now that he's been out and about."
(If Gwin or Jheric have any additional questions for Elrik or the Pikes before parting ways with them, then we can fit them in as needed)
Departure for Everlund takes place early the next morning, with all the brightness and cheer a summer day can offer. After two days of good roads, good weather, and no encounters, the five of you pass through the Bridge Gate and enter one of the great cities of the North.
A thick stone wall encloses the city, pierced in five places by gates. Like the spokes of a wheel, broad, straight avenues lead from each gate to the Bell Market at the city’s center. The streets are clean and wide enough to accommodate large caravan vehicles. Soldiers of the city’s army patrol the walls, reassuring citizens and visitors and discouraging attackers. The buildings of Everlund are stately and well maintained, with steeply pitched rooftops and tall spires that sport colorful banners. Two bridges span the river, which has parks and trees along its shores.
Aralea leads the way to Danivarr's House, saying, "It's a fine place. A rambling inn that should be any adventurers favorite haunt. More importantly, it is there that we may find some answers to our questions."
At a corner table in the inn, sitting alone and sipping wine, is a copper-hued dragonborn wrapped in a rust-colored robe. He recognizes the wood elf immediately. "Aralea Candlelance. Hello again," he says as his green eyes sparkle with kindness.
"Good evening, Rhom," she replies. "Allow me to introduce you to a few important individuals."
Aralea introduces each of you to Rhom and over the course of the next hour, while everyone eats and drinks, she relates her tale of captivity to the dragonborn. She reveals nothing to him that you did not already know, but you can see that she avoids telling your parts of the story. She leaves those details for the four of you to fill in, or omit, as you see fit. The dragonborn sips his wine, nods his head now and then, utters a "how curious" and an "interesting" a few times, but never asks one question. You have no doubt that he is listening intently and thinking deeply during the entire hour.
When all voices at last fall quiet, Rhom says, "Tomorrow evening please meet me here again. That will grant me the time I need. This is no small matter, I fear. I must do some...reading. Thank you, Aralea. Mola. Rixton. Gwin. Jheric."
I'm assuming the following about the group's interaction with Rhom:
Your identities as Harpers were not revealed
Your suspicions of Aralea's involvement with the Emerald Enclave were not revealed
The rest of the group's experiences since leaving Yartar were openly discussed
All the questions you've previously articulated about the Hand, the Three Ghosts, the Grandfather Tree, and the yikaria were expressed to Rhom as well
Let me know if I've taken too much liberty here. Merely trying to keep things from bogging down, but I don't want to squash player creativity and freedom.
Lodging at Dannivar's House is easily arranged. You have roughly twenty-four hours to spend before your next meeting with Rhom. Let me know if there's anything in particular you wish to accomplish in that time.
Mola tells Finnegas and Ferrian to send their greetings to Hadrus. "And if you learn anything more about this, or especially if you see a strange thing like a yak-person, send a message to us at Moongleam Tower."
During the journey, Mola would definitely be interested in getting to know Aralea more. He tells her stories about his travels around Faerun, through every biome on Toril. Fighting off creatures and people who sought to devastate both animal and civilized tranquility. Sitting on mountaintops, meditating, and surveying vast landscapes. Swimming under the Great Sea. Stalking through jungles and boreal forests. Spending time with beasts and creatures large and small. "Maybe we've run into each other and not even known it. I'd love to hear more about your travels, and how you got here."
Mola takes part in the conversation with Rhom and helps with answers here and there, but for the most part, is content to let others talk. Near the end of the chat, he asks, "I think we'd really appreciate hearing the latest news in Everlund. New arrivals, odd weather patterns, disappearances, trouble, odd quiet... really anything you've heard. Even if it seems inconsequential, it might help us figure out what's going on."
Later on, he'll ask Gwin, Rixton, and Jheric if going to the tower without Aralea would be a good idea, before the second meeting with Rhom. I have to assume he's at least traveled through town before. He'll look for any shops selling local delicacies, see what's to see in the Bell Market, and search for any shops that have magical items for sale. He does still have the cask of ale from Yartar that hasn't been useful, and would look around for a buyer, even for trade.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gwin's eyes shine as they enter Everlund through the Bridge Gate. Oh my, this is lovely. Simply lovely.
She is equally charmed by Rhom and during their conversation nervously prattles on, filling in some of the holes that Aralea has left in describing their encounter with The Hand. Her Harper pin is in full view, in case they do encounter any other members, but she makes no mention of this in mixed company.
She will inquire after the temples in Everlund as she wishes to explore the city and seek out any information she can regarding the Tree Ghosts, the Grandfather Tree, and the yikaria. She will seek counsel on the above from more learned clergy than herself and will also ask to peruse any ancient text that might shed light on the yikaria especially.
Mola takes part in the conversation with Rhom and helps with answers here and there, but for the most part, is content to let others talk. Near the end of the chat, he asks, "I think we'd really appreciate hearing the latest news in Everlund. New arrivals, odd weather patterns, disappearances, trouble, odd quiet... really anything you've heard. Even if it seems inconsequential, it might help us figure out what's going on.
"New arrivals? Everlund is, of course, a place much of coming and going, Mola, but I cannot think of anyone noteworthy to visit the city in recent weeks. Not until this evening when the five of you arrived. Nothing odd…nothing out of the ordinary to report here, I’m happy to say. I will think on this a bit more, however. You may have a very good point. Possibly I have overlooked something."
Later on, he'll ask Gwin, Rixton, and Jheric if going to the tower without Aralea would be a good idea, before the second meeting with Rhom. I have to assume he's at least traveled through town before. He'll look for any shops selling local delicacies, see what's to see in the Bell Market, and search for any shops that have magical items for sale. He does still have the cask of ale from Yartar that hasn't been useful, and would look around for a buyer, even for trade.
This is not Mola’s first time in Everlund, but his last visit was years ago. The stately city hasn’t changed, and places to spend one’s money are abundant. Fine desserts and baked goods, costly wines and spirits, thick cuts of various meats: all of these tempt the druid’s palate as he passes through the streets.
Mola’s cask of ale catches the eye of a wizened trinket-seller. “Tell you what, youngin. Let’s trade this here gizmo for that there cask of yours.”
The old fellow holds up a small, perfectly circular brass case. A faint line around its perimeter edge suggests it will open into two equal halves, a top and a bottom.
“Must be somethin’ special about this,” explains the trinket-seller, “for ‘twon’t open for me. Must be somethin’ special hidin’ inside it. See!”
He thrusts it toward Mola’s face. “Take a look, won’t you? Take a listen! There’s somethin’ in there! Can’t open it though. Tired of tryin’, but I don’t wanna bust it with a hammer. No, no no. Much too shiny for that.”
Mola can hear and feel something small rolling around inside the brass case as he tilts back and forth in his hand. The brass case is simple and unadorned, but its craftsmanship is of high quality.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rixtonis in need of a shortsword. He will find his way to a weaponsmith and see what is on offer. The facts and clues of this mission bounce around in his head in a jumble, waiting for the proper piece to click everything into place. In the meantime, as he walks through the streets of Everlund, the inquisitive rogue passes the time practicing his observation skills, looking for trouble where it is hidden in plain sight.
Gwin's eyes shine as they enter Everlund through the Bridge Gate. Oh my, this is lovely. Simply lovely.
She is equally charmed by Rhom and during their conversation nervously prattles on, filling in some of the holes that Aralea has left in describing their encounter with The Hand. Her Harper pin is in full view, in case they do encounter any other members, but she makes no mention of this in mixed company.
She will inquire after the temples in Everlund as she wishes to explore the city and seek out any information she can regarding the Tree Ghosts, the Grandfather Tree, and the yikaria. She will seek counsel on the above from more learned clergy than herself and will also ask to peruse any ancient text that might shed light on the yikaria especially.
Gwin inquires about the various religious locations in Everlund and receives an earful from one of the locals, a rather fast-talking halfling with a tendency to rely heavily upon the phrase of course.
“Evergreen Hall—the temple of Mielikki--is that way, of course, just outside the western wall, of course, on the north bank of the river. Near the Upriver Gate, of course, is the Keep of Vigilance, a temple of Helm. And, of course, there’s a shrine to Oghma, and one to Shaundakul, of course, and one to Waukeen."
He takes a breath and concludes, “Of course.”
Her visits to each temple and shrine are pleasant, for she’s greeted warmly by the various clerics and priests she meets, but it is the time spent at Oghma’s shrine that proves to be worthwhile. As she steps through the archway, over which is inscribed the phrase Knowledge Is Supreme, she enters a simple, round room that has three shelves that make their way around the entirety of the place. Each shelf is full of books, some tiny, some enormous, some very old, and some not so old. Most of the books are in Common and Elvish, but every other language known in Faerun is presented among the collection as well. The shrine seems much more like a place of study than a place of worship.
Gwin spends the next 5 hours sifting through the books she’s able to read, and even some she isn’t. Of particular interest is an Elvish text titled Sites Sacred and Forgotten. The small tome is, simply put, a catalog of Faerun’s holy sites. Thousands of shrines, temples, churches, altars, sanctums and monuments are named and described, including their locations and their corresponding deity or demi-god. Hundreds of the holy sites are depicted in simple but attractive ink drawings. A few dozen are accompanied by roughly sketched maps, showing where they stand, or once stood.
One of the drawings depicts a rough-hewn stone altar perched on the side of mountain. In the sky, high over the altar, soars a winged creature that looks very much like a peryton. The caption beneath the drawing reads as follows:
Mola is eager to rest but nods his head at his companions, ready to ride Tarnie to town.
The morning mist creeps off the Evermoors and into the edge of Silverwood as you make your way to the Hold. The condition of your party garners a few lengthy stares from the locals, but no one asks any questions. The Hold's lone inn provides the morning meal and the lodging you seek for eight pieces of silver. You learn that Elrik--the Harper contact in Olostin's Hold--returned late last night and can be found at his supply shop.
The Pikes spirits are noticeably lighter; their eagerness to return to Yartar is evident in their talk and demeanor. "No need to burn valuable time travelin' all the way to Yartar with us," explains Ferrian. "You're in the thick of it here. Best that you stay on. Finn and I will make straight for Hadrus, delivering any message you might have for him, of course."
Ferrian and Finnegas have a somewhat animated discussion about whether to join a west-bound caravan or to head out straight away on their own.
Aralea reiterates her intent to travel to Everlund immediately. "Uthgardts are one thing. Yikaria are entirely another."
Once the battle has ended and the party decides to break camp so they can head back to Olostin's hold, Gwin uses her Pearl of Power to refresh her spell energy a bit so she can heal the most grievously wounded.
Cure Wounds (Rixton): 21
Cure Wounds (Mola): 14
Cure Wounds (Aralea): 8
Gwin allows the Pikes to keep her weapons until they reach Olostin's Hold. She suggests to Aralea that she wait and rest for 24 hours before heading to Everlund; that will give the party a chance to speak with Elrik, hopefully get a full night's rest, and then depending on what they learn from their new Harper contact they'll either join Aralea on her journey to Everlund or they can part ways.
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Did Gwin actually get her dispel magic off on Finnegas? I forget if it happened. Does he seem at all more sane? He seemed a little loopy before.
Gwin cast remove curse on both Pike brothers here. Both brothers seem fine.
Appreciative of the healing, Rixton its down against a wall to take some weight off of his remaining injuries. "I agree with Aralea," he says. "We should make haste if at all possible. It is only a question of spells. Do we need to rest for the day and travel tonight or can we proceed now and risk more dangers on the road?"
"You're right about spells. I'd at least like to rest for a short while before we head out again. Though a longer one would make me much more useful. Thanks for the healing, Gwin. I'd meant to heal Rixton earlier but he's so smooth that I forgot anything was wrong with him."
Mola offers to heal anyone else further with healing word.
He tries to get the party, plus the Pikes, together with Aralea out of earshot, either by politely asking her to let them question the Pikes, or waiting for an opportunity. "We should stop by Elrik before we go. He's our main contact here and I have a feeling he knows something about what's going on. I did think that Aralea was one of us, but apparently not. Though I bet she can be trusted."
He's ready to head to Elrik's and find out where he's been, and what he knows about all this.
"Reaching Everlund is urgent," remarks Aralea, "but rest must come first." The wood elf will travel east the next morning.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
A visit with Elrik confirms much of what the group has previously learned. As you'd been warned, Elrik doesn't speak much. The stout dwarf sticks to the point and avoids superfluity in his words. He just returned from Everlund--a trip he makes monthly to visit family and pick up supplies--and he had no trouble going there or back. Regarding the Tree Ghost Tribe he says, "Exceedingly strange for them to roam anywhere outside the confines of the High Forest. Their bloodlust broadens. Their foes increase but so too does their might. The reason? I do not know. I suppose the Grandfather Tree might have something to do with it. Whatever the cause, they may soon have a war on their hands."
Upon learning that the group might venture into the High Forest, he simply mutters, "Foolhardy."
Regarding the Pikes and their rescue from the Hand, Elrik's face actually shows a bit of surprise at the tale. "Humbled Mizg'rak, did you? That's something. I'll make sure the Hold is on high alert in the weeks to come then."
Regarding the yak-men, Elrik says, "Heard tales of such things when I was young. The yakfolk of Zakhara. A place so distant it's meaningless."
Zakhara, a place you have seen only on maps, is a land that lies south and east of Faerun.
Regarding Aralea, he says, "Do with this what you will, but she's part of the Enclave. I'd bet my beard on it. I know a few things."
Each of you is familiar with the Emerald Enclave, a group of wilderness survivalists who seek to preserve the natural order by rooting out unnatural threats. They labor to keep civilization and the wilderness from destroying each other, and they help others survive the natural perils of the North. Generally speaking, the Harpers and the Enclave get along just fine when their areas of influence overlap.
Elrik suggests that he will equip the Pikes with a few things for their journey to Yartar.
Gwin responds to Elrik's foolhardy comment. Well, you know what they say. Children and fools tell the truth. And the truth is there's something amiss in our world, beyond basic bloodlust, and I cannot in good conscience (and as a Harper) ignore it. Thank you for your generosity toward the brothers Pike. I'm happy to help compensate out of my own purse, if need be. She also expresses her gratitude in regard to the information on Aralea. With a big yawn, Gwin announces to the larger group that she's going to head back to the inn to check on her horse and then rest for the remainder of the day/evening. I shall see you all at first light! Tyr's blessings on our repose.
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Mola is happy to be able to talk through some of this with Elrik.
"What do you think of the idea that we were considering... going to talk to the Tree Ghosts and trying to get the story from the shaman who survived the ambush? Right now we have the Pikes who don't have memories. The shaman might. Are they too bloodthirsty to listen to us? Everlund would be more straightforward, but before I discard the idea, I wanted to ask you."
"I'd also love to hear anything you know about the Grandfather Tree -- where it is, what it's supposed to do, if anyone you know has seen it."
He tries to downplay the fight against Misg'rak. "I think he just got confused. We really didn't want to fight, but he sort of pressed the issue."
Does he know anyone in the Enclave, given his druidishness? He's ranged around quite a bit and was trained by the archdruid who worked loosely with the Harpers, so maybe she was part of the Enclave, or at least knew some of them? If so, later on, he'll try to say something in druidic and see if she responds.
He's happy to rest and start off for Everlund tomorrow first thing.
"Before you can talk to them, you must find them, Mola. For good reason they are called Tree Ghosts. If you survived a month in the High Forest, you might never see one tribe member. Too bloodthirsty to listen? Yes, I think so."
"It stands four or five days to the southeast of here, seemingly towering over the entire High Forest. Many years ago, I knew a wizard who had tamed a hippogriff. He saw the Grandfather Tree. Flew right over it. Couldn't talk enough about how tall the thing was. I don't know that the tree is supposed to do anything. Uthgardts believe it's sacred, it gives them power, and so forth. And they bury their dead all around it."
(Mola has suspected that certain acquaintances of his were part of the Emerald Enclave, but he never went so far as to ask them if they were indeed affiliated with the faction)
Rixton idly cleans his fingernails with a dagger as he listens but does not contribute. "We will end up in the High Forest eventually," he says during the first long lull. "But we really ought to prepare for it better and collect more information where we know it to be first. The only thing for us now is to rest so that we can travel to Everlund as soon as possible."
Mola thanks Elkin for the help and the information. He gets a meal (lunch? dinner? who knows!) with the Pikes and chats with them amiably about Yartar, their craft, and what they plan to do on their way back. Also what they would ask smart Harpers if they were going to Everlund. He offers to lend them some money to buy some basic protection for the trip. He also offers to give them back Tarnie, the mule he up and purloined from them, if they haven’t realized that it was the same one. “Served us well, and a pleasant conversationalist. Really into sugar beets.”
Over the evening meal, the Pikes talk openly of returning to Yartar and resuming a life of normalcy. Finnegas makes it abundantly clear that he will see Hadrus Mar at the first possible opportunity. "He'll know all that we know, I assure you. Including everything the four of you have done for us."
Regarding Mola's question about what the Pikes might ask of the Harpers in Everlund, Finnegas replies, "I'm not sure, Mola...maybe something about the yak-men. Who are they? What are they?"
Elrik has a rather diverse collection of weapons and armor stored under the floor of his shop. He outfits the Pikes with chain shirts, shortswords, and crossbows.
When it comes time to part ways with the Pikes, Ferrian pats Tarnie on the neck and tells him, "Keep travelin', friend. You're in good company."
Ferrian then looks at Mola and says, "You've earned him. It's the least we can do. I've no wish to pen him up in the city now that he's been out and about."
(If Gwin or Jheric have any additional questions for Elrik or the Pikes before parting ways with them, then we can fit them in as needed)
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Departure for Everlund takes place early the next morning, with all the brightness and cheer a summer day can offer. After two days of good roads, good weather, and no encounters, the five of you pass through the Bridge Gate and enter one of the great cities of the North.
A thick stone wall encloses the city, pierced in five places by gates. Like the spokes of a wheel, broad, straight avenues lead from each gate to the Bell Market at the city’s center. The streets are clean and wide enough to accommodate large caravan vehicles. Soldiers of the city’s army patrol the walls, reassuring citizens and visitors and discouraging attackers. The buildings of Everlund are stately and well maintained, with steeply pitched rooftops and tall spires that sport colorful banners. Two bridges span the river, which has parks and trees along its shores.
Aralea leads the way to Danivarr's House, saying, "It's a fine place. A rambling inn that should be any adventurers favorite haunt. More importantly, it is there that we may find some answers to our questions."
At a corner table in the inn, sitting alone and sipping wine, is a copper-hued dragonborn wrapped in a rust-colored robe. He recognizes the wood elf immediately. "Aralea Candlelance. Hello again," he says as his green eyes sparkle with kindness.
"Good evening, Rhom," she replies. "Allow me to introduce you to a few important individuals."
Aralea introduces each of you to Rhom and over the course of the next hour, while everyone eats and drinks, she relates her tale of captivity to the dragonborn. She reveals nothing to him that you did not already know, but you can see that she avoids telling your parts of the story. She leaves those details for the four of you to fill in, or omit, as you see fit. The dragonborn sips his wine, nods his head now and then, utters a "how curious" and an "interesting" a few times, but never asks one question. You have no doubt that he is listening intently and thinking deeply during the entire hour.
When all voices at last fall quiet, Rhom says, "Tomorrow evening please meet me here again. That will grant me the time I need. This is no small matter, I fear. I must do some...reading. Thank you, Aralea. Mola. Rixton. Gwin. Jheric."
I'm assuming the following about the group's interaction with Rhom:
Let me know if I've taken too much liberty here. Merely trying to keep things from bogging down, but I don't want to squash player creativity and freedom.
Lodging at Dannivar's House is easily arranged. You have roughly twenty-four hours to spend before your next meeting with Rhom. Let me know if there's anything in particular you wish to accomplish in that time.
Mola tells Finnegas and Ferrian to send their greetings to Hadrus. "And if you learn anything more about this, or especially if you see a strange thing like a yak-person, send a message to us at Moongleam Tower."
During the journey, Mola would definitely be interested in getting to know Aralea more. He tells her stories about his travels around Faerun, through every biome on Toril. Fighting off creatures and people who sought to devastate both animal and civilized tranquility. Sitting on mountaintops, meditating, and surveying vast landscapes. Swimming under the Great Sea. Stalking through jungles and boreal forests. Spending time with beasts and creatures large and small. "Maybe we've run into each other and not even known it. I'd love to hear more about your travels, and how you got here."
Mola takes part in the conversation with Rhom and helps with answers here and there, but for the most part, is content to let others talk. Near the end of the chat, he asks, "I think we'd really appreciate hearing the latest news in Everlund. New arrivals, odd weather patterns, disappearances, trouble, odd quiet... really anything you've heard. Even if it seems inconsequential, it might help us figure out what's going on."
Later on, he'll ask Gwin, Rixton, and Jheric if going to the tower without Aralea would be a good idea, before the second meeting with Rhom. I have to assume he's at least traveled through town before. He'll look for any shops selling local delicacies, see what's to see in the Bell Market, and search for any shops that have magical items for sale. He does still have the cask of ale from Yartar that hasn't been useful, and would look around for a buyer, even for trade.
Gwin's eyes shine as they enter Everlund through the Bridge Gate. Oh my, this is lovely. Simply lovely.
She is equally charmed by Rhom and during their conversation nervously prattles on, filling in some of the holes that Aralea has left in describing their encounter with The Hand. Her Harper pin is in full view, in case they do encounter any other members, but she makes no mention of this in mixed company.
She will inquire after the temples in Everlund as she wishes to explore the city and seek out any information she can regarding the Tree Ghosts, the Grandfather Tree, and the yikaria. She will seek counsel on the above from more learned clergy than herself and will also ask to peruse any ancient text that might shed light on the yikaria especially.
Investigation: 21
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
"New arrivals? Everlund is, of course, a place much of coming and going, Mola, but I cannot think of anyone noteworthy to visit the city in recent weeks. Not until this evening when the five of you arrived. Nothing odd…nothing out of the ordinary to report here, I’m happy to say. I will think on this a bit more, however. You may have a very good point. Possibly I have overlooked something."
This is not Mola’s first time in Everlund, but his last visit was years ago. The stately city hasn’t changed, and places to spend one’s money are abundant. Fine desserts and baked goods, costly wines and spirits, thick cuts of various meats: all of these tempt the druid’s palate as he passes through the streets.
Mola’s cask of ale catches the eye of a wizened trinket-seller. “Tell you what, youngin. Let’s trade this here gizmo for that there cask of yours.”
The old fellow holds up a small, perfectly circular brass case. A faint line around its perimeter edge suggests it will open into two equal halves, a top and a bottom.
“Must be somethin’ special about this,” explains the trinket-seller, “for ‘twon’t open for me. Must be somethin’ special hidin’ inside it. See!”
He thrusts it toward Mola’s face. “Take a look, won’t you? Take a listen! There’s somethin’ in there! Can’t open it though. Tired of tryin’, but I don’t wanna bust it with a hammer. No, no no. Much too shiny for that.”
Mola can hear and feel something small rolling around inside the brass case as he tilts back and forth in his hand. The brass case is simple and unadorned, but its craftsmanship is of high quality.
“Say somethin’ youngin! Let’s trade!”
Mola nods enthusiastically and casts detect magic, after happily handingg over the cask of ale for the gizmo.
Rixton is in need of a shortsword. He will find his way to a weaponsmith and see what is on offer. The facts and clues of this mission bounce around in his head in a jumble, waiting for the proper piece to click everything into place. In the meantime, as he walks through the streets of Everlund, the inquisitive rogue passes the time practicing his observation skills, looking for trouble where it is hidden in plain sight.
Investigation: 25
Gwin inquires about the various religious locations in Everlund and receives an earful from one of the locals, a rather fast-talking halfling with a tendency to rely heavily upon the phrase of course.
“Evergreen Hall—the temple of Mielikki--is that way, of course, just outside the western wall, of course, on the north bank of the river. Near the Upriver Gate, of course, is the Keep of Vigilance, a temple of Helm. And, of course, there’s a shrine to Oghma, and one to Shaundakul, of course, and one to Waukeen."
He takes a breath and concludes, “Of course.”
Her visits to each temple and shrine are pleasant, for she’s greeted warmly by the various clerics and priests she meets, but it is the time spent at Oghma’s shrine that proves to be worthwhile. As she steps through the archway, over which is inscribed the phrase Knowledge Is Supreme, she enters a simple, round room that has three shelves that make their way around the entirety of the place. Each shelf is full of books, some tiny, some enormous, some very old, and some not so old. Most of the books are in Common and Elvish, but every other language known in Faerun is presented among the collection as well. The shrine seems much more like a place of study than a place of worship.
Gwin spends the next 5 hours sifting through the books she’s able to read, and even some she isn’t. Of particular interest is an Elvish text titled Sites Sacred and Forgotten. The small tome is, simply put, a catalog of Faerun’s holy sites. Thousands of shrines, temples, churches, altars, sanctums and monuments are named and described, including their locations and their corresponding deity or demi-god. Hundreds of the holy sites are depicted in simple but attractive ink drawings. A few dozen are accompanied by roughly sketched maps, showing where they stand, or once stood.
One of the drawings depicts a rough-hewn stone altar perched on the side of mountain. In the sky, high over the altar, soars a winged creature that looks very much like a peryton. The caption beneath the drawing reads as follows:
Altar of the Forgotten God <>|<> Mount Thorog