Allansia Wildlands Campaign.

Tzedaka: "Yes, you are wrigght. De Cheroes would be lost without your patience and visdom."

Enwynn's somber expression changes abruptly as she nearly chokes on her mouthful of tea in unexpected mirth. She coughs a moment then answers politely "If I were as wise as you imply, Tzedaka, I suspect I would not be here now to hear of it, but I thank you for the compliment."  

She nods in cautious agreement with Banzo's assessment of the party's situation, and suggests "If they already expect us to turn up, then best we can do is keep them confused as to where we are once we're in." 

Enwynn's reply to Tannin is a pensive look followed by "Finding out where in that architectural monstrosity the revival rite for the warlock happens, and when. What we need to lift the demon marks and hopefully stop the revival taking place will probably be stored near the chamber they plan on raising him in." 

Enwynn smiles again as she softly says "Tannin is right you know. You're traveling with heroes, Tzedaka, and helping them. That makes you one too." in gentle explanation.

When Banzo announces their plan to summon a feline familiar, Enwynn nearly chokes on her tea again. The elf gives the tortle a sideways look, then smiles in amusement. She remains silent as the War Mage explains the reasons for their choice of animal.  

She nods again at Tzedaka's comment ”A plan critikal for success.” 

Garet having returned from his scouting felt good within himself the studded leather armour he had acquired during their last encounter as well as the cloak Elspeth had gifted him gave him something of his former self.

He had always thought that in order to become what he wanted to be he had to disgard the past, now he realised in order to progress he had embrace it.

He lightly breakfast with the others and listened to the chat. " I agree a little more knowledge is never a bad thing, I also think that we should stock up on Provisions, as who knows what we get once on the mountain, I'd also counsel against entering at night."

Garet continued "We may also thing about our marching order,  as the tunnels may get constrictedI have the blindsight so am happy to take the front or rear. There appear torches initially but who knows later on in the mountain."

Herman eats breakfast while listening to the others.

"Oh, pity, my horse will not pass through tunnels, and we also have all the loot from the kidnappers...apart from moeny, magic items and gems, I don't know how to concile it...

bury it will take too much time, unless you have a magical mean of hiding it or else"

"damn, I was just getting fond of this horse..."

Banzo begins the ritual knowing there are a few things that need to be figured out before they enter. Such as where to hide anything they're not taking inside the mountain, whether to let the horses go or tie them off somewhere, discuss tactics and any planning that might help or come in handy, and prepare/use any feature/spells/or things that would help.

As Garet eats, and almost on cue with his own thoughts, Tzedaka looks at him, "So Garoot Jade of Port Blacksand, what vas it like to see an old reminder of your past?"

"I see dis as a message from Moter, trying to show you something. Elspeths path is de path you could have taken. But, you choose de path of cheroes. I wonder..." almost lost in her own thoughts, "Like you and her, can de two paths merge and make you a greater chero?"

The beautiful little woman then looks at Enwynn, "I don't see Tzedaka as a hero. Just.....a gift to help you complete my will." (Important note: There is no accent when she speaks, and her voice sounds different, her eyes vacant. She suddenly takes a deep breath, she had not been breathing for a moment.

Tzedaka's eyes regain focus, she smiles bashfully and gives Enwynn a hug, (speaking loud enough for most to hear) "I like you, Eeenwyn of the forest. You show humility and kindness. Des are qualities of cheroes. Some in dis group do not realize dees virtues. Vhen they do, they will be exceptional cheroes."

"and den, they vill be ready..."

Tzedaka looks at the group as they prepare, "Moter gave me a vision in my slumber" she says, gathering their attention by the morning fire.

"Dis place, once belong to Dwarfs of Redweed, and long before dem, a great and powerful dragon of red. I see young Zagor, a child and student of the sorcerer, Volgera Darkstorm.  One of de Demonic Three. De three friends, killed der master. Even den, Zagor was influenced by demon-sent dreams." She looks around, "He lived with his father, Gerlekus, a wielder of dark magics. Den, Zagor keeled him and took his fortune."

Her eyes grow dark in thought recalling what she had seen as her silver hair blows in a hot sour wind.

"Ambition, power, and greed drove Zagor to attack dis place, for treasure within. He recruited an army of monsters, orcs, trools, beasts and sieged dis place. It was Stormsday 5th of Fire, in de year 249ac. A day my sisters and I remember well."

"Six years de Dwarfs held, but monsters overwhelmed dem. It is chere, in dis place, that Zagor began to plan de subjection of Allansia and all dat you know. A group of cheroes came and he was eventually keeled. Some of you have met one of dem, Yaztromo. But now, Zagor is arisen, and his plan in action again.

How is he "alive?". Look at your arms and you vil know in  your hearts who gives chim power."

She takes a deep breath, "Der is no dwarven army to fight Zagor. No elven power to halp. De people chere are weak and defeated, spread thin on des lands. De gods of Allansia sleep vile the darkness of evil creeps quietly.

She touches each as she speaks your name, and in her touch, each of you feel passion, love, bravery, humility (HEROISM). With each, she looks into your eyes.

"Der is only six Cheroes.  Six with hearts of de Lion, who vant Allansia to be free. Perceptive and clever  Banzo, once a bartender of Lion Inn, Wise and humble Enwynn of de Forest, Resourceful and redeemed Garet Jade of Port Blacksand, Brave and loyal Herman of de Wolf Tribe, Enlightened and fierce, Shalana on the path of the Ascended One, and the Kind and forgiving Tannin Tziynok, once traveling to a trial of champions, but finding he must become a chero and join you."

 "Vill you confront dis evil width me? Vill you halp turn de fate of Allansia?"

"I am Justice! I am chere for Zagor!"

She seems to fall to the ground, unconscious. Then, after a long moment, she inhales deeply and opens her eyes. Her Vibrant Royal Blue eyes, glowing with passion and strength. She reaches out her hands to her friends, determination on her face.

Garet: " I agree a little more knowledge is never a bad thing, I also think that we should stock up on Provisions, as who knows what we get once on the mountain, I'd also counsel against entering at night."

"We may also think about our marching order,  as the tunnels may get constricted. I have the blindsight so am happy to take the front or rear. There appear torches initially but who knows later on in the mountain."

Enwynn nods in agreement and offers "I can call fresh water to us if needed, provided we have containers for it, but summoning food for many may be beyond me." She considers his warning against noctural entry, and nods again as she says "Many of Zagor's allies would be active by night or underground dwellers who flee from the light of day. That gives us an advantage if we use unexpected bright light in a dark place against them. I also know of a means to give better sight in the dark for a little while for those of us who do not have it naturally, if that will help?"

Herman: "Oh, pity, my horse will not pass through tunnels, and we also have all the loot from the kidnappers...apart from money, magic items and gems, I don't know how to concile it...Bury it will take too much time, unless you have a magical mean of hiding it or else"

"Damn, I was just getting fond of this horse..."

The elf seems reluctant to speak at first, but gathers up her courage in both hands and politely replies "If you do not wish them harmed or left to go hungry while they wait, then perhaps I can find a way to hide them here from hungry predators. If not, I might be able to send them to a safer place than this, but that would be further away than is useful for a swift escape on horseback."

OOC: I GTG deal with RL, so so this is part 1, be back later to do part 2.

Banzo chants in a strange arcane tongue, varying the pitch and tone of each syllable. Smoke rises from the brass brazier and drifts on the wind. It appears to take on various animal forms that swirl around Banzo's head. The tortle's eyes glaze over and his chest expands deeply with each breath. Most of the animal forms dissipate on the wind as it dies down to a gentle zypher. The last smoke form is that of a cat and it drifts toward Banzo's face, he takes a deep breath and inhales the smokey form of the cat. When he breaths out the smoke once again takes the form of a cat briefly. As it also dissipates a real cat is left in it's place.

A black and white, tuxedo pattern cat sits on the ground next to Banzo.

"This is Zeno everyone, my cat familiar."

"Meow. Meow."

Herman is really galvanised by Tzedaka's speech and a little worried when she falls down, but eventually she is just fine.

he is really happy about Enwyn comments

"Really you are godsend, Enwyn. Can you produce water? Can you hide horses? Really can you give me some vision you have in dark places? How?"

The barbarian, usually grumpy, gets close to Banzo and its new pet and, falling on his knees, he asks tenderly:

"oh, so pretty! can I caress him?"

ooc: I guess Herman is the only one without darkvision (and he also has use of both hands for great weapons), he will be gladly accept any help about that, being it a spell or a simple torch held by someone else)

(*ooc: Banzo also doesn't have darkvision*)

"Yes, of course, Zeno loves attention and inside the mountain will act mostly as a scout but can also be of some help during fights."

"During fights?! You wanna throw it?""

Tzedaka asks Eenwyn's help in finding phosphorescent moss (near cave entrance) and fireflys. She will gather some to help with her light cantrip.

When she sees Zeno, she is fascinated. She starts playing with him and occasionally will use thaumaturgy and a very light word of radiance to make light, sounds and wind (Like a laser light pointer) on either side of him. As she touches the cat, she also imbues him with (Heroism). She speaks to him in Celestial, Infernal, and Abyssal, trying to see what he understands the best.

(as the party is starting to notice, there seems to be two very different sides of this strange woman. A brave selfless person on a mission to defeat Zagor, and an almost childlike girl, curious and playful).

Tzedaka?: "I don't see Tzedaka as a hero. Just.....a gift to help you complete my will."

Enwynn puts her beaker of tea down carefully, a look of concern on her face, and gives her complete attention to the oddly changed woman's words.

The hug catches her completely off guard in her relief that Tsedaka is still breathing. It is difficult to tell if the blush rising rapidly up the elf's face is caused by the physical affection or the praise, but she simply returns the hug and smiles as she says "Thank you for being here, Tsedaka."

The impassioned speech that Tzedaka makes a short while later does reassure Enwynn that while even the gods may have their limits, they are not powerless in this affair as long as they have mortals willing to look where they cannot on their behalf...

Herman: "Really you are godsend, Enwyn. Can you produce water? Can you hide horses? Really can you give me some vision you have in dark places? How?"

Enwynn smiles shyly and replies "Thank Erillia, Mother of Forests. She lends her strength in many ways to help others in need." but cautions "The more I lean on her strength, the more I need to rest to replenish it."  The elf offers one thought as she thinks further on the matter of hiding both horses and spoils of war as she says "Horses were once wild beasts to men, wary and dangerous animals to approach in a herd, so perhaps they may be the best ones to know how to evade those who would hunt them?"

The elf is delighted at the appearance of Banzo's chosen familiar spirit, as she says "I am pleased to meet you, Xeno." as she slowly offers a hand to the cat to sniff. Corwyn peers out from her cloak's hood, stares at the cat, stares at Enwynn, then back at the cat. The elf nods. The wary crow unruffles their feathers and utters a cautious "Caw." by way of greeting.

 At Tzedaka's request, Enwynn assists in the search for moss and bugs. OOC: Survival Check 20

"No! I'm not going to be throwing Zeno around, ha ha ha ha."

"Sometimes, at the right moment in a fight he may hiss or claw at an enemies clothes and cause a distraction that someone might be able take advantage of, who knows?"

Banzo will gather up any equipment he had out from last night or this morning and get ready to enter the mountain.

"I agree that daylight may be best to enter the mountain. If Zagor has indeed let a tribe of goblins take up residence I wonder if we have to deal with them or if it's possible to bypass them somehow? I guess the first order of business is to get a layout of the cave system near the entrance and where it leads to deeper in."

Zeno runs and darts after the lights on the ground, trying to pounce and catch them. When Enwynn presents her hand to be sniffed Zeno sniffs and then nuzzles his head against her hand a few times. In response to the "Caw." greeting from Corwyn, Zeno sits and looks up, answering with "Meow. Meow."

(Just before we enter, so we need our traveling order)
Tzedaka will gather Tannin, Garet, and Herman. "Before we go in to dis evil place, I vill make you stronger." (She tears off a small piece of her robe, Takes out a scale and puts small pebbles and sticks that she has collected on one side and small flowers on the other. Seeing the scale tilt slightly toward the pebbles, she rips off a small piece of her robe, placing it on the side with the flowers and it achieves perfect balance between to two sides. Then she starts chanting in Celestial)  AID: Choose up to three creatures within range. Each target's hit point maximum and current hit points increase by 5 for the duration 8 hours).

Herman started to worry at some further weird thing the angel was about but he was entranced by the chanting and eventually he now feels corroborated 

Ooc: Little flashback , I realised I never expressly said Herman attuned with the pit breaker weapon

Before getting to sleep Herman holds the weapon pit breaker in his palm and starts to talk with her

"I saved you for special occasions, my dear, and one will be soon, fine? You must be ready, ehy? Behave!"

The horses were sent back to Anvil with Ennwyn whispering instructions to one of them to keep the others close, a note and coin was left in a saddlebag for their housing.

Tannin and Garet headed into the cave first accompanied by Corwyn and Banzos familiar with the others following a fair way back.

Tannin and Garet moved inside the cave, knowing that at the back of the cave is the tunnel Garet found before.

The walls of the cave are dripping with water and there are stagnant pools on the floor. The air is cold and dank.  You hear the sound of tiny feel scurrying across the floor. You take a deep breath, enter lhe cave and walk on into the tunnel, soon coming to the t-junction,

The torches burn fitfully and will need replacing soon.

There is nothing distinctive about either direction....though the left seems to have more foot traffic...

"Tzedaka, I am going to share what Zeno sees and hears but I will be deaf and blind while I do. Can you guide and guard me while I do, if there is danger here signal me by tapping my shoulder twice, wait a couple of seconds and tap again twice?"

Banzo will project his sight and hearing into Zeno, his black and white, tuxedo patterned cat familiar.

Zeno's Stealth: 16

Zeno will wait to see which way Tannin, Garet, and Corwyn want to go first and follow quietly after them.

"There is a T junction and the sound of tiny feet, more so to the left." Banzo speaks low, just above a whisper so that no sound will travel down the cave to the tunnels ahead.