“A warrior belongs in the fray.” Daemyar nods emphatically. “I am Daemyar. I want to know what troubles to expect. What sent your warrior down into the dark?”
air enough Daemyar, but a warrior lost needlessly or due to poor decisions is a tragedy. Perhaps you know of such loss?” She looks away thoughtfully. “What dangers to expect? For many years, goblins have inhabited the ruins. We only see them rarely when they come to town to sell their damned fruits. More recently a pair of bastard hobgoblins boasted they were going down there to claim riches. They’ve not been seen since and - no offense - I don’t grieve for them. They were callous and cruel. About 50 years ago, some kobolds set up camp in the top most part of the ruins, though they seem harmless enough. Karakas went down there to help protect those kids - from the ruins and from that paladin that came waltzing in talking about bringing the light into the gloom. That’s a follower of Pelor for you. That was a few tendays ago. We don’t know much about what is actually down there or what those ruins are, to be honest. You might check with Corkie - she knows much about the area and is much older than myself. Garon told me about a crazy Druid who came through over a decade ago with a dangerous fire in his eye. He and his pet frog left for the ruins, talking about a great god who lived nearby. We assume he died but we don’t know for sure.”
Lorell Brightleaf walks up somberly to all who are gathered. "Last night I met with some of the farmers after they approached us. Their herds are in danger nearly every day and night. This blight and rot that affect this land are taking toll on them, their young, and the modest farmers of this town. He sighs. I said little earlier of what I saw in my dream so I’ll tell you." Lorell goes on to tell you in exacting detail what he was shown in his dreams [you can click the spoiler to see it all - you can assume everything that happened he has told you]:
Lorell - despite not needing to sleep, you nevertheless fall into both sleep and dream. It's up to you how much you'd like to share with your companions.
Your reverie is deeper than ever before. You know it's sleeping and dreaming, like humans and other races do.
You trot through a meadow, jump over a small brook, and exit the trees. You stop to graze for a bit on the lush flora. The sensation is natural as is the form.
Suddenly, the sunny skies turn dark and an encroaching darkness, spreading like ink in water, snakes it’s way towards you. A figure in brown walks at the head of the ominous spread. You run back into the forest, easily bolting over a hedge.
A figure appears beside you, a human and...something else. He smiles at you, his face seems puffy and burned. You notice his sharpened incisors. Vampire! He lunges at you but falls short. You hear a sick squishy sound and turning around you see a bloody tree root has come up through his back, bloody and dripping. In response to the blood and the killing, the tree beside you gnarles and twists, shedding its foliage, animals dropping dead from the branches. It enlarges grotesquely and swallows up the vampires body.
You look back at the darkness, it’s closer now. You see it’s a man leading it, oaken staff, and limping slightly. He removes the cowl. It’s a dark haired man, middling height. You know this is Belak.
You look back towards the tree: remarkably one half is covered in ice and the other fire. On the ice side, a small bud turns quickly into a beautiful white fruit. It grows rapidly and then drops, it’s contents exploding outward. Wherever it touches, rot immediately consumes the grass and anything near it.
The same thing happens on the fire side but when its contents splash out, everything it touches springs alive. This side of the tree blooms with life and green. Even one of the dead, fallen birds rights itself and flies away.
The man is getting close - too close - you turn to run but run into a solid muscular figure in green. His white eyes and long white hair, clean shaven, the figure cuts an imposing figure - as all solars are wont to do. “Lorell!” Adathar shouts. "You need to cleanse the blight - watch out!" The misfigured tree behind you opens a giant maw and as you turn to flee, comes down on you. Swallowing you whole.
You wake up gasping, sitting upright and clutching your chest. Someone is touching - ah, it's Krom. "Yer up, elf," the dwarf grunts.
There is a long silence while you digest what he has said to you. "It was not easy but I’ve made a decision to stay back here and help the farmers, and I am happy about this. Having seen you in combat I can tell you will be fine without my aid and in fact, if I was to go with you I could be a liability if I was to reach Belak. There is something about this area and this situation that draws me - maybe a bit too strongly. I think I can be of more use here but be sure to come back and visit - I can give you helping salves and poultices if you need some help. I want to thank you all for helping me to get here." With that, Lorell turns to leave.
[moving forward, Lorell will serve as an NPC for the campaign until such a time as GarraztheVagabond returns. If they do not return, he will continue in his new role. You can assume that he will give you discounts on services - though at this moment he is the same level as you. I will take over his interactions and leveling, if applicable].
Ithelion nods at Lorell, "I am glad you have found a purpose in Adathar's call. Mine, I fear, lies in the Citadel."
"Vampire, rot, the fruit...and Belak. The sooner we speak to Kerowyn and the kobolds, the better.", she says, glacing around the table to see her companions reactions to Lorell's tale.
She was eating breakfast with gusto, but now picks at her food slowly, her expression becoming grim. "Though I do not wish to put one foot in the citadel myself, that choice has already been made. Now...well, now...I just want to go there, so we know what we face. So that it may become a known thing, rather than an unknown fear..."
Krom nods to Loorell, "We all got a callin' on the quest and may Moradin's hammer strikes be true on yer part." He turns to Ithelion, "So what is the plan fer today then, eh?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Ithelion focuses her gaze on Krom, "Kerowyn. We should give her our decision." she grimaces and looks away, recalling her previous exhausted and fraught interaction. "You should do the talking." she says. Properly rested, and once again impeccably dressed, at least as much as possible in slightly worn travel clothes, she seems much more centred than the previous night.
Focusing again on Krom she continues, "Lorell previously stated he wanted none of the goods we recovered, and I am of the same resolve as last night -- it should all be offered to her as a sign of good will; the only thing I wondered about over night is if we might borrow that bag until our work is done; I do not travel light."
She takes a deep breath before concluding, "After that, the kobolds I think. Perhaps Kerowyn may know of Seedo's brother."
Garnet considers her answer and decides to respond honestly. "I have had many. Dreams of decay and rot. Death and omens." She was silent looking away to the beautiful garden beds. "I started this journey in ignorance. Thinking I could end these things like some hero in a child's tale."
"Now I'm not so sure." She Turns back to the caretaker.
" Tell me mother, have you had dreams?" She paused. " Or do have any information about what is causing them? Causing this blight?"
( I'm sorry for the not very imaginative response. I'm just want to try to catch up to the others as quick as I can.)
“All children’s tales find trace their roots to some truth. Heroes are created, never born. I’ve had visions recently to assist some who will pass by, who ask about the darkness that plagues Oakhurst.” Her face turns serious, “We all made a mistake long ago of not hearing the madness of one who came through. It’s a mistake we have suffered for and long to be released from. Belak was his name and he came with strange thoughts and words, him and his twisted pet frog. I am old enough to remember tales of an ancient castle, built by misguided elves looking for a quiet place to worship their dragon god - Ashardalon was its name though chaos, terror, and calamity are better words for him. After to eruption of the mountain, the magical castle fell into the earth, its magic twisted all things - living or otherwise. It is said that years later an evil creature of the night ventured into its depths and was killed upon a tree, which continued to grow in a malignant way. The magic of the castle ruins warped the life around it and grew even more foul and perhaps sentient. It was this tree - named the Guithias Tree - that calls out to unwary fools like Belak. The difference is that I think Belak did make it to the source, unlike so many others. I believe this is the source of the evil and decay we face. And I believe it has come to a tipping point. To right the evils you must confront this tree and Belak. So you see? It sounds like a child’s tale yet is anything but. This is the assignment I have been given - to assist you in finding it. You will need to travel several miles to the north and east - a few hours hike - to begin your task.”
@garnet - if there is anything more you'd like to say to Corkie, don't be afraid to do so
@all - you make your way over to the Hucrele's merchant shop, which is across the way from her residence (where you were taken before to talk to her). It is a hot morning already with the promise of rain hanging heavy in the air. In the distance you hear the hammer of a blacksmith droning steadily. The door to the shop is open and is flanked by a couple of guards in Hucrele colours. They give you a nod as you enter. Kerowyn is in the shop tidying up when you enter and when she sees you, she smiles warmly. She seems a bit nervous or anxious as well when she asks, "Ah, nice to see you this morning. I trust Garon has treated you well? Have you considered my proposal yet? - it's quite generous I would say. So what will it be? You keep the equipment that you found in my strong boxes in exchange for finding my children? And remember, if you return them to me healthy I will give each of you 250 gold. 125 each for their rings - but let's hope it's the former. Of course you're welcome to purchase what supplies you need here as well."
Krom gets a little distracted from the ringing of a forge being worked. After a moment he comes back to his senses and says, "Aye, he treated us well enough and we have agreed to be helpin' ye find yer kids. We were goin' into the cursed place anyway." Taking the butt of his warhammer he gives Ithelion a nudge forward. "We've also seen to be givin' back most of yer lost goods, but this one's got a favor to ask ye."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Ithelion turns and stares at Krom for a moment, then shakes her head slightly, a wry smile that does not make it to her eyes is briefly visible.
The smile fades and she turns back to Kerowyn.
"Your townsfolk have been welcoming and generous, and as Krom said, we were already on this journey before ever we met."
She turns slightly and indicates her companions before continuing. "We all discussed the matter last night and most certainly agree to try to find your children, and any other lost souls who have been taken by the darkness that surrounds the citadel. We will do what we can to help them."
"But as to your goods? This town has suffered years of affliction. In just one night we have heard enough to know the needs of the town exceed our own."
"And so it is that we believe that they are best returned to their rightful owners, as -- perhaps a sign -- however small -- of our good will, and we also hope, a sign that foreshadows the possibility that, by working together, we may one day lift the darkness that has spread from the citadel."
She pauses a moment to take a breath, then continues a little uncomfortably, "But as Krom has said, I do have a request: one item in particular may serve me well on this journey. I would ask that I be permitted to borrow it for the duration of our... work. I speak of the trans-dimensional Bag."
you would like to give her everything except the bag of holding?
lol...hell, no! I want the lot!
But Ithelion is a different matter. While she does not share Krom's black and white view of the Universe, she does take a longer view and sees that perhaps returning these things might pay greater dividends in the longer term; it perhaps fits with her romantic sense of heroes, her knowledge of history (building a foundation for an alliance), and the compassion she feels or the townsfolk.
That said, I had forgotten about the goggles...so she might add: ))
"I have no interest in the goggles, but..they may help Garnet in the dark places that we must journey."
Garnet listens as intently as possible trying to commit as much of the caretaker's words to memory as she could. When the caretaker was finished speaking Garnet thanked her. "I will do what I can with this information. My companions will be leaving as soon as possible Our time is short to try and fix this"
Garnet bids farewell to the caretaker and heads back to the inn, when she arrives it appears as if Ithelion is already asleep. Garnet takes the time to rest as well, thinking on the information the caretaker provided. She also has a thought on how the woman knew about the dreams? Was she connected to Adathar as well? Maybe a message from the grain mother? These thoughts as well as many others accompanied Garnet to sleep.
In the morning Garnet followed the others to see Kerowyn. She was for the most part in agreement, after all what use was copper coins a gems when venturing into the citadel. Ithelion mentioned the goggles and Garnet agreed, being so reliant on torches could become troublesome.
Quickly she added at the end of Ithelion's request. "The healing potions as well. If you don't have a greater need for them of course."
Kerowyn looks at each of you with newfound respect. “Very well. I must say, not many adventurers would be so truthful. Of course you may keep the Goggles, the pouch, and the potions - I think you will find them useful, if not necessary.” She looks over the heap of items and gems and coins. She is clearly taken aback. “Consider yourselves friends of my house. You can enjoy discounts on anything in the store, if I have it of course, and within reason. Is there anything else I can do for you? When do you expect to leave for the ruins?”
“A warrior belongs in the fray.” Daemyar nods emphatically. “I am Daemyar. I want to know what troubles to expect. What sent your warrior down into the dark?”
Paladin - warforged - orange
She looks at you a bit sadly. “F
air enough Daemyar, but a warrior lost needlessly or due to poor decisions is a tragedy. Perhaps you know of such loss?” She looks away thoughtfully. “What dangers to expect? For many years, goblins have inhabited the ruins. We only see them rarely when they come to town to sell their damned fruits. More recently a pair of bastard hobgoblins boasted they were going down there to claim riches. They’ve not been seen since and - no offense - I don’t grieve for them. They were callous and cruel. About 50 years ago, some kobolds set up camp in the top most part of the ruins, though they seem harmless enough. Karakas went down there to help protect those kids - from the ruins and from that paladin that came waltzing in talking about bringing the light into the gloom. That’s a follower of Pelor for you. That was a few tendays ago. We don’t know much about what is actually down there or what those ruins are, to be honest. You might check with Corkie - she knows much about the area and is much older than myself. Garon told me about a crazy Druid who came through over a decade ago with a dangerous fire in his eye. He and his pet frog left for the ruins, talking about a great god who lived nearby. We assume he died but we don’t know for sure.”
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Daemyar nods, glossing over Felosial’s words on cruelty, and eventually sighing. “The only way to see is with one’s own eyes, I suppose.”
Daemyar looks Felosial in the eye. “I’ll do my best to complete the mission you cannot engage in.” Then he salutes and leaves.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Lorell Brightleaf walks up somberly to all who are gathered. "Last night I met with some of the farmers after they approached us. Their herds are in danger nearly every day and night. This blight and rot that affect this land are taking toll on them, their young, and the modest farmers of this town. He sighs. I said little earlier of what I saw in my dream so I’ll tell you." Lorell goes on to tell you in exacting detail what he was shown in his dreams [you can click the spoiler to see it all - you can assume everything that happened he has told you]:
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Ithelion nods at Lorell, "I am glad you have found a purpose in Adathar's call. Mine, I fear, lies in the Citadel."
"Vampire, rot, the fruit...and Belak. The sooner we speak to Kerowyn and the kobolds, the better.", she says, glacing around the table to see her companions reactions to Lorell's tale.
She was eating breakfast with gusto, but now picks at her food slowly, her expression becoming grim. "Though I do not wish to put one foot in the citadel myself, that choice has already been made. Now...well, now...I just want to go there, so we know what we face. So that it may become a known thing, rather than an unknown fear..."
Krom nods to Loorell, "We all got a callin' on the quest and may Moradin's hammer strikes be true on yer part." He turns to Ithelion, "So what is the plan fer today then, eh?"
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Ithelion focuses her gaze on Krom, "Kerowyn. We should give her our decision." she grimaces and looks away, recalling her previous exhausted and fraught interaction. "You should do the talking." she says. Properly rested, and once again impeccably dressed, at least as much as possible in slightly worn travel clothes, she seems much more centred than the previous night.
Focusing again on Krom she continues, "Lorell previously stated he wanted none of the goods we recovered, and I am of the same resolve as last night -- it should all be offered to her as a sign of good will; the only thing I wondered about over night is if we might borrow that bag until our work is done; I do not travel light."
She takes a deep breath before concluding, "After that, the kobolds I think. Perhaps Kerowyn may know of Seedo's brother."
Garnet considers her answer and decides to respond honestly. "I have had many. Dreams of decay and rot. Death and omens." She was silent looking away to the beautiful garden beds. "I started this journey in ignorance. Thinking I could end these things like some hero in a child's tale."
"Now I'm not so sure." She Turns back to the caretaker.
" Tell me mother, have you had dreams?" She paused. " Or do have any information about what is causing them? Causing this blight?"
( I'm sorry for the not very imaginative response. I'm just want to try to catch up to the others as quick as I can.)
@garnet - She smiles.
“All children’s tales find trace their roots to some truth. Heroes are created, never born. I’ve had visions recently to assist some who will pass by, who ask about the darkness that plagues Oakhurst.” Her face turns serious, “We all made a mistake long ago of not hearing the madness of one who came through. It’s a mistake we have suffered for and long to be released from. Belak was his name and he came with strange thoughts and words, him and his twisted pet frog. I am old enough to remember tales of an ancient castle, built by misguided elves looking for a quiet place to worship their dragon god - Ashardalon was its name though chaos, terror, and calamity are better words for him. After to eruption of the mountain, the magical castle fell into the earth, its magic twisted all things - living or otherwise. It is said that years later an evil creature of the night ventured into its depths and was killed upon a tree, which continued to grow in a malignant way. The magic of the castle ruins warped the life around it and grew even more foul and perhaps sentient. It was this tree - named the Guithias Tree - that calls out to unwary fools like Belak. The difference is that I think Belak did make it to the source, unlike so many others. I believe this is the source of the evil and decay we face. And I believe it has come to a tipping point. To right the evils you must confront this tree and Belak. So you see? It sounds like a child’s tale yet is anything but. This is the assignment I have been given - to assist you in finding it. You will need to travel several miles to the north and east - a few hours hike - to begin your task.”
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
@all - Lorell smiles warmly at each of you and leaves the inn.
What does the party wish to do next?
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
(( Off to Kerowyn? ....with Krom doing the talking? ))
Sure
Paladin - warforged - orange
(sounds good to me)
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
@garnet - if there is anything more you'd like to say to Corkie, don't be afraid to do so
@all - you make your way over to the Hucrele's merchant shop, which is across the way from her residence (where you were taken before to talk to her). It is a hot morning already with the promise of rain hanging heavy in the air. In the distance you hear the hammer of a blacksmith droning steadily. The door to the shop is open and is flanked by a couple of guards in Hucrele colours. They give you a nod as you enter. Kerowyn is in the shop tidying up when you enter and when she sees you, she smiles warmly. She seems a bit nervous or anxious as well when she asks, "Ah, nice to see you this morning. I trust Garon has treated you well? Have you considered my proposal yet? - it's quite generous I would say. So what will it be? You keep the equipment that you found in my strong boxes in exchange for finding my children? And remember, if you return them to me healthy I will give each of you 250 gold. 125 each for their rings - but let's hope it's the former. Of course you're welcome to purchase what supplies you need here as well."
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Krom gets a little distracted from the ringing of a forge being worked. After a moment he comes back to his senses and says, "Aye, he treated us well enough and we have agreed to be helpin' ye find yer kids. We were goin' into the cursed place anyway." Taking the butt of his warhammer he gives Ithelion a nudge forward. "We've also seen to be givin' back most of yer lost goods, but this one's got a favor to ask ye."
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Ithelion turns and stares at Krom for a moment, then shakes her head slightly, a wry smile that does not make it to her eyes is briefly visible.
The smile fades and she turns back to Kerowyn.
"Your townsfolk have been welcoming and generous, and as Krom said, we were already on this journey before ever we met."
She turns slightly and indicates her companions before continuing. "We all discussed the matter last night and most certainly agree to try to find your children, and any other lost souls who have been taken by the darkness that surrounds the citadel. We will do what we can to help them."
"But as to your goods? This town has suffered years of affliction. In just one night we have heard enough to know the needs of the town exceed our own."
"And so it is that we believe that they are best returned to their rightful owners, as -- perhaps a sign -- however small -- of our good will, and we also hope, a sign that foreshadows the possibility that, by working together, we may one day lift the darkness that has spread from the citadel."
She pauses a moment to take a breath, then continues a little uncomfortably, "But as Krom has said, I do have a request: one item in particular may serve me well on this journey. I would ask that I be permitted to borrow it for the duration of our... work. I speak of the trans-dimensional Bag."
[okay so just so we’re clear, this is what you found in the chests:
you would like to give her everything except the bag of holding?
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
(( ooc(!):
lol...hell, no! I want the lot!
But Ithelion is a different matter. While she does not share Krom's black and white view of the Universe, she does take a longer view and sees that perhaps returning these things might pay greater dividends in the longer term; it perhaps fits with her romantic sense of heroes, her knowledge of history (building a foundation for an alliance), and the compassion she feels or the townsfolk.
That said, I had forgotten about the goggles...so she might add: ))
"I have no interest in the goggles, but..they may help Garnet in the dark places that we must journey."
Garnet listens as intently as possible trying to commit as much of the caretaker's words to memory as she could. When the caretaker was finished speaking Garnet thanked her. "I will do what I can with this information. My companions will be leaving as soon as possible Our time is short to try and fix this"
Garnet bids farewell to the caretaker and heads back to the inn, when she arrives it appears as if Ithelion is already asleep. Garnet takes the time to rest as well, thinking on the information the caretaker provided. She also has a thought on how the woman knew about the dreams? Was she connected to Adathar as well? Maybe a message from the grain mother? These thoughts as well as many others accompanied Garnet to sleep.
In the morning Garnet followed the others to see Kerowyn. She was for the most part in agreement, after all what use was copper coins a gems when venturing into the citadel. Ithelion mentioned the goggles and Garnet agreed, being so reliant on torches could become troublesome.
Quickly she added at the end of Ithelion's request. "The healing potions as well. If you don't have a greater need for them of course."
( Sorry I kinda rushed to catch up)
Kerowyn looks at each of you with newfound respect. “Very well. I must say, not many adventurers would be so truthful. Of course you may keep the Goggles, the pouch, and the potions - I think you will find them useful, if not necessary.” She looks over the heap of items and gems and coins. She is clearly taken aback. “Consider yourselves friends of my house. You can enjoy discounts on anything in the store, if I have it of course, and within reason. Is there anything else I can do for you? When do you expect to leave for the ruins?”
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons