Brash quickly wipes grease from his mouth with his sleave as the strange woman speaks to him. "My apologies ma'am for my manners. I am Brash of the Hillmen Clan. I am indeed meeting with them tomorrow. I don't know what they may have for us but if you think you are up to it, you are welcolm to join us. We all need work and this seems the quickest route to coin" he says as he admires how different she is from the others.
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Elon Andrael- High Elf sorcerer- Waterdeep Dragon Heist
Tomac- goliath barbarian- Yet Another Storm Kings Thunder
"I see, well, I'll have to pop by tomorrow to help out, but I will make my way here to do so. See you on the morrow, I hope."
With that, Wilkas makes his way home, satisfied that he has delayed his progress home enough to annoy his parents.
To get home it takes about an hours walk back to Halford's to take the transportation circle back to Madam's, and from there at least another hour of travel before you reach your families particular estate. When you enter the grounds you find none of the usual servants puttering about. In fact it's rather quiet, especially given you had sent notice about your impending return as was expected of you.
In fact the further onto the grounds the more unnerving the silence gets. When you reach the front door you find it slightly ajar, just the barest of a crack, unlocked, and unattended.
Angelus gives her an earnest and warm smile, "At last I've found someone who is friendly. Anar'alah belore!" He seems visibly relieved to finally be welcomed without threat or mockery. His runs a slender hand through his tumbling golden locks, sliding it languidly behind one long, pointed ear. His eyes were similar in color to hers and he left them hooded, peering at her from under long lashes. His slender frame moved with grace that came as naturally as a spring breeze, sliding into the store and closing the distance. His fair and pointed chin dipped down, hooded eyes fluttering as he looked up at her from a slight bow, "Which ever takes me to where I can be of most use to this city. Since I've arrived my only goal has been to find out who attacked the docks, why they attacked them, and who I can work with to find them and bring them to justice. So I suppose I seek knowledge of who might know anything and the adventure of making this city a little safer. To whom shall I speak? Sinu a'manore."
"Old, old language," Madam Shyddra whispers. "How...fascinating."
She stalks around you, liquid grace, fluid like water as she moves. Her hands slip back into her sleeves and she eyes you up and down.
"Young," she says. "Foolish. Impetuous...a good heart." She stops in front of your face and touches your cheek, twists your head a bit and something about that gaze hurts. It is like she is seeing into your soul. "Oh so young," she says. "Touched," she murmurs. "Such darkness. I see." She drops your chin and for a second you blink and she's back to where she originally stood.
"Knowledge and adventure do not go together in this endeavor," Madam Shyddra utters calmly. "For the one you seek Rheim, for the other you tie yourself to a College. So the question begets...which is more important to you, child? Freedom, or the shackles of belonging?"
As Lenzo is getting ready to puff, he tries to intuit whether or not Answell seems to be hiding something, or to have hidden motives.....
Insight check: 11
Answell has no hidden motives that you can tell. He genuinely seems to just want to talk to you.
"No, no," Answell sighs. "Master Darkmast was rather put out about the whole mess. He had quite the investment in the place after all. Thankfully Rhiem's got things well in hand. Their negotiating some sort of contract, I think?" He shook his head and leaned back. "It's all rather hush, honestly. Although all those pompous lot up in the Nobles district don't really care much. More interested in keeping the gates clear and sussing out any stragglers from the mess."
Answell scowls. "Lord Ealaiil has gone on a rampage essentially. Tieflings, mages--he's keeping an eye out for those not associated with the Colleges. Rather stupid, honestly, but he wants to be sure another mess like the one a fortnight ago doesn't happen. Rather pissed at everything--people are saying Vyn'tasat is behind it all, can you believe it? No one's heard from those damned anarchists in years." Answell huffs. "Doubt their even around anymore."
"Thank you for sharing this with me Answell," says Lenzo. "This Rhiem my father has a contract with - what do you know about him? I'll be visiting my father very soon, and I'm likely to be quite involved in family affairs going forward. What are the terms of the contract, and why is it so discreet? It hardly seems like an unreasonable step."
Ulrich takes in the sight of the room for a moment, having expected something... darker. The sight of it raises several questions for him, though something about it is comforting in some way. He eyes the man before him, unsure of what to expect. "I seek the means to train my innate power," he says. "My magic talent is fledgling at best, and I... I know little of what it can truly accomplish. I wish to learn and understand."
He tilts his head. "You think a College could help you? Teach you the nature of your magic?" He looks at you, but at the same time he doesn't appear to look at you. "Do you seek a classroom, a teacher, a mentor? Do you seek a family, a home, a heart? Or do you seek only the means to power?"
He breathes, and something about it clicks with you. It is long, it is slow, and it appears to go on forever for a moment, and then stops just as sudden.
Bishop brings his wings in as tight as he can, and looks down to the ground. "Well sir, Drexull is not my birth name. I've taken as my own as a way to continue the legacy of Feltorius and the Drexull name. Unfortunately we met in a bad situation where we were captured by cultists. Feltorius showed me the way of peace and how satisfying serving the goddes, Eldath. One day, he helped me escape but he wasn't able to escape himself. I will never forget Feltorius, as long as I shall live." Tears begin to form in Bishop's eyes as he recalls his last moments with his dear friend, his only friend. Bishop looks around the room, and his taken aback. "Wow, this place is amazing!" Bishop is excited but is also a bit apprehensive, as he is not sure how the tiefling will react knowing that his colleague is dead.
Pious peers at you as he leads you throw the antechamber of what you are quickly discovering is a temple to Eldath.
"No, no, you are a Drexull," Pious murmurs. "That look in your eye. Yes. Feltorius always had it too. Blood or soul it doesn't matter." He motions for you to follow, leads you through the antechamber into a massive chamber that has trees, natural light, and the soft sound of pools of water. "Come, come. You wish to be an initiate? Then we must finish the rite. You have his book?"
Bishop perks up at the Cleric's words. " I am a Drexull, I can be something more in this life than a monster." Bishop nods and lifts the prayer book to show Pious."Yes sir, I have it right here, I will do whatever I have to."
"Thank you for sharing this with me Answell," says Lenzo. "This Rhiem my father has a contract with - what do you know about him? I'll be visiting my father very soon, and I'm likely to be quite involved in family affairs going forward. What are the terms of the contract, and why is it so discreet? It hardly seems like an unreasonable step."
Answell snorts a laugh. "Rheim would have your balls if you ever called her a man to her face." He shakes his head. "I don't know the details. There's rumors, you know, about something in the works, but nothing much else. He takes a puff. "How long do you expect to be back?"
Angelus gives her an earnest and warm smile, "At last I've found someone who is friendly. Anar'alah belore!" He seems visibly relieved to finally be welcomed without threat or mockery. His runs a slender hand through his tumbling golden locks, sliding it languidly behind one long, pointed ear. His eyes were similar in color to hers and he left them hooded, peering at her from under long lashes. His slender frame moved with grace that came as naturally as a spring breeze, sliding into the store and closing the distance. His fair and pointed chin dipped down, hooded eyes fluttering as he looked up at her from a slight bow, "Which ever takes me to where I can be of most use to this city. Since I've arrived my only goal has been to find out who attacked the docks, why they attacked them, and who I can work with to find them and bring them to justice. So I suppose I seek knowledge of who might know anything and the adventure of making this city a little safer. To whom shall I speak? Sinu a'manore."
"Old, old language," Madam Shyddra whispers. "How...fascinating."
She stalks around you, liquid grace, fluid like water as she moves. Her hands slip back into her sleeves and she eyes you up and down.
"Young," she says. "Foolish. Impetuous...a good heart." She stops in front of your face and touches your cheek, twists your head a bit and something about that gaze hurts. It is like she is seeing into your soul. "Oh so young," she says. "Touched," she murmurs. "Such darkness. I see." She drops your chin and for a second you blink and she's back to where she originally stood.
"Knowledge and adventure do not go together in this endeavor," Madam Shyddra utters calmly. "For the one you seek Rheim, for the other you tie yourself to a College. So the question begets...which is more important to you, child? Freedom, or the shackles of belonging?"
Angelus recoils from her gaze, her touch, but recollects himself quickly. He meets her gaze evenly. "Darkness indeed...that's why I'm here. To make a difference. Whichever gets me closer to making this place safer. Freedom, shackles, it matters little. I just want to do the right thing. The guard Captain near the gate I entered, a little gnome with a nasty attitude, told me I should seek the Colleges of the Spire for more information on the attack, but the halfling next door said I should speak to Rheim. This entire city is a maze and a nest of contradictions. Perhaps you can provide some clarity on who was speaking the truth, or at least giving the best advice."
Angelus recoils from her gaze, her touch, but recollects himself quickly. He meets her gaze evenly. "Darkness indeed...that's why I'm here. To make a difference. Whichever gets me closer to making this place safer. Freedom, shackles, it matters little. I just want to do the right thing. The guard Captain near the gate I entered, a little gnome with a nasty attitude, told me I should seek the Colleges of the Spire for more information on the attack, but the halfling next door said I should speak to Rheim. This entire city is a maze and a nest of contradictions. Perhaps you can provide some clarity on who was speaking the truth, or at least giving the best advice."
Madam Shyddra for a moment says nothing, and then turns. She doesn't motion for you to follow, but the tilt of her head is telling enough. She walks towards the back room and brushes silks from out of her way. She passes by a door, and for a moment you see a flash of color, and then there are low voices speaking. She takes you up the stairs to an obvious set of living quarters and then motions for you to sit. She draws tea.
"Answers like the ones you seek must be found from within," Madam Shyddra says. "You say Arina'lok is a nest of contradictions, but there is more contradiction in your heart. Take the words of Moore and of the guard. Listen to them. Follow your instincts." Madam Shyddra sits down and holds one palm out for your hand. "You wish to know your fate? The best path for you to take? Give me your palm."
Angelus recoils from her gaze, her touch, but recollects himself quickly. He meets her gaze evenly. "Darkness indeed...that's why I'm here. To make a difference. Whichever gets me closer to making this place safer. Freedom, shackles, it matters little. I just want to do the right thing. The guard Captain near the gate I entered, a little gnome with a nasty attitude, told me I should seek the Colleges of the Spire for more information on the attack, but the halfling next door said I should speak to Rheim. This entire city is a maze and a nest of contradictions. Perhaps you can provide some clarity on who was speaking the truth, or at least giving the best advice."
Madam Shyddra for a moment says nothing, and then turns. She doesn't motion for you to follow, but the tilt of her head is telling enough. She walks towards the back room and brushes silks from out of her way. She passes by a door, and for a moment you see a flash of color, and then there are low voices speaking. She takes you up the stairs to an obvious set of living quarters and then motions for you to sit. She draws tea.
"Answers like the ones you seek must be found from within," Madam Shyddra says. "You say Arina'lok is a nest of contradictions, but there is more contradiction in your heart. Take the words of Moore and of the guard. Listen to them. Follow your instincts." Madam Shyddra sits down and holds one palm out for your hand. "You wish to know your fate? The best path for you to take? Give me your palm."
Angelus follows readily enough, taking a seat where indicated. His face is easy to read as he listens to her words, contemplating on them, and musing on what his instincts are telling him. Keeping his answer for himself he relinquishes his palm into her hand, simply entertained by what may come next. He has a quiet smile of mild amusement at everything that's transpired since entering this place. "Tell me what is in store for me then, and perhaps I shall follow."
Brash quickly wipes grease from his mouth with his sleave as the strange woman speaks to him. "My apologies ma'am for my manners. I am Brash of the Hillmen Clan. I am indeed meeting with them tomorrow. I don't know what they may have for us but if you think you are up to it, you are welcolm to join us. We all need work and this seems the quickest route to coin" he says as he admires how different she is from the others.
"Thank you. I am Aquariel,from the island of Zaeristi." Aquariel turned to Vior "I'd like a room for the night, please. What do you have for dinner, and at what cost?"
The questions from the man stir up many questions of Ulrich's own in his mind. Hesitantly, he speaks, choosing his words carefully. "I... There are things that I must accomplish, and I cannot with my magic as it is." Thinking deeply, Ulrich pauses for a moment, then asks, "You say we are unique... In what way?"
Wilkas turns upon seeing the door ajar. Something feels wrong. He goes to find a nearby member of the watch, planning to inquire as to what is known of the current state of the Tenur family.
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"Don't know much about anything at sea. The water is frightning. What do you make of the city? A lot of people. Not enuff warriors. Its all magik stuff. The blade is more reliable." he says to gauge responce. He thinks back to his days of resolving issues with hand to hand combat and the glory of it.
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Elon Andrael- High Elf sorcerer- Waterdeep Dragon Heist
Tomac- goliath barbarian- Yet Another Storm Kings Thunder
Bishop perks up at the Cleric's words. " I am a Drexull, I can be something more in this life than a monster." Bishop nods and lifts the prayer book to show Pious."Yes sir, I have it right here, I will do whatever I have to."
"Good lad," Pious says and leads you over to a pool. "We celebrate and honor Eldath here," he tells you calmly. "Many who travel the forest paths and migrate from location to location take a pause here to relax within her presence."
Pious kneels down in front of the pool and carefully cards his fingers through the water.
"The Mother Guardian of Groves is more often the patron of the druids," Pious explains softly. "We have many among their number, and so few clerics themselves beside." He motions for you to join him. "Our practice is one of patience and peace, of pacifism and protection." He eyes you up and down. "We do no harm if we can help it, tend to the hurts of those around us, and ensure that people are comforted and safe." Pious looks down to the waters. "Here, in this temple and Domain, we are blessed by Her. She has made these waters Hers," he tells you. "They heal ailments and hurts. We offer it freely to the people who have need."
Pious cups the waters between his hands, and makes a nod for Bishop to follow.
The questions from the man stir up many questions of Ulrich's own in his mind. Hesitantly, he speaks, choosing his words carefully. "I... There are things that I must accomplish, and I cannot with my magic as it is." Thinking deeply, Ulrich pauses for a moment, then asks, "You say we are unique... In what way?"
He dips his head, turns, and moves deeper into the College. He expects you to follow.
"Our magic comes from within," he says. "It is a power of stagnancy to this world, but it is a power of our own. The Shadowfell is strong within us, and within each of us it manifests itself...differently. You recognize something within me, as I do within you. Here in this plane things are...muted. We unnerve those around us because of our innate magic and the way it responds to the Material Plane."
He takes you down a corridor, and opens a door. He waits for you to enter.
"You seek control," he says tonelessly. "We cannot offer you control. We can offer you a safe place, a welcoming place, but control you must find yourself. Out there, among those who can sense what you are but not understand, you may find control." He shuts the door behind the two of you.
The room is sparse, there are not many decorations but there are books upon books. Shelves line the walls and scrolls sit nestled on desks and tables. He walks to a desk nestled at the furthest end of the room and sits down behind it. He moves around the desk, searching.
"Control of our innate magic is found through adversity," he tells you. "Here you may learn new ways to harness it, but out there you learn ways to control it. Grow within the Material Plane, and return to the College to understand." He unearths a paper and slides it toward you. "Whatever life you came from, whatever reasons you have or deeds you wish to perform, here they are on halt." He sighs. "It is...better that you align yourself. The city outside...the state of our 'kingdom' is...not welcoming to untied mages right now."
The paper he slides to you is a form to officially align yourself with the College of the Shadowfell.
Wilkas turns upon seeing the door ajar. Something feels wrong. He goes to find a nearby member of the watch, planning to inquire as to what is known of the current state of the Tenur family.
The man you find is tiredly leaning against the wall of another nobles property--Vael you note--staring out at the streets with something akin to a dead gaze. When you ask your question he straightens up and blinks rapidly.
"The Tenur's, sire?" he tilts his head. "They are...as they always are. Quiet, well to-do, handling their businesses...why the interest, sire? Are you seeking an alliance?"
"Don't know much about anything at sea. The water is frightning. What do you make of the city? A lot of people. Not enuff warriors. Its all magik stuff. The blade is more reliable." he says to gauge responce. He thinks back to his days of resolving issues with hand to hand combat and the glory of it.
"It is very different than my home. Many more people, more......agitated than Mirror Lake. My people--the water Genasi of mirror Lake-prize calmness and placidity. Patience, smoothness. That's is not true of all my kind, but it is the way of my village. I thought learning the way of the no w and the trident, learning to defend and protect my people would ease my restlessness, but it did not. The "blade" as you say, has not proven so reliable for me..." Aquariel stops, realizing she almost spoke of the power she could feel stirring within her. She must be more tired and out of sorts than she thought.
The man's words leave Ulrich feeling conflicted. There is a disappointment and frustration in hearing that he will have to look elsewhere in the world for this path of control, though at the same time, it is... Comforting to have been told this place is welcoming to him. They were words Ulrich would normally find difficult to believe, but something here feels more right than anything he'd felt in a long time. It is confusing but, for just this moment, Ulrich chooses not to overthink it very much. He picks up the paper, reading over the specifics of it. While he does so, he says to the man, "Adversity... I doubt I must seek very far to find such a thing. What is this city's state of which you speak? I suppose it may do me well to understand the happenings here."
Bishop perks up at the Cleric's words. " I am a Drexull, I can be something more in this life than a monster." Bishop nods and lifts the prayer book to show Pious."Yes sir, I have it right here, I will do whatever I have to."
"Good lad," Pious says and leads you over to a pool. "We celebrate and honor Eldath here," he tells you calmly. "Many who travel the forest paths and migrate from location to location take a pause here to relax within her presence."
Pious kneels down in front of the pool and carefully cards his fingers through the water.
"The Mother Guardian of Groves is more often the patron of the druids," Pious explains softly. "We have many among their number, and so few clerics themselves beside." He motions for you to join him. "Our practice is one of patience and peace, of pacifism and protection." He eyes you up and down. "We do no harm if we can help it, tend to the hurts of those around us, and ensure that people are comforted and safe." Pious looks down to the waters. "Here, in this temple and Domain, we are blessed by Her. She has made these waters Hers," he tells you. "They heal ailments and hurts. We offer it freely to the people who have need."
Pious cups the waters between his hands, and makes a nod for Bishop to follow.
"Tell me...how did Feltorius die?"
Bishop takes everything the cleric is saying as if it is literal bread. He wants to learn everything he can about Eldath and her followers. He sees Pious motion for him to kneel. Bishop kneels down and dips his hands in the water. The feeling is like no other, it's as if the person you love most is gentle embracing you, and filling you with complete serenity. Bishop closes his eyes for a moment as he takes in the surroundings.
"Tell me...how did Feltorius die?"
Bishop drops his head as he doesn't want to relive the past. "Well sir, I need to be completely honest with you. When I was young, my parents abandoned me because of my appearance. I was found alone in the woods by cultists, who viewed me as a sign from their dark lord. The kidnapped me and forced to play along in their sick, twisted rituals. One day, Feltorius was captured by the cultists, as they planned on sacrificing him to their master as a tribute. I tried to save him, I really did, but in the end he could not escape. He told me of Eldath and how I could make something of my life, despite my circumstance. He gave me his prayer book, and told me to come to this city. It was then that he made a scene, which bought me time to escape. I fled with tears in my eyes, knowing that he would most likely be killed. I actually don't know what happened to him that day, but knowing that twisted cult, he was most likely sacrificed." Bishop begins to weep as he relives what was one of the hardest nights of his life. "I'm sorry Pious, I really am."
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Brash quickly wipes grease from his mouth with his sleave as the strange woman speaks to him. "My apologies ma'am for my manners. I am Brash of the Hillmen Clan. I am indeed meeting with them tomorrow. I don't know what they may have for us but if you think you are up to it, you are welcolm to join us. We all need work and this seems the quickest route to coin" he says as he admires how different she is from the others.
Elon Andrael- High Elf sorcerer- Waterdeep Dragon Heist
Tomac- goliath barbarian- Yet Another Storm Kings Thunder
Current:
Secrets of the Greenwold - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Historic:
Dawning - A Homebrew Campaign - DMTomb of Annihilation - DM
Dragon Heist of Waterdeep - DM
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Current:
Secrets of the Greenwold - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Historic:
Dawning - A Homebrew Campaign - DMTomb of Annihilation - DM
Dragon Heist of Waterdeep - DM
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Current:
Secrets of the Greenwold - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Historic:
Dawning - A Homebrew Campaign - DMTomb of Annihilation - DM
Dragon Heist of Waterdeep - DM
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Current:
Secrets of the Greenwold - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Historic:
Dawning - A Homebrew Campaign - DMTomb of Annihilation - DM
Dragon Heist of Waterdeep - DM
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Current:
Secrets of the Greenwold - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Historic:
Dawning - A Homebrew Campaign - DMTomb of Annihilation - DM
Dragon Heist of Waterdeep - DM
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
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The questions from the man stir up many questions of Ulrich's own in his mind. Hesitantly, he speaks, choosing his words carefully. "I... There are things that I must accomplish, and I cannot with my magic as it is." Thinking deeply, Ulrich pauses for a moment, then asks, "You say we are unique... In what way?"
Wilkas turns upon seeing the door ajar. Something feels wrong. He goes to find a nearby member of the watch, planning to inquire as to what is known of the current state of the Tenur family.
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"Don't know much about anything at sea. The water is frightning. What do you make of the city? A lot of people. Not enuff warriors. Its all magik stuff. The blade is more reliable." he says to gauge responce. He thinks back to his days of resolving issues with hand to hand combat and the glory of it.
Elon Andrael- High Elf sorcerer- Waterdeep Dragon Heist
Tomac- goliath barbarian- Yet Another Storm Kings Thunder
Current:
Secrets of the Greenwold - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Historic:
Dawning - A Homebrew Campaign - DMTomb of Annihilation - DM
Dragon Heist of Waterdeep - DM
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Current:
Secrets of the Greenwold - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Historic:
Dawning - A Homebrew Campaign - DMTomb of Annihilation - DM
Dragon Heist of Waterdeep - DM
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Current:
Secrets of the Greenwold - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Historic:
Dawning - A Homebrew Campaign - DMTomb of Annihilation - DM
Dragon Heist of Waterdeep - DM
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign Thread
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
Check your entitlements here. | Support Ticket LInk
The man's words leave Ulrich feeling conflicted. There is a disappointment and frustration in hearing that he will have to look elsewhere in the world for this path of control, though at the same time, it is... Comforting to have been told this place is welcoming to him. They were words Ulrich would normally find difficult to believe, but something here feels more right than anything he'd felt in a long time. It is confusing but, for just this moment, Ulrich chooses not to overthink it very much. He picks up the paper, reading over the specifics of it. While he does so, he says to the man, "Adversity... I doubt I must seek very far to find such a thing. What is this city's state of which you speak? I suppose it may do me well to understand the happenings here."