"Mn! Sounds then as if we're all in agreement? Good! With any luck, we'll either stumble upon another misplaced 'key', or perhaps even discover a means to mend Ms. Harpell's, eh, unfortuante circumstances."Rhogar grimaces and looked even a touch guilty in the moment. But then, he quickly shakes his head, dismissing the feeling in favor of further speculation while moving on towards the next big building. "That said, even I hesitate to hope of finding the latter in the meneg--er, Ex-Menegerie... Not unless some lingering conjured beast has spare eyes to donate."He says with a chuckle, and even Gorrah chirruped in equal amusement.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"If we are able to help Ms. Harpell, I would greatly appreciate it Mr. Nimbatuul." Kazri still feel guilty for Vellynne's condition. She follows Chill closely.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
"We might have better luck finding something to help Vellynne within the Museum or one of the Wizard spires." Krom adds as the group makes their way through the streets of the fallen city. "But in a place like this," the dwarf gestures with his hammer, "who knows what we might discover? We could stumble upon a magical creature capable of healing such ailments at the Menagerie."
You approach the immense dome and it looms before you, its crystal roof marred by a web of cracks. Through the gaps in the building’s shell, and on the other side of the open entranceway, you see a strange landscape of miniaturized natural features. The building’s entrance lies unattended. You make your way inside, wary for trouble but finding none . Within you see that small-scale versions of natural habitats were constructed throughout the park: miniature mountain ranges, deserts, and forested streams, all now draped in ice. At the heart of this mixture of landscapes stands a machine.
This device is a 10-foot-diameter iron wheel on its side, held above the ground by a metal brace, with eight barrel-sized, egg-shaped open containers attached to the outer ends of its spokes. The apparatus has a bronze control panel with a lever next to it.
Anyone who wants to investigate further, make an Arcana check
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kazri checks the place for any danger. She is trying to secure the area. (Perception: 21)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Chill was drawn to the machine. "The idea of having my own pet is kinda intriguing. That's what they did here right, make pets? I wonder how this machine does it."
Chill looks the machine over and tried to understand how it works.
"A curious place indeed," Krom says he observes the miniature habitats inside the dome. "You guess is good as mine, Chill. Arcane machinery is beyond my expertise, but you're probably right about that device." The dwarf walks next to Rhogar and murmurs a hymn of guidance, touching the dragonborn's arm "What do you make of it?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I would say pets might be a bit of a stretch. But thus far since leaving my home, and knowing how eccentric wizards can be, perhaps that would be the right word for it." Rhogar comments on while only giving the device at first a cursory once over. However, between Krom's encouragement and his own growing curiosity, the dragonborn would yet wonder closer to the Bronze panel and study it.
"You know if this doesn't quite work out, but if you, Chill, yet wish to have a soul companion of your own, I could teach you the basics of the ritual at a later date. Just a thought."The dragonborn mentions offhandedly during his musings.
Rhogar spends some time overlooking the machine. It takes a few minutes but soon has it worked out.
To operate the device, 80 hit points of blood must be distributed evenly between its eight containers. Once the blood is properly deposited, pulling a lever causes the wheel to spin. The blood disappears 1 minute later, the wheel stops, and a creature crawls out of one of the containers.
After taking close to a minute to fully process his findings mentally, Rhogar turned and explained the process to the others. "Thankfully, it should be possible to share the cost of such endeavor. The problem, however, is not knowing exactly what will come out of the container afterwards, how it might be affected by more unique blood samples, such as my own, and, eh... Or, how to possibly bind them to us. I can only presume the sacrifice of blood might do just that, but, eh... if we are to try this out, I'd recommend being ready for anything."
With that, Rhogar breaks out a dagger ready to begin the process and to aid the others as needed should all be in agreement.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Chill considers for a moment. "I'm willing to spill a little blood and see how this works. My guess would be whoever pulls the lever is the one who gets the pet, or binds to the pet, as they are the one activating the machine. But perhaps if there is a sharing of blood then it binds to all who partakes. Either way, I'm in."
Kazri is skeptical of the procedure, but she accept Rhogar's conclusion. "I am willing as well." She will use her sword to make the cut on herself.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Krom shakes his head "Since you've all decided to try this machine, I'll help. Let's just hope that whatever creature comes out of it doesn't try to eat us or worse." The dwarf cuts the palm of his hand with one of his axes. "If Tymora smiles upon us, maybe we will gain a powerful ally," Krom adds with a smirk "But I have a feeling we will just end fighting it."
"Very well then. Let our blood pact be sealed!" Rhogar said with a bit of mirth to his voice. Just before cutting into the palm of his own hand however, the dragonborn looks to his companions, seeming to assess their varied state of health. And what he sees him with a frown. "Hmm.... Given that I have easiest time recovering from injury thanks to Brother Vixix through Gorrah here, and my own robust bloodline, I ask that you each see to but one of the containers. /I/, on the other hand, will see to the rest, and ask that you fret not if I'm a bit woozy for a bit after... Though, if you all must insist on an equal share of the burden, then who am I to stop you?"He flashes a toothy grin. "In which case, each of us will tend to only 2 containers. Then, uhh... whoever wishes may pull the lever while the rest of us tend to our wound."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Very well Chill." Kazri does her part and fill two containers with her blood.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
"Go ahead Chill," Krom nods to the tabaxi as he finishes fillingl two containers with his blood. "After you pull the lever, get close to me. I'll heal our wounds while we wait for the machine to complete the process." The dwarf turns towards Kazri and Rhogar "Save your divine and arcane gifts for later; we might need them if the creature turns hostile." Krom begins to chant an hymn of evocation. As soon he finishes, Moradin's holy symbol glows with radiant light sending rhythmic pulses of warm energy that envolp the group healing their wounds.
[spell]Aura of Vitality[spell] Bonus action for the whole duration of the spell. I'll spend 2 rounds on each of us and use the last 2 rounds of healing on the most wounded of the group On Rhogar 8 and 6 On Kazri 6 and 6 On Chill 6 and 4 On Krom 6 and 3 Last two rounds of healing 9 and 10
Rhogar smile brightens just a little seeing readily share in the burden, for it truly warmed his heart. So much so, he hardly appeared to feel any pain as he contributed to last two containers, before then taking Chill's advice and moving closer towards the doorway with Gorrah at nestled about his neck once more. But not so close that he'd stray too far away from Krom's divinely influenced invocation, which to little surprise to anyone, his body seemed to hungrily absorb and empower to the point that not even a scar lingers on the dragonborn's palm.
(OOC: As mentioned, Rhogar gets maximum healing from all sources so long as Gorrah is near, so that's 24 back to him. :D So, the last 2 rounds worth of healing can go to anyone, though I'd recommend it going to Kazri.)
In the dimly lit menagerie a heavy silence enveloped the room, broken only by the low hum of arcane energy. The eight containers, each intricately adorned with runes and symbols of power, stood in a circle on the stone floor. Their dark glass glinted ominously in the flickering torchlight.
Chill, a figure draped in shadows, stepped forward with deliberate calm. With a steady hand, he grasped the cold metal lever embedded in the center of the control panel. His eyes, sharp and calculating, met the gaze of his companions. Krom, the healer with a stern countenance, stood nearby, his hands clasped tightly around the relics of his faith.
"Are you ready?" Chill’s voice was a whisper of resolve.
Krom nodded, his expression solemn. "The hymns will mend the wounds. We must be swift."
Each of them had sacrificed a portion of their essence, their blood, into the eight containers that now held their fates intertwined. Two containers for each, an act of profound unity and sacrifice. They had chosen this path to summon a power both feared and revered, a decision made in desperation.
Chill took a deep breath and pulled the lever. The ancient mechanism groaned as it began its slow, inexorable motion. The wheel at the center of the machine began to spin, its speed gradually increasing. As it did, the air grew thick with the scent of magic and the faintest trace of iron.
The containers' runes glowed fiercely, casting strange, dancing shadows on the walls. Each container pulsed in rhythm with the wheel, their contents swirling with a luminous energy. Chill watched with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension as the wheel spun faster and faster.
Krom, eyes closed, began his hymn. His voice, deep and resonant, filled the chamber with a soothing cadence. The hymn was a melody of healing, each note a promise of restoration. As he chanted, his hands wove intricate patterns in the air, guiding the energies that surged through the room.
A minute ticked by like a heartbeat in the oppressive silence. The wheel spun with relentless precision, the containers’ energy reaching a crescendo. Chill’s grip on the lever tightened as the ritual approached its zenith.
At last, with a decisive clang, the wheel came to a halt. A hush fell over the chamber, the only sound Krom’s fading hymn. The containers, now still, emitted a soft, eerie glow.
One of the containers, its runes shimmering brightly, began to tremble and from within, a dense mist began to billow out. The chamber grew colder, the air filled with a palpable sense of expectancy.
The mist swirled and coalesced, forming into a shape—small and lithe, with eyes that glowed like embers in the darkness. It climbed out of the container its presence commanding and otherworldly. The creature had emerged, drawn from the essence and sacrifice of the ritual.
Chill, though initially tense, steadied himself, his gaze unwavering. Krom, still channeling his healing power, maintained his focus.
The creature regarded them with an inscrutable expression, its form shifting with the ebb and flow of ambient energy. It seemed to sense the gravity of its release, the weight of the collective sacrifice that had brought it forth.
"What now?" Chill asked, his voice steady despite the momentous nature of their endeavor.
The creature’s gaze fell upon him, and though it spoke no words, its intent was clear. The ritual had succeeded. The creature, a being of both power and mystery, awaited its role in the grand scheme of their unfolding destiny. The pact was sealed, and the future lay ahead, shaped by the sacrifices and the forces that had been unleashed.
A small fox stood before Chill, with fur that changed color to match its surroundings. I regarded him with calm stillness. From that time forward, the small fox followed Chill, a bond between them created by magic, and sacrifice.
OK, OK, so a little over the top there. But I had some fun with ChatGPT describing the scene.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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"Mn! Sounds then as if we're all in agreement? Good! With any luck, we'll either stumble upon another misplaced 'key', or perhaps even discover a means to mend Ms. Harpell's, eh, unfortuante circumstances." Rhogar grimaces and looked even a touch guilty in the moment. But then, he quickly shakes his head, dismissing the feeling in favor of further speculation while moving on towards the next big building. "That said, even I hesitate to hope of finding the latter in the meneg--er, Ex-Menegerie... Not unless some lingering conjured beast has spare eyes to donate." He says with a chuckle, and even Gorrah chirruped in equal amusement.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"That would make for an interesting find wouldn't it." Chill laughed as he moved to the front of he group.
He headed towards the menagerie.
"If we are able to help Ms. Harpell, I would greatly appreciate it Mr. Nimbatuul." Kazri still feel guilty for Vellynne's condition. She follows Chill closely.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
"We might have better luck finding something to help Vellynne within the Museum or one of the Wizard spires." Krom adds as the group makes their way through the streets of the fallen city. "But in a place like this," the dwarf gestures with his hammer, "who knows what we might discover? We could stumble upon a magical creature capable of healing such ailments at the Menagerie."
You approach the immense dome and it looms before you, its crystal roof marred by a web of cracks. Through the gaps in the building’s shell, and on the other side of the open entranceway, you see a strange landscape of miniaturized natural features. The building’s entrance lies unattended. You make your way inside, wary for trouble but finding none . Within you see that small-scale versions of natural habitats were constructed throughout the park: miniature mountain ranges, deserts, and forested streams, all now draped in ice. At the heart of this mixture of landscapes stands a machine.
This device is a 10-foot-diameter iron wheel on its side, held above the ground by a metal brace, with eight barrel-sized, egg-shaped open containers attached to the outer ends of its spokes. The apparatus has a bronze control panel with a lever next to it.
Anyone who wants to investigate further, make an Arcana check
Kazri checks the place for any danger. She is trying to secure the area. (Perception: 21)
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Chill was drawn to the machine. "The idea of having my own pet is kinda intriguing. That's what they did here right, make pets? I wonder how this machine does it."
Chill looks the machine over and tried to understand how it works.
17
"A curious place indeed," Krom says he observes the miniature habitats inside the dome. "You guess is good as mine, Chill. Arcane machinery is beyond my expertise, but you're probably right about that device." The dwarf walks next to Rhogar and murmurs a hymn of guidance, touching the dragonborn's arm "What do you make of it?"
"I would say pets might be a bit of a stretch. But thus far since leaving my home, and knowing how eccentric wizards can be, perhaps that would be the right word for it." Rhogar comments on while only giving the device at first a cursory once over. However, between Krom's encouragement and his own growing curiosity, the dragonborn would yet wonder closer to the Bronze panel and study it.
-Arcana: 21.
"You know if this doesn't quite work out, but if you, Chill, yet wish to have a soul companion of your own, I could teach you the basics of the ritual at a later date. Just a thought." The dragonborn mentions offhandedly during his musings.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Rhogar spends some time overlooking the machine. It takes a few minutes but soon has it worked out.
To operate the device, 80 hit points of blood must be distributed evenly between its eight containers. Once the blood is properly deposited, pulling a lever causes the wheel to spin. The blood disappears 1 minute later, the wheel stops, and a creature crawls out of one of the containers.
After taking close to a minute to fully process his findings mentally, Rhogar turned and explained the process to the others. "Thankfully, it should be possible to share the cost of such endeavor. The problem, however, is not knowing exactly what will come out of the container afterwards, how it might be affected by more unique blood samples, such as my own, and, eh... Or, how to possibly bind them to us. I can only presume the sacrifice of blood might do just that, but, eh... if we are to try this out, I'd recommend being ready for anything."
With that, Rhogar breaks out a dagger ready to begin the process and to aid the others as needed should all be in agreement.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Chill considers for a moment. "I'm willing to spill a little blood and see how this works. My guess would be whoever pulls the lever is the one who gets the pet, or binds to the pet, as they are the one activating the machine. But perhaps if there is a sharing of blood then it binds to all who partakes. Either way, I'm in."
Chill draws his own dagger and prepares himself.
Kazri is skeptical of the procedure, but she accept Rhogar's conclusion. "I am willing as well." She will use her sword to make the cut on herself.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Krom shakes his head "Since you've all decided to try this machine, I'll help. Let's just hope that whatever creature comes out of it doesn't try to eat us or worse."
The dwarf cuts the palm of his hand with one of his axes. "If Tymora smiles upon us, maybe we will gain a powerful ally," Krom adds with a smirk "But I have a feeling we will just end fighting it."
"Very well then. Let our blood pact be sealed!" Rhogar said with a bit of mirth to his voice. Just before cutting into the palm of his own hand however, the dragonborn looks to his companions, seeming to assess their varied state of health. And what he sees him with a frown. "Hmm.... Given that I have easiest time recovering from injury thanks to Brother Vixix through Gorrah here, and my own robust bloodline, I ask that you each see to but one of the containers. /I/, on the other hand, will see to the rest, and ask that you fret not if I'm a bit woozy for a bit after... Though, if you all must insist on an equal share of the burden, then who am I to stop you?" He flashes a toothy grin. "In which case, each of us will tend to only 2 containers. Then, uhh... whoever wishes may pull the lever while the rest of us tend to our wound."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Probably best if we put equal amounts and each take 2 containers."
Chill grins as he cuts his arm and drops blood into 2 of the containers. He makes sure to disburse them as evenly as possible.
"I'll pull the lever if none of you want to. You may want to step back in case it malfunctions and blows up or something."
"Very well Chill." Kazri does her part and fill two containers with her blood.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
"Go ahead Chill," Krom nods to the tabaxi as he finishes fillingl two containers with his blood. "After you pull the lever, get close to me. I'll heal our wounds while we wait for the machine to complete the process." The dwarf turns towards Kazri and Rhogar "Save your divine and arcane gifts for later; we might need them if the creature turns hostile."
Krom begins to chant an hymn of evocation. As soon he finishes, Moradin's holy symbol glows with radiant light sending rhythmic pulses of warm energy that envolp the group healing their wounds.
[spell]Aura of Vitality[spell]
Bonus action for the whole duration of the spell. I'll spend 2 rounds on each of us and use the last 2 rounds of healing on the most wounded of the group
On Rhogar 8 and 6
On Kazri 6 and 6
On Chill 6 and 4
On Krom 6 and 3
Last two rounds of healing 9 and 10
Rhogar smile brightens just a little seeing readily share in the burden, for it truly warmed his heart. So much so, he hardly appeared to feel any pain as he contributed to last two containers, before then taking Chill's advice and moving closer towards the doorway with Gorrah at nestled about his neck once more. But not so close that he'd stray too far away from Krom's divinely influenced invocation, which to little surprise to anyone, his body seemed to hungrily absorb and empower to the point that not even a scar lingers on the dragonborn's palm.
(OOC: As mentioned, Rhogar gets maximum healing from all sources so long as Gorrah is near, so that's 24 back to him. :D So, the last 2 rounds worth of healing can go to anyone, though I'd recommend it going to Kazri.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
In the dimly lit menagerie a heavy silence enveloped the room, broken only by the low hum of arcane energy. The eight containers, each intricately adorned with runes and symbols of power, stood in a circle on the stone floor. Their dark glass glinted ominously in the flickering torchlight.
Chill, a figure draped in shadows, stepped forward with deliberate calm. With a steady hand, he grasped the cold metal lever embedded in the center of the control panel. His eyes, sharp and calculating, met the gaze of his companions. Krom, the healer with a stern countenance, stood nearby, his hands clasped tightly around the relics of his faith.
"Are you ready?" Chill’s voice was a whisper of resolve.
Krom nodded, his expression solemn. "The hymns will mend the wounds. We must be swift."
Each of them had sacrificed a portion of their essence, their blood, into the eight containers that now held their fates intertwined. Two containers for each, an act of profound unity and sacrifice. They had chosen this path to summon a power both feared and revered, a decision made in desperation.
Chill took a deep breath and pulled the lever. The ancient mechanism groaned as it began its slow, inexorable motion. The wheel at the center of the machine began to spin, its speed gradually increasing. As it did, the air grew thick with the scent of magic and the faintest trace of iron.
The containers' runes glowed fiercely, casting strange, dancing shadows on the walls. Each container pulsed in rhythm with the wheel, their contents swirling with a luminous energy. Chill watched with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension as the wheel spun faster and faster.
Krom, eyes closed, began his hymn. His voice, deep and resonant, filled the chamber with a soothing cadence. The hymn was a melody of healing, each note a promise of restoration. As he chanted, his hands wove intricate patterns in the air, guiding the energies that surged through the room.
A minute ticked by like a heartbeat in the oppressive silence. The wheel spun with relentless precision, the containers’ energy reaching a crescendo. Chill’s grip on the lever tightened as the ritual approached its zenith.
At last, with a decisive clang, the wheel came to a halt. A hush fell over the chamber, the only sound Krom’s fading hymn. The containers, now still, emitted a soft, eerie glow.
One of the containers, its runes shimmering brightly, began to tremble and from within, a dense mist began to billow out. The chamber grew colder, the air filled with a palpable sense of expectancy.
The mist swirled and coalesced, forming into a shape—small and lithe, with eyes that glowed like embers in the darkness. It climbed out of the container its presence commanding and otherworldly. The creature had emerged, drawn from the essence and sacrifice of the ritual.
Chill, though initially tense, steadied himself, his gaze unwavering. Krom, still channeling his healing power, maintained his focus.
The creature regarded them with an inscrutable expression, its form shifting with the ebb and flow of ambient energy. It seemed to sense the gravity of its release, the weight of the collective sacrifice that had brought it forth.
"What now?" Chill asked, his voice steady despite the momentous nature of their endeavor.
The creature’s gaze fell upon him, and though it spoke no words, its intent was clear. The ritual had succeeded. The creature, a being of both power and mystery, awaited its role in the grand scheme of their unfolding destiny. The pact was sealed, and the future lay ahead, shaped by the sacrifices and the forces that had been unleashed.
A small fox stood before Chill, with fur that changed color to match its surroundings. I regarded him with calm stillness. From that time forward, the small fox followed Chill, a bond between them created by magic, and sacrifice.
OK, OK, so a little over the top there. But I had some fun with ChatGPT describing the scene.