Storm King's Thunder

Ink has heard of creatures with mind-numbing abilities and tendrils on their faces. Rip has heard of these creatures—in Undercommon, they are spoken of in some circles as "Mind Flayers," for they ravage and feast upon the brains of their enemies. Ink knows their proper name, Illithids. They are known to have innate psionic abilities which allow them to read, invade, and even alter the minds of others.

What is confusing, as Flint's guidance provides insight, is that these creatures always appear in groups and eschew arcane magic. But this creature that you fought against used plenty of magic, like a wizard, using a crystal as an arcane focus.

"Angel, it seems like you're describing an Illithid," Ink says with a worried expression. "They have a horrifying reputation and well earned. It also explains the intrusions in our mind that we've been subjected to."

After a thoughtful pause, "What's odd though is that they are known to be found as massive colonies - there's never just one - and they are not known to be arcanists. This specimen is particular in both those aspects. The crystal that the castellan had was likely its arcane focus. This also explains how the castellan seemed to grow in power overnight - two completely different individuals. Perhaps by defeating the wights we forced this Illithid to make itself known."

"I must confess, I am curious to know more about this creature, what it's seen and learned - it's a true rarity. Then wipe it off the face of Toril. However, it has us beat for now and although we have a better understanding of it and its abilities, we've already let the Red Tiger clan put more time and distance between us and them."

"The Tree Ghost tribe mentioned that this frost giant Harshnag could help us - perhaps we should seek him out."

"I am a bit worried about the fire. Fires like this can spread like... well like wildfire. We can probably outrun it, but there are other settlements. If I had more experience maybe I could summon a storm to help extinguish it, but that is beyond me at this point." 

"The fire is miles wide - it's beyond any of us."

"I know, but I also worry about it. I grew up in a forest a lot like this.... well with racist townsfolk instead of undead, but you get the idea."

Angel looks on at the smoke rising from the forest. "Noanar's Hold is... I'm sorry to say it, but I think it's a lost cause. If the forest fire consumes it, which I think it will, it would be for the best. 

"As for me, if you don't mind I'd like to accompany you to Everlund and then get passage from there to Helm's Hold! Apparently it's where I can find more members of the Order. I think they'll want to hear about what we've seen from the giants in the area."

"I think getting the word out to as many groups as possible is needed to help keep people as safe as possible."

Marav will start to look for signs of others passages as they travel. Specifically the barbarians.

Survival: 8

//A few good rolls and my luck is back.//

// Heading to the Evermoor Way and then east to Everlund &  Silverymoon? //

"Northeast to Everlund and Silverymoon, then," Ink replies. Looking at his compatriots, he continues, "The Nether mountains are that way as well, and therefore, hopefully, Harshnag and a path to the Red Tiger tribe and Rip's family."

As they travel, Ink will fill in Crownsguard on all the information the party members hace shared amongst themselves, and have learned together, regarding the giants' activities - knowing that he is likely repeating himself from the previous evening.

Knowing the bias against his kind Marav raises his hood. 

//If we're getting underway, are we taking a short rest first or would you prefer I cast a prayer of healing? I plan to remove a curse when we stop for a long rest.//

//I think prayer of healing... ritual cast is 10 minutes. Then when we can travel far enough we won't be burned up in the night.//

Ink battered, bruised and fried replies to Flint, "I could definitely use a quick rest - and anything you can do about this" - he points and the prodigious burns across his body - "I would greatly appreciate." 

Ink looks at Quill and she flaps her wings flying straight up, then saying to the party, "I'll look through her eyes to see if we have time enough for a quick rest before the fire catches us."

Ink's eyes go black, like charcoal, as he enacts his ability to see and hear through Quill.  //  Perception check through Quill: 9  //

Marav nods toward Steele... keep an eye on Quill's back. 

Steele takes off and follows at a safe distance.

“Please. Allow me. I am Crownsguard, your collaborative, combative companion. It is my duty to protect and serve.” Crownsguard puts his hand over Ink’s face, “Healing... Healing... Healing...” 11 points healed with Lay on Hands. Crownsguard dings, “Healing complete. Thank you for your compliance. How are you feeling, Ink?”

As Crownsguard's divine energy sweeps through Ink's body, about half the burns on his body present when he fell unconscious heal over and slough off, his skin still mostly scarred, but at least clean.

Ink looks up and with a chuckle says, "Well, at least now I'm only half-dead."

“I hope that this is satisfactory.” When available, Crownsguard will summon Horse with Find Steed.

//Ok, short rest first then, let me know afterwards if we still need healing, Flint has a few slots left.//

Hit dice: 29 plus song of rest: 2

Hit dice: 19

Steele Hit dice: 2