The three of you enter a circular room lit by candles. In the centre an elderly bald human man floats cross legged, his shadow sprawling out across the room like a spiders web.
“Hops, yeast, water, malt. Four ingredients, four seasons, four evils converge. I know more than beer is brewed beneath the abbey. Fists, shadows, friendship… yes. But I must test your will, for only in combat can one see what truly lies within.”
The old monk’s feet descend to the dusty floor. He bends into a bow, his eyes locked with Cico’s. “Fight me, together as you will fight these evils.”
After a quick check on the floor behind her to confirm her shadow,
"Which one am I? I'm going to say the one living in shadows, cus it sounds the best!"
She does eventually notice the other two being tired.
"Cico! It's because you didn't have any pie! You need energy to climb and stuff! Lyss's got short legs, which are so cute, so it makes sense it was tougher for her! You're legs are looonnnggg, but not like scary long! Hey, is guy floating? Can you reach me to float?"
Aimee wrinkles her nose at the elder monk's statement.
"Soooo.... beer is evil? Or just yeast and water and stuff? And we have to fight it with fists and friendship?"
She looks over to Lyss and mouths,
"HUH?"
Before saying, in a happy tone,
"I think you mixed your metaphors pretty hard there! Are you hungover? People that are hungover say beer is evil all the time! Probably shouldn't fight if you're hungover, but sure!"
Cico bows stiffly to Hlam and then places his pack and gear on the floor near the entrance.
He looks down at Lyss and Aimee.
"This is a test of our character and inner strength," Cico says. "Master Hlam will not waste his energy aiding those who will wilt under the weight of the moment. Be respectful but do not change who you are."
He takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, then bows again back to Hlam.
"We accept the challenge," Cico says, doing his best not to show how tired he is, not wanting to look like he expects mercy because of the fatigue. He lets his hands hang down loosely, his whole body relaxed, except for a slight bounce in his step as he shifts his weight slightly from side to side.
Cico searches his mind for an explanation that will make sense to Lyss and Aimee but comes up blank. For the first time he feels what Master Treewhirl and what Grandmaster Shadowmight must have felt when Cico asked questions. Some answers can only come with experience.
"If you are your true self and yet you do not fall," Cico finally says, "then you are centered."
He looks back at Hlam.
"But be aware. You may need to fall many times first."
"I think a moment can weigh a ton! Think about when something heavy is on you, it's there for a long time! Those moments are super heavy no matter what! I remember a shelf fell over I may or may not have been climbing on and all those books and the shelf landed on me - heaviest moments of my life!"
She thinks,
"I don't think it would have mattered how I centered the books and stuff, still heavy! Maybe I needed more practice like you say though? It broke three of my ribs so I don't think I want to!"
She looks to Lyss to see if that helps.
"You're the truest friend I have though! The very best!"
She adds to avoid confusion,
"Lyss is, not you Mr. Cico, sorry! You're fun though so you're a solid," she looks joyfully thoughtful then happily says, "number two!"
"I almost fell off the mountain when I was scampering about, but you two caught me. Scampering's probably my true self, and I didn't fall, so maybe I'm centered? As long as I've got you two? Aimee, my very best friend, and Mister Cico...",she smirks as she catches what Aimee said, "...you're probably the grown up who makes the most sense, you don't hide stuff behind 'I'll tell you when you're older' and things like that. You say things true and straight, even when maybe you shouldn't. We've only known you a little bit, and you're already one of the..." she does a quick count on her fingers, "...eight grown ups I actually like!"
"Does Lif count as a grown up? I don't think we asked how old Lif is... or was, before they died. Do ghosts get older once they're ghosts? He seems to like pranks, maybe he's a kid too. That's sad, thinking about ghost kids. But the stories say it's unfinished business that makes ghosts sometimes, who would have more unfinished stuff than a kid that didn't get to live long enough to do all the really cool stuff they wanted to do? Old people should have done all the stuff they wanted before they die, so they don't have to ghost about."
"Do you know anything about ghosts, Mister Hlam?", Lyss asks, remembering that it's not just the three of them.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Meanwhile, down in Mirt's manor, Aldrik pushes through the double doors in a dramatic fashion, hoping the other two trail him. He has noted Fenton's response, and whispered "I'm sure we can come to an agreeable arrangement my companions will be comfortable with,." not having detected any duplicity in the butler's words. (hint hint Kerri/Eddie for another insight...)
"Mirt, my good man! Apologies for the delay, but we've some words on your black rat problem that you wanted us looking into." He motions to Kerri as he crosses the room. "Our lovely lady Kerri was able to covertly pick up a thread, and we've been able to follow it to some names of interest to you."
Aldrik approaches Mirt and gives a bow, glancing up to make sure the door to the room has been closed behind them. "I believe two names of interest, one shadowy goal, and one fate in particular, all of which might intrigue you. The first is Dalakhar, a gnomish rogue. Interestingly enough, he was killed in a hit just outside the very front door of Trollskull Manor. A nimblewright of Gondish design was the do'er, though the means were via a fireball that killed several bystanders, so I'd very much like to have a... discussion... with those that sent the construct." Aldrik's pleasant mask drops to a flash of anger for a moment at the thought, before he regains his composure, though Eddie would know that it was intentional by Aldrik to let some true emotion show in the moment. "Anyway, this Dalahkar was apparently keeping tabs on Ranaer Neverember, perhaps at the behest of his father."
"The second is a man named Urstul Floxin. He and his lot are working out of the Sea Ward, probably with one of the noble families there. The contact we made was concerned enough by Urstul that they readied blades and blows at me just on the suspicion I might be connected to that fellow. Regardless, this villain apparently seeks something called the 'Stone of Golorr', and if I know anything about tales of derring-do, vagabonds seeking cultish artifacts belonging to creepily named folk is never a good thing."
”You speak so much, yet say so little, much like many in the city below. I retreated here to escape idle chatter. Let our fists do the talking. If you wish to learn of spirits, there is one within your body right now, you need only meditate to connect with it.” Hlam readies himself for battle
Mirt rises, giving each of you a warm hug and offering you a bite of his mutton bone. “Don’t be shy, I don’t have any diseases, I have a ring that prevents that… at least, I thought I did…” he stares at his fingers momentarily.
Settling down, he pours you each a sparkling wine. “ So Aldrik, you come bearing seemingly very solid intel, however I would be remiss not to follow up on where you obtained it from. Your task was to report what was discovered by Maxine. You were spotted speaking with a charming yet suspicious elf in the yawning portal. I hope you will not find it rude that I may have to verify your report . Kerri, you were there, what say you?”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Aimee rolls her eyes so hard,
"If you would just say what you meant it'd be a lot easier to understand you! Lyss, I know this from the cloister, he doesn't know the answer so he is trying to change the subject!"
In the mountain….
The three of you enter a circular room lit by candles. In the centre an elderly bald human man floats cross legged, his shadow sprawling out across the room like a spiders web.
“Hops, yeast, water, malt. Four ingredients, four seasons, four evils converge. I know more than beer is brewed beneath the abbey. Fists, shadows, friendship… yes. But I must test your will, for only in combat can one see what truly lies within.”
The old monk’s feet descend to the dusty floor. He bends into a bow, his eyes locked with Cico’s. “Fight me, together as you will fight these evils.”
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
"Wooooo! You got a great view here!"
After a quick check on the floor behind her to confirm her shadow,
"Which one am I? I'm going to say the one living in shadows, cus it sounds the best!"
She does eventually notice the other two being tired.
"Cico! It's because you didn't have any pie! You need energy to climb and stuff! Lyss's got short legs, which are so cute, so it makes sense it was tougher for her! You're legs are looonnnggg, but not like scary long! Hey, is guy floating? Can you reach me to float?"
Aimee wrinkles her nose at the elder monk's statement.
"Soooo.... beer is evil? Or just yeast and water and stuff? And we have to fight it with fists and friendship?"
She looks over to Lyss and mouths,
"HUH?"
Before saying, in a happy tone,
"I think you mixed your metaphors pretty hard there! Are you hungover? People that are hungover say beer is evil all the time! Probably shouldn't fight if you're hungover, but sure!"
((I guess roll for initiative?))
(You have a moment to react, it seems like there is some tradition here and he won’t attack until the challenge is accepted)
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
((Aimee has reacted like crazy, as per the norm for her.))
Cico bows stiffly to Hlam and then places his pack and gear on the floor near the entrance.
He looks down at Lyss and Aimee.
"This is a test of our character and inner strength," Cico says. "Master Hlam will not waste his energy aiding those who will wilt under the weight of the moment. Be respectful but do not change who you are."
He takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, then bows again back to Hlam.
"We accept the challenge," Cico says, doing his best not to show how tired he is, not wanting to look like he expects mercy because of the fatigue. He lets his hands hang down loosely, his whole body relaxed, except for a slight bounce in his step as he shifts his weight slightly from side to side.
"How much does a moment weigh?"
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
"If you are properly centered," Cico says, while still looking at Hlam, "it is weightless."
"How do I know if I'm centered good?"
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Cico searches his mind for an explanation that will make sense to Lyss and Aimee but comes up blank. For the first time he feels what Master Treewhirl and what Grandmaster Shadowmight must have felt when Cico asked questions. Some answers can only come with experience.
"If you are your true self and yet you do not fall," Cico finally says, "then you are centered."
He looks back at Hlam.
"But be aware. You may need to fall many times first."
Aimee offers her thoughts on the matter,
"I think a moment can weigh a ton! Think about when something heavy is on you, it's there for a long time! Those moments are super heavy no matter what! I remember a shelf fell over I may or may not have been climbing on and all those books and the shelf landed on me - heaviest moments of my life!"
She thinks,
"I don't think it would have mattered how I centered the books and stuff, still heavy! Maybe I needed more practice like you say though? It broke three of my ribs so I don't think I want to!"
She looks to Lyss to see if that helps.
"You're the truest friend I have though! The very best!"
She adds to avoid confusion,
"Lyss is, not you Mr. Cico, sorry! You're fun though so you're a solid," she looks joyfully thoughtful then happily says, "number two!"
She does her best to keep a straight face.
"I almost fell off the mountain when I was scampering about, but you two caught me. Scampering's probably my true self, and I didn't fall, so maybe I'm centered? As long as I've got you two? Aimee, my very best friend, and Mister Cico...", she smirks as she catches what Aimee said, "...you're probably the grown up who makes the most sense, you don't hide stuff behind 'I'll tell you when you're older' and things like that. You say things true and straight, even when maybe you shouldn't. We've only known you a little bit, and you're already one of the..." she does a quick count on her fingers, "...eight grown ups I actually like!"
"Does Lif count as a grown up? I don't think we asked how old Lif is... or was, before they died. Do ghosts get older once they're ghosts? He seems to like pranks, maybe he's a kid too. That's sad, thinking about ghost kids. But the stories say it's unfinished business that makes ghosts sometimes, who would have more unfinished stuff than a kid that didn't get to live long enough to do all the really cool stuff they wanted to do? Old people should have done all the stuff they wanted before they die, so they don't have to ghost about."
"Do you know anything about ghosts, Mister Hlam?", Lyss asks, remembering that it's not just the three of them.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Meanwhile, down in Mirt's manor, Aldrik pushes through the double doors in a dramatic fashion, hoping the other two trail him. He has noted Fenton's response, and whispered "I'm sure we can come to an agreeable arrangement my companions will be comfortable with,." not having detected any duplicity in the butler's words. (hint hint Kerri/Eddie for another insight...)
"Mirt, my good man! Apologies for the delay, but we've some words on your black rat problem that you wanted us looking into." He motions to Kerri as he crosses the room. "Our lovely lady Kerri was able to covertly pick up a thread, and we've been able to follow it to some names of interest to you."
Aldrik approaches Mirt and gives a bow, glancing up to make sure the door to the room has been closed behind them. "I believe two names of interest, one shadowy goal, and one fate in particular, all of which might intrigue you. The first is Dalakhar, a gnomish rogue. Interestingly enough, he was killed in a hit just outside the very front door of Trollskull Manor. A nimblewright of Gondish design was the do'er, though the means were via a fireball that killed several bystanders, so I'd very much like to have a... discussion... with those that sent the construct." Aldrik's pleasant mask drops to a flash of anger for a moment at the thought, before he regains his composure, though Eddie would know that it was intentional by Aldrik to let some true emotion show in the moment. "Anyway, this Dalahkar was apparently keeping tabs on Ranaer Neverember, perhaps at the behest of his father."
"The second is a man named Urstul Floxin. He and his lot are working out of the Sea Ward, probably with one of the noble families there. The contact we made was concerned enough by Urstul that they readied blades and blows at me just on the suspicion I might be connected to that fellow. Regardless, this villain apparently seeks something called the 'Stone of Golorr', and if I know anything about tales of derring-do, vagabonds seeking cultish artifacts belonging to creepily named folk is never a good thing."
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Aimee tries her best to look solemn,
"Ghost kids are so sad!"
In the mountain…
”You speak so much, yet say so little, much like many in the city below. I retreated here to escape idle chatter. Let our fists do the talking. If you wish to learn of spirits, there is one within your body right now, you need only meditate to connect with it.” Hlam readies himself for battle
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
Round 1
Lyss 14
Hlam 11
Aimee 9
(Cico/Aimee incoming)
(roll intitiative)
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
At the mansion…
Mirt rises, giving each of you a warm hug and offering you a bite of his mutton bone. “Don’t be shy, I don’t have any diseases, I have a ring that prevents that… at least, I thought I did…” he stares at his fingers momentarily.
Settling down, he pours you each a sparkling wine. “ So Aldrik, you come bearing seemingly very solid intel, however I would be remiss not to follow up on where you obtained it from. Your task was to report what was discovered by Maxine. You were spotted speaking with a charming yet suspicious elf in the yawning portal. I hope you will not find it rude that I may have to verify your report . Kerri, you were there, what say you?”
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
Lyss: 7
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Disadvantage due to Exhaustion: 18
"Do I really have to use my fists to fight this old guy, Mister Cico? My fists are real little."
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Aimee rolls her eyes so hard,
"If you would just say what you meant it'd be a lot easier to understand you! Lyss, I know this from the cloister, he doesn't know the answer so he is trying to change the subject!"
Initiative: 10
Lyss gives Aimee a knowing look.
<Grownups. Pssssh.>
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock