Teek and Shae sit up in the grass still shaking off the effects of whatever it was.
S: Tae! I can't believe it's you! What are you doing here in Cragglefrock? I thought I'd never see you again.
Teek looks up at Heecrid.
H: Heec old friend! It's you! And this must be Tae. Shae had spoken so highly of you. When did you guys get here? Let's go inside and we'll tell you all about what happened.
T: I... I thought I would never see you again, either.
*Tae shoots Heec a look. It’s happiness, without a smile. Eyes wider than usual, content look on his face. In this moment, Tae is excited. Heec has never seen Tae this happy.*
H: Teek, my friend. Let’s go rest inside. I think something foul is afoot.
The four of the elves go inside of the Apothecary shop. The same pungent smell coming from the small fire is strong in here as well.
Teekskrid takes a couple of wooden stools out from the back office and Shae sits down on one of them. Teek grabs a bundle of bright orange-brown roots and sits down on his stool. While he is doing that Shae speaks.
S: I still can't believe it's you Tae. And Teekskrid has told me so much about you, Heecrid.
They are both speaking in normal voices, not the soft tones from the first time Tae and Heec visited. Teekskrid holds up the bundle of roots.
T: It is a little embarrassing, but here is the issue. This is a new root we've been cultivating for some time and discovered that it has very unique properties. It's taken us several years to rule out any possibilities of poisoning ourselves and we have only recently started testing it's effects on ourselves.
S: We found this new species of plant nearby the Crags. They are a beautiful purple, flowering plant that look similar to Purple Plumes. There are subtle differences, though, that are hard to spot at first glance. But once you dig these ones up you see these bright rust-coloured roots that is totally unique. Because they look so similar to Purple Plumes, we don't know who else may know that it is a different plant, though it wouldn't be out of the question for the Moon Elves of Neverwinter Forest to know.
T: The flowers and stalks are normal. Not toxic but too bitter to really be edible. The roots however, have a very earthy and slightly sweet taste. It was when we were experimenting with the possibility of eating these roots that we discovered the powerful and hidden effects. When consumed in sufficient quantity, we noticed that it produced a calming effect on emotions. Although we are certainly not prone to anger, even our excitement began to fade as we tried consuming different variations of the roots. They also seem to be cumulative as we ingested the roots for a few weeks.
Shae jumps in.
S: That's right! I would calculate that we had already been ingesting some quantify of the root for over two weeks and had just stopped a few days by the time you came to visit us yesterday. Your visit seems more like a dream I had than reality. The root seems to also slowly erode your sense of reality and even memory the more you have.
T: We stopped ingesting the root in order to learn the effects of inhaling the smoke from burning a powdered version. That's when you found us and it's lucky you did. I felt my heart slowing down significantly and all of my emotions fading. I don't know if it would have been fatal but I also don't want to take that chance.
Tae is having a hard time looking away from Shae. A new sense of love and desire grow within him. She does remember him! He's been waiting for this moment for so long, but now that he's here, he doesn't know what to say. He's completely lost for words. All he does is stare at her, half longingly, half relieved.
That's incredible! Do you have any plans for powdered version of the root? It could work as a temporary suppressant or calming agent if someone needed detained I suppose. I wouldn't suggest recreation use but to each their own, I suppose! Do you remember the trip we're making to the Moon Elves in Neverwinter? I'm sure Marta is wondering where we are.
Teekskrid laughs at the mention of recreational use.
T: No, it wouldn't be prudent to use every day. As a rule Shae and I only use our products in the discovery process or as medicinally necessary. We DO have a powdered version. I would be happy to give you what we have to use as you see fit. I don't normally condone dosing another person without their knowledge or to save them, but these are strange times and they might call for some strange solutions.
He goes to get a wooden container with a lid and hands it to Heec.
T: Shae and I have been calling it Rusted Root due to the fascinating colouration. There are about 20 doses of the powder in there. That should give you a good amount of uses...or really put one person under the influence of its effects.
Heec adds Wooden Container of Rusted Root (x20 Doses) to his Inventory. The doses have the following effects: x1 Dose = Humanoid is under effects similar to the Calm Emotions Spell that lasts for five hours. A willing humanoid will automatically feel these effects. An unwilling or unknowing humanoid will make a DC 15 Charisma save and feel nothing on a successful save or feel the effects on a failed save. Each additional dose will add +2 to DC and five hours to the effect. A creature who saves against an administered dose will need to make saving throws against any future doses. x5 Dose = DC 23 Charisma Save and effects last twenty-five hours. Also, creature will begin to forget events that have happened in the past 2d4 days or remember them only as a dreamlike occurrence. x10 Dose = DC 33 Charisma Save and the effects last fifty hours. The creature will begin to forget events that have happened in the past 2d4 weeks or remember them only as a dreamlike occurrence. x15 Dose = DC 43 Charisma Save and the effects last seventy-five hours. The creature will begin to forget events that have happened in the past 2d4 months or remember them only as a dreamlike occurrence. x20 Dose = DC 53 Charisma Save and the effects last 100 hours. The creature will begin to forget events that have happened in the past 2d4 years or remember them only as a dreamlike occurrence. There is a small wooden spoon in the container. One spoonful equals one dose. The powder is bright orange-brown, has a faint smell to it, and tastes earthy and sweet if taken directly or dissolved in water. If it is hidden in flavorful food or drink it can only be detected with a DC 18 Perception Check.
Shae turns to Teekskrid.
S: Teek, I'm not sure we should leave without clearing out the herb shed. I would hate for anyone else to be subjected to the smoke from this plant. I'm sure Marta won't mind if we tell them here and have them explain the whole situation to her.
Teek and Shae get settled and then begin to tell the two elves what they know about the Moon Elves of Neverwinter Wood.
T: Shae and I lived in Neverwinter Wood for more than a hundred years before moving to Cragglesfrock. It is a very different lifestyle than that of the High Forest. The Neverwinter Wood is protected by a council of druid elves and are supported by hundreds of rangers. They are constantly on the move around the entire Wood; constantly vigilant against intruders. It is a rare occasion that all of the druids will even gather together in the same place.
Shae speaks up.
S: There are four locations that we know of where the druids or rangers will stop in their circuit around the Wood. I can draw up a rudimentary map for you and mark them, but I can't guarantee anyone will be at these sites. It does give you a starting point.
She goes to the back office to draw up a map.
T: Marta filled us in with your mission and I cannot lie and say it is an easy one. These druids live and die to protect the Neverwinter Wood. That includes preventing even friendly forces from cutting down their trees. I cannot offer much advice for how to persuade them, but remember, a druid seeks balance in all things. Even a druid knows that sometimes you must destroy something to prevent something far worse from happening.
Shae returns and hands the map to Tae.
S: I wish you the best in your mission. The both of you.
Shae goes in a for a hug.
S: Oh, Tae! Do be careful.
Teekskrid goes in to hug Heec.
T: Be safe, elf brother. Stay alert and remember that you and these elves must come together against a common enemy.
These Locations have been marked on your World Map: Elf Gathering Site #1, #2, #3, #4.
Tae embraces Shea, contact he's been waiting long to have. Thank you, Sheashormm. We will.
Heec, dumbfounded by everything going on between Shea and Tae, gives a big hug back to Teek. Take care, friend. Hopefully, we'll return with some good news of the visit. We should head back to the Commons. Are you ready, Tae? Heec takes the Rusted Root.
Yes. We should go. Tae slow releases Shea, looks her in the eyes, smiles, and turns to head out the door. Heec and Tae head back to the Commons to meet Marta. While back on the main road...
So? Thoughts on everything that just happened back there?
Heec... she actually remembered me... and she hugged me! Every feeling I've had for her all these years flooded within me! I can't believe it! What has she been doing? Why have I not known she's been here?! Who is that tragedy she's with?! "Uhhhh deeear... please let me lick the sweet sweat from your browwwww... prrrrrrrrrr!" It's revolting!
Hey now, Teekskrid is a kind elf that does his best to show his affection for his wife. You shouldn't be so critical about that.
You're telling me that wasn't repulsive?
It was a bit unorthodox, but yes, it wasn't repulsive.
Whatever you say... but she remembers me, Heec! Ala' kihn eleh! This is such a great day!
The elves approach Marta who is still on the Commons where she is polishing a wicked looking set of javelins. She listens carefully as Tae and Heec explain what happened with Teek and Shae.
M: That's the life of a herbalist, I suppose. At least in my job the worst that will happen is I get stabbed in the guts. Now THAT'S a fitting way to die, boys!
She sets down one of her javelins. She has quite a spread of equipment neatly laid out including a rather nasty looking steel pick.
M: Ok. Now that you are caught up with the situation in Neverwinter Wood, I am going to help you two do a little training. I'm sure you can handle yourselves with most situations but it can't hurt to brush up on a little hand-to-hand combat.
She claps her hands together.
M: Alright, *she looks at Heec* I think you know how to trade a blow or two. *she looks at Tae* And you have...whatever it is you have going on. I'll let you keep that staff of yours.
She begins wrapping two padded leather gloves around her hands.
Ah haaa! A bit of sport, eh? We can handle our own out there, but we'll be glad to spar with you to prove we'll have no issues with would be attackers.
Just keep your eyes on the target.
I thought it was a disc being thrown at me and I tried to dodge it. It's not my fault it was maple tree seed! Let's go!
Heec gets two more solid hits on Marta and take a punch from her as well. Tae comes in with a whirling strike from his staff and connects a blow to Marta's head. She falls to the ground with a heavy thud.
After a few moments of unconsciousness she stirs getting to her hands and knees. She spits out some blood and looks at Tae with an angry expression.
As I said, we're well versed in the art of combat. Tae doesn't do much with his staff...
Excuse me?
... but what he lacks in hand to hand combat, he more than makes up for in magical ambition. It would have been hard to match him if he chose to use spells.
That's better, but remind me whom it was that just knocked her out?
Anyway, that was fun! Let me know if you're ever up for another bout!
Teek and Shae sit up in the grass still shaking off the effects of whatever it was.
S: Tae! I can't believe it's you! What are you doing here in Cragglefrock? I thought I'd never see you again.
Teek looks up at Heecrid.
H: Heec old friend! It's you! And this must be Tae. Shae had spoken so highly of you. When did you guys get here? Let's go inside and we'll tell you all about what happened.
Shae motions for Tae to help her up.
T: I... I thought I would never see you again, either.
*Tae shoots Heec a look. It’s happiness, without a smile. Eyes wider than usual, content look on his face. In this moment, Tae is excited. Heec has never seen Tae this happy.*
H: Teek, my friend. Let’s go rest inside. I think something foul is afoot.
*The four elves head inside.*
The four of the elves go inside of the Apothecary shop. The same pungent smell coming from the small fire is strong in here as well.
Teekskrid takes a couple of wooden stools out from the back office and Shae sits down on one of them. Teek grabs a bundle of bright orange-brown roots and sits down on his stool. While he is doing that Shae speaks.
S: I still can't believe it's you Tae. And Teekskrid has told me so much about you, Heecrid.
They are both speaking in normal voices, not the soft tones from the first time Tae and Heec visited. Teekskrid holds up the bundle of roots.
T: It is a little embarrassing, but here is the issue. This is a new root we've been cultivating for some time and discovered that it has very unique properties. It's taken us several years to rule out any possibilities of poisoning ourselves and we have only recently started testing it's effects on ourselves.
S: We found this new species of plant nearby the Crags. They are a beautiful purple, flowering plant that look similar to Purple Plumes. There are subtle differences, though, that are hard to spot at first glance. But once you dig these ones up you see these bright rust-coloured roots that is totally unique. Because they look so similar to Purple Plumes, we don't know who else may know that it is a different plant, though it wouldn't be out of the question for the Moon Elves of Neverwinter Forest to know.
T: The flowers and stalks are normal. Not toxic but too bitter to really be edible. The roots however, have a very earthy and slightly sweet taste. It was when we were experimenting with the possibility of eating these roots that we discovered the powerful and hidden effects. When consumed in sufficient quantity, we noticed that it produced a calming effect on emotions. Although we are certainly not prone to anger, even our excitement began to fade as we tried consuming different variations of the roots. They also seem to be cumulative as we ingested the roots for a few weeks.
Shae jumps in.
S: That's right! I would calculate that we had already been ingesting some quantify of the root for over two weeks and had just stopped a few days by the time you came to visit us yesterday. Your visit seems more like a dream I had than reality. The root seems to also slowly erode your sense of reality and even memory the more you have.
T: We stopped ingesting the root in order to learn the effects of inhaling the smoke from burning a powdered version. That's when you found us and it's lucky you did. I felt my heart slowing down significantly and all of my emotions fading. I don't know if it would have been fatal but I also don't want to take that chance.
Tae is having a hard time looking away from Shae. A new sense of love and desire grow within him. She does remember him! He's been waiting for this moment for so long, but now that he's here, he doesn't know what to say. He's completely lost for words. All he does is stare at her, half longingly, half relieved.
That's incredible! Do you have any plans for powdered version of the root? It could work as a temporary suppressant or calming agent if someone needed detained I suppose. I wouldn't suggest recreation use but to each their own, I suppose! Do you remember the trip we're making to the Moon Elves in Neverwinter? I'm sure Marta is wondering where we are.
Teekskrid laughs at the mention of recreational use.
T: No, it wouldn't be prudent to use every day. As a rule Shae and I only use our products in the discovery process or as medicinally necessary. We DO have a powdered version. I would be happy to give you what we have to use as you see fit. I don't normally condone dosing another person without their knowledge or to save them, but these are strange times and they might call for some strange solutions.
He goes to get a wooden container with a lid and hands it to Heec.
T: Shae and I have been calling it Rusted Root due to the fascinating colouration. There are about 20 doses of the powder in there. That should give you a good amount of uses...or really put one person under the influence of its effects.
Heec adds Wooden Container of Rusted Root (x20 Doses) to his Inventory. The doses have the following effects:
x1 Dose = Humanoid is under effects similar to the Calm Emotions Spell that lasts for five hours. A willing humanoid will automatically feel these effects. An unwilling or unknowing humanoid will make a DC 15 Charisma save and feel nothing on a successful save or feel the effects on a failed save. Each additional dose will add +2 to DC and five hours to the effect. A creature who saves against an administered dose will need to make saving throws against any future doses.
x5 Dose = DC 23 Charisma Save and effects last twenty-five hours. Also, creature will begin to forget events that have happened in the past 2d4 days or remember them only as a dreamlike occurrence.
x10 Dose = DC 33 Charisma Save and the effects last fifty hours. The creature will begin to forget events that have happened in the past 2d4 weeks or remember them only as a dreamlike occurrence.
x15 Dose = DC 43 Charisma Save and the effects last seventy-five hours. The creature will begin to forget events that have happened in the past 2d4 months or remember them only as a dreamlike occurrence.
x20 Dose = DC 53 Charisma Save and the effects last 100 hours. The creature will begin to forget events that have happened in the past 2d4 years or remember them only as a dreamlike occurrence.
There is a small wooden spoon in the container. One spoonful equals one dose. The powder is bright orange-brown, has a faint smell to it, and tastes earthy and sweet if taken directly or dissolved in water. If it is hidden in flavorful food or drink it can only be detected with a DC 18 Perception Check.
Shae turns to Teekskrid.
S: Teek, I'm not sure we should leave without clearing out the herb shed. I would hate for anyone else to be subjected to the smoke from this plant. I'm sure Marta won't mind if we tell them here and have them explain the whole situation to her.
Teek and Shae get settled and then begin to tell the two elves what they know about the Moon Elves of Neverwinter Wood.
T: Shae and I lived in Neverwinter Wood for more than a hundred years before moving to Cragglesfrock. It is a very different lifestyle than that of the High Forest. The Neverwinter Wood is protected by a council of druid elves and are supported by hundreds of rangers. They are constantly on the move around the entire Wood; constantly vigilant against intruders. It is a rare occasion that all of the druids will even gather together in the same place.
Shae speaks up.
S: There are four locations that we know of where the druids or rangers will stop in their circuit around the Wood. I can draw up a rudimentary map for you and mark them, but I can't guarantee anyone will be at these sites. It does give you a starting point.
She goes to the back office to draw up a map.
T: Marta filled us in with your mission and I cannot lie and say it is an easy one. These druids live and die to protect the Neverwinter Wood. That includes preventing even friendly forces from cutting down their trees. I cannot offer much advice for how to persuade them, but remember, a druid seeks balance in all things. Even a druid knows that sometimes you must destroy something to prevent something far worse from happening.
Shae returns and hands the map to Tae.
S: I wish you the best in your mission. The both of you.
Shae goes in a for a hug.
S: Oh, Tae! Do be careful.
Teekskrid goes in to hug Heec.
T: Be safe, elf brother. Stay alert and remember that you and these elves must come together against a common enemy.
These Locations have been marked on your World Map: Elf Gathering Site #1, #2, #3, #4.
Heec, dumbfounded by everything going on between Shea and Tae, gives a big hug back to Teek. Take care, friend. Hopefully, we'll return with some good news of the visit. We should head back to the Commons. Are you ready, Tae? Heec takes the Rusted Root.
Yes. We should go. Tae slow releases Shea, looks her in the eyes, smiles, and turns to head out the door. Heec and Tae head back to the Commons to meet Marta. While back on the main road...
So? Thoughts on everything that just happened back there?
Heec... she actually remembered me... and she hugged me! Every feeling I've had for her all these years flooded within me! I can't believe it! What has she been doing? Why have I not known she's been here?! Who is that tragedy she's with?! "Uhhhh deeear... please let me lick the sweet sweat from your browwwww... prrrrrrrrrr!" It's revolting!
Hey now, Teekskrid is a kind elf that does his best to show his affection for his wife. You shouldn't be so critical about that.
You're telling me that wasn't repulsive?
It was a bit unorthodox, but yes, it wasn't repulsive.
Whatever you say... but she remembers me, Heec! Ala' kihn eleh! This is such a great day!
Things are really coming up Tae, aren't they?
They certainly are! Let's get back to Marta!
The elves approach Marta who is still on the Commons where she is polishing a wicked looking set of javelins. She listens carefully as Tae and Heec explain what happened with Teek and Shae.
M: That's the life of a herbalist, I suppose. At least in my job the worst that will happen is I get stabbed in the guts. Now THAT'S a fitting way to die, boys!
She sets down one of her javelins. She has quite a spread of equipment neatly laid out including a rather nasty looking steel pick.
M: Ok. Now that you are caught up with the situation in Neverwinter Wood, I am going to help you two do a little training. I'm sure you can handle yourselves with most situations but it can't hurt to brush up on a little hand-to-hand combat.
She claps her hands together.
M: Alright, *she looks at Heec* I think you know how to trade a blow or two. *she looks at Tae* And you have...whatever it is you have going on. I'll let you keep that staff of yours.
She begins wrapping two padded leather gloves around her hands.
M: Whenever you are ready!
Ah haaa! A bit of sport, eh? We can handle our own out there, but we'll be glad to spar with you to prove we'll have no issues with would be attackers.
Just keep your eyes on the target.
I thought it was a disc being thrown at me and I tried to dodge it. It's not my fault it was maple tree seed! Let's go!
M: Let's go sweetcakes.
Marta rolls 11 for Initiative.
All damage rolls will be non-lethal.
Heec rolls 16 (12+4).
Tae rolls 2 (1+1).
Tea stays back while Heec lunges forward and attacks with Martial Arts.
He rolls a 13 (7+6).
He rolls a 19 (13+6).
On damage, Heec roll 5 (1+4).
Heec's first attack swings wide but his second one connects with Marta's torso.
Marta responds with a left hook Attack: Attack: 18 Damage: 4
Heec gracefully dodged the strike. Tae walks forward twisting his quarterstaff in front of his body, winds up and rolls a 13.
Marta easily blocks it with her forearms.
Heec strikes again with Martial Arts.
He rolls a 10 (4+6), then 16 (10+6). If the second attack deals damage, it will deal 7 (3+4) damage.
Marta successfully dodges all of the attacks and strikes back against Heec.
Attack: 13 Damage: 4
Stop trying to hit her and hit her!
Tae rolls a 13.
*sigh* I've got this... Ah'leh Karah!
Heec uses Martial Arts again and rolls a 21 (15+6) and a 25 (19+6). The first strike deals 5 (1+4) and the second deals 6 (2+4).
Heec gets two more solid hits on Marta and take a punch from her as well. Tae comes in with a whirling strike from his staff and connects a blow to Marta's head. She falls to the ground with a heavy thud.
After a few moments of unconsciousness she stirs getting to her hands and knees. She spits out some blood and looks at Tae with an angry expression.
M: You bastard...I knew you had it in you!
She starts laughing.
M: You two may just survive this yet.
As I said, we're well versed in the art of combat. Tae doesn't do much with his staff...
Excuse me?
... but what he lacks in hand to hand combat, he more than makes up for in magical ambition. It would have been hard to match him if he chose to use spells.
That's better, but remind me whom it was that just knocked her out?
Anyway, that was fun! Let me know if you're ever up for another bout!