"Yes, I agree with Zephyra. We should make sure we have the context we need before we blunder off in the middle of the night." Ufeza says as Zephyra finishes speaking.
Thariv nods at the others' suggestions. "Let's learn as much as we can," he says. "I have a feeling we are going to have to find that ancient tree eventually, though."
Liam steps forward "come back to the inn with me. We'll give you what you need for the journey, and I'll empty my pockets now for what you have done for our town. I know it's not much, but you'll always find food and boarding here if... no, when you return." He hands you a a cloth pouch containing 250 gp.
The curious onlookers start to disperse, some to mourn, others just to get out of the rain. Before you go somewhere, Bonewits hands you a leather-bound journal "my notes" he explains "hopefully you'll find them useful on your journey to the tree." Finally, once most people are gone or turned away, he opens up his cloak to reveal what looks like a small animal and hands it over "Furball. He died, of course, but is relatively friendly. My sense is that he is somewhat connected to the corruption. You may be able to take advantage of that connection."
Thariv glances over at Luther once the undead cat is revealed. "He really doesn't look nearly as adorable as our little pals we recently parted ways with, does he?"
Returning his attention to Bonewits, he asks: "Does the journal have a map or at least directions to the location of the tree?"
Zephyra watches the cats movements, admiring how it does seem like the living counterpart. "I hate to ask, but what does it eat? Do you have to carry it to keep it with you?" Its an interesting creature.
Luther grins at Thariv's observation "No, but it can't do any harm to have around can it? Those things we fought earlier were reanimated, they wanted to kill us. It's unlikely that the graveyard was full of people who died wishing to kill a handsome sailor. I wonder if the process affects them somehow?"
Luther will try to determine if the cat has retained its living nature, or is an evil undead kitty.
Bonewits shakes his head at Thariv's question "no map, I'm afraid cartography was never my forte. But I did write some notes referencing the trees and megaliths that mark the path to the great tree." He winces again, scratching at the roots under his skin.
Liam insists that you come back to the tavern for a good meal and well earned rest "I have some salted ham that I've been aging for months, it should be at its prime by now."
OOC: the long rest at the inn finishes this adventure (CCC-GARY-04 The Darkness of the Mountains), I plan to follow with CCC-GARY-05 The Shadow of the Trees, which continues the story as you go into the forest searching for the Gulthias tree. For now, you all go up a level and get a nice long rest at Liam's inn. Come morning you can do some shopping in town, share stories or wander around.
As the party sits around the table in the inn with full plates in front of them, Ufeza clears his throat and raises his mug, "To new friends and companions." Then takes a sip.
Setting the mug down he adds with a smile, "Now that we have a moment, I would love to learn more about who I'm saving a town with!"
Luther raises his tankard to Ufeza then takes a big swig. "No need in being coy I guess, we've spilled blood together today. Well, zombie chunks. I used to be a scout with the Neverwinter army, but I was...compromised out of my position. Now I'm trying to unlock the arcane skills that my mother used to wield with ease, enhance my shooting skills. If I get to do a bit of good along the way then that is a big bonus"
The half-orc stretches an arm out in front of himself, idly, then laughs and points at Thariv "Plus I got to meet this guy and fight evil tentacle monsters, which has already made the court martial worth it"
Thariv nods at Luther's words about their last adventure. "Luther here saved me after this one particular tentacle monster nearly finished me," he says. "Not my first near-death experience, but hopefully my last!"
He takes a long, slow drink of ale before continuing. "I come from a long line of merchant sailors. House Lysander is not quite what it used to be, though, and recently our rivals destroyed much of our fleet. One result of that was that I ended up on the bottom of the ocean. Apparently in a moment of desperation to live, I made a deal with a...well, there's no other way to put it, an intelligent coral reef."
He draws the chunk of coral from his pocket and holds it up. "It sort of...well not exactly...well it 'speaks' to me through this thing, which as you've seen is also a source of strange powers. The reef is compelling me to do something, but I know not what. And I am hoping to learn how to better wield these powers so that one day I can send those enemies who tried to kill me to the bottom of the sea. I know in my gut that the reef will not be so kind to them!"
He takes a breath, looking around, fearing that perhaps he has said too much.
Zephyra would like to invest in a set of Studded leather and see what could be offered for her regular leather in exchange before settling down to the meal.
When Zephyra leaves the table, she will approach the inn-keeper for a room for the night. Preferably with a big window. She asks little in the form of accommodation in the room and should anyone be paying attention, they will find that she barely used it during the night. If possible she climbs out of it via a window soon after entering and climbs up onto the roof preferring to sleep under the night sky. She's a restless sleeper and unable to sleep in the trees as she's grown accustomed, she will sleep in various wild shapes preferring the animal alertness. (short rest restores her ability to do wild shape so only in the last two hours of the night will she be in her regular form lying under the sky waking with the sun.)
Basically she changes into various cat forms to sleep, adjusting each hour. I consider her extremely claustrophobic in a regular inn room with the tavern room being still somewhat so. If this is allowed and she will still benefit through the night of a long rest, I'd appreciate as its sort of a quirk of this character if I may. Historically she hasn't slept inside since her family was killed in their home by some form of humanoids (human or otherwise) as a young teen, but usually sleeps high in trees for safety. Due to the situation in the forest, she would deem this unsafe coming to this adjustment. Anyone paying attention may discover this about her. Ufeza could have heard rumors. She has a low Charisma so her habits may not have always come across well.
Zephyra sits on the end of the bench near the wall with her back to it, her eyes seemingly elsewhere for a short time and eating lightly, quietly observing the room and the others.
She pets any cat that lingers near her long enough, even the skeletal one seeming to get as much pleasure out of their attention as they do hers. When looks come her way for her own story, she smiles. "The Goddess Chauntea found me in a tree one day and we've been walking together ever since." Gripping her staff a little tighter for a moment, she continues, "My heart soars in the forest, learns from its creatures and aches when its injured. I owe my life to the land and plan to pay it back more every day. I know this of myself, that I will not be done until it is at peace for the suffering is deep here." Feeling that perhaps she's a little to serious for the circumstance, she hesitates. "Trust please that I will be here for morning breakfast as I'm eager to put an end to what is happening, for now I think I must rest and pray. I will be down early for breakfast." She excuses herself politely and seeks a room for the night.
Being the most familiar with Ufeza having spoken often after watching him play, she leans near and whispers.
"Please do not let them believe me rude for leaving, it is a pleasant place, but its been years since I've been able to be inside for long."
Ufeza nods as Zephyra whispers to him, and as she departs takes another sip from his mug. "I think our druid friend feels more at home in the trees. I'm sure we all have places that make us feel more comfortable than where we are now. Anyway, thank you all for sharing and I am sorry each of you for your hardships. Though trial forms us stronger than peace, it is worthwhile to remember what is lost along the way. I believe it is only fair to share my own story, though it does not seem as dramatic as yours. I was a foundling. I don't know what happened to my parents, but I was on my own for as long as I can remember. One day when I should have been learning my letters I was scraping for food and got caught with my hand in the saddlebags of a merchant who had stopped at the Way Inn, south of Daggerford. The merchant, a dragonborn name Kalimchi, had pity on me and convinced the local authorities that I was his page. He took me in, and they became as family...near enough at least. Taught me to read and write, customs and decency, and the value of a quick and agile tongue.
About four or five years ago now, while caravanning along the coast, we joined with a troupe of performers. They wanted to found a full travelling carnival but it was not to be. Still, I learned much while I was with them, including many of the musical and magical talents you have seen me use. As much affection as I have for Kalimchi, I didn't want to live a life of ledgers, so I left with the troupe. Their leader Marius still travels with a band called Marius' Spectacular Travelers, but the original group scattered after a few got involved on the wrong side of the law. Ever since I've been on my own, going from town to town making my living performing and seeing what the world has to offer. And that is that, my friends."
He glances at Thariv and asks, "Your rivals...do they know you survived? Or do they think you dead?"
Thariv listens to the others' stories, realizing that there must be an infinite number of paths to the life of an adventurer. While he misses the sea lanes, he is beginning to realize that a life of adventure offers far more variety, for the days and weeks and months and years of being a sailor are most often spent in monotony. He reaches down to scratch Clipper behind the ears when the cat rubs up against his legs.
He nods at Ufeza's question. "I have every reason to believe that I am thought dead by all who knew me before I washed up on shore and began my recent travels," he says. "I shall let them think that for a while, I believe."
Ufeza nodes, "There is freedom in death...perhaps I misspoke on behalf of our unfortunate adversaries from earlier tonight. Though the sentiment is the same. For now, you have a certain freedom you did not before. Bound by your intentions, sure, but no longer relegated to deck or bilge."
Luther's eyes widen at something Ufeza says, then the half-orc repeats it as if to himself "A quick and agile tongue..."
He leans around and fishes a small leather-bound book from his pack, flips it open and runs a finger along a well-read verse inside. He taps the page three times, coughs nervously and then says to his companions "Wait, I want to try something"
He lifts his right sharply and then snaps his fingers while exclaiming quickly "Pine-toh-fos-TARS!"
Thariv's ale mug suddenly chills and a thin frost appears around the rim. Luther laughs with surprise and says "Enjoy your chilled beer, mate. Thank you Ufeza, it hadn't occurred to me that the magic needs the right flow of words, not just the right syllables. With a bit more practice, I may be able to enhance my arrows if we get into any fights in future, boost our firepower"
He repeats the trick on his own drink and takes a deep swig before saying to Blossom "Would you feel ready to share your story with us, friend?"
Thariv smiles at the chilled beer. "It seems that somehow using our various abilities is making them stronger, and even leading to new ones,"he muses, quite uncertain about how the magic of the deep that flows through him works. "For the record, being able to chill beer seems to be an excellent ability."
Thariv tilts his head, regarding the beer for a moment, then snaps his fingers while clutching the coral in his other hand. A second mug of beer appears beside his for a moment. He snaps again, and it disappears. "Huh,"he says.
He looks to Blossom after hearing Luther's question, curious to learn more about his companions.
Blossom watches the parlour tricks with mild interest, content to relax and let the conversation flow around him. When addressed, he strokes his whiskers a few times as if recalling what he had said before, and then starts with a sigh...
"I'm from far to the south; fewer trees, more sand and more slaves. I wasn't a slave, but I was indebted to a man who owned them. This type of person, they like to bend and break those they hold power over, and I was unable to pay my debts with enough coin for him. So he had me fight - legally, illegally, in pits, in the streets, in the arenas, wherever he thought I could make money for him. I have no doubts now that my debt would never be paid off, because I made him good coin. Orcs, goblins, humans, animals, weapons, no weapons... I came out on top most of the time, so I became his indentured pet."
The tabaxi allows himself a rare smile. "My last fight, he put money on me to fell a monstrous bear. I was to fight in a pit, which was too shallow. They whip the animals to get them to fight, but this bear in its wisdom decided to go for its handlers. Trouble was, there was little to separate those in the pit from those outside the pit, and so the bear had little interest in me. Last I saw of my 'master', he was not enjoying a good death..."
He takes a long drink, and gives a small and silent toast to the group. "And now I am here, punching the deceased friends and family of these good people..."
Ufeza chuckles at Blossom's dark humor. "A poetic end for the one who enslaved you. I dare say it's for our own good the way you handled those undead."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
"Yes, I agree with Zephyra. We should make sure we have the context we need before we blunder off in the middle of the night." Ufeza says as Zephyra finishes speaking.
Thariv nods at the others' suggestions. "Let's learn as much as we can," he says. "I have a feeling we are going to have to find that ancient tree eventually, though."
"If it gets us out of this rain, sure." Blossom glances upwards and stares at the sky, as if challenging the rainfall to increase.
Liam steps forward "come back to the inn with me. We'll give you what you need for the journey, and I'll empty my pockets now for what you have done for our town. I know it's not much, but you'll always find food and boarding here if... no, when you return." He hands you a a cloth pouch containing 250 gp.
The curious onlookers start to disperse, some to mourn, others just to get out of the rain. Before you go somewhere, Bonewits hands you a leather-bound journal "my notes" he explains "hopefully you'll find them useful on your journey to the tree." Finally, once most people are gone or turned away, he opens up his cloak to reveal what looks like a small animal and hands it over "Furball. He died, of course, but is relatively friendly. My sense is that he is somewhat connected to the corruption. You may be able to take advantage of that connection."
Thariv glances over at Luther once the undead cat is revealed. "He really doesn't look nearly as adorable as our little pals we recently parted ways with, does he?"
Returning his attention to Bonewits, he asks: "Does the journal have a map or at least directions to the location of the tree?"
Taking a closer look, Furball is an animated cat skeleton that acts as if he were a normal cat.
Zephyra watches the cats movements, admiring how it does seem like the living counterpart. "I hate to ask, but what does it eat? Do you have to carry it to keep it with you?" Its an interesting creature.
Luther grins at Thariv's observation "No, but it can't do any harm to have around can it? Those things we fought earlier were reanimated, they wanted to kill us. It's unlikely that the graveyard was full of people who died wishing to kill a handsome sailor. I wonder if the process affects them somehow?"
Luther will try to determine if the cat has retained its living nature, or is an evil undead kitty.
Arcana (?) 10
Bonewits shakes his head at Thariv's question "no map, I'm afraid cartography was never my forte. But I did write some notes referencing the trees and megaliths that mark the path to the great tree." He winces again, scratching at the roots under his skin.
Liam insists that you come back to the tavern for a good meal and well earned rest "I have some salted ham that I've been aging for months, it should be at its prime by now."
OOC: the long rest at the inn finishes this adventure (CCC-GARY-04 The Darkness of the Mountains), I plan to follow with CCC-GARY-05 The Shadow of the Trees, which continues the story as you go into the forest searching for the Gulthias tree.
For now, you all go up a level and get a nice long rest at Liam's inn. Come morning you can do some shopping in town, share stories or wander around.
As the party sits around the table in the inn with full plates in front of them, Ufeza clears his throat and raises his mug, "To new friends and companions." Then takes a sip.
Setting the mug down he adds with a smile, "Now that we have a moment, I would love to learn more about who I'm saving a town with!"
Luther raises his tankard to Ufeza then takes a big swig. "No need in being coy I guess, we've spilled blood together today. Well, zombie chunks. I used to be a scout with the Neverwinter army, but I was...compromised out of my position. Now I'm trying to unlock the arcane skills that my mother used to wield with ease, enhance my shooting skills. If I get to do a bit of good along the way then that is a big bonus"
The half-orc stretches an arm out in front of himself, idly, then laughs and points at Thariv "Plus I got to meet this guy and fight evil tentacle monsters, which has already made the court martial worth it"
Thariv nods at Luther's words about their last adventure. "Luther here saved me after this one particular tentacle monster nearly finished me," he says. "Not my first near-death experience, but hopefully my last!"
He takes a long, slow drink of ale before continuing. "I come from a long line of merchant sailors. House Lysander is not quite what it used to be, though, and recently our rivals destroyed much of our fleet. One result of that was that I ended up on the bottom of the ocean. Apparently in a moment of desperation to live, I made a deal with a...well, there's no other way to put it, an intelligent coral reef."
He draws the chunk of coral from his pocket and holds it up. "It sort of...well not exactly...well it 'speaks' to me through this thing, which as you've seen is also a source of strange powers. The reef is compelling me to do something, but I know not what. And I am hoping to learn how to better wield these powers so that one day I can send those enemies who tried to kill me to the bottom of the sea. I know in my gut that the reef will not be so kind to them!"
He takes a breath, looking around, fearing that perhaps he has said too much.
@DM
Zephyra would like to invest in a set of Studded leather and see what could be offered for her regular leather in exchange before settling down to the meal.
When Zephyra leaves the table, she will approach the inn-keeper for a room for the night. Preferably with a big window. She asks little in the form of accommodation in the room and should anyone be paying attention, they will find that she barely used it during the night. If possible she climbs out of it via a window soon after entering and climbs up onto the roof preferring to sleep under the night sky. She's a restless sleeper and unable to sleep in the trees as she's grown accustomed, she will sleep in various wild shapes preferring the animal alertness. (short rest restores her ability to do wild shape so only in the last two hours of the night will she be in her regular form lying under the sky waking with the sun.)
Basically she changes into various cat forms to sleep, adjusting each hour. I consider her extremely claustrophobic in a regular inn room with the tavern room being still somewhat so. If this is allowed and she will still benefit through the night of a long rest, I'd appreciate as its sort of a quirk of this character if I may. Historically she hasn't slept inside since her family was killed in their home by some form of humanoids (human or otherwise) as a young teen, but usually sleeps high in trees for safety. Due to the situation in the forest, she would deem this unsafe coming to this adjustment. Anyone paying attention may discover this about her. Ufeza could have heard rumors. She has a low Charisma so her habits may not have always come across well.
Zephyra sits on the end of the bench near the wall with her back to it, her eyes seemingly elsewhere for a short time and eating lightly, quietly observing the room and the others.
She pets any cat that lingers near her long enough, even the skeletal one seeming to get as much pleasure out of their attention as they do hers. When looks come her way for her own story, she smiles. "The Goddess Chauntea found me in a tree one day and we've been walking together ever since." Gripping her staff a little tighter for a moment, she continues, "My heart soars in the forest, learns from its creatures and aches when its injured. I owe my life to the land and plan to pay it back more every day. I know this of myself, that I will not be done until it is at peace for the suffering is deep here." Feeling that perhaps she's a little to serious for the circumstance, she hesitates. "Trust please that I will be here for morning breakfast as I'm eager to put an end to what is happening, for now I think I must rest and pray. I will be down early for breakfast." She excuses herself politely and seeks a room for the night.
Being the most familiar with Ufeza having spoken often after watching him play, she leans near and whispers.
"Please do not let them believe me rude for leaving, it is a pleasant place, but its been years since I've been able to be inside for long."
Ufeza nods as Zephyra whispers to him, and as she departs takes another sip from his mug. "I think our druid friend feels more at home in the trees. I'm sure we all have places that make us feel more comfortable than where we are now. Anyway, thank you all for sharing and I am sorry each of you for your hardships. Though trial forms us stronger than peace, it is worthwhile to remember what is lost along the way. I believe it is only fair to share my own story, though it does not seem as dramatic as yours. I was a foundling. I don't know what happened to my parents, but I was on my own for as long as I can remember. One day when I should have been learning my letters I was scraping for food and got caught with my hand in the saddlebags of a merchant who had stopped at the Way Inn, south of Daggerford. The merchant, a dragonborn name Kalimchi, had pity on me and convinced the local authorities that I was his page. He took me in, and they became as family...near enough at least. Taught me to read and write, customs and decency, and the value of a quick and agile tongue.
About four or five years ago now, while caravanning along the coast, we joined with a troupe of performers. They wanted to found a full travelling carnival but it was not to be. Still, I learned much while I was with them, including many of the musical and magical talents you have seen me use. As much affection as I have for Kalimchi, I didn't want to live a life of ledgers, so I left with the troupe. Their leader Marius still travels with a band called Marius' Spectacular Travelers, but the original group scattered after a few got involved on the wrong side of the law. Ever since I've been on my own, going from town to town making my living performing and seeing what the world has to offer. And that is that, my friends."
He glances at Thariv and asks, "Your rivals...do they know you survived? Or do they think you dead?"
Thariv listens to the others' stories, realizing that there must be an infinite number of paths to the life of an adventurer. While he misses the sea lanes, he is beginning to realize that a life of adventure offers far more variety, for the days and weeks and months and years of being a sailor are most often spent in monotony. He reaches down to scratch Clipper behind the ears when the cat rubs up against his legs.
He nods at Ufeza's question. "I have every reason to believe that I am thought dead by all who knew me before I washed up on shore and began my recent travels," he says. "I shall let them think that for a while, I believe."
Ufeza nodes, "There is freedom in death...perhaps I misspoke on behalf of our unfortunate adversaries from earlier tonight. Though the sentiment is the same. For now, you have a certain freedom you did not before. Bound by your intentions, sure, but no longer relegated to deck or bilge."
Luther's eyes widen at something Ufeza says, then the half-orc repeats it as if to himself "A quick and agile tongue..."
He leans around and fishes a small leather-bound book from his pack, flips it open and runs a finger along a well-read verse inside. He taps the page three times, coughs nervously and then says to his companions "Wait, I want to try something"
He lifts his right sharply and then snaps his fingers while exclaiming quickly "Pine-toh-fos-TARS!"
Thariv's ale mug suddenly chills and a thin frost appears around the rim. Luther laughs with surprise and says "Enjoy your chilled beer, mate. Thank you Ufeza, it hadn't occurred to me that the magic needs the right flow of words, not just the right syllables. With a bit more practice, I may be able to enhance my arrows if we get into any fights in future, boost our firepower"
He repeats the trick on his own drink and takes a deep swig before saying to Blossom "Would you feel ready to share your story with us, friend?"
Thariv smiles at the chilled beer. "It seems that somehow using our various abilities is making them stronger, and even leading to new ones," he muses, quite uncertain about how the magic of the deep that flows through him works. "For the record, being able to chill beer seems to be an excellent ability."
Thariv tilts his head, regarding the beer for a moment, then snaps his fingers while clutching the coral in his other hand. A second mug of beer appears beside his for a moment. He snaps again, and it disappears. "Huh," he says.
He looks to Blossom after hearing Luther's question, curious to learn more about his companions.
((Minor illusion))
Blossom watches the parlour tricks with mild interest, content to relax and let the conversation flow around him. When addressed, he strokes his whiskers a few times as if recalling what he had said before, and then starts with a sigh...
"I'm from far to the south; fewer trees, more sand and more slaves. I wasn't a slave, but I was indebted to a man who owned them. This type of person, they like to bend and break those they hold power over, and I was unable to pay my debts with enough coin for him. So he had me fight - legally, illegally, in pits, in the streets, in the arenas, wherever he thought I could make money for him. I have no doubts now that my debt would never be paid off, because I made him good coin. Orcs, goblins, humans, animals, weapons, no weapons... I came out on top most of the time, so I became his indentured pet."
The tabaxi allows himself a rare smile. "My last fight, he put money on me to fell a monstrous bear. I was to fight in a pit, which was too shallow. They whip the animals to get them to fight, but this bear in its wisdom decided to go for its handlers. Trouble was, there was little to separate those in the pit from those outside the pit, and so the bear had little interest in me. Last I saw of my 'master', he was not enjoying a good death..."
He takes a long drink, and gives a small and silent toast to the group. "And now I am here, punching the deceased friends and family of these good people..."
Ufeza chuckles at Blossom's dark humor. "A poetic end for the one who enslaved you. I dare say it's for our own good the way you handled those undead."