This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ryota's perception check: 3
Ryota still feels that he knows the woman in front of him, but can't remember any other details.
As Thariv speaks, she takes a step forward smiling. The coral in Thariv's hand pulses once more and the half-elf smells sulfur coming out of the woman. "fools, now you will never leave this place!" she laughs as a red tentacle emerges from her back.
An oblex was impersonating the same woman Ryota saw on the path leading to Selpt. Red tentacles sprout from her back lashing at Thariv. The half-elf responds summoning a purple tentacle of the depths and goes toe to toe with her. Luther shoots arrows at her keeping his distance. Ryota runs forward, but a choker comes out of a hiding spot and grapples him with his tentacles.
While Thariv and the oblex trade blows, the choker constricts Ryota into unconsciousness. In a display of magical prowess, Thariv finishes the oblex, sending its remains down the botomless pit at the center of the room. The choker turns to him and incapacitates him before turning to Luther. The half-orc finishes the last monster and stabilizes his companions. No sound other than their breathing can be heard now.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Luther stands watch while waiting for his colleagues to wake. He had developed bonds through combat before but something felt different here; maybe the lack of a supply chain, or the absence of clear orders to follow and then wait for more. But he felt bonded to his new friends and would not see them harmed whilst recuperating in his care.
Crouched in a corner of the room so he can cover all angles, he waits for them to rouse before searching the room for valuables and information.
While looking over his companions, Luther gains the benefits of a short rest.
After Ryota and Thariv wake up, you find a tubular case with two spell scrolls inside. One contains snare and the other beast bond. Looking around the statues, Luther notices that one of them has rubies inlaid that could be easily sold back in a larger town.
The cats seem relaxed now that the phantomorph is dealt with.
Luther tucks the scrolls into his pack "Not sure any of us could make use of these, but they'll no doubt be handy for someone" he says to the others. As he sets about removing the rubies from the statue he nods to the seemingly bottomless hole where the pool used to be. "I didn't want to go messing with that until I had backup, but you're both in need of attention; should we head back to Selp for a rest?"
Ryota looks around, searching for anything else in the room, until he is convinced that there is no other treasure left "I'm ready to go, a full meal and a long night sleep is exactly what I need."
You carefully walk out, finding no monsters on your way. Once out of the keep you take the hidden exit in the stables, too tired to climb the wall out. The trip back is quiet and you arrive safely in Selpt, where Thaddee the townmaster is happily talking to Berkle, the inkeeper. You can overhear the end of the conversation as you approach "... just have everything ready for tonight, I'll send a couple boy to help" says Thaddee "it will be a lot of work, but we have to celebrate this!" replies the inkeeper.
Thariv had found himself sinking into a deep black, watery abyss, his very soul being claimed by the thing that had once saved him...he supposed the deal had bought him a little more time, a little bit of excitment and adventure, and a nice little cat friend...
And then his eyes fluttered open to find Clipper nuzzling her nose into his cheek--and that Luther had vanquished their foes singlehandedly! "Th-thank you, my friend," he sputtered as he came to and slowly rose to his feet. He nodded vigorously at the suggestion to return to town. He stooped awkwardly to pick up the chunk of coral that had fallen from his hand when the monstrous thing nearly killed him.
Thariv doesn't much feel like celebrating anything when he makes his way into the inn, but he speaks up "So, what are you celebrating?" he asks as Clipper rubs insistently against his leg.
Berkle turns to Thariv "haven't you noticed? the phantomorph is gone. It's finally safe to go out again" the dwarf explains with a smile "the mayor just asked me to prepare the finest food for tonigth, you can go and ask him for details if you want", he continues as his cat comes inside and purrs next to his boots "of course we will have fish for you, don't worry."
"That? Well, I did say we were looking for work - we ended up finding some". Then to Thariv and Ryota "Let's go see the mayor then, maybe there's a value to this gratitude. Even better, we may be able to secure further employment"
Luther stoops down to scratch Truffles under the chin "I bet that talk of fish got you all excited eh? Well if we get paid then maybe there's a treat for you too"
You find the mayor sitting near a water fountain, resting in the sun and petting Nugget, his fat orange cat. "Come, enjoy the sun here with me, the day is nice and the phantomorph is gone."
Luther takes a seat by the fountain too (OOC if the mayor's feet are in the fountain then he is 100% having a piece of that, otherwise he remains respectfully fountain-free).
"It is a good day indeed, mayor. The phantomorph is gone and Selpt can enjoy some peace, although it took everything that we had. I wouldn't normally be so bold, and I know that we discussed no payment for our work, but my friends and I would appreciate a contribution towards our costs. We would also love the opportunity to help in any other way we can, or maybe you know of other settlements in need of...skills such as ours?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The mayor is sitting in a bench looking at the fountain, Nugget doesn't want to get wet and his human companion obliges.
"You took the phantomorph out?" Thaddee exclaims in surprise as you tell what happened in the ruins "you have provided a great service to this town! Please accept this" he continues as he takes a pouch full of coins out of his pocket containing 10 gold pieces and 15 silver pieces.
"We will be having a celebration tonight at the Bucket and Basilisk. Please attend, you would be our guests of honor. There is no need to worry about work right now." He continues smiling, his cat purrs satisfied in his lap.
As night approaches, people start arriving to the tavern. Most of them humans and dwarves, but you spot a few halflings and elves too. Each person is accompanied by a cat, as things should be. Berkle has prepared a delicious feast, despite his protest and the mayor improvises a speech praising the heroes.
After most of the food has been eaten, Bely approaches you. The kid who first encountered the phantomorph looks relieved, and his cat Scratches is walking proud still wearing the jeweled tiara they found in the ruins. "I'm glad that the monster didn't eat you" he says "'I've been thinking a bit and I think this crown is too fancy for Scratches. I want to give it to you for keeping everyone safe." As the boy takes the tiara from the cat, each of you feels that the bond with the cats weakens. People looks confused at their surroundings for a moment before continuing drinking and most cats leave the building. The feline hivemind has disbanded.
Thariv feels a bit rejuvenated by the food and drink--and truth be told, the adulation from the towns folk. It's not quite like having sailors at his command at sea, but he still feels a little more like his old self, even as that alien, oceanic intelligence lingers in the shadows of his mind at all times.
He feels a bit of relief and a bit of sadness as he realizes the bond with Clipper has been broken. And yet, there was something quite strange about his sudden devotion to the cat, come to think of it...
He looks to Luther. "Well, this is an interesting town,"he says. "I wonder where the road might take us next. And about those tentacles...well, I suppose I owe you an explanation soon about what I can do. Of course, I'm still figuring it out myself."
OOC: Can I assume that Thariv will be able to rest up, get healing as needed, etc. before there's going to be any more significant activity? I figure so but just want to confirm.
Thariv's coral piece pulses when Bely gives up the tiara, making you suspect that it could be magical.
The mental link has been broken, but the cat would still accompany you if you want to accept them.
Story Awards: Feline Friend While your cat no longer has any magical bond to you and has lost all of their abilities, they remain affectionate toward you and have followed you from Selpt. As a final gift from the hive mind, they have been granted long life. As long as you care for your cat, they will never leave you; growing old together with you. Your cat’s statistics are as a normal cat from the Monster Manual. Your cat is a suitable target for the find familiar spell, should you be able to cast it.
OOC: this is officially the end of this adventure, but you are still able to ask questions and purchase equipment before we move on. There is plenty of time to rest too.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Luther leans back in his chair, relaxed at last in the company of good folk and new friends. If he misses any part of military life, then this is it; the moments inbetween the violence that allow you to enjoy the life which the deadly interludes had given you cause to truly appreciate.
"That is a story that I would indeed be interested to hear, and I may need ale to let myself believe it" He says to Thariv. "I would be jealous of your... natural gift if I weren't so disturbed by its results. For now, I shall continue my pursuit of more traditional arcana" he says, tapping his mother's notebook in its pouch at his waist. Then, stroking Truffles absentmindedly, he says:
"Speaking of which, why did this thing hold such sway over the whole town?"
Arcana check to examine the tiara 19
(OOC to Thariv: Split the money evenly, 6 gold and 25 silver each?)
Edit: (ouch, need to read a lot more of that notebook)
Luther is too tired to figure out the tiara so soon. But after a long rest and spending some time to study it, he and Thariv regognize it as a tiara of telepathy.
I just reread the thread and here is the treasure count so far: - 3 sp (first encounter with a deranged woman and a bear) - 2 silver candle holders (25 gp each) - 13 gp + 20 sp (Thaddee's money pouch) - scroll of beast bond - scroll of snare - tiara of telepathy
Sadly, Ryota split from you on your way to town from the ruins, so you only need to split this between Luther and Thariv.
Now that Selpt is safe from the phnatomorph, you gain a level. Have fun picking your character options.
As Luther and Thariv assess their collected loot, he tries to think of a way to split the larger items fairly. "You may take the tiara and scrolls if you wish, I want to concentrate on imbuing my arrows with arcana and might be distracted by them. We might also need some backup before we set out for further adventure; I'd heard that taverns were a good place to meet likeminded folk but I wonder if we're a bit far out from civilisation for that to work. We could always give it a try though, the worst that can happen is we get drunk"
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Ryota's perception check: 3
Ryota still feels that he knows the woman in front of him, but can't remember any other details.
As Thariv speaks, she takes a step forward smiling. The coral in Thariv's hand pulses once more and the half-elf smells sulfur coming out of the woman. "fools, now you will never leave this place!" she laughs as a red tentacle emerges from her back.
Time to continue in the combat thread.
An oblex was impersonating the same woman Ryota saw on the path leading to Selpt. Red tentacles sprout from her back lashing at Thariv. The half-elf responds summoning a purple tentacle of the depths and goes toe to toe with her. Luther shoots arrows at her keeping his distance. Ryota runs forward, but a choker comes out of a hiding spot and grapples him with his tentacles.
While Thariv and the oblex trade blows, the choker constricts Ryota into unconsciousness. In a display of magical prowess, Thariv finishes the oblex, sending its remains down the botomless pit at the center of the room. The choker turns to him and incapacitates him before turning to Luther. The half-orc finishes the last monster and stabilizes his companions. No sound other than their breathing can be heard now.
Luther stands watch while waiting for his colleagues to wake. He had developed bonds through combat before but something felt different here; maybe the lack of a supply chain, or the absence of clear orders to follow and then wait for more. But he felt bonded to his new friends and would not see them harmed whilst recuperating in his care.
Crouched in a corner of the room so he can cover all angles, he waits for them to rouse before searching the room for valuables and information.
Perception 22
Investigation 19
Truffles perception 19
While looking over his companions, Luther gains the benefits of a short rest.
After Ryota and Thariv wake up, you find a tubular case with two spell scrolls inside. One contains snare and the other beast bond. Looking around the statues, Luther notices that one of them has rubies inlaid that could be easily sold back in a larger town.
The cats seem relaxed now that the phantomorph is dealt with.
Luther tucks the scrolls into his pack "Not sure any of us could make use of these, but they'll no doubt be handy for someone" he says to the others. As he sets about removing the rubies from the statue he nods to the seemingly bottomless hole where the pool used to be. "I didn't want to go messing with that until I had backup, but you're both in need of attention; should we head back to Selp for a rest?"
Ryota looks around, searching for anything else in the room, until he is convinced that there is no other treasure left "I'm ready to go, a full meal and a long night sleep is exactly what I need."
You carefully walk out, finding no monsters on your way. Once out of the keep you take the hidden exit in the stables, too tired to climb the wall out. The trip back is quiet and you arrive safely in Selpt, where Thaddee the townmaster is happily talking to Berkle, the inkeeper. You can overhear the end of the conversation as you approach "... just have everything ready for tonight, I'll send a couple boy to help" says Thaddee "it will be a lot of work, but we have to celebrate this!" replies the inkeeper.
Thariv had found himself sinking into a deep black, watery abyss, his very soul being claimed by the thing that had once saved him...he supposed the deal had bought him a little more time, a little bit of excitment and adventure, and a nice little cat friend...
And then his eyes fluttered open to find Clipper nuzzling her nose into his cheek--and that Luther had vanquished their foes singlehandedly! "Th-thank you, my friend," he sputtered as he came to and slowly rose to his feet. He nodded vigorously at the suggestion to return to town. He stooped awkwardly to pick up the chunk of coral that had fallen from his hand when the monstrous thing nearly killed him.
Thariv doesn't much feel like celebrating anything when he makes his way into the inn, but he speaks up "So, what are you celebrating?" he asks as Clipper rubs insistently against his leg.
"I love a party" says the burly half orc, readjusting the bow slung over his shoulder. "Any fight you walk away from is a good one"
Berkle turns to Thariv "haven't you noticed? the phantomorph is gone. It's finally safe to go out again" the dwarf explains with a smile "the mayor just asked me to prepare the finest food for tonigth, you can go and ask him for details if you want", he continues as his cat comes inside and purrs next to his boots "of course we will have fish for you, don't worry."
"That? Well, I did say we were looking for work - we ended up finding some". Then to Thariv and Ryota "Let's go see the mayor then, maybe there's a value to this gratitude. Even better, we may be able to secure further employment"
Luther stoops down to scratch Truffles under the chin "I bet that talk of fish got you all excited eh? Well if we get paid then maybe there's a treat for you too"
Thariv nods. "Yes, let's see what he has to say," he replies. "Then I may need some rest before I celebrate."
"Oh yes, the sleeping will be almost reward enough. Almost." With that, they head to the mayor's office.
You find the mayor sitting near a water fountain, resting in the sun and petting Nugget, his fat orange cat. "Come, enjoy the sun here with me, the day is nice and the phantomorph is gone."
Luther takes a seat by the fountain too (OOC if the mayor's feet are in the fountain then he is 100% having a piece of that, otherwise he remains respectfully fountain-free).
"It is a good day indeed, mayor. The phantomorph is gone and Selpt can enjoy some peace, although it took everything that we had. I wouldn't normally be so bold, and I know that we discussed no payment for our work, but my friends and I would appreciate a contribution towards our costs. We would also love the opportunity to help in any other way we can, or maybe you know of other settlements in need of...skills such as ours?"
The mayor is sitting in a bench looking at the fountain, Nugget doesn't want to get wet and his human companion obliges.
"You took the phantomorph out?" Thaddee exclaims in surprise as you tell what happened in the ruins "you have provided a great service to this town! Please accept this" he continues as he takes a pouch full of coins out of his pocket containing 10 gold pieces and 15 silver pieces.
"We will be having a celebration tonight at the Bucket and Basilisk. Please attend, you would be our guests of honor. There is no need to worry about work right now." He continues smiling, his cat purrs satisfied in his lap.
As night approaches, people start arriving to the tavern. Most of them humans and dwarves, but you spot a few halflings and elves too. Each person is accompanied by a cat, as things should be. Berkle has prepared a delicious feast, despite his protest and the mayor improvises a speech praising the heroes.
After most of the food has been eaten, Bely approaches you. The kid who first encountered the phantomorph looks relieved, and his cat Scratches is walking proud still wearing the jeweled tiara they found in the ruins. "I'm glad that the monster didn't eat you" he says "'I've been thinking a bit and I think this crown is too fancy for Scratches. I want to give it to you for keeping everyone safe." As the boy takes the tiara from the cat, each of you feels that the bond with the cats weakens. People looks confused at their surroundings for a moment before continuing drinking and most cats leave the building. The feline hivemind has disbanded.
Thariv feels a bit rejuvenated by the food and drink--and truth be told, the adulation from the towns folk. It's not quite like having sailors at his command at sea, but he still feels a little more like his old self, even as that alien, oceanic intelligence lingers in the shadows of his mind at all times.
He feels a bit of relief and a bit of sadness as he realizes the bond with Clipper has been broken. And yet, there was something quite strange about his sudden devotion to the cat, come to think of it...
He looks to Luther. "Well, this is an interesting town," he says. "I wonder where the road might take us next. And about those tentacles...well, I suppose I owe you an explanation soon about what I can do. Of course, I'm still figuring it out myself."
OOC: Can I assume that Thariv will be able to rest up, get healing as needed, etc. before there's going to be any more significant activity? I figure so but just want to confirm.
Thariv's coral piece pulses when Bely gives up the tiara, making you suspect that it could be magical.
The mental link has been broken, but the cat would still accompany you if you want to accept them.
Story Awards: Feline Friend
While your cat no longer has any magical bond to you and has lost all of their abilities, they remain affectionate toward you and have followed you from Selpt. As a final gift from the hive mind, they have been granted long life. As long as you care for your cat, they will never leave you; growing old together with you. Your cat’s statistics are as a normal cat from the Monster Manual. Your cat is a suitable target for the find familiar spell, should you be able to cast it.
OOC: this is officially the end of this adventure, but you are still able to ask questions and purchase equipment before we move on. There is plenty of time to rest too.
Luther leans back in his chair, relaxed at last in the company of good folk and new friends. If he misses any part of military life, then this is it; the moments inbetween the violence that allow you to enjoy the life which the deadly interludes had given you cause to truly appreciate.
"That is a story that I would indeed be interested to hear, and I may need ale to let myself believe it" He says to Thariv. "I would be jealous of your... natural gift if I weren't so disturbed by its results. For now, I shall continue my pursuit of more traditional arcana" he says, tapping his mother's notebook in its pouch at his waist. Then, stroking Truffles absentmindedly, he says:
"Speaking of which, why did this thing hold such sway over the whole town?"
Arcana check to examine the tiara 19
(OOC to Thariv: Split the money evenly, 6 gold and 25 silver each?)
Edit: (ouch, need to read a lot more of that notebook)
Luther is too tired to figure out the tiara so soon. But after a long rest and spending some time to study it, he and Thariv regognize it as a tiara of telepathy.
I just reread the thread and here is the treasure count so far:
- 3 sp (first encounter with a deranged woman and a bear)
- 2 silver candle holders (25 gp each)
- 13 gp + 20 sp (Thaddee's money pouch)
- scroll of beast bond
- scroll of snare
- tiara of telepathy
Sadly, Ryota split from you on your way to town from the ruins, so you only need to split this between Luther and Thariv.
Now that Selpt is safe from the phnatomorph, you gain a level. Have fun picking your character options.
(OOC: Woohoo I get Action Surge)
As Luther and Thariv assess their collected loot, he tries to think of a way to split the larger items fairly. "You may take the tiara and scrolls if you wish, I want to concentrate on imbuing my arrows with arcana and might be distracted by them. We might also need some backup before we set out for further adventure; I'd heard that taverns were a good place to meet likeminded folk but I wonder if we're a bit far out from civilisation for that to work. We could always give it a try though, the worst that can happen is we get drunk"