In the continent of Khorvaire, the Cult of the Dragon Below has begun to stir pockets of trouble throughout the land. They have attacked small towns or villages in various countries and it seems the authorities don't quite know why. Various groups have started to take notice and are mobilizing to find out what the cult is trying to accomplish. Heroes seeking glory, or those looking to pocket the cult's ill-gotten treasure, are moving and finding threads in an attempt to unravel the Cult of the Dragon Below's plans. Will their evil plot be uncovered before it is too late?
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd[Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player] Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale Ru's Current Status
Hint: Each name is a link that takes you to that character's sheet. The spoilers reveal reference images shared by the players.
Aurelia, a fiery human with a heritage in Thrane. A member of the Church of the Silver Flame, not super into the clergy, however. Played by: Thordain.
Dahme'dre, a human warlock that made an unknown pact with an unknown source. A member of house Cannith, out looking to make a better world. Played by:BDaddLy.
Slade, a lowkey wood elf from Aundair and definitely not a spy. They are investigating reports of cult activities in Ardev. Played by: Psychometrika.
Ashehee, half-elf Paladin of the Silver Flame. JUSTICE AGAINST EVIL, GIVE THEM NO QUARTER!!!!!! Played by: Wolverinehusky.
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd[Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player] Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale Ru's Current Status
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd[Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player] Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale Ru's Current Status
Here you will find people, places, things, and idea definitions as they arise.
Dragonmark: A mark which first manifests during a time of great personal peril and need. Only blood members of the dragonmarked houses may receive a mark corresponding to their house.
Dragonmarked Houses: Twelve Houses in which the main family bears a dragonmark. For generic info on each house, please visit: Link. Please check with the DM first before posting your character's deep thoughts on house on-goings or information.
Magebred Animal: Magebred animals are the specialty of House Vadalis. Magebred animals are typically more powerful, and thus more expensive than your usual fare. Magebred animals include horses, bears, dogs, griffins, and much more.
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd[Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player] Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale Ru's Current Status
None yet. I will put retired maps here when it seems like we have stopped using them just to keep the map section relevant and quick. If we ever revisit some place, it will be quick and easy to just reinsert the map back into the page.
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd[Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player] Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale Ru's Current Status
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Posting Rules
For this game, we understand everyone's time is limited every day. Most of us are professionals! Please try to:
Post once a day if able.
Characters may interact with each other freely.
All posts are to be in 3rd person, with "Quotations for dialogue." Your dialogue should be colored in the color you chose.
There are no minimum word counts for posting as long as your character is either: doing something, saying something, thinking about something, or passing their turn.
Your posts in character should be in complete sentences. No chat room speak or shorthand.
Spelling and grammar mistakes happen! Just keep your posts readable...
When talking in OOC, out of character, use parentheses. This is to ask questions to other players or the DM, or just to have a conversation. I would keep regular off-topic conversation to a minimum in this thread and instead take it to our group PM!
When making rolls, please insert the roll into the same post you are making them, along with what you are rolling in parentheses at the end. For example, Nox tends to the campfire and attempts to keep it stoked despite the cold. (17 for Survival)
When using abilities, please insert the tooltip into the same post you are using them. Check the below spoiler for more information.
How do the tooltips/links to spells etc work?
D&D Beyond offers the ability to link certain aspects on the forum in mouse-over triggered tooltips, such as magic items, monsters or combat actions - examples being Adult Black Dragon and dash. To create tooltips in this way as these, use the appropriate [tag][/tag] around the desired subject.
Example: [ magicitem]sunblade[/ magicitem] (Without spaces within the [ ] brackets.)
During combat, you can only post once until every character has had a chance to post, and then the DM has had a chance to post the monsters.
During combat, please indicate which actions you are taking, if any apply: bonus, standard, movement. Example in the spoiler below.
With an encouraging shout, Aurelia emboldens Slade. Don't give up, he's on the ropes! She reaches out her hand, and silver fire pours outwards, engulfing the orcs.
Bonus: healing word targeting Slade, healing 5 hp Action: burning hands at the orcish group, dealing 9 Movement: Step to Ashelee's right-hand side, blocking the door
(OOC:This was Aurelia's last spell slot for the day, so she's out of healing magic)
Absences
Everyone is bound to have periods in which they cannot post at all. If you know you will be absent, please inform the DM. If you have exact dates, feel free to share them with the DM. Here are some rules about being absent:
If you are unable to post for a certain period and if you feel comfortable with another player playing your character, then you may let that player post your character for you during your absence.
If you are absent, the DM can provide a summary, but it is on you to understand the content you have missed.
If you are NOT comfortable with anyone posting your character, then the DM will create convenient reasons why your character is unable to assist the party. Most likely, illnesses, curses, etc. If you return and the party is still on an "away" mission, we can either: retcon or your character can have a micro adventure until the characters return to your character.
If you go a whole three days without posting, do not respond to PMs, and do not inform anyone of your absence, you will be considered to have dropped the group until you have spoken with the DM. (I am nice! Bad things IRL happen! If something caused you to go dark, DON'T WORRY AND TALK TO ME!)
Planned Absences
Here is a list of all the times someone will be absent. Days in which the DM is absent means delayed responses from NPCs.
Psychometrika planned absence 9/7 to 9/8 (Slade picked up by Thordain)
LaRue planned absence 9/12
Thordain planned absence 9/22 to 9/29 (Aurelia picked up by Psychometrika)
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd[Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player] Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale Ru's Current Status
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd[Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player] Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale Ru's Current Status
You find yourself on a small caravan on your way to Ardev in Breland. Whether it was fate or coincidence, some of you joined the traveling merchant unknowing that a past ally agreed to assist the caravan as well. Or perhaps some of you were already traveling together when you joined the caravan. In any case, the journey to Ardev began a week ago. The caravan consists of: 2 wagons of crated goods, two magebred horses pulling both for a total of four magebred horses, the merchant himself and his bodyguard. The merchant drives the wagon in the front, and his bodyguard drives the wagon in the back. There is room for you to sit inside the wagons, besides the riders, or to walk along with the wagons.
The merchant is hobgoblin man by the name of Klobs.
The bodyguard is an orc woman by the name of Zomith.
They seem to mostly keep to themselves.
It is roughly the late afternoon. It will be another 5 or so hours before you reach your destination.
(In your first post, please introduce your character.)
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd[Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player] Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale Ru's Current Status
Aurelia looks out the side of the caravan, as the horses pull the wagon over the bumpy road. She is hot in her armor, and wants a drink. Her quiet friend and companion, Eleth, seems even more uncomfortable, trying to pull herself into the shadows of the covered wagon.
The flame told me to come here. Why?
Aurelia grasps her staff, knuckles tightening.
(OOC - using italics for thinking speech, and regular for spoken speech)
Slade scans the horizon while sparing furtive glances to his traveling companions. He's not entirely sure what to make of them. At least that House Cannith woman may provide to be a useful ally...if nothing for information on the movements of her House. As for the others, two seem to be religious sorts, and caution is best with those types. Zealots can combine both predictability and volatility, yet perhaps they could be useful if properly handled. This mission is a rare chance to prove himself to the Royal Eyes, one that he knows may never come again if he fails.
The last, other than the merchant and his guard, is a Valenarian wood elf. "Shit. Here comes an execrable day of listening to ancestor worship nonsense while I make awkward explanations of why I really don't care. Is it even possible to be racist against your own race? ", Slade muses to himself.
Slade pulls up his cloak in hopes of avoiding conversation, concealing his finely chiseled elven features, dark hair, and silvered eyes. Dressed plainly in dark traveling clothes, with only a short sword at his belt and unarmored, Slade could pass as a common traveler. A keen observer could notice the poise and precision of his movements, suggesting perhaps some training in the martial arts.
Pulling even with the merchant and with a friendly smile, "Hail friend. What news of Ardev these days? I've heard rumors of cultists stirring up trouble in these parts."
Dahme'dre is fairly short for a human female, however her regal nature and sheer force of character give her an almost imposing appearance. Her long dark hair is worn loose, framing her beautiful face and accenting her fair skin.
She wears a fine blue riding dress and hood with dark embroidery around the trim. She is covered modestly, but her feminine figure is apparent through the layers. She carries a carved wooden walking staff with a deep blue crystal adorning the top.
With a sense of satisfaction she watches the party, particularly the clergy members, with a protective gaze as they travel.
She sighs to herself. The easy part is done I suppose. I don't imagine it'll get any easier from here.
"Cultists," The merchant repeats the word with vitriol, practically spitting it. "They're bad for business, that lot. Ye', I've heard of them mucking around in the small hamlets near Ardev. Heard from one of me mates in the city watch at Ardev that they been turning up folk's stuff. Raidin' into these places, but not pillagin'! How absurd is that!?" Klobs sighed. During his short tirade, he kept his eyes on the road, but any who could see the look in his eyes could tell he possibly had his own run-in with the cultists or some other direct experience. "Sorry, I am just sick n' tired of playing hide-n-go seek with these cultists. It's people like them that cost me my hard-earned coin, er- no offense to you." Klobs likely referencing that he had hired the adventurers to guard his caravan on the journey to Ardev. "Ardev... well, it's not some little podunk town those fools can just raid. I'd like to see them try to go up against trained and armed men, not farmers and their families."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd[Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player] Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale Ru's Current Status
Aurelia listens to the conversation. The cloaked traveler has something in his voice... she can't quite place it. Perhaps an air of quiet authority? Despite his plain clothes and words, his movement belies a familiarity with danger. She feels out of place. At least in the Eldeen reach, with Eleth, there was a quiet routine. The woods, the animals. A sense of peace, away from threats. There was something very soothing about spending the days with animals and her quiet Elven companion.
What am I supposed to do? Where do I go? Am I where I am supposed to be?
She implores the silver flame, for what feels like the thousandth time. But nothing. No voice, no visions, no aura of inspiration. Resigned, she heaves a sigh and looks up. Her eyes catch the other human watching her, and she gives her a brief nod.
"Once we reach Ardev do you and your friends have any plans? There have been rumors of ill-happenings there lately. It couldn't hurt to have a few friends nearby. I could show you around a bit and maybe you'll be able to help me out too."
Asheehee ignored the conversation. Talkers worried her, unless of course the words concerned the Silver Flame. Talking was an excuse for not acting. Best to leave the talking to the old women and disabled men. She was neither, so she looked ahead.
The warhammer felt good in her hands. Cool to the touch, like a copper mug iced for a serving of spirits. Ashehee easily handled the warhammer, and the walk did not tire her, despite the bulk of her equipment weighing her down as she walked alongside the caravan with her new companions. She felt the dagger in the small of her lower back caressing her, like a child groping her mother for a meal from the breast. Her chain mail armor hugged her body like a blanket; albeit a dirty blanket, stained by the blood of sinners who paid the ultimate price for their treachery.
She surveyed the group. She felt the need to ask questions of the ragtag group. She wanted to ascertain who could be saved, and who could not, but though better of it. “The wicked inevitably show their intentions like weeds in a garden,” she thought to herself, “may as well let the weeds show themselves,” She knew she’d be able to tend the garden soon enough.
Ashehee decided to sing. This group needed song, as song could teach. Though each day she tried to forgive her mother, an elven noble of some sort who was raped by a human in some type of skirmish, she felt anger that her mother abandoned her. Despite the ill feelings, she appreciated the fact that her mother blessed her with a golden voice. Certainly a gift from the Silver Flame Ashehee would remind herself.
She began to softly sing in the common tongue:
Touch the Flame with pure intent, your hand passes through,
The heat of her love soothes, rather than burns you
But should you sin, the Flame will burn
Repent and beg forgiveness,
The Silver Fame protects us all, for sinners know the Flame is blue
She continues to sing, as her heart warms with the love of the Silver Flame.
Feeling uncomfortable in the midst of so many people, even with Aurelia by her side, Eleth does her best to blend into the background. With the rumors of the cult being in Ardev I knew I needed to go there, but with these people? Aurelia is fine as she knows about my past and why i am so quiet, but these others i cannot figure out. Settling back into the shadows, Eleth pulls the cowl of her cloak deeper over her copper hued hair. Waiting for the inevitable questions about the scar that flows over her left eye from forehead to cheek, I wonder how I am going to deflect them? she asked herself. Hopefully these companions will be helpful to my quest.
"Once we reach Ardev do you and your friends have any plans? There have been rumors of ill-happenings there lately. It couldn't hurt to have a few friends nearby. I could show you around a bit and maybe you'll be able to help me out too."
Truth be told, Aurelia has no plans, and no idea of what she is even doing here. All she knows was that she heard the voice tell her to come here. But she is not sure what she should say. Should she tell this woman about the voice? Or this this not what she is supposed to do? The armored woman sings outside, distracting her. Aurelia glances at Eleth, but the quiet self is even more introspective than usual.
Perhaps a neutral approach is best, for now...
This is our first journey to Ardev. We would be glad of any news of the area. What is the nature of the help you seek?
Slade nods in acknowledgment to the merchant's response, "That is strange behavior indeed, friend, what of raiders do not do not bother with the actual raiding? Perhaps, at least they will not bother with us at least then."
Slade's ears perk up at Aurelia's query. With a quick nod to the merchant, he turns towards the conversation.
"Ah yes, Dahme'dre, exactly what business does a member of the glorious House Cannith have trudging along with the rest of this fine company? As my brief chat with out illustrious employer indicates, I have interest in the activities of cultists in these parts. Perhaps our goals align once again?"
"Once we reach Ardev do you and your friends have any plans? There have been rumors of ill-happenings there lately. It couldn't hurt to have a few friends nearby. I could show you around a bit and maybe you'll be able to help me out too."
Truth be told, Aurelia has no plans, and no idea of what she is even doing here. All she knows was that she heard the voice tell her to come here. But she is not sure what she should say. Should she tell this woman about the voice? Or this this not what she is supposed to do? The armored woman sings outside, distracting her. Aurelia glances at Eleth, but the quiet self is even more introspective than usual.
Perhaps a neutral approach is best, for now...
This is our first journey to Ardev. We would be glad of any news of the area. What is the nature of the help you seek?
I know this quietness is probably driving Aurelia mad, but she needs to remember what the forest taught us. Eleth glances over at her companion and whispers, "That singing is going to bring something to us i dare say. What think you? Eleth asked Aurelia.
Slade nods in acknowledgment to the merchant's response, "That is strange behavior indeed, friend, what of raiders do not do not bother with the actual raiding? Perhaps, at least they will not bother with us at least then."
Slade's ears perk up at Aurelia's query. With a quick nod to the merchant, he turns towards the conversation.
"Ah yes, Dahme'dre, exactly what business does a member of the glorious House Cannith have trudging along with the rest of this fine company? As my brief chat with out illustrious employer indicates, I have interest in the activities of cultists in these parts. Perhaps our goals align once again?"
Spade, always taking any opportunity to glean any useful information... Even where there is no information to be found...
it seemed this whole party may be as directionless as Dahme'dre. Following some gut feeling. Accepting the meager guidance of fate.
Her lack of confidence didn't show.
"There may not be much to see in Ardev. It's commerce is mostly tied up in supplying caravans passing through, but rarely is it the destination of those goods. House Cannith caravans pass as often as any others. I will do what I can to ensure the safety of future supplies passing through this crossroads. With the rumors we've all heard it seems the local forces may be... mismanaged, or if not, understaffed for these challenges. I may very well put together a team to strike at the heart of the problem. I'll need more information before the course is clear."
None of that is really untrue. Let them believe I've been sent on house business if it helps gain their confidence.
One thing is certain. Whatever forces of fate have drawn Dahme'dre to this party are drawing this party to Ardev, and there, will surely lie the key to events yet to come. Events that cannot be allowed to come.
Call of the Dragon Below
A 5e Adventure in Eberron
Introduction:
In the continent of Khorvaire, the Cult of the Dragon Below has begun to stir pockets of trouble throughout the land. They have attacked small towns or villages in various countries and it seems the authorities don't quite know why. Various groups have started to take notice and are mobilizing to find out what the cult is trying to accomplish. Heroes seeking glory, or those looking to pocket the cult's ill-gotten treasure, are moving and finding threads in an attempt to unravel the Cult of the Dragon Below's plans. Will their evil plot be uncovered before it is too late?
Table of Contents:
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd [Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player]
Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale
Ru's Current Status
Character Sheets
Hint: Each name is a link that takes you to that character's sheet. The spoilers reveal reference images shared by the players.
Aurelia, a fiery human with a heritage in Thrane. A member of the Church of the Silver Flame, not super into the clergy, however. Played by: Thordain.
Dahme'dre, a human warlock that made an unknown pact with an unknown source. A member of house Cannith, out looking to make a better world. Played by: BDaddLy.
Slade, a lowkey wood elf from Aundair and definitely not a spy. They are investigating reports of cult activities in Ardev. Played by: Psychometrika.
Ashehee, half-elf Paladin of the Silver Flame. JUSTICE AGAINST EVIL, GIVE THEM NO QUARTER!!!!!! Played by: Wolverinehusky.
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd [Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player]
Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale
Ru's Current Status
List of NPCs will go here.
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd [Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player]
Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale
Ru's Current Status
Encyclopedia of Terms
Here you will find people, places, things, and idea definitions as they arise.
Dragonmark: A mark which first manifests during a time of great personal peril and need. Only blood members of the dragonmarked houses may receive a mark corresponding to their house.
Dragonmarked Houses: Twelve Houses in which the main family bears a dragonmark. For generic info on each house, please visit: Link. Please check with the DM first before posting your character's deep thoughts on house on-goings or information.
Magebred Animal: Magebred animals are the specialty of House Vadalis. Magebred animals are typically more powerful, and thus more expensive than your usual fare. Magebred animals include horses, bears, dogs, griffins, and much more.
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd [Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player]
Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale
Ru's Current Status
Maps
Tip: I've linked some of the maps to a bigger version of the map in case you can't see it too well on the forum!
Priority Map:
Ardev
Eberron
Khorvaire
Breland
Retired Maps:
None yet. I will put retired maps here when it seems like we have stopped using them just to keep the map section relevant and quick. If we ever revisit some place, it will be quick and easy to just reinsert the map back into the page.
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd [Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player]
Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale
Ru's Current Status
Posting Rules
For this game, we understand everyone's time is limited every day. Most of us are professionals! Please try to:
How do the tooltips/links to spells etc work?
D&D Beyond offers the ability to link certain aspects on the forum in mouse-over triggered tooltips, such as magic items, monsters or combat actions - examples being Adult Black Dragon and dash. To create tooltips in this way as these, use the appropriate [tag][/tag] around the desired subject.
Example: [ magicitem]sunblade[/ magicitem] (Without spaces within the [ ] brackets.)
Use the following within the [ ][/ ] bracket system:
action - an action taken in combat - e.g. dodge, search and ready
condition - a condition afflicted upon a creature - e.g. restrained, poisoned and prone
item - a mundane item - e.g. torch, trident and backpack
magicItem - a magical item - e.g. Bag of Holding, Dust of Disappearance and Demon Armor
monster - a creature you can encounter - e.g. Banshee, Bandit and Unicorn
sense - a type of extra sense, whether magical or natural - e.g. darkvision, tremorsense and truesight
skill - this is used for professions - e.g. Persuasion, Stealth
spell - a magical spell - e.g. Mage Hand, Magic Missile and Abi-Dalzim’s Horrid Wilting
wprop - a property of a weapon - e.g. finesse, versatile and heavy
With an encouraging shout, Aurelia emboldens Slade. Don't give up, he's on the ropes! She reaches out her hand, and silver fire pours outwards, engulfing the orcs.
Bonus: healing word targeting Slade, healing 5 hp
Action: burning hands at the orcish group, dealing 9
Movement: Step to Ashelee's right-hand side, blocking the door
(OOC:This was Aurelia's last spell slot for the day, so she's out of healing magic)
Absences
Everyone is bound to have periods in which they cannot post at all. If you know you will be absent, please inform the DM. If you have exact dates, feel free to share them with the DM. Here are some rules about being absent:
Planned Absences
Here is a list of all the times someone will be absent. Days in which the DM is absent means delayed responses from NPCs.
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd [Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player]
Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale
Ru's Current Status
Reserved.
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd [Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player]
Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale
Ru's Current Status
Barrakas 27th, 1017 YK
You find yourself on a small caravan on your way to Ardev in Breland. Whether it was fate or coincidence, some of you joined the traveling merchant unknowing that a past ally agreed to assist the caravan as well. Or perhaps some of you were already traveling together when you joined the caravan. In any case, the journey to Ardev began a week ago. The caravan consists of: 2 wagons of crated goods, two magebred horses pulling both for a total of four magebred horses, the merchant himself and his bodyguard. The merchant drives the wagon in the front, and his bodyguard drives the wagon in the back. There is room for you to sit inside the wagons, besides the riders, or to walk along with the wagons.
The merchant is hobgoblin man by the name of Klobs.
The bodyguard is an orc woman by the name of Zomith.
They seem to mostly keep to themselves.
It is roughly the late afternoon. It will be another 5 or so hours before you reach your destination.
(In your first post, please introduce your character.)
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd [Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player]
Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale
Ru's Current Status
Aurelia looks out the side of the caravan, as the horses pull the wagon over the bumpy road. She is hot in her armor, and wants a drink. Her quiet friend and companion, Eleth, seems even more uncomfortable, trying to pull herself into the shadows of the covered wagon.
The flame told me to come here. Why?
Aurelia grasps her staff, knuckles tightening.
(OOC - using italics for thinking speech, and regular for spoken speech)
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
Slade scans the horizon while sparing furtive glances to his traveling companions. He's not entirely sure what to make of them. At least that House Cannith woman may provide to be a useful ally...if nothing for information on the movements of her House. As for the others, two seem to be religious sorts, and caution is best with those types. Zealots can combine both predictability and volatility, yet perhaps they could be useful if properly handled. This mission is a rare chance to prove himself to the Royal Eyes, one that he knows may never come again if he fails.
The last, other than the merchant and his guard, is a Valenarian wood elf. "Shit. Here comes an execrable day of listening to ancestor worship nonsense while I make awkward explanations of why I really don't care. Is it even possible to be racist against your own race? ", Slade muses to himself.
Slade pulls up his cloak in hopes of avoiding conversation, concealing his finely chiseled elven features, dark hair, and silvered eyes. Dressed plainly in dark traveling clothes, with only a short sword at his belt and unarmored, Slade could pass as a common traveler. A keen observer could notice the poise and precision of his movements, suggesting perhaps some training in the martial arts.
Pulling even with the merchant and with a friendly smile, "Hail friend. What news of Ardev these days? I've heard rumors of cultists stirring up trouble in these parts."
Slade, Wood Elf Monk, Call of the Dragon Below
Dahme'dre is fairly short for a human female, however her regal nature and sheer force of character give her an almost imposing appearance. Her long dark hair is worn loose, framing her beautiful face and accenting her fair skin.
She wears a fine blue riding dress and hood with dark embroidery around the trim. She is covered modestly, but her feminine figure is apparent through the layers. She carries a carved wooden walking staff with a deep blue crystal adorning the top.
With a sense of satisfaction she watches the party, particularly the clergy members, with a protective gaze as they travel.
She sighs to herself. The easy part is done I suppose. I don't imagine it'll get any easier from here.
Extended Signature
"Cultists," The merchant repeats the word with vitriol, practically spitting it. "They're bad for business, that lot. Ye', I've heard of them mucking around in the small hamlets near Ardev. Heard from one of me mates in the city watch at Ardev that they been turning up folk's stuff. Raidin' into these places, but not pillagin'! How absurd is that!?" Klobs sighed. During his short tirade, he kept his eyes on the road, but any who could see the look in his eyes could tell he possibly had his own run-in with the cultists or some other direct experience. "Sorry, I am just sick n' tired of playing hide-n-go seek with these cultists. It's people like them that cost me my hard-earned coin, er- no offense to you." Klobs likely referencing that he had hired the adventurers to guard his caravan on the journey to Ardev. "Ardev... well, it's not some little podunk town those fools can just raid. I'd like to see them try to go up against trained and armed men, not farmers and their families."
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd [Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player]
Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale
Ru's Current Status
Aurelia listens to the conversation. The cloaked traveler has something in his voice... she can't quite place it. Perhaps an air of quiet authority? Despite his plain clothes and words, his movement belies a familiarity with danger.
She feels out of place. At least in the Eldeen reach, with Eleth, there was a quiet routine. The woods, the animals. A sense of peace, away from threats. There was something very soothing about spending the days with animals and her quiet Elven companion.
What am I supposed to do? Where do I go? Am I where I am supposed to be?
She implores the silver flame, for what feels like the thousandth time. But nothing. No voice, no visions, no aura of inspiration.
Resigned, she heaves a sigh and looks up. Her eyes catch the other human watching her, and she gives her a brief nod.
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
Dahme'dre approaches Aurelia.
"Once we reach Ardev do you and your friends have any plans? There have been rumors of ill-happenings there lately. It couldn't hurt to have a few friends nearby. I could show you around a bit and maybe you'll be able to help me out too."
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Asheehee ignored the conversation. Talkers worried her, unless of course the words concerned the Silver Flame. Talking was an excuse for not acting. Best to leave the talking to the old women and disabled men. She was neither, so she looked ahead.
The warhammer felt good in her hands. Cool to the touch, like a copper mug iced for a serving of spirits. Ashehee easily handled the warhammer, and the walk did not tire her, despite the bulk of her equipment weighing her down as she walked alongside the caravan with her new companions. She felt the dagger in the small of her lower back caressing her, like a child groping her mother for a meal from the breast. Her chain mail armor hugged her body like a blanket; albeit a dirty blanket, stained by the blood of sinners who paid the ultimate price for their treachery.
She surveyed the group. She felt the need to ask questions of the ragtag group. She wanted to ascertain who could be saved, and who could not, but though better of it. “The wicked inevitably show their intentions like weeds in a garden,” she thought to herself, “may as well let the weeds show themselves,” She knew she’d be able to tend the garden soon enough.
Ashehee decided to sing. This group needed song, as song could teach. Though each day she tried to forgive her mother, an elven noble of some sort who was raped by a human in some type of skirmish, she felt anger that her mother abandoned her. Despite the ill feelings, she appreciated the fact that her mother blessed her with a golden voice. Certainly a gift from the Silver Flame Ashehee would remind herself.
She began to softly sing in the common tongue:
Touch the Flame with pure intent, your hand passes through,
The heat of her love soothes, rather than burns you
But should you sin, the Flame will burn
Repent and beg forgiveness,
The Silver Fame protects us all, for sinners know the Flame is blue
She continues to sing, as her heart warms with the love of the Silver Flame.
Dungeon Master Private Game - Lost Mines of Phandelver.
Feeling uncomfortable in the midst of so many people, even with Aurelia by her side, Eleth does her best to blend into the background. With the rumors of the cult being in Ardev I knew I needed to go there, but with these people? Aurelia is fine as she knows about my past and why i am so quiet, but these others i cannot figure out. Settling back into the shadows, Eleth pulls the cowl of her cloak deeper over her copper hued hair. Waiting for the inevitable questions about the scar that flows over her left eye from forehead to cheek, I wonder how I am going to deflect them? she asked herself. Hopefully these companions will be helpful to my quest.
Truth be told, Aurelia has no plans, and no idea of what she is even doing here. All she knows was that she heard the voice tell her to come here. But she is not sure what she should say. Should she tell this woman about the voice? Or this this not what she is supposed to do? The armored woman sings outside, distracting her.
Aurelia glances at Eleth, but the quiet self is even more introspective than usual.
Perhaps a neutral approach is best, for now...
This is our first journey to Ardev. We would be glad of any news of the area. What is the nature of the help you seek?
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
Slade nods in acknowledgment to the merchant's response, "That is strange behavior indeed, friend, what of raiders do not do not bother with the actual raiding? Perhaps, at least they will not bother with us at least then."
Slade's ears perk up at Aurelia's query. With a quick nod to the merchant, he turns towards the conversation.
"Ah yes, Dahme'dre, exactly what business does a member of the glorious House Cannith have trudging along with the rest of this fine company? As my brief chat with out illustrious employer indicates, I have interest in the activities of cultists in these parts. Perhaps our goals align once again?"
Slade, Wood Elf Monk, Call of the Dragon Below
Spade, always taking any opportunity to glean any useful information... Even where there is no information to be found...
it seemed this whole party may be as directionless as Dahme'dre. Following some gut feeling. Accepting the meager guidance of fate.
Her lack of confidence didn't show.
"There may not be much to see in Ardev. It's commerce is mostly tied up in supplying caravans passing through, but rarely is it the destination of those goods. House Cannith caravans pass as often as any others. I will do what I can to ensure the safety of future supplies passing through this crossroads. With the rumors we've all heard it seems the local forces may be... mismanaged, or if not, understaffed for these challenges. I may very well put together a team to strike at the heart of the problem. I'll need more information before the course is clear."
None of that is really untrue. Let them believe I've been sent on house business if it helps gain their confidence.
One thing is certain. Whatever forces of fate have drawn Dahme'dre to this party are drawing this party to Ardev, and there, will surely lie the key to events yet to come. Events that cannot be allowed to come.
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