DM Kathy Tuesday September 26th, 2017 10:24:24 PM
You discuss the possibility of traveling to Karri while you await the Arena fight. Rill is concerned about using such high-level magic when it might be wanted elsewhere, but that evening at the inn, you receive word that your fight will take place in four days' time--plenty of time for a nice jaunt to Karri and back.
Accordingly, you collect Reggie from whatever bar brawl she's found and transport yourselves to the famed Emerald City. Some of you have been here before, and find it little changed in the days since. Karri sits atop a hill at the fork of the Pale River. You can see the river sparkling below, and expanses of forest spreading out in all directions. You think you may even see a glimpse of the Trade Road, far to the south.
Your arrival is startling, but this time the militia approach you with smiles. Cries in Elvish Highlight to display spoiler: {"They're back! They're back!} echo around you.
One of the militia men approaches Rill. "We are glad you have returned," he says in careful Common. "Taenaran will be glad to see you. He has been talking of a feast, should you return."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 125/125 Wednesday September 27th, 2017 7:16:50 AM
Tahni knows a lot of languages but elvish - somehow - isn't one of them.
She's never been to the Emerald City before so have no idea how she is supposed to react. Should she bow to the militia man? Curtsy? Shake hands? Instead she keeps her hands clasped before her and just smiles politely.
Rill (MarkB) HP 111/111 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 23 Wednesday September 27th, 2017 3:44:35 PM
Emerald City. Rill keeps a sharp eye out for giant headed wizards and witches writing in the sky.
"Greetings. Yes, we are here to see Taenaran if you please."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 172/172, DR 1/-] (25% no crit, rage 30/30, channel 5/5) Wednesday September 27th, 2017 3:45:07 PM
Terser sticks to the sides of the group that had visited here before. He doesn't speak the language, so he'll just try to be non threatening and open, as difficult as that may be. He perks up at mention of a feast though, and claps Joz on the back. "They must have liked you plenty if they invited us back here for a feast!"
(Ed) Reggie | AC : 24 / Touch 20/ flat: 20 | HP: 130 / 130 | Rage used 0 /18 Wednesday September 27th, 2017 6:40:22 PM
Reggie went along, though very reluctantly, expressing her displeasure in teleporting numerous times.
She remains silent, and a little distant as she feels like this is a place she really does not belong here.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC28; HP71) Wednesday September 27th, 2017 8:01:04 PM
Zeoll nods to militia elf and enjoys looking around, taking in the sight of an elf city.
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 27--HP105/105 Wednesday September 27th, 2017 8:27:05 PM
Jozhur greets the militia in their own language. He tells Terser and Reggie, "They seemed like gracious hosts, they were very thankful for what we had done." He slugs Reggie on the arm, "Cheer up, we're here for a celebration. I'm sure there will be drinks!"
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) Wednesday September 27th, 2017 10:04:14 PM
Like Terser, Bralin's countenance brightens considerably at the mention of a feast.
DM Kathy Wednesday September 27th, 2017 10:16:43 PM
Those of you who haven't been to Karri before note that, as is typical of Elven settlements, the buildings flow into the natural surroundings, following the curves of the land, built into the trees, or nestled among head-high shrubs.
One of the militia men escorts your group toward what appears at first to be a large natural rock formation, but soon resolves itself into a cluster of buildings. From one of these come Anrissa, looking considerably healthier and more alert than she did aboard the Lionfish, and her father Taenaran. Both are smiling.
"Welcome back!" Taenaran calls. "I'm so glad you've returned, so we can celebrate you properly!" He looks around. "But there seem to be more of you. Taenaran Windborne, at your service."
[OOC: I don't remember whether the other group mentioned it or not, but Taenaran Windborne was a figure of some importance in the Elven uprising against Parnoth.]
When introductions are complete, Taenaran takes you on a brief tour of Karri, winding up at a small, pleasant house tucked into a grove of birch trees. "This guest house will be yours for as long as you stay with us," he says. "Please make yourselves comfortable. I have much to do to prepare for the feast, but we will come to collect you when it is time."
Inside the guest house, you find a great room with low couches and a fire pit. Branching off it are several small bedrooms, and a well-stocked pantry. A spiral staircase leads to a large bedroom with spectacular views of the city.
It is a little before noon.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 125/125 Thursday September 28th, 2017 7:07:37 AM
Being new, Tahni stays close to the party and doesn't wander off.
If they go for a walk, she follows. If they go to eat, she waits until everyone else has had their fill before taking some for herself. If they sit around the fire pit she goes and looks for something to roast (nuts?)
When time allows she sits cross-legged and tries to meditate. She needs Maab's guidance. If the party face natural animals in the arena, would Maab approve of finishing them off? To betray Maab's teachings and stray from her path could have consequences for a bloodwitch. She needs a way to continue to serve Maab yet not alienate herself from this group of champions.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC28; HP71) Thursday September 28th, 2017 8:25:32 PM
Zeoll goes out for a little tourism. He really enjoys sightseeing and listening to elvish speech and more. He seeks outelf music, elf food, etc. He makes sure he is back for whatever official festivities there will be.
DM Kathy Thursday September 28th, 2017 11:08:43 PM
You pass a pleasant afternoon in Karri. The guest house offers food, wine, water for washing, beds and couches for relaxing. The neighborhood offers fascinating glimpses of Elven lifestyle and culture.
As the sun sets, Taenaran and Anrissa return to lead you to the celebration. It is set up under a grove of enormous trees, their arching branches forming a leafy canopy over the festive tables. Small lights are everywhere--some magic and some mundane; some colored and some pure white. The tables are covered in colorful cloths and set with fine china and crystal.
The feast goes on for hours. Many of the dishes are simple, and easily recognizable to non-elves; others are spiced and sauced to where it's difficult to tell what they might be. Everything is well-prepared although, predictably, not everything is to your taste.
Wine is served with the meal. It is good wine, but it soon becomes clear that some of you are not exactly fans of the stuff. The elves bring out something whose name in Elvish translates to "Water of Life." It has a noticeable kick.
As the feast comes to an end, Taenaran stands. "We are all indebted to these brave seafarers for bringing our beloved Anrissa home to her family," he says. "In celebration of their selfless act, I would like to present each of them with a small token of my appreciation"
He presents each of you with a fine silver chain. "This will mark you as an elf-friend," he says. "You may call on us at need."
After the feast, you are free to return to the guesthouse, and the next day you can return to Dirt City.
[Treasure: each of you has been given a fine silver chain worth 1,000 gp]
Rill (MarkB) HP 111/111 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 23 Thursday September 28th, 2017 11:32:52 PM
Rill enjoys the meal, and the wine. He will try to meet and talk to many of the elves there. He also stays up late wandering this fabulous city, the like of which he has never seen before and may never see again.
"Taenaran, the hospitality of you and your people is most kind. The liberation and return of Anrissa was our pleasure and our responsibility. Merely seeing her returned home was reward enough, and yet you honor us with this fine gift. I will treasure it.
"Just as you have promised your aid should we ever need it, you may likewise call on the Black Lions."
He will reluctantly return with the others the next day.
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 27--HP105/105 Friday September 29th, 2017 1:43:33 AM
Jozhur enjoys the city and the company. In the event things go poorly in the arena, he is glad he was able to stay and visit this place. He thanks the hosts profusely and tells some stories of their other adventures.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 172/172, DR 1/-] (25% no crit, rage 30/30, channel 5/5) Friday September 29th, 2017 2:03:54 AM
Terser thanks their hosts for the honor and takes the chain with some reverance. Being called a friend like this has no small meaning. He only wishes he had something similar.
Then inspiration strikes. He removes one of the wyvern claws from his glaive and hands it back, offering his help in the future should they need it. Hopefully they can use this talon to scry on the ones still decorating his weapon and find them that way.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 125/125 Friday September 29th, 2017 7:30:06 AM
Tahni abstains from the alcoholic drinks. She recognises the meaning on this celebration, so if pushed will eat or drink anything required.
It was a pleasant way to end the day if unusual way to prepare for battle.
(Ed) Reggie | AC : 24 / Touch 20/ flat: 20 | HP: 130 / 130 | Rage used 0 /18 Friday September 29th, 2017 10:45:01 AM
Reggie enjoys what she can of the food and drink. depending to the strength of the wine, she either keeps looking for something stronger or more quantity.
eventually presented with the silver chain, she accepts it with a smile but seems unsure if she is worthy of it. She takes it and wears it so as to not offend the hosts.
Reggie's demeanor is definitely not one of someone accustomed to such finery and is most certainly out of place.
she is more than pleased at the accommodations and looks for a place to sit and finish off whatever wine she was able to grab and bring with her.
Zeoll looks at his gift chain with an arcane crafter's eyes, and he thinks about how to weave magic into this lovely remembrance as a magical item.
He thanks his hosts and offers a song he's composed for the occasion, a song he hopes will make clear the party's desire to end the slave trade that exists around the Middle Seas. Here's a verse of that song ...
So come we all and brreak the chains, The chains of slaverry most vile! Forr this the Lionfish campaigns: To scourr frrom each and everry isle Whoeverr trrades in hands and brrains, Who prrofits off of otherrs' pains, Who liberrty forr gold rrestrrains, Ourr sworrds and spells shall be theirr trrial!
Zeoll puts a heroic effort into his song, wanting to do a good job here in the place where music is a way of life. The voices in his head help too.
Perform (song) 32
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 172/172, DR 1/-] (25% no crit, rage 30/30, channel 5/5) d20+4=11 ; Friday September 29th, 2017 5:56:59 PM
Terser allows his passion to come forth for celebration rather than battle and stomps and claps along with Zeoll's music.
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