DM Mark - Gargul Friday March 2nd, 2018 12:16:53 AM
Tishe stares in wonder at the Manfri who calls himself Mahyawu. Velarin stands in stunned silence.
Brom holds Edson’s body as he walks forward. Barratore is there too.
Emrys is ready to sit, but this little man seems to have changed hit mind.
The small man gets up from his seat by the firepit, and comes forward. As he steps forward, you see that he is shorter than even a halfling or a gnome with the dark skin, white hair and grey eyes. He is wearing an outfit made from a combination of hide, grass, beads and feathers. His boots are made from beast hide and his leggings are made by an intricate weaving of grass and a lighter beast hide. His vest is also made of some sort of leather that is the same type of hide used in leggings but adorned with various beads made from stone, glass and even steelgrass and pottery. His headdress is large for his small frame is made from woven grass with rows of feathers traversing down Mahyawu’s back.
As his eyes fall on the limp body of Edson being carried by Brom, his face takes on a somber look. “Oh, this is not good. But likely something that can be remedied. Now, which feather for this?” He searches around what he is wearing, and plucks a feather, a grey one, from his headdress. “Ah, yes. Here we go. I will likely see you back here. Well, probably. I suppose it depends on what mood he is in - and what happened when this one died.” He begins a low, droning chant, and as he waves the feather.
As the Manfri weaves his spell, the party is cast into a disquieting, blurry greyness. Eventually, the blurring stops, and Brom, Barratore, Tishe, Emrys and Velarin stand in a blank featureless area. Surrounding you are many large identical grey thrones, and seated in each is a large hooded figure holding a staff. Though they remain seated, they all move a bit here and there, all in unison as if they are all reflections of one being.
With you is Edson's body, and across the room is a Edson as well, standing still by one of the throned images.
You feel very uncomfortable here, but you're not sure why exactly.
Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 34 (T 15 FF 23), CMD:35; HP: 160/178 Character Sheet Friday March 2nd, 2018 10:20:25 AM
Barratore enjoys the trip and shouts back to Brom, "Hope so!" Surely the challenges and fierce creatures that live on other worlds and planes of existence will be amazing. Barratore tingles with the excitement of it all and his snout has a permanent grin
The small creature gets a curt nod, "I am Barratore Steelwind, Keeper of the Vale. You opened the portal then?" However before getting to that business, the small man wishes to assist with other business. Barratore was fine with that and as he guessed, the group now stood before Gargul. Having been here before, and for Edson for that matter, Barratore has a good idea on what to do.
Barratore takes a knee, pulls off his helm and waits for the god of life and death to speak
Tishe' (SteveK). AC 22 / T22/ F20 CMD19. HP 114/114. Friday March 2nd, 2018 3:38:09 PM
Tishe’ is unusually silent and soon finds herself with the Keepers in front of the dozen occupied gray thrones. She too has been before Gargul in the past. Each time has been a different scene but the same Gray Lord. She performs a little-practiced curtsies towards the Gray One where Edson stands nearby. “Many Shadows, Gray Wanderer.”
And waits for the Lord of Life and Death to speak.
...... (No spells active; assuming that they didn’t stay up going to another plane)
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 65/88, extended mage armor(24 hrs) Saturday March 3rd, 2018 11:51:56 AM
V too, stands silent and nervous, never having stood before Gargul before.
Brom the Barbarian - Rich P; AC: 26 (T 14, FF 26, Raged 24), CMD: 35 (38 Raged); HP: 117/165 (207 raged); DR 3/- (6/- raged) Sunday March 4th, 2018 10:12:52 AM
There was one this Brom and Barratore had in common, the love of the challenge of combat, and new lands meant new challenges. But before they could meet these new challenges, there was a detour that had to be taken, Edson. The rogue had been with Barratore and Brom from the early days in the budding new city of Rum. Even though he did not have the skills in combat that Barratore or he himself had, the rogue always stood in the thick of it with them. Brom admired that in his little friend.
Now they were before the Lord of the Dead for Edson. The rogue had lost his life in combat. This would be his second time before Gargul. Would his friend return? Would he decide the Land of Rest would finally call him home? These were the things going through the young barbarian's mind as he and his companions stood before the Grey Lord.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, stephen f. ac22 hp49/57. rituals: ward, sharing, windwalk, spectral hand Sunday March 4th, 2018 10:35:56 PM
Emrys realizes he's been here before, but it wasn't him ... it was the musician. He's not the same Emrys ... just another voice in the Choir ... as he had liked to call it. Had the musician figured it out before the rest of us?
There stands Edson ... again. Whatever is responsible for the twists in this thread ... who is to pay for the repetitiveness of history?
Emrys remains silent, to say anything before Gargul speaks is a futile act. Especially as they stand before his own robed choir.
Tishe' (SteveK). AC 22 / T22/ F20 CMD19. HP 114/114. Monday March 5th, 2018 8:16:31 PM
Tishe’ waits, taking the smallest bit of time to look at the other figures. Are they the gods of the Wold and Testing combined? Are they only Gargul in 12 avatars? Are none of them Gargul and are only gatekeepers to test the heroes?
She doesn’t know and waites for one of them to speak.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, stephen f. ac22 hp49/57. rituals: ward, sharing, windwalk, spectral hand Monday March 5th, 2018 9:31:05 PM
Emrys doesn't mind the silent treatment. It's actually quite peaceful... a much needed respite from the chaos. However he is beginning to feel the effects of separation from the Living Wold and the power of the Root. He begins to lean heavy on his walking stick.
Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 34 (T 15 FF 23), CMD:35; HP: 160/178 Character Sheet Monday March 5th, 2018 10:19:33 PM
Barratore remains right where he is, on one knee. It probably was not a good time to be impatient.
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 28 (T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -15/78 Tuesday March 6th, 2018 12:38:20 AM
Edson watches the group. Unsure what to do. He keeps his eyes open and his mouth closed.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, stephen f. ac22 hp49/57. rituals: ward, sharing, windwalk, spectral hand Tuesday March 6th, 2018 4:44:17 PM
'Oh mercy,' he thinks as the awkward silence continues.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, stephen f. ac22 hp49/57. rituals: ward, sharing, windwalk, spectral hand Tuesday March 6th, 2018 4:47:11 PM
Then another thought ... 'he's not behind us is he ... and these robed figures his jury?'
Tishe' (SteveK). AC 22 / T22/ F20 CMD19. HP 114/114. Tuesday March 6th, 2018 6:30:18 PM
Gargul, Lord of Life and Death (ACDM Cayzle) Tuesday March 6th, 2018 7:28:55 PM
The different robed figures are each busy, talking and motioning, though you cannot hear the words or see the persons to whom those words are addressed.
Then there is the one next to whom the spirit of Edson stands. He leans forward on his throne, reaching up to remove the cowl. You see the worn face of the god, and he is not smiling. His words are solemn and considered
"The Wold faces a dire challenge now, and while you are here, there is aid you are not giving." He glares, and that gaze rocks you.
"You seek the return of this one to the Wold to the mortal realm of the living." He motions to Edson, and the spirit is moved to your group. You all stand together now.
"However, I will not bend, even in time of great need. I do not raise the dead because death is not fair, or because the living cry out for mercy, or because they die cruelly. I do not return to life those who served me, or those who deserve life, or those who suffer unduly."
"I return only those who weigh heavily on the scales of fate, who are likely to affect the course of the Wold, whose lives make a crucial difference as heroes to creation."
"So, each of you, and especially Edson, tell me of this death and what you have learned from it. And say, especially his friends, why this man is a hero, or at least may become worthy of such commendation"
The god leans back in his throne, and you feel the mass of his presence lessen as he grants you an opportunity for speech.
Brom the Barbarian - Rich P; AC: 26 (T 14, FF 26, Raged 24), CMD: 35 (38 Raged); HP: 117/165 (207 raged); DR 3/- (6/- raged) Tuesday March 6th, 2018 9:12:39 PM
Brom decides to take his stab at the Gods question and steps forward.
"I've known Edson fer several years, all the way back to the beginnin' of our careers as fledgling members of the Woldian League. The man is small and weak, but in a fight, he never coward. He'd stand in the thick of it doing what he could. I admired that in him. I'd tell him 'you got some barbarian in ya'. That is a hero."
"He died crushed in the innards of great worm. Wounded, he fell back to heal and give supporting range fire, but the worm fled from myself and Barratore for softer targets." The anger begins to rise in the young barbarian.
"What I've learned from his death..." he says drawing his sword, "...destroy yur foes before harm can come ta yur friends and allies." You see Brom concentrating on calming himself down as he grips his sword tightly. After a few moments, he is calmed down. He puts his sword away and steps waiting for the others to take their turn.
Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 34 (T 15 FF 23), CMD:35; HP: 160/178 Character Sheet Tuesday March 6th, 2018 10:30:06 PM
With Gargul pulling back his presence,Barratore feels his will return and he stands. "Edson has ever been willing to stand in the thick, giving of himself before others and to all. he looks to the safety of others to the larger goal and picture. Always has." Barratore pauses, looking to Brom and then to Edson. The debate of what else to say plays in his head. The second demand of Gargul weighed heavily and the fighter was unsure what his answer should be. What did he learn? Nothing. Sometimes in war and combat, things go wrong and that was that. Edson fell back, well back from the crystal and the fighting and one of the damned things just showed up and in seconds, that was that. Barratore's fist has clenched as the anger surges, it was what it was and shouting and ranting about it would be a mistake and so the fighter simply stops talking, save one last word. "Nothing."
Emrys Myrridanmyl, stephen f. ac22 hp49/57. rituals: ward, sharing, windwalk, spectral hand Tuesday March 6th, 2018 11:17:15 PM
Emrys nods in agreement with the words of Brom and Barratore. He then gives his testimony about the end of Edson's life.
"Time is short, so instead of repeating Brom and Barratore's words of heroism, I will tell you of courageous act that brought him here. I was there next to Edson when it happened. The great worm erupted from the ground directly in front of us. The beast had us both dead in its sights. While I froze for a brief moment, Edson went into motion and heroically commanded the beast's attention away from me. He paid for that act by being snatched up and swallowed whole. I went in after him by possessing the worm with my soul. My goal was take control of the beast and spit up Edson in the process, but like Barratore said, things went wrong."
With a sigh of regret, he continues. "I hadn't considered being overwhelmed by the sudden brunt of the Worm's disease. My will wasn't strong enough ... it took the full measure of my resolve not to crush Edson myself and attack my friends. The madness and rage of the sickness was too much to bear. I failed Edson miserably ... he died because of my lack of control. Dear Barratore had to cut him out of my belly, but by that time his life had already passed."
Emrys then turns to Edson and says, "I'm so sorry Edson ... I failed you and I will never forgive myself. You are a true hero."
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 65/88, extended mage armor(24 hrs) Wednesday March 7th, 2018 8:28:18 AM
Velarin nods and then answers as well. "I have known Edson for a relatively short time, and In that time, he has been a true friend. Edson looks to the safety of others even before his own. He does not hesitate to help those that need help, and will do so in every facet available to him."
"My friends have told you of his final heroic minutes... and what have we learned from them? I have learned that I am not so smart as I thought I was. Had Tishe' and I not placed ourselves in a very bad position, our friends would not have had to rush into the middle of a deadly situation to try and save us. They all risked their lives to save ours, and Edson paid the price."
"Edson alone may not weigh heavily on fate's scales, nor may any single one of us. But as a group, committed to each other and the safety and peace of the Wold. We may be able to tip those scales."
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 28 (T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -15/78 Wednesday March 7th, 2018 9:25:53 AM
If a spirit could shed a tear, one surely dropped from Edson's face. " Thank you" he whispers to his friends as he steps forward.
" I am Edson Kazil. The one in question. I died doing what i do. Im not the best at it, but my friends lives are what I try to ptotect. Im not big and tough like Barratore and Brom. Im not loaded with Magic like Tushe or Emrys. Im me. Im what you get. And that is someone who will die to defend a friend as we see. I wont run.. i wont flee. I'll stand my ground and go down with you. I happened to learn, not to take a fight for being over.. because at any time it can change and get worse for you. This is proof. I thought the one worm was done.. and two more picked a fight. "
The elf steps back to await his sentence.
Tishe' (SteveK). AC 22 / T22/ F20 CMD19. HP 114/114. Wednesday March 7th, 2018 5:40:49 PM
Tishe’ thinks and tries to speak. “Gray One, I have only recently wandered into the lives of the Keepers of the Vale, and all I know is the few days with Edson. The people look up to them, they help in danger and in plenty. Edson has been brave in battle and sensibly withdrew when seriously wounded, only succumbing when the enemy pursued him even when there were closer opponents.”
“Our most recent battle teaches me that things can go bad even if you do everything right. That the pattern sometimes just happens, and Edson continued to do his best even when the odds were stacked against him and there was no hope. To me, Gray Wanderer, that is a hero. He may not always succeed, but he will never fail to try. “
Gargul, Lord of Life and Death (ACDM Cayzle) Wednesday March 7th, 2018 6:45:21 PM
Gargul's scowl deepens when some of you say you have learned nothing, or that sometimes things just go wrong, with no mistake made.
He smiles only once, when Vel says, "Had Tishe' and I not placed ourselves in a very bad position, our friends would not have had to rush into the middle of a deadly situation to try and save us."
The god speaks. "You, Velarin Xilontheel, have learned without my teaching you. You have earned my blessing! LIVE!" He raises a hand in benediction. Velarin, you are completely cured of all wounds and negative conditions, and are fully restored in spells, uses per day of class abilities, and any other ability or other damage. You also gain 50 temporary hit points that last until used; remove these first when injured.
"Now let me teach the others," the god says. "Watch."
He motions, and you see the battle at the crater unfold before you, as if in miniature vision, from an observer high above.
You see Vel and Tishe fly out to the center of the crater. The first purple worm attacks. and you see Barratore and Brom struggle over difficult terrain to come to the aid of the casters. The action freezes.
"It is as Velarin has said. The magic users are exposed far ahead, and the defenders are not positioned to protect them."
The vision resumes. Barratore and Brom move forward, leaving Emrys and Edson to the rear. The second wave of worms emerges, and those in the rear are attacked.
"Sometimes in battle there are only bad choices. Perhaps Emrys and Edson could have stayed closer to Brom and Barratore as they advanced? The lesson here is that the rear is not always a position of safety. Moreover, if Brom and Barratore had not had to go to the casters' rescue, if the party had stayed closer together, then the weaker members of the group to the rear would not have been left undefended."
Then Edson and Emrys are left to face the worm. Emrys stands his ground. Edson tries to tumble back, draws the attention of the worm as his retreat opens him to an attack, and he is swallowed. Emrys, alone against the worm, casts his Anti-Life Shell and Magic Jar.
"Emrys, you have claimed that Edson distracted the worm, but that is not true. He retreated and opened himself to an extra attack. He gave the worm an opportunity that it otherwise would not have had."
"You, Emrys, did not try to tumble away. You did not open your defenses for an attack. You used your head and cast two clever spells. Your so-called failure, -- and I do not see it as a failure -- occurred after you did your best. There is honor in your conduct here, and I give you my blessing. STAND STRONG!" Emrys, your walking stick cracks asunder, and you gain a permanent +2 inherent bonus to your strength. Please so note on your PC sheet, with reference to the date of this post.
He turns to Edson, and his face is a thundercloud. You hear the words Edson just said again, this time from thin air: "I won't run. i wont flee. I'll stand my ground and go down with you."
In the vision you witness again exactly what happened. "Edson sees a giant worm spring out of the ground near him and he tumbles away, yelling for Emrys to do so as well! Even though the brave rogue tries to avoid the creature, still it gets an attack as he flees (Edson’s roll did not exceed the creature's CMD). It bites the rogue for 43 damage, lifting him into the air as he is caught in the creatures jaws!" [OOC: text from Feb 20 DM post]
Again Edson's own words to Gargul ring out, louder: "I won't run. i wont flee. I'll stand my ground."
Gargul speaks. "You did run. You did flee. You did not stand your ground. Either you are lying to me or to yourself. If you are to live to be a hero, you have much to learn. I will return you to life to learn this lesson. You must stand by your friends. You must stand up to foes. You must be able to withstand the dangers that heroes face. I curse you! DO BETTER!" Edson, you gain a -5 morale penalty on all charisma and wisdom based skill checks; this curse lasts until you permanently increase your hit points by means other than gaining a level. ALSO, every attack you make will automatically fail if you are more than 30 ft from your foe; this curse lasts until the Sargrass is returned to the Wold.
The god of life and death sits back in his chair, and the scene fades away.
You find yourselves back in Mahyawu's lodge. Edson is alive once more.
Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 34 (T 15 FF 23), CMD:35; HP: 160/178 Character Sheet Wednesday March 7th, 2018 10:10:17 PM
Barratore tries and fails to take in what is shown and what is being taught. He thinks he understands some of it, but to be plain, he is unsure. The fighter inclines his head, feeling a greater burden. Whatever was in store for Edson going forward, he knew his task would be to stand with him
Tishe' (SteveK). AC 22 / T22/ F20 CMD19. HP 114/114. Wednesday March 7th, 2018 10:17:02 PM
Tishe’ takes a breath, stunned by the Gray wanderer’s reprimand. But as she thinks more about it, she realizes the deity was right. She and Velarin both went without preparation or protection. Could they not have had a few minutes to prepare, a few spells to protect Brom and Barratorre from the Red grasses?
She resolved to try better in the future.
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 28 (T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -15/78 Thursday March 8th, 2018 12:45:21 AM
Edson takes a deep breath, pulling actual air into his lungs. " This wont happen again. Not because some god is trying to prevent me from using my bow, but because I'm not going down again. I don't know why a god thinks disengagaing is running... " Edson checks his gear and heafs outside.
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 88/88+50 temp until used, extended mage armor(24 hrs) Thursday March 8th, 2018 9:54:02 AM
Finding himself once again in the lodge, V takes a moment to reflect on what was said and shown. He is inwardly pleased at receiving praise from the great Gargul himself, until he realizes the praise was for being honest about his failure.
The wizard says aloud "We must heed Gargul's words. We need to come up with battle plans and tactics that can be our standard, and used in most situations. Tactics that will provide all of us with the greatest chance of success. We must take time after each battle to discuss what happened, and what went wrong, and what tactics would have made the fight more effective. The same thing as what the Gray one just showed us."
V watches Edson leave, and says nothing, feeling that Edson needs time alone to think over and come to grips what Gargul has laid upon him.
DM Mark - Questions and Answers Thursday March 8th, 2018 7:08:32 PM
Everyone tries to process what just happened.
The Keepers of the Vale have been returned to the strange lodge and the strange little man that sent them away with a feather and a bunch of smoke. Some of the smoke is still there, but seems to be dissipating. Edson steps outside to think.
The small man is sitting cross legged before a firepit. You recall he said his name was Mahyawu. As before, you see that he is smaller than even a halfling or a gnome with dark skin, white hair and grey eyes. He is wearing an outfit made from a combination of hide, grass, beads and feathers. His boots are made from beast hide and his leggings are made by an intricate weaving of grass and hide. His vest is also made of some sort of leather adorned with various beads made from stone, glass and even some sort of pottery. His headdress is large for his small frame is made from woven grass with rows of feathers traversing down his back.
The walls on the inside of this hut look like smokey mirrors and not at all like the grass shell that covers this place. It also seems larger here than it did from the outside. As you look around, you see what appears to be this same little man meeting with other groups, and the scene ebbs and flows as you see parts of different groups. You see a mix of gnomes and elves, humans and dwarves, even some minotaurs. At one point, you recognize two large minotaurs that visited your group in the Cinnamon Valley - it’s Bosk and Zane!
The small man looks up at you. “Ahhh, you’re back! That was quick. Well, quick for me - time usually flows differently where you went. And that dead one is alive again. Good, good. Being dead can be an unsettling experience. You all seem to have all the parts you left with - very good. That does not always happen you know. But, strange as it may seem, we have even more important matters.”
“Come, sit with me. I imagine you have questions - everyone does. Get them out.”
Brom the Barbarian - Rich P; AC: 26 (T 14, FF 26, Raged 24), CMD: 35 (38 Raged); HP: 117/165 (207 raged); DR 3/- (6/- raged) Thursday March 8th, 2018 7:31:49 PM
Brom was glad to be out of the presence of Gargul. The deity's presence was unnerving and the barbarian didn't know how to handle that feeling.
Back at the lodge, the scene of what occurs confuses Brom. This magic was very strange and well above his head. He decides best to keep his mouth shut, as usual, and let the brainy types do the talkin and thinking.
Tishe' (SteveK). AC 22 / T22/ F20 CMD19. HP 114/114. Thursday March 8th, 2018 8:11:10 PM
Tishe’ is still trying to pull her mind back in order after visiting the seat of life and death. She barely notices Edson leaving, probably to get some air. She feels like needing air herself. Then Mahyawu spins the smoke into more images. She recognizes Bosk and Zane from the Giggling Ghost, but wasn’t it Katinka and Garrett who fought in the graveyard with them in Magpie Crossing? She is so out of sorts that she doesn’t know for sure. It is Mahyawu’s downhimedness that gives her a thread to hold on to.
“Where are we? What is the red grass? And how can we help both the Wold and you?”, she says a little breathlessly.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, stephen f. ac22 hp49/57. rituals: ward, sharing, windwalk, spectral hand Thursday March 8th, 2018 8:21:58 PM
Emrys is at first glad to receive the god's compliments, but the importance of his walking stick seems to have been lost on him. He stumbles slightly as his walking stick breaks ... he was leaning rather heavily upon it after all. The shock hits him immediately ... his eyes go wide, mouth slightly agape ... he quickly kneels down to gather up its pieces. He stares down at his beloved Black Sanguine ... walking stick divine ... the heart wood from his dead mother's tree ... in pieces like his broken heart! He doesn't hear anything else that's said. He isn't aware he was sent back to the manfri's home. His spirit is crushed ... his mind races with thought.
"Emryss," asks Daemon?
"Talk to me, Emryss," he asks in a calm voice. Daemon can sense his thoughts.
"Emryss ... keep it togetherss, Emryss!" the viper says mentally.
"She was .. is alive you know ... she can't die again ... not again!!" Emrys says mentally back to his viper.
Emrys finally breaks his silence, "I can make her whole again ... I know the spell ... I've cast it before!" (Make Whole)
"No, Emryss. Not anymore ... that wass the other ... the Musician." Daemon continues, "Keep it togetherss, Emryss. There iss more at sstake here ... countless soulsss are in the balance. You need to keep your head."
"What's a head without a heart?" Emrys finally turns his gaze from his walking stick to Daemon and says coldly, "Don't tell me to 'keep it together' again!" His shock and sorrow has evidently changed to anger.
Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 34 (T 15 FF 23), CMD:35; HP: 160/178 Character Sheet Thursday March 8th, 2018 10:32:54 PM
Barratore takes in what V says and agrees. "A sound practice V." Looking to Edson, "Brom and I should work with you so that the three of us can work better. Allowing you to skirt us at 30' to exploit them with your sneak attack. Have you ever considered enhancing your bow with Brilliant Energy?"
Seeing the distress of Emrys, tears at the fighter. He had known the Bloodwitch for only a few years, but such anguish was easy to see. Emrys held his walking stick in the same esteem as Barratore held his family torc of the Taurus. Perhaps more. Barratore moves over and takes a knee by Emrys. The Minotaur takes the small man's head in his hand to force him to look at him and holds him fast. "I am Barratore Steelwind of the Starlight clan, and I shall strive with you until my last breath against all you require to restore that which you require."
Barratore then stands and lets go, not waiting any response and moves away and confer with the others on what to do next
Emrys Myrridanmyl, stephen f. ac22 hp49/57. rituals: ward, sharing, windwalk, spectral hand Friday March 9th, 2018 10:48:26 AM
Emrys is snapped back to the world when a rather large hand takes hold of his head and turns it in Barratore's direction. He wouldn't have noticed the minotaur if he hadn't. His harsh expression softens after his friend makes his declaration. After a brief moment to comprehend the weight of his words, Emrys answers, "Likewise my dear friend ... you have my last breath as well." He places his hand on his arm.
He wishes he could speak as eloquently as his large friend. To Daemon, he mentally apologizes, 'Sorry, my friend... I shouldn't have been so curt.'
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 88/88+50 temp until used, extended mage armor(24 hrs) Friday March 9th, 2018 12:05:05 PM
V slightly raises an eyebrow at Mahyawu's statement. V had been expecting an explanation for things, not an offering to answer questions.
"Questions you say? Well, let's start with who are you, why are we here, what is this place, what is your connections to the other heroes in the mirrors, what is occurring in the Wold, and what do we do to right it?"
"I think that will be a good start"
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 88/88+50 temp until used, extended mage armor(24 hrs) Friday March 9th, 2018 12:11:30 PM
As Barratore speaks with Emrys, V realizes he was too focused on having returned to the lodge and had lost focus of his companions. Another failure, he thinks to himself. V too looks toward Emrys.
"As always, if any spell I can cast is something any of you need or would be of help, I would be honored to cast it for you."
Emrys Myrridanmyl, stephen f. ac22 hp49/57. rituals: ward, sharing, windwalk, spectral hand Friday March 9th, 2018 12:40:53 PM
Answering V, he replies controlled and calmly as he can force himself to, "I fear she is lost ... her blossoms are wilting ... my walking stick was a living piece of wood. A Make Whole spell ... even a Mend spell would be most grateful ... but I fear the wound is too great."
Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 28 (T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -15/78 Friday March 9th, 2018 4:59:31 PM
Edson comes in to catch Barratore's question. He nods his approval. Keeping quiet.
He looks at the small man and listens to what he says.
He felt bad Emrys lost his cane, but he was jealous the man got a boon and he was punished.
DM Mark - Questions and Answers Friday March 9th, 2018 6:49:05 PM
Emrys wrestles with what just happened, lamenting the loss of the walking stick that was so closely tied to his deceased mother. The Keepers are quick to comfort Emrys, and to remind Edson they are proud to always stand beside him. They ask a few questions of the strange little man, though Velarin is a bit annoyed they have to even ask.
Mahyawu sits back down before the firepit, gesturing for the rest of you to do likewise, as the strange vision continue on the inside walls of the hut. He waits until the silence becomes a bit uncomfortable.
Finally he addresses Emrys. “I am sad with you. But you must know that the one this stick represented was never within it - you would not wish her to be trapped so. It was a symbol, yes, and a significant one. Symbols are powerful, but they are not people. You see, this person exists more fully in you now than she ever did in that stick. What you do with that memory - that matters far more than any stick. I would say you have been granted a great freedom - freedom to revere this person in as a part of you instead of a crutch. There is great joy here if you will take it.”
After a moment, he turns to Velarin and the rest of you. “You are impatient for answers, and wonder why you even have to ask. The question is always more interesting than the answer anyway. But we are asking for your help, and the help of others. Watch…” With that he plucks another feather from his headdress - this one is bright yellow. As he casts it into the low fire, and unnatural amount of smoke billows up, and just as unnaturally hangs in the air to show a few visions.
You see the a great plane of grasslands and some nearby mountains awash with what appears to be blood! Emrys recognizes this as Woldsblood - an impossible amount. Mahyawu says, “This is the past. It was Maab the pulled the Sargrass and the Crystal Mountains here to save them. She anchored them with symbols of power. You see, I said symbols are powerful things.”
Now you see the Bloodweed growing beneath the Crystal Mountains. As it grows, it pushes into the crystals, causing vibrations in the crystals that eventually cause the mountains to explode! You see the explosion and the resulting meteors. These are like the crystalline meteor you saw in the pit before you were brought here. “Maab does not know what brought the Bloodweed here, which is disturbing. Even more concerning is that the exploding mountains crossed from the Twilight Vales and entered the Wold. We do not know why or how, but this is bad that the barriers between the planes have become this thin.” You think back to the encounters in Magpie Crossing where other planes were intruding into the city, and it give you chills.
Then you see the Bloodweed growing quickly, enveloping and covering parts of the Wold. Small villges and great cities are covered in the red weeds. You see Witchspawn, Jarlswolf, and Magpie Crossing fall to the stuff. The animals and people have either succumbed to the madness of the disease or have perished. Mahyawu will explain sadly, “the Manfri prophesy of ‘All is grass’ will be fulfilled. Life as the Wold knows it will be changed. But this has not happened yet.”
He then shows the party the vision of what the Sarr has told them to do: Obtain help. In the smoke the party can see a circle of 9 symbols. Lines go from each and connect at a point in the center. Mahyawu will point to one symbol. He says, “I believe this to be you: Heroes of the Valley. For this you have been brought here.”
“I will send you to a place in the Sargrass, and toward an anchor. The anchor you seek is a crystal - the first crystal that was used to grow the Crystal Mountains. It is hidden in a grove of trees, hidden and locked away. There are a few groves of trees, so you may have to search for a while. Like all these anchors, this one is hidden from my divinations. But you are not of the Twilight Vales, and your divinations may yet work here.”
“Now, it is up to you to purify that which has been polluted. This is what you must do.” In the smoke the party will see the crystalline meteor your first found. It is red, with bloodweed spreading out from it. You see it touched with a small crystal which melds with it, and the larger crystal returns to it natural rainbow colors. As this happens, a wave ripples out from the thing, the killing off the Bloodweed.”
Then he gets up. “Oooo, I almost forgot, You’ll need these.” Mahyawu hands you a book and a set of panpipes made from Sargrass. “The book details a ritual to stop the bloodgrass. Inside the cover are a few sticks of incense and small pieces of clear crystal, though these a not the one crystal you seek.”
Then he takes a black feather, black as midnight, and lights it with a flame from his hand. It billows into a great, smokey portal. Beyond it you see grass.
“This, this is where you must go to find that which you seek. We all need you to do this. You need you to do this. I believe it is for this that you were born.”
Tishe' (SteveK). AC 22 / T22/ F20 CMD19. HP 114/114. Saturday March 10th, 2018 8:29:39 AM
Tishe’ has a lifetime of familiarity with the Sargrass, but still has trouble following Mahyawu’s line of thought. So many new concepts without previous definitions or explanations. “Whew!”, she says aloud, “That is just like all the Manfri I have met; lots of explanation without a basis of knowledge. If I can sum up, I think...”
1. “We are in the Twilight Vale’s, which is part of the Lands of Rest, but we are alive and so can make a difference. “ 2. “When the Sargrass Plains were destroyed by waves of Woldsblood, at least part of the land came here, including the Crystal Mountains. (Which were made of actual crystal and used to shatter at the slightest sound so travelers had to be absolutely quirlet when crossing the mountains)” 3. “The mountains are infected by this BloodGrass and it is shattering the mountains and spreading over the real Wold. “ 4. “The Sarr, the immortal Power of the Sargrass Plains, wants us to find one of the special crystals, do a ritual, and help kill the BloodGrass. “
She looks to the Keepers of the Vale to see if they agree with her summation or have anything to add, before looking back at Mahyawu. “Gargul told us to do better, and we got in trouble in our last battle because we didn’t properly prepare. We are depleted, injured, and I’ll-prepared for the environment of the Sargrass. Can we stay here the night and be prepared come the morning?”
Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 34 (T 15 FF 23), CMD:35; HP: 160/178 Character Sheet Saturday March 10th, 2018 11:52:58 AM
Barratore listens as best he can, and picks up the main points. They were in the Twighlight Valley, ruled over by Maab. He had heard she was involved with the Fae King business some years back. Heroes of the previous generation, and now it was his and his friends turn. While he had hoped the task would be to slay some great beast or defend a pass from a onslaught of evil horde things, he knew this was no less important. Somewhere in the Twight Valley was a portion of Tishe's homeland, The Sargrass Plains. Somewhere there, was a small copse of trees and within the trees, the Crystal they needed. Get crystal, do ritual thing and thee Wold is set right and kept safe.
Tishe seemed to be on the same page and Barratore nods to her summary.
"Taking the time so that you, Emrys and V can set your spells is a good idea. If that means waiting until morning, we should do so. I have 2 questions."
"For our host." Barratore turns regard the odd little man, "What if one of the other groups fail?"
"Tishe? Perhaps you should tell us all we might need to know about the Sargrass"
Emrys Myrridanmyl, stephen f. ac22 hp49/57. rituals: ward, sharing, windwalk, spectral hand Saturday March 10th, 2018 5:49:59 PM
Emrys listens to the words of Mahyawu and he knows his words are wise and true ... they grant him some ease and comfort ... but the manfri is missing one very important detail. While it is true that Emrys is a Half-Elf ... he is in no way Half-Human. His dead mother was a dryad and his walking stick was magically crafted from the last living fragment of her tree ... a dryad and her tree are one in the same. This piece of his mother's tree has allowed him a life and the ability to endure the encumbrances of having no tree of his own ... even as a half-breed. The walking stick became his tree and he's carried it with him all his days ... it grew with him as he matured .. and now it rests asunder in his arms.
As Mahyawu tells his tale of the Sargrass and the Bloodweed corruption, Emrys does begin to finally notice that he feels stronger ... stronger than he's ever felt. He also doesn't feel the debilitating sickness of separation now that it's dead. Maybe just maybe for the first time in his life he has the ability to stand on his own. Maybe Gargul did understand and granted him this boon ... a 'blessing' paid for by his claim to her life. Everything comes with a price.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, stephen f. ac22 hp49/57. rituals: ward, sharing, windwalk, spectral hand Saturday March 10th, 2018 5:58:41 PM
He turns to Tishe and says, "It is very fortunate that you found us. Being a native of the Sargrass yourself. If our joining of force was foretold ... our destiny ... then your timing couldn't have been better."
Emrys then asks Mahyawu, "I agree with Tishe, is there time within the Lands of Rest to do just that. Much of my spellpower is depleted ... we would be better prepared if allowed to regain our power. This day has been one constant fight, not to mention outerwoldly travel and being audience to a god."
Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 88/88+50 temp until used, extended mage armor(24 hrs) Saturday March 10th, 2018 7:48:24 PM
V listens to all that is said, and nods thoughtfully at much of it. V decides to give Emrys a little time to contemplate his walking stick's condition. While V believes he could likely restore it, undoing something done by Gargul deliberately isn't something to take lightly.
"I am actually at full spell capacity. A gift by Gargul for insight into my tactical blunder that helped cause the death of Edson. I agree though, with Emrys and Tishe' depleted, we should wait if we have the time as an option" V looks to Mahyawu for the answer to that and the question posed by Barratore regarding the other groups.
"Following that, "I suggest we start making use of the tactical lesson we just learned, and discuss spell preparation. Being an evoker, I am mostly large scale offense with some hastes, dim doors, teleports, and dispels mixed in." V lists the spells below that he has memorized. "We know that divinations and healing will be necessary at the minimum, and I cannot do these spells. What do you two have available?"
Brom the Barbarian - Rich P; AC: 26 (T 14, FF 26, Raged 24), CMD: 35 (38 Raged); HP: 117/165 (207 raged); DR 3/- (6/- raged) Sunday March 11th, 2018 3:17:31 PM
Emrys was going through some inner turmoil, which Brom was not equipped to assist. Although, Brom's way of dealing with things that were troubling him always seemed to make him feel better- a good fight. But he doubted that would work for Emrys. So he does as he always does, keep his lips closed.
Like the others, Brom listens to the words of their host. But unlike the others Brom understands little of what was said other than one thing- find the crystal and heal the crystal in their valley.
He is interested in what Tishe has to say about the grasslands. He was a little eager to learn of the challenges that existed there.
He does agree, a little rest might be good before a fight in the unknown. Allow some to get their heads screwed on straight and other prepare. Besides even a battle stud like himself could use a little rest to recharge.
Emrys Myrridanmyl, stephen f. ac22 hp49/57. rituals: ward, sharing, windwalk, spectral hand Sunday March 11th, 2018 11:25:17 PM
To answer V, "I have spent the power required for my most potent cure and heal spells. Several of my lesser cure spells are still available, but with all the damage everyone seems to take, they would not hold up. We can't afford to be careless. We must be more defensive. As far as divinations are concerned, my most powerful are no longer available."
Looking at the items the manfri has provided, "I know nothing of panpipes, or musical instruments in general, but I do know a thing or two about rituals," he says as he eyes the book.
Emrys then looks down again at the broken pieces of his walking stick ... he isn't sure what to do with them for the time being. There is no way he would put them in the airless void of his haversack if there were still a shred of life in the wood.
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