Session 78: Calamis, Ithronel 16

Nura notices Elenion’s Sapphire buckler. Scale used to make the buckler came from a Sapphire dragon named Paldret. Shield was crafted by one of the dwarves that originally occupied the keep that is now the West Wing. An expedition had been sent to Mount Olympus because the Zafrine in the mines surrounding the keep had run out, and they went to mount Olympus to get more. Paldret, who lived near Mount Olympus at the time, attacked this expedition of dwarves. During the scuffle, Paldret lost one scale, most of the dwarves in the expedition were killed, but the few survivors ran away with the scale that was used to make the buckler. Nura tells Elenion she knew Paldret from a while ago, that he’s not very social with humanoids, but close with metallic dragons. He dislikes the dwarves that went to Mount Olympus, because he sees them as power hungry and selfish. He’s devout to Zafros the God of Magic. Probably lives around the Echoing Heights. Elenion scries on Paldret. She sees him sleeping, has some scars that seem healed, but breathing and otherwise looks well.

As the group is planning their next steps, Elenion notices that Hazel is being scried on and tries to “discreetly” let them know.

Hazel dispels it, after telling “them” it’s rude to spy without asking.

Group discusses how to contact Nidhogg, Hazel considers trying to send a message (via sending). The message doesn’t go through, and Hazel is reassured they never met Nidhogg.

They contacted the druids, and learned that the druids do not have “parts of Nidhogg”, and they have fought her brethren, but not Nidhogg directly.

Hazel then messaged Gralkas Yorkul (sigh) to ask if they have seen Nidhogg lately and for ideas on how to contact her. Gralkas tells Hazel that a batallion of the Bahamut Brigade was sent to Aethea during Zachronos to assist with security. Hazel asks for more information and learns that Garth is the one going into “Zachronos” and will be done later today. He doesn’t know more details about the ritual.

The group heads back to the keep early in the morning, using Zannan’s very fast teleportation spell with the Amber Orb.

Zannan and Hazel go to the Temple of Yemoja to check on the progress of the cure for corruption. They speak to High Priestess Enndolynn, who advises them that Arin, an alchemist dwarf, is working tirelessly on the cure, but hasn’t any finished potions yet. Hazel looks at notes of the alchemist, looks like he just needs more time to produce a viable product that will be effective.

Brandybuck and Zannan write letters to Nephira and Zannan’s family respectively, in case things go wrong with Nidhogg’s battle. Elenion speaks to Halaema about the upcoming battle and about how gods interact with their followers. Communications are not consistent across gods. Halaema is very emotional about letting Elenion go into what she believes is certain death. Elenion leaves Halaema with a fancy cloak, which Halaema will keep safe for when Elenion comes back.

Zannan mentions he could teleport if there was an object from a place. Elenion suggests Garth’s music box. The group discusses routes for getting to Aethea. Elenion communes with Selune and learns that Nidhogg does plan to come back to Aethea (though not immediately – something in the range of weeks rather than days). She also learns about a deep hatred from Nidhogg towards Bahamut, and taking off branches from trees (literally, as in Yigdrasiil; as well as figuratively, as in killing other dragons). Also learns that Nidhogg is underground often and that Skywrite may not be as effective as they hoped. Nidhogg also may still have alliances that may hurt the group’s chances.

Brandybuck goes to take a bath, to attempt to talk to Yemoja. Didn’t hear back from her and got pulled out of the water by a female human who wasn’t judgmental, but slightly concerned about his mental state. Learns about a sense of dread about Lake Avaranthia potentially being corrupted again.

Group decides to go to Multruvia to fly Boyd to the Glass Islands and attempt to collect a sample material from the Island, to return to Multruvia in 2 days. 

Group sees wraiths, skeletons, zombies and some rather large skeletons walking around Multruvia, outside of the city guard building. Boyd flies past these creatures, seemingly undetected.

The group returns to the keep to work on other things. Later in the day, Elenion sends a message to Garth and finally hears back. He sounds different, with a deeper voice, but also as if he’s having a hard time grasping whether Elenion is real or maybe a dream? He explains that Zachronos hasn’t been done in a long time, and that he is now the protector of Aethea. He also says he needs to talk to her and hints at the music box he gave her.

Discussion between the group about killing Nidhogg to make kinky boots.

The group teleports into a shop with the sounds of whirling of machines and mechanisms clicking, and a lot of clockwork objects around. There are shelves with lots of metal pieces and tools. The group is greeted by a dragonborn (Kaleth) who seems suspicious of the group, and questioning how they got there. After mocking Elenion for claiming Garth is her boyfriend, Kaleth earned Hazel’s shade. Garth gave them a codeword to tell him, so he let them go.

They take in the city of Aethea, which in this section seems to be mostly made from different metals. There is a populace composed almost exclusively of dragonborn and dragons. There is some fire damage to portions of the city, with some people working on repairs.

Gralkas eventually catches up to them to take them to take them to Garth. They see a building in the distance, made of a metal that is unique, dark silvery blue.

They arrive at a building made of metals of multiple colours, and meet a very aged Garth in his human morph.

Session 77: Calamis, Ithronel 16

The group was still conversing with Nura, and established that Nidhogg was seen most recently during the attack to the metallic dragon’s home. Nura also tells the group she would rather not see Nidhogg again, as she probably would try to kill Nura. Nura seems content to just hide underground for now. Nura also reveals she has met some drow and seems to like them, but doesn’t seem to be aware about much information on corruption. Through a conversation about dreams, the group realizes Nura means that she literally sees people’s dreams. She tells them that sometimes she enters Nidhogg’s dreams and tries to scare her, getting her back for the destruction of Cathrill. Also reveals Nidhogg’s weakness is her impulsiveness, short temper and how she holds a grudge. Nidhogg also dislikes Nura’s ability to shift between planes and seems obsessed with keeping the barrier up.

The group also learns about Nura’s old home, which was located near the southern exit of the tunnels leading out of the West Wing.

Elenion takes a large number of rubies.

Nura also shows the group that the large ruby in the ceiling (which she calls a chandelier) can be moved by pressing a switch, revealing the sky above.

Nura also reveals that she saw that Nidhogg had a very dark, consuming presence in her dreams, as well as a different appearance with spikes coming out of her body (red with a black tip).

Brandybuck sees the face of a woman in the watery curtain. Nura tells the group the watery curtain is fed by a spring from Lake Avaranthia. Brandybuck asked Yemoja if that was her in the waterfall, and shortly after felt a strong thirst and very drawn to the waterfall. Once he touched the watery curtain and drank from it, he immediately fell unconscious (as far as the rest of the group could tell). In Brandybuck’s perspective, he just stepped through the watery curtain into a place filled with water. There’s no current, he can’t tell which way is up or down. In every direction there seems to just be water as far as the eye can see, and the light seems uniform. From the distance, a figure approaches. Looks humanoid. As she got closer, she asked: will you accept my gift of unimaginable power? Eventually, Brandybuck said “yes”. As soon as he accepted, she hugged him tight, dug her claws in and bit his neck. A battle began between Brandybuck and this mysterious vampire. Brandybuck successfully defeated the vampire (with some indirect help from Hazel). Once defeated, the vampire vanished, and in its place, Yemoja appeared with a message: “you have shown great skill, as I expected of my champion. Be careful of those who are not as they seem. Do not seek power blindly. You are on a path of alliances. Remember and trust your friends. Trust your heart. I will stand by those who will cleanse this world and welcome life. Will you welcome life? Will you cleanse this world?”

Once Brandybuck accepted, he woke up without any injuries. He tells the group about his experiences.

The group decides to rest afterwards. Brandybuck and Elenion activate the skylight to let the moonlight in. It’s also raining and some of the rain is coming in. Elenion feels the rain is different and warmer. It feels like ordinary water to Brandybuck. Elenion collects samples of the rain water.

Nura also reveals she doesn’t know Garth, but knows that Bahamut watches over metallic dragons more directly, so Elenion shouldn’t worry, because he would protect them from anything major. Elenion asks what Bahamut likes and Nura knows that he likes magic (and mentioned Zaphrine, because that’s the stone that represents Zafros, the god of magic. Also Mount Olympus, above which the metallic’s home is located, is a known source of Zafrine).

Elenion tells Nura that rubies are her favourite rock, so Nura gives her a crescent moon-shaped pendant.

Elenion sends Boyd up the Ruby “hatch”, but unsure of what Boyd saw out there.

Group wakes up well rested and with newfound abilities!

Planning of location/strategy for battle against Nidhogg:

-        Allies? Evgenia? Anyone from West Wing?

-        Location? Near Lake Avaranthia?

-        Tormenting Nidhogg in her dreams?

-        Skywrite

Session 76: Solas, Ithronel 15

Party is at Mossgrove and decide to spend the night there, and head over to the Pond in the morning. Yinfaren again tells the group not to pick any mushrooms around the pond, as it is bad luck. Hazel is very skeptical about that. Elenion stocks up on mushrooms from the Mossgrove “kitchens”.

Brandybuck tries to communicate with Yemoja, and feels a change in the feeling of the air, it’s subtle, but there is a higher level of humidity in the air for a moment, which he feels as a sign that Yemoja is watching him.

In the morning, Hazel makes some coffee. Yin tells the group the directions to the pond, there is a well-traveled path leading to it. They should look for blue mushrooms which increase in density as they get closer to the pond. There’s also a large willow tree that grows close to the pond. Additionally, there’s an offering bowl near the lake with what seems to be the remains of dried up mushrooms of the same kind they have as meals at Mossgrove. Elenion adds some mushrooms to this offering bowl and sees some koi fish in the lake start to jump.

Hazel looks around for clues of what could be causing the “bad luck” surrounding the blue mushrooms.

Hazel casts “see invisibility” and is overwhelmed by the presence of hundreds (possibly thousands) of small creatures that look like fairies, who appear to be laughing at her, and fluttering about all the members of the group. Elenion tries to play charades with them, but they don’t understand what anyone is saying. Hazel at least could comprehend them via spell, and determined they were not hostile towards the group. Zannan makes an image of a dragon and tries to convey the meaning of “where?”. The fairies respond to that by indicating the group would have to enter the lake to reach “her”. Hazel also discovered that the blue mushrooms are the fairies’ homes.

Hazel cast water breathing so the group could get into the lake. As they enter the lake, some of the fairies join them after turning themselves into koi fish. They follow the group underwater, but only until the group reaches a point in which it gets pretty deep. The group sees the bottom of the lake has some bioluminescent algae, as well as magenta-coloured crystals, increasing density towards the north. As they approach this area, they notice a tunnel descending deeper. The group gets attacked by a group of giant pike fish.

After defeating the fish, the group descends into the tunnel, they eventually resurface within a cave. The cave is lined with additional magenta-coloured crystals. A lot of the floor stones have heart-shaped rubies on them. There is lot of animal and plant life, consisting mostly of bioluminescent algae, and small insects and amphibians, as well as some of the same kinds of pixies that the group saw on the surface.

After walking for a few hours, the group reaches a large grotto with a large ruby (about 20 ft wide) in the ceiling at the centre. This ruby has a gentle glow to it. They also see a waterfall at the opposite end of the grotto. Behind the curtain of water, there is a gazebo-like structure entirely made of ruby.

The group reaches the structure and notices a table and 4 chairs, all made of ruby. There are 4 tea cups and 4 tea pots. There’s also a banner hanging behind the table saying “welcome to my tea party, this is your first trial”. Also, each tea pot is labeled with one of the following: “red”, “crimson”, “sanguine”, “rubeo”. Brandybuck tries the Sanguine tea and is hit by a column of fire. Zannan and Elenion both try the Rubeo tea. When Zannan drinks his tea, he notices a darkness spell effect appearing near a wall 60 feet away from him. Zannan goes towards the edge of the darkness. Elenion also tries the Red tea, and nothing happens, as well as the Crimson tea, which makes her feel a boost of confidence. Brandybuck also tries the Crimson tea, but doesn’t feel anything different.

Eventually an elven-looking woman approaches the group from the tunnel just north of the table. She is very excited that the group tried all the teas. She also shows admiration for Elenion’s hair colour, because it is just like the colour of one of the moons.

The group mentions the name Novasset, but she doesn’t recognize it. She seems surprised by the survival of other gem dragons on the surface.

Zannan mentions Nidhogg’s name, to which the group notices a strong reaction on Nura’s part (her facial expression shows shock). Nura explained that she and Nidhogg had a history of a relationship that didn’t work out, and Nidhogg took revenge on Nura by burning down Cathrill to the ground, knowing that Nura has a soft spot for surface people.

Session 75: Sygmis, Ithronel 14

The party returned to the West Wing in the morning, via Shel Alari’s portal. They then decided to head towards Mossgrove via the tunnels under the keep. Hazel helped with casting a vortex that moved their two horses into the tunnel, as they wouldn’t fit through the trapdoor.

Travel through the tunnels was peaceful, with occasional kobold sightings, but no hazards. Upon arrival at the edges of Alusfaenvandor forest and progressing into it, the group noticed the smell of undead. An encounter with corpse flowers and zombies took place. The group, managed fine, however they suffered the loss of their horse Salsa.

Later in the day, the group reached Mossgrove and met Yinfaren again. Yinfaren told the group that there’s a fishing pond just West of Mossgrove where the dragon lives. She told the group not to take any of the mushrooms from around the pond, and that often people leave offerings of mushrooms there.

A few messages were sent. Zannan communicated with Evgenia, who said that the Drow Empress will not be very helpful with solving the ongoing conflicts, and also that there’s an unseelie Belmorn in captivity.

Session 74: Cyclonis, Ithronel 13

During the ball, Elenion spoke to her father, he mentioned he was proud of her, and that he trusts her and has confidence in her.

Zannan did the addressing of the peace talks, with each party member’s title. He also brought up the concern of addressing Nidhogg’s agenda, and the importance of figuring out what she wants.

The formal dinner began – a very opulent meal was served. The Council members (including the Twilight Wings) ate at the table, while guards and guests mingled all around the ball room. There were always 6 drow guards standing behind the drow council, while the other 12 drow guards mingled around the room. They seemed to be taking rotations in these tasks.

The Peace Talks began.

The first addressing was done by Drow Prime Sentinel Isilru Zeignat, who said the following:

“Our Empress once had an alliance with the dragon Nidhogg, but that alliance has fallen, and we no longer see the dragon as an ally, as she threatens our empire as much as yours. We also have learned of a threatening individual, who is a shapeshifter, and seeks to sow chaos in all of Arvandor. We believe they once took the persona of an Ascal Olovalur, and that this individual has also on occasion infiltrated our midst and caused irreparable harm. We do not know who this person is, or what their real name is. We call them “the Betrayer”. We do not know their motives or objectives, but we do know they have started gathering an army composed of some deserter drow, vampires, and a number of engineers and their creations – true abominations built only for destruction and pain. Our Empress Nokshei Dyvnek proposed this meeting so that we may find common ground to form an alliance and neutralize these enemies of Arvandor, who threaten all of its people, regardless of their origin. We would also like to request that the barrier between planes be removed, so that our civilians may also have a world to go to for asylum, should the conflicts here increase in severity.”

The Seldarine council replied with their own concerns and requests, mostly concerns about corruption and vampires being out of control.

Regarding the corruption, the Drow said the following:

“What you refer to as “corruption” has been our Goddess Ganassis’ blessing and protective embrace. Just like your goddess Celeste blesses you with sunlight, which as you well know, weakens us, our Goddess blessed us with this protection, because it weakens our enemies. We do not have control over it, or how it spreads, just like you cannot control the sun itself.”

This triggered some further negotiations regarding the term used to address the corruption as not “Blessing of Ganassis”. Another suggestion by the party was to agree on a cease fire between factions, in an attempt to see it perhaps the corruption would recede. Additionally, having cities open at night could allow for Drow to still work at night.

The group mentioned a semi-cure for vampirism, but did not disclose the ingredient used for the potion.

Both factions decided to take these suggestions to their leaders, and seemed favourable to the cease fire, as well as interested in the semi-cure for vampirism. They also seemed agreeable to the idea of joining forces and providing soldiers and ships to help fight Nidhogg. However, getting feedback from the Empresses will take some time.

At this point, Elenion noticed one of the guards whisper something in Evgenia’s ear. Hazel communicates with Evgenia to ask what was happening, to which Evgenia replied: “Talabrina, one of my guards, has been missing for the past 10 minutes, the other guards are still looking for her”.

At the same time, dessert was about to be served - a pastry chef (human female – Lynne Crawford) brought in a procession with a cart that held her most elaborate cake yet, in celebration of this momentous occasion. The cake was covered in a veil. When the veil dropped to reveal the cake, the room fell silent. All gasped in awe, and Lynne couldn’t help but smile, confident her masterpiece was being admired. What Lynne couldn’t see was what had been revealed on the cart behind her. Her face dropped as a symphony of piercing screams cut through the room.

There was no cake – but the corpse of a drow instead. With a dagger of Eladrin military design planted on her chest, and a note written in blood that read (in sylvan): “Take your filth back to Carantharas”. The victim was immediately recognized as Talabrina, the guard Evgenia was missing from her party. She was wearing her sleeping gown (instead of the official ball garb).

This event triggered the doors to the ballroom to be shut. Nobody enters or leaves, until cleared by thorough investigations. The party also successfully defused the situation, avoiding further attrition between factions – go group!

Arelel, the Seldarine Chief of Diplomacy, urged everyone to stay calm in the face of this great tragedy, and that this is a matter that requires cooperation and thorough and careful investigation. Any attempt by anyone to flee this place before providing a thorough interview will be seen as an active attempt of fleeing the scene of a crime, and treated as a criminal act. He proposed that the Twilight Wings, as the neutral party, investigate this incident.

Investigating the body, the party noticed that Talabrina’s throat was slashed. Elenion also could tell that she has been dead for a while, since late this morning.

Hazel detected the presence of what could be the betrayer somewhere to the south, possibly by the docks. Brandybuck and Zannan rushed to the docks and noticed a person who looked like a sailor, but acting strangely, out of place. They then saw the halfling that they immediately recognized as Tin Can extending a hand to this mysterious person. Before Brandybuck or Zannan could do anything, Tin Can teleported them both out of there.

Hazel sent disturbing crying sounds to the Mayor of Multruvia (Darastrix).

A very curious woman at the ball was trying to get as much information as possible (Sybill Blackbriar). She is a reporter for the Arvandor Gazette, and very interested in gossip.

The group told both the Seelie and Unseelie courts about the halfling automaton known as Tin Can, and that the Betrayer is most likely responsible for the murder.

The group also decided on the codeword Omelette.

Hazel made a mental note that a bag of colding would be good to have to transport dragon blood.

Session 73: Cyclonis, Ithronel 13

The party was at the Golden Clover Tavern in the morning. Hazel noticed some drow looking at them and (via detect thoughts) express feelings of “so that must be them… Ariadne’s comrades… what is their deal?”. Hazel noted that they referred to Ariadne by name. The group had a few drinks and food (the spider gruel and multigrain bread).

The group found out they had a room reserved for them (room number 12), at the same floor as the drow attendees. On the way there, Hazel detected abjuration magic coming from room number 1.

Hazel, Elenion, and Brandybuck explored the city streets. They saw a very busy hair salon, and Hazel tried reading thoughts of Seldarine guards, but they noticed, and recommended she doesn’t do that at the ball.

Zannan left the bag of holding (enchanted with non-magical aura) atop of a tree just east of the Ball building so that Boyd can bring it to them in case of emergencies.

Brandybuck went to check the area near the gates of the city and noticed traffic to and from the docks, the air ship docked outside the city, and some people being turned away at the gates for inappropriate behaviours.

Once the ball began, Zannan and Elenion tried to look like they were on a date off to the side, so Zannan could check on the bag, but the guards saw through their deception, and suggested they move along to the ball.

Upon arrival inside, they were announced as “The Twilight Wings”, and were encouraged to interact with the other attendees, especially members of the council (on both sides). Brandybuck immediately noticed one of the drow attendees was precisely the drow who he remembers as his parent’s murderer.

This same drow (Arch Huntress Evgenia Nastamitsia) approached the group and asked for a dance with Zannan. He noticed a slight change in her eyes when he mentioned his last name. During the dance, Evgenia questioned Zannan about the Twilight Wings’ views on fairness government and community. She also told Zannan she has concerns about the Drow Empress not properly taking care of her people, and that the drow community is suffering and not doing well. She mentioned that she knows they travelled with Ariadne, and that she believes Ariadne is still alive, because the empress announced Ariadne was executed, but it was not a public execution. Evgenia believes the Empress still has some use for Ariadne and likely keeping her in a more secluded, high security prison to which not even Evgenia has access. Evgenia then slipped a note into Zannan’s sleeve, letting him know that they can attempt communication via spells (such as “sending”) every Sygmys at 7 PM. On the note, she again expressed concerns with the well-being of the drow, and that she believes that peace between drow and eladrin is the way to save her people, because the Empress is not acting in the best interest of the drow. The party notices how Evgenia’s guards are protecting her from afar, trying to prevent the other drow from noticing her interaction with Zannan.

Zannan also talked General Egoreen and learned that her main goal is to end corruption, as she has lost many soldiers to the illness. She was otherwise uninterested in the social function as a whole.

Hazel interacts with Abofri, who was not very open, however she implied that interests between the drow and the Twilight Wings may be aligned, while being evasive about any details.

Session 72: Cyclonis, Ithronel 13

Elenion told the party about her father’s letter, which let the group know they are expected to act as a neutral party at the Council Meeting, and sending them garments to wear at the ball. 

Elenion communed with Selune and was provided with a vision:

“An eladrin and a drow figure are fighting and getting both consumed by flames (with a dragon’s face). The image shifts to purple wings and a feeling of peace and hope.”

The party concludes that this could mean that the presence of the Twilight Wings at the ball could be helpful at least in dealing with Nidhogg. The party then begins preparations for the ball. Zannan finds a person at the keep (Terryn Truegust) who knows the spell “Mage Armour”, so he was able to copy this spell to his spellbook. Elenion cast Hero’s Feast during the morning of the ball. People who took part in the feast: Armando, Kalim, Coleen, Remi, Novasset, Katrina (the Armourer), Elder Qinyarus, Halaema. Zannan also gave a sending stone to Kalim. Hazel cast Arcanist aura.

The party took the portal to Shel Alari the morning of the Ball (on Ithronel 13). Upon arrival, the guards inquired the party if they intended to do harm or use harmful spells, but seemed calm and respectful, almost welcoming towards the party. They directed the party towards the Golden Clover Tavern, where most visitors are staying for the event.

When headed towards the tavern, Hazel detected thoughts, and noticed that the drow find it weird that everyone around here seems so relaxed and safe. They are also very tired and thinking about going to their rooms to rest fairly soon.

The group is currently at the tavern, waiting for the time of the Ball (after sunset).

Session 71: Demis, Ithronel 10

Party was still in the presence of Artin Banksi, and contemplating whether to kill the mayor. They wanted to turn the entire town against the Mayor and poisoning him low key just to get him very sick.

Elenion went horse shopping with Brandybuck. They got two horses: Brie, an obedient bay gelding equipped with mail barding, and Salsa, a calm blue roan gelding, that is excellent for long travel. Brandybuck had a bit of trouble riding his horse (Salsa).

Brandybuck got his new armor, it has a sheen to it when he moves around, a certain iridescence.

Hazel went to mayor Cromwell, and told her about Darastrix’s handling of Multruvia. The Mayor recognized Hazel’s name, as there is now a reputation associated with freeing the town from Bigsby’s Casino, and defeating the white dragon. She believed Hazel about Darastrix abandoning people in Multruvia.

Pip pickpocketed Hazel (took 2 griffon feathers), but also slipped a note from Faith Fast Fingers saying she needs to talk to them urgently, to meet her this evening at the Murky Ox Inn.

Faith had information from her network of informants that the Council meeting will be on the 13^th of Ithronel (in 3 days), after sunset. It will be a grand ball in which the negotiations will take place. Neither of the queens will be present, for security reasons, but they are sending their most trusted representatives. Seldarine security will be increased for sure, although the drow will be limited in how many numbers they are allowed to attend.

Brandy and Lennie went to the Inn where Zannan and Hazel went to regroup at the end of the day, and a boy approaches them offering help with horses, while another boy (Pip) is around the corner. Lennie and Brandy see Pip around corner.

Parchments on Shelves is the Tabaxi female server at Berrycrest Inn, the party ordered a meal and drinks before discussing future plans.

Menell Dilth is depleted of chalk and paper. The group also stopped at the orphanage, where Hazel made an impression with the kids. They think she’s cool. The half-orc teacher at the orphanage is appreciative of Hazel.

Group Discussions included:

-        Are they going to peace talks as Twilight Wings? Or as regular civilians?

Do they acknowledge they knew Ariadne? Go in as Lennie's crew? Careful of magic use, high alert.

     No fucking up relations between parties, no dying, no families dying

Try to have good reputation/respect as Twilight Wings

-        Hazel talked to Yinfaren, they know a perhaps ruby dragon, but she is a friend       who protects Mossgrove, and is a secret.

-        Cui Long and the Druids don’t know anything about a ruby dragon.

-        Hazel asked keep blacksmith to make 2 platinum rings (warding bond)

-        Zannan sped up the armour making for elenion – armour will be finished on         the 12^th.

Group to do List:

1. Nidhogg – to be killed

2. Ariadne

3. Peace Talks

4. Spells to cast at Keep (Lennie, safety)

5. Betrayer needs to be taken care of

6. Sanguine Raider (retake)

Session 70: Solas, Ithronel 8 to Demis, Ithronel 10

With the beholder gone, and after having a good look around the now cleared room, the party heard fighting in the upper floor, apparently the sounds of sahuagin fighting the remaining undead. Some of the sahuagin were slamming at the temple doors trying to leave, but unable to.

Brandybuck collected a vial of dark blue Kraken blood.

Hazel, Zannan and Brandybuck went upstairs to fight the remaining sahuagin, while Elenion stayed in the lower level to spend time praying and cleansing the temple. During her prayers, bright small entities guided her towards an offering bowl on the upper floor.

Eventually, the entire party had a closer look at the altar on the upper floor. The offering bowl was holding only dirt and debris. Along its side, an inscription in a strange language (which was only deciphered thanks to a spell) read: “Show me how you see the flow of life”. Each member of the party made offerings:

-        Zannan put Water in the bowl. Yemoja saw in Zannan a feeling of empathy, goodness, change, and growth.

-        Hazel made an offering of her blood: Yemoja listened to Hazel’s explanations as to why, and felt that Hazel showed empathy to her friends, as well as an understanding of the force of nature

-        Brandybuck made an offering of Merek’s letter, and told Yemoja that the flow of life meant keeping his friend’s memory and legacy alive. He said passing things along and keeping them alive in that manner meant the flow of life. Friends are the most important thing to him. This seemed to move Yemoja, to the point where an offer was made. Brandybuck accepted to act as her champion, although not much else was said to that end.

As the offerings are complete, and Elenion’s rituals finish, the temple seems cleaner, the barrier around it feels stronger, and it all smells better. Also, as all of this takes place, the temple slowly begins rising again to the surface. The party notices a few sahuagin swimming at great speeds to the east, away from the temple. The water has cleared up, and a bridge seems to be connecting the entrance to land (it is not fully emerged, about knee deep in water). It still feels like the temple can use additional help, but it is well on the way to becoming what it once was.

Hazel made a few contacts:

She checked in with Sofriss (the Druid Elder) – Sofriss told Hazel to expect 2 druids within 5 days, if not arriving, they should check back

Hazel also checked in with the Cathrill Yemoja Priestess (Enndolynn), who said she will be sending priestesses to temple as well.

Hazel tried to message Garth, bu didn’t hear anything back from him.

Her message to her mother resulted in her finding out that her mother is keeping her outings to only groceries. Hazel’s brother Remy is frustrated about something he mixed having to be blue, but turning green instead, to which Hazel offered some input.

After a full rest, the party then proceeded back to their keep. They decided to look for supplies in Menell Dilth before their next steps. Elenion expressed her enthusiasm in acquiring a horse for the keep.

During their first stroll around Menell Dilth, Elenion saw posters of Darastrix campaigning to be elected as the next Mayor of Menell Dilth. Elenion knows he’s staying at the Berry Crest inn.

The group met a halfling man who defends Menell Dilth’s current mayor, but is intrigued by Darastrix. The group told him about his abandoning people, and he seemed very disappointed and convinced that Darastrix would make a poor leader.

Sessions 68-69: Solas, Ithronel 8

 A summary of past few sessions:

6 days ago, the group visited Shel Alari to learn more about the future Peace Talks between the Seldarine and the Drow/Unseelie, as well as searching the library for more information about dragons and the drow. Whilst in Shel’Alari, the group met Elered, a young and talented half-elf with an interest for outfits, enchantments, and an eagerness to see the world outside Shel’Alari. Elered accompanied the group to Cathrill, On their way to Cathrill, however, the group was once more approached by the two druids of Yigdrasiil they had met before. They were given a balm that could protect them against corruption, and the druids also revealed the discovery that one ingredient in particular could be vital in concocting a cure for the corruption: Yemoja’s Tears. The druids hoped they could find more of this ingredient at the sunken temple, and asked the group to pursue this.

-        On their way to Cathrill, the group came across an aggressive werebear, and Hazel was bit.

-        After spending some time resting in Cathrill, as well as helping some Multruvian refugees, the group set course towards lake Avaranthia. During their journey, Hazel discovered she was now the carrier of Lycanthropy, and can herself now turn into a werebear. This lead to the group being approached by Yinfaren, a werebear from Mossgrove, a werebear settlement where they all live in peace, feast together and have otherwise no interest in outsiders. Hazel learned a few things about her new abilities and the moon she’s under (Avalan).

-        Lennie noticed during one of their nights that they were being observed by a spell.

-        The group continued their way to the lake, and made the delivery of Hazel’s blueprints to Tincan, the construct who likes to take on the disguise of a halfling. Hazel had the harrowing realization that Tincan does indeed look like a halfling she used to know, and that Tincan has been programmed to “obey” a master.

-        Upon arrival at the lake, the group summoned a boat from a magical feather token gifted to Elenion by Selune a few weeks prior. On their way to the temple’s location in the lake, the group was attacked by sahuagin with corrupted weapons. During their descent to the temple, they saw more of these sahuagin, as well as undead priests near the entrance.

-        Stealthily, the group gained entrance to the temple, through a door that functioned like a teleportation device activated by their blodrur weapon.

-        Inside the temple, the group encountered a few foes, such as the sahuagin and undead priests. Hazel noticed that some of the weapons they were using did not hurt her. There were some traps in the temple, as well as some undead tentacles in the central area of the top floor.

-        Once they descended to the lower floor, the group encountered a beholder and its basilisk pet. The corner of the room had a massive carcass of a decomposing kraken, as well as a very obvious hole in the wall and some form of magical barrier.

-        After a long battle, the beholder was defeated, and the group was able to search around the now silent lower chamber of the temple. Pinkerton, the summoned Duergar survived the battle as well.

-        The group found what looked like a garden with some living and some wilted plants, as well as a table with some simple tools probably used for mixing ingredients (mortar and pestle, vials, bowls).

-        A notebook was found on a body near this garden. Additionally, there is a modified teleportation circle here.

Session 67: Cyclonis, Ithronel 6 to Solas, Ithronel 8

Still in her bear form, Hazel is now shuffling through her companions’ bags, looking for food, however is not aggressive. All her equipment and clothes transformed with her. She quickly got Elenion’s bag and ate all the quiche, cake, and mushrooms. Elenion was quite upset at her mushrooms being gone and blasted Hazel’s hindquarters with sacred flame.

The noises from the transformation (roaring) attracted a group of vampires, who rushed towards the hut. Other werebears approached from behind the vampires, sniffing out the air. The bears attacked them, swiping, and the vampires turned into mist and bats and flew away. One of the bears was in hybrid form (a polar bear holding a staff) and able to talk.

The Polar bear’s name is Yinfaren, and she wanted to talk to the group, saying they should be safe now, for a while at least. She explained to the group that Hazel would be a bear until sun rise, and likely wouldn’t remember anything that happened during her transformed state. She also said they didn’t need to worry, because after the first transformation, she would have a bit more control and even be able to transform when she wants at other times. On full moons, however, she will always transform. She’s lucky her first full moon is Avalan (Selune’s moon), as those who first turn under Vilis (Ganassis’ moon) more often than not turn into creatures of a more evil and selfish disposition, like the one who bit Hazel.

Yin then invited the group to spend the night at their settlement (Mossgrove), where Hazel can safely be a bear and eat to her heart’s content. Yin’s group keeps to themselves, and their settlement is well-hidden. Yin also gave Hazel a moon amulet (Selune), as a friendship bracelet.

As the group approached Mossgrove, they (except for Hazel) felt discomfort and a very strong desire to turn around and go back. Yin explained that this is because of an enchantment the druids put at that place to help them keep their home hidden. They have a good relationship with the druids and sometimes help each other.

Mossgrove is a sturdy, yet rustic set of wooden homes built atop trees, over 100 feet above ground, with connecting bridges between them. The group was shown a place to sleep safely, while Hazel enjoyed a large meal at the kitchen hut. The next morning, Hazel did indeed not remember anything about the previous night, but thankfully her friends and Yin (now revealed to be an all white firbolg) filled in the blanks. Elenion was able to take some mushrooms with her. Hazel also tried to take a few in an attempt to make up for the ones she ate the night before.

The group decided to press on, so as to deliver Hazel’s schematics to the “Betrayer”. Once the message was sent, the Halfling-looking construct named Tin Can appeared to collect the schematics. Hazel remembered a halfling named Tinnerius Candori working as a tavern keep in one of the taverns in Berisut. She also noticed how Tin Can has an organic component to it, as well as him being “programmed” to obey a master.

During the night’s rest, Elenion noticed the group was being scried on.

The next day, the group reached the edge of the forest near Lake Avaranthia by midday. Zannan used the magic carpet to get a better idea of where the temple is. With the help of his arcane eye spell, he saw the temple door with a small teleportation circle on it. He also saw large groups of Sahuagin and Undead Priests (wearing Yemoja’s vestments) walking on the bottom of the lake. He also noticed a form of shield sealing the temple, so that even where there were major cracks, no water or anything else, can go through.

Upon returning to the group, and showing Hazel what the portal on the temple door looks like, Hazel recognized it as a lock mechanism, in the form of a lesser, more localized portal, that requires a specific item to transport people inside the building. 

The group used their feather token, a swan boat, to start their journey to the location of the temple. However, before reaching their destination, the group was attacked by Sahuagin.

Session 66: Terrane, Ithronel 4 to Cyclonis, Ithronel 6

The group traveled towards Lake Avaranthia, estimating about 5 days of travel to reach it from Cathrill. On their first day of travel, Elenion found 4 saffron and 7 mushrooms. Additionally, Brandybuck heard Nephira’s voice in his head: a cry for help. Nephira said that she and some of the Sanguine Raider’s crew have been captured by the Red-Haired elven woman while they were trying to make their way to Menell Dilth. She also said they were currently tied up at a camp nearby. She described a rock formation she could see that is shaped like a dog, and she could hear a creek nearby. Zannan knew that location, as he is familiar with this area.

Hazel sent a message to Nephira to verify what was happening, and learned that the real Nephira is actually still at Westwing Keep.

Soon enough, the group learned that the creatures trying to communicate with them were in fact not who they said they were, but 3 mind flayers. The mind flayers revealed they were on a mission from the Drow Queen. They revealed the Queen’s hunt for “The Betrayer” and knowing that this Betrayer had dealings with Hazel, which is why the Queen has been looking for the group. Queen is trying to learn what Hazel has been negotiating with the Betrayer.

Once the group was out of danger, Hazel sent a message to her mother, asking her to not act differently, so nobody would grow suspicious of any behavioral changes from her. The group set up camp with their tiny hut for the night and observed a few vampires passing by their hut, but not noticing the group. On the night of Ithronel 6^th, as the Avalan moon was rising, Brandybuck noticed Hazel’s body growing and changing, to the point where she fully turned into a bear.

Session 65: Terrane, Ithronel 4th

In Cathrill people were being slowly admitted into town.

At the gates (guards (human male and female): Biggs and Wedge), people were asked to briefly stand in a running water stream that was engineered at the entrance for the specific purpose to test for vampires. There was a commotion at the moment the party arrived, as a dwarven family arrived with a few people sitting in a cart, and they refused to ask the family members in the cart to step out of it, as they are old, tired and weak.

People in general are tense, as evening approaches, and many are still outside the gates.

Guards also explained that a few vampires were exposed this way early this morning, but they ran away into the forest, and because Cathrill doesn’t have guards to spare, they didn’t give chase.

Elenion sprinkled people with holy Yemoja water to check if they are vampires. None seem to be vampires, however Elenion noticed about 10 people showing signs of corruption.

Zannan conjured the goat mother to get the healing milk (healing potions).

Elenion cast 3 cure wound spells on the most injured ones. 

Once they helped as many people as possible and got everyone inside town, the party headed to the town hall. At the town hall, refugees were being admitted, with a few organizers from Cathrill’s administrative body: a female human in her 40’s (Ariana Crane), a young gnome male in his 20’s (Padraig Basileaf), and an old (in his 70’s) Tabaxi male (looks like a tuxedo cat, named Jungle Rumble). They are organizing people into groups that need medical attention, food and blankets/clothes, and keeping kids entertained/busy. Zannan’s friends Virgil (brought some alcohol from the distillery to help with first aid for the injured) and Grammor (brought books for children and adults in need of something to read and keep their minds occupied) are also helping place refugees. The refugees and organizers were very happy with the party’s contribution.

At Zannan’s family home, Brandybuck and Elered met Balixdor and improvements to Brandybuck’s cloak were made. Elenion went for a walk to the temple of Yemoja and healed a lot of additional people. Morale was vastly improved at the temple. A lot of pain and suffering was improved due to Elenion’s help. Hazel made notes on how to do sending. Also had her constructs go play with kids.

Zannan’s family took in 5 gnome children refugees (all orphaned – Finnemoor, Glidwart, Nostak, Hufobella, and Sazuni).

Zannan’s father (Thesandoral) had a talk with Zannan.

-        Thesandoral began his training in the Seldarine many centuries ago, and was at first stationed in Aerie, and then eventually moved to Shel’Alari as one of the generals. His duties included protecting Shel’ Alari from drow invaders, but also help control who enters the city.

-        After decades working at this station, he grew increasingly frustrated at how many refugees that were nothing but innocent people looking for a way to make a living were turned away at the doors of Shel’ Alari and left to their own devices, and with nowhere to go. He saw the misery of the people forced to seek refuge in Cathrill because Shel’Alari couldn’t be bothered to help.

-        As much as he swore allegiance to the Seldarine and Aerie, he couldn’t bear the cruelty of this lack of care for innocent, and often wonderful people. He observed how caring Irina (Zannan’s mother) was towards other refugees, and how she helped a group of them find shelter and go to Cathrill when they were turned away at Shel’Alari. Thesandoral quit the Seldarine that day, because he saw more kindness, compassion and light in this human woman he had just met than he ever saw in any other of his colleagues.

-        He left Shel’Alari on an impulse, with nothing but the clothes on his back, and some small possessions, including a borrowed book he was studying at the time.

-        With the increased dangers in the world, and the advancing corruption, he had been meaning to return the book to Shel’Alari.

-        Until this morning, when he saw once again people resorting to coming to Cathrill unprotected, at the mercy of the enemy forces, because Shel’Alari can’t be bothered to help anyone who isn’t an eladrin.

-        Therefore, as much as it pains him to admit that Zannan is now in a dangerous position, he would rather arm Zannan with better tools to defend himself against these threats. He knows there’s no sense in talking Zannan out of getting involved.

-        Gifts Zannan the book “Climate Change during the Dark Wizard Time”.

Zannan spent an hour with his father, and shared some of Virgil’s whiskey.

Hazel sent messages to her mom. Her mother was exasperated and relieved to hear Hazel’s voice, especially hearing that Remy is alive and well. She asked Hazel to please bring Remy back home and to please come home, but also revealed a few things:

 -        That just before Remy was taken, there was a red haired elven woman that kept checking their house from afar, but she hasn’t seen this woman since Remy disappeared.

-        Also that vampire attacks around Berisut are on the rise, there are at least 5 documented attacks every night now. She believes it may have gotten worse since the Fang Crushers stopped operating. There’s a curfew being enforced in Berisut, no leaving your home at night is allowed. Hazel’s family is safe for now.

Brandybuck got a rapier with cherry blossoms on the hilt.

Zannan decided Cathrill is still the safest place for his family to stay put for now. The group decided to proceed towards lake Avaranthia, in pursuit of more of Yemoja’s Tears at the sunken temple.

Session 64: Demis, Ithronel 3rd

The druids got the group about a two hour walk away from Cathrill. They couldn’t get too close, because the area became very busy with the influx of refugees fleeing Multruvia. The group wanted to make their way to Cathrill first to rest and gather their strength before heading to the Temple of Yemoja.

On their way to Cathrill, the group noticed the large group of people in the distance, headed towards Cathrill. They also noticed noises approaching them, and it turned out to be a werebear wielding a greataxe, talking about being hungry, with four constructs at his disposal. The battle resulted in some injuries, but the group managed to kill the enemies. Hazel recovered some Zafrine powder from the constructs.

Zannan modified Elered’s memory so he doesn’t remember anything about the druids, and thinks that they got here by travelling very efficiently because of Zannan’s skills.

Upon arrival in Cathrill, the group noticed there was a very long lineup of people looking for refuge in Cathrill. These people left Multruvia via foot just over 7 days ago. They said that they lost many people on the way here, about a third of the people who originally left Multruvia. Most of the people were lost in Festerburg (once known as Esilion, a small fishing village) to corrupted undead and vampires, which now overrun the region.

Zannan recognizes the guards at the gates of Cathrill, who are currently making an effort to admit people into town, while also being cautious about potential corrupted people, or any other threats. They are tired and obviously overwhelmed. The group is standing back for now, weighing their options.

 

Session 63: Demis, Ithronel 3

Still at “The Outer Shell”: Elered told Brandy and Lennie that the tavern keep would treat them nicely, but it’s the patrons they needed to be wary about. Some of the guards who frequent the place can be hostile towards outsiders, especially non-eladrin folks.

Brandybuck and Elenion headed over to the Golden Clover, and were greeted by a very friendly elven woman, the tavern keep Elyel. Elenion noticed ear piercings on Elyel, which she told them were a gift from her son. They talked to her a bit more and realized her son is Elered. Brandybuck and Elenion tried the very delicious ale, as well as eggs and pastries. The chef at this tavern has proven very skilled, and apparently received their training in Menell Dilth. They packed a platter of 12 Cherry Strudels.

Elenion and Brandybuck tried to find out more about Elyel and Elered’s father (Frederick Runlithmae). They discovered that Elered’s father died “as a hero” (at least that was the official story given), however Elenion later saw a vision of him and other humans being used as bait or test subjects by the eladrin in an attempt to advance through corrupted zones.

Elenion and Brandybuck returned to The Outer Shell to try and talk Elered into coming with them, however he worries about his mother. His mother also doesn’t want him out in the world, as they both feel it’s very unsafe outside, and only safe where the eladrin can protect them. In an attempt to convince him to come along, Elenion scared Elered. She used a charm spell to have an easier time convincing him. Eventually he did come along, because this was his deepest wish for a long time, and perhaps this was the push he just needed.

Halaema took a portal back to the keep, whereas the remainder of the group decided to travel by foot, after Brandybuck also stopped at the docks to question one of the local sailors about the Sanguine Raider, which hasn’t been seen by this sailor.

Elered has revealed he loves designing outfits, but he’s not good at sewing. He does like making the fabrics or outfits more “special”, by adding enchantments to them. He was making frantic notes about Hazel’s constructs. Hazel asked him about the enchantments, he mentioned some “cloth with fire” and “invisible glove” creations, as well as Elenion’s colour changing scarf.

On their way to Cathrill, the group was approached by the two Druids of Yigdrasiil they had met previously (Thesseia and Ferez). They brought with them an item crafted by the druids: a jar of light blue, translucent and oily balm with enough product for 4 doses.

Once applied to the skin, the balm protects the user against corruption for 4 hours.

The discovery of the effectiveness of this balm is recent. It was accidentally discovered because Pacha spilled his Yemoja water bottle (Yemoja’s tears) as they were surveying the eastern side of the forest, and when they returned days later, the corruption had taken over the area except for where the water was spilled. Unfortunately, the druids only had a few of those bottles left, and they were kept more as a sentimental token, but now that they know that they are so effective against corruption, they will be more careful. There should be an ample supply of the tears still left at the temple, if more intact bottles can be found.

The druids used up their last supply to make the balm, in hopes that the group could use it to attempt to retrieve more tears from the temple. The high priestesses there used to conjure the tears and keep them in bottles as a component in healing for those that to came to the temple for healing purposes. They suggest this is likely why the temple was attacked.

The druids offer a transport via plants to get the group to their destination.