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.