Cat get over here, lhelp me seach these guys and then rope them up!Cat dashes over to Alice and keeps the Bandit in check while Alice seaches him. After seaching them all, Cat ties them up with her rope.
they met the girl on the side of the road as they turned onto the Triboar Trail. They explain she was looking for adventurers and they knew of adventurers who cleared the goblin den so they took her aboard.Alice looks at her Doppelgänger from head to toe
Ashley sees the one who blew the whistle turning grey as no one helps him and tries to stabilize him.Damned I told you to tell me if any of those guys are on the verge of dying!
Come on guys, they won't talk if they're dead!
On the second attempt Ashley manages to stabilize the man, he would have otherwise died.
She beams at everyone like a ray of warm sunshine, "I'm Summer of Leilon, what's your name? I love your cats. Where are you headed? What kind of quest are you on? Will you also please take my quest?"Summer eh?
"Excuse us, but our horse is not used to the cold, can we go on ahead to Phandalin and leave her to you?" The trader seems relieved and thankful but impatient and wary of standing for too long.Yeah me neither, we should not be standing around here but we gotta clarify what to do with that girl. It would be more sane if you took her back to Leilon with you. I mean she looks rich so you'd probably get paid too if you return her safely. We are walking to Neverwinter. This will suck even for us, let alone for a child. Plus we also have to deal with those bandits...
Summer looks overjoyed to meet her eyes. "I have a quest for youuuu." She smiles at Yulya's kind look and does a little jig happily crunching in the snowy road. "And you should take it or the forest will die." The way she says it, you'd almost thing she doesn't really care about the forest because her expression remains cheerful. "I see you're a cleric, and I'm so glad because Clerics like to help people in need, don't they? I'm a person, in need, and I need help." She seems satisfied by her own logic.Yulya extends her hands toward the girl and uses PERSUASION
Ashley turns to Yulya with a slightly irritated look.Yulya shrugs helplessly
Damned I told you to tell me if any of those guys are on the verge of dying!
"I still dunno what to do with them. Maybe we should just cook and eat them..."
Certainly we will take care of this child but might you at least have some cloak or jacket for this girl? She needs some overcoat out here in the cold. By the way we met a roadmaster and a hunter from Leilon not long ago. Samuel and Jaquard if I remember correctly. Might you happen to know them? They were looking to recover supplies from the goblin den we cleared.
We should not be standing around here but we gotta clarify what to do with that girl. It would be more sane if you took her back to Leilon with you. I mean she looks rich so you'd probably get paid too if you return her safely. We are walking to Neverwinter. This will suck even for us, let alone for a child. Plus we also have to deal with those bandits..."
Ok you managed to find your adventurers! At least Cat here is officially a folk hero. Deliver your quest and tell us what you wanna do! You really want to walk all the way to Neverwinter with us? That's where we are going. And we can't carry you, you gotta walk. All day every day. Or do you want to return home to Leilon with those traders after they deliver their goods to Phandalin?
Worry not my child we will help you if we can! Now please tell me about your quest! What do you mean the forest will die? I am a Peace Cleric serving Our Lady Eldath, the Goddess of forests and lakes. Surely I do not want nature to suffer! And Alice here is also very fond of trees. But still I am worried about you. The life of adventurers is harsh and dangerous. So we cannot take you along indefinitely. Where is your home and family? Even if your story is complicated we are willing to listen. Remember we cannot help you if you do not tell us the full story!
Cat tries to discretely sniff Summer to find out if she really smells like a human
Summer shows a toothy grin, and though very cute and charming, it's lost on you all. "Alright." [/i]She picks up a handful of fresh snow[/i] "Do you see this?" She points to her palm full of snow. "This doesn't belong here, not even in winter. We've had frosts in Leilon, we never get frosts in Leilon and there's rumors of a white dragon with green eyes." She points to her cobalt blue eyes for emphasis "I don't know why he's here, but he doesn't belong here."Alice listens to the story with visible disinterest then lets out a guffaw. She mostly talks to herself while turning her attention to the bandits.
Psst Yulya Nyaaa!Yulya nods to Cat as her paranoia increases further. She decides to monitor Summer for any potential non-human behavior. But for the moment she cannot find any reason this would not just be an eccentric noble girl. Which is bad enough.
That girl Nya is no ordinary girl Nya! Out here in the wilderness and cold Nya, badly equipped Nya not afraid Nya totally clean Nya and no ID Nya! Traders seemed happy to get rid of her Nya! We gotta be careful Nya!
Ahhh, I know why the dragon is here but it's well, complicated - you understand!? Let's just say the dragon might be the true hero. Doing God's work. Saving the world as we speak, yep!
Hey, hey, we heard a funny story as well! About disappearing nobles! Some son of a Marquis vanished. Right where those traders picked you up! In Neverwinter they say there's a dragon that can morph into a little girl. To eat nobles. Can you believe that?
Caused us quite some trouble when we tried to enter Neverwinter last time! They suspect anyone could be that dragon! So good luck without an ID. They'll probably strip you naked to check you're reeeeallly not a dragon!
Wake up you lazy bums! You're not gonna freeze to death here so easily!
We need to get moving! Let us question these gentlemen now and decide what to do with them!
Ashley turns to Yulya, and speaks in hushed tones so Summer can't hear "From what I can tell, she's just a noble's daughter perhaps even Leilon royalty, we better play nice if we want to stay legit, the only thing worse than a noble is a royal. Heal her please, she might be a little loopy from the injury, can you tell how bad it is?"Yulya nods and gathers everyone
Alice come here too!Alice enthusiastically runds over to Yulya and extends her hands
Cat and Alice please look after these men and question them!With pleasure!
Yulya nods and gathers everyone...Yulya folds her hands in prayer, then casts CHANNEL DIVINITY - BALM OF PEACE
Moving from bandit to bandit, then Alice and Summer, she touches all of them with a hand, restoring 2D6+5 HP for everyone
Yulya rummages through her backpack and takes out:
DARK RED CLOAK WITH ROYAL PATCH
ROYAL IDENTIFICATION PLATE (DAMAGED)
ROYAL ELVEN DAGGER
Please have these items Summer they should serve you well until we arrive in Neverwinter!
Alice pokes the bandits with her spear, impatiently waiting for them to snap out of it.
Cat patrols the area and observes the surroundings to make sure there is no ambush.
Nya we should get going!
Yulya rubs her hands over her face and turns to Ashley
"I know what Alice wants to do, but what should we do with these bandits? We witnessed them only setting up on the side of the road, technically we don't know what they were going to do unless we can get a confession out of them. But we can't let them go and harass others either." Ashley rubs her chin. "This sounds like a job for the one and only Yulya to decide!" Ashley titters as she sees Yulya turn white.
The bandits look confused and don't speak.Yulyas distress increases exponentially.
Alice considers letting them go.
Who are you?
Do you have any relation to this girl here? Yulya gestures to Summer
Why are you here?
What was your plan?
Answer!
"You're going to kill them?" Summer says with worry in her voice.If Milady has another idea, I'm all ears.
As they move a few dozen feet away the bandits begin to come around to their situation. "We ain't talkin." Says one, "we say a word and we're dead anyway and you ain't no where near powerful enough to protect us." Says another.Yulya again runs her hands over her face realizing she wasted her COMMAND spell
You can either confess everything and go - or die here as you are.
Hey, why didn't we outsource this to Ashley's cats? She was the one who wanted to see them dead the most!
The oldest, Johnstan, speaks up, "Confess to what? We didn't do anything, no crime, no victim, no witness!"Alices face turns to stone listening to this drivel
The second speaks, "We're the victims here!"
Cat!Cat bows and quickly follows Ashley. But she slows down with every step, her tail whipping left and right until she stops and turns around, running back to Yulya.
I understand. Please protect Ashley and Summer! Don't go too far. We will catch up soon.
You can either confess everything and go - or die here as you are.
Let's go to Neverwinter together so you can formally indict us at the guild for ambushing, attacking and robbing you.
Cat turns to the bandits and gives them a few paw slaps left and right
Cat grabs Johnstan by his hair and easily lifts him up with one arm, her claws digging into his scalp
Cat slams him to the ground and prepares to knock out the other bandits as well, cracking her knuckles
Who are you?
Do you have any relation to this girl here? Yulya gestures to Summer
Why are you here?
What was your plan?
Yulya's spell is effective and the eldest bandit seems to snap out of it for a second but his words are hollow as if he's half asleep.
"Johnstan Matthews, no, robbing a carriage, to rob a carriage, to meet our requirements for advancement."
Cat grabs Johnstan by his hair and easily lifts him up with one arm, her claws digging into his scalpYulya watches Cats outburst of violence with unease but is also relieved the situation is resolvedCat leave one of them conscious and untie him before we leave!
DO YOU UNDERSTAND NYA??
Cat slams him to the ground and prepares to knock out the other bandits as well, cracking her knuckles
Summer and Ashley are playfully kicking at the snow in the road and laughing as you approach as the cats bound and chase the clods. When you reach her Ashley gives a knowing nod to Cat. "I don't even want to know."Cat is still not fully satisfied by this outcome but shrugs it off
The travel is grueling due to the cold and snow the Triboar Trail is a welcome sight. You stop to take a small break and possibly have a portion of your rations.Cat warms up half a vegetable-mushroom ration for Alice, Yulya and herself.
"Come on Cat, I'll race you!" Summer calls to Cat and runs ahead full speed. Ashley directs her cats to follow and protect. She's running remarkably fast.Cat dashes out full speed in a cloud of snow to challenge Summer, surprised by the noble's speed. Weren't nobles supposed to be fat and lazy? She easily overtakes Summer but eventually lets her catch up and finish in a draw
Three boars are in the road ahead pushing their snouts through the accumulated snow. When they see you, they run off. You might get a lucky shot in if you tried.Cat grabs her bow and quickly shoots an arrow at the nearest boar
Summer is exhausted and is dragging her feet. Ashley is yawning. You may choose to continue along the high road in the dark with a higher sense of safety in hopes to make it to the rest stop though it's still a good 4 hours North, and risk exhaustion of some of your team, or find a place to set up the tent here.Nyaa we should rest here Nya I can't carry all you guys you if you break down Nya!
Summer and Ashley are playfully kicking at the snow in the road and laughing as you approach
The travel is grueling due to the cold and snowDamned, I hate snow! Isn't walking hard enough already? What's so great about it? It's wet and cold and makes everything just terrible! I'll shove stink bombs into that dragon's nostrils when I catch him!
You stop to take a small break and possibly have a portion of your rations. Cat warms up half a vegetable-mushroom ration for Alice, Yulya and herself.Alice gladly takes the warm meal
Rested and resolved to get to a good stopping point, you're back to walking. Summer and Ashley are in a great mood and in high spirits, having hit it off and having made fast friends.Alice keeps the rear guard and soon starts swearing about snow, dragons and bandits again
Three boars are in the road ahead pushing their snouts through the accumulated snow. When they see you, they run off. You might get a lucky shot in if you tried.Alice will take a lucky shot as well providing she is close enough and nobody is in the way
The snow accumulated is less and less until you can tell it's no longer sticking to the road, the temperature hovers around 0C and travel speed is up to 2.6 miles/hrNow Alice's mood slowly improves
The sun has just set and you experience no further issues as you reach the High Road and the scene of your first double homicide. Thankfully the snow has turned to a light mist and you're damp and it feels colder, but it is in fact above freezing.Alice laughs seeing the familiar place
Nyaa we should rest here Nya I can't carry all you guys you if you break down Nya!My word!
Cat looks for a secluded and acceptably dry place behind rocks to set up the tent so it is out of view from travelers. Then she sets up her pot
"Come on Cat, I'll race you!" Summer calls to Cat and runs ahead full speed. Ashley directs her cats to follow and protect. She's running remarkably fast.Yulya turns to Ashley as Summer runs off
Cat warms up half a vegetable-mushroom ration for Alice, Yulya and herself.Yulya bows and takes the warm ration from Cat
Alice keeps the rear guard and soon starts swearing about snow, dragons and bandits againYulya turns back and tries to comfort Alice. She points out that it is quickly getting warmer as they approach the high road
"I remember this! This is where I was when the carriage came!" Summer finds the wheel tracks and her own foot prints in the lightly dampened gravel and dust. The tracks do indeed match her boots.Yulya scratches her head
Nyaa we should rest here Nya I can't carry all you guys you if you break down Nya!Yes that was quite a journey and we should not over-exert our guest. Let us rest for the night here!
Alice helps Cat set up the tent and then hops through the entrance. She starts cleaning the inside and guards the entrance against potentially dirty intruders until dinner is readyYulya smiles at Alices show. She casts GUIDANCE on herself and decides to search the area for potential enemies before sitting down at the fire
Nya what about you about you Ashley Nya and Summer Nya? We have vegetable-mushroom rations Nya and Ashley has rabbit rations Nya! I made them myself Nya!
Alice would gladly take the warm meal. "Thank you Cat! I really need something warm now!"
Yulya bows and would take the warm ration from Cat, "Thank you! Your meals are always a pleasure![/i]
Cat attempts to warm up half a vegetable-mushroom ration for Alice, Yulya, and herself, as well as rabbit stew for Summer and Ashley.
Cat dashes out full speed in a cloud of snow to challenge Summer, surprised by the noble's speed. Weren't nobles supposed to be fat and lazy? She easily overtakes Summer but eventually lets her catch up and finish in a draw
Cat grabs her bow and quickly shoots an arrow at the nearest boar.
Alice will take a lucky shot as well providing she is close enough and nobody is in the way
Nyaa we should rest here Nya I can't carry all you guys you if you break down Nya!
Cat looks for a secluded and acceptably dry place behind rocks to set up the tent so it is out of view from travelers. Then she sets up her pot to cook 3 portions of mystery meat in one pot and 2 rations of either rabbit or vegetable for Summer and Ashley as they like. Alternatively if she hits a boar Cat will combine it with X vegetable-mushroom ration and prepare it for everyone. The amount of rations is to be determined.
Indeed so it seems! Cat can you give the tracks a look if maybe there are signs of anybody else? And you have no memory how you ended up here? Did you walk all the way from Leilon?
She casts GUIDANCE on herself and decides to search the area for potential enemies before sitting down at the fire[Perception: 1d20+5+1d4=18] Yulya peers out into the growing darkness and nothing catches her eye.
Alice helps Cat set up the tent and then hops through the entrance. She starts cleaning the inside and guards the entrance against potentially dirty intruders until dinner is ready.
[There's one problem here. Your full rations and water are frozen solid, the scrap wood around is wet and frozen, and all the ground is covered in several inches of snow. Cold dry rations will be the only practical choice at this time]Alice looks disappointed as she nibbles on the cold veggie ration.
Summer is impressed by Cat's speed, she smiles widely in a mess of frizzy hair and exclaims, "Wow, you're at least twice as fast as me! But next time I'll be ready!"
The shot is good but the Boar bolts away with the arrow still in its rump. You've lost one arrow.Alice cries a silent tear for the lost arrow and boar stew
[Alice's hit did 6 damage but the boar had higher hit points than that.]
Cat manages to start the fire and warm the food and water.The sweet scent of roast noble fills the air. Alice claps her hands in anticipation.
After eating, Ashley goes for the tent."I'll take second shift, someone watch for a couple hours and wake me up." Summer and Ashley take a space in the back of the tentI'll take the first shift AND your dirty boots! No dirt in my precious tent!
[There's one problem here. Your full rations and water are frozen solid, the scrap wood around is wet and frozen, and all the ground is covered in several inches of snow. Cold dry rations will be the only practical choice at this time]After a few attempts Cat gives the others an apologetic look and hands out the cold rations with embarrassment
Indeed so it seems! Cat can you give the tracks a look if maybe there are signs of anybody else?Cat sniffs and investigates the tracks
Cat manages to start the fire and warm the food and water.Cat smiles broadly but gestures Alice to be quiet before Summer asks too much about the secret ingredient
The sweet scent of roast noble fills the air. Alice claps her hands in anticipation.
Been a while since we had such a delicacy! Who needs Toblen's overpriced inn?!
Cat sniffs and investigates the tracks
I don't wanna reshape after going to sleep. Guess it will be a bit crowded so don't step on me at night! Pile some clothes over me!
Been a while since we had such a delicacy!
Before going to sleep Yulya takes a look at the bandits brooches and cloaks. She casts GUIDANCE on herself and tries to investigate the magic signature
Cat's keen senses picks up familiar and unfamiliar scents and tracks. There's a fresh set of cart or carriage tracks headed north with a team of horses pulling, there's the singular draft horse tracks headed east with the trader's converted carriage. She finds that Summer's steps seem to come from nowhere and end as they interact the trader's cart. Additionally there's a few marks in the gravel, like large scoops from something but they offer no scent or otherwise remarkable features.Yulya can' wrap her head around this. Cat could she have come with the cart heading north or are the tracks too fresh for that?
Summer's ears perk up as she hears about a delicacy, she sniffs the air and she approaches the stew, "This isn't rabbit or vegetable." She raises her eyebrows and smiles. "Oh I think I know what this is."Yulya pretends not to hear anything and does not want to hear anything. Ignorance is bliss
Ashley follows her out and knows what it is of course. "Alright, I'll bite, what do you think it is?"
"Lutine! I can't believe it and I want some. I have some coin..." She begins to reach under her sweater.
"What?"
She sniffs again, "or, or, is it Longle. I'm catching hints of both but no, I just haven't had it in so long, either way, please?" She pulls out a handful of gold coins.
"What?" Ashley reiterates. "What is Lutine and Longle?"
Summer looks at her with a tilted head, "Don't you even know what you're eating?"
Ashly crosses her arms, "Of course I know what it is and I'm not touching it and neither should you, whatever you think it is, it's not that."
Summer giggles, "Excuse me? You can't fake that smell, it's irrefutable, and I've never had it in a stew." She looks back to Alice and Cat with excitement.
"Alright miss smarty-pants, I warned ya?" Ashly happily takes her rabbit stew.
[INVESTIGATION 1d20-1+1d4=12] Yulya investigates the brooches but her skills at investigation are very poor and it shows. She only just feels the slight signature.Yulya buries her head in her hands because of her incompetence. How shameful for a cleric! Disappointed by her lack of skills Yulya goes to sleep leaving the brooches for Freya.
Cat sniffs and investigates the tracksAlice looks at the strange scoops, then into the sky. Her eyes narrow as she glances over to Summer.
Cat's keen senses picks up familiar and unfamiliar scents and tracks. There's a fresh set of cart or carriage tracks headed north with a team of horses pulling, there's the singular draft horse tracks headed east with the trader's converted carriage. She finds that Summer's steps seem to come from nowhere and end as they interact the trader's cart. Additionally there's a few marks in the gravel, like large scoops from something but they offer no scent or otherwise remarkable features.[/i]
Summer glances at her while waiting for dinner, "what do you mean? Are you a shapeshifter? What form do you sleep in?"Alice sighs...
Ashley answers "She's like a slime or something when she's not in the more solid form."
Summer's ears perk up as she hears about a delicacy, she sniffs the air and she approaches the stew, "This isn't rabbit or vegetable." She raises her eyebrows and smiles. "Oh I think I know what this is."Alice lets out a laugh
Ashley follows her out and knows what it is of course. "Alright, I'll bite, what do you think it is?"
"Lutine! I can't believe it and I want some. I have some coin..." She begins to reach under her sweater.
"What?"
She sniffs again, "or, or, is it Longle. I'm catching hints of both but no, I just haven't had it in so long, either way, please?" She pulls out a handful of gold coins.
"What?" Ashley reiterates. "What is Lutine and Longle?"
Summer looks at her with a tilted head, "Don't you even know what you're eating?"
Ashly crosses her arms, "Of course I know what it is and I'm not touching it and neither should you, whatever you think it is, it's not that."
Summer giggles, "Excuse me? You can't fake that smell, it's irrefutable, and I've never had it in a stew." She looks back to Alice and Cat with excitement.
Cat's ears slowly fold back during this weird and troublesome conversation. She's torn between laughing and crying.Summer's ears perk up as she hears about a delicacy, she sniffs the air and she approaches the stew, "This isn't rabbit or vegetable." She raises her eyebrows and smiles. "Oh I think I know what this is."Alice lets out a laugh
Ashley follows her out and knows what it is of course. "Alright, I'll bite, what do you think it is?"
"Lutine! I can't believe it and I want some. I have some coin..." She begins to reach under her sweater.
"What?"
She sniffs again, "or, or, is it Longle. I'm catching hints of both but no, I just haven't had it in so long, either way, please?" She pulls out a handful of gold coins.
"What?" Ashley reiterates. "What is Lutine and Longle?"
Summer looks at her with a tilted head, "Don't you even know what you're eating?"
Ashly crosses her arms, "Of course I know what it is and I'm not touching it and neither should you, whatever you think it is, it's not that."
Summer giggles, "Excuse me? You can't fake that smell, it's irrefutable, and I've never had it in a stew." She looks back to Alice and Cat with excitement.
Aaah, we have a true gourmet here!
I think it's called Elbon here, something you can't buy for money! You gotta slay it yourself! We were lucky to stumble into one a few days ago. But psst, another secret! We don't have too much of it!
Alice pushes the gold coins back at Summer
Don't stick that much gold into other's faces! You'll run into the wrong people one day!
Tell ya what! Alice is in a good mood so let's eat half of our meal, then we will switch! So you can have half of my precious ration. How's that?
Cat could she have come with the cart heading north or are the tracks too fresh for that?
I think it's called Elbon here, something you can't buy for money! You gotta slay it yourself! We were lucky to stumble into one a few days ago. But psst, another secret! We don't have too much of it!
Don't tell others about this meal, Summer Nya it's a secret recipe Nya!
... So you can have half of my precious ration. How's that?
Summer looks at the footprints on the road again, "oh, I remember now! My carriage was taken! We were headed to Neverwinter to hire heroes for my quest."Alice has severe trouble making sense of this story and facepalms
"My driver noticed someone on the road ahead and we stopped at the crossroad. I hid here behind the rock as he continued and after way too long, my driver and cart were both gone. I waited here because I thought they'd come back but then when the other cart came I took it because the driver said four heroes cleared the road. Bandits aside we almost made it to Phandalin where they said the heroes were but there you were! Even if we go to Neverwinter, I still want you helping me rather than someone I don't know."
"We heard rumors of a snow dragon having infested the sight of an artifact "Alice's rant is suddenly interrupted as she flinches, making a pained face while thinking to herself
... So you can have half of my precious ration. How's that?Summer happily takes the bargain of sharing food with Alice, "Oh thank you!"
Alice takes the first shift, watching out for possible trouble so they don't catch them by surprise. After about an hour, with the whistle still on her, she senses something off, when she takes it out, there's very faint light is emanating from it. On the top, where it looked like a solid silver and white, the shape of a ship embossed in gold seems to be shining through a thin enamel coating.Damn, the whistle!
After Alice's shift she wakes Ashley. Snuggled next to Summer, she carefully gets up with her three cats, Helga and the B's, and warns Alice away from Summer. Whispering harshly she says, "No cleaning anyone without permission!"I would never! The joke is that we will be perfectly clean while the noble will become increasingly filthy
Ashley steps outside in the cold and sits near the dying fire... and casts True Sight. Nearly through her watch, having cast it again, completely bored, she notes four humanoids coming with stealth in the distance, careful to stay just off the road. She thinks of waking everyone but perhaps they'll walk on by without a fuss. [Stealth Roll Failed] She notes with her true sight that they're definately aware of the tent and headed right for them. She ducks back in and sounds the alarm in a frantic whisper, "Everyone up, we have four possible bad guys headed our way."Alice immediately creeps out of the tent with her belongings using stealth and slips away into the darkness. A pancake-flat blob with a pile of clothes and a backpack on top hides in the wilderness a bit further away from the tent, observing the situation.
[01:16 Saturday, Spring 15th, frost, 0C]
Cat didn't answer this but I will give the information since it's obvious and she also didn't ignore you.The cart heading North does look like it was first at about the same time or within hours or a day at most to the one that turned East. So Summer's timeline makes sense. Furthermore the scoops look something like depressions that could have been made if a sack of wheat was dropped from carriage height or a medium animal might have done it and there are other prints including bear and wolf about. Nothing else pops out.Yulya is relieved Summers story finally makes sense now - at least somewhat. But she shares Alices confusion.
Summer looks at the footprints on the road again, "oh, I remember now! My carriage was taken! We were headed to Neverwinter to hire heroes for my quest."
"We heard rumors of a snow dragon having infested the sight of an artifact and the master trusted me to handle this. I may be an apprentice, but I'm good at it."
"My driver noticed someone on the road ahead and we stopped at the crossroad. I hid here behind the rock as he continued and after way too long, my driver and cart were both gone. I waited here because I thought they'd come back but then when the other cart came I took it because the driver said four heroes cleared the road. Bandits aside we almost made it to Phandalin where they said the heroes were but there you were! Even if we go to Neverwinter, I still want you helping me rather than someone I don't know."
Don't tell others about this meal, Summer Nya it's a secret recipe Nya!
Summer agrees, "I wouldn't say anything! I've never heard of Elbon though."Yulya hears nothing and knows nothing and is focusing on her meal.
Summer happily takes the bargain of sharing food with Alice, "Oh thank you!"
She smiles thankfully as a final gesture before eating, and though standing, and not in a formal setting, she eats with style and grace. "Hm, it tastes different in stew, my chefs would have a fit to treat such rare delicacy like this, but..." she looks to Cat "you pulled it off, it's delicious!"
Ashley winces in disgust, "I'm eating in the tent."
Ashley steps outside in the cold and sits near the dying fire... and casts True Sight. Nearly through her watch, having cast it again, completely bored, she notes four humanoids coming with stealth in the distance, careful to stay just off the road. She thinks of waking everyone but perhaps they'll walk on by without a fuss. [Stealth Roll Failed] She notes with her true sight that they're definately aware of the tent and headed right for them. She ducks back in and sounds the alarm in a frantic whisper, "Everyone up, we have four possible bad guys headed our way."Yulya grabs her gear and dons her shield
Why did you get off the cart to begin with? And your driver continued without you? What sort of strategy is this? What were you thinking?
So you were traveling just with you driver? And he left you behind so you just boarded another cart?
Oh and as you are an apprentice, who is your master if I may ask?
Look at that whistle from the bandits! I forgot about it with all the fuss but it looks like there's some magic at work here! That ship definitely wasn't there before! I hope nobody will be able to track us with this or the brooches!
I swear, if those guys are the same bandits again I will cook them alive! Hell, I'll cook them alive just for disturbing my sleep!
Oh no! And I have not rested yet! Ashley please look after Summer but keep ready in case we need a negotiator! Cat let us go!
Cat let us go![/quote]
Cat casts a smoke cover around the tent with her ring
Let's see if the decoy works Nya!
Yulya gets behind Ashley and Summer. She casts BLESS on Alice Ashley and Cat. Then she uses her Ring of Quick casting for EMBOLDENING BOND between Alice and Cat.
After receiving Bless and the Emboldening Bond, Alice morphs into her humanoid form and uses stealth to move 70ft E
Yulya moves 30ft SE and picks up a pebble from the floor. She casts LIGHT on it and quickly throws it before bandit 2
Just at the edge of the light the grimace of a large Golden dragon's head appears to stare down at the bandits.Alice bursts into laughter
Bandit #1 uses his turn to bravely investigate the illusion. [INVESTIGATION 1d20+4=6 vs DC14] Believing it to be a real dragon, he calls for retreat, all the remaining bandits run south into the darkness.Alice is not happy and throws her bow on the floor
Once back at camp, Ashley puts more wood on the fire and congratulates Summer on her illusion, Summer beams with a wide smile, also proud of herself. "I could only project the head because my minor illusion cantrip is limited to a 5ft cube, but the edge light was a perfect compliment to fool them; they couldn't see that there wasn't a body attached to that head."Alice grumpily returns and briefly eyes Summer.
Summer disappears into the darkness.Yulya helplessly watches the child move closer to the enemy. She tries to call out to Summer but doesnt manage to utter a word. Her distress increases
Just at the edge of the light the grimace of a large Golden dragon's head appears to stare down at the bandits. Though Ashley clearly sees this as an illusion with her Truesight, the bandits don't seem to have this same luxury.Yulya exhales in relief and speaks a prayer to Eldath and SheShe
Bandit #1 uses his turn to bravely investigate the illusion. Believing it to be a real dragon, he calls for retreat, all the remaining bandits run south into the darkness.
Once back at camp, Ashley puts more wood on the fire and congratulates Summer on her illusion, Summer beams with a wide smile, also proud of herself. "I could only project the head because my minor illusion cantrip is limited to a 5ft cube, but the edge light was a perfect compliment to fool them; they couldn't see that there wasn't a body attached to that head."Yulya sighs
"Oh so now I get it, you're magic schools are perfect for negotiations with manipulation and bluffing." Ashley thinks wistfully to herself wondering if she could add a few tricks to her arsenal. "That sure would help." She mutters to herself.
"I guess I'll finish my watch."Please do Ashley!
That was a great show Summer!
You saved us a lot of trouble here!
Nyaa Summer made this illusion Nya? Quite impressive Nya!
After breakfast everything is packed up and it's back on the high road. Cat takes the front guard as usual.
How are you doing Summer?
You wanna defeat an Ice Dragon with that pathetic stamina?
My apologies for the lack of variety Nya but it's rabbit and Nyaa you know...
"I know a few tricks too, well technically I'm cursed, I can become a demon black panther from the negative plane."And it's awesome! If you stay with us you'll see her!
[The firebombs are successfully made presuming you have all the ingredients and Alice and Cat both supervise. Please update the inventory accordingly and let me know how much you made.]Alice rummages through her and Cat's backpack and readies the ingredients for 2 firebombs:
She turns to summerI apologize for bothering you this early my child but could you use your cleaning magic on those people? Look how dust they are! The Gods always reward a good deed! Unfortunately I do not possess such skills and Alices way of doing this though effective is a bit - odd.Alice feels a bit insulted
Yulya uses PERCEPTION to determine their intentions.
Unfortunately we are packed to the brim but we will see what we can still carry!
I apologize for bothering you this early my child but could you use your cleaning magic on those people?
Is this - honey? I've heard about it but never come across the real thing! How cool is that? We should take it all! The berry wine and bread smell good too! Local food is the best! I finally feel like a proper tourist.
Good Morning Nya, you alright Nya?
Did you catch your dragon already Nya? We're also dragon hunting now Nya let's see who gets one first Nya oh you know Summer Nya?
Nyaa we only have veggie rations left Nya! Let us spice it up with some bread Nya and a piece of honeycomb as dessert Nya!Yulya nods
The chromatic dragons, however, are evil, they're dull and feral, they'd rather kill on sight than shapeshift for any political or civil reason. Talking to them or trying to convince them to do as you will may work on a wyrmling, but if you see an adult chromatic dragon, it's kill or be killed, they don't bother to deceive anyone, they can't shapeshift typically, and their hedonistic appetite must be sated at all times. That 'snow' dragon Summer has concerned herself with is likely a white dragon, and though rumor has it that the climate has been affected by the dragon, I sincerely doubt the dragon alone is responsible.Yulya shrinks and turns paler with every word of the guard and begins muttering to herself
As Alice races off, Cat turns to YulyaYulya envies Alices carefree attitude but cant help to smile for a moment
We should go to the guild Nya Alice will catch up with us later I guess Nya!
Nyaa you know a lot about dragons Nya is this mandatory for guards Nya? And you're that close to Summer Nya? What a small world Nya...
Dragons - why must it be dragons? We can't kill an adult dragon thats impossible! Who do they think we are? Heroes or something? We are dead in the first seconds of such encounter! Even Alice if it is about cold and ice. We even struggle with a few bandits or goblins! Cant it just be convinced to go somewhere else? Where it is cold already? So everyone can be happy?
I need to borrow the ring of dragons and the amulet of draconic might. With those in conjunction with my own skills, that dragon will be quite distracted. Then I just need a few heroes..." She points at you all. "...to take him out. You know, slaying a dragon has many perks. First of all, you'll be able to be legitimately called 'dragonslayers', second, you'll be renowned and infamous in many circles and marked untouchable by petty lowlifes such as bandits and thieves because you'll get a special tag."Yulya frowns at this glorious and without doubt absolutely insane plan to take down a dragon, biting her lip. So it is either death or fame - but most likely death.
Her smile fades and she states, "I want one."
"I also need to track down my carriage, so we must part ways for now, but please do meet me in Phandalin after you take care of clearing out that mine of yours and I guarantee you'll be true heroes."
"My intuition is telling me it'll be difficult, but I want to do it." Ashley says to Yulya.Certainly what other choice do we have? We need to get Alice to her ship...
The clocktower rings one o'clock as you step inside and are somewhat surprised to see it empty though it's not unexpected on a Sunday. You are greeted by Elizabeth, one of the hostesses of the guild.Greetings Miss Elizabeth!
"Welcome back adventurers! I remember you." She pulls a chair at one of the tables close to the kitchen and says, "sit, I have leftovers for you, if you're still hungry, on the house. Will you be needing lodgings tonight?"
I am glad we could safely bring you to Neverwinter! Will you be alright on your own? Not that I doubt your skills but regardless of that you are still a child and we don't want to be held responsibl... I mean we are worried about your safety! Take care!
Certainly what other choice do we have? We need to get Alice to her ship...
Greetings Miss Elizabeth!
I can report we returned safely though with an unfinished quest. We shall give our full report to Freya. A lot has happened.
We would gladly take your offer for a meal and request a room for the night!
Oh, one more thing - could we leave our belongings at the guild? We are packed to the brim.
Nya we gotta get some food for Alice Nya when she returns Nya!
I'm not much for running through a city, maybe I can make more rations if they let me borrow the kitchen Nya!
Ashley finished her meal with a satisfied look on her face, seeing Elizabeth looking the other way she whispered to Cat, "Your cooking is better."Cat's face lights up
"Not to mention Brutus, though he also said to say hi to you Cat the Barbarian, if I should see you."Nya I am honored Nya please tell Brutus the same if you see him! I hope he is well Nya!
A little uncomfortable, Ashley said, "Yeah, well Cat and I are going to go do that now, so..."Cat watches the scene with bewilderment, then whispers to Ashley after Theilia is gone
"I'll leave you then, for now." With a wink and a flash of wispy black fire-heat-like shimmer, she was gone.
Ashley and Cat approach the doors and before they reach it, a tall Elven man steps out and greets them. "May I help you... ladies with something?">pet
He stifled a laugh trying to make it look like a cough, "As I suspected, unless you have a... more refined sponsor..." he squinted at Ashley's tag and straightened then continued in a disinterested, tired tone, "Ashley the ironclad adventurer of Neverwinter, there are no licenses currently available. So do take your pet and run along to your adventuring guild or whatever it's called." He waved Ashley and Cat off like flies from a picnic and continued to guard the door.
Nyaa I know nothing about Drow Elves Nya but is this girl...
Cat's eyes dart around nervously
...interested in you as a mate or something Nya?
Ashley Nyaa, should you mention that noble from Phandalin Nya? Maybe that helps Nya! But this man gives off worse vibes than most nobles I encountered recently Nya. I don't want to cause you trouble Nya and I apologize Nya but I cannot let this stand Nya!
Excuse me Sir Nya, trade guild or not, we accept your refusal but calling a Tabaxi Warrior and Adventurer a pet is unacceptable behavior and an insult to my race and tribe! I am Cat the Barbarian Nya and nobody's pet or servant. What is your name, Sir? I am considering filing a complaint against you unless you apologize for your wording Nya!
Ashley snaps out of it and snaps her fingers at Cat then pulls her down to whisper in her ear, "Play along."Cat's ears rotate in confusion
"Oh don't mind her, and she's not my pet obviously as she explained, she's a hero." Ashley feigns a giggle "good jest though, ha ha. I'll go ask my sponsor to send a letter ahead and make an appointment, please excuse my oversight." She bows politely, and tries to motion Cat to bow respectfully as well.Cat is grudgingly coaxed into a minimal bow, and lets out a growl while fixating the elf with her eyes...
There was a slight gleam of nervousness in his eye when he saw Cat's display, but it faded as he glances down at Ashley with a thin smile, "Hmm, I see, well do mind your sponsor's instructions more accurately in the future, you, I can expect would not know the etiquette but your sponsor most certainly would know, if anyone is to apologize it is you to your sponsor for this break in protocol, leading to my confusion. If they can forgive you for this, then I suppose so can I. So I'll give you this piece of advice in a show of future cooperation, rule number 1 of the trade guild is 'follow the rules to the letter and know your place', future tradeswomen. And may your goods always reach their destinations safely and profitably." He then straightened back up and returned to that stoic expression.Still confused, Cat's eyes dart between Ashley and the man before she hesitantly follows Ashley
Ashley nods and tugs at Cat to follow her.
The staff, including three maids, all begin beating at Beatrice with improvised weapons as the elf picks up a gold candlestick and attempts to squish her himself. She is sadly overcome by the numbers and with a few good whacks, she blinks back to the negative plane leaving the staff and the noble shaken but otherwise completely stumped as to what that just was as it left no trace other than the damage and the elf's significant wound.[/i]Cat listens to the mayhem unfold with big eyes and her grin widens as Alice suddenly appears, noisy as always. Cat grabs her, covering her mouth.
Ashley smiles at Cat, "Let's bee sure to follow 'the protocol' next time."Cat bows to Ashley, her ears drooping
Thank you Ashley Nya but Nya why did you go so far to avenge me Nya? I just hope this doesn't cause you trouble Nyaa...
Whatever it takes, I'll help you get that license Nya!
So uh that was hilarious but how will severely injuring that guy help getting your trade license? Not saying that he didn't deserve it though...
We should have asked that Harbin guy to sponsor you after all. I don't like the idea but I guess there's no other way into this exclusive club eh? Maybe with that dragon killer tag but that seems like solving a small problem with a gigantic one...
Let's return to the guild and Yulya Nya!
We gotta sell that scrap and buy the items for Harbin! And a cart! Can we manage that without that license?
"Well it's kinda not done yet, sort of I guess we did get paid but there's a follow-on."
What we need is a cart full of dragon bones, scales, eyes, horns, ears, claws, meat, we need to think big here. I will absolutely not be selling that without a better then 60% price, no way. I'm thinking that stuff is rare, license or not, I'll be making a deal with someone somehow. How much does a dragon even weigh? They fly don't they? Can't be that heavy, I'm guessing 1000lbs max, so we need a cart that'll hold that much and don't fill it all up with junk like you been carrying around, I'm going to need room for dragon booty. Oh! Not to mention the treasure?Alice rolls her eyes listening to Ashley's greedy monologue
Hey and don't you need ugh, scrap or something from that ship? I don't know, can Cat pull all that? Can't we get a donkey or something?Alice feels offended
Hey, my payment for this dragon slaying is going to be 1/4 of that dragon, and no nonsense from you Alice I mean it! The treasure we can split 1/8 whatever, but that dragon is 1/4 mine! I got like 60 gold or something, I bet I can afford a nice cart and a donkey and all kinds of feed for it, harnesses, all that, this is going to be epic. No way are leaving any skin or scales or nothing...Yes, yes all fine by me but you realize my ship crashed in a remote mountain range? Even Cat can't pull a cart there! No way! I'm surprised Yulya managed to reach that place on foot! I don't remember much about it but the journey there won't be easy. We gotta ask Yulya.
After she regains her ground, "Hey watch it, I'm not made of muscles like you," she then straightens her robe.Nyaa sorry Nya got carried away Nya but you gotta be able to take a few hits if ya wanna slay a dragon Nya!
Ashley thinks to herself about Summer, "Summer? Naa, she's an attendant, not a real noble."Nya didn't she say her father was a big trader or something Nya? We saved his daughter Nya sponsoring you would be the least he could do in return Nya!
Look, we gotta assume that damn dragon has shock-frozen the wreckage. As soon as it thaws, the Living Metal will start to seep underground and the ship will start to reassemble itself. And we will go inside! You'll love that, I promise you'll see something you've never seen before!Cat can't make much of Alice's description
I need to communicate with my ship to assess its state an stabilize it - and then it can help me transform. This will take about a day. But I can't tell you how long it will take to defrost it. Anyway, don't worry about that. We can safely store part of our loot in my ship if we can't carry it back all at once. You won't find a safer storage.
I dunno much about draft animals but that seems the best option. What do you think, Cat?Cat looks up in thought
Knowing Yulya will be indisposed in the room for another six and a half hours, you wonder what you'll be doing with all that time. You see Elizabeth cleaning up and some adventurers sitting near the front of the guild, other then that it's eerily quiet.Cat looks around
Summer enters the adventurer's guild and walks over to your table, "Friends! There you are! Hello hello!Cat waves at Summer enthusiastically
"I heard that one of the staff was badly injured by a large exotic wasp! Of course I was appalled, and subsequently a beautiful lamp was shattered in the hall. The guild master suspected it was the doing of some sort of teleportation magic or summoning spell, but I wondered who could have anything against the guild?" She thought hard,Cat whistles in a totally unsuspicious manner while looking at the ceiling. Her tail whips around erratically
Summer enters the adventurer's guild and walks over to your table, "Friends! There you are! Hello hello!Alice raises her hand, slumped into her chair
After I got my new ID," she shows off her ID, sure enough it says Summer 'Leilon Royal Mage Apprentice' and in addition it has the marking of the trade guild in Leilon, "I visited the trade guild to ask about my carriage and indeed it was held because the driver had a counterfeit trade plate. So it turns out it was stolen! I don't know what happened to my driver."Alice raises an eyebrow - as much as her ridiculously poor imitation of a humanoid allows
I wonder who could have anything against the guild?Alice keeps her pokerface while glancing over at Cat
I'll be taking the dragon scales, horns, crystals, claws and bones, because I already arranged a buyer.Alice leans back in her chair with a grin
"Based on the approximate location of the dragon's den, my carriage will be a few miles away but I can easily get some laborers from Phandalin to help me prepare the items, handle and load the carriage, so you don't even have to worry about that. I think you're getting a lot! So do we have a deal?"You'll have to talk to Yulya-sama about this.
Oh hi Summer Nya! How are you doing Nya?
Hi kiddo!
By the way do you still have that mangled royal plate we gave you?
Hello Summer!
I am glad we meet again sooner than in Phandalin!
Yulya listens to Summers deal proposal and nods
It is fine with me if Ashley accepts your terms!
"Dragon's den? Oh! You mean the artifact? Everyone knows about that already and where it is, you can see it from the southern road well you could I guess, the last scout I talked to said it was mostly covered in snow and ice now. The original report said it must be a ship, a metal ship." She looks up thoughtfully and thinks, "hm. Not to worry! No one will go anywhere near it with that dragon there. I'm not sure if I can help with the ship though, I have a lot to do...Alice buries her face in her hands in despair
Oh! When the dragon's gone you can ask Phandalin about salvage rights, it's in their jurisdiction. Wait I just remembered... in fact..." She reaches her hand inside her skirt and pulls out a folded letter. She opens it and then looks at it intently, "ah! Eldermath has first right of salvage. Apparently he surveyed the artifact before the dragon moved in and claimed the stake, so you'll have to work that out with him. I have to speak to him myself as I'll be accessing the land for dragon removal." She smiled widely and looked satisfied with herself for being so organized and well prepared.Alice jumps up and slams her hands on the table
"Oh you do know him, I must ask then, what's he like? I heard he's a very accomplished archmage and I'm very much looking forward to meeting him."Eldermath - ah, he's interesting but also an arrogant bastard. Didn't allow Ashley to sit at his table and made her stay with his sheep hehe!
Ashley waved Yulya off, "Go back to studying, sorry for bothering you, finish up so I can go to sleep." Ashley said then yawned.Certainly. I am a bit shaken from what I have heard but I ill try my best to finish my studies in time four our rest!
Oh, Summer Nya about that carriage Nya when will you be leaving for Phandalin Nya? We gotta transport a lot of things back Nya and we don't have a carriage or animal Nya!
Do you know her?
Yulya excuses herself and leaves for the room, looking for Elizabeth on the way.
Have you decided yet Ashley Nya? If we don't need to transport most dragon parts home Nya on mule would be enough Nya but I guess 2 would be better Nya. Alice won't want any human porters up there Nya so we gotta get everything down to Summers carriage ourselves Nya!
Summer shrugs, "I'm just the messenger, I need to be on his good side, so you'll have to handle the disposition of the ship."Alice rolls her eyes in disbelief raising her arms into the air
>no muleHaa, and I was already looking forward to touching their - ears. Do you know they have huge pelty ears?
Freya crushes Ashley's face in her ample bosom and pulls Cat into the hug, "I was worried about you all, do tell do tell!" She says with a friendly wink to Alice.Alice watches the unwanted attention Ashley receives with great joy
Elizabeth watched with a thin smile and a hint of jealousy then returned to her cleaning in a huffFeeling deliberately left out from Freya's hug, Alice pats Elizabeth on the arm
"Cat! We can't ask Summer to haul around our junk! What's even in here?!" Ashley roots around in Cat's pack, "What the heck, what is the obsession with goblin vinegar? This stuff stinks, can we please just at least leave this stuff here?Cat's ears droop
Tent... rope... Ugh, I thought you were carrying scrap and stuff we definately need a cart even if it's a small one."[/color]Nya there's still plenty pf space in my backpack Nya but...
Alice reaches for Cat's ears to satisfy her urges with a replacementCat gently holds down Alice before she can reach her ears like an annoying child playing with her mother's hair
Freya crushes Ashley's face in her ample bosom and pulls Cat into the hug, "I was worried about you all, do tell do tell!" She says with a friendly wink to Alice.Nyahaha good to see you again Freya Nya hope you are doing well Nya!
Alice looks at CatNya?
Maybe you should summarize all that happened for Freya!
Leave my ears alone Nya what happened to the ones you collected Nya?Alice sighs and searches her backpack. She takes out a wolf ear and rubs it on her cheek
Freya is astonished how you survived the encounter mostly unscathed, she gives her condolences to Alice for being down and then lectures her briefly about booping dragons on the nose. "Even wyrmlings shouldn't be taken lightly!"Hey, I thought dragons were smart! We tried to make it clear we'd not attack that dragon and even help it to to revenge on its captors! Even heal it! I took great risks to free that wyrmling! I TRIED to be nice, and this is what I got! Attacking me was just unnecessary! I only booped its nose after it already had attacked me without need. Should I have stabbed that dragon instead? Probably, we would have gotten some nice dragon materials to sell. I won't make that mistake again. Only a dead dragon is a good dragon! But no worries, it will take a lot more to kill me and with Yulya's fancy magic and Cat's ration I was back on my feet in no time!
-Ashley asks about a giant spiderAlice is disappointed
Freya doesn't have any ideas.
-Ashley describes the whistle and broaches on the banditsThose guys were definitely organized. The ones we caught refused to talk even if we offered to release them. Said they would be dead if they talked and that nobody could protect them. The whistle was definitely a magic item. It glowed and the symbol of a ship appeared on it when the 2nd party approached us! Does that ring any bells?
"Hmm, they seem to be organized, and the broaches you described certain sound elvish, the whistle is curious as well."
Liz had the crazy notion that this girl Summer was somehow masking her appearance and she saw something that made her think that Summer may actually be a polymorphed dragon in disguise, it's such a far fetched notion that I immediately dismissed it.Alice lets out a lough.
"Maybe I can convince Brutus to help, there has to be someone here willing to go with you..."What about Ashley's chuuni girlfriend? I'm sure Theilia would be delighted to keep Ashley company.
She grabs Alice, squeezing her to her chest,Alice gives off a rubbery squeak as fluid is shifted from her torso to her head, grotesquely deforming her and popping off her mask before she's slowly regaining her shape after Freya releases her
-Ashley describes how Summer has a half-sister Aasimar guard and their conversation.Yeah I wonder!
Freya seems lost in thought, "what crazy coincidences. Why haven't I met this girl?"
-Ashley then described how, perhaps there was a slight accident at the trade guild and one of her summons may have *gotten confused* and stung one of the staff at the guild.Alice keeps a pokerface but can't fully contain her laughter, letting out a snort
Eldermath is well known in Neverwinter he used to supply us with cider until the Triboar trail became so treacherous. Though I've never met him, he is a well respected wizard of renown and therefore a very dangerous man. I'm not forgiving his behavior, but in case you didn'y know, when someone has that much mana and gets to such levels in the magic classes, ultimately and unavoidably they become eccentric, the mana has a transformative effect on psyche, and it can be mitigated but never fully; it's something all magic users must eventually come to terms with and a choice is made, either you don't attain your full potential or you go insane trying."Yulya smirks
Oh, and remember, we found that strange rock with a hole on the way back to Phandalin! That hole was created by some high energy beam! Did you find out anything about that, Yulya?No, nothing
-Ashley speaks of wave after wave of goblins, hobgoblins, a hobgoblin shaman, elite hobgoblins, the goblin bosses and how you rescued Cragmaw the dragon.It was horrifying I could not move at all - again! Just like the first time we encountered a dragon at the rest stop. I feel ashamed. Is there anything I can do to avoid being paralyzed by fear like that? If it happens again our fight with the ice dragon will be over quickly!
Yulya's huge explosionIt was a huge gamble I hope I do not have to do that again. It just shows how ill prepared we were for such an encounter. I am just glad I did not hurt my friends...
why would a dragon need level 2 adventurers to take down a strange white dragon, and regarding that, even level 3 adventurers would be unbelievably outmatched by an adult dragon, even a white one!Yulya sinks into her chair in despair
-Ashley describes how Summer has a half-sister Aasimar guard and their conversation.Very peculiar indeed. We are very few. Summer called her Elandra.
Freya seems lost in thought, "what crazy coincidences. Why haven't I met this girl?"
-Ashley then described how, perhaps there was a slight accident at the trade guild and one of her summons may have *gotten confused* and stung one of the staff at the guild.Yulyas eyes widen
I TRIED to be nice, and this is what I got!
Nya
It was horrifying I could not move at all - again! Just like the first time we encountered a dragon at the rest stop. I feel ashamed. Is there anything I can do to avoid being paralyzed by fear like that? If it happens again our fight with the ice dragon will be over quickly!
The whistle was definitely a magic item. It glowed and the symbol of a ship appeared on it when the 2nd party approached us! Does that ring any bells?
It was a huge gamble I hope I do not have to do that again. It just shows how ill prepared we were for such an encounter. I am just glad I did not hurt my friends...
Nya
Yes, how utterly absurd!
But Nya we came to the place she said she left her carriage from Leilon Nya and there were her tracks Nya so her story seems true Nya. Oh Nya there were strange scoops on the ground Nya. Couldn't figure out what they were from Nya but something heavy Nya.
And now she said she found out the carriage she took from Leilon Nya was stolen Nya and the driver was missing Nya? I don't know how powerful that child is Nya but she seems absolutely careless Nya. I still say Nya that's no ordinary human Nya even if she smells like one Nya. Noble actually Nya.
But yes Summer is an odd one. I healed her, I also tried to perceive any unusual signature she would emit but found none. So I really do not know. She acts like a child and then like a sage. She is definitely not ordinary.
Another concerning thing is Summer managed to charm the first bandits we encountered and defeated. She did not seem to be scared by them at all even mocking them for their attempt to rob the carriage she was in. And she managed to charm the men to the point they were only babbling fools....
Summer also mentioned she had a letter for the Queen of Neverwinter, and needed to talk to the guild master of the Starred Cloak. And that she wanted to borrow some ring of dragons and a draconic amulet...
Who in Eldaths name is that girl?
It was horrifying I could not move at all - again! Just like the first time we encountered a dragon at the rest stop. I feel ashamed. Is there anything I can do to avoid being paralyzed by fear like that? If it happens again our fight with the ice dragon will be over quickly!
Ashley stops, "You should have seen the abominations in the negative plane, you wouldn't be scared of dragons after that, at least dragons are kinda cute. Try to keep from getting tense in front of a beast with a smooth head, no eyes, flicking tongue with a little mouth on it too, all black, zipping around in the shadows as they decide the best way to torture you. At least dragons just want a meal or whatever they do to people, they're not going to string you up alive and implant eggs down your throat. Anyway, it is a problem that she gets scared. Hey, can't you cast heroism on yourself?"Yulya tries to defend herself with growing distress
"Oh hey, should we level? Do you have time today Freya?"Yes please I am sorry for the trouble Freya! But that is the main reason we have returned to Neverwinter!
Freya brushed back her lusciously voluminous, fiery hair, "Of course, it's one of my favorite things to do." [/i]
"You should have seen the abominations in the negative plane, you wouldn't be scared of dragons after that, at least dragons are kinda cute. Try to keep from getting tense in front of a beast with a smooth head, no eyes, flicking tongue with a little mouth on it too, all black, zipping around in the shadows as they decide the best way to torture you. At least dragons just want a meal or whatever they do to people, they're not going to string you up alive and implant eggs down your throat."Alice's eyes widen for a moment and she pulls Ashley aside
"Please try not to cause ANY MORE TROUBLE!" You could feel the heat come off her, and you know she meant it.Alice looks at Freya with her best (still horrible) puppy eyes while accusingly pointing at Ashley
"Please try not to cause ANY MORE TROUBLE!" You could feel the heat come off her, and you know she meant it.Nyaa I am sorry Nya but the man at the trade guild was very rude to Ashley Nya and called me a pet Nya! That's not an excuse Nya but...
Not everyone is immune to fear like you Ashley!
How do you know of this? Wait, have you actually been there?
Freya led you all to a table on the side and said, "Cat, you seem ready and able to go first, let's start with you, and I feel the presence of someone who wishes to talk to you."Nya ready when you are Nya!
The image fades and Cat sees Freya sitting in front of her again but her eyes are glowing a deep red light.For a moment Cat looks around in confusion and then at her paws, flexing them
"I apologize but did you speak with The Cat Lord?" Freya asks seemingly unsure what happened. Her eyes slowly return to normal.
Such an innocent looking marvel, silent and serene, with unseen eyes peering, unknown ears listening; was it the eye of some negative plane beast repurposed to spy on the material plane? No, it is a portal to the other dimensions, useable only by gods and readable only by those with godsight.Alice pulls Ashley's sleeve
Ashley shivered as she passed it, as if it radiated cold.
"I apologize but did you speak with The Cat Lord?" Freya asks seemingly unsure what happened. Her eyes slowly return to normal.Alice points at herself
Hey, did you feel that too?
It's the orb I tell you! If that dragon isn't responsible for freezing the entire land it must be the orb!
Who, me? No!?
Thanks Freya Nya I feel a lot stronger now Nya and smarter too Nya!
"I would like to meet with your angel next if you please Yulya, I can at least hope she'll include me in her discussion with you. I had a dream yesterday regarding her and you and Eldath, and I believe I took the brunt of Eldath's complaints and not to mention I lectured her right back as to how the supposed goddess of peace should act. Unless it was all my mind's making, I would like to believe she listened."Thank you!
Yulya closes her eyes and sits down before the orb and places her shaking hands on it
To Ashley, Alice and Cat, they're seeing what looks like Freya and Yulya, asleep, even their hands have fallen from the orb as they slump in their chairs.Cat watches the scene in bewilderment
SheShe stifles a giggle and looks to you with a joyful look. "Oh, you've come so far in so little time, I'm very proud of the good you're doing... considering... and I'm sure Eldath agrees that if it were up to you, Yulya, you'd be saving orphans from slavers and clearing roads of bandits with clearly defined lines of peace and justice. I will take some of the blame for the choices you've been given, and what's most important is the choices you make not the acts you commit. Don't you agree?"Yulya looks at her Guardian Angel with open mouth unsure what to say
An awkward few moments pass as you look toward your goddess with her back to you.Yulya feels like a child left behind while the grown-ups are talking
Eldath speaks with her back to you in a cordial and calm voice, "I will judge your actions when the turmoil ceases, the forest needs your help. Until then, I trust you will make these unfortunate choices as well as you can." She turns toward Freya and SheShe, eyeing Freya, then looks at you with consoling eyes.Yulya feels her tension melt away and relaxes a bit
Yes Milady! Thank you for your kindness and leniency.
I shall do my best to help those in need and minimize the suffering of those we have to fight along the way. If I may ask how shall we deal with Summer this strange child? Is she truly our ally? Without fully relying on her I feel we have no chance against that dragon. Or even worse enemies that are behind this cold. I know I can trust my party but can we truly trust Summer?
Freya covers her mouth and nose as the room fills with the scent of death, a foul demon of the Abyss appears with a deep raspy laugh carrying the spine and skull of a former slain hero as his mace. Around his neck hanging on a burning iron chain like a pendant is a mechanical eye that darts around in seeming frantic desperation.Alice's eyes narrow.
With a burst of thought Alice's mind fills with images of power and chaos, answers to her desires, destruction and death of her enemies. He identifies himself as Orcas, slayer of Primus who's mechanical eye stares at you pleadingly from his pendant, slayer of the hero Anarchocles the mace he wields is his skull and spine, infused with metal and crystal and in the eyes stands the projection of the hero of old; he is the demon prince of Primordial and offers a union of power and might with Alice. He offers to infuse Alice with a part of his essence as an attached spirit similarly to how the Mechathereal Demigoddess did for Ashley. Alice would gain the benefits of such a union, greater power, legendary attack: A miss can automatically be taken as a critical hit 3 times a day, but the choice of when would be Orcas' not Alice's, and permanent immunity to cold. All he wants in return is to experience the destruction of the material plane through Alice's eyes. He has heard of the world destroying, and imminent danger Alice's stolen artifact can wield and wants merely to witness this destruction as an enjoyer of chaos.
"Alice, I can't advise this, Ashley's attachment is to a neutral being with no intent to deceive her or interfere, Demons cannot be trusted." Freya pleads with Alice.Alice looks at Freya with an unreadable pokerface
Freya sits up straight and sighs, "thank goodness, I won't have anyone yelling at my adventurers but me, not even gods!" She adjusts her seat and smiles at Yulya, "I think that went very well!"Yes much beyond my wildest hopes...
Alright, here you go!
I wont be useless this time! Tell me how I can help Freya! You can use my focus if you want!
Ashley looks back and sees Yulya turn as green as the goo all over the floor, "Cat, we need to go back and get her out before she suffocates or something."Cat hesitates on the other side of the barrier while looking back at Alice and Yulya , her tail whipping around as she wipes her nose with her paw
Cat! Come here and bring Yulya out into the fresh air!As Alice has dragged Yulya through the barrier and deodorized her, Cat comes rushing back with drooping ears to carry Yulya outside
Alice angrily points at Freya...
Ashley looks around, it's just Alice yelling at nothing and no one, Freya has disappeared, likely to go get help to clean up the mess. Alice's glassy skin and bleary eyes is clearly an effect of eating that poison.Alice wanders around aimlessly while gesticulating
-Alice has the Poisoned debuff and will have disadvantage to attack rolls and ability checks for approximately an hour.
-Alice is hallucinating and will see what she expects to see around her for about 10 minutes.
-Alice is intoxicated, her speed is halved and has disadvantage on saving throws for about 1 hour.
-Yulya has the Sickened debuff and will have nausea for the next 10 minutes, she can speak but can take light actions during that time, but can't cast or attack and her speed is reduced to 5ft. She will have far less effects next time she experiences this gas.
-Through some miracle, likely SheShe's doing, Alice has leveled up [Changes as discussed] and those effects will appear after a long rest.
Cat and Yulya can hear and understand what she's saying through her slurred speech as she yells and points at an old beam leaning against the wall.
Elizabeth steps forward with a jovial smirk on her face as she addresses Yulya, "I'll be here to watch the little imp if you and Cat wish to share Ashley's leveling."Rolling down the stairs, Alice bumps into Elizabeth, falling on her back. Staring up to her with dilated pupils. Alice believes Elizabeth is the Winged Creature and she is now back 'home'.
-Yulya has the Sickened debuff and will have nausea for the next 10 minutes, she can speak but can take light actions during that time, but can't cast or attack and her speed is reduced to 5ft. She will have far less effects next time she experiences this gas.After getting a bit of fresh air, Yulya returns with Cat to find Alice in a bizarre state playing house with a variety of items
Elizabeth steps forward with a jovial smirk on her face as she addresses Yulya, "I'll be here to watch the little imp if you and Cat wish to share Ashley's leveling."Yulya is relieved someone can - probably - keep Alice in check now and sits back on a bench to recover
Cat please attend Ashley's leveling!Cat's tail is swaying as she is unsure if Yulya is in shape to make coherent decisions but decides to follow her request.
Hey you just told me to keep it together! How comes you of all people got poisoned worse than me? Do you not have resistance? Do you hear me? You are poisoned and hallucinating!Alice stares at Yulya with an open mouth
Yulya pats her on the headAlice looks around in despair
I do not know what exactly happened it there but I know you tried to do the right thing. I know how it feels if that fails horribly but my guardian Angel just told me the most important thing is to make the right decisions. And I thing you did. Well sort of...
I would like to heal you but unfortunately I am out myself right now. I will do so as soon as I have recovered so relax and bear with it for a few minutes
"Alice is a fanciful girl, she likes to pretend the world is going to end if her ship isn't treated perfectly or something, but to be honest, she says a lot of crazy things so I don't listen to much of it."N-Nya?
"Fair enough, do you know any better Cat?"
Don't ignore mee!
Why don't you like mee?
...Alice Nya often spoke of the winged creature... and the golden man... somehow alive...
Nya what happened Ashley Nya I didn't understand anything Nya. Will you become more like Alice Nya? Or your mechanical animals Nya?
Cat seems worried Ashley will turn into a golem-like mechanical puppet like her summons
But it seems you broke your curse Nya right Nya? So that's good Nya - I guess??
They exit the room and Ashley explains to Yulya all that happened without much embellishment, overall she's happy that she's not cursed anymore, there was always a worry that a simple remove curse spell could have locked her into a panther form forever.Yulya nods not sure she understands what had happened
"Are we going to eat or what?"Yulya sighs
Alice turns to the othersIndeed, we must sort our planned purchases by urgency!
So what's the plan for tomorrow? We should calculate what we can afford. I don't know about Ashley but I think we have roughly 250gp in cash
I also have Jewellery for 60gp though I'm not fond of selling that 40gp Jade Frog. It's cute!
Ashley what do you estimate will your book cost? We will of course help you out if you need additional funds!
"Huh? Are you reading my mind or something?" Ashley never mentioned a book, it was a suggestion from me.Yulya awkwardly looks at the audience and quickly tries to cover up the plot hole
After dinner, feeling warm and fuzzy, you all meander back to the guild and to your room.What a nice peaceful and surprisingly warm night! And nobody around. I wish it was always like that...
Ashley rolls out the bedrolls and stacks them, then adds the throw pillow from the chair and a spare blanket, positioning it near the fireplace, she summons Mr. Bigglesworth and pulls him in her arms like a stuffy.Yulya takes the bed with Cat and cant help but smile at Ashley with her purring stuffy. She puts her clothes and blanket under the bed so Alice has some bedding.
The room is cozy, you've seen similar rooms and the fireplace is lit for an inviting warmth.Alice warms herself at the fireplace before retreating under the bed hiding in a pile of clothes
Ashley rolls out the bedrolls and stacks them, then adds the throw pillow from the chair and a spare blanket, positioning it near the fireplace, she summons Mr. Bigglesworth and pulls him in her arms like a stuffy.Alice watches the scene from under the bed.
"Goodnight" She lays on her bed and rakes her fingernails through Mr. B's hair causing him to purr like a fast slightly out of balance motor, in minutes she's asleep and Mr. B is left staring out to the room like a sentinel.Goodnight to you!
Hey, that looks nice! Can I have Mrs. Bigglesworth pls?
Seeing Mr. Bigglesworth staring into the darkness. Alice regurgitates the Jade Frog. Using her pseudopod, she makes it emerge from under the bed in subtle jerky movements, mimicking a mouse to attract the cat's attention.
Everyone readies for a big day of shopping and cooking, Ashley isn't sure where all the shops are, "Okay, let's get the cart first, a pull cart is a lot cheaper I bet, the mules we'll pick up when we leave, but let's get them pre-ordered and held for us. We should put the cargo that Harbin and Hobby want in the cart and take that back here. I think we can drag into the back side of the guild storage room, I saw other carts and junk in there, then Alice and Cat can cook. We'll get something from the confectioner or bakery for breakfast while we're out, let's go!" Ashley seems satisfied with her order of businessGood plan Nya let's go Nya!
Ashley turns to the group and hands out one each, "breakfast on the go. but in exchange, you all buy everything else like the mule and cart and stuff. I want a carriage and I need to save up for that, but we won't get that far if we die. Summer said we should get these and eat them, I'm not sure exactly what they're supposed to do and neither does the baker apparently."Ohh thank you Ashley Nya that looks interesting Nya!
The next stop was the coach shop next to the stables. There they had beasts of many kinds including oxen, bulls, buffalo, donkeys, mules, horses, and giant crested birds called Filolials.Cat looks at the birds in amazement
"Well here's the deal, we're looking for Donkeys, I mean Mules, just two and we're going to need everything like side bags, feeding bags, and feed, leads, that sort of thing, you know the drill."Cat nods with a grin.
Ashley explained the situation and then stopped and asked the group, "We're getting two mules and a pull cart for us to pull, not them right?"
Cat paws under the bed to get Alice and Yulya's clothes outAlice isn't happy being dragged out into the cold morning air
You stop downstairs just as the guild is opening and wave to Elizabeth and Freya who are busy putting the chairs down.
Freya nods confidently, "How do you feel this morning?"
The baker chuckles, "I can't believe I'm letting these go for that, but you are off to slay a giant spider and a dragon, I can't let you go without them."Alice's eyes narrow
Ashley turns to the group and hands out one each, "breakfast on the go. but in exchange, you all buy everything else like the mule and cart and stuff. I want a carriage and I need to save up for that, but we won't get that far if we die. Summer said we should get these and eat them, I'm not sure exactly what they're supposed to do and neither does the baker apparently."Mehh...
The next stop was the coach shop next to the stables. There they had beasts of many kinds including oxen, bulls, buffalo, donkeys, mules, horses, and giant crested birds called Filolials.Alice looks at the strange animals from all sides, especially their ears, before turning her attention to the giant birds
they're not for sale. I'm just keeping them for the prince and princess of Leilon, who've just come in this morning to visit our queen."Alice's eyes narrow again and she turns to the others.
Cat is ready to inspect the animals to see if they are suitable for the adventure.Make sure they have nice ears!
Alice isn't happy being dragged out into the cold morning airYulya sighs with a kind smile as she looks at the pitiful alien
Noo, lemme sleep!
Nobody listens to me, nobody takes me seriously!
Everyone's mean to meee!
You stop downstairs just as the guild is opening and wave to Elizabeth and Freya who are busy putting the chairs down.Yulya hesitates then bows to both
Alice's eyes narrowYulya turns to Ashley
Giant spider? What giant spider? Nobody said anything about a spider, that's the first time I'm hearing this!
Ashley says as she takes the 8 pastries in a neat box. She then counts out 8 gold and hands it to the baker. "They're not made from the bones of a child or the poison from a blow frog are they?"Yulya flinches momentarily at the thought while glancing over to Alice and Cat but quickly dismisses any unpleasant suspicions about food
Ashley turns to the group and hands out one each, "breakfast on the go. but in exchange, you all buy everything else like the mule and cart and stuff. I want a carriage and I need to save up for that, but we won't get that far if we die. Summer said we should get these and eat them, I'm not sure exactly what they're supposed to do and neither does the baker apparently."Yulya sighs as she receives the pastry from Ashley and gracefuly takes a small bite
The confectioner's is next door and candies are purchased.Yulya gleefully squirms like a little girl seeing all the candy like an addict in a meth lab.
The next stop was the coach shop next to the stables. There they had beasts of many kinds including oxen, bulls, buffalo, donkeys, mules, horses, and giant crested birds called Filolials.Yulya is a bit intimidated by the large bests of burden but glad there is no Rothé around. But the giant birds have a calming presence. Yulya looks at them with awe
Alice's eyes narrow again and she turns to the others.Yulya shakes her head
Prince and Princess of Leilon!?
Hey, I bet this has something to do with Summer they're here!
I apologize agin for the trouble yesterday! But I assure you Alice has good intentions and being her is not easy. Just look at her!
Giant spider? What giant spider? Nobody said anything about a spider, that's the first time I'm hearing this!
Same for me. Do you know anything about this we do not Ashley?
Fi-loli-als??
What are those? Never even heard of such birds but they do look cute! Even if they don't have ears...
Can they fly?
No I have never seen such animals either! Truly worthy of royalty!
Not us Nya, me Nya!
But that's alright Nya. So two strong healthy mules Nya.
Make sure they have nice ears!
Cat is slightly taken aback by the prices but agrees this will be a good investment. She looks at all the animals and equipment and all indeed seems to be in good quality.
2 Mules 16gp
2 Mule Packs and accessories, 20lbs, capacity: 420lbs 20gp
10 days feed, 100lbs, 5sp [This will last 5 days for two without rough pasture
You leave the mules in good care and the next stop was "The Wheeler", a shop nearby that sold wagons, carriages and accessories.Cat cringes at the fancy noble's carriage more than Ashley does at the cheap one as her ears turn backwards.
"Well hello there you all, Georgia Weatherall, Cartwright and Mechanic at your service."
"This one was crafted for a duke but he canceled the order in favor of a fancier one, I'm not disappointed. This one would go for 500gold."
Ashley looks at Yulya and is obviously displeased, then goes and sits in the corner.
"I wouldn't charge customers stable fees, but when you come back that's 5sp per day per animal feed included."Alice's eyes widen
Cat singles out two large drought mules. The animals shoulder height exceeds Ashley and Yulya but they remain calm in Cat's presence[/i]Alice carefully approaches the animals and holds out her hand with some feed
Alice Nya what do you think about them Nya? Satisfied with their ears Nya? Then you should name them Nya!
Mule 1 has a dark brown coat with black legs. Its hooves are especially massive. It looks calm but reserved.I will name you Sandra!
Mule 2 has a light brown coat fading into a white belly and nose. It's more curious and tries to get a taste of Cat's hair.I shall call you Sophia!
the next stop was "The Wheeler", a shop nearby that sold wagons, carraiges and accessories.Yulya nervously looks at Ashley and then to Cat unsure what to do. She quickly casts GUIDANCE in herself
"Well hello there you all, Georgia Weatherall, Cartwright and Mechanic at your service."
>hand carts
"Oh... well sure, we have a selection of those, ranging from 15 to 30 gold, capable of carrying 1000-2000lbs. The light one is 150lbs, the heavier ones lean toward 200-300lbs. A mule could be harnessed to pull the heavier models which could also be towed or pushed by hand if needed."
Ashley looks at Yulya and is obviously displeased, then goes and sits in the corner.
Cat whispers to YulyaYulya sighs and hesitantly approaching Georgia using PERSUASION
A robust one Nya that can take 2000lbs Nya with spare parts Nya - wheel Nya, axle Nya and a tongue Nya and ask them to include a bit and bridle Nya for a mule Nya and a raincover Nya! We don't want our goods to get wet Nya!
Cat pushes Yulya forward to Georgia
Nyaaah forget it Nya I don't want to be seen riding that thing Nya even if you paid me 500 gold Nya...
I will name you Sandra!
I shall call you Sophia!
Unfortunately our funds are sparse but I hope you can make us a good deal for a package.
I will name you Sandra!Cat nods with a smile
I shall call you Sophia!
Ashley sighs, "How could you be so cruel..."Cat pats Ashley on the back
She notes Ashley's depression over not in any way ever be allowed to splurge on the carriage she wants and along with Yulya's heartfelt impression on her, she nods, "Listen, I have one that's been in an accident, I've been working on it a while and despite replacing the parts it needed, it just won't sell because it's scratched, the people in this city just don't want it if it's not new. So tell you what, it's a large hand cart, sellers usually buy these and convert them to stands that are easy wo wheel away at the end of the day, if you're willing to take it, I won't have to work on those scratches so I'll give it to you with spare parts, a wheel, axle and tounge ['Spare Parts and replacement parts, 200sp, 50lbs'] as well as throw in a full collar harness and bridle for 300 silver even."Cat inspects the cart from all sides, takes a look at the spare parts and the harness and is very pleased but keeps it to herself
"I work with the the stable master routinely, if your mule is there I'll sort it out and get the harness fitted by tomorrow morning. You can take the cart and parts now."
She went around collecting the items in the cart with you.
Then you arrived at the alchemist.Cat covers her nose, irritated by all the smells
Ashley approaches Sandra, reaching to pat her on the nose and the mule attempts to bite her hand.Alice nimbly moves between Sophia and Ashley, bows her head and tries to act cute as well, pointing at her open mouth with a smile
"Oh really? You wanna go there bub?" She leans in the disinterested mule, peering at her right in the eye... and pulls out a candy.
The mule's disposition changes immediately as she gingerly and gently tries to take the candy from Ashley's hand, leaving her fingers intact.
"So you are smarter than you look. Be nice to your auntie Ashley and there's more where this came from, got it?" Ashley lets her have the sweet sugary treat and Sandra looks happier for it. Sandra then nuzzles Ashley and allows her nose to be pet.
Sophia notices the interaction and immediately clops over, demanding attention. She bows her head to Ashley and bumps Sandra out of the way. If a mule could smile and try to act cute, Sophia was the expert.
"Oh so you're just happy to see me right Sophia?" Ashley reaches to pet her nose and Sophia eyes her pack. Ashley pulls out another candy and Sophia stomps her hoof in excitement. The exchange is made and a lifetime of love from a molly mule named Sophia is granted.
The next stop was to collect the amount needed for Hobby, and place them in the convenient new cart.Alice dons her Kitsune mask, hops on the cart and lets herself be towed by Cat like a chariot driver
Then you arrived at the alchemist. The halfling behind the counter was pleased to hear all the items you wanted, "Roseanna Toadbottom at your service!Alice whispers to Ashley barely able to contain laughter
Alice nimbly moves between Sophia and Ashley, bows her head and tries to act cute as well, pointing at her open mouth with a smile Hey, for a candy you can pet my nose too!
Cat pats Ashley on the back
Nyaa you'll get your carriage Nya but please one that doesn't have the stink of nobles on them Nya! We're adventurers not princesses Nya and I still have my Barbarian pride Nya!
Cat whispers
Keep sulking Nya, we may be getting something outta this Nya if she pities you Nya!
Nyaa it's not perfect but it will have to do for now Nya!
Cat says her thanks to Georgia and effortlessly pulls the large cart out of the shop with one paw.
Nice job Yulya Nya! We got this for cheap Nya!
Yulya exhales in relief she managed to negotiate a good price for a suitable cart.
Alice whispers to Ashley barely able to contain laughter
Toadbottom? Seriously?
...acetic acid as well as a number of unknown ingredients...
"Yep, this is mash that they left in the barrel way too long, it turned to vinegar and died out, this one is about 15% alcohol, 55% vinegar, and 30% leftover solids. I suppose you could say it's poison, not a very good poison, it's also stinky for sure, 5lbs in a jug would make an awful mess, but it's not really something I can say is particularly valuable. Tell you what though, because I like my newest dragon part suppliers so much," she winks at Ashley "let me put it on consignment, I'll put an unreasonably high price on it, say it's a rare potion for clearing pests, and see what I can get for them. I don't see why I couldn't have them sold in a week. What do you say?"Alice is slightly irritated about the mundane ingredients
>Alice has to payI apologize but this is the only way for you to get your money...
>Don't vomit on the counter
After the the Alchemist, Cat and Alice took the heavy supplies and purchases so far. They find a sign for the furrier in hopes they can perform the needed work and well wouldn't you know, it leads them to a familiar shop...[Remember Alice was in her tree and has never been to this shop!]
As Alice and Cat were looking at the selection of fish, they noted the vib of this market was a little unsavory. Cat's ears perk as she hears a quick shuffle, someone is following them and Cat knows where they are, just around a corner in the shadows of a archway between buildings. The same way you would need to go to avoid a large detour.Alice pays 48sp and packs the ingredients on the cart. Learning about the ambush, Alice is not happy.
With Cat watching, Alice makes the purchases and then Cat tells Alice what's going on.
The party is about to split, Alice and Cat go to the market for food while Ashley and Yulya continue shopping and sell itemsYulya assumes she will make much more from the sales than the items will cost
Alice turns to Yulya
Alright let's split here, we will get the food. Let's exchange items.
Hey, you need money, right?
How much?
It was an enjoyable time shopping in the warm sun with the sights and sounds of Neverwinter all around, the smells and music, it was almost as if everything was right with the world.Huh?
"This is so nice isn't it Yulya? We should go shopping more often." Ashley says with a sigh, a smile on her face as she admires this beautiful city.
As Alice and Cat were looking at the selection of fish, they noted the vib of this market was a little unsavory. Cat's ears perk as she hears a quick shuffle, someone is following them and Cat knows where they are, just around a corner in the shadows of a archway between buildings. The same way you would need to go to avoid a large detour.
With Cat watching, Alice makes the purchases and then Cat tells Alice what's going on.
Learning about the ambush, Alice is not happy.[/i]Cat's ears fold backwards
Hrmm, normally this would be a fun challenge but remember we have the cart now, that makes us stand out even more and makes us slow. Running, hiding or sneaking away won't work with this gargantuan thing. And don't go rushing head on either. We must not split and can't let the cart unguarded. Last thing we need is some idiot stealing our goods.
...
Wait, this could be a good opportunity to test those stink bomb.
Do you have any clue what our friends look like and how many they are?
Alice takes out a stink bomb and considers their options. This would by far be the most entertaining one.
I apologize but this is the only way for you to get your money...
Alice vomits a pile of gold coins on the floor, then counts them.
Yep, exactly 25!
Alice hands Roseanna 25 moist but shining gp
Alice is no thief and neither is Cat here!
I am very satisfied with this Yukata and Fox Mask! I got this as a gift but I didn't know they came from this shop! Very nice place!
But I have a somewhat odd request today...
I would like to have those ears and tail taxidermied and sewed to this cloak. You know, the ears on the hood
Alice mimics ears on her dead with her hand) and the tail on the bottom.
You can probably stuff the ears with felt or something, they should be upright but still soft so no wooden ear liner please! Oh and I apologize but I need this done by tomorrow before noon please!
How much would this cost, kind Sir?
I wish we all could explore the city without haste. There is a lot I have never seen.
Wait, this could be a good opportunity to test those stink bomb. Do you have any clue what our friends look like and how many they are?
Cat's ears fold backwards
I don't like this Nya I don't know how many are there Nya and this dark alley is ideal for an ambush Nya. They may not be able to defeat us Nya but steal our goods Nya. But I'm not taking any detours because of some stalker Nya!
Alice Nya!
Ready a stink bomb Nya. Go ahead with stealth Nya and peek around the corner Nya! See if whoever's there looks hostile Nya and if not clearly non- hostile Yya fling a stink bomb behind the corner Nya!
She winces then gets a handkerchief to collect the coins, "I knew the crime was picking up but... and the coins would be safer there than a coin purse, but you really shouldn't eat these. First, you don't know where they've been and second because... because... well just because!"Alice laughs
[At the Clothier, Tailor, Taxidermist]Alice sighs, coughs up 1gp and hands it to the old man.
He takes the items and holds them up, taking his time to feel the fabric and the turning pelt material, "Oh I see I see, hmmm.... Very busy, the quality is poor... see here? Cut too high, poorly done, better to have whole head, fresher that way too... Maybe I can fix, very pricey, hard to do, hmmm..." He strokes his beard then calls to the back in an unknown language. The lady from before enters politely with a sweet as pie look on her face that quickly turns sour as they argue. Voices raise and just when they look like they're about to physically fight, he turns with a smile and nods, "1 gold for best quality, and speedy delivery. I have very little time, go!" He furrows his brow and waves you away looking over the cloak and other items closely as he waits for you to leave. He tsks, "Pick up tomorrow."
You notice a rather peculiar, poorly written and neglected parchment sign...Alice sighs again
Done shopping and still not noon, Ashley and Yulya find themselves with some free time on a nice partly cloudy, warm spring day.Yulya looks surprised.
"Well we have time, then let's go for a walk! If anything happens I'll summon Nixie, surely she can take any low level thugs. I want to see the mage tower anyway, maybe you can help me look for summoning scrolls for later."
I can't have any fun, eh? This place is a dump already, it would only become cleaner. Fine, backup plan it is!Cat guards the cart and is on the lookout for potential thieves while Alice checks the corner
Hiding behind the cart, Alice takes off her backpack, clothes and mask and tosses them on the cart. Morphing into a flat long goo, she stealthily creeps over the dark alley along the wall up to the corner. The opposite end of the goo mat readies a dagger to throw as it carefully takes a look behind the corner at ground level.
By the way, I'm somewhat of an alchemist as well!
I can not only eat but also produce next to everything. No magical items, potions of poisons for now but if you need small amounts of any chemical compounds. Think about it until we return. Ideally I need a small sample. It's not practical for larger amounts so I have to buy alcohol at the moment but once I'm back in shape...
Alice gets excited at the prospect of regaining her former power and gesticulates wildly until getting dragged out of the store by the others
I can't have any fun, eh? This place is a dump already, it would only become cleaner. Fine, backup plan it is!
It is not even noon? It feels like an eternity passed. We should indeed use the time then! Let us see what the city has to offer.
Alice carefully crafts a brilliant plan of surprise and counter-attack, by becoming a golden translucent slime, in broad daylight, in front of dozens of witnesses, and sneaking around in plain sight.Alice notices her mistake of missing camouflage and freezes for a moment. She decides to wiggle around in front of the 4 men to keep them distracted until guards arrive, hoping Cat will direct their attention towards them and keep them from attacking her.
In the resulting commotion, four thuggish men do step out of the shadows to see the oddity of a wild slime-like creature snaking about the market as women scream and guards are called.
When Ashley first sees the Cloak Tower, she drags Yulya toward it, "I don't care what I have to do, I'm getting us in there."Before Yulya can say anything she is dragged inside
The Western gate is open, guarded by spellswords who say nothing as you pass, and you walk through the gorgeous garden to the foundation of this masterpiece of arcane architecture. The gold laden white marble, quartz and granet of the stone steps and walls gave it a heavenly appearance, as if your presence here was granted only through death and acceptance after leading a righteous life.Yulya is amazed but unsure if anyone is just allowed to enter. And as we know getting scolded or questioned is a fate worse than death...
Up some steps to the main entrance you clearly aren't stopped and fit right in to the varied few who are coming and going on this lovely Monday afternoon.Yulya gets smaller and smaller with every step, ducking against the wall and pretending to not exist
A sign over the main doors reads "Welcome to the tower of the many-starred cloak."Hey Ashley I think Summer said she had an appointment with the guild master here and Freya was impressed she could move as she pleased. Can we really just waltz in here and search through these scrolls and books?
Inside is no less impressive, a huge repository of tomes and scrolls, surely anything that can exist, exists here.
"Oh my god!" Ashley rushes up to the nearest book shelves and begins looking, completely lost in this epic repository. "Hey Yulya, they can do all this but they need us to kill a simple white dragon?"Yulya shakes her head and looks up in thought whispering to Ashley
Greetings, gentlemen!
Quite warm today, isn't it? ...mice market...
Stop Nya we are adventurers Nya!
...we noticed somebody was following and obviously plotting to ambush us behind that corner. These 4 gentlemen to be precise!
hehe! Looks like I scared half the market
Nyaa I noticed they were following us Nya Alice is right Nya they probably tried to rob us Nya
Sorry, sorry, I will be more careful next time but you see, we were in a hurry. Gotta return to the guild and prepare rations from all that food we bought. Uhm, may I get my clothes from the cart now before more trouble is caused? Not that I mind but others may...
So anyway Nya please don't hurt her Nya yo see she's not a serpent Nya or whatever anymore Nya. Just a girl Nya. Naked girl Nya. Get dressed Alice Nya you're bothering people Nya!
Hey Ashley I think Summer said she had an appointment with the guild master here and Freya was impressed she could move as she pleased. Can we really just waltz in here and search through these scrolls and books?
I never understood why Summer was so adamant we were the 'heroes' she needed. What a joke!
Now what do we do here? We should hurry who knows how long we will be tolerated here. As a cleric these spells are useless to me but I will help you search.
We are looking for a spell to summon a large animal from the negative plane to tow the cart?
Anything else?
Ashley's enthralled with the selection she searches and finds a book on summoning, "Hey, this book summons demons from the Abyss, maybe I can summon Alice's friend."Yulyas eyes widen in shock
The sound of feet running catches your attention and before you know it, an old friend appears, "Hey hi! What are you two doing here!? I didn't know you were members of the order?!"Yulya ducks behind her book as if it makes her invisible thinking to herself
Summer looks at Ashley with a tilted head, "Of course, but you should know... oh, when did you register? I should know about you then... how curious." she pondered.
Ashley looks up and sees a book with a blue binding, "That must be it, um..." It's very far up, she looks for a ladder and finds nothing, "Yulya, don't you have mage hand or levitation? Wait can't you fly now? Can you please please please get me that book?"Yulya looks at her in bewilderment.
Why would they have something like that here? Put it back immediately!
We also must avoid that royals before they question us!
Yulya looks up and takes off, trying to grasp the blue book without causing further damage
"No one cares about Aasimar."
Ashley takes the book and looks through it quickly, "Summons of the negative plane, holy crap this has everything! Look, my necrotic rats are in here, oh, ooohhh, this is perfect." She looks around quickly and pushes Yulya into a space behind the tall cases, she hides behind her and stuffs the book into her pack.
Re-dawning her pack she remarks, "I'm not stealing it. Dang this is heavy, I'm just borrowing it for a little while. Now, let's get out of here, play it cool and follow me." Ashley dawns her hood and before Yulya can say anything, she begins walking briskly toward the entrance
"No one cares about Aasimar."
Ashley takes the book and looks through it quickly, "Summons of the negative plane, holy crap this has everything! Look, my necrotic rats are in here, oh, ooohhh, this is perfect." She looks around quickly and pushes Yulya into a space behind the tall cases, she hides behind her and stuffs the book into her pack.Yulya panics
Re-dawning her pack she remarks, "I'm not stealing it. Dang this is heavy, I'm just borrowing it for a little while. Now, let's get out of here, play it cool and follow me." Ashley dawns her hood and before Yulya can say anything, she begins walking briskly toward the entrance
Turning back to the cart after the commotion, Cat catches three street urchins about to grab whatever they can from it, but her intimidating presence catches them off guard and they scatter.Cat is also relieved they managed to clarify the situation and nothing was stolen
Looks like the guys ran huh? Well, let's get going, we bought everything right? We need to get back to the guild to cook.
If they still try to rob us along the way, well, it's their problem.
Nya we should move on Nya guard our supplies Alice Nya! And no more getting naked Nya!
Apart from the stealing fact I am certain all the books in this library can be traced like that whistle. You saw how Summer found it and she surely is not the only one who can sense the presence of magic books! If you drag that thing back to the guild we will get paid a visit - implying we get that far and will not be stopped at the entrance!
Alice and Cat move cautiously through the streets of Neverwinter until they reach the back of the guild, where they park the cart inside and enter the guild.Alice looks at Freya tilting her head, her mask displaying a creepy grin as always
Freya notes their arrival and flits over to them as she is known to do, "welcome back you two, I presume you haven't gotten into any more trouble? Or should I say, I hope?
And where are your counterparts?"Alice raises a finger to explain but in that moment Ashley also arrives.
Alice and Cat move cautiously through the streets of Neverwinter until they reach the back of the guild, where they park the cart inside and enter the guild.Cat looks at Alice, her tail swaying left and right
The main hall is getting busy, in a few hours it will be packed for dinner. Freya notes their arrival and flits over to them as she is known to do, "welcome back you two, I presume you haven't gotten into any more trouble? Or should I say, I hope? And where are your counterparts?"
No ma'am!
Uh, hello Freya! We have returned from shopping. As you see we also acquired everything! Have you seen our cart?
Hey, did you cause trouble with your summons without inviting me - again??
Ah right, Freya!
We need another room for tonight. And also pay for yesterday!
By the way, where's Elizabeth? I got a present for her!
N-Nya there was a little trouble at the market Nya some fools tried to steal our goods Nya but guards came Nya and they were scared off Nya!
We bought 2 nice mules Nya and we got a cart for a good price Nya! Ashley and Yulya went to sell our goods Nya and buy more Nya - oh here they come Nya what took you so long Nya?
Freya Nya can we use the kitchen after lunch Nya? We bought ingredients to cook rations Nya!
I got to see Yulya's wings and that was pretty cool. I don't know what we need a ladder for at this point, she can just fly a rope anywhere we need.It is not that simple! Please remember I can only use a Celestial Revelation once per long rest for a duration of 1 minute! So I can only fly with HEAVENLY WINGS if I have not used one of my other transformations before - and if I do I cannot use the others. It is not like I an fly any time I wish - or need to. So a ladder does make sense. Well I could also use MISTY STEP to teleport but it should remain an emergency option and not to be used lightly.
Freya accepts 2sp for the standard double room.Yulya hands her 4sp
I heard they had some royal guests today so you must have slipped in while they were distracted. I'm glad you got to see it. I'll prepare the documents for application to admission when you achieve your silver plates if you like, I'm afraid they only allow magic users however, there's a ward that prevents anyone else from entering."Yulyas sweating increases as she thinks to herself while hiding behind Cat
I got to see Yulya's wings and that was pretty coolHuh, I didn't know she could fly at all? But I smell you were doing some extraordinary things without me!
Liz is out tonight, this is her night off, but I could get it to her if you won't be here tomorrow morning, otherwise she'll be in tomorrowAlice nestles with the dung beetle in her Yukata pockets
you have two hours before I need to start dinner, then again after 20:00 if you agree to clean up.Alright! You'll get the cleanest kitchen ever!
Then we should get to work, Cat! I wanna sleep too so we gotta finish this in time!Right right, Nya!
Alice goes back to the carriage and begins carrying ingredients into the kitchen
It is not that simple! ...and not to be used lightly.
No it is fine, I will give it to her tomorrow then!
See you later everyone Nya!
Yulya attempts to hand Freya 4sp for twoYulya is left standing with her coins in handmealsnights.
"Dear, dinner's not for three more hours, I'll collect it after your food arrives, I'll remember you wanted dinner."
Hey Cat, can you hear what's going on out there? Is there some performance or what?Cat's ears rotate to pick up the sounds from the guild hall
Nyaa put your beetle away Nya before it ends up in a ration Nya! I don't mind a crunchy high-protein ingredient Nya but you know how picky Ashley Nya is Nya!Fine, fine!
Come on, do you guys never break anything? There must be something in this kitchen! Don't make me break things to get my shards!
"Whatever are you looking for dear?"Archdemons mostly!
No seriously, we need some glass shards for our firebombs. I was just looking if I could recycle any broken glass! If you come across any before we leave tomorrow, pls save it for me, Freya!
Do we need anything else than collecting our mules Nya and Alice's cloak Nya?
Let's have breakfast and decide what to do! I wanna get my cloak and the mules!
Let us see if we have everything we need! This is the last chance to buy any goods before we head back.
Elizabeth is there cooking breakfast for a mixed crowd, about half full of adventurers. Some you know, some you've not seen before.Cat looks around to see if she spots Brutus
Ashley sees a small note near the kitchen denoting this morning's special provisions: fresh baked bread with butter, and fresh squeezed Juice costing 1sp and 5cp respectively, and prepares to order that. She flags Elizabeth who comes over to take orders.Looks good Nya I'll order that Nya!
Hey where did you buy that book? Looks expensive!
Nya I don't like camping out on the first night Nya while we're not used to the mules and cart Nya! But if we wait another day Nya
I figured we wouldn't make it to the rest stop today. Looks like we gotta leave really early tomorrow.
Yes indeed we will not make it to the rest stop today. I agree it is not worth rushing through the night - at least not until we are familiar with the animals.
I wonder if that stable guy will let us keep the mules there for another night
In Eldath's name at least dont parade it around like this before someone starts asking questions!
Didnt you look forward to give her that beetle for whatever reason? Not that I think you should...Alice blushes
What do we need for poison arrows and is this safe? Seeing the ruckus you caused in the poisoned state I do not even want to know what would happen to Cat in such state.Uhm, relatively I guess?
I am not against visiting the bath at all if you would like. You collapsed in there last time.Yes, yes you don't have to rub it in. I'll be careful this time.
I just found a spell that could summon a bone dragon.Haa?
Cat looks around and finds Brutus with his companions. Josephia's also at a table with her group.Hey, there's your barbarian friend and that witch that made our money disappear!
"I bet we wouldn't make it anyway, these mules aren't even used to pulling all day, are they?"Well we have two so each would only have to pull half the time, right? What do you think, Cat?
"I just found a spell that could summon a bone dragon." Ashley looks satisfied with her response. "This book is so fun! Anyways, only Summer knows and I don't see her here, do you?"Yulya rolls her eyes
Cat looks around and finds Brutus with his companions. Josephia's also at a table with her group. The half-orcs are there and the dragonewts too.Yulya glances over unsure how to react as they aren't looking in her direction and quickly gives up.
I'll leave the beetle at her desk later or slip it into her pocket before we leave!Yulya sighs at her troublesome companions antics.
Normally I'd just spit out the final product but in this shape...I am not overly fond or poisons as my ability to cure you are limited but if poisoned arrows put us in a significant advantage I guess we must take that risk. Make a list of what you need and what we should buy then!
All we need is alcohol and some pot. We probably shouldn't do it in the ones Cat cooks with.
If you want the real deal we also need a small amount of acid like acetic acid and a base like quicklime.
Cat looks around and finds Brutus with his companions. Josephia's also at a table with her group. The half-orcs are there and the dragonewts too.Cat waves over at Brutus and Josephia, the only two she remembers. But now's not the time for chat.
Noo, not in front of everyone! I'll leave the beetle at her desk later or slip it into her pocket before we leave!
I can synthesize ethyl acetate from alcohol and acetic acid overnight, it won't be much but probably enough.
So you did find a book to summon us a draft animal? Any mecha war elephants in there?
Hey, there's your barbarian friend and that witch that made our money disappear!
Cat waves over at Brutus and Josephia, the only two she remembers. But now's not the time for chat.
Yulya feels that this will be a long day
"I didn't see elephants yet and war prefix is way more advanced, like I see war dog and it's level 3 so I could transcribe a scroll for it, but dog is really weak. Horse is level 3, so I could just summon a horse, boring, a war horse would be tier 2, level 4 I think, boring."Well it should mainly pull the cart - and have ears...
After breakfast the group mossies on ...Alice looks for Elizabeth, not finding her she leaves the beetle on her counter
The team moved on next to pick up Alice's cloak.Alice trembles with excitement
The shopkeeper sees you enter and eyes Cat's armor again, then sees Alice and nods, she stands up, walking to the back wall, she removes a cloak with wolf ears and tail. "Mhm, great deal, too cheap! A lot of work, too much work! And so quick, too quick for so little. Mhm." She hands it to Alice, "Go on, try it on."
The old man in the back nods and smiles, puffing on his pipe.
Next stop, the alchemist, she's with a customer, counting his coin when you enter, he's a tall man, thin and sickly, with a long blue robe. His hood is up and she seems to be helping him nervously.The man is faced by an odd girl wearing a cloak wit wofl ears sewn on top, looking at him with a smug grin. What an unfortunate man with an ear-less cloak!
You can't make out his face, only darkness is seen under the hood.
He stops momentarily in front of you all, then sweeps his cloak around himself and exits.
"Oh hi! Back so soon? I'm, afraid I couldn't sell your pest killer yet, wait, does this mean you already killed the dragon!?"Haa, a dozen...
Exhausted from shopping Ashley says, "I want to go back to the room and read my book."Yes I believe we're finished with shopping - but not done.
After breakfast the group mossies on over to the stablemaster where the tender is brushing the coats of his horses in the barn.Cat is satisfied and pats the mules
The tender explains that your mules are in good health and good spirits, he explains that they could probably only pull 8 hours but you could increase it an hour a day and they'll get up to 12 in a few days. He explains further that they could go as fast as 4 miles an hour if they're unburdened, but more like 3 miles per hour with bags or pulling.
You explain you're going to be picking them up in the morning and he informs you they'll be rested, fed and ready to go at 06:00. There's no fee prior to initial pickup.
At the Cartwright Georgia is working on one of her customer's carriages and Ashley sighs longingly before you ask her about a bullseye lantern.[/i]Cat buys
"Sure we have 'em," she points out the item on the shelf
The team next moved on next to pick up Alice's cloak.Cat's tail sways left and right, unsure what to do. She whispers to Yulya
The shopkeeper sees you enter and eyes Cat's armor again.
Alice puts on the cloak in front of a mirror and looks at herself from all sides. The wofl ears perk up yet are soft and flap a bit as Alice jumps around. The tail is also soft and sways back and forth with every moveCat can't help but laugh at Alice's wolf cloak!
At the Adventure ShopCat inspects the quality of the utensils and is pleased
At the AlchemistCat again stays outside leaving the ingredients to Alice
I believe we're finished with shopping - but not done.Cat shakes her head
Cat, let's look for more poisonous plants! Why buy what you can find for free!
Whoa, it's still cold outside, I wish I had my cloak...Yulya routinely hands Alice her blanket before the cold-sensitive alien takes damage.
Alice puts on the cloak in front of a mirror and looks at herself from all sides. The wofl ears perk up yet are soft and flap a bit as Alice jumps around. The tail is also soft and sways back and forth with every moveYulya smiles seeing Alice happy and applauds
Next stop, the alchemist, she's with a customer, counting his coin when you enter, he's a tall man, thin and sickly, with a long blue robe. His hood is up and she seems to be helping him nervously.Yulya tries to determine if he is even human using her perception skill
You can't make out his face, only darkness is seen under the hood.
He stops momentarily in front of you all, then sweeps his cloak around himself and exits.Yulya freezes then exhales in relief seeing the man leave without further trouble.
"Oh hi! Back so soon? I'm, afraid I couldn't sell your pest killer yet, wait, does this mean you already killed the dragon!?"Good morning Miss Toad... bottom....
Yulya routinely hands Alice her blanket before the cold-sensitive alien takes damage.Ah thanks, you're a lifesaver as always! But it's not as cute as the wofl cloak I'll get today! I can't wait!!
Cat buysHai, hai! Don't rush me!
-1x Bullseye Lantern 10gp 2lbs
-5x Lamp Oil 1sp 1lb.
and hands her 5sp for the oil. She doesn't have any gp or enough in silver.
Alice Nyaa, we need gold Nya!
Cat can't help but laugh at Alice's wolf cloak!
Hahaha you look cute Nya!
Yulya smiles seeing Alice happy and applaudsRight?
I must say that does indeed look cute - youre our little wolf now!
Cat inspects the quality of the utensils and is pleasedAlice sighs
Nya can't have enough pots Nya!
Cat buys:
-1Pot, Iron 10lbs, 2gp
-1Herbalism kit for 5gp
-5Waxed wicks 2cp
The process repeats as Cat pays 1sp for 5 wicks, leaving the 7gp for Alice
Nyaa Alice Nya!
Good morning Miss Toad... bottom....Leave it to me!
Uhm..
Not that I mean to pry into your customers but that man - was quite a frightening appearance!
As Alice said we need a few more ingredients before we depart for the dragon. I will leave this to her.
Nyaa I didn't see anything in here Nya looks like they weed out anything poisonous here Nya. We must look outside the city Nya. Let's return to the guild for now Nya!Seriously?
On the other hand, imagine the cart being pulled by something like that giant snakes we saw, that would look hilarious!
Not finding her she leaves the beetle on her counter
One more day Nya until you get a bit of exercise Nya!Cat pats her neck and Sophia seems interested in Cat's ears more than anything, sniffing them as if trying to understand their purpose.
Excellent work, Good Sir! Even better than I had imagined!
Alice Nyaa, we need gold Nya!
Was that an assassin of something Nya?
Alice turns to Ashley after he left
Huh, is that the male version of that girl from the guild that's obsessed with you?
Yulya tries to determine if he is even human using her perception skill
We'd also need some healroot, how much is it?Also do you have any broken glass by any chance? Even a few small shards would help!
Not that I mean to pry into your customers but that man - was quite a frightening appearance!
Cat, let's look for more poisonous plants! Why buy what you can find for free!
Nyaa I didn't see anything in here Nya looks like they weed out anything poisonous here Nya. We must look outside the city Nya. Let's return to the guild for now Nya!
Alice keeps rambling about poisons on the way home, the ears of her wofl cloak flopping with every step.
Where will you be making this poison?
Roseanna shrunches her nose in an apologetic wayHaa, glass is valuable here, I guess. Well, it can't be helped...
"I don't have any extra glass at all, the Hot Shop, buys all glass shards and scraps for 1 gold per pound, I'm afraid it's just too good to pass up."
Where will you be making this poison?Hmm, no idea actually!
Yulya asks with slight concern
Leave it to me!As Alice exits to proudly show off her purchases, Cat's ears fold backwards
Alice nods, her wofl ears flopping forward. She buys:
-5x Tobacco leaves, dried bundle for 'religious purposes', 1lb, 1gp -> 5gp
-5 lb Mandrake root, 5sp per lb -> 2gp, 5sp
-20 lbs 90% pure Alcohol in ceramic, wax sealed jars, 1gp per lb -> 20gp
This should be enough drugs and booze for a nice party this evening!
our math genius did something dumb again and forgot to pay the glass vials for 10gp
[Tuesday, Spring 18, 11:30, 17C, Clear]You'll be happy about it when we get back to that icy cold! I'm not looking forward to that at all!
You walk through the streets and the wind shifts to a more off-shore breeze over the city, and the temperature increases, making this a very pleasant day.
"Maybe all black isn't the best choice." Ashley says as she removes her cloak and the sun beats down on her fashion choice, causing her hair to saturate with moisture at the tips.
You make your way to the Guild and find it bustling just before lunch. There's hardly a free table but one party sees you enter and welcomes you to sit.Alice dons her Kitsune mask
Jack, their Paladin Leader, sees who just sat down and slams his napkin to the table, "I'll be training at the Southern guard post." Without another word from anyone else he leaves.[/i]Alice looks confused.
"Hello again you all, well it feels like only a week ago that you were here getting your plates for the first time and rumor has it you're already level 3 and picking a fight with dragons." Herald the Archer says with a smirk, "Ashley, I'll buy your lunch if you would accept it."Ashley's sure popular with men and women alike...
"my new carriage will be pulled by a summoned creature, so it can be pretty much anything." Ashley taps her book, "Anything."War elephant!
Faren, the wizard who so graciously cleaned the mess Alice made, welcomes the group with a wise old smile, "The least I can do is buy the rest of you lunch, and if you have any other spills, you know who to call." He laughs and you realize he has four empty tankards in front of him.Alice gives him a sour look
You see Freya flitting around trying to keep up as well as running back to the kitchen to tend her cooking meal, there's a large spit over the fire turning a substantial hog bring roasted, as well as the scent of fresh bread in the oven and a large pot of potatoes and other vegetables boiling away. The lunch menu, delicately written on a chalk board, reflects several dishes containing these three elements, as well as the standard fare, fresh apples, cider and drinks.
Alice tries to read the menu
Not that I care much, I'm sure it's all good, especially if it's free!
For a moment Alice remembers she has a backpack full of poison and wonders how and where it could be prepared. But only for a moment.
You make your way to the Guild and find it bustling just before lunch. There's hardly a free table but one party sees you enter and welcomes you to sit.Yulya flinches as being stung by a wasp at the word 'book' and tries to hide under the table but is stopped by Cat.
"Hello again you all, well it feels like only a week ago that you were here getting your plates for the first time and rumor has it you're already level 3 and picking a fight with dragons." Herald the Archer says with a smirk, "Ashley, I'll buy your lunch if you would accept it."
"Sure whatever." She says and pulls out her book,
Faren, the wizard who so graciously cleaned the mess Alice made, welcomes the group with a wise old smile, "The least I can do is buy the rest of you lunch, and if you have any other spills, you know who to call." He laughs and you realize he has four empty tankards in front of him.
By the way, we just encountered a strange man - no being - at the alchemist. Very unsettling. Tall and thin in a black cloak. I could not make up any facial details under the hood only darkness and the smell of - blood?
"Hello again you all, well it feels like only a week ago that you were here getting your plates for the first time and rumor has it you're already level 3 and picking a fight with dragons."Good to see you again Nya!
Frankly speaking many of the denizens of Faerûn are soulless automatons; golems, clockwork beasts, animated puppets, and some nobles I know."Cat lets out a laugh
Josephia spoke next, "Could it have been a vampire?"Vampire Nya? Never seen one Nya. Are they all dangerous ane evil Nya?
You see Freya flitting around trying to keep up as well as running back to the kitchen to tend her cooking meal, there's a large spit over the fire turning a substantial hog being roasted, as well as the scent of fresh bread in the oven and a large pot of potatoes and other vegetables boiling away. The lunch menu, delicately written on a chalk board, reflects several dishes containing these three elements, as well as the standard fare, fresh apples, cider and drinks.Cat waves over to Freya to order a free meal and some cider
Nya not only dragons Nya, hordes of goblins Nya and wolves Nya, giant snakes Nya and even some bandits Nya! By the way Nya, Alice got pretty good with her bow Nya!
Cat pats Alice on the back causing the mask to fall of her face
Vampire Nya? Never seen one Nya. Are they all dangerous ane evil Nya?
Faren looks Yulya dead in the eyes, "Don't take this the wrong way but your team mate also has no soul."Certainly but Alice is special and not an undead. More soulful and human than many humans I would say. Does she act like a golem or automaton? Even Sir Edermath of Phandalin was fascinated by her.
Josephia spoke next, "Could it have been a vampire?"I did not want to bother the shopkeeper even further so I did not inquire about that mans purchases. A vampire certainly is a possibility. But I have never encountered one - at least not consciously, so I could not tell. We still should report this to Freya if she comes around. Were there not reports of people going missing in Neverwinter?
"Oh I doubt a vampire needs alchemist supplies but if he did, he could just buy the blood he needs, was he buying blood?" Faren asked Yulya.
Even Sir Edermath of Phandalin was fascinated by her.
Herald raises an eyebrow, "oh very nice, and may I recommend learning about Flurry, it's a matter of firing rapidly at the same target and it makes a big difference in keeping damage up."Ha, I beat Cat in shooting goblins several times. Not sure if archery is my top priority but I shall keep Flurry in mind
Seeing the doll-like unnerving face of her friend, Ashley quickly smashes the mask back on, making sure it sticks this time. "She's been ill lately. Like all the time." Ashley bites her lip to keep from laughing.Oi, hands off!
Faren looks Yulya dead in the eyes, "Don't take this the wrong wat but your team mate also has no soul. Frankly speaking many of the denizens of Faerûn are soulless automatons; golems, clockwork beasts, animated puppets, and some nobles I know."Hey, I am none of those!
"oh how I'd love a beautiful doll to wait on me hand and foot."Alice takes her fingers out of Faren's tankards and moves a bit away from him
I will tell you this however, don't trust that man.I have no intention to. But he is a valuable asset and I like his attitude toward humans. Really put them in their place. However I feel he is currently messing with things too big even for him. I look forward to meeting him again. We will see if his wisdom prevails or if his thirst for knowledge will eventually be his demise.
I wish I could be there when Summer goes to ask for a 'dragon removal permit' or whatever."Alice gives Ashley a thumbs up.
Ashley smirks and hums a little as she flips though her book, "Maybe a Rothè?" she shows it to Josephia.A Rothe?
She looks, "Mhm, very sturdy animals, they love to pull I hear."
He wasn't that bad Nya, gave us delicious cider Nya and Yulya a ring Nya. I didn't really listen to what he was saying Nya. Oh didn't he want to buy Alice Nya?Yulya sighs
Alice turns to the other partyOh right. We met strange little girl on the way back. Summer of Leilon, apparently an apprentice and attendant of Leilon royalty and talented magician. Yet eerily carefree. We picked her up injured on Triboar trail. Looks lik she just left her carriage on the high road and went on alone. Appartenty to search - us? She said she needed heroes to take down that dragon as it was destroying the land with that cold. Can you imagine that? Why she chose us is beyond me but even after we escorted her to Neverwinter she was adamant she needed to meet us in Phandalin so we could kill this dragon together. It feels so surreal...
Hey, do you even know about Summer, the girl we met?
Ha, I beat Cat in shooting goblins several times.That was just luck Nya I'm still a better archer Nya!
Will it also become enraged and go berserk over nothing?
Alice takes out her wofl cloak and briefly puts in on for show
You have more in common with Daran than you think. He was also very interested in - exploring my body.
I like his attitude toward humans
I still do not wish to make an enemy of this man and would rather like to have him as an ally. I hope he can be reasoned with...
Hey, do you even know about Summer, the girl we met?
he gave me this ring which greatly improves my stealth.
But apart from that there is something that worries me. As you know we are supposed to deal with a white dragon that freezes the land around Phandalin. Yet Sir Edermath was not concerned by this dragon at all. Some people say a white dragon could not cause such wide-area effect. But then what else?
Hey, do you even know about Summer, the girl we met?
Oh right. We met strange little girl on the way back. Summer of Leilon, apparently an apprentice and attendant of Leilon royalty and talented magician. Yet eerily carefree. We picked her up injured on Triboar trail. Looks lik she just left her carriage on the high road and went on alone. Apparently to search - us? She said she needed heroes to take down that dragon as it was destroying the land with that cold. Can you imagine that? Why she chose us is beyond me but even after we escorted her to Neverwinter she was adamant she needed to meet us in Phandalin so we could kill this dragon together. It feels so surreal...
Summer Nya odd girl Nya just a child Nya but I think she's strong Nya...
Any advice on dealing with a white dragon Nya? Have you ever seen one Nya?
"Bah" Ashley says dismissively, "They're not very cuddly anyway."Hey, what about those royal bird things we saw in the stable? They looked very fluffy.
Josephia laughs "I never heard someone use 'cuddliness' to help determine their choice of beasts to pull a cart."
"I'd rather spend my time with cuddlier things if I could." Herald added.My word!
Faren looks at Alice with slight distaste, "I hope you aren't insinuating I am anything like that monster." He humphs.Now now, where did your sense of humor go?
He becomes further agitated, "What a ridiculous thing to say, his views of humans are abysmal, borderline genocidal."
Faren slams his hands on the table, "That man would stoop to any means to line his pockets! Even if it meant taming a dragon to do his bidding!"
No one else has any idea what would cause widespread weather changes.Alice still hopes it's not her ship going berserk
Freya shows up on cue, "she's a budding sorceress apprentice, and attendant of Leilon's next heir to the thrown. And if you see her, please let me know, we've been contacted just this morning by that very prince to discover her whereabouts. I was informed to allow any level and any number of adventurers to take the contract to... convince her to return to the Neverwinter castle here or the royal palace in Leilon as soon as possible."Alice bursts into laughter
Freya puts her hands on Yulya and Ashley's shoulders, "as Yulya mentioned, this party has a quest to slay a dragon with her east of Phandalin in upcoming days, not that there's anything wrong with that, only that the visibility of that quest has now reached the Queen of Neverwinter and the royalty of Leilon, putting the guild's reputation squarely under the queen's gaze, so everyone..." she looks directly at Alice, "be on your best behavior."Alice leans forward
"the gods too have wills and we are sometimes mere pawns in their schemes."Alice rolls her eyes
Any advice on dealing with a white dragon Nya? Have you ever seen a dragon Nya?
Josephia answers, "I'd ask a dragonslayer."By the way, I heard you gotta achieve a heroic feat to reach LV.4 and it was suggested slaying a dragon is such. Yet nobody has ever encountered a dragon - Brutus aside. This seems a bit of a stretch for such low level. More a legendary feat than a heroic one. What did you guys do to reach Silver rank?
Freya adds, "Yes, you should talk to Brutus before you go."
Freya shows up on cue, "she's a budding sorceress apprentice, and attendant of Leilon's next heir to the thrown. And if you see her, please let me know, we've been contacted just this morning by that very prince to discover her whereabouts. I was informed to allow any level and any number of adventurers to take the contract to... convince her to return to the Neverwinter castle here or the royal palace in Leilon as soon as possible."Yulya flinches but remains quiet about seeing Summer in the library. She breaks into sweat at the thought of having to smuggle her out as well.
"Apparently she's been spotted all around Neverwinter, and she even visited the Queen on official matters between Leilon and Neverwinter. She was subsequently attended and requested to stay until her prince arrived but managed to elude them." You can tell Freya is enjoying relaying this gossip, "Her carriage is currently parked at the cartwright with instructions to get it ready for travel and as a result two guards are stationed there to assure she will return to the castle before she leaves Neverwinter. In addition they're checking all cargo, so expect delays at the gates if you intend to leave Neverwinter, they're searching everyone and every cart. To let her slip away would be quite a political incident at this point."
Freya puts her hands on Yulya and Ashley's shoulders, "as Yulya mentioned, this party has a quest to slay a dragon with her east of Phandalin in upcoming days, not that there's anything wrong with that, only that the visibility of that quest has now reached the Queen of Neverwinter and the royalty of Leilon, putting the guild's reputation squarely under the queen's gaze, so everyone..." she looks directly at Alice, "be on your best behavior."Yulya flinches again upon being touched and shrinks with every word. Royalty involved? Everyone is watching now...
She then bends down and talks directly into Yulya's ear softly, "I'll be expecting a full report of that quest, and if only as a formality, I am asking that your party take that contract as a personal favor to me and of course the penalty for failure will be waved."Yulya's look turns into a mix of pain and fear
Faren looks wistfully up and strokes his beard, "she sounds interesting. As to why she would choose you, maybe she has oracle tendencies, some sorcerers and wizards are drawn to magic because they have visions and intuitions that can't be quenched without it. Like an itch that can't be scratched. She may have been drawn to you for your unique abilities, or simply because you were the first she found. It could have been a bit of both or neither, the gods too have wills and we are sometimes mere pawns in their schemes."They just hate me and want to see me suffer....
Freya adds, "You should talk to Brutus before you go."Absolutely! We need serious advice and a better plan than poisoning a dragon with a snack.
Hey, what about those royal bird things we saw in the stable? They looked very fluffy.
Though I would not rule out Daran at least somehow encouraged the dragon to do this. He seemed to welcome its presence. But whatever, I fear that dragon is not our biggest problem.
How come nobody ever said 'thank you' we rescued her and brought her to Neverwinter?
I suspected Summer came up with this quest on her own and against the wish of her superiors or guardians, but how are we supposed to fulfill it if she's not allowed to leave the city? To put it straight, we have no, I mean zero chance to take down that dragon without her help!
Y-yes certainly we will do our best - but as Alice mentioned how can we assist the quest giver if she is not allowed to accompany us?
We had assumed to meet her in Phandalin. I also had the feeling this quest she gave us was her own invention. I had already told her this was way too big for us newbies now barely LV.3 but she had promised to acquire a lot of magic items and aid us in battle. Heroes - what a joke! We are helpless without the aid of a little girl!
By the way, I heard you gotta achieve a heroic feat to reach LV.4 and it was suggested slaying a dragon is such. Yet nobody has ever encountered a dragon - Brutus aside. This seems a bit of a stretch for such low level. More a legendary feat than a heroic one. What did you guys do to reach Silver rank?
I also wanna hear what you did to reach Silver Nya!
Freya Nyaa a meal please Nya! What are the options Nya? Also some cider Nya! And Nyaa I sure wanna talk to Brutus Nya!
Absolutely! We need serious advice and a better plan than poisoning a dragon with a snack.
We have another troublesome request. We acquired materials to make poisoned arrows. Our attack force is still abysmally low and we need every leverage we can get our hands on. But we need a well-vented fireplace to cook the ingredients without endangering anyone else. Preferably this afternoon. Do you have a place where such dangerous work could be performed?
"Birds? Ew. Have you ever actually seen a bird up close? Their feathers are full of mites and dust, it's awful." She continues to consider, "Maybe it will just have to be a horse, one with curly hair though and big, but their legs are just so skinny and their bodies look like goat sausage."Haa, you're never satisfied with anything. Just summon a thousand dragon wasps and let them pull the carriage on tiny strings!!
Ashley leans in, "No one ever says thank you and they really should. They have no cards, they should say thank you because they're weak and have no one but US to help them." She starts to giggle.Alice laughs
Freya responds,Alice's face becomes serious as she's thinking to herself
"Based on the rumors, I wouldn't be surprised if she meets you there as agreed, but if she does not, then it is reasonable to presume the quest is cancelled."
Freya glances to Alice then back to Yulya regarding the poison cookingHaa, I told you about poison cooking, I told you Cat! You can't do that here in the kitchen or our room. You wanna wipe out the guild?
"In all seriousness darling, I must insist you take that sort of thing elsewhere and only use these facilities for cooking edible things. However, once you're outside the city limits, there are no restrictions on what you do at your own campfire."
Now what do we do? Venture out of the city for the afternoon? We have idle time now.
"Freya, can you reenact the encounter?" Quagg yells as his table full of drunken half-orc companions laugh heartily.Yulya looks at the savage behavior with a mixture of fear and disdain glad her party has nothing to do with such people
Seconds later he's drenched in alcohol and lit ablaze in a cool blue flame... as his table full of drunken half-orc companions laugh heartily.
Freya glances to Alice then back to YulyaYulya sighs
"In all seriousness darling, I must insist you take that sort of thing elsewhere and only use these facilities for cooking edible things. However, once you're outside the city limits, there are no restrictions on what you do at your own campfire."
"What's the rush? Aren't we killing a spider first?Yulya scratches her head
Josephia weighs in, "you two should get along better if you expect to kill a dragon. Teamwork is a very powerful tool."Yulya is glad about Josephias support but ashamed as this would be her job as Peace Cleric. She turns to Alice and Ashley in a somewhat helpless attempt touching them on their shoulders
Should we go outside of the city Nya?
So please Alice and Cat head out and try to produce at least a few poisoned arrows!
How and why do you know there will be a spider at the mine Ashley? Sir Gundrens brothers certainly did not. Only that something unnatural was going on there. I rather expected undead though I cannot say what would be worse.
Please dont fight! We have enough troubles already!
"If Cat's going I'm going."That's the spirit!
"Come on, big spider mural, goblins, then the goblins involvement in the mine, gotta be a big spider. It's just a guess though, I really don't know."I don't really see the connection but I'd rather fight goblins and spiders than incorporeal undead. I can't do much against enemies immune against physical attacks.
"Who's fighting, we're just talking. If we were fighting she'd be Apathetic or have a serious wasp sting by now." Ashley smirks and pats Yulya on the head.Yeah yeah.
Freya shows up with dinner, several delectable things in fact, she sets a hunk of well marbled meat in front of Alice with cider, she has a smattering of bread, meat, fruit, sauses and cider for Cat , for Yulya she brings vegetable stew, soft warm bread, and cider, and for Ashley she's made a delectable looking sandwich with cider.Alice stares at Ashley's 'sandwich' while cutting pieces from her hunk of meat
Freya shows up with dinner, several delectable things in fact, she sets a hunk of well marbled meat in front of Alice with cider, she has a smattering of bread, meat, fruit, sauses and cider for Cat , for Yulya she brings vegetable stew, soft warm bread, and cider, and for Ashley she's made a delectable looking sandwich with cider.Thanks Freya Nyaa!
Freya shows up with dinner, several delectable things in fact, she sets a hunk of well marbled meat in front of Alice with cider, she has a smattering of bread, meat, fruit, sauses and cider for Cat , for Yulya she brings vegetable stew, soft warm bread, and cider, and for Ashley she's made a delectable looking sandwich with cider.Yulya gives her vegetable stew a sad look then glances at the meat dishes the others received.
"If anyone needs anything else, please let me know."
As your chatting away you fail to notice an extremely large man step up to the table.Cat jumps up from her meal
"I heard you wanted to talk Dragons," His voice booms.
He pats Cat's shoulders, "Here's your champion, her rage will be a big benefit, extra damage, and extra tough not to mention the buff she can generate for the other front liner. Get her right up there and hitting big, pin him down. Yes, certainly do that. Good to see you again Cat." He smiles like a broken mirror, but in a kindly wayIt's an honor Nya I shall try my best Nya!
"About that breath, spread out, don't give him an opportunity to breath on more than one at a time. Dragons also love to fly up where you can't reach them and that won't stop them from breathing on you, so keeping him grounded is a priority - chain him if you can."Nyaa fly Nya I almost forgot they could to that Nya how annoying Nya!
"Grœt"Cat watches the show in awe
Another familiar face waddles around the massive barbarian.
The frog headed creature seemingly incapable of any sentient form of communication looks directly at Yulya, a flash of divine light shines in his eyes.
He's cast some unknown spell, and in that moment, she was given a mind blast of the known weaknesses of dragons, the information was vast and varied and took no more than a half second to convey.
"Go on and hit me with your questions, it was a while back, but I know I can think of something else."Cat tilts her head, her ears gyrating
As your chatting away you fail to notice an extremely large man step up to the table.Oh, hello Brutus! How convenient! We've got the expert here now!
Alice waves with her fork, another large chunk of meat on it
"How's my favorite adventurers? Off to fight a dragon already? And not even silver?" He laughs heartily, "I admire that adventurous spirit, the hubris, and gall of it. What makes you think you're ready to fight a dragon?"Alice grins eerily
He smiles like a broken mirror, but in a kindly way, then points to Alice with a wink, "Now the monk will want to grapple, yes even a dragon can be grappled and that'll also keep him from breathing on you, and believe me, you don't want that, keep doing it, keep him wanting to waste moves trying to get you off all the while needling him with hits, preferably ones that cut and wound if you can."Alice's jaw literally drops to the table
"About that breath, spread out, don't give him an opportunity to breath on more than one at a time. Dragons also love to fly up where you can't reach them and that won't stop them from breathing on you, so keeping him grounded is a priorityYeah we already had that with that green wyrmling and it sucks. And in combination with flying, that breathing is even more annoying. What does its breath even do? Freeze i suppose. Just great. There's nothing I'm more vulnerable against than cold. If that thing gets me once I'm a goner!
if you have a mage, get web scrolls, that'll keep him down and if you had a druid, then entangle or other spells to keep this beast rooted...I have a net!
if you can get to him while he's sleeping, even better, set up physical barriers, chain him if you can." He stroked his beard thinking.Yeah, filling his nostrils with poison while he's sleeping would be best. And tying his shoelaces together I mean chaining his feet. How about digging a hole and hoping he falls into it?
"Grœt"Alice laughs at the funny creature
Another familiar face waddles around the massive barbarian.
The frog headed creature seemingly incapable of any sentient form of communication looks directly at Yulya, a flash of divine light shines in his eyes.Alice applauds the show, hoping that Yulya will turn into a bunny or dove. Or frog.
"Grœt"
"Go on and hit me with your questions, it was a while back, but I know I can think of something else."Alice thinks for a moment
Alice looks at Yulya's despairThank you Alice! At least you care...
Here!
Alice cuts of a sizable slice of meat and hands it to Yulya on her fork.
Trade me a few vegetables and potatoes!
As your chatting away you fail to notice an extremely large man step up to the table.Yulya flinches in surprise expecting more trouble but relaxes as she recognizes Brutus
"I heard you wanted to talk Dragons," His voice booms.
"How's my favorite adventurers? Off to fight a dragon already? And not even silver?" He laughs heartily, "I admire that adventurous spirit, the hubris, and gall of it. What makes you think you're ready to fight a dragon?"
Another familiar face waddles around the massive barbarian.What was that? Did I...
The frog headed creature seemingly incapable of any sentient form of communication looks directly at Yulya, a flash of divine light shines in his eyes.
"Grœt"
He's cast some unknown spell, and in that moment, she was given a mind blast of the known weaknesses of dragons, the information was vast and varied and took no more than a half second to convey.
Yulya is momentarily stunned then rubs her eyes
Good God I did not hear you coming Sir Brutus!
But how do you fix a chain Nya? Can't tie a knot into it Nya. A lock Nya or manacles Nya?
Nyaa what's a white dragon's general weakness Nya? Fire Nya?
Nyaa I know Nya not the most honorable way Nya but I need to help my friends Nya they're not strong fighters Nya we all aren't compared to you Nya! What dragon was it Nya?
You were Silver when you fought the dragon Nya?
You know Summer of Leilon? Probably not. Some runaway royalty kid, packed to the brim with magic items. I assume she wants that same tag you got. You know those people...
No idea why she didn't ask you for help but us. Said she needed heroes. She must be crazy.
...we were somehow dragged into this by Summer as Alice said...
You want me to do grapple a dragon?
That's even more insane than trying to poison it with a bait! Even if I could wrap myself around his mouth, my strength is abysmal and it would just scrape me off with its claws like a cat trying to remove a collar!
What does its breath even do? Freeze i suppose
If that thing gets me once I'm a goner!
How about digging a hole and hoping he falls into it?
How many people were with you when you fought that dragon and how many of them died?
Tell us about it Nya!
You are certainly right we must avoid its breath and keep it grounded. Though I am not sure I can work with scrolls or if we can afford them. I want to hear your dragon story as well Sir Brutus!
My main fear literally it the dragons terrifying presence. I think we encountered it once at the rest stop. I was so terrified I could not move - not do anything. So I think we must also avoid its gaze. At least me I am not as fearless as Ashley.
Moreover we are fighting a White Dragon in its domain - a snow covered mountain. It will feel perfectly comfortable there while we will be struggling with the cold and the rough terrain. I am not even sure we can reach this place in the current climate.
I am sure you have heard the land east of the beginning if Triboar Trail is covered in ice and snow. Many people have remarked that such wide-area effect is beyond the capabilities of a White Dragon. Who knows who or what is really behind this big freeze?
Thank you sir Groet! You certainly are capable!
I feel this information will certainly help us a lot! I hope I can repay this kindness - if we make it back alive that is...
Brutus seems satisfied and pats Yulya and Cat on the backs, "If you have any other questions let us know."Cat is also satisfied with the story and resumes eating
"Stealth is an unfair advantage, use every advantage you can. If even someone as large as me can sneak up on four wary adventurers, then sneaking up on an unaware dragon is trivial."Hmm, maybe I can do that with Yulya's ring. Still, don't these things have Blindsight or something?
if you can't lock it down by a heavy anchor, a cart even, chain a wing to a leg so it can't fly, but that's only if it's sleeping, but they're notorious for sleeping for days after a big meal. Wait him out, time is on your side."Now that's good advice! Chaining a wing to a leg while he's sleeping sounds reasonable. Yet I imagine it's hard getting a heavy chain around a dragon without waking him! Chaining him and setting him on fire sounds even more fun!
Don't expect him to hold back or be honorable, chromatic dragons have no honor or valor, only hubris and arrogance."Yeah, I learned the hard way from that green one. It was outright stupid though. But I reckon they cannot be reasoned with. I'll keep that in mind.
"My dragon was large, but not very agile, so holding on wasn't an issue, I stayed on it's back, holding on to horns and wings, he wasn't easily able to hit me, but I had free access to smash him over and over. My strength was my tool to stay on, for you it could be prowess with acrobatics to avoid his grasp."Alice thinks about the prospects of riding a snow dragon on some icy mountain top
"I was still a young man full of hubris and valor, but even I was no match for it directly, it took a siege, I stalked it like a hunter, I scarcely let it rest, I kept on him, set traps many of which he never sprung, but I wore him down. I was lucky too, a critical on his wing, and from then on his fate was sealed, unable to fly more than a few hundred feet, I chased him and kept him on the run. He had me beat in strength, power, even magic, but he underestimated me and my resilience. The battle lasted days, and I wore him down. I almost died many times, but I thank Tempus for his guidance and the strength he bestowed in me."Alice intensely listens to Brutus story and can't believe her ears
Kessandra spoke up, "When I first heard of this, and it has affected as far west as the high road in the south, I knew it couldn't be the work of a chromatic dragon. The land has become blighted by this snow and frost for many miles, this is beyond unnatural, and why would a dragon want to waste such energy to do this? They are known to make changes to their environment, but only locally, not over a whole region; it's a tremendous waste of time. Only a powerful mage could do this, and not just that, one who has been planning this for years, such a powerful ward would take a lot of planning and many resources, the next question is why? What would a mage have to gain for this? To destroy a forest for no reason is unfathomable without cause. Whoever has done this has conspired to cause a disaster without hope for redemption."Alice listens with great interest, but also worry
Brutus added, "That's another issue, concentrate on the dragon, nothing else should be on your mind, take your time, plan well."Easy for you to say...
We should buy a chain Nya and a lock Nya or manacles Nya before we head out Nya!Yes I think that is a worthy investment to chain powerful foes!
Hmm, maybe I can do that with Yulya's ring. Still, don't these things have Blindsight or something?
Still odd - do you think the arrival of the ice dragon and the big freeze is entirely unrelated? What kind of coincidence is that? But Daran also said the dragon was irrelevant and would move soon Well, he wasn't worried about the cold either. But I don't think he's behind any of that. Which reminds me - didn't Summer say we gotta take down the dragon to keep the forest from dying? She seems to know a lot about dragons - and even more about magic! Yet she appears to believe this is the dragon's doing.
Yet ignoring the cause of the entire freeze is not easy. I also wonder if the dragon is related or not. Whoever is responsible for this might not let us get rid of the dragon so easily...
Oh one more thing before I forget!
We stumbled into a strange man at the Alchemists shop just now. Very tall and thin clad in a black robe. I could not discern his face but I am certain it was no living being. Absolutely soulless, not breathing. He smelled of blood and the shopkeeper said he never spoke. I first thought it moght be and undead but it was suggested he might be a vampire. Just to let you know!
And I am not sure if you already heard but on the way back from Phandalin we encountered bandits... Do you know any organization that could be related?
Any advice for a good spot outside of the city to cook poison for arrows and blades without bothering anyone - but also without being ambushed by monsters, bandits or other vermin?
I also would appreciate advicve for a suitable cooking spot that is not to ofar away and reasonably safe.
Brutus snorted a lough, "I find that laughable, someone like that would be easy to spot and vampires aren't allowed in the city. I've heard nothing of it."Alice tilts her head
Kessandra considered it more carefully, "They do exist, there are always rumors about, but the sources of those rumors are always elusive so they're ususally without substance. If the shopkeeper said nothing, then I find that very unlikely. There are wizards who can mask their life signature, perhapse that's what you experienced."
"There's a camping spot just southwest of the city. The wind is blocked by a small stand of trees so it makes for a good rest spot for caravans who didn't make it to the gates in time to enter. It was taken over by refugees but a week ago the guards cleared it out, its a good a place as any. There are few creatures dumb enough to come that close to the city."Excellent, thanks!
Well I have seen some who sorcered too much... I hope we meet those guys again...
I suppose we should go shopping for that chain first? Come on girls, time is running out!
Come on Alice is right! We have no time to waste if we want to get up early enough to make it to the rest stop tomorrow!
Thanks Nyaa, then we must get going Nya! Thanks for the meal too Nya!
"You monolog like a supervillain. Tell me your plans for world domination." Ashley teased.Alice gives Ashley a rather surprised look and waves dismissivley
At the adventure shop you can buy a chain but there are no shackles, the shopkeeper informs you that shackles require special permission to buy or sell.Alice is speechless
Now for the 3 mile trek to the campsite southwest of the city, you leave Neverwinter and travel the high road until you get to the site where there's open pits and spits to use, some with coals are still burning. Here, there's no reason to put them out as there's always someone using them. You arrive and there are signs that someone was here just recently, there are burnt scraps of meat, and a carved rabbit carcass on a flat rock. Cat sees prints in the sand that look curiously reptilian. Yulya scans the area [Perception 1d20+2=10 vs P15] A band of kobolds are hiding among the trees, trying to hide as they look at you, she can spot at least three but there may be more. The prints in the sand are too haphazard to know the number.Alice looks at the tracks and the Kobolds with a puzzled expression.
Ashley summons Nixie and with a crack as loud as thunder a large, sleek, Mechathereal Panther pops into existence. Nixie looks around then hones in on the kobold at the tree line, she snarls, then snuggles next to Ashley with a defensive posture. She then casts Truesight on herself.Alice is impressed
"We don't have time for them, just start cooking, Nixie and I will watch the kobolds."
I suggest we buy 25ft of chain for 3gp and the lock for 10gp. What do you think?Yulya takes the heavy chain in her hands
This will take a while.Yulya frequently casts GUIDANCE on herself and continues to observe the area
I can tell you a story if you like but don't let down your guard!
Cat also looks at the chain and then at AliceI suggest we buy 25ft of chain for 3gp and the lock for 10gp. What do you think?Yulya takes the heavy chain in her hands
Yes I can imagine not even a dragon could easily break this! But you are correct it is extremely heavy. I am worried more about this than the price. Yet it is better than having a shorter and useless chain. I agree on a 25ft length. Can you still haul this around Cat?
Now for the 3 mile trek to the campsite southwest of the city, you leave Neverwinter and travel the high road until you get to the site where there's open pits and spits to use, some with coals are still burning. Here, there's no reason to put them out as there's always someone using them. You arrive and there are signs that someone was here just recently, there are burnt scraps of meat, and a carved rabbit carcass on a flat rock. Cat sees prints in the sand that look curiously reptilian. Yulya scans the area [Perception 1d20+2=10 vs P15] A band of kobolds are hiding among the trees, trying to hide as they look at you, she can spot at least three but there may be more. The prints in the sand are too haphazard to know the number.Nyaa Kobolds Nya just what we need Nya! They can be reasoned with Nya, sometimes Nya. I also suggest leaving them alone Nya. But watch them closely Nya! Do they have ranged weapons Nya?
Alice keeps her weapons within reach, takes out the herbalism kit and begins setting up the new pot with CatCat skillfully sets up a fireplace and controls the size of the flames
Ok, be careful! We just want a small fire. The alcohol mustn't boil over and ignite or we'll have a problem!
Alice grinds the dried tobacco leaves and mandrake root with mortar and pestle and adds them to the warmed alcohol.Try your best Nya! Doesn't matter if crude Nya, it's gotta work Nya!
This is very basic in terms of poison. Barbarian even. Sorry Cat. I hope it has any effect at all...
Be sure to stay upwind from the pot, everyone, especially you, Cat!No need to tell me Nya!
I'm here on vacation!
Yes sure there is so much I still do not understand. How and why did you actually arrive here?
Alice sighs and sighs again hearing the prices. That's heavy! Literally. I suggest we buy 25ft of chain for 3gp and the lock for 10gp. What do you think?
I'm more worried about the price Nya I wish it was only 3gp Nya... I know you're in bad shape Alice Nya but your math is horrible Nya! At least we can chain up our cart with this Nya! Nobody will be able to pull it away Nya!
What are these? Never heard of Kobolds. Are they dangerous? And who makes such tracks? Lizardmen? Dragons? Didn't Brutus say nobody would dare to cause trouble here?
Nyaa Kobolds Nya just what we need Nya! They can be reasoned with Nya, sometimes Nya. I also suggest leaving them alone Nya. But watch them closely Nya! Do they have ranged weapons Nya? I'm not sure about the tracks Nya. Give me a moment Nya!
Cat tries to estimate the size of the reptilian tracks and sniff them if they give off a familiar scent.Cat is not overly concerned.
Cat clearly deduces that the tracks are indeed left over by the kobolds, she can discern at least 8 unique sets of tracks. Such creatures are related to dragons, so the reptilian tracks make sense, but they are no bigger than Alice, shorter even than goblins, the tracks are smaller than the size of Cat's forepaw and because the wind is flowing off the water, and you are down wind of them, you can sense quite a bit more. First you can smell their fear, the number of them is at least 8 but probably not more than 10, they were cooking rabbit and still have cooked rabbit in their possession, they are likely all males though she can't be 100% sure of that. They also smell of sea salt as if they'd been swimming or bathing in the ocean.
The sun is a beautiful yellow as it approaches the horizon over the ocean, it's serene except for the band of Kobolds nervously watching you from the nearby stand of trees. The first batch completes successfully, and you capture it in your vial. [Please keep track of your supplies]Cat gives Alice the first batch for storage.
As you start making the next set, the conditions have changed, the wind has died down but because you're outdoors you will not have to worry about vapor accumulation. The warm vapors simply waft up and away. Working away on it with Ashley and Nixie lazing next to the fire, Nixie stirs and looks to the Northeast toward the road. Ashley looks over and sees two small humanoids approach wearing cloaks that cover their heads. They're no bigger than Ms. Toadbottom. They are making no attempt at stealth as they approach.Cat looks at the small humanoids, puzzled at first. She gets up from cooking and readies her weapons just in case
"Heads up, we got company."
Ashley stands, holding Nixie back with her connection, and the two figures approach aggressively at first but once they spot Nixie, they change to a cautious stance.
Cat can overhear the following though she doesn't understand:
A strong, high-pitched feminine voice says quitely, "re astahii filki drielkari?"
An old sounding masculine voice responds "nomenoi re ti drielkari. wer jathila visidark ui, re astahii utihtik?"
The feminie voice mutters, "tooviri usv drehlniki, sjek astahii tira tivol astahii geou xikin" then calls out, with her hands raised in a non-threatening posture, "Hail, we come to you only for answers."
[At the Adventurer's Shop]Alice is not happy
Aliceattemptsappers to attempt a low-ball haggling technique at the risk of angering the shopkeeper.
Because of Cat's actions, the shopkeeper doesn't immediately throw you out and kindly informs you that the price is firmly 225sp.
here is so much I still do not understand. How and why did you actually arrive here?As the poison mixture is slowly cooking, Alice finds time to talk.
The sun is a beautiful yellow as it approaches the horizon over the ocean, it's serene except for the band of Kobolds nervously watching you from the nearby stand of trees. The first batch completes successfully, and you capture it in your vial.Nice, this looks good. No idea what it does though and we can't just shoot those guys over there. We will have to wait for some idiot attacking us to test the poison. My resistance is lower than I thought so I'm not gonna try it out myself either. I am needed here!
Cat looks at the small humanoids, puzzled at first. She gets up from cooking and readies her weapons just in caseWill do! Be careful and don't rush into anything!
Nyaa what language is this Nya do halflings talk like this Nya? Never heard anything like this Nya! Watch the cooking Alice Nya!
Alice is not happyYulya adds 5sp and apologizes to the shopkeeper
That's unfair! It was an honest mistake! Alice doesn't cheat people for money! I never needed to buy anything so I'm not used to calculating prices. I made everything myself or got it for freee!
Ashley looks over and sees two small humanoids approach wearing cloaks that cover their heads. They're no bigger than Ms. Toadbottom. They are making no attempt at stealth as they approach.Yulya uses PERCEPTION to get a grasp of the halflings without forgetting about watching the kobolds.
Ohh yeah remember that dead halfling we found along the road? Had a similar cloak. I hope they're not here for that and we have to tell them we sold the possessions of that corpse but didn't bury it. I told you we should have reported this to the roadmaster...
That's unfair! It was an honest mistake! Alice doesn't cheat people for money! I never needed to buy anything so I'm not used to calculating prices. I made everything myself or got it for freee!
Yulya adds 5sp and apologizes to the shopkeeper
Yulya uses PERCEPTION to get a grasp of the halflings without forgetting about watching the kobolds.
Ashley what do you think about them?
Ohh yeah remember that dead halfling we found along the road? Had a similar cloak. I hope they're not here for that and we have to tell them we sold the possessions of that corpse but didn't bury it. I told you we should have reported this to the roadmaster...
Nyaa what language is this Nya do halflings talk like this Nya? Never heard anything like this Nya! Watch the cooking Alice Nya!
I can't understand anything either.
Nya we are adventurers from Neverwinter Nya! Who are you Nya? How can we help you Nya?
The male's wary expression calms as he speaks to Cat, "You appeared as bandits to us, so we apologize for our direct approach fellow adventurers. I am Tarak of Dragon's Rest, and this is my friend Varnoth." he is soft spoken in a cordial tone.Cat looks at the kobolds in surprise
His friend shows her face with a wary expression. A kobold female with light brown scales which bear many scars—one of which runs across her left eye, which is milky and blind. She speaks in a gruff, indifferent tone, "Varnoth of the Azure Wolves, now a mason and guardian of Dragon's rest."
The pair walk quickly to the treeline and cat can hear a faint discussion in the distance, it's calm and relaxed from Tarak with a few curt barks from Varnoth. They return and bow then Tarak speaks with a very polite demeanor, "Our friends were initially wary of you and chose to stay clear, we respectfully request to join you at the campfire as our intent was to stay here for day and set up camp for the night. If you accept we can share what provisions we have, and I will attempt to impress you with my culinary skills."Cat scratches her head.
Varnoth adds, "You are well advised to take his offer, such a meal is not one you'll soon forget."
Cat looks to Yulya for confirmation.Yulya shakes her head
Nya what's the Dragon's Rest Yulya Nya?
[As a race of humanoid, they barely qualify, yet they have rarely appeared in adventuring parties in the burglar role as their size and sure-footedness make them excellent scouts, thieves and light martials. Their affinity for magic also makes them excellent mages and spellswords but have never been known as clerics as their race is not generally accepted in human society or the church. They often disguise themselves as halflings as a result. Many demis like them, humanoid with animalistic faces, are relegated to the lowest castes in society, more of a curiosity than anything and generally regarded as lesser races. Though they are descendants of dragons, their creation is unknown to modern genealogists. Though it is theorized that ancient draconians and a more elf-like goblin ancestor somehow managed to mate, though the canid aspects of their physiology is a mystery. Less than 20% of kobolds are born with wings, and those who have them always fully functional. They have keen senses that fade in their later years.]Alice wonders how and why their ancestor races mated, suppressing a chuckle. She keeps watch of the fire leaving the talking to others as there does not appear to be an immediate threat
Oh you're kobolds and adventurers too Nya we thought you were halflings Nya! Yeah I think your guys are over here Nya!
Sorry for scaring off your men Nya but they were gone when we arrived Nya!
We don't mind you Nya and and a taste of your cuisine would be interesting Nya but you might wanna stay away from our pot and the downwind area Nya! We have a few more hours work ahead Nya that needs to be finished Nya! But the place is big enough Nya! So make yourselves at home Nya you were here first Nya!
Greetings I am Yulya the leader of this party. I apologize for any inconvenience we my have caused you. Please be at ease we are not here to cause trouble. But as my party member Cat stated we unfortunately need to finish our poison arrow production this evening. I hope it is not too much of a bother for you. But we certainly accept your invitation for a meal if we may!
Looking at them, Alice decides not to mention dragons not knowing whether they are on the undoubtedly long list of sexual preferences of those folks.
Hello to you all, I'm Alice!
Sorry I was busy, somebody has to watch the pot and this will take about 3 hours. I would really like to try your cooking in the mean time.
Hey, by the way, are you familiar with poison production? We really could need some help and advice from senior adventurers here! This is my first crude attempt to make poisoned arrows and blades. We encountered hordes of goblins and wolves lately and a quicker way to get rid of them with ranged weapons would be a life-saver!
Tavak's ears perk, "Oh? So that's what you're doing?" He calls to Agga and she takes over his preparations. Then he walks over and sticks his nose right into the pot, "umm uhm, well you're not going to get the best potency this way, I'm an avid botanist. Don't use Tabaco next time, it's inferior to Oleander, it occurs frequently along the roads to the South. He sees a pile of fibers on the ground from your last batch and nods, "you can squeeze this for more, you'll get upwards of five more doses out of it. If you don't have a press, well, next time. Otherwise, alcohol is a good choice, you can make acid strong enough to distill it that way but it only saves time."Nya thank you Nya!
He pulls out a thin bladed knife and sterilizes it in the fire, then sure enough he pulls a large piece of beef from his pack and begins carving it. He has a large flat cast iron pan and he has some of his helpers make sturdy branches to hold it up over the fire using vine rope.Ohh, that really is something Nya!
After slicing the steaks, he has nearly two dozen of various sizes, he takes little bags, pinching spice on them and rubbing it in with the side of the blade. He seems careful not to touch the meat, handling it with only tools and utensils he has sterilized just before use. His effort and care shows he really cares about the quality of preparation. He also quickly mixes up a sauce out of ingredients from his pack and puts that to the side. It has a vinegary sweet scent.
Varnoth comes over to you with a unreadable expression and surprisingly pats you on the shoulder, "You're in for a treat, Alice. Tarak is our best chef." The other kobolds are sitting around the new ring, if you glance their way some smile back, others look nervous. You can tell some are little more then children, Rix and Snarve being the youngest. They chat quietly in their shared language.Nice, thanks!
Tavak's ears perk, "Oh? So that's what you're doing?" He calls to Agga and she takes over his preparations. Then he walks over and sticks his nose right into the pot, "umm uhm, well you're not going to get the best potency this way, I'm an avid botanist. Don't use Tabaco next time, it's inferior to Oleander, it occurs frequently along the roads to the South. He sees a pile of fibers on the ground from your last batch and nods, "you can squeeze this for more, you'll get upwards of five more doses out of it. If you don't have a press, well, next time. Otherwise, alcohol is a good choice, you can make acid strong enough to distill it that way but it only saves time."Yes, we thought about buying acid but it's reeally expensive, and the thought of carrying a corrosive liquid in fragile containers isn't too thrilling when you're an adventurer.
"Come on over Yulya, taste this!"Yulya emerges from her distant position and approaches more timidly than the kobold children. This meal seems surprisingly normal for such strange humanoids and looks even more normal than Cats mystery meat
A press would be nice but we're already overburdened with luggage. Any advice how we could improvise one with common items?
This is an unexpected encounter indeed! May I ask you for the reason you came here?
We are making last preparations and will depart for Phandalin tomorrow to deliver goods and deal with some strange phenomena in the area. Have you heard the land there is completely frozen? Nobody seems to know why- some suspect a dragon others a powerful mage. But it appears the effect is of enormous power and covers a large area. A very peculiar situation that affects a lot of people!
"The only way you learn is by doing and they did well against those dangerous rabbits," Tarak adds.Yes, these are dire times. I used to live peacefully as a hermit but the area around Neverwinter is no longer safe. Overrun by monsters. You surely have seen the refugees trying to enter the city for safety.
Varnoth rolls her eyes and smiles, "yeah."
"Phandalin, it's a ruin correct? Hm, I haven't been that way in 20 years. Oh what did you say? They suspect a dragon of freezing the land?" She pauses in contemplation, "excuse me please." She turns to Tarak and speaks with a low tone, "tir wux jinthil phandalin? algbo vi draushum tepohaic ahfvena svern persvek wer ruins kagh ui ksenyair n'teaz'r."Yulya is utterly puzzled by receiving an answer in kobold language and too confused to reply or ask further questions.
Tarak eyes Yulya and says softly and calmly, "coi ui|ulph grover mojka de udoka, ehs di hesi nouhai, origato udoka kax coi."
Varnoth turns with an unreadable expression, "I suppose we don't get the latest news from the East, I don't know your business, but I wish you stay safe."
[He's grilled and then sliced the roast sized chunks of beef, there is a nice char on the surface and the center is pink but not bloody. He's already put some sort of glaze on the meat after cutting but the hot sauce is not part of that. Next to it are mushroom stuffed dumplings of some kind.]Yulya is relieved the sauce is not all over the food and graccefully takes her share
Nixie has been pre-occupied, staring at the tree-line to the South, so Ashley gives her a command and Nixie pounces off toward it with lightning speed. Surprisingly quietly for such a large beast.Ashley what's going on? Is there an enemy or game to hunt?
You surely have seen the refugees trying to enter the city for safety.
Ashley what's going on? Is there an enemy or game to hunt?
"Phandalin, it's a ruin correct?Ruin Nya?
Cat overhears the conversation
Alice and Cat are about half done when Tarak calls dinner. The kobolds clamor to grab some but he blocks them,[/i] "hesi fevekic irral" he turns to Yulya, Ashley, Alice and Cat and offers a wooden disc with large slabs of grilled and glazed meat there are small edible leaves with the thick and gelatinous "sauce" on the side. "We don't stand on ceremony, and we don't bring utensils on travel, so dig in friends."Cat eagerly digs into the food
[He's grilled and then sliced the roast sized chunks of beef, there is a nice char on the surface and the center is pink but not bloody. He's already put some sort of glaze on the meat after cutting but the hot sauce is not part of that. Next to it are mushroom stuffed dumplings of some kind.]
The kobolds are startled by the sudden sprint of the large cat and wonder what it was after.Nyaa maybe it's the dragon again Nya
"I couldn't tell, something big, she'll let me know in a minute."
The full moon brings welcome light to the camp, Alice and Cat are about half done when Tarak calls dinner. The kobolds clamor to grab some but he blocks them, "hesi fevekic irral" he turns to Yulya, Ashley, Alice and Cat and offers a wooden disc with large slabs of grilled and glazed meat there are small edible leaves with the thick and gelatinous "sauce" on the side. "We don't stand on ceremony, and we don't bring utensils on travel, so dig in friends."Alice and Cat take turns watching the pot and eating.
Ruin Nya?
Nyahh, it' a bustling mining village Nya full of humans Nya and dwarves Nya and gnomes Nya! And that drow elf with his orchard Nya!
Cat eagerly digs into the food
Nyahaha that's great Nya! What superb cooking Nya! What's in thee dumplings, Nya?
You really aren't good with spicy things, huh?
But you took the goblin stink bomb better than me. I still don't get what happened there...
Nyaa maybe it's the dragon again Nya
Cat says, only half-joking
Alice watches Nixie go and casually picks up her spear while eating
I hope she brings us the dragon, that would save us a lot of trouble!
Varnoth is a little confused, "I haven't been that way in many years. Years ago we dealt with displaced orcs from the orc settlement they cleared out of there. They had been taking travelers on the Triboar trail... doing unspeakable things to them. It makes sense that someone would move in afterwards. Could have been twenty years ago, I can't be sure anymore. Orcs can't be reasoned with, they're not intelligent creatures, they just need to be exterminated like vermin. As for the drow... I'll not speak further."Cat laughs at Daran's questionable reputation
"Ah thank you, the dumplings are rabbit in barley, my friends managed to catch and cook a few before we returned. Barley is a hearty plant, it will grow anywhere here happily and I think it tastes better."Nya gotta remember this Nya it's a nice addition to just making stew Nya!
Nixie returns with a mooseCat is excited by the huge catch
Tarak smiles and thanks Ashley kindly with a gesture, "It will certainly go to good use, now we don't have to go back to Neverwinter in the morning. If you don't mind, I'd like to start carving it up right now." Tarak says.Please do Nya I'm busy here Nya! And please take what you need Nya it's only fair in exchange for this great meal Nya!
The moose is carved by Tarak and he asks Agga to package their portion and pack up yours for transport, "Did you want the bones? I would bet if we left them here by the fire the refugees would find them useful. Someone would take care of them before long. Otherwise Neverwinter has a soup kitchen that would appreciate them."Nya then we should let them here Nya we cannot carry 100 lbs back Nya and the refugees are always in need for food Nya! But I hope the bones don't attract any monsters Nya!
Orcs can't be reasoned with, they're not intelligent creatures, they just need to be exterminated like vermin.Alice looks up from the pot with a smile upon hearing 'exterminated like vermin'
As for the drow... I'll not speak further.Alice returns to watching the pot, talking more to herself
"Because she just smelled the fumes, you drank a gallon of it silly." Ashley retorts with a snort.Alice glances over with an annoyed look
Ashley laughs, "Well that's unexpected, better go help her guys." Ashley calls Rally Growth and Mr. and Mrs. Bigglesworth race off into the darkness.Alice watches the show, tilting her head, then looks at the strange animal with slight disappointment.
"Oof, Sorry Mr. and Mrs. Bigglesworth. Nixie's coming back now with her prize." Ashley summons Mr. and Mrs. Bigglesworth again, none the worse for their part in this hunt, other than being temporarily knocked back into the negative plane. Any pain they had in their old temporary bodies, felt through Ashley, and long forgotten by them. They prance around like they were victorious nonetheless and happily greet Nixie dragging a moose. She presents it to Ashley like a loving gift and licks herself clean, she's been injured, so Ashley calls Rally heal and soon she's good as new.
It looks so harmless!
Yes, a mountain lion, also known as a cougar or panther, can take down a moose, but it's not an easy feat. While adult moose are strong and formidable, panthers are also powerful and can successfully hunt moose, especially if they have the advantage of surprise or terrain.
Oh and be careful Nya we encountered human bandits Nya on Triboar trail Nya I think one was a half-orc Nya! They seemed well-organized Nya. Managed to drive them away Nya but they're still there Nya!
I like your attitude!
Anyway well done Ashley! All this animals parts will provide us with additional funds.
I greatly enjoyed your company I am glad we met!
A moose is related to deer. Do you know what a deer is?Alice gives Yulya a puzzled look
Varnoth looks at Alice seriously, "attitude or not, it's just common sense. There can be no peaceful coexistence with them, they take without asking, they know no logic or reasoning, they do what orcs do without regard for civilization or society. Half Orcs are an abomination, boorish and crude but they can at least be reasoned with and be civil, but how they came to be is a atrocity in and of itself. Anyone who thinks otherwise has never lived near an Orc settlement or had to deal with them at all."Alice puts on a creepy smile
"Yeah, so remember that when Alice complains I don't pay for food, I don't need any of those proceeds this time. You guys spent a lot on dragon stuff and a cart that I didn't chip in on. In exchange, this, and I'll buy the carriage when we're ready, it'll be mine, but of course we'll use it until we get this stuff squared away. Later you can all become bug collectors and gardeners and I'll be a trader, swindling nobles out of their gold from Neverwinter to Hillsfar. Then I'll buy up all the slaves and set up an exclusive orphanage where they all are taught trades and set free." Ashley likes the idea of making tons of gold and working against the system from the inside.Alice rolls her eyes
You travel back to Neverwinter and make it by midnight. The night guard, that silver haired woman in shining armor meets you at the gate. Ashley dismisses Nixie quietly before the gate opens and she dissipates in a cloud of purple smoke.[/iAlice looks at Cat and then back to Elandra in confusion while hugging the wofl tail attached to her cloak
"So it's you four again." She eyes you all suspiciously. "Tabaxi Notdragon, Maxie Foxgirl, now little grey riding hood." Alice is asked to show her face. "Not that it matters that much at this point."
Where were you this afternoon at the time of the incident?" The rather tall woman stares down at Yulya with piercing eyes.Alice's eyes narrow
"I'll be a trader, swindling nobles out of their gold from Neverwinter to Hillsfar."Cat laughs at Ashley's plans
You travel back to Neverwinter and make it by midnight. The night guard, that silver haired woman in shining armor meets you at the gate.Hello Miss Nyaa I keep forgetting your name Nya!
"So it's you four again." She eyes you all suspiciously. "Tabaxi Notdragon, Maxie Foxgirl, now little grey riding hood."
She puts eyes on Ashley, then Yulya, "You there, Asimar Cleric. You're the leader of this band of misfits are you not? Where were you this afternoon at the time of the incident?" The rather tall woman stares down at Yulya with piercing eyes.Incident Nya?
The night guard, that silver haired woman in shining armor meets you at the gate.Yulya is perplexed and shocked by the sudden accusations. Her good mood shatters like glass as she is looking for words - turning red and sweating until Cat comes to the rescue.
"So it's you four again." She eyes you all suspiciously. "Tabaxi Notdragon, Maxie Foxgirl, now little grey riding hood." Alice is asked to show her face. "Not that it matters that much at this point." She puts eyes on Ashley, then Yulya, "You there, Asimar Cleric. You're the leader of this band of misfits are you not? Where were you this afternoon at the time of the incident?" The rather tall woman stares down at Yulya with piercing eyes.
How will you even get your trade license? Will you ask that fat guy from Phandalin?
Nyahaha I like the idea Nya! But they'll just collect more slaves Nya if you buy them all Nya and you'll drive up the price Nya if you create demand Nya. Better beat all the slavers to death Nya and nobody will dare to offer some Nya. Easy and simple Nya.
Incident? Did Freya summon another Archdemon? Did the orb get out of control?
Incident Nya? Did your dragon show up Nya?
Nyaa we're not misfits Nya we're Summer's friends Nya isn't she your half sister Nya? We were out at the camp site Nya making poison for our arrows Nya for our dragon hunt Nya but we had to do it out there Nya to not bother anyone by the fumes Nya because Freya Nya told us we can't in the city Nya and Brutus Nya said we should go there Nya and there were kobolds Nya we thought they were enemies first Nya but they were adventurers Nya very nice Nya two very skilled ones Nya old Nya and some young ones Nya they gave us food Nya it was delicious Nya one was a great cook Nya made awesome roast beef Nya in a spicy sauce Nya and dumplings with rabbit Nya we were there the entire evening Nya and then we caught a moose Nya!
Good evening - or rather night - Miss Elandra!
With all due respect I do not think calling us 'misfits' is appropriate Miss Elandra we are adventurers of Neverwinter and a part of this town just like you after all! We may be newbies but we are trying our best!
I have no idea what happened here but as Cat said we were out of town since noon and at a camping spot just southwest of here to make arrow poison. This is what Sir Brutus had suggested as the ideal place to not bother anyone with noxious fumes. We met some kobold adventurers there and had dinner with them then returned.
Can you please tell me what incident you are talking about? I have my full mana in case anyone is in need for healing!
Elandra snaps her fingers at Alice, ever speaking with a deep yet feminine, sophisticated cadence, "Let's keep on subject. Your goings on at the Adventurer's guild is no concern of mine."Alice dons her mask again and thinks to herself.:
Summer's Carriage and horses are missing, Summer is still at large, and no one saw her. We can't even be sure she's in Neverwinter anymore or if her carriage was stolen. If you see her or her carriage, please report to me or the guard immediately. Be wary of thieves, there's been a sudden rash, but rest assured the guards are ever vigilant, don't let anyone say otherwise!Alice tilts her head, the wofl eyes comically flopping sideward
Making your way back to the guild you think about all that's happened and realize you won't make it out of Neverwinter early with a full night's rest.This sucks!
"Going to bed, don't wake me up early, the Mules can't pull a full day anyway." Ashley yawns and heads for the stairs, realizing Mr. and Mrs. Bigglesworth are still with the kobolds, hence she's left without sentinels tonight. She looks back at Alice, "No funny stuff tonight, I mean it."Alice crosses her arms
This sucks!Cat considers the options but shakes her head, putting a paw on Alice's shoulder
We will never make it to that rest stop in time! We can't waste another day.
What if I wake up early and sell that moose thing and get the mules while you sleep? I am light enough to sleep on the cart. But I guess it could carry everyone, even Cat. But I'd rather not have her sleep during our journey. That won't exactly be comfortable but if it helps I'll do it.
"I see your words are true and you've come clean, and you don't know, so I'll fill you in on the incident. There were no casualties except for a forgetful stable boy's memory and the evening guard's sleep cycle. Summer's Carriage and horses are missing, Summer is still at large, and no one saw her. We can't even be sure she's in Neverwinter anymore or if her carriage was stolen. If you see her or her carriage, please report to me or the guard immediately. Be wary of thieves, there's been a sudden rash, but rest assured the guards are ever vigilant, don't let anyone say otherwise! That is all."Yulya is just relieved they are allowed to pass and mumbles a few thank yous dragging Alice away before she can ask too many uncomfortable questions
Cat considers the options but shakes her head, putting a paw on Alice's shoulderYulya agrees.
Nyaa I appreciate the idea Alice Nya but it's not worth it Nya we would have to push ourselves Nya and the mules Nya. We're not traders Nya but adventurers Nya. We can afford to rest along the road Nya. Let's take it easy on the first day with the mules Nya.
The smell of fresh bread and what looked like pastries filled the guild hall, Ashley rushed over to the kitchen and saw Freya making some kind of flaky treat.Ohh that smells great Freya Nya! What's inside that pastries Nya?
"the guards came here yesterday in a fit, apparently someone stole this Summer girl's carriage. I would really like to meet her but... alas. They said to let everyone know to tell the guards if they see her or the carriage. I believe it's a fancy one but I'm afraid I never saw it to begin with."Cat thinks hard
"We saw it I thought? Or maybe it was someone else's. The cartwright was working on it."
"That's not all, it was impounded. Someone managed to break the lock, steal her horses from the stables, remove the carriage and charge out of the gates right under the noses of guards and the stable master. I hope your mules are okay?" She thought "If someone knew a spell to speak with animals, maybe they saw something? I don't know how that spell works though sorry."Cat shakes her head at the story
"And no one noticed the clopping of large horses and the grinding of metal wheels on cobblestone? It's quite a feat for a level one wizard, she'd have to be a master thief as well."
"Can teleport scroll do that? She said she was buying scrolls"[/color] Ashley wondered.Some sort of magic for sure Nya or it was somebody else involved Nya
"Yes... but that's 7th tier spell, and it would be a quite expensive and risky scroll to use in the city. If she did, then do not underestimate this girl."
The morning sun shone through the slats like piercing swords of light. Ashley threw them open and looked up into the clear blue sky. No one could possibly be in a bad mood on such a beautiful spring day."Ugh, I don't want to walk, I don't like the sun, those mules better not be a fuss!Due to the weather, Alice is in a good mood and doesn't even mind getting dragged from under the bed this morning
We gotta walk all day for days with stinky old mules.Alice is not amused
Ashley barely contained her annoyance, "No, we have to kill a spider or a ghost or a spider ghost, I don't know, whatever spawns in deep mines."Yeah, I really wonder. What would a large living thing even live off in a mine? Does it eat rocks? Or do goblins feed it? Whatever, I'm sure it's cold and dark in there an full of traps and monsters. I don't like mines or dungeons or anything belowground in general!
"Well, I can't bring myself to charge anything, it's my first time. If you enjoy it, consider that payment for being a test subject in my little experiment."Alice grabs a pastry as well
"That's not all, it was impounded. Someone managed to break the lock, steal her horses from the stables, remove the carriage and charge out of the gates right under the noses of guards and the stable master. I hope your mules are okay?" She thought "If someone knew a spell to speak with animals, maybe they saw something? I don't know how that spell works though sorry."Alice grins
"And no one noticed the clopping of large horses and the grinding of metal wheels on cobblestone? It's quite a feat for a level one wizard, she'd have to be a master thief as well."
The Butcher turns to look at who entered and met her with a smile, "A moose? Oh sure I'll take whatever you got."Alice's eyes widen
"This is a special moose. It'll cost ya more."Ashley says with a wry smile and explains something fantastical and ridiculous as to why he should pay a premium for it.
It's unclear if he would have taken it for a little more just for asking, but her story made him chuckle. "Remarkable, well in that case, your magic, talking, fairy, moose meat and accessories are worth a little more. I'll take everything you got.Alice wearing her wofl cloak takes a step back
Don't let Yulya forget to pay you for the room, I think it was two days? I don't know, every day feels like a lifetime."Only one night and a pastry please!
"Someone managed to break the lock, steal her horses from the stables, remove the carriage and charge out of the gates right under the noses of guards and the stable master. I hope your mules are okay?" She thought "If someone knew a spell to speak with animals, maybe they saw something? I don't know how that spell works though sorry."Yulya shakes her head
Ashley asks Yulya, "Are we doing anything else or is it time to get the cart loaded and pick up the kids?"Yulya thinks for a moment
Are you a vampire too or something?
We gotta walk all day for days with stinky old mules.
Hey, don't badmouth Sandra and Sophia like that! Their ears are superb and they're our party members now! You can pull the cart yourself if you don't like them! What happened to your cool summoning book anyway? Was that postponed until you get your princess carriage?
I don't like mines or dungeons or anything belowground in general!
"Well, I can't bring myself to charge anything, it's my first time. If you enjoy it, consider that payment for being a test subject in my little experiment."
That sounds - slightly indecent if you put it that way, Freya! You shouldn't use that phrasing with the boys here! But it's good so I guess I'll have to pay for your 'service'...
Cat buys a pastry
Nyaah? I can't remember seeing Summer's carriage Nya at the cartwright Nya there was that ugly one some noble returned Nya and the cheap battered one for sale Nya.
Ohh that smells great Freya Nya! What's inside that pastries Nya?
Nyaah it's impossible Summer did this by herself Nya she'd at least need land vehicle proficiency Nya and animal handling Nya like me Nya but probably much better Nya and being a master thief Nya. She's a magician Nya and a little girl Nya that doesn't add up Nya. She'd be incapable of handling a carriage like that Nya.
But wasn't the whole story absurd? She said her driver left her behind when she briefly exited the carriage? And that the driver disappeared and it wasn't anyone from Leilon hired by her family? I feel we're getting dragged into something big here and Summer isn't exactly helping to clear up the situation. Whatever, I hope she makes it to Phandalin or yeah, we'll have a slight problem. I don't really have a plan B.
It is a spell of bards druids and rangers I believe. Unfortunately I have no such ability. We would require Miss Josephia for this!
Only one night and a pastry please!
Unless we come across Summer we should get going so we can travel as far as possible along the High Road!
Not me, I'm an adventurer not a magic talking fairy animal so don't butcher me!
"Put that purse away darling! As I told Ashley and Alice, these pastries are gratis."Nyaa thanks Freya Nya I's still like to lean the ingredients one day Nya - when you've finished your experiment Nya!
Dragging the cart with some effort through the streets of Neverwinter, you make it to the stables. The stable master is in the barn, brushing the mules in question, "There you are! I thought perhaps I got the day wrong, as you can see, I have the harnesses and packs on them and oh good, you brought the cart, now we can fit them to the cart." This human gives off an aura of kindness that is palpable, the mules nuzzle him every chance they can get as if they know it's time to part soon, like saying goodbye to an old friend.Cat greets the stablemaster waving at him with both paws
"They're ready, I'll leave... Sandra was it? On the cart for now. You're all leaving a little late today but don't let that bother you, stop before dark, I see the lantern and that's good in a pinch, but especially today, give them the idea that they don't have to work too hard."Yes thank you Nya! We will use today Nya to get used to each other Nya!
"Holy heck, for a green clod of grass? Cat, we need to learn how to make these!"Cat inspects and sniffs the green brick with little confidence
"Oh, you want treats? Work for it..." Ashley pets their soft necks and they seem happy for the attention, "well okay, but this is a loan." Ashley pulls out two more candies and hands one to each. "good thing I got a ton of these, seems like this is a one sided conditional friendship."Cat laughs at Ashley's popularity
The stable master gives everything one last look over, "Seems to be in order, have a pleasant trip."Cat waves Goodbye and leads Sandra pulling the cart
"I'm looking forward to it, I like tight spaces and danger at every turn, plus, it'll be nice full of lovely gems and ores, I want to go around and collect stuff, it'll be like a scavenger hunt! Haven't you ever played that game?"Alice gives Ashley a puzzled look
"No, really what's in it I ate two!?"Huuumanf!!
Dragging the cart with some effort through the streets of Neverwinter, you make it to the stables. The stable master is in the barn, brushing the mules in question, "There you are! I thought perhaps I got the day wrong, as you can see, I have the harnesses and packs on them and oh good, you brought the cart, now we can fit them to the cart." This human gives off an aura of kindness that is palpable, the mules nuzzle him every chance they can get as if they know it's time to part soon, like saying goodbye to an old friend.Alice feels kind of sad and unusually sentimental for an alien monster as she watches the scene
"That'll be 8sp."Seriously, those mules have pricier food and lodging than us! They live in luxury compared to us!
"Oh, you want treats? Work for it..." Ashley pets their soft necks and they seem happy for the attention, "well okay, but this is a loan." Ashley pulls out two more candies and hands one to each. "good thing I got a ton of these, seems like this is a one sided conditional friendship."Alice waits in line with the mules still in hope for a treat
Ashley smiles and you could swear you saw big fangs.You feel very much alive to me and luckily you do not reek of blood either!
Scavenger hunt? Why would you hunt scavengers? They eat rotten animals and probably taste awful! Also they're an important part of the ecosystem.Yulya has to explain to Alice what a scavenger hunt is
"Come and get it boys and girls!" She blows a kiss to the table in question and sits up on the bar, crossing her legs, she presents the pastries like a show girl.Yulya watches the vulgar behavior of the other adventurers with unease
"please be careful!" Freya says with all sincerity.Y-yes thank you very much as always Freya. You know I try not to get involved with anything bad but the gods seem to have other plans...
Freya slides the pasty to Yulya as soon as she sits.
Alice's eyes widenYulya facepalms at Alices second display of utter lack of common sense today.
Whaat?
I had no idea that weird looking animal could do that! No wonder Nixie struggled with it!
Alice wearing her wofl cloak takes a step back
I'm an adventurer not a magic talking fairy animal so don't butcher me!
Ashley moves where the girls can see her and she speaks with a cutsie little voice you might hear someone speak to a lap dog. "Aww you girls sho shtinky! Earn your bricks! No trouble."Ashleys behavior does not escape Yulyas perception but she keeps quiet and smiles. Everyone appears to be having a good time.
The stable master gives everything one last look over, "Seems to be in order, have a pleasant trip."Thank you Sir I hope we will meet again soon after we complete our trip!
You feel very much alive to me and luckily you do not reek of blood either!
It's not poisoned Nya?
Alice exclaims with a pastry in her mouth Thankf Freya for gifing uf freebief!
Y-yes thank you very much as always Freya. You know I try not to get involved with anything bad but the gods seem to have other plans...
Cat greets Sandra and Sophia, patting them using a paw as brush. How are you today Nya? Ready to go on a journey Nya?
Alice pats the huge animals but their ears remain out of her reach
Hey, you could have a one sided conditional friendship with me too if you gave me candy!
Excuse me Sir I do not want to pry into your business but can you tell me something about the incident with Miss Summers horses? We are to report all information about her whereabouts as adventurers! Do you think there were other people involved? Was there any unusual damage or traces of the burglary?
Thank you Sir, Nya!
We will see you again when we return to Neverwinter Nya!
Come on Sandra Nya let's get going Nya!
Thank you Sir I hope we will meet again soon after we complete our trip.
How comes you know what a mule is but not a moose? And do not worry nobody wants to eat you. Not even Ashley vampire!I only know about animals that have a practical use! There's no such thing as nature and wildlife on most inhabited worlds and very few animals are commonly used. But humans still sometimes use mules in their military even though they have conquered space. In mountain terrain these animals are unbeatable. Better than most machines, don't need a power source, can sustain on a few weeds and in an emergency humans can even eat them. You can't eat a machine!! Well that is what I've been told but I had never seen a mule in real life before the ones we bought!
"Check me again after walking all day." Ashley says with a sour look on her face.Hey, you can always ride on the cart! It's got more than enough capacity for a whole bunch of Ashleys!
[At the Butcher]Alice swallows the platinum and gold coins
You kept 25lbs of fairy moose meat.
You now have:
5cp
24sp
14gp
10pp
Sandra seems even less interested in Alice, possibly not even noticing who's touching her as Sophia seems tentatively cordial toward her.Alice notices Sandra's lack of affection
"I gave you a ton remember? Get out of here, this is for my big stinky darlings."Alice turns 360° and walks away sulking
When you reach the southern gate, two guards stop you and do a rudimentary search of the cart, they look carefully at AliceAlice does not bother wearing her mask and it is obvious she's not Summer - or any other human girl for that matter. She still chuckles about her plan to smuggle Summer out, somehow disappointed it was not needed.
you're off down the gravel high road. The grinding of gravel under wheels interrupted by occasional bangs as small rocks are surmounted, and the crunch of Sandra's iron shoes on the earth are a cacophony. As soon as they leave the gate, Sandra's pace quickens, she's finally realized she's got the open road ahead and she's no longer cooped up among tall buildings and she loves it. She excitedly pulls at a fast pace, moderated by Cat. Ashley leads Sophia who timidly follows, not knowing if leaving the walls of this great city was a good idea or not.[/i]Alice takes her usual place as rear guard, closely following the cart and keeping an eye on all that's coming from behind
About 12 miles south, the mules are still happily plotting along, the road is level and free of ruts, so Sandra is seemingly unphased by the load. Ashley, ever the spotter, sees a stray package, something that's obviously fallen from a overlander recently. She runs for it and snatches it up, inspects it then tosses it in the cart.Soap?
As the sun approaches the ocean in the Western sky, Sandra stops abruptly. Ashley pulls out an alfalfa brick, breaks off small chunks and leads them off the road.[/iAlice focuses on whats behind her and almost runs into the abruptly stopping cart
You've made it about half way to the Triboar trail, good progress, and there's a less than ideal campsite nearby. An old fire ring looks like it hasn't been used in a while, the land is relatively flat, it's not the worst place to set up for the night.Alice gets the tent and rations from the cart for Cat to prepare and starts a fire
The stablemaster thinks carefully, "The stolen horses? Yes, well I wasn't here at the time, my helper was, he's been put on leave while the investigation concludes. All I know is, he wouldn't have let that happen, something happened to him, his memories of that time are absent and I believe him. There wasn't even a hair left, they searched the grounds for half a day. Those horses couldn't have escaped on their own."Yulya concludes that absent memories sound much like Summers doings but keeps silent and just nods
When you reach the southern gate, two guards stop you and do a rudimentary search of the cart, they look carefully at Alice and then ask, "We are looking for a blonde haired girl, approximately 10 years of age, if you've seen someone of that description walking around unattended or see her on your travels, there's a reward for her whereabouts. She's to be treated as dangerous, do not attempt to engage her, she's not to be harmed, simply report as soon as you can to the roadmaster."Yulya bows and nods - hoping that Summer will safely make it to Phandalin without being caught
Ashley leads Sophia who timidly follows, not knowing if leaving the walls of this great city was a good idea or not.[/i]Yulya sympathizes with Sophia and wonders if she will ever see Neverwinter again
About 12 miles south, the mules are still happily plotting along, the road is level and free of ruts, so Sandra is seemingly unphased by the load. Ashley, ever the spotter, sees a stray package, something that's obviously fallen from a overlander recently. She runs for it and snatches it up, inspects it then tosses it in the cart.Yulya briefly inspects the crate
It's a small manufacturer's crate of well made and expensive looking olive soap containing 4 bars. [4lbs, 2gp total.]
As the sun approaches the ocean in the Western sky, Sandra stops abruptly. Ashley pulls out an alfalfa brick, breaks off small chunks and leads them off the road. "Cat? Get the water, get the feed bag, the girls are done."Yulya looks a bit confused
"Let's get settled, I'm going to introduce them to my babies when they've been fed and rested a bit, but before dark." Once they're off the road, Ashley feeds them the rest of the brick.Yes this is probably the best spot. Let us rest here for the night!
When you reach the southern gate, two guards stop you and do a rudimentary search of the cart, they look carefully at Alice and then ask, "We are looking for a blonde haired girl, approximately 10 years of age, if you've seen someone of that description walking around unattended or see her on your travels, there's a reward for her whereabouts. She's to be treated as dangerous, do not attempt to engage her, she's not to be harmed, simply report as soon as you can to the roadmaster."Cat struggles not to laugh and is jabbed by Alice who is not doing much better
They let you all go and you're off down the gravel high road. The grinding of gravel under wheels interrupted by occasional bangs as small rocks are surmounted, and the crunch of Sandra's iron shoes on the earth are a cacophony. As soon as they leave the gate, Sandra's pace quickens, she's finally realized she's got the open road ahead and she's no longer cooped up among tall buildings and she loves it. She excitedly pulls at a fast pace, moderated by Cat.Cat begins working with Sandra and getting her to read her body language. Her tall and charismatic presence makes it easier for the animal to understand what Cat wants without her having to use a verbal cue all the time. Sandra has her personality but is quick to understand Cat's body language even if she doesnt always follow through at the first attempt, testing Cat's authority. But not for long.
As the sun approaches the ocean in the Western sky, Sandra stops abruptly. Ashley pulls out an alfalfa brick, breaks off small chunks and leads them off the road. "Cat? Get the water, get the feed bag, the girls are done."Yes miss mule-master Nya! Right away Nya!
"Let's get settled, I'm going to introduce them to my babies when they've been fed and rested a bit, but before dark." Once they're off the road, Ashley feeds them the rest of the brick.Cat proceeds to remove the harness from Sophia and the mule pack from Sandra and inspects their fur for any pressure points. The stable master appears to have fitted everything perfectly. Cat gives them a brushing with her paws and gets each of them their share of horse feed and water
You've made it about half way to the Triboar trail, good progress, and there's a less than ideal campsite nearby. An old fire ring looks like it hasn't been used in a while, the land is relatively flat, it's not the worst place to set up for the night.After the mules are fed and the tent is set up Cat makes a 4 person dinner from 3lbs of moose meat and one vegetable ration
"I like animals better than people, they're kind and loyal, they don't care if I want to keep my own coin separated, and they don't throw stink bombs at god orbs. They're also smart enough not to boop dragons."Alice laughs out loud
Nyaa we should have bought a bucket Nya. We will use the extra pot Nya. Alice go clean it out Nya!Hai hai, just a second!
How about some moose tonight Nya? Help me out Alice Nya so we can get to training the mules faster Nya!Alice stubles from one work to the next
Alice sighs, undresses and crawls into the big pot that was used for poison cooking. It had been cleaned before but now it becomes as good as new and shiny. Not a trace or scent of its former ingredients is leftYulya has gotten used to the eerie alien show.
Alice re-forms into human shape and gets dressed
This should be good enough as wine glass for our divas!
She hands Yulya the pot
I've seen a lot of water around here, don't think it's worth wasting your mana on that!
How about some moose tonight Nya?That sounds great!
Ashley begins to cast, attempting to call her biggest 'baby', "This might be loud..." With a thunderous boom, causing all the birds within half a mile to flap away, a large plumb of purple smoke lifts to reveal the cunning glare of Nixie, the Mechathereal Panther.Alice has put on her wofl cloak and is busy crouching before the pot and preparing the poison ingredient minding her own business as the thunderclap makes her jump and fall backwards
"Man that was loud, you're not the stealthiest thing are you? "If that's just the panther, how much noise will the mecha war elephant make? A sonic boom that kills everything within a mile?
"Now for the final exam, let's try this out." Ashley puts her pack, boots, socks and other garments in the cart and with just her robe she begins the process of transformation. Her skin begins to grow long indigo hair and smoke surrounds her as she morphs into the creature known as Ashley Panther. The robe drops and she picks it up in her mouth, dropping it in the cart some awkward effort.Alice watches the awkward show and shakes her head
Ashley approaches the mules and raises her arms, "I'm only going to offer this once, so get while the getting's good, go on smell me."Ashley Nya! Don't let them invade your space Nya. Signal them to back off if they go for your stuff Nya!
Sophia and Sandra seem more interested in her pack.
Cat? Get ready.Cat isn't too happy about Ashley's carefree approach. She gets the rope and knots a come-a-long rope for mule training and puts it on Sophia who is more likely to cause trouble.
Ashley directs Cat to stand near the mules and keep them calm if she can, "Now remember girls, these are our friends." Ashley casts Summon Dragon Wasp and Beatrice appears with a small pop in a puff of purple smoke that quickly dissipates.Cat follows Sophia back, giving her some space.
Sandra could really care less as the buzzing of this large wasp-like thing fills the air, Sophia is a bit more skeptical and takes an uneasy step back.
Ashley raises her palm and commands Beatrice to land on her hand.Cat rolls her eyes about Ashley's attempt to communicate with the mules
The large beast dutifully lands with gripping claws retracted and Ashley brings her down to her face, rubbing her soft furry body against her cheek, "See? Frieeeend." Ashley approaches Sandra first and the indifference is clear, she sniffs it cautiously then lowers her head as if nodding. "Very good Sandra!" Ashley pats her with her free hand gently. "Now Sophia, you're not scared are you?" Ashley approaches slowly.
Sophia moves her head away and eyes it with a hint of distrust but as Ashley approaches, she comes around and attempts to mouth the wasp as if she's some kind of treat. "No no, this is frieeeennnd, not fooooood. Good?"
she summons the next guest. With a wave of her hands, a fair bit of purple smoke and a loud pop that startles both mules almost to the point of revolt. The loud noise has startled them.Cat quickly moves between Sandra and Sophia and the loud noise, looking at the mules and directing their attention towards her
A sleek Mechatherial Lynx named Olga appears as the smoke clears and Sophia is having none of that, none at all. Yet Sandra doesn't seem as agitated, she could care less in fact, just another thing smelling of Ashley, not any problem at all.Cat again directs Sophia's attention to her by raising a hand then walks a round with her before slowly approaching the cats again. Then she moves Sandra and Sophia to a greater distance.
With Cat's coaching and placating, Sophia turns around and with a snorty bray that seems to indicate she's okay now she gingerly sniffs the lynx. The lynx's quiet indifference seems to reassure her. Olga licks her paw and looks around, finding Mr. Bigglesworth, she pounces on him and they begin to play. Sandra is very interested in the fun, she seems to have made fast friends with Mr. Bigglesworth and is interested in watching him, while Sophia is more reserved, stepping slightly back to avoid the rowing cats.
"Okay girls, here's the big test." Ashley begins to cast, attempting to call her biggest 'baby', "This might be loud..." With a thunderous boom, causing all the birds within half a mile to flap away, a large plumb of purple smoke lifts to reveal the cunning glare of Nixie, the Mechathereal Panther.Cat immediately moves in front of Sophia, gives her a verbal cue with the click of her tongue and is able to keep Sophia under control with the come-a-long rope. The mule soon realizes that struggling causes more discomfort than calmly retreating alongside Cat and she so keeps her attention at the large but calm Barbarian. Cat angrily calls out to Ashley to keep her summon under control
This time, both mules are literally shaking with fear, Sophia rears up in near panic as Nixie crouches. Looking as if getting ready to pounce on these mule-sized morsels. Ashley quickly steps in.
Of course Sophia, the sandy colored equine, isn't convinced.Ashley Nya! Make Nixie move away a bit Nya and face the other way Nya. She should pretend we aren't here Nya!
Sandra is putting up a brave face but Cat would notice she's still nervous. It's not easy to meet a sister that could hunt you successfully if she chose to. Mules are no match for a moose either.
With Cat and Ashley's help, they convince Sophia that Nixie is safe and in the end the extra work pays off, she's less nervous than Sandra in the end.Cat laughs at the interaction
"Now for the final exam, let's try this out." Ashley puts her pack, boots, socks and other garments in the cart and with just her robe she begins the process of transformation. Her skin begins to grow long indigo hair and smoke surrounds her as she morphs into the creature known as Ashley Panther. The robe drops and she picks it up in her mouth, dropping it in the cart some awkward effort. She then approaches her big friend Nixie.
Nixie bristles as Ashley, the bigger of the two, approaches slowly. Nixie starts curling her lips and hissing slightly. Ashley Panther hisses back more aggressively and her hiss startles the mules again as she shows her dominance over Nixie. The two circle each other and posture, then as you're almost sure these about to fight, Ashley panther begins licking Nixie's neck and head in a motherly way that calms Nixie right down. The purring commences.
Sophia is closer to the two and surprisingly summons the courage to smell Ashley Panther, then nuzzles her with her nose. Ashley responds by licking Sophia's muzzle which Sophia quickly pulls away, that was a little too friendly for her.
This time Sandra looks quite puzzled and seems to be interested in seeing Ashley's robe perhaps in an effort to find Ashley. Her worry intensifies.Cat steps in and directs Sandra's attention to her.
Ashley Nya! Don't let them invade your space Nya. Signal them to back off if they go for your stuff Nya!
Nyaa take it easy Nya I can only handle one mule at a time Nya! Make sure your summons don't engage them in any way Nya! Sandra Nya and Sophia Nya don't have to love your summons Nya it's enough if they ignore them Nya!
Give her some time Nya and wait a bit Nya! ... See Nya? That what happens if they only associate you with food Nya!
Nyaa remember girls first of all you focus on me Nya what's going on over there isn't important Nya.
Cat again directs Sophia's attention to her by raising a hand then walks a round with her before slowly approaching the cats again. Then she moves Sandra and Sophia to a greater distance.
Cat immediately moves in front of Sophia, gives her a verbal cue with the click of her tongue and is able to keep Sophia under control with the come-a-long rope. The mule soon realizes that struggling causes more discomfort than calmly retreating alongside Cat and she so keeps her attention at the large but calm Barbarian. Cat angrily calls out to Ashley to keep her summon under control
Ashley Nya! What did I tell you Nya!? I can't handle them both Nya!
Ashley Nya! Make Nixie move away a bit Nya and face the other way Nya. She should pretend we aren't here Nya!
Cat leads Sophia on a zigzag path, sometimes slower, sometimes faster, back and forth from Nixie while everyone else remains calm, also not paying attention to her. This way Sophia can understand that everyone is aware of Nixie but nobody perceives her as threat.
Cat laughs at the interaction
That's the way Nya! They gotta learn to keep their noses off us Nya!
Cat steps in and directs Sandra's attention to her.
You focus on me Nya no need to worry about Ashley right now Nya!
Cat leads Sandra away to the cart and lets her take a sniff at Ashley's robe without getting close enough to chew on it, then right back to Ashley Panther, circling her in a spiral path so Sandra can compare the scent while staying focused on Cat's commands. Then she leads both mules away so they can let the experience settle - ad receive their treats.
After dinner Yulya goes to rest in the tent but is frequently woken by weird summoning- animal and Alice noises
After the show, Ashley Panther pushes her way into the tent, vocalizes to a sleepy frazzled Yulya and curls up in the corner.Yulya has always been a light sleeper and extrelemy sensitive to noise. Her years living as a hermit in near absolute silence have further lowered her noise tolerance. Being confronted by 3 noisy mecha invaders she is on the verge of a breakdown...
Yulya is left supposing she'll have third shift.
Shortly after, Yulya is almost asleep when Nixie pushes her way in, tracking sand, followed close by Olga and Mr. Bigglesworth.
A whirring din of motors and gears play a symphony of dissonant rapture. Their every movement the machinations of machinery. The small space is warmed by these hot bodies and within a minute Olga starts panting, the rhythmic noise is akin to a well water pump, and Nixie begins cleaning herself, the only part of her not making noise is her tongue.
The constant ticking, whirring and humming of their mechatherial parts are the essence of audio anarchy--the worst color of noise.
[Ashley can't dismiss her summons in her current form. She barely recognizes them as 'hers'.
Alice - Cat!
I cannot rest like this! Ashley's summons have taken over the tent and are making noise and bring dirt inside!
WHAAAT?? YOU EEEDIOTS! GET OUT OF MY TENT YOU DIRTY FLEABAGS!
Cat is alarmed by the ruckus in the tent and comes to check things out and finds Alice having a meltdown
She quickly helps her to direct the mecha-cats out of the tent in a friendly but firm way, just like handling the mules, to avoid her getting bitten to pieces again.
Nyaa calm down Alice Nya they just followed Ashley panther Nya!
You girls still have to stay outside Nya we can't all sleep in the tent and Yulya's gotta rest Nya!
Cat prepares a space under the cart near Ashley's clothes and the mules, hoping the cats will spend the night there.
Cat turns to Yulya, slightly worried
Nyaa that's a bit troublesome Nya! Who controls them when Ashley's a Panther Nya? She's too carefree Nya! Do you think the mecha-cats Nya, they could even attack us Nya? If Alice annoys them or something Nya? I wouldn't wanna have to go against 5 of them Nya...
Nixie isn't convinced by even Cat's firm but fair commands, she's angry and not in the mood to be bossed around.Cat is glad the situation is resolved by Ashley Panther (relatively) non-violently without anyone getting hurt.
[Nixie may be Ashley's summon, but she's still a wild creature of the negative plane. She's not swayed by Animal handling techniques for domesticated animals.]
Needless to say, Sandra and Sophia are scared half to death by both Alice's outburst and Nixie's counter.Cat tries to calm down the poor terrified mules, brushing them with her paws
[Friday, Spring 21, 09:00, Partly Cloudy, 11C]Cat stretches and exits the tent
With the sun rising in the east through light clouds, everyone is finally awake.
Every bird within a half mile suddenly flapped away from the thunderous roar of Alice.Yulya helplessly watches the chaos unfold in a chain reaction as Alice makes the mecha cats flee in terror and her attempts to calm the situaltion simply drown in the mayhem. Maybe dragging her into this was not the best idea?
Mr. Bigglesworth nope'd out the tent faster than lightning, startling Olga who lost her sense of direction, nearly ripping through the wrong end of the tent before finding her way out.
Cat turns to Yulya, slightly worriedYulya is just relieved everything has calmed down.
Nyaa that's a bit troublesome Nya! Who controls them when Ashley's a Panther Nya? She's too carefree Nya! Do you think the mecha-cats Nya, they could even attack us Nya? If Alice annoys them or something Nya? I wouldn't wanna have to go against 5 of them Nya...
[Friday, Spring 21, 09:00, Partly Cloudy, 11C]Yulya awakes from Cat's loud yawn
Nixie stares at Alice with barely restrained anger, miraculously not tearing her in half but she either refuses to move or doesn't understand the interruption of her sleep.Alice cracks her none-existing knuckles
Nyaa calm down Alice Nya they just followed Ashley panther Nya!Neither Alice nor Nixie are convinced by Cat's firm but fair words and angrily face each other
All this vocalization finally wakes up Ashley.Alice keeps a pokerface but is also glad the situation is resolved like that
The only thing she hears is Nixie when she is so rudely awakened from her slumber. Hearing Nixie complaining, she let's out a howl that would send a demon king to the underwear drawer and pounces on Nixie, dragging her out by the scruff of her neck like a cub. Using unnatural, adrenaline fueled strength, Nixie is dragged outside the firelight, then you hear them brawl for a few seconds before Ashley Panther returns, sticks her head in the tent and growls one last time at Alice for good measure.
[Friday, Spring 21, 09:00, Partly Cloudy, 11C]Alice awakes last, sleepy from the nightly cleaning business.
With the sun rising in the east through light clouds, everyone is finally awake.
I would like to make this a morning ritual of sort! I will cast AID on all of you each day from now on! Remind me should I forget to do so for whatever reason!Hey, this is a nice boost!
Yulya casts AID on Alice, Ashley, and Cat
Cat tries to calm down the poor terrified mules, brushing them with her paws
Nyaa sorry girls Nya that was quite a day Nya!
I would like to make this a morning ritual of sort! I will cast AID on all of you each day from now on! Remind me should I forget to do so for whatever reason!
Ashley steps off the cart and stretches, "That's not comfortable, see? This is one of the reasons I hate camping." She then goes to Cat and sits, awaiting meal.Nyaa, sorry you had to sleep in the cart Nya but your summons all wanted to be in the tent Nya...
The party packs up and gets back on the road.Cat puts Sandra in front of the cart for the first half of the day again.
As you're looking forward to having lunch, waiting for the next little rest spot to pull over, a carriage approaches, it's a man and woman, humans, being pulled by a pair of draft horses in an ambulance.Cat only partly shares Ashley's enthusiasm.
It's a shiny new black ambulance, and Ashley can't keep her eyes off it as it passes.
"Ooh, love that. What I wouldn't give for that... well actually I know what I'd give, like 100 gold! Nice horses too, I like the little white patches."
[Friday, Spring 21, 13:00, Partly Cloudy, 17C, 12 miles]Cat warms and hands out another half ration to everyone
You've made it to the rest area, the same red and blue tents are there but no other carts are currently parked. You stop and eat, the girls are watered in a trough and hope to soon be back on the road.
Hanna pokes her head out of her tent and waves. Ashley waves back and she walks over to check out your new cart and mules. "Oh look at you, these girls are beautiful." She pats both of them on the necks and smiles at you all. "It's been a while, it's nice to see you all again."Cat waves a paw at the familiar face
The sun hangs low in the sky and you approach the Triboar Trail turn and into the small rest stop there. In the gravel at the turn you notice fresh tracks heading East wagon wheels and two sets of horses traveling quickly, it's unusual only because it looks like they took the turn rather fast. Amid the upturned gravel Ashley finds another scrap of paper, it's a part of a manifest, old and holey, she can only make out a few words toward the bottom they were transporting swords and other equipment.Cat investigates and sniffs the tracks
"The Triboar trail is our next leg and it'll likely take all day, so don't stay up too late, I'd be willing to take the first shift, we should each take 2 hours so then we'll only need 10, I'll summon some of my friends to watch second shift so we can manage it. So you all should go to bed by 20:00? Really? Anyway I'll be up till 22:00 then my summons, then you all should plan on watching in two hours shifts till morning." Ashley spawns Olga and Helga far enough away from the girls so the noise isn't too frightening and gives them their alfalfa blocks before she forgets.Cat agrees while she tends to the mules removing their gear and handing out feed while brushing gand patting them.
"You girls made it 9 hours today! Wow, good job!" She lavishes attention on them and they've completely forgotten she has candy.
Ashley goes to Cat and sits, awaiting meal. Mr. Bigglesworth and Olga come up meowing for food, with a snap of her fingers, they're back in the negative plane. "Temporary bodies don't get food. I never had to eat in the negative plane, I don't know how it works."Don't fret, nobody does.
[Friday, Spring 21, 12:49, Partly Cloudy, 17C, 11.5 miles]Alice takes off her wofl cloak in the warm air and tilts her head, looking at the ambulance
As you're looking forward to having lunch, waiting for the next little rest spot to pull over, a carriage approaches, it's a man and woman, humans, being pulled by a pair of draft horses in an ambulance.
It's a shiny new black ambulance, and Ashley can't keep her eyes off it as it passes.
[Friday, Spring 21, 13:00, Partly Cloudy, 17C, 12 miles]
You've made it to the rest area, the same red and blue tents are there but no other carts are currently parked. You stop and eat, the girls are watered in a trough and hope to soon be back on the road.
Cat warms and hands out another half ration to everyoneAlice is in good mood due to the warm weather and ample food from Cat
Hanna pokes her head out of her tent and waves. Ashley waves back and she walks over to check out your new cart and mules. "Oh look at you, these girls are beautiful." She pats both of them on the necks and smiles at you all. "It's been a while, it's nice to see you all again."Alice recognizes Hanna waving at her with slight unease as she turns to Yulya
[Friday, Spring 21, 18:00, Partly Cloudy, 14C]Alice dons her wofl cloak as temperatures drop and sighs
The sun hangs low in the sky and you approach the Triboar Trail turn and into the small rest stop there. In the gravel at the turn you notice fresh tracks heading East wagon wheels and two sets of horses traveling quickly, it's unusual only because it looks like they took the turn rather fast. Amid the upturned gravel Ashley finds another scrap of paper, it's a part of a manifest, old and holey, she can only make out a few words toward the bottom they were transporting swords and other equipment.
"The Triboar trail is our next leg and it'll likely take all day, so don't stay up too late, I'd be willing to take the first shift, we should each take 2 hours so then we'll only need 10, I'll summon some of my friends to watch second shift so we can manage it. So you all should go to bed by 20:00? Really? Anyway I'll be up till 22:00 then my summons, then you all should plan on watching in two hours shifts till morning."Alice sets up the tent.
"You girls made it 9 hours today! Wow, good job!" She lavishes attention on them and they've completely forgotten she has candy.Really? For me? Yayy, you're my best friend now!
Lastly she hands Alice a candy where the girls can't see. "Someone's got to eat them I guess."
As you're looking forward to having lunch, waiting for the next little rest spot to pull over, a carriage approaches, it's a man and woman, humans, being pulled by a pair of draft horses in an ambulance.Yulya greets the couple as they pass. Seeing other travelers is a good sign there is no trouble ahead.
Alice recognizes Hanna waving at her with slight unease as she turns to YulyaYulya is the last person to fill Alice in on Hannas profession and equally oblivious
I still don't get how she survives out there completely on her own. Does she have some Summer-tier powers? What an odd guard for a rest stop...
Hanna pokes her head out of her tent and waves. Ashley waves back and she walks over to check out your new cart and mules. "Oh look at you, these girls are beautiful." She pats both of them on the necks and smiles at you all. "It's been a while, it's nice to see you all again."Greetings Miss Hanna!
Cat investigates and sniffs the tracksYulya casts GUIDANCE on Cat to aid her investigation
Nyaa do you think this was Summer's carriage Nya? She must have been ahead of us Nya unless she flew or something Nya...
Nya. I will prepare dinner Nya! Can you look for water for our girls Nya? I don't care about shifts Nya you work that out Nya!Yulya casts GUIDANCE on herself and searches the rest area for potential threats. Then she looks for water for the mules.
Let's use the reverse of yesterday's shifts when you were last! We have 3 batches of poison now so we don't need to make another but I'd like to use 1 batch and coat 10 arrows!Yulya nods
Greetings Miss Hanna! I hope you are well out here all by yourself. Would you like to join us for lunch?
Hello Hanna Nya how are you doing Nya? Do you like our cart and mules Nyaa?
If you are in need of anything, as you see we can now transport a great amount of goods. It is so much more convenient than having to carry everything ourselves. Has anything unusual occurred lately? Like a carriage rushing by in Southern direction?
You did great Sandra Nya! Let's see if Sophia's also up for the job today Nya!
Cat investigates and sniffs the tracks Nyaa do you think this was Summer's carriage Nya? She must have been ahead of us Nya unless she flew or something Nya...
Yulya casts GUIDANCE on Cat to aid her investigation
use 1 batch and coat 10 arrows!
How do you like it out here? So far things went well, I hope you can cope with the cold in the East, I certainly can't...
Really? For me? Yayy, you're my best friend now! Alice hugs Ashley and clings to her, unwilling to let go, except for maybe another candy.
Yulya casts GUIDANCE on herself and searches the rest area for potential threats. Then she looks for water for the mules.
"So are any of you interested in having a little fun?"Alice enthusiastically wants to raise her hand but before anyone can say anything Ashley steps in
She smiles and winks at Ashley, "it's an open invitaiton if you're ever lonely out here on the road, we don't have to do anything crazy but sometimes just brushing each other's hair and soothing conversation can be very relaxing and open up ideas that you may not have thought of. I'm also an excellent masseuse and I am very good at helping set your mind straight. Many of my friends come just to talk and unwind after a long day on the road. I also have other treats you might like? I have a fine selection of pipe weed, longbottom leaf, herb, dokha, among others and I can also make soothing teas that will help you relax. Trust me, if you're feeling nervous or you're just on the fense, a few sips of certain teas can really loosen you up. Fun is a guarentee!" She thought a moment, "In fact, I was so happy you loaned your pet to me the other night, Ashley, I'd be willing to play a little with you gratis."Alice half-follows the conversation with slight bewilderment but then focuses on her lunch again.
After Cat warms the vial, Alice applies a vial of poison on 10 of her arrows already honed arrows.This doesn't look bad, but let's see how it works...
Alice's attention to the mules does not go unnoticed. Though Sophia doesn't seem to be interested, Sandra was particularly interested in Alice's words and is momentarily fascinated, she quite enjoyed Alice's visit.Well, who knows, Sandra's fond of me after all? I'll pay you another visit when I'm on guard duty!
Ashley pushes out of Alice's grip.Alice is slightly disheartened
"This is the opposite of how you get candy in the future!"
Alice is up and watching when she sees a couple guards on horseback escorting four refugees in chains heading North.Alice takes off the hood of her wofl cloak so she's not mistaken for an animal and takes a look at the refugees wondering what they might have done to end up in that situation. However there's already enough trouble and getting involved with guards is not the best idea. Alice raises a hand in silent greeting to show the guards she's aware of them and not a threat.
[Saturday, Spring 22, 06:00, Partly Cloudy, 10C]Alice wakes everyone and reports her encounter with the guards during breakfast.
It's a nice morning, the clouds in the east over the forest filter the sunlight but doesn't stop a few rays from reaching the vast sea to the West.
"Hello and Yes Ms Yulya, I'd love to! I'm doing great, thank you! And Oh yes Ms Cat, well, I love all animals and I think your cart is so cute, it makes me want to be a trader now with my own little mule and tiny cart. I could travel and see the world and make coin anywhere, but where I am now is probably where I'll be for a very long time. I see my friends regularly and they'd miss me terribly."Yulya is impressed by the rest stop guards dedication
She smiles and winks at Ashley, "it's an open invitaiton if you're ever lonely out here on the road, we don't have to do anything crazy but sometimes just brushing each other's hair and soothing conversation can be very relaxing and open up ideas that you may not have thought of. I'm also an excellent masseuse and I am very good at helping set your mind straight. Many of my friends come just to talk and unwind after a long day on the road. I also have other treats you might like? I have a fine selection of pipe weed, longbottom leaf, herb, dokha, among others and I can also make soothing teas that will help you relax. Trust me, if you're feeling nervous or you're just on the fense, a few sips of certain teas can really loosen you up. Fun is a guarentee!" She thought a moment, "In fact, I was so happy you loaned your pet to me the other night, Ashley, I'd be willing to play a little with you gratis."Yulya treats this as a matter between Ashley and Hanna and decides to politely stay out of matters she does not really understand.
[At the Triboar head]Yulya feels strangely relaxed. So far the journey has been going very well, no monsters, no bandits, no nobles or officials.
The road and the area is desolate, only birds, a squirrel, and the light rustling of trees in the late evening breeze.
The nearly full moon brightens the landscape as night falls.
It's a nice morning, the clouds in the east over the forest filter the sunlight but doesn't stop a few rays from reaching the vast sea to the West.Yulya awakens relieved there was no ambush during the night. She hears Alices story and nods.
[At the rest stop]Nyaa sure thing Nya you're welcome Nya!
"Hello and Yes Ms Yulya, I'd love to!
Ashley pushes out of Alice's grip.Cat watches the scene and nods, satisfied that Ashley understood her lesson about treats and personal space.
"This is the opposite of how you get candy in the future!"
Alice wakes everyone and reports her encounter with the guards during breakfast.Cat is not amused
After they are gone, Alice checks on the mules again.
Good morning Nya, Sandra Nya and Sophia Nya! Todays the exciting part Nya as we go on Triboar Trail Nya!
Now let us hurry! We must depart early if we want to reach Phandalin today. I would rather not camp out at Triboar trail!
The temperature immediately drops as you move along the road. It becomes earily quiet and the wind picks up, a side draft that has gales of 10-15 mph. There are no chirping birds or skittering squirrels, many of the plants show signs of frostbite and hard freeze has killed some of the trees along the treeline or sent them back to dormancy after they were just coming out of their slumber.Alice isn't happy
[Saturday, Spring 22, 16:14, Partly Cloudy, 2C 27miles]Alice keeps swearing along the way
You see the Trees to the east, not more than 100 feet away, unnaturally covered in patches of snow. the north side of every rock, every dip, every bush, anything that doesn't get direct sunlight is holding on to fluffs of snow. And you're also becoming wary of this gale that seems to follow you and chill you as you walk.
Suddenly you're confronted with Two large Grizzies with a total of 4 cubs, they all look emaciated, as they would just exiting their dens after winter, but these Bears are far enough South that they wouldn't have hibernated, so the lack of food in Early spring are threatening their existence. They're headed North along the trail directly for you and stop as they spot you, sticking their noses in the air. Given the they can easily smell both you and the girls, they're considering what to do next but the look in their eyes says awfully hungry and cranky. They're wary but aren't backing down.[/i]Alice immediately readies a stink bomb
Alice keeps swearing along the wayYulya cannot believe to the size of the cold spell either
Who the fuck can use magic that covers entire mountain ranges in snow?
That wind isn't natural either! I bet someone's watching us and laughing his ass of as we freeze our asses off!
Suddenly you're confronted with Two large Grizzies with a total of 4 cubs, they all look emaciated, as they would just exiting their dens after winter, but these Bears are far enough South that they wouldn't have hibernated, so the lack of food in Early spring are threatening their existence. They're headed North along the trail directly for you and stop as they spot you, sticking their noses in the air. Given the they can easily smell both you and the girls, they're considering what to do next but the look in their eyes says awfully hungry and cranky. They're wary but aren't backing down.
Alice immediately readies a stink bombYulya is both amazed and frightened by the group of bears
What do we do? I'd hate to waste a firebomb on wild animals or attack them at all!
Past the turn off to Phandalin, you feel like this is the dead of winter and not well into spring. You continue and it just keeps cooling, by 10th hour, it's nearing freezing and it's taking a toll on the girls. They're still able to go a little further but not by much.Cat is trying her best to convince the mules to go on with her animal handling skills
Suddenly you're confronted with Two large Grizzies with a total of 4 cubs, they all look emaciated, as they would just exiting their dens after winter, but these Bears are far enough South that they wouldn't have hibernated, so the lack of food in Early spring are threatening their existence. They're headed North along the trail directly for you and stop as they spot you, sticking their noses in the air. Given that they can easily smell both you and the girls, they're considering what to do next but the look in their eyes says awfully hungry and cranky. They're wary but aren't backing down.Cat immediately signals Sophia to stop
Sandra skids to a stop, terrified by the bears ahead. Sophia hasn't seemed to notice them and keeps plotting along, tired but determined to pull.
Yulya is both amazed and frightened by the group of bearsNyo we cannot feed them Nya they'll associate people with food Nya and approach them Nya! They'll attack the next travelers if we do that Nya!
Do not threaten them!
Let us slowly retreat. If they follow us we must defend ourselves but I do not want to hurt them. They have it hard enough!
Cat do you think you could lure them off the path with moose meat?
Cat is trying her best to convince the mules to go on with her animal handling skills
Nya we're almost there girls just a little more Nya!
Ashley Nya! Summon Nixie Nya but keep her from attacking them Nya! Don't make eye contact either Nya! We just need the loud bang Nya! If that's not enough throw the stink bomb Alice Nya! We gotta make it clear that we aren't food Nya! That should be enough Nya but if not we need the lynxes too Nya! They won't endanger their cubs against all of us Nya! We won't engage them Nya but we're not retreating either Nya!
The bang reverberates through your lungs and the cubs scatter followed shortly by the mama bears. The smoke clears and the large black cat can't help but stare down the bears but by now the bears are already running off in all directions.Yulya sighs with relief
You arrive at Barthen's Provisions and Hobbie's sitting on the porch, smoking a long pipe, wrapped in a blanket. He hears you clopping up long before he sees you and when he sees who's trotting up he smiles, throws his hands in the air and cheers, "Look who's here!"Yulya raises her hand in greeting but exhausted and cold she lets Ashley do the dealmaking.
He squirms a bit and then says, "you're wrong Ms. Ashley, I have a full paying customer just today, she was happy to pay whatever I asked in fact! Well though not everyone can afford everything the same and you're not asking for me to take on finicky draft horses, so how long are you staying?"Yulyas face briefly brightens. That means Summer has made it here safely.
Ashley takes a sigh, "Yulya? He says 50 flipping silver for these stinky girls and we only made 100, what a jip!"Yulya puts on a bitter smile.
Ashley summons Nixie 30ft ahead of the cart, and the cooresponding loud bang and smoke.Cat can't help but laugh
The bang reverberates through your lungs and the cubs scatter followed shortly by the mama bears. The smoke clears and the large black cat can't help but stare down the bears but by now the bears are already running off in all directions.
Though the the large bang startles the mules, the associated adrenaline rush renews their energy and whether instructed to or not, they're off down the road toward Nixie. Knowing Nixie is on their side has motivated them to join her. Ashley runs ahead with Nixie and you're past the bears in no time. you're very close to Phandalin, though you can't see it yet and it's still about an hour away.
You arrive at Barthen's Provisions and Hobbie's sitting on the porch, smoking a long pipe, wrapped in a blanket. He hears you clopping up long before he sees you and when he sees who's trotting up he smiles, throws his hands in the air and cheers, "Look who's here!"Cat enthusiastically waves at him
Hobby hops up, places down his pipe and blanket, runs out and seems excited to see what you got for him.
"You won't find a finer tender in all of Phandalin, well in fact, we have the only dedicated stable other than Eldermath's, but he's not in the business.Cat's ears perk up
He looks slightly nervous, "Well, begging your pardon, it's usually a standard rate of 5 silver a day each, but but that includes feed and care, I can adjust and clean their shoes if you leave them more than a day AND, I'll give your cart a once over, feel free to keep that in my garage as part of the bargain."
I have a full paying customer just today, she was happy to pay whatever I asked in fact! Well though not everyone can afford everything the same and you're not asking for me to take on finicky draft horses, so how long are you staying?"
Ashley summons Nixie 30ft ahead of the cart, and the corresponding loud bang and smoke.Noyce, keeps me from wasting a stink bomb. I wanna keep it as collectible anyway.
The bang reverberates through your lungs and the cubs scatter followed shortly by the mama bears. The smoke clears and the large black cat can't help but stare down the bears but by now the bears are already running off in all directions.
Sandra's pulling the cart hard, a real champ though she's tired, but Sophia's had enough, though she's fine when you lead her, she's done and will probably not like being driven this hard in the future without another good uneventful day under her belt and in a warmer climate. Expect her to not make it all the way to the high road unless her mood has improved significantly.Alice pats Sophia on the side before returning to her position behind the cart
You finally arrive to the small town of Phandalin.Alice is likewise enthusiastic to have reached their destination. Soon there will be warmth and food!
You arrive at Barthen's Provisions and Hobbie's sitting on the porch, smoking a long pipe, wrapped in a blanket. He hears you clopping up long before he sees you and when he sees who's trotting up he smiles, throws his hands in the air and cheers, "Look who's here!"
An exhausted and shivering Yulya turns to Hobby using PersuasionAlice plays the role of the freezing starving child quite well, even though there's not much play involved
Cat enthusiastically waves at him
Heya Nya we're back Nyaa! Brought lots of stuff for ya Nya! Anything going on lately Nya?
Can we take a look at your stables and garage Nya? And you've been storing more stuff for us Nya. Can we load that on our cart Nya?
An exhausted and shivering Yulya turns to Hobby using Persuasion
Sir Hobnail I understand times are tough but we invested nearly all our funds to acquire the maximum amount of provisions for you and even purchased this cart to transport them. We are not here to take advantage of Phandalin on the contrary. We are trying our best to help this town and we are here to secure the Rockseekers mine and then deal with the source of this cold. But we cannot do so if we starve and freeze to death. I therefore at least ask you to reduce and postpone our payment for the mules until our departure to Neverwinter, regardless of the time it takes us. Consider it an investment! Help us so we can help you!
By the way would you or Miss Elmina know where we can find your dear customer? She is our friend and we are to meet with her as soon as possible!
Hobby kicks at the ground then looks up at you, "I'm sorry to say it but it's been rough and the cold snap is the worst anyone's ever seen. This town is on the brink of failure! At this rate we'll have no food let alone extra coin to give discounts. We were promised a prosperous mine, fertile land, and freedom from bandits, we're worse off than we ever were." He has nothing left to give, "Pardon me Ms Yulya, but I gave you all a heck of a deal on Gundren's shipment, you might ask him for a bit of a cut of that when he turns up."Cat pats Hobby on the back with her paw, nearly knocking him over
Ashley and Cat unload Hobby's supplies and lead the girls to the barn with the cart in tow, soon to be under Hobby's care. Regardless of price it had to happen. Ashley gave them each half an alfalfa block and they seemed relieved that they were going back into an enclose space. The biting below zero wind was probably the main reason.Cat pats and brushes the mules
Their supplies are right where they left them and parked inside is an old cart Hobby had in the back, Gundren's cart is missing as well as his horses, presumably taken by Sildar and his brothers, and next to Hobby's old cart is indeed a royal carriage.Cat stares straight through the carriage as if it didn't exist, or as if even looking at it could taint her soul
Ashley's eyes widen, "holy heck... oooh" Ashley touches it, she runs her hands over the fine wood, gold, frills... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSjS-iCPeW8) "Cat... forgive me Cat for I am about to sin." She looks around and seeing no witnesses she hops in the driver's seat and grabs the reins. She sits on the fine leather cushioned seat and bounces in place, "Oh Cat, can I have it pleassseeee??????!!!! Oh..." She slumps back and then lays across the driver's seat, "oh... this is nice, it even smells nice."
Hobby kicks at the ground then looks up at you, "I'm sorry to say it but it's been rough and the cold snap is the worst anyone's ever seen. This town is on the brink of failure! At this rate we'll have no food let alone extra coin to give discounts. We were promised a prosperous mine, fertile land, and freedom from bandits, we're worse off than we ever were." He has nothing left to give, "Pardon me Ms Yulya, but I gave you all a heck of a deal on Gundren's shipment, you might ask him for a bit of a cut of that when he turns up."Alice looks at the sack of silver with disapproval.
He hands Yulya a sack with 600sp silver, from that she pays him back 50sp. Ashley is very disappointed but not too disappointed to take her cut from the top. Ashley takes 25 silver as part of her delivery quest payment.
Hobby looks up from his supplies as he sorts through it, "I would hope Elmina is at the Stonehill Inn having dinner, she may know where your friend is."Alice's face lights up hearing Stonehill. Warm friendly atmosphere, great food, Expensive though.
Hobby kicks at the ground then looks up at you, "I'm sorry to say it but it's been rough and the cold snap is the worst anyone's ever seen. This town is on the brink of failure! At this rate we'll have no food let alone extra coin to give discounts. We were promised a prosperous mine, fertile land, and freedom from bandits, we're worse off than we ever were." He has nothing left to give, "Pardon me Ms Yulya, but I gave you all a heck of a deal on Gundren's shipment, you might ask him for a bit of a cut of that when he turns up."Yulya awkwardly takes the money after her request was turned down
He hands Yulya a sack with 600sp silver, from that she pays him back 50sp. Ashley is very disappointed but not too disappointed to take her cut from the top. Ashley takes 25 silver as part of her delivery quest payment.
Alice looks at the sack of silver with disapproval.Yulya is relieved by the distraction
Can't I have that in gold? I can't store any silver you know and the lolibank is nearly empty. I'd rather not have you run around with over 500sp...
Alice's face lights up hearing Stonehill. Warm friendly atmosphere, great food, Expensive though.Yulya pats Alice on the head
Hey, I could go there while you deliver the supplies to Harbin.We don't wanna miss Summer or Elmina. I promise I won't order anything without asking for the price first! They fooled me last time, but not again...
Nya come one let's deliver the supplies to that fat noble Nya so we''ve got that out of the way Nya!Yes let us hurry!
Cat takes Harbin's supplies from the cart and stores them in her pack
Cat pats and brushes the mules
Nyaaah don't ask me Nya ask Summer if she'll give it to you for free Nya...
Alice and Yulya exchange 300 silver for 30 gold.Alice takes the 30 gp and nods
Alice forges ahead through the dusty streets of Phandalin toward the Stonehill Inn, looking forward to warmth and relaxation after the long journey.Alice sighs in relief having made it into the hospitable warmth of Toblen's Inn and takes off the hood of her wofl cloak, breathing in the scent of various delicious food.
And what a welcome site it is to see. The beautiful architecture, the smell of smoked meat and fresh bread wafting past her, and the clank of ceramic mugs as she approaches the main doors, has left her every opportunity for feeling good despite the cold. She pushes through the door and with a little ring of a bell she enters.
Toblen's at the bar right where you left him with a fresh crate of cider sitting right next to him. He sees Alice enter and cheerfully announces her. "Ahh! Look what the cat dragged in! Where's your sisters little Alice?"
Alice looks around and finds Elmina sitting with a small figure with golden locks munching away on something that looks delicious. She glances over, then smiles and waves Alice over. It's Summer of course. Wearing a fine set of leisure clothes.Alice marches over to Summer with open arms
The three of them head off to Harbin Wester's home/shop/store and his door's open, they step in and find him sitting at his desk, writing in his ledger. He stands at your entrance. "Welcome, welcome, oh welcome! What a pleasant surprise! I trust your travels were fair, you certainly are a sight for sore eyes, and how is everyone this fine... cold day? Please tell me you have my supplies."Yulya bows
Ashley taps Cat's pack and the supplies are soon handed over. He looks through the box and couldn't be happier. "yes yes! Thank you so much for this, and your payment, worth every copper." He hands you 24 gold, Ashley takes her cut 1 gold.Yulya watches the scene with mixed feelings but remains silent.
"And I hope you haven't forgotten about my samples," he says with some apprehension.
"Don't worry your little head about it, I'll take care of that personally. Just lend me a prospector's pick and I'll hand it back with everything I could find when we've cleared out the mine."
Harbin walks over to a crate on the side and picks out a small sharp implement like a mini-pickaxe, "Certainly Ms. Ashley, I'll await your return with baited breath."
Ashley unloads the 5 full rations she's been carrying forever into the cartCat looks at Ashley's full rations with bewilderment
The three of them head off to Harbin Wester's home/shop/store and his door's open, they step in and find him sitting at his desk, writing in his ledger. He stands at your entrance. "Welcome, welcome, oh welcome! What a pleasant surprise! I trust your travels were fair, you certainly are a sight for sore eyes, and how is everyone this fine... cold day? Please tell me you have my supplies."Cat again is positively surprised by the noble's behavior.
Ashley taps Cat's pack and the supplies are soon handed over. He looks through the box and couldn't be happier. "yes yes! Thank you so much for this, and your payment, worth every copper." He hands you 24 gold, Ashley takes her cut 1 gold.
We managed our trip without greater difficulties though we encountered some bandits and bears on Triboar Trail. I am afraid the route is still not fully safe.Cat remembers she wants to do more research about the bandits
On their way to the Inn Yulya speaks her mindCat's tail sways back and forth
I really hope we are not dragged into something with the ore samples. It is not our mine after all and Sir Sildar did not seem to think highly of Sir Harbin.
I do hope the Rockseekers make it back safely...
Got all your things here Nya!
We managed our trip without greater difficulties though we encountered some bandits and bears on Triboar Trail. I am afraid the route is still not fully safe.
Nyaah yes Nya very well organized and equipped bandits Nya! They wanted to rob a trader's carriage Nya!
We beat a few Nya and they all had silver brooches Nya looked elvish Nya and a whistle Nya! Do you know any organization like that Nya?
We asked in Neverwinter Nya but nobody had an idea about those guys Nya!
I hope Gundren's back when we make it out of the mine Nya.
I do hope the Rockseekers make it back safely...
We shall report back as soon as we have investigated the mine. I cannot say how long it will take - it depends on what we will face in there.
Now if you excuse us, the journey was long and the weather awful. We shall eat and rest at Stonehill Inn! Good Night Sir Wester!
I really hope we are not dragged into something with the ore samples. It is not our mine after all and Sir Sildar did not seem to think highly of Sir Harbin.
Ha, I KNEW I'd find you here! Good evening Miss Barthen! We delivered all your requested supplies!
We were worried you'd get eaten on the way you know? We can't afford another rescue mission!
Did you make it all the way here on your own?
Nice outfit by the way.
How do you like my wofl cloak?
"Maan, I'm hungry! That was a journey, we walked all day through that icy cold. The wind was the worst!
He bristled as if tasting something sour, "Oh I'm not surprised, but travel is never fully safe on a tributary like the Triboar Trail. This is why we need that mine up and producing high quality metals, we will pave that road in gold and mithril and it'll be a High Road connecting East to West guarded by Phandalin knights!" he laughed to himself, "When I finish building the castle, I'll be sure to invite you kind ladies, an open invitation in fact! We'll dine on the finest pork and lamb, and drink fresh apple cider till dawn!"Cat is won over at the word 'cider'
"Oh I wouldn't know anything about bandits but, brooches you say? Oh if you have any of them I'd gladly pay 8 gold each for them. No, make it 9 gold in any condition and call it a road service fee for those bandits!"Nyahaha I like that idea Nya! We'll bring you some if we ever run into them again!
"I have something for you ladies that I hope will help give you an advantage if you need it, I just ask if you don't use them then return them before you're off again please." In an outrageous act of generocity he daintily counted four bottles out of a crate under his desk and placed them in a line.Cat stares at the potions from all side like they were a treasure
The bottles glimmered in the light as if giving off more light than they took in. One would be a fortune only used in dire situations, four was obscenely generous even if just loaned out.
I really hope we are not dragged into something with the ore samples. It is not our mine after all and Sir Sildar did not seem to think highly of Sir Harbin.
"I wonder why Sildar was so grumpy about him, he seems okay."Cat is left with a shaken world-view as they are on their way to Stonehill Inn
Yulya, Cat and Ashley arrive at the Inn.Cat swings the door open
Ms Barthen gave a modest glance of tolerance, "I appreciate it so long as your partner doesn't swindle that worthless employ of mine."Alice briefly wonders about the employ remark as she had assumed Hobby was Elmina's boyfriend or husband, not an employee.
I made it in one day! Why do those drivers insist on such slow plotting, my horses love to run!"Yeah we saw your tracks at the fork of triboar trail as you went around the corner at full speed. Reckless as always.
Elmina laughed at her, clearly amused by her spirit.
"Wofl? I can't keep all these creatures strait, it looks like a fox fur to me, but it's certainly cute!"There were hordes of wofls at the goblin den we cleared. Yulya fried most of them with some insane spell but I managed to collect some fine ears! But in here I finally feel warm enough!
"I'm glad you made it, I will be leaving tomorrow morning, I have business in Conyberry while I'm out here, but I'll be back in a couple days, wait for me before you go to the dragon."Alice lets out a laugh
try the mutten, it's delicious."Mutten?
Elmina nodded, "yes, and the cider, these are the few things I look forward to out here."
"Yes, the cider!" Summer agreed taking a small sip of her cup.
Yulya, Cat and Ashley arrive at the Inn.Alice spots them and waves them over
"When I finish building the castle, I'll be sure to invite you kind ladies, an open invitation in fact! We'll dine on the finest pork and lamb, and drink fresh apple cider till dawn!"Yulya is not too keen in getting involved with - anything - and tries to wind herself out in a polite way.
A shiver ran down his spine, "God-spiders? Oh is that all." he rolled his eyes, "well then I have something for you ladies that I hope will help give you an advantage if you need it, I just ask if you don't use them then return them before you're off again please." In an outrageous act of generocity he daintily counted four bottles out of a crate under his desk and placed them in a line.Yulya looks at the potions with an open mouth
The bottles glimmered in the light as if giving off more light than they took in. One would be a fortune only used in dire situations, four was obscenely generous even if just loaned out.
Hey Yulya Nyaa can't Alice find out what that potions are made of Nya?I doubt it will be this easy but we shall ask her.
"I wonder why Sildar was so grumpy about him, he seems okay."Okay?
Ooh a castle Nya? In Phandalin Nya? With food and drink I wont's say no to this Nya!
We appreciate the generous offer, Sir Wester! But first we have a giant-spider-infested mine to clear and a dragon to kill - and survive!
This will greatly aid us Nya thank you Nya!
Either this man is playing some grand scheme to win us over and put us in debt so he can abuse his power later or he really has no ill intention. But that would mean...
Alice spots them and waves them over Here we are!
There you are Nya!
Good evening Miss Barthen and Summer! I see you are doing well! I am relieved to find you here.
You enter the inn, wafts of sweet smelling meat and the clanking of mugs assail your senses. The din of alcohol fueled merriment, strong enough to wash away all darkness of their situation.Cat has had enough of troublesome thoughs and sits down after greeting everyone
Elmina's had quite a big mug of cider for a halfling by now and almost manages a smile until she spots Ashley.
Summer waves joyfully as if she never had a care in the world. Surpassing only Harbin in her confidence but without any hint of weakness, confident to her core whether justifiably or not. Her rosy cheeks betraying her involvement with the sharp, sweet necter.
"Hey," Ashley greets.
The table is getting crowded but after a couple chairs are borrowed you're all cozily snuggled in this table for four. A light music fills the air, they have a minstrel and the bar erupts in applause at the distraction. Truly not a care in world can penetrate this place, out here on the precipice of civilization, amid impending doom. Even Edermath has shown with his companion Daylinn, sitting at the bar and talking to Toblen.
Cat has had enough of troublesome thoughs and sits down after greeting everyoneI just wanted to get one! I'll be back in a blink!
Where's the menu Nya? Let's order Nya! I want some cider Nya!
Ashley laughs but then it spawns a thought, "Wait a minute, could Sildar be up to something here? Maybe heee wants to be king. A trade guard with aspirations for grandeur. Could it really go that deep? Could it be true that in a vacuum of power all scramble for the top? Even for this little town?" She looks up, carefully thinking, "Naa. But something does smell fishy here. Put on your trap smelling nose Cat, we might be in for something over our heads. something tells me a spider is the least of our worries in that mine."Yulya nods.
The table is getting crowded but after a couple chairs are borrowed you're all cozily snuggled in this table for four. A light music fills the air, they have a minstrel and the bar erupts in applause at the distraction. Truly not a care in world can penetrate this place, out here on the precipice of civilization, amid impending doom. Even Edermath has shown with his companion Daylinn, sitting at the bar and talking to Toblen.Yulya glances over at Edermath and relaxes a bit in the joyful atmosphere
I just wanted to get one! I'll be back in a blink!Now I am tired and hungry but before I can relax - I must apologize but Miss Elmina and Summer - I must ask you about Sir Harbin and what you know about the relationships in this village in general. Sir Harbin has always shown great kindness to us yet Sir Sildar has warned us not to get involved with him. What is going on here? We are not merely investing our funds to secure supplies but are actually risking our lives for this town - clearing out the goblin den and now securing the mine and fighting the dragon or whatever is the source of this cold. But we cannot do so if we do not know what and who we are dealing with. Who has an interest in making Phandalin fail? Someone is clearly putting an enormous effort into making people leave from this place. And I assume the mine is the reason. Miss Elmina - who would profit from that? Has anyone shown interest in acquiring the mine? Summer do you have an idea who - or what being other than a god has the power to create a cold spell that affects entire regions? The whole thing causes me great worry. It might all be a few magnitudes bigger than we expected. To think that this started as a simple escort mission for Sir Gundren...
Looking for a menu, Alice spots Daran at the bar and pays him a visit
Who would buy his cider?
How have you been Summer? I am sure Alice told you but there was a huge commotion after your disappearance from Neverwinter. I also bring great news from Sir Harbin. Not only did we receive our pay but also a present of great value. Four actually!
Where's the menu Nya? Let's order Nya! I want some cider Nya!
I just wanted to get one! I'll be back in a blink!
Ah, Master Edermath, Good Evening!
We have returned from Neverwinter! We were just about to order some cider! Mr. Stonehill, can I have a menu pls? I heard mutton was recommended but I don't know about it. Can you explain the dish to an outsider like me?
I must apologize but Miss Elmina and Summer - I must ask you about Sir Harbin and what you know about the relationships in this village in general. Sir Harbin has always shown great kindness to us yet Sir Sildar has warned us not to get involved with him. What is going on here? We are not merely investing our funds to secure supplies but are actually risking our lives for this town - clearing out the goblin den and now securing the mine and fighting the dragon or whatever is the source of this cold. But we cannot do so if we do not know what and who we are dealing with. Who has an interest in making Phandalin fail? Someone is clearly putting an enormous effort into making people leave from this place. And I assume the mine is the reason. Miss Elmina - who would profit from that? Has anyone shown interest in acquiring the mine? Summer do you have an idea who - or what being other than a god has the power to create a cold spell that affects entire regions? The whole thing causes me great worry. It might all be a few magnitudes bigger than we expected. To think that this started as a simple escort mission for Sir Gundren...
I also bring great news from Sir Harbin. Not only did we receive our pay but also a present of great value. Four actually!Oh neat!
Yulya hands Alice 20gp
Yulya hands Alice one of the potions and shows one to Summer.Alice looks at the strange potion and tilts her head
Summer glanced at it, "oh a greater potion of healing, nice."
Alice was pointed to a print on the wall, the menu hadn't changed. The only addition was the cider, 5cp.Sheep flank?
Toblen simply said, "it's grilled sheep flank."
Edermath reeled when he realized who it was he dared to smell and not finding any hint of goblin he relaxed, "oh this thing here, what a marvel of arcane, did you know it asks questions and demands answers. Thank goodness its owner washed it, it reeked of goblin when I last saw it at the house."
Daran took out a wand and touched it to Alice's shoulder, it sparked with energy jumping static and causing her hair to stand end but it didn't hurt. He took out a lens and looked through it at the result of the static against her, "Ah, not quite the same, hm."
"What is it Daren?" Daylinn said, leaning in way too close.
"Whatever is powering this thing, isn't the same as the crashed ship. It is however quite the enigma. Andras will have to deal with it now."
"Oh, I love him, isn't he amazing, he'll figure it out," Daylinn said.
Daren bristled, "yes well, he's a master of the arcane in many realms so I suppose if anyone can he can. Oh I wonder what he'd do with the little what did you call it dear?"
"At any rate, move along go bother someone else," Daran said dismissively.
"Mechanism or not if she's a paying customer she's welcome where she likes."Alice smiles at Toblen
"I'm pretty sure I saw his cider mark at the guild in Neverwinter, I don't think he cares and a powerful guy like that wouldn't care about orcs, he could wipe them out."Yulyas discomfort intensifies
Elmina looked at Yulya bleary-eyed by this line of questioning, "I daresay if it's not that lout Harbin, then I don't have the foggiest. I've not dealt with Sildar enough to know his nature. Though I wouldn't say Harbin is talented enough or smart enough to do anything beyond shystering anyone he meets. As for this cold snap, I can't venture a guess on that, but Sir Edermath has ventured to investigate, he may know more."
Summer shrugged, her face half buried in her mug, then looked up and began rattling off possibilities, "the dragon is involved, that's my guess, though I doubt he could do this weather manipulation. It's not Weather Control, though powerful, it couldn't reach Phandalin, not by a long way, and never to be sustained this long. That would take boosting beyond my imagination, immense mana reserves, well beyond anything anyone I know could do, even my masters would be hard pressed to do that. Maybe with a very very large focus but even that would have to run out eventually. I'll know more when I get closer."
Ashley points out the menu on the wall and considers what to order...Cat spots the menu
Hey, does anyone of you know a sorcerer by the name Andras?
Nyaa you think Daran's the culprit Nya? But he gave us cider Nya and that ring Nya! What did he say Nya?
Cider and mutton Nya. I wonder if both are from Daran Nya?
Evangela addresses Cat, "Sir Edermath just brought a fresh case of cider. As for the mutton, this weather has killed the field and the animals are starving, so many are culling their herds to save feed costs."Cat is momentarily saddened by their fate, but not for long
The waitress arrives to take your orders.Alice nods happily
"Hello again, Evangela in case you forgot, what can I get for you?"
Alice takes a deep breath, looks at Elmina and Summer, unsure if mentioning too much in their presence was a good idea, and then repeats what she heard from Daran and DaylinnYulyas face turns paler the longer she listens
You know how obsessed he's been with me. The only one who even remotely understood my Greatness. Yet not quite. Otherwise he wouldn't be doing something so foolish.
So we have proof that he's experimenting on my ship and now on me. And that Andras guy probably wants to get hold of me more than Daran. I can see where this is going. I don't doubt they'll even go as far as trying to abduct me. Well fine, that settles it. Not the outcome I had wished for but if it is what Daran wants, I cannot stop his demise. I warned him but I am certain he won't listen.
There is no proof he's behind it but he appears to have some very troublesome friends. And very troublesome hobbies as well. I want to have a strategy meeting in our room after dinner, not here among all those people. So that's enough for now.Yes indeed.
The waitress arrives to take your orders.Yulya has troube deciding but finally addresses Evangela
Alice machinations (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jHZ6kqipws&t=22s) and conspiracies mostly ignored.
Nonono this cannot be! ... Alice I know it sounds absurd but do you think your entire ship could be used as a focus?
Ashley will you have your own room or stay with us? We should reserve it in time though I doubt space will run out in this town.
Hey, have you really never heard of some master of the Occult named Andras? Maybe he's not a sorcerer after all?
Didn't you want to talk to Master Edermath?
I want to know what he has to say about the source of this cold.
he still welcomed us and this ring was a great gift! Why would he aid us in getting Sir Gundren back and Sir Sildar? Are they part of a faction that opposes Sir Harbin?
Alice machinations (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jHZ6kqipws&t=22s) and conspiracies mostly ignored.Alice takes this VERY personally
Ashley's not convinced.
Nonono this cannot be! ... Alice I know it sounds absurd but do you think your entire ship could be used as a focus?How would I know? I don't even know how a focus works! But ths ship was originally created by people who could not use magic and tried to resist it. So - unlikely.
Summer takes a sip of cider, "Mhm, Oh I did when I first arrived! He said he didn't care what I did about that dragon, and I quote, 'they can be quite a nuissance' and then he said it would probably move on at the first heat wave of summer." She paused, "Oh! He also said he sold his salvage rights, saying there was nothing of any value to him there. He then advised me not to trouble myself and to just let it work itself out. I asserted my right to any treasure held by the dragon unpon his slaying, not associated with that ship, and he thought that was reasonable and wished me luck."He sold my ship?
"Why don't you ask him?Well excuse me for not being a mage of noble descent!
Whatever or whoever caused this, if they're involded with Daran at all, must have done so for good reason and let us all pray it is resolved soon."Of course there is a good and obvious reason! Why would anyone bother with such a huge area effect otherwise? But I guess Master Edermath was right. The issue will sooner or later resolve itself. And it will not be my problem. It will be - yours! I'm done with this, I don't care anymore!
Dinner soon arrivesAlice stands up, takes the plate in both hands and shoves it into her mouth. Pulling it out perfectly clean, she slams the plate on the table, downs the cider in one go - and leaves.
Alice stands up, takes the plate in both hands and shoves it into her mouth. Pulling it out perfectly clean, she slams the plate on the table, downs the cider in one go - and leaves.Yulia is left to manage yet another unmanageable situation
Well then, I shall not bother the ladies with my nonsensical babble or my inferior presence any further! Good Night!
Please excuse her it has been a long day of walking and she really is not good with that cold. And even worse with not being taken seriously.
What happened Nya I wasn't paying attention Nya!
We can only move step-by-step. We will deal with the mine first and then see where this takes us.
Ashley, says "I guess I'll get my own room after all, see ya all down here in the morning."Yulya nods with a sigh
Alright then Good Night and see you tomorrow Ashley!
Despite all it was a pleasure dining with you and I hope to see you again after we return from the mine! Let us all look for answers and exchange our findings when we meet again!
Good evening Sir Edermath and Miss Daylinn!
I just wanted to thank you again for this ring which has proven very valuable. And I apologize if my party member has bothered you.
She has had a hard day and is not good with the cold. Neither do I seek to bother you but I also wanted to inquire if you managed to determine the source of this cold which has caused so much trouble here. I heard a lot of sheep needed to be culled due to lack of food!
We have now been tasked by the Rockseeker brothers to investigate the mine. They said it had been taken over by something foul. I have heard rumors of giant spiders! Would you know anything about it?
This will be the easy task before we will accompany Miss Summer of Leilon to slay the dragon. I do not know why she is so adamant about it if this dragon is not even the source of this cold? I wonder how we will manage. Do you have some advice for novices like us in dealing with such a beast?
I have heard you have been to its lair? Is the path to the mountains even accessible in this awful weather? I have been in the area once before the cold set in and that was a hard enough journey...
Alice sits alone in a dark room, dark thoughts spinning through her mind. She has become apathetic, her Charisma has dropped by 4, she has disadvantage on charisma based checks and dexterity checks on initiative. The condition will remain without intervention, but will improve after intervention and a long rest.]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mh9ZP8FLDk
Daran and Daylinn turn on their bar stools to greet her cordially, with the juxtaposition piercing eyes and friendly smiles. Elves are nothing if not enigmatic.Yulya is relieved she is not scolded this time and relaxes a little
Daran has a word to say, "Yes well I can't fault you for her design if you weren't personally involved. Can it be trained is my question and if so then you have your work cut out for you."Yulya sighs and nestles with her hands
"Giant spiders you say? And what would giant spiders eat in an abandoned mine? Giant flies? No, no that's about as silly as an Orc Wizard.Yulya nods.
What's in the mine? I'd guess displaced goblins, orcs amassing for a raid against Phandalin, that isn't out of the question, in fact there was a recent disappearance." He turns to Daylinn, "Tel' shemlen maniferril?"Yulya listens to Darans words with a mix of relief and concern
"Tel' shemlen? Col nesh al adoe", she said with concern.
"My guess would be orcs, and they may have chosen a princess." He was noticeably disgusted. "Though it's really none of my concern, orcs don't sit well with me, and so let's see, what would be tolerable, ears? Eyes? Toes? Tongues! Have your ward collect their tongues, for every orc tongue I'll give you a gold coin and you can also keep the tongues."
Daylinn laughed darkly at the silliness of his arbitrary decision.[/i]
Daran adds, "I don't remember who the girl belongs to but they'll likely appreciate the return of their family member."Yulya is concerned.
Daylinn puts a hand on Daren's chest, "there were two!"
"Ah, this is yet another annoying consequence of not having a walled city, we should really erect a palisade at least," He speaks to himself.[/i]
"The cold has good reason and I won't say more about it, yes it all ties together, there are forces at work here beyond even my comprehension, as for dragons, they can be quite potent and its proximity is an issue for us as it will eventually come by and take sheep when its hungry, though this one seems to like cattle, again, none of my concern. It should know better then to go after my sheep, dragons are brutish but at least they're intelligent. Oh, they're horrifically arrogant and complacent. To be slain by a group of iron plates would be unheard of, frankly I would advise you against trying, though if you run when you realize the task you shouldn't lose more than one or two. I'm beyond trying to convince others about common sense. It would be quite a shame if Summer died, for a shemlen she's quite well refined."[/i]Yulyas face turns noticeably pale.
He looked somewhat uncomfortable about your question, "Yes, I was there several times before and after the snowfall, the dragon has holed up in the artifact. Whether it's accessible or not depends, but with snowshoes you should be able to walk there, the snow has accumulated and is showing no sign of melting. I will tell you that there's nothing there to gain, the artifact is... well it's no longer my concern and it's in safe hands."[/i]Yulya again sighs and looks at the floor
Daylinn leans forward to Yulya, "Oh yes, don't worry about that. If you insist on taking out that dragon, stop there and count your blessings. I am certain this weather will clear soon, it's in good hands."
Looks like everyone's merry despite the cold Nya! Oh, did Alice already rent a room for us Nya?
Master Edermath - Alice is not a mere tool or machine. Her feelings and emotions are indistinguishable from a human so I dare say. And she was not exactly amused by the way you addressed her. Though she apparently is quite fond of you. As for your question - she can certainly learn like a human would - but not like a golem or tamed animal. She has her own mind and very strong beliefs and ideas. I shall try to guide her but it is not in my hands to change who she is.
The goblins had reached a surprising level of technology.
I hope he can be rescued.
We also encountered human bandits on Triboar Trail while on our way back to Neverwinter that attempted to rob a carriage. While not strong and easy to defeat - they also were well-organized and appeared to belong to an organization. They wore silver brooches and one had a whistle with a ship embossed on it. It worked as a sort of tracking device and led more and stronger bandits to us. Summer managed to scare them away with an illusion. Still concerning. So far we have not been able to find out which organization they belonged to. Have you ever heard of an organization that utilizes elvish-looking silver brooches an a ship as symbol? Unfortunately we did not manage to recover any of their items.
Orcs you say? That certainly would make sense. I thank you for this information and your generous offer. We shall purge the mine regardless of what dwells within. Do you have any advice regarding dealing with orcs other than brute force?
We need to recover the artifact which is Alice's ship that brought her here from the stars!
I am sure she has told you. I have heard very disturbing stories about that ship. Alice considers it extremely dangerous for this world in its current state and she repeatedly stated she is the only one who can avert that danger. I have no reason to doubt her so our main objective is the full recovery of this artifact. A ship that can travel to the stars. But this is all I know. I am nothing but a servant of the Gods. And as long as they bestow this mission upon me I shall carry it out faithfully.
But now I do not want to spoil your beautiful evening. We have to deal with the mine first of all. I wish you a good evening and thank you for your time and generous advice!
Toblin informs cat that yes, Alice rented a room already, and he gives her another round of cider for 5cp.Ah thank you Nya!
He's growing tired of this conversation, "I wouldn't consider her ramblings intelligible, but since you have a stake in the claim, I'll try to arrange a meeting with him but be well advised that he won't take your games lightly. It will take some time to contact him, and arrange a meeting myself."I thank you for your kindness and understanding. This would indeed be of great help for us. I look forward to our next meeting. I suggest you then sincerely ask Alice about the ship yourself. I am certain she can answer a lot of questions I can not.
Daylinn smiles graciously and Daran dismisses you professionally with barely constrained annoyance. They then begin discussing in elvish in a serious tone.
He said the cold has good reason but no more. Is it plausible that this Mr. Andras froze the ship to prevent a catastrophe? And would he be able to recover the entire ship? The wreckage was enormous as far as I recall.Alice thinks for a moment.
Nyaa we're going to check out the mine Nya. Gundren's brothers Nya said there was trouble Nya but we dunno what Nya! What do you think Nya? Daran Nya suggested orcs Nya. Fine with me Nya! We'll deal with them Nya!
I suggest you then sincerely ask Alice about the ship yourself.
Sir Toblen the food was excellent as always! Can you tell me which room you give to Alice?
He lowers his voice,[/i] "we're missing a couple girls on the Davis Farm, Jan and Marsha are barely of age! I can't imagine they off and eloped, and with who?" He leans in and shakes his head, "If you find those girls among the orcs..." His face grows very dark, "you put them out of their misery and say you never found 'em."Cat raises an eyebrow as if Toblen had just invited her to group sex with him and a couple of orcs
His expression returned to his jovial self, "Anything else for ya tonight?"Cat frowns
Cat pays 5cp and goes to the room finding Yulya sitting at the bed and Alice curled up at her feet like a cat.Yulya chooses not to inquire further
Nyaah human males are a bit strange Nya...
Yulya picks up the Alice-cat from the floor and places her on the bed sandwiched between Cat and herselfConveniently close and warm, Alice begins her night work rustling under the blanket and sending out pseudopods to absorb and digest dirt and sweat from Yulya and Cat
You wake to a cold chill, and a howl of wind outside. You look out and see the snow, heavily falling on the town square. It's not quite a blizzard but it might as well be. The visibility is poor, the air is frigid and though the mine isn't far, about 10 miles East, it will not be the easiest hike.Yulya wakes up first refreshed and clean but moist and cold. Seeing all the snow from her window doesnt exactly lift her mood
[Sunday, Spring 23, 06:00, -9C, Snowing]Alice indeed isn't happy learning about the weather
This is quite bad weather! Can we even reach the mine in these conditions? Or shoud we wait for better conditions?Cat isn't discouraged by the weather.
During Breakfast Yulya fills in the others on her talk with Daran.Cat's ears fold sidewards
It appears we will have to deal with orcs in the mine! And it looks like at least two girls from Phandalin are missing and being held by those beasts. This might turn from an exploration to a rescue mission. We should be prepared for that!
We cannot bring the cart or the mules into the mine. We have to carry everything ourselves once again. And we must account for ore samples and even potential rescued victims of the orcs as well. I must say this bothers me. Even if I manage to heal them we need to make sure they make it back with us without freezing to death or succumbing to exhaustion. 10 miles through freezing cold is not a stroll. especially not for someone already in terrible condition...
Ashley sees Cat looking for a breakfast menu.Cat stops in her tracks as if struck by lightning
"Good thinking Cat, this might be the last good meal we have for a while"
"The heck is snail butter?!Nyaa it's just butter with garlic, herbs and spices Nya. People eat it with snails Nya but it doesn't contain any Nya! I can make it Nya it's great with bread Nya. But I need butter Nya. In this cold it would even last a while Nya!
I'm getting a Medlar Tart whatever that isNyaa medlars are small brown fruit that ripen in early winter Nya. Taste like apple pie Nya. I think you'll like it Nya!
Cat isn't discouraged by the weather.Alice gives Cat a doubtful look
Better cold than wet Nya! We got no time to lose Nya! I say we move out today Nya!
Cat stops in her tracks as if struck by lightningAlice lets out a snort witnessing Ashley's faux pas and shakes her head
N-Nya?
Cat turns around and leans down to Ashley smiling in her face
Ashley Nyaa?
My ears must still be asleep Nya...
You didn't just imply my cooking isn't good Nya! Of course you didn't Nyahaha! Who would want to live off orc meat while we're in the mine Nya?
I'm good I think. I wonder if my summons will be okay with the cold? Maybe I can summon a Snow Leopard? Where's my book? Ashley rifles through her pack.Alice glances over.
The pie and milk arrive with gentle waft of cinnamon and fresh baked bread. Four large apples are included with each order and before you can wonder why the waitress says, "Your breakfast this morning is courtesy of master Edermath with 'sincere apologies to Alice for mischaracterizations that may have mistakingly occurred.' So enjoy!"Alice's eyes widen
Ashley mutters, "he's still a jerk."Yes but a jerk who gives me free food!
"Free food always tastes better. You can really taste the goat."Indeed, indeed!
The jerk didn't apologize to me, I'll catch him outside later."Well he didn't mischaracterize you in the first place!
"I'm feeling like ordering the most expensive thing on the menu, wanna share Alice? It's because of you anyway.Alice rolls her eyes
Aren't they basically demons from the negative plane?
Why not order a round of pine nut marzipan for all of us? I know what marzipan is but I didn't know you could make it from pine seeds.
What did you do to him yesterday, Yulya?Yulya blushes
Daran's the last person from which I had ever expected an apology!
"Oh waitress? Six orders of the marzipan please." Ashely looks at Alice with an especially devious look, "the girls need a treat too."Yulya is not sure its ok to take advantage of Daran like this but has to smile that Ashley even thought about the mules.
"Now this I can enjoy." She says while chewing. "The tart was good too, I'm ready to go, what do we need?"Yes that was a great breakfast - without belittling Cats cooking in any way! Now let us depart!
Alice gives Cat a doubtful lookCar shrugs
Are you serious? You're only wearing one layer of clothes, you'll freeze to death out there! At least get a cloak!
We should visit Hobby and sort our stuff then! How long do you think it will take us to that goddamn orc-infested mine?Nyaa we should reach it until evening Nya we must Nya. So we should hurry up Nya!
Yes that was a great breakfast - without belittling Cats cooking in any way! Now let us depart!Cat nods happily and jumps up
First to Lionshield coster to pick a cloak for Cat and then to Sir Hobnail to pick up the tools and supplies we need from our cart!