Talon admires the quiet courage of this woman, and takes the small potion that he has. If there is no other possibility of healing, then he will take it, as his wounds are great and need tending too
I think this was prudent given the possibility of conflict and Radriel had used her healing on Ingwe and restoring a few frogs to service.
The part that burns Seltyn is that the dryad gave up her life for our sake. His decisions put her in that position.
He's in a vengeful mood, now, and wants to go back and defeat them. Unless the Queen orders us to do something else, we can go back to their lair and fight them knowing who they really are, and choose the time and place of the conflict. We'll need the Queen's human cultists to sponsor us for that, but we can't expose them. What Elorin lacks in hit points, she makes up in charm. She's an asset we can't neglect.
This might also be an opportune time to tell the Queen about the note. Seltyn suspects that the Rovagug cultists' appearance was more than just coincidence, and this misadventure made him more sure. They knew we were there, and knew when to show up as saviors. Pretty convenient for them, don't you think? They had us all, good as dead, to force the dryad's hand. They got what they wanted. We got a dead dryad, who should have had our help.
There's a lesson here for Seltyn, and for all of us. If we want to defeat the dwarves someday, we can't fall into their toe-to-toe combat trap. We have to play to our strengths, the first being not trusting humans, and the second being knowing that we're being betrayed.
Mar kept silent throughout most of the walk back to the ship. The realization that his party had caused further destruction to the forest was almost more than he could handle. The safe return of Ingwe, and his new friend, a small ape, did some to cheer him, but not enough.
Hearing the others speak of using potions, he does chime in a little. It may not be much, but... I can heal at least two of us. I can gain more healing spells tomorrow.
Inside, a desire to return to the forest burns. If they have to go to the human lands, then so be it. Perhaps they can recruit allies.
Kal shifts off quietly, clamboring up to the yards to sit and think about what he might have said instead of standing and staring in icy silence. How cruel he must have seemed. Kal is considering how difficult it would be to learn a spell that might bring that awful cave down upon their blasted heads when he hears mar's offer of healing from the deck. Kal somberly clambers down
Now for the good news. The trip back is uneventful and the group returns refreshed as Marlamin provides healing magic to restore everyone to full strength. Windfavor stops at two freshwater rivers to restore the drinking water and the ship's stores easily last.
As you pull into the harbor, two key members of the Queen's inner council are there to greet you with good news. The Coastal Kingdoms have had a full Civil War. There was bloody fighting, but the old government has been overthrown. The new government has requested an emissary and we we were hoping you would return in time to send Elorin.
The young boy returned on a ship sent for him. It appears those favorable to our cause have a strong position in the new government. This young human left, but hopes to return and learn our ways if his return will be allowed. We could not in good faith keep him from his father, who was instrumental in the new changes.
You are ushered to meet the queen and make your report. She has not aged a day since you last saw her, and her classic beauty is still startling. Looking directly at her at times feels like staring into the sun.
At the beginning of your audience with the Queen you notice she is quite happy. "Although you return empty handed, things are going extremely well. Your safety and well-being is my primary concern. That you are all safe and sound is an answer to my prayers. Please make your report to me before the full council. One of the few benefits of being Queen is getting to hear the news first. Tell me what happened."
Seltyn will recount their journey, and the events that led to the dryad sacrificing herself to save the party. He then asks for a private audience with just the Queen and the party.
"My religious advisor, an aged gray elf, informed me that the power of Sarenrae has recently diminished and the power of Rovagug has increased."
She then dismisses the advisors.
I'm afraid that was my fault. I couldn't tell friend from foe until it was too late. Radriel graciously sacrificed her life to save us. We owe her a debt we can't repay. I would like to beat back Rovagug's power in the woods, and restore it to a safer balance, if we can find another to back us.
He'll then quietly tell her about the note. We can't speak to its veracity, but it's worth her notice.
"Radriel, daughter of Radagast, attended my birth and coronation ceremony. She will be missed. Her vow to support my reign I now claim has been satisfied with interest. She has upheld the legacy of her father well."
"The resources of our kingdom continue to be at your disposal."
The elven kingdom continues to produce the equivalent of 3 level 1 potions per encounter (month). With the new human kingdom helping out, this will produce an additional 150gp in resources in addition to the current output of 150gp. You can decide how you want this.
Consider you have 150gp credit and will accumulate 300gp per month now.
Seltyn won't hesitate to access the wizards' academy (such as it is) and try to learn spells from other wizards. He hopes that the Queen will put in a good word for him, and get a wizard or two to share some first level spells.
Spark +2
Alarm
Endure Elements
Hold Portal
Protection from Evil
Protection from Law
Mount
Unseen Servant
Detect Secret Doors
Detect Undead
True Strike
Magic Missile +2
Shocking Grasp +2
Disguise Self
Vanish
Animate Rope
Erase
Expeditious Retreat
Feather Fall
Magic Weapon
Reduce Person
That's a big wishlist, so time may constrain what he can actually copy.
He'll at least copy Spark, since it's 1/2 hour and completes his cantrips known. Spellcraft DC 15:
If there isn't time for many, he'll take what he can get in the time allowed.
Also, Seltyn will give a little advice to the crew in private.
I'm clearly no warrior, but as an elf, I'm competent with a longsword, a rapier, and even bows. I carry some weapons because I'm not such a great wizard that I can't find myself in melee, as I just learned.
"Lithiel Flambeaux reporting back as ordered by the queen. I just wanted you to know I am still available if needed to carry the elven banner. I have read the intelligence reports and wanted you to know that the dwarves have been using their banner at every opportunity. Although I can find things to do here, I am willing to follow you into combat."
Lithiel bows, and waits for your response.
"Seltyn, I will teach you any two level 1 spells personally. I think Radriel realized the difficulties the elven nation had when she intervened. Had we lost half your group and half the gear, we would have been in a difficult position. Once the Rovagug cultists realized you were not with them, they had to consider you as enemies. Rovagug has felt it is him against the entire pantheon of good and the kingdom of men have spread many stories that make many reluctant to trust elves."
"Your open-mindedness to the humans enabled your first mission to succeed better than any of the more experienced old-timers I could have sent. This open-mindedness was somewhat your downfall versus the human barbarians. Being stuck in their lair wounded and then separated put you at an extreme disadvantage. It turns out that the impetuous barbarian's counsel to fight at that time was probably best given perfect hindsight."
"I have talked to our religious advisor. When a great druid departs, as was the case with Radagast the Brown, he can bond an entire natural community together to put aside their natural animosity to fight and prosper as a whole upon his death. His daughter Radriel and her special tree survived him as 'the Heart' of this community. We were not informed of these events as the secret of 'the Heart' is essential to its survival. Your refusal to aid in its destruction is to be commended."
"My religious advisor also tells me that only hostile actions against this community or retaliation upon predators attacking will alienate this advanced druidic force. Elvish doctrine will not allow hostile acts to rescue victims of predators from these creatures as an attack on one is considered an attack on all. Unfortunately we could not know this rare community existed at all to warn you. If you run up against this phenomenon only possible upon the death of an ultrapowerful (level 20+) druid you will know what to do."
"Lastly, my religious advisor recommends leaving the Rovagug cult alone. If they sacrificed the dryad, their power in the short term and the long term has significantly increased. Although the jungle ruins represent the greatest haul of magical and monetary treasure in this area, the risk of clashing with these cultists is great. They will not become a significant offensive threat for months."
@ Lithiel: Your company would be much appreciated. The nature of our work can now be carried out more openly, and your presence would be an honor and a blessing to us all. Please be armed with a long blade, morningstar, and a dagger, in case we should fail to protect you. I will get you those items if you can't, yourself.
@ Lady Ciedrel: There is some comfort in this news. There may be time to deal with the cult later, and I'm sure you have more immediate goals that we can serve you in realizing. Our diplomat is very good at what she does, and we can establish a much better rapport with this new regime than with the old. We stand ready to serve your will.
Our Lady wants Elorin to visit the new human regime as her representative. It's quite an honor for her, and we should go along as her entourage, if she'll have us. It's unlikely that such a new regime is perfectly secure, so we should all consider ourselves her bodyguards at all times, much as we did before.
As such, we must be appropriately dressed and armed: Clean, well-styled clothes and armor, and a good elven blade with a backup weapon, like any worthy guard would carry to protect an important diplomat like Elorin.
We'll all represent our people. Observe etiquette, but show strength. I'll proudly wear this fine elven sword and dagger as a symbol of who I am, and I would like all of you to be similarly armed. "Speak softly, but carry a sharp blade," as the ancients said.
Now, let's open a few bottles...
After all the harrowing encounters and embarrassing reports, it's nice to finally have a brief respite. Seltyn will drink a little too much, and enjoy some relaxed moments laughing with his comrades.
The last encounter was his mistake, but the Queen's explanation of what he didn't know at the time (and couldn't have known) makes him feel a little better. The jungle is not completely lost. They could return stronger and turn the tables. That is, if they live long enough to get to that point.
He thinks about the great elven wizards of the past, and their infamously snobbish attitudes towards their younger apprentices. Most beginners don't rise to great power, either through lack of skill and dedication, or just as often, getting killed by their own foolishness like Seltyn almost did. Like the whole party almost did.
When he'd studied the tales of great heroes of the past, he noted a tendency to downplay their gaffes. "Mistakes were made," or "amid the great victory, there were some unfortunate losses," they would say. Now, with so few elves left in the world, those same words are still read, and their significance overlooked.
Always in the passive voice. Seltyn wouldn't do that. "I made a big mistake that should have killed us, and we're here drinking and laughing because someone else paid for it."
They never told him what that really felt like in wizard school. He could see why. One bad decision can undo any number of good ones.
Hindsight is perfect, if you're honest with yourself about it. Seeing ahead is the real trick. If they were truly the best the elves had to offer, he'd have to see much more clearly. Active voice. There won't be a dryad to pull him out next time.
The human settlement is your next destination. Past the human settlement further inland is a large 'metropolis' that acts as a depot for the area. That is open to you too.
Intelligence on this is sketchy as previous groups have used Windfavor and the ship to maximum advantage. Meeting up with Derrick will answer many questions.
Let me know what you want to do with you 150gp credit. The bannerman is under the impression he is supposed to buy weapons--that may use some of it.
Longsword- 15
Morningstar- 8
Dagger- 2
I'm assuming he's strong enough to carry all that... 11 lbs. He already has armor.
That leaves Seltyn with 125. He'll scribe some scrolls with it.
Windfavor loads the group and takes you on the quick trip to the sheltered harbor. His entrance is less dramatic, but he still manages to rush in and coast up perfectly to the dock after stowing sail.
The dock area is lined with people playing and putting out nets and pots to catch sea creatures.
No one is awaiting your arrival, but a single teenage runner goes through the tower/stairs to town. The block and tackle that was set up to load last time is no longer there.
You may wait or approach the tower.
I have no need of other weapons, unless you'd like me to carry a spear or some such weapon for looks. I need to use my shield, otherwise, I am not that quick.
Mar looks out at the harbor, anxious to return to the main land. The last mission had not gone well, and the losses weighed heavily on him. He thought about the young ape, left in his charge by the dryad, who remained in the care of the elves on the island. They might never truly feel comfortable around the beast, but perhaps it might find a new home. If Mar ever lost Ingwe, he felt intuitively that the creature would seek to protect him. Maybe that was some bit of the dryad left in the ape.
Looking out across the water, Mar did his best to see if there was anything to notice.
I can't make it on a 20. A little help, perceptibeasts?
I have no need of other weapons, unless you'd like me to carry a spear or some such weapon for looks. I need to use my shield, otherwise, I am not that quick.
Sharing the general dark mood of the group, Telethal has avoided most social engagements, opting instead to train really, REALLY hard.
Make a better showing for yourself next time, Telethal.
He's pulled out of his reverie as they pull up to the human dock. He stands up, stretching his shoulders and back as he grabs his kit. "We headin' in or waitin'?"
Perception.
Elorin on the journey was contemplative, though not very religious herself she performed a personal ritual to give thanks to the Druid and God that had saved them. Hoping to repay them both one day. Her anger at being brought into the middle of two feuding gods had dissipated a little by now and she concentrated on the task in hand.
on the dock she took a deep breath, shook of her down trodden mood and spoke with confidence and lightness.
I believe we go through gates, up the stairs and it is three blocks in, once we get to the street. The last we traveled through here, we did it in secret. are we sure we can enter in plain sight this time round?
Elorin a little cautious having gone through this once before with the possibility of arrows pointing at them. She was also curious as to where Derrick may be. or if they would run into the goblin that past her the note in the great hall. Some familiar face would be a comfort after the past few days she thought to herself.
That leaves Kalthos. If he sees nothing, we make our way to the palace.
I mean lets face it, would the humans really try and kill us?
Not the ones who like us...
As you scan the tower to see if you see the guards, the most perceptive among you are not sure there are not humans under cover at the landings (as was the case last visit). Then a procession led by Derrick with two other warriors and a man and woman wearing a necklace with a design similar to the elven banner appear.
Derrick smiles upon seeing you and say, "Welcome back, I knew you would come. It was touch and go in our domestic squabble, but the right people are in power now."
"The seeds were just the spark we needed. Not only did we overthrow the king, but be captured some loot he withheld from the people. We have decided to pay you for the seeds at the standard rate. As you probably don't need another year of supplies yet, here is the cash value.
Derrick gives you 10 somewhat heavy gold bars. As each has the weight of approximately 100 gold pieces, you figure they are worth about 100gp each.
"We have resumed trade with your people and the finished crafts your people have provided really have made a difference. This is my new set of advisors: Jonah and Duncan for military and Lucas and Anne for religon. How about we go to the new headquarters?"
Sense motive doesn't reveal much. The fact that their new holy symbols match the elven banner = priceless.
Telethal, fiddling with something in his gear, asks of the group as they wait (pitching his voice so it hopefully won't carry to Derrik and his people), "So... is the gold for us or for the Queen?"
You notice that after fiddling with his gear for a second, he takes out a small slip of paper, reads it, and looks around confusedly. Apparently not finding what he's seeking, he stuffs it back into his belt pouch.
Seltyn will have distributed the weapons. Telethal and Talon each get a sword and all get daggers. Take the rapier, Elorin, and the dagger. It's a little more elegant looking than that club, I think.
He'll greet Derrick heartily and wait for Elorin to do the talking.
Thank you Seltyn. Elorin admires the Rapier and puts in away.
It is good to see you again Derrick. Jonah, Duncan, it is a pleasure to meet you. She shakes there hands and greats them warmly. Lucas, Anne again a pleasure. Greeting everyone she turns back to Derrick.
You all must have gone through a tough time to bring this about. i now understand your concerns, the last we met. You have been through a lot for your people and we are grateful that you wish to resume trade with us. She smiles at Derrick, genuinely happy to see him again and relieved that things may be ok in the end for both their people. Perhaps we should follow you to an appropriate place and we can discuss what has gone on for both out groups?
Telethal takes the blade, strapping it across his back -- in the place his thick club used to hang. He seems unaware if its somehow traditional to wear them on the hip.
As soon as you reach street level, the destruction in town is quite evident. About one quarter of the buildings have heavy fire and smoke damage, and will take significant time to rebuild.
"The holdouts set part of the town on fire. With an erratic wind the fire jumped across entire buildings. Luckily the main building was made mostly of stone and has survived."
Derrick leads you into the large building where the previous meeting took place. You remember the 'visitors throne' was completely stripped down. It has been restored, but there are no jewels or gold guilding on it. Across from the 'visitors throne' the large ostentatious throne has been replaced with a more modest chair similar to the remade 'visitors throne'.
Derrick waves the elven group toward the restored 'visitors throne'. A few more of the advisors creep into the room from the previous administration and look on anxiously. A herald unrolls a paper and announces, "Esteemed elven visitors from Elfhome and representatives of Queen Celadriel, Queen and Noble Protector of the Elven Kingdom." The advisors hastily bring in five chairs to put around the 'visitors throne'. "Be seated and treated as honor guests and equals under this roof."
Now this is more like it... Seltyn whispers to Elorin as they wait on the chairs.
He plays the footman/scribe, and waits until Elorin is seated in the "throne" before he bows to the humans and sits.
It's all you, girl. Just be your charming self!