Ascaria goes shopping, as only one can in a place like this - whole hog. He sells off a little extra of his own and picks up trinkets for himself as he goes, seemingly buying up everything he sets his eyes on. Some may requires some time to procure…
SELL
Rod of reach (+5,500gp)
BUY
Holy Symbol, Iron Flask (15gp)
Holy Water (25gp) x12
Rare Incense (Atonement) 2,500gp
Scroll of Atonement (cl 7, 1,125gp + 2,500gp in optional rare incense)
Scroll of Break Enchantment (cl 15, 1,875gp)
Scroll of Commune with Plane (cl 7, 1,125gp)
Scroll of Delay Poison, Communal (cl 5, 375gp)
Scroll of Locate Object (cl 5, 375gp)
Scroll of Make Whole, Greater (cl 10, 1,000gp)
Scroll of Remove Blindness/Deafness (cl 5, 375gp)
Scroll of Remove Curse (cl 15, 1,125gp)
Scroll of Stone Shape (cl 5, 375gp)
Light Mace of Reaching (+2, spell storing (Dispel Magic) / Rod of Reach) (34,805gp)
Headband of Alluring Charisma improve to +6 (+20,000gp)
Improve Cloak of Resistance improve to +5, +(9,000gp)
TOTALS
77,416gp (divvy) + 5,500gp (sold) - 76,870gp (purchases) = 6,046gp
I have some cash if anyone needs a loan to get geared up. I have about 10kgp to loan out, though I have my eye on a belt… Rat Sass, let me know if all this is acceptable. Thanks.
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"No, no, I meant the Wild Watchers. The very ones who protected the Fountain of Dreams. From your accounting, it felt very one-sided. Instructions, compliance, no real exchange. Did they allow you a chance to ask them questions?"
Mortimer frowns. "Uh, well... there didn't seem to be time. First one of them -- Sayren-Lei -- " Mortimer says, fussing in the Muleback cords to bare forth a black and green banner, " -- this is his banner -- he's very moody. Uh, mostly angry, really it seems. Anyway," he continues, tucking the banner back into the cords (having not quite decided how to bear it), " Sayren-Lei challenged us to fight since due to random chance we didn't technically happen to finish one of the Trials. We managed to convince him we wanted to stop the Age of Worms. They all seemed tired, not in the mood for casual conversation. I mean -- they'd been holding that fort down since forever, right?" Mortimer concludes his lengthy roundabout way of saying 'They weren't up for chatting', and looks for something other than water to drink.
"If you don't consider it useful, then you are right to ask if any of it would help."
"I don't think I meant that. That cloak is pretty cool," he says, pointing to the Quicksilver one, "but unfortunately, I'm already wearing a cloak. And, you having just found out about all of those -- do you even know how to find any of it?" Mortimer asks, brazenly adjusting the Headband of the LizardHood upon his brow. "Also, I'm not sure I understand all the stuff in there about the dragons, turning into them and all. There are good ones and bad ones -- Sol said so. So, I found myself wondering -- how could a bad dragon help? Do you have to be the dragon, or just be able to use its particular breath weapon or whatever? Is it the dragon part that is important?"
"You're referring to the Fragment, Mortimer, the one you were hesitant to leave with me."
Mortimer nods, as Manzorian speaks. Why is he questioning my memory? If I'd forgotten about it, why would I bring it up? Mortimer squints at Manzorian, trying to get a closer look. Is it HIS memory that suffers?
"I was just wondering if it was safe, you know -- if you had been able to use it at all toward our common goal," he assures Manzorian. "Good to know that it is still safe."
~~~~
Mortimer stuffs himself with standing rib roast, baked potatoes and some small round green vegetables resembling cabbages.
"Excellent work Cedric! Is Ascaria paying you enough?"
Mortimer sleeps dreamlessly for once, and accompanies Ascaria on his foray into market, chiding him over his lack of herb knowledge.
At some point during the time in New Magepoint:
”YES! THE ZOO!!! I *love* the Zoo!!’ Solrisa squees with delight. She doesn’t yet know what to do with all her money, so going to the zoo would be a perfect way to avoid thinking about things.
Eidi agrees with Mortimer and smiles as he finishes his sentence "Yeah, it seemed like the Age of Worms was coming for us. Not really the best time for chatting. Although I am sure had they laid down some roasted beef, things would have been tempting"
----------------------
"Although interesting, I will have to decline on the zoo Solrisa" Eidi sighs while observing his incomplete work "It seems I will have to profit any little available time for my studies and crafting"
Eidi will dedicate as much days as possible to crafting his headband, but he is ok to depart to see Lashona at any time as a break.
Ascaria thanks Sol for her offer, but declines.
He spends his days in town, shopping for this and that for the pub and Cedric. More and more though he goes earlier and earlier to the pub to settle in. Even to the point of casting multiple Plane Shifts a day to ferry people back and forth. He really enjoys the pub. And wants to do more there. For example, he really wants to expand the little library they have. He realizes spending time in the pub doesn’t help make that happen and emerges after a few days of sloth to head back into Magepoint.
He heads to the library and tries to gain admittance.
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”YES! THE ZOO!!! I *love* the Zoo!!’ Solrisa squees with delight. She doesn’t yet know what to do with all her money, so going to the zoo would be a perfect way to avoid thinking about things.
"Oh, yeah --," Mortimer says by way of apology. "I thought Eidi and Ascaria said they already had plans, so I didn't think to invite them." He looks at them. "You're more than welcome to come with us to the Zoo if you like -- if you plans changed. I wonder if this Zoo also has the large deer-like creatures with fat tails and pocket babies too!"
~~~
"Oooh -- look Sol. See?" Mortimer asks, pointing to a spot in a slow moving river. The opaque form makes it's way to shore. "What is it? A duck?! Look at the bill! And a beaver tail? What about those otter feet? Is it for real, or did they just do some weird magical experiment?! I bet you can only find this in Magepoint!"
~~~
"Solrisa, is anything bothering you? You don't seem all that interested in being here in Magepoint. I know it's not very far north, but it was the most pleasant place we've been in our travels -- it having that cheese shoppe you love so much. Remember the last time we were here? So inspired by the city, you sculpted a statue of Eidi! You haven't mentioned wanting to do anything, I mean -- until I mentioned the Zoo."
"Maybe it's just me, but you seem of late -- very distracted. NOT like 'Manzorian distracted' or anything, more like 'you're here not here really' sort of distracted."
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"Oooh -- look Sol. See?"
Solrisa squees in delight...because she does, in fact, *see*. She sees the river, she sees the opaque form, she sees. Oh man, the fact that she sees it, and can share it with Mort, makes her very happy.
"Oh yes, Mort! Yes, that's exactly right! I don't know what it is. Might be an owlbear! Remember the owlbear! Oh...that was a lot of fun...do you think its an owlbear, Mort!?!" Solrisa laughs and squees with delight.
"Solrisa, is anything bothering you? You don't seem all that interested in being here in Magepoint. I know it's not very far north, but it was the most pleasant place we've been in our travels -- it having that cheese shoppe you love so much. Remember the last time we were here? So inspired by the city, you sculpted a statue of Eidi! You haven't mentioned wanting to do anything, I mean -- until I mentioned the Zoo."
Solrisa's squees of delight somewhat stop as she turns to look at Mort. "Uhm, yes? No? I don't know," Solrisa crestfalls. "Well, I dunno Mort. I just...I just...I don't know. I love the cookies and the cheese and owlbears and bearowls, but also, I dunno...what is next?! It seems like...it seems like we've been all over the place, here and there *THEN* there and here, and you know...I dunno. Where is *home*, Mort?! I used to be able to answer that. I used to know the answer was 'Wherever Rae said it was.', but that's not true now. Is it? Mum and Rae are gone, and we're never *home*. Where is home now? I used to have curtains, Mort. And I used to carve Dragonchess pieces and then Rae used to yell at me about dust and rocks in her sheets and how I shouldn't use her toothbrush to polish things, but yeah, you know?! That was *home*, but I don't know my home anymore." Solrisa looks at the duckbilled owlbear baby.
"Maybe things are just weird. The only time I know peace is when I'm asleep and The Dragon comes to whisper things in my ear. Then I know things. But it isn't home. It's not home. I'm never home."
Solrisa leans her head down on the zoo railing, looking at the creatures.
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"And, you having just found out about all of those -- do you even know how to find any of it?"
"Find any of it, no." Manzorian smiles. "I know how to craft them now. With study, so can Eidi."
"So, I found myself wondering -- how could a bad dragon help? Do you have to be the dragon, or just be able to use its particular breath weapon or whatever? Is it the dragon part that is important?"
"Well, harnessing the sheer power of dragons, of any color, is what's on display here. Your accounting described a Silver, right? Perhaps the Order of the Storm has a strong affinity for dragons as allies, and invested their creation energies as a means of honoring such power that came to oppose the legion of undead. I could be wrong, of course."
Various items of interest among the Outcasts are obtainable, with time. Several items are immediately available. All in all, the lists of wishes become reality, at week's end. All, except the Doomslayer Bow, which Manzorian promises to be done by the beginning of next week, roughly nine days hence.
Eidi and Ascaria take it upon themselves to research phylacteries, and all that implies in the impending conflict with the undead Dragotha.
"Let's invest some of our time at the Temple Library researching how other heroes have dealt with phylacteries in the past."
Eidi spends his hours in the Library seeking the knowledge of phylacteries, and the undead tethered to such expensive and vital creations.
Mortimer and Solrisa are granted the magical means of traveling to and from Korvosa, and the Arcona Zoo which resides in Old Korvosa, where a piece of each of the Outcasts' heart was laid as mark of wonderful memories.
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"Find any of it, no." Manzorian smiles. "I know how to craft them now. With study, so can Eidi. [ ... ] I could be wrong, of course."
Mortimer gasps in astonishment, his mind blown by Manzorian's revelations. He hesitates, then chooses to accept Manzorian's theory about their experience being some mass hallucination. "Then..." he a bit more still slightly feeling that all of this (after the Dragothian experience) is too good to be true, "I guess you can make something other than a cloak?!" he rasps. desperately hoping he doesn't sound too skeptical.
~~~
"Oh yes, Mort! Yes, that's exactly right! I don't know what it is. Might be an owlbear! Remember the owlbear! Oh...that was a lot of fun...do you think its an owlbear, Mort!?!"
"Ooooh, yah! Maybe a real small one. I can totally see how the bill could turn into a beak as it gets bigger!" How fast do they grow?!
~~~
"[ ... ] That was *home*, but I don't know my home anymore." Solrisa looks at the duckbilled owlbear baby.
Mortimer too gazes upon the strange quasi-mystical beast. "*Home*? I, ... don't remember my people. I feel bad about that. I wonder if they remember me. Sometimes I think to be forgotten would be a tragedy. But then I realize -- no one is ever really forgotten. Your Rae and Mum are still here," he says, pointing to her heart. "Because of that they're always with you. And, where ever they are -- they remember you too in their hearts."
Dust and rocks in the sheets would be pretty tough...
"See, Sol?" he asks, after being briefly distracted. "It's not about curtains, it's about who you care about, what's in here," he says, pointing to his own heart. "That's *home*."
"Maybe things are just weird. The only time I know peace is when I'm asleep and The Dragon comes to whisper things in my ear. Then I know things."
Mortimer starts slightly, pondering Solrisa's words as he gazes at the creatures sauntering back to the river after snacking on some quackgrass. Is that a 'shoulder' they're looking over? What does she mean 'peace' when she's asleep? "Did you hear Apsu last night? What did he say?" Mortimer quietly asks not really expecting an answer, but hoping the memory might bring Solrisa some peace.
Eidi saddens, feeling pity for Solrisa "I do understand you. I have been travelling around and have no place to call home. I thought coming back to the country I was born to would make me feel at place, but I too still feel out of place. However, I have found you and all this adventures and that eases up the lack of belonging" the half-elf puts a hand on Solrisa's shoulder and shakes her compassionately.
Back at the Temple Library, Eidi opens the larger books on old history and undead creature compendiums searching for the phylacteries and how others have destroyed them in the past, and what types of shapes and forms those phylacteries often take.
Later on, the elder makes sure a box of chocolate delicacies reaches Agath for easing up the entry fees.
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"Nine days? Oh, okay...do we have nine days, guys?" Solrisa asks, wanting the Doomslayer bow, but not certain the party has that kind of time. "Eidi, do we have nine days?"
* * *
"I do understand you. I have been traveling around and have no place to call home. I thought coming back to the country I was born to would make me feel at place, but I too still feel out of place. However, I have found you and all this adventures and that eases up the lack of belonging" the half-elf puts a hand on Solrisa's shoulder and shakes her compassionately.
Solrisa smiles as she feels Eidi's hand on her shoulder, not even realizing he was there. It was a nice comfort, because shared loss is better than holding it alone. Solrisa doesn't like feeling sad, and tries to avoid it at every opportunity. She bends her head to push her ear into Eidi's hand, saying nothing.
* * *
"*Home*? Your Rae and Mum are still here. Because of that they're always with you. And, where ever they are -- they remember you too in their hearts."
"See, Sol?" he asks, after being briefly distracted. "It's not about curtains, it's about who you care about, what's in here," he says, pointing to his own heart. "That's *home*."
"But it's hard to lose people, Mort. It's very hard. Mum was my mum, you know? And Rae...and Rae is my best friend and my sister, I miss them and the home we had," Solrisa says sadly. She knows she shouldn't be sad about it, because she can't do anything about it, but that just makes it hurt more. Sometimes things hurt. They always hurt.
"Did you hear Apsu last night? What did he say?"
Solrisa's face lights up. This is a happy question that she can answer. "Oh, he tells me lots of things. He says that I should be kind to others. And that I stand up for what is right. And that you should always save the last cookie for someone else. You know, things that you are supposed to do," her eyes smile with joy. "And sometimes he tells me special prayers so that I can help him kill at the evil. That's what he tells me. We are betrothed in that."
Solrisa moves on, looking for more and different animals to admire with Mort.
"And of course it's about the curtains, Mort! How can you *have* a home without curtains!? That doesn't make any sense at all, please explain how that would work?" Solrisa asks, trying to change the subject. "Without curtains, what are you going to roll up to let the sunshine in, Mort?! You can roll wood or stone so that's a silly idea, Mort. That wouldn't work at all. Next thing you're going to say is that homes don't have coasters, as if you can just put a cup on a table and not have anything underneath it!? I'm not sure that's how things are supposed to be in a home."
Ascaria is happy to wait out the full 9 days for the bow. He collects his items as they are ready, and places an order for one more thing - he’s a bit worried about his survivability in combat, so he buys some help.
Belt of Physical Might +2 Dex/Con (10,000gp)
He thinks a little harder, ”How about a collection of 2,000gp worth of miscellaneous books. At least a few about Cayden Cailean, the politics and nobility of Cheliax, and some cooking and gardening books for Cedric. But the rest more generic and about whatever. Surprise me!” He looks up pleadingly into the librarian’s eyes.
- - -
He’ll spend much of the nine days as a runner for Eidi’s research, collecting books for the pub, and hanging out in the pub with Cedric - when he’s not hanging out with the party of course!
Near the end of the week, he’ll ask the group, over supper in the pub so no one can eavesdrop on them, ”So where are we headed next? I presume we’re off to destroy the phylactery, right?”
Eidi profits the evenings at the pub to work hard on the headband improvement, but completion will need some extra time.
"Oh, yes, I think Kongen-Thulnir, but we were considering a stop to talk with Lashonna. I think it might be worth. In the end she was the one who put us on track to Tilagos island" and of course this time the group knows about the elf little secret "I can teleport us to Alhaster to talk with her. We can also reach the Mindspin Mountains more easily from that point too"
"Oh charm of finches! I almost forgot! We were going to visit the druids too! Let's do that tomorrow!"
Ascaria very much wants to visit the local druids and thank them for their help and let them know what they saw. And Lashonna too of course!
”So where are we headed next? I presume we’re off to destroy the phylactery, right?”
Solrisa's half-elven ears perk up.
"Oh, tell me again what the flylecturnee is? I know I should know this, but I'm hoping it's not like a baby owlbear, because I think those are cute," Solrisa replies, happy to destroy lots of things, but also worried about destroying something nice.
"Yes, of course! We should also visit the druids! That's a good time for a picnic! This is a good plan, Ascaria!" Solrisa is ready to go once she has her doom bow.
"And of course it's about the curtains, Mort! How can you *have* ... Without curtains, what ... roll wood or stone so that's a silly idea, Mort. That wouldn't work at all... I'm not sure that's how things are supposed to be..."
Mortimer shrugs. "Maybe you're right. Kittens would need something to climb and knock over," he says pointing to a large stocky looking black spotted grey cat with a long, fat tail as it bounces up its habitat wall to a ledge. It pauses briefly to casually clean a paw before using it to deliberately swat a wide flat water dish over the side.
~~~
Mortimer is more than happy to shop, visit the Druids and visit Lashonna (either before the bow is ready or after).
Then finally to Kongen-Thulnir, to locate and destroy a phylactery.
"Oh, ummm... a baby owlbear phylactery? That is an intriguing idea Solrisa! I never read about a phylactery that is a living creature, but why not? I mean... well, I guess the creature shall be able to life for multiple centuries, perhaps millennia, but it is certainly and interesting theory" Eidi reflects deeply on the matter and forgets to actually answer the half-elf's question.
One of the days during their wait, Eidi teleports the group to Alhaster so they can visit Lashona and the druids, just on the ruined temple where they found Rhorsk and Eri departed.
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The Temple Library opens its wealth of information to you in your pursuit of knowledge regarding liches and their creation process. There are heavy redactions, of course, as several tomes you request from the archivist are quite explicit in their accounts. Should someone desire to become a lich themselves, they won't be able to find that exact black knowledge here in the cool halls of the Temple Library.
One of the ultimate goals of necromancy is the true path beyond Pharasma's Final Embrace, Life Eternal. Life freed from the shackles of the frail meat of the mortal body, free to while away the years in profundities and eldritch investigations. Free of the risk of an ultimate death in the creation of a phylactery...
To study such dark and insane theories of magic is to become truly evil and insane. To forget oneself almost entirely, to lose touch with humanity, the petty concerns of civilization and its base needs for food, shelter, and the human touch. Their names are either retained in their horrible reputations, or given to them for the evil they have wrought in their existence. There are names you find in your readings... The Bronze Lich... Thessalar, the World Traveler, the Spurned Lich... The Maimed Lord also known as Vecna... and The Whispering Tyrant, Tar-Baphon... and even Dragotha mightiest consort of Tiamat, mother of all evil dragons...
Liches are greatly feared for their Fear Aura, Paralyzing and Grave Touch, their ability to reduce damage from any weapon that isn't Bludgeoning and Magical. They enjoy Life Sight, and Power Over Undead. They are also Immune to Cold and Electricity, and Resist Channeling energies as well. The true terror of the Lich, above all else, is its Rejuvenation. To slay this undead, only to have it slaughter your kith and kin in hateful memory of your audacity, the Lich frightens away the most fearless of champions, who have no means of destroying its Phylactery first...
The creation of the Phylactery is an almost god-like event, in power, expense and sacrifice. It is an Ascension, however blasphemous it may be. It is reborn in its destruction, this powerful Lich being, right next to its Phylactery. Reborn again and again, should the Lich be so bold as to risk its own Unlife.
The expense of a Phylactery is enormous, minimally 100kgp, but the expense doesn't end there. Blood sacrifice, perilous pilgrimages to obtain a worthy material, the Phylactery is its own work of art. There are cryptic tales of certain liches who have survived the destruction of their first Phylacteries, long enough to create a second one, though over aeons of time in hiding...
A Phylactery can take many forms, though a small metal box inscribed with sigils of power and parchments of runed papers is a similar method in several accountings. There are notations of rings, amulets, animal teeth, precious stones, even small moons of distant planets being used as Phylacteries...
The destruction of a Phylactery is simple enough, once found. They are mere objects, with their own Hardnesses, though misinformation is spread by their very creators of perilous pilgrimages to dangerous lands, in the hopes of slaying the mortal in the folly of false claims...
"I don’t know what I want, actually. I must admit, I’m not very well read. I want something to read while I’m resting. I want a number of different topics of interest so I can change my mind. How about a collection of 2,000gp worth of miscellaneous books. At least a few about Cayden Cailean, the politics and nobility of Cheliax, and some cooking and gardening books for Cedric. But the rest more generic and about whatever. Surprise me!”
Bartlebee doesn't bluff well, when the amount of the purchase is stated. "Two thousand, eh? I think I can accommmodate you, master Ascaria. Give me the week, and I'll have your acquisitions ready." Bartlebee appears to be looking through you at a phantom bookshelf of potential choices in his mind, before returning his gaze more materially in your direction. "You should have something to help you bear the books away. Do you need a wheelbarrow, or will you have something more magical to transport them from here?" He speaks as one with experience in such matters would.
At week's end, you receive a message- Accomplished your Acquisitions. Returning to the Temple Libary, you are provided your purchases:
2 Book of Puzzles
4 Holy Texts of Cayden Cailean
2 Tomes of Epics
1 Book of War Prayers, dedicated to the god Cayden Cailean
1 Book of Letters, specific to the nation of Cheliax
10 Sets of Masterwork Book Sets, each dedicated to a separate Knowledge, with various titles that titillate the eye, from Spelunking with the Monkey of Cockaigne, to Axis Mundi, to Fey of Menzoberranzan.
...
The return trip to Alhaster proves somewhat fruitful and fruitless at the same time. Mistwall Manor is entirely closed up when you arrive at the guardhouse. Larson meets you several paces from the guard house, looking over his shoulder at several half-orc soldiers, newly stationed.
"Ho! Outcasts! Great to see you! Sorry, but the Lady is absent, and we're not letting anyone onto Mistwall grounds." Larson leans in to speak more quietly among you. "She's currently away. She spoke of you, of course, told me to tell ya that she's very interested in having you continue doing your fine work, and that she'll contact you when she's able. That's about all I can relay to you, from her." Larson appears proud that he's been able to say these words to you. The half-orcs behind him look on, stoically.
...
Returning to Magepoint, and seeking out the druids on the outskirts, you are more successful. Maxie, Valeris, and Eri are all busy packing. They pause in their chores about their quaint home to join you all en masse.
They all look upon you, knowingly, with smiles that suggest a newly rekindled desire. "You must have succeeded, my friends." Eri speaks first, and eagerly. "Maxie and Valeris have never been more excited for a bit of travel. I'm sure they'll sit still, if you've come with stories." Eri smiles grandly, patting himself for a shifted flask of spirits, offering it whoever's interested.
Eidi's head spin, his face going paler and his thoughts staling as he studies the darkest secrets of becoming a lich. Being reborn in its destruction. Releasing the body from its human needs to fully devote to knowledge. Eternity and potential omniscience. The elder has to shake his head and remind himself of the reasons behind their chase in order to stay focused.
Although less chatty than usual, Eidi does indeed share his findings in the Temple Library with anyone among the Outcasts that dare to ask.
----------------------------------
"Very much thanks Larson, for your help and orientation. Are you allowed to tell us where the Lady has gone?" Eidi shows his fist a coin between two fingers, and a cookie between other two. The half-elf let's the half-orc choose "Thanks for your help"
----------------------------------
Eidi is happy to see Eri again and offers him a hug "Happy to see you are doing well. Sure, I am up for some of their stories, and I happen to remember there was good stocked food involved too"
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Ascaria is horrified at the Lich research. The things one must do to cross over in that way, to cheat death. He just doesn’t get it. Oh sure, he’s considered reincarnation. It’s a way to bypass death from old age for the truly powerful. But it’s natural if not normal. Undeath is, well, it’s a negative isn’t it? Not being. You’re no longer who you once were deep down, where it counts. You’re someone, something completely different. And evil. No thank you.
”Eidi, is it possible for liches to have two phylacteries at the same time? In other words, if we destroy this one, could he, er, it have another already ready to go?”
“You should have something to help you bear the books away. Do you need a wheelbarrow, or will you have something more magical to transport them from here?” He speaks as one with experience in such matters would.
”Oh right!” he puts a book down back on the pile. ”I need Mort! I’ll be back later to pick al these up. My apologies for not being ready, but I had no idea!” He babbles on excitedly for a while before departing quickly to hunt down his friend with the bag of holding and broad back.
- - -
”Mort! Mort! Can I borrow you a moment?!” Ascaria rushes in breathlessly to wherever Mort is relaxing at the moment and, perhaps, startles him. ”I have a bunch of books for the library and need to get them to the Pub. Can I borrow you a moment? I need the bag of holding you carry to load it up.”
He smiles, Eidi, I think they want us to tell them our story, not the other way around!” He then proceeds to do so. He starts with the storm, flowing easily to the shipwreck, onto the Druids and their challenges, their opponents (who got away), and even the final battle. As he describes the battle, he takes out his drawing (link) and points out their opponents in the charcoal.
”So you see, we were victorious, in a manner of speaking, and our path is clear. But you are moving, where are you going? What has changed for you?”
"A double phylactery? Hmmm.... a worrying thought" Eidi ponders the idea but discards it negating with the head "The life soul binds to the object when the undeath comes... thus, it seems difficult to create another one when the soul is already trapped. But if the wizard is powerful enough... it is difficult to tell where is the limit. I do not think so, but who can discard..."
---
"Oh, and explain also when Solrisa killed all the orcs. Just she was not Solrisa! I think it was one of the Darl Quethos minions" Eidi also gives details on the way Mortimer hold heroically the Roc King and how they all were lured by a great tree in the middle of the forest "Of course, we left a few loose strings here and there... but well, who is to notice when the job is done. Isn't it?" Or so does the half-elf hope.
Solrisa really tries to focus on understanding all that Eidi is telling her, but sometimes she gets a bit confused, and then wrinkles her nose, but does not ask too many questions or worry about interrupting. It's clear the Eidi is having fun with the research and she's happy to hear his stories.
* * *
Solrisa is crestfallen that Lashonna is unable to greet them, but understands. Sol has been traveling a lot as well, and she hasn't been home to greet anyone. And she's not sure she has a true home yet.
"Oh okay, thank you Mr. Guard," Sol offers a nice smile of thanks.
"Are you allowed to tell us where the Lady has gone?"
Larson shakes his head. "I think she'd want me to tell you, if I knew, but I don't, so she probably wanted it that way." The guard shrugs his shoulders. "She did secure the manor well, so I expect she'll be away for some time."
...
"Eidi, I think they want us to tell them our story, not the other way around! ... So you see, we were victorious, in a manner of speaking, and our path is clear. But you are moving, where are you going? What has changed for you?”
Valeris chuckles, as his wrinkled hand plays with his beard. "Something in the wind, gnome. The trees are excited, as of late. Suppose you know a thing or two about that, don't you. As for moving, we're just stepping away for a bit of travel. Not sure exactly where we're off to, but I'm thinking we're going to wander along the coast. Might even visit your Tilagos."
"Oh, and explain also when Solrisa killed all the orcs. Just she was not Solrisa! I think it was one of the Darl Quethos minions!" Eidi also gives details on the way Mortimer hold heroically the Roc King and how they all were lured by a great tree in the middle of the forest. "Of course, we left a few loose strings here and there... but well, who is to notice when the job is done. Isn't it?"
Maxie gravitates towards Solrisa, her eyebrows knitting. She looks up and into the maiden's eyes. "The Night Twist." She takes Solrisa's left hand. "Yours was the killing blow. And now you bear its Curse. Oh, you poor thing." Maxie turns to Valeris, who nods his understanding. Maxie lets go of the maiden's hand.
"You're strong, Solrisa, but you must know that if you die Cursed, you will usher a new Night Twist into the world." Maxie's eyes continue to look at the maiden, unblinking.
"Now, if I remember correctly, and I'll say that memory is brighter these days, you can only lift the Curse by Wishing it away, while you're in the throes of a nightmare. I hope for your sake you'll see it through."
"Oh Solrisa! So that was it the reason we could not lift her curse?" Eidi nods Maxie "Thank you for your guidance. I think I know how to help her"
Without further ado, Eidi produces one of the four precious diamonds and says the arcane words for a limited wish "I wish Solrisa's curse of the Night Twist is lifted so she does not become one when the last day reaches her and her soul can join the River of Souls"
The words carry powerful magic and when the ritual ends the diamond is magically consumed.
"Are you ok? How do you feel?" the elder looks at the half-elf exploratory, never having performed these great magics before.
As they walk away, Ascaria suggests, "I could send her a message. Might be a nice gesture and she'll be able to reply, a little. What should I tell her? And remember, it can only be a sentence or two, so I can't tell the whole story." he grins.
"No, wait Eidi," Ascaria tries to stop the powerful mage from casting his spell. "Maxie said we must wait until she's sleeping. We can do it tonight in the pub, if you don't mind a late night intrusion that is, Sol." He turns to the maiden. "It will calm your dreams."
"How about 'We trust The Silver Wings and we are heading to the hole to finish the work?' Hope it is clear enough for the intended recipient" Eidi proposes.
"Oh! Yes of course, it was just a display of training to check how we would do it" Eidi coughs and discretely returns the diamond to his spell casting pouch.
"Are you ok? How do you feel?"
Solrisa blinks in confusion, as if she totally forgot all about the terrible curse she was under and so it takes her a moment to register Eidi's words.
"Oh! OH! OH! I don't know!" Solrisa closes her eyes and thinks really hard.
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Mortimer listens to Eidi's summary of the nature of liches, his eyes wide open in wonder.
"Vecna?! Doesn't that Darl Quethos work for or, uh -- worship Vecna? OOoooohh.... gross. I didn't know it was a lich. Maimed, huh? NO! DRAGOTHA TOO?!!! Oh, uh well -- actually. That makes sense..."
He becomes anxious when Ascaria asks about two phylacteries for the one lich, and shudders. NO, that can't be how it works! They're already not who they were! How do you split what's left? He breathes a sigh of relief when Eidi expresses his speculative answer. That would make more sense!
~~~
"Mort! Mort! Can I borrow you a moment?! Can I borrow you a moment? I need the bag of holding you carry to load it up."
Mortimer looks up from the last issue of Magi Today -- The Swimsuit Edition at Ascaria -- for the first time startled and a little nervous.
"Shhhh, it's a library. Load it with what?" Relieved when he discovers that it is just history and God of Beer books, he obliges the gnome.
~~~
Eri smiles grandly, patting himself for a shifted flask of spirits, offering it whoever's interested.
Mortimer samples the flask of spirits -- and never before having had the distilled beverage made from a blue plant of the same family as asparagus, he buckles slightly at the knees as his tongue transmits 'smokey fire water nectar with a hint of watermelon and cucumber' to his brain.
The stuff hits him pretty hard.
Wha, what is this druidic potion? It's like ... burning liquid candy... He pulls out a cheeseboard, a fresh hunk of smoked goat cheese and a small cheese carving knife. With a gesture of his hand, he offers it to everyone.
"You're strong, Solrisa, but you must know that if you die Cursed, you will usher a new Night Twist into the world."
... ! "She'll what?" he blurts rhetorically.
"No, wait Eidi, Maxie said we must wait until she's sleeping. We can do it tonight in the pub, if you don't mind a late night intrusion that is, Sol." He turns to the maiden. "It will calm your dreams."
He turns to Solrisa. "Is that it, Solrisa!?" he asks, gently. "You haven't been hearing The Dragon lately -- just instead having nightmares?!"
He turns to Ascaria and Eidi. "Maybe Maxie didn't mean a specific 'you' when she said '...you can only lift the Curse by Wishing it away, while you're in the throes of a nightmare.', right? Because --otherwise it sounds like it is Solrisa who needs to do the wishing while dreaming?"
He looks to Maxie for clarification.
Solrisa shakes her head, very confused. ”Oh, maybe? I don’t know. Sometimes it’s very good whispers and sometimes I worry that a lich has stolen all the cheese,” she shakes her head in confusion.
Mort looks at Solrisa with concerned eyes, for possibly the first time ever he finds himself really fearing for her.
"No, don't worry. There will be plenty of cheese. We'll try when you're asleep, I just want to make sure we get it right. It isn't a cheap spell."
"Emmmm, erm... this was just some kind of mage trick to show you how it is done" Eidi rolls his eyes around trying to conceal he did not pay enough attention to the druids words "But do not worry, we will try out next time you get some sleep. We will get you some cheese if that helps out!"
Once the meeting with the druids is done, Eidi gathers with Ascaria to travel back to the pub. There he continues his crafting and let's the others let him know if Solrisa falls sleep to come by her room and perform the ritual. The magic wish ritual. The diamond magic wish ritual.
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With the giant's broad shoulders, and the gnome's fastidiousness, Ascaria's Pub becomes a greater repository of knowledge, a grafting of Magepoint's renowned Temple Library.
...
"We trust The Silver Wings and we are heading to the hole to finish the work?"
...
"She'll what?"
Valeris leans his head towards the giant. "She'll turn tree, and a nasty one, at that. Not every tree can do that, but I know several that have tried to will it into the minds of the local lumberjacks. Not here in Magepoint, mind you. This town is very respectful of the woods."
"Maybe Maxie didn't mean... otherwise it sounds like it is Solrisa who needs to do the wishing while dreaming?"
"You've got it, Mortimer." Maxie nods, a smile on her face wishing to be wholly optimistic, but not quite there yet. "It's good that she has loved ones who can see her through it."
"But do not worry, we will try out next time you get some sleep..."
Eidi's words prove politely prophetic, as the time eventually comes to part ways with the druids, bellies and minds full of the social interaction, before returning to Ascaria's Pub. The later evening in Magepoint is less celebratory than the night before, though there are spots of warmth dotting the town here and there.
When Solrisa takes to bed, it's only a matter of an hour before the sheets twist and pull quietly. It's enough for Mortimer's keen ears to pick up on, and the giant opens the door to the elderly half-elf, who strides in, and reenacts his practice from earlier in the day.
"I wish Solrisa's curse of the Night Twist is lifted so she does not become one when the last day reaches her and her soul can join the River of Souls."
When the words are uttered, and the diamond is consumed, the maiden wrestles with the linens no more. When the half-elf questions the maiden as to the results, he receives no answer. He can only witness the profound serenity on the woman's face, and leaves the question unanswered, until morning, when he might choose to ask it again.
...
The next morning dawns, ever so gently, and the Outcasts find themselves one day closer to finishing their various craftings and preparations for travel to Kongen-Thulnir.
Solrisa is the very picture of radiance. Gone is the sallow, gone is the moldy aura, gone is the yoke from her full strides. The Curse of the Night Twist is well and truly lifted.
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"Ssssshhh!" Eidi covers his lips with a finger while he walks back slowly closing the door "The maiden is dreaming now in a land of sugar trees and chocolate fountains! Most probably"
---------------
The next day Eidi greets everyone's morning on the kitchen, renewing his pot of cookies "So... Sol. How did you sleep tonight? Any good dreams?"
For the next days the half-elf keeps working on enhancing his headband, mounting together new rubies and quartzs, and other gems the group has found and he has been reserving for himself. After each new gem is added, he follows in with long hours of enchanting, following the many notes written in his old book of magic.
He follows more of less the same routine until the group decides everyone is ready to depart for Kongen-Thulnir.
"So... Sol. How did you sleep tonight? Any good dreams?"
”Oh, I did sleep! And it was nice. I think there was chocolate, and maybe Mum was there too? I don’t remember because it was a Dream Tuesday, and on Dream Tuesdays, everything is very purple, you know?” Solrisa smiles deep and full. ”But yes, I think the dreams were good dreams, and just maybe I don’t miss home as much right now. Maybe.”
Solrisa looks around for morning ham and bacon. Because that’s how she’ll know if life is good again.
”Mort? Did you see what happened? Did it work?”
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Ascaria relays Lashonna’s reply to his Sending, ”She apologizes, but is busy. She said she hopes to visit when we’ve secured the prize.” He wonders if she’ll have some part to play at that time, but isn’t sure.
He’s very pleased at the healing of Sol. He smiles when he casts Status the following morning and sees a clean bill of health. ”Sol, you look well today, welcome back. Good job Eidi!”
He’ll spend the remaining days before their planned departure drifting between Magepoint and the pub. As the days grow short, he starts to get a little anxious to be back on the road. He knows they must rest, resupply, and prepare themselves for the trials to come. But he’s ready.
Or so he thinks…
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”Sol, you look well today, welcome back. Good job, Eidi!”
Solrisa squees with joy, as if she had done something grand, but is rejoicing in the event.
"Yes, of course! Eidi's cookies are very good and they can heal many wounds," Solrisa's eyes glance down towards Eidi's cookie sack to see if it might be bulging and need of relief.
"I think I am much better and that I can probably eat much hams and cheeses and cakes. Do you have any cakes for me, Ascaria? It's okay if not, because Rae, my sister, used to take the cakes into her room for eating, but, if I was nice and pleasant and did not complain, she would leave me a small slice of cake...BUT, it was doubled if it was my birthday cake...which was really great!"
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"Yes sure, take some Solrisa" Eidi is happy to see the maiden happy once again. The elder creates a heroes' breakfast specially stoked with hams, cheeses and cakes of many flavors, including chocolate and strawberry ones. In fact, he does this every day while they gear up to fight Dragotha.
After the 9th days, he is half-way to complete his crafting, but otherwise he is ready to travel "I can teleport us to Alhaster, from there maybe Ascaria can make us again into a white cloud so we can direct ourselves to the Mindspin Mountains. The Rift Canyon must be about 500 miles northeast"
"Mort? Did you see what happened? Did it work?"
Mortimer smiles. "Yes, judging by your smile and the spring in your step, it worked! I'll take some credit for sharing that Ost av Linnorm with you before retiring to sleep -- that cheese is the STUFF of nightmares!"
As Solrisa goes on about Rae and birthday cakes, Mortimer finds himself wondering, "What if you could make little tiny cakes? They do that, right? Not like ... little cakes ... like pancakes or sheet cakes cut up -- but scaled down versions of the Mierani Forest Cake in little individual boxes so you could carry tons of them and just pop them into your mouth whenever you felt like one..."
For the remaining time Mortimer patrols around town in his smoked goggles, running errands to garner supplies for whoever needs things while they bake, study or draw -- hoping upon hope that the next Heroes' Feast will have miniature cakes.
"I have had a dream my worm fighter friends. We waked up in a world without Dragotha and its dragon minions and we could make the Pub an inter-planar tavern for adventurers around to join in great feasts of spirited beverages, tender meat and delightful cookies." Eidi smiles one day with all preparations completed.
With everything else ready, the half-elf casts teleport ant brings the group back to Alhaster where they can perform a faster travel.
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"What if you could make little tiny cakes? They do that, right? Not like ... little cakes ... like pancakes or sheet cakes cut up -- but scaled down versions of the Mierani Forest Cake in little individual boxes so you could carry tons of them and just pop them into your mouth whenever you felt like one..."
”Pancakes? Where!?” Solrisa looks around with a smile on her face. Being tormented with nearly unbreakable curses would make one hungry. And she would eat cakes or pancakes at the moment.
”...delightful cookies.”
”Oh, that sounds like a lovely dream, Eidi! Yes, yes! There should be cookies! And sisters and Mums too!” Solrisa claps along with Eidi’s vision.
The days pass in very clement weather, the coastal winds kind to the festive spirits of Magepoint, which wane towards the end of the week. A runner for Manzorian manages to find you in your various visits through the town, letting Solrisa know that her creation is complete, and waiting at the All-Seeing Eye.
The weapon is wrapped in a blue leather case, with a single abstract dragon embossed on each side. The yew bow is unassuming, as promised. Closer inspection reveals flecks of bone embedded throughout the wood. The bowstring is newly waxed, and spiral-colored in white and brown. And it certainly detects as magic for those curious enough to cast upon it.
Manzorian also provides you a small portfolio of various phylacteries of yore, giving you some insight into what you might possibly be looking for.
Eri Nandri soaks up as much time as he can visiting with you. He informs you that Maxie and Valeris slipped into the forest, almost immediately disappearing from his keen eyesight. He knew they were truly gone from their home when he no longer heard Maxie's sing-song humming. As for the ever-wilder man you call fellow Outcast, Eri speaks of sea travel. He's visiting the piers weekly, waiting for the ship storied enough to pique his wanderlust, and take to its decks for half a year's travel abroad. You suspect that he's been idling a little, waiting for your safe return from Tilagos Island.
The time comes for your departure from Magepoint.
The folks who've become familiar with you lot take the time to come and say their goodbyes, and you're none the worse for wear when gifted fresh fish and newly harvested honey.
The elder half-elf gathers you about, and your vision shifts swiftly, as you regain yourselves in the shadow of the Church of Blessed Deliverance. No one in the streets or in the air seems to have noticed your arrival.
Welcome to Alhaster.
HP = 122/122
Hero Points = 3
Equipped = None
Conditions = Magic Vestment (1/17h, Ascaria, Mort, Sol), Status (1/17h, Eidi, Mort, Sol), Wind Walk (1/17h, everyone), Brightest Light (1/17h)
Life Link (16)(100’) = Eidi, Mort, Sol
Channel Energy (13/13)(11/11) (DC: 28)(Avoid 10, 35’r, 1/1 swift) (9d6+1+2d6 phylactery)
Amiable Blunder (1/1 if Diplomacy failed by >5, re-roll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend Spell (3/3, 6th lvl)
Light Mace of Reach Spell (3/3, 6th lvl)(Dispel Magic, 17th lvl)
Vest of Surgery (1/1 Heal DC 20 to heal 1d4 ability damage in 1h)
Spellguard Bracers (3/3 Roll concentration twice and take the best result)
Mnemonic Vestment (1/1 Cast spell from a scroll without burning the scroll)
Tankard (1/1 Remove Fear), (1/1 Heroism (30m)), (1/1 unbinding to DC 25)
Physician’s Spectacles (1/1 Delay Poison)(Constant: Detect Poison, Diagnose Disease)
Expeditious (3/3 swift +10’ movement)
Melee Attack: BAB +12/+7/+2, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +12/+7/+2, Dex +2, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 17, Concentration +27)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (19): Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance, Light, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (20): (9/9) Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Endure Elements, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Obscuring Mist, Remove Fear
Second (21): (8/9) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Protection from Evil Communal, Status
Third (22): (5/8) Cure Serious Wounds, Dispel Magic, Invisibility Purge, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer, Speak with Dead*
Fourth (23): (7/8) Blessings of Fervor, Brightest Light, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration, Sending, Speak with Haunt*
Fifth (24): (8/8) Air Walk Communal, Breath of Life, Burst of Glory, Cure Light Wounds Mass, Plane Shift, Serenity
Sixth (25): (7/8) Chains of Light, Cure Moderate Wounds Mass, Heal, Heroes’ Feast, Wind Walk
Seventh (26): (7/7) Cure Serious Wounds Mass, Ethereal Jaunt, Greater Restoration, Holy Word, Particulate Form
Eighth (27): (5/5) Cure Critical Wounds Mass, Create Demiplane, Holy Aura, Mass Heal
* Caster Level +2
- - -
Ascaria makes his goodbyes with some eagerness. He’s not looking forward to the task ahead overmuch, but rather what lies beyond the pain they must endure first. Peace from the age of worms. Won’t that be something.
The morning of departure as usual, after their Eidi summoned breakfast, he ensorcels the shields of the party (Magic Vestment ). He'll then watch over his friends (Status ) and refresh everyones Life Link just in case. He’ll also cast Wind Walk on the group out of general paranoia and top it all off with the Brightest Light on his hat band (which he’ll put in his vest pocket for now).
When they reach Alhaster, Ascaria asks, ”Anyone need anything? I think I’m set to press on with the wind walking, but happy to poke around first if we like.”
If the party chooses to press on, he’ll take out his white robe, courtesy of Eri, and begin to shift into cloud-form for the flight.
Eidi studies the phylacteries portfolio "This is very useful, thanks a lot for it Manzorian"
"What do you think about having a second breakfast by the Laughing Dawn Tavern as is tradition with our first visits to Alhaster and remember old days with Damsk? I know it was just a couple of months ago, but it rings as if it has been two years already" Eidi points towards the area of the docks "Maybe just a drink before taking flight into the more serious stuff"
Before leaving the Church of Blessed Deliverance, Eidi casts mage armor on himself.
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"Oh, this is the city with the pretty flying abominations against wholesomeness!" Solrisa squees with joy after looking around Alhaster. "Oh, where are they?" Sol scans the sky, hoping to catch sight of the angry women who hate her but have pretty wings.
"Anyone need anything?"
"Oh no, I just like seeing all the angry sad architecture and the pouty sadness this place oozes, it's perfect," Solrisa looks around cheerily, happy for the magical protections that Ascaria offers.
"**SECOND BREAKFAST**
Solrisa's head spins to look at Eidi. "Is it time for second breakfast?!" Sol asks breathlessly happy. "Yes, yes, we should go. Which way again?"
After the very promised second breakfast, Sol will be ready to travel to the next location.
"Sure, I'm up for a second breakfast before a traveling day. Let's see if the town has improved at all." he adds, remembering their local leader.
"What do you think about having a second breakfast by the Laughing Dawn Tavern as is tradition with our first visits to Alhaster and remember old days with Damsk?"
Mortimer hesitates, remembering his last meal in Alhaster, trying to conceal a frown.
When everyone wholeheartedly agrees to second breakfast, he points to Ascaria then to his head. "O.K., just watch out for all of us, in case they try that nasty poison delay thing there again on one of us."
The streets of Alhaster are familiar, though subdued, as you make your way from the Church to the Laughing Dawn Tavern, along the Toilway. Solrisa is 'treated' to a flyover, as a pair of Blessed Angels streak their shadows along the same roadway, headed in the direction of the Palace, or possibly the Angels' Aerie.
Entering the Tavern feels a bit of déjà vu, for the peace and quiet of a meeting place without the patrons who bring it to life at a much later hour. It takes Damsk a moment to recognize your faces, but recognize them, he does.
"Ho! I never thought I'd seek you people again, not when you dined with the Prince himself! Ha-ha ha-ha! Oh, drinks are on the House, if your stories are shiny! They'll be your gold here, now come tell old Damsk..." The proprietor leans across the plank-wood bar, and lowers his voice. "What was it like, walking the halls of the Palace? Did you get to speak with Zeech directly, or did you watch him from afar?"
...
Taking flight from Alhaster is a matter of an uneventful stroll through the city gates to Radalar's Regret, avoiding unnecessary confrontations with the erinyes patrolling the city skies. With Eri's makeshift garb and Ascaria's magical weaving of Wind Walk, you are but clouds to most sets of eyes, keen or no.
The better part of nine hours to see you traveling high above the lands of Nidal, then Varisia. For your rather linear approach to the region of the Mindspin Mountains, you are treated to another flyover of Korvosa, before losing all signs of civilization to the daunting peaks of the cyclopean mountain ranges.
The landscape is immense, and foreboding. Screeches from distant flame drakes rip through the air to reach you, beseeching you to turn back, in what you can ascertain is the region of the Bloodsworn Vale.
How do you seek out the Rift Canyon? There are plenty to choose from...
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Not having Eri's gift he does the best he can to tell the tale of their trip to old Damsk. He leaves off anything truly embarrassing, and keeps quiet about his own distaste for the man (though elements of the story may tell that plainly enough!). But he does the best he can, knowing it's only fair.
He'll also leave behind a generous tip by way of thanks for the food.
He takes flight with the others, thoroughly enjoying himself. Thanks to the Status spell, he doesn't need to hover right on top of his friends, but can drift a bit so they're not in each other's air.
How do you seek out the Rift Canyon? There are plenty to choose from...
Unable to see the ground, let alone any features of said ground, he simply asks, "Are we there yet?"
Solrisa squees and greets Damsk like they are old friends who had not seen each other in ages, but that's because Sol likes to squee and be joyous. She accepts the free drinks and does offer a few good tales, but, of course, her recounting of the party's deed are often disjoined, factually unsecure, and focused too much on food. But she tells the tales with a smile and enthusiasm, which is nice.
* * *
"I don't know where we are, Ascaria. Maybe we should go north? That's probably the right direction. I don't know Rift Canyan from Drift Canyan from Snow Drift. Eidi? Do you know?" Solrisa does not actually shiver, but is thinking about it.
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"Oh it is fine Damsk, it is great to remember a good story" Eidi orders a large glass of milk "I can explain you when the Lord Prince and myself we become chickens and had a fought to see whom of us would turn most others into stone. How does that one sound?"
"You should have also seen the display of true strength between Mortimer and Hoff, the dwarf yes, it was impressive and many assistants ate their nails out of tension" the half-elf nods asserting the truth of the tale "The feast was so rich that even Eri and Mortimer tossed chocolade at each other, can you figure out that? How Zeech manages to get all those richness?"
"Or when Zeech gave me a marzipan soup as trophy" the elder rolls his eyes on the memories of his soaked clothings.
---
After long hours of flight, Eidi points out "Perhaps we can try to look for signs of intelligent life. Some buildings or other kind of structures, so we can just ask where the Rift Canyon is exactly? Otherwise I guess we can ask for the gods to guide us"