Although I don't go back and read the spoilered bits when we met back up, so those stay private in my eyes
I think it's safe to say that the snake was related to the other animals we fought earlier. But even if it is one of those magic warped things, and even if it can make it through the fire, there's no reason to think it'll still be tryin' to kill people without the beastman, or Kronos the crazy prompting it.
Hold on! What did happen to the beastman? We never found the body.
Did anyone check if he looked like the guy in the flower?
Perception roll to remember if the guy look like the other guy
You can't remember with any certainty. In any case, the man-beast was a ways away in the dark, and the other creature was just a shape behind thicks leaves and petals.
Casvian trying to take his mind off his current situation thinks back to earlier times. In particular he remembers the time when he first used a bow to kill something, which was also the 2nd time he escaped death by luck alone.
He was out hunting or I guess I should say being taught how to hunt when a lion, not yet an adult, but still dangerous to humans, came rushing at him. It was as though it appeared from nowhere. Casvian was so afraid he just let the arrow fly, but he also closed his eyes, afraid to face what was coming for him. The arrow went through the lion's eye, killing it instantly.
Everyone was so proud of him, and how accurate his shot was in the face of danger. He on the other hand did not want to go hunting any more for a long time after that. It was about 3 months before he picked up a bow again.
With that thought he began to be wonder if would ever fire another bow again. It seemed his attempt to change his mood only brought more doubt.
Your group makes its way back to town without any further issue. From a distance, they can see the town alight with pinpoints of torches moving about. The villagers of Startville have come out of hiding to inspect the beasts that now lay slain on the ground. As our heroes approach closer, they are spotted and a great cheering commences. The priest of the chapel approaches you with humility, and shakes each of your hands in turn. A youthful man, with his black hair slicked and parted in the middle asks "So how'd ya doit? How do ya feel to be the heroes of Startville? " As the interview ensues, you are gradually led into the chapel again, to a back room where a great banquet is prepared. Much merriment ensues.
Teriwynth is met during the meal by a cat that curls up in his lap. Something strikes him as interesting about this beast. Without disturbing it, he casts detect magic, and discovers that the beast is a celestial cat, He thinks that, undoubtedly, this would make an excellent familiar, but before he can get too deep into that thought, the shock lizard Thundrik also approaches and curls up at your feet, apparently having chewed through the bars on its cage and gotten tired of being ignored.
Casvian is led by the hand through this process, there is a nervous tension in his chest. He has always been quite anxious in crowds and now unable to see who is bumping into him, he startles constantly. He hears a familiar voice, but much calmer than he remembers. The priest is speaking to him, asking him about what happened to his eyes. After hearing the story, the Jakal leads Casvian to a quiet area. Casvian's panic subsides without the barrage of noise. The smells of herbs and alchemical materials is strong in this room. After a few moments of tapping and ripping, he hands Casvian a package containing a powdered herb. "Chew this every day as you arise, and it should cure your condition. If you respond well, it will take only a day or two, but it should take no longer than a week. "
Alric receives a number of companions for the night. The ladies of the town twirl their hair, listening to you as you tell a grandiose story of your exploits. Even some men seem to be showing a special interest in you.
Edelle Cannot help but notice that there are a number of men and women also treating her very kindly. Her master never expressly forbid the temptations of the body, but there is some stigma about it in the more conservative monasteries. One older couple approaches you, pushing past the young bucks to offer a more serious aid. They claim to be masters of speaking to the body. They say that if you come in for a personal training session with them in the morning, they can improve your strength, speed, and skill. It's an offer more readily appealing than the young gentlemen and ladies before you, but there is nothing saying you can't enjoy both.
"Thanks. It is hard to be a warrior if when you can not see."
Casvian then puts the herbs, wondering if he can get used to being blind. Now that it seems the condition is not permanent it is not nearly as frightening.
In a short lull in the night, Alric reflects on the future.
Where to go? There's always Royalton, but Id rather avoid going back there if I can. Witness once mentioned a magical rift, so maybe there's a clue there to understanding this Time Magic. And there should be a port town on the outskirts, ahhh, whats it called? No Matter, I'll bring it up in the morning.
I should get that Tiger cloak too.....
Teriwynth is met during the meal by a cat that curls up in his lap. Something strikes him as interesting about this beast. Without disturbing it, he casts detect magic, and discovers that the beast is a celestial cat, He thinks that, undoubtedly, this would make an excellent familiar, but before he can get too deep into that thought, the shock lizard Thundrik also approaches and curls up at your feet, apparently having chewed through the bars on its cage and gotten tired of being ignored.
Teriwyth lavishes attention on the cat and carefully seats the shocker lizard to his side where it's warmer. He leans over and whispers softly as he strokes the cat "Zuo xcuf, I rat a bnielct hixel zuo ucvel, rel fal yaxelc pz yrel elhjell bnus tufc octeln. Zuo fuohtc'y raqqelc yu pel huuxicw bun a rusel fuoht zuo?"
Attempting to let her admirers off with out hurting their feelings, Edelle's best intentions are all for naught: Two of the men started fighting when they each thought they'd been rejected for the other. Naturally several of the Girls got worked up over the usual laundry list of complaints (That she was interested in 'her' man, she'd rejected 'her' man, she'd spurned her own advances, etc).
Edelle is very happy to look forward to a day of work with the local experts.
Tsuo anel moly fray Iy celelt. Iy fal lelcy pz yrel Wutl yu huux icyu yril elct-yisell qnuqrelvz. Sz casel il Feliss, act Iy celelt zuon relhq.
In the morning, each of you awaken to the chill of a late autumn breeze on your cheek. Teriwynth's new companion huddles closer to him for warmth. Casvian and Edelle awaken in solitude, each for their own reasons. Alric has enjoyed his night and he is exposed to the cold air as his companion from the night leaves. A tall creature in blue, but his memory is a bit fuzzy. No matter. As the group convenes over breakfast, there is still much joy in the air, but a more sedate attitude sets in as people return to their jobs and attempt to quickly reap as much as they can from the fields before the frost falls. Edelle sets off to discover the elderly sages and Alric goes off to claim a trophy from this most recent encounter.
Teriwynth and Casvian are left together with the two newest members of the team. Feliss, the cat and Thundrik, the shocker lizard pair off to Teri and Cas respectively.
When Alric arrives at the place where the tiger sat last night, he finds nothing there. A villager from the nearest building flags him over and explains that the beasts had reverted back to cats over the course of the night. He points out a small patch of turned earth about the right size to bury a few house cats. "That's all that's left of your heroism, it appears. You're welcome to the prize, but I don't know if old lady Macalroy would appreciate you wearing Mittens around. "
Edelle greets her new acquaintances formally as she approaches their house and they begin training with stretching, massage, and tea. They speak about the philosophy of balance, the body, and the universe. Truly the conversation is enthralling. Finally, the couple shows you some special techniques in a back studio of their house on a dummy, they warn you that channeling this power can take a toll on your body if you are not careful, or if you push yourself too hard.
Teriwyth heads off and leaves his companions to their business and heads off for the moment, on his own. Walking down the street with Feliss he perches him on his shoulder if he would prefer to ride. Teriwyth sees if there are any shops in town that he might possibly find any scrolls or other magical paraphernalia conversing with the cat in strange languages that range from elegant, rolling vowels to clicks and hisses.
Aric has a blank stare on his face for several seconds before responding quietly ...... I think I'll go get a wool cloak instead.
As he returns to the inn with his serviceable new garment, Alric spots Teriwyth and, Is that cat speaking Draconic?
Teriwyth, those beasts from yesterday, they turned into common pets!
Teriwyth, those beasts from yesterday, they turned into common pets!
Teriwyth turns and faces Alric, nodding a greeting before answering "Really now...strange..." Teriwyth thinks on this a bit "Strange, I only sensed an aura of Temporal magic upon them, perhaps it was a natural cause of some kind that resulted in them being so massive. In either case it is a topic worth looking into, by the way have you met Feliss? I met him last night and he's a pretty good fellow."
Alric and Teriwynth stroll into a general store in Startville. Inside the shopkeeper stands, taking stock. The black haired man mumbles to himself, occasionally removing a pencil from over his ear to write on a piece of paper. As you come in, he straightens and his eyes brighten. He is very excited to see you and he offers you his best rates possible. On display behind the counter in glass cases are: a +1 cloak of resistance, +1 shortsword, +1 light crossbow and four bolts with elemental energy damage. Finally, a number of different small objects and alchemical items are placed over red cloth to see. The shopkeep also tells you that he can have anything you like ordered in from Royaleton, and for you, he'll put it on rush delivery: 1 week guaranteed.
I thank the man for the offer but decline, not sure as to how much time is intended to be spent here.
Casvian waits until he think the party is outside and away from the church.
He then begins to chew on the gift that was given to him. His face forms a scowl, like that of a child taking medicine.
Edelle thanks her new teachers and promises to use there dangerous techniques in responsible ways.
As she wanders away she wonders why she was feeling a bit uncoordinated all day and then remembers that she hasn't fully recovered from her fight with The Son. She attempts to find someone who can help her with that damage.
As the day presses on, dark clouds roll in overhead. The cool winds begin to gust as rain begins to patter on the ground. Thunder crashes loudly against the darkening sky. Casvian's hearing is almost useless to him. He feels very isolated in the rain. Alone. A moment later, he stumbles blindly into Edelle who guides him quickly inside and helps him to dry off. Alric and Teriwynth eventually find their way to the rest of the group as the storm reaches a climax. After a few tense moments, the door is burst open again by a young man, part of the possee that has been following Alric since last night. He says breathlessly that there is a dragon flying east of town and that there are some men on horseback trying to bring it down.
Im not exactly in the business of rescuing fools from their folly, what exactly do you want me to do?
"This is one time I wish my hearing was gone also. Is it foolish or heroic to face dragon at less than full strength?"
Im not exactly in the business of rescuing fools from their folly, what exactly do you want me to do?
Teriwyth looks away from Feliss for a moment to the expasperated man and after both Alric and Casvian speak their thoughts Teriwyth voices his own "You gain nothing by interfering with things you do not understand. I doubt anyone here wishes the vengeance of an angry broodmate to fall upon this town. The best policy with dragons is to keep your head down." Turning away from the young man Teriwyth resumes his dialogue with the cat.
Rescue the young fools or help them? It doesn't matter which, we need to go an help them
The young man catches his breath and speaks more easily now. He grins from ear to ear. "I'm not talking about rescuing them, I'm talking about watching! It's coming close to rodeo time and these guys are putting on a preview. Hurry up or you'll miss the show! " With that the young lad runs back out the door without a second thought.
Feliss leans up to Teriwynth. "The spirits of joy and adventure are strong with this town, are they not? "
Teriwyth answers Feliss without turning to him "Yes...yes it is..."
Okay, now Im really confused, Teri's talking to a cat, villagers are chasing dragons, let me know when I need to go prop up the sky
"So people are treating dragons like animals? I hope the dragons are playing along. If not this could get ugly"
All in all, I suppose it's worth the trip, no matter the outcome, this should prove a good show.
When in Alientown, do as the Aliens do
Teriwynth and Casvian are left alone in the dark room. Quietly, they wait for Alric and Edelle to return.
Alric and Edelle head out into the storm. They reach the edge of town. Between lightning flashes, they gather that the small boy is hiding behind a rock watching as four men and horses use ropes and pulleys to bring down a large winged beast. The rain has made things slick, but the large creature crashes down to the ground simultaneous with a thunder clap. It attempts to rear up, but the horsemen are too quick and they have ropes running across it immediately. The animal calls into the darkness.
Quietly to Alric: Hrm, it's calling for help. I'd rather not go against the locals and disturb this, but I hope it's calls aren't going to be answered by any friends.
Casvian sits brooding in silence. A chance to fight a dragon, and he is missing it just because he can't see. He does hope that the others return alive. He has never met a dragon, but he has heard that they can be vicious creatures, even the teenagers().
Midst the pitter patter of rain Teriwyth sighs, leaning forward on his chair he twists his fingers and exhales a deep breath. The breath rolls along the round wooden table and takes on a smokey texture, coating the table's center. Several bulbs quickly float up from the mass and shape themselves into rough facsimiles of Alric, Edelle and a Large Dragon. Moving his fingers in a slow spinning motion the little smokey creatures with exaggerated slowness begin to exchange blows.
After a few minutes of this he takes a deep breath and clears the table, releasing the tiny illusion. All of a sudden Teriwyth stands up, saying firmly to no one in particular "Dragons be damned." Standing up he takes the cloak from his chair back and pulls it over his shoulders, stopping at the door he says to Feliss "Are you coming?". Reaching down he scoops up the cat and deposits him into one of the coat's deep pockets, shielding him from the rain.
The dragon attempts to look in your direction, but its eyes are covered by a cloth. One man jumps on the beast's back and the others loose their ropes to allow the beast to buck. As Teriwynth approaches, one man sees him come to join Edelle and Alric. He shouts to them " You folks get on out of here. This doesn't concern you. "
The dragon doesn't respond to Edelle's statement. It struggles under the ropes, attempting to take off. It makes a bit of progress, but a strong metal chain tightens around its neck and it crashes harshly to the ground. The horseman rides the beast gripping with his knees and holding one hand aloft. The cowboy calls out into the night as the storm rolls on.
Extended mage armor, i aim to misbehave.
Ya know I actually came here to see you die hilariously. Is that on todays agenda by any chance?
Casvian thinks, "More riddles from the mystery drow. At least he let me know there is something nearby. I will tell the others when they get back."
*bump*
*bump*
After a few more moments it becomes clear that the men have no intention of slaying the dragon they appear to be riding it for entertainment. As each of them gets a turn, the beast gradually becomes more complacent. It's cries less frequent and more pitiful. Finally, the last horseman is on top of the beast before some cables snap and the creature attempts to take off.
Into the stormy night, the beast takes off. a metal chain swings around it's neck still. The horseman riding on its back takes a leap off to avoid being carried away. He rolls onto the ground and the rest of the men quickly move up to him and help him up. They chatter in the distance for a moment before saddling up and moving out toward the east to follow the dragon some more.
The young boy who had previously been watching from behind the rock now jumps up throwing his fists in the air in excitement. He then comes barrelling up to your group. "Wow! Did you see that!?! Those guys were amazing! I want to be in the Wyvern rodeo when I get older! "
Okay kid, what exactly is the Wyvern rodeo?
"What's the Wyvern rodeo? What are you, from space? It's only the coolest thing ever. All of the best cowboys and heroes in the world meet there for a shot at the trophy! They are put through tests to see who's the strongest and it all finishes with the wyvern ride. I can't believe I got to see one myself!!! WOW!!!! And you guys, aren't you the one's who helped uncle Gary? He said that he gave you guys a coin. And you know what, the rodeo's only a few days away. You're going to be in it and you don't even know about it!?! " The boy, clearly over-stimulated, attempts to act as grown-up as possible. puffing out his chest exaggeratedly. "I consider myself a bit of an expert on the subject. I could be like...your coach! " Here his excitement creeps back in. "Yeah, I'll train you and teach you all the moves and then I can go with you to watch the real thing! So what do you say Mr. Do we have a deal? " Even in the wet and dark of the storm, the child's hopeful grin lights up the night as he looks up at you and extends his small hand.
Well, Edelle, you got the coin and all? I suppose it's your call.