Imedren was listening as the others brought up personal conversations. As Dramm tried to clear the air and asked about him and Uruuna, Imedren
got a little red in the face as he looked over at Uruuna.
"Well It's a fairly simple thing, we met at a tavern and bonded over drinking at a tavern together after long hard days. But I don't exaggerate when I say that she saved my life." his gaze softened and turned loving.
"I used to live a very regulated lifestyle. It hadn't always been like that but my parents had made a name for our family and had moved up socially speaking about the time I was 9 years old. After that we were expected to behave properly and were restricted from doing anything too upsetting to our family's new position. My life became suffocating under them.
But when I was old enough I discovered the tavern. It wasn't just a place to drink, the tavern was a place traveling musicians came and played their music, bards and travelers came to sing and tell their harrowing tales, where good food and good drink was plentiful, merchants came to sell their wares to drunken patrons, and where a great deal of the locals came to relieve their stress. It's also where I met her."
"That's a curious thing to say Dramm. I wonder, does acting wealthy mean acting like like the city officials and aristocrats we've seen recently?"
Tabog doesn't turn to look at the group as he speaks, instead he keeps his eyes straight ahead. He seems a bit deflated compared to his normal self but it's hard to tell if it's from the ride or the conversation.
A heads up. I won't be available to post at all on Friday, and I likely won't have much availability until Sunday evening or Monday evening.
In response to Dramm's comment Imedren looked at the man. "Perhaps your view of a tavern isn't quite there. It's about how you might view the tavern compared to the rest of your life.
As for my family, there's a difference between having a great deal of wealth and ambitiously working to attract those who have it. My family began running in such circles following on the coattails of a man who did have such things. I was never allowed to be frivolous but as long as I followed what they said, I was taken care of. Perhaps Tabog is right, acting like some of the officials we've met might be pervasive among those of that station.
At one point they'd even decided to arrange a marriage for me. But I'd already found someone I loved and we had a falling out. Uruuna and I left the city and traveled to Crossings."
He was quiet for a moment and then looked at Tabog. "Are you alright, Tabog? If it's something we brought up that was painful for you we won't bring it up again."
"Oh no, you know how old memories get. We've all taken our lumps, as it were. I actually wasn't too different from what you describe myself, Imedren. I used to perform for the snobby... Insert distasteful word here... Aristocrats years ago. Learned to speak their language, the etiquette, the dances. It was all so stupid but if you want to walk among them, even just work for them, it was necessary.
I had some great times but unless you're born with a silver thumb up your ass they'll never respect you, and they'll toss you away once they find something more amusing. They've been given everything they ever wanted their whole lives and become desensitized to human emotion. Eventually they have to gamble with the lives of the lower class just so they can feel something..."
You notice Tabog is gripping his rains so tight, his knuckles have become blanched white. He stops and realizes what he's doing. He chuckles and shakes his hands out, finishing.
"Well there are worse things, and here we are anyway. I've never felt like I was making a difference anyway until now, and I'm thankful for it and for you folks."
Tabog nods slightly, then adds;
"The people you let influence you definitely makes a difference, but I think there is another element as well. I think that there are people who are naturally more compassionate and strong willed enough to turn away from that life because they can see what it does to then and to others."
Bog smiles at Imedren and Uruuna.
"Maybe it's just me but I think I can see an over abundance of compassion in your household, even in the face of personal crisis you've both found time to help others in need. You can't learn that from someone, you're just born with it I think."
I was going to post In-Character but I think I'll post here.
Imedren woke early the next morning feeling groggy, sore, and annoyed. But the pain had receded quite a bit. He saw to it that a fire was made in the morning for warmth and took out some of his prepared rations.
"Morning." he said to Uruuna."Rather miserable sleeping last night. Didn't expect this to be something we'd find ourselves doing. Makes you wish for a warm bed right about now, doesn't it?"
"Anophth, morning. I'm glad to see you're looking better today. How are you feeling? You know, aside from sore, cold, and damp? Your magic is... well it's worrisome at times. But are you doing okay?"
Eating some bread, Imedren looked over at Dramm.
"I think I'm starting to feel the same way you do about these shrines, Dramm. I hate this place. I'm invested to see it through to the end this time, but even if it is worth our trouble now..." He shook his head. "It would take a lot to convince me to come back to one of these again.
He was quiet for a bit and then spoke up.
[b]"It was Fey we came across last time we found some elven ruins, back on the island with the Rude Boys. Wonder what the elves were really like? Also what drives these creatures to be drawn to such places?"
As he was doing some stretching and trying to work out the kinks in his neck, Imedren spoke to Joy.
"Was that your idea of using a boulder yesterday? Genius really, probably saved our skins... heh, literally." he chuckled as he thought about it. "Speaking of ideas. You know TaBog and Nutmeg. But why did you decide to travel with us out here? Don't get me wrong, I appreciate it but why not stay back in the city with Nutmeg? Or maybe with um... Ezekia, right? You've been learning magic from her."
At some point Imedren finds a moment to talk with TaBog quickly.
"TaBog, how are you holding up? Also, I know I didn't really get a chance to talk with you about Delia. Is she, you know, okay? Anophth had some suspicions and I know you can handle yourself but... that's why we showed up when we did." he crossed his arms but was tapping his upper shoulder in a way he thought no one else could see.
Magic? I don't have any magic. I mean, there's the whole curse thing, but we're trying to fix that, right? It's why I'm drinking this disgusting tea every night. Anophth says, confused.
He matched the confused look he gave the Goblin. "Wait, what? That isn't some sort of magic you're channeling? Oh dear. Somewhere along the way I'd gotten confused. That's very different. The curse changes you outright in the light of the moon." he then got chills as he looked at the Goblin, remembering that night they were after the rude boys. He started shaking his head.
"But no, no. That was different. That was wild and animalistic. But what you did yesterday... and sometimes when I look at you, Anophth, you're different. I mean it's still you on the outside but your demeanor, and something else, your voice maybe? It changes. I'm not sure how to describe it exactly."
"Ah, yeah, yeah. Could be a cultist, I get that. While we were less then fully clothed I made sure too look, tried my darnedest to find one of their markings; thankfully I didn't. Haven't? We'll see where it goes. I really do appreciate the concern though. As far as me? I'm... Well I'm not sure to be honest. I think we're all going a little crazy, things affect us differently and at different times. Also a lot of emotion going around, but a lot of the times there is none for me. It's like all of this is happening to someone else and I'm just hearing about it weeks later. I don't know if that's good or bad, but it's there. Hah, hau."
Tabog laughed, you could tell that it was forced and he felt unsure of the conversation's outcome. He seemed to get past it easy enough, perhaps that was his point?
"A warm bed, and a keg full of ale," Uruuna says. "I'm going to have nightmares about these bloody bones for a while, I think. But if we have to face such horrors, I'm glad that we're facing them together. We make a good team, love."
She crooks a finger and beckons Imedren to bend down for a kiss.
"It was Anophth's idea. He's good with ideas, even if he is getting...well, you know."
Joy does not like to think about the changes that have become apparent in the shopkeeper. She rapidly tries to change the subject.
"I came out here to help! Those cultists did for Father Gregory, and will do for the rest of us if we don't stop them. I could wait at the shop, but that's only a matter of time before something awful comes. I want to help, to stop the horrors before they come for us."
She thinks.
"A mistake will let even more out. Like what happened with Delia and her friends. The bloody bones...the suffering things."
At some point during the night, Anophth takes a walk with Imedren alone.
I.. I have voices in my head. They demand that I kill and murder, that I cannot trust anyone, even you or Dramm or anyone else. They say I'm pathetic and weak and worthless and cannot do anything without them.
And most of the time, I believe it. Because it's true. Ever since we came back from that island, I've felt different, and the voices give me strength in times of need. It's literally what kept us all alive today.
Dramm said I just need to stay in control. So I say that to myself. It's my mantra. I am I'm control.
We spoke to a priest about it, and he had nothing for me, other than to just he a good person and dedicate my life to doing good. But that's what Father Gregory said. And I was following his path - yet here I am getting worse. Maybe worse? I don't know. I can't tell anymore. I don't know if I'm doing the right thing or not. I have no sense of direction anymore.
What do I do, Imedren?
"Dunno. Haven't met an elf. Anophth can read their language though, and this is the second site we've seen with Elvish writing and some evil held nearby. Could be coincidence, could mean something." Dramm swallows the hunk of bread, then chooses his words carefully.
"People are dying at these sites, Imedren. We're almost among them because we aren't powerful enough. Death and suffering feeds curses. Our actions here can't be helping. If we want to fix things we have to do more. Become... more." Dramm's gaze doesn't quite meet Imedren's. "If we finish here... when we finish here. I think I'll need your help with something, Imedren. I've been working on it for some time, and I asked Ezekia to gather me the last component that I need." His discomfort is plain to see, but he slowly draws out a chunk of Amber. Something is trapped inside, a tiny insect frozen in place by the orange prison.
"This was... my brother left it to me. It's one of the few things I have left of him. There is magic inside that we need. I have a ritual, but unraveling it will be dangerous and I will need help from several people."
"We do make a good team. Don't worry about those nightmares. I'll be there if you need me to curl up next to."
He considered what Dramm was proposing only for a moment before he nodded. "Interesting. Yes, I think I'll help you. Becoming more powerful allows us to act in greater capacity, so whatever it is your brother left you must have been something we need."
Imedren paused as his friend lamented. "Things have been hitting us at a pretty fast pace. But Uruuna told me that if we have to face such terrifying things, then at least we can face them together. I don't know if I quite understand what you mean, TaBog but if you need help, we're here for you."
"I feel urges at times, Anophth. Urges to destroy things, to burn them. Sometimes darker things. But I'm not a very strong person. I'm conflicted about them and I don't always commit to them. It's like diving below the surface of water but I can't stay under long. In some ways this helps.
As far as the Gods are concerned, well there are many. Death is one. All aspects of life are covered by the Old Gods. But they do not drive you, or should not drive you such as what you are saying. They certainly don't belittle you or teach you that trust is a problem.
You are likely hearing demons. Logically we know to disregard them. But sometimes those voices are compelling, just like my urges. They find us in moments of weakness and they compel us. To deny our urges is what separates us from beasts. Being strong, being driven towards a goal, helps us to control and direct those urges.
Now Dramm, Dramm is a driven man. He believes in power. With power comes more choice. He isn't wrong. I am in control. The Mantra is a good one. Perhaps I'll pick it up too. I think he can help.
The advice of Father Gregory and the Priests give us a focus a way to drive our goals forward. Being good and kind and it will come back to you. That's what the priests mean.
You are not weak, Anophth. You are cunning, and you are questioning the voices inside you rather than letting them control you. You are not pathetic, Anopth. You inspire me to be better. And you certainly
are not worthless, Anopth. Because you can, no, you are helping people right now."
Joy smiles a little.
"That means a lot to me, Imedren. I'll try my best."
As they settle down eat rations and bits of meat from animals caught in the area there's a stillness to silence. Tabog turns to Anophth, sustaining eye contact while he thing about what he wants to say.
"I'm going to be blunt, and I want you to know that I don't want mean to offend you nor am I making any judgment.
I don't agree with the decision you made moments after near death. I'd like to understand better and perhaps offer my insight.
You say the Old Ones spoke to you and want you to stay how you are now. You say that you stole your queen's hair and she cursed you so you deserve your fate.
Anophth, why listen the old ones? Why agree to a sentencing too harsh for the crime? These beings don't have you best interests in mind, and the queen cursed you, or your friend, out of anger and spite. I'd wager she's forgotten the offense ever happened in the first place; yet here you are, suffering mentally and physically. What does Anophth want? Is he still in there, behind that eye? The goblin merchant that dreamed of selling into retirement, who helped my kid learn how to be responsible and to work hard? I wonder if that goblin is gone completely or just weakened by your "demons"..."
Anophth looks drained.
I don't know. I don't know what's me anymore, or what's something else. I feel like I'm splitting in three and everything and everyone is pulling me in a different direction.
I feel like I'm on the edge of going insane.
Maybe you're right. Maybe not. I.. I have such a hard time thinking. I don't know what to do.
I can't control my emotions. I can't control my thoughts. I can't control myself.
Do I deserve to run a shop? I can't close a sell anymore. I can't even convince a f+$+ing priest to heal me, and it's what they do! How can I run a shop if I can't even do that?!
I... I don't know.
Maybe you're right. Maybe Joy is right and we just tell the fae to f$&% off.
Maybe I should just place my trust in my friends, who are right here, right now, instead of some being far off and away who doesn't give two s~&@s about any of us.
Anophth sighs.
He walks away, and goes to sit next to Dramm at the fire.
Dramm certainly must have noticed Anophth's approach, but stubbornly refuses to say anything. Instead he continues to stare into the fire. The fury may have subsided, but the Goblin can still feel the anger and conflict coming off of Dramm.
Anophth stares at the fire with Dramm. He can feel his friend's anger radiating off him like a heat lamp. But he doesn't quite understand why. He knows he hurt him, but he doesn't know how.
Goblins. Anophth says, quietly - though loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. We have a strange history. We're Fae, and yet not Fae. We're creatures of chaos, of malformation, of the whims of the powerful.
All fae are immortal. They have but one soul, and it's tied to their body. When a Fae dies, their soul is gone. Forever. It doesn't go to Hell. It doesn't go to the Underworld. They just go away. Gone. Forever.
But us goblins? We ain't immortal. The Fairy Queen stripped that away from our kind. You know what happens when we die? Same thing as the rest of the fae. Our souls die as well. We don't go to the Underworld and we don't get reincarnated into a new body like you mortals do. We don't go to hell to cleanse our souls of corruption like you mortals do. We just die.
That's it. We have but one life to live.
And it ain't even a good one. The Goblin King twists us all. Every goblin looks different because of the Goblin King. He gives us all a unique feature. He gave me only one eye. We didn't used to look like this, you know. Long ago, goblins were as beautiful as any Fae alive today. But when the Fairy Queen banished us all from the Hidden Worlds, the Goblin King, safe behind his Labyrinth, mutated and malformed us all. All on his whim.
So I'm used to being twisted and altered and malformed by the Fae. It's what us Goblins do. It's our reason for existing.
He sighs.
One twisted, malformed, s@+! filled life.
I've never known what I wanted to do with my one life. I've always wanted to rise above the muck and the mire of my kind. I know we live in filth and squalor. It's so well known that some tell a tail that goblins were created from the Great Sneeze when the Fairy Queen sniffed the sweet fragrance of the Garagara Flower.
But I always wanted to rise above all that.
And every time I've tried, I feel like I've been smacked back down. I opened a shop to get out of the muck, and I became a rat to be closer to it. I made friends with you mortals, and a demon infests my brain. I sought answers in my own ancestry, and was shown - literally shown - that I am nothing but a rat.
So what do I do? Do I keep trying to climb up only to be smacked back down again? Or do I accept my place in the mud and shadows and try to fight back with what I was given?
What do I do?
Imedren smiled at TaBog's praises of the groups efforts. "An opera? You have some lofty ideas there, TaBog." he said with a small grimace of pain.
He honestly wasn't sure if they needed that sort of attention, but he was happy to let it be a story he'd tell.
He worried over what happened to Anophth and watched with some trepidation as the Goblin transformed into a harrier version of himself. After he began exclaiming what had happened, Imedren glanced around at the statues of the transformed figures, he knew the possibility of the magic changing him had been there but chose not to think too closely on it.
Imedren had felt as though he should have said something in the shrine as Dramm and Anophth argued but he hadn't been sure if his words would have any effect other than adding oil to whatever fire had been going on right then. Most of them were hurt too badly to continue and nearly all of their magical resources were drained.
He looked over at Uruuna and Delia
"Come on now, I think we should go."
****
A few hours after they left the shrine, Imedren was starting to feel a little better. He'd set about gingerly helping cook some food and was looking forward to eating it. He was surprisingly hungry even after only the short time they'd been in there. He figured it had to do with the use of the shard.
He listened TaBog's discussion with Anophth silently. Then when Anophth and Dramm began sitting silently next to each other. He considered speaking to the Goblin alone but after thinking about it, decided that it might be best if everyone's input would be heard. He sat down on the opposite side of the goblin just adn Anophth started speaking again. He listened and then spoke "Anophth, I've been thinking about what you said before." he shook his head. "I think you're wrong to stop taking the wolfsbane. There's a lot going on here with your transformation due to the chaos shard and the voices in your head, but I think you're blurring the line between one thing from another. Letting them all take you at once is a bad thing, I'm sure of that.
Whether it's fae, demons, or a curse, you have to live your life. You have to make a stand against these things. And we'll be here to help you." he looked at the goblin and glanced at the others, hoping some encouragement would come to their troubled friends way.
Anophth accepts the tea.
Thank you for your vote of confidence, my friend.
I just wish Dramm felt the same.
"You talk well." Dramm's voice cuts the silence that the tea brings in his usual abrupt way. "I wasn't always like this. I used to speak better too. People didn't mind when I talked. Didn't stare at me for reasons I don't understand. Ezra used to teach me. People liked him, and he would tell me what they felt and how to respond."
His gaze never breaks from the fire. He stares at something far away and the words come slowly.
"I was very excited when I learned he had magic in him. It was like it proved to everyone what I already knew. I can't describe the pride I felt when he told me the spell the Long Mother had whispered to him. I didn't have to tell him, though. I admired him for it. Ezra was good like that. I'd forget to tell him that he was good."
A log cracks and Dramm suddenly looks drained, as if a mask had been pulled away to reveal an exhaustion so deep he might collapse.
"The spell was supposed to change him into a patron himself, an equal to the Long Mother. It was a reward for our generations of faith. Blood and flesh for hunt and harvest." Dramm rubs the missing fingers on his right hand. "Instead it warped his flesh, changed him, and then tore him asunder. He screamed in words I didn't understand. I think they broke something in his mind, and hearing them broke something in mine. That was the last face I ever saw Ezra make before the chaos took him. Twisting and screaming."
There's another long quiet as the fire crackles. Someone else has replaced Dramm at the fire. The mousefaced man suddenly looks so frail and worn, someone who has not rested in a long time. Another crack in the fire brings Dramm back again.
"You... you get to make your own choices, Anophth. I tried to force you into someone you're not. It's not your fault you didn't understand." Dramm finally looks at the Goblin. His discomfort is clear as he grasps for the words. "The magic is evil, Anophth. Violating the mind, violating the body... it leads to deceit and pain. Makes us all who we aren't."
Dramm's eyes slowly travel to Tabog and Imedren. He seems to draw something from seeing them. He just settles back at the fire.
"You're always you, Anophth, unless you choose not to be. Gods, Fae, demons... me... can't take the choices from you. That one life is yours. Please don't give it to something like the Long." His voice ends pleadingly, unable to meet the Goblin's eye.
Joy kept feeling she needed to say something to Dramm, but she couldn't find the words.
And then, they began speaking.
She listens, hearing a little hope in Anophth.
Or maybe that's what I want to hear., she thinks gloomily.
She decides to speak anyway.
"Anophth, you're a person. Not a plaything. You can choose, at least a little."
Rolling for downtime events. Will tell you the results at the appropriate time.
Would witch be an appropriate expert path for Joy, given her background and Ezekia's influence?
I would suggest either Druid or witch.
Druid is a little more support and Witch is a little more debuff focused, right? I haven't looked at the traditions.
Get yer loot, everyone! I have included Joy in the party loot split, and I have counted Uruuna and Imedren as a single unit. We are splitting things 5 ways.
After selling the farm, the gemstone, and the bag of silverware as well as the reward of 1 gold coin that we got from Hamlet for solving the murders, please see the following for the breakdown:
Starting Stash before split, after converting some coins for easier distribution:
- 2 Gold Coins
- 20 Silver shillings
- 43 Copper Pennies
- 3 Bits
Everyone Gets:
- 8 Silver Shillings
- 8 Copper Pennies
Remaining in the Stash for communal use:
- 3 Copper Pennies
- 3 Bits
- 1 Frog Monster Idol (worth 1 Shilling to a collector)
- 20 Yards of Rope
- 1 Chaos Shard (I assume we are giving this to Ezekia for now, but that's up for debate if people have other ideas)
Using table from Oddities
Clothing and Accessories
A pair of heavy, fire-proof gloves.
Bunch of stuff:
Losing Shape Changer. Losing +1 Str and -1 Int. Losing silver sensitivity.
Gain New Language: Dark Speech
Level up!
Spell Thief (aka Warlock).
Story Development: Gained new tricks and abilities by talking to a bunch of people and learning their secrets while traveling across the empire.
Attribute Increase: +1 Agility, +1 Int
Profession: New Criminal Prof. Carouser/Rake.
Health +2
Power +1
Magic You either discover a new tradition or learn one spell from a tradition you have already discovered.
New Tradition: Enchantment. Gain a Rank 0 spell. Tempt.
Trade old spell for new spell of same rank. Trading out Favor of the Demon Lord (rank 1) for Charm (Rank 1).
Steal Spell. When a creature within medium range casts a spell, you can use a triggered action to attempt to steal it. Make an Intellect attack roll against the triggering creature’s Intellect. On a success, the cast spell has no effect. If your Power is high enough to cast the spell, you gain one casting of that spell. You retain this casting until you expend it to cast the spell or until you complete a rest, at which point the casting fades from your mind. Once
you use this talent, you cannot use it again until you complete a rest.
Vanish. When you take damage, you can use a triggered action to become invisible for 1 round or until you attack. If you have a casting of a spell from your Steal Spell talent, you can expend that casting to remain invisible for 1 minute.
Lifestyle: Wealthy
For Joy I'd say go with Witch.
"I need it before we seal the shrine." Dramm says to the group. His voice is strained and worried. "I can't leave without it. If no one picked it up, it has to still be in the room."
A witch Joy shall be.
Interesting thing:
An invitation to a party or a masquerade mask.
Hmmm.
@GM:
Fine to pick up a suit of soft leather armour and a silvered dagger?
Also, perhaps our patron has invited Joy to a gathering for some reason? I'm open to alternative suggestions.
Level 3 Magician/Witch
+1 Agility
+1 Will
Health +2
Power +1
Languages and Professions
Learn Elvish
Magic
You discover a tradition or learn one spell.
Ensnaring Vines p134
Guidance
When a creature that can hear you and
understand what you say would make a challenge roll,
you can use a triggered action to offer that creature
guidance. The creature makes the roll with 2 boons.
Witch Fire You learn the witch fire spell.
Both purchases are fine, Joy.
Will think on a party idea and get back to you. Might be a gathering of witches. :)
Cheers. :)
And the outcome might influence how Joy can assist Dramm in his ritual.
As Dramm looks concerned, Joy picks up on his worry.
"Did anyone see where the stone went?"
She begins to search as she speaks.
Actually thought of a better idea for the party. Will post about it and Joy's witch initiation tomorrow. Neither will affect Dramm's ritual.
Sounds promising! :D
Okay, finally getting around to this.
Interesting thing:
The True Name of a very minor devil. (Oh boy... well that ironically lends itself well to both my professions of Old Faith minister and occultism research. )
Level 3: Sorcerer
Attributes: +1 intellect, +1 Will
Characteristics: +2 health, Power +1 (total:2)
Magic: New Tradition: Time
Spells: 0th: Swiftness
2nd: Precognition
Spell change: 1st- Rend becomes Capricious devastation
Sorcery: When you cast an attack spell, you can use this talent to make the attack with 1 boon and impose 1 bane on the challenge rolls of creatures attempting to resist the spell. After you resolve the spell's effect, you gain 1 strain. The strain remains until you complete a rest.
Sorcerous Strain: At the end of each round during which you gained 1 or more strain, you must make a Will Challenge roll. You make the roll with a number of banes equal to your strain. On a failure, energy explodes out from a point within your reach out to a number of yards equal to your strain total. Everything in the area other than you takes 1d6 damage per point of your power. Creatures in the area that get a success on an agility challenge roll take half the damage. Your strain then drops to 0.
Tabog and I got a few scenes caught up. I'll post em here:
Dramm suddenly throws something at Anophth. It's only then does he realize that his face is wet. An amber stone clatters to the floor, and suddenly the rage is drained from Dramm's face. It's replaced by shock, then fear, then defeat and sadness. He stands frozen for a long moment.
Without a word he bends down and scoops up the remaining chaos shard and turns to leave the shrine.
As Dramm continued to the second half of his outburst Tabog approached with the intention of saying something but decided to remain silent. He tensed when Dramm threw something at the goblin but remained stoic. He lets Dramm walk away and stands gazing at Anophth for a moment before pivoting and following his upset friend out of the shrine.
---
Taking long steps, Tabog slowly catches up to Dramm. He's tentative about his friend's state but calls out nonetheless.
"Dramm... Dramm.. Dramm! Hold up just a moment!"
Dramm does not slow at the first calling. At the third, he finally stops.
Nearly crashing into him, Tabog stops abruptly. It takes a moment to regain his composure, he lets out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding and puts a hand on Dramm's shoulder.
"I understand that you're angry at Anophth right now, but you have to reign it in just a little, bud. I'm not saying you can't be mad but outbursts like that can ruin someone's chance at fixing things. You know?"
Dramm's shoulder tenses. He doesn't move.
"Things like that don't get fixed. People die, Tabog. They believe in gods or patrons or demons, and then when they need that savior most, they're left to die alone. And we have to watch them."
"That's my point Dramm. Why do you think anyone believes in any of those things? They need them, or at least they think they do because they don't have anyone else. They don't feel like anyone else understands. Then what happens?"
Tabog's look of worry and sympathy turns stern and accusing, it's a face he doesn't hold often and certainly not one so directly.
"Exactly what you just did. Their friends abandon them! Leave them with no where else to turn but the very things you're blaming for leading him astray!"
"You might think you've always been there for him, that he should see the value in your words but that's b~++$~@%. He has not more reason to trust you then he did to trust his friend that cursed him in the first place!"
Dramm's jaw clenches and he turns to face Tabog. "I am not that traitor! I was there when he almost died! I would have given my own life to keep him alive! How does he return the favor? He embraces the place that tried to kill us all seconds later! He wants to cling to it!"
"It's the nature of living beings! Haven't you seen people and animals cling to the things that hurt them, before? Sometimes the most vile parts of our lives, of our minds, is all you can trust. It's the only thing that remains consistent and the only thing treats you the way you think you deserve."
Tabog sighs and closes his eyes. His left hand, having been balled into a fist at his side for the last few moments, slips into his pocket. Bog takes a step back then clasps his hands together.
"I know it's a hard thing to face, it really feels like we're being cast aside for something that is obviously poison. To some extent that's true, but Anophth is blinded by despair; it's our responsibility now, as his friends, to call him back from the siren and prove that it's really a monster calling him to his death."
Dramm's face is still red, and his mouth works silently as if he wants to argue but can't get any words out. He glares at Tabog before giving a frustrated growl and turning to stomp away.
The second missing scene.
Dramm is increasingly edgy as the night goes on. He paces in front of the shrine entrance, wringing his hands. Finally, it becomes too much and he swallows his pride.
"Have... have you seen my stone, Anophth? I'm sorry I threw it at you. I wasn't thinking clearly. But I... I need it. Badly. I have to have it back, and I can't find it in the shrine."
Tabog, laying against a stump; eyes closed an softly humming, suddenly stops. He's still for several moments after Dramm questioned the party. He slowly stands and chuckles to himself slightly.
"Heh, I forgot about that, what's with the stone anyway? It seemed a little more personal to you to talk about before."
Tabog walks toward Dramm, curious at his friend's desperation, hands in his pockets.
"It's important. It's... it was Ez's." Dramm's eyes are locked on Tabog with a mixture of desperation, worry, and a tinge of anger at being toyed with. "I only have two things, the stone and the manuscript."
He is already watching Tabog's pockets. The older man can see Dramm's face flicking between ideas as he tries to read the thespian's practiced face.
Tabog walks to the top of the stairs, peering down, seemingly into the void.
"Count yourself among the fortunate Dramm. You've got good friends here. In me, in Dren and Uruuna, in Joy... in Anophth. You'll find yourself one day, wondering why your past tormented you for so long but I know that might a long ways off. You need to do something with this thing, not only to move forward but also because... This thing is f*%!ing gross."
Tabog pulls the stone out of his pocket and toss it into the air, arcing it softly toward Dramm.
He folds his arms and looks at Dramm's sullen face. With knowing eyes Tabog blinks away the moisture collecting in the corners and sighs, exhausted and sore, he turns his back to Dramm and returns to his place adjacent to The alluring warrior Deliah.
Dramm doesn't say anything. His eyes never leave the rock, and his hands dart out to catch it. He's quiet as Tabog gives him that hard stare.
"Thanks, Bog." He mumbles and puts the stone inside his pack.
"Seems like the only consistent thing in your life, doesn't it?"
Over the past several months, Ezekia has worked closely with you, teaching you to control your natural magic but also taking a measure of your personality. She has taken note of your desire to do good works and help others, and one night she bids you to meet her on the shores of the Dark Waters. The young witch awaits you with a boat, a blindfold, and a length of rope.
"Joy Summers, the time has come for you to know thyself. Do you have the courage to be purified and learn the ancient secrets of the Craft? If so, you will allow yourself to blinded and bound. We must preserve our mysteries from those who are not Chosen."
"Thank you, I am known for my audacity, and look at you, you're aliiive. So you welcome!"
Tabog beamed with cheeky joy as the roughed up goblin glared at him and limped away. Once he was gone Tabog slumped and rolled his eyes.
I'll make amends later...
"Yes, yes, rest... And maybe some bloody hazard, by the gods... Well hopefully this forsaken land can keep itself together for a little while, I'm getting too old for this s&*#."
Tabog stretches and yawns while the conversation carries on, he looks around and admires his friends. They had truly accomplished a great feat, he began to frown.
These "city officials" have no idea how valuable this small group is. Risking our lives and quelling infestations of demons and Fae, we need to up our rates...
Coming back to reality as the meeting adjourned, Tabog follows the rest out of the hut and heads home to see his boy.
"I'd say this calls for a celebration! Luckily I've brought libations, and the music of course!"
Although it hasn't been heard in a while, the familiar sounds of Imedren's pan flute with the addition of Tabog's magical harmonies fill the air as the group congratulates the goblin's tenacity and courage.
Tabog was sad to see his friend go but understood the need, he'd been there before. He talked at length to Anophth and Nutmeg about the store and its future. Although he had no interest in doing any work concerning it, Tabog wanted to be able to help his son and Uruuna with anything if needed. He knew how to talk his way into a deal or out of trouble and wanted to be informed in case he needed to do so for his friends and child. Before his departure Tabog made sure to clearly state his apology for shooting the goblin, even if it was a tip-less arrow. He also wanted to make it known that he thought it was necessary, regardless. Tabog knew that Anothph harbored guilt for hurting the people close to him and figured if the goblin killed someone in the weakened state they were in, he'd never forgive himself.
Although he was concerned for the well being of the group, Tabog had to deny the request for help completing Dramm's ritual. Fear of magic he didn't understand, knowing that such things often end in death and needing to continue his work for a show he had that same night Tabog was fine with the others taking on that responsibility. He wished them luck and let them know that he'd check on them later that night to. He talked to Dramm shortly about the stone again, reassuring the troubled man that he was taking a big step in on the road to moving away from the past and ultimately becoming a stronger person.
Whenever he can manage Tabog takes the time to visit with Imedren and Uruuna, often with Nutmeg, for dinner or drinks. He enjoys the company of the couple and appreciates the lessons his son learns from the two about various subjects that Tabog knows he can't teach most importantly ones about relationships. He often listens to Imedren speak on the magic he's researching and its application. Thought Tabog is far from a scholar, he knows the value of knowledge and gladly absorbs the information.
Just as with Imedren, Tabog speaks with Uruuna about her interests too, such as fighting. Fortunately that's something Tabog does have prior knowledge of, but only because he had to learn instead of being taught. Bog and Uruuna are able to trade tips and tricks about being quick and agile in combat instead of strong. He found more respect for Brown Cloaks from the way they understood Uruua's value as a leader.
Tabog was rather smitten with Delia and made plans with her regularly to spend time together. He talked about Nutters often and she absolutely adored the boy, but only from afar. Though she'd asked several times Tabog made it clear that he had no intention of introducing the two, at least for a long while. His couldn't bring himself to trust her enough to officially meet his son. This was true in the past as well for anyone he was got romantically involved with. Subsequently, Nutmeg was never told about the people Bog courted. This, unfortunately, put a strain on their relationship and was a volatile subject whenever it was brought up. Tabog found that he didn't much care one way or the other and upon self-reflection he found that to be a concern.
It takes Dramm about a week to recover fully, even with the help of daily magic. Even in his state, he insists of being there to see Anophth off. "Take care of yourself. Tell me what you find when you get back."
He spends the rest of the time writing in the manuscript, documenting the results, and speaking with Ezekia. Her interest in the chaos shard worries Dramm, but he understands what she hopes to learn from it and aids where he can.
Once he is more recovered, Dramm brings everyone together (excluding Anophth) at Ezekia's.
"I owe you all an explanation." Dramm begins. Waves of tension exude from him. "I... I misled you with the ritual. The stone was not something my brother owned. It... it was all that was left of his body after the spell he tried to cast. He made a deal with the creature you saw, The Long Mother. She was the patron of our village, and she promised to help him ascend with his magical talent. Become a patron himself. It failed." Dramm's body tenses in anger.
"I needed the magic trapped inside his flesh. It was still tainted with the Long. She saw me. She knows me and hasn't forgotten. Now she knows I will kill her. I'm sorry for involving you all, I did not think she would still be watching. I... wanted you all to know the truth."
------
After recovering, Dramm begins to spend time at the shop again, checking in on Nutmeg. He helps the boy take care of the place while Anophth is away, taking stock where he can and keeping it clean. He continues to study, spending more time with Ezekia and expanding his theories.
One day, Dramm arrives at Ezekia's door with a strained look on his face. He opens his mouth to speak as she arrives at the door, but is unexpectedly bowled over to the side by a pair of horns. He sprawls comically to the side with a loud "OOF!" Frustrated, he lays there and shouts,
"The bloody thing won't leave me alone!!!" He slowly clambers to his feet, eyeing a large, shaggy ram. "It came out of nowhere, unannounced, barged into the shop, and started making a mess of things! And now it won't leave! It followed me all the way here! What kind of creature does this?! I thought maybe it would go away!" The Ram does not go away. It is not long before Dramm is resigned to feeding the animal.
-------
Dramm spends time with Imedren and Uruuna when he can, keeping after the new brown cloak's training with an interest. For some reason, he is increasingly nervous when visiting Uruuna when under the watchful eyes of other brown cloaks. Still, he is himself again when meeting the group at the tavern sharing drinks with Imedren and company. Eventually they meet the shaggy ram that has taken to following Dramm, who he has dubbed Hobb.
Anophth's return to the city is met with incredible enthusiasm. Dramm can hardly believe the difference it has made in the Goblin's demeanor. He listens raptly to tales of the merchant's travels.
At one point during the break, Dramm approaches Joy to ask for a favor. "You are practicing you magic with the plants, right? When you are practicing, would you mind doing it here?" He describes a small hill by the lakeside, a small hike from Ezekia's hut. Areas have been gouged and dug here with freshly planted seeds.
Dramm finds Tabog and thanks him for his advice at the shrine. He holds nothing against the man for not participating in the ritual. "You have a son. I understand." he tells him. Dramm makes an effort to see some of Tabog's performances when he has the opportunity. He is happy to hear that things have begun to go well between his friend and Delia, asking about her now and then.
Dramm is happy to see the boy again. He continues to teach the boy, pleased as the lad makes progress and learns. Dramm's new appearance is an object of fascination and conversation, though Dramm avoids the darker details of their creation. He spends the days working with the child contentedly.
---
Dramm enjoys the weeks of relative peace together with Ezekia. She finds that he is quite tender under the stony exterior. He is unerringly focused while studying and theorizing, expanding on his work. When he is not studying, he spends some of his freedom with her and looks in on Joy's own progress out of curiosity. The link between them takes time to grow accustom to, but in times of intimacy it is very rewarding. She find she is often very content simply to spend time with her.
One night he surprises her, showing up at her door in the evening and stammering in embarrassment as he asks her to join him. He takes her to a small hill at the edge of the lake. The sun is heading down as Dramm reveals a small blanket with food and wine. It appears he still practices his cooking and uses what he's learned. He offers here a romantic evening of watching the sun set. It is cheesy, but appears to be quite sincere from him. Dramm is quiet as they watch the sunset together. Even after the sun goes down, he does not move to leave. The bright moon slowly rises, and the field begins to bloom with silvery flowers that gleam in the moonlight, the results of Joy's help growing them in the past few weeks with her magic.
A few days after Dramm's ritual, Ezekia tenders her resignation from the city council to focus on helping the people of Crossing more directly. Mayor Edgerton accepts the news, though the loss of a political ally will weaken her cause somewhat. The witch's seems more at ease as her relationship with Dramm develops, to the point that she even starts acting cordially towards Tabog.
Commander Rena becomes more reclusive than before, though those that see her training her troops note that she has an edge about her and is more prone to verbal outbursts at those who slack in their discipline.
After a couple of weeks, a parcel arrives containing a pair of green boots with a note attached:
Thank you again for saving my life! I hope that you are in good health and spirits.
A few nights ago, I awoke to find an odd faerie had sneaked into my wagon and was using my supplies to cobble together a pair of boots! I wisely chose not to interrupt his work, and by the morning he was gone, but the shoes remained. They seem to bear an enchantment that muffles the sound of their wearer's footfalls. I have sent them to you as a token of my appreciation for your rescue. I trust you will put them to good use.
Sincerely, Theodore
***
Ezekia is quite taken by the date you have arranged. While you might think it cheesy, she finds it endearing. She gasps in wonder as the night flowers bloom, their beauty causing her heart to soar. She kisses you and guides you down to the blanket as the two of you make love under the light of the moon.