Lester:
Results:
Kn. Arcana 1: 36 +4
Kn. Arcana 2: 36 +4
Kn. Nature 1: 26 +4
Kn. Nature 2: 39 +4
Kn. Religion 1: 30 +4
Kn. Religion 2: 27 +4
The ritual takes a couple of hours, during which silent prayers and offerings are given to patrons, both divine and the natural kind. Carefully formulated arcane phrases, in conjunction with prayers, venerations, or channeled energies, are uttered. The gemstones, 2 for each source, glow one by one, as the 8 of you perform the experimental ritual to a successful result. The gemstones glow at their respective successful check.
You also notice very faint smells, sounds, physical sensations. A lukewarm sensation washing over the skin, the scent of grass, a few graceful whispered words that you can't quite make out but that fill you with warmth.
The gemstones give off a stronger glow at the end of the ritual, and you see them dissolve into fine glowing particles, which ascend into the air and seem to expand, expand, and seemingly hang over the town like a nigh invisible blanket. But you know it is there, as the creators of these enchantments, you can somehow feel it is there.
The other six are very satisfied too, visible on their faces.
Lester comes up to you with a grateful smile. "Thank you very much for your help. I am positive some moments would not have succeeded as well without your help. And so, what kind of reward would interest you? As mentioned, we have minor magical items still in stores, scrolls, potions, or money."
Everyone's effort pays off, getting acquainted with people through the activities.
It becomes late afternoon, and people slowly return to their homed, with just the shops open until 6 PM. The smell of stew and roasted beef comes from the inn's kitchen, and there are still some tables available, by the time you can get together again.
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Having his good work rewarded with a successful outcome, Strom relaxes on the grass next to Sage. The cat does not stir, its exertions wore the familiar out completely.
He looks lazily at Severa. "Take my share and use it any way you see fit, but leave me enough for a couple good meals at the Inn."
The dwarf closes his eyes and listens to his bobcat companion sleep, a soft purr that reminds him of his own efforts this day.
Astella makes sure the rooms are paid for and that everyone knows where they are, and then goes upstairs and to sleep early, happy from helping others and doing something she enjoys, but also, underneath, disappointed and saddened about the near-miss crossed path with Alexis.
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Severa makes sure there are accommodations for the Strom and nods to the allied casters "We are happy to help with so worthy a cause. If I may, we would appreciate a healing wand. We do not mind if it has been partially used. But this would significantly help us in our efforts against the raiders."
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Daniel comes in looking tired but oddly refreshed and a little dirty.
Ahhh, that was nice. No need to constantly worry and second guess my choices, just pure old maintenance. It was actually comforting you know. Sure now I'm stressed about putting off all the other stuff, but, it was nice for the time haha He takes several long draws from his drink before ordering two bowls of stew.
I think that's a great idea Severa.
** spoiler omitted **
Daniel comes in looking tired but oddly refreshed and a little dirty.
Ahhh, that was nice. No need to constantly worry and second guess my choices, just pure old maintenance. It was actually comforting you know. Sure now I'm stressed about putting off all the other stuff, but, it was nice for the time haha He takes several long draws from his drink before ordering two bowls of stew.
I think that's a great idea Severa.
The roasted beef dish is prepared well, and the ales have a neat foam on top. A day's hard work and a filling meal, make for an easy falling asleep.
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A new day dawns, and the smell of the local bread, accompanied on your plates with slices of leftover roasted beef and an assortment of sweet berries and some cheese.
The place is mostly empty right now, with just two other tables having other guests at them.
The day is yours....
At mealtime, Severa discusses the wand and nods to Daniel. "Very good! I will arrange for that. Who would like to carry it? I cannot use it."
Severa later asks around for where Neas can be found.
Astella caught up on gossip earlier, and relays to Severa that Neas is said to stay with her friend, the town's herbalist, when in town.
In addition... Astella adds, and fills them in on everything that went on the previous day.
Strom should keep the wand. That should help us a lot.
"Thank you. Ah will endeavor to make good use of it," replies Strom.
The druid busies himself the rest of the day inspecting the instruments of war that are built for the coming action. He lends a hand wherever one is needed.
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Severa nods to Strom respectfully "I am sure you will keep us all in good health, sir."
Astella and Severa inquire where to find the town herbalist.
Actually close to the garden-like grove where Severa and Strom had helped cast the ritual earlier.
The sign above the door is a simple basket where from different plants spring from.
*sound of a shop bell ringing*
The smell of different herbs enters your noses, different ones depending on where in the shop you stand.
A half-elf, with her blonde hair in an upward ponytail and one eye partially covered by a bang, dressed in blue & beige stands behind the counter, busy tying up some dried little flowers.
"Good morning, good morning. Just a moment and i'll be done."
She places them in a basket nearby on a shelf.
"New faces, even. How can i help you?"
Hello. I'm Astella. Is your name Neas? I heard there was a half-elf around here by that name that I wanted to talk to, so hoping I wandered into the right place. Forgive me if I am mistaken.
Hello. I'm Astella. Is your name Neas? I heard there was a half-elf around here by that name that I wanted to talk to, so hoping I wandered into the right place. Forgive me if I am mistaken.
The blonde shakes her head. "No, i'm Jennifer, the town herbalist."
She takes a few paces behind the counter, to call into a door in the back."Neas, Neas! Someone to see you, do you got time?"
A moment later a reply is heard.
"Hold on, i'll be right over."
The door to the living area of the house opens, and there stands a 1/2 elf, dressed in green & beige. Her ears' tips evidently hiding underneath flowing auburn hair, under which two vibrant clear blue eyes look at you.
"Someone wanted to have a chat?"
We're in need of some information about a fort. Is there a place we can talk privately? I don't want to disturb Jennifer's business dealings.
We're in need of some information about a fort. Is there a place we can talk privately? I don't want to disturb Jennifer's business dealings.
Jennifer nods as Neas looks to her. "Sure, go ahead."
Neas walks you into the humble but cozy living room. Two chairs standing at the table, some small furniture and a place to cook. Neas gestures to one of the padded chairs.
"Well, people don't often try find a courier for history trivia, i'm guessing that could be the case? So what's your interest?"
Astella explains why they are headed to the fort, then adds
So, now that you know why, is there anything you can tell us about the fort that might help?
Astella explains why they are headed to the fort, then adds
So, now that you know why, is there anything you can tell us about the fort that might help?
Neas listens patiently to your plan.
"Ambitious, but nothing ventured nothing gained. There used to be an escape tunnel facing the riverside when it was built by Erathia, but supposedly sealed by Avlee afterwards, when they captured the fort."She seemingly thinks a few things over, before continuing.
"However, there was an unofficial mention that a new tunnel was made later in the Timber Wars by Avlee, just before the end of the war. With some luck, the goblins haven't found it, though even if they had, it's entrance and exit are warded, conveniently deactivated by elven speech."
Interesting. Thank you very much for the information. That might come in handy. Severa, do you have any other questions for Neas?
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Severa nods thoughtfully to Astella as she listens to Neas. "That is very interesting and useful. Do you know of any rumors or hints as to the location of the new tunnel? Does the newer tunnel face the river like the old one?"
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Severa nods thoughtfully to Astella as she listens to Neas. "That is very interesting and useful. Do you know of any rumors or hints as to the location of the new tunnel? Does the newer tunnel face the river like the old one?"
"Most likely, that would be the most useful. Supposedly the outside entrypoint would be pointed out by 'the wooden dragon's claw'. Information wasn't documented more than that."
Severa nods. "Fascinating. My thanks for this useful information."
Severa nods. "Fascinating. My thanks for this useful information."
"You're welcome. Was this the only topic you needed information about?"
==============================Meanwhile Daniel and Strom are busy helping the townsfolk with preparations where they can. Iron reserves are not great, wood moreso.
Spears, slings, wooden hammers, arrows. With luck they wouldn't need it, provided the infiltration plan works. But they feel a bit more secure doing what they can.
Still, despite the atmosphere, they hear a few children being excited over the memorial festival. One of them, a little dwarf girl, looks at you two with enthusiasm.
"Misters, you're not from here, are you? It's worth visiting. It's about the history of our town and the lands."
Her mother calmly hushes her.
"It may only be a story this year honey. Last year no bad people wanted to harm the town"
Severa nods to Neas in thanks "Do you know any more about the tunnel, such as where in the fort it originates? If anyone sneaks up through the tunnel, they would want to know where they will be!"
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Severa nods to Neas in thanks "Do you know any more about the tunnel, such as where in the fort it originates? If anyone sneaks up through the tunnel, they would want to know where they will be!"
"The very first tunnel started in the keep of the fort. I think it is likely the same goes for the last tunnel. The keep holds the commander's quarters and war room on the 1nd floor. An assembly room, and quarters for guests and guards on the ground floor. And an underground prison. That is what is documented. What is outside within the fort's walls may have been subject to which side held the fort at a given time. I would guess the tunnel starts in one of the quarters. Given Avlee held it last, i wouldn't say it improbable that they put a fork in the path, or a trap or two to slow pursuers."
She raises a finger in warning.
"Avlee had implemented magical defenses against outside attacking forces, which needed no speech activation. In case you are thinking about that as well. I have no details on what, but it did require manual activation."
Severa nods "This is very useful, thank you!" She looks to Astella, prepared to move on from this conversation if Astella is ready.
Astella nods to Severa, willing to follow her lead.
Severa leads the way back to talk with the others.
Getting back, you are joined by Estelle, who had been busy helping the Fairbrooke refugees.
Strom, respecting people who help and heal selflessly, gets into a conversation with her. Both decide to stay in Fairhaven until the goblin situation calms down. Estelle promises to come back to Welnin at first convenient opportunity.
You can overhear people chatting, discussing chances of an attack happening before or after the memorial festival.
Some believe things at the fort must be on low temperature, as even the goblins must heal their wounds before taking action again.
Severa nods to the others "Very good. Here is what we learned about the tunnel, where to find it, and where it may lead." She relays the details with Astella. "Shall we speak with the council now?"
That seems like a good next step.
Asking for the place the town holds council in, you are pointed towards a building that is located north of the center of town.
A letter in hand, written by the ranger from Fairbrooke, you are allowed entrance by the two guards posted at the front door.
Voices come from behind closed doors a little up ahead, where a man just walked away with a plate of empty mugs...
From behind the door you can hear a muffled part of conversation.
Critical voice "So in the end, it is better to stay behind our walls and try weather this out?"
Hastily defensive voice "Fairbrooke was the more remote of the towns, and they got taken by surprise. But what else is there to do, when a large force occupies the fort? They've successfully plundered and raided."
Calm voice "I agree though, something must be done. The situation cannot continue indefinitely."
Severa looks to Astella "I have some social graces but not like your own. Will you speak for us?"
Astella nods, and knocks on the door.
You knock...
"Yes? Come in.", the calm voice from before says.
Astella opens the door and walks into the room.
She waits to assess the situation first, but if nothing is particularly surprising, she launches into why they've come, explaining that they want to use an underground tunnel to infiltrate.
The door opens to a functional room with just a few decorations. A twelve heads count of council of all people from Fairhaven, elves dwarves humans and 1/2 elves, löok into your direction.
There are surprised expressions all around, some of which are but mere raised brows, but attention is had.
A councilwoman: "A secret tunnel? Where"
(Hastily defensive voice) Timid looking human: "But getting close is suicide? How are we to safely get people there in the first place?"
Speaking much more confidently than she felt, because it seemed necessary to the situation, Astella replies
The tunnel is hidden, but there are records of where to look and how to activate it. I'm confident that a small team can get in and activate the magical defenses. A larger force could follow to take over once that is accomplished. ... And it isn't suicide. You just need the right infiltration team.
Severa nods, backing up Astella's words. "I have some proficiency in illusion magic. I am willing to help conceal the approach of an infiltration team."
A dwarf woman next to the timid man: "But wait, this is the first time we even heard of a secret tunnel. If this is true, how did you even come to knowledge that would be military information?"
An elven man more composed: "That place was held for only a relatively short time, before the Erathian army threw us back on our backs after our fight for independence. We might not have had enough time to thoroughly get to know all its secrets."
The dwarf who was firmly in favor of action looks back at you.
"So Fairbrooke proposes a combined effort of infiltration and a diverting action outside of the fort? As good an intention as any.", he looks around the table, then raises his hand into the air.
"In favor!", his hand more a raised fist in enthusiastic gesture.
Around the table people talk in softer tone briefly, before the majority agrees with the dwarf. Only the timid man doesn't, and a few people wanting to know details before jumping on board. Such as how many people will form the infiltration team, -who- will be on that team, what the plan is for the diversion.