
Jaxom Buhr |

As more and more new people get involved Jaxom heads back to the forge. There would be more tools needed. Maybe the city had metal that could be remade into the needed farm tools. Maybe the next shard would have a mine where iron ore could be mined? Regardless he's sure Alden can handle the politics of it. He had work to do, and more of that strange magical crap to avoid.
Magic broke the world. Magic made dangerous creatures like the dragon. Magic reanimated undead monsters.... Getting to the forge he shakes his head, stokes the fire and pumps the bellows. Honest work.

Alden Cooperson |

As the party returns to Passbog, Alden considers the weight of their suddenly increased population, and the amount of management that will need.
"We need the biggest bumper crop we can manage," he says to the rest of the group. "The people of New Ostenso were on the brink of starvation, and if there isn't enough food for all, I am not certain we can count on them to remain cooperative. I am a farmer, but apart from planting at the right time, in good soil, and praying for good weather, I don't know much about how to make plants grow to their fullest. Do any of you have any ideas?" He looks to the others for their input.
"We also need to arrange a meeting with the Green Lady, as per our agreement. I know she chooses her art item, but the cloak is probably the finest single object of fine craftsmanship that we've found since the last time. Of course, we also need to provide her share of the other assets."
"We also need to put forth nominations for leadership. As our community grows, steady, trustworthy stewardship is essential. Are there any suggestions on who we should put forth?"

Kevan Nimblefingers |

Kevan’s initial and then follow on visits are to learn this portion of the city. He wants to find hidey holes, business locations, get to know who is who, search for secrets such as the tunnel from the graveyard to the mayor’s office.
Kevan next wants to figure out how to make grenades. :)

Alden Cooperson |

"I will go to the woods, and let the Green Lady know we have returned, and ask her if she would like to join us here, or if she would prefer to hold formal audience there," Alden says.
Unless someone offers a reason not to go, he will make his way into the woods.

Kevan Nimblefingers |

Kevan will spend the next few days trying to see if there are any alchemists in town, or an explosives expert. He's tested himself with the fireworks but he thinks he is ready to move onto grenades but would like to consult with someone who has done it before if possible. After two days of looking, he will either talk with the alchemist and see if they could help each other or if no alchemist he will return to his makeshift lab and begin working on his new creations.

GuardYourPrivates |

Kevan finds the city is a constant bustle as people are moving and preparing. Between having been kept together in crowded row houses for their safety and having the danger of ghouls about they now have much more agency in where they live and where they go. The only local businesses were by and far shut down, with many supplies taken and a lot of dust accumulated.
The most prominent people he meets are a few tradesmen, carpenters and stonemasons who have kept together through it all. The one who speaks for them is a man named Carl Daed, though he explains their numbers have been reduced drastically. Not from rationing, but from ghouls having taken several of their number over time. As if their leadership was being picked off...
He does manage to track down an alchemist, or at least the surviving apprentice of one. A similar story is told, of his master being taken by ghouls after spending too much time with a certain Andoran noble.
There are a few others who are skilled laborers. A husband and wife who ran a bakery in another part of the city before the sundering. A tailor, a cobbler, a blacksmith, and more. People who kept their heads down without complaining.
******************************************
Jaxom spends his time at the forge. Refurbishing tools and crafting new ones as well. There proves to be a great demand. Picks, hoes, plow blades, and every imaginable trade item known to man. Fogril is eager to help, as is Siegfried, and they get a new addition from New Ostenso as well. His name was Talic Monroe, a salt and pepper haired Chellish man with a handlebar mustache. He was of slight build, but was wirey and experienced in the forge. He could also hold his booze with either of the two dwarves.
*******************************************
As Alden draws concern toward feeding the influx of people Milana considers it. "We have no shortage of skilled hands to teach." she reasons, "Be it yourself, Martin, or even myself. The real issue will be making sure our food stays secured and we ration it well. I have plenty of cured meats and dried beans... milled flour... we can stretch our reserves with soup and gruel. No matter how much food we grow it will take time."
Eochaidh agrees with a simple nod. "I can also use magic to make food. Not any great feast, but a magical berry will feed a person and I can make many every day."
As to leadership..." Tel Beys adds, "I expect your name would be at the top of the list. Assuming Kevan doesn't talk everyone into voting for him. I think we'd survive either one. Not like someone made mayor could suddenly commandeer all the food with you lot about."
*********************************************
Alden, Rabbit would be more than happy to hand over the shard metal owed Talschornvox, as well as the crimson cape. What do you wish to bring for her tithe?

Kevan Nimblefingers |

After working for a week or so in seclusion Kevan shows up with burns, singed eyebrows and bangs, but a big smile. "Well, I don't think I am quite ready to make a grenade yet. It's taking a bit to get the hang of the black powder mix. But, while working on it, I discovered how to do this." This will of course be said and demonstrated in the largest crowd available around the inn. He then throws a bomb safely away from everyone. "Huh? How about that. I can mix things rather quickly and should be able to use it to help defend us. Very exciting. A little painful getting there but very exciting."

Kevan Nimblefingers |

Over the next week or so, Kevan tracks down the other members of the team; Jaxom, Alden, Eochaidh, and Rabbit. He says something along the lines of: "You were absolutely amazing when we went into those tunnels going after ghouls. One of the bravest things I've ever seen and for that, I wanted to thank you." He then gives each 40 pp. If anyone tries to turn it down he just says, "Don't worry about me, I have plenty. Besides money may never be worth anything again. Let's see how things go. But one can be hopeful that our splendid currency will one day be worthwhile. As it is, the creator has blessed me with more than I need and with a group of friends who can be counted on."

Alden Cooperson |

"I will be happy to help with teaching the newcomers to plow, sow, tend, and harvest," Alden replies. "Between the three of us, I think we can make a go of it. Thank you, Eoicaidh, for your willingness to create the food berries with your magic. That will surely prevent any sort of food shortage from becoming either a riot or a famine. As for leadership, I'm not sure I would be the best choice. I am certain Erastil wants me to actively work towards re-joining the Shards, and making the world whole again. That is going to require me to travel, and those journeys will only grow longer as our world expands. If I am in charge, what happens while I am away? Who assumes control? If they are doing most of the work of a leader, why not make them leader to start with? How about something like a Council of Elders, say five trusted and respected members of the community to hear grievances, settle disputes, and manage the day-to-day work of the community? If there are to be nominations, let them be for those five positions. To be clear, I should not be one of those five, but I will report to them whenever we return from exploring a newly joined Shard. If you would like suggestions, I would recommend Captain Tymos from New Ostenso. He has proven himself to be a man of his word, and I believe it will make the newcomers feel more a part of the community as a whole."
*********
Alden accepts the coins from Kevan. "Thank you, Kevan. These coins, as you said, represent the hope of a world restored; a world where these bits of soft metal can once again buy food, shelter, clothing, tools, or whatever else is needed."
*********
Assuming all matters are settled, Alden heads into the woods, bearing the etherium and the cloak. Although he longs to look upon the face of the beautiful Swan Maiden, he knows that the community's safety lies with maintaining the terms of the treaty with the Dragon. He makes his way to the Green Lady's lair.

Jaxom Buhr |

Jaxom accepts the coins from Kevan. "Thank you Kevan. We all worked together and so were able to succeed. I'm sure there will come a day again when this metal has value. Until that day I will hold it while I do what I can with iron."

GuardYourPrivates |

Just a reminder to Alden that Tymos showed up as evil under detection and Rabbit has personally testified to some of his past misdeeds. Not that he isn't an effective warden.
Alden's trek through the woods goes unmolested, though he is aware of the same familiar wolf from his last trip shadowing him. It lingered on the edge of his sight, sticking to trees, it's mottled brown fur serving as good camouflage.
This time he does not stumble across wild animals or get visited by the dragon or swan knight in advance. He comes to the edge of Talschornvox's grove and finds her seated at the same table as the first time she met the party.
Today she wore no dress, but a pair of white linen pants and a simple shirt with a forest green tabard draped over both and secured with a sash. She wore no boots, and Alden could see that small bright green scales traced down from her ankle to the bridge of her foot. Much the same as decorated her palm from her wrist. Before the party had only seen those along her features and the nape of her neck. Dressed down as she was it became more apparent how touched by draconic blood this form was.
"You are welcome in my grove." she says calmly and just loud enough to be heard clearly in the utter still of the place, "Please, have a seat."
*******************************************
Kevan parcels out some of his found platinum, though it is a struggle to get Rabbit to accept even half the offered amount. Since coming back the halfling has been all chatter with the three stones, asking many questions of their past lives and getting to know them better. His impromptu fireworks awe the children and make some of the adults nervous, and both Norian and Kras'tak join with him to put on a show of magic as well.
Once Alden finishes with the lady I will manage downtime and key off some events to resolve. If there is anything specific you would like to craft be sure to let me know. If you want to try constructing some specific type of building or complete some kind of project this will be your last chance. Same if you have any interest in holding a position of authority. Just triple checking before I hit you all with a LOT of events.

Kevan Nimblefingers |

Kevan engages with the alchemist apprentice, perhaps they could help each other.
"Hi, my name's Kevan and you are? Pleased to meet you. When I asked Carl about the town alchemist, he recommended I speak with you. He did mention that your master was taken by the ghouls and I'm very sorry about that. But I'm an aspiring alchemist myself. I like things that go boom. Based on some earlier training with a fireworks guild I was able to replicate some basic fireworks and I'm hoping to get some black powder grenades made. However, that seems to be a little beyond my skill right now without burning through a bunch of material so I'm still studying that. I was hoping we could work together. I could bring my stuff to your lab or if you don't have a lab, you could bring your stuff over to my lab and we could combine resources. Right now, in case we run into more monsters such as the ghouls, I'd really like to have some more alchemist fire so, that's what I was going to work on. Any familiarity with that, interested in helping?" It's obvious that Kevan is using said alchemical items as he has taken to wearing two bandoliers with alchemist fire and acid flasks filling the loops.
He is wondering about the alchemist's lab, could they use it? Is it a masterwork lab or just a regular lab? Does he have materials for making alchemical items? How much?

Alden Cooperson |

"Thank you, m'Lady," Alden replies, giving her a respectful nod. He places the etherium and the folded cloak on the table. He also reaches into his pocket, and sets the small bag of platinum coins on the table, as well.
"The recently joined Shard contained a city from Cheliax, New Ostenso. Its ruler had unleashed ghouls upon the populace, in order to cull the population and keep them living in fear. There wasn't much in the way of treasure, but we did find this fine cloak. Other than some furnishings in the Lord's Office, this was the only item that could be considered artistic, at least, as far as any of us could tell. The coins were a gift to me from one of my companions. Since we didn't find any coin, I offer them to you as the tithe."

GuardYourPrivates |

The lady slides the items closer and lifts the cape in her hands. Her eyes widen slightly. "Pardon me a moment." she says as she quietly says a few arcane words and moves her fingers subtly through the air. Studying it further, turning it over in her hands, her expression starts to show her awe at what she is holding.
Noticing Alden watching her she composes herself. "I don't suspect you found anything else as valuable as this." she reasoned softly, "This is a fine tithe." She does not hide the smile on her face, and Alden notes her emerald colored eyes are practically sparkling.
"Where did you find this?" she asks softly after a pause.
Well, a unique wondrous item that is baseline 4k gold value before it's other features certainly makes for a good tithe.
******************************************
"My name is Varny ser." the young man answers, "I'm afraid I don't have any proper facilities. My master's shop was in another part of the city, and we mostly made things as they were asked of us by Lord Berik... well, former lord Berik."
You could, of course, construct such a shop during downtime.

Alden Cooperson |

"Hidden in a tomb beneath the city's cemetery," Alden replies. "The tomb had been claimed by the ghouls as their nest, so we entered and cleared them out."

Alden Cooperson |

"Thank you for the offer, m'Lady, but if I had entered that crypt alone, I would not have survived. I cannot in good conscience claim such an honor without my friends. If it is not too presumptuous of me to ask, could we return at a later time with the entire group, so that we can celebrate together? If that is too much, it would be my honor invite you to celebrate with us back in Passbog."

Kevan Nimblefingers |

"Where were you working? My stuff is setup in a shed, just about anywhere will be better than that." Kevan says looking expectantly at the fellow.

GuardYourPrivates |

As was often the case when conversing with Talschornvox at her home it was perfectly quiet, and that made the silence that followed Alden's rebuff all the more uneasy. For a lengthy period of time the lady merely looked at him, her expression impossible to read.
When she replied it was in the same soft spoken voice she used most often in her glade, as if she didn't wish to speak any louder than necessary. "I will have to see." she said as she rose from her seat, "Good day." Then, without another word she turned and walked to her lair. Alden was now alone in the silence.
I will push out the major background stuff tomorrow.

Alden Cooperson |

When it is clear that Talschornvox would not be returning, Alden rises from his seat and softly speaks a prayer. "Dead-Eye I pray that I've not incurred the Green Lady's wrath. If I have, let it fall upon me alone."
Alden makes his way from the dragon's grove to Sarana's pond. Assuming, he encounters nothing between here and there, he enters the clearing, and approaches the edge of the pond.

GuardYourPrivates |

As she reaches her full height she pulls the hood of her cloak back, abruptly ending the transformation and standing before him. "Greetings ser." she says with a freely given smile, "What brings you to my pond?"
Going to move ahead as this will likely not effect anything.
The farmers see a priority knowing how important a new crop of food is. Before the winter snows were even fully melted new fields had been dug out of field, the soil prepared under Martin and Alden's guidance. New chicks and livestock were welcomed into the world and set out to pasture on the new farms to grow into future livestock.
It is a massive undertaking to build all the new structures. Supplies being carted from the Chellish town are used in construction, stone being quarried from Tel Bey's small quarries, and people constantly coming and going. Further upstream from the village the beginnings of a mill is put in to start making timber into beams. A few worker barracks are put in first, and thatched houses follow. Still, most do not have permanent homes just yet.
The smithy is expanded to also handle glasswork. Under the direction of Syardis, and the protests of Fogril. Kevan and Varny manage to setup a hut behind the large shop, though it is small and some of the work must be done outside. The smithy, now running with four proper smiths and the instruction of new glassblowers was a hub of activity. The little hut was a constant source of smoke plumes and curious vapors as an aspiring alchemist and a potentially mad halfling experiments and puzzled out how to furnish a full lab.
The bathhouse is transformed from a few stalls to a full split series of baths, with a large communal bath that could be heated in the evening to accommodate most of the population in shifts. Almost all of the marble tile used in the main bath was cut and laid by Tel Beys herself, the woman insisting on doing that much alone. How she found the time to do this when she primarily sorted out the laborers all day, every day, was unknown.
Initially the few prisoners in New Ostenso were housed in an abandoned home and watched over with a ballista and one or two guards. The other ballista was moved to the mill to sit atop Tel Bey's incorporated guard tower. Tymos' group of watchmen made a point of having one or two men there at all times, and one or two supervising people at large to ensure order was maintained. Tymos and his disciplined officers kept watch on the prisoners. They lived in New Ostenso still, with primarily Tymos sitting down to town meetings at the inn to occasionally update the progress of the prison being built. He had the prisoners building it themselves with stone from the city wall and mortar brought in from outside.
The meals are not the artisanal faire that the residents of Passbog were used to. Milana had a backyard cooking area setup with an open air roof overtop for poor weather. There she used a huge pot, a large flat iron, and a large firepit to prepare what she called communal meals.
There were vegetable stews with a bit of meat, porridge, gruel, breads... all designed to stretch the food they had as much as they were able. Eochaidh's berries helped immensely, ensuring some could simple subsist on some conjured food and keep the inn's headcount down. The citizens of New Ostenso were surprisingly fine with this, many claiming they ate better now than in years. Some vegetables were quick to grow and supplement the meals, but the coming summer and the fall harvest promised a huge bounty of food that all looked forward to.
As busy as everyone was the thought of voting in a new mayor and assigning some kind of village council was initially delayed. Still, as disputes between workforce and needs inevitably came there was an election. Some put Milana forward, and she was a fast favorite. Others wanted Tymos, even with his authoritarian style of leadership. The surprising candidate, and the one who ended up winning was Tel Beys. The diligent hospitaller was pragmatic, no nonsense, and neither Tymos nor either of the dwarves were very successful in telling her no.
Her first council had Tymos as marshal, despite his protests and at the sheer dread of anyone who decided to involve the warden in some personal squabble. Siegfried was given a position to speak for the craftsmen, mostly to satisfy Tel Beys' need for someone to lighten her burden enough to serve as mayor. Milana was put in charge of provisions, both storing and rationing. There would need to be a proper storehouse put in at the mill. The farmers were represented both by Martin Tooms with Alden helping as needed.
Now with that handled, let me roll some dice.
Event!: 1d10 ⇒ 3
During Kevan's experiments there was an accident a bit more severe than even he imagined. While preparing one of his bombs it started to smolder, and while he was rushing it out to be disposed of in a predug hole he bumped into Rabbit also hurrying out of the smithy. He dropped a few strands of etherium thread into the concoction, and the grenade started to spark and fizzle in spectacular fashion.
Without another thought Kevan had settled on the only reasonable option. He threw the grenade over the brick wall behind his hut. The wall was partly bowed in afterword, as a thunderous boom echoed through the village that brought everyone running. Fogril made sure to check up on the pair of aspiring alchemists twice as often after that.
It was a dangerous lesson to learn, but much like potions and scrolls it seemed etherium had a use with bombs as well!
It takes 25GP of Etherium per spell level when augmenting a scroll or potion. 25GP of Etherium per dice of an alchemical bomb will add two points of additional damage to that dice.
The shards are now ready to be used again. It would seem the six month cooldown stood, with the merging of New Ostenso not factoring in.

Alden Cooperson |

"I made it back alive from a nest of hungry ghouls," Alden replies. "I was hoping to get a little of your time to sit and talk, and get to know one another better...since...since our last meeting was so brief. Even if you don't wish to discuss anything personal, I'd love to hear your thoughts on different things, and get a better understanding of how you see the world."
He smiles warmly, and waits for her response.

GuardYourPrivates |

Sarana is all too happy to talk to Alden. They sit on a fallen log near the shore of the pond, and the fey talks about the forest at length. The creatures, how the weather was different than the year before, and a dozen other things so small and mundane a person from the city would probably cut their own throat out of boredom.
It would seem that the groups guess was correct. Sarana confirms Talschornvox's forest was from Katapesh. She had originally moved in after killing a druid who tried to force her out. His abandoned hut was still in the northeast of the forest. The dragon had a fancy for trading with merchants, and is likely where she picked up her love for bartering.
It is Sarana's last topic of discussion that is of actual import. "So how would you feel if some of these new people wanted to join me in the woods?" she asks, "The women, specifically, if they wanted to join me as swan maidens. I do so miss having sisters." Her traitorous blush is enough to make one wonder how such fey see their sisters.
This exchange can continue while moving forward. Is everyone ready to move on to merging? Once a shard is picked I can open recruitment to replace Rabbit and Eochaidh.

Alden Cooperson |

"I cannot speak for them, but if you would like, I can arrange a meeting where you can speak with the likely candidates. I would not begrudge their right to choose such a life, if they wish. I would be less than honest, however, if I didn't voice a concern about how it would impact the community. If there are more young men of marriageable age than there are young women, those young men tend to cause trouble, forming gangs and engaging in disruptive shenanigans and often outright violence and destruction. If I may, what is the typical swan maiden's opinion on marriage and children?"
(I'm fine with moving forward to the next merging.)

Kevan Nimblefingers |

Kevan together with Varny work on the next batch of alchemist fire.
Alchemist fire is DC 20, spending 1/3 of 20gp is 6.7gp or 67sp per try. Listing retry comments for my own tracking
Retry? Yes, but if you fail a check by 4 or less, you make no progress this week (or day, see below). If you miss by 5 or more, you ruin half the raw materials and have to pay half the original raw material cost again.
Assuming Varny has craft as a class skill and has 1 rank. Not accounting for any Int bonus.
Alchemy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 32x20=640sp of work week 1 that is all 3 alchemist fires I needed using 200sp of materials.
Vary assist: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
So Varny's alchemist master had no alchemical supplies we could pull over?

GuardYourPrivates |

@Kevan- He had some basic supplies and you both have had to set things up yourself without a "trained" alchemist. That is mostly flavor though, you have a working alchemical lab now. You also have a druid, quarries, and a glassblower to help you with materials. I imagine you can make most mundane things during downtime.
Just know that there are limits to what can be prepared for your work per day/week and if it gets too pricy/exotic I will have to do the downtime math and figure out what needs to be done.
**********************************************************
"That is the nature of young bucks with every species." Sarana agrees with a wide smile, "Marriage and children?" Hmmm, well I suppose I have never thought of that. I guess if a sister wanted that for herself that would be fine. Though we don't normally have children. We can always make new sisters. I've never had much use for men myself."
After a moment her eyes widen, as if realizing something. "Not that there is anything wrong with men!" she is quick to offer, "You're fine and noble, and you have been a friend to me in this new world!"
***********************************************************
As time passes Rabbit and Eochaidh settle into there new roles in the community. Rabbit seems very content to continue his tailoring, helping Milana, and generally taking his leisure. Something that has grown on him with Kevan's help. Eochaidh took to the woods more each week, and while he could be called on to help the village turned town he seemed much happier to live in Talschornvox's territory. He had made a passing comment about finding an old cottage of some former druid and wanting to settle in there.
The group did come together as the gems were once again ready to merge shards, meeting to discuss what should come to pass. Tel Beys sat in on the gathering, but made a point not to have her council sit in.
"I'm not going to try and tell you lot how to go about this. I may be mayor now, but you're recognized by everyone as the shard bearers. We wouldn't know where to start with these gems, or the dangers that might be out there." she explains, "But if there is one thing I could request, find us something with strategic importance. We all agree some game we could hunt without a dragon upset would be good. Or a proper source of stone or ore so we're not stuck borrowing from Ostenso and quarrying fields."

Alden Cooperson |

"You have been a friend to me as well, Sarana. I hope that our friendship continues with the rejoining of the Shards," Alden replies. His tone has changed slightly, a bit more somber. "As my friend, I will share something personal, important to me with you. Erastil has charged me to do what I can to reunite Golarion, and I have come to accept that I may very well forfeit my life in pursuit of that end. Despite that, I am also a young buck. I am hopeful that life in a reunited world will go on, and that a part of that life will include my progeny and descendants. To that end, I am actively looking for a wife; someone who wants me for a husband and as the father of her children. Upon our first meeting, you caught my attention. You are objectively beautiful, and through our conversations, have shown yourself to be intelligent, competent, sensible, and kind. I say this because I would like to court you, with the intention of possibly marrying at some point in the future. If however, you are not interested, I will respect your wishes. Instead, I will pursue nothing more than platonic friendship."
**********************************
"I recall there was another Shard that was largely woodland," Alden replies. "There was a pack of wolves or wild dogs, though. As far as a quarry, I don't recall seeing one, but perhaps a mountain range will be in one of the nearby shards. That might work."

GuardYourPrivates |

Sarana gives Alden a sad smile and takes his hands. "I am not." she says solemnly, "But it is a grand thing that you thought of me." She continues to hold his hands, then stands and turns to make a slight pose for him.
"I suppose if I ever have sisters again I can brag that I tempted the hero of the shard." she says with a sly look, "I must try not to become vain."
********************************************************
Okay gang, feel free to add your two cents as we go into this. Can just say you spoke up beforehand. I'm a bit eager to start the process and find you some new playmates.
Once the group settles on what they wish to do and Alden takes up the trio of gems (It doesn't have to be Alden each time, though he is a good candidate.) and begins to focus. As the gems hum with power he hears a duo of voices in his mind. "You've done this before." Deshrit and Delian say in unison before Apachal joins them, [b]"Close your eyes and focus.
Alden sees the familiar blackness, the roiling smoke that marks the boundary of their shard. Then, a point of light...
Charisma: 2d2 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 = 8
Another max roll!
Percentile: 1d100 ⇒ 71
Percentile: 1d100 ⇒ 98
Percentile: 1d100 ⇒ 93
Percentile: 1d100 ⇒ 100
Percentile: 1d100 ⇒ 46
Percentile: 1d100 ⇒ 6
Percentile: 1d100 ⇒ 32
Percentile: 1d100 ⇒ 43
This one is going to take me a moment due to the rolls. Expect a post later today.

GuardYourPrivates |

The light splits into eight different twinkling stars in the blackness. Four of them slowly drift back together, shining all the brighter as they move in. "This again." Deshrit bemoans, "I suppose that means more etherium for you gentlemen."
The two radiant lights are merely blinding to Alden, but he is familiar with this. He knows a closer look will reveal some of those shards to him, and that they offer the promise of more etherium.
The surprise comes as he looks into the next shard. A large lake serves as an oasis in the dessert. The lush plants and grass around it extend out into the sand, and another section of the shard also bears jungle trees. He can spot an orchard with exotic fruits on the edge of it. His vision swings back to the dunes, to a rocky crag jutting out of them with some buildings and fortifications there.
He also notices that this is not like other shards. This one is as large as their own!
Congratulations on moving from tiny shards to small everyone.
The next shard he looks at contains a coastline. Two small fishing villages that extend out along the shore to each other. With an expanse of sea extending out from it.
The next shard is equally staggering as the other two. With a grand temple dominating the center with a few outlying buildings. One section of the surrounding area is rolling hills, another smooth plains with crops, and the final corner bears some rocky hills. Each seems to have a tiny remote village.
The final shard is a scene of destruction even from his bird's eye view. A mix of plains and forest, with small villages spread out across the expanse. Yet there is blackened and scorched land, ruined structures, making it clear something ill has befallen this shard.

Alden Cooperson |

"Let's take a closer look at the glowing shards," Alden says, to the Gem Trio. "That one first," he says, indicating the one closer in his field of vision.
*********************
Alden smiles and laughs at Sarana's flirtation. He gently takes one of her hands in his and says, "Thank you for your honesty in this. I do not begrudge your feelings, and in such times as these, a friend is worth her weight precious stones." He rises to his feet and says, "Regarding your wish for sisters, the Green Mistress of the Woods has made it clear that she does not want people hunting or settling here. How will she feel about this matter? Do we need to speak with her first before I bring it before the community?"

Jaxom Buhr |

Jaxom joins the group when he hears that they're looking to join a shard again. "Remember we need metal."

GuardYourPrivates |

Sarana considers Alden's concerns. "Oh, well she always let us bring in new sisters in the past, but I suppose so." she says in realization, "Uh, I should be able to talk to her about it. Just... probably not today." She gives a faint chuckle.
"That might be putting the egg before the hen though." she adds, "I don't know if any of the new people would even want that."
*************************************
The first shard is actually two seperate shards, but let's see go with the d100.
As the gems help to draw Alden in closer, past the blinding light, he is forced to wince inside his own head as the light overtakes and blinds him. It passes though, and he finds himself underground. It was low lit. He was in some kind of large underground complex. Arching causeways of stone bricks led him past chambers with fireless torches that cast long shadows.
There was water being carried below as if he was in some kind of huge aqueduct. Except the way suddenly opened up into a natural cavern, and a massive drop. The stone didn't end here, the causeway itself seemed shorn off. It pooled below in an open cave, and below there was a tunnel entrance into another cave.
It was hard to tell scale as his vision was carried down the falls, down toward the soft glow of the new path. As he flew inside it was even harder to tell, as giant mushrooms adorned the cavern and some softly glowing toadstools littered the floor. Was this a third underground enviroment?
This was the longest journey through a shard he had ever previewed, but it wasn't over yet. The mushroom cavern abruptly ended as well, the plants dying off to dark rock and what seemed another worked stone room that had been mashed together. This chamber held something far different. Piles of gold. Gems and items littering a pile of treasure beyond a man's imagination. Was this part of a dragons horde? Two hordes?
It was then that the vision withdrew back behind the blinding light and he was left with another choice of what shard to look more closely at.

Alden Cooperson |

"Why not today?" Alden asks. "The sooner we can get her approval, the sooner we can move forward with finding potential sisters for you. It would only be a short walk back to her meadow, and would only be a few moments of her time to get consent..."
Sense Motive, Untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
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"Alright," Alden says to the Gem Trio. "Let's look more closely at the other really bright shard."

GuardYourPrivates |

As Alden is brought through the staggering bright light again he finds himself looking down on a small cottage on a hill. There was a large open mine carved into one side of it, plunging into depth the hill itself was unlikely to support. But then the vision pulled in, Alden being whisked into the tunnel and down a large shaft. It quickly turned to stone inside, then blending into natural cavern. The pace quickened to the point of blurring.
Much like before he found himself being pulled into a massive chamber filled with treasure. Only this time it was all stacked into one central pile, with a throne mounted atop of it. On either side of the throne were standing lamps that emitted light without smoke.

Alden Cooperson |

Alden takes a deep breath, and sets his mind on his decision.
"That one," he says to the Trio of Stones. "The desert oasis with the lake. With Dead-Eye's blessing, there may be stone and iron within that crag."

Jaxom Buhr |

Jaxom gathers his gear, ready to go chase the shard again. He wonder how they'll be able to do this was the pieces of the world are rejoined. They can't just run hundreds of miles, possibly across mountains, deserts and oceans like they'd been doing....
"OK people. Watch the shard so we have a direction to go."

Alden Cooperson |

RETCON - based on Discussion Thread
"Let's connect with that giant cavern complex, the one with the mushrooms," Alden says to the Stone Trio, mentally pointing to the first shard they zoomed in on.

Jaxom Buhr |

Jaxom hears Alden's choice. 'Giant cavern complex, with mushrooms'? Well, some mushrooms were edible. And a cave might be a mine. Some iron ore would definitely help with the tools and things they'd need to keep expanding. Gold and pretty stones might have value later. But for now they needed to be practical!

GuardYourPrivates |

As Alden makes his choice the three gems begin to pulse. Not together as before, but in an alternating order. The light within them grows blinding, and the group once again watches as the uneven facets paint the inn in shadowed lines amongst the different gem's hues. Then, the trio streaks off to the north and into Talschornvox's forest.
There is no impact with the border wall of the shard. There is, however, a great rumble from below. It feels like the whole world is shuddering, and items fall from the shelves of the inn as the building shakes. Dust from the rafters clouds the air. For a moment it as if the whole world will come apart. Then the shuddering comes to a stop, and all is quiet.
When the party heads outside they see some changes. Much as the unpaved dirt road had widened and joined together when they had merged with the rolling hills of Norian's shard, they now found the small creek that flowed from the spring had widened. Beyond that, there was a long abandoned cottage across the small stream(?). Behind it, an open shaft into the ground opened up.
As the party explored this shaft it opened wider in neatened into a stone wrought underground passage. Water from above poured in through a stone aqueduct, and poured down the recessed center of the passage. Alden recognized it, and as the darkness loomed ahead they could hear where the tunnel opened to a cavern. Where it abruptly ended in a sheer cliff face. The soft glow of fungus and the reflection of a pool of dark water below.
Setting ropes and continuing down they found the side passage with the mushrooms. Some would later be identified as edible. Some good for medicines or even arcane spell components.
They pressed on for now though, knowing beyond was a great trove of treasure. Indeed, they found exactly that. Ever cautious, the group spread out and looked for any danger. They found some as well, though it was long past. A man lay half inside the dead jaws of a mimic. His armor caught in the thing's open maw and long dried blood from him and the creature was dried there.
Once they pried him free they found on his person numerous items, and among them a journal. It detailed how he had been alone in his shard. His small, remote cottage leaving him as defacto owner. He had then merged his shard several times. First with one horde of treasure, and then another, and another. The mushroom cavern his only real attempt to secure any additional sustanance.
With this grim, but unworrying revelation they were free to do something unexpected. Rifle through a great horde of treasure, with no conflict or theft!
Well, bit on the rails here everyone, but it's nothing if not rewarding. Allow me to go through what treasure you found.
Cataloguing their finds and having their friends help identify the magical items the group secures the following:
- A bloodstained +1 Grinding Studded Leather Armor found on the body of the man. Guess how the mimic died?
- Divine scroll of dispel magic in his satchel.
- Also on his person were boots of a magical nature and a magical eyepatch.
- Nearby where he died was a +1 composite bow that shed a soft light over the grim scene as a torch would.
- Among the piles of coin and gems the group also finds a staff, clasp, and a shirt. The staff was ivory that had been magically altered to spiral up into a knotted tip. The clasp bore a petrified insect with a dark pin stuck through it, preserved in amber. The shirt was so thin as to be nearly transparent, made with a smooth and stretchy silk that shone a dull red.
Then, of course, was the treasure. Somewhere around ten thousand gold coins. Piled, stacked, and glittering. A near equal amount of silver, eight thousand pieces, was littered among it. Two hundred platinum was placed on the top of the central pile, as if a cherry atop a cake. Also littered in the piles of coin were numerous gems. Rose quartz, amber, smoked quarts, pearls, and a single aquamarine as large as a baby's fist. There was also several statuettes of various sizes. The smallest, an obsidian falcon no bigger than a figurine. The larges, a marble plinth with an ivory griffon perched atop it. The magnificent animal had gold filigree running along it's surface to make it even more distinguished.

Alden Cooperson |

Alden looks at the hoard. "The coins and gems aren't of use now, but they will be as soon as we have rejoined sufficient shards to resume a more traditional economy. As far as artwork goes, it may be up to the Green Lady to come and carry off her choice, especially if she is fond of the griffin, here. The magical items could be of great to use us in reuniting the world." He looks to the other members of the group. "Does anyone want to claim anything? I am interested in the clasp and the bow, but I would not presume to claim them without hearing from the rest of you."

Kevan Nimblefingers |

"But they will be my good man, they will be. As to items, I've heard of magical items that shrink to fit their wearers. If the armor will do that then I would like some magical armor. If no one else needs it, that is." Kevan responds standing enraptured by the small horde.

Jaxom Buhr |

Jaxom examines the body of the man and the mimic, and reads through the journal. "Well. So he was alone and had to figure out the gems. That must have been hard."
Glancing around the treasure horde he shakes his head. "No metals for tools or weapons? Well, maybe next time. How much of the coin and gems go to the dragon?"

Kevan Nimblefingers |

"Maybe there's a vein of ore in here somewhere. I'm not the mining type but I once helped out a miner. He was scared of rats and these rats had moved into his mine, so he hired me to get them out. Some of those things were as big as dogs. There was one so big that instead of using a standard method of catching it I had to rope it and ride it out like a pony. Craziest thing you've ever seen. I'm not that great at riding mind you and as soon as we got outside, he tossed me but apparently it was enough to dissuade the thing because it left. Anyway, he used to talk about looking for veins of this or veins of that. It was enough to make you think there was blood in the walls." Kevan says as he ponders where to bury his portion.

Alden Cooperson |

Jaxom examines the body of the man and the mimic, and reads through the journal. "Well. So he was alone and had to figure out the gems. That must have been hard."
Glancing around the treasure horde he shakes his head. "No metals for tools or weapons? Well, maybe next time. How much of the coin and gems go to the dragon?"
"We'll need to appraise the gems, but as far as the coins go, it would be about fifteen hundred gold, twelve hundred silver, and thirty platinum for her share."

Jaxom Buhr |

Forgot that. Heading after the gems.

Kevan Nimblefingers |

"Tallyho!" Kevan cries out as the gems streak off and starts off in that direction. "Shall we skirt around the dragon's area or just go to her and let her know about the movement of the gems?"

Alden Cooperson |

"The gems probably went to her, like before, when we first merged our shard with hers. She has the only other etherium. I won't be surprised if she tries to renegotiate our terms," Alden says, with a sigh of resignation.
Since no one voiced and objection, he picks up the composite bow and the clasp before leaving the cave.

GuardYourPrivates |

Hope you all had a good holiday weekend.
The trio heads into the forest domain of the dragon Talschornvox, and after an uneventful journey they find the lady sitting at the same table she received the group before.
The shard sits flat on the table, an uneven amalgam of seven gemstones. It would probably have to be carried in two hands were they handed over to the group.
"Would you all like to take a rest and have some tea?" the lady asks with a bemused smile on her face, "I would wish to ask you a few questions about what happened with this merging."

Kevan Nimblefingers |

”Yes ma’am. Kevan says as he jogs over to take a seat. ”You know, I need to bake some scones before we meet like this again. Wouldn’t frosted scones go well with some tea?”