You spend some time resting amid the barrow mounds, though the twins seem a bit upset at the decaying bodies, and they are more than a little nervous that more might appear.
You make the short walk back to the road, and then to town. As you walk through Blodvahrer, Jaylen remarks that people are glancing nervously in your direction. This isn't entirely new, and since you are bloodied from your recent battle, you don't think too much of it.
As you approach the town square , you see a large group of people, over 20 of them (a mob, really), listening to and cheering on Bjorn, as he shouts about "... and we'll find those bloody 'canists, and bring them to justice!!"
What justice are you seeking? Toki steps before the children. It takes a lot of courage to beat on kids, so I better make sure that your cause is just.
Bjorn sneers at you: "We know how much you like dirty magics -- everyone saw you defend those two and then chase off after them. We don't need magic-loving strangers who show up on a ship that doesn't even have any cargo. Take yourselves on out of our town!"
There are a couple of shouts of agreement, though the people closest to you are taking in the fact that you're all well armed and you've obviously been in a fight recently.
Toki looks at the sneering boy, You fancy yourself a fighter? Where is your father, boy?
"Father's busy," he says, darkly, [b]"But the church of Tempus knows the evil of magic and stands with us."[b] He gestures at an acolyte standing at his side.
Looking at the mob with a perplexed and yet also disappointed look, We will be leaving shortly. Go home, this all is nonsense.
Tempus, Toki looks at the acolyte, If Tempus is afraid of casters, he is a weak god, indeed.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
The small bunny hops on over to the group. Looking up at the big bully man and those that are supporting him he confidently says I do not think that there is any reason for ANY of us to fight because, well that is just silly. I think it might be better if we had a celebration to celebrate that these kids were saved and not eaten by Witch Hazel any other mean thing. I think we should all just be friends or at least friendly. Maybe we could even play a game of baseball or hide and seek He gives the world's cutest eyes to the group
Starting at 1st level, your patron bestows upon you the ability to project the beguiling and fearsome presence of the fey. As an action, you can cause each creature in a 10-foot cube originating from you to make a Wisdom saving throw against your warlock spell save DC. The creatures that fail their saving throws are all charmed or frightened by you (your choice) until the end of your next turn.
Will Save DC 13
|
"There is no reason to resort to violence. Seems we both want the same thing. Give us this evening for the twins to pack and say their good-by's and we'll depart with them in the morning to return them to their parents. Does this satisfy everyone"?
He then give his best smile and bows with a flourish.
"You have my word as a Dawnbringer that we'll leave with no further intrusion, and leave you to your ways".
Diplomacy
The crowd is unimpressed by Toki or Braith, but Jacka-Lope hops into their midst looking absolutely adorable. Many of the hardened people of the mob simply melt -- several of them begin grinning, a couple let out a soft "aww, so cute!"
Bjorn, realizing that he's losing the attention of his posse, begin sputtering: "Now, just wait..."
but he's interrupted by Gideon, who just sounds so reasonable, and his suggestion is actually... well, not exactly arresting the twins, does get them out of town for good. The bully meets Dawnbringer's eyes, still angry, but he nods: "See that you leave with the earliest tide." He spins on his heel and stalks out of the square, shoving people out of his way, followed closely by the acolyte of Tempus.
The crowd begins to disperse, though a few nearest want to stay and chat with Jacka-Lope, maybe even going so far as to play a game with the harengon. Gulli shyly joins them.
Yrsa puts a gentle hand on Gideon's shoulder: "Thank you -- thank all of you. This... this was worse than we expected, and we'd have been in a lot of trouble without your help."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
He wants to dance cuz he is so darn cute and proud of himself, lol.
After some exuberant dancing with the harengon, you return to the bakery to find that Gudrun, wise baker that she is, has already packed bags for the twins. There are a few tears, but Gudrun has been expecting this day and has accumulated a earful of advice and admonitions instead, some of those are meant for you as well. Finally, providing a small bag of money to each of the teens, and a box of pastries for you (including some vegetable pies for Jacka-Lope), Gudrun chivvies you out the door -- it seems she is not one for long goodbyes.
Back aboard the Shantu, you explain to Captain Poppie the need for a short detour and introduce her to Gulli and Yrsa.
======
Setting out on the high tide in the wee hours of the morning, you arrive quite early in Olafstaad. Gorm, the twins' father, is studying with the Initiates of the Flame, and you are able to track him down at their compound.
Gorm and Astrid (their mother) thank you profusely for your help, and apologize to the teens for having left them for so long.
Toki nods and turns to leave. No sense muddying things up with words... Back to the ship, folks. We have a prophecy to fulfill!
The bunny waves good bye to his new friends and promises to write and send postcards especially when he takes a left at Alborkorkey.
Poppie's eyebrows shoot up when you return to the ship: "Weren't expectin' ya back so soon! We're just taking on a bit o' cargo while we're here -- shouldn't be more'n an hour or so."
As you wait (and try to keep Jacka-Lope from getting into too much mischief), Gorm comes rushing up to you: "I'm so glad I caught you! We were so happy to see the children that we forgot to properly thank you -- what you've done... it's impossible to repay. But, here!" Gorm hands you a bag with several vials and bottles: "We don't have much, but I called in some favours and put together this little package for you. I wish we could do more."
Braith stutters out a sincere but startled Thank you!
Toki nods and smiles before returning to preparations for the sail!
The bunny folk is happy to look through the offered pouch,
|
|
"I would suggest we each take a healing potion and distribute the remainder to others to carry. We can agree to use the potions when needed, but someone has to carry them. I would like to carry the potion of climbing. I've often fell when attempting to climb in my life. Guess I've got a little fear of heights".
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
As you sail away from the Olafstaad, Captain asks: "So, where are we headed?"
Let us go see this dvar princess or priestess, whatever she is! Toki says with a grin.
Assuming we each take one of these healing potions, I can hold one or both of the remaining ones - the water breathing and the 'advantage' - but I feel unlikely to use them.
You make the return journey around the northern tip of the island once more. There are a few days of rough seas, but otherwise the trip is without incident.
You arrive in the afternoon of a clear, sunny (though windy) day at the port of Highrock. Those of you familiar with the area (or who have spoken with the sailors aboard the Shantu) know that Highrock is both a mining town and a seaport, and consequently is slightly larger than would be typical of either type. You expect to find two or three inns, several taverns, as well as several general stores and places offering specialty gear to miners and sailors alike.
Captain Poppie and her crew drop you off on the docks just east of the mining town of Highrock. The walk into town is only a mile, you are told. Halfway along the well-traveled road between the docks and the town, a group of scruffy-looking humans stand around a young dwarven woman. From the tone of the voices, it sounds like they are harassing her.
You pause, about 300 feet from the altercation.
Oy! What are you up to, ruffians? Toki walks with intent as he calls out.
Throughout the trip back, Jaylen seems much more sociable now that we’re traveling away from the magic-phobic northmen. The Druid spends a fair amount of time on decks, watching the water.
On shore as we approach the altercation, Jaylen winces slightly at the direct approach in which Toki has initiated. With a resigned sigh, Jaylen follows the warrior, though he doubts Toki needs backup.
Toki's voice is raw after long days at sea, laughing and working with Poppie's children, and when he attempts to call out, it breaks -- the group ahead doesn't even hear you.
However, as you approach, you see one of the humans raise a hand toward the dwarf. Quickly, she pulls a battleaxe from her back. In an instant, the battleaxe is wreathed in red flames. The hooligans scatter at this show of force and magic. If you were looking for a flaming axe, it looks like you found one!
|
|
Gideon secretly wonders why there is a violent confrontation everywhere they go, as he quickens his pace to determine what is happening.
"Children! Stay here on the ship where it's safe till we come back for you".
Perception
If one of the scattering hooligans comes near him he will stop him to ask what is happening.
The humans all run in the other direction, toward the town of Highrock and away from the angry dwarf with the flaming axe.
Ho there, daughter of the mountain! Toki smiled broadly, We are here to help you reclaim the wisdom of ancients!
As the humans scatter and flee, the dwarf woman turns to face you. The flames on her axe flicker out and she stows it again, seeing as you are friendly.
The mountain dwarf stands at about 4'9, with dirty blond hair and sparkling blue eyes. She wears grey-green tunic, skirt, and cloak; a necklace with two intertwined rings around her neck.
"Aye? Here to help are ya? I'm Winnow of clan Rustfire, and who might ye be? Nevermind -- as it happens, I find myself in need of some aid. How do you feel about watching my back and maybe helping search for a thing that's hidden?"
Toki smiles, Sound good to me! My names Toki, and these are my friends, Gids, Jay, Braith, and Jack!
Jack a lope waves at the she-dwarf.
”Im sure we’d be happy to help. If you don’t mind, what did the ruffians want? I see they ran toward town, should be be concerned that they may come back… with friends?”
Winnow glances back toward town: "I wouldn't worry about them too much -- I doubt they have other friends. Truth is, I'm searching for a rare red pearl that I will need to complete a ritual, but there have been rumours lately of orcs and goblins raiding from the mountains. I was hoping those fools could accompany me to the shore, but decided it might be easiest just to rob me. Ha! Things did not go the way they planned!"
"But, if you don't mind me saying, you all looked well-equipped. If you have a few hours to help, let's head down to the shore!"
The land flattens as it slopes down toward the shore. Off the trail you tread, tall grass waves in the stiff ocean wind, and the distant crashing of waves against the land drowns any other sounds. You have to practically shout to converse with Winnow.
"I'VE BEEN OUT A FEW TIMES, BUT NO LUCK SO FAR. WE'LL TRY THIS NEW SPOT AND SEE ..."
I am okay to go
Surprise (DC11)
Initiative
The path to the shore is narrow, and you walk it in single file. In places, there's a rough rock wall on your right to keep people from getting too near the edge, but in just as many places it has fallen away.
You've all but given up trying to have a conversation, and Winnow, who knows the trail quite well, has pulled ahead of you a bit anyway. Several of you notice that the long grass off to the left has been moving in a way that is not consistent with the wind, and so are unsurprised when a large bird leaps out at you from the side. Well, you aren't surprised that something appeared -- you weren't exactly expecting a bird taller than Toki with an axe on its face.
Gideon, unfortunately, was gazing off the edge of the cliff, and did not see it coming.
Those of you who were prepared for danger, turned to face the creature and, at the same time, notice four goblins poking out of the grass, bows at the ready.
Round 1
Braith
Axebeak
Goblin (Orange)
Goblin (Blue)
Goblin (Green)
Goblin (Black)
Toki
Jaylen
Jacka-Lope
Gideon (no actions in Round 1)
Braith assumes this bird means business, and notes the goblin "friends" as she moves to engage the feathered beasty.
Goblin (Orange)
Goblin (Blue)
Goblin (Green)
Goblin (Black)
Braith smacks the large bird across the beak, and it retaliates with a chop of its own:
but it fails to connect. Probably feeling a bit dazed by the mace.
Meanwhile, the goblins loose a flight of arrows that clatter off Jaylen's, Gideon's, and Toki's armour, inflicting no damage. The goblins disappear again into the long grass.
Round 1 (cont'd)
Braith
Axebeak -6
Goblin (Orange)
Goblin (Blue)
Goblin (Green)
Goblin (Black)
Toki
Jaylen
Jacka-Lope
Gideon (no actions in Round 1)
Toki slips past his allies and goes straight for Black, twirling his hand axe before swinging a slash at the little goblin's neck!
”Where has our new friend gone?” Jaylen asks and prepares for battle. Wanting to fucus on a threat, Jaylen releases a beam of frost at the axebeak.
Toki faces off against one of the goblins, but in his rush, his foot slides on the loose dirt and his attack misses entirely.
Jaylen's frost forms on the bird's feathers, but it gives a little shake and the ice cascades off, having had no effect.
The little bunny folk does not like that these goblins are shooting arrows at people so he calls out to red.
HEY! trying to get its attention.
As it looks at him he manifests a hand that comes out of his little paw hands and makes two fingers attempting to poke it in the eyes
Eldritch Blast: 23
Damage: 1NYUK, NYUK, NYUK he says as he does a Curly dance,
"AH!" shouts the goblin, as it is poked in the face, "Why, I oughta..."
Distracted by the frost and the enormous beak, Braith is unable to connect their next attack.
Axe Beak
Target: Braith
Goblin (Orange)
Goblin (Blue)
Target: Jacka-Lope
Goblin (Yellow)
Goblin (Black)
Target: Toki
The giant bird retaliates, but likewise misses Braith.
Two goblins target Jacka-Lope, turning the poor harengon into a mini-pincushion. Jacka-Lope collapses -- luckily, Winnow is close at hand. The dwarven cleric rushes over and places a healing hand over the wounds:
Yellow and Black target Toki -- the first with an arrow, the second with a scimitar -- but neither attack lands.
Yellow and Orange goblins again drop from sight, well-hidden in the tall grass.
Round 2
Braith
Axe Beak -6
Goblin (Orange) (hidden)
Goblin (Blue) -1
Goblin (Yellow) (hidden)
Goblin (Black)
Toki
Jaylen
Jacka-Lope (prone)
Gideon