Game 56

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As the fight subsides, Otto spies the gentleman he made his bet with start to try to slink off. He makes eye contact with Cirrine and they both take off after him. Otto casts hold person on him, while Cirrine runs up to him quickly cutting the purse from his person. She then turns to the crowd and says that justice will be dispensed on this cheater. She pulls out her rapier, to the gasps from the crowd, and proceeds to cut his pants off as well.

The owl man emerges from the lake, dripping from head to toe, and says “Drinks on me!” The crowd cheers, and everyone starts making their way toward the Pickrel Inn.

The central tree is illuminated by red and blue glow stones. The rest of the architecture of the town is made up of trees that have formed into facsimiles of homes. A natural growth pattern that produces natural windows, leaf shingles, and doorways.

Rowan approaches the minotaur who he’d made a bet with. Before he arrives one says to the other “What next?” and the other responds “I suppose we should talk to the Old One.”

As she reaches into her pack, Rowan spots something ivory, before she places herself in front of his view. She then produces an axe, licked across the edge with frost. Rowan tells her she can keep the axe if she answer five questions truthfully.

*“An interesting puzzle.” she responds. “Ask your five questions.”*

*“Question one: what is your name?”*

*“I am known as Galdweena of the Elk Tribe.” Rowan senses she may not be forthcoming on that one.*

*“What stops people from entering the Vault of Dreams.”*

*“I’m…” she clearly does not want to disclose too much information “Not from these lands, little one. I’m not familiar with many of it’s locations.”*

*“Question three: What do you know of the Master of Dream.”*

Her eyes kind of squint.

*“The Master of Dreams. I’ve heard of this name. He is a great magician. Are you Faerunian?”*

Rowan nods.

*“This makes more sense. I have questions for you as well, but a deal is a deal. I know him to be a great magician from our world. Beyond that, here, I have limited experience but he’s very important. There are creatures, aspects of… holy beasts that help the deceased find their way home to the Great Wood.”*

*“Question four: What do you know of the White Bastille?”*

*“Intriguing. You’ve come to help them?” She looks off in the East. “It seems we have much in common, small one. In private or over a drink?”*

*“I still have one question left, and you haven't asked the one I just asked.”*

*“I’m willing to forgo all the questions and give the axe. But before we move forward, I have a question of my own.”*

*“I still have one more question.”*

She shakes her hair, her braids flapping around her face.

*“Very well. The Daughters of the Moon seek to protect the rest of the Fey WIld from the nightmares of the Dark Wood. Nightmares that stray too far from the darkwood. Pushing further into the Dawn Fields. The Daughters keep them at bay, until recently maintaining balance. Until something else has taken root there.”*

\*Riley’s eyebrows are dancing. Shits about to get real.\*

*“Tell me, young one. Have you heard of the TIcking Man?”*

*“No, I can’t say I have.”*

*“There are many rumors here within Fidenae. They say he is a lost dream. A nightmare given form. Black smoke follows in his wake. ANd anytime he appears all die. Stranger yet, a face of all of those who follow him within the smoke are all the same. There are those that would see him ended, for he has many faces, this TIcking Man. But you always know him by the sound that follows, the ticking of a clock. There are many strange things that pass beyond the realm of understanding. THis one is of a magical nature. I do not understand it’s form.”*

*“The daughters of the moon manage to keep the nightmares at bay. But then other things began to appear. Smokemonsters and bandaged men. The nightmares increasing. THe more that dreams that could not find their way, the more that nightmares are forged. And now the wood is practically brimming with Night Men. Your final question?”*

*“Question five: Have you found any weaknesses of the Night Men?*

*“Is an axe to face a weakness?”*

*“Not any more than any other creature.”*

*“Who are you, masked one? You are intriguing.”*

*“An axe to the face is the best you’ve got?”*

*“It has been of most use to me in my encounters.”*

*“Five questions dutifully answered. You’re axe may continue to serve you.”*

She smiles at her axe. *“Fine. My question. If you would indulge me. Who is this one to you?”*

She indicates Bjorkas.

*“I just call him big man.  You can ask him your question yourself.”*

*“I will have to do this. If you’ll excuse me. We are staying with a friend by the name of Megrun, if you want find me later.”*

*“This one fights well.”*

*“It’s all I know.”*

*“What do you call yourself?”*

*“Bjorkas.”*

*“I am Galdween of the Uthgardi.”*

*“Which tribe?”*

*“Perhaps in private.”*

“*Which tribe?”* Bjorkas whispers.

She snorts. *“Your friend called you the Big Man.”* She smiles, unlaces her bracer, and reveals a tattoo of the Ghost Tree. Bjorkas turns around, pulls his pants down. David lifts his legs and reveals Bjorka’s tat of the Ghost Tree as well.

*“How did you come to be here?”* she asks. Bjorkas gives her the sparks notes.

*“I’m supposed to protect the tree.”*

*“I as well. We have been summoned to meet the Earth Mother. Do you want to meet her?”*

*“Yes. But we should get my group together first.”*

*“This is business for the Ghost Tree alone.”*

**Pickerel’s Diligence**

Meanwhile…

Balwin leads Damian and Aziola inside.

Baldwin “Riiight… so what exactly brings you guys into Fidenae?”

Marius “We were hoping to go to the Vault of Dreams.”

B: He spews his drinks. “The Vault of Dreams!?”

M: “Yes.”

B: “You have to have a death wish or br crazy if you want to go there.”

M: “Frankly, with me, it’s probably both.”

B: “Scores of…” he looks around “the Dark Men.”

M: “Oh really? In the path to the Vault?”

B: “The Dark Men are West of the Elah’s River. There’s a nasty rumor circulating that they could be moving in on the White Bastille.”

M: “Tell me, Baldwin, how long have you been in the Fey?”

B: “How long have I been in the Fey? Not long.”

M: “Not long is a relative term. When were you last in Faerun?”

B: “Can’t seem to remember the last time I set foot in the homeland.”

Baldwin is clearly lying. M: “Then I’m sure you wouldnt care about any recent news from there, since you haven’t been there in a while.”

B: “I wouldn't say that. I have certain investments in Faerun. You see this?”

He holds up his pipe. It has the image of a woman on it.

M: “Is that your investment?”

B: “You could say that.”

This is a hand carved pipe. Everything in here has not been carved.

B: “The wood here. It sings. The supplest wood you will find.”

M: “*Do the locals know that you cut the wood*?”

B: “What!? I’m an honorable businessman.”

Baldwin looks him up and down. “You seem like a clever sort. You also seem like a sly individual. I’ve got a shipment that needs transiting if you catch my drift. Everything completely legitimate, of course. I wouldn't ask you to compromise yourself. Tell me, what does the name Long Saddle mean to you? I have a shipment that needs to find itself to a certain place. And, uh, of course I would have certain investments that I need to keep an eye on. Make sure things don’t wander off from a certain Blue City.”

M: “Who would your contact be in the Blue City.”

B: “Contact!? This isnt some cloak and dagger shit, boy!”

M: “Well, you seem to want some discretion.”

B: “There’s a drop point. An alley. If the shipment were to find itself there, then a certain individual might be very grateful.”

M: “And the compensation?”

B: “2000, with 200 of it up front.”

…

B: “Tell you what… one crate. 300 up front.”

Suddenly, a bunch of people pour into the place as a puffy owl man enters. “Out of the way.” He walks up to the bar “I’ll have the usual.”

…

Marius asks Baldwin who he is, and Baldwin responds “Poi. It’s said that he was a student of the Cerulean City. He studied the arcane arts at Esken Dal Valeh.”

M: “I have not heard of this place. Are they famous?”

B: “They are some of the best fighters in the Fey Wild. Although small in stature, the shifting nature of their magic makes them the best among us. Natural tricksters.”

At Meeratel’s Hovel:

T: “Rowan, I’m afraid of what could happen when you get to the Bastille. ANd I dont want there to be a misunderstanding.”

“About what?”

“Who you are?”

“Who am I?”

“Exactly. I think… you have the face of the eyes of merric.”

“Yeah, that’s quite a pain.”

“I need you to be honest with me. Why?”

“I don’t know.”

“You understand why that’s an alarming thing.”

“You understand that’s why it’s a curious thing? WHy does the sword call to you?”

“I mean, you gave it to me.”

“THe sword chooses its owner. Do you know what the sword is.”

SHe holds her hand out. There is blue energy as her own sword appears in her hand.

“Do you know who the Prophetess is? Kile’Valoren. She was our leader. She went missing a long time ago. There has been infighting among the daugers. We are meant to defend the world against nightmares. I feel our original intent and purpose has become lost. When Celune kept the moon from falling, it took everything to keep it from crushing every living thing. As far as we know, in the Fey Wild, she was the first daughter of the moon. When the moon struck, she couldn't hold all of it. From the first pieces that fell, these swords were created. Each blade chooses who it belongs to, and what its destiny is. Do you know who Celune was? She’s of the Estalari. A watcher of mortals. A charge to keep safe from darkness that seeks to impose darkness on the world. Long ago, primordials wandered the earth. The old gods. And it was Celune and her brothers and sisters whose names are that of legend. To give mortals a chance. And, this is her charge. THe moon blades. First fallen into what has become the Silver Star city. She broke a piece of herself into each of them, giving those who would wield it a chance. It is said that they are only meant for those who would keep this charge, yet no man has ever wielded such a blade. Each one finds its heir for life and is bonded with it, and that is their charge. To keep the darkness away. So I’ll ask you again, why does the blade call to you?”

“Why do you expect me to know?”

“Where do you come from?”

“I come from Faerun.”

“Originally?”

“Where in Faerun?”

“The Silvery City?”

“I’m afraid I don't know if my sisters will understand that. Why you wear the face. And Rowan, I’m sorry, but I have seen men of your kind. THose with your face. But you are different. You intrigued me. You seemed harmless at the time, so I kept watch. And I apologize if I was a bit cold at first. I’m not the best at talking to people. But, understand… when I’ve seen my sisters fall to those that wear your face, I am a bit suspicious.”

“I don’t know what you’re wanting me to tell you. There are many who have my face, and it’s apparently a part of some disease in Faerun. It is not something I control. I hope to stop the man responsible, but… I don’t know. I don’t know if I can.”

“Don’t know why you have. But I’ve seen the deeds of your actions. I've seen how you persist for strangers. I believe you. Im grateful for you. I trust you. And I told you before that Thultan Thar. But mostly I trusted the choice of the blade. But I need you to know that now I trust the man that wields it. If we've come this far, then I will see it to the end with you, if you'll allow me.”

“Do what you want.”

She nods. “There is a curious thing. When you were in the throne room. I've seen the ways that others would wield chromatic magic, and it seems somehow stronger in you.”

“I don’t know. I have a bit of a knack for it I guess. It is different from the spells of music I learned.”

“Long ago, when the Fey Wild was first formed by Korellian, there were great beasts said to exist that could wield this sae magic. It was said they were descendants of the Estellar themselves.”

“I don't think I'm familiar with that term. Do you want to enlighten me?”

“Celune was an estellar. And yet, and this is why I pulled you aside, she wielded certain flows of magic stronger than others. A pact was first created when the world was made anew that the children of Celine and the changing elves of the Tel Quasar would take their charge. The kings of the beast met with the kings of the elves that they would keep the darkness at bay. The union of the two were the puck. The king of beasts were the great primordial dragons. We have not seen their kind or their like in hundreds… thousands of years… and yet their bloodlines live on through a few chosen. Those that wield chromatic magic. We’ve seen a lesser form of theirs, and I think it was no surprise that it found us. That thing was a sliver of what it once was. A great primordial dragon.

Rowan nods and pulls his shirt aside revealing a sheen of lightly bronzed scales. Tanden appears relieved to see her speculation was not astray.

“They kind of appeared one day. Not something I could really change.”

“It is true then. The gift of the estellars to the dragons. That blood runs in you.”

“Apparently so.”

“I don’t know what any of this means.”

“Neither do I.”

“All right. I think that’s enough introspection for today. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

“I will say this. Many have fought and died in the Fey Wild for what is considered pure blood. This is something maybe best kept to yourself. Perhaps especially from our new hosts. My sisters will want to see your face. Know what you’re going to say. I trust them. They are righteous, devout, and good friends.”

“The daughters in the city were not as friendly.”

“Hmph. Metra.”

“Well. I’ll consider it.”

“I won’t let you face them alone. And I will stand by your side. I belive that doing the right thing wether you are condemned for it or not is at the forefront of my priorities.”

“Well. I guess we’ll see how it goes in a couple days.”

“There is one more thing, Rowan. The sword. It was in Myra’s possession, but it was not her blade. It was the sword of the first daughter, Kileh Valoren. The priestess that went missing.”

“So not only is it a special magical blade, but also ceremonial?”

“The first star is the one that shines the brightest. IT is usually given to the one who is strongest. THat is why it was a point of contention in the city.”

“But if the blade chooses, how can they be so possessive?”

“Tradition. There has never been a man. You have not been trained by the daughters. You have not received the gift. A sword that chooses one that could be seen as less deserving may not be welcome. It was hard enough for me to be accepted as a puck.”

“I’m not here to change any of the sisters orders. Im not sure what they could want for me.”

“They will be of a great help to us. When they see our cause is just. When they see that we seek to stop the darkness. We can do it together. Not just you and I, but your friends as well… I should get back and check on the others.”

Rowan takes a moment. He sticks his sword in the ground and points at it.

“Why did you choose me? You could have chosen anybody else. So show me something. Do something… Why? Why, damn you. Why?”

Nothing happens. Rowan throws a rock at it. “I will leave you here!” He continues talking to his sword.

Meanwhile, on the way to Megrun’s Hovel…

G: “We must see what the Earth Mother has to say. Are you prepared to meet her?”

BK: “Yes.”

She pours out the bones, and several begin to vibrate until they are arranged in a message showing the character for Mountain, the forest, then eagle, then jaw. As each rune starts to come together, they don’t make sense to BK, But G says “Interesting. She wishes to speak with you. Outside of the city is a hill in the shape of an eagle’s beak. At the top, you will find who you are seeking.”

She goes outside and she points outside the city and there is a legitimately small mountain, about half a day out. Galdweena “I would be quick.” Bjorkas “You would, but I’m not sure I would.” Galdweena “The ceremony does not keep the Earth Mother waiting.” She goes back inside.

Outside, Bjorkas ties David to a tree. “Stay here.” “Wait what? You can’t leave me here, man. They’ve got to be somewhere around here.” “Nope. I don’t have time.” And he departs towards the mountain.

After some travel, Bjorkas arrives at the top of his climb where there is a small hut with orange flickering fire light. There is the smell of cooking meat wafting across the air. The smell of sage. There is a raven sitting on a tree wathcing him, as he enters. There is a very small and very old gnomish woman sitting cross legged in front of the fire. Her eyes flicker with the fire light, and she grabs a hanful of white powder and thwos it into the flames.

“Come, young bull, and sit in front of the flames.”

Bjorkas does.

“The winds whisper of a change in the west. The young bull has come to sit before an old woman. The moon congeals red with the fall of a great black lion.”

“Are you sure it wasn't a red lion?”

She smiles, only a couple teeth showing. “Very sure. The shadows dance withtin the flames. Tell me, Bjoraks, what do you see?”

“How do you know my name?”

“I see you in the flames, Bjorkas. The Earth Mother has use of your skill once again. Will you answer the call?”

“Of course.”

“You have served faithfully following our requests. Sereska is dead. It seems the chieftain has gotten lost once again. Your purpose in this, lad, has come to an end. We have use of you in another part of the world. Will you leave, I wonder? There is an ever growing darkness in the cold. We would have you search it out. The shadows dance within the flames. The flames will rise, the shadows will fall. This darkness is stale on the wind. I can sell it. Earth and decay in dark places. Veran. He is not your concern any longer. The threads of fate have sealed the wolf spider grows ever stronger. Miska, will make a return. And as the primordials rise out of their holds, fire will come to greet them. The days of thunder shall return once again. A darkness will spread across the forests and we seek a hand willing to grasp and choke it out in the north. Will you go and answer the call, to Ten Towns?”

“Yes.”

“Then seek the sunken lake. We will send you with an escort with instructions for when you find it. I will present this to you.” And she pulls out from her robes a horn.

~~Each one provides resistance to a certain elemental type~~. They are also stones of far speech. He holds two for himself, leaving 6 for the party. Require attunement.

~~Necrotic and Radiant: with Bjorn. Riley will let you know what the other resistances are.~~

(reminder: his mother’s name is Quile Valoran)

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