04/08/2020 - Magical Metallurgy, Missing Moms and Mountaineering Mishaps

**(Chronologically)**

## TL;DR

* The party heads back to the druids to warn them that Frederico may be on his way. They are then convinced to stay the night, even through Narko's protests.
* Leo meets a talking plant. Leo and Ves learn how to make things on a magical forge.
* Next morning, the party head up into the mountains to find the giants and return their runes. Narko gets to use his wind rune and is very excited.
* After a brief storm, the party are attacked by a polar bear, which turns out to be Daeha's mother, only barely not undead and held together by the wild, necromantic magic of the island.
* The party attempt to climb the iron bars leading up the mountain, leading to much hilarity and near death.

## Leaving the Stronghold

As the party head up the riverbank, they discuss what the plan next is. Narko is in favour of crossing the river and going back to the village, but Breena thinks they should go straight up into the mountains. Ves is in favour of going back to the village, because it is cold and she doesn't want to sleep outside. Caitlyn wonders how hard the Giants could be to spot, they're *giant*. Narko says they wouldn't stay in the village, they don't want to lead Frederico there. Breena considers this and agrees that without the knowledge of the village, the party may find themselves the victim of some more centipedes.

Rocky says if there were centipedes, they'd be warm then.

Leo thinks it would be interesting to go back to the village to find out if they are still "doing the eye thing" when people mention Frederico or the pirates. Breena remembers that there were enchantment charms on the spire that they destroyed. Leo wonders if Frederico can talk about the pirates, because it would be funny if he couldn't.

Heading back to the river, Pierce has a look around but cannot see any of the boulder-crabs from before. Rocky, who has been carrying Chris the whole time, asks if Chris can swim. Chris can float. Rocky tests this and is happy to see that Chris can in fact float!

Ves offers to tug Chris across as a shark. Rocky declines as he was going to use Chris as a floaty to get across, which is fair enough. Breena gets a lift with Narko across and clings to his neck. Narko is not very coordinated with Breena on his neck, so Breena has to steer him away from the rocks. Ves, now a shark, sees shapes in the water around Narko and tries to get his attention. Unfortunately, she is a shark.

Luckily for everyone, Breena knows Ves well and is able to tell Narko that something is up. They speed up and make it to the other side safely. Everyone else also manages to get across with no issues, with the exception of Pierce, who gets crabbed by the underwater crabs. However, Pierce is metal, both figuratively and literally, and the crabs give up after realising.

As they reach the other side of the river, Narko looks back at the stronghold. There is no one on the walls, but he can hear lots of crashing, that might be thunder or lightning. He encourages everyone to move quickly. Breena hopes that the pirates okay, but Narko is less bothered. Pierce points out that piracy is illegal.

The snow is so white that as night falls, the party can see the aurora begin to start. Ves warns everyone to look down and Breena covers Narko's eyes. The snow goes red in front of them but no one is affected luckily. Breena suggests that the enchantment is broken as they broke the spell focus. Narko looks out to sea but cannot see if the illusory mists are still there as well.

## Grow for Me

No more worse for wear, the party arrive back at the druids' camp. They head straight back into the main hall and find lots of druids already at the tables, having dinner. At one table, the head cook, Bertha is sat with Daeron and Agatha. Daeron has a plant on his lap and he looks very peaceful.

Agatha smiles to see the party and asks if they got what they went for. Breena confirms that they did but they are not staying long as they don't want Frederico to find the druids. Agatha is concerned and says that the party shouldn't go out at night. Narko asks if Frederico would move at night. Agatha isn't sure, but beckons them in out of the cold to talk about it.

Narko asks Leoven to lead the conversation. Leo walks directly over to Daeron and asks about the plant. The plant says hello to Leoven. Leo is shocked and thinks that Rillifane has come down to meet him as a plant. Leo asks to pick up the plant, which Daeron agrees to.

Leo is confused and ecstatic. He asks what is happening, this is a plant! The plant is very blasé about its ability to speak. It snuggles in to Leo and explains that he was just hanging out at the oasis, but then Daeron woke him up. He would rather not with all the questions.

Rocky sees an opportunity and introduces Chris the Chest to the plant. Leo asks if Rocky is trying to set up Chris and the plant, but Rocky says that Chris has lots of busy work to do with the party. Leo doesn't think Chris and the plant would be a good match because Chris is really uptight and the plant is really chill. Chris does not have any opinion of the plant. He is a box. Ves is confused why so many inanimate objects talk.

## Narko Disapproves of Druidic Safety Measures

Agatha turns to Narko and asks were they not in a hurry? Breena agrees that they were and asks how to find the Giants. Agatha thinks for a moment and says that while she hasn't been in a few years, she can probably make a crude map. Breena is enthused and says it would be great if they had a map of where to avoid so they don't come across anymore worms.

Agatha is willing but would still rather the party stay the night. Breena doesn't want to bring rouble to the druids. Narko notes that they really annoyed Frederico. He asks if they have looks outs or eyes on the fortress. They do not, but Agatha says they could? Ves suggests that the party sleep out in the oasis; that way, they could see what's coming and leave at first light. Agatha still thinks they could hide the party here.

Narko reiterates that the party very much did attack the tower. Agatha does not glaze over but she does look confused.

Bertha the cook yells to ask if anyone will just sit down and have a drink. Narko ignores her. He likes Ves' suggestion of sleeping in the oasis. On the other hand, Leo trusts the people here. If they say that Frederico doesn't come, let's trust them. If he does come, the party can draw him away. Pierce says he can watch outside. Caitlyn agrees that staying here is the best idea.

Rocky has gone for a pint. He asks about Eddin - where is he? He had promised Rocky spirits for lunch and he is not here. Agatha tells Rocky that Eddin is in the forge with Daeha, working. Rocky asks permission to visit them, which Agatha grants but warns him it's not very pleasant. Rocky says he is a very dirty boy and he'll be fine.

Instead of joining Rocky at the table, Narko stays by the entrance to keep watch. He takes the opportunity to attune to the wind pennant they took from the tower. Azurial stays out with him to keep him company.

Leo and Ves wander over to the table with Daeron and take a seat. Leo asks Daeron his opinion of the pirates. Daeron, and everyone in earshot, look pained and don't answer. Breena suggests there is another focus the party will need to get rid of, and heads off after Rocky. Leo then asks Daeron what the fuck is up with the plant.

Daeron introduces his plant. He has been with the druids for a few years and Daeron isn't sure why Leo is so fascinated with him. He is a shrub that his wife, Aravae, used to grow. They enchanted a pot and put him in it, and then he woke up. Leo hopes Daeron looks after him as he does not have opposable thumbs.

Meanwhile, Ves talks to Bertha. She had promised to teach Ves the berry recipe when they were last here. She gives Ves a spell scroll and she learns Gooderberry!

## Hammer Time

Downstairs, Rocky comes across Daeha and Eddin, hard at work. There is no chatter, just heavy clinking of anvils. It is humid and very warm in the forge. Eddin and Daeha are working with bracers and flowers respectively; Daeha has light blue, red, gold, purple, pink and orange flowers. Rocky recognises the orange flowers as the heat flowers they found growing in the oasis.

He knocks on the door frame with Rosie and gets Daeha's attention, but he has to tap Eddin on the shoulder to get his. Eddin is cheerful and asks if Rocky has a hangover. Rocky doesn't, and the drink only made him more dangerous, one with his ripply muscles and super loosey goosey. Eddin asks if it is time for more. Rocky says that's why he's looking for Eddin! What is Eddin up to?

Eddin shows Rocky the bracer and explains that they help the druids day to day on the island. The flowers have a certain magic which buoys the spirit and keeps you up. Rocky asks what all the flowers do. Eddin suggests he asks Daeha, as they are really far behind and he needs to keep working if they're going to finish before tomorrow. Rocky offers to help out, as he has a hammer. Unfortunately, Rocky has never operated a forge before.

Instead, he wanders over to talk to Daeha. Daeha explains similarly that the flowers help keep spirits up and each helps with a different thing. She apologises that they are very busy. Rocky asks if any of the bracers will fit him. Daeha doesn't think so, and also doesn't think it would work as a finger ring. Rocky takes the bracer "to play with" and runs away. Daeha calls after him to bring it back!

On the stairs, Rocky runs in to Breena who is immediately suspicious. Rocky denies all wrong doing and say he was allowed to borrow the bracer. Breena lets it go and goes to continue on downstairs. Panicking, Rocky grabs her by the collar and picks her up. He says that they are very busy in the forge so they should go back upstairs. He wants to get a drink, the bracer is for her or Ves or someone who is good with plants! The bracer makes you feel good.

Only halfway through his rambling explanation, Breena casts Hands of Hadar and necrotic tentacles wrap themselves around Rocky. He throws Breena down the stairs to try and get them off him. Breena brushes herself off and admonishes Rocky for grabbing her without permission. Rocky demands Breena give his blanket back as she has just attacked him. Breena ignores him, so he throws Rosie to hit the wall by her head. Breena continues to ignore him and goes downstairs. Rocky is very upset and goes back upstairs.

Back in the forge, Breena asks if it was okay that Rocky has a bracer. Daeha says it's not ideal but he said he'd bring it back. Daeha confirms that every druid who goes out has a bracer. It used to be Daeha's mum who made the bracers but now it is just Daeha and Eddin. Breena asks if she can help, but it's a bit specialised, so she leaves them to it.

## Flower Forge Adventure Time

On the surface, Caitlyn, Pierce, Narko and Azurial gather outside. Narko is intently looking at the wind pennant while he tells Caitlyn there's nothing to see. Caitlyn nevertheless sees some weird lightning out at sea. Narko asks what time they should leave in the morning. Pierce suggests as soon as everyone's up, and Narko agrees: at first light. Caitlyn is excited to meet some Giants.

Rocky, still upset, sits down by Leo and Ves and starts drinking. Ves asks how he is and shows him the plant, who Leo has let her hold. Rocky thinks it is a cool plant, and show Ves the bracer. Leo offers to identify it and they swap - Rocky is given the plant and Leo the bracer and Ves has a drink. Rocky asks the plant's name, and learns it is called Burnot.

Leo identifies the bracers as Bracers of the Druids. Rocky and Ves talk about how useful they would be, and maybe asking the druids for some? Ves thinks it would be rude, they have already asked for so much. Bertha pipes up that if they give Daeha and Eddin a hand, they might be able to get a few more out. Breena arrives back and says she had offered to help but she couldn't do it. Leo says he can do the forge, but can't really do plants. Ves can do plants, but has no experience with a forge. Rocky has a hammer.

Bertha says that between them, they could probably do it. Ves and Leo (along with Rocky) decide to head down to help out! Ves wants to bring Burnot with them, but it is too hot down there, so Rocky leaves him with Chris (and Daeron). Breena heads upstairs to find Narko, who yells to be in bed by 11.

Down in the forge, Leo and Ves get to work helping Eddin and Daeha. Rocky plays them a song and casts Heat Metal on the forge to help out. Leo is unsure to start with but Rocky's song really gets him in the groove and it really gets going!

Over the next few hours, the five of them are able to finish all of the bracers that the druids needed and three more for the party. To celebrate, they all go for a drink, and Rocky makes illusions of fireworks and celebrations follow them upstairs.

After some celebratory mushroom shots, the party all heads to bed. Narko, Breena and Azurial take the time to attune to their runes, and Ves, Leo and Rocky attune to their new bracers.

Left alone on sentry duty, Pierce has a peaceful night.

## Chris is Empty

Narko, true to his word, wakes everyone at the crack of dawn, starting with Rocky. As they get up, Leo and Ves show off their new bracers and discuss making more things together in the future. Leo suggests they could make a metal friend for Pierce. Pierce resents the implication that he does not have friends. Breena suggests instead that they find more flowers to make bracers for everyone, which Ves concedes is a good idea. Rocky is cheered by the idea of Leo, Ves and himself being Super Forge Pals now.

Agatha explains the route up the mountains to the party. Ves Druidcrafts for a weather forecast and finds it will be mostly nice, with a flash storm in the afternoon again. She and Rocky discuss what they think it might rain this time - acid or donkeys. Rocky asks what Chris thinks. Chris is a box. He doesn't know. Leo asks Chris what his deepest, darkest secret is. Chris says it was the thing he had inside him, but as they know that, they should put something in him to give him another.

Daeron pulls Leo aside and gifts him a magic pot, like the one he grew Burnot in. Touched, Leo gives him some incense in return. The druids give all the party furs and sealskin clothes to keep them warm, and give Pierce some Boots of the Winterland.

Ves worries about how they are going to transport Chris. Rocky says it's fine, he'll carry Chris. Narko doesn't think bringing Chris is a good idea. Ves agrees it's not but she wants to bring him anyway. She and Rocky are talked around into thinking that leaving Chris behind would be best.

Before they leave, Chris begs the party not to leave him empty. He is a box and is made to store things. The party debates what to leave behind. Ves suggests the Bag of Colding, as she's not really using it anyway. Narko is horrified. Leo solves the problem by putting 5 candles inside Chris. The party finally leave, with Rocky promising to find something nice and put it inside Chris himself.

## Goat-ing up the Mountain

As they approach the mountain, Ves turns into a giant goat and leads the way up. 20ft from the top of the first rocky slope, Narko uses his wind rune to fly to the top of the cliff and beat Ves there. However, he hasn't mastered the descent so as he floats down, Ves bounds up and beat him there.

Even as a goat, Ves is good at tracking. She has a look around and can see icebergs in the sea, but on the right a glint by a much smaller track. She trots over to find a pickaxe wedged into the ice with flecks of blood around it and tracks going up to a steep slope. Breena comes over to investigate as well. She remembers that the pirates were arms with pickaxes as well.

Narko bemoans staying overnight. He asks Azurial to fly and see what's going on. Azurial reminds Narko that he can only fly once a day and would rather not waste it. While the boys debate, Breena gets her alchemist on and analyses the blood to find it is old, over a day old. The main track continues onward. She tells them this and suggests not getting distracted. The party agrees to keep moving forward.

Azurial uses his ice-rune to show Narko. It creates an ice cladding over his own armour. Rocky thinks Azurial looks really cool.

Everyone is cold heading up the mountain, but not damagingly so. It proves to be useful having Ves in the lead as they zig-zag up the mountain as she comes snout to snout with a (real) giant goat. She attempts to communicate in goat but as she does not speak goat, it is a bit aggressive. The goat has kids around its feet which are the size of normal goats. Ves, calmly as possible, lifts Breena on to her back and walks up the side of the cliff and around the goat. Narko just flies over.

The goat gets more panicked at being surrounded. Leo tries to talk to it and calm it down. Breena asks Narko if she can have a lift with him when he does the jump at one point because it looks fun! Narko agrees, if the need arises.

As Ves, Narko and Breena are not paying any attention to it, the goat allows itself to be placated and moves its kids further down the mountain. Leo wishes it a nice day as it leaves.

## Shock Storms

The party continues up the mountain, Ves transforming back about half an hour from the top. When they reach it, they find a relative plateau. In front of them is a steep slope with snowy mists and to the left, a craggy bluff. Ves remembers the druids' instructions and says that in front of them is a glacier, and left is a ladder.

Narko doesn't like ladders. Pierce thinks they should go for the ladder. Noise gets the party's attention from ahead - the sound of shifting snow. Leo suggests going to have a look at the ladder and if Narko doesn't like it they can come back. Narko agrees and says he's feeling windy today. Ves makes a joke about farting but it doesn't land. Breena offers to shrink Narko to try and get up the ladder and he agrees to try it.

Though there have been no flying birds that she can remember, Ves catches a glimpse of wings out of the corner of her eye as they round the bluff. Clouds begin to plume overhead, just like they had the previous day, and Ves calls out to everyone to press in close, there's a storm coming.

They are able to find a boulder with a significant enough overhang that they can shield from the storm. Breena pushes her way to the centre of the huddle and makes a Detect Magic extract while they are waiting. This is a normal storm, though like the others it only lasts 5 minutes or so. While they are huddling, Ves spots movement around a boulder to the left.

After the storm has passed, she goes to investigate and sees very fresh polar bear tracks. She calls out, thinking it could be Daeron, who they met as a polar bear, but a bear who is very much NOT Daeron jumps out. The bear has one deep crimson eye, one an intelligent blue, and a grim gash down its shoulder/chest under the red eye.

Rocky senses the danger and casts Bane on the bear. The wild magic of the island rushes through him, and temporarily grants him a third eye, which is a bit confusing. Breena, right next to Ves, attempts to Cure Wounds on the shoulder gash, but as the magic reaches it the wound goes fiery and a necrotic energy spills out. It only makes the bear angrier.

Breena yells out that the bear has a really bad spell on it and asks if anyone can Dispel Magic? Caitlyn says she can shoot it in the face, magic won't work if it's dead. Ves quickly yells not to kill it. Caitlyn readies herself to attack if the bear does first.

Leo attempts to talk to the polar bear and tell it we mean no harm, but it just growls. Azurial's divine sense shows that it is undead, which he relays to the rest of the group. The polar bear, feeling threatened, attacks Ves with its bite and its claws and does some serious damage. Caitlyn shoots as it has attacked and hits it twice in the back.

Narko also retaliates, and after one cut of its blade, the bear turns into a human woman.

## The Magic of the Mountains

The woman is panicked and yells "You bastard pirates! You won't get past me!" Caitlyn is confused as to why the woman think they're pirates, as they don't even have hats. Narko halts his second attack to tell her that they are not pirates.

Ves confirms they aren't pirates and says she can prove it - turning in to a black bear and back again. The woman is staggered and appears to come back to herself slowly. She stands on the rock and stammers at them, confused by the situation. She asks who the party are. Rocky says they are superheroes from the future from Ilbidor, before admitting that was a joke.

Cautiously, Ves asks the woman is Daeha's mum. The woman's head turns to her sharply and Ves repeats, "Daeha's mum, you're Daeha's mum." The woman - Aravae - confirms that she is, or used to be, before all this happened.

Breena asks as politely as possible if Aravae is not completely alive anymore. Aravae confirms she's not - she can't go home, she doesn't get visitors. The only people she sees are the pirates and the penguin, who needs to be stopped. He wants whatever power did this to her. Narko says he thought Aravae was killed by another druid. Ves points out that she didn't come back to life on her own.

Aravae takes the party to her little cave. Breena apologises for hurting her, as does Narko. Aravae casts Cure Wounds on Ves. Rocky apologises for saying they were superheroes from the future, but Aravae thinks it's a good line and they should keep it. In the cave, Aravae looks a lot like Daeha. Rocky tells Aravae her daughter is very talented and shows her the bracers that they made. Aravae is pleased. She keeps a distant watch on Daeha but can't go back. She woke up in the water after dying with the 'carnal desire'. As far as she knows, she's kept alive by the forces of the island that led to this situation. She doesn't know what changed, but something did, and the penguin wants the powers that made it possible.

Breena asks if Aravae would die if the power was removed. Aravae briefly snarls and looks feral but is able to control it. Aravae assumes she would but it would be a relief at this stage. Azurial's Divine Sense tells him that though Aravae has retained a measure of control, she is mostly undead and kept 'alive' by necromantic energy.

Narko explains that the party is trying to get to the Giants and asks if Aravae knows the way. She takes them to a sub-cave, which is a garden of the Oasis Lilies. Breena weaves one of each colour into her hair. Unfortunately, just one at a time works. Leo takes a light blue flower, like Burnot, and places it into his magic pot. Ves tells Aravae about Daeron and Burnot and what had happened. Aravae asks Ves to give Daeha something when she sees her - a wreath of light blue oasis lilies. Ves agrees and puts it in the Bag of Colding to keep it fresh.

Rocky takes a pink flower. Ves asks if there's anything else Aravae would like her family to know, when they get back. She asks them to tell the story of what happened to her. The wind blows through the cave and while most are okay, Rocky gets goosebumps from the tunnel. Aravae suggests he put a top on and Rocky admits his nipples could cut glass. Aravae gives him a Ring of Warmth. When Rocky tries to hug her, she snarls and tells him not to come close. Rocky instead thanks her from a respectful distance.

## Climbing the Ladder

Aravae takes the party around the bluff to a sheer rock face with a groove cut into it. She makes a motion and iron bars appear at various intervals. It is a very high staircase, made of thin iron rods, around a craggy bluff. There is 50ft visible with at least 30ft elevation.

Breena offers to shrink Narko, and gives him the Reduce potion so he can do it at will. A rope is tied between Narko, Azurial and Rocky so that if he falls, the two strongest party members will catch his weight. Leo gives a rousing pep talk to Rocky. Azurial puts a knife in his mouth, which isn't threatening at all.

Aravae takes Ves to one side and gives her some instructions on what lies ahead, before bidding them goodbye.

Trepidatiously, the party begins to climb the mountain. Breena goes first, followed by Ves. They both confidently pass the first half. Leo follows them but slips and just barely holds on, losing his concentration.

On the ground, Narko, Rocky and Azurial talk about who should go next, and if it will be possible for Narko to get up the mountain in the 1 minute that Reduce gives them. It is eventually decided that Narko should go last. Rocky goes before Azurial, tentatively but successfully. He manages to catch up with Leo and help him realign himself. Azurial follows badly, slipping 10ft up and falling, hitting a rung on the way down. He manages to grab a hand hold. Rocky yells to be careful, as he is attached to Azurial. Azurial replies that's what the knife's for.

Finally, Narko drinks the Reduce solution. He takes one step on to the ladder - and immediately slips off, slamming his chest into the rung.

Breena manages the final stretch fine, but Leo falls dramatically. He manages to secure himself on the same bar as Rocky. With some trial and error, the party all eventually make it to the top of the ladder, where they find the land rising up to meet them in a steep slope.