Difference between revisions of "Randir"

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Randir is a Firbolg
= Play Notes =


== Play Notes ==
== 12/11/2025 ==
=== 7/11/2020 ===
* The bells are ringing, the sky starts to darken as clouds roll in with a coming storm.
* We're having some breakfast with the Cinder Root Trio
* We defer to the Rangers to handle the people of the city coming to the palace
* We're a week's travel away from Cairsen
* The gang heads to the palace, and arrive at the large circular plaza just outside of the palace gates
* Bell asks us what we'd like to find out while we're traveling
* The eternal entranceway to the palace is open, and a warm glow eminates from the open door
** Ulertu wants to find more libraries
* We cross the courtyard to the entranceway
** Theo is looking for more info on the Order of the Dragon
* The glow is warm and orange and inside the doorway is a long hallway
** Randir wants to........... do more weaving?
* Randir notices a glowing thread that leads from the entrance down the corridor - this appears to be what is giving off light
* Someone bursts in, "Have you seen Tane?"
* We move through the hallway - Randir hears a noise from a doorway off from the main hall
* They need him to fight something
* He sees a shimmer of something down the hallway
* (I missed a lot of the discussion because I was distracted by something at home)
* We investigate a bit but it seems to be nothing... Ulertu hears the sound of a song, but Randir assures him it's nothing and that we must move to find the Empress
* Tane steps out to these mercs who showed up and straight up murders a dude
* As we continue down, we see motes of floating light
* So we get into a ding dang fight
* But we make it to the Throne Room
* They try to retreat, but we capture their "knight" captain (Jerrick)
* This whole room looks like it was made by Giants
* Tane tells us to get along before it becomes a problem for us
* The thread we've been following twists up to the throne, motes of light float all over
* We wake the captain, he was looking for the man Theo threatened who killed himself
* In the throne, a slumped figure of the Empress
* The captain doesn't know anything about the Order of the Dragon
* Randir sees this and we begin to head towards the throne at a quick pace
* He thinks Theo is lying about his man being involved in the OotD
* As we move, we suddenly hear the Empress' voice as if she's right next to us
* We get in the wagon and head out with the Cinder Root Trio
* From the throme, we see the Empress rise slightly
* We travel for a week, with a few stops
* Suddenly the thread of light tightens and we're very close to the Empress
* We travel into the Oncala Province
* Randir asks: "Why have you done nothing against the dragon in your city?!"
* On the travel, Randir works with Elena to make some new armor - WEAVING SKILLS
* The Empress says, "I have summoned power."
* After 10 days, Randir has "Woven Armor" aka "Hide Armor"
* She says, "My father's power was to convince others to kill the dragon."
** Randir knows he could make this better, with more time and better materials
* Randir calls out to the Empress, "You have all this power and you have done nothing with it! Are you a coward?"
* We eventually get to the city
* The Empress flickers and fades
* At some point in the past Arumon Sur sat on the throne in Cairsen.
** Randir gets the Archdruid Feat????
* Arumon Sur believed himself a god
The vitality of nature constantly blooms within you, granting you the following benefits.
* Arumon Sur died ~300 years ago, his daughter sits the throne now
* Only some people believe she is a god
* Bell tells us about the Lockwood family, very notable family in the city
** Lumberers, carpenters, and paper makers
** They tend to stand out
** Bell says they're good folk
** They're a family of Halflings / Goliaths, split in height ha. ha. ha.
* Theo asks about the oldest house
* We get to Cairsen, Randir is awestruck by the size and lights
* SO much city. SO MUCH everything
* Everything looks like it's made to last longer, costs more
* Everyone is finely dressed, carts are more intricately designed
* Strange pets, larger beasts of burden
* We head up a hill to a small place to stay
* We come to a sign that says, "The Ivory Inn"
* We come into a big square / courtyard
* Bell gets us a room, and he pays for it
* We get an iron key each
* We part ways with the Cinder Root Trio, but they give us a list of where they're playing over the next few days


=== 6/13/2020 ===
Evergreen Wild Shape. Whenever you roll Initiative and have no uses of Wild Shape left, you regain one expended use of it.
* When Randir left Pella's Wish, he went to find Fate Tinderpool.
* She tells him about many Druid Groves around the world.
* Because he's not bound to a specific grove, he must carry the heart of the forest now
* Fate passes, but she will live on in her forest
* She leaves him with a blessing. Something that is drawn to the Amber Blade
** Mechanically, it is now a +1 scimitar
* Randir '''wishes''' to create some new armor with his new weaving skills that he learned from the Wood Elves
* WE OPEN ON RANDIR TRAVELLING WITH THE CINDER ROOT TRIO
* Bell, Dove, and Elena.
* He's been travelling with this group for about a week
* Randir feels this compulsion to travel west and so he found this group
* They're from a forest far to the North. They're travelling back that way eventually.
* They're on Tour.
* Randir insinuates that Bell and Dove have some sort of romantic thing between them
* We pull into White Orchard, a small village.
* It's been six months and we're coming out of winter
* We decide to stay the night there
* Ulertu is meeting a member of the Order of Truth in White Orchard
* They discuss Ulertu's findings and this person (Cairn) has a task for Ulertu: deliver a box to the oldest house in Caersen
* Theo has found out about a group called The Order of the Dragon
* Theo finds someone he's been looking for: Theo has him injured by his sword
* Theo, "TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW OF MY FATHER!"
* The man slits his throat.
* WE meet! We catch up! Randir is very excited!
* We talk with Elena and Bell, they know some stuff about the Order of the Dragon
* They're pretty much terrorists. They've infiltrated the north quite a bit.
* "When anyone could be a spy for the Order of the Dragon, who can you trust?"
* They give us some info about Caersen, the Empress there is more of a Figurehead. The senate is more powerful than she is.
** Used be called "The Land of the Thousand Tribes" by the elves
* The emperor at the time of founding used to claim he was a god.
* "He killed too many people to be a unifier of people."
* The Order of the Dragon usually leaves a sigil behind
* Bell tells us about a small city called "Cape Verden" where many craftsmen live (or have retired)
* A half elf storms into the tavern, he argues with the barkeep silently
* After a while, the half elf sits down and eats begrudgeonly
* Theo goes to talk to the barkeep, Randir goes off to look for Elena who walked off a moment before
* Theo ends up talking to the heated half-elf
** Named Tane Faradon
* He's a fuckin ranger. But he's not respected.
* Randir sees Elena, there's an awkward interaction and they come back in wet from the rain.
* The gang talks into the night as the band plays more music
* The music goes on and on turning into unplanned strumming and jamming
* The gang turns in in thr wee hours of the night
* The next day, the Cinder Root Trio orders breakfast for us
* We decide that we'll continue to travel with the trio! Woohoo!


=== 5/2/2020 ===
Nature Magician. You can convert uses of Wild Shape into a spell slot (no action required). Choose a number of your unexpended uses of Wild Shape and convert them into a single spell slot, with each use contributing 2 spell levels. For example, if you convert two uses of Wild Shape, you produce a level 4 spell slot. Once you use this benefit, you can’t do so again until you finish a Long Rest.
* We hear rumblings in the halls and a howling far off.
* We walk out to the big room with a large lake of boiling water
* We turn back into the keep and we hear footsteps and someone calls out
* It's Harold, but he's far away
* We follow his voice... but we never find him
* We go towards a light we see in the distance, Theo leading
* We lose Harold... and we see drag marks on the ground of black ichor
* We look around and suddenly Harold is away from us again
* We KNOW this isn't Harold. Randir confirms it in his mind
* As we walk, we get to a symbold in the ground of the movement room
* We get pulled magically through the area into the Throne Room
* This dude is playing games with us
* Randir isn't having it, "Come face us Kafta!"
* After calling this dude out, we hear a weak voice... it's Harold! He's behind the throne!
* Dude isn't looking great :(
* WE HAVE A FIGHT WITH A BIG DUDE
* IT'S PRETTY ROUGH. WE JUMP ALL OVER REALITY.
* After the fight, we rest, then run into Severin as we head out of the area
* Severin tells us... we will not be forgotten and that we should look at the world a bit better now
* We head to the entrance where we had come in.
* Randir casts Detect Magic and reveals a script, "In this castle you do not beseech the king for entry, but for exit."
* We don't know who the king is... but Randir thinks, "Maybe we need to ask to leave?"
* Randir speaks in giant, "We would like to leave, my lord."
* A ghostly image of a fire giant appears in front of us. Iron crown on his head.
* He looks down at us.
**"You may leave," he says in Giant.
* He touches a wall and a portal spins into existance.
* "Thank you, my lord." Randir says
* The giant kneels down to us as we leave, "Do not give up on your father. Your answer lies very close."
* He touches Randir's chest, and the ironwood pendant begins to glow with soft light.
* We leave through the portal and the keep begins to collapse behind us
* We get pulled through and shunted onto a cliff, overlooking all of Ember Valley.
* "It's really over?" Harold says, "I made it out alive... thanks to you."
* We look out at the valley, we don't know how much time has passed.
* "We should get back," Harold says.
* Kodiak shows up, it's adorable.
* And we make our way back.
=== 4/25/2020 ===
* Theo lives.
* Randir witnesses the miracle of Theo coming back. He weeps.
* The fight ends as Theo kills the last enemy... he is made of steel under his armor.
* We help clean up after the big fight. It's exhausting.
* WE HIT LEVEL 5!!!!!!!!!!!!!
* Bram Fairkettle gives us some food to head out on our way
* Back to the mountain......... but where to go?
* Harold went out into the forest towards the mountain before us in the morning. Bram tells us to look out for him.
* Who to speak to to find out where to go?
** The witch in the woods?
** The monastary?
** Something else?
* We pick up Harold's trail pretty easily.
* He seems to be travelling like an exhasted person
* We come to the base of the mountain, near where Harold had discovered caves WAY back in previous sessions
* It seems like he travelled between various caves
* We eventually see Kodiak up on a small cliff, he's barking down at us
* Kodiak is in front of a cave entrance marked by Harold
* We walk into the cave where we find a small worked platform, it seems like it has been cleaned
* A circle has been carved in the stone slab, runes have been carved in Giant
** Symbols of power: Move, Speed, Summon, etc. Arcane runes
* The circle is 10ft in diameter
* Randir casts Detect Magic as a Ritual
** He find faint magic, not on the circle, it's some kind of conjuration magic
* Ulertu discovers this is a teleportation circle
* We decide, "Well, this must be where Harold went. We should follow."
* We're WARPED to a huge chamber. 80ft tall room, 60ft x 60 room.
** Maybe an Antechamber, 40ft stone doors.
* Rods hang from the wall, scraps of tapestry cling to the rods
* Randir, "Why did Harold come here?"
* A voice calls out, it's Severin!
* He doesn't know us. He repeats the same shiz he said to us last time. He doesn't remember us.
* He tells us about the evil beneath this mountain.
* He approaches Theo, he recognizes his symbol... "You wear the armor of my friend."
** Right because Theo is wearing restored armor
* Ulertu asks about the Symbol of the Order of Truth
** Severin replies, "That symbol now lies in the heart of the mountain..."
* Severin tells us about how he joined a band of heroes who headed into the mountain to defeat this great evil.
* He extends a hand and begins to tell us of Pella with a magical show of dust, forming Pella
* "I have forgotten much of this place, but I will show you where you need to go."
* And what of Harold? "I have not seen a ranger in some time."
** "I have seen others in this place... many I don't know, and many who's face I cannot see."
* He sees our weariness, "You remind me of my friends."
* "I think something deeper than your goals drives you... fear."
* He leads us through these giant doors, telling us about fear.
* We move into a room, 200ft long.
* We continue until we reach a smaller door, and we're lead into a room of LARGE glass stained windows.
* We come to an altar in this chapel
* It's tall, it's a pedestal made for someone much bigger than us
* There are rotted wooden doors that are a cabinet to the large pedestal, Severin says "Enter and I will give you all the answers you need."
* Inside, a corpse, "This is me. This is where I died."
* Severin floats down, "I remember that this is a prison."
* "I remember now what we learned here..." He looks as if he can see the room for the first time. Some kind of magic is cast, changing the look of the chapel to look what it used to be like.
* "The elves told a story of a time long before the giants ruled this place, before the gods awoke." Another people lived in this land. Matter and thought were nothing to them. Perhaps it was they who created the gods.
* They crafted great ships to saild into the black sea beyond this world.
* "We believed it was a god that lived in this mountain... but it was something left behind."
** "And I believe it can be destroyed."
* They were underground for a long while. They explored. They read texts. They discovered many things they shouldn't have seen.
* "In these halls lie mysteries not worth knowing."
* He begins to leave, and we follow
* We go down another hall, huge pillar have collapsed
* We get to a dias, and a throne. The wall looks like melted lava
* A great battle was fought here. The goddamn bachelor party fight.
* His friends were cursed to never leave this room.
* We follow down a twisting stairwell
* As we descend, it gets warmer, humid, we hear bubbling...
* We come to a lake lit with blue light, pillar of stone descending into the late
* Steam rises from where the pillars touch the water, the pillars are lined with runes
* "We never understood what was happening in this room. But we know those pillars powered whatever was down here."
* We move into a room made of smooth, well worked stone. Reminds us of the OTHER complex we found under the mountain
** "I can go no further. But hopefully, if my friend is still alive, or some piece of her remains... she will help you."
* Severin fades away, and we walk into the room through an archway
* We see a large stone, an  pyramid pointing down above a stone lecturn, more our size.
* At the base, a body in a robe. The robe has the symbol of the Order of Truth.
** If this is Master Kafta? He's no longer living
* Ulertu posits, "Maybe he's dead, or maybe he no longer needs his body..."
* The lectern has runes on it, glyphs in a grid, all in giant
** Glyphs: Power, memory, movement, and death
* Randir notices holes in the grid of the stone tile of the room
* We decide to see if Master Kafta maybe had something to insert into the holes in the floor.
* In the room, we find a fine layer of black something... not sand, but fine like sand
* Randir casts detect magic abd noticies a magical connection between the pyramid and the lectern
* Ulertu imbues the the lectern with power
* He presses the glyph for memory, a wild array of images begin to form in sand, quickly quickly quickly
* Suddenly, the shapes turn into a small halfling woman
* The woman is hurt, her armor is damaged
* She collapses on to the ground
* She's looking up at the inverted pyramid
* A memory within a memory plays. Another sand person appears, they begin to fight.
* "The giants thought you were a god, but you're not... you're something else."
* "You're a coward. Hiding behind your power. You are anger and spite. You deserve to be destroyed."
* "Part of me hopes you kill everyone, if only because then you will be alone."
* She mentions that this person protect those who have been lost (dead?)
** "I'll give you my life, I'll give you my soul. That's what you want, right? Just spare these people."
* A curved blade comes down and she collapses to the ground.
* She mouths words to a ring in her hand.
* When she finishes the light in the ring fades. Then the memory disappears.
* Ulertu presses the Movement(?) glyph, and we hear a series of knocks, then a howling outside the room.
* We debate pressing the other Glyphs: "Power" "Death"
* Theo reaches out and presses the Death glyph
* The Power rune is blinking, Theo goes to press the Death Glyph and a voice yells "NO!"
* A wave of sand forms, pushing Theo away from the lecturn
* A face coalesces. It's not a full person or a full face
* It's a mockery of a face
* The face of a halfling woman
* "I stopped you from making the worst decision of your life."
* "I have been trapped in here (the Pyramid) for a very long time."
* "My mind lives on, somehow in this device."
* Some creatures lives in the mountain, it is being controlled by some other mind... not the pyramid's
* Master Kafta...
* Now Pella is trapped in this pyramid.
* Kafta has taken a new form, a form the device has given him a new form
* Kafta pressed the power rune while Pella was away
* "If we cannot choose Death, would you stop us from choosing Power?"
** "I will not stop you, but I do not believe you should."
* So what did the Movement rune do?
** Well, maybe we let Kafta free in the mountain.
*** Fuck.
* Ulertu mentions Pella's Wish and uh... there's a moment
* "What I did was not a wish, it was a promise. A promise to save these people."
* We gotta destroy this Pyramid.
* Theo is the one who needs to do this. He raises his sword.
* "I hope to see you again."
* Theo's anger fuels a savage attack on the pyramid.
* Three bowls have filled with light
* We each take one, Randir, then Theo, then Ulertu, and we all sip
* We all have the effect of Heroism
** 5 temp hp, advantage on Wisdom Saves against Fear. The temp HP refills every round a the beginning of our turn
* We stand in the middle of this room, over the destroyed remains of this device


=== 4/11/2020 ===
Longevity. The primal magic that you wield causes you to age more slowly. For every ten years that pass, your body ages only one year.
* We prepare for the attack
* The Empress explains that she has lost her power but she gave it up to those who she deemed worthy
* Randir gives a little speech to end the night before
** The Weave Flows through her?????
* Then the next day goes over... it's long, and the attack comes at twilight
* The gang became her hand, her strength, her eyes in the world
* Randir meets up with the Rangers after splitting up from Theo and Ulertu
* The dragon wants to steal the magic of this world????
* We do the big fight. We show up to the one-on-one fight in late stages.  
* She became this conduit at a young age and it has weighed on her since then
* Randir watches his friend DIE. Then he goes down.
** The vision of her wiping out those dudes was her "darkest day"
* Ulertu is getting roughed up...
* She gave up pieces of herself to people like us - OUR POWER COMES FROM THE EMPRESS??????
* Theo dies. But his god says "You will not die. You will destroy this evil below the mountain."
* The power is trapped in the tapestry created by the old Emperor
* Theo RISES. His sword shining now with SUNLIGHT.  
* She says, "Perhaps someone could be the new knot that holds things together, or you can let it unravel..."
* And we end the session.
* Randir is not pleased by this explanation. "Now? WE DO THIS NOW?"
* She says, "It was not supposed to be like this."
* Randir refuses the offer of the conduit. He needs to seek the rest of this world and cannot be burdened by this.
* Ulertu says the same. He cannot be trapped by this power.
* Theo cannot make this decision now.
* She presses on: You must decide now.
* We cannot pass this on to anyone - she has made this gift for us.
* Randir offers himself to take this burden
** "If we do not take this, then what was this all for? Perhaps we turn away and run to the furthest edges of the land and hope this all passes without worry."
* Theo, hearing this, steps in and says he will take it. "You have more life to lead! I have nothing. Let this be my burden."
* Randir hugs him, thanks him.  
** In the embrace, we see a memory of the Empress as a child, running in the sun.
* A BOOM is heard off in the distance.
* Theo reiterates, "I will take this power."
* Suddenly we see many memories of the Empress.  
* Then she turns to Theo, "Is it you".
* Theo: "It must be."
* The Empress sits up straight, and says, "Then I must ask you to do one more thing."
** "In order to transfer this power, it must be taken." And she glances at Theo's sword.
* Theo: "If this is the only way..."
* The movements are awkward here, this isn't battle, this is... something else, but still violent.
* Theo presses the hilt of his Radiant Blade passes through the knot of magic within her
* The knot is then tied within Theo. It feels heavy, and it twists within him.
* The Empress sits back in the throne, relief washing over her face. "Thank you. I feel so much lighter now."
** "I'm sorry we couldn't speak in the ways I imagined... it's been a long time since our first meeting."
** "I need to unburden myself of more than just this knot..."
* Theo feels the power of the Weave
* The Empress thought she could tell our story, but we made choices she couldn't have anticipated.
** It's beautiful.
** END SESSION


=== 4/3/2020 ===
== 11/13/2025 ==
* The GODDAMN bats explode with fire
* We flash back to a time where banners groups came together to unite as one to build a massive place to a thousand to become one
* We take some damage, and Randir runs back to get a napsack
* This city needs a foundation and as they dig downward, they find one... a giant one.
* We manage to escape, and discover this is Master Kafta's napsack
* We see a town grow from a large lighthouse and onward and onward
* We take a short rest as Ulertu reviews the contents of the bag (notebook, writing utensils, a stone, scrolls)
* This is Caer Sen in its early days and it grows ever onward
** Scrolls: Create/Destroy Water, Protection from Good/Evil, Illusory Script
* We cut to... the same city, burning.
* Randir looks into the stone, an agot of some kind, seems mundane
* Theo, Ulertu, and Randir gather together
* After our rest, we head back into the cave to investigate again
** Randir as giant eagle, Torbin off his back
* We see more writing, but we see a drawing of a cave--paint, guano, some kind of ink
** Ulertu with Bell and Dove
* The drawing makes the cave look like the mouth of a monster
** Theo from another direction
* In the center of the drawing, a small figure.
* Randir hugs his friends and then sees Bell and Dove and brings them up into a big hug
* None of us recognize this, but Randir casts Detect Magic
* Randir wants to get to the Empress but Torbin says "What about the people of this city?"
* He closes his eyes, and the image in his mind moves... the figure casts a light and the mouth yawns wider
* Ulertu suggests we make some kind of sanctuary, Torbin agrees
* Now on the wall, a rock, palm sized, protrudes from the wall in the hand of the figure
* Dove says, "The bells... the bells chimed when we were here last to signal when the empress was to speak"
* Randir suggests Theo touch the rock, so he does... something strange presses on the back of his mind.
* Torbin says, "There are three bells that are rung when the city wishes to signal something"
* The stone falls from the wall as Theo steps away. Randir tries to put the stone they found in the pack, but it doesn't fit....
* Ringing these bells would rally people to the palace?
* The ground begins to shake and suddenly the wall... no, DOOR melts away.
* Maybe that could rally the Empress? Or more people who can fight?
* An alcove is revealed. 5x5ft.
* WHY IS THERE ORGANIZATION IN THIS CITY?????
* It looks like the perfectly flattened stone where we fought the sarcophagi
* Torbin says he saw some priests battling towards the palace, and some order of truth folks heading that way too
* Etched into the stone are runes and sigils in Giant
* Can we bring everyone together and get some kind of way to tell everyone they need to come to the city?
* Randir senses strong conjuration magic in this alcove
* Oh, Randir has Skywrite as a ritual
* After some hesitation by the group, Ulertu walks into the alcove to study the runes inside. He sketches down some of the runes.
* What will we write in the sky???
* We decide to head back down the mountain, hopefully we can figure out these runes that Ulertu sketched
* Something about "1000 become 1"? Something else?
* Poe decides to stay at the ritual site where we fought the ogres, he's gonna clean up a bit.
* We hear some fighting on the next street over
* We hike down the mountain in the shadow of the mountain.
* A heated argument turning into a fight between many people - an explosion dispurses the fight
* ... suddenly, monster dogs!
* An old man in a robe yelling "Why are we fighting?!"
* We fight, we win... Randir casts Ice Knife and it explodes in his (and Theo's) face
* The man sees us - It's Thalor!
* Randir is confused by the beasts... they appeared out of no where.
* It's a bit chaotic, but Thalor is excited to hear us
* These wolves look like advanced corruption
* The people on the street are arguing about getting weapons from a building they want to get into
* We toss the corpses off the side of the mountain to not disturb Poe as he comes back.
* We talk to the old man inside the building refusing to give out weapons
* We book it to the monestary.
* Randir is getting frustrated but eventually we convince him to open the door after Ulertu promises him we'll tell the Empress about his help
* Reyn greets us, "I figured out what the metal grass is!"
* This dude is LOADED with crossbows and bolts
** "This grass used to grow in the valley when the trees were stone."
* On the wall is a beautifully rendered painting of this old Gnome (Fergus) next to a beautiful Silversmith and a petrified tree
** "Maybe you should talk with this older monk..."
* Randir calls out to the group and tells them to stay together with Thalor who will take them to the palace
* We meet a tall elf, gnarly scar down the side of his head.
** He warns them that the beasts in the city are deadly and that if anyone separates from the group, they will likely be killed
* Randir thanks the kid, tells him he's bright.
* Thalor agrees to take the group up the hill
* This elf, he's hot. Great features.
* We decide to stick together to ring the bells, starting with the lower city
* Randir intro's himself and his friends, he uses the Elven pronounciation of his name when he intros himself
* We come across a hoarde of corrupted civilians at the base of the belltower, they're pushing two figures back, away from the bell tower
* Randir hasn't seen many elves since he arrives, he's a little surprised.
* Randir casts invisibility on Bell, Dove, and Torbin to sneak into the bell tower
* Cederleaf is the guy's name. "We are attached to the old ways. The instability of the frontier is not something we admire."
* The horde starts to close in on the two people outside of the bell tower and Randir casts Ice Storm to pummel the ichor corrupted people
** He's new in town
* We approach the two people as the majority of the corrupted people are felled
* This guy believes in the power within the mountain. he believes heroes from when he was young may be alive again soon
* The woman of the two is Cass the Ranger!
* Randir goes off a little about this. Uh. MASTER KAFTA MAYBE FOUND IT?????
* She hands a collection of items to Randir in a bag
* Ulertu talks to him about the ghosts we chatted with (Severin, Pella)
** Inside is a 6-pack of superior healing potions - missing one (Cass used it)
* Randir tells the stories of the corrupted monsters and even the fight just an hour ago. His voice is rising, and many of the other monks begin to chime in with their own fears.
* And the other person is Harold! And his dog, Kodiak.  
** It's like a wave of fear perpetuating in the crowd.
** Kodiak is limping a bit - NOOOOOOOOO
* A quiet panic sets in... Randir steps back... and Cederleaf steps up, speaking to the crowd.
* Harold pulls out a box and hands it to Ulertu from the people in the Ember Vale
** "Who's to say that we are not as power as this power we fear?"
** Inside is a soft bed of satin fabric holding up 9 small glowing orbs
* He inspires courage.
** Pearls of POWER!!!!!!
** "We have our own power, in our calm; in our control."
*** BASICALLY SPELL SLOTS??? We can figure it out later
* "Perhaps we should speak somewhere else."
* Suddenly a body falls out of the bell tower!?
* This mofo sashays away. High Elf beauty. 100%
* Torbin leans out, "Sorry! There were some in here."
* In a side room, we speak further.
* Harold says, "Oh the bells, don't you want to ring them all at the same?"
** "I know much of what happened before from his readings."
** Shit.  
* Ulertu shows him the runes
* Harold says, "Cass and I will go find the middle tower, just let us know when to ring"
* "There are stories of the giants that could shift themselves around the mountains."
* We decide we'll put a sign in the sky and then everyone will ring at once
** "This magic, it allows you to move instantaneously throughout the mountain."
* We start to head back up into the city - the initial chaos has died down, many are dead or hiding
* Maybe this is what Kafta found?
* We find ourselves at the base of the bell tower - maybe a mile from the Palace
* 3 DAYS LEFT. UH 2 DAYS LEFT AFTER TONIGHT UNTIL PELLA'S WISH IS ATTACKED. DON'T FORGET.
* It's very quiet... there appears to be NO signs of combat.
* "The most pressing matter should be the defense of the town." - Cedarleaf
** This feels weird. Randir studies the area.
** "Fear of this power has spead throughout the village, and that is your weakness."
** The upper city is DESIGNED for flow, if people were fleeing there would be signs
** "You need to shine a beacon of light to provide hope."
** Randir can tell that people have been through here, but it's still strange
* Cederleaf looks to Theo, "You haven't said a word since we met."
** We can't figure out what that means...
* He asks to see Theo's sword, "Where did you get this?"
* We make our way up the bell tower
* Theo tells him, and Cederleaf says, "You are already the beacon. You must know this."
* Up at the top of the bell tower, we hear a roar
* Randir acknowledges it, but looks to Theo, "But he is the one they admire most."
* Clouds begin to form above the palace
* "I have seen centuries come and go, when I look at the three of you, you have the touch of destiny within you."
** This is just as the Giants spoke of
* "The way into the mountain will open to you in time. But the town is where you should be."
** "A black sky covering above"
* "If this place still survives after this attack, together we will find a way into the mountain."
* Randir prepares the ritual and spells out:
* Randir summarizes: We need the rangers. Not the monks. If we need to save the people, we should rally the people who KNOW the land, not those who know the mountain.
** '''A braid of 1000 strands come together at the palace'''
** We gotta work with Harold! COME ON.
* As the words are spelled out in the sky the bells begin to ring
* We decide to set out in the morning.
** The lower city rings (cracked but loud, iron bells of the humans)
* Stone meets us in the morning, "Well, it's not much, but take this." He gives us a cask of Ember Peak whiskey."
** The middle city rings (bolder and stronger, bronze bells of the dwarves)
* Randir jokes, "We could take the padawan..."
** The upper city rings (brightly, silver bells of the elves)
* But Ulertu says I could take you with us, but it's dangerous.
* The people of the city feel the vibrancy of the bells, voices join in cries and shouts and song as they move up the hill towards us
* The Reyn understands, Ulertu gives him a journal and some samples, "If you want to experiment, here's some samples and some theories..."
* The dragon's roar sounds again, almost trying to drown out the sound of the bells
* Stone says, "Perhaps we can send a few priests... but we won't be much help."
* Lights down the hillside make their way toward us in the form of lamps and torches
* We go to leave, Cederleaf speaks to Theo, "When the time comes, you will be the one to cut through the darkness."
* And we head out.
* We arrive late morning... to Pella's Wish... to plan.
* Next Session: THE ATTACK
** RANDIR NEEDS TO CHANGE SPELLS FOR THIS BIG FUCKING FIGHT


=== 3/20/2020 ===
== 11/6/2025 ==
* We head up the mountain and run into an old sheep shepard named Poe.
* We begin SPLIT apart
* He leads us up the mountain to the monestary - the most beautiful HUGE thing Randir has ever seen.
* Ulertu is at the docks and there are ichor monsters! He starts to fight them off, but it's looking dire.  
* Ulertu tells us it's of the giants
* Suddently two huge monsters POOF into chickens!
* We run into a little boy: Wreyn, he knows Ulertu.
* It's Belle and Dove from the Cinder Root Trio!
* The kid arrived with Master Kafta, they've been researching in the archives
* They got our letter
* We follow this kid into the archives to see what Master Katfa was looking into
* They mention a dragon in Caer Sen!?
* He shows us an ancient book, it has some names... one of them is "Fate"
** Yeahhhhhhhhhhh
* This name, Randir says, is a real one. "Fate Tinderpool"  
* They know the "truth" about the Empress?
* The kid is blown away
** They started to look into the Empress' dynasty
* He also mentions Severin, we say we met this... ghost.
** Elena was doing something to stop some kind of "venom" from entering the city??
* We look into the books Kafta was reading:
** The Empress' grandfather was trying to eradicate dragons because their "venom" can kill gods?
** A star fell onto the peak of the mountain years ago
** Belle and Dove ask why the Empress hasn't done anything in town
** A cloud of fire burned someone on the mountain near the peak
* Theo finds himself in a fight near the Oldest House
** Trolls and Ogres coming from the valley beyond
** There are a few dead younger people outside as Theo fights
*** These dudes were subordinates to the giants, not slaves
** Yo it's Zelias!
*** Orcs were more slaves
** He tells Theo about how he's been searching for the next custodian of The House
*** Priests and some adventurers helping to get out these monsters, some rangers (there's a whole list of rangers)
*** The dead were Zelias' disciples... Zelias seems unphased???
** Most recently, in the last few weeks, several ogres have been spotted among the mountains
** Zelias offers Theo to be the Custodian of the House
* Wreyn mentions some fire bats, Randir doesn't believe that's real... they have a bit of a tuff about it
** There's a secret of some kind of that Zelias needs to tell... someone. Perhaps it should be Theo??
* We rest for the night, Randir gets some bread.
** The house is not only the oldest house, it was built by the giants, but perhaps it was older than that.
* We wake, and it's dark, we're in this massive monostary, light hasn't risen enough to shine light into the large structure
*** "This house has always been"
* We have some breakfast
** There is an inverted Pyramid inside that he shows Theo - Zelias things the Giants build this city AROUND the inverted pyramid?
* Stone arrives in the morning.
*** (Is this similar to the one we saw in Pella's Wish???????)
* He's happy to see us, but we have bad news: 4 days until the end of all thing.
** Zelias always thought this place was good, meant to serve the city, but now he believes this may be something else?
* Stone tells us that Kafta went to the peak of the mountain
*** Theo knows Zelias is physically bound to this place
* Randir hands Wreyn a vial of metal grass and asks him to research any kind of mention of metal plants in the past
** Now Zelias fears that The Oldest House is part of the darkness gracing the city now, the house has corrupted his students, it corrupts Zelias, and perhaps it corrupts Theo now????
* We go up the mountain and we come across some ogres who are drunk on firewhiskey
** Zelias says there is much more to the story of the house, so he offers to SHOW Theo in his ''mind''
* We FIGHT EM
*** Theo sees civilizations rise and fall, rise and fall, but he sees the Pyramid being built but it isn't clear whether or not the Pyramids were always there
* WE WIN
*** He sees the continent form and cities grow, he sees the foundations being built by Giants
* This alter is a little messed up... part of that may be because Randir cast Thunderwave in the area
** Theo takes it in and tells Zelias he will need more to this story when he returns
* Poe, the shepard shows us around a bit. We pass the area towards the mountain peak.
*** Zelias calls after him, "Good fortune to you, Theo. And I'm sorry if I set you off on the wrong path."
* It's hard travel, but we come up to a ledge at the top.
** Theo heads out to find Ulertu and Randir
* There's a giant white/grey face of the mountain, but there's a cave entrance, it's dark... blackness.
* Randir appears in the city square of Caer Sen at night
* Looking in, lots of rock has fallen in, plant overgrowth has made it unpassable.
** Buildings WERE on fire
* If we clear the plants away, we could squeeze through, but it would be a serious task.
** People are screaming off in the distance, the sounds of trained voices shouting, steel on steel
* We're looking for Kafta, though, but the plants are new growth.
** The café is in front of Randir, magically lit lamp are lit but half have been knocked down or are out
* Poe chimes in, this area didn't used to be caved in... "If Kafta came up here, perhaps he found a way through."
** Along the ground are bodies, townsfolk, guards, stains of ichor
* Plants looks to be broken around here... maybe someone came through here recently.
** There was a battle at this cafe
* "Some say, the cloud of fire came from this very hole."
** But this area is silent until he hears a voice
* We begin to clear out the cave entrance... after 20 mins or so, we clear away a path to squeeze through.
** Sitting at one of these tables, the same table we were at last time we were here
* We climb in, and it begins to descend rapidly. It's gonna be real tough to get out if we need to ascend.
*** It's Torbin Lockewood
* Poe decides to stay back, tying a rope for us to get out "easily."
** Dude tries to apologize, Randir tells him we need to go
* After 40ft down, it levels out... into a chamber. It's pitch black.
** He says he would, but he is wounded... mortally wounded by Ichor monsters
* Ulertu casts light on 3 small stones.
** Randir knows this is a curse and he cannot heal it, but Torbin says "Maybe I can be of some use to the city still"
* The ceiling is... moving? THOUSANDS OF BATS ARE ABOVE US.
*** Randir grins at him almost childishly, "That is the hope, my friend" and he heals him
* "In my experience we should be quiet around bats" - Randir
** This dude has an AMBER BLADE??>!??!?!?!
* We move forward, a bat drops down on his shoulder
** Randir explains this blade is "of the mountain" and it ERADICATES the ichor monsters
* "Hello friend, how are you this evening."  - Randir
* End Session!!!!!!
* We look around the cavern, Ulertu sees writing. The writing of Master Kafta, "I found it, it's everything I thought it was, and more. The writings aren't even close to accurate. We should have found this place a hundred years ago."
* More writing around every wall in this cavern.
* "This thing is evil, and yet it is not, it is a power but it is a tool. The giants used to wield it, now someone else can."
* BIG WORDS: "CONTROL" "POWER" "KINGDOMS"
* Smaller writing on the bottom of the wall, "I hope I don't disappoint Wreyn. He's too young to see this. I hope this doesn't change how he sees the world."
** "I've seen things in this place I don't believe anyone was meant to see."
** "People, places, a young girl haunts this place. And I don't know what to do."
** "I don't know what to do with this power except to take it."
* And we end on.... this bat chirps and huffs, and fire alights.... thousands of bats wake up... with FIRE.


=== 2/1/2020 ===
== 9/25/2025 ==
* Randir wakes up the next day, to help Bram Fairkettle to help make food
* TO recap: We descend from the Auory, we collected journals regarding constellations, some tools about navigation, and charts of the stars.
* Harold the Ranger has come back from Leef with some militia, he also brought some foodstuffs
** We make our way to THE GATE
** Fruits, breads, etc.
** Ulertu drops a vial of ichor and it rolls away, clicking itself against the gate
* Harold meets us and gives us some new clothes to wear, then takes us to meet the mayor (Mayor Lymon Shephard), but before we get there, we run into a woman from the greater government--Merith Noori.
** Ulertu removed and replaced his circlet and took some psychic damage
* She's interested in what we found in the mountain
* Ulertu makes a note that there's something in here about memory and poems???
* She hears our story, and lets us go meet the mayor.
* Ulertu and Theo spend some more time pouring over the journals to try to figure out ''something'' about this gate
* The mayor needs us to help him make a big decision: Should they evacuate or not?
** They find some esoteric instructions of some kind to operate this gate
* We tell them they should send out folks who cannot fight.
* Ulertu recognizes a specific era of Giants
* We have 3 things to accomplish:
* He focuses in on one poem:
*# Build a Militia and find a leader
** ''The gateway in the city's heart sleeps, waiting for the song only you can sing. It must hear the music of your belonging and it will part the veils between worlds.''
*# Bolster the town's defenses
* Randir offers to sing a song from the Cinder Root Trio, "Last Morning's Breakfast"
*# Figure out when the evil is going to attach
** Randir knows this song start to finish because it has so many endings, a sad one, a funny one, a smarmy one, and a happy one
* Randir says we need to go up the mountain to talk to the monks...
** Randir knows this song because the happy ending was his hope and his love for Elena
* Harold says there is rumor of a witch in the forests, but he has never seen or heard from her before in all his years out in the forests.
* The song ends and Randir is not hurt by the Gate... (but he did make a widsdom save?????)
** It was said that she lived in the west woods, not an hour from Pella's Wish
* But... nothing happens?
* We head over to the silversmith, they have some cool shit for us:
* Theo discovers that the gate maybe requires an image of the place you want to go '''AND''' a frequency of the place?
** A wand of Magic Missles
* So we decide:
** A ring of Tiny Servant
** Theo Pulls a lever with the POWER symbol
* And the boys got Randir something special made:
** Randir pushes his Stone of Fates into the Gate
** A scimitar with a curved amber blade
** Randir is singing his song
* We try to figure out if we need to buy anything with the credit the mayor gave us, but we can't think of anything.
** Everyone is imagining Caer Sen
* We head out into the west woods looking for the witch!
* Everything begins to thrum and shake
* As we walk through the woods, Randir communes with a large, old tree. Asking for assistance and offers a favor in the future to the tree.
* The stone isn't being taken like the entrane to this city, it is being powered by the generator we turned on
** Some squirrels come down to a lower branch and paw in a direction, making strange growls
* Theo envisions Caer Sen: He sees the doorway of the Oldest House where Zacharias lived
** Randir then sees through the trees, way off in the distance... a huge something.
** A FLASH OF AN INVERTED OBELISK ABOVE THE DOOR(?!)
* Randir meets up with his friends and casts Pass without Trace, explaining this is where the THING is we are seeking in the forest.
* Ulertu envisions Caer Sen: He sees the colors and vibrancy of the port city, the colorful sails and fabrics, the different looking people, and sounds of a large city
* This beast... is a HUGE sized Owlbear
**
* We decide to follow it from a distance.
* Randir envisions Caer Sen: Randir thinks of the size and the impressiveness of the city, the pastry he had for breakfast on that morning in the square
* We follow until the bear... DISAPPEARS behind a tree??!
** There is a flash of an obelisk above the city
* We approach, the bear is simply gone.
* Each of our memories pour into this gateway
* Ulertu casts detect magic as a ritual
* But it feels unstable, but it is open
* Ulertu recognizes this as a Druid's Grove. Randir suddenly realizes this as well
* We decide to move through, quickly
* Randir calls out to the forest, asking for help and advice from whoever this druid is
* Suddenly, we're hearing voices singing "Last Morning's Breakfast", strange and familiar
* Suddenly, the witch is visible, an elven woman covered in bark and moss and fungus, sitting in a medatative state in profile.
* Flashing light flowing past us
** She is covered in branches and moss and tree parts
* We feel the gate recognizes us, by the music of our souls
* Randir introduces the group to her, she nods slightly
* Theo sees the Oldest House, but is suddenly cold as he is ripped through the stars
* Randir asks for her name, "I have forgotten my name... I have been here for too long. My view of the world has changed."
* Ulertu sees the colors of the city  
* Randir explains why they're here, they need her help
* Randir see the cafe as the song swells in his head -- the Cinder Root Trio sing loudly in his mind. Hands on him bolstering him.  
* "There is no evil, it has been defeated... the town was already attacked and it will always be attacked."
* It feels like an eternity and an instant, and we coalesce in Caer Sen as reality snaps back into focus
* "I have already seen the things that will happens in the days that will come."
* We feel our feet on the ground that knows our name, the sweetness of air from the idea of the city we imagined ourselves in
* She has been corrupted already, she cannot help
** Ulertu is on the docks
* She didn't know Pella or Severin, but she helped to fight the evil in the past
** Randir is at the cafe
* She was a guardian of a grove long ago, far away. She tried to recreate that grove here, but failed.
** Theo is in the bowels of the Oldest House
* She says the corruption was always here, but it has been sleeping.
* Caer Sen is burning
** She kind of sees through time?>!
* END SESSION
* Can we get the people out? She says yes, but the corruption must be defeated.
* She mentions the giants, and that they controlled the darkness... "or... someone else could control it."
* "The darkness is steel..."
* "Who do you champion?"
** Ulertu: Free thought and freedom of all creatures
** Randir: The greater good of all nature and compromise with those who wish to use it.
** Theo: Hoar...
* She was sent here by a god??? But he was a man???
* She looks to Ulertu and Randir, "You may succeed where I failed."
* At Theo: "You...you will die here."
* Randir asks WHEN WILL THE ATTACK HAPPEN THO???
* She reaches out, Randir takes her hand
* She pushes out a part of her mind to Randir. She has seen everything, all time, jumbled together all at once. She continues to see this.
* Randir takes this onto him for a short moment, he falls to a knee.
** "**In 5 days time, the city will be destroyed... or it will be saved.*"
* Randir learns her name: Fate Tinderpool.
* Randir thanks her by name.
* "Save the town."
* She warns Theo that working for a god ain't that great.
* Ulertu makes a little pinecone servant man friend boy
* We get back to town, we're gonna have a big lunch with Baz, Arah, Anca, and Merith
* Ulertu, who is from the big city, organizes this big lunch interview
* The group squabbles and Randir stops it with a threat of what actually will befall Pella's Wish.
* We decide to sent Merith to head out and grab more people from garrisons near bigger cities.
* Theo stands and offers himself to lead the people. Baz will be his second, Anca will help rally the people of Pella's Wish.
* The meeting breaks up, Baz comes up to Theo, "Didn't know you had it in you. Look forward to fighting with you."
* Baz warns that he won't be able to work with Anca. Theo says he'll talk with her.
* We decide to go up to the Ember Peak Moutain that day.
* Ulertu gives some enchantment to Randir's amber blade


=== 12/28/2019 ===
* Randir runs from the "clones" of Arah and Randir
* Theo walks out to the room, he tries to talk to the people who shift into versions of just him, then Arah as she walks up
* The things, made of glass, begin to speak and tell us about how they were created by something BEFORE everything, "the ones who came before"
* They call us "new ones"
* They try to scare us, Theo, Randir, and Arah are not affected, but Ulertu is hit with a wave of fear (his fear of snakes)
* Randir sneaks around the room as Theo/Ulertu talk to these things
* Theo asks how we can resolve their conflict with world above without war
** Theo is worried his god is too vengeful... especially since it seems like these creatures in the mountain haven't been... violent.
** The glass thing responds: "Leave this world."
*** "You cannot be here when the creators return... this is not your world."
* Theo: "We cannot leave this world, we must find a way to coexist peacefully."
* The fight begins as one of the figured turns into Theo's father
* Everyone gets scared and goes into to a fight.
* Theo goes down as his "father" slays Theo, but the fight goes on
* The figure of Theo's dad turns to Randir... who fails his wisdom save, describing his greatest fear: Dragons... specifically drakes.
** The MAN BECOMES A FUCKING DRAKE
* The fight goes on, Randir turns into a badger, and they SLAY the DRAKE!
* Ulertu gives a potion to Theo, bringing him back.
* Randir reflects on the Drake being his greatest fear, he apologizes for his fear being used against them all.
* Arah seems to be okay.
* We take a short rest, and after Ulertu sees a metal skeleton back in the hall
* It asks "Are you a representative of the village?"
* Skeleton: "Were you the ones who found my temple with the snake and the ritual?"
** Randir smiles, "Oh, yes, the blight on the side of the mountain. We found it."
* The skeleton focuses on Ulertu, "I know that mark, the Order of Truth."
* Ulertu explains, yes, it is mine.
* The skeleton insults the order, Ulertu attacks the skeleton. He nails it.
* The skeleton stumbles but regains, "The attack on the town has already begun." AND HE EXPLODES
* We take a little damage, but the skull survives. Randir takes the skull, wraps it in a cloth to take with him.
* Randir gives a small speech about us not being beaten by the mountain, and that we need to head back to Pella's Wish.
* Randir asks Arah about what the skeleton said. She believes we should go back as well.
* The steel grass in the room has been growing since the fight. It's not waist high... This is not good.
* We investigate the room before we leave:
** Raw materials (Oddly shaped steel ingots, small pieces of gold) ~300gp
** A very sharp piece of steel, it has steel-grass-like qualities. Could be fashioned into a tool or weapon.
* Severin appears, but he's slightly confused about the monsters we fought, "I've seen these things before, but they did not exist until just moments ago..."
** "It's possible I've seen more and forgotten."
* We investigate the rooms as we backtrack, only really seeing the magic caskets we came across before... we decide not to mess with them... maybe we should come back with them.
* We leave the mountain, Severin left behind... he fades as we leave.
* We start our trek back to Pella's Wish in the early morning...
* After a half day of travel, we arrive to the village.
* Kids meet us as we arrive. The market is running, no attack, everything seems to be... normal.
* People are helping rebuild. Things seem... okay.
* We see Harold and Kodiak at the bakery. He's happy to see us.
* We relay to Harold what we saw in visions, he becomes serious... visions are serious.
* He says, maybe the monastary could be a help with our visions (maybe we could chat with Stone) up on the mountains
** There are also some in the woods who can help us see more into the future.
* Exhausted, we tell Harold about Severin and everything we saw in the mountains.
** He says he's seen a similar figure wandering around the mountain.
** Supposedly spirits haunt the mountain area
* The group agrees with Harold that we need to prepare the village... but where we find capable fighters... we do not know.
** He's going to send word to Leef and to the tribesmen.
* The group decides to rest, Randir needs some more bread.
* Bram Fairkettle baked Randir's BREAD!
** Randir decides, he owes Bram a debt for this, a bread debt.
* The silversmith has some stuff for Theo.
* We decide to reconvene in the morning with Harold after he sends messages out
* Randir goes to a tavern and tells stories about his home in the forest... anything to talk about something other than the mountain.
* Ulertu and Theo go to check in on the metal we got, Theo gets some nice new armor (but can't wear it...)
** The silversmith says she can make the grass chunk we got into something for Randir????!
* Randir learns some stuff about the town while he's telling stories:
** They have retilled several fields, they're all doing well, producing food
** Construction of the buildings is almost complete
*** The hardest to repair was the tailor's home
** The Orcs have been super rowdy, they don't mix with the townsfolk well. They're sticking to the Longhouse, but they're not cool when they come into town.
*** The Orcs also don't get along with the townsfolk, because their version of "nice" is probably rough
** The folks from Leef left after we left, Grayson Applewhite just led them out of town because they thought it was all a lost cause. The younger folks only followed, because the older folks lead things.
** A few people have arrived to town not knowing the Cherry Festival was cancelled. Some other caravans, too. Sightseers, adventurers, merchants. They're a little weirded out by the extra security.
* Randir puts together WE WERE GONE FOR 2 DAYS. NOT ONE. DUN DUN DUNNNN
* (and we level up to level 4!!!)


=== 11/16/2019 ===
== 9/11/2025 ==
* The spectral form of Severin passes into the mountain.
* Ulertu investigates the instruments he was looking into before the battle
* We find an entrance to the mountain behind the rock slab Severin passed through
* Ulertu investigates the stars, we don't recognize this sky
* Arah apologizes for not being more useful in the fight
* We decide to make our way back inside and down into the city
** She's afraid we killed something of the land
* We look for THE GATE and can see it as we come back inside, a huge gate ringed in a part of the city
* We squeeze into the mountain
* We make our way towards this large gate
* We ask Severin who the spectre was that we fought
* Ulertu attempts to see what kind metal the ring(?) is made of
* He says if it fought us, we maybe threatened it
* Ulertu's circlet begins to resonate
** Randir says that Arah was probably right about us unsheathing our weapons too soon...
* Theo can her a thrumming coming from Ulertu
* We rest and heal a bit.
* Ulertu tries to sense the center of the feeling he has
* Severin asks us why we're here...
* "I feel like something in my circlet is resonating with the metal here"
* He asks where we came from... he's aware of Pella... she was his friend.
* Randir, after being informed, begins to hear and FEEL this vibration
* He knew of this evil under the mountain.
* Now we're talkin about HARMONIC RESONANCE lol
* There were five in his party, they fell. They fought the darkness under this mountain.
* "Gooooood vibrations"
* "There's something older than this land... older than the gods."
* Randir recognizes "a child calling out to his mother" or "a part reaching out to its whole"
* "You may not fare well here."
* Despite Randir's suggestion of bringing his circlet to the metal in the gate, Ulertu wants to try something else byu investigating what he believes are the controls to this gate
** Randir: "So be it, but I... we, cannot turn and run now."
* Randir helps Ulertu up onto a large lectern of sorts and... there ARE controls!
** Theo mentions his promise to his god.
* But Ulertu can't figure out what the controls do, so he climbs back down
** Ulertu says we could always gather info, turn back, then regroup and approach again.
* Fuck it, we're putting the circle on the ground. Let's see what happens
***THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
* After a beat.... nothing happens.
* Severin says he respects Randir's courage, for he ran and died... this may be why he's still on this plane.
* Putting the circlet back on, Ulertu feels 'right' with the world again like when he first put the circlet on
* Severin leads us forward. He stops at a patch of blackened dirt...
* ABRUPT END SESSION (sorry)
** Ulertu notices... patches of steely grass, and bones that glint with a steel color.
* We see small glints of steel moving in the earth... the're bugs.
* Severin asks why Ulertu collects things (as he's collecting a bug)
* We see a projection of a small halfling... it's PELLA!
* He doesn't know what became of her, but this is her, alone, after everyone in their party was "gone."
* We follow this "reflection" of Pella as she walked through the same cavern.
* Suddenly, she dashes forward and is gone.
* Randir is confused. The Pella they know of CREATED Pella's Wish from a wasteland.
** Severin doesn't believe she ever left this place.
* THEN WHO CREATED PELLA'S WISH?????
* Apparently, Severin and his gang were sent in by their god, a living man...
** "It was normal in my time for gods to walk the earth..."
** "They had to become one of us to enact great change..."
* Their party feared annihilation of everything... a great fear.
* We start to see more bugs and grass made of steel...
* Randir is scared.
* We start to discuss the power of gods.
* We come to a part of the cave is no longer a natural cavern. Instead, patched stone slabs.
* Severin fades slightly, then away as he tells us to quiet ourselves.
** "We don't want to alert the others..."
** "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the others... some are old, some are new."
* We move forward, silently. The stone feels... lighter some how.
* The walls are perfectly flat. Immaculately carved.
* Randir notices some footprints in a fine layer of dust on the ground.
* We go left on Severin's suggestion.
* Ulertu casts a spell to send an Artificial mind forward to look for us.
* We descend down a set of stairs... there is a magical fire in a sconce with no oil that lights the stairwell.
** It's a continual flame
* We move down the stairs to a room full of coffins. We move onward, a pedestal, then a room of urns.
* Whoever is here (worshipping this dark god) have changed things...
* Severin shows usa flashback of what this urn room used to be.
* "People spoke to the god through this obelisk" referring to what is on a table now holding urns.
* He knows this stuff but he did not travel this far. Pella did... another friend of his did.
* Randir detects magic, the obelisk glows with faint magic, divination magic
** The urns and caskets eminate an energy that Randir links with abjration / protective spells
* Ulertu discovers the obelisk uses some kind of Scrying magic.
** He touches the surface of the obsidian embedded in the obelisk
* Ulertu is taken to a dark room, he hears shifting and movement... Randir, Theo, and Arah disappear.
** The moonstone still glows for him.
* He removes his hand, and is back in the room
* To Randir and Theo, nothing changed.
* Theo moves in and touches the obelisk, Randir protests but Theo does anyways
* Theo is on a cliff overlooking Pella's Wish, it's daytime, but muted.
** He sees a wave of steel/ichor creatures approaching the town.
* He goes to run, but is snapped back to the room.
* Theo thinks we should go back, but Randir isn't so sure it's real.
* Randir wishes to dispell this worry, he touches the obelisk.
** The forest is dead, and he is touching a great oak. The sounds of snarling and creatures moving through the woods surround him.
* He explains this to his group.
* Severin reappears.
** He explains that blackened trees were what his group passed before they came to fight the evil under the mountain.
** Perhaps this is what the god wants...
* We move in, we find some locked doors, then a room with a dead body. An elf in rusted armor. He was Severin's friend, Elidor.
* Theo goes to the pedistal, he puts his hand through the light hovering over it.
* He touches the obelisk, and the light goes out.
* We discuss Theo feeling strong and Arah touches the obelisk... "It's just a light."
* We backtrack and go north, then find a room with 3 obelisks that have been cut down.
** inside each are pieces of metal of green and gold in intricate shapes embedded in the stone like ore.  
** This looks like the ear piece and arm band of the same style that the ranger of East Cliff had
* Ulertu and Theo collect samples of the metal jutting out of the rock. The metal is brittle and sparks when snapped.
* Ulertu tries to fashion a key out of some of this metal.
* We move to the staircase that goes upwards and find a small, empty room with scatterings of metal bits in various simple shapes.
** They look masterfully crafted into these shapes. Almost PERFECTLY shaped.
* We try the makeshift key, and after some finagling... the door unlocks.
* Randir opens the door... There's a faint light above two caskets.
* No signs of anything that was making noise from before...  
* Theo touches one of the obelisks... and a CLUNK noise is heard.
* Ulertu touches the other obelisk... followed by a CLUNK
* THEN THE GROUND STARTS TO CLUNK RHYTHMICALLY
* We run north to try to leave. Theo tries to slide the door open
* He pulls it open with a massive force, breaking the sliding mechanism.
* Ulertu and Theo make it into the next room, Randir hears a noise behind him.
* Theo yells, "There's nothing in this room!"
* Randir sees two figures standing on the dias... Randir and Arah.
* END OF SESSION.


=== 9/28/2019 ===
== 8/7/2025 ==
* Theo was given a "sense" of a place where we can enter the mountain
* Ulertu investigates the tools
** Maybe more of an image
* They seem to be used for Mathematics?
* Theo Attunes to the Amulet of the Titans
* Ulertu spends some time investigating these tools
* We rest for the night
* Meanwhile the plaque Randir is looking at gets translated by Theo and it says "All that remains of a dream once held" (I think ....)
* Theo has a dream with a series of weird images, a cave marked with death, a forest of living trees suddenly turned gnarled
* Randir steps closer to get to the plaque, the flowers begin to glow with the light of the stars???
* The next morning, we get some gear. Ulertu gets more vials, some burning salve, and whiskey.
* Theo and Randir regain 11 hp from the plants / flowers????
** We pull from the credit we had from selling the ring
* Meanwhile the papers that Ulertu is reading mentions trying to change the properties of... something. conceptual research and recordings of hypotheses...
* Randir buys a spear and two javelin. He doesn't like martial weapons, but their enemy is something fierce.
* After some digging (and help from Chuk-Chuk) Ulertu sorts out a little more information... this perhaps has to deal with the ichor??
* The silversmith from Leaf takes the armor we found and begins to work on it for Theo.
* Theo and Randir feel better... Randir notices that the flowers appear a bit dimmer now.
* Theo goes to check in on the orcs... like a dorky teenager.
** Randir hasn't seen a plant like this before, but properties of OTHER plants could do something similar but not like this, not without working them into something else
** Arah is throwing axes at a target
** These flowers are almost a mirror of the sky above
* He asks her to come along with us.
** Randir wonders if these flowers are important to whatever work was being done with the tools Ulertu is looking into
* She says she's down.
* Randir and Theo head over to Ulertu to see if these things are related
* Randir hands Bram a small bit of bread made from wheat of his homeland
* Ulertu isn't sure, but hearing about these flowers Ulertu heads over to the flowers and trims a small leaf off of one of the flowers
* Bram is impressed, and exicted to use the ingredients Randir leaves for him. He gives the group a small basket of bread to take with them.
* Ulertu glows for a short moment
* And we head out, following the river.
* Randir surmises this isn't natural and says as much to Ulertu
* Randir tastes the water of the river. It seems pretty great. Maybe even magical, full of vitality.  
* Then Randir shimmers with light
* As we travel, Randir scouts for the group and begins to notice less and less animals as we get closer to the mountains.
* Then Theo
** He sees some ravines, aftermath of a few landslides, some petrified trees.
* Randir notices that the flowers have closed their buds and are going into the dirt
** Things look rigid and stonelike. The trees in specific are almost Ironwood-like, but... not good.
* Randir feels a wind pick up and begins to warn his friends
** Below in one ravine, there are bones of animals that could not escape up the walls.
* Before they have a chance to move, an explosion rips into them  
* We get to a place that Theo knows in his mind. We see a giant stone slab... a grave covered in vines.  
* UHHHHH THE GANG IS FIGHTING LIVING MAGIC? MAGIC MADE ALIVE?
** The letters on the grave worn by time, but it's clearly a gravestone.
* A fire being, then an earth being, then a wind being, and a water/ice being???
** Ulertu senses magic on a cloak he pulls from the covering of the slab - a Cloak of Elven Kind
* Theo UNMAKEs the Wind Being
* Arah warns of us of a spirit that walks this hill.
* The battle goes on as we begin to dispell the magical constructs
* Ulertu puts together some logic from Theo's dreams, we are at the entrance to the mountain ("under a sign of death")
* Randir in specific... has Dispell Magic and it works VERY well
* Rain begins to fall, and Ulertu finds a very small entrance into the cave.
* We end combat
* The roots of these vines are petrified, hard to work through
* END SESSION
* Ulertu and Randir notice the group is not alone.
** Ulertu sees a brief vision of a person in the trees.
* They spread out to keep an eye on the area around them
* A woman figure coaleseces out of the mist, warning them of death. she creates figures of men hanging in trees made of mist
* She tells us we should not be here.
* Voices in the mist tell us we will be hurt
* Ulertu assures us this is all a ruse, just magic
* But the voice assures us, this is a place of death and dead
* Theo mentions we are on a mission from Hoar, he has seen a vision that we must be here
* THe spirit tells us we have won our battles, but that has begat death. All things die, even the gods.
* Arah warns us, maybe we pulled our weapons too early. This spirit should be the protector of the mountain
** Randir staunchly disagrees. If this was a protector, it would not be threatening us with death and preventing us from cleansing the evil in this mountain.
* The spirit screams at us after hearing Randir. WE FIGHT.
* This is a tough fight.
* Randir goes down.
* Ulertu saves him, Theo goes down as the woman attacks and runs away.
* Randir manages to catch up and blast her one more time with a Thunderwave, destroying the spirit.
* He pulls vials of holy water from his pack and pours one on himself. He gives another to Theo to do the same.
* Everyone is terribly shaken, exhausted.
* Randir tells Arah this same corruption he and his friends dealt with before.
* Theo is revived.
* As we settle, a man scrambles onto the scene. He is scared, "I'm not one of them!"
* This man is haggard, he looks as if he's been travelling for too long on very little. Long hair, tattered clothes, long, scraggly beard.
* Theo recognizes this man from his visions.
** "I think we might be here for you."
* Theo explains we are here to fight whatever lives beneath the mountain. This man us supposed to be our guide.
** Randir: "What is your name, friend?"
*** WE LEARNIN', FAM!
* The man transforms, rain begins to pass through him as he becomes more clean cut. This man... this man is A RANGER.
** "My name is Severin."
** He fought the evil beneath the mountain before, but he failed. He will show us the way if we let him walk with us.
*** THIS DUDE WAS THE NPC FROM THE BIG ONE-SHOT WHO WENT INTO THE MOUNTAIN WITH PELLA!!!!!
*** THIS SHIT IS JUICY
* '''NOTE''': Randir needs to respec his spells for the next day


=== 9/21/2019 ===
== 7/10/2025 ==
* Fade in to a dimly lit stone hall, the light from cooling lava
* We head to the Aurory
* A dead giant lies on the floor, five adventurers pop into existence
* The Aurory is high up in the dome... hmmmmm
* "Why does it keep bringing us back here?"
* We climb up the stairs - the Domed City flows inward toward the center, where we are coming out from the forge.
* One of the adventurers finds a ring, with three cracked sapphires... they begin to glow again.
* We see vines hanging from the ceilings, now that the "lights" are on
* CUT TO: A totally different part of the world. The modern city of Kare-sen.
* Thousands of crystals give off light, and HUGE crystals
** A young Ulertu walks the halls of a university
* Randir sees these growing rocks/crystals that looks like moss, and have almost covered different surfaces
** Ulertu's mentor tells him about revealing truthes to the people he meets on his travels to the Frontier.
** These formations of crystals seem to have "grown" based on how they're placed on various objects and on walls
** He gives Ulertu a key. "It opens nothing in particular but what you may need opened will do so with this key."
* We walk past a raised flat platform, huge in size and in the center, an arch that goes up 50-100ft tall
** He urges Ulertu to help the monsterous peoples of this land who were once enslaved by Giants and are still building their societies in the aftermath of their freedom.
* There is a path to the arch (which we believe is The Gate)
** He gives Ulertu a stone to take to the east to teach the people of the east.
* We also see a staircase that climbs up the side of the dome, and there are levels of to the promenade - higher levels attached the side of the dome that run rings on the edges of the dome
** "As much as you wish to discover truth, you must teach others truth."
* We make our way back to where we saw signs to lead us to the Aurory.  
* CUT TO: Another place, another time... The stone halls of [castle] to a young Theo, aged 13.
* We see buildings attached to stairs that attach to the sides of the levels of the promenade attached to the sides of the dome
** Theo is racing to train with his father when he sees a door open he's never seen open before.
* We walk and walk and walk, up stairs of our size next to stairs for Giants.
** Lord Simon Barrowcleft is unloading books from a recent excavation(?)
* Eventually the larger stairs taper off and it's just medium sized creature steps.
** The lord welcomes him in, he shows the books off to Theo, then takes him aside.
* At the top of these steps we see a door with a sign attached to it that says Aurory.  
** He talks to Theo about being a goodswordsman, but he wants Theo to be a good man as well. "Knowing more than just how to weild the sword will help you do the things you need to in time down the road."
* A faint light shines from beneath the door
** "Please read these books and prevent yourself from making the same mistakes I did."
* Ulertu detects no magic...
* CUT TO: The wind, blowing through trees.
* We push through the door...
** A Minotaur (Barken Stouthand) places a trinket on the tree.
* The light we see... is starlight? Blue and purple and twinkly
** The man soon to be known as Randir looks to the Minotaur.
* Pillars reach upward to the sky, and the roof is gone... Nothing but sky is above us. We stand in a temple looking outward.
** He apologizes for not being able to help find something to help. He tells Randir he will need to leave the forest soon.
* Ulertu and Randir realize... this is a magical illusion
** He gives Randir a staff, a staff with leaves growing out of it. The staff springs to life flowers of all sorts.
* Ulertu notices some tools and begins to investigate
** Barken promises to watch over Randir's family until he returns.
* At the far end of the temple, Randir sees a garden - a raised bed?
** He guides Randir towards an elven town a few days journey, hoping they can help Randir with a solution for his father's sickness.
* There are only a few plants, just three, and these are glowing with the same light as the sky
** Randir leaves the forest, out into the plains.
** The plants that survive have grown a bit wild, but have not taken over the garden... weirdly enough
* CUT TO: Morning, Pella's Wish.
** There are flowers on the ends of these plants and theyn turn ever so slightly towards Randir as he approaches
* The gang wakes up to the sound of travellers arrive to the town. We have breakfast, watching these caravans arrive to the town.
** The flowers on these plants look like star-shaped orchids
* One of the carriages has the markings of the Galadon fmaily crest.
* Randir uses his speech of beast and leaf and asks, "How have you lived so long?"
* Bram Fairkettle believes they may be in town to investigate the attacks?
** The flowers point upwards to the stars
* Ulertu decides to look into the amulet the half-elf dropped before he left with his dead friend.  
* He asks "Are the stars giving you sustenance?"
** He knows it has to do with strength, but can't figure it out. It has to do something with "Titans" - maybe it's something extra-planar or religious?
** They wiggle in the positive
* Theo puts this amulet on but nothing happens... Theo thinks he may need to ATTUNE to him
* Randir asks, "Are you three all that remain?"
** MIGHT BE IN THE RULES GUYS
** They wiggle in affirmative
* Theo calls it The Amulet of the Titan
* Randir moves a little closer to see what the heck is up with these plants and the raised bed they're in
* We follow the carriage up the hill after breakfast.
* He sees a plaque attached to the raised bed... in Giant
** Bram wraps up some leftovers for us
* Meanwhile, Theo and Ulertu are looking over these tools
* We hear some raised voices and unsheathed steel as we get up the hill towards the carriage.
* END SESSION (due to tech issues :( )
* There is a crowd of people arguing.  
* The mayor pipes up, Limon Shephard: "STOP STOP, EVERYONE STOP!"
* A tall, oldern man steps forward, he's mad some folks from Pella's Wish have come to this gathering.
* Randir goes to talk to Anka, an elf tailor who he knows. "Why is everyone here?"
** The old man is from Leaf, she tells the gang
* A group of Orcs also came to the city by foot. Folks from Leaf are not happy about that.
** The man's name is Applewhite
* We decide to head in to the Long House to join the meeting with the orcs
* Theo takes a seat next to the half orc leader, Baz Kurbag.
* He introduces himself, and his daughter, Arah.  
* We explain what we saw to the orcs with black ichor and corrupted animals. And Ulertu explains the cultists on the mountain who didn't want us to find the beast in the mountain.
* The orcs are VERY interested in this, but we are interrupted by the humans from Leaf and a few others arriving to the conversation.
* Grayson Applewhite, soldier and guard from Leaf.
* Merith Nurie, she is the captain representing the provincial government.
* Everyone argues, Theo interjects and explains the horrors from under the mountain.  
* Merith doesn't believe him, he has no proof. So Ulertu steps in.  
* Grayson Applewhite agrees. "If it is a creature, we can kill it."
* Merith wants more proof. Randir explains that something, or some spirit, is pushing out from the mountain.  
* Randir doesn't want to give up on this and run away. Something must be done.
* Applewhite, goes pale at the mention of gods and spirits. He tells a tale about his grandfather who thought they defeated this evil long ago. "If it is still alive, then it cannot be defeated."
* Ulertu thinks that science and magic has come far, perhaps we can defeat it now.
* Applewhite and his people go to leave. Randir yells at them, calls them cowards. "I pity the town of Leaf for having you as representatives."
* Baz pipes up. He thinks these people are dummies. But he agrees with Randir, something must be done.
* Merith wants more proof. We show her Randir's necklace, A woman walks up, she's Melara Malvaro, a silversmith. She recognizes this necklace... or it looks familiar.
** Her dad had similar "things"
* We take Merith to see the metal grass, then to the cave. Baz and Arah come with us.
* Merith looks into the grass, Baz looks into the markings on the cave wall...
* We ride back to Pella's Wish, silent. It's evening now...
* Merith is convinced, we can fight this... but we will be on our own.
** "It would be too long to convince others to help us... we don't want another attack."
* Baz says his people will secure the town, but we three will need to look into the mountain on our own.
* Baz hands us a stone, "For those of you who cannot see in the dark... This is a sunstone, it glows with the light of any source where you are."
** It glows bright during the day, it glows red at twilight, then blue at night.
* We go to the Green Thumb for dinner. To discuss things.
* Where do we go first? Do we bolster ourselves with items? Do we know where to start our journey into the mountains?
* Does baz have any info? Let's go talk to the Orcs.
* We ask Baz about things. He tells us that stories have been told about this creature in the mountain. But the Giants believed whatever it was could take the world from the small folk.
** Power, knowledge, and more.
** It is older than any race, any people... some say it is older than the gods.
* Theo asks if we can take his daughter with us to journey into the mountain.
** "It is not up to me."
** Arah thinks on it... and says nothing.
** "We will see what she decides in the morning."
* Theo gets a cut scene. He meets a man, alone... they speak. The man knows Theo...  
* IT'S MOTHAFUCKIN HOAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
* Hoar tells Theo of where an entrance into the mountain exists. Hoar cannot travel there, but Theo will have SOME power.
* Hoar tells Theo of a man, broken in form, terrified and trapped. Long hair, sad face, a raggedy beard.
** "This is the man you will find beneath the mountain, he will be your guide."
* Hoar will offer help, but this task is Theo's to complete.
** "What of my vegeance, what of my father?"
** "If you complete this quest, we will destroy him together."
** They shake hands.
* Theo snaps back, he knows where to go.
* NEXT TIME ON EMBER PEAK MOUNTAIN


=== 8/9/2019 ===
== 6/26/2025 ==
* Pella's Wish is partly on fire
* We return to the Forge
* We make our way in to get villagers out
* It seems charged with energy
* We come across some buildings on fire, and a fire-spirit walks out
* Ulertu sees that this thing is INTENSE and can work with materials that are tough to work with otherwise
* We begin to talk to it, Ulertu speaks Primordial, the same as this spirit.
* Esker tells us about a metal here that is, well, indestructable
* It says it is trying to defend the world from all who harm it.
* Ulertu plays around with a scrap piece we found and cannot mar it in any way - no scratching, no chipping... it seems to exist outside of material forces
* It says WE must be gotten rid of. UH OH
** "Resilient against all planar forces"
* Theo throws water on to the spirit. The fire goes out and it cringes.  
* We decided that Theo can't use the bunch we have, Randir feels it's out of place, so Ulertu decides that he'll make a circlet.
* Then it opens its eyes and they glow blue... like Theo's sword.
* Esker wants to teach us how to forge this metal with the intense forge
* We fight, beat the first one. Then five more run down the hill. Shit.
* This metal is not forged with fire but with ''intention''
* We beat them. Barely.
* Esker shows Ulertu how to forge items and shows the history of the Giants as they used this material in the past
* We talk about what this old spirit was trying to tell us.
** ''insert the clay scene from Ghost''
* Randir understands the idea of "protecting" a place. He did that in his past.
* Ulertu wants to forge something that helps
* Perhaps these creatures are evil, though? Maybe their "world" they're trying to protect is not good.
* He quenches the circlet he forges with ichor
** Maybe they belong to some greater being... an evil being?
* The forging of this circlet takes some time
** Theo agrees. They are corrupting nature. That's never good.
* Ulertu places the circlet on his head and it feels balanced, and the uplifiting feeling of healing others
* Randir suggests that maybe Pella's Wish is an abombination to these creatures. It was created by magic, and these creatures wish to change it back to what it was?
* Suddenly he sees a vision of the future, ichor flooding all around him; something hunting...  
* Ulertu wants to investigate Randir's pendant. He casts Identify. It was created by the pattern of magic.
* But the feeling he is left with is confidence and certainty that he can stop whatever is coming.
** The patterns on the amulet are used to channel power
* Randir resisted watching this forging, but can't help but watch in the end and realizes this is knowledge and he follows along the process
** The amulet has no magic, but is a part of something that uses this amulet to pass magic through it(?)
* Theo watches as well, but sees deeply into the magicks beyond the light spectrum on the magical spectrum, ribbons splash outward and he attempts to grab one... the feeling of power dwindles, but the feeling of his shattered blade is present. Theo summons his blade se this feeling fades...  
* The first monster had summoned the other monsters. Whew.
** He feels the universe connecting with us and a sense of peace - perhaps we are nearing the end of the journey and he can finally be at peace. A Hopeful, Warm Peace.  
* We go up the hill looking for the Rangers. The village is pretty messed up.
** Theo receives a new Dawnblade
* We see 4 individuals: Ostrick, Harold, a wood-elf and his partner.
*** It shines brighter in the presence of Ichor / Darkness
** The latter two are the two we saw before! That dude game me the pendant!
*** It can break magical darkness
* The wood-elf is dead!!1!!
* Ulertu thanks Esker for sharing this knowledge
* Randir has a moment with the Halfling/Human dude, he apologizes that they didn't get to speak more to prevent the death of his friend.
* Other places we could explore:
* That night, Randir can't sleep. He's wandering around Pella's Wish "on guard" but also unable to sleep. Shocked by the horrors of these unnatural beasts.
** The Auorory
* The Rangers don't know where these things came from.  
** The Promenade
* Ostrick is kind of getting affirmation that the beast under the mountain is real.
** The Gate
* Harold sends Ostrick off back to East Cliff, "They need their Ranger."
* So we decide we should check out the Aurorory - there may be some star charts? Or some way to tell us where we are.  
* Theo pushes for a 24-hour watch. He organizes it. The people of the town appreciate it, despite the fear it creates.
** END SESSION
* In the morning, we see steel grass growing where the ichor was left after beating the baddies.
* Maybe people who got ichor on themselves were changed??!?!?!? OSTRICK WHO HAD ICHOR ON HIM WHEN WE MET WITH HIM??!?!?
* People are looking at us differently in the morning. But not in a good way...
* We see Stone, the Dwarven monk, preparing the dead... he calls over to us to help.
* On the mountain they burn their dead, down here they bury them.
* "It's as if we conspire to hide death, because we have no answer for it."
* He asks us if any of us have died before.
* There's going to be a ceremony tonight to attend the dead.
* He's died before. He doesn't remember. He remembers a time when he was someone else, something else. He can't see but glimpses of it...  
* He thinks something is different about us, mostly Theo and Randir.
** "The darkness touched you..."
* "They can see that darkness on you..."
* he gives us some holy water. "Purge yourself."
* Randir drinks it.
* We spend the day helping the town.
* That night, we go to the ceremony for the dead.
* The town kind of comes together in this day, the night goes by much easier.


== 6/5/2025 ==
* SWAMP MONSTERS
* Theo is struggling without his blade!
* Randir gets engulfed and almost dropped into an ichor vat!
* FIRE FIRE FIRE
* Well, we lit the Forge so let's get outta here - no more monsters and we seemingly took out the only "plants" who were feeding off of the ichor
* This room seems to be the power source for the whole dome
* We head back towards the forge with a bit of urgency given how we were just so harassed
* END SESSION


=== 7/19/2019 ===
== 4/17/2025 ==
* We hit level 3 WOOHOO!!
* The doors open...
* We wake on day 3 of the festival, it's a week long festival
* This area smells like nothing... Ulertu senses nothing. We hear... nothing.
* Before we start, Theo gives us some serious backstory (meta) as he swears an oath to his deity (Hoar)
* This area seems designed to suppress sound
* Ulertu reads into some of the books he bought from the book seller, history about the world. History about THE WAR.  
* Randir casts Daylight on the end of his staff
** THE WAR was the settlers vs. the people already settled.
* We see the walls have deep pockets, carved into the stone
* We investigate some of the items we got from the priest
* We move inwards, down the corridor with the sounds behind us clearly stuck outside...
** '''Wand of healing''' - like a healing potion 2d4 + 2, 3 charges, it comes with a cool sheath
* Grinding noises signal the closing opf the doors as we move forward. Randir says, "Perhaps there will be a way out on the other side..."
*** Regains 1d3 charges every morning
* As we move forward, the walls eventually end and the space opens
** The bag is "pretty dope", it's a '''Handy Haversack'''
* Randir sees glinting off of small stones in the distance
** '''Ring of Resistance: Radiant ''' - we're gonna sell this in East Cliff
* Theo, with his darkvision, sees... road signs???
* We decide to go to East Cliff to get more information about the notes Ulertu found, and to find out more about this metal grass stuff
** The signs seem to be named for people
* As we leave town, we run into Stone. He explains to us that if we wanted to get to the Ember Monastary (where he lives), coming from Pella's Wish might be easier to get there.
* This appears to have been a once bustling promenade, old stalls and stands for trades lie dormant.
* He does some sort of blessing to us and bids us farewell.
* Randir hears several... somethings making sounds, moving away from him. Scratching sounds of clawed, pawed feet. Gutteral noises of communication.
* The road is dirt and well travelled.
* The path ahead splits as a roadway
* Some wolves begin to follow us, in the evening, Randir goes to speak with them and warn them that "We mean you no harm." The wolves are persuaded to leave.
* Theo begins to make a map of our travel as this place is... huge.
* He arrives back at camp silently, then tells the tale about his life back in his Forest where he had a wolf pup friend. Lion King style. Randir was Timon. lol
* We read the signs
* In the morning we come to East Cliff.
** One sign near us pointing towards some stairs reads "The Heartforge"
* Lots of buildings and a GIANT mine entrance. Lots of old, sturdy buildings.
** Another reads, "The Aurory" pointing another direction
* We meet the mayor - Mayor Bulf. A Dwarf. Because. CONNECTIONS.
** "The Forge" points towards the Heartforge
* We're looking for a craftsmen and a ranger.
** And "The Gate" pointing heada
** Mayor Bulf says every town has a Ranger
* We decide to head towards the Heartforge
* We are directed to the blacksmith, '''Rastor'''.
* As we walk, Theo sees moss that appears to be flourishing
* The ranger lives out in a tent on the cliff, his name is '''Osdrick'''.
** Randir notices that it has a faint glow and appears to be moist -- but this place, overall, is very dry
* We go to see the Blacksmith. We sell the ring for 250. Ulertu gets some solvents and we take 40 gold
** Some of it is growing downward
** Ulertu and Theo take 14 gold
* Ulertu uses his herbalism kit to take a sample of the moss
** Randir takes 12 gold
** He gets a sample, but a chunk of the sample gets on him... on his face
* We show him the square amulet, it's fancy and precise. He's MASSIVELY impressed.  
** As he tests the sample, and it begins to glow in a blue/yellow glow
** "This is beyond anything I've ever seen."
** This is ichor... but in a different form
** He's heard stories of pieces like this, it's ancient.  
* Could this be the "natural" source of the ichor? Or is this what happens when it becomes inactive after millennia...  
** The dwarves found caches like this hundreds of years ago.  
* Ulertu cleans off his face with a cloth
** This is an artifact? Someone wears things like this... Osdrick!
* Ulertu wants to look over one of the stalls - Randir warns that we shouldn't take too long, we aren't sure how long we'll be in here and supplies are in, well, short supply.
* Osdrick is a dwarf.
* The stalls are, obviously, giant sized. There's more moss growing up the side of the stall, but no items appear obvious to us.
* Rastor sends the 200 gold to the rest of town as credit.
* As we move forward, we come to two sets of stairs -- one for smaller sized creatures, one for giants... hmmmm
* Osdrick has a little hut just on the outskirts of the town.
* Randir asks Ulertu about these stairs for creatures our size -- Randir finds it odd.  
* We see Osdrick has a band clamped into his ear, it's jade-ish in color, copper & gold in color.
* Ulertu digs into his mind about this -- he knows so much about STAIRS lololjk
* Osdrick is VERY concerned about the cultists with their mouths sewn up.
** Given that the ruins of giants were the foundation of how many modern cities began, this was also caused by the divergence of Giants over years -- Giant-kin: Ogres, Trolls, Firbolgs...  
* Osdrick VERY much believes in this monster under the mountain stuff. The more we tell him, the more we affirm his belief.
** All of these types of Giants seems to have been welcomed here
** Osdrick is going to go meet Harold tomorrow to discuss this.
** Giants of the hills, of the clouds, of the mountains, etc. All different, but would be considered Gaint
* We decide to talk to the mayor.
* Randir daydreams as they walk down these stairs of a world of all giants of all types walking these stairs together as a giant society.
** "Much of this town's history wishes to be forgotten..."
* Ulertu calls this place a metropolis
* There were creatures in the town... a long time ago.
* At the bottom of the stairs is a junction - continuing downward, or a small path off the side
* Armies would go into the mountain, and half would come back.  
* To the side, there is a sign that says the Heartforge
* But the rangers came. And they helped the town.
* Further down ward, the sign says "The Cradle"
* And they faced the beasts. These demons.
* The path gets smaller and smaller as we follow the path towards the Heartforge, more appealing to our size.
** But this was before Mayor Bulf's time.
** There is a rug that runs down the center, eventually being dotted by small tables and chairs of our size made of stone
* After the monsters were defeated, the trees and plants began to grow again.
** We see an iron frame that looks like it once held a painting
* Rangers went into the mountains, on a final push. Only one returned.
* The stone on the walls is grey and polished
* A woman, she told the story of the sacrifice of her friends. And the valley was healed.
* At the end of the hall, we see a door
* He can't remember her name. A human.  
* Door is partially open when we approach and there is a firm feeling of cold air that causes our breath to chill into mist
** Half-related: Pella was a halfling.
* In the next room, we see there is a gap in the floor ahead of us, there are glass panels in the ceiling and reflects the light from Randir's spell
* We show him the amulet. He's blown away.
* Ulertu inspects a panel nearby for a mechanism to enable some kind of light - but it looks as if it requires some thing to enable the light within
** "This is from within the mountain, isn't it?"
* Ulertu uses some of his magical tinkering to pass the "instruction" for Light and suddenly the crystal panels in the room begin to fade in with dim light
* They found a CHUNK of this metal in the mountain.
* In the center of the room, we see a figure draped in robes and they slowly turn towards us
** "As if the mountain had grown around it."
* Randir moves up next to Theo in front of Ulertu in a defensive pose
* We see Osdrick leaving the city, we chase after him. We figure, if rangers are getting together to figure this out, we should be with them.
* This person has greyish-blue skin, angular features, white and blue wispy hair with hints of grey
* We camp a bit with him on the way to Pella's Wish, then get to the village.  
* Ulertu calls out a hello to the person in Giant
** Osdrick reads the land the way Randir does naturally, it's respectible.  
* It responds, "How can I help you?"
* We crest a hill towards Pella's Wish, and the city is on fire.
* It begins to speak to us in common
* Osdrick BOOKS it towards the city, handaxe in hand.  
* We ask who he is, he says he hasn't lived here in a while and offers to help us again
* Ulertu explains that we want to understand this forge and how to operate it
* The figure appears dismayed, "The heartforge is not lit, it cannot work now"
* We ask how to light the forge
* He steps over to a table and a stone reshapes itself into a shape of this domed city
* Ulertu praises his magical ability, but he ignores it and the stone reshapes into the Heartforge, then a tunnel underneath the forge to a large chamber
* "The forge pit must be relit in order for the forge to become active"
* Ulertu offers a fireball to relight the forge or some other kind of way to light it
* "Within the cradle, you must find the seed to activate the Heartforge." Doing this would also bring light to the rest of the city.  
* Randir asks after why the city is empty - why is the forge not lit?
* This man says, "The city has been dormant for many eons"
** "This was only the first step, this was not meant to be the final place"
* The table "comes alive" again - he shows us several vessels (A vase, a test tube, a vial)
* "The Heartforge was meant to be the beginning"
** We see images of ships and other things travelling through the air
* "This is the place where were meant to begin our journey, to make great things"
* The people here left... or went to sleep?
* Ulertu asks about "The Gate"
* We see on the table that the city goes DEEP below the dome
* We see a massive arch in the center of the city - it was meant to be the centerpiece of the dome city, seen from all places
* Randir asks where we can find the seed to light the forge
* The seed is located deep within the city
* Randir asks if we turn the light on if we'll be safe from the creatures here in the city
** The figure responds, "There are no creatures here"
* NOT SURE ABOUT THAT BUD
* We agree to light the forge and Randir asks about what we can call him
* He responds, "Yskir"
* Dude fades to mist as we leave.
* We begin back down the hallway we came from, Randir casts Daylight again and we follow the stairs towards The Cradle
* After a time, we arrive at an entryway
** On our way down, only the small steps descend this far down
* Randir's light becomes unnecessary as we get close to the bottom as we see large vats of liquid inside glass containers giving off plenty light. This looks seems like more of the moss we saw thriving, growing down the sides of the vats, vines crawling the walls
** This is happening to the open vats only, there are a few closed vats
* The light is bright but still dim
* We look for The Seed...
* Ulertu makes a check in the room - he comes to the conclusion that the forge is not... fire based?
* We start following a large pipe that pulls from the vats that goes into the ceiling
* Randir and Ulertu move further into the room and find a few switches on a panel
* Ulertu recognizes that the writing on this panel is a recognition of many giants coming together to work on this project
* Ulertu, in his genius, figures out how this panel works through a bit of trial and error
* We begin to feel a minor reverberation through the floor - a humming almost
* The room slowly, subtly becomes brighter
* Randir is a bit confused by how easy this was
* Why did the giants turn this off?
* We decide we can leave now, avoiding the moss.
* Theo was watching from a distance as Randir and Ulertu worked on this panel
* Suddenly some massive thing slams into Theo and something stabs into him
* He turns around.... a massive roiling figure!
* END SESSION


== 4/3/2025 ==
* We heal up a little and make our way back down the mountain, trying to find our way back to the "entrance" we came to this place through
* Randir manages to find the exact place where we entered but the doorway is gone.
* We feel a bit lost here on how to get back
* We survey the area, but we don't recognize the sky... are we even on the same plane?
* Randir turns into a hawk and flies high above the valley the gang finds themselves in
* He flies upwards to the peaks of the mountains to get a better vantage, past the spot where the mountain was crushed by the fight with the Giant and the Dragon.
* There are remnants of a temple, mostly destroyed by the dragon and the giant
* As he flies up, he sees some larger structures in the plains beyond the mountains. Large domed structures off in the distance
* Randir wonders to the group if this dome is a similar thing to the Tomb we visited a while back
* But today has been a long one, and after a few hours we decide to rest up the mountain a bit
* We make a camp
* In the night, we hear some animals, but hard to see -- some investigating our camp at a distance
* After a time when the sun would come up, nothing rises...
** This place appears to be in perpetual night of some kind
* We walk for most of a day until we see a LARGE object, "The Dome" Randir saw
* This thing rises hundreds of feet into the air, a smooth domed structure of dark stone
** Some designs decorate the bottom 50ft
* Randir and Theo see this place as being truly alien
*For Ulertu, this is the largest building he's seen in tact
** He sees seams in the large dome
** The designs on the dome are an etched story -- The story of the people who lived in this building
** Ulertu has seen many of these kinds of buildings, but only as the fractured foundations of the many cities on the Woven Coast
* We approach this structure, Ulertu working his archeological mind to its full extent
* The stone feels rough and as Ulertu tries to chizel some away, it's very rough
* The size of this structure is massive
* We decide to circle around the dome to try to find an entrance
* This is way bigger than the "tomb" we found back along the Woven Coast
* After a while, we find a massive stone doorway, 60-80m ft tall
** The door is engraved in detailed story
* We see no clear way in, or no way to leverage an opening on the door. It's likely magical or mechanical in some way
* But Randir senses a large amount of water nearby
** The stone feels different, the water is inside of the door
** The stone feels SUBTLY cooler compared to the walls of this dome
* Ulertu and Theo read the mural of the door
* "The Sky Forge" an enormous forge full of massive anvils and lava rivers to power the forge. This story depicts massive shadowy beasts outside of the formerly walled city, and a huge Sky Mirror of intricate design as a "guardian" over the city that points outwards to the stars.
** The people of this world were incredible craftsmen--the city, the sky forge, the remains within the Woven Coast, the massive stone sword that the Giant weilded
** The city was made for defense but also capable of creating great weapons
** The people of this city had vast knowledge of astronomy, other planes, cosmology, etc. This would have influenced how they fought the creatures they came across and the peoples they encoutered.
* Ulertu is overwhelmed by the majesty of this story and the dome. This is what he's been searching for throughout his many years researching the past with The Giants
* Randir sees no entrance or exit for water, if it leaves in any capacity, it is NOT out of the front.
* But getting close to the door, he senses a similar "petrifcation" of the door. There's no magic here. This was forged.
** Either no magic existed here or magic was removed from it.
* Randir says this to Theo and Ulertu -- This door feels like it has been stripped of magic.
* What if we try to imbue the door with magic?
* Randir casts Magic Stone on some small stones he finds.
** "Maybe we can make some kind of magical conduit?"
* He intends to just transfer the magic from the stones to the door, like rehydrating a sponge
* The magic begins to pull from the stones.... then from Randir.
** He loses a 1st level spell slot
* He yanks himself away
* Randir warns, "I would not recommend trying that. It felt as if the magic was being pulled out of me at once."
* Ulertu gets excited: "Perhaps we all should try to do that at once."
* Randir attempts to offer his Pearl of Power... at a distance
** It doesn't work
* Ulertu tries touching the door with a Giant bone he has
** It doesn't work
* We decide... we probably have to put our hands on the door
* Ulertu opens himself to the door
* Theo touches the door with the Dawnblade in hand, he is a protector
* Randir sees himself as a conduit now, for all of nature ("for the Green")
* UH OH ARCANA AND WISDOM ROLLS
* Randir feels the magic flowing up through him - he is the conduit to the magic of the world
* Ulertu, being open to this door's "hunger"
** The door must be powered but must be asked to open. He has asked, but now it requires power.
** He removes 11 slots worth of magic
* Theo removes 4 spell slots... and the Dawnblade SHATTERS. Shards of glass, gone.
* The door cascades with energy upwards, the door begins to glow in a pattern as it opens... the city beneath the dome is revealed.
* END SESSION


=== 6/22/2019 ===
== 3/13/2025 ==
* Ulertu has a snap moment of questioning during the dragon's monologue
** He recalls, "We were here because we wanted stop the ritual: but where is the group who summoned this guy???"
** Is this dragon gonna kill everyone? Even the people who summoned him?
** Arcana check: Ulertu understands that this ritual was completed and the people who did the ritual who weren't Theo's dad... were probably sacrificed or maybe some left???
** History check: Ulertu knows the basic principles of dragons - they like to hoarde. This dragon probably hoardes things that isn't treasure. But what it is... he doesn't know.
** Have we fought PURE ichor beings before? Yes - the flame guys way back in Pella's Wish.
* The dragon rises from its perch, the words of the dragon echo.
* "Every corner, every prayer, every form of corrupted wisdom, I exist"
* "I am the architect of your pain and your sorrow"
* The dragon spreads its wings, hundreds of feet wide
* We see the color of this dragon: MIDNIGHT BLUE
** An Ancient Blue Dragon - There is an unnatural storm above the dragon. It is as much part of the dragon as its breath.
*** This is a lightning dragon
* And so we fight.
* The dragon frightens us all... and it's NOT GOOD
* WE GET SOME GOOD HITS IN
* BUT THE DRAGON LEAVES
** HE OPENS A PORTAL THROUGH REALITY
* "You have entertained me... I will give you the pleasure of witnessing the end."
* END SESSION


* We move through the door which was magically locked (the puzzle was to turn off the lights!)
== 3/6/2025 ==
* We come across a man with his mouth sewn shut!
* After the battle with Lord Dracos, we move upward to where Theo had been fighting, a huge circle surrounded by large stones
* We fight the guy (because we had no choice!) then find some scrolls and books in a chest.
* We notice these very watery pools of ichor...
** His body has flecks of metal in it?!
* Ulertu goes to scoop some up and mixing with water
* We investigate the hallway and hear chanting coming from a room. A fight breaks out!
* We see shapes in these pools... strangely floating to the surface... bones
* 5 priests (mouths sewn shut) + a big baddie show up. WE FIGHT!
* Ulertu is certain that whatever ritual was to place here... has already happened.
* Randir turns into a badger, burrows and flanks the fight!
* Shit.
** The head priest gets bit by Randir and his bark-armor gets pulled out, there are bits of metal dug into his skin beneath the bark?!
* Randir notices that of all of these massive stones around the ritual site we're in, one spot seems empty... but we see that there is a stone there, but it as crumbled
* We find
** It was an obelisk
** 4 daggers (not great)
* Randir handles some of the broken stone. "I think we have failed... I don't know what we could have done..."
** Priest's Scepter
* But Theo tries to rally him, "As long as we are here, we will continue to fight to make this world right."
** A bag of arcane components - the bag is dope, the components are not
* The rain continues and the wind calms. We hear a voice, it sounds from everywhere, "Do you feel it? The wind dies. The Skies darken. The world itself hold its breath. Knowing '''I''' have returned."
** A worn (broken?) wand in a cool sheath
* There is this PRESSURE above us. Something MASSIVE passes overhead.
** A super ornate squarish talisman
* Randir has felt this before. Long ago as a child. One of these things visited his forest before.
* Randir mentions he met a blacksmith/arcanist in Leaf who was very talented with metallurgy
* Rock shifts above us, a quarter mile away. There is a rumbling as a portion of the mountain collapses. A massive hand grips these peaks and pulls this enormous form upwards. The form is silhouteed against the night sky. Lighting strikes off in the distance, illumating a massive Giant.
** His name is Gregor McFarland
* A BOOMING voice, different than the one we heard, echos across the mountain side "DRAGON. FACE ME."
* The room we found the priests have a summoning circle in the middle. Lots of tools and implements.  
* Randir with his keen eyes manages to see this huge shape descend from the clouds, a dragon clashes with a giant.
** But we also see metal fibers growing out of a pile of stones in a corner
** The size of these things are nearly unfathomable. Fear sets in to Randir's body and mind.
** Lots of rudimentary symbols and images of a spirit/deity/god below the mountain
* The battle lasts for only a short moment before a devastating wound is dealt to the giant. The boom and shake of the felled giant sounds like thunder from all around us. The sword of the Giant shatters.
* Randir touches some of the fibers. They're sharp, serrated even, but also springlike. And cold
* And the dragon ascends and disappears
* We discover some tombs in this ritual room, but decide to not disturb the dead...
* The body of the giant almost blends into the mountainside, had Randir not seen it he would not know it was there.
* We move on and find a room with a diagram that has some working notes on it trying to figure it out
* Randir stands for a beat. Staring. Waiting for the Giant to stand. But the form does not move.
* We find the priest's room and a chest in it: Fine clothes, fine shoes, boots, ring, notebook, papers and journal
* He blinks hard and expresses his worry to his friends. He points out the form of the Giant to them...
* We leave the cave... fresh air, whew
* As they stare, the form begins to change. To diminish. But this is travelable. We could get to it.
* We see a cow and a dwarf on the road, the dwarf is Stone (yes, like the rock). Randir finds this to be HILARIOUS
* Randir is shaken. But Ulertu says we should investigate. Ulertu wants to see what we can learn.
** Stone lives up on he mountain at the Ember Peak Monastary, "It's a way to live. We decide to live simply."
* Theo agrees and the gang heads off.
** He doesn't know of any gods living in the mountain, but the metal shard/grass... that seems slightly familiar.  
* Under his breath, Randir is shaken but is mumbling, "Together, we can do anything..."
** People settled in this area trying to escape "the war"  
* We get further up the hill and notice the weapon this Giant was wielding was made of stone, not metal
** Many monsters lived in this land... they're mostly gone, but "we don't travel much at night for a reason."
* Further along, an enormous section of the mountain was flattened... and an enormous figure who is continuing to dimish in size...
** Two folks from the city came up the mountain, they were exploring the eastside of the peak near East Cliff
* As we approach, it's maybe 2-3 times larger than us
* The body is very still, but there is a slight rise and fall of his chest
* Ulertu approaches the body and the giant is covered in cuts and bruises
* The Giant is mumbling to itself, "...too late... i have failed... and the world will suffer for it..." in Giant
* Ulertu approaches and speaks a little to the Giant who looks confused and amused
* He speaks in common now, "I spoke an oath long ago to rise again if the beast was freed again to prevent the ruin of all things... but I failed."
* Ulertu, uncharacteristically, cuts to the chase and asks holding a vial of ichor, "What is the liquid?"
* He looks weary, but he sighs, shuddering, "The folly of young races. Always meddling. Always grasping at power they do not understand."
* He looks back, his gaze is heavy, "I see not all of you are blind to such mistakes... That, is a mistake. A creation of people long ago. Something we found; we thought we could use, but it was also beyond our control."
* Ulertu says, "Rest, we will resolve the mistake. It will be my vow."
* Randir gets strangely impatient. He kneels next to the guy and says, "Please, you have to tell us how we can stop this thing. We need to know how we can stop it. Your people must know how."
* The giant turns to Randir, "I sent the last of my kin to your land to help the people, but I did not tell them to full truth"
** Is this the Emporer? Or was the Emporer given power from this Giant?
* The dragon is made of ichor... it's older than any living thing.
* He watches as the people of our world, the Emporer, slayed the dragons of the world, and others sealed the Black Sky away.
* This dude says he is a descendant of the people who once lived in this land... He's a giant(?). They created this BETWEEN place to settle his people.
* This guy is among the last of the giants. Or this guy can't find any other Giants.
* "I am Bramoth Skybane, set to guard this place should the Dragon return."
** Ulertu recalls that this is the descendant of one of the Giants who he had studied
** This giant was likely born around when the Emporer was born.
* Randir offers to heal this Giant, but they both know it would take Randir's whole life to barely help this man
* "No, my child... my time is over but ''this'' is not over."
* And his eyes unfocus as he passes away
* There is a moment that passes, Randir stands looking at his friends as he breathes out a sigh of stress and determination, "We have fought beasts of ichor before and won. We can do it again."
* A voice from everywhere and nowhere, "The skies darken... even the lands know what is coming."
* Ulertu sees more than anyone else, illuminated by distant lightning, the DRAGON SITS ONLY 100FT FROM US. Crouched, camouflaged in darkness. Its eyes are white hot flames in the dark.
* Ulertu is frozen for a moment.
* Silently, Ulertu points at this dragon.
* Randir swallows his fear and says, "Come to dine on your felled foe?"
* Randir reads this beast like a book with his insight - What he sees in a dragon... is mirth.  
* Randir asks it why it's been sitting here, watching us
* "I am savoring this"
* He asks us, "Who were your ancestor?"
* Randir tells about how his ancestory is not very important. Because his ancestroy is defined by the prosperity of the land he lived in. And the land has been prosperous.
* "Have you found the bones of your ancestors in the pits of this land? Will you stand and burn or kneel and pray?"
* "Your betters thought to trap me, but I am the true ruler of this land"
* The dragon begins to raise itself up. Presenting his size and full sized wings. 70-80 feet tall, its wings hundreds of feet wide.
* The gods, your ancestors, the Giants cannot save you.
* This dude is back to destroy the histories of the land and bring back his people (dragons).  
** "I am the shadow in every fear, the hunger in every war, the silence after every breath"
** "I am the fire that devours empires"
** "This world has always belonged to me. And I am here to remind you all."
* END SESSION


=== 6/15/2019 ===
== 2/13/2025 ==
* Randir asks Cederleaf, "How are you here? Did you travel from the Blooming Pools?"
* He says he foresaw us coming here
* He wants to know what our journey has brought us
* Randir sees this is a stalling tactic
* ALSO REMEMBER CEDARLEAF MAY BE IN ON THIS SHIT
* Randir says "We can speak while we walk. We need to find something."
* Cedarleaf says, "Oh, I know why you're here."
* And he wants to talk to Randir and Ulertu... for some reason
* He tells Theo he can go, if he wishes
* Theo yells WE MUST DO THIS and he takes off
* Randir and Ulertu wait.
* Fuck. Not again.
* Cedarleaf says, "This was preordained... we were meant to meet. Theo was meant to face his father."
* Ulertu politely declines this talk, and Randir says "No. WE MUST GO."
* He attempts to transform into a Bear, but Cedarleaf stops us -- paralyzed
* Dude gets in our faces, telling us "I know you do not believe in fate. Then what is it? Luck?"
* Dude outlines how we've been VERY lucky as a group
** Meeting the Empress
** Making out way to the Strand
* Our other friends, not so lucky
** Elana Dead, but not harmed?
*** She found out Cedarleaf was distributing weapons to the Strand
* And he reveals the Empress is susceptible to dragon's poison, AKA the fucking poison on the daggers we found in Caer Sen
* And he woulda killed her if we hadn't stopped him back then
* And then he finds out, Randir is one of the last Druids, Ulertu a student of the Giants
* And then we're travelling north, and we kept destroying the Obelisks -- all according to his plans
* Dude is fucking FLAUNTING his schemes
* He needs us to understand he's not trying to stop the ritual, but he wants what we want: balance in the world
* Cedarleaf: "I knew I would be the one to plant the seeds to plant the seeds of destruction"
* "You all posess this precious gift, the ability to see the good in things"
** "Of all the places in all of the universes, you three posess this alone"
* He wants to bring us to the darkness, to sorrow, to pain to show us our "nobler selves"
* The paralysis wears off
* Randir: "We can't do this now, Ulertu. We need to get to Theo."
* All Randir can think is despite all of this is that Theo is alone. Again. Just like in Pella's Wish. And you do not get a second chance like Theo did back then.
* Ulertu begins to try to debate this man, but Randir DOES transform into a brown bear and scopps Ulertu onto his back; a pit in his stomach that Theo is all alone.
* Ulertu's mind is RACING about fate and destiny and how we're some kind of SPECIAL variable in the equation to all of this
** He comes to a conclusion, two things make us different: "The wrong man in the right place can make all of the difference"
*** We were in the Ember Valley when Cedarleaf was there and that changes things
*** We were in the presence of the Empress and that changes things
* Ulertu's thinking was, "We're always two steps behind." But he's never appreciated the fact that we happen to be in these right places and meeting the right people -- the fact that we were there at all could be all the difference.
** Our choices have led us to these moments
** Were those choices controlled? Was it fate? Was it a choice?
** Cedarleaf has been planning for a long time... but could not account for us.
* CUT TO: Theo arrives at a path at the base of this shadowy mountain. Stones carved into steps into the hillside.
* Theo is in battle tactician mode. He rushes up the path, following the it up the hill.
* He begins to hear a soft grinding sound, a blade being sharpened.
* As he crests the hill, there is an enormous stone platform surrounded by four large stones
** Along the stones, is black goo, some parts of the platform are smattered with the goo as well
* Sitting on a shortened, ruined altar is a man clad in black armor--Lord Dracos--sharpening a sword
* The man, eyes all blacked out, see Theo.
* He stands, tossing the whetstone aside
* He holds a dark blade and stares, almost without recoginition, then says, "Theo, you've returned. I hope it was easy to find your way."
* Theo is not pleased by him. This man murdered everyone he knew.
* Lord Dracos smiles, in a genuine and pleased way, "Everything I did was to give you strength to get to this moment. How many people follow you now? What kind of man are you?"
* "They may be your friends, but they follow you. How many people have changed themselves to follow in your path?"
* Pools of goo (the ichor) amass into shape. Forms of Randir, Ulertu, Pallas, Bram the baker, Harold the Ranger and Kodiak, Rayne, Stone the Dwarven Monk, the Cinder Root Trio - all appearing and reaching out to Theo hoping he would take their hand.
* Dracos: "This is the truth. Each person who follows you, you bear their weight on your back. You will do whatever you can to protect them, and their belief in you will give you strength and you will do anything to keep that strength. See how they drag you down? What would you do to prevent them from harm?"
* Dracos offers an idea of truth. Theo asks, "What kind of truth can you offer?"
* Dracos: "You have a darkness inside of you. No matter what you look like, it's in your blood and your bones. To defeat me, you will need to cling to that darkness and shadow."
* Darkness leaks above Dracos, and Theo feels the power of Hoar within him and the oath of vengeance. Anything that is not that is breaking his vow.
* "If I have darkness within me, it is because of you."
* THEO CHARGES
* Theo: "You see the light in my blade!!!"
* Dracos: "Look how strong you've become!"
* THE BATTLE GETS BLOODY. "How is your vow now, Theo?"
* Theo is not looking good, but he knows that This Is What He Is Here For.
* Theo recalls a vision of a time before he was born, a young man, his father. He made a lot of bad decisions trying to provide for his family. Through force of strength he would instill his will on those around him to cultivate a need for him. And through that, he acquired power.
** This is a dark reflection of himself. He wants to be needed, but rather than yearning for power he instead lifted other around him.
** These people followed Dracos because they thought they needed him. Dracos is so far down this path, he cannot see how he got there. Theo grits his teeth and sees how all of the paths connect to this showdown.
* There is a surge within Theo. He feels... refreshed. 30 hit points regained, and 5 temp HP.
* He uses his next moment to strike and it is HUGE.
* Dracos, beaten and broken, is enveloped in darkness and reaches at Theo's armor
** "YOU HAVE BECOME ME"
* He grabs Theo's blade, his blood turning black, his voice changing and he grows larger than he should be
** "DO YOU SEE HOW SMALL YOU ARE; HOW THE PITTILESS WORLD STOMPS YOU DOWN"
* Theo is thrown to the ground
* He throws his father over his head and begins to move out of the circle and down the path
* Randir and Ulertu will arrive in 2 turns
** Effffff
* Dracos' cloak of shadows stretches ahead of him, close to Theo - almost like wings
* It begins to rain
* Theo continues running, casts a witchbolt, but it fizzles
* Dracos grows larger, his body begins to grow scales up his arms - his voice becoming gutteral sounds
** His last words before they become just noises, "I. Am. Disappointed. You. Are. Nothing."
* Another Witchbolt.
* Randir and Ulertu get to the bottom of the hill, a boom of something--thunder? something else????
* Randir and Ulertu RUSH up (Randir as a Bear)
* Randir yells to Theo as he leaves his wild shape, "THEO!!!!!" and heals Theo
* Theo remembers, "You have always held this blade, you will always hold this blade" and he is reminded this Sword his sword is his and no one can take that from him
* Lighting strikes into Theo's hand, the sword manifests
* THIS FINAL STRIKE DISPATCHES THE TRANSFORMED LORD DRACOS
** The parting of shadows cuts through the darkness of this beast's neck.
* The dark parts slough off into the ground and what remains is the body of Lord Dracos -- plain clothes, padded jerkin. The armor is gone.
* The man's body, lying... maybe dead.
* Randir rushes over to console Theo, but thinks better of it as he sees the man is Lord Dracos.
* Theo: "This is it. My journey is over. This is the end."
* Randir, grips Theos shoulder from behind, "This is not the end, my friend."
* The rain pours down, darkness is all around us. Thunder rumbles across the sky.
* This moment is done, but something feels... missing.
* We hear a wind pushing the trees, a strong push rising around us, rain battering us.
* Something is above us, coursing through the sky, a Black Sky.
* Echoing in the forest around us, a piercing roar.
* END SESSION


* The festival is beginning
== 1/16/2025 ==
* We meet a warrior (Human) and a half-elf druid  
* The moon rises as Ulertu, Theo, and Randir watch the sky
* Randir warns the half elf about the bad monster (corrupted mountain lion)
* Aldric told us there's something in the city, something in the sky
** Randir is very freaked out by this corruption of nature
** We do not yet have the ''right'' perspective
* Before they leave to "go adventure", Randir warns the half-elf that he must heed his warning
* Ulertu devises a tool to help us find this perspective
* The half-elf gives Randir a pendant of petrified Ironwood, in the shape of a a teardrop
* Ulertu notices there aren't enough stars in the sky
** He senses some kind of power in it, but not FROM the wood.
** But we put together... if we reflect the sky, there are double the number of stars
** He puts it on and senses a presence of home...
* GASP
* We decide to head out into the mountains towards where we think the clay came from
* Randir suggests we find somewhere with a body of still water (ie. a pond)
** We bought some poison cure and a potion of healing
* We put together that a still body of water would offer more opportunities to look in different directions
* We travel for the rest of the day and rest
* Ulertu asks if there's some kind of druid ritual could help them here?
* In the night, Harold the Ranger shows up and let's Randir (who is on watch) that he has been investigating the caves and have marked the ones he cleared / investigated
** Randir recalls some knowledge about the Ashen Grove and the Grove of Night
** He warns them about the mountain being perilous for people who are not prepared to climb
** The Grove of Night talked about some rituals where water was involved -- on the shores of the ponds and lakes within the valley. Where River met lake. Places of convergence.
* We push into a cave, and find it worn...
** Randir sticks on spiritual representation of convergence -- how rivers meet lakes and the "magic" of change
* We discover a few rusted bits, but then... A SNAKE! IT'S CORRUPTED!
** If this spell we're trying to perform has to do with perception, it's more important in HOW you're looking instead of the location
* We kill the snake and find some papers! And a DOOR!!!!
** Randir thinks this could even be done with a mirror - any reflective surface
* Ulertu asks Theo where we could go in the city to find a pond
* And we make our way to the pond
* Ulertu pulls out his fancy star tool and Randir holds the map up for him
* We need to walk a half circle around the pond
* We round the pond, and we see a small crease open in the world, almost like walking around a wall
* From the center of the pond, now we see a long staircase of light - at the top, a doorway
* Randir is WIGGED out by this
* For the first time, THIS feels like magic to Ulertu
* There is no exertion of power, it's like the stairs were always here... this feels strange
* Theo, Ulertu, and Randir walk up these stairs, the light is bright on the stairs but we ascend into darkness to the sky
* We move through a doorway, cold wind against our faces, the is above us, but beyond us and all around is the night sky
* The ground below us is nearly black, despite the brilliant light coming from the stars
* A hill ahead of us, attached to mountains on either side of us far away
* There is a body of water off to the side, off in the distance
* Spotted tree cover ahead of us
* We are somewhere else completely, the Strand is gone behind us
* Randir asks if Ulertu or Theo know where they are
* We all feel lost here
* Randir and Ulertu recognize the stars, but they are FAR away from where they "should be"
* Randir pulls the Amber Blade "We do not know this place, my friends, we should be on alert"
* Ulertu takes a swig of Ember Whiskey
* AND WE GO INTO COMBAT AS SOMETHING BEGINS CRAWLING ON THE GANG
** IT'S NOT GRASS
* Tendrils starto grasp at us, a blackness shifty and liquid
* Randir casts Daylight and dispels some of the darkness
* Whatever is fighting us, is an amalgamation of forms reaching from the ground to attack us
* Ulertu casts the final strike against the largest blob that remains
* We investigate Ulertu's wound, it doesn't look like acid... it looks like worms or termites. This thing was EATING...  
* Ulertu reflects: We usually see this stuff where bad stuff is happening or near a giant site...
* Randir dismisses his Daylight
* We heal up using potions and Randir's staff of healing
* We hear a voice calling out to us, "Oh, so glad you could make it... I was hoping you'd be in time"
* From the trees, we see a very tall, slender elf dressed in plain robes of yellow and green
* And we see the old elven face of Master Cedar Leaf
* END SESSION


==== Side notes ====


* Ironwood is a holy tree in the forests for Randir  
== 1/2/2025 ==
* The trees are never harvested, but instead are used when branches naturally break or lightning strikes
* Randir takes all of his notes from his journey and compiles them for Bram Fairkettle
* Speaking to Ironwood trees is like speaking to an old wizend monk who only speaks in high metaphor
** In this moment, we put together than Randir has been writing little notes throughout the journey, but it wasn't until we saw the historical record displayed in the Blooming Pools that he started to really dig in on his journalling
** If you can interpret these trees well, you are something of a holy person in the forest
** So the story is sparse to start, with the big moments of our journey being fleshed out, but it's not until the Blooming Pools that Randir started writing deeper and larger entries in his journal.
** He composes this all together to send to Bram with a final page signed off very sincerely:
*** "...And yet, had it not been for a kind Halfling named Bram Fairkettle welcoming in Randir to his bakery, Randir's journey would not have been so grand. He had seen much before Ember Peak and Caer Sen and beyond and had experienced much of the majesty of the world outside of his Forest, but Randir's adventures truly began in Ember Peak and started with a loaf of bread extended to him by a true friend."
* We write our letters, we sleep, we eat...
* Theo wakes up early and went to send the letters - some by ship, some by horse, some by bird
** An envelope was waiting for Theo????
** It was sent from within the city...
* Ulertu and Randir wake and the tavern is a bit quiet, a few ships have set sail it seems
* Theo returns with the envelope, it bears a sigil in wax -- The Order of Truth
* The letter, after some investigation by Ulertu, appears to be from Aldric
** He speaks about where this big ritual will happen somewhere where the stars align and a place between places that "only someone with sigh who can see the city for what it truly is" can see it...
*** He is heavily alluding to ''perspective''
*** Ulertu surmises this may have to do with construction of, say, hidden entrances (ala the Giants way of building things) - "can you see BEYOND a thing for what it truly is"
** "I suggest the Bell Tower at the top of the hill for the most wonderful sight of the city"
** "However, you should not follow these rituals as your life will be used a component of their craft"
** But it's not signed
* We make our way through the city around the Universy, up a small cliff to The Clocktower that overlooks the city
* We make our way up the stairs, Begrudingly, which gives us a clear view of the city from east to west, across the bay to the hills on the other side. The docks that lead to the noble homes...
* Randir sees the nature and spots of green in the city and the rings of green that dot the area
* Ulertu and Theo sit and look for a bit longer... the paths, the roads, all come together in an interesting way.
** These cities have been built on older civilization, by Giants... The large stones of the city seem to dot the landscape and the city has built around them.
** From the angle we're at the streets aren't really streets. They're pieces of something, broken up by buildings... Buried in the bones of this city are Giant Runes. Streets curving in JUST the right way to show the runes.
** Highlighted in the city are words: Through Stars We Stride, In Worlds We Hide
* Ulertu and Theo realize that this could be a passphrase of sorts
* If all of these pieces are correct, with the right words and the right positioning of the stars, all you need is the right perspective in order to find (or make) the door to the place within places.
* Ulertu and Theo realize we have the PIECES to step between places - but it's the Giant's method. And it can be used to GET to this place rather than going BACK to the Vault.
* We decide that we need to find / make this door tonight
* So Randir decides to disguise himself with a spell and listen in on any classes he can hear outside in the University parks
* He spends some time doing this to really understand if all of this civilization and organization of magic and people are really benefiting all and not just some means to harness power for the sake of power
** In Randir's mind, to be a teacher he must also learn
* He hears discussions around magic theory and arcane implementation for the sake of understanding / rediscovering an Arthur C. Clarke style of science which appears as magic.
** Linguistic importance
** Mechanical structure
** Laws of Magic
** Arcane Engineering
** "The Balance of Power and Magic In Society"
** The Ethics of Enchantment
** Sorcery and Druidology
* Randir feels that he's only ever seen the "bad" side of so much of this and he regrettably has not been able to see all of the Good that this level of study and organization have wraught
* The attitude of many people he comes across is that of scavengers and preservation of knowledge
* Everyone here are PSYCHED to learn this stuff and they want to make the world better with their knowledge
* Ulertu seeks out Aldric, who is not around the University, neither is Thalor
* Theo spends the day contemplating his journey so far. Meditating on everything.
** He thinks, "After this, I need to find a quiet place to settle down and quit adventuring..."
* The Sun sets on the bay, the ocean breezes through The Strand
* Randir, Theo, and Ulertu gather [somewhere] to stare at the stars.
* END SESSION
 
== 11/14/2024 ==
* So we made some lists
* We've got some options on the table:
** Do we walk right into their trap?
** Do we walk away?
* Theo is ready to walk into their "trap". Life? Death? He is ready for both.
** He doesn't feel any empathy for his father
** Regardless of what we do, he knows his father will reach the same end - Theo's vengeance is inevitable
** And Theo is waiting for the perfect moment to enact his revenge
** A lot of this is because he has things he cares about more than just his revenge
** Could Theo change his Oath???
* Randir knows where he wants to go with this (BRING ME TO THEM)
** But he does push out his will through a ritual with his Staff of the Woodlands to speak with the flora and fauna of the world through Speech of Beast and Leaf.
** Long term, he wants to eventually visit the druid groves he researched... maybe he can heal them? or help them?
* Ulertu sees the Order of Truth as a way for knowledge to be gathered and dispursed, but the underground group of baddies has him wigged out
** How big is this group?
** Maybe this is just a small infection that can be removed? Because this group does not seem to be pursuing the goals of the Order of Truth.
** Ulertu is monastic about his knowledge finding and sharing
** If this group is corrupt and trying to vy for power, does he want to continue as a part of The Order of Truth? Could he go off on his own?
** He doesn't want to destroy things to discover history
* What are Randir's views of the "harmony" of the world? Of the Power Structures?
** Randir believes that all powerful leaders who have sway over a whole land is wrong, not harmonious
** Nature, in all things, finds balance
** People should be able to self govern and can be taught to be harmonious with Nature
* We don't know exactly when or where or really HOW this Ritual is happening.
** Yikes
* Our letters going out are less of a call for help, but more of a record of what we plan to do (esp for those letters going the furthest away from The Strand)
** But we tell everyone to go to the Barrowcroft Manor
* Randir guesses this ritual is happening wherever the Blackbriars wanted to meet us
** Could it be in the Keep of the city?
** Aldric said the stars are aligned to use the teleportation circle we found
** Maybe we go back to the Archives to go to the teleportation circle? MIND YOU: WE just came from there (in the narrative)
* What are Randir's thoughts on religion?
** He sees it as suspersition and / or ritual - it's a thing to do, a thing you ''must'' do.
** He's aware of deities / icons / concepts and their partitioned responsibility
** But sending a letter is one thing... what if you contacted God? How would you do that?
*** Prayer?
** But what about the Empress?
*** HOLD ON: WHAT IS THE EMPRESS THE GODDESS OF?
* END SESSION
 
 
== 11/7/2024 ==
* Randir feels his hand on the page.
* Shadows swirl around him in the darkness
* Randir talks about his first time using magic (Magic Stone)
** Randir's first spell was Magic Stone.
** As a little boy (maybe 10 or 11 years old), he was throwing stones in a lake with a few other kids from a large nomadic group who were staying in The Forest with him.
** But he couldn't get his stone to skip like the other kids
** Suddenly, from deep within him, he found... something. A power. A feeling.
** When he threw his stone... and as the stone hit the water, he PUSHED his Will into the stone-- a trail of energy attached back at Randir's hand -- and it BLASTED off into the sky.
** Finally, he felt like he could do the thing he so desperately wanted to.
* FLASH TO:
* Randir is in an Old Place. A dark, brusied sky above
* Giants press on a massive stone, pushing it into the ground
* As the stone pushed beneath the earth, the sky clears
* Randir feels the power of magic around himself, then subsides as the stone enters the ground
* Randir sees a golden clad man, he is determined
** This is the first Emporer, God Emporer
* His hand bleeds, the ground parts around his blood drops
* The emporer pushes outward to the world and it recoils
** The Emporer is seen then PULLING magic from the world.
* Suddenly, the Empress... she feels burdened, trying to protect her people from themselves
* Now in a field, magic is gone, but nature flourishes
* He learns: '''There is magic woven into the world, in the bones of the world'''
** A heartbeat... of something large and vast
* And he's back in the library
* Randir and Theo talk about Randir's vision
** Is the Empress holding power back from her people for the better?
** What if we allow the obelisk to break and magic is released back to the world?
*** What would happen if suddenly these Northern kings have hundreds of "Theo"s?
**** It would be cataclysmic....
** There MUST be some middle ground between NO magic and ALL magic
*** Theo: '''"This is solution we must find"'''
** Maybe the Order of Truth has a solution? They've tapped into magic without completely devastating results...
* We need to find Ulertu and figure this out.
* Ulertu says: Perhaps we must leave this magic within the world rather than grasp for it, for '''if we grasp for it, then we lose it'''
* Randir argues that we will not be here forever to protect this container of magic, but if it is part of the world then it must be natural in some capacity
** But the world he saw FULL of magic was near desolate...
* Ulertu believes that we should act now to prevent this ritual the Order of the Dragon is trying to perform, but that we must preserve this holding of magic instilled by the Giants
* Ulertu is thinking 1000-year plans now
** We need to carry on the legacy of the Giants
* Randir feels grim about this, but says, "Either people who know about this ritual come with us and abide by why we need to prevent it, or they leave this plane."
* Randir wonders if the ichor is somehow related to this stopper of magic
** But what about the WHITE ichor that Ulertu saw in his vision?
* Ulertu thinks it could be that the ichor in his vision was somehow more pure? Or handled better with magic?
* Aldric said the ritual will happen in the next several days.
* So where do we go from here?
** Perhaps we go to the Blackbriars and just get into the shit right away
* Pallas is not around still, off on a ship
* Maybe we find Thalor?
* Ulertu suggests that if they need us, maybe we should just avoid them
* Randir suggests we bring the fight to The Order of Truth?
** Because who the hell do these guys think they're dealing with?
** They're just a bunch of wizards, as Randir says, dabbling with magic. We're Magic Users.
* We're reminded of how our experience of magic has shaped us:
** Randir found magic early in his life. Surrounded by others who used magic and learned as he grew up.
*** And now what he found challenging is simply mundane.
*** He uses magic to shape the world around him
** Ulertu learned magic and found that learning it was easy and he found it natural for him to learn more
*** Ulertu wants to use magic to grow and build more and teach more
** Theo found magic in his faith and learning, but his magic was from within him and took for himself
* The Order of Truth interacts with magic by finding knobs and levers in the world and teaches people how to use those tools and training to touch magic
** They want to demystify magic and make it easier and accessible.
* But there are other places where magic comes from--in a person, in the land, in creatures born of magic.
* We've also seen people who have found magic in other ways, maybe some we cannot describe
* The obelisks were these points (and stoppers) or magic - did us touching those obelisks awaken something in us?
** If the Order of the Dragon has ALSO touched these obelisks, has it awoken something in them as well?
** MAYBE RANDIR SHOULD NOT UNDERESTIMATE THESE GUYS because they may have access to more than one way of magic
* Maybe we need to call some of our friends to aid us in this next bit?
* As we talk more into the evening, we bring out parchment, ink, and quill.
* Who do we write letters to?
* WE MAKE A BIG LIST
* END SESSION
 
== 10/10/2024 ==
* In the morning, Pallas has left a letter for us and he says there's a ship leaving TOMORROW at dawn and he's going to travel with them (he's taking The Golden Dawn) to see what funny business is about
* Ulertu wants to find Thalor
* Randir gets back into his "Human" disguise and follows Theo to a nearby library
* Ulertu disguises himself as he believes he may be suspect in some circles of the Order of Truth after the business with Elandra
* Ulertu goes back to the building and office where Thalor was (at the time we believed it was Elandra's office), he's nervous despite knowing that Elandra isn't around
* He hears one person inside and goes in, and it's Thalor
* Thalor is pleased to see Ulertu!
* Ulertu explains he's looking for Aldric, Thalor doesn't know him but he's "an eccentric"
** Compared to them, that is
* By reputation, he's a very ''exacting'' fellow
* Aldric is an "astologer" and "sees" through the stars?
* He may be able to answer Ulertu's questions about the alignment of planets
* Ulertu explains what we've been up to for the last 24 hours... Thalor is worried about what they (The Order) could do by trying to "control" this disease
** "I don't know much about creatures who are turned by this disease, but they eat what they kill... don't let them kill you"
* Thalor is going to look into what The Order of the Dragon could be doing with the disease
* Ulertu bids him goodbye and goes to look for Aldric... finds the room where he works as a researcher, and heads that way
* Meanwhile, Theo and Randir find a very fine library. It's magically temperature controlled.
* Theo knows how this place works, he spent a lot his time here as a kid. And he's back in his element of researching that he did as a younger kid.
* Theo hasn't been here in 10+ years.
* He sees a familiar face, a librarian who's been here since Theo was a kid
* Theo approaches the librarian, and after a moment she recognizes Theo and she's surprised
** Their name is Katarina, she's been here... for a long time.
* Randir walks behind Theo the whole time watching, trying to appear to be a lackey in his Order of Truth "human" disguise
* Katarina leads Theo to a somewhat off-limits section of the library full of old documents
* Theo asks about what's been going on lately
** Disappearances at the docks
** Monsters and such beyond the Strand
** Not much news from "The King"
*** Randir asks about The King - The King of The Strand, King Edric
*** When asked Randir gives a fake name, "Bartholomew"
** She continues on about some local news in Linenburrow, and Stichwell, and Loomhaven
** Dragonriders? Four Knights were knighted by the king to eventually become Dragonriders
** She refers to the "southern lands" and never the empire or the "southern kingdoms"
* When asked about The various Kings of the area, she happily offers some texts on the various Kings and is excited that we want to learn about King Edric
* Theo and Randir spend ~6 hours researching, Randir aiding Theo
* Theo is IN HIS ELEMENT HERE (lots of good rolls)  --- and we get 4 questions from our research:
* QUESTION 1: Who are the Northern Kings
** Kind Edric of The Strand
*** Known for sailing, trading, and a strong sense of independence.
*** King Edric is in his mid-40s, inherited the throne after a coup where his father passed and there was a small civil war where he exiled his younger brother (Elroy) to secure power.
*** Because of its position, The Strand is a tradelink between the northern lands and the south due to it's connection to the sea -- otherwise people have to use The High Road.
** King Darius of Stormwall
*** Almost a fortress due it being built in the ruins of Giant cities on the western coast of the continent--named for the high cliffs that drop to the sea and the stone structures that block wind that comes in from the west.
*** Decended from a warrior class that fought against the empire 300 years ago.
*** In his late 50s and known for putting down small rebellions against the existing monarchies. His people are tapped regularly for helping put these rebellions out.
** Queen Nissia of the Cinder Root
*** Half-Elf
*** Daughter of a renown elven sorcerous and a lord of the Strand
*** Known for her stoicism and remnant of magic passed down to her from her mother
*** Because the Cinder Root is far off and rural, it has stood as an outsider of the kingdom but is known for being friendly with its neighbors due to needing them for trade.
** Lord Galen of the Blooming Pools
*** Half-Elf
*** Not necessarily a King so much as an uplifted lord. He's taken on the role as a mediator between the humans who have been settling and the Elves who still live there.
*** Known, generally, to be peaceful as a ruler, but still supports the northern kingdoms due to the history of the lands.
** Lady Illyana of the Sunfields
*** (The gang passed through this between here leaving Caer-Sen)
*** Mid-30s, long reliant on the northern kingdom
*** Sunfields was first to fall 300 years ago due to its location, not a strong military powers, mostly peasant class folks
*** KEY to feeding people on the continent.
 
* Meanwhile, Ulertu is off to find Aldric
* At Aldrics office, he left a note to say he's going to be at a laboratory, Ulertu heads that way
* Ulertu finds him alone in the lab
* Dude is drawing some sigils and he's taking his time, not looking at Ulertu
* He's an elf, Ulertu notices as he approaches
* Ulertu apologizes for intruding, and Aldric says, "I remember you from yesterday... our conversation was enlightning"
* Ulertu is confused... but moves on, he wants to know about some planetary movements...
* Aldric looks at him directly then goes back to drawing
* "I'm sorry we didn't get to speak much, Elandra made it clear you were on a strict schedule"
* UM. HELLO?!
* Ulertu acts like his memory WASN'T wiped lmao
* Ulertu notices Aldric is writing Giant runes
* Ulertu talks to Aldric about his time studying Giant runes and going to Giant temples
* He's seen Ulertu's research... he wants to collab? lol
* "What have you learned since our last meeting that prompted you to come here today?"
* Ulertu says, "I just wanted to see what you've been researching"
** Some business around how Giants used runes to transport materials great distances
** "Have there been any significant cosmological events that align with this work?"
* One note: Aldric (like many older elves) seem to be busy thinking while also chatting with you, sometimes only half present because they're always thinking of older times...
* "Elandra, as well as her friend Dracos something have often come to me for assistance with their projects"
** Oh hell. Dude's been working with da baddies. But is he a baddy?
* "The astral bodies are perfectly aligned in this age, specifically in the last few months, for many things to be possible."
* He stops writing, turns to Ulertu and stares... it's unnerving
* "They intend to perform some ritual in the coming days... they wish to, change, no, destroy something. They mean to control a great power"
** Apparently Ulertu has helped them - oh when he was under that Charm / memory wipe that Elandra cast on him. UH OH.
* Ulertu plays along... maybe buttering him up a bit.
* Ulertu asks: "I wonder what your opinion on this seal is... from an academic standpoint?"
* Aldric's face shifts a bit, Ulertu interprets this and he knows that Aldric doesn't know that Ulertu was charmed by Elandra... But the guy is not AGAINST Ulertu in this moment. He doesn't suspect Ulertu in any way.
* He talks to Ulertu about the time of the dragons and how the Emporer has hunted them down over time but one was sealed away... The Black Sky.
* "IT'S POWER WAS SEALED AWAY BENEATH THE LAND IN WHICH WE STAND"
* Aldric is talking about how the "young races" perhaps do not deserve to live?????
* "The ritual will occur in the next several days... Did you want to be a part of this ritual?"
* Ulertu says he wants to at least witness it.
* And Ulertu mentions his hesitation in this ritual given what he's read about this Black Sky. He's worried about how it will go for folks like, ya know, humans.
* Ulertu points out that while The Black Sky would be a great weapon against the Empress, but it would also maybe be a bad thing for... everyone else, too.
* ROB USES HIS NAT20 FOR HIS BDAY BABY
* Ulertu manages to convince Aldric that maybe this is a bad idea... "I had not considered that" and Aldric goes into deep processing mode... maybe for too long.
* He tells Ulertu he's given him much to think about
* He tells Ulertu that they are planning to sacrifice ULERTU, THEO, AND RANDIR to their cause. OH SHIIIIIIT
* Aldric leaves and Ulertu heads out of the Order of Truth, heading to the inn
* Ulertu reflects on what the Order of Truth may mean to him now and how this may affect the students and future learners of the world
 
* BACK AT THE LIBRARY
* QUESTION 2: What historical records are relevant to him when he fled The Strand?
** The coup and civil war between King Eldric and his brother Elroy.
** King Edric and Lord Dracos and probably working together and when he fled the city, this was may be relevant to when he left
** King Edric is DEFINITELY one of the people supporting this Order of the Dragon business. He definitely wants to break from the Empire.
*** THis aligns with Theo's dad's (Lord Dracos) views
** Maybe Lord Dracos was important in influencing how Eldric took over
 
* QUESTION 3: How's the relationship between The Strand and Stormwall?
** They've been buddies for a long time. Last two kingdoms to fall against the Empire
** King Edric was writing to Darius (We found this out with the papers we stole frmo the Vaults)
** Thinking about the vision we got from The Empress, she was UNMAKING rebellions...
*** She's like 100 years old. Her Dad was mortal, and her grandfather had lived for HUNDREDS of years.
** She said she wasn't proud about it. This was "recent", maybe 50 years ago. She put them down. They were likely from either The Strand or Stormwall.
** Clarifying on the location of Stormwall: It's got one way in, one way out. They can't really get to water because they're so far up from the water.
 
* QUESTION 4: Is there any mention of spellcasters in the histories of the northern kingdom? Or is there is a reason for there not being any spellcasters???
** Randir's been thinking about this for a long while now but has never put this thought to focus before.
 
* Randir's hands move over the pages of the book
* THE FIRE OF THIS QUESTION BURNS IN HIS MIND
* Randir finds himself in darkness
 
** END SESSION
 
''THIS IS NOT CANON, THIS IS MIKE THINKING OUT LOUD: Mike thinks that there is some SUPER spell on the land put there by the Emporer? Empress? that FORBIDS someone questioning the supreme power given to the ruler of the Empire and maybe he's gonna have to face the Empire's ghost or some shit next session...''
 
''Or the same curse thing is happening, but Randir is gonna explode. Or something.''
 
== 10/3/2024 ==
* We make our way back to the tavern where we last saw Pallas and the barkeep serves us.
* Randir gives him his last gold piece
* Ulertu considers finding this Aldric Brightspark
* Randir is really shocked by everything they saw... these monsters in a city could be devastating
* Ulertu starts to sort through the documents we took, it seems that at a brief glance they're about "the standing stones" aka "the obelisks"
** These are copies of documents and correspondence, drafts, and notes.
** Some of it appears to be intercepted correspondance between nobles
* Ulertu notices this is about magical travel, using giant language
* They did not have a magician who was capable of understanding / implementing things, and their functioning teleportation circle seems to be a thing of happenstance(?)
** If you have the right "address" you can go there with their circle
* Theo digs through some of the letters and sees one addressed to his dad:
** "Lord Dracos, the time runs short..." They expect this dude to deliver the "power of the obelisks" to "challenge the Empress" and "for conquest"
** This is written by King Edric of The Strand
* Theo finds a reply, "Your grace, I apologize but this power is within reach" - "All the pieces are nearly in place"..."by years end you will have the strength you need"
* Another, an intercepted message between King Edric and [another  king]: "I grow tired waiting, but I fear he plays a longer game" ... "If the obelisk is the key, we will have our force by years end, if Lord dracos does not comply"
* Randir decides to go to sleep
* The next day, Ulertu wants to talk to Aldric... if he's not a bad guy.
* Randir wants to learn more about who these kings are and why they're still active if the land is governed under The Empire
** Theo decides to join Randir on this
* END SESSION
 
== 9/26/2024 ==
* We're in the vaults, Lord Dracos is here with his lackies but doesn't know we're here...
* We decide to find the obelisk
* So we make our way deeped into The Archives™ to find the obelisk using Ulertu's little charm of ichor
* We see a small arboretum and some other interesting rooms, but Randir pushes Ulertu forward
* The ichor Ulertu is using to lead us pulls downward...
* Ulertu sees a room where a crystal (upside down pyramid) is pointing downward, lit by light... almost like daylight
* The room is carpeted and has seats
* Off to the side, a few smaller rooms -- lit when the doors are open -- little offices with desks and a chair, dotted by parchment and scrolls. Very plain.
* We follow some stairs downward, each level has similar offices, some have larger meeting rooms
* Many rooms with larger tables have project tables, all empty at the moment
* We continue downward, the floors are thinly carpeted over stone
* We get to the bottom where there is a large room with some chairs that look strange...
* Then there are three large doors, one ahead, two on opposite walls
* We check the doors for Alarms
* Theo and Ulertu find some Alarms, oh yeah
* Ulertu uses his theives tools block the alarm on the door in front of us and opens the door
* Suddenly, we feel humid, salty air hit our faces
* It's dark in here
* Ulertu tries another door, but can't get the lock open
* The third door opens and the light inside is dark red
* Ulertu's ichor doesn't move in any direction
* We follow the path of the red light
* There's a low humming ahead...
* Ulertu is reminded of the thrumming at the giant's grave... but this is different. Not magical... artificial
* We creep onward
* It's starting to get uncomfortably warm
* We notice that the light is what is causing us to be warm
* We get to the source of the light, it's coming from two cracks in the room: one in the ceiling (almost like a slash but made intentionally), one in the wall (this looks DONE to the wall by force). Behind the slice in the wall, white light that becomes red...
* We're feeling VERY uncomfy in this heat, but the longer we stay... the worse it's gonna get for us
* We look around... and there's some sort of remains in the room, they don't smell, but they're here....
* We go to turn back and suddenly scrambling across the ground is this LARGE lizard-like creature with patches of dark hair, spined along the back
* IT LEAPS AT US AND SWALLOWS THEO
* SHIT
* We do some violence to it and.... it's bad. Randir's Blight takes it down and we hear the scream of a man....
* It's rapidly decomposing in front of us
* Randir uses his water pouch to wash Theo off a bit... "Why were they keeping him here?"
* We move back to the center room and head to the humid room
* We pull out our light sources and feel a slight breeze
* Ahead there's a dim light, but Ulertu and Randir hear sounds ahead... something alive.
* There's a carved floor that gives way to uncarved, cave rock
* There's scratching across stone and steel
* The light ahead is far away...
* Ulertu casts some faerie fire ahead of us to see what is ahead
* We can see the space ahead but only for a moment which gives a little scan ahead
* Randir tells Ulertu "If you need light, I can help"
* And he casts Daylight on the stapler he has in his hand
* Bright light shines out 60ft and gives us a large look into the room
* The room is revealed to be a massive underground cave, a Large dock is ahead, there are wrought iron cages
* The cages are 10ft tall
* Ulertu and Theo surmise that this is a cave that connects to the cliffside next to the Order of Truth, facing towards the ocean away from the city
* Randir surmises that this is maybe where they're shipping these monsters to the city or OUT of the city...
* This does not look good
* We look around a bit more, but don't see much... and we don't hear the sound any longer
* We make our way back to the room and consider going through the third room
* We know we need to find the obelisk tonight, now
* We open the door and the sound of a LARGE bell begins to sound. Echoing through the facility
* In the room ahead, lit by crystals similar to rest of the Archives, there is a circular raised diagram on the floor on stone
* The platform is completely clean, but scattered among the surface
* There is a dark mark in the center of the stone
* Could this be a ritual circle? Could this be an illusion?
* Ulertu checks the runes and the circle
* These are drawn inexpertly, some are giant runes, some are other magical runes
** Put together by someone without understanding of this magic
* Ulertu knows this is a summoning circle
* Theo tries reading the magic, but doesn't know what the intention of this circle is
* Ulertu grabs all of the papers from a nearby table
* We run into the dock room again
* We make it onto the dock all the way to the end
* Randir casts wind walk and we whisk ourselves away
* We land in an alley way inside the town
* AND WE LEVEL UP
* END SESSION
 
== 8/29/2024 ==
* We enter the vaults, and it's dark
* The path forward slopes downward slightly
* Randir hears a rhythmic noise ahead and casts pass without trace on the group
* Theo moves to lead the group as we sneak ahead
* We continue downwards, and there is a light of some kind up ahead
* As we get to the bottom, the light is strange, it's dim but coming from everywhere casting light around the room
* The vault is HUGE
* Stairs lead down from both sides of the landing we arrive on into a labyrinth of storage and shelves
* Intricately stone pillars hold the ceiling up
* It's cold and dry, smelling of dried parchment and alchemical ingredients
* some of the crystals are floating, and begin to descend to illuminate the shelves for us as we arrive
* Some tomes and scrolls are locked away, protected by by spells or other magical means
* Ulertu has a good grasp of how things are grouped together, he's confident that there's a way to find his own research...
* BUT WE NEED TO FIND ELANDRA'S WORK
* Randir tries to convince Ulertu as Theo hears the rhythmic sound coming from one of the other corridors
* As we move towards the rythmic sound, we see three labeled corridors: The Archives, Research, and The Vaults
* The sound is coming from the Research corridor
* So we follow it... and it sounds mechanical
* As we move towards it, we feel wooshes of air paired with the clanking of metal
* We approach carefully...
* The room around a corner is large and square with 30ft tall ceilings
* Four large pillars hold the ceiling up
* Steps lead downward into room with connecting staircases that head up to balconies that overlook the center of the room
* Something on the wall, around of where we enter, is a strange contraption that hold tubes and canisters and the sound comes from air pushing a series of canisters against each other, something has jammed the pipe that holds the canisters
* Theo looks around the room as Ulertu looks at the canisters
* Ulertu knows this to be a messaging device service machine - basically a pneumatic tube system
** This is used for sending all manner of things around the facility / campus
* The canisters are made of hardened glass/resin, slightly fogged to preserve a little privacy
* Ulertu unclogs the tubes and realizes there must have been some kind of failure somewhere in the system that has since been fixed
* The first few are simple messages, the next batch are rolled up scroll and journals, then larger items?
* This room is probably for analysis or testing experiments and doing further research via spell application and testing things like spells, etc.
* Theo sees someone was doing some kind of dissection on an animal, a squirrel
* Theo notices a patch of scale... this sounds like the weird shit Thalor was talking about
* There's some writing on parchment nearby, they're trying to find out what the cause of the scales are...
* There's a note: "Futher subjects and further research to be delivered"
* OH FUCK WHAT ABOUT THAT DUDE WHO GREW THE FUCKIN DRAKE ARM?!
* SHIT
* This idea dawns on us: Someone is working with the Order of The Dragon to lace people with this disease or the ichor which all comes back to what the Giants COULDN'T do which is harness this fuckin power that lets them control anyone/anything that's been in contact with the ichor...
* If these tubes were blocked and more of this ichor/dragonscale research was being sent here, we gotta go through these canisters!
* We start crackin cans. Some of the messages are innocent (dumb and horny, even)
* But the next one is from a high family in The Strand... it's about a conversation with Lord Dracos and they think this dragonscale diseas is not natural and may be magically infused... they think it being related to the obelisks is not unfounded...
* The next is a clinical research paper that's like a proposal, a research log about the disease:
** "Symptoms observed in the latest subject shows that increased exposure to specific magical energies, isolation from said energies decreases symptoms... there is a connection between infected and specific bloodlines"
* The last one has a mark on the canister, a mark that indicates it never made it to its destination and has been returned
** Ulertu knows this was sent from this room
** Inside, a crumpled piece of paper: "Dracos, the disease is spreading faster than anticipated. Possibly closeness to the obelisk. The Blackbriars are getting restless."
* Is the obelisk here somewhere in the Vaults?
* We surmise that the last letter was written in the last 3-7 days.
* Randir doubles down on his thought that the obelisk must be down here in the vaults... It was likely moved a while ago when this research began in earnest beyond what Thalor was researching
* Ulertu thinks: Maybe we could find his research and use the ichor samples he provided to potentially find the Obelisk if it possibly will react base on closeness to the obelisk
* We set off to find Ulertu's research
* Theo and Randir hear a thump and scratching sound... from one of the side rooms
* Randir associates the sound with a large lizard...
* Randir slowly walks towards the door, it's made of metal and looks sturdy
* Randir gets closer and looks through the barred window on the door
* Next to the door is a journal, a clean handwriting fills the journal
** The latest entry: "This may be my final entry, my mind is slipping and the scales are growing."
** Dude was searching for a cure for the plague, but he knows the Blackbriars did not want a cure... they wanted to use the disease to intimidate foes. Only the obelisks can keep this power at bay. Only those know how to use the obelisks can save us.
* Something large in the other room shifts
* Randir speaks the name of the author (Aldric)
* JUMP SCARE - the man leaps at the door, his eyes black, his face covered in scales. He reaches out towards Randir.
* Randir uses his speech of beast and leaf to say, "I'm sorry this has happened to you, Aldric. They will pay for this."
* But the speech does not resonate with the beast-man...
** "Some shadows don't want to scare you, some shadows want blood."
* Randir is HOT HEADED
** "WE need to cut these Blackbriars deep and stop them from doing this shit"
* Ulertu argues, but before we do that... we need to find the Obelisk
* While Ulertu and Randir are arguing a bit about what to do next, Theo hears Hoar: "You made a vow"
** Hoar's visage appears down the hall and walks out of the corridor the group followed
** Theo silently follows
* Randir and Ulertu go to find Ulertu's research...
** Randir cuts off a bit to find some info about Druid Groves -- specifically where the last two may be (just for some back of mind stuff)
* Theo follows this spectre of Hoar through the stacks of the Vaults
** The path feels intentionally
** And leads to a lecturn where he eventually stands
** There is a book on the lecturn and Hoar places his hand on it then is gone
* Theo goes to the lecturn, the book is a collection of philosophical treateses, poetry, and tales from Monks who have studied religions of the world
* Theo's belief of deities is not that they're Gods but simply "more powerful" beings who can assist mortals
* Theo finds a passage: "The Sword of Dawn"
** A story about a sword that can heal the world and bring light to darkness
* Hoar tells Theo, "You have always held this sword and always will hold it"
* Randir finds some research on the 4 remaining druid groves
** It's easy to find because there are vines and flowers growing off of the books and parchment about these groves
** '''The Verdant Santuary''' - a moving grove, active, and we were there that one time in Ember Peak. It's not active in the same way as the druid has passed. The druid who created it has passed on. It's final resting place is in the Ember Vale
** '''The Grove of Night''' - In a secluded valley, once a place of massive power and a gathering site for many druids. The magic has fully left this place (druids died or vanished) and the dead now walk this place. Located in the blooming pools
** '''The Glade of Whispering Winds''' - A mountainous druid grove, runs along the spine of mountains inward from the coast. Used to be used to grow and maintain power over the winds. The druids left this place and the spells vanished as well. Due to the heavy winds, the grove was destroyed decades ago.
** '''The Ashen Grove''' - Randir has a flashback to the "vision" he had of the forest burning. This grove was devastated by a massive fire. Once a place of vibrancy, it was burned completely. But it's still an active grove?! Randir puts together that this place was created and is what gives the Cinder Root its name.
* After an hour or so, Ulertu finds his research and his vials. He takes one collected corrupted black ichor, one untouched uncorrupted ichor
* The gang comes back together.
* We hear heavy footfalls approaching from up the stairs coming downward
* Ulertu feels a tug from his ichor vials - they can sense something
** They shook slightly, then stopped
* The footfalls are NUMEROUS. Shit shit shit shit
* The vials tug in Ulertu's hand towards The Archives
* We book it for the Archives, lights are descending reacting to the presence of the number of people arriving.
** We get a sense that it's a lot of guys???
* We hear a voice: "It's just right over this way, my lord. The experiment was being done in one of the research wings. I wonder why someone of your stature would want to visit here, Lord Dracos?"
* OH FUCK
* END SESSION
 
== 8/22/2024 ==
* We decide to look into the room labeled Administration--no magicks on this door
* We see a bunch of desks, each with a magical tablet that records audio / transcriptions to them
** Ulertu is familiar with these
* We decide to look for something that could give us some "Authority" into The Vaults
* We look around the offices
** Ulertu finds a post it with the phrase: "Don't forget - the password changes as '''sunset'''"
** Theo finds a picture with 4 people and a phrase that says "Lunch in the garden"
*** This garden is in the main part of the campus
*** Ulertu notices only three names are on the back of the image
*** The fourth name is scratched out then the fourth name is then written "gardner"
*** "Elara, Gideon, Thalea, Lunch... Gardener"
*** the words "in the" are hastily scribbled between "Lunch" and "Garden"
** Randir finds a book on the 13th page, opening the book he sees a quote underlined: "The key to a thriving garden, is timing"
* We start to think, "Is there a passphrase to get through this Vault door?"
* Ulertu goes to look at the front desk and sees a day planner. At the bottom, he notices a little half-circle on the horizon that says "dinner plans"
* Theo finds a journal held open by a paper weight, notes about time tracking
** One note says "Try new experiment with these values [some values]"
** The very bottom says "try for 13 minutes this time for good luck"
* Randir finds a messy desk, it's seriously a problem, it has an old map on it--coffee stained, covered in crumbs--a plaque that's in the process of being inscribed, not legible, a mostly melted small candlestick, a painting, a pocket watch tucked under a pile of scrolls.
* We go to look at some of the cleaner desks
** Ulertu finds a locked drawer on one desk and tries to open it with his thieves tools, and he pops the lock open
*** Inside is a stack of journals which we look through
** Theo looks through one and sees that this one is the latest one in the stack (by the dates), and the last thing he sees for today's date is a todo: addressing the staff, alerting / reprimanding them about "time, location, and result" if it's not in that format they'll be in trouble
*** Gideon seems to be forgetful about this
* We find Gideon's desk, the super messy one Randir was looking at
* Theo looks at the map on the desk - and on the map we see the name Thalor. It was either made by or delivered by Thalor.
** Randir decides to roll up the map to take it back to Thalor
** It's a map of a druid grove, but we do not know where it is
** The map contains a path through the grove to the center of it
** It looks like it's dense forest, but there's some maze like quality to this place
* We look over the desk again, the drawers are FILTY and filled with old food scraps
* Theo looks over the desk and the chaos of forgetfulness
** Inscribed on the wax is the number 13
** Scratched into the paint of the painting (a picture of a lush forest or... a garden) the number 13
** The pocketwatch has a piece of paper inside it with the number 13 and "DON'T FORGET"
* AFTER A PAINFUL PASSWORD RECOVERY SESSION, WE FIND OUT THE PASSWORD: "Sunset Garden 13"
* The door to The Vaults open
* END SESSION
 
== 7/25/2024 ==
* SHOPPING TIME
* Randir upgrades the Amber Blade (ready in the morning)
** Allows him to take 1d8 damage to do 1d8 of either acid, cold, fire, lightning, poison, or thunder\
** He trades 200gp + the cloak of elven kind and his +1 dagger
* He also gets a Chromatic Rose
* Ulertu trades in some wands and gold for 2 beads of force and a cube of force
* Theo trades in his old gauntlets and an amulet for a Watchful Helm and Gauntlets of Ogre Strength
* The gang discusses what to do next...
** Do we face the Blackbriar's face on?
** Do we just go to the Order of Truth
*** And if we go to the archives, we need to find out how Ulertu is being traced by the OOT and hand off that item to Thalor or someone else
* We ultimately decide to go to the archives in the evening after Ulertu gets his items
** But the cube isn't ready (and won't be in the morning)
* Ulertu haddles with the guy because his item wasn't ready, but the Beads were
** He says he may have something extra for him in the morning..
* We drop of Ulertu's signet ring with Thalor to try to prevent our group (specifically Ulertu) from being tracked by the order of truth
* And we head to the admin building... past working hours, maybe 10 at night.
* Just trying to find where research goes and gets filed away
* We surmise the back side of this building, attached to the mountainside is where everything is stored.
* Ulertu realizes there's probably magical alarms here
* Randir casts Detect Magic to try to find the alarms, he notices several protective spells on the door to enhance the door
** He also sees a magical line running along the base of the room beyond the door
*** A manufactured barrier of the Alarm spell
* Ulertu thinks he can cast Gaseous Form on himself to sneak past this alarm
* And he does
* Once on the other side, he can see a wire running the length of the door
* Using his keen tools skills, he is able to find the source of the alarm and disable it to disconnect it from the greater alarm system
* He unlatches the door and Randir and Theo are on the other side and they enter, then close the door
* The room is dark.
* Ulertu casts a 5ft radius light (with 5ft of dim light) on Randir's SOLE gold coin
* And then he casts light on a stapler lmao with the same kind of light
* Two doors leave this room behind the main desk
* We push through one of the doors, not locked and no alarms go off
* This next room has multiple doors, all with little placards
* The room continues past some arches with a rug that runs down the center of this room
* We eventually reach a T junction with doors on both sides.
* One side is labeled: Administration, the other is labeled The Vaults
* We head to The Vaults - We all get a bad vibe as we approach....
* Randir doesn't notice anything odd, but this archway is INCREDIBLY OLD but the doors are newer
** This Threshold is incredibly old
* Theo thinks there should be protections here, but can't see any
* Randir's detect magic is still on though... and he sees a wash of magical protections against those who try to enter without... authority.
** The signet ring? Something else?
* We end the session with Ulertu asking, "Maybe we quit while we're ahead?"
* END SESSION
 
== 7/18/2024 ==
* Randir and Theo are on the hunt for Ulertu
* We run to Elandra's office, but she's not there (busted down the door)
* We head to the front of the building to speak to the attendand, but run into Thalor
* Randir asks him for help and he says he won't help us...
* But we chase him out and ask again and he dives into a bush "I KNEW IT"
* We follow and make some tea
* He believes there's a dark faction within the Order of Truth who wish to use the Truth to do NEFARIOUS things
** But he (like Ulertu) believed the Order of Truth was about bringing the Truth to the people
* He pulls out a large piece of weathered paper
* He says he cannot read it all but he has been translating it
* Fortunately, Theo CAN read all of this
* They do some translation
* This large piece of paper is about some sort of magical spell that will allow the creator to control the lands?
* Thalor's MIND is BLOWN
* "My gods, this is worse than I feared."
* (Randir tells Thalor that they work for Ulertu)
* This dude pulls a hair off of Randir's cloak... one of Ulertu's
* Dude casts Locate Creature on Ulertu
* He leads us around the campus and after about 10 mins, we find Ulertu
* CONFUSION ABOUND - Time has passed, Ulertu has no idea what happened after Randir and Theo left
* Ulertu mentions the "verbal challenges"
* Thalor is reaffirmed in his belief
* We head to the inn we're staying at to get off of the campus
* We see Pallas at the inn and sequestor ourselves at a table in the inn (with Pallas)
* Thalor hauls out his journal
** We notice that the journal is made of drake's hide
* Dude tells us about what he's been studying over the last 30 years
** Druid groves, specifically in the western part of the continent
** 4 of them in total:
*** 2 in cities (now, essentially parks) - The magic has dimmed
*** 2 are in strange places - the creatures around these groves have been afflicted with a disease
** The disease afflicts those who have come into contact with unknown things in these groves
** It turns their skin scaly, alters their vision and eyes and changes them
** It slowly eliminates higher brain function (similar to something like rabies)
* Ulertu finds this to be eerily familar to the ichor...
* And he explains some of his findings with the black ichor
* (I missed some lore here)
* They talk more about what Thalor's big rolled up scroll and about some big spell and how maybe the ichor is the "spell" used to control the land...
* The scroll was written by a giant lord who wanted this "spell" to control the land to fight their greatest enemy.... DRAGONS
* Ulertu has a BIG BRAIN moment: What if these fuckers in the Order of the Dragon want to control the ichor so they can also control dragons?????????
* SHIT.
* Ulertu asks about the obelisks... and where it could be.
* We know it's here in the city
* Theo puts together that the disease this Thalor is after is MAGICAL not a disease
* Ulertu asks Pallas if he knows any dudes here who know about shipping anything of note
** Nothing beyond food stuffs, but... several of their friends have known people who go out to sea and do not return--the shipments empty and the ship's crew completely replaced.
** This is VERY weird
* Pallas offers to help investigate why sailors are disappearing and we agree
* Randir suggests we investigate the Blackbriars...
** But Ulertu is worried we're too exposed as a group
* Thalor suggests there may be more info in the Order of Truth vaults...
** The vaults are a large intricate system below the coastline
* Maybe we should investigate the vaults and see what Elandra has been researching
* Thalor suggests we go to the records hall to start, but he doesn't want to go there out of paranoia of his work being slurped up by the Order lol
* Ulertu wants to shop before we go out on our next excursion
* We decide to do some shopping today, then take a lil rest and in the morning we're doing some RECORDS DIVING
** Night heist????
* END SESSION
 
== 6/27/2024 ==
* **Note**: This gon' be an Order of Truth arc
* Randir informs Theo and Ulertu about the obelisk not being real... we need to find Elandra Windrider
* We head out to try to catch Elendra who *was* just ahead of us
* But we manage to catch up, she's admiring the art in the next room
* Elandra is a tall, elven woman with long hair. Dressed like a librarian/Professor with small spectacles.
* Ulertu and Elandra exchange pleasntries
* When Ulertu mentions Giants, she gets a little more focused
* Elandra issues Ulertu a verbal challenge (similar to what the Guards did back on the road) to see if he's "cool"
** "What is the price we pay for truth?"
** AND HE PASSES
** His response, "The cost of truth is no more the cost of clarity"
* She offers up her resources to our disposal...
* Ulertu talks about the obelisks, but doesn't mention the one in the museum is fake
* Randir suggests that we should have this discussion elsewhere
* Elandra agrees and suggest we move to her office and we follow her across campus
* We get to the office and are offered chairs
* We discuss the obelisks further, there's a lot of awkward pauses
* Elandra says that it *was* confirmed that these obelisks were holding back some kind of power, but is curious as to why we believe it's Dragons...
* Ulertu explains our beliefs... which maybe sounds strange
* Elandra wants to review Ulertu's findings, but she understand the power being held behind the obelisks is massive and potent
* She asks, "How do you know if what's being held back is dangerous?"
** "Perhaps they're not holding things back but storing things..."
* She asks about the destroyed obelisks, how did they get destroyed?
** Ulertu plays a bit coy, "I was just kind of there" lol
* Elandra mentions that more parties have asked about the obelisks, and she says the Order is interested in studying them???
* The "Chief Investors" Lord & Lady Blackbriar are VERY interested in finding these obelisks
** Shiiiiit
* Ulertu tries to sequestor us from the convo, but Elandra says Ulertu (NOT RANDIR AND THEO) could go meet the Blackbriar's today
* Ulertu knows that his deposition to the Order through his journals was truthful of everything
** This could be INTERESTING
* Elandra wants to talk with Ulertu ALONE
** Ulertu sees that... she's only being half truthful about what's she REALLY wants to talk to Ulertu about. It's kind of hostile, but not deadly...?
* Randir and Theo leave the room
* Randir casts a *very special* Speak With Plants spell that casts all along the hall away from the office to get a delayed telephone of what (as interpreted by the plants) is happening in the room
* Ulertu stealthily pulls Chuk-Chuk out and sets him down to hide in the room on the floor
* Chuk-Chuk, however is not very stealthy and Elandra knows... something has happened while she was up. She knows something else in the room.
* She warns Ulertu that this conversation should be confidential and if this info leaks... it would be bad for "certain parties"
* Elandra wants to know where Ulertu thinks the last obelisk is...
** He says, "It's in the museum"
* She asks, "You seem to know the language, but I'm not sure if you are one of us. Who hired you to find these obelisks?"
** Ulertu replies, "I'm studying Giants, and these are Giant artifacts... Since I work for the order of truth, I technically work for the Blackbriars. My motivations are for discovery and science."
* She says, "Unortunate," and she casts a spell. The room becomes dark and she becomes radiant. Ulertu becomes taken by her and he believes she is going to help him. "This is the right place, the right time, and just the right circumstances... so long as you are with her."
* Randir hears a very powerful Charm spell has been cast in the office
* Randir and Theo decide they have to go stop this, but must move slow soas to not raise alarm
* When they get to the door, Randir listens at the door but nothing is being said
* When he knocks no response
* He knocks again and a deep voice responds, and another man answers the door
* This is NOT Elandra's office
* This man is Thalor
* We ask about Elandra's office, he says it's on a DIFFERENT FLOOR IN A DIFFERENT WING OF THE BUILDING
* Randir and Theo book it. SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT
* Ulertu comes to knowing he's been talking for a while about all of his problems and the tribulations we've encountered and Elandra is the only person who can solve this
** He's spilling EVERYTHING
* His feeling of certainty vanishes, he suddenly remembers NOTHING of what he said. All he remembers is the last thing he said was, "I technically work for the blackbriar's".
* Ulertu is on a bench outside of the office building
* END SESSION
 
== 6/6/2024 ==
* We start the night off with some rolls...
* Randir thinks he needs to find a way for him to blend in, so he and Ulertu put together a disguise
** Randir gets a powder / oil to cover his skin to make it look darker, he wears a large cloak adorned with some sigis of the Order of Truth
* Theo sets himself as a "Grunt/Guard" for Ulertu
* We want to hit up the Order of Truth and maybe some stores
* We end up at the large campus for the Order of Truth
** We considered splitting the party, but Theo is worried here of all places he would be most likely to be recognized
* There's a lot of visitors at this campus
* We develop a bunch of lore about the Order of Truth and personal sigils while talking to a receptionist in the main lobby of the Order of Truth campus
* There's so much paperwork
* Some magical map-making shit happens with a OoT directory book
* Ulertu sees two names on the ledger:
** Elandra Windrider
** Thalor Sunfire
** Aldric Brightspark
* Ulertu wants to talk to Thalor who has a speciality in the intersection of Nature & Magic
** Dude has a wild look but the receptionist doesn't know where he's at
* Elandra may be nearby?
* Oh, and Ulertu has a paycheck coming to him...
** Backpay baybeeeeee - 1300gp in platinum bars (130pp)
* There's lots of crowds, it's a free day for the museum
* We begin to walk around the museum, looking for Elandra who should be around but likely ahead of the crowd
* We see a tall, elven woman who is walking out of the room
** We think this is Elandra
* Also in the room we just entered.... a large obelisk
* There's a plaque
** "Large Stone Obelisk"
** "Constructed by the giants"
** "Believed to be used for rituals, perhaps for conjuration or abjuration magic"
** "To this day, we don't know what this obelisk was used for but we believe it to be very important."
** "The runes are very hard to read, even by our best scholars."
** "We believe the runes to read: ..."
*** Ulertu believes the translations on the plaque are wrong
*** Ulertu knows though, he saw these runes on the obelisk in the King's Tomb and in the swamp of the Blooming Pools
* Ulertu notices there is something off about this obelisk
** Randir and Theo notice this too
* Randir casts Detect Magic
** He realizes why this feels off... other obelisks felt overwhelmingly magical, this one does NOT feel this way at all. He realizes this is an '''ILLUSION'''
* END SESSION
 
== 5/30/2024 ==
* We talk to this woman (Estelle Keen)
* Despite our huge fight, Randir and the gang try to broker a peace
** We settle a camp for the day/night(?)
* Randir pushes that there is no need to hide our story because knowledge is power
* She wasn't aware of The Dragon Knight's true power
** And neither was the group of soldiers (mercenaries), which is why a bunch ran off
* After some talking, we discover we have fought their three Dragon Knights (one when we first met Egan), one being the guy who killed Randir, and the last one (Morrow)
* Now 11 men remain
* Morrow was the leader
* Many were part of the same ritual that the two dudes at Barrowcroft Manor which is... not good
* But Randir thinks if we don't steer them from their ultimate path (to stay with the group), they won't get killed by the ritual
* They were sent to the Blooming Pools to help a mage and bring him back to the Strand
* All of these dudes were from The Strand
* Estelle is from the capital, Threadspire
* Randir gives a summary of the group's travels since they came back together, highlighting the interactions with the King's Tomb, everything in Caer Sen, The Tower, The Obelisks, the Trolls
** All of the visions and what we saw
* His big emphasis is on Someone (or Someones) trying to amass power under the guise of amassing power to push back against the Empress, but that it will be a blight on all of the world if They can gain this power
* Estelle tells us that The Castle is built on the ruins of Giant castles
* Estelle says she overheard some conversations while in the Capital
** There were 5 obelisks, they had found 3, one was already destroyed
** She estimates that there is one left now...
* She thinks that the stone must be in the captial (we kind of surmised this already)
* She's confused by this idea of The Black Sky, why would someone in the North want to bring back a dragon when they helped Kill the dragons?
* We think it's because The Order of the Dragon wishes to bring a power against the Empress that could do some real damage to them
* Estelle says, "What if it's not an actual dragon, but a power instead?"
* She asks, "What can we do now?"
* Randir says, "Let us part peacefully from each other so we can get ahead and try to solve whatever this before the Order of the Dragon finds out you have returned empty handed."
** Tell them we defeated your knights
* Estelle recommends we find the Order of Truth to see if they can help
* She did tell us that this is all that their group had, their Rangers parted from them a WHILE back and she doesn't know where they went
* Ulertu asks if/how we could meet again. She says, "I desperately hope we never meet again."
** But she says we can leave word at the Laughing Lion IF we need to lol
* And we part ways, we head north
* After a mile of travel, we Wind Walk to the capital. And we use the extra time to scope the HELL out of the Capital
** We look for guards, getting the layout, finding the safest places for us to enter
** Lots of tiered rings around the edges of the city, a huge dock on the north side
** Randir has never been here before
** This city imports and exports a lot of food to the rest of the land to the south
** It's mediterranean in vibes
** The city funnels down to the dock, the rich at the top of the hill, the poorer near the docks
** Lots of little compounds on the hill, noble mansions and estates
** A bunch of guards, armed with pikes and in chainmail for a myriad of reasons
** Personal guards to various richer families
** A large white spire juts out of the far end of the dock on a small hill
* We settle down at dusk at the docks, Randir uses Disguise Self to look like a bulky 6-foot or so tall human assistant to Ulertu in rougher Order of Truth garb
* We find an inn off the beaten path near the docks called the Dancing Dagger
** A dagger in the sign above spins on it's tip
* We get a room and get some rest
* END SESSION
 
== 5/23/2024 ==
* THE FIGHT CONTINUES
* ONE GUY GETS HIS ARM CHOPPED OFF AND IT TURNS INTO A DRAKE HEAD??????
* We manage to take the dude down and everyone who was still alive ran away
* The one woman who remains says, "I guess we have some things to talk about..."
* END SESSION
 
== 5/9/2024 ==
* The woman approaches Ulertu and questions him.
* It. Is. Tense.
* She starts to ask about a group of four giving odd descriptions of, ya know, our group.
* After a few moments of talking, another man leans out of a wagon and yells, "Stop playing with them, let's take 'em in"
* She laughs, "Of course we know who you are"
* Randir is not having this
* COMBAT BEGINS
* MY GOD IS IT A LOT
* MAELSTROM
* SHATTER
* PALLAS SNIPING DUDES FROM BEHIND A BUSH
* ERUPTING EARTH
* AND THE SESSION ENDS WITH ULERTU, PINNED AND GRAPPLED BEING SWUNG ON BY A MAN WITH A HUGE SWORD
** "I was gonna bring you back to your Order, I guess it'll have to be in pieces"
* EFFFF
 
== 5/2/2024 ==
* A little backtracking in the game...
* Randir, first thing in the morning before we set out, he casts Divination. Creatig a Druid circle of sorts to commune with the Arch Druid from The Beyond.
** He's meditated like this before but never with a spell like this. His childhood was full of times *LISTENING* to the forest, he was told that it would be important to him in his life as a guardian of The Forest
* The forest answers him: "Those men carry darkness with them, cloaked or pitted. Hide your light and they may share their secrets. Show your true self and you may face their hidden patron."
* Randir, as part of this Divination, gives up his Pendant of petrified Ironwood
* The gang discusses this message and whether seeking out these soldiers is the right approach...
* After some interpretation, we come to a few conclusions:
** Maybe the "darkness" being "cloaked and pitted" could mean they turned to our side?
** Or is the "light" our amazing abilities and we should approach them not as powerful people but as regular people
* Nonetheless, we approach these soldiers as they travel north, north-east
* We get towards the back of the travelling soldiers and notice 5 men in a rear guard
* Randir transforms back into his normal form
* We approach them, Theo calling out
* A head of the rear guard rides up and we chat with him, Ulertu eventually steps up after Theo and the rider notices he's from the Order of Truth
** The dude challenges him for a "code" about potentially "clandestine" knowledge
* Ulertu decides to change pace and begins to rant about Giant research and the man decides to wave us by...
* This guy offers us a small break with the soldiers...?
* Ulertu offers his services to this man as a member of the Order of Truth
* He asks about another group... OUR group
* Ulertu decides to tell a half truth... he saw "some guys" lol
* We get a pass from the guard
* We make our way passed the group and try a group stealth to not be obvious or too out of place
** There are guys on top of the wagons in cloaks
* Theo attempts to eye men who seem important and may be swayable
* But it's hard to grok anything... damn
* With some general vibe checks, Theo hears some complaints about conditions of travel
* Theo calls out, "Hey, where are you guys going?"
** Back to the captial, it seems
* But another guy elbows the guy who spoke out
* Ulertu notices that these soldiers are comfy around Theo
* Randir sees that one of the two figures on top of the wagons signals... with four fingers, missing the pinky
** A younger woman in her 30s, short hair
** She's gesturing about the four of us
* As we move to pass a bit faster, the woman calls out, "Stop! We have some questions for your group!"
* END SESSION
 
== 3/21/2024 ==
* After a big discussion about the status of everything, where we're going and what we're doing next...
* We wake very early in the morning to Linus, a bit more upbeat and well kept than before
* He preps us some food
* He tell us he's ready to move on(?!)
* He's going home, he hasn't been there since he was much younger. He lived on the northern coast.
* Egan tells us he's parting ways with us, he's heading East
* Randir tells him to look out for the Cinder Root Trio
* And Pallas, Theo talks to about the path we're on and gives him the option to come with us or not. "I would not depart from this goal," he says.
* Linus has collected our horses and they're ready for us to leave.
* We have a lot to face moving forward:
** Randir is not afraid of these Order of the Dragon folks. He feels righteous in his path to inform (or enact violence against) these guys. Either way we need to know what they know and we need to find it out before we get to the Strand proper.
** We've decided to not go stealth, we're not that group, but that's okay
** Randir has Wind Walk in his back pocket (even if it takes 1 minute to cast)
* The north is mostly mediteranean in weather. Lots of food production, lots of farmland. But there's not a lot up here... it's a little strange. Many fallow fields, not a lot of people out and about.
* Our plan is to move forward until we can find someone to bring us to their captains to talk.
* We ride hard and manage to catch up to the column of soldiers just before noon
* END SESSION
 
== 3/7/2024 ==
* We heal a bit, Randir's wolverine leaves this plane
* Randir goes to touch the pillar in the middle of the room we were in
* He's taken into a vision
** Here he sees a young man who looks like Theo
** Standing before the young man is good ol' Master Cedarleaf
** This man looks relieved in Cedarleaf's presence
** Randir sees a meeting between Master and Apprentice, this young man looks like he respects Cedarleaf
** Cedarleaf looks unchanged from when Randir saw him, whenever this is this Elf is not changed
** The young man (Master Dracos!) bows to Cedarleaf and says "I would do whatever it is that you wish, I only seek a safe future for myself and my family. But what you ask... I cannot do it."
** Cedarleaf subtly casts a spell and says, "I'm sure you'll find a way. You always do. I want what you want: To restore balance to this world."
*** He says war will not be the right solution
** The young man says he has his family to look after
** Cedarleaf has been planning a peaceful future for years.. before Dracos was even called Dracos
** He says there are beings who will stop Dracos
*** Cedarleaf turns to the forest and the trees seem to bow to him
** Cedarleaf: "The gods have kept your people in chains, until they are destroyed you will not be able to create the world you desire"
** Dracos nods, "The empress, though... she's far stronger than anyone"
** Cedarleaf ignores this, "The empress is a remnant of what her family once was... a weed in the garden I wish to cultivate"
** Cedarleaf says he always knew he would be the one to destroy the old world and sow seeds for a new one
** Cedarleaf says his people have never been able to flourish and he wishes they had that chance
*** But the empress (and the empire) is stopping that by keeping them weak
** This is where Dracos has decided to take on this path of fighting the Empress
** The forest waves along with Cedarleaf as he approaches Dracos, "This is the lesson the world teaches us. New growth cannot take hold until the old is gone."
* We decide to rest for an hour with this knowledge
* We hear a clattering nearby and go to investigate
* A GIANT FUCKIN SLUDGE MONSTER
** This time it's made of sand????
** It looks like a large pillar fell and revealed this great beast
* We defeat it and notice two more small pillars, but when we touch them... nothing happens
* Until Ulertu and Theo touch them at the same time.
* A large clunk knocks within the chamber, the sarcophogi open and slide back to show a small space beneath
* Inside the space, a small bundle wrapped in a cloak
** Candles, a coin pouch, and a small bandolier with vials inside
** The cloak is a deep, rich blue
* Randir opens the bundle and inside is a satchel with journals and tomes inside
** As well as a small blade
* We gather everything, Ulertu takes the books, and we head off out of the Undercroft
* We meet Egan, Pallas, and Linus after we come up
* We are rushed back into the manor to clean ourselves and we take a rest to leave as soon as possible in the morning
* AND WE LEVEL UP
 
== 2/29/2024 ==
* Ulertu does some investigation of some of the leftover goo and concludes that this must be the same ichor we met with under the mountain
* We discover a small room, some of the ichor is flowing up the wall to the ceiling... Randir can't determine what is exactly above the group but it's definitely the manor
* We press forward into another room and discover another column
* Randir goes on the defensive as Theo touches the column... he waits for a vision
** Theo hears the sound of battle, shouts and metal and flesh
** The battle is of a place under attack
** A man moves slowly through a large force of people, scanning the crowd as this slaughter of other peoples happens
** He turns and LOCKS EYES WITH THEO
*** IT'S THEO'S DAD. HE SEES THEO?!?!
** Theo is nearly overwhelmed by this feeling of being seen
** Theo wonders, "Hold on, is this all magic? Is my dad ALSO travelling through a memory?"
* He's thrown back in the room
* This was a recent vision, from just before Theo met the rest of the group
* Randir thinks the group is in a hurry... we need to figure out what we can before we go to the Strand
* The next room ahead of us has three small pillars made of glass, capped with stone.
** In the pillars, ichor...
* Ulertu looks at these pillars, confused by the fact that this ichor is contained
** "Weeks ago" (in game), Ulertu saw a vision of a facility at the bottom of the lake had HUGE containers filled with ichor -- but they were empty or gray...
** "Perhaps this is the last remaining sample of ichor?"
* Maybe someone was using this place for their own gain? Maybe that's why it was here?
* Randir can't figure out if these storage containers are old or not. But the floor and and such are PRISTINELY crafted like the rest of the older stuff in the Undercroft
* Ulertu casts Detect Thoughts to see if there is any kind of mind in these containers
** He doesn't hear words...
** The pillars glow RED (for Ulertu), as ANGER pours from the "minds" within these pillars
* Ulertu moves back a bit and the thoughts fade
* But he probes deeper into the "minds"
** Ulertu drops to his knees and reaches out with the confidence that he has faced these beasts before, he respects the danger but it does not deter him
** He demands more information from the ichor
* The ichor chooses to NOT repel Ulertu's thoughts, but welcomes him in
* Ulertu's body goes limp as he touches two of the pillars
** In his vision, Ulertu is in a green/blue room, smooth walls... white light all around him
** The ceiling is tiled, diffused light shines from between the tiles
** Rooms labeled delicately with placards, a letter and number on each
** Each door are made of simple wood
** Ahead is a large board on the wall with a metal tray. The board is made of beige material, it's a very soft wood. Pins with paper are all around the board.
*** Is ulertu in an office building?????
** Ulertu looks at some of the paper with writing on it, it's all in an old form of Common
*** A sign above sort of reads "Warning" and something else
*** "This is your first time here, if this place feels familiar to you, please alert the nearest staff member"
** He goes to a door and opens into a small lab, a few people are working with beakers and test tubes - all facing away. They're wearing saftey gloves, long aprons, and googles
** Ulertu calls out to them, one man has red hair and a red beard. Another is a little shorter, short black hair and a small goatee.
** They look at Ulertu a little confused, "Yes, we're studying this new material we found."
** Ulertu knows about the liquid... But this one is '''White''' not black. He descibes how it interacts with animals on contact
** They haven't been given permission to test it on live subjects... they're curious about how Ulertu came across the liquid before
** He deflects and asks them about how they got the material...
** Their Director requested it...??? It was manufactured "several years ago"
** They start to clock Ulertu's look... They go to make a "call"???
** Ulertu leaves and a tone begins to ring, tones are playing. Dozens of people are pouring out into the hall and a large Orc pushes Ulertu away
** The crowd is all different types of young people--humans, dwarves, orcs, etc.--they look... modern.
** Ulertu sees outside there is a large quad outside, it's a campus
** The moment begins to slip away from Ulertu
** Ulertu begins to yell "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DEALING WITH, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING!"
** And he's back
* Ulertu relays things but with a tongue of the game -- he was in some other state of reality
* But he mentions the Ichor... they were studying it
* Ulertu has a small revelation of some of the language he couldn't read before.
** The posting was made by THE ORDER OF TRUTH
* The gang discusses Ulertu's findings
* We decide to test Randir's sword moving closer to one of the pillars
** Randir notices it is made of sand NOT liquid
* Ulertu notes the thoughts of the "ichor" is not one... but MILLIONS
* Suddenly, the sound of a slab of rock falling from behind the group
* They rush to see what it was
* The end up in a room where a sarcophagus has been cracked open and a nasty body covered in black ichor tentacles
** It ain't PRETTY - dude's got elongated arms with ichor, it's mouth is unwrapped and torn by it's claws
* Randir casts Daylight and we go into a fight
* The fight is short as everyone lands major hits, Randir summons a spirit wolverine (Who still persists for another hour) who WRECKS SHIT
* RANDIR AND ULERTU NEED TO HEAAAAAL
* END SESSION
 
== 2/8/2024 ==
* We venture into the tombs...
* Randir recognizes this... it's just like the UNDERMOUNTAIN!
* We move forward, Ulertu notices a small obsidian pedestal... similar to one we saw in the Undermountain. Ulertu knows it will give him a vision, just like last time.
* Ulertu touches the pedestal and is flung from his body, back in time?!
* He sees a younger Simon Barrowcroft, next to him is an older man dressed as a knight.
* Barrowcroft says, "It's heresy to go against the empress..."
** The other man says, "It will happen whether or not you go with us. It all depends on which side you end up on in the conflict."
** Barrowcroft says, "I will not have you betray me after I have housed you and your son these 20 years..."
*** THEO'S DAD!
** The man says, "I'm not alone. Some of your noble friends are with me. And I do not care how many years it takes, but we will change this land. The Empress prevents change."
*** It's clear that Barrowcroft has served under this man for years.
** The man says, "As long as the Empress is in power, a god who walks among us, they think they can give freedom as a commodity."
*** "Without freedom, there is no life."
* We continue forward, more sarcophagi
* We come around a corner to find another pedestal
* Randir puts his hand out to the pedestal and fights back the fear of danger. He has faced death before, he has fear but he has assurance.
* Randir is brought to a new place... he feels warmth. A fire.
** He is at the edge of a forest, burning. The trees are red leafed.
** These leafs catch fire at the prescence of the fire below.
** This entire forest is burning. Wind rushes past, through his ethereal body. The wind feeds the fire.
** He sees a single figured wreathed in flames.
** A Massive shadow in the clouds... a dragon, hundreds of feet long, its wings hundreds of feet wide.
** Suddenly it is gone, only a wind remains from it...
** Randir stands for an eternity... the forest burns.
* Back in the tomb, Randir's eyes are closed. Ulertu and Theo see something dripping, accumulating at the base of the walls... A BEAST IS UPON US
* BEASTS - SHADOWS
* Randir, still in this friggin vision, frozen in the combat. He sees a person in the distance... he can't make out the face, but he sees a pointed ear... the pointed ear of an elf.
* We beat the damn shadows
* But Randir ends the last shadow-goo monster with the Amber Blade- the blade is HUMMING
* NOTE: We all have AIDE (8 hours remain, Max HP +10)
* END SESSION
 
== 12/28/2023 ==
* We interrogate the guys (Darby and Bray)
** Darby is the talkative one
* They're new soldiers (joined maybe a year back)
* Ninefingers and two other captains are "not important"
* Randir promises them some gold if they tell them some info, and a promise that they'll go and leave their big party
* Ulertu offers for them to join us
* These guys just wanted to see the world, and they wanted adventure
* They were told they just need to abduct a spellcaster and do their job
** Just following orders ... lol
* Lord Dracos cast a fuckin spell on them it seems, only Randir discovers this.
** And right as we convinced them they weren't under a spell... SHIT.
* They tell us they're heading back to the Strand
* Their group is going to explain to Lord Dracos why they didn't get Pallas (or their assumed wizard of the Order of Truth)
** Ninefingers will be involved in this
* Apparently Dracos wanted this enough that he sent one of his Dragonriders (of FIVE?!)
* Randir tells Darby to go find the Cinder Root Trio, they're a good time
* The two take off, Darby heading east, Bray heading south
* We go to stage a bear attack on the road using the two guys leftover armor / stuff
* On the way back, Randir sees Darby's dead body on the road... the spell got him
* Ulertu says... we could bring him back. He knows a spell.
** But we realize that his spell to do that has a great cost. So we decide that we do not have that level of sacrifice easily available -- Ulertu offers Randir's staff... but we decide no.
** Randir leaves a small sprig of a flower on Darby's chest
* Cut to us going down the stairs to the Undercroft
* Linus (with cool narration of the scene as the gang descends) explains to us:
** This Undercroft dates back to the first kingdoms
** There were creatures, large and greater than the humans (GIANTS BAYBEEE)
** The stones that make the Undercroft grow larger and larger as we descend... placed by some other means than the hands of man
** This place is one of the oldest places in the kingdom
** This is where the Barrowcroft family was laid to rest for generations
*** Linus was going to put Lord Barrowcroft here when he passed
** Linus has never been down here before
* We see imagery on the walls as we descend, some references to Giants without depicting them
** But Ulertu has studied enough to understand what these references mean
* The stories tell of the Barrowcrofts finding this place and building the manor
* We get to a relief that appears to be VERY old
* Ulertu sees that there was a castle of some kind here before the Manor, there's imagery of a Tower
** An Obelisk... standing atop the land
* And we reach the bottom of the stairs
* We see 6 stone coffins
* A ceiling/wall has fallen, dirt and roots scatter through the area where the collaps fell in
* We see some Barrowcroft names on the coffins
* Ulertu and Randir hear/wind a wind coming from the hall next to us
* Theo hears a HORRIBLE wail coming from the hall
* END SESSION
 
== 12/14/2023 ==
* Linus tells us about the entrance to the "Undercroft" - the path to the tunnels under the manor
** Theo remembers this as a guarded place he couldn't go to as a kid
** This is the oldest part of the building
* Theo and Ulertu do some researching during the day, Randir goes off as a hawk to see what he can find of the contingent of soldiers we left
* After a short while, Randir sees the group and as the group of soldiers settle at night, a pair of men on horses make their way towards Barrowcroft Manor
* Randir flies back and warns the group
* The gang sets themselves up in the tower and watches these two as they come in and speak loudly about how they need to come back with something
** They mention going into the Undercroft
* We ambush them with a quick transmutation of stone to mud and get them tied up
* Randir squats down and intimidates the hell out of these two guys
** "I promise you, what happend to the warlock and his Dragon was just a preview of the power that we weild."
** After some conferring of what to do, the gang decides we're going to talk to these guys and see if we can convince them to help us, recruit them, or some other way to not kill them...
* The gang walks back and we get the Tarantino trunk shot with Ulertu, Theo and Randir. Randir says, "Now... let's have a conversation."
* END OF SESSION
 
== 11/9/2023 ==
* The gang, under the guise of Randir's Pass With Trace, make their way to the forest
* And suddenly.. they're at Barrowcroft Manor.
** OH SHIT
* Pallas finally has a moment to thank Randir for saving him
** Randir tells him, "I know you would have done the same"
* Theo remembers this Manor. It's hallowed ground to him.
* But he remembers a secret entrance
* We take a short rest (on the horses lol)
* We make our way into the manor via the secret entrance
* Uletru and Randir notice someone (or a flame) in the tower that goes away
* We make our way into the tower, Theo notices this place has been rearranged
* We hear footsteps above us and we go up to the next floor with Egan and Pallas in tow
* Ulertu investigates some of the books on the 2nd floor
* We go to the 3rd floor and eventually meet a very old man
** Ulertu's detect thoughts goes deep and we learn that this man has been a butler/steward here for a long time
** Ulertu sees a fight as this man hid away from the attackers on the mansion
** He sees the old man treating another man on the big bed we see in the room, years pass in this man's mind
** Eventually, the bed is empty and the old man doesn't know what to do
** His name is Simon
* SIMON BARROWCROFT?
** Maybe... this old man is pretty confused.
** He says "Linus" takes the notes about the comings and goings of the people who come to the manor
* After some discussion, we manage to find somewhere to sleep in the guest room of the tower(?)
* We wake to the smell of breakfast being made
* The old man, Simon(?), is making breakfast
** Nope this is Linus
* He's very confused when we mention he was Simon
* Randir tries to tell a story about how things were a joke, but this guy sees right through it
* Suddenly, he recognizes Theo
* Lord Barrowcroft left something for Theo
* And we sit down to have some breakfast
* Barrowcroft left Theo a book, "He always knew you would be destined for great things"
** The book is written in a language Linus doesn't know
* BARROWCROFT DIED A WEEK OR TWO AGO????
** 12 days ago, thanks to Ulertu's quick Lessor Restoration
* Theo asks about when he "escaped" from the manor
* Linus tells us about the "sleep" Lord Barrowcroft was in before he passed
** Barrowcroft doesn't want his body to be found(?) - I was reading notes when this went on lol
** MOTHER FUCKER. THIS WAS WHAT WE DEALT WITH BACK IN 2021
* Ulertu asks about knowledge... Barrowcroft was a member of educated nobles
** The Barrowcrofts were one of he kingdoms that wanted separation from the unification way back 300 years ago
** The dude has books on THE LAND BEFORE THE SETTLERS
** Ulertu asks about Giants, and Simon says that if there WERE secrets here they were taken...
** Maybe there's a secret place where things were hidden away that wasn't robbed
* Linus says we have free reign of the manor
* Theo cracks open the book. Fortunately, he can read all languages.
** This book is full of everything Barrowcroft has ever learned.
* END SESSION
 
== ??/??/2023 ==
* Theo kills [dude]
* RANDIR IS BACK BAYBEEEE
** Randir talked to a demi-Druid who gave him a choice to come back
** He chose to go back and help his friend, but he must also TEACH the people of this world
* Randir blasts away the pressing knights
* The gang runs away in the night
 
== ??/??/2023 ==
* RANDIR GOT KILLED
 
== 8/17/2023 ==
* We travel towards the high road
* We got some nice potions from Luvon (in Ulertu's bag)
* We get to the high road... we look around a bit, Randir turns into a hawk and flies up
* Off in the distance, 10 miles or so away, he sees a large plume of dust and above them... a huge shadow... a FUCKING DRAGON?!:!??!
* It scares the pants off of him and he flies back down to his pals to tell them what he saw
** Randir recalls his talk with Luvon and Luvon told him there's a mix of beasts and intelligence with dragons...
* Night falls and the dudes camp and we come up with a plan:
** Randir is going to turn into a rat and sneak into the camp to find Pallas
** If anything goes wrong, he's gonna make a ruckus
** The goal is to get Pallas out and not kill anyone (but slow them down if they become a problem)
* We put the plan into action
* Randir gets to the camp and sees a whole bunch of stuff
* Not 10 dudes, 15
* Two fancy tents, maybe captains quarters
* Five big wagons
* Randir hears some snoring... more dudes are sleeping in the wagons
* None of the horses are here, they must be getting grazed somewhere else
* Randir goes over to one of the tents, he sees two dudes sleeping
* The other tent has some barrels in it, some food provisions
* Randir manages, AS A RAT, climbs up the back of one of the wagons and starts to sniff around for Pallas
** AND HE FINDS HIM!!
* After a series of stealth shenanigans, Randir gets Pallas out of the wagon and RUNS
* Initiative begins NEXT SESSION
* END OF SESSION
 
== 7/27/2023 ==
* We help the people put back together their gate that was smashed by the giant dragon monster
* The people of Windrip are like, "Are the knights gonna be okay with this?"
* The knights come to town to take taxes
* The knights are apparently pushing these beasts south, driving them from the Strand and they have no option but to go south
** Randir asks who protects the town. They have no ranger?
** Do the knights help?
** The people get quiet after this...
* Theo wonders if there is a connection between these "drakes" and the Order of the Dragon
** Theo knows of small drakes and serpents, not anything the size of the beasts we fought
** The Koboldlings
* Ulertu convinces half the town to stay up late and finish a temporary bridge over/around the rockslide
* We all decide to help Ulertu and Luvon tells us more about his history
** Dude tells us about slaying hoardes of drakes and the forest where he used to live
** The forest is the Forest of the Blooming Pools - but before the pools existed
** Randir realizes (because he went to the museum) dude was FROM the city in the forest before it was changed into the blooming pools
** He tells us about hunting dragons and a magical flying machine???
** but... we realize his stories are all lies, or mere bravado
* Randir calls him out on this and they go have a talk
* Randir tells him off a bit that his stories aren't going to help these people, they need action... something is coming
* Luvon tells Randir what he really did with dragons
** He protected the dragons and opposed the Emporer when he came to slay the last dragon
** THIS DUDE BLED THE EMPORER ! ! !
* He tells Randir of his final great deed...
** Randir is told about a young Luvon
** He fought along SIDE the Emporer (the elves and the Emporer WERE allies, remember)
** He fought against the rising kingdoms of men - battle, diplomacy, whatever means
** A metaphorical seed is planted... a dragon's blood / venom is POTENT against divine beings
*** The emporer puts out a hit on all dragons to the kingdom, not revealing why
** Luvon has seen the empire grow from a city to a nation...
** Luvon asks, "If the dragons are the current threat, what happens to the next threat?"
** The people go with the hunting of dragons but because they're threats to people! And it's very easy to sway people when their lives are threatened.
** The elves recede from their expansions in the world
** Luvon tells of the last dragon, it lived in the forest and he decided he needed to protect it
** When the emporer learned of this dragon and where it was, he arrived as an emissary asking for his Allies' help to destroy "this threat, this thing that could kill me; kill us"
** Luvon goes into detail on what he believes his actual last great deed, slashing the emporer
** The story gets broader after that
** And then 200 years passed and he's here
* Luvon says we may have to make a decision like his... he hopes we have the wisdom to know what the right answer is
* Randir asks him why he encourages these people to root against what he once stood for
* Luvon thinks it's because he's old... and afraid--to be the villain, to make this town a target.. that he'll make the wrong decision
* Randir says that maybe he was wrong to judge Luvon, but he can't let this man lose hope
* Luvon appreciates it
* Ulertu and Theo finish the contraption
* We rest and we wake, prepped to try to catch up to Pallas
* We see a group of rangers carrying tools and weapons, they're talking with Luvon
* Before we depart, we get some drinks from Luvon
** and we do some trading with him
** Zander's gonna let us know what we get next session
* END SESSION
 
== 6/22/2023 ==
* We rush out to the crashing sound
** And ROB reminds us we didn't have our equipment... so no armor lol
* Randir casts Plant Growth to reinforce the city gate where a large number of SOMETHINGS are hammering and breaking through the door
* Ulertu tries to cast Revivify... but people don't come back to life in this world
* Through a complicated bit of team-based magic, we bring back a man who died who saw over the gate
** Ulertu pulls this guy from beyond the veil... literally?
* The man gets brought back to life and he yells, "Dragons are coming!"
* At the gate we see small little dragons crawling their way over
* We note that there are plenty of beasties of who descend from dragons
* And the ones coming over the gate are Kobold-esque
* Randir runs towards the gate as these little dudes start setting things on fire, he casts Tidal Wave at the gate to put out the fires, but it cracks the gate
* People run away, back into town
* Luvon shows up with Egan
* AND THEN WE FIIIIIIGHT
* A FUCKIN HUGE MONSTER DRAKE THING
* AND A SHIT LOAD OF LIL KOBOLDLINGS
* Randir gets swallowed with Luvon... but we're saved by Theo
* END SESSION
 
== 5/11/2023 ==
* We wake and head on our way. It's a few days travel.
* We settle down on night one and Egan is acking a little suspicious
* Randir hears a landslide way off in the distance
* Randir takes a cue from Theo and engages Egan in conversation to keep an eye on him
** Egan tells a story about an ogre who had stolen a barrel of whiskey brought down from the mountain to Pella's Wish
** Egan challenged the Ogre to a drinking contest and tricked him into leaving by making him THINK he lost the contest
** And the Ogre never came back
* Randir sees something on the left side of Egan's face
** It's foggy... it's on his face
* Randir intimidates/charms some info out of Egan to figure this veil out... he shares some stories... about trust
** Egan explains yeah... he's got a veil
* Dude's half-elf and half dragon(born?)
** Dragonborn's exist but they're rare
* We share a meal
* Dragons are a memory of the worst times in the land, which is why Egan hides his true visage
* Ulertu asks if the obelisks being destroyed has affected him somehow
* And we rest
* In the night, we hear howling - Randir knows this to be the wind, howling over the mountain
** We hear an undercurrent of shouting... and then it's silent
* We wake in the morning with Egan's true form covered again
* And we continue to travel
* And we make our way up the mountain - we hear the howling of wind and then... the sounds of life and civiliation, but it's getting dark
* We come to a gatehouse and there's a dude with a lantern shining light down on us
* Ulertu speaks for us, showing them the letter of reccommendation from Kasara
* We give our names
** Ulertu of the Order of Truth
** Randir of the Grove
** Theo of The Strand
** Egan (currently) of the Goldfleece(?)
* They ask us NOT to use magic and they let us in
* We hand off the letter
* We make our way to the Dancing Glass Inn
* BIG NIGHT LIFE VIBES
* This place is BUSTLING - lots of folks, music, food
* We see no Knights in this place, which is pretty cool
** No one is really wearing armor here
* We meet Luvon, hand him our letter, then get some rooms FOR FREE
* We doff our armor and extra stuff then come down and talk to Luvon
** We share our history and a sanitized version of Pella's Wish and how we parted ways
** Then Luvon tells us his story...
*** 100 YEARS AGO... he was one of the 4 great Dragon Slayers of the land
** Dude's got a killer curved blade
** "It wasn't just me, it was a bunch of people"
** "We fought these things, they weren't as powerful, but still..."
** Randir can tell he's embellishing a little
** Theo, however, knows he's holding ''something'' back
** Ulertu is fully believing this guys BIG stories
** And boy does he tell some stories
** He mentions a "spark" that lights their soul... a divine light that carries with it the magic of the universe
** Ulertu talks to him about giants and Luvon mentions his friend who supposedly SAW a giant in Stormwall
* The night goes on... and Luvon tells us: The path north has been blocked by a landslide
* We're probably gonna have to wait a few days to clear out the landslide... doubling back may take MORE time than we have to catch up with Pallas
* Wait. And some musicians came through?
* But there's some creatures in the mountains....... The knights have been fighting them back, towards the town
* "There's always monsters..." - Randir
* Luvon says, "Perhaps something should happen now... a drink, off to bed or... something else"
* Suddenly we hear a crashing sound, a gate has smashed open
* END SESSION
 
== 5/4/2023 ==
* We're welcomed to the inn
* Ulertu does a little investigation
* Randir and Theo DEF need to rest
* This area is a pretty central supportting village, it's right between the northern kingdom and the southern region
** they don't have a lot of protective measures because they're ''just'' remote enough
* The village does well enough, Tasara tells Ulertu on a walkabout
* She tells us about a growing force of knights, they wear a sigil of a dragon on their armor, and they've been rousing forces from across the land
** Why? It's not clear, but they're offering adventure?
*** And they seem to have the resourcing to do that... they're offering station; knighthood. This status is important for owning land, having influence
* We hear words about Pallas, the knights who were here before we arrived have him
* Egan offers to come with us and we excitedly accept
* Randir explains to him we're heading to the Strand to stop the end of the world...
** Ulertu explains some info about what Randir means lol
* Ulertu gets some info about the town of Windrip, and someone named Luvon Naemaris
** The town is north, but on the rocky coast
** High peaks and cool clouds
* We rest... ''phew''
* It was such good rest, got 10 temp hp
** Nice
* Someone has brought our horses up but Egan is no where to be found
* We have some brunch
* It turns out Egan needs to do some kind of ritual in town before he can leave???
* We have a bit of a skill challenge - strength, chess, wood carving
** Theo tosses Egan, Ulertu beats him in Dragon Chess, and Randir carves a wooden rose through natural transmutation
* We best the champion!!
* And we make our way out of town to Windrip to deliver the letter to Luvon
* END OF SESSION
* Epilogue: LEVEL UP TO LEVEL 10
 
== 4/27/2023 ==
* A BUNCH of dudes come out and we have some talk
* Theo talks with these knights about honor and they talk about how they don't need to be good guys outside of the strand and that's just ''garbage''
* Theo name drops Simon Barrowcroft and the head of these fuckers is named "Sildar Winterhall" and he's a fucker but Theo doesn't know him --- his surname is recognizable
* WE FIGHT AND FIGHT HARD
* Theo gets the final blow on Sildar Winterhall
** "For the Black Dragon!" Sildar says as he dies
* The town comes to finish off the remaining soldiers
* The rain begins to pour down from Randir's storm...
* END OF SESSION
 
== 4/13/2023 ==
* We ride out as fast as we can, but Twill is being a butthead
* but we ride out hard, despite the issues.
* The land flattens out, and it gets muddy
* Randir notices some footprints
** Randir notices that they're moving at the same pace, but one horse and one rider appears injured
* We make our way to a village on the way and are stopped by a man asking for us to not make any commotion in this town
* Ulertu remembers that the guy was at Ember Peak and gave Theo an amulet
* We talk with the guy and he recognizes us
** Dude's a half elf, he feeds our horses
* We introduce ourselves, this dude is Egan
* Dude feels destined... for something. He thinks it's fortuitous that we showed up
* Egan feels like he can't leave this place, Randir invites him away with them
* When Randir asks him about being a ranger (he takes care of the area), he seems a little perterbed by that question
* The "soldiers" are taking advantage of this small town and Egan feels like his presence would lead to violence...
* Egan thinks with us, we could convince these soldiers to leave
* These guys act like soldiers but they have no markings
* Ulertu asks about Pallas
* Sounds like they got em but they left town
* Everyone gets serious: "We gotta take care of this village then go get Pallas"
* We're not fuckin around now.
* We make our way to the town.
* In the town, we see a quaint little square and right in the middle, 5 dudes in armor drinking and being shits
* We try to intimidate these guys but they're drunk and decide to fight us.
** Bad choice by them
* As the sun begins to set, we hear more steps heading towards the square.
* END SESSION
 
== 3/30/2023 ==
* We decide to take cermoniously move the dead trolls north of the ruined obelisk
* We clean and burn Stratus' body
* We pick everyone's pockets and find
** A Deck of Illusions (missing a few cards) - 15 cards remain
** An Illuionist's Cloak
** 10 Vials of Poison
* Randir spends his long rest investigating the stone he was drawn to (Circle of Stars / Star Map)
** JK mechanically it's actually the Stone of Fates he's been sitting on for FOREVER but story wise it's this piece of the obelisk
* We rest, heal up, and we decide we need to go north as soon as possible and as quickly as possible
* Randir Skywrite's to the Troll King: "We seek protection of Obelisks, Head to the Strand"
* We head back to get our horses from the elf village
* The elves assumed we were dead, but they give us back our horses
* Randir asks the Elven leader to seek diplomacy with the Trolls
* We head north, trying to outpace the group heading north
** Ulertu and Theo map out a shortcut path to get us to Barrowcroft Manor quickly
* END SESSION
 
== 3/23/2023 ==
* Randir wakes to find he's barely fighting off the poison
* Ulertu and Theo are unconscious and have been seen to with some sort of medical-friendly moss
* We hear the sounds of fighting off in the distance
* We heal up, and head off to find it
* We approach, but the fight has ended...
* Stratus cries as he attempts to stop whatever ritual they're doing
* We start a fight with the soldiers the the remaining rangers
* The fight continues... but they finish the ritual and the obelisk explodes
* We're beated, defeated... tired. The magic of this area is gone.
* We lost.
* The rangers leave, and the area, once full of life and power, now is a dead husk of itself. The motes of light around the platform wink out and the area falls into darkness.
* Slowly, we see there's another source of light
* 3 motes of light, coming from each of us
* END SESSION
* For next session:
** Pick a feat of some magical thing that has happened to us
** Zander is gonna give us an ability from a subclass we did not pick
 
== 3/16/2023 ==
* WE BEGIN IN THE FIGHT
* Theo realizes these arrows are "Arrows of Slaying" aka Arrows specifically made to KILL
* The fight is B R U T A L
* We knock down one ranger, but...
* Theo goes down, Randir goes down, poisoned.
** Randir sees a vision of something ancient, massive snakes... (from the poison?)
* Tane tells Ulertu, he doesn't have to fight
* Ulertu decides to fight back, Pallas too
* Theo comes back up courtesy of Ulertu's healing word
* Tane goes down, but the other rangers are still coming for us
* But everyone goes down.
* Randir some how manages to save from death. 2 failures.... 3 successes
* Ulertu and Theo wake up at a fire. Randir is on death's door.
* Pallas is gone. Stratus is gone.
* What happened?
* END OF SESSION
 
== 02/25/2023 ==
* We meet the Troll King
* We begin to have a fun translation bit but then Randir stands in as the interpreter speaking Giant
* Randir gives them a warning that men are coming, and the gang means the trolls no harm
* We want to protect the obelisk, the men do not
* The troll asks us if we know the significance of the obelisk
* Randir mentions "The Black Sky"
* The troll tells us a story about "The Black Sky" in the beforetimes
** The giants lived in this land before, some elves... and Dragons were a problem
** The giants created structures that could withstand the Dragons
** The giants tried to make peace with the more powerful Dragons of the land
** We recall stories telling about dragon venom being the only thing that could hurt Aruman Sur
*** This dude was like fuck that and put bounties on all of the dragons
** Remember session 1? A ranger was hunting down drakes
** Hell, we even fought some drakes which were kind of remnants of nests and societies of Dragons
** The king tells us that "The Black Sky" was sealed away the power of the obelisks, aka sealing away the power of the elder dragons
** This "Black Sky" was a dragon, a HUGE dragon, blotting out the sky -- thunder struck, people would die
** We get the sense that these Trolls are carrying on a tradition of keeping these obelisks safe, but they don't know how they WORK
* The trolls have noticed that MORE of the magic these obelisks keep locked away have leaked out in the past month and the trolls are being more aggresive because of this
* They suspect that other obelisks have fallen, Randir confirms this in saying "We've come across the remnants of these obelisks in our travels"
* The Troll King thinks someone is trying to awaken The Black Sky
* Randir gleans that the Troll King is worried about the approaching forces
* We part from the Troll king and go off to find Stratus in the night
* And we walk for a bit, then come across Stratus and Travertine
* We explain the situation to Stratus, and then an old face shows up: Tane Faradon (the ranger from the White Orchard)
* He tells us, no one appreciates what he does and he's dedicated to remake a world to fix that
* Randir tells him he is not scared of him and if he must do work, then so be it
** Tane implies there's less than 50 dudes with him???
* Tane points off in the distance and says, "Kill everyone but the mage"
* Randir gets hit by an arrow, 23 damage
* Travertine goes DOWN
* Ulertu gets hit, Theo gets hit, Pallas gets hit
* END SESSION
 
== 10/8/2022 ==
* Previously on...
** We realize Giants created the obelisks and destroying them is no good, they were put here for a reason
** Lord Blackbriar (of The Strand) and some others have been hiring mages to seek out and destroy these obelisks
** We know that some reinforcements from The Strand to find Stratus and to help destroy the obelisk
** We left to try to find some sort of resolution at the Obelisk before the troops arrive - because the Obelisk is hidden somewhere in the Troll lands
** One of the trolls we cut down called himself the Troll King
* We try to sneak into this troll area... we are not that stealthy, even with Pass Without Trace
* We come to a clearing where there is water and a center platform, one troll enters the water and splashes water on its arm.
* We consider scouting the area, or we just take these dudes here.
* We fight the trolls, but keep one alive via Polymorph (as a rabbit)
* Ulertu and Theo investigate the stone structure these Trolls were trying to "keep us away from"
* This platform is a center of something, it's in great condition, and water flows AWAY from it
** It perfectly aligns with N/S/E/W
** There's a thrumming energy coming off of the sturcture, it's marked with runes down the front
* There is a story on the obelisk, a dark time where the changes in the world made this place a powerful part of the land and the world
** Fearing its use as something horrible (aka The Black Sky), the giants sealed this place
** Something is leaking from under this "magical lock"
** Something was sealed away here but because the world is out of balance, this baby is about to bust
* We recall this location being from the story Stratus told us about, the betrayal of the Emperor
** aka why the Elves don't dig the Empire, he betrayed them (see previous notes)
* Randir is fairly certain, that this place is where the betrayal happened
* We try to decide... should we just leave? How can we even figure this whole thing out?
* Randir tells the gang: We must figure this out now while we have time, if we go to the Strand with LESS information than we Could have.. we will regret it.
* Randir asks the rabbit-troll to take a message to the Troll king that we mean to broker peace and are reverent to the obelisk/shrine
* We send the rabbit away and Ulertu goes to work to figure out how to measure/contain the etehereal energy being leaked from this place
* Ulertu does some business, we take a short rest, Theo and Randir get healed
* END OF SESSION
 
== 6/17/2022 ==
* Cederleaf asks us to... seek out and kill the Trolls
* "They kill us, so we must kill them"
* Randir sees this as VERY black and white... Randir observes Master Cedarleaf...
** He sees hints of magic, slight imperfections in Cedarleaf's skin...
** This elf is older than any elf he has ever met
** His appearance is held ''together'' by magic, this guise is a glamour
** This matches to stories he's heard about "the oldest elves" -- this is one of those elves
*** LORE ALERT: Elves CAME to this land, they were not born here
***If an elf ties themselves to some sort of magic, they can live for MUCH longer than other elves
** Cedarleaf has VERY little patience for things he has determined "evil" long ago
* Randir sees this quest as something we can take on without distracting from our goals
* We ALSO need to talk to Cedarleaf about assassins in Caer Sen with markings associated with this camp
* We get healed for 15 hp
* Lots of questions here:
** Should we leave Pallas here to infiltrate the monks while we head off to find the Trolls?
** What's the beef between Cedarleaf and the Empress?
** Is this some old blood fued between the former king and the first elves?
* Suddenly Stratus falls out of a trance, "2 days and there's gonna be 60 guards here and we're gonna destroy the Obelisk"
** Shit
* WELL we need to get to the obelisk before the guards get here, so we're gonna do some investigatin' in the city
** Theo wants to learn some fightin' techniques
** Ulertu wants to make some acid vials
*** He gets a bundle of 20 sling bullets of acid, nice
** Randir wants to learn the history of this city ala the walking history of Isildur in Rivendell
* The city is beautiful and ornate, masterfully manicured
* Everyone in the city is elven and looks fancy
* THIS PLACE HAS EVERYTHING (for sale)
* Randir gives Ulertu 10gp for components
* Theo goes and trains with some of the warriors, he asks about their sigil to understand their history / what they're trying to protect.
** One guy tells Theo about the war 300 years ago when the Emporer wanted to unify all kingdoms, the Elves in the forest were trying to protect the oldest things in the forest and the Emporer was with them
*** This dude has some distain for the northern kingdoms who were fighting back against the Emporer
** He tells Theo the story of the Great Betrayal - The Emporer turned on the Elves, spilling his blood on the land, creating the Blooming Pools -- permanently scarring the forest, turning it more into a swamp
* Randir finds a walking history
** He is struck by the idea of the railing, stairs, and balcony are roots from the tree
*** Purposefully grown and fostered over decades with meticulous care--maybe over generations
** He sees carvings in wood and metal, as an exhibit created a long time ago by Valdana Coy
** Made by the elves to NOT forget their history (or for some, to remind them of what already happened)
** Randir sees an exhibit of enormous boats crossing the great see from their homeland (300-400 years ago)
*** The time of the giants was CENTURIES ago -- the giants were not here when people arrives on the continet
*** The elves were not the first to this land, but they came because it was going to be a valuable place
** There is an exhibit of the tree being planted
** The elves came to this continent as planters, to grow the land
** The history of elves changed quickly -- they went from planters / growers to warriors
** Randir sees historical weapons
** There is an exhibit of the great dragon hunts 300ish years ago
*** The Emporer, Aramon Sur, initiated the dragon hunt
** For ~100 years, the Elves became monster hunters, masters of the hunt
** Then another change, less historical objects from outside of the woods
** Then there was the betrayal by the Emporer, followed by a time of isolation
** History becomes stagnant after this, some visitors, but most people stay and they didn't develop much beyond the city for ~200 years
* Randir wanders back to look more at the Betrayal of the Emporer
** The elves were a big part of the Emporer's army, and he wanted to unite the land by using their fighting skills
** Something changes, but Randir cannot suss out what it is, but the Emporer wanted to burn the forest
*** This was everything to the Elves, and they were not gonna have that
* We regroup for the evening
* Stratus is a bit toasted and starts to talk to Ulertu about Obelisks
** He's been studying the runes, a language no one seems to know that the Giants seemed to have made up (but Ulertu translated before... something about The Black Sky)
* Travertine shows back up with the monks who went to fetch the dead monks we saw in the forest, they party a bit in celebration of life
* Someone leaves a little tray of potions for us, 3 potions of Greater Healing
* Theo gets a gift from some of the kids in town, a little box
** Inside is a handwritten note, they thank him for coming by and a small glass vial of blue potion
*** It's a potion of heroism
* Pallas took care of some business in town
** He met with some folks to get some answers to things
*** He was curious if we could trust the folks here
*** Randir surmises what Pallas talked about he wants to keep to himself, but it seems to have fueled him and steeled his resolve
*** Randir recalls Theo's story about being in the Ember Vale, the caravan where Pallas and Theo lived was attacked and Pallas is looking for those attackers -- which was Theo's father and the Order of the Dragon. Pallas seems to have found some answers.
* The night winds down... and we take a long rest
* Pallas wakes us in the morning and Randir casts Pass without Trace on everyone and we make our way out of time
** Pallas shows off his new prosthetic on his leg, grown from trees, and a glint of light coming off of a bead he pulls out of a pouch and gives to Randir
*** A Pearl of Power.
*** Fuck yeah.
* We sneak out to find the trolls and, more importantly before Stratus can get to it, the Obelisk
 
== 5/7/2022 ==
* '''Overview notes''':
** Stratus has been hired to destroy these Obelisks
** We don't want to destroy the Obelisks...
* After a night's rest, we set off and Randir immediately finds the Monestary, it's a beautiful, manicured area
* We come to a small hill where a trio of buildings live, some people are collecting berries, others working on the buildings, sheparding sheep
* Beyond the hill, we see HUGE trees - built into the trees are structures of immense craft and design
* Ulertu notes (with a history check): They have grown the trees around them, and as near-immortals, the world grows around them the same way
* Randir notices everyone is Elven in SOME way (elf/half-elf), maybe a few humans
** Randir's history with elves that he met in his past were separate from the societies of elves, they were isolationists
* We approach the group, tell them about their fallen, they offer us food
* We have a bunch of q's, so they take us to a small place to talk to the Abbot
* Stratus and Tavertine go to talk to The Abbot
* We give the monks directions to their fallen, Theo notices that their buildings are damaged and some people are injured
* The folks around here love the Abbot, he's well traveled and knows a bunch
* Theo thinks we should have Travertine go with the monks to fetch their dead
* We meet the Abbot, dude is "statuesque"
** He calls himself "Sellivus Cedarleaf"
* IS THIS GUY A SUPER DRUID???
* WE MET THIS GUY 7 MONTHS AGO????
** This guy was at the monestary at the top of the Ember Peak
** He gave us some serious inspiration
* He doesn't remember us... or what we did?
* This dude is a traveler, bad memory, he wishes to spread knowledge and help people
** yeah, okay fine
* Randir explains what we're looking for - the Obelisks. Our goal is to learn from these things Obelisks in order to heal the fraying magic of the lands
* The Obelisk of the forest is being held by the Trolls near here
* This Cedarleaf dude does NOT like the Trolls
** Randir asks him why he can't do it?
** he basically says, "We're above violence."
* Trolls have been attacking at an increasing rate starting ~3 weeks ago
** Hold on, that lines up with the first obelisk we interacted with
** Shiiiiit
* We sit down to discuss what could be next:
** Are things gonna be even more complex in The Strand?
** What can we do to prep for facing The Trolls?
* '''Troll Facts'''
** Former giants
** Trolls live near magma, in icy tundras, in unbreathable air
*** They mutate with whatever magic has been imbued to them at birth
*** Lots of mutations
** Heal their own wounds
** Super Strong
** Mutation/healing can be halted by fire/acid/necrotic damage
** Not super smart, very survival/meal focused
*** They know that if they eat/assume something, they can assimilate that into themselves
** A troll imbued with raw magic, it might accelerate these natural physical properties
** Randir recalls a story of "The Destroyer" a troll that many killed, but did not die
*** Many slayed this Troll, but the gods spat them out of the underworld
* We finish our conversation by talking about the bigger puzzle:
** Why does this keep coming back to Giants?
** And how does this factor in to the balance of power the Empress asked us to look into
* We head back up the hill to rejoin the group.... but Randir hears wolves...
* ...no a 10ft long hyena held by a 4 armed troll with a pack of Gnolls
* We fight. We survive. We manage to stop the Trolls from regenerating
* In the conclusion of the fight, Cedarleaf has been watching and begins to clap
* END SESSION
 
== 3/26/2022 ==
* Second day of travel into the forest of the Blooming Pools
* We watch along the path as we move through the forest
* Randir up front, Ulertu in the middle, and Theo in the back
* Stratus talks to Randir about magic
** Randir describes it like forming language from your mouth, over time you can change the flow and speed and direction and shape of a word as you hear it or experience it
* We find some Gnolls chompin down on some dead dudes
* So we gonna fight em
* They call out to more dudes
* A troll comes with them... and it can cast spells???
* Theo gets healed a bit by Pallas
* The troll had an Amulet of Absorb Elements
* We investigate the dudes who were attacked by the Gnolls
* One of the dead dudes has the same symbol from the Monks we saw in Caer Sen - this is the monestary that is supposed to be in this forest
* We investigate a bit and see that the Gnolls came from the south, and these travelers came from the north...  '''Maybe that's where the monestary is?'''
* We go back to get our horses and head north towards where we believe the monestary is...
* We camp in the woods in a safe space that Randir finds with a survival check (and take a long rest)
* END SESSION
 
== 2/13/2022 ==
* Notes from Last session that I missed:
** There's at LEAST 5 obelisks
*** We've encountered 2: The Giant King's Tomb, the Tower
*** 3 more in: The Strand, and... PLACE AND PLACE
** Stratus was hired by Lord Blacbriar(?)
** Maybe we don't want to break the power in these obelisks? (whoops)
** Other folks hiring mages to destroy the Obelisks: Lord Dracos
** Trolls have been a problem for this area more recently hence the combat
** And we rested
* We make our way towards the town of Scalewater
* Stratus tells us about the legend of how the Blooming Pools came to be: Spilling of Emporer Amon Sur (sp?) and his anger thrashed against the land
* We make our way into Scalewater to see a man speaking to a crowd, the folks of this town are a bit mad at the "monks"
* We go talk to the angry man
* He says there was a peace with the trolls brokered by the elves of the forest, but if something happened to them, it may be a bigger issue -- might have something to do with the Troll King? Need to investigate
** But the details of this are foggy, no one is really old enough here (in their 40s) to know the history because this town is young
** This dude is Barret
* Stratus is waiting for an escord from The Strand being sent to fetch him (some guards, a ranger, maybe more -- maybe 20-3 guards)
** He's surprised they aren't here
* We talk to Stratus about us going into the forest to investigate the broken peace with the Trolls and the Elves
* Stratus tells us about the region
** He knows about the Troll King (Stratus calls him 'leader') but thinks the garrison is being sent to fight off the trolls to get to an Obelisk deep in the woods
*** Well shit
** "It might be near a monastary of some kind" aka this is what Barret was yelling about when we came to town
* Maybe we all want to go together and leave word for this garrison
** SURE
* We poke around the town:
** This place is like 15 years old
** Uletru gets a feel for WHY these people are here
*** They trade a lot of materials/vegetation specific to this forest with folks outside of the forest
*** 2nd gen families mostly
* Stratus leaves word with the town
* He buys a huge workhorse for him and Travertine
* And we ride into the forest
* We get through a half day of riding and Randir finds a ruined stone building to set up camp for the night
* Ulertu casts an Alarm on the area before we rest
* Stratus tells us a story about the elves that used to live here
* Randir fucking puts it together: Maybe "gods that walk the land" = "The Emperor/Empress" and we've been seeing them as separate entities which is WRONG
** FUUCK
* We sleep
* Theo has a dream of fighting, the darkness, a sword in the dark.... his FATHER
** Theo Slays the phantom of his father and wakes up in the dark...
* We wake and have a lil breakfast
* As we move further into the forest, Randir is trying to be more aware of the forest... it seems that we are coming close to a grove, if his DREAM from before is correct.
** Randir tells everyone about how groves are magically encouraged forests/natural areas that are "guarded" / "watched over" / "protected" by druids and how we should all be wary of how much we take from a grove lest we anger the druid who protects it
*** every druid is different... so we need to be careful '''especially''' if the fuckin "child of destiny" is involved, whatever that means...
** Randir is a little spooked
* END OF SESSION
 
 
== 1/29/2022 ==
* We make our way towards the Blooming Pools
* We know that this area is home to some of the first elves in the forest, including the monestary associated '''the assassins we saw in Caer Sen'''
* We begin to see the pools, and the area becomes bog-like... but not decomposing like a bog
* We come across the remains of a castle, overrun by growth
** Randir knows that this forest is old and Elven
** The elves are providing the greenery with renewed life and reclamation power
* We continue on the road, it's well traveled and well kept
* Ulertu hears some fighting ahead, we move forward to investigate
* We see a person in Order of Truth robes fighting off a Troll
** Based on what we hear, it sounds like there's more of these Trolls
* We get into the fight and it's a big ol fight but mostly us flexing our new skills
* Looks like Statrus Stormwall (the blue skinned fella that Ulertu knows) is off to investigate an Obelisk...
* Randir finds it odd because, well, the gang is investigating them too...
* Stratus seems a bit absentminded about who hired him
* Stratus says, "It's great that we're gathering knowledge to share" (sort of)
** Randir has genuinely not thought about the time "after" this adventure... after this goal of stopping the evils of the world.
** Would he find a partner? Would he settle down? How would he even pass this information on?
*** In song? In story? In practice?
* Starus talks about magic with everyone and Randir realizes **Druidic magic basically does not exist**
** Meta wise: This is because of choices made in Ember Peak and in the one-shot we did
** Stratus basically says: Magic isn't innate, it MUST be taught (ie. Sorcerer's / Druids)
* Is this the first time Randir has talked in depth about magical theory with other magic users
* Travertine Rise is Stratus' buddy and he kind of INNATELY casts spells, and Stratus keeps them around to learn more about this innate magic
* Randir expounds about how magic kind of CAME to him, the Druidic language suddenly was in his mind
** All of Randir's power flows in and around nature, it's at the core of all he does
* Stratus is studying OLD magics of life and death
* We're about a half day to the next town...
* END OF SESSION
 
== 1/8/2022 ==
* We prep and head back to Fennel Ridge
* Randir is thinking about how much he DOESN'T know...
* Getting to Fennel Ridge, we tell the excited kids of the town what we've been up to
** Seems Cas has hidden the Eagle's existence from the town
* And in town, they're butchering a whole bunch of drakes in the middle of town
* Cas tells us that they cleaned out the drake nest that was disturbed by the Eagle
* They found a few items in the nest...
** Randir gets a new staff: Staff of Healing
** Theo gets a ring of spell storing
** Uletru gets a tome of clarity
* Turns out our damn horses just came back to town?
** SUSPICIOUS
* A blue-skinned guy and a dude with pointy teeth came through town a day after we left
** Not the mage...
* Randir is offered some scales from the killed drakes... to make some Dragon Scale Mail (AC 15 + Dex)!!
* We know we need to go north, and the Obelisks we've come across and broken are important -- 2 of (at least) 5
** Everyone's seeking to destroy them... but we need to gain the knowledge they give us before others find them and destroy them
* Next, we need to head through the Forest of the Blooming Pools
** As a note, we're reminded that there's a Monastary of folks who attacked us in Caer Sen somewhere in that forest
* We spend the night relaxing for a bit, maybe doing a bit of partying
* And we rest...
* AND WE DREAM
** Theo dreams of Hoar and a growing darkness in the sky
** Randir dreams of a grove, a druid's grove
*** He sees people walking about, carelessly, with ignorance
*** He recalls hearing the voice of Elena telling him about the Chosen One, a tool to push destiny towards a better outcome
*** This is Randir's charge, but it doesn't jive with his idea of destiny
*** Randir sees "destiny" beyond comprehending and damaging to try to seek, "Whatever happens, happens"
*** But Randir, on Elena's ask, needs to find this chosen person... even if it goes against his own belief
*** This grove is special, and he needs to find it
*** In this grove, Randir hears fragments of what the people here are saying... it's prayer -- prayer to spirits, gods, nature, etc.
**** This is some kind of holy place beyond being a druidic grove, lots of power here
*** Behind Randir is a giant tree, the same that he saw in his previous vision... but there are also motes of light like we saw in the Limbo world
*** The light washes over Randir, and he briefly wakes up then falls back to sleep
* We wake up the next day and are rested, ready to move forward on our journey on our horses
* We do a little scouting to see if the mage came near here, Ulertu looks into the two other dudes who came into town
** Uluertu remembers the blue-skinned mage, he was a little obsessed with Revival / resurrection magic
* The town gathers together to see us off and it's real nice
* END SESSION
 
== 12/18/2021 ==
* We follow Barrowcroft to his camp
** Randir is only going along with this business of killing the elk out of respect for Theo
* Barrowcroft has been keeping a lot of notes at his camp (making ink, etc.)
* Randir feels like this guy's behavior is wild and erratic (insight check)
** Randir notices vials of herbs scattered around, and he's been burning random things he finds in the forest
* This dude has been "taking" back from the forest
* But he's able to cast a makeshift "Locate Creature" which shows that his former companions are still here but live as motes of light that we saw before
* Randir is confused, this feels like fate... we were on a path, but now we're in a grove
** Is this the grove mentioned in his dream?
*** If it is, who is the child of destiny? What will he need to choose?
* Randir asks about a giant red tree... does it exist?
** Barrowcroft says it's not here, but it's somewhere far from here. A place he'd visited in his youth.
* Barrowcroft says there's a meadow in the center of the forest, there are 3 pools and 3 large trees-- it's here where the giant elk sleeps
** Dude wants to kill the elk with our help
* Randir doesn't want to kill this elk, but maybe we can reason with it
** He doesn't want to make the same mistake he made with the Eagle
* We decide to try to trap the Elk so maybe we can reason with it
* Randir and Ulertu go off to get Pallas to bring him to this camp where the magic seems to be less potent and stealing
** Also to get the armor and weapons they left
* Theo and Barrowcroft have a talk, a talk about death...
* Randir and Ulertu approach the grove where we left Pallas and the fuckin ELK is there
* Randir tries to speak with the Elk
* The elk moves and Pallas is not there, but his belongings are gone too
* We hear a voice call out to us and we run over to where Pallas was
* The Elk is gone off into the forest
* Randir don's his things again and expresses his worry about Barrowcroft
* Maybe we just follow the elk and split the party
* Yeah, shit. Let's go.
** We're going Two Towers, baby
* But... Randir can't find any tracks of this elk... he thinks it's tracks are being masked
** He believes this Elk has the ability to mask its tracks, like a spellcaster... maybe this IS a druid?
* Ulertu and Randir decide to head to the meadow without Theo and Barrowcroft
** Maybe they can figure out the ordeal with this elk before Theo and Barrowcroft get there
** Randir is worried that Barrowcroft may be hunt-hungry even if we trap this elk to try to reason with it
* We follow a path for a long while, the sun begins to set... the starts begin to reveal themselves
* There are 3 pools in the meadow, reflecting light
* We see movement outside the edge of the meadow and Randir casts Pass without Trace
* Ulertu creates an extradimensional portal for us to hide in
* Theo and Barrowcroft go searching for us (thinking us taken by the elk)
** But Barrowcrowft says he needs Theo by his side to kill the elk... Theo says he will if there is no other choice
* The gang all arrives at once
* Combat starts... Barrowcroft casts a hold creature spell, randir frees the elk and yells he wants to understand the elk... MID BATTLE
* Suddenly, Randir sees a vision
** People come to the forest here... when they are looking for something
** This forest is a place to help discover where they need to be next
** A vision of another group trying to understand... when they understand, they turn into light and drift away
*** Others in this group do not find understanding, and stay... for a long time. They are tied to the past, but they leave another way, going back to where they came from
** One person remains, he can't go back, back to where he came from and refuses to move on... this place becomes a prision for him. He makes this place his life because he refuses to move on.
** Those who go back, wake up and this was a dream. Others who go back are never seen again.
*** Those who cannot go back are already dead... like Barrowcroft
** This elk is the avatar of this whole place
* We gotta stop Barrowcroft... he's already dead
* We fight and... Barrowcroft falls
* Randir relays what the elk showed him and leaves Theo to Barrowcroft to talk
* We hear a voice... "Randir! Theo! Ulertu!"
* It's Pallas!
* We all wake up... Randir wraps him in a bear hug
* And we pack up to make our way onto FENNEL RIDGE
* AND WE HIT LEVEL 9
** Randir understands that the spell that we were all under during this "dream" was caused by the spell "Dream"
* END OF SESSION
 
== 12/4/2021 ==
* It's noon... We're a few hundred feet from our camp, tired on the beach
* Someone hired these mages and it was probably Theo's dad.
** These guys are looking for these giant stones of power and break them / open the seals on them
** We've done that to two of the seals...
** One is in the Strand and one is in the forests by the Blooming Pools, North East of where we are now
* Maybe we need to head to The Blooming Pools next
* We're a day's ride from Fennel's Ridge...
* Our horses are no where to be found
* We take a short rest
* Randir catches the trail of the horses, but after some time, it seems like they were moving with purpose... someone took our horses.
* We settle to rest
* Pallas thanks Randir for his kind words in the underwater lab
** Randir reminds him, "Every day is a success. Hold to that. Let that momentum build."
* He hears a rustling in the distance... and suddenly, he feels overwelmingly tired... and falls asleep
* In his slumber, Randir is pulled into a sideways dreamscape
** Lights move around him, he sees Theo, Pallas, and Ulertu pulled along side of him
** He's in a dark meadow, save these moving orbs of light
** He's suddenly at a campsite similar to the one he was at...
* As he comes to his senses, he's at the base of a tree, but only he is awake
* He casts a charge of the Staff of Flowers to "protect" his friends who are unconscious
* Randir moves to the center of the meadow
* There is a clear pool of water, it's moving from beyond the tree
* We all drink from the water and recover HP and spell slots, exhaustion is removed (this isn't a long rest)
* Randir feels like this is almost a religious experience... there is a reverence to this place
* We see some movement beyond the trees
* Randir feels like there isn't someone here to hurt us, and he decides to move towards it
* We move up the 5ft ledge and an ENORMOUS elk walks out from the treeline (antlers as wide as Randir is tall)
* Super elegant, it regards us
* Randir nods to it, greeting it in beast speech
* He asks, "Did you bring us here?" it doesn't respond
* Randir tells his friends, "Maybe we need to follow it?"
* Suddenly, there is a loud bark, and a huge arrow hits the elk in the neck
* It runs and we follow... follow for 20 mins
* Finally the elk slows and lays down next to a pool of water
* It behinds to heal as it drinks from this pool of water
* Ulertu notices something glistening in the water
* Randir reaches in and pulls a metal helm out of the water and an empty scabbard
** The helm is cracked along the side
* Theo has seem helms like this in the Strand, the blacksmith worked at Barrowcraft Manor
* The elk leaves and Randir calls out, "What was the point of this? Why did you bring us here?" and it leaves
* We hear movement coming towards us, an animal sniffing
* Randir goes to head off the movement, and he comes to see an older man and his dog
* So.. he asks us if we've been here long.. Randir says no but that he has friends
* The guy asks if one of us didn't make it, Randir says sort of... one of us is still in a slumber
* This guy thinks the elk is what's keeping people here
* "I am Simon Barrowcroft" he says
* And he thinks we're going to help him kill this elk, Randir is a little confused but decides to take him to Ulertu and Theo
* Randir brings his guy to the group and Theo kneels
* Looks like this dude has been gone from the Strand since Theo left...... WEIRD
* Well shit, this ALSO is pointing back to Theo's dad and the Strand
* This dude is dead set on killing this elk, he says it will take us one by one... like it did Pallas
* Randir cannot accept this, "I cannot believe this. I won't. He is saying pallas is dead, I will not accept this"
* And he runs off to the grove
* Simon drops Theo's armor in front of him, "We must kill this beast."
* Randir and Ulertu run to Pallas, Randir frantically trying to figure out how to save Pallas
* We feed some of the water to Pallas, it helps minorly
* Ulertu tries mixing some of the water with ichor... they won't mix
* Randir is frantic. He needs to do something for Pallas.
* He clears the flowers and wildlife from around Pallas and wraps him in the Cloak of Elvenkind to protect him from the forest
** "I hope this will protect him from the forest trying to take from him"
** "It's likely the forest is taking from us as well, we just have more to take compared to Pallas"
* Simon and Theo show up, Randir is... pissed
* Simon seems to really not care for this forest
* Simon barrowcroft leads us off to the forest where he has a camp. He wants to plan a hunt.
* END OF SESSION
 
== 11/20/2021 ==
* Despite being injured, we explore a bit
* We come across a giant monster ichor dude who is dead and a Giant skeleton
* There are two large containers in a room off of the laboratory
* They maybe look like sarcofigi
* There's an enormous canister in the center of this room that is full of swirling grey liquid (or surrounded by it)
* We decide to take a short rest (PHEW)
* We do a little investigation:
** The big dead ichor-like dude who hasn't vanished looks like he was made OF the ichor, not a corruption of something by the ichor
*** Randir knows that when these things are damaged, they will likely go away or be disintigrated
**** Randir's sword, made of the mountain, the Amber blade will dispell these dudes
*** This guy died from other means
** Ulertu discovers some warding magic on these sarcofigi
*** TLDR; warding magic, to keep things out? or in?
* We find a journal that has some info about the mage who ran off and a vial of something the Mage was using... a sample of metal glass?
** They had a fucking bet about doing some nasty deeds???
** All things seem to be pointing to the North... to the Spire
** Theo walks off, this mage was hired by his dad???
* Randir says, "We must do something to stop them, and quickly"
* Randir asks Pallas for a read on things as Theo walks off, concerned about the journals
** Randir reads from him: Pallas is someone who has lost everything and he hasn't had the chance to take his own power back
** Randir has bonded with this dude, and maybe his words have given Pallas more hope for the future
* Pallas points out that the only thing out of place in this summoning spell is the plant...
* Randir begins to conclude a whole myriad of ideas:
** What if this metal plant allows mages to tap into a power beyond their means?
** And the Empress can innately tap into that power?
** And the giants found a way to tap into it as well...
** But then '''something''' showed up to stop it... what if it was the "Ichor"?
** Someone told us a while back they they were here to cleanse the land; what if it wasn't to cleanse the NATURAL world but it was this power that these mages are tapping into?
** And the Empress is old, her power is old... '''What if there is a balance and these mages are tipping it?'''
* Randir notices a word in the spell circle... in a language rarely spoken, hardly written... '''''Druidic'''''
** The word is '''"Death"'''
** Whoever wrote this does not know druidic
** The mage memorized the shape of the sigil, but the druidic is like a copy not someone who knows the language...
*** He got this knowledge from somewhere
* We decide we probably need to make our way to the Spire ASAP.
* We check out the cage on the south side of the room
** We surmise that this was where the giant eagle was being held
* But the eagle was here when this lake was a valley
* We look at the wall of water... which looks to be a tank
** Dimly, we can see there is a another wall beyond this one
* Randir casts Daylight in the murky water
* The glass on the opposite side is cracked...
* Below our level we can see water has filled in the floor below us from the crack
* An enormous grey-blue body is below us with a huge dark eye... (A shark, but Randir doesn't know what that is)
** This huge thing moves SUPER quick out of the building and out into the lake through the crack
* We try to decide if we want to open the sarcophagi...
** Ulertu does a bit of reading from the books the mage left
** He comes across a bit about a dude from the one-shot campaign we did for the bachelor party!
** The dude wrote about four standing stones... we've seen two of them before!
** The mage wrote some notes: These standing stones exist for a reason and are powerful, they exist to HOLD something back (and his boss is looking for them)
** The mage's boss wants these stones destroyed
** There is one in the top of the tower, one in the strand, one in the old forests by the Cinder Root, one that hasn't been found (but Ulertu knows it's in the tomb we were in)
** The standing stones seems to have been built in a rished fashion
* But no info about the sarcophagi...
* We go to try to open them, but we can't seem to figure out what to do?
* Theo reads the runes with his Paladin powers. He knows exactly what these things are / what they do:
** They seem to be inert magical devices that are mean to protect and clean the liquid that's in the chamber in the middle of the room
** Whatever corruption occurs in the chamber, they purge it
* But the magic has faded
* Now, though, theo knows that with working with Ulertu... they could purify the black ichor!
* And Randir recalls that the Eagle asked us to either protect or destroy this place...
* We decide to flood the place, so we break the giant glass with Magic Stone / Eldritch Blast to swim out through the other side
* And the glass shatters
* We swim out...
* Ulertu sees that the chain we followed down is now gone... ''eff''
* Ulertu feels a prescence in the water, a familiar feeling from beneath Ember Peak
** He feels that presence circling around him... it's the shark!!
* We swim up..... and the fucking SHARK SHOWS UP
* We fight, barely managing to escape
** Thanks to Randir's summoned Water Elemental!
* We manage to swim back to shore, all gaining a level of exhaustion
* And the sessions ends as we all lay exhausted on the shore of the lake...
 
== 11/6/2021 ==
* We get a little healing from Pallas who is VERY winded by using his magic
* Randir does some sneaky sneaks to try to see where these other cultists are
* He goes invisible then sees there's a LOT of these dudes
* He moves to a hidden corner and casts Spike Growth around a bunch of dudes
* WE GET INTO A FIGHT
* The cultists are doing some sort of ritual
* We fight some dudes, and Randir flies over a great eagle to try to interrupt the end of the ritual
* But we don't stop it and some nasty fucking dog gets summoned from a ritual circle
* Randir gets grappled by a cultist and the dog burns then poisons him
** Lowers his HP max by '''NINE'''
** Can make another save against this every 24 hours
** The poison makes him feel like the bleakness of the world was always meant to happen. It feels like the darkness of the world will take over...
* Randir goes down, so does Theo...
* The mage gets away dammit
* We do a bit of healing and Theo removes the poison from both of us
* We end on the four of us (including Pallas) in the silence of this Giant Laboratory
 
== 10/2/2021 ==
* We're woken up by Pallas, he saw figures and a boat out on the lake
* Randir casts Water Walk (1hr) and Water Breathing (24hr) on everyone
* We walk out to the boat, but it's actually three boats tied together, no one is in the boats
* Randir surmises that this lake is DEEEEP
* The boats have a few empty crates, the crates are marked by a diving bird
* We make our way into the depths, using the boat anchor to pull us downward
* Randir senses movement a distance away in the water and informs the group via hand signals
* It starts to get dark...
* Theo pulls out his sword, giving us enough light
* We get to the bottom and see that someone has knocked a hole in the side of a HUGE building
* The "hole" looks to be a tunnel
* We decide to go around the building and Theo notices a second floor
* Randir turns into a giant octopus and swims up
* He sees torches inside, figures moving inside dressed in dark clothing
** There are 4 vats of liquid on the other side of the window, an ENORMOUS skeleton beside it
* 5 figures walk past, 2 stop by the skeleton and look into the vats
* We make our way back to the tunnel and into the building (2nd floor)
* Randir casts Pass Without Trace on everyone and we move in
* We're being real sneaky
* We come across a giant skeleton that apparently collapsed here, not in a fight...
** Ulertu takes a shaving of the bones
* We find a HUGE Basin, Theo climbs up to look into it
** Immaculately carved, but empty
** Randir asks, "Why would they build this for smaller people to climb?"
* We find another Giant skeleton, slumped in a corner
* We come across some dudes... well, cultists. Similar to the dudes we ran into under the mountain WAYYY back when
* We beat the dudes up
* Ulertu looks into the contents of the desks
* Randir looks at some of the mushrooms, some appear to be growing out of a grate where moisture is collecting...
* We get in some fights with some dudes and it only partially goes our way.
* There are more people beyond where we are now... and they're ready to fight us.
* END SESSION
 
== 9/9/2021 ==
* Ulertu scoops up some of the ichor from the mage -- who is completely made of ichor it seems
* The rest sinks into the ground...
* Randir offers to heal the eagle, but it doesn't seem to trust us
* But the thing is: We came here to "deal" with this Eagle
* Pallas casts some sort of spell to allow Randir to speak to the Eagle
** Randir passes along a memory of who he is: A wanderer, a traveller, someone leaving The Forest with no certainty of when he would be back
** Randir gets a memory of the Eagle's life, becoming a warrior, the shiny new tower, and then darkness as it sleeps.
** The memory continues with the bird waking, fighting through stone and water, and then atop the tower
*** So it does what it was trained to do: It watches, it retrieves things, it kills, it protects
* So Randir asks what the bird still needs to do
** He gets images of whoever took the bird in the first place, in a cold building... somewhere
*** The bird is worried about the weapons it was building
* Can it take us to this cold building?
** But it shows him an image of struggling out of stone and water
* The building is in the fucking lake
* We decide to rest
* Pallas has trouble sleeping and takes over watch from Ulertu
* Theo has some DREAMS
** Hoar has some info to give to Theo
* Randir has some DREAMS
** Randir is in a forest, everything else is silent
** He hears a stream, so he heads towards it
** There is a hooded figure across the stream, but the stream is deep and wide
** This dude asks about who randir is and what it is he wants
*** Randir wants to know what his place in the universe is. He needs to seek out the greater world because he was touched by something MORE and needs to understand what his place in the greater... everything.
** The voice warns him that Randir must do what they could not. They point, and there's a giant red tree. Suddenly the river is full of dead fish.
** Randir must find the child of destiny
*** He asks, "Why me?"
*** "If not you, then another would come along."
** The face turns.
*** IT'S A SKELETON. IT'S ELENA???? Kind of???
** They say: '''There is a grove, a place where a god's blood was spilled, there you will find the child of destiny, there you will know what it means to choose'''
** The wind rises and the real Elena cries out, "I'm not gone!" as everything is washed away into darkness"
* Ulertu has some dreams
** Ulertu sees some business about a building
* Pallas wakes us up, it looks like someone took a boat out into the lake... UH OH
 
== 8/12/2021 ==
* Randir squirms out of the claws of the giant bird
* Randir notices markings on the eagle's neck
* Ulertu, Pallas, and Randir run to the pit trap as Theo fights the eagle from its back
* We get the bird's attention at the pit trap
* Theo notices that the eagle has a large leather strap around its talon, like a holder
* We fight, we trap the bird...
* but SUDDENLY a nasty, no mouthed, yell eyed person, covered in black ichor, comes out of the lake with 3 corrupted wolves
* We fight, and this dude is counterspelling us and wrecking SHIT
** Eating spells left and right
* Randir heals the bird
* The bird joins our side and fights the dude, but the mage is POWERFUL
* Pallas almost dies
* The mage captures Randir's Call Lightning and casts it back at him but Pallas manages to cast Counterspell to stop it, then collapses
** HELL ON WHEELS
* In Randir's last ditch attempt to kill this thing, he pulls the Amber Blade, runs 20 feet and slices the mage.... in twain
* Ulertu gives everyone a potion of healing
* End on silence as the Eagle looks us over
 
== 7/31/2021 ==
* We enter the room with the noon-day sunlight
* The whole room's ceiling is gone
* In the middle of the room, there's an enormous pile of oversized kindling.... aka a nest
* It smells nice but there's a putrid smell... a dead wyvern
** A pretty big wyvern
* There's a bunch of scattered feather... some longer than we are tall
* Randir sees scattered pieces of metal and glass...
** The glass looks like it's pieces from a bowed disc
** The glass looks worn
** The glass and metal were originally part of something HUGE
* Ulertu reads some runes, they mention "The Black Sky"
** The Giant King (from a previous session) opposed the Black Sky
* Ulertu finds a locked box and uses a key he's been holding on to since before this gang got together
* Inside the box
** '''A cloth pinned to a piece of metal, an ororoboros sigil on the cloth'''
** '''A Clutch of Letters'''
*** The letters seem to be correspondence between three parties???
**** Someone is trying to investigate the glyphs here
**** There two runes on a letter, a sigil for the Black Sky and an arcane lock
**** The last letter mentions "people camping in the woods" aka US
** '''A small stone that looks very worn / handled'''
*** A Stone of Good Luck (+1 to saves, +1 to ability scores)
** '''A Scroll Tube'''
** Inside, a scroll of Daylight
* Ulertu gives Randir the Stone of Luck (aka a Luckstone)
* Theo gives Ulertu the scroll of Daylight
* Theo and Randir go to investigate the nest
** Why does this bird stay here? Is this bird super duper natural?
** There isnt anything magically enhanced here
** There's a strong thrumming of magic coming from the rock slab nearby that Ulertu read from
** The bed of the nest is very soft and cool from grass settled in the base of it
* Pallas passes over a feather
** 8ft long
* Randir surmises that this bird is going to have a wingspan in the triple digits
* We ponder the magic coming from the tablet / rock slab
** Is it keeping the bird here?
** Is the bird guarding the slab?
* Theo does some DIVINE SENSE on this bad boy
** The air becomes sharp and crisp as Theo pushes his will out to the stone
** Theo sees images of Giants performing magic on this stone sometime in the past
** The power in this stone isn't good or evil, but it is protective
* We perform a ritual to remove the power from the tablet
** CHARISMA SAVING THROWS
** An explosion of light and energy and power washes over uses
* Suddenly, Randir is in the woods... the sun is setting
** It reminds him of home... it's not his forest but it feels like home
** There's a fragrence of life
** The pendant of petrified iron feels like it's moving under his shirt
** He pulls it out to look at it... it feels warm like it's full of life but looks black, void black
*** The pendant begins to change, the heart of the wood becomes... seeable, feelable. It's glowing
** The wood is more stone than wood, but life comes in anything
** The orange power blossoms from within...
** Randir sees a moment coming where there is danger, Randir (or one of his friends) are in danger
*** A calamity befalls them
** But Randir KNOWS how to prevent this from happening
* Jump back to Theo and Pallas and Ulertu...
* Similar bits happen to Ulertu, Theo simply sees us blink away
* Back in the real world, Randir's Pendant is now amber and speckled with starlight
** It's a Stone of Fates
* Everyone gets some goodies
* Theo saw the magic of the tablet dissipate
** He's confidence anyone in the area also saw this happen
* AND THEN THE BIRD APPEARS ON THE HORIZON
* Don't worry, Randir just turns into a Giant Eagle and Ulertu elarges him
** Ulertu and Theo get on his wings, Pallas gets into a claw
* WE FLY
* Ulertu and Randir use some BRAND new abilities to MAX OUT THIS ROLL
** DC 25??? MORE LIKE WE ROLLED A 26 and get to the ground, saving everyone
** But the Eagle tears at Randir as the giant eagle
* Randir pops back to himself but is still grappled by the eagle
* END OF SESSION
 
== 6/26/2021 ==
* We head into the cave
* We try to sneak around some lizards..
* BUT IT'S A BIG FIGHT
* RANDIR GET'S SWALLOWED WHOLE
* But we survive
* We head onward but discover a scroll in a small alcove (there's a +1 dagger and 5gp 3cp)
* It seems some folks writing in elven say that they want to protect the tower and the giant eagle....
* Pallas finds ash and asks, "Could this have to do with the assassins from last night?"
* Shiiit. It might.
* Pallas asks, "Should we destroy this place?"
** Theo: "If it has to do with my father, then yes."
* We gotta see why the Order of the Dragon has to do with this place
* We head out of the cave, upward
* We pass through a hole in a wall where a slab of stone used to sit
* We enter the tower....
* A huge circular room... looks like it may be made for giants.
* We take a short rest (and get some HP + spells back)
* In our rest, we look around a bit.
** Climbing the stairs here is gonna be a bit tough
** The large door of this room heads to a building attach to a building at the base of to tower
* The only ways out of this room seem to be:
** Through the big door
** Repelling down the side of the building
** Back through the cavern
** Up the stairs
* So we head up the stairs that are very worn (just from time)
* We make our way up the stairs... BARELY
* We get to a cracked door, the light of noon-day sun shining through
* We squeeze through... and we're in the highest room of the tower
* END SESSION
 
== 6/2/2021 ==
* We wake up and decide to set a bunch of traps for the giant eagle
* A pit + magical plant growth (Randir)
* A fire-bomb ewok-style trap (Theo)
* A crossbow trap with 20 bolts (20d6) (Ulertu)
* We sleep again and wake before dawn
* Pallas noticed splashing in the night, Randir (as a badger) goes to investigate
* He sees tracks but can't figure out to what, some sort of large, stinky lizard
* We head to the tower with Pass without Trace
* We come to an underbrush and Randir notices the same smell he noticed from the stinky lizard... and a huge impact as if something fell from high above
* We figure something was dragged in to an opening under the tower...
* We look into the opening and see that it eventually slopes down to water
* Ulertu notices some bits noted on the walls written in "Academic Cant"
** To go up, go down
** The notes are above
* Randir says, "nah, let's do waterwalk"
** Cast as a ritual
* Pallas gives us a little boost and we see a large reptile
* It slips into the water
* Theo knows that we're in a lizard den...
* And the session ENDS
 
== 5/8/2021 ==
* The townsfolk show up to the end of the fight and Kass tells us we should chat
* She suggests we go off to the tower without her
* Randir suggests that we try to reason with the eagle...
* She says it might be possible... but good luck
** If it does come to blows, she tells us that we should plan with some traps
** She's dropped some traps in the area already
* Randir knows (after some thinking) that reasoning with this GARGANTUAN eagle might not be possible
* He suggests surveying the area tomorrow as a beast
* Ulertu reads a cool book that he has
** An old Giant had a rookery of fuckin eagles!?
* We get to the ruins and seek out Kass' trap materials
* Randir turns into an elk and investigates the area, heading toward the lake
** Randir sees footsteps walking along the beach
* We camp for the night and then we get JUMPED
* We blast these dudes to hell but we leave one alive
* Turns out these dudes work for Theo's dad
* This dude only wants to talk to Theo, so Ulertu and Randir walk away a bit
* This guy believes humanity is not permitted in the world
** The older races shape everything and control the lesser races
** "Even the gods seek our demise"
** The Order of the Dragon is a promise/will to show the older races that we are capable
** Their goal is to make a mark on the world like the old races did
** Not as individuals but as a people
** They want to create a place for humanity
** "As long as the empress lives, humanity will not be able to choose their own destiny."
* Theo kills the dude.
* We ask a lot of questions about... everything in the world
* There is a silence in the forest a long while
* Theo's dad is a bad dude. Pallas vows to stand by Theo if it means bringing that man to justice.
* We rest. Phew.
* AND WE LEVEL UP
 
== 4/3/2021 ==
 
* We make our way towards a village on the trail
** The sign we see reads: Fennel Ridge
* The village is around the widened river we've been following
* A woman with a boat pulls himself across the river to us using a slack line
** She has a raven on her shoulder
** Her name is Kass and she's a '''Ranger'''
* Randir tells her that we ran into some Drakes up river
* She seems a little concerned and asks if she needs help can she call on us
** Randir is MORE than willing to offer their help
* We walk into town and see everyone gathered near the tavern, a huge party kind of thing is going on. Everyone is eating and having a good time.
* We meet Lang, he's a little confused by us
* Turns out he runs the [Something Cabbage]
* Dude's impressed by Theo's armor
* Turns out two Order of Truth guys came through Fennel Ridge not too long ago
** Young guy, blue skin
** Big man, pointy teeth
** Ulertu knows these folks
** They were heading north
* Two other cloaked individuals came through as well
** Nursing injuries, paid in full, left the next morning
* Could those two dudes be League of Assassin dudes???
** OH SHIT THEY MIGHT BE
* We do some canoodling in the town, folks seem to like us
* The two dudes had gone to see some nearby ruins
** The Lonely Tower
** The river opens to a lake, and the Lonely Tower is nearby
* Lang says there's a beast that hangs out in the Lonely Tower
* Lang says some odd things have been happening since the two dudes came through
** Kass says there were footprints that folks should be on the lookout for...
* We talk to Kass
** She tells us about beasts that have been attacking... maybe Wyverns?
* We ask about the Lonely Tower
** There might be a GIANT EAGLE in the tower?
* We decide to sleep, we'll meet Kass tomorrow
* We walk the village in the morning
* And then some dude comes running into town, something's attacked a farmer
* We get to this farm, and there's fuckin drakes and goddamn wolves
* They're attacking Lang who came to get fooD!!!
* WE FIGHT
* A WYVERN SHOWS UP
* IT ALMOST GETS AWAY
* KASS KILLS IT
* AND A FUCKIN GIANT EAGLE SNAGS IT OUT OF THE AIR AND FLYS WEST
* It's heading to a dark spindle.... The Lonely Tower
 
== 3/28/2021 ==
* The flames pouring down these statues become two spectral figures made of ETHEREAL FLAME
* WE FIGHT
** More spectral creatures show up
** Randir loses some permanent HP (long rest will fix)
* Thank the gods for Moonbeam and a Paladin
* After the fight, Randir's sword is still slightly vibrating
* What else lies here?
* We walk for a bit and find another room
* There is a seal on a rock... on the ground
* We investigate
* Randir medidtaes and casts Detect Magic as a ritual
** He sees into the "magical ethereal realm of magic"
* He hears a voice, sad, "Free me...."
* Randir pushes, "Why?"
* "I have been trapped here for so long, please release me..."
* Randir breaks from his trance and tells Ulertu and Theo what he heard
** He believes whatever is being held by this seal is trapped, chained by the magic
* We decide tobreak the seal and free the spirit
* AND THEN THE PLACE STARTS TO CRUMBLE
* Randir casts Haste on everyone
* We manage to make it out alive
** Thanks Haste!
* We run out of the collapsing hillside
* Pallas is very confused
* We head over to a creek to rest
* Pallas says, "Perhaps you releasing this power was releasing something back to nature itself..."
* Randir ponders on this, "This power was great... larger than a creek, a bird... something... " He can't find a way to describe it
* We think on this for a while
* Randir feels a breeze and notices a type of reed he can use to make into upgraded armor
** His focus on this is peaceful and intent on the task
* A small white fin swims up the river and JUMPS OUT AND ATTACKS Randir
* FUCK
* We kill two of these monsters... and there is silence.
* They were drakes
** They served larger, greater serpents
* Ulertu knows that the Giants bent the lesser serpents to their will
* There have been rumors from the rangers that they need to deal with monsters like this...
** Remember the dude in White Tree?
* We figure out that if there's two here... there's probably more.
* Pallas heals us a little
* Pallas also notes that there is a town near by. Perhaps we should head there
* We pack up and head toward the town on our horses as the sun sets
* AND WE LEVEL UP (7)
 
== 2/13/2021 ==
* We run off of the street knowing the city guard would be after us for killing two of the monks
* We take a short rest
* Randir makes a promise that he will see those monks die by his hand
* He's not sure if they can continue with the Cinder Root Trio...
* but we need to tell Bell and Dove what happened, at least
* We head back to the inn... sneakily. Trying to avoid the guard.
* We go back to the inn where Elena died
* We sneak in and find a notebook on Elena's person
** She's been tracking these weapons being brought into the city (as she said)
** She was following up on the containers
* She was investigating the Shipping guild
** She was looking for a dude for Avadon Mar
*** This is the dude we kind fought when we FIRST got to the city
** But Avadon Mar isn't the head honcho. She was looking for his boss.
* She scribbled the sigil of House Grey
** Also within that sigil is a serpent??
** The serpent resembles dragons of olde (in a circle like an Ouroboros)
*** Ulertu knows more about this
* We take Elena's body back to the Cinder Root Trio
** There's a montage of emotions, fading to us on a hill on the North side of the city.
** We give Elena a proper burial, there's a lot of crying
* They're going to bring Elena back to the Cinder Root
* Randir refuses to travel with the Bell and Dove as they head back to the Cinder Root
** He's clearly very upset about Elena's death but he pushes them away claiming they need to do bigger things and doesn't want to endanger them
* Dove presses a locket into his hand, a locket that Elena wore.
** Randir weeps as he hugs Bell, and he apologizes...
** In his mind he's crying he's thinking about Theo and how he came back and why Elena didn't and why did this happen and why now and why not her and...
** Bell leaves him with parting words, "There will be times when you feel alone, but someone is there."
* We leave the city on horseback
* Theo and Randir talk
** Theo tells about his past... which is... dark.
* Randir gives a speech about how strange it is who you connect to and who connects to your life... He's overwhelmed with emotion.
** Fuckin hell, Randir is very emotional about the people of this world
** "The forest is all ebb and flow in life, but in the civilized world... there's something different." Life is more precious to him here.
* We make our way to the Sunfields
** This is the place where the Great Emperor was first injured and his blood was spilled
** Takes a few days to cross through the Sunfields
* OH and Pallas is with us
* We come across a very angular, not-natural looking, 40ft+ tall, grass covered... thing?
* Randir casts Detect Magic as a ritual
* Ulertu climbs the hill thing?? He gets to the top and it's weirdly flat.
* Randir detects Conjuration magic.
* Ulertu digs down about 2 feet and finds solid stone
* Ulertu and Theo hammer into the stone and.... fall into the space within the obelisk thing
** Randir warned them...
* Randir creates a climbing rope to get down to meet Ulertu and Theo
** He stabs a javelin into the ground and ties a rope to it
* This place is full of old, crumbling carpets and niceties
* Ulertu thinks this either a home or a tomb for a giant.
* We travel into the tomb futher, Ulertu finds some text:
** "Here lies Lord Dobvir, King of the Sunfields, he who faced the black sky"
* A feeling of unease rushes over us as we see some sort of movement in the eyes of these huge statues...
* The Amber Blade begins to shake.. he unsheathes it and it gives off a soft amber glow.
** Randir remembers: "This blade is of the mountain"
* As Randir looks up at the eyes, dark flames POUR out of the eyes of the statues......... FILLING THE CAVERN
* UH OH
 
== 2/13/2021 ==
* We run off of the street knowing the city guard would be after us for killing two of the monks
* We take a short rest
* Randir makes a promise that he will see those monks die by his hand
* He's not sure if they can continue with the Cinder Root Trio...
* but we need to tell Bell and Dove what happened, at least
* We head back to the inn... sneakily. Trying to avoid the guard.
* We go back to the inn where Elena died
* We sneak in and find a notebook on Elena's person
** She's been tracking these weapons being brought into the city (as she said)
** She was following up on the containers
* She was investigating the Shipping guild
** She was looking for a dude for Avadon Mar
*** This is the dude we kind fought when we FIRST got to the city
** But Avadon Mar isn't the head honcho. She was looking for his boss.
* She scribbled the sigil of House Grey
** Also within that sigil is a serpent??
** The serpent resembles dragons of olde (in a circle like an Ouroboros)
*** Ulertu knows more about this
* We take Elena's body back to the Cinder Root Trio
** There's a montage of emotions, fading to us on a hill on the North side of the city.
** We give Elena a proper burial, there's a lot of crying
* They're going to bring Elena back to the Cinder Root
* Randir refuses to travel with the Bell and Dove as they head back to the Cinder Root
** He's clearly very upset about Elena's death but he pushes them away claiming they need to do bigger things and doesn't want to endanger them
* Dove presses a locket into his hand, a locket that Elena wore.
** Randir weeps as he hugs Bell, and he apologizes...
** In his mind he's crying he's thinking about Theo and how he came back and why Elena didn't and why did this happen and why now and why not her and...
** Bell leaves him with parting words, "There will be times when you feel alone, but someone is there."
* We leave the city on horseback
* Theo and Randir talk
** Theo tells about his past... which is... dark.
* Randir gives a speech about how strange it is who you connect to and who connects to your life... He's overwhelmed with emotion.
** Fuckin hell, Randir is very emotional about the people of this world
** "The forest is all ebb and flow in life, but in the civilized world... there's something different." Life is more precious to him here.
* We make our way to the Sunfields
** This is the place where the Great Emperor was first injured and his blood was spilled
** Takes a few days to cross through the Sunfields
* OH and Pallas is with us
* We come across a very angular, not-natural looking, 40ft+ tall, grass covered... thing?
* Randir casts Detect Magic as a ritual
* Ulertu climbs the hill thing?? He gets to the top and it's weirdly flat.
* Randir detects Conjuration magic.
* Ulertu digs down about 2 feet and finds solid stone
* Ulertu and Theo hammer into the stone and.... fall into the space within the obelisk thing
** Randir warned them...
* Randir creates a climbing rope to get down to meet Ulertu and Theo
** He stabs a javelin into the ground and ties a rope to it
* This place is full of old, crumbling carpets and niceties
* Ulertu thinks this either a home or a tomb for a giant.
* We travel into the tomb futher, Ulertu finds some text:
** "Here lies Lord Dobvir, King of the Sunfields, he who faced the black sky"
* A feeling of unease rushes over us as we see some sort of movement in the eyes of these huge statues...
* The Amber Blade begins to shake.. he unsheathes it and it gives off a soft amber glow.
** Randir remembers: "This blade is of the mountain"
* As Randir looks up at the eyes, dark flames POUR out of the eyes of the statues......... FILLING THE CAVERN
* UH OH
 
== 1/23/2021 ==
* We spend a week in Caer Sen to chill, make potions, buy a map
* Randir gets a new fancy Wooden Flute with the help of Dove
** He plays some music with the Cinder Root Trio
* We decide we're going to travel with the Cinder Root Trio
* But also before we leave...
** Elena thinks she may have info on who smuggled weapons and poison into Caer Sen
*** May be connected to the shipping guild
* Pallas is gonna be travelling with us, dude got left behind by his crew
** HMMMMMM
* Randir runs into Torbin Lockewood before we leave
** He apologizes for how he acted
** He wants to be better about how he feels
** He remembered his grandfather coming back as a monster...
*** Dude probably was brought back as a zombie
** Two dudes hug
** "If you ever have anything you need in the city, I'd be happy to help you."
* ON THE NIGHT BEFORE WE HEAD OUT OF TOWN
* Elena drops an animal messenger on our door
** She knows who snuck in the weapons to Caer Sen
* We go to investigate
** Randir turns into a horse so Theo can ride, Ulertu takes his horse, Twill
* Elena tells us via squirrel to head to a tavern at the end of the docks
* We get to the tavern and unsuccessfully bully a tavern worker into telling us where Elena is
* We see two half-elves eying us pretty hard and go to speak to them
* It doesn't go anywhere as Randir hears a crash upstairs
* We run upstairs see two more lves with the same tatoos as the other two we saw
* We push past them, and find Elena. Dead.
* Randir remembers: these are league of assassin elves.
* Randir casts haste on himself.
* We run and run and run catching up with these elves
* We fight. We go all out. Theo and Randir end barely alive.
* Two go down, two escape.
* Randir cries out. Chasing after the elf. Unable to come close to catching him.
* Someone has called the city guard.
 
== Archive ==
* [[Randir Archive 1]]
* [[Randir Archive 2]]


[[Category:In the Shadow of Ember Peak]]
[[Category:In the Shadow of Ember Peak]]

Latest revision as of 02:58, 12 December 2025

Play Notes

12/11/2025

  • The bells are ringing, the sky starts to darken as clouds roll in with a coming storm.
  • We defer to the Rangers to handle the people of the city coming to the palace
  • The gang heads to the palace, and arrive at the large circular plaza just outside of the palace gates
  • The eternal entranceway to the palace is open, and a warm glow eminates from the open door
  • We cross the courtyard to the entranceway
  • The glow is warm and orange and inside the doorway is a long hallway
  • Randir notices a glowing thread that leads from the entrance down the corridor - this appears to be what is giving off light
  • We move through the hallway - Randir hears a noise from a doorway off from the main hall
  • He sees a shimmer of something down the hallway
  • We investigate a bit but it seems to be nothing... Ulertu hears the sound of a song, but Randir assures him it's nothing and that we must move to find the Empress
  • As we continue down, we see motes of floating light
  • But we make it to the Throne Room
  • This whole room looks like it was made by Giants
  • The thread we've been following twists up to the throne, motes of light float all over
  • In the throne, a slumped figure of the Empress
  • Randir sees this and we begin to head towards the throne at a quick pace
  • As we move, we suddenly hear the Empress' voice as if she's right next to us
  • From the throme, we see the Empress rise slightly
  • Suddenly the thread of light tightens and we're very close to the Empress
  • Randir asks: "Why have you done nothing against the dragon in your city?!"
  • The Empress says, "I have summoned power."
  • She says, "My father's power was to convince others to kill the dragon."
  • Randir calls out to the Empress, "You have all this power and you have done nothing with it! Are you a coward?"
  • The Empress flickers and fades
    • Randir gets the Archdruid Feat????

The vitality of nature constantly blooms within you, granting you the following benefits.

Evergreen Wild Shape. Whenever you roll Initiative and have no uses of Wild Shape left, you regain one expended use of it.

Nature Magician. You can convert uses of Wild Shape into a spell slot (no action required). Choose a number of your unexpended uses of Wild Shape and convert them into a single spell slot, with each use contributing 2 spell levels. For example, if you convert two uses of Wild Shape, you produce a level 4 spell slot. Once you use this benefit, you can’t do so again until you finish a Long Rest.

Longevity. The primal magic that you wield causes you to age more slowly. For every ten years that pass, your body ages only one year.

  • The Empress explains that she has lost her power but she gave it up to those who she deemed worthy
    • The Weave Flows through her?????
  • The gang became her hand, her strength, her eyes in the world
  • The dragon wants to steal the magic of this world????
  • She became this conduit at a young age and it has weighed on her since then
    • The vision of her wiping out those dudes was her "darkest day"
  • She gave up pieces of herself to people like us - OUR POWER COMES FROM THE EMPRESS??????
  • The power is trapped in the tapestry created by the old Emperor
  • She says, "Perhaps someone could be the new knot that holds things together, or you can let it unravel..."
  • Randir is not pleased by this explanation. "Now? WE DO THIS NOW?"
  • She says, "It was not supposed to be like this."
  • Randir refuses the offer of the conduit. He needs to seek the rest of this world and cannot be burdened by this.
  • Ulertu says the same. He cannot be trapped by this power.
  • Theo cannot make this decision now.
  • She presses on: You must decide now.
  • We cannot pass this on to anyone - she has made this gift for us.
  • Randir offers himself to take this burden
    • "If we do not take this, then what was this all for? Perhaps we turn away and run to the furthest edges of the land and hope this all passes without worry."
  • Theo, hearing this, steps in and says he will take it. "You have more life to lead! I have nothing. Let this be my burden."
  • Randir hugs him, thanks him.
    • In the embrace, we see a memory of the Empress as a child, running in the sun.
  • A BOOM is heard off in the distance.
  • Theo reiterates, "I will take this power."
  • Suddenly we see many memories of the Empress.
  • Then she turns to Theo, "Is it you".
  • Theo: "It must be."
  • The Empress sits up straight, and says, "Then I must ask you to do one more thing."
    • "In order to transfer this power, it must be taken." And she glances at Theo's sword.
  • Theo: "If this is the only way..."
  • The movements are awkward here, this isn't battle, this is... something else, but still violent.
  • Theo presses the hilt of his Radiant Blade passes through the knot of magic within her
  • The knot is then tied within Theo. It feels heavy, and it twists within him.
  • The Empress sits back in the throne, relief washing over her face. "Thank you. I feel so much lighter now."
    • "I'm sorry we couldn't speak in the ways I imagined... it's been a long time since our first meeting."
    • "I need to unburden myself of more than just this knot..."
  • Theo feels the power of the Weave
  • The Empress thought she could tell our story, but we made choices she couldn't have anticipated.
    • It's beautiful.
    • END SESSION

11/13/2025

  • We flash back to a time where banners groups came together to unite as one to build a massive place to a thousand to become one
  • This city needs a foundation and as they dig downward, they find one... a giant one.
  • We see a town grow from a large lighthouse and onward and onward
  • This is Caer Sen in its early days and it grows ever onward
  • We cut to... the same city, burning.
  • Theo, Ulertu, and Randir gather together
    • Randir as giant eagle, Torbin off his back
    • Ulertu with Bell and Dove
    • Theo from another direction
  • Randir hugs his friends and then sees Bell and Dove and brings them up into a big hug
  • Randir wants to get to the Empress but Torbin says "What about the people of this city?"
  • Ulertu suggests we make some kind of sanctuary, Torbin agrees
  • Dove says, "The bells... the bells chimed when we were here last to signal when the empress was to speak"
  • Torbin says, "There are three bells that are rung when the city wishes to signal something"
  • Ringing these bells would rally people to the palace?
  • Maybe that could rally the Empress? Or more people who can fight?
  • WHY IS THERE ORGANIZATION IN THIS CITY?????
  • Torbin says he saw some priests battling towards the palace, and some order of truth folks heading that way too
  • Can we bring everyone together and get some kind of way to tell everyone they need to come to the city?
  • Oh, Randir has Skywrite as a ritual
  • What will we write in the sky???
  • Something about "1000 become 1"? Something else?
  • We hear some fighting on the next street over
  • A heated argument turning into a fight between many people - an explosion dispurses the fight
  • An old man in a robe yelling "Why are we fighting?!"
  • The man sees us - It's Thalor!
  • It's a bit chaotic, but Thalor is excited to hear us
  • The people on the street are arguing about getting weapons from a building they want to get into
  • We talk to the old man inside the building refusing to give out weapons
  • Randir is getting frustrated but eventually we convince him to open the door after Ulertu promises him we'll tell the Empress about his help
  • This dude is LOADED with crossbows and bolts
  • On the wall is a beautifully rendered painting of this old Gnome (Fergus) next to a beautiful Silversmith and a petrified tree
  • Randir calls out to the group and tells them to stay together with Thalor who will take them to the palace
    • He warns them that the beasts in the city are deadly and that if anyone separates from the group, they will likely be killed
  • Thalor agrees to take the group up the hill
  • We decide to stick together to ring the bells, starting with the lower city
  • We come across a hoarde of corrupted civilians at the base of the belltower, they're pushing two figures back, away from the bell tower
  • Randir casts invisibility on Bell, Dove, and Torbin to sneak into the bell tower
  • The horde starts to close in on the two people outside of the bell tower and Randir casts Ice Storm to pummel the ichor corrupted people
  • We approach the two people as the majority of the corrupted people are felled
  • The woman of the two is Cass the Ranger!
  • She hands a collection of items to Randir in a bag
    • Inside is a 6-pack of superior healing potions - missing one (Cass used it)
  • And the other person is Harold! And his dog, Kodiak.
    • Kodiak is limping a bit - NOOOOOOOOO
  • Harold pulls out a box and hands it to Ulertu from the people in the Ember Vale
    • Inside is a soft bed of satin fabric holding up 9 small glowing orbs
    • Pearls of POWER!!!!!!
      • BASICALLY SPELL SLOTS??? We can figure it out later
  • Suddenly a body falls out of the bell tower!?
  • Torbin leans out, "Sorry! There were some in here."
  • Harold says, "Oh the bells, don't you want to ring them all at the same?"
    • Shit.
  • Harold says, "Cass and I will go find the middle tower, just let us know when to ring"
  • We decide we'll put a sign in the sky and then everyone will ring at once
  • We start to head back up into the city - the initial chaos has died down, many are dead or hiding
  • We find ourselves at the base of the bell tower - maybe a mile from the Palace
  • It's very quiet... there appears to be NO signs of combat.
    • This feels weird. Randir studies the area.
    • The upper city is DESIGNED for flow, if people were fleeing there would be signs
    • Randir can tell that people have been through here, but it's still strange
    • We can't figure out what that means...
  • We make our way up the bell tower
  • Up at the top of the bell tower, we hear a roar
  • Clouds begin to form above the palace
    • This is just as the Giants spoke of
    • "A black sky covering above"
  • Randir prepares the ritual and spells out:
    • A braid of 1000 strands come together at the palace
  • As the words are spelled out in the sky the bells begin to ring
    • The lower city rings (cracked but loud, iron bells of the humans)
    • The middle city rings (bolder and stronger, bronze bells of the dwarves)
    • The upper city rings (brightly, silver bells of the elves)
  • The people of the city feel the vibrancy of the bells, voices join in cries and shouts and song as they move up the hill towards us
  • The dragon's roar sounds again, almost trying to drown out the sound of the bells
  • Lights down the hillside make their way toward us in the form of lamps and torches

11/6/2025

  • We begin SPLIT apart
  • Ulertu is at the docks and there are ichor monsters! He starts to fight them off, but it's looking dire.
  • Suddently two huge monsters POOF into chickens!
  • It's Belle and Dove from the Cinder Root Trio!
  • They got our letter
  • They mention a dragon in Caer Sen!?
    • Yeahhhhhhhhhhh
  • They know the "truth" about the Empress?
    • They started to look into the Empress' dynasty
    • Elena was doing something to stop some kind of "venom" from entering the city??
    • The Empress' grandfather was trying to eradicate dragons because their "venom" can kill gods?
    • Belle and Dove ask why the Empress hasn't done anything in town
  • Theo finds himself in a fight near the Oldest House
    • There are a few dead younger people outside as Theo fights
    • Yo it's Zelias!
    • He tells Theo about how he's been searching for the next custodian of The House
      • The dead were Zelias' disciples... Zelias seems unphased???
    • Zelias offers Theo to be the Custodian of the House
    • There's a secret of some kind of that Zelias needs to tell... someone. Perhaps it should be Theo??
    • The house is not only the oldest house, it was built by the giants, but perhaps it was older than that.
      • "This house has always been"
    • There is an inverted Pyramid inside that he shows Theo - Zelias things the Giants build this city AROUND the inverted pyramid?
      • (Is this similar to the one we saw in Pella's Wish???????)
    • Zelias always thought this place was good, meant to serve the city, but now he believes this may be something else?
      • Theo knows Zelias is physically bound to this place
    • Now Zelias fears that The Oldest House is part of the darkness gracing the city now, the house has corrupted his students, it corrupts Zelias, and perhaps it corrupts Theo now????
    • Zelias says there is much more to the story of the house, so he offers to SHOW Theo in his mind
      • Theo sees civilizations rise and fall, rise and fall, but he sees the Pyramid being built but it isn't clear whether or not the Pyramids were always there
      • He sees the continent form and cities grow, he sees the foundations being built by Giants
    • Theo takes it in and tells Zelias he will need more to this story when he returns
      • Zelias calls after him, "Good fortune to you, Theo. And I'm sorry if I set you off on the wrong path."
    • Theo heads out to find Ulertu and Randir
  • Randir appears in the city square of Caer Sen at night
    • Buildings WERE on fire
    • People are screaming off in the distance, the sounds of trained voices shouting, steel on steel
    • The café is in front of Randir, magically lit lamp are lit but half have been knocked down or are out
    • Along the ground are bodies, townsfolk, guards, stains of ichor
    • There was a battle at this cafe
    • But this area is silent until he hears a voice
    • Sitting at one of these tables, the same table we were at last time we were here
      • It's Torbin Lockewood
    • Dude tries to apologize, Randir tells him we need to go
    • He says he would, but he is wounded... mortally wounded by Ichor monsters
    • Randir knows this is a curse and he cannot heal it, but Torbin says "Maybe I can be of some use to the city still"
      • Randir grins at him almost childishly, "That is the hope, my friend" and he heals him
    • This dude has an AMBER BLADE??>!??!?!?!
    • Randir explains this blade is "of the mountain" and it ERADICATES the ichor monsters
  • End Session!!!!!!

9/25/2025

  • TO recap: We descend from the Auory, we collected journals regarding constellations, some tools about navigation, and charts of the stars.
    • We make our way to THE GATE
    • Ulertu drops a vial of ichor and it rolls away, clicking itself against the gate
    • Ulertu removed and replaced his circlet and took some psychic damage
  • Ulertu makes a note that there's something in here about memory and poems???
  • Ulertu and Theo spend some more time pouring over the journals to try to figure out something about this gate
    • They find some esoteric instructions of some kind to operate this gate
  • Ulertu recognizes a specific era of Giants
  • He focuses in on one poem:
    • The gateway in the city's heart sleeps, waiting for the song only you can sing. It must hear the music of your belonging and it will part the veils between worlds.
  • Randir offers to sing a song from the Cinder Root Trio, "Last Morning's Breakfast"
    • Randir knows this song start to finish because it has so many endings, a sad one, a funny one, a smarmy one, and a happy one
    • Randir knows this song because the happy ending was his hope and his love for Elena
  • The song ends and Randir is not hurt by the Gate... (but he did make a widsdom save?????)
  • But... nothing happens?
  • Theo discovers that the gate maybe requires an image of the place you want to go AND a frequency of the place?
  • So we decide:
    • Theo Pulls a lever with the POWER symbol
    • Randir pushes his Stone of Fates into the Gate
    • Randir is singing his song
    • Everyone is imagining Caer Sen
  • Everything begins to thrum and shake
  • The stone isn't being taken like the entrane to this city, it is being powered by the generator we turned on
  • Theo envisions Caer Sen: He sees the doorway of the Oldest House where Zacharias lived
    • A FLASH OF AN INVERTED OBELISK ABOVE THE DOOR(?!)
  • Ulertu envisions Caer Sen: He sees the colors and vibrancy of the port city, the colorful sails and fabrics, the different looking people, and sounds of a large city
  • Randir envisions Caer Sen: Randir thinks of the size and the impressiveness of the city, the pastry he had for breakfast on that morning in the square
    • There is a flash of an obelisk above the city
  • Each of our memories pour into this gateway
  • But it feels unstable, but it is open
  • We decide to move through, quickly
  • Suddenly, we're hearing voices singing "Last Morning's Breakfast", strange and familiar
  • Flashing light flowing past us
  • We feel the gate recognizes us, by the music of our souls
  • Theo sees the Oldest House, but is suddenly cold as he is ripped through the stars
  • Ulertu sees the colors of the city
  • Randir see the cafe as the song swells in his head -- the Cinder Root Trio sing loudly in his mind. Hands on him bolstering him.
  • It feels like an eternity and an instant, and we coalesce in Caer Sen as reality snaps back into focus
  • We feel our feet on the ground that knows our name, the sweetness of air from the idea of the city we imagined ourselves in
    • Ulertu is on the docks
    • Randir is at the cafe
    • Theo is in the bowels of the Oldest House
  • Caer Sen is burning
  • END SESSION


9/11/2025

  • Ulertu investigates the instruments he was looking into before the battle
  • Ulertu investigates the stars, we don't recognize this sky
  • We decide to make our way back inside and down into the city
  • We look for THE GATE and can see it as we come back inside, a huge gate ringed in a part of the city
  • We make our way towards this large gate
  • Ulertu attempts to see what kind metal the ring(?) is made of
  • Ulertu's circlet begins to resonate
  • Theo can her a thrumming coming from Ulertu
  • Ulertu tries to sense the center of the feeling he has
  • "I feel like something in my circlet is resonating with the metal here"
  • Randir, after being informed, begins to hear and FEEL this vibration
  • Now we're talkin about HARMONIC RESONANCE lol
  • "Gooooood vibrations"
  • Randir recognizes "a child calling out to his mother" or "a part reaching out to its whole"
  • Despite Randir's suggestion of bringing his circlet to the metal in the gate, Ulertu wants to try something else byu investigating what he believes are the controls to this gate
  • Randir helps Ulertu up onto a large lectern of sorts and... there ARE controls!
  • But Ulertu can't figure out what the controls do, so he climbs back down
  • Fuck it, we're putting the circle on the ground. Let's see what happens
  • After a beat.... nothing happens.
  • Putting the circlet back on, Ulertu feels 'right' with the world again like when he first put the circlet on
  • ABRUPT END SESSION (sorry)

8/7/2025

  • Ulertu investigates the tools
  • They seem to be used for Mathematics?
  • Ulertu spends some time investigating these tools
  • Meanwhile the plaque Randir is looking at gets translated by Theo and it says "All that remains of a dream once held" (I think ....)
  • Randir steps closer to get to the plaque, the flowers begin to glow with the light of the stars???
  • Theo and Randir regain 11 hp from the plants / flowers????
  • Meanwhile the papers that Ulertu is reading mentions trying to change the properties of... something. conceptual research and recordings of hypotheses...
  • After some digging (and help from Chuk-Chuk) Ulertu sorts out a little more information... this perhaps has to deal with the ichor??
  • Theo and Randir feel better... Randir notices that the flowers appear a bit dimmer now.
    • Randir hasn't seen a plant like this before, but properties of OTHER plants could do something similar but not like this, not without working them into something else
    • These flowers are almost a mirror of the sky above
    • Randir wonders if these flowers are important to whatever work was being done with the tools Ulertu is looking into
  • Randir and Theo head over to Ulertu to see if these things are related
  • Ulertu isn't sure, but hearing about these flowers Ulertu heads over to the flowers and trims a small leaf off of one of the flowers
  • Ulertu glows for a short moment
  • Randir surmises this isn't natural and says as much to Ulertu
  • Then Randir shimmers with light
  • Then Theo
  • Randir notices that the flowers have closed their buds and are going into the dirt
  • Randir feels a wind pick up and begins to warn his friends
  • Before they have a chance to move, an explosion rips into them
  • UHHHHH THE GANG IS FIGHTING LIVING MAGIC? MAGIC MADE ALIVE?
  • A fire being, then an earth being, then a wind being, and a water/ice being???
  • Theo UNMAKEs the Wind Being
  • The battle goes on as we begin to dispell the magical constructs
  • Randir in specific... has Dispell Magic and it works VERY well
  • We end combat
  • END SESSION

7/10/2025

  • We head to the Aurory
  • The Aurory is high up in the dome... hmmmmm
  • We climb up the stairs - the Domed City flows inward toward the center, where we are coming out from the forge.
  • We see vines hanging from the ceilings, now that the "lights" are on
  • Thousands of crystals give off light, and HUGE crystals
  • Randir sees these growing rocks/crystals that looks like moss, and have almost covered different surfaces
    • These formations of crystals seem to have "grown" based on how they're placed on various objects and on walls
  • We walk past a raised flat platform, huge in size and in the center, an arch that goes up 50-100ft tall
  • There is a path to the arch (which we believe is The Gate)
  • We also see a staircase that climbs up the side of the dome, and there are levels of to the promenade - higher levels attached the side of the dome that run rings on the edges of the dome
  • We make our way back to where we saw signs to lead us to the Aurory.
  • We see buildings attached to stairs that attach to the sides of the levels of the promenade attached to the sides of the dome
  • We walk and walk and walk, up stairs of our size next to stairs for Giants.
  • Eventually the larger stairs taper off and it's just medium sized creature steps.
  • At the top of these steps we see a door with a sign attached to it that says Aurory.
  • A faint light shines from beneath the door
  • Ulertu detects no magic...
  • We push through the door...
  • The light we see... is starlight? Blue and purple and twinkly
  • Pillars reach upward to the sky, and the roof is gone... Nothing but sky is above us. We stand in a temple looking outward.
  • Ulertu and Randir realize... this is a magical illusion
  • Ulertu notices some tools and begins to investigate
  • At the far end of the temple, Randir sees a garden - a raised bed?
  • There are only a few plants, just three, and these are glowing with the same light as the sky
    • The plants that survive have grown a bit wild, but have not taken over the garden... weirdly enough
    • There are flowers on the ends of these plants and theyn turn ever so slightly towards Randir as he approaches
    • The flowers on these plants look like star-shaped orchids
  • Randir uses his speech of beast and leaf and asks, "How have you lived so long?"
    • The flowers point upwards to the stars
  • He asks "Are the stars giving you sustenance?"
    • They wiggle in the positive
  • Randir asks, "Are you three all that remain?"
    • They wiggle in affirmative
  • Randir moves a little closer to see what the heck is up with these plants and the raised bed they're in
  • He sees a plaque attached to the raised bed... in Giant
  • Meanwhile, Theo and Ulertu are looking over these tools
  • END SESSION (due to tech issues :( )

6/26/2025

  • We return to the Forge
  • It seems charged with energy
  • Ulertu sees that this thing is INTENSE and can work with materials that are tough to work with otherwise
  • Esker tells us about a metal here that is, well, indestructable
  • Ulertu plays around with a scrap piece we found and cannot mar it in any way - no scratching, no chipping... it seems to exist outside of material forces
    • "Resilient against all planar forces"
  • We decided that Theo can't use the bunch we have, Randir feels it's out of place, so Ulertu decides that he'll make a circlet.
  • Esker wants to teach us how to forge this metal with the intense forge
  • This metal is not forged with fire but with intention
  • Esker shows Ulertu how to forge items and shows the history of the Giants as they used this material in the past
    • insert the clay scene from Ghost
  • Ulertu wants to forge something that helps
  • He quenches the circlet he forges with ichor
  • The forging of this circlet takes some time
  • Ulertu places the circlet on his head and it feels balanced, and the uplifiting feeling of healing others
  • Suddenly he sees a vision of the future, ichor flooding all around him; something hunting...
  • But the feeling he is left with is confidence and certainty that he can stop whatever is coming.
  • Randir resisted watching this forging, but can't help but watch in the end and realizes this is knowledge and he follows along the process
  • Theo watches as well, but sees deeply into the magicks beyond the light spectrum on the magical spectrum, ribbons splash outward and he attempts to grab one... the feeling of power dwindles, but the feeling of his shattered blade is present. Theo summons his blade se this feeling fades...
    • He feels the universe connecting with us and a sense of peace - perhaps we are nearing the end of the journey and he can finally be at peace. A Hopeful, Warm Peace.
    • Theo receives a new Dawnblade
      • It shines brighter in the presence of Ichor / Darkness
      • It can break magical darkness
  • Ulertu thanks Esker for sharing this knowledge
  • Other places we could explore:
    • The Auorory
    • The Promenade
    • The Gate
  • So we decide we should check out the Aurorory - there may be some star charts? Or some way to tell us where we are.
    • END SESSION

6/5/2025

  • SWAMP MONSTERS
  • Theo is struggling without his blade!
  • Randir gets engulfed and almost dropped into an ichor vat!
  • FIRE FIRE FIRE
  • Well, we lit the Forge so let's get outta here - no more monsters and we seemingly took out the only "plants" who were feeding off of the ichor
  • This room seems to be the power source for the whole dome
  • We head back towards the forge with a bit of urgency given how we were just so harassed
  • END SESSION

4/17/2025

  • The doors open...
  • This area smells like nothing... Ulertu senses nothing. We hear... nothing.
  • This area seems designed to suppress sound
  • Randir casts Daylight on the end of his staff
  • We see the walls have deep pockets, carved into the stone
  • We move inwards, down the corridor with the sounds behind us clearly stuck outside...
  • Grinding noises signal the closing opf the doors as we move forward. Randir says, "Perhaps there will be a way out on the other side..."
  • As we move forward, the walls eventually end and the space opens
  • Randir sees glinting off of small stones in the distance
  • Theo, with his darkvision, sees... road signs???
    • The signs seem to be named for people
  • This appears to have been a once bustling promenade, old stalls and stands for trades lie dormant.
  • Randir hears several... somethings making sounds, moving away from him. Scratching sounds of clawed, pawed feet. Gutteral noises of communication.
  • The path ahead splits as a roadway
  • Theo begins to make a map of our travel as this place is... huge.
  • We read the signs
    • One sign near us pointing towards some stairs reads "The Heartforge"
    • Another reads, "The Aurory" pointing another direction
    • "The Forge" points towards the Heartforge
    • And "The Gate" pointing heada
  • We decide to head towards the Heartforge
  • As we walk, Theo sees moss that appears to be flourishing
    • Randir notices that it has a faint glow and appears to be moist -- but this place, overall, is very dry
    • Some of it is growing downward
  • Ulertu uses his herbalism kit to take a sample of the moss
    • He gets a sample, but a chunk of the sample gets on him... on his face
    • As he tests the sample, and it begins to glow in a blue/yellow glow
    • This is ichor... but in a different form
  • Could this be the "natural" source of the ichor? Or is this what happens when it becomes inactive after millennia...
  • Ulertu cleans off his face with a cloth
  • Ulertu wants to look over one of the stalls - Randir warns that we shouldn't take too long, we aren't sure how long we'll be in here and supplies are in, well, short supply.
  • The stalls are, obviously, giant sized. There's more moss growing up the side of the stall, but no items appear obvious to us.
  • As we move forward, we come to two sets of stairs -- one for smaller sized creatures, one for giants... hmmmm
  • Randir asks Ulertu about these stairs for creatures our size -- Randir finds it odd.
  • Ulertu digs into his mind about this -- he knows so much about STAIRS lololjk
    • Given that the ruins of giants were the foundation of how many modern cities began, this was also caused by the divergence of Giants over years -- Giant-kin: Ogres, Trolls, Firbolgs...
    • All of these types of Giants seems to have been welcomed here
    • Giants of the hills, of the clouds, of the mountains, etc. All different, but would be considered Gaint
  • Randir daydreams as they walk down these stairs of a world of all giants of all types walking these stairs together as a giant society.
  • Ulertu calls this place a metropolis
  • At the bottom of the stairs is a junction - continuing downward, or a small path off the side
  • To the side, there is a sign that says the Heartforge
  • Further down ward, the sign says "The Cradle"
  • The path gets smaller and smaller as we follow the path towards the Heartforge, more appealing to our size.
    • There is a rug that runs down the center, eventually being dotted by small tables and chairs of our size made of stone
    • We see an iron frame that looks like it once held a painting
  • The stone on the walls is grey and polished
  • At the end of the hall, we see a door
  • Door is partially open when we approach and there is a firm feeling of cold air that causes our breath to chill into mist
  • In the next room, we see there is a gap in the floor ahead of us, there are glass panels in the ceiling and reflects the light from Randir's spell
  • Ulertu inspects a panel nearby for a mechanism to enable some kind of light - but it looks as if it requires some thing to enable the light within
  • Ulertu uses some of his magical tinkering to pass the "instruction" for Light and suddenly the crystal panels in the room begin to fade in with dim light
  • In the center of the room, we see a figure draped in robes and they slowly turn towards us
  • Randir moves up next to Theo in front of Ulertu in a defensive pose
  • This person has greyish-blue skin, angular features, white and blue wispy hair with hints of grey
  • Ulertu calls out a hello to the person in Giant
  • It responds, "How can I help you?"
  • It begins to speak to us in common
  • We ask who he is, he says he hasn't lived here in a while and offers to help us again
  • Ulertu explains that we want to understand this forge and how to operate it
  • The figure appears dismayed, "The heartforge is not lit, it cannot work now"
  • We ask how to light the forge
  • He steps over to a table and a stone reshapes itself into a shape of this domed city
  • Ulertu praises his magical ability, but he ignores it and the stone reshapes into the Heartforge, then a tunnel underneath the forge to a large chamber
  • "The forge pit must be relit in order for the forge to become active"
  • Ulertu offers a fireball to relight the forge or some other kind of way to light it
  • "Within the cradle, you must find the seed to activate the Heartforge." Doing this would also bring light to the rest of the city.
  • Randir asks after why the city is empty - why is the forge not lit?
  • This man says, "The city has been dormant for many eons"
    • "This was only the first step, this was not meant to be the final place"
  • The table "comes alive" again - he shows us several vessels (A vase, a test tube, a vial)
  • "The Heartforge was meant to be the beginning"
    • We see images of ships and other things travelling through the air
  • "This is the place where were meant to begin our journey, to make great things"
  • The people here left... or went to sleep?
  • Ulertu asks about "The Gate"
  • We see on the table that the city goes DEEP below the dome
  • We see a massive arch in the center of the city - it was meant to be the centerpiece of the dome city, seen from all places
  • Randir asks where we can find the seed to light the forge
  • The seed is located deep within the city
  • Randir asks if we turn the light on if we'll be safe from the creatures here in the city
    • The figure responds, "There are no creatures here"
  • NOT SURE ABOUT THAT BUD
  • We agree to light the forge and Randir asks about what we can call him
  • He responds, "Yskir"
  • Dude fades to mist as we leave.
  • We begin back down the hallway we came from, Randir casts Daylight again and we follow the stairs towards The Cradle
  • After a time, we arrive at an entryway
    • On our way down, only the small steps descend this far down
  • Randir's light becomes unnecessary as we get close to the bottom as we see large vats of liquid inside glass containers giving off plenty light. This looks seems like more of the moss we saw thriving, growing down the sides of the vats, vines crawling the walls
    • This is happening to the open vats only, there are a few closed vats
  • The light is bright but still dim
  • We look for The Seed...
  • Ulertu makes a check in the room - he comes to the conclusion that the forge is not... fire based?
  • We start following a large pipe that pulls from the vats that goes into the ceiling
  • Randir and Ulertu move further into the room and find a few switches on a panel
  • Ulertu recognizes that the writing on this panel is a recognition of many giants coming together to work on this project
  • Ulertu, in his genius, figures out how this panel works through a bit of trial and error
  • We begin to feel a minor reverberation through the floor - a humming almost
  • The room slowly, subtly becomes brighter
  • Randir is a bit confused by how easy this was
  • Why did the giants turn this off?
  • We decide we can leave now, avoiding the moss.
  • Theo was watching from a distance as Randir and Ulertu worked on this panel
  • Suddenly some massive thing slams into Theo and something stabs into him
  • He turns around.... a massive roiling figure!
  • END SESSION

4/3/2025

  • We heal up a little and make our way back down the mountain, trying to find our way back to the "entrance" we came to this place through
  • Randir manages to find the exact place where we entered but the doorway is gone.
  • We feel a bit lost here on how to get back
  • We survey the area, but we don't recognize the sky... are we even on the same plane?
  • Randir turns into a hawk and flies high above the valley the gang finds themselves in
  • He flies upwards to the peaks of the mountains to get a better vantage, past the spot where the mountain was crushed by the fight with the Giant and the Dragon.
  • There are remnants of a temple, mostly destroyed by the dragon and the giant
  • As he flies up, he sees some larger structures in the plains beyond the mountains. Large domed structures off in the distance
  • Randir wonders to the group if this dome is a similar thing to the Tomb we visited a while back
  • But today has been a long one, and after a few hours we decide to rest up the mountain a bit
  • We make a camp
  • In the night, we hear some animals, but hard to see -- some investigating our camp at a distance
  • After a time when the sun would come up, nothing rises...
    • This place appears to be in perpetual night of some kind
  • We walk for most of a day until we see a LARGE object, "The Dome" Randir saw
  • This thing rises hundreds of feet into the air, a smooth domed structure of dark stone
    • Some designs decorate the bottom 50ft
  • Randir and Theo see this place as being truly alien
  • For Ulertu, this is the largest building he's seen in tact
    • He sees seams in the large dome
    • The designs on the dome are an etched story -- The story of the people who lived in this building
    • Ulertu has seen many of these kinds of buildings, but only as the fractured foundations of the many cities on the Woven Coast
  • We approach this structure, Ulertu working his archeological mind to its full extent
  • The stone feels rough and as Ulertu tries to chizel some away, it's very rough
  • The size of this structure is massive
  • We decide to circle around the dome to try to find an entrance
  • This is way bigger than the "tomb" we found back along the Woven Coast
  • After a while, we find a massive stone doorway, 60-80m ft tall
    • The door is engraved in detailed story
  • We see no clear way in, or no way to leverage an opening on the door. It's likely magical or mechanical in some way
  • But Randir senses a large amount of water nearby
    • The stone feels different, the water is inside of the door
    • The stone feels SUBTLY cooler compared to the walls of this dome
  • Ulertu and Theo read the mural of the door
  • "The Sky Forge" an enormous forge full of massive anvils and lava rivers to power the forge. This story depicts massive shadowy beasts outside of the formerly walled city, and a huge Sky Mirror of intricate design as a "guardian" over the city that points outwards to the stars.
    • The people of this world were incredible craftsmen--the city, the sky forge, the remains within the Woven Coast, the massive stone sword that the Giant weilded
    • The city was made for defense but also capable of creating great weapons
    • The people of this city had vast knowledge of astronomy, other planes, cosmology, etc. This would have influenced how they fought the creatures they came across and the peoples they encoutered.
  • Ulertu is overwhelmed by the majesty of this story and the dome. This is what he's been searching for throughout his many years researching the past with The Giants
  • Randir sees no entrance or exit for water, if it leaves in any capacity, it is NOT out of the front.
  • But getting close to the door, he senses a similar "petrifcation" of the door. There's no magic here. This was forged.
    • Either no magic existed here or magic was removed from it.
  • Randir says this to Theo and Ulertu -- This door feels like it has been stripped of magic.
  • What if we try to imbue the door with magic?
  • Randir casts Magic Stone on some small stones he finds.
    • "Maybe we can make some kind of magical conduit?"
  • He intends to just transfer the magic from the stones to the door, like rehydrating a sponge
  • The magic begins to pull from the stones.... then from Randir.
    • He loses a 1st level spell slot
  • He yanks himself away
  • Randir warns, "I would not recommend trying that. It felt as if the magic was being pulled out of me at once."
  • Ulertu gets excited: "Perhaps we all should try to do that at once."
  • Randir attempts to offer his Pearl of Power... at a distance
    • It doesn't work
  • Ulertu tries touching the door with a Giant bone he has
    • It doesn't work
  • We decide... we probably have to put our hands on the door
  • Ulertu opens himself to the door
  • Theo touches the door with the Dawnblade in hand, he is a protector
  • Randir sees himself as a conduit now, for all of nature ("for the Green")
  • UH OH ARCANA AND WISDOM ROLLS
  • Randir feels the magic flowing up through him - he is the conduit to the magic of the world
  • Ulertu, being open to this door's "hunger"
    • The door must be powered but must be asked to open. He has asked, but now it requires power.
    • He removes 11 slots worth of magic
  • Theo removes 4 spell slots... and the Dawnblade SHATTERS. Shards of glass, gone.
  • The door cascades with energy upwards, the door begins to glow in a pattern as it opens... the city beneath the dome is revealed.
  • END SESSION

3/13/2025

  • Ulertu has a snap moment of questioning during the dragon's monologue
    • He recalls, "We were here because we wanted stop the ritual: but where is the group who summoned this guy???"
    • Is this dragon gonna kill everyone? Even the people who summoned him?
    • Arcana check: Ulertu understands that this ritual was completed and the people who did the ritual who weren't Theo's dad... were probably sacrificed or maybe some left???
    • History check: Ulertu knows the basic principles of dragons - they like to hoarde. This dragon probably hoardes things that isn't treasure. But what it is... he doesn't know.
    • Have we fought PURE ichor beings before? Yes - the flame guys way back in Pella's Wish.
  • The dragon rises from its perch, the words of the dragon echo.
  • "Every corner, every prayer, every form of corrupted wisdom, I exist"
  • "I am the architect of your pain and your sorrow"
  • The dragon spreads its wings, hundreds of feet wide
  • We see the color of this dragon: MIDNIGHT BLUE
    • An Ancient Blue Dragon - There is an unnatural storm above the dragon. It is as much part of the dragon as its breath.
      • This is a lightning dragon
  • And so we fight.
  • The dragon frightens us all... and it's NOT GOOD
  • WE GET SOME GOOD HITS IN
  • BUT THE DRAGON LEAVES
    • HE OPENS A PORTAL THROUGH REALITY
  • "You have entertained me... I will give you the pleasure of witnessing the end."
  • END SESSION

3/6/2025

  • After the battle with Lord Dracos, we move upward to where Theo had been fighting, a huge circle surrounded by large stones
  • We notice these very watery pools of ichor...
  • Ulertu goes to scoop some up and mixing with water
  • We see shapes in these pools... strangely floating to the surface... bones
  • Ulertu is certain that whatever ritual was to place here... has already happened.
  • Shit.
  • Randir notices that of all of these massive stones around the ritual site we're in, one spot seems empty... but we see that there is a stone there, but it as crumbled
    • It was an obelisk
  • Randir handles some of the broken stone. "I think we have failed... I don't know what we could have done..."
  • But Theo tries to rally him, "As long as we are here, we will continue to fight to make this world right."
  • The rain continues and the wind calms. We hear a voice, it sounds from everywhere, "Do you feel it? The wind dies. The Skies darken. The world itself hold its breath. Knowing I have returned."
  • There is this PRESSURE above us. Something MASSIVE passes overhead.
  • Randir has felt this before. Long ago as a child. One of these things visited his forest before.
  • Rock shifts above us, a quarter mile away. There is a rumbling as a portion of the mountain collapses. A massive hand grips these peaks and pulls this enormous form upwards. The form is silhouteed against the night sky. Lighting strikes off in the distance, illumating a massive Giant.
  • A BOOMING voice, different than the one we heard, echos across the mountain side "DRAGON. FACE ME."
  • Randir with his keen eyes manages to see this huge shape descend from the clouds, a dragon clashes with a giant.
    • The size of these things are nearly unfathomable. Fear sets in to Randir's body and mind.
  • The battle lasts for only a short moment before a devastating wound is dealt to the giant. The boom and shake of the felled giant sounds like thunder from all around us. The sword of the Giant shatters.
  • And the dragon ascends and disappears
  • The body of the giant almost blends into the mountainside, had Randir not seen it he would not know it was there.
  • Randir stands for a beat. Staring. Waiting for the Giant to stand. But the form does not move.
  • He blinks hard and expresses his worry to his friends. He points out the form of the Giant to them...
  • As they stare, the form begins to change. To diminish. But this is travelable. We could get to it.
  • Randir is shaken. But Ulertu says we should investigate. Ulertu wants to see what we can learn.
  • Theo agrees and the gang heads off.
  • Under his breath, Randir is shaken but is mumbling, "Together, we can do anything..."
  • We get further up the hill and notice the weapon this Giant was wielding was made of stone, not metal
  • Further along, an enormous section of the mountain was flattened... and an enormous figure who is continuing to dimish in size...
  • As we approach, it's maybe 2-3 times larger than us
  • The body is very still, but there is a slight rise and fall of his chest
  • Ulertu approaches the body and the giant is covered in cuts and bruises
  • The Giant is mumbling to itself, "...too late... i have failed... and the world will suffer for it..." in Giant
  • Ulertu approaches and speaks a little to the Giant who looks confused and amused
  • He speaks in common now, "I spoke an oath long ago to rise again if the beast was freed again to prevent the ruin of all things... but I failed."
  • Ulertu, uncharacteristically, cuts to the chase and asks holding a vial of ichor, "What is the liquid?"
  • He looks weary, but he sighs, shuddering, "The folly of young races. Always meddling. Always grasping at power they do not understand."
  • He looks back, his gaze is heavy, "I see not all of you are blind to such mistakes... That, is a mistake. A creation of people long ago. Something we found; we thought we could use, but it was also beyond our control."
  • Ulertu says, "Rest, we will resolve the mistake. It will be my vow."
  • Randir gets strangely impatient. He kneels next to the guy and says, "Please, you have to tell us how we can stop this thing. We need to know how we can stop it. Your people must know how."
  • The giant turns to Randir, "I sent the last of my kin to your land to help the people, but I did not tell them to full truth"
    • Is this the Emporer? Or was the Emporer given power from this Giant?
  • The dragon is made of ichor... it's older than any living thing.
  • He watches as the people of our world, the Emporer, slayed the dragons of the world, and others sealed the Black Sky away.
  • This dude says he is a descendant of the people who once lived in this land... He's a giant(?). They created this BETWEEN place to settle his people.
  • This guy is among the last of the giants. Or this guy can't find any other Giants.
  • "I am Bramoth Skybane, set to guard this place should the Dragon return."
    • Ulertu recalls that this is the descendant of one of the Giants who he had studied
    • This giant was likely born around when the Emporer was born.
  • Randir offers to heal this Giant, but they both know it would take Randir's whole life to barely help this man
  • "No, my child... my time is over but this is not over."
  • And his eyes unfocus as he passes away
  • There is a moment that passes, Randir stands looking at his friends as he breathes out a sigh of stress and determination, "We have fought beasts of ichor before and won. We can do it again."
  • A voice from everywhere and nowhere, "The skies darken... even the lands know what is coming."
  • Ulertu sees more than anyone else, illuminated by distant lightning, the DRAGON SITS ONLY 100FT FROM US. Crouched, camouflaged in darkness. Its eyes are white hot flames in the dark.
  • Ulertu is frozen for a moment.
  • Silently, Ulertu points at this dragon.
  • Randir swallows his fear and says, "Come to dine on your felled foe?"
  • Randir reads this beast like a book with his insight - What he sees in a dragon... is mirth.
  • Randir asks it why it's been sitting here, watching us
  • "I am savoring this"
  • He asks us, "Who were your ancestor?"
  • Randir tells about how his ancestory is not very important. Because his ancestroy is defined by the prosperity of the land he lived in. And the land has been prosperous.
  • "Have you found the bones of your ancestors in the pits of this land? Will you stand and burn or kneel and pray?"
  • "Your betters thought to trap me, but I am the true ruler of this land"
  • The dragon begins to raise itself up. Presenting his size and full sized wings. 70-80 feet tall, its wings hundreds of feet wide.
  • The gods, your ancestors, the Giants cannot save you.
  • This dude is back to destroy the histories of the land and bring back his people (dragons).
    • "I am the shadow in every fear, the hunger in every war, the silence after every breath"
    • "I am the fire that devours empires"
    • "This world has always belonged to me. And I am here to remind you all."
  • END SESSION

2/13/2025

  • Randir asks Cederleaf, "How are you here? Did you travel from the Blooming Pools?"
  • He says he foresaw us coming here
  • He wants to know what our journey has brought us
  • Randir sees this is a stalling tactic
  • ALSO REMEMBER CEDARLEAF MAY BE IN ON THIS SHIT
  • Randir says "We can speak while we walk. We need to find something."
  • Cedarleaf says, "Oh, I know why you're here."
  • And he wants to talk to Randir and Ulertu... for some reason
  • He tells Theo he can go, if he wishes
  • Theo yells WE MUST DO THIS and he takes off
  • Randir and Ulertu wait.
  • Fuck. Not again.
  • Cedarleaf says, "This was preordained... we were meant to meet. Theo was meant to face his father."
  • Ulertu politely declines this talk, and Randir says "No. WE MUST GO."
  • He attempts to transform into a Bear, but Cedarleaf stops us -- paralyzed
  • Dude gets in our faces, telling us "I know you do not believe in fate. Then what is it? Luck?"
  • Dude outlines how we've been VERY lucky as a group
    • Meeting the Empress
    • Making out way to the Strand
  • Our other friends, not so lucky
    • Elana Dead, but not harmed?
      • She found out Cedarleaf was distributing weapons to the Strand
  • And he reveals the Empress is susceptible to dragon's poison, AKA the fucking poison on the daggers we found in Caer Sen
  • And he woulda killed her if we hadn't stopped him back then
  • And then he finds out, Randir is one of the last Druids, Ulertu a student of the Giants
  • And then we're travelling north, and we kept destroying the Obelisks -- all according to his plans
  • Dude is fucking FLAUNTING his schemes
  • He needs us to understand he's not trying to stop the ritual, but he wants what we want: balance in the world
  • Cedarleaf: "I knew I would be the one to plant the seeds to plant the seeds of destruction"
  • "You all posess this precious gift, the ability to see the good in things"
    • "Of all the places in all of the universes, you three posess this alone"
  • He wants to bring us to the darkness, to sorrow, to pain to show us our "nobler selves"
  • The paralysis wears off
  • Randir: "We can't do this now, Ulertu. We need to get to Theo."
  • All Randir can think is despite all of this is that Theo is alone. Again. Just like in Pella's Wish. And you do not get a second chance like Theo did back then.
  • Ulertu begins to try to debate this man, but Randir DOES transform into a brown bear and scopps Ulertu onto his back; a pit in his stomach that Theo is all alone.
  • Ulertu's mind is RACING about fate and destiny and how we're some kind of SPECIAL variable in the equation to all of this
    • He comes to a conclusion, two things make us different: "The wrong man in the right place can make all of the difference"
      • We were in the Ember Valley when Cedarleaf was there and that changes things
      • We were in the presence of the Empress and that changes things
  • Ulertu's thinking was, "We're always two steps behind." But he's never appreciated the fact that we happen to be in these right places and meeting the right people -- the fact that we were there at all could be all the difference.
    • Our choices have led us to these moments
    • Were those choices controlled? Was it fate? Was it a choice?
    • Cedarleaf has been planning for a long time... but could not account for us.
  • CUT TO: Theo arrives at a path at the base of this shadowy mountain. Stones carved into steps into the hillside.
  • Theo is in battle tactician mode. He rushes up the path, following the it up the hill.
  • He begins to hear a soft grinding sound, a blade being sharpened.
  • As he crests the hill, there is an enormous stone platform surrounded by four large stones
    • Along the stones, is black goo, some parts of the platform are smattered with the goo as well
  • Sitting on a shortened, ruined altar is a man clad in black armor--Lord Dracos--sharpening a sword
  • The man, eyes all blacked out, see Theo.
  • He stands, tossing the whetstone aside
  • He holds a dark blade and stares, almost without recoginition, then says, "Theo, you've returned. I hope it was easy to find your way."
  • Theo is not pleased by him. This man murdered everyone he knew.
  • Lord Dracos smiles, in a genuine and pleased way, "Everything I did was to give you strength to get to this moment. How many people follow you now? What kind of man are you?"
  • "They may be your friends, but they follow you. How many people have changed themselves to follow in your path?"
  • Pools of goo (the ichor) amass into shape. Forms of Randir, Ulertu, Pallas, Bram the baker, Harold the Ranger and Kodiak, Rayne, Stone the Dwarven Monk, the Cinder Root Trio - all appearing and reaching out to Theo hoping he would take their hand.
  • Dracos: "This is the truth. Each person who follows you, you bear their weight on your back. You will do whatever you can to protect them, and their belief in you will give you strength and you will do anything to keep that strength. See how they drag you down? What would you do to prevent them from harm?"
  • Dracos offers an idea of truth. Theo asks, "What kind of truth can you offer?"
  • Dracos: "You have a darkness inside of you. No matter what you look like, it's in your blood and your bones. To defeat me, you will need to cling to that darkness and shadow."
  • Darkness leaks above Dracos, and Theo feels the power of Hoar within him and the oath of vengeance. Anything that is not that is breaking his vow.
  • "If I have darkness within me, it is because of you."
  • THEO CHARGES
  • Theo: "You see the light in my blade!!!"
  • Dracos: "Look how strong you've become!"
  • THE BATTLE GETS BLOODY. "How is your vow now, Theo?"
  • Theo is not looking good, but he knows that This Is What He Is Here For.
  • Theo recalls a vision of a time before he was born, a young man, his father. He made a lot of bad decisions trying to provide for his family. Through force of strength he would instill his will on those around him to cultivate a need for him. And through that, he acquired power.
    • This is a dark reflection of himself. He wants to be needed, but rather than yearning for power he instead lifted other around him.
    • These people followed Dracos because they thought they needed him. Dracos is so far down this path, he cannot see how he got there. Theo grits his teeth and sees how all of the paths connect to this showdown.
  • There is a surge within Theo. He feels... refreshed. 30 hit points regained, and 5 temp HP.
  • He uses his next moment to strike and it is HUGE.
  • Dracos, beaten and broken, is enveloped in darkness and reaches at Theo's armor
    • "YOU HAVE BECOME ME"
  • He grabs Theo's blade, his blood turning black, his voice changing and he grows larger than he should be
    • "DO YOU SEE HOW SMALL YOU ARE; HOW THE PITTILESS WORLD STOMPS YOU DOWN"
  • Theo is thrown to the ground
  • He throws his father over his head and begins to move out of the circle and down the path
  • Randir and Ulertu will arrive in 2 turns
    • Effffff
  • Dracos' cloak of shadows stretches ahead of him, close to Theo - almost like wings
  • It begins to rain
  • Theo continues running, casts a witchbolt, but it fizzles
  • Dracos grows larger, his body begins to grow scales up his arms - his voice becoming gutteral sounds
    • His last words before they become just noises, "I. Am. Disappointed. You. Are. Nothing."
  • Another Witchbolt.
  • Randir and Ulertu get to the bottom of the hill, a boom of something--thunder? something else????
  • Randir and Ulertu RUSH up (Randir as a Bear)
  • Randir yells to Theo as he leaves his wild shape, "THEO!!!!!" and heals Theo
  • Theo remembers, "You have always held this blade, you will always hold this blade" and he is reminded this Sword his sword is his and no one can take that from him
  • Lighting strikes into Theo's hand, the sword manifests
  • THIS FINAL STRIKE DISPATCHES THE TRANSFORMED LORD DRACOS
    • The parting of shadows cuts through the darkness of this beast's neck.
  • The dark parts slough off into the ground and what remains is the body of Lord Dracos -- plain clothes, padded jerkin. The armor is gone.
  • The man's body, lying... maybe dead.
  • Randir rushes over to console Theo, but thinks better of it as he sees the man is Lord Dracos.
  • Theo: "This is it. My journey is over. This is the end."
  • Randir, grips Theos shoulder from behind, "This is not the end, my friend."
  • The rain pours down, darkness is all around us. Thunder rumbles across the sky.
  • This moment is done, but something feels... missing.
  • We hear a wind pushing the trees, a strong push rising around us, rain battering us.
  • Something is above us, coursing through the sky, a Black Sky.
  • Echoing in the forest around us, a piercing roar.
  • END SESSION

1/16/2025

  • The moon rises as Ulertu, Theo, and Randir watch the sky
  • Aldric told us there's something in the city, something in the sky
    • We do not yet have the right perspective
  • Ulertu devises a tool to help us find this perspective
  • Ulertu notices there aren't enough stars in the sky
    • But we put together... if we reflect the sky, there are double the number of stars
  • GASP
  • Randir suggests we find somewhere with a body of still water (ie. a pond)
  • We put together that a still body of water would offer more opportunities to look in different directions
  • Ulertu asks if there's some kind of druid ritual could help them here?
    • Randir recalls some knowledge about the Ashen Grove and the Grove of Night
    • The Grove of Night talked about some rituals where water was involved -- on the shores of the ponds and lakes within the valley. Where River met lake. Places of convergence.
    • Randir sticks on spiritual representation of convergence -- how rivers meet lakes and the "magic" of change
    • If this spell we're trying to perform has to do with perception, it's more important in HOW you're looking instead of the location
    • Randir thinks this could even be done with a mirror - any reflective surface
  • Ulertu asks Theo where we could go in the city to find a pond
  • And we make our way to the pond
  • Ulertu pulls out his fancy star tool and Randir holds the map up for him
  • We need to walk a half circle around the pond
  • We round the pond, and we see a small crease open in the world, almost like walking around a wall
  • From the center of the pond, now we see a long staircase of light - at the top, a doorway
  • Randir is WIGGED out by this
  • For the first time, THIS feels like magic to Ulertu
  • There is no exertion of power, it's like the stairs were always here... this feels strange
  • Theo, Ulertu, and Randir walk up these stairs, the light is bright on the stairs but we ascend into darkness to the sky
  • We move through a doorway, cold wind against our faces, the is above us, but beyond us and all around is the night sky
  • The ground below us is nearly black, despite the brilliant light coming from the stars
  • A hill ahead of us, attached to mountains on either side of us far away
  • There is a body of water off to the side, off in the distance
  • Spotted tree cover ahead of us
  • We are somewhere else completely, the Strand is gone behind us
  • Randir asks if Ulertu or Theo know where they are
  • We all feel lost here
  • Randir and Ulertu recognize the stars, but they are FAR away from where they "should be"
  • Randir pulls the Amber Blade "We do not know this place, my friends, we should be on alert"
  • Ulertu takes a swig of Ember Whiskey
  • AND WE GO INTO COMBAT AS SOMETHING BEGINS CRAWLING ON THE GANG
    • IT'S NOT GRASS
  • Tendrils starto grasp at us, a blackness shifty and liquid
  • Randir casts Daylight and dispels some of the darkness
  • Whatever is fighting us, is an amalgamation of forms reaching from the ground to attack us
  • Ulertu casts the final strike against the largest blob that remains
  • We investigate Ulertu's wound, it doesn't look like acid... it looks like worms or termites. This thing was EATING...
  • Ulertu reflects: We usually see this stuff where bad stuff is happening or near a giant site...
  • Randir dismisses his Daylight
  • We heal up using potions and Randir's staff of healing
  • We hear a voice calling out to us, "Oh, so glad you could make it... I was hoping you'd be in time"
  • From the trees, we see a very tall, slender elf dressed in plain robes of yellow and green
  • And we see the old elven face of Master Cedar Leaf
  • END SESSION


1/2/2025

  • Randir takes all of his notes from his journey and compiles them for Bram Fairkettle
    • In this moment, we put together than Randir has been writing little notes throughout the journey, but it wasn't until we saw the historical record displayed in the Blooming Pools that he started to really dig in on his journalling
    • So the story is sparse to start, with the big moments of our journey being fleshed out, but it's not until the Blooming Pools that Randir started writing deeper and larger entries in his journal.
    • He composes this all together to send to Bram with a final page signed off very sincerely:
      • "...And yet, had it not been for a kind Halfling named Bram Fairkettle welcoming in Randir to his bakery, Randir's journey would not have been so grand. He had seen much before Ember Peak and Caer Sen and beyond and had experienced much of the majesty of the world outside of his Forest, but Randir's adventures truly began in Ember Peak and started with a loaf of bread extended to him by a true friend."
  • We write our letters, we sleep, we eat...
  • Theo wakes up early and went to send the letters - some by ship, some by horse, some by bird
    • An envelope was waiting for Theo????
    • It was sent from within the city...
  • Ulertu and Randir wake and the tavern is a bit quiet, a few ships have set sail it seems
  • Theo returns with the envelope, it bears a sigil in wax -- The Order of Truth
  • The letter, after some investigation by Ulertu, appears to be from Aldric
    • He speaks about where this big ritual will happen somewhere where the stars align and a place between places that "only someone with sigh who can see the city for what it truly is" can see it...
      • He is heavily alluding to perspective
      • Ulertu surmises this may have to do with construction of, say, hidden entrances (ala the Giants way of building things) - "can you see BEYOND a thing for what it truly is"
    • "I suggest the Bell Tower at the top of the hill for the most wonderful sight of the city"
    • "However, you should not follow these rituals as your life will be used a component of their craft"
    • But it's not signed
  • We make our way through the city around the Universy, up a small cliff to The Clocktower that overlooks the city
  • We make our way up the stairs, Begrudingly, which gives us a clear view of the city from east to west, across the bay to the hills on the other side. The docks that lead to the noble homes...
  • Randir sees the nature and spots of green in the city and the rings of green that dot the area
  • Ulertu and Theo sit and look for a bit longer... the paths, the roads, all come together in an interesting way.
    • These cities have been built on older civilization, by Giants... The large stones of the city seem to dot the landscape and the city has built around them.
    • From the angle we're at the streets aren't really streets. They're pieces of something, broken up by buildings... Buried in the bones of this city are Giant Runes. Streets curving in JUST the right way to show the runes.
    • Highlighted in the city are words: Through Stars We Stride, In Worlds We Hide
  • Ulertu and Theo realize that this could be a passphrase of sorts
  • If all of these pieces are correct, with the right words and the right positioning of the stars, all you need is the right perspective in order to find (or make) the door to the place within places.
  • Ulertu and Theo realize we have the PIECES to step between places - but it's the Giant's method. And it can be used to GET to this place rather than going BACK to the Vault.
  • We decide that we need to find / make this door tonight
  • So Randir decides to disguise himself with a spell and listen in on any classes he can hear outside in the University parks
  • He spends some time doing this to really understand if all of this civilization and organization of magic and people are really benefiting all and not just some means to harness power for the sake of power
    • In Randir's mind, to be a teacher he must also learn
  • He hears discussions around magic theory and arcane implementation for the sake of understanding / rediscovering an Arthur C. Clarke style of science which appears as magic.
    • Linguistic importance
    • Mechanical structure
    • Laws of Magic
    • Arcane Engineering
    • "The Balance of Power and Magic In Society"
    • The Ethics of Enchantment
    • Sorcery and Druidology
  • Randir feels that he's only ever seen the "bad" side of so much of this and he regrettably has not been able to see all of the Good that this level of study and organization have wraught
  • The attitude of many people he comes across is that of scavengers and preservation of knowledge
  • Everyone here are PSYCHED to learn this stuff and they want to make the world better with their knowledge
  • Ulertu seeks out Aldric, who is not around the University, neither is Thalor
  • Theo spends the day contemplating his journey so far. Meditating on everything.
    • He thinks, "After this, I need to find a quiet place to settle down and quit adventuring..."
  • The Sun sets on the bay, the ocean breezes through The Strand
  • Randir, Theo, and Ulertu gather [somewhere] to stare at the stars.
  • END SESSION

11/14/2024

  • So we made some lists
  • We've got some options on the table:
    • Do we walk right into their trap?
    • Do we walk away?
  • Theo is ready to walk into their "trap". Life? Death? He is ready for both.
    • He doesn't feel any empathy for his father
    • Regardless of what we do, he knows his father will reach the same end - Theo's vengeance is inevitable
    • And Theo is waiting for the perfect moment to enact his revenge
    • A lot of this is because he has things he cares about more than just his revenge
    • Could Theo change his Oath???
  • Randir knows where he wants to go with this (BRING ME TO THEM)
    • But he does push out his will through a ritual with his Staff of the Woodlands to speak with the flora and fauna of the world through Speech of Beast and Leaf.
    • Long term, he wants to eventually visit the druid groves he researched... maybe he can heal them? or help them?
  • Ulertu sees the Order of Truth as a way for knowledge to be gathered and dispursed, but the underground group of baddies has him wigged out
    • How big is this group?
    • Maybe this is just a small infection that can be removed? Because this group does not seem to be pursuing the goals of the Order of Truth.
    • Ulertu is monastic about his knowledge finding and sharing
    • If this group is corrupt and trying to vy for power, does he want to continue as a part of The Order of Truth? Could he go off on his own?
    • He doesn't want to destroy things to discover history
  • What are Randir's views of the "harmony" of the world? Of the Power Structures?
    • Randir believes that all powerful leaders who have sway over a whole land is wrong, not harmonious
    • Nature, in all things, finds balance
    • People should be able to self govern and can be taught to be harmonious with Nature
  • We don't know exactly when or where or really HOW this Ritual is happening.
    • Yikes
  • Our letters going out are less of a call for help, but more of a record of what we plan to do (esp for those letters going the furthest away from The Strand)
    • But we tell everyone to go to the Barrowcroft Manor
  • Randir guesses this ritual is happening wherever the Blackbriars wanted to meet us
    • Could it be in the Keep of the city?
    • Aldric said the stars are aligned to use the teleportation circle we found
    • Maybe we go back to the Archives to go to the teleportation circle? MIND YOU: WE just came from there (in the narrative)
  • What are Randir's thoughts on religion?
    • He sees it as suspersition and / or ritual - it's a thing to do, a thing you must do.
    • He's aware of deities / icons / concepts and their partitioned responsibility
    • But sending a letter is one thing... what if you contacted God? How would you do that?
      • Prayer?
    • But what about the Empress?
      • HOLD ON: WHAT IS THE EMPRESS THE GODDESS OF?
  • END SESSION


11/7/2024

  • Randir feels his hand on the page.
  • Shadows swirl around him in the darkness
  • Randir talks about his first time using magic (Magic Stone)
    • Randir's first spell was Magic Stone.
    • As a little boy (maybe 10 or 11 years old), he was throwing stones in a lake with a few other kids from a large nomadic group who were staying in The Forest with him.
    • But he couldn't get his stone to skip like the other kids
    • Suddenly, from deep within him, he found... something. A power. A feeling.
    • When he threw his stone... and as the stone hit the water, he PUSHED his Will into the stone-- a trail of energy attached back at Randir's hand -- and it BLASTED off into the sky.
    • Finally, he felt like he could do the thing he so desperately wanted to.
  • FLASH TO:
  • Randir is in an Old Place. A dark, brusied sky above
  • Giants press on a massive stone, pushing it into the ground
  • As the stone pushed beneath the earth, the sky clears
  • Randir feels the power of magic around himself, then subsides as the stone enters the ground
  • Randir sees a golden clad man, he is determined
    • This is the first Emporer, God Emporer
  • His hand bleeds, the ground parts around his blood drops
  • The emporer pushes outward to the world and it recoils
    • The Emporer is seen then PULLING magic from the world.
  • Suddenly, the Empress... she feels burdened, trying to protect her people from themselves
  • Now in a field, magic is gone, but nature flourishes
  • He learns: There is magic woven into the world, in the bones of the world
    • A heartbeat... of something large and vast
  • And he's back in the library
  • Randir and Theo talk about Randir's vision
    • Is the Empress holding power back from her people for the better?
    • What if we allow the obelisk to break and magic is released back to the world?
      • What would happen if suddenly these Northern kings have hundreds of "Theo"s?
        • It would be cataclysmic....
    • There MUST be some middle ground between NO magic and ALL magic
      • Theo: "This is solution we must find"
    • Maybe the Order of Truth has a solution? They've tapped into magic without completely devastating results...
  • We need to find Ulertu and figure this out.
  • Ulertu says: Perhaps we must leave this magic within the world rather than grasp for it, for if we grasp for it, then we lose it
  • Randir argues that we will not be here forever to protect this container of magic, but if it is part of the world then it must be natural in some capacity
    • But the world he saw FULL of magic was near desolate...
  • Ulertu believes that we should act now to prevent this ritual the Order of the Dragon is trying to perform, but that we must preserve this holding of magic instilled by the Giants
  • Ulertu is thinking 1000-year plans now
    • We need to carry on the legacy of the Giants
  • Randir feels grim about this, but says, "Either people who know about this ritual come with us and abide by why we need to prevent it, or they leave this plane."
  • Randir wonders if the ichor is somehow related to this stopper of magic
    • But what about the WHITE ichor that Ulertu saw in his vision?
  • Ulertu thinks it could be that the ichor in his vision was somehow more pure? Or handled better with magic?
  • Aldric said the ritual will happen in the next several days.
  • So where do we go from here?
    • Perhaps we go to the Blackbriars and just get into the shit right away
  • Pallas is not around still, off on a ship
  • Maybe we find Thalor?
  • Ulertu suggests that if they need us, maybe we should just avoid them
  • Randir suggests we bring the fight to The Order of Truth?
    • Because who the hell do these guys think they're dealing with?
    • They're just a bunch of wizards, as Randir says, dabbling with magic. We're Magic Users.
  • We're reminded of how our experience of magic has shaped us:
    • Randir found magic early in his life. Surrounded by others who used magic and learned as he grew up.
      • And now what he found challenging is simply mundane.
      • He uses magic to shape the world around him
    • Ulertu learned magic and found that learning it was easy and he found it natural for him to learn more
      • Ulertu wants to use magic to grow and build more and teach more
    • Theo found magic in his faith and learning, but his magic was from within him and took for himself
  • The Order of Truth interacts with magic by finding knobs and levers in the world and teaches people how to use those tools and training to touch magic
    • They want to demystify magic and make it easier and accessible.
  • But there are other places where magic comes from--in a person, in the land, in creatures born of magic.
  • We've also seen people who have found magic in other ways, maybe some we cannot describe
  • The obelisks were these points (and stoppers) or magic - did us touching those obelisks awaken something in us?
    • If the Order of the Dragon has ALSO touched these obelisks, has it awoken something in them as well?
    • MAYBE RANDIR SHOULD NOT UNDERESTIMATE THESE GUYS because they may have access to more than one way of magic
  • Maybe we need to call some of our friends to aid us in this next bit?
  • As we talk more into the evening, we bring out parchment, ink, and quill.
  • Who do we write letters to?
  • WE MAKE A BIG LIST
  • END SESSION

10/10/2024

  • In the morning, Pallas has left a letter for us and he says there's a ship leaving TOMORROW at dawn and he's going to travel with them (he's taking The Golden Dawn) to see what funny business is about
  • Ulertu wants to find Thalor
  • Randir gets back into his "Human" disguise and follows Theo to a nearby library
  • Ulertu disguises himself as he believes he may be suspect in some circles of the Order of Truth after the business with Elandra
  • Ulertu goes back to the building and office where Thalor was (at the time we believed it was Elandra's office), he's nervous despite knowing that Elandra isn't around
  • He hears one person inside and goes in, and it's Thalor
  • Thalor is pleased to see Ulertu!
  • Ulertu explains he's looking for Aldric, Thalor doesn't know him but he's "an eccentric"
    • Compared to them, that is
  • By reputation, he's a very exacting fellow
  • Aldric is an "astologer" and "sees" through the stars?
  • He may be able to answer Ulertu's questions about the alignment of planets
  • Ulertu explains what we've been up to for the last 24 hours... Thalor is worried about what they (The Order) could do by trying to "control" this disease
    • "I don't know much about creatures who are turned by this disease, but they eat what they kill... don't let them kill you"
  • Thalor is going to look into what The Order of the Dragon could be doing with the disease
  • Ulertu bids him goodbye and goes to look for Aldric... finds the room where he works as a researcher, and heads that way
  • Meanwhile, Theo and Randir find a very fine library. It's magically temperature controlled.
  • Theo knows how this place works, he spent a lot his time here as a kid. And he's back in his element of researching that he did as a younger kid.
  • Theo hasn't been here in 10+ years.
  • He sees a familiar face, a librarian who's been here since Theo was a kid
  • Theo approaches the librarian, and after a moment she recognizes Theo and she's surprised
    • Their name is Katarina, she's been here... for a long time.
  • Randir walks behind Theo the whole time watching, trying to appear to be a lackey in his Order of Truth "human" disguise
  • Katarina leads Theo to a somewhat off-limits section of the library full of old documents
  • Theo asks about what's been going on lately
    • Disappearances at the docks
    • Monsters and such beyond the Strand
    • Not much news from "The King"
      • Randir asks about The King - The King of The Strand, King Edric
      • When asked Randir gives a fake name, "Bartholomew"
    • She continues on about some local news in Linenburrow, and Stichwell, and Loomhaven
    • Dragonriders? Four Knights were knighted by the king to eventually become Dragonriders
    • She refers to the "southern lands" and never the empire or the "southern kingdoms"
  • When asked about The various Kings of the area, she happily offers some texts on the various Kings and is excited that we want to learn about King Edric
  • Theo and Randir spend ~6 hours researching, Randir aiding Theo
  • Theo is IN HIS ELEMENT HERE (lots of good rolls) --- and we get 4 questions from our research:
  • QUESTION 1: Who are the Northern Kings
    • Kind Edric of The Strand
      • Known for sailing, trading, and a strong sense of independence.
      • King Edric is in his mid-40s, inherited the throne after a coup where his father passed and there was a small civil war where he exiled his younger brother (Elroy) to secure power.
      • Because of its position, The Strand is a tradelink between the northern lands and the south due to it's connection to the sea -- otherwise people have to use The High Road.
    • King Darius of Stormwall
      • Almost a fortress due it being built in the ruins of Giant cities on the western coast of the continent--named for the high cliffs that drop to the sea and the stone structures that block wind that comes in from the west.
      • Decended from a warrior class that fought against the empire 300 years ago.
      • In his late 50s and known for putting down small rebellions against the existing monarchies. His people are tapped regularly for helping put these rebellions out.
    • Queen Nissia of the Cinder Root
      • Half-Elf
      • Daughter of a renown elven sorcerous and a lord of the Strand
      • Known for her stoicism and remnant of magic passed down to her from her mother
      • Because the Cinder Root is far off and rural, it has stood as an outsider of the kingdom but is known for being friendly with its neighbors due to needing them for trade.
    • Lord Galen of the Blooming Pools
      • Half-Elf
      • Not necessarily a King so much as an uplifted lord. He's taken on the role as a mediator between the humans who have been settling and the Elves who still live there.
      • Known, generally, to be peaceful as a ruler, but still supports the northern kingdoms due to the history of the lands.
    • Lady Illyana of the Sunfields
      • (The gang passed through this between here leaving Caer-Sen)
      • Mid-30s, long reliant on the northern kingdom
      • Sunfields was first to fall 300 years ago due to its location, not a strong military powers, mostly peasant class folks
      • KEY to feeding people on the continent.
  • Meanwhile, Ulertu is off to find Aldric
  • At Aldrics office, he left a note to say he's going to be at a laboratory, Ulertu heads that way
  • Ulertu finds him alone in the lab
  • Dude is drawing some sigils and he's taking his time, not looking at Ulertu
  • He's an elf, Ulertu notices as he approaches
  • Ulertu apologizes for intruding, and Aldric says, "I remember you from yesterday... our conversation was enlightning"
  • Ulertu is confused... but moves on, he wants to know about some planetary movements...
  • Aldric looks at him directly then goes back to drawing
  • "I'm sorry we didn't get to speak much, Elandra made it clear you were on a strict schedule"
  • UM. HELLO?!
  • Ulertu acts like his memory WASN'T wiped lmao
  • Ulertu notices Aldric is writing Giant runes
  • Ulertu talks to Aldric about his time studying Giant runes and going to Giant temples
  • He's seen Ulertu's research... he wants to collab? lol
  • "What have you learned since our last meeting that prompted you to come here today?"
  • Ulertu says, "I just wanted to see what you've been researching"
    • Some business around how Giants used runes to transport materials great distances
    • "Have there been any significant cosmological events that align with this work?"
  • One note: Aldric (like many older elves) seem to be busy thinking while also chatting with you, sometimes only half present because they're always thinking of older times...
  • "Elandra, as well as her friend Dracos something have often come to me for assistance with their projects"
    • Oh hell. Dude's been working with da baddies. But is he a baddy?
  • "The astral bodies are perfectly aligned in this age, specifically in the last few months, for many things to be possible."
  • He stops writing, turns to Ulertu and stares... it's unnerving
  • "They intend to perform some ritual in the coming days... they wish to, change, no, destroy something. They mean to control a great power"
    • Apparently Ulertu has helped them - oh when he was under that Charm / memory wipe that Elandra cast on him. UH OH.
  • Ulertu plays along... maybe buttering him up a bit.
  • Ulertu asks: "I wonder what your opinion on this seal is... from an academic standpoint?"
  • Aldric's face shifts a bit, Ulertu interprets this and he knows that Aldric doesn't know that Ulertu was charmed by Elandra... But the guy is not AGAINST Ulertu in this moment. He doesn't suspect Ulertu in any way.
  • He talks to Ulertu about the time of the dragons and how the Emporer has hunted them down over time but one was sealed away... The Black Sky.
  • "IT'S POWER WAS SEALED AWAY BENEATH THE LAND IN WHICH WE STAND"
  • Aldric is talking about how the "young races" perhaps do not deserve to live?????
  • "The ritual will occur in the next several days... Did you want to be a part of this ritual?"
  • Ulertu says he wants to at least witness it.
  • And Ulertu mentions his hesitation in this ritual given what he's read about this Black Sky. He's worried about how it will go for folks like, ya know, humans.
  • Ulertu points out that while The Black Sky would be a great weapon against the Empress, but it would also maybe be a bad thing for... everyone else, too.
  • ROB USES HIS NAT20 FOR HIS BDAY BABY
  • Ulertu manages to convince Aldric that maybe this is a bad idea... "I had not considered that" and Aldric goes into deep processing mode... maybe for too long.
  • He tells Ulertu he's given him much to think about
  • He tells Ulertu that they are planning to sacrifice ULERTU, THEO, AND RANDIR to their cause. OH SHIIIIIIT
  • Aldric leaves and Ulertu heads out of the Order of Truth, heading to the inn
  • Ulertu reflects on what the Order of Truth may mean to him now and how this may affect the students and future learners of the world
  • BACK AT THE LIBRARY
  • QUESTION 2: What historical records are relevant to him when he fled The Strand?
    • The coup and civil war between King Eldric and his brother Elroy.
    • King Edric and Lord Dracos and probably working together and when he fled the city, this was may be relevant to when he left
    • King Edric is DEFINITELY one of the people supporting this Order of the Dragon business. He definitely wants to break from the Empire.
      • THis aligns with Theo's dad's (Lord Dracos) views
    • Maybe Lord Dracos was important in influencing how Eldric took over
  • QUESTION 3: How's the relationship between The Strand and Stormwall?
    • They've been buddies for a long time. Last two kingdoms to fall against the Empire
    • King Edric was writing to Darius (We found this out with the papers we stole frmo the Vaults)
    • Thinking about the vision we got from The Empress, she was UNMAKING rebellions...
      • She's like 100 years old. Her Dad was mortal, and her grandfather had lived for HUNDREDS of years.
    • She said she wasn't proud about it. This was "recent", maybe 50 years ago. She put them down. They were likely from either The Strand or Stormwall.
    • Clarifying on the location of Stormwall: It's got one way in, one way out. They can't really get to water because they're so far up from the water.
  • QUESTION 4: Is there any mention of spellcasters in the histories of the northern kingdom? Or is there is a reason for there not being any spellcasters???
    • Randir's been thinking about this for a long while now but has never put this thought to focus before.
  • Randir's hands move over the pages of the book
  • THE FIRE OF THIS QUESTION BURNS IN HIS MIND
  • Randir finds himself in darkness
    • END SESSION

THIS IS NOT CANON, THIS IS MIKE THINKING OUT LOUD: Mike thinks that there is some SUPER spell on the land put there by the Emporer? Empress? that FORBIDS someone questioning the supreme power given to the ruler of the Empire and maybe he's gonna have to face the Empire's ghost or some shit next session...

Or the same curse thing is happening, but Randir is gonna explode. Or something.

10/3/2024

  • We make our way back to the tavern where we last saw Pallas and the barkeep serves us.
  • Randir gives him his last gold piece
  • Ulertu considers finding this Aldric Brightspark
  • Randir is really shocked by everything they saw... these monsters in a city could be devastating
  • Ulertu starts to sort through the documents we took, it seems that at a brief glance they're about "the standing stones" aka "the obelisks"
    • These are copies of documents and correspondence, drafts, and notes.
    • Some of it appears to be intercepted correspondance between nobles
  • Ulertu notices this is about magical travel, using giant language
  • They did not have a magician who was capable of understanding / implementing things, and their functioning teleportation circle seems to be a thing of happenstance(?)
    • If you have the right "address" you can go there with their circle
  • Theo digs through some of the letters and sees one addressed to his dad:
    • "Lord Dracos, the time runs short..." They expect this dude to deliver the "power of the obelisks" to "challenge the Empress" and "for conquest"
    • This is written by King Edric of The Strand
  • Theo finds a reply, "Your grace, I apologize but this power is within reach" - "All the pieces are nearly in place"..."by years end you will have the strength you need"
  • Another, an intercepted message between King Edric and [another king]: "I grow tired waiting, but I fear he plays a longer game" ... "If the obelisk is the key, we will have our force by years end, if Lord dracos does not comply"
  • Randir decides to go to sleep
  • The next day, Ulertu wants to talk to Aldric... if he's not a bad guy.
  • Randir wants to learn more about who these kings are and why they're still active if the land is governed under The Empire
    • Theo decides to join Randir on this
  • END SESSION

9/26/2024

  • We're in the vaults, Lord Dracos is here with his lackies but doesn't know we're here...
  • We decide to find the obelisk
  • So we make our way deeped into The Archives™ to find the obelisk using Ulertu's little charm of ichor
  • We see a small arboretum and some other interesting rooms, but Randir pushes Ulertu forward
  • The ichor Ulertu is using to lead us pulls downward...
  • Ulertu sees a room where a crystal (upside down pyramid) is pointing downward, lit by light... almost like daylight
  • The room is carpeted and has seats
  • Off to the side, a few smaller rooms -- lit when the doors are open -- little offices with desks and a chair, dotted by parchment and scrolls. Very plain.
  • We follow some stairs downward, each level has similar offices, some have larger meeting rooms
  • Many rooms with larger tables have project tables, all empty at the moment
  • We continue downward, the floors are thinly carpeted over stone
  • We get to the bottom where there is a large room with some chairs that look strange...
  • Then there are three large doors, one ahead, two on opposite walls
  • We check the doors for Alarms
  • Theo and Ulertu find some Alarms, oh yeah
  • Ulertu uses his theives tools block the alarm on the door in front of us and opens the door
  • Suddenly, we feel humid, salty air hit our faces
  • It's dark in here
  • Ulertu tries another door, but can't get the lock open
  • The third door opens and the light inside is dark red
  • Ulertu's ichor doesn't move in any direction
  • We follow the path of the red light
  • There's a low humming ahead...
  • Ulertu is reminded of the thrumming at the giant's grave... but this is different. Not magical... artificial
  • We creep onward
  • It's starting to get uncomfortably warm
  • We notice that the light is what is causing us to be warm
  • We get to the source of the light, it's coming from two cracks in the room: one in the ceiling (almost like a slash but made intentionally), one in the wall (this looks DONE to the wall by force). Behind the slice in the wall, white light that becomes red...
  • We're feeling VERY uncomfy in this heat, but the longer we stay... the worse it's gonna get for us
  • We look around... and there's some sort of remains in the room, they don't smell, but they're here....
  • We go to turn back and suddenly scrambling across the ground is this LARGE lizard-like creature with patches of dark hair, spined along the back
  • IT LEAPS AT US AND SWALLOWS THEO
  • SHIT
  • We do some violence to it and.... it's bad. Randir's Blight takes it down and we hear the scream of a man....
  • It's rapidly decomposing in front of us
  • Randir uses his water pouch to wash Theo off a bit... "Why were they keeping him here?"
  • We move back to the center room and head to the humid room
  • We pull out our light sources and feel a slight breeze
  • Ahead there's a dim light, but Ulertu and Randir hear sounds ahead... something alive.
  • There's a carved floor that gives way to uncarved, cave rock
  • There's scratching across stone and steel
  • The light ahead is far away...
  • Ulertu casts some faerie fire ahead of us to see what is ahead
  • We can see the space ahead but only for a moment which gives a little scan ahead
  • Randir tells Ulertu "If you need light, I can help"
  • And he casts Daylight on the stapler he has in his hand
  • Bright light shines out 60ft and gives us a large look into the room
  • The room is revealed to be a massive underground cave, a Large dock is ahead, there are wrought iron cages
  • The cages are 10ft tall
  • Ulertu and Theo surmise that this is a cave that connects to the cliffside next to the Order of Truth, facing towards the ocean away from the city
  • Randir surmises that this is maybe where they're shipping these monsters to the city or OUT of the city...
  • This does not look good
  • We look around a bit more, but don't see much... and we don't hear the sound any longer
  • We make our way back to the room and consider going through the third room
  • We know we need to find the obelisk tonight, now
  • We open the door and the sound of a LARGE bell begins to sound. Echoing through the facility
  • In the room ahead, lit by crystals similar to rest of the Archives, there is a circular raised diagram on the floor on stone
  • The platform is completely clean, but scattered among the surface
  • There is a dark mark in the center of the stone
  • Could this be a ritual circle? Could this be an illusion?
  • Ulertu checks the runes and the circle
  • These are drawn inexpertly, some are giant runes, some are other magical runes
    • Put together by someone without understanding of this magic
  • Ulertu knows this is a summoning circle
  • Theo tries reading the magic, but doesn't know what the intention of this circle is
  • Ulertu grabs all of the papers from a nearby table
  • We run into the dock room again
  • We make it onto the dock all the way to the end
  • Randir casts wind walk and we whisk ourselves away
  • We land in an alley way inside the town
  • AND WE LEVEL UP
  • END SESSION

8/29/2024

  • We enter the vaults, and it's dark
  • The path forward slopes downward slightly
  • Randir hears a rhythmic noise ahead and casts pass without trace on the group
  • Theo moves to lead the group as we sneak ahead
  • We continue downwards, and there is a light of some kind up ahead
  • As we get to the bottom, the light is strange, it's dim but coming from everywhere casting light around the room
  • The vault is HUGE
  • Stairs lead down from both sides of the landing we arrive on into a labyrinth of storage and shelves
  • Intricately stone pillars hold the ceiling up
  • It's cold and dry, smelling of dried parchment and alchemical ingredients
  • some of the crystals are floating, and begin to descend to illuminate the shelves for us as we arrive
  • Some tomes and scrolls are locked away, protected by by spells or other magical means
  • Ulertu has a good grasp of how things are grouped together, he's confident that there's a way to find his own research...
  • BUT WE NEED TO FIND ELANDRA'S WORK
  • Randir tries to convince Ulertu as Theo hears the rhythmic sound coming from one of the other corridors
  • As we move towards the rythmic sound, we see three labeled corridors: The Archives, Research, and The Vaults
  • The sound is coming from the Research corridor
  • So we follow it... and it sounds mechanical
  • As we move towards it, we feel wooshes of air paired with the clanking of metal
  • We approach carefully...
  • The room around a corner is large and square with 30ft tall ceilings
  • Four large pillars hold the ceiling up
  • Steps lead downward into room with connecting staircases that head up to balconies that overlook the center of the room
  • Something on the wall, around of where we enter, is a strange contraption that hold tubes and canisters and the sound comes from air pushing a series of canisters against each other, something has jammed the pipe that holds the canisters
  • Theo looks around the room as Ulertu looks at the canisters
  • Ulertu knows this to be a messaging device service machine - basically a pneumatic tube system
    • This is used for sending all manner of things around the facility / campus
  • The canisters are made of hardened glass/resin, slightly fogged to preserve a little privacy
  • Ulertu unclogs the tubes and realizes there must have been some kind of failure somewhere in the system that has since been fixed
  • The first few are simple messages, the next batch are rolled up scroll and journals, then larger items?
  • This room is probably for analysis or testing experiments and doing further research via spell application and testing things like spells, etc.
  • Theo sees someone was doing some kind of dissection on an animal, a squirrel
  • Theo notices a patch of scale... this sounds like the weird shit Thalor was talking about
  • There's some writing on parchment nearby, they're trying to find out what the cause of the scales are...
  • There's a note: "Futher subjects and further research to be delivered"
  • OH FUCK WHAT ABOUT THAT DUDE WHO GREW THE FUCKIN DRAKE ARM?!
  • SHIT
  • This idea dawns on us: Someone is working with the Order of The Dragon to lace people with this disease or the ichor which all comes back to what the Giants COULDN'T do which is harness this fuckin power that lets them control anyone/anything that's been in contact with the ichor...
  • If these tubes were blocked and more of this ichor/dragonscale research was being sent here, we gotta go through these canisters!
  • We start crackin cans. Some of the messages are innocent (dumb and horny, even)
  • But the next one is from a high family in The Strand... it's about a conversation with Lord Dracos and they think this dragonscale diseas is not natural and may be magically infused... they think it being related to the obelisks is not unfounded...
  • The next is a clinical research paper that's like a proposal, a research log about the disease:
    • "Symptoms observed in the latest subject shows that increased exposure to specific magical energies, isolation from said energies decreases symptoms... there is a connection between infected and specific bloodlines"
  • The last one has a mark on the canister, a mark that indicates it never made it to its destination and has been returned
    • Ulertu knows this was sent from this room
    • Inside, a crumpled piece of paper: "Dracos, the disease is spreading faster than anticipated. Possibly closeness to the obelisk. The Blackbriars are getting restless."
  • Is the obelisk here somewhere in the Vaults?
  • We surmise that the last letter was written in the last 3-7 days.
  • Randir doubles down on his thought that the obelisk must be down here in the vaults... It was likely moved a while ago when this research began in earnest beyond what Thalor was researching
  • Ulertu thinks: Maybe we could find his research and use the ichor samples he provided to potentially find the Obelisk if it possibly will react base on closeness to the obelisk
  • We set off to find Ulertu's research
  • Theo and Randir hear a thump and scratching sound... from one of the side rooms
  • Randir associates the sound with a large lizard...
  • Randir slowly walks towards the door, it's made of metal and looks sturdy
  • Randir gets closer and looks through the barred window on the door
  • Next to the door is a journal, a clean handwriting fills the journal
    • The latest entry: "This may be my final entry, my mind is slipping and the scales are growing."
    • Dude was searching for a cure for the plague, but he knows the Blackbriars did not want a cure... they wanted to use the disease to intimidate foes. Only the obelisks can keep this power at bay. Only those know how to use the obelisks can save us.
  • Something large in the other room shifts
  • Randir speaks the name of the author (Aldric)
  • JUMP SCARE - the man leaps at the door, his eyes black, his face covered in scales. He reaches out towards Randir.
  • Randir uses his speech of beast and leaf to say, "I'm sorry this has happened to you, Aldric. They will pay for this."
  • But the speech does not resonate with the beast-man...
    • "Some shadows don't want to scare you, some shadows want blood."
  • Randir is HOT HEADED
    • "WE need to cut these Blackbriars deep and stop them from doing this shit"
  • Ulertu argues, but before we do that... we need to find the Obelisk
  • While Ulertu and Randir are arguing a bit about what to do next, Theo hears Hoar: "You made a vow"
    • Hoar's visage appears down the hall and walks out of the corridor the group followed
    • Theo silently follows
  • Randir and Ulertu go to find Ulertu's research...
    • Randir cuts off a bit to find some info about Druid Groves -- specifically where the last two may be (just for some back of mind stuff)
  • Theo follows this spectre of Hoar through the stacks of the Vaults
    • The path feels intentionally
    • And leads to a lecturn where he eventually stands
    • There is a book on the lecturn and Hoar places his hand on it then is gone
  • Theo goes to the lecturn, the book is a collection of philosophical treateses, poetry, and tales from Monks who have studied religions of the world
  • Theo's belief of deities is not that they're Gods but simply "more powerful" beings who can assist mortals
  • Theo finds a passage: "The Sword of Dawn"
    • A story about a sword that can heal the world and bring light to darkness
  • Hoar tells Theo, "You have always held this sword and always will hold it"
  • Randir finds some research on the 4 remaining druid groves
    • It's easy to find because there are vines and flowers growing off of the books and parchment about these groves
    • The Verdant Santuary - a moving grove, active, and we were there that one time in Ember Peak. It's not active in the same way as the druid has passed. The druid who created it has passed on. It's final resting place is in the Ember Vale
    • The Grove of Night - In a secluded valley, once a place of massive power and a gathering site for many druids. The magic has fully left this place (druids died or vanished) and the dead now walk this place. Located in the blooming pools
    • The Glade of Whispering Winds - A mountainous druid grove, runs along the spine of mountains inward from the coast. Used to be used to grow and maintain power over the winds. The druids left this place and the spells vanished as well. Due to the heavy winds, the grove was destroyed decades ago.
    • The Ashen Grove - Randir has a flashback to the "vision" he had of the forest burning. This grove was devastated by a massive fire. Once a place of vibrancy, it was burned completely. But it's still an active grove?! Randir puts together that this place was created and is what gives the Cinder Root its name.
  • After an hour or so, Ulertu finds his research and his vials. He takes one collected corrupted black ichor, one untouched uncorrupted ichor
  • The gang comes back together.
  • We hear heavy footfalls approaching from up the stairs coming downward
  • Ulertu feels a tug from his ichor vials - they can sense something
    • They shook slightly, then stopped
  • The footfalls are NUMEROUS. Shit shit shit shit
  • The vials tug in Ulertu's hand towards The Archives
  • We book it for the Archives, lights are descending reacting to the presence of the number of people arriving.
    • We get a sense that it's a lot of guys???
  • We hear a voice: "It's just right over this way, my lord. The experiment was being done in one of the research wings. I wonder why someone of your stature would want to visit here, Lord Dracos?"
  • OH FUCK
  • END SESSION

8/22/2024

  • We decide to look into the room labeled Administration--no magicks on this door
  • We see a bunch of desks, each with a magical tablet that records audio / transcriptions to them
    • Ulertu is familiar with these
  • We decide to look for something that could give us some "Authority" into The Vaults
  • We look around the offices
    • Ulertu finds a post it with the phrase: "Don't forget - the password changes as sunset"
    • Theo finds a picture with 4 people and a phrase that says "Lunch in the garden"
      • This garden is in the main part of the campus
      • Ulertu notices only three names are on the back of the image
      • The fourth name is scratched out then the fourth name is then written "gardner"
      • "Elara, Gideon, Thalea, Lunch... Gardener"
      • the words "in the" are hastily scribbled between "Lunch" and "Garden"
    • Randir finds a book on the 13th page, opening the book he sees a quote underlined: "The key to a thriving garden, is timing"
  • We start to think, "Is there a passphrase to get through this Vault door?"
  • Ulertu goes to look at the front desk and sees a day planner. At the bottom, he notices a little half-circle on the horizon that says "dinner plans"
  • Theo finds a journal held open by a paper weight, notes about time tracking
    • One note says "Try new experiment with these values [some values]"
    • The very bottom says "try for 13 minutes this time for good luck"
  • Randir finds a messy desk, it's seriously a problem, it has an old map on it--coffee stained, covered in crumbs--a plaque that's in the process of being inscribed, not legible, a mostly melted small candlestick, a painting, a pocket watch tucked under a pile of scrolls.
  • We go to look at some of the cleaner desks
    • Ulertu finds a locked drawer on one desk and tries to open it with his thieves tools, and he pops the lock open
      • Inside is a stack of journals which we look through
    • Theo looks through one and sees that this one is the latest one in the stack (by the dates), and the last thing he sees for today's date is a todo: addressing the staff, alerting / reprimanding them about "time, location, and result" if it's not in that format they'll be in trouble
      • Gideon seems to be forgetful about this
  • We find Gideon's desk, the super messy one Randir was looking at
  • Theo looks at the map on the desk - and on the map we see the name Thalor. It was either made by or delivered by Thalor.
    • Randir decides to roll up the map to take it back to Thalor
    • It's a map of a druid grove, but we do not know where it is
    • The map contains a path through the grove to the center of it
    • It looks like it's dense forest, but there's some maze like quality to this place
  • We look over the desk again, the drawers are FILTY and filled with old food scraps
  • Theo looks over the desk and the chaos of forgetfulness
    • Inscribed on the wax is the number 13
    • Scratched into the paint of the painting (a picture of a lush forest or... a garden) the number 13
    • The pocketwatch has a piece of paper inside it with the number 13 and "DON'T FORGET"
  • AFTER A PAINFUL PASSWORD RECOVERY SESSION, WE FIND OUT THE PASSWORD: "Sunset Garden 13"
  • The door to The Vaults open
  • END SESSION

7/25/2024

  • SHOPPING TIME
  • Randir upgrades the Amber Blade (ready in the morning)
    • Allows him to take 1d8 damage to do 1d8 of either acid, cold, fire, lightning, poison, or thunder\
    • He trades 200gp + the cloak of elven kind and his +1 dagger
  • He also gets a Chromatic Rose
  • Ulertu trades in some wands and gold for 2 beads of force and a cube of force
  • Theo trades in his old gauntlets and an amulet for a Watchful Helm and Gauntlets of Ogre Strength
  • The gang discusses what to do next...
    • Do we face the Blackbriar's face on?
    • Do we just go to the Order of Truth
      • And if we go to the archives, we need to find out how Ulertu is being traced by the OOT and hand off that item to Thalor or someone else
  • We ultimately decide to go to the archives in the evening after Ulertu gets his items
    • But the cube isn't ready (and won't be in the morning)
  • Ulertu haddles with the guy because his item wasn't ready, but the Beads were
    • He says he may have something extra for him in the morning..
  • We drop of Ulertu's signet ring with Thalor to try to prevent our group (specifically Ulertu) from being tracked by the order of truth
  • And we head to the admin building... past working hours, maybe 10 at night.
  • Just trying to find where research goes and gets filed away
  • We surmise the back side of this building, attached to the mountainside is where everything is stored.
  • Ulertu realizes there's probably magical alarms here
  • Randir casts Detect Magic to try to find the alarms, he notices several protective spells on the door to enhance the door
    • He also sees a magical line running along the base of the room beyond the door
      • A manufactured barrier of the Alarm spell
  • Ulertu thinks he can cast Gaseous Form on himself to sneak past this alarm
  • And he does
  • Once on the other side, he can see a wire running the length of the door
  • Using his keen tools skills, he is able to find the source of the alarm and disable it to disconnect it from the greater alarm system
  • He unlatches the door and Randir and Theo are on the other side and they enter, then close the door
  • The room is dark.
  • Ulertu casts a 5ft radius light (with 5ft of dim light) on Randir's SOLE gold coin
  • And then he casts light on a stapler lmao with the same kind of light
  • Two doors leave this room behind the main desk
  • We push through one of the doors, not locked and no alarms go off
  • This next room has multiple doors, all with little placards
  • The room continues past some arches with a rug that runs down the center of this room
  • We eventually reach a T junction with doors on both sides.
  • One side is labeled: Administration, the other is labeled The Vaults
  • We head to The Vaults - We all get a bad vibe as we approach....
  • Randir doesn't notice anything odd, but this archway is INCREDIBLY OLD but the doors are newer
    • This Threshold is incredibly old
  • Theo thinks there should be protections here, but can't see any
  • Randir's detect magic is still on though... and he sees a wash of magical protections against those who try to enter without... authority.
    • The signet ring? Something else?
  • We end the session with Ulertu asking, "Maybe we quit while we're ahead?"
  • END SESSION

7/18/2024

  • Randir and Theo are on the hunt for Ulertu
  • We run to Elandra's office, but she's not there (busted down the door)
  • We head to the front of the building to speak to the attendand, but run into Thalor
  • Randir asks him for help and he says he won't help us...
  • But we chase him out and ask again and he dives into a bush "I KNEW IT"
  • We follow and make some tea
  • He believes there's a dark faction within the Order of Truth who wish to use the Truth to do NEFARIOUS things
    • But he (like Ulertu) believed the Order of Truth was about bringing the Truth to the people
  • He pulls out a large piece of weathered paper
  • He says he cannot read it all but he has been translating it
  • Fortunately, Theo CAN read all of this
  • They do some translation
  • This large piece of paper is about some sort of magical spell that will allow the creator to control the lands?
  • Thalor's MIND is BLOWN
  • "My gods, this is worse than I feared."
  • (Randir tells Thalor that they work for Ulertu)
  • This dude pulls a hair off of Randir's cloak... one of Ulertu's
  • Dude casts Locate Creature on Ulertu
  • He leads us around the campus and after about 10 mins, we find Ulertu
  • CONFUSION ABOUND - Time has passed, Ulertu has no idea what happened after Randir and Theo left
  • Ulertu mentions the "verbal challenges"
  • Thalor is reaffirmed in his belief
  • We head to the inn we're staying at to get off of the campus
  • We see Pallas at the inn and sequestor ourselves at a table in the inn (with Pallas)
  • Thalor hauls out his journal
    • We notice that the journal is made of drake's hide
  • Dude tells us about what he's been studying over the last 30 years
    • Druid groves, specifically in the western part of the continent
    • 4 of them in total:
      • 2 in cities (now, essentially parks) - The magic has dimmed
      • 2 are in strange places - the creatures around these groves have been afflicted with a disease
    • The disease afflicts those who have come into contact with unknown things in these groves
    • It turns their skin scaly, alters their vision and eyes and changes them
    • It slowly eliminates higher brain function (similar to something like rabies)
  • Ulertu finds this to be eerily familar to the ichor...
  • And he explains some of his findings with the black ichor
  • (I missed some lore here)
  • They talk more about what Thalor's big rolled up scroll and about some big spell and how maybe the ichor is the "spell" used to control the land...
  • The scroll was written by a giant lord who wanted this "spell" to control the land to fight their greatest enemy.... DRAGONS
  • Ulertu has a BIG BRAIN moment: What if these fuckers in the Order of the Dragon want to control the ichor so they can also control dragons?????????
  • SHIT.
  • Ulertu asks about the obelisks... and where it could be.
  • We know it's here in the city
  • Theo puts together that the disease this Thalor is after is MAGICAL not a disease
  • Ulertu asks Pallas if he knows any dudes here who know about shipping anything of note
    • Nothing beyond food stuffs, but... several of their friends have known people who go out to sea and do not return--the shipments empty and the ship's crew completely replaced.
    • This is VERY weird
  • Pallas offers to help investigate why sailors are disappearing and we agree
  • Randir suggests we investigate the Blackbriars...
    • But Ulertu is worried we're too exposed as a group
  • Thalor suggests there may be more info in the Order of Truth vaults...
    • The vaults are a large intricate system below the coastline
  • Maybe we should investigate the vaults and see what Elandra has been researching
  • Thalor suggests we go to the records hall to start, but he doesn't want to go there out of paranoia of his work being slurped up by the Order lol
  • Ulertu wants to shop before we go out on our next excursion
  • We decide to do some shopping today, then take a lil rest and in the morning we're doing some RECORDS DIVING
    • Night heist????
  • END SESSION

6/27/2024

  • **Note**: This gon' be an Order of Truth arc
  • Randir informs Theo and Ulertu about the obelisk not being real... we need to find Elandra Windrider
  • We head out to try to catch Elendra who *was* just ahead of us
  • But we manage to catch up, she's admiring the art in the next room
  • Elandra is a tall, elven woman with long hair. Dressed like a librarian/Professor with small spectacles.
  • Ulertu and Elandra exchange pleasntries
  • When Ulertu mentions Giants, she gets a little more focused
  • Elandra issues Ulertu a verbal challenge (similar to what the Guards did back on the road) to see if he's "cool"
    • "What is the price we pay for truth?"
    • AND HE PASSES
    • His response, "The cost of truth is no more the cost of clarity"
  • She offers up her resources to our disposal...
  • Ulertu talks about the obelisks, but doesn't mention the one in the museum is fake
  • Randir suggests that we should have this discussion elsewhere
  • Elandra agrees and suggest we move to her office and we follow her across campus
  • We get to the office and are offered chairs
  • We discuss the obelisks further, there's a lot of awkward pauses
  • Elandra says that it *was* confirmed that these obelisks were holding back some kind of power, but is curious as to why we believe it's Dragons...
  • Ulertu explains our beliefs... which maybe sounds strange
  • Elandra wants to review Ulertu's findings, but she understand the power being held behind the obelisks is massive and potent
  • She asks, "How do you know if what's being held back is dangerous?"
    • "Perhaps they're not holding things back but storing things..."
  • She asks about the destroyed obelisks, how did they get destroyed?
    • Ulertu plays a bit coy, "I was just kind of there" lol
  • Elandra mentions that more parties have asked about the obelisks, and she says the Order is interested in studying them???
  • The "Chief Investors" Lord & Lady Blackbriar are VERY interested in finding these obelisks
    • Shiiiiit
  • Ulertu tries to sequestor us from the convo, but Elandra says Ulertu (NOT RANDIR AND THEO) could go meet the Blackbriar's today
  • Ulertu knows that his deposition to the Order through his journals was truthful of everything
    • This could be INTERESTING
  • Elandra wants to talk with Ulertu ALONE
    • Ulertu sees that... she's only being half truthful about what's she REALLY wants to talk to Ulertu about. It's kind of hostile, but not deadly...?
  • Randir and Theo leave the room
  • Randir casts a *very special* Speak With Plants spell that casts all along the hall away from the office to get a delayed telephone of what (as interpreted by the plants) is happening in the room
  • Ulertu stealthily pulls Chuk-Chuk out and sets him down to hide in the room on the floor
  • Chuk-Chuk, however is not very stealthy and Elandra knows... something has happened while she was up. She knows something else in the room.
  • She warns Ulertu that this conversation should be confidential and if this info leaks... it would be bad for "certain parties"
  • Elandra wants to know where Ulertu thinks the last obelisk is...
    • He says, "It's in the museum"
  • She asks, "You seem to know the language, but I'm not sure if you are one of us. Who hired you to find these obelisks?"
    • Ulertu replies, "I'm studying Giants, and these are Giant artifacts... Since I work for the order of truth, I technically work for the Blackbriars. My motivations are for discovery and science."
  • She says, "Unortunate," and she casts a spell. The room becomes dark and she becomes radiant. Ulertu becomes taken by her and he believes she is going to help him. "This is the right place, the right time, and just the right circumstances... so long as you are with her."
  • Randir hears a very powerful Charm spell has been cast in the office
  • Randir and Theo decide they have to go stop this, but must move slow soas to not raise alarm
  • When they get to the door, Randir listens at the door but nothing is being said
  • When he knocks no response
  • He knocks again and a deep voice responds, and another man answers the door
  • This is NOT Elandra's office
  • This man is Thalor
  • We ask about Elandra's office, he says it's on a DIFFERENT FLOOR IN A DIFFERENT WING OF THE BUILDING
  • Randir and Theo book it. SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT
  • Ulertu comes to knowing he's been talking for a while about all of his problems and the tribulations we've encountered and Elandra is the only person who can solve this
    • He's spilling EVERYTHING
  • His feeling of certainty vanishes, he suddenly remembers NOTHING of what he said. All he remembers is the last thing he said was, "I technically work for the blackbriar's".
  • Ulertu is on a bench outside of the office building
  • END SESSION

6/6/2024

  • We start the night off with some rolls...
  • Randir thinks he needs to find a way for him to blend in, so he and Ulertu put together a disguise
    • Randir gets a powder / oil to cover his skin to make it look darker, he wears a large cloak adorned with some sigis of the Order of Truth
  • Theo sets himself as a "Grunt/Guard" for Ulertu
  • We want to hit up the Order of Truth and maybe some stores
  • We end up at the large campus for the Order of Truth
    • We considered splitting the party, but Theo is worried here of all places he would be most likely to be recognized
  • There's a lot of visitors at this campus
  • We develop a bunch of lore about the Order of Truth and personal sigils while talking to a receptionist in the main lobby of the Order of Truth campus
  • There's so much paperwork
  • Some magical map-making shit happens with a OoT directory book
  • Ulertu sees two names on the ledger:
    • Elandra Windrider
    • Thalor Sunfire
    • Aldric Brightspark
  • Ulertu wants to talk to Thalor who has a speciality in the intersection of Nature & Magic
    • Dude has a wild look but the receptionist doesn't know where he's at
  • Elandra may be nearby?
  • Oh, and Ulertu has a paycheck coming to him...
    • Backpay baybeeeeee - 1300gp in platinum bars (130pp)
  • There's lots of crowds, it's a free day for the museum
  • We begin to walk around the museum, looking for Elandra who should be around but likely ahead of the crowd
  • We see a tall, elven woman who is walking out of the room
    • We think this is Elandra
  • Also in the room we just entered.... a large obelisk
  • There's a plaque
    • "Large Stone Obelisk"
    • "Constructed by the giants"
    • "Believed to be used for rituals, perhaps for conjuration or abjuration magic"
    • "To this day, we don't know what this obelisk was used for but we believe it to be very important."
    • "The runes are very hard to read, even by our best scholars."
    • "We believe the runes to read: ..."
      • Ulertu believes the translations on the plaque are wrong
      • Ulertu knows though, he saw these runes on the obelisk in the King's Tomb and in the swamp of the Blooming Pools
  • Ulertu notices there is something off about this obelisk
    • Randir and Theo notice this too
  • Randir casts Detect Magic
    • He realizes why this feels off... other obelisks felt overwhelmingly magical, this one does NOT feel this way at all. He realizes this is an ILLUSION
  • END SESSION

5/30/2024

  • We talk to this woman (Estelle Keen)
  • Despite our huge fight, Randir and the gang try to broker a peace
    • We settle a camp for the day/night(?)
  • Randir pushes that there is no need to hide our story because knowledge is power
  • She wasn't aware of The Dragon Knight's true power
    • And neither was the group of soldiers (mercenaries), which is why a bunch ran off
  • After some talking, we discover we have fought their three Dragon Knights (one when we first met Egan), one being the guy who killed Randir, and the last one (Morrow)
  • Now 11 men remain
  • Morrow was the leader
  • Many were part of the same ritual that the two dudes at Barrowcroft Manor which is... not good
  • But Randir thinks if we don't steer them from their ultimate path (to stay with the group), they won't get killed by the ritual
  • They were sent to the Blooming Pools to help a mage and bring him back to the Strand
  • All of these dudes were from The Strand
  • Estelle is from the capital, Threadspire
  • Randir gives a summary of the group's travels since they came back together, highlighting the interactions with the King's Tomb, everything in Caer Sen, The Tower, The Obelisks, the Trolls
    • All of the visions and what we saw
  • His big emphasis is on Someone (or Someones) trying to amass power under the guise of amassing power to push back against the Empress, but that it will be a blight on all of the world if They can gain this power
  • Estelle tells us that The Castle is built on the ruins of Giant castles
  • Estelle says she overheard some conversations while in the Capital
    • There were 5 obelisks, they had found 3, one was already destroyed
    • She estimates that there is one left now...
  • She thinks that the stone must be in the captial (we kind of surmised this already)
  • She's confused by this idea of The Black Sky, why would someone in the North want to bring back a dragon when they helped Kill the dragons?
  • We think it's because The Order of the Dragon wishes to bring a power against the Empress that could do some real damage to them
  • Estelle says, "What if it's not an actual dragon, but a power instead?"
  • She asks, "What can we do now?"
  • Randir says, "Let us part peacefully from each other so we can get ahead and try to solve whatever this before the Order of the Dragon finds out you have returned empty handed."
    • Tell them we defeated your knights
  • Estelle recommends we find the Order of Truth to see if they can help
  • She did tell us that this is all that their group had, their Rangers parted from them a WHILE back and she doesn't know where they went
  • Ulertu asks if/how we could meet again. She says, "I desperately hope we never meet again."
    • But she says we can leave word at the Laughing Lion IF we need to lol
  • And we part ways, we head north
  • After a mile of travel, we Wind Walk to the capital. And we use the extra time to scope the HELL out of the Capital
    • We look for guards, getting the layout, finding the safest places for us to enter
    • Lots of tiered rings around the edges of the city, a huge dock on the north side
    • Randir has never been here before
    • This city imports and exports a lot of food to the rest of the land to the south
    • It's mediterranean in vibes
    • The city funnels down to the dock, the rich at the top of the hill, the poorer near the docks
    • Lots of little compounds on the hill, noble mansions and estates
    • A bunch of guards, armed with pikes and in chainmail for a myriad of reasons
    • Personal guards to various richer families
    • A large white spire juts out of the far end of the dock on a small hill
  • We settle down at dusk at the docks, Randir uses Disguise Self to look like a bulky 6-foot or so tall human assistant to Ulertu in rougher Order of Truth garb
  • We find an inn off the beaten path near the docks called the Dancing Dagger
    • A dagger in the sign above spins on it's tip
  • We get a room and get some rest
  • END SESSION

5/23/2024

  • THE FIGHT CONTINUES
  • ONE GUY GETS HIS ARM CHOPPED OFF AND IT TURNS INTO A DRAKE HEAD??????
  • We manage to take the dude down and everyone who was still alive ran away
  • The one woman who remains says, "I guess we have some things to talk about..."
  • END SESSION

5/9/2024

  • The woman approaches Ulertu and questions him.
  • It. Is. Tense.
  • She starts to ask about a group of four giving odd descriptions of, ya know, our group.
  • After a few moments of talking, another man leans out of a wagon and yells, "Stop playing with them, let's take 'em in"
  • She laughs, "Of course we know who you are"
  • Randir is not having this
  • COMBAT BEGINS
  • MY GOD IS IT A LOT
  • MAELSTROM
  • SHATTER
  • PALLAS SNIPING DUDES FROM BEHIND A BUSH
  • ERUPTING EARTH
  • AND THE SESSION ENDS WITH ULERTU, PINNED AND GRAPPLED BEING SWUNG ON BY A MAN WITH A HUGE SWORD
    • "I was gonna bring you back to your Order, I guess it'll have to be in pieces"
  • EFFFF

5/2/2024

  • A little backtracking in the game...
  • Randir, first thing in the morning before we set out, he casts Divination. Creatig a Druid circle of sorts to commune with the Arch Druid from The Beyond.
    • He's meditated like this before but never with a spell like this. His childhood was full of times *LISTENING* to the forest, he was told that it would be important to him in his life as a guardian of The Forest
  • The forest answers him: "Those men carry darkness with them, cloaked or pitted. Hide your light and they may share their secrets. Show your true self and you may face their hidden patron."
  • Randir, as part of this Divination, gives up his Pendant of petrified Ironwood
  • The gang discusses this message and whether seeking out these soldiers is the right approach...
  • After some interpretation, we come to a few conclusions:
    • Maybe the "darkness" being "cloaked and pitted" could mean they turned to our side?
    • Or is the "light" our amazing abilities and we should approach them not as powerful people but as regular people
  • Nonetheless, we approach these soldiers as they travel north, north-east
  • We get towards the back of the travelling soldiers and notice 5 men in a rear guard
  • Randir transforms back into his normal form
  • We approach them, Theo calling out
  • A head of the rear guard rides up and we chat with him, Ulertu eventually steps up after Theo and the rider notices he's from the Order of Truth
    • The dude challenges him for a "code" about potentially "clandestine" knowledge
  • Ulertu decides to change pace and begins to rant about Giant research and the man decides to wave us by...
  • This guy offers us a small break with the soldiers...?
  • Ulertu offers his services to this man as a member of the Order of Truth
  • He asks about another group... OUR group
  • Ulertu decides to tell a half truth... he saw "some guys" lol
  • We get a pass from the guard
  • We make our way passed the group and try a group stealth to not be obvious or too out of place
    • There are guys on top of the wagons in cloaks
  • Theo attempts to eye men who seem important and may be swayable
  • But it's hard to grok anything... damn
  • With some general vibe checks, Theo hears some complaints about conditions of travel
  • Theo calls out, "Hey, where are you guys going?"
    • Back to the captial, it seems
  • But another guy elbows the guy who spoke out
  • Ulertu notices that these soldiers are comfy around Theo
  • Randir sees that one of the two figures on top of the wagons signals... with four fingers, missing the pinky
    • A younger woman in her 30s, short hair
    • She's gesturing about the four of us
  • As we move to pass a bit faster, the woman calls out, "Stop! We have some questions for your group!"
  • END SESSION

3/21/2024

  • After a big discussion about the status of everything, where we're going and what we're doing next...
  • We wake very early in the morning to Linus, a bit more upbeat and well kept than before
  • He preps us some food
  • He tell us he's ready to move on(?!)
  • He's going home, he hasn't been there since he was much younger. He lived on the northern coast.
  • Egan tells us he's parting ways with us, he's heading East
  • Randir tells him to look out for the Cinder Root Trio
  • And Pallas, Theo talks to about the path we're on and gives him the option to come with us or not. "I would not depart from this goal," he says.
  • Linus has collected our horses and they're ready for us to leave.
  • We have a lot to face moving forward:
    • Randir is not afraid of these Order of the Dragon folks. He feels righteous in his path to inform (or enact violence against) these guys. Either way we need to know what they know and we need to find it out before we get to the Strand proper.
    • We've decided to not go stealth, we're not that group, but that's okay
    • Randir has Wind Walk in his back pocket (even if it takes 1 minute to cast)
  • The north is mostly mediteranean in weather. Lots of food production, lots of farmland. But there's not a lot up here... it's a little strange. Many fallow fields, not a lot of people out and about.
  • Our plan is to move forward until we can find someone to bring us to their captains to talk.
  • We ride hard and manage to catch up to the column of soldiers just before noon
  • END SESSION

3/7/2024

  • We heal a bit, Randir's wolverine leaves this plane
  • Randir goes to touch the pillar in the middle of the room we were in
  • He's taken into a vision
    • Here he sees a young man who looks like Theo
    • Standing before the young man is good ol' Master Cedarleaf
    • This man looks relieved in Cedarleaf's presence
    • Randir sees a meeting between Master and Apprentice, this young man looks like he respects Cedarleaf
    • Cedarleaf looks unchanged from when Randir saw him, whenever this is this Elf is not changed
    • The young man (Master Dracos!) bows to Cedarleaf and says "I would do whatever it is that you wish, I only seek a safe future for myself and my family. But what you ask... I cannot do it."
    • Cedarleaf subtly casts a spell and says, "I'm sure you'll find a way. You always do. I want what you want: To restore balance to this world."
      • He says war will not be the right solution
    • The young man says he has his family to look after
    • Cedarleaf has been planning a peaceful future for years.. before Dracos was even called Dracos
    • He says there are beings who will stop Dracos
      • Cedarleaf turns to the forest and the trees seem to bow to him
    • Cedarleaf: "The gods have kept your people in chains, until they are destroyed you will not be able to create the world you desire"
    • Dracos nods, "The empress, though... she's far stronger than anyone"
    • Cedarleaf ignores this, "The empress is a remnant of what her family once was... a weed in the garden I wish to cultivate"
    • Cedarleaf says he always knew he would be the one to destroy the old world and sow seeds for a new one
    • Cedarleaf says his people have never been able to flourish and he wishes they had that chance
      • But the empress (and the empire) is stopping that by keeping them weak
    • This is where Dracos has decided to take on this path of fighting the Empress
    • The forest waves along with Cedarleaf as he approaches Dracos, "This is the lesson the world teaches us. New growth cannot take hold until the old is gone."
  • We decide to rest for an hour with this knowledge
  • We hear a clattering nearby and go to investigate
  • A GIANT FUCKIN SLUDGE MONSTER
    • This time it's made of sand????
    • It looks like a large pillar fell and revealed this great beast
  • We defeat it and notice two more small pillars, but when we touch them... nothing happens
  • Until Ulertu and Theo touch them at the same time.
  • A large clunk knocks within the chamber, the sarcophogi open and slide back to show a small space beneath
  • Inside the space, a small bundle wrapped in a cloak
    • Candles, a coin pouch, and a small bandolier with vials inside
    • The cloak is a deep, rich blue
  • Randir opens the bundle and inside is a satchel with journals and tomes inside
    • As well as a small blade
  • We gather everything, Ulertu takes the books, and we head off out of the Undercroft
  • We meet Egan, Pallas, and Linus after we come up
  • We are rushed back into the manor to clean ourselves and we take a rest to leave as soon as possible in the morning
  • AND WE LEVEL UP

2/29/2024

  • Ulertu does some investigation of some of the leftover goo and concludes that this must be the same ichor we met with under the mountain
  • We discover a small room, some of the ichor is flowing up the wall to the ceiling... Randir can't determine what is exactly above the group but it's definitely the manor
  • We press forward into another room and discover another column
  • Randir goes on the defensive as Theo touches the column... he waits for a vision
    • Theo hears the sound of battle, shouts and metal and flesh
    • The battle is of a place under attack
    • A man moves slowly through a large force of people, scanning the crowd as this slaughter of other peoples happens
    • He turns and LOCKS EYES WITH THEO
      • IT'S THEO'S DAD. HE SEES THEO?!?!
    • Theo is nearly overwhelmed by this feeling of being seen
    • Theo wonders, "Hold on, is this all magic? Is my dad ALSO travelling through a memory?"
  • He's thrown back in the room
  • This was a recent vision, from just before Theo met the rest of the group
  • Randir thinks the group is in a hurry... we need to figure out what we can before we go to the Strand
  • The next room ahead of us has three small pillars made of glass, capped with stone.
    • In the pillars, ichor...
  • Ulertu looks at these pillars, confused by the fact that this ichor is contained
    • "Weeks ago" (in game), Ulertu saw a vision of a facility at the bottom of the lake had HUGE containers filled with ichor -- but they were empty or gray...
    • "Perhaps this is the last remaining sample of ichor?"
  • Maybe someone was using this place for their own gain? Maybe that's why it was here?
  • Randir can't figure out if these storage containers are old or not. But the floor and and such are PRISTINELY crafted like the rest of the older stuff in the Undercroft
  • Ulertu casts Detect Thoughts to see if there is any kind of mind in these containers
    • He doesn't hear words...
    • The pillars glow RED (for Ulertu), as ANGER pours from the "minds" within these pillars
  • Ulertu moves back a bit and the thoughts fade
  • But he probes deeper into the "minds"
    • Ulertu drops to his knees and reaches out with the confidence that he has faced these beasts before, he respects the danger but it does not deter him
    • He demands more information from the ichor
  • The ichor chooses to NOT repel Ulertu's thoughts, but welcomes him in
  • Ulertu's body goes limp as he touches two of the pillars
    • In his vision, Ulertu is in a green/blue room, smooth walls... white light all around him
    • The ceiling is tiled, diffused light shines from between the tiles
    • Rooms labeled delicately with placards, a letter and number on each
    • Each door are made of simple wood
    • Ahead is a large board on the wall with a metal tray. The board is made of beige material, it's a very soft wood. Pins with paper are all around the board.
      • Is ulertu in an office building?????
    • Ulertu looks at some of the paper with writing on it, it's all in an old form of Common
      • A sign above sort of reads "Warning" and something else
      • "This is your first time here, if this place feels familiar to you, please alert the nearest staff member"
    • He goes to a door and opens into a small lab, a few people are working with beakers and test tubes - all facing away. They're wearing saftey gloves, long aprons, and googles
    • Ulertu calls out to them, one man has red hair and a red beard. Another is a little shorter, short black hair and a small goatee.
    • They look at Ulertu a little confused, "Yes, we're studying this new material we found."
    • Ulertu knows about the liquid... But this one is White not black. He descibes how it interacts with animals on contact
    • They haven't been given permission to test it on live subjects... they're curious about how Ulertu came across the liquid before
    • He deflects and asks them about how they got the material...
    • Their Director requested it...??? It was manufactured "several years ago"
    • They start to clock Ulertu's look... They go to make a "call"???
    • Ulertu leaves and a tone begins to ring, tones are playing. Dozens of people are pouring out into the hall and a large Orc pushes Ulertu away
    • The crowd is all different types of young people--humans, dwarves, orcs, etc.--they look... modern.
    • Ulertu sees outside there is a large quad outside, it's a campus
    • The moment begins to slip away from Ulertu
    • Ulertu begins to yell "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DEALING WITH, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING!"
    • And he's back
  • Ulertu relays things but with a tongue of the game -- he was in some other state of reality
  • But he mentions the Ichor... they were studying it
  • Ulertu has a small revelation of some of the language he couldn't read before.
    • The posting was made by THE ORDER OF TRUTH
  • The gang discusses Ulertu's findings
  • We decide to test Randir's sword moving closer to one of the pillars
    • Randir notices it is made of sand NOT liquid
  • Ulertu notes the thoughts of the "ichor" is not one... but MILLIONS
  • Suddenly, the sound of a slab of rock falling from behind the group
  • They rush to see what it was
  • The end up in a room where a sarcophagus has been cracked open and a nasty body covered in black ichor tentacles
    • It ain't PRETTY - dude's got elongated arms with ichor, it's mouth is unwrapped and torn by it's claws
  • Randir casts Daylight and we go into a fight
  • The fight is short as everyone lands major hits, Randir summons a spirit wolverine (Who still persists for another hour) who WRECKS SHIT
  • RANDIR AND ULERTU NEED TO HEAAAAAL
  • END SESSION

2/8/2024

  • We venture into the tombs...
  • Randir recognizes this... it's just like the UNDERMOUNTAIN!
  • We move forward, Ulertu notices a small obsidian pedestal... similar to one we saw in the Undermountain. Ulertu knows it will give him a vision, just like last time.
  • Ulertu touches the pedestal and is flung from his body, back in time?!
  • He sees a younger Simon Barrowcroft, next to him is an older man dressed as a knight.
  • Barrowcroft says, "It's heresy to go against the empress..."
    • The other man says, "It will happen whether or not you go with us. It all depends on which side you end up on in the conflict."
    • Barrowcroft says, "I will not have you betray me after I have housed you and your son these 20 years..."
      • THEO'S DAD!
    • The man says, "I'm not alone. Some of your noble friends are with me. And I do not care how many years it takes, but we will change this land. The Empress prevents change."
      • It's clear that Barrowcroft has served under this man for years.
    • The man says, "As long as the Empress is in power, a god who walks among us, they think they can give freedom as a commodity."
      • "Without freedom, there is no life."
  • We continue forward, more sarcophagi
  • We come around a corner to find another pedestal
  • Randir puts his hand out to the pedestal and fights back the fear of danger. He has faced death before, he has fear but he has assurance.
  • Randir is brought to a new place... he feels warmth. A fire.
    • He is at the edge of a forest, burning. The trees are red leafed.
    • These leafs catch fire at the prescence of the fire below.
    • This entire forest is burning. Wind rushes past, through his ethereal body. The wind feeds the fire.
    • He sees a single figured wreathed in flames.
    • A Massive shadow in the clouds... a dragon, hundreds of feet long, its wings hundreds of feet wide.
    • Suddenly it is gone, only a wind remains from it...
    • Randir stands for an eternity... the forest burns.
  • Back in the tomb, Randir's eyes are closed. Ulertu and Theo see something dripping, accumulating at the base of the walls... A BEAST IS UPON US
  • BEASTS - SHADOWS
  • Randir, still in this friggin vision, frozen in the combat. He sees a person in the distance... he can't make out the face, but he sees a pointed ear... the pointed ear of an elf.
  • We beat the damn shadows
  • But Randir ends the last shadow-goo monster with the Amber Blade- the blade is HUMMING
  • NOTE: We all have AIDE (8 hours remain, Max HP +10)
  • END SESSION

12/28/2023

  • We interrogate the guys (Darby and Bray)
    • Darby is the talkative one
  • They're new soldiers (joined maybe a year back)
  • Ninefingers and two other captains are "not important"
  • Randir promises them some gold if they tell them some info, and a promise that they'll go and leave their big party
  • Ulertu offers for them to join us
  • These guys just wanted to see the world, and they wanted adventure
  • They were told they just need to abduct a spellcaster and do their job
    • Just following orders ... lol
  • Lord Dracos cast a fuckin spell on them it seems, only Randir discovers this.
    • And right as we convinced them they weren't under a spell... SHIT.
  • They tell us they're heading back to the Strand
  • Their group is going to explain to Lord Dracos why they didn't get Pallas (or their assumed wizard of the Order of Truth)
    • Ninefingers will be involved in this
  • Apparently Dracos wanted this enough that he sent one of his Dragonriders (of FIVE?!)
  • Randir tells Darby to go find the Cinder Root Trio, they're a good time
  • The two take off, Darby heading east, Bray heading south
  • We go to stage a bear attack on the road using the two guys leftover armor / stuff
  • On the way back, Randir sees Darby's dead body on the road... the spell got him
  • Ulertu says... we could bring him back. He knows a spell.
    • But we realize that his spell to do that has a great cost. So we decide that we do not have that level of sacrifice easily available -- Ulertu offers Randir's staff... but we decide no.
    • Randir leaves a small sprig of a flower on Darby's chest
  • Cut to us going down the stairs to the Undercroft
  • Linus (with cool narration of the scene as the gang descends) explains to us:
    • This Undercroft dates back to the first kingdoms
    • There were creatures, large and greater than the humans (GIANTS BAYBEEE)
    • The stones that make the Undercroft grow larger and larger as we descend... placed by some other means than the hands of man
    • This place is one of the oldest places in the kingdom
    • This is where the Barrowcroft family was laid to rest for generations
      • Linus was going to put Lord Barrowcroft here when he passed
    • Linus has never been down here before
  • We see imagery on the walls as we descend, some references to Giants without depicting them
    • But Ulertu has studied enough to understand what these references mean
  • The stories tell of the Barrowcrofts finding this place and building the manor
  • We get to a relief that appears to be VERY old
  • Ulertu sees that there was a castle of some kind here before the Manor, there's imagery of a Tower
    • An Obelisk... standing atop the land
  • And we reach the bottom of the stairs
  • We see 6 stone coffins
  • A ceiling/wall has fallen, dirt and roots scatter through the area where the collaps fell in
  • We see some Barrowcroft names on the coffins
  • Ulertu and Randir hear/wind a wind coming from the hall next to us
  • Theo hears a HORRIBLE wail coming from the hall
  • END SESSION

12/14/2023

  • Linus tells us about the entrance to the "Undercroft" - the path to the tunnels under the manor
    • Theo remembers this as a guarded place he couldn't go to as a kid
    • This is the oldest part of the building
  • Theo and Ulertu do some researching during the day, Randir goes off as a hawk to see what he can find of the contingent of soldiers we left
  • After a short while, Randir sees the group and as the group of soldiers settle at night, a pair of men on horses make their way towards Barrowcroft Manor
  • Randir flies back and warns the group
  • The gang sets themselves up in the tower and watches these two as they come in and speak loudly about how they need to come back with something
    • They mention going into the Undercroft
  • We ambush them with a quick transmutation of stone to mud and get them tied up
  • Randir squats down and intimidates the hell out of these two guys
    • "I promise you, what happend to the warlock and his Dragon was just a preview of the power that we weild."
    • After some conferring of what to do, the gang decides we're going to talk to these guys and see if we can convince them to help us, recruit them, or some other way to not kill them...
  • The gang walks back and we get the Tarantino trunk shot with Ulertu, Theo and Randir. Randir says, "Now... let's have a conversation."
  • END OF SESSION

11/9/2023

  • The gang, under the guise of Randir's Pass With Trace, make their way to the forest
  • And suddenly.. they're at Barrowcroft Manor.
    • OH SHIT
  • Pallas finally has a moment to thank Randir for saving him
    • Randir tells him, "I know you would have done the same"
  • Theo remembers this Manor. It's hallowed ground to him.
  • But he remembers a secret entrance
  • We take a short rest (on the horses lol)
  • We make our way into the manor via the secret entrance
  • Uletru and Randir notice someone (or a flame) in the tower that goes away
  • We make our way into the tower, Theo notices this place has been rearranged
  • We hear footsteps above us and we go up to the next floor with Egan and Pallas in tow
  • Ulertu investigates some of the books on the 2nd floor
  • We go to the 3rd floor and eventually meet a very old man
    • Ulertu's detect thoughts goes deep and we learn that this man has been a butler/steward here for a long time
    • Ulertu sees a fight as this man hid away from the attackers on the mansion
    • He sees the old man treating another man on the big bed we see in the room, years pass in this man's mind
    • Eventually, the bed is empty and the old man doesn't know what to do
    • His name is Simon
  • SIMON BARROWCROFT?
    • Maybe... this old man is pretty confused.
    • He says "Linus" takes the notes about the comings and goings of the people who come to the manor
  • After some discussion, we manage to find somewhere to sleep in the guest room of the tower(?)
  • We wake to the smell of breakfast being made
  • The old man, Simon(?), is making breakfast
    • Nope this is Linus
  • He's very confused when we mention he was Simon
  • Randir tries to tell a story about how things were a joke, but this guy sees right through it
  • Suddenly, he recognizes Theo
  • Lord Barrowcroft left something for Theo
  • And we sit down to have some breakfast
  • Barrowcroft left Theo a book, "He always knew you would be destined for great things"
    • The book is written in a language Linus doesn't know
  • BARROWCROFT DIED A WEEK OR TWO AGO????
    • 12 days ago, thanks to Ulertu's quick Lessor Restoration
  • Theo asks about when he "escaped" from the manor
  • Linus tells us about the "sleep" Lord Barrowcroft was in before he passed
    • Barrowcroft doesn't want his body to be found(?) - I was reading notes when this went on lol
    • MOTHER FUCKER. THIS WAS WHAT WE DEALT WITH BACK IN 2021
  • Ulertu asks about knowledge... Barrowcroft was a member of educated nobles
    • The Barrowcrofts were one of he kingdoms that wanted separation from the unification way back 300 years ago
    • The dude has books on THE LAND BEFORE THE SETTLERS
    • Ulertu asks about Giants, and Simon says that if there WERE secrets here they were taken...
    • Maybe there's a secret place where things were hidden away that wasn't robbed
  • Linus says we have free reign of the manor
  • Theo cracks open the book. Fortunately, he can read all languages.
    • This book is full of everything Barrowcroft has ever learned.
  • END SESSION

??/??/2023

  • Theo kills [dude]
  • RANDIR IS BACK BAYBEEEE
    • Randir talked to a demi-Druid who gave him a choice to come back
    • He chose to go back and help his friend, but he must also TEACH the people of this world
  • Randir blasts away the pressing knights
  • The gang runs away in the night

??/??/2023

  • RANDIR GOT KILLED

8/17/2023

  • We travel towards the high road
  • We got some nice potions from Luvon (in Ulertu's bag)
  • We get to the high road... we look around a bit, Randir turns into a hawk and flies up
  • Off in the distance, 10 miles or so away, he sees a large plume of dust and above them... a huge shadow... a FUCKING DRAGON?!:!??!
  • It scares the pants off of him and he flies back down to his pals to tell them what he saw
    • Randir recalls his talk with Luvon and Luvon told him there's a mix of beasts and intelligence with dragons...
  • Night falls and the dudes camp and we come up with a plan:
    • Randir is going to turn into a rat and sneak into the camp to find Pallas
    • If anything goes wrong, he's gonna make a ruckus
    • The goal is to get Pallas out and not kill anyone (but slow them down if they become a problem)
  • We put the plan into action
  • Randir gets to the camp and sees a whole bunch of stuff
  • Not 10 dudes, 15
  • Two fancy tents, maybe captains quarters
  • Five big wagons
  • Randir hears some snoring... more dudes are sleeping in the wagons
  • None of the horses are here, they must be getting grazed somewhere else
  • Randir goes over to one of the tents, he sees two dudes sleeping
  • The other tent has some barrels in it, some food provisions
  • Randir manages, AS A RAT, climbs up the back of one of the wagons and starts to sniff around for Pallas
    • AND HE FINDS HIM!!
  • After a series of stealth shenanigans, Randir gets Pallas out of the wagon and RUNS
  • Initiative begins NEXT SESSION
  • END OF SESSION

7/27/2023

  • We help the people put back together their gate that was smashed by the giant dragon monster
  • The people of Windrip are like, "Are the knights gonna be okay with this?"
  • The knights come to town to take taxes
  • The knights are apparently pushing these beasts south, driving them from the Strand and they have no option but to go south
    • Randir asks who protects the town. They have no ranger?
    • Do the knights help?
    • The people get quiet after this...
  • Theo wonders if there is a connection between these "drakes" and the Order of the Dragon
    • Theo knows of small drakes and serpents, not anything the size of the beasts we fought
    • The Koboldlings
  • Ulertu convinces half the town to stay up late and finish a temporary bridge over/around the rockslide
  • We all decide to help Ulertu and Luvon tells us more about his history
    • Dude tells us about slaying hoardes of drakes and the forest where he used to live
    • The forest is the Forest of the Blooming Pools - but before the pools existed
    • Randir realizes (because he went to the museum) dude was FROM the city in the forest before it was changed into the blooming pools
    • He tells us about hunting dragons and a magical flying machine???
    • but... we realize his stories are all lies, or mere bravado
  • Randir calls him out on this and they go have a talk
  • Randir tells him off a bit that his stories aren't going to help these people, they need action... something is coming
  • Luvon tells Randir what he really did with dragons
    • He protected the dragons and opposed the Emporer when he came to slay the last dragon
    • THIS DUDE BLED THE EMPORER ! ! !
  • He tells Randir of his final great deed...
    • Randir is told about a young Luvon
    • He fought along SIDE the Emporer (the elves and the Emporer WERE allies, remember)
    • He fought against the rising kingdoms of men - battle, diplomacy, whatever means
    • A metaphorical seed is planted... a dragon's blood / venom is POTENT against divine beings
      • The emporer puts out a hit on all dragons to the kingdom, not revealing why
    • Luvon has seen the empire grow from a city to a nation...
    • Luvon asks, "If the dragons are the current threat, what happens to the next threat?"
    • The people go with the hunting of dragons but because they're threats to people! And it's very easy to sway people when their lives are threatened.
    • The elves recede from their expansions in the world
    • Luvon tells of the last dragon, it lived in the forest and he decided he needed to protect it
    • When the emporer learned of this dragon and where it was, he arrived as an emissary asking for his Allies' help to destroy "this threat, this thing that could kill me; kill us"
    • Luvon goes into detail on what he believes his actual last great deed, slashing the emporer
    • The story gets broader after that
    • And then 200 years passed and he's here
  • Luvon says we may have to make a decision like his... he hopes we have the wisdom to know what the right answer is
  • Randir asks him why he encourages these people to root against what he once stood for
  • Luvon thinks it's because he's old... and afraid--to be the villain, to make this town a target.. that he'll make the wrong decision
  • Randir says that maybe he was wrong to judge Luvon, but he can't let this man lose hope
  • Luvon appreciates it
  • Ulertu and Theo finish the contraption
  • We rest and we wake, prepped to try to catch up to Pallas
  • We see a group of rangers carrying tools and weapons, they're talking with Luvon
  • Before we depart, we get some drinks from Luvon
    • and we do some trading with him
    • Zander's gonna let us know what we get next session
  • END SESSION

6/22/2023

  • We rush out to the crashing sound
    • And ROB reminds us we didn't have our equipment... so no armor lol
  • Randir casts Plant Growth to reinforce the city gate where a large number of SOMETHINGS are hammering and breaking through the door
  • Ulertu tries to cast Revivify... but people don't come back to life in this world
  • Through a complicated bit of team-based magic, we bring back a man who died who saw over the gate
    • Ulertu pulls this guy from beyond the veil... literally?
  • The man gets brought back to life and he yells, "Dragons are coming!"
  • At the gate we see small little dragons crawling their way over
  • We note that there are plenty of beasties of who descend from dragons
  • And the ones coming over the gate are Kobold-esque
  • Randir runs towards the gate as these little dudes start setting things on fire, he casts Tidal Wave at the gate to put out the fires, but it cracks the gate
  • People run away, back into town
  • Luvon shows up with Egan
  • AND THEN WE FIIIIIIGHT
  • A FUCKIN HUGE MONSTER DRAKE THING
  • AND A SHIT LOAD OF LIL KOBOLDLINGS
  • Randir gets swallowed with Luvon... but we're saved by Theo
  • END SESSION

5/11/2023

  • We wake and head on our way. It's a few days travel.
  • We settle down on night one and Egan is acking a little suspicious
  • Randir hears a landslide way off in the distance
  • Randir takes a cue from Theo and engages Egan in conversation to keep an eye on him
    • Egan tells a story about an ogre who had stolen a barrel of whiskey brought down from the mountain to Pella's Wish
    • Egan challenged the Ogre to a drinking contest and tricked him into leaving by making him THINK he lost the contest
    • And the Ogre never came back
  • Randir sees something on the left side of Egan's face
    • It's foggy... it's on his face
  • Randir intimidates/charms some info out of Egan to figure this veil out... he shares some stories... about trust
    • Egan explains yeah... he's got a veil
  • Dude's half-elf and half dragon(born?)
    • Dragonborn's exist but they're rare
  • We share a meal
  • Dragons are a memory of the worst times in the land, which is why Egan hides his true visage
  • Ulertu asks if the obelisks being destroyed has affected him somehow
  • And we rest
  • In the night, we hear howling - Randir knows this to be the wind, howling over the mountain
    • We hear an undercurrent of shouting... and then it's silent
  • We wake in the morning with Egan's true form covered again
  • And we continue to travel
  • And we make our way up the mountain - we hear the howling of wind and then... the sounds of life and civiliation, but it's getting dark
  • We come to a gatehouse and there's a dude with a lantern shining light down on us
  • Ulertu speaks for us, showing them the letter of reccommendation from Kasara
  • We give our names
    • Ulertu of the Order of Truth
    • Randir of the Grove
    • Theo of The Strand
    • Egan (currently) of the Goldfleece(?)
  • They ask us NOT to use magic and they let us in
  • We hand off the letter
  • We make our way to the Dancing Glass Inn
  • BIG NIGHT LIFE VIBES
  • This place is BUSTLING - lots of folks, music, food
  • We see no Knights in this place, which is pretty cool
    • No one is really wearing armor here
  • We meet Luvon, hand him our letter, then get some rooms FOR FREE
  • We doff our armor and extra stuff then come down and talk to Luvon
    • We share our history and a sanitized version of Pella's Wish and how we parted ways
    • Then Luvon tells us his story...
      • 100 YEARS AGO... he was one of the 4 great Dragon Slayers of the land
    • Dude's got a killer curved blade
    • "It wasn't just me, it was a bunch of people"
    • "We fought these things, they weren't as powerful, but still..."
    • Randir can tell he's embellishing a little
    • Theo, however, knows he's holding something back
    • Ulertu is fully believing this guys BIG stories
    • And boy does he tell some stories
    • He mentions a "spark" that lights their soul... a divine light that carries with it the magic of the universe
    • Ulertu talks to him about giants and Luvon mentions his friend who supposedly SAW a giant in Stormwall
  • The night goes on... and Luvon tells us: The path north has been blocked by a landslide
  • We're probably gonna have to wait a few days to clear out the landslide... doubling back may take MORE time than we have to catch up with Pallas
  • Wait. And some musicians came through?
  • But there's some creatures in the mountains....... The knights have been fighting them back, towards the town
  • "There's always monsters..." - Randir
  • Luvon says, "Perhaps something should happen now... a drink, off to bed or... something else"
  • Suddenly we hear a crashing sound, a gate has smashed open
  • END SESSION

5/4/2023

  • We're welcomed to the inn
  • Ulertu does a little investigation
  • Randir and Theo DEF need to rest
  • This area is a pretty central supportting village, it's right between the northern kingdom and the southern region
    • they don't have a lot of protective measures because they're just remote enough
  • The village does well enough, Tasara tells Ulertu on a walkabout
  • She tells us about a growing force of knights, they wear a sigil of a dragon on their armor, and they've been rousing forces from across the land
    • Why? It's not clear, but they're offering adventure?
      • And they seem to have the resourcing to do that... they're offering station; knighthood. This status is important for owning land, having influence
  • We hear words about Pallas, the knights who were here before we arrived have him
  • Egan offers to come with us and we excitedly accept
  • Randir explains to him we're heading to the Strand to stop the end of the world...
    • Ulertu explains some info about what Randir means lol
  • Ulertu gets some info about the town of Windrip, and someone named Luvon Naemaris
    • The town is north, but on the rocky coast
    • High peaks and cool clouds
  • We rest... phew
  • It was such good rest, got 10 temp hp
    • Nice
  • Someone has brought our horses up but Egan is no where to be found
  • We have some brunch
  • It turns out Egan needs to do some kind of ritual in town before he can leave???
  • We have a bit of a skill challenge - strength, chess, wood carving
    • Theo tosses Egan, Ulertu beats him in Dragon Chess, and Randir carves a wooden rose through natural transmutation
  • We best the champion!!
  • And we make our way out of town to Windrip to deliver the letter to Luvon
  • END OF SESSION
  • Epilogue: LEVEL UP TO LEVEL 10

4/27/2023

  • A BUNCH of dudes come out and we have some talk
  • Theo talks with these knights about honor and they talk about how they don't need to be good guys outside of the strand and that's just garbage
  • Theo name drops Simon Barrowcroft and the head of these fuckers is named "Sildar Winterhall" and he's a fucker but Theo doesn't know him --- his surname is recognizable
  • WE FIGHT AND FIGHT HARD
  • Theo gets the final blow on Sildar Winterhall
    • "For the Black Dragon!" Sildar says as he dies
  • The town comes to finish off the remaining soldiers
  • The rain begins to pour down from Randir's storm...
  • END OF SESSION

4/13/2023

  • We ride out as fast as we can, but Twill is being a butthead
  • but we ride out hard, despite the issues.
  • The land flattens out, and it gets muddy
  • Randir notices some footprints
    • Randir notices that they're moving at the same pace, but one horse and one rider appears injured
  • We make our way to a village on the way and are stopped by a man asking for us to not make any commotion in this town
  • Ulertu remembers that the guy was at Ember Peak and gave Theo an amulet
  • We talk with the guy and he recognizes us
    • Dude's a half elf, he feeds our horses
  • We introduce ourselves, this dude is Egan
  • Dude feels destined... for something. He thinks it's fortuitous that we showed up
  • Egan feels like he can't leave this place, Randir invites him away with them
  • When Randir asks him about being a ranger (he takes care of the area), he seems a little perterbed by that question
  • The "soldiers" are taking advantage of this small town and Egan feels like his presence would lead to violence...
  • Egan thinks with us, we could convince these soldiers to leave
  • These guys act like soldiers but they have no markings
  • Ulertu asks about Pallas
  • Sounds like they got em but they left town
  • Everyone gets serious: "We gotta take care of this village then go get Pallas"
  • We're not fuckin around now.
  • We make our way to the town.
  • In the town, we see a quaint little square and right in the middle, 5 dudes in armor drinking and being shits
  • We try to intimidate these guys but they're drunk and decide to fight us.
    • Bad choice by them
  • As the sun begins to set, we hear more steps heading towards the square.
  • END SESSION

3/30/2023

  • We decide to take cermoniously move the dead trolls north of the ruined obelisk
  • We clean and burn Stratus' body
  • We pick everyone's pockets and find
    • A Deck of Illusions (missing a few cards) - 15 cards remain
    • An Illuionist's Cloak
    • 10 Vials of Poison
  • Randir spends his long rest investigating the stone he was drawn to (Circle of Stars / Star Map)
    • JK mechanically it's actually the Stone of Fates he's been sitting on for FOREVER but story wise it's this piece of the obelisk
  • We rest, heal up, and we decide we need to go north as soon as possible and as quickly as possible
  • Randir Skywrite's to the Troll King: "We seek protection of Obelisks, Head to the Strand"
  • We head back to get our horses from the elf village
  • The elves assumed we were dead, but they give us back our horses
  • Randir asks the Elven leader to seek diplomacy with the Trolls
  • We head north, trying to outpace the group heading north
    • Ulertu and Theo map out a shortcut path to get us to Barrowcroft Manor quickly
  • END SESSION

3/23/2023

  • Randir wakes to find he's barely fighting off the poison
  • Ulertu and Theo are unconscious and have been seen to with some sort of medical-friendly moss
  • We hear the sounds of fighting off in the distance
  • We heal up, and head off to find it
  • We approach, but the fight has ended...
  • Stratus cries as he attempts to stop whatever ritual they're doing
  • We start a fight with the soldiers the the remaining rangers
  • The fight continues... but they finish the ritual and the obelisk explodes
  • We're beated, defeated... tired. The magic of this area is gone.
  • We lost.
  • The rangers leave, and the area, once full of life and power, now is a dead husk of itself. The motes of light around the platform wink out and the area falls into darkness.
  • Slowly, we see there's another source of light
  • 3 motes of light, coming from each of us
  • END SESSION
  • For next session:
    • Pick a feat of some magical thing that has happened to us
    • Zander is gonna give us an ability from a subclass we did not pick

3/16/2023

  • WE BEGIN IN THE FIGHT
  • Theo realizes these arrows are "Arrows of Slaying" aka Arrows specifically made to KILL
  • The fight is B R U T A L
  • We knock down one ranger, but...
  • Theo goes down, Randir goes down, poisoned.
    • Randir sees a vision of something ancient, massive snakes... (from the poison?)
  • Tane tells Ulertu, he doesn't have to fight
  • Ulertu decides to fight back, Pallas too
  • Theo comes back up courtesy of Ulertu's healing word
  • Tane goes down, but the other rangers are still coming for us
  • But everyone goes down.
  • Randir some how manages to save from death. 2 failures.... 3 successes
  • Ulertu and Theo wake up at a fire. Randir is on death's door.
  • Pallas is gone. Stratus is gone.
  • What happened?
  • END OF SESSION

02/25/2023

  • We meet the Troll King
  • We begin to have a fun translation bit but then Randir stands in as the interpreter speaking Giant
  • Randir gives them a warning that men are coming, and the gang means the trolls no harm
  • We want to protect the obelisk, the men do not
  • The troll asks us if we know the significance of the obelisk
  • Randir mentions "The Black Sky"
  • The troll tells us a story about "The Black Sky" in the beforetimes
    • The giants lived in this land before, some elves... and Dragons were a problem
    • The giants created structures that could withstand the Dragons
    • The giants tried to make peace with the more powerful Dragons of the land
    • We recall stories telling about dragon venom being the only thing that could hurt Aruman Sur
      • This dude was like fuck that and put bounties on all of the dragons
    • Remember session 1? A ranger was hunting down drakes
    • Hell, we even fought some drakes which were kind of remnants of nests and societies of Dragons
    • The king tells us that "The Black Sky" was sealed away the power of the obelisks, aka sealing away the power of the elder dragons
    • This "Black Sky" was a dragon, a HUGE dragon, blotting out the sky -- thunder struck, people would die
    • We get the sense that these Trolls are carrying on a tradition of keeping these obelisks safe, but they don't know how they WORK
  • The trolls have noticed that MORE of the magic these obelisks keep locked away have leaked out in the past month and the trolls are being more aggresive because of this
  • They suspect that other obelisks have fallen, Randir confirms this in saying "We've come across the remnants of these obelisks in our travels"
  • The Troll King thinks someone is trying to awaken The Black Sky
  • Randir gleans that the Troll King is worried about the approaching forces
  • We part from the Troll king and go off to find Stratus in the night
  • And we walk for a bit, then come across Stratus and Travertine
  • We explain the situation to Stratus, and then an old face shows up: Tane Faradon (the ranger from the White Orchard)
  • He tells us, no one appreciates what he does and he's dedicated to remake a world to fix that
  • Randir tells him he is not scared of him and if he must do work, then so be it
    • Tane implies there's less than 50 dudes with him???
  • Tane points off in the distance and says, "Kill everyone but the mage"
  • Randir gets hit by an arrow, 23 damage
  • Travertine goes DOWN
  • Ulertu gets hit, Theo gets hit, Pallas gets hit
  • END SESSION

10/8/2022

  • Previously on...
    • We realize Giants created the obelisks and destroying them is no good, they were put here for a reason
    • Lord Blackbriar (of The Strand) and some others have been hiring mages to seek out and destroy these obelisks
    • We know that some reinforcements from The Strand to find Stratus and to help destroy the obelisk
    • We left to try to find some sort of resolution at the Obelisk before the troops arrive - because the Obelisk is hidden somewhere in the Troll lands
    • One of the trolls we cut down called himself the Troll King
  • We try to sneak into this troll area... we are not that stealthy, even with Pass Without Trace
  • We come to a clearing where there is water and a center platform, one troll enters the water and splashes water on its arm.
  • We consider scouting the area, or we just take these dudes here.
  • We fight the trolls, but keep one alive via Polymorph (as a rabbit)
  • Ulertu and Theo investigate the stone structure these Trolls were trying to "keep us away from"
  • This platform is a center of something, it's in great condition, and water flows AWAY from it
    • It perfectly aligns with N/S/E/W
    • There's a thrumming energy coming off of the sturcture, it's marked with runes down the front
  • There is a story on the obelisk, a dark time where the changes in the world made this place a powerful part of the land and the world
    • Fearing its use as something horrible (aka The Black Sky), the giants sealed this place
    • Something is leaking from under this "magical lock"
    • Something was sealed away here but because the world is out of balance, this baby is about to bust
  • We recall this location being from the story Stratus told us about, the betrayal of the Emperor
    • aka why the Elves don't dig the Empire, he betrayed them (see previous notes)
  • Randir is fairly certain, that this place is where the betrayal happened
  • We try to decide... should we just leave? How can we even figure this whole thing out?
  • Randir tells the gang: We must figure this out now while we have time, if we go to the Strand with LESS information than we Could have.. we will regret it.
  • Randir asks the rabbit-troll to take a message to the Troll king that we mean to broker peace and are reverent to the obelisk/shrine
  • We send the rabbit away and Ulertu goes to work to figure out how to measure/contain the etehereal energy being leaked from this place
  • Ulertu does some business, we take a short rest, Theo and Randir get healed
  • END OF SESSION

6/17/2022

  • Cederleaf asks us to... seek out and kill the Trolls
  • "They kill us, so we must kill them"
  • Randir sees this as VERY black and white... Randir observes Master Cedarleaf...
    • He sees hints of magic, slight imperfections in Cedarleaf's skin...
    • This elf is older than any elf he has ever met
    • His appearance is held together by magic, this guise is a glamour
    • This matches to stories he's heard about "the oldest elves" -- this is one of those elves
      • LORE ALERT: Elves CAME to this land, they were not born here
      • If an elf ties themselves to some sort of magic, they can live for MUCH longer than other elves
    • Cedarleaf has VERY little patience for things he has determined "evil" long ago
  • Randir sees this quest as something we can take on without distracting from our goals
  • We ALSO need to talk to Cedarleaf about assassins in Caer Sen with markings associated with this camp
  • We get healed for 15 hp
  • Lots of questions here:
    • Should we leave Pallas here to infiltrate the monks while we head off to find the Trolls?
    • What's the beef between Cedarleaf and the Empress?
    • Is this some old blood fued between the former king and the first elves?
  • Suddenly Stratus falls out of a trance, "2 days and there's gonna be 60 guards here and we're gonna destroy the Obelisk"
    • Shit
  • WELL we need to get to the obelisk before the guards get here, so we're gonna do some investigatin' in the city
    • Theo wants to learn some fightin' techniques
    • Ulertu wants to make some acid vials
      • He gets a bundle of 20 sling bullets of acid, nice
    • Randir wants to learn the history of this city ala the walking history of Isildur in Rivendell
  • The city is beautiful and ornate, masterfully manicured
  • Everyone in the city is elven and looks fancy
  • THIS PLACE HAS EVERYTHING (for sale)
  • Randir gives Ulertu 10gp for components
  • Theo goes and trains with some of the warriors, he asks about their sigil to understand their history / what they're trying to protect.
    • One guy tells Theo about the war 300 years ago when the Emporer wanted to unify all kingdoms, the Elves in the forest were trying to protect the oldest things in the forest and the Emporer was with them
      • This dude has some distain for the northern kingdoms who were fighting back against the Emporer
    • He tells Theo the story of the Great Betrayal - The Emporer turned on the Elves, spilling his blood on the land, creating the Blooming Pools -- permanently scarring the forest, turning it more into a swamp
  • Randir finds a walking history
    • He is struck by the idea of the railing, stairs, and balcony are roots from the tree
      • Purposefully grown and fostered over decades with meticulous care--maybe over generations
    • He sees carvings in wood and metal, as an exhibit created a long time ago by Valdana Coy
    • Made by the elves to NOT forget their history (or for some, to remind them of what already happened)
    • Randir sees an exhibit of enormous boats crossing the great see from their homeland (300-400 years ago)
      • The time of the giants was CENTURIES ago -- the giants were not here when people arrives on the continet
      • The elves were not the first to this land, but they came because it was going to be a valuable place
    • There is an exhibit of the tree being planted
    • The elves came to this continent as planters, to grow the land
    • The history of elves changed quickly -- they went from planters / growers to warriors
    • Randir sees historical weapons
    • There is an exhibit of the great dragon hunts 300ish years ago
      • The Emporer, Aramon Sur, initiated the dragon hunt
    • For ~100 years, the Elves became monster hunters, masters of the hunt
    • Then another change, less historical objects from outside of the woods
    • Then there was the betrayal by the Emporer, followed by a time of isolation
    • History becomes stagnant after this, some visitors, but most people stay and they didn't develop much beyond the city for ~200 years
  • Randir wanders back to look more at the Betrayal of the Emporer
    • The elves were a big part of the Emporer's army, and he wanted to unite the land by using their fighting skills
    • Something changes, but Randir cannot suss out what it is, but the Emporer wanted to burn the forest
      • This was everything to the Elves, and they were not gonna have that
  • We regroup for the evening
  • Stratus is a bit toasted and starts to talk to Ulertu about Obelisks
    • He's been studying the runes, a language no one seems to know that the Giants seemed to have made up (but Ulertu translated before... something about The Black Sky)
  • Travertine shows back up with the monks who went to fetch the dead monks we saw in the forest, they party a bit in celebration of life
  • Someone leaves a little tray of potions for us, 3 potions of Greater Healing
  • Theo gets a gift from some of the kids in town, a little box
    • Inside is a handwritten note, they thank him for coming by and a small glass vial of blue potion
      • It's a potion of heroism
  • Pallas took care of some business in town
    • He met with some folks to get some answers to things
      • He was curious if we could trust the folks here
      • Randir surmises what Pallas talked about he wants to keep to himself, but it seems to have fueled him and steeled his resolve
      • Randir recalls Theo's story about being in the Ember Vale, the caravan where Pallas and Theo lived was attacked and Pallas is looking for those attackers -- which was Theo's father and the Order of the Dragon. Pallas seems to have found some answers.
  • The night winds down... and we take a long rest
  • Pallas wakes us in the morning and Randir casts Pass without Trace on everyone and we make our way out of time
    • Pallas shows off his new prosthetic on his leg, grown from trees, and a glint of light coming off of a bead he pulls out of a pouch and gives to Randir
      • A Pearl of Power.
      • Fuck yeah.
  • We sneak out to find the trolls and, more importantly before Stratus can get to it, the Obelisk

5/7/2022

  • Overview notes:
    • Stratus has been hired to destroy these Obelisks
    • We don't want to destroy the Obelisks...
  • After a night's rest, we set off and Randir immediately finds the Monestary, it's a beautiful, manicured area
  • We come to a small hill where a trio of buildings live, some people are collecting berries, others working on the buildings, sheparding sheep
  • Beyond the hill, we see HUGE trees - built into the trees are structures of immense craft and design
  • Ulertu notes (with a history check): They have grown the trees around them, and as near-immortals, the world grows around them the same way
  • Randir notices everyone is Elven in SOME way (elf/half-elf), maybe a few humans
    • Randir's history with elves that he met in his past were separate from the societies of elves, they were isolationists
  • We approach the group, tell them about their fallen, they offer us food
  • We have a bunch of q's, so they take us to a small place to talk to the Abbot
  • Stratus and Tavertine go to talk to The Abbot
  • We give the monks directions to their fallen, Theo notices that their buildings are damaged and some people are injured
  • The folks around here love the Abbot, he's well traveled and knows a bunch
  • Theo thinks we should have Travertine go with the monks to fetch their dead
  • We meet the Abbot, dude is "statuesque"
    • He calls himself "Sellivus Cedarleaf"
  • IS THIS GUY A SUPER DRUID???
  • WE MET THIS GUY 7 MONTHS AGO????
    • This guy was at the monestary at the top of the Ember Peak
    • He gave us some serious inspiration
  • He doesn't remember us... or what we did?
  • This dude is a traveler, bad memory, he wishes to spread knowledge and help people
    • yeah, okay fine
  • Randir explains what we're looking for - the Obelisks. Our goal is to learn from these things Obelisks in order to heal the fraying magic of the lands
  • The Obelisk of the forest is being held by the Trolls near here
  • This Cedarleaf dude does NOT like the Trolls
    • Randir asks him why he can't do it?
    • he basically says, "We're above violence."
  • Trolls have been attacking at an increasing rate starting ~3 weeks ago
    • Hold on, that lines up with the first obelisk we interacted with
    • Shiiiiit
  • We sit down to discuss what could be next:
    • Are things gonna be even more complex in The Strand?
    • What can we do to prep for facing The Trolls?
  • Troll Facts
    • Former giants
    • Trolls live near magma, in icy tundras, in unbreathable air
      • They mutate with whatever magic has been imbued to them at birth
      • Lots of mutations
    • Heal their own wounds
    • Super Strong
    • Mutation/healing can be halted by fire/acid/necrotic damage
    • Not super smart, very survival/meal focused
      • They know that if they eat/assume something, they can assimilate that into themselves
    • A troll imbued with raw magic, it might accelerate these natural physical properties
    • Randir recalls a story of "The Destroyer" a troll that many killed, but did not die
      • Many slayed this Troll, but the gods spat them out of the underworld
  • We finish our conversation by talking about the bigger puzzle:
    • Why does this keep coming back to Giants?
    • And how does this factor in to the balance of power the Empress asked us to look into
  • We head back up the hill to rejoin the group.... but Randir hears wolves...
  • ...no a 10ft long hyena held by a 4 armed troll with a pack of Gnolls
  • We fight. We survive. We manage to stop the Trolls from regenerating
  • In the conclusion of the fight, Cedarleaf has been watching and begins to clap
  • END SESSION

3/26/2022

  • Second day of travel into the forest of the Blooming Pools
  • We watch along the path as we move through the forest
  • Randir up front, Ulertu in the middle, and Theo in the back
  • Stratus talks to Randir about magic
    • Randir describes it like forming language from your mouth, over time you can change the flow and speed and direction and shape of a word as you hear it or experience it
  • We find some Gnolls chompin down on some dead dudes
  • So we gonna fight em
  • They call out to more dudes
  • A troll comes with them... and it can cast spells???
  • Theo gets healed a bit by Pallas
  • The troll had an Amulet of Absorb Elements
  • We investigate the dudes who were attacked by the Gnolls
  • One of the dead dudes has the same symbol from the Monks we saw in Caer Sen - this is the monestary that is supposed to be in this forest
  • We investigate a bit and see that the Gnolls came from the south, and these travelers came from the north... Maybe that's where the monestary is?
  • We go back to get our horses and head north towards where we believe the monestary is...
  • We camp in the woods in a safe space that Randir finds with a survival check (and take a long rest)
  • END SESSION

2/13/2022

  • Notes from Last session that I missed:
    • There's at LEAST 5 obelisks
      • We've encountered 2: The Giant King's Tomb, the Tower
      • 3 more in: The Strand, and... PLACE AND PLACE
    • Stratus was hired by Lord Blacbriar(?)
    • Maybe we don't want to break the power in these obelisks? (whoops)
    • Other folks hiring mages to destroy the Obelisks: Lord Dracos
    • Trolls have been a problem for this area more recently hence the combat
    • And we rested
  • We make our way towards the town of Scalewater
  • Stratus tells us about the legend of how the Blooming Pools came to be: Spilling of Emporer Amon Sur (sp?) and his anger thrashed against the land
  • We make our way into Scalewater to see a man speaking to a crowd, the folks of this town are a bit mad at the "monks"
  • We go talk to the angry man
  • He says there was a peace with the trolls brokered by the elves of the forest, but if something happened to them, it may be a bigger issue -- might have something to do with the Troll King? Need to investigate
    • But the details of this are foggy, no one is really old enough here (in their 40s) to know the history because this town is young
    • This dude is Barret
  • Stratus is waiting for an escord from The Strand being sent to fetch him (some guards, a ranger, maybe more -- maybe 20-3 guards)
    • He's surprised they aren't here
  • We talk to Stratus about us going into the forest to investigate the broken peace with the Trolls and the Elves
  • Stratus tells us about the region
    • He knows about the Troll King (Stratus calls him 'leader') but thinks the garrison is being sent to fight off the trolls to get to an Obelisk deep in the woods
      • Well shit
    • "It might be near a monastary of some kind" aka this is what Barret was yelling about when we came to town
  • Maybe we all want to go together and leave word for this garrison
    • SURE
  • We poke around the town:
    • This place is like 15 years old
    • Uletru gets a feel for WHY these people are here
      • They trade a lot of materials/vegetation specific to this forest with folks outside of the forest
      • 2nd gen families mostly
  • Stratus leaves word with the town
  • He buys a huge workhorse for him and Travertine
  • And we ride into the forest
  • We get through a half day of riding and Randir finds a ruined stone building to set up camp for the night
  • Ulertu casts an Alarm on the area before we rest
  • Stratus tells us a story about the elves that used to live here
  • Randir fucking puts it together: Maybe "gods that walk the land" = "The Emperor/Empress" and we've been seeing them as separate entities which is WRONG
    • FUUCK
  • We sleep
  • Theo has a dream of fighting, the darkness, a sword in the dark.... his FATHER
    • Theo Slays the phantom of his father and wakes up in the dark...
  • We wake and have a lil breakfast
  • As we move further into the forest, Randir is trying to be more aware of the forest... it seems that we are coming close to a grove, if his DREAM from before is correct.
    • Randir tells everyone about how groves are magically encouraged forests/natural areas that are "guarded" / "watched over" / "protected" by druids and how we should all be wary of how much we take from a grove lest we anger the druid who protects it
      • every druid is different... so we need to be careful especially if the fuckin "child of destiny" is involved, whatever that means...
    • Randir is a little spooked
  • END OF SESSION


1/29/2022

  • We make our way towards the Blooming Pools
  • We know that this area is home to some of the first elves in the forest, including the monestary associated the assassins we saw in Caer Sen
  • We begin to see the pools, and the area becomes bog-like... but not decomposing like a bog
  • We come across the remains of a castle, overrun by growth
    • Randir knows that this forest is old and Elven
    • The elves are providing the greenery with renewed life and reclamation power
  • We continue on the road, it's well traveled and well kept
  • Ulertu hears some fighting ahead, we move forward to investigate
  • We see a person in Order of Truth robes fighting off a Troll
    • Based on what we hear, it sounds like there's more of these Trolls
  • We get into the fight and it's a big ol fight but mostly us flexing our new skills
  • Looks like Statrus Stormwall (the blue skinned fella that Ulertu knows) is off to investigate an Obelisk...
  • Randir finds it odd because, well, the gang is investigating them too...
  • Stratus seems a bit absentminded about who hired him
  • Stratus says, "It's great that we're gathering knowledge to share" (sort of)
    • Randir has genuinely not thought about the time "after" this adventure... after this goal of stopping the evils of the world.
    • Would he find a partner? Would he settle down? How would he even pass this information on?
      • In song? In story? In practice?
  • Starus talks about magic with everyone and Randir realizes **Druidic magic basically does not exist**
    • Meta wise: This is because of choices made in Ember Peak and in the one-shot we did
    • Stratus basically says: Magic isn't innate, it MUST be taught (ie. Sorcerer's / Druids)
  • Is this the first time Randir has talked in depth about magical theory with other magic users
  • Travertine Rise is Stratus' buddy and he kind of INNATELY casts spells, and Stratus keeps them around to learn more about this innate magic
  • Randir expounds about how magic kind of CAME to him, the Druidic language suddenly was in his mind
    • All of Randir's power flows in and around nature, it's at the core of all he does
  • Stratus is studying OLD magics of life and death
  • We're about a half day to the next town...
  • END OF SESSION

1/8/2022

  • We prep and head back to Fennel Ridge
  • Randir is thinking about how much he DOESN'T know...
  • Getting to Fennel Ridge, we tell the excited kids of the town what we've been up to
    • Seems Cas has hidden the Eagle's existence from the town
  • And in town, they're butchering a whole bunch of drakes in the middle of town
  • Cas tells us that they cleaned out the drake nest that was disturbed by the Eagle
  • They found a few items in the nest...
    • Randir gets a new staff: Staff of Healing
    • Theo gets a ring of spell storing
    • Uletru gets a tome of clarity
  • Turns out our damn horses just came back to town?
    • SUSPICIOUS
  • A blue-skinned guy and a dude with pointy teeth came through town a day after we left
    • Not the mage...
  • Randir is offered some scales from the killed drakes... to make some Dragon Scale Mail (AC 15 + Dex)!!
  • We know we need to go north, and the Obelisks we've come across and broken are important -- 2 of (at least) 5
    • Everyone's seeking to destroy them... but we need to gain the knowledge they give us before others find them and destroy them
  • Next, we need to head through the Forest of the Blooming Pools
    • As a note, we're reminded that there's a Monastary of folks who attacked us in Caer Sen somewhere in that forest
  • We spend the night relaxing for a bit, maybe doing a bit of partying
  • And we rest...
  • AND WE DREAM
    • Theo dreams of Hoar and a growing darkness in the sky
    • Randir dreams of a grove, a druid's grove
      • He sees people walking about, carelessly, with ignorance
      • He recalls hearing the voice of Elena telling him about the Chosen One, a tool to push destiny towards a better outcome
      • This is Randir's charge, but it doesn't jive with his idea of destiny
      • Randir sees "destiny" beyond comprehending and damaging to try to seek, "Whatever happens, happens"
      • But Randir, on Elena's ask, needs to find this chosen person... even if it goes against his own belief
      • This grove is special, and he needs to find it
      • In this grove, Randir hears fragments of what the people here are saying... it's prayer -- prayer to spirits, gods, nature, etc.
        • This is some kind of holy place beyond being a druidic grove, lots of power here
      • Behind Randir is a giant tree, the same that he saw in his previous vision... but there are also motes of light like we saw in the Limbo world
      • The light washes over Randir, and he briefly wakes up then falls back to sleep
  • We wake up the next day and are rested, ready to move forward on our journey on our horses
  • We do a little scouting to see if the mage came near here, Ulertu looks into the two other dudes who came into town
    • Uluertu remembers the blue-skinned mage, he was a little obsessed with Revival / resurrection magic
  • The town gathers together to see us off and it's real nice
  • END SESSION

12/18/2021

  • We follow Barrowcroft to his camp
    • Randir is only going along with this business of killing the elk out of respect for Theo
  • Barrowcroft has been keeping a lot of notes at his camp (making ink, etc.)
  • Randir feels like this guy's behavior is wild and erratic (insight check)
    • Randir notices vials of herbs scattered around, and he's been burning random things he finds in the forest
  • This dude has been "taking" back from the forest
  • But he's able to cast a makeshift "Locate Creature" which shows that his former companions are still here but live as motes of light that we saw before
  • Randir is confused, this feels like fate... we were on a path, but now we're in a grove
    • Is this the grove mentioned in his dream?
      • If it is, who is the child of destiny? What will he need to choose?
  • Randir asks about a giant red tree... does it exist?
    • Barrowcroft says it's not here, but it's somewhere far from here. A place he'd visited in his youth.
  • Barrowcroft says there's a meadow in the center of the forest, there are 3 pools and 3 large trees-- it's here where the giant elk sleeps
    • Dude wants to kill the elk with our help
  • Randir doesn't want to kill this elk, but maybe we can reason with it
    • He doesn't want to make the same mistake he made with the Eagle
  • We decide to try to trap the Elk so maybe we can reason with it
  • Randir and Ulertu go off to get Pallas to bring him to this camp where the magic seems to be less potent and stealing
    • Also to get the armor and weapons they left
  • Theo and Barrowcroft have a talk, a talk about death...
  • Randir and Ulertu approach the grove where we left Pallas and the fuckin ELK is there
  • Randir tries to speak with the Elk
  • The elk moves and Pallas is not there, but his belongings are gone too
  • We hear a voice call out to us and we run over to where Pallas was
  • The Elk is gone off into the forest
  • Randir don's his things again and expresses his worry about Barrowcroft
  • Maybe we just follow the elk and split the party
  • Yeah, shit. Let's go.
    • We're going Two Towers, baby
  • But... Randir can't find any tracks of this elk... he thinks it's tracks are being masked
    • He believes this Elk has the ability to mask its tracks, like a spellcaster... maybe this IS a druid?
  • Ulertu and Randir decide to head to the meadow without Theo and Barrowcroft
    • Maybe they can figure out the ordeal with this elk before Theo and Barrowcroft get there
    • Randir is worried that Barrowcroft may be hunt-hungry even if we trap this elk to try to reason with it
  • We follow a path for a long while, the sun begins to set... the starts begin to reveal themselves
  • There are 3 pools in the meadow, reflecting light
  • We see movement outside the edge of the meadow and Randir casts Pass without Trace
  • Ulertu creates an extradimensional portal for us to hide in
  • Theo and Barrowcroft go searching for us (thinking us taken by the elk)
    • But Barrowcrowft says he needs Theo by his side to kill the elk... Theo says he will if there is no other choice
  • The gang all arrives at once
  • Combat starts... Barrowcroft casts a hold creature spell, randir frees the elk and yells he wants to understand the elk... MID BATTLE
  • Suddenly, Randir sees a vision
    • People come to the forest here... when they are looking for something
    • This forest is a place to help discover where they need to be next
    • A vision of another group trying to understand... when they understand, they turn into light and drift away
      • Others in this group do not find understanding, and stay... for a long time. They are tied to the past, but they leave another way, going back to where they came from
    • One person remains, he can't go back, back to where he came from and refuses to move on... this place becomes a prision for him. He makes this place his life because he refuses to move on.
    • Those who go back, wake up and this was a dream. Others who go back are never seen again.
      • Those who cannot go back are already dead... like Barrowcroft
    • This elk is the avatar of this whole place
  • We gotta stop Barrowcroft... he's already dead
  • We fight and... Barrowcroft falls
  • Randir relays what the elk showed him and leaves Theo to Barrowcroft to talk
  • We hear a voice... "Randir! Theo! Ulertu!"
  • It's Pallas!
  • We all wake up... Randir wraps him in a bear hug
  • And we pack up to make our way onto FENNEL RIDGE
  • AND WE HIT LEVEL 9
    • Randir understands that the spell that we were all under during this "dream" was caused by the spell "Dream"
  • END OF SESSION

12/4/2021

  • It's noon... We're a few hundred feet from our camp, tired on the beach
  • Someone hired these mages and it was probably Theo's dad.
    • These guys are looking for these giant stones of power and break them / open the seals on them
    • We've done that to two of the seals...
    • One is in the Strand and one is in the forests by the Blooming Pools, North East of where we are now
  • Maybe we need to head to The Blooming Pools next
  • We're a day's ride from Fennel's Ridge...
  • Our horses are no where to be found
  • We take a short rest
  • Randir catches the trail of the horses, but after some time, it seems like they were moving with purpose... someone took our horses.
  • We settle to rest
  • Pallas thanks Randir for his kind words in the underwater lab
    • Randir reminds him, "Every day is a success. Hold to that. Let that momentum build."
  • He hears a rustling in the distance... and suddenly, he feels overwelmingly tired... and falls asleep
  • In his slumber, Randir is pulled into a sideways dreamscape
    • Lights move around him, he sees Theo, Pallas, and Ulertu pulled along side of him
    • He's in a dark meadow, save these moving orbs of light
    • He's suddenly at a campsite similar to the one he was at...
  • As he comes to his senses, he's at the base of a tree, but only he is awake
  • He casts a charge of the Staff of Flowers to "protect" his friends who are unconscious
  • Randir moves to the center of the meadow
  • There is a clear pool of water, it's moving from beyond the tree
  • We all drink from the water and recover HP and spell slots, exhaustion is removed (this isn't a long rest)
  • Randir feels like this is almost a religious experience... there is a reverence to this place
  • We see some movement beyond the trees
  • Randir feels like there isn't someone here to hurt us, and he decides to move towards it
  • We move up the 5ft ledge and an ENORMOUS elk walks out from the treeline (antlers as wide as Randir is tall)
  • Super elegant, it regards us
  • Randir nods to it, greeting it in beast speech
  • He asks, "Did you bring us here?" it doesn't respond
  • Randir tells his friends, "Maybe we need to follow it?"
  • Suddenly, there is a loud bark, and a huge arrow hits the elk in the neck
  • It runs and we follow... follow for 20 mins
  • Finally the elk slows and lays down next to a pool of water
  • It behinds to heal as it drinks from this pool of water
  • Ulertu notices something glistening in the water
  • Randir reaches in and pulls a metal helm out of the water and an empty scabbard
    • The helm is cracked along the side
  • Theo has seem helms like this in the Strand, the blacksmith worked at Barrowcraft Manor
  • The elk leaves and Randir calls out, "What was the point of this? Why did you bring us here?" and it leaves
  • We hear movement coming towards us, an animal sniffing
  • Randir goes to head off the movement, and he comes to see an older man and his dog
  • So.. he asks us if we've been here long.. Randir says no but that he has friends
  • The guy asks if one of us didn't make it, Randir says sort of... one of us is still in a slumber
  • This guy thinks the elk is what's keeping people here
  • "I am Simon Barrowcroft" he says
  • And he thinks we're going to help him kill this elk, Randir is a little confused but decides to take him to Ulertu and Theo
  • Randir brings his guy to the group and Theo kneels
  • Looks like this dude has been gone from the Strand since Theo left...... WEIRD
  • Well shit, this ALSO is pointing back to Theo's dad and the Strand
  • This dude is dead set on killing this elk, he says it will take us one by one... like it did Pallas
  • Randir cannot accept this, "I cannot believe this. I won't. He is saying pallas is dead, I will not accept this"
  • And he runs off to the grove
  • Simon drops Theo's armor in front of him, "We must kill this beast."
  • Randir and Ulertu run to Pallas, Randir frantically trying to figure out how to save Pallas
  • We feed some of the water to Pallas, it helps minorly
  • Ulertu tries mixing some of the water with ichor... they won't mix
  • Randir is frantic. He needs to do something for Pallas.
  • He clears the flowers and wildlife from around Pallas and wraps him in the Cloak of Elvenkind to protect him from the forest
    • "I hope this will protect him from the forest trying to take from him"
    • "It's likely the forest is taking from us as well, we just have more to take compared to Pallas"
  • Simon and Theo show up, Randir is... pissed
  • Simon seems to really not care for this forest
  • Simon barrowcroft leads us off to the forest where he has a camp. He wants to plan a hunt.
  • END OF SESSION

11/20/2021

  • Despite being injured, we explore a bit
  • We come across a giant monster ichor dude who is dead and a Giant skeleton
  • There are two large containers in a room off of the laboratory
  • They maybe look like sarcofigi
  • There's an enormous canister in the center of this room that is full of swirling grey liquid (or surrounded by it)
  • We decide to take a short rest (PHEW)
  • We do a little investigation:
    • The big dead ichor-like dude who hasn't vanished looks like he was made OF the ichor, not a corruption of something by the ichor
      • Randir knows that when these things are damaged, they will likely go away or be disintigrated
        • Randir's sword, made of the mountain, the Amber blade will dispell these dudes
      • This guy died from other means
    • Ulertu discovers some warding magic on these sarcofigi
      • TLDR; warding magic, to keep things out? or in?
  • We find a journal that has some info about the mage who ran off and a vial of something the Mage was using... a sample of metal glass?
    • They had a fucking bet about doing some nasty deeds???
    • All things seem to be pointing to the North... to the Spire
    • Theo walks off, this mage was hired by his dad???
  • Randir says, "We must do something to stop them, and quickly"
  • Randir asks Pallas for a read on things as Theo walks off, concerned about the journals
    • Randir reads from him: Pallas is someone who has lost everything and he hasn't had the chance to take his own power back
    • Randir has bonded with this dude, and maybe his words have given Pallas more hope for the future
  • Pallas points out that the only thing out of place in this summoning spell is the plant...
  • Randir begins to conclude a whole myriad of ideas:
    • What if this metal plant allows mages to tap into a power beyond their means?
    • And the Empress can innately tap into that power?
    • And the giants found a way to tap into it as well...
    • But then something showed up to stop it... what if it was the "Ichor"?
    • Someone told us a while back they they were here to cleanse the land; what if it wasn't to cleanse the NATURAL world but it was this power that these mages are tapping into?
    • And the Empress is old, her power is old... What if there is a balance and these mages are tipping it?
  • Randir notices a word in the spell circle... in a language rarely spoken, hardly written... Druidic
    • The word is "Death"
    • Whoever wrote this does not know druidic
    • The mage memorized the shape of the sigil, but the druidic is like a copy not someone who knows the language...
      • He got this knowledge from somewhere
  • We decide we probably need to make our way to the Spire ASAP.
  • We check out the cage on the south side of the room
    • We surmise that this was where the giant eagle was being held
  • But the eagle was here when this lake was a valley
  • We look at the wall of water... which looks to be a tank
    • Dimly, we can see there is a another wall beyond this one
  • Randir casts Daylight in the murky water
  • The glass on the opposite side is cracked...
  • Below our level we can see water has filled in the floor below us from the crack
  • An enormous grey-blue body is below us with a huge dark eye... (A shark, but Randir doesn't know what that is)
    • This huge thing moves SUPER quick out of the building and out into the lake through the crack
  • We try to decide if we want to open the sarcophagi...
    • Ulertu does a bit of reading from the books the mage left
    • He comes across a bit about a dude from the one-shot campaign we did for the bachelor party!
    • The dude wrote about four standing stones... we've seen two of them before!
    • The mage wrote some notes: These standing stones exist for a reason and are powerful, they exist to HOLD something back (and his boss is looking for them)
    • The mage's boss wants these stones destroyed
    • There is one in the top of the tower, one in the strand, one in the old forests by the Cinder Root, one that hasn't been found (but Ulertu knows it's in the tomb we were in)
    • The standing stones seems to have been built in a rished fashion
  • But no info about the sarcophagi...
  • We go to try to open them, but we can't seem to figure out what to do?
  • Theo reads the runes with his Paladin powers. He knows exactly what these things are / what they do:
    • They seem to be inert magical devices that are mean to protect and clean the liquid that's in the chamber in the middle of the room
    • Whatever corruption occurs in the chamber, they purge it
  • But the magic has faded
  • Now, though, theo knows that with working with Ulertu... they could purify the black ichor!
  • And Randir recalls that the Eagle asked us to either protect or destroy this place...
  • We decide to flood the place, so we break the giant glass with Magic Stone / Eldritch Blast to swim out through the other side
  • And the glass shatters
  • We swim out...
  • Ulertu sees that the chain we followed down is now gone... eff
  • Ulertu feels a prescence in the water, a familiar feeling from beneath Ember Peak
    • He feels that presence circling around him... it's the shark!!
  • We swim up..... and the fucking SHARK SHOWS UP
  • We fight, barely managing to escape
    • Thanks to Randir's summoned Water Elemental!
  • We manage to swim back to shore, all gaining a level of exhaustion
  • And the sessions ends as we all lay exhausted on the shore of the lake...

11/6/2021

  • We get a little healing from Pallas who is VERY winded by using his magic
  • Randir does some sneaky sneaks to try to see where these other cultists are
  • He goes invisible then sees there's a LOT of these dudes
  • He moves to a hidden corner and casts Spike Growth around a bunch of dudes
  • WE GET INTO A FIGHT
  • The cultists are doing some sort of ritual
  • We fight some dudes, and Randir flies over a great eagle to try to interrupt the end of the ritual
  • But we don't stop it and some nasty fucking dog gets summoned from a ritual circle
  • Randir gets grappled by a cultist and the dog burns then poisons him
    • Lowers his HP max by NINE
    • Can make another save against this every 24 hours
    • The poison makes him feel like the bleakness of the world was always meant to happen. It feels like the darkness of the world will take over...
  • Randir goes down, so does Theo...
  • The mage gets away dammit
  • We do a bit of healing and Theo removes the poison from both of us
  • We end on the four of us (including Pallas) in the silence of this Giant Laboratory

10/2/2021

  • We're woken up by Pallas, he saw figures and a boat out on the lake
  • Randir casts Water Walk (1hr) and Water Breathing (24hr) on everyone
  • We walk out to the boat, but it's actually three boats tied together, no one is in the boats
  • Randir surmises that this lake is DEEEEP
  • The boats have a few empty crates, the crates are marked by a diving bird
  • We make our way into the depths, using the boat anchor to pull us downward
  • Randir senses movement a distance away in the water and informs the group via hand signals
  • It starts to get dark...
  • Theo pulls out his sword, giving us enough light
  • We get to the bottom and see that someone has knocked a hole in the side of a HUGE building
  • The "hole" looks to be a tunnel
  • We decide to go around the building and Theo notices a second floor
  • Randir turns into a giant octopus and swims up
  • He sees torches inside, figures moving inside dressed in dark clothing
    • There are 4 vats of liquid on the other side of the window, an ENORMOUS skeleton beside it
  • 5 figures walk past, 2 stop by the skeleton and look into the vats
  • We make our way back to the tunnel and into the building (2nd floor)
  • Randir casts Pass Without Trace on everyone and we move in
  • We're being real sneaky
  • We come across a giant skeleton that apparently collapsed here, not in a fight...
    • Ulertu takes a shaving of the bones
  • We find a HUGE Basin, Theo climbs up to look into it
    • Immaculately carved, but empty
    • Randir asks, "Why would they build this for smaller people to climb?"
  • We find another Giant skeleton, slumped in a corner
  • We come across some dudes... well, cultists. Similar to the dudes we ran into under the mountain WAYYY back when
  • We beat the dudes up
  • Ulertu looks into the contents of the desks
  • Randir looks at some of the mushrooms, some appear to be growing out of a grate where moisture is collecting...
  • We get in some fights with some dudes and it only partially goes our way.
  • There are more people beyond where we are now... and they're ready to fight us.
  • END SESSION

9/9/2021

  • Ulertu scoops up some of the ichor from the mage -- who is completely made of ichor it seems
  • The rest sinks into the ground...
  • Randir offers to heal the eagle, but it doesn't seem to trust us
  • But the thing is: We came here to "deal" with this Eagle
  • Pallas casts some sort of spell to allow Randir to speak to the Eagle
    • Randir passes along a memory of who he is: A wanderer, a traveller, someone leaving The Forest with no certainty of when he would be back
    • Randir gets a memory of the Eagle's life, becoming a warrior, the shiny new tower, and then darkness as it sleeps.
    • The memory continues with the bird waking, fighting through stone and water, and then atop the tower
      • So it does what it was trained to do: It watches, it retrieves things, it kills, it protects
  • So Randir asks what the bird still needs to do
    • He gets images of whoever took the bird in the first place, in a cold building... somewhere
      • The bird is worried about the weapons it was building
  • Can it take us to this cold building?
    • But it shows him an image of struggling out of stone and water
  • The building is in the fucking lake
  • We decide to rest
  • Pallas has trouble sleeping and takes over watch from Ulertu
  • Theo has some DREAMS
    • Hoar has some info to give to Theo
  • Randir has some DREAMS
    • Randir is in a forest, everything else is silent
    • He hears a stream, so he heads towards it
    • There is a hooded figure across the stream, but the stream is deep and wide
    • This dude asks about who randir is and what it is he wants
      • Randir wants to know what his place in the universe is. He needs to seek out the greater world because he was touched by something MORE and needs to understand what his place in the greater... everything.
    • The voice warns him that Randir must do what they could not. They point, and there's a giant red tree. Suddenly the river is full of dead fish.
    • Randir must find the child of destiny
      • He asks, "Why me?"
      • "If not you, then another would come along."
    • The face turns.
      • IT'S A SKELETON. IT'S ELENA???? Kind of???
    • They say: There is a grove, a place where a god's blood was spilled, there you will find the child of destiny, there you will know what it means to choose
    • The wind rises and the real Elena cries out, "I'm not gone!" as everything is washed away into darkness"
  • Ulertu has some dreams
    • Ulertu sees some business about a building
  • Pallas wakes us up, it looks like someone took a boat out into the lake... UH OH

8/12/2021

  • Randir squirms out of the claws of the giant bird
  • Randir notices markings on the eagle's neck
  • Ulertu, Pallas, and Randir run to the pit trap as Theo fights the eagle from its back
  • We get the bird's attention at the pit trap
  • Theo notices that the eagle has a large leather strap around its talon, like a holder
  • We fight, we trap the bird...
  • but SUDDENLY a nasty, no mouthed, yell eyed person, covered in black ichor, comes out of the lake with 3 corrupted wolves
  • We fight, and this dude is counterspelling us and wrecking SHIT
    • Eating spells left and right
  • Randir heals the bird
  • The bird joins our side and fights the dude, but the mage is POWERFUL
  • Pallas almost dies
  • The mage captures Randir's Call Lightning and casts it back at him but Pallas manages to cast Counterspell to stop it, then collapses
    • HELL ON WHEELS
  • In Randir's last ditch attempt to kill this thing, he pulls the Amber Blade, runs 20 feet and slices the mage.... in twain
  • Ulertu gives everyone a potion of healing
  • End on silence as the Eagle looks us over

7/31/2021

  • We enter the room with the noon-day sunlight
  • The whole room's ceiling is gone
  • In the middle of the room, there's an enormous pile of oversized kindling.... aka a nest
  • It smells nice but there's a putrid smell... a dead wyvern
    • A pretty big wyvern
  • There's a bunch of scattered feather... some longer than we are tall
  • Randir sees scattered pieces of metal and glass...
    • The glass looks like it's pieces from a bowed disc
    • The glass looks worn
    • The glass and metal were originally part of something HUGE
  • Ulertu reads some runes, they mention "The Black Sky"
    • The Giant King (from a previous session) opposed the Black Sky
  • Ulertu finds a locked box and uses a key he's been holding on to since before this gang got together
  • Inside the box
    • A cloth pinned to a piece of metal, an ororoboros sigil on the cloth
    • A Clutch of Letters
      • The letters seem to be correspondence between three parties???
        • Someone is trying to investigate the glyphs here
        • There two runes on a letter, a sigil for the Black Sky and an arcane lock
        • The last letter mentions "people camping in the woods" aka US
    • A small stone that looks very worn / handled
      • A Stone of Good Luck (+1 to saves, +1 to ability scores)
    • A Scroll Tube
    • Inside, a scroll of Daylight
  • Ulertu gives Randir the Stone of Luck (aka a Luckstone)
  • Theo gives Ulertu the scroll of Daylight
  • Theo and Randir go to investigate the nest
    • Why does this bird stay here? Is this bird super duper natural?
    • There isnt anything magically enhanced here
    • There's a strong thrumming of magic coming from the rock slab nearby that Ulertu read from
    • The bed of the nest is very soft and cool from grass settled in the base of it
  • Pallas passes over a feather
    • 8ft long
  • Randir surmises that this bird is going to have a wingspan in the triple digits
  • We ponder the magic coming from the tablet / rock slab
    • Is it keeping the bird here?
    • Is the bird guarding the slab?
  • Theo does some DIVINE SENSE on this bad boy
    • The air becomes sharp and crisp as Theo pushes his will out to the stone
    • Theo sees images of Giants performing magic on this stone sometime in the past
    • The power in this stone isn't good or evil, but it is protective
  • We perform a ritual to remove the power from the tablet
    • CHARISMA SAVING THROWS
    • An explosion of light and energy and power washes over uses
  • Suddenly, Randir is in the woods... the sun is setting
    • It reminds him of home... it's not his forest but it feels like home
    • There's a fragrence of life
    • The pendant of petrified iron feels like it's moving under his shirt
    • He pulls it out to look at it... it feels warm like it's full of life but looks black, void black
      • The pendant begins to change, the heart of the wood becomes... seeable, feelable. It's glowing
    • The wood is more stone than wood, but life comes in anything
    • The orange power blossoms from within...
    • Randir sees a moment coming where there is danger, Randir (or one of his friends) are in danger
      • A calamity befalls them
    • But Randir KNOWS how to prevent this from happening
  • Jump back to Theo and Pallas and Ulertu...
  • Similar bits happen to Ulertu, Theo simply sees us blink away
  • Back in the real world, Randir's Pendant is now amber and speckled with starlight
    • It's a Stone of Fates
  • Everyone gets some goodies
  • Theo saw the magic of the tablet dissipate
    • He's confidence anyone in the area also saw this happen
  • AND THEN THE BIRD APPEARS ON THE HORIZON
  • Don't worry, Randir just turns into a Giant Eagle and Ulertu elarges him
    • Ulertu and Theo get on his wings, Pallas gets into a claw
  • WE FLY
  • Ulertu and Randir use some BRAND new abilities to MAX OUT THIS ROLL
    • DC 25??? MORE LIKE WE ROLLED A 26 and get to the ground, saving everyone
    • But the Eagle tears at Randir as the giant eagle
  • Randir pops back to himself but is still grappled by the eagle
  • END OF SESSION

6/26/2021

  • We head into the cave
  • We try to sneak around some lizards..
  • BUT IT'S A BIG FIGHT
  • RANDIR GET'S SWALLOWED WHOLE
  • But we survive
  • We head onward but discover a scroll in a small alcove (there's a +1 dagger and 5gp 3cp)
  • It seems some folks writing in elven say that they want to protect the tower and the giant eagle....
  • Pallas finds ash and asks, "Could this have to do with the assassins from last night?"
  • Shiiit. It might.
  • Pallas asks, "Should we destroy this place?"
    • Theo: "If it has to do with my father, then yes."
  • We gotta see why the Order of the Dragon has to do with this place
  • We head out of the cave, upward
  • We pass through a hole in a wall where a slab of stone used to sit
  • We enter the tower....
  • A huge circular room... looks like it may be made for giants.
  • We take a short rest (and get some HP + spells back)
  • In our rest, we look around a bit.
    • Climbing the stairs here is gonna be a bit tough
    • The large door of this room heads to a building attach to a building at the base of to tower
  • The only ways out of this room seem to be:
    • Through the big door
    • Repelling down the side of the building
    • Back through the cavern
    • Up the stairs
  • So we head up the stairs that are very worn (just from time)
  • We make our way up the stairs... BARELY
  • We get to a cracked door, the light of noon-day sun shining through
  • We squeeze through... and we're in the highest room of the tower
  • END SESSION

6/2/2021

  • We wake up and decide to set a bunch of traps for the giant eagle
  • A pit + magical plant growth (Randir)
  • A fire-bomb ewok-style trap (Theo)
  • A crossbow trap with 20 bolts (20d6) (Ulertu)
  • We sleep again and wake before dawn
  • Pallas noticed splashing in the night, Randir (as a badger) goes to investigate
  • He sees tracks but can't figure out to what, some sort of large, stinky lizard
  • We head to the tower with Pass without Trace
  • We come to an underbrush and Randir notices the same smell he noticed from the stinky lizard... and a huge impact as if something fell from high above
  • We figure something was dragged in to an opening under the tower...
  • We look into the opening and see that it eventually slopes down to water
  • Ulertu notices some bits noted on the walls written in "Academic Cant"
    • To go up, go down
    • The notes are above
  • Randir says, "nah, let's do waterwalk"
    • Cast as a ritual
  • Pallas gives us a little boost and we see a large reptile
  • It slips into the water
  • Theo knows that we're in a lizard den...
  • And the session ENDS

5/8/2021

  • The townsfolk show up to the end of the fight and Kass tells us we should chat
  • She suggests we go off to the tower without her
  • Randir suggests that we try to reason with the eagle...
  • She says it might be possible... but good luck
    • If it does come to blows, she tells us that we should plan with some traps
    • She's dropped some traps in the area already
  • Randir knows (after some thinking) that reasoning with this GARGANTUAN eagle might not be possible
  • He suggests surveying the area tomorrow as a beast
  • Ulertu reads a cool book that he has
    • An old Giant had a rookery of fuckin eagles!?
  • We get to the ruins and seek out Kass' trap materials
  • Randir turns into an elk and investigates the area, heading toward the lake
    • Randir sees footsteps walking along the beach
  • We camp for the night and then we get JUMPED
  • We blast these dudes to hell but we leave one alive
  • Turns out these dudes work for Theo's dad
  • This dude only wants to talk to Theo, so Ulertu and Randir walk away a bit
  • This guy believes humanity is not permitted in the world
    • The older races shape everything and control the lesser races
    • "Even the gods seek our demise"
    • The Order of the Dragon is a promise/will to show the older races that we are capable
    • Their goal is to make a mark on the world like the old races did
    • Not as individuals but as a people
    • They want to create a place for humanity
    • "As long as the empress lives, humanity will not be able to choose their own destiny."
  • Theo kills the dude.
  • We ask a lot of questions about... everything in the world
  • There is a silence in the forest a long while
  • Theo's dad is a bad dude. Pallas vows to stand by Theo if it means bringing that man to justice.
  • We rest. Phew.
  • AND WE LEVEL UP

4/3/2021

  • We make our way towards a village on the trail
    • The sign we see reads: Fennel Ridge
  • The village is around the widened river we've been following
  • A woman with a boat pulls himself across the river to us using a slack line
    • She has a raven on her shoulder
    • Her name is Kass and she's a Ranger
  • Randir tells her that we ran into some Drakes up river
  • She seems a little concerned and asks if she needs help can she call on us
    • Randir is MORE than willing to offer their help
  • We walk into town and see everyone gathered near the tavern, a huge party kind of thing is going on. Everyone is eating and having a good time.
  • We meet Lang, he's a little confused by us
  • Turns out he runs the [Something Cabbage]
  • Dude's impressed by Theo's armor
  • Turns out two Order of Truth guys came through Fennel Ridge not too long ago
    • Young guy, blue skin
    • Big man, pointy teeth
    • Ulertu knows these folks
    • They were heading north
  • Two other cloaked individuals came through as well
    • Nursing injuries, paid in full, left the next morning
  • Could those two dudes be League of Assassin dudes???
    • OH SHIT THEY MIGHT BE
  • We do some canoodling in the town, folks seem to like us
  • The two dudes had gone to see some nearby ruins
    • The Lonely Tower
    • The river opens to a lake, and the Lonely Tower is nearby
  • Lang says there's a beast that hangs out in the Lonely Tower
  • Lang says some odd things have been happening since the two dudes came through
    • Kass says there were footprints that folks should be on the lookout for...
  • We talk to Kass
    • She tells us about beasts that have been attacking... maybe Wyverns?
  • We ask about the Lonely Tower
    • There might be a GIANT EAGLE in the tower?
  • We decide to sleep, we'll meet Kass tomorrow
  • We walk the village in the morning
  • And then some dude comes running into town, something's attacked a farmer
  • We get to this farm, and there's fuckin drakes and goddamn wolves
  • They're attacking Lang who came to get fooD!!!
  • WE FIGHT
  • A WYVERN SHOWS UP
  • IT ALMOST GETS AWAY
  • KASS KILLS IT
  • AND A FUCKIN GIANT EAGLE SNAGS IT OUT OF THE AIR AND FLYS WEST
  • It's heading to a dark spindle.... The Lonely Tower

3/28/2021

  • The flames pouring down these statues become two spectral figures made of ETHEREAL FLAME
  • WE FIGHT
    • More spectral creatures show up
    • Randir loses some permanent HP (long rest will fix)
  • Thank the gods for Moonbeam and a Paladin
  • After the fight, Randir's sword is still slightly vibrating
  • What else lies here?
  • We walk for a bit and find another room
  • There is a seal on a rock... on the ground
  • We investigate
  • Randir medidtaes and casts Detect Magic as a ritual
    • He sees into the "magical ethereal realm of magic"
  • He hears a voice, sad, "Free me...."
  • Randir pushes, "Why?"
  • "I have been trapped here for so long, please release me..."
  • Randir breaks from his trance and tells Ulertu and Theo what he heard
    • He believes whatever is being held by this seal is trapped, chained by the magic
  • We decide tobreak the seal and free the spirit
  • AND THEN THE PLACE STARTS TO CRUMBLE
  • Randir casts Haste on everyone
  • We manage to make it out alive
    • Thanks Haste!
  • We run out of the collapsing hillside
  • Pallas is very confused
  • We head over to a creek to rest
  • Pallas says, "Perhaps you releasing this power was releasing something back to nature itself..."
  • Randir ponders on this, "This power was great... larger than a creek, a bird... something... " He can't find a way to describe it
  • We think on this for a while
  • Randir feels a breeze and notices a type of reed he can use to make into upgraded armor
    • His focus on this is peaceful and intent on the task
  • A small white fin swims up the river and JUMPS OUT AND ATTACKS Randir
  • FUCK
  • We kill two of these monsters... and there is silence.
  • They were drakes
    • They served larger, greater serpents
  • Ulertu knows that the Giants bent the lesser serpents to their will
  • There have been rumors from the rangers that they need to deal with monsters like this...
    • Remember the dude in White Tree?
  • We figure out that if there's two here... there's probably more.
  • Pallas heals us a little
  • Pallas also notes that there is a town near by. Perhaps we should head there
  • We pack up and head toward the town on our horses as the sun sets
  • AND WE LEVEL UP (7)

2/13/2021

  • We run off of the street knowing the city guard would be after us for killing two of the monks
  • We take a short rest
  • Randir makes a promise that he will see those monks die by his hand
  • He's not sure if they can continue with the Cinder Root Trio...
  • but we need to tell Bell and Dove what happened, at least
  • We head back to the inn... sneakily. Trying to avoid the guard.
  • We go back to the inn where Elena died
  • We sneak in and find a notebook on Elena's person
    • She's been tracking these weapons being brought into the city (as she said)
    • She was following up on the containers
  • She was investigating the Shipping guild
    • She was looking for a dude for Avadon Mar
      • This is the dude we kind fought when we FIRST got to the city
    • But Avadon Mar isn't the head honcho. She was looking for his boss.
  • She scribbled the sigil of House Grey
    • Also within that sigil is a serpent??
    • The serpent resembles dragons of olde (in a circle like an Ouroboros)
      • Ulertu knows more about this
  • We take Elena's body back to the Cinder Root Trio
    • There's a montage of emotions, fading to us on a hill on the North side of the city.
    • We give Elena a proper burial, there's a lot of crying
  • They're going to bring Elena back to the Cinder Root
  • Randir refuses to travel with the Bell and Dove as they head back to the Cinder Root
    • He's clearly very upset about Elena's death but he pushes them away claiming they need to do bigger things and doesn't want to endanger them
  • Dove presses a locket into his hand, a locket that Elena wore.
    • Randir weeps as he hugs Bell, and he apologizes...
    • In his mind he's crying he's thinking about Theo and how he came back and why Elena didn't and why did this happen and why now and why not her and...
    • Bell leaves him with parting words, "There will be times when you feel alone, but someone is there."
  • We leave the city on horseback
  • Theo and Randir talk
    • Theo tells about his past... which is... dark.
  • Randir gives a speech about how strange it is who you connect to and who connects to your life... He's overwhelmed with emotion.
    • Fuckin hell, Randir is very emotional about the people of this world
    • "The forest is all ebb and flow in life, but in the civilized world... there's something different." Life is more precious to him here.
  • We make our way to the Sunfields
    • This is the place where the Great Emperor was first injured and his blood was spilled
    • Takes a few days to cross through the Sunfields
  • OH and Pallas is with us
  • We come across a very angular, not-natural looking, 40ft+ tall, grass covered... thing?
  • Randir casts Detect Magic as a ritual
  • Ulertu climbs the hill thing?? He gets to the top and it's weirdly flat.
  • Randir detects Conjuration magic.
  • Ulertu digs down about 2 feet and finds solid stone
  • Ulertu and Theo hammer into the stone and.... fall into the space within the obelisk thing
    • Randir warned them...
  • Randir creates a climbing rope to get down to meet Ulertu and Theo
    • He stabs a javelin into the ground and ties a rope to it
  • This place is full of old, crumbling carpets and niceties
  • Ulertu thinks this either a home or a tomb for a giant.
  • We travel into the tomb futher, Ulertu finds some text:
    • "Here lies Lord Dobvir, King of the Sunfields, he who faced the black sky"
  • A feeling of unease rushes over us as we see some sort of movement in the eyes of these huge statues...
  • The Amber Blade begins to shake.. he unsheathes it and it gives off a soft amber glow.
    • Randir remembers: "This blade is of the mountain"
  • As Randir looks up at the eyes, dark flames POUR out of the eyes of the statues......... FILLING THE CAVERN
  • UH OH

2/13/2021

  • We run off of the street knowing the city guard would be after us for killing two of the monks
  • We take a short rest
  • Randir makes a promise that he will see those monks die by his hand
  • He's not sure if they can continue with the Cinder Root Trio...
  • but we need to tell Bell and Dove what happened, at least
  • We head back to the inn... sneakily. Trying to avoid the guard.
  • We go back to the inn where Elena died
  • We sneak in and find a notebook on Elena's person
    • She's been tracking these weapons being brought into the city (as she said)
    • She was following up on the containers
  • She was investigating the Shipping guild
    • She was looking for a dude for Avadon Mar
      • This is the dude we kind fought when we FIRST got to the city
    • But Avadon Mar isn't the head honcho. She was looking for his boss.
  • She scribbled the sigil of House Grey
    • Also within that sigil is a serpent??
    • The serpent resembles dragons of olde (in a circle like an Ouroboros)
      • Ulertu knows more about this
  • We take Elena's body back to the Cinder Root Trio
    • There's a montage of emotions, fading to us on a hill on the North side of the city.
    • We give Elena a proper burial, there's a lot of crying
  • They're going to bring Elena back to the Cinder Root
  • Randir refuses to travel with the Bell and Dove as they head back to the Cinder Root
    • He's clearly very upset about Elena's death but he pushes them away claiming they need to do bigger things and doesn't want to endanger them
  • Dove presses a locket into his hand, a locket that Elena wore.
    • Randir weeps as he hugs Bell, and he apologizes...
    • In his mind he's crying he's thinking about Theo and how he came back and why Elena didn't and why did this happen and why now and why not her and...
    • Bell leaves him with parting words, "There will be times when you feel alone, but someone is there."
  • We leave the city on horseback
  • Theo and Randir talk
    • Theo tells about his past... which is... dark.
  • Randir gives a speech about how strange it is who you connect to and who connects to your life... He's overwhelmed with emotion.
    • Fuckin hell, Randir is very emotional about the people of this world
    • "The forest is all ebb and flow in life, but in the civilized world... there's something different." Life is more precious to him here.
  • We make our way to the Sunfields
    • This is the place where the Great Emperor was first injured and his blood was spilled
    • Takes a few days to cross through the Sunfields
  • OH and Pallas is with us
  • We come across a very angular, not-natural looking, 40ft+ tall, grass covered... thing?
  • Randir casts Detect Magic as a ritual
  • Ulertu climbs the hill thing?? He gets to the top and it's weirdly flat.
  • Randir detects Conjuration magic.
  • Ulertu digs down about 2 feet and finds solid stone
  • Ulertu and Theo hammer into the stone and.... fall into the space within the obelisk thing
    • Randir warned them...
  • Randir creates a climbing rope to get down to meet Ulertu and Theo
    • He stabs a javelin into the ground and ties a rope to it
  • This place is full of old, crumbling carpets and niceties
  • Ulertu thinks this either a home or a tomb for a giant.
  • We travel into the tomb futher, Ulertu finds some text:
    • "Here lies Lord Dobvir, King of the Sunfields, he who faced the black sky"
  • A feeling of unease rushes over us as we see some sort of movement in the eyes of these huge statues...
  • The Amber Blade begins to shake.. he unsheathes it and it gives off a soft amber glow.
    • Randir remembers: "This blade is of the mountain"
  • As Randir looks up at the eyes, dark flames POUR out of the eyes of the statues......... FILLING THE CAVERN
  • UH OH

1/23/2021

  • We spend a week in Caer Sen to chill, make potions, buy a map
  • Randir gets a new fancy Wooden Flute with the help of Dove
    • He plays some music with the Cinder Root Trio
  • We decide we're going to travel with the Cinder Root Trio
  • But also before we leave...
    • Elena thinks she may have info on who smuggled weapons and poison into Caer Sen
      • May be connected to the shipping guild
  • Pallas is gonna be travelling with us, dude got left behind by his crew
    • HMMMMMM
  • Randir runs into Torbin Lockewood before we leave
    • He apologizes for how he acted
    • He wants to be better about how he feels
    • He remembered his grandfather coming back as a monster...
      • Dude probably was brought back as a zombie
    • Two dudes hug
    • "If you ever have anything you need in the city, I'd be happy to help you."
  • ON THE NIGHT BEFORE WE HEAD OUT OF TOWN
  • Elena drops an animal messenger on our door
    • She knows who snuck in the weapons to Caer Sen
  • We go to investigate
    • Randir turns into a horse so Theo can ride, Ulertu takes his horse, Twill
  • Elena tells us via squirrel to head to a tavern at the end of the docks
  • We get to the tavern and unsuccessfully bully a tavern worker into telling us where Elena is
  • We see two half-elves eying us pretty hard and go to speak to them
  • It doesn't go anywhere as Randir hears a crash upstairs
  • We run upstairs see two more lves with the same tatoos as the other two we saw
  • We push past them, and find Elena. Dead.
  • Randir remembers: these are league of assassin elves.
  • Randir casts haste on himself.
  • We run and run and run catching up with these elves
  • We fight. We go all out. Theo and Randir end barely alive.
  • Two go down, two escape.
  • Randir cries out. Chasing after the elf. Unable to come close to catching him.
  • Someone has called the city guard.

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