Hey all,   Due to recent developments on my end, both work- and health-related, I'm going to need to stop the game.  I feel like I jumped in a bit too far trying to do a homebrew game as my first one by PbP - I should have started with something more structured to get a feel for how DM'ing by PbP works and to keep things moving smoothly, and now I've found I don't have the time or energy necessary to flesh out the game for you.  I want to apologize for letting you all down, but I hope you all had at least a bit of fun with what I was able to put forward.  Hopefully we'll see each other on the Weave sometime in the future.  I'll leave the game and the Discord server up for a few days just to be sure everyone sees this message.  Thanks for your time, and best of luck in the new year.

The stakeout proves to be both a success and a failure. Torgar has never seen anything like it. The flyers just appear... Just what sort of magic was at work here? Whatever it was, it was beyond his scope or ken. Reluctantly, he retires to his room. Rather than sleeping on the perfectly serviceable bed, he instead takes comfort in the hardwood floor.   In the morning, Torgar reunites with the others if for no other reason than they are the only people that he knows. Still, there is trust in both their skill and their restraint. Those were proven yesterday. Torgar looks back directly into Sajawe's eyes, which detect no hostility but also none of that glowing mirth of hers. Fortunately, Torgar has some breakfast to distract himself from the noise of the Hedron's Shadow: another mug of "Big" and a plate of spiced potatoes. He doesn't bother with a fork, simply raising the tubers to his mouth and eating from them like an apple.   Colin's question receives a grunt of acknowledgement and a small nod, but nothing else. Torgar either doesn't know or doesn't care about the ramifications of his action. Amaranthyx's request does elicit more of a response. He hums appreciative agreement. "Po-ta-toes." This food proves to be a starchy, delightful surprise for the feral minotaur. As he did yesterday, Torgar waits for the writing to be read aloud.

Amaranthyx Carver, Human Local Hero Cleric of Talib Current HP: 18/18, AC:16, Passive Perception PP: 15, Condition - Normal, Spell slots: lv. 1 3/3   Probably a good idea not to give more grist than necessary to the gossips, Amaranthyx thinks to herself.   "Thank you, Colin! And my compliments to the chef," she says, indicating her near-empty plate. "Could I trouble you for more of these wonderful potatoes?"   Once the innkeeper moves off, she glances at the letter, turns it right-side-up, and reads it aloud to herself and her companions.

 Sajawe - Kor Monk AC: 16 | HP: 10/10 | Initiative: +3 | Passive Perception: 15   After morning ritual for Kamsa, which involved a lot of gymnastics and cleaning, she walked with elated steps into the common room. It seemed like she was going to fly if she was but a little lighter on her feet. She greeted the others with subtle smile and glittering eyes - the Kor equivalent of beaming like the rising sun - but, even though she liked to make eye contact to find out how her team mates' were doing , she didn't say anything.   When she softly accepted the letter and unfolded it, but instead of reading it herself, she handed it to Amaranthyx, encouraging her to read it aloud.     Mechanics Main Hand: Quarterstaff Off Hand: - Action: - Bonus Action: - Move: - Manipulate: -          

After a bit of discussion, most of you decide to retire to the Hedron's Shadow for the night.  You are provided with warm beds by the proprietor, Colin, who smiles and nods as you mention that Krebgur had sent you.  "Seems he's taken a liking to you lot.  Must've shown him you're fairly capable.  I think you're gonna find a lot of success with the Houses here."  The night passes uneventfully, and some much-needed sleep is achieved.   Two of you, however, decide to split off before retiring.  The kor monk Sajawe sets out in search of Munda, Minister of Murasa House, while the minotaur druid Torgar decides to watch the streets for a bit, laying low and waiting for any sign of the mysterious Awakeners.  After asking around a bit amongst her fellow kor, Sajawe learns that Munda has retired for the night to his personal chambers after a long day of meeting new recruits, but a friendly kor guard near the Murasa House lodge tells her to come back in the morning a bit after sunrise, once Munda has finished his morning meditations and training.   Torgar, meanwhile, finds a quiet, shadowed spot in an alleyway just off a central square with a notice board.  He watches for a few hours, and just as he feels about to give up for the night, something strange happens.  A nearly identical poster to the one found in the thug's coin purse seems to materialize from thin air, pinned up to the notice board and swaying slightly.  At least to Torgar's senses, no one was there to place the notice.   Eventually, the morning sun rises once more upon Sea Gate, and the hustle and bustle of the city has swung into gear again.  As you all reconvene in the Hedron's Shadow's common room for breakfast, Colin approaches you all, a letter held in his hands.  "Morning all.  I'll be happy to get you some food in a moment, but figured I'd let you know that General Edhrec is requesting your presence at the guard barracks near the Lighthouse.  Something about questioning a prisoner?"  He cocks his eyebrow at you all, studying all of you for any kind of tell.

 Sajawe - Kor Monk AC: 16 | HP: 10/10 | Initiative: +3 | Passive Perception: 15   Sajawa offered a nod and a militaristic gesture with her fist to the chest when Krebgur departed. To her companions she said: "I'll try to get an audience with Master Munda. Report, discuss religious implications. You're welcome to join..." even though watching a conversation between two Kor would be outstandingly boring to any outside beholder. "Otherwise, meet you in Hedron's Shadow."   Sajawe asked her way around to find Master Munda, even though she still avoided to speak and rather communed with other Kor by means of gestures, which were often so subtle that they were easy to miss, creating the impression that she somehow knew where to go.     Mechanics Main Hand: Quarterstaff Off Hand: - Action: - Bonus Action: - Move: - Manipulate: -          

Krebgur's brow visibly furrows as he is presented with the drawing of Anowon.  "Ah.  Him."  He pauses for a moment, thinking deeply, likely with a number of questions running through his mind.  "That one runs an 'adventuring group' of his own up in the Teeth.  Calls it 'The League.'  Admittedly, a lot of well-trained adventurers come out of that camp... but I don't trust Anowon as far as I can throw him.  He's searching for something up in Akoum, and he doesn't let anybody get in his way.  It's good that your encounter with him was amiable enough, because you'd likely all be dead if it wasn't.  Still... it's concerning that he was down there in the Gate in the first place.  Must've noticed it during his time in Bala Ged House."   He ponders for a bit more, then continues.  "You've clearly been through a lot.  You should all get some rest, it's late anyway.  Feel free to stay at the Hedron's Shadow for the night, just tell Colin I sent you.  As for you..." he says, looking to the thug, "You're coming with me.  I'm bringing you straight to Tazri, and she'll take care of you from there."  The thug audibly gulps at the mention of Tazri.  It seems her reputation is rather well-known even as far as Akoum.   At the mention of the remaining fauna, Krebgur does give a smile, though it is more of a weak grin at this point.  "I'll make sure to let Nissa know.  Or you can talk to her in the morning yourselves.  I'm sure she'll be interested in hearing more."  He looks specifically to Torgar, remembering the magics he had used earlier in the day, and nods approvingly.   With that, Krebgur makes his leave, heading back towards where you assume Valakut House resides to speak with General Tazri Edhrec.  Right behind him is the remaining thug, and directly behind him, maw dripping menacingly, is Grubbles, keeping both eye stalks on the man's back.   Your goblin companion Blinky looks between all of you for a moment, then says, "Blinky will go with Krebgur to make sure bad man doesn't cause trouble.  Plus Blinky want to learn more about Grubbles.  Goodnight, bye for now!"  Blinky rushes to catch up with the three, trailing behind slightly.   OOC You all, thankfully, remember your way back to the Hedron's Shadow.  However, that is not the only tavern in Sea Gate, if you wish to stay elsewhere.  In addition, though the night is relatively quiet in Sea Gate compared to the hustle and bustle of the day, a few establishments are still open for business, if you so desire.  You can especially exchange your gems and other precious stones for gold pieces.   If you'd like to just move forward to the following day, we can certainly do that.  Let me know in Discord!  

Amaranthyx Carver, Human Local Hero Cleric of Talib Current HP: 18/18, AC:16, Passive Perception PP: 15, Condition - Normal, Spell slots: lv. 1 2/3   The cleric pauses, holding back from responding to Krebgur and letting Sajawe and Nhoririn describe the encounter with Anowon. "Amiable." What a way to describe an encounter with a man who ordered all our murder. And how quickly I pivoted from assault victim to fellow art critic. Huh.   "Good point, Cora! Along with the crabs, windrider eels also make the cavern home," Amaranthyx adds.

    Cora Blackwell - Air Genasi Fathom Warlock sheet link AC: 13 | HP: 17/17| Initiative: +2 | Passive Perception: 12 | Spell Slots: 1st 2/2 | Darkvision: 60' | Misc: Lightning Resistance, Unending BreathYou can hold your breath indefinitely while you're not incapacitated. Sharing the information with the house minister, Cora listened to the others quietly as she considered their relatively brief excursion in the caverns below. The place hadn't been as large as she'd expected in the end but there had certainly been, and for the most part still was an active semi-aquatic ecology there. As they had actually managed to explore the area and not in fact kill everything below gave her a sense of relief. Not that she was averse to conflict but there was something about the various creatures that she somehow felt more of a kinship with than she had in the past.   "We left a number of the creatures, the species in the area below unharmed, in case that wasn't clear. They were at least of some measurable intelligence and we even traded successfully with a small group of crabs!" She shrugged. It sounded like a fairy tale when she said it out loud, something one might make up, crabs that were bright enough to trade and not fight. But it had indeed happened, and not long ago at that either.       OoC Main Hand: Empty Off Hand: Empty Action: Eldritch Bolt attack Bonus Action: Nothing Move: Nothing Manipulate: Nothing                

Level 2: Warlock 2 Hit Points: 10 + 7 (HD1d8+2ConMod) = 17 Class Features: Eldritch Invocations -- Agonizing Blast -- Repelling Blast New Spell Known: Create or Destroy Water New Spell Slot

So, the Awakeners aren't just active in Akoum... Torgar resolves to speak with Nissa about the posters. She would no doubt be more sympathetic than the civilization-bound human.

Nhoririn Darzuul - Vampire Warlock AC: 15 | HP: 15/15| Initiative: +2 | Passive Perception: 9 | Spell Slots: 1st 2/2 | Darkvision: 60' "Anowon,"  Nhoririn said as Sajawe scribbled with coal to indulge her glossophobia. He was certain that the Expeditionary Houses would have heard of the vampire. "As you can see from the fact that we still live, it was an amiable encounter."   Mechanics Main Hand: Longsword Off Hand: Empty Action: Your action goes here. Bonus Action: Your bonus action goes here. Move: Your movement goes here. Manipulate: Your one free object interaction goes here.          

 Sajawe - Kor Monk AC: 16 | HP: 10/10 | Initiative: +3 | Passive Perception: 15   Sajawe listened attentively to Krebgur's elaborations, and tried, with mixed success, to not think about where she might procure an elephant to feed Grubbles, or whether petting it would be a good idea.   When the discussion came to the statues, there was a momentary raising of her eyebrow. Coming from a Kor, that was the equivalent of bouncing up and down in excitement. She was devoted to Kamsa. Every motion was supposed to reflect the goddess. Of course she would follow through on that investigation and talk to Master Munda about it. As opposed to Krebgur, she wouldn't use spoken words, though, which might make Master Munda considerably more approachable.   She nodded affirmatively when Krebgur asked about the master. Picking up a piece of coal, she sketched him, starting with a sideways depiction of his open mouth, highlighting the fang teeth to indicate he was a vampire. Then she continued with a more elaborate depiction of him and put the name "Anowon" underneath it.   She tried her best to capture the facial features and a rough depiction of the clothing style of the man she had seen:   Mechanics Main Hand: Quarterstaff Off Hand: - Action: - Bonus Action: - Move: - Manipulate: -          

Krebgur takes it all in as you present your findings to him - the gemstones and crystals, descriptions of the statues, and the mysterious poster.  His face is a constantly shifting mix of surprise, joy, thoughtfulness, and concern.  After a moment, he gathers himself and says, "Well!  Certainly more than I bargained for.  First of all - good work, all of you!  You rose to the challenge admirably, despite it being quite different from what I expected.  Secondly - keep the gemstones and crystals, you've earned them.  You said they came from hedron constructs?  Huh... some of the brainy ones in the Lighthouse have been looking into similar reports.  The little constructs have cropped up in a few ruins the Houses have come across.  I'll let the researchers know; I'm sure they'll want to investigate if there's any left."   Pondering a bit, he continues.  "As for those statues... sorry, can't say I know much about the gods past the basics.  Not really a big thing in goblin culture, you see.  Certainly impressive workmanship, though, if your reports are anything to go off.  Might be worth it to talk to old man Noyan about those.  Maybe Munda too.  Though Munda can be a little terse when the conversation turns to the gods.  Not really sure why."   With a bit of concern, he addresses the last of your findings.  "As for that poster: I've seen similar cropping up here in Sea Gate.  Might just be propaganda.  Might be a bit more, though.  Might be worth it to talk to Tazri or Nissa about that.  Tazri in particular has her people trying to figure out where they're coming from - they get posted up in the dead of night when no one's watching.  And you're saying this bloke got it all the way from Affa?"  He regards the ruffian with a wary eye.  "You're a long way from home, friend, and I think you've got a lot to answer for, especially regarding your 'master'."  Turning back to all of you, Krebgur asks, "Did you meet this 'master' down there, too?"

Level Up to Level 2 Hit Points: Additional 5 (average of 1d8) + 2 Con Bonus = 7 for a new total of 17 New Features: Ki Starting at 2nd level, your training allows you to harness the mystic energy of ki. Your access to this energy is represented by a number of ki points. Your monk level determines the number of points you have, as shown in the Ki Points column of the Monk table.   You can spend these points to fuel various ki features. You start knowing three such features: Flurry of Blows, Patient Defense, and Step of the Wind. You learn more ki features as you gain levels in this class. When you spend a ki point, it is unavailable until you finish a short or long rest, at the end of which you draw all of your expended ki back into yourself. You must spend at least 30 minutes of the rest meditating to regain your ki points.   Some of your ki features require your target to make a saving throw to resist the feature's effects. The saving throw DC is calculated as follows:   Ki save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Wisdom modifier  (2 ki points) Flurry of BlowsImmediately after you take the Attack action on your turn, you can spend 1 ki point to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action. Patient DefenceYou can spend 1 ki point to take the Dodge action as a bonus action on your turn.  Step of the WindYou can spend 1 ki point to take the Disengage or Dash action as a bonus action on your turn, and your jump distance is doubled for the turn.  Unarmored MovementStarting at 2nd level, your speed increases by 10 feet while you are not wearing armor or wielding a shield. This bonus increases when you reach certain monk levels, as shown in the Monk table. At 9th level, you gain the ability to move along vertical surfaces and across liquids on your turn without falling during the move. (+10 ft.)

Nhoririn Darzuul - Vampire Warlock AC: 15 | HP: 15/15| Initiative: +2 | Passive Perception: 9 | Spell Slots: 1st 2/2 | Darkvision: 60' "The poster could just be some cultist propaganda meant to lure gullible fools to their doom,"  Nhoririn waved his hand dismissively though his tone suggested that he did not quite believe his own words. The world dying seemed far fetched but not impossible. However he voiced no more of his thoughts for the duration of their journey back. Quite frankly, he found the idea of the remaining thug being lost in the caverns with large hungry crabs and territorial windrider eels entertaining. However, delivering the fool to the surface might provide its own subtler form of entertainment.   "Yes quite delicio-...I mean tragic," he added to Sajawe's report. For now, he was content to let the others speak with Krebgur. He looked forward to the next task they would be given.   Mechanics Main Hand: Longsword Off Hand: Empty Action: Your action goes here. Bonus Action: Your bonus action goes here. Move: Your movement goes here. Manipulate: Your one free object interaction goes here.          

Amaranthyx Carver, Human Local Hero Cleric of Talib Current HP: 18/18, AC:16, Passive Perception PP: 15, Condition - Normal, Spell slots: lv. 1 2/3   Zendikar is dying, eh? I've seen no evidence of this claim in Talib's still-thriving world, but it bears further consideration, Amaranthyx thinks to herself. She has not previously heard of the Awakeners, but remains silent on that topic, too.   Once the party is safely back atop the Sea Gate, though, she can no longer hold her tongue. "The caverns house a truly spectacular statue, Krebgur!" she gushes, sharing details and observations both her own and Anowon's.

Level Up   Warlock 2 Hit Points: 1d8+2 (see rolls or average if higher) Eldritch Invocations: Agonizing Blast and Armor of Shadows Spell Slots: +1 Spells Known: +1, Shield  

Torgar snorts in a flare of temper, though it's unclear how much is due to the thug's careless "bull" slip or his casual dismissal of the threat against Zendikar. So, Torgar isn't the only one... He needs to find out more. In the meantime, his glare tells the thug that silence is the best way to avoid violence.   Once they make their way back to Krebgur, Torgar snorts in disagreement with Sajawe's sentiment. "Claw is met with claw. They chose to attack first and not speak. We knew that the Houses would have questions for him. I care not what happens to him." However, like Sajawe, he lets others provide information about their vampire encounter and the statues.

Level 2 updates: 1d8 additional hit die hp adding (rolling in the stack) 8 (6 + constitution bonus) added +1 lv 1 spell slot +1 prepared spell (to be added at the next long rest) + channel divinity (Turn Undead + Charm Animals and Plants)  

 Sajawe - Kor Monk AC: 16 | HP: 10/10 | Initiative: +3 | Passive Perception: 15   Sajawe considered the question for a moment before she answered - naturally she would prefer to not speak at all. Thus she she showed off the crystals they found, gestured her friends to hand over the pamphlet and sketched the statues and the strange constructs they had seen, as well as the three curious statues, using whatever was available to draw and added brief comments.   While the illustrations took her a moment, it wasn't anywhere as one might suspect it would take. As for explaining their strange vampire host, she left that to the others.   However, Sajawe did speak up after all when it came to their prisoner. "Was part of a group that attacked us," she said indicating the prisoner. "But his own guilt is limited. No situational awareness, found himself in an unfamiliar dungeon completely at the mercy of his master. Seems to have genuinely believed he was near Affa, but was brought here by magical means without his own knowledge. Given understandable confusion, fear and ignorance of applicable law without own fault, I suggest merciful judgement. Death of his companions is very tragic and unnecessary."   Mechanics Main Hand: Quarterstaff Off Hand: - Action: - Bonus Action: - Move: - Manipulate: -          

Level 2 updates:   Circle of the Shepherd Wild Shape (1/4 CR) Speech of the Woods (including Primordial) Spirit Totem    

While the poster elicits an amused response from Nhoririn, Torgar is much more concerned over its message.  At Torgar's questioning, the remaining thug responds, "Oh, he grabbed that poster off a notice board in the tavern Anowon picked us up in.  Somethin' about some group that thinks the Roil not being as crazy means the world is dyin'?  I dunno, seemed like a bunch of bull to me.  Less Roil problems seems like a good thing, honestly."   Wherever the others stand on the matter, it seems that your work here is done.  You all make your way back through the grotto in the Sea Gate wall, passing by the crabs and windrider eels without issue.  Stepping back onto the platform with your "guest" in tow, you give the signal and are promptly elevated upwards once more.  House Minister Krebgur and his trusty skrill Grubbles are there to greet you, and his initial glee quickly shifts to surprise once seeing the thug you've brought with you.   "Well, who do we have here?  I wasn't expecting you all to run into unexpected guests down there.  Something makes me think you lot ran into more than I bargained for!"   The thug looks at Grubbles nervously.  The skrill stares at the man, a bit of drool dripping from its razor-sharp teeth.   OOC Congratulations on your first completed "dungeon"!  I leave what you tell Krebgur up to you.  Go ahead and level yourselves up to Level 2!  If you could make a follow-up post in your character applications with your level 2 updates, I'd appreciate it.  For HP, take either rolled or average, whichever is higher. Since we're at a good spot, feedback is appreciated.  Things you liked, didn't like, things that could be improved, etc.  You can either message me on Discord or in the OOC chat here, up to you!  

It had been obvious that the vampire possessed powerful magic, but... to come all the way from Akoum without a ship? That spoke of deep trouble...   While Nhoririn wryly remarks on the poster, Torgar's eyes widen and he snatches it from the vampire's hand without asking. The scribbles of writing on it make no sense to him, of course, but this could be the sign that Torgar has been looking for.   Torgar turns to confront the remaining thug with the poster. "Who are the Awakeners? Are they in Akoum?"

Nhoririn Darzuul - Vampire Warlock AC: 14 | HP: 10/10| Initiative: +2 | Passive Perception: 9 | Spell Slots: 1st 0/1 | Darkvision: 60' "Join the Awakeners? Zendikar is dying?" Nhoririn bemusedly read aloud. It reminded him of those fanciful stories of heroes and chosen ones told by bards. He looked back at the rest of the party dangled the poster. "Not exactly a quest listing, is it?" Mechanics Main Hand: Longsword Off Hand: Empty Action: Bonus Action: Move: Manipulate: