Chapter 1: A Grey Beginning (Group 2)

zaffo · November 11, 2023

Harin Avosi

Half-elf Sage, College of Lore Bard

AC: 14 (Leather) | HP: 10/10 (1d8+2) | Speed: 30 ft. (unencumbered)
Senses: passive Perception 14, Insight 14, Investigation 11
Str: 7 (-2) | Dex: 16 (+3) | Con:Save: +2 14 (+2) | Int: 12 (+1) | Wis: 14 (+2) | Cha: 18 (+4)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, Dwarvish, Gnomish, and Halfling

Oma's song fills Harin with a hazy warmth that reminds him of home. He can't wait to meet her! He steps into the clearing and as he does, he begins to play an accompaniment to her song on his flute. He walks casually around the edge of the clearing to the front of her hut and peers into the dimness within, ready to walk inside.

OOC

Movement: —

Action: —

Bonus Action: —

Reaction: —

jrsey · November 11, 2023

Tysh Mountainheart

Hill Dwarf Acolyte Twilight Cleric

AC: 18 (Chain Mail & Shield) | HP: 12/12 (1d8+3+1) | Speed: 25 ft.
Senses: passive Perception 13, Insight 15, Investigation 11
Str: 12 (+1) | Dex: 11 (+0) | Con: 16 (+3) | Int: 12 (+1) | Wis: 16 (+3) | Cha: 12 (+1)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Dwarvish, Elvish, and Celestial
Encumbrance: 70.5 lbs (60lbs/120lbs/180lbs)

Tysh smiles at Kain appreciatively. "Thank you. I don't feel right leaving his things out in the open for anyone to come by and grab. Many hands make light work."

As the group makes their way through the forest, Tysh keeps a close eye on Harin's trail. She tries to be quiet despite the steady clink-clink-clink of her chain mail as she walks. Still, she was thankful for the rain: the damp underbrush conceals her footfalls better than it would were it dry.

While wondering how much further they have to walk, they come upon a dilapidated home with surprising suddenness. Were it not for the smoke trailing up from the chimney, she would have merely thought it a long-abandoned house weathered by time and the elements. Harin's trail definitely led them here, but she could not immediately see him. She takes a deep breath: the tantalizing aromas are indeed stronger here. Tysh sets her end of the chest down on the ground carefully.

"I don't like the look of this," she mumbles to herself as she drops her unnecessary belongings beside the chest. Her eyes scan the area, hoping for a sign of their new companion. She secures her shield over her left arm and takes up her warhammer in her right hand.

Barely loud enough for everyone to hear, she says, "Anyone see Harin?"

OOC

Movement: Tysh drops everything but her necessary battle equipment (chain mail, vestments, light crossbow and bolts, amulet and holy symbol, warhammer, and shield). Going forward, these items will be what she retains after dropping everything else unless otherwise noted.

Action: Equip shield and ready warhammer while looking for Harin.

Bonus Action:

Reaction:

Otog · November 11, 2023

Scarborough "Scarby" Foster

Human Sailor, Fighter

AC: 15 (Studded Leather)| HP: 12/12 (1d10+2) | Speed: 30 ft.
Senses: Passive Perception 13, Insight 13, Investigation 8
Str: 16 (+3) | Dex: 16 (+3) | Con: 14 (+2) | Int: 8 (-1) | Wis: 12 (+1) | Cha: 8 (-1)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common

Scarby quickly unslings his pack and doffs his canvas long coat, hoping to keep it safe from most of the wet and so he does not get tangled while traipsing through the woods. Shoving the bundle under a bush by the roadside and scoring a mark on a nearby tree with his boot-knife, Scarby sets off with the others. Moving from cover to cover as quickly and quietly as he can, Scarby scores marks on other trees to mark the trail back to the road.

voodoozombie · November 11, 2023

Raven

Human Shadow Sorcerer, Haunted Spirit Medium

AC: 12/15 (Mage Armor) | HP: 8/8 (1d6+2) | Speed: 30 ft.
Senses: passive Perception 13, Insight 11, Investigation 10
Str: 10 (-0) | Dex: 14 (+2) | Con: 14 (+2) | Int: 10 (+0) | Wis: 12 (+1) | Cha: 17 (+3)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, Abyssal, Undercommon

| |

An eyebrow goes up at Tysh's question about Harin. She whispers,

"That's a good question. Let me take a look."

OOC

Movement: —

Action: — Cast Mage Armor on herself

Bonus Action: —

Reaction: —

OOC:

Edited November 11, 2023 by voodoozombie (see edit history)

Kail_Traeganni · November 12, 2023

Ardir Hálilúëa

Humble Farrier, Shadar-Kai Barbarian

AC: 15 (AC Bonus) | HP: 15/15 (1d12+3) | Speed: 30 ft.
Senses: passive Perception 13, Insight 13, Investigation 10

Ardir spits on the ground. "Hell, what're we waiting for? I'm going to knock, see who's home."

With that, Ardir leaves his pack with the group and jogs over to the house, looking for its entrance, carrying his maul in one hand and two javelins in the other.

jrsey · November 13, 2023

Tysh Mountainheart

Hill Dwarf Acolyte Twilight Cleric

AC: 18 (Heavy Armor & Shield) | HP: 12/12 (1d8+3+1) | Speed: 25 ft.
Senses: passive Perception 13, Insight 15, Investigation 11
Str: 12 (+1) | Dex: 11 (+0) | Con: 16 (+3) | Int: 12 (+1) | Wis: 16 (+3) | Cha: 12 (+1)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Dwarvish, Elvish, and Celestial
Encumbrance: 70.5 lbs (60lbs/120lbs/180lbs)

Seeing Ardir run forward, Tysh curses softly under her breath. She takes off after him, eyes casting about as she strives to keep up. Her arms press tightly against her chain mail in an effort to silence its soft jangling.

"Moonmaiden, guide my steps," she whispers hurriedly.

OOC

Movement: Following Ardir about 10 feet behind, shield and warhammer at the ready.

Action:

Bonus Action:

Reaction:

Edited November 14, 2023 by jrsey (see edit history)

Anthr4xus · November 14, 2023

There was no sign of Harin around, other than the trail he had made through the woods. The smell of simmering meat and baking bread is strong and tempting. As the group approached, Kain's retainers hung back, just in eyesight of the group but well back in the trees. The bark door of the hovel had been returned it's place, blocking out the rain. From within the small hut, everyone could hear a raspy and rough, yet skilled and definitely feminine voice singing a song that Tysh and Ardir faintly remembered as an old Falkovnian folk song.

In ancient valleys, where time did weep,

In old mountain towns, secrets did keep,

A kingdom once proud, now lost to the night,

I sing you a lament, a mournful sight.

The castle walls, once towering high,

Now crumble beneath a desolate sky,

The echoes of laughter, the whispers of lore,

Gone with the wind, forevermore.

In cobblestone streets, where shadows now play,

The laughter of children has faded away,

The marketplace bustled, with merchants so keen,

Now silence prevails, in the ruins, it's seen.

The rivers that danced with a sparkling glee,

Now weep for the kingdom, lost to the sea,

The bridges they built, with hands so sure,

Now lead to the past, no longer endure.

The mountains that watched, with ancient eyes,

Bear witness to sorrow, under somber skies,

The forests once lush, where legends did bloom,

Now sigh with the weight of shambling doom.

But in these old towns, where history lies,

The spirits of warriors, they never demise,

Their tales are told in the whispers of leaves,

In the rustle of branches, as evening conceives.

Though the kingdom has fallen, its memory stays,

In the heart of the mountains, through endless days,

And as long as the wind through the valleys shall moan,

The old mountain towns will never be alone.

For the spirits of the past, they linger and roam,

In the shadows of ruins, they find their way home,

In the echoes of loss, a kingdom's decree,

Whispered by the dead, while the living flee.

jrsey · November 14, 2023

Tysh Mountainheart

Hill Dwarf Acolyte Twilight Cleric

AC: 18 (Heavy Armor & Shield) | HP: 12/12 (1d8+3+1) | Speed: 25 ft.
Senses: passive Perception 13, Insight 15, Investigation 11
Str: 12 (+1) | Dex: 11 (+0) | Con: 16 (+3) | Int: 12 (+1) | Wis: 16 (+3) | Cha: 12 (+1)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Dwarvish, Elvish, and Celestial
Encumbrance: 70.5 lbs (60lbs/120lbs/180lbs)

When they reach the door, Tysh looks down. Harin's trail leads through this makeshift door. This has to be the right place. She raises her shield arm and grazes her fingertips over Ardir's lower back.

"My Lady, bless this warrior with vigilance and foresight," she whispers almost inaudibly over the familiar song. Still, she can't shake the feeling that something is off. Who would risk living alone in the woods in this damned place?

Steeling herself, she adjusts her grip on her warhammer and looks at Ardir expectantly.

OOC

Movement:

Action: Casts Vigilant Blessing on Ardir. (You give one creature you touch advantage on the next initiative roll the creature makes. This benefit ends immediately after the roll or if you use this feature again.)

Bonus Action:

Reaction:

Edited November 14, 2023 by jrsey
clarifying motivation and thought process (see edit history)

Kail_Traeganni · November 14, 2023

Ardir Hálilúëa

Humble Farrier, Shadar-Kai Barbarian

AC: 15 (AC Bonus) | HP: 15/15 (1d12+3) | Speed: 30 ft.
Senses: passive Perception 13, Insight 13, Investigation 10

Ardir smiles fondly, recalling learning this tune from the miller's children.... well, it'd be impolite to not return the gift of song in kind.

"Merry it is while summer lasts
With fowl’s song.
But now nears the wind’s blast
And weather strong.
Oh, oh! How this night is long!
And I with very much wrong
Sorrow and mourn and fast.

Merry it is while summer lasts
'Neath the jolly sun.
But now rise the shadows fast
And color fades to dun.
Oh, oh! Let this night be done!
And I still must tuck and run
We fade and mourn our past.

Merry it is in summer late
when children yet do play
But now rise the dead hate
And we must away
Oh, oh! Turn night to day!
Yet raise your voice to say
'We struggle against our fate.'"

His gift offered, he knocks on the door.

Performance

Passione · November 14, 2023

Haakon Valdemar IV

Human Abjuration Wizard

AC: 11 (Unarmored) | HP: 8/8 | Speed: 20 ft. (Encumbered)
Senses: passive Perception 12, Insight 14, Investigation 14
Str: 14 (+2) | Dex: 12 (+1) | Con:Save: +2 14 (+2) | Int: 14 (+2) | Wis: 14 (+2) | Cha: 9 (-1)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Celestial, Gnomish, and Halfling

“My words,” | ‘My thoughts,’ | My actions . . .

Haakon pulls the water from his sopping wet self but he doesn't feel any lighter. It grates him how musky he smells, like inkpots and collection bags. And he can't quite figure out how to feel better about it. He wants to wring his whole being but he doubts it'll help.

‘The promise of civilization is at hand. At least buildings of proper cut stone and timber, and not stacks of logs and rocks with a makeshift lid. I am hungry too but... How hard is food to come by? It'll be shameful to bother such a small home to feed a group of eight.'

'I must admit, it is weird. Ardir joined in the singing before Harin did. Are we in the right spot? Did we follow the wrong tracks? We did mean to investigate the pillar of smoke.' Burdened by fear and guilt, he sticks to the shadows to the right of Ardir and the bark door, shifting tentatively, hoping that the enticing trace of a hot meal and the gentle dirge is more than window dressing.

OOC

Movement: —

Action: Still hiding with [5] from before.

Bonus Action: —

Reaction: —

Spellbook

Edited November 14, 2023 by Passione
more concrete position (see edit history)

Anthr4xus · November 14, 2023

The voice from within the hovel had immediately moved to another round of it's song when Ardir's honeyed notes drift through the trees. There is the soft sound of movement from within the hovel as Ardir sings. Once he finishes, a raspy voice, wispy with age yet still with a strong resonance of a steady performance, calls out from inside, "Oh, a guest in this weather, and one with such a pretty voice. Let me welcome you properly before you come in." Immediately she begins to sing a welcoming song that seems to pluck at the heart as much as the scents of cooking food pluck at your stomach. It is stronger and more sure than her first song and resonates with such power that all those that can hear her can almost hear an accompanying drum beat echoing among the trees. As the song progresses, the bark door shifts and is pulled inside the hovel, revealing a most unusual looking woman.

In the shadows you linger, a wary soul,
With doubts in your heart, and tales untold,
But listen close to the rhythm in the air,
A melody calling, banishing despair.

Come closer, stranger, to this tune,
While the rain dances and we commune,
Suspicion may linger, but trust the song,
Join our chorus, where you belong.

Through the verses of life, we all endure,
A symphony of stories, each one pure,
Your hesitations, like a distant drum,
But in this harmony, let your guard succumb.

Come closer, friend, to this tune,
While the rain dances and we commune,
Suspicion may linger, but trust the song,
Join our chorus, where you belong.

The vocal strings hum, a secret shared,
The lyrics unfold, a connection bared,
Your skepticism, like a fading night,
Dissolving slowly in the soft twilight.

The rhythm invites, like a friend unseen,
An invitation to a place serene,
The melody weaves through doubt and tears,
Come closer, friend, let's quell your fears.

Come closer, friend, to this tune,
While the rain dances and we commune,
Suspicion may linger, but trust the song,
Join our chorus, where you belong.

So, weary traveler, take a chance,
In this musical embrace, find your dance,
Let suspicion melt, like morning dew,
Come closer, friend, we welcome you.

She was at some point once something like six feet tall or more, but her back was so curved from age and possibly low roofs that she was bent nearly double, her chin almost in line with her waist. She was dressed in fine, well tanned and sewn hides decorated with intricate and symbol heavy bead work and patterns done in feathers and animal teeth. Her wispy white hair formed a halo of wafting strands around her oval-shaped face. Smalls twigs, leaves and scraps of moss were caught up in it, drawing unfavorable comparisons to a poorly crafted bird nest. Two deep blue curled horns grew through it as well, small and delicate runes that neither Tysh nor Ardir recognized painted in gold and silver along them. Tysh had seen something similar before and thought they were some kind of hellish script, although specifically which was beyond the dwarf's skill. Her face was heavily creased and wrinkled, a massive map of crows feet and smile lines, exaggerated even further by the broad smile she bore. Her teeth were few and far between, yellow stained, small and sharp. Other than the horns, she appeared human, although the lines of her cheekbones and edges of her ears gave Ardir reason to think that she had some non-human mixing of blood somewhere in the last few generations.

The ceiling of the hut was festooned with bundles of dried herbs, flowers and other planets. The hovel door was so short, obviously build for the bent woman's height, Ardir will have to crouch or crawl to get through it. The inside is a single room, barely 10 feet on a side and roughly circular. The back wall is dominated by a wide fireplace, mostly filled with a black iron cauldron hanging over a low fire. Simmering and bubbling could be heard coming from within the cauldron, and the smell of the stew hangs as heavy in the air as the clouds overhead. A baking oven is built into the wall with the fireplace, allowing it to share the indirect heat. A large wooden tub, half filled with murky water, sits on the dirt floor to the left of the fireplace. The right wall is mostly covered in stone shelves covered in jars, pouches, and more bundles of dried herbs and plants. A long heavily used butcher block sits beneath the shelves. The left wall is festooned with fetishes and shaped bundles of feather, stone, stick and bone, hanging over a nest of hides and thick, detailed quilts. A small, low table with a single chair sits in the middle of the room, the chair facing the door.

The resonant power of her song takes hold of Ardir, Tysh, Haakon and Raven. Feelings of warmth and companionship towards the old woman wash over you. Even as the magic of her song takes hold, Tysh notices that a Harin-sized lump is curled up underneath a fur and a blanket in the nest of similar items on the left wall behind the old woman. Tysh also notices the tailored cuff of a shirt sticking out of the murky water in the tub. It had a pattern and color remarkably like what Harin had been wearing back on the road.

Scarby is surprised to see something that so directly harkens back to his own world, but as a old salt of a sailor, he was of course familiar with the old myths of the sirens and mermaid songs. As this oddly stirring and echoing song rings out, he sees many of his companions immediately relax and seem put at ease, and he can't help but compare the effects of this song to those of creatures of legend. It puts him on edge and immediately suspicious of his companion's apparent change in attitude.

OOC

The woman has sung a Song of Welcome which has successfully charmed Ardir, Tysh,Haakon and Raven. Both Scarby and Kain have made their saves. This means that until the spell ends or she attacks you or an ally you:

A charmed creature can’t attack the charmer or target the charmer with harmful a⁠bilities or magical effects.
The charmer has advantage on any ability check to interact socially with the creature.
The charmed creature considers the charmer a welcome and trusted friend.

Kain and Scarby would know that the song was obviously magical, but only Scarby, of all people, has an idea of the import of that song. Kain's retainers are far enough back they are not impacted by the song either way.

Edited November 15, 2023 by Anthr4xus (see edit history)

jrsey · November 14, 2023

Tysh Mountainheart

Hill Dwarf Acolyte Twilight Cleric

AC: 18 (Heavy Armor & Shield) | HP: 12/12 (1d8+3+1) | Speed: 25 ft.
Senses: passive Perception 13, Insight 15, Investigation 11
Str: 12 (+1) | Dex: 11 (+0) | Con: 16 (+3) | Int: 12 (+1) | Wis: 16 (+3) | Cha: 12 (+1)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Dwarvish, Elvish, and Celestial
Encumbrance: 70.5 lbs (60lbs/120lbs/180lbs)

Tysh feels warmth and camaraderie wash over her. This woman - she's just met her, but she's great! In the corner there, is that Harin resting comfortably beneath some furs and blankets? What a lovely and kind woman. So selfless! Poor thing, out here all on her own - what a life she must lead. And with nobody here to help her. Perhaps Tysh can be helpful. Yes, helpful!

"My dear woman," she says companionably, entering the hut and walking over to the fur and blanket-covered form of Harin. "Is this our friend you found?" She pulls them back to reveal Harin's face. She smooths his hair with a gentle, almost motherly, stroke of her hand.

"How kind of you, to care for him. We've had quite the experience." Her eyes flit over to the tub where Harin's shirt sleeve peeks out from the water's surface. She stands and walks towards the tub. "Oh dear, it looks like you have quite the surplus of chores. Please, let me help you in return for your hospitality."

She places her shield on her back and sheathes her warhammer. Rolling up her sleeves, she reaches into the tub's water to begin laundering Harin's shirt.

OOC

Movement:

Action: Sheathes her warhammer and shield.

Bonus Action:

Reaction:

Anthr4xus · November 14, 2023

The woman falls back as Tysh steps into the small room. "Thank you, little one. How kind. Is it just you and your pal friend that are companions of our friend Harin? Are there others? I have ample food to offer, but I'm afraid no more will fit inside out of the rain. I am Oma Knochenbeißer (Oh-ma Knock-in-be-sser), although you can call me Oma. Have you all gotten lost in the forest? Harin was so exhausted he feel asleep after a single bowl." As she spoke she retreated over to the cauldron and baking oven. She opened the oven and pulled out a large loaf of hot, dark bread. She transferred the bread to the butcher block.

Getting close Tysh can see that Harin appears unwounded, but is deeply asleep. As she strokes his face he begins to stir and awaken.

Reaching into the murky water, Tysh found not only Harin's clothes (and spotted his boots tucked away in the corner behind the tub) but also a wooden bowl and spoon and a shallow wooden drinking bowl. The clothes were completely soaked, and it was obvious that they had not been washed yet.

Edited November 14, 2023 by Anthr4xus (see edit history)

Kail_Traeganni · November 14, 2023

Ardir Hálilúëa

Humble Farrier, Shadar-Kai Barbarian

AC: 15 (AC Bonus) | HP: 15/15 (1d12+3) | Speed: 30 ft.
Senses: passive Perception 13, Insight 13, Investigation 10

Ardir relaxes, feeling months of tension ease out of him. He was welcome here, and this was a safe place. He leaves his javelins outside, and lays his maul against the wall inside the door.

"Hardly lost, we're headed north to Silbervas, I may yet have family there. Thank you for welcoming us, your home is the coziest place I've seen in many fortnights, Miss Oma."

Edited November 15, 2023 by Kail_Traeganni (see edit history)

FelixFaust · November 14, 2023

Kain Dorset

Noble Knight

AC: 19 (Chain & Shield) | HP: 13/13 (1d10+3) | Speed: 30 ft.
Senses: Passive Perception 14, Insight 12, Investigation 12

Proficient Skills: Athletics (+6), Perception (+4), Survival (+4), History (+4), Persuasion (+3)
Str: 19 (+4) | Dex: 15 (+2) | Con:Save: +2 16 (+3) | Int: 15 (+2) | Wis: 14 (+2) | Cha: 13 (+1)
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, and Dwarvish

“My words,” Kain Dorset says. | ‘My thoughts,’ Sir Kain Dorset thinks. | My actions . . .

As the magic washed over Kain, he physically shrugs, and it breaks. He knows a little of magic, but not enough to understand what it was. Either way in a hostile land, he refuses to allow a strangers magic on him. The others who so bravely ran ahead with weapons drawn now place them aside and act as if they were old friends with a woman they have never met. This was... not adding up to Kain.

Kain has not yet drawn his sword, but after leaving his things behind he did equip his shield. His hand rests on the hilt of his weapon, not aggressively, but enough so that he can draw it in a moments notice. Looking around the house a bit he places himself in the doorway, blocking the exit and entrance, should anything happen.

OOC

Movement: —

Action: —

Bonus Action: —

Reaction: —

OOC: Should Oma try singing a magic song again, Kain will interrupt, with force if needed. Until then he will not act hostile as his companions are not. He is not aware they are charmed, but he does not want to escalate the situation.

Text_1	Text_2	Text_3	Bold_1	Accent_1	Mood_1
Warm_1	Warm_2	Warm_3	Bold_2	Accent_2	Mood_2
Cool_1	Cool_2	Cool_3	Bold_3	Accent_3	Mood_3
Bright_1	Bright_2	Bright_3	Bold_4	Accent_4	Mood_4

Chapter 1: A Grey Beginning (Group 2)

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