Adventure 1 Text...

Rumrunner · March 24

* * * OG Myth-Weavers Thread * * *

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Thread : Adventure 01 - The Missing Claus
Started at Aug 9 '22 11:37am by SMARTAgentKC
Visit at https://og.myth-weavers.com/showthread.php?t=539127
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[Post 1]
Author : SMARTAgentKC
Date : Aug 9 '22 11:37am
Thread Title : Adventure 01 - The Missing Claus

Hey-o players, have I got a humdinger for you all to chew on. Seems the northern kingdom sending out a missing person's report. Their patron of children and crafts, commonly known as Santa Claus to most has mysteriously disappeared. Reports from them say the night before they discovered their patron missing that a loud bolt of magical lightning was seen and heard and by the time they could find out what got hit. It was discovered Santa Claus was missing and where he was last seen had the odor of brimstone a common smell for dark magic. They are thinking someone in the dark lands is up to no good and need assistance to go investigate quietly. They don't want to stir anything up if it was just a magical accident or a misunderstanding but if the magic was able to pierce the magical defenses of the northern kingdom then it could be one of the infamous villains. Santa Claus is an icon for the light and if something happens to him it could cause big problems so if he's in trouble get him out of it.

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[Post 2]
Author : SMARTAgentKC
Date : Sep 5 '22 11:03pm

It's been a rather normal morning in the Royal colleges. The chef guild is lively as Kronk is making his rounds helping people and guiding them to make the perfect dish.

The mage tower has many students studying and practicing their magic. Princess Melusine from Atlantica has been incorporating some magic she discovered from the Eastern Sea and everything seems to be going smoothly

Classes are going on as normal in the prince and princess academies minus the absence of two particular princesses who have decided to cut Etiquette class to go do some training in the Training grounds and discovered a gladiator from Greece and a Warrior woman from the Land of Dragons were using it to lightly spar after some light greetings, The four train together in various ways sometimes sparing, other times using their skills against each other to practice.

However, everyone would notice when a beam of rainbow light arc over the colleges making a loud noise as a winter sleigh being pulled by a single flying reindeer materialized. It was being driven wildly by what appeared to be a teenage elf who is doing his best to drive it but it was clear he had very little experience with high-speed sleigh flying. He skates the sleigh into the gates barely missing the edges and brings it down with an almost hasty bump. When he's approached by the guards of the school. He, in a panting exhausted voice, said "I need to speak to Merlin urgently, it's a matter of great importance." The young elf is escorted to the Mage towers where Merlin was.

It would be about half an hour later when you all would be summoned by a small scroll appearing to you to report to Merlin at the academy halls for an urgent request that needed your assistance. You would make your way to the main meeting hall only to see Merlin and the teenage elf from earlier waiting for you.

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[Post 3]
Author : Prehysterical
Date : Sep 6 '22 9:04pm

https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/026/926/999/large/leo-batic-11-kronk8x11.jpg?1590103085 Kronk (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2685435)

HP: 56/56Initiative: +1 | Perception: +1 | Stealth: +1
"Listen, I know you like salt, but not everybody likes their food as salty as you do. You don't need to add salt during every single step of making mashed potatoes! If people want to sprinkle some on at the end, that's fine, but let's try to keep the sodium down, okay? The Princesses may be very cheery and bright, but they're also under a lot of stress. Anything we can do to help keep the blood pressure down is kosher... Speaking of which, you did use kosher salt, right?"

The hulking figure of Kronk looks completely out-of-place, both in the tight kitchen and in his white chef hat and apron, but he walks like someone completely at home as he moves between stations to check on preparations for tonight's dinner. His practiced nose picks up the scent of something burning and horror shocks his system. "MY SPINACH PUFFS!" How could he make such a mistake again?!

Scurrying to the oven as fast as he can, which is difficult due to dodging around both countertops and kitchen staff, Kronk finally arrives to find that the inside of the oven is filled with smoke. Darn it, and he had just made a batch of the new recipe, too! Kronk opens the door and uses a towel to try and fan the smoke out. While it is necessary, the other chefs aren't thankful as the kitchen space fills with smoke. Coughing himself, Kronk hurries to the window and opens it to help vent the smoke out. Kronk almost looks like a pining Princess as he squeezes his shoulders through the window frame and takes a deep whiff of fresh air.

This happens to put him in the perfect position to see a rainbow flash in a cloudless sky. Kronk expresses wordless wonderment as he watches the display. Wait... Rainbows don't usually sound like thunder... and why is it heading for the gate? Is that... is that a sleigh?

Before Kronk can properly absorb the full ramifications of this oddity, two heart-stopping sounds erupt behind him as the last of the smoke vapors out of the window.

The first is the sound of breaking glass. The second...

"Oh, bother..."

It's not clear whether Pooh's accident is a result of disorientation from the smoke or a cruel jest from the gods just after the smoke is gone. Either way, Kronk squeaks as he turns around to see mass hysteria, the sound of angry buzzing wings drowning out the clatter of pans and the screams of the chefs.

"No, not the bees! Not the bees! AAAAAAGH!"

In a split second decision between defenestration and finding out if he is allergic to bee stings, Kronk opts for the devil he knows: gravity. Only his extreme athleticism lets him turn what would be a villainous death into an escape route.

During the next thirty minutes, Kronk waits for the buzzing and screaming to stop before navigating his way back up to the kitchen to play damage control. It's a complete mess. One of the chefs is morosely wearing a pizza on his head like some sort of avant-garde culinary fashion haute couture, just ripping off pieces and stuffing them forlornly into his mouth. The mashed potatoes are splattered on the wall like a crime scene, complete with the outline of an unfortunate chef. The roast fowl is completely fouled as it spread-eagles on the floor. Worst of all, the grand castle cake for dessert is entirely covered in bees! Looks like they will be celebrating a new queen...

All heads turn darkly toward Kronk, a scapegoat for their pain and suffering. Eyes gleam wicked light reflected from the surfaces of brandished pans, cleavers, and rolling pins. Kronk forces a weak chuckle and a sheepish grin, wondering if a different kind of game will be served up tonight as a back-up option...

Like a messenger from Heaven, the scroll appears beside Kronk. While its appearance is as surprising as one would expect, Kronk welcomes the distraction from the slowly approaching formation of miffed chefs. Reading over the scroll, Kronk's thick eyebrows shoot up and he waves a dainty goodbye to his fellow chefs. "Well, would you look at that? For some reason, Merlin actually wants to see me, of all people! Sorry, fellas, normally I would stick around and help pick up..." Kronk begins inching his way toward the door, every step matched by the irate kitchen staff. "But, I, uh..."

"I gotta run."

Kronk slams the door shut behind him. The sound is immediately followed by a barrage of meaty blows from flying metal utensils against the door. Thank goodness for hand-carved mahogany! With another squeal of fright, Kronk starts literally running for the academy halls.

Such is his haste that Kronk finds himself the first there, still clad in his kitchen attire and smelling slightly of smoke. Realizing his disheveled state, Kronk rubs his neck bashfully. "Hey there, uh, Mister Merlin, sir... I came as fast as I could. What did you, uh... need help with?" Kronk regards the young elf curiously, almost having to crane his neck down to see the short fellow.

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[Post 4]
Author : Rumrunner
Date : Sep 6 '22 11:50pm

https://lumiere-a.akamaihd.net/v1/images/open-uri20150422-20810-17w4lb8_fc845067.jpegPrincess Merida of DunBroch - Character Sheet (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2685197) | Application (https://www.myth-weavers.com/showthread.php?p=16097676#post16097676) https://www.dungeonmastersvault.com/image/black/checked-shield.svgAC: 16 | https://www.dungeonmastersvault.com/image/black/health-normal.svg HP: 52/52 | https://www.dungeonmastersvault.com/image/black/awareness.svg PP: 19 | https://www.dungeonmastersvault.com/image/black/walking-boot.svg Speed: 35ft | Features[/b]']Wisping: 1/1 Short rest
Mark of the Wisps: 1/1 Short rest
Favored foe: 3/3 long rest
Detect Portal 1/1 short rest
Spell slots: 4/4 L1, 2/2 L2 | Conditions[/B]'] Constant disarray |
It was getting more and more complicated to sneak out of the Princess Academy and to the Training Grounds, as it was becoming nearly expected of Merida and especially during Etiquette class. If one were to ask the Young Princess of Dunbroch, she would have groaned at the tedious requirements, but in truth, in her heart of hearts, she loved the challenge! Finding new excuses or more commonly ways of escaping the dormitories unnoticed were particularly thrilling. Generally she waited until the other princesses had done their morning chores, that way she could avoid all of their Singing! Like aaaugh!!! Do they need to sing and dance and summon a swarm of birds just to make some beds? Merida never summoned birds to make her bed, because the few times she tried her sheets ended up with crows that tore up her blankets and left droppings everywhere.

Today though, she had worked out another plan... she slinked out of her room at dawn, just as the shutters swung open in Snow and Cindy's rooms, followed by sung melodies and the cheerful accompanying twitter of songbirds. Soon other windows opened and more songs from Aurora and Belle... Merida patted the pouch at her side with a grin and began to run. Passing each door she cracked it and slung in a pouch that exploded when it hit the ceiling, raining down a cloud of birdseed. The birds went crazy! Silly princesses should learn that a good meal trumps and pretty voice, that goes for birds as well as anyone else, Kronk had taught her that much.

Shrieks erupted from the dorms and as princesses ran about frantically, waiving their arms as their birdy friends made enthusiastic attempts to get all the seeds from their flowing hair and the crevasse of their sleeping gowns. With the chaos as cover Merida slipped into Calla's room. "Come On! It will only be so long before they figure out what happen and I heard there were some guests at the grounds." The redhead was bouncing with impatience, but before long they were off! Laughing hysterically the young princess Dunbroch made crazed expressions, imitating the other girls covered in birdseed and mobbed by their would be helpers. "I mean, why is it okay to have small animals do all your work but not the hired help? Well I think I might be a bit offended if you gave my job to a wee birdy, wouldn't you? Besides, I think this whole thing only proves what I've been saying all along... It's easy to be all proper when everyone and everything is doing what you want... ...and it pays them back for all that torture they put me through about my room, then a day of singing and chores! A full day! "Besides a real ruler needs to know how to keep poised in the midst of complete anarchy... did I tell you about the time I calmly walked unarmed through a battle of four clans in Dunbroch, silencing them all with only my dignity and then, then I gave a speech to reunited the kingdom? Well I did... stop laughing Calla! I did so!"

https://i.imgur.com/tEV23ft.png?1

At the training grounds there were visitors from other realms, they spoke with odd accents and addressed themselves strangely. When the newcomer said he was Orion in his Grecian accent, Merida scrunched her face and raise and eyebrow, and replied in a rather heavy Scottish accent: "au'r'y-on what? After some confusion, some shoulder punching and light sparring. The jumbled redhead decided to call the warrior Ori, and if he wanted any more letters he'd have to fight for them.

Between the lot of them there was horseback riding, racing, more incredibly the martial artist girl was able to race the horses! She was amazing, great practice as a moving target she could even snatch arrows right out of air and fling it back! Fortunately Merida was out of range, because she was too busy bouncing and clapping to even think of dodging it.

The fun was only halted when the rainbow appeared. At first Merida thought it was some sort of princess alert, but her keen eyes picked out the elf driven sleigh near instantly, and her curiosity drove her to investigate. She was still pestering the guards to let her check out the sleigh, when a scroll from Merlin appeared. With an extended tongue for the guards she and her bouncing red hair emphatically strode past them.

In the meeting hall her disposition changed somewhat. Merlin was generally a nice man, sympathetic to her pathetic attempts at magic, but now he looked serious. She looked about, semi-nervously and clucked her tongue a few times, then shook her head, suddenly aware. She bounced a curtsy, and gave a cringe-worthy smile: "Princess Merida of Dunbroch, responding to your summons? ..um... master Merlin. What do be the... um... matter of urgency?" She asked, obviously in dire need of the class she'd cut that very morning.

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[Post 5]
Author : Habsfan
Date : Sep 7 '22 3:26am

https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/013/784/555/large/marc-elliott-l-hommedieu-disneycalla.jpg?1541081294

Morning had come to the Princess Academy, soon songs would be sung and good natured if annoying advice might be given out, just like everyday she'd spent here. It was almost as bad as the tutors her father had sent her way when she was younger. Luckily she had other things to keep herself busy. She's already been up for a bit and done some morning exercises. The best time to do them if one didn't want to be interrupted. She had just finished getting dressed for a new day when the ruckus began.

Princess Calla could already guess that Merida was up to something, probably causing a distraction to allow them to sneak out and head to the Training grounds once again. Right on cue, the princess of Dunbroch snuck in with a big smile on her face. Bouncing in place as Calla's earlier thoughts were proven, then off the went, Merida leading the way and explaining what she had done, as well as an event she had supposedly managed back home. This brought a laugh to the blonde princess. "I'm sure you did." Her tone was teasing and giggling followed right after. A stray thought went to her home and the 'bears' that inhabited it compared to the ones Merida had told her about...

One stealthy escape later

They had arrived at the Training grounds and met Su Yichan and Orion Iraklidis. After getting in some time practicing her horsemanship, they seemed to have paired off. Merida and Yichan doing what she'd call accuracy and avoidance practice. Meanwhile, she wanted to work with Orion, have him help her with her swordsmanship. "So, what's home like?" She blocked a swing that came in on her left. "I've been learning about the world, but growing up, my father focused more on the area around the Moors and our allies." She tried a feint, but Orion was able to see through it.

They went a little back and forth before the strangest interruption happened. There was a loud noise, followed by what looked to be a sleight pulled by a flying reindeer...and that was a rainbow right behind. "Strange, not the strangest thing I've seen mind, but still strange." She looked to the others and had to quote a fellow blonde she had met once. "This is getting curiouser and curiouser." There went Merida and it looked like training was over for the moment. Cleaning up after herself, and Merida, kept Calla busy until a scroll with a summoning's from Merlin appeared before her. Off they went and she was once again following her fellow princess of action.

As they neared the man himself, Calla could see a slight change in her friend. She seemed a bit nervous, cautious? Whatever it was, she put in the back of her mind for now and brought out her skills in etiquette that had been taught to her since she was quite young. She gave a formal curtsy and spoke while rising. "Princess Calla Dunwyn of the Moors, present as requested Master Merlin. We have arrived" she gave a slight pause here, motioning with her hand as to include everyone present, "to answer your urgent request for aid. What is the problem and how can we be of help?"

Calla Dunwyn (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2679002)
Human Fighter: Banneret 6 Good

AC HP 58 Speed 30ft(20ft in armour)

Str 16 (3) Dex 13 (1) Con 16 (3) Wis 12 (1) Int 10 (0) Cha 14 (2)

Variant Human, Free skill: Acrobatics.
Background Skills: History, Persuasion.
Fighter Skills: Athletics, Perception.
Languages: Common, language 1(Sylvan), language 2(exchanged for prof with calligraphy tools)

Resilient:
Choose one ability score(Charisma). You gain the following benefits:
Increase the chosen ability score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
You gain proficiency in saving throws using the chosen ability

Position of Privilege:
Thanks to your noble birth, people are inclined to think the best of you. You are welcome in high society, and people assume you have the right to be wherever you are. The common folk make every effort to accommodate you and avoid your displeasure, and other people of high birth treat you as a member of the same social sphere. You can secure an audience with a local noble if you need to.

Fighting Style:
Defense. While you are wearing armor, you gain a +1 bonus to AC.

Second Wind:
You have a limited well of stamina that you can draw on to protect yourself from harm. On your turn, you can use a bonus action to regain hit points equal to 1d10 + your fighter level.
Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again.

Action Surge
Starting at 2nd level, you can push yourself beyond your normal limits for a moment. On your turn, you can take one additional action.

Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again. Starting at 17th level, you can use it twice before a rest, but only once on the same turn.

Rallying Cry:
When you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you learn how to inspire your allies to fight on past their injuries.

When you use your Second Wind feature, you can choose up to three creatures within 60 feet of you that are allied with you. Each one regains hit points equal to your fighter level, provided that the creature can see or hear you.

ASI 4th level:
Strength and Wisdom +1

Charger:
When you use your action to Dash, you can use a bonus action to make one melee weapon attack or to shove a creature. If you move at least 10 feet in a straight line immediately before taking this bonus action, you either gain a +5 bonus to the attack’s damage roll (if you chose to make a melee attack and hit) or push the target up to 10 feet away from you (if you chose to shove and you succeed).

Extra Attack:
Beginning at 5th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.

The number of attacks increases to three when you reach 11th level in this class and to four when you reach 20th level in this class.

ASI 6th level:
Constitution and Dexterity +1

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[Post 6]
Author : Xennone
Date : Sep 7 '22 8:26pm

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/e9/f1/38/e9f1381c77372a4942e890a67ed00221.jpgYichan Su |Variant Human Monk (Way of Open Hand) 6 |Sheet (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2691810)|AC 17 |HP 51/51 |Speed 55ft |PP 16 |Init +6 | Ki: 6/6
When the dawn breaks, Yichan arrives at the Training Grounds to meditate under the sunrise. As important as the training of the body is the training of the mind, to be tranquil as the forest. She expels each idle thought with each of her exhales.

There has been lots on her mind ever since she is stationed here in the Academy. It is one thing to know, but another to see the abundance of magic. Grand acts of magic being practiced as if they are things of mundanity, and talking animals and animated objects are common occurrences here. Just now she hears the footsteps of a certain yellow bear making his way into the kitchen.

Her meditation ends as another sets foot on the Training Grounds. She turns to see a Grecian man and can immediately sense that he is well-trained in combat. "You must be here to get some training in before the day begins," She puts her hands together in a greeting, then falls into her fighting stance, "Perhaps we can engage in some light sparring?" Then she immediately charges at him without his response. With just a few blows traded, she can tell that his form does not lie, and that he has a lot of experience in combat.

In the midst of their sparring, Yichan suddenly tilts her head and catches an arrow. There is only one with such skilled archery in this Academy. She dusts off her uniform and It is a more formal greeting given that the two princesses are still nobility. the two approaching princesses. Judging by the time and the huge commotion from the princesses' quarters, they are most definitely skipping their classes. She chuckles: "With the amount of classes that you two have skipped, it is no wonder that your combat skills have increased so much." Then they proceed with their usual training regime.

When the sleigh first soars over their heads, Yichan isn't particularly alerted by its presence. Ever since Mulan sent Shan Yu flying with fireworks, there has been a general consensus in the Land of Dragons that things can fly pretty easily. Though when a young elf exits from the vehicle, she cocks an eyebrow. If she remembers correctly, wasn't the driver supposed to be an older, jollier man?

Shortly after the sleigh's arriaval, the scrolls appear beside them. She unravels hers horizontally, then had to turn it as she remembers that scrolls are written differently here. Seeing that is a summon from Merlin, and the others at the Training Ground are called as well, she proceed to Though her strides are long, they are steady and almost silent, with just the occasional squeaks due to how clean the floors are here. The princesses (excluding Merida) have been relentless on the cleanliness here. with the group to meet the great wizard.

When they reach Merlin's room in the Tower, she sees the hulking figure of Kronk already present in the room. Another practitioner of magic, and a powerful one at that. His food is so divine that it must be works of magic. Just thinking about it makes her a little hungry. Though the priority currently is the matters of Merlin. "Master Merlin" She gives a formal greeting, then awaits for him to explain the reason for seeking them out.

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[Post 7]
Author : MaJunior
Date : Sep 7 '22 9:51pm

Orion is out on the training grounds before the sun crests the horizon, practicing against wooden dummies in the quiet of dawn. He isn't a Princess, so he doesn't have those stupid classes to go to. He isn't a wizard or sorceror or whatever you call the magic users, so he doesn't have those stupid classes to go to, either. After years spent in the Colloseum, he arguably doesn't need to train in combat either. However, Orion knows he would never forgive himself if he let his skills deteriorate. Besides... this was known to him. It was familiar. It was routine. It was calming, even reassuring. For all of its issues, and danger, the Colloseum had been a known evil. This... land... was a great deal more uncertain.

He noticed Yichan arrive, early as usual. He smiled briefly, because a dedicated warrior was something he understood, even respected. Sure, her methods were different, but if his time surviving as a gladiator had taught him anything, it was that all that mattered was what worked.

He lost himself in the faint whistle from swinging his gladius, the solid "thok" noise as the edge of his sword hacked into the dummies. Repetition was key to training, so your body would know how to react even before you thought about a situation. Those ingrained, reflexive responses could make the difference between life and death.

Orion realized the Princesses were here again. Eventually, things sorted themselves out and he paired off with the blonde in armor. As the practiced, he noticed something coming in, in the air. He put it out of his mind to focus on Calla, who was distracted. Without hesitation, Orion spun his blade as he struck, essentially punching his opponent in the sternum with the pommel of his weapon, metal ringing against metal.

"Always focus on immediate threats," he admonished, but she seemed to not hear him as she was already starting to clean up. Shrugging, Orion headed back out to the training dummies. He would have spent the day there, but a scroll had other ideas. While he wasn't thrilled about being summoned, he knew better than to ignore it. The others ran off, towards the tower. Orion stopped off to grab his pack first, and when he arrived there were plenty of other people already there. Stepping into the room, he glanced around and simply stated, "I was summoned."

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[Post 8]
Author : Solomon Black
Date : Sep 7 '22 10:17pm

https://i.imgur.com/vkSFmpY.jpg Mornings in the Mage's Tower were rather quieter then the some of the others. Many of the students were up to the wee hours of the morn awaiting the Witching Hour, studying they stars, or simply pouring through texts unable to stop. It was that relative quiet in the morning that Mel enjoyed, even if she was an early riser herself. And even if it was considerably less posh then what her station might merit her across the way, well that simplicity had made accommodating some 'special needs' of its aquatic occupant much easier.

After securing breakfast for herself and Cake along with some fresh tea Melusine had returned to her room, picking up the report where she had left it the previous evening. She'd only returned to the Academy someone recently but a flurry of reports on her findings in that far land had been received well by the faculty. Now Mel was hard at work on another, her most technical yet.

She'd already disseminated a brief summary of the differences between Easter and West, now there would come the hard work of breaking down the esoteric formula to display the underlying image sources and how they were reextracted from basic principles. Then of course there was how differing use of incantations and somatic forms could substantially alter the results of an otherwise similar spell form. It was her own submission that these contrasts could be applied to several unresolved problems within modern practice. Traditional interpretations held these to be innate metaphysical features, but if alternative practices demonstrated otherwise that would demand instead the problems were those of practice and in turn could be resolved. Of course that was all rather too ambitious for a single confined body of work to achieve but if she could demonstrate several of the underlying principles perhaps it could inspire others to look at the issues. If only she could format this diagram...

A loud boom that set her teacup to rattling brought Mel back to the surface. She wasn't truly bothered, the occasional bang was only to be expected among magical neophytes and it wasn't all that long ago when she herself could be sent sprawling by a hesitant incantation or improper gesticulation. The brief interruption had made her lose place though and now getting back into the current was escaping her. Well maybe it was time for a break? Looking around her chamber Mel noticed it was starting to slide into disorder. That wouldn't do, she might not be as fastidious about at as other noble scions still stationed in the Academy but dust was one of her least favorite things up here in the air. She was just finishing up when Cake clacked his claw against her desk. A note of summons hung in the air before the familiar reached up to snag it in his claw. Hurrying over Mel thanked her small assistant and read the note briefly. Exchanging her light chamber robe for a full outfit Mel told Cake to hold things down here and headed to Merlin's chamber.

Bare webbed feet padded along the stone floors. While in many ways she had taken to surface fashions she could just never see the point of shoes. Fancy robes in the style of the Land of Dragons hid most of her scales from a casual glance, though the wave and scale patterns of her robes were perhaps just a little too one point. If she was actually trying to hide anything that was, truth be told Mel was personally as happy walking around in shells but long robes helped against drying out on long days in musty old libraries. Which wasn't as dangerous for her as some air breathers seemed to think, but it was extremely itchy and uncomfortable. Finally Mel reached the door and discovered to her surprise she was not the guest there.

"Well now unless this is starting some new intercollegiate study group there must be blood in the water," Mel mused to herself as she made her way in.

Some of the assembled cast was already familiar to her. Meridia of course, who she'd been roped into tutoring a time or three and Calla of Dunwyn who'd so far avoided being saddled with such extra assistance at least from Melusine. All held titles to this and that, but much like back home there being three in this room alone showed how far that really went around this campus. The large man from the kitchens was a surprise, she thought his name was something "crank" or "krump" something but he'd helped her sort through an array of dishes to select piscine free items. A very nice man come to think of it. The last by her face and attire was from the Land of Dragons then, a rarity much like Mel herself here, but she didn't think they had ever met before. The last some other fighting man it looked like, perhaps a Hellenic? Also a stranger to her at any rate.

"Good morning everyone," she said bowing slightly in greeting then adding for those who might not know her, "I am Melusine of Atlantica, a student here."

She skipped all the fancy titles she might have added to that.

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[Post 9]
Author : SMARTAgentKC
Date : Sep 9 '22 4:43pm

Merlin hummed as the six he summoned came as called. "Thank you all for coming, I hate to have pulled you all away from your morning routines but this came up almost unseen by me." He turned to the young elf "this young one is named Ventus, he's one of the many who work in the far north kingdom to provide a valuable service that most take for granted and his scene-making arrival is a bad omen of trouble and he needs your help." He turned to the young elf "Ventus perhaps you could explain it better than I could

The young elf sighed "Everyone I want to keep this quiet for the most part but last night someone used powerful dark magic and made my boss, Santa Claus, the patron of crafting and children, disappear.

After a pause to let the gathered react to the statement he continued

"We're not entirely sure who did it but the magic traces had the smell of brimstone a common stench left behind by those who use dark magic to do their dirty deeds and while we don't know who they were strong enough to target someone behind a kingdom protected by a lot of magic and cause them to disappear." He looked at Merlin "I came to Merlin to see if he could tell me if he knew anyone with that type of power and while he admitted that he knew a few who were powerful enough, he was sure they wouldn't do anything as rash as kidnap a well-known figurehead of the keepers of light not without knowing someone would respond and do something against them."

"yes quite right... those villains know not to make trouble," Merlin stated "however it could be at best an accident of an apprentice of theirs or worse a prank either way we must put things back to how they were. As soon as my two charges finish casting the scrying spell I setup, we should have a location of Santa Claus and be able to send a rescue party to retrieve him."

"Merlin! Merlin!" An excited male voice called out

Arthur a now strapping teen of 14 came running into the room with a similarly aged teenage girl with hazelnut hair and a rather soft face on his tail

Merlin made a noise "Ah Arthur, Hazel, I trust my scry spell worked."

"actually no... it didn't." Arthur stated "or at least not in the way we thought it would."

Merlin made a noise "what?"

Hazel pulled out a hand sized device that looked like a cross between a telephone and a mirror "when we triggered the magic to try and find Santa it went to his um... what do they call it, Grid page.

Merlin groaned "oh confounded modern technology. ruin a perfectly good scrying spell."

Arthur hummed "well that's just the thing Merlin we know where Santa Claus is and we think he's in trouble big trouble."

Merlin hummed "how do you know that."

Hazel worked with the device to pull something up "here he sent out a message to the Grid about an hour ago and it says a lot"

~~~

Static would be had as Santa Claus appeared on the mirror face "oh I hope this works, I'm glad that red little brat left his device behind and Curtis insisted I get a page here." He hummed "oh it's seems I'm recording good." He coughed "anyone who my friend on my grid page I need your help badly, I'm currently being held captive by the nasty being known as Oogie Boogie and his trio of brats. I'm not fully sure where we're at but if this grid records where I login in, it should say I'm somewhere in the land of darkness, I think I hear the ocean so I think it's Rogueport but I'm not fully sure where. Anyways please hurry, that monster has plans to take over Christmas and kill..."

"hey! who said you could use my device Sandy Claws." A high pitched male voice stated "and what are you doing." A red clothed teenager came on the screen "huh... you recording a message..." A laugh would be heard "oh please as if anyone would dare come save you from the clutches of king of nightmares Oogie Boogie," He laughed "hey Shock Barrel check it out, ole Sandy Claws is trying to send out a call for help."

"well how rude" Shock a blue outfitted teenager stated as she took the device and showed up on the screen "and we were just planning to have a little fun with him. We weren't going to hurt him."

"yeah, just a little fun." Barrel added as he came on "but you know... it would be a lot more fun if others came... we could have our own little party and we could use all our new toys we got."

"hey you're right." Lock chirped "that would be more fun. What do you think Shock."

"I say let's do it, hey give me that phone, I know how to start things right"

The video would be widely shaken as the recording phone was moved around harshly and then set up on something. Santa was seen still somewhat bound however now with him was the trio of Lock Shock and Barrel

"Okay on a one and a two and a three." Shock counted

"Na La La La La La La,
La La La La La La" The trio sang

We kidnapped Sandy Claw, and we locked him up tight
If you come to Grimhilde castle, and try to start a fight.
We'll hit you with everything we got and make you run in fright
You won't be rescuing anyone because we rule the night!

We kidnapped Sandy Claws, and not going to let him go
For if we did at all, Oogie will moan and groan
We want our boss to be happy so don't ruin our plan
We plan to take good care of our new old man

Santa looked frightened "get me out of here!" He cried out

The video ended

~~~

Merlin just stared for a moment "well... that uh... was informative..."

Ventus moaned "oh man, and I thought when he was kidnapped the first time was bad..." He moaned "now it's publically known! This is bad really bad..."

Merlin hummed "calm down Ventus, now that we know where he's at, it's just a matter of sending a force to liberate him." He looked at the six before him "I do hope you all are up to the task."

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[Post 10]
Author : MaJunior
Date : Sep 9 '22 10:05pm

Orion watched the entire display without his face betraying thought or emotion, his eyes narrowed. When the video ends, and Merlin adds his words of... encouragement? Orion huffs, and rests his hand on the handle of his gladius.

"Alright," he says quietly, "we kill the three odd-looking children and whatever this... 'Oogie-Boogie' is, retrieve the fat man in red, and bring him back here... correct?"

It is said with a simple finality.

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[Post 11]
Author : Rumrunner
Date : Sep 9 '22 11:06pm

https://artinsights.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/merida-brave-pixar-disney-art-artinsights.jpgPrincess Merida of DunBroch - Character Sheet (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2685197) | Application (https://www.myth-weavers.com/showthread.php?p=16097676#post16097676) https://www.dungeonmastersvault.com/image/black/checked-shield.svgAC: 16 | https://www.dungeonmastersvault.com/image/black/health-normal.svg HP: 52/52 | https://www.dungeonmastersvault.com/image/black/awareness.svg PP: 19 | https://www.dungeonmastersvault.com/image/black/walking-boot.svg Speed: 35ft | Features[/b]']Wisping: 1/1 Short rest
Mark of the Wisps: 1/1 Short rest
Favored foe: 3/3 long rest
Detect Portal 1/1 short rest
Spell slots: 4/4 L1, 2/2 L2 | Conditions[/B]'] Constant disarray |
As Merlin was beginning to talk, Merida was waiting for the point the headmaster was trying to make. It was of little surprise that he never got to it and instead delegated the explanation to the rather frazzled elf named Ventus. As she was waiting for the point, the redheaded maiden's mind began to wander, wondering how fast that sleigh could go, and if it could indeed outrun her bow, her wanderings were so distracting that it took her a moment before she finally clued in to what the elf had said.

"Santa!" She clasped her hands to her mouth in disbelief. Her thoughts went to her three young brothers who'd be crushed at this news, not to mention without the motivation of do-gooding for goodness sake that Santa inspired, the kingdom would suffer greatly under the unreigned tripplets. What was more, from what she recalled the North was an invariable fortress of magic and excessively guarded beyond that. Afterall, stopping Christmas was a very appealing plot to any who wished to cause misery and distress on a large scale and fast.

Her adrenaline was already running high when they were interrupted and the video began. Merida definitely could relate to Santa and Merlin when it came to the frustration with technology. She'd take wood and string over any of the gadgetry coming from the West Coast.

She didn't know what to think of most of it, except that this seemed like a dare and a trap, but she did indeed dare and the trap, well... there was no way they would expect this group and she could fill them with quarrels before they were within a hundred paces. But it was one thing to think about filling those little brats with arrows, quite another to state bluntly the intention to murder children.

As if on a swivel her head twisted fast towards Orion followed by the mass of bouncing crimson curls, her jaw hanging open in shock. "We donnay kill wee children yeh great oaf." She blurted after a look around to the others in the room to see if any others were struck dumb for the moment. "Tha goal is to rescue Santa, if we must put an end to Oogie Boogie, then we can fill his sack with blades and arrows, set him on fire even... but the three wee ones, well I think a great warrior could manage to not murder the brats and just lay them low, ya?" The Princess Dunbroch declared.

"Sooo... when do we leave and which way do we ride?" She asked, hoping that she would have an excuse to take Angus for an adventure.

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[Post 12]
Author : Xennone
Date : Sep 10 '22 3:03pm

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/e9/f1/38/e9f1381c77372a4942e890a67ed00221.jpgYichan Su |Variant Human Monk (Way of Open Hand) 6 |Sheet (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2691810)|AC 17 |HP 51/51 |Speed 55ft |PP 16 |Init +6 | Ki: 6/6
Yichan grows more concerned as Merlin explains the situation. It is absolutely unacceptable for such a benign patron to be kidnapped. She kneels down to accept the mission. "Of course, Master Merlin. The Patron will be safely brought back with the utmost importance."

Then she stands up and turns to the others, "Princess Merida speaks true, the safety of the Patron should be our priority. However, the three children and the Oogie Boogie will be eliminated if they were to obstruct the rescue mission." She looks to the ones who seem concerned with the premise of killing children, "This is the second time that they have kidnapped the Patron. If they have the guts to commit such a crime twice, then they are also prepared to be eradicated."

Yichan furrows her brows as she considers the situation. Since the message is public, there may have already been people set up in anticipation of their arrival. And for it to be at the Grimhilde's Castle of all places, the other villains in the lair would be threats even if they are not a part of the kidnapping plot, even worse if they are. Not to say that the Rogues Bluff is a place of lawlessness with inhabitants being mostly criminals. The princesses' identities may draw unnecessary attention from just the vagabonds there alone. "If I can humbly make a suggestion, the three princesses need to hide their identities if we don't want to draw attention."

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[Post 13]
Author : Prehysterical
Date : Sep 10 '22 5:29pm

https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/026/926/999/large/leo-batic-11-kronk8x11.jpg?1590103085 Kronk (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2685435)

HP: 56/56Initiative: +1 | Perception: +1 | Stealth: +1
Ventus's admission of Santa's abduction prompts a huge gasp of shock from Kronk. He knows firsthand that, well, villains are villainous, but to kidnap Santa Claus?! Friend to all children and bringer of joy in the winter season? That is too far! Even his shoulder devil (invisible to anyone else) gasps at the thought.

Speaking of devils, 'smelling of brimstone'... There are a few villains that Kronk can remember having dark magic like that, but not well enough for a positive identification. Who knows, maybe even Yzma of all people decided to graduate past alchemy and straight into the dark arts!

Kronk doesn't exactly know what a 'Grid' is, but the footage with Santa and the three children is heart-wrenching. "That's it." The devil pumps his fork with a click. "Oogie Boogie's going down!" Kronk has the nagging feeling that he somewhat recognizes where Santa is being held... but no matter how hard he wracks his brain, he can't refine the vague feeling into something sharper. Grimhilde's castle, sure, but where in the castle?

Merida is not alone in her shock at Orion's suggestion. Kronk's eyes go wide as he gapes at the Greek, unable to believe his ears.

"Hey, if they want to play with fire, big man, they should be prepared to get burned!"
"They're children, Kronk! You're an adult. You know better. They don't."

Kronk sets his jaw resolutely as he reminds the others, "You know, you guys, I've hung out with a lot of villains, scoundrels, and otherwise bad people. Lots of talk about 'ends justifying the means' and killing kids. And this whole conversation right now is... reminding me a little too much of that.

This is a rescue operation, not a war. We get in, we free Santa, we get out, and we save Christmas! It's as simple as that. They're kids! We can outsmart them. Besides, I know some people..." Kronk turns to Merlin with perhaps the most serious expression anyone has ever seen him wear... especially in a chef's outfit. "I'm gonna need to get my gear."

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[Post 14]
Author : Solomon Black
Date : Sep 11 '22 10:39pm

https://i.imgur.com/vkSFmpY.jpg "Santa, Santa... oh right the solstice fairy with the presents!" Mel seemed lost in her own thoughts briefly.

Seasons were not precisely absent beneath the sea but they were much less pronounced and merfolk holidays were a rather different set. She learned of different ones since coming ashore but hadn't given them much thought beyond when classes would not be in session. Still the magic of such events was obvious even if it wasn't personally relevant, and a disruption like the imprisonment of a central figure was... concerning... to say the least. Also who was supposed to have accomplished the capture? Something about that seemed off but Mel couldn't put her finger on it just yet.

While she considered the matter it seemed her fellows were falling over themselves, Mel caught bits and pieces of it, it seemed the Hellene had a ruthless streak to him. Of course his suggestion was not exactly ideal, such things had a way of coming back to haunt you later. Certainly she was not about to allow anything unethical though. Still best to get off the matter.

"Thank you for the concern, but I wouldn't worry too much for my identity though. My grandfather had seven daughters so there's rather lot of us to keep track of."

Even if Mel theoretically was close enough to the throne to make her more valuable then her many many cousins.

"That said it would doubtless be best if everyone could avoid drawing attention to themselves... but before even that we'll need to get there. Master Merlin is there anything you might offer us in terms of supplies or transport? I can carry most anything."

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[Post 15]
Author : SMARTAgentKC
Date : Sep 13 '22 6:26pm

Merlin hummed as people gave general agreement to do the mission but asked various questions including supplies.

Merlin hummed "I can make arrangements to get you all to Rogueport in a matter of moments, I have a contact who holds a tower there to keep an eye on things. From there Grimhilde Castle overlooks the bluff that borders the town and it is a straightforward path to get to the castle from the town. Getting inside the castle without detection will be difficult. I've heard recently that Queen Grimhilde keeps a massive pack of hyenas there led by an awakened lion as guard animals and I've heard rumors they are vicious when provoked and have been given strict orders to keep the rabble out and they do it with glee."

"sounds scary." Hazel chirped

Arthur hummed "couldn't one just magic their way inside Merlin."

Merlin hummed "at close range possibly but it would have to be within the castle boundary and even then you might be detected by her mirror."

Hazel blinked "her mirror?"

Merlin hummed "she possesses a powerful magical wall mirror that gives her truthful insight into things she asks and while I don't know its full capabilities. The spirit inside is a slave of hers."

Arthur hummed "and if she asks if someone entered her castle... it would tell her."

"Exactly." Merlin stated "and there's also word that a bunch of well-known villains who take up residence there and many of them wield or study magic as their primary source of power. If they have a ward that detects active magic they would learn of an intruder's presence."

Arthur hummed "sounds like it's going to be tough to get inside."

Merlin hummed "indeed nevertheless it must be done if Santa is to be freed. As for supplies, I can provide an item that will make your escape possible once you have Santa Claus." He lightly twirled his wand and summoned up a device that looked similar to the one that Arthur and Hazel used to display the message from Santa Claus. "I have procured a communication device that will allow people to get in contact with our tower here and I have modified it to be able to be used as a targeting beacon so that teleportation magic can be cast upon those in range of it to be able to pull them out of a potentially fatal situation but the power is quite limited and should not be used without dire need. I would recommend you use it if you manage to free Santa but find yourselves running for your lives from those that pursue you, I do not have to state that you will be going deep into the land of darkness and will encounter those who wouldn't blink as they use their dark magic to destroy you. I'll also equip you with some magical ointment that can be used to heal wounds and cure diseases. I also have a wide stock of potions and other consumables that you are welcome to partake in for this mission. Although if it's one of those harder-to-make ones, I will require your aid in remaking it. When you all are ready to leave please report to the main gate and I will send you to Rogueport to begin your mission of liberating Santa Claus

~~~ OOC: Final Prep Stage ~~~

If you all want any potion or consumable magic item from Common to Uncommon Rarity. It can be provided. I'm giving you all a full jar of Keoghtom's Ointment which contains five doses that heal for 2d8+2 and cures poison and any disease.

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[Post 16]
Author : Habsfan
Date : Sep 13 '22 11:50pm

https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/013/784/555/large/marc-elliott-l-hommedieu-disneycalla.jpg?1541081294

Calla listened patiently as Merlin, then Ventus explained what was going on. Santa kidnapped! This was indeed bad news and if the video that followed was to be believed, they would most definitely be walking into a trap. As she pondered on what might be needed, the others started talking, first Orion with a blunt and very intense suggestion, then Merida, Yuchin, Kronk and Melusine piped in. Saving Santa was the priority as far as she was concerned, death though...

"Death should never be considered lightly. I'd much rather we get in and out with Santa." She listened once again as Merlin, Arthur and Hazel shared a bit more information. Using magic to directly get in was off the table, but maybe another form of it could help them out. "Master Merlin, would you be able to provide everyone with a potion of climbing? That should give us some options for means of entering Grimhilde Castle." The princess of Dunwyn continued to think about what else she would want to bring on this quest as the discussion continued.