A Light in the Darkness [closed]

[Dr._Bob]

Sheyra and her twin do not dine with you this night. They promise to tell you what happened to Aeroz, Fizahn and the others before you leave for Rashemen though...

[hr]
Tychus and Thallios speak quietly together during the meal. Their faces are long when they finally address the rest of the group.

The bard and the elf will not be joining the rest of the party. They plan to head back across the Sea of Fallen Stars to Cormyr, where they hope to inter Andrea's body.

"We will be forever grateful to you for rescuing us from the drow ... no offense, Trinark."

"I am working on a ballad called A Light in the Darkness ... perhaps someday, the song will make its way back to the East and you will hear yourself in song someday ..."

The mood of the meal is somber after that. No one is happy to lose a companion, especially after all that you've been through.

[hr]
The next day is cloudy, which suits Trinark just fine. You spend the day in Telflamm looking for additional equipment for the journey to Rashemen. Telflamm is truly a city of merchants. Almost anything you can imagine is for sale, for the right price ...



OOC: Feel free to shop till you drop. Anyone recognize the song lyrics?

[runehawk]

Lizardkin Druid

That night, the lizardman eats sparingly. His appetite poor because the fate of his pack, as he now thought of them and the stirring of strong feelings to return home occupied him.
He explored the human fare gingerly and nodded approvingly as two of his new acquaintances announced they were returning home.
Going to them, he asked they meet with him so he can bless them and say his final goodbye, before they leave. He looks with fondness at the blue-haired elf and the irrepressible human and feels glad they wil return to a safe haven.

Leaving them, he stands by the window staring at the moon and stars, for the first time since emerging from the Underdark, a strong sense of confinement in being in a human dwelling arises and he wishes he were under the open sky. He starts at a sound beside him but relaxes when he sees that it only his dark companion.

Seeing his bliss at seeing the moon,
"You've never seen that white orb before have you? It's the moon. It lights our darkness and lets us see the beauty in the night."
Trinark laughs before resting the lizardman on the back. He shares that the moon had been in his heart and mind for a while now. The lizardman's brow crinkles in an attempt to understand as Trinark shares his faith. He listens as his mind begins to wrap around the concept of Gods other than Semuanya and those of the balance. The two speak long into the night and stand in silence.
[hr]
The next day, the lizardkin declines to explore the city partly from knowing how pinkskins in general may treat him; mostly as he had little interest. He swa around in the pool for hours before asking about some small glade or even permission to leave the city for a while before returning.

OOC: Is there a temple of silvanus or any nature god where he can meditate/ tune himself? (they're bound to have a substantial grove)

[Dark_Stalion]

Gnoll

The next day the Gnoll starts to think about what to do now, seeing as he had nothing to worry about that could kill him at the moment. Looking through his pack he found an emerald. No weren't human cities supposed to be places where such trinkets could be traded for usefull equipment? Perhapse even beter than his own. He starts asking arround among his companions, his... friends. what could he exchange this emerald for?

[Ooc: I'm asking for an appraise check from anyone who feels that they would be able to give me some advice. I'm phrasing it so that I'm asking what sorts of things I could buy, like what armor, as opposed to hoe much in gold.]

[blackfox]

Ginevra

Katrin walks around the city, taking in as much as she can, and trying to get a sense of the layout. She looks for a store that sells magical equipment--since she had met Thallios, she had grown increasinly envious of his Handy Haversack, and she wanted to buy one for herself. She wasn't sure whether she had enough money, but it couldn't hurt to at least check.

[Spaz]

Yix

Yix flies around the city in his armor. walking occasionally to rest his wings, and trying his best to lok "official." He goes up to the passerby everynow and then to beg for a little food or whatever trinket they wish to give to a pseudodragon trying to give them the puppy dog eyes.

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel wanders around town without any strong purpose in mind. So far the only thing on her list is another quiver of arrows.

[Soluna]

Si'rene

Si'rene wakes the next morning happy to have a goal in mind. She is going to shop for the finest arrows she can, and perhaps enough materials to make a few of them at least flammable, but still effective. She also looks at the condition of her clothes and figures a new set of travlers clothes may be in order. Finishing her order with 3 weeks worth of rations, not knowing what was in store for her.


---OOC----

can I assume prices in the player's handbook, or are the prices elevated here?

[Dark_Stalion]

Gnoll

The Gnoll, seeing as no one could help him among those he trusted, decided to finally venture out into the city proper to find someone who would be able to apraise his emerald, preferably for free. He tries to ignore the curious, worried and occsionally scared looks thrown his way.

[Dr._Bob]

You leave the compound as a group. Sheyra provides furs to ward off the winter chill. The snow that fell yesterday has been scraped from the streets, but Trinark is still struck by the novelty of frozen water crystals that fall from the sky ...

[hr]
Bundled up, your party attracts little attention from passersby, but when you step into their shops and remove your hoods, your receive many surprised stares and double-takes.

The citizens of Telflamm are fairly urbane, however, used to visitors from many distant lands. After getting over their initial surprise, they avert their eyes and go about their own business.

Telflamm is, after all, primarily a city of merchants, and as long as you have gold to spend, you are welcome.

[hr]
The emeralds are appraised at 300 gp each. Between the gems and the platinum pieces, each of you individually have a modest amount of money to spend. If you were able to pool your money, you would perhaps be able to buy more expensive items.

Prices in Telflamm are never fixed. Bargaining is the rule. For the good haggler, good bargains can be found ...

[hr]
Around midday, the party discovers Chapel Street, lined with temples to both major and minor deities.

The lizardman is welcomed into the temple of Meilikki. Within its walls, trees with white blossoms thrive even here in the middle of winter. A babbling spring in the center of the trees offers a peaceful place to meditate.

Trinark is surprised to spot a small sign depicting a naked dark elf dancing in the moonlight wielding an elegant bastard sword. The sign hands outside of a nondescript building, remarkable only for its complete lack of windows ...




OOC: Make diplomacy checks (DC 15) for a 10% discount on merchandise. Failing by 10 or more will result in a 10% premium. Succeeding by 10 or more will result in a 15% discount.

Pretty much anything and everything listed in the 3.5 PHB/DMG and/or SRD is available in Telflamm for a price. Make your own rolls, just let me know what you buy and how much it costs you.

[Dark_Stalion]

Gnoll

The gnoll, not liking the slant of the mearchants mouths, and opressed by the noise and bustle of the city, resigns himself to following the others arround on their expoditions to find that they want.

[Yoric_Steele]

Trinark, Drow Cleric

Trinark during one of his visits to the many shops, decides to purchase a standard quality Heavy Mace. Selecting this as a back up weapon, just in case. [OOC: Failed check, deducting 14gp for the purchase.]

Upon seeing the sign outside of the plain building, Trinark will enter. Hoping against hope there might be a small shrine to Eilistraee.

[OOC: Runehawk, nicely done on the exchange between your character and mine. Trinark would indeed be awed by the sight of the moon. Something he had only dreamed of.

[blackfox]

Ginevra

Katrin talks briefly to a merchant selling magical items about his price on the Handy Haversack he was selling. Even with the extra platinum Sheyra and her twin had given her, she had barely half of what the merchant wanted, so she decided to instead purchase rations for the journey, as much as she could carry and still run easily with the weight.

(OOC: Ginevra purchases 16 days' worth of rations at the normal price.)

[runehawk]

Lizardkin Druid

The talk with the drow had been eye-opening to the lizardman. Never had he realised the complexities of the world outside the marsh where he lived. His response to this new knowledge was mixed.

His kind had always seen the pinkskins as weak and corrupt. Unable to sustain the rigors of life in the true world. And dependant on a form of magic that would ultimately doom them. Their very warm blood dooming them to a rash and short-lived existence.

But in spending time with these creatures he had seen the qualities that Semuanya had seen fit to create within his children mixed with less desirable qualities.

Wanting to meditate on it further, he had asked for permission to leave the city for a while but on discovering his intent, the others had instead led him to a temple of a nature deity.

Within the city!

Bidding a short bye to the others and remembering the stares he had attracted as a wild-seeming creature in hide, he was relieved to enter the grounds of the temple and meet humans who seemed glad to see him.

Some even identified themselves as druids by speaking in Ogham(Druidic) to him and making the secret signs his master had taught him as well. As they exchanged information, The lizardkin learned how far he was from his home and was shocked to imagine the journey back.
Many questions he had of his own spiritual experiences were answered as well. And he came to understand of the Otherwhere which he had glimpsed into on occasion.
He found himself learning mush although it had to be explained slowly to him many a time.

Excusing himself after the small cousel, he found a place by the sacred pool where he sat and meditated. The sheer exhaustion of the past had not completely worn off and he found himself dozing before finally settling into a meditative state.

He focussed on his hunt. On what else remained for him to do to complete it and how long it would take before a message arrived from home for him.

He had promised his master that he would watch over the people. If the hunt was truly over and the people were no longer moving to war, would it mean he could return home.

His mind drifted to the members of his pack in the hunt. Faces of the gnomes, a worried halfling and all the others drifted past. Even the human with hat whom even the other pinkskins had told him they found strange. would he see them again?

He slowed his breath and concentrated on seeing the ley lines of the otherwhere again.

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel wanders around town with the group. She's glad that both the drow and lizardman have found places of peace within the town.
She'll follow Si'rene and Ginevra on their shopping trips and purchase two quivers of arrows and, inspired by Ginerva's purchase some extra rations.
Seeing her friends buy and pack their equipment reminds Tiriel that she has a bag of holding; sheepishly she'll offer to carry anything that might cause her friends trouble.

She then leaves her friends and wanders over to the stables...

Shopping totals:
discount roll: (1d20+3=16)
2 quivers of 20 arrows (1gp/ea) = 2gp
20 rations (20 sp/ea) = 9gp
total = 11gp

ooc: Tiriel will also offer to loan gp to anyone who looks like they may need it (within reason).

[Soluna]

Si'rene

Si'rene wanders with her friends, also buying 2 quivers of arrows, and 16 days of rations. Splurging, she also decides the time has come to replace her adventurers clothes. She does this pragmatically, picking what is sturdy rather than flattering. Watching others finger items, inquire about them, then either put them down or haggle the price down, Si'rene finds comfort in her more spartan way of being.

---rolls---

2 quivers of arrows dc 19 (17+2) - 2GP - so 1gp 70sp
Traveler's clothes dc 22 (20+2) - 1GP - so 85sp
16 days rations dc 14 (12+2) - 5sp/day - so 8gp

total deducted: 10gp 55sp

[Dark_Stalion]

Gnoll

Observing the others purchase of ood, the Gnoll starts thinking practically again. He too purchases a large amount of food, though isn't accostomed to haggling, so just pays the asking price [10 days rations for 0.5 pp], and several quivers of arows [4 quivers for 0.4 pp, => 1gp change].

[Spaz]

Yix

Yix travels around trying to find the dealers with the best rations for sale. He is unsure of how many telepaths they have dealt with before but he attempts to get his rations for free. "Awww what a cute little dragon! I bet he is hungry, I should give him some food." Yix broadcasts into the merhcants heads, trying to make it seem as if it is their inner voice/conscience.

[Dr._Bob]

One by one, you return from your trip into the city. Compared to the loud bustle of the city, the House Relik compound is quiet and peaceful, and you are all glad to be able to relax for one more night before setting out for Rashemen.

The trip to the fletcher was fruitful, and together you have many quivers full of arrows. You also have emergency rations for the long journey ahead.

Yix stumbles back into the compound carrying a stack of ration packs, "donated" by a suggestible merchant. The pseudodragon teeters under the weight of the enormous (for him) packs, which will certainly last him for a tenday.

Tiriel surprises everyone by returning with a spirited warhorse, but it is Trinark's return that makes the greatest impression ...

It is dusk when the drow returns to the compound. When he throws off his cloak, the rest of you stare in amazement. His freshly oiled and polished chain shirt glistens darkly, as shiny as the skin of a black dragon.

His longsword is gone. Instead, he carries a silver-hilted bastard sword slung over his shoulder. His shield, formerly a dull gray, is now a satiny black. At first it looks undecorated, but as the light catches it, you can see an iridescent image appear - a naked dark elf swordswoman, dancing in the moonlight.


OOC: Last chance for any purchases. Next time I post, you will be on your way to Rashemen ...

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel returns slightly winded to the House of Relik after giving her new mount a "test ride." She's immensely pleased with her purchase and finally feels ready to leave for the next part of their journey.

When Trinark returns she flashes him a broad smile. She's happy that someone (or something) else recognized his bravery and commitment to his new life. Following her last train of thought, Tiriel realizes Tinark has probably never ridden a horse before. Looking around the room, she realizes that he's probably not the only one.

Later that evening she'll approach Trinark and offer to teach him some riding basics. Anyone is welcome to join or watch.

Light Warhorse - 150gp
Military saddle - 20 gp

ooc: Soluna - Si'rene can put her money in Tiriel's bag of Holding if weight is an issue. It's practily empty anyhow and it's not like Tiriel's going to rob her friend ; )

[runehawk]

Lizardkin Druid

Concluding the trance, Ssathiya opens his eyes. A mixture of relief and sadness fills him. Relief that he had prevailed and that his tribe had been saved; that their future was secure and happy. Sadness as he had not been the one who had saved the tribe but the pinkskins that had become his pack.
And at the thought that his journey was not over and that the vision had not shown him return home.

Friend, a pinkskin word that the witch had taught him. He wondered where they were and what had become of them.

The clerics and druids at the temple had instructed him in many things his master had not emphasised. He learnt that the pretty rock he carried could be traded with pinkskins for things he might need. He was amazed that so many humans could be attuned to the Great Balance. Their insight into his culture/thinking helped them teach him about trade with coins & other facets of warmblood culture and his experiences thus far in a manner he understood.

Deeply grateful to them, he leaves in high spirits. He gathers some dirt from the grove in his pouch first and purchases rations and an outfit more suited for the weather ahead.
[hr]
Returning to the House Rellik compound dressed more warmly, he greets Trinark and Yix when they return and asks about their day. After a long talk, he spends the rest of the time swimming in th basement pool waiting to meet Sheyra and bid goodbye to some of his new companions.
OOC: Cold Outfit -8gp
PM to players

[Yoric_Steele]

Trinark, Drow Cleric of Eilistraee

After Trinark's return, he moves among the group with a more confidence. Traces of the once scruffy outcast seem all but gone. He seems to be more relaxed and at peace than you have every seen in him before.

Trinark takes the time to chat with each member of the group. He lingers talking to Tiriel when she mentions riding "horses". He explains that some sects of the Drow use creatures in the Underdark as mounts, but it is not that common. He has personally never "ridden" anything.

Since it is clear that the journey ahead will require swift travel, he accepts the offer of instruction. Inwardly he hopes he will not have to do much more than ride, let alone fighting from horseback.

[Spaz]

Yix

Yix returns. and briefly stops by the lizardkin to have a short chat before moving on to secure his belongings somewhere. Yix dissapears for a good ten minutes before anyone sees him again, obviously trying to find a good hiding space. Except whenever anyone enters the bedroom they see his stuff stacked not so neatly in a large pile with a pillow haphazardly stacked on top of it.

[blackfox]

Ginevra

Katrin leaves her equipment in her room, except her weapons, and goes outside to watch Tiriel riding. She had never learned how to ride and never intended to, but she enjoyed any display of skill.

[Soluna]

Si'rene

Standing next to Ginevra, Si'rene watches the specticle and says casually If I have the money you need for the weapon you desire, just let me know. you know i would do anything for you.

---ooc---
money exchange:
Si'rene exchanges all her silver to gold, as far as it will go, keeping 5 sp back, all her gold, save 71gp

45 SP
12,887 GP
75 PP

TO

5 SP
71 GP
1357 PP

Can I go into town one more time before we leave? I need to buy healing potions.

[blackfox]

Ginevra

Katrin looks back at Si'rene and says, "I'd need almost a thousand gold for the Handy Haversack I'd wanted to buy. I doubt even you have that much money on hand, but if you really want to help me out, I'll pay you back for it eventually."

[Soluna]

Si'rene

All you had to do was ask. Si'rene hands over 100 pp to Ginerva. The number of times you have pulled me out of danger, this is not a loan. I am forgetting this money as soon as I hand it to you.


---OOC---
I have updated my character sheet to show new balance.

[blackfox]

Ginevra

"Thank you, Si'rene," says Katrin, accepting the money. "I'm going to go buy the Handy Haversack now; do you want to come with me?"

[Dr._Bob]

While Tiriel teaches Trinark the basics of riding a horse, Si'rene and Katrin/Ginevra return to the stores to pick up a few last minute supplies.

By the time they return, it is late morning, the pack horses have been loaded with gear, and the party is just about ready to depart.

[hr]
Sheyra and her sister have provided horses for each of you (except for Yix, who can ride with anyone he wishes to). You also have three extra horses, which are carrying tents, bedrolls, furs, and feed.

Sheyra bids you farewell. "Follow the signs to Gref's Ferry. The road to Mulsantir should be reasonably safe for a party of your size."

Her twin stands beside her. "Remember to give Yhelbruna the mask, and please assure her that the Kris will be kept safely in our possession."

As you are about to ride away, you realize that you don't even know the twin's name. As if reading your minds, the twin smiles and says, "Midori. My name is Midori." She waves as you ride away.

[hr]
You leave the compound as a group, but at the city gates Tychus and Thallios take their leave. Andrea's body rests in a coffin in the back of a cart. The bard and wizard will make sure that Andrea is returned to Cormyr for a proper burial.



OOC: Last minute purchases can be made as outlined previously.

[Soluna]

Si'rene

Accompanying Ginevra back to the shops, Si'rene watches as she buys the Haversack, then they go to the magicians store, where Si'rene secures a small bag of holding, a small chest, made especially for the 20 vials of cure light wounds potions. Securing those items in the bag, along with her rations and her emerald, Sirene looks to Ginevra signifying she is ready to head back.

---OOC---

Bag of holding - DC 17+2 = 19 2250 GP
20 healing potions - DC 20+2 = 22 43GP 50SP/each Total 870 GP
Chest - DC9+2 = 11 full price of 2GP

[blackfox]

Ginevra

Katrin goes to the merchant she had seen before selling the Handy Haversack, and manages to talk him down to a lower price. She nods at Si'rene, indicating that she is ready to return. After getting back to the compound, Katrin transferred the items in ber backpack to her new Handy Haversack.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About to leave the compound, she looks distrustingly at the horses, as if expecting one to bite her, then clumsily mounts, scowling as her horse shifts its weight around, uncomfortable under a inexperienced rider. "You know what, Tiriel?" she says, glancing over at her friend once fully into the saddle. "I might just take you up on those riding lessons after all."

(OOC: Diplomacy check 14+1=15. I added the Handy Haversack to Ginevra's inventory and adjusted her gold total.)