[Game Thread] A Trip to Remember

[Mindsiege]

Quests And Dreams The group of seven adventurers ascended the stairs behind Almavalesh Avalladasz and after passing another hallway they were led into one of the Inn's private rooms. It was a light-filled chamber that had been laid out with a surplus of colorful blankets and cushions. It was curious how all the furniture had been evidently moved to the walls of the room and in the middle of the improvised bedsteads was a single satin armchair that stood on the edge and faced the circle of down and fabric. As soon as the debonaire mage entered the room, from one of the decorations on the walls descended a swallow with blue-feathered head and back. Just as Almavalesh stepped into the circle of bedsteads he spread his arms in a welcoming gesture, turned around his own axis and the swallow perfectly landed on his shoulder. "As I have claimed, this is the room from where you will work and that you shan't leave without being paid upon success." The mage was still amusing himself by being dubious in his meaning, but with a wave of his hand he beckoned the adventurers in and added in a friendly manner. "But enough with the mystery and theatrics. Please. Come in and close the door behind you. I will explain without teasing the subject any longer." After the adventurers had flooded into the room and arranged themselves either standing or sitting down among the numerous cushions on the floor, Almavalesh at least remained standing with the swallow on his shoulder, waiting until he felt everybody was ready to listen. "All right. For those that don't know very much of me, again I am called Almavalesh Avalladasz and I am the self-proclaimed leading luminary of divination magic in the known expanse of the West Marches." His grin suggested that while he was not being humble, at least this time he wasn't joking. At least not about considering himself an expert. "But all imaginary titles aside, I am a most exemplary practitioner and researcher in the school of divination. Don't worry if you haven't heard of me however, I don't usually spread the tale of my skills in all the circles of Westhaven. To explain maybe a bit further, as much as my work is considered to fall into the school of divination, my specialist fields lie in two very specific subjects that hold a far smaller appeal in the arcane community: Oneiromancy and onomancy." Almavalesh let his gaze course over the adventurers, but seeing how severe the lack of understanding among them was, he didn't waste any time and explained further. "To not go into too much detail about either art, oneiromancy is the magic of divining the past, present and future of a person through the scrutiny of dreams. Onomancy on the other hand is the magic of true names, the magic to find the essence behind things and to call upon it for the sake of seizing control of the universe on its base level." With his grandiose speaking and by his smirk, it was clear that the mage liked making his arcane art sound impressive. "By combining both disciplines with a few eastern teachings that I have assimilated throughout my years of study, I have exceeded the limits of divination, and now I would rather categorize myself as a healer. A healer and caretaker of souls, so to speak, as I have left behind merely knowing about things and found how I can affect them instead." Knowing full well that his arcane specialty would be difficult to follow for most of his adventurer audience, Almavalesh rubbed his chin in thought and placed the other hand back into his pocket. "Now, I'm not merely telling you about all of this because I think so highly of myself. In fact, I promise that all of this is tightly intertwined with the task that I am hiring you good people for." His hand fell down from his chin and he gestured at all the cushions and blankets. "I have prepared this room with permission of Lady Bartholomew because today I will need to display both of my disciplines to you." Almavalesh furrowed his brows slightly, having to decide how he would explain it from here. But before any of the adventurers could interject with a question, he quickly continued. "I will say this: A few days ago, me and my dear wife Mayuri were spending a normal morning, or a normal day rather, which was supposed to culminate in a small shopping trip and a rather unadventurous evening. Now by the accounting of my wife, this is also what happened, but the thing is that I am decidedly lacking the memory of this happening." The human gentleman had been talking seriously for a while and at the mentioning of a gap in his memory, he didn't try to conceal on his expression that this had him rather troubled. "Mayuri has explained to me that besides the shopping and me visiting a patient afterwards, nothing of note had happened that day. As my application of oniromancy has me ethereally connected to memories during a session, I surmise that I made a mistake during the treatment of said patient, whose name now escapes me. When I tried locating him and having him fill the gap for me, I unfortunately came up empty, but fortunately, with my magic I am not reliant to search for the knowledge I seek externally." For a while it had seemed like Almavalesh had recounted his problem to himself as much as the group of adventurers, but now he finally turned his full gaze back at them. "Again, to abbreviate explanations, today I am planning to regain my memories by the scrutiny of dreams. I have already tried to foretell for myself, but oneiromancy has its own limitations, so instead I will simply employ the aid of a few helpful hands who I will invite into my mind palace." Again a light smirk settled onto his face at the revelation. "Namely you!" His left hand remaining in his pocket, Almavalesh raised the other in a calming gesture. "Now I know that there will be questions, but please let me explain to the end first before you ask them." With his straight posture demanding compliance, the debonaire man mustered the group as he kept talking on. "The procedure will resolve itself as follows. First, for this to succeed and to forge the connection that will let you into my mind palace, I will have to cast a ritual that will let me learn of your true names." A this point the mage was deadly serious about what he was asking, with no sign of a smile. "This is largely why I am choosing the aid of men and women who work for coin, but you must believe me that as a healer I would not use your names against you for nefarious means. In fact, if you require me to I will swear a magically binding oath that says as much and that would protect you. If not even that is enough, then of course you are free to reject my quest, I would be understanding." Again the man looked over the row of adventurers, gauging their reactions. "With the knowledge of your true names, I would be then able to invoke all of us to enter a shared dream that will have us enter my mind palace together. That would be to the effect that you, fair adventurers, will be able to relive the day that I am lacking in person, to retrace the steps of my memory and in doing so bridging the gap of what I am now missing." This time Almavalesh looked at Earlamar and Rolen specifically. "Even though you are of elfish blood, by practicing your trance you will be able to follow me on this journey, so by all means please don't count yourself excluded." With an encouraging smile he turned back to the full group, again serious, but also having an excited glint in his eyes. "It will be adventurous for me as well, as I have never let others join in the kinds of treatments that I reserve for my patients. I apologize if the lack of monster-slaying or the burden of offering your true name to me would discourage you from accepting my quest, but for those that agree to try, I can at least promise that this will be a trip that you won't be likely to forget. We'll be moving along the breaking edge of arcane science, as they say, and I am eager to both learn what I forgot and to explore this journey with you." At that finally followed a larger pause, and eventually the adventurers realized from his expectant gaze that now was the time for questions.

 

GM instructions Welcome everybody to "A Trip to Remember"!! With the first post you'll be formally introducing your characters to both the scene, the quest and the adventure. For now it would be nice to see your character's reaction to the big reveal, and then the rest of the story will move from here. To happy gaming! Rolls: - Initiative Character AC HP Status Action Position Character AC HP PP PI Movement Conditions Resources Derek Draven 12 6/6 17 20 30' - Arcane Recovery 1/1; Spells I. 2/2; Short rests 2/2; HD 1/1 Earlamar Xyr 15 7/7 12 10 30' - Short rests 2/2; HD 1/1 Oguun 18/16 9/9 14 13 30' - Spells I. 2/2; Short rests 2/2; HD 1/1 Rolen Galanodel 13 8/8 11 16 30' - Arcane Recovery 1/1; Spells I. 2/2; Short rests 2/2; HD 1/1 Baka 19/17 11/11 13 11 30' - Spells I. 2/2; Short rests 2/2; HD 1/1 Geghard Van 19/17 12/12 13 11 30' - Second Wind 1/1; Short rests 2/2; HD 1/1 Aurora Turpis 17/16 11/11 15 11 30' - Spells I. 2/2; Short rests 2/2; HD 1/1 Ara 12 1/1 12 5 20' / 20' (climb) - - Nephala 12 1/1 13 6 10' / 50' (fly) - -

[Togot]

Derek Draven I had to admit, this was not how I imagined my first adventure going. not that I’m complaining. If anything, I felt immense relief. While I knew that being an adventurer was dangerous, the thought of a life and death battle frightened me. I have never taken the life of a sentient creature before. Hell, I feel guilty when I have to kill chickens for supper. If I’m being brutally honest with myself, I’m a bit of a coward. I honestly didn’t know if I had what it took to take a life. Eventually my metal would be tested, but it seemed for now that day had been postponed. I listened with fascination as our employer described the focus of his research. I knew a bit about divination, but it wasn’t my or my master’s specialty. The only divination spell I knew was detect magic. I also knew a bit about true names, at least that they held great power over a person. I was curious what mine was. The thought of letting someone else learn it made me…uncomfortable. Almavalesh was offering to swear a binding oath to ensure he didn’t misuse our names. The mere fact he was offering that made me inclined to believe his sincerity. I Dice knowledge arcana regarding Oneiromancy and onomancy: d20+5 (16)+5 Total = 21 wracked my brain for whatever information I could recall regarding the relevant magics being discussed. My studies had focused on necromancy, but my master had forced me to study a bit of everything, stating that a wizard should be well versed in a wide range of subjects. An awkward silence followed Almavalesh’s long explanation. Nervously, I spoke up. “I accept. I will help you.”

Actions knowledge arcana regarding Oneiromancy and onomancy 21

Stat Block AC:12 HP:6/6 STR:7 DEX:14 CON:11 INT:16 WILL:14 CHA:16 Passive Perception:17 Spells Prepared/Spell Slots:1st 3/3, mage armor, charm person, false life, magic missile Character Sheet

[BarrowB]

Aurora Aurora slowly walked up to one of the blankets and squinted her eyes, before unsheathing one of her blades and lightly poking the bedding with it. She nodded and laid down on it on her back, grabbed her bouquet, wrapped her fingers around it and rested it on her chest, while looking at the ceiling. "Last time someone paid me for sleeping was that one time when I modelled for the funeral house." Her tired gaze didn't turn to face others, as she continued. "Lets start with the most important question, well, two of them." She paused and sharply turned her head, as if to someone laying next to her. "Okay Godbert, three!" She sighed, resting her head back. "First of all, are our lives in any danger in your... dream world? You did mention that there will be no 'monster-slaying', but what if I decide to jump off the rooftop? Would I wake up with my legs broken? I'm not very familiar with how that magic works." Aurora gave unusual example, while remaining serious. "Other than that is of course the size of our payment aaaaand if our bodies are safe in this room? Can we somehow make sure, that no one murders us, while we sleep?" She finally looked at others and raised her eyebrows.

OOC Initiative Character AC HP Status Action Position - Aurora Turpis 17/16 11/11 Prone Laying down On the blanket

[Corwin]

Oguun Oguun followed along with the others to a wing of the Shield that was new to him and entered a room far more ornate than his own single-windowed wooden box. Once satisfied that it contained no immediate threats, he dismissed the furnishings as possible distractions and took a place standing in a corner, focusing entirely on the human. Almavalesh Avalladasz's ways of knowing were of interest. Oguun catalogued the unfamiliar terms for future research, then his mind began to drift to the possible implications of true names and, by dialectic, presumably false names as his prospective employer went on a tangent about acquiring property. He hadn't gotten far when his full attention was called back. Oguun's eyes widened, his nostrils flared, and a low rumble rose from deep in his chest. The human's knowing of himself had been lost. Or far worse, taken. The Abbess had been right to send him here, as she was right in all things. Her purpose was now revealed. The ancient enemy or something like it surely lurked nearby. Oguun edged behind the human as he went on further about names and dreams. The githzerai ducked down, then craned his neck, inspecting the human's head for any telltale marks. None showed, but the enemy was cunning. Aid could not be refused. Oguun thumped his mace into his shield hand with a clang. "I would know more of how a name can be true or untrue, but this is not an urgent matter. Almavalesh Avalladasz, you stand in the Field of Husks. Let us begin."

 

Rolls and Actions Rolls: none Action Summary Move: Action: Reaction: Bonus Action: Object Interaction: Free Action: Concentration:

 

Stats Oguun character sheet Githzerai | Life Cleric of Zerthimon | Sage (Wizard's Apprentice) | Feats: none Githzerai Psionics | Mental Discipline | Disciple of Life HP: 9/9 | Armor Class: 16(18) | Stats/Saves: Str 13/+1; Dex 5/-3; Con 12/+1; Int 16/+3; Wis 18/+4; Cha 10/0 Senses: Passive Perception 14, Passive Investigation 13 Move: 30' | Conditions: none Languages: Common, Gith, Deep Speech, Undercommon Tool Proficiencies: none Attack Bonuses: Melee +3 | Ranged -1 | Magic +6 Spell Save DC: 14 Ranged weapon: javelin - +3 to hit, 1d6+1 piercing, range 30/120 Melee: mace - +3 to hit, 1d6+1 bludgeoning, range 5 Spells: Cantrips: 4 - Light, Mage Hand(invisible), Resistance, Toll the Dead Prepared Spells: 6 - Bane (1), Command (1), Cure Wounds (1), Guiding Bolt (1), Sanctuary (1), Shield of Faith (1) Domain Spells: 2 - Bless (1), Cure Wounds (1) Spell Slots: lv 1 - 2/2

[secretID]

Geghard Van, Human Fighter Sheet | AC: 19 | HP: 12/12 | Status: Normal Second Wind 1/1 | Polearm Master | Dueling Style “Interesting,” noted Geghard, glancing at the tortle Baka. “Two cases of amnesia, both related to On Your Shield.” Then he moved on from that coincidence to Avalladasz’s proposal. “I share this lady’s questions about personal security,” he said, indicating Aurora, “but I have some questions you may be able to answer about this world as well. “This ‘patient’ you visited…what sort of treatments do you administer? I assume that you have no useful diary or calendar, or you would have located the patient, but your wife had some way of knowing that you visited a patient. What exactly does she remember you telling her? Should we meet with her before we…depart?”

 

Applicable Spell/skills/statuses:
Initiative
Movement:
Free action:
Action:
Bonus action: None
Reaction:
Abilities: Polearm Master, Dueling
Resources: Second Wind 1/1
Dice rolls:

 

---

PP: 13 | Speed: 30ft

---

Abilities: Str 16 (+3), Dex 15 (+2), Con 14 (+2), Int 12 (+1), Wis 12 (+1), Cha 12 (+1)

---

Saves: STR +5, CON +4

---

Skills: Arcana +3, Athletics +5, History +3, Insight +3, Perception +3, Thieves’ Tools

---

Languages: Common, Elvish, Dwarvish

[Arkaon]

Baka Baka followed the rest of the crew upstairs, still ruminating on Geghard’s suggestions. They made sense, perfect sense in fact. Of course, the Tortle had not the heart to tell the man that all of the requested information was similarly lost to the frailty of his memories. Perhaps the distraction of helping this Almavalesh fellow might prove the very thing to help dislodge the quagmire of his own memories. Baka usually found that getting himself caught up in some form of activity or another, with other fine folk, was usually the very thing needed to help him clear up the fog of his own mind. So, with a sage nod of concurrence towards Geghard, and a rumbling harrumph of acquiescence, Baka proceeded enter the room, ensuring to show all due manners and allow the ever helpful Geghard through first. The tortle determined that he liked this fellow. It was always easy to tell the more likeable folk. They were so accommodating in assisting him to piece together the fragments of his own memories. Most unlike his encounter with the rake-wielding farmer earlier. An altogether too common occurrence by Baka’s reckoning, that left him battered and bruised after every encounter. Regardless of what had come before, apparently something of note was going on, and he had found himself square amongst all of it. This finely dressed fellow, who spoke a lot of long and cumbersome words that Baka found either too difficult to follow, or too cumbersome to retain, seemed to be nice enough. Baka yawned, somewhat loudly, though was oblivious to the slight. Instead he nods slowly at the man’s story. It was perhaps fortunate if Baka understood half of what the man had said. Fortunately, perhaps for all concerned, the half he caught was the important part. If there was something that Baka could appreciate, it was memory loss. A dear, close friend who seemingly accompanied him everywhere, Baka could relate to the poor, afflicted mage. Yet again the world, somehow, had found a way to place Baka in the right place, at the right time. A battle against memories lost and a solemn request for one’s true name. Baka could not believe his luck. He drew back on his long pipe, exhaling a large plume of smoke as he offered a smile. If there was one thing he never forgot, it was his name. He had no interest in coin, or fame, or any of that nonsense. He did, however, find Almavalesh’ predicament an intriguing one. He himself was no stranger to memory loss, though he was all too readily familiar with the fact that it was self-inflicted. Still, he felt it put him in a particularly good place to be of assistance to this poor man. And if there was one thing Baka liked doing, aside from sleeping and imbibing the many different mushrooms growing from his shell, it was helping people. So, given that Almavalesh only seemed to require his proper name, which he had in fact already given, the large tortle lowered his head in a slow, cumbersome bow. “I, Baka’sugai’nich’garakuhk, give my proper name freely. Remembering is not something I am particularly great at, but I am a long and accomplished companion with forgetfulness. Whatever I can do to help, I shall.”

 

Baka
Tortle		Druid		Level 1	True Neutral
Attribute Mod Str +1 Int -1 Dex -2 Wis +3 Con +3 Cha +1 Stat Inc/Dec 0 Sheet	Defenses HP 11/11 AC 19 Str +1 Dex -2 Con +3 Int +1 Wis +5 Cha +1 Temp HP 0	Supplemental Prof. +2 Initiative -2 Speed 30 Hit Die 1d8 HD Spent 0/1 Pas. Per. 11	Proficiencies Armour L/M No metal Weapon Druid   Tools Herb Kit Languages Common Aquan   Druidic	Rolls Initiative 0 Attack 0 Skill Check 0 Ability 0 Save 0
Equipment Weapons Item Weight Quarterstaff 4 Total 4 Armour Item Weight Wooden Shield 6 Total 6 Equipment Item Weight lbs Backpack 5 Bedroll 7 Common Clothes 3 Mess-Kit 1 Ratons x10 20 Waterskin 5 Herbalism Kit 3 Rope (Hemp) 10 Druidic Focus 0 Chest 25 Crowbar 5 Hammer 3 Wooden Stakes 0 Holy Symbol (Amulet) 1 Flask of Holy Water 1 Manacles 6 Steel Mirror .5 Flask of Oil 1 Tinderbox x2 2 Torches x13 13 Total Weight 111.5 Combined Weight 121.5   Equipment		Spells Spells Prepared 4 Cantrips Shillelagh Thorn Whip Level 1 Slots 2/2 Absorb Elements Cure Wounds Detect Magic Entangle   Prepared Spells	Claws Effect: Can make unarmed attack with claws as natural weapons (1d4+3 Slashing damage) Hold Breath Effect: Can hold breath for up to an hour Shell Defense Effect: You can withdraw into your shell as an action. Until you emerge, +4 to AC, Advantage on STR & CON saves, Speed is 0 (cannot be increased), become prone. Disadvantage on DEX saves and cannot take reacitons. No actions except "Emerge" as a bonus action. Abilities	Skills Acrobatics -2 Animal Handling +3 Arcana +1 Athletics +1 Deception +1 History -1 Insight +5 Intimidation +1 Investigation +1 Medicine +5 Nature -1 Perception +3 Performance +1 Persuasion +1 Religion -1 Sleight of Hand -2 Stealth -2 Survival +5 Herbalism Kit (WIS) +5 Herbalism Kit (INT) +1 Skills	Notes       Notes

 

Actions
Action	Nil
Bon. Action	Nil
Free Action	Nil
Movement	Nil
Reaction	Nil
Other	Nil
Currently Equipped	Nil

[The Dark Star]

High Elf l Wizard 1 l 8/8 HP l 16 AC l Mage Armor Active l Spell Slots Lvl 1: O-O Rolen entered with the others into the fine room and listened with the others at the strange request that was given to them. Divination magic was always something interesting to deal with, it was a field that he, himself was not that particular with, just starting out, he had not yet picked his focus of magic. Maybe this would help him decide if he should delve more into this field or not. Ara stuck to his back and didn't move as he requested. "This is very interesting," he said as he looked at the beds, he walked over and felt the beds as he thought, this intrigued him and his curiosity, he had not even thought that something like this was even possible. What would they find in there? He began to wonder. "It would be foolish of me to turn this opportunity down, I am in. But I do wonder, would our familiars be allowed into the dreams as well? It doesn't really matter, I would prefer Ara to stand guard over my body while we go on this journey. Just curious if you have ever done so before." He asked, Ara tapped him on the shoulder, indicating to him that it was a good question. He mentally thanked her for the approval. Mechanical Information Move: Interaction: Action: Bonus Action: Reaction: Rolls: Character Sheet Link

[CoffeeRogue]

Mind Surfing? Along with the rest of group, Earlamar too walked into the room. After making a mental note of the entrance and exits, he chose to stand in a corner; preferably away from everyone but still within audible range of his employer. Everything had been mysterious to this point and he wanted to take precautions nonetheless. In situations like this, Earlamar knew exactly what to do. Listen quietly and pretend that he had a modicum of knowledge about the subject; which he clearly didn't. It sounded like magical gibberish to him. To be fair, most discussions about magic sounded that way to him. But he did pick up on two things after that detailed explanation: his employer wanted his true name and they were somehow going inside Almavalesh's mind to make him remember what he had forgotten. The specifics, once again, were fairly blurry for Earlamar since he wasn't the smartest half-elf around but he got the gist of it. He simply nodded when told that despite being a half-elf, he'd be able to join the dream. That was the least of his worries though. It was a tad frustrating to learn that Almavalesh would find out his real name, seemingly without much effort. That wasn't fun at all. He disliked the idea of not being able to count on his natural charms to evade that possibility but had to accept it for the sake of this job. It took several moments but the explanation was finally over - and then came the questions. He really didn't know what to make of it all. He'd never heard of such a thing being possible and now he was going to experience it. He stood silently, listening to the others. Evidently, he didn't have much clue and didn't have any questions as a result. All he could do was share his willingness to partake in this "adventure", "Sounds like we've been hired to sleep on the job. I'm not saying no to that", he says to Almavalesh with a wide grin adorning his half-elf face.

Stat Block STR 14 DEX 18 CON 9 INT 10 WIS 10 CHA 18

Action Block Free Action: Action: Move: Bonus Action: Reaction: Condition:

[Mindsiege]

True Names Almavalesh's long-winded explanation ended and when he inspected the seven adventurers around him, he saw that he managed to catch everybody's attention. The combination of arcane fringe science and his case of memory loss made for a package that was difficult to ignore for anybody in present company. As the first to accept the quest stood Darek Draven. The young necromancer had heard of many schools of magics and had studied many different disciplines under his master, yet what Almavalesh was proposing was far beyond the things he had thought possible even in theory. While onomancy and the theory behind true names were concepts that were new to the human wizard beyond what the debonaire mage had already explained, oneiromancy was something that Darek had come across during his studies. The art of inducing and interpreting prophetic dreams was a practice that could be found in various cultures and was a subject that was less of a concern for the more common wizardry. While there was definite truth to its divining nature, using dreams as the medium for foretelling carried a degree of uncertainty that left oneiromancy as an unpopular branch of the school of divination among respectable magicians. That it would allow anybody to relive memories in person, astrally or not, was simply unheard of. As such what Almavalesh proposed made for an offer to see a kind of magic with his own eyes that Darek might only be able to witness when he accepted this quest. So his quick acceptance to help the other mage was responded with a knowing nod by the older gentleman. A few others of the adventurers were similarly quick to accept the mission in sight of its peculiarity. While Earlamar felt deeply that the matters discussed were going over his head, both the prospects of this being a very new experience and that he would get paid for partaking in it convinced him to share his willingness in his own joking manner, which Almavalesh accepted with a second nod, joining in with the half-elf's grin. The more exotic Oguun on the other hand was just as eager to accept the quest for his own reasons. Still seeking for the purpose behind his expulsion that had sent him on this plane, the githzerai's study of his future employer was purposely ignored by the mage except for a cursory glance at Oguun's behavior. As the tall follower of Zerthimon banged his shield and voiced his support, Almavalesh turned to him as well and gave a thankful smile. "I'd be happy to discuss more of the details behind my craft later, but for now, I will simply barter them for a chance at learning what the Field of Husks is in the future. We will be able to begin after we've settled the questions that aren't mere curiosity." And just like Almavalesh had said, there were quite a few adventurers that did have an assortment of great questions. As the first among them, Aurora had gotten comfortable and despite only her seemingly being able to see or hear the entity Godbert, together they had been able to come up with several thoughts that were quite relevant to this mission. Ignoring the peculiarities behind the well-dressed druid's behavior, the debonaire mage gave her an appreciative nod and a serious look. "Those are three well-considered questions, Lady Aurora, I will answer them in order of relevancy." With the one hand still in his pocket he looked contemplatively in one of the room's corners and after a few seconds, he looked back at the group after having figured out how to explain this. "I will try to keep this brief for the sake of simplicity, but essentially you will be entering the shared dream only with your waking self. A representation of your mind, so to speak. So while your bodies will be safe and sound in this room on our journey, should you decide to jump off a cliff for some reason it could leave lasting damage on your waking self. I'm not sure if your representation would be able to suffer a broken leg, but for the matter of leaving this quest with the same soundness of mind as you have entered it, I would propose to protect yourself from harm as you would if it wasn't a dream." Almavalesh raised his free hand to pet the swallow on his shoulder. "For the protection of your bodies in the meanwhile, my dear familiar Starlight will keep watch. I will be part of the shared dream as well, but I will remain in a state to wake up if necessary. So even if the prestige of this Inn would leave scoundrels to try robbing us inside this room, I will take care of any intruders myself." The mage gave a confident smile to show that he saw himself capable of that. "And in the worst case, I suppose those of elven blood would be able to awaken themselves by their own will. In their trance, they don't stay oblivious to the world, so if a problem should arise they would take notice and could leave the dream. The matter of reentering the dream would be a bit problematic though, so I suggest that you ignore matters that happen inside this room and leave them to me." Following into the same line of thinking, Rolen proposed his fervor for taking part in this sleep journey, but he was left wondering what the diviner's method would mean for their wizard familiars. When the elf asked as much, Almavalesh turned to him and gave him an amicable smile. "That is just as well considered as Lady Aurora. Truthfully, despite their nature as spirits, my ritual will also let me learn their true names as well. In their animal bodies, they are capable of sleep like any true living being, so I will be able to have them join or stay out of the dream as you please. It's a decision that you would have to let me know at the start though. If your Ara would prefer to join my Starlight on her watch, we could arrange that. Personally, I'm not sure how much need you would have for your familiar's service anyways, and I'm not sure if they would appreciate the novelty of the experience either. There are many theories about the interconnectedness between the spirit realm and the dreamscape." With a chuckle the mage stopped himself from going further into the subject. "That's truly a discussion for another day though." Having settled two of Aurora's questions, Almavalesh turned around to Geghard Van, back with a more serious look. "Geghard Van, don't think that I've forgotten your inquiries. They were also quite sensible." The mage let out the barest hint of a sigh before he continued. "In fact, I did spend a bit of time investigating the matter of my forgotten memories before I came up with the plan for this dream journey. Now while I do have a ledger somewhere that my lovely wife keeps to remind me about appointments, whatever treatment I deemed fit for the patient of said day has been lost as well, seeing as whatever meeting we had seems to have arisen coincidentally. I've talked with Mayuri at length about what she remembered when I noticed the gap of that afternoon, but the man that we both met for the first time that day didn't strike her as anywhere uncommon. He is likely to be an adventurer of some degree, and we relocated to his home after he confided to me about matters troubling his soul. The details didn't strike my wife as anything noteworthy, because aiding a patient through a shared dream journey is one of the most common practices as part of my healing process." After the explanation Almvalesh gave Geghard another thoughtful look. "So while technically there might be some kind of question for my wife that might reveal a detail relevant to the matter at hand, it's certainly not a question that came to me when I talked with her. Which let me come up with the idea of this quest for you adventurers, so if we go through the rituals in a moment, the imagery of my own memory should easily supply any answers that Mayuri could have given us as well. I think commencing as I've outlined would yield better results than if we visit her at my home." The mage seemed rather certain about that, but he gave Geghard the opportunity to convince him otherwise. In the meantime as the other adventurer's questions had been answered back to back, Baka as well had finally finished his deliberations that likened his own circumstances to the pain of the mage that had lost part of his memories. And while Almavalesh seemed not to have had a choice, at least not by the human's recollection, the tortle druid came to the result that he would like to help on this quest just as the others. As he restated the whole length of his name, Almavalesh for the first time in a while furrowed his brows as he let Baka complete stating his commitment. When the tortle stopped speaking, the debonaire man pulled his hand from his pocket and straightened his vest as he spoke in a serious tone. "I am thankful for your help, hmm, Baka’sugai’nich’garakuhk." Then he put his hand back into his pocket. "But it seems like I have been a bit swift in skipping further elaboration about onomancy." With another sigh and a thoughtful upward glance, Almavalesh relaxed his expression. "As things have a true name, persons have a true name themselves, though it is rarely known to them. A true name is not of a mortal language, and it describes a being as what it truly is. And not to omit what I am asking of you fair adventurers, learning the true name of something does give an onomancer power over said thing. Even if that thing is a person." The mage let that explanation hover for a moment inside the room. Then he continued. "If I was an evil person, I could use such power abusively and to nefarious means, binding you to my will if worst came to the worst. Please don't think light of what I am asking you for, because while my intentions are pure, it's not an easy ask." As the adventurers were still digesting the severity of his words, he looked back at Aurora, giving the hint of a smile. "This is largely why I am offering this task to you adventurers and why I am of a mind to recompense you. I didn't quite expect to hire as many hands as we have now, but it will be enough for a few gold coins per person." Then his grin turned a bit sly as he patted his vest, which made a clinking sound. "But I have brought a bottle from my personal belongings with me that I would relinquish in trade for your help. Should you sell it, it will make for quite a considerable sum which will make this job more than worth it, if we just consider the time investment." Turning back to the large of the group, Almavalesh steadied himself and made sure if by now anybody had been forced to reconsider their commitment to this mission. "I will not hold it against anyone of you should you not join me on this task. For those that will stay, I would begin the ritual to acquire insight into your true names. For the next hour you cannot leave this room, but otherwise, you are fine to move as you will. Take the time to get to know each other and please stay outside of my circle." After giving the adventurers a few more time to back out or raise other objections, Almavalesh uncovered a bag of materials that he had prepared beforehand and then commenced to light incense and draw a ritual circle in the middle of the room while mumbling foreign arcane formulas. As he worked on his ritual, his face had the calmness of a man that knew what he was doing and despite the complexity of his work he was not troubled by the effort. Whatever changes were occurring on an arcane level, none of the participants felt any physical discomfort as they awaited the rituals completion.

 

GM instructions All right, if there are any follow-up questions for Almavalesh you can ask them at the start of your posts and I will try to give outlines of what he will respond in the OOC before my next GM post. For those characters that stay for the true name ritual though, this will be an RP challenge. Please include inside your next post a section a flashback that will inform the players about an event in your character's life that represents a time that corroborates with a moment that shows off when your character was truest to your nature. You can format this scene in a separate fieldset if you want, but for the sake of RP I would like each player to caption the flashback with an expression that would translate to their one true name. I don't require anything too complicated or lengthy, but we want something descriptive that gives the players great insight into the character. Any character to successfully provide such a scene and name will gain Inspiration with their next post.   Faun on a journey discarding hedonism to sing for the kind and fun (that's the true name of this character) [...]And then Farn took the hand to climb onto the wagon beside the human bard. With one last cautionary look at Mythra, who smiled in response, the young faun braced herself and looked at the caravan audience. The bard next to her was still making her nervous, but his smile was kind and she knew he only wanted her to play how he had heard before. It was kind of nice that he was acting so different than the men from the satyr village where Farn had grown up. Getting over her nervousness she braced her panflute, stomped her hooves on the sturdy wood a few times and then started to play. The audience of kind travelers listened entranced by her tune and the young woman's heart cheered that they liked what she was doing so much. It had been worth, taking the bard's hand. Mythra had been right, [...] The purpose of your flashback is to inform us as players about the context of what true name you decide for Almavalesh to learn about your character as part of his ritual. The characters are unaware of what is learned and the tale you are telling in your flashback doesn't reach the character's ears. If you still would like to keep the true nature of your character secret from the audience, you can simply secret and so that WM GMs beside me can't read it spoilerbutton the flashback scene. Consider this RP challenge about learning the essence of your character as the price to pay for admission to the adventure, because it's also not a small price in character. If this process isn't comfortable to either you or your character, it's perfectly sensible to withdraw from this adventure. No hard feelings if you decide that this is the story you would prefer to tell. As always, questions can be served and will get answered in the OOC. About Derek's arcana results, I had to make a second roll since one arcana check couldn't cover both disciplines. The results were as narrated. About Geghard's considerations, Almavalesh doesn't deny that talking to Mayuri is a possibility open to the group before starting the dream journey. His counterpoint is that whatever his wife could testify to, the group would be able to relive in person as you follow his procedure. For now I have narrated that he begins with the rituals, but the group may discuss in the OOC if you want to have a flashback scene after this round of posts, to meet and greet with Mayuri. That's absolutely on the table, I just can't promise any results that the time invest would yield. Rolls: here Initiative Character AC HP Status Action Position Character AC HP PP PI Movement Conditions Resources Derek Draven 12 6/6 17 20 30' - Arcane Recovery 1/1; Spells I. 2/2; Short rests 2/2; HD 1/1 Earlamar Xyr 15 7/7 12 10 30' - Short rests 2/2; HD 1/1 Oguun 18/16 9/9 14 13 30' - Spells I. 2/2; Short rests 2/2; HD 1/1 Rolen Galanodel 13 8/8 11 16 30' - Arcane Recovery 1/1; Spells I. 2/2; Short rests 2/2; HD 1/1 Baka 19/17 11/11 13 11 30' - Spells I. 2/2; Short rests 2/2; HD 1/1 Geghard Van 19/17 12/12 13 11 30' - Second Wind 1/1; Short rests 2/2; HD 1/1 Aurora Turpis 17/16 11/11 15 11 30' - Spells I. 2/2; Short rests 2/2; HD 1/1 Ara 12 1/1 12 5 20' / 20' (climb) - - Nephala 12 1/1 13 6 10' / 50' (fly) - -

[Togot]

Derek Draven I felt a sense of accomplishment when i accepted the mission. it was short lived as the other, older and wiser members asked sensible questions before accepting. I was embarrassed by my inexperience, but thankful that my seniors were covering for my mistakes. Rather than beat myself up over it, I would endeavor to learn from it. What Almavalesh described was unlike anything I had read. At least to this extent. I had to admit that I was very curious to learn my true name, though I was very nervous about what else he could learn about me. granted I had done nothing wrong, nothing illegal or evil, but if my craft were revealed it might make others uncomfortable. Worst case scenario some of them might even attack me. But our employer was trusting us to go inside his head, and I was trusting him with my true name. I decided I would trust him with whatever else he learned about me as well. When he left us to mingle with each other as he began preparing his ritual, I found myself standing alone awkwardly. I was the youngest of the group, and didn’t want to embarrass myself anymore than I already had, so mostly I just watched the others and eavesdropped on their conversations. My years being surrounded by undead had not done any favors to my social skills.   I followed behind a man who appeared in his forties of thin build and average height. He wore black robes with an amulet of a fanged skull the size of a fist hanging from his neck. He had short black hair, pulled back into a ponytail. His angular face was framed with a sharp goatee of the same color. His skin was pale, but not lifeless. His expression was grim. I was eight years old, dressed in clothes that had been cut shorter yet were still too large for me. my head hung low; my mood somber. A lumbering hulk followed behind us. The large mountain of meat was a collage of corpses, stitched together to from a humanoid whole. It had numerous large metal spikes sticking out of its body. It carried a large pack with shovels, rope, and other gear like a pack mule. We walked in silence until reaching the remnants of a village. My village. The fires had burned themselves out, leaving blackened timbers standing like the skeletons of the houses that the villagers once lived in. everywhere I looked there were dead bodies strewn about. Most had been picked by scavengers and started to decay, but a few were still recognizable to me. seeing their rotting flesh made me feel nauseous. I didn’t want to do this. I didn’t want to be here. But it had to be done. I owed them this. “Here is as good a place as any,” the man said. He pointed to the flesh golem and gave it a simple command. “Gore, Dig graves.” The golem set down the pack and took out a large shovel, too large for a normal man. It began scooping up dirt as the man then looked to me. “Where are they?” I stared at him in silence for a moment. My eyes were sad, desperate, pleading. His were calm, soft, and gentle. He made no attempt to rush me. he waited patiently for me to show him where my parents were. They were just where I had seen them last, but they were in much worse condition than I remembered. my mother was missing her eyes. I stared into her empty sockets, and my heart sank. It was hard seeing her like that. I didn’t want anyone else seeing her in such a state. My master cast a spell that lifted her body into the air, and we brought her over to where Gore was working on his third grave. My mother’s body began moving toward the first one. As I saw her approaching the hole, a sense of dread filled my heart, as if my mother going into that hole meant I really would lose her. In my desperation, I said what I knew I shouldn’t. “Bring her back!” The man turned to look at me, and I stared at him with tears in my eyes. “You can do it, can’t you master Janfadar. You can bring her back?” My master closed his eyes and let out a sigh before answering. “I can, but I won’t.” “Why not?” I cried like a petulant child. “I’ll serve you! I’ll do anything you ask, so please, bring her back!” Janfadar gave me a fast slap to silence me, and then knelt down and put his hands on my shoulders. He looked me in the eyes and said, “Derek, you asked me to teach you necromancy. Anwer me truthfully. Is this why?” “N-No,” I answered, “but if I can-“ “You are about to go down a ruinous path, child,” Janfadar said, his voice sympathetic. “Many necromancers learn the craft for this very reason. They want to bring back a loved one. They don’t respect or understand what it means to animate a corpse. To create an undead. Look at your mother, Derek. If I were to turn her into a zombie, she would look just like that, rotting, grotesque, her soul trapped inside as a slave to my will. Is that what you’d want for her?” I looked at my mother’s lifeless desiccated face, into those empty soulless sockets and my sadness overwhelmed me. “No,” I managed to say through my tightened throat as tears streamed down my cheeks. “Turning someone into an undead is a punishment. The skeletons that plow my fields, the zombies that guard my home, even the parts that make up Gore, murderers, slavers, rapists. Wicked men every one of them. They serve penance for their crimes by doing some good in death to make up for the evil they did in life. You wanted me to teach you, so here is your first lesson: never turn an innocent person into an undead. Do you understand?” I wiped the tears and snot from my face and nodded. “Yes.” “Good,” he said. “Then embrace death. Accept it. Respect it and let go of those who are gone. Look at your mother, and say goodbye, and let us put her to rest respectfully.” I looked at my mother again, not feeling disgust or nausea, but a strange sense of relief as if a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders. "Goodbye, mother.”

Stat Block AC:12 HP:6/6 STR:7 DEX:14 CON:11 INT:16 WILL:14 CHA:16 Passive Perception:17 Spells Prepared/Spell Slots:1st 3/3, mage armor, charm person, false life, magic missile Character Sheet

[Corwin]

Oguun Oguun shrugged and settled carefully to the floor, crossing his legs and leaning up against a wall. If there was danger involved in the Almavalesh Avalladasz's ritual, it would be best to find out precisely what that danger was. If the human tried to bind a githzerai to his will, then the human would learn a new truth. The notion of false names though, that was unsettling; such a thing would inevitably result in misfiling and chaos. "My name is known, I believe it is true. All records concerning me are kept on level O, in room G, in aisle U, in cabinet U, in compartment N. I have seen them." Oguun attempted to follow the ritual but it was oddly hypnotic. His eyelids felt heavy and his head fell forward. Seeker of New Ways There was a narrow margin between the outer wall of Shra'kt'lor and the shield. In that space, zerths labored endlessly to fend off the chaos of Limbo, anarchs guarded the teleportation portals that linked the floating citadels, and the youngest of the monks trained their skills. Two tall, slick, and narrow glass spires stood in the margin. At the base of one was Oguun, surrounded by a scatter of weapons. Maces, swords, spears, bows, and the ubiquitous razor knives polished to a mirror finish. At the top of the other was the monk Diila, great in years, reknowned for her victories over the mind flayers. Diila had ascended her spire in less than a second and had been standing atop it, perfectly balanced, for over an hour. "Reach the top of the spire, Oguun." Diila's patience was wearing thin; Oguun was in some ways a bright student, but in many more ways was a truly terrible student. One of the things he was very bad at was climbing slippery spires. She watched as he dutifully failed to find a handhold for precisely the 57th time in a row. "Oguun, recount the knowing of knowing." The enormous hatchling replied while continuing to slip down the spire. "All things are known or unknown. All knowledge is true or untrue. All gith may be in error as to whether or not known things are true or untrue. So there are eight ways of knowing of knowing." "Tell of true and false wisdom." "What is known and true and believed to be true is the Way of Zerthimon, the Unbroken Circle which is the Eight Circles. What is known and false and believed to be false is known error, held outside the Unbroken Circle. What is known and true but believed to be false is unrecognized error among the githzerai. What is known and false but believed to be true is unrecognized error among the githyanki, the false Way of Gith." "Tell of things known and unknown." "Unknown things must also be true or false, but nothing can be believed or disbelieved until known. Every knowing gained brings more wisdom and more error." Diila nodded. "Oguun, must I report that you have failed to reach the top of the spire?" The hatchling looked up at Diila, picked up a mace, and bashed through the spire at its base. It toppled, smashing against the ground, and the hatchling trampled the remains under his outsized feet. Oguun clapped his hands together and bowed. "Honored Diila, I stand on top of the spire."

 

Rolls and Actions Rolls: none Action Summary Move: Action: Reaction: Bonus Action: Object Interaction: Free Action: Concentration:

 

Stats Oguun character sheet Githzerai | Life Cleric of Zerthimon | Sage (Wizard's Apprentice) | Feats: none Githzerai Psionics | Mental Discipline | Disciple of Life HP: 9/9 | Armor Class: 16(18) | Stats/Saves: Str 13/+1; Dex 5/-3; Con 12/+1; Int 16/+3; Wis 18/+4; Cha 10/0 Senses: Passive Perception 14, Passive Investigation 13 Move: 30' | Conditions: none Languages: Common, Gith, Deep Speech, Undercommon Tool Proficiencies: none Attack Bonuses: Melee +3 | Ranged -1 | Magic +6 Spell Save DC: 14 Ranged weapon: javelin - +3 to hit, 1d6+1 piercing, range 30/120 Melee: mace - +3 to hit, 1d6+1 bludgeoning, range 5 Spells: Cantrips: 4 - Light, Mage Hand(invisible), Resistance, Toll the Dead Prepared Spells: 6 - Bane (1), Command (1), Cure Wounds (1), Guiding Bolt (1), Sanctuary (1), Shield of Faith (1) Domain Spells: 2 - Bless (1), Cure Wounds (1) Spell Slots: lv 1 - 2/2

[BarrowB]

Aurora "I already told you my name and you even repeated it correctly." The woman scoffed. "I am Lady Aurora Turpis and there is nothing more to it." She proclaimed in clear but annoyed voice, not really understanding what the wizard was talking about. Can you really control anyone with just their name? Wasn't it limited only to demons? Aurora spasmed a bit, listening. She always hated all the magic but it looked like the fate pulled her to it... She closed her eyes to give them a bit of rest, drifting off on the comfortable blanket, back to her memories. Aurora, the Cursed Bride of Nature Aurora was slowly walking deeper and deeper into the woods, fallen leaves of long dead trees crunching under her feet, when the sun was disappearing behind the horizon. She turned her head back for a moment, seeing the small cones of smoke far away, where the remains of her town would be. The girl managed to grab some supplies before leaving but wildlife or cold weather could be way more dangerous than hunger, especially when all she had on was just a dress. She went further, into the thicker parts of the forest, before finding a ring of many low saplings, probably planted and abandoned by someone long ago. Brambles and branches would be hard to pass through without making a bit of noise, it could help with getting a safe rest. She thought, but first she had to get in. Aurora unsheathed one of the swords she took with her and swung at the thin twigs. Suddenly she dropped her blade and held her head, hearing a scream of dying. "J-just my imagination, he... eh." She chuckled to herself, before picking up the sword and striking again, the screams echoing in her head once again. The girl closed her eyes to squeeze out a few tears. When she opened them, there was a clear path between the branches. "This monster is toying with me..." She entered the ring and the dead saplings closed the entrance behind her. With the sun set, the weather got even colder. She gathered some stick from the ground and made a small pile, before realising she didn't know how to start the fire... Aurora unsheathed both sabres and placed one on the other. "Not like I will find a better use for them..." She said to herself and rubbed one on the other, trying to make some sparks. A small glitter of light flew out and gathered into a long, glowing line. It floated into the air and made a few spirals, before flying into the middle of the stack, instantly lighting it up. Aurora only laughed hysterically, not believing in what was going on. Out of nowhere, the sound chirping caught her attention, she didn't see one bird on her way here. Aurora looked around, peering into the darkness. Shadows of the small trees were looking like a gathering of ordinary silhouettes. Their branches were moved by the wind, wood hitting on wood was making a clapping sound. She could hear voices in her head, they were humming her a wedding song with their distorted voices. She just laid in the wet grass, holding her head and crying until she lost consciousness and fell asleep. Waking up, she was surrounded by freshly bloomed flowers, knowing, that she will have to get used to this life.

OOC Initiative Character AC HP Status Action Position - Aurora Turpis 17/16 11/11 Prone Falling asleep On the blanket

[The Dark Star]

High Elf l Wizard 1 l 8/8 HP l 16 AC l Mage Armor Active l Spell Slots Lvl 1: O-O To find our true name? Rolen thought, I wonder what mine could be? He walked around the room thinking, his staff now noticeably supporting his weight when he stepped with his left leg. The pain was coming back, sharp, like a hundred pins piercing into it, all around, but comfort was coming it seemed, and on a bed too. He found a chair for the moment and sat down, rubbing his left leg. He activated his mage hand, grabbed his water skin with it, took out a cup from his pack, and reached into a pouch, he pinched inside of it and put some of the contents into the cup before putting the water in it. He then drank the contents and sighed, the pain lessened just a little, for the moment. His thin frame then moved further back into the chair as he continued to slowly drink the rest of the contents in the cup. Ara moved to the top of the chair and began to massage his head with her legs. "I'm in, there is no way that I would turn down something like this, too fascinating." He said as he raised the cup. As he moved, he hit a nerve in his leg and he winced and grunted a little, the pain shot him back into the past. Painful Reminder   Rolen had flashed back to the academy, where he was learning some of the basic level one spells offered to young wizards in training. He had learned and spent the spell slots, as he was required to to show his teachers that he was going in the right path. During some downtime, he was talking to some of the other students, and showing off his illusion skills, something that he quite enjoyed, being able to recreate things that he had read in books, to give a visual to what he was reading about. One of the illusions that he created in that moment was a spider that he had read about, a familiar that could be conjured. He had it crawl around him, going to his back. One of the other students was shocked at what they saw, and reacted by shooting lighting directly into his spine. The damage was extensive, his nerves were burned, and his left leg was left without feeling, the clerics did what they could, but the extent of the burns was too much for them, he was told that he would walk in pain for the rest of his life. He was saddened by what happened, having to live with it forever, but, he had to excitedly admit, his illusion was good enough to make someone think that it was actually real. So real that they had to act as if it was a spider crawling on him. To him, it meant that he did have a talent, and that it needed to be explored more. Mechanical Information Move: Interaction: Action: Bonus Action: Reaction: Rolls: Character Sheet Link

[Arkaon]

Baka The pipe hangs idle from the Tortle’s crusted lips, a thin whisp of smoke rising from the crushed mushroom sitting within it. Slowly his long neck cranes forward slightly, the blood-shot eyes, sunken into Baka’s face drawing to fix upon Avalladasz. They narrow slightly, and despite the clear intoxication the druid appeared to be under almost permanently, there was a fleeting moment of clarity in his expression. A firmness and certainty of the stare that comes to rest upon Avalladasz. As quickly as it appears, however, it is gone, and the tortle draws back long and hard on the pipe, holding the acrid smoke in before eventually letting a plume escape from his mouth to hang about his head. In an achingly gradual movement, so laboured it were as if a statue had come to life and first learned to move, Baka slowly nods his head. A slight cough escapes his lips before turning into a slurred chuckle. “Thank you,” the monotonous drawl began, “very few folk attempt my full name. It is nice to hear it from the lips of others.” There is a long pause as the tortle considers the mage’s words. His eyes close heavily, and there is a subtle sagging of his posture. The curled, gnarled staff held in his hand seems less a weapon or accessory, and more an aid to prop him upright. It seems almost as if a snore is imminent, before the eyes snap open, and the ponderous motion of a nod is resumed. “No doubt, I’ve little understanding of the topic at hand. That has never stopped me before, and I doubt it ever shall, to the chagrine of all about me. I’ve nowhere to be, at least not of any import significant enough for me to recall. So I remain at your service nonetheless. But if you’ve a mind to start digging around up here…” The voice trails off and the bleary-eyed stare locks with the eyes of the mage once more, a hand raises up to take the pipe from his mouth and tap the tip of it against the top of his head. That momentary flash of clarity appears a second time, before the tortle leans forward and whispers something. Once finished whispering, Baka nods a final time, before taking another long drag of the pipe.

A darkness held at bay Crash. A tin pot comes flying out of the kitchen door of the inn, accompanied by several shouts of protest both from within the kitchen itself, and from the few remaining late night bar flies seated but inches from where the offending pot lands. The sound of clattering and crashing erupts for what was at least the third time, before a distressed voice pierces the air. “Stop it! You giant loaf, enough! No, not that! Don’t touch that… Lester! Get in here will you please?” Another series of clattering pots and pans is heard, before a slow, drawling voice responds. “I’m sorry, I’m sure it’s in here somewhere. I must have dropped it earlier tonight, whilst seeking a second morsel of that fine deer pie you made.” A large wooden stirring spoon comes cartwheeling out of the doorway, closely followed a cutting knife. There is a squawk of protest as a nearby drunkard, having successfully managed to sleep through the entirety of the ruckus, is rudely awakened by the blade embedding itself in the bar mere inches from the tip of his drool encrusted, bearded chin. “Out! Get out!” There is a resounding whack that accompanies the words, as the sound of a wooden utensil smacking against something hard can be heard by all. “You don’t understand,” came the ponderous reply, every syllable uttered in a lengthy, drowsy manner that almost seemed as if it were uttered whilst sleeping, “I must find it, you see…” There is the sound of movement, and the saloon-style doors to the kitchen swing open, the huge form of a tortle shambling from the kitchen, the irate mistress of the kitchen attacking him relentlessly with a spatula in attempt to shoo the creature from her domain. The impact of which seems to have little effect on the tortle, who appears not to even notice her furious assault. “Excuse me,” the deep, rolling tone of the tortle addresses the room in general, “has anyone seen my pipe?” There is a shriek of protest from the woman, obviously fed up with the whole situation. “Sir! You will forget your pipe, I think for one day you can lay off that obnoxious smelling stuff you smoke! It’s a disgusting habit, all the more so for the fact your addiction grows upon your very own self! Now, if you wish to stay one more night in this establishment, and not find yourself adrift so late in the evening without any prospect of other lodgings, you’ll find your way to your room without another peep before the last ounce of charity in me is gone, y’hear?” Baka turned to face the woman, his heavy movements slow and ponderous, and he made to protest, however movement behind her catches his attention. A handful of remaining drunkards, those few with the capacity remaining to do so, stand from their stools. A few even take a step towards him. Baka, even in his current state, had sense enough to read the room and its intent. The pipe was lost to him. He’d have to purchase another in the morning. He gulped at that thought, the sound audible to all and no doubt mistaken by all present as a sign of his fear of what those about him seemed about to do. If only they knew the truth. Without a word, he nods slowly, and turns away letting the protest die. The suffering was his, and his alone to take and he would endure it in silence rather than exact suffering on others just in an attempt to escape his own. He makes his way up to his room. The door closes heavily behind him with a thud when he slams it shut. There is no anger in the motion, but there is a sense of purpose, and Baka stares at the wood for a long, drawn out moment. With a sigh, he moves over to the bed, no doubt perfect for regular humanoids but too small to serve him as anything other than a couch of sorts. Heavily he sits down upon it, and stares glumly at the floor. Already the darkness of the evening seemed to turn. The long, tendrils of shadows forming into claws, faces, and other fearful shapes. He reaches back and picks a mushroom from his shell, this one a dull brown one with white bumps across the top, and sighs again. Another moment passes, before he puts it in his mouth and begins to chew. It would help, some, but it was never quite so strong as it was when he smoked it. He only hoped it would be enough to keep at bay what he knew was coming. Of course, there was no mistaking the fact it was a forlorn hope. One he’d clung to many, many nights before in vain. A number of hours passed, Baka sitting unmoving and silent. Too afraid to let sleep take him. The candle on his table burned low, the last gasps of its light sputtering out until finally it was gone, and the room went into darkness. “No…” he whispered in a trembling voice.

 

Baka
Tortle		Druid		Level 1	True Neutral
Attribute Mod Str +1 Int -1 Dex -2 Wis +3 Con +3 Cha +1 Stat Inc/Dec 0 Sheet	Defenses HP 11/11 AC 19 Str +1 Dex -2 Con +3 Int +1 Wis +5 Cha +1 Temp HP 0	Supplemental Prof. +2 Initiative -2 Speed 30 Hit Die 1d8 HD Spent 0/1 Pas. Per. 11	Proficiencies Armour L/M No metal Weapon Druid   Tools Herb Kit Languages Common Aquan   Druidic	Rolls Initiative 0 Attack 0 Skill Check 0 Ability 0 Save 0
Equipment Weapons Item Weight Quarterstaff 4 Total 4 Armour Item Weight Wooden Shield 6 Total 6 Equipment Item Weight lbs Backpack 5 Bedroll 7 Common Clothes 3 Mess-Kit 1 Ratons x10 20 Waterskin 5 Herbalism Kit 3 Rope (Hemp) 10 Druidic Focus 0 Chest 25 Crowbar 5 Hammer 3 Wooden Stakes 0 Holy Symbol (Amulet) 1 Flask of Holy Water 1 Manacles 6 Steel Mirror .5 Flask of Oil 1 Tinderbox x2 2 Torches x13 13 Total Weight 111.5 Combined Weight 121.5   Equipment		Spells Spells Prepared 4 Cantrips Shillelagh Thorn Whip Level 1 Slots 2/2 Absorb Elements Cure Wounds Detect Magic Entangle   Prepared Spells	Claws Effect: Can make unarmed attack with claws as natural weapons (1d4+3 Slashing damage) Hold Breath Effect: Can hold breath for up to an hour Shell Defense Effect: You can withdraw into your shell as an action. Until you emerge, +4 to AC, Advantage on STR & CON saves, Speed is 0 (cannot be increased), become prone. Disadvantage on DEX saves and cannot take reacitons. No actions except "Emerge" as a bonus action. Abilities	Skills Acrobatics -2 Animal Handling +3 Arcana +1 Athletics +1 Deception +1 History -1 Insight +5 Intimidation +1 Investigation +1 Medicine +5 Nature -1 Perception +3 Performance +1 Persuasion +1 Religion -1 Sleight of Hand -2 Stealth -2 Survival +5 Herbalism Kit (WIS) +5 Herbalism Kit (INT) +1 Skills	Notes       Notes

 

Actions
Action	Nil
Bon. Action	Nil
Free Action	Nil
Movement	Nil
Reaction	Nil
Other	Nil
Currently Equipped	Nil

[secretID]

Geghard Van, Human Fighter Sheet | AC: 19 | HP: 12/12 | Status: Normal Second Wind 1/1 | Polearm Master | Dueling Style Geghard accepted Avalladasz’s deflection for the present. Some initial mundane inquiries seemed both safer and more efficient, but Geghard knew that if he pushed the man could easily prevent or sabotage any interview. Besides, Geghard was already more interested in the possibilities of the magical process proposed. He had little fear of “true names;” he already knew he would not die that way. Moreover, he simply needed the money. And so he found himself a comfortable seat, tucked his weapons somewhere handy, and spent his time observing the long ritual as well as the behavior of his fellow hirelings.

You Meddling Kids “Is it a magic powder,” asked Tiree, “to trap the spirit?” His voice was thrilled and anxious as his hot breath whispered in Geghard’s ear. Geghard had told his friend nothing of his plans or even his suspicions; even at that age, he preferred to keep his own counsel. “It’s flour,” answered Geghard as he began to sprinkle the contents from his hand across the floor. He did the same with several more handfuls withdrawn from the bag he held, spreading the dust as evenly as he could as he and his best friend backed from the door, further into the room. “There,” he said with satisfaction as they reached their hiding spot in the far corner. “And plenty left for later.” The two boys then settled in for the harder part, the waiting. It was barely three hours, but it seemed longer due to Tiree regularly posing unanswerable questions and making pointless requests for reassurance. When the door finally opened, Tiree wished to retract his earlier impatience, as if his anticipation alone had brought them to this moment. Through the door the specter came. It was in some ways less terrible than had been described, but in other ways it was worse than the boys could have understood. Geghard grimaced as he forced himself to study its approach. Tiree flinched and turned his eyes, then peeked back as it slowly floated toward them. Still crouched in the corner, he pointed at the floor beneath the creature, where no footprints showed in the flour. Geghard nodded blandly; this was no surprise. But moments later, Geghard now grabbed his friend’s arm and pointed to the doorway. There, a few paces behind the specter, some footprints did appear, without any visible owner. “Got him!” cried Geghard. The boy charged a few steps forward and threw the bag of remaining flour. It sailed through the horrifying undead phantasm – naturally – and exploded against a wall of air above the footprints. As the dust settled it quickly became apparent that the invisible force was simply a man, now coughing and waving a hand, making eddies in the floating dust. Meanwhile, the horrifying creature that had been haunting the village disappeared before the boys’ eyes, without fanfare. Smiling, Geghard turned back to Tiree, who was now standing mouth agape. “I knew it!” exclaimed the junior detective. “It was all fake! I…” He trailed off as a distant whine caught his attention. The source of the noise seemed to rapidly approach while the pitch rose. Then the room exploded. Geghard woke sometime afterwards – he could not say how much time had passed – with ringing ears and an aching head. He was not yet conscious of the many bruises and small wounds he had suffered. He sat up and looked around to get his bearings. Tiree lay in the corner, bent and red and unmoving. Geghard stumbled over and nudged Tiree’s broken and still body, in vain. “I got him,” he reminded his friend.

 

Applicable Spell/skills/statuses:
Initiative
Movement:
Free action:
Action:
Bonus action: None
Reaction:
Abilities: Polearm Master, Dueling
Resources: Second Wind 1/1
Dice rolls:

 

---

PP: 13 | Speed: 30ft

---

Abilities: Str 16 (+3), Dex 15 (+2), Con 14 (+2), Int 12 (+1), Wis 12 (+1), Cha 12 (+1)

---

Saves: STR +5, CON +4

---

Skills: Arcana +3, Athletics +5, History +3, Insight +3, Perception +3, Thieves’ Tools

---

Languages: Common, Elvish, Dwarvish