Backstory

"Uncle, this strong coffee has helped me focus on the vision. I see that the elves who have transformed into bats are an ancient people. They are a people who value their freedom and that of others. I see that they have had dealings with a vampire long ago who betrayed them and slaughtered many of their people, and turned some of them to evil ways as well. The bat elves have spies throughout the cave and have seen the evil intent of the vampire on board the ship. Though the bats value the talisman, they also do not desire to war with another vampire. The god and his crew are very torn in what to do. They approach the bats quietly, but then hear a voice calling to them from above. One of the bat leaders transforms back into his elven shape and holds out a peace offering to the god, the paladin, and the wind mage. He offers them a drink of his special tea. As they each take a turn drinking, the elf is able to ascertain their true intentions from the change the tea brings to their auras. The elf determines that the paladin is the most noble and good-hearted in their group. He warns the group that the elf numbers are great and that they have many years of experience battling. An attack would be unwise, he advises. He bows in farewell, before changing back into his bat form in a cloud of green mist. The paladin notices that a small, worn bag has fallen, seemingly by accident, from the elf's person and rolled over near his feet. He bends over to retrieve it." "I am sorry Uncle, but my vision has clouded."

"Not at all! For your first divination, you did a most excellent job! Such detail. How ever do you do it? You will have to tell me how the story actually unfolds when you learn, yes? Here," he hands you a pebble and shows one just like it in his hand. This is an agate that the Tumqua magic casters use and you can use it to send me a message. It will take a little of your energy but you should be able to send another message after each long rest if you like. I'd love to hear from you. Standard charges may apply. Not valid for any other rock. 25 word limit and the receiver can answer in a similar 25 words within one hour of receipt of said original message. Non transferable to any other person.

Let me help you with your pack to the mountain trail. You have your monkey yes? I've packed some food, mostly baked goods. Don't let the monkey eat them all. There will be plenty of fruit along the way. Don't stand out in the rain too much. Remember to write. Don't talk to pirates. Good luck! he jabbers as he pushes you out the back door. The trail leads up. Its a beautiful day!

After a strenuous climb, you come to a roost where you see giant eagles, huge, with 20 foot wing spans.

What lovely eagles. I wonder if they could be persuaded to help me on my journey. I cast Animal Friendship on the nearest eagle who is looking my direction. Will he give me a ride?

I signal for the eagle to land in a tall, sturdy tree near the wounded eagle. I cast Thorn Whip toward the largest wolf in range, hoping to scare off the pack. I cast cure wounds on the eagle.

Hmm. . . New plan. It may be somewhat reckless, but I decide to land close to the wounded eagle, and use entangle to put up a perimeter around us. I will try to cut the rope holding the eagle to the boulder with my dagger and hop back onto the friendly eagle's back before we are set upon by whatever villains orchestrated this trap. If luck is on our side, the eagle can get us back to a safe distance to regroup before we are attacked.

I cast Thorn Whip in an attempt to pull the ballista out of their range and/or damage the net. I also load a crossbow bolt and aim for the pirate nearest the ballista. Praying that the gods and winds are on our side.