Chapter 4: A New Hope

May 12, 2021 3:57 am

When they reach the river, despite the water being cold, Naeris takes a dip fully clothed to wash off as much of the foul mud of the cesspit as possible from herself and her clothing.

May 12, 2021 5:02 am

The afternoon has turned rather breezy, and the walk home is chilly. Autumn is around the corner.

Hope's volunteer militia spot the group coming across the plain and crossing the river. The bowmen treat you differently this time, shouting "The heroes have returned!" rather than knocking arrows. The town bell rings and Sheriff Ruth Willowmane emerges from the constabulary, dressed in her Arkasian armor. She strides over to meet you.

"Hail friends. Did the Night Blades take kindly to your visit?"

May 12, 2021 3:30 pm

As Naeris takes a swim in the river, Euphoria indecisively follows the elf, taking off her boots and stepping into the water ankle-deep, only to immediately jump out of it. Damn, it's colder than I thought! How're you doing that?,- she laughs, putting her boots back on.

The tiefling listens to Sheriff's words, but doesn't say anything yet, instead, she looks at others, waiting.

May 13, 2021 5:38 am

OOC:

I'm assuming that Ralavaz is waiting at a place just outside the town.

"There hangs a tale Sheriff," says Hilmar wearily. "I think we can say that the Night Blades are no more. We penetrated the Lonely Tower via the drainage tunnel in your map. Once we reached the pit below the dungeons beneath the tower, we saw a man suspended from the wall by his wrists, in manacles. There were two Night Blade guards. We managed to overcome them and tie them up.

We released the prisoner. He told us his name was Ralavaz. He said that he had learned that the Night Blades had started up again and realised that the man in the golden mask was his brother, Gardren, who had been burned in the fire during the days of the previous sheriff. It turned out that Gardren hadn't been killed after all. Ralavaz told us he had tried to persuade him to give up this feud with Hope. However, Gardren could not be persuaded. He had Ralavaz clapped in irons and hung from the wall and left to die in the pit. Ralavaz told us information about the Night Blades. He said that most of them were a lack lustre bunch of outlaws, with the exception of two dwarvish sisters with heavy crossbows. He agreed to help us overcome Gardren, in the hope that we could capture him. Ralavaz planned then to take him to a powerful witch or cleric who could undo this demonic bargain that Gardren had made. He did this at great risk to himself and despite being gravely weakened from being suspended from the wall in manacles.

Euphoria was able to disguise Alfrey and I to resemble the two guards we had overpowered. We pretended we had taken Kaa and Euphoria as prisoners. We were able to trick our way past the further Night Blade guards, among whom were the dwarvish sisters. We were able to overcome and tie up the guards beyond the double doors leading to the inner sanctum. Then we waited for a short while and returned to the dwarves and other Night Blades, saying that their leader - Gardren - had ordered them up to the tower to guard. This enabled us to bring Naeris and Ralavaz through, once the Night Blades had gone. We went down to the inner sanctum. There were four Night Blades with Gardren. They let us in. In hindsight we know they realised we were intruders but Gardren thought we were no match for him.

We fought the Night Blades and Gardren. He had some disgusting winged creature with him that attacked us. Gardren had huge strength and nearly killed Kaa. Kaa grappled with Gardren and cast him into the well. Kaa had no choice. Gardren was killed. However, then Gardren's body possessed by a demon rose out of the well and attacked us. We had overpowered most of the Night Blades and killed the winged creature. One Night Blade was killed. The other Night Blades fled. We had a battle with the demon. As we vanquished it, a 'gate' seemed to open from the 'underworld' and the body of Gardren and the body of the Night Blade were consumed in fire in the well and then were gone.

We made our way out through the top of the tower. All of the Night Blades had fled. At the top outside the tower was a friendly benign creature - a 'shambling mound' who Naeris was able to converse with - name of 'Strangleberries'. Strangleberries had no time for the Night Blades either and was glad to see the back of them. We then returned.

He pauses, "That's about it," he says, looking towards the others, "there might be some details I've missed if anyone wants to add anything. We'll try and answer any questions you may have. But it's been a long day."

May 13, 2021 9:58 am

Naeris chimes in 'So we learned that Ralavaz is no longer the outlaw he was but seems to be completely changed. He was devastated that his brother was claimed by the demon and died before he could be saved from it. Ever since he learned that Alfrey is a follower of Bahamut, he's shown great interest in serving the dragon god.

'You might be wondering where Ralavaz is. We wanted to make sure he would be welcome in town before bringing him here. He has a fearsome but no-longer deserved reputation around here and we wanted to ensure he would be safe and not get locked up.'

She stops, feeling self-conscious and strangely exhausted.

Last edited May 13, 2021 10:01 am

Alfrey Whiteheath

May 13, 2021 9:59 am

Alfrey takes the opportunity to interject, "There is one other thing to mention about Ralavaz, in case you still harbor any suspicion of him. I don’t know if you’re a woman of faith, Sheriff, but if you do put any stock in divine revelation, you can be sure that his repentance is earnest. You see, Bahamut revealed to me before I even set out for Hope that I would meet another follower of his when I traveled here, and Ralavaz is that man. There is no doubt that he is now under the guidance of divine providence and that his life will be a godly one from here on out."

May 14, 2021 5:41 am

As Hilmar tells his tale, other townspeople start gathering, clearly anxious to find out how things went. You recognize Rose (the girl who was mind controlled into service with the Night Blades) and her mother Daisy (who baked you muffins); Amanda, owner of the Summerspring Inn and local expert; and Gavun Grayhorn who runs the outfitter's shop. Others gather as well, including some of the kids that Kaa played with and some of the bowmen that guard the town.

Hilmar has the town on his every word as he recounts the story. They gasp when he reveals that Ralavaz was a prison and that his brother, Gardren, was behind the operation. They cheer as he recounts the fight - the young children break into sword fighting with sticks, unable to contain their excitement. But when he mentions the demon, a somber hush falls over everyone. When he describe's the demon's demise, the townfolks breathes a collective sigh of relief.

As Naeris and Alfrey explain Ralavaz's situation the town shuffles uneasily, but they hang off every word that the heroes say.

Ruth is first to respond. "Hilmar, that is quite the tale. We can't thank you enough for your help."

"About Ralavaz ... he wasn't the only one who did wrong those many years ago when he first lead the Night Blades. Burning those bandits alive was a cruel and evil thing for our leaders to do, and it opened the door for dark retribution. Hearing that Ralavaz was ready to sacrifice himself to help save our town despite what we did to him and his brother, well, that's proof enough for me to let him join the community. "

There is a murmur of agreement from among the crowd. With the matter settled, Ruth continues.

"We did promise to gift you the contents of the Arkasian vaults. We'd like to present these to you tonight, at a feast to honor your deeds. We'll set it up at the Summerspring Inn, under the big hand. While we get that set up, you can all get cleaned and patched up and take a well-deserved break. Sound good?"

May 14, 2021 10:56 am

As the others tell the tale Kaa re-enacts some of the scenes, happily involving the kids as they seem to be rather excited about the whole affair. He plays out how the fight starts, getting cut up, throwing Gardren into the pit (using one of the kids as prop for him), then using Euphoria to represent the demon popping out of the put.

He is most happy at the mention of a feast. "That sounds amazing hahha!" he exclaims. "Let me start with that rest!" he grins at the rest of his party and nods with his head to come along, he thinks enough of serious business and it is time to loosen up. He strolls off to check on his instrument, and quickly goes to clean up and jump into the thermal waters again, with the newly won pipe and tobacco.

May 14, 2021 6:38 pm

Euphoria sits down on the ground and listens to Hilmar's story with half an ear, mostly observing the townsfolk reactions, smiling at them, and making an occasional nod or two, as if saying yes, that's what happened, uh-huh.
As Kaa tries to use her as a demon in his little improvised theatre, she makes a silly grimace, showing her teeth, and hisses, trying to make the kids laugh.
Her ears twitch a bit when she hears about the Arkasian gifts, oh, she loves gifts!

The feast sounds awesome!,- the infernal exclaims, getting up, instantly ready for such an event, and looks at the giant hand as it's mentioned by Ruth. She quints her eyes a bit as if she's looking at the bright sun, and quickly looks away. This hand sure is creepy...

The tiefling looks at her companions, noticing how tired they all look, covered in scars and scratches with their attires all rumpled and dusty. Anyone wanna go get Ralavaz?,- she asks timidly, considering doing it herself. After a small pause she adds: You know what, nevermind. I'm gonna go myself, I love telling good news!,- she says simpering,- Oh, unless anyone wants to go with me, of course.

OOC:

Euphie is perfectly happy to go there alone but maybe Alfrey wants to be there as well with his new church member so :>
Also I've edited the post to include a response to Kaa's acting. Didn't see it before, we've been writing at the same time I guess x)

Last edited May 14, 2021 6:51 pm

May 14, 2021 11:29 pm

Naeris had been naively envisioning an anonymous return to the inn. She briefly thinks that going to get Ralavaz will be an escape from the crowd but realises that's nonsense because people will want to see him. Still, it's good if more people are with him when he returns so that he can feel more comfortable about it, so she says that she wants to go along.

May 14, 2021 11:44 pm

"Excellent idea," responding to Euphoria's suggestion, "let's go now and let him know at once." He thinks bringing Ralavaz back into the fold of Hope will help him over the loss of his brother. He gets ready to accompany the others to meet Ralavaz.

He looks forward to the event tonight. He has been intrigued by the Summerspring Inn beneath the Hand since he arrived in Hope.

OOC:

After meeting Ralavaz he intends to wash the worst of the muck off in a stream and then have a bath in the spring beneath Amanda's establishment, followed by a change of clothes.

Last edited May 14, 2021 11:47 pm

Alfrey Whiteheath

May 16, 2021 3:11 am

Alfrey thanks Ruth and the assembled townsfolk for their generosity. Then, he too prepares to join the group headed to meet Ralavaz, not wanting to miss his new friend's reaction when he is accepted back into the town.

He also hopes to have some time for prayer and contemplation before the feast. With his original mission completed, Alfrey's instinct is to seek guidance from his god on whatever may come next. It also occurs to him that Ralavaz may wish to join him in prayer. At this thought, Alfrey smiles to himself as the group begins their walk to the outskirts of the town.

May 16, 2021 7:40 am

Kaa is unsure why they all have to go to see Ralavaz as he is about to go off on his own. He grumpily crosses his arms as he sees them walk off. He changes his plans to just a quick wiping off the dirt and mud and blood and then settles to play his instrument outside, curiously waiting what the others are planning afterwards. He would hate to be left out in case some exciting things happen.

He also gets lost in thought about opening a well earned bottle of some drink, but he is too lazy to go anywhere from his spot. If he luckily spots Amanda might ask her for one.

May 16, 2021 10:53 pm

"Thank you Sheriff and everyone, that's most generous," he says in response to Ruth and the townsfolk. "I look forward to it." Seeing that Kaa is going to stay put for the moment he says, "We'll see you later, we're not going to be long." He follows the others.

May 18, 2021 12:28 am

Ralavaz is happy to hear that Sheriff Willowmane is open to him. When he comes across the river, a hush falls over the townsfolk. He approaches, his eyes avoiding contact.

"I, uh ..." he starts and stops. He tries a few more times to find the words, clearly getting choked up. Eventually he manages to say "I'm sorry," his voice raw with emotion and regret.

Ruth responds. "Thank you, Ralavaz. And for what it's worth, so are we." Ralavaz isn't able to answer with words, but he nods.

Ruth continues. "What do you say we start fresh? Focus on the future, not the past. We could always use another strong sword arm around here, and there's plenty of farmland. But late in the year to plant, but we'll help you through the winter and set you up for next spring."

"That's ... mighty generous. I'd be honored."

The two exchange a firm handshake and the townsfolk gather around to welcome him. A few walk way, however. It looks like it will take some time to build trust.

The party has a chance to head over to the Summerspring Inn afterward to get changed and cleaned up. Amanda cracks open a few bottles of vintage Arkasian wines and makes sure there are no dry throats in the party.

Anyone who heads down to the hotsprings experiences the healing benefits and mind-cleansing effects of the natural mineral water (heal 1d4 hp).

Alfrey seeks out the local temple, an ancient, open-air building of stone. The townsfolk have kept in in good order, although it is clear Inside it is quiet and solemn where he is able to reflect on the day's miraculous and demonic twists and turns. The location is perfect for solitude and prayer. Ralavaz eventually comes and joins him, and asks many questions about the faith of the platinum dragon.

OOC:

If anyone would like to initiate an interaction between now and the feast, feel free to do so!

May 18, 2021 5:50 am

Hilmar will clean off the worst of the muck from the adventure and wash his clothes in a stream. Then he will go down to the hot spring beneath Amanda's Inn and soak in that for a while floating and meditating about what has taken place.

Last edited May 18, 2021 5:51 am

Rolls

Healing effects of the hot spring - (1d4)

(1) = 1

May 18, 2021 7:06 am

As Hilmar meditates in the steam, a vision arises in his mind. The voice of his old Master, Helvetius, speaks from a hundred miles away.

"Hilmar, my dear boy. Good show. I am pleased you put your magical talents to good use. What did I tell you, that old sleep spell gets them every time! The town of Hope is in good hands now."

May 18, 2021 11:53 am

After most of the party retires to the inn, Naeris heads to the hot springs as quickly as is polite. She is glad of the warmth of the water and the chance to rest. It's been a long day and she'll need a break before the night's festivities.

Rolls

Healing effect of the water - (1d4)

(1) = 1

May 18, 2021 10:43 pm

Kaa is happy to finally go to the thermal baths with the others and soak as well.
"So, the goal of our trips was resolved kind of quickly ehh?" he murmurs with his eyes closed, just enjoying the water. "What are you going to do next or where will you go?"

Rolls

Healing waters - (1d4)

(3) = 3

May 19, 2021 4:29 am

Amazed, and delighted, he is unsure what to make of this, whether the voice in his mind is real or only in his mind, then thinks it could be both. He tries to focus his mind and answer back. Helvetius! Thank you, "...and you were right about the sleep spell and about Hope," he says, inadvertently vocalising the last bit of the 'message' to his old master, like someone waking up from a dream. He ducks underwater and surfaces.

"It was resolved quickly," he replies to Kaa. "For a moment I thought you were done for. You fought well. We'll see what happens tonight but I would like to stick around for a bit. I'd like to learn more spells. There are many things in this place I am curious about. The stone hand for one thing and that tunnel near this very spring. What about you?"

Last edited May 19, 2021 4:30 am

May 20, 2021 9:46 pm

With no immediate reponses, Naeris says 'I dunno. I'm too tired to think about it now.'

May 21, 2021 7:35 pm

OOC:

I imagine we should investigate the hand/statue. Perhaps there's a way in through the tavern?

May 24, 2021 8:16 am

Euphoria separates from the party and goes to the stable to pick some apples up from the barrel and say hi to Butterscotch.

The tiefling enters the hot springs cave with an armful of apples, a couple of them fall and bounce towards the adventurers taking a rest in the water. Wha?! Thoe ae fee so I ook em,- she replies to the looks, another apple stuck on her canine-like teeth. The apples are rolling around a bit as she puts them onto the floor, but she quickly catches those running away and puts them in a small pile next to her bag. So, anyone want an apple?,- Euphoria asks, ready to throw some.

The pink nuisance then runs straight at the hot spring and takes a dive not even taking her clothes off.
I don't know about you but I'm definitely sticking around for some time, this place's amazing!,- she exclaims, emerging from the salty water. Can't wait for the feast, I'm hungry as seven hells! You think they're ready yet?,- Euphoria asks her question looking at the ceiling, addressing no one in particular.

May 24, 2021 9:25 am

'Nice of them to prepare a feast. I am pretty hungry now you mention it!'

Naeris is a bit unsure about how 'free' the apples were so doesn't ask for one despite her now-obvious hunger.

Last edited May 24, 2021 9:25 am

May 25, 2021 4:28 am

Eventually the time for the feast arrives and the party is called from its activities. Everyone has come from miles around, eager to meet the new heroes of sword and spell.

You are astonished at the amount of food this hard-luck town has managed to drum up on short notice. It looks like they've been waiting for something to celebrate. There are loaves of freshly baked bread and bowls of whipped butter, sugared almonds, honey-mustard eggs, chillded strawberry soup, pottages, several roast turkeys, bacon pot pies seasoned with sage, fried oranges, and cheese. There are also barrels of spiced wine and rum ready to pour.

At the height of the evening, Sheriff Willowmane produces a line of chests that she's brought out of the castle, which contains the Arkasian relics which she promised the party in exchange for their help.

"Brave Naeris, we present to you this verdant cloak that was crafted by your kin. It should help you stay hidden whenever you want to, both from enemies and just when you need a little privacy." She produces a beautiful forest green cloak.

[ +- ] Cloak of Elvenkind

"Mighty Kaa, this carved agate stone is said to grant its bearer incredible luck. May it turn the tides for you in battle, and in soccer matches against our town's children." With laughter from the town, she hands the tiniest stone to the largest of the heroes.

[ +- ] Luckstone

"Spirited Euphoria, should you come under fire, these gloves will allow you to snatch arrows right out of the air. May they keep you safe in dark times." She presents the gloves in a finely crafted wooden box feels as light as paper.

[ +- ] Gloves of Missile Snaring

While you wear this cloak with its hood up, Wisdom (Perception) checks made to see you have disadvantage, and you have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide, as the cloak's color shifts to camouflage you. Pulling the hood up or down requires an action.[/spoiler]

"Gentle Alfrey, your heart is the largest in 10 miles. But your armor is also the noisiest in ten miles! We thought this might help out." She presents a shirt of sparkling mithril splint mail (AC 17)

[ +- ] Mithril Armor

"Wise Hilmar, we hope you know what to do with this strange thing because we haven't the faintest idea! But I suspect someone of your intellect will find uses for it, perhaps beyond even its maker's intentions." She presents Hilmar with a strange iron rod and the townfolk stare curiously at it.

[ +- ] Immovable Rod

With the gifts handed out, there is an enormous applause and the feast truly commences!

OOC:

Feel free to roleplay out the evening and tie up loose ends. Officially your characters are now level 3, although without much mechanical elements left to do, I'll leave it up to you if you want to bother with updating your sheet!

May 25, 2021 5:59 am

Euphoria's appetite was truly infernal, she made sure to try every single meal at the feast. By the time the gifting ceremony started her very much pink cheeks became even more so pink because of how much wine she has consumed.
She smiles and nods to the Sheriff, takes the box into her hands, and quickly opens it, her grin becoming wider, she definitely likes what she sees!
Fancy!,- the tiefling exclaims, trying the magic artifact on,- Thank you very hic much! Personally you and hic everyone in town for this ama.. hic amazing feast!
She then turns to her companions: Anyone wanna throw something at me? So I could.. hic test it?

Alfrey Whiteheath

May 26, 2021 5:29 am

While not normally one to indulge in food and drink, even Alfrey is unable to resist such a sumptuous spread. He is also happy to entertain the curiosity of fellow revelers regarding his role in the recent adventure. "As a cleric of Bahamut", he tells them, "I bring guidance to my companions — divine wisdom and sometimes divine intervention". He shows off his holy symbol and can't help but feel some pride at their wondering faces. He is about to launch into some of the finer points of draconic theology when Sheriff Willowmane calls for the gathering's attention to commence with the giving of gifts. When she presents Alfrey with the set of Mithril armour, he accepts it graciously. "I have heard of this metal", he reflects, with awe in his voice, "but I never thought I might own it, especially not in such a form as this! Thank you — I hope to prove myself worthy of this gift."

When Euphoria asks for help testing her new gloves, Alfrey quickly butts in before anyone has a chance to throw anything genuinely dangerous at her. "Certainly! Let's see here..." He looks around for the least threatening object he can find before grabbing an orange from the table and lobbing it towards her. "Catch this!"

Last edited May 26, 2021 5:32 am

Rolls

Ranged Orange attack - I guess? XD - (1d20+0)

(12) = 12

May 26, 2021 5:34 am

OOC:

Len, I think the spoiler tags in your post are a little messed up :)

May 26, 2021 6:22 am

Piece of cake,- Euphoria says, the orange in her hand,- the gloves are really comfortable though! hic Thank you again, Ruth!,-she smiles at the Sheriff after giving a thumbs up to Alfrey.

OOC:

To know if Euphoria succeed I need to know the attack damage, so I'm gonna roll it for you :D
So it's typically 1d4 for smaller thrown objects, but since it isn't really a weapon might make it 1d3 + your strength proficiency? Kinda like this

Last edited May 26, 2021 6:29 am

Rolls

Catching the orange - (1d10+2)

(8) + 2 = 10

Orange damage - (1d3+1)

(1) + 1 = 2

May 26, 2021 6:56 am

Naeris enjoys the feast, with so many foods she hadn't eaten before. The turkey isn't as gamey as she's used to but the novelty of everything makes up for it and oranges are strange and wonderful.

When given the cloak, she is very taken with the gift. It's such a thoughtful gift - how do they already know her that well? She's a little embarrassed but also very pleased to be given such a beautiful garment.
'Thank you, Ruth' she says, 'What a lovely cloak. It should be very useful.'
She marvels too at what is given to her companions.

Perhaps I can get used to living in this town, she thinks. It still seems like too many people but now she wonders about what is ahead. Feeling overwhelmed and tired, she doesn't contribute much to the conversation but mostly observes what's going on at the feast.

Last edited May 26, 2021 9:39 pm

May 26, 2021 12:28 pm

Kaa enjoyed the bath time with the others, and did take an apple. When they are called for the feast he jumps out and barely remember to put some clothing on. He drools heavily at the sight of all the food the village folk prepared, and he will also make sure to try everything twice. Even more so with the spiced wine and rum, he is a big man with big appetite. And although he is very much energized and fidgety, his eating habit is the same casual snail paced as usual. He will be loud, rough, and laughing and playing around a lot.

He is also pleasantly inebriated by the time they are receiving the gifts. He is mumbling that he wants a cloak too as he sees Naeris receive hers, but then its his turn next, and he turns completely starry eyed at his new stone. He lifts it up high and marvels in it.
"Hahaha, truly the bestest gift! I will never part with it! And those kids won't stand a chance anymore!"

After Euphoria's catch he also offers to throw something, and his hand is reaching for a chair with a way too wide grin on his face.
His stamina will last a long while, and he will make sure that he can do a silly antic with everyone: like making funny impersonations with Euphoria, or coming up with not-so-wise uses with Hilmar for his new item, tickling Alfrey's ear with a grass then pretending it wasn't him, or trying to sneak up on Naeris and spook her. He is worse than a fully energized four year old.

May 26, 2021 11:22 pm

Hilmar ponders over what foods to try out first. Unable to make a decision he tries small portions of a selection of the delicacies on offer. He is impressed by the different gifts bestowed on his friends. When it comes to his turn, he is somewhat phased as to how he could use this item, feeling less foolish when Ruth says they cannot think of a use for it either. He studies it after being told about the buttons and the fact that it can defy gravity and hold up to 8,000 pounds in weight.
"Thank you Ruth and good people of Hope, for this delicious feast and this interesting gift," he says sitting, then he raises the immovable rod to head height, activates the button and grips it to rise to his feet. "I can already think of some engineering applications for it," he says grinning, "I shall treasure it always."
Returning to his chair where he left his food, at hearing Kaa's facetious uses for the rod, Hilmar uses it to scratch his back.

May 28, 2021 5:27 am

callan says:

OOC:

Len, I think the spoiler tags in your post are a little messed up :)

OOC:

Whoops! I've fixed it now. Looks like Pitrio managed to figure things out anyway! Also, I've added the text that explains the text for Astroloma's magic item, the Cloak of Elvenkind.

May 28, 2021 6:00 am