You wake well rested before dawn the next morning. A foggy chill fills the air. Atriox, you wake well and find Dahlia, already packed. Tak has a small bag with him, and is napping off his hangover atop his sword like a small dragon. Alrik, you wake a little restless, having drempt of Makani, ducks, and necromantic imps and tieflings.
Zeed and the others go acquisition the wagon and barrels of drink from the Dragon's Lair Inn for you. There is a small to do about it when they do so... Rumors had been circulating as the mayor has wholy insisted it was his idea from the getgo.
Atriox goes with Dahlia to get Alrik and head to the blacksmiths.
The four of you head toward the blacksmith, the familiar smell of his forge strangely absent today. You approach finding the door ajar.
Atriox calls out, "Axemage are you in there ?"
You don't hear any response.
Atriox looks at everybody and he hefts his Glaive into fighting position.
Atriox slowly and cautiously enters looking around
(Investigation 14)
You push the door aside and step in. A loud snoring can be heard in the corner. You find the blacksmith passed out over one of the workbenches, having fallen asleep. It looks like he was testing out some different chisel patterns and welding techniques when he'd fallen asleep, tools scattered everywhere.
Atriox snorts with amusement he lowers his weapon
He gently goes over to the man.
"Axemage wake up. Come on let's get you somewhere more comfortable. Axemage!"
Atriox taps the mans boot with the end of he glaive
"W-wha.." Ferrar stirs slightly, very disoriented. His eyes are bloodshot, but after a moment he realizes someone is talking to him. "O-oh! Good evening, uh, Atriox?"
Atriox chuckles
"No. Good Morning my friend. Come on up you get."
Atriox helps him up
He struggles to stand, stumbling as he leans on you. "Morning already? Nah I just... just had a nightcap, can't be yet?"
As you get him to a better spot to sit, he runs his hand through his thinning hair. "I'ma man of my word, gotcher' stuff all ready." He gestures to the main counter where two bundles are waiting, each wrapped in a linen cloth.
The first is your armor. A connected poleyn, fan-plate and greave for each leg, each intricately made out of pieces of polished bone. They give off the same shine that your glaive does, and articulate with expert precision. (He put extra effort into these... your armor goes up by +2 instead of +1 like he originally said)
The second is Alrik's armor. A pair of bracers, segmented to look like dragon scales, gleam with runes at each end. They give off a purplish blue hue, made of the bases of hundreds of teeth. The strange coloring reminiscent of the venom of the basalisk. (This grants you +1 armor.......... and an extra sorcery point each day.)
Atriox puts on his new armor pieces and smiles
"This armor amd weapons you made for us are of master quality Axemage. Should you ever wish to ply your craft in a castle you let me know. As promised whatever is left of the bone is yours my friend."
(Nice!)
(Awesome! I think he'll consider that... haha... Running list of people who might come to your future stronghold)
Ferrar turns a bit red and makes a funny noise, something like an embarrassed chortle. "Why thank you for the offer, sir. I will definitely consider that."
Atriox nods. "Good we could use a master Smith to help rebuild the place better than it ever was. Say any word about from your son ?"
He looks pained. "N-no... No one seems to know what happened to him."
Atriox looks concerned and looks at Alrik and Dahlia. "Have either of you seen the boy ?"
Dahlia shakes her head no. "I haven't, but when we get back I'll ask around more."
Atriox grunts in acknowledgment
"I have asked around just a little myself freind but heard nothing. I'll ask my men when we regroup with them."
"Thank you... Thank you very much, sirs and miss." He bows his head.
Alrik slips on his new bracers, feeling the rugged leather underneath the scaled teeth. "These are exactly what I had in mind. Thank you." He nods to the blacksmith.
Ferrar smiles. "My pleasure, storm mage. I didn't realize it at the time you arrived, but I'm aware now... I'm honored to make gear for the great Tempest, and am glad it meets your expectations."
Alrik rolls his eyes underneath his hood. "Alrik will do just fine... no need for fancy names or titles, Ferrar."
"Yes sir, er--Mr. Alrik. Happy to." He coughs a bit and adjusts his belt.
"Since you're here for a bit, I want to let you fellows know--if you bring me a good bit of blood from a foe you deal with... I can enchant your weapons to strike fiercer against them. Just let me know."
Atriox shakes the mans hand. "We will keep that in mind freind. We must be off sadly. We have a job to get done and time is short. We will find your boy dont you worry Axemage."
Alrik leans in close and whispers in Ferrar's ear. "I need to find some Sabrila's Nettle... it usually isn't sold in proper shops. Know where I might find some?"
Ferrar gives a grunt, whispering back. "I don't know much about them kinds of plants. Wilster's Oddities does have a bit of...a special supply of herbs... don't ask me how I know. But it might be a crap shoot with Wilster, he's been an ornery badger lately. Old Trundleberry... you could try him as well, he's very familiar with plants in the area."
Alrik nods, slipping a couple silvers into his hand. "Many thanks again, for the bracers!" He says out loud, extending the hand with the coins in it for a handshake.
He smiles wide, saying a bit quickly, "Yes! Yes mighty welcome sir! My pleasure."
Alrik slips him the coins in the handshake and then heads outside. "Wilster or Trundleberry... for the necessary nettle..." he mutters to Atriox and Tak
Atriox nods. "Take Tak with you but be quick we dont have a lot of time. I'm going to make sure everything is ready and see if any of the men know anything about the blacksmiths boy."
"We'll meet you in front of the Inn. Two hours tops." He gestures for Tak and begins walking back to the center of town, heading to Wilster's shop.
Atriox looks to Dahlia and takes her hand in his. "Let's go see Zeed and the boys shall we?"
***
@Chantry Williams
You approach his shop and enter; the tinkling bell overhead mingles with the chiming of a clock and the tweeting of a mechanical bird. You see a shop filled with glass cabinets and displays, strange contraptions and bizarre shiny objects. An acidic smell makes your nose tingle like it wants to sneeze.
You spot Wilster, recognizing him from the incident with the fire just the other day. He's wearing a lilac cloak draped over cream colored robes. He's concentrating on pouring a potion from one flask into another, mixing the contents in a spectacular display of sparks. The liquid swirl beautifully, then... turns the color of mud.
He lets out a stream of curses under his breath, jotting down some notes on a nearby parchment. Tak looks uneasily up at you, pulling his hood further over his scaly face.
"I never was too good at alchemy and potion mixing myself..." he points at the mud colored vial. "But, in a couple days, you could potentially meet the greatest alchemist I know... that is, if she's coming..."
Alrik takes a few steps inside, away from the doorway. "Apologies if I broke your concentration..." a slight look of embarrassment mixed with awkward discomfort on his face
The elf jerks his head up as he registers you talking. "Yes you did! I mean, I--ugh. No no it's fine. It's fine." He waves his hand over the smoke now pouring from the mud colored vial. "Every failure is a stepping stone to success, or some nonsense..."
He gets a curious look on his face. "You said an alchemist is coming? Who?"
Alrik holds up a cautionary hand. "I said she MIGHT be coming... I would think someone in your business would know her by name, rather than just the nickname... Nathbryn T'sossz may be here in two day's time... the Mage Guard is holding a tribunal for the mage we captured..."
His eyes widen. "N-Nathbryn? The Scourge herself?! Oh and--" His eyes widen, realizing who he's talking to. "What is the occasion for us to have so many Mage Guard in our city? Really just a tribunal for that mage the other day? Is it that bad of a situation they need to come here?"
Alrik nods, an awkward smile on his face due to being recognized. "The Guard Elite doesn't take mages losing their minds like he did lightly. We have to figure out how it happened and who's responsible." He hesitates for a moment, looking at the floor, awkwardly trying to avoid eye contact. "They're... also... going to question Oxious... and myself... over the incident that happened. I'm sure it's news all across town."
Wilster raises an eyebrow, slowly cleaning up after his failed alchemy experiment. "I thought I heard something about that. What exactly... is the situation there? If you don't mind me asking."
"As it will part of an investigation, I'm not at liberty to discuss it with anyone who wasn't directly involved, I'm afraid... the sentencing will be public, so no matter the outcome I'm sure Magus Jaundree will explain a bit as to what happened..."
Alrik leans in closer to examine some dried plants inside one of the glass cases, attempting to act nonchalant about specifically looking for plants. (Nat freaking 1... Wilster can tell. Rofl.)
(Looooool nat 1 XD)
"Are you looking for anything... specific, Tempest?" Surprisingly, Wilster himself looks incredibly uneasy and fidgety, thinking you're trying to catch him in something nefarious. After hearing about everything else... he's quite pale.
Alrik flusters at the inquisition. "Uhh, well... I... actually find myself in need of... well... Sabrila's Nettle." He gestures in the direction of the Inn. "We're going to lace a few barrels of brew with it and then let the goblins have it..." his eyes widen and he throws his hands up in an apologetic manner. "Not that I'm insinuating you have such a plant in your stores! I was told you may know where I could find some, as you travel far and wide picking your own herbs..."
Wilster looks startled, knowing that someone referred you to him. "I--I-I--not at all, I mean I am well knowledged about the area of course, b-but I..." He gulps, tugging at the collar of his robes. He looks defeated, but then a strange look comes over him.
"Y-you really are just... looking for a plant to help with the goblins? That's all? Nothing more?"
Alrik shakes his head. "Nothing more... The Mage Guard doesn't care much about a plant... at most, they'd tell you to get rid of them before the local authorities find out you have them."
Alrik takes a deep breath before continuing. "The Elite... tend to... have our own way of doing things. That way of doing things... sometimes... isn't as clean as we let on."
He nods slowly, watching you carefully. "O-ok. I see... well that makes a lot of sense, yes, ah, most definitely." Wilster walks briskly to the door and locks it, then heads back to a pantry behind the counter. "One moment."
He disappears into a little door there, and a few moments later returns with a small parcel. "You'll find what you're looking for inside. And... free of charge, with no other questions asked or no word on where you got it." He flashes a little smile, hoping to help.
Alrik smiles and places the parcel in his satchel, tossing a gold coin at Wilster. "I was never here..." he throws his hood up and walks to the door, turning to look over his shoulder. "I truly hope Nathbryn is coming... I'm sure she'd adore spending time with someone who shares her interests..." he gets an almost childlike smirk on his face before adding, "and someone who shares pointy ears..."
He unlocks the door and darts out before Wilster can comment.
(Niiiice. XD I love it.)
***
@Aubrey Burmaster
Dahlia smiles in agreement. The two of you head off toward the Dragon's Lair Inn. You can see a small crowd gathered around Zeed, Tank and Bitey atop the wagon of supplies. They are all thoroughly enjoying the attention. They're talking with Jennae Applebrew, the owner, who seems in a good mood as well. She's giving Zeed a bit of a telling off, playfully jabbing at him about something.
Atriox and Dahlia continue to approach the crowd. Once they are fairly close Atrioxs says loudly to Jennae with a smile
"I hope my boys aren't giving you any trouble Miss. Applebrew especially given all the help you've already provided for us."
She laughs, and as Zeed turns to look at you she grabs him in a headlock and rubs her knuckles against his feathers playfully. He squawks in protest, but more embarrassed than upset. "Nah, not this bird brain or his friends! They're always welcome. They know not to cross me, ain't that right fellas?" Bitey just shrugs, but Tank nods enthusiastically.
Letting him go, she walks over to you. She's a bigger woman, just a bit older with a very jovial air about her. She reaches out to shake your hand. "The mayor stopped by for a pint last night and told me about what was going on, and what he had planned. Mighty pleased to have your help, sir Atriox! Mighty pleased."
Atriox shakes her hand but cant help but to laugh loudly. "His plan? Is that what he said ?" Atriox cant help but to laugh again
"Im......I'm sorry my lady truly. Just I find it hilarious that cere told you this was his plan. Bahhhh I had to practically beg him to help. He was just going to give some small amount of money that probably could have bought just a few barrels full well knowing we needed more. I should have known he'd pull something like this the clever dwarf."
(Persuasion 17)
He chuckles a little bit more. "But who Evers plan it may be you are most welcome my lady. I thank you for your assistance in this whole matter. I trust cere at least gave you the gold I told him to ? I dont think you it'll cover all the expenses but all of drsgonshore will thank you if it works and your inn will be busier than ever !"
He looks to Zeed smiling. "I'm glad someone appreciates my men in this town other than me. They're good lads at heart."
She puts her hands on her hips, raising her eyebrows. "Interesting information, dragonborn... He did pay, but, information does seem muddled doesn't it?" She gives a sly grin. A few people around are listening in, curiously interested in what you have to say.
"Regardless, I hope you're right! Give those goblins a good fireworks show to remember, and tell 'em 'ol Jennae sent ya!" She laughs loudly, and some of her patrons give a drunken little cheer. For how early it is, there must have been quite a party last night.
Atriox grins. "I will my lady you can count on it. Those ugly forsaken bastards wont know what hit them. When I return I will absolutely haveeeee to give your famous in a drop by. I've heard so many good things."
"Charm 12 lol"
(Lololol charming...) The innkeeper beams at you. "Of COURSE! I would be more than happy for you drop in, all of you! The heroes of Dragonshore! The more the merrier! We'll give this town a night it's never to forget!" She socks you in the arm playfully. "The more stories the better! Bards will sing your praises til the crowing of dawn."
Atriox laughs merrily. "Ohhhhh I like you Miss Applebrew. A woman who speaks her mind and can handle herself. We will indeed all graciously accept that invite my lady."
He bows low to her showing respect. "And your right it will be a night this town never forgets. In fact plan on it three days from now in the evening we will throw a grand celebration! To mark our victory together!"
"Fantastic! I'll ready my best brews." She winks as she heads back in to the Dragon's Lair, giving the wagon a hearty smack. She shouts to the troop of men atop it, "Give em hell, boys!"
Atriox looks at Zeed and motions for him to come here.
Zeed hops down off the wagon and comes over to Atriox. "Yeah boss? What's up?"
Atriox adopts a look of concern. "Have you seen or heard anything about the blacksmiths boy ? Has any of our men ?"
The aarakocra raises an eyebrow. "Leo? I mean I saw 'em at the Fang the other night. Prolly getting some booze and some tail, but other than that I haven't heard from him. The other boys haven't said anything either."
Atriox ponders this information. "His da hasn't seen him in days. Hes very worried and I do find this odd."
He looks to Dahlia "have any of the fang ladies been acting strange?"
She shakes her head. "Not since Magnolia? At least that I've noticed... I can check when we get back, see if anyone knows who Leo met with that night."
"I would greatly appreciate it my sweet. After everything that man has done for us the least we can do is find his boy."
Atriox looks around. "Now were just waiting on Alrik and Tak."
Tak and Alrik approach, the little kobold waving a small clawed hand in your direction. You notice he still walks funny, trying to carry his new sword with him under his cloak.
Atriox wonders about something.
Alrik gives Atriox a small nod, tapping his satchel with his hand. (13 stealth? Or would that be sleight of hand?)
(Either works! I'd say that's good, no one else really notices)
Atriox nods back at Alrik seeing the pouch and taking his meaning.
He waves back at Tak and waits for him to get nearer. Once Tak is close Atriox squats down and says, "Come here little one. I'm going to help you with something."
Tak hops over awkwardly, stopping in front of Atriox. He looks up at him curiously.
Atriox smiles reassuringly and holds out his hands. "Take of your sword and belt please little one "
The kobold does so, watching what you do with it.
Atriox stands "it looked like you were having trouble walking with the weight of your new sword under your cloak. I have and idea. Just hold still buddy and hold your arms out for me."
Atriox begins setting the sword and belt up like a sling on his back that will hold the sword better.
Tak keeps turning his head, his yellow eyes like curious little globes watching you set it up. Once you're done he turns around in a few circles, getting a feel for it. "This... nicer. Not dragging. It's good."
Atriox chuckles. "I figured you'd like that a whole lot more brother. Easier to get to with practice as well."
He gives Tak a smile and pats him on the head
"Alright everybody let's move out !"
They head out of town there destination. The cave that will be there base of operations
Your troupe heads out of town. Tank, being who he is, finds it a good time to start singing a song. It's gruff, bloody and ridiculous, quite like something he'd enjoy. Zeed joins in, and Tak, riding in the back, drums on one of the barrels for fun. Bitey just sits up front, stone-faced, leading the black and brown horse up the road.
After a few hours you arrive at the forest, and start heading up through the thick glowing trees. It's an interesting sensation being back here again.
As you pass through the thicket into the grove, the bones of the great dragon glow brightly as ever amongst the sanguine trees. You notice a funny smell in the area, a decay. As you pass through there are goblin bodies, or sometimes just heads, scattered about, stuck on sticks or... javelins. Tak looks quietly at things as you pass. He definitely defended his home and wanted to make a statement.
You follow the kobold's instructions, heading toward the caves of a nearby mountain to the east. On the way there is a twisted, gnarled pathway leading through a thicket of bramble. In the misty red air, you can see a house situated far inside.
Atriox stops and looks at the house. He motions for Alrik to come and look
Alrik peers through the brambles, seeing the house. He shoots an inquisitive look to Tak and points at the house.
Tak glances between you both. He looks nervous. "Never visited her here... sometimes came to visit us. Shared stories. She... strange being."
Atriox motions for everyone to wait where they are at.
"Remember the old man we met in the grove ? He mentioned this house and the creature that lives in it. He said if we venture deeper we might be wary of her. I say we go speak with her,tell her our intentions, and pay respect."
"Might be a good idea to attempt to get any creature of the grove on our side..." he nods
Atriox grunts. He raises his glaive and sticks it into the ground. He raises his hands in a peaceful manner and approaches the house."
You approach the cottage, and Tak follows behind in your shadow. It's in surprisingly good condition. There are no windows on the exterior of the building. A ring of small red daisy-like flowers grow around the cottage in a circle.
You knock on the rickety door, and it creaks as you thump it. The door slowly opens... A frail figure in a long cloak with a severely disfigured face and hands answers the door. She says, "Yes!? What do you want?"
The figure that stands before you seems very old. You guess from its voice that this person is female. At some stage, her entire body, has been severely burnt, so much so there is no way of telling even what race she is. She is incredibly thin, and has a few clumps of silver hair hanging down around her face. Although its hard to tell, the edge of her cloak seems to blurs as she moves; making you think she may not be physical but an apparition.
You also notice a flat gold medallion hanging from the woman's neck, cut into the shape of a dragon. A ruby is embedded in its head, representing an eye.
(8 arcana? Does Alrik know/sense anything? Lol)
Alrik, you can sense she's of elven descent due to the connection of her bloodline to the weave, but that's all you can tell. The rest of the grove itself kind of muddles with your sense of what's magical and what's not, everything softly resonates with it.
Thankfully Atriox has seen a lot in his lifetime so this womans visage while unattractive is not revolting.
He bows a little in respect. "Hello there mam.......my name is Atriox and this is Alrik and Tak. Tak seems to know you already? We have come to get rid of the goblins and make peace with the kobolds of the temple........if such is possible. We know and old man who passes through the grove often and he told us if we ever ventured deeper into the forest that we should be wary of the entity that lives in this house. I wish to pay my respects and inform you of our intentions so that there may be no misunderstandings between us"
He bows slightly out of respect again.
The woman looks at Atriox suspiciously, then at Tak. She tilts her head slightly, an almost sorrowful look on her face. "Pyrlanth has told me the goblins are not welcome here... this place used to be so peaceful..."
"Pyrlanth? May I ask who that is?" Alrik removes his hood, trying to show respect. As he reaches up to do so, his left sleeve falls down to his elbow, exposing part of his scaled arm. (I have a suspicion... testing it. Lol)
(I'm heading to bed. Talk with y'all later)
(Awww, sorry I didn't get back sooner >< I stepped away for a moment. That was a really cool idea!)
She gives you a long look, Alrik, and her gaze travels to your scaled arm. Her eyes widen a little, pulling at her strange facial features. "Pyrlanth has... awakened you. I see... The glow of his spirit has made time for me seem to stand still... seeing others here..." She pauses, looking back at Atriox. "Are you interested in knowing how this place was formed?"
Atriox looks very curious now. "Indeed madam if you are willing to share that is ?"
Without saying a word the old women quietly shuts the door on you. You wait patiently outside. After a few moments, the door reopens. The ghostly figure is holding a small ragged book in her left hand. She holds out the book to you. You glance at the cover, which reads "A short history of Faircrescent" and is dated over 400 years ago. Flipping to a bookmarked page, you read:
History: The Forming of Pyrlanth's Grove
In our fair town of Dragonshores recent past, the village was once only a small farmers community, at about a quarter of its current size. In those days the town was known as Faircrescent, due to its mild weather and the shape of the surrounding mountain ranges. It wasn't until later in its history, did the town become known as Dragonshore. For over 100 years, Faircrescent thrived, growing in size, and becoming a popular stop over for passing mercenaries and merchants of all kinds. However, unbeknownst to the citizens of this small expanding village, a great dragon was hibernating nearby. It had been in a deep sleep, ever since the first settlers built their houses near the shoreline.
When Pyrlanth, the great red dragon, first emerged from his deep slumber, he surveyed the countryside with interest. He was greeted with the sight of a thriving town by the coast, a short distance from his cloud top lair. Pyrlanth bellowed in fury at this encroachment of his land and the entire town came to a halt as they heard the dragons roar echo across the plains.
In an uncontrollable fit of rage, Pyrlanth brought down a rain of fire on faircrescent, burning houses, and devouring men, woman, and children indiscriminately. After a full day of terrorising and carnage, Pyrlanth retreated to his lair to regain his strength. Knowing very well the dragon would return, all of the remaining men of faircrescent took to arms, gathering all the weapons they could muster. The mayor of faircrescent knew this would not be enough to take down a gargantuan beast such as this. Using all of the towns accumulated wealth in their coffers, the mayor commissioned the close by village of Whitebirch to ready 100 of its archers and rangers for an assault on Pyrlanth and to bring down the savage beast. Within 4 days the army was ready to strike and was mustered in a field close by to Pyrlanth’s cave.
Krysvyre, A young Elven girl ran from the direction of the dragons lair across the field and up to the mayor, falling at his knees and begging for him to reconsider, but the mayor, pointing into the distance at his now smoldering and ravaged town explained there was no choice. The Elven girl told him she would promise Pyrlanth would not return, but the mayor would not listen and pressed ahead with the attack. The dragon roused, and flew down from its lair scorching the ground around the archers, burning them with its fiery breath. After a long and bloody battle, and many casualties, the army claimed triumphant over the dragon. The archers sent a cloud of arrows into the dragons flight path. Pyrlanth, mortally wounded, fell through the sky, plummeting into Tanglewood forest like a comet. Upon its collision with the earth, Pyrlanths body ignited in a burst of flames, burning the surrounding trees, and in the heat of the now raging inferno, the dragon’s skeleton fused with the earth.
Tanglewood forest has never recovered fully and still lays bear of shubbery and undergrowth. This area is known as Tanglewood Grove, or as some of the previous generations used to call it Pyrlanth's Grove.
As anyone who has visited the grove will tell you, it’s not like any normal forest grove you would think it to be. The air of the grove feels noticeably warmer. Some of the plants have transformed over the years, into species not seen anywhere else. The leaves of the plants and trees are tinged with red, making the grove appear to be permanently in autumn. Some say the blood of the dragon, soaked into the earth and fused with the wildlife here, creating this curious place.
The woman responds quietly. "I was that elven girl...I told that stubborn man I would deal with the dragon, but he would not listen. Pyrlanth was not like any other ruthless dragon you may know of. Yes he was ferocious beast! But he was also very wise, and he was my friend. I visited him regularly each day, during the few waking hours of his hibernation. I would bring him gifts of food and whatever valuables I could find, and he would tell me tales of this land... some stories stretching back a thousand years."
She takes the book gently back. "After the battle, in my haste and distress, I ran to where Pyrlanth had fallen, but by the time I had entered the forest, it was ablaze. I couldn't escape... my fair beauty, disfigured for life... now I stay here, in the warmth of his soul which fills this place. I feel I will be The Keeper of Pyrlanth's Grove, in this life and the next..."
Atriox is shocked at this story and heartbroken. He falls to his knees still holding the fragile book in his hands. He feels like he lived through the story and cant help but feel angry.......angry at the people of Dragonshore.
"I........I am utterly lost for words my lady........ what you have seen.......what you have been through...........I am not worthy to be in the presence of such a freind to Dragon kind."
She kneels, placing an almost spectral kiss atop Atriox's head. "The grove shows me that you have good spirits within you. All three of you... You each channel the heart that all dragons share... the same heart that Pyrlanth held. You battle something greater within each of you."
She steps out into the grass, looking around her. She is rather transparent in the ghostly red light. "Pyrlanth held a great treasure, once. Much has been lost. Something was taken from him long ago--something he swore to protect. A great power, a great evil, locked away." Her eyes glow slightly. "This is a reason he attacked Faircrescent that no one knew. No one wrote. He failed to stop them from taking it. He told me the name... Droven Whyte. Beware that darkness which has hatched, which was taken. Which lives there now."
"I tell you because you share his heart. You strive to clean his forest of the disease and the evil." She looks pained and hopeful.
"Find the Necklace of the Taker..."
Atriox bows his head and puts a hand over his heart
"I know not of this artifact my lady but I swear we will find it. We will set right what has been done to you, to Pyrlanth, and to this forest."
He looks back up at her. "If I may my lady may I ask you about something?"
She gazes at Alrik curiously, still admiring his scales. "Yes, dragon hearted friends... What do you inquire?"
Atriox looks at her. "We could use any information you might have on the goblin camp to assist us, or the kobolds at the temple for that matter."
"Secondly I wish to know if you could assist us In finding some firebloom plants ?"
"The goblins... they blight the forest, tear up the trees, eat the animals..." She looks distraught, moving around the three of them. "They seek after the weak... they have brought an abomination from the mountains here, to devour and cull what is good. Beware what is in their camp."
"The kobolds..." She stares hard at Tak, who shrinks under her gaze. He can't look her in the eyes. "They were good here. They did well. They followed Pyrlanth's spirit. But something changed.... the new ones cared not for the spirits of the dead. Only what is alive, tangible. They are furious like the white water rapids of the crags in the north... Cold and fast."
The ghostly figure circles around again. "As for the blessed fireblooms... come."
She opens her door fully, and invites you inside. The cottage is incredibly small and cramped, so small your almost not sure where you will stand. She reaches up on top of a shelf and produces a small dark wooden box. Unhooking the latch, she opens it to show you. The inside of the box is full of different sized plant steams, various leaves, and flowers of all kinds. It strikes you as odd that the plant pieces inside the box look as healthy as if freshly picked, with no signs of wilting in the slightest.
She sifts around inside the box, and separates a small glossy leaf and a tiny red flower, so bright it almost looks like a flame, but emits no light.
"When the blossoms are attached to the rest of the plant, they shimmer in and out of existence. Think of a pulsating flame, it is apart of our world, and yet it is insubstantial... much like the blossom of the firebloom plant. This makes them difficult to spot to the untrained eye... Its only when they are removed from the shrub that this phasing stops, and they become permanently physical. If you wish to find them, feel for the warmth they produce. Search for their magical aura." (You get a +5 to nature checks when harvesting them now)
She closes the box and replaces it where she picked it up from. "You should also know, there is special magic in the air of this grove. Pyrlanth's soul has blessed this grove... amplifying the effects of fire magic. If you are familiar with fire spells, I can show you how to use them more effectively while you are inside the influence of the grove... perhaps this can be useful to you against your foes here..."
Alrik smirks. "Well, unfortunately I'm magically bound to storm magic, but I've got a workaround to a few things..." he pools just a tiny bit of magic in his hand before hitting it with a spark, igniting it into a small woosh of flame.
Atriox grunts " could this work with my dragon breath ?"
Her ghostly hand passes over the area that Alrik cast his augmented flame magic. A peaceful look comes over her countenance. "This... Manipulates the weave, and feels full of his spirit here. I feel some of his life within you, sorcerer."
Without asking, she gently takes your left arm and studies the coppery scales. "Yes...these are fresh. These are newly born in you. Copper, the conductor, the electric pulse of the earth... A cousin to the fire drakes... The fierce fire of the sky, a mirror to his, the stoic flame of the earth."
She continues to speak in her strange way. "Meld with the magic flowing through the earth beneath your feet, thick with his blood and his tears. Study how it grounds you. Your lightning, your fire, it will burn and scorch your enemies fiercer in these great woods than anywhere else..."
Turning to Atriox, she reaches up and cups his chin in her burned hands. She runs her palm down his throat, feeling the scales and the pockets of magic within him.
"You... Are a high born. You constrain a power you know not... The elements of nature all reside in you, and you are equally bound to them. They protect you. You command them. Speak Pyrlanth's name as you emit your sacred flame, and it will flow with his power."
(Any fire style magic either of you cast in this forest, while under the effect of Pyrlanth and the keeper's blessing, grants you a +5 to attacks and damage with it, and enemy saving throws have disadvantage)
(Niceeeee
(Woot!
(You'll need it... Mwhahaha .. I'm glad you guys like the effects :3)
Alrik nods, thinking. Finally he stops looking at his hand and shifts up to her face. "Why... what caused Pyrlanth to awaken... whatever this is... within me?" He takes off his glove and bracer, exposing his entire left arm
She traces her fingers up the scales, studying you. Walking around you. Her spectral fringes wisping against your skin almost make you shudder.
She studies your back as if she can sense the other changes beneath your uniform--the spines, the plating. She studies your scar, and your eyes. Placing her disfigured head against your chest, she listens intently to your heartbeat.
"You carry within your blood the essence of a dragon... From deep in your ancestral tree... Draconic blood is a blessing to some and a curse to others. Some have it, but never manifest it... I should guess your mother carried it within her..."
"You had this within you all along, draconic sorcerer... Something... unlocked it long ago. But it still has many chains, keeping the power in check... else your mortal body could not handle the energy, and would be rent in twain."
She brushes her hand over her pendant of her dragon. "Pyrlanth's magic must have broken a few more chains. I'm sure it was painful... You must be careful, young master... Forcing the power to break through more, too quickly, could cause injury or even death to you... It could drive you mad."
Alrik reaches up and touches the back of his neck, remembering the first time he ever cast magic. He nods, a slightly glassed over look in his eyes. "I'll be careful. Thank you for helping me understand."
Krysvyre nods, her strong gray eyes meeting yours with a fierce intensity. "The more we understand, the less we fear. How I wish that were so for the people of Faircrescent and Whitebirch... Then my dear Pyrlanth would still be by my side... But even in death he still gives so much. You will be able to control your new power... all of it... Someday."
Atriox bows his head. "Thank you for all that you have done for us. We will fulfill our promise as well as cleanse this forest. We should be off now. We only have a short time to do what must be done."
She bows her head, opening her door again for you to exit. "I understand. Travel safe, and may Pyrlanth's flame guide you."
They thank her one last time and head back to the others.
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