Bryn Shander - Post Raid

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Orc raid Round 5 Results

The Aftermath

Final Preparations

Player Responses below

Orc Raid Round 5 Results

Dorf:

Dorf picks himself up from the ground wincing as his ribs move around inside his body, he chugs a healing potion and mocks the giant.

“Is that the best you can do big boy? Let’s get him boys!” Dorf runs between the giants legs and aims his blows at the giants crotch!

Dorf rushes towards the towering giant, axe in hand, He makes a called shot, swinging his axe with all his might directly into the giant's crotch. (AC 22 vs Attack roll: 25) The sharp blade bites deeply, causing the giant to double over, clutching the grievous wound. The excruciating pain overwhelms the giant, causing it to stagger back, and drop it's club, dealing 13 points of damage!

Dorf makes a follow up called shot, again targeting the giants crotch. Still Reeling from the initial devastating blow, the giant instinctively shields its groin. As Dorf swings his axe for a second strike, the giant manages to deflect the attack with a clang of metal against thick, leathery skin, knocking the blow to the side, harmlessly.

Mutt holds a hand over one of the deep gashes left by the orcs and flashes a grimacing smile at the guards that killed the orcs attacking him.

“Auuggh…thanks for that. Your first round is on me after all of this is done.”

Mutt prepares the binding magicks in his mind and casts Healing Word on himself to repair some of the damage done, restoring 10 hit points.

Feeling slightly better, he turns towards where he saw the last citizen being dragged away. Seeing an orc carrying its prisoner away in the distance, Mutt casts Minor Illusion as close to the orc as possible and creates the sound of an authoritative orc voice.

Deception Roll: 12 vs wis check: 14

Speaking in orc, the voice commands, “Oi! Drop that human! They’ve got an ancient spirit hanging on ‘em!”

Despite Mutt's clever attempt to sway the orc with his minor illusion, the creature pauses only momentarily, its suspicious gaze darting around before it snarls dismissively. Unconvinced by the warning, the orc tightens its grip on the terrified prisoner, dragging her even more forcefully out of the city and into the orc camp beyond.

Seeing the rest of the forces cut off, Mutt looks to the giant as it starts to get surrounded by militia forces.

“Don’t worry about your friend there, large one. You will be joining them soon!”

Mutt casts Vicious Mockery on the giant.

Giant Save Roll: 16 - Success

Mutt quickly conjures up a biting insult imbued with magical energy, hurling it towards the giant with a sneer. Despite the sharpness of his words, the giant shakes off the effects of the Vicious Mockery spell, as it focuses on Dorf and the guards surrounding him.

“Let’s go Bryn Shander! Drive them back! We have almost won the day!”

Azalie witnesses as the tides start to turn. The dead Giant fell, the other came for revenge.

She readies another arrow of gentle echoes and releases it toward the staggered giant, clenching her teeth, she’s already missed 2 shots.

“A little disadvantage would do us some good.” 

As the arrow sails through the battlefield, it emits a haunting melody that seems to ripple through the very air, capturing the attention of all who hear it. It strikes the giant squarely in the chest, vanishing in a burst of ethereal sound waves that disorient the creature, causing it to stagger and sway.

Azalie begins to rapid fire arrows at the staggered giant.

“This is for my friend Dorf.” Azalie still can’t erase the image of Dorf being smashed and the sound of his breaking ribs.

She looses three arrows in rapid succession, The first two arrows whistle past the giant, missing their mark as the creature's staggered movements throw off her aim. However, her third arrow finds its mark, thudding into the giant's shoulder with a satisfying impact dealing 7 points of damage.

Fizzbum mumbles to himself, slightly distracted,

"Oh, right, fire goes to... giant! Yes, that should do it!" Then, as he conjures the glowing orb of fire, a grin spreads across his face, and he cheerfully calls out,

"Hey, Mr. Giant, catch this shiny surprise!" before launching the fireball with an enthusiastic flourish.

Fizzbum conjures a flickering ball of fire in his hands, its light casting eerie shadows across the battlefield. With a determined flick of his wrist, he hurls the flame towards the giant, but the chaotic movements of the battle throw off his aim, and the fireball arcs wide, dissipating harmlessly into the night air, far from its intended target.

Undeterred, Fizzbum refocuses, his expression hardening into a scowl as he summons another glowing orb of fire. This time, his aim is true; he throws the flame with a sharp thrust of his hand, sending it spiraling directly towards the giant. The fireball hits! Striking the giant's face and bursting in a spectacular display of sparks and flame, dealing 8 points of damage, searing flesh and causing the giant to roar in pain.

Uptharr charges at the reeling giant.

"By the light, your tyranny ends today!"

he declares as he swings his Bronze mace with all his might, delivering a crushing blow to the giant's knee, with a crunch, causing the already staggered giant to roar again in pain, dealing 6 points of damage.

Uptharr swings his off-hand flail in a swift, arcing motion aimed at the giant's other knee. However, the giant, anticipating the follow-up, shifts its weight awkwardly, causing the flail to whoosh through the air, missing its mark.

Uptharr tightens his grip and launches another fierce attack, his mace connecting with the giant’s elbow with a resounding crack, dealing another 5 points of damage!  Uptharr whirls his flail and makes one more attempt to strike the giant in the torso, however his swing is too wide, and it just whips inches from the giants stomach, missing.

Orcs Actions:

Realizing their dire situation with no viable escape, the two remaining orcs drop their weapons and raise their hands in surrender. Surrounded by the stern faces of the elite guards, their rugged armor gleaming in the fading light, the orcs submit, their heads bowed in defeat as the guards close in to secure them.

As the orcs drop their weapons and surrender to the encircling guards, one of them grumbles in Orcish, to his comrade,

"Nash-um ka burzum-ishi,"

The other orc, his head bowed in defeat, adds quietly:

"Makûrz ghaash nûl, dûmpatul!"

Militia Actions:

Surrounded by 15 militia guards, with Dorf leading the onslaught, the giant finds itself at the center a fierce assault. As the guards circle in, they lash out with a flurry of coordinated strikes, their weapons clashing against the giant's thick hide. Seven of the guards manage to find weak spots, their blades sinking deep into the giant's flesh, dealing 49 points of damage!

Giants Action:

Driven by pain and fury, the wounded giant swings its massive fist at Dorf recklessly. Dorf, nimbly dodges to the side, the giant's fist slicing through the air where he stood just moments before. In a blind rage, the giant pivots and unleashes a powerful kick at a nearby guard. The force of the impact is tremendous, hurling the unfortunate guard through the air like a ragdoll; he crashes with a sickening thud against the city wall, killing him.

Elite Guards Actions:

Two of the elite guards, capture the two surrendered orcs, binding their hands and making them get on their knees. The remaining 8 elite guards form a tight formation around the faltering giant, each member targeting vital areas with practiced efficiency. Their blades pierce through weakened spots in the giant's defenses, delivering a series of lethal strikes that sever tendons and puncture organs. Overwhelmed by the coordinated assault, the giant emits one final bellow before collapsing to the ground with a thunderous crash, killing him.

As the battle within Bryn Shander's walls reaches its conclusion, the remaining orcs and the last giant outside the city make a hasty retreat into the unforgiving tundra. The giant, lumbers awkwardly across the frozen landscape, its massive form casting a long shadow in the moonlight. Behind it, the orcs, disheartened and disorganized, scramble over the snow-covered ground, their ragged breaths visible in the cold air. Their figures gradually diminish into specks against the vast, white expanse, leaving behind a trail of snowy footprints .

As Sheriff Markham Southwell strides through the battered streets of Bryn Shander, his voice cuts through the smoky air with authority. He surveys the aftermath of the battle, Turning to his guards, he barks out orders to ensure security and order:

"Secure the perimeter! Check for any more threats and tend to the wounded," he commands, then points to the captured orcs being held by the guards. "Take these prisoners to the brig immediately. We'll need to interrogate them at first light. Move quickly and keep your eyes sharp, we're not out of danger yet!"

The remaining guards and militia begin gathering bodies and piling them in a heap near the gates of the city.

As the battle ends, please decide if you are going to do anything in the immediate aftermath,

2 minutes have passed

Current Time: 8:56 PM

Date: Ninthday , 19 , Alturiak , 1742

Temperature: -40°

Current Phase: City

The Aftermath

Azalie can see the arrow hit its mark. Sweeping the Giant from his feet. The elite guards made short work of what was last of the gnarly beast.

Attacks like these shake Azalie to the core. The sounds of the lost echo in her ears. Their screams forever engraved in her soul. The memories of her very screams as she watched her family shrink, her hands reaching for them.

Azalie’s head goes back and forth looking for her friends. She can’t miss Dorf, he seems to still be in a rage, wounded by the defeat of not saving every life.

Closer to her, she sees Fizzbum, his eyes like dough, water rising as he looks around, about to cry. Her heart is in pain for her friend. She wonders how he handles it all.

Uptharr is already healing the injured. He went straight to helping the wounded. His character always beaming a blessing of light. His deity seems gentle and kind. She knows he has seen this exact scene before.

Dorf wipes some gore from his brow and winces as he feels his insides scrape against his ribs. He quickly searches for any injured or scared children and comforts them till healers arrive. He then approaches the sheriff,

“I’d like to be a member of the rescue party,” Dorf says. He doesn’t even pause to think there might not be one.

Sheriff Markham Southwell, still directing his guards in the cleanup efforts, notices Dorf approaching. Acknowledging Dorf's role in the battle, he nods appreciatively but maintains a stern expression as Dorf mentions joining a rescue party.

"First, let me thank you, Dorf, for your bravery today. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and Bryn Shander owes you its gratitude, I saw you put your life on the line, and my men here tell me you were pivotal in taking down many orcs and both of the giant scum."

<<<Dorf gains +3 Reputation in Bryn Shander.>>>

He then shifts slightly, his gaze firm and his tone becoming more somber.

"However, as for your request to join a rescue party, I must be clear. We simply cannot afford to send our people after the captives. The orcs' camp is deep in the tundra and in the foothills, heavily fortified and swarming with more of their kind. It would be a suicide mission to attempt a rescue with our current resources and the conditions out there."

He places a reassuring hand on Dorf's shoulder, trying to convey both empathy and resolve.

"I understand your desire to help those taken, but we must think of the living here and now. Our priority is to fortify the town against further attacks and to tend to the wounded and displaced. I need every able-bodied person here to help with recovery efforts, not risking lives on an uncertain venture."

Fizz whoops in joy as the Giant comes crashing to the ground! “Got him!”

Fizz steps out from behind his barrel, tiny fists at the ready for more magic. Hearing the Sheriff restoring order and seeing Dorf moving gingerly among the injured Fizz heads that way. Fizz looks about for folks that need any of his herbal treatments and bandages where he can, saving his heals for the badly wounded. Seeing his friends come together and hearing Dorf volunteering to form the rescue party, Fizz gives a little shudder.

“I’ll go with ya Mr. Dorf, but that Giant took a lot out of me. Not sure how many more Fizzy specials I can do!”

>>> Fizz Gains +1 Reputation with Bryn Shander >>>

Azalie heads towards the Sheriff and Dorf.

“I’d like to go out and find the taken. I know you can’t offer support in this”, she pauses, looking around at bodies, the same people that she just broke bread with. “They died with honor. The town is devastated. I am here for duty. Give me your lead.”

Sheriff Markham Southwell, recognizing Azalie as she approaches, listens intently to her plea, his expression a mix of respect and regret. As she finishes, he takes a deep breath, his decision weighed by the gravity of the situation.

"Azalie, your dedication is as commendable as it is brave," he begins, "But as I've told Dorf, we simply cannot spare anyone at this moment. The risks are too great—not just the threat of more orcs or worse, but also the imminent winter. We need every hand here to secure and rebuild Bryn Shander."

He looks around at the devastated town, his gaze lingering on the scattered bodies and the battered faces of the townsfolk.

"Going after the captives, as harsh as it sounds, might lead to more losses, losses we cannot afford."

<<< Azalie gains +2 Reputation in Bryn Shander >>>

Mutt exhales in relief as the last giant is felled and the remaining orcs surrender. Holding his side as his wounds continue to ache, he looks around at the devastation around them. Beyond the gate and some surrounding buildings, the town seems to have suffered little damage. Seeing his companions still standing and largely unhurt, Mutt looks around for the two guards that came to his rescue earlier.

Mutt scans the chaotic aftermath of the battlefield. His investigation pays off as he spots the two guards who came to his aid earlier, standing together near the city gates, as they work on the cleanup effort. Their relieved smiles greet him as he approaches.

Elated to find them nearby (and alive) Mutt jogs up to them and smiles.

“Thanks again for that assist earlier. I meant what I said: once you both are done with your duties, come find me at the Northlook. Your drinks are on me tonight.”

Both guards not at mutt, and thank him for the offer. They indicate they will see him at the Northlook tomorrow, and are excited to get that drink.

Mutt trots off to find Dorf and Azalie (who still looks good in her dress but very out of place) standing next to Sherriff Southwell. Hearing them both volunteer to go after the captives, Mutt winces inside. He knows there’s little hope of recovering the captives despite how earnestly his companions want to try. There is a brief sense of relief as Southwell says they won’t be sending a rescue party. That saves one awkward conversation at least.

>>> Mutt Gains +2 Reputation with Bryn Shander <<<

Mutt places a hand on his companions shoulders.

“Come on, let’s head back to the Northlook. We could all use a rest,” Mutt glances at Azalie. “and maybe a change into some warmer clothes. Sherriff, if you need the Howlbears for anything, you can find us there.”

As the Howlbears Regroup:

Dorf, as the group is walking back to the Inn. “Nice shooting Az, and those fireballs were awesome Fizz! I didn’t know you could do that! Mutt, Uptharr, you guys ok?”

The weary party trudges into the Northlook, their shadows long and movements sluggish under the inn's warm, inviting light. The atmosphere inside is subdued; the usual bustle has thinned to just a few lingering patrons who murmur quietly over their drinks, casting occasional glances at the door. As the group enters, Scramsax, still awake and manning the bar, looks up from polishing glasses.

"Back safe, I see. Good," Scramsax remarks with a gruff nod, and with relief. "Best you all get some rest. It's been a long night and the beds here haven't gotten any softer while you were out saving the town."

Uptharr barely acknowledges the comment, giving a tired grunt as he heads straight for his room, eager for solitude and sleep.

At the sight of Mutt, Alia's face lights up. She quickly approaches, as soon as she sees Mutt enter the tavern.

"Mutt, thank the gods you’re safe!" she exclaims. She lingers close, her eyes holding his a moment longer than necessary. "It's so late, and it’s been such a terrifying night," she continues, with a bit of hesitation, "Perhaps, um, you could use some company? To talk, or just... I just mean, um, I probably won't be sleeping much tonight, but. Well I am sure you're very tired, though right?"

Azalie, observing the subtle exchange between Mutt and Alia, feels the weight of the night pressing upon her. With a quiet nod to herself, she looks toward the stairs leading up to her room.

"I need to clear my mind, Let's regroup here in the morning to discuss our next steps, howlbears." she announces softly, hinting at her need for the restorative trance that elves like her undertake instead of sleep. She heads upstairs to her room, her steps light and thoughtful.

Fizz, catching the cue from Azalie and feeling the exhaustion tugging at his own spirits, quickly packs up his notes.

"Yeah, I think it's about time to hit the hay—or whatever it is we're calling beds these days," he quips lightly, his usual jovial demeanor masking his fatigue. He follows Azalie, with Dorf grumbling affirmatively and trailing behind, rubbing at the bruises beneath his armor.

"Sleep sounds like a brilliant idea," Dorf agrees, a yawn breaking through his words "I feel like I just fought a giant" he smirks as he begins to clomp up the stairs behind Fizz and Azlie.

Please post any additional replies to this scene, and then what you intend to do for 10th day, and beyond.

3 hours have passed

Current Time: 11:56 PM

Date: Ninthday , 19 , Alturiak , 1742

Temperature: -40°

Current Phase: City

Final Preparations

Dorf will head straight to bed when he gets back to the inn. Fighting giants makes him tired and his ribs hurt something awful. He nods at his friends on his way upstairs. The next day he will check in with the healers to get topped up on health. He’d prefer to check out the dwarves home but will go with the majority if they promise to visit the dwarves later. If there is time he will go have a tankard of ale with the dwarves.

Azalie walks into the Northlook. She looks around to see if everyone is ok. Scamsax’s is at the bar, his mouth is moving but she can’t hear his words.

She does hear Alia, she’s speaking to Mutt. ‘…do you want some…rest…not sleeping…” There’s a few words she recognizes and the others just fall away.

Her thoughts have taken over. She just wants, no, needs to get to a room. Looking over at Scramsax she try’s to keep the emotion out of her speech,

“May I have a private room please?” looking over at her friends, she reassures them with a forced smile

"Of course, my dear." scramsax says softly, "I'll have the staff prepare your water for a hot bath. I am sure you could use one after tonight. The room is 4 GP, but tonight the bath is on the house".   Scramsax winks at Azalie as he hands her the key to the Auril's Embrace room.

“I love bunking with you, but I need to attend to my wounds.” she pats the open wound on her thigh. It’s been dripping and she didn’t notice. “I need to attend to…” her words wandering off.

She touches Mutt on the shoulder, her hand sluggishly running down his bicep, then forearm.

“Good luck my friend. The show was spectacular. I’m sorry that the battle cry might overcome the joy you brought us all.” She squeezes his wrist and turns to head upstairs.

Mutt smiles wearily at Azalie, then to Alia and Scramsax. All the adrenaline of the evening has worn off and left his limbs feeling heavy and leaden. Despite the physical fatigue, Mutt’s mind continues to race with scenes from the evening’s events. He picks up his (hopefully filled) flask from Scramsax before turning to Alia. He shakes his head at her and smiles.

“I’m not going to be able to sleep for a while. I plan to sit down here and drink to toast our victory, honor the ones we lost tonight and celebrate the fact that we are still alive.”

Mutt raises a finger towards Scramsax and orders a drink. He looks to Alia to see if she’s going to want one before settling into his chair.

“There was a moment out there where I thought a couple of orcs might’ve been the end of me, but a couple of brave guards came to my aid. I owe them both drinks tonight for saving my hide. I hope for them to me here later tonight.”

Mutt takes a pull from his tankard and ponders for a moment.

“You know, one of the guards that saved me is right about your age. Handsome man, and brave. I didn’t catch his name, but you should stick around and meet him.”

Mutt puts his tankard down, looks Alia in the eyes and grasps her hands gently.

“Here’s the thing. You seem like a great girl and right now, I’d like nothing more than to take you upstairs for a tumble just to help celebrate being alive. But that’s not fair to you. I am constantly on the move. It’s not in my nature to sit in one place for too long. We actually had planned to leave in the next day or so.”

Mutt raises her hands and places a light kiss on the back of one hand.

“You deserve someone that gets to see your shining face every day and who will be here every day. That person isn’t me.”

Mutt releases her hands, raises his tankard and smiles broadly.

“But for now, let’s you and me celebrate the fact that we are still alive and the moments we’ve shared. Almien!”

Alia listens intently, a bit of admiration and wistfulness in her expression as Mutt shares his thoughts. As he orders the drink and talks about the guards who saved him, a small smile touches her lips, appreciating his acknowledgment of others' bravery. When Mutt shifts the conversation to a more personal note, her eyes soften, she has surprise in her eyes, but also understanding, and a twinge of disappointment.

As Mutt finishes his heartfelt confession and places a gentle kiss on her hand, Alia takes a moment to absorb his words, her gaze lingers on his face for a few moments. She then nods slowly, and breathes deeply.

"You're a rare one, Mutt," Alia finally speaks, her voice low but clear in the quiet of the taproom. "And honesty like yours is just as rare. I appreciate that more than you might guess. And you’re right—we should celebrate life, here and now, for tomorrow’s never promised."

She gratefully accepts the drink offered by Mutt, and raises a toast. "To life, to those who defend it, and to fleeting moments that are worth every second. Almien!"

The mood lightens between them, a mutual understanding and an appreciation for the present moment bonding them. They continue to drink and share stories from the battle, enjoying the company and the comforting light from the candles in the Inn.

After a while as Alia and Mutt enjoy conversation and drink, the taproom door creaks open, drawing the attention of a few weary patrons as two guards step into the dimly lit room. Their armor is scuffed and their faces wear the fatigue of the night's ordeal, yet there's a relieved smile on each as they spot Mutt sitting with Alia. They stride over, both grinning as they approach.

"Evening, Mutt! We weren't sure you would still be up!" one guard calls out cheerfully as they approach the table, clapping Mutt on the shoulder with a friendly, albeit exhausted, demeanor.

"Indeed, and you mentioned something about a drink?" the other adds, his voice hopeful, the stress of their recent duties lingering in his tired smile. "We've just finished up for the night, and I can't think of a better way to end it than a tankard or two with the man whose life we had the good fortune to save."

They both pull up chairs, ready to unwind and share in the comfort of good company and a well-earned drink.

Mutt hangs out in the common room drinking with Alia and the two guards. he introduces her to one of the guards and chat up his bravery in saving him from the orcs, as he embellishes some details of the story. He spends several hours drinking, laughing, and singing upbeat and bawdy songs. As the evening ends, he picks up the drinking tab for Alia and the guards as they all say goodnight and depart about 2 in the morning.

Fizz joins Mutt in the common room as he drinks and sings his bawdy songs! Happy to have come through the battle unscathed this time, his spirits are high and he even dances a bit as the night wears on! Eventually though, even his druidic energy begins to fade, and a giant yawn cracks his little face when he plops down into a chair near Mutt.

"Well my sing songy friend! I think you may have talked me into my last beer!" Fizz smiles with rosy cheeks up at him. "I think I hear my bed calling me from up the stairs!" Leaning in for a quiet whisper, Fizz winks. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do! Eh?" And with that, the cheery little gnome heads up the stairs to bed.

Azalie, entering her room

As she enters her room she immediately starts removing her gown. Pieces of it melting off her and others sticking to the dried blood. She requests water from the wenches. “Please add salt and ice.” Azalie hates the cold.

Azalie walks to the mirror. She stares blankly at all her scars, only wincing when she touches the cut on her leg. She turns around and looks at the prior cuts. All of them, a mark of remembrance, for every time her master showed her reward.

Flashback Sequence: Azalie

Azalie wasn’t know by a name at the age of 14. Just a title, Quenya. The elvish translation, Mine. A simple possession to a complex devil.

The first reward was the worst one. She was only 6 and was still a little trusting to Master. Even though she wished she could loathe him. He had called her to his study. She walked slower than usual because she was told to never enter the study.

As she turned the corner, she focused her sight on the door frame. The woodwork was exquisite, with no other rival. She noticed a small bug climbing on the doorjam, he was walking way faster than her. The background a little fuzzy and her mostly not wanting to look at Him.

Her gaze dropped to the floor, “Master, I have arrived.” she doesn’t dare look him in the face, she may turn to stone.

“Come here Quenya, I have a gift for you. Don’t be afraid.”

Master had never spoken to her like this, he usually just slaps her away with his hand or kicks her. Once he looked at her and grabbed her face, staring into her soul, telling her she will obey. She learned to obey.

She looked at his face, avoiding his eyes, he had a smile. Not understanding what was happening.

“arf, arf, arf.” The noise was unrecognizable. She saw a fuzzy creature in his lap.

“This is for you. He’s going to be your friend. Things will change from here. Follow the rules and you will be happy.” He said while handing over the small golden puppy.

Azalie held the creature in front of her. Confused, scared, cold, alone. 💦lick💦lick. The wetness on her cheek immediately changed her life. Something to love just licked her in the face.

“Now go on. Remember, follow the rules.” The master turned back towards his desk as she walked out the door. She had joy for the first time in a long time.

The next night Azalie was awakened by the masters bed maiden. “Wake up. Wake up you trash. The master is calling for you.” Azalie jolted awake with her puppy firmly in her grip. “Wake up wench. The master is calling for you.”

The smell of her breathe sharp and sweet, with a burning smell at the end. Azalie was disoriented but did her best to stand up with her puppy in her arms.

“Leave the flea ridden mutt here.” the wench said.

Azalie followed the maiden down the dark hallway. Finally landing in front of a huge, black steel door. She’s never visited this part of the home. “What’s going on?” She wipes her eyes and looks towards the woman.

The maiden cleared her throat and straighten herself up. “Well, here’s the thing. He says I’m too old for him.” Then the maiden opened the door and shoved her in. Azalie turned and ran back towards her, the door shutting in her face, “Just follow the rules.” the maiden said to her with a smug look.

Azalie snaps back, she’s in the ice water and her whole body is numb. She didn’t even realize that she had gotten in the tub. The water is red with blood and her face sticky from tears.

She thinks about all they lost today in battle. She’s so glad she followed the rules. Her friends are safe and most of the town has made it. The images of the dead stays sharp, in her mind’s eye. Shaking her head, she tries to remove the darkness that envelopes her when thinking about, Him.

Azalie drags her cold body out of the bath, dries off, and wrapped the fabric around her head. She flops into the bed. Determined to go into a healthy trance, Azalie starts wiggling her foot, the sounds of happiness and music fill her thoughts. Diggy diggy Hole was quiet a performance. A little smile breaks out on her face. Everything falls silent.

The Next Morning - Tenthday

In the morning, Fizz wakes up perky and hungry after the battle with the Giant. Making a couple of notes in his journal, and some half way decent drawings of the orcs and giants, he orders some breakfast from Mr. Scrammy and settles in to wait for the group. As Mr. Dorf and Mr. Uptharr come down, Fizz remembers the grievous wounds they took during the battle! (Completely forgotten in his beers and dancing last night).

"You two got beat up pretty good last night! How's the belly Mr. Dorf? And your arm Mr. Uptharr?" Fizz gently pats the areas that he saw them take damage in the fight. "I used up most of my mushroom salve last night on the wounded guards, but I have my favorite snake oil rub if you want some! It's got me through many a scratch and scrape back home!" Fizz offers a bit of the oil to each warrior if they want. "We should get all healed up before we go out into the elements I think. Oh wait! Elements! I wanted to see those little elemental thingys that nice Elf lady was talking about! Do you think that we could go out and see them today! I would love to put them in my journal. I wonder if they fly? or just float above the ground like mist. No, No... Then the wind would just tustle and bustle them right into the trees.. Hmm.. I wonder if they live in shrubs... I like a good shrub, and it would be just the thing to keep those fluffy wisps from blowing away. I wonder what kind of shrubs are the best for Elementable catching..."

Fizz wanders off listing the tundra shrubs and plants he's seen in his foraging so far.

As the morning light filters through the windows of the Northlook inn, the party slowly gathers in the taproom, each member coming into the room slowly, as the weight of the previous night's battle still weighs on them in their own way.

Fizz is already bubbling with energy, as the others, remain more groggy, ordering coffee from Scramsax to get their juices flowing.

"Morning, everyone!" Fizz exclaims as he bounds over to the table, his eyes sparkling with an unspoken plan. "I've been thinking, now that we've all had a bit of excitement here, how about we go see those Elementals I've been reading about? It could be a great adventure, and I could use some fresh ingredients for my salves. The market here is fine, but the wilderness calls to me!" He chuckles, his enthusiasm barely contained.

Azalie, intrigued by the idea of Elementals, leans forward, her strategic mind already mapping out potential routes.

"Kelvin's Cairn isn't too far, and with the lantern, we should hopefully find some Chwinga's along the way." She pauses in thought, "It might be a good place to start, and we can check out the lay of the land from the Cairn," she suggests

Uptharr, more reserved but equally ready to leave the town behind, simply nods.

"An early start would be best. Let's gear up and head out. The sooner we leave, the sooner we find these Elementals."

With a collective nod, the party agrees on the plan. Fizz darts off to the market and the alchemist's shop, eager to gather supplies, while the others finalize their preparations. The promise of exploring Kelvin's Cairn and encountering Elementals weaves a thread of excitement through the group, setting the tone for the next leg of their journey. They decide to meet back here in an hour, ready to set off towards new adventures.

@ Party - if you wish to do any final things in Bryn Shander before heading out, please take care of this now. Shop will close once you leave town. My next post will cover your journey to Kelvin's Cairn, as well as encounters along the way.

Locating Chwingas: (Quest info)

Locating a Chwinga is done similar to a skill challenge.

You must declare in your post that you are going to seek Chwingas during travel time.

Step 1: Activate the lantern

Skill: Arcana check (DC 12)

One of you must post that you are activating the lantern and make an Arcana Skill Roll vs DC 12. This roll will indicate you are successfully able to get the lantern working.

If you fail this roll, then it indicates that you spend an hour trying to get the lantern to work but are unsuccessful, Skip step 2, and I will make an encounter check

Step 2: Track Chwingas

If you succeed in activating the lantern, you must choose a skill:

• Perception

• Survival

• Nature

• Investigation

The skill you roll, will play into locating a chwinga. Any two players can choose one of the above skills to assist in finding a chwinga.

Step 3: Encounter Check

The DM will then make an encounter check, that is influenced by your skill rolls above. This check determines if you actually find a Chwinga, or if you have a different encounter.

Step 4: Observing Chwingas

If step 3 results in locating a chwinga, anyone approaching a chwinga to observe must do the following:

• Stealth Check (DC 14) Required first to observe them

• Arcana check - Understanding how Chwingas magically are interacting with the environment.

• Insight Check - Understanding the motivation of Chwingas

• Persuasion Check - To attempt a dialogue with a Chwinga (Hard DC)

• Nature Check - To see how the Chwingas are affecting the natural world.

Each check reveals different information, the more information you get, the better results for the quest.

8 hours have passed

Current Time: 7:56 AM

Date: Tenthday , 20 , Alturiak , 1742

Temperature: -42°

Current Phase: City

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