The Sylvan Realm #9 (#53)

[GM Mad]

Sylvan Realm #9

Still November 28th, CR 571 or Deepnight 22nd, 20,519 AP

The Hive has been buried at the bottom of the tall tower in the Elder City to the north of the Sylvan Realm. The orcs who call these ruins home have been decimated between the attack led by Chandra and the elves who followed him and the Hive. Most of the able bodied males were killed in the battles. Now those who survived are departing the tall tower for their homes elsewhere in the ruins.

But there are other orcs present in these ruins. They are called scro and are from the Bloody Dagger tribe. These scro are believed to be from another world and are an more advanced form of orc. They stand upright and do seem more intelligent then those orcs the elves are familiar with. They appeared to have arrived on the galleon anchored far away in the harbor. The ship's sail also has the same Bloody Dagger standard.

Among the prisoners rescued were a female Bloody Dagger orc by name of Myev and a human female who is a dead ringer for the invoker Argent, but you last saw Argent a month ago back in Corunglain. This Argent claims to have never been to Corunglain and has been held prisoner by these scro for nearly two months. As the groups converse, the rescued elves are using the griffons to fly back to where the rocs are waiting and eventually return to the Sylvan Realm.

As the conversations are being held, Kylie works on freeing Argent from the chains that imprison her. With a satisfying click, Kylie opens the lock on the manacle holding Argent's hands. Kylie can see the the skin underneath the manacles is raw and bruised. This close to Argent Kylie can see other bruises on the invoker's skin. The scro were not gentle with her.

Laucian merely shakes his head and adds back in their native tongue. “Apparently you do though, “ he pauses shifting his weight as he sees the look in their eyes. He can’t help but feel like prey but much like a badger this elf will make them pay for every blow.

Laucian makes ready his bow for the oncoming rush of these killers and softly says, “It must be nice to sleep with such delusions of grandeur.”

A look of anger comes over the scro who spoke. After a moment he laughs and says, “It'll be good to hunt elves again.” The other scro agree and laugh with him.

All this time, Myev is watching the elves interact with Argent with mild amazement. She's never seen anything like this before.

Lia can't help but then turn and Ask Myev, "How did your people get here? Where are your people from? Is it true you are friends with Argent? Are you happy serving your people though they treat you badly?" she asks the orc woman.

“Lye tul a tuulo' hae- yamen'...” Myev starts to answer to Lia in ancient elvish when one of the other male Bloody Dagger reaches out and hits her on the side of the head! Myev is forced to the ground from the cowardly assault!

“You will be silent, woman!” the scro yells in its native tongue. “Know your place! Kill them all!”

With that the four other scro start to rush the elves and attack!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Ah the scro. Yes it is orcs spelled backwards, but you can't blame this one on me! The Scro are one of the potential PC races in the Spelljammer setting along with other alien and monstrous races. There was a SpellJammer Player's Handbook that had all of that data in it.

It seems the elvish translator is more robust than the orcish one. That's why I don't translate orc as much as I do elvish. Myev said, “We come from far away...” before getting hit.


Hit Points:

Lia 37 of 60
Lilia 57 of 71
Talen 49 of 52


Spell Activity:

Lilia has 45 Mage Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell, 1 2nd level spell, 6 3rd level spells and 1 4th level spell thus far. She also has 34 Priest Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Talen has 8 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell and 1 second level spell thus far.

Valena has 34 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell thus far.

Now what?

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Scratching her head and looking somewhat sheepish, “My mistake, though it was interesting none the least! Never have I seen such etching before.” She says in reply looking between her brother and Lilia.

“A discovery like that has to be very interesting,” Lilia agrees. “I would like to examine these pillars myself when time permits. At my core I still am a scholar.”

"And a good friend," Kylie adds. "I don't know if you recall, but she and I trained together under Jallarzi for a while. We shared many experiences during that time, and we became good friends."

“I do recall,” Lilia states. “And yes, it did seem like a very pleasant environment to study in. I found both Argent and Kharyna to be interesting individuals.”

“Really?” Argent says in surprise. Her eyes lock in on the stones circling the elves head and concludes that she is far more intelligent then first suspected. “Ioun Stones of some type?”

“The Star Crown is far more than simple Ioun Stones,” Lilia proudly states. “It is an artifact of the elfin people that I used to help restore the Sylvan Realm. Now I will use it as the Queen of the Sylvan Realm to protect it from any threats.”

“And there's the downside,” Argent agrees. “Like you said, they're not smart enough to figure out how to use anything here. I'm not sure we are either.”

“We are smarter than orcs,” Lilia counters. “We will find a way.”

“Do I really look like a noble?” Argent retorts. “Fireball is my most powerful spell, but Magic Missile is my favorite.”

“At the moment, no,” Lilia says. “But appearances can be deceiving.”

“Perhaps they did not know you were abandoned?”Lia asks, “If you do not recall meeting the others then there are few options left. One, you hit your head and do not remember, perhaps the pillars erased your memory? Or you are not who you say you are.”

Lia’s lavender eyes narrow slightly but remains friendly, “But how can you not recall any of us except Kylie? Perhaps it transported your mind to a previous time where you only know Kylie or you have a twin sister?” She asks as she let's out a gasp knowing what she had said is far fetched. “I hope not. she said stepping back from Argent.

Lilia turns towards Lia when she starts sprouting her 'theories'. “She really is as goofy as her brother,” is the thought of the Queen of the Sylvan Realm.

Turning back to Argent, Lilia says, “I have one more question for your. What was the date when you arrived in this place?”


There is noise from elsewhere in the chamber that attracts Lilia's attention. Myev is on the floor and one of the other orcs is standing over her. The orc calls for his companions to kill us!

“Not today,” Lilia says in orcish as she casts Magic Missile at the closest male orc.

[Argent]

Argent:

On the stairs...

"You've been a prisoner for six weeks?!" Kylie exclaims. "I am so sorry, Argent."

“It's not your fault, Kylie,” Argent says softly. “Last I knew you were still training with Jallarzi. You probably had no idea what I was doing or even where I was.”

Kylie nods sadly. "I hope it never comes to that; I'm not sure that I could do so again."

“It would be really creepy,” Argent agrees.

"I'm not exactly sure what I'm suggesting, but that is starting to seem like the most rational explanation."

“I just can't accept that there are other me's out there running around,” Argent flatly states. “That's just unnerving.”

Ground level...

Laucian nods in the direction of the orc woman but as Argent continues, Laucian tentatively raises his bow a fraction. “You don’t? but we have met several months ago. Validar and Lilia were there.” Figuring that their mutual friend’s name might remind her of who he was. But judging how she is reacting to him perhaps she is damaged.

“I have a really good memory,” Argent answers. “While I have heard the name Validar, I've never met him. He was gone from the Seekers before I crossed paths with them. I have no idea who this Lilia is.”

“My name is Laucian Nailo of clan Grunalf member of the Golden Griffons.” Leaving the fact that he helps run them out due to the orcs staring at him hungrily.

“Well met, Laucian,” Argent responds. “Is Golden Griffons the name of your adventuring band?”

“The Star Crown is far more than simple Ioun Stones,” Lilia proudly states. “It is an artifact of the elfin people that I used to help restore the Sylvan Realm. Now I will use it as the Queen of the Sylvan Realm to protect it from any threats.”

“Artifact, aye?” Argent says while visually examining the crown. “It is most impressive and I imagine potent. So, you're the Queen of this Sylvan Realm?”

“We are smarter than orcs,” Lilia counters. “We will find a way.”

“Yes,” Argent says, “with enough time.”

Turning back to Argent, Lilia says, “I have one more question for your. What was the date when you arrived in this place?”

“October 10th,” Argent answers. “I've tried to keep track of the days, but might be off. What is today's date?”

As the conversations are being held, Kylie works on freeing Argent from the chains that imprison her. With a satisfying click, Kylie opens the lock on the manacle holding Argent's hands. Kylie can see the the skin underneath the manacles is raw and bruised. This close to Argent Kylie can see other bruises on the invoker's skin. The scro were not gentle with her.

“Oh thank you,” Argent says happily while giving Kylie a big hug. She eyes her bruised wrists and tries to rub the feeling back into them. “Not my idea of jewelry.”

Lia looks at Argent then to Kylie, “Pirates? What’s a Pirate?” as Kylie moves forward to free the mage. Lia draws her sword and turns in such a way to keep Myev and Lilia in her view while watching the taller orcs.

“You don't know what a pirate is?” Argent says in disbelieve to the drow. “Then again, I guess you don't see them much in the Underdark. Pirates are sea going raiders and plunderers.”

“So these pillars could move you about the world? Can you control to where you wish to go? How is such a thing possible?” she asks curiously to Argent.

“It's an Elder Artifact,” Argent explains. “They lived hundreds if not thousands of years ago and had magical prowess beyond what we do now. The Pillar Artifact seems to let you travel from one platform to another. Normally it takes you to a set location, but that has not been the case as of late.”

“Perhaps they did not know you were abandoned?”Lia asks, “If you do not recall meeting the others then there are few options left. One, you hit your head and do not remember, perhaps the pillars erased your memory? Or you are not who you say you are.”

“I somehow doubt that,” Argent objects. “I was doing important research for Lord Sharadin! He should have been looking for me.”

Lia’s lavender eyes narrow slightly but remains friendly, “But how can you not recall any of us except Kylie? Perhaps it transported your mind to a previous time where you only know Kylie or you have a twin sister?” She asks as she let's out a gasp knowing what she had said is far fetched. “I hope not,” she said stepping back from Argent.

Argent struggles to keep up with the drow's wandering line of reasoning. “I have a sister, but she's younger and not my twin.”

Reaching into her supplies she takes out some rations and hands them to her. “It’s not much but it will suffice.”

“Thank you,” Argent says gratefully and will start to nibble.

“How many orcs were you imprisoned by? Did they have a leader?” she asks in common.

“A big, ugly one is their leader,” Argent says between bites. “I don't see him here. How many? Lots of them!”

The drow them goes to ask Myev a question. She responds and gets struck by an orc for her trouble and sent to the floor.

“That's the last time you'll ever do that!” Argent cries out. She casts Magic Missile at the orc who did the hitting.

[Laucian]

Laucian

“I have a really good memory,” Argent answers. “While I have heard the name Validar, I've never met him. He was gone from the Seekers before I crossed paths with them. I have no idea who this Lilia is.”

“Well met, Laucian,” Argent responds. “Is Golden Griffons the name of your adventuring band?”

“In part.”he says in return his eyes still lingering on the orcs.

A look of anger comes over the scro who spoke. After a moment he laughs and says, “It'll be good to hunt elves again.” The other scro agree and laugh with him.

All this time, Myev is watching the elves interact with Argent with mild amazement. She's never seen anything like this before.

Laucian notes the anger on the scro’s features though says nothing. Hunt elves? Curiosity gets the better of him wondering what tactics these larger orcs use.

Laucian watches as the scro smacks the female or dropping her to the ground then calling for them to kill them all. Taking up his bow he proceeds to fire into the Scro. Not knowing the tactics of these creatures he Targets one lauching any of his fire or ice arrows that he has left then moving on to the next target.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“I just can't accept that there are other me's out there running around,” Argent flatly states. “That's just unnerving.”

"I cannot even imagine," Kylie says, sympathy heavy in her tone.

“I do recall,” Lilia states. “And yes, it did seem like a very pleasant environment to study in. I found both Argent and Kharyna to be interesting individuals.”

"They most certainly are that," Kylie replies with a chuckle. "Though I spent more time with Argent than with Kharyna."

“October 10th,” Argent answers. “I've tried to keep track of the days, but might be off. What is today's date?”

"October 10th?!" Kylie exclaims, "that was seven weeks ago. It is near the end of November; the 28th, I think, by Cynalonian reckoning."

As the conversations are being held, Kylie works on freeing Argent from the chains that imprison her. With a satisfying click, Kylie opens the lock on the manacle holding Argent's hands. Kylie can see the the skin underneath the manacles is raw and bruised. This close to Argent Kylie can see other bruises on the invoker's skin. The scro were not gentle with her.

"Done." Kylie smiles slightly as Argent's chains fall away, but the smile fades rapidly when she sees the sores underneath. A quick once-over of her friend reveals how poorly she was treated. It also confirms that this is clearly a separate entity from the one they thought was Argent in the cavern.

“Oh thank you,” Argent says happily while giving Kylie a big hug. She eyes her bruised wrists and tries to rub the feeling back into them. “Not my idea of jewelry.”

"You're welcome, Argent," Kylie replies. "No, not really your best look. But we'll take care of that once we're back to the Mother Tree."

Argent struggles to keep up with the drow's wandering line of reasoning. “I have a sister, but she's younger and not my twin.”

"Perhaps the Argent we encountered in Corunglain was the other one, and she had not yet joined with the insectoid invaders."

“Lye tul a tuulo' hae- yamen'...” Myev starts to answer to Lia in ancient elvish when one of the other male Bloody Dagger reaches out and hits her on the side of the head! Myev is forced to the ground from the cowardly assault!

“You will be silent, woman!” the scro yells in its native tongue. “Know your place! Kill them all!”

Kylie snarls softly in anger when the orc woman known as Myev is knocked down by the orcish male. Immediately, she spins and fires a brace of Magic Missiles at one of the orcs.

[Lia]

Lia

“You don't know what a pirate is?” Argent says in disbelieve to the drow. “Then again, I guess you don't see them much in the Underdark. Pirates are sea going raiders and plunderers.”

“No do you? She asks back seeing the disbelief on Argent’s face. “I am not of the underdark, though I know of it. I looked like Talen, a half elf, till a few days ago.”

Lilia turns towards Lia when she starts sprouting her 'theories'. “She really is as goofy as her brother,” is the thought of the Queen of the Sylvan Realm.

Lia looks to Lilia and sheepishly shrugs as if saying, “What?”

Lia listens quietly as Argent speaks of the Pillars committing he words to memory. It is an interesting and exciting thought to be sent between pillars but why did it make another Argent?

Lia listens as Myev begins to recount her story only to receive a blow to the head as the scro calls for the elves death.

Thankfully having her sword drawn before her Lia considers a moment as her free hand drifts down to her statue of her lions. Knowing she is not at full strength and probably can’t get a spell of healing off Lia calls forth her lionesses to protect and help her in the battle.

She will defend herself as needed commanding her lionesses to protect her flanks.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

“Ewww. I wonder if there is anything left of you once the queen is dispatched. It seemed the Big ugly we were facing had hesitated or was in pain from something.” she says back to the archer.

“The bug we found on the orc on the surface, tried to pull away from the orc's dead body,” Valena says. “The bug had broken through the orcs skull and pierced his brain. I'd say that anyone who was taken over by the Hive is pretty much dead one way or another. As for why the giant bug hesitated, it might have been confused when the Hive Queen died. Maybe it no longer had someone directing it?”

Back up stairs, more uniformed orcs are found and they are not friendly in the slightest.

“Aye, They seem to think we are but vermin in need of eradication.” He says in common as he sees his fellow follower of Ehlonna aim her bow at the orcs. “Must be eating their vegetables for once.” he says with a wolfish grin.

“Well, that does seem normal for an orc,” Valena says in regards to their plan to kill elves. They are eating something, that's for sure.”

Lia questions Myev some more and the orc woman starts to answer. Then one of the males hits her and drives her to the ground! These brutes terrorize their own kind! Valena says nothing, but starts to fire her arrows at those uniformed orcs that are unobstructed targets.

[Talen]

Talen:

"The feeling is mutual, Talen," Kylie replies with a smile. Though she doesn't say so, she is relieved to see that he survived and is well.

Talen can't help but smile back for a moment himself before turning his attention back to the uniformed orcs.

“That is correct,” Lilia says to Talen. “I asked her are you who you appear to be? If you are, then you should be able to understand me. How did you come to this desolate place?”

A noticeable look of pride comes over Talen from Lilia's praise.

“Very good,” Argent states. “Smart and cute too! I told her that yes I am who I appear to be. Obviously, I can understand you. Like I said, its a long story.”

Which just causes Talen to blush slightly. Recalling how he tripped over his words back in Corunglain, Talen wisely decides to say nothing.

“It's an Elder Artifact,” Argent explains. “They lived hundreds if not thousands of years ago and had magical prowess beyond what we do now. The Pillar Artifact seems to let you travel from one platform to another. Normally it takes you to a set location, but that has not been the case as of late.”

“Just think,” Talen speaks up. “A way to travel around, even back home without having to know a Teleport spell!”

“I somehow doubt that,” Argent objects. “I was doing important research for Lord Sharadin! He should have been looking for me.”

“Uncle Sharadin is an honorable man,” Talen says defending his uncle. “If he knew you were missing, he would have looked for you. He must not know you are missing.”

“No do you? She asks back seeing the disbelief on Argent’s face. “I am not of the Underdark, though I know of it. I looked like Talen, a half elf, till a few days ago.”

“Lia is my sister,” Talen adds. “We're cousins to Sherwood and Jallarzi.”

Myev starts to say something only to get punched by an orc. That just makes Talen's blood boil!

“That's no way to treat a lady!” he yells as he strikes with his sword at the closest orc.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

November 28th, CR 571 or Deepnight 22nd, 20,519 AP

The scro who had just been rescued from the Hive move to attack their rescuers! One scro hit Myev for daring to talk to the elves, sending her to the floor. The rest of the scro start to move towards the elves.

Laucian and Valena both were guarding the orcs with their readied bows. Both fire their shafts at very nearly the same time and each embeds an arrow in a different target. Its not enough to take the orc down, but the second shaft does.

Argent, Kylie and Lilia all prepare to cast Magic Missiles at the attacking orcs. Argent gets her spell off first and three dazzling missiles come forth and strike the orc that hit Myev. The orc survives the hits.

However Lia was also close to him and drives her sword into his body with one hand while she uses the other to locate her lioness figurine. The sword strike finishes off the orc and he falls to the floor bleeding rapidly. There is a look of disbelieve on his face as if he cannot accept that he was killed by females.

Lilia and Kylie get their own Magic Missile attacks off. Each creates four missiles and they bombard the last two uniformed orcs. Each bombardment is enough to slay the orcs and they collapse to the floor.

Just like that, in the space of a few heartbeats, the five orcs are put down. Talen never even got to use his sword.

Myev is laying on the floor, her hands over her head for protection as if waiting for another hit, but it never comes. A look of astonishment comes over Myev's face as she sees the five orcs now down on the floor.

“Tanya nae amazien!” Myev says in disbelief in ancient elvish. “Naus-tanya women can caela ikotane sai-val... a' be treated ve' equals. A' even cora. Ta's sha ner than amin can dura.”

Myev slowly gets back on her feet in a non-threatening manner.

“Sut can amin tua lle?” She asks.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

It never was going to be much of a fight. Those bullies weren't used to enemies who could fight back. Lia didn't get time to summon her lions. There are no more orcs in the area now, apart from Myev. Those that live in these ruins have left the area.

Here's the translation of what Myev said:

“That was amazing!” Myev says in disbelief. “To imagine that women can have so much power... to be treated like equals. To even lead. It's almost more than I can believe.”

Myev slowly gets back on her feet in a non-threatening manner.

“How can I serve you?” She asks.


Hit Points:

Lia 37 of 60
Lilia 57 of 71
Talen 49 of 52


Spell Activity:

Argent has 25 spell points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Lilia has 44 Mage Spell Points left and has cast 2 1st level spell, 1 2nd level spell, 6 3rd level spells and 1 4th level spell thus far. She also has 34 Priest Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Talen has 8 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell and 1 second level spell thus far.

Valena has 34 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell thus far.

Now what?

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“Artifact, aye?” Argent says while visually examining the crown. “It is most impressive and I imagine potent. So, you're the Queen of this Sylvan Realm?”

“It is,” is all that Lilia will say on the matter of the Star Crown. “It is not a royal title like among you humans. It's an elected position and I tend to elfin affairs beyond the borders of the Sylvan Realm.”

“October 10th,” Argent answers. “I've tried to keep track of the days, but might be off. What is today's date?”

"October 10th?!" Kylie exclaims, "that was seven weeks ago. It is near the end of November; the 28th, I think, by Cynalonian reckoning."

“Kylie is correct,” Lilia agrees. “It is the last day of November on your human calendar. That does fit my theory.”

Lia looks to Lilia and sheepishly shrugs as if saying, “What?”

Lilia says nothing, but does wonder if what she thought she actually said aloud.

“Just think,” Talen speaks up. “A way to travel around, even back home without having to know a Teleport spell!”

“It does open up the world considerably,” Lilia adds. “But could also be the source of great danger. Enemies could also move about quickly, much like how the Hive appears to have arrived here.”


The scro hit Myev and attempt to attack armed and ready elves. How foolish! They are quickly dispatched much to their amazement. Lilia also notes that Argent's attack only created three missiles. This means that the human is less skilled in magic right now than Kylie or Lilia.

“That was amazing!” Myev says in disbelief. “To imagine that women can have so much power... to be treated like equals. To even lead. It's almost more than I can believe.”

Myev slowly gets back on her feet in a non-threatening manner.

“How can I serve you?” She asks.

“You are not our prisoner,” Lilia states, switching to the orc tongue since communication this way seems smoother. “Nor are you our slave. That is not the elfin way. You are free as long as you do not present a threat to the Sylvan Realm. However, I would like to know your story. Where are you from and how did you get here? Is that ship in the harbor a flying ship?”


Turning back to Argent, Lilia walks up to the human and will explain her theory.

“Based on what I know, here is what I believe has transpired,” Lilia states. “You claim that you arrived here on October 10th. On October 13th you, Jallarzi, Sherwood and Elspeth joined the adventuring band that Kylie, Laucian and I were a part of up in Rennydale. That Argent initially stated that she was also doing research for Lord Sharadin when Jallarzi and Sherwood turned up. Since they were going to where Kylie and Kharyna were at, she decided to tag along.”

“While on our mission into the Beleme Swamp that Argent did reveal more information about her own past and it mirrors yours. She was part of an adventuring band that later merged with another group and it was then that she departed. Lord Sharadin had asked her to do research on the Pillar Artifact since she knew the Elder script.”

“As that Argent opened up more and more about herself, she said that there was an 'accident' involving the Pillar Artifact and that because of it, use of the pillars was discontinued. Clearly what happened to you is part of the same accident.”

“The Pillar Artifact not only malfunctioned, but also appears to have duplicated you,” Lilia concludes. “That's why Lord Sharadin didn't look for you. He simply didn't know that you were missing. My guess is that at least two of your 'sisters' made it back to Karn's Keep. If only one had shown, then there was no reason to discontinue using the Pillar Artifact. But if two or three did show, that would be a good reason to stop the research. While you languished up here a prisoner of the orcs, we met another you during our adventures.”

“Kylie and I departed on a separate mission with Sherwood about a week later, while you continued on with the Guardians of the Light along with Laucian. Another week later, our groups crossed paths once more in Corunglain. The city was under siege and the Guardians played a significant role in its liberation. So significant that all the members of the group who were not nobles were given noble titles.”

“Our stay in Corunglain was brief, a day and a night, as we were on a vital mission to led us to the Sylvan Realm. It was in Corunglain that Lia, Talen and Valena also met this other Argent. So all of us here have meet you before, even if it wasn't the same you.”

“So, in short, there is at least one or more other Argent's back in Cynalon. Perhaps one of these others ended up being the Hive Queen we just fought. Or maybe the Pillar Artifact took yet another Argent to where the Hive was at. There's no way to know for sure.”

“That was probably not what you wanted to hear, but it does fit the facts,” Lilia concludes. “There are multiple copies of you and Lord Sharadin and Jallarzi didn't know that you were missing, thus they never looked for you. Also Kylie, Laucian and I were present when you were able to cast spells more potent than Fireball. That Argent was more skilled in magic than I was, now I am more skilled than you. And she is now a noble.”

Turning to everyone Lilia adds, “The danger here has seemed to pass. Let's get our kin heading back home before moving on to our next task. If that ship in the harbor is a flying ship we need to keep it out of the hands of the Hive and the scro. We'll need to capture it.”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“No do you? She asks back seeing the disbelief on Argent’s face. “I am not of the underdark, though I know of it. I looked like Talen, a half elf, till a few days ago.”

“Lia is my sister,” Talen adds. “We're cousins to Sherwood and Jallarzi.”

Kylie quickly shifts her gaze to Argent, wanting to see her friend's reaction to this surprising news.

“It does open up the world considerably,” Lilia adds. “But could also be the source of great danger. Enemies could also move about quickly, much like how the Hive appears to have arrived here.”

"Speaking of which, we really should take another look at the pillars at the top of the tower to make sure that others haven't come through that way."

The orcs move to attack, and all five - other than Myev - are dead before they can take two steps.

“Tanya nae amazien!” Myev says in disbelief in ancient elvish. “Naus-tanya women can caela ikotane sai-val... a' be treated ve' equals. A' even cora. Ta's sha ner than amin can dura.”

Kylie is no expert in ancient elvish, but she has encountered enough in her magical studies that she is able to piece together a rough translation of what was said. "In our culture, men and women are generally equals. Our status is largely determined by our achievements and the confidence others have in us."

“You are not our prisoner,” Lilia states, switching to the orc tongue since communication this way seems smoother. “Nor are you our slave. That is not the elfin way. You are free as long as you do not present a threat to the Sylvan Realm. However, I would like to know your story. Where are you from and how did you get here? Is that ship in the harbor a flying ship?”

"Also, is the ship guarded, or did all of the other orcs come ashore?"

Lilia then launches into a recitation of her theory on Argent's situation. According to the queen's evaluation, there are at least three different Argents due to the accident with the pillar artifacts. Kind of hard to believe, but her theory does fit the known facts very well. Though she hadn't mentioned it yet, Kylie does recall seeing Argent on both of those occasions that Lilia recounts. Also true it the fact of that Argent being a more advanced mage than Kylie is now.

"I can attest to the truth of much of what Lilia has said," Kylie adds, addressing her friend. Hopefully, Argent will be able to accept this shocking news without too much distress.

Turning to everyone Lilia adds, “The danger here has seemed to pass. Let's get our kin heading back home before moving on to our next task. If that ship in the harbor is a flying ship we need to keep it out of the hands of the Hive and the scro. We'll need to capture it.”

Kylie looks to Lilia. "Would you like me to scout the ship while you get things organized here? I still have both Wraithform and Improved Invisibility available."

[Argent]

Argent:

"October 10th?!" Kylie exclaims, "that was seven weeks ago. It is near the end of November; the 28th, I think, by Cynalonian reckoning."

“Kylie is correct,” Lilia agrees. “It is the last day of November on your human calendar. That does fit my theory.”

“Six and a half weeks,” Argent mutters to herself rhetorically. “The longest six and half weeks of my life.”

"You're welcome, Argent," Kylie replies. "No, not really your best look. But we'll take care of that once we're back to the Mother Tree."

“What's a Mother Tree?” Argent asks curiously.

"Perhaps the Argent we encountered in Corunglain was the other one, and she had not yet joined with the insectoid invaders."

“Search me,” Argent adds throwing her hands up. “All this talk of multiple me's is giving me a headache.”

“No do you? She asks back seeing the disbelief on Argent’s face. “I am not of the Underdark, though I know of it. I looked like Talen, a half elf, till a few days ago.”

“Lia is my sister,” Talen adds. “We're cousins to Sherwood and Jallarzi.”

Kylie quickly shifts her gaze to Argent, wanting to see her friend's reaction to this surprising news.

“Oh-kay,” is all that Argent says in regards to that news. Argent never heard of these twins before as being related to Jallarzi, but then again there was no reason to believe that she would reveal all of her family to the Invoker.

“Uncle Sharadin is an honorable man,” Talen says defending his uncle. “If he knew you were missing, he would have looked for you. He must not know you are missing.”

“Normally, I would agree with you,” Argent says to the tall half-elf. “But here I am and have been for six and a half weeks.”

“It is,” is all that Lilia will say on the matter of the Star Crown. “It is not a royal title like among you humans. It's an elected position and I tend to elfin affairs beyond the borders of the Sylvan Realm.”

“You elves sure do things differently,” is all that Argent can say on the matter.

“It does open up the world considerably,” Lilia adds. “But could also be the source of great danger. Enemies could also move about quickly, much like how the Hive appears to have arrived here.”

“And there is the dangerous side effects,” Argent includes. “People not arriving where they were supposed to go. It's ancient magic. It could be breaking down.”

Myev is attacked by her own tribe and the elves fight back with near blinding speed. The five orcs go down fast. They probably never realized that they were outclassed so badly. Argent can't help but note that both Kylie and the Queen of the Sylvan Realm are more powerful mages given how many Magic Missiles they generate.

The Elfin Queen speaks to Myev in her own tongue all Argent can do is watch. Someone translates and its clear to Argent that Myev is in no danger here. That makes her somewhat happy. After that the Elfin Queen explains her theory and Argent's heart plunges and she pales upon hearing it.

“That was probably not what you wanted to hear, but it does fit the facts,” Lilia concludes. “There are multiple copies of you and Lord Sharadin and Jallarzi didn't know that you were missing, thus they never looked for you. Also Kylie, Laucian and I were present when you were able to cast spells more potent than Fireball. That Argent was more skilled in magic than I was, now I am more skilled than you. And she is now a noble.”

"I can attest to the truth of much of what Lilia has said," Kylie adds, addressing her friend. Hopefully, Argent will be able to accept this shocking news without too much distress.

“Just because something fits the facts as they are known doesn't mean that it is the truth,” Argent halfheartedly counters. “We may not be in possession of all the facts. I need some fresh air.”

Argent walks out onto the balcony looking outside the tower. She places her hands on the rail and just stares out into nothing. After a time she comes back in and hears talk of capturing the ship in the harbor.

“I think they took my gear to that ship,” Argent interrupts solemnly. “Myev would know for sure. My magic items and spell books are there along with all my notes on the Pillar Artifact. If you are going there, I want to go too.”

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

The scro are foolish enough to attack us and pay the price with blinding speed. The orc woman seems shocked at such a result and overs herself as a servant. While Valena cannot understand orcish, she's pretty sure that Lilia has no interest in gaining an orc servant. That would be hard to explain to those back in the Sylvan Realm!

The Elfin Queen then proceeds to speak to Myev and then explain her convoluted theory about Argent. It's enough to make Valena's eyes glaze over. Since the danger seems to have passed, Valena makes her way to the balcony to see how things are fairing outside. She'll drop down to the ground and see if any of the elves need healing. She'll also make sure to tell the griffons to return here once the elves have been taken back to the rocs.

[Talen]

Talen:

“It does open up the world considerably,” Lilia adds. “But could also be the source of great danger. Enemies could also move about quickly, much like how the Hive appears to have arrived here.”

“I hadn't thought of that,” Talen answers.

“Normally, I would agree with you,” Argent says to the tall half-elf. “But here I am and have been for six and a half weeks.”

Talen starts to say something, but decides not to. This Argent is clearly upset and she's also friends with Kylie, so no reason to start an argument.

The orcs in uniforms attack Myev and then try to attack us. They get put down so fast that Talen never even got a sword strike in!

“You could have saved some for me!” Talen complains to no one in particular. He'll go and make sure that the orcs are dead and not just faking it. As he works, Talen listens to Lilia's theory about Argent and what Myev has to say. Hopefully someone will translate that!

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“What's a Mother Tree?” Argent asks curiously.

"As I understand it, the Mother Tree is an ancient sentient tree that was gifted to the elves millennia ago by Corellon Larethian himself. In ways I don't fully understand, it is the heart and soul of the elven race. The Tree of Life in the Dorwynn Elfholds was grown from one of its branches. I'm sure Lilia can provide a fuller explanation."

“Oh-kay,” is all that Argent says in regards to that news. Argent never heard of these twins before as being related to Jallarzi, but then again there was no reason to believe that she would reveal all of her family to the Invoker.

Interestingly, Argent doesn't appear surprised that these twins - who now look so very different - are brother and sister.

“Just because something fits the facts as they are known doesn't mean that it is the truth,” Argent halfheartedly counters. “We may not be in possession of all the facts. I need some fresh air.”

Kylie is saddened by the obvious toll that all of this has and is taking on her friend. Rather than interrupt, she waits as Argent takes a few moments to herself. There will be time later to speak more on these matters.

“You could have saved some for me!” Talen complains to no one in particular. He'll go and make sure that the orcs are dead and not just faking it. As he works, Talen listens to Lilia's theory about Argent and what Myev has to say. Hopefully someone will translate that!

"Don't worry, Talen," Kylie says with a grin, "You will have plenty more opportunities to fight, if that is your wish."

Old habits die hard, as the saying goes, and Kylie moves over to the fallen male orcs to see if any of them had anything of value.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Laucian and Valena both were guarding the orcs with their readied bows. Both fire their shafts at very nearly the same time and each embeds an arrow in a different target. Its not enough to take the orc down, but the second shaft does.

Laucian let’s loose an arrow then another as the orc he was targeting did not fall. Within a few mometns the scro are down and the elves gather speaing to both Myev and Argent in turn.
Laucian makes his way to the bodies and will remove arrows that are still usable.

Turning to everyone Lilia adds, “The danger here has seemed to pass. Let's get our kin heading back home before moving on to our next task. If that ship in the harbor is a flying ship we need to keep it out of the hands of the Hive and the scro. We'll need to capture it.”

“Most have already returned to safety. Though I do not recall the weapons of our kin being gathered from the battle outside.” Seeing Lilia still injured he converts his Obscurment spell into a healing and cast it at Lilia.
“Or see it destroyed.” Laucian adds, “If they are not of this world who is to say we know how to use their magics.” He adds thoughtfully as he heads to the balcony

[Lia]

Lia
Lia dispatches on of the orcs as she goes for her statue, Within short order the battle is over and she removes her had from the statue.
Looking about she offers a hand to Myev, “Are you ok?”she asks in elvish.

“You are not our prisoner,” Lilia states, switching to the orc tongue since communication this way seems smoother. “Nor are you our slave. That is not the elfin way. You are free as long as you do not present a threat to the Sylvan Realm. However, I would like to know your story. Where are you from and how did you get here? Is that ship in the harbor a flying ship?”

“What were you saying of your people, before you were so rudely interrupted?”she asks curiously as she cleans her sword and sheaths it.
She will also convert Flameblade to healing magic and cast it on herself.

“Search me,” Argent adds throwing her hands up. “All this talk of multiple me's is giving me a headache.” “Oh-kay,” is all that Argent says in regards to that news. Argent never heard of these twins before as being related to Jallarzi, but then again there was no reason to believe that she would reveal all of her family to the Invoker.

“I cannot imagina\e what you are going through.”as she heard Lilia’s theory of multiple Argents.”Perhaps it is best to focus on you and not your duplicates. After all are you still not your own person?” she asks the mage.

“Oh-kay,” is all that Argent says in regards to that news. Argent never heard of these twins before as being related to Jallarzi, but then again there was no reason to believe that she would reveal all of her family to the Invoker.

“Another thing that we learned early in our journey.”A smile etching on her face. “I think they we were all surprised as you are. Daresay they knew nothing of us, or us them.”
“Breaking down? So the magic within is depeleting or could there be something effecting it?” she asks curiosity

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

November 28th, CR 571 or Deepnight 22nd, 20,519 AP

The Male scro foolishly thought they could take on the Heroes of the Mother Tree and were quickly shown the error of their ways. Myev looks on in astonishment.

Looking about she offers a hand to Myev, “Are you okay?” she asks in elvish.

“I will heal,” Myev replies in ancient elvish as she accepts Lia's hand.

“You are not our prisoner,” Lilia states, switching to the orc tongue since communication this way seems smoother. “Nor are you our slave. That is not the elfin way. You are free as long as you do not present a threat to the Sylvan Realm. However, I would like to know your story. Where are you from and how did you get here? Is that ship in the harbor a flying ship?”

Myev looks surprised when she finds out that she is not a prisoner. She starts to speak in her native tongue. Lilia will translate it to common so all can hear.

“You're kindness is unexpected,” Myev states. “My tribe would have never done that. As I started to say, we come from far away. Our home is a world called Dreatar. On our world we conquered the elves and the dwarves and other such races. They fell to our ancestors during the great wars until no trace of them remained.”

“Our kind is driven by battle, by conflict and so we ended up battling ourselves until only the strongest of the tribes survived. I grew up in a strange time of peace when there was nothing left to conqueror. When I was a child I explored ruins in the woods near my home. In these ruins I found books and scrolls... ancient knowledge that was not of my tribe. It was this way that I taught myself to speak your tongue. When I was older, the tribe elders directed me to study and learn the ways of a spell caster. In time I could wield magic and I secretly studied the ways of the elves. I began to understand and learn more about our ancient enemy.”

“One day, many months ago, a strange flying bird landed among the elfin ruins on a small lake. I saw it land and I moved closer to see what it was. Much to my astonishment, the bird was made of wood and had beings much like yourselves on it! The elves had returned! But those of my tribe saw it as well and came to attack. Those elves were overran and never had a chance. They died before they could flee and fly away on their great bird.”

“The elder of the tribe directed me to study the great wooden bird and learn how to use it. There was great excitement in my tribe. They thought that elves were gone, but now they were back. They now had a real enemy to fight! They tribe was now counting on me to take them to where the elves were.”

“Many weeks passed as I learned what I could from the great wooden bird. I found that I could understand the elfin books on the ship. The language was close to what I had learned. These elves had come from another land far away in the sky. They called themselves Belcadiz Elves and hailed from a place called Glantri. I believed that these elves had come to Dreatar to check up on their kin. My tribe slaughtered them without mercy.”

“I found a elvish furnace down inside the great wooden bird. It was magical and seemed to be how the bird was able to fly. I learned how to control it. The elders directed me to take the great wooden bird back to where the elves came from. I found charts and what I believed to be directions to the places they had visited and places they were going to. A war party of Bloody Dagger scro boarded the great wooden bird and I directed it up into the sky and back to where it had come from.”

“Our destination was a place the Belcadiz elves called Farhaven, an outpost of some kind where flying birds and other ships visited. It was a large island on a distant world. My tribe was too lost in blood lust to scout out the situation. They attacked, thinking that they could destroy anything in their path. They were wrong.”

“Our great wooden bird was damage beyond our ability to repair. We fled into Farhaven, chased by elves and other races that we had never seen before. I grabbed what scrolls and books that I could carry. We found another ship that would we use to escape Farhaven. It is the ship down at the docks.”

“While this ship looked very differently, it was still powered the same way by magical furnace. I took control of it and moved us away while others chased us. Our new ship took damage, but was stronger then the great wooden bird and held together. I picked one of the future destinations Belcadiz elves were going to and made it our course. The new ship out raced our followers and we made it to this world.”

“The elves had selected the forest to the south as their destination, but the elder decided to not risk walking into another attack. So instead we found this port here, among these ruins. We landed the ship and explored our surroundings. We were shocked to find these primitive orcs living here, a less civilized version of ourselves. But we also learned that there were also elves here. That excited the tribe as they would be able to hunt elves once more.”

“While the elders worked to turn the orcs here into a fighting force, I was tasked to learn what I could of this strange place. We had never seen stone like this before and eventually I found the circle of columns on top of the tower. I spent days studying them, hoping to find out their secrets. Then one afternoon power flared around them and I ran and hid in fear. It was then the one you call Argent appeared there. I watched her unsure what to do. She collapsed after a time and I reported what I saw to the elder.”

“The elder wanted to kill her at first, but I talked him out of it. If she knew how to make these columns work, then we would be able to use them to travel to other places. It was a new way to attack enemies. The elder reluctantly agreed. Argent was chained and placed into my care.”

“We could not understand each other, we shared no common language. I tried to study her notes, but they were meaningless to me. As the weeks passed and she grew to trust me more we were able to speak to each other with gestures. Argent seemed to be helping me learn about the columns, but I never could be sure. She might have been holding back.”

“A few days ago the cavern at the bottom of the tower was found. Inside was another set of columns only larger. This new discovery seemed to energize Argent and she was genuinely excited. I had to admit so was I. The next day the elves attacked and the orcs went to fight them. My tribe held back as they wanted to see how good these orcs were in battle. It was then the larger columns came alive and those bugs came out. They took over many orcs and scro. Me and Argent ran and hid, but they found us and placed us with the other women and children. That was where you found us.”

Myev looks around as she finishes up her story, as if unsure what is going to happen next.

"Also, is the ship guarded, or did all of the other orcs come ashore?"

“A few of the younger Bloody Dagger are on guard there,” Myev says, switching back to ancient elvish. “They are most likely bored.”

Outside, the sky is starting to darken as the day time is short this time of year.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

And that is Myev's story. The healing as noted in the responses was done.

Kylie looks to Lilia. "Would you like me to scout the ship while you get things organized here? I still have both Wraithform and Improved Invisibility available."

I went back and looked and I was, as usual, vague about how far away the dock was. Many miles was the quote on it. From the tall tower, the dock is about 10 miles away. The tall tower is on a plateau, some three hundred feet higher then the ground around it. The dock is on this lower level. If ask, Myev will say that it's nearly a days journey to go back to the ship on foot. The scro decided to save the ship in case they needed to flee once more, so the let it sit in the harbor.

Old habits die hard, as the saying goes, and Kylie moves over to the fallen male orcs to see if any of them had anything of value.

Kylie finds several dozen gold and silver coins among the scro. However, she has never seen coins like these before. Their design and the engravings are unknown to her.


Hit Points:

Lia 46 of 60
Lilia 67 of 71
Talen 49 of 52


Spell Activity:

Argent has 25 spell points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Lilia has 44 Mage Spell Points left and has cast 2 1st level spell, 1 2nd level spell, 6 3rd level spells and 1 4th level spell thus far. She also has 34 Priest Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Talen has 8 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell and 1 second level spell thus far.

Valena has 34 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell thus far.

Now what?

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"Speaking of which, we really should take another look at the pillars at the top of the tower to make sure that others haven't come through that way."

“Go take a look,” Lilia tells Kylie. “Just keep your distance and if you find any enemies come back and get us.”

Kylie looks to Lilia. "Would you like me to scout the ship while you get things organized here? I still have both Wraithform and Improved Invisibility available."

“Given how far away the ship is, let's wait on that,” Lilia decides.

“You elves sure do things differently,” is all that Argent can say on the matter.

“And you humans like to complicate things and put others on pedestals due to their parentage,” Lilia counters. “It's all a matter of your point of view, isn't it?”

“And there is the dangerous side effects,” Argent includes. “People not arriving where they were supposed to go. It's ancient magic. It could be breaking down.”

“It seems that Lord Sharadin was wise to discontinue use of the Pillar Artifact,” Lilia states. “If it is that untrustworthy, I believe we should follow the same policy.”

“Just because something fits the facts as they are known doesn't mean that it is the truth,” Argent halfheartedly counters. “We may not be in possession of all the facts. I need some fresh air.”

“I concur,” Lilia tells Argent. “Should the facts of your situation change, I would happily alter my theory to fit the new information.”

“Most have already returned to safety. Though I do not recall the weapons of our kin being gathered from the battle outside.” Seeing Lilia still injured he converts his Obscurement spell into a healing and cast it at Lilia.

“We can do that and see if there are any more of our honored dead to be found,” Lilia adds. “It will take time for the griffons to transport everyone back to the building where the rocs are. Thank you for your healing touch.”

“Or see it destroyed.” Laucian adds, “If they are not of this world who is to say we know how to use their magics.” He adds thoughtfully as he heads to the balcony.

“If it comes to that,” Lilia diplomatically agrees. She's believes that this is magic that they'll be able to use and such permanent action will not be required.

“You're kindness is unexpected,” Myev states. “My tribe would have never done that. As I started to say, we come from far away. Our home is a world called Dreatar. On our world we conquered the elves and the dwarves and other such races. They fell to our ancestors during the great wars until no trace of them remained.”

“We elves are more civilized than orcs,” Lilia proudly states in orcish.

Myev tells her story on how she and the other scro reached Arret and Lilia translates it into common. It's strange how she casually mentioned multiple other worlds! The scro come from world where they killed all their enemies. Then the Belcadiz elves arrived and provided the scro with a way to leave their world. Their ship was heavily damage and they stole another one and arrived here.

“We have heard of the Belcadiz Elves before,” Lilia mentions. “And of Glantri. The wreckage we found on the side of the mountain was from that land. It's where we found the spell engine we used to reach the Sylvan Realm. They created the Star Crown I wear. And they were intending to come here...”

“I think they took my gear to that ship,” Argent interrupts solemnly. “Myev would know for sure. My magic items and spell books are there along with all my notes on the Pillar Artifact. If you are going there, I want to go too.”

“That makes sense,” Lilia agrees. “They probably planned to feed your gear to their spell engine to power it.”

Turning back to the orc woman, Lilia asks, “Myev, could anyone else make your ship move or just you? Are all those ancient elf texts still on the ship? I would very much like to study them”

“A few of the younger Bloody Dagger are on guard there,” Myev says, switching back to ancient elvish. “They are most likely bored.”

Outside, the sky is starting to darken as the day time is short this time of year.

“Then they will still be there tomorrow,” Lilia states. “It grows dark and I'd rather move about these ruins during the day time. Let us move all of us to the building where the rocs are at. The rocs can carry our kin and honored dead back to Bloodstone Peak and then back to the Sylvan Realm the next day. We'll set up camp for the night on top of the roc building and then ride towards the ship in the morning. Any questions?”

Lilia will go outside and see if any of the remaining elves need healing. She'll help gather any elfin weapons that they can find.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Kylie finds several dozen gold and silver coins among the scro. However, she has never seen coins like these before. Their design and the engravings are unknown to her.

Kylie pauses a few moments to examine the unfamiliar coins and their markings, then pockets them for research later.

Myev relates her story, which is long and strange - yet somehow familiar as well. The orcish woman has been through much in her life. Perhaps the future will be kinder to her.
"Thank you for helping to keep my friend alive," Kylie says. "I am in your debt."

“Go take a look,” Lilia tells Kylie. “Just keep your distance and if you find any enemies come back and get us.”

“Given how far away the ship is, let's wait on that,” Lilia decides.

"As you wish," Kylie replies. Giving Argent a wink, she says, "Back in a moment," then launches herself straight up. When she nears the the top of the tower, Kylie slows down and surveys the area before moving closer. If she spots anyone at or near the top of the tower, she will immediately cast Improved Invisibility on herself.

[Argent]

Argent:

"As I understand it, the Mother Tree is an ancient sentient tree that was gifted to the elves millennia ago by Corellon Larethian himself. In ways I don't fully understand, it is the heart and soul of the elven race. The Tree of Life in the Dorwynn Elfholds was grown from one of its branches. I'm sure Lilia can provide a fuller explanation."

“That's pretty wild,” Argent answers. “I guess that explains why elves like trees so much. You've come along way since you left Jallarzi's Estate. You're even more skilled then I am at magic, but I haven't had much practice as of late.”

Interestingly, Argent doesn't appear surprised that these twins - who now look so very different - are brother and sister.

Well Lia did say that that she used to be a half-elf until a few days ago. Its not the weirdest thing she's heard today!

“I cannot imagine what you are going through,” as she heard Lilia’s theory of multiple Argents. ”Perhaps it is best to focus on you and not your duplicates. After all are you still not your own person?” she asks the mage.

“Until if and when I meet another me, I'll consider myself the definitive article,” Argent counters.

“Another thing that we learned early in our journey.”A smile etching on her face. “I think they we were all surprised as you are. Daresay they knew nothing of us, or us them.”

“So this is a new development then?” Argent asks. “Jallarzi never really talked much about her family to her apprentices. Nothing beyond the death of her parents and that she considered Sherwood and Lord Sharadin to be family. It was none of our business, I suppose.”

“Breaking down? So the magic within is depleting or could there be something effecting it?” she asks curiosity.

“I can't really say for sure,” Argent answers. “The pillars seem to be working, just not as intended. There are at least two instances when those using the pillars ended up in the wrong place. If that is because they are loosing their enchantment, or some outside force is acting upon it is unknown.”

“And you humans like to complicate things and put others on pedestals due to their parentage,” Lilia counters. “It's all a matter of your point of view, isn't it?”

“That's a fair point,” Argent will agree.

“It seems that Lord Sharadin was wise to discontinue use of the Pillar Artifact,” Lilia states. “If it is that untrustworthy, I believe we should follow the same policy.”

“It does make sense,” Argent adds. “At least until we know more about the pillars and how they operate.”

“I concur,” Lilia tells Argent. “Should the facts of your situation change, I would happily alter my theory to fit the new information.”

“You're a scholar?” Argent says, her face lighting up. “I consider myself to be a scholar as well. I have to feeling that we are going to get along just fine.”

“That makes sense,” Lilia agrees. “They probably planned to feed your gear to their spell engine to power it.”

“What do you mean feed my gear to their spell engine!?” Argent cries out in horror. “What the heck is a spell engine?”

Giving Argent a wink, she says, "Back in a moment," then launches herself straight up.

“How'd she do that?” Argent wonders aloud. “She didn't cast a spell!”

Argent halfheartedly listens in as Myev tells her story and it is translated by the Queen of the Sylvan Realm. While she doesn't understand the whole other worlds and flying ships stuff, she is surprise to learn that Myev isn't all that different from herself. Somewhat of a scholar but trapped in a bad situation. I even owe her my life so it seems!

Once the talking is done, Argent will seek out Myev and give her a hug for all that she has done.

The Elf Queen decides on the next course of action and it seems to involve traveling to some building to the south.

“So, I guess we start walking back to where you're going to set up camp for the night?” Argent asks.

[Laucian]

Laucian

“We can do that and see if there are any more of our honored dead to be found,” Lilia adds. “It will take time for the griffons to transport everyone back to the building where the rocs are. Thank you for your healing touch.”

“It will be done.”Laucian says with a nod and adds, “It is a shame about Chandra, no elf deserves to be buried with those things…” he says thoughtfully his thoughts turning to what he said to the misguided elf. Perhaps he should have tried to reason with Chandra, though he doubts it would have done any good.

“If it comes to that,” Lilia diplomatically agrees. She's believes that this is magic that they'll be able to use and such permanent action will not be required.

Looking at Myev, “Are there more mages like yourself?” he asks curiously. Laucian listens to the story of Myev.

“So, I guess we start walking back to where you're going to set up camp for the night?” Argent asks.

Turning back from the balcony, Laucian smiles ever so slightly. “Walk? We can if you wish but we still know not what dangers this city still holds. “Flying is safer.”he says as he makes his way to join Valena on the ground.

Laucian will begin gathering weapons left behind so that no orc can use them against them. He will then call Aura to him. Once done, Laucian will near the tower looking for the cave in and see if anything is out of place.

[Lia]

Lia

Lia listens to Myev and Argent as they retell their stories. She can’t help but look upon Myev in wonder and Argent in disbelief. Both have been through so much but now, perhaps they are for the better of the trails and tribulations they endured.

“Until if and when I meet another me, I'll consider myself the definitive article,” Argent counters.

Lia’s features break into a smile her lavender eyes lighting up with mirth. This one is strong and determined.

“So this is a new development then?” Argent asks. “Jallarzi never really talked much about her family to her apprentices. Nothing beyond the death of her parents and that she considered Sherwood and Lord Sharadin to be family. It was none of our business, I suppose.”

“In a matter of speaking.”she says evenly looking to Talen. “We only left our home and met Sherwood and the others not long ago. I doubt she would have known of us when you were last with her.”

“I can't really say for sure,” Argent answers. “The pillars seem to be working, just not as intended. There are at least two instances when those using the pillars ended up in the wrong place. If that is because they are loosing their enchantment, or some outside force is acting upon it is unknown.”

I’ll be sure to stay away from them unless dire needed.”

“A few of the younger Bloody Dagger are on guard there,” Myev says, switching back to ancient elvish. “They are most likely bored.”

“Then perhaps we should entertain them.” She says evenly.

Lia will make for the Balcony and lower herself down being mindful of the cave in.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

November 28th, CR 571 or Deepnight 22nd, 20,519 AP

Myev has shared her story and with what Argent told you earlier a good picture of what went on here is forming. The scro came from another world, stealing a ship belonging to the Belcadiz Elves. Using this ship they set out to find more elves to kill, but got in over their heads. Their ship was damaged and they were forced to steal another and then flee. They arrived here in these ruins as the Sylvan Realm was a future destination for the Belcadiz. The scro found their less civilized cousins the orcs here and planned to used them as a force to fight elves.

Myev was the only female among the crew and the lone mage. She had figured out how to speak a form of elvish and how to make use of a spell engine. Here in these ruins, Myev was charged on figuring out what the Pillar Artifact on top of the roof was. While doing so, Argent appeared in the artifact and soon collapsed. Myev reported her findings to her superiors who wanted to kill the human outright. Myev managed to change their minds as she thought the human might know how to use the pillars.

So began an odd friendship between the two. They shared no common language, but managed to communicate on a basic level. This all changed when the Hive arrived from a second set of larger pillars in an underground cavern at the base of the tower. The Hive Parasites locked on to as many male subjects as they could and started to change them. Myev and Argent hid, but were captured and placed with the rest of the orc women, children and elderly. That was where the Heroes of the Mother Tree found them.

Looking at Myev, “Are there more mages like yourself?” he asks curiously.

“Just me,” Myev answers, presumably in orcish.

Turning back to the orc woman, Lilia asks, “Myev, could anyone else make your ship move or just you? Are all those ancient elf texts still on the ship? I would very much like to study them”

“Only me,” Myev replies. “I saved what I could of the books and scrolls. They are on the ship. The makers called it the Helianthus.”

"Thank you for helping to keep my friend alive," Kylie says. "I am in your debt."

Myev is surprised to be thanked for anything, especially from an elf! “You know Argent from before?”

Once the talking is done, Argent will seek out Myev and give her a hug for all that she has done.

Again Myev is surprised by the show of affection as it is not the way of her tribe. They showed their thanks by not hitting her, so this is a whole new experience for her. After she gets over her surprise, Myev will hug Argent back.


The group starts to make their way out of the tower and down to the ground once more as they prepare to return to the building where the rocs are waiting. Outside there are around seven more elves waiting for rides back. They are all near the base of the tower, as they have no resistance for the winter's cold. A few show signs of needing healing and it is given by the priests.

While that is going on, Kylie flies back up to the top of the tower make sure that there are no Hive up there. She flies out away from the tower and circles around the top at what she believes to be a safe distance. No one or things are spotted around the Pillar Artifact. No buzz of Hive Parasites is heard either. Moving closer just confirms that the area is deserted. No orcs are here either.


Back down on the ground, everyone has made their way outside. Laucian and Talen soon discover that they lost their Endure Cold spells somewhere along the way and feel the winter chill. Argent and Myev have no such protections either.

Several of the group search the area, reclaiming elfin weapons and a few more bodies of the fallen. This is the area the elves explored before entering the tower. Laucian looks for his griffon Aura, but she is not around. Then he remembers that all the griffons were needed to carry the first batch of elves back to the rocs. They should be returning soon.

Its a simple matter to circle around the tower, staying close to it for warmth. and find the pit caused by the cave in down below. The pit is on the other side of the tower is 20 to 30 feet deep in place. Some displaced earth is being blown around on the chilly breeze. No one is noted in that area.

By the time the returning griffons are seen it's nearly dark out. Aura will land close to Laucian and greet him by rubbing her beak against his hand. There are a total of seven rescued elves, the six members of the Heroes of the Mother Tree, Argent, Myev, and the bodies of ten dead elves left to transport.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

How are you going to handle transferring everyone back to the building the rocs are on? At best the griffons can carry two passengers, maybe three if they are light enough.

Laucian and Talen were too close to the Wall of Fire and it removed their Endure Cold protection.


Hit Points:

Lia 46 of 60
Lilia 67 of 71
Talen 49 of 52


Spell Activity:

Argent has 25 spell points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Lilia has 44 Mage Spell Points left and has cast 2 1st level spell, 1 2nd level spell, 6 3rd level spells and 1 4th level spell thus far. She also has 34 Priest Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Talen has 8 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell and 1 second level spell thus far.

Valena has 34 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell thus far.

Now what?

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“It does make sense,” Argent adds. “At least until we know more about the pillars and how they operate."

“An activity I would love to study when time permits,” Lilia adds. “I already know how to read the Elder language, just never used it in the field before.”

“You're a scholar?” Argent says, her face lighting up. “I consider myself to be a scholar as well. I have to feeling that we are going to get along just fine.”

“That's what I consider myself to be, first and foremost,” Lilia answers. “I would be very interested in learning about your theories and observations of these Elder Artifacts and this city.”

“What do you mean feed my gear to their spell engine!?” Argent cries out in horror. “What the heck is a spell engine?”

“A Spell Engine is a type of magic item that can be used to make ships fly,” Lilia explains. “We retrieved one from the wreckage of a ship much like the one down at the docks on the side of a mountain back in Cynalon. The Engine is recharged by casting spells on it or draining magic items of their enchantments. At any rate, its a dangerous item to leave in the hand of the orcs or the Hive.”

“It will be done.”Laucian says with a nod and adds, “It is a shame about Chandra, no elf deserves to be buried with those things…” he says thoughtfully his thoughts turning to what he said to the misguided elf. Perhaps he should have tried to reason with Chandra, though he doubts it would have done any good.

“It is a sorrowful end for one so full of promise,” Lilia agrees. “If only his towering ego would have let him realize that he was not always right. Perhaps, in time, we'll might be able to recover his body as well.”

“Only me,” Myev replies. “I saved what I could of the books and scrolls. They are on the ship. The makers called it the Helianthus.”

Lilia raises a curious eyebrow when Myev states the name of the ship and says, “really? That settles it then. That ship isn't going anywhere as there is no one there to pilot it. We'll take it come the morning as orcs dislike the light of day. I will be very interested in studying those elfin scrolls and books.”

It's dark by the time the griffons return having taken the first wave of elves back to the rocs.

“Clearly this is going to take more time than I thought,” Lilia tells everyone. “It's going to take two or three more trips to get everyone back to the rocs.”

“Here's what I propose,” Lilia says after thinking about it. “Four of the rescued elves along Valena and myself will make the trip back to the rocs. Each of use will take an honored dead with us. I want to go back and speak to the others before they return home. Clearly they will have to wait until morning before beginning their trip.”

“Valena and I will then fly back with all the griffons,” Lilia continues. “Once back the remaining three elves will once more ride back with Valena and the remaining honored dead. That will leave the rest us to spend the night here.”

“I'm sorry, Valena,” Lilia tells the Silver Maiden, “but it will be necessary for someone to lead the elves back to Bloodstone Peak and from there to the Mother Tree. This task falls to you. Once back set up camp for the evening and be ready to depart once its light enough. Defend yourselves if necessary, but don't go looking for any fights. Make your way back to the Mother Tree and make sure she is safe. And of course send the griffons back to us here as you'll be traveling on the backs of the rocs.”

“The rest of us will camp here at the tall tower,” Lilia says facing the rest of the group. “We'll have guards up for the night and we'll fly towards the dock come the morning light. It is my intention to capture that ship or see it destroyed in a worse case scenario. Assuming that we succeed, we'll fly the ship back to the Sylvan Realm for safe keeping. I seem to recall there being docks around the island the Elfin Palace sits on. We'll set down there and then fly the griffons back to the Mother Tree.”

“Any questions?”

Seeing the several people are no longer protected from the cold, Lilia will expend her four Endure Cold spells on those who need them. She'll also cast a Cure Light Wounds spell on Myev and Argent in case they need healing.

[Argent]

Argent:

Lia’s features break into a smile her lavender eyes lighting up with mirth. This one is strong and determined.

“I have to say, for a drow you are nothing like what I expected,” Argent notes.

“In a matter of speaking.”she says evenly looking to Talen. “We only left our home and met Sherwood and the others not long ago. I doubt she would have known of us when you were last with her.”

“That would explain it then.”

Again Myev is surprised by the show of affection as it is not the way of her tribe. They showed their thanks by not hitting her, so this is a whole new experience for her. After she gets over her surprise, Myev will hug Argent back.

“Nice drow and now I'm hugging an orc,” Argent says to no one. “Can this day get any stranger?”

“That's what I consider myself to be, first and foremost,” Lilia answers. “I would be very interested in learning about your theories and observations of these Elder Artifacts and this city.”

“I think have figured out many things about these artifacts,” Argent says excitedly. “Other then being marooned in this gods forsaken place, my understanding of the pillars has grown by leaps and bounds.”

“A Spell Engine is a type of magic item that can be used to make ships fly,” Lilia explains. “We retrieved one from the wreckage of a ship much like the one down at the docks on the side of a mountain back in Cynalon. The Engine is recharged by casting spells on it or draining magic items of their enchantments. At any rate, its a dangerous item to leave in the hand of the orcs or the Hive.”

“How fascinating,” Argent says. “They better not have feed my gear to this thing! I would be most cross!”

“Only me,” Myev replies. “I saved what I could of the books and scrolls. They are on the ship. The makers called it the Helianthus.”

Argent laughs out loud when Myev says the ships name. “Oh come on, you have admit that is funny!”

Looking at the others and seeing their puzzled reactions, Argent adds, “These nasty scro came here to kill elves a ship called the Sunflower! That's what Helianthus means in Alphatian.”

Turning back from the balcony, Laucian smiles ever so slightly. “Walk? We can if you wish but we still know not what dangers this city still holds. “Flying is safer.”he says as he makes his way to join Valena on the ground.

“Fly?” Argents says puzzled. “Fly on what?”

That is soon answered when Argent sees several griffons approaching! “Look out!” she yells and runs for safety. “Attacking griffons!”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Myev is surprised to be thanked for anything, especially from an elf! “You know Argent from before?”

"Why yes, Argent and I were students together during our training in the basics of magic. She started a bit before me, and finished her studies before I did as well."

“That's pretty wild,” Argent answers. “I guess that explains why elves like trees so much. You've come along way since you left Jallarzi's Estate. You're even more skilled then I am at magic, but I haven't had much practice as of late.”

"Both literally and figuratively, I suspect," Kylie replies, "but in a lot of ways I'm still the same troublesome girl from Dog Alley."

“Until if and when I meet another me, I'll consider myself the definitive article,” Argent counters.

"That seems like a reasonable way to approach it."

“How'd she do that?” Argent wonders aloud. “She didn't cast a spell!”

Kylie doesn't hear her friend's query as she soars upward to check out the tower's peak. After a fairly thorough survey of the area, she is certain that there are no beings up near the pillar artifact. Thus, she turns and flies back down to rejoin the group. As she descends, she notes that the others are circling the tower, so she adjusts her flight path to meet them. She nears the group just as they come within sight of the newly-created crater from the cave-in below. It is quite a sight. The ground has dropped as much as the height of 4 or 5 people standing one on top of the other!


As they return back around the tower, Kylie will float along beside Argent. "You're probably wondering about this," she says, pointing to the hand-span of space between her feet and the ground. "We talked a bit about the Mother Tree earlier. It was dying, and Corellon Larethian gave us the task to find and save it. We eventually succeeded, and he offered us each a boon as a reward. I asked for the ability to fly without need of a spell, and he granted my wish. Each of the others also received the gift that they requested."

“How fascinating,” Argent says. “They better not have fed my gear to this thing! I would be most cross!”

Kylie winces. She hopes for the best and that Argent won't be too hurt if her things are gone.

Argent laughs out loud when Myev says the ships name. “Oh come on, you have admit that is funny!”

Looking at the others and seeing their puzzled reactions, Argent adds, “These nasty scro came here to kill elves a ship called the Sunflower! That's what Helianthus means in Alphatian.”

"The Sunflower orcs - what a terrifying name..." Kylie says with a grin.

They return to the front of the tower as the night starts slink in and cover the ground. Fortunately the griffons arrive before full dark arrives.

“Fly?” Argents says puzzled. “Fly on what?”

That is soon answered when Argent sees several griffons approaching! “Look out!” she yells and runs for safety. “Attacking griffons!”

"Argent! Wait!" Kylie shouts, floating after her friend. "They are friends. They are what we will fly on."

Lilia lays out a plan to ferry the dead and the other elves back to the rocs for transport home. She assigns Valena the task of leading the others back to the Mother Tree. It is unfortunate that they will lose one member of their group for the time being, but it makes sense to send someone healthy to look after the others and explain what has happened to those who wait at the Mother Tree.

Hopefully the separation won't be long. If they can capture the ship in the morning, they can fly it back to the Elfin Palace, then ride the griffons to the Mother Tree. She is curious about whether it works the same way as they have experienced previously, but will find out on the morrow.
_____________________________________________________________________
I'm not exactly certain when Kylie returns relative to the conversations going on and the stroll around the tower, so I just made a guess. I'm assuming that she missed most of Myev's story, but that someone will relate it to her along the way.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Valena is outside recovering weapons and finding a few more fallen elves when Myev tells her story. It is a depressing tale as it seems these scro murdered all the elves on their world, now they came here to find more! Well, they more than got what they deserved!

After retrieving all the weapons and bodies that we can find, it seems that it will take several trips to shuttle everyone back and forth. Lilia makes her decision.

“Here's what I propose,” Lilia says after thinking about it. “Four of the rescued elves along Valena and myself will make the trip back to the rocs. Each of use will take an honored dead with us. I want to go back and speak to the others before they return home. Clearly they will have to wait until morning before beginning their trip.”

“Valena and I will then fly back with all the griffons,” Lilia continues. “Once back the remaining three elves will once more ride back with Valena and the remaining honored dead. That will leave the rest us to spend the night here.”

“I'm sorry, Valena,” Lilia tells the Silver Maiden, “but it will be necessary for someone to lead the elves back to Bloodstone Peak and from there to the Mother Tree. This task falls to you. Once back set up camp for the evening and be ready to depart once its light enough. Defend yourselves if necessary, but don't go looking for any fights. Make your way back to the Mother Tree and make sure she is safe. And of course send the griffons back to us here as you'll be traveling on the backs of the rocs.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty,” is all that Valena says on the matter. It is a logical decision to have a tracker go with the other elves going back to the Sylvan Realm. That left only herself and Laucian for the job. From there the choice was obvious.

Stepping up to Laucian, Valena will say, “Shoot a few scro for me, will you? What they did to our kin on that other world is despicable. They deserve to suffer.”

After a moment's thought, she will speak to Lilia and those close to her when Myev and Argent are out of earshot. “What of those two? Are you taking them back to the Sylvan realm? Non-elves, not even half-elves were allowed into the Elfholds apart from Alfheim City. You might be able to sell a human to the council, but an orc?”

Valena will say her goodbyes before taking the last griffon flight to the building where the rocs are waiting.

[Talen]

Talen:

"Don't worry, Talen," Kylie says with a grin, "You will have plenty more opportunities to fight, if that is your wish."

“It's not so much that,” Talen says to Kylie. “I just want to feel like I'm pulling my own weight around here.”

Lilia's theory about Argent and then Myev story on how the scro got here are astounding! There is so much more going on not only in the outside world, but beyond the world too!

Talen helps out as best he can during the transporting of the elves. Valena will be departing to lead the others back to the Sylvan Realm. Before she goes she asks what will become of Myev and Argent.

After a moment's thought, she will speak to Lilia and those close to her when Myev and Argent are out of earshot. “What of those two? Are you taking them back to the Sylvan realm? Non-elves, not even half-elves were allowed into the Elfholds apart from Alfheim City. You might be able to sell a human to the council, but an orc?”

“Well, I'm sure that Grandma Nightmist would accept Myev in the Lost Valley,” Talen suggests. “If that ship down there really does fly, we could take her and the orcs here who want to go there. As for Argent, I would think she'd want to go home.”

“But I do have to wonder,” Talen adds after a pause. “Is it our decision to make how they live their lives?”

Since we are camping here for the night, Talen will set up his bedroll in one of the side chambers.

[Lia]

Lia

“I have to say, for a drow you are nothing like what I expected,” Argent notes.

Lia looks at the mage for a moment, “I will take that as a compliment.” she says with mirth as she knows full well of what her race is capable of.

Looking at the others and seeing their puzzled reactions, Argent adds, “These nasty scro came here to kill elves a ship called the Sunflower! That's what Helianthus means in Alphatian.”

Shaking her head Lia cracks a smile, “Perhaps where they come from they are deadly.” Knowing her joke is on the bad side. “how long did it take you to learn Alphatian?Who spoke it?”she asks curiously.

Lia will use whatever endure cold spells on those that need them. She will also stow her gear in one of the side chambers and pray for new spells when the time comes.

[Laucian]

Laucian

“It is a sorrowful end for one so full of promise,” Lilia agrees. “If only his towering ego would have let him realize that he was not always right. Perhaps, in time, we'll might be able to recover his body as well.”

Laucian gives a curt nod in reply then inclines his head as he moves off just as Lilia recites her plan.

Laucian will place his bow in his quiver, “It might be wise to send someone ahead of the ship once captured. Our people are already on edge.”

“Fly?” Argents says puzzled. “Fly on what?”

That is soon answered when Argent sees several griffons approaching! “Look out!” she yells and runs for safety. “Attacking griffons!”

Seeing Argent run off, Laucian looks to other elves as Kylie runs after her friend. “Perhaps I should have warned her,” he says with a shrug as Aura lands before him and nuzzles his hand. “They won’t harm elves, they may need convincing you’re not food though he says to Argent then glances quickly at Myev.

Stepping up to Laucian, Valena will say, “Shoot a few scro for me, will you? What they did to our kin on that other world is despicable. They deserve to suffer.”

“I will see to more than a few, Ehlonna willing.” Laucian says evenly. “Take care of the others and tell the council of what transpired here. If you wish you, Aura can take you to the rocs.”

If it is agreeable Laucian will instruct aura to do just that. Afterward Laucian will use any endure cold spells on any one who needs them.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“It's not so much that,” Talen says to Kylie. “I just want to feel like I'm pulling my own weight around here.”

"That makes sense," Kylie says. "I think we all have that need, in our own ways."

After a moment's thought, she will speak to Lilia and those close to her when Myev and Argent are out of earshot. “What of those two? Are you taking them back to the Sylvan realm? Non-elves, not even half-elves were allowed into the Elfholds apart from Alfheim City. You might be able to sell a human to the council, but an orc?”

“Well, I'm sure that Grandma Nightmist would accept Myev in the Lost Valley,” Talen suggests. “If that ship down there really does fly, we could take her and the orcs here who want to go there. As for Argent, I would think she'd want to go home.”

“But I do have to wonder,” Talen adds after a pause. “Is it our decision to make how they live their lives?”

"That's a good question, Talen. I think we have a certain responsibility to help them - especially Myev, since she's not even from this world - to understand their options and the realities of those options. Valena makes a good point that many of the elves in the Sylvan Realms may be opposed to the idea of allowing an orc to live there, no matter how different she may be from other orcs. The Lost Valley may be one good option open to her, but there are other options, and she will need to decide what her best path is.

"Argent has fewer limitations, though her strange experience may lead to unanticipated issues, particularly in regard to the other Argents."

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

November 28th, CR 571 or Deepnight 22nd, 20,519 AP

"Why yes, Argent and I were students together during our training in the basics of magic. She started a bit before me, and finished her studies before I did as well."

“You attended a school for magic?” Myev says in ancient elvish in near disbelief. “I never imagined such a thing. Among my tribe it was rare for anyone to learn spell casting, let alone so many that a school was needed.”


Realizing how many trips would be needed to transport everyone back to the rocs, Lilia makes a plan.

“Here's what I propose,” Lilia says after thinking about it. “Four of the rescued elves along Valena and myself will make the trip back to the rocs. Each of use will take an honored dead with us. I want to go back and speak to the others before they return home. Clearly they will have to wait until morning before beginning their trip.”

“Valena and I will then fly back with all the griffons,” Lilia continues. “Once back the remaining three elves will once more ride back with Valena and the remaining honored dead. That will leave the rest us to spend the night here.”

After the fallen elves and what gear they had is rounded up, several of the group start to find a place to put their bed rolls for the evening. The griffons soon return after carrying the first batch of elves back to the rocs. This is noticed by Argent.

That is soon answered when Argent sees several griffons approaching! “Look out!” she yells and runs for safety. “Attacking griffons!”

Kylie goes after her friend to let her know that the griffons are friendly, at least to those of elfin blood. Kylie recalls that as apprentices Argent had an intense dislike of Jallarzi's griffon, Farthon ever since it nearly ran her over one time.

The griffons are loaded up again with four of the last seven rescued elves and Valena and Lilia. Six of the ten fallen elves are carried along as well. The trip takes about half an hour to reach the roc building. The red glow of the buildings does provide some illumination on this otherwise dark night. The glow does increase the creepy factor of this ancient city of the Elders at night.

The building with the rocs looks much like it had before. There are just more elves here now. Many have moved down the stairs and deeper into the building for protection from the elements. The mood is subdued when Lilia and Valena arrive. What's Lilia going to say to the elves?


It takes about another hour to return and for the last of the elves and the dead to depart the tall tower. Valena says her goodbyes and will see everyone once more back at the Mother Tree in a few days.

About all that is left to do today is to find a safe place to rest. Myev keeps an eye on everyone, as she seems to have no idea what she is to do among so many elves.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

A place for your griffons to rest will be needed as well. The balcony on each suite is large enough for a griffon to occupy. The opening into the next room is also large enough, but that's about it. The rest of the openings are too small. Looks like you'll need to use three suites to house the six griffons. The roof of the tower might be a better location as, other than the Pillar Artifact up there, the rest of the tower is the warming red stone and there is plenty of room for all the griffons. Your call.


Hit Points:

Lia 46 of 60
Lilia 67 of 71
Talen 49 of 52

Spell Activity:

Argent has 25 spell points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Lilia has 44 Mage Spell Points left and has cast 2 1st level spell, 1 2nd level spell, 6 3rd level spells and 1 4th level spell thus far. She also has 34 Priest Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Talen has 8 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell and 1 second level spell thus far.

Valena has 34 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell thus far.

Now what?

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“I think I have figured out many things about these artifacts,” Argent says excitedly. “Other then being marooned in this gods forsaken place, my understanding of the pillars has grown by leaps and bounds.”

“I will be very interested in hearing your conclusions when the time comes,” Lilia answers. “This important information needs to be recorded.”

“How fascinating,” Argent says. “They better not have feed my gear to this thing! I would be most cross!”

“No promises,” Lilia easily says. “We'll find out tomorrow.”

Laucian will place his bow in his quiver, “It might be wise to send someone ahead of the ship once captured. Our people are already on edge.”

“That shouldn't be an issue for the time being,” Lilia answers. “We're going to have to fly the ship down the coast back to the Sylvan Realm, not over the mountains. The forest is too dense for something as large as the ship to pass through. So we'll have to go down the coast and then inland up the river to where the Elfin Palace sits. Because of this route, no one at the Mother Tree should even spot the Helianthus.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty,” is all that Valena says on the matter. It is a logical decision to have a tracker go with the other elves going back to the Sylvan Realm. That left only herself and Laucian for the job. From there the choice was obvious.

“Thank you for your understanding, Valena,” Lilia tells the Silver Maiden. “Don't forget to take the unresponsive elf with you when you leave Bloodstone Peak.”

Valena brings up the subject of our unexpected finds here in the ruins: Argent and Myev. Talen and Kylie offer their own opinions.

After a moment's thought, she will speak to Lilia and those close to her when Myev and Argent are out of earshot. “What of those two? Are you taking them back to the Sylvan realm? Non-elves, not even half-elves were allowed into the Elfholds apart from Alfheim City. You might be able to sell a human to the council, but an orc?”

“Well, I'm sure that Grandma Nightmist would accept Myev in the Lost Valley,” Talen suggests. “If that ship down there really does fly, we could take her and the orcs here who want to go there. As for Argent, I would think she'd want to go home.”

“But I do have to wonder,” Talen adds after a pause. “Is it our decision to make how they live their lives?”

"That's a good question, Talen. I think we have a certain responsibility to help them - especially Myev, since she's not even from this world - to understand their options and the realities of those options. Valena makes a good point that many of the elves in the Sylvan Realms may be opposed to the idea of allowing an orc to live there, no matter how different she may be from other orcs. The Lost Valley may be one good option open to her, but there are other options, and she will need to decide what her best path is.

"Argent has fewer limitations, though her strange experience may lead to unanticipated issues, particularly in regard to the other Argents."

“Perhaps while I go to check on our kin, it might be wise to talk to Argent and Myev and see if they do have any immediate plans,” Lilia suggest as she glances towards the pair in question. “Myev looks lost already. Indeed, as Kylie says if we can find a place for them, and if they want such a thing, we should.”

“For now though, Myev does have information about the elfin culture the scro destroyed,” Lilia notes. “Recovering that information and recording her memories of the ruins she explored are important to the elfin people. That gives her a use as far as the Sylvan Realm goes for a time. Maybe she'd rather stay here among her own, albeit primitive kind?”

“The Lost Valley is always a possibility, I suppose. I do feel that we should ask Nightmist. It would be poor form just to show up with a bunch of refugees without consulting her first.

“As for Argent, she is a scholar and no doubt wants to explore more of these elder ruins,” Lilia states. “But she may want to go home too. At least she is of this world. We should try to get a hold of someone back in Cynalon to let them know about her. Let them know that there is another Argent. Lord Sharadin, Jallarzi, they might have a better grasp on this situation.”

“My immediate plan is to capture the Helianthus and fly it back to the Elfin Palace,” Lilia concludes. “We would bring Argent and Myev with us, but they would have to stay with the ship for the time being. Maybe Kylie and Talen would keep them company while the rest of us go back to the Mother Tree and report in. After that, I'm not sure what happens next. We wait for the Rainbow Bridge to open once more and reinforcements to arrive. We're limited in what we can do until that time. The Mother Tree must be protected.”

The building with the rocs looks much like it had before. There are just more elves here now. Many have moved down the stairs and deeper into the building for protection from the elements. The mood is subdued when Lilia and Valena arrive. What's Lilia going to say to the elves?

The anger that Lilia felt from Chandra's betrayal has burned away by now. Lilia is sad for all the unnecessary loss of life, but glad for those that we did save. At first she will walk around and see if any need healing.

“Chandra deceived you and he paid a heavy price,” Lilia will tell the group in a even tone. “He acted alone and without mine or the councils permission. The mission of my friends and myself was to save as many of you as possible, but it seems that we lost many good elves. Tomorrow Valena will lead you back to the Mother Tree. I'll join you there in a day or two. For now, our primary responsibility is to protect the Mother Tree until reinforcements arrive. There are simply too few of us to be away from her for too long. Rest now and in a few days you will all be home.”

After that, Lilia will ride a griffon back to the tall tower. Once there the last wave of riders will the return to the rocs. Lilia will see if anything happened while she was away.

[Argent]

Argent:

“I will be very interested in hearing your conclusions when the time comes,” Lilia answers. “This important information needs to be recorded.”

“It's all in my head right now,” Argent responds. “I'll feel better to get it all down on paper.”

Lia looks at the mage for a moment, “I will take that as a compliment.” she says with mirth as she knows full well of what her race is capable of.

“Well, its not like I'm any expert on drow,” Argent adds. “You're my first.”

Shaking her head Lia cracks a smile, “Perhaps where they come from they are deadly.” Knowing her joke is on the bad side. “How long did it take you to learn Alphatian? Who spoke it?” she asks curiously.

“It took me a few months,” Argent easily answers. “But that's just me. I learn things very fast as I remember everything. Alphatian is the language of mages. Many texts are written in that language. Kharyna spoke it and she helped me along when we were apprentices.”

"Both literally and figuratively, I suspect," Kylie replies, "but in a lot of ways I'm still the same troublesome girl from Dog Alley."

“No matter where we go, don't ever forget who you are,” Agent adds.

As they return back around the tower, Kylie will float along beside Argent. "You're probably wondering about this," she says, pointing to the hand-span of space between her feet and the ground. "We talked a bit about the Mother Tree earlier. It was dying, and Corellon Larethian gave us the task to find and save it. We eventually succeeded, and he offered us each a boon as a reward. I asked for the ability to fly without need of a spell, and he granted my wish. Each of the others also received the gift that they requested."

“That's amazing!” Argent compliments. “You really have gone far, Kylie. I'm so proud of you and what you've accomplished. So saving this Mother Tree is how you all ended up in the Sylvan Realm? Given how far away from Cynalon this seems to be, how did you get here so fast?”

"Argent! Wait!" Kylie shouts, floating after her friend. "They are friends. They are what we will fly on."

Argent comes to a stop and will glance back. Laucian has one of the griffons walk up to him and rub its beak on his hand!

“No offense, Kylie, but I don't like griffons!” Argent tells Kylie. “Farthon freaked me as it was, but a whole flock of them? No thanks!”

Eventually, Argent will return to the tower and look for a place to sleep for the evening.

“Need any help cooking?” Argent will ask Kylie. “I could really use a good meal. Lia gave me some fruit and nuts, but something warm and filling would be most welcomed.”

A little later Argent will come up to Kylie. “Could you please do me a favor? Now that my hands a free I want to get cleaned up and made more presentable. Would you stand guard so that I have some privacy?”

Assuming Kylie agrees, Argent will go into the next chamber and remove her clothes. Using cantrips she'll clean herself up and try to tame the mess that is her hair. Afterwards she'll try to patch the holes in her dress.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“You attended a school for magic?” Myev says in ancient elvish in near disbelief. “I never imagined such a thing. Among my tribe it was rare for anyone to learn spell casting, let alone so many that a school was needed.”

"Nothing quite so formal as a school, per se," Kylie replies, "but some mages will take on one or more apprentices for training. We both apprenticed with the same mage, along with another student named Kharyna who was a bit older and further along than either of us. Our teacher was a relative of Lia and Talen, and a renowned mage in her own right."

“No matter where we go, don't ever forget who you are,” Agent adds.

"Amen," Kylie says. "In truth, I doubt I could even if I wanted to."

“That's amazing!” Argent compliments. “You really have gone far, Kylie. I'm so proud of you and what you've accomplished. So saving this Mother Tree is how you all ended up in the Sylvan Realm? Given how far away from Cynalon this seems to be, how did you get here so fast?”

"Thank you, Argent; that means a lot coming from you." Kylie pauses for a moment, trying to figure out how to tell such a long story in such a short time. "Receiving that mission was the primary motivation for coming here. Personally, I also hoped to find my mother, as the elven king told me that she had been sent on an earlier attempt.

"As for getting here, we flew on a barge that had a spell engine of a similar sort to the one on the ship over there. The barge belongs to Lord Sharadin, I think, and Sherwood helped us fly it. Once several of us learned how, we flew pretty much night and day in shifts. The barge was very fast."

“No offense, Kylie, but I don't like griffons!” Argent tells Kylie. “Farthon freaked me as it was, but a whole flock of them? No thanks!”

"I know, and I understand," Kylie says with chagrin. "We can figure out a way that you don't need to fly on one."

“Perhaps while I go to check on our kin, it might be wise to talk to Argent and Myev and see if they do have any immediate plans,” Lilia suggest as she glances towards the pair in question. “Myev looks lost already. Indeed, as Kylie says if we can find a place for them, and if they want such a thing, we should.”

“For now though, Myev does have information about the elfin culture the scro destroyed,” Lilia notes. “Recovering that information and recording her memories of the ruins she explored are important to the elfin people. That gives her a use as far as the Sylvan Realm goes for a time. Maybe she'd rather stay here among her own, albeit primitive kind?”

“The Lost Valley is always a possibility, I suppose. I do feel that we should ask Nightmist. It would be poor form just to show up with a bunch of refugees without consulting her first.

“As for Argent, she is a scholar and no doubt wants to explore more of these elder ruins,” Lilia states. “But she may want to go home too. At least she is of this world. We should try to get a hold of someone back in Cynalon to let them know about her. Let them know that there is another Argent. Lord Sharadin, Jallarzi, they might have a better grasp on this situation.”

“My immediate plan is to capture the Helianthus and fly it back to the Elfin Palace,” Lilia concludes. “We would bring Argent and Myev with us, but they would have to stay with the ship for the time being. Maybe Kylie and Talen would keep them company while the rest of us go back to the Mother Tree and report in. After that, I'm not sure what happens next. We wait for the Rainbow Bridge to open once more and reinforcements to arrive. We're limited in what we can do until that time. The Mother Tree must be protected.”

Kylie nods in agreement as the queen talks. Much of what she says reflects Kylie's own thoughts. "I will be happy to discuss it with Argent, if someone else will handle talking with Myev. I certainly don't mind staying on the ship with them while you report in to the Mother Tree, if they are still with us at that time. Do you think there would be any objection to Argent - and possibly Myev as well - spending some time in the area where we intend to set up the half-elven homestead? There is much to do in order to make that a reality, and I would welcome their help if they are willing and Talen and Lia agree."

“Need any help cooking?” Argent will ask Kylie. “I could really use a good meal. Lia gave me some fruit and nuts, but something warm and filling would be most welcomed.”

"Sure, I think we all could." Kylie will show Argent her magical book full of food as well as the other supplies. "If you think of anything you particularly want in addition to what I'm already making, we can give it a try.

"By the way, can you hand chop up those onions?" she asks, pointing as she stirs the pot of stew.

A little later Argent will come up to Kylie. “Could you please do me a favor? Now that my hands are free I want to get cleaned up and made more presentable. Would you stand guard so that I have some privacy?”

"Certainly! I could stand to clean up a bit myself, so perhaps we can take turns."

While Argent magically bathes herself, Kylie decides that it is time to ask about her plans. "So... Argent, do you have any thoughts yet on what you would like to do once we get your gear back tomorrow?"

[Talen]

Talen:

“The Lost Valley is always a possibility, I suppose. I do feel that we should ask Nightmist. It would be poor form just to show up with a bunch of refugees without consulting her first.

“I'm sure that grandma wouldn't mind,” Talen says. “But you do make a valid point. I'm sure that she would take them in. The problem may be having enough food and supplies to care for everyone.”

Kylie nods in agreement as the queen talks. Much of what she says reflects Kylie's own thoughts. "I will be happy to discuss it with Argent, if someone else will handle talking with Myev. I certainly don't mind staying on the ship with them while you report in to the Mother Tree, if they are still with us at that time. Do you think there would be any objection to Argent - and possibly Myev as well - spending some time in the area where we intend to set up the half-elven homestead? There is much to do in order to make that a reality, and I would welcome their help if they are willing and Talen and Lia agree."

“I don't mind,” Talen says. “Where I grew up we had nice orcs around, so it's not strange to me. Lia has talked to Myev a few times. I'll ask her to speak to Myev about this.”

Talen starts to walk off towards his sister when he comes to a stop. He turns, as if listening to something far off in the distance. Whatever it was stops and Talen continues on slightly puzzled.

“Hey,” Talen says when he reaches Lia. “Would you mind talking to Myev about if she has any plans for the future. We're trying to see where she can fit in and where she wants to fit it.”

Later when Kylie starts cooking, Talen will linger as he's more then ready to eat something hardy!

“Is it done yet?” he asks too many times.

[Lia]

Lia

Lia watches as the others gather up the dead and head back to the rocs. As Valena goes to mount up Lia approaches her. “I hope you journey is a safe one. Please tell the others of what happened here this day. I hope to see you soon.” Lia says as she takes a step back.

Lia gathers her gear and places it near a wall and proceeds to look through the orc belongings, curious if these orc live differently then those within the Lost Valley. She is vaguely aware of the conversation of what Myev and Argent will do. As Talen moves closer, Lia looks up to her brother as he stops

Talen starts to walk off towards his sister when he comes to a stop. He turns, as if listening to something far off in the distance. Whatever it was stops and Talen continues on slightly puzzled.

Seeing her brother look slightly confused, Lia can’t help but smile at her brother. “What is it?”she asks seeing the slightly confused look on his face. “I haven’t seen a look like that since the orc girl seemed to like you…” she says with a smile as she raises from a messy area.

“Hey,” Talen says when he reaches Lia. “Would you mind talking to Myev about if she has any plans for the future. We're trying to see where she can fit in and where she wants to fit it.”

“I can try.” She says evenly answering her brother’s question. “Perhaps Nightmist would take her in, but with a whole world opened before you would you really wish to be home again.” She asks him curiously.

“How are you and Kylie?” she asks curiously, trying not to embarrass her brother to much. “You seem to be getting along,”trying to find the right word, “closely.”

After her discussion with Talen Lia will seek out Myev, “Do you have a moment?”she asks curiously. Lia sits near Myev and looks to the orc. “I am sorry for the way you were treated earlier. You did not deserve such.” Her lavender eyes showing empathy, “Have you given thought to what you want to do? Stay with the orcs? See the world? Perhaps see where I am from? There are many enlightened individuals there from many walks of life and races. For what it is worth, I see good in you. I would not want to see you harmed or used as you have been.”

Later on, Lia smells something good cooking and Lia nears Kylie and Argent and Talen. "What's for dinner?" she asks as she pops some nuts and dried fruit in her mouth and begins to chew it.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Valena listens as the others sound off about her concern over Argent and Myev going into the Sylvan Realm. Their response is reasonable, Valena decides.

“Thank you for your understanding, Valena,” Lilia tells the Silver Maiden. “Don't forget to take the unresponsive elf with you when you leave Bloodstone Peak.”

“Of course,” Valena states. “We will leave no one behind.”

“I will see to more than a few, Ehlonna willing.” Laucian says evenly. “Take care of the others and tell the council of what transpired here. If you wish you, Aura can take you to the rocs.”

“I'm sure you will,” Valena answers with a grin. “I thank you for the offer of using Aura. I will be most gentle with her.”

Lia watches as the others gather up the dead and head back to the rocs. As Valena goes to mount up Lia approaches her. “I hope you journey is a safe one. Please tell the others of what happened here this day. I hope to see you soon.” Lia says as she takes a step back.

“I don't expect any trouble,” Valena tells Lia. “But will keep an eye out for it regardless. You watch out for everyone here. They are not out of danger yet. See you back at the Mother Tree!”

Valena, along with her deceased passenger fly towards the building where the rocs were left at. The other elves are gathered there and note our arrival. Lilia speaks to them and seems to have covered everything for now. Valena won't add anything, unless someone questions her.

Then we ride back to the tall tower and load up the rest of the elves and the honored dead. Valena says her goodbyes to her companions and flies off with the other elves on the griffons.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Looks like you'll need to use three suites to house the six griffons.

I am assuming that this is okay with the others as they haven’t said anything as of yet.

“That shouldn't be an issue for the time being,” Lilia answers. “We're going to have to fly the ship down the coast back to the Sylvan Realm, not over the mountains. The forest is too dense for something as large as the ship to pass through. So we'll have to go down the coast and then inland up the river to where the Elfin Palace sits. Because of this route, no one at the Mother Tree should even spot the Helianthus.”

“Perhaps, put a fireball into the ship is not a welcome I wish to receive.”
Laucian begins moving things in the three suites so that the griffons can roost a little better. While doing so he note just how messy these orcs are. He will be mindful of noises due to the fact of the creatures and orcs that they faced hear recently. Laucian will keep his bow handing if needed.
Once set up he will get the Griffons in to the suites and make his way to the others.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed