The Sylvan Realm #11 (#55)

[GM Mad]

Sylvan Realm #11

December 1st, CR 571 or Deepnight 23rd, 20,519 AP

In the northern portion of the Ruins of Shillesta, Talen has been found. He was inside what remains of a large, covered area. But with the passing of time, some of the ceiling has come down and rocks and rubble has enclosed much of the area. In the middle of this enclosed area are six ten foot thick columns. Each column has elder runes carved into them and there is 'circle' on each side, four in all. It was from this circle that the strange stone appendage emerged and covered Talen's head. Even stranger the circle is at different heights on the columns. One is only two feet off the ground, the next four feet, then at six feet with the last at nine feet.

Laucian stands guard while Lia sees to her comatose brother.

“Why couldn’t you have told me. I would have come with you.” Lia says tears streaming down her face as she looks about to the others. Wiping her cheek, Lia looks to her brother again. Perhaps there is some sign on Talen’s skin that might give a clue as to what caused the snake to strike.

Lia will look Talen over for wounds and for marks. As well as where her brother had stepped. Perhaps that would give a clue to what he was doing and better yet what he summoned?

Since the stone appendage only covered Talen's head, Lia starts her search there. Sure enough, she quickly finds several places on Talen's head where his hair has been removed by some unknown method. There are six such places and each is a circle about half an inch wide. In each place the skin on Talen's head can be seen and the skin is little bit red, as if burned.

Lilia arrives and speaks to Laucian for a moment. Laucian then moves off to check for other exits to this area and to find a high place to make better use of his bow. Andlin goes off with Laucian, but will keep to the ground and not do any climbing.

While that is going on, Lilia examines the pillars. She learned how to read the Elder tongue during her training, but until now had yet to make use of it out in the field. The columns are four sided and each side has a circle at one of four different heights. Each circle on a single column is at a different height, but for the most part the writing on each side is the same. The column speaks of 'the young answering the call' and then something about 'learning'. The area by the circle where the stone appendage came out and grabbed Talen refers to something called a 'bladeback'. The circle that is four feet off the ground references a 'finhead'. Lilia struggles with the rest of the columns text.

Outside, Laucian has found a way to reach the roof over the area where Talen is and located a good vantage point to see the city below. He spots the scro a few hundred yards away making their way through the ruins. He can see about a dozen in all. Andlin keeps watch down below occasionally looking up at Laucian to be guiding the best place to fight the enemy.

[GM Mad]

Further to the south, Kylie leads Argent and Myev via Fly spells towards where the elves headed in pursuit of Talen. Kyle chats with Myev along the way.

"There are a number of different types or 'schools' of magic. A specialist is someone who has a particular talent or preference for a particular school of magic. Thus, they tend to be more skilled at casting those types of spells than other types, and may not be able to cast certain other types of spells at all. For example, spells from the school of Alteration come easiest to me, so I am known as a 'Transmuter'. On the other hand, a generalist is someone who has no particular specialty and whose skill is roughly equal across all schools of magic.”

“I never realized any of that,” Myev answers. “I guess I didn't teach myself all that well. The way that you use magic is simply amazing!”

"Once we all have our spell-books and some time available, we may want to discuss in more detail, and perhaps even share spells."

“I look forward to it,” Myev says gratefully.

As the trio move further north, they also spot the scro moving towards the area where the elves are.

"We're about to fly into a battle, and neither of you have any defenses," Kylie says as she flies in between her companions. "I have a pair of magical Bracers, and a Stoneskin spell available. Perhaps I could loan the Bracers to you, Argent, until you get your gear back, and cast the spell on the you, Myev? Does that sounds like a good plan?"

“I'm not a fighter,” Myev insists. “Nor would I attack my own tribe. But I won't protect them either. I'll hide and keep out of sight.”

Time passes and the trio are near the area where the griffons are at. They can see Laucian on the roof and not far away are the scro. Battle is eminent!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Laucian can fire arrows long before the scro reach the area as his Hunter's Bow has a very long range. However, the ruins and debris will offer some protection to the scro. I assume that Andlin was directed to be in the most likely path for the scro to reach where Talen is. I also assume that Lia and Lilia were alerted to the enemies arrival and will be prepared.

That's the scene that Kylie, Argent and Myev fly in on. Myev will keep herself out of harms way during the fighting.

Now what?

[Laucian]

Laucian

“Presumably it's Elder writing,” Lilia says. “Given that this city was once theirs. A stone snake? How bizarre.”

“It is possible.” Laucian agrees, “Aye, it had him by the head and was beating it when we arrived. It appeared to just let him go rather than eat or kill him.” He surmises.

Lilia contemplates the situation for a few moments. “The scro are on their way from the north on foot. Perhaps twenty to twenty five minutes out. We'll need to give them a proper greeting. Find a good archer's nest and ruin their day. “

“I’ll do my best. Andlin? You care to join me?” he asks the elfin warrior.

“In the meantime, I'll examine these columns until our guests arrive,” Lilia continues. “While I am not the expert that Argent is on the Elder script I can read it. Perhaps it will provide some clue as to what happened to Talen.”

“Perhaps the new Argent can help you discovering it’s secrets?” Laucian says as he pushes his red hair from his face. “Time to see that our friends receive a proper welcome.”

Outside, Laucian has found a way to reach the roof over the area where Talen is and located a good vantage point to see the city below. He spots the scro a few hundred yards away making their way through the ruins. He can see about a dozen in all. Andlin keeps watch down below occasionally looking up at Laucian to be guiding the best place to fight the enemy.

Taking his bow in hand Laucian reaches the roof and draws an arrow and knocks it. Andlin they are coming from this direction,” as he points with the bow hand holding both bow and knocked arrow. “Lilia, Lia we will need you soon enough. There is too much coverage to thin their ranks!”
(Two quick questions, What is the weather like?Cloud coverage? Any vegetation for entangle to work?)
If there is enough weather to use Call lightning he will do so and center it so he can get as many as possible within a 10 ft radius. If weather is not suitable Laucian will take aim at the Scro, putting arrows down range at the lead scro.

[Lia]

Lia

As she reads, Lilia keeps an eye on Lia and Talen. “I didn't see Talen after we ate last night with what went on with Argent,” Lilia says aloud, not sure if Lia is even listening or not. “Did he seem all right to you?”
Lia barely hears her Queens question as she moves Talen’s hair to see a burn spot in several spots. “He was preoccupied but he said he was fine.” Lia replies as she clears her nose by sniffing then wipes her eyes. “It’s night like him to go off on his own. Something must have drew him here, how or why I do not know but something drew him here. How else would he know it is here?” she says as she looks down at her brother’s unconscious face. A call from Laucian tells them that they have visitors. With a longful look at her brother Lia stops cradling her brother she places a hand over his chest, “We need you brother.” As she burns a PfE spell to healing and casts it on her brother.

[Argent]

Argent:

Kylie nods. "I'd rather not, actually. Perhaps it implies that the Elders were susceptible to cold like we are, or had diplomatic relations with other races that were."

“Those are all good possibilities,” Argent agrees.

As we get close to our destination to the north, it seems that the Scro are looking for a fight!

Kylie smiles with just a touch of malice. "I'm sure they won't like the reception they receive - from any of us."

“Oh, they are going to get it alright!” Argent chimes in. “Every bruise I got from those brutes will be paid back with interest!”

"We're about to fly into a battle, and neither of you have any defenses," Kylie says as she flies in between her companions. "I have a pair of magical Bracers, and a Stoneskin spell available. Perhaps I could loan the Bracers to you, Argent, until you get your gear back, and cast the spell on the you, Myev? Does that sounds like a good plan?"

“If Myev can use them, then let her have the bracers too,” Argent will say, unaware of what the scro said to Kylie as she doesn't understand the language. “I'll just be casting Magic Missiles at long range, so I don't expect to be in any real danger.”

As we get close enough to see what is going on, Argent will look for a good place to cast her spells from. The spot that Laucian took seems ideal for this!

“Mind if I join you?”, Argent calls out to Laucian as she gets closer so as to not startle him. “You're archers nest makes a great spot to throw Magic Missiles from!”

Assuming she is not shoo'd away, Argent will land close to Laucian, find a position that she can duck back into cover and from their fire Magic Missiles at any scro within her range.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“It is possible.” Laucian agrees, “Aye, it had him by the head and he was beating it when we arrived. It appeared to just let him go rather than eat or kill him.” He surmises.

“I'll say it again,” Lilia states, “how bizarre.”

“Perhaps the new Argent can help you discovering it’s secrets?” Laucian says as he pushes his red hair from his face. “Time to see that our friends receive a proper welcome.”

“I would like to think I could understand this on my own,” Lilia admits, “but she is more experience and would probably translate this faster.”

While that is going on, Lilia examines the pillars. She learned how to read the Elder tongue during her training, but until now had yet to make use of it out in the field. The columns are four sided and each side has a circle at one of four different heights. Each circle on a single column is at a different height, but for the most part the writing on each side is the same. The column speaks of 'the young answering the call' and then something about 'learning'. The area by the circle where the stone appendage came out and grabbed Talen refers to something called a 'bladeback'. The circle that is four feet off the ground references a 'finhead'. Lilia struggles with the rest of the columns text.

While examining the columns from a safe distance, I ask Lia about Talen.

Lia barely hears her Queens question as she moves Talen’s hair to see a burn spot in several spots. “He was preoccupied but he said he was fine.” Lia replies as she clears her nose by sniffing then wipes her eyes. “It’s not like him to go off on his own. Something must have drew him here, how or why I do not know but something drew him here. How else would he know it is here?” she says as she looks down at her brother’s unconscious face.

“Something may very well have drawn him here,” Lilia tells Lia. “I can translate some of this writing and it speaks about 'the young answering the call'. Perhaps this call is what drew Talen here. It goes on to say something about learning, or maybe teaching? I can't be sure.”

“This other part is even stranger,” Lilia continues. “The place where this stone snake came out mentions something that I think translate into 'bladeback', whatever that is. Another one says 'finhead'. I have no idea what this all means.

Before Laucian alerts us to the enemies presence.

“Lilia, Lia we will need you soon enough. There is too much coverage to thin their ranks!”

“I'm on my way,” Lilia calls out.

Turning back to Lia she adds, “I am sure that I don't need to tell you this, but guard your brother. We'll deal with the scro.”

Lilia casts flight on herself and grabs he Manabow. She'll then fly up and take a position where she can see Laucian, but will not be close to him. She wants to put the scro into a crossfire where one of us will be able see them and fire. Once in position, she'll fire her bow at any target she sees.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Worries for another day,” Lilia decides after time. “There are more pressing issues to contend with right now.”

"True," Kylie concedes with a nod. After all, they are far from home, and there is much yet to do before they return.

“I never realized any of that,” Myev answers. “I guess I didn't teach myself all that well. The way that you use magic is simply amazing!”

"It is amazing that you managed to teach yourself without any real instruction, Myev. That shows that you have a real gift," Kylie says. "I had no idea that I was capable of magic until I met a powerful mage who saw that potential in me and provided me with a teacher."

“Oh, they are going to get it alright!” Argent chimes in. “Every bruise I got from those brutes will be paid back with interest!”

Kylie smiles warmly at her friend, understanding her need to get back at those who treated her so poorly for so long.

“I'm not a fighter,” Myev insists. “Nor would I attack my own tribe. But I won't protect them either. I'll hide and keep out of sight.”

"I understand, Myev," Kylie replies. "Since you can still Fly, I suggest you hide somewhere high - like in a tree - so that trouble doesn't accidentally find you."

“If Myev can use them, then let her have the bracers too,” Argent will say, unaware of what the scro said to Kylie as she doesn't understand the language. “I'll just be casting Magic Missiles at long range, so I don't expect to be in any real danger.”

Kylie turns back to Argent. "Myev has decided to hide and wait out the battle, so she doesn't need them. Since you don't want them either, I will hang onto both for another time. Good luck in the battle, Argent, and be careful."

As they near the ruins, Kylie can see that the scro are drawing close to her friends. Since she can fly faster then they can run, Kylie loops around to come in behind them, bow at the ready. As outclassed as the scro are, she will retain her spells for a pressing need.
_______________________________________________________
As before, Kylie will alternate between Fire and Ice arrows.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 1st, CR 571 or Deepnight 23rd, 20,519 AP

Kylie and Myev chat on the way to where the elves have gone.

"It is amazing that you managed to teach yourself without any real instruction, Myev. That shows that you have a real gift," Kylie says. "I had no idea that I was capable of magic until I met a powerful mage who saw that potential in me and provided me with a teacher."

“Do you think that with a teacher I could be better at magic?” Myev wonders. “That I could be as powerful as you are?”

"I understand, Myev," Kylie replies. "Since you can still Fly, I suggest you hide somewhere high - like in a tree - so that trouble doesn't accidentally find you."

Myev nods in agreement and flies lower to the ground. She finds a tall tree and settles in on the upper branches near the trunk.


Further up ahead, the scro are approaching the elves. Much like before they seem overly confident and as they approach make no attempt to conceal themselves. With the sky mostly clear and the enemy well beyond the range of an Entangle spell, Laucian relies on his skill with his bow. For a brief moment, the scro break into the open some 300 yards distant and Laucian fires two arrows in quick succession. Both shafts tear through the chest of the scro they hit and both drop much to the amazement of their companions!

Now sticking to cover a little bit more, the scro continue their advance. Lilia flies up and takes a position away from Laucian. Argent flies in and settles down near Laucian, while Kylie circles around the scro. Andlin waits down on the ground with a longsword in one hand a shortsword in the other. The shortsword suddenly erupts into flames!

While the others are moving, Laucian gets another open break and fires once more! The first shaft strikes an unsuspecting scro in the head and burrows straight through! Once more the scro are stunned to see one of their own taken out in such dramatic and gory fashion! The second arrow is short of the target.

By now the scro are much closer and several are rushing Andlin. Kylie fires her own bow from behind at one of the scro in the rear. Her first shaft hits and coupled with the eruption of fire upon impact puts the scro down. Her second arrow misses as her target suddenly moved to one side. The arrow explodes in a burst of cold upon hitting a rock.

Lilia has similar results as she draws back the glowing string on her Manabow. As the string is pulled, an arrow of arcane energy forms and then is unleashed. The first arrow hits, wounding a scro and the second misses.

Argent casts Magic Missile and her trademark sparkling bolts of energy fly forth and strike a scro, slowing him down, but not finishing him off.

Three scro rush Andlin, but the warrior elf is ready. His longsword lashes out in a deadly arc, the blade easily slicing through the scro armor. Two scro go down from having the contents of their chest exposed to daylight, while a third is stabbed in the throat with the flaming shortsword.

Kylie fires her shortbow once more and a Frost Arrow takes another scro. Lilia takes out the one she wounded earlier, while Argent does the same with a second Magic Missile. The last remaining scro rushes towards Andlin, when Laucian puts him down with another arrow. Andlin looks back at Laucian, raising his swords up as if to say that he had that one.

Kylie does a flyby over the area and finds no other scro. They were all taken care of with extreme prejudice. None of them even got close to where Lia and Talen were.

With the danger over, Lilia, Kylie, Myev and Argent go down inside where the Elder Columns are at. Argent starts to examine the columns for herself, while others check on Talen. His condition remains unchanged, even after Lia cast a Cure Wounds spell on him. He's still unconscious and unresponsive.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

All of the character sheets for this game have been updated. I did this to make them accurate once more and for me to reacquaint with the characters. Found some things that I had forgotten about. And yes, Laucian is insanely good with his bow. Those opening shots were all at long range and he made the rolls easily.

There is also a sheet for Myev as well. Much to my surprise the pic I used came up when looking for scro images. Had I know that scro didn't have the pig-nose thing like normal orcs do, I would have noted it since it is a major difference. And yes, she is 14 years old, but a scro is an adult at 12. That's what happens when you have races with shorter life spans, they grow up faster.

From her vantage point, Kylie cannot see anyone on the ship in the harbor, but there still may be scro below decks.


Spell Activity:

Argent has cast 2 1st level spells and has 24 spell points remaining.

Now what?

[Laucian]

Laucian

With the sky mostly clear and the enemy well beyond the range of an Entangle spell, Laucian relies on his skill with his bow. For a brief moment, the scro break into the open some 300 yards distant and Laucian fires two arrows in quick succession. Both shafts tear through the chest of the scro they hit and both drop much to the amazement of their companions!

Laucian bring his bow to bare spotting the scro in the far off distance. Taking a steadying breath he adjusts his aims and fires. Knocking another, aiming and firing he watches as the first then the second arrow eliminates the scro it. For a fraction of a second he sees the scro look in disbelief at the body of their companion. “I have more where that came from.” He says to no one in particular.

“Mind if I join you?”, Argent calls out to Laucian as she gets closer so as to not startle him. “You're archers nest makes a great spot to throw Magic Missiles from!”

“Sure, just don’t step in front of me!” as he lets loose another arrow. Within moments he sees the unfortunate scro take the arrow in the face. He quickly draws another arrow and knocks it sending it down range landing harmlessly on the ground. “Do me a favour?”he says looking at the mage beside him, “Don’t tell Valena I missed.”

The last remaining scro rushes towards Andlin, when Laucian puts him down with another arrow. Andlin looks back at Laucian, raising his swords up as if to say that he had that one.

Knocking another arrow he sees the last scro run towards Andlin, But before he does Laucian lets loose his arrow and it ends the scro’s life. Andlin looks back at him and raises his swords in protest. “I thought you might need a break.” He calls down to the warrior watching the warriors blade flicker and dance.

After the battle Laucian goes down to the ground and approaches, Andlin, “Well fought. The queen made a great choice in allowing you to come. I’ll see if these scro have anything of worth. Laucian will gather weapons, jewelry and gold that any scro may be carrying. He will also see about claiming any of his arrows minus the brain skewer.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

The battle against the scro from the ship turns out to be just as one sided as early conflict. This one just took longer is all.

Lilia marvels at just how good Laucian is with his bow. He made shots that seemed impossible at first glance. The Hunter's Bow, Ehlonna's gift after sealing up the Dark One once more. is indeed a prize.

After the battle is over, Lilia will take a look around and make sure that is all of the scro. Once that has been determined, she'll land near Laucian and Andlin.

“That's step one,” Lilia states. “The next portion of the plan is to make sure the ship is secure. Once that task has been completed, we'll transport Talen there and then we'll begin the journey back to the Sylvan Realm. Laucian, Andlin will lead the way.”

Lilia is unsure what Kylie will wish to do and waves to get her attention.

“I know you wish to check up on Talen,” Lilia will say. “He has been found and he is safe, but he is unconscious. An Elder artifact did something to him, but just what I cannot say. We need to get the ship secure and then we'll take Talen there. Can you help Laucian and Andlin in that task?”

“I'll stay here with Lia and the others until you give the all clear sign,” Lilia will say to everyone. “Let us know when we can safely move Talen.”

After they are off towards the ship, Lilia will go back to where Talen and Lia are at. She'll gesture for Argent and Myev to join them. Once inside, Lilia will motion for Argent to join her.

“Can you translate these Elder Runes?” Lilia will inquire indicating the closest column. “I can make out some of it, but this is my first attempt in translating Elder writings. Whatever this thing is, its what reduce Talen to this state. Be careful near it.”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Do you think that with a teacher I could be better at magic?” Myev wonders. “That I could be as powerful as you are?”

The conversation with Myev continues as they fly north. "Myev, with proper training, time and dedication, almost anything is possible. Everyone has some natural limits, except perhaps the gods themselves, but don't let that stop you from striving to achieve whatever you are capable of."

The battle - well, slaughter really - is over almost before it is done. The scro never had a chance, and their arrogance prevented them from realizing it until far too late. Kylie's quiver is lighter by a mere three arrows when the dust settles. From what she could see, it appeared that Argent was the only one who cast any spells.

Before coming in to land, Kylie scouts the area from the air. As she finishes the search, she swings over near the tree where Myev took cover and waves for her to join them. As she approaches the ruined dome where the others are converging, Kylie sees Lilia coming her way and waving for her. Landing near the queen, she says, "I saw no sign of other scro anywhere between here and the ship." Changing the subject abruptly, she asks, "Where's Talen?!" with concern etched on her young features.

“I know you wish to check up on Talen,” Lilia will say. “He has been found and he is safe, but he is unconscious. An Elder artifact did something to him, but just what I cannot say. We need to get the ship secure and then we'll take Talen there. Can you help Laucian and Andlin in that task?”

“I'll stay here with Lia and the others until you give the all clear sign,” Lilia will say to everyone. “Let us know when we can safely move Talen.”

While it's a relief to hear that Talen has been found alive, Kylie struggles to suppress her many questions and desire to see him for herself. "Alright, Lilia, I will do as you ask. I suppose getting him back to the healers at the Mother Tree may be the best way to help him."

Floating over to Laucian and Andlin, Kylie says, "I'm ready," in a glum but resigned voice.

[Argent]

Argent:

Kylie turns back to Argent. "Myev has decided to hide and wait out the battle, so she doesn't need them. Since you don't want them either, I will hang onto both for another time. Good luck in the battle, Argent, and be careful."

“I told you that she was smart,” Argent notes. “Don't worry about me. I'm no longer that timid student that Jallarzi had to drag out into the world. I've been in battles before. But as you say, some discretion would be prudent give my lack of protection.”

Flying on, Argent finds a nice place to cast her spells close to where Laucian chosen to fire his arrows. The Invoker lets the elf know that she is near.

“Sure, just don’t step in front of me!” as he lets loose another arrow. Within moments he sees the unfortunate scro take the arrow in the face.

“I don't intend to,” Argent says as she lands behind Laucian and off to his right. She casts her version of Magic Missile and it only wounds her target once more.

He quickly draws another arrow and knocks it sending it down range landing harmlessly on the ground. “Do me a favor?” he says looking at the mage beside him, “Don’t tell Valena I missed.”

“My lips are sealed,” Argent answers with a grin right before casting her second Magic Missile and taking out the scro she hit before.

Just like that the fighting is over. Feeling the effects of the Fly spell starting to wear off, Argent quickly flies to the ground with the others. Kylie, Laucian and the armored elf are sent off to secure the ship the scro were using. After that Lilia motions for me to join her inside a partially intact building.

“Can you translate these Elder Runes?” Lilia will inquire indicating the closest column. “I can make out some of it, but this is my first attempt in translating Elder writings. Whatever this thing is, its what reduce Talen to this state. Be careful near it.”

“I will get right on it,” Argent says excitedly. That excitement is somewhat tempered after she sees the tall half-elf on the ground being cradled by his weeping sister.

Argent moves closer to the column and will initially examine it from a distance. Then she'll move close enough to read the engravings and start to translate what they say.

[Laucian]

Laucian

“That's step one,” Lilia states. “The next portion of the plan is to make sure the ship is secure. Once that task has been completed, we'll transport Talen there and then we'll begin the journey back to the Sylvan Realm. Laucian, Andlin will lead the way.”

Laucian looks to the Lilia, “Our plan is working so far. We will see to the ship. Perhaps we can use the scro absence to our advantage. They do not know what we sound like. Perhaps we might call to the ship and draw them to us.”

"Any change in Talen?" he asks concerned for the young half elf.

Floating over to Laucian and Andlin, Kylie says, "I'm ready," in a glum but resigned voice.

“At least we found him alive.” He says trying to sound positive. “There maybe someone to help him in the Slyvian realm. Don’t give up just yet.”

Laucian will grab what arrows he can as he leads the other two out. “These scro are prideful but we don’t know if they are stupid. Watch for sentries along the way keep to cover wherever we may find it.”

[Lia]

Lia

“Something may very well have drawn him here,” Lilia tells Lia. “I can translate some of this writing and it speaks about 'the young answering the call'. Perhaps this call is what drew Talen here. It goes on to say something about learning, or maybe teaching? I can't be sure.”

“Perhaps.”Looking down at Talen’s head she looks back at Lilia. “Is it possible the snake imparted knowledge on Talen? He has burn marks upon his head where the stone snake grabbed him.”

“This other part is even stranger,” Lilia continues. “The place where this stone snake came out mentions something that I think translate into 'bladeback', whatever that is. Another one says 'finhead'. I have no idea what this all means.

“Bladeback and finhead? Odd indeed! It almost sounds like a nickname for some creature. You don’t think that they might have been the residents of these ruins?” she asks curiously as she stifles a sniffle and wipes her silver hair from her face.

Turning back to Lia she adds, “I am sure that I don't need to tell you this, but guard your brother. We'll deal with the scro.”

“None will see him harmed.” She says determinedly her longsword angled down before her. “Give them a warm welcome for me.”

Lia stands by her brother hearing the ring of metal and the death rattles of those wounded and dying. Looking in the distance Lia can’t help but wish she was with them but glad she is not. With her brother comatose and not reacting to spells Lia can’t help but feel over protective of her twin, even if he did do this to himself.

Squating down with her blade drawn Lia, anyone nearby can hear her sing softly to her brother a ballad that is a favorite of theirs when they were kids.

Soon enough the battle is over and the others come back to see how the Pillars are and Talen’s well being.

After they are off towards the ship, Lilia will go back to where Talen and Lia are at. She'll gesture for Argent and Myev to join them. Once inside, Lilia will motion for Argent to join her.

“Can you translate these Elder Runes?” Lilia will inquire indicating the closest column. “I can make out some of it, but this is my first attempt in translating Elder writings. Whatever this thing is, its what reduce Talen to this state. Be careful near it.”

Lia watches and listens to the others talk about the pillars. Wishing to know more Lia listens intently perhaps she might learn something useful! Curiously she asks, “Is there anything about this stone snake?”
As she goes back to her brother and begins softly singing to her brother.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 1st, CR 571 or Deepnight 23rd, 20,519 AP

Before the Scro battle:

The conversation with Myev continues as they fly north. "Myev, with proper training, time and dedication, almost anything is possible. Everyone has some natural limits, except perhaps the gods themselves, but don't let that stop you from striving to achieve whatever you are capable of."

“Thank you,” Myev says gratefully. “Among my tribe I never would have had such opportunities.”


After the battle:

The battle with the scro is decidedly one-sided once more. It does make the elves wonder if these scro actually saw any battle before, or were they just puffed up on the deeds of their ancestors? They should very little skill or even common battlefield sense.

Nocking another arrow he sees the last scro run towards Andlin, But before he does Laucian lets loose his arrow and it ends the scro’s life. Andlin looks back at him and raises his swords in protest. “I thought you might need a break.” He calls down to the warrior watching the warriors blade flicker and dance.

“Break?” Andlin repeats in disbelief. “I didn't even break a sweat!”

After the battle Laucian goes down to the ground and approaches, Andlin, “Well fought. The queen made a great choice in allowing you to come. I’ll see if these scro have anything of worth.”

“It was for her own safety,” Andlin notes. “Do not forget the other bands sent over the rainbow bridge were highly skilled as well. It's probably been a long time since so many talented elves were gathered together.”

Laucian will gather weapons, jewelry and gold that any scro may be carrying. He will also see about claiming any of his arrows minus the brain skewer.

Laucian will find that two of his arrows survived the battle. The scro have basic gear and nothing that looks exceptional. They were chain mail underneath their tabards, but it doesn't appear to be enchanted. They have swords and daggers, but again they do not appear to anything special. Some gold and silver coins are found, but they do not look like any type of currency that Laucian has seen before.

[GM Mad]

The Elder Columns:

Not long after they Kylie returns from her scouting and joins the others on the ground. Only Lia and Talen are not present as they are back inside the building with the Elder Columns. Lilia sends Kylie, Laucian and Andlin off to secure the Scro ship, while she, Argent and Myev join Lia and Talen.

Laucian, Kylie, and Andlin go back to where the griffons were left and mount up once more. They fly off towards the north and the dock area a few more miles away.

Once underneath the crumbling remains where the Elder Columns are at, Lilia asks Argent to translate the writing. Talen remains the same as he was before, unconscious but does not seem to have been physically injured. Lia sings softly over her brother.

Argent spends nearly an hour going over the Elder Writing on the columns before approaching the others. Myev is content to simply watch.

“I can read the writing on the column easy enough,” Argent notes. “It's more a matter of trying to make sense of it. From what I can gather, when a young person of the Elder Race is old enough, the column calls out to them. They come here, and depending on their race, or so it seems, the column teaches them.”

“It seems that scholars were wrong about one thing when it comes to the Elders. They weren't just one race! They seem to have been an alliance of several races. Each side of the column is dedicated to a different race. Bladeback and Finhead like Lilia read. There is also Flyers and Hornheads. The Flyers are the smallest and the Hornheads are the largest. That explains why the city is built like it is. Some of the Elders are really tall, while others can fly. Or perhaps they are all off shoots of the same species who just evolved into radically different forms.”

“So, what does this all mean?” Argent states. “It seems to me that Talen has enough similarities to the a member of the Elder Race that they columns called out to him and he answered. It then tried to teach him, just what I don't know. What every Elder needs to know, perhaps? Long lost knowledge?”

[GM Mad]

The Ship and the Lighthouse:

A few miles to the north, Kylie, Laucian and Andlin are getting closer to the ship docked in the harbor. As the trio get closer they can see from the air that the Elder Harbor must have been huge in its day. Numerous wharves used emerge from the land and make their way out into the water. They're long gone now, just those parts that remain on the land still exist in a shattered state. No other scro were noted along the way.

One large stone pier still exists. It's some fifty feet wide and over four hundred feet long. At the far end of the pier, right before it ends, sits the large lighthouse spotted earlier. The lighthouse is past where the ship is dock along the stone pier. No activity has been noted on the ship all during the trip.

The ship itself is large, but no one here an be really sure if its bigger then normal or not as none of the group has been to an ocean port before. The ship bears writing that looks like Alphatian. From what you heard before, the ship is called the Helianthus which translates into Sunflower.

The Sunflower is at its widest thirty feet broad and over one hundred and twenty feet long. Two decks can be seen above the waterline, suggesting that there is at least one below the water. The top deck has elevated sections to the front and to the rear, which the middle uncovered. There are three masts to the ship.

The griffon riders buzz the ship and still no activity below. While doing this, Kylie happens to take a glance at the lighthouse. While she has seen a lighthouse before, this structure other then being tower-like is most definitely not a lighthouse! The structure is about ten feet wide and at least seventy feet tall. It's covered with the Elder writing and it looks familiar. There does not appear to be a way to go inside the tower. It's a solid structure.

After a few moments of thought it hits Kylie. This big structure is another pillar, much like the one on the Pillar Artifact on top of the Tall Tower! The only difference is that there is just one pillar and its ten times bigger the the smaller ones!


Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“I told you that she was smart,” Argent notes. “Don't worry about me. I'm no longer that timid student that Jallarzi had to drag out into the world. I've been in battles before. But as you say, some discretion would be prudent given my lack of protection.”

Not being timid won't protect Argent from arrows and other flying weapons. Nevertheless, Kylie chooses not to press the point and trusts that her friend will keep her head down if the need arises.

“At least we found him alive.” He says trying to sound positive. “There maybe someone to help him in the Sylvan realm. Don’t give up just yet.”

"I know, and I'm not," Kylie replies. "But I cannot help being worried, seeing him lying so still like that. He needs better help than we can provide - and soon."

Laucian will grab what arrows he can as he leads the other two out. “These scro are prideful but we don’t know if they are stupid. Watch for sentries along the way keep to cover wherever we may find it.”

"Myev isn't stupid, so at least not all of them are, though the males we've seen so far haven't exactly been deep thinkers."

Kylie, Laucian and Andlin mount up and fly north toward the ship. Kylie flies a bit behind the other two, doing her best to watch both flanks. As the dock area comes into sight, Kylie is amazed at the expanse; this had to have been a major port, as numerous ships could have been docked at one time based on the size of the one remaining pier.

The Sunflower looks almost small compared to the pier, though it has 3 masts and two decks above the waterline. Flying past the ship, they see no one on board; any remaining crew must be below-decks.

As they fly past and swing around, Kylie gets a good look at what they had assumed was a lighthouse. Yet clearly, that is not what it is; there is no entrance, and no light at the top. Most puzzling, and Kylie can't help but feel like she knows the answer to this puzzle. Thinking hard, it suddenly comes to her: it is a giant pillar artifact! Based on the size, it must be capable of opening portals large enough for entire ships! Lilia and Argent are definitely going to want to hear about this.

But where are the other pillars? They have always come in sets of six before. Were they on other piers that sank? More research is definitely needed, but this is not the time for that.

Kylie flies in closer to Laucian and Andlin. "This is no lighthouse. I'm certain that it is actually another pillar artifact like the others we've seen. Only this one appears to be large enough to transport whole ships! We'll need to report this to Lilia and Argent.

"However, I think we should land and clear the Sunflower first..."

[Laucian]

Laucian
After retrieving his arrows, Laucian finds several coins that he puts in his pack. For several moments he looks to Talen and then to his distraught sister. Walking up to Lia, “Have faith in Talen and pray to your god as I will mine.”
Laucian retraces his steps and makes it to the the Griffons. Reaching his hand out when he reaches Aura, she gently clicks her beak at him as he begins to stroke her flank ruffling some feathers.
Mounting up on Aura, Laucian looks back at the others, once ready he urges his mount to the sky.

The griffon riders buzz the ship and still no activity below. While doing this, Kylie happens to take a glance at the lighthouse. While she has seen a lighthouse before, this structure other then being tower-like is most definitely not a lighthouse! The structure is about ten feet wide and at least seventy feet tall. It's covered with the Elder writing it looks familiar. There does not appear to be a way to go inside the tower. It's a solid structure.

Laucian looks to the harbour and sees many piers with a three mast ship comes into view. He marvels at why such a thing would be built. As Kylie flies closer to them.

Kylie flies in closer to Laucian and Andlin. "This is no lighthouse. I'm certain that it is actually another pillar artifact like the others we've seen. Only this one appears to be large enough to transport whole ships! We'll need to report this to Lilia and Argent.

"However, I think we should land and clear the Sunflower first..."
“I agree. Let us find a good place to land so the griffons are not in danger.” Laucian will direct his mount down to the ground. As he does he will look to the ship and see if anything is spotted.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“Perhaps.”Looking down at Talen’s head she looks back at Lilia. “Is it possible the snake imparted knowledge on Talen? He has burn marks upon his head where the stone snake grabbed him.”

“At this point, anything is possible,” Lilia has to admit.

Intrigued by mention of the burn marks, Lilia looks for herself on the top of Talen's head. “Look at this,” Lilia notes. “Six burns in a familiar pattern. The same as the pillars. This wasn't an accident, this was Elder doing.”

“Bladeback and finhead? Odd indeed! It almost sounds like a nickname for some creature. You don’t think that they might have been the residents of these ruins?” she asks curiously as she stifles a sniffle and wipes her silver hair from her face.

“That does seem likely,” Lilia agrees. “They could have been nicknames. That's what the writing translates into. Those words might have had more meaning to the Elders then they do to us.”

“None will see him harmed.” She says determinedly her longsword angled down before her. “Give them a warm welcome for me.”

“Indeed,” Lilia notes with a grim smile.

While it's a relief to hear that Talen has been found alive, Kylie struggles to suppress her many questions and desire to see him for herself. "Alright, Lilia, I will do as you ask. I suppose getting him back to the healers at the Mother Tree may be the best way to help him."

“That is a factor, but my thinking was more along the lines of clearing the ship of the scro before they realize what happened to those outside,” Lilia notes. “You have the stealth to move about with little notice. But, for the others to reach the griffons they'll need to pass back through the area where Talen is. Check on Talen, but do not forget that we'll need a place to bring him to the ship soon.”

Laucian looks to the Lilia, “Our plan is working so far. We will see to the ship. Perhaps we can use the scro absence to our advantage. They do not know what we sound like. Perhaps we might call to the ship and draw them to us.”

“It's worth a try,” Lilia adds. “I would prefer to have no damage come to that vessel.”

"Any change in Talen?" he asks concerned for the young half elf.

“None.” Lilia reports. ”I now have to wonder if what happened to Talen is what happened to that elf back at Crimson Crest. They noted that around one out of every twenty elf heard voices in their heads. I wonder if they were hearing the same call as Talen did, but were too far away to answer.”

“I will get right on it,” Argent says excitedly. That excitement is somewhat tempered after she sees the tall half-elf on the ground being cradled by his weeping sister.

Lilia simply nods her understanding and will patrol the immediate area once the other are off to the ship. She'll keep those with her in sight as much as possible. After what seems like an eternity, Argent reports what she's read.

“I can read the writing on the column easy enough,” Argent notes. “It's more a matter of trying to make sense of it. From what I can gather, when a young person of the Elder Race is old enough, the column calls out to them. They come here, and depending on their race, or so it seems, the column teaches them.”

“That much I had gathered from my earlier examination,” Lilia states.

“It seems that scholars were wrong about one thing when it comes to the Elders. They weren't just one race! They seem to have been an alliance of several races. Each side of the column is dedicated to a different race. Bladeback and Finhead like Lilia read. There is also Flyers and Hornheads. The Flyers are the smallest and the Hornheads are the largest. That explains why the city is built like it is. Some of the Elders are really tall, while others can fly. Or perhaps they are all off shoots of the same species who just evolved into radically different forms.”

“It is a possibility,” Lilia concedes. “That theory does fit the facts as we know them.”

“So, what does this all mean?” Argent states. “It seems to me that Talen has enough similarities to the a member of the Elder Race that they columns called out to him and he answered. It then tried to teach him, just what I don't know. What every Elder needs to know, perhaps? Long lost knowledge?”

“That is a reasonable assumption,” Lilia agrees. “The 'teacher' did leave marks on his head in a pattern the same as the pillars. But this still doesn't help Talen. Was his mind 'elder enough' to understand the knowledge that was put into him?”

Lilia stops that particular line of thinking as it get worse and worse for the young half-elf.

“Perhaps a more potent healer can help him back at the Mother Tree.”

[Argent]

Argent:

After the fight with the scro from the ship, Argent goes to examine the columns that Talen was drawn to.

Lia watches and listens to the others talk about the pillars. Wishing to know more Lia listens intently perhaps she might learn something useful! Curiously she asks, “Is there anything about this stone snake?”

“No, nothing about a snake,” Argent answers without looking back. “This is a learning artifact of some kind. It teaches. It's possible that this teacher did look like a stone snake to you from a distance, but it's not a real serpent.”

Time passes in a blur while Argent works. She just wishes she had her notes with her, but those are with her gear wherever that is. Still she should be able to remember all of this. Once she is satisfied with her findings, Argent makes her report.

“I can read the writing on the column easy enough,” Argent notes. “It's more a matter of trying to make sense of it. From what I can gather, when a young person of the Elder Race is old enough, the column calls out to them. They come here, and depending on their race, or so it seems, the column teaches them.”

“It seems that scholars were wrong about one thing when it comes to the Elders. They weren't just one race! They seem to have been an alliance of several races. Each side of the column is dedicated to a different race. Bladeback and Finhead like Lilia read. There is also Flyers and Hornheads. The Flyers are the smallest and the Hornheads are the largest. That explains why the city is built like it is. Some of the Elders are really tall, while others can fly. Or perhaps they are all off shoots of the same species who just evolved into radically different forms.”

“So, what does this all mean?” Argent states. “It seems to me that Talen has enough similarities to the a member of the Elder Race that they columns called out to him and he answered. It then tried to teach him, just what I don't know. What every Elder needs to know, perhaps? Long lost knowledge?”

“That is a reasonable assumption,” Lilia agrees. “The 'teacher' did leave marks on his head in a pattern the same as the pillars. But this still doesn't help Talen. Was his mind 'elder enough' to understand the knowledge that was put into him?”

“That is the big question,” Argent agrees. While the Invoker is a tad envious that she wasn't drawn to this Elder Teacher, seeing Talen laying unconscious makes her not so jealous. Still to be able to recover ancient teachings of the Elders is wondrous achievement!

“So,” Argent starts after a time. “What do we do now?”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“That is a factor, but my thinking was more along the lines of clearing the ship of the scro before they realize what happened to those outside,” Lilia notes. “You have the stealth to move about with little notice. But, for the others to reach the griffons they'll need to pass back through the area where Talen is. Check on Talen, but do not forget that we'll need a place to bring him to the ship soon.”

"I understand," Kylie says.

She moves into the enclosed part of the ruin, where she spots Talen lying motionless with his sister by his side. Even though she knew what she would find, it hits Kylie hard, and she has to snatch a quick gasp of air. Moving closer, she sees no obvious wounds, though there are some strange marks on his head. Kneeling beside Lia, she puts an arm around her friend. "How are you holding up, Lia?" she asks. "I need to go help clear the scro ship. Then we'll be able to get him back to the Mother Tree quickly. The healers there should be able to help him," Kylie says with a confidence she doesn't entirely feel.

“I agree. Let us find a good place to land so the griffons are not in danger.” Laucian will direct his mount down to the ground. As he does he will look to the ship and see if anything is spotted.

Kylie nods, then guides her griffin to follow Laucian, landing on shore near foot of the pier.
_______________________________________________________________________
I went back and edited my previous post, based on Kylie's new interaction with Lilia.

[Lia]

Lia

Intrigued by mention of the burn marks, Lilia looks for herself on the top of Talen's head. “Look at this,” Lilia notes. “Six burns in a familiar pattern. The same as the pillars. This wasn't an accident, this was Elder doing.”

"Show me to the Elders and I will leave marks upon them." she says coldly and softly.

“That is a reasonable assumption,” Lilia agrees. “The 'teacher' did leave marks on his head in a pattern the same as the pillars. But this still doesn't help Talen. Was his mind 'elder enough' to understand the knowledge that was put into him?”

Lilia stops that particular line of thinking as it get worse and worse for the young half-elf.

“Perhaps a more potent healer can help him back at the Mother Tree.”

"How can he be an Elder? He is Talen? He is of mixed blood, Same as I am." Fighting through her reasoning.

"Perhaps it is because of his mage training as well?" she asks curiously.

Lia can't help but ask, "Do you think he will be the same when he comes around? What if he comes back and doesn't recognize us? Or worse tries to do us harm." she aks painfully. "Do you think he should be bound so he doesn't hurt himself or us?

She moves into the enclosed part of the ruin, where she spots Talen lying motionless with his sister by his side. Even though she knew what she would find, it hits Kylie hard, and she has to snatch a quick gasp of air. Moving closer, she sees no obvious wounds, though there are some strange marks on his head. Kneeling beside Lia, she puts an arm around her friend.

"How are you holding up, Lia?" she asks. "I need to go help clear the scro ship. Then we'll be able to get him back to the Mother Tree quickly. The healers there should be able to help him," Kylie says with a confidence she doesn't entirely feel.

Lia looks up briefly and smiles weakly at Kylie as she puts her arm around her. "Worried." she says evenly, "I tried water, lightly shaking him even healing him and there is nothing to show for it. What ever damage has been done is beyond my means. I hope so. I am at a loss, I have done everything I can think of." she says stoicly. "How are you holding up?"

As Kylie turns to leave, Lia looks to Kylie, "Kylie incase he doesn't wake I want you to know he thinks the world of you."she says with a weak heartfelt smile.

“No, nothing about a snake,” Argent answers without looking back. “This is a learning artifact of some kind. It teaches. It's possible that this teacher did look like a stone snake to you from a distance, but it's not a real serpent.”

"Teaches you not to mess with things you don't understand." she says grumply under her breath.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 1st, CR 571 or Deepnight 23rd, 20,519 AP

At the docks at the northern end of the Elder City of Shillesta Kylie, Laucian and Andlin check out the scro ship and realize that what they thought was a lighthouse was instead a giant pillar! Having buzzed the ship and upon seeing no signs of life, the trip land their griffons on the stone dock near the ship. From there they make their way towards the ship. While Kylie and Laucian can move almost in silence, Andlin can't help but make noise in his plate mail armor.

“You go on a head,” Andlin will tell Kylie and Laucian. “I'll make enough racket to draw attention to me. Maybe draw a few scro in hiding out.”

The group makes their way up the gangplank and are now on the main deck of the ship. The area holds the middle of the three masts and there are two large hatches that you imagine are used to lower cargo and supplies to the lower decks. There are two open set of steps leading up to the elevated portions of the ship to the fore and aft. All the steps hug the railings. These elevated areas both have one of the two remaining masts on the ship. The rear area also has the ships navigation wheel.

One door leads into the area underneath the aft section, while there are three going underneath the fore area. The single door opens to a small landing. Beyond the landing are steps going down the deck below while there are doors to the right and left. The door to the right leads to an area that looks like a small library or study. The room behind the door to the left has a large table in the center of the chamber. It gives the impression of being a meeting area or perhaps a dinning room. A single door leads out of this room into what must be the Captains Stateroom. This large room fills out the rear of the ship and features a desk and a full sized bed.

On the fore side of the main deck, the door on the right opens into a small armory. The middle door immediately has steps going down to the deck below. The door on the right goes into a small room that has a small hallway running off of it. Down this hallway there are two doors on the left and three on the right. The first two on the right have been bashed in. The first door on the right has stairs going down to the lower deck. The middle door leads into a room holding casks. Some have been broken into and lay on the floor. There is the sweet smell of wine in the chamber. The last room on the right holds extra rope for the ships rigging. The first door on the left leads into a woodworking or carpenters shop. The second door has carpenter supplies behind it.

The next deck down is much like the one above. The middle area is wide open and seems to be the cargo hold. Boxes and crates fill the area and some have been opened already. The aft section has a small hallway and from it there are what must have been six officer quarters. There are some chairs and furnishings in the hallway, suggesting that this was an officers lounge or something akin to it. Each quarters is different from each other and two of the doors were broken down. There are just four rooms on the fore section of this deck. There is a galley with an adjacent pantry, an armory, and a small private hold.

The next deck down is even sparser. The main area is open for most of the deck and this seems to have been the crew sleeping area. The lone chamber at the fore end seems to have been the sickbay. There are five chambers at the aft end. Two of these seem to be armories, while one is a general stores area. The last two chambers are of great interest has both has a potbelly stove in it and each has an weak flame in it.

There is one more deck down below. The main area is wide open once more and seems to have the emergency ship supplies in it. There are barrels of what looks like water, planking for repairs and a few extra masts. There are three small rooms on this level of the ship on the fore side. One holds extra sails, while another smells of grain. The last chamber holds a third potbelly stove in it. It also has a weak flame in it.

There is a door that it still sealed leading to the area aft and judging from the weapons gathered around the door the scro tried to bash it in but failed. Whatever lies beyond this door is unknown.

Other than that door on the lowest deck, the entire ship was quickly searched and no scro were to be found. At this point the searchers just took quick looks around to see if any scro were present. This was not a thorough search.

“These scro really are stupid,” Andlin mutters. “They all ran out to fight us and left the ship undefended! I can keep guard here while you go and bring the others back.”


Back at the Elder Teaching Columns, Argent has conclude her examination of the artifacts. They seem to suggest that the Elders were made up of multiple races of various sizes. Talen remains unconscious.


Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Lia looks up briefly and smiles weakly at Kylie as she puts her arm around her. "Worried." she says evenly, "I tried water, lightly shaking him even healing him and there is nothing to show for it. What ever damage has been done is beyond my means. I hope so. I am at a loss, I have done everything I can think of." she says stoically. "How are you holding up?"

Kylie sighs, releasing some of her tension. "I'm okay, now that I've seen him. I'll be better when we get him back to the healers at the Mother Tree. I know you've done everything you can, and this is something new, something different. They will have the best chance to help him. As long as his condition doesn't worsen, there's hope."

As Kylie turns to leave, Lia looks to Kylie, "Kylie in case he doesn't wake, I want you to know he thinks the world of you."she says with a weak heartfelt smile.

Kylie nods, smiling. "He's pretty special to me too, as are you, Lia. Take care of both your brother and yourself, and I won't worry so much."


Making their way slowly and quietly aboard the ship, Kylie and Laucian lead the way with the much noisier Andlin well behind. It takes time to search a ship this large, but the farther they go, the clearer it becomes that the scro left no guards behind. The ship is well-provisioned and there is but one door that remains locked. Curiosity tugs at Kylie as she wonders what lies behind the door that the scro were unable to bash down. Nevertheless, they leave it be for now and return to the deck.

“These scro really are stupid,” Andlin mutters. “They all ran out to fight us and left the ship undefended! I can keep guard here while you go and bring the others back.”

"It might actually be faster to fly the ship to them, considering the distance, and would relieve the need to transport Talen all this way," Kylie offers. "I learned a fair bit about flying ships on our way out here from the Dorwyn Elfholds. Many of them can be powered by spells, as well as magical artifacts.

"What do you think, Laucian?"
____________________________________________________________________
Switched to a newer avatar picture that I think depicts Kylie more accurately at this point in her life. Let me know what you think.

[Lia]

Lia

Lia watches and tries to learn as much as she can given what Argent and Lilia are saying but with her mind preoccupied with her brother's well being it is sadly little. Lia gets up from Talen's side and moves towards the others. "Perhaps there is push plate upon the columns. If this does impart magic would it take magic to activate it?" she asks as she walks up to the Stone snake pillar and runs her hands over it pressing slightly to see if it will activate.

If the actions prove futile, Lia will make ready her brother to move.
(More to come as others post.)

[Laucian]

Laucian

“You go on a head,” Andlin will tell Kylie and Laucian. “I'll make enough racket to draw attention to me. Maybe draw a few scro in hiding out.”

"As you wish."Laucian says in reply as he stows his hunter's bow in his quiver and draws his long sword.

As the initial sweep of the ship is completed, Laucian hears what both his companions have to say.

Other than that door on the lowest deck, the entire ship was quickly searched and no scro were to be found. At this point the searchers just took quick looks around to see if any scro were present. This was not a thorough search.

“These scro really are stupid,” Andlin mutters. “They all ran out to fight us and left the ship undefended! I can keep guard here while you go and bring the others back.”

"It might actually be faster to fly the ship to them, considering the distance, and would relieve the need to transport Talen all this way," Kylie offers. "I learned a fair bit about flying ships on our way out here from the Dorwyn Elfholds. Many of them can be powered by spells, as well as magical artifacts.

"What do you think, Laucian?"

"It maybe. But that room within with the weapons abound it troubles me. What if the remaining scro are hiding within? If we move the ship and we do not fully check this ship we could be inviting disaster to our people. And with Chandra and his followers depleting our forces I would not want an enemy delivered to our doorstep. Perhaps there is hidden rooms within that may house our enemies. I would suggest seeing a more thorough search of this place before we bring it to the others. Besides was there not a headpiece that helped us move the barge? Where is the headpiece for the Sunflower?"

"Kylie can you see if there is a window on the outside where that room we could not enter was? Perhaps you may beable to see into it?"

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Perhaps there is push plate upon the columns. If this does impart magic would it take magic to activate it?" she asks as she walks up to the Stone snake pillar and runs her hands over it pressing slightly to see if it will activate.

The columns seem to be solid. Nothing depresses in the area around where the stone snake came out of.

"It might actually be faster to fly the ship to them, considering the distance, and would relieve the need to transport Talen all this way," Kylie offers. "I learned a fair bit about flying ships on our way out here from the Dorwynn Elfholds. Many of them can be powered by spells, as well as magical artifacts.

“Wait,”Andlin intrupts in amazement. “That stuff about flying ships was real? You can do that?”

"What do you think, Laucian?"

"Kylie can you see if there is a window on the outside where that room we could not enter was? Perhaps you may be able to see into it?"

The door that still is sealed is on the lowest level of the ship. This door is also metal in construction unlike the wood ones elsewhere on the ship. The lower two levels of the ship are below the water line, so there are no windows.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Lilia keeps guard while the other are off securing the ship.

"How can he be an Elder? He is Talen? He is of mixed blood, Same as I am." Fighting through her reasoning.

“I don't think Talen is an elder either,” Lilia states. “What I think is that his mind is close enough to that of an elder that this 'teacher' called to him. Argent's earlier research indicated that the Elders believed in six natural elements instead of four. Mind and Will were the other two. Talen is still who he always was, his mind was able to sense the call of these columns.”

"Perhaps it is because of his mage training as well?" she asks curiously.

“While that is possible,” Lilia says, “neither myself, Kylie or Argent are hearing a call and we're all mages.”

Lia can't help but ask, "Do you think he will be the same when he comes around? What if he comes back and doesn't recognize us? Or worse tries to do us harm." she asks painfully. "Do you think he should be bound so he doesn't hurt himself or us?

Stepping up to Lia, Lilia puts her hand on the drow woman's shoulder. “Don't even think like that,” she scolds gently. “Don't let your mind runaway with wild assumptions. All we know is that this column did something to Talen, just what we don't know yet.”

Lilia goes back to being on patrol and waiting for the others to return so that Talen can be taken to somewhere more comfortable.

[Argent]

Argent:

Argent continues her examinations while the others chat behind her.

Lia can't help but ask, "Do you think he will be the same when he comes around? What if he comes back and doesn't recognize us? Or worse tries to do us harm." she asks painfully. "Do you think he should be bound so he doesn't hurt himself or us?

Stepping up to Lia, Lilia puts her hand on the drow woman's shoulder. “Don't even think like that,” she scolds gently. “Don't let your mind runaway with wild assumptions. All we know is that this column did something to Talen, just what we don't know yet.”

“This seems to be a teaching device,” Argent will add. “Given that, I doubt that it will change your brother. Just give him knowledge that he didn't possess before.”

“It also depends just have benevolent or malevolent these Elders were,” Argent thinks to herself. No need to mention that line of thought out loud!

"Perhaps there is push plate upon the columns. If this does impart magic would it take magic to activate it?" she asks as she walks up to the Stone snake pillar and runs her hands over it pressing slightly to see if it will activate.

“I'm not sure I would do that if I were you,” Argent cautiously notes from a safe distance.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Wait,”Andlin intrupts in amazement. “That stuff about flying ships was real? You can do that?”

"Yeah, it's real all right," Kylie replies, a touch of humor in her tone. "We flew all the way out here on Sherwood's flying barge. You didn't think we walked the whole way from Cynalon, did you?"

"It maybe. But that room within with the weapons abound it troubles me. What if the remaining scro are hiding within? If we move the ship and we do not fully check this ship we could be inviting disaster to our people. And with Chandra and his followers depleting our forces I would not want an enemy delivered to our doorstep. Perhaps there is hidden rooms within that may house our enemies. I would suggest seeing a more thorough search of this place before we bring it to the others. Besides was there not a headpiece that helped us move the barge? Where is the headpiece for the Sunflower?"

"I have concerns about that room as well, Laucian," Kylie replies, "though from what we saw, I don't think the scro ever got through the door. I could try picking the lock, though if it is magically locked, that won't help and I don't have the right spell memorized to defeat a magical lock."

Kylie considers for a second. "You're right that we haven't seen a headpiece or other obvious control device, but we also haven't checked very carefully. As I recall, we only needed the Crown of Stars until we found that Spell Engine. After that, we no longer needed it. However, I don't know that we can assume that all Spell Engines work exactly the same way. Since this ship has a wheel, that may be part of the control mechanism, or there may be some other clue there. I can take a look up there to see if I can figure it out."

"Kylie can you see if there is a window on the outside where that room we could not enter was? Perhaps you may be able to see into it?"

"I can, but I don't recall seeing any other windows on that level of the ship. It may be below the water line."

Kylie will fly over to the wheel and take a look around, activating her innate ability to Detect Magic as well. If she doesn't see anything obvious in the way of a control device, she'll try placing her hands on the wheel to see if it gives her any feel for how to fly the ship. After that, she will go below-decks and touch each of the three potbelly stoves they saw down there. She recalls needing to do that with the Spell Engine they installed on Sherwood's barge as they traded shifts.

[GM Mad]

Small Update:

Kylie goes up the aft upper deck and lands before the large wheel that turns the ships rudder. She invokes her ability to Detect Magic and finds none in the immediate area.

Next she quickly makes her way to the area where the first two of the potbelly stoves were found. It does detect as magical and upon touching it, the Spell Engine attunes to her.

The touch reveals that it is a Spell Engine mark 4. That indicates that the engine can only be powered up with spells up to level 4. Higher level spells are too powerful for the engine to consume. This particular Spell Engine has four abilities. First it generates a comfortable aura around the ship, allows it to fly, allows it to fly in space, and can generate a protective shield about the ship.

Quickly moving on to the potbelly stove in the adjacent room, Kylie finds that it too is magical. She touches this second Spell Engine, but it will not bond to her.

Kylie makes it down to the lowest deck where the third stove is located. It's also magical and it also will not bond with Kylie. While down on the lower deck, Kylie will not that the locked door is indeed magical.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

What follows is a edited copy of my GM Notes from Elfquest #6 on the subject of Spell Engines. It was easier to copy and make the necessary changes to those old notes.

The potbelly stove is a Spell Engine Mark 4. A Spell Engine is an item that absorbs magical energy, either from spells cast into it or magic items consumed by it. This energy is stored in the engine and unleashed as directed by the Engineer. The Engineer has to be able to cast mage spells in order to control a Spell Engine. The brighter the flame inside the Engine, the most magical energy it holds.

Gaining control of a Spell Engine is similar to that of the Crown. Simply touch it for a few minutes and then the Engine will bond with that Engineer. From that point on, the Engineer can mentally make adjustments to the Engine. Rearranging how the Engine is being used and turning powers on and off. Remaining in contact with the Engine is not required once bonded to an Engineer. To change Engineer's simply have another mage make contact with the Engine for a few minutes. Controlling the Engine takes as little concentration as the Crown does. The mages full attention is only required to make changes. The Engineer’s spells are not drained while controlling the Spell Engine.

The designation of Mark 4 determines just how much power the Engine can hold and the maximum level of spells the engine can convert into fuel. In this case, the highest-level spell that can be cast on the Engine is 4th.

Mark 4 also refers to just how much magical energy the Engine can make use of per hour. For this one it is 120 active points. You are not required to make use of the full 120 points that is just the maximum that can be used. The maximum amount of spell energy the furnace can hold is equal to 100 times its active points. So 12,000 points are the maximum for this Spell Engine. (A Spell Engine is a lot like a Champions Multipower for a large END battery.)

Either casting spells on it or having magic items consumed by it charges the engine. The energy gained from mage spells is equal to the spell level squared times 100. A first level spell gives the engine 100 pts, a second level spell 400 pts, a 3rd level spell 900 pts, and so on. Magic items consumed by the furnace give it a point value equal to the items XP value. For instance a Dagger +1 has an XP Value of 150, so 150 pts would be gain by the furnace for consuming it.

The Engineer is always aware of just how much energy is left in the Spell Engine and how much energy it is consuming. If there is not enough energy to sustain a power, the Engine will turn that power off.

Each Spell Engine is unique and was constructed for a particular task. This one was to give locomotion to sailing vessels. This carry out this task, this Spell Engine has 3 standard functions and 1 special function. Here are functions:

Life Support- This creates a regenerating air envelope around the vessel that will keep out hostile environments. It provides comfortable conditions and will protect against heat/cold extremes and radiation. In space, it also generates artificial gravity and effectively levitates the vessel. It also protects the vessel from the stresses of flying and going high speeds.

The base cost for Life Support is 30 pts. The size of the vessel being protected increases this cost. When you used this ability on the barge to reach the Sylvan Realm it cost 55 pts. The Sunflower is a much larger ship and costs 80 pts to completely protect. This cost is the minimum needed to create a protective envelope around the vessel. It can be made larger if you so desire, but it will take points away from other things.

Flight - Flight is measured in MV's (Move). 1 MV is equal to traveling 24 miles in 24 hours, essentially 1 mile per hour. (24 miles is used as the standard size game hex is 24 miles. On the smaller maps 3 hexes make a 24 mile hex.) Each 1 MV of flight costs 5 pts from the engine per hour. Flight only provides forward thrust as Life Support actually lifts the ship into the air. (The ship travels in the direction the front bow is pointing.) The ships sails are used to change course.

Using standard Life Support you could move the barge at a rate of 8 MV, assuming full power is used. That would be 8 24-mile hexes in a continuous 24-hour period of use. Without Life Support, the full 120 pts can be used for Flight, giving you a MV of 24. It is faster but provides no protection from the elements and stresses of traveling that fast.

Faster Than Light Travel - This is only used out of the atmosphere and allows travel out among the stars. Space flight costs 10 pts per 1 FTL per hour. 1 FTL is equal to 1 light year, thus a vessel traveling at this rate would travel at the base speed of light. Each additional FTL doubles this velocity. With FTL 2, a light year could be traveled in 180 days. 90 days with FTL 3 and 45 days with FTL 4, and so on.

Defense Shield - This is the last function of this Spell Engine and is a special one. When activated, it generates a magical force field around the ship for protection. This ability works similar to Life Support. It costs a base of 30 pts and then another 50 pts to expand the field to completely cover the ship.

The Defense Shield will absorb up to 30 points of damage from any attack made towards the ship. If the shield is overcome, any damage for the rest of that round will bypass the shield. The Spell Engine will regenerate the Defense Shield the following round, at full point cost once more. Extra points can be applied to the Shield after the 80 points above are spent.

For example if the all the above Spell Engines points were put to the Defense Shield, it would then block 70 pts of damage per round. Base cost of 30 pts + 50 pts to cover the entire ship + 40 more points to the base shield strength.

Now what?

[Lia]

Lia

Stepping up to Lia, Lilia puts her hand on the drow woman's shoulder. “Don't even think like that,” she scolds gently. “Don't let your mind runaway with wild assumptions. All we know is that this column did something to Talen, just what we don't know yet.”

Lia looks to her queen with mixed feelings, shaking her head slightly and her lavender eyes drift to the sky for a moment. "It is hard not to. It is hard to stand here and watch him just lay there like a shell of his former self. We need to get him home." She says looking back at her queen then to the others. "I need to do something. I can't stay here and merely wait. I'll get Talen ready to move."

“This seems to be a teaching device,” Argent will add. “Given that, I doubt that it will change your brother. Just give him knowledge that he didn't possess before.”

"Then let us hope that it is all it did." Lia says evenly looking at the human.

“I'm not sure I would do that if I were you,” Argent cautiously notes from a safe distance.

"What is the worse that could happen?"she asks curiously, "Does it not activate with magic?" she asks curiously.

[Laucian]

Laucian

"I have concerns about that room as well, Laucian," Kylie replies, "though from what we saw, I don't think the scro ever got through the door. I could try picking the lock, though if it is magically locked, that won't help and I don't have the right spell memorized to defeat a magical lock."

"Perhaps one of the others might be able to help with the lock?"

Kylie considers for a second. "You're right that we haven't seen a headpiece or other obvious control device, but we also haven't checked very carefully. As I recall, we only needed the Crown of Stars until we found that Spell Engine. After that, we no longer needed it. However, I don't know that we can assume that all Spell Engines work exactly the same way. Since this ship has a wheel, that may be part of the control mechanism, or there may be some other clue there. I can take a look up there to see if I can figure it out."

"I seem to recall that mages were not the only one's that could operate a spell engine. Correct me if I am mistaken but I seem to recall clerical spells being able to be used as well or did I mishear Sherwood." Laucian asks curiously.

As Kylie looks about at the spell engines a thought comes to the cleric of Ehlonna. "Andlin, can you check above deck and see if any scro might be towards the lighthouse."

Laucian will make his way to the armory, and see what each holds.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

"I seem to recall that mages were not the only one's that could operate a spell engine. Correct me if I am mistaken but I seem to recall clerical spells being able to be used as well or did I mishear Sherwood." Laucian asks curiously.

"Uhm, I don't recall for sure, Laucian, but I didn't get that impression. I don't believe Sherwood ever suggested that you, Lia, or Valena take over flying the barge. I suppose it wouldn't hurt for you to try, though. All it would take would be touching the Engine, and you will know if it responds to you or not."

Checking the aft deck, Kylie finds no magic, and touching the ship's wheel gives her no sense of controlling the ship. 'Perhaps I need to bond to the Spell Engines, first', Kylie thinks.

She quickly heads below-decks. Pausing at the first potbelly stove, Kylie places her hand on it and the Engine responds. Within moments, the Spell Engine communicates the basic information she needs to operate it successfully. Too bad it won't accept a Passwall spell, as that would provide it quite a bit of energy, and she doesn't really have much use for that spell.

Buoyed by the sense of success from bonding to the Engine, Kylie moves to the second one on the same deck. Strangely, it fails to respond to her touch. 'That's weird. I wonder why this one won't accept me...'

There's still one more potbelly stove to try, so Kylie flies down to the lower deck. Along the way, she notes that the strange metal door does indeed radiate magic. Once again, the Engine does not respond to her touch. Surprised by this, Kylie tries placing both hands on the stove and focusing as though to cast a spell, but there is still no response. Uncertain why this is happening, Kylie doesn't really have time right now to try to figure it out, so she accepts it as a limitation she has to manage with for now.

Kylie returns up a deck to the one Engine that accepted her bonding. Opening the stove hatch, she casts Dancing Blade, Scare, and Vocalize into the belly of the stove. That seems like it should be sufficient to last a while without limiting her spell options too much.

Back up on deck, Kylie returns to Laucian and Andlin. "I was only able to bond to one of the three Spell Engines, but that should be enough to get us moving, so I fed a few spells into it. The next step is to test it out. None of us is really a sailor, so we may have to improvise a bit. We need to get the ship turned in the right direction to take us back toward the ruins to collect the others. We can either try to turn the ship while it's in the water using the sails and rudder before taking flight, or we can rise up a bit and just use the sails without needing to deal with any resistance from waves or tides. What do you two think?"

Turning to look at Laucian, Kylie says, "Oh, and that strange metal door down there definitely radiates magic. Probably wizard-locked, would be my guess. I might be able to open it with a Dispel Magic or bypass it with Passwall, but I'd rather not delay returning for Talen and our other friends. We can deal with it better when we have everyone on board." Kylie tends to see Laucian as being Lilia's backup as leader for the group, so will wait for his input before taking further action.
____________________________________________________________________
I believe those three spells should provide 1200 points to the Engine, which should be enough to last about 10 hours at full output - if I understand everything correctly. She can add more spells later once she's sure everything's working well.

[Laucian]

Laucian

"Uhm, I don't recall for sure, Laucian, but I didn't get that impression. I don't believe Sherwood ever suggested that you, Lia, or Valena take over flying the barge. I suppose it wouldn't hurt for you to try, though. All it would take would be touching the Engine, and you will know if it responds to you or not."

"I will give it a try. What is the worse that can happen?" Laucian will take a moment and go to one of the spell engines that is not binded and place his hand on it."

[GM Mad]

Small Update:

On the Sunflower:

As Kylie looks about at the spell engines a thought comes to the cleric of Ehlonna. "Andlin, can you check above deck and see if any scro might be towards the lighthouse."

“Sure”, Andlin says with a shrug. After a time, he'll return and report that the area remains vacant. And as Kylie noted earlier, the lighthouse really isn't a lighthouse but a humongous pillar. It appears to be a solid object that you cannot go inside of.

"I will give it a try. What is the worse that can happen?" Laucian will take a moment and go to one of the spell engines that is not bonded and place his hand on it."

Laucian touches the other Spell Engine close to the one Kylie has bonded with it. He doesn't notice anything from the touch. No information is gleamed from contact.

Laucian will make his way to the armory, and see what each holds.

The Sunflower has multiple armories to it. The one off the main deck is mostly empty now. There are racks that could hold many weapons, but most are gone. A few daggers, crossbows and short swords are here. There is a open case of crossbow bolts.

The armory on the next deck down has also appeared to have been raided by the scro. More daggers, crossbows and short swords are here. Some of these weapons are similar to ones found on the battlefield at the base of the Tall Tower. Two cases of crossbow bolts are present. Four trunks are noted and one was forced open earlier. Inside it are suits of human sized studded leather armor.

There are two armories on the next deck down. The first is completely filled with daggers, crossbows and short swords. Dozens of each and there are ten cases of crossbow bolts. The other armory holds ten trunks and many medium-sized shields, perhaps fifty or more. The trunks are very heavy and difficult to move. One was broken into and inside are several chain mail shirts.

Kylie returns up a deck to the one Engine that accepted her bonding. Opening the stove hatch, she casts Dancing Blade, Scare, and Vocalize into the belly of the stove. That seems like it should be sufficient to last a while without limiting her spell options too much.

Kylie expends a few spells to power up the Spell Engine. There was some energy left in this engine, but not a lot. Maybe another hours worth.

Back up on deck, Kylie returns to Laucian and Andlin. "I was only able to bond to one of the three Spell Engines, but that should be enough to get us moving, so I fed a few spells into it. The next step is to test it out. None of us is really a sailor, so we may have to improvise a bit. We need to get the ship turned in the right direction to take us back toward the ruins to collect the others. We can either try to turn the ship while it's in the water using the sails and rudder before taking flight, or we can rise up a bit and just use the sails without needing to deal with any resistance from waves or tides. What do you two think?"

The Sunflower is already facing south, but Laucian is able to determine that it needs to move a bit to the east to line up to the area where Talen and the others are at. Of course that 'bit' is to hit a target some five miles away.

“I am completely out of my field here,” Andlin will admit. “Flying ships? Amazing! But Kylie has the truth of it. None of us here are sailors and it would be foolish for us to try and work the sails without knowing what we are doing. Can we just get close to where the others are at?”

“Or,” Andlin continues, “ does your raising the ship up remove its weight? Like a Levitation spell? Laucian and I could use one of the ships lines, stand on the dock and pull the ship into the right direction. Would that be possible?”

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Spell Engines are a mage magic item, so it won't work for non-mages. The sole exception being Priests of Mystra who can use mage items even if they are not a mage. That's how Serena was able to control the Blackhawk.

It was the Crown of the Stars that priests were able to make use of back when you started off on your journey from Karn's Keep to the Sylvan Realm with the barge. Sherwood requested that Laucian and Lia learned how to use the Crown to control the barge if the need ever did arise. That need never did.

Now what?

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Lia looks to her queen with mixed feelings, shaking her head slightly and her lavender eyes drift to the sky for a moment. "It is hard not to. It is hard to stand here and watch him just lay there like a shell of his former self. We need to get him home." She says looking back at her queen then to the others. "I need to do something. I can't stay here and merely wait. I'll get Talen ready to move."

“Sometimes all we can do is wait,” Lilia will state. “But as you said, we need to get Talen back to the Mother Tree. Hopefully a more powerful priest will be able to restore him. Yes, get him ready for the move to come. I'm not sure yet just how we will get your brother to the ship, but somehow we will.”

[Argent]

Argent:

"Then let us hope that it is all it did." Lia says evenly looking at the human.

Argent simply nods in agreement. The drow is grieving and Argent is doing her best to not say anything that could make things worse.

"What is the worse that could happen?"she asks curiously, "Does it not activate with magic?"

“The worst?” Argent repeats casting a glance as the prone half-elf. “That should be obvious. If what is written here is to be taken literally, then the teaching column called out to Talen mentally. He heard it in his mind. It was his mind that activated the column. Magic had nothing to do with it. No one else heard the calls, so we can safely assume that none of us can activate the column.”

“But,” Argent continues. “Being cautious around something that you are unsure of is never a bad policy.”

Since it seems that we'll be waiting for a while, Argent will continue to examine the columns to see if she missed anything.

[Laucian]

Laucian

The Sunflower has multiple armories to it. The one off the main deck is mostly empty now. There are racks that could hold many weapons, but most are gone. A few daggers, crossbows and short swords are here. There is a open case of crossbow bolts.

The armory on the next deck down has also appeared to have been raided by the scro. More daggers, crossbows and short swords are here. Some of these weapons are similar to ones found on the battlefield at the base of the Tall Tower. Two cases of crossbow bolts are present. Four trunks are noted and one was forced open earlier. Inside it are suits of human sized studded leather armor.

There are two armories on the next deck down. The first is completely filled with daggers, crossbows and short swords. Dozens of each and there are ten cases of crossbow bolts. The other armory holds ten trunks and many medium-sized shields, perhaps fifty or more. The trunks are very heavy and difficult to move. One was broken into and inside are several chain mail shirts.

Laucian makes his way to the armories seeing what they hold. Several weapons are found shortswords, daggers and crossbows. Laucian finds this odd but makes note of it. Perhaps their kin from another world likes to fight up close while on ships. He also sees several suits of varying suits and shields. Curiously Laucian looks at the shield's faces. Perhaps their are markings of the clan in which they came.

The Sunflower is already facing south, but Laucian is able to determine that it needs to move a bit to the east to line up to the area where Talen and the others are at. Of course that 'bit' is to hit a target some five miles away.

Back up on deck, Kylie returns to Laucian and Andlin. "I was only able to bond to one of the three Spell Engines, but that should be enough to get us moving, so I fed a few spells into it. The next step is to test it out. None of us is really a sailor, so we may have to improvise a bit. We need to get the ship turned in the right direction to take us back toward the ruins to collect the others. We can either try to turn the ship while it's in the water using the sails and rudder before taking flight, or we can rise up a bit and just use the sails without needing to deal with any resistance from waves or tides. What do you two think?"

Turning to look at Laucian, Kylie says, "Oh, and that strange metal door down there definitely radiates magic. Probably wizard-locked, would be my guess. I might be able to open it with a Dispel Magic or bypass it with Passwall, but I'd rather not delay returning for Talen and our other friends. We can deal with it better when we have everyone on board." Kylie tends to see Laucian as being Lilia's backup as leader for the group, so will wait for his input before taking further action.

“I am completely out of my field here,” Andlin will admit. “Flying ships? Amazing! But Kylie has the truth of it. None of us here are sailors and it would be foolish for us to try and work the sails without knowing what we are doing. Can we just get close to where the others are at?”

“Or,” Andlin continues, “ does your raising the ship up remove its weight? Like a Levitation spell? Laucian and I could use one of the ships lines, stand on the dock and pull the ship into the right direction. Would that be possible?”

"If we are to leave, we need to face the ship that way,"he says pointing east. "Nor I. I guess it will be something that we shall have to learn by trail by fire." he says looking to the others.

"If the ship levitates as Andlin says, can we not get some rope, surely there is some here in the stores. "Perhaps we can have our griffons tow the ship towards the others.

"It is either that or I can fly to the others and retrieve them. while you stand guard over the ship."Laucian states evenly.

[Lia]

Lia

“The worst?” Argent repeats casting a glance as the prone half-elf. “That should be obvious. If what is written here is to be taken literally, then the teaching column called out to Talen mentally. He heard it in his mind. It was his mind that activated the column. Magic had nothing to do with it. No one else heard the calls, so we can safely assume that none of us can activate the column.”

“But,” Argent continues. “Being cautious around something that you are unsure of is never a bad policy.”

Lia looks at the mage then to her brother and sees the truth in her words. "I was only thinking it could be activated by those it called." Lia says back evenly. "If that is the case then perhaps the elf left at griffon stable should be brought here, perhaps he would be taught as well and you can learn from his experiance as well."

By no means is she suggesting to use the elf as a guinea pig but if it betters their understanding...

“Sometimes all we can do is wait,” Lilia will state. “But as you said, we need to get Talen back to the Mother Tree. Hopefully a more powerful priest will be able to restore him. Yes, get him ready for the move to come. I'm not sure yet just how we will get your brother to the ship, but somehow we will.”

Lia listens to her queen after some thought Lia asks suddenly, "Did the scro carry any shields? We could bind him to the shield to help carry him, Perhaps if it is sturdy enough a griffon could help carry him. Seeing an opportunity to busy herself, Lia makes to move among the fallen scro. If she is able to find a longer shield to use as a makeshift stretcher or perhaps two pole arms.

(if two pole arms are found she will make a makeshift stretcher out of her bedroll, the pole arms and some rope to secure it. With her ogre gauntlets I am sure she could carry the stretcher fairly easily)

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Once Kylie puts her 3 spells into the Spell Engine, she can tell that there was a small magic reserve left over from previous use.

“I am completely out of my field here,” Andlin will admit. “Flying ships? Amazing! But Kylie has the truth of it. None of us here are sailors and it would be foolish for us to try and work the sails without knowing what we are doing. Can we just get close to where the others are at?”

“Or,” Andlin continues, “ does your raising the ship up remove its weight? Like a Levitation spell? Laucian and I could use one of the ships lines, stand on the dock and pull the ship into the right direction. Would that be possible?”

Kylie considers Andlin's input. "Honestly, I don't know if it actually removes the ship's weight or just offsets it in some way. Either way, your suggestion is worth trying. Lets look around for some ropes to use. We'll need them later anyway to get the others on board." Fortunately, Laucian lets them know that the ship only needs to be turned slightly to be on the right course toward the ruins.

"If the ship levitates as Andlin says, can we not get some rope, surely there is some here in the stores. "Perhaps we can have our griffons tow the ship towards the others.

"The ship will move forward on its own, now that I've powered up one of the Engines. However, your idea may be very helpful in turning the ship the right direction, Laucian"

"It is either that or I can fly to the others and retrieve them. while you stand guard over the ship."Laucian states evenly.

"I'm sure I saw rope in one of the storage rooms when we were scouting the ship earlier. If there's none on deck, we can fetch some from below," Kylie says. Either way, I think taking the ship to them is still the easiest way."

Kylie will start by searching along the railing on either side looking for lines or rope ladders already in place.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed