Ashe C2 Episode 31 - Scattered to the Four Winds
Previously On Liters of Tomorrow....
Escaping the Vault underneath Wardashaw Keep with moments to spare you all became scattered. Archos teleported Bon Vee and Triss into the Wyvern Sea just outside of Berkwoode. Wes ran into the sewers and then the city of Warshaw. Finn and Mausim evaded detection in the vault as the wizards from the Assembly of the Weave dissolved the gelatinous glob and began a sweep to detect the the thieves that had penetrated the vault. At the last second as the guards and wizards descended upon them Finn activated the teleportation circle and they found themselves 100 feet above the Ashen Forest.
The shock of the cold waters of the winter Wyvern Sea in the dead of night took a toll on the already exhausted bodies of Archos, Triss and Bon Vee. On top of their physical distress they were attacked by two reef sharks. In mortal danger Triss and Archos fired off flare spells to find help. A fishing boat nearby detected them and came to the rescue. Allowing them a rest and passage to the fishing village of Berkwoode.
Wes rode his horse Striker South in search of his companions. After a hard days ride he stopped in Lakewoode and an Inn for the night. After a meal and a drink he retired to his room only to find a strange creature standing there. It began to read his thoughts and transform it's featureless face into an exact replica of his own. It struck a fatal blow with it's bone claws driving them deep into Wes's internal organs. With only seconds to act Wes misty stepped out of the room out onto the awning of the inn and then down to the street. He saved his own life by swigging a healing potion to stop his internal bleeding. Looking up to the window to see if he was chased the creature was gone.
Finn and Mausim gently feather falled down to the forest floor. Assessing their situation they immediately made camp. Mausim took first watch and was surprised by a hungry passing Owlbear who took the opportunity for a quick meal of the two wayward adventurers. Despite their exhaustion and wounds of the busy night the two were able to fight back quickly and violently dispatching the dangerous beast. The following day the two struggled to navigate the massive forest and became lost. They were found by the Manticore King who demanded they swear fealty to him and serve him in the upcoming war.
They complied and he granted them safe passage through the forest back onto the Eastern Road. Now the two companions walk south towards the town of Ashe and safety.
Plot points/Scenes
Finn and Mausim
Charmayne Daedalus -
Lieutenant of Electra will try to kill Mausim and Finn in Ashe.
As you walk the Eastern Road the morning sun warms the left side of your faces. The air around you warms and a gentle spring breeze brings the scent of lilac mixed with ragweed and jasmine. Large puddles of water fill the ruts in the road carved by carriages from the recent snow melt. As night falls you find a small clearing on the forest's edge not far from the road to make camp. As you make a small campfire and heat up some rations you hear a rustling sound coming from the dark forest. A man walks near, he has elven features and blonde hair. His cloak is a deep green and looks to be a silk style fabric with gold filagree. He puts his hands up and says "Please, my friends I am unarmed. Might I warm myself by your fire? Most call me Vickander Kent Forest Warden, my charge is the peace and security of the Ashen Forest." We have actually crossed paths before though I kept to myself. Please do not take offense but I have eyes and ears who pass along information. The squirrels are calling you Bark Biter the twice fallen. Most of them do not quite know what to make of you good sir." He gestures to Finnix. "The mosquitos refuse to bite you claiming you smell funny. They also tell me that you have sworm fealty to the Manticore King, I find this hard to believe
You pass several farmers riding north towards Vela'Rus. Their one buggies trail carts of grain, straw and hay. Most of them look askance at an armored blue skin and his well equipped human companion. They do give polite tips of the cap or a grunt of 'mornin'.
By early afternoon you both find that you are dreadfully hungry and unsure how far you are from the town of Ashe. In the distance you see a set of riders on horseback. As they get closer you see the burnished plate armor and the symbol of the daughters of light on their tabards. The familiar faces of Opela Barn and Qesa Huss greet you as they get close. They pull back on the reins and the horses obediently come to a stop.
"By the light, If it isn't Finn outworlder and Mausim Strongblade. What brings you back to the Eastern Road? We thought you had headed to Westinox?"
[DM Note: The daughters are on the hunt for Charmayne Daedalus, a dangerous sorceror or elemental witch. So the stories go, she apparently had come west after terrorizing parts of the Inorh forest in the last few months. Her allegiances are unclear but the Daughters have named her a Darkfriend. They can attest to the acceleration of the Dark One's influence over the last month. More wereravens have threatened travelers and are working with darkfriends to pillage and murder.]
The Daughters can tell them of the research they have done with their order. They have found seven of the Fallen. This number comes up time and time again. Stories of these powerful and evil beings can be traced back centuries. Even back to the second age. They speak of Lord Vedemire Darkhorse and the mutations he has created. This research seems to have been going on for decades. They can also name Vernabogge and a woman who calls herself Malloridin the blighted. Chaelith Kazzarra the Bloodclaw is another who resides somewhere in the deserts of Ventenheim. They can speculate on how these creatures are so powerful despite the Dark One being imprisoned. They think there is a power source on this plane secreted away by each of them.
"Come, our horses are strong. We can get you to Ashe before Nightfall. From there you can contact your friends and hop on a river boat or hire some horses."
Dartmoor's Technique -
As the sun sets in the distance the horses make their way on the streets of Ashe. You pass by the Storvant Stables, Issa and Helm wave as they ride a couple of ponies back into the stables. The horse trot into the center of town and you see Jaron Dartmoor's building and the Lorfan Tannery. Jaron does a double take when he sees you then waves with a smile. He rushes over as you dismount the sweaty exhausted horses.
"Hoy lads! What brings you two back to town? Where's Wes? I haven't hear from him in weeks."
He puts on his spectacles and says "You boys must be starving let's get you something to eat. You can stay with me at the shop or you can get a couple rooms over at the Constellation. Either way let me buy you dinner and you can fill me in on what's been going on."
[DM Note: Have them both make perception checks DC 16. A success allows them to notice a figure nearby unloading some cedar shingles who is listening to what they are saying. A human man with hunched back and a long gray moustache in his 60's. Antolio Conte, he claims to be a carpenter but he is being paid to watch for adventurers who ride into Ashe. He gives his information to a Half Elven woman with one side of her head shaved and dark blue makeup on her lips. He thinks her name is Vessian.]
[DM Note: As the small group has their meal and figures out where to sleep. The forces of Charmayne Daedulus descend on Ashe. She captures six townsfolk, Issa and Helm Storvant, Rinna Polk, Goral Lorgan the tanner, Sesseplex a traveling salesman from Ventenheim who is a Yuan-Ti, and Russ Markand, halfling.]
Around 2am you are awoken by a loud knocking. "Lads, I'm sorry but this is an emergency! Several townsfolk have been taken hostage by some crazy woman. She dragged them out to the old ruins just inside the forest. She is threatening to kill them unless you two stop her. She specifically asked for him." He points to Mausim and you see fear and tears forming in his eyes. "Lads Those people are my neighbors, my friends. I hate to ask this of you but can you save them?"
If the pair agree as they gear up and begin to make their way out the door, Jaron grabs Mausim's Shoulder "Lad you do know this is a trap, right?" [DM Note: if the two ask for help they can get three of the Spineback guard to come along. These three can be played by Dave, Sarah, and Ryan.]
The Ruins - [Create a battle map using the scatter terrain. Have the townsfolk huddled in a corner with an explosive barrel near them with a sigil on it. This Charmayne can activate at anytime with a word. Her followers are hidden throughout the ruins. She stands in the middle ready to give a monologue about defying Electra's Will.]
As you walk up to the ruins you see a glow of torchlight giving off a bright orange and yellow glow throughout the ruins. Huddled near a pile of crates and barrels you can see the frightened townsfolk. They are bound and gagged with thick ropes and heavy cotton rags. "I feel your presence! Encealadus my mistress has ordered your death and I will make it so. Come face me or I will end the lives of these useless people you always defend. The weak, the spineless insects that infest our world. When the Dark One rises all will be put in place, the true order of the world will be reestablished."
Charmayne Daedalus -
Lieutenant of Electra will try to kill Mausim and Finn in Ashe.
As you walk the Eastern Road the morning sun warms the left side of your faces. The air around you warms and a gentle spring breeze brings the scent of lilac mixed with ragweed and jasmine. Large puddles of water fill the ruts in the road carved by carriages from the recent snow melt. As night falls you find a small clearing on the forest's edge not far from the road to make camp. As you make a small campfire and heat up some rations you hear a rustling sound coming from the dark forest. A man walks near, he has elven features and blonde hair. His cloak is a deep green and looks to be a silk style fabric with gold filagree. He puts his hands up and says "Please, my friends I am unarmed. Might I warm myself by your fire? Most call me Vickander Kent Forest Warden, my charge is the peace and security of the Ashen Forest." We have actually crossed paths before though I kept to myself. Please do not take offense but I have eyes and ears who pass along information. The squirrels are calling you Bark Biter the twice fallen. Most of them do not quite know what to make of you good sir." He gestures to Finnix. "The mosquitos refuse to bite you claiming you smell funny. They also tell me that you have sworm fealty to the Manticore King, I find this hard to believe
You pass several farmers riding north towards Vela'Rus. Their one buggies trail carts of grain, straw and hay. Most of them look askance at an armored blue skin and his well equipped human companion. They do give polite tips of the cap or a grunt of 'mornin'.
By early afternoon you both find that you are dreadfully hungry and unsure how far you are from the town of Ashe. In the distance you see a set of riders on horseback. As they get closer you see the burnished plate armor and the symbol of the daughters of light on their tabards. The familiar faces of Opela Barn and Qesa Huss greet you as they get close. They pull back on the reins and the horses obediently come to a stop.
"By the light, If it isn't Finn outworlder and Mausim Strongblade. What brings you back to the Eastern Road? We thought you had headed to Westinox?"
[DM Note: The daughters are on the hunt for Charmayne Daedalus, a dangerous sorceror or elemental witch. So the stories go, she apparently had come west after terrorizing parts of the Inorh forest in the last few months. Her allegiances are unclear but the Daughters have named her a Darkfriend. They can attest to the acceleration of the Dark One's influence over the last month. More wereravens have threatened travelers and are working with darkfriends to pillage and murder.]
The Daughters can tell them of the research they have done with their order. They have found seven of the Fallen. This number comes up time and time again. Stories of these powerful and evil beings can be traced back centuries. Even back to the second age. They speak of Lord Vedemire Darkhorse and the mutations he has created. This research seems to have been going on for decades. They can also name Vernabogge and a woman who calls herself Malloridin the blighted. Chaelith Kazzarra the Bloodclaw is another who resides somewhere in the deserts of Ventenheim. They can speculate on how these creatures are so powerful despite the Dark One being imprisoned. They think there is a power source on this plane secreted away by each of them.
"Come, our horses are strong. We can get you to Ashe before Nightfall. From there you can contact your friends and hop on a river boat or hire some horses."
Dartmoor's Technique -
As the sun sets in the distance the horses make their way on the streets of Ashe. You pass by the Storvant Stables, Issa and Helm wave as they ride a couple of ponies back into the stables. The horse trot into the center of town and you see Jaron Dartmoor's building and the Lorfan Tannery. Jaron does a double take when he sees you then waves with a smile. He rushes over as you dismount the sweaty exhausted horses.
"Hoy lads! What brings you two back to town? Where's Wes? I haven't hear from him in weeks."
He puts on his spectacles and says "You boys must be starving let's get you something to eat. You can stay with me at the shop or you can get a couple rooms over at the Constellation. Either way let me buy you dinner and you can fill me in on what's been going on."
[DM Note: Have them both make perception checks DC 16. A success allows them to notice a figure nearby unloading some cedar shingles who is listening to what they are saying. A human man with hunched back and a long gray moustache in his 60's. Antolio Conte, he claims to be a carpenter but he is being paid to watch for adventurers who ride into Ashe. He gives his information to a Half Elven woman with one side of her head shaved and dark blue makeup on her lips. He thinks her name is Vessian.]
[DM Note: As the small group has their meal and figures out where to sleep. The forces of Charmayne Daedulus descend on Ashe. She captures six townsfolk, Issa and Helm Storvant, Rinna Polk, Goral Lorgan the tanner, Sesseplex a traveling salesman from Ventenheim who is a Yuan-Ti, and Russ Markand, halfling.]
Around 2am you are awoken by a loud knocking. "Lads, I'm sorry but this is an emergency! Several townsfolk have been taken hostage by some crazy woman. She dragged them out to the old ruins just inside the forest. She is threatening to kill them unless you two stop her. She specifically asked for him." He points to Mausim and you see fear and tears forming in his eyes. "Lads Those people are my neighbors, my friends. I hate to ask this of you but can you save them?"
If the pair agree as they gear up and begin to make their way out the door, Jaron grabs Mausim's Shoulder "Lad you do know this is a trap, right?" [DM Note: if the two ask for help they can get three of the Spineback guard to come along. These three can be played by Dave, Sarah, and Ryan.]
The Ruins - [Create a battle map using the scatter terrain. Have the townsfolk huddled in a corner with an explosive barrel near them with a sigil on it. This Charmayne can activate at anytime with a word. Her followers are hidden throughout the ruins. She stands in the middle ready to give a monologue about defying Electra's Will.]
As you walk up to the ruins you see a glow of torchlight giving off a bright orange and yellow glow throughout the ruins. Huddled near a pile of crates and barrels you can see the frightened townsfolk. They are bound and gagged with thick ropes and heavy cotton rags. "I feel your presence! Encealadus my mistress has ordered your death and I will make it so. Come face me or I will end the lives of these useless people you always defend. The weak, the spineless insects that infest our world. When the Dark One rises all will be put in place, the true order of the world will be reestablished."
Themes
The Helodic Card Reader and Archos.
In the town of Berkwoode you all get up in the morning and begin to make plans to leave for Kierkewood. Archos as you walk to the small breakfast spot to grab some food for Triss and Bon Vee you see a kiosk built into one of the buildings. The outer walls frame up an alcove, the outer walls are covered in familiar symbols and images. A woman sits at a table in an ornate velvet chair with magenta padding and blackwood frame. She beckons you over and you see that her cards for the reading all have the same symbols you see in your visions. A brightly painted sign arched above her says "Bellaria, Helonic Reader". She immediately makes eye contact with you and beckons you over.
Her name is Bellaria Wessex and she is from Serpico in Ventenheim. She has been in Berkwoode the last year and a half.
She is an attractive Tielfling woman with purple skin and dark red clothing. A velvet shawl hangs on her shoulders and frames the bright red blouse that allows for ample viewing of her cleavage. Her cascading black hair is woven with small metal trinkets and red jewels. "A fellow person of horns it is always good to see a friendly face." She smiles and looks you up and down. "What a unique aura you have it swirls and glows with your movements. Let us do a reading."
Moons and planets
In the town of Berkwoode you all get up in the morning and begin to make plans to leave for Kierkewood. Archos as you walk to the small breakfast spot to grab some food for Triss and Bon Vee you see a kiosk built into one of the buildings. The outer walls frame up an alcove, the outer walls are covered in familiar symbols and images. A woman sits at a table in an ornate velvet chair with magenta padding and blackwood frame. She beckons you over and you see that her cards for the reading all have the same symbols you see in your visions. A brightly painted sign arched above her says "Bellaria, Helonic Reader". She immediately makes eye contact with you and beckons you over.
Her name is Bellaria Wessex and she is from Serpico in Ventenheim. She has been in Berkwoode the last year and a half.
She is an attractive Tielfling woman with purple skin and dark red clothing. A velvet shawl hangs on her shoulders and frames the bright red blouse that allows for ample viewing of her cleavage. Her cascading black hair is woven with small metal trinkets and red jewels. "A fellow person of horns it is always good to see a friendly face." She smiles and looks you up and down. "What a unique aura you have it swirls and glows with your movements. Let us do a reading."
Moons and planets
- The Sun - Known as Tellenos to older scribes it has had dozens of names through the ages. Both Corsun and Tellenor are gods associated with this celestial body.
- The Larger Moon - Known as Hellenos it is associated with the god Hellenox.
- The Smaller Moon - Known as Vellenos it is associated with the god Vellenox.
- First Planet from the sun - Gallindios in the old elven and as Lambonos by those who worship Lamborginus.
- Second Planet from the sun - Known as either Cudgious in the old Dwarven myths it is also known as Feraros by many in our age.
- Third Planet from the sun - Usually referred to as Makas it is usually associated with the Nature god Maka'Lua'A and is the most visible in the night sky when the moons are low.
- First card - Anchor flipped on it's side. "You have recently traveled very far."
- Second Card - Set of two footprints - You are on a quest with several compatriots.
- Third Card - Crown, masculine - A compatriot holds an important secret
- Fourth Card - Candle - immortality, reincarnation but can also mean a desire.
- Fifth Card - Chameleon flipped away from subject - A companion holds a duplicitious secret. Watch this one.
- Sixth Card - "A Raven, no a Rook pointed towards your heart - Grave danger, being hunted by dark forces
- Seventh Card - A black Star - If you do not finish your quest the black star will destroy you.
Structure
Exposition
Wes Arrives in Berkwoode
Wes you and striker ride into the town of Berkwoode. It's quite a bit smaller than Kierkewoode and has wider streets as well giving you and the horse plenty of room to trot past farmers with wheelbarrows and merchants carrying their wares. Give me a perception check. [DM Note: DC 16 a success means Wes spots Archos being dragged into the alley.]
Triss and Bon Vee - With Archos taking longer than usual to grab breakfast you both head out onto the street to find him. How do you both go about this? Give me a perception check. [DM Note: DC 16 a success means they can spot Archos being dragged into the alley.]
Archos gets manhandled
Archos as you leave the card reader you remember that you still haven't acquired breakfast. You head to the little coffee shop bakery down the street when you hear a rustle from the alley to your left. A large figure grabs you and tries to haul you into the alley. Give me a strength check [DM Note: The large human man has a Str. of 17 so the DC will be around 17. The human gets advantage because he is being helped by another Darkfriend.]
The human man twists your arm behind you and places his large arm behind your head locking you into place in front of him. Four figures surround you in the alleyway. They excitedly place you in front of a fifth who wears a heavy black robe. You don't see any discernable features on him. In fact only white pupil less orb like eyes peer forward. [DM Note: As you begin to act or cast a spell it counterspells. Then it reaches into your mind. Roll a wisdom saving throw! [DC 17] As you fight the mental ambush of the creature you see it's features begin to alter, it's skin crawls and changes color. To the color of your skin and horns begin to form under the hood.]
Wes you and striker ride into the town of Berkwoode. It's quite a bit smaller than Kierkewoode and has wider streets as well giving you and the horse plenty of room to trot past farmers with wheelbarrows and merchants carrying their wares. Give me a perception check. [DM Note: DC 16 a success means Wes spots Archos being dragged into the alley.]
Triss and Bon Vee - With Archos taking longer than usual to grab breakfast you both head out onto the street to find him. How do you both go about this? Give me a perception check. [DM Note: DC 16 a success means they can spot Archos being dragged into the alley.]
Archos gets manhandled
Archos as you leave the card reader you remember that you still haven't acquired breakfast. You head to the little coffee shop bakery down the street when you hear a rustle from the alley to your left. A large figure grabs you and tries to haul you into the alley. Give me a strength check [DM Note: The large human man has a Str. of 17 so the DC will be around 17. The human gets advantage because he is being helped by another Darkfriend.]
The human man twists your arm behind you and places his large arm behind your head locking you into place in front of him. Four figures surround you in the alleyway. They excitedly place you in front of a fifth who wears a heavy black robe. You don't see any discernable features on him. In fact only white pupil less orb like eyes peer forward. [DM Note: As you begin to act or cast a spell it counterspells. Then it reaches into your mind. Roll a wisdom saving throw! [DC 17] As you fight the mental ambush of the creature you see it's features begin to alter, it's skin crawls and changes color. To the color of your skin and horns begin to form under the hood.]
Conflict
Wes Senses a portal
Wes as you walk down the street you feel a prickling sensation on the back of your neck. As you move you feel the sensation anchored to one spot in an alley. As you move towards it you see a shimmer, at first like the hot sun on a dark surface but then you see an energy crackle pop into view. As you walk around it you see a two dimensional opening. As you look through you can see a similar area of the town stand in now but the colors are different. It looks to be a twilight scene with purples and orange and dark blue shadows. Not the bright sunlight of the early afternoon. The people on the street and even your own companions see nothing. In fact if a passerby spots you moving in a circle slowly they quickly move past as if you are a crazy person. What do you do?
As you step forward into the energy field you feel the air change around you. The smells change around you into a faintly bitter and smoky scent. The shadows around you feel as if you just moved into night, the only light from the sky comes from the horizon which glows a faint orange. The buildings and streets are incredibly similar but as you begin to compare and contrast you see different materials and design elements. The signs on the street are all different and even the words no longer make sense.
Across the street you see another portal. That portal has sunlight and a forest beyond. A familiar look. As you get closer you recognize the area. A portion of the Ashen forest you used to play in as a boy. You have also moved through it several times on hunting trips. It is only a stone's throw from the town of Ashe. You notice people moving on the street. They also don't see the portals but as your eyes adjust to the darkness you begin to see their skin and features. They have luminous yellow eyes and dark blue furred skin. Prehensile tails snake out of their pants and they only have three large fingers and thumbs.
[DM Note: A perception check of DC 12 means Wes can see that the the portals are slowly closing. As you watch you can see the edges move and begin to collapse. In the next ten minutes they will be gone. Neither Archos or Triss can see or sense the portals but they can walk through them. Their size is just enough for a medium sized creature to pass through.]
Wes as you walk down the street you feel a prickling sensation on the back of your neck. As you move you feel the sensation anchored to one spot in an alley. As you move towards it you see a shimmer, at first like the hot sun on a dark surface but then you see an energy crackle pop into view. As you walk around it you see a two dimensional opening. As you look through you can see a similar area of the town stand in now but the colors are different. It looks to be a twilight scene with purples and orange and dark blue shadows. Not the bright sunlight of the early afternoon. The people on the street and even your own companions see nothing. In fact if a passerby spots you moving in a circle slowly they quickly move past as if you are a crazy person. What do you do?
As you step forward into the energy field you feel the air change around you. The smells change around you into a faintly bitter and smoky scent. The shadows around you feel as if you just moved into night, the only light from the sky comes from the horizon which glows a faint orange. The buildings and streets are incredibly similar but as you begin to compare and contrast you see different materials and design elements. The signs on the street are all different and even the words no longer make sense.
Across the street you see another portal. That portal has sunlight and a forest beyond. A familiar look. As you get closer you recognize the area. A portion of the Ashen forest you used to play in as a boy. You have also moved through it several times on hunting trips. It is only a stone's throw from the town of Ashe. You notice people moving on the street. They also don't see the portals but as your eyes adjust to the darkness you begin to see their skin and features. They have luminous yellow eyes and dark blue furred skin. Prehensile tails snake out of their pants and they only have three large fingers and thumbs.
[DM Note: A perception check of DC 12 means Wes can see that the the portals are slowly closing. As you watch you can see the edges move and begin to collapse. In the next ten minutes they will be gone. Neither Archos or Triss can see or sense the portals but they can walk through them. Their size is just enough for a medium sized creature to pass through.]
Rising Action
Possible Mausim was witnessed in the vault. If San Cisco is sent out to hunt the perpetrators he would be their only lead.
Things Going on after the Vault is resolved-
- The Dark One's Seal from Westinox is still in the carriage, hidden in the secret compartment.
- Vernabogge is in Copenhaus seizing power.
- Wes can be confronted by the Manticore King or the Green Dragon. The Ashen Forest still wants him.
- Bon Vee has several criminals and authorities looking for him.
- Sava Cogson still wants their help in finding Revetan. He also has information on the Fallen.
- The Dark One's Seal is now missing from Warshaw's Vault and is in the possession of Bella.
- The Other Seals need to be found before they are destroyed.
- Rakovonarr is in the Inorh Forest rising to power.
- Malloridin is in Ailingsparing creating a powerful cult of the undead.
- Kazzarra the Bloodclaw has awakened in the desert of Ventenheim.
- Archos is hunted by the Assembly of the Weave.
- The Assembly has also registered the magical pulse of Electra they will investigate!
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