Session 18: Tympi's House, A Place to Sleep, and Continuing the Search! Report in The Gates | World Anvil
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Session 18: Tympi's House, A Place to Sleep, and Continuing the Search!

General Summary

Tympi's House
  The session began with you all looking for Tympi's House somewhere in this village. Asking around for help proved useful as the first mothling questioned was eager to take you there.   The location that this mothling took you to ended up being a rather large, gnarled and old Mothlight Tree with a cute house covered in flowers built into its boughs. There were large sunflowers bunched into groups of three at each of the rounded corners, and each wall was partially covered in flowers with different shades of purple such as lilacs, lavender, geraniums and so forth. Larger yellow and orange lilies also grew along the walls to somewhat "break up" the purples.   A staircase provided access to the door to anyone that couldn't fly and it was discovered that the entrance had no door, just an archway. A plaque was hanging next to this entrance which read  
-TYMPI-
CREATOR - CARETAKER - FRIEND - PROTECTOR
She lived to create, to give all she had, and to help anyone in need.
She died as she lived, helping a lost traveler find their way.

You all entered this building hoping to finally find some answers about where Tympi may have gone, find some leads, maybe gain other information as well along the way. The open space felt incredibly welcoming and was well lit by sunlight coming in from different windows. The kitchen, dining area and living space were all open and connected for ideal socializing, and everything was unusually clean for a house that belongs to someone that's been missing for the past 50 years.
Tympi's House Base Map Image
  Everything here looked exactly as it did in the dream-vision even a plate of nibbled on silk from just before Tympi and The Writer left to go find his sister for the last time. It was an unusual combination of welcoming, cozy and unsettling.   Namina decided to spend the first bit of her time here meditating and trying to see any spirits that may be hanging around. She didn't immediately find any undead or physical manifestations of spirits, but something was clinging onto the memories of the area and she was able to catch a glimpse of some past events. She saw shapes made of different colored smokes, drifting into the air and vaguely resembling humanoid or mothling forms. One seemed to clearly be Tympi as she was a fair bit larger than the other winged beings, and one was likely The Writer considering it was the only wingless shape in the area. The Writer's shape spent most of its time...writing or doodling and was seen sitting near the piece of paper on a nearby table.   She saw Tympi go down the hallway and into another room, then older memories began to show themselves as well. Memories of Tympi entertaining some Mothlings, or having a collection of oddly shaped beings over that didn't seem to resemble mothlings or each other at all. She ended her meditation not too long after these older memories began to play out.
  Agave, during this time, looked around the house for a bit to analyze the plant life, the building itself and whatever else to see if there was any damage or markings of some kind. He was unable to find anything substancial that matched what he was looking for, though he did come to notice that it was incredibly well maintained.   DAN also looked around the first, open area of the home to find some more details and to just learn about how a being like Tympi might've lived. They discovered all the different food in the kitchen and other amenities. Lots of seating areas for entertaining guests, a piece of paper covered in dust on a nearby table, a painting in the living room of different mothlings flying over the village with flowers matching each one, the balcony access in the living room, lots of plants, and so forth.   After waking up from her meditation, Namina went down the hall to find out what was in the room that Tympi was going into. Down this hall she saw a few different paintings. The first was just a generic profile of Tympi, the next was of Tympi, a monarch butterfly person with fiery wings, and a hag with a few horns coming out of her head along with a headdress and other primal clothing features/accessories like bones, roots and so forth. The third painting was of a group of jellyfish flying over a river. She passed by the room that you all woke up in as The Writer before reaching the room at the end of the hall.   In this room there were windows arranged so that sunlight could always reach any corner of the room, plants all over the place, different and unusual flowers, experiments, and a table with a mortar and pestel along with several jars. A map also covered one of the walls in this room. Namina alerted the rest of the group about the discovery and everyone eagerly crowded into this workspace.
In this room, Hysteria began looking over the apothecary and alchemical stuff that was going on to get an idea for what Tympi was working on. They were able to discern there was something medicinal about it, but also that she was definitely doing some plant research, intriguing. A series of four flowers were seen near the alchemy table as well, each one bloomed and larger than the last, but the final flower in the row had yet to bloom. They would later discover that the potion/powder that she was working on was some sort of Growth Accelerant   Agave began studying the map, eagerly looking for any leads and to just learn more about the surrounding area. He discovered several shaded spots on the map that would, when combined with some previously learned information about Tympi, suggest that these are the areas that "She couldn't see". Pins and other markings also helped Agave discover a lead on where Tympi and The Writer were going when they last left the village. He also began copying as much of the map as possible and would continue doing so late into the evening.   DAN began searching the room and the rest of the house for a diary that Tympi may have left. Perhaps some clues about her disappearance could be found there as well. They eventually did find Tympi's Journal in the drawer of the alchemy table. The language was not recognized or readable by DAN.
During this time, Frode decided to go gain permission from somebody to take things from this home, and on his way down the hallway he heard the sound of a jar being slid across wood and eventually being opened. When he arrived in the kitchen he saw a mothling child with pale yellow wings and way more moth features than the older mothlings in the village had. She was munching on some granola when Frode caught her and began explaining rules and ownership.   Growing frustrated with the child's lack of any grasp on capital, Frode called out for the others to join him in the kitchen. Hysteria was the first to join him and greeted Frode with a gentle smack upside the head. The mothling watched as Hysteria signed at Frode and started laughing at the slapstick and strange hand motions before starting to try to leave. Hysteria intercepted her though, and she continued to display her innocence and curiosity by getting incredibly close to Hysteria's hands as they signed at her.   The two of them began interviewing this Mothling child. They learned that the food is apparently refilled everyday, though this person has no idea who does it, just that it is convenient and delicious. Frode, still perplexed by the lack of care for other's belongings and wanting to know "what happened here" brought up that he wanted to know where Tympi is and what happened to her. The Mothling child seemed confused, stated that that's what she'd like to know too, and explained a bit more about what had happened the past few decades. She also mentioned that she got all of this information and more at the local library.   According to this mothling and the books she's read, Tympi was searched for for a few months before Croak stated that it was simply hopeless and was chosen by Tympi's Court to be the new leader and guide for the forest. While some mothlings still search for her, others are in a weird superposition of being both hopeful and hopeless. Frode, picking up on Croak's eagerness to fill this position, declared him a usurper which was met with confusion from both Hysteria and the child. She asked if Frode was "one of the others, the ones that left" before Frode backpeddled and hesitantly agreed with Hysteria that Croak is good people.
Some arguably adorable RP later and Frode ended up looking over the sheet of paper that had been collecting dust the past 50 years. He discovered that it looked like it was torn from a journal, the handwriting and art was similar to what was in The Field Guide, and Namina was able to look over it to confirm it was likely taken from the same book.  
This sheet of paper had some drawings of Tympi on one side. Some ink had bled through from the opposite side of the page which indicated more writing is on the other side. Flipping it over he was able to discover a poem.  
Long walks, thoughts of you
Fear that what I’m thinking is true
That you are out there, dead or dying
And all this time unaware I’m trying
  Beneath the poem was a bit of a pledge swearing that he would find Anise some day.   “We’ll find you Anise, and I’ll bring you back home. It’s funny, this house kinda reminds me of ours. You would’ve really liked it.”
DAN approached the group with the journal they found with hopes of getting some insight on it. Hysteria was able to recognize the language to an extent. It was some obscure dialect of Sylvan, and while they were able to understand what was written kinda some of the deeper meanings were lost. They discovered diaries without dates, recipes, research notes, and lots of insight into Tympi's life. Skimming over the contents they found the more recent and more relevant entries which mentioned The Writer's name for the first time: Basil.   Kaswink revealed that she discovered a cocoon under the floorboards. It was incredibly small, like the size of a regular cocoon.   Some musings were had, theories were crafted, fear over approaching an area that Tympi never made it back from... You all also discussed the next stage in your plans. It was ultimately arranged so that you would visit where Tympi disappeared first, then go back to camp, and then visit the hag village.   Eventually the lot of you decided it was high time for some sleep. You left Agave behind in the house and went to find an inn.
A Place to Sleep
  Needing accommodations for at least 5 people, you all went to the only inn inn town which happinned to be called Inn the Light Place.   The owner of this establishment, Dayae, had similar moth features as a White Witch Moth. He greeted you with a half bow and an incredibly posh accident. He's clearly a gentleman of high social status, or so he would have you believe.   You each traded sentimental items for rooms. Kaswink handed over a bag of sand, Hysteria had an old shoestring, DAN the broken off arm of a statue, and Frode traded some red thread along with a long conversation about Ilmater. The stories and conversation along with the red string also earned him a nice dinner.   Dayae was incredibly curious about Ilmater, suffering, and enjoyed hearing Frode discuss the topic while asking questions as the conversation went on. He seemed unfamiliar with suffering at first, but understood the feeling as Frode described it. He remarked that all mothlings suffered for some time after Tympi was taken away, but the feelings eventually receded...though nothing ever really returned to normal. He was confused by the need to pray to Ilmater as his suffering didn't require such prayers, just time, but Frode continued to explain the necessity for suffering, Ilmater, and prayer.   By the end of their conversation and dinner Frode was explaining his own suffering along with what is happening with his family. Dayae then gave Frode a book, A Traveler's Guide to Dorchar, which he said might contain some information that would be useful to Frode, particularly if he would like to be able to see his family. They embraced before ending the evening as Frode retired slightly later than the rest of the group.
Continuing the Search!
  The following morning everyone met back up, and Frode was able to show the book to Hysteria for future translating. He mentioned that he wants to stop by this city at some point in the future, perhaps after going to the Tympi vanishing point. He voiced his desire to see his family through this cryptic method, and I'm sure that if Namina weren't aggressively T-Posing outside she would've also been interested in such an endeavor.   Kaswink explained that she could return the heavier items to the base using her Slingshot, and tested launching glass with it using an old empty glass bottle which did not break.   The question then was "how do we get outta here?" and much discussion was had regarding that before Croak was considered. You went to visit your old friends at Pondside Paraphernalia where Kaswink attempted to get some more information about bells, though the shopkeeps were quite confused. They explained that Tympi alwasy escorts people in and out. They were impressed though confused by how Kaswink could've summoned Croak before as they had never heard of such a thing happening. They suggested it could've been just a unique Croak ability or maybe something to do with "you" while looking at Kaswink.   Kaswink ended up purchasing a bell by trading the marble she found in The Maze. As Marae was looking through the marble and admiring it he suddenly stopped and tilted his head as if looking at something. Turning in the same direction you all saw Croak waiting outside, smoking a pipe and reading a newspaper on the same stump he was on when he first brought you here.
Kaswink spent some time looking over Croak's newspaper and saw the name was "Croak Gazette". She requested the funnies section which Croak happily handed over. The comics contained here were a little unpleasant with dialogue that seemed generated by some AI with children standing around with empty speech bubbles or odd phrases like "So did you see? Of course. Well, then I will go." "Have you witnessed?" but with no context...   Strange prop newspapers aside, Croak was able to help you exit this village and after a blinding flash of light you were back in the forest once more.
In the forest, you were able to look around for the marking that was made during the dream vision. Kaswink located it despite the plant life that had grown larger over the years, the changing surface of the tree, and the height difference between her and Basil. The existence of the marking shook Croak pretty bad, and he was completely embarassed and ashamed that he hadn't discovered it himself. Along with this marking and a newly realized heading, Kaswink was able to find a small handmade flute amongst the plants.   While following the markings through the trees you eventually began to feel like you had been here before. The memories from the dream at first being kind of hard to remember but gradually becoming a deja vu like experience. The markings were easy enough to find, but after awhile a tree that should've had a mark didn't...what's going on?   You looked around again, though this new area you were in still looked familiar there was no evidence to be found. No markings on the trees, no signs of a struggle or a kidnapping. Just nature and nothing more.   As you were looking about though some of you heard the snapping of a twig nearby, this was joined with the fluttering of wings and an incredibly soft "eeep!" before everything was silent again. It seems as though something might've been watching you...
Quince's Response
  The night of Nurend 13, 308 it is assumed that a message would be sent to Quince regarding what had been discovered that day.   Helpful Mothling Pilgrims - This is great to know, or perhaps it isn't, I'm not sure yet! The idea that there are helpful mothlings out there just roaming the forest eager to help out is wonderful news as it means that our future tourists should have a little bit less to worry about. That being said, I can just imagine the sort of creatures or spirits that may have adapted to either immitate or utilize bells to lure in unsuspecting and lost individuals. While ignoring all bells would be foolish as any help is welcome, we may need to develope a way to recognize or detect false bells? Or to just confirm it is from a mothling and not something else. Maybe there's an occult way to go about that.   Hidden Village - I completely understand not wanting to divulge too much information, but what has been shared is most illuminating. I'm not terribly worried about the method of entering the place, we should respect their boundaries, but I am exciting to learn more about their culture and so forth. The existence of a library has peaked my curiosity, and I'm definitely looking forward to being there myself someday. Their eagerness to help others coupled with their curiosity makes me think that these mothlings would make for excellent tour guides. Only if they're interested, of course.   Map of the Forest - This is an incredible find, and I'm glad that you were able to copy as much of it as you could without issue. This'll fast track the approval for a permanent gate for sure, knowing more about the layout, known civilizations, friendly locations, dangerous places... Avoiding those darkened points will be essential while in this forest apparently. I think we can get started on the permanent gate, way to go! Of course, finding Tympi or settling this whole succession issue is still essential before it is completed though. Of course, the lead that you've found with this map and other evidence in the house is probably going to make finishing that quest all the easier!   Journal - Again, another fantastic discovery, having access to her house and this village has proven to be more of a boon than anyone could've expected... well, at least more than I expected. I hope that you have time to read over the whole thing, there's probably lots of important information in there. Though, I must admit that I was most excited to learn the name of this Writer. Reading this Field Guide over and over and only just now learning the name of the one that wrote it. It's really touching.
Session Recording:
Monday 2-28-2022  
In-game Date:
Nurend 13-14, 2022

Report Date
28 Feb 2022
Primary Location

Acquired Documents:
Tympi's Journal
A Traveler's Guide to Dorchar
Lost Page from The Field Guide
Discovered Recipes:
Growth Accelerant
Many other recipes in Tympi's Journal as well that have yet to be analyzed fully

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