12-18-24 (19th of Eleasis: Exploring Zarius' house)

19th of Eleasis


The group was enjoying breakfast at the inn and reviewing the planned activities of the day. Nevil and the boys go to investigate the cultist leader’s home

Tali and her team will account for home.

Atalaya and Cirili go back to the ship.

Nevil gives Cirilli her +1 mace

The team goes to the house. Boz unlocks the door while Nevil guards the back door.

They enter the house not seeing anyone they enter. Sorrow loses his mind and sits at the piano to begin playing.the team grumbles at his blunder. Boz begins to inspect the living room, Nevil looks in the back windows and enters the back door to find the kitchen. A lit stove and a kettle and scraps of food preparation adorn the kitchen surfaces.

The men come to their senses and begin to help clear the room. Nevil opens the bedroom door. Inman opens the bathroom door. The house appears empty but the team looks in bureaus, behind curtains, under tables, etc.

Worried that the owner will return, Nevil watches the back yard and Inman watches the front. Boz begins to search the bedroom. The desk contains a ring and a money pouch. Boz rolls so well with the lock picking he notices a hidden compartment. He rolls to detect traps and finds one. He uses his new psi abilities to read the history of the desk. He learns that Zarius had placed the items in the desk and protected them magically. The group decides to make a pilageing pile for the boat. Mostly to let inman rest and study to dispel magic but of course to restock the ship. Sorrow loots books and music sheets.

The group discovers a secret part of the house down the hallway. A key in a potted plant opens a secret door. This leads into a red lit summoning glyph, a small altar, and a very large glass globe.

Of two side rooms, one is a storeroom with a desk. The chests contain magic manacles, whips, and gray cloaks. The second room contains three prisoners, a priestess, a sgt, and a half elf guardsman. They can not speak. Boz unlocks the manacles and the sgt explains they were taken by cultists the night before. However, only a little while ago, a fourth member and some children were taken by cultists. Nevil asks if the two men can take the unconscious cleric back to the bbq joint where the townsfolk are gathering. They ask if their weapons were found. The group explains that shortswords were located behind the altar. Sorrow returns them to the prisoners after speculation that they might be cursed…

The group take the lanterns

Group makes their way into the basement. Fight with cult priestess and follower and spector. Jeremy saved.

Find the children.

11-6-24 Fighting in Somerset Temple

  Game notes 11-6-24

Trump sucks!

18th of Eleasis:  Fight at the Selune Temple and graveyard

The group has heard that a ritual in the graveyard of the temple was taking too long 

Something that was suppose to help with the creation of the undead

Tali notes that Zarius Silverblood leads the cult of damned, the town thought they were eccentric and not really capable of such evils

The group heads to the temple.

Tali leads, arrow in bow.  The group picks their way through a street littered with corpses

Sorrow asks if the blue light is normal.  Tali responds that is the light that Selune provides us 

Nevil not so tactfully asks if Tali recognizes the bodies.  Wondering where they all came from

Tali replies yes these are my brothers and sisters in faith and some towns people

Boz sneaks up the front stairs to inspect the situation. Turning back to relay the finding of five chatting and very bald cultists, Nevil has lost interest in being subtle and clinks right on in.  Sorrow ever quick footed makes the first move beginning battle.

10-23-24 Early (pre dawn 15th -18th Eleasis

 Time with the Gurs to Arriving at Somerset

Chapter 1:  15th of Eleasis:  VERY Early, (About 3:00? am) 

Having just returned from the ghost child’s room, satisfied that her spirit was at rest, the group begins to fill in the open grave before going back to bed.  Inman grumbles saying that he doesn’t want to have to redig the grave again.

Nevil begins to ogle Inman who appears different (charisma leveled up).  Nevil can't hold her tongue and leans to Inman.  “I think you're trimming up my love.   Maybe it's just me, but something seems different.”  Inman grins, “It's all this work we've been doing.”

Sorrow and Vaz are throwing dirt back into the grave as quickly as they can.

Nevil asks Boz, believing that the reference to his time away from Atalaya would be implied, “What did you learn?  Was your time with the Gur worth it?”

Perhaps it was the exhaustion that Nevil wore on her voice, but the implied feeling of meaning was lost to Boz.  “Yes it was, and and I got a lot more out of it than I thought I would.”

He continues, “I want to apologize.  I thought we had found out all the trouble spots.  

I am sorry.  I heard how hard it was.  Especially, for you and Inman. He gives Inman’s shoulder a squeeze.  I should not have…”

Nevil was taken back, “Boz, don’t. Don’t apologize.  It is the nature of our world.  We all have done things for the good of the group and you needed to be here.  After seeing what you did to find Sorrow, the mission needed you here too.”

Boz settled,  “I still feel bad.

Nevil replies, “We all have to sacrifice for the good of the group.  

Boz continues:  “Then yes, I learned many good things that will help us.  I feel like I have expanded our family some and that is good.  My kind need to be together. 

Vinique:  Well you know in our folklore we once were birds.

Nevil asks:  All of you, or just your tribe?

Vinique:  We seem to have more than our fair share. 

Nevil makes an ass of herself quizzing the Gur about their shape changing:

Is it in your blood line? something inherited?

Vinique:  Yes and no, Some of us are born like this and for some of us it is awakened. One can be taught with ways that make the change easier to accept.

Nevil responds, “You are not like the wolves.  You retain your consciousness. Werewolves pass like a disease.  Yours is quite different.”

Vinique:  It is not so different.

Nevil:  They do not retain their humanity as you.  Their's seems more like a disease. 

Vinique continues:  “It is a curse.  It is easier for those of us that embrace it.  We do retain our minds.”  She also adds something about “... only until you learn to control (the change).

Meanwhile, Atalaya leans into Boz. “Is the mark on your wrist related to this “awakening” Vinique is talking about?”

Boz nods, “Yes.”

Atalaya says to Boz, “We need a drink and then to get to bed.” 

With the dirt mounded over the grave, hopefully for the last time, the group goes to bed, sleeps in, and enjoys a late breakfast brunch.  

Chapter 2:  15th of Eleasis:  We wake up: about Noon 

The group goes to bed, sleeps in, and enjoys a late breakfast brunch.  

Madrina asks, “how long will you be staying with us?”

Nevil looking to Inman, and considering the business with the Harpers and War Wizards, blurts out, “as soon as possible.”

Atalaya and Boz looked surprised.  Atalaya gently but assertively reminds Nevil, “It takes a full day to get back. I don't think sleeping on the road is a good idea.”  Atalaya says that she would really prefer to leave the next morning after an early breakfast.  She thinks that will be much safer than having to camp in the forest around here.  She also remarks that we should get to know Vasilya’s new family.  

Nevil agrees to her reasoning.

When Cirilli hears Atalaya mention “Vaz’s new family” she wants to know whether or not that means that Vaz will be staying here.  She is told, “No, of course not.”  She then asks if the Gur are joining us on our trip to Candlekeep.  She is told that, “No they will be staying here or continuing their own travels.

Madrina praises Boz’s aptitude

boz mentions he has been given enough to take with him to self-study.

Sorrow and Madrina are obviously flirting with each other and appear very comfortable together.  The rest of the group try to not make a big deal out of it, and are just happy for Sorrow.  (And glad that we don’t have to worry about Madrina being a demon or succubus. The two of them seem to be having a lot of fun together.

The afternoon is spent on giving Cirilli lessons for horseback riding and archery.

After a delicious and relaxed meal and have a good relaxing evening filled with music and dancing and getting to know the Scarlet Sash Gur tribe.  Cirilli continues to learn some of the Woman’s dances and pulls (a willing Atalaya into the lessons.  Atalaya asks if there are any couples dances, and enjoys learning those.  Boz says something about enjoying dancing, to which Atalaya replies that is a good thing, because she enjoys dancing also (and thinks, “especially with you.”)

Chapter 3:   16th of Eleasis

Sorrow wakes with marks of his physical flirtations with Madrina prominent 

madrina makes a basket of goodies (contains baked chicken and other delicious smelling items.  

As Madrina gives us the basket of goodies, she says, “You will be careful….We will miss you…. You have become family.  Rennic, you chose well.”

Rennic nods and gives us all hugs. 

Taspar says to us that, “We will not be strangers.”

Madrina? Vinique? Gives Boz a long hug and tells him, “Remember what you learned.”

Boz replies, “I will.”

With the Chauntean priestesses and guards we head back to Blue Haven, carefully working our way around the known trouble areas.  

nevil is reluctant to stop for another picnic on that damn road

Atalaya adds at least not at any areas that are too beautiful and suspiciously fae.

back to town, horses returned, we get our deposits back.  

priestesses and guards escorted back to the temple and the group meets with Mother Bettewhyte.  The priestesses and guards leave us once we are met by Mother Bettewhyte.

Mother:  “Ah, You have returned.  How did you fare?”

We explain that, “We were successful, the child is at rest and the portal closed.”  Mother Bettewhyte is glad to hear this.  

She asks us, “How long will you be in town?

We explain that we would like to make haste and leave for Candlekeep as soon as possible.

Mother Whyte looks reluctant to ask, “we have performed so many services for you of late, I hope that we may ask you a favor.

Nevil and Atalaya immediately response, “Yes, of course Mother, we are in your debt.”  The others in the group echo this.

Mother Bettewhyte looks over the party thoughtfully, making an almost unseen movement of her hand.  Her focus narrows on Boz as she speaks to all of us.  “One of our Sister’s is missing.  She was traveling back to us from after spending time in the south.  Our last communication from her said that she was heading to the Selune Temple in Somerset for a day or so and would then travel back to us, here in Blue Haven.  She should have been back about a week ago.  But she has not returned and we have not had any communication from her.

Our party looks concerned.

Mother Bettewhyte continues.  “You are traveling south, to Candlekeep, right?”

When we confirm that she continues, “Then I ask that you stop at Somerset and go to Selune’s Temple and ask about our missing Sister.  Her name is Sister Dorthea.  If she is there, please give her this letter.”  She hands a letter to Boz.  “If she is not there, the head priestess of the temple is called Sister Tali.  Please give her this letter.”  She hands a second letter to Boz.  

Boz takes both letters and places them inside his vest for safe keeping.  

The party tells Mother Bettewhyte that we would be happy to perform that task for her.  

On the way back to the ship we stop at an apothecary and Boz buys two vials of greater healing at 200 gp each (total 400 gp)

Sorrow buys 1 greater healing potion @ 200 gp.

Atalaya buys for the group out of group funds, 12 regular healing potions at 50 gp each (total of 600 gp).

We make our way back to the ship.  Dinner  (unspecified location), any last minute activities.  

Chapter 4:  17th and 18th of Eleasis, Trip to Somerset

We leave in the morning once the ship is ready and the tides/winds are assisting up out of port.  

Glossed over, 2 day trip.  Refer to story threads

Chapter 5:  Evening 18th of Eleasis:  Arrival in Somerset

As the ship pulls to dock, the town seems very quiet when compared to their last port.  In fact, strangely quiet.  Atalaya and Cirilli stay on board while Sorrow, Boz, Nevil, and Inman seek the temple of Selune.  Along the way, the four encounter burning debris, makeshift barricades, and screams in the distance.

Boz sends a message to Atalaya via the sending stone:  Trouble in town.  Be careful.  Heavy watch on ship.  Riot, plague, or attack.  Be alert.

Atalaya’s response:  Will be alert.  Ship will be safe and ready to leave.  Stay safe everyone. 

Chapter 6:  Evening 18th of Eleasis:  Meeting Tali

Sounds of conflict, screams, wailing and unearthly wailing are heard as the party approaches the town. The party finds a barricade more hastily constructed that they were able to push aside and avoid the fire to make their way into the town.  They turn south to follow the sounds from the nearest area of conflict.  At the south edge of town they see what appears to be a priestess in difficulty as she attempts to fight off 3 specters.  

Chapter 7:  Evening 18th of Eleasis:  Encounter 1:  Tali + 3 Specters

The group soon encounters nearby screaming and follows.  Turning the corner to see three ghost-like hollowed beings surrounding a determined woman.  After dispatching the undead, the group makes brief introductions. Tali, a priestess of Chauntea and sought contact for the message delivery.  Boz hands her the letter from Mother Bettewhyte that she absentmindedly places into her belt pouch as   she emplores the group to help her rescue the townspeople before seeking their second contact believed to be at the temple. The group follows.

  Chapter 8:  Evening 18th of Eleasis:  Encounter 2:  Specter + 3 Children

The group quickly finds another spector attempting to enter a small home.  Through the windows the group can see and hear three children.  The group quickly kills the spector.  Nevil suggests that the children be instructed to run to the ship.  Boz and Sorrow are concerned that it is too unsafe for them to go alone.  Nevil agrees. The two older children tail Boz and the youngest rides Sorrow's shoulders, holding his horns with great reservation.

Chapter 9:  Evening 18th of Eleasis:  Encounter 3:  Wraith, 2 Specters and Elsie Booker  

Again to the urging of Tali, and quickly located screams, the group encounters two spectors and a wraith attacking a woman in a house.  The spectors are quickly killed and Tali turns the remaining wraith causing him to flee and not return.  The woman is identified as Elsie Booker.  

It is speculated that a ritual to summon the dead is being conducted in the temple and this is causing the trouble in town. Nevil again suggests the children and Elsie flee to the boat.  The group agrees under the idea exploring the temple would likely be too dangerous and a hindrance.  Before Elsie will take the children she wants to know the names of those on the boat and is told to ask for Captain Ivar and/or Atalaya.  She still will not leave until she is told their names.  Boz and Nevil quickly introduce themselves. She then takes the children and leaves the area.  The party is ready to head to the temple.  Tali protests saying there are still townspeople to save, Boz and Nevil are quite convincing and persuade Tali to join them to eliminate the source.

Game ends with the group having intentions of going to the temple.

{  Tokens are on Map 2}

Game End

10-11-24 12/13th/14thM of Eleasis

 

The 12th of Eleasis continued

Chapter 1:  After the Fight with the Thayain and Sahuagin

Healing as needed for Nevil, Inman, Sorrow from our group.  Hawk and Butcher Boy also need some more healing.  After Butcher Boy is taken care of, Captain Hawk helps him to their dingy and he sits there as we finish up.  Nevil takes care of healing herself and Inman.  Atalaya helps Sorrow (cure wounds restores missing HP)

Atalaya and Cirilli gather up our arrows and then search the bodies of the dead.  

Find:  28 gp,  

2 daggers

1 Vial of Alchemist Fire (on Batheous) (to Inman)

Pouch of powdered gems, maybe diamonds according to Inman. (to Inman)

2 spell focuses.  (made of precious metal, in a Thayian design.  Will want to melt these down and trade the metal.  (Metal is gold? Silver?)

Found several sahuagin spears.  Not worth keeping to use or sell.  We break the shafts and keep the spear points. 

On Kaska’s body we find a small pouch with spell components and another with small rune stones (arcane markings on them).  Atalaya gives these to Inman.

Inman goes over to the smaller islet and checks out the area where the portal was.  He pushes one of the rune stones out of alignment so that the runes no longer make a circle, saying that he is worried about what might come through the portal.  There is a crackling of light when he disturbs the circle. 

There are questions about how the Thayian and Sahuagans knew where to find this place.  Whether or not they followed us, and if so which ship they were following.  Hawk tells us to remember that the sahuagin can swim under the water and they don’t need to surface to breath.  Could have been hanging out under one of the ships.  

Eliza says that she doesn’t think that they knew that The Eye was here.  Said that it didn’t make sense.  If they knew they would have just  have taken The Eye.  

Nevil gets us to check underwater (we still have water-breathing spell from Inman working (was placed on all our party)).  We do not find any sahuagin in the area nor under the boat.   

We get back in our dinghies and head to our respective boats.  Hawk says that we can leave a message for her at the Wind Rose if we ever need to get in touch with her again.  Then she says, “I hope you live long lives.”

Nevil asks Hawk if she wants to see the upgrades we have made to her boat.  Some muttering that we don’t really want her to become that interested in our ship.

Butcher Boy adds, “I’m glad to know our boat is in good hands.”

Captain Hawk’s ship leaves, heading towards Waterdeep.

Sorrow:  “That was weird.  I never thought I would see that.” (Us working with Hawk.)   He reminds us that, “We can only trust her until you can’t.”  He also says that, “I can’t believe that she gave it up.”

We remind him that Captain Hawk seemed genuinely afraid of the artifact.  And with good reason.  She had lost some of her crew to it.

Nevil asks Sorrow about what happens when he bleeds… the black crystal substance that he blood hardens into when wounded.  

Sorrow says that it is just something that he does.  Not all tieflings do this.  He says that some of us show our heritage in different ways.  

Sorrow talks some more about differences.

Nevil says something about how Sorrow has several times dropped hints about his family.  

Mentions that Zariel and Bel are the arch devils for Sorrow’s family.  

Sorrow says that the blood crystallization doesn’t hurt.  Nevil asks about bruises or internal injuries.  Sorrow looks startled at the question, but then answers that he thinks it just crystallizes when it is exposed to air.  

Sorrow says that he doesn’t manifest many marks of his infernal heritage.  He states that some tieflings manifest a lot of them.  He feels like he got off pretty well.

Thinking about it he says that he thinks that because of his profession (bard) that he has been helped more than hurt by his manifestations.  

Sorrow explains that he comes from a well off house in Baldur’s Gate.  But the family was into some things that he didn’t agree with.  “I’m not entirely proud of my family.”  He has wanted distance from them and didn’t want them to interfere with his life. 

Before our ship leaves Nevil jumps into the water and makes a final check for any stray sahuagin.  None are found.  Nevil climbs back up onto the ship, showing off for Inman as she does so (cheese cake for sure).

It is late afternoon as we head back towards Blue Haven and we make it there by nightfall.

Once back at port, Nevil sends a note to Mother Bettewhyte confirming that we will be heading back to the manor in the morning, and will meet up with the priestesses that will be going with us at the livery stables.  

She also sends a runner to pick up the items that the Gur had asked for from the shops here.  The child is well recompensed for his/her troubles.

We clean up, dress up and head to the Wind Rose for dinner.  Nevil asks Atalaya if Cirilli has earned a (hard) cider for dinner.  Atalaya readily agrees, saying that she has been allowing Cirilli to choose what she wants to drink (within reason… that is, cider, ale, some wine, not hard liquors… since she formally became Nevil’s student.

Shen shows us into the small dining room.  He asks if we want anything special tonight.  We ask about his house special and are told that it is swordfish tonight.  We all order this.  

He asks if there is anything else he can do for us.  Nevil says that she doesn’t want him to think that we don’t enjoy his food.  However, she does have a task for him.  She finds a scrap of paper and writes a short note on it and hands it to Shen.  “We need this rumor to be started in 2-3 days, preferably not from here.  Maybe Seaton?”  Shen seems happy to do this and heads back to the kitchen.

In about 20 minutes the waitress comes back and starts serving the fish.  The food is excellent (of course).

Sorrow really likes the swordfish.  Sorrow says that he also likes oilier fish.

Cirilli remarks that she has never eaten any fish like the swordfish.  And she ate a lot of fish, since Parabor was located on the banks of a large lake.  Atalaya tells her that is because she is used to fresh water fish.  The swordfish is a salt water fish, that is a firmer meat like fish.  

Shen comes by to see if we like his food.  Nevil tells him that it is great.  Nevil asks him about any rumors.  Shen says that there is nothing of interest to us, “and that is what worries me.”   Nevil asks if Frost’s Place has burned down yet.  Shen laughs and says, “No.”  He also warns us to never eat anything should we go there. 

We have an uneventful dinner and walk back to the ship.

We make it an early night, knowing that we will have an early start in the morning. 

Before going to bed Atalaya will make Goodberries and call Vaz via the Sending Stones.  

Her message: 

 All is well, recovered lost item.  (6)

Plan to head back tomorrow. (5)  (11)

Bringing priestesses with us to help with spirit  (8)  (19)

Love you, miss you, back quickest. (6)  (25)

Vasilya’s response:

“Be careful, all well here.  Don’t worry.  Love you. 

Long Rest

13th of Eleasis

Chapter 2:  Returning to the Manor and Evening Talks

In the morning we all grab a quick breakfast on the ship.  

We make our way to the town livery stables to meet the Priestesses and their guards.  There are 2 priestesses and 2 guards going with us to the manor.  Nevil spritzes all 4 of them with holy water.  No negative effects are seen.  One of the priestesses says, “I heard that you have had some problems with shape changers.  One can never be too careful. 

We hire a total of 5 horses, (one for Boz to ride on his return).  

We head back towards the manor, planning to by-pass around the abandoned village of Wytchway to avoid any more problems with giant wild boar and also the area around the dragonet lair.  We do alright until we need to bypass the village.  Atalaya finds our way through, but the land is a muddy mess which slows travel slightly for our large group.   Inman tries to “mansplain” and we work our way through the muddy forest.  Atalaya is not amused.  Cirilli is annoyed at herself and at Inman.  She seems to think that she is competing with Inman to find their way through the forest and back to the main path.  Everyone starts to be in a grumbling mood.  Sorrow is cringing at Inman for his undiplomatic attempt at helping.  

We get past the village without seeing any more boars.  We find our way through the woods and make it to the Covered Bridge.  

We continue on our way and begin to notice the smell of brimstone.  Cirilli manages to find a decent trail around the dragonets.  It winds along the bank of the river for a time.  We all continue to keep a watch on the sky for the dragonets.  

We finally make it to the manor.  Nevil asks the priestesses and their guards to hold up for a minute while we announce ourselves and she tells them about the additional guests we are bringing.  

Atalaya approaches the manor directly with Cirilli following and goes immediately to the front door, knocking loudly when she gets there.  

Tsapar opens the door and immediately calls for Boz, “Vasilya, your woman!”

Vasilya barrels into the room and pulls Atalaya into a big hug, as if he thought that he would never see her again.  

Tsapar then calls to Madrina, “They are back!”  

Atalaya asks what we should do with the horses.  Tsapar shows them the way to the stables which are in good enough shape to safely house the horses.  Once the gear is taken off the horses and they are settled in the stable everyone heads back to the manor.  

The priestesses and guards are introduced to the members of the Scarlet Sash.  

Nevil confides to Madrina, “We brought the supplies that you wanted.”

Sorrow takes Madrina’s hand, bows over it and kisses the back of the hand.  He is flirting outrageously with her.  

We go, ushering the priestesses and guards with us.  

Nevil remarks that our business went well in Blue Haven.  

Madrina asks if we are all well.  Nevil says that the ride back has been nice and quiet.  

Madrina says that they “had a nice time with Mr. Boswell,” and that he learned many things.  She also states that Boz is a “gifted man.”  Says that he has a very powerful gift of “the sight.”  She admonishes that he needs to continue to practice.

Rennick:  “Had some fun while you were gone? he asks, looking at the priestesses and guards that we brought with us.  

Nevil gets the priestesses oriented to what we think is going to happen in the morning.  We plan on trying to enter the Shadowfell in the daylight as we all think that it will be safer to do so then.  So, morning meditations, breakfast, digging up the gravesite again, and then going through the portal to look for the child’s bones/body.  Atalaya wishes that we had made an extra sack while we were sewing bags to put the Eye’s urn into.

The priestesses remarks that we seem to be clear that we think that the child’s remains are on the other side of the portal.  We explain that we can’t find them anywhere on this side. 

Nevil says that there is mist at the bottom of the grave when you dig down to the casket.  

Priestess says that we will need the child’s remains and then to consecrate the grave.  She agrees that we don’t need to do this in the dark.

We discuss where the priestesses and their guards should sleep for the night.  They say that they have brought their own bedrolls and will make a place for themselves down here in the parlor.  The guards plan to set up a watch overnight.

As they start to settle in, our group adjourns to the study with the Gurs and continue to talk.  

Madrina:  “Thank you again for getting rid of the werewolves.  It’s been really peaceful.”

Nevil:  Asks for guidance using the portal.

Madrina:  Portal to the Shadowfell. … You will feel a deep depression settle on you when you cross over to the Shadowfell.  The Gur are immune to this so Vasilya will not feel it.  

We continue to talk about the Shadowfell.

“Remember the feelings you feel are not real.  It is why our kind have an affinity to the Shadowfell and guard the portal.

We ask if we will need to take lights or torches with us to see.  Madrina says that “you will be able to see the mirror realm.  It is a sad dark shadow of reality.

We ask about the portal and are told that it is pretty stable. 

We discuss who should go with us and whether or not it is a good idea to bring the “artifact” through with us.  The Gur say that would not be wise.  

Atalaya questions Boz as to whether or not he trusts these Gur enough to leave Cirilli and her pack with them while the rest of us go through the portal.  Boz says that he does trust them.  

Vinique says that they are not fighters, but that they will do no harm.

We start to say goodnight to each other so that we will be rested and ready to get an early start on everything in the morning.

Vinique then says that for the portal to transport us to the Shadowfell we need to go into it at the darkest point of the night.  

She receives startled looks from everyone and is questioned about why she didn’t say anything sooner, like when we were planning our day out for tomorrow.  We revise our plan, realizing that we need to sleep in late, eat well during the day, dig the grave up in the later afternoon, etc and then nap again so that we will be well rested before heading into the Shadowfell around midnight.

Atalaya and Nevil go downstairs to tell the priestess or whatever guard is awake of the new plan.

Chapter 3:  Atalaya and Vaz (solo play)

When Atalaya returns upstairs she and Vaz send Cirilli to bed and then talk in front of the fireplace, catching up on what happened during their days apart.  Vaz relates that he is now a member of the Scarlet Sash tribe.  He has been learning a lot about his people and has been working on his psychic skills with them.  He is able to make a strand of Atalaya’s hair move off her shoulder without touching it.  He also shows her a mark on his wrist, a healing wound and attempts to tell her that he may turn into a raven like the Scarlet Sash members do.  He seems worried that Atalaya will be uncomfortable with this.  Atalaya reminds him that it never bothered her when Mac or Grenda shape changed.  He still seems uncertain about this and maybe somewhat apprehensive about this happening to him. 

Atalaya shares with him what happened on the trip back to Blue Haven, especially the escapade with the redcaps.  Boz is really upset that he was not there to help during that encounter, especially when he hears that Inman, Sorrow and Nevil were badly injured, especially Inman.  She also tells him about meeting with Captain Hawk and the recovery of The Eye.  Discuss the fight with the Red Wizards and the Sahuagin.  He injury/near death of Butcher Boy.  

The eventually head to bed, Vaz holding Atalaya in his arms as he drops off to sleep and Atalaya begins her trancing. 

14th of Eleasis

Chapter 4: The next day, the 14th of Eleasis  (group play)

Everyone sleeps in and has a good breakfast.  Then some of the group scouts around the house and at the camp the werewolves used to be sure that they are not reforming and that there are no other threats present in the area.  

We rest and Nevil and Atalaya will take time to meditate/have devotions.  Sorrow spends a lot of time flirting with Madrina.  In the afternoon we dig up the grave.  Again more resting and then a good dinner as evening approaches.  

Chapter 5:  Midnight, the 15th of Eleasis

Around midnight, with Cirilli sheltered in the house with Atalaya’s pack which contains the bag of holding which contains the urn with The Eye, we prepare to venture into the Shadowfell.

We see the mist/fog start to gather the darker it gets.  We see that casket and get ready to pull it out of the grave.  Nevil explains that last time we opened it and there was a scarecrow-like thing in it that attacked us as well as a couple of creepy crawly hands.  

As it gets later we notice that the fog that is going into the hole is not acting like fog but like a liquid.  We get a ladder from the basement and put it into the hole so that we can get out of it easily.  

The men were put to the task of raising the casket.  When the casket is lifted the fog pours into the hole we dug.  

Vinique says, “So the way this works… if you lie down in the grave you get up in the Shadowfell.  The fog has to cover you.  

Vasilya calls out, “I’ll do it, I don’t want someone who will succumb to this place be there alone.”  He kisses Atalaya, gets into the grave and lies down, and disappears into the mist. 

Nevil, muttering and cursing under her breath, jumps into the grave, lies down and is covered by the strange liquid fog.  When she sits up again, at first it seems as if she hasn’t gone anywhere but then she feels a bit pale.  As she looks around she does not see a body or skeleton.  She does see a mausoleum.  

Atalaya follows after Boz and Nevil.  When she sit up in the Shadowfell she feels a huge sense of depression and quickly moves into Vaz’s arms to be comforted by him.  He keeps repeating to her, “It’s okay.  It’s alright.  It’s just creepy here,” as he holds her until she is able to become accustomed to the depressive aura of the place.  Atalaya looks around and sees the mausoleum with two gargoyles on the roof.  

Nevil helps people out of the grave (to give them the saving throw bonus).

Sorrow sits up as he reaches the Shadowfell and says, “Yuck!”

Vinique looks completely nonplussed as she sits up. 

Sunshine, the priestess who had agreed to enter the Shadowfell with us makes her way out of the hole saying “Oh, yes, uhm… “

Cedrick, the guard, is noticeably shaken when he appears in the Shadowfell.  He is visibly trying to get a hold on himself.  He seems to be severely affected by the pall that the Shadowfell casts over everything.

Inman comes through the portal and seems to be okay.  No noticeable signs of being affected by the environment.

Nevil makes use of her Divine Sense looking for pockets of evil.  The portal definitely shows up to her as evil (as it should since it has been cursed).  

She and Vasilya look around for bones.  Nevil finds a bone at their feet, a small human femur.  Boz finds a scapula.  Atalaya has pulled out a sack they found in the manor and opened it up for Nevil and Boz to place the small bones into.  Nevil asks, “We need to find them all, don’t we?”

Sunshine says, “As much as possible.”

Vinique uses her skirt to hold the bones she finds until she can add them to the sack that Atalaya is holding.

Boz is looking rough as he forces himself to pick up the bones he finds. 

Sorrow softly hums a tune to try to lessen some of the depressiveness of the area.

Nevil asks Vinique, “How did you get to be in charge of this place?”

Vinique replies, “We found it.  We knew we had to protect this place.”

As Atalaya is moving around, allowing people to add bones that they found into the sack, she thinks that she notices movement on the roof of the mausoleum.  She calls out to the others.

Sorrow asks her what she say. 

Atalaya says that she isn’t sure, but she saw movement of some kind on the roof.

Nevil quickly casts a Bless spell over our group and Vinique.  Atalaya hands her sack to Nevil as she gets an arrow set up on her bow and checks for any sign of movement (on the roof and around us). 

A Gargoyle starts flying quickly towards Nevil.  A second Gargoyle also starts flying towards us, but is flying slower.

Marcelle (Gargoyle 1) flies into the middle of the group with its claws extended and makes a critical hit on Vinique for 8 points of damage.

Atalaya Hunter Marks Pierre for 6 points of damage, shoots and hits Pierre with one of her Thunder Arrows.  He takes a total of 29 points of damage.  He falls off the roof and lands prone.  

PIerre gets up (½ his movement) and flies towards us.

Sorrow Casts Bane on the gargoyle and gives Bardic Inspiration to Nevil.

Marcelle attacks Nevil and hits her for 5 points of damage.

Cedrick:  Moves to flank Marcelle and hits him for 5 points of damage.

Nevil:  “wacks” at Marcelle with her morningstar.  First hit for 8 points of damage.  Second hit for 7 points of damage.

Vinique:  Disengages and moves behind Nevil, wanting to get someone with heavy armor between her and the gargoyle.

Boz shoots at Pierre and misses.

Inman:  Activates Blade Song.  Swinging with his scimitar he hits _________ for ½ of 7 damage.  He moves his position and swings again, hitting for ½ of 5 damage.

Atalaya:  Shoots a Lightning Arrow at Pierre and kills him. She moves her Hunter’s Mark to Marcelle and shoots at him and misses.

Sunshine: casts Spiritual Weapon and this kills Marcelle.

Boz:  “We need to get these bones picked up.”

Nevil, using her Divine Sense, is able to direct Boz and Inman to the remaining bones.  They gather them and place them in the sack.  The bones have not been in the coffin.  

Nevil, once the bones have been found, says that we are going to be happy to leave this place.

Sunshine makes her way through the portal first with Cedrick following her.  The rest of us then go through the portal back to the real world, leaving 1 by 1. 

The other priestess is  incredibly relieved to see us reappear.  She starts to ask, “Should we plan to…

Nevil breaks in, “Consecrate the bones and grave immediately.”

The priestesses move aside and begin a ritual over the bones.  The glow on the bones that Nevil is able to see (Divine Sense?) slowly dissipates.  The priestesses put the bones back into the sack with Lavender Salt and flowers.  Then they scatter the scented salt around the grave.  As this ritual continues the glow in the grave dims and then goes away.  The bones are put into the coffin and the coffin is returned to the grave.  The men cover it with dirt.  The fog in the area has become regular fog, not the liquid like fog from earlier.   We return the dirt as quickly as possible.  

As the rituals are finished and the grave reestablished a sense of peace covers the graveyard. 

When we return to the house, Cirilli meets us.  “Was it awful?”

Atalaya replies with a succinct “Yes.”  Then continues, “But I think we accomplished what we set out to.

Sunshine asks if we should check on the spirit.  The group makes their way to the nursery.  It seems peaceful.  There is no sign of the spirit child.  

Cirilli remarks that she is sad.  Atalaya comforts her.

Madrina says, “Maybe we come back here again.  This place is a good place to come back to.”

The Gur ask us to continue the rumor that this place is haunted to keep those from Blue Haven away.  Sunshine says that she is on board for that and will have not trouble telling others that this place is haunted. 

Game ends here.  

Upcoming Plans before heading towards Candlekeep:

1.   Sleep/Long Rest

2. Brunch and later Dinner with the Gur.  More dancing in the evening?? Vaz needs to be able to show off and Cirilli will want another lesson from Vinique.  

3. Trip back to Blue Haven.  Return horses.  Return priestesses to the temple.

4. Dinner at the Wind Rose.  

5. Morning, run any last minute errands.  Be sure we are stocked with fresh foods.  Get materials for Cirilli’s projects (Empty journal, writing materials.  Cloth scraps, Hodge Podge like sealant, any other materials needed for the box Cirilli wants to make.

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