Chapter Nine: Crossroads

[Kaerri]

Bren Sarabina

Spoiler

Standard AC: 27


Fort save: +12


Ref save: +8


Will save: +4


Current action points: 9


Current HP: 87/87


Status effects: none


Powerpaw's tower shield +1


(-2 to attack rolls)


Spell: Speak with Animals


Speech color, for reference

Bren grinned at the reference to Star.  "I did indeed bring him, or rather he brought me."  He blinked in surprise at the mention of Shalin's visit to his family home.  "You have?  Are they...no, best ask later."  He shook his head as if shaking the thought off, then nodded in response to his friend's last question.  A smile came over his face once more as he said, "Do you know, scrying Star might just be the best way of finding them.  They won't have left him behind.  You know Bria, but she may well be inside the wagon, and I'm not sure how that would affect your scrying or the teleport.  It's some kind of ... magical space, larger on the inside than the outside, that sort of thing."  He shook his head again, this time at not being able to explain properly, but he knew Shalin would probably understand what he meant.  "Anyway, the horses don't go inside, so wherever Star is, is probably the safest place to go."

 

[Purr]

"Shall I take us all to where Star resides?"  Shalin examined the Wayward Wanderers plus Nivirea.  "It is within the reach of my magic to do so."  


While Shalin offered, Powerpaw had his big nose to the ground as he crouched on all fours, sniffing and stalking among the ogre corpses.  It was as if their lifeless bodies, however grotesque their twisted and contorted poses, held no inconvenience for him.  


The big cat stuffed a sheathed greatsword into his enchanted Bag of Holding here, a pristine suit of mastercrafted chain armor there, for now that he has been granted free reign over their large items, he found his curiosity had doubled.


Oh, how he had longed for his favorite weapon of all, the maul, and how his heart had not felt right since he had lost his own enchanted two-handed hammer, his big blunt slayer of ettin and monk-mage and other worthy foes.  Its loss had left a hole in his heart as wide as any that would have been suffered had Luna lost her fire magic or Otiorin had been separated from his beloved Moonlit Edge.  


But this was Sharseya, a place where many unusual things took place and where legends were lived as surely as the sun rose on the horizon.  The furry Felane was a big believer in these realities having already been a survivor of many a harrrowing experience.


So he believed his blood-red eyes as they drifted upon a large, long weapon of warfare hidden among the bodies of the fallen, its strong and steady haft topped with a heavy head of masterwork steel.  


With cat-like passion, he pounced on the masterwork maul.  He lifted it from the battlefield with two eager paws to gaze upon the weapon admiringly, appreciating it as only a warrior can.  His gasp and smile were child-like in their joy.


"By Bast's bouncin' boobies!  Hay, guys!  Lookit I found!!"  


The cat-become-gladiator hopped and sprang about Shandra's Evergreen with all of the energy and enthusiasm of a kitten.


 "OhboyohboyOHBOYEEEE!  I haz a maul agins!  MOAAAAAAARRR!"


He loosed that hammer upon imaginary opponents like a raging whirlwind while Sparkle immediately cloaked herself about Luna's shoulder.  


By Bahamut's long fangs, how I pity the next foes we come across...


Shalin moved behind Bren and stayed there.  "Mayhaps I shall wait for him to calm down before teleporting us to Star.  After all, 'tis best we link hands prior to my unraveling of the spell and his hands are quite..."


Powerpaw ran by.  "INNN DAAAA FAAAAACE!!"


"...occupied?"  Shalin watched him go.

 

[Purr]

His crystal ball hovering in mid-air, Shalin raised his hand into the air.  A brief crackling spark popped forth from it getting the attention of all present.  He scribed, "Let us join hands and leave this ugly scene that we may roam finer roads."  


Mamapaw packed up a few more (moar!) weapons for her son and joined everyone.  It took a few moments for Powerpaw to calm down enough to do as Shalin requested, but he did so, his maul in his teeth for he did not want to put it away.  Sparkle curled up nicely on Luna's shoulder and did not give another look toward the corpses.


Once everyone was together, Shalin stared into his crystal ball and spoke complex and powerful mystical incantations though no sound was heard.  Unlike the Gate spell, Teleport was both efficient and quick (if the winds were blowing your way*).


(*Dungeon Master note)

Spoiler

As long as the dice don't gank you, that is.  *rolls percentile*  87.

(Spoiler contains your updated location, time, and weather.)

Spoiler

Location: Back on the Road of Kings, outside the Adventurers' Wagon, somewhere in Southern Shandra's Evergreen (9 days south of Highwind)


Travel time to Highwind: On day 5 of 14.


Sunday, September 21st, 1118. Time: 12:30 p.m.


Weather: Sunny, slightly breezy, slightly cool.

In but the span of a few heartbeats, the Wayward Wanderers plus Nivirea, faded away from the hills of grotesque ogre and giant corpses.  They reappeared upon a wide brown highway everyone present recognized as The Road of Kings which drove between the trees of Shandra's Evergreen as straight as an arrow.  


The first unusual thing seen by all was the side of the magnificent and gigantic wagon-of-wagons, the Adventurers' Wagon.  It loomed before, about, and above you all with its rich wood features, grand appearance, and size, some twenty-five feet high and forty feet in length.  The vehicle was still as were the eight fantastic draft horses nearby that pulled it.


The second thing noticed by all was the impressive and stern-faced heavy warhorse, Star, tied to the rear of the Adventurers' Wagon and not appearing very happy about it.  He stared at Bren as if to say, "Where in the Prime Material Plane have you been?!"  Immediately, Bren (and anyone with any ranks in Handle Animal skill or possessing levels in Ranger or Druid) notice Star was looking toward the front of the wagon as if urgently trying to get Bren to do that very thing.  


As Shalin's Teleport spell was as quiet as they came, there were no other disturbances caused by the party's arrival.  This meant that those present and outside the Adventurers' Wagon probably had no idea that anyone else (namely you) had Teleported right beside the wagon.  This also meant there was no pause from the awkward conversation now taking place at the very front of the wagon, up top from the drivers' chair, between a young woman and what used to be a young man...


"Ummm, I really don't think this is a good idea, Mister Ghost."


"Ohhh, don't be so formal!  Call me Alec!  Didn't Luna tell you all about me?"


"I'm afraid she didn't, Mister Callen."


"Oh, the nerve of my little sis!  Well, she should've!  C'mon, now!  Just a little hug!"


"I think you should stay on your side of the bench, if you please."


"Oh!"  There was the sound of fingers snapping impatiently.  "I get it!  It's that half-elf, isn't it?"


"Oh!  Coooould be!"  There was a smile in her voice.


"Oh yeah?  What's he got that I don't, huh?"


"Ummm...  A body?"


"THAT'S NOT FAIR!"


"It's fair to me!  I like my hugs warm, heartfelt, and corporeally-performed!"


From the side of the wagon, Sparkle having recognized the voices, unobtrusively face-palmed with a tiny smack.


Powerpaw growled as low as he could.  With raised whiskers, fur, and tail, he turned to Bren and, with his maul out of his maw, he whispered.  "Hay guyz!  Somebuddy's messin' wif our Bria!!  I wanna eat him!  Whatta we do?!"

 

[Sherwood]

Luna places her face in her hands as she recognizes the voice of the shade taking to Bria. In a loud voice, she says,  "Bria, I'd banish that annoying little brother of mine if I just had learned some necromancy, to save you from his lustful desires that seem to be going strong even after death! What are you doing here, you little pain?


Cantrips: Detect Magic, Dancing Lights, Mage Hand, Read Magic


1 - Shield, Magic Missile x2, Unseen Servant, Ear Piercing Scream


2 - Scorching Ray x3, Protection From Arrows


3 - Haste, Fireball, Displacement, Lightning Bolt


4 - Ball Lightning x2, Shout


Extended Mage Armor in effect until 1 am

Spoiler

I can't seem to remember his name. Can you please refresh my memory?

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Spoiler

HP: 56


Spells per day(1st:2nd)/remaining(1st:2nd): 4:3


Spells available: Daze, Detect Magic, Ghost Sounds, Open/Close, Ray of Frost, Read Magic, Gravity Bow, Shield, Summon Monster 1, Mage Armor, Ice Slick


Active effects: Mage Armor, Shield

Time and space folded around the group at the Silent Sorcerer's bidding and they were momentarily all places and no places. Then reality reasserted itself and they reappeared alongside the wagon they called home. Their silent arrival meant they could hear Bria's valiant defense against Luna's deceased brother. For a moment, Otiorin scowled, but the expression faded as he heard Bria defiantly resisting the ghost's advances. He smiled, swiftly clambered up the side of the wagon and trotted across the roof. As he reached the front, looking down at the front seat revealed the incorporeal Cassanova sat alongside the Ko monk. She was leaning away from his advances and he was leaning in, so Otiorin decided to make an appearance. As Luna spoke, the Half-elf performed a rolling jump from the roof, twisting his body in mid-air to land smartly, standing between them.


"Would you jump in my grave as quick, wisp?", Otiorin pointedly asked the shade of the wizard.

 

[Kaerri]

Bren Sarabina

Spoiler

Standard AC: 27


Fort save: +12


Ref save: +8


Will save: +4


Current action points: 9


Current HP: 87/87


Status effects: none


Powerpaw's tower shield +1


(-2 to attack rolls)


Spell: Speak with Animals


Speech color, for reference

Shalin moved behind Bren and stayed there.  "Mayhaps I shall wait for him to calm down before teleporting us to Star.  After all, 'tis best we link hands prior to my unraveling of the spell and his hands are quite..."


Powerpaw ran by.  "INNN DAAAA FAAAAACE!!"


"...occupied?"  Shalin watched him go.

Bren nodded.  "That seems best.  I can't really blame him, though, losing a favored weapon can be quite... shattering, to a warrior.  And now he has a suitable replacement!"  He smiled, watching the big cat's antics, then turned to his friend.  "Once he's calmed down, I'm ready when you are."

The second thing noticed by all was the impressive and stern-faced heavy warhorse, Star, tied to the rear of the Adventurers' Wagon and not appearing very happy about it.  He stared at Bren as if to say, "Where in the Prime Material Plane have you been?!"  Immediately, Bren (and anyone with any ranks in Handle Animal skill or possessing levels in Ranger or Druid) notice Star was looking toward the front of the wagon as if urgently trying to get Bren to do that very thing.  

Bren nodded to Star and turned his gaze toward the front of the wagon, though indeed the voices were already pulling his attention that way.  After listening for a few moments he started to smile, and patted Star's shoulder as if to reassure him that all would be well.

"Oh yeah?  What's he got that I don't, huh?"


"Ummm...  A body?"


"THAT'S NOT FAIR!"

At this, he burst out laughing, though he tried to keep it down.  "That point goes to Bria," he said quietly to those around him, as if commenting on a sporting match.

Powerpaw growled as low as he could.  With raised whiskers, fur, and tail, he turned to Bren and, with his maul out of his maw, he whispered.  "Hay guyz!  Somebuddy's messin' wif our Bria!!  I wanna eat him!  Whatta we do?!"

"Fear not, Powerpaw," Bren said with no small amusement.  "I think we can count on Luna and Otiorin to handle this.  And I don't think you really want to eat him.  He's... well, if he's the one we met earlier, and it seems to be, he's a ghost."  Patting Star's shoulder once more, and promising to come back soon, he strolled calmly to the front of the wagon for a better view.

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

.:|Nivirea Varelys - The Sorceress|:.


The usually confident and collected Nivirea remained in the background ever since the teleportation was done. She stood in the same place where she had been made to reappear, clearly impressed with the Adventurer's Wagon and its team of horses, but also looking awkwardly around the scene, as if she wasn't entirely sure how to proceed. Her fingers kept twining a lock of her black hair in an endless loop. As eager as she had seemed to leave the forest clearing earlier, she was just as hesitant to move from where she was rooted in place now. The most she did was cast inquisitive, borderline nervous glances way Luna and Otiorin, but they seemed too occupied to notice for the moment.

 

[Purr]

At this, he burst out laughing, though he tried to keep it down.  "That point goes to Bria," he said quietly to those around him, as if commenting on a sporting match.

Shalin cannot help but grin in great laughter too.  At response to Bren's comment, The Silent Sorcerer scribes two large golden words into the air.  "Bria."  "Whomever."  And then he writes a "#1" beneath Bria's name and continues to grin.

As he reached the front, looking down at the front seat revealed the incorporeal Cassanova sat alongside the Ko monk. She was leaning away from his advances and he was leaning in, so Otiorin decided to make an appearance. As Luna spoke, the Half-elf performed a rolling jump from the roof, twisting his body in mid-air to land smartly, standing between them.

Alec's eyes became inhumanly large as the "specter" of Bria's love appeared between he and Bria.  So shocked was he that he vanished immediately all the while letting out a most-unghostly scream...



(Alec's Unghostly scream)

Spoiler

Because, yes, this sound is STILL that funny!  Thanks Cap'n!

At Otiorin's spectacular entrance, Bria cheered to the heavens.  "My Hero!  I'm saved!  Hooraaaaaaay!!"  With that, she hopped off of the seat, embraced him very fondly, and planted a heartfelt kiss right on the lips.


"Oh!  Yeah! Right!" Alec reappeared, frowning.  "I watch over you while they are away and HE gets the big smack on the kisser!  Unlife isn't fair I tell you!"

"Would you jump in my grave as quick, wisp?", Otiorin pointedly asked the shade of the wizard.

"For a date with her?  I MIGHT!!  IT'D BE WORTH IT I TELL YOU!!"


Sparkle chuckled at Alec and she made sure she was visible so he could see it.  Oh, how wonderful it is to see you get your just desserts, you wrong-headed, overly-lustful buffoon.  She waved a wing Otiorin and grinned at Bria.  It appears you missed our dashing oaf quite a bit, Lady of the Ko.


"Yes!  A whole lot more than I realized, too!  Hi, Otioriiiin!  Hi everyone!"  She kept her arms wrapped warmly around him.  


Powerpaw and Mamapaw rounded the corner of the wagon.  Mamapaw watched with a pleased expression as Powerpaw grinned toothily, relaxed, and lowered his maul.  


"Hiya Bria!"


"Did you enjoy your few hours away from the adventuring life, little one?"


Bria brushed her long brown hair from her eyes.  A dreamy smile played across her beautiful face as she reminisced.  "Welllll..."


(The past few hours in the Adventurers' Wagon...)

Spoiler

"I remember really wanting to get away from it all..." 

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"...and just get my mind off of all that was troubling me..."







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"...so all of us just got together and had fun any way we could find it."







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"It was like leaving my life behind and going into another world for awhile.  Someplace fun and very different."







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"I couldn't help but think of Wolf when Stewart spoke of far off lands..."







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"...and when Glider spoke of the great times spent in his youth..."







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"...and then the Meadowsweets told us about some Dwarvish and Elvish dances we had never heard of..."







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"...until finally, after a big lunch, we all collapsed by the pool and enjoyed the Best Nap Ever!"







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Bria sighed and smiled her sunshine smile.  "We really had a super time!  I feel so much better now!  Oh, the difference some fun and relaxation with friends can make.  I feel ready to take on all of Sharseya again!"  Indeed, the warm fires of her spirit had returned.  "I missed you all so much!  But..." she looked about, "I don't see Wolf or Pecker anywhere with you!  Where are they?"  


In her search for Wolf and Pecker, Bria's eyes flitted right past Nivirea as if she had missed the young lady in the back of the team.

 

[Sherwood]

Luna looks over at Bria with a (hopefully) neutral expression.  "We ran into Wolf's father, and the two of them went off together in search of a missing son and brother.  They will not be joining us for some time."  She is proud of herself for not tearing up or getting any kind of catch to her voice; its not like she doesn't miss him, after all.  "But, we did run into several other people of interest on our trip.  This is Shalin, also known as the Silent Sorcerer, and this is Nivirea, also a sorcerer.  Nivirea, this is Bria, a monk of the Ko, and that obnoxious shade is my older brother Alec.  Apparently pinning me down as a young girl and dangling spit over my face is not torture enough, so here he is, once more determined to make my life miserable for some reason that he has not as yet shared with me.  Please tell me why I am being forced to endure your antics once more?"

Spoiler

Cantrips: Detect Magic, Dancing Lights, Mage Hand, Read Magic


1 - Shield, Magic Missile x2, Unseen Servant, Ear Piercing Scream


2 - Scorching Ray x3, Protection From Arrows


3 - Haste, Fireball, Displacement, Lightning Bolt


4 - Ball Lightning x2, Shout


Extended Mage Armor in effect until 1 am

 

[Purr]

As Luna explained, Bria soaked in nearly every word.  Her pilgrimage from the Phoenix Mountain had long-taught her to pay attention to strange and unusual matters, and while she longed for the opportunity to have said farewell for now to Wolf and Pecker, she also felt that any such parting would be especially heartfelt by Luna and perhaps Sparkle (familiars being what they were).


Her mind barely registered Luna's mention of the Grand Sorcerer, Shalin, because at that moment, Bria's eyes fell upon this new Nivirea.  One look and Bria was transfixed.  A number of confused emotions played about her facial expression and body language as her mind barraged her with a great number of questions.  Monks of the Ko Monastery explored outside their hallowed walls because of the need to discover and grow.  Now this need had fully possessed Bria as she pointed daintily toward Nivirea and, overcome with scholarly excitement, the healer began to think out loud.


"Oh, wow!"  Bria studied everything about Nivirea that she could see, all the while with a big smile on her face as if she were but a student and all of Sharseya were her classroom.  Her words streamed out like a river after a rainstorm.  "Oooooh!  Strong nymph-like features, but you don't look like any nymph nor half-elf I've ever met, for it's fall season and your hair is the wrong color for a nymph in fall, it's neither red nor brown, and no nymph I've heard of has black hair, and you're obviously not a satyr because you have feet instead of hooves, and when they mate they only produce one or the other, never a mix of the two, so barring polymorphism or magical accident, and given the type of garb and gear you're wearing, and those sensual, attractive features of yours might come from bloodline, but not Elvish because no Elf I know of from any region has your skin and hair color combination so...  I've got it!   You must be a fey-blooded sorceress!"  


Child-like, Bria clasped her hands and bounced on her tippie-toes.  Unable to take her eyes off of Nivirea, she tugged on Otiorin's clothing while now attempting to wave a greeting to Nivirea but failing as curiosity overwhelmed her.  Those who knew the people of the Ko likely knew that they were all like this from time to time and Bria, having been born into them, was certainly no exception.  


"Am I right?  Am I right?  Oh, if I'm waaay off, I'll be so surprised!  And kind of embarrassed!  Please someone tell me?  The suspense is killing me!  Eep, eep, eep!"


Shalin kindly waved to Bria but she had missed it.  He shook his head, having seen her like this many a time at the Adventurers' Guild in Highwind.  In the grip of discovery, she could be scholarly wise or scatter-brained, but with that heart of hers, she was always, always Bria.  


Alec reappeared in the spot he had left in.  His typically handsome features were marred by a case of insecurity and envy.  "Wish she would pay that kind of attention to ME!"

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

.:|Nivirea - The Sorceress|:.


Faced with the monk girl's rapid assessment, the sorceress could at first but blink in confusion. By the time she was done, she mostly held herself with her usual flawless grace, alongside looking like she just received a great compliment.


"I most certainly am." she spoke, managing to perform a small curtsy and looking prideful at the same time. "Very impressive, Bria of the Ko. It is a pleasure to make an acquaintance of one such as yourself."


Nivirea registered Luna's brother when she pointed him out, but didn't pay him much heed despite his ghostly appearance. For her green eyes were transfixed with Bria still.

 

[Sherwood]

Luna continues to glare at her brother. "That is all fine and good (no offense to Nivirea), but it doesn't answer the question of what you are doing here. What do you want, Alec?"

 

[Purr]

Luna continues to glare at her brother. "That is all fine and good (no offense to Nivirea), but it doesn't answer the question of what you are doing here. What do you want, Alec?"

"I most certainly am." she spoke, managing to perform a small curtsy and looking prideful at the same time. "Very impressive, Bria of the Ko. It is a pleasure to make an acquaintance of one such as yourself."

"You mean I got it right?  Hooraaaaaay!!" Bria stretched her arms out and bounced on her tip-toes.  "I wouldn't have had a chance at knowing except that we Ko helped a community composed of satyrs and nymphs not too terribly long ago and they were rather appreciative!  It's good to meet you too!"

Luna continues to glare at her brother. "That is all fine and good (no offense to Nivirea), but it doesn't answer the question of what you are doing here. What do you want, Alec?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Alec sneered.  "I was trying to get a date here and I was doing O.K. until we were so rudely interrupted!"


"Oh, I don't know about that," Bria closed her eyes and rested against the warmth of Otiorin's chest.  "I thought the interruption was quite nice!"


"Hrmph!"  Alec folded his arms and frowned the Frown of All Frowns.


(Spoiler contains Alec's face...)

Spoiler

...if he were a living female cat, that is.  =)

(Image credit:  The Mary Sue )

"Sucks ta be you, face!" Powerpaw stuck out his tongue at Alec.


"Oh yeah!" he waved his arms.  "That's right.  Pick on the ghosty guy!  He's got noBODY to date!"

 

[Sherwood]

Luna rolls her eyes in disgust.  "Even dead, you can't stop thinking with your pecker!  Men!"  She plants her hands angrily on her hips as she glares at him.  "You don't have a date, because the women around you have good taste!  And you still haven't said the real reason why you are here, you dolt.  Did daddy send you here to contact me for some reason?  Or are you just being an irritating older brother to me like you always have?"

Spoiler

Cantrips: Detect Magic, Dancing Lights, Mage Hand, Read Magic


1 - Shield, Magic Missile x2, Unseen Servant, Ear Piercing Scream


2 - Scorching Ray x3, Protection From Arrows


3 - Haste, Fireball, Displacement, Lightning Bolt


4 - Ball Lightning x2, Shout


Extended Mage Armor in effect until 1 am

 

[Purr]

"Always, have?" Alec the Ghostly replied.  "I'll remind you, I only dangled spit on your face after I caught you fiddling with my freshly-gathered spell components, don't you remember?  As for what I'm doing here, the real reason I'm still here should be plain!  I was trying to get a date with Miss Bria here when we were so rudely interrupted!"  He glared at Otiorin.


Bria did anything but glare at the half-elf.  In fact, she nuzzled him and smiled in the doing.  "Oh, I don't know, Mister Ghost.  I thought Otiorin's entrance was really dashing!"


"Humph!" was Alec's reply.

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Otiorin Taletreader

Spoiler

HP: 56


Spells per day(1st:2nd)/remaining(1st:2nd): 4:3


Spells available: Daze, Detect Magic, Ghost Sounds, Open/Close, Ray of Frost, Read Magic, Gravity Bow, Shield, Summon Monster 1, Mage Armor, Ice Slick


Active effects: Mage Armor, Shield

The Half-elf visibly swelled at Bria's gushing praise and his lips twisted into a gloating smile.


"Alec, I don't think you ever stood a ghost of a chance with Bria. I think my entrance was certain to allow me to spirit her away. No need to look so ghastly, it's not so grave a situation. I'm sure you'll find a ghoul of your own, so don't let it spook you.", he said, groaning inwardly at the torrent of puns, "As for you Nivirea, would you like to come inside and meet the rest of our little group?"


He extricated himself from Bria's insistent arms and called through the curtains that separated the driver's seat from the innards of the wagon, "Stewart! Bonny! Whittle! Light the stove and open the wine cellar! Turn down the duvet in the spare room and light the candles! We have a visitor to welcome and a departed friend to toast!"


With a typically over-elaborate Elven flourish, Otiorin held open the curtain and bowed politely, "Would you care to join us for a meal, Lady Nivirea of the Fae?"

 

[Sherwood]

Luna looks outraged.  "I only was looking at those components when you accused me of 'messing with them'.  If you weren't so paranoid....  <sigh>  Ah, well.  No need to go into all of that again."  she motions for their guests to come and join her.  "Bonny and Whittle make the absolute best pastries I've ever had, and as a matter of fact, I could use a blueberry pie right about now." 


She continues to fire off the occasional glare at her brother, but finally relents and says, "All in all, I have missed you."

Spoiler

Cantrips: Detect Magic, Dancing Lights, Mage Hand, Read Magic


1 - Shield, Magic Missile x2, Unseen Servant, Ear Piercing Scream


2 - Scorching Ray x3, Protection From Arrows


3 - Haste, Fireball, Displacement, Lightning Bolt


4 - Ball Lightning x2, Shout


Extended Mage Armor in effect until 1 am

 

[Kaerri]

Bren Sarabina

Spoiler

Standard AC: 27


Fort save: +12


Ref save: +8


Will save: +4


Current action points: 9


Current HP: 87/87


Status effects: none


Powerpaw's tower shield +1


(-2 to attack rolls)


Spell: Speak with Animals


Speech color, for reference

Bren had moved to the head of the wagon for a better view of the ensuing drama, and reassured the horses in harness there.  He glanced at those not currently involved in the happenings (Shalin, Powerpaw, Mamapaw, and possibly Nivirea, unless she's still enchanted by Bria) and smiled.  "Did anyone bring the popcorn?"

He extricated himself from Bria's insistent arms and called through the curtains that separated the driver's seat from the innards of the wagon, "Stewart! Bonny! Whittle! Light the stove and open the wine cellar! Turn down the duvet in the spare room and light the candles! We have a visitor to welcome and a departed friend to toast!"


With a typically over-elaborate Elven flourish, Otiorin held open the curtain and bowed politely, "Would you care to join us for a meal, Lady Nivirea of the Fae?"

"Aye."  His smile now included everyone, except the horses (who wouldn't fit anyway).  "Let us move this inside and rejoin the others."

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

.:|Nivirea - The Sorceress|:.


A very, very delighted smile crept across Nivirea's face. The girl didn't hesitate for a moment; she walked up to the entrance, glancing sideways at the others and the wagon itself, and let herself be escorted inside. "That's very kind of you. I most certainly would." she nodded to Otiorin, blinking at him with those leaf green eyes of hers.


The young girl never blushed or did anything of the sort. Quite the contrary. All of her movements were deliberate and graceful, performed with the ease of those accustomed to such treatment.

 

[Purr]

"Alec, I don't think you ever stood a ghost of a chance with Bria. I think my entrance was certain to allow me to spirit her away. No need to look so ghastly, it's not so grave a situation. I'm sure you'll find a ghoul of your own, so don't let it spook you.", he said, groaning inwardly at the torrent of puns...

"Eeeek....  Agggh....  Urrrgh..."  Alec seemed to wince in mock-pain with each additional pun.  Then he replied, "I will take my leave wight away before you pun me further, you son of a lich..."

She continues to fire off the occasional glare at her brother, but finally relents and says, "All in all, I have missed you."

"You too," Alec said with his arms folded.  "I'll be around for awhile longer."  He continued watched Bria with an envious frown.


Bria, with her big heart, could not help but hold out a hand to the ghost.  "Oh, I do hope you can find yourself a young lady that doesn't have her eyes on another.  Maybe...  someone... equally.... um... incorporeal?"  She smiled her best hopeful smile.


"Thanks, Bria." Alec replied.  "You're really the sweetest person around.  You know that, don't you?"  Then without waiting for an answer, his form dissipated and vanished from sight.


As this took place, the Ko monk failed to notice the Wayward Wanderers making their way into the Adventurers' Wagon.  She turned with a whirl of her long brown hair and gasped.  For a second time, she reached out but with completely different intent!  "Oh!  Wait, wait, everyone!  Before you go inside, you should really--" 


But it was too late.  The Wayward Wanderers had entered.


Through the large wide front door and through the thick purple mist that served as barriers between the outside and the pleasureable niceties of the Most Expensive Wagon Ever Made, the Wayward Wanderers proceeded.  As the mist evaporated and their eyesight cleared, they found themselves face-to-face with a face that they had faced once before.*


(*Powerpaw note in spoiler)

Spoiler

"Dat's a lotta face!!  Woohoohoooooo!"

However, that toothy maw was large enough to chew any one of you down with just a few bites.  It had been standing beside the door as if waiting for someone to pass through it.  It seemed that someone was you - and now you were barely feet away from it.


(Dungeon Master note - the face greeting you belongs to this creature.)

Spoiler

=)





(Image credit:  Pinterest )

"BOO!" said the face.  

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

.:|Nivirea - The Sorceress|:.


Still well under the great impression of the moment, and having grown only more curious for the arcane haze that hung tight across the entrance to what appeared to be a mundane, if glorified traveling wagon, the girl suddenly stopped short before she could even properly take in her surroundings. There was a demon, no, a beast, or perhaps both, right in front of her! A trap? A runaway pet? There was too much to consider on such a short notice. Cursing herself for being caught unprepared, and even backing right into Otiorin unintentionally if he was standing close enough, Nivirea was already muttering a spell of protection.

 

[Kaerri]

Bren Sarabina

Spoiler

Standard AC: 27


Fort save: +12


Ref save: +8


Will save: +4


Current action points: 9


Current HP: 87/87


Status effects: none


Powerpaw's tower shield +1


(-2 to attack rolls)


Spell: Speak with Animals


Speech color, for reference

Bren followed the others in.  As the group took turns clambering up the front of the wagon and heading through the curtain of mist in the entrance, he touched Shalin and Saberfang lightly on the shoulder, and said quietly, "I'd like to talk to you both later, when things have settled.  It's not urgent, though."  Not urgent, no, but an unusual gravity was in his expression as he spoke.  Then he smiled and gestured for them to enter the wagon before him.

"BOO!" said the face.  

Bren's hand was halfway to his weapon when his surprised brain caught up to what his eyes were telling him.  He burst into laughter with the release of that momentary but heartfelt tension.  "Havoc, you goof!  Move aside, will you?  You're blocking the way, and we've a guest with us."  He tried to peer around behind the big creature, searching for the others they'd left here.

 

[Purr]

(Mood music.  =) )

Spoiler

Because it's great music and it fits my mood, and oh yes, Bria likes it.  Sometimes I play music because my characters like it.  That should really fall under, "You know you're a born role-player when..."  =)

"BOO!" roared Havoc the mighty Vorgore, his sharp claws raised, his large and deadly fangs agape and head-level as one entered the Adventurers' Wagon.


But Powerpaw did not even flinch.  "Oh, hai Vorgore-face!  How you fitted in through da door?"  Not waiting for a reply, the Kitty-face deposited himself in a comfortable spot as another person entered the room.


"You no scared!"


"Nope!" Powerpaw the Fearless replied.  Fear was for others.  


Then someone else entered the wagon.


"BOO!" roared Havoc.


Shalin of the Broken River entered and having long prepared himself for his dear familiar's antics was not frightened by this in the least.  He simply reached up to Havoc's face and hugged it.  Gently, Havoc hugged his best of friends and familiar back.  Then Shalin politely made his way about so that he did not block the door.


Havoc fumbled.  "You no scared either...  Well, somebuddy get scared!!  Who next?!"


Someone else made their way inside.


"BOO!"  


"Oh hi, Havoc!  I knew you were here already, you violence-addicted cutie!"  


Havoc flinched.  Now he was a "CUTIE?!"


Bria, caught up in the spur of the moment, gave him a kiss on his nose.  "Please be nice!  We have a newcomer!  Oh, where are Bonny and Whittle?"


"Right here, love!" Whittle declared.  The Meadowsweets were roasting marshmallows on the only fire-lit part of the huge Vorgore - his toes - and they were having a grand time of it.  "Oh, by Yondalla's big basket, I do so love the adventuring life!  Where else can a hobbit roast sweets on the toes of a fiery beastie like this?  Doesn't it just give you the giggles?!"  


Bonny laughed along with Whittle as their faces glowed from the fire.  But Havoc was not giggling...  In fact, having thus far scared no one, he was near to pouting. 


But then yet another entered the room!  This would be the one!


"BOO!"  

"Havoc, you goof!  Move aside, will you?  You're blocking the way, and we've a guest with us."  He tried to peer around behind the big creature, searching for the others they'd left here.

Havoc was about to finally have his laugh when he heard Bren's 'accusation.'


"AIEYAIYAIYAIIIEEE!!" he whined loudly in outrage.  Havoc's defense concerning his not-blocking of the door was immediate.  With his gigantic black claws, the Vorgore hurriedly pointed out to Bren at his carefully-made position where he was near the door but certainly not blocking it.  This, Havoc described to Bren in an indignant sort of way, all the while completely forgetting that Bren did not speak Havoc's language - Ignan.  Once Havoc realized this, he just sat there stupefied at this turn of events.


Then Otiorin, Luna, Mamapaw, and Sparkle entered, each completely unsuspecting, only to find Havoc sitting there looking grumpy with his great arms folded and his bottom lip pursed like a little boy's.  He reached for a stick of "marshie-mallows" and joined the Meadowsweets in roasting them using the fire from his own toes.


Shocked at his sudden presence, Sparkle was the first to speak.  "Hail to thee, great and fearsome Vorgore!  What have you to say this fine day?"


In reply, Havoc slowly turned to the lady dragoness...  and silently stuck out his tongue at her.


Puzzled, Sparkle sent to Luna.  Now what was that all about?

 

[Sherwood]

Luna does her best to hide her amusement at Havoc's reaction, but fails miserably.  "I am sorry.  Perhaps you could try again, and this time, I promise to be scared?"  She can't help but grin openly at the pouting figure, hulking in the room, roasting treats over his own burning toes.

Spoiler

Cantrips: Detect Magic, Dancing Lights, Mage Hand, Read Magic


1 - Shield, Magic Missile x2, Unseen Servant, Ear Piercing Scream


2 - Scorching Ray x3, Protection From Arrows


3 - Haste, Fireball, Displacement, Lightning Bolt


4 - Ball Lightning x2, Shout


Extended Mage Armor in effect until 1 am

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

.:|Nivirea - The Sorceress|:.


Seeing Bren enter and burst into laughter behind her was more than enough for Nivirea to drop her uncompleted spell, though her relentless scowl for Havoc endured even unto the arrival of everyone else. The girl stood aside, cooling her temper in silence and murmuring something to herself while Powerpaw and Bria conversed with the beast in the most casual of ways. It made her question if this wasn't a daily occurrence; if everyone knew, but no one deemed it necessary to inform her. She shot Otiorin with a knowing glare, and her doubts were obvious on her pretty face.


At the same time, however, she could not fail to be stunned at what she never expected the inside of a traveling wagon to look like. Clearly there was sorcery at play - to that she was no novice - but even so, the glow and splendor that was this great extradimensional wagon exceeded her wildest imaginings. The place had more in common with a palace than anything else! Thus it was, bit by bit, that her outrage over Havoc's appearance and possibly a prank played on her - by that half elven rogue, she had decided - had died out. She was here, after all, and her mind raced at the possibilities and implications presented.


While everyone else was still clearly too engaged to even notice her, Nivirea recollected herself and deftly slipped away, ending up at the edge of the great pool that dominated the middle of the large chamber. Her back to the others, she stared across the water, mesmerized.