Session 117: "Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones....." or "How much is that doggy in the windo.......?"

11th day of Palesun 1492 

Mission:  Find the headwaters of Raer Tasa & find the sacred pool of the moon.

Campaign: Saving the Druid Grove of Karion

Location(s):  High Forest, ruins of an unknown place.

Present: Anor, Aramil, Bandur, Karion, Paskan

Aramil: "You may come and go as you please, but I cannot leave this area otherwise the spell will end. He marked out the rough area of the spell effect. Inside here you are protected. Nothing can enter."

The group settled down for what they hoped would be a quiet and uneventful night.

Anor, Paskan and Bandur were instantly awakened by something prowling nearby.

Paskan: "It's Grymm."

Anor threw him his night goggles and told him to be quick. Paskan moved out towards the far side of a roadway. He kept getting glimpses of a white furred animal but each time he tried to call Grymm he couldn't quite get the call correct. He reverted to calling out in Draconic. Still the beast wouldn't come closer.

Bandur decided against his better judgement to follow Paskan and give him some moral support. Without his night goggles Anor soon lost them both. He tried to wake Aramil and Karion, but they slept on.

Paskan charged off to his left from some bushes into a rubble strewn area. He noticed movement, only this time it was two skeletal warriors and not Grymm! Paskan swiftly felled a skeleton as more appeared.

Bandur slightly perturbed at being left alone noticed movement in the bushes and identified the cause, skeletons, he yelled out:

Bandur: "I say, I say Anor, be a good chap and rouse the others, we seem to have a spot of bother over here with some animated, walking skeletons!" 

Bandur whirled his battle axe and yelled:

Bandur: "To be or not to be, that is the question, whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the indignities of the walking dead, tis not mine to question why....NOW GET OVER HERE AND DAMN WELL GET STUCK IN....CAN'T YOU SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING.....ARE YOU BLIND?"

This time Anor, using the dim light afforded by Aramils spell roughly awakened his sleeping companions. Briefly telling them what was happening.

Karion grabbed his club, turning it into a shillelagh, then moved to engage 2 skeletons. Before Anor could yell, Aramil moved out of the confines of his magical dome of force and fired off a magical bolt at a skeleton. Bereft of any light now that the spell had been dispelled by Aramil leaving the dome of force, Anor yelled:

Anor: "Cheers.....now I am blind. Can't see a bloody thing. WE WERE OK IN HERE! Now we have no protection, and I CAN'T SEE. Now where was that bloody wall?"

Anor stepped to the side and practically fell into the wall. At least his back was secure.

Anor could hear Aramil chanting another magical incantation, suddenly Aramil was surrounded by light and Anor had a point of reference as to where at least Aramil was. He moved to support Aramil. More undead were arriving out of the dark. 3 packs of Ghouls approached from different directions.

The group were split up. Anor and Aramil the only 2 that stood in support of each other. Karion was fighting 3, Paskan and Bandur were all but surrounded.

The Ghouls would add a number of deadly creatures with the ability to paralyze! Paskan activated his ring of speed and ran through the creature surrounding him towards Aramil, Anor and Karion. Anor managed to sweep creatures away from Aramil and himself. Aramil unleashed a fireball spell, killing 3 Ghouls but incinerating half the belongings in the camp.

Paskan engaged the other Ghouls, Karion was surrounded fighting off skeletons and Ghouls as was Bandur. Aramil thumped his Mage Staff into the ground and channelled magical energy from himself through the staff, sending out a shockwave of magical energy that struck many creatures.

Paskan turned and picked up a skeleton attacking Aramil, he raised it over his head to throw it in the opposite direction when a Goul struck him with its claws. He could not move.

Karion cast daylight. The battleground was lit up like day all around them were undead and more were arriving.

Bandur was struggling but he swept his axe this way and that but eventually even he was struck by a Ghoul and paralyzed.

Anor and Aramil held their own in a little tight group. Pushing back the undead and not giving them an inch of ground.

Paskan could only watch as the undead moved in to attack him. There was nothing he could do.

Suddenly Bandur could move his leg, then his arm. Gradually he could move all of his body, he was no longer paralyzed.

Player Notes:

Experience up to the end of this session:

Session 116: "The trail goes ever on" or "Damn bugs everywhere, they get in your clothes they get in your hair!"

 

8th to 11th day of Palesun 1492 

Mission:  Find the headwaters of Raer Tasa & find the sacred pool of the moon.

Campaign: Saving the Druid Grove of Karion

Location(s):  High Forest, Evaliir.

Present: Anor, Aramil, Bandur, Karion, Paskan

8th:

Aerie and Garet informed the group that they would be heading to Axeholme for a while. Garet handed the central pendent to Anor.

As they departed Bandur arrived from Mithral Hall.

The group found themselves standing on an old Elven Road. The road went north and south. In the far distance they could just make out the snowy tops of mountains.

The group made good going and as the sky turned dark, they arrived at a junction. The road went east and west.

After setting up camp for the night and as Anor took the first watch, he heard Aramil moving towards him as he continued his watch in the centre of the camp. At least it wasn’t cold enough to have a fire, he just shrugged his cloak tighter and indicated to Aramil to sit.

Anor: “Heard you when you got up. You’re not as quiet as you think.”

Aramil couldn’t sleep and began a conversation with Anor about where he was from, trying to learn a little bit more about his travelling companion.  Anor thought awhile before answering. ‘Aramil hadn’t been himself for a while, perhaps a chat would help him.’   

Anor: “I was born in a small trading village on the borders of  Luskan, in the foothills of the Spine of the World mountains. My family were traders and blacksmiths in the small community, here we traded with groups of Barbarians that travelled the land for furs and exotic pelts and gems and with southern merchants for supplies and goods favoured by the barbarian community. One day however my cousin and I were out hunting when I saw smoke rising from their village we rushed back to hear the sound of screams and the clash of arms. Upon entering the village, it was clear what was happening, a barbarian band was after plunder , weapons and women. We rallied the villagers and fought off the band killing all but twenty of their number, however I lost my parents and brother. So I went after the survivors, tracked them all down and took my revenge for myself and my two surviving sisters. After this life was not the same so, I left my sisters with an aunt, and began a new life. I travelled to Neverwinter and took a job in the town guard before joining a band of mercenaries. With this band I improved my marshal prowess on land and occasionally on the water and rose to a position of leadership within the group. It was during this time I picked up a sleek and well-made longsword which has the name of  ‘Alastor’ the story of how I received the sword is a long one  and one best kept for another time perhaps.

After a couple of years, I left the mercenaries and decided to set up in business as a bounty hunter, a job I seemed to excel at. I travelled between the major towns and quickly got a reputation for tenacity and for getting the job done. I also made sure I always got my quarry and I never reneged on a promise or job. After two more years my reputation as a bounty hunter was high, but due to the nature of the business I was not trusted and in places was shunned and was a name used to scare children.

This changed however when I came across a village just outside Waterdeep, at first the village closed its doors and cast scared glances in my direction as I moved about first to the local smithy, to repair some equipment and then to the village tavern. I approached the tavern barkeep and ordered food and ale and asked about a room, apparently there being none available. At this point the door opened and a burly man entered, followed by five swaggering thugs. The leader of the gang then ordered the patrons to turn out their pockets and for the tavern owner to give his men food, money and the barmaids. Suffice to say I refused their demands and put an end to their depravations. It was after this I was approached by a stranger who had been present in the inn, he introduced himself and explained he was a member of an Order dedicated to fighting evil and he would like to engage my services on a retainer.

I went to work for the Order and after a few months was inducted as a member, taking bounties for them. A couple of years ago I was on a mission when I was introduced to my companion Karion, who was also a member and we have become friends and companions and our talents seem to complement one another."

 Anor paused before continuing.

“Ah my young friend, for I hope I may now call you such, Karion and I were in Waterdeep when we received a message from our Order that one of our compatriots was in a bit of a tight spot and may need some assistance tracing a missing Dwarf delegation, so we travelled to Bargewright keeping a sharp ear for the name Garet Jax. We arrived a couple of days before your party arrived. There we approached Garet and the rest you know as we have been included since then.”

Aramil was half listening as his eyes closed. Anor put his cloak around the young wizard's shoulders and let him rest.

9th:

It was an uneventful night as the group arose. 

in the morning light 2 lone mountains could be seen to the west. The tops of a larger range of mountains could be seen to the south. The trail, the old Elven Road, split to the east and west. There was not a defined path to the south. Paskan confirmed that area had very thick thorn bush patches. The same area he had lost his dagger in last night. 

Karion went off to one side and asked Paskan to head out of sight with Grymm. Karion began uttering words in Elven and after an hour a hawk settle near him.

After about 8 to 10 minutes the hawk flew away. Karion informed the group that the two roads went around the mountains, but the hawk had indicated that the left-hand trail was the better to use. It also led to an Elf Tree City.

It took the rest of that day for them to reach a river. Across the river was an overgrown Elven bridge. Bandur grunted at the stonework. It was finely made but it wasn't Dwarven made.

They made camp. Anor and Paskan went hunting for food to supplement the groups dry rations. After two hours, Paskan had lost his knife, but Anor had bagged a juicy rabbit and a squirrel. It had cost him several bolts, but he was happy with his catch.

Bandur: "Karion, what is Raer Tasa? It's Elvish I know that but what does it mean?"

Karion: "It means Unicorn Run my friend".

The group sat and watched as Karion prepared the evening meal, Paskan and Armil assisted. It was a case of too many cooks spoiled the broth. The meal was all but inedible. They slept and watched, watched and slept.

10th:

After another uneventful night Karion again moved to one side and put his hands down on the ground and began to hum and chant. The others could see the grass and plants sway this way then towards the bridge. Then away, then back to the bridge again. Three times they did this before Karion stood up and told them, we cross the bridge. After half an hour Karion stood still and looked around him, then up to the trees. He pointed. The others looked up and could see platforms at various heights within the tree canopy. Bridges of rope and wood joining them together. 

The group looked towards Karion. He wasn't there. They looked around and then noticed that Aramil wasn't there either. Anor shouted: back-to-back. But only Paskan and Bandur's backs touched. They spun around, Anor was gone too. Bandur drew his battle axe and spun it around his head. As he circled around, he saw that he was alone. He sunk to his knees an uttered a silent prayer. When he opened his eyes, he was surrounded by the others and what's more, the Elf city was alive with Elves. People were walking across abandoned bridges up high. 

The group gazed around in wonderment as the tall, brightly dressed Elves passed them by. Not one cast a glance in their direction. Karion offered an Elven greeting to a passer-by. The passer-by stopped, stared at Karion then shook his head and walked off without a backward glance.

The crowd walking past opened up and they could see an elegantly dressed female Elf sitting on a branch wave her hand for them to come over.

As they approached Karion told the others to hold back. He was about to introduce himself when the female elf said:

Female Elf: "Karion, what is your purpose in Evaliir?"

Karion: "We seek the pools of the moon and were guided here by a hawk."

As Karion spoke a blue mist spread from the hand of the female Elf and circled around the group. Anor waited for something bad to happen, but nothing did.

Ternarende: "My name is Ternarende, Seer of the City of Evaliir. You are protected whilst you remain here, as long as you do nothing to provoke my people. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish."

Karion: "Can you tell me how to get to the pools of the moon Ternarende?"

Ternarende: "Travel the road south for 4 days and you will arrive where your question may be answered. However, you may rest awhile and are more than welcome to stay as long as you wish."

Karion: "We have need to press on with all speed, but I thank you for your kind offer."

Karion turned around but he was alone back where he started. It was some time before the others re-joined him 1 by 1, all save Anor.

It was 3 hours later that Anor eventually arrived back. He carried 5 packages, but he was missing his halberd.

Aramil: "What happened Anor, what are the packages and where is your halberd Mage Slayer?"

Anor was surprised to see it night. They had entered Evaliir early in the morning, it was now the dark of night.

Karion: "Don't looked surprised Anor. I fear that Evaliir is Fey and time passes strangely in the Fey. Some 15 minutes have elapsed since we entered Evaliir but some 15 hours have passed."

Anor shook himself then said:

Anor: "These are gifts from Ternarende. I think it is Elven bread. She said it would provide sustenance for our journey and not to kill any more living animals for food. I had to surrender something precious to me, I surrendered Mage Slayer for killing the woodland creatures we ate last night! She also told me the road south wasn't as safe as we might assume"

Paskan: "Was Grymm there, I've lost Grymm. Since I sent him to hunt for food he hasn't returned!"

Anor: "I didn't see him. Perhaps he is still hunting".

Anor shared the Elve bread out and they settled down for another uneventful night.

11th:

The group were up early. A cold breakfast, quickly packing up their small camp and they continued their journey along the old Elf Road.

Late afternoon, as the road approached the mountains, Karion felt a powerful evil presence in the mountains. He advised that the group should push on. Night fall found them in amongst old abandoned Ef ruins. Another city or town of some sort. Overgrown and totally in ruins. They found shelter not far from an enormous statue of an Elf King or Lord or Warrior. 

They couldn't make out much detail. Aramil pointed out some walls that gave them shelter on two sides. He told them all to huddle close then he cast a spell. 

Player Notes:

Experience up to the end of this session:

Rations used since leaving Silverymoon:                                                                                                  Aerie and Garet 4                                                                                                                                  Anor, Aramil, Bandur and Paskan 8

Coins: No change to anyone's totals.

Session 115: "A tale of two choices......" or "Danger may lurk behind every tree!"

1st - 7th day of Palesun 1492 

Mission:  Find the Grandfather Tree

Campaign: Saving the Druid Grove of Karion

Location(s):  Silverymoon, Everlund, Olostins Hold, High Forest

Present: Aerie, Anor, Aramil, Garet, Karion, Paskan,

1st Day of Palesun:                                                                                                           Departed Silverymoon.

2nd Day of Palesun: 

Arrived in Everlund late evening. Found lodgings at the Stag at Bay Tavern, located near the Silver Moon Gate. The tavern was named after the tapestry of an Elven hunt that hung on the wall.

3rd Day of Palesun: 

Departed Everlund

4th Day of Palesun: 

Arrived in Olostins Hold. Found lodgings at the Flaming Flagon tavern. Arranged to stable the horse with the Constable Keled Strongarm. They would have to wait until the morning to meet with Felevel, the Green Druid and local Harper agent.

5th Day of Palesun: 

Paskan decided not to leave Grymm at Olostins Hold.

Karion and Garet met with Felevel. He gave some advice to Karion about collecting herbs in the high forest. 

The group delayed their departure until early the next morning.

Aerie used her sending to contact Karion's sister: The reply was not promising. Karion's mother had deteriorated and now his sister was showing the same early signs.

6th Day of Palesun: 

Before the sun was rising the group had breakfasted early on cold scraps from the tavern. The Constable was there to see them depart.

They entered the fringes of the High Forest just as the sun rose.

Tried to talk to a hawk but the hawk flew off when it saw Grymm.

Aerie conversed with some yellow feathered birds but all she could make out was 'South-South-South'.

They spend an uneventful first night in the forest.

7th Day of Palesun:

The group made progress much as yesterday until they entered a glade at dusk with a round, grassy mound in the centre. Karion looked around as Anor, Paskan and Grymm suddenly slumped to the floor asleep. Aramil and Garet struggled not to fall asleep but after an hour they too slumped to the floor asleep. Aerie tried her best to revive those that were asleep. But to no avail. After another hour she too turned to Karion and mouthed 'Sorry' as she fell into a slumber.

Karion turned to see a floating head formed of twigs and leaves. The flesh was brown, grey, and fissured like old wood.

Twig Face: "Karion. Do not tarry long for time is short. Seek you not where I am, for I am come to you. You must with all haste travel south. Find the headwaters of Raer Tasa, find the sacred pool of the moon. The headwaters flow from the southern slopes of the Star Mounts. You must find this before the beams of the last full moon strike its surface. What I give you now, you must cast into the waters along with the blighted stone. When you travel back to the Grove you must restore the stone to its rightful place and seek out the foul creature that has done this. I fear it may be a demon Thraal. Be wary for they are tricksters, cunning, wiley and deadly adversaries."

In Karion's hand appeared:

Karion turned to thank what could only have been Silvanus himself, but he had already gone.

Karion stood still rooted to the ground. He watched all night as his friends slept an untroubled sleep.

The next morning, Karion awoke to see everyone looking at him. 

Aerie: "Karion can you remember what happened when we entered the glade?"

Karion explained what had happened and he was amazed at the reactions of the others.

Karion: "Why, what do you recall?"

Anor: "We entered the glade you went into a trance that no one could break you out of. After a few hours you climbed into your bed roll and went to sleep. You have just awoke. Now you tell us a tale that we went to sleep, and you met a tree/face/man who told you some stuff and gave you something. A bit far-fetched don't you think my friend?"

Karion felt something in his hand, his fingers tight closed around it. He opened his fingers and held his palm up so all could see.

Karion: "Then what do you call this?"

In Karion's hand was an acorn, the very same that he had described.

CHARACTER NOTES:

Session 114: "A tale of two meetings......." or "Nothing like a group roast!"

 

15th day of Rainmoot to 1st day of Palesun 1492 

Mission:  Seeking information in Silverymoon

Campaign: Saving the Druid Grove of Karion

Location(s):  Silverymoon

Present: Aerie, Anor, Aramil, Garet, Heimund, Karion, Paskan,

19th, 23rd, 27th & 30th day of Rainmoot:

Karion was called to the High Palace to meet with Alustrial Silverhand.

19th: Karion was given the following information and was informed he could ask 1 question on each of the days he was summoned to the High Palace.

Alustrial: "I know of your plight. You must seek out the ‘Grandfather Tree’ in the High Forest. He will know the answers you seek. However, you are to be wary of the Tree Ghost Tribes of the Grandfather Tree".

Karion: "Should we be expected to perform a trial or test at a certain time to gain entry to where the stone is to be restored and does the stone require restoration during a certain lunar phase?"

Alustrial: "You would need to ask the grandfather tree."

23rd:

Alustrial: "Welcome young Karion, ask your second question".

Karion: "Who or what are the Tree Ghost Tribes?"

Alustrial: "The Grandfather Tree is considered hallowed ground to both the barbarian tribes of the north and other inhabitants of the High Forest, such as satyrs, Wood Elves and possibly even some Orc tribes. The Grandfather Tree is also considered sacred to a number of forest spirits, such as Dryads and Treants, and a number of deities. These deities include Eldath, Mielikki, Rillifane, Rallathil and Silvanus."

27th:

Alustrial: "Welcome young Karion, ask your third question".

Karion: "Is there a map, route, directions to the Grandfather Tree?"

Alustrial: "There are two paths. One is to follow the old elven road, it is longer, it may not be there and may take you past some dangerous places. The other is to head for Olostins Hold and leave your horses there and find your own path to the Grandfather Tree using your skills in the forest. The forest is no place for horses, nor beasts of burden"

30th: 

Karion thought long and hard about what his fourth and final question should be.

Q4: Are you aware or have other Druids passed on information pertaining to a wider evil influence effecting other Druid Groves not just mine.

A4: As far as I am aware, I have heard of no other Druid Grove, Elven or otherwise effected by a similar blight. I feel that this is localised to your Grove specifically and has something to do with your mother.

From the personal diary of Aerie:

It was at the Golden Oak Inn (C3) that the party had taken temporary residence in, Aerie was sat comfortably on Garet’s lap as she enjoyed an ale and the light-hearted banter between members, Aerie reflected on the past month or so. After the Battle for Triboar, the party had left for Silverymoon in pursuit of information in regard to Karion's plight, and in search of training that would help members hone their skills. They had been in Silverymoon for some time now and were quite settled into their routine.

Aerie knew she would ask the elf druid on his return from the High Palace (H3) over a mug of ale and contemplating how to ask him for more details on his situation as she wasn't sure of the whole story, when the sound of the inn door opening drew her attention. In the doorway stood an all-too familiar young wizard, one who looked more distracted and out of it than usual. His gaze landing on the party, he seemed to hesitate before making his way over to the group. Behind him came the young elf druid, Karion. He had a tale to tell he informed the group. He was at the High Palace when the guards had asked him to vouch for a sudden, unexpected arrival from The Blackstaff Tower in Waterdeep. Seemingly the trip by teleportation circle had caught Aramil by surprise and for several minutes was bemused and confused as to where he was, who he was and why he was standing in the High Palace. All he kept saying was “I am the Protector of Triboar, Slayer of Blue Dragons”, over and over again. So, of course Karion said he had had to vouch for the young lad and he brought him straight to the inn they all shared. Aramils horse had been stabled there too.

Without thought Aerie's face smoothed into the unreadable mask that the elves were famous for as greetings were exchanged between the newly returned Aramil and the present party. She watched and listened as she added her own cool greeting, noting the young wizard seemed... shell-shocked to say the least. Something had definitely happened in the month he'd been away, having gone a different path than the party when they left Yartar. Her suspicions were only heightened when he shot her a glance that seemed to all but scream "HELP!" It was obvious enough that Garet caught it and she felt the relaxed grip on her hip tighten slightly. Her elven stone face firmly in place she brought her hand down to gently squeeze the Monks hand before looking coolly to the obviously out of it, wizard.

"Come with me, Aramil. I get the feeling you need to talk about something." Using Garet's shoulder as leverage, Aerie rose and began to lead Aramil to the room she and Garet had been sharing, not bothering to see if the young wizard was following her. Opening the door she paused and looked back, noting that he was hot on her heels and was already moving into the room, words pouring from his mouth as soon as she closed the door behind them. Her face impassive and unreadable, she perched on the bed and watched Aramil pace as he told her everything.

Susan was pregnant with his child, and he wanted her advice on how to balance his life as an adventurer, as well as not only as a father to be, but also a husband to be. How she managed to remain calm, cool and impossible to read, she wasn't sure- but she thanked the Winged Mother as she was sure she had a hand in it. It was as clear to her now, as the heavens were above the clouds: Aramil was nothing more than another human with elven blood. It had become apparent to her over the course of some of their... incidents together but now it was inescapably evident. She'd hoped the apparent lack of regard for other lives he'd displayed when sending her Aarakocra ally (and nearly herself) to a fiery grave was just inexperience or naivety, but now she saw. The impatience, the destructiveness, the lack of regard for lives that he deemed lesser than his own, and the single-minded pursuit of his own goals... he was just a human with pointier than normal ears. He'd solidified this with his decisions. She didn't blame him for sleeping with the human woman, as one's tastes were none of her concern- plenty of elves had experimented with the short-lived race, hence the reason that the half-elves existed; but this was another matter entirely. She'd taught him how procreation worked and had warned him not to "sow his seed in fertile grounds" until he was prepared for the consequences of his actions- but perhaps she hadn't been clear enough.

Her chin resting on steepled fingers, every inch of her the cold, distant, unreadable elf that most humans saw when they communicated with her kind, Aerie eyed Aramil as he continued to pace and vent. He couldn't decide how to tell the party of his... situation, as he didn't want to disappoint them, but expressed the strong need to be there for "his future wife and unborn child when it comes into the world" unaware of just how disgusted and furious the Chosen of Aerdrie Faenya truly was. As an embodiment of one of the elvish ways of life, she was incensed at the perceived betrayal of elven kind. 

While half-elves were normally looked upon in disdain by her kind, Aerie herself had no real issue with them- so long as they remained true to their elven heritage. This was, as far as she was concerned, the opposite. She figured he thought he was doing the right thing, in marrying the human woman to avoid making their abomination of a child a bastard, but she couldn't give him credit for this; as in her eyes, he was choosing to follow his human blood. Watching the wizard continue to word-vomit, Aerie couldn't help but to reflect on how different he and Garet were. Both were half-elf, and yet went opposing ways in life. Garet strove (and succeeded as far as she was concerned) to protect the elvish way of life, whilst Aramil pursued his own desires- much like a human.

Once he was done, seemingly out of breath and words, Aerie released a small, quiet sigh. Regardless of the path he took, he was a member of her party- for better or worse. He did save her life by destroying the dragon that still haunted her nightmares, so she owed him at least a shred of respect. With that in mind, she swallowed her fury and disgust, and spoke calmly, coolly and respectfully. 

Aerie: "Well... I'd say you've certainly gotten yourself in one hell of a pickle, there ha- Aramil. You want my advice?" At his slow nod, Aerie offered him a thin smile.

"You've made your bed, now it is time to lay in it. All actions have consequences, as I warned you when I first taught you about sex and procreation. You have, as far as I can tell, two choices. Continue being the child that runs from that which doesn't suit his desired outcome; or step up and be a man- a provider and protector for his family. If you work hard enough, and think it through, you can balance your personal life with that of an adventurer. Everyone in the party has a life outside of our adventures, and we all work to allow each member to address their personal life priorities, as well as putting our lives on the line for not only the safety and security of Faerun- but also each other. We put our lives in each other's hands with every fight, so unless you endanger our lives with your actions; I can't see the rest of the party taking any real issue with your circumstances- personal opinions aside anyways. They may tease you and will probably buy you a drink or two in celebration of this new life, and new path that you walk down; but we're certainly not going to give you the boot for this. Now. Rent yourself a room, take some time to think, and decide just how you're going to lay in the bed you've made for yourself."

With that, Aerie stood and made her way back to the group, internally applauding herself for remaining calm and logical. She couldn't let personal feelings get in the way of the party unity- no matter who the members were, and what they choose to do.Aramil sat down and after countless questions began to recount the tale of his journey after the group left Yartar:

From the Journal of Aramil the Evoker:

It is three days since the end of the battle at Triboar, the festive celebrations have been completed, repair and restoration are the local populations new challenge. At least the new garrison once formed will make Triboar a better place, at least safer for the population, hopefully. Gifts bestowed and honours given in gratitude.

Aramil received a very special family heirloom, a family until days ago he knew nothing about. Another ring, one more protective for him. Now as he sat waiting for the barge to take him from Yartar and onto Womford he wondered what reception he would get from Susaen and ‘father’ let alone the ‘pack of hounds’ her brothers might turn out to be, he didn’t want a repeat of the last horrible encounter. How he missed Susaen, he wanted so much to be with her, talk to her, learn about her and her family, he wanted to tell her what little of life he had lead so far.

The six days of the barge dragged terribly, yes, he was comfortable enough, the gods knew how rough it had been at times, so a bed sack was comfort, the food acceptable, he bought most of it himself so he only had himself to blame if it wasn’t. The other ‘travellers’ kept themselves much to themselves, and Aramil was quite happy with that, he thought long and hard about his time with Elminster and at Axeholme, a little excited at the thought of his own apothecary, well initial lab at the moment, everyone starts off in a small way.

The weather held, cold and damp mornings but once the sun was out the day passed brighter, but as he drew closer to Womford the butterflies started to appear, scared, no, nervous of the reception he might get, that he was.

The barge moored up late afternoon on the 12^th March, his only thought Susaen, but it had been a while since he was last there, first he needed a place to stop at least for tonight, the only place he could think of was the inn where he had met Susaen and Elminster’s stories, he hoped that Susaen may even be there…as he entered the inn he felt disappointed, no sign of her at all…and a new inn keeper, best say nothing its getting late and dark, just book in get a meal and head up to bed.                                    Tomorrow will be better, with a fresh start he thought, well hoped.

Aramil didn’t get a good night’s sleep at all, far too many thoughts, what if’s what maybe’s, he tossed and turned most of the night, eventually falling asleep just           as daylight was dawning. The smell of breakfast woke him, he washed dressed             and headed down to eat.

As best as he could, he struggled to remember the route to Susaen’s he got lost more than once, it was frustrating and upsetting, then more by good luck than anything else he recognised the gnarled door, Stoneshaper engraved or crudely carved above the doorway. Apprehensive he approached the door, breathed in, paused and knocked, nothing. He waited paused and knocked again louder this time, still no answer, he knocked a third time, ’alrit alrit I’m comin wait yer urry’    came the recognisable gruff voice, father was home. Aramil took a depth breath, the door opened stood before him was the man mountain that was Susaen’s father

‘YOU’ the damn god’s cheek be lay upon you, you have done enough damage in these parts, get away with you, I told yer last time bugger orf yer aint welcome here’! With that the door was slammed in Aramil’s face.

Aramil knocked and knocked he pleaded to speak with him, he needed to see Susaen, he loved her he needed to be with her. ‘I tolden yer bugger orf you dun enough damage as it is, now bugger orf, before I sets er brothers on yer’ 

PLEASE I need to see her, I need to talk to you. Silence was his answer. After two hours or more of sitting at the door. Aramil figured he wasn’t going to get anywhere with this, he would try again tomorrow, just hope he didn’t ‘bump’ into the brothers grim, and what the hell ‘damage’ had he done?    it just didn’t make sense to him.

That afternoon Aramil spent in his room, out of sight and potential of meeting the brothers. Another long, unsettled night and things were not going well for him he had not seen Susaen, her father was still as unwelcoming, even more so he felt this time, things were not going as he had hoped at all.

The next morning, the 14^th the sun was out early, Aramil was up, washed and breakfast done, he remembered the way to the house and was there much earlier than yesterday. He felt a little more certain of his approach, he had a right to see Susaen, her father needed to accept Aramil’s desire to see her. As he stood and knocked, he waited, and again knocked, this time no gruff voice, the door opened there stood her father, he looked Aramil up and down, looking very displeased. Aramil opened his mouth to say his peace he had been rehearsing in his head through most of the night and all the way up to the cottage, he didn’t get to say a word. ‘persitant bugger aint yer, suppose yer ad better come in den’. 

Aramil was shocked, he was caught off guard, uneasy at the complete change in father’s attitude, was he walking into a fight, the brothers ready to tear him apart for whatever the ‘damage’ was he had been accused of doing?

‘Sit yer sen down’ Aramil did as he was told, no sign of the brothers, as yet. We need’s ter talk, well yur dus an I am listinin…so say yer piece an it better be a goodun’. The talk went on for what seemed like hours, Aramil answered all the father’s questions, well those that he could. The father wasn’t into any understanding ‘of all yer majic stuff’ but was happier to see Aramil’s true feelings toward Susaen.

Her father didn’t necessarily ‘warm’ to Aramil but he was more relaxed toward him seeing that Aramil really did appear to care for his only daughter. Aramil was truly sorry at the news of the loss of Triss, Susaen’s mother, and explained how he had lost his mother and father.

Her father laughed when Aramil asked about the ‘pack of hounds’, and assured him they would be held at bay, that he should be away now, and that if he came back tomorrow morning, he would allow him to see Susaen. Aramil sensed he wasn’t going to get any further with her father today. He thanked her father for allowing him to talk to him and assured him he would be back tomorrow morning at the same time.

Aramil felt almost light headed he would see his girl, for the third night he couldn’t sleep very well, but for different reasons, he just didn’t know what damage he had done and his father would say nothing when asked just stare very intimidatingly.

The next morning Aamil was first down to breakfast, finished and out the door before any other person had ventured down to breakfast. He was early but he was keen.  He waited, didn’t want to upset anyone or anything, he was going to see ‘his girl’.

The half hour wait was excruciating, every minute seemed like an hour. He waited not one second longer than he had to. He knocked and waited, he didn’t need to knock a second time, the door opened, father nodded and Aramil followed him in. There was not his girl, but the brute of the eldest brother Aegor who worked with his father as a ‘stonemason’ well stone shaper to be more precise. The brother said nothing just stared at Aramil, not a pleasant stare, more one of ‘I would like to smash yer face in’ type stare.

Aegor said nothing, father spoke briefly with Aramil, then with the simplest of nods Aegor left the house without a word spoken between him and Aramil. Silence ensued, until after a short while the door opened and in walked Susaen, Aramil’s heart leapt, he was up out of the chair arms wide open, Susaen burst into tears, they both did, cuddles and hugs…then Aramil stepped back looking at her, something was different, he didn’t know, wasn’t sure, but something was different about her….

She sat down, looked at Aramil, and then dropped the bomb shell…Aramil I am pregnant….Aramil went pail, visibly shocked, he didn’t think he had heard properly he stopped short of the be a good un’. ultra-stupid questions, how and are you sure and the worst question, is it mine, of that there was no doubt, three months pregnant.

Now Aramil understood the ‘damage’, well it wasn’t damage to him, far too early in    his life but it was what it was, she was his first love, and she would be his last.

The day past at the cottage, as the day went on the two other brothers made an appearance, Braedar the middle son was a tree feller, or cutter, who exuded a complete who cares attitude toward Aramil, your problem you deal with it, was about the most of an impression Aramil got from him. The youngest Haerman just three years older than Susaen and clearly the closest to her in emotions was also the ‘intelligent’ one. He was apprentice to the town’s brewer understanding more about alchemy, well hops and barley and yeast brewing. The brothers more inclined to drinking than making the stuff was father’s opinion. 

Aramil visited the home every day, went out walking with Susaen and they planned, or at least hoped the plan for their life together would work. He explained about his group, the group that had been at Womford, how he had met them all, his parents no longer alive, he tried to explain about the Black Staff Tower but this was just to much for Susaen, but she was happy Aramil was clearly besotted with her.      He explained he would not be able to be with her right now, things were happening, big things he had to be part of, but he would make every effort to be with her when the time came for the baby to be born, and yes, they would be married, one day.                 

He explained about his desire to take up a post at the Black Staff Tower, teaching. Yes, he did have his own home, he talked with affection about it. Susaen was worried she had never been anywhere other than Womford, but was keen to see his or possibly their own home. She spoke openly of her worries of leaving father behind but the ‘boys’ would not leave Womford and despite their own ambitions for family etc they would always be close to father, and as Aramil said they would visit as often as they could.

The only vague element of conversation that Aramil felt awkward about was time When would he be able to commit fully to Susaen and the Black Staff Tower? Susaen sensed this but didn’t push Aramil to commit, well other than he damn well better be there for the birth, or else!

The morning of the 19^th came far too soon for Aramil, he had only had four days with Susaen, he thanked the father for allowing him to put things straight, well sort of even though the father was still at best ‘distant’ toward Aramil. Haerman came with Susean to see Aramil off on the barge on the trip to the Southern Landing near Waterdeep. Tears from both Susaen and Aramil as the barge departed. 

Early afternoon two days later and Aramil stood at the door of his home, untouched logs as he had left them all that time ago, the key exactly where he had left it, the same familiar piles of dust collected. Aramil spent the night at his home, cooked the last of the rabbit stew he had bought at Womford and readied himself for an early departure to the Black Staff Tower the next morning.

The next few weeks were spent in transcribing spells into his Jade Tomb of the moon spell book from the Haggs and Bards spell books that he had been given. Those spells he did not understand or felt he didn’t need would make excellent scrolls, he could sell or no doubt be used somewhere, somehow in the future.

On the last morning Aramil met with the Black Staff Tower principle, they discussed Aramil’s adventures or at least those he could talk about. His news of his future fatherhood raised an eyebrow, but lead nicely for Aramil into restating his long-term desire to become at the very least a tutor at the tower, and with his own home so close by…he left the seed sewn, not for the first time the conversation had been pushed in that direction by Aramil.

The conversation ended with a discussion about the artefact Aramil had handed in the last time he was at the Black Staff Tower and was pleasantly surprised at the answer and indeed the payment of 100 gold pieces by the chancellery for the item and the use of one free teleportation to get him back to the group in Silverymoon.

At least Aramil wouldn’t have to spend almost three weeks getting back to the group and at no extra cost. The spell translation and correlation had cost him almost all his funds and it was a year before he would get his first gift payment from Triboar.

No doubt most of that money would be needed for Susaen and the little one. Well kids were expensive, and a wedding as well. Aramil hoped the group would understand when the time came for his need to be with Susaen for the birth.

Aramil was struggling to get the events straight in his head ‘mixed blessings’ were all that came to mind, he had destroyed his jade tomb of the moon, one of the spells he had copied across wrong and the final one so badly it destroyed the spell book….. he had been so careless, never had this happened before, he wasn’t focussed enough, again his head was spinning, to be a father, at 21 he was bewildered. How would the group take the news? It had cost him almost all his gold and at the end of it nothing to show for it, but as the principle said at least no one got hurt and you have learnt a valuable lesson, ‘stay focussed’. At least the Principle had kindly paid via the chancellery 100 Gold pieces for the artefact that he handed in last time he was at the Black Staff Tower, mixed blessings he thought to himself. As they walked to the teleportation room, Aramil was delighted at the thought of not having to spend three weeks travelling back to meet the group somewhere in Silverymoon. But he wasn’t so sure about the actual ‘travel’. He knew nothing of it or its effects or how it worked…again he thought ‘mixed blessings’.His mind wandering, he didn’t realise they had reached the teleportation room, the principle continued….make sure you have all your belongings firmly strapped to you. Aramil placed his bag of holding over one shoulder letting it hang down the other side of his body. He repeated this with his satchel bag that he had hanging on the other side. He firmly clasped his Glass Staff. The Principle surveyed the young wizard with a slight smile and nodded. He continued, keep your hands to your sides, feet slightly apart. Good the principle said and with that nodded. Almost immediately the room started to revolve, slowly at first, ever gaining momentum, Aramil knew he was standing still but the rapidly increasing spinning round and round made him so dizzy, his legs became wobbly, really wobbly, he felt sick, worse than when Susaen had first dropped the bomb shell ‘I’m pregnant’. Then he felt himself being lifted up off the floor, he was spinning around as if in the centre of a cloud, rising up, up and then with a huge flash of light he was slowing down, still spinning, tumbling upside down, back to front, falling, he felt like his insides were being pulled out through his throat, ‘oh hell he thought, now what? The next thing he knew, he was seeing visions of him in Triboar, the blue dragon no more, the group scattered, kneeling, but this has already happened, he thought. I don’t understand, where am I? why am I back in Triboar, this isn’t Silverymoon, where are the group? What is happening, what has gone wrong? 

He heard a voice, he couldn’t identify from where his head was still spinning, ‘Identify yourself’ came the challenge, without trying to think, Aramil couldn’t his head was still spinning and he felt so sick, ‘I am the slayer of blue dragons the protector of Triboar’ he couldn’t say anything else, his head was a complete fog, all he could repeat time and again was ‘I am the slayer of blue dragons, the protector of Triboar’.  Aramil tried to walk, rather step of the point where he had landed, he fell off the platform of the teleport he had arrived on, his legs still so unsteady, struggling to stand upright he saw two guards. One spoke to the other, a nod and one disappeared. A few minutes later, Aramil still babbling, I am the slayer of Blue Dragons, the protector of Triboar the guard returned with Karion who Aramil recognised. The last time he saw him he was at Triboar with the group when Aramil and Elminster had made the all but vital arrival at the very last moments of the battle of  Triboar. The recollection of Karion and where he had last seen him set Aramil of all over again, ‘I am the slayer of Blue Dragons, the protector of Triboar’. The guard spoke with Karion. Aramil’s head still not cleared properly but enough to understand that Karion had vouched for him. Karion, a Druid wood elf, he had joined the party before Aramil departed to study with Elminster. Aramil thanked Karion for vouching for him and asked, ‘so why are the group all here in Silverymoon’? Karion explained as they walked to where the group were all staying. After the meeting in Triboar, we decided to venture this way. The group felt it was necessary to assist me with a plight that has affected my home. We also spent some time here training and honing our skills. I was called to the High Palace by Alustrial Silvermoon to ask four questions regarding my home grove.” Aramil asked where are the group staying, is it far from the palace, his legs still weren’t co-operating fully? To which Karion gave Aramil a stare and went on….. It’s a place called the Golden Oak, it’s quite a walk there. What I have been told by Alustrial, I must seek out the Grandfather Tree for the answers I seek. The tree itself is deep within the High Forest and the forests surrounding the tree are hallowed ground. If we’re to venture through the forest, we must be respectful to the land and the forest. I can only hope to get answers from the Grandfather Tree and find a way to remove this blight on my home.” Aramil wasn’t feeling at full strength, as they were approaching the inn he turned to Karion asking, what is the task or mission the group have committed to, and who is it for…..Our task is the restoration of my home grove. You may have noticed this pouch I’ve kept to my side. Inside the pouch is an Aira-Nar, or a home stone. The stone is linked to the grove I came from and to the Archdruid, my mother. At first, I thought the elemental imbalance caused by the elemental cultists would be the cause of the blight. As it turns out, this was not the case. Whatever this blight is, it is causing the lands around the grove to wither and the wildlife become increasingly aggressive. I feel time is of the essence regarding my grove. The fate of this stone is tied to my mother and the grove we keep. My sister is the current caretaker. There’s only so much she can do to maintain the balance before whatever has corrupted the grove begins to affect her as well. I know this is quite a lot to take in for one so young and I’m sure there’s much on your mind. My only hope is that we’re not too late to purify the stone and restore the balance that maintains the grove.”

As they approached the inn Karion asked Aramil to keep the noise down he was attracting attention, Aramil hadn’t noticed that his voice wasn’t yet fully under control along with his legs, his ‘volume button’ needed resetting. Karion opened the door and entered the Inn, with ‘mixed blessings’ Aramil saw the group, and Aerie perched on Garret’s lap…Aramil’s head screamed ‘HELP’ I need to talk to you. Almost instant recognition from Aerie, she placed her hand ever so gently on Garret’s shoulder, rose and with the faintest of smiles said, Aramil you look like you need to talk, come with me. One of the group who shall remain nameless said nice to see you back my friend, but need to talk? You look like shit my friend. With that Aramil was swiftly following Aerie toward her and Garret’s room.