Kelek - User contributions [en]

The Heroic Gambit

2023-06-20T21:29:22Z

LucidityMkIV:

[[Category:Expedition Log]]
{{Infobox
| above = The Heroic Gambit
| label1 = Date
| data1 = 6/18/23

| label2 = Storyteller
| data2 = Indi

| label3 = Tier
| data3 = Trainee

| label5 = Player Characters
| data5 = [[Raijin]], [[Chrysanthemum Lavandula Orchidaceae Delphinium Helianthus]], [[Benny Shadetree]], [[Zeal]], [[Kali]]

| label6 = Rewards
| data6 = 250xp, 8pp each, plus performance bonuses on an individual basis

| label7 = Result
| data7 = Success

| label8 = Author
| data8 = Benny
}}

=== Verbal Report (as told by Benny) ===

We went to this big venue called the Heroic Gambit to put on a good show for someone named Rent, as well as a packed tavern hall. Turns out their idea of a good show is kickin' some wholesale ass. It's a good thing we're good at that. After suggesting a river, barricades, and about twenty other obstacles and traps, we went to our dressing room, where a full arsenal of arms and armor awaited us. We came prepared, though -- after about an hour, we entered the arena against some specially-procured devils. Chrys almost got shitcanned out the gate by the Barbazu, who then proceeded to duel Raijin for a hot minute. He almost killed Raijin too, 'til Zeal intervened with a glaive to the face, at which point Zeal tied the dumb son of a bitch up and drowned him in the quicksand at the bottom of the river. The crowd loved it, we all got paid, and we spent like an hour giving autographs and words of advice. Kali even got a pet! Oh right, and someone tell Illiam: I got a gig set up as a hype man for some cockatrice fighting ring; I gave 'em the address to the leather shop, since Saint don't really care much for company.

The Heroic Gambit

2023-06-20T21:16:24Z

LucidityMkIV:

[[Category:Expedition Log]]
{{Infobox
| above = The Heroic Gambit
| label1 = Date
| data1 = 6/18/23

| label2 = Storyteller
| data2 = Indi

| label3 = Tier
| data3 = Trainee

| label5 = Player Characters
| data5 = [[Raijin]], [[Chrysanthemum Lavandula Orchidaceae Delphinium Helianthus]], [[Benny Shadetree]], [[Zeal]], [[Kali]]

| label6 = Rewards
| data6 = 250xp, 10pp each

| label7 = Result
| data7 = Success

| label8 = Author
| data8 = Benny
}}

=== Verbal Report (as told by Benny) ===

We went to this big venue called the Heroic Gambit to put on a good show for someone named Rent, as well as a packed tavern hall. Turns out their idea of a good show is kickin' some wholesale ass. It's a good thing we're good at that. After suggesting a river, barricades, and about twenty other obstacles and traps, we went to our dressing room, where a full arsenal of arms and armor awaited us. We came prepared, though -- after about an hour, we entered the arena against some specially-procured devils. Chrys almost got shitcanned out the gate by the Barbazu, who then proceeded to duel Raijin for a hot minute. He almost killed Raijin too, 'til Zeal intervened with a glaive to the face, at which point Zeal tied the dumb son of a bitch up and drowned him in the quicksand at the bottom of the river. The crowd loved it, we all got paid, and we spent like an hour giving autographs and words of advice. Kali even got a pet! Oh right, and someone tell Illiam: I got a gig set up as a hype man for some cockatrice fighting ring; I gave 'em the address to the leather shop, since Saint don't really care much for company.

The Heroic Gambit

2023-06-20T21:13:25Z

LucidityMkIV: hoes mad

[[Category:Expedition Log]]
{{Infobox
| above = The Heroic Gambit
| label1 = Date
| data1 = 6/18/23

| label2 = Storyteller
| data2 = Indi

| label3 = Tier
| data3 = Trainee

| label5 = Player Characters
| data5 = [[Raijin]], [[Chrysanthemum Lavandula Orchidaceae Delphinium Helianthus]], [[Benny Shadetree]], [[Zeal]], [[Kali]]

| label6 = Rewards
| data6 = 250xp, 10pp each

| label7 = Result
| data7 = Success

| label8 = Author
| data8 = Benny
}}

=== Verbal Report (as told by Benny) ===

We went to this big venue called the Heroic Gambit to put on a good show for someone named Rent, as well as a packed tavern hall. Turns out their idea of a good show is kickin' some wholesale ass. It's a good thing we're good at that. After suggesting a river, barricades, and about twenty other obstacles and traps, we went to our dressing room, where a full arsenal of arms and armor awaited us. We came prepared, though -- after about an hour, we entered the arena against some specially-procured devils. Chrys almost got shitcanned out the gate by the Barbazu, who then proceeded to duel Raijin for a hot minute. He almost killed Raijin too, 'til Zeal intervened with a glaive to the face, at which point Zeal tied the dumb son of a bitch up and drowned him in the quicksand at the bottom of the river. The crowd loved it, we all got paid, and we spent like an hour giving autographs and words of advice. Kali even got a pet!

Velborough O's

2023-05-14T23:38:35Z

LucidityMkIV:

{{Infobox expedition log
| title = Velborough Woes
| date = 05/03/23
| storyteller = Indi
| tier_of_play = "Easy"
| player_characters = [[Illiam Elro]], [[Shreex]], [[Ishi]], [[Suttonalia Morroweather|Sutton]], [[Raijin]], [[Benny Shadetree]]
| rewards = 2x Elixr of Life, 3x Potion of Healing, Prayer Beads, Scroll of Heal, Incomplete Ritual of Fey Abeyance, 325xp
| result = Survived! Barely!
| author = Illiam
}}
Illiam's perspective on The Velborough Sessions.
== Part 1: Velborough Woes ==
After a day's travel, we approached the settlement of Velborough and spoke to Liandra about the temple of [[Gorum]] in her dimly lit manor.
We were served *white* wine, Apocalypse Wine it's called. Very expensive, 13 plat a bottle.

More towards the mission, Gorum's temple was rumored to be overrun with wild beasts. Getting through that was going to be annoying if we want to keep the artifacts intact.
AND OF COURSE, we stumble upon a UNIBUNNY!!! I say of course, I never expected to see a bunny trying to tie a bell to an urn.
It didn't take long for us to figure out why, once Benny got a bell spat back in his face and some animals started to get mighty mad about it.

For some reason, it worked when he made choo-choo noises at the urn. It was kind of cute.

The animals were behaving strangely through the whole time, sometimes they were rabid and other times they were just out of their heads...

Except a single snake, that didn't cast a shadow, and turned out to be some sorta evil toothy creature. It smirked at me.
We had a feeling that it wasn't most of those creatures faults, though... So we knocked 'em out as best we could.
It was goddamn difficult, even AFTER Benny opened the mud pit. We stopped being so nice when they started knocking us dead left and right!!!

Eventually we were able to complete the ritual, barring a few teeth.
Whoever said this mission was simple on the flyers must've been out of their mind!

{{Infobox expedition log
| title = Velborough Lows
| date = 05/06/23
| storyteller = Indi
| tier_of_play = Trainee, Hard
| player_characters = [[Raijin]], [[Benny Shadetree]], [[Zeal]], [[Kali]], [[Ishi]], [[Illiam Elro]], [[Tuli Mrysky]]
| rewards = 20gp, 225xp
| result = Success..? We fixed the drainage issue, that's for sure.
| author = Illiam
}}

==Part 2: Velborough Lows==

A tall, svelte man named Elder Ramiel had commissioned us to clean out some drainage systems. It was simple work, throw muck and toss it out, figure out the source.

Turns out, there were a LOT of issues. One of which, being a dam downstream. Another being that there wasn't an animal around here for a good bit.
Another being some purple worms. A bow-tied worm was talking some PARTICULAR bullshit against Zeal, who proceeded to beat it with a shovel before it was quickly jarred.
Then the voice was transferred to a squirrel? What in the fresh Hells is going on in this place?

First, a Cold Iron Bell at the manor, and now this... These folks around here know more than they're leading on, and I don't like it one bit.
Anyhow, Benny said the squirrel told him about another Druid that was trapped in a sink hole! AWFUL stuff! Of course, we jumped to help.

Quite literally, into some VERY deep water under the sinkhole. However, on land, were a LOT more of those gross mage eater worms! I'm glad I noticed that the water dissolved those little bastards.
And Ishi made *quite* the splash, easily taking out the most at once. Though, we quickly realized that the poor Druid was dealing with something much worse.
A whole *swarm* of them, trying to pile on at once.

We tried to make a hasty escape, barely successful as the cavern fell in on itself, creating a huge 40ft crater.
Then, upon safety, the Druid introduced himself as... Elder Ramiel. He rambled about a thousand eyes, beasts, arms... I'm worried about him, he's speaking of ambiguous eldrich creatures, abberitions.
Poor bastard even tried to hydrate himself with WINE, and then immediately passed out after we went over town limits.
After pumping his stomach, he still seemed to be fine, other than being completely out of consciousness.

When I looked back, I saw... A radial white flower. All over the town limits, surrounding the town.

They've been taken by the Fae. Shapeshifters, using magically infused bottles that can I only describe with 'infinity'.

{{Infobox expedition log
| title = Velborough Doe's
| date = 05/08/23
| storyteller = Indi
| tier_of_play = Trainee, Easy
| player_characters = [[Benny Shadetree]], [[ALOT]], [[Maki]], [[Iskierka]], [[Raijin]], [[Suttonalia Morroweather]], [[Illiam Elro]]
| rewards = 30gp, 290xp
| result = It's hard to say this is a success, but we did what we were told.
| author = Illiam
}}

== Part 3: Velborough Doe's ==

'''''I learned that I may no longer speak of these events, so I write them in as much detail as I can muster.'''''

Sutton discovered a little detail in the sky when we first approached
And that little detail was as if time had paused itself in the sky, and only resumed as we crossed the threshold to Velborough. Unsettling.

Once we approached the Statehouse, for some reason, we weren't greeted this time. Instead we saw the gate was ajar, nobody to tell us what to do.
So naturally, we did what we pleased and went in to knock for the proveyers.
The only person we got a response from, was another zombified resident. Not *Zombified*, but the man wasn't all there, no regular person was regular here.
While I blended into my natural environment of people being taller than me, we finally got lead to the Elder that had commissioned us. In a long shed. A weirdly long shed.

Or, so we thought.

We instead just saw a deer. Big one, just eating a salad. Really cautious, and we were too, rightfully.
Turns out that was the elk we were looking for a successor about, and Iskierka's... Pet? Creature? Thought it rightful to attempt to attack the poor thing
We ended up having to knock out the poor spooked thing! For some reason, we hogtied it before discovering it had a heart attack.
We killed the mascot.

The townsfolk that SUDDENLY have a personality, decided that the collective consciousness did not appreciate our actions and looked on in horror.

Ello, a large goat man, seemed a bit more panicked after we told him what had happened. He announced that he was the elk's caretaker, and started to mix powders about what we had done.
This turned out to be the first time I'd ever seen someone successfully J.O. a dead animal. Guess that wasn't enough for the man, he demanded we bring a 'suitable heir'.
Though I suppose the proper phrase was "plead" for us to find a swift replacement, as he scrawled a map. There was fear in this man's tone. The hug I recieved was saturated in anxiety in doubt.

Once we arrived to the forest that was about an hour out, things were... Strangely tranquil.
We took advantage of the calmness to make a plan, which meant Benny and Sutton made a plan. A solid one at that, waiting downwind to patiently befriend a couple elk for...
Town mascot breeding, I suppose.

Sneak squad went to flush out some Elk

Trap squad does the obvious thing.

Trap squad did a great job with setup, while Sneak squad *became* the downwind. Benny had an eye on a trail, until it lead us to a... Fairy circle.
Meanwhile Trap squad happened upon a couple Elk, just waiting around. At least one of our teams did the objective! While the other one continued to uncover shitstorm after fucknado after pissfest.

Sneak Squad, however... We discovered that the Fairy Circle is IN FACT, A FAIRY CIRCLE. We were granted an Audience with Rovendil of the Western Woods. One of three that rules the forest.
The other two, are apparently Sagiventius and Poinsetia his brother and sister. The former of which, was practically juggling Trap Squad while the latter resided deeper in the woods.
Thankfully, Rovendil cast a spell of Telepathy to Sataventius in order to wish protection to Trap Squad from Sagiventius.
It was kind of the Fairies and Pixies to clean us up during our conversation before we were reunited.

"The Master", apparently, had granted these kind Elk refuge from the First World. I hope to learn more of this figure, as when I asked, Rovandil simply glanced to the sky.

May Sir Knifesnout the Famed Fae Poet rest in peace, as this ever-ticking mental reminder to return in an exact week rings in my head.

Dear GODS, I thought we saw Ello get struck down by lightning in the Townhouse, but now he's in ALOT?!?! Then Raijin grabbed some fancy wood, put it on a goat, and THAT GOAT is Ello?! Then...
I lost Ello.

I didn't see this "The Master", but I felt him.
It was true horror in my soul. I lost too many people to this guy.

{{Infobox expedition log
| title = Velborough Doughs
| date = 05/10/23
| storyteller = Indi
| tier_of_play = Trainee, Easy
| player_characters = [[Ishi]], [[Raijin]], [[Suttonalia Morroweather]], [[Benny Shadetree]], [[Tuli Mrysky]], [[Dar]], [[Illiam Elro]]
| rewards = 250xp, Familiar Tattoo, Greater Smokestick x3, Ring of Discretion x2, Lesser Spiritual Warhorn, Ventriloquist's Ring
| result = This didn't feel like a success, but we did what the letter said.
| author = Illiam Elro
}}

== Part 4: Velborough Doughs ==

Here again. With the ever-changing weather, still clouds, in that disgusting orb of a plane.

The same place where Ello pushed me as I lost him. Cool.
I went to check where I buried the necklace that housed his soul, thankfully it was still there.

Rain trickled down sparcely as we made our way to the statehouse. I can't tell what's useful information anymore and what isn't.
It all feels like it could mean something.
The people here are still saying the same thing. ''"Howdy, Traveler." "Have a good day." "Don't know nothin' about that."''
Even when we ask about things that clearly exist to them, like the damn bakery we're supposed to go to.
When we went towards the estate, the rain began to come down a bit harder. Moreso as we were leaving, until we noticed it had stopped just a bit outside the estate.

Towards the valley, things were a bit more unkempt. Wild, one might say, as we approached a strangely luxurious building.
Though we didn't smell baked goods coming from the building, though. Despite it having a *bread sign*, almost clearly indicating this is the bakery.

The group gave a knock, and the door opened. To nobody.
That is, until a young human woman ran up towards the opening with a lantern, apparently surprised to see us?
Strange, since she seems to be the one who had commissioned us. Her name is Ello.
'''''Her name is Ello. Why is her name Ello. Why is her name Ello?!?!'''''

This place is unlit. This woman insists that bread cannot be baked without "The Mother".
She went on to describe the scene where an Elk apparently took her Mother, and I'm inclined to believe one of the three Elk Guardian siblings.
They wouldn't do that for no reason. I need to talk to Rovendil about why he an' Vii look alike, anyway, so this seems like a good excuse.

The Master is watching, I know it in my soul.
At least this bakery has cats. One calm white one, and one adorable vicious black one, and they're both adorable.
And... One of the cats is named Ramiel? Three Ramiels, two Ello's, and one me going insane.

As "Ello" lead our way through the light drizzle, across the pasture, and pointed us to the Elk's domain.
It's only occasionally nice to be correct, I'm grateful this is one of those times.
The further we ventured into their forest, the kinder the aura felt. The rain stopped, and we approached the creek once more.
All we found was some yellow sap on a tree once we crossed, and the forest didn't answer my call to speak to Rovendil.

Dar, Benny, and Tuli immediately investigated the tree scrape with the yellow sap. Apparently, it's yeast.
We encountered Sagiventius and his herd, but he didn't pay us any mind.

After some deliberation, we went on to follow the trail as whispers to Raijin guided us. The whispers told him we were looking for Poinsetia, Rovendil and Sagiventius' sister.
As we traveled, Dar for some reason decided after saying we were burning daylight, for us to take a break. I wasn't about to argue, the setting was becoming more unsettling as the trees thinned out and the colors became more muted.
Normal, for most folks. Though, then Raijin's shadow split began to speak.

It was a shadow form of a fawn named Emme, claiming to be hiding from The Master. He had attached Himself to Raijin, and guided us through him.
It told us to play The Master's game, and to stay ignorant. To find the Spirit Binder, and bring it to the light. Or to the ruins of what was once built.
But whatever we do, we must do it in the light. The Master's domain is in the dark.

I'm writing this down as fast as I can, but this is all happening so fast...
One second, we're walking, and the next, Tuli runs off to catch a rat!? The poor thing lacks a hind leg. We quickly learned it was an undead possum, that was... Uh... Playing dead?
We kept finding more as we went on, some rats, some horses, some creatures without heads altogether. I want to believe this is a hopeful sight, but it's all quite morbid...

The yeast splotches on the trail kept getting more and more fresh as we went on, and ahead was an Elk standing over a yeasty hole. Poinsetia.
Poinsetia was direct, but quite polite about the situation at hand. I have a great respect for her, even after she exploded into separate seemingly-sentient parts that proceeded to attack us.

An eye flung fire at me, a hoof tried to hoof Sutton in the face, it was insane! We thought Poinsetia was bad enough, but then the damn WALKING BLOB OF YEAST began to crawl out of its hole!
Wave after wave of misery washed over us, some more than others as the fight carried on. I'm still shaking, but Sutton seemed unfazed as she '''''danced''''' with her shadowey opponent.
A horrifying trial, I felt pain in my soul the whole time. But it felt like a necessary awfulness.

Poinsetia commended us for our strength, but noticed the sun leaving and immediate made haste.

On our way back, the rain turned to storm. A torrent of weather beating us down all the way to the bakery. Emme apparently had left us some rewards with "Ello", and we insisted on leaving swiftly after the fact.
The storm was awful on our way back, the lightning flashing intensely as we crossed the threshold. I swear, I saw him. I saw The Master looming over us.

I think we displeased him. How do we play a game when we don't know the rules?

'''''((The page is spattered with liquid drops. It's easy to deduce that it's not all rain.))'''''

{{Infobox expedition log
| title = Velborough Shows
| date = 05/11/23
| storyteller = Indi
| tier_of_play = Trainee, Easy
| player_characters = [[Tuli Mrysky]], [[Ishi]], [[Suttonalia Morroweather]], [[Zeal]], [[Benny Shadetree]], [[Illiam Elro]]
| rewards = 300xp
| result = Success, we're learning more.
| author = Illiam
}}

== Part 5: Velborough Shows ==

The clock in my head demanded I come back. I have no clue what a gotdamn Spirit Binder is, but gods willing someone coming along does.
We began exchanging items for safety's sake, when Sutton said that Hiromi might have a clue. We couldn't get ahold of her, so we ended up getting a mom lecture from Sutton instead.
Admittedly, it was probably a good idea. I haven't been good at hiding my anxiety yet.

Seven hours left, 23 minutes, and the seconds keep ticking.
Overcast again. Torrential downpour over the statehouse, and off to the right of it as well. But over us, sunshiny days.
I put on my social mask, and go to get the necklace.

When a rabbit approached me, and suddenly I was in contact with Emme once more. He seemed very focused.

We will need to follow the rabbit, if we wish to get to the land of the forgotten. I must bind the six to get to the central chamber. Doing so without His(The Master's) attention is imperative.
Emme was very concise with these words, he didn't want his Gaze.
The Shrine, we were told is where the Lost go to be Remembered. Due to its shroud of Moonlight, Emme could not go in with us. He may only exist in the shadows, and there are apparently no secrets in the Temple.
As we rose over the hills, we saw that the fairgrounds was surrounded in an awful tornato. Weathered twister, with the calm eye of the storm simply being the fair itself.

Benny, being the Gods send he is, gave me some flayleaf to smoke up on before entering the Temple of Apparent Truths. Then the rabbit we were following fucking noclipped through the ground?
Tuli quickly deduced that it was an illusory shroud over the location of the Temple, which turned out to be one for Ashava.
Thank Gods, finally some comfort in all of these awful happenings. Knowing She watches me makes this a bit easier, despite the temple being in disrepair.

Leaves rustling, when suddenly a silvered arrow took the poor bunny out. AND THEN ONE TOOK ME AND SUTTON IN THE SHOULDERS? This big ol' Elf is pretty damn mean!?
Why would they do this when they also follow Ashava?! This poor Desecrated Soul, seeing their anguish when I cried out, it hurt me so badly.
I don't like the idea of fighting this, but we have no choice.
THEY GREW A RAMIEL DURING THE FIGHT?! Is this why everything has the same name?!
AND HOW DARE THEY TRY TO PRY BENNY FROM THE MORTAL COIL!?
This is getting bad, why are they able to summon Ello and Ramiel?!

What are these harbingers of souls just HANGING AROUND while we're getting attacked?!
Oh I see, they're looking to take our souls to mold for The Master's game. A twisted fate, in Ashava's Sanctom. Recycling souls, instead of letting them pass on freely.
Like Hells if I'm going to let this happen. I don't care HOW polite those pretty cow ladies are.

That fight was awful. Truly miserable.
As we managed to free Bralani, he granted us Three Truths.

Our first question; Who is the Master?
Sasmi The Glorious is his True Name.

What are his intentions?
The Master seeks to protect his menagerie of souls, and to escape them from the cycle of apocalypse that is Kelek.
I was right, this place IS separated from the rest of Kelek.

How do we break The Master's plans?
Without the menagerie, this realm serves no purpose. Bring the spirits of the Collectors here, and they can be freed. The three of the wood (Elk), and the three of the town.

I got to hug this spirit before he left. I hope he knows that I do not resent him for actions that weren't his own.

We went to the fairgrounds, storm swirling with THREE tornadoes circling the one around the fair. But for the first time, the townsfolk had their own stories to tell.
Hearing them be themselves brought joy to my heart, but the day after, it all went back to the way it once was.

Truly depressing, yet I'm forced to smile.

{{Infobox expedition log
| title = Velborough Droves Pt. 1
| date = 05/12/23
| storyteller = Indi
| tier_of_play = Trainee, Hard
| player_characters = [[Bliss-Retold-Till-Eternity]], [[Benny Shadetree]], [[Illiam Elro]], [[Raijin]], [[Suttonalia Morroweather]], [[Hiromi]]
| rewards = 275xp, 100gp, Rovendil's Left and Right horns, Sagiventius Blessed Nodachi
| result = Success, we're moving forward faster than I expected.
| author = Illiam
}}

== Part 6: Velborough Droves Pt. 1 ==

The party I commissioned found me standing asleep in the street. What a way to start the mission. After passing my notepad around to Bliss and Hiromi, we began to head towards Velborough once more. Hiromi told us the flowers are called "Mangolia" flowers. Haven't heard of 'em, but that makes sense for this Fae craziness, especially since the bright and sunny weather didn't quite make any.

We decided it was a good idea to head to the forest Westside, making a visit to Mother's Bakery. The cats greeted us, I couldn't help but give the white one some good scritches. Meanwhile Emme was controlling the black cat, quickly moving to Hiromi and back.
Hiromi told us that Emme said The Master was busy checking out how we shithoused Ashava's Temple. Precious little time we have, to find all six souls to bind. Our group went further West into Sagiventius' territory and beyond. Thankfully, he wasn't around to glare menecingly at us, I don't think. I've still been nodding off as I walk.
Very grateful that Sutton could guide the way on this, because she knew *exactly* where to go.

When we arrived to Rovendil's sanctom, he didn't... Seem pleased. Understandable, given why we were there.
Each one of us pleaded our various cases, I will never live it down and I wish to cast Un-Alive on myself, if that's ever possible. At the very least, Rovendil was receptive. He told us we could find Sagiventius towards the Fairground, and the full name of all else we must find including himself;

Rovendil, Splendor of the Wood
Poinsetia, Wrending Rot and Regrowth
Sagiventius, The Indominable Branch
The Tender of Space Below
The Servant in the Statehouse
Lady Maria of the Western Clock Tower

Rovendil then surrendered himself, much to our surprise. Hoping choosing his own fate, and follow in his Mentor's footsteps while giving Sutton her name back. We presume this is Emme, that Mentor he's talking about. Before he went into Hiromi's vessel, however, he asked me and Benny why we returned time and time again, and... He and I have a habit of helping. We couldn't help it, and..
Dear Gods, he shed his horns to us about it. They feel magic.

We then went towards Sagiventius' battleground. He was expecting us, Rovendil warned him.
It took us a moment, but we decided to be as careful as we could on approach. Any chance of avoiding combat would've been preferred, we're never that lucky.
Bliss began setting snares and the like, anything to assure our survival of this.

Upon approach, Benny thought it wise to taunt Sagiventius. Which, I suppose we weren't able to avoid a fight anyway, but it feels a bit overkill. Eh, that's why I adore the guy.
So then it ran me down. Cool, that hurt a lot. This fight was quite intense, thank the Gods Raijin had that Alchemist's Fire onhand, and Hiromi came along... I don't think we would've survived otherwise.
Raijin was also the one to deal a final blow. Upon Sagiventius' defeat, Raijin's Nodachi got imbued with some of the guardian's power, as he swore a rematch upon the man. The grand Elk faded to light, which then found itself drawn into Hiromi's Vessel.
This... Hurt. A lot. Like, physically, I think I got some cracked teeth. Two down, six to go.

We had to run our way home, a storm beast hunting us down all the way out.

Into the Snowscape

2023-05-14T23:37:17Z

LucidityMkIV:

{{Infobox expedition log
| title = Into the Snowscape, part 1
| date = 4/26/2023
| storyteller = Indi
| tier_of_play = Trainee
| player_characters = [[Benny Shadetree]], [[Fen Ergivald|Fen]], [[Ishi]], [[Iskierka]], [[Raijin]]
| rewards = 250xp
| author = Foster
}}
Our group arrives in [[Tilfel]] and with the aid of natives, successfully survive the first night.

==Log==

Our group was summoned by Councilwoman [[Sideun Ae-Geom]] to go to Tilfel and learn what we could about it. I was joined by Benny, Ishi, Iskierka, and Raijin. I was quite excited to have the chance to learn more about Tilfel and check in on the two that we freed when we [[Icicle's in the Deep|first found the portal]]. After a quick briefing, we head down to the portal basement and I show the others how the portal works. The trip is painful, but everyone makes it though without becoming too hurt.

The temperature on the other side was quite nice. It reminded me of home, but the others did not seem quite so happy to experience the cold. It turns out that there is a shortage of clothing in the city for dealing with cold weather. I suppose that makes since since the city is quite warm. On arrival, we were reunited with the two who had entered the portal several weeks ago. It seems that they had somehow just arrived. I do hope that I won't lose the same amount of time. Bodrukk and Evergreen may be quite cross if I disappear for so long without warning them. Fortunately, I came prepared to communicate with locals and I was able to cast spells on myself and the woman (Norzti) to allow us to communicate for an hour. While I spoke with Norzti, the others went to gather firewood for warmth.

We worked to establish a basic translation device while she answered several questions about Tilfel for me.
:*Tilfel seems to be located to the far west of Onadbyr. Norzti and Melak (her companion) recognized our current location and know of a town located a day to the south called [[Snehov]].
:*Rhakshasa (known as rotspawn in Tilfel) are not common in Tilfel. However, Norzti and Melak were kidnapped from their trade caravan during the night and were in Onadbyr by the time they woke.
:*Currency is not common in Tilfel. The coin that was awarded to our group by Norzti and Melak are a rarity in Tilfel and apparently quite valuable.

We eventually set up watches and settled in to sleep. During the night, a group of boars wandered past our location and we were unable to hide from them. They attacked and one was slain before we were able to drive the creatures off. As best we were able to communicate, it seems the boars belonged to a local (a member of a [[Chimbai]] warband). Norzti asked for my assistance in carrying off the slain boar to the outskirts of our camp and placed a torch nearby to act as a marker so that it could be reclaimed by the owner. The request seemed strange, but she was adamant and so we did. After, we settled back in to finish the night.

== ==

{{Infobox expedition log
| title = Into the Snowscape, part 2
| date = 4/28/2023
| storyteller = Indi
| tier_of_play = Trainee
| player_characters = [[Benny]], [[Fen Ergivald|Fen]], [[Ishi]], [[Iskierka]], [[Raijin]]
| rewards = 250xp, 5pp each
| result = Success! Information has been gained about Tilfel and positive relations have begun to be formed. The gate is currently open.
| author = Foster
}}
We continue our journey, learn quite a bit about Tilfel, and receive a calling before returning home.

==Log==

I awoke the next day feeling rather refreshed. There is nothing quite so relaxing as sleeping through the chill night while surrounded by others. As I began my daily preparations, I was quickly alerted to the presence of a skeletal creature found nearby. Norzti warned of danger and moved to strike down the creature. Our group followed her lead and the creature was swiftly dealt with. It was given a proper burial after.

We moved quickly the next day. The cold was a rather difficult obstacle for the others. Iskierka and I were able to keep the effects of the cold mostly at bay, but exhaustion was clearly settling in before we even reached midday. Everyone persevered though and we reached [[Snehov]] before nightfall. Unfortunately, the seems that the town would soon be under attack as a large group of animals were visibly moving towards the town. This was identified to us as a Chimbai Warband.

Again, we followed Norzti and Melak's lead and left our weapons buried in the snow outside of town. This proved to be excellent advice, as the guards who greeted us were rather wary of us as outsiders. A large, blue-skinned tiefling man introduced as Torgre the Arm greeted us with some suspicion, but agreed to allow us to stay for the night after having us undergo a ritual that he used to test our blood. The leader of Norzti and Melak's caravan was also in town and we were immediately taken to meet her.

The caravan leader's name is [[Ingreli]]. She is a [[Woman in Winter]], a leader among Norzti and Melak's people, the [[Ro Legn Tilati]]. We learned quite a bit from Ingreli.
:*There are three factions in Tilfel
::*The [[Chimbai]]- followers of the [[Felmouth]] who are led by the [[Men in Fire]]
::*The [[Ro Legn Tilati]]- followers of [[Tilati]] who are led by the [[Women in Winter]]
::*The [[Minzel]] people who are neutral.
:*We should seek out the [[Prophet of Minzel]] in the [[Minzel Woods]]. The Prophet has foretold our arrival and Ingreli is bound to start us on our journey. Ingreli asks each of us to commit to seeking out the Prophet and offers gifts to those who agree top be bound to the task.
::*Iskierka agrees, requesting a boon of strength to protect those around her.
::*Benny agrees, requesting a companion to aid and guide him.
::*Fen agrees, requesting the ability to communicate with the people of Tilfel.
::*As each request is granted, a pinky finger is grasped and becomes necrosed as though severely frostbitten.
::*Ishi and Raijin do not agree, both unwilling to lost use of their pinky.
:*The warband seeks to claim a rotspawn tool (a chunk of rotrock) to be used for their own purposes. Ingreli has the rock and was looking for a way to dispose of it. Fortunately, the anchor ooze that open the portals seems to devour these rocks.
:*The leader of the warband is named [[Rodigostr]]. He seeks strength to test himself against. We were warned not to show him strength.

The others left after to buy warm clothing for the cold. I stayed behind to clarify a few things about the Women in Winter. Ingreli did not know of any reason that a Woman in Winter would have wanted to interact or cause strife with the people of Onadbyr. The Women in Winter lead their people and interpret the will of Tilati. I found no reason to disbelieve her words. After learning about the events that happened in Onadbyr, Ingreli seemed quite troubled and made the decision to leave Snehov with our group to return to the portal. Nortzi and Melak were asked to stay behind and assist with defending the town.

We returned to the portal and began the process of opening it. We threw in the rotrock and then learned that the mysterious silvery metal that allowed us to open the portal the first time was a metal that comes from the slain bodies of Women in Winter. Ingreli contributed a weapon that was clearly quite valuable and made of the same metal to the portal opening. The third was more difficult to figure out. We eventually discovered that the requirement was something of value to the contributor. Before any of the rest of us could act, Benny threw himself into the portal, stating that people only live once. I was able to react quickly enough that he did not die outright, but he arrived on the other side of the portal unconscious and near death. His intent to sacrifice himself was enough. The portal opened and we returned home to report our findings.

Buried Treasure 2

2023-05-14T23:36:56Z

LucidityMkIV:

{{Infobox expedition log
| title = Buried Treasure 2
| date = 4/28/23
| storyteller = Foster
| tier_of_play = Trainee - Moderate
| player_characters = [[Benny Shadetree]], [[Devwin Bellowbit]], [[Zeal]], [[Illiam Elro]], [[Tuli Myrysky]], [[Mayel]]
| rewards = 300 xp, 50 gold, staff of earth, holy water(4), oil of potency, silvertongue mutagen (lesser), scroll of haste, wand of jump, goz mask, ring of doubling, religious symbol of Irori (silver)
| result = Success
| author = Zeal
}}
== Log ==
Gathering once more at the Round Table meeting hall, we met up with Jeremiah and returned to the sunken village a day's travel from the town. Along the way Mayel and I took the time to warn our allies of the dangers ahead, an effort of which perhaps even I failed to take to heart. Illiam and Benny made a recreational effort to stem their nerves ahead of time after the discussion of potential spiders within the still unsearched web-covered areas of the lost village. This, to their credit, seems to have succeeded. Arriving at the campsite at nightfall, we elected to head in immediately.

Confirming along the way no signs of escaped creatures, we explored and found some supplies before coming across a bridge that resided overflowing water, likely from the waterway on the hill. Beyond the bridge we spotted the fanged frog-like creatures of my prior report, of which now their fangs appeared to be more tusk-like. Attacking them from range, they were dispatched without much danger. They did show ferocity and an ability to spit slime onto Devwin, but there will little issues beyond the slime making it difficult for Devwin to move until he washed it off.

Exploring north, we found more supplies. Intending to continue that direction, our party was suddenly split by Mayel's spotting of a giant firefly that he wished to befriend. Traveling south alongside the river, while Mayel made their attempts the rest of us drew our attention to a temple of Irori, or what was left of one. Inside we spotted some sort of shimmering, multi-colored slime, which we gathered away from and attacked from a distance, intending to meet it at the entrance to the temple if needed. As we made our move, however, a purple fungus of some sort, tentacle-like appendages flailing, turned the corner and met us first. It died with little issue, but the slime, after ignoring the impacts of some spells, let out a blinding flash that left many of us dazed. During the struggle in the doorway Benny was unfortunately ambushed and brought low, but after I healed him he was able to retreat and aid us in finishing off the slime.

After a short rest we examined the temple, hearing from north of us that same wailing of the slug creatures. From the memory of Mayel and I, we determined that to have been the dangerous southern area we avoided in our last expedition, marking it as such in the days prior. Choosing to navigate around it for the moment, we found a library of old, worn-to-nothing books. A few of the books were magically preserved as we discovered later, but nothing of great significance came about from it. Northward we found a large bedroom, and spotted the slug creatures across the western hallway, in some sort of office. Positioning ourselves in the doorway to the bedroom, we braced ourselves for another battle against these dangerous creatures.

The battle was brutal, and I believe that to be an understatement. I took two decisive blows that left me at the edge of death rather early on, and Illiam very nearly died outright from the powerful blow of a particularly strong one. The rest of the group danced in and out of the dangers of unconsciousness throughout, and the group had called for a retreat during my daze. Electing not to leave Illiam to die however, we rallied and managed to narrowly survive a messy battle within the library, with one of the creatures detonating but not felling anyone.

Though some harsh statements within our group were exchanged in the heat of battle when the retreat began, I am proud to say we succeeded and have cleared everything before the bridge, barring the webbed areas. One more push may be all that is needed to finish this exploration, though what lies past the river remains a mystery for the time being.

Cleanup Crew

2023-05-14T23:36:26Z

LucidityMkIV:

{{Infobox expedition log
| title = Cleanup Crew
| date = 05/07/23
| storyteller = Dag
| tier_of_play = Easy - Medium
| player_characters = [[Femi]], [[Satori the Armorer]], [[Benny Shadetree]], [[Zeal]], [[Illiam Elro]]
| rewards = 200 exp, 200 gold, blazons of shared power, healers gloves
| result = Success
| author = Zeal
}}
== Log ==
This was a fairly straightforward job on paper. Take a wagon with cement out to this sinkhole with waters that were mutating the animals, and fill it up. Dispose of any mutated creatures on the scene and remove the previously set traps while we were there. Arguments about badgers, rats, and morality aside, it was straightforward in execution as well. Satori created an axe to chop away some logs that were barring our path, and Femi disposed of some of the traps. She collected the caltrops and used a stick to disable the snares, though the latter meant little when we had Benny use fire magic to detonate the explosive trap, destroying the snares in the process.

Soon after we were beset by mutated birds, which we managed to bring down without a great deal of issue. Once that was handled, we filled the sinkhole with cement as planned, with Benny using magic to seal it over rather effectively.

Benny Shadetree

2023-05-14T23:35:24Z

LucidityMkIV:

{{Infobox Associate
| name =Benny Shadetree
| image = [[File:Benny Shadetree Portrait.png|thumb|center|Benny Shadetree]]
| class = Druid
| occupation =Flayleaf Gardener & Resident Medic
| tier_of_play = Trainee
| adopting_storyteller =
| ancestry = Human
| heritage = Versatile Heritage
| aliases = None
| pronouns = He/Him
| age = 27
| height = 5'8"
| partner = [[Illiam Elro]] (Absolute besties)
| relatives = Krak Shadetree (adopted son), Godwin Willow (Cousin), Arlo Eversong (adopted uncle)
| status = Alive
| player = Lucid
}}
Benny is an [[Associate]] of [[the Round Table]] in the loosest of terms, generally ambling into town only out of necessity for his job, his friends, and the occasional job posting in order to cover his neverending love of intoxicants and psychadelics. He spends most of his days working in a back room at the Elro Custom Leathershop in [[Onadbyr]], tending the Flayleaf garden. Sure to meet you with a grin on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a firm handshake ready and waiting, Benny tries to make friends with everyone he meets.
 
== Backstory ==
 
Benny was raised in a swamp grove, in a land far to the south known as the Neverglades. He was raised in the Green Faith, along with his seven brothers and sisters, to become druids of the grove themselves. However, he had other plans. Instead of sticking to the swamp and becoming a protector of the grove, he wanted to travel the world and make new friends. His mother, loving woman that she was, gave him her blessings before he left home. His father, whose lineage was almost entirely warriors and protectors, saw this as a slight to the family name, and told him that once he left the grove, he was forbidden from ever returning. In a fit of defiant rage, Benny told his father that he would return stronger than he ever imagined, and that he would take his mother to a nicer existence than the swamp could ever offer.
 
== Abilities ==
 
Benny is a skilled medic, as well as a keen naturalist and survivalist. He is often seen in expeditions as a healer, as well as a backup thief when need arises. He will also generally pack extra rations of food and flayleaf, as well as a few support spells. Do not look to Benny as the voice of culture nor of etiquette, for he has only blunt honesty and pragmatism to spare.
 
== Expeditions ==
 

[[Cleanup Crew]] 

[[Buried Treasure 2]] 

[[Into the Snowscape]] 

[[Velborough O's]]

Benny Shadetree

2023-05-14T23:34:56Z

LucidityMkIV: /* Expeditions */

{{Infobox Associate
| name =Benny Shadetree
| image = [[File:Benny Shadetree Portrait.png|thumb|center|Benny Shadetree]]
| class = Druid
| occupation =Flayleaf Gardener & Resident Medic
| tier_of_play = Trainee
| adopting_storyteller =
| ancestry = Human
| heritage = Versatile Heritage
| aliases = None
| pronouns = He/Him
| age = 27
| height = 5'8"
| partner = [[Illiam Elro]] (Absolute besties)
| relatives = Krak Shadetree (adopted son), Godwin Willow (Cousin), Arlo Eversong (adopted uncle)
| status = Alive
| player = Lucid
}}
Benny is an [[Associate]] of [[the Round Table]] in the loosest of terms, generally ambling into town only out of necessity for his job, his friends, and the occasional job posting in order to cover his neverending love of intoxicants and psychadelics. He spends most of his days working in a back room at the Elro Custom Leathershop in [[Onadbyr]], tending the Flayleaf garden. Sure to meet you with a grin on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a firm handshake ready and waiting, Benny tries to make friends with everyone he meets.
 
== Backstory ==
 
Benny was raised in a swamp grove, in a land far to the south known as the Neverglades. He was raised in the Green Faith, along with his seven brothers and sisters, to become druids of the grove themselves. However, he had other plans. Instead of sticking to the swamp and becoming a protector of the grove, he wanted to travel the world and make new friends. His mother, loving woman that she was, gave him her blessings before he left home. His father, whose lineage was almost entirely warriors and protectors, saw this as a slight to the family name, and told him that once he left the grove, he was forbidden from ever returning. In a fit of defiant rage, Benny told his father that he would return stronger than he ever imagined, and that he would take his mother to a nicer existence than the swamp could ever offer.
 
== Abilities ==
 
Benny is a skilled medic, as well as a keen naturalist and survivalist. He is often seen in expeditions as a healer, as well as a backup thief when need arises. He will also generally pack extra rations of food and flayleaf, as well as a few support spells. Do not look to Benny as the voice of culture nor of etiquette, for he has only blunt honesty and pragmatism to spare.
 
== Expeditions == 

[[Cleanup Crew]] 

[[Buried Treasure 2]] 

[[Into the Snowscape]] 

[[Velborough O's]]

Benny Shadetree

2023-05-14T23:34:26Z

LucidityMkIV: /* Expeditions */

{{Infobox Associate
| name =Benny Shadetree
| image = [[File:Benny Shadetree Portrait.png|thumb|center|Benny Shadetree]]
| class = Druid
| occupation =Flayleaf Gardener & Resident Medic
| tier_of_play = Trainee
| adopting_storyteller =
| ancestry = Human
| heritage = Versatile Heritage
| aliases = None
| pronouns = He/Him
| age = 27
| height = 5'8"
| partner = [[Illiam Elro]] (Absolute besties)
| relatives = Krak Shadetree (adopted son), Godwin Willow (Cousin), Arlo Eversong (adopted uncle)
| status = Alive
| player = Lucid
}}
Benny is an [[Associate]] of [[the Round Table]] in the loosest of terms, generally ambling into town only out of necessity for his job, his friends, and the occasional job posting in order to cover his neverending love of intoxicants and psychadelics. He spends most of his days working in a back room at the Elro Custom Leathershop in [[Onadbyr]], tending the Flayleaf garden. Sure to meet you with a grin on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a firm handshake ready and waiting, Benny tries to make friends with everyone he meets.
 
== Backstory ==
 
Benny was raised in a swamp grove, in a land far to the south known as the Neverglades. He was raised in the Green Faith, along with his seven brothers and sisters, to become druids of the grove themselves. However, he had other plans. Instead of sticking to the swamp and becoming a protector of the grove, he wanted to travel the world and make new friends. His mother, loving woman that she was, gave him her blessings before he left home. His father, whose lineage was almost entirely warriors and protectors, saw this as a slight to the family name, and told him that once he left the grove, he was forbidden from ever returning. In a fit of defiant rage, Benny told his father that he would return stronger than he ever imagined, and that he would take his mother to a nicer existence than the swamp could ever offer.
 
== Abilities ==
 
Benny is a skilled medic, as well as a keen naturalist and survivalist. He is often seen in expeditions as a healer, as well as a backup thief when need arises. He will also generally pack extra rations of food and flayleaf, as well as a few support spells. Do not look to Benny as the voice of culture nor of etiquette, for he has only blunt honesty and pragmatism to spare.
 
== Expeditions ==
[[Cleanup Crew]]
[[Buried Treasure 2]]
[[Into the Snowscape]]
[[Velborough O's]]

Benny Shadetree

2023-05-14T23:23:24Z

LucidityMkIV: Created page with "{{Infobox Associate | name =Benny Shadetree | image = Benny Shadetree | class = Druid | occupation =Flayleaf Gardener & Resident Medic | tier_of_play = Trainee | adopting_storyteller = | ancestry = Human | heritage = Versatile Heritage | aliases = None | pronouns = He/Him | age = 27 | height..."

File:Benny Shadetree Portrait.png

2023-05-14T22:50:47Z

LucidityMkIV:

The man, the myth, the medic.