Vyerith was a dark elf saved from Tharros' prison. Heard some rumors from Bargle about her.
- Gender
- Female
- Eyes
- Purple
- Hair
- Long white
- Skin Tone/Pigmentation
- Dark brown
- Height
- 5' 2"
- Weight
- 160 lbs.
A dark-skinned Elf prisoner found in the cells of Tharros the Wanderer in Tharros Underdark Hideout "Near" Outding Refuge. She escaped.
You see a dark-skinned Elf with long, white hair and a confident, yet arrogant expression. Her voice carries a hint of condescension as she speaks with a strong Drow accent. Despite her pride, there is a hidden compassion within her that may surprise you.
Vyerith is an outspoken individual who has no problem voicing her opinion. She believes that she is in some way superior to those around her, which can Lead to arrogance and pride. Despite this, she can be surprisingly compassionate in certain situations
Background
Vyerith was once a prisoner held by Tharros, until she was freed by the party. Since then, she has left to an Unknown Location, though she often returns to thank those who saved her
Appearance
Vyerith is a female Drow Elf with dark skin and long white, straight hair. She stands at an average height and has a slender build. Her eyes are a deep brown and her expression is one of arrogance and pride
Speaking Style
Vyerith speaks with a strong Drow accent, her voice is low and hushed. She is fond of using flowery language to express her ideas, and often speaks in a condescending manner
Wild Card Notes
Session 06: Return to the Crypts Report
Heyton Manor: A lady on the porch was reading a journal; her name was Ursa.
Ursa: She has worked for Lars Heyton for five years. He has been gone and possibly at the Outding Refuge Temple Ruins to the south to find more info on the Dragon.
She offers a cloak and a few potions to find Lars. His journal, what she was reading, discusses how he felt the villagers had rejected the Heyton's. He had a sense of entitlement. He had a lot of interest in a magical forge and the temple to the SW of the island. He was a frequent visitor who knew of a secret entrance and a labyrinth of tunnels.
Notes on the Dragon and its connection to the island
The Heytons were aware of the Dragon. There is some connection to the Dragon and the crystals as well. It seems the forge may be mixing properties with the Dragon's lair.
Session 08: Off to see the Dragon Report
Ursa gives the party their rewards.
2 Healing Potions, Cloak of the Manta Ray
Lars: Whoever is messing with the Crystal has also been trying to control the Dragon.
The Dragon is supposed to be hibernating. He is a protector of the area, but it now appears he is being manipulated.
Session 14: Mindflayer Colonies & Wizard Hideouts Report
Inside the cage is an elven woman; her name is "Vyerith ," who claims she was taken and then put into this cell.
She was taken while walking on the Triboar Trail on the continent of Eushia . It was north of Philander and happened a few months ago.
It was an Old Man (wizard) and his apprentice. They left weeks ago, and she has been alone.
(sic...)
The party decided to let Vyerith out.
(sic...)
Vyerith was gone.
Ursa: Session 22: The Elder of the Vale Report
The letter with the package says "To the Heroic Menagerie of Outding, from Lars Heyton & Ursa.
They first opened the Letter:
Dear Heroes,
I am aware you have come to town to help one Leonin named Reginald. He is currently calling himself the King Regent and I Fear he has plans to use you all and your loyalties to help him steal the throne from those for whom it is actually supposed to belong to.
I only ask you meet me at The Yawning Portal tonight and hear what I have to say. I will be wearing a red tricorn with a long black feather and in a Green and Black coat.
Signed,
A Friend
They look around and don't see such a person - nor do they recall seeing him.
To the Heroes of Outding,
This is Ursa, Lars' assistant, and he asked that I send this letter to you. We heard you got to Wide Berth safely, and we were so glad to hear of it. We have been dutifully applying the Transportation Circle in your basement, and even though it gets expensive, we want you to know we are happy to do it.
We have also gotten the Forge working and have been experimenting with all types of magical devices, which brings us to the main point of this correspondence.
Attached with this letter are two things. A blank scroll and a little box. These are both magical and unique items. The box can be stretched out by grabbing two opposing sides and pulling. It goes from 1" to 1' in each direction. This Enderbox, that's what we are calling it, is actually synced to another Enderbox. Anything placed in one can be retrieved by another -- like a Bag of Holding but with a twist. We wanted to give this set to you so that we could Work out a business arrangement with your party.
We figured that since you were out doing some adventuring, you might come across some items and regents we could use for our magical Crafting. We would be willing to pay for items you retrieve -- especially those we are in need of. Those we can tell you either with a note in the box or using the scrolls. The scrolls are similarly synced. It is called a Scroll of Telescription and allows short messages to be sent back and forth 1x a day. This is fine since we can use the boxes to then pass any other correspondence.
The other box is in your basement; it is yours -- but we have access, so that can be helpful for this arrangement if you are willing to proceed. We have the other scroll so that you can reach us for anything.
We can Work out the full arrangements on this in an Enderbox correspondence -- but we thought we could also get you your reward for killing Jacoby, and we could get any notes or correspondence you found on him for our intel purposes.
Let me know when you get this, and we can Work out the details via letters in the box.
-Ursa
P.s.
We weren't sure if we'd have this ready in time -- but since we need you to get regents for us, most come from various Beasts and monsters, and they are organic in nature. To accommodate this, we have created a "Bag of Colding" for you, which can come in handy for such expeditions.
Letter from Ursa to Party, 2020 11 15
When they first use the Enderbox they find the Bag of Colding is inside, and Shadow takes it.
As they discuss selling the Headband of Intellect -- they are interrupted by a person named Obaya Uday; she purchases magic items (pays based on their rarity) and spellbooks. She is a priestess of Waukeen, the god of trade.
She seemed trustworthy and honest. She is very interested in spellbooks and seems to purchase items that adventurers find in the caverns.
Bastion asked about the purpose of the spellbooks, and she says she works for a Wizard seeking to purchase items and Books out of Wide Berth. Shadow asked for the name of the boss, but she wasn't very comfortable with sharing that knowledge a secret.
She pays in Platinum and doesn't carry the money on her, usually.
Bastion thinks about trying to make copies of his spellbook just to get some money but is reminded how very costly and time-consuming it is to make copies of his spellbook.
(sic...)
As they go downstairs, Sas hears Ursa's voice:
"Was in the basement working on the circle. Saw stuff. Letter in box."
Sas tells the others.
The Letter says:
Got the stuff. Will look into Crafting those for you. Did Jacoby have any intel or things of value -- that would be appreciated. Looking forward to working with you on this.
Also, the 10,000 gp was in a sack in the box. Everyone took 100 gp.
They also send back the Journal and Notes; they do not recall seeing anything about the Ring in the journal.
Session 26: The Ziggurat of Tharizdun Report
"Hey, now that the winter issue at that island is handled, maybe we can try to find that kid. Didn't you say his hat might have an orb to Vader's Realm?
"Venger's Realm. " he corrects him., "And it is possible it is in that magic hat of his. I suppose that is one trail we can go down. All I know is that hiring this merc outfit has drained a majority of my financial resources. I suppose we can take the ship as a "prize" -- we can take that to Arcane Order and see if they will fund the excursion to Outding. besides -- the rumor is that they have built a bit of a magic research facility there now. Maybe the rumors of a Mystical Forge on that island are true.
"I know my contact from Philander said they had a Forge out there, but it is in control by the local village. She said to leave that one alone for now, but then again, I haven't heard from Vyerith in some time. She was supposed to leave via Neyer, but she never made it there, and it seems her contact from the Road never made it either. He was lost at sea.
Fine… I'm done with this place. Let's go see if we can find this Pradam kid; even if he doesn't have the orb, I know he has some very interesting items anyways. "
Ursa: Session 24: Dead Archfey Relic Report
While the party was tasting they checked the Scroll of Telescription as they realized it probably doesn't Work if it is in the Bag of Holding (meaning it is on a different plane).
Messages sent when the Scroll is pulled:
"there is a Letter for you in the Enderbox"
"Um, I sent a Message yesterday. Haven't heard back. Letter is still in box."
"I hope you guys are okay, haven't heard from you. By the way, don't put the Scroll in any extraplanar place"
These ones were mental, as if a Sending spell.
In the box was a Letter.
The Letter, from Ursa and Lars Heyton:
Dear Heroes,
We did not find the Troll Heart Amulet recipe yet, but due to it's rarity it is quite hard to find. We'll keep looking.
The whip +1 we already more or less had, and so it is a 4 week project and 1500 gp for the materials. We can get the commission pro bono if you cover the cost.
The Cloak of Displacement was an expensive recipe, costing 10,000 gp -- but we were hoping to find this one for our own purposes anyways. So don't worry about that cost. It is looking like 50,000 gp worth of materials and commissions it looks like, due to its rarity. If you can cover it -- we can get it done in 8 weeks, 2 if we want to risk it possibly not working.
By the way, we have noticed an occasional bonus in some items we've crafted, we think it is due to the Far Realm's connection to our Mystical Forge. So that has been interesting.
We are good on reagents currently, but if you do come across anything interesting -- let us know. We may be willing to purchase some of the beastly reagents you come across.
Stay safe,
Lars & Ursa
Reginald Ivoryclaw overheard the discussion. He has an assistant bring over the paper and quill they need:
Response sent to them:
To Ursa & Lars
The scroll was in the Bag of Holding. Ooops.
Thank you for finding the recipes.
What do you mean by occasional bonuses? We're doing good.
We are on the way to the vale.
Reginald Ivoryclaw found a recipe for the Troll Heart Amulet.
As Bastion Bladesinger penned the letter he looked at the Ring of Mind Shielding and said: "Speak now or this ring will be destroyed along with your mind."
He unattuned to the ring. Then put it in the Bag of Holding.
Sas W.T. Rayce "sends a message":
"Letters in the box"
Reply: "Okay, I'll check the box."
Then: "Good to hear you're good. We'll take care of those things. We'll talk to Reggie to see if he'll help."
"Using my own spell now. Replying to bonuses. Something to do with Far Realms influence. So far, nothing bad."
They finish breakfast and they are now under a new Heroic Feast benefit.
Ursa: Session 26: The Ziggurat of Tharizdun Report
Upon realizing that he needed some Diamonds to load into the Stoneskin Brooch he sends a Message to Ursa & Lars Heyton.
"Need 2 100gp Diamonds" and he places 220 gp into the Enderbox.
A few moments later:
"Give me about an hour; I can probably find such Diamonds."
Barlo: "How do you know Grognard?"
Calliope Galanodel: "That's just what the brooch told me; what's he to you?"
Barlo: "No one important, but how do you know him?"
Calliope Galanodel: "It's just what it told me; I don't know him." Bastion Bladesinger: "Grognard is the guy who took me in."
Barlo: "How long ago was that?"
Bastion Bladesinger: "When I was a boy. How do you know Grognard?"
Barlo: "I used to go to his place and listen to stories. He would tell us these crazy stories. They were great to listen to."
Bastion Bladesinger is 26, Barlo is 40, so it is very possible that this is the same Grognard who Barlo knew that would later take care of Bastion Bladesinger. As they describe the person, it does seem like that the Grognard Bastion Bladesinger he knew was possibly an older version of the same person.
Shadow in the Snow: "What kinds of stories?"
Barlo: "Adventuring stories. Stories of flying in the stars. Typical adventuring stories. Slaying dragons. Taking to the skies and fighting harpies and attacking The Moons. He was a very good storyteller. I don't know how true they were."
Barlo also speaks to how the silent one of the Two Obelisk Strangers, that had just appeared & disappeared, reminded him of Barlo.
Shadow in the Snow suggests they might want to get moving and so Barlo agrees it is time to get into the Ziggurat of Tharizdun, below Skola Vale before the others come back.
Ursa: Session 27: The Infamous Bargle Report
NOTE; Recap:
The party has come to Skola Vale , the home of Calliope Galanodel & the Elder of the Dawngreets and of the Skola Vale , which was overrun by a large band of mercenaries -- paid off by a Warlock. This Warlock, named Bargle has been in the Ziggurat of Tharizdun, below Skola Vale long ago built and hidden with the death of the Archfey which originally created the Vale. The creator Archfey had desired to place his Domain as a conduit between the Material Plane and the Shadowfell . The Domain of Dread and death.
Instead, it would seem that a long time ago, a band of adventurers with the assistance of other powerful Archfey beings killed him and then made the Domain a conduit between the Material Plane and the Feywild instead. This also placed this large cavern and temple into a pocket universe.
Not too long ago, Bast , the cat goddess, came into this pocket universe and took the Gem of Tharizdun , which had been left behind on the Flying Ship , Adventurer Class Airship . She put it into a magical Bronze Orb to hide it from others and to keep it safe. This she imparted to Sas W.T. Rayce , a Tortle hermit.
Now the party, with this knowledge, finds them exploring this dark temple, and after facing off some protector wraiths, they have found the Warlock and his crew searching for something. It seems they are looking for this orb. They overheard how there are other Deific artifacts in this temple and that the warlock Bargle already has an orb, one for the world of Mystara . He seems intent to find a second orb so that he can use one to fuel his travels back to his realm and to keep one on his person for when he returns, granting him immeasurable power.
They also learned how the young Pradam Estorich , a Wizard kid traveling with the "Fortunate Mead Heroes ," a band of adventurers led by Cellymas & Jeets , happens to possibly have an orb to Venger 's Realm in his hat. They heard how Bargle spent a lot of his wealth on the mercenaries and that he is also working with the Arcane Order -- a group the party has already heard about due to their run-ins with Jacoby .
Bargle spoke of a "magic research facility," and the rumors of a Arcane Forge on Outding Refuge -- the Arcane Forge for which the party helped secure, but the rumors of a "facility" makes it seem as if Lars Heyton & Ursa have been doing more than just a few items here and there. There was also talk of Philander and another possible Arcane Forge out there, wherever that may be -- but it did bring up another Familiar name. Vyerith -- the dark-skinned Elf who was held in the prisons of Tharros the Wanderer . She was supposed to board a ship in Neyer , but the contact from "The Road " had not made it as he had been "lost at sea."
It seems they are planning their next step, and they have a few different options, unlike the party. The party didn't seem to have many options at the moment as they entered the large chamber, and their stealth was not enough to keep them hidden.
As the Warlock saw them come up to the door, he let them know he saw them and let it be known he had intentions of not being peaceful.
Bargle , the Warlock across the room, says, "My patron wasn't sure if the orb was still here or not, seems that when that cat bitch came here and intruded on this sacred grounds as it wasted away in that pocket dimension -- she helped him "awake" and find me. It also seems you may know more about the orb than we first thought. Let's see how well you really fight -- get them!" he tells the others.
(sic...)
As the battle is about to start -- Bastion Bladesinger gets a Message:
"Those diamonds are in the chest." - Ursa
Ursa: Session 28: Skola Vale Fair Report
NOTE; Recap:
Other notes:
Pradam Estorich has an orb to his realm, possibly -- in his hat. Vyerith was to leave Neyer with a contact from "The Road"
(sic...)
The party decides to first send a Message to Lars Heyton & Ursa:
"Pradam is in danger. Crazy warlock named Bargle is looking for him. Keep him protected."
Response:
"The next time we see Pradam, we'll let him know. The gang is busy on a mission. Will let him know."
Session 29: The Feywild and Meenlocks Report
NOTE; Recap:
Other notes:
Pradam Estorich has an orb to his realm, possibly -- in his hat, so the party contacted Lars & Ursa to get word to protect him. Vyerith was to leave Neyer with a contact from "The Road". And many other things that the party has not had time to return to as they are now investigating one of the two possible issues causing the Skola Vale to be stuck here. They were told of an old Hag who might be responsible or at least know of a way to fix it then there was the Meenlock colony in a nearby cave.
They went for the Meenlocks and found the Caverns. Fighting a lone watchman and then the first batch they were set to explore these winding caverns and tunnels.
Session 30: The Siblings Affair Report
NOTE; Recap:
Other notes:
Pradam has an orb to his realm, possibly -- in his hat, so the party contacted Lars & Ursa to get word to protect him. Vyerith was to leave Neyer with a contact from "The Road". And many other things that the party has not had time to return to as they are now investigating one of the two possible issues causing the Skola Vale to be stuck here. They were told of an old Hag who might be responsible or at least know of a way to fix it then there was the Meenlock colony in a nearby
They went for the meenlocks and found the caverns. Fighting a lone watchman and then the first batch they were set to explore these winding caverns and tunnels.
Meenlocks create new meenlocks by kidnapping and torturing sentient creatures.
Ursa: Session 37: Jacoby & Jeets at the Keep Report
Now we can finally find out what the Tortle is hiding in that shell of a brain of his… I want to thank you, since that last form got a bit too corrupted, and it is nice to be young again. A perk of the Order, if you will. Now, you can set the book down and run off with your tails between your legs or we can do this the easy way…"
he looks at each of you, and studies you all.
Everyone give a wisdom save…
he is trying to peer into their minds a bit, due to his bond to the Flameskull…
"Fine I'll do it the other way… you know, after you killed my last body, I have to wonder -- how many times did you question if I was in that ring you carried? I went to Lars & that duplicitous bitch, Ursa to find my gear… I learned you stole it. One thing you gave back though, I have brought here. It is not as you remember it, but it is still oh so deadly… My old skull."
Ursa: [Session 40: Beneath River's Keep Report](report:40ffd9bb-25d5-4401-9175-d0e947691007)
They used the Scroll of Telescription to send a Message to Ursa and Lars Heyton, they both seem to be okay. They do know about the Jacoby clones.
Using the Scroll of Telescription to send a Message:
"Jacoby's still alive, Are you all okay?"
"We had heard from Jeets about Jacoby, we're doing great."
Ursa: Session 42: A Deal with a Devil Report
Bastion investigates the ring, no magic -- probably worth some Gold. No one seems to have jewelry skills to analyze it.
They took the chest to the mirror, filled it with stuff, and put it in the Enderbox Everyone took 25 Platinum, sent back the rest of coinage...
***MESSAGE TO Ursa/LARS*** using Scroll of Telescription:
"Sending money for expenses, projects, material costs. Let us know if you need anything else."
Session 44: Purple Worm and Falling Baseboards Report
She seems honest according to insights, she is very trusting due to Barlo . The ring doesn't Light up. She wants to get back, otherwise ruin her cover.
They ask about the Dragon That Slumbers . She brings up how the shadow governments Work and how Tharros , Vyerith , and Jacoby want to control the Dragon to control the world or be the one to stop it to get them power.
Jacoby and Therros are part of Arcane Order , they hired the Blood hands -- a loose organization of criminals and thugs now more organized.
She will sneak back in and will get word back to them. She says Meklan knew they would see each other. She touches a tattoo which disappears then teleports away.
Ursa: Session 54: The Party Takes to the Sky Report
So, at the Ceremony we saw
Ursa
Lars Heyton
Reginald Ivoryclaw
Sister of Barlo, Sapphire Branch "Branch"
Melios Lamphi
Relia
Additionally some were having a toast
Solec
Shadow Clan Shaman Hidden Depths
Abbot Grok
Jinx
Father of Barlo, Jade Gift
(sic...)
She gets back, Barlo says "we have all the free acid and poison we want" showing the Alchemy Jug.
She puts the acid in the arrows, and then fills the vials up from the jug.
She goes back to the store to buy some more vials. 10 more.
Gives the kit to Bastion
Ursa and Lars go to Bastion, notices how the relationship has changed. Nicer clothes, more of a couple, extravagent wedding bands. Bastion (15 insight), she seems in charge and the talker. "By the way you had some jars with creatures inside. we were going to check them out."
Bastion "oh yeah" Gets the jars and hands them over
Ursa: "these are interesting, where did you say you got them?" hands one to Lars who seems fascinated
Bastion: "I know, right. WE got them in a forest, in a bag with a spellbook. and a journal, a botanist."
Ursa: "I would love to see if we can make these."
Bastion: "I know."
Ursa: "Do you think it would be possible for us to borrow them to study? Maybe try to figure out more about them."
Bastion: "Sure, but if you figure out how to make them Work we get that information for free."
Ursa: "I think we can do that, what do you think, honey?" to Lars.
Lars: "yeah, yeah... of course." He is entralled with the jar.
Bastion: "Shadow, Barlo, is that cool?"
sure...
He gives them all but the Beholder.
Ursa: "Definetly, if we can figure out how to replicate these we will get that info to you. Lots of interesting things we can do with this."
Bastion: "I agree."
Bastion: "I see the forge has treated you very well."
Ursa: "Yeah, we have created a bit of a lab to study all types of magic. We even found some old Mythallars, and been able to create floating lands and to expand to higher grounds.
Barlo: "Did you say the island is floating?"
Ursa: "The island is how it was, but we created a larger island behind the main island and that is floating to keep our labs safe. The orbs we have been able to collect, with Jeets getting one off some Bargle character when you were gone. Then there was in Pradam's hat. We've been trying to study those too."
Bastion: "and how is our house?"
Ursa: "Oh it's fine, which we've been meaning to collect the back taxes, you do owe about 30 gp in taxes."
Bastion: "here you go." gives 30 gp.
Ursa: "oh, thanks. We'll get that handled."
Bastion: "When you figure out how to store spells in gems, let me know."
Ursa: "what you thinking?"
Bastion: "Oh, I just have some ideas."
Ursa: "There is some things we have figured out, granted Lars does most of that."
Bastion: "We would love a circle to transport there."
Ursa: "You have the one in the basement that is all done."
Bastion: "That's right."
Ursa: "well, I think Lars wants to spend some more time with Professor Umbercresct as he is learning a lot about Netheril to help tie together some of his research. If we find out anything about these jars, I will let you know."
Shadow hands the vials to Barlo to fill them up.
Bstion spends the resources and time to put Dweomerflow in his spellbook. Does the Skill Empowerment and with a 24 gets it.
Their assistant, Ellas Lantaththar suggests maybe looking for cargo or post going out that way for some coin. He is going to check on keep soon.
Bastion asks him for a list of deliveries or whatever. He says he will see what is available. The party is fine with some errands. The crew is set, they'll take care of the provisions. Everything should be ready tomorrow.
Barlo only wants "urgent messages" also was surprised at how much weight the provisions is. A reminder that cannons are rare, but they do have a ballista on the ship.
NTO: **NEED TO DOUBLE CHECK WEIGHTS** pick up gems Barlo picks up various colors of yarn, Cotton. 1gp for yarn, Cotton. 5 sp for Wool. 1gp 5sp for Silk.
NOTE:
Gave all but the Beholder jar to Lars & Ursa
Ursa: Session 53: Lord & Lady Ceremony Report
Party discussed maybe doing something with the Broom of Flying so it can be used in emergencies. Then they tie it to the mast, and notify the crew it is for emergencies..
Message from Ursa to Bastion
"We're still looking at these jars, we think may have .. at Skola Vale we discussed those orbs, and then we heard you had one that is possibly breaking."
bastion: "yes"
Ursa: "We are genuinely curious about these things, and we heard you may be passing by. If you want we can possibly take that one off your hands to see if we can keep it safe. Just an idea. Just wanted to throw it by you. Also, We're working on a new communication device so you can keep up with others, especially as we don't trust the T.W.I.T.T.E.R. service."
Bastion: "I hear it might be terrible. Okay, ..."
He tells the others, how they think they can keep it safe. The party says they trust Ursa and Lars. Bastion also learns about the situation with the Harpy.
(sic...)
Bastion goes to the Drow... tells her, she says that is troubling. Goes to Sprite and has him take the Helm, then goes to awake the NAVIGATOR who in a robe goes to the Captains Quarters, uses the map and then goes back out to look at the stars. Makes some adjustments and the Ship turns left.
Message to Ursa "on our way and excited to learn what you have on the jars."
Barlo asks the others about favorite colors.
Ursa: Session 58: Kobolds and Conspiracies Report
I mean, you have the weapons that Ursa, and I mean Lars made for you. Where it uses the Wood that was found on Outding that originally came from here.
Barlo: "So, Outding is close to this location? It's not too hard to get here from there?
Jeets: "yeah. This is one of the nearest land drops near it. But no one would come near here for a long time due to the Dragon, I was lucky that in one of our travels I had met some of these kobolds. I had told Ursa about the kobolds, so with her we made a deal to purchase some of their mining as the Wood is not that important to them and they really like the crystals found on Outding. So we are merely the middle people for these deals.
Barlo: "So you are transporting back and forth. Like a courier
Jeets: "We don't do the courieing so much anymore, but as I was saying we tend to step in on major concerns - such as their guard Dragon being killed. That's when we get called.
Barlo: "Don't bullshit me Jeets, did we just disrupt some shipping situation? What's going to be the biggest fallout from this, if any? Besides this migration of kobolds.
Jeets: "I think that is the big one, and I think there might be a bit less trade as ... I am sure that Ursa will pursuade that half of the colony to mine under Outding. Which would be to their benefit.
Shadow: "Would the kobolds know who this "she" was that sent the Dragon?
Jeets: "I'll see if there is anyone else who comes by and talks to them. As far as I know, I am one of the very few. As far as who the Dragon speaks to, I don't know. I never actually met the Dragon, so I don't know much about it. The kobolds had told it to not Harm us. I know that a lot of blue dragons tend to have henchmen and so he probably had some network. I will look to see if I can find about any females who talked with the Dragon.
Barlo: "Is there any way we can keep in touch with you?
Jeets: "I know that Ursa is working on some mirror system, but um.. (he trails off a moment in thought, but comes right back) more and more lately, I ... I'm not gonna lie, I a..
Bastion: "Let me guess, you think Ursa is the one.
Jeets: "I am having my doubts about her.
Shadow: "OH!
Bastion: "Out with it, what are you thinking?
Jeets, a long sigh... "There is just little things we've been picking up on... I don't know. I mean, when we met on that beach as I told you I had been to Outding many times over the years and I have known Ursa for a long time, and she has changed a lot. Including Lars who seems unable to think unless she's around.
Shadow: "like she's controlling him some how? or...
Jeets: "To a degree, I guess. I mean one could write it off as he is just that much in love with her, but ... It is just that she worked for him for so long and then out of the blue the whole dating, and marriage and...then they've grown the whole ... I mean granted a lot of it comes to how they've been able to exploit the Arcane Forge, but I mean
Barlo: "They're married now?
Jeets: "Yeah. For a few years now. Oh right you were all gone for a few years
Shadow: "They told us at the ... Barlo: "Must have been while we were away
Shadow: "They told us at the Ceremony.
Barlo: "Oh right, when we were gone for those three years.
Shadow, to Jeets: "Is Ursa a magic-type person? I know Lars has some arcane whatever
Jeets: "See, that's the thing. She seems as she doesn't but there are times where I am sure I caught some bits of magic from her. She seems to have some arcane ability, but doesn't want people to know.
Shadow: "So we haven't been to Outding in years, so what are we walking into?
Jeets: "Well, I .. what is it you are stopping there for?
Shadow: "Didn't they tell us to just stop by? (she says to the party)
Bastion: "Yeah. we got a Message were supposed to just stop by.
Shadow: "Yeah..
Jeets: "Oh, is that all? Then I don't know.
Shadow: "I think from Ursa
So they tell Jeets about the Message
Message from Ursa to Bastion
"We're still looking at these jars, we think may have .. at Skola Vale we discussed those orbs, and then we heard you had one that is possibly breaking."
bastion: "yes"
Ursa: "We are genuinely curious about these things, and we heard you may be passing by. If you want we can possibly take that one off your hands to see if we can keep it safe. Just an idea. Just wanted to throw it by you. Also, We're working on a new communication device so you can keep up with others, especially as we don't trust the T.W.I.T.T.E.R. service."
Bastion: "I hear it might be terrible. Okay, ..."
He tells the others, how they think they can keep it safe. The party says they trust Ursa and Lars. Bastion also learns about the situation with the Harpy.
— Session 55: The Siren's Call Report
Jeets: "Yeah, that's part of it for me. They seem to keep trying to find all these different things.
Shadow: "Is there any residual magic in that cracked orb?
Bastion: "What do you mean they keep trying to find all these different things... Like, have you collected other orbs for them?
Jeets: "They already have two. One we got from Bargle, see... that's (he seems to have a bit of mummbles and thoughts).. We got that one and then we found the one Pradam Estorich happened to have in his hat. I mean they haven't been exactly looking for those, but there have been various other artifacts that they have hired us from time to time to look for, investigate or find.
Bastion: "Can you get me a list of these artifacts?
Shadow: "Maybe they all tie in together somehow...
Jeets: "I'd have to check, I don't know off the top of my head all the items. I don't recall too much connection, but I can check my notes. oh, speaking of which.
he reaches in his bag, which does appear to be a Bag of Holding, and pulls out a Sending Stone and hands it over, then says: "so we can keep in touch and I can send you that list. I know Ursa is working on a Mirror-based communication system, but now I'm not trusting that. The reason she is pushing different governments towards that is by telling people that Morenars Neyers' T.W.I.T.T.E.R. service is to not be trusted, besides just being overpriced. She has been telling people that she believes Morenars is using it to spy on all the messages being sent, but if that's possible then why wouldn't she be doing that with hers? I am getting a bit of an "accusation is a confession" thing going on. I mean she... well she - She has had us looking quite a bit into a Wizard, I'm sure you have heard of Tharros?
Bastion/Shadow: "Yes.
Jeets: "He hasn't been seen in over 3 years and yet she's having us constantly look into reports about him, with no explanations.
Shadow: "Do you know much about the orbs?
Jeets: "I had Pradam do some research on it since the one we found in his hat supposedly looks to be the one for his home realm, and so he was looking for a way to get back to it.
Shadow pulls out the cracked Orb found with Beholder and asks: "What do you think she can get out of this one? Is it still magical? Is it something she can manipulate?
Jeets: "That, I don't know. What I would say is if you told her you were going to let her have it and now decide not to, she might get suspicious. Something to be aware of as well. I've been keeping my suspicions close to the cuff. and not until this conversation have I really put some of these pieces together.
Bastion: "How soon until you can get us that list?
Jeets: "I don't have my notes on me, but I'll have to review them. I will definetily get that to you as soon as I can. But seriously, don't let her know of your suspicions, especially since we might be wrong -- I don't even... I mean there are various things I am suspicous about, but like how this whole even here works to her benefit. Now she is going to have a whole colony of kobolds to mine under Outding.
Bastion: "So she could be the one who sent the Dragon after us, huh?
Jeets: "That's what I'm wondering, what I'm worried about. It could be just that she wanted the Dragon out of the way and figured you could take it down.
Bastion: "Or it takes us down and she gains access to another orb.
Jeets: "Another orb and down goes another group of adventurers she may worry could discover what she is up to. and that's even if we are correct. For all we know it is Lars trying to put her up as the front to keep suspicions off of him, or who knows? I am just not certain of anything right now.
Bastion looks to Remington: "Did you know this Dragon?
Remington: "No. I tend to steer away from any chromatic outside of my doppleganger of sorts at Outding doing the stand-in for that Dragon. I'll admit, when we started dealing with the kobolds I had thought we should get rid of the Blue Dragon, but the Dragon had a strong bond with the Kobolds that I didn't push for that. The Dragon side of my heritage has a fond look for kobolds who are not hurting anyone.
Bastion: "Is it possible to get a metallic Dragon to take the place and protect them?
Remington: "I'm not sure how that would Work, to be honest. I mean, it's not like all of us dragons know each other. I do tend to steer away from other dragons as I focus on my missions, which is where I am getting concerned about this matter. As it puts the Arcane Forge in the hands of the type I was trying to stop.
Bastion: "Do you think Lars is under a spell or curse?
Remington: "I've had my suspicions, as I have shared before with Jeets. And as he said, it's only in this discussion I am even starting to put some pieces together althought I am sure we are missing some large part of the puzzle. Something we are not seeing.
Shadow: "Maybe we can try to seperate them and cast something like Greater Restoration on Lars Heyton.
Bastion: "Or Dispel Magic or Remove Curse...
Shadow: "But I think we need to seperate them, obviously.
Remington: "I will say, that they have had 3 years to get their claws in them, that's the risk. They might have something strong on them.
Shadow: "Yeah.
Remington: "See, that's the thing that's odd. If there are such dwomers then they should have been spotted at your coronation as the Ceremony had all types of protections to protect from illusions and such unless she got into that... lots to think about.
Sas: "Lots.
Remington: "I think for now we should continue to be the middle for her and the kobolds. See what her plans are, if she is going to move them. See what benefit that might get for her.
Barlo: "yeah, we should get going...
Remington: "You have the Sending Stone, so you can reach us. We can talk soon.
Bastion: "Do you want to come with us?
Remington: "I Fear that may be suspicious. I don't want that kind of confrontation yet, besides who knows what safeguards she has. And what if we're wrong?
Barlo: "Besides you can just get there right away with the helmet, whereas we still have some travel ahead.
Remington: "Besides I think Jeets still has to finish some negotiations and coddling here...
Jeets: "Yeah. We're going to finish our business here, but if you do learn anything, let us know. We will need to learn more of what her plans may be.
Barlo: "Before we go, ...
he takes Jeets away: "let me speak with you a moment", and takes him away to whisperspeak
Barlo: "How well do you know the crew you're with now, and do you trust them 100%?
Jeets: "The twins have no connection to Outding. I trust them. With much of what we've done it has had nothing to do with Outding, helping others. With Remington, he is trustworthy. There are still things we haven't discussed, especially about his lineage. He's the one who was harmed from the events on Outding we first saw. The things Jacoby Drexelhand did messed up his Simulacrum so much, it put things at risk that using the Arcane Forge could wake up the Dragon That Slumbers.
Barlo: "Okay, I just wanted you to watch your back with the mistrust about Ursa.
Jeets: "That's why I had my doubts, as I have doubts about everyone I meet in my travels. I'm not going to lie, the only one I ever truly trusted was Cellymas.
Barlo: "can I see that helmet of yours?
Jeets: "Sure." and he pulls it out. The Helm of Teleportation is Metal with runes. It is not a cloth hood or the helmet of the Shadow Thieves it is also not of any resemblance to what seems to be from Lars. He asks about that. Jeets said he got it on an adventure, and it has been handy. He points to the ship and says he wants one of those.
Barlo: "If we find another, we'll let you know.
Jeets: "I'm sure we'll see more soon enough.
Barlo: "You think she wants to look at our ship?
Jeets: "If she is as bad as we are thinking, and she has the network I Fear she might -- she probably already had spies in Skola Vale when the worked on the ship. As I said, she keeps having us look for this Tharros and with the intel she has, she has to have access to some network.
Barlo returns to the group with closing salutations. He throws him a Platinum coin and thanks him for the stone. Jeets waves down his party and they return to the kobolds, as Barlo tells the party what was discussed.
Then Jeets runs back...: "Real quick, let me ask you if you know this name...
Bastion: "grognard?
Jeets: "no, we've heard of him. It was a name I heard once said in her presence and she reacted in an odd way, 'Vyerith'
Shadow: "yes.
Barlo: "Vyerith?
Shadow: "We freed her from that ... jail cell under outding.
Jeets: "you freed a 'Vyerith'?
Shadow: "Yeah. She said she was on the Triboar Trail and taken by some old man Wizard. We had freed her.
Jeets: "old man Wizard?
Shadow/Barlo: "Yeah, we assumed Jacoby.
Bastion: "What do you know of Vyerith?
Jeets: "It was something that came up in one of our investigations, when it was said there was a Weird look on her face. Since then I've been trying to figure it out. And now you tell me you freed a woman named Vyerith who was held prisoner by a Wizard...
Bastion: "Was her look concern, like relieved
Shadow: "or 'uh oh'?
Jeets: "more 'uh oh'. And if this person was held by an old man Wizard yet we keep being sent to look for an old man wizards, I have to wonder.
Barlo: "Wait, didn't we meet Vyerith again? On the road to Skola Vale? . ... no that was Volo. but there were a few other instances of hearing the name...
Jeets: "well, what we had come across was about a Vyerith who was in a little town of Philander in Eushia. They also have an Arcane Forge recently uncovered. It had been found shortly before all of us had met. My understanding was that there was a Vyerith out there working with a Wizard named like 'spider' or 'the black Spider' or something like that. There was a group of heroes up there looking into some other issues, but they found the forge helping a Dwarf up there. I guess one of their party turned out to be evil or something and tried to kill them all, then some monk had to put them down. She brought up the Vyerith but the details were sketchy as she might have been connected to some underground organization or something. We didn't have much to go on, but I remember the look Ursa gave... granted you said she was an Elf.
Shadow: "Maybe Ursa had her captured?
Jeets: "We'll have to look more into it.
Bastion: "Maybe Tharros double-crossed her.
Jeets: "possible. Tharros doesn't have the greatest reputation, as much as he has helped some he has always seemed to be in it for himself. Whenever he has done a good deed it seems it was to his benefit in the end. He's not the most evil of wizards, at all -- but as I said, no one has seen him in some years.
Shadow: "We have the Sending Stone, we'll keep in touch.
Jeets: "yeah. I'm starting to see some things a bit more clearly. It's helping make sense how they built things so quickly.
Shadow asks Sas if she can cast Scrying so they can spy on Vyerith or Ursa, she will need a long rest before she can. Barlo recalls how freaked she was about getting scratched. Also a discussion of how Viggie Storr had tried to warn the party about Lars being strange. Which they left a note with Ursa to warn Lars. They discuss talking to Viggie.
flight NEW DAY ...------------------------------------------------ Flight Shadow
Calliope
Sas Bastion Barlo ------------------------------------------------
The clouds start to come in a bit more, and the air gets a bit cooler. The mood is grumpy as the crew gets back into their Work. They left after noon, and so the next day...
(sic...)
Shadow: "hey is Viggie around?
Guard: "His tombstone is still here.
Bastion and Shadow ask about this and they find out he was put to death a few years back after a trial. They tell him they have been gone for three years. Seems the city was pulled out of the ocean by Lars. The captain works with the harbormaster. Barlo asks about Helga, who still gets business, but most big projects and items come from Lars.
no sign of lars or Ursa. Bastion suggests talking to Kyleanna Heyton as she may know some things..
The kids seem to watch the Griffon Fly off and they admire it. Barlo shouts at them "WE came in a flying fucking ship!"
kid: "oh, right, that's cool.."
Ursa: Session 59: Outding Homecoming Report
NOTE; Recap:
Other notes:
We are at the Outding Refuge layover as the party wants to learn more about Ursa and the Blue Dragon attack...
They had run into Jeets who has questions, he is working with the kobolds of the Fossilized Forest. He also brought up Vyerith's name. Also no one has seen Tharros the Wanderer in the past three years, according to his research.
And much has changed in Outding.
(sic...)
The pop-ups do not look brand-new and probably were used even before the Dragon, but not so apparent.
Captain Johnas Scott: "I talked to the harbormaster, it will be 5 sp a day to dock the ship. he did ask about you, said you were expected. They are waiting to see if Ursa was going to waive the fee, but they hadn't gotten confirmation yet. He also gave me these for you."
He hands over a stack of "passes" large pins 2" x 4", it has a map of outding on it and says "GUEST" across it. (was originally stated to be 6", but retconned at Wavecrest as the DM meant closer to 4")
Shadow: "Guests? We are residents!"
Captain: "My understanding is those are not for the village, but if you want to to the 'Crown'. I guess they call it, but it is officially called "Xorlarrin's Crown". Those passes are to get you up there, since you guys have a connection to the mayor
Shadow: "Lars?
Captain: "I believe that was the name they used. They said you need to have those passes and they need to be visible to get up there and explore.
Barlo: "Who is this Xorlarrin guy?
Captain: "I didn't get a chance to ask.
(sic...)
Jeets: "... I wanted to get you that list of items Ursa had us looking for, at least some of them.
Jeets was pretty sneaky, and it seems Remington is at the bar not standing out.
Jeets: "... There was a Dragon orb that she believed was in a forest of Eushia. That was false, a long-standing rumor and the dwarves there were annoyed it still persisted. They've been going for a while, and they had hired some adventurers some time back to look into that issue. A Dwarf and an elven girl who lived out there.
... also something called a "Docent", a Metal sphere from another realm. What we found out was it was used by a strange race of Constructs from that realm, we couldn't find it but it seems connected to another item she had us look for. A Wand Sheath, which seemed to be a prosthetic arm which was used by these intelligent Constructs to cast magic. We did learn that a Tiefling working for the Arcane Order seemed to have those -- but we couldn't find out what happened to him.
Bastion: "Are these artifacts?
Jeets: "The first one is believed to be, but the last two were not. They are somewhat common in their realm, even if I had never heard of them here.
Shadow looks around to see if any others with prosthetics are around -- she sees one who has just a hand replaced, crafted of Petrified Wood and Metal bands. She asks if it looked like that.
Jeets: "honestly, I don't know. Our investigation gave us no clue what it actually looked like outside of like a wand. She also had us look into some rumors of Dragon Slayer Swords, which are not artifacts -- but hard to find. We did find a Circlet of Blasting she asked us to find. We actually found that in an old mine, and a Cloak of Elvenkind from long ago. These were some of the items she had us looking for around 3 years ago. Found that last one in a dungeon from the deceased adventurers who had tried to explore it before us.
Jeets: "She also had us look for a Bracers of Archery which we were able to just purchase in Neyer.
Bastion laughed.
Jeets: "Honestly, I think some of those were just to research for their Crafting as those were some of the early ones. Then there was another item which sounded Weird -- the Decahedron of Doom
Barlo: "That sounds cool
Jeets: "We couldn't find that one. We thought we were getting close, in fact, when we all saw Jeets last we were under the impression he had it with him. But we didn't find that there at the keep. The last two -- (and he looks at Calliope Galanodel) -- one was called a Weave Weapon and the other one was an Astronomer's Orrery. As I said, the Decahedron should have been with Jacoby at River's Keep, but we did learn where teh Weave Weapon and Astronomer's Orrery could be found -- but we haven't told Ursa, as we believe your mother is in possesion of both those items (to calliope)
Jeets: "In fact, also her companion, Garm Pavond, has both items as they are standard for their people. We did some research into their little "order", the space cult. Once we learned of their connection to you, we didn't want to really get into it with them. We did learn of an organization where more could be had. Which is why Ursa had us let it go on those hunts as they Work with governments and with the fame of the facility she was granted access. Those are some of the main things that she had us look for. Granted some of them are for research purposes, but who knows. I know some of them, like the cloak and bracers, they are able to craft now.
Barlo: "are they mass producing these things? for profit?
Jeets: "I don't believe they have figured out "huge" production. As I understand it, there are restraints on how much they can craft from the Arcane Forge at any time. I know they have hired a lot of staff up there. I still talk to Pradam , so he tells .. more than he should sometimes.
Barlo: "oh, he's still around?
Jeets: "Yeah, he's working up there. After what happened with Bargle he was done with the adventuring life. (*as we learned in Session 37: Jacoby & Jeets at the Keep Report*)
Shadow: "She never told you why these things?
Jeets: "Honestly, it was never much of an issue. As I said before, I hadn't been this suspicious until recently. I just got the impression there was curiousity for research-sake. I never really put it all together. And we don't know if she is the "she" you heard the Dragon talk about or if she is into anything that shady. I would say, be careful until we know more.
Barlo: "Items for mass-producing... and how long have you been working for her?
Jeets: "I wouldn't say we 'work' for her, but we have taken contracts over the past three years ever since they had us go down to look for that Abandoned Mindflayer Colony, which I understand you guys did find as we took our little side 'trip'... emphasis on the word 'trip' as we were helping Pradam with his PTSD.
Barlo: "how well is she paying him, wondering what kind of cut you all are getting off of this with the trade business.
Jeets: "oh, we don't get a lot, but it's decent. I mean with that we just help out a bit with the communication. Early on it was out of Fear with the Blue Dragon, and since I knew the Kobolds I was able to help.
Bastion: "I thought the Kobolds were mining for Ursa and Lars...
Jeets: "They do mining, but in Kampos. But Ursa buys stuff from them.
Barlo: "Wait. We helped free the forge and now that Dragon issue... I want our cut.. Hey Jeets, can Calliope ask you some questions?
Jeets: "That's fine.
Barlo: "Calliope, come on over here on this side of the table. (to Jeets:) don't worry, we just want to ensure you are on the up-and-up... c'mon Calliope.
she puts her hand out: "It's so nice to see you again...
as she shakes her hand she allows the Elder's Glove of Lore effect to get a read on him.
Time stands still, she gets snippets of his life. A young Halfling, going through the streets pickpocketing. Older, he is with daggers in air and jumps on a large elephant. Moments in taverns where a blond girl haired woman is having a good time with him (Cellymas Villuhne) and later a huge muscled man (Talbron Tewn) is now with the blond girl. A sad look in Jeet's eyes.. moments of their adventures, then a moment where they find this crying kid Pradam Estorich who pulls out a little bracelet with Silver charms. Too hard to see in this vision any real details on them.
They are now fighting Bargle and he shoots off a Magic Missile which kills both Talbron and Cellymas as Jeets digs a dagger into his chest, which makes all the skin fall off Bargle making him more skeletal than flesh. The skull looks down to Jeets and says " now you're fucked" and he disappears. Jeets looks down at his blood hands, at his fallen compatriots and at Pradam.
Moments of conversations with Ursa and the missions, little bits of "I heard about this... " or "I heard a rumor here..." You see the two elven girls Acira Neridithas and Arica Neridithas telling Jeets how their whole Town was wiped out by a large band of Goblinoids and Orcs as they went through led by a Mind flayer.
Moments of discussions with Remington as they are speaking of a situation with some dragons, ... and as we see some of the recent events with the Unfortunate Mead Heroes and the Wild Cards] time begins to speed up again to normal. No time was really lost in that.
(sic...)
Calliope tries to say he has Gold he wants to share...
Jeets gets a bit uncomfortable and is in a rush. he warns them to not tell Ursa his suspiciouns and warns they should be careful fo their suspicions. He finishes his drink goes to Remington and they go around a corner where a quick flash of blue strikes.
Calliope tells them what she saw.
(sic...)
Shadow: "We heard about poor Viggie, what happened?
As Sigmund is one to enjoy gossip, he says: "oh yeah... alright, let's gossip.. he pulls up a stool: "Around the time you all left, he started to speak ill of Lars. Lars tried to shrug it off. Shortly after the rising of the Flying city they caught Viggie in Lars room with a dagger ready to assassinate him. So they had a trial and he was sentenced to death. Granted the first in a few hundred years as the last was some guy who had made a deal with the Sahuagin, that was generations ago though. There was a trial. There are now two councils, one for each town and they report to Lars. There was plenty of evidence to show he was planning to kill Lars for a while.
Shadow: "What about Ursa? Does she come down here? Does Lars?
Sigmund: "She tends to stay up in the crown, but he still comes down as he born and raised here. She is in control of the research up there
Bastion: "When did that happen? Her leading the research?
Sigmund: "Well she was the one help set it up. After Lars had a few groups go down to the waters below and learn more of the group that used to reside here he focused more on the government side of things so she focused on the research.
Shadow: "Are people generally happy with how she is handling things?
Sigmund: "yeah... I haven't really heard any complaints. If anything, I have heard of rumors of more weapons being made these days. I guess there is some war in Kampos.
Shadow: "Which side?
Sigmund: "oh, I don't know. I have never really been to Kampos, so I don't know much about it. I mean I have heard stories about how a lot of you guys live out there, but I haven't really left this island in my life.
Sas: "And I thought I was a hermit.
Sigmund: "Oh but I know everyone here and most of those even from up there.
Shadow: "Who decides who gets to live up there?
Sigmund; "Most of those up there Work on the research, granted only about half of the Crown is liveable at this point. There is still a lot of reconstruction going on. The habitable areas are for those working in the Netheril Nexus. That seems to be the deal for those employed.
Bastion: "Are people happy?
Sigmund: "I believe so. It's a lot better than when you first got here last time. No winter, the Dragon doesn't come out. There are some worries if we are growing too fast, as it might destroy some of the slow-living we had out here, but ..
Sas: "That doesn't bother you?
Sigmund: "I'm making more money, so maybe I will be able to retire. And maybe see some sightseeing. Hopefully those civil wars in Kampos will be over with.
Barlo tried to pitch him on their tavern at the keep and he said he would touch base if he goes. Then he says he has to get back to tables.
Barlo asks if a death penalty for attempted murder was normal, Sigmund said murder isn't allowed and the fact that this was against the mayor seems to be why it was so severe.
then pleasantries were exchanged. The party discussed what was said, about whether lars or Ursa is on a council. How Viggie was not that big of a guy, and this seems a bit out of what they thought his character was -- and questioning if he was framed. Conspiracies about whether Lars/Ursa had him killed for all the gossip. Discussions on seeing the Ghost at the church or if there is a way to talk to the Dead. They had heard he was buried with a tombstone at the Outding Refuge Church
(sic...)
Bastion/Shadow/Barlo: "Yeah, pretty cool. We found a Flying Ship. had some tinkerers Work on it and get it going again.
Pradam: "What are your plans in town?
Shadow: "Go see lars
Bastion: "yeah, he asked us to see him. How is working for him and Ursa?
Pradam: "Oh, uh. Good. In a lot of ways they have kind of adopted me. um, they have uh really given me a place to stay safe. Uh, you have to realize -- the realm I come from does not have what you have here. I still remember the day I got in that uh, cart -- dragons were just part of the joke for the ride.
(sic...)
Someone at door. Two guards apologize that Lars and Ursa had not come down. They bring up the passes, tell them to go to the depot at the harbor or to the Ruins for a portal to the crown.
Ursa: Session 60: Was It Ursa the Whole Time? Report
They decide to wait until evening to deal with the Ghost and the grave. It is time to see Lars & Ursa to get some answers...
Of to the Outding Refuge Docks where in the offices there is a doorway that leads up to the city, a portal room in the White Tower of the Netheril Nexus. In here is a desk and another door to another place. The guard at the desk asks if they have their pass. Then points out the door to the Xorlarrin's Crown. This is a nexus point for the upper and lower regions.
He asks about their plans, they say they want to talk to Lars. He points out the directions, to a large open space and then go up to the 3rd floor. This place is analogous to a modern facility in some ways as people seem to all be working and going into various places with a purpose. Some do look at the party with interest, but continue with their tasks and destinations. Outside they can see some eating a late breakfast or early lunch. They can see each floor has various rooms for some studies and such, as the bottom floors do have many Work purposes.
They get to the desk on the third floor and the "receptionist" asks to help. They say they are here for Lars. The "Wild Cards" and the individuals are introduced. She uses a stone to contact someone and directs them to a waiting room. IN there is a long table with snacks of various chocolates and pastries.
Ursa: "Oh, nice to see you guys made it. Nice to see you come up to see how things are going." She asks if they want a tour. Bastion asks about Lars, she says we can go see them. She then calls him on a Rock to meet them ahead.
She talks about how the Xorlarrin's Crown is sitll under mass construction as it is still not completely habitable after being brought up from the ocean floor. They get to the fourth floor and see a cafeteria area. tables everywhere and people are eating.
Barlo asks how many live up here, she responds "a few thousand, actually". Most who live in here are planning to Work on the research.
They ask about the research.
Ursa: "Mostly stuff with the Arcane Forge, but also solutions for large problems we foresee coming up as time goes along. Making sure we're ready for them, has been our key goal. Most of the big research is done in the other two towers. Your passes won't get you access and we probably won't be going there today..., but you are free to tour this island and the Crown of course. Lots going on down there.
Barlo asks about the communication stones, and range. She says that much of the magic here only works here as they are connected to the large Mythallar which also powers the levitation. The range of such devices do not extend far pass Outding.
Shadow asks if they are Researching how to extend that range. Ursa says no, as it seems even the Netheril people were unable to find a solution to that. So it has been a low priority, as it would waste a lot of resources.
They go past the research, and then she shows how the upper floors are dormitories, and finally they get to the top and see how the top is a 5-sided pyramid. This is a large room at the top of the obelik -shaped tower. They can see the city to the East where construction is taking place. Near the center they see the small castle -- and she points it out.
Lars appears and says he should have met them on the fifth, but fell behind.
They think of how they saw each other at the Ceremony, Lars brings up how he had been spending a lot of time with Professor Umbercresct who is very knowledgeable about he Netheril people and the technology that the Nexus is Researching is heavily based on their Work. In fact they were the ones who designed and created such enclaves as the one which once flew here, and that was recently had a chunk of it brought back to the skies. They all fell from the skies long ago, but this chunk was a large and reliable piece with a Mythallar they could revive with the help of the Arcane Forge. They were able to use it to also power the 12 guard towers and their limited visibility dweomers. They have had to create security out of concerns with the research.
He brings up how the buildings have a limited Calm Emotions effect on those who enter the buildings, granted this would affect Calliope less than others.
He also says they have been analyzing possible security risks and individuals.
Bastion asks about him as he is the brain trust, but he points out that he is actually more about the government and Ursa is more of the research person.
Bastion: "How did that happen? How did you go from assistant to directing research? That sounds like a good story, in itself."
Ursa: "Well, I mean , well when you guys came here, when the whole thing happened with the forge and we were able to start Researching it, you know, using what we've found, Jacoby was already Researching from it. It was just fascinated me. So as we kind of started playing with it, Lars was a little more busier with trying to get the Thorp handled because of how Viggie kind of left the affairs.
Bastion: "So yeah, and then we heard what happened to Viggie. Like, I would love to know more about that story.
Well. and she looks at Lars and he kind of just looks at her and: "well, I mean, we woke up and he was in our room and he had a knife in his hand and, we yelled out and our guards came in and he was able to get out of the room and the the guards were able to find him in his room later on. And he was arrested. He had types of plans on how to, to murder me and my husband. And, so you know, we had a trial and I took care of that.
Barlo: Did not seem like that kind of a person.
Bastion: Yeah, exactly.
Shadow: Was he lucid?
Ursa: for the most part, it seems that for a long time, Viggie has been a a follower of Jergal, which is, He's not an evil anymore kind of God of death. But the fact that he kind of did kind of focus his worship more on that kind of macabre kind of a god, I think is kind of what let him down. He, it seemed that he had a lot of crazy writings and that supposedly, I guess he was having visions, and that might be what kind of led him to it. But, we definitely saw that he was a serious threat to our future.
Bastion: That's just insane.
Ursa: And it was scary.
And again, I forgot we've been gone for. Yeah, Yeah. So while she's. While she's doing this and explaining anything, I'm, I'm trying to just trying to hint out anything that we could to see if she's lying or anything like that.
yeah, you go ahead and give me an insight,
Bastion: Insight (22)
Ursa: "I really don't like to think about it. I mean, there was a lot that Viggie could have done for us, and there was things that he did do for us back in those days.And in the end, I don't know what really drove him completely that way. I can just go off of what we've heard about him.
Bastion: Does he have family?
Ursa: he did not have any family. It seems. he had a family way back when, before he came to the island. But, my understanding was that they had died in some plague or some disease over and over in Dyrt, And, he came here to kind of get away from that. And, I mean, when he when he first came to the island, he definitely contributed a lot. And that's why people felt that he was honest and trustworthy enough to kind of be the mayor. But then again, to be honest, before the whole situation, the winter never really took much to be mayor here. In fact, I mean, that's was one of the reasons why Lars had kind of stepped away from it when he was offered the position, since that's kind of how the the bylaws of the establishment works here is that with his family background, he was supposed to be in charge, but he just felt that there really wasn't much to it. And then, of course, when the Dragon kind of came out and had that whole situation,
he and she kind of looks at him and kind of nods at her and he wasn't ready to Lead at that moment.
Bastion & Shadow: What does that mean?
He later steps up and, Lars: " well, it's I'm not going to lie. At the time, I just didn't feel that I was, ready to kind of Lead in that situation cause I had no idea how to handle it, to be honest, until you guys came out and found me. And I had found the, the, the forge. I wasn't sure what to do, but I honestly, you guys coming here and then I was finding that forge. I think that kind of gave me everything I needed to kind of feel a little more confident. And that's why we were able to go up into Widow's Peak and take care of the Dragon situation. Thank you again.
Lars: "you know, So, I mean, if you guys want I mean, there's. I could probably take some time off or take you guys through the city if there's one or ...
Party: "Yeah, okay, that's great. Yeah, you're up.
Barlo: "You got the time.
Lars: "Yeah, no worries. And so, so let's go ahead and I guess we'll go back down.
He leads you back down the stairwells and down to the first floor. As you get down to the first floor,
Lars: "there's a few different ways of getting over there. There's a on the courtyard. There's a couple portals that will take you back over there. There's also a hallway down here that will take you. We'll go up front, though, out to the courtyard
and leads them out through the courtyard where there's various tables and areas where people are having snacks, especially now we're getting close to around lunchtime.
So we've seen a few more people actually kind of enjoying a meal with kind of the ocean breeze that kind of hits on this high up. you see various types of creatures as well. you do see like, well, I mean you would see probably at least one, Griffin Like you had seen before, that's with the guards, the various types of birds with like very crazy kind of plum edge plumage and feathers. He takes you onto where there's, like, a large water fixture fountain kind of thing amorphic, though, you're seeing, like, various hidden sigils of magics that and like, runes that are all throughout it and certain points kind of kind of glow just very briefly and then go to another one.
when he takes you to the fountains, like just go ahead and put your hand on the fountain right here. And as he touches the fountain, you see him kind of disappear.
And one by one they touch the fountain which transports them to a park and a similar fountain on the Crown (SE park) Ursa was the last one.
Lars: "as long as you have your pass, if you touch the fountain, it'll take you back to the other fountain.
Bastion/Barlo: "Cool. How did you get there if we don't have a pass?
Lars: "Well, if you don't have a pass, then you won't be able to really get around anywhere. In fact. you wouldn't be able to get into the White Tower that is one the securities we have that as long as you have the pass, when you go through the the White Tower, you're fine if you don't have the pass. So on you, we will find a frozen you that's also it allows for the transports. So when you guys were at the docks, otherwise if you didn't have the pass you wouldn't have been able to go through that doorway. That's pretty much all it is. It's, it's just what allows it. So that way if you come over here you're able to walk freely and, and to get around.
Barlo: Real impressive, this place
Lars: "Well, we're working on it.
They begin to walk towards the castle, and see construction everywhere. And Castle is generous as it is more of an estate. Lars speaks of the markets to the East being open, and the NE homes are built. They are still working on the NE and South homes.
Barlo asks if this is to be like a university, and she says it is now pretty much that. It has gotten a bit of ire from the Universities of Towekind.
Lars: "we've had a little bit of issue and there's been a little bit of rivalry if you will, but we're far enough away from all those different universities that I think they understand that it's okay to have a university somewhere else and and not have to get so territorial about it.
Shadow: What is the critera to move up here?
Lars: " Just that you have to be a researcher for us. Yeah, I mean, just being able to of dedicate your time and energies towards what we're building, and Researching, that's pretty much it. I mean there's, there's people here that are Living, doing other things obviously, too. I mean we, we have to have maintenance staff and you know, people taking care of the other ways of getting food obviously with fish and stuff like that, since agriculture is definitely the one thing we haven't figured totally figured out how to solve up here yet. But we're still working on a couple ideas.
Bastion: "Lars, what happens when you just like, put like random items in the forge?
Lars explains that the forge is a conduit and you have to have a purpose and a plan in the Creation, it doesn't just make something magical by being put in it. Have a goal, and push it towards that.
He asks how much or how long to make a +1 Armor with the pockets he was looking for before. Lars said for a thing like that maybe a day or two, as sometimes they channel the energies into gems and those are used to make such simpler items.
Bastion asked about more "uncommon" and "rare" magic items, in costs and time. Costs vary but the forge does seem to make it a bit cheaper and quicker than normal methods. Lars said some uncommon for a couple hundred Gold pieces of materials in a few weeks. The rares would be closer to around 5 months. Very Rare is still a few years, and we haven't done much since it has only been a few years since we got it operational.
Barlo: "you're telling me you can make these magical weapons and Armor fairly quickly within a day of each other. That going to be incredible lucrative, or is that how this is all being paid for? (to Ursa)
Lars: Well, I mean, to be paid for. Well, I mean, to be honest, most of it's doesn't really even cost since it's just our stuff. I mean, for the island, we didn't have to really pay for an island with the the construction costs, though, I mean, obviously getting some of these things built. But most of the people that are working to help build are doing it because they want to live here.
Barlo: So, whoa, you're not paying These people
Lars: "They're getting paid, but most want to Work on these projects so we don't have to pay them a lot because most of them want to live here. And so it's not like with the import. I guess what I'm saying is we don't the import of that labor. These are people that are moving here. So It's not as expensive. I mean, if anything, the Work gets expensive actually on that is dealing with some of the Wood since the as you can see, we don't really have too much Wood here. There's a little bit that grows on the island, but if we were to cut that down, we would it would go really quickly. So we sort of import a lot of the Wood.
Barlo wondered if he meant the Petrified Wood, like in the weapons. No, he meant like building timber for the construction.
Ursa: "We get the Petrified Wood, as we heard you are aware, from a Kobold community to the West.
Shadow: "Oh, you heard about that, hum?
Ursa: "There is very little that happens around here that I don't hear about.
Bastion: "Okay, so since we're on that topic, would you know who the Dragon could possibly be talking about when it comes down to it, saying, she told me you would be here?
The party all now focus on her. she laughs then looks to lars, and says: "Honey, how about you go back and I'll meet you for dinner.
Lars: "Okay, guys, we'll see you guys later.
Ursa: "I'm pretty sure I know exactly who the Dragon met. I really Wish the Dragon wouldn't have said anything, but Yes, I know who it was. It was me. The truth is, is that I knew you would be able to take care of the Dragon. I needed the Dragon out of my hair. And so I kind of pushed it towards you.
Barlo: "huh..
Ursa: "the truth is that you guys have fumbled your way through various things as you got in your travels. And as much as you guys have been very helpful to people like us, there's other things, times that you guys have kind of broken things. So I figured if you guys could take care of that.
Barlo: "We've been told that before
Shadow: "that we're a bunch of fumble fucks
Ursa: "I guess you can say that
Bastion: "There is a reason we're called the Wild Cards.
Ursa: "But I knew you guys be okay, so I wasn't worried. Should I have told you that I wanted you to take out the Dragon? Maybe? No. But I really do hope you understand.
Barlo: "There's a little bit more bared for it, but, yeah, we got through it Okay
Shadow: "Does Lars not know about it?
Ursa: "Lars doesn't know a lot of the things I have been trying to Work on.
Barlo: "And you're keeping this from him, why?
Ursa: "To protect him.
Bastion: "To protect him from what?
Barlo: "who?
Ursa: "I find the less that he's aware of what's going on, what could happen in the future, the less likely he will get afraid like he did last time.
Bastion: "What do you mean by that?
Ursa: "I mean the last time when he ran and hid from a Dragon. And that's everything that I've been working towards how to deal with a Dragon.
Bastion: "Which Dragon?
Ursa: The one that's inside of the Earth. A planet sized Dragon that has woken up a few times in the past and everything that's been building has been to deal with that.
Bastion: "What do you mean by deal with it?
Ursa: "I mean to deal with it before it destroys the planet. I don't know what's plan is going to Work the best. So I've kind of put my research into various things that are to help to handle that situation.
Sas: "Are you saying that this Dragon awoken again?
Ursa: "I don't think it ever really went back to Sleep
Bastion: "And once again, how did you get into all of this?
She kind of has a Weird smile.
Barlo: "you better not say Jacoby
Ursa: "Jacoby. I've manipulated many times. I just. I have. I'm still having the time to figure out how much I can trust with you guys.
Shadow: "US? are the ones that took care of your Dragon problem.
Ursa: "Well, to be fair, that wasn't my problem until it was. the truth is, is that I came across some research about the, What they call the Dragon Prophecies. It seems that there was a Wizard named Tharros, and he had been studying them. And that's where I realize that there was a problem. And so from that point, and once I realized that Lars can use the forge to craft things that might be able to be instrumental in fighting with that Dragon, that's been my focus since then.
my Ring of Truth Telling
Bastion did one too 17
Shadow thinks to the last time they had seen Tharros. Session 33: Spider Forest of the Feywild Report he gave them a Gem after the incident in Session 31: Stop Hitting Yourself Report.
Bastion: "You need to tell Lars
Ursa: "I need to tell Lars what, exactly?
Shadow: "What you told us.
BAstion: "You need to tell him exactly what's going on and trust he has changed enough to help you.
Ursa: "I think I know him well enough to know when he'll be ready, and I don't think he's ready yet. If he was to shift the focus away from what needs to get done here, I can see him retreating back inside of his mind. Like how I found him three years ago.
Shadow: You're not giving him the opportunity to even try Taken away his choice.
Ursa: "I guess that is one way of looking at it. But sometimes, yeah, in the end I'm not too concerned about one choice or another choice. If in the end it's what it's going to stop the destruction of everything.
Bastion: Have you looked into the future before?
Ursa: it's not so much looking into the future as realizing what is, what is ordained, if you will, and how to stop that. Has it been to.
Barlo: He's been stopped before?
Ursa: No, he's been halted. the last Great Sacrifice is what stopped him
Barlo: so his slumber slumber under the earth is is voluntary on his part or he was put there.
Ursa: So my understanding of how the legends go is that the universe is pretty much created with a Dragon who was mortally wounded and that became our son. He created his children, which would be the planet we live on. And our three moons, each one of them contain a very large Dragon inside the Dragon, inside of of the earth, if you will, is supposed to wake up when his father is ready to go back and I guess go kill the gods that was trying to kill them. Begin with. And it seems that at some point that the Dragon in the earth thought it was time to wake up and it wasn't.
It was just too much outside influence, I guess, in our realms that was that was bothering it. So now that it's back asleep, or at least not moving as much, everybody's kind of calmed down and thinks everything's all said and done. And I'm one of the few outside of like, various groups such as the Group of Dragons that Remington was once a part of, or I think they're still a part, but I don't think he's talked to them in a while. But their whole goal was to help stop him their own way.
BAstion: So she knows that Remington is a Dragon.
Ursa: I'm fully aware of a lot of things. And yeah, that's why I connected him with Jeets who was looking for other notes and other things that Jacoby had to figure out more on how he disrupted things on the island.
Barlo: Okay, let me get this. So do you think there's a factions out there that are actively trying to Awaken the Dragon to get him come out now, earlier, than expected.
Ursa: I know for a fact there, such as the cult of Tharizdun going around.
Barlo: Okay, so you know about Tharizdun too, okay..
Ursa: "Yes, there is a Satyr you've come across, he's on my list. If I could find him again.
Bastion: "So you must be attached to some group, Correct?
Ursa: "I wouldn't say that I'm attached to groups. I would say that I know how to utilize them for my own means.
Bastion: "What does that mean?
Ursa: it means that there are many factions where people have their selfish little desires. And I figure what selfish desire they want. And then I figure out how they can help with the great plan to save the world.
Bastion: "So you're doing this by yourself?
Ursa: "Yeah, to a degree. I mean, I have I don't exactly have confidants that I tell all my secrets and my plans to know or discuss my plans. In fact, this is probably the very first time I have. But it's only because I trust you guys.
Shadw: "What do you want us to do about all this information?
Ursa: As of right now, I want you guys to keep doing what you are doing. You guys are finding your own ways of good, doing good deeds. And granted, there's one of these days you guys can clean up some of the messes you have made, ...
Shadow: "HEY!
Ursa: "but they're not as important yet. Hey, I'm not the one who put a whole Blight situation in the middle of Kampos.
Shadow: I don't know what you're talking about.
BAstion: I don't know what you're talking about either.
Calliope: "Why are you getting so defensive?
Ursa: "I'm not being defensive. I'm just saying, when you guys go off and you help a little Hag and you put a little seed in the ground, ...
Shadow: She was very nice Hag, so Thank you.
Ursa: Well, that's why there's a Blight situation in the middle of campus. Do you know what blights are? They are like Living weeds. And that's what you guys had planted there. And it's been growing. Now, I'll admit maybe something should be done. But I'm also kind of hoping that maybe that could be used to help stop the civil war that's going on out there. But we did them a favor. And I mean, I'm hoping that it could become a common goal, that they can help eradicate. And that's the only reason why I haven't geared you guys towards there. Not to mention, I know that you guys keep getting pushed and prodded by a certain goddess of the desert. And I think that that might be a little bit more important. I also think that the little globe you have with you that might blow up at any given moment is also a concern.
Shadow is concerned: How do you know about the desert? We haven't told anybody about that.
Ursa: As I said, I have various tools that allows me to know what's going on.
Shadow: Well, we are not those tools
Ursa: ...in a way, though. You kind of are.
Shadow... I don't like this. she steps back a bit
Bastion: How do we know we can trust you?
Ursa: For the same reason why I know I can trust you with everything I've just said. The fact is that none of us are doing anything bad. Nothing I've done is really that bad. And it's all for the greater good.
Bastion: Well, I'm going to I'm going to flat out ask you, does Lars have a spell put on him?
Ursa: Do you mean have I tried to charm him in any way?
Bastion: Yes,
Ursa: I would say not currently, no.
Bastion: What do you mean by that?
Ursa: I will admit in the early days, because he was... he couldn't stop but see me as his young assistant, that it did take a little prodding to get him to understand that I wasn't seeking his affection in any nefarious means, but nothing more than any other charm that any young lover hasn't pulled on another.
Bastion: So the next time I see Lars, you would be okay with me casting Dispel Magic on him.
Ursa: I have no issue with that.
Bastion: Or Remove Curse
Ursa: if there's a curse on him, it's not from me.
Bastion goes to Calliope and pats her a bit on her back, a bit too much... she realizes he wants her to touch Ursa.
Ursa: "I know the what you guys want to try and learn about my past. And I can tell you that probably wouldn't be the best idea.
Bastion: For what reason?
Ursa: as you can see, is I able to control a lot of different things. And it's currently we're all still very much allies in this area. And I really don't want to change that. I like you guys. I know that it offends you if I call you a tool and I will not call you that. To be fair, it was your words, not mine, but what I can.
Bastion: It actually has nothing to do with that. It has everything to do with us trusting you. We cannot trust you if we do not know who you are.
Ursa: You know enough about me to know what you need to know. I don't know every little secret of yours either. I know enough.
Sas: "But you seem to
Ursa: "But that's only because. That's because I have a whole community that I'm in charge of.
Bastion: "So you aren't working alone?
Ursa: "Well, we have an island here. The people that are on this island are our concern. So of course I need to know the dangers that would Harm my people. It's no different, really, than any other king or queen would do for their people that actually care for their peoples.
Shadow: "Our journeys have nothing to do with your island.
Bastion: "What do you mean by you peoples?
Ursa: "your journey as you come in and go into various countries and help or hinder has a lot to do with us as now that we have entered the world stage for them. That's the thing you have to understand is that this island nation was a very quiet one, but with things that have been shifting, we're a little bit more involved these days and that puts a little bit of a target on our people, which is why I'm always going to be a little overprotective.
Shadow: "Wait a minute. Didn't you guys ask for our help in the first place?
Ursa: "Yeah, that's my point. That's when this was a very weak island nation.
Bastion: "I feel like there are two things going on here. One is your want to protect these people, which is admirable, and I can understand that. And two is to prevent the Dragon from waking. But you were talking about them in totally different ways. How do you figure? So is your is your want to protect these people or is your want to stay in power?
Ursa: "Well, my power is not that much, to be honest. I mean and I don't I haven't really cared about that. The power that I have is actually more behind the scenes and that has used nothing. I've used for nothing but to deal with the Dragon Prophecies for the last three years, the power that I have, I've been using for that, and once again to protect those who I'd seen. I'm in charge of the people on my on our islands needs to be protected. And they look to me and my husband to protect them.
Shadow: "Even though your husband doesn't know what's going on,
Ursa: "he doesn't know everything that's going on, but he knows enough that it keeps him working. If he was to know everything else I do, based on what I know about him, it will paralyze them with fright and he won't get anything done. Though I don't think that's your choice to make. Everybody makes those kind of choices for somebody.
Shadow: "Child, perhaps.
Bastion: "Well, I think what Shadow is getting at is because of your original manipulation and you don't really get to decide that choice for him.
Ursa: "I think I do. And to be fair.
Bastion: "No, no. You think you can do you think you do? Is something totally different?
Ursa: "I guess the thing is you will have a better understanding of this as it seems that you guys are now in charge of some people. You guys are building up a little community. And when you are you going to tell everybody in your little community, every little thing and make sure everybody has a say in every little thing? Or are there going to be times that you're going to do what you think is right?
Bastion: "I think it's a little different when your community that you're talking about is the mayor.
Ursa: "Well, the mayor is my husband,
Bastion: "correct, That's what I'm getting at.
Ursa: "And we are as open and honest as the next couple.
Bastion/Shadow: "But you're not
Ursa: "And I think that's all a matter of opinion and subjectiveness. And in the end, I mean, I don't it's not like I'm going to call your guys's spouses or mommies and daddies and tell them everything you haven't told them.
Calliope: "Our spouses are not in levels of authority
Shadow: "and we haven't hidden anything from the people that are in our care. .. do we have people in our care?
Ursa: "Well, I mean, you have your little owl Bear. I mean, you haven't always been honest yourself. I'm sure that there have been things you have stolen and you haven't told them that you stole from them.
Shadow: "So me not telling my owl Bear what's going on is the same as you not telling your husband.
Ursa: "No, I'm talking about the people that you've stolen things from. I'm sure you haven't told them all.
Shadow: "Not the same thing.
Ursa: "so it's okay for you to be dishonest, but for me, because I'm married to, somebody. I have to be honest, I didn't say it's okay for me one way or another. I said it's not the same thing. I'm just saying sometimes we all just need to take care of our own business.
Barlo: "I think I can understand that now about this business for to go along with what you've said and keep playing along and not tell Lars with what's going on? What can you help us out with? Seem to have this magical forge that can produce things fairly easily and very rapidly.
Shadow whispers.. "shaking her down...
Barlo: "Gotta make a deal somewow, right?
Ursa: "Since we're discussing morality and ethics, ... I have no problem making deals with you for gear, but in the end -- you have to realize if you tell what the big plan is right now, you are going to hurt him. You might not want to believe me because you think, for some reason, that I'm the big bad end guy, when the truth is that I'm actually just the one trying to help you.
Shadow: "We didn't say you were the big, bad end guy. We just said, we don't think that you should be hiding things from your mate.
Bastion rolls insight on the big bad end guy bit.
Shadow: "So what do you want from us?
Ursa: "As I said, I want you to keep doing what you're doing. And hopefully when we can figure out how to solve the problem with the Dragon, well, maybe you guys will be one of the groups that are up the front helping handle the situation
Shadow: "as your cannon fodder.
Ursa: "Well, I mean, that's what the adventurers and soldiers do
Barlo: "Yeah, well let's not be left out of the equation ... the next time you want to send a Dragon our way, just let us know.
Ursa: "... and to be fair, I also think that you should finish the the little questing for the little sand goddess, because I think that might be helpful. And and I wasn't lying before, I do think that I can help handle the situation with that orb before it blows up on you.
Shadow seems to really dislike her arrogance.
Barlo: "well, what's our mission right now as the head that way to take care of that business so ...
Shadow: "but we're not doing it because you told us to that we're doing it because we want to do it.
Ursa: "So now. So now that the cards are on the table, as I said, I would like to help you with that orb
<then looks over at Bastion> e are still working on those bottles. And so if you would still like to be interested in that research, I can help you with those as well. But as I said, I think the orb is the one thing that needs to be handled before the thing blows up.
Shadow: "Why are you so sure it's going to blow up?
Ursa: "as well, .. as I understand It is coming apart and the far realms are already starting to tear it apart.
Barlo: Do you have any knowledge or suspicions of anybody else or anybody close to you that might have an issue with what you're doing?
Ursa: "I'm not sure how to answer that question.
Barlo: "..Some of the tension that may what just I was coming out like, was Viggie in the way?
Ursa: "Oh, Viggie was trying to kill us.
Shadow: "Was he really, though?
Ursa: "that was a fact.
Shadow: "Was he being Charmed into doing it?
Ursa: "No. He had plans and everything. If anything, it seemed that he wanted to kill me more than my husband. But he was out to kill us.
Bastion/Barlo: "Why is that? Yeah.
Ursa: "As I said before, I wasn't lying. I really don't know the whole story about why he started getting into that.
Shadow: "I thought you knew everything around here that happens.
Ursa: "I can only pick up on so many things. As I said before, though, it seems he was under the the assumption... he was under the belief that he had been speaking to Jergal, the god of death. As far as I can tell, I don't know if it was true or not, but it seemed that that's kind of what set him on his way. And you were going to say?
Bastion: "two questions.
One, would you know anybody else who follows this God that is here?
And two did you send that kid to spy on us earlier?
Ursa: "as far as Jergal most, ... a lot of scribes and most people that Work with cemeteries and stuff like that tend to worship Jergal, he is not as nefarious of a God as he used to be. Once he kind of handed over the reins of the more evil parts of his portfolio and what kid?
Bastion: "That kid from another plane, what's his name there? The Wizard with the glasses.
Ursa: "Oh, Pradam, you mean when Pradam came to the tavern and talke to you all? That wasn't Pradam, that was me.
Calliope: What?
Ursa: "I'll admit that was me spying on you guys a little bit.
Shadow: "And you wonder why we have trust issues. You are proving our point.
Ursa: "If you look at any kingdom, their rulers send spies into anybody. they spy on their own people. Nothing I've done is that untoward compared to what any other royal does to their subjects.
Shadow: "Doesn't make it right.
Ursa: "If we could all just live in, you know, rainbows and unicorns...
Barlo: "To be fair, in all honesty, we had plans of spying as well
Ursa: "that I am aware of. And that's why I was so glad you guys came up and was a very open and honest and that's why I've been willing to be honest with you guys even telling you that that was me last night. This honesty is
Bastion: "one more question?
Ursa: "Of course.
Bastion: "Are you a God?
Ursa: "I am. No God, no.
Bastion: "Hello. Everyone knows that the answer is yes. When somebody asks whether you're a God, ...
Ursa: "No, I am merely a young woman who is trying to handle the situation that I have learned about, that I think that I am empowered to handle. That's the best way of putting it.
Shadow: "Yeah, but are you giving anybody else the opportunity to try?
Ursa: "The truth is. Is that.
Shadow: "Yeah, here we go.
Ursa: "There are others, obviously, that are trying to manipulate the situation as you guys have already learned, there's people like Tharros <serious disdain> who wants to use the Dragon, and then Jacoby Drexelhand was trying to find a way to control it to make everyone bow down to him. That's not my goal. My goal is to to eliminate the threat. so yeah, there's evil people trying to do evil things with it. Have all my methods been the most moral of methods? Probably not, But I really can't help but say that I feel like in these last three years I've been making a much better choices than I used to make...
Bastion: "So it's obvious you don't want us to start learning about your past. If you have changed, like you said, you have, don't you think that we deserve to know who exactly we are dealing with and helping?
Ursa: "You know about my past... As much as you need to. I don't see...
Bastion: "Not what I said.
Ursa: "I understand that. But I don't think there's anything else in my past that really is important right now.
Calliope: "Says who?
Shadow: "Well, I don't think you can honestly make that claim.
Ursa: "I think I can. I mean it up to this point, I think we've been fairly amicable.
Barlo: "Past is the past. We don't need to go digging through our pasts. So I... I agree with you on that.
Ursa: "and that is why Barlo's one of my favorite out of you guys. You guys don't look into Barlo's past. You guys haven't seen some of the things that he's but he's done to other people and yet you guys accept him just fine.
Calliope: "I'm sure if we ask them he would tell us what happened. He's not lying about it
Shadow: "...or manipulating.
Ursa: "I'm sure that if Barlo became a ruler of a large area, I don't think he'd tell everybody all of his past either.
Bastion: "But you're not the ruler ...
Shadow: "You can't make the decisions for other people.
Ursa: "I mean, in this case...
some crosstalk...
Ursa: "So if you guys would like to come back and have dinner, that's fine. I am going to get back to Work. I think we've had a lot of discussions. Like I said, I would still like to take care of that glowing orb before it blows up in pocket. But if you want to hold on to it, I guess that's on you.
Shadow: "Okay, Bye.
Ursa: " So when you are ready to figure out what you want to do with you, like you let know. And when you want to know more what's going on with the JAR Project, I will let you know because you did bring that to us. And I really do hope that you guys see that I've opened up with a lot more of trust and you are giving me credit for. But you guys are totally welcome to have meals. I've gone ahead and made sure that your ship in the harbor has doesn't have to pay for the harbor costs. Otherwise I will hopefully see you soon. It's around lunch time. The party discussed somethings amongst themselves, namely how Shadow doesn't recall telling anyone outside of the crew about the Bast mission. How she wants to stop the dragons from waking up. The party, especially Shadow, doesn't like her or her manipulations and especially how she knows about the Bast thing... Barlo remembers he meant to ask about the Ghost... he said he will ask at dinner... I don't think he did. Barlo even questions how much she has changed... Bastion suggests it might not be the same "Ursa"... He thinks it might be Jacoby maybe manipulating her, while Barlo questions if someone replaced her. They think about the 8-ball or other options to find out,... then Viggie grave discussions. Bastion says since she is willing to let him cast dispel on Lars then he thinks they might be able to trust her... Shadow then worries if they are being spied upon.
Bastion uses the Sending Stone to speak to Jeets:
" Ursa not what she seems trying to stop the Dragon. The big Dragon Still don't trust her, but somehow seems she's telling the truth."
from Jeets: " I wasn't prepared for For you to tell her. It seems if you are contacting me, it couldn't have been that bad. We'll talk soon."
there was some fudging... trying to sneak in that she knows about Remington being a Dragon, cheat response was "she knows about Dragon."
Bastion thinks about how he wants to fill the ship with cargo... It carries 20 tons if flying. Generally this is a port discussion as ships state their leave and destination. I had them do a Charisma check (with a Skill Empowerment from Bastion) 21
They also went to see if Helga needed anything. Bastion thinks about how they can use transportation to help her more, and they remember how Helga spent every day for a year to set up the Teleportation Circle in their basement. Some discussions on this and even a bit of singing the Gummy Bear theme song... Bastion is discussing plans to build a global shipping empire at least in an effort to gain allies.
Helga does say she needs "Basilisk Scales" if they come across any. She is also always in the market for magic items. She will always be willing to see what they find... Helga is more like an antique dealer, more curious items so the Nexus hasn't really interfered. They do ask her about it...
She talked about how the growth was very fast, so not everyone likes that. They ask if she sees Lars and Ursa, but she says how she is a homebody (and not much of a gossip). Many thought he took advantage of her, but most seemed to accept the relationship. Bastion pulls out the swords and other gear he wants to sell...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEED INVENTORY SOLD
NTO:
stopped 1:27
Silver plated long swords with Jet inlay. Sounds Familiar. Were we going to sell those or not? I suppose. But not to need it. We don't have much useful. Yeah, I pull it out and I say, What would you give us for these? I also pull out the Gem encrusted chalice and the ornate Gold ring. Okay. And the ring with the way it was Living out where you got the bottles over Cork and em bust With what? With Gold. All right, so. she just said. Just say, just say, just say 3000 Gold for everything and leave it at that.
But when I say that, I don't know, cause you're we'd probably be losing money. I got to figure out where you got those from in the back of holding. Yeah. like where we picked them up? Yeah. Not the bottom of the list. So it couldn't have been too long ago. You know, the things I was planning for you guys still have it done.
Well, it's daytime. We can't do that right now. I just, like. I just think it's funny that, Goodness, why am I not finding that stuff anywhere? Is it the stuff that we found in here? Put in chat what it is that you're selling? I can't. You can't type. here it is. The way that this thing was doing, stuff was not fantastic. And we have a ton of gems. We have this vial of perfume. it's. I found that from April 15th. Wow. Bugbear Rat lock helps us.
Was that when we were in the basement? What was the holder? What was the holder? The guy at the pool? Yeah. Three art objects, a bottle stopper, cork embossed something, two Silver plated Steel, long sorts. Wow. Yes. Potion of Supreme Healing, where we got the crackling orb. That's right. we have two of these that we didn't sell and two Silver plated Steel long sort of.
The Jet said, Wow, what? Wow.
Wait, the art pieces. I have three art objects, 750 Gold pieces each that says there's only two in here. And we Havasu took one of them. no. This is just the Bag of Holding the handy. Every sack is something different. Yeah, it's in the art. In the sack. yeah and then three 750 shows to us, we say.
So you should have taken that three grand. yeah. She might want that Purple Worm, stomach acid. No, let's not get rid of the Arcane Order ring. is that what it is? Yeah. Yeah, we keep that. I keep that in though. I need that Gem across the channels for that one. Aerospace. Isn't that one eighth level spell or something.
Was that. I don't know. Does it do that. It has to be worth a thousand Gold in a way. What Heroes feast. You have to have a chalice worth a thousand Gold, a Gem encrusted bowl worth at least a thousand Gold pieces. It's a sixth level spell. Cleric and Druid. How many Purple Worm stomach acid vials do you have to hunt? What's the highest level that SAS has in spells? Five, five? Yeah. So you keeping the AoE signet ring? And then are you guys keeping the Gem encrusted Silver chalice? Is it worth 1000 Gold as. Let's see, I will go ahead and let her appraise it if I can find out. Where does he have. It's worth a thousand Gold.
You may as well keep it for when you can get a hero's feast. Unfortunately, it's only worth 800. Really? Yeah. Add a couple little gems we got in our back to it. Just. man. Cool, man. man. I So with everything including the chalice, but not counting the ring, she's willing to give you 1600 for it. For everything.
Yeah, Including the three art pieces. Yeah. That's 150. No, no, it's worth hundred and 50 Gold pieces each. I have. I have two art pieces that are worth 50 Gold each, and then they're handy. However, Shaq has three art pieces that are worth looking at. What's on list? Yeah. by the way, there's no numbers on any of that, by the way.
So, yeah, to make you famous numbers for some of it, you didn't. Maybe that was. No, I meant like the quantity. You're saying there's more than one art pieces and 50 Gold pieces each, but the only doesn't say one two or so. That's why I thought. No, no, no. There's, there's. Yeah, yeah. But the 1600 for all of that.
So you said yes. And then can we just add the what is it, 1522 50 for the other three pieces. Yeah. That's one. Okay. So calculator what did you say. 1600. Plus 22. 50 is 38. 150. 3850. Okay. I will let her pay you in Platinum on this, but she won't be willing to do any more conversions. But at least with what she pays you, she could pay you Platinum. If that's 385 Platinum, then yeah, well, it. ######there should be a bank in the main tower.... ##### --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A quick table conversation on how docks and cargo shipments Work... The party assumes dinner was to be at the castle, so they return to the white tower and then the park, then walk north. A door man takes their coats, takes them to a long table then Lars and Ursa come in from seperate doors. Ursa comments that they did come. Shadow is being as insightful as possible on Lars. 57 and 3... not right, need to fix. 26 and 57.
We didn't really roleplay it much, there was nothing suspicious on Lars. Ursa seems to be looking at Shadow more than others, and she doesn't try to make them uncomfortable. She also warns them to not leave the orb on the island too long if they are not going to hand it over, but of course she would like to handle that for them. Bastion asks Lars about it -- He looks at her and says how she is the one with the info. They seem to hold a lot of power and she told him that it was coming apart and the research shows it might blow up and cause mass devastation. It is more her bailiwick.
Ursa says she understands they may have concerns, and she understands that. Her concern with this is just about safety, and the fears of what might happen with it. she brings up how the party has concerns on trusting her, to which Lars gives her a look of curiousity -- she says they have concerns which is on them. She isn't trying to take advantage of them.
Bastion asks Lars about the look to which he replies that it makes him uncomfortable that people don't trust his wife as he does. He is being a defensive husband. he also adds: "So of course, I don't understand why people wouldn't trust her, but I also understand that some of our dealings, sometimes people don't find us trustworthy because there's going to be times that, well, either one of us are going to take advantage of a situation if we think it's the best course of action for our people."
Shadow: "You still haven't told us what happens when this does explode.
Lars: "well. if it blows up, it will take out probably a very large city At the very least, as I understand it, you there's a lot of power in those orbs. My understanding is the orbs are pretty much all of the magic of a entire world inside of them. I believe the other orb you have is in fact the world of Toril, the one that is about to blow up is Eberron. We have the orb from Pradam that was his homeworld, https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Earth#Modern_History
They also say how they have Bargle's homeworld Mystara orb..
They ask how she will stop it from blowing up, she says she will first take it to another plane and study it there... the party discusses what to do. uncertainity. They bring up a Zone of Truth, and so Ursa reminds them that the city actually regulates magic in the border now. One needs a license, but they have been given some leeway due to their connection with her. These rules were instituted after Viggie was arrested as there were fears of magic attacks. This is normal in most big Cities and it was Lar's idea, which Shadow prompted them to answer. she talks about a guest room that is linked to the pier for fast travel.
As they leave Bastion casts Dispel Magic on Lars... no real effect. Ursa noticed it, smug smile. he passes an insight and is sure that there was no hidden effects. Calliope also reaches out with the "gloved" hand and pushes for a reading.
Calliope's reading on Lars:
She sees how he was supposed to be the mayor, but declined due to other interests and general laziness. Then how he hid in the Ruins during the Dragon situation out of Fear, but the Menagerie coming across him near the Arcane Forge in Outding Refuge while he was going through Jacoby's research helped inspire him to do better. He returned.
She sees their assault on the Dragon, then later him creating the weapons for the party. She sees times where Ursa comes in and assists him... Perception (XX)... a point during that process where she took the reigns and took over the Work, as Lars let her. She sees Lars give the weapons to the party. Then the research, the exploration, and the rising of the city... not too much..
Then Ursa says "You will not be doing that to me..." Calliope thinks about patting her on the back, and thinks better of it.
Ursa leads them to the guest waiting room and tells them to notify the harbormaster if they need to use this shortcut again. It leads to a room behind the guard at the harbor.
Plans to dig up the body as it is now nightfall...
Ursa: Session 61: Back to the Crypt, Again Report
They come out of the portal room at the harbor. A little tabletalk about how the harbor tends to help find cargo based on date and time of departure for those who are looking to pick up some coin for space they have on board. This is based on reputation and since the harbormaster is aware of the party's affiliation with Lars & Ursa, this should not be a problem.
(sic...)
Kyleanna: "a couple of years ago. It was around 3 years ago...
Bastion asks about how long Ursa had been here. For her whole life...
Calliope tries to use the glove to no avail.
They question her about the Ghost and learn that each Ghost learns how to use the new form a lot. It seems the new Ghost had a lot of Fear and regret, which can sometimes make it hard for them to figure things out with the overabundance of emotion. Kyleanna brings up how she thinks her purpose is to watch over the island. Sas asks about how some are able to "move on", Kyleanna says sometimes there is a "purpose" and so the Ghost might find that purpose. Some are murdered victims seeking to help bring justice and so when that murder is solved they can move on. Sometimes it's they were protective of somebody they left behind. A bit of discussion on how her bond seems to be to protect the island. She continues to feel as if she needs to protect the island.
RETCON: BEFORE THEY WENT DOWN, IT SEEMS SHADOW REMINDED THEM TO ASK HER ABOUT VIGGIE...
They also ask about Viggie, she doesn't know a lot about him. She knew he was buried above ground, the mayor when the party was last here, she doesn't keep up on a lot of such things. She heard he tried to Kill Lars and Ursa.
Calliope asked where she goes when she "disappears" and she answers how she returns to the Ethereal Plane, the plane inbetween here and other places... She can see other ghosts. Sas asked about the timing of her problems and Viggies death and they seem like they were close together. Then she suggests to see if she can find the Ghost in the Ethereal Plane around here. She realizes the new Ghost might have some difficulties, she says she will return if she finds anything, and Bastion asks if she haunted the home and gives the direction... She says she doesn't go into the town much, but she knows a bit -- even though the last few years has been Weird. She suggests she can focus on the features and folds in that area...
(sic...)
Bastion asks about the prophecies, and if he had talked to Ursa. No. Shadow asked if he knew or met Tharros the Wanderer. no. Bastion asked about the prophecies, and so the orb asked what specifically he wanted to know, he answered "When they will happen."
Prophecies don't Work like that.
(sic...)
and then a retcon as we overlooked Calliope Galanodel's Elder's Glove of Lore on the corpse:
She sees him as a mayor who had care, but was not a hard-worker. She sees right before she got to the island where he lost the mayorship at the celebration. He was sad, and began to hear voices at some time. Seeing visions of Jergal. Jergal is a strange cross between a praying mantis and a Human, or other times like a Lich or mummy type, he tends to have a long face/skull. Sometimes with 2, 4, or 6 arms. Long arms with strange claw-like hands. It talks about strange things at play as the god Vecna is Dead. Jergal seems intent on finding something on this island that he believes will help his goal that he long ago thought was never going to occur so he abandoned it. Viggie is constantly following Ursa and taking copious amounts of notes on what she is doing. Jergal felt she was a threat.
Then one night he is awoken out of bed and arrested. Then the trial and the execution...
the glove also notifies her that he was not in the room that night, although he had worked on plans to kill her. So there was enough evidence to convict him. The lore of the body continues to tell her more...
She sees the crypt open, and a younger Meklan is opening the box. He is talking to the orb and puts the orb in the box, then closes it again.
As they leave, Shadow passes a perception check.
They return home and discuss some plans and what they learned. They are thinking of how they can handle the Ursa situation. They also discuss the new orb and his knowledge base.
Barlo asks if the Spellweaver have anything to do with The Weave... it didn't seem as if it was roleplaying. The spellweavers are not a known species. Barlo was thinking of Dweomerflow and how it powers the ship or Soul Gem, a lost spell.
Bastion thought about how Ursa claims she got her information from the journals, especially about the Draconic prophesies.. even though that wasn't what was said. She just said around 3 years ago she across something about them and that sparked her actions. He was thinking she never met the orb or Meklan and yet she is talking about it... They debate if she is just being secretive or nefarious. Shadow wonders if any of their actions had anything to do with that... at this time there is no reason to think so.
The orb does ask at some point if they have any questions.
(sic...)
Back to discussions on Ursa and Viggie. Calliope's vision is not evidence for a court as most don't accept magic for most cases, due to the double nature of magic. Bastion asks if they took all the Books from under the Keep. There was a lot of Confusion here... They also discussed having Bastion pulling an Edgar Gayce and learning by osmosis, whether the DM is trying to hint, and how there is a lot of things they can do research into at this point... They then think about the Plane of Time... as well as Barlo talking about trying to pull a Meklan and use time travel to fix the past.
(sic...)
Shadow wonders if Ursa is a Doppelganger. She also wonders if it was really Viggie in the grave... based on Calliope's reading, most likely not. When a Doppelganger dies, they revert so it wasn't a Doppelganger. There does not seem to be a way to know if you were replaced by a Doppelganger. A bit on how they might want to keep victim around to get new info from.
Ursa: Session 62: The Dead Beholder Report
Kyleanne is able to manifest again. "I would say that it seems you guys have once again fixed whatever's going on here. It seems that I'm able to control myself better."
Barlo: "Something else messing with an obelisk down there. where that last Crystal was.
She then told them the Ghost was the real Ursa
Session 63: Crossing the Streams Report
Barlo tries to act as if his arm was lost... The main thing they tell her is that Ursa is a Doppelganger.
There is a bit of a discussion. Should they tell Lars Heyton? They need proof. They also should be careful of just killing her as they are representatives of the Skola Vale. They think the Ghost of Ursa can be very helpful.
They go home. It is nightfall and they are able to "sneak" home with the huge Warforge creature over Arktos.
no one seems to notice them.
When they get home they try Greater Restoration over the body and it doesn't seem to react to it.
Barlo and Bastion investigate the thing. It is Wood, rotting Wood, Petrified Wood, stone, and Metal with various spots having the crystals from the island.
Calliope touches the rune and she sees a battlefield, he was a commander. the eyes and sigil both have a slight glow, and she can see the additions and changes. Somehow he fell in the battle, lost. she gets awareness that it was buried for a long time, but then vanished -- just to appear under the church. The walls torn down and Ursa is leading people to set up the experiment. A Tiefling is given an orb from Ursa, and leaves. This Warforged automoton was from Eberron. She realizes the dress and look of the Tiefling it seems to be the same one from the Beholder they fought meaning the orb they carry might be the one that Ursa gave the Tiefling.
She tells the party.
They discuss the four orbs they have heard of
They have the Orb of Toril & Orb of Eberron in the Bast's Brass Orb
Bargle had Orb of Mystara and Pradam Estorich found an orb to his homeworld in his magic hat. Those are both in the possession of Ursa and the Netheril Nexus.
They discuss putting the Eberron orb in the Warforged... tehy discuss confronting Ursa, or finding evidence. Debating if they know the color of Doppelganger blood.
A doppleganger's blood is a dark red, almost black, fluid with a low viscosity and a rainbow Sheen. When the vial is held, the blood changes color to match the blood of the creature holding it.
they discuss leaving. They know they need at least an hour for the crew to reliably leave, and they want to sneak out. Barlo will go to the docks, the rest stay behind to watch for the Ghost.
Bastion contacts Jeets, and they momentarily agree that they trust him.
As Barlo heads to the docks, there is a guy in the shadows and beckons to Barlo. He is dressed in a black cloak, it is a Halfling. As
Barlo goes to talk to the captain.
He knows about a bit about Barlo's "connections" and what-not. He says he will get things taken care of. It has been around a half hour and he heads back.
Shadow watched out for the Ghost. Gets a high score on the perception and no sighting.
Bastion to Jeets "Ursa is a Doppelganger, secret experiment... need to finish notes here!!
NTO:
(sic...)
Shadow takes first rest. Bastion second. Arktos guards their door.
Shadow talks to Nissa, small talk. She learns how Nissa's old party was killed by a Doppelganger. Seems they were looking for a guy D'Arno who disappeared. D'arno was working with two doppelgangers, a brother and sister. Vyerith is described. Seems it is the same Drow appearance she used when out of other forms. D'arno lied about a Doppelganger replacing him as he was creating a persona named Spider. He was trying to take over an Arcane Forge and the doppelgangers wanted to build up a base of power with Spider as the head of the operation, but they would be the real powerbase. They recall how Vyerith said she was captured by a Wizard on the road toward Neyer
Barlo joins the conversation...
D'arno has now been run out of town. The doppelgangers had long seemed to be gone. They were originally using a local group of orcs and bandits to cause problems.
Shadow tells her what they found about Nissa, the Ghost, and Lars acting strange.
Nissa said it sounds like the brother might still be missing and so Lars probably wasn't replaced.
Ursa: Session 64: Fighting Pollution Report
They go to the bottom. Bastion starts to talk to them about their plans. They say they had plans to do Work elsewhere and wanted to leave Ursa. Bastion suggests they can help at their base. The brothers say they were thinking they could help outfit the party. He shows a Wood panel near the Feywild room. He says a word with his hand over the panel and the panel opens.
They see a pattern with sockets and one has a gemstone.
Session 66: A Wizard and His Spellweavers Report
Tharros had an apprentice, he disappeared... There are references to other places and Books. He even does reference this tower and how he has research here. He has a lot of journals and ideas to deal with the prophecies. Nissa and Ursa have brought these prophecies up a bit recently.
Shadow gave the book to Yggdra and points out how it references the prophecies, even points them out abit. She also wondered if it brought up Vyerith. It did. At the end he refernces how he had recently captured a Doppelganger, finally. He discusses his procedure to take "powers" and such from creatures. He wanted to steal some powers from the Doppelganger, and these last notes in the book discuss how he wanted to perform the ritual on the Doppelganger he captured -- but that would have to wait until his return. He had urgent business with the Arcane Order who had some problems at the time... around 3 years ago. This could be Jacoby, or some other thing around the time the party got to Outding the first time. It might also be why he only used voice instead of presence when the party was in his home...
This was also around the time with Reginald's "Uncle" losing his seat of power due to machinations by the Order.
... granted didn't the party see him in the Feywild? Interesting...
This discussion brings up something that Yggdra was curious about. She asks what the "Crown" was called, and Shadow couldn't recall off-hand, but they asked Nissa who said Xorlarrin's Crown.... Xorlarrin was the last name for the Doppelganger twins, Vyerith & Vhalak, at least as far as these adventurers were aware. It seems it now has clicked in why the name seemed Familiar. They were working for the Spider, Nezznar, trying to make him the ringleader, but them with the real power in the shadows.
Supposedly the three had long ago left Philander, as far as they know. Doppelgangers are very rare, and tend to not take on prominent roles out of Fear of being caught. Some propoganda or truth may explain the very rare instantances of a Doppelganger taking on a prominent role. The party discusses some ways in that they can discover one...
Ursa?: Session 67: The Wizard's Cellar Report
It has the same stanzas as they saw in common.
as per the prophecies from the dragons Vecna will be killed and his apprentice will try to raise him before the spellweavers Remind Jergal of his purpose and ancestry The Gems of Tharizdun can unlock the dark god Or can be used to reverse the Disjunction Both will bring Destruction to all
— note in alien runes
discussion on Viggie might have followed Jergal. Jergal gave powers over. Ursa killed Viggie...
So they start back up...
Session 72: Dark Knights in Thornwinds Report
"... after you were supposed to escort a passenger from Eushia, Neyer."
He says he was shipwrecked. Now needs to find him.
"it's Weird you failed to show up at Neyer, but so did the passenger. Now you have this incident. And you bring up a person who is missing."
Barlo brings up his sister was missing then he was in outding... the Halfling knows that since they sent the Dragonborn there...
he makes a deal. Says they will help him with Adrex if they will help him find the missing passenger, Vyerith.
Barlo says they will and they are staying on the ship.
His name is "Reed"...
Barlo goes to ship. Tells captain. Gets artwork and has crew deliver it then goes to The Sleepy Seahorse
Sign is hard to notice.
everyone is at a table. He tells the party about Garm, his buddies, a new Drow person wearing similar garmants. Drow are rare, but a handful can be found in such a port place.
He tells them how Vyerith was who he was supposed to transport. There are others who are upset with Garm, and want Barlo to handle this.
Bastion investigates the ring, no magic -- probably worth some Gold. No one seems to have jewelry skills to analyze it.
They took the chest to the mirror, filled it with stuff, and put it in the Enderbox Everyone took 25 Platinum, sent back the rest of coinage...
***MESSAGE TO Ursa/LARS*** using Scroll of Telescription:
"Sending money for expenses, projects, material costs. Let us know if you need anything else."
Session 44: Purple Worm and Falling Baseboards Report
She seems honest according to insights, she is very trusting due to Barlo . The ring doesn't Light up. She wants to get back, otherwise ruin her cover.
They ask about the Dragon That Slumbers . She brings up how the shadow governments Work and how Tharros , Vyerith , and Jacoby want to control the Dragon to control the world or be the one to stop it to get them power.
Jacoby and Therros are part of Arcane Order , they hired the Blood hands -- a loose organization of criminals and thugs now more organized.
She will sneak back in and will get word back to them. She says Meklan knew they would see each other. She touches a tattoo which disappears then teleports away.
Ursa: Session 54: The Party Takes to the Sky Report
So, at the Ceremony we saw
Ursa
Lars Heyton
Reginald Ivoryclaw
Sister of Barlo, Sapphire Branch "Branch"
Melios Lamphi
Relia
Additionally some were having a toast
Solec
Shadow Clan Shaman Hidden Depths
Abbot Grok
Jinx
Father of Barlo, Jade Gift
(sic...)
She gets back, Barlo says "we have all the free acid and poison we want" showing the Alchemy Jug.
She puts the acid in the arrows, and then fills the vials up from the jug.
She goes back to the store to buy some more vials. 10 more.
Gives the kit to Bastion
Ursa and Lars go to Bastion, notices how the relationship has changed. Nicer clothes, more of a couple, extravagent wedding bands. Bastion (15 insight), she seems in charge and the talker. "By the way you had some jars with creatures inside. we were going to check them out."
Bastion "oh yeah" Gets the jars and hands them over
Ursa: "these are interesting, where did you say you got them?" hands one to Lars who seems fascinated
Bastion: "I know, right. WE got them in a forest, in a bag with a spellbook. and a journal, a botanist."
Ursa: "I would love to see if we can make these."
Bastion: "I know."
Ursa: "Do you think it would be possible for us to borrow them to study? Maybe try to figure out more about them."
Bastion: "Sure, but if you figure out how to make them Work we get that information for free."
Ursa: "I think we can do that, what do you think, honey?" to Lars.
Lars: "yeah, yeah... of course." He is entralled with the jar.
Bastion: "Shadow, Barlo, is that cool?"
sure...
He gives them all but the Beholder.
Ursa: "Definetly, if we can figure out how to replicate these we will get that info to you. Lots of interesting things we can do with this."
Bastion: "I agree."
Bastion: "I see the forge has treated you very well."
Ursa: "Yeah, we have created a bit of a lab to study all types of magic. We even found some old Mythallars, and been able to create floating lands and to expand to higher grounds.
Barlo: "Did you say the island is floating?"
Ursa: "The island is how it was, but we created a larger island behind the main island and that is floating to keep our labs safe. The orbs we have been able to collect, with Jeets getting one off some Bargle character when you were gone. Then there was in Pradam's hat. We've been trying to study those too."
Bastion: "and how is our house?"
Ursa: "Oh it's fine, which we've been meaning to collect the back taxes, you do owe about 30 gp in taxes."
Bastion: "here you go." gives 30 gp.
Ursa: "oh, thanks. We'll get that handled."
Bastion: "When you figure out how to store spells in gems, let me know."
Ursa: "what you thinking?"
Bastion: "Oh, I just have some ideas."
Ursa: "There is some things we have figured out, granted Lars does most of that."
Bastion: "We would love a circle to transport there."
Ursa: "You have the one in the basement that is all done."
Bastion: "That's right."
Ursa: "well, I think Lars wants to spend some more time with Professor Umbercresct as he is learning a lot about Netheril to help tie together some of his research. If we find out anything about these jars, I will let you know."
Shadow hands the vials to Barlo to fill them up.
Bstion spends the resources and time to put Dweomerflow in his spellbook. Does the Skill Empowerment and with a 24 gets it.
Their assistant, Ellas Lantaththar suggests maybe looking for cargo or post going out that way for some coin. He is going to check on keep soon.
Bastion asks him for a list of deliveries or whatever. He says he will see what is available. The party is fine with some errands. The crew is set, they'll take care of the provisions. Everything should be ready tomorrow.
Barlo only wants "urgent messages" also was surprised at how much weight the provisions is. A reminder that cannons are rare, but they do have a ballista on the ship.
NTO: **NEED TO DOUBLE CHECK WEIGHTS** pick up gems Barlo picks up various colors of yarn, Cotton. 1gp for yarn, Cotton. 5 sp for Wool. 1gp 5sp for Silk.
NOTE:
Gave all but the Beholder jar to Lars & Ursa
Ursa: Session 53: Lord & Lady Ceremony Report
Party discussed maybe doing something with the Broom of Flying so it can be used in emergencies. Then they tie it to the mast, and notify the crew it is for emergencies..
Message from Ursa to Bastion
"We're still looking at these jars, we think may have .. at Skola Vale we discussed those orbs, and then we heard you had one that is possibly breaking."
bastion: "yes"
Ursa: "We are genuinely curious about these things, and we heard you may be passing by. If you want we can possibly take that one off your hands to see if we can keep it safe. Just an idea. Just wanted to throw it by you. Also, We're working on a new communication device so you can keep up with others, especially as we don't trust the T.W.I.T.T.E.R. service."
Bastion: "I hear it might be terrible. Okay, ..."
He tells the others, how they think they can keep it safe. The party says they trust Ursa and Lars. Bastion also learns about the situation with the Harpy.
(sic...)
Bastion goes to the Drow... tells her, she says that is troubling. Goes to Sprite and has him take the Helm, then goes to awake the NAVIGATOR who in a robe goes to the Captains Quarters, uses the map and then goes back out to look at the stars. Makes some adjustments and the Ship turns left.
Message to Ursa "on our way and excited to learn what you have on the jars."
Barlo asks the others about favorite colors.
Ursa: Session 58: Kobolds and Conspiracies Report
I mean, you have the weapons that Ursa, and I mean Lars made for you. Where it uses the Wood that was found on Outding that originally came from here.
Barlo: "So, Outding is close to this location? It's not too hard to get here from there?
Jeets: "yeah. This is one of the nearest land drops near it. But no one would come near here for a long time due to the Dragon, I was lucky that in one of our travels I had met some of these kobolds. I had told Ursa about the kobolds, so with her we made a deal to purchase some of their mining as the Wood is not that important to them and they really like the crystals found on Outding. So we are merely the middle people for these deals.
Barlo: "So you are transporting back and forth. Like a courier
Jeets: "We don't do the courieing so much anymore, but as I was saying we tend to step in on major concerns - such as their guard Dragon being killed. That's when we get called.
Barlo: "Don't bullshit me Jeets, did we just disrupt some shipping situation? What's going to be the biggest fallout from this, if any? Besides this migration of kobolds.
Jeets: "I think that is the big one, and I think there might be a bit less trade as ... I am sure that Ursa will pursuade that half of the colony to mine under Outding. Which would be to their benefit.
Shadow: "Would the kobolds know who this "she" was that sent the Dragon?
Jeets: "I'll see if there is anyone else who comes by and talks to them. As far as I know, I am one of the very few. As far as who the Dragon speaks to, I don't know. I never actually met the Dragon, so I don't know much about it. The kobolds had told it to not Harm us. I know that a lot of blue dragons tend to have henchmen and so he probably had some network. I will look to see if I can find about any females who talked with the Dragon.
Barlo: "Is there any way we can keep in touch with you?
Jeets: "I know that Ursa is working on some mirror system, but um.. (he trails off a moment in thought, but comes right back) more and more lately, I ... I'm not gonna lie, I a..
Bastion: "Let me guess, you think Ursa is the one.
Jeets: "I am having my doubts about her.
Shadow: "OH!
Bastion: "Out with it, what are you thinking?
Jeets, a long sigh... "There is just little things we've been picking up on... I don't know. I mean, when we met on that beach as I told you I had been to Outding many times over the years and I have known Ursa for a long time, and she has changed a lot. Including Lars who seems unable to think unless she's around.
Shadow: "like she's controlling him some how? or...
Jeets: "To a degree, I guess. I mean one could write it off as he is just that much in love with her, but ... It is just that she worked for him for so long and then out of the blue the whole dating, and marriage and...then they've grown the whole ... I mean granted a lot of it comes to how they've been able to exploit the Arcane Forge, but I mean
Barlo: "They're married now?
Jeets: "Yeah. For a few years now. Oh right you were all gone for a few years
Shadow: "They told us at the ... Barlo: "Must have been while we were away
Shadow: "They told us at the Ceremony.
Barlo: "Oh right, when we were gone for those three years.
Shadow, to Jeets: "Is Ursa a magic-type person? I know Lars has some arcane whatever
Jeets: "See, that's the thing. She seems as she doesn't but there are times where I am sure I caught some bits of magic from her. She seems to have some arcane ability, but doesn't want people to know.
Shadow: "So we haven't been to Outding in years, so what are we walking into?
Jeets: "Well, I .. what is it you are stopping there for?
Shadow: "Didn't they tell us to just stop by? (she says to the party)
Bastion: "Yeah. we got a Message were supposed to just stop by.
Shadow: "Yeah..
Jeets: "Oh, is that all? Then I don't know.
Shadow: "I think from Ursa
So they tell Jeets about the Message
Message from Ursa to Bastion
"We're still looking at these jars, we think may have .. at Skola Vale we discussed those orbs, and then we heard you had one that is possibly breaking."
bastion: "yes"
Ursa: "We are genuinely curious about these things, and we heard you may be passing by. If you want we can possibly take that one off your hands to see if we can keep it safe. Just an idea. Just wanted to throw it by you. Also, We're working on a new communication device so you can keep up with others, especially as we don't trust the T.W.I.T.T.E.R. service."
Bastion: "I hear it might be terrible. Okay, ..."
He tells the others, how they think they can keep it safe. The party says they trust Ursa and Lars. Bastion also learns about the situation with the Harpy.
— Session 55: The Siren's Call Report
Jeets: "Yeah, that's part of it for me. They seem to keep trying to find all these different things.
Shadow: "Is there any residual magic in that cracked orb?
Bastion: "What do you mean they keep trying to find all these different things... Like, have you collected other orbs for them?
Jeets: "They already have two. One we got from Bargle, see... that's (he seems to have a bit of mummbles and thoughts).. We got that one and then we found the one Pradam Estorich happened to have in his hat. I mean they haven't been exactly looking for those, but there have been various other artifacts that they have hired us from time to time to look for, investigate or find.
Bastion: "Can you get me a list of these artifacts?
Shadow: "Maybe they all tie in together somehow...
Jeets: "I'd have to check, I don't know off the top of my head all the items. I don't recall too much connection, but I can check my notes. oh, speaking of which.
he reaches in his bag, which does appear to be a Bag of Holding, and pulls out a Sending Stone and hands it over, then says: "so we can keep in touch and I can send you that list. I know Ursa is working on a Mirror-based communication system, but now I'm not trusting that. The reason she is pushing different governments towards that is by telling people that Morenars Neyers' T.W.I.T.T.E.R. service is to not be trusted, besides just being overpriced. She has been telling people that she believes Morenars is using it to spy on all the messages being sent, but if that's possible then why wouldn't she be doing that with hers? I am getting a bit of an "accusation is a confession" thing going on. I mean she... well she - She has had us looking quite a bit into a Wizard, I'm sure you have heard of Tharros?
Bastion/Shadow: "Yes.
Jeets: "He hasn't been seen in over 3 years and yet she's having us constantly look into reports about him, with no explanations.
Shadow: "Do you know much about the orbs?
Jeets: "I had Pradam do some research on it since the one we found in his hat supposedly looks to be the one for his home realm, and so he was looking for a way to get back to it.
Shadow pulls out the cracked Orb found with Beholder and asks: "What do you think she can get out of this one? Is it still magical? Is it something she can manipulate?
Jeets: "That, I don't know. What I would say is if you told her you were going to let her have it and now decide not to, she might get suspicious. Something to be aware of as well. I've been keeping my suspicions close to the cuff. and not until this conversation have I really put some of these pieces together.
Bastion: "How soon until you can get us that list?
Jeets: "I don't have my notes on me, but I'll have to review them. I will definetily get that to you as soon as I can. But seriously, don't let her know of your suspicions, especially since we might be wrong -- I don't even... I mean there are various things I am suspicous about, but like how this whole even here works to her benefit. Now she is going to have a whole colony of kobolds to mine under Outding.
Bastion: "So she could be the one who sent the Dragon after us, huh?
Jeets: "That's what I'm wondering, what I'm worried about. It could be just that she wanted the Dragon out of the way and figured you could take it down.
Bastion: "Or it takes us down and she gains access to another orb.
Jeets: "Another orb and down goes another group of adventurers she may worry could discover what she is up to. and that's even if we are correct. For all we know it is Lars trying to put her up as the front to keep suspicions off of him, or who knows? I am just not certain of anything right now.
Bastion looks to Remington: "Did you know this Dragon?
Remington: "No. I tend to steer away from any chromatic outside of my doppleganger of sorts at Outding doing the stand-in for that Dragon. I'll admit, when we started dealing with the kobolds I had thought we should get rid of the Blue Dragon, but the Dragon had a strong bond with the Kobolds that I didn't push for that. The Dragon side of my heritage has a fond look for kobolds who are not hurting anyone.
Bastion: "Is it possible to get a metallic Dragon to take the place and protect them?
Remington: "I'm not sure how that would Work, to be honest. I mean, it's not like all of us dragons know each other. I do tend to steer away from other dragons as I focus on my missions, which is where I am getting concerned about this matter. As it puts the Arcane Forge in the hands of the type I was trying to stop.
Bastion: "Do you think Lars is under a spell or curse?
Remington: "I've had my suspicions, as I have shared before with Jeets. And as he said, it's only in this discussion I am even starting to put some pieces together althought I am sure we are missing some large part of the puzzle. Something we are not seeing.
Shadow: "Maybe we can try to seperate them and cast something like Greater Restoration on Lars Heyton.
Bastion: "Or Dispel Magic or Remove Curse...
Shadow: "But I think we need to seperate them, obviously.
Remington: "I will say, that they have had 3 years to get their claws in them, that's the risk. They might have something strong on them.
Shadow: "Yeah.
Remington: "See, that's the thing that's odd. If there are such dwomers then they should have been spotted at your coronation as the Ceremony had all types of protections to protect from illusions and such unless she got into that... lots to think about.
Sas: "Lots.
Remington: "I think for now we should continue to be the middle for her and the kobolds. See what her plans are, if she is going to move them. See what benefit that might get for her.
Barlo: "yeah, we should get going...
Remington: "You have the Sending Stone, so you can reach us. We can talk soon.
Bastion: "Do you want to come with us?
Remington: "I Fear that may be suspicious. I don't want that kind of confrontation yet, besides who knows what safeguards she has. And what if we're wrong?
Barlo: "Besides you can just get there right away with the helmet, whereas we still have some travel ahead.
Remington: "Besides I think Jeets still has to finish some negotiations and coddling here...
Jeets: "Yeah. We're going to finish our business here, but if you do learn anything, let us know. We will need to learn more of what her plans may be.
Barlo: "Before we go, ...
he takes Jeets away: "let me speak with you a moment", and takes him away to whisperspeak
Barlo: "How well do you know the crew you're with now, and do you trust them 100%?
Jeets: "The twins have no connection to Outding. I trust them. With much of what we've done it has had nothing to do with Outding, helping others. With Remington, he is trustworthy. There are still things we haven't discussed, especially about his lineage. He's the one who was harmed from the events on Outding we first saw. The things Jacoby Drexelhand did messed up his Simulacrum so much, it put things at risk that using the Arcane Forge could wake up the Dragon That Slumbers.
Barlo: "Okay, I just wanted you to watch your back with the mistrust about Ursa.
Jeets: "That's why I had my doubts, as I have doubts about everyone I meet in my travels. I'm not going to lie, the only one I ever truly trusted was Cellymas.
Barlo: "can I see that helmet of yours?
Jeets: "Sure." and he pulls it out. The Helm of Teleportation is Metal with runes. It is not a cloth hood or the helmet of the Shadow Thieves it is also not of any resemblance to what seems to be from Lars. He asks about that. Jeets said he got it on an adventure, and it has been handy. He points to the ship and says he wants one of those.
Barlo: "If we find another, we'll let you know.
Jeets: "I'm sure we'll see more soon enough.
Barlo: "You think she wants to look at our ship?
Jeets: "If she is as bad as we are thinking, and she has the network I Fear she might -- she probably already had spies in Skola Vale when the worked on the ship. As I said, she keeps having us look for this Tharros and with the intel she has, she has to have access to some network.
Barlo returns to the group with closing salutations. He throws him a Platinum coin and thanks him for the stone. Jeets waves down his party and they return to the kobolds, as Barlo tells the party what was discussed.
Then Jeets runs back...: "Real quick, let me ask you if you know this name...
Bastion: "grognard?
Jeets: "no, we've heard of him. It was a name I heard once said in her presence and she reacted in an odd way, 'Vyerith'
Shadow: "yes.
Barlo: "Vyerith?
Shadow: "We freed her from that ... jail cell under outding.
Jeets: "you freed a 'Vyerith'?
Shadow: "Yeah. She said she was on the Triboar Trail and taken by some old man Wizard. We had freed her.
Jeets: "old man Wizard?
Shadow/Barlo: "Yeah, we assumed Jacoby.
Bastion: "What do you know of Vyerith?
Jeets: "It was something that came up in one of our investigations, when it was said there was a Weird look on her face. Since then I've been trying to figure it out. And now you tell me you freed a woman named Vyerith who was held prisoner by a Wizard...
Bastion: "Was her look concern, like relieved
Shadow: "or 'uh oh'?
Jeets: "more 'uh oh'. And if this person was held by an old man Wizard yet we keep being sent to look for an old man wizards, I have to wonder.
Barlo: "Wait, didn't we meet Vyerith again? On the road to Skola Vale? . ... no that was Volo. but there were a few other instances of hearing the name...
Jeets: "well, what we had come across was about a Vyerith who was in a little town of Philander in Eushia. They also have an Arcane Forge recently uncovered. It had been found shortly before all of us had met. My understanding was that there was a Vyerith out there working with a Wizard named like 'spider' or 'the black Spider' or something like that. There was a group of heroes up there looking into some other issues, but they found the forge helping a Dwarf up there. I guess one of their party turned out to be evil or something and tried to kill them all, then some monk had to put them down. She brought up the Vyerith but the details were sketchy as she might have been connected to some underground organization or something. We didn't have much to go on, but I remember the look Ursa gave... granted you said she was an Elf.
Shadow: "Maybe Ursa had her captured?
Jeets: "We'll have to look more into it.
Bastion: "Maybe Tharros double-crossed her.
Jeets: "possible. Tharros doesn't have the greatest reputation, as much as he has helped some he has always seemed to be in it for himself. Whenever he has done a good deed it seems it was to his benefit in the end. He's not the most evil of wizards, at all -- but as I said, no one has seen him in some years.
Shadow: "We have the Sending Stone, we'll keep in touch.
Jeets: "yeah. I'm starting to see some things a bit more clearly. It's helping make sense how they built things so quickly.
Shadow asks Sas if she can cast Scrying so they can spy on Vyerith or Ursa, she will need a long rest before she can. Barlo recalls how freaked she was about getting scratched. Also a discussion of how Viggie Storr had tried to warn the party about Lars being strange. Which they left a note with Ursa to warn Lars. They discuss talking to Viggie.
flight NEW DAY ...------------------------------------------------ Flight Shadow
Calliope
Sas Bastion Barlo ------------------------------------------------
The clouds start to come in a bit more, and the air gets a bit cooler. The mood is grumpy as the crew gets back into their Work. They left after noon, and so the next day...
(sic...)
Shadow: "hey is Viggie around?
Guard: "His tombstone is still here.
Bastion and Shadow ask about this and they find out he was put to death a few years back after a trial. They tell him they have been gone for three years. Seems the city was pulled out of the ocean by Lars. The captain works with the harbormaster. Barlo asks about Helga, who still gets business, but most big projects and items come from Lars.
no sign of lars or Ursa. Bastion suggests talking to Kyleanna Heyton as she may know some things..
The kids seem to watch the Griffon Fly off and they admire it. Barlo shouts at them "WE came in a flying fucking ship!"
kid: "oh, right, that's cool.."
Ursa: Session 59: Outding Homecoming Report
NOTE; Recap:
Other notes:
We are at the Outding Refuge layover as the party wants to learn more about Ursa and the Blue Dragon attack...
They had run into Jeets who has questions, he is working with the kobolds of the Fossilized Forest. He also brought up Vyerith's name. Also no one has seen Tharros the Wanderer in the past three years, according to his research.
And much has changed in Outding.
(sic...)
The pop-ups do not look brand-new and probably were used even before the Dragon, but not so apparent.
Captain Johnas Scott: "I talked to the harbormaster, it will be 5 sp a day to dock the ship. he did ask about you, said you were expected. They are waiting to see if Ursa was going to waive the fee, but they hadn't gotten confirmation yet. He also gave me these for you."
He hands over a stack of "passes" large pins 2" x 4", it has a map of outding on it and says "GUEST" across it. (was originally stated to be 6", but retconned at Wavecrest as the DM meant closer to 4")
Shadow: "Guests? We are residents!"
Captain: "My understanding is those are not for the village, but if you want to to the 'Crown'. I guess they call it, but it is officially called "Xorlarrin's Crown". Those passes are to get you up there, since you guys have a connection to the mayor
Shadow: "Lars?
Captain: "I believe that was the name they used. They said you need to have those passes and they need to be visible to get up there and explore.
Barlo: "Who is this Xorlarrin guy?
Captain: "I didn't get a chance to ask.
(sic...)
Jeets: "... I wanted to get you that list of items Ursa had us looking for, at least some of them.
Jeets was pretty sneaky, and it seems Remington is at the bar not standing out.
Jeets: "... There was a Dragon orb that she believed was in a forest of Eushia. That was false, a long-standing rumor and the dwarves there were annoyed it still persisted. They've been going for a while, and they had hired some adventurers some time back to look into that issue. A Dwarf and an elven girl who lived out there.
... also something called a "Docent", a Metal sphere from another realm. What we found out was it was used by a strange race of Constructs from that realm, we couldn't find it but it seems connected to another item she had us look for. A Wand Sheath, which seemed to be a prosthetic arm which was used by these intelligent Constructs to cast magic. We did learn that a Tiefling working for the Arcane Order seemed to have those -- but we couldn't find out what happened to him.
Bastion: "Are these artifacts?
Jeets: "The first one is believed to be, but the last two were not. They are somewhat common in their realm, even if I had never heard of them here.
Shadow looks around to see if any others with prosthetics are around -- she sees one who has just a hand replaced, crafted of Petrified Wood and Metal bands. She asks if it looked like that.
Jeets: "honestly, I don't know. Our investigation gave us no clue what it actually looked like outside of like a wand. She also had us look into some rumors of Dragon Slayer Swords, which are not artifacts -- but hard to find. We did find a Circlet of Blasting she asked us to find. We actually found that in an old mine, and a Cloak of Elvenkind from long ago. These were some of the items she had us looking for around 3 years ago. Found that last one in a dungeon from the deceased adventurers who had tried to explore it before us.
Jeets: "She also had us look for a Bracers of Archery which we were able to just purchase in Neyer.
Bastion laughed.
Jeets: "Honestly, I think some of those were just to research for their Crafting as those were some of the early ones. Then there was another item which sounded Weird -- the Decahedron of Doom
Barlo: "That sounds cool
Jeets: "We couldn't find that one. We thought we were getting close, in fact, when we all saw Jeets last we were under the impression he had it with him. But we didn't find that there at the keep. The last two -- (and he looks at Calliope Galanodel) -- one was called a Weave Weapon and the other one was an Astronomer's Orrery. As I said, the Decahedron should have been with Jacoby at River's Keep, but we did learn where teh Weave Weapon and Astronomer's Orrery could be found -- but we haven't told Ursa, as we believe your mother is in possesion of both those items (to calliope)
Jeets: "In fact, also her companion, Garm Pavond, has both items as they are standard for their people. We did some research into their little "order", the space cult. Once we learned of their connection to you, we didn't want to really get into it with them. We did learn of an organization where more could be had. Which is why Ursa had us let it go on those hunts as they Work with governments and with the fame of the facility she was granted access. Those are some of the main things that she had us look for. Granted some of them are for research purposes, but who knows. I know some of them, like the cloak and bracers, they are able to craft now.
Barlo: "are they mass producing these things? for profit?
Jeets: "I don't believe they have figured out "huge" production. As I understand it, there are restraints on how much they can craft from the Arcane Forge at any time. I know they have hired a lot of staff up there. I still talk to Pradam , so he tells .. more than he should sometimes.
Barlo: "oh, he's still around?
Jeets: "Yeah, he's working up there. After what happened with Bargle he was done with the adventuring life. (*as we learned in Session 37: Jacoby & Jeets at the Keep Report*)
Shadow: "She never told you why these things?
Jeets: "Honestly, it was never much of an issue. As I said before, I hadn't been this suspicious until recently. I just got the impression there was curiousity for research-sake. I never really put it all together. And we don't know if she is the "she" you heard the Dragon talk about or if she is into anything that shady. I would say, be careful until we know more.
Barlo: "Items for mass-producing... and how long have you been working for her?
Jeets: "I wouldn't say we 'work' for her, but we have taken contracts over the past three years ever since they had us go down to look for that Abandoned Mindflayer Colony, which I understand you guys did find as we took our little side 'trip'... emphasis on the word 'trip' as we were helping Pradam with his PTSD.
Barlo: "how well is she paying him, wondering what kind of cut you all are getting off of this with the trade business.
Jeets: "oh, we don't get a lot, but it's decent. I mean with that we just help out a bit with the communication. Early on it was out of Fear with the Blue Dragon, and since I knew the Kobolds I was able to help.
Bastion: "I thought the Kobolds were mining for Ursa and Lars...
Jeets: "They do mining, but in Kampos. But Ursa buys stuff from them.
Barlo: "Wait. We helped free the forge and now that Dragon issue... I want our cut.. Hey Jeets, can Calliope ask you some questions?
Jeets: "That's fine.
Barlo: "Calliope, come on over here on this side of the table. (to Jeets:) don't worry, we just want to ensure you are on the up-and-up... c'mon Calliope.
she puts her hand out: "It's so nice to see you again...
as she shakes her hand she allows the Elder's Glove of Lore effect to get a read on him.
Time stands still, she gets snippets of his life. A young Halfling, going through the streets pickpocketing. Older, he is with daggers in air and jumps on a large elephant. Moments in taverns where a blond girl haired woman is having a good time with him (Cellymas Villuhne) and later a huge muscled man (Talbron Tewn) is now with the blond girl. A sad look in Jeet's eyes.. moments of their adventures, then a moment where they find this crying kid Pradam Estorich who pulls out a little bracelet with Silver charms. Too hard to see in this vision any real details on them.
They are now fighting Bargle and he shoots off a Magic Missile which kills both Talbron and Cellymas as Jeets digs a dagger into his chest, which makes all the skin fall off Bargle making him more skeletal than flesh. The skull looks down to Jeets and says " now you're fucked" and he disappears. Jeets looks down at his blood hands, at his fallen compatriots and at Pradam.
Moments of conversations with Ursa and the missions, little bits of "I heard about this... " or "I heard a rumor here..." You see the two elven girls Acira Neridithas and Arica Neridithas telling Jeets how their whole Town was wiped out by a large band of Goblinoids and Orcs as they went through led by a Mind flayer.
Moments of discussions with Remington as they are speaking of a situation with some dragons, ... and as we see some of the recent events with the Unfortunate Mead Heroes and the Wild Cards] time begins to speed up again to normal. No time was really lost in that.
(sic...)
Calliope tries to say he has Gold he wants to share...
Jeets gets a bit uncomfortable and is in a rush. he warns them to not tell Ursa his suspiciouns and warns they should be careful fo their suspicions. He finishes his drink goes to Remington and they go around a corner where a quick flash of blue strikes.
Calliope tells them what she saw.
(sic...)
Shadow: "We heard about poor Viggie, what happened?
As Sigmund is one to enjoy gossip, he says: "oh yeah... alright, let's gossip.. he pulls up a stool: "Around the time you all left, he started to speak ill of Lars. Lars tried to shrug it off. Shortly after the rising of the Flying city they caught Viggie in Lars room with a dagger ready to assassinate him. So they had a trial and he was sentenced to death. Granted the first in a few hundred years as the last was some guy who had made a deal with the Sahuagin, that was generations ago though. There was a trial. There are now two councils, one for each town and they report to Lars. There was plenty of evidence to show he was planning to kill Lars for a while.
Shadow: "What about Ursa? Does she come down here? Does Lars?
Sigmund: "She tends to stay up in the crown, but he still comes down as he born and raised here. She is in control of the research up there
Bastion: "When did that happen? Her leading the research?
Sigmund: "Well she was the one help set it up. After Lars had a few groups go down to the waters below and learn more of the group that used to reside here he focused more on the government side of things so she focused on the research.
Shadow: "Are people generally happy with how she is handling things?
Sigmund: "yeah... I haven't really heard any complaints. If anything, I have heard of rumors of more weapons being made these days. I guess there is some war in Kampos.
Shadow: "Which side?
Sigmund: "oh, I don't know. I have never really been to Kampos, so I don't know much about it. I mean I have heard stories about how a lot of you guys live out there, but I haven't really left this island in my life.
Sas: "And I thought I was a hermit.
Sigmund: "Oh but I know everyone here and most of those even from up there.
Shadow: "Who decides who gets to live up there?
Sigmund; "Most of those up there Work on the research, granted only about half of the Crown is liveable at this point. There is still a lot of reconstruction going on. The habitable areas are for those working in the Netheril Nexus. That seems to be the deal for those employed.
Bastion: "Are people happy?
Sigmund: "I believe so. It's a lot better than when you first got here last time. No winter, the Dragon doesn't come out. There are some worries if we are growing too fast, as it might destroy some of the slow-living we had out here, but ..
Sas: "That doesn't bother you?
Sigmund: "I'm making more money, so maybe I will be able to retire. And maybe see some sightseeing. Hopefully those civil wars in Kampos will be over with.
Barlo tried to pitch him on their tavern at the keep and he said he would touch base if he goes. Then he says he has to get back to tables.
Barlo asks if a death penalty for attempted murder was normal, Sigmund said murder isn't allowed and the fact that this was against the mayor seems to be why it was so severe.
then pleasantries were exchanged. The party discussed what was said, about whether lars or Ursa is on a council. How Viggie was not that big of a guy, and this seems a bit out of what they thought his character was -- and questioning if he was framed. Conspiracies about whether Lars/Ursa had him killed for all the gossip. Discussions on seeing the Ghost at the church or if there is a way to talk to the Dead. They had heard he was buried with a tombstone at the Outding Refuge Church
(sic...)
Bastion/Shadow/Barlo: "Yeah, pretty cool. We found a Flying Ship. had some tinkerers Work on it and get it going again.
Pradam: "What are your plans in town?
Shadow: "Go see lars
Bastion: "yeah, he asked us to see him. How is working for him and Ursa?
Pradam: "Oh, uh. Good. In a lot of ways they have kind of adopted me. um, they have uh really given me a place to stay safe. Uh, you have to realize -- the realm I come from does not have what you have here. I still remember the day I got in that uh, cart -- dragons were just part of the joke for the ride.
(sic...)
Someone at door. Two guards apologize that Lars and Ursa had not come down. They bring up the passes, tell them to go to the depot at the harbor or to the Ruins for a portal to the crown.
Ursa: Session 60: Was It Ursa the Whole Time? Report
They decide to wait until evening to deal with the Ghost and the grave. It is time to see Lars & Ursa to get some answers...
Of to the Outding Refuge Docks where in the offices there is a doorway that leads up to the city, a portal room in the White Tower of the Netheril Nexus. In here is a desk and another door to another place. The guard at the desk asks if they have their pass. Then points out the door to the Xorlarrin's Crown. This is a nexus point for the upper and lower regions.
He asks about their plans, they say they want to talk to Lars. He points out the directions, to a large open space and then go up to the 3rd floor. This place is analogous to a modern facility in some ways as people seem to all be working and going into various places with a purpose. Some do look at the party with interest, but continue with their tasks and destinations. Outside they can see some eating a late breakfast or early lunch. They can see each floor has various rooms for some studies and such, as the bottom floors do have many Work purposes.
They get to the desk on the third floor and the "receptionist" asks to help. They say they are here for Lars. The "Wild Cards" and the individuals are introduced. She uses a stone to contact someone and directs them to a waiting room. IN there is a long table with snacks of various chocolates and pastries.
Ursa: "Oh, nice to see you guys made it. Nice to see you come up to see how things are going." She asks if they want a tour. Bastion asks about Lars, she says we can go see them. She then calls him on a Rock to meet them ahead.
She talks about how the Xorlarrin's Crown is sitll under mass construction as it is still not completely habitable after being brought up from the ocean floor. They get to the fourth floor and see a cafeteria area. tables everywhere and people are eating.
Barlo asks how many live up here, she responds "a few thousand, actually". Most who live in here are planning to Work on the research.
They ask about the research.
Ursa: "Mostly stuff with the Arcane Forge, but also solutions for large problems we foresee coming up as time goes along. Making sure we're ready for them, has been our key goal. Most of the big research is done in the other two towers. Your passes won't get you access and we probably won't be going there today..., but you are free to tour this island and the Crown of course. Lots going on down there.
Barlo asks about the communication stones, and range. She says that much of the magic here only works here as they are connected to the large Mythallar which also powers the levitation. The range of such devices do not extend far pass Outding.
Shadow asks if they are Researching how to extend that range. Ursa says no, as it seems even the Netheril people were unable to find a solution to that. So it has been a low priority, as it would waste a lot of resources.
They go past the research, and then she shows how the upper floors are dormitories, and finally they get to the top and see how the top is a 5-sided pyramid. This is a large room at the top of the obelik -shaped tower. They can see the city to the East where construction is taking place. Near the center they see the small castle -- and she points it out.
Lars appears and says he should have met them on the fifth, but fell behind.
They think of how they saw each other at the Ceremony, Lars brings up how he had been spending a lot of time with Professor Umbercresct who is very knowledgeable about he Netheril people and the technology that the Nexus is Researching is heavily based on their Work. In fact they were the ones who designed and created such enclaves as the one which once flew here, and that was recently had a chunk of it brought back to the skies. They all fell from the skies long ago, but this chunk was a large and reliable piece with a Mythallar they could revive with the help of the Arcane Forge. They were able to use it to also power the 12 guard towers and their limited visibility dweomers. They have had to create security out of concerns with the research.
He brings up how the buildings have a limited Calm Emotions effect on those who enter the buildings, granted this would affect Calliope less than others.
He also says they have been analyzing possible security risks and individuals.
Bastion asks about him as he is the brain trust, but he points out that he is actually more about the government and Ursa is more of the research person.
Bastion: "How did that happen? How did you go from assistant to directing research? That sounds like a good story, in itself."
Ursa: "Well, I mean , well when you guys came here, when the whole thing happened with the forge and we were able to start Researching it, you know, using what we've found, Jacoby was already Researching from it. It was just fascinated me. So as we kind of started playing with it, Lars was a little more busier with trying to get the Thorp handled because of how Viggie kind of left the affairs.
Bastion: "So yeah, and then we heard what happened to Viggie. Like, I would love to know more about that story.
Well. and she looks at Lars and he kind of just looks at her and: "well, I mean, we woke up and he was in our room and he had a knife in his hand and, we yelled out and our guards came in and he was able to get out of the room and the the guards were able to find him in his room later on. And he was arrested. He had types of plans on how to, to murder me and my husband. And, so you know, we had a trial and I took care of that.
Barlo: Did not seem like that kind of a person.
Bastion: Yeah, exactly.
Shadow: Was he lucid?
Ursa: for the most part, it seems that for a long time, Viggie has been a a follower of Jergal, which is, He's not an evil anymore kind of God of death. But the fact that he kind of did kind of focus his worship more on that kind of macabre kind of a god, I think is kind of what let him down. He, it seemed that he had a lot of crazy writings and that supposedly, I guess he was having visions, and that might be what kind of led him to it. But, we definitely saw that he was a serious threat to our future.
Bastion: That's just insane.
Ursa: And it was scary.
And again, I forgot we've been gone for. Yeah, Yeah. So while she's. While she's doing this and explaining anything, I'm, I'm trying to just trying to hint out anything that we could to see if she's lying or anything like that.
yeah, you go ahead and give me an insight,
Bastion: Insight (22)
Ursa: "I really don't like to think about it. I mean, there was a lot that Viggie could have done for us, and there was things that he did do for us back in those days.And in the end, I don't know what really drove him completely that way. I can just go off of what we've heard about him.
Bastion: Does he have family?
Ursa: he did not have any family. It seems. he had a family way back when, before he came to the island. But, my understanding was that they had died in some plague or some disease over and over in Dyrt, And, he came here to kind of get away from that. And, I mean, when he when he first came to the island, he definitely contributed a lot. And that's why people felt that he was honest and trustworthy enough to kind of be the mayor. But then again, to be honest, before the whole situation, the winter never really took much to be mayor here. In fact, I mean, that's was one of the reasons why Lars had kind of stepped away from it when he was offered the position, since that's kind of how the the bylaws of the establishment works here is that with his family background, he was supposed to be in charge, but he just felt that there really wasn't much to it. And then, of course, when the Dragon kind of came out and had that whole situation,
he and she kind of looks at him and kind of nods at her and he wasn't ready to Lead at that moment.
Bastion & Shadow: What does that mean?
He later steps up and, Lars: " well, it's I'm not going to lie. At the time, I just didn't feel that I was, ready to kind of Lead in that situation cause I had no idea how to handle it, to be honest, until you guys came out and found me. And I had found the, the, the forge. I wasn't sure what to do, but I honestly, you guys coming here and then I was finding that forge. I think that kind of gave me everything I needed to kind of feel a little more confident. And that's why we were able to go up into Widow's Peak and take care of the Dragon situation. Thank you again.
Lars: "you know, So, I mean, if you guys want I mean, there's. I could probably take some time off or take you guys through the city if there's one or ...
Party: "Yeah, okay, that's great. Yeah, you're up.
Barlo: "You got the time.
Lars: "Yeah, no worries. And so, so let's go ahead and I guess we'll go back down.
He leads you back down the stairwells and down to the first floor. As you get down to the first floor,
Lars: "there's a few different ways of getting over there. There's a on the courtyard. There's a couple portals that will take you back over there. There's also a hallway down here that will take you. We'll go up front, though, out to the courtyard
and leads them out through the courtyard where there's various tables and areas where people are having snacks, especially now we're getting close to around lunchtime.
So we've seen a few more people actually kind of enjoying a meal with kind of the ocean breeze that kind of hits on this high up. you see various types of creatures as well. you do see like, well, I mean you would see probably at least one, Griffin Like you had seen before, that's with the guards, the various types of birds with like very crazy kind of plum edge plumage and feathers. He takes you onto where there's, like, a large water fixture fountain kind of thing amorphic, though, you're seeing, like, various hidden sigils of magics that and like, runes that are all throughout it and certain points kind of kind of glow just very briefly and then go to another one.
when he takes you to the fountains, like just go ahead and put your hand on the fountain right here. And as he touches the fountain, you see him kind of disappear.
And one by one they touch the fountain which transports them to a park and a similar fountain on the Crown (SE park) Ursa was the last one.
Lars: "as long as you have your pass, if you touch the fountain, it'll take you back to the other fountain.
Bastion/Barlo: "Cool. How did you get there if we don't have a pass?
Lars: "Well, if you don't have a pass, then you won't be able to really get around anywhere. In fact. you wouldn't be able to get into the White Tower that is one the securities we have that as long as you have the pass, when you go through the the White Tower, you're fine if you don't have the pass. So on you, we will find a frozen you that's also it allows for the transports. So when you guys were at the docks, otherwise if you didn't have the pass you wouldn't have been able to go through that doorway. That's pretty much all it is. It's, it's just what allows it. So that way if you come over here you're able to walk freely and, and to get around.
Barlo: Real impressive, this place
Lars: "Well, we're working on it.
They begin to walk towards the castle, and see construction everywhere. And Castle is generous as it is more of an estate. Lars speaks of the markets to the East being open, and the NE homes are built. They are still working on the NE and South homes.
Barlo asks if this is to be like a university, and she says it is now pretty much that. It has gotten a bit of ire from the Universities of Towekind.
Lars: "we've had a little bit of issue and there's been a little bit of rivalry if you will, but we're far enough away from all those different universities that I think they understand that it's okay to have a university somewhere else and and not have to get so territorial about it.
Shadow: What is the critera to move up here?
Lars: " Just that you have to be a researcher for us. Yeah, I mean, just being able to of dedicate your time and energies towards what we're building, and Researching, that's pretty much it. I mean there's, there's people here that are Living, doing other things obviously, too. I mean we, we have to have maintenance staff and you know, people taking care of the other ways of getting food obviously with fish and stuff like that, since agriculture is definitely the one thing we haven't figured totally figured out how to solve up here yet. But we're still working on a couple ideas.
Bastion: "Lars, what happens when you just like, put like random items in the forge?
Lars explains that the forge is a conduit and you have to have a purpose and a plan in the Creation, it doesn't just make something magical by being put in it. Have a goal, and push it towards that.
He asks how much or how long to make a +1 Armor with the pockets he was looking for before. Lars said for a thing like that maybe a day or two, as sometimes they channel the energies into gems and those are used to make such simpler items.
Bastion asked about more "uncommon" and "rare" magic items, in costs and time. Costs vary but the forge does seem to make it a bit cheaper and quicker than normal methods. Lars said some uncommon for a couple hundred Gold pieces of materials in a few weeks. The rares would be closer to around 5 months. Very Rare is still a few years, and we haven't done much since it has only been a few years since we got it operational.
Barlo: "you're telling me you can make these magical weapons and Armor fairly quickly within a day of each other. That going to be incredible lucrative, or is that how this is all being paid for? (to Ursa)
Lars: Well, I mean, to be paid for. Well, I mean, to be honest, most of it's doesn't really even cost since it's just our stuff. I mean, for the island, we didn't have to really pay for an island with the the construction costs, though, I mean, obviously getting some of these things built. But most of the people that are working to help build are doing it because they want to live here.
Barlo: So, whoa, you're not paying These people
Lars: "They're getting paid, but most want to Work on these projects so we don't have to pay them a lot because most of them want to live here. And so it's not like with the import. I guess what I'm saying is we don't the import of that labor. These are people that are moving here. So It's not as expensive. I mean, if anything, the Work gets expensive actually on that is dealing with some of the Wood since the as you can see, we don't really have too much Wood here. There's a little bit that grows on the island, but if we were to cut that down, we would it would go really quickly. So we sort of import a lot of the Wood.
Barlo wondered if he meant the Petrified Wood, like in the weapons. No, he meant like building timber for the construction.
Ursa: "We get the Petrified Wood, as we heard you are aware, from a Kobold community to the West.
Shadow: "Oh, you heard about that, hum?
Ursa: "There is very little that happens around here that I don't hear about.
Bastion: "Okay, so since we're on that topic, would you know who the Dragon could possibly be talking about when it comes down to it, saying, she told me you would be here?
The party all now focus on her. she laughs then looks to lars, and says: "Honey, how about you go back and I'll meet you for dinner.
Lars: "Okay, guys, we'll see you guys later.
Ursa: "I'm pretty sure I know exactly who the Dragon met. I really Wish the Dragon wouldn't have said anything, but Yes, I know who it was. It was me. The truth is, is that I knew you would be able to take care of the Dragon. I needed the Dragon out of my hair. And so I kind of pushed it towards you.
Barlo: "huh..
Ursa: "the truth is that you guys have fumbled your way through various things as you got in your travels. And as much as you guys have been very helpful to people like us, there's other things, times that you guys have kind of broken things. So I figured if you guys could take care of that.
Barlo: "We've been told that before
Shadow: "that we're a bunch of fumble fucks
Ursa: "I guess you can say that
Bastion: "There is a reason we're called the Wild Cards.
Ursa: "But I knew you guys be okay, so I wasn't worried. Should I have told you that I wanted you to take out the Dragon? Maybe? No. But I really do hope you understand.
Barlo: "There's a little bit more bared for it, but, yeah, we got through it Okay
Shadow: "Does Lars not know about it?
Ursa: "Lars doesn't know a lot of the things I have been trying to Work on.
Barlo: "And you're keeping this from him, why?
Ursa: "To protect him.
Bastion: "To protect him from what?
Barlo: "who?
Ursa: "I find the less that he's aware of what's going on, what could happen in the future, the less likely he will get afraid like he did last time.
Bastion: "What do you mean by that?
Ursa: "I mean the last time when he ran and hid from a Dragon. And that's everything that I've been working towards how to deal with a Dragon.
Bastion: "Which Dragon?
Ursa: The one that's inside of the Earth. A planet sized Dragon that has woken up a few times in the past and everything that's been building has been to deal with that.
Bastion: "What do you mean by deal with it?
Ursa: "I mean to deal with it before it destroys the planet. I don't know what's plan is going to Work the best. So I've kind of put my research into various things that are to help to handle that situation.
Sas: "Are you saying that this Dragon awoken again?
Ursa: "I don't think it ever really went back to Sleep
Bastion: "And once again, how did you get into all of this?
She kind of has a Weird smile.
Barlo: "you better not say Jacoby
Ursa: "Jacoby. I've manipulated many times. I just. I have. I'm still having the time to figure out how much I can trust with you guys.
Shadow: "US? are the ones that took care of your Dragon problem.
Ursa: "Well, to be fair, that wasn't my problem until it was. the truth is, is that I came across some research about the, What they call the Dragon Prophecies. It seems that there was a Wizard named Tharros, and he had been studying them. And that's where I realize that there was a problem. And so from that point, and once I realized that Lars can use the forge to craft things that might be able to be instrumental in fighting with that Dragon, that's been my focus since then.
my Ring of Truth Telling
Bastion did one too 17
Shadow thinks to the last time they had seen Tharros. Session 33: Spider Forest of the Feywild Report he gave them a Gem after the incident in Session 31: Stop Hitting Yourself Report.
Bastion: "You need to tell Lars
Ursa: "I need to tell Lars what, exactly?
Shadow: "What you told us.
BAstion: "You need to tell him exactly what's going on and trust he has changed enough to help you.
Ursa: "I think I know him well enough to know when he'll be ready, and I don't think he's ready yet. If he was to shift the focus away from what needs to get done here, I can see him retreating back inside of his mind. Like how I found him three years ago.
Shadow: You're not giving him the opportunity to even try Taken away his choice.
Ursa: "I guess that is one way of looking at it. But sometimes, yeah, in the end I'm not too concerned about one choice or another choice. If in the end it's what it's going to stop the destruction of everything.
Bastion: Have you looked into the future before?
Ursa: it's not so much looking into the future as realizing what is, what is ordained, if you will, and how to stop that. Has it been to.
Barlo: He's been stopped before?
Ursa: No, he's been halted. the last Great Sacrifice is what stopped him
Barlo: so his slumber slumber under the earth is is voluntary on his part or he was put there.
Ursa: So my understanding of how the legends go is that the universe is pretty much created with a Dragon who was mortally wounded and that became our son. He created his children, which would be the planet we live on. And our three moons, each one of them contain a very large Dragon inside the Dragon, inside of of the earth, if you will, is supposed to wake up when his father is ready to go back and I guess go kill the gods that was trying to kill them. Begin with. And it seems that at some point that the Dragon in the earth thought it was time to wake up and it wasn't.
It was just too much outside influence, I guess, in our realms that was that was bothering it. So now that it's back asleep, or at least not moving as much, everybody's kind of calmed down and thinks everything's all said and done. And I'm one of the few outside of like, various groups such as the Group of Dragons that Remington was once a part of, or I think they're still a part, but I don't think he's talked to them in a while. But their whole goal was to help stop him their own way.
BAstion: So she knows that Remington is a Dragon.
Ursa: I'm fully aware of a lot of things. And yeah, that's why I connected him with Jeets who was looking for other notes and other things that Jacoby had to figure out more on how he disrupted things on the island.
Barlo: Okay, let me get this. So do you think there's a factions out there that are actively trying to Awaken the Dragon to get him come out now, earlier, than expected.
Ursa: I know for a fact there, such as the cult of Tharizdun going around.
Barlo: Okay, so you know about Tharizdun too, okay..
Ursa: "Yes, there is a Satyr you've come across, he's on my list. If I could find him again.
Bastion: "So you must be attached to some group, Correct?
Ursa: "I wouldn't say that I'm attached to groups. I would say that I know how to utilize them for my own means.
Bastion: "What does that mean?
Ursa: it means that there are many factions where people have their selfish little desires. And I figure what selfish desire they want. And then I figure out how they can help with the great plan to save the world.
Bastion: "So you're doing this by yourself?
Ursa: "Yeah, to a degree. I mean, I have I don't exactly have confidants that I tell all my secrets and my plans to know or discuss my plans. In fact, this is probably the very first time I have. But it's only because I trust you guys.
Shadw: "What do you want us to do about all this information?
Ursa: As of right now, I want you guys to keep doing what you are doing. You guys are finding your own ways of good, doing good deeds. And granted, there's one of these days you guys can clean up some of the messes you have made, ...
Shadow: "HEY!
Ursa: "but they're not as important yet. Hey, I'm not the one who put a whole Blight situation in the middle of Kampos.
Shadow: I don't know what you're talking about.
BAstion: I don't know what you're talking about either.
Calliope: "Why are you getting so defensive?
Ursa: "I'm not being defensive. I'm just saying, when you guys go off and you help a little Hag and you put a little seed in the ground, ...
Shadow: She was very nice Hag, so Thank you.
Ursa: Well, that's why there's a Blight situation in the middle of campus. Do you know what blights are? They are like Living weeds. And that's what you guys had planted there. And it's been growing. Now, I'll admit maybe something should be done. But I'm also kind of hoping that maybe that could be used to help stop the civil war that's going on out there. But we did them a favor. And I mean, I'm hoping that it could become a common goal, that they can help eradicate. And that's the only reason why I haven't geared you guys towards there. Not to mention, I know that you guys keep getting pushed and prodded by a certain goddess of the desert. And I think that that might be a little bit more important. I also think that the little globe you have with you that might blow up at any given moment is also a concern.
Shadow is concerned: How do you know about the desert? We haven't told anybody about that.
Ursa: As I said, I have various tools that allows me to know what's going on.
Shadow: Well, we are not those tools
Ursa: ...in a way, though. You kind of are.
Shadow... I don't like this. she steps back a bit
Bastion: How do we know we can trust you?
Ursa: For the same reason why I know I can trust you with everything I've just said. The fact is that none of us are doing anything bad. Nothing I've done is really that bad. And it's all for the greater good.
Bastion: Well, I'm going to I'm going to flat out ask you, does Lars have a spell put on him?
Ursa: Do you mean have I tried to charm him in any way?
Bastion: Yes,
Ursa: I would say not currently, no.
Bastion: What do you mean by that?
Ursa: I will admit in the early days, because he was... he couldn't stop but see me as his young assistant, that it did take a little prodding to get him to understand that I wasn't seeking his affection in any nefarious means, but nothing more than any other charm that any young lover hasn't pulled on another.
Bastion: So the next time I see Lars, you would be okay with me casting Dispel Magic on him.
Ursa: I have no issue with that.
Bastion: Or Remove Curse
Ursa: if there's a curse on him, it's not from me.
Bastion goes to Calliope and pats her a bit on her back, a bit too much... she realizes he wants her to touch Ursa.
Ursa: "I know the what you guys want to try and learn about my past. And I can tell you that probably wouldn't be the best idea.
Bastion: For what reason?
Ursa: as you can see, is I able to control a lot of different things. And it's currently we're all still very much allies in this area. And I really don't want to change that. I like you guys. I know that it offends you if I call you a tool and I will not call you that. To be fair, it was your words, not mine, but what I can.
Bastion: It actually has nothing to do with that. It has everything to do with us trusting you. We cannot trust you if we do not know who you are.
Ursa: You know enough about me to know what you need to know. I don't know every little secret of yours either. I know enough.
Sas: "But you seem to
Ursa: "But that's only because. That's because I have a whole community that I'm in charge of.
Bastion: "So you aren't working alone?
Ursa: "Well, we have an island here. The people that are on this island are our concern. So of course I need to know the dangers that would Harm my people. It's no different, really, than any other king or queen would do for their people that actually care for their peoples.
Shadow: "Our journeys have nothing to do with your island.
Bastion: "What do you mean by you peoples?
Ursa: "your journey as you come in and go into various countries and help or hinder has a lot to do with us as now that we have entered the world stage for them. That's the thing you have to understand is that this island nation was a very quiet one, but with things that have been shifting, we're a little bit more involved these days and that puts a little bit of a target on our people, which is why I'm always going to be a little overprotective.
Shadow: "Wait a minute. Didn't you guys ask for our help in the first place?
Ursa: "Yeah, that's my point. That's when this was a very weak island nation.
Bastion: "I feel like there are two things going on here. One is your want to protect these people, which is admirable, and I can understand that. And two is to prevent the Dragon from waking. But you were talking about them in totally different ways. How do you figure? So is your is your want to protect these people or is your want to stay in power?
Ursa: "Well, my power is not that much, to be honest. I mean and I don't I haven't really cared about that. The power that I have is actually more behind the scenes and that has used nothing. I've used for nothing but to deal with the Dragon Prophecies for the last three years, the power that I have, I've been using for that, and once again to protect those who I'd seen. I'm in charge of the people on my on our islands needs to be protected. And they look to me and my husband to protect them.
Shadow: "Even though your husband doesn't know what's going on,
Ursa: "he doesn't know everything that's going on, but he knows enough that it keeps him working. If he was to know everything else I do, based on what I know about him, it will paralyze them with fright and he won't get anything done. Though I don't think that's your choice to make. Everybody makes those kind of choices for somebody.
Shadow: "Child, perhaps.
Bastion: "Well, I think what Shadow is getting at is because of your original manipulation and you don't really get to decide that choice for him.
Ursa: "I think I do. And to be fair.
Bastion: "No, no. You think you can do you think you do? Is something totally different?
Ursa: "I guess the thing is you will have a better understanding of this as it seems that you guys are now in charge of some people. You guys are building up a little community. And when you are you going to tell everybody in your little community, every little thing and make sure everybody has a say in every little thing? Or are there going to be times that you're going to do what you think is right?
Bastion: "I think it's a little different when your community that you're talking about is the mayor.
Ursa: "Well, the mayor is my husband,
Bastion: "correct, That's what I'm getting at.
Ursa: "And we are as open and honest as the next couple.
Bastion/Shadow: "But you're not
Ursa: "And I think that's all a matter of opinion and subjectiveness. And in the end, I mean, I don't it's not like I'm going to call your guys's spouses or mommies and daddies and tell them everything you haven't told them.
Calliope: "Our spouses are not in levels of authority
Shadow: "and we haven't hidden anything from the people that are in our care. .. do we have people in our care?
Ursa: "Well, I mean, you have your little owl Bear. I mean, you haven't always been honest yourself. I'm sure that there have been things you have stolen and you haven't told them that you stole from them.
Shadow: "So me not telling my owl Bear what's going on is the same as you not telling your husband.
Ursa: "No, I'm talking about the people that you've stolen things from. I'm sure you haven't told them all.
Shadow: "Not the same thing.
Ursa: "so it's okay for you to be dishonest, but for me, because I'm married to, somebody. I have to be honest, I didn't say it's okay for me one way or another. I said it's not the same thing. I'm just saying sometimes we all just need to take care of our own business.
Barlo: "I think I can understand that now about this business for to go along with what you've said and keep playing along and not tell Lars with what's going on? What can you help us out with? Seem to have this magical forge that can produce things fairly easily and very rapidly.
Shadow whispers.. "shaking her down...
Barlo: "Gotta make a deal somewow, right?
Ursa: "Since we're discussing morality and ethics, ... I have no problem making deals with you for gear, but in the end -- you have to realize if you tell what the big plan is right now, you are going to hurt him. You might not want to believe me because you think, for some reason, that I'm the big bad end guy, when the truth is that I'm actually just the one trying to help you.
Shadow: "We didn't say you were the big, bad end guy. We just said, we don't think that you should be hiding things from your mate.
Bastion rolls insight on the big bad end guy bit.
Shadow: "So what do you want from us?
Ursa: "As I said, I want you to keep doing what you're doing. And hopefully when we can figure out how to solve the problem with the Dragon, well, maybe you guys will be one of the groups that are up the front helping handle the situation
Shadow: "as your cannon fodder.
Ursa: "Well, I mean, that's what the adventurers and soldiers do
Barlo: "Yeah, well let's not be left out of the equation ... the next time you want to send a Dragon our way, just let us know.
Ursa: "... and to be fair, I also think that you should finish the the little questing for the little sand goddess, because I think that might be helpful. And and I wasn't lying before, I do think that I can help handle the situation with that orb before it blows up on you.
Shadow seems to really dislike her arrogance.
Barlo: "well, what's our mission right now as the head that way to take care of that business so ...
Shadow: "but we're not doing it because you told us to that we're doing it because we want to do it.
Ursa: "So now. So now that the cards are on the table, as I said, I would like to help you with that orb
<then looks over at Bastion> e are still working on those bottles. And so if you would still like to be interested in that research, I can help you with those as well. But as I said, I think the orb is the one thing that needs to be handled before the thing blows up.
Shadow: "Why are you so sure it's going to blow up?
Ursa: "as well, .. as I understand It is coming apart and the far realms are already starting to tear it apart.
Barlo: Do you have any knowledge or suspicions of anybody else or anybody close to you that might have an issue with what you're doing?
Ursa: "I'm not sure how to answer that question.
Barlo: "..Some of the tension that may what just I was coming out like, was Viggie in the way?
Ursa: "Oh, Viggie was trying to kill us.
Shadow: "Was he really, though?
Ursa: "that was a fact.
Shadow: "Was he being Charmed into doing it?
Ursa: "No. He had plans and everything. If anything, it seemed that he wanted to kill me more than my husband. But he was out to kill us.
Bastion/Barlo: "Why is that? Yeah.
Ursa: "As I said before, I wasn't lying. I really don't know the whole story about why he started getting into that.
Shadow: "I thought you knew everything around here that happens.
Ursa: "I can only pick up on so many things. As I said before, though, it seems he was under the the assumption... he was under the belief that he had been speaking to Jergal, the god of death. As far as I can tell, I don't know if it was true or not, but it seemed that that's kind of what set him on his way. And you were going to say?
Bastion: "two questions.
One, would you know anybody else who follows this God that is here?
And two did you send that kid to spy on us earlier?
Ursa: "as far as Jergal most, ... a lot of scribes and most people that Work with cemeteries and stuff like that tend to worship Jergal, he is not as nefarious of a God as he used to be. Once he kind of handed over the reins of the more evil parts of his portfolio and what kid?
Bastion: "That kid from another plane, what's his name there? The Wizard with the glasses.
Ursa: "Oh, Pradam, you mean when Pradam came to the tavern and talke to you all? That wasn't Pradam, that was me.
Calliope: What?
Ursa: "I'll admit that was me spying on you guys a little bit.
Shadow: "And you wonder why we have trust issues. You are proving our point.
Ursa: "If you look at any kingdom, their rulers send spies into anybody. they spy on their own people. Nothing I've done is that untoward compared to what any other royal does to their subjects.
Shadow: "Doesn't make it right.
Ursa: "If we could all just live in, you know, rainbows and unicorns...
Barlo: "To be fair, in all honesty, we had plans of spying as well
Ursa: "that I am aware of. And that's why I was so glad you guys came up and was a very open and honest and that's why I've been willing to be honest with you guys even telling you that that was me last night. This honesty is
Bastion: "one more question?
Ursa: "Of course.
Bastion: "Are you a God?
Ursa: "I am. No God, no.
Bastion: "Hello. Everyone knows that the answer is yes. When somebody asks whether you're a God, ...
Ursa: "No, I am merely a young woman who is trying to handle the situation that I have learned about, that I think that I am empowered to handle. That's the best way of putting it.
Shadow: "Yeah, but are you giving anybody else the opportunity to try?
Ursa: "The truth is. Is that.
Shadow: "Yeah, here we go.
Ursa: "There are others, obviously, that are trying to manipulate the situation as you guys have already learned, there's people like Tharros <serious disdain> who wants to use the Dragon, and then Jacoby Drexelhand was trying to find a way to control it to make everyone bow down to him. That's not my goal. My goal is to to eliminate the threat. so yeah, there's evil people trying to do evil things with it. Have all my methods been the most moral of methods? Probably not, But I really can't help but say that I feel like in these last three years I've been making a much better choices than I used to make...
Bastion: "So it's obvious you don't want us to start learning about your past. If you have changed, like you said, you have, don't you think that we deserve to know who exactly we are dealing with and helping?
Ursa: "You know about my past... As much as you need to. I don't see...
Bastion: "Not what I said.
Ursa: "I understand that. But I don't think there's anything else in my past that really is important right now.
Calliope: "Says who?
Shadow: "Well, I don't think you can honestly make that claim.
Ursa: "I think I can. I mean it up to this point, I think we've been fairly amicable.
Barlo: "Past is the past. We don't need to go digging through our pasts. So I... I agree with you on that.
Ursa: "and that is why Barlo's one of my favorite out of you guys. You guys don't look into Barlo's past. You guys haven't seen some of the things that he's but he's done to other people and yet you guys accept him just fine.
Calliope: "I'm sure if we ask them he would tell us what happened. He's not lying about it
Shadow: "...or manipulating.
Ursa: "I'm sure that if Barlo became a ruler of a large area, I don't think he'd tell everybody all of his past either.
Bastion: "But you're not the ruler ...
Shadow: "You can't make the decisions for other people.
Ursa: "I mean, in this case...
some crosstalk...
Ursa: "So if you guys would like to come back and have dinner, that's fine. I am going to get back to Work. I think we've had a lot of discussions. Like I said, I would still like to take care of that glowing orb before it blows up in pocket. But if you want to hold on to it, I guess that's on you.
Shadow: "Okay, Bye.
Ursa: " So when you are ready to figure out what you want to do with you, like you let know. And when you want to know more what's going on with the JAR Project, I will let you know because you did bring that to us. And I really do hope that you guys see that I've opened up with a lot more of trust and you are giving me credit for. But you guys are totally welcome to have meals. I've gone ahead and made sure that your ship in the harbor has doesn't have to pay for the harbor costs. Otherwise I will hopefully see you soon. It's around lunch time. The party discussed somethings amongst themselves, namely how Shadow doesn't recall telling anyone outside of the crew about the Bast mission. How she wants to stop the dragons from waking up. The party, especially Shadow, doesn't like her or her manipulations and especially how she knows about the Bast thing... Barlo remembers he meant to ask about the Ghost... he said he will ask at dinner... I don't think he did. Barlo even questions how much she has changed... Bastion suggests it might not be the same "Ursa"... He thinks it might be Jacoby maybe manipulating her, while Barlo questions if someone replaced her. They think about the 8-ball or other options to find out,... then Viggie grave discussions. Bastion says since she is willing to let him cast dispel on Lars then he thinks they might be able to trust her... Shadow then worries if they are being spied upon.
Bastion uses the Sending Stone to speak to Jeets:
" Ursa not what she seems trying to stop the Dragon. The big Dragon Still don't trust her, but somehow seems she's telling the truth."
from Jeets: " I wasn't prepared for For you to tell her. It seems if you are contacting me, it couldn't have been that bad. We'll talk soon."
there was some fudging... trying to sneak in that she knows about Remington being a Dragon, cheat response was "she knows about Dragon."
Bastion thinks about how he wants to fill the ship with cargo... It carries 20 tons if flying. Generally this is a port discussion as ships state their leave and destination. I had them do a Charisma check (with a Skill Empowerment from Bastion) 21
They also went to see if Helga needed anything. Bastion thinks about how they can use transportation to help her more, and they remember how Helga spent every day for a year to set up the Teleportation Circle in their basement. Some discussions on this and even a bit of singing the Gummy Bear theme song... Bastion is discussing plans to build a global shipping empire at least in an effort to gain allies.
Helga does say she needs "Basilisk Scales" if they come across any. She is also always in the market for magic items. She will always be willing to see what they find... Helga is more like an antique dealer, more curious items so the Nexus hasn't really interfered. They do ask her about it...
She talked about how the growth was very fast, so not everyone likes that. They ask if she sees Lars and Ursa, but she says how she is a homebody (and not much of a gossip). Many thought he took advantage of her, but most seemed to accept the relationship. Bastion pulls out the swords and other gear he wants to sell...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEED INVENTORY SOLD
NTO:
stopped 1:27
Silver plated long swords with Jet inlay. Sounds Familiar. Were we going to sell those or not? I suppose. But not to need it. We don't have much useful. Yeah, I pull it out and I say, What would you give us for these? I also pull out the Gem encrusted chalice and the ornate Gold ring. Okay. And the ring with the way it was Living out where you got the bottles over Cork and em bust With what? With Gold. All right, so. she just said. Just say, just say, just say 3000 Gold for everything and leave it at that.
But when I say that, I don't know, cause you're we'd probably be losing money. I got to figure out where you got those from in the back of holding. Yeah. like where we picked them up? Yeah. Not the bottom of the list. So it couldn't have been too long ago. You know, the things I was planning for you guys still have it done.
Well, it's daytime. We can't do that right now. I just, like. I just think it's funny that, Goodness, why am I not finding that stuff anywhere? Is it the stuff that we found in here? Put in chat what it is that you're selling? I can't. You can't type. here it is. The way that this thing was doing, stuff was not fantastic. And we have a ton of gems. We have this vial of perfume. it's. I found that from April 15th. Wow. Bugbear Rat lock helps us.
Was that when we were in the basement? What was the holder? What was the holder? The guy at the pool? Yeah. Three art objects, a bottle stopper, cork embossed something, two Silver plated Steel, long sorts. Wow. Yes. Potion of Supreme Healing, where we got the crackling orb. That's right. we have two of these that we didn't sell and two Silver plated Steel long sort of.
The Jet said, Wow, what? Wow.
Wait, the art pieces. I have three art objects, 750 Gold pieces each that says there's only two in here. And we Havasu took one of them. no. This is just the Bag of Holding the handy. Every sack is something different. Yeah, it's in the art. In the sack. yeah and then three 750 shows to us, we say.
So you should have taken that three grand. yeah. She might want that Purple Worm, stomach acid. No, let's not get rid of the Arcane Order ring. is that what it is? Yeah. Yeah, we keep that. I keep that in though. I need that Gem across the channels for that one. Aerospace. Isn't that one eighth level spell or something.
Was that. I don't know. Does it do that. It has to be worth a thousand Gold in a way. What Heroes feast. You have to have a chalice worth a thousand Gold, a Gem encrusted bowl worth at least a thousand Gold pieces. It's a sixth level spell. Cleric and Druid. How many Purple Worm stomach acid vials do you have to hunt? What's the highest level that SAS has in spells? Five, five? Yeah. So you keeping the AoE signet ring? And then are you guys keeping the Gem encrusted Silver chalice? Is it worth 1000 Gold as. Let's see, I will go ahead and let her appraise it if I can find out. Where does he have. It's worth a thousand Gold.
You may as well keep it for when you can get a hero's feast. Unfortunately, it's only worth 800. Really? Yeah. Add a couple little gems we got in our back to it. Just. man. Cool, man. man. I So with everything including the chalice, but not counting the ring, she's willing to give you 1600 for it. For everything.
Yeah, Including the three art pieces. Yeah. That's 150. No, no, it's worth hundred and 50 Gold pieces each. I have. I have two art pieces that are worth 50 Gold each, and then they're handy. However, Shaq has three art pieces that are worth looking at. What's on list? Yeah. by the way, there's no numbers on any of that, by the way.
So, yeah, to make you famous numbers for some of it, you didn't. Maybe that was. No, I meant like the quantity. You're saying there's more than one art pieces and 50 Gold pieces each, but the only doesn't say one two or so. That's why I thought. No, no, no. There's, there's. Yeah, yeah. But the 1600 for all of that.
So you said yes. And then can we just add the what is it, 1522 50 for the other three pieces. Yeah. That's one. Okay. So calculator what did you say. 1600. Plus 22. 50 is 38. 150. 3850. Okay. I will let her pay you in Platinum on this, but she won't be willing to do any more conversions. But at least with what she pays you, she could pay you Platinum. If that's 385 Platinum, then yeah, well, it. ######there should be a bank in the main tower.... ##### --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A quick table conversation on how docks and cargo shipments Work... The party assumes dinner was to be at the castle, so they return to the white tower and then the park, then walk north. A door man takes their coats, takes them to a long table then Lars and Ursa come in from seperate doors. Ursa comments that they did come. Shadow is being as insightful as possible on Lars. 57 and 3... not right, need to fix. 26 and 57.
We didn't really roleplay it much, there was nothing suspicious on Lars. Ursa seems to be looking at Shadow more than others, and she doesn't try to make them uncomfortable. She also warns them to not leave the orb on the island too long if they are not going to hand it over, but of course she would like to handle that for them. Bastion asks Lars about it -- He looks at her and says how she is the one with the info. They seem to hold a lot of power and she told him that it was coming apart and the research shows it might blow up and cause mass devastation. It is more her bailiwick.
Ursa says she understands they may have concerns, and she understands that. Her concern with this is just about safety, and the fears of what might happen with it. she brings up how the party has concerns on trusting her, to which Lars gives her a look of curiousity -- she says they have concerns which is on them. She isn't trying to take advantage of them.
Bastion asks Lars about the look to which he replies that it makes him uncomfortable that people don't trust his wife as he does. He is being a defensive husband. he also adds: "So of course, I don't understand why people wouldn't trust her, but I also understand that some of our dealings, sometimes people don't find us trustworthy because there's going to be times that, well, either one of us are going to take advantage of a situation if we think it's the best course of action for our people."
Shadow: "You still haven't told us what happens when this does explode.
Lars: "well. if it blows up, it will take out probably a very large city At the very least, as I understand it, you there's a lot of power in those orbs. My understanding is the orbs are pretty much all of the magic of a entire world inside of them. I believe the other orb you have is in fact the world of Toril, the one that is about to blow up is Eberron. We have the orb from Pradam that was his homeworld, https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Earth#Modern_History
They also say how they have Bargle's homeworld Mystara orb..
They ask how she will stop it from blowing up, she says she will first take it to another plane and study it there... the party discusses what to do. uncertainity. They bring up a Zone of Truth, and so Ursa reminds them that the city actually regulates magic in the border now. One needs a license, but they have been given some leeway due to their connection with her. These rules were instituted after Viggie was arrested as there were fears of magic attacks. This is normal in most big Cities and it was Lar's idea, which Shadow prompted them to answer. she talks about a guest room that is linked to the pier for fast travel.
As they leave Bastion casts Dispel Magic on Lars... no real effect. Ursa noticed it, smug smile. he passes an insight and is sure that there was no hidden effects. Calliope also reaches out with the "gloved" hand and pushes for a reading.
Calliope's reading on Lars:
She sees how he was supposed to be the mayor, but declined due to other interests and general laziness. Then how he hid in the Ruins during the Dragon situation out of Fear, but the Menagerie coming across him near the Arcane Forge in Outding Refuge while he was going through Jacoby's research helped inspire him to do better. He returned.
She sees their assault on the Dragon, then later him creating the weapons for the party. She sees times where Ursa comes in and assists him... Perception (XX)... a point during that process where she took the reigns and took over the Work, as Lars let her. She sees Lars give the weapons to the party. Then the research, the exploration, and the rising of the city... not too much..
Then Ursa says "You will not be doing that to me..." Calliope thinks about patting her on the back, and thinks better of it.
Ursa leads them to the guest waiting room and tells them to notify the harbormaster if they need to use this shortcut again. It leads to a room behind the guard at the harbor.
Plans to dig up the body as it is now nightfall...
Ursa: Session 61: Back to the Crypt, Again Report
They come out of the portal room at the harbor. A little tabletalk about how the harbor tends to help find cargo based on date and time of departure for those who are looking to pick up some coin for space they have on board. This is based on reputation and since the harbormaster is aware of the party's affiliation with Lars & Ursa, this should not be a problem.
(sic...)
Kyleanna: "a couple of years ago. It was around 3 years ago...
Bastion asks about how long Ursa had been here. For her whole life...
Calliope tries to use the glove to no avail.
They question her about the Ghost and learn that each Ghost learns how to use the new form a lot. It seems the new Ghost had a lot of Fear and regret, which can sometimes make it hard for them to figure things out with the overabundance of emotion. Kyleanna brings up how she thinks her purpose is to watch over the island. Sas asks about how some are able to "move on", Kyleanna says sometimes there is a "purpose" and so the Ghost might find that purpose. Some are murdered victims seeking to help bring justice and so when that murder is solved they can move on. Sometimes it's they were protective of somebody they left behind. A bit of discussion on how her bond seems to be to protect the island. She continues to feel as if she needs to protect the island.
RETCON: BEFORE THEY WENT DOWN, IT SEEMS SHADOW REMINDED THEM TO ASK HER ABOUT VIGGIE...
They also ask about Viggie, she doesn't know a lot about him. She knew he was buried above ground, the mayor when the party was last here, she doesn't keep up on a lot of such things. She heard he tried to Kill Lars and Ursa.
Calliope asked where she goes when she "disappears" and she answers how she returns to the Ethereal Plane, the plane inbetween here and other places... She can see other ghosts. Sas asked about the timing of her problems and Viggies death and they seem like they were close together. Then she suggests to see if she can find the Ghost in the Ethereal Plane around here. She realizes the new Ghost might have some difficulties, she says she will return if she finds anything, and Bastion asks if she haunted the home and gives the direction... She says she doesn't go into the town much, but she knows a bit -- even though the last few years has been Weird. She suggests she can focus on the features and folds in that area...
(sic...)
Bastion asks about the prophecies, and if he had talked to Ursa. No. Shadow asked if he knew or met Tharros the Wanderer. no. Bastion asked about the prophecies, and so the orb asked what specifically he wanted to know, he answered "When they will happen."
Prophecies don't Work like that.
(sic...)
and then a retcon as we overlooked Calliope Galanodel's Elder's Glove of Lore on the corpse:
She sees him as a mayor who had care, but was not a hard-worker. She sees right before she got to the island where he lost the mayorship at the celebration. He was sad, and began to hear voices at some time. Seeing visions of Jergal. Jergal is a strange cross between a praying mantis and a Human, or other times like a Lich or mummy type, he tends to have a long face/skull. Sometimes with 2, 4, or 6 arms. Long arms with strange claw-like hands. It talks about strange things at play as the god Vecna is Dead. Jergal seems intent on finding something on this island that he believes will help his goal that he long ago thought was never going to occur so he abandoned it. Viggie is constantly following Ursa and taking copious amounts of notes on what she is doing. Jergal felt she was a threat.
Then one night he is awoken out of bed and arrested. Then the trial and the execution...
the glove also notifies her that he was not in the room that night, although he had worked on plans to kill her. So there was enough evidence to convict him. The lore of the body continues to tell her more...
She sees the crypt open, and a younger Meklan is opening the box. He is talking to the orb and puts the orb in the box, then closes it again.
As they leave, Shadow passes a perception check.
They return home and discuss some plans and what they learned. They are thinking of how they can handle the Ursa situation. They also discuss the new orb and his knowledge base.
Barlo asks if the Spellweaver have anything to do with The Weave... it didn't seem as if it was roleplaying. The spellweavers are not a known species. Barlo was thinking of Dweomerflow and how it powers the ship or Soul Gem, a lost spell.
Bastion thought about how Ursa claims she got her information from the journals, especially about the Draconic prophesies.. even though that wasn't what was said. She just said around 3 years ago she across something about them and that sparked her actions. He was thinking she never met the orb or Meklan and yet she is talking about it... They debate if she is just being secretive or nefarious. Shadow wonders if any of their actions had anything to do with that... at this time there is no reason to think so.
The orb does ask at some point if they have any questions.
(sic...)
Back to discussions on Ursa and Viggie. Calliope's vision is not evidence for a court as most don't accept magic for most cases, due to the double nature of magic. Bastion asks if they took all the Books from under the Keep. There was a lot of Confusion here... They also discussed having Bastion pulling an Edgar Gayce and learning by osmosis, whether the DM is trying to hint, and how there is a lot of things they can do research into at this point... They then think about the Plane of Time... as well as Barlo talking about trying to pull a Meklan and use time travel to fix the past.
(sic...)
Shadow wonders if Ursa is a Doppelganger. She also wonders if it was really Viggie in the grave... based on Calliope's reading, most likely not. When a Doppelganger dies, they revert so it wasn't a Doppelganger. There does not seem to be a way to know if you were replaced by a Doppelganger. A bit on how they might want to keep victim around to get new info from.
Ursa: Session 62: The Dead Beholder Report
Kyleanne is able to manifest again. "I would say that it seems you guys have once again fixed whatever's going on here. It seems that I'm able to control myself better."
Barlo: "Something else messing with an obelisk down there. where that last Crystal was.
She then told them the Ghost was the real Ursa
Session 63: Crossing the Streams Report
Barlo tries to act as if his arm was lost... The main thing they tell her is that Ursa is a Doppelganger.
There is a bit of a discussion. Should they tell Lars Heyton? They need proof. They also should be careful of just killing her as they are representatives of the Skola Vale. They think the Ghost of Ursa can be very helpful.
They go home. It is nightfall and they are able to "sneak" home with the huge Warforge creature over Arktos.
no one seems to notice them.
When they get home they try Greater Restoration over the body and it doesn't seem to react to it.
Barlo and Bastion investigate the thing. It is Wood, rotting Wood, Petrified Wood, stone, and Metal with various spots having the crystals from the island.
Calliope touches the rune and she sees a battlefield, he was a commander. the eyes and sigil both have a slight glow, and she can see the additions and changes. Somehow he fell in the battle, lost. she gets awareness that it was buried for a long time, but then vanished -- just to appear under the church. The walls torn down and Ursa is leading people to set up the experiment. A Tiefling is given an orb from Ursa, and leaves. This Warforged automoton was from Eberron. She realizes the dress and look of the Tiefling it seems to be the same one from the Beholder they fought meaning the orb they carry might be the one that Ursa gave the Tiefling.
She tells the party.
They discuss the four orbs they have heard of
They have the Orb of Toril & Orb of Eberron in the Bast's Brass Orb
Bargle had Orb of Mystara and Pradam Estorich found an orb to his homeworld in his magic hat. Those are both in the possession of Ursa and the Netheril Nexus.
They discuss putting the Eberron orb in the Warforged... tehy discuss confronting Ursa, or finding evidence. Debating if they know the color of Doppelganger blood.
A doppleganger's blood is a dark red, almost black, fluid with a low viscosity and a rainbow Sheen. When the vial is held, the blood changes color to match the blood of the creature holding it.
they discuss leaving. They know they need at least an hour for the crew to reliably leave, and they want to sneak out. Barlo will go to the docks, the rest stay behind to watch for the Ghost.
Bastion contacts Jeets, and they momentarily agree that they trust him.
As Barlo heads to the docks, there is a guy in the shadows and beckons to Barlo. He is dressed in a black cloak, it is a Halfling. As
Barlo goes to talk to the captain.
He knows about a bit about Barlo's "connections" and what-not. He says he will get things taken care of. It has been around a half hour and he heads back.
Shadow watched out for the Ghost. Gets a high score on the perception and no sighting.
Bastion to Jeets "Ursa is a Doppelganger, secret experiment... need to finish notes here!!
NTO:
(sic...)
Shadow takes first rest. Bastion second. Arktos guards their door.
Shadow talks to Nissa, small talk. She learns how Nissa's old party was killed by a Doppelganger. Seems they were looking for a guy D'Arno who disappeared. D'arno was working with two doppelgangers, a brother and sister. Vyerith is described. Seems it is the same Drow appearance she used when out of other forms. D'arno lied about a Doppelganger replacing him as he was creating a persona named Spider. He was trying to take over an Arcane Forge and the doppelgangers wanted to build up a base of power with Spider as the head of the operation, but they would be the real powerbase. They recall how Vyerith said she was captured by a Wizard on the road toward Neyer
Barlo joins the conversation...
D'arno has now been run out of town. The doppelgangers had long seemed to be gone. They were originally using a local group of orcs and bandits to cause problems.
Shadow tells her what they found about Nissa, the Ghost, and Lars acting strange.
Nissa said it sounds like the brother might still be missing and so Lars probably wasn't replaced.
Ursa: Session 64: Fighting Pollution Report
They go to the bottom. Bastion starts to talk to them about their plans. They say they had plans to do Work elsewhere and wanted to leave Ursa. Bastion suggests they can help at their base. The brothers say they were thinking they could help outfit the party. He shows a Wood panel near the Feywild room. He says a word with his hand over the panel and the panel opens.
They see a pattern with sockets and one has a gemstone.
Session 66: A Wizard and His Spellweavers Report
Tharros had an apprentice, he disappeared... There are references to other places and Books. He even does reference this tower and how he has research here. He has a lot of journals and ideas to deal with the prophecies. Nissa and Ursa have brought these prophecies up a bit recently.
Shadow gave the book to Yggdra and points out how it references the prophecies, even points them out abit. She also wondered if it brought up Vyerith. It did. At the end he refernces how he had recently captured a Doppelganger, finally. He discusses his procedure to take "powers" and such from creatures. He wanted to steal some powers from the Doppelganger, and these last notes in the book discuss how he wanted to perform the ritual on the Doppelganger he captured -- but that would have to wait until his return. He had urgent business with the Arcane Order who had some problems at the time... around 3 years ago. This could be Jacoby, or some other thing around the time the party got to Outding the first time. It might also be why he only used voice instead of presence when the party was in his home...
This was also around the time with Reginald's "Uncle" losing his seat of power due to machinations by the Order.
... granted didn't the party see him in the Feywild? Interesting...
This discussion brings up something that Yggdra was curious about. She asks what the "Crown" was called, and Shadow couldn't recall off-hand, but they asked Nissa who said Xorlarrin's Crown.... Xorlarrin was the last name for the Doppelganger twins, Vyerith & Vhalak, at least as far as these adventurers were aware. It seems it now has clicked in why the name seemed Familiar. They were working for the Spider, Nezznar, trying to make him the ringleader, but them with the real power in the shadows.
Supposedly the three had long ago left Philander, as far as they know. Doppelgangers are very rare, and tend to not take on prominent roles out of Fear of being caught. Some propoganda or truth may explain the very rare instantances of a Doppelganger taking on a prominent role. The party discusses some ways in that they can discover one...
Ursa?: Session 67: The Wizard's Cellar Report
It has the same stanzas as they saw in common.
as per the prophecies from the dragons Vecna will be killed and his apprentice will try to raise him before the spellweavers Remind Jergal of his purpose and ancestry The Gems of Tharizdun can unlock the dark god Or can be used to reverse the Disjunction Both will bring Destruction to all
— note in alien runes
discussion on Viggie might have followed Jergal. Jergal gave powers over. Ursa killed Viggie...
So they start back up...
Session 72: Dark Knights in Thornwinds Report
"... after you were supposed to escort a passenger from Eushia, Neyer."
He says he was shipwrecked. Now needs to find him.
"it's Weird you failed to show up at Neyer, but so did the passenger. Now you have this incident. And you bring up a person who is missing."
Barlo brings up his sister was missing then he was in outding... the Halfling knows that since they sent the Dragonborn there...
he makes a deal. Says they will help him with Adrex if they will help him find the missing passenger, Vyerith.
Barlo says they will and they are staying on the ship.
His name is "Reed"...
Barlo goes to ship. Tells captain. Gets artwork and has crew deliver it then goes to The Sleepy Seahorse
Sign is hard to notice.
everyone is at a table. He tells the party about Garm, his buddies, a new Drow person wearing similar garmants. Drow are rare, but a handful can be found in such a port place.
He tells them how Vyerith was who he was supposed to transport. There are others who are upset with Garm, and want Barlo to handle this.
Social
Current Residence
Unknown