Ch 3: Part 1: The Path into Peril: Session 36

[15:25] <Kilarra> *****Second Darkness*****
[15:26] <Kilarra> ~~~Chapter 3: The Armageddon Echo~~~
[15:26] <Kilarra> -Session 36-
[15:27] <Kilarra> The party has just managed to rout a trio of forest drakes, with some timely help from a group of elven skirmishers. The quintet of elves emerged from hiding, bows out but not drawn, with their leader approaching the party.
[15:27] <Kilarra> The leader looks them over and demands, "Why have you come to Meiranni?"
[15:30] <@Aluthyra> Tognik clears his throat, still clutching at his wounds. "We're here to speak you about the drow. That... Kwava, elf fellow sent us." He nods. "And thank you for the assistance."
[15:31] == Kilarra [[email protected]] has quit [Quit: See you !]
[15:31] == TenMihara [[email protected]] has joined #FoEfansdoDnD
[15:32] == TenMihara has changed nick to Kilarra
[15:35] <Kilarra> The elf hears Kwavas name and nods. "Follow us." He turns around, keeping his bow out, with the other four elves following form.
[15:36] <@Aluthyra> Tognik sighs, activating his want two more times, to heal the last of his wounds, and follows.
[15:38] * Aluthyra looks to both Kilarra and Kjell, making sure they each look to be in good health.
[15:38] * Kilarra pulls out the wand she had confiscated from the drow cleric back on Devil's Elbow, having identified it as a curing wand, and uses it to touch herself up while they weren't in danger.
[15:39] <Kilarra> Kjell looks to be in decent health, but he had still been caught in the acid cloud.
[15:40] * Aluthyra nods. "Kilarra, could you could be so kind as to use that wand on Kjell?"
[15:41] * Kilarra doesn't nod to Aluthyra, but presses the wand to her meat shield three times.
[15:46] * Aluthyra sighs, following the elves.
[15:52] <Kilarra> Kjell lets Kilarra do her work before following after the group of elves. At least they were surely headed in the right direction now.
[15:54] <Kilarra> The leader of the elf squad, presently unnamed, remarks, "We recieved word from Kwava that you would be coming. His descriptions were not exact, but you know his name and fit what we were told."
[15:56] * Aluthyra nods, and curios, asks, "We heard that you have been hostile to many outsiders recently. Would that be because of the drow, or for other reasons?"
[15:57] <Kilarra> “It would be best to allow Eviana to answer your questions. You should keep silent, there are many enemies in these woods.”
[16:00] * Aluthyra frowns, wanting a more forward answer, but stays quiet.
[16:01] * Kilarra is glad for the silence. She didn't really want to draw the attention of any more monsters or drow just yet. Better they share their information with the elves first and have plans made, then just go blindly looking for trouble.
[16:03] <Kilarra> Kjell follows, heeding the elf's desire for silence. It was, after all, their territory, and they knew it better than any outsiders would.
[16:04] <@Aluthyra> Tognik is also thankful, not wishing another encounter with any more drakes. He stays close to Kjell-- The meatshield.
[16:04] <Kilarra> Up ahead, the forest begins to thin somewhat, but a screen of plants prevents observation of what lies within. After a moment, several elf scouts approach the screen, which turns out to be a solid wall of thorny vines. One of the elves puts a small silver whistle to his lips and blows three times. As the last twittering note begins to fade, the wall of vines springs to life, pulling back to reveal a small settlement in a clearing on t
[16:05] <Kilarra> to reveal a small settlement in a clearing on the other side.
[16:07] <Kilarra> The village of Crying Leaf is a modest one, with low strucures made of gracefully shaped stone and wood that has been carefully decorated and carved. What is immediately apparent is that this settlement has seen battle recently. A number of the buildings bear burn marks and other damage, and most of the citizens are armed with bows and swords.
[16:08] * Aluthyra blinks, looking within and waiting to be led in. She was not expecting such a well-hidden village, nor expecting the people within to be in such an apparent panicked state.
[16:08] * Aluthyra nonetheless remains silent, waiting until she meets Eviana.
[16:10] <Kilarra> Kjell looks impressed with the gracefulness of the architecture. Elven villages were certainly far easier on the eyes than a collection of slums like Riddleport.
[16:10] <Kilarra> As the party is led through the settlement, they draw a fair bit of attention. Many of the elves here have not seen outsiders in a very long time (by elf standards at that), and were curious about the newcomers.
[16:11] * Kilarra grumbles to herself again, noting internally that the elves were so bloody attractive, and she wouldn't count on any of them to be the least bit interested.
[16:13] <@Aluthyra> Tognik looks about in awe. He hasn't been to a hidden elf village before, and seeing one is certainly a wonder.
[16:14] <Kilarra> The elf captain leads the party to a low stone structure on the edge of the village. "You may stable your mounts here, and refresh yourselves while I go speak with Eviana."
[16:14] <Kilarra> A number of elves have followed the party in their curiosity, and a few loiter about, watching them.
[16:18] * Aluthyra leads her horse underneath the structure, tying the reins to the structure so that he would not wander about.
[16:19] <@Aluthyra> Tognik follows Aluthyra's lead, tying up Paco. He then continues looking around at every detail of the village, just taking in the sights.
[16:21] * Aluthyra waits until the elf is gone, and seeing the possibility for a moment alone, makes her way over to Kilarra's side. She asks, "Kilarra, would I be able to have a word? ...If just for a few moments."
[16:22] * Kilarra ties Precious off as well, then slips inside the house to take a look without answering Aluthyra. The staring elves were making her uncomfortable.
[16:23] <Kilarra> The building itself is a simple one with three rooms. A main room, containing a large oak table atop which freshly harvested fruits are piled, a resting room to the side featuring eight reed mats, and a simple bathroom. The room with the mats lacks and proper beds, as the village has not previously helf any occupants beyound a couple half-elves that actually needed to sleep.
[16:25] <Kilarra> Kjell ties Gallant off, then looks to Tognik, then around the village, "I'd be tempted to take a quite saunter around to see the sights, but we'd probably best wait here for now."
[16:26] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods, taking a bite of the fresh fruit. Mmmm! He talks with his mouth full, "I'd be up for a walk around later tonight."
[16:27] * Aluthyra follows Kilarra in. She asks again, pointing to the resting room. "Kilarra... please?"
[16:27] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, "So long as we are welcome to, then I would be glad to join you for a quick tour. Of course, we shouldn't get too complacent, there is a war on the doorstep of this place."
[16:28] * Kilarra groans and heads into the other room, seating herself on a mat. "What." she says flatly.
[16:29] * Aluthyra sits in front of her. She sighs, shaking her head. "Your irritability lately... it is because of me and my heritage, is it not?"
[16:30] * Kilarra frowns at Aluthyra, "Why would you think that? Your heritage is wonderful."
[16:34] * Aluthyra frowns. "You've been avoiding me lately. Since we found out." She shakes her head. "I am sorry if I have done something wrong... or," she pauses, "if you are jealous?" she asks with complete sincerity, just wanting to repair the friendship from before. At least, Aluthyra considered them friends.
[16:36] * Kilarra frowns further, "You haven't done anything wrong. If anything, you're too... -right-. Too good to be associated with someone as foul as me. You should go speak with the elves, they seem a little more in your league."
[16:39] * Aluthyra blinks. That... No. "Kilarra, you are not foul. I... would consider you one of my few friends, though I am not sure if you would think the same." She sighs. "And I am not 'too good' for you. As you said, you did not ask to be a tiefling, and beneath it all, I think you are a very lovely person, just... hurting."
[16:40] * Kilarra begins to tear up a little, "But you... you don't know anything about me. You don't know where I come from, the things I've done, where I've been. I am far from lovely."
[16:42] * Aluthyra smiles. "I have seen you when you are most vulnerable. When you were upset with Zincher, whenever you see the undead." She nods. "I know I do not know much, but I would like to know more."
[16:44] * Kilarra gulps, crying now, "You... but I..." She was having trouble comprehending why such a blessed, lovely person as Aluthyra would have any interest in a being like her, with her unwholesome blood and generally unpleasant temperment.
[16:45] * Kilarra shuffles her legs nervously, scratching at the patchy fur above her cloven feet.
[16:52] * Aluthyra smiles sadly, seeing Kilarra start to cry. She leans forward, wrapping her arms around the other woman in a hug.
[16:54] * Kilarra winces at first in the hug, expecting to burst into flames. When this doesn't happen, she embraces the other woman firmly, sobbing.
[16:56] * Aluthyra pulls Kilarra in, holding her closely. She pets at Kilarra's hair, letting her cry herself out.
[16:57] * Kilarra is conflicted. SHe's never allowed anyone to see her this vulnerable before, but the scent of the woman and her embrace were so very comforting. She continues to cry for a good long while.
[17:02] * Kilarra ventually stops and heads over to the bathroom to clean herself up, wanting to not look weak in front of the elves.
[17:03] * Aluthyra dries her garments off, then returns to the main room to wait for the elves.
[17:04] <Kilarra> After an hour has passed, Kaerishiel returns to collect the party.
[17:05] <Kilarra> Kjell, having passed the time conversing with Tognik, nods to the elf and calls Kilarra and Aluthyra out.
[17:07] * Aluthyra moves back to both Kjell and Tognik, bowing her head to the elf as she enters.
[17:08] * Kilarra follows Aluthyra out, just keeping quiet for now as before.
[17:09] * Kilarra grabs a piece of fruit on the way out to rehydrate herself.
[17:10] * Aluthyra grabs one as well. She's a little peckish from the long ride here.
[17:15] <Kilarra> Kaerishiel leads the party to the center of town, where a long, ornate wooden hall stands, roofed in broad, autumn colour leaves. One end of the hall is open, revealing an incredibly long table that runs the length of the hall.
[17:15] <Kilarra> Seated at its head is a somewhat regal looking elf woman, the leader of Crying Leaf: Eviana Nirgassan
[17:19] <Kilarra> Seated in a high-backed chair of polished white birch, Eviana is a striking figure. Her high brow is set with a thin metal circlet, and small gemstones sparkle in her hair. Although richly dressed in a finely made gown, the hilt of a sword is clearly visible at her waist.
[17:19] <Kilarra> Kaerishiel strides up to take a seat at the table to her right. As she indicates to the PCs that they should be seated at the table as well.
[17:21] * Aluthyra bows her head to Eviana before taking a seat. She stays silent, waiting to be addressed before speaking.
[17:21] <@Aluthyra> Tognik hops up onto a seat. He ends up having to practically climb onto it. Stupid tall elves...
[17:22] <Kilarra> Kjell nods and does as instructed. They were guests here, and so long as the elves and them had a common goal, then he would observe good manners. He felt a little stiff for it, but tolerance of others was one of Cayden's many bits of wisdom.
[17:22] * Kilarra steats herself, the chairs made for the tall elves also leaving her hooves dangling a couple inches off the floor.
[17:27] <Kilarra> “Please, be seated,” Eviana says in light and friendly voice. “I received word from your friend Kwava that you were coming, bringing with you knowledge that might help us with our… situation, deeper in the Mierani. My people and I are grateful that you made this journey. As you can likely guess, we are in a delicate position. It would be best if what you learn here does not spread beyond the bows of the Mierani. Do we have an
[17:27] <Kilarra> does not spread beyond the bows of the Mierani. Do we have an accord?"
[17:28] * Aluthyra nods. She is certainly one of her word. "We will make sure this is all spoken in confidence."
[17:31] <Kilarra> KJell nods, "Agreed. No doubt panic would set in if such a dire threat were common knowledge. Such panic would likely only serve our enemies better than it would us."
[17:32] * Kilarra says nothing. These elves weren't the boss of her. She nods though, wanting to seem agreeale for now, since, if they dealt with the problem here and now, secrecy wouldn't be an issue anymore.
[17:33] <Kilarra> Eviana nods, "Very well. Please, tell us your tale of Devil's Elbow and Riddleport, and the drow you encountered there."
[17:34] * Kilarra decides to play storyteller here, given that the rest of them hadn't been present until after the fight with Depora. She brings out the journals, summarizing what she had gleaned from them as well.
[17:37] <@Aluthyra> Tognik listens with interest, much of the detail being new information for him... as he fell asleep the last time it was given, apparently.
[17:41] <Kilarra> Once Kilarra finishes her tale, Eviana nods in response. "I see. That is quite a lot to go through in so short a period of time. Our war with the drow has been going on for decades."
[17:42] <Kilarra> Eviana looks to the journals, "I would like to offer you a reward for bringing these journals to us. Two-thousand gold pieces. I imagine there is still more valuable information we can yet procure from them, between cross referencing them with each other and our own observations."
[17:42] * Aluthyra raises an eyebrow. "Decades... So then this is not new? Is something, or did something, cause them to become more hostile?"
[17:46] <Kilarra> Eviana nods, "We believe their efforts in Riddleport, recent though they may be, are the result of something that may have been brewing for some time. However, the conflict has been going on for some time, yes, with Celwynvian as the front line. Even Crying Leaf has been attacked recently."
[17:47] <Kilarra> Kjell gestures to the journals, "You seem to be in greater need of them than we are, so I should think a reward unnecessary. Our trials on Devil's elbow, though difficult, were not without reward. You likely have more need of those funds than we do."
[17:47] <Kilarra> Kjell looks across the party to make sure they agree with him on this
[17:54] <@Aluthyra> Tognik shakes his head. "If you wish us to continue to help you, a reward would be appreciated for new equipment."
[17:55] * Aluthyra shrugs. "If they are in dire need of funds, I agree with Kjell. Though if they wish us to continue, it would be appreciated. I do not mind either way."
[17:56] * Kilarra shrugs, it wasn't like they could actually drop any decent amount of gold in a community this small anyways.
[17:56] <Kilarra> Eviana seems impressed by Kjell's attempt at altruism, but gives the party the gold anyways, considering the others were on the fence.
[17:57] <Kilarra> “Thank you for this. You now know why we have had to close the borders of the Mierani, and indeed, why Crying Leaf was established. The drow have a strong presence in the old ruins of the once great city of Celwynvian. I tell you now that the situation is far worse than you might suspect. The drow control the ruins almost completely, and have for some time now."
[17:58] <Kilarra> Eviana continues; "We here in Crying Leaf have been locked in what seems to be an unending struggle with them for many years, and until recently we believed we had them contained. Yet your conflicts under Riddleport and on Devil’s Elbow showed us all this was not the case at all. And in Celwynvian, the drow have been quite elusive. Whenever we prepare a major strike, the city seems empty, but our gains are quickly eroded within days
[17:59] <Kilarra> but our gains are quickly eroded within days as a renewed force pushes us back."
[17:59] <Kilarra> "We had thought that the drow were fleeing into the Darklands, but now we know the truth of it—they have been retreating instead into this pocket dimension they call the Armageddon Echo."
[18:00] * Aluthyra nods. She frowns. "Do you wish us to assist you in any way? I am sure we all would offer ourselves against the drow."
[18:00] <Kilarra> Kjell passes his share of the gold to Tognik, taking care of some of his debt
[18:05] <@Aluthyra> Tognik smiles, whispering his thanks so that he doesn't interrupt.
[18:05] <Kilarra> Eviana looks contemplative; "I must confer with my contacts in Kyonin to determine what is to be done with the knowledge. Might I ask you to wait until we have decided? You have done well so far against the drow, and there may be a place for you among Crying Leaf’s forces in the battles to come. I assure you, if you are willing to join with us, you shall be paid handsomely, at rates equal to those we afford the Shin’Rakorath.”
[18:06] * Aluthyra nods. "I would be happy to wait though... I am not familiar, the Shin’Rakorath?"
[18:08] <Kilarra> Eviana nods, "The group in which Kwava is a juniour member, it means Lantern Bearers. It has been their task for many years to put forth the effort of keeping the drow contained in the rare cases where they appear outside of our front lines."
[18:10] * Aluthyra smiles. "Interesting." She stands, bowing to Eviana. "If that is all, I think I might retire. Thank you for your hospitality."
[18:12] <Kilarra> Eviana nods and leaves the hall, entrusting the party to Kaerishiel's care. He escorts them back to their lodge in silence, an angry look blatant on his face.
[18:17] <@Aluthyra> Tognik raises an eyebrow at the angry elf. A tad angry that him and his companions are not elves, perhaps?
[18:19] <Kilarra> Once they arrive at the party's lodge, Kaerishiel rounds on them. “I suppose you are quite proud of your accomplishments. I have been urging Eviana to all-out war with the dark elves for months, but you have managed to push her to action almost by accident. I would not get comfortable; you will be leaving here soon.”
[18:23] <Kilarra> Kaerishiel departs wordlessly after that, leaving the party to their own devices
[18:23] <Kilarra> -End Session-