Episode 22- Old Faces

Red Larch has been destroyed. “What now?” Henry asked, looking around.

Thok crushed the note in his hand. “We answer them.”

The party split up, investgating to see if there were any survivors or anything that could be recovered. Menelwen was distraught, having been through something like this before. Henry followed the smell of brine and pickles. He hauled and flipped some rubble off to reveal the body of Grund.

It took a good number of hours to collect the bodies. Menelwen used Mold Earth to create graves. Henry retrieved a few cucumber seeds and planted them over Grund's grave.

The party leaves after tending to everything they could but head on a different path. The woods open up to reveal rolling fields of crops. Wheat sways, a windmill and small cottage.

“Thok...was this your home?” Henry asked.

“This is my home.” Thok nodded, leading the way forward. A very large woman was hanging clothes on a line outside of the cottage. She was a full-blooded orchish woman, her jet black hair cut short and smaller tusks protruded from her mouth.

“Thoky!” She beamed when seeing him. She picked him up like he was a child.

“Hey mom.”

A small human man, about 5ft 2 inches walked out in spectacles. When Thok was released, he picked his father up in a hug.

“Come in.” Thok's mom beamed, leading the party inside the cozy farm house. “Thoky, where are your manners?”

Thok chuckled, setting the table. Mama Thok picked Henry up and plopped him down at the table. She provided milk and stew. “When was the last time you were home? Years?”

“Months.”

“Oh yes! He was home for my birthday.” His parents introduced themselves as Olinar and Marvin Fletcher.

Henry was just stunned, unsure what to do with such a warm and loving family environment. Olinar put Vega in charge of chopping vegetables. She gave Luca milk and meat.

Over dinner, Marvin asked, “So Thok. How goes the adventuring life?”

“You know how it is.”

“No, I don't. Your mother was the adventure.” He chuckled.

“We're trying to save the world.” He told him.

“Ah those are the days...your mother knows all about that. Something about dragons...” he mused.

Vega fixed the stone in the mill for them after helping in the kitchen.

Over dinner the party got to know more about Thok's parents, how they met. Marvin was a writer who had been tasked with writing the story of Olinar's party. Thok took out the book, offering it to Menelwen who started reading. She shared it with Theamen.

Olinar got up and retrieved a frost-brand sword and gave it to Thok to “avoid being a bad parent.” “Use your head. You use, you stay alive, you do not lose.” She told him.

“Of course.”

“You good boy Thoky.”

Everyone helped with the dishes after dinner before turning in. Thok was too big for his bed so he allowed Lily to take it.

Menelwen and Theamen rested on cots in the main room.

Vega forgoes a long rest to enrich the farmland. When he did rest, he checked in on Henry.

“You know...I envy you.”

“Have you lost family?” Henry asked.

“My older sister.”

“What happened?” This was the first time he really opened up to Henry.

“...It was because I wasn't strong enough. My own weakness caused her to die. You still have a chance to get stronger to save yours.”

“I hope I don't let you down.”

Vega offered him a smile. “That's why I want to help you. You're like a brother to me.”

Henry felt heat rise in his cheeks. “...Rosette and I looked out for each other. I worry....that I was a burden or obligation for her..”

“Yes, the family obligation...because those ties are strong indeed.” Vega agreed.

“I'm nervous. About going to the spire I mean. What if I see her?”

“You won't be alone.” Vega assured him. “We'll all be there for you.”

That was enough to settle his mind to rest. Until he decided he wanted to see Lily, just to talk. Henry failed to sneak out.

“Henry...” Vega said, eyes still closed. “You can just walk.”

“Shut up Vega.” Thok said. “Henry, why are you sneaking here?” He rolled over, falling back asleep. As he walked outside, he saw a shape in the grass. A fox. It vanished through the grass. Henry followed it. Turns out it was Lily.

“Since this is our last chance to talk about it...I'm going to be blunt. I'm staying here.”

“What?”

She explained that if she kept going forward with the party that she was a liability and a risk.

“But how-”

She changed her appearance to look like a young half orc girl. “I'll be hiding in plain sight.”

“When did you decide?”

“Yesterday.”

“After we saw everything...” Henry frowned. She nodded. “...I wish you the best.”

“You too. Don't die. And after, make sure they don't.” She slipped off to sneak back into the house. Heartbroken, Henry returned to the barn. He went to wake Thok. As a reflex, Thok grabbed him by the throat.

“Oh, it's Henry.” He released him, coughing and sputtering. “Oh get over it.”

“You knew?”

“Yeah.”

“Will she be safe?” Henry asked.

“Have you read the book? Met my mother? Yes, she'll be safe,”

Still hurt, Henry went to take the sleeping Luca (in a food coma) from Thok, but failed to do so.

The Next Morning

Still full from dinner, everyone met up for breakfast. Thok's father looked at his fruit and oatmeal.

“It's good for your heart.” Olinar told him.

“Fuck my heart, I wanna eat.” He grumbled. Thok slipped his father bacon when his mother's back was turned; a well practiced move.

After saying their thanks and goodbyes, the party minus Lily headed towards the spire. Vega checked out the path ahead as a giant eagle. There were some shadowy figures but nothing to be worried about. Yet.

Avoiding the plateau and gnoll packs, they arrived at the bridge to the spire. It was rickety but would hold. They crossed the bridge, Thok leading the charge. An eagle head battering ram slammed into him as he went through the door, skidding back out onto the bridge. Henry checked for traps, finding nothing else other than that.

Checking out the rooms as they climbed they tower revealed...nothing. Empty except for scorched beds and rotting sacks of vegetables in the storage rooms. They climbed to the top. Smoke was distorting the sight of a figure and a spyglass. Vultures circled overhead.

The figure was tied to a pole, overlooking the edge. They recognized it when the smoke blew slightly. Kaylessa! She was still breathing but looked to be in bad shape. A trip wire was set up that would drop her if any of them misstepped.

Thok and Vega stepped over, carefully. Henry disarmed it, Thok catching her. Vega did a medicine check to see that she was near death. Thok investigated the spyglass and the note that had numbers on it. Failing to understand it, he handed it over to Menelwen.

After about an hour, while Theamen and Vega tended to Kaylessa, she found the fissure in the rock a few miles away. Hooded figures were standing there, facing the tower. Then they turned, vanishing through a door or pathway.

They bring Kaylessa down to a bed. Menelwen cushions and tends to her during the night. It was a fitful night for Kaylessa.

The next morning, she was able to speak even just a little bit. She told them about how a group had walked into town with a box, so carefully carried. When it was opened, a sky blue and white mist orb was revealed. It was something that appeared to be worshipped. They chanted for an hour and then the orb just exploded outward, a maelstrom, like being caught in a hurricane. She had woken up with a girl standing over her. A cruel smile and auburn hair...

The next thing she remembered was waking again to stare out over the valley.

Henry stood, walking out of the room.

Vega and Menelwen followed him. They had to talk and reassure him about Rosette...and that they would need to face her. But they would do what they could to save her. “Don't give into despair. Don't become like me.” Vega told him.

They hugged him.

Thok and Theamen spoke about what to do with Kaylessa. They needed to keep her safe...but they did need to press on and couldn't take her with them. Theamen decided the best course of action would be to send word to his father to come and collect her. He wouldn't want to help Theamen, but he would do it for Kaylessa.

For this, they needed a way to send long distance messages.

Vega had the capability. He split off to find a bird to send the message, He offered food to a raven and instructed it where to go.

The party waited with Kaylessa until they heard a crack. Rushing up to the roof of the spire, they saw a teleportation circle materialize. Two paladins of Mystra flanked a half elf female. She wore scale mail armor, robers over it. Her hair was deep brown and pulled back to reveal her slightly pointed ears. “Hey The, been a long time.” She walked over and rapped her knuckles on his breastplate.

“Kerris, it's been a while.”

Menelwen twitched, not liking how close she was to him. “You have history?” She asked, trying to gauge the other woman.

“Mm and if he hadn't left, a future.”

“Excuse me?”

“You've been getting him in trouble. And well, I couldn't have my future husband be put death by his father.”

“Future husband?!”

Theamen was growing increasingly uncomfortable. The party brings Kerris and the paladins down to Kaylessa.

She checked Kaylessa out. “She needs proper healers.”

“We did what we could. But we need to press on. To take care of the cults.”

Kerris looked at Menelwen, raising an eyebrow. “You lack competent healers.”

Menelwen formed fists at her side, gritting her teeth. Thok was laughing in the corner. “Our healeras are fine.” She spat.

“Our healer's Vega.”

“Shut up!”

Henry pictured her naked almost instantly, blushing furiously. Kerris smirked. “I expected more out of a wizard, really. Control your thoughts lest you come off as stupid...and really Theamen? A full elf? Your father won't be happy...” As a cleric of knowledge, she was able to read the surface thoughts.

The paladins picked Kaylessa up and brought her upstairs. “See you The.” Kerris grinned, leaving.

They vanished.

“Well...I'll go throw myself off the tower.” Theamen stood.

“Oh no you're not.” Menelwen grabbed and pulled him back. “What's going on?”

He explained that she was a childhood friend, the niece of his instructor. The bethrothal was forced upon him in an attempt to bond the families. His father hadn't been happy, but both her human half and elf half were from noble families so he begrudgingly agreed.

“She's insufferable, coniving, a liar. Worse, a politician who will do whatever she needs for political goal.”

“Why didn't you tell me sooner?”

“Because I figured it was broken given my father almost executed me.”

“I see.” Menelwen sighed, still shaking with slight rage. They had bigger things to take care of. Like handling the air cult for one...

~To be Continued...~

Episode 21- The Offer

The hell hounds joined the fray and charged straight for Henry. Luca transformed and took off with Henry into the air. This gave Henry the distance he needed to shoot at the enemies.

With Henry out of the way, the hell hounds rounded on Thok. Thok used riposte but was almost downed from the attacks.

Theamen looked between Thok and Menelwen, gripping his sword tight. “I'll be back.” He promised her, killing the hound that Thok used riposte against.

“Goddammit Thok, you better not die on us. Fucking son of a bitch!” Lily yelled, using Healing word on Thok.

“Language you lady!” Menelwen chastised but truly didn't care.

“You can watch it when I'm not dying.” Lily snapped back.

Vega, seeing how hurt the party was used Mass Cure Wounds and bonus action healed Henry.

A third cultist joined the other two on top of the scaffolding that overlooked the wicker giant and shot at Henry.

Thok hits the remaining hell hound that was on him.

Menelwen shifted, aiming Shatter up at the cultists before ducking behind a pillar.

Gurgles smashed the hell hound, and moved for the cultists.

Henry flew closer, grabbing onto one of the cultists with the intent on throwing him off the ledge. He failed. “The fuck are you doing boy?!”

Luca bit the guy in retaliation.

Smoke came from the path the party had used to get there as three figures came charging up. One was a white furred tabaxi...jamming out on a lute that sounded like a full orchestra from one instrument.

A full blooded orc in full half plate armor with a goatee held a mace like a microphone and was singing. On his chest was the symbol of Dionysis, the god of revelry. Spirit guardians, a mixture of male and females were his back up singers and copied his moves.

The third figure that joined shaking his head was a short stout warf with brown hair, a bushy beard, and blue eyes in chainmail with a shield. His shield bore the symbol of Apollo.

The dwarf, Helios shot one of the cultists on the scaffolding with a guiding bolt.

The tabaxi stood, still jamming out used his bonus action to inspire the orc. The orc then moonwalked to Lily and healed her.

“I don't know what to make of you. But thank you.”

“After all this time with us, this is strange?” Thok called to Lily.

“Thok, none of you have ever danced up to me.”

“Which are your allies?” The orc asked.

Lily glanced around. “Eh, kill the archers.”

Theamen used his full movement to get to the scaffolding, still singing. The two different songs clashed, causing dissonance.

Vega moved the ball of water up to the cultsists, trying to drown them. Theamen looked at the cultists, then to Vega. He shook his head and tightened his grip.

The cultists shoot at Vega. One hit, one miss, and one started singing wildly in the panic.

Thok shot at one, killing him. The water filled with blood that started spreading to his allies.

Menelwen aimed another shatter at the cultists. They passed but the scaffolding broke. One died from the fall, another was barely alive. Gurgles moved to kill him but knocked him out instead.

Theamen had been about to take the scaffolding down as well. Menelwen moved to help him up. As she did, the orc grabbed her hand.

“How damaged are you?”

“Ah...I'm...alright...? A little worse for wear-” She tried to take her hand back but he held fast. “Who are you?”

“Let me introduce myself.” He grinned. “Evan Heartman.” He produced a picture with his signature stamped on it. “For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch, And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.”



“While I'm flattered...I'm already taken.”



“Who haslaid claim to this woman?” Evan glanced around.



“That would be me.” Theamen picked himself up, taking her hands from Evan. The tabaxi and dwarf were introduced as Todd and Helos Ironfist. They had heard the commotion and came to see what was going on. After finding out what the party was doing, they agreed to help.



“If the world ends, I can't drink.” Evan shrugged.



“Or flirt with ladies.” Menelwen rolled her eyes. He glanced over to her and winked.



Henry landed, huffing. “He better not hit on Lily too.” To which Evan cited that he had age standards.



With the scaffolding broken, they had to find an alternate way up. Between Vega and Thok, they made stairs with the decanter of endless water and freezing.



Todd and Lily stayed down there with the bound/unconscious cultist. Menelwen used Mage armor.



“Menelwen, please use mage armor.” Thok groaned. Just the fact that she hadn't had it on before...



“I didn't have a chance before!” Not that it would have helped with the fireball...



“Theamen, can you impress upon her the importance of mage armor?” He asked the bladesinger.



“I've been trying, but she's as stubborn as anything.” He shrugged.



Upon reaching the top and stepping inside Scarlet Moon Hall, they noticed a hole in the floor and stairs that went up. The party headed up. They check around, not finding much. The floor creaks and drops out from under them. Vega, acting quickly created an ice slide that managed to catch all of the party except Evan.



Five creatures of fire were waiting for them and attacked. The fight didn't last long, allowing Vega with assistance from Evan's Beacon of Hope to heal everyone. Vega made a spiral ice staircase that brought everyone back up to where they had been.



Going further up, they find an elder man smoking a pipe, flanked by three other men. This, was Elizar Dryflaggon. He had heard about our...adventures and more so our use of fire. The fire cult was well pleased with us.



Evan looked at the group. “What the fuck have you been up to?”



“It's a long story.Maybe later of drinks.” Menelwen answered



“I'll hold you to that lass.”
Dryflaggon offered a deal. We keep doing what we were doing...attacking all the other cults, and they would give us information. Valuable information.



As a show of faith, he offered up the following information: Rosette was currently the air bitch's lapdog. Marlos's pet project was expanding his horizons, finding a way and becoming eternal. To become the earth itself. He attacked Menelwen's home because it was believed that the desert elves were connected to Pure Earth; earth that was untouched by earth or plant. Dryflaggon advised to not look him in the eyes or you'll be immortalized in stone.



Dryflaggon also told them about the fire cult's goal. To burn away what was in their way, to push back what has become overgrown, what is plump and greedy. Burn away that which seeks to kill people.” He even said they could take time to consider the offer.



Evan didn't like how he was making sense, so he used Zone of Truth with Dryflaggon's consent. Menelwen faiiled her saving throw against it.



Theamen leaned over to her and in Elvish asked her “Do you think the bastard (Evan) is handsome?”



“No.”



“I love you.”



Vega asked about the intent behind the ritual that they had been about to perform. The burning man ritual was a cover for the true one.



All the questions that were asked were answered truthfully. Before they left to discuss (Dryflaggon would send a messenger to them in the morning for their answer) , Evan walked to Menelwen. “If you weren't with him, would we have had a chance?”



She looked at him. “No...I'm sorry. You really are a great guy but no.”



They left and conferenced. One important part was Helos knew Remove Curse. He cured Vega of his lcanthropy. As they walked down to their camp, Henry asked “So who's taking the deal?” Henry himself was leaning towards taking it. It was better to walk side with one cult to gather information on the others. They needed information to save Rosette after all.



“We're no closer to saving her!” Henry argued.



“Yes, but siding with a cult isn't going to help. We'll only get burned in the end.” Menelwen snapped. They started arguing. It rose to a point that Menelwen walked away. “If cooler heads need to prevail, then I need to take a walk.” Theamen followed her.



Thok and Vega had words, concerned about how Vega agreeing with the cult's reasoning was isturbing.



Henry walked with Lily, still fuming. “I know they're right.”



“Messing with the fire cult is a bad idea, but finding information on these people is more difficult. Flying blindly at these things isn't just dangerous, it's stupid. Eventually you won't react quick enough and something will kill you.” Lily countered. It was more about survival than morals. “We need information. We need to stop reacting and start hunting.” Henry nodded, agreeing with her. “But I will say...you need to learn to lie. When you lie, and lie well you give people what they expect. When you learn to lead, you show people what you want they to know.”



After their conversation,Henry went to find Menelwen. She was still furious, still coming down from her anger. Henry just continued the argument without listening to her.



Todd, Helos and Evan took a walk, trying to figure out what to do. Their plan became to speak their piece to the party and separate for now.



When they did, Thok and Evan did a warrior clasp. “You have a friend in Grog. And don't forget to smile. Orcs get a bad rap, don't forget to enjoy your life.” He moonwalked out to “I'm a bitch, I'm a lover...”



After the departure, Thok and Henry spoke about the deal. He talked him out of it. The party regrouped, coming to a decision. They would not go with the fire cult, and moe on to the Sacred Stone Monastery to save the members of the Delegation.



They take a long rest. In the morning, a messenger comes and gets their decision. The party leaves, planning on going to Red Larch to resupply before facing the Earth Cult.



As they got closer, they saw fallen trees, evidence of a fierce storm. Red Larch was in shambles. Buildings were leveled. Everything and everyone was gone.



In the town square, a spear with a note stood up in the ground.



“You take my stronghold, I take yours. Bring Drown to what remains of my spire.-Aerisi Kalinoth”

~To Be Continued...~

Episode 20- Fighting Fire with Fire, the Battle Begins!

After some more thought about using the lycanthropes to do some damage to the cults, the plan was agreed on. To a point. The Sacred Stone Monastary was out due to members of the Mirabar Delegation still being there. So the party agreed to send them to Feathergale Spire and the Sighing Valley.

With a set plan, Vega went to go and speak with them.He brought them a map, saying that while it was his hunting ground, he was giving it time to replenish. Vega assured them that the knights they were worried about were gone. The lycanthropes agreed to leave at sundown and shared the ribs of moose that were closer to the consistency of beef tartar. The lycans shared with him the finer recipes for serving elf (elf kebab, elf-ducken which is a drow inside a wood elf, inside a high elf and if you're feeling really fancy, inside an eladrin).

Vega returned afterwards and helped set up camp. Spectral moles were summoned and gathered needed supplied including an extra tent. With camp and watches set, the party turned in for the night.

Thok kept a crossbow pointed at Vega's head through the duration of their watch.

Theamen's watch was uneventful. When Menelwen went to switch with him, they got to speak. He asked a favor of her. “Keep an eye on me.”

“As I usually do.”

“If I seem to be taking actions...making choices that you deem to be too far...pull me back. Stop me.”

“Okay.”

He kissed her cheek and turned in for the night. Her watch was uneventful until Henry woke to join her for the last shift.

“Hey sleepyhead.”

“Hey, do you have anything warmt to drink?”

“No...?”

Henry sat down next to her. He asked about Theamen, worrying about his decisions and the way he seems to be changing. Then he made a request of her as well. “Can...you keep an eye on me? In case I do something stupid?”

“I suppose.”

“Thanks.”

The rest of the night passed uneventfully. The next morning Thok was up first, packing up the tent in thirty seconds flat. He punched Vega awake. Theamen slept in a bit, in Menelwen's bedroll enjoying his time off.

Thok broke up the fire pit, throwing rocks at Vega as he went. The point was to leave no trace of the party being there,

Vega grumbled, wandering off to Menelwen, rubbing his head. They spoke for a bit. “Is...this what family feels like?” He asked.

She blinked, glancing at him. “Yes. It's a very weird family...” she glanced at the others. “but it is. I like this family. I'd like to keep it.”

Henry saw a butterfly go by and burst into flames. Lily had a crisis about possibly turning Henry gay.

Once things were packed up, they went to other camps to see if they could find out anymore information about the rite, Dryflaggon...or if anyone could cure Vega.

The first camp they came up to was a robed elf woman by the name of Garina playing the foddle with two sprites (heartseers)- Felix and Aphid. She had traveled to see the Rite of the Wicker Giant. Garina was a wood elf druid from the circle of the silent moon, who wanted to see nature fixed. They speak about Dryflaggon and about the increased sightings of an Avariel- a winged elf. It was a pleasant interaction. Unfortunately she didn't know how to fix Vega. The party thanked her for her hospitality and moved on.

The second camp was a group of men- three dozing, one hanging around, and another leaning on his staff bored. They lectured Henry about “making nature great again” until the party moved on. One of the men was named Saruki.

The third camp was two men with a tied up bear- Eric and Carl.

The fourth camp had big guys with dogs, hoods covering their features. They seemed really skeevy and smelled BAD. Turns out...the party was right to be wary. As soon as Vega got close, the wargs attacked.

Roll Iniative

Vega went first and dealt good damage to one of the bugbears. Menelwen was next; she dropped a fireball, ending the bugbears and wargs right then and there.

Saruki ran over. “What was that?! There were bugbears?! We were sleeping by bugbears?” Poor guy was traumatized.

The party moved on up the mountain to the Wicker Giant. Henry stealthed closer. He noticed that the flames were contained in the Wicker Giant but were not comsuming it. Vega and Menelwen were not so lucky with stealth.

Roll Iniative

The priests around the giant were incredibly aggressive.

Vega tried to use entangle but succeeded in making the terrain difficult for the rest of his party.

“Arise and cleanse this place of the unworthy!” The wicker Gman bellows, the flames rising higher into the sky.

Thok moved and tried to attack one of the priests.

Menelwen tried something- a wall of water that went through and around the Wicker Giant. Henry shoots at it.

Theamen casted Haste on himself and was about to get across the difficult terrain with no problem. He attacked with Green flame blade.

Lily inspired Henry. “Oh Henry you so fine, you so fine you blow my mind hey Henry.”

A creature comes screeching through the wall of water. A fire elemental joins the fray. It burned away the mess left by Vega's entangle and attacked Theamen-missing both times.

Lily attacked the elemental with the whip. And inspired Thok. “Help him!”

Vega created water to help attack the elemental.

One of the cultists dropped a fireball on Menelwen and Lily. Both of them went unconscious. Another cultist attacked Theamen and missed.

Thok used the circlet of elemental summoning and called for a water elemental that was later dubbed Gurgles! His action surge brought out the decanter of endless water and attacked with it.

Henry shoots at a cultist and hits.

Theamen, seeing Menelwen down activated his new spell- Blade song and began to sing with it. He cleaved one cultist in half, missed the attack of opportunity by the fire elemental and attacked the cultist who casted fireball.

The fire elemental attacked Thok who moved out of the way.

Lily regained consciousness.

Vega water bended the water he created, trying to drown out the fire. He trapped the fire elemental in a water cube.

Theamen made his save against the cultists' Burning Hands spell to keep Blade Song going.

Menelwen regained consciousness, hearing Theamen singing sluggishly from Haste wearing off.

Gurgles killed the fire elemental.

A horrible disturbing howling noise in the distance caught their ears. Aroundthe corner came two dog like creatures, red and black.

Hell Hounds. 

Complete and utter terror filled some of the party.

And Henry was the closest to them...

~To Be Continued...~

Episode 19- Jailbreak! The Path to Scarlet Moon Hall!

The druids headed by Centari were bringing Vega North East along the Larch Path, headed into the mountains.

Their destination? The Plateaus of the Sumber Hills. Where they would dispense justice to Vega the wereboar.

Vega was chained up in the back of the wagon that was being pulled by “people”. There were two strong looking men, but there was something off about them. Their eyes were flat, dead and expressionless.

The servant that had been with Centari at the trial was none other than Velvet- a friend of Vega's. She snuck glances, trying to catch his eye.

Vega, stuck by himself, knowing what was to come reflected on what a good run he had had as a member of the adventuring party. The cart came to a stop after a bit. Centari directs the men to start clearing a 40x40 area.

Velvet looked around, nervous. She looked at Centari, keeping tabs on her before looking over her shoulder.

Once the area was clear, Centari busied herself with drawing something in the dirt.

The rest of the party, having regrouped after the trial traveled quickly in hopes of catching up to them. As they pushed on, they saw a light coming from up ahead. It was too steady to be fire...magic!

Vega was taken from the cart, picked up and placed in the center of the circle by the dead eyed men. The circle was intricate with swirls and symbols. Centari stood there, looking down at him. There was no pity in her eyes.

“Alright so, the amount of effort that it would take to bring you all the way back isn't worth it. I'll be handling your sentence myself. Here and now.”

The glow intensified as plant like walls weaved their way upwards guided by the outside of the circle, 20ft tall. White flowers grew on it. Vega recognized it as Monkshood, wolfsbane. It was used to keep a lycanthrope at bay.

As the party rushed closer,a deer jumped out into their path and turned into Velvet. “You need to hurry. Centari's going to kill him.”

“Show me the monster inside of you!” Another column of light struck the top of the plant enclosure. A snarl erupted from Vega as the radiant damage forced him to change into the wereboar. He snarled, attacking her.

“Hmph” Centari held him in place, using Moonbeam to tear into him.

The party ran. Once in range, Menelwen carved a chunk out of the wall with fireball. Noticing that the cavalry had arrived to save him, Centari hit Vega with Blight. The necrotic energy rippled over his skin, tearing at it.

Theamen followed suit, fireballing underneath the first to create an entrance.

Henry moved forward,hid and shot one of the guys. The guards saw him, charged and transformed into elephants. They trampled Henry.

Lily looked back and forth between the fighters. 
She cast Heroism on Thok.

Vega broke out of the hold.

Thok attacked the elephant. Menelwen attacked the elephant that was on Henry with a fireball; sculpting around him.

Centari in a moment of desperation caused storm clouds to form over them. A bolt of lightning struck Vega, in the shape of a bear.

Henry was down from the trampling. Theamen rushed to him,sliding under the elephant's tusks.

Lily circled back to Thok, inspiring him.

In front of Vega was a brown bear. He went into a frenzy, attacking it.

Thok, thanks to Lily's inspiration struck and downed one of the elephants. Much like when Vega had transformed into an animal, he anticipated this one to turn back into a person as well. It didn't, but he didn't notice yet.

Menelwen covered Theamen's rush to Henry with a fireball. Theamen reached him, giving him five points of health with Lay on Hands before throwing Henry away from the elephant. He drew his sword.

Henry took a knee, regaining himself from being thrown.

Vega faced the Brown Bear in his frenzy. With the damage he'd taken so far, he was no longer able to maintain his wereboar form. Centari attacked, missing both times.

Henry managed to shoot at the bear. Centari saw it, snapping the arrow in half. Vega, still in a frenzy attacked at her. The lightning storm that had been raging over the arena vanished.

Thok cut in, dealing non-lethal damage to Centari. He had respect for her, having only been enacting what she considered to be justice. Centari went unconscious. He action surged, back handing Vega to knock him out as well. He turned back to see that the elephant still hadn't gone human, revealing that the elephants had been turned into people, not the other way around as they had expected.

“Don't kill it!”

Menelwen, Theamen, and Henry all held their attack as they saw the remaining elephant's demeanor shift. It moved to its fallen companion, mourning the loss.

They left Centari unconscious but stable, and dragged Vega away. Menelwen and Henry gathered some of the monkshood in case they should need it in the future.

With the battle complete and the party reunited, they made a plan to check out the fire cult since it seemed like they were a circle of druids. Maybe someone there wouldn't be a complete ass and would be able to help cure the lycanthropy problem.

They traveled, covering their tracks as best as they could. The party continued for a couple hours until exhaustion caught up to them.

Thok dropped Vega unceremoniously onto the ground as he came to.

“Why...?” He asked. As in why not just kill him.

“Not done with you yet,” Thok bit out.

At that moment, Vega didn't know whether to fear Thok or Centari more.

Vega, in an act of good faith healed Henry and gave both him and Theamen darkvision for their upcoming watches. Watches were set for everyone except Vega.

Towards the end of Henry's watch, he noticed a bird circling overhead. A hunting bird. It circled and then headed east.

Upon waking, the group heads for Scarlet Moon Hall. It was an encampment built in a mountainous area, scattered slopes and plateaus allowed for campsites to be set up. A light smoke obscured the area.

Henry snuck ahead, scouting the area. It appeared to be populated by hippie like druids. He informed the party about what he saw.

“What's a hippy?”

“Vega is not one.” Theamen pointed out. 

“Between the violence, and indulging in flesh...”

“And sex with animals!” Henry added.

After much confusion and clarification about Velvet, they approached the hippie druids Henry had seen. They were relaxing and welcomed the party to sit and have a drink. All except Henry and Lily for the drink since they were a little young. 

The druids told the party that they had been there for a couple days having heard about the Wicker Giant and Elizar Dryflaggon.

Menelwen asked what they knew about lycanthropes. “Well you want silver or magic to kill one dead-” they told her.

“No no, to cure it.”

“Oh that? You want Remove Curse or Greater Restoration.”

Relief flooded her. “Oh good. Do you have either of those?”

“Nope.” They did however have a couple other scrolls for sale. The party ended up hanging out with them. Menelwen especially took advantage of the downtime to copy some spells over into her book.

Lily played some music, showing off her true skills as a bard. Henry blushed furiously, unable to know just what to do with himself. He went off to find Theamen.

Theamen was training with Thok. It was very much watching an oak tree versus a willow in how they moved. Henry asked if he could have some magic practice when they finished. Thok shrugged, going off to keep an eye on Vega.

Henry confessed that it didn't feel like he was getting a handle on the magic.

“You are not given magic.” Theamen told him. “You earn it. You cannot steal it, you need to work at it Magic takes patience. Magic takes study. Magic takes time. Let's study together.”

They trained together for a while. “...I'm not as good at it as you or Menelwen.”

“Menny has grace and precision with fire, my focus was on the blade and expanding my magic through it.”

“But...what if I hit my limit and not able to do enough?”

“We rely on those we hold dear to fill in those gaps. It's not about your limitations, but rather what you bring to the table.”

“...I...the trial, I tried and failed to convince the court.”

“You tried. And I thank you for that.”

Henry, overwhelmed ran up and hugged him. “Now now, what would Lily say...?”

“Oh! Speaking of her...can....I ask your advice about girls? Lily was playing and she sounded really pretty...and is really pretty...what do I do?”

“Give her flowers. Tell her it was beautiful. Tell her that its as beautiful as she is.”

He ruffled his hair. Henry ran off to find flowers before they returned to camp.

~

Vega meandered up the path to see the Wicker Giant. Thok followed, keeping within charging distance of him.

About halfway up the slope...

“ Hey you.”

“Yes?”

“Get over here. Have a seat.” Two large gruff looking men sat by a fire. A hunk of meat was cooking over the fire. A hunk of meat that was identified as ribs of moose.

“Alright.” Vega walked over and sat.

“What brings you here brother?”

“I was curious about the rite...you?”

They said that they were eager for the rite themselves. It would fix the land for hunting. It came to his realization that these two were lycanthropes. Ones who had embraced their gifts.They were dangerous, aggressive...and believed that Vega was a fellow hunter like them. 

They asked about Vega's hunting ground.
He tried to send them to the Underdark. No go. They weren't that desperate for elf flesh, as delicious as it was. “I'll see what I can find out.”

“You do that. We'll be here. You're always welcome here.” Vega excused himself, regrouping with Thok.

“So who are your new friends?” As they walked back to the camp, they heard a different instrument being played. Theamen was playing, armor off and leaning back. The tune was jovial.

Menelwen got to enjoy his music when she finished copying spells over.

Vega and Thok suggested the group take a walk away from their new druid friends in order to speak. Vega filled them in about the lycanthropes on the hill.

Theamen suggested weaponizing them to help wipe out the cults. “It would be evil killing evil.” 

A good pragmatic idea, but he sounded like his father. The same father that was willing to put his son to death only days before.

Henry pulled Menelwen aside, expressing concern about this darkness that seemed to be consuming Theamen more and more. Something that worried her as well.

They pull Theamen in for a word between the three of them. It ended with her taking the locket off, casting light and folding it into Theamen's hand. “Remember...my light doesn't stretch as far...but don't give in to the darkness more than it can shine.”

Thok on the other hand thought it was brilliant. 

“Thank you for suggesting it. We'll keep it in mind.”

“...I feel cruel.”

She squeezed his hand.

Next...the would make camp and explore more about Scarlet Moon Hall and the supposed ritual...

~To be Continued...~

Episode 18- The Trial

Due to the nature of the political system, there was a few days between when Vega and Theamen were arrested and the actual arraignment.


They were thrown into jail. Theamen was stripped of his armor, Vega had a metal collar clamped around his throat before they were locked in cells across the way from one another.


“So, what's the chance one of the others will try to be valiant?” Vega asked.


“I'm more worried about Menelwen being unreasonable....or rash and passionate.” Theamen grimaced.


“Speaking from experience?”


Theamen paused. “Well...how much do you remember from your little escapade?”


Vega frowned. “Not much. I remember the night sky on the boat...and then I woke up bound by Thok.”


“I see...well, she had the idiotic idea of dropping a fireball on you. But couldn't do it on the boat...so she dimension doored to shore. With you. Alone.”


Vega sat there, digesting that.


“Fortunately, she's still alive.”


“Well...I didn't think it would end up like this.” Vega gestured around them. “And if this is the worst case...”


Theamen gave him a flat look. “We're going to die. Though...I will admit...part of me wanted you dead. If I had...I don't know what I would have become.” He withdrew, leaning his head against the corner of the cell. He glanced at the anti-magic runes the lined the cell walls, wearily trying to find sleep.

~

The next night, Henry snuck out of the Swinging Sword. He cast invisibility on himself, managing to successfully pick his way into the jail. As the door opened, he froze as a half orc was standing there.


“Hello? Hello??”


Upon seeing no one, the half orc shrugged and stepped back in.


Henry tried to slip in, taking a point of damage as the door caught his heel. He managed to keep his concentration on the invisibility. Once in the room, he saw that the half orc figure was Grund. He was sitting at a table in the middle of the room, cutting into a slab of meat with two daggers.


Henry snuck past, unlocking the door behind him to slip down the stairs. He carefully found his way in the darkness to the cells.


There were barred windows letting in moonlight. The jail had six cells, three on each side. Arcane runes glowed from one on the right.


Theamen was leaning back against the wall dozing. Vega curled up like a cat in his cell. Henry threw a copped coin, it plinging off of Theamen's forehead, He started.


“Who is it?”


“Who do you think it is?”


“If it's Henry...I would remind him he's invisible.” Theamen winced, getting up and moving closer to he bars. He tossed the copped coin at Vega before squinting in the near darkness. “Where are?”


Henry leaned in, kissing Theamen on the lips. The invisibility dropped as soon as he touched the sigils.


Theamen stared at him for a moment. “Well, I'm flattered-”


“That was from Menelwen!” Henry hissed. “Listen...I'm going to get you guys out of here-”


“No.”


“What do you mean no?”


“I mean, even if you did we would all be fugitives.” Theamen pointed out. “That's not fair to everyone else.”


“Do you know how frantic everyone else is?”


“Listen to me.” Theamen spoke, carefully choosing his words. “The best thing you can do is prepare a defense. I know she's frantic, and while her emotions are something I love about her...I know if you give her a task that her intelligence will take control. Prepare for our day in court. Fnd out about the rules and who we'll be dealing with.” He glanced over to Vega who was haf awake. “I don't think we'll have to worry that much about Vega's people's laws.”


“Why are you telling me this?” Henry looked back at him. “Why not tell them?”


“Because you need to be the voice of reason with this. Thok may shut down. Menelwen might get frantic. And it's going to require all of you to get us out of this. And Henry?”


“Yes?”


“Next time, just come during visiting hours.”


Henry rolled his eyes. “Anything else?”


“...Yes. Can you ask Menelwen to bring me my spares?” He took off his and Henry could see the cracks. “They weren't careful when they stripped me of my armor...and I gave her my spares.” Without his glasses, Henry noticed that he was quite handsome.


His cheeks flared pink. “Sure, yeah. And that kiss never happened.”


A wry smile escaped Theamen. “Whatever you say Henry.


Henry nodded, leaving. He managed to sneak out undetected as Grund was eating out the chicken, both dagger buried into the table.


Upon arriving back at the inn, he found Menelwen.


“Where were you?”


“None of your business.”


She twitched slightly. “You went to see them even though I told you not to.”


“I'm thirteen, you can't expect me to listen to you.”


She pinched the bridge of her nose, refraining from scolding him. “...I suppose. How did it go?”


“Don't ask me to do that again.”


“What....?”

“Don't ask me to kiss him again.”


A pause. “...You know the kiss was a joke, right?”


“How was I supposed to know that?!”


“Was it at least on the cheek?” She asked. Silence was her answer. “Dammit Henry.”


“I'm sorry.” He looked at the ground, imagining things that should never be thought of.


“...We'll deal with that later. How are they?”


“...As okay as they can be. Theamen said to set up a good defense. Figure out the law of the land.”


Menelwen nodded, processing it. “...Alright. Thok and I were planning on doing research later. Anything else I should know?”


“...He has soft lips.”


“He does.” Menelwen patted his shoulder three times. On the third pat, she shocked him.


“Ow! Bitch.” Henry grumbled. “Oh, and he wants you to bring his spare glasses tomorrow. Anyway, I'm going to go get some rest.” He waved a hand, heading off. Before bed, he checked on Lily who was fine, but not too pleased about being woken at this hour.

~

The next morning the group made a plan over breakfast. To mount a defense, Menny was going to hit the bookstore to find out about Faerun law. Lily and Henry were charged with asking around town.


With the plan in mind, they headed off their separate ways. On her way out, Menelwen was caught by Kaylessa.


“I didn't want to do this dear. You know that. They're good men.”


“I-I know. It's not fair it's my-”


“Sh, sh. Don't say anything like that. Listen...they're bringing in judges...I'll be one of five but I don't know who the others will be. Just keep your head down...and everything will work out.”


“I hope you're right.”


“..Good luck.”

~

Henry and Lily investigated, finding out that the representatives would be from the three most important houses out of Waterdeep. A representative from the church, from law, and from the mages. Given the scope of the trial, it would involve outside governing. And there were rumors about the different kinds of execution that could take place once they were found guilty.

~

After spending some time in the bookstore, Thok was able to locate a book on applicable law. The owner was kind enough to give it to the two of them for free, wishing them luck in the upcoming trial.


They traveled to the jail to see Vega and Theamen.


Grund was happy to see both of them. In order to go in, Menelwen ha to wear a special bracelet to restrict her magic. “Precautions.”


“Of course.”


They descended down the stairs. Vega was singing a bit, bobbing back and forth in his manacles. Upon seeing Thok, Theamen spoke. “It's been like this for hours. I'm almost wishing for the hangman. I don't even care who he takes.”


Thok cleared his throat slightly as Menelwen reached through the bars, handing Theamen his spare glasses.


“Oh...shit.”
Thok and Menelwen filled them in on what they found out so far, picking Theamen's brain since he was more accustomed to Faerun law.


“I see...well, the churches they could draw from are Bahamut or Bane. Bane would be the worst case scenario. The biggest problem will be the burecrats. The mage they could pull worries me the most...they tend to be chosen for political reasons, not just reasons. I've been to a few cases in my time...and none end well.”


“...We'll get you two out.” Menelwen promised.


“If Henry decides to try and get us out...tell him that the runes will explode and set off an alarm of opened without the right key.” Theamen added.


Thok nodded, turning to flip off Vega as he stepped away.


Menelwen looked back at Theamen, lacing her fingers with his through the bars. “Did you tell Henry to kiss me?”


“On the cheek, as a joke. I thought he was smarter than that.”


“You know you can't joke with him. He's a child.”


“Right.” She nodded.


“Can you make sure his lips aren't the last I touch?” He asked. She kissed him gently before leaving.


Once they were gone, Theamen spoke to Vega. He asked about the court system from his druid circle.  


“...I don't really know. It'll most likely mean death...I should just kill myself.”


“That is an act of cowardice. It's more important to do something with your life.”


Vega leaned back, staring at the wall. “...I suppose. Taking one's own life goes against nature anyway.” He folded into himself, barely keeping himself together.

~

Henry looked for any possible signs that could lead to a contact in the thieves guild. He wanted to send a message. He came upon a barber shop.


The barber asked him if he wanted to do business.


Henry flashed his ring. “Come in, I'll wash your hair.” The guy led him to the back room. He made tea instead.


“Brother, what do you need?”


“I need a favor. Two of my people are in jail for mass murder.


“Subtle as a flying axe boy. Learn to be more crooked.” He stroked his chin. “We could ambush them in transit...but then they'd be fugitives.”


“How much?”


“It'll cost you 12,000 gold or a favor.” He had a cousin in Cthul who needed help. It would take him time, but he could make fake ids and papers for them. He would have it delivered to him.


Feeling better with having a back up plan, Henry thanked him and left.

~A few days pass~

Vega and Theamen got a chance to speak with one another.


“What was it like...training under the paladins of Mystra?”


Theamen compared them as soldiers in an ant colony. Working for a greater purpose...but mindless.


“I guess we're a lot alike then.”


Theamen half smiled. “Two sides of the same coin my friend. Two sides.”


Vega confided in him about the seven clans within his tribe that comprised of warlocks and druids that followed the ideal that nature was to be venerated. That there must always be a check against it.


“So everyone has a patron...and belongs to a clan.”


“I don't belong to a clan. I couldn't bring myself to make a deal with any of them.” Vega pointed out.


“That's...a surprise,”


“Well, they're all bad deals. All one-sided...and we were being groomed for it. That...explains my defiance.”


“Defiance is an interesting word for it.” Theamen agreed. “If you had to choose, which would you go for?”


“Something...” Vega searched for the word. “mutually beneficial. I've been fascinated with the fey, celestials, and archfey for a while.”


“I suppose it really is a decision that can only be made if that's in front of you.” Theamen nodded. “...Take your time.”


“I may not even need to depending on how this all goes.”

~the night before~

Thok visited the jail while Vega slept. He offered Theamen a chance,,,if he would be willing to take a huge risk if things went to shit.


After some assurance that they other would be safe...Theamen agreed.

~Trial Day~

The next morning, everyone gathered in the town square. A long table with five chairs was set up, next to a gallows.


Grund led Vega and Theamen up. Theamen's hands were bound in a prayer style, and both of them were gagged.


There was a crack like thunder, the scent of ozone washing over the crowd. A sigil appeared on the ground, a teleportation circle. Seven forms appeared. Three of them were men in plate armor, symbols of Mystra on their chests. Two of them were young, and the older one resembled Theamen.


Menelwen's breath caught as she realized that this must be his father.


Another figure was identified as a Red Wizard of Thay. She was lean, with a shaved head and tattoos. Another woman was in furs and robes- Centari. The leader of Vega's druidic circle accompanied by a young girl. The last figure was an Elvish man in leather armor with a white cloak, the rising sun of Arathus on his chest.
Kaylessa stood from her chair. The servant pulled a chair out for Centari.


Judges
Kaylessa, Mayor of Red Larch
Centari of the Azure Star.
Solomen Summeridge, of the Order of Mystra. The two guards flanked him bodyguards.
Kiara of the Red Wizards of Thay. She cantripped her own chair back and sat.
And Timmons Fairweather, cleric of Arathus.


Everyone sits except Solomen.


“Bring the prisoners forward.” He read from a piece of paper. “Vega of the Circle of the Azure Star you are charged with slaughter, destruction, terrorism, lycanthropy, and...” a pause. “Cannibalism. Theamen Summerridge, you are charged with murder, destruction, terrorism, treachery, and treason to a goddess.”


Theamen glared at his father. It was very clear that there was bad blood between them.


Solomen stared back unflinchingly. “We will hear testimony from those who have testified to us.”


Henry nudged Menelwen. “Would his father sentence him to death?”


“...I...” She swallowed hard, staring at her other half.


Sial of Womford walked up, limping. He had burns over his body. He spoke about their disregard for human life. “He's no hero, he's a monster.”


Solomen stood as one of the knights of Mystra spoke. “The goal of our order is to defend those who cannot in the name of the lady. To defend those who fight for her, as brothers. He,” Ilthrin spoke. “Fails to do that. He turned his back on his brothers, leaving them to their death.”


Eldris Tantur, the blacksmith of Red Larch gave character testimony on behalf of Theamen and Vega.


A blast of heat washed over the crowd as a tall woman with crimson skin,horns and golden eyes stepped out. Vanifer, a pyromancer.


“He is a dangerous man...but he just needs training. He can be great with control.” She spoke, referencing Theamen's preference of fire magic. “Instead of killing him...I request that you release him into my care.”


Henry stood next. Lily looked at him, absolutely terrified. He stormed up to testify. “We don't have a name, we're from different backgrounds, different places. By the graces of the gods, Mystra, we've been together. Theamen has saved us multiple times. He is selfless, he is noble...” He continued the speech.

(9 persuasion)

And in it was “An admission of guilt.” Solomen called out. “That will be all.”


The judges deliberated for fifteen minutes in a bubble. After coming to a conclusion, the cannabalism charge was dropped. Vega was to be brought before his circle as per their customs and dealt with as they saw fit. Theamen was to be executed.


Henry rushed forward. “He's your son! You can't do this!” Solomen tried to use Hold Person on him.


Before any one else could react...


“I envoke the right of conscription.” Thok stepped forward with the paperwork. “I'm conscripting Theamen Summerridge into the Wardens.” The right was a treaty signed by the ancient wardens to allow the conscription of great warriors. It was never used lightly.


There was no arguing with it, Theamen was saved. Solomen, Timmons and everyone left. Centari took Vega with her.

~

The party reconvened with Theamen at the inn. They had one member back, but still lacked one.


Henry found Lily frantically packing. “We're leaving? Good! Let's go now. Let's go yesterday.”


When asked about what had her so scared, it was revealed that the Red Wizard was her mother's sister. And she wants Lily.


“Why does she want you?”


“The same reason necromancers want anybody.”


“I'll keep you safe.”

Theamen was helped into his armor by Menelwen and Thok before the party left. To pursue Centari and rescue their Druid.



~To be Continued...~