Guardians of the Grove 7/07/22-7/14/22

 Guardians of the Grove

Darkpoole Arc

The Three R’s Retreat, Revive, and Revenge

Session 7/07/22-7/14/22

The Guardians split up into groups; “Get It Done,” consisting of Diego, Corvus, Nirruk, and “Chaos Crew,” consisting of Atheya, Corvus, and Blood.

The “Get it Done” crew heads towards the Inn, where Mattias will have his meeting with Fennec. Nirruk casts disguise self to blend in with the guards and talks his way into the kitchen hidden from Fennec’s view. However, Nirruk quickly discovers that a spell has been cast to give Fennec and Mattias privacy. Meanwhile, Diego and Wulf sneakily make their way to the inn through the alleys, spotted by a young girl. Before making any observations, the girl is gone. Diego and Wulf are able to successfully hide in a building nearby to spy on the situation. They can witness Fennec’s arrival, but she magically closes the blinds once she enters. However, Diego and Wulf stay put and are immediately blackmailed into giving up a magical item each to the young girl, who threatens to blow a Keeper’s horn and reveal their location. In what appeared as a good idea at first, Diego enters a contract verbal contract with Lexa to pay her for her services to infiltrate the Inn without being detected. She casts invisibility on them, and they arrive at the Inn. Upon entering, the group meets with Nirruk. Nirruk then witnesses Fennec startled and watches as she quickly teleports away. 

Elsewhere, The “Chaos Crew” infiltrates the Villa; though Atheya has a heavy headstart, the Duo of Corvus and Blood eventually enter the VIlla disguised as Keepers. The group makes many discoveries inside. Runic symbols that may block an important passage, a statue of Verric the Cold, an enemy from Blood’s work, a pool of blood, and encased under Fennec’s bed a horde of decapitated heads. While investigating the room, the trio learns a bounty is out on the Guardian of the Grove. At this time, the group tries to make their way out of the room, Atheya sneaking back out the way she came in rat form. However, they quickly discover that the door is now magically sealed and unable to be picked by normal means as the door melts Blood’s thieves tools. At the same time, Fennec suddenly appears behind them.

 

Back at the Inn,  fearing there might be trouble at the VIlla with the other Guardians, Diego and Wulf leave Nirruk behind to keep an eye on Mattias. They exhaust themselves to get there quickly but can see no commotion from the outside and decide to take watch again. 

Inside the Villa, Fennec questions why the group has entered her space, but in true Guardian fashion, the situation turns violent quickly. However, the combined efforts of the rat Atheya, Iya and Oya’s champion, and Blood…prove to be fruitless against Fennec, and they try to make a hasty retreat. Unfortunately, in their retreat, Blood is ultimately murdered brutally by Fennec. Atheya, upon seeing his body after Fennec opens the door, decides that the only way for them to survive is to retreat. Corvus and Atheya are able to make their way out of the Villa and fly to safety. Almost immediately, Fennec announces the death of one of the members, doubles the remaining bounties, and orders the manhunt for the members inside the city.

The Guardians decide to meet at where the Hydra was killed to teleport home to safety. While running out, Diego agrees to Lexa doing surveillance in the city until they make their return. The group meets and immediately retreats to Gladesedge. The group mourns the loss of their friend but agrees that bringing him back is the right thing to do. Using their funds to hire a cleric Joric to perform the ritual. Atheya, Corvus, and Diego contribute to the ritual the best they can. Being just enough, a naked Blood appears. (missing out on becoming a cool art piece lol) Blood rejoins the group. The group proceeds to have a strategy meeting on what to do next: KILL FENNEC.

Begin Shopping Montage!!

Guardians of the Grove 6/02/22-6/16/22

 Guardians of the Grove
Darkpoole Arc
Entering Darkpoole 

Session 6/02/22-6/16/22

Upon entering Darkpoole, the Guardians received a less than warm welcome when ordered to pay an entrance fee from Keepers stationed outside. The Keepers wearing their traditional red and white tabards over chainmail, kept a close eye on the Guardians, paying close attention to their magical goods and quality. When entering the town, the group notices the town is less bustling than other towns of its size previously visited. The town, mostly flooded by Keepers walking around, begins to make the crew anxious, so they take refuge in the local Inn & Bar, Darkwater. Upon which they meet the bartender Vilt who offers up some information about the town and the Keepers being in town for more than a few weeks now but is hesitant in doing so. The group also learns that the magistrate in town opposed the Keepers and was killed for it. The group compensates him with some gold for drinks, a room, and intel. At this time, several Keepers enter the bar making Vilt nervous. After moments pass, Mattias, a captain of the Keepers, enters as well. Mattias, son of Maximus, the Keeper who worked with Diego and York as a trio of warriors under Maximus' tutelage. 

While trying to be extremely discreet and avoid detection, Blood tried casting a spell on the group, immediately attracting the attention of Mattias. Mattias approached the group unconvincingly the group told Mattias they were adventurers in town seeking work.
After messing with Blood, Mattias leaves the group to their fun and leaves with all the Keepers. At this time, Diego is at a loss for words, and didn’t expect to meet him so soon, since last he heard, he was in trouble while Maximus and the Keepers were not subjugating towns. Nirruk proposed to handle some of his own business in town, finding a person named “Tiana” after no luck finding her, unable to find her,  they learn that the guilds have been all closed, the group heads to the main keep of the Keepers in town. Outside they find a market of sorts and look for some more intel. After another dead end, the group heads back to the inn. Before leaving the keep, a commotion breaks out in the town; at the same time, Diego sees Mattias walking into the keep. Diego proceeds to split the group and approach Mattias while the rest of the group heads toward the commotion. 

Diego encounters Mattias; Mattias immediately comments about the awkward silence in the bar earlier. Diego asks about what has been going on in Darkpoole and why? While Mattias tries to convince him that Diego's time is over and it is his own. Diego can perceive that Mattias had something else going on, provoking Mattias to stab Diego while missing any vital points; Mattias warns Diego to leave. Diego takes this warning and leaves, as there are too many Keepers around, and the situation is not in his favor to continue the conversation. After the conversation, Diego gets a telepathic message from NIrruk; the party is in danger, so Diego full sprints to their location.

While Diego spoke with Mattias, the other Guardians approached the town square where an execution was taking place. Keepers are posted around the stage while General Fennic (unknown to the Guardians) orders the execution of townsfolk for the protest of the Keepers in town. While the crowd could not do anything, the Guardians watched in horror as the people were executed. Before the executions were midway through, a poorly prepared resistance group arrived to stop the execution. Even with the advantage of surprise, they were unable to do much until Nirruk intervened and put up a wall of fire. With that, the Guardians attempted to do what they do best save people. 

Diego arrives mid-battle to see the guardian fighting with General Fennic, A Keeper formerly under Maximus who seems to be in charge of the Keepers whilst wielding a new and ominous staff. The battle escalates into an exchange of blows between Fennic, but Fennic’s ability allows her to simply heal herself continuously while the Guadians resources and stamina run dry. The Guardians make a hasty retreat while unknowingly leaving Bloodwulf behind. They escape through a hidden passageway, lead by the last resistance member. With the resolve to rescue Blood as soon as possible the group pushes forward talking with the last living resistanc emember and learning more about the fall of Darkpoole. The Keepers had arrived in town under Fennic’s instruction to find “Something”, the guilds tried to face the Keepers but were unable to fend them off or prevent the death of the Magistrate in town. The Guardians were then interrupted by a shadowy figure who revealed himself to be Mattias who had been secretly trying to remove Fennic from leadership as her cruel ways and corruptive influence did not sit well with Mattias as well.
Mattias also mentions that Blood is safely resting elsehwere as he was able to escape with Mattias’ aid. While Diego struggled to keep his composure with everything that had been going on, Wulf was able to snap some sense into DIego and get his mind straight. The Guardians agreed to help Mattias figure  away to stop Fennic and learn more about her true goal.

Mattias was schedule to have a dinner with Fennic that evening at theDarkwater Inn and leave the Manor she stays at. The group decides to split up into two teams, one ot guard Mattias from fennic should the meeting go poorly, and the other to break into the manor to discover so much needed intel about the ongoing situation. The group going with Mattias are Diego, Nirruk, and Wulf. Whilst the other group composed of Atheya, Blood, and Corvus are to infiltrate the manor discreetly. Alarmed by this group Diego sternly grabs both Corvus and Atheya and tells them to be on their best behavior. The group prepares for the oncoming missions with the determination to come through alive and see each other again. 

Should the group need to communicate or indicate they are in danger, they must use the codeword: Godslayer.

*reference for possible design*

Introduced Characters:

Keepers - Red and white tabards of chainmail

Bartender Vilt

Captain Mattias 

General Fennic 

Resistance Members

 <4th Letter>

Dad,

So, the Guardians of the Grove are pretty big shit now! We just stop a bandit raid on Woodberry and cleared the sewers of the remnants of the Master! No big deal, Dad, but ya’ boi and his crew are crushing it!... It’s me… I’m ‘ya boi’. Anywho, added a new party member. He’s this super dark and mysterious guy from the north. Pretty sure he was an assassin of some sort. Very intense fellow with an odd accent. He seems alright though. OH! And so Corvus’ sister is alive and she has his old powers! I mean, it was kind of a bummer for him cause she’s all dark and possessed and shit, but I think it gave him a little hope knowing that she “ok” for now. I think we can save her though, so there’s that. Speaking of Corvus, he finally got some powers back and thank the gods for that! I was really getting worried about him. I don’t know if he would’ve been able to stay with us for much longer just due the fact that it would be too dangerous given all of the shit we keep finding ourselves in. 

We’re about to join a huge tournament in a few days here in Woodberry. Will we win? I’m gonna venture to say YES!! HAAAHAHA! I mean York just beat down this super awesome dwarf fighter.. Barely. But if he can do that, then I’m certain the rest of us will fair well. Either way, I’m hoping we place at the very least and I think we’ve earned a little bit of time to let our hair down. Well, at least those of us that HAVE hair. I wonder what Nirruk would look like with hair? Oh, speaking of ol’ frog face, I made him an arm! It’s basic right now, but I’m gonna keep working on it to hopefully improve on the quality and functionality of it. I really like the guy and I think I would call him a friend. Not to his face of course! Yes, yes Dad, I know what you would say if you were here. I’m TRYING to be nice and not pull pranks on him, but ugh.. Sometimes it’s just funnier that way!! Most of the time… Fuck it ALL OF THE TIME!! HAHAHAHA.

Um, what else? Oh, turns out there’s some kind of body snatcher or doppleganger thing going on, because Mira, who we thought was dead (thanks Corvus), is alive and kickin’. Plus other people who were supposedly expired. We’re likely gonna have to look into that eventually, but after the tourney, I think we’re making a trip to Zandonia to help Corvus repair some swords he got from this priestess. 

Dad., there’s so much we gotta do! Fix Corvus, save his sister, go visit these gnomes for my secret invention I’m working on, find out what happened to the kid you gave the Withered One and find out how to get you back. Plus we don’t even know if there’s something that York or CC want to do! Oh right CC, I mean Atheya. I don’t know if I’ve written to you about her yet, but she is pure chaos! But she’s great! Except for that one time when she jumped into a random portal.. Oh, and the time she and Corvus tried to rappel simultaneously off of each other using a raggedy tree as an anchor, into a barely waist high pool, from 100 or so feet up! Oh and the other time when she happily agreed to murdering people. Oh and when she tried to start an illicit drug ring at our new home. Other than that, LOVE her!

Before I let you go, I went looking for her again. :/ I just want to make sure she’s ok. Plus, I thought she might be able to help me find a Fey patron for Corvus and teach me more about the natural magics and how to be a better shamanistic barbarian. I’m going to keep looking, Dad. she was, IS still my first and best friend. Ok, well.. I love you and miss you. I’m getting closer to finding a way for you to come back. I WILL succeed.

Forever Your Son and Number 1 fan,

Wulf

<4th Letter>

 

Bloodwulfs Journal 8/19/21

 Dear future family, 

    I’ve decided to start keeping a log of my adventures in order to retain what little bit of soul and empathy I have left and hopefully gain a bit more. I know my past is full of shame and it is my hope that I can do enough good deeds to outweigh the horrors of my bloody past.

    The start of this particular adventure begins like most; In a tavern. I was just being friendly with the waitress when a peculiar group caught my eye. I know adventure when I see it, so I bought them a pot of coffee and struck up a conversation. I learned they had just accepted a job to clear out the monster infestation from the local sewers. I thought this was a noble way to make a few coins so I asked if they could use my bow. After some delegation, the eventually agreed to let me join them.

    As soon as we got into the sewer we were attacked. A giant slime creature was waiting for us. We made quick work of this creature and cautiously continued on our way. While traveling though the sewers, it became apparent to me that not everyone could see quite as well as I could, so we decided to stay close together. I had the forethought to cast Pass Without Trace to make sure our footsteps didn’t gather any unwanted attention. That was all in vain though because the Druid of the group, Atheya, walked into a room and immediately got caught in a gelatinous cube! Don’t let the mental image of this foe fool you. This creature was fearsome, and there were two of them! We fought hard through acid damage to finally help Atheya free and defeat the first cube. We started in on the second and I’m ashamed to say one of my arrows missed its mark and hit one of my new teammates, Nirruk. Thankfully, he was okay, but the cube escaped. I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of it, but I think we’ll be ready next time.

    We walked into the next room, and the door disappeared behind us. If that wasn’t enough the only two doors in the room were locked and a hole appeared on the other side! We peaked into the room and if was full of these disgusting giant bug creatures. We showed them what we were made of, and we thought we were safe when they crawled into the ceiling. Until we looked above our heads and saw all the holes above us. We braced ourselves and got ready for a fight. 8 of them filled the room and whenever they touched metal, it would rust away! Despite that, we destroyed them all, thankfully.

    From there, the doors were unlocked, and we went though one of them. We ventured forward, keeping close together and found a room with a gem towards the back of it with a strange energy surrounding it. We knew it would be too easy to just take, and we were right. Nothics dropped from the ceiling, and we had just enough time to prepare for these ugly one-eyed creatures. I started doing what I do best; firing a volley of arrows, while the rest of the team did what they could to kill these foul creatures. Atheya even turned into a bear! 

    After killing them, our focus turned to the gem. Nirruk tried to reach out with his mind to grab it, but to no avail. We eventually learned that we needed to use a certain number of spells on the energy field. While the team worked on that, we heard a pounding noise coming from the room across the hall. With the gem secured we decided to investigate the room with the mysterious pounding, but not before Nirruk found a pendant from one of the dead Nothics. 

    We slowly opened the door and were immediately hit with a wave of necrotic energy. Chained inside was a giant creature with tentacles. But it was sleeping. Behind it, another gem! We decided that we were too weak to fight this thing head on and decided to have one of us sneak past it and grab the gem and run.

    Nirruk decided to take the risk and sneak in and somehow, he managed to grab the gem without waking the monster! But no sooner than the door was shut, the monster was awake and ANGRY! It’s tentacles thrashed about and lashed out at us. We ran for our lives having to jump over a stream of sewage on our way, and eventually having to crawl through a disgusting wet tunnel. As soon as we made it though, Atheya used a spell to cave in the tunnel. We are safe for now, but I’m sure when we wake up from our short rest, we’ll have to fight for our lives to not only clear the monsters from this sewer, but to make it out in one piece. 

    I know I wanted to find a way out of my current lifestyle and career choice, but I’m not sure if this is what I had in mind. I’ll stick with this group for now, though. They seem to be a hardy bunch that has seen their way out of plenty of hairy situations. Maybe this is the way to help me erase all the guilt I have and earn some coin by doing some good in the world. Until then I will continue to strive to be the elf I know you deserve. 

-Bloodwülf 

Wulf's Journal Entry 3 7/15/21

 Dad, 

Well, we did it! Mom, the Glade, and the Undying Grove are all safe now. We got the bastard. That purple monstrosity will no longer be able to harm anyone ever again. Nirruk is free too, which I'm really glad we were able to help him achieve. As much as I mess with the weirdo, it fills me with pride and accomplishment that I was able to be apart of it and see it all the way through. I hope this gives him closure and hope I'm the future. I also hope he now knows that we are there for him and each other, and that our destinies are forever intertwined. And though I will NEVER say this to his face, I now see him as family, like a brother. Maybe a cousin... Like a shitty younger brother or cousin. Ya know, like the one you're happy to see but secretly wanna kick in the sun every now and again. Like he annoys you, but you'll bring wreath upon anyone that tried to harm or upset him. Yeh, like that.

So, I'm sure you're wanting all the details. Well, we were essentially herded to Woodberry by the monster through the citizens of the Grove he was mind controlling. And Dad, he had nearly EVERYONE under his control. We had to fight 20 or 30 guards from the Glade! Crazy thing was, we could tell that they were inside their bodies without control, but with whatever strength they could muster they would throw themselves on our weapons to die. It was heart-breaking. We were only able to save one, Silt's little brother.

We finally made it to town after dealing with some displacer beasts and were met by the entire town's population. Obviously under the control of the monster. They formed a kind of promenade to his tower which we promptly followed after the monster made one of the citizens attack himself when we displayed some hesitation in going directly to the tower. I healed them and we pressed on. Once we entered the tower, it was on. First we had to fight Silt, Amber and some Gith mind-slave. Unfortunately, we had to kill the Gith, but we were able to save Silt. Amber would die later though. Next was our friend Mira. Unfortunately, though we tried our best to save her, due to some miscalculations, we lost her too. Then Corvus, took her soul and later consumed it.Finally, it was mom. We temporarily paralyzed her then knocked her out. 

In the monster's room, we encountered a massive brain which was trapped. It promised to help us against the monster if we freed it. So we did. After a long and stressful battle, we ended the monster's life. I smashed his body to a bloody pulp, so ain't no resurrecting him. Once he died and the brain left the region, everyone was freed from the mental slavery. We were look at as heroes, Dad. Myself included!!

 It's been a few weeks since the tower incident. We call ourselves the Guardians of the Grove now! We, my friends and I, bought a house in the Glade. I've been working on this really cool thing. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXREDACTEDXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX.. the process was slightly challenging given all of the small XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXREDACTEDXXX and the smells!! Oh by the gods the smell, Dad. Anyway I really hope that XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXREDACTEDXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX since it took me so long. Also I'm so much closer with my other project. This one is gonna be a game changer for the group! Well, maybe just the XXXXXXXXXXXXXXREDACTEDXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX but still think it'll prove useful. Ok I'm gonna go continue working on these shoes. Yeh, I've picked up some skills over the month. Miss you, Dad. I'm still reading the book. I'll get you back. IF you want that. Ooff, maybe I should ask Mom about that. Ok, love you. 

Forever Your Son, Wulf

2021/06/10 & 17 - Nirruk's Journal - Back to Ios and the Path to the Master

 As soon as we were teleported back to the material plane, we noticed things were different quickly.  We found ourselves back in Glade's Edge but all the guards now wore the orange and white colors of Woodberry.  Wulf had asked the first person he could find what hear it was, and was told it was 21ADC, a full year had past here too.  Wildworks had been boarded up, Wulf's mom and friend had been taken by the Woodberry guards .  We even found out that Falanton was destroyed about 9 months ago.

It seemed like an odd time for this, but the walking fuzzball decided to get his hair styled and change outfits.  Sometimes I find his actions confusing.

But with Wulf in his new digs, we gathered outside of town to camp and plan.  The group decided to get to know each other a little more:

• Atheya was born in a brothel and her mother abandoned her in a forest.  She grew up mostly on her own and has been out adventuring for the last couple years.
• Wulf though he was an orphan, but "some other shit" happened.  He grew up with his parents in Glade's Edge.
• Corvus grew up in a trading village that burned down (he never said how).  He was a carpenter before he found his sword Wrathe and then traveled with a carnival.  Following some rumors he heard about his sisters location, he came to the Grove.
• I also shared a little bit about my past and what I saw in that awful mirror.
• Finally York showed his face.  I think we all felt a little let down when he just looked like a normal, but weary, human.  He grew up in Zanidonia and his father was a swordsman that trained him from an early age.  When he became of age he went traveling and ended up in the Grove.  He did share the real reason for the helmet and I decided not to press.

The group talked about what to do next.  Atheya, Corvus, and myself wanted to go to Woodberry and see if we can get a hold of that Von character or gather more intelligence.  Wulf and York wanted to go see Mira in Falaton.  Since I felt like I had made a mistake going into that yellow portal against the Walking Carpet's objections, I decided to retract my vote and go where he wanted to go.

The following morning, the Illithid showed up and in his creepy voice said "Good! I had heard you found your way back, and did so well at the area, growing strong, it is good to hear your praises."  He was not there in reality, but rather was just a mental projection.  When we asked what he wanted he said "I need my protégé back, you can deliver him to Woodberry, kneel before me and I will let you live!"  Much to my surprise, Wulf blurted out that he can expect us in 2 weeks.  For a moment, I was not sure if he is turning me in or not now.

The Master then said "Good, I have all the time in the world.  But not everyone does."  Then he showed a image of Mira, Silt, Amber, Nathee, & Piper all chained to a wall.  "You know what, two weeks sounds good, every two weeks I shall eat one of their brains.  Take all the time you want."

He followed it up with "I know your intention was to offer your services to me, I am not interested in that, you have already betrayed me once.  All I want is Nirruk, deliver him and you can walk away; I will also give you back your love ones." To which Wulf just turned to me and said "sorry".  I had begun to fully trust him and the rest of the party but I am not sure how to take that.  He may have been saying that to try to fool the Master, but I am going to be on my toes as we approach Woodberry. 

I retorted to the master that the didn't keep his bargain with my parents so will likely not keep this bargain.  Then the conversation when south with the Illithid threatening us and Atheya demanding a better deal and trying to find out if the Master will take someone else other then me.  It got ugly.

The Master started to look impatient and eventually about 100 soldiers came out of the forest and surrounded the group, the Master called out to them "Take the Gith, kill the rest!" And then he vanished.  The battle that ensued was epic and all the party members fought bravely and we were eventually victorious... well kind of.  It seemed by the time we got to the last few we noticed that they were practically killing themselves on our weapons like they were thinking death was preferable to control by the Master.  I understand that sentiment.

In the fight we managed to kill all of them except one, Wulf's friend Silt's little brother.  Wulf couldn't kill him so just knocked him out and took his uniform.

The following morning, some other people came around our camp and just stared at us.  They were obviously under the Master's control.  We took the hint and more innocents would suffer if we did not make our way to Woodberry to we started heading that way.

Throughout the entire journey we were followed by similar people under the masters control.  Corvus was worried about the Master tracking me through my focus so he destroyed it and gave me one of his own.  

On the second day of the journey, we were attacked by the smartest displacer beasts I have ever heard of.  None of my psychic magic seemed to influence them.  Eventually the group dispatched one and the other ran away.  The following night it came back and tried to ambush the group only to die as well.

Atheya finished some potions she was working on and I managed to compete 2 Crawler Poisons.

On the end of the 3rd day when the group was just about to camp for the night, about 10 people were around our camp and appeared to be under the Master's sway.  One of them pulled a knife to his throat and killed himself.  Wulf ran to heal and save him but the group took the message and decided to head to town even though we were near exhaustion.

The crowd under the Master's sway walked with us and kept growing.  York looked exhausted, even though all he did was lounge around that day while Atheya and I toiled over our creations.  Eventually we arrived at the south gate and battlements of Woodberry.  There were people on either side of the road, possibly a hundred deep, lining the path.  We entered the city and found 1,000s more clogging the streets to the town but leaving us an open path to the Master's tower.  I handed York one of the poisons I made, I thought with this many onlookers that being sneakily was pointless.  Wulf gave me the Lesser Potion of Blue Exaltium and as we approached the tower, both Wulf and Atheya drank their potions of Psychic resistance.

Once we entered the tower foyer, the door slammed shut behind us on its own and there was only one way to go.... up the large circular staircase to the higher levels as we heard the Master say "Good!"

Wulf's Journal Entry 2

 Dad, 

Ugh. Am I a fuck up? So, we went to that cave to get the crawler poison and that task was completed fairly easily. I think it was so easy because of the new addition to our party as well as the fact the team is working so much better together. Atheya is the new addition by the way. Like Miriam, she appears to be able to shift into beast forms, so I’m fairly certain she’s also a druid. I wonder if she from the same circle as Miriam, or better still if she knows of her! 

Anyway, after we harvested what we needed from the crawlers, Corvus found a temple-like area at the back of the cave. It was very odd. Cut stone and magically trapped columns and a side chamber all in this random cave. On a pedestal at the back of the “temple” there was a chest. EDWarD triggered a trap while I was checking out the contents of the chest and we were attacked by these statues. It was a close battle, as Nirruk was completely out of the fight for some time since he decided to get drunk in the middle of the battle and Atheya got turned to stone. We were eventually successful though and after a rest I went back to the chest to continue to see what was in it. I found some Exaltium potions and another one of those golden cubes I talked to you about before!

Here’s where the dumb shit starts to happen though. Without thinking or caution, I threw the cube into my bag of holding and in hindsight I now realize that the cube must have some extra-dimensional properties as we were all immediately shunted to what I believe was a place in the Astral Sea. Yes. You read that right, Dad. The ASTRAL SEA!! But not just anywhere either. We arrived in a location where there were a circle of floating stone platforms. On each of the platforms there were colored portals. Now, having been the reason that we were there in the first place, I wanted to be extremely cautious about what we touched, however Captain Chaos (Atheya) jumped right into a blue portal on the nearby platform. 

Again, retrospectively, it was a boon and folly that she did that and that we followed. Dad, this place was a library unlike any I think I or anyone will ever see! Simply thinking of something you wished to know would conjure a book from the shelves, IF you had the mental determination, strength, and capacity to will it into your hands. … I found a book related to that, creature, that took you from us... Corvus found a book that would make us stronger, which later would actually bolster both he and York. Other attempts at retrieving other knowledge from the shelves were attempted, but none were successful, and for a while there, I suffered from a form of mental shock.

We decided to leave the Library and we found ourselves back in the main platform area. Once there we all noticed something odd though. York and Atheya appeared older. All of our food stuffs had rotted. Now, my brain wasn’t firing all pistons at the time, but I could still comprehend that a significant amount of time had passed. You’ll see how this bites us hard in the ass later.

We spotted what we believed would be a portal that could return us to the Material Plane, but again curiosity was a stronger lure than focus and caution to some of us and following Nirruk’s lead we entered another portal. This one was yellow. In there we found a hall of mirrors which upon touching them, you are shifted to this “mirror world” where you must fight all of the mirror images. It wasn’t too dangerous though. As I mentioned before, we’ve become a very cohesive fighting force, and we’re learning to use our abilities in a complimentary manner. Well… most of of that is. York’s mirror image put him to shame. We all saw how he could be an absolute monster in combat. I wonder if he knows that and is just holding back, or if it’s something else. Hmm.

Anyway, Corvus, Nirruk, and myself were the only ones left standing at the end of it all and we were “rewarded” by the hall of mirrors. My reward was seeing how you and Mom became my parents. Dad? What did you do? Where did you get that other baby from? I thought you guys found me. I thought my people left me out to die. I’m not angry at you or Mom, because as far as I’m concerned you two ARE and will forever be my Mom and Dad and after seeing what you two went through, I understand the desperation. My bigger concern is what about the parents that lost their child? Who were they? What did this Withered One do with that child? MAybe the book I found will provide some insight… Umm, yeh, so Corvus’ reward was seeing his sister, who apparently he’s been searching for. Nirruk didn’t really talk about what he saw, but judging from Corvus’ and my Experiences and Nirruk’s brooding and sobbing, it must’ve been terrible memory or event from his past.  

Whatever it was, it was enough to finally return the focus of him and the rest to try to find a way back. When we got back however, it wasn’t good at all. 

Time HAD indeed passed here. A year to be exact! A fucking year, Dad!! We were transported back to the Glade and everything had fucking changed! The guards were wearing different colors, Amber and Silt were gone from the smithy, and worst of all, Wyldworks was boarded up and Mom had been taken away with Amber and Silt to Woodberry!! Yes, THAT Woodberry! That piece of shit has them! And it’s likely because he thought we had bailed. I’m so angry. Angry at myself for not being cautious and taking the time to examine that damned cube. Angry at us for continuing to explore that place even though we had a sense of the passage of time. Angry that we weren’t here to stop that fucking mindflayer! It wasn’t just the Glade he took over either. He razed Falaton and has captured most of the other settlements and towns in the Undying Grove! I’m hoping Mira is ok and that we can find her... 

My resolve is firmly set, Dad. No more games, no more reckless actions. I’m going to rescue Mom, Amber and Silt and anyone else he has take. Then I’m going to end that monster! I need to make sure the rest of the team is ready to do this as well. Especially Nirruk. I don’t know how to get to him, Dad. I know he’s been through some shit, but I need him to stop shutting down and fight back. We all need him to do that. He’s got power beyond anything I’ve seen. I can sense it. I wish he would just understand that He’s not alone in this fight. If he keeps folding into himself, more people will suffer and more lives will be lost. I wish you were here to help me figure out how to talk to him. You were always good with understanding how to… navigate the emotional needs and terrain when dealing with others.

I’m gonna get Mom back, Dad. Mark my words. I will be smart about it. Of note, I’ve made some progress with the thing I was trying to invent to impress you. I guess I can now just talk about it freely and “consult” with you as I progress. Crossbows are great, but they just aren’t as effective as I need them to be. I’ve been able to enchant stones that are more damaging. I’ve recently made some progress in creating small explosions. The explosion idea came to me during my first experience with this group. I had disarmed this trap, which had a can of compressed poisonous gas within it. The can later exploded anyway, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the applications of a compressed gas, exiting it’s container rapidly. The top popped off, which got me to thinking, that any object could be propelled away from exploding gases if there was a sufficient pushing force created by the rapidly expanding gas… I feel like I’m on to something, but I’ll need a bit more time. Hopefully not too much more, because if I’m right, I think I can somehow make my bolts move faster and therefore more deadly with this compressed gas idea, which would be extremely helpful in this inevitable fight against the mind flayer piece of shit...  

Ok, I need to read that book now. I love you Dad. Miss you a lot too. I’m sorry I fucked up in protecting Mom, but I will make it right, I promise!

 Forever Your Son, Wulf

2021/05/13 - Nirruk's Journal - Things that go "Squish" in the night

We took a few days off to recover from the visit of the Master the Illithid.  Wulf looks like he has physically recovered other then his new hairdo, but emotionally I think he is still dealing with what happened.

After our trip to the library, I came up with this plan to try and poison the Illithid next time we fight it.  So I found someone who would train me on how to make and handle poisons and got some information about a cave where we might find some Carrion Crawlers to extract their venom.  The group seemed to like this idea.

While we were sitting there discussing it, a strange girl Atheya walked into Wild Works saying she got a tip from a bartender that should could find an adventuring group to join us.  We all looked at each other strangely trying to find out who would have done that, eventually it came out that it was Wulf's mom trying to find someone to heal her boy.

Image by York

She seems nice, but I have some concerns about the sanity of a perfect stranger wanting to join our little group in the upcoming fight against the Master the Illithid.

The group said their goodbyes to Wulf's mom and headed out on the road.  It was largely uneventful except for when we met this strange man on his way to Glade's Edge with a variety of potions.  He passed them off as healing potions but seemed a little disreputable about it.  We decided to buy them anyway, and they are awesome!  (but I will elaborate more on that later!)

That night we slept in front of the Cave, the others heard some squishy noises coming from the cave but they never seemed to come near us.

The next day we entered the cave and it was immaculate inside, like someone just swept and mopped the place.  We were exploring when all of a sudden I was ambushed and paralyzed by a Carrion Crawler.  Several more Carrion Crawlers joined in and the group fought them off.  I was impressed at how everyone has improved on their fighting skills; Wulf didn't get knocked unconscious and wielded his hammer like a frenzied...well bugbear, York didn't break a sword and sliced up the Crawlers with impressive sword strokes, Corvus ...well is Corvus and sent out a lot of flashy green bolts, and the new girl Atheya was a huge help healing us.  Normally I need to save them but this time I barely helped being paralyzed and all.

I was able to put my new training to work and extracted 2 intact Venom Sacks.  They will need some processing to make them into poison, but I am happy I got all 3 out and never paralyzed myself!

Image by York

While I was extracting the venom sacks, Corvus found a stone hallway off of the cave that led to a room with columns leading toward a big chest.  I hid behind a column while the rest of them checked for traps, picked the lock on the chest, and then opened it.  Once it was opened, a wired noise sounded and the columns sent lightning in the area shocking us all.  

I was hurt pretty bad at that point, so pulled out the best healing potion ever.  It was the one I got off of the strange man on his way to Glade's Edge.  Now most healing potions try and heal your body, this one was different, it really healed my mind!  It let me forget about all my problems, I was still wounded pretty bad but I felt GREAT!  There has never been a time I can recall where I was not worried about something.  I am going to need to track down that man and get more of these special healing potions.

Anyway, the Sasquatch then bumbled around the place looking for iconography and stepped on a trap making some new friends.  At first glance they appeared stoned.  

Gotta run, I will write more about them soon.

Wulf's Journal Entry 1 5/13/21

Dad, 

From now on my journal will be letters to you to keep you updated on my journey. First and foremost, thank you. You haven’t been gone long, but knowing that I won’t hear or see you again hurts so much. You and Mom have literally given everything for me. You took in this little monster when no one else wanted him. You kept my busy hands and mind occupied and imparted skill and knowledge unto me. You held back the beast in me and taught me to use my mind instead. You showed me that anyone can be anything if they work for it. You instilled a sense of standing up for those that can’t do for themselves. You taught me the value of loyalty and respect. But above all, you loved me. So much so that after yet another mistake I made, you stood up for me and gave me another chance. This was the hardest and most painful lesson I’ll ever have, but it is one I will never forget. 

After things calmed down a bit, we held a memorial for you. We had planned on it just being an intimate affair with my new companions, Silt, Amber, maybe Miriam, and Mom of course, but the whole town showed up! It was amazing to see how many lives you have touched and how respected you were in the Glade. I know it made Mom’s heart swell as well. Corvus carved some beautiful statuettes of you and our other companions that fell due to the creature. He truly captured your essence in the carving. I will do better. Not only will I honor your memory, I will avenge you. That, Thing, that caused all of this will be ended. It will know your name. I vow this to you.

Backing up a bit, when we brought you back to the house, Mom formed you into a fire-colored gem and gave it to me. As it was when you were here, so it shall be now that you help me focus my magic. Even from beyond you are there for me… Mom also had some words for me, you know how she is. But her counsel was what you’ve both told me all of my life. I will use my mind and all of my abilities to figure out a solution to this problem. We will protect Nirruk and free and whomever else has been subjected to this madness from this monster’s malevolent control.  

We’ve done some research into his kind, Illithid or Mindflayer, and found a few vulnerabilities. One of which, according to Nirruk, is the blood or saliva or something of a creature called a Carrion Crawler. I think that will be our first step. We also just need to be physically stronger and more adept with our skills and specialties, but I think this will come with time. How much we have though is not known, but I won’t rest until this monster is dead. 

After seeing how the town guard fared in our battle with the Mindflayer, York spoke with the Captain and helped train up the force. Now that this threat is known, it’s important that we protect as many as we can from it. Your sacrifice will not be in vain. 

I’ve also done some research into the thing I was hoping you would be here to see. I need more time and experimentation, but the goal is to develop a handheld projectile launching device. I want it to be more powerful than a crossbow. I’m thinking explosive pressure in a contained tube or something could launch a projectile in a path with devastating effects. I just need to find a material durable enough to withstand such forces or a catalyst that won’t destroy the container. I’m looking into Exaltium as it is useful in many ways. My recent attempt didn’t fare too well, but given the recent events I don’t think my mind is fully into it.

Oh! I did manage to make another version of EDWarD to help mom around the shop. And to protect her. I like Alita for a name, but I’ll let Mom name it. Speaking of Mom, the guys told me about this person with whom you had made the trade with. The Withered One? How did you two know of them? Who are they? I wanted to talk to Mom about it, but there are bigger fish to fry at the moment. My biggest concern is your soul. Does he have it or are you free in the afterlife? 

I also went to the forest around my cave to see if I could get a better understanding of the magical connection between the Grove and the Feywild. Something happened. I’m not sure what, but I feel different and I feel like the Beast within me is stirring. Like something awoke it and changed it somehow. I now feel a connection between it, your gem, and the inherent magic of the forest. Whatever is happening, I feel stronger. I will keep you posted on any developments. My handwriting is different now too! 

Aside from looking into the connection, I was also hoping to see Miriam. Of course I didn’t find her, but I know how much she adores you and Mom and I’m certain she’ll be upset to know what happened and that she missed your service. I hope she is ok though. I know she had her path to take, but she’s been gone for a while now… 

Sorry for rambling on, but this helps. I know I’m just writing letters in my journal to you that I’m not certain you could even be aware of, but it truly does feel like I’m talking to you. Thank you again Dad. I will take it from here. My companions, no, my friends and I will eventually get to Woodberry and end this. Mom will be safe. We will get better. I will honor your memory. You WILL be avenged!

 … I love you and I will be looking for your red star Nebin Rivenstone...

2021/04/22 - Nirruk's Journal - The Eagle and the Snake

 I truly felt normal for the first time that I can remember.  Had fun with friends, met some of their family, joked around, we had each other’s backs in the arena….it was great…it all went to hell at the end.

 The previous night I had trouble sleeping again.  I kept seeing flashes of various experiments designed to train my psychokinetic rage.  I was given drugs, had enchantments cast upon me, I was forced to fight others… Playmates? Classmates? Victims? Friends?... I destroyed them all.  What did he make me do?  How much blood is on my hands?  This morning I am happy I do not have much of my memory of the past.

 There was a small scuffle in the bottom of the Inn when Wulf realized Edward had been left outside and some Dwarves took him; but we were able to get Edward back without a fight.

 We then headed to Wulf’s parents house/shop called Wild Works.  Nevin and Nathee Rivenstone were great; I have no idea what happened to Wulf, but his parents are good people.  Inside their shop they had this teleporter and used it to bring in a dining room table for us all to eat at.

 Wulf told them about our travels, and we asked them if they had heard anything suspicious about Woodberry; but they had not and mentioned that the people of Woodberry often keep to themselves and are a little strange.  They did not know any other arcanist who was powerful with psionic magic but suggested we go talk to Von, a Dwarf Arcanist in Woodberry.  They had never met him but thought he might be a good source of information.

 Next, we headed to see one of Wulf’s friends Silt the blacksmith and he was hilarious.  Of course York bought another sword.  Although it got a little awkward when he asked if I ever masturbated with my telekinesis.  Talk about a mind fuck.

 Silt harassed Wulf a lot about a girl named Mirrium.  It seems like Wulf has a huge crush on her.  It sounds like she is a druid that lives just outside this town.

 We started heading to the arena and jokingly talked about strategy.  I guess when one of us yells “Eagle” that means to spread out.  If someone makes the bird call “Caw-Caw” it means they want me to talk with them telepathically.  And “Snake” now means to hide in a box.  I do not understand but was happy to listen if Wulf and York continue to agree to get between me and the monsters.

 In the Arena we did well, we won both fights we entered and made a little prize money as well as some bets.  The best part of the day was after the Arena fights just joking around with the guys in a bar.  York demonstrating the “Snake” helmet technique was priceless!

 

Another amazing York sketch!

That night, we went to Wulf’s parents house and stayed there.  Wulf’s dad made this amazing casserole for breakfast.  Halfway through breakfast the worst thing happened:  Wulf’s parents turned to the group and had purple flames in their eyes and said, “The Master is here!” and walked out of the house.

 Everyone got up to follow them.  I was so scared hearing that the Master is here.  I was not sure what to do and almost panicked and ran.  Ever since I have been with this group, they have stood up for me and that was the only reason I found the strength to follow them outside the door. 

When I exited Wild Works I saw a 7’ tall, purple Mind Flayer standing there with Wulf’s parents standing on each side…..

Nirruk’s Journal 4/22/21 - (Session ? - in game date?)

Nirruk’s Journal

As I sit as this in trying to recover, I decided to try to write it down to process what all just happened over the last few days.

I was thinking I was safe, that I finally found a group of good people, odd people to be sure but good. I thought I would be able to put past behind me, but I was wrong, so very wrong, and the Master knows where I am, and I do not think he will stop until he has me again.

Nulka was missing that morning so we wandered the city doing a few errands while asking questions about Nulka. We met some strange people in the bar named Ash and Jerry. I guess the rest of the group had asked them to investigate a strange farmer. The farmer had caught Jerry and took out his eye and tongue. All they could tell us is that in the middle of the night he left with empty carts and brought back full carts but nothing else, other then that the farmer really wanted his privacy. I feel bad for Jerry, but I think both may just be useless.

In the late morning, we were heading to see the captain of the city guard about Nulka when we were surrounded by purplish fog and suddenly Nulka showed up with two other people that the rest of the group knew: Tito and Rendar. Without saying anything, Nulka launches a fireball at us! I do not remember him being this powerful when we fought the Manticore, but he injured everyone badly and even knocked the fuzzball unconscious. All 3 of them then pointed at me and said in chilling unison “we need that one!” In fear I just reacted and yelled out “No!” as I reached out with my mind hurling a big rock at Nulka.

We fought back and forth, and I thought we were all going to die at several points. A lady Mira showed up partway through the fight to join us. The others knew her as the owner of the magic shop. We ultimately won but Rendar died while we had knocked Nulka and Tito unconscious.

The group had seen similar purplish fog before when they went to some temple to Kovish, but they think this was different and just an illusion. Wulf was on me right away with questions about it and unfortunately, I do not have a lot I could say. My memory is too fragmented and scattered to know but it did feel familiar. All I could really tell them is that a powerful person, who once tortured and experimented on me, wants me back. They let it go, but I do not think it was sufficient an answer. I wish I had more to tell them. The research I had done led me to believe they were not nearby but up in Woodberry. I think it is to the northeast about 5 days from what I am told.

We took the bodies into a special room Mira has in her shop to hold people. I have to say the fact that she had such a room was creepy. Suddenly, when some of the group went to leave the hidden door swung shut and we were locked inside. Nulka and Tito’s bodies rose from the floor and they both spoke with the master’s voice saying, “My pet, why do you resist?”. I told them I was never going back, and they responded with “You will, one way or another”. When I said no again, the master made Tito’s head spin completely off!

I asked the master what he did to me and he said he unlocked my potential, but I do not want that, I just want to be left alone. The master then threatened me with “Come back to me or one by one anyone you come in contact with will fall under my gaze and control”. I was terrified of both going back and others being hurt. There was nothing I could do so fled into the corner as far as I could, shaking, and saying “no”.

The most amazing thing happened through, Wulf, York, and Corvus came to stand in front of me like a wall.

(The picture is not part of the journal, but I had to include York’s amazing drawing)

 

I am not sure that the Master would have been as impressed, especially given that York had already vaporized the end of another sword just a few moments prior, but it was the only time I can remember people ever standing up for me like that. It felt good to have people like you enough to stand up for you.

The Master then killed Nulka too, exploding his head.

People are dying because of me! I do not want to go back; I want to refuse but I do not want others to die. Can I really escape him?

The group was still in shock when we went to bury the bodies.

Later that night they asked me more about what I knew of the master. Again, I said that all I have are fragments of memories, but that all I remembered was that the master was a tall dark shadow to me seen through flashes of arcane light. He was humanoid in shape, but I have no idea what species but that I remember it looked like he had purplish flesh. I was usually below him, but he seemed tall, like 7 feet tall and thin, wearing robes. And finally, that I did not remember ever hearing his name, only that he was called Master.

Our only lead to find him is the town of Woodberry, but I am scared to go. We decide to get any needed gear and go seek Wulf’s parents in Glade’s Edge for advice as it is partially on the way to Woodberry.

That night I had horrible nightmares.

I was a child, walking along the beach, feeling the sand between my toes as waves wash over them. I see another Gith child nearby and off in the distance is another person… a bald-headed woman… possibly Gith? She is out of reach but as I move closer, I see that purple fog again and her eyes are glazed over with purple flame. She reaches over and she rips off my arm!

Then I see myself in a dark small space, void of light and I can only perceive things with my mind’s eye. A doorway opens and I see the silhouette of the Master and hear “Come my child” scream through my mind. I crouch back into the furthest corner and start shaking in fear. In my mind again he says “No my child, I said come” as I begin floating forward toward him…

Then I find myself in a large metal room with a window overhead and again I see the same silhouette above me that says in my mind “Begin”. There is another child tied to a chair across from me. I try to talk to the other child but he lefts himself off the ground with his mind, bursts his bonds, and tries to strangle me with psychokinetic force. In a panic, almost instinctually, I fight back and the psychic energy springs from me pushing against him. It goes back and forth until the other child’s brain implodes, and I hear the master whisper proudly in my mind “Good. Good. Good.”

Was that a dream? Was that a memory? I do not know. I am afraid of him and afraid of what the Master was trying to do to me.

We leave Falanton the next morning for a horrible trip to Glade’s Edge. The first few days were raining, and York looked exhausted. Then it was foggy and could only see a few feet in front of us.

At one point we were attacked by a spider and Corvus tried to hit it with Alchemist fire only to catch himself on fire. I made the mistake of trying to help him only to get the Alchemist fire liquid on myself too. I won’t make that mistake again.

(The picture is not part of the journal, but I had to include York’s amazing drawing)

When we got close to Glade’s Edge there was a Gith in the middle of the road. He was massive and wielded a great sword. He did not look possessed like Nulka did, but rather extremely calm and dispassionate.

 

He said in my mind “The Master Calls”. I asked him why he served that master and he said that the master makes him powerful. Indignantly I told him that I did not want to serve the master and to leave to which he replied with only “No” and teleported behind me. York then attacked him there.

 

He was a powerful foe and swung his great sword with not only the force from his body but also from his mind with psychic energy. At one part of the fight, he knocked Wulf unconscious and held his sword above Wulf’s head saying to me in my mind “The Master Calls”. I did not know what to do. Wulf had clearly stood in front of me like a shield just a few nights before and keeps putting himself in harms way to protect me. I would fight for Wulf, I may even die for Wulf, but I totally panicked at the through of going back to the Master for Wulf. I am ashamed of myself. I should have given into the Gith to protect Wulf, but I did not. I tried to reason with the other Gith but he just struck at Wulf. Fortunately, Wulf did not die, but I am ashamed.

 

After the attack on Wulf, I was so angry with myself and the other Gith that I lashed out at him with my mind just like I did at the other child in my dream and was able to toss him aside and into a tree.

(The picture is not part of the journal, but I had to include York’s amazing drawing)

 

It made me exhausted, but it also felt good. I believe the Master is wanting me to be able to do that and become his soldier like that other Gith.

The fight continued when Corvus struck a strong blow with his sword and cut off half of the Gith’s face.

The Gith never flinched or even reacted to any pain.

Finally, I was able to strike a blow to his head with a rock and kill him. In my fury over trying to kill my friends, I used that rock over and over to bash the rest of his skull apart until he was decapitated.

As a sorry bunch, and with Wulf still unconscious we limped into Glade’s Edge…

I do not know what to do. I do not want to go back, but I do not want others put in harms way for me.