Lavanda-26

After collecting some berries, as usual, I “roused” Olivia (though it always feels more akin to being released from a stasis). After cleaning our simple camp, Olivia and I headed to The Stewed Prune. I took some time to ask Olivia for help in acquiring the sundry tools that enticed me at the market. It did necessitate me confessing to my bumbling attempts, but I feel she already knew that I can be awkward at times. I would feel more confident in being able to provide whatever my companions wish for if I am able to acquire an array of tools.

Today dawned with pouring rain, casting a heavy gloom over our hideout. The morning routine commenced early, with Brom rallying us for breakfast at 0 hour for a company meeting. On the surface it feels like we all just stand up and talk about the plans for the day, but he says these “stand ups” are good for the team.
Bold seems to enjoy the early morning hours, taking two hours for himself before the dawn. The time seems split between honing himself mentally, as well as physically. A few puzzle pieces look like they may fit together as we discussed judge Wappelode and the ovor woman. Between their rocky connection, the woman’s potential organization connections, and the judge’s disappearance, we agreed that the complex in the center of town warrants further investigations.

When we got to the hideout, Urne seemed concerned about Goat. I believe Olivia sensed this and approached him. She approached with a question about “the Song” and its efficacy, however Urne appears to have been the least knowledgeable about the subject (with the exception of myself). Perhaps it was just an excuse to talk, for conversation quickly moved to Goat with Olivia expressing her gratitude for the group’s acceptance of us.

Urne seemed comforted, and sought further comfort from Brom. Urne explained to Brom that his sporadic sleep patterns revolve around his current hyperfocus, with concerns about Goat’s safety always at the forefront. Urne seemed worried that his attempts to make Goat feel accepted may have left him vulnerable to danger. Brom reassured Urne, showing his gratitude for their friendship and pledging the Company’s protection for Goat.

Brom’s morning began, as they always do, with prayers and health/grooming rituals. This morning’s rituals, however, were interrupted by a sealed scroll from Kroth, spurring urgent communication with the team.

The revelation of Kroth’s message stirred mixed reactions among the crew, prompting discussions about past events and future plans. For the team’s safety, not least of all Goat, we decided it was time to leave the city… quickly.

An unexpected visit from Nev brought Fabiola’s correspondence and inquiries about our plans for departure. I tried to protect us, and her, by not revealing much, but time will tell. She did bring a warning to avoid one Audo Bekkai, a slum thug who has made a name for himself. She seems to fear some connection to us, so perhaps that means we have somehow caught his eye? I agreed to help look for Kharchu, the special envoy, as it was Nev’s personal wish.

When the team joined together again in the sewers, there was some talk of leaving a note for Nev, but the idea was dismissed as it may raise more suspicions than it alleviates.

We traversed down a ladder to find ourselves in the sewers where we discovered a small rowboat knocking against the dock. The briny water led us northward, and a small white ribbon tied to the rocks caught our attention. Our brave Urne rode the boat to check, and we discovered it had been there for over a decade.

Following the ribbon, we passed through caverns and glowing moss as we headed eastward. We encountered bats along the way, but I was able to speak soothingly to them, calming the creatures. Ensuring we stay ready for anything, we choose to rotate rowers.

After passing columns and more tunnels, we reached a wide beach, and our journey continued eastward with another ribbon marking the way. We refused to take any breaks wishing to push forward, and eventually, we arrived at a T intersection marked by a newer ribbon, suggesting we head south. We finally heard the waves crashing, and the party calmed. Brom’s careful look around brought confidence we were in the right place.

Following the ribbon, we stopped at a campsite and a stone wall that could have served as an exit. I tried to move the rotten wood but ultimately failed. Instead I was able to slip through the wall to discover an outcropping above the ocean. I was able to see a century-old shipwreck that had picked clean and beached to the south of the cave.

We continued on our journey, masking our arrival by landing to the north of the city. As we journeyed through the rain, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding. It seemed that trouble was always lurking just around the corner. Nonetheless, we pressed on, making our way through the grasslands and avoiding the outskirts of the town.

We encountered a Pillarguard patrol, but thankfully Olivia was able to persuade them to let us go. We then came upon a group of children who were eager to be entertained. Once again Olivia did not disappoint, though I don’t think it was what they sought, putting on a show that sent them scurrying away in fear. We eventually made it to the road and began our journey towards Myrtledale.

Upon arriving, we made our way to Ruda’s hut, where we were greeted by the calm and zen-like woman. She had a package from our mutual contact, Stardust, which turned out to be a kit filled with useful items, including a token for passage aboard tower ships. We selected roles from the kit and set out once again, with Bold taking on the role of protector, Brom serving as scout, and Urne mapping the way in his meticulous manner. Olivia’s charming face chose the role for her, and I took on the role of forager. Goat did his best to provide care and aid for whatever ailed us.

It wasn’t long before trouble caught up with us. A familiar voice threatened us, demanding that we deactivate the automaton and leave it by the side of the road. Of course, we refused, and a battle ensued.

Bold wasted no time sending arrows flying at the assailants, driving one enemy to a knee before they ccould regain their footing. Drawing his bow seemed to draw attention however, as arrows peppered Bold with a few shots spared towards Brom. Goat appeared to attack Bold on Urne’s instruction, but a bright blue glow radiated from Goat and when he let go Bold looked much improved.

Twisting the elements to her nature, the blue haired witch summoned another storm cloud over the battle. With a thunderous crack a bolt of lightning catches Goat, singing Urne and Bold in addition. I was able to bathe a few of them in a whimsical glow, as Brom brought forth a fog cloud hiding several combatants from sight. Olivia let some dreadful strikes fly with her crossbow before placing her hunter’s mark on a dwarf and following it up with a bolt to their body.

To be continued…