Chapter 1
//Marley
"So who's this dude that Bjorn bought his armour from? A good place to start asking questions?"
//Bjorn
"Yes, agreed. Even if he doesn't have the information, I'm sure the marketplace will yield some leads"
//Bjorn
"he was an eccentric elf who sells a wide variety of goods"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Sounds like a solid plan."
//Poppyseed
"I'm going to leave a note for the Repository with Branch, just in case they come looking for us while we're out.....hmmmm...."
*Dictates to herself as she writes a quick note*
"Gone hunting evil old crones, be back soon....... Love Poppyseed."
//Bjorn
*chuckles quietly*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"That seems a little informal, don't you think?"
//Poppyseed
"Too late, posted it!"
*Flitters off giggling*
//Marley
"Wonder how you *love* the Repository?" she chuckles
//Poppyseed
"With all my little fairy heart of course!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Shakes her head*
"I don't think that's what she.......forget it."
//Poppyseed
"Already forgotten."
//Bjorn
*Bjorn's chuckle turns into a proper laugh*
"Your lovely Poppyseed"
//Poppyseed
"I know!"
{Reactions}
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//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Bjorn... don't encourage her."
//Bjorn
*the warriors deep laugh subsides but a large grin remains*
"To the market then?"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Yes indeed."
//Game Master
The group heads to the market streets of Summer once more, the dappled morning light giving a golden glow to the dew covered plants which line the streets and canopy above.
The sounds of the hawkers and shoppers mixing with the droning and morning chorus of cicadas and birds.
Arriving at the markets the group quickly returns to the location of the Elf Trader they had met the day before, his stall seems a lot emptier today and it looks as if he hasn't even bothered unpacking everything.
//Bjorn
"greetings"
//Game Master
The Elf Trader looks the group up and down, "Ahoy travelers, what can a get ye this fine Summer mornin, be warned, me stocks are low today, I'm due to head out to restock, but worry not, all merchandise is of the finest quality." The Elf Trader slightly bobs and wabbles as he weaves in and out of crates and merchandise as he moves to the front of his stall to greet the group.
//Bjorn
*steps to the side to allow his companions to speak*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Hello again, last time we were here I noticed, that amazing tattoo you have, wherever did you get it?"
//Poppyseed
"Yes it really is quite something, I'd love a butterfly or two. Won't you tell us where we can get one?"
//Game Master
The Elf Trader grins, "you've got good taste ladies, these here beauties were designed and inked by the lovely twins, Jessica and Jasmine on the Flotilla in the beautiful southern seas.".
//Game Master
The way the Elf Trader seems to be referring to Jessica and Jasmine Marley can tell that these twins are not the Gristle Sisters.
//Marley
”Well actually kind sir we’re wondering about a different pair of sisters. What can you tell us about the gristle sisters?”
//Game Master
The Elf Trader freezes, "That be a whole different crate a snakes...... there be three sisters, and they be trouble o the worst kind, ain't no one in their right mind be look'n fo tha Gristle Sisters.".
//Game Master
"Why you be askin bout somethin so nasty for?"
//Poppyseed
"Well.."
*Takes a deep breath*
"You know how my shadow was stolen, right here yesterday, well it turned out to be a bunch of horrible little Redcaps!! We got my shadow back though...see.."
*Does a little twirl in the air, performing jazz hands towards the ground to accentuate her shadow.*
"Anyway... Before they all died horribly, one of them told us their Boss was the Gristle Sisters, oh oh oh, not only did they steal my shadow, they tried to chop up and ...... Probably eat, our new friend Marley!! So we were going to find them and tell them that it's not very nice, stealing shadows......or chopping friends up.....or hold Tooth Fairies against their will!!"
*Takes another deep breath.*
"So could you please tell us where they are, or how we can find them..... Pretty Please."
*Curtsies with her tutu and bats her eyelashes*
//Game Master
The Elf Trader claps his hands in applause, "Wonderful Wonderful, what a fantastic story, a wonderful twirl, and an irresistible curtsy, well done.".
Poppyseeds performance and story has drawn a crowd, who are eagerly waiting to see what the Elf Trader will do, and how this drama will unfold.
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed looks around*
"Oh Marley has up and disappeared!! She didn't even say goodbye!!"
//Game Master
The Elf Trader looks about, "Sorry to hear that lass, but you know, Summer is a busy city, full o people comins and goins without a word, but after such a grand performance I will take you as far as I can to the Gristle Sisters.....but I be thinkin they be more likely to cook n eat ya, than hear your fine tale.".
//Bjorn
"not to worry friend. When we return you will have a brand new line male laundrè to sell. Hag hide loin clothes!"
//Bjorn
"And I might be ya' first customer"
//Game Master
Daisy and Poppyseed look at Bjorn in horror.
//Poppyseed
"What a disgusting thought!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"I think I need to pray to the Earth Mother to rid myself of the imagery."
{Reactions}
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//Game Master
The crowd which had gathered and was now applauding at the drama unfolding stops suddenly and stares at Bjorn.... there are some mutterings of disgusting, so thinking perhaps it could be a new fashion statement, while most just look confused.
//Game Master
The Elf Trader starts to pack up his shop, "Since we be traveling together for a ways, I believe an introduction is in order! The name's Captain Reginald Edwards Diliquin...... But you can call me Red, or Captain.... or Reggie...... I really don't mind..... And what be your name's then?".
//Bjorn
"Name's Bjorn. Pleasure to meet ya.... Again"
//Poppyseed
"This is my bestest friend Daisy"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy nods to RED*
//Poppyseed
"And my name's Poppyseed!"
*Does a twirl*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"And that's Jack."
//Game Master
RED looks the group up and down then claps his hands, "Wonderful let's get these crates to my ship and we'll be on our way!", at hearing this the crowd cheers and applauds the group as the help RED to carry his shop back to the docks where his ship is waiting.
//Game Master
The group follows RED to the docks, and although not knowing what to expect and keeping their expectations low, they were shocked when they arrived, "Welcome to the Minnow!", he waves his hands at the small vessel as if revealing a mighty ship, yet in reality the Minnow like its namesake, is very small, in fact, the group wonders if there is room enough for everyone, and the Captain's remaining cargo from the markets.
The ship is a sloop class vessel, although it does seem particularly small, even for a sloop, below the waterline the boat has been painted red, and above the waterline, the boat is a deep chestnut brown, with gold trim.
Although very very small, The Minnow is obviously in good condition, and the Captain seems to care for the ship a great deal.
//Poppyseed
*Stares at the boat in disbelief, her jaw dropping.*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Noticing Poppyseeds expression, nudges the little fairy.*
"What a wonderful ship you have Captain."
//Poppyseed
*Closes her mouth*
"Yes it really is wonderful....... Will we be traveling far?"
//Bjorn
*Stops at the gang way coming to the position of attention*
"Permission to come aboard?"
//Game Master
RED looks at Bjorn and claps loudly, "Permission granted sailor, we'll get this cargo stowed away, then head out to sea....... weather seems fair, but she's a fickle mistress.".
//Game Master
RED turns to Poppyseed, "Don't worry little miss, we be sail'n north bout a days travel, them Gristle Sisters, they be live'n in the marsh lands ya see. I'll drop ya off, though I got business to take care of in the area, then pick ya up in a day or two........if ya still breath'n....".
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Gulps loudly repeating REDs last words*
"If we're still breathing."
//Bjorn
"rec'n ya got a proper place for my armor while we are underway captain?"
//Game Master
RED smiles, "of course me matey, you can stow it in the cargo hold.", he looks too Daisy, "And what about you my prickly friend?".
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Ummm no sorry, it takes a lot of work to put it on and off, I'll just be really careful."
*Daisy looks a little worried and agitated.*
//Poppyseed
"Are you ok Daisy you look a little jittery?"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"You know I've never left the Fey Woods before...... This will be the furthest I've ever been from home."
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed takes off her she'll necklace the mermaid had given her and puts it around the Fey Hedgehogs neck.*
"I know what you mean, isn't it exciting!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy gives an uncomfortable laugh*
"Yes...... exciting...."
//Bjorn
*The large warrior appears to have some experience on ship from his time as a traveling mercenary and is getting settled in quite quickly*
"I call top hammock!"
//Bjorn
"Not to worry Miss Hedgehog. We're all in this together!"
*He shouts as he finishes helping Red get the cargo squared away*
//Game Master
Once the last of the traded crates and heavy provisions were securely squared away beneath the deck, Captain Reginald Edwards Diliquin stepped up to the gunwale. With the fluid, unhurried grace of an elf who had spent centuries matching the rhythm of the tides, RED unhooked the heavy mooring ropes from the iron cleats and tossed them onto the weathered stone of the docks. The *Minnow* drifted an inch, then two, losing its tether to the safe, bustling markets of Summer.
Stepping back toward the helm, the captain took his place at the brass-bound wheel. To the untrained eye, the deck of the tiny pirate sloop looked like a chaotic web of braided hemp and burnished metal. Dozens of custom-fitted winches, balanced counterweights, and polished wooden pullies flanked the cockpit, crisscrossing overhead like a web of silver cordage.
It didn't take long for the group to see the purpose of the elaborate maze. With a sharp grin, RED went to work. He didn't call out orders, nor did he look for assistance. Instead, his hands flew between the rigs with a synchronized choreography. He pulled a heavy locking pin, cranked a mechanical winch with a rhythmic *click-click-click*, and caught a flying line in one smooth motion. Above them, the heavy canvas of the mainsail unfurled with a sound like cracking thunder, catching the warm, tropical breeze.
The Minnow groaned softly—a healthy, eager creak of seasoned timber—as she angled into the fairway. The little sloop sliced through the gentle harbor wake, leaving behind the calls of the harbor merchants and the towering, mossy silhouette of the living city.
The air changed almost instantly, shedding the rich, humid scent of earth and blooming flora for the sharp, clean bite of sea salt and open water. Once the Minnow cleared the harbor walls and the protective breakwater, the true roll of the sea took hold beneath their boots.
Without breaking his stride, RED stepped to the secondary array of lines. With a series of practiced tugs,
//Game Master
he hoisted and cleared the jibs, trimming the smaller forward sails to catch the shifting wind as he spun the wheel, setting their course directly North toward the misty horizons of the Northern Marshes.
Now properly underway, the sails taut and the hull humming with speed, RED finally let go of the rigging. He looked over at the group, his weathered elven features crinkling into a broad, roguish grin.
Stepping toward the stern, he moved toward the rail where an old, heavy fishing net lay piled in a neat circle. With a practiced twist of his torso, RED gathered the hemp mesh into his arms and cast it over the side. The net flared beautifully in the afternoon light, fanning out like a wide web before sinking gracefully into the foaming, churning wake of the sloop.
He tied off the retrieval line to a stern cleat with a quick flick of his wrist, slapped the wooden rail, and looked back at his passengers.
"Time to catch us some dinner," RED said, his voice carrying easily over the rushing wind and splashing spray. "What do ya say?"
//Bjorn
"I say never go on a witch hunt on an empty stomach!"
*Says Bjorn as he jumps in to help as necessary*
//Game Master
The group spend their day relaxing on deck, RED is more than a capable seaman, and the shallow ocean of the west coast is calm and warm.
As evening sets in, the group looks over the days catch and begins preparing for supper, RED points them in the direction for cooking supplies, and where to store the off cuts which he uses for fishing, and also sells as bait.
//Poppyseed
"This has almost been like a holiday..... except for the gutting the fish part...."
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"You never went fishing on holiday?"
//Poppyseed
"Can't say I've ever been on holiday Daisy."
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"If you had, I'm pretty sure the Northern Marshes wouldn't have been on your list of sightseeing destinations."
//Game Master
The night progresses without incident, although RED seems a little jumpy the closer the Minnow gets to the Marshes and seems to be always checking the horizon to the North with a little brass spyglass.
By dawn the Marshes had become clearly visible on the horizon with a heavy fog hanging over the coastline creating a dark smear against otherwise sparkling clear waters and the golden rays of the sun to the East.
Breakfast was as expected, the previous nights leftovers, with eggs, and lime salad, as the group are finishing their meal RED quietly speaks, his conversation is directed to the group although he doesn't look at them directly, "Ya all seem like nice folks, are ya sure ya wanna go through wit this...... I mean no one would fault ya if ya turned away..... the Gristle Sisters....... they be the worst, I mean, ya could come wit me instead, spend a couple o days on the Eastern Reef, then back we go, no one would remember wat ya done said back in da markets.".
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"That's kind of you RED, but we never turn away from what's the right thing to do."
//Poppyseed
"And we don't take no nonsense from anyone, hag or not."
//Bjorn
"Nonsense RED! Your adoring fans are waiting on pens and needles for those hag skin loin clothes"
*Bjorn says proudly*
//Jack Frost
"ignore Bjorn, he gets a little over excited sometimes" Jack says as he lounges on the deck eyes closed but looking up towards the sky, the sun catches his pale icy complexion and gives him a bit of a sparkle "when the naughty terrorise the good we must step in, it is after all the will of Santa"
//Bjorn
*shakes his head as he walks towards the bow of the ship*
//Game Master
RED scratches his head, a look of reluctant acceptance on his face, "Well then, we be arriving shortly, I can drop you near tha shore, but I ain't sail'n into da Marshes. Dem Gristle Sisters got em selves a port further up the coast, for com'n an go'ns, but where they be held up I ain't da foggiest.".
//Game Master
As the Minnow sails near the shore RED looks to the group, "I'll have ta let ya out here...... any closer an we risk runnin aground", he looks at the group with a worried expression, especially at Daisy in her heavy pots and pans armour, "Can any y'all even swim?".
//Poppyseed
"I'm more of the flying type....not so much the swimming type."
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Do baths count?"
//Game Master
RED's jaw drops and seems almost lost for words, then looking at Daisy, "Not really".
//Bjorn
"Would you happen to have a row boat we could take to shore?"
//Game Master
RED looks around, but it's more for show, as the Minnow is so small that it couldn't carry another boat, then RED jumps, "Oh how about some empty barrels? Just hold on and kick your legs in the direction you want to go".
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"That sounds more doable than swimming"
//Game Master
Poppyseed flitters out over the water hovering just above as she waits for the others, yet no sooner had Daisy left the Minnow and attempted to swim across on the barrel than with a plop she slipped off the barrel and under the water sinking like a rock, her heavy armour and short arms and legs making the attempt seem impossible.
//Poppyseed
"DAISY!!"
//Game Master
Quick as a flash RED had dived over the side, swimming down to try and rescue the short round and very heavy Fey Hedgehog.
He soon returns to the surface climbing back onto the Minnow, "She be fine, that shell necklace you handed her, probably saved her life Miss Poppyseed, where did you get it?".
//Poppyseed
"Oh, I'd forgotten about that.... Yes.....long story short, a mermaid gave it to me after rescuing a teapot for her."
//Game Master
RED scratches his head confused, "Well wherever it came from, she said she'll meet you on the shore and started to walk off along the ocean floor..... quite the site to be sure".
//Game Master
Poppyseed flitters off over the calm waves, of the crystal clear shallows meeting up with Daisy as she exits the water, the Seashell Necklace glowing around her neck as buckets of water drain out from the short round Fey Hedgehogs armour.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Oh Poppyseed, that necklace saved my life to be sure, thank you so so much, how did you know."
//Poppyseed
"Honestly Daisy......I didn't..... I always thought it was just a pretty necklace, as I've never had the misfortune of drowning, I gave it to you to make you feel better...... but I'm absolutely chuffed you're still alive."
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Oh......."
//Game Master
The pair sit and wait for the others, at the edge of the mangrove swamp, above the beautiful blue sky of the Eastern Ocean has given way to dark clouds hanging over the Northern Marshes.
//Game Master
Once Jack and Bjorn had reached the shallows, the group waved goodbye to RED as he turned heading East with promises of returning here the next day to pick them up.
Once everyone had dried off the group began heading North towards the location RED had told them the Gristle Sisters had a port.
Moving through the mangroves of the outer marshes wasn't easy however.
For Poppyseed, there was no problem, the little fairy flitting here and there ahead of the group looking for the best way to traverse the shallow waters and thick roots of the mangrove.
But for the others, especially Daisy, the going wasn't so easy, the shallow water reaching up to Daisy's neck as she waded through the murky waters, ducking under mangrove roots, and pushing through low hanging vines and bushy branches.
The journey took the better part of the day, the constant drizzle of rain not making the trip any more enjoyable, and although the distance wasn't particularly far, traveling off road, through muddy waters, and thick mangrove forests made the journey difficult.
By the time they reached viewing distance of their destination the shadows were growing longer in the gloom, although the sun had failed to make an appearance all day with the constant low cloud cover above the Northern Marshes creating a dreary and murky scene as the group spied little pale flickering lights of the Gristle Sisters docks.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"I feel waterlogged, and I'm worried my armour will rust."
//Poppyseed
"Don't worry Daisy we are almost there, I can see little lights ahead...... although I'm not sure if we should be just marching up and knocking on the front door.....seems a little reckless....even for us."
//Game Master
Approaching the docks, the group can see figures moving crates and loading cargo onto ships.
There seems to be a mix of creatures working for the Gristle Sisters, the Redcaps they already knew were in their employment, but the group also spies Meazels, Hobgoblins, and a Troll, all working to load a ship at the dock.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy picks up the pace moving towards the oncoming Red Cap, grasps her holy symbol as a swirling vortex of nature kicks up around her*
“Time to test our faith once more!”
//Jack Frost
using his invisibility to his advanatge jack shoots at redcap a twice with his holiday cheer before advancing ft
//Game Master
The two glowing orbs of Santa’s Holiday Cheer slam into the Red Cap as it runs headlong towards Daisy.
//Game Master
The Meazels start moving towards the group heading for the dock not realizing the state the Troll was now in which immediately lashes out at the first Meazel it sees, giving the Meazel a massive gash down its back.
Realizing the Troll had lost control the Meazels break out in a panicked dash up the docks, trying to get as far away from the crazed Troll as possible.
The Hobgoblin Pirate Captain moves down onto the docks, “Come on you lilly livered scallywags keep firing!“.
The Hobgoblin Pirates loose another volley at Daisy but the little Fey Hedgehog is in full stride now, the arrows flying past her as she moves towards the Red Cap.
The Red Cap comes running up to Daisy its meat cleavers whirling ‘CLANK CLANK CLANK’, cutting Daisy deep, before it tries to kick the Hedgehog with its heavy metal boots, but misses.
The second Red Cap continues to make its way up the dock towards the group, the Red Caps seem to be chanting a rather spine chilling call, “Blood Blood Blood”.
The Troll gives chase after the Meazels as it nips at their heels swinging its large arms and slashing at them with its deadly claws, causing terror and confusion as the Meazels are cut deeply by their own Troll.
//Bjorn
*Bjorn roars as he charges the Red Cap attacking Daisy, the sound of an angry bear as the Aasimar enters a furious primal rage of the bear.
His attacks land hard and fast as he strikes at vital parts of the Red Cap, causing massive damage.*
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed flies out over the water, taking cover by a large twisted mangrove tree growing next to the dock, as she flitters across, she pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind causing multiple mirror images of herself to appear*
“So many Poppys in the field, can you tell which one is real!”
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy grips her holy symbol as she whispers words of healing, her wounds closing up. She then brings her heavy soup ladle down on the Red Cap, as she does radiant energy bursts out knocking the Red Cap hard on the skull.*
//Jack Frost
Seeing that the others have got the enemies directly in front of them under control Jack turns his attention to the hobgoblin pirates, targeting e with santas holiday cheer balls, before moving up near daisy. Using his invisibility to hide his movements and keep his opponents guessing
//Game Master
Two glowing balls of Santa’s Holiday Cheer fly out as the first one hits the far right Hobgoblin, he is blasted backwards collapsing on the dock, the second ball swerves hitting the next Hobgoblin in line straight in the side of the face, knocking out of the fight and into the murky water.
//Game Master
The Measles suddenly evaporate into wisps of shadow teleporting across the docks.
Two appear behind Jack Frost, garrotes at the ready, but are unable to get a strangle hold on the warlock.
Two appear behind Daisy and Bjorn, but as they step within the swirling tempest of Daisy’s Guardian Spirits they are eviscerated.
The Hobgoblin Pirate Captain moves up the docks, “move it you swine, get in there and kill em good”.
The Hobgoblin Pirates move up before loosing another volley at Daisy, but the bolts ricochet off her heavy armour.
The Red Cap in front of Daisy goes to attack, but is caught in the swirling Guardian Spirits and thrown into the water, his heavy steel boots dragging him below the murky water, bubbles froth up to the surface momentarily before the water becomes still once more.
The second Red Cap charges forward at Bjorn as it is buffeted by the Guardian Spirits.
The Troll charges forward fear in its eyes as it lashes out at the nearest creature it can see, a Hobgoblin Pirate, but the attacks are wild and unfocused, missing the Pirate as they realize the Troll has gone crazy.
//Bjorn
Bjorn moves up stabbing at the remaining Red Cap, dealing a deadly strike to the Fey creature.
//Poppyseed
Sees the Hobgoblins massing on the dock and pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind, the sound echoes and rolls, building up, and reverberating on itself until it is a cacophony of sound focused over the Hobgoblin Pirates.
The three Hobgoblins clutch their ears, but it’s too late as one by one their heads explode from the sheer noise.
“POP! POP! POP!”
//Jack Frost
Jack uses his words of radiance uttering the word “christmas time” a bright light scorcher the meazels before he then fey steps away and then moves further with regular movement
//Game Master
One of the Measles teleports to the mangrove roots where Poppyseed is flittering about, ot appears suddenly and without warning from shadows trying to garrote the little fairy, but the Measle grabs a mirror image by mistake, which as it tightens its grip, disappears in a puff of pink lavender smoke.
The second Measle finds itself unable to teleport, and so resigns itself to charge Daisy, weathering the swirling vortex of her Guardian Spirits, but misses its attack.
//Game Master
The Hobgoblin Pirate Captain moves up and slaps the Troll, “Snap out o it ya bloody buffoon!“.
But the Troll remains under the little fairy’s spell and turns around to swipe at the Pirate Captain, but the Captain easily steps out of the way of the clumsy attacks.
//Game Master
The last Red Cap is buffeted by Daisy’s Guardian Spirits as it attacks Bjorn with everything it’s got.
The Red Cap slashes at Bjorn with its meat cleavers giving the Aasimar two nasty cuts, although he doesn’t seem to notice as he rages.
The Red Cap goes to kick Bjorn but the large heavy steel boots are too slow to catch the quick Aasimar.
//Bjorn
*Bjorn retaliates against the Red Cap, stabbing it twice in vital places, causing massive damage and spilling the Red Caps insides out over the docks.*
//Game Master
The Red Cap gasps one last time before keeling over and falling into the murky water, its corpse sinking to the bottom.
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed flitters away from the Measle, then with a pip on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind causes an ear shattering sound to blast in the Fey Creatures ears.*
//Game Master
As Poppyseed flitters away, the Measle lashes out with its vicious looking shortsword, another of Poppyseed’s mirror images popping out of existence in a pink lavender cloud.
Yet the blast from Poppyseed’s Panpipes is extremely painful as it covers its ears from the cacophony.
//Jack Frost
Jack fey steps once more moving ti the other side of daisy and bjorn before targeting the hobgoblin pirate captain with holiday cheer attacks, he then uses his movement to move ft towards where the troll currently is
//Game Master
The two glowing orbs of Santa’s Holiday Cheer crash into the Hobgoblin Pirate Captain as he tries to break Poppyseeds control over the Troll.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy brings her heavy soup ladle down on the head of the Measle behind her, a burst of radiant energy blasting the Fey Creature before it is swept away in the swirling vortex of her Guardian Spirits.*
//Game Master
The last of the Measles spots the footprints of jack on the wet docks, but is unable to teleport through the shadows at the time, and so climbs through the mangrove roots back to the docks.
The Pirate Captain slaps the Troll one last time to try and bring sense to the stupid creature, but the Troll seems beyond help, instead lashing out and slashing the Captain viciously with its claws.
//Bjorn
*Risking a confrontation with the Troll, Bjorn rushes up trying to end the Pirate Captain, dealing a vicious blow with his dagger, but otherwise unable to drop the Hobgoblin.*
//Game Master
The Hobgoblin Pirate Captain and Troll are caught in Daisy’s Guardian Spirits as she moves up the docks, both receiving serious injury, the damage knocking some sense into the Troll and freeing it from Poppyseed’s charm.
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed moves up staying within the safety of Daisy’s swirling vortex as she sends a psychic spike into the Trolls mind causing damage to the Trolls weak mind and disorientating it.*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy moves up striking out at the Troll, but her heavy soup ladle is unable to get past the Trolls thick hide.*
//Jack Frost
Jack takes more shots at the captain before misty stepping ft behind him and moving a further ft east
//Game Master
Jack’s glowing balls of Santa’s Holiday Cheer strike the Pirate Captain knocking him to the wet rotting wood of the docks.
The Meazel, still unable to teleport, risks Daisy’s Guardian Spirits to attack her, the Fey Creature is badly battered by the vortex, and fails to secure its garrote around the Hedgehog, missing its attack.
The Troll is buffeted by Daisy’s Guardian Spirits even as it regenerates, its body unable to keep up with the massive damage the party continues to inflict on it.
It takes two heavy swipes at Daisy, its vicious claws ripping at the little Fey Hedgehog cause major damage.
Poppyseed seeing Daisy in trouble pips a tune sending healing magic to help her friend, before changing her tune she redirects her song as she slivers the Trolls mind, causing psychic backlash and hindering its ability.
Bjorn moves quickly around behind the Troll, delivering two deadly strikes to its back, as he aims for vital places to cripple the now badly injured Troll.
//Bjorn
“We’ve got them on the back foot now!”
//Jack Frost
Jack redirects and starts blasting the troll, he then moves ft west onto the next pathway
//Game Master
Jack’s glowing orbs of Santa’s Holiday Cheer slam into the back of the Troll, as he circles around the combat.
Daisy tries to strike the Troll with her heavy soup ladle but misses.
The last remaining Meazel is caught in Daisy’s Guardian Spirits as it is torn up and hurled into the murky water of the docks.
The Troll continues to regenerate as the group focuses its firepower on the hulking beast.
It lashes out once more with its vicious claws but Daisy is ready, deflecting the blows with her large wine barrel lid shield.
Bjorn maneuvers around as he stabs at the Troll, landing a blow with his short sword.
While Poppyseed once more silvers the brutes mind causing psychic damage and reducing the Trolls capabilities to react.
//Jack Frost
Something clicks in Jacks head as he watches the trolls regeneration, “Time to roast your chestnuts big guy” i then move east ft
//Game Master
Fire erupts under the badly injured Troll, it lets out a final gurgled cry before collapsing in a pile of chard and bubbling green bile.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
“Well I’m glad that’s over....but we need information on the Gristle Sisters hideout..... I’m going to revive the Hobgoblin Pirate Captain, he’ll be weak and shouldn’t pose any threat.....but just in case be careful.”
*Daisy moves to the Hobgoblin Pirate Captain, and holding her symbol of the Earth Mother tightly whispers a prayer over the fallen Fey Hobgoblin.*
//Game Master
As Daisy mutters her prayers, Bjorn, and Poppyseed move in to ensure the Hobgoblin Pirate Captain behaves himself.
Slowly the Captain opens his eyes, at first he is scared, then angry, but realizing his weapon is gone, he is surrounded, and in bad shape, he soon quiets.
//Poppyseed
“You Sir are in big trouble”
//Bjorn
“One false move and I’ll end you”
//Daisy the Hedgehog
“Mr Pirate Captain, we need you to tell us where the Gristle Sisters hideout is”
//Jack Frost
“And any other information you could give about them would be grand” Jack says as he spell runs its course and he pops back into the visible world
//Game Master
The Hobgoblin Captain spits blood on the wet wooden deck of the docks, “And what’s init for me then, them sisters will hunt me to the end of me days for squealin they will!“.
//Jack Frost
" They cant hunt you down if they are dead you know”
//Daisy the Hedgehog
“Oh are we doing that?”
//Poppyseed
“I wasn’t sure either, we said ‘talk to’ but you know I didn’t know if it was ‘TALK TO’ or actually just talk to....... Know what I mean.”
//Bjorn
“I’m pretty sure it’s the former.”
//Jack Frost
Turns around to the others quickly ” Guys im trying to convince him to talk, a little back up would be nice”
//Jack Frost
“he was more likely to co operate if we was ‘killing’ them than just having a chat”
//Daisy the Hedgehog
“Oh right ok”
*Winks very obviously*
//Bjorn
*Facepalms*
//Poppyseed
“I’m confused..”
//Jack Frost
“lets face it, with our luck even a conversation will turn into a battle of life and death”
//Game Master
The Hobgoblin looks at the group in shock, “Are you serious, what in the nine hells is wrong with you people, you just slaughtered everyone without breaking a sweat, and you don’t even know what you’re planning to do! Look, you brought me back, and for that I’m grateful, if you can get some of me crew back as well I’ll tell ya everything ya need to know.”
//Jack Frost
“hey we have most of a plan, and do you know how much energy it takes our dear friend just to bring one person back?”
//Game Master
The Hobgoblin Pirate Captain picks up his hat which lay trampled and blood splattered on the wet dock, dusting it off before placing it firmly on his head, “Yeah, but I can’t sail the ship on me onesome, ya savvy.”
//Daisy the Hedgehog
“I suppose so....but I won’t be able to revive them all, maybe two...... But we better hurry, there is a time limit on this thing before they are too far gone to reach.”
//Game Master
“Two will be fine....my choice” The Hobgoblin Pirate Captain winks, “Then if we have an accord, those two there, if you would be so kind.“, the Captain points to two Hobgoblins, although after Poppyseeds spell had popped the heads off some of them, the Captain didn’t really have a lot to choose from.
//Game Master
The Captain pats his crew down and straightens them up, “Look lively boys, you got a second lease on life”, the Hobgoblins look a little confused and worried that they are back from the dead, they are also seriously injured and bloodied after the battle, but otherwise relieved to be alive.
The Captain turns to the group, “You’ll find the Gristle Sisters a half days trek west, you can’t miss it, they live inside a rotten old tree the size of a friget, but I warns ya, them Sisters be as mean as they come, and greedy to boot, not only that but the whole area around their tree is foul and rotten, just like them, now I’ll be taking my leave, and getting as far away from them ..... and you as I possibly can”.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
“Well I guess our course is set.... We head West.”
//Bjorn
“Lead the way Daisy, let’s go put an end to these Gristle Sisters.”
Jack Frost
Mr Bjorn, if you wouldnt mind leading the way
Bjorn
No problem, let’s go kick some wicked witches
Game Master
The group starts their journey westward towards the area the Hobgoblin Pirate Captain had indicated.
It doesn’t take long before the party begins to notice a definite change in the terrain as they leave the mangrove behind and enter the marshlands.
They also notice that the plant life, animals, and even the physical earth and water itself begins to take on a progressively more dark, twisted, and aggressive nature the further west they travel.
Daisy the Hedgehog
This is horrible, what has become of this area around their hideout, we are definitely on the right track
Game Master
Moving through the marsh the group becomes aware that a heavy mist has risen, obscuring the area, the mist swirls and clumps like forms moving, always just out of range, and outside the parties field of vision.
Ahead a large dark form looms up, through the mist it looks like a mass of writhing snakes reaching up to the sky, but as they get closer through the mist, they see that it is a massive dead tree of twisted deadwood, rotting bark, and fungus growths.
The tree is growing over a huge humanoid skeleton its rotting body and roots slumping over and entwining around the skeletal corps, that perhaps was once a giant of immense size, but now lies crumpled in a fetal position swallowed by the weight of the ginormous dead tree which now slumps over it.
Daisy the Hedgehog “Well looks like we have arrived......and it’s worse than I expected.”
Bjorn “That has to be the ugliest damn house I’ve ever seen, remind me to burn it down when we’re done here.”
Poppyseed “I’m getting mixed messages, first we’re talking, then killing, then we’re talking again, now we’re back to killing and burning down houses........ it is particularly hideous though...... and the longer we are here the more I get the impression that these Sisters wouldn’t respond to anything but violence anyway.........”
Daisy the Hedgehog “Are you ok?”
Poppyseed “Yep, just had to get that off my chest, I’m good to go”
Game Master As the group approaches the hideout of the Gristle Sisters they see a woman restrained in chains and tied to an archway made of bones.
The archway sits before a rotten wooden walkway which crosses the marsh leading up to the entrance of the hideout.
When the woman sees the group she begins to cry, “Please help me, we have to get out of here before they get back!“.
Bjorn
“I’m coming hold on!”
Poppyseed
“She has an awful lot of tattoos, is that normal?”
Daisy the Hedgehog
“Wait Bjorn, something feels off here!”
Game Master
Bjorn reaches the woman but as he goes to try and free her he realizes that the chains and rope aren’t even that tight, but the woman continues to wiggle and call for assistance.
Bjorn
“Are you ok? Are you injured?”
Game Master
As the chains and rope drop to the ground the tattooed woman falls forward into Bjorn’s arms, as if she lacked the strength to stand.
“Oh thank you thank you, you came to save me, I feel so weak I couldn’t possibly walk..... could you perhaps carry me a little away from this horrible place so I may rest”
Game Master
Jack suddenly realizes what Daisy was concerned about, and as Bjorn turns his back allowing the tattooed woman to climb on his back, the group sees the woman’s true form.
A wrinkly old hag now clings to Bjorn’s back, her tattoos still visible yet now moving over her body like writhing snakes and insects, while her once long beautiful hair is now grey, straggly, and bolding in patches.
Bjorn’s face is a look of surprise and worry, as the grip of the woman he thought he was carrying is an iron grip on his shoulders and around his neck, as he sees the flesh wrinkle, the tattoos begin to squirm, and the woman’s hands become boney, elongated, and sprout elongated black nails which look as strong as iron.
To the left and right of the group, the muddy bog begins to bubble as two forms slowly emerge and the air is filled with a chorus of cackling.
Jack Frost
“Damn it Bjorn, havent we told you not to trust everyone you meet, yiu certainly get us in some sticky situations”
{Reactions}
spinning_rainbow_sheep
Jack Frost
Jack calls on his elfs curse lighting up the hag to the left of the party before throwing 2 balls of holiday cheer at her
Game Master
The Elf’s Curse grips the Hag tightly as she rises out of the marsh, before the two glowing orbs of Santa’s Holiday Cheer slam into her with the full force of a winter blizzard.
Poppyseed
Swirls in the air
“Poppies, Poppies, Everywhere!”
Casts mirror image, as multiple Poppyseeds spring forth
Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy lays her hand on her chest as healing energy flows into her, curing the wounds from the battle on the docks.
She then moves up to Bjorn and taking his hand gives the Aasimar the guidance he needs to break free of the Hags grip*
Game Master
The Hag clinging to Bjorn digs in her claws refusing to be removed, as her tattoos burst forward like black, thick twisted vines attempting to trap and ensnare Bjorn and Daisy.
Game Master
The tangling black mire sprouting out around the hag blinds and deafens Bjorn as the Aasimar is overwhelmed by the ink tendrils.
Daisy sees through the Hags trickery however and is unaffected.
Game Master
The Hag to the groups right moves forward out of the marsh, and reaches out a boney hand towards Jack as she attempts to grasp and hold the Warlock tight with her dark magic.
Game Master
The Hag to the groups left moves to the edge of the marsh, her tattoos squirming free of her body and manifesting as a vile squirming creature in front of Poppyseed, which immediately lashes out at the little fairy.
Game Master
But Poppyseed quickly flitters out of the way of the grasping abomination.
Game Master
Blinded and Deafened Bjorn swings wildly at the Hag on his back trying to cut her loose as he goes into a rage, clipping the Hag, with his hand axe, but not doing any real damage.
Daisy the Hedgehog
Daisy touches her holy symbol calling on the Earth Mother for protection
“Protect our friends and banish the evil that poisons this land Earth Mother!”
A whirlwind of nature kicks up around the tiny Fey Hedgehog battering the Hag latched on to Bjorn, and the Hag and Tattoo Ink Horror near Poppyseed to the left.
Poppyseed
Poppyseed twirls in the air, spraying a kaleidoscope of colour and cards towards the Hag and Ink Horror to the left, although they are able to avoid being blinded, they still receive serious damage
Game Master
The Hag to the left walks up to Jack, her hand oozing with foul magic as she touches the Warlock draining his life force, and healing herself.
The Ink Horror lashes out at Poppyseed, ripping through one of the fairy’s mirror images, which pops in a shower of scented bubbles.
The Hag to the right attempts to paralyze Bjorn, but the raging Aasimar overcomes the dark spell.
The Hag latched onto Bjorn’s back sends out pulsing waves of confusion, but once more Bjorn stands firm.
Bjorn
As the Hags foul tattoo ink tendrils fade away Bjorn regains his vision and hearing
“Ha Ha! Now I can seeeee you!”
The Aasimar lashes out with sword and axe, cutting deep into the Hag as she latches on tightly.
Game Master
Jack continues to be held fast by the Hags foul magic as things begin to look grim.
Daisy the Hedgehog
Seeing that Bjorn has his Piggyback Hag well in hand, Daisy rushes up to Poppyseed to deal with the Ink Horror, landing a heavy blow infused with the divine light of the Earth Mother, as her guardian spirits whirl around her ripping into the Ink Horror, and the Hag to the left as she torments Jack
Poppyseed
Seeing Jack in deep trouble, Poppyseed calls out
“Don’t move Jack we’re coming!”
The fairy’s healing words sooth the Warlock, although she giggles as she realizes that he is paralyzed and couldn’t move even if he wanted to
Poppyseed
Poppyseed then turns and drives a psychic spike into the Ink Horror, causing damage and momentarily reducing its ability to function properly
Game Master
The Ink Horror lashes out with its claws catching the real Poppyseed as she shrieks in surprise.
Game Master
The Hag latched on to Bjorn digs her close in deep into the Aasimar although his rage dampens the blow.
The Hag by Jack slowly and methodical runs her clowns down the Warlocks face, unable to move the Hag is visibly delighted in torturing the Warlock as much as she can and as slowly as possible.
The Hag at the edge of the bog to the right flings a sickly green ray towards Bjorn, but is unable to land the strike against the Aasimar as he thrashes around.
Game Master
Then suddenly the Hags disappear in a puff of a foul smelling yellow cloud.
The group can hear them laughing and calling to them from the direction of the hideout.
Bjorn
Not wasting any time Bjorn rushes up and with two powerful swings scatters the last of the Ink Horror, its liquified remains slopping onto the ground and into the marsh
Daisy the Hedgehog
Daisy moves up next to the paralized Jack Frost
“Come on Jack don’t just stand around we need you”
The little Fey Hedgehog touches Jack’s elbow channeling the Earth Mothers blessings as she uses her energy to bestow a lessor restoration on the warlock
Poppyseed
Poppyseed giggles as she flitters nearby
“Yes Jack, lend a hand wouldn’t you, no good just playing statues all day”
Poppyseed pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind playing an inspiring melody and bolstering the groups health and vitality
Game Master
With the invigorating boost from Poppyseeds tunes, Daisy, Poppyseed, and Bjorn take off after the Gristle Sisters.
Game Master
From within the hideout the group can hear the Gristle Sisters laughing and mocking the group.
Bjorn
Raging as he runs towards the hideout with little regard to safety
Jack Frost
“That was an incredibly unpleasant feeling! Coming guys!” Jack runs of after the group.
Game Master
The group crosses the rotting old walkway leading up to the entrance of the Gristle Sisters hideout.
Inside the sisters laughter continues as the mock and taunt the friends outside.
Looking through the open doorway past a sheet of desiccated skin the group can’t see any sign of the Gristle Sisters, only the empty space within the old tree hideout.
There is a fire pit burning in the center of the chamber, surrounded by rotten grass and reed mats, at the far end parts of the giant skeleton hang down into the old tree, while around the chamber shelves with foul objects and brews line the walls.
Jack Frost
being very wary jacks inches forward to the doorway “Bjorn, perhaps you should go in first?” Jack says with a nervous smile. He will prepare to throw a ball of holiday cheer should any of the sisters appear
Daisy the Hedgehog
Daisy moves up to the doorway as she passes Jack she touches his elbow healing some of the wounds he had sustained.
Poppyseed
Poppyseed also moves up to the entrance with Daisy
“Come on Bjorn do your thing!”
The little fairy’s healing words, heal Bjorn’s injuries slightly
Whispering to Daisy
“I kinda feel bad about always sending Bjorn in first to get beat up”
Game Master
Poppyseed and Daisy look at Bjorn, his eyes are full of rage, as he charges towards the entrance.
Daisy the Hedgehog
“Don’t worry dear, I really don’t think he notices, or cares”
Bjorn
Bjorn continues his rage as he rushes forward and leaps through the open entrance, landing near the central fire weapons drawn, he looks around ready to strike......... But there is no one inside
Jack Frost
“hello, I think we got off on the wrong foot, how about you come and and we just talk?” Jack speaks into the seemingly empty room, trying to listen to see if he can pinpoint any invisible force by any sounds
Game Master
Daisy and Poppyseed follow Bjorn and Jack into the hideout unsure what to expect, but knowing full well that the hags are laying in waiting, preparing to spring their trap.
Game Master
As the group stands in the decaying tree hideout, they suddenly see the massive boney hand of the giant skeleton coming out of the wall, it is wrapped in foul vines of the dead tree as it reaches out to grab the group and ensnare them.
Game Master
Bjorn and Poppyseed are able to avoid the grasping bones, but Jack and Daisy are snatched up.
As the boney hand tries to crush them, but even under pressure Daisy maintains her Spirit Guardians as the nature vortex swirls around her.
Game Master
Struggling in the grip of the giant skeleton Daisy suddenly feels the presence of someone behind her, then a loud CLANG as a Hags long nails strike against her armour.
Poppyseed flitters around avoiding the giant skeletons hand only to be shocked when she comes face to face with another Hag appearing from nowhere, the Hags claws strike out and the last of Poppyseed’s mirror images pops in a shower of scented bubbles causing Poppyseed to gasp in surprise.
The third and final Hag appears near Bjorn who suddenly finds himself petrified and unable to move.
The two Hags near Daisy and Poppyseed are buffeted by Daisy’s Guardian Spirits as they whirl around the room, while Bjorn uses all his willpower and strength to break free from the paralization caused by the foul Hags magic.
Jack Frost
“Daisy! Bjorn! Poppy! Don’t worry ill help” jack fires 2 balls of holiday cheers at the hag assaulting daisy
Daisy the Hedgehog
Daisy struggles but is unable to free herself from the giant skeleton hand
Poppyseed
Poppyseed almost jumped out of her skin when the Hag appeared
“Yikes a Hag!”
She quickly pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind as two more mirror images of Poppyseed pop into existence
“There’re always more Poppys!”
Game Master
The Hag by Daisy draws on dark magic as she reaches out trying to draw life out of the little Fey Hedgehog to heal herself, but her boney finger only manages to touch the metal of Daisy’s pot and pan armour.
The next Hag surrounded by more Poppyseeds lashes out with her nasty claws, but catches nothing but air.
The third Hag throws a pouch of powder which explodes in the air covering the friends in a strange powder that tingles sending confusing signals through their bodies.
Game Master
Daisy’s Guardian Spirits whirl around the messy room knocking over bottles, candles and books, as two of the Gristle Sisters are caught inside and buffeted about.
Game Master
Daisy brushes off the powder unfazed by the confusion inducing concoction.
Bjorn is raging uncontrollably and easily overcomes the effects.
Poppyseed begins to feel a little light headed, but a little chime in her ear as ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ the lucky charm she received from the Tooth Fairies kicks in with just enough power to see her through to the other side.
Bjorn
Bjorn jumps over the giants skeleton hand, and skirts around behind the Hag by Daisy, before the Hag can even blink his Short Sword and Dagger are in her back and poking through her ribs
Bjorn
“How do you like them apples!”
Game Master
The Hag chokes and splutters as she slumps on the floor dead, the remaining two Hags scream and wail at the loss of their sister.
The corpse begins to rapidly decompose into a disgusting green goop which bubbles and steams on the floor.
Daisy the Hedgehog
Daisy finally breaks free of the grasping giant skeleton hang, as she moves away the skeleton hand returns to its resting position against the wall
Game Master
Poppyseed pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind, its high note lingering over the foul hag in front of her reverberating until the sound is almost unbearable dealing tremendous damage to the Hag as she clutches her ears.
Game Master
Daisy’s Guardian Spirits whip around the room, buffeting the Hags as they reel from the loss of their sister.
Jack Frost
Jack sends 2 balls of holiday cheer at the hag approaching daisy
Game Master
Jack’s glowing balls of Santa’s Holiday Cheer slam with tremendous force I to the Hag almost knocking it off its feet.
Game Master
The two remaining Hags shriek in rage disappearing momentarily, only to reappear behind Bjorn as they lash out in rage at the loss of their sister.
But the quick reflexes of the raging barbarian prevents the Hags from landing a blow.
Game Master
Bjorn swirls on his heels stabbing out with his Shortsword and Dagger, catching the third Gristle Sisters across the throat as she drops to the ground gurgling, melting away into bubbling marsh sludge.
Jack Frost
“Great Job Bjorn, ill make sure the big guy gives you a present for helping to punish those on the naughty list!” He fires 2 more orbs of holiday cheer at the remaining hag
Game Master
The last Hag spits blood all over the ground as Jacks glowing balls of Santa’s Holiday Cheer slam into her.
Quickly followed by Daisy who moves across the room, first the swirling spirits buffet the Hag, swiftly followed by Daisy’s heavy soup ladle which cracks the Hag across the side of the head as it bursts with the full might of the Earth Mother.
Finally Poppyseed flitters around the room as she reaches into the Hags foul mind the psychic backlash too much for the Hag to handle as her eyes pop out of her skull and she drops to the floor, melting into the ground in a steaming pile of putrid mush.
Poppyseed
“YES!! We did it!”
Daisy the Hedgehog
“Kyaa! Poppyseed don’t yell like that you startled me! But yes we did it, I can’t believe it.....and am so glad it’s over”
Gives a long sigh as the guardian spirits around her evaporate
“Thank you for your protection Earth Mother”
She holds her symbol tightly and gives a short prayer of thanks
Jack Frost
“Maybe we shouldnt be in such a rush to do something like this again, im ready for a weeks vacation in the hotsprings now”
Bjorn
Bjorn calms himself slowly as he comes down from his rage......breathing heavily
Bjorn
“yeah I need a good bath to get all the blood off me......so what’s next.....are we done here.....short side vacation to murder a bunch of Hags and we are good to go?”
Poppyseed
“I feel as though this whole ordeal could have been easily skipped.......we could be relaxing at Branch and Stone waiting for the Repository people, but instead I’m splattered with muck and blood, and smell like I’ve been playing in an abattoir”
Daisy the Hedgehog
Daisy sniffs herself and grimaces
“I’m with Poppyseed on this one, it does feel like we really went out of our way to cause as much damage as possible...... and for what?”
Bjorn
“Hag skin undies! ...... Although I wasn’t expecting them to turn to bubbling goop like that.......not making anything out of them in that condition........ guess I’ll root around a little, see if there’s anything of value, maybe then you’ll feel better about this whole situation”
Game Master
Both Poppyseed and Daisy replied at the same time, “Doubt it”.
Daisy the Hedgehog
“Just be careful what you touch in here, there’s no telling what kind of foul items may be hidden away”
Poppyseed
“Great, more cursed demonic items for the Repository to get in a tizzy over”
Jack Frost
“The main reason we are here poppy os that you went and got your shadow stolen, otherwise we could of been blissfully ignorant”
Poppyseed
“Did he just blame me for having my shadow stolen?”
Daisy the Hedgehog
“No...nonono....Jack would never do that, right Jack!”
Bjorn
Chuckles
“Certainly sounded like it”
Daisy the Hedgehog
“Not helping Bjorn”
Jack Frost
“I wasnt blaming you poppy, I was just saying that the act of having it stolen os what led us to this putrid place”
Poppyseed
“Hmmmmm my memories a little fuzzy on the whole incident, so I’ll take your word for it”
Game Master
The group quickly looks around the hideout, Bjorn piles a mountain of items in the center, while Jack, Daisy, and Poppyseed, come back with only one item.
Poppyseed
“Bjorn, I’m not checking every single one of those items, there’s too many, besides why did you grab a mug, and a frying pan, half the stuff you piled up there is just garbage”
Bjorn
“Could be a magical mug?!”
Daisy the Hedgehog
Daisy raises an eyebrow
“I doubt that very much”
Poppyseed
“Pick one item like everyone else did, and I’ll identify it, to make sure it’s not cursed, or going to try and kill us, then, we get outta here, before we miss our ride home”
Bjorn
Bjorn rummages through the large pile of trash for something that looks valuable
Game Master
Poppyseed looks over the items the group has collected, Jack is holding a Snow Globe he found on a shelf, inside is a little Christmas Tree, Daisy is holding a little plant, which looks half dead, Bjorn is holding a sack with old coins sewed into it, and Poppyseed has a little silver brooch she found sitting on the pillow of one of the beds.
Poppyseed
“Wow! What a load of trash, you’d think an evil Hag coven who ran an illicit tattoo smuggling business would have some decent gear......but no, this stuff oh my gosh, and really Daisy....a plant?”
Daisy the Hedgehog
“I felt bad for it, it’s half dead, probably hasn’t been watered in days, and I’d feel terrible if I left it here in this horrible place to just wilt away and die”
Poppyseed
“Ok ok, what ever, let me have the items and I’ll identify them, make sure we aren’t going to be cursed or followed by something unsavory”
Poppyseed
Poppyseed looks over the items, and using her magic to identify them and ensure they are safe, she hands the Snow Globe to Jack
“wow Jack, that’s actually very you.....and pretty useful, it doesn’t seem to be cursed or anything, but there does seem to be an extremely powerful creature trapped inside..........kinda like the story of the genie in the lamp, except it’s a Giant Christmas Tree.....and probably can’t grant wishes, but sounds like it will happily smash things for you.....for a short time, then it will wander off....... but freeing it destroys the Snow Globe, so it’s a one time deal”
Poppyseed hands Bjorn the old sack sewed with old coins
“Wow Bjorn, actually a good find, this sack will suck any creature of your choosing into it, kind of like banishing it into the sack......only drawback is it can only hold one creature at a time, so you need to release whatever you put in........ eventually........or not hahaha”
Laughs uncomfortably
“Ok Daisy, your little friend......and I mean that literally, yes yes I know plants are alive, but this little guy is alive....alive! Like a pet dog, but actually really clever, I’m sure you’ll both be very happy together.......might want to give it some water though, it’s in a pretty shabby state at the moment ”
Daisy the Hedgehog
“Oh my gosh! I’ve always wanted a pet.....what about your little brooch dear, is it safe?”
Poppyseed
“Yes thank you, perfectly safe, and cute......just like me, and seems to be a shield of some kind, should come in handy”
Bjorn
“Safe isn’t a word I’d use to describe you Poppyseed, I’d say decidedly dangerous actually”
Poppyseed
Poppyseed crosses her arms and looks crossly at Bjorn as she flitters in the air
“Don’t make me Fairy Glamour you to make you behave yourself now!”
Bjorn
“Right you are.........so I guess we are done here then”
Poppyseed
“Guess we are.”
Game Master
The group gathers their equipment and begins the journey back through the marsh towards the coast, tired, and bloodied after their ordeal and happy to be still counted amongst the living.
Game Master
As the party emerges from the marsh at the site of the docks, they are surprised to see the unmistakable gold trim and deep chestnut brown of the Minnow, they are also surprised to see RED loading up the Minnow with crates from the now abandoned docks of the Gristle Sisters.
Most of the area was badly damaged during the scuffle earlier, with broken crates and trampled goods, but whatever was salvageable seems RED is set on taking.
Poppyseed
“I hope he’s leaving enough room for us, he promised us a lift back to Summer”
Daisy the Hedgehog
“He also said he’d be waiting further down the coast, I wonder what changed his mind, and why he’s now blatantly stealing everything he can get his hands on”
Bjorn
“Maybe he thought we were dead...... he’ll be disappointed when I ask for our cut in that loot”
Jack Frost
“Its ok, Santa will sort him out when it comes time.for presents this year”
Daisy the Hedgehog
“RED!! I hope you didn’t forget about us!”
Poppyseed
Muttering under her breath
“I bet he did”
Game Master
RED stops what he was doing and drops a crate of jars in surprise, the jars breaking and spilling tattoo ink over the dock and into the murky water, “What the!! Oh it’s you, I thought you were gonnas for sure........not that I’m not happy to see you alive and well mind you” he laughs uncomfortably as he rubs the back of his head as if thinking what to do or say next.
Jack Frost
“Looking to get into the tattoo trade now I see, dont worry red we will be happy to help you unload everything you have just helped yourself to so we can get on board comfortably”
Game Master
Red seems resigned to the fact that his little side hustle has been ruined, “Yes, yes, let’s get you all on safely, this ink is very valuable mind you, but....but......you are obviously more in need of space to get you back safely.....as promised....” sigh.
The group help Red clear some space on the Minnow, with the cargo and the team now onboard the little skiff is sitting very low in the water, “Hmmmm it’s probably safe enough for the trip down the coast to Summer”, Red seems a little disappointed but genuinely happy that the group are still alive if not looking and smelling horrible.
Game Master
As the Minnow sets course for Summer Red smiles and looks at the group, “Not to be insensitive after your ordeal, and I know you are like heroines and heroes now, but......would you mind staying on deck during the trip..... I’d hate for the smell, blood, and mash.....goop, to soak into the Minnow, I might not be able to get it out ....... sorry”.
Poppyseed
“No offense taken.....we are gross.....and we know it”
Daisy the Hedgehog
“That hot spring at the Branch and Stone is going to feel soooooo good”
Poppyseed
Gives Daisy a little high five
“Yes it is”
Jack Frost
You hear Jack grumble under his breath “I just wanted to go to the hot springs anyway”
Game Master
The voyage back to Summer was thankfully peaceful, the weather was mild and RED sailed his vessel with skill and confidence, giving the companions time to rest, although they would have preferred a bath.
When the Minnow arrived in the late afternoon of the following day, the group felt well rested, but the salty sea breeze and ocean spray only seemed to make the smell worse and the blood and muck soak in, and although most of their wounds were healed they actually felt dirtier and in greater need of a few days rest.
They bid farewell to RED at the Pier, who seemed happy to have the filthy adventurers off his boat, mumbling something about deep clean, herb bath, smelling salts, and a fresh coat of paint.
The walk back to the Branch and Stone wasn’t much better, with people crossing to the opposite side of the path, just to get away from the group, who by this point had lost all sense of just how bad they looked and smelt having lived with it in close confines for too long, although they were happy for space it offered.
Arriving back at the Branch and Stone, they were required to enter through the back so as to not be seen entering through the guests entrance, and to avoid making the dinners, and bath house guests physically ill from the smell and look of the party.
They were also required to hand over their clothes before entering for cleaning and were given a preliminary wash, which was really a hose down, although the water was thankfully heated by Stone first.
They were provided with robes and footwear while their clothes were being cleaned although they did receive an offer to burn the clothes and have a tailor come to visit them in the inn.
By late evening the companions were clean and well fed, Branch had left a note from the Great Repository who had come looking for the group while they were away, which advised that the group should return to the Great Repository once they were rested and ready.
Poppyseed
“So nice to be back, clean, and have options for dinner”
Daisy the Hedgehog
“Yes, and looks like we have time to relax a little here at the hot spring before returning to the Great Repository”
Bjorn
“Guys, I hate to be a party pooper, but sailing in the Minnow brought back a lot of memories for me, from my time at sea........ummmm....what I’m trying to say is that...... I’m leaving.......right now..... I have gained passage on a ship heading to the Pirate Flotilla in the south, I’ve heard a lot about it, the markets, the adventure, and well, I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t take the opportunity to see it.....just once”
Poppyseed
“Oh wow! That was unexpected! But of course you must do what you need to do, but we’ll miss you.....in our own way”
Daisy the Hedgehog
“Yes quite unexpected......but if you ever come back, and only if you want to, well I’m sure we won’t be hard to find......we seem to leave a trail of damage behind us after all”
Poppyseed
“Yes, don’t be a stranger”
Bjorn
“Thanks..... I knew you two would understand........Jack? I know we ain’t always seen eye to eye, but I’m glad we crossed paths......all the best with the........you know, job thing and stuff.....yeah....ok.....man I hate goodbyes....ok, see you later, and good luck with the Great Repository”
Jack Frost
“Take care of yourself Bjorn, try not to get yourself too far up the naughty list”
Game Master
And with that the Aasimar turned and left.
Jack Frost
"Right sad goodbyes and fond farewells done lets get the the hot spring!"
