Session #7: Journey to Kryptgarden
Jan. 14th, 2024 07:08 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
istainion After the fight came to an end and the chaos was starting to calm down little by little. The wounded were carried over to where the clerics rest and the rest began preparing for the night.
All of us were requested to follow the vice captain lady to a building nearby together with Sade, the druid from Kryptgarden. Inside, we were requested to take a seat to discuss the situation and planning for the upcoming actions. She was curious to learn about what happened before Phandalin was attacked, aiming her attention to Sade. She explained the situation as it previously happened, starting from the moment the guard captain requested us a moment of time to inspect Sidah.
But she explained more than I previously caught. The druid explained how the skull that Sidah was wearing is cursed, that much we knew, but she added that, via the curse, the dragon could see through the eyes of the kobold and map out the entire town as we stopped by for traveling every time. This includes the location of each of the town's weaponry, located at each corner and forming a strategy to take them out efficiently.
It appears to be one of the white dragon's weaknesses and concerns that previously kept the town safe. Nobody was able to determine how wounded the dragon was when it was hit by the large arrow in his wing, but we learned of his arrogance. He will only retreat, we assume, when he is severely hurt but we have witnessed his massive strength beforehand. Us alone, we may not be enough to take him down, especially if he flies up the heavens to attack from above.
Most of us are also tied to a fear which the cold damage applied to us when we were struck, which would interfere with our chances of survival. Sade told us that she and the druids from Kryptgarden could be of help and she was assigned to bring strong adventurers for their task as well. We agreed to come with her, even with Kyndel who tried to talk himself out of the battle.
While Sister Yolantha and the lady druid left to the infirmary to treat the severely wounded, I suggested the rest to come and join me to the inn/tavern for a brief meal. After all the traveling, fighting and being nearly frozen to death, I personally could benefit from it. Besides, a good meal magically casts a smile onto the faces of many, especially when things look grim as they do. We must treasure the moments of temporary peace, even now. Phandalin and the surrounding areas, they are counting on us to shine our brightest!
The inn was entirely packed with people, forcing the workers in the inn to do overwork. They are clearly outnumbered by the many people who demanded help and food to get themselves onto their feet after all that has happened. It was a chaos, loud chatter was filling the surroundings, tables were chaotically positioned to make space for people seeking for shelter. Many of them had burn marks on their skin, shaking from fear, or expressing themselves loudly, to keep themselves calm on the inside.
It wasn't a pleasant sight to see how the citizens took a toll of the attack, but I, myself, didn't have it in me to cheer them up. I had to face my inner fears and memories of being trapped in ice again, for only seconds to overwhelm me and struggle to keep up my breath and facing the ice burn onto my skin. Like a repeating nightmare, it caught me again. No matter how much I tried to keep up a bright smile, I felt the corners of my mouth twitch from the cold that I had experienced. It was like it never leaves me again as soon as I am exposed to it.
As Sidah parted ways with us to help the men dig graves for the fallen, I kept an eye on both Kyndel and Hemlock who emptied a full bottle of wine which was quickly affecting them. It was concerning how well they managed to fake their wellbeing while their body showed clear signals of struggle if one keeps a close eye and is aware of the strength of the liquor. Regardless of condition, the two still helped the people and it was honestly admirable. The fireworks that Kyndel made had the people impressed and especially the children who were previously occupied with the horrors that they were exposed to. Hemlock decided to help the waitresses to clean and organize the tables as well as the kitchen staff.
I eventually parted ways after seeing how good they managed to work in their condition. I went to where Sister Yolantha and Sade went, the infirmary. I assisted them with helping the severely wounded and together, we managed to save some from meeting their death too soon. This lasted the whole night for myself and Sade, until the lady decided to rest. I decided to do a couple of hours in addition, until Hemlock showed up and kindly suggested to me, along with the other healers that arrived in the morning, to take a rest as well.
I did! I took their advice, for I hadn't realized how clumsy I had gotten. I really appreciate their concern, and like they said, I really don't want to be an obstacle and eventually even become responsible for someone's death!
After I rested up and opened up my eyes, I noticed that Kyndel had entered the room and Sade was also awake but as soon as I did, I felt some strange sensation on my face. I wasn't sure what it was, but it became a little itchy.
We made our way to Sidah to regroup with him and found him outside, resting near the cemetery they made.
My gaze fell on the carefully crafted headstones which the men made, each with a name and date. It is a hard confrontation, each time when we cannot save the lives of others. It felt the same as it did with the miners. What would have happened if we didn't decide to cooperate with the wererats? Could we have saved them?
I shut my eyes and prayed to the fallen. May Torm lead them to a safe place and may each of them find their peace.
Once I was done, Sister Yolantha returned from the nearby general store, where she used her share of the bell loot to buy the necessary equipment for our journey. It was the fire genasi who decided to sell it and he divided the share for all of us. I, too, found a scroll with the money which supposedly belonged to me.
While I was suggested by Kyndel to use it for myself to help the people, rather than to give it away to the ones in need. He suggested that I buy better equipment for the battle, but as I am, I believe ... I am fine. It makes no difference when the ice will reach me, instead, more metal on me will only make that worse. I stuck to my word, but when I wanted to head to the store owner to clarify that, Sister Yolantha halted me and informed me that Don-Jon's part was cut out entirely, while he was promised his share.
A promise is a promise.
I went to the store and gave my share to the people and the remaining money will be given to Don-Jon. With a sign of approval in my hand, I returned to the others and handed it to the Sister to hold onto it for me.
We continued our journey toward Kryptgarden and stayed the night close to the mountains. During this, we assigned the watches for the night and the first watch was requested by the lady druid to be spent with me. I agreed and moments later, she addressed me something I hadn't realized before. She referred to an affliction, a curse that I had and it wasn't the fear which she previously diagnosed and tested during the briefing. Lady Sade mentioned that I am cursed by the wererats which had bitten me during combat. Sure, I did feel a little strange, but we are constantly in battle and the adrenaline had me forgetting about how I truly felt.
Then, it all made sense to me and it frightened me, for a full moon would mean that I would forcefully be transformed as the stories of men tell. I fear to become a threat to the people around me, fear to commit crimes I could never dream of. This isn't what I wanted to become or to stay. She gave me a curious look when she asked me if I wouldn't rather keep it. I frowned at her, utterly confused at her suggestion. She told me that people sometimes choose to keep it, for it will enhance their abilities. I did recall being able to smell better and some instinct improving, becoming stronger than they ever were before and not necessarily for the better. She may be right, truly, but I can't bear the thought of taking a shape that frightens others and dirty the holy word of Torm through actions I must take responsibility for. That isn't who I am.
She assured me that it, too, can be taken care of in Kryptgarden. I smiled to myself when she said that. It really sounds like Kryptgarden is a place where wonders come true, besides the threat of getting lost in the fae wild, like Kyndel warned us about. We must always have a guide and today and the upcoming day of traveling, it will be her. With my fear mildly controlled by the answer that the next full moon will be in about a week, I could put myself to rest.
The next morning I told them I had to. I wasn't proud of it and expected a fearful response, but it seemed fine. They merely suggested that I should not try to bite anyone, which was something I could easily refrain myself from.
We continued our travel toward the forest past the mountains. While the wind was stronger around the higher regions, we managed to push through and step inside the comfortable surroundings of the forest. It reawakened some distant memories in me. I recall the curious faces of my adoptive parents when they picked me up, like a sign of hope. Here I am again, finding my hope at the very core of it.
As we walked closely behind Sade, we were advised not to look away from the path in front of us, for we enter the regions in which spirits of both evil and good are active. We mustn't stray from the path, we must neither look. With both my hands covering each side of my head, I repeated the words. Do not look, do not look ...
And before we knew it, we made it to safety, though it sounded like Hemlock was saying something on our way through the dangerous pathway. It may have been my imagination ...
What was before us, was like a sanctuary, a place in which men and animals coexisted in absolute peace. The air felt clean and I could feel it sooth my mind with the knowledge that, soon, the days of fear will come to an end soon.
We briefly introduced ourselves to the elder of the circle of druids, but were suggested to stay the night in one of their beautiful treehouses. One of the younger teenage druids led us through the place. Many huts were built by the druids, emerging in nature as if it was intended to grow from the ground like any tree or plant would have. It was like a magical space that I have never witnessed before.
The young assistant led us up the stairs of a tree house and guided us around. This was our place for the night, a place in which they let their visitors stay. It wasn't as luxurious as any inn room, but it had the luxury of safety and closeness to nature. It even had a balcony! I've spent most of my time watching the surroundings and druids transform into all sorts of animals.
From my position, I could see them transform into beautiful birds that took flight in the sky! Until suddenly, one of them landed close to me and changed to the young man from before. He carried a plate with a small feast for us to eat from. Raspberry juice and many other fresh berries to eat from, it was such a treat! They made us feel stuffed for the night! Once he left, we decided to call it a night and the next morning, we were taken to the archdruid again.
Our needs were addressed to the man, but as we were warned beforehand by Sade, this man has a different time period of urgency. When the situation was explained to him, he suggested taking care of the dragon in the next 3 to 5 years, but with the help of a number of suggestions, the man came to his senses, but it only resulted in a single year, instead of a number of days.
As for our fears and my curse, it would take six months. I felt the fear get to me again when he spoke those words. Six months is ... How many phases of full moons to fear?! What of the dragon?!
Sade suggested to the man a certain place to speed up the process. A body of water? But the archdruid let out a word of distress. It'd be too dangerous in his opinion. People could die there. What faces us there, he explained to us, are our deepest fears. We must fight our fears inside. There is no easy cure. Kyndel felt urged to back away and I don't blame him, for it sounds dangerous.
I felt my body tremble for that moment, but as soon as I imagined the sight of a wererat in mind and realizing that I could become a danger that way, or die while fighting the dragon, too fearful to beat him causing a number of deaths of the citizens from Phandelin to repeat. The images of people clinging to their lives in a struggle of survival, the sight of despair on the survivors who lost their loved ones flooded my mind.
No, I can't do that.
I clenched my fists and let them know that I'll do what it takes and, hopefully, I will pass the trial. I didn't know what was coming to me when we were led to a secluded space where many druids awaited our arrival. The elder was positioned at the northern part of the circle shaped body of water, Lady Sade at the south and a number of unfamiliar druids positioned themselves at the remaining spaces.
The water was glowing, it was an unusual, magical sight. From the water rose a blue mist and each of us was requested to enter. Which we eventually did. The mist grew into a thick fog until we were inside an unknown space. All that we could see was covered in snow.
From above, snowflakes fell and the cold gradually reached us, reminding us what it was like to be trapped inside a labyrinth of ice without a single escape. But here, we have space to run to, however, the cold is continuously controlling our minds. Before us, an enemy appeared, an ice element that approached us and forced us into battle. While discouraged, we battled but our efforts seemed pointless. Each time, the weather inside this space would restore its health, no matter the damage we will afflict, it keeps restoring. Like a fever dream, it continued and when it roared, more enemies rose from the ice and gradually surrounded us, putting some of us unconscious. Some got trapped in their bodies of ice.
I tried my best to keep everyone up, to hold up the damage dealing, but when everything seemed to go out of hand, we heard the voices of the druids that were discussing. The voices were encouraging, it helped to realize that we're not alone. When Sade came up with an idea to help us in combat, we heard her reach out to the wise word of a book, she brought forth a divine light that lit our surroundings. It became warmer, I could feel it. I saw how the snow stopped falling and how it soothed me. In absolute despair, a man, not a tiger, nor a druid, but a tabaxi formed. He helped up each of us and strengthened our forces, outnumbering the enemies with combined strength.
One by one, we took them out and helped each other to stand. We were taught to see clearly even in total despair and I witnessed the divine light when he brought me back up my feet.
Who is this divine warrior? - I wondered as I fought.
When the battle came to an end, our time was limited and the image of the tabaxi began to flicker. I quickly walked up to him and thanked him dearly for his help. Sister Yolantha, she, too, reached her hand for a greeting. I asked this man
"What is your name?"
And he had answered me
"My name is Tibirin."
. . .
Everything gradually became covered in fog again as it did before we were taken to this place and we returned to where we came from. I felt relieved, unlike I had before, the fear is gone, my curse, it is, too. When I looked around me, that divine warrior, Tibirin, he, too, was gone.
I recall the last request he made to us.
"Give the druids of Kryptgarden my thanks. It's nice to be remembered."
But it sounded like ... We would see each other again. I felt my smile come back to me as naturally as it did before.
I won't forget you, Tibirin, helper in need.
All of us were requested to follow the vice captain lady to a building nearby together with Sade, the druid from Kryptgarden. Inside, we were requested to take a seat to discuss the situation and planning for the upcoming actions. She was curious to learn about what happened before Phandalin was attacked, aiming her attention to Sade. She explained the situation as it previously happened, starting from the moment the guard captain requested us a moment of time to inspect Sidah.
But she explained more than I previously caught. The druid explained how the skull that Sidah was wearing is cursed, that much we knew, but she added that, via the curse, the dragon could see through the eyes of the kobold and map out the entire town as we stopped by for traveling every time. This includes the location of each of the town's weaponry, located at each corner and forming a strategy to take them out efficiently.
It appears to be one of the white dragon's weaknesses and concerns that previously kept the town safe. Nobody was able to determine how wounded the dragon was when it was hit by the large arrow in his wing, but we learned of his arrogance. He will only retreat, we assume, when he is severely hurt but we have witnessed his massive strength beforehand. Us alone, we may not be enough to take him down, especially if he flies up the heavens to attack from above.
Most of us are also tied to a fear which the cold damage applied to us when we were struck, which would interfere with our chances of survival. Sade told us that she and the druids from Kryptgarden could be of help and she was assigned to bring strong adventurers for their task as well. We agreed to come with her, even with Kyndel who tried to talk himself out of the battle.
While Sister Yolantha and the lady druid left to the infirmary to treat the severely wounded, I suggested the rest to come and join me to the inn/tavern for a brief meal. After all the traveling, fighting and being nearly frozen to death, I personally could benefit from it. Besides, a good meal magically casts a smile onto the faces of many, especially when things look grim as they do. We must treasure the moments of temporary peace, even now. Phandalin and the surrounding areas, they are counting on us to shine our brightest!
The inn was entirely packed with people, forcing the workers in the inn to do overwork. They are clearly outnumbered by the many people who demanded help and food to get themselves onto their feet after all that has happened. It was a chaos, loud chatter was filling the surroundings, tables were chaotically positioned to make space for people seeking for shelter. Many of them had burn marks on their skin, shaking from fear, or expressing themselves loudly, to keep themselves calm on the inside.
It wasn't a pleasant sight to see how the citizens took a toll of the attack, but I, myself, didn't have it in me to cheer them up. I had to face my inner fears and memories of being trapped in ice again, for only seconds to overwhelm me and struggle to keep up my breath and facing the ice burn onto my skin. Like a repeating nightmare, it caught me again. No matter how much I tried to keep up a bright smile, I felt the corners of my mouth twitch from the cold that I had experienced. It was like it never leaves me again as soon as I am exposed to it.
As Sidah parted ways with us to help the men dig graves for the fallen, I kept an eye on both Kyndel and Hemlock who emptied a full bottle of wine which was quickly affecting them. It was concerning how well they managed to fake their wellbeing while their body showed clear signals of struggle if one keeps a close eye and is aware of the strength of the liquor. Regardless of condition, the two still helped the people and it was honestly admirable. The fireworks that Kyndel made had the people impressed and especially the children who were previously occupied with the horrors that they were exposed to. Hemlock decided to help the waitresses to clean and organize the tables as well as the kitchen staff.
I eventually parted ways after seeing how good they managed to work in their condition. I went to where Sister Yolantha and Sade went, the infirmary. I assisted them with helping the severely wounded and together, we managed to save some from meeting their death too soon. This lasted the whole night for myself and Sade, until the lady decided to rest. I decided to do a couple of hours in addition, until Hemlock showed up and kindly suggested to me, along with the other healers that arrived in the morning, to take a rest as well.
I did! I took their advice, for I hadn't realized how clumsy I had gotten. I really appreciate their concern, and like they said, I really don't want to be an obstacle and eventually even become responsible for someone's death!
After I rested up and opened up my eyes, I noticed that Kyndel had entered the room and Sade was also awake but as soon as I did, I felt some strange sensation on my face. I wasn't sure what it was, but it became a little itchy.
We made our way to Sidah to regroup with him and found him outside, resting near the cemetery they made.
My gaze fell on the carefully crafted headstones which the men made, each with a name and date. It is a hard confrontation, each time when we cannot save the lives of others. It felt the same as it did with the miners. What would have happened if we didn't decide to cooperate with the wererats? Could we have saved them?
I shut my eyes and prayed to the fallen. May Torm lead them to a safe place and may each of them find their peace.
Once I was done, Sister Yolantha returned from the nearby general store, where she used her share of the bell loot to buy the necessary equipment for our journey. It was the fire genasi who decided to sell it and he divided the share for all of us. I, too, found a scroll with the money which supposedly belonged to me.
While I was suggested by Kyndel to use it for myself to help the people, rather than to give it away to the ones in need. He suggested that I buy better equipment for the battle, but as I am, I believe ... I am fine. It makes no difference when the ice will reach me, instead, more metal on me will only make that worse. I stuck to my word, but when I wanted to head to the store owner to clarify that, Sister Yolantha halted me and informed me that Don-Jon's part was cut out entirely, while he was promised his share.
A promise is a promise.
I went to the store and gave my share to the people and the remaining money will be given to Don-Jon. With a sign of approval in my hand, I returned to the others and handed it to the Sister to hold onto it for me.
We continued our journey toward Kryptgarden and stayed the night close to the mountains. During this, we assigned the watches for the night and the first watch was requested by the lady druid to be spent with me. I agreed and moments later, she addressed me something I hadn't realized before. She referred to an affliction, a curse that I had and it wasn't the fear which she previously diagnosed and tested during the briefing. Lady Sade mentioned that I am cursed by the wererats which had bitten me during combat. Sure, I did feel a little strange, but we are constantly in battle and the adrenaline had me forgetting about how I truly felt.
Then, it all made sense to me and it frightened me, for a full moon would mean that I would forcefully be transformed as the stories of men tell. I fear to become a threat to the people around me, fear to commit crimes I could never dream of. This isn't what I wanted to become or to stay. She gave me a curious look when she asked me if I wouldn't rather keep it. I frowned at her, utterly confused at her suggestion. She told me that people sometimes choose to keep it, for it will enhance their abilities. I did recall being able to smell better and some instinct improving, becoming stronger than they ever were before and not necessarily for the better. She may be right, truly, but I can't bear the thought of taking a shape that frightens others and dirty the holy word of Torm through actions I must take responsibility for. That isn't who I am.
She assured me that it, too, can be taken care of in Kryptgarden. I smiled to myself when she said that. It really sounds like Kryptgarden is a place where wonders come true, besides the threat of getting lost in the fae wild, like Kyndel warned us about. We must always have a guide and today and the upcoming day of traveling, it will be her. With my fear mildly controlled by the answer that the next full moon will be in about a week, I could put myself to rest.
The next morning I told them I had to. I wasn't proud of it and expected a fearful response, but it seemed fine. They merely suggested that I should not try to bite anyone, which was something I could easily refrain myself from.
We continued our travel toward the forest past the mountains. While the wind was stronger around the higher regions, we managed to push through and step inside the comfortable surroundings of the forest. It reawakened some distant memories in me. I recall the curious faces of my adoptive parents when they picked me up, like a sign of hope. Here I am again, finding my hope at the very core of it.
As we walked closely behind Sade, we were advised not to look away from the path in front of us, for we enter the regions in which spirits of both evil and good are active. We mustn't stray from the path, we must neither look. With both my hands covering each side of my head, I repeated the words. Do not look, do not look ...
And before we knew it, we made it to safety, though it sounded like Hemlock was saying something on our way through the dangerous pathway. It may have been my imagination ...
What was before us, was like a sanctuary, a place in which men and animals coexisted in absolute peace. The air felt clean and I could feel it sooth my mind with the knowledge that, soon, the days of fear will come to an end soon.
We briefly introduced ourselves to the elder of the circle of druids, but were suggested to stay the night in one of their beautiful treehouses. One of the younger teenage druids led us through the place. Many huts were built by the druids, emerging in nature as if it was intended to grow from the ground like any tree or plant would have. It was like a magical space that I have never witnessed before.
The young assistant led us up the stairs of a tree house and guided us around. This was our place for the night, a place in which they let their visitors stay. It wasn't as luxurious as any inn room, but it had the luxury of safety and closeness to nature. It even had a balcony! I've spent most of my time watching the surroundings and druids transform into all sorts of animals.
From my position, I could see them transform into beautiful birds that took flight in the sky! Until suddenly, one of them landed close to me and changed to the young man from before. He carried a plate with a small feast for us to eat from. Raspberry juice and many other fresh berries to eat from, it was such a treat! They made us feel stuffed for the night! Once he left, we decided to call it a night and the next morning, we were taken to the archdruid again.
Our needs were addressed to the man, but as we were warned beforehand by Sade, this man has a different time period of urgency. When the situation was explained to him, he suggested taking care of the dragon in the next 3 to 5 years, but with the help of a number of suggestions, the man came to his senses, but it only resulted in a single year, instead of a number of days.
As for our fears and my curse, it would take six months. I felt the fear get to me again when he spoke those words. Six months is ... How many phases of full moons to fear?! What of the dragon?!
Sade suggested to the man a certain place to speed up the process. A body of water? But the archdruid let out a word of distress. It'd be too dangerous in his opinion. People could die there. What faces us there, he explained to us, are our deepest fears. We must fight our fears inside. There is no easy cure. Kyndel felt urged to back away and I don't blame him, for it sounds dangerous.
I felt my body tremble for that moment, but as soon as I imagined the sight of a wererat in mind and realizing that I could become a danger that way, or die while fighting the dragon, too fearful to beat him causing a number of deaths of the citizens from Phandelin to repeat. The images of people clinging to their lives in a struggle of survival, the sight of despair on the survivors who lost their loved ones flooded my mind.
No, I can't do that.
I clenched my fists and let them know that I'll do what it takes and, hopefully, I will pass the trial. I didn't know what was coming to me when we were led to a secluded space where many druids awaited our arrival. The elder was positioned at the northern part of the circle shaped body of water, Lady Sade at the south and a number of unfamiliar druids positioned themselves at the remaining spaces.
The water was glowing, it was an unusual, magical sight. From the water rose a blue mist and each of us was requested to enter. Which we eventually did. The mist grew into a thick fog until we were inside an unknown space. All that we could see was covered in snow.
From above, snowflakes fell and the cold gradually reached us, reminding us what it was like to be trapped inside a labyrinth of ice without a single escape. But here, we have space to run to, however, the cold is continuously controlling our minds. Before us, an enemy appeared, an ice element that approached us and forced us into battle. While discouraged, we battled but our efforts seemed pointless. Each time, the weather inside this space would restore its health, no matter the damage we will afflict, it keeps restoring. Like a fever dream, it continued and when it roared, more enemies rose from the ice and gradually surrounded us, putting some of us unconscious. Some got trapped in their bodies of ice.
I tried my best to keep everyone up, to hold up the damage dealing, but when everything seemed to go out of hand, we heard the voices of the druids that were discussing. The voices were encouraging, it helped to realize that we're not alone. When Sade came up with an idea to help us in combat, we heard her reach out to the wise word of a book, she brought forth a divine light that lit our surroundings. It became warmer, I could feel it. I saw how the snow stopped falling and how it soothed me. In absolute despair, a man, not a tiger, nor a druid, but a tabaxi formed. He helped up each of us and strengthened our forces, outnumbering the enemies with combined strength.
One by one, we took them out and helped each other to stand. We were taught to see clearly even in total despair and I witnessed the divine light when he brought me back up my feet.
Who is this divine warrior? - I wondered as I fought.
When the battle came to an end, our time was limited and the image of the tabaxi began to flicker. I quickly walked up to him and thanked him dearly for his help. Sister Yolantha, she, too, reached her hand for a greeting. I asked this man
"What is your name?"
And he had answered me
"My name is Tibirin."
. . .
Everything gradually became covered in fog again as it did before we were taken to this place and we returned to where we came from. I felt relieved, unlike I had before, the fear is gone, my curse, it is, too. When I looked around me, that divine warrior, Tibirin, he, too, was gone.
I recall the last request he made to us.
"Give the druids of Kryptgarden my thanks. It's nice to be remembered."
But it sounded like ... We would see each other again. I felt my smile come back to me as naturally as it did before.
I won't forget you, Tibirin, helper in need.
