[DM]
The town of Leilon is now relatively quiet, which is to say still not much as your companions are busy speaking to literal angels and exploding corpses. However, compared to the ritual and fighting you are now able to look out at the town with more inquisitive eyes.
That Tower looming over the rest of the town would cut a striking image compared to the humble houses around it but to you it does so much more. Each faded line in the masonry echoes the great Icespire Hold. Even in it’s current, aged and destroyed state the size and scope of the tower boggles the mind.
However, before you can try to peer further or assist your allies something happens. Your heart quickens and your body fills with tension, like a spring ready to be released. Your senses are trained and razor sharp so when something appears where it should not be, your body reacts before you can even realise what is wrong.
It takes you a moment to realise what triggered this response and only because it’s so odd. You realise that you are holding a letter in your hand where none was before. The letter has the seal of the Guided Path on it.
[Siax]
Siax would look to see if he could spot a member of the guild amongst the crowd.
Then he would look to see if anyone was watching him.
When there were no eyes on the ranger he would look to slink off just outside of the walls of Leilon.
When the coast was clear he would lean against the wall and open the letter.
[DM]
You still yourself and open your senses. You suddenly see it in the corner of your eye, the fluttering of a guild cloak on a person next to you but only for a fleeting second as any trace vanishes. There's nothing there. You let some time pass but you see nothing else.
Bounding up the small hill where the palisade is being constructed, you quickly make it to the other side. In the distance you can see the settlers waiting to hear word if they can come back.
However a more pressing concern takes up your attention as you open the letter, cracking up the wax seal.
========================
To Siax Moonglide, Guild Guide
Your letter reached me safely. It is impressive, my son, that your group managed to take on such a foe as a white dragon and survive, even if it was still in its youth. I am pleased to let you know that your deeds were judged by the council to be deserving the full rank of Pathforger. While the ceremony will have to wait the time you are back at the
Realm of the Deepening Wood you are to be bestowed by the respect the rank carries immidiately.
Your experiences in this structure on the icespire peak has been very interesting. I intend to send you an additional agent of the Guild at the first opportunity in order to verify, catalogue, and research the Keep and any remnants of the Blazing Sun there. Expect them within the month in Leilon.
Finally, I do have to remind you that the Guided Path is not a militia to be housed behind town walls. Our place is out in the wilds where the true dangers lie. Accepting a Protectorship of a small town is not in keeping with our Guild's mandate and while I understand that you seem to further fight against this danger I caution you to remember our ways. For now proceed as you are, for this Leilon is in dire need of a path to tread on.
Farewarn Moonglide, Guildmaster
=======================
Next to your father's name you see a large seal, his personal one. As you ponder the words you see there is something inside the paper. Finding the small insert you pull out a badge, a marking of the guild showing someone that you are a Pathforger of the guild.
As you finish reading the letter you catch yourself humming a tune you used to hum back at the Wayward Forest as a child.
Looking back at the town of Leilon you can't help but notice the contrast. The dwellings look old and destroyed. While the tower in the centre is also ruined it looks nothing like the rest of the town. The Dwarf Gori, said anything getting closer than 300ft turns to stone and looking closer you do notice the telltale statues.
[Siax]
Siax would allow himself a quick smile as he places the badge of his new rank within the guild on top his cloak clasp. Once Siax had finished reading his fathers letter, he would fold it up and put it in his pouch for safe keeping.
He would ponder on the words of his father. "The Guided path is not a militia to be housed behind town walls." "Accepting a protectorship of a small town is not keeping with our guilds mandate" These words would not conflict Siax more. For if not to protect the people from serious threats and danger, what was the point??
He would understand that the secrecy of the guild is one of the reasons the guild has been able to continue throughout the generations. He would remember the stories of his family generations ago, the deeds and the threats that were overcome. Dangerous beings and monsters. Dangerous terrain trekked and traveled. Surely these were all not just for coin and for the guilds survival??
Thinking on those stories, those myths and legends, the songs from bards....none of them mentioned sects or pacts within the guild. The more Siax thought about it, the more it niggled away at him. Why was that? Siax's instincts and senses had not proven him wrong yet. So why this gut feeling like he was missing something?
Something he would talk over with Falcon when he got a moment. But now more pressing things mattered.
Helping the settlers rebuild the town of Leilon. This would include homes, defenses, trade routes.
Uncovering more of Pine's guides plans. Although he was not comfortable about being under the control of Godly beings, he did not regret his decision. He trusted Pine and Idris with his life.
Figuring out these cultists plans. Nothing seemed to be a coincidence. Who was the figure on the ship? The lady with long blonde hair who wore expensive clothes? What part did she play in all this?
Siax would feel he needed to know more about the Elven structures. The ones at Icespire peak. The central pillar in Leilon. the ruins on the islands. if he could get a head start before the guild agent came along he could potentially find out what his gut instincts were telling him.
"Alot to do and little time to do it in. Always juggling." Siax sighed. There will be much to discuss once Falcon arrives.
[DM]
Many years ago, when you were a young lad but a week away from your first real duel with a blade, your instructor Arnethax had approached you. He had noticed the dread that had seized you as a poor showing here would mean a year lost - a year more needed to become a Guide.
"You are worried. This dread can be a weapon young Siax, it sharpens the senses and makes sure we look at each corner twice. But too easily that weapon can be turned against oneself. You must channel that worry, harness it. Many distract themselves or stop themselves thinking to avoid it. But I have seen the way you think boy and that is not your way. Your way is up here". he finished by lightly jabbing at your forehead.
When others despair, you will consider the situation. When others tremble you will plan".
And so it was, the days to your duel were spent analysing what you knew, your opponent, the terrain you would fight, the choice of weapons... When the time came for that fight you did not dread for you already knew you would win.
When Phandalin was threatened by all sides that is what you did. And that is what needed to be done now.
[Insight] Farewarn Moonglide was a hard man to read at the best of times. He was known as a man of great deeds, ensuring that the guild not only could continue with it's way of life but rather gain a standing and respect in the Sword Coast from the small villages to the powers that be nestled in the cities. But that came with a price, he was always a leader. And a leader must always have distance from his followers which included his sons. The Lord's Alliance was one of the most steadfast allies of the Guild so you do not understand what drove the penning of those words.
[Perception & History] You peer at the town of Leilon with a more inquisitive eye.
First what catches your attention is the scaffolding present on the tower. It is wooden and resembling in style the scaffolding at the nwo crushed manor house in Phandalin. This has been there recently so it means somehow someone has made it to the tower. Something to ask the settlers when they arrive to the now peaceful city. Looking at the rest of the city around you can't help but notice the gaping wounds in all the buildings here. Some lack roofs, others a wall or two, damage far beyond what time would inflict. It's almost as if the city had been sieged by catapults....No, something didn't add up. As you take your time, panning from left to right you notice a pattern. All the destruction faced the tower at the towns centre, whatever decimated the town in ages past came from there. Try as you might you know of no conflict that would have caused such a thing. In your mind you start tracing trajectories, the archers understanding of projectiles allowing you to hold dozens of differing trails. You think you could find exactly where rubble from the tower struck the earth with a little searching.
[Religion] The Cult of Talos that you've faced so far have admittedly felt different than the ones you faced now - but their aim had been to summon an eternal storm to extend their power beyond their normal scope. Thinking back to what Talos represented, the God of Fury and Destruction, it is easy to see why his cultists prize power above all else. Destruction and Chaos aren't the best recruitment tools however which is why it's been odd that you have seen evidence of them converting via sermons such as the one you saw in the leaflets in the Lighthouse. Additionally they seem to be targeting trading vessels with incredible accuracy and deadliness counter to the "Ruin for ruins sake" motto they should be following.
All in all, you realise that you are missing many parts of the puzzle but if there's one thing the Talos cult will be consistent with is their aims; power, the more the better.
[Investigation] You trace the trajectory you made to a location in the north of the town. Digging down takes time as the earth is packed tight but little by little you make progress.
However you find nothing. Did you miscalculate?
[Siax]
Siax would give a huff of frustration quietly. Then he would look back at the tower and follow the trajectory once more. "It has to be here...." Double checking. Triple checking.
" OK....maybe it's time to bring in the others. What am I missing here??"
[DM]
Thunk
As you were about to leave, something fell beside you. A shovel. Looking up you see a man standing at the doorway of one of the buildings, hand raised in a half wave.
"Ho stranger! Maybe this will make thy life easier!
The man spoke in a strong accent, and wore a loose fitting robe. He did not seem like a cultist and yet did not look like the settlers you previously met.
[Siax]
Siax would look toward the man and give a slight smile.
"I'm sure it will."
Siax would allow a chuckle to himself.
"Greetings. Do you live here? Is this your house?"
[DM]
The man bows slightly to you. "This humble abode is my dwelling yes. I heard the commotion in the town and barred the door." He takes a small step from his doorstep, now fully visible.
"I thought you one of the robed ne'er-do-wells and, well perhaps my shovel would have been aimed at thy head if you were!" The half smile now has become broad, eyes twinkling. You get the impression this man is really glad to be talking to you.
"You may call me Aubrey Silverspun, at thy service"
[Siax]
Siax would nod and follow Audrey's slight bow by returning one of his own.
"Aubrey Silverspun. My name is Siax Moonglide. I can assure you I am a friend to this town. Not a foe."
Siax would look to pick up the shovel. Then he would turn to Aubrey with the shovel outstretched in his arm. "My thanks," Siax would lean on the shovel and ask, "Have you been living in Leilon long?"
Siax would then look at his house and look to see the condition of Aubreys house.
"The commotion you heard, what did you hear? Have the robed men been to this town many times before?"
[DM]
You notice that the building the man had emerged has no obvious damage. The stone walls seem to have been repaired a long time ago, potentially even with rubble from the tower. But there are traces of more recent repair, no vines grow on these walls, no dust on the floor you can see. This building has been taken care of. The man listens to your questions intently and then extends a hand towards the rest of the town.*
"Not much living to be done here friend! But I've been here a while now. I'm a wanderer by nature and a merchant by trade so I found myself in this town mostly by happenstance." He pauses a moment, looking thoughtful for a moment. "Found this respectable old building and fixed it up as much as I could - my hope is that when the brave fellows who wish to settle this fair town do so, I'll be able to open my shop and trade from this very place!
"As for those who drove the settlers out, yes they have been here time and time again. A total of three times I believe." Aubrey slaps the thick door of his dwelling with a look of pride. "Nothing old Betty's door could not handle. They could bash as much as they'd like, none of them got into mine."
With that high of a perception roll you actually peer past the man and into the building itself. It's gloomy, lit only by a fireplace but you see that the building seems crammed with various stuff. You make out some old fishing rods and a birdcage amongst other things. On the far wall you see three paintings and with the aid of your darkvision you think it's an image of an elf, a dwarf and a human. It's too dark to see any details.
"Say, you wouldn't want to buy something?"
[Siax]
"Well Aubrey, I think you will be seeing some significant changes for the better in the coming days and weeks. I think this town would benefit greatly from your shop and your skills.What are your wares? What do you sell?"
Siax would pause....his mind thinking and ticking away.
" In the interest of our new found friendship, how about we do a deal? I am very interested in the history of this town and especially that Tower."
Siax would then point to the central tower.
"As well as other things. I am looking for information that may help protect this town and help it to grow and prosper."
Siax would pause a second and ponder on his next few words.
"Seeing as your a merchant by trade and you happen to find yourself here, how would you feel àbout being head of commerce for the town of Leilon? In exchange for this position of regard, I would need you to let me know of any interesting information you may come across. Whether that's from the townsfolk themselves or from other towns when trading."
Siax would then look to try and read Aubrey's body language and see what he thinks about the proposal.
Siax would look take the opportunity to have a better glance at the door.
[Using Siaxs wood carving and carpentry knowledge I would like to assess if the door is a well built mundane door or whether it may have some magical properties that has helped the strength of this door. Siax doesn't have the magical knowledge, but he knows wood!]
[DM]
"You bear great tidings then Master Siax, for too long has this town lay empty and barren!" As he hears you asking about his wares, his eyes would gleam with excitement. With a swift movement he would raise part of the cloak he wore to reveal it had numerous sown pockets made of different materials. Reaching into one of them he would retrieve a beautiful whittling blade, It's wooden handle decorated with carvings of soft leaves. Around it's body you spy a verdant, opal-like gemstone ring and notice that the blade is not metal but instead a green material.
"I deal in the fantastical! My long travels have blessed me with an abundance of wonders, amidst the trinkets and mementos I also carry. When you visit my shoppe next I will surely have a selection - I just need to organise my inventory first."
Hearing you mention the tower his expression would sober. "That tower has claimed many a life and I fear it is not done claiming master Siax. If it is after growth and prosperity you are after then my advice would be to stay away. Not all secrets are worth being discovered, take that from someone who has oft dug for such and regretted it all days later."
[Insight] As you suggest the deal and appointing him responsible for the towns trade, you also attune your senses unto the man's body language. You can tell that it shocked the man, his body turning stiff and eyes growing wide. A moment of thoughtfulness tinged with a wistfulness you can't place and then a brief shake of the head. "You flatter me master Siax but I am a wanderer at heart. The complex dealings of a town and it's push and pull of power would overwhelm me in an instant. No, I am content to run my humble shop for any who would make use of my wares. However, I do not mean to renegade on your deal, simply I will accept information in kind. I have been here for long and my ken of the wider Sword coast has become rusty. So share with me tales of the now and I will repay you with information in kind."
[Woodcarver Tools] While the man spoke you got a good look at the door. Nothing particular strikes you as odd about it. It's a thick oak timber door, reinforced by clever craftmanship. A most difficult door to break through for sure but not impenetrable.
[Siax]
"I understand Aubrey. Well this town would do well from your shop and you would do well from this town. Let me bring my companions so we can all see your wares. Will this give you enough time to sort your inventory?"
Siax would look back at the tower once more, double checking again the trajectory...
[DM]
"Oh I shall be around, fear not." As you turn to look at the tower, you are sure you got the trajectory right, seems you may be missing something else. "Ahem" Audrey gets you attention back with a small cough. Turning you see the man has taken another half step, now almost out of the building proper.
"Meeting you has been a pleasure where I first expected strife. This town is lucky to have you young Master Siax and I look forward to seeing you at my shoppe." With a swift motion he flips the whittling knife in his hand so he catches it by the blade. He then extends it towards here. "This, I bestow to you free of charge. A gift, from I to you".
[Siax]
"What a beautiful gift. Aubrey you are too kind. First you lend me your shovel now you bestow this gift as well. What can I do to return the favour twice over?"
Siax would look at the knife in more detail admiring the craftsmanship of the knife.
"Tell me Aubrey, this doesn't look a ordinary knife. What is the blade made from? What can you tell me about this knife?"
[DM]
"A gift is a gift only if no return is warranted, otherwise we'd have made a deal! Do not trouble yourself with thoughts of recompense Master Siax, it is but my appreciation for your candour and character" he would slightly bow as he said this, a small deferential gesture.
"I am more a merchant than a metallurgist but I believe this blade is made of a mix of iron and moonstone, with some enchantment magic thrown in to avoid it's shattering. Sharper than steel and won't need sharpening for millenia!"
"The previous owner was a kind and gentle soul but alas time claims all and it was no exception. It has stayed in my shoppe for far too long and I believe a new hand to wield it will only be a good thing".
[Siax]
"Did you know the previous owner Aubrey?"
[DM]
Aubrey looks saddened for a moment, you cannot tell if it is feigned or not.
"Yes, briefly. Taken too soon as many who take the path of adventure." Shaking his head he would continue "But this day is long enough to waste by dwelling on the past".
[Siax]
"Indeed. You have my thanks once again. It is a kind gesture and one I will not forget."
Siax would then give a slight bow.
As soon as Aubrey was back inside and Siax felt the coast was clear he would get to work on using the shovel to dig the previous site a little further.
[DM]
You keep digging, thoughts of quitting forgotten after the conversation you had. The shovel proves to be great help and a far superior tool for the job than the makeshift stick you had used so you make quick work. Still, if it wasn't for fortune you would have missed.
While in the hole you made, now a few feet deep, you decided to rest for a moment. The back of your legs touched the cool earth but the left felt something...colder. Looking down you spot a small white stone jutting out of the earth. You suddenly realise what you missed. The trajectory you calculated was correct - but didn't account for the stones drifting over centuries of rainfall shifting them towards the docks.
It takes almost an additional hour but once you do you retrieve a large stone chunk with some writing on it.
The writing seems familiar, it's definitely some sort of Elven but you can't read it. Many of the characters are not ones you've seen before and the combinations don't make sense to you.
You realise you've seen similar script not long ago. Every rank in the Guided Path receives has a title - which has been so from time before memory.
The titles have been handed down since then and while in Elvish aren't readable by current Elves. It is that same script that you see before you.
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https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/8257065-greenthumb-whittler
This small whittling knife has a green blade that can cut through any wood. Such is the ease of it's use that it can be used in place of a set of woodcarver's tools. Its wooden handle is decorated with carvings of soft leaves and it is fitted with a verdant, opal-like gemstone ring around it's body.
Over the course of several hours, you can use the knife to carve a Tiny statue from fine wood, which can't be larger than 1 foot in any dimension. At the end of each hour you spend carving the statue, make a DC 10 Dexterity check, adding your proficiency bonus to the roll if you're proficient with woodcarver's tools. The statue is successfully completed if you succeed on four of these checks, or unfortunately mangled and destroyed if you fail two of them. The statue can do minor feats of animation, which you decide upon completing it. If it moves, it can't leave its space on its own. For example, the statue can wave and turn its head back and forth robotically, or dance around in a circle within its space. You can start or stop the animation by tapping the statue twice in rapid succession (no action required). Up to three statues can be animated at a time in this way. When a fourth statue is completed, the first one ceases to move and loses its magic. Destroying a statue ends the effect.
Golems always confused him. Living constructs that could walk, talk, and act just like the rest of humanity, but were forged by metal and magic. Where was the soul? Where was the magnificent random factor? He pondered this each night as he watched the metallic construct sit and whittle by the camp firelight. After a week, it was too much. "Why do you do that?" the man snapped. It sounded like an accusation. The golem lifted its head and looked back at him with steady, unblinking eyes. "I make fun," it said, and opened its metal hand. Inside was a small wooden butterfly, slowly flapping its wings. The man never asked those questions again.
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