Trust is a Decision [Session 17]

• Heading down the hill from exiting the tomb, the Maybesitters come across a half-elven girl, clearly distraught, in the middle of the pillars where they entered the tomb in the first place. She claims to know them, saying she’s been waiting there for hours – which is ridiculous.  

• Introducing herself as Rae, a standoff immediately kicks off, and she begins to spout of information no stranger should know about the group. Names, places, events, even items – Rae seems to know more than anyone should. On edge, frustrated, extremely on guard, the four decide she can’t be left behind, as someone with the knowledge she claims to have can’t be left unsupervised. Off to Yelqen. 

• Sunset is well underway as the group heads down the stone stairs to Yelqen’s camp. The Tortle is in his tent, and when Barrett investigates, comments, “You have returned” and Barrett asks if everyone can speak with him. The Tortle comes out, goes back in to fetch his walking stick, then comes back out, all very slowly. He comments that Rae looks familiar, and she confirms that they indeed, have met before.  

• Barrett describes what the group encountered, and asks Yelqen about the stuck stones, and the Tortle can’t pull them apart either, even though he tries his best. He comments Dustu never speaks in straight sentences, and that if she said pulling the stones apart means wholeness, then she would have been speaking the truth. He also comments that the group is not whole, and something is still missing.  

• Yelqen asks Rae to confirm that while she knows everyone else, they don’t seem to know her, and, frustrated, she says yes. She says that her name hasn’t always been Rae, but she doesn’t know what it was before. But she absolutely knows she’s been with the group, and for a while, and knows “so much.” And, too, that the others know some about her, but now don’t seem to. Yelqen asks, “You are not who you were, is that correct?” And Rae expresses she doesn’t know how it happened, but that she has the name Rae, now, and everything else is the same. She goes on to describe what happened in the Yuan-Ti tomb, and that she was the only one that didn’t go up in the beam of light. Ultimately being reunited with the group, that she is now not remembered. The other four have absolutely no recollection of a fifth person, at any time, let alone in the tomb with them.  

• The Tortle says again that the group must not be whole, especially if Rae is a part of them and no one remembers. The group grills Rae again with more questions, and she’s still able to provide information no one else has any business knowing. The group confers together and it’s agreed that they need to take her with them, regardless of who she says she is. When Barrett starts grilling her about the Bag of Holding she has, Rae refuses to hand the bag itself over. Yelqen is watching this entire thing. 

• Rae lets Barrett approach, and he summons the tip of Godsbane to see if it really is their Bag of Holding, and this confirms that it is indeed their Bag. (Rae does remind Barrett it’s actually Elminster’s, and they’re just borrowing it) Dhann requests that one of the others carry the bag, and Rae refuses, and Barrett and Tabitha say to leave Rae behind. 

• Rae then states she’ll remove anything from the Bag anyone wants, she won’t deny them that, but she will not relinquish the Bag itself. Yelqen, then, hands Rae the stuck-stones and says she should probably hold onto that, as well.  

• Yelqen asks to have a moment with “your new friend” before everyone leaves for the Roaming Isle again. Some space is given, but Dhann maintains line of sight with the two, to attempt to see what they’re speaking about. Rae’s back is very much to Dhann, but Yelqen is in view enough that Dhann is able to catch a question about “gifts received,” but that’s it. Rae then rejoins the group, and keeping her in plain sight, everyone continues to head back to their small ship to journey back to the Roaming Isle. Z states he’ll stay with Rae the entire time, liking to hear himself talked about, so will grill her with questions and maintain an eye on her. 

• The journey back takes about four days, during which the following is accomplished: 

• Dhann Sends Elminster again, and is able to finally get a reply, after Sending the cryptic message “It’s a good thing we killed that first shadow dragon,” hoping it will garner some response. It does, and after more time than is comfortable, Elminster responds – he sounds a little distracted, and confused, and says so. Dhann Sends again that he’ll explain later and he’s glad Elminster isn’t dead. The response to that is immediate, and Elminster confirms with a chuckle he’s definitely not dead and he’ll see everyone soon. 

• Tabitha scries on Vincent Trench and Esvele Rosznar using her crystal ball. Tabitha concentrates intensely and the smoke in the ball turns to stormy waves, then they dissipate, revealing the interior of a very nice home. Decorated, fairly dark, but two candles illuminate the bed, which is made. It’s immaculate, and the room screams “rich.” At first, the room is empty, but then through the window, a lithe person crawls in from the night. A well armored, rogue of some sort. Black leather armor, fancy cape, but Tabitha recognizes it as one that enhances stealth. The hood is pulled back, and a black mask is then pulled off, and it’s Esvele. Out of a pouch, she retrieves and extremely decorate necklace: silver, beads, gems, a large clasp. It’s deposited in a drawer, and then she removes her armor and weapons and begins to put all of it away. She hides a sword in a velvet case under her dresser, two daggers are placed in secret places in the posts of her bed, one dagger per post. As she starts to finish removing her gear, the Scry ends, showing Tabitha a stormy sea once again. Tabitha tells Barrett all of this as he is with her, and this also confirms Rae isn’t Esvele. Nice! She comments on Scrying Trench on the morrow.  

• Rae spends time reading in the Per Historia Arcandor Materia while Z parallel plays and spends time weaving in the immediate vicinity. Dhann has made sure she has what she needs on the boat, and then maintains his distance.  

• Scrying on Trench: once again, he eludes Tabitha’s prying eye. All she can glean from this attempt is seeing darkness in the ball. It doesn’t feel like Trench has done something to hide himself, but Tabitha gets the sense that for some reason, the Scry is just not working or going through. Perhaps something is blocking her, or he’s dead. This happened the first time she tried to Scry him.  

• Dhann checks in on the Tavern, and Sends to Nat.  He asks how the game is going, and if she has noticed anyone suspicious. He also agrees with her that sometimes boys are, indeed, dumb. She responds that there are two suspicious people, and that the game is fun. Dhann lets her know they’ll come home when they can, to ask Marnic Remsie about the suspicious folk, and to be secret with the game – you lose if you get caught. But he knows she won’t. Nat responds that she’ll check with Marnic and that there is one suspicious person – a strange old human man, with a cane. He’s always at the bar. Dhann alerts the others – sans Rae – to this.  

• Barrett keeps an eye out to see if at any point, Rae leaves the Bag unguarded or is less attentive with it, but this is never the case. It’s always solidly on her person. He also chats with Tabitha about Alchemy, and Tabitha assists him on the ship. 

• Z works on his Gossamer Weaving, and Dhann asks the Bard if he wouldn’t mind helping the Cleric with making something. Barrett, too, wants something made.  

• Rae, on the ship, attempts to call back her familiar, but nothing happens. 

• On the 11th of Uktar, pulling into dock at the Roaming Isle, Rae is a stranger to everyone. So very strange! Barrett pays the four assisting sailors again, and tells them to go find the rest of the crew as well as to check on the Visenda and be ready to sail soon. Kerrick, the deferred leader of the crew after the Maybesitters, lets Barrett know the repairs are finished and some new additions to the ship are awaiting use. He thanks Barrett for his generosity and the eight sailors have had an incredible time on the Isle, and are at the group’s beck and call. 

• Heading up to the Monastery, Barrett spots JunJa the Harbormaster, and she sends an assistant off with the message to let the Abbot know “they’ve arrived.” He bolts off to deliver his message. At the Monastery, Tank finds the group quickly and asks if now is a good time to speak. Barrett introduces Rae, and Tank welcomes her graciously. No sign of recognition is present at all.  

• Everyone gathers in a foyer, and Barrett asks after Illu Stardust but she is unavailable at the moment, having been on a trip, but should be reporting in soon. In one of the doorways, Dustu is seen talking to an initiate, almost seven feet tall, and he is clearly being lectured in some way. Dhann is able to catch that Dustu is gently chastising him about his table manners and his impatience. Dhann immediately feels secondhand embarrassment and regrets being Observant. 

• Finally, being able to talk with the Gardener, Barrett regretfully informs to Dustu that they are still not whole, as the rocks are still stuck together.  Dustu roughly and in an appraising, grandmotherly way checks, over Barrett, musing, and then does so for the other three, but a bit less forcefully, and then gets to Rae. Giving her a long look, says that there is something about her and asks who she is. Rae sighs and states it all again. She also says that she needs to “find what she’s already found.” Dustu replies, “Hmm, and you did find something. I believe you have something for me?” Rae hands her the stuck-stones, and Dustu, taking them, twists them apart, tosses them back into the original basket, and says nope, that’s not the thing.  

• Rae mentions she was given something else, but isn’t supposed to tell anyone, and asks to tell Dustu in private. Dustu says she can whisper it, and Rae is careful to cover her mouth so Dhann can’t see anything being said. Dustu answers in the affirmative that she would like whatever Rae has mentioned. Rae reaches into the Bag, then her bag, then a pocket, then retrieves something, but is trying to be as careful as possible.  

• Dhann is able to catch a glimpse of something small, like a tiny chunk of wood or charcoal, a very deep brown, and only about the size of a stone or pearl. Dustu holds it, cupped in her hands, to her face, and blows gently on it. A white glow emanates from her hands, and then she hands the thing back to Rae, saying, “That is important. Elminster will be wanting that.” And that Rae should talk to the Abbot. Dustu then turns to the other four, saying that whoever Rae is, she has been charged with something important, and that they need to keep her safe.  

• Barrett tells Dustu that Yelqen was happy to hear of Dustu, and she replies under her breath he’s a “stupid, old Tortle.” Z asks for reassurance that there aren’t curses operating here, and Dustu comments that of course not, but there’s no way to be sure, really, and the feeling is that Dustu accepts that curses are just a thing and that they could be anywhere. Barrett thanks Dustu for everything she’s done, and to please not to take his words as offense, but every fiber of his being is telling him to not trust this stranger, Rae, and yet Dustu is telling him that they need to, and that she needs to be protected. That trust isn’t given lightly, and they’ve been through a lot, but he will do his best if Dustu says to. 

• The Tortle pauses, and replies that she never said to trust Rae, but to protect her. And that’s everyone’s choice. Dustu doesn’t know her, but Rae was given a rare gift, and that means something. Tabitha comments they have protected others for less, and Barrett says he’ll protect Rae on Dustu’s order, but he’s not ready to trust her. He’ll protect her, but that’s as far as he’ll go. Dustu replies that those who are slow to trust, are slow to be trusted.  

• Tabith asks if Rae is now a part of fixing the peril of the Isle, or if this gift is for something back home, but Dustu says that that’s something to talk to the Abbot about – she's just the Gardener. 

• Taking their leave of said Gardener, the group heads to find the Abbot. As they are about to exit, Dustu catches another initiate, saying she wants to talk, and Dustu is off, chastising the next student. Dhann makes a point to look away, not wanting to catch any reprimands on the part of the initiate. 

• Abbot Tank approaches from a hallway, all business, and right behind him is Stardust. Tank leads everyone through a side glass door, to a quiet room that seems like a lessons room of sort. He says that he owes everyone answers, and Rae is introduced again. Tank mentions sensitive topics are to be discussed and the information he is about to provide should never leave that room. Barrett informs him that the group has their powers back, but still doesn’t seem whole, but that they are at the service of the Isle, come what may. Rae is a new associate, and while the group hasn’t told her anything, perhaps she needs a recap – and that Dustu told them to protect her, and that that may entail the Abbot somehow. 

• Rae tells Tank she was given a gift in the tomb, and that Dustu told her it may help. Tank asks who the gift is from, and Rae can only remember “her name was Elyana.” She appeared as a big, blue, serpent creature with horns, perhaps three eyes, but she’s not sure of the third eye. Tank asks immediately if Rae was given a “seed,” and when she says yes, his face falls and he takes a seat. This is not what he wanted to hear in any way. 

• Abbot Tank then tells everyone that the Roaming Isle, while holding Valkur as its main guide and protector and a part of their everyday life, the demigod is not responsible for the Isle’s movement. This knowledge is kept secret, safe, and sacred. Tank even had to get permission to tell the group. He then asks if they have heard of a Unknown. Everyone answers in the affirmative. Tank then reveals that the Mythallar are massive, produce enormous amounts of magic, and thousands of years ago, the Isle used to be an island in the sky. During the spellplague, the wisest elders at the time brought the island to the sea, to protect the Isle and the Mythallar, and it is the Mythallar that moves the Isle and controls who is able to gain access. People are protected as a result of this, not protected as the main concern of this Mythallar.  

• The Mythallar of the Roaming Isle is one of three that the Abbot knows of. When in danger, a Mythallar produces a Mythall Seed, but only does this when it is in grave danger. Rae holds the seed, and this means the Isle’s Mythallar can sense that its time is running short.  

• Tank apologizes profusely to Barrett about this shocking news, and also says that the three Couatl on the Isle are only there to protect the Mythallar. If there is a Mythallar, there are Couatl nearby. 
  

• One of the ones on this Isle has grown ill. These creatures spend their lives with the Mythallar, and can also sense when they are going to die. Not when, or where, or how, but they can sense when. And one of the three Couatl is sensing they will die soon. That can only mean the Mythallar is going to die soon, and the creation of the seed is only a horrible confirmation. If the Mythallar is gone, the way of life on the Isle will be destroyed.  

• Abbot Tank then asks if the group can do something, anything, to help save the Isle, save the Mythallar. The ill Couatl is being contained in a pen of sorts, as she seems to have grown violent and unpredictable. And, she is the only one that knows how to access the Mythallar that is dying. The other two Couatl have asked for help, and the Monastery is at their wits end. Others have been sent to help, but have not returned from visiting the pen.  

• Dhann asks if illness in a Couatl typically precedes death, and the Abbot clarifies that this is indeed unusual. He then shows that there is a gorgeous, bejeweled egg of sorts and does confirm that it is a Couatl egg, and only when a Couatl is dying is an egg laid. This is also heavy news. When the elder Couatl dies, it will pass its task of protecting the Mythallar to its offspring, but it seems the Couatl will die before the egg hatches, which has never happened before.  

• The group must retrieve the information only this Couatl has, at all costs. Soothe, trick, torture, Tank says he’s not even sure he’s concerned with the method. The other Couatl have already given up hope of anything being done and are preparing to leave the Isle. The Maybesitters are the last attempt at any sort of resolution for the Monastery, the Couatl, the Isle, the Mythallar itself.  

• Barrett asks if the Monastery have talked to the Merfolk or Lizardfolk. Tank replies the Merfolk are quite unconcerned, you can’t change fate, but the Lizardfolk volunteered some warriors, two so far, but one never came back and the Order refused to send the second. Dhann asks why, and Tank replies that when the capable warrior didn’t come back, the second one didn’t seem up to the task, if the first failed. Dhann then asks what kinds of people have been sent. Only warriors? Maybe healers? Tank mentions only one has been sent at a time with specific skills, based on the Couatl only allowing one at a time, but now they want to send a group, made of multiple talents. 

• The Isle is at a loss as to what to do, and if the four companions and new ward cannot, all hope is lost. Abbot Tank is hopeful they will even attempt to succeed. He mentions that he hopes Rae will leave the seed, to keep it safe, if they go, and Rae ponders. Barrett clarifies that the group needs to only find out the information on how to access the Mythallar, and Tank says yes, and then it will be figured what to do next.  

• Rae can sense that Tank, while fitting for the position of Abbot, is distraught at all of what’s happening, and genuinely wants to protect the seed, but that Rae is its keeper and he respects that. Barrett tells Rae that before she makes her decision, if she would hold the seed near the egg and see if there’s a reaction. Tank hadn’t thought of this before, and is anxious to see the results. Alas, there’s no sign the egg acknowledges the presence of the seed, and, dismayed, it occurs to Tank that there wouldn’t be a reaction – the mother has not given the child the task of protecting the Mythall seed or the Mythallar. If the mother dies before the task is given, the child will have no purpose for serving a Mythallar, dooming the Isle.  

• Abbot Tank offers anything the Isle can provide at their disposal. Z suggests sleeping on it all, and Dhann says that even if the Isle wasn’t at stake, no one should die in torment. He’ll go with Barrett. Z agrees. Tank asks if Rae will decide by morning if they can keep the seed with the order, and Tabitha says Rae is welcome to stay with the seed if Rae leaves it in the care of the Monastery. Two or three days is the time needed for everyone to prepare for the coming confrontation.  

• As the room falls into a heavy silence, it’s clear the situation is wearing on the Abbot. He says he’ll make arrangements for the group and that there will be a few more people to speak to before the group leaves. Barrett asks if a teleportation circle is available for fetching help or advice from back in Waterdeep, if they could use it. Tank says that’s fine, but it’s the returning that could be problematic. Apparently, teleporting strangers or anyone overall to the Isle has a higher probability of failing then returning by sea, but the group agrees to talk it over first.  

• Dhann asks how the egg was removed from the mother, and Tank says that the egg was the first sign of trouble. It was retrieved by the other two Couatl and removed from the mother in case she attempted to destroy it in her madness. The Order offered to defend it for the other two Couatl. There has also been a higher occurrence of storms, and folk from the Isle are even having trouble returning, which shouldn’t be happening. This was the second sign of trouble. It’s unknown if this is the Mythallar trying to defend itself, or if it’s failing, or losing control of its abilities overall. Dhann and Tabitha wonder if the Isle is moving due to the Mythallar trying to flee something, or block something, or if something is controlling the Mythallar and is trying to draw the Isle to it. 

• Bidding the Abbot farewell, Barrett brings the rest of the group to a landing overlooking a stunning view of the Isle, and turns to speak to them. He states that he’s been having issues with trust, and betrayal, and there was a time he was considering staying at the Isle once this was all over. But he’s decided trust is a decision, just a choice, and for better or worse he’s making the decision to trust Rae. He doesn’t feel it, but it doesn’t matter. He’s choosing to do it. He believes this entire venture is a calling and it cannot be accomplished if one is always looking over their shoulder. Tabitha comments trust is one thing, being tasked with keeping Rae safe is another. And the seed being kept safe. One should go, or both should stay. If Rae goes with the seed, and they don’t return, the Isle is doomed. Barrett then says to the Witch, “then by that logic, you shouldn’t go either.” She says it’s up to the group, but Rae says that Tabitha can decide for herself and that’s that. Rae says she’ll maker her own decision about the seed. If she goes with the seed, she goes with the seed. Tabitha starts to say it’s not fair then to expect everyone to keep Rae safe, but Rae cuts her off, saying, “Then don’t, don’t protect me. Don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine.”  

• Dhann then comments that by all of this logic, they know what Rae has, and Rae knows what everyone else has, including Tabitha’s key. “So, if we’re here making choices, mine will be with Barrett.” He then holds out his hand in a business-deal manner to Rae, and waits for a response. She takes his offered hand, he shakes it once, and the Cleric steps back with the demeanor of a deal being made.  

• “It seems we’re intertwined in some way, life will reveal itself,” Z comments, and Rae states she’s with him, and they should do this, and see what happens.

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