Lucius Cypher

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Many of the plants here almost looked like ones you'd find back in your world. The sort of strange exotic plants that had a strong scent to them. Most were in unlabeled baskets however, so their names would escape you. It was particularly strange for you right now as you could still smell the earthly scents, but if you tried to touch them you'd just phase right through. It wasn't long before Pylia brought some dark red herbs and a single long root, which she put into her bag. "Let's go Buddy. There's one more place I want to go." Buddy followed, and in turn took you along. Pylia took Buddy towards a different part of the market place, one that neither of you have been to before. The crowds slowly began to thin out until eventually it was just the two plus your astral form. Many of these shops were closed, with rarely anyone but an occasional peasant who looked like they were just minding their own business. Eventually Pylia stopped at a shop that didn't look any different from the ones before.

"I think... This should be the place. It's an old magic shop from my youth. I'm not sure if it's open anymore, but if it is I think there's something here that might be useful for us." Pylia knocked on the door. There wasn't a response, so when she tried to open the door she was somewhat surprised when she found it wasn't locked. She peeked inside, but it was totally dark. "Hello?" Summoning flames to her hand Pylia continued to look around. So far, nothing but dusty old shelves, empty of anything but spider webs. Pylia and Buddy went inside as the wooden floors creek. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised, it's been... Years now." But there was something that neither Pylia or Buddy would notice. Something that only you'd see. Floating in the corner of the room was a sort of blue ghostly being. A humanoid person with long hair covering their face, wearing a drag and tattered robe around their body. They just floated in the air, looking towards Pylia and Buddy.

D&D 5e - Hoard of the Dragon Queen

Oh snap. Spooky tentacles coming out. Is it possible for Orchid to see what the source of these tentacles are?

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Buddy nods. "Syfr is of fiendish origins. Dinah is celestial. I'm sure you know that typically, fiends ere on the side of malice while celestial on the side of benevolence. However as familiars, their ultimate allegiance is with their masters, not their origins." Buddy explained. "Yes... I remember, vaguely, of my own powers. Though I've been using it, I did not fully understand the magic I wield. I... I am a holy warrior, a Paladin. Strange. But I do not know my oaths. Very strange." Buddy said with deep contemplation. You could even hear his thoughts even though he wasn't trying to tell you them. "A paladin, a religious warrior who has taken up an oath and with it divine magic powers to slay his enemies. But how am I channeling these powers, if I do not know what my oaths are? Do I follow a creed subconsciously? Or perhaps... So long as I am bound to Sylvia, my duties is to simply serve her, regardless of my oaths. But... If that is the case... Without this anchor, would I be compelled to follow these unknown codes?" Buddy looked down from his book as he contemplated these thoughts, then looked back up to you, not realizing you could hear his thoughts.

"Yes. I will follow Pylia and keep her safe. I wonder if she would talk to me if we are alone." Buddy opens the door and leaves. You could feel yourself getting pulled along if you had stayed behind in the room. He also made sure to lock the door and took a key with him, though with Shortfang and the familiars in the room it should be safe enough. Buddy would catch up to Pylia quickly since she didn't go very far and was rather surprised to see Buddy here. "Buddy? Why are you... Oh, I guess since the others are asleep, you wanted to come shopping with me?" Buddy nods. Pylia smiles and beckons him to follow. "Suit yourself. I was just going to buy a few more alchemy supplies, but it'll be nice to have some company to tag along."

Sure enough one of the first places Pylia goes is a medicine shop. It looked like one of those old asian pharmacies, with very dim lights, various herbs and roots pickled in bottles, and other strange but fairly mundane looking plants and such. An old woman ran the shop as she spoke to Pylia and they negotiated prices for medicine. Buddy stood by still as a statue. Behind the counter was a small child playing with a literal stick figure; it was little more than a stick with twigs for arms and legs tied with a bit of twin. He was apparently armed with a wooden sword and fighting another stick figure. Nearby were more stick figures, but these were broken.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

She didn’t seem to take any of her combat gear, just her bag which she emptied. Perhaps she’s going to do some shopping. She her potions and such seem to be slowly simmering over the fire place so whatever she’s doing there doesn’t need her constant attention.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Go for it.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

”Shortfang is very flatulent in his sleep. The familiars do not seem to like one another. Dinah attempt to approach Shortfang as he slept but Syfr warded her off. Aside from that, nothing else has happened.” Buddy said plainly as he continued to read the book. Not much else would really occur, but by the time Buddy finished reading Pylia leaves the room again. Buddy looks towards you. “Should we follow? I believe at this point Pylia is quite expectant of your astral presence now.”

D&D 5e - Hoard of the Dragon Queen

Orchid see's the group shooting into the darkness. He could barely make out the shapes of what they're shooting at, but he didn't want to risk getting in anyone's way. Sheathing his machete, he instead takes out his javelin and creeps forward a bit, keeping his eyes out for any other dangers. There has to be something guarding this room, he just knows it. "Orchid watch for danger. Work fast friends."

Overlord: Momento Mori

@Xaltwind

Girls, girls, Mamoru has enough time for everyone. You’ll see soon enough.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

As you fall asleep, you find yourself in your usual astral projection form. Pylia was still up, seemingly using this time to brew up some more potions for the team. Shortfang was dead asleep while Dinah rested by the fire. Buddy seemed to be reading one of your books, the one about traveling. He just quietly stood by the door flipping through the pages. He glances up and spots you and speaks up. ”Welcome back. How was your chat with Pylia?”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Taking a deep breath, Pylia nods. "Right. Yeah, suppose you're right. It's just a lot to think about all at once." Pylia seemed like she was trying to convince herself more than she was trying to convince you right now. "I... Anyways, it's been a long day. Let's head back in and rest up. We can figure this out more in the morning, once we also settle this business with Shor, Ferric, and everyone else." The priestess gave you a wry smirk as she walked towards the door. "Honestly... You just never seem to take a break, do you Sylvia? I've done more these past few days I've known you than I have my whole life. I know you want to use your powers for good, but don't be afraid to spoil yourself sometimes. I... I'd appreciate it if you took care of yourself too." Pylia headed on inside. It was still fairly early into the night, having just reached sunset. It would also seem that around this time there were even more people out and about in the market place, likely just fresh off work and doing some afternoon shopping or dining at the various restaurants and establishments. You could see a large herd of hungry dock workers and porters heading towards the Silver Stag. It'll likely be a busy night for the staff.