[5e_One Shot] Baptism by Fire

[FitzTheRuke]

Mardoc's red face matched his beard when Fern told Lorella his thought that she might be a smuggler. He was about to sputter an objection, but was cut off by their conversation. He sat relieved that she did not appear to be terribly insulted, and when he had a chance to speak, he said softly to her in his defence, "'Twas only an idle thought, nae an accusation. I'm nae judge an' the lad's a wee indiscrete."

 

[jmucchiello]

"I picked up on that," Lorella says.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: Fern (Mini-Sheet)

HP: 18/18 AC: 14 (Leather)	Bardic Inspiration: 3/3 (1d6)	Skills	Spell Slots: 1st: [ ] [ ] [ ]
Pass Per: 13 Pass Inv: 12 Pass Ins: 11	SPELL SVE DC: 13	Arcana: 4 Deception;7 Disguise :5	Cantrips Minor Illusion; Vicious Mockery
STATS: STR:8- DEX:16+3 CON:12+1 INT:14+2 WIS:12+1 CHA:16+3	SAVES: STR:-1 DEX:+5 CON:+1 INT:+2 WIS:+1 CHA:+5	Perform: 5 Persuasion:5 Perception:3 Sl of Hnd: 5 Stealth: 5 Thief Tool:5	Known Spells 1st Animal Friendship Comprehend Languages, Detect Magic, Heroism, Sleep,

---

“Indiscreet?”

Fern was offended. He’d specifically asked if they should be discreet and was told they weren’t being secretive. Sure, he’d been blunt to the elf but that was to put her on the spot to gather information. It’s not like he announced it to the whole room.

It would be a difficult job proving he was useful. But seeming useless was probably his best asset. They’d figure that out eventually.

“I’m going to eat and get my room.”

---

 

[Helmsman01]

"Sounds to be a good ideal." Scrinner says a hint of mirth in his face. "You lads have a few big days ahead of you and not the comfort of lounging in a boat."

OOC: If everyone is all set, I'll post up the next day. And maybe even reward some RP XP. Hmmm enough to lvl up? APRIL FOOLS. lol

 

[Neurotic]

"So, we're going out tomorrow. With the lady showing us the way?" Amil checks once more before getting up "I will dislike tomorrow, horses are too unstable for reading. I'm going to bed."

 

[Helmsman01]

Fire Trees

After a good night's rest, the group meets in the common room for breakfast. Ham, eggs, and hot bread warm their bellies and get them ready for the day ahead. Scrinner finishes very early and leaves to go back to the boat, muttering about making sure things get done correctly.

After breakfast Lorella leads the group to where the caravan is camped outside the town. In the daylight Fire Trees looks like it is recovering from a siege. Most of the buildings are just skeletal outlines with a group of men climbing over it hammering and sawing. The trees are unique each one covered in what looks like red moss. But for the most part the sounds and smells are that of any other town found throughout the realms. Dogs bark, children play, and the smell of cookfires fill the air.

Reaching the caravan park, it looks half empty as the carts are all along the river. The few people still there are packing tents and other camping supplies. While two men saddle horses along a hitch-line. It is to the horses that the wood elf lass leads the group. After a short word everyone is given a horse to familiar themselves with, and a draft horse for storing their extra supplies (which are oddly just books).

As Amil studies his horse dubiously, the two men from yesterday show up behind him, hats in hand. "Shaffa," one says with reverence almost a whisper. "Shaffa. Please help us." Amil turns to see a women eyes red from hours of crying holding a baby wrapping in a blanket. The babies breathing is a hoarse wheezing as it struggles to breath. "Please help my son."

______________________________________________________________________

Fort Wheelan

Aridrish enjoyed a feast at Commander Belroin's table. The night filled with toasts and honors but with little talk. In the morning he found the two leaders speaking together over mugs and joined them at the commanders invitation. "I was hoping last nights jovility didn't bring you low." the commander said in jest his smile as broad as ever. "I wanted to personally invite you on todays hunt."

"Belroin is after a pig that has eluded him for years," Captain Torngrim says eyeing his friend. "He thinks you might be the luck he needs to finally bring him down."

"Yes. Yes! A head for my wall and a roast to send off the supply run when they get here." the man says rubbing his hands together in anticapation.

 

[Neurotic]

Fire Trees
As Amil studies his horse dubiously, the two men from yesterday show up behind him, hats in hand. "Shaffa," one says with reverence almost a whisper. "Shaffa. Please help us." Amil turns to see a women eyes red from hours of crying holding a baby wrapping in a blanket. The babies breathing is a hoarse wheezing as it struggles to breath. "Please help my son."

Amil looks at the little creature. His knowledge of human diseases is lacking. But he knows someone who might be a bit better at it. Still, minor healing is easy.

"Come here, let's have a look at him. I am not the best with insidious disease, but...Mardoc!" extending his arms toward the mother "May I? What's his name?" as he takes the baby and bows over it...him...the hand under the baby shines for moment and the baby grows stronger. But the sickness is still inside.

As Mardoc comes closer "Sa hwea, the son is sick. I cannot remove the affliction, only strengthen the child. Can you do something?"

While Mardoc takes a look at the child Amil is open to the parents.
"I am not yet powerful enough to just pull the sickness out of him. And we're going out. I'm gonna pray with and for the boy and beseech help. I need full name, date of birth or as close as you can tell. When did the problems start and how?"

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: Fern (Mini-Sheet)

HP: 18/18 AC: 14 (Leather)	Bardic Inspiration: 3/3 (1d6)	Skills	Spell Slots: 1st: [ ] [ ] [ ]
Pass Per: 13 Pass Inv: 12 Pass Ins: 11	SPELL SVE DC: 13	Arcana: 4 Deception;7 Disguise :5	Cantrips Minor Illusion; Vicious Mockery
STATS: STR:8- DEX:16+3 CON:12+1 INT:14+2 WIS:12+1 CHA:16+3	SAVES: STR:-1 DEX:+5 CON:+1 INT:+2 WIS:+1 CHA:+5	Perform: 5 Persuasion:5 Perception:3 Sl of Hnd: 5 Stealth: 5 Thief Tool:5	Known Spells 1st Animal Friendship Comprehend Languages, Detect Magic, Heroism, Sleep,

---

Horus.

That was the name of Fern’s new horse and, to Fern, he was majestic. Sure, he was smaller than the other horses - except, maybe, Mardoc’s short stocky horse, but Fern could tell Horus was of noble lineage. It was true that the name Horus was a very common name and, maybe, even a silly name for a horse but Fern was certain Horus's True Name was probably Fantastic and Noble. Fern wanted get Mardoc to ask Horus his True Name but the boy chose not to. Besides the fact that the dwarf would probably give him the True Name of the saddle ('Every object has a name!' boooring), Mardoc only seemed to get annoyed at Fern’s questions and, generally, only answered half of them anyways. Maybe the Emerald Enclave was a secretive organization and the dwarf didn’t appreciate Fern’s constant prying.

Fern had been keeping to himself all morning. Firstly, Fern seemed to end up in trouble when he asked too many questions(or followed Mardoc’s advice); secondly, Darrock had been giving him the cold shoulder since the incident on the boat, and; lastly Lorella's calm demeanor intimidated him.

Instead, he doted on his new horse and triple checked that he had everything he needed. He'd bought a tent and some warmer clothes and, once he was sure that everything was tied securely to his saddle-bags, the boy gingerly took Benny out of his pocket,

“Benny, Horus. Horus, Benny”

After their introduction Fern mounted his Mighty Steed. He sat for a moment watching Amil and Mardoc help the baby and, witnessing the attention they got, Fern sighed inwardly, again wondering why Delenir had chosen him to go on this quest. I don't know anything about babies.

Come on Horus, let’s go! I have a song for you. My grandma..or my dad - I don’t remember - used to sing it. It’s about a magical Carousel in the Fey Wild.

It was a silly, whimsical song and Fern sang it quietly to his horse(and Benny) while he watched all the interesting people in the caravan make their preparations.

---

Spoiler: OOC

Spoiler: Fern's song

Credit: Burl Ives

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: OOC

I forgot to add that Fern is checking people other people out in the Caravan and eavesdropping.
Roll to check out caravan people: 1D20 = [12] = 12
If Perception or Investigation: 15
If Insight: 14

 

[FitzTheRuke]

Mardoc looked at the baby. Like Amil before him, he was not good with babies. His own were grown and he hadn't been around much when they were young (which was why their mother had barely spoke to Mardoc these many years). Human babies were even less familiar to him.

"I'm nae sure what can be doon," he said softly, "Does'ee take his food?"

OOC: Medicine? Untrained, mind: WIS Check: 1D20+3 = [13]+3 = 16

 

[Neurotic]

While Mardoc checked the baby, Amil took some books from his pack and started quickly flipping through them, comparing something between the two and finally settling on two pages in two books. He patiently waits for Mardoc to finish his examination and for parents to answer the questions.

 

[Helmsman01]

The healing from Amil strengthens the baby for a few moments. it's breathing a little better. The mother smiles and holds the boy so Mardoc can see him. At the question the woman shakes her head sadly. "He eats so little. I think it's hard for him to drink and breath, always coughing up most of the milk in his mouth."

Mardoc remembers a similar time when a young mastiff pup had nearly the same symptoms as these. The shaman had a little girl spoon fed the pup, noting it was hungry and greedily trying to drink more than it could fit in its mouth and thus coughing up more than it actually drank. The druid couldn't remember the name of the condition but did remember it had something to do with swelling in the throat. Slow and steady that was the key, a mouthful at a time letting the patient breath in-between bites.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

"The lad may yet recover," Mardoc told the parents, "But ye must be patient. 'Tis a swelling of the throat. Make sure he gets a little fluid at a time and don't rush him."

"Here," he said, fumbling about in a pouch, "Take these and crush them into the lad's milk. Only a small bit will fill'im full. You may take one or two yourselves, if you are too busy watching after him t'cook."

He gave the mother ten goodberries blessed with the power to fill a grown man.

 

[Neurotic]

"Let me try something." Amil consulted the books he opened once more.

He knelt down, making a quick drawing of an eye. He lit a candle so that from his perspective the flame of the candle made a pupil of the eye.
"Put the child down, please."
Unwrapping the child so he exposes its neck and chest, Amil cuts his thumb, just enough so he can use the welling blood to draw a line.
He quickly drew a stylized candle on the chest and a small eye on the neck above it with his own blood, red with golden glint.
"Hwe so sialscel sito oun scribe, Deneir, so flip si glyphs ward unm can ou cocktho unm um sooth ounn am co sem enmel im co ol, ca un sooth ca siamtlem, tith, flit ou flian."

As he finished the ritual, he drew another rune, one representing the child's name. Once completed, he immediately erased it, it is no good for it to be visible to all. But long enough for the gods to read it.

OOC: I'm not going to describe the effects, it's up to DM to decide if this is worth something Also, if more blood or wealth (as sacrifice) is needed, assume it is done

Spoiler: Celestial

May the attention of The First Scribe, Deneir, The Lord of Glyphs ward your life and remember your One True Name so you can live as you are, to be true to yourself, healthy, wealthy and wise.

 

[Helmsman01]

As the assimar begins to chat a golden halo surrounds his body, beathing the baby in a warm yellow glow.. The father holds the mother tightly as they watch on, eyes filled with tears. A small crowd starts to gather attracted by the light.

The mantra continues for a few minutes, and then as Amil wipes away the true name rune from the baby's forehead it appears to everyone that the golden glow passes from the warlock into the child. When the glow finally dies away, there comes a happy coo from the baby on the ground.

With a cry of joy the baby's mother scoops up the child and holds him high. Amil still sits on his knees on the ground visibly exhausted, by what transpired. "Oh, thank you! Thank you!" the women cries out happily, holding a healthy pink baby with bright blue eyes, and a happy grin. The crowd murmurs to each other about the miracle, nodding to themselves.

Spoiler: Amil

Notes: Gain one level of exhaustion and -20% XP
As you sit, still feeling the fatigue of channeling your patrons powers through yourself, you hear a voice meant only for you. "Well done my disciple, your sacrifice will not go unrewarded. Take up the tome for it is now blessed and will serve you well in the future. And know that as you grow in strength things like this will become easier for you."

[DM] Amil casts lesser restoration. [/DM]

 

[Neurotic]

Amil wearily gets up, clutching the book to his chest.
"Give him one of the berries Mardoc gave you. It will strengthen him and undo some of the missed meals. Don't force him to eat today. Give thanks to Deneir in Oghma's temple. Go in peace." He signs a blessing over the family and turns away.
He clambers upon his horse and turns it toward the exit. Apparently, he only now sees the crowd.
"What now?! Nothing to see here! Back to work!"

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: Fern (Mini-Sheet)

HP: 18/18 AC: 14 (Leather)	Bardic Inspiration: 3/3 (1d6)	Skills	Spell Slots: 1st: [ ] [ ] [ ]
Pass Per: 13 Pass Inv: 12 Pass Ins: 11	SPELL SVE DC: 13	Arcana: 4 Deception;7 Disguise :5	Cantrips Minor Illusion; Vicious Mockery
STATS: STR:8- DEX:16+3 CON:12+1 INT:14+2 WIS:12+1 CHA:16+3	SAVES: STR:-1 DEX:+5 CON:+1 INT:+2 WIS:+1 CHA:+5	Perform: 5 Persuasion:5 Perception:3 Sl of Hnd: 5 Stealth: 5 Thief Tool:5	Known Spells 1st Animal Friendship Comprehend Languages, Detect Magic, Heroism, Sleep,

---

Over the journey, Fern went among the people doing whatever he could to cure his boredom. Fortunately, his horse moved faster than the wagons and he was able to move up and down the wagon train with ease.

Sometimes he would just sit on his horse and play his tin whistle. He used to know many songs and using the hours to remember them passed the time well.

Other times he'd talk with two twin sisters, Lilly and Amber Voss, who were his age. He'd often see them running messages between the caravans. "Can I help? I can go super easily on my horse. His name is Horus." Maybe, if they were nice, they could play games like hide and seek or twenty questions in the evening.

At one point during the first day, he stopped to talk with Mardoc, "I'm glad I have Horus because, when we get attacked by Ash giants and gargoyles, he'll be really fast. I noticed that one of Mr. Colt's horses - see, he's the half-elf over there - one of his horses is a bit lame. You just can't tell because there's two horses on his wagon. But I think he won't be able to run away. Especially from gargoyles."

---

 

[FitzTheRuke]

"What makes ye think we're going to be attacked by gargoyles, of all things?" Mardoc asked Fern, "Or ash giants? I do nae ken any ash giants. Are they in one o'yer wee books?"

When Fern pointed out the lame horse, Mardoc watched that wagon for awhile, to see if the lad was making it up, or if he had an eye for that sort of thing. He patted his pony, Missy, glad that she was young, hearty, and strong.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: Fern (Mini-Sheet)

HP: 18/18 AC: 14 (Leather)	Bardic Inspiration: 3/3 (1d6)	Skills	Spell Slots: 1st: [ ] [ ] [ ]
Pass Per: 13 Pass Inv: 12 Pass Ins: 11	SPELL SVE DC: 13	Arcana: 4 Deception;7 Disguise :5	Cantrips Minor Illusion; Vicious Mockery
STATS: STR:8- DEX:16+3 CON:12+1 INT:14+2 WIS:12+1 CHA:16+3	SAVES: STR:-1 DEX:+5 CON:+1 INT:+2 WIS:+1 CHA:+5	Perform: 5 Persuasion:5 Perception:3 Sl of Hnd: 5 Stealth: 5 Thief Tool:5	Known Spells 1st Animal Friendship Comprehend Languages, Detect Magic, Heroism, Sleep,

---

Fern frowned, figuring he'd done something wrong again.

"No, not from the books. Do you really want to know?

 

[FitzTheRuke]

"Aye, I shoold nae have asked, had I nae wanted an answer."