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Session Stories - Moments in Roleplaying (updated 6/15/2023)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nthal" data-source="post: 8375447" data-attributes="member: 6971069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>Story XII - Favors and Fate - 8/17/2021</strong></p><p></p><p>The last rays of sunlight were fading quickly, as night settled into the small town of Daggerford. Most of the shops had closed their doors, while the River Shining and the Silver Flood Inn had thrown open their tap room doors to merchants and locals alike. Walking with a bemused smile on his face, a half-elf turned from Horse Way into Kauth Alley to a small building in the corner. It wasn’t much, a pair of rooms on the lower floor, and a loft to sleep in. Above the door hung a small sign with the letters “RKO” carved into it. But it was all his and his alone, tucked away from the bustle of the marketplace.</p><p></p><p>He walked to the door and pulled a key from his pouch and unlocked it. He then stepped inside talking aloud saying, "Another job, another way to keep the water on." But as he closed the door, his smug expression changed to that of shock. There behind his desk, seated on his chair was a familiar woman.</p><p></p><p>Her fine elven features were the mark of someone of high status. She had a short bob of silver hair, and her blue eyes were engrossed in reading a book from his shelf. The half-elf stood there in dumb silence for a moment. He then noticed that the woman was looking at not just any book, but his journal of adventures over the past year. As she looked it over her hand wrote notes on the margins with a quill stained with red ink.</p><p></p><p>"Evening Rafelor,” the woman said with a impish smile. “I see your story's style and your taste for embellishment haven't changed. Your penmanship is better though."</p><p></p><p>"Huh” Rafelor stammered. “Wha...Arnara?"</p><p></p><p>"Observation skills still on par too,” Anara noted as she wrote another comment in the journal.</p><p></p><p>Rafelor attempted to brush off his surprise and said indignantly, "You know, I paid good money for that desk!"</p><p></p><p>She looks up with a wan smile. "I see that, it’s nice. So is the chair. You are doing well for yourself," she said as she gestured to the room at large. Finished with her work, the journal floated to its normal spot on the shelf, and Arnara stood and walked around the edge of the room. "I hope you don't mind the...sudden intrusion."</p><p></p><p>"Hmph." Rafelor returns to a normal grin, “Tough luck, we just closed."</p><p></p><p>"So... asking a friend for a favor is out of the question?" A bottle of elven brandy grasped by a ghostly hand, floated out of a pouch on Arnara's hip, and landed on his desk.</p><p></p><p>"A favor, huh?" Rafelor walked towards his desk, kicking a chair from the other end of the room towards Arnara's...no HIS...desk and sat down upon it. "Perhaps some overtime wouldn't hurt. So, what's going on?"</p><p></p><p>Arnara turned her back to Rafelor, her head bowed. "It’s my twin...she's...she's was in a lot of pain when we first found her. And I thought bringing her home would help her,” Arnara said pausing as if she were trying to compose herself. “She’s…much worse now...and her mental state is unstable." Arnara turned to glance at Rafelor, "We seem to be sharing...a soul. But because of what—" She hit the wall with a closed fist "—the Sewn Sisters did...Its painful for her. Especially if I am in the same room,” and Arnara turned again looking away from Rafelor.</p><p></p><p>"Mmm..." Rafelor scratched his chin "That's not good."</p><p></p><p>Arnara nodded, "And... imagine for a moment, that Papazotl never stopped talking to you, in your head." Arnara looked down, her face tense. "That's what I am to her. Every thought, every action...floods into her. But she has thoughts and actions of her own. When we are together in the same room...she gets...confused...frustrated...violently so. It’s easier when I stay away...the farther...the more different...the better." Arnara said softly before turning to look at the half-elf. "That's why I need your help."</p><p></p><p>"So, what can I do?" Rafelor said, unclear what Arnara might ask for.</p><p></p><p>"I spoke with a number of my kin and we have some ideas on what can be done. My father and King Melandrach have already sent messengers to Evermeet. They believe that a spell of Elven High Magic can help her in a way that normal magic cannot. A ritual called <em>Akh'Faen'Tel'Quess</em>. But even when we find someone that is willing to help, we need to do something about my...our soul. The best chance would be to find something from the fallen empire of Netheril and their knowledge of necromancy, which are in two different places. One place of knowledge is Candlekeep. I want you to...help my twin reach Candlekeep and help her research the tomes there. She can pay the entry...but she needs...a lot of help. Moving around, climbing stairs, getting her fed, manipulating objects, helping her to the…those type of things."</p><p></p><p>Rafelor leaned back in his chair "Seems simple enough. Consider it done."</p><p></p><p>Arnara gives a Rafelor a sad smile. “You might want to wait a moment. Nothing is that simple. Because of what I will be doing...she may be at risk. And you as well. Remember our 'friend' in the Heart of Ubtao?"</p><p></p><p>Rafelor shifted his posture, suddenly leaning forward intrigued, "Yeah, I do. What about them?"</p><p></p><p>“I wasn't sure originally, but I confirmed through some of Eliana's friends that she worked for a Zulkir in Thay. Specifically, the Zulkir Szass Tam. He is the Zulkir of Necromancy, a powerful lich, and commands the Legion of Bone in Thay. He also has the largest collection of Necromantic knowledge since the fall of Netheril. And he isn't...exactly pleased with us."</p><p></p><p>"One of Acererak's buddies, I take it?"</p><p></p><p>Arnara shook her head with a smile "No... a competitor that is only a couple of centuries old. He wanted to capture and control the Soulmonger, remember. They are both similar in that they both collect phylacteries of other Liches to force them to serve. Although I think Acererak has a head start by several millennia on Szass Tam. But regardless, somewhere in Szass's vast libraries may be an answer that can help…us.” Arnara swallows as she looks at Rafelor, trying to maintain her calm. She crossed her arms across her chest as if chilled. "And... I’m going to go to Thay and find out if he does. I...I...may not come back from that."</p><p></p><p>Rafelor looked at Arnara for a moment, his mouth agape before he finally spoke, "...What? Hang on a second! You're not going alone, are you?"</p><p></p><p>Arnara shook her head again. "No... I am not. A contact has reached out to me, that has knowledge of Sszas Tam and wishes to weaken him. She has also found some others to help. But, I need to keep my twin safe. I cannot have her found and interrogated like the Sewn Sisters did to learn about the rest of our party. I don't want to risk Szass learning about me or others in the same way. And since all of us are known to the Zulkir, I can't take anyone else that travelled in the Chult with me. But I still need her safe.” Arnara looks away from Rafelor, her eyes closed. “And if I don't come back...well...she truly will be...Arnara."</p><p></p><p>The room was silent for a moment before Arnara turned to look at Rafelor again, “I don't know what will happen. But I am the only one that can afford the risk. And time isn't on my side...I don't know how long she can keep herself together."</p><p></p><p>"I'm...not sure I understand."</p><p></p><p>Arnara moved to Rafelor and took his hands. Rafelor noted that hers trembled as she spoke, "My...existence and hers are entwined or perhaps a better word is entangled. And as I said, I'm driving her...insane. And we have even less of an idea what happens if...one of us does die. We might be separate, or we might both pass on. And we don't know if what the hags did to link us is temporary or if we tried to break it and I were suddenly flooded with all her thoughts...I might lose myself. So...” She looked at Rafelor in the eyes, with her own starting to tear up. "I need you to stay with her. Keep her safe in Candlekeep. Be her researcher, her manservant, her guardian...and most of all, her friend and keep her sane. And hopefully...with some luck, either she or I find a way to separate ourselves from each other safely. Will you help her...me...us?" Arnara begged.</p><p></p><p>"I..uh..." he started with uncertainty.</p><p></p><p>"I know I may be asking a lot...most of this is not in your comfort zone."</p><p></p><p>Rafelor lets out a deep sigh, leaning against the desk. "You know I can't say no to something like this. But I can't say that I like it either."</p><p></p><p>Arnara nodded "It isn't fair to ask at all. And I don't like what's happening to us either. You <em><strong>can</strong></em> say no...but...you are the closest one to me; closer than most of my own family now. And you are the best possible stabilizing influence there may be for her. And if I don't survive...you can help her return to the forest for the <em>Akh'Faen'Tel'Quess</em>."</p><p></p><p>"So, she's staying here instead of the woods? That's fine. But in some sense, you won’t have anything to lose. I on the other hand..."</p><p></p><p>Arnara shooks her head. "She is in the Misty Forest staying with House Ustina. I got permission from King Melandrach for you to enter and escort her to Candlekeep. I have made arrangements for you to be guided in and out of the forest."</p><p></p><p>"That's gonna be a lot of round trips," Rafelor remarked.</p><p></p><p>"Well...you can stay a little while as a guest before you go. You might need to push her on my...her chair to see things. And I hear that Candlekeep does have a decent bar and inn in its walls...so there is that."</p><p></p><p>"How long are you going to be?"</p><p></p><p>"I don't exactly know. But...based on what was proposed, it won't be long. In fact, once we enter Thay we will have a very limited amount of time. Perhaps no more than a week or two. But we aren't ready to start yet...so the sooner you can get her to Candlekeep and keep her safe the better. Perhaps she will find something before I do...but..." Arnara turned away "I admit I am afraid. I was afraid to come here to ask you for this. And I am afraid on what I have to do. And afraid what might happen if I fail. But I don't seem to have a choice." She the suddenly turned and wrapped her arms around Rafelor, her head buried in his chest, as she openly sobbed.</p><p></p><p>"Hey, Hey. What's all this about?" Rafelor consoled the elf. “You already took down one lich, what makes you think you can't do another? Were you not the only one that challenged Acererak head on?"</p><p></p><p>Arnara shook her head still crying, “You have no idea how bad the last couple of weeks have been...how...<strong><em>broken</em></strong> she is. I... I thought we would have time to solve what's happening. But...it’s too fast...everything feels rushed. The Soulmonger was easy...this...this is so much more personal."</p><p></p><p>Rafelor sighed has he held Arnara. "No... sorry. You're right. The tomb was my trial. That was an evaluation of me determining whether or not I deserved to live. Despite my high doubts, I made it through to the end. As twisted as fate may be, perhaps you're in the same boat now? And if you are, then it's also possible that you could find many more answers than the ones you seek."</p><p></p><p>Still clutching Rafelor, the elf nodded "So little time..." She looked up at Rafelor whispering, “Thank you."</p><p></p><p>He shrugs “I haven’t done anything yet.”</p><p></p><p>"Yes...you have." Arnara pulled herself away and tried to compose yourself. "So... are you prepared for your most difficult trial yet?"</p><p></p><p>“Toughest trial yet? Given what we’ve been through already, I find that hard to believe.”</p><p></p><p>"I suppose <strong>that</strong> is a matter of perspective," a male voice said from the corner of the room. Stiffening up, Rafelor turned as he realized that Arnara wasn't alone. There leaning against the wall, was an older elf with long silvery hair and violet eyes. He wore a simple breastplate of mithral, and an elegant longsword hung on his hip. His features were as fine as Arnara’s and the family resemblance was clear; the same cheekbones and a similar jawline. But what stood out most was his bearing; he exuded confidence and authority as he looked at Rafelor with detached amusement.</p><p></p><p>"Rafelor,” Arnara said, backing away from the half-elf and gesturing at the second elf. “May I introduce you to your guide. This is the Sovereign of my House, Kylan Ustina.” Rafelor stood there, his mouth open wide as Arnara said the obvious.</p><p></p><p>“My father."</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><p></p><p>This is a collaborative story that a friend (aka Rafelor), the DM and I wrote over Discord as a filler between Arnara's adventures in Chult, and her moving to Thay. The story revolves around her clone, and the unintended consequences of not being killed by the hags when the players arrive.</p><p></p><p>But a little background is in order. Rafelor is technically Arnara's apprentice, having taught him to be a bladesinger during the course of Tomb of Annihilation. She did this, because Rafelor's player felt that the tomb was a personal challenge and that he was fighting to prove he was a person of value and this was Arnara's way of helping. During the adventure there was a lot of character development done with Arnara, and why she was adventuring and not at home with with her family in the Misty Forest.</p><p></p><p>The easy answer was that she was inspired by Myrai to do so. But the real reason has a lot to do with that the Ustina household is...a little broken. And simply put for reasons (that are being revealed in the next several posts) Arnara and her father Kylan do not get along, with Arnara being a perpetual disappointment to Kylan. I had always had that as part of Arnara's flaws that she "By my words and actions, I often bring shame to my family."</p><p></p><p>Ultimately this is a story about family, and the lengths they will go to support each other.</p><p></p><p>But its not all about her it turns out.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nthal, post: 8375447, member: 6971069"] [CENTER][B]Story XII - Favors and Fate - 8/17/2021[/B][/CENTER] The last rays of sunlight were fading quickly, as night settled into the small town of Daggerford. Most of the shops had closed their doors, while the River Shining and the Silver Flood Inn had thrown open their tap room doors to merchants and locals alike. Walking with a bemused smile on his face, a half-elf turned from Horse Way into Kauth Alley to a small building in the corner. It wasn’t much, a pair of rooms on the lower floor, and a loft to sleep in. Above the door hung a small sign with the letters “RKO” carved into it. But it was all his and his alone, tucked away from the bustle of the marketplace. He walked to the door and pulled a key from his pouch and unlocked it. He then stepped inside talking aloud saying, "Another job, another way to keep the water on." But as he closed the door, his smug expression changed to that of shock. There behind his desk, seated on his chair was a familiar woman. Her fine elven features were the mark of someone of high status. She had a short bob of silver hair, and her blue eyes were engrossed in reading a book from his shelf. The half-elf stood there in dumb silence for a moment. He then noticed that the woman was looking at not just any book, but his journal of adventures over the past year. As she looked it over her hand wrote notes on the margins with a quill stained with red ink. "Evening Rafelor,” the woman said with a impish smile. “I see your story's style and your taste for embellishment haven't changed. Your penmanship is better though." "Huh” Rafelor stammered. “Wha...Arnara?" "Observation skills still on par too,” Anara noted as she wrote another comment in the journal. Rafelor attempted to brush off his surprise and said indignantly, "You know, I paid good money for that desk!" She looks up with a wan smile. "I see that, it’s nice. So is the chair. You are doing well for yourself," she said as she gestured to the room at large. Finished with her work, the journal floated to its normal spot on the shelf, and Arnara stood and walked around the edge of the room. "I hope you don't mind the...sudden intrusion." "Hmph." Rafelor returns to a normal grin, “Tough luck, we just closed." "So... asking a friend for a favor is out of the question?" A bottle of elven brandy grasped by a ghostly hand, floated out of a pouch on Arnara's hip, and landed on his desk. "A favor, huh?" Rafelor walked towards his desk, kicking a chair from the other end of the room towards Arnara's...no HIS...desk and sat down upon it. "Perhaps some overtime wouldn't hurt. So, what's going on?" Arnara turned her back to Rafelor, her head bowed. "It’s my twin...she's...she's was in a lot of pain when we first found her. And I thought bringing her home would help her,” Arnara said pausing as if she were trying to compose herself. “She’s…much worse now...and her mental state is unstable." Arnara turned to glance at Rafelor, "We seem to be sharing...a soul. But because of what—" She hit the wall with a closed fist "—the Sewn Sisters did...Its painful for her. Especially if I am in the same room,” and Arnara turned again looking away from Rafelor. "Mmm..." Rafelor scratched his chin "That's not good." Arnara nodded, "And... imagine for a moment, that Papazotl never stopped talking to you, in your head." Arnara looked down, her face tense. "That's what I am to her. Every thought, every action...floods into her. But she has thoughts and actions of her own. When we are together in the same room...she gets...confused...frustrated...violently so. It’s easier when I stay away...the farther...the more different...the better." Arnara said softly before turning to look at the half-elf. "That's why I need your help." "So, what can I do?" Rafelor said, unclear what Arnara might ask for. "I spoke with a number of my kin and we have some ideas on what can be done. My father and King Melandrach have already sent messengers to Evermeet. They believe that a spell of Elven High Magic can help her in a way that normal magic cannot. A ritual called [I]Akh'Faen'Tel'Quess[/I]. But even when we find someone that is willing to help, we need to do something about my...our soul. The best chance would be to find something from the fallen empire of Netheril and their knowledge of necromancy, which are in two different places. One place of knowledge is Candlekeep. I want you to...help my twin reach Candlekeep and help her research the tomes there. She can pay the entry...but she needs...a lot of help. Moving around, climbing stairs, getting her fed, manipulating objects, helping her to the…those type of things." Rafelor leaned back in his chair "Seems simple enough. Consider it done." Arnara gives a Rafelor a sad smile. “You might want to wait a moment. Nothing is that simple. Because of what I will be doing...she may be at risk. And you as well. Remember our 'friend' in the Heart of Ubtao?" Rafelor shifted his posture, suddenly leaning forward intrigued, "Yeah, I do. What about them?" “I wasn't sure originally, but I confirmed through some of Eliana's friends that she worked for a Zulkir in Thay. Specifically, the Zulkir Szass Tam. He is the Zulkir of Necromancy, a powerful lich, and commands the Legion of Bone in Thay. He also has the largest collection of Necromantic knowledge since the fall of Netheril. And he isn't...exactly pleased with us." "One of Acererak's buddies, I take it?" Arnara shook her head with a smile "No... a competitor that is only a couple of centuries old. He wanted to capture and control the Soulmonger, remember. They are both similar in that they both collect phylacteries of other Liches to force them to serve. Although I think Acererak has a head start by several millennia on Szass Tam. But regardless, somewhere in Szass's vast libraries may be an answer that can help…us.” Arnara swallows as she looks at Rafelor, trying to maintain her calm. She crossed her arms across her chest as if chilled. "And... I’m going to go to Thay and find out if he does. I...I...may not come back from that." Rafelor looked at Arnara for a moment, his mouth agape before he finally spoke, "...What? Hang on a second! You're not going alone, are you?" Arnara shook her head again. "No... I am not. A contact has reached out to me, that has knowledge of Sszas Tam and wishes to weaken him. She has also found some others to help. But, I need to keep my twin safe. I cannot have her found and interrogated like the Sewn Sisters did to learn about the rest of our party. I don't want to risk Szass learning about me or others in the same way. And since all of us are known to the Zulkir, I can't take anyone else that travelled in the Chult with me. But I still need her safe.” Arnara looks away from Rafelor, her eyes closed. “And if I don't come back...well...she truly will be...Arnara." The room was silent for a moment before Arnara turned to look at Rafelor again, “I don't know what will happen. But I am the only one that can afford the risk. And time isn't on my side...I don't know how long she can keep herself together." "I'm...not sure I understand." Arnara moved to Rafelor and took his hands. Rafelor noted that hers trembled as she spoke, "My...existence and hers are entwined or perhaps a better word is entangled. And as I said, I'm driving her...insane. And we have even less of an idea what happens if...one of us does die. We might be separate, or we might both pass on. And we don't know if what the hags did to link us is temporary or if we tried to break it and I were suddenly flooded with all her thoughts...I might lose myself. So...” She looked at Rafelor in the eyes, with her own starting to tear up. "I need you to stay with her. Keep her safe in Candlekeep. Be her researcher, her manservant, her guardian...and most of all, her friend and keep her sane. And hopefully...with some luck, either she or I find a way to separate ourselves from each other safely. Will you help her...me...us?" Arnara begged. "I..uh..." he started with uncertainty. "I know I may be asking a lot...most of this is not in your comfort zone." Rafelor lets out a deep sigh, leaning against the desk. "You know I can't say no to something like this. But I can't say that I like it either." Arnara nodded "It isn't fair to ask at all. And I don't like what's happening to us either. You [I][B]can[/B][/I] say no...but...you are the closest one to me; closer than most of my own family now. And you are the best possible stabilizing influence there may be for her. And if I don't survive...you can help her return to the forest for the [I]Akh'Faen'Tel'Quess[/I]." "So, she's staying here instead of the woods? That's fine. But in some sense, you won’t have anything to lose. I on the other hand..." Arnara shooks her head. "She is in the Misty Forest staying with House Ustina. I got permission from King Melandrach for you to enter and escort her to Candlekeep. I have made arrangements for you to be guided in and out of the forest." "That's gonna be a lot of round trips," Rafelor remarked. "Well...you can stay a little while as a guest before you go. You might need to push her on my...her chair to see things. And I hear that Candlekeep does have a decent bar and inn in its walls...so there is that." "How long are you going to be?" "I don't exactly know. But...based on what was proposed, it won't be long. In fact, once we enter Thay we will have a very limited amount of time. Perhaps no more than a week or two. But we aren't ready to start yet...so the sooner you can get her to Candlekeep and keep her safe the better. Perhaps she will find something before I do...but..." Arnara turned away "I admit I am afraid. I was afraid to come here to ask you for this. And I am afraid on what I have to do. And afraid what might happen if I fail. But I don't seem to have a choice." She the suddenly turned and wrapped her arms around Rafelor, her head buried in his chest, as she openly sobbed. "Hey, Hey. What's all this about?" Rafelor consoled the elf. “You already took down one lich, what makes you think you can't do another? Were you not the only one that challenged Acererak head on?" Arnara shook her head still crying, “You have no idea how bad the last couple of weeks have been...how...[B][I]broken[/I][/B] she is. I... I thought we would have time to solve what's happening. But...it’s too fast...everything feels rushed. The Soulmonger was easy...this...this is so much more personal." Rafelor sighed has he held Arnara. "No... sorry. You're right. The tomb was my trial. That was an evaluation of me determining whether or not I deserved to live. Despite my high doubts, I made it through to the end. As twisted as fate may be, perhaps you're in the same boat now? And if you are, then it's also possible that you could find many more answers than the ones you seek." Still clutching Rafelor, the elf nodded "So little time..." She looked up at Rafelor whispering, “Thank you." He shrugs “I haven’t done anything yet.” "Yes...you have." Arnara pulled herself away and tried to compose yourself. "So... are you prepared for your most difficult trial yet?" “Toughest trial yet? Given what we’ve been through already, I find that hard to believe.” "I suppose [B]that[/B] is a matter of perspective," a male voice said from the corner of the room. Stiffening up, Rafelor turned as he realized that Arnara wasn't alone. There leaning against the wall, was an older elf with long silvery hair and violet eyes. He wore a simple breastplate of mithral, and an elegant longsword hung on his hip. His features were as fine as Arnara’s and the family resemblance was clear; the same cheekbones and a similar jawline. But what stood out most was his bearing; he exuded confidence and authority as he looked at Rafelor with detached amusement. "Rafelor,” Arnara said, backing away from the half-elf and gesturing at the second elf. “May I introduce you to your guide. This is the Sovereign of my House, Kylan Ustina.” Rafelor stood there, his mouth open wide as Arnara said the obvious. “My father." [B]Notes:[/B] This is a collaborative story that a friend (aka Rafelor), the DM and I wrote over Discord as a filler between Arnara's adventures in Chult, and her moving to Thay. The story revolves around her clone, and the unintended consequences of not being killed by the hags when the players arrive. But a little background is in order. Rafelor is technically Arnara's apprentice, having taught him to be a bladesinger during the course of Tomb of Annihilation. She did this, because Rafelor's player felt that the tomb was a personal challenge and that he was fighting to prove he was a person of value and this was Arnara's way of helping. During the adventure there was a lot of character development done with Arnara, and why she was adventuring and not at home with with her family in the Misty Forest. The easy answer was that she was inspired by Myrai to do so. But the real reason has a lot to do with that the Ustina household is...a little broken. And simply put for reasons (that are being revealed in the next several posts) Arnara and her father Kylan do not get along, with Arnara being a perpetual disappointment to Kylan. I had always had that as part of Arnara's flaws that she "By my words and actions, I often bring shame to my family." Ultimately this is a story about family, and the lengths they will go to support each other. But its not all about her it turns out. [/QUOTE]
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Session Stories - Moments in Roleplaying (updated 6/15/2023)
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