Fractures [closed]

[ @Ell (Tav: Rosie and Co.) @Clara - Tav: Mim / Anareya @Steffi 🍄 [Tavs:Mushroom Mob] @Alvilda (Tav: Helaena+) @Wicked ( Tav:Mitch ) ]

4

Alvilda (Tav: Helaena+)

alvilda_

Clara - Tav: Mim / Anareya

claraoswaldttv

Steffi 🍄 [Tavs:Mushroom Mob]

.mushrooming

Ell (Tav: Rosie and Co.)

polarized2023

Close

An autumnal calm bathes the Wilds of the Sword Coast in low, easy sunlight. As leaves fall from the trees, the ground begins to shake. The Emerald Grove; a well known and inviting rest stop for travellers and adventurers, trembles from its very foundations. Leaves are shaken from the trees and animals bleat and cry and roar as stone moves, and the earth gives a mighty roar. It lasts perhaps no more than a few seconds… but feels as though it may never end. Slabs break, wooden structures creak and supplies tumble and break. This is not the first tremor that has shaken the grove, but it is the first time it has happened twice in one day. The Archdruid, in their wisdom, has asked their close friend A’lorisin Silverleaf to assemble any volunteers who might wish to investigate these strange quakes. As you gather, in the wake of the trembling earth, you feel a sense of trepidation, and an unnerving feeling that there may be more to this than first meets the eye…

The druid is an odd creature. He’s strangely tall even for a wood elf, rangey one might say, with a sweep of green hair and skin an almost blushed purple shade… as if there might be a little bit of the faewild in him. Loris is slow, which makes his moniker rather apt. He is slow to move, slow to write things down, and slow in speech. Nothing is a rush for him, likely due to his own longevity… or perhaps he just doesn’t encounter things worth rushing about. He waits in the cool sunlight, his glaive strapped to his back, as he examines a map drawn of this stretch of wilderness.

Symon taps his foot, resisting the urge to check the blades of his knives for the umpteenth time. He's eager to set out, and soon.

Morgana shifts her weight from one foot to the other, hip popped out and arms crossed over her chest before she checks the chambers of her pistols for the fourth time

A short distance away, just on the verge of falling outside the gathering stands a short thin woman with a mess of tangled hair. She's dressed in the standard druid summit that all the other druids in the grove wear. She studies Lori's, waiting to see what he'll do next, she thinks something feels familiar, something Fey..

The little half elf stands with the loosely formed group, taking a moment to look over the others that gathered as well. Getting a sense of who her traveling partners were going be. She leans to take a look at the map the large Druid held. Curious as a puppy. “So where do you figure we’re heading?”

Loris blinks. Slowly. Then looks up at the half elf…. Slowly. “… I don’t know.” He says. “Though under the ground seems… a good idea.” He looks up, as if sensing the wind... As if the wind is going to tell him where to go.

“Underground?” Morgs raises an eyebrow, taking a peek at the map over Loris’s shoulder

"The Underdark, then?" Symon chimes in. "Or not quite that far down?" He's never been to the Underdark. He feels his curiosity piqued. The adventures are one of his favorite things about his job. Seeing new places, meeting new people, trying new things...

“I am… open to other suggestions.” The druid says quietly. “If anyone has other ideas as to where the tremors might come from.” He looks at the gathering, one by one. It seems he is keen to pool everyone’s combined ideas.

She looks around the group with large eyes as everyone starts speaking. "Do we know where abouts to look in this *Underdark*?" Her voice is soft and carefule, nearly a whisper. Maybe no one heard, and she can just follow what everyone else decides

“Makes sense, I suppose.” She concedes, tilting her head. Mitch had never travelled to the place where her mother once resided. It was strange to think that her first venture down below was going to be with a bunch of strangers. “It would give us the best vantage point to see if we can figure out whatever it is thats causing the quakes, if nothing else.”

“Yeah. It’s definitely a place to start” she nods, “Never been to the Underdark. Or places like it”

A sickly-looking half elf has been standing near the back of the group. Silent. But talks of the Underdark have piqued his interest. “Oh…? Are we going to the Underdark? It’s not unusual for seismic activity up on the Surface to originate from down there. Plenty of large creatures, shifting rock formations, and all that.” And that’s as many words as he feels like saying for now.

Loris’ attention shifts to the elf at the back. One of his ears twitches like an owl. “You know the Underdark?” He asks. “That will be helpful. First… we should introduce ourselves.” He reaches to carefully sweep his deep green hair behind his ear. “My name is Loris. I am who has been assigned from the grove to accompany you all. I can help to be your eyes.” He offers, dipping in a shallow bow.

“Morgana Moore. You can call me Morgs” she mirrors his bow, smirk curving up her lips

He stands a bit slouched, his eyes focused nowhere in particular. “Agaricus. I live down there most of the time. The Underdark, I mean.”

The leatherclad rogue raises a hand in a lazy greeting. "Symon. Occasionally Sy, if you don't hate my guts." He flicks a small knife into the air, catching it by its hilt on the descent, in a smooth, practised motion. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

She stands silent for a moment before she realises people are waiting for her to speak. "Oh, ehm, I'm Mim.. just Mim.." It's not a question, but her inflection still makes it sound like one.

Loris tilts his head. Like a curious bird. “You… don’t sound sure.”

She looks confused at his comment. Her hands fidget nervously. "I'm.. eh, no.. my name is Mim, I'm sure." It still sounds like a question. She's nervous, not used to being around people, let alone speaking to them..

“Are you? Sounded like a question rather than a statement” the pirate adjusts her hat, perking up its feather with a quick flick of its tip

She glances at the tall muscular woman quickly, eyes wide. Morgana Morgs is quite intimidating to the 1,60m rail thin Mim. "Oh, ehm, sorry?" She mumbles.

She shrugs “It’s not my place to assume your security in your identity, darlin’. But, your introduction was more…questioning than assuring. Self-asserting”

"Oh, okay.." She has no idea what Morgana Morgs said.. those were a lot of big words she'd never heard before

“Don’t worry. I won’t hold it against you” she winks, smirk glazing itself back onto her lips

He sighs as the tall pirate nags the at best very isolated and anxious, at worst simpleminded druid. Don't they have anything better to do? "Mim, Morgs, Loris," Symon lists off. "Got it."

She shoots Symon a smile as he says her name

She listens to each of them as they speak. Nodding with each introduction. “I’m Michelle. But you guys can call me Mitch though, if it’s easier.”

“Mitch it is. Nice to meet you” she gives her a tip of her hat

> Reply to: @Michelle Sunpiercer (@Wicked ( Tav:Mitch )) > She listens to each of them as they speak. Nodding with each introduction. “I’m Michelle. But you guys can call me Mitch though,... "But which would you prefer, love?" Symon asks, just a hint of smarminess in his tone.

She gives the man a smile in the face of the smarmy attitude. Unperturbed. “I do prefer Mitch.”

Agaricus just... rolls his eyes. Symon is mildly annoying to him. He stays silent, drawing a fern in his journal.

“Pretty name for a pretty girl” the pirate notes simply, indifferent before taking a swig from her hip flask

“If we are all acquainted, we should begin.” Loris adjusts his glaive on his back. “I can scout for you, but I do not know the way into the Underdark and we may encounter more tremors.” He says slowly. “And the roads may not be as clear as we would hope.”

Ahem. ”There are plenty of hidden passageways to the Underdark all over Toril. I’m sure even out here, we could find one…”

“Do you know where would be best to begin?” Loris asks, his head tipping curiously from one side to the other.

”Around here…?” He takes in his surroundings. “I’m not very familiar with the surface. But I could cross reference my map of the Underdark with a map of the corresponding surface region, if anyone has one…”

Loris hands over his own map, roughly and swiftly annotated as it is by himself and the archdruid.

> Reply to: @Michelle Sunpiercer (@Wicked ( Tav:Mitch )) > She gives the man a smile in the face of the smarmy attitude. Unperturbed. “I do prefer Mitch.” "Mitch it is." He returns her smile with a lopsided grin of his own.

He studies his two maps for quite a while. Soon, he circles two spots on Loris’s map. “So, there are two entryways I can see just from the map…” The first spot circled is an area in an old village. [Blighted village entrance] The second spot circled is further west. [Goblin camp entrance] “I will say, a lot of entrances to the Underdark are a bit convoluted to find, especially out here. So while we have a vague idea of where we could enter, it might take some creative thinking to actually get down there.” “Um… I guess this first spot seems closer to where we are currently. But, I don’t want to take the lead here or anything. I’m happy to hear everyone’s opinion… plus, maybe we need to prepare? Not that I want to speak for anyone…” He stops talking rather suddenly.

She's repeating everyone's name in her head, Morgana Moore Morgs, Symon Sy, Michelle Mitch, Agaricus, Loris.. She doesn't know why, but it seems rude to forget one of them. She steps a little closer, still at an odd distance to everyone else and rubs at her sternum. She's never seen a map before and she's curious, but still a little too scared to stand next to the rest. She nods when Agaricus suggests preparing, that sounds like a good idea.. She should probably ask.. "What is this Underdark? I, eh, I don't know.."

For a moment, he shoots Mim an incredulous look, before returning his face into a neutral expression. “Um. The Underdark is a massive region located underground. A vast network of caves and tunnels that spans the entire planet.” He resists the urge to admonish her for not knowing this. There wouldn’t be a point.

“Once we have a heading, we can gather supplies and begin to make way.” The druid nods.

“What needs gathering? I’ll see what I can swipe”

He shrugs, shifting the strap of his pack minutely. He's got food enough for at least a tenday and gear for almost anything in his Bag of Holding. Not that he sees any need to offer to share. Not yet, at least.

“Take a few moments all of you, if you wish to gather supplies. I will head for the gate.” The druid draws a steady breath in and *poof*, assumes the shape of a dappled white and brown horned owl. He takes flight, swooping up and out of the Emerald Grove.

the grove is quiet, save for the breaks in the buildings and stone caused by the tremors. There are some supplies to be found rooting around, but nothing of any real note. The roads that wind through the wilderness await.

She holds onto the strap of her bag that hung over her torso. Already full of all the supplies she would need for the trip, and even some that she might not need but wanted to have on hand just in case. She had figured everyone would have already come prepared to go. “I actually have everything I need already.” She says with a little shrug. “But if you lot still to get stuff we can all meet at the gate when you’re finished.”

Mim shows up to the gate, anything she needs is tied to her her belt with strings, some herbs, some potions. She doesn't carry a backpack, and she doesn't seem to be carrying any food. Her eyes flick between the ground and the gate. She's excited to go, ready to leave the busy grove behind and go back out into the wilds. She's kicking a lump in the ground, waiting for the others to arrive. She only really needed to prepare any spells she might need.

In his owl form, the druid perches on a fence post. He’s a handsome bird, though much less verbose than the elven Loris… who isn’t particularly talkative. Big, inquisitive orange eyes fix on Mim. She had something of the Faewild about her. It piqued his curiosity.

Symon’s standing by, ready to go.

Morgs is checking how much ammunition she has, patting down her coat as she checks for her flask. She grins when she finds it’s where she left it

As the others gather, she points to Loril in Owl form. "That's not an Owl.." She thinks she can sense a similar energy to Loris from the owl, but she's not sure, so she doesn't mention it

“…It’s not? Looks like one to me”

Loris looks at Morgana reproachfully. Almost incredulously.

“…Maybe you’re right, Mim”

“Oh that’s just Loris.” She says, hitching her bag up her shoulder. “Remember? He turned into an owl before telling us to meet here.”

>Mim: She frowns at Morgana "I wouldn't say it if I wasn't?"

She frowns at Morgana "I wouldn't say it if I wasn't?"

He faces away from everyone and just rolls his eyes. Can’t they tell Loris is just in wild shape? Thankfully, Mitch speaks up before he has to. Well, he’s ready to get this show on the road.

“Ah! Yes! You’re right” she turns to Mim “It’s a very convincing owl”

Loris looks at the pirate. An unblinking stare. Sometimes it baffles his ancient mind how some people manage to remember to put their underwear on before their trousers. He screeches with a ruffle of his feathers as he takes to the air, rising up to the winch at the top of the gate and *poof*.

The elf, now materialised, reaches out with his stringy arms to pull the wheels and open the gate, clunking and banging as it’s pulled up to let the cool autumnal air break through from the world outside.

Symon had thankfully remained quiet, so he hasn’t made too much of a fool of himself. “Shall we?” He suggests, sheathing the knife he’d been absently toying with with a silly little flourish.

“Let’s shall.” She nods, heading out through the open gate. It was such a beautiful day out, almost hard to believe that there could be something nefarious going on under their feet.

“Let’s go” she smirks, following Mitch, coat trailing behind her

She holds her quarterstaff a little tighter, takes a deep breath, and walks through the gate without a word. She doesn't really know what the right response is, and everyone is saying different things so she doesn't know what to repeat.

With a flutter, Loris takes his own form for a moment just to flap down onto the road. He looks back at the group, and offers an honest smile. “Are… are you all travellers? Adventurers?”

“Of…sorts! I am a pirate, originally”

”Sure, let’s call it that,” Symon agrees. Harpers are a form of adventurers, after all.

"Ehm, I guess I'm a traveller? I've kind of just been walking.." *She's still speaking like everything is a sentence, the only time she didn't was when she mentioned the owl wasn't an owl."

“A pirate?” She asks curiously looking back at the woman in question. “Bit far away from the sea, aren’t you?”

“I got caught wind of a large dragon hoard near here. Abandoned. Thought it was worth a look”

“Oh?” She nods, as if it all made total sense. “Have you found it?”

“If I did, I would’ve bolted by now. Still holding out hope. Can’t buy whiskey with…” she looks in her gold pouch and counts the coins “….six gold. Not the kind I like to drink, anyway”

As Morgs an Mitch are talking Mim leans over to Symon. He seems nice and like he knows about stuff.. "Symon Sy, what's a pirate?" Her voice is usually soft, so the others probably wouldn't hear

“Ahh, expensive taste.” She laughs lightly. “I can appreciate that in a good whiskey.”

“Girl after my own heart” she smirks, chuckling before offering out her flask “Have a sip”

”Uh, I’m a researcher… with the Society of Brilliance.” That’s enough of an answer.

She reaches over for the proffered flask and gives it a sniff before taking a drink from it. “Hmm, nice. Wyvern Whiskey?” She asks, handing the flask back.

> Reply to: @Mim (@Clara - Tav: Mim / Anareya) > As Morgs an Mitch are talking Mim leans over to Symon. He seems nice and like he knows about stuff.. "Symon Sy, what's a pirat... Symon frowns at her, genuinely confused. Why on Toril was this girl calling him “Symon Sy” of all things? “Uh, it’s like a highway robber but on the seas.” At Mim’s confused look, he elaborates. “Like, a thief? Pirates board other ships and steal their stuff.”

> Reply to: @Michelle Sunpiercer (@Wicked ( Tav:Mitch )) > She reaches over for the proffered flask and gives it a sniff before taking a drink from it. “Hmm, nice. Wyvern Whiskey?” She a... “Yeah! You got it” she tucks it away, back in its place in her coat

“I can certainly see why a dragons hoard would be appealing if that’s your drink of choice.” She chuckles, settling her hands back to clutching the strap of her bag.

“My favourite creatures. I love dragons”

> Reply to: @Symon Cresswell (@Alvilda (Tav: Helaena+)) > Symon frowns at her, genuinely confused. Why on Toril was this girl calling him “Symon Sy” of all things? “Uh, it’s like a high... She's still confused. Thief, stealing? "Are they taking more stuff then they are supposed to?"

> Reply to: @Mim (@Clara - Tav: Mim / Anareya) > She's still confused. Thief, stealing? "Are they taking more stuff then they are supposed to?" ”I guess that depends who you ask? But if you ask, say, the people losing their stuff, then yeah they’d probably tell you pirates can get fucked,” Symon elaborates, happily unaware he’s probably confusing poor Mim further.

> Reply to: @Symon Cresswell (@Alvilda (Tav: Helaena+)) > ”I guess that depends who you ask? But if you ask, say, the people losing their stuff, then yeah they’d probably tell you pirate... She frowns. Maybe she made a mistake asking Symon. It's clear he knows a lot, but she's not any closer to understanding a pirate, except that they take stuff at sea. Maybe that's all there is to it though? Maybe she's making this more difficult than it needs to be. She decides there's no need for nuance in this situation, no moral implications (not that she knows that that is). You take stuff, you're a thief, you take stuff at sea, you're a pirate. And that's okay. Her frown disappears and she nods. "I get it." She smiles at him

> Reply to: @Mim (@Clara - Tav: Mim / Anareya) > She frowns. Maybe she made a mistake asking Symon. It's clear he knows a lot, but she's not any closer to understanding a pirate... Symon returns the smile, still a bit confused. But something about Mim… well, he’ll admit it, her genuine curiosity and confusion reminds him of his little sister, Laena, especially when she was a bit younger, and frequently confused by complex social interactions. Or when she was young enough she straight up just asked a million questions about everything. “But why?” had been a frequent refrain in most of his youth.

Loris listens as he walks. He’s a quiet soul, contributing little to the conversation.

Ahead, the path diverges. One route leads to a village, once blighted and abandoned but slowly rising from its grim fate to start anew. The other, to an old temple of Selune nestled in the rocky hillside. Both paths appear clear, and a choice is presented to the little group of adventurers.

Loris’ first instinct is to look to Agaricus. “Do you know which way might be best?” He asks curiously.

”An abandoned temple seems safer than whatever cave is down underneath that village… not that the temple will be safe, by any means. But a structure built by man is much more predictable, no?” “Er, but no need to rely solely on my opinion.”

Loris nods. Regardless, he is grateful for the elf’s thoughts. He looks to the others. “What are your thoughts?”

The abandoned temple sounds like it has fewer people.. Fewer people sounds like the better option.. "Temple sounds good to me" It still sounds like a question*

"I'm fine either way," Symon opines agreeably. He doesn't really care as long as they get there. Still, cave ins can be pretty unpleasant. He'd honestly prefer whatever monsters might be found in an abandoned temple. He glances behind him to check on Mim. The strange girl seems at home in the wilderness, but... Well, his protective instincts are hard to turn off when triggered.

“Abandoned temple! Maybe there’s some idols or shit we can swipe. For The Whiskey Fund”