(S065) Castle in the Clouds

The party strikes a deal with Relia and the Ashla, learns the cosmic secrets of Toril's orbital shield, trades with Volo at a crossroads, and narrowly survives a devastating night ambush by a colossal Roc.

📝 Session Summary

The Wild Cards were called The Menagerie by some until they came up with the name The Wild Cards.

• Barlo: A grizzled tabaxi barbarian who has been doing some work for a network that one should be wary of.
• Bastion: An orphan human who spent his life studying magic and blades, even though his elder pushed him away from the sword. He replaced Reginald.
• Calliope: This bardic faun joined the party late when she needed to find help to save her homeland.
• Reginald: A leonin cleric who was off to show his family's royal background and would later find out there were secrets leading to him becoming a king.
• Sas: A tortle hermit was given an item of power and a quest.
• Shadow in the Snow: This tabaxi got a coin, and her curiosity set her on a path.

🎬 Scenes

• Scene 1: Barlo's Backstory — From The Bronze Canyon in Kampos. Gave up Tabaxi name, "Smiles". Help move people. On way to Eushia to help Black Road with a client. Currently on ship near Carrune.
• Scene 2: Bastion's Backstory — When Bastion Bladesinger was very young he lost both of his parents to a plague. He took care of himself as he taught himself how to use the rapier his father once wore. He lived in Dyrt and watched all of the great knights. He also had an interest in the ways of magic and he wished he could do both – use swords and excel in magic – like many elves he had heard about.
• Scene 3: Calliope's Backstory — Calliope was born into the nestled highlands of the Oraniad Mountains. The Skola Vale, wild and free, blessed by the gods and inhabited by whimsical Satyr and Faun. Deep within it among the lush valley, reside the Dawngreets, a long generational line of storytellers and lore keepers.
• Scene 4: Reginald's Backstory — He was born at home, a modest-sized mansion where his family lived a modest means – even though his father could never stop talking about how they were royalty and yet this was the only lands they currently possess. His childhood was generally a happy one full of several friends. He was an only child.
• Scene 5: Sas' Backstory — Sas was born on the continent of Oth'Mar – a content mostly inhabited by Tortles and is far to the south of the Carrune Isles.
• Scene 6: Shadow's Backstory — Deep in the snowy mountains high in the north, there lived a large group of Tabaxi, The Blinding Wild Clan.

📜 Missions & Quests

• Completed:
  • Established individual party origins and initial connections to the world of Dierde.
• Active / Discovered Threads:
  • Barlo's ties to the smuggling rings and the Black Road.
  • Bastion's mysterious past and fallout with Grognard.
  • Calliope's quest to save the Skola Vale.
  • Reginald's pursuit of his family's royal mint commission and claim in Neyer.
  • Sas's vision of the Cat Goddess Bast and journey to find her lost lands.
  • Shadow's golden coin and mystical calling from her clan shaman.

NPCs

S065: Castle in the Clouds

Date: 2024-01-20

Short

The party camped near Solace with their companions and Relia's mysterious order, the Ashla, who hunted those who perverted magic. During the night, Shadow spotted two massive bird-like silhouettes with hundred-foot wingspans soaring to the east. The next morning, as Calliope reeled from discovering that Relia was her mother, the party negotiated a deal: Relia's order would track down Jacoby Drexel Hand in exchange for their mysterious chair. Relia then revealed crucial knowledge about their cosmos, using an intricate orrery to show their solar system, including the twelve deadly Searing zones, the planets Anadia and Coliar, and their own world Toril, protected by a fractured hex shield. She explained that the fracture at Dracorage was infested with dragons and introduced the Astronomers, a secretive group who maintained the shield and could grant access for space travel in exchange for knowledge.

After finalizing their deal and bidding farewell to Relia, the party journeyed toward Skullhaven and encountered Volo, an elderly merchant, at a crossroads. They traded extensively, exchanging their Brooch of Shielding and Ring of Mind Shielding for gold and purchasing magical supplies including chalks, inks, and potions. That night, a colossal Roc attacked their camp, grappling Barlo in its talons and lifting him into the air. The party fought fiercely, with Calliope's sonic blasts, Sas's necrotic energy, and Shadow's precise arrows ultimately bringing down the massive creature. After the battle, they harvested the Roc's valuable talons and continued their journey through rain toward Skullhaven, their cart laden with treasures and their minds filled with newfound cosmic knowledge.

Summary

The party settled into camp near Solace alongside their companions Remington and Jeets, as well as Relia's mysterious order. During Shadow's watch that night, he observed two massive bird-like silhouettes with wingspans estimated at one hundred feet soaring far to the east, reminiscent of creatures they had glimpsed before. The sighting was unsettling, but the night passed without incident.

As morning broke, the party grappled with their next steps. Calliope was reeling from the revelation that Relia was her mother, a truth she had only just discovered. The party debated whether to pursue Jacoby themselves or delegate the task to Relia's order, who specialized in hunting those who perverted magic. They decided to approach Relia with a proposal: her order would track Jacoby Drexel Hand, who used simulacrums and manipulated magic, and in exchange, the party would offer their mysterious chair as a reward.

Relia agreed to the arrangement, explaining that her order, the Ashla, followed the weave of magic and hunted the Bogan, individuals who twisted the shadowy weave for their own purposes. She assured the party that her network could locate Jacoby, though she noted that the Bogan were not typically found on their planet. The party used Assault's Magic Ball to inquire whether Jacoby had obtained the magic cube they sought, but the cryptic response—"don't count on it"—offered little clarity.

Later, Relia pulled Calliope aside for a private conversation. She revealed that her order's connection to the weave allowed her to perceive emotions and feelings, and she had sensed Calliope's turmoil. Relia confessed that she had made decisions in her past that, if discovered by her order, could put her at great risk. She admitted that Calliope was the result of one such decision, a revelation that left Calliope conflicted and uncertain. Shadow, acting as a supportive wingman, managed to eavesdrop on much of the conversation, while Sas caught only fragments. Artie, Bastion's loyal owlbear companion, nuzzled Calliope during the emotional exchange, offering silent comfort.

Before the party departed, Relia shared her knowledge of the cosmos. She produced a small, intricate orrery that projected a holographic model of their solar system. She explained the Searing, twelve massive dead zones that orbited the sun and destroyed any ship that ventured too close. She described the first three planets: a boiling world of fire, Anadia, connected to the plane of water, and Coliar, a storm-wracked planet tied to the plane of air. She then revealed their own planet, Toril, protected by a hex shield of glass-like panes and runes. A fracture in the shield at the southern hemisphere, known as Dracorage, had been caused by a waking dragon long ago, and the region was now infested with dragons, making it a perilous entry point.

Relia introduced the Astronomers, a secretive group who had studied the universe for generations and maintained the great orrery. They valued new knowledge and exploration, and Relia explained that the party would need to approach them with data and goodwill to gain access to the shield for space travel. She also mentioned Chandos, a rusted metal planet inhabited by metallic dragons, which was generally avoided due to its dangers. The party listened intently, absorbing the vast and intricate details of their solar system and the challenges that lay ahead.

With their deal finalized, the party loaded the chair onto their cart, covering it with cloth, and bid farewell to Relia and her companions. They set off toward Skullhaven, their journey taking them along a road that wound through the wilderness. At a crossroads, they encountered Volo, an elderly merchant they had met before, who was repairing his wagon wheel. Volo greeted them warmly and displayed his wares, which included a Luck Stone, a Necklace of Fireballs, magical armor, weapons, potions, and scrolls. The party engaged in a lengthy trade, offering their Brooch of Shielding and Ring of Mind Shielding in exchange for gold and purchasing several items, including magical chalks and inks for teleportation circles, arrows, and oils of slipperiness. Volo proved to be a shrewd but fair businessman, and the party left the encounter with their cart laden with new supplies and their pockets heavier with platinum and gold.

As they continued their journey, the party set up camp for the night. Bastion spent the evening reading Volo's Guide to All Things Magical, a tome authored by Volothamp Geddarm that detailed the lore of spells, magic items, and famous wizards. The knowledge he gained would prove useful in the days to come. The party distributed their newly acquired wealth, with each member taking a share of platinum and gold, and they carefully managed their inventory, placing items into the Bag of Holding to lighten their load.

During the night, a loud screech echoed from the sky, jolting the party awake. A colossal Roc, with a wingspan of one hundred feet, descended upon their camp. Calliope unleashed a burst of magic, striking the creature and hindering its attacks, while Barlo readied his shield and claws. Bastion sent rays of fire streaking toward the beast, and Shadow conjured a barrage of non-magical weapons that pierced its thick hide. The Roc swooped down, grappling Barlo with its iron-hard talons and biting him with its massive beak before ascending fifty feet into the air with him in its grasp.

Sas struck the creature with necrotic energy, preventing it from healing, while Calliope unleashed a powerful sonic blast that shook the air. Barlo, despite being grappled and airborne, slashed furiously at the Roc with his claws, tearing into its leathery hide. Bastion attempted to strike it with icy bolts, but they missed their mark. Shadow, with incredible precision, fired two arrows—one striking the Roc in the back of the neck and the second embedding deeper, causing the creature to release Barlo. The Roc plummeted to the ground, crashing beside Barlo with such force that it extinguished the campfire and sent a shockwave through the area. Artie charged forward and pounced on the fallen beast, confirming its demise.

After the battle, the party turned their attention to harvesting the Roc's valuable parts. They identified its talons, feathers, liver, and blood as potentially valuable, but the talons were the most prized. Sas and Barlo worked together to extract the talons, with Sas successfully removing two of the iron-hard claws before losing balance on a third attempt. The party decided to place the harvested talons and the remaining leg of the Roc into their cart, prioritizing their rest over further harvesting. They noted the unusual quietness of the surrounding area, realizing that the Roc's presence had suppressed other wildlife.

The next morning, the party continued their journey toward Skullhaven, experiencing light rain and reflecting on their recent encounters. They traveled through the day and into the night, with the rain picking up at times but eventually stopping. As they drew closer to their destination, they prepared for the challenges that awaited them, their cart laden with treasures and their minds filled with the knowledge of the cosmos and the dangers that lay ahead.

Scenes

Night Watch and Mysterious Sightings

The party sets up camp near Solace, and during the night watch, Shadow observes two massive bird-like silhouettes in the distance, reminiscent of a previous encounter.

• The party, along with Remington and Jeets, sets up a camp near Solace, with the new visitors taking a separate space.
• Shadow takes the first watch and observes the surroundings.
• During the night, Shadow spots two enormous bird-like silhouettes with an estimated 100-foot wingspan far off in the eastern distance, similar to a creature seen previously.

Discussing Jacoby and Future Plans

The party discusses their next steps, including Calliope's newly discovered mother, Relia, and the ongoing pursuit of Jacoby, considering delegating the task to Relia's order.

• Calliope grapples with the revelation that Relia is her mother and the implications for her personal journey versus the party's current quests.
• The party debates whether to approach Relia's order to track Jacoby, believing they are better equipped for the task.
• They consider offering the chair as a reward to Relia's order for finding Jacoby, as their order specializes in hunting those who pervert magic.

Relia's Offer and Jacoby's Pursuit

The party approaches Relia to discuss her order's capabilities, learning about their mission to track those who misuse magic and their potential to help find Jacoby.

• The party approaches Relia, who is meditating and floating, to discuss how her order can aid them and potentially earn back their chair.
• Relia explains that her order hunts Bogan, individuals who pervert the magic weave, but notes that Bogan are not typically found on this planet.
• The party proposes that Relia's order track Jacoby, who uses simulacrums and is involved in manipulating magic, and Relia agrees, mentioning their network for such tasks.
• The party attempts to recall Jacoby's last name, eventually remembering it as Drexel Hand.

Morning Discussions and a Mother's Revelation

The party wakes after a night's rest, discussing their next steps regarding Jacoby and Calliope's newly discovered mother, Relia.

• The party discusses their current objectives, including tracking Jacoby and Calliope's relationship with her mother, Relia.
• Calliope expresses her conflicted feelings about her mother's sudden appearance and her past.
• The party decides to propose a deal to Relia's order: they will track Jacoby, and in return, the order will assist the party with their own goals.
• They use Assault's Magic Ball to inquire if Jacoby has made contact with the Bogan, receiving the cryptic answer 'don't count on it'.
• Relia observes Calliope with a curious and analytical gaze.
• Calliope and Relia engage in a private, intense conversation where Relia reveals her order's nature, her ability to perceive emotions, and the personal risks associated with her past decisions, including that Calliope is a result of those decisions.
• Shadow successfully eavesdrops on the conversation, while Sas only catches fragments.
• Artie, Bastion's owlbear companion, nuzzles Calliope during the emotional exchange.

Cosmology and the Astronomers

Relia reveals a magical orrery to the party, explaining the solar system's unique features, including dangerous Searing zones, the protective hex shield around their planet, and the role of the secretive Astronomers.

• Relia pulls out a small, intricate marble-like orrery that projects a holographic representation of the solar system.
• She explains the Searing, twelve massive, unmoving dead zones that orbit the sun and destroy ships, making helms unusable.
• Relia describes the first three planets: a boiling planet of fire, Anadia (water), and Coliar (air), each connected to elemental planes.
• She zooms in on their planet, Toril, revealing a protective hex shield with glass-like panes and runes, and a fracture at the southern hemisphere caused by a waking dragon, known as Dracorage.
• Relia introduces the Astronomers, a secretive group who study the universe's cosmology and work with her order to maintain the shield access.
• She explains that the Astronomers value knowledge and exploration, and that providing them with new data is the best way to gain their trust and access to the shield for space travel.
• Relia describes the three moons orbiting Toril, noting their different cycles and reliability.
• She introduces Chandos, a rusted metal planet inhabited by metallic dragons and other beings, which is generally avoided due to its dangers.
• Relia mentions other planets, including one shaped like an icosahedron and another like a large diamond gem, and discusses the nebulae in the distance.
• The party inquires about how to gain access to the shield and interact successfully with the Astronomers, learning that new knowledge and exploration are key.
• Relia explains that the Bogan, an organization that perverts magic, are not on this planet but were once more interactive with it, and the Astronomers are careful to prevent their return.
• Relia mentions that space merchants often land in oceans to sell goods and contribute data to the Astronomers.

A Deal with Relia and Departure

The party finalizes a deal with Relia and her companions: they will track Jacoby in exchange for access to the orrery and the ability to traverse the planetary shield, then prepare to depart.

• The party proposes that Relia's order track Jacoby, who is perverting magic, in exchange for access to the orrery and the planetary shield.
• Relia agrees, stating her order has a network for tracking such individuals.
• She explains that her order, the Ashlan, broke off from the Bogan, who pervert the magic weave.
• The party discusses how to approach the Astronomers for access, learning that providing new knowledge and being aligned against the Bogan are key.
• The party loads the chair onto the cart, covering it with cloth.
• A party member shakes Relia's hand, confirming her dedication to her order and the agreement to track Jacoby.
• The party departs, heading south towards Skullhaven.

Encounter with Volo

At a crossroads, the party encounters the merchant Volo and engages in a lengthy trade discussion.

• At a T-section in the road, the party encounters Volo, an elderly merchant they've met before, who is repairing his wagon wheel.
• Volo recognizes the party and engages them in conversation about their travels and his wares.
• Volo presents a variety of magical items for sale, including a Luck Stone, a Necklace of Fireballs, Mithral Medium Armor, Weapons of Warning (flail and glaive), Leather Armor of Necrotic Resistance, various Potions of Healing, a Ring of Warmth, and several scrolls.
• The party discusses trading their Ring of Mind Shielding and Brooch of Shielding with Volo.
• Volo assesses the value of the party's items, offering 7,000 gold for the Brooch of Shielding and 20,000 gold for the Ring of Mind Shielding.
• The party considers purchasing the Luck Stone, Necklace of Fireballs, Breastplate, and various scrolls and potions from Volo.
• They also inquire about magical chalks and inks for teleportation circles, arrows, and crossbow bolts.
• The party calculates their purchases and the gold they will receive in trade, deciding to take a significant amount of platinum and gold from Volo.
• After calculating the total value of their purchases and trades, the party receives 600 platinum and 8,311 gold pieces in change from Volo.
• The party discusses how to manage their new wealth and items, deciding to store most of the gold and potions in the Bag of Holding and distribute some platinum for individual spending.
• They consider using a teleportation circle to return to their ship in Skullhaven, noting the need for specific components like magical chalk and inks.
• The party loads their newly acquired items and the chair into their cart, preparing to continue their journey.

Night Travel and Study

The party continues their journey, setting up camp for the night. Bastion spends time reading Volo's Guide to All Things Magical, gaining new insights into lore and magic.

• The party sets up camp for the night after a day of travel.
• Bastion reads Volo's Guide to All Things Magical, learning about spells, magic items, and famous wizards.
• Bastion gains a temporary advantage on Arcana or History checks related to lore, magic items, or wizards after studying the book.
• The party distributes their newly acquired wealth, with each member taking 120 platinum and additional gold.
• They manage their inventory, placing items like potions, oils, and the breastplate into the Bag of Holding.
• The party discusses their travel plans, deciding to continue by cart rather than teleporting immediately.

Roc Attack at Camp

During the night, a massive Roc descends upon the camp, initiating a fierce battle as the party defends themselves.

• During the night watch, a loud screech echoes from the sky.
• A colossal Roc, with a hundred-foot wingspan, swoops down towards the party's camp.
• The party members are awakened by the screech, with most still prone from sleeping.
• Calliope casts a spell at the Roc, dealing damage and imposing disadvantage on its attacks.
• Barlo prepares for combat, readying his shield and claws.
• Bastion unleashes multiple rays of fire from his hands, striking the descending Roc with several bolts of flame.
• Shadow conjures a barrage of non-magical weapons, creating a cone of projectiles that hit the Roc and cause piercing damage.
• The Roc swoops down, grappling Barlo with its talons and biting him with its beak.
• The creature then ascends 50 feet into the air, carrying the grappled Barlo with it.
• Sas casts a spell, dealing necrotic damage to the Roc and preventing it from healing.
• Calliope casts a powerful sonic blast, causing the Roc to take damage despite its constitution save.
• Barlo, despite being grappled and airborne, furiously slashes at the Roc with his claws, dealing significant damage.
• Bastion attempts to strike the Roc with icy bolts, but they miss their mark.
• Shadow fires two arrows with incredible precision, one striking the Roc in the back of the neck and the second embedding deeper, causing the Roc to release Barlo.
• Barlo falls 50 feet to the ground, taking significant damage but surviving due to his rage.
• The massive Roc crashes to the ground next to Barlo, dead, its impact creating a small shockwave that extinguishes the campfire.
• Artie, Bastion's owlbear companion, charges forward and pounces on the fallen Roc, confirming its demise.

Harvesting the Fallen Roc

After defeating the massive Roc, the party attempts to harvest its valuable talons, successfully acquiring two before deciding to move on to preserve their rest.

• The party discusses harvesting valuable components from the deceased Roc.
• They identify the Roc's blood, feathers, liver, and talons as potentially valuable.
• Sas and Barlo begin the arduous task of harvesting the Roc's talons, which are described as large, sharp, and iron-hard.
• Sas, with the aid of guidance and inspiration, successfully extracts two of the valuable talons from the colossal bird.
• During a third attempt to remove another talon, Sas loses balance, causing the effort to fail.
• The party decides to place the two harvested talons and the remaining leg of the Roc into their cart, prioritizing their long rest over further harvesting.
• They discuss moving the massive carcass of the Roc further away from their campsite and plan to collect feathers in the morning.
• Shadow takes over the guard shift for the remainder of the night.
• The party observes an unusual quietness in the surrounding area, noting the absence of other birds, suggesting the Roc's presence had suppressed other wildlife.

Continuing the Journey

The party continues their journey towards Skullhaven, experiencing rain and reflecting on their recent encounters.

• The party continues their travel, experiencing light rain and eventually making their way closer to Skullhaven.
• They travel through the night, with the rain picking up at times.
• The party has a minor difficulty getting the wagon back on the road after the night rains but manages to continue.
• They make one more stop before reaching Skullhaven, with the sun starting to come up and the rain stopping.

Memorable Moments

Relia confesses to Calliope that she is her mother, a result of past decisions that put her at risk.

A private, emotional conversation where Relia senses Calliope's turmoil through the weave.

Relia projects a holographic model of the solar system using an intricate orrery, revealing the cosmos and the hex shield protecting Toril.

Sharing knowledge of the universe and the Astronomers before the party departs.

A colossal Roc with a hundred-foot wingspan ambushes the camp, grappling Barlo and carrying him fifty feet into the air.

A sudden night attack that jolted the party awake.

Shadow fires two precise arrows into the Roc, causing it to release Barlo and plummet to the ground, extinguishing the campfire.

Saving Barlo from the airborne Roc and ending the fierce battle.

NPCs

Remington

A member of the new visitors who is helping to guard the camp near Solace. He is seen playing cards with Jeets on top of a construct.

Jeets

A member of the new visitors who is helping to guard the camp near Solace. He is seen playing cards with Remington and is left with the party's cart and horses.

Relia

Calliope's mother and a member of the Ashla order, dedicated to following the magic weave and hunting those who pervert it, known as Bogan. She is capable of meditation that allows her to float and possesses knowledge of the solar system's cosmology. She is analytical and perceptive, able to discern emotions and past decisions. She offers her order's help in tracking Jacoby in exchange for the party's chair and provides them with cosmic knowledge and assistance.

Jacoby Drexelhand

An individual who uses simulacrums and is involved in manipulating magic, currently being sought by the party. He is connected to the Order (AO, Arcane Order) and Bloodhands. Relia's order is proposed to track him.

Bogan

An organization of people who pervert the shadowy weave of magic. Relia's order hunts them, and they are not believed to be on the current planet but were once more interactive with it.

Astronomers

A secretive group that has studied the cosmology of the universe for generations. They maintain a great orrery and are always looking for new knowledge from explorers to fill gaps in their data. They worked with Relia's order to set up the hex shield access around Toril and value new knowledge and data from space explorers.

Volo

An elderly, well-traveled merchant known for selling magical items. He is encountered at a crossroads, repairing his wagon, and engages the party in trade. He is curious but does not seem to hide anything, and he is willing to haggle and trade items. He is knowledgeable about magical components and market values, and seems to be a shrewd but fair businessman.

Roc

A colossal, predatory bird with a hundred-foot wingspan that attacked the party's camp during the night. It was a formidable foe, capable of grappling and flying with its prey, possessing thick, leathery hide and iron-hard talons, but was ultimately defeated by the party.

Locations

Solace

A camping area where the party and new visitors have set up for the night, located north of Volavale. The party camps here with Remington, Jeets, and Relia's group.

Wild Space

The vast expanse beyond their planet, described as dangerous due to phenomena like the Searing and requiring specialized navigation using orreries.

Toril

The party's home planet, protected by a hex shield with glass-like panes and runes. It features a significant fracture at its southern hemisphere, known as Dracorage, caused by a waking dragon.

Dracorage

A region on Toril's southern hemisphere where the protective hex shield is fractured, characterized by broken islands and a high concentration of dragons. It is a dangerous entry point to the planet.

Chandos

A large, rusted metal planet in their solar system, inhabited by metallic dragons and other beings, generally considered dangerous and avoided by most travelers in Wild Space.

Crystal Sphere

A protective barrier enclosing the entire solar system, shielding it from the dangerous Phlogiston beyond. Travel in and out is possible but requires specific knowledge or tools.

Phlogiston

The chaotic and dangerous space existing outside the Crystal Sphere, from which the solar system is protected.

Anadia

The first planet orbiting the sun, characterized by extreme heat, boiling water, and constant hailstorms on its rotating side, making it a very dangerous world. It is connected to the plane of water.

Coliar

The second planet, known for its turbulent air and constant storms. It is connected to the plane of air.

T-section Road

A crossroads where the path splits towards Forlorn (north) and Skullhaven (south). The party encounters Volo here, who is repairing his wagon.

The Veil

A location mentioned as a potential place to store the chair and where specialized components for a teleportation circle might be found. It is also where the party's ship is docked.

Oakhaven Refuge

A known location where a teleportation circle exists, accessible to the party through Bastion's knowledge.

Skullhaven

The location where the party's ship is currently undergoing repairs, serving as the party's destination.

Roadside Campsite

A temporary camp set up by the party along a road, where they were attacked by a Roc and subsequently harvested its parts. The area is now unusually quiet due to the Roc's demise.

Items

Chair

A significant item that the party needs to transport or secure. Its size makes it difficult to fit into a bag of holding. The party offers it as a reward to Relia's order for helping them track Jacoby, and it is currently loaded onto their cart and covered.

Paper

A magical item that allows for one-time-a-day message sending or writing, with the message appearing in the recipient's mind if they are on the same plane and in possession of the other half.

Box

A container holding the magical paper, which appears to be unchanged since its last inspection.

Assault's Magic Ball

A magical eight-ball-like item that can answer questions about the past or present with cryptic responses. When asked if Jacoby had found the magic cube, it responded, 'Don't count on it'.

Orrery

A small, marble-sized ball with an intricate mechanism inside that projects a holographic, interactive model of the solar system when activated. It displays planets, moons, celestial phenomena, and the protective shield around Toril. Relia uses it to educate the party about space travel and cosmology, and it is crucial for guiding ships through Wild Space.

Brooch of Shielding

A magical brooch that provides protection. Bastion got it from Meklan.

Ring of Mind Shielding

A magical ring that protects the wearer's mind and soul. The party trades it to Volo for 20,000 gold.

Luck Stone

A carved black stone with a green gem that, when attuned, provides a bonus to saving throws and ability checks. Barlo purchases this from Volo for 4,500 gold.

Necklace of Fireballs

A necklace with three red beads on a thin gold chain. Each bead can be detached and thrown to detonate a fireball, or the entire necklace can be thrown for a more powerful effect. The party purchases this from Volo.

Breastplate

A piece of armor purchased by the party from Volo.

Mithral Medium Armor

A light, flexible metal armor made of mithral, offered by Volo.

Flail of Warning

A magical flail that provides a warning of danger, offered by Volo.

Glaive of Warning

A magical glaive that provides a warning of danger, offered by Volo.

Leather Armor of Necrotic Resistance

Magical leather armor that provides resistance to necrotic damage, offered by Volo.

Potions of Healing

Various types of healing potions (regular, greater, supreme) offered by Volo. The party purchases several of these.

Ring of Warmth

A magical ring that provides warmth, offered by Volo.

Scroll of Clairvoyance

A magical scroll containing the Clairvoyance spell, offered by Volo.

Scroll of Candor

A magical scroll containing the Candor spell, offered by Volo.

Scroll of Find Familiar

A magical scroll containing the Find Familiar spell, offered by Volo.

Scroll of Augury

A magical scroll containing the Augury spell, offered by Volo.

Scroll of Wall of Water

A magical scroll containing the Wall of Water spell, offered by Volo.

Scroll of Scrying

A magical scroll containing the Scrying spell, offered by Volo.

Scroll of Dimension Door

A magical scroll containing the Dimension Door spell, purchased by Bastion from Volo.

Magical Chalk

Special chalk needed as a component for casting teleportation circle spells, costing 50 gold pieces per use. The party purchases two from Volo.

Magical Inks

Special inks needed as a component for casting teleportation circle spells and transcribing spells, costing 50 gold pieces per level. The party purchases 12 levels worth from Volo.

Arrows

Regular arrows purchased by the party from Volo.

Oils of Slipperiness

Magical oils that can be used for various purposes, purchased by the party from Volo.

Cart

A sturdy cart owned by the party, pulled by two horses, used for transporting goods and the chair. It is loaded with new purchases and harvested Roc parts.

Bag of Holding

A magical bag capable of holding a large volume and weight of items, used by the party to store various goods, including coins, potions, and creature parts.

Handy Haversack

A magical bag with multiple compartments, used by Sas for storing items.

Purple Worm Teeth

Large teeth from a purple worm, weighing 20 pounds each, stored in the Bag of Holding.

Volo's Guide to All Things Magical

A book authored by Volothamp Geddarm, containing lore about spells, magic items, and the histories of famous wizards. Bastion read this book, gaining a temporary advantage on Arcana or History checks related to its contents.

Roc Talons

Two large, sharp, iron-hard talons, several feet long, harvested from the defeated Roc. Each talon weighs 25 pounds and is valued at 500 gold pieces, with no expiration. They are sought after by expert weaponsmiths for crafting weapons and tools.

Roc Feathers

Large feathers from the Roc, too large for common crafting but with soft bristles that can be used in various ways. The party collected a large quantity of them.

Roc Liver

A dark red organ, about three feet long, from the Roc, possessing unique chemical properties and valued at 400 gold pieces if properly extracted.

Roc Leg

A remaining leg of the Roc, placed in the cart for potential future harvesting or sale.

Immovable Rod

A magic item the party possesses, noted for its utility.

Stone Skin Brew

A magic potion possessed by Barlo, noted for its protective qualities.

Animated Shield

A magic shield possessed by Barlo.

Overpowered Cowl

A magic cowl possessed by Barlo, previously stolen from an order by Jacoby.

Ring of Free Action

A magical ring that prevents difficult terrain from costing extra movement and protects against effects like web and paralysis.

Spells

Message/Sending

A magical effect associated with a special paper, allowing for one-time-a-day communication, either as a mental message or a written note, to a recipient on the same plane.

Simulacrum

A magical ability used by Jacoby to create duplicates of himself, which he uses to position himself and interfere with people. The party has defeated two or three of these.

Teleportation Circle

A spell discussed by the party as a potential means of travel, requiring specific chalks, inks, and precious gems for its components. The party purchases these components from Volo.

Scorching Ray

A spell that conjures multiple rays of fire. Bastion cast this spell, sending fiery bolts towards the Roc during the aerial combat, striking it with intense heat.

Conjure Barrage

A spell that transforms non-magical ammunition into a cone of identical projectiles. Shadow cast this spell, creating a barrage of weapons that struck the Roc with piercing damage.

Shatter

A spell that creates a burst of sonic energy within a 10-foot radius sphere. Calliope cast this spell, creating a sphere of destructive sound that damaged the Roc while it was airborne.

Frostbite

A spell that sends bolts of ice towards a target. Bastion attempted to use this spell against the Roc, but the icy bolts missed their mark.

Guidance

A minor spell that provides a brief boost to ability checks. Sas cast this spell to assist in the difficult task of harvesting the Roc's talons.

Find Familiar

A spell that conjures a familiar, requiring special incense as a component.

Classic

Last we left off, our party found themselves grappling with revelations both cosmic and personal. After witnessing massive bird-like silhouettes soaring across the eastern sky, they struck a deal with Relia's order, the Ashla—hunters of those who pervert the weave of magic. In exchange for tracking down the elusive Jacoby Drexel Hand and his simulacrums, the party offered their mysterious chair as payment. But the arrangement came with unexpected weight when Relia pulled Calliope aside to reveal a truth that shook her to her core: Relia was her mother, a secret born from decisions that could endanger them both if discovered by the order.

Before parting ways, Relia shared knowledge of their solar system—the Searing dead zones, the storm-wracked planets, and most importantly, their own world of Toril, protected by a fractured hex shield with a dragon-infested breach at Dracorage. She spoke of the Astronomers, keepers of ancient knowledge who might grant passage through the shield, but only to those bearing valuable discoveries. The party set off toward Skullhaven, their journey marked by a fortuitous encounter with the merchant Volo, whose wares lightened their coin purses but filled their bags with magical supplies.

That night, however, fortune turned as a colossal Roc descended upon their camp with talons like iron and a hunger for prey. The beast seized Barlo in its grasp and lifted him skyward, but the party's combined fury proved overwhelming. Shadow's precise arrows found their mark in the creature's neck, sending both Roc and Barlo plummeting to earth. As the massive predator crashed beside the extinguished campfire, the party harvested its iron-hard talons before settling back into an uneasy rest. Now, as they draw ever closer to Skullhaven through intermittent rain, the road ahead promises both danger and discovery...

Middle English

Harken well, ye brave and bold,
Of heroes true whose tale is told;
By Solace camp they made their rest,
With Relia's order as their guest.

When Shadow kept the midnight watch,
Great birds did soar, their wings like blotch
Upon the stars—a hundred feet!
A sight most dread, yet incomplete.

Fair Calliope learned with heavy heart,
That Relia was her mother's part;
The Ashla hunt the Bogan's blight,
Who twist the weave in shadowed night.
They struck a deal for Jacoby's head,
A chair most strange their payment said.

Through Relia's orrery they learned,
Of Searing zones where ships are burned;
Of Toril's shield with fracture'd pane,
Where Dracorage lets dragons reign.
The Astronomers keep ancient lore,
Of cosmos vast and planets four.

At crossroads met they Volo fair,
Who traded goods with merchant's care;
But night brought terror from the sky—
A Roc descended, flying high!
With talon, beak, and wingspan dread,
It seized brave Barlo, skyward fled.
Yet Shadow's arrows found their mark,
The beast fell down from heavens dark.

Now onward bound to Skullhaven's gate,
With Roc-talons and treasures great;
Through rain they rode with purpose true,
Their cart laden, their courage new.
What perils wait in days ahead?
The weave shall guide where heroes tread!

Snarky

When last we left our party, they were juggling family drama, cosmic revelations, and the occasional hundred-foot murder bird—you know, typical Tuesday stuff. After striking a deal with Relia's order (the Ashla, who hunt magic perverts and definitely aren't Jedi, wink wink) to track down the slippery Jacoby Drexel Hand, the party got a crash course in space geography. Turns out their planet has a literal glass shield around it, twelve zones of instant death orbiting the sun, and a dragon-sized crack in the south that's basically a "Do Not Enter" sign written in fire and teeth. Oh, and Calliope discovered her mom is a magic-hunting warrior with a complicated past, which is totally fine and not emotionally devastating at all. Shadow eavesdropped like the supportive rogue he is, while Artie the owlbear provided the real emotional support.

After trading half their inventory to Volo (who's either a really friendly merchant or running the world's most elaborate long con), the party settled in for a nice quiet evening—which immediately got ruined by a Roc the size of a small airplane trying to turn Barlo into a to-go meal. Through a combination of sonic blasts, necrotic energy, flaming rays, and Shadow's frankly showing-off archery, they turned the giant bird into an even more giant corpse, harvested its talons like they were shopping at Fantasy Costco, and shoved a Roc leg into their cart because apparently they're hoarders now. Now they're trudging through the rain toward Skullhaven, their cart overflowing with bird parts, magical chalk, and questionable life choices.

Limerick

The party camped near Solace at night,
While Shadow saw birds of great height.
Relia made a deal,
To hunt with great zeal,
For Jacoby who twisted magic's light.

Young Calliope learned with dismay,
That Relia's her mother today.
The Ashla hunt Bogan,
Through weave's magic slogan,
While secrets and feelings held sway.

An orrery showed planets in space,
With Searing and shields round their place.
Toril's hex protection,
Had one imperfection,
Where Dracorage showed dragon-filled face.

At crossroads they met merchant Volo,
Who traded with prices not low.
They bought chalks and scrolls,
Plus items and gold,
Then camped as the evening winds blow.

A Roc with huge wingspan attacked,
But arrows and magic it lacked.
It grabbed Barlo high,
Then fell from the sky,
Its talons and feathers they packed!

Exported from GMAssistant on 2026-08-16