En Dharasha Everae RP thread

[Winddancer]

A letter is left at the Arcane Study of En Dharasha Everae.

To whom it may concern,

I have conducted a preliminary examination of the portals connecting Dharasha to Boareskyr Bridge. At present, I believe there are three possibilities worth considering.

The first is interference. The portal was functioning normally until its sudden failure, which makes me suspect that it may have been tampered with. Someone, or something may have altered, damaged, or interfered with the workings of the portal. If so, the question becomes who did it, and more importantly, why and how.

The second possibility concerns the Time of Troubles. It is possible that the portal was never entirely self-sustaining. Perhaps some component, enchantment, or magical reservoir was charged during that time and has served as a kind of arcane battery ever since. If so, its energy may simply have been diminishing over the years until, quite recently, there was no longer enough power remaining to sustain the connection.

The third possibility is that we are looking at something entirely different than the above. There may be some factor at Boareskyr Bridge that we have yet to discover, something that has only recently changed or awakened. Until we can examine the destination and whatever remains of the portal’s connection, I do not believe we can safely rule this out.

For now, I consider all three possibilities viable.

The portal failing after functioning for so long is itself a clue. I believe we should investigate rather than attempt to simply restore it. If someone tampered with it, we may find evidence. If its power has finally been exhausted, we may learn how and why. And if neither explanation fits…

Then we may have found something far more interesting.

Ithilwen

[mrm3ntalist]

Of Partings and Returning Tides

Hidden: show

The gatherings beneath the boughs of En Dharasha Everae stretch longer with each passing twilight, drawing the community tighter as heavy burdens settle upon the council circle. Guided by the steady hand of the Seluonal Natariel, the village has turned its focus to urgent matters of survival and unity - not least of which is the sudden, joyous return of long-absent kin, the archmage Kael and former First Mage Ithilwen. Yet their reappearance is matched by pressing dangers, from the creeping shadow of drow raiders prowling the borders to the alarming silence of the village's failing portals, leaving the arcanists tasked with unearthing ancient histories from the Elders to find a way forward.

Amidst these trials, a quiet sorrow stirs beneath the leaves as whispers grow of fellow elves seeking to leave the safety of the settlement for horizons unknown. Though the reasons remain unspoken and deeply personal, those who choose to depart are met not with recrimination, but with unwavering grace. Natariel, Deleniel Rachel, Mendel, and others have quietly begun gathering provisions for the travelers, ensuring that every pouch is filled and every blade is sharp. They remain kin, forever welcome beneath these ancient branches, and if their hearts are set on new paths, the people of En Dharasha Everae will stand shoulder to shoulder to speed them safely on their way.

While Dharasha has seen its fair share of darkness and danger, it has always, always protected its people. And given what happened on the Coast in the last few decades, it is far from granted. If people want to leave, we will help them prepare their travel to the best of our abilities. As for the rest, we would never leave our home without a fight, let alone a word

[mrm3ntalist]

Before the Council: Huddles, Whispers, and Unseen Paths



As the looming meeting approaches, anticipation continues to mount across the settlement. Throughout the week, the village squares and shaded paths have been alive with huddles of villagers gathering in small conversational circles, murmuring in anxious clusters about the impending council showdown. While many find themselves entirely in the dark regarding the true nature of the gathering, a knowing few possess an inkling of what is to come - and these individuals are doing far more than merely speculating, actively laying down preparations and private plans for when the matter finally hits the floor.

Yet, not every conversation beneath the boughs is consumed by the upcoming storm. Amidst the whispered debates, other voices have begun turning their focus toward a broader, unifying vision: the growing sentiment of bringing the scattered nature folk together to better protect the Misty Forest as a whole.


// Meeting today at 2:30 EST - 18:30 GMT

[Holypower]

The echoes of last night’s tense council meeting still lingered in the crisp air, hanging like a heavy fog of unspoken grievances. But away from the murmuring crowds, four figures gathered beneath the ancient boughs of the Misty Forest: the druid Anarion, the former arch druidess Nai'Kabael, the newly arrived druid Cor'van'thar, and the rangers Mendel and Elanwe.

Forming this new Circle had always been an intended goal despite the outcome of the last village meeting, but last night's discussion made the effort far more urgent. Recognizing that internal village strife left their home vulnerable, they reached a profound consensus in the quiet sanctuary of the woods, swearing a vow to establish a unified front dedicated explicitly to protecting the Misty Forest from the creeping darkness.


Anarion of Elventree
"Be like water my friend"

[mrm3ntalist]

Carry On, Wayward Ranger

Hidden: show

With the council meeting finally out of the way, Mendel resumed his regular responsibilities while taking careful steps to strengthen his home, En Dharasha Everae. The formation of the new druidic circle was a small, vital step forward, though it stood somewhat apart from the internal politics of his village. Even now, more plans are being set in motion alongside both old friends and new.

Beyond his daily routine of praying to Corellon Larethian and Rillifane Rallathil - the gods he has always turned to - Mendel has added a new, unwavering ritual: making certain to stop by the shrine of Eilistraee to offer his prayers to the Dark Maiden as well. Despite the harsh reactions of his kin, he knows the ideals he fights for are just. So he prays to them all to grant him power and strength, empowering him to continue this righteous fight both as a ranger and as one of the Tel'Quessir.

[Invoker]

Like a ghost in the shadow of the thick, ancient forest trees, a cloaked figure stalked the elder ways of the deep wood. While his step was silent, almost a glide, HE most certainly was not: a string of potent curses in forbidden languages kept pouring out of his mouth like a foul river.

The four orcbloods and the pet hunting boar that burst from the underbrush all around him would certainly have regretted their choice...if they had the time. Angrily spat words of power matched spell forms drawn in the air with brusque, dismissive gestures as all their hearts stopped at once, humanoids and animals all equal in death, unable to so much as touch the mage before being trodden underfoot at his passage like fallen leaves.

"It's not an important meeting, Kael..." he growled, mocking his friends' words in his anger "You'd get bored, Kael...", he continued, ignoring the arrow that hit him, and was now jutting out of his shoulder "Certainly, you have better things to do with your invaluable time...?" a second arrow pierced his side. He slowly turned, disgust in his expression as he casually extracted the projectiles from their landing spots, the arrowheads bloodless, and let them fall to the ground: "Arrows...? Really...?!".

An inferno engulfed the two sharpshooters, their ashes glently falling down on the untouched grass and fallen leaves. The dark wizard didn't even dignify them of a second look.

He was already walking away before they had stopped screaming.

[Winddancer]

A curious sight has recently drawn the attention of the villagers: First Mage Natariel and Archmage Ithilwen have been seen welcoming an unfamiliar visitor to the village.

The guest has been offered lodging and food, and appears to have been received with considerable hospitality. Those who inquire will be told that he intends to remain for a few days.

Should he wish to do so, he has also been granted permission to visit the Arcane Study at will, provided he is accompanied by an escort.

Who this visitor is, and what brings him to the village, remains a mystery for now. For the moment, however, he seems to be a welcomed guest.

[mrm3ntalist]

Comings and Goings
// PCs are coming, NPCs are going

Hidden: show

The decision is final. Most have chosen to leave the settlement of En Dharahsa Everae, but those who remain are far from strangers to this ground. Looking across the hearth, the foundational faces are still here - Nai, Shynt, Tan, Deleniel, Kael, and Ithilwen ( to name a few ), present from the very beginning. Then there are those like Natariel Velaris and Tirion, who stepped up during a deeply troubling period to help carry the torch. And finally, the newest companions - Rachel, Ind, Anarion, and others -who, despite seeing the full weight of the struggle, made the deliberate choice to stay.

Though those who remained worked tirelessly to prepare the departing kin, packing heavy crates and ensuring they had more than enough supplies for the long road ahead, Mendel could not shake a quiet, persistent thought: perhaps this parting was necessary.

From the moment they first set foot here, they were met with open hostility - notched arrowheads and drawn bowstrings guarding the treeline. The suspicion never truly waned, breeding constant pushback against the very idea of the elves of En Dharahsa Everae settling in. Then came the outright bans on practicing the arcane, and the bitter controversy over constructing the Arcane Study - a short-sighted restriction, considering how many times magic had preserved the village from ruin. Finally the handling of the entire affair had been heavy-handed and fraught. In the end, this split might serve as a necessary release of pressure, offering a better path forward both for those who left and those who remained.

Yet, as the last of the supply wagons rolled into the treeline, a heavy quiet fell over the settlement. The easy part was over, now the real work begins. Plans are already set in motion, though far more remains to be built, secured, and organized.

One thing, however, is beyond doubt: these elves aren't going anywhere.

[Holypower]

Anarion –Guardian of His Kin

As many of his elven kin depart En Dharahsa Everae, Anarion takes it upon himself to ensure their safe passage to their new homes.

Keeping his distance, he follows the departing groups, assuming the forms of birds, beasts, or even dragons to watch over them without disturbing their journey. Should danger arise, he will not hesitate to intervene, whether to defend them against attackers, clear obstacles from their path, or take the form of a powerful elemental to help carry their heaviest burdens.

He respects their decision to leave, just as he respects those who have chosen to remain. Whatever disagreements may have divided them, they are still his people.

He seeks neither recognition nor gratitude, only the knowledge that every one of them has reached their destination safely.

For Anarion, even if his people leaving En Dharahsa Everae does not mean him leaving his people behind.

[Winddancer]

With almost all the villagers gone, Ithilwen turned her attention to securing the arcane study and the library, where the precious Miyeritari tomes and other ancient relics remained. She began preparing protective wards and magical safeguards, knowing that such knowledge could not be left vulnerable. Seeking Kael’s counsel, she intended to discuss the measures needed to protect the place, trusting that the fellow elven archmage would lend both his intellect and his magic to the task.

Their vigilance would not be limited to spells and enchantments. Ithilwen’s raven and Kael’s bat would keep a constant watch over the grounds, circling the buildings and observing their surroundings at all candle marks. Together, the two archmages and their ever watchful familiars would ensure that the treasures entrusted to their care remained protected against any unwelcome visitors.

[Invoker]

Upon reaching the designated place, he stood for a while, silent and motionless like a statue.

Lingering there, he listened to the wind rustling through the canopy, to the faint stirrings of life beneath the undergrowth, and to the silence that lay between. There was something about this place that felt right. Not merely in its shape or shelter, but in something deeper — a quiet harmony between soil, stone, root, and living breath. The land did not speak in words, yet he felt its presence all the same, as though its ancient rhythms resonated with something within him.

He walked the hollow slowly, letting his senses wander beyond what his eyes could see, seeking the subtle balance of the place. The trees stood as silent guardians upon the heights, their roots binding the earth together, while the depression below offered a natural sanctuary, cradled in their embrace.

This, he felt, could be a place where the Circle might nurture new life, deepen its bond with the natural world, and allow the old ways to flourish. A place to listen, to learn, and to grow in harmony with the land, rather than impose upon it.

Now, all that remained was for the ancient Druid known in this day and age as Cor'van'thar and his allies to begin.

[mrm3ntalist]

Over Embers and Ashes

Hidden: show

The high ridge above the Misty Forest caught the evening breeze, rustling the canopy below in a long, low sigh. Sitting by the crackling fire, looking out over the recently quiet village, Mendel slowly turned a pair of wild rabbits over the open embers. The scent of rendered fat, wild thyme, and crisp woodsmoke filled the air - a simple, grounding comfort after weeks of storm and shadow.

His mind drifted back to the encounter earlier that day in Baldur’s Gate, and the strange, unexpected warmth of his conversation with the tiefling.

"His-favorite-grilled-food?"

It had been such a simple question, almost disarming in its mundanity, but it had successfully pulled his thoughts away from the endless, dust-laden pages of Candlekeep. He had spent hours there, scouring public records and ledgers around the period of the 21st of Alturiak, 1358 DR, searching for answers buried under years of ink.

"Any grilled game, I really like," he had responded without hesitation. While a prime cut of elk was always his favorite, any wild game turned out exceptionally delicious when cooked over an open flame.

Taking his hunting knife, Mendel shaved off a tender slice of the grilled rabbit, savoring the crisp exterior and rich, smoky flavor. Yet even as he ate, the tiefling’s persistent, searching gaze returned to his memory, and the question that had been pressed upon him not once, but thrice.

". . . Is-he-truly-well?"

"I really am," he had answered quickly. And it was the honest truth.

Yet, truth did not erase the weight of the past few weeks. He had been forced to make hard choices. The kind of choices that left marks on a man's soul, no matter how clean his blade remained.

Do you let the family of a not-so-innocent man pay the price for his actions - actions Mendel had essentially forced his hand into - just to secure critical intelligence the easy way? Or do you risk everything to save that man’s family first, even if it jeopardizes the mission?

Do you betray the outsiders you swore to protect just to win back the favor of your own kin, or do you stand firmly beside your word and accept becoming an outcast among your people?

Do you allow the comrades who stood by you in the dark to burn beside you, or do you step forward and shoulder the entirety of the blame alone?

Tough questions, every single one of them. Questions with no clean answers.

". . . What-would-he-rather-do?" the tiefling’s words echoed softly in his mind once more, floating over the crackle of the dying fire.

For Mendel, there was never really a doubt. The right path was always the answer, no matter how steep the climb or how sharp the thorns along the way. Anyone who possessed the power and the choice to do good had an absolute duty to do it. To falter, to compromise one's principles for comfort or approval, was simply to hand victory to the dark.

And that was precisely what had governed his actions in all three trials. The man's family had been saved, bought through immense sacrifice and cost. His promises to the Eilistraeeans had been kept, even though it enraged his own kin and turned his name into a whisper of suspicion. And when the fallout descended, he had shielded his comrades completely, taking the brunt of the accusations so they could continue their vital work unburdened by the political storm.

"Mendriel? Him is still hungry?"

The familiar voice broke through the heavy mantle of his thoughts, instantly bringing a faint, genuine smile to his face.

Mendel turned to look at the druidess. With a practiced kick of his boot, he swept a shower of loose dirt over the hearth, smothering the embers into silent dark smoke. Stepping forward, he gathered Nai smoothly into his arms, lifting her off her feet.

"Always" he murmured softly against her, holding her close beneath the night sky.

But as he held her, looking out over the quiet expanse of the forest, they both knew that was a very different kind of hunger.

[Holypower]

Anarion — The Awakening of the Forest

The First Week of Defences — En Dharahsa Everae

With much of the elven population having departed En Dharahsa Everae, Anarion turns his attention to the safety of those who remain. Though powerful adventurers still call the settlement home, he understands that their presence alone cannot guarantee its protection, particularly when their duties take them elsewhere.

Determined to establish permanent defences while preserving the natural harmony of the Misty Forest, Anarion dedicates an entire week to strengthening the settlement.

He begins by surveying the surrounding woodland through Commune with Nature, seeking to understand the terrain, identify vulnerable approaches, and locate ancient, healthy trees suitable for guardianship.

Through Plant Growth, he encourages the vegetation along exposed approaches to flourish into dense natural barriers, preserving passages for peaceful travelers, wildlife, and the settlement's inhabitants.

Anarion then devotes three days to the ancient rituals of Awaken, selecting three strong and healthy trees at strategically important locations around En Dharahsa Everae. As each ritual concludes, should the magic succeed, he welcomes the newly awakened being with respect, offering friendship and inviting it to become a permanent guardian of its woodland home.

He explains the circumstances facing the settlement, asking each tree to watch over its surroundings, warn of approaching threats, and protect the inhabitants when danger arises. Their cooperation is sought freely, as allies rather than servants.

Having begun the establishment of these living guardians, Anarion turns his attention to three important locations within the settlement.

At the Moonshea Tavern, he performs the sacred ritual of Hallow, seeking to establish a permanent protective blessing over a place where the remaining inhabitants may gather, share stories, and find comfort.

At Haven Place, he performs a second Hallow, intending to establish a sanctuary where civilians may seek refuge in times of danger.

Finally, at the Battle Center, Anarion performs a third Hallow, consecrating the ground where the settlement's defenders may gather, train, and prepare to stand against those who threaten their home.

Throughout his preparations, Anarion takes care that neither the forest nor its inhabitants suffer unnecessary harm. His purpose is not to command nature, but to forge a lasting alliance between the settlement and the living woodland surrounding it.

Once his initial efforts are complete, Anarion intends to share his findings with Cor'van'thar, Nai, and the remaining defenders, inviting their counsel on how these protections might be strengthened further.

Standing beneath the ancient canopy, he speaks softly:

"The forest has sheltered our people for generations. We have endured hardship, division, and loss, yet our duty to those who remain has not diminished. Let these trees stand as friends, and these sanctuaries as places of peace and protection."

Thus begins Anarion's work to establish the permanent defences of En Dharahsa Everae, where the ancient trees of the Misty Forest and the blessings of nature may safeguard those who continue to call it home.

(OCC note: Planning to do a weekly post of Anarion's actions to streghten the defences of the settlement, ofcource the results are always a deciscion of the DM team, but if any of the team wishes to contact me about details of the spells Anarion used, the xp and gold needed and the results he supposed to achieve i am here and happy to replay! Thanks in advance)

[Winddancer]

Archmage Ithilwen and the druid Co’van’thar arrived in the village by teleportation, accompanied by a silver-haired kin clad in armor. The trio visited the arcane study, and upon leaving, Ithilwen asked one of the few remaining rangers to arrange quarters for their guest, adding the words she would be staying to help with the defense of the village.

[Invoker]

Continuing the tireless work of the last couple of weeks, Archmages Ithilwen and Kael have been developing several intricate sets of wards: some dedicated to strengthen the containment field and outer defenses of the Arcane Study, and others to protect the village grounds as a whole against various threats, including a ward against teleportation for the whole glade, up to the treeline.