Fhaeo'Lingi Mrith'Ess - The nightmare begins
Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 9:02 am
// Greetings all,
// The following the transcript of an event I did for my characters guild some weeks ago.
// At the request of several in the guild, I have decided to post it here so you can all enjoy it
// The story is divided into several chapters and parts. A new part will be posted daily.
// My thanks goes out to all who participated in the event.
Chapter 1 - Disaster strikes
--- (Part 1 / 2) ---
Travelling the land Fhaeo'Lingi had met up with Febriel in Beregost. Here they had also met the female elf Gabriela, a Wizard of some skill, and the male half-orc Unka Virtanen, a great warrior. Together they traveled to the hill giant fields south of Nashkel, looking for a good hunt.
Initially their hunt went quite well. Complementing eachothers abilities they made quick work of any hill giants they found. True to his nature, Fhaeo'Lingi was using his abilities and training to shield the others from harm and control the battlefield, making sure they would stay safe.
Then disaster struck. The group was ambushed by several hill giants all at once while still battling another pair of hill giants. There was no doubt in Fhaeo'Lingis mind as to what had to be done. He roared a challenge to all the hill giants drawing their attention away from his friends. The group somehow managed to defeat all of the hill giants, but it had come at a great cost. Fhaeo'Lingi lay lifeless on the battlefield, his body gravely damaged from the rocks and clubs the hill giants had rained down on him.
Febriel cried out "Fhaeo'Lingi! No!". She rushed to his side thinking he had only tripped, but there was no answer. Tears streaking down her face, she picked him up and carried him to Nashkel, the remainder of the group following suit. In Nashkel they found a cleric and pleaded him to restore Fhaeo'Lingi to life before his soul was taken by Myrkul.
Fhaeo'Lingi opened his eyes, coughing and wheezing, staring up at a cleric kneeling over him. Before he could say anything, the cleric was pushed aside by Febriel. She kneeled beside him, looking down at him with tears streaking her face "Fhaeo'Lingi!", she cried out. "Wh-what?" was all that Fhaeo'Lingi managed to say before Febriel cried out again "Fhaeo'Lingi! You live!". He nodded, still weak, his soul returned to a body that had not been healed.
The cleric, either annoyed at being pushed away without so much as a thank you, or simply not caring anymore, had left. There was nothing they could do to heal Fhaeo'Lingis body, save apply some bandages to stop the worst of the bleeding wounds. Febriel, together with Unka, gently carried Fhaeo'Lingi to the nearby tavern, resting him against a boulder, that he could remain upright.
--- (Part 2 / 2) ---
Febriel, still fearing that Fhaeo'Lingi might die from his wounds, made a tough decision. She was the quickest among them all and could find a healer more rapidly than the others. "Gabriela and Unka keep Fhaeo'Lingi safe. Febriel find healer quick!". She ran off on her search at the best possible speed.
Still severely damaged, Fhaeo'Lingi rested against the boulder, bleeding internally with many cracked or fractured ribs. The strain of being moved combined with the damage to his body proved too much. A surge of pain wrecked through his body, so intense that it shattered his mind, blasting him into a comatose state. His body leaned to one side.
Gabriela, fearing greatly for her longtime friend cried out "Unka! He is slipping!". Unka reacted quickly and managed to grab Fhaeo'Lingi before he hit the ground. "Fhaeo! Fhaeo, can you hear me?!" he called out. But there was no response. "We cannot wait for Febriel to return, we have to get Fhaeo to a healer!" Gabriela cried out. This was when Jhanandra, a powerful wizard and friend of both Gabriela and Fhaeo'Lingi came walking down the road.
Reacting to the outburst of Gabriela and hearing Fhaeo'Lingis name called out in a dire tone, she rushed over to where his body lay. "What have happened to him?!" she asked. "He was killed by hill giants and resurrected. He seemed fine a moment ago, but now he does not respond." Gabriela hastily explained "His mate Febriel have run for a healer, but I fear she will not make it in time." she continued.
Jhanandra nodded gravely "I can teleport us to Baldur's Gate where he could get help", she said "But we need to let Febriel know.", she continued. "I will take care of that", Gabriela said "Prepare your spell". She entered the tavern and came out a few minutes later, just as Jhanandra had finished preparing her spell. "I have told the inn-keeper and barmaid to an eye out for Febriel and tell her where we have gone to". Jhanandra nodded and motioned for them to step closer as she began casting her spell.
Chapter 2 - Hope dawns
There is a flash of light and the four of them arrive in the middle of Baldur's Gates temple district. "We are here." Jhanandra said. "The temple of Ilmater is just over there." she pointed to the side "Come, let us take him inside". Unka Virtanen, the strong half-orc warrior kneeled down "I will carry him, you lead the way" he said and picked up Fhaeo'Lingi. "I have business to the south that I cannot keep from. Can you the two of you handle it from here?", Jhananada asked although it was plain on her face that she did not wish to leave could she have avoided it. Gabriela and Unka looked at eachother then nodded "Yes, we can handle it. Thank you.", Gabriela said. Together they entered the temple of Ilmater as Jhanandra teleported away once more.
Inside the temple of Ilmater Unka laid Fhaeo'Lingis lifeless body before the priest in attendance. "He is wounded, can you help?" Unka asked. The priest nodded and kneeled over Fhaeo'Lingis body, muttering words of prayer. A glow enveloped Fhaeo'Lingis body, healing visible wounds and returning some color to his face.
Fhaeo'Lingi, his mind shattered, somehow rejected the healing magic. Either through a subconcious effort or something going on inside his mind, preventing him from accepting the healing magic fully.
The priest looked up at Gabriela and Unka frowning with worry. "He does not respond fully to Ilmaters magic, there are some wounds that does not heal." She stood up before continuing "He bleeds internally, that much I know. But something is blocking Ilmaters magic, preventing it from curing those wounds. And something is wrong with his mind."
Gabriela and Unka looked at eachother, worry on their faces. "He once told me he lived in a village far to the north in the Misty Forest" Unka said. "Then that is where you must take him" the priest responded "They might be able to help where Ilmater cannot."
"Misty Forest? I can take you there." came a voice from the temple doors. Gabriela and Unka turned to see a small female elf standing by the door. "And who are you?" Gabriela asked. "My name is Beatrix Rokranon" the stranger said. "I do not know where his village is, but I do know where the Misty Forest can be found.", she offered.
Unka nodded "Then we must go at once. He needs help." he looked down to Fhaeo'Lingi, concern on his face. "You will have to carry him and stay out of any fight. It is a dangerous road we must travel and I cannot guide you if I must worry about your safety, as well as mine." Beatrix said. Unka nodded "Then I will."
Together the trio set out, Unka carrying Fhaeo'Lingi in his arms and Beatrix leading the way. Gabriela followed suit, using her magic to hide Unka and Fhaeo'Lingi.
Chapter 3 - A long way home
--- (Part 1 / 2) ---
After exiting Baldur's Gate the trio turned north towards the city of Triel, battling bugbears just north of the farmlands in Thundars Ridge. The first part of their journey finished, they stopped for a moment, allowing Unka some rest before continuing north. "This city never ceases to amaze me" Unka said as they left Triel behind.
Deep in the wasteland north of Triel the trio was attacked by worg-riding goblin raiders. Beatrix quickly dispatched their attackers, but one had gotten past her. As her arrow plunged into the worg it collapsed, sending its goblin rider flying into Unka, knocking him down. Before the goblin could understand what it was it had hit, Unka took hold of its head and broke its neck with a quick twist.
Fhaeo'Lingi lay on the ground next to Unka, blood seeping from his mouth as the fall had worsened his injuries. "We best hurry" he said with great concern "Fhaeo is not looking too good". He picked him up again and they made their way north to Soubar, where Beatrix stopped briefly in the settlement to purchase some supplies from a vendor.
Some time later they reached Boareskyr Bridge only to find it occupied by bandits. Snarling, Beatrix pumped an endless hail of arrows into the bandits. She suffered some wounds herself as two bandits crept up on her from behind. Before she could be overwhelmed, however, Gabriela blasted the bandits with her magic. As the fight ended, the trio rested for a while as Beatrix tended to her wounds.
"How much farther do we have to go?", Gabriela asked. "We are almost at the eastern border of Misty Forest", Beatrix responded. "Good, we should hurry then. He is bleeding more from his mouth now." Unka offered. The stress of being carried through rough terrain had obviously taken its toll on Fhaeo'Lingis body and his injuries were increasing in severity.
Together they reached the hobgoblin infested hills north of Boareskyr Bridge. Once again Beatrix proved more than a match for their attackers and they made their way west toward the Misty Forest. Shortly before the borders of the forest, they encountered a manticore, which proved a slight challenge, but was eventually felled through the combined might of Gabrielas magic and Beatrix's arrows.
The stress on Fhaeo'Lingis body had increased even more, however, and what was before a slow drip of blood from his mouth, had turned into a steady trickle. "Hang on Fhaeo, you are home soon" Unka said to Fhaeo'Lingi, though he knew he could not hear him.
"I have never been here before, nor do I know how to find his village" Beatrix offered as they entered the Misty Forest. "Then we must search the entire forest" Gabriela exclaimed defiantly "We have not come all this way to give up now!"
Perhaps sensing the familiarity of the forest, or his body finally able to stem the internal bleedings some, the blood trickling from Fhaeo'Lingis mouth slowed a little. "I think he knows where we are" Unka offered "We must be getting close."
--- (Part 2 / 2) ---
Picking their way through the Misty Forest proved a daunting task. None of them knew where to find Fhaeo'Lingis village and the terrain was difficult to traverse. They persisted, however, and were making good progress when Beatrix raised a hand, calling a stop. She suddenly turned around and fired a volley of arrows a few inches above Unkas head. He started to protest, but then heard a thud behind him. On the ground, a few feet behind him, lay the corpse of an orc filled with many arrows. "We must be careful here" Beatrix said "The orc tribes up here are said to be numerous and strong. I might need your help against them Unka". Unka nodded and they continued deeper into the Misty Forest.
The trio encountered a few orc patrols on their way through the forest. A few times Unka had, as Beatrix hinted, been forced to set Fhaeo'Lingi down to help her and Gabriela against the orcs. Each time he did so, Fhaeo'Lingis body made a small depression in the underbrush and left a puddle of blood where it seeped from his mouth.
After what seemed a long time they encountered a great three in the forest, a flowerbed growing between its roots. "I recall Fhaeo once telling me he served the god Rillifane Rallathil, lord of the woods" Gabriela said "Maybe this great three is a shrine of his?". Unka shrugged "Could be. I don't know much about elven gods."
"Try to place him in the flowerbed, it might help" Gabriela offered. Unka nodded and did as she suggested. Beatrix in the meantime was watching for any sign of orcs nearby. The trio waited for some time, but seeing no change in Fhaeos condition, they decide to press further into the forest.
As Gabriela and Beatrix headed north, Unka calls out to them "There is path here, it leads up and into the east!" Gabriela and Beatrix turned back and together they followed the path into the forest, Unka once again carrying Fhaeo'Lingi.
"There is a clearing up ahead" Beatrix called back. Their treck along the path had been peaceful since leaving the great three behind. Soon after they emerged into the clearing and find themselves standing in a village. "Is this it? Is this his village?" Unka asked, to which Beatrix noded "This must be his village. We should not stay here for long" Beatrix said, some urgency in her voice as she looked at Unka "I know this village from stories and tales. It is the home of the En Dharasha Everae, an elven society. They worship Rillifane Rallathil here, we should leave him by their shrine. The villagers will find him soon enough".
Searching the village they found a way up into the trees and come upon a building bearing the symbol of Rillifane Rallathil. "This is it, lay him here in front of their shrine and they will find him" Beatrix said. As Unka laid Fhaeo'Lingi down he stripped off his armor that he could rest unburdened, leaving it beside Fhaeo'Lingi. Beatrix suddenly tensed and whispered "I hear someone comming, quickly, we must leave."
Gabriela noded "Come close, I inscribed a rune back at Baldur's Gate. I can use magic to get us back there". With that she cast a spell and the trio vanishes, their job completed after delivering Fhaeo'Lingi to his people. Shortly after their departure, an elf came walking to the shrine.
Chapter 4 - Back in the village
--- (Part 1 / 2) ---
Andariel is walking to the shrine of Rillifane Rallathil when he spots Fhaeo'Lingi lying outside the door. "Fhaeo, how are you?" he asks, but Fhaeo'Lingi does not respond. Only then does Andariel notice the blood on Fhaeo'Lingis body and the armor beside it. "What happened to you?" he asks, but again there is no answer. "Best get you inside" he says and carries Fhaeo'Lingi inside the shrine, laying him down by the altar.
Examining Fhaeo'Lingi, Andariel attempts different spells of healing and curing. As the first spell, a powerful healing spell, washes over Fhaeo'Lingi, it seems to have greater effect than that of Ilmaters. His physical wounds close fully and his breathing become less labored.
"Fhaeo, can you hear me?" Andariel asks again, but there is still no answer. Frowning he attempts a spell to cure diseases, but it does nothing. Perplexed by his condition, Andariel tries another approach. He casts a spell, Omen of Peril, to show him what is wrong with Fhaeo'Lingi. The omen, however, show nothing helpful. Just as he is about to leave and get help, he snaps his fingers and fishes a small vial from his pockets.
The vial contain a powerful antidote and he pours it into Fhaeo'Lingis mouth and waits for the result. Again, nothing happens. Andariel sighs and rushes off to get help. Some time later he return with Febriel, having told her of Fhaeo'Lingis condition. When she sees her mate lying lifeless before the altar, she rushes over to him and kneels down beside him.
"Fhaeo'Lingi!" she calls out. She takes his hand and calls out again "Fhaeo'Lingi, can you hear me?!". Andariel explains that he had returned from patrol and found Fhaeo'Lingi badly injured outside the shrine. Febriel nods "He injured by giants near Nashkel. He not like this when Febriel run for help".
Febriel had returned to find Fhaeo'Lingi gone, along with Gabriela and Unka. Asking at the inn, she learned that they had taken him to Baldur's Gate by magic. She had then run north as fast as she could, knowing she was already far behind. When she arrived in Baldur's Gate, none of them were there. She was returning to the EDE for help when Andariel found her. Griefstruck by seeing Fhaeo'Lingi in this state, she forgets to tell Andariel any of this, nor does he ask.
Andariel kneels down beside Fhaeo'Lingi and examines him again. When he forces an eyelid open he notices that the pupil is fully dialated and does not respond to light reaching it. "His body is fine, but I fear it is his mind that is sick." He thinks for a while, then adds "We should find Elder Silverleaf, she is a powerful Spirit Shaman. She might be able to help him, where I cannot".
--- (Part 2 / 2) ---
Febriel looks up at Andariel "Fhaeo stable? He no get worse?" she asks. Andariel nods, then asks Febriel to move to the side. "I have a gift from Corellon I can grant him before I go seek help. You should stay here and remain strong for him." With that he mutters a prayer and touches Fhaeo'Lingis arm. A glow spreads through Fhaeo'Lingi and his skin appear to have more color to it. "That is all I can do" he says and then leaves to find more help.
"Fhaeo'Lingi stay with Febriel" Febriel says, as much to comfort herself as him, though she knows he cannot hear her. Yet, as she speaks, she notice that the hair on Fhaeo'Lingis skin rise slightly as she says her name. She smiles and lies down next to him, her head on his shoulder. She continues to babble on as she lies there, mostly to reassure herself.
After some time Febriel worries why Andariel is taking so long. He should have been back by now. She sits up and touches Fhaeo'Lingis forehead "Fhaeo'Lingi stay safe, Febriel go look where is Andariel." She then stands and goes out the the door, looking for Andariel.
Andariel in the meantime have met up with Aia and are taking her back to see Fhaeo'Lingi. On their way back to the shrine, they encounter Velaris. As Velaris introduces himself, Andariel cuts him short and explains he is in urgent need of help to cure one of their own. Together they make it back to the shrine, Fhaeo'Lingi still comatose and Febriel nowhere to be seen.
Valeris recognizes Fhaeo'Lingi and sais "I remember him. I met him in Beregost with another elf. Sera'Mela was her name. A skilled archer. Shynt was with me too and when Sera'Mela explained she wanted to join the EDE, Shynt asked that I bring them both here." Andariel nods "I know Shynt, but I have not met Sera'Mela before."
"What is wrong with him?" Aia asks. "I do not know. I found him covered in blood outside the shrine and carried him here. I cured his wounds but he remains unconcious. His pupils are dialated and does not respond to light. I fear his mind or soul is injured." Aia and Velaris both listen as Andariel explains. "How did he come here if he was so injured?" Aia asks, looking at Andariel. "I do not know, but he must have struggled and sought solace and healing here" Andariel offers.
Aia casts a spell and examines Fhaeo'Lingi. "There are no traces of harmful magic on him. Magic did not do this." Velaris looks at Andariel "Maybe his mind is elsewhere? How was he wounded?" he asks. "I do not know" Andariel answers. They all stand contemplating the issue before Velaris breaks the silence. "Maybe it would help if we could retrace his steps. See where he came from".
The trio agrees to retrace Fhaeo'Lingis tracks together, hoping to learn something that might help him. Once outside the shrine they examine the ground and find tracks leading into the village from the Misty Forest. "Two small sets of tracks, one larger" Andariel offers as he examines the tracks more closely. They prepare for the journey and head out into the Misty Forest, following the tracks.
Chapter 5 - Searching for answers
--- (Part 1 / 3) ---
Travelling through the Misty Forest, Andariel, Aia and Velaris follow the three sets of tracks that led into their village. "We should be careful, there might be orcs nearby" Andariel says. Together they move in silence, occasionaly seeing depressions in the underbrush where some blood have gathered at one end of the depressions. Keeping silent they continue to follow the tracks.
As Velaris follow the tracks, leading Aia and Andariel through the Misty Forest, he notice that the gait and stride of larger set of tracks matches that of an orc, or something close to it. He says nothing, however, not wanting to break the silence. As they move further into the Misty Forest, Velaris recognizes that the tracks are following a path leading to the eastern border of the Misty Forest, exiting to the hobgoblin infested hills of the High Moor and explains so to Aia and Andariel. "Right then. I think tha . . ORCS!" Andariel suddenly shouts. "It is an ambush!!".
The trio makes a fighting run back the way they came, steering off the path and eventually loses their pursuers. "We should take another path back to the village. We cannot allow the orcs to know where it is." Andariel says "But we need to cover Fhaeos tracks or they will find them" he continues.
The trio is now back in the EDE village, their search for answers halted by an orc ambush. With Fhaeo'Lingi not getting any worse, they decide to wait and rest in the village and enlist the help of others before setting out again. They hope this will give them a better chance of making it through the Misty Forest, while still following the tracks that brough Fhaeo'Lingi there.
Some time later Slade arrives in the village, having heard rumors of Fhaeo'Lingis condition. He sets out with Andariel and Vaelor, while Aia stays in the village. This time they do not encounter any orcs on their way through the Misty Forest. They follow the tracks into the High Moor where they stumble upon something by the roadside and encounter someone they did not expect.
--- (Part 2 / 3) ---
As the trio is following the tracks south through the High Moor, Vaelor spots something by the side of the road. Curious he picks it up and immediately notice it is piece of elven cloth, covered in blood. "Could this be Fhaeos?" he ask the others. None of them have any means of knowing, so they continue south, taking the piece of cloth with them. It is not long before they approached by someone they know.
"Well met cousins" Shynt say as they come upon her, "What brings the three of you to this place?". "We are looking for clues as to what have happened to Fhaeo. We are following some tracks that have led from the village to this place. Maybe you would be willing to help?" Andariel asks. "Ofcourse" Shynt replies. Together the four of them follow the tracks, Shynt taking the lead as their tracker.
"This is a strange collection of tracks. Two of them elven, the other half-orc." Shynt says after a while, "And, the half-orcs tracks are deeper than they should be, even for one of their size". Vaelor thinks a little before asking "Could the half-orc have been carrying Fhaeo?". They all look at eachother for a while, not knowing what to make of it all. "We will find out soon enough. The tracks lead further south, to Boareskyr Bridge" Shynt says. Together they head south to the bridge.
"Andariel? Febriel mentioned that Fhaeo was injured near Nashkel?" Vaelor asks after they arrive at Boareskyr Bridge. "Yes, that is what she said." Andariel answers. "I think the tracks will lead us all the way south to Nashkel then. In fact, I am certain of it." Vaelor offers. Andariel thinks a moment before agreeing "I can take us there through magic. It will shorten our trip considerably". Together the four of them teleport to Nashkel, using Andariels magic.
Arriving an instant later south of Nashkel in the foothills the group pauses to decide where to go next. "I doubt we will find many answers here. Maybe someone in Nashkel know what happened?" Andariel asks. "We could always ask Hunter, he seems to know everything that goes on around here" Slade offers. The group then heads into Nashkel to find Hunter.
"Hunter, might we ask you a few questions?" Slade asks Hunter who looks at the group, a little surprised "Many elves in this area lately." he remarks "Ask away". The group look to eachother, hopes rising a little before Slade asks "Many elves you say? Have you seen an injured elf lately? Probably with a small elven woman". Hunter thinks for a little while before answering "Yes, now that you mention it, I did see just that a few days ago". Seeing the look on their faces, he continues "Give me a moment and I will tell you what I know".
--- (Part 3 / 3) ---
The group listens intently as Hunter explain what he saw a few days past. Shynt staying in the background, letting the others talk, her arms crossed most of the time. "I saw a young elf, female, carrying another lifeless male elf into town from the fields to the south. She was crying the whole time, even as one of the others that were with her, knelt down and restored the elf to life." Hunter shakes his head "The look of joy on the little elfs face was unmistakeable. She kept crying and calling out his name as he came to. Feo I think she called him". Slade looks at Hunter and asks "Do you mean Fhaeo?", to which he nods "Yes, that was the name." Slade looks at the others "It must have been Febriel."
"Anyway, they carried him to the rocks by the inn here next to me as soon as he was awake. Which I found a little odd since he was clearly still badly hurt." Hunter points to the spot where Fhaeo'Lingi had been lying. "I did not listen much to what they said to eachother, but the little elf, the one you think is called Febriel, ran off very suddenly to the north a little while later." He sighs before he continues. "It was a few minutes after she left, that Fhaeo seemed to convulse and then collapse."
"Another elf that was with them when they arrived, called out for a half-orc, Unka I think his name was, to help Fhaeo. She then insisted that they find some help as Febriel would probably not make it in time." He pauses, letting the group take in his story before continuing. "Then a woman in red robes arrived. She seemed to know both the injured elf and the female elf who stayed behind. They talked for a while before the elf went into the inn. When she came back out, the woman in red cast a spell and they were gone."
The group step away a little discussing among themselves. "So a woman in red, a female elf and a half-orc named Unka teleported away with Fhaeo?" Andariel asks. "It would seem so, but where did they go?" Slade asks. "I suppose we can start by checking at the inn, the elf might have mentioned something in there" Vaelor suggests. Together they enter the inn. Inside they are greeted by the barmaid who asks "More elves. Are you here for the note too?" The group look among eachother "What note?" Slade asks. "Another elf, Gabriela, left a note for one she called Febriel." the barmaid explains. "Febriel? We know her. May we see the note?" Slade asks. The barmaid nods and hand him the note.
Slade quickly reads through the note and explain for the others. "The note is adressed to Febriel. The other elf, Gabriela, mentioned that they feared she might not return in time with a healer, and got help from Jhananda to teleport Fhaeo to Baldur's Gate where he could get help." The group look amongst themselves, trying to solve the riddle before agreeing to go ask at the local temple if Febriel had visited. The priest there explains that they are the first elves in many days to come to him. They then return to Hunter and asks if he remember anything else.
"Now that you mention it. The one you call Febriel, came back perhaps 10 minutes after the others left. She looked around some before entering the inn. When she came back out, she stormed north. Probably to the Gate." Hunter explains. "Why do you think she went there?" Slade asks. "Well, the woman in red, the one who cast the spell that made them disappear, mentioned that the mind of the one you call Fhaeo was damaged and that he could get help there." Thanking Hunter, the group steps back and talk among themselves "So, to the Gate then?" Slade asks. The others nod and they agree to meet there as soon as they can.
Chapter 6 - Storming the Gate
--- (Part 1 / 2) ---
After a quick return to the village to check up on Fhaeo, Andariel, Slade and Vaelor travel to Baldur's Gate together to look for more answers at the temples. Outside the city they are met by Shynt, who had decided to walk there rather than teleport, and Mendel whom she had met on her way. Mendel is quickly brought up to current events by the others and the five of them decide to split up inside the city.
Andariel and Vaelor decide to go together to the temple of Mystra while Slade, Mendel and Shynt go to the temple of Torm, all agreeing to meet up at the city square after two hours. "Where is the temple to the Weave Master?" Andariel asks Vaelor as they depart. "Follow me. I have spent much time in this city and know my way around." Vaelor replies and leads Andariel to the temple of Mystra.
Meanwhile, Slade, Mendel and Shynt have arrived at the temple of Torm. Here Slade address the priest Celwig Olwyn "Sir, we are seeking a group of elves that may have come here seeking assistance within the last few days." Celwig looks at Slade "You are the first group of elves I have seen in the past few days." he says. "Hmm, very well. My thanks" Slade responds and tosses a few coins in the donation pot before leaving. "Where to now?" Mendel asks. "Let us go visit the temple of Tempus next." Slade suggests. Mendel nods and follow Slade together with Shynt.
Back at the temple to Mystra, Andariel and Vaelor have arrived and asks the priest in attendance if he have seen someone matching the description of Fhaeo, and the odd company he was with. The Mystran priest shakes his head "I have not seen such a gathering here. I am certain I would remember." Together Andariel and Vaelor leave the Mystran temple and discuss where to go next. "The temple of Ilmater is right by the gate. Perhaps we should have started there?" Vaelor asks Andariel "If they felt rushed for time, they may have gone there first." Andariel nods and together they head for the temple of Ilmater.
Meanwhile, Slade, Mendel and Shynt have arrived at the temple of Tempus. Slade again takes the lead, addressing the priest, Damar "Sir, we seek a group of elves that may have come here asking for assistance." Mendel meanwhile stay in the background with Shynt, looking between Damar and Slade. "We do not see many elves here. None of those that have visited have asked for aid." Damar responds, looking at Slade. "Very well, my thanks" he responds and turn to the others. "Let us try the temple of Ilmater." he suggests as they exit the Tempist temple. Before leaving, Mendel bows his head slightly to the priest.
"Why do they make such an effort to conceal the entry? It is ludicrus." Andariel blurts as he enter the Ilmatri temple with Vaelor. "Do they have no shame or pride?" he rants on. "They keep things simple, brother." Vaelor responds. "Obviously." Andariel remarks with some disdain and shakes his head "There is no grandeur in this god, Ilmater.". Vaelor looks at him "Andariel, please show some respect." he admonishes, finally silencing Andariel.
Sister Adolina, the priestess in attendance, looks at Vaelor as he turn to ask about Fhaeo and his companions "My my, a lot of elves here in a few days" she says. "Is that so? What other elves have you seen of late, Sister?" Vaelor asks as Slade, Mendel and Shynt also enter the temple. "Ah, brothers" Slade exclaims when seeing Andariel and Vaelor already there. Andariel nods to Slade "We may have something here.", to which he responds "Oh, good" and listens to Vaelor and Adolina talking.
--- (Part 2 / 2) ---
Sister Adolina looks at Vaelor "Just yesterday I attempted to heal a gravely wounded elf. I could close some of his wounds, but not all." to which Slade looks up and asks "Some of his wounds?". Andariel, meanwhile have begun complaining again, this time in elven, while Mendel is content to lean on a crate, listening. "Did you learn his name at all?" Vaelor asks. "I think I heard a half-orc call him Feo, or something like it.". "Fhaeo, right. Did he appear to be poisoned?" Slade asks, followed quickly by Vaelor "You said some of his wounds?". Sister Adolina looks at Slade "Yes, that was his name." She then pauses and shakes her head "No, not poisoned. He was gravely wounded. I healed what wounds I could, but he seemed to reject some of the healing powers.".
"Reject? An evil curse?" Slade asks. "Yes, it was most strange. I could feel the healing take root in him, then it was as if it stopped short of healing him completely." Sister Adolina responds. "Reject it? What could cause something like this?" Vaelor asks. "I wonder if this is a curse" Slade says, looking at the others. Mendel meanwhile seems concerned as he is listening to Sister Adolina. "Tis no curse. I cast a spell to remove such from him. To little avail." Andariel interrupts. "Does that seem posible to you sister?" Slade asks Sister Adolina, who looks worried at the gathering "What troubled me the most is that no matter what healing spells I tried, he still did not regain his conciousness. I have a theory, but I could not do anything to prove it." she finally offers. "Please, could you share it with us?" Slade asks. "Yes of course." she responds.
"It is uncommon, but sometimes a person can believe in something so much that he or she is afraid to lose it. It could be, that in his unconcious state he was holding on to something. Afraid to lose whatever it was, he rejected the healing granted by Ilmater, who is a foreign diety to you if I am not mistaken." Sister Adonlina explains. "So it was a matter of faith, then?" Slade asks, to which she nods. "We had our own priest tend to him. With no result." Slade says, but is rudely cut off by Andariel "Highly doubtful" he says as he steps up, berating the woman "This kin was taken to our own temple, put before the alter of his own god. And our friend is slipping away.". Slade looks at Andariel, trying to calm him "Andariel, please. She is trying to help.".
Sister Adolina looks at Slade "Where you able to heal him in any way?" she asks. "Yes, his physical wounds. But he remains unconcious." Slade explains. "Then you succeeded where I failed." she says. "Sister, if healing from one of our own didn't work, what else could explain him not recovering? Did you sense anything else? Or notice anything else that might help us?" Vaelor asks. She looks at him and answers "If your friend remains unconcious, but is otherwise healed, he might, as I said, be holding on to something in his unconcious state. Something he is afraid to lose if he wakes up." she pauses briefly, then continues "Sadly I am not able to cure a wounded mind. If you have any of your faith that can enter the minds of others, that person might be able to help your friend where normal healing cannot."
The group talk a little among eachother, pondering the news as they leave the temple, Andariel occasionally offering up snide remarks about Sister Adolina and her faith. "What could Fhaeo be holding on to?" Slade asks. "Maybe Febriel know something about it?" Vaelor suggests. "She was with me, at his side in the village before I found you. But gone when I returned." Andariel says "Maybe she have returned?" he finishes. "In any event, I think Sister Adolina might be on to something. We should see if Elder Silverfang or Luthien is back at the village. They might be able to help in entering his mind." Vaelor offers. Finally having some answers and a possible cause for Fhaeos condition, they all teleport back to the village, Shynt included.
Chapter 7 - The broken pieces of a mind
--- (Part 1 / 3) ---
In a flash of light the group arrives at the great tree outside the village. Walking up the slopes to enter the village, they do not speak much, everyone still digesting the information the only just acquired. Andariel and Slade both exchange knowing looks, each knowing that if neither Elder Silverfang nor Luthien can cure Fhaeo, they might have to end his suffering. Arriving in the village, they make their way to the shrine, wanting to check up on Fhaeo before finding help for him, only to find Luthien already there, kneeling over him. "Why does this always happen when I am away?" she sighs, her hand on Fhaeos forehead.
"Luthien! Are we glad to see you!" Andariel says as he sees her. Turning, still kneeling, Luthien looks back to the group "It is good to see you as well Andariel. Do you know what have befallen the young one?" she says, looking back down to Fhaeo. "We are not sure, Luthien. I found him like this outside our shrine a few days ago. I have used every possible magic I know to cure him, curing his physical wounds, but nothing seems to help him wake," he sighs and looks down to Fhaeo as well. "We have spent the past few days trying to find out what have happened to him, and we might have something, but I do not know how to cure it," he shakes his head lightly and then looks at her "We were hoping that maybe you or Elder Silverfang might."
"Tell me what you think is wrong, and I will see what I can do," Luthien answers. "We spoke with a priestess of Ilmater", he winches slightly as he mentions the Maimed God, "She tried to heal him, but could not even cure his physical wounds. She did, however, mention that Fhaeo might be holding on to something in his mind. Something that prevents him from returning to us." Luthien, looking at Andariel as he explains, turn her eyes to Fhaeo as Andariel finish his explanation, "Yes, I think I can help him," she says and puts her hand back on Fhaeos forehead. "I will need two volunteers to join me on a journey into his mind that we might see what he is holding on to," she continues, still looking down at the comatose Fhaeo.
"I will help you help my friend," Vaelor says, eagerly stepping forward. "I will help as well," Slade says and steps forward to stand beside Vaelor. Nodding, Luthien points to either side of Fhaeo, "Sit then, and we can begin." As Vaelor and Slade take positions on either side of Fhaeo, Luthien looks back to the others, noting that Nai have also joined them and is whispering with Mendel. Febriel, however, is nowhere to be seen. "When we start, I need you all to be quiet. What we see and hear in Fhaeos mind will appear to everyone here, as an omen above us. No matter what you see or hear, do not speak of it until we are done." With that she positions herself closer to Fhaeo, resting his head in her lap. "Join hands with me and close your eyes that we may begin," she says to Vaelor and Slade and holds out her hands, all of them closing their eyes as their hands lock together.
--- (Part 2 / 3) ---
At first there was only darkness as they entered Fhaeos mind, but gradually the darkness gave way to show an empty expanse of nothingness, cold and devoid of anything but themselves, almost like a tomb. Luthien, guided by the ritual, extended her will, searching for something, a memory, a thought, anything within Fhaeos mind. "There," she said after some time, drawing the attention of Vaelor and Slade to a flicker of light in the distance, "that is where we have to go." Focusing her will on the distant light, she began moving towards it, Vaelor and Slade pulled along by the ritual.
"This is not good," Luthien said with some concern as they travelled towards to the light, "we should be seeing his memories and thoughts all around him. Where are they?" Vaelor and Slade, having no experience with travelling the mind, said nothing, but followed Luthien towards the light. After what seemed like a long time, they finally came close enough to the light that whey were able to see other lights swirling around it. It was chaos. Every light bumbed into others, then changed direction or stopped completely only to be hit another light and thrown off in random direction again, always swirling around the brighter light in the center. "We should hurry. It is worse than I thought," Luthien said and picked up speed.
Together they arrived a few moments later, looking at the spectacle before them. What they had thought lights, were, in face, Fhaeos memories and thoughts circling a single memory, with no structure and no order to them at all. "Are those . . Are those his memories?" Slade asked as he saw an image of a much younger Fhaeo pass by, followed by an image of Febriel and Fhaeo holding hands in the village councilhall during one of the meetings. "Yes, and he is no longer in control of them," Luthien said, gazing past them at the light in the middle. "They should be structured, ordered, like the pages in a book." She lifted a finger and pointed at the light in the middle. "That is the only stable memory he have, and thus important in some way. We should move closer and get a better look," she said and willed them closer, weaving through the chaotic memories.
Standing before the one stable memory, Luthien examined it closely for a moment and then reached out with her hand to touch it. In a flash of light, the scene changed and the three of them found themselves in the foothills south of Nashkel, but everything looked slightly transparent, almost ethereal or ghostly. "We are in the memory now. Let us see what happens," Luthien explained to Vaelor and Slade. Together they watched as Fhaeo, Febriel, a male half-orc and an elven girl fought with the hill giants. "That must be Unka and Gabriela that Hunter told us about," Vaelor said, looking at the others who only nodded.
As Slade turned his attention back to the memory, he saw Fhaeo rush in to save Gabriela from several hill giants. Then, as she was safe, Fhaeo seemed to spot Febriel also in trouble and started towards her. He never made it. Luthien, Vaelor and Slade could only look on as more hill giants emerged from the trees and struck Fhaeo down. As he lay there on the ground, his body broken, he reached out towards Febriel, hill giants descending upon her and then he went still. Without warning, the memory ended and shifted abrubtly, pulling Luthien, Vaelor and Slade with it through the darkness to another memory
// The following the transcript of an event I did for my characters guild some weeks ago.
// At the request of several in the guild, I have decided to post it here so you can all enjoy it
// The story is divided into several chapters and parts. A new part will be posted daily.
// My thanks goes out to all who participated in the event.
Chapter 1 - Disaster strikes
--- (Part 1 / 2) ---
Travelling the land Fhaeo'Lingi had met up with Febriel in Beregost. Here they had also met the female elf Gabriela, a Wizard of some skill, and the male half-orc Unka Virtanen, a great warrior. Together they traveled to the hill giant fields south of Nashkel, looking for a good hunt.
Initially their hunt went quite well. Complementing eachothers abilities they made quick work of any hill giants they found. True to his nature, Fhaeo'Lingi was using his abilities and training to shield the others from harm and control the battlefield, making sure they would stay safe.
Then disaster struck. The group was ambushed by several hill giants all at once while still battling another pair of hill giants. There was no doubt in Fhaeo'Lingis mind as to what had to be done. He roared a challenge to all the hill giants drawing their attention away from his friends. The group somehow managed to defeat all of the hill giants, but it had come at a great cost. Fhaeo'Lingi lay lifeless on the battlefield, his body gravely damaged from the rocks and clubs the hill giants had rained down on him.
Febriel cried out "Fhaeo'Lingi! No!". She rushed to his side thinking he had only tripped, but there was no answer. Tears streaking down her face, she picked him up and carried him to Nashkel, the remainder of the group following suit. In Nashkel they found a cleric and pleaded him to restore Fhaeo'Lingi to life before his soul was taken by Myrkul.
Fhaeo'Lingi opened his eyes, coughing and wheezing, staring up at a cleric kneeling over him. Before he could say anything, the cleric was pushed aside by Febriel. She kneeled beside him, looking down at him with tears streaking her face "Fhaeo'Lingi!", she cried out. "Wh-what?" was all that Fhaeo'Lingi managed to say before Febriel cried out again "Fhaeo'Lingi! You live!". He nodded, still weak, his soul returned to a body that had not been healed.
The cleric, either annoyed at being pushed away without so much as a thank you, or simply not caring anymore, had left. There was nothing they could do to heal Fhaeo'Lingis body, save apply some bandages to stop the worst of the bleeding wounds. Febriel, together with Unka, gently carried Fhaeo'Lingi to the nearby tavern, resting him against a boulder, that he could remain upright.
--- (Part 2 / 2) ---
Febriel, still fearing that Fhaeo'Lingi might die from his wounds, made a tough decision. She was the quickest among them all and could find a healer more rapidly than the others. "Gabriela and Unka keep Fhaeo'Lingi safe. Febriel find healer quick!". She ran off on her search at the best possible speed.
Still severely damaged, Fhaeo'Lingi rested against the boulder, bleeding internally with many cracked or fractured ribs. The strain of being moved combined with the damage to his body proved too much. A surge of pain wrecked through his body, so intense that it shattered his mind, blasting him into a comatose state. His body leaned to one side.
Gabriela, fearing greatly for her longtime friend cried out "Unka! He is slipping!". Unka reacted quickly and managed to grab Fhaeo'Lingi before he hit the ground. "Fhaeo! Fhaeo, can you hear me?!" he called out. But there was no response. "We cannot wait for Febriel to return, we have to get Fhaeo to a healer!" Gabriela cried out. This was when Jhanandra, a powerful wizard and friend of both Gabriela and Fhaeo'Lingi came walking down the road.
Reacting to the outburst of Gabriela and hearing Fhaeo'Lingis name called out in a dire tone, she rushed over to where his body lay. "What have happened to him?!" she asked. "He was killed by hill giants and resurrected. He seemed fine a moment ago, but now he does not respond." Gabriela hastily explained "His mate Febriel have run for a healer, but I fear she will not make it in time." she continued.
Jhanandra nodded gravely "I can teleport us to Baldur's Gate where he could get help", she said "But we need to let Febriel know.", she continued. "I will take care of that", Gabriela said "Prepare your spell". She entered the tavern and came out a few minutes later, just as Jhanandra had finished preparing her spell. "I have told the inn-keeper and barmaid to an eye out for Febriel and tell her where we have gone to". Jhanandra nodded and motioned for them to step closer as she began casting her spell.
Chapter 2 - Hope dawns
There is a flash of light and the four of them arrive in the middle of Baldur's Gates temple district. "We are here." Jhanandra said. "The temple of Ilmater is just over there." she pointed to the side "Come, let us take him inside". Unka Virtanen, the strong half-orc warrior kneeled down "I will carry him, you lead the way" he said and picked up Fhaeo'Lingi. "I have business to the south that I cannot keep from. Can you the two of you handle it from here?", Jhananada asked although it was plain on her face that she did not wish to leave could she have avoided it. Gabriela and Unka looked at eachother then nodded "Yes, we can handle it. Thank you.", Gabriela said. Together they entered the temple of Ilmater as Jhanandra teleported away once more.
Inside the temple of Ilmater Unka laid Fhaeo'Lingis lifeless body before the priest in attendance. "He is wounded, can you help?" Unka asked. The priest nodded and kneeled over Fhaeo'Lingis body, muttering words of prayer. A glow enveloped Fhaeo'Lingis body, healing visible wounds and returning some color to his face.
Fhaeo'Lingi, his mind shattered, somehow rejected the healing magic. Either through a subconcious effort or something going on inside his mind, preventing him from accepting the healing magic fully.
The priest looked up at Gabriela and Unka frowning with worry. "He does not respond fully to Ilmaters magic, there are some wounds that does not heal." She stood up before continuing "He bleeds internally, that much I know. But something is blocking Ilmaters magic, preventing it from curing those wounds. And something is wrong with his mind."
Gabriela and Unka looked at eachother, worry on their faces. "He once told me he lived in a village far to the north in the Misty Forest" Unka said. "Then that is where you must take him" the priest responded "They might be able to help where Ilmater cannot."
"Misty Forest? I can take you there." came a voice from the temple doors. Gabriela and Unka turned to see a small female elf standing by the door. "And who are you?" Gabriela asked. "My name is Beatrix Rokranon" the stranger said. "I do not know where his village is, but I do know where the Misty Forest can be found.", she offered.
Unka nodded "Then we must go at once. He needs help." he looked down to Fhaeo'Lingi, concern on his face. "You will have to carry him and stay out of any fight. It is a dangerous road we must travel and I cannot guide you if I must worry about your safety, as well as mine." Beatrix said. Unka nodded "Then I will."
Together the trio set out, Unka carrying Fhaeo'Lingi in his arms and Beatrix leading the way. Gabriela followed suit, using her magic to hide Unka and Fhaeo'Lingi.
Chapter 3 - A long way home
--- (Part 1 / 2) ---
After exiting Baldur's Gate the trio turned north towards the city of Triel, battling bugbears just north of the farmlands in Thundars Ridge. The first part of their journey finished, they stopped for a moment, allowing Unka some rest before continuing north. "This city never ceases to amaze me" Unka said as they left Triel behind.
Deep in the wasteland north of Triel the trio was attacked by worg-riding goblin raiders. Beatrix quickly dispatched their attackers, but one had gotten past her. As her arrow plunged into the worg it collapsed, sending its goblin rider flying into Unka, knocking him down. Before the goblin could understand what it was it had hit, Unka took hold of its head and broke its neck with a quick twist.
Fhaeo'Lingi lay on the ground next to Unka, blood seeping from his mouth as the fall had worsened his injuries. "We best hurry" he said with great concern "Fhaeo is not looking too good". He picked him up again and they made their way north to Soubar, where Beatrix stopped briefly in the settlement to purchase some supplies from a vendor.
Some time later they reached Boareskyr Bridge only to find it occupied by bandits. Snarling, Beatrix pumped an endless hail of arrows into the bandits. She suffered some wounds herself as two bandits crept up on her from behind. Before she could be overwhelmed, however, Gabriela blasted the bandits with her magic. As the fight ended, the trio rested for a while as Beatrix tended to her wounds.
"How much farther do we have to go?", Gabriela asked. "We are almost at the eastern border of Misty Forest", Beatrix responded. "Good, we should hurry then. He is bleeding more from his mouth now." Unka offered. The stress of being carried through rough terrain had obviously taken its toll on Fhaeo'Lingis body and his injuries were increasing in severity.
Together they reached the hobgoblin infested hills north of Boareskyr Bridge. Once again Beatrix proved more than a match for their attackers and they made their way west toward the Misty Forest. Shortly before the borders of the forest, they encountered a manticore, which proved a slight challenge, but was eventually felled through the combined might of Gabrielas magic and Beatrix's arrows.
The stress on Fhaeo'Lingis body had increased even more, however, and what was before a slow drip of blood from his mouth, had turned into a steady trickle. "Hang on Fhaeo, you are home soon" Unka said to Fhaeo'Lingi, though he knew he could not hear him.
"I have never been here before, nor do I know how to find his village" Beatrix offered as they entered the Misty Forest. "Then we must search the entire forest" Gabriela exclaimed defiantly "We have not come all this way to give up now!"
Perhaps sensing the familiarity of the forest, or his body finally able to stem the internal bleedings some, the blood trickling from Fhaeo'Lingis mouth slowed a little. "I think he knows where we are" Unka offered "We must be getting close."
--- (Part 2 / 2) ---
Picking their way through the Misty Forest proved a daunting task. None of them knew where to find Fhaeo'Lingis village and the terrain was difficult to traverse. They persisted, however, and were making good progress when Beatrix raised a hand, calling a stop. She suddenly turned around and fired a volley of arrows a few inches above Unkas head. He started to protest, but then heard a thud behind him. On the ground, a few feet behind him, lay the corpse of an orc filled with many arrows. "We must be careful here" Beatrix said "The orc tribes up here are said to be numerous and strong. I might need your help against them Unka". Unka nodded and they continued deeper into the Misty Forest.
The trio encountered a few orc patrols on their way through the forest. A few times Unka had, as Beatrix hinted, been forced to set Fhaeo'Lingi down to help her and Gabriela against the orcs. Each time he did so, Fhaeo'Lingis body made a small depression in the underbrush and left a puddle of blood where it seeped from his mouth.
After what seemed a long time they encountered a great three in the forest, a flowerbed growing between its roots. "I recall Fhaeo once telling me he served the god Rillifane Rallathil, lord of the woods" Gabriela said "Maybe this great three is a shrine of his?". Unka shrugged "Could be. I don't know much about elven gods."
"Try to place him in the flowerbed, it might help" Gabriela offered. Unka nodded and did as she suggested. Beatrix in the meantime was watching for any sign of orcs nearby. The trio waited for some time, but seeing no change in Fhaeos condition, they decide to press further into the forest.
As Gabriela and Beatrix headed north, Unka calls out to them "There is path here, it leads up and into the east!" Gabriela and Beatrix turned back and together they followed the path into the forest, Unka once again carrying Fhaeo'Lingi.
"There is a clearing up ahead" Beatrix called back. Their treck along the path had been peaceful since leaving the great three behind. Soon after they emerged into the clearing and find themselves standing in a village. "Is this it? Is this his village?" Unka asked, to which Beatrix noded "This must be his village. We should not stay here for long" Beatrix said, some urgency in her voice as she looked at Unka "I know this village from stories and tales. It is the home of the En Dharasha Everae, an elven society. They worship Rillifane Rallathil here, we should leave him by their shrine. The villagers will find him soon enough".
Searching the village they found a way up into the trees and come upon a building bearing the symbol of Rillifane Rallathil. "This is it, lay him here in front of their shrine and they will find him" Beatrix said. As Unka laid Fhaeo'Lingi down he stripped off his armor that he could rest unburdened, leaving it beside Fhaeo'Lingi. Beatrix suddenly tensed and whispered "I hear someone comming, quickly, we must leave."
Gabriela noded "Come close, I inscribed a rune back at Baldur's Gate. I can use magic to get us back there". With that she cast a spell and the trio vanishes, their job completed after delivering Fhaeo'Lingi to his people. Shortly after their departure, an elf came walking to the shrine.
Chapter 4 - Back in the village
--- (Part 1 / 2) ---
Andariel is walking to the shrine of Rillifane Rallathil when he spots Fhaeo'Lingi lying outside the door. "Fhaeo, how are you?" he asks, but Fhaeo'Lingi does not respond. Only then does Andariel notice the blood on Fhaeo'Lingis body and the armor beside it. "What happened to you?" he asks, but again there is no answer. "Best get you inside" he says and carries Fhaeo'Lingi inside the shrine, laying him down by the altar.
Examining Fhaeo'Lingi, Andariel attempts different spells of healing and curing. As the first spell, a powerful healing spell, washes over Fhaeo'Lingi, it seems to have greater effect than that of Ilmaters. His physical wounds close fully and his breathing become less labored.
"Fhaeo, can you hear me?" Andariel asks again, but there is still no answer. Frowning he attempts a spell to cure diseases, but it does nothing. Perplexed by his condition, Andariel tries another approach. He casts a spell, Omen of Peril, to show him what is wrong with Fhaeo'Lingi. The omen, however, show nothing helpful. Just as he is about to leave and get help, he snaps his fingers and fishes a small vial from his pockets.
The vial contain a powerful antidote and he pours it into Fhaeo'Lingis mouth and waits for the result. Again, nothing happens. Andariel sighs and rushes off to get help. Some time later he return with Febriel, having told her of Fhaeo'Lingis condition. When she sees her mate lying lifeless before the altar, she rushes over to him and kneels down beside him.
"Fhaeo'Lingi!" she calls out. She takes his hand and calls out again "Fhaeo'Lingi, can you hear me?!". Andariel explains that he had returned from patrol and found Fhaeo'Lingi badly injured outside the shrine. Febriel nods "He injured by giants near Nashkel. He not like this when Febriel run for help".
Febriel had returned to find Fhaeo'Lingi gone, along with Gabriela and Unka. Asking at the inn, she learned that they had taken him to Baldur's Gate by magic. She had then run north as fast as she could, knowing she was already far behind. When she arrived in Baldur's Gate, none of them were there. She was returning to the EDE for help when Andariel found her. Griefstruck by seeing Fhaeo'Lingi in this state, she forgets to tell Andariel any of this, nor does he ask.
Andariel kneels down beside Fhaeo'Lingi and examines him again. When he forces an eyelid open he notices that the pupil is fully dialated and does not respond to light reaching it. "His body is fine, but I fear it is his mind that is sick." He thinks for a while, then adds "We should find Elder Silverleaf, she is a powerful Spirit Shaman. She might be able to help him, where I cannot".
--- (Part 2 / 2) ---
Febriel looks up at Andariel "Fhaeo stable? He no get worse?" she asks. Andariel nods, then asks Febriel to move to the side. "I have a gift from Corellon I can grant him before I go seek help. You should stay here and remain strong for him." With that he mutters a prayer and touches Fhaeo'Lingis arm. A glow spreads through Fhaeo'Lingi and his skin appear to have more color to it. "That is all I can do" he says and then leaves to find more help.
"Fhaeo'Lingi stay with Febriel" Febriel says, as much to comfort herself as him, though she knows he cannot hear her. Yet, as she speaks, she notice that the hair on Fhaeo'Lingis skin rise slightly as she says her name. She smiles and lies down next to him, her head on his shoulder. She continues to babble on as she lies there, mostly to reassure herself.
After some time Febriel worries why Andariel is taking so long. He should have been back by now. She sits up and touches Fhaeo'Lingis forehead "Fhaeo'Lingi stay safe, Febriel go look where is Andariel." She then stands and goes out the the door, looking for Andariel.
Andariel in the meantime have met up with Aia and are taking her back to see Fhaeo'Lingi. On their way back to the shrine, they encounter Velaris. As Velaris introduces himself, Andariel cuts him short and explains he is in urgent need of help to cure one of their own. Together they make it back to the shrine, Fhaeo'Lingi still comatose and Febriel nowhere to be seen.
Valeris recognizes Fhaeo'Lingi and sais "I remember him. I met him in Beregost with another elf. Sera'Mela was her name. A skilled archer. Shynt was with me too and when Sera'Mela explained she wanted to join the EDE, Shynt asked that I bring them both here." Andariel nods "I know Shynt, but I have not met Sera'Mela before."
"What is wrong with him?" Aia asks. "I do not know. I found him covered in blood outside the shrine and carried him here. I cured his wounds but he remains unconcious. His pupils are dialated and does not respond to light. I fear his mind or soul is injured." Aia and Velaris both listen as Andariel explains. "How did he come here if he was so injured?" Aia asks, looking at Andariel. "I do not know, but he must have struggled and sought solace and healing here" Andariel offers.
Aia casts a spell and examines Fhaeo'Lingi. "There are no traces of harmful magic on him. Magic did not do this." Velaris looks at Andariel "Maybe his mind is elsewhere? How was he wounded?" he asks. "I do not know" Andariel answers. They all stand contemplating the issue before Velaris breaks the silence. "Maybe it would help if we could retrace his steps. See where he came from".
The trio agrees to retrace Fhaeo'Lingis tracks together, hoping to learn something that might help him. Once outside the shrine they examine the ground and find tracks leading into the village from the Misty Forest. "Two small sets of tracks, one larger" Andariel offers as he examines the tracks more closely. They prepare for the journey and head out into the Misty Forest, following the tracks.
Chapter 5 - Searching for answers
--- (Part 1 / 3) ---
Travelling through the Misty Forest, Andariel, Aia and Velaris follow the three sets of tracks that led into their village. "We should be careful, there might be orcs nearby" Andariel says. Together they move in silence, occasionaly seeing depressions in the underbrush where some blood have gathered at one end of the depressions. Keeping silent they continue to follow the tracks.
As Velaris follow the tracks, leading Aia and Andariel through the Misty Forest, he notice that the gait and stride of larger set of tracks matches that of an orc, or something close to it. He says nothing, however, not wanting to break the silence. As they move further into the Misty Forest, Velaris recognizes that the tracks are following a path leading to the eastern border of the Misty Forest, exiting to the hobgoblin infested hills of the High Moor and explains so to Aia and Andariel. "Right then. I think tha . . ORCS!" Andariel suddenly shouts. "It is an ambush!!".
The trio makes a fighting run back the way they came, steering off the path and eventually loses their pursuers. "We should take another path back to the village. We cannot allow the orcs to know where it is." Andariel says "But we need to cover Fhaeos tracks or they will find them" he continues.
The trio is now back in the EDE village, their search for answers halted by an orc ambush. With Fhaeo'Lingi not getting any worse, they decide to wait and rest in the village and enlist the help of others before setting out again. They hope this will give them a better chance of making it through the Misty Forest, while still following the tracks that brough Fhaeo'Lingi there.
Some time later Slade arrives in the village, having heard rumors of Fhaeo'Lingis condition. He sets out with Andariel and Vaelor, while Aia stays in the village. This time they do not encounter any orcs on their way through the Misty Forest. They follow the tracks into the High Moor where they stumble upon something by the roadside and encounter someone they did not expect.
--- (Part 2 / 3) ---
As the trio is following the tracks south through the High Moor, Vaelor spots something by the side of the road. Curious he picks it up and immediately notice it is piece of elven cloth, covered in blood. "Could this be Fhaeos?" he ask the others. None of them have any means of knowing, so they continue south, taking the piece of cloth with them. It is not long before they approached by someone they know.
"Well met cousins" Shynt say as they come upon her, "What brings the three of you to this place?". "We are looking for clues as to what have happened to Fhaeo. We are following some tracks that have led from the village to this place. Maybe you would be willing to help?" Andariel asks. "Ofcourse" Shynt replies. Together the four of them follow the tracks, Shynt taking the lead as their tracker.
"This is a strange collection of tracks. Two of them elven, the other half-orc." Shynt says after a while, "And, the half-orcs tracks are deeper than they should be, even for one of their size". Vaelor thinks a little before asking "Could the half-orc have been carrying Fhaeo?". They all look at eachother for a while, not knowing what to make of it all. "We will find out soon enough. The tracks lead further south, to Boareskyr Bridge" Shynt says. Together they head south to the bridge.
"Andariel? Febriel mentioned that Fhaeo was injured near Nashkel?" Vaelor asks after they arrive at Boareskyr Bridge. "Yes, that is what she said." Andariel answers. "I think the tracks will lead us all the way south to Nashkel then. In fact, I am certain of it." Vaelor offers. Andariel thinks a moment before agreeing "I can take us there through magic. It will shorten our trip considerably". Together the four of them teleport to Nashkel, using Andariels magic.
Arriving an instant later south of Nashkel in the foothills the group pauses to decide where to go next. "I doubt we will find many answers here. Maybe someone in Nashkel know what happened?" Andariel asks. "We could always ask Hunter, he seems to know everything that goes on around here" Slade offers. The group then heads into Nashkel to find Hunter.
"Hunter, might we ask you a few questions?" Slade asks Hunter who looks at the group, a little surprised "Many elves in this area lately." he remarks "Ask away". The group look to eachother, hopes rising a little before Slade asks "Many elves you say? Have you seen an injured elf lately? Probably with a small elven woman". Hunter thinks for a little while before answering "Yes, now that you mention it, I did see just that a few days ago". Seeing the look on their faces, he continues "Give me a moment and I will tell you what I know".
--- (Part 3 / 3) ---
The group listens intently as Hunter explain what he saw a few days past. Shynt staying in the background, letting the others talk, her arms crossed most of the time. "I saw a young elf, female, carrying another lifeless male elf into town from the fields to the south. She was crying the whole time, even as one of the others that were with her, knelt down and restored the elf to life." Hunter shakes his head "The look of joy on the little elfs face was unmistakeable. She kept crying and calling out his name as he came to. Feo I think she called him". Slade looks at Hunter and asks "Do you mean Fhaeo?", to which he nods "Yes, that was the name." Slade looks at the others "It must have been Febriel."
"Anyway, they carried him to the rocks by the inn here next to me as soon as he was awake. Which I found a little odd since he was clearly still badly hurt." Hunter points to the spot where Fhaeo'Lingi had been lying. "I did not listen much to what they said to eachother, but the little elf, the one you think is called Febriel, ran off very suddenly to the north a little while later." He sighs before he continues. "It was a few minutes after she left, that Fhaeo seemed to convulse and then collapse."
"Another elf that was with them when they arrived, called out for a half-orc, Unka I think his name was, to help Fhaeo. She then insisted that they find some help as Febriel would probably not make it in time." He pauses, letting the group take in his story before continuing. "Then a woman in red robes arrived. She seemed to know both the injured elf and the female elf who stayed behind. They talked for a while before the elf went into the inn. When she came back out, the woman in red cast a spell and they were gone."
The group step away a little discussing among themselves. "So a woman in red, a female elf and a half-orc named Unka teleported away with Fhaeo?" Andariel asks. "It would seem so, but where did they go?" Slade asks. "I suppose we can start by checking at the inn, the elf might have mentioned something in there" Vaelor suggests. Together they enter the inn. Inside they are greeted by the barmaid who asks "More elves. Are you here for the note too?" The group look among eachother "What note?" Slade asks. "Another elf, Gabriela, left a note for one she called Febriel." the barmaid explains. "Febriel? We know her. May we see the note?" Slade asks. The barmaid nods and hand him the note.
Slade quickly reads through the note and explain for the others. "The note is adressed to Febriel. The other elf, Gabriela, mentioned that they feared she might not return in time with a healer, and got help from Jhananda to teleport Fhaeo to Baldur's Gate where he could get help." The group look amongst themselves, trying to solve the riddle before agreeing to go ask at the local temple if Febriel had visited. The priest there explains that they are the first elves in many days to come to him. They then return to Hunter and asks if he remember anything else.
"Now that you mention it. The one you call Febriel, came back perhaps 10 minutes after the others left. She looked around some before entering the inn. When she came back out, she stormed north. Probably to the Gate." Hunter explains. "Why do you think she went there?" Slade asks. "Well, the woman in red, the one who cast the spell that made them disappear, mentioned that the mind of the one you call Fhaeo was damaged and that he could get help there." Thanking Hunter, the group steps back and talk among themselves "So, to the Gate then?" Slade asks. The others nod and they agree to meet there as soon as they can.
Chapter 6 - Storming the Gate
--- (Part 1 / 2) ---
After a quick return to the village to check up on Fhaeo, Andariel, Slade and Vaelor travel to Baldur's Gate together to look for more answers at the temples. Outside the city they are met by Shynt, who had decided to walk there rather than teleport, and Mendel whom she had met on her way. Mendel is quickly brought up to current events by the others and the five of them decide to split up inside the city.
Andariel and Vaelor decide to go together to the temple of Mystra while Slade, Mendel and Shynt go to the temple of Torm, all agreeing to meet up at the city square after two hours. "Where is the temple to the Weave Master?" Andariel asks Vaelor as they depart. "Follow me. I have spent much time in this city and know my way around." Vaelor replies and leads Andariel to the temple of Mystra.
Meanwhile, Slade, Mendel and Shynt have arrived at the temple of Torm. Here Slade address the priest Celwig Olwyn "Sir, we are seeking a group of elves that may have come here seeking assistance within the last few days." Celwig looks at Slade "You are the first group of elves I have seen in the past few days." he says. "Hmm, very well. My thanks" Slade responds and tosses a few coins in the donation pot before leaving. "Where to now?" Mendel asks. "Let us go visit the temple of Tempus next." Slade suggests. Mendel nods and follow Slade together with Shynt.
Back at the temple to Mystra, Andariel and Vaelor have arrived and asks the priest in attendance if he have seen someone matching the description of Fhaeo, and the odd company he was with. The Mystran priest shakes his head "I have not seen such a gathering here. I am certain I would remember." Together Andariel and Vaelor leave the Mystran temple and discuss where to go next. "The temple of Ilmater is right by the gate. Perhaps we should have started there?" Vaelor asks Andariel "If they felt rushed for time, they may have gone there first." Andariel nods and together they head for the temple of Ilmater.
Meanwhile, Slade, Mendel and Shynt have arrived at the temple of Tempus. Slade again takes the lead, addressing the priest, Damar "Sir, we seek a group of elves that may have come here asking for assistance." Mendel meanwhile stay in the background with Shynt, looking between Damar and Slade. "We do not see many elves here. None of those that have visited have asked for aid." Damar responds, looking at Slade. "Very well, my thanks" he responds and turn to the others. "Let us try the temple of Ilmater." he suggests as they exit the Tempist temple. Before leaving, Mendel bows his head slightly to the priest.
"Why do they make such an effort to conceal the entry? It is ludicrus." Andariel blurts as he enter the Ilmatri temple with Vaelor. "Do they have no shame or pride?" he rants on. "They keep things simple, brother." Vaelor responds. "Obviously." Andariel remarks with some disdain and shakes his head "There is no grandeur in this god, Ilmater.". Vaelor looks at him "Andariel, please show some respect." he admonishes, finally silencing Andariel.
Sister Adolina, the priestess in attendance, looks at Vaelor as he turn to ask about Fhaeo and his companions "My my, a lot of elves here in a few days" she says. "Is that so? What other elves have you seen of late, Sister?" Vaelor asks as Slade, Mendel and Shynt also enter the temple. "Ah, brothers" Slade exclaims when seeing Andariel and Vaelor already there. Andariel nods to Slade "We may have something here.", to which he responds "Oh, good" and listens to Vaelor and Adolina talking.
--- (Part 2 / 2) ---
Sister Adolina looks at Vaelor "Just yesterday I attempted to heal a gravely wounded elf. I could close some of his wounds, but not all." to which Slade looks up and asks "Some of his wounds?". Andariel, meanwhile have begun complaining again, this time in elven, while Mendel is content to lean on a crate, listening. "Did you learn his name at all?" Vaelor asks. "I think I heard a half-orc call him Feo, or something like it.". "Fhaeo, right. Did he appear to be poisoned?" Slade asks, followed quickly by Vaelor "You said some of his wounds?". Sister Adolina looks at Slade "Yes, that was his name." She then pauses and shakes her head "No, not poisoned. He was gravely wounded. I healed what wounds I could, but he seemed to reject some of the healing powers.".
"Reject? An evil curse?" Slade asks. "Yes, it was most strange. I could feel the healing take root in him, then it was as if it stopped short of healing him completely." Sister Adolina responds. "Reject it? What could cause something like this?" Vaelor asks. "I wonder if this is a curse" Slade says, looking at the others. Mendel meanwhile seems concerned as he is listening to Sister Adolina. "Tis no curse. I cast a spell to remove such from him. To little avail." Andariel interrupts. "Does that seem posible to you sister?" Slade asks Sister Adolina, who looks worried at the gathering "What troubled me the most is that no matter what healing spells I tried, he still did not regain his conciousness. I have a theory, but I could not do anything to prove it." she finally offers. "Please, could you share it with us?" Slade asks. "Yes of course." she responds.
"It is uncommon, but sometimes a person can believe in something so much that he or she is afraid to lose it. It could be, that in his unconcious state he was holding on to something. Afraid to lose whatever it was, he rejected the healing granted by Ilmater, who is a foreign diety to you if I am not mistaken." Sister Adonlina explains. "So it was a matter of faith, then?" Slade asks, to which she nods. "We had our own priest tend to him. With no result." Slade says, but is rudely cut off by Andariel "Highly doubtful" he says as he steps up, berating the woman "This kin was taken to our own temple, put before the alter of his own god. And our friend is slipping away.". Slade looks at Andariel, trying to calm him "Andariel, please. She is trying to help.".
Sister Adolina looks at Slade "Where you able to heal him in any way?" she asks. "Yes, his physical wounds. But he remains unconcious." Slade explains. "Then you succeeded where I failed." she says. "Sister, if healing from one of our own didn't work, what else could explain him not recovering? Did you sense anything else? Or notice anything else that might help us?" Vaelor asks. She looks at him and answers "If your friend remains unconcious, but is otherwise healed, he might, as I said, be holding on to something in his unconcious state. Something he is afraid to lose if he wakes up." she pauses briefly, then continues "Sadly I am not able to cure a wounded mind. If you have any of your faith that can enter the minds of others, that person might be able to help your friend where normal healing cannot."
The group talk a little among eachother, pondering the news as they leave the temple, Andariel occasionally offering up snide remarks about Sister Adolina and her faith. "What could Fhaeo be holding on to?" Slade asks. "Maybe Febriel know something about it?" Vaelor suggests. "She was with me, at his side in the village before I found you. But gone when I returned." Andariel says "Maybe she have returned?" he finishes. "In any event, I think Sister Adolina might be on to something. We should see if Elder Silverfang or Luthien is back at the village. They might be able to help in entering his mind." Vaelor offers. Finally having some answers and a possible cause for Fhaeos condition, they all teleport back to the village, Shynt included.
Chapter 7 - The broken pieces of a mind
--- (Part 1 / 3) ---
In a flash of light the group arrives at the great tree outside the village. Walking up the slopes to enter the village, they do not speak much, everyone still digesting the information the only just acquired. Andariel and Slade both exchange knowing looks, each knowing that if neither Elder Silverfang nor Luthien can cure Fhaeo, they might have to end his suffering. Arriving in the village, they make their way to the shrine, wanting to check up on Fhaeo before finding help for him, only to find Luthien already there, kneeling over him. "Why does this always happen when I am away?" she sighs, her hand on Fhaeos forehead.
"Luthien! Are we glad to see you!" Andariel says as he sees her. Turning, still kneeling, Luthien looks back to the group "It is good to see you as well Andariel. Do you know what have befallen the young one?" she says, looking back down to Fhaeo. "We are not sure, Luthien. I found him like this outside our shrine a few days ago. I have used every possible magic I know to cure him, curing his physical wounds, but nothing seems to help him wake," he sighs and looks down to Fhaeo as well. "We have spent the past few days trying to find out what have happened to him, and we might have something, but I do not know how to cure it," he shakes his head lightly and then looks at her "We were hoping that maybe you or Elder Silverfang might."
"Tell me what you think is wrong, and I will see what I can do," Luthien answers. "We spoke with a priestess of Ilmater", he winches slightly as he mentions the Maimed God, "She tried to heal him, but could not even cure his physical wounds. She did, however, mention that Fhaeo might be holding on to something in his mind. Something that prevents him from returning to us." Luthien, looking at Andariel as he explains, turn her eyes to Fhaeo as Andariel finish his explanation, "Yes, I think I can help him," she says and puts her hand back on Fhaeos forehead. "I will need two volunteers to join me on a journey into his mind that we might see what he is holding on to," she continues, still looking down at the comatose Fhaeo.
"I will help you help my friend," Vaelor says, eagerly stepping forward. "I will help as well," Slade says and steps forward to stand beside Vaelor. Nodding, Luthien points to either side of Fhaeo, "Sit then, and we can begin." As Vaelor and Slade take positions on either side of Fhaeo, Luthien looks back to the others, noting that Nai have also joined them and is whispering with Mendel. Febriel, however, is nowhere to be seen. "When we start, I need you all to be quiet. What we see and hear in Fhaeos mind will appear to everyone here, as an omen above us. No matter what you see or hear, do not speak of it until we are done." With that she positions herself closer to Fhaeo, resting his head in her lap. "Join hands with me and close your eyes that we may begin," she says to Vaelor and Slade and holds out her hands, all of them closing their eyes as their hands lock together.
--- (Part 2 / 3) ---
At first there was only darkness as they entered Fhaeos mind, but gradually the darkness gave way to show an empty expanse of nothingness, cold and devoid of anything but themselves, almost like a tomb. Luthien, guided by the ritual, extended her will, searching for something, a memory, a thought, anything within Fhaeos mind. "There," she said after some time, drawing the attention of Vaelor and Slade to a flicker of light in the distance, "that is where we have to go." Focusing her will on the distant light, she began moving towards it, Vaelor and Slade pulled along by the ritual.
"This is not good," Luthien said with some concern as they travelled towards to the light, "we should be seeing his memories and thoughts all around him. Where are they?" Vaelor and Slade, having no experience with travelling the mind, said nothing, but followed Luthien towards the light. After what seemed like a long time, they finally came close enough to the light that whey were able to see other lights swirling around it. It was chaos. Every light bumbed into others, then changed direction or stopped completely only to be hit another light and thrown off in random direction again, always swirling around the brighter light in the center. "We should hurry. It is worse than I thought," Luthien said and picked up speed.
Together they arrived a few moments later, looking at the spectacle before them. What they had thought lights, were, in face, Fhaeos memories and thoughts circling a single memory, with no structure and no order to them at all. "Are those . . Are those his memories?" Slade asked as he saw an image of a much younger Fhaeo pass by, followed by an image of Febriel and Fhaeo holding hands in the village councilhall during one of the meetings. "Yes, and he is no longer in control of them," Luthien said, gazing past them at the light in the middle. "They should be structured, ordered, like the pages in a book." She lifted a finger and pointed at the light in the middle. "That is the only stable memory he have, and thus important in some way. We should move closer and get a better look," she said and willed them closer, weaving through the chaotic memories.
Standing before the one stable memory, Luthien examined it closely for a moment and then reached out with her hand to touch it. In a flash of light, the scene changed and the three of them found themselves in the foothills south of Nashkel, but everything looked slightly transparent, almost ethereal or ghostly. "We are in the memory now. Let us see what happens," Luthien explained to Vaelor and Slade. Together they watched as Fhaeo, Febriel, a male half-orc and an elven girl fought with the hill giants. "That must be Unka and Gabriela that Hunter told us about," Vaelor said, looking at the others who only nodded.
As Slade turned his attention back to the memory, he saw Fhaeo rush in to save Gabriela from several hill giants. Then, as she was safe, Fhaeo seemed to spot Febriel also in trouble and started towards her. He never made it. Luthien, Vaelor and Slade could only look on as more hill giants emerged from the trees and struck Fhaeo down. As he lay there on the ground, his body broken, he reached out towards Febriel, hill giants descending upon her and then he went still. Without warning, the memory ended and shifted abrubtly, pulling Luthien, Vaelor and Slade with it through the darkness to another memory