Author: Araxis

Araxis thought to herself; what an exceptionally long rest. A much needed rest. She thought to herself; was it all a dream?

She vaguely remembers what seems very foggy. Finns sense of obligation is admirable but can at times seem inconvenient. Araxis remembers that he really wanted to help out the blacksmith. Daphne, however, had a sense that the blacksmith was much more or less than a human on this plane. She threw a dagger at him and nothing happened confirming her suspicions. A quizzical look on his face communicated his surprise. However; he imparted his knowledge of the Leaves, a tale of a king who had searched for three items, of course not to be mistaken for idle toys. He said that once we were stronger we could search for a dead troves, perhaps a treasure???
Does this long long rest make us stronger???

We decided to push on, with haste, and once in a safe location at night, we decide to visit our dear friend Ivy. We have definitely acquired more knowledge and perhaps she can also assist. Even though she can be quite puzzling; she has become a trusted companion on our journeys.

Once inside the box we seek a “second” where Finn without caution walks past the sign which very clearly stated: This area was used for experimentation; DO NOT GO IN”. Almost immediately explosions started and Finns feet were scorched; he retreated.

Araxis’ keen eye spotted a small device with a ruin carved into it; the symbol triggers a memory of a spell that might help. She remembers that where they are at and the room they are in is triggered by weight. Oblivious to what Daphne and Araxis are trying to figure out, Finn started chomping around and very mysteriously becomes restrained by ice. And then almost immediately breaks through by brute force. We make it through the minefield and get to the building ; Rellington Rentals with some very curious and useful items.

We then confirm with Ivy that our most recent life attained is indeed a leaf and remembering what the Blacksmith said; “You’ll have to find all of the leaves first”. Ivy began to place our most recent acquisition over the map and it starts to get warm in hand. The map flickered indicating that there were many more dragons than anyone of us thought. Sooooooo exciting. Araxis could barely contain herself.

We headed to the Title, again, and once inside, unfortunately, Daphne was hit by the Sea Hag. She suffered a small blow. We worked together as a team in defeating the Hag and were rewarded by a vision where we saw a set of rings forming a thick golden circle, some literal clock hands and painted numbers. It was indeed very exciting. It seemed as though things were coming together. Thinking back now, I remember that we need to procure a watch face. I think this will be part of our ongoing adventures. So we head out and leave our dear friend Ivy once more.

Wow, that really was a long rest. I feel ready for what may come next.

The Journals of Araxis: Vol. 6, Entries 4-7.

Entry 4: Daphne and the Collective Technicolour Dreamboat

Today was an interesting day, we climbed aboard a ship with an interesting crew with an interesting philosophy. The passage fee: contribute to the work on the ship and sign the citizenship agreement. Seemed reasonable to me. Daphne seemed quite skeptical but it was hard to argue with the sea fare.

Entry 5: O Captain, Who’s Captain?

What a strange ship indeed. When trying to see what our route was to be; I discovered there was no one captain and that the course was determined by the one who determined it to be. That one was me. I did ask for advice from those who had undertaken this journey before and they confirmed my route choice. I had sailed before, many a time, but not this particular journey.

Entry 6: A Story, A Dragon…maybe and a Moonbeam.

Our host,Finn, sat down to recount the tale of the Story of Dragons, detailing a golden musical device protecting the people from grave danger. This intrigued my party and we all leaned in a bit closer to hear the details of the story. But it ended abruptly with the clamouring bell from the top deck. As we ran up we heard intense shrieking coming from above. This beast flew down from high up in the sky; a long feathered body, vicious talons and a tail stretching out. It was not a dragon; although that would have been much to convenient given the story that we had just been told. Finn shouted out to us all: “This is evil”. Daphne, Finn and I came together to protect our collective interests using our collective skills of water whips, moon beams and strikes to defeat the embodiment of evil. We made quick work of the creature and it fell to the deck. The whole time we were working to keep everyone safe and sound; they were discussing how to proceed with the creature. Honestly, if we had not gone ahead to swiftly deal with whatever that creature was the ship would have gone down with all aboard. It was decided that we would have to partake in the Tribunal as our actions were not in keeping in the spirit of “The Collective”. Will we ever get off this ship? Daphne, very astutely, suggested that the Tribunal might be better on land, to which everyone agreed, it would. We continued sailing on to The Delta and arrived 3 days later.

Entry 7: The Tribunal…and the End.

Well… it wasn’t as long as I had originally thought. 6 days; and honestly it highlighted to the ship crew that they also needed to come up with a better way of dealing with emergencies in the future rather than just talking in circles. By the end of the 6th day our punishment was made clear to us; a curse of a minor itty bitty day that would unfold unique to each Daphne, Finn and I. It was to serve as a lesson about the values we needed to embody. We quickly said goodbye to all on the ship and decided to get to the temple as quickly as we could and wait out the effects of the curse. Oh boy, looking back I am so glad that is over. Daphnes hands fell off when trying to cast magic, there were multiple hands running about in the Temple, Finn had to lie about everything, and I had a looming voice narrating all my thoughts, and trust me when I say that nobody wants to hear all that racket. The sun set but not fast enough for us three.

I have been wondering for some time now, if my contributions to this travel group have been sufficient.  I have been on my own, travelling all by myself, and was considering that it may be the best course moving forward.  Finn and Daphne seem to be quite capable in their travels; Finn in particular has grown a lot and even he has endeared himself to me, although I would never tell him.  Daphne is an accomplished young woman and has proven herself to be quite skilled. My thoughts and aspirations call me to my prior adventures but I can’t seem to pull myself away from these two individuals. For now, and until life changes drastically, these two will continue to be my travel companions, as I can’t bear the thought of leaving them behind; and that for me is a lot to say.  Well…on to adventuring. 

Upon our return to the temple at Happenstance from that awful little town, Coincidence, Master Elder greeted us at the entrance and informed us that the poltergeist had been dealt with. He was very appreciative of all for our efforts. In searching for further information about Blue, we found reference to another book, Xanenthrop’s Artificers Encyclopedia of Useful Implements, 19th ed. Finally, some more information: 

There are 3 hands on the Watch. This makes sense, as there are typically hands on a watch.  Hand A detects dragons, and wow what a find, especially for me. Hand B is a projecting hand; and Hand C is unknown, although a certain “Julianna” and an “Old coot” are mentioned, most annoyingly.  Perhaps I may stay a bit longer as this is especially intriguing to me.  

We have been pointed back to the Swamps surrounding the Delta, as a place to find more clues, or possibly even more Hands of the Watch. This is a group decision and we will have to decide if our path to the light includes a journey back to the Delta.  

In the meantime, Daphne had a solid idea of trying to gain additional insight by going back into Norman’s Village in a Box.  Instantly, Ivy appeared to welcome us back and was very excited to accompany us to the buildings in the village. We travelled to the “Title”, “Minute”, and “the Watch” in the village and then to “Two Hours”. While we were exploring inside Daphne started singing—very randomly, at first, but then was telling us that the Watch had been created in the year 400 and was destroyed in the 5^th Century by Devon, his current descendant being Devoncena in Delta. It was very strange indeed and when she stopped singing, she had no clue what she had just said. All in all, it was a useful escapade and we decided to press on to “This”. As we approached the rocks at “This” a series of small gargoyles appeared with their hands clasped in front of them in the shape of a circle. Accompanying the statues were a series of stones. We made quick work of placing the stones according to sound logic and were presented with the reminder of a map that we had received previously in the Delta. Daphne pulled out the map that was given to us all the way back in the Delta, so many moons ago.  It has a few more wrinkles on it, but there are clues now that make so much more sense to us. I gave my head a shake and reminded myself moving forward to never take anything for granted.  Finn, Daphne, and I discussed possible plans moving forward, the obvious one being to return to Delta and figure out where the other hands are.  We all said goodbye to Ivy, thanked her for all of her help, and promptly returned to the Temple to prepare for our long journey back to Delta.   

While we forgot to ask Master Elder, we quickly figured out that. it being late in the season, our chance of taking the River Boat back would not work out and we would have to return via horse.  Master Elder had offered provisions, as part of payment for helping the Temple out, and we graciously accepted. We formulated a gentle plan to let our new friend, Tobias, know that he would not be able to join us in the journey. That little guy has grown on all of us, I think, Finn most of all, as he reminded him of himself.  

And as we depart I exclaim: teamwork makes the dreamwork, something just a short while ago I would never thought I would ever think, let alone say out loud. 

As Araxis contemplated what had just unfolded, she thought to herself that this indeed had been a very long day. Someone wise once said to Araxis that there were two types of tired: one that required rest and one that required peace. She knew at end of this day, she would be in need of both; but at present she needed all of her mental faculties about her. Thinking back to how the day started she had hoped to come across some nuggets of knowledge to help her team get through their current predicament.

The day started innocently enough with the team finally underway for their next part of their journey. They decided to follow the River north to Happenstance, which typically was a two-day journey. Finn was decidedly and annoyingly focused on the procurement of the Leaf of Light; although to be honest Araxis was impressed by his determination. And so long as this was a part of their greater mission, she was perfectly fine to indulge Finn and his steadfastness towards his vocation.

As Finn, Daphne and she travelled along the River, Araxis noticed that the water was flowing backwards. Thinking to herself that this was strange she vocalized her observation to the team. All of a sudden, Finn darted into the river to see what the fuss was all about. Never one to heed the advice to be cautious, especially around new and unknown circumstances, Finn once again seemed determined and focused to figure out this new and welcomed puzzle. Suddenly, a serpentine form surged out of the water; cerulean in colour and quite vicious in nature, and grappled Finn. Quickly remembering a conversation with Gimbel, the Archivist at the University, Araxis employed a Fist of Unbroken Air upon the unknown creature, which unfortunately bounced off with no effect. Daphne, also quick on her toes, shot the figure; and caused it to flinch, though not doing much damage. Finn’s physical prowess allowed him to successfully escape the creature’s grip; albeit only momentarily, and after significant effort. To continue the attack, Araxis shot darts at the creature and noticed it seemed as though it was protecting something. Finn was determined to continue on in the struggle despite the fact that he was repeatedly grappled by the water serpent every time he broke free, and at times was close to losing consciousness due to a lack of oxygen. Thank The Light that he had Light Bringer to assist through the battle.

Araxis thought to herself that the continued attack on elemental forces—the water serpent—with significant effort, would end this. All they had to do was continue their attack with force and determination. With quick wit and skill Araxis decided to freeze a cubic meter of the water serpent to enable the group to see where they needed to focus their attack. This helped significantly. Despite Finn’s reckless abandon endangering the team, he was making significant gains and finally the serpent imploded and settled back into the river as water and nothing more.

Once free, Finn dove deep to the bottom of the river and returned with a box.
This box had some sort of combination lock, which in very little time was solved due to the clues that Araxis had remembered from her conversations at the University, the smarts of Daphne, and determination of Finn. Once opened, the box had a cushion upon which a leaf was pinned, but this was not just any leaf. Finn was sure it was the Leaf of light. Finn struggled to come to terms with their discovery. For him, it was his singular purpose and he was thinking about the significance of this. Finn knew and vocalized his thoughts to the group. The Leaf of Light could turn the tide against the forces of Dreaming Dark. This was a defining moment for Finn and for all beings. This was a moment of great significance and Araxis and Daphne now understood and awaited Finn’s reaction.

Finn was so excited and focused that he blurted out that they should all return to the Temple with the Leaf of Light immediately, or at least soon after the group had taken a rest, for he was exhausted after his tussle in the river. Finn was reminded of the commitment to the University and the journey that still lay ahead. Admitting he’d forgotten momentarily, in the excitement, he and the group were contemplating rest when all of a sudden, they were beset with a strange breeze. Sadly, there was no rest to be had, as another attack ensued. This time Finn employed his full bag of tricks; conjuring his elk and badger. This next feat required all of the team’s expertise, and each member rose to the occasion. Daphne threw snow into the air to reveal the shape of the new creature. This was extremely useful as it aided in the new attack on this creature. Again, it took time and energy, but the trio was able to emerge victorious and defeat this next elemental figure. Hoping that it might now be time to rest, Araxis pondered to herself, what was this magic? And what was so special about this stretch of the River?

            Araxis wasn’t entirely sure what she would be getting herself into when she decided to allow two green and unexperienced younglings to tag along with her on her journey to the University, but it certainly wasn’t this. In the last few hours she had found herself joining Finn and Daphne to explore an abandoned temple, only to be beset by surges of wild magic and swarms of giant spiders. Neither of which troubled Araxis too much, besides the minor inconvenience that they caused for her, but somewhere along the way, Finn had gone and turned himself into a cactus!?! This was somewhat troubling to Araxis. She was sure it would set her back at least a day in her travel plans. And if she was being perfectly honest, there may have been a very small part of the sage elf that actually felt bad for the young paladin. Araxis sensed Daphne’s concern as well, as the young rogue had not let the cactus near any harm since leaving the temple—it was endearing. 

            No sooner had Araxis retired to her tent for the night, determined to spend some time in a trance and thinking about solutions to Finn’s problem, than she heard a terrible commotion coming from just outside of Daphne’s tent. Rousing herself to see what was the matter, she was shocked to find Daphne and the two young paladins they were travelling with engaged in combat against another swarm of spiders, this time accompanied by a giant spider. The situation looked as though it could become dire, and so Araxis was quick to step in and fight alongside her friends. Throughout the skirmish, she couldn’t help but feel a small sense of pride swell within her to notice the deftness with which Daphne attacked the spiders—would that she could say the same for the two paladins. Clearly, the combat training at their temple was not nearly as rigorous as the training Finn had received, as most of their attacks were useless and futile. Despite the paladins’ best efforts to hand the victory to the arachnids, Daphne and Araxis were able to prevail, with Daphne dealing mortal damage to the eight legged creatures, and Araxis dealing the fatal blows.  

            Now thoroughly depleted of Ki, and feeling a little worse for wear, Araxis was determined to rest, hoping that the prickly problem of Finn’s transformation might sort itself out with time. The next morning, Araxis was again roused from her tent by another commotion coming from Daphne’s tent. There was a brief thought that if she had to deal with anymore spiders, she might just leave the entire party behind, and strike out on her own. Thankfully, instead of a swarm of Solifugae, Araxis was greeted by a smashed clay pot, a dazed Finn, and an equally confused Daphne. Before long, Finn had pointedly been told about his time as a succulent, and the means by which Daphne had solved the problem. Again, Araxis was impressed with the young woman, she was proving to be full of surprises. 

            After breaking their fast and breaking camp, Araxis found herself at a crossroads. Finn had made it clear that for some inexplicable reason, he felt compelled to return to the temple and explore it at length, this time without the use of any mystical powers. He had said that he would understand Araxis’s desire to continue on her journey without him, but had also extended an invitation for her and Daphne to join him. There was a fighting about Araxis’s soul that she was not used to. Normally, she would have gone on to continue her work, without question. But the adventures that she had shared with these two younglings had endeared them to her, in way, and she too felt compelled to visit the temple one more time. 

            Goodbyes were exchanged with their escort, and before long the trio was heading back to the temple in the middle of Erron. Once again, Araxis wasn’t entirely sure what she would be getting herself into when she decided to follow two green and unexperienced younglings into the desert, but she was sure she was making the right decision. 

Our trio arrived in Twillingsbee much later in the afternoon than we had anticipated, and decided to rest for the evening. The captain of the barge, Andrew, recommended lodging at his sister’s modest inn. This was a welcome development as I believe it is always wise to accept hospitality, especially with the promise of a hearty stew and has a separate room for me to rest. 

Prior to heading to Mable’s Inn, Finn and Daphne wanted to walk about the town to see if any provisions could assist us on our journey. It was becoming clear that my two companions have not travelled much beyond their villages, and I must remember that they will be learning along the way. I think that I may need to sit back to see what they are capable of; gain some insight into the skills they can bring to our journey. This journey will be arduous and it will test the strength, both mentally and physically, of us all. Perhaps youth will assist both Daphne and Finn. As the younglings shopped, I decided to visit my solicitor, who is conveniently located in Twillingsbee, to update my last will and testament. Wisdom has taught me it’s always a good idea to be prepared for any adventures. Once finished, I joined Finn in the armaments store. 

As I entered, Finn was closing a deal for a dagger that he secured on his own, for a fair price, no less. It’s not the dagger I would have chosen, but appropriate to his needs and situation in life, I suppose. It will do well enough. 

After leaving the store, and meeting with Daphne, we left the market for Mable’s Inn.  We were greeted by a warm welcome and a hot pot of delicious stew. Captain Andrew’s recommendation was a good one. Given the excitement of the day—at least for the younglings—it wasn’t long before we all sought the comfort of our pillows.  The next leg of our journey, though long, was to be aboard the relative comfort of a paddle boat that I have enjoyed in the past. The time aboard would offer me an opportunity to focus on my manuscript. I also had time to examine the logistics of the next phase of the adventure. 

We met the next morning at the docks, and boarded the boat without incident. I did hope that was to be an omen for our journey to come. Daphne and Finn seemed pleased with their rooms, and I told them to enjoy the creature comforts on board—it may be a while before we enjoy such luxuries again. The young ones headed off and at last, I was able to settle down at the desk in my cabin to get some actual work done. 

On our first evening aboard the barque I met up with Daphne and Finn and to discuss our days. Despite being rather awkward, socially, Finn made a friend; or at least he reminded a passenger of her late husband, and she was kind enough to while away a few hours with him. Daphne decided to frequent the gaming tables and very deliberately lost in order to gain intel, the trust of those around her, and perhaps a few gold coins.  Her sleight of hand may be a useful tool along the way. I was able make some progress on my manuscript, and intended to continue working diligently for the remainder of our time on the boat. 

The next two days of our journey were relatively uneventful until out of nowhere I was disrupted by a loud banging on the wall that separated my room from Finn’s. He continued banging until I could not ignore it anymore. I was forced from my desk, and inquired what was happening? The response I received was intriguing. Finn said that there was a giant badger in his cabin!?! A badger so large, that it actually filled up the entire cabin. Finn had no idea what to do. He initially said that he got a box with toggles from the older lady. It had belonged to her husband, Ernie. The toggles were a puzzle, which he made quick work of, and he opened the box. Once inside, the box produced a grey sack with a soft fuzzy ball inside. Curious, Finn decided to through the fuzzy ball against the wall and when he did that it tranformed into a giant badger. 

The creature appeared to be harmless, so I suggested that perhaps he ingratiate himself to it by offering thanks for its presence. And within a blink, the badger disappeared from his room, and a fuzzy ball was returned to the grey bag. Finn, learning nothing from the last experience, decided to throw the ball again, and this time he was greeted by a boar running down the hall of the ship. Again, the animal seemed harmless and again, upon an acknowledgment of the animal, it returned to the bag.  Now I have heard it said, “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me”. I’m not sure who to shame for the fool who falls for something a third time, but no sooner had the boar disappeared when Finn threw the fuzz ball against the wall again! This time a dire wolf appeared and disappeared, as before. By that point, my patience had worn very thin with the impetuous young man—if only he only knew what was at stake. 

On our last evening, we met up to discuss what time we were going to meet up in the morning and what we were going to do in The Delta. Daphne certainly made the most of her time on the boat, and acquired some additional means. Finn remained enthralled with his box. After our plans were settled, we decided to retire for the evening and enjoy the last night of comfort for a while.