Session 35 - Widow Swift (recap) - The Saga of the Looting Luters

In this session, our party awoke at the spring, found Aegar, reunited with Widow Swift, updated Governor Nighthill, passed the sad news to Rashida Haverford, connected with Leosin, and encountered some bugs on the road.

Searching for Aegar

The session started with Zoyana and Pliny searching frantically for Aegar. After splashing down the creek a ways, they returned and realized that they might communicate through Aegar’s elk steed.
A complicated pantomime ensued, with them asking questions and trying to get the elk to answer via pawing at the ground.
The elk did some pawing, some jumping, a polka dance, and some circling around the pond.
Pliny sent his Unseen Servant into the pool to start digging around. Through the clear water, they could see pebbles at the bottom slowly tossed in 1s and 2s from the bottom of the pool.
When they realized that the elk steed would disappear if Aegar died, they relaxed a little.

Finding Aegar

After 15 minutes or so, the water in the pool rippled, and two heads started to appear.
Aegar looked more refreshed, and where there was formality before, softness was apparent in whatever relationship they had developed.
When he was waist-deep in the water, Aegar seemed to realize he was bare-chested. The Lady smiled and flicked a finger, wreathing him in a kilt of the same shimmering water she was wearing.
The party greeted Aegar with wry smiles as he scurried to put his armor back on.
Pliny followed and plied Aegar with questions. (“It looks like you lost something big fella…”)
- Pliny noticed that Aegar was looking a little beefier in the shoulders, and commented on it.
- Aegar and shared, “We… talked.” He tried not to show he was blushing “She’s kind. She bestowed… strength so that I can protect my friends. I wouldn’t call it love; this is not something that is new to me. But… she manged to ask for, um… She needs dragon teeth.”
- Pliny, dumbfounded: “She what?”
- A: “She needs dragon teeth. From a white dragon.”
- P: “So we can go to a market?”
- Aegar grimaced: “It appears not. She would like to do it herself. She needs a white dragon. I’m not in a position to say no to her.”
- Pliny broke out in a broad grin and started nodding his head: “That’s love Aegar! That’s love!”
- Aegar shook his head, “No, but we have a year and a day to return a white dragon. And I intend to keep my promise.”
- P: “Remember a year and a day from this day Aegar, because that’s going to me my wedding anniversary.”
- A flabbergasted conversation ensued about the fact that tomorrow was Pliny’s planned wedding day…
While he equipped himself and the boys talked, Zoyana eyed Meriessi and confronted her about not being totally clear. Meriessi was confused.
- M: “What do you mean? What did you think was going to happen when he came into the water?”
- Z: “Certainly not something that would make him beholden to you”
- M: “I made him an offer and he made his choice, and that’s not my responsibility.”
A few moments later, Aegar found himself confused and started talking to a squirrel thinking it was Zoyana.
They party said their goodbyes to Meriessi and the spring.
As they left camp, Aegar caught his foot on a root and uncharacteristically stumbled.

Wedding bells and White Dragons

Along the trek back to Greenest, Pliny shared his wedding plans: they were going to return to Greenest today and he and Widow Swift would be married the next day.
- Aegar was confused, thinking that marriage meeant to settle down and provide for a family.
- Pliny most assuredly did not remember Widow Swift’s first name, though he did remember that Aegar had turned into a goat once-upon-a-time.
  - Not to piss Aegar off, just to confirm that Aegar was Aegar.
Zoyana had little patience for Pliny’s story of marriage and butted in: “Enough of this reminiscing. Aegar, what the fuck happened?”
- A: “After we… spent some time together… she had been asking me about our… goals. And she had asked specifically if there were things that I… that I wished I had. And I, in an abstract and round about way, discussed with her. And she offered her assistance.”
- Z: “With what?”
- A: “With Strength. She granted me Strength.”
- Z: “But you’re strong”
- A: “I asked for the strength to be able to defend my friends, and she granted that to me. And I’m willing to pay her price in order for that to be true.”
- Z: “So we’re in this shit too?”
- A: “You’re under no obligation to pay this price. Yet it is a price that I intend to pay.”
- Pliny butted in: “Could you make a white dragon, Aegar? I don’t mean to be insensitive, but aren’t you part dragon.”
- Aegar was taken aback: “Pliny, I value our friendship, so I feel the need to tell you that, were you in my lands, a comment like that would have you killed. I would be within my bounds to strip the skin from your flesh. I am no dragon.”
- P: “Uh, oh, sorry, sorry, sorry”
- Pliny sulked

Arrival in Greenest

The party arrived back in Greenest mid-day. Rebuilding had continued, and early signs of a future wooden wall were apparent.
Aegar suggested the party split up and meet at the inn that night to share a meal (“Of course, we have a wedding to go to tomorrow”)
Pliny started to shake a little: “Zoyana, will you come with me? I’m a little nervous and would like someone with me”
- Z: “Normally I would say no, but we’ve been through alot and I could use a good laugh.”
- Zoyana shuggled Pliny

His name was Tom

Pliny, Zoyana, and Fang headed to Widow Swift’s house, but stopped at Minverva’s Bakery on the way.
Pliny requested a dozen cookies, with the names of Widow Swift’s children written in frosting.
- Minerva: “Who’s Widow Swift?”
- P: “She was married to… Bob? Tom?”
- M: “Oh, Tom Swift. Sweet kids”
- Pliny requested the kids names, Widow Swift’s first name, and a map to get to Widow Swift’s house on the box.
- Zoyna interrupted telepathically to tell Pliny that she could show him where they found Tom Swift’s body just a couple days ago, and then said out loud: “Where we found THE BODY”
- P: “Don’t mind her. Do you do wedding cakes?”
- Minerva looked a little unnerved: “Yes. We’re a bakery.” She continued, “How big of a wedding are we talking about?” as she pulled out her ledger and starts planning for his order.
- Pliny called Mr. Swift Bob once more, and Minerva showed them the door. Zoyana hustled Pliny out.
Pliny led Zoyana and Fang north and east towards the East town exit, passing the square where they observed the passing of Tom Swift.
At the second farm out of town, Pliny turned down the path towards the farmhouse.
- As soon as they turned, the two kids playing on a swing come running over: “Pliny, Pliny, Pliny! Who’s your friend?”
- Zoyana distracted the kids by introducing Fang and sending the pseudodragon to play games with the kids. (“A dwagon! A dwagon!”)
The pair approached the farmhouse and Pliny pulled his lute, then hailed Widow Swift (“My love, my lady Swift”)
- (Zoyana started playing Here Comes the Bride on her flute)
- Pliny started singing:
  - My dearest lady, I love you so much
  - Without you, I felt like a man without a crutch
  - I’m sorry what happened to… Bob…
  - I’m here to be your… corn on the cob
  - I want to start a family and marry you… today
- About half way into the song, Widow Swift smiled, cocked her head, and said “What the hell is wrong with you?” and then waived towards the entry “Come inside. Bring your friend.”
- P: “Come on Zoyana. She wants us to stay. But you have to leave before the honeymoon”
- P: “Actually, maybe I should talk to her alone.” and he walked inside.
- Zoyana followed too, since she was invited.
Inside the humble house, Widow Swift poked her head around from the kitchen, “Rolls? Cider?” and then set a batch of rolls on the table and looked for responses to the cider question.
- A pitiful conversation followed, where Zoyana got so embarrassed she turned into a spider, and Pliny realized that maybe their relationship had not yet progressed to marriage.
- As Pliny crashed and burned, Zoyana wildshaped again into a Cave Bear and grabbed Pliny with her massive paws, bear-hugging him out the door.
On the way down the path, Pliny waived and yelled “Bye Timmy, bye Lucy!”
The last thing they heard as they headed down the path was Widow Swift yelling angrliy for the kids to get inside.
Fang abandoned the kids and followed.
Zoyana herded Pliny back to the inn.

Updating the Governor

Aegar headed up the road toward the keep, and was greeted by the guards.
He was quickly escorted into the keep where he was met in the foyer by Governor Nighthill
- “Welcome back! Make some fucking omlets?”
Nighthill called for Escobert and brought him into the drawing room, where Leosin was lounging.
- Leosin was doing much better, and was planning to leave the next day.
Aegar provided updates about their escapades and warnings to prepare for potential retaliations. He described
- destroying the dragon eggs,
- the leadership that they found,
- that this seemed a cell of a larger organization,
- that Greenest should be prepared for retaliation and needed an area to go in case of another dragon attack and in case something came looking for the eggs
- the letters and map that the party found, including the coded message that Aegar had deciphered
The group discussed Aegar’s insights:
- The places noted on the map did not surprise Nighthill: they were either known settlements or places known or rumored to have treasure
- The group discussed that the cultists seemed to generally be sending their carts west, and then north to Baldur’s Gate. And that Leosin’s plan to go to Elturel, followed by a river journey to Baldur’s Gate, would probably be faster.
- The group consensus was that the notes’ reference to “the Council” was probably referring to the council group of factions across Faerun, including the Lord’s Alliance, the Harpers, the Emerald Enclave, the Zhentarim, and others, that met to address grave dangers.
- Leosin thought that Ontharr Frume and the Order of the Gauntlet would want to know these things, and that he would want to hear them from Aegar his party.
Aegar made a tentative plan to meet up with Leosin at his inn the next morning and start the trek to Elturel (pending discussin with the other Looting Luters)

At the bar

Zoyana escorted Pliny back to The Cat and Squirrel
As they approached the bar, Pliny pulled out the bottle of Elven Battle Spirit: “I think I owe you a few rounds. I’m sorry sir”
- Zoyana smacked Pliny upside the head and said, “You don’t have to apologize like a bitch, Aegar paid for that, duh”
- Eled was about to begrudgingnly thank Pliny, but then looked at Zoyana: “Yeah, he paid half price”
- A debate ensued, and Zoyana was thrown out of the bar
Pliny paid 10gp to settle the debt for the bottle, and bought Eled a shot. Then marched upstairs to his old room.
There was noone in the room, but there were some things.
- About 10 minutes later, a scrawney guy walked in and blinked in surprise at Pliny.
- Soon after, Eled came in and grabbed the other man’s stuff. Through the door, Pliny heard “He’s having a bad day, we’re going to move you rooms.”

A somber visit to Rashida Haverford

Aegar paid a respectful visit to Rashida Haverford and returned Tom’s ring.
He, as sympathetically as possible, described what they had done, and swore to keep the raiders from ever doing that again
Aegar helped Rashida to her bed, and headed for the Temple of Chauntea

Zoyana to the Temple

Zoyana made her way to the Temple of Chauntea
Father Falconmoon was speaking with some parishners, but finished up with them to speak with Zoyana
Zoyana requested help to slepp her ruby to help her make altruistic choices, and possibly provide a layer of protection for her and her companions.
- He replied that it was powerful magic that she was describing, and accepted the ruby respectfully.
She gave him more details that she was looking for it to guide the wearer to make choices that were for the greater good and not necessarily for themselves. But also to provide protection for the wearer and the wearer’s companions; the people who were true companions to the person who was wearing it.
Father Falconmoon responded: “There are two parts to that, and I think I can help with one. You are talking about powerful, powerful magic. As far as the altruism and guidance, I think I can help with that. As far as protection in a magical sense, you’ll need more enchantment than a lowly servant of Chauntea can provide.”
- “We’re a humble community that has been rather wracked by sorrow lately. I hate to ask, but often some support is appreciated. What were you thinking on that side of things”
Zoyana provided 100gp and the ruby, which Father Falconmoon promised to bless and have ready to return by the next dawn.

Aegar to the Temple

Aegar and Zoyana met at the entrance to the grounds of the Temple.
- Aegar shared about returning the ring to Rashida, and that he wanted the Father to check in on her.
- Zoyana demurred about getting kicked out of the inn.
- Aegar passed along a quick update about the meeting with the Governor and that Leosin was leaving in the morning.
- The two shared a quiet moment, which ended with Zoyana’s agreement with the plan to meet at Leosin’s inn The Broken Thorn, and then headed toward the trees with her hammock for the night.
Aegar held a brief conversation with Father Falconmoon, and asked that he check-in on Rashida Haverford.

Blacksmith & merchants

Aegar visited the blacksmith and got his armor repaired for the cost of 2 gems (2x100gp) and sold 2 other gems (for another 2x100gp)

Aegar & Pliny: the bromance

Aegar headed for the inn, and had Eled point him to Pliny’s room. Aegar knocked.
- P: “Widow Swift, is that you?”
- A: “No, it’s Aegar. Would you open the door please?” He did. “I understand things did not go as you planned.”
- P: “I think the wedding’s off. I think it’s best if we adventur, if we keep doing what we have, and I guess I’m not someone who’s meant to settle down anywhere. I think I’m just meant to journey my friend.”
- They talked a bit longer, and Pliny handed off the remaing bottle of Elven Battle Spirit (6 shots).
- The sexual tension rose to a steaming simmer before Aegar took a spot on the floor and the part laid down to rest.
  - Aegar had a dream… of being in a dark, damp forest. Stepping in muck. He looked forward, and in the darkness, there were two deep black eyes. And then from behind him, he felt his skin peel off as he was bathed in acid. He woke once again sweating
    - Aegar crawled up and in bed to be the big spoon to Pliny’s little spoon.
  - Pliny also had a dream… of lounging in a pillow, being fed grapes and drinking wine. He looked down and saw a book. He recoginzed the five leaf clover on the front. The book began to open, and as it opened his dream was bathed in light. He drifted off into an endless sleep.

The next morning

Zoyana woke early, noticed that Fang wasn’t with her, and felt some regret for not noticing that he was gone.
She headed back to the Temple of Chauntea, and found Father Falconmoon, who returned her shiny ruby. “This should help you as a symbol to keep you on on the path.”
On her way out, Zoyana used Plant Growth to create a necklace of reeds to encase the ruby and allow her to wear it.
Aegar and Pliny rose and headed to The Broken Thorn inn to find Leosin, who was outside with Nesim Waladra loading their wagon. They headed inside for breakfast.
As Zoyana exited the temple grounds, she noticed a bush bend over in front of her and she hopped over it (Dex 21). Fang appeared from behind the bush, snickering. Fang told her about visiting his family. The eggs were almost hatched, he was ready to go on more adventure (even if it was scary - Fang is brave!), but he had to come back some time.
Zoyana and Fang made it to The Broken Thorn inn. Zoyana attempted to nonchalantly hop onto the back of Leosin’s cart (Dex Nat 1 = 5), and dumped herself ass-over-teakettle onto the ground, looking up backwards at Leosin.
- Leosin looked down and blinked: “What just happened?”
- Zoyana, ever her gracious self, replied “You mention this to Pliny, and I will punch you in the balls”
- Leosin reached out a hand to help her up “Can you reach them?”

To Elturel

The party, along with Leosin and Nesim, departed Greenest toward Elturel by way of Berdusk, with plan to check in with Ontharr Frume and the Order of the Guantlet, and from there likely reconnect with the raiders as they tried to ferry their loot through Baldur’s Gate.

On the road

As the group were bumbling along, Zoyana approached Pliny to check in. Pliny wanted to focus on himself for a bit, to adventure. To make some stores and gather some loot. And see what could be seen.
- Discussion of Aegar’s escapades and Pliny’s solo-adventures ensued.
A few days out from Greenest, Pliny got the first part of his wish. As the party were making their way East, relaxedly making fun of each other, the road erupted under Aegar and Leosin’s feet.
- A giant Ankheg attacked from below, spraying Aegar with acid and biting him.
  - Fang Suggested that the Ankheg release Aegar, and it took the suggestion.
  - Pliny used Dissonant Whispers to good effect, and sent the Ankheg fleeing.
  - Aegar whiffed
  - A baby Ankheg erupted and spewed acid on Aegar and Leosin
  - Zoyana Moonbeamed her way to salvation.
  - And so it continued, with Aegar actually hitting, Aegar’s elk getting sucked into the hole with Aegar knocked to the ground, a second baby Ankheg spewing acid, Zoyana becoming a Cave Bear saving Pliny from being insect food, Aegar with the healing hands, and Pliny ending the fight with a crossbow bolt to a small bug.
The session ended with the party alive and planning to continue

Loot

NPCs Interacted With

Minerva the baker
Widow Linan Swift, Timmy Swift, Lucy Swift
Governor Nighthill
Escobert the Red
Leosin Erlanthar
Eled the innkeeper
Father Falconmoon
Gruffo Riverhopper, Anvil Works Blacksmith
Nesim Waladra

Locations Visited

The pool of the Lady of the Spring
The Greenfields
Greenest
Swift Family Farm
Greenest Keep
Temple of Chauntea
Anvil Works Blacksmith
The Cat and Squirrel Inn
The Broken Thorn Inn
Ankheg holes

Experience Per Character

Session	Task or Accomplishment	Zoyana	Pliny	Aegar	Fang	Leosin
35	Leveraging Aegar’s steed as proof-of-life	75	75	-	-	-
35	Dredging the pool via Unseen Servant	-	50	-	-	-
35	Aegar’s time in the pool	-	-	900	-	-
35	Threatening a Water Spirit… and living	50	-	-	-	-
35	Talking to squirrels	-	-	25	-	-
35	Reminding Aegar of being a goat	-	100	-	-	-
35	Party bonding: Wedding bells and White Dragons	200	200	200	-	-
35	Cookies for the Swift children	-	50	-	-	-
35	Sending Fang to distract/protect the Swift children	50	-	-	-	-
35	His name was Tom: Crashing, burning, and learning	-	250	-	-	-
35	Deciphering the note from Frulam’s Journal	-	-	100	-	-
35	Updating the Governor’s council with findings	100	100	100	-	-
35	Paying for the Elven Battle Spirit	-	50	-	-	-
35	Returning Tom’s ring to Rashida	-	-	100	-	-
35	Visiting Father Falconmoon for Rashida	-	-	50	-	-
35	Bromance	-	25	25	-	-
35	Recovering her blessed ruby	150	-	-	-	-
35	Impressing Leosin with her dexterity	10	-	-	-	-
35	To Elturel	25	25	25	-	-
35	Ankheg & babies	540	540	540	540	540
	Total	1200	1465	2065	540	540