Cora Tealeaf's Backstory
Protector Powers:
Godline: Nobility & War
Power strength: 10
Power: Iron Will
Bonus hit points: The player gains three bonus hit points every level. The player is also considered to have the Toughness feat for any prerequisites that require it (e.g., prestige classes, other feats, etc.)
Heightened saving throws: The player gains a +1 bonus to Will and Fortitude saving throws. Iris's story (Part 1):
As you climb into bed and get ready for a good night’s rest, you look over to see Iris restless and unable to get herself comfortable. You give her a smile in hopes it will help settle her down but she stops and looks at you with a concern expression. You call Iris over to you bed and she hops over. You gently ask Iris what is wrong and she avoids your question. Getting slightly upset with Iris avoidance you tell her it will be ok and you can resolve any issues she may have. Iris pauses for a moment and tells you she is concern for your safety. She appreciates all you have done for her and helping her rescue other animals held by circuses and fairs. But after hearing someone is warning you to stay out of their affairs, Iris is worried something bad is going to happen. When pushed, Iris tells you more details about when she was captive of Floyd’s Side Show.
The following is paraphrased from what Iris told you.
Iris's story (Part 2):
When you return and question Iris as to what you found she grows quiet. After a brief moment she apologizes to you as she is the reason why you are being hunted. She feels guilty because she has a special connection with people and through this connection she brought you to her. She tells you she has the ability to communicate to those who are open to it. Darwin was an animal caretaker for Floyd’s Circus. He was responsible for taking care of the regular animals for the circus. He was the only one kind to the animals. He remarked often how he felt bad for the magical beasts that were part of the circus as they were often beaten and ridiculed for the public’s pleasure. Darwin was not allowed to take care of the magical beasts. One moonless night, a night I will not forget, there was a lot of commotion by our cages. Two of the clowns from the circus were dragging an older woman that elven features as she resisted. She seemed to be from of wealth because she had a nice dress on. As she was resisting Fel’rekt came out of his wagon and approached her and the clowns. She seemed to know who Fel’rekt was as she addressed him by his name and demanded why she was being detained. Fel’rekt told the woman she was not being completely truthful with him and she knew where Mazel Analith, the son of Saevel Analith was. She was defiant as she tried to kick at him in anger but the anger seemed to go away as Fel’rekt stared at her. She became compliant as he caressed her hair. Fel’rekt whispered something to her and she nodded to him saying Mazel knows where the one with the twin blades is buried. Fel’rekt seemed to be happy to hear this. The woman said Mazel is hidden with a family in a small sea village. The family’s name is Dermont. With this information, Fel’rekt had the woman taken to the magical beast area. As Fel’rekt was turning to leave, the strong man appeared holding a male elf in a bear hug. The elf attempted to break free but was unable to as he was brought over to Fel’rekt. The strong man said they had an intruder and wanted to know what Fel’rekt wanted to do with him. He looked at the elf in amusement as the elf demanded the release of Lady Thalavar. Fel’rekt told him not to worry as she would be in good hands unlike him. Fel’rekt reached out and touched the elf who cried out in pain as he seemed to be drained of life. The strong man dropped the elf as Fel’rekt feasted upon him. Once he was done, Fel’rekt crushed his head underneath his boot. He nodded dismissively to the strong man as Fel’rekt returned to his wagon. A short time later Iris said how she heard a blood curling scream from the magical beast area before everything went quiet. The next morning Darwin seemed distracted and withdrawn. Iris reached out to Darwin and she was surprised he answered back to her. He tells her he heard the scream last night and went to investigate. He was surprised to see Jorg caging a creature he had not seen before. He moved away because he did not want to be caught only to see the strong man dragging a mutilated corpse to the lion cage where he threw it in. Darwin did not know what to do as Floyd seemed to always be around Fel’rekt and Darwin was afraid of Fel’rekt. Iris knew she needed help. She wanted to get away too. She told Darwin to go into town and find someone who he felt would be one with animals. Tell them about the circus as they would come to help the animals. Darwin agreed to. Darwin came back and told Iris he did what she asked of him. Iris wanted Darwin to leave the circus to be safe but Darwin refused. He said he wanted to make sure the animals were ok and cared for. The night you rescued her from Floyd’s Fel’rekt had left the circus to do something. He put Floyd in charge until he returned. The last time Iris saw Darwin was the night she escaped. Iris felt the other animals needed to be help and was happy to help you but if Fel'rekt is involved she is scared as what he is able to do. Note from Darwin:
The Dream:
As you lay down to rest after the day’s events your eyes grow heavy as you given in to the sleep your body desperately needs. Slowly you fall into a deep sleep. You don’t know how long you were asleep when there is a nagging feeling in the pit of your stomach. You open your eyes and it takes a few minutes for them to adjust. You fight the sense of panic building as you notice you are not in the tent but at a campsite alone. You stand up and grab you quarterstaff. You look around and notice there are three other sleeping rolls but they are empty. You search the campsite and find no one else. Something is pulling you to go deeper in the forest. You turn and walk deeper into the forest. You hear the forest as it is alive with sounds and you easily navigate to the unknown source which is calling despite it being nighttime. The deep you travel you can hear the trees whispering. You can feel what they are whispering. A chill goes down your back as they are not whispers but cries of pain. You feel this ancient forest is dying. Something is attacking the heart of it. You continue on walking until you reach a small clearing with what looks like a small lake. In the middle of the lake is an island with the largest oak tree you have ever seen. You are at peace by the sight of the tree. You look at the water and you can feel raw power coming from it. You stand in awe at the sight as you feel it was the tree which was calling you. You pause for a moment and then see Iris on the shore near you. She is sitting by the water’s edge looking up at the tree in sadness. You approach her and ask her what is wrong. Iris looks at the tree and tells you the tree is the source of life for the Realms. It is the grandfather tree which all life is from. The tree creates the life force and raw power life and magic pulls from. You turn your attention to the water but as you look at it you notice it is not water but radiance of raw power. Iris tells you this is what the guardians fought to protect. If the grandfather tree falls to the evil forces, life will be forever corrupted. I will fight to protect the grandfather tree as I am part of it. It gave me the essence of life and the blessing of having a high standing of knowledge. I could not tell you Cora because I had to protect the tree. Now that I know the tree is calling out for you to help I can show you what will happen if we fail. Iris hops off as you follow her. As she goes to the other side of the lake you hear cries of battle. As you get closer you see Darwin and two other elves fighting off a man with two ravens by his side. He has a strange mark on his forehead. Iris rushes over to help Darwin as the man slays the two elves helping Darwin. Darwin tries to hold his own against the man but is over powered and knocked to the ground. You watch in horror as Iris steps in to try to save Darwin but is struck down. Darwin tries to wild shape but is unable to as the man strikes him pulling his life force from him. The two ravens swoop down onto Iris and begin to consumer her. You try to run over but you feel like you are in quicksand. Every step you take gets you no close to her. The man walks over to the radiance of power. He sits and begins to chant. Behind him several grotesque creatures appear. You watch as the ground beneath him turns black and all life around it dies. The man chants grows louder as the darkness expands and touches the radiance. There is a crackling of power as a black void begins to open. You watch the void gets larger. The man chants louder as he consumes the power from the radiance. The void fully opens and shadow creatures pour out of the void. They weave a string of darkness from the void to the radiance. As the string connects you watch as pure darkness spills out starting to consume everything. Life around you dies as you feel the raw coldness start to swirl around you. It’s cold touch clawing out at you. You can see creatures of pure darkness consuming everything as the darkness expands. The man lets out laughter as he watches the grandfather tree turn black and crumbles down. He turns to you and watches as the shadows consume you. You wake up to see an old man dressed in robes smoking a pipe. He looks at you and tells you Iris will point you to the way once you get to the Isle of Trees. You began to question him but he stops you. How do you stop this? We may not stop it, but as my mistress stated if you find the book of Selu'taar you will be able to close the portal you saw opened by Kathus. Iris holds the key but you must help her to find it in her. You saw what will happen if all fail. There are other protectors holding the line against the three allowing you and your friends time. He stands up and begins to walk out of the tent. You ask him who he is and he stops and smiles at you. I am a friend. I helped the guardians and I am sworn to help the protectors. I will be seeing you again Cora. Your friend Nyx has helped Valna stay the path. Continue to support both of them. Valna will need to overcome her lack of confidence in herself. She will make the right decision. Just know her family is going to twist the truth to push her to the edge. She has to find her inner voice and fall for the trickery. As the man steps out of the tent he disappears. You turn and noticed no one saw the old man. You turn to Iris as she is sleeping by your bed vowing to make sure what you saw will not come true. Council Letter:
Second conversation with Iris:
Replaying the events which happened at the council meeting you decide to question Iris in the safety of your chambers. As you walk up to your chambers, you try to connect the dots in your mind but there is something missing which you hope Iris can enlighten you with. Over the course of the week, an ancient forest was attacked with ties to Iris and now the Night Masks are after Iris again. In the comfort of you chamber you pour some of Lillian Haekin’s relaxing tea and secure the chamber door so no one can disturb you. You softly call out to Iris as she awakes from sleeping by the fireplace and hops over to you. As she gets closer to you she can sense your confusion and worries for the tight bond you have developed. You tell Iris there is a lot of things which has happened and you need to make sense of it. She knows you need to ask her some hard questions in order to protect yourself and the Grandfather Tree which speaks to you in your dreams. Iris nods to you as a way of saying she is ready to help guide you through the uncertainness. You ask her what is her connection to the Grandfather Tree and why are they trying to use the connection. Iris tells you she was not certain why herself until she recently visited the Emory Woods. Once you restored the Emory Woods, some awoken inside her, a deeper connection to the forest. Iris tells you she remembers a time before being a kangaroo. It was a time she could not remember but now she can. I was a fey spirit born from the waters of the Grandfather Tree. I lived under the grand canopy of the Grandfather Tree with each day exploring new wonders the ancient forest had to offer. One day after exploring, I saw an elf at the edge of the waters to the isle of the Grandfather Tree. I was curious as I had never seen any humanoid creatures in the presence of the Grandfather Tree. As I got closure I saw the elf was communicating with the Grandfather Tree. He had a great sense of power to him as his connection to the forest was great. He bore a mark which seemed to glow in the presence of the Grandfather Tree. The elf noticed my presence and called me over to him. I could feel the Grandfather Tree giving its approval for me to partake in their communion. The elf introduced himself as Chael Goldleaf. He was a protector of the Grandfather Tree and he and his friends had stopped a trio of dark deities from finding the Grandfather Tree and the power of the magic it holds. The magic contained in the waters which is blessed by the Grandfather Tree holds the key to all the living things in the Realms. Only a special few were chosen to be to harness the power of the water and Chael was one of them. He bore the mark of the Guardian. He was telling the Grandfather Tree his time as a Guardian is coming to a close and he was seeking higher enlightenment. He is concern the dark trio of deities may try to find a way to possess the power of the Grandfather Tree. He sensed there would be another cycle and he wanted to take precautions in case there was. The Grandfather Tree agreed there will be another cycle but with a different group of individuals with different god touch powers. Chael wanted to help by leaving some special knowledge he and his friends collected. Chael stated after defeating the dark trio of deities, Ao, the holder of knowledge and power of the deities granted them a favor. The Guardians collective decided they wanted to return to their normal lives and live their remaining years in peace. The knowledge of the Guardians was erased from the collective minds of the Realms. Each of his friends went their separate way but they were connected by the mark. Chael told the Grandfather Tree there will be a new druid which bores a mark which will rise to take his place as the defender of the Grandfather Tree. Chael knows he cannot interfere directly in the new cycle for if he did he could change the outcome good or bad. The Grandfather Tree asked me if I wanted to help. I felt a sense of purpose and wanted to help as the Grandfather Tree is sacred to me. Chael tells me that I will be a guide and companion to the new druid. He tells me I will be the key to unlocking the knowledge he had hidden. The knowledge will help the druid and her friends to stop the evil. The Grandfather Tree tells me I cannot return but he will not erase my knowledge of the Isle as it will sever my ties to him. He shows me the vision of the new druid. The druid is a Halfling born during a great conflict. Chael and the Grandfather Tree told me to go and find her. Chael thanked me and provided me some guidance before leaving the Grand Forest. I left the Grand Forest in search of the Halfling I saw. Time had no meaning to me as I searched. I finally felt the connection and was pulled to the new druid. I came upon a town being attacked by an army wearing dark armor. They called themselves the Zhentarim. The Zhenatarin general was with a woman with no soul as she spoke to a man who desire was to consume the life from nature as his hatred was strong. The woman called herself Dahlia of the Masks and the male called himself Durzar. They were looking for the Halfling as well. Durzar could feel her presence and was telling Dahlia where they need to search. Dahlia told the general not to harm anyone until she could vet them as the Dark Mistress needed the Halfling. If the general fails he would have to answer to his deity Bane which needed the Dark Mistress. I felt urgency to find the Halfling. I moved with speed and found a small shop where I made my way in. I found a family of Halflings hiding in the basement. The mother was holding the druid I was seeking. I appeared to them. They were frightened at first but felt the calm from the Grandfather Tree as I spoke to them. I explained to the mother, who called herself Thea Tealeaf, her daughter is special and the army was here for her. I told her the spirit of the forest can protect her but she needed to make the choice freely. Deep down Thea knew you were different and asked for the protection. I called to the fey to come and help me. They arrived as the army broke into the shop above. I told them to take you and protect you as the forest will know. Dahlia with Durzar broke into the basement and I used my powers to stop them as the fey left with you. I weaken myself which allowed Durzar to capture me. Dahlia was upset you got away but felt Durzar could extract the information from me. I was brought to their camp weaken and frightful of what may happen with Durzar. As I sat in the cage trying to regain my strength, Thea appeared from a tent she was being held from. She approached my cell and handed me a small vial. She thanked me for protection you and told me the vial was a poison. She was giving me freedom but I had to give up by form. I knew I would be reborn into another state as the forest would take care of me. I downed the vial as Durzar approached. As the breath escaped me I saw Durzar curse Thea as he tried to bind my fleeing life source. I escaped his clutches and was called by the Emory Woods where I was reborn as Iris. I could not recall what had happened to me prior to being reborn. I felt a connection to my former self and as I was captured by the Darkstriders it felt I was on the path of reconnecting with something. I was fated to reconnect to you. I now have the connection to my former self and possess the knowledge Chael pass to me. I cannot be in fear any more for I must protect you and the Grandfather Tree. Iris smiles at you and tells you things may not be easy but we will stand strong against the evil. Intel report from the City Watch:
Thea’s conversation:
You enter your chambers to find your mother inside. She is silently siting at the table drinking some tea. She turns slowly towards you and says, “Cora, when did you return?” You are slightly surprised as your mother’s memories are mixed up and she has a hard time understanding what is in the present with what was in the past. You try the best to comfort her as Nyx told you the use of the radiance has taken a toll on her physically and mentally. Plus with the curse of vampirism your mother’s mind is in a frail state. You make your way over to Thea and sit down by her. You tell her you got back after taking care of a few matters. Thea smiles at you and you see a moment of clarity in her eyes. She pushes a loose strain of hair back on your head. She tells you she did not think she would be able to see you again after sending you with Iris. You enjoy the moment but grow concern when your mother’s expression changes. She stands up and apologizes for not having the formula completed sooner. You feel sadness as your mother’s mind gets confused on the memories. You tell her it is ok and she starts to calm down a bit. She looks at you and says,” Lady Dahlia I have finished the formula and it will work. I was able to enhance the jar and imbue it with the power of the radiance. The ritual circle was completed and we were successful in pulling her essence into the jar. Frida and Barley will need to consume the formula and once the ritual is complete her essence should transfer to the vessel they create. It was time consuming because of the state she was in. The radiance helped preserve her but it also complicated things.” Thea stops in mid sentence and looks at you. “I’m sorry Cora for being late to our tea date,” she says to you as she sits down and pours a new cup of tea.
Godline: Nobility & War
Power strength: 10
Power: Iron Will
Bonus hit points: The player gains three bonus hit points every level. The player is also considered to have the Toughness feat for any prerequisites that require it (e.g., prestige classes, other feats, etc.)
Heightened saving throws: The player gains a +1 bonus to Will and Fortitude saving throws. Iris's story (Part 1):
As you climb into bed and get ready for a good night’s rest, you look over to see Iris restless and unable to get herself comfortable. You give her a smile in hopes it will help settle her down but she stops and looks at you with a concern expression. You call Iris over to you bed and she hops over. You gently ask Iris what is wrong and she avoids your question. Getting slightly upset with Iris avoidance you tell her it will be ok and you can resolve any issues she may have. Iris pauses for a moment and tells you she is concern for your safety. She appreciates all you have done for her and helping her rescue other animals held by circuses and fairs. But after hearing someone is warning you to stay out of their affairs, Iris is worried something bad is going to happen. When pushed, Iris tells you more details about when she was captive of Floyd’s Side Show.
The following is paraphrased from what Iris told you.
- Iris was captured by a group of rangers called Darkstriders. This group of rangers was different as they had an uncanny ability to work almost like a pack to round up and capture her. The head of the group was a female elf which was called Petrine. She had a unusual sway over the rest of the group which were a mix of races and all males.
- She was brought to a transporter name Zardoz. Zardoz appeared to be a half-dark elf. He kept himself shroud in a dark robe and commanded great authority. She was transported by wagon and then by ship which contained other exotic and magical creatures.
- When she was captured she was forced to wear a magical collar which made her not want to escape.
- When she was delivered to Floyd’s Side Show she was turned over to another dark elf named Fel’rekt. Iris was afraid of Fel’rekt because he had red eyes and the ability to drain creatures. Fel’rekt was the real operator of the Side Show using Floyd as a puppet. Floyd did everything Fel’rekt asked.
- Fel’rekt was using the captured creatures to lure people into the show. He would capture a few of them. She did not know what he did with them but he would feast on them when he was done.
- Fel’rekt was not at the show when Cora broke her free.
- She is afraid by releasing other animals they have gotten the attention of Fel’rekt or something worse.
- Fel’rekt and the others had a mark of a domino mask.
When you return and question Iris as to what you found she grows quiet. After a brief moment she apologizes to you as she is the reason why you are being hunted. She feels guilty because she has a special connection with people and through this connection she brought you to her. She tells you she has the ability to communicate to those who are open to it. Darwin was an animal caretaker for Floyd’s Circus. He was responsible for taking care of the regular animals for the circus. He was the only one kind to the animals. He remarked often how he felt bad for the magical beasts that were part of the circus as they were often beaten and ridiculed for the public’s pleasure. Darwin was not allowed to take care of the magical beasts. One moonless night, a night I will not forget, there was a lot of commotion by our cages. Two of the clowns from the circus were dragging an older woman that elven features as she resisted. She seemed to be from of wealth because she had a nice dress on. As she was resisting Fel’rekt came out of his wagon and approached her and the clowns. She seemed to know who Fel’rekt was as she addressed him by his name and demanded why she was being detained. Fel’rekt told the woman she was not being completely truthful with him and she knew where Mazel Analith, the son of Saevel Analith was. She was defiant as she tried to kick at him in anger but the anger seemed to go away as Fel’rekt stared at her. She became compliant as he caressed her hair. Fel’rekt whispered something to her and she nodded to him saying Mazel knows where the one with the twin blades is buried. Fel’rekt seemed to be happy to hear this. The woman said Mazel is hidden with a family in a small sea village. The family’s name is Dermont. With this information, Fel’rekt had the woman taken to the magical beast area. As Fel’rekt was turning to leave, the strong man appeared holding a male elf in a bear hug. The elf attempted to break free but was unable to as he was brought over to Fel’rekt. The strong man said they had an intruder and wanted to know what Fel’rekt wanted to do with him. He looked at the elf in amusement as the elf demanded the release of Lady Thalavar. Fel’rekt told him not to worry as she would be in good hands unlike him. Fel’rekt reached out and touched the elf who cried out in pain as he seemed to be drained of life. The strong man dropped the elf as Fel’rekt feasted upon him. Once he was done, Fel’rekt crushed his head underneath his boot. He nodded dismissively to the strong man as Fel’rekt returned to his wagon. A short time later Iris said how she heard a blood curling scream from the magical beast area before everything went quiet. The next morning Darwin seemed distracted and withdrawn. Iris reached out to Darwin and she was surprised he answered back to her. He tells her he heard the scream last night and went to investigate. He was surprised to see Jorg caging a creature he had not seen before. He moved away because he did not want to be caught only to see the strong man dragging a mutilated corpse to the lion cage where he threw it in. Darwin did not know what to do as Floyd seemed to always be around Fel’rekt and Darwin was afraid of Fel’rekt. Iris knew she needed help. She wanted to get away too. She told Darwin to go into town and find someone who he felt would be one with animals. Tell them about the circus as they would come to help the animals. Darwin agreed to. Darwin came back and told Iris he did what she asked of him. Iris wanted Darwin to leave the circus to be safe but Darwin refused. He said he wanted to make sure the animals were ok and cared for. The night you rescued her from Floyd’s Fel’rekt had left the circus to do something. He put Floyd in charge until he returned. The last time Iris saw Darwin was the night she escaped. Iris felt the other animals needed to be help and was happy to help you but if Fel'rekt is involved she is scared as what he is able to do. Note from Darwin:
As you lay down to rest after the day’s events your eyes grow heavy as you given in to the sleep your body desperately needs. Slowly you fall into a deep sleep. You don’t know how long you were asleep when there is a nagging feeling in the pit of your stomach. You open your eyes and it takes a few minutes for them to adjust. You fight the sense of panic building as you notice you are not in the tent but at a campsite alone. You stand up and grab you quarterstaff. You look around and notice there are three other sleeping rolls but they are empty. You search the campsite and find no one else. Something is pulling you to go deeper in the forest. You turn and walk deeper into the forest. You hear the forest as it is alive with sounds and you easily navigate to the unknown source which is calling despite it being nighttime. The deep you travel you can hear the trees whispering. You can feel what they are whispering. A chill goes down your back as they are not whispers but cries of pain. You feel this ancient forest is dying. Something is attacking the heart of it. You continue on walking until you reach a small clearing with what looks like a small lake. In the middle of the lake is an island with the largest oak tree you have ever seen. You are at peace by the sight of the tree. You look at the water and you can feel raw power coming from it. You stand in awe at the sight as you feel it was the tree which was calling you. You pause for a moment and then see Iris on the shore near you. She is sitting by the water’s edge looking up at the tree in sadness. You approach her and ask her what is wrong. Iris looks at the tree and tells you the tree is the source of life for the Realms. It is the grandfather tree which all life is from. The tree creates the life force and raw power life and magic pulls from. You turn your attention to the water but as you look at it you notice it is not water but radiance of raw power. Iris tells you this is what the guardians fought to protect. If the grandfather tree falls to the evil forces, life will be forever corrupted. I will fight to protect the grandfather tree as I am part of it. It gave me the essence of life and the blessing of having a high standing of knowledge. I could not tell you Cora because I had to protect the tree. Now that I know the tree is calling out for you to help I can show you what will happen if we fail. Iris hops off as you follow her. As she goes to the other side of the lake you hear cries of battle. As you get closer you see Darwin and two other elves fighting off a man with two ravens by his side. He has a strange mark on his forehead. Iris rushes over to help Darwin as the man slays the two elves helping Darwin. Darwin tries to hold his own against the man but is over powered and knocked to the ground. You watch in horror as Iris steps in to try to save Darwin but is struck down. Darwin tries to wild shape but is unable to as the man strikes him pulling his life force from him. The two ravens swoop down onto Iris and begin to consumer her. You try to run over but you feel like you are in quicksand. Every step you take gets you no close to her. The man walks over to the radiance of power. He sits and begins to chant. Behind him several grotesque creatures appear. You watch as the ground beneath him turns black and all life around it dies. The man chants grows louder as the darkness expands and touches the radiance. There is a crackling of power as a black void begins to open. You watch the void gets larger. The man chants louder as he consumes the power from the radiance. The void fully opens and shadow creatures pour out of the void. They weave a string of darkness from the void to the radiance. As the string connects you watch as pure darkness spills out starting to consume everything. Life around you dies as you feel the raw coldness start to swirl around you. It’s cold touch clawing out at you. You can see creatures of pure darkness consuming everything as the darkness expands. The man lets out laughter as he watches the grandfather tree turn black and crumbles down. He turns to you and watches as the shadows consume you. You wake up to see an old man dressed in robes smoking a pipe. He looks at you and tells you Iris will point you to the way once you get to the Isle of Trees. You began to question him but he stops you. How do you stop this? We may not stop it, but as my mistress stated if you find the book of Selu'taar you will be able to close the portal you saw opened by Kathus. Iris holds the key but you must help her to find it in her. You saw what will happen if all fail. There are other protectors holding the line against the three allowing you and your friends time. He stands up and begins to walk out of the tent. You ask him who he is and he stops and smiles at you. I am a friend. I helped the guardians and I am sworn to help the protectors. I will be seeing you again Cora. Your friend Nyx has helped Valna stay the path. Continue to support both of them. Valna will need to overcome her lack of confidence in herself. She will make the right decision. Just know her family is going to twist the truth to push her to the edge. She has to find her inner voice and fall for the trickery. As the man steps out of the tent he disappears. You turn and noticed no one saw the old man. You turn to Iris as she is sleeping by your bed vowing to make sure what you saw will not come true. Council Letter:
Replaying the events which happened at the council meeting you decide to question Iris in the safety of your chambers. As you walk up to your chambers, you try to connect the dots in your mind but there is something missing which you hope Iris can enlighten you with. Over the course of the week, an ancient forest was attacked with ties to Iris and now the Night Masks are after Iris again. In the comfort of you chamber you pour some of Lillian Haekin’s relaxing tea and secure the chamber door so no one can disturb you. You softly call out to Iris as she awakes from sleeping by the fireplace and hops over to you. As she gets closer to you she can sense your confusion and worries for the tight bond you have developed. You tell Iris there is a lot of things which has happened and you need to make sense of it. She knows you need to ask her some hard questions in order to protect yourself and the Grandfather Tree which speaks to you in your dreams. Iris nods to you as a way of saying she is ready to help guide you through the uncertainness. You ask her what is her connection to the Grandfather Tree and why are they trying to use the connection. Iris tells you she was not certain why herself until she recently visited the Emory Woods. Once you restored the Emory Woods, some awoken inside her, a deeper connection to the forest. Iris tells you she remembers a time before being a kangaroo. It was a time she could not remember but now she can. I was a fey spirit born from the waters of the Grandfather Tree. I lived under the grand canopy of the Grandfather Tree with each day exploring new wonders the ancient forest had to offer. One day after exploring, I saw an elf at the edge of the waters to the isle of the Grandfather Tree. I was curious as I had never seen any humanoid creatures in the presence of the Grandfather Tree. As I got closure I saw the elf was communicating with the Grandfather Tree. He had a great sense of power to him as his connection to the forest was great. He bore a mark which seemed to glow in the presence of the Grandfather Tree. The elf noticed my presence and called me over to him. I could feel the Grandfather Tree giving its approval for me to partake in their communion. The elf introduced himself as Chael Goldleaf. He was a protector of the Grandfather Tree and he and his friends had stopped a trio of dark deities from finding the Grandfather Tree and the power of the magic it holds. The magic contained in the waters which is blessed by the Grandfather Tree holds the key to all the living things in the Realms. Only a special few were chosen to be to harness the power of the water and Chael was one of them. He bore the mark of the Guardian. He was telling the Grandfather Tree his time as a Guardian is coming to a close and he was seeking higher enlightenment. He is concern the dark trio of deities may try to find a way to possess the power of the Grandfather Tree. He sensed there would be another cycle and he wanted to take precautions in case there was. The Grandfather Tree agreed there will be another cycle but with a different group of individuals with different god touch powers. Chael wanted to help by leaving some special knowledge he and his friends collected. Chael stated after defeating the dark trio of deities, Ao, the holder of knowledge and power of the deities granted them a favor. The Guardians collective decided they wanted to return to their normal lives and live their remaining years in peace. The knowledge of the Guardians was erased from the collective minds of the Realms. Each of his friends went their separate way but they were connected by the mark. Chael told the Grandfather Tree there will be a new druid which bores a mark which will rise to take his place as the defender of the Grandfather Tree. Chael knows he cannot interfere directly in the new cycle for if he did he could change the outcome good or bad. The Grandfather Tree asked me if I wanted to help. I felt a sense of purpose and wanted to help as the Grandfather Tree is sacred to me. Chael tells me that I will be a guide and companion to the new druid. He tells me I will be the key to unlocking the knowledge he had hidden. The knowledge will help the druid and her friends to stop the evil. The Grandfather Tree tells me I cannot return but he will not erase my knowledge of the Isle as it will sever my ties to him. He shows me the vision of the new druid. The druid is a Halfling born during a great conflict. Chael and the Grandfather Tree told me to go and find her. Chael thanked me and provided me some guidance before leaving the Grand Forest. I left the Grand Forest in search of the Halfling I saw. Time had no meaning to me as I searched. I finally felt the connection and was pulled to the new druid. I came upon a town being attacked by an army wearing dark armor. They called themselves the Zhentarim. The Zhenatarin general was with a woman with no soul as she spoke to a man who desire was to consume the life from nature as his hatred was strong. The woman called herself Dahlia of the Masks and the male called himself Durzar. They were looking for the Halfling as well. Durzar could feel her presence and was telling Dahlia where they need to search. Dahlia told the general not to harm anyone until she could vet them as the Dark Mistress needed the Halfling. If the general fails he would have to answer to his deity Bane which needed the Dark Mistress. I felt urgency to find the Halfling. I moved with speed and found a small shop where I made my way in. I found a family of Halflings hiding in the basement. The mother was holding the druid I was seeking. I appeared to them. They were frightened at first but felt the calm from the Grandfather Tree as I spoke to them. I explained to the mother, who called herself Thea Tealeaf, her daughter is special and the army was here for her. I told her the spirit of the forest can protect her but she needed to make the choice freely. Deep down Thea knew you were different and asked for the protection. I called to the fey to come and help me. They arrived as the army broke into the shop above. I told them to take you and protect you as the forest will know. Dahlia with Durzar broke into the basement and I used my powers to stop them as the fey left with you. I weaken myself which allowed Durzar to capture me. Dahlia was upset you got away but felt Durzar could extract the information from me. I was brought to their camp weaken and frightful of what may happen with Durzar. As I sat in the cage trying to regain my strength, Thea appeared from a tent she was being held from. She approached my cell and handed me a small vial. She thanked me for protection you and told me the vial was a poison. She was giving me freedom but I had to give up by form. I knew I would be reborn into another state as the forest would take care of me. I downed the vial as Durzar approached. As the breath escaped me I saw Durzar curse Thea as he tried to bind my fleeing life source. I escaped his clutches and was called by the Emory Woods where I was reborn as Iris. I could not recall what had happened to me prior to being reborn. I felt a connection to my former self and as I was captured by the Darkstriders it felt I was on the path of reconnecting with something. I was fated to reconnect to you. I now have the connection to my former self and possess the knowledge Chael pass to me. I cannot be in fear any more for I must protect you and the Grandfather Tree. Iris smiles at you and tells you things may not be easy but we will stand strong against the evil. Intel report from the City Watch:
You enter your chambers to find your mother inside. She is silently siting at the table drinking some tea. She turns slowly towards you and says, “Cora, when did you return?” You are slightly surprised as your mother’s memories are mixed up and she has a hard time understanding what is in the present with what was in the past. You try the best to comfort her as Nyx told you the use of the radiance has taken a toll on her physically and mentally. Plus with the curse of vampirism your mother’s mind is in a frail state. You make your way over to Thea and sit down by her. You tell her you got back after taking care of a few matters. Thea smiles at you and you see a moment of clarity in her eyes. She pushes a loose strain of hair back on your head. She tells you she did not think she would be able to see you again after sending you with Iris. You enjoy the moment but grow concern when your mother’s expression changes. She stands up and apologizes for not having the formula completed sooner. You feel sadness as your mother’s mind gets confused on the memories. You tell her it is ok and she starts to calm down a bit. She looks at you and says,” Lady Dahlia I have finished the formula and it will work. I was able to enhance the jar and imbue it with the power of the radiance. The ritual circle was completed and we were successful in pulling her essence into the jar. Frida and Barley will need to consume the formula and once the ritual is complete her essence should transfer to the vessel they create. It was time consuming because of the state she was in. The radiance helped preserve her but it also complicated things.” Thea stops in mid sentence and looks at you. “I’m sorry Cora for being late to our tea date,” she says to you as she sits down and pours a new cup of tea.
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