View source for 11 - Into the Heart of Thither

{{SessionLog
|ID=11
|Title=Into the Heart of Thither
|Subtitle=What happened to Frostbite
|Author=Frostbite
|DatePlayed=02-02-2025
|DateInGame=Day 11-12
|Log=
As the curious shop floated away into the mist, the group decided to follow [[Brolin]] toward Clapperclaw, eager to return the head and receive their promised payment. The journey through the damp and mist-laden swamp was uneventful, save for the occasional ripple in the water hinting at unseen creatures below. When they reached Clapperclaw, his childlike glee was apparent. Without hesitation, he removed his gourd head and tossed it into the water. His claws trembled with excitement as he secured the deer skull onto his shoulders, rolling it slightly as if adjusting the fit.

[[Frostbite]], recalling [[Ashira]]’s earlier interest, mentioned that she had wanted the gourd. Clapperclaw, though sincerely apologetic, refused to retrieve it, nervously explaining that merrow lurked beneath the surface. The dark water swirled slightly, as if proving his point. Ever the helpful one, Zephyr took to the sky, gracefully diving toward the floating gourd. He retrieved it with ease and returned it to [[Ashira]], who quickly split it open with a dagger. Her fingers rummaged through the damp, pulpy interior, emerging with only eight copper coins. She sighed, slightly disappointed but nonetheless pocketed the meager sum.

With his head restored, Clapperclaw shared what he knew of their next destination. The best way to reach Thither, he claimed, was by the hot air balloon they had seen earlier. They trekked toward the repair site where the bullywugs, though reluctant, allowed them to take the vessel. However, none in the group - nor Clapperclaw - had ever piloted a balloon. The bullywugs gave hurried instructions in their croaking voices, but confidence was low as the group climbed into the basket, which already felt cramped with their numbers.

As the balloon lifted, the swamp grew distant below, its stagnant waters and tangled roots fading into the mist. [[Frostbite]] remained seated, stiff and visibly uneasy with the heights. The others adjusted as best they could, attempting to find comfort in the limited space. Hours passed, and some took the opportunity to sleep, despite the constant gentle swaying of the vessel. [[Maeve]], ever alert, spotted a structure looming in the distance through the thinning mist. It was massive, its spires stretching toward the heavens - Zybilna’s Palace. The sight stirred something in them, but the moment was fleeting as the balloon carried them ever forward.

They passed over jagged mountains, leaving the swamp behind. A sprawling forest stretched beneath them, dark yet inviting, the thick canopy masking whatever mysteries lay below. The mist had cleared, allowing them their first true view of Thither. It was breathtaking, the vast expanse of emerald green interspersed with golden patches where the sunlight peeked through. The air smelled fresher, carrying the scent of pine and earth.

<h3>A harsh landing</h3>
As the morning came, [[Dhanell]] took the last watch. Something felt off. The basket seemed more spacious than before. He glanced around, his sharp gaze scanning his companions, and then he noticed it - [[Frostbite]] was gone. In his place lay a large mastiff, its fur dark and sleek. [[Dhanell]] narrowed his eyes, nudging the dog with his foot. When it groggily opened its eyes and let out a very un-doglike grumble, the realization hit.

“[[Frostbite]]?” [[Dhanell]] asked, unsure.

The mastiff let out an exasperated sigh. “Yes, it’s me.”

Confusion set in. [[Frostbite]] struggled to make sense of what had happened. “I was dreaming… running through a forest… like a dog,” he mused. But this transformation was real. No magic had been cast, no potion consumed. There was no time to ponder further - the balloon jolted violently as a section of the fabric tore, gas hissing out into the cold night air.

Panic set in. Clapperclaw scrambled to steady their descent, guiding the balloon toward a clearing atop a high hill. It was a rough landing, the basket skidding before coming to an abrupt stop. The air was crisp, filled with the fresh scent of firs and pines. It was a stark contrast to the foul swamp, and for the first time in a while, the group felt relief.

[[Frostbite]] stretched his new limbs and took off running, reveling in the sensation. Despite never having been a dog before, something about it felt… right. [[Maeve]], intrigued, struck up a conversation with him, while [[Ashira]] tested his instincts by tossing a stick. He shot her a flat look and ignored it.

Meanwhile, at the clearing’s edge, [[Dhanell]] discovered a wanted poster nailed to a tree. It depicted a curly-haired boy named Will, with a generous bounty offered by Granny Nightshade, the hag of Thither.

<h3>Golden gifts</h3>
Their investigation was cut short when Zephyr, ever drawn to the unknown, wandered into a nearby cave illuminated by torchlight. Inside, he found an elderly man spinning gold coins at a wheel. The group rushed in after him, wary yet intrigued. The man introduced himself as Nib, explaining that he was cursed by the hag for his greed in Waterdeep. His punishment was to turn his wealth into gifts, which he could bestow upon visitors without any obligation of repayment.

Each of them made a request. [[Ashira]] received a resplendent bow lined with gold. Zephyr’s new hat, which could hold more than he could carry, momentarily swallowed him whole. [[Frostbite]], in an effort to reclaim lost artistic skill, asked for woodcarving tools. Nib exceeded expectations, crafting a mahogany box inlaid with golden filigree, the tools inside polished to perfection. A frozen tear slipped from [[Frostbite]]’s eye as he accepted them, a rare moment of vulnerability.

Nibb shared what little he knew about Loomlurch, the hag’s lair, and the Getaway Gang - children who had escaped her grip and now sought refuge with a treant named Little Oak. He also revealed a crucial detail about Granny Nightshade: the key in her back dictated her mood. A fast turn meant she was pleased; a slow turn meant danger. What would happen if the key were stopped? Even Nib did not dare to find out.

The group left the cave and continued toward Little Oak. Along the way, they discovered enormous claw marks in the earth. They resembled [[Frostbite]]’s own, but they were nearly a meter in length. Whatever had left them had moved on two legs before launching into the sky. The tracks were old - perhaps a week - but they sent an unspoken unease through the party. [[Brolin]] climbed a tree and scanned the area with his spyglass. “Nothing but trees,” he muttered, but the tension remained.

<h3>The dancing toadstools</h3>
They pressed forward and stumbled upon a peculiar clearing. A ring of toadstools enclosed an area where mushrooms sang and danced in an eerie, rhythmic pattern. [[Maeve]] and Zephyr, unable to resist, joined in. [[Frostbite]] was transfixed, though his focus lingered more on [[Maeve]]’s movements than the mushrooms’. When the fungi requested a song, [[Maeve]] gladly obliged. The toadstools, despite never having heard the tune before, harmonized perfectly. Inspired, Zephyr attempted to dance widdershins around the circle, causing a faint glow to shimmer along its border. The meaning of this remained unclear, but the experience was undeniably magical.

At last, they arrived at their destination. Before them stood Little Oak, a towering tree adorned with swings and a treehouse bustling with children. [[Brolin]] rifled through his bag and pulled out worn carnival posters, his expression darkening.

Two of the children were among those who had vanished from the carnival.

The Getaway Gang had been found.
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