Thread by @Shadumura

TONIGHT! REVELATIONS! AMBUSHES! DEBAUCHERY!
Fist of Fangs and Friends were quite busy!
We come to our heroes, having made camp next to Fang as he recovered from the mold ordeal. They spent the night resting and on watch, as the bugs removed the mold that befell Fang, overnight.

In the morning, the group wakes up as usual... cept for Fang. Exhaustion had drained him, making him even more of a heavy sleeper. Fang mumbles in his sleep about Foot in Shadow not tending to smoke pit, Fang getting bitten by insects, before waking up and realizing where he was.

Fang, having survived the worst of it and realizes where he was, was beset by his companions, wanting to make sure he is alright. Though exhaustion was removed, his limbs were still drained of energy, making him unable to fight properly. After having rations, he felt lil better.

He puts back on his leather armor and skirt, slung his pack and bow as well as the two scimitars, as his companions packed up camp. They then noticed a bird up in the tree. It was bit noisy and dived down to munch on bugs near Fang. Fang noted it but moved on..

[OOC, Fang was supposed to eat the bird to be rejuvenated, but Fang didn't realize this -- not being a hunter of small game. DM was slightly annoyed but also amused by this revelation, made note of it for later. Joked about throwing Aarakocra at Fang to munch on]

After draining his waterskin and asking for zeig's, Fang replenished his body well enough that he felt his limbs become normal once more. He can drink! He can fight! and the group continues on, following the path up pilgrim's path, through camp and to the stairway once more.

Once more, the stairway had mangkoons on it once more, this time double the number. Fang readies his bow as the mangkoon realize we're not friendly. And neither are them! Fang was slow in initiative, so had to go after others. Zeig missed with shield blast & theo hit w/ blast.

By the time fang fired off his shot, 2 of the 4 mangkoons dived into the water, one on each side. The trio proceeded to deal with the one of the two remaining while fang marked the weakened mangkoon, firing off an arrow to send the beast down into the water.

Two mangkoons remained! but the party could not track them! Readying their weapons and spells, the two mangkoon rush out of the water, flanking theo and fang! Fang had to wait on his shot, bearing through pain as a spear knicks him pretty good.

Zieg rushes to the aid of fang, as theo blasts the mangkoon. Finally, fang lets off his free shot, severely hurting the mangkoon on theo's flank. He then moved his mark to it and fired again, finishing it off as theo and zeig worked on the one on Fang's flank. They are all dead.

The party resumed their trek up the stairs. High winds pick up and dex saves had to be made. Zeig nat 20s the wind and laughs at it, while Fang is okay. Theo was a little shaky but with Zeig's aid, all 3 walked up together holding hands. No, don't judge, it was serious.

Upon arriving once more at the Monastery's graveyard, the party finds Dirc! Apparently dirc was in a cave... somewhere? and had came out. Dirc thinks he was only there for 2 hours but it had already been 2 days since the party realized dirc was missing and had moved on.

Dirc shows the "White sword" after Theo hands him the note that mentioned it. Dirc had no memory of writing the note, even though it is his handwriting. The sword glows bright white, perhaps as fancy light or maybe holy? Fang isn't sure. Fang happy Dirc is back!

The group goes to the barracks next door, this time Zeig kicks door open. Nothing but the usual bloodsplatter in the same spot, where the group found the journal noting the monk's inquiry by the council. As zeig tries to go for the stairs and theo steps to the left....

MANGKOONS! IT ALWAYS HAS TO BE MANGKOONS!
Thankfully, Theo spotted them in time and warned the group. Fang warns Zeig and battle commences. Zeig rushes to Theo's aid and tells fang to help Dirc deal with his group of mangkoons. Fang obliges, putting an arrow in one.

Theo and zeig worked with lighting and eldritch energies, as zeig tries to taunt the two on theo to attack him. Both succeed their checks and just laugh at him, after zeig nailed one with his lightning hammer Enigma. Fang continues to fire at the ones in his group.

Dirc strikes down the mangkoons with shortsword and handaxe, drawing upon the rite of storms to inflict additional lightning damage. Eventually, all 4 mangkoons die. Fang recovers an arrow and the group continues forward, down the stairs into the Catacombs below...

The only thing missing were doors. The doors to the first storage room were gone, but the dead rats were still there, embedded with thorns. The group continues to the hearth room. The doors ahead were gone and instead was a metal portcullis. Zeig raises it up and group goes in...

As Zeig sets down the gate, there are two steel walls that weren't originally there. Suddenly.... AMBUSH! 8 Mangkoons and a mangkoon shaman appear, as the steel walls give away. BATTLE ONCE MORE!

Set upon by all sides, fang is once against slow to act. Before anyone could act, the shaman casts Thunderwave! Theo and Zeig go flying into the gate, suffering some damage. Dirc, after reaching the shaman, goes flying in an opposite direction. Fang stood his ground. It was bad.

The guards proceeded to go to dirc, with 2 on dirc, 3 on fang and 3 on theo & zeig. Most miss their attacks but a few do hit. Zeig and Dirc suffer damage but Theo goes down. Fang can't get to him, surrounded by Mangkoons, with the shaman at his back.

Knowing he can't move, he uses Hail of Thorns and begins to fire into the group of 6 mangkoon. All suffered piercing damage, with some worse off than others. It would be another 2 turns before Fang can reach Theo. Meanwhile, the group continues to fight the fishmen.

Dirc is cut off from helping the group. Theo is down and everyone is surrounded. What does Zeig do? Zeig does Zeig. He fucking intimidates all of them. 4 failed and had to run away, out of sight of Zeig. This created an opening for Fang to disengage into the far corner.

2 rounds of combat with the mangkoons followed. They all miss their attacks, even though a lot of us were low on health. Fang finally reaches Theo, as Zeig held the line against the mangkoons on him, striking two down. Finally, with his last spell slot, Fang heals Theo. 4 HP.

At this point, 4 mangkoon surround Zeig. Fang's bow still bore the barbs, indicating Hail of Thorns is still active. Fang notches an arrow, knowing full well... he will hit Zeig. "I'm sorry Zeig" as an arrow flies, bursting into thorns as 3 of the mangkoon fall. Zeig takes 9 dmg.

Theo and Zeig finish off the fourth and its down to one last mangkoon and the shaman. Dirc manages to hold the last one at attention while Zeig rushes to Dirc's aid. Theo throws out a Witch Bolt at the shaman. Max damage. The shaman gets shocked through the wall, into the cave.

It's down to the wire. The group is low, with fang being at half hp. Zeig and Dirc try to deal with the last mangkoon, as theo fires off an eldritch blast.... Nat 1. The blast hits Zeig in the back and he falls. Fang, seeing this, retracts the barbs from his bow, cancelling HoT.

With a final, precise shot, fang headshots the mangkoon and it proceeds to explode into a red mist. He then races to Zeigs side and once again, saves Zeig's life with another use of Healer's Kit. The group is almost dead, but against all odds, they were victorious.

The 3 slowly drag Zeig's resting body to the nearby bunk room, where the moldy bodies originally were -- now burned to ash. They set Zeig on a bunk and took turns at watch, letting everyone rest up in a Short Rest, for 2 hours. Zeig wakes up and seems better off than before.

After the group rested, they explored the hall to the chapel room. Nothing is there, even though they checked the stone altar thoroughly. They returned to the main room and go to the puzzle room that sealed off the library from the rest of the catacombs.

The puzzle statues still sat there, marble statues of monks holding a book while looking down at it. 1 is still missing. The group is initially stumped about it, tries a few things. Finally, Theo takes one stone book and tosses it through the barrier. The book shatters on ground.

Finally, Theo gets the other idea. Picking up one book and taking the body pose of the monks, he looks at it and passes through the barrier. He is fine! The rest of the group collects the stone books and follow suit. The group enters the library and meet an old man....

This man was trying to search for a cure to the 'disease' that afflicted the people that were mutated with tentacles. The man sees us and panics, unsure if we are friend or foe. After some discussion, many things were revealed. The man offers a chest in return to help him escape.

The man had been trapped in the library for hours, and the barrier was of his own doing. He unlocked the chest and potions and scrolls lie with: 3 healing, 1 featherfall, 1 breathing & 1 scroll of disguise self & 1 other scroll. Theo & Fang go to it, agreeing to help as they can.

Same as Dirc and Zeig. The group tells the man that they will gladly help him back to the mainland. After a few hours, they make it back to the beach and send off in the longboat. Dex saves, fang and theo just shy of passing, go into the water. No issue getting back into boat.

Finally, after a few hours, they arrive to the port town. The old man jumps out, happy he's finally home and kissing the ground. Dirc, remember Solsta, decides to disguise themselves as someone else [stealth]. Nat fucking 20. completely someone else.

As the group decides what to do, dirc & theo go to the brother's house, while the old man rushes to his own home, at the otherside of town. Fang & zeig go to the inn, where Solsta sees us come back. She goes to Zeig and talks him up, asking about Dirc. Zeig walks w/ her outside.

At this point, Fang goes up to the counter. Barkeep recognizes him, telling him that the last time he saw Fang, fang was really ill. To make up for it, he gave fang a hag shot on the house. Fang drinks it. Nat 1. Fang is smashed for 30 minutes. A lot happens in those 30 minutes.

During this time, Theo comes back but Dirc is gone. Fang doesn't know, just trying to stop tavern from spinning as he grips onto the bar. Theo realizes what happens to Fang and talks with the barkeep. He accepts a hag shot for 10c, and came off bolstered from it.

After some time, Zeig and Solsta come back. Fang's hearing and sight are inebriated, so he barely recognized them. Something was said between them and McGregor. Spinning. Fang internally screams as tears begin to form, holding onto bar once more.

Zeig and Solsta go upstairs as Fang slowly begins to recover from the booze. Painfully slow. Thunderstorms suddenly start happening. Fang doesn't know, Fang just wants to not fall onto floor. Theo leaves, though Fang barely can tell at this point.

Finally, Fang begins to sober open. 30 minutes had passed, and Fang -- while still tipsy -- is able to speak and walk once more. He grumbles over to a nearby chair, sitting in it as he hopes the room will stop spinning. Theo returns with Dirc, & goes upstairs. Fang not know why.

Dirc waits with Fang as Theo comes back with Zeig. With the group together, Theo says Dirc has something to tell the group. We go up to Dirc's room. Fang sits on bed, still lightheaded a little but zeig let fang use waterskin to help sober him up more.

With the door closed and locked, Dirc takes off his cloak and his shirt. Scarring all over Dirc's upper body. Fang relates to that sight. Dirc starts telling the group who he really is. Dirc is actually Allyivan Galanodel, and her family of high elves were not a good family....

Her family abused their son, scarring him with hot metal or acid, or cutting his limbs, chest or back. The back bears a symbol with more scars. Dirc tells us that his family are worshippers of the lady of pain Lady Loviatar. Fang sits there, listening quietly.

Dirc had done horrible things. Hurt and killed innocent lives. But Dirc, realizing what was happening via a vision dream, fled his home and his family. Dirc hides himself behind disguise, takes up "Dirc Ally" as his name & continue to fled them... then, met us. Theo. Zeig. Fang.

Fang, sits up from the bed. Slightly tipsy from the Hagshot, he slowly undoes his Hunter's Mask. Behind the mask was a rather pretty kitty but below the head was heavy scarring on his neck. Fang's turn to share his 'scars'. Fang tells story of last hunt he did. Big cat.

Fang almost died to big cat, were it not for Ranger. Ranger kills big cat but could only stop fang from dying with nature magic. Scars would remain but Fang would live on. Fang is inspired by Ranger's selfless act, fights to aid others to repay kindness. Becomes ranger himself.

Fang takes off his leather armor, showing deep claw marks on his chest. Fang walks up to Dirc. "Dirc is Dirc. No matter if Dirc's family were gods themselves, Fang would raise bow against them. Fang supports friends." Some agreements from theo and zeig are heard.

A little back and forth continues,"In Hunt, Words do Not Slay Beasts, but Actions Determine Outcome." Zeig pipes up,"Fang is right. Your actions showed that you fight valiantly. You resisted your family's darkness. You are redeemable." [nutshell version]

Dirc says he doesn't trust dieties anymore. Fang replies,"Dirc is Still Dirc, to Fang. No matter what." After the group concludes the revelations, Fang digs into bag. Pulls out bottle, silver daggers, necklace of inlaid azerite and bone horn with entwined fish. Gives to Dirc.

"Fang needs to rest. Help Fang get these appraised. Fang lacks funds for equipment. Fang thanks you for aid." And Fang proceeds to put his armor back on. As for his mask, he wraps around his neck instead of putting it back on. Dirc & Zeig head to McGregor, as Fang takes a moment.

Fang does not know how much items were worth but Dirc comes back and gives him his gold: 181g. Fang let Dirc keep silver. Fang thanks Dirc and the group proceeds to resupply. Fang goes to Blacksmith. Fang orders Rapier with White Scabbard. Orders Studded Leather Armor. 75g.

Told to come back in hour for both. Fang donates his Scimitars, saying that he asks for no coin and wishes to aid the town guard in being supplied. Blacksmith happily accepts. At this point, Theo comes to the backsmith, holding Gnoll Leader's Prosthetic Leg.

As Fang is leaving, Fang spots Theo back up a foot but no longer holding leg. Fang thinks Theo got paid but continues back to the Inn. Fang reaches Zeig standing outside. Gives 25g to Zeig. "Fang doesn't hoard wealth. Shares with Tribe. Tribe thrives."

Fang enters the inn/tavern and joins Dirc at the bar. By now, Theo comes into the inn, and goes upstairs with very large sack. Fang thinks it's gold, but isn't sure. Fang gives Dirc 25g,"Fang shares wealth with tribe. Tribe thrives." And Theo comes back down with shares divided.

Fang gives Theo 25g as Theo gives Fang his share of the reward: 100g. Fang gives same reason to give gold to Theo. At this point, Fang and dirc ordered ales and food to be served. Zeig joins us for brews and food. Fang, Dirc and Zeig give gold as generous tips.

Barkeeper tells us that he hasn't been to the bakery for lunch's haul of breads. Dirc and Fang oblige him and head across next door to the bakery, which is joint with blacksmith for building. Man comes out, talks with Dirc and Fang about the delivery. Baker realizes Tabaxi...

Tells fang to wait for a moment and comes back and throws a fish into Fang's mouth. Confused but thankful, Fang helps Dirc carry the crates of various breads back to the tavern. More food and ale and the barkeep making innuendos about what meats to put in the sandwiches...

Eventually, hour passes. Fang excuses himself and collects his new armor and rapier. Fang donates leather armor as well, says still good but needs a wash, to blacksmith. Dresses back up and returns to the tavern. Comes back to Theo watching Dirc and Barkeep chatting.

Fang tries to sit back at bar but Zeig grabs him by the collar as well as grabbing theo, pulling them back to let Dirc and Barkeep have some time together. Fang has been internally screaming several times since getting back to mainland. Theo realizes Fang watching Dirc.

Barkeep asks group to lock the tavern door as he opens up the sectional bar to let Dirc to come behind it. Fang closes the latch, right as he sees the two go into the backroom and close the door. Theo comes up to Fang and pats him on the back, consoling him.

Fang raises his hand up for the "1" finger and says "You may pet my ears. Once." Fang was slightly envious and distressed, and Theo obliges. Zeig comes up and helps Fang get back to his room, offering his arm. Fang looks at claws, back to arm, back to claws. Does slight of hand.

Nat 20s. Fang holds onto arm gently but as Fang goes up, our lovely DM points out that Fang is purring happily, as if he's being carried by Zeig. Fang would never admit to doing this, even though it was obvious what he was doing. Fang reaches his room.

For once, Fang was expecting loud sounds coming from below of... debachery. But apparently Dirc's shyness and Barkeep was gentle. Fang is relieved, for once. Dresses down into his Traveler's clothes for bedtime, happy he doesn't have to internally scream one last time.

And the group concludes their session! Zeig, Fang and Theo have reached level 4 [dirc is behind in xp due to being sick RL so had to miss a session]. It is now known of fang's backstory, as well as the fact that Fang fancies men... and maybe more. NEXT TIME, ON FANG AND FRANDS!

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