"I'm not a devil," Karrin snaps with a bit more intensity then she intended, "I mean call me demon blooded if you want, that doesn't bother me or anything, but please don't call me the other. I hate devils."
Stheno nods at Karrin's assertion. "I... apologise for my mistake."
"It was a surprise attack with no provocation.It does beg the question if the enemies from earlier today are making use of other allies."
Rhiannon strides forward and extends a forearm to Stheno.
"Well fought, my name is Rhiannon."
She takes Rhiannon's offered arm in an easy shake. "What enemies are these that you speak of? Have you already been attacked today? You mentioned the Ice Spider, which I assumed to be a reference to the Winter Queen, but if this is some other enemy then they may have employed the use of the Cobalt SHadows after their first attempt failed."
Isaac stifles a yawn, then pulls on some heavy and beaten leather gloves from the Foundry and kneels beside a fallen xvart.
"We fought the Lady Hel on the road to the city- though I reckon "Handmaiden" Hel was a more proper moniker, eh? She gave us the laugh, more's the pity, 'fore we could pen her in the deadbook."
He starts checking the goblin corpses for any clues or correspondence.
Stheno nods at Karrin's assertion. "I... apologise for my mistake."
"S'ok," Karrin says, a friendly smile settling on her face, "what sort of creature are you, if you don't mind my asking? I don't think I've seen anything like you before."
"We fought the Lady Hel on the road to the city- though I reckon "Handmaiden" Hel was a more proper moniker, eh? She gave us the laugh, more's the pity, 'fore we could pen her in the deadbook."
He starts checking the goblin corpses for any clues or correspondence.
"I see. It seems you have found yourself at the mercy of a powerful enemy then. If I may ask... what is the nature of this Silver Rose Company?"
he indicates the bodies that Isaac is examining. "If you would be so kind as to look for any poison that they are carrying, I would be most appreciative of relieving you of it.""S'ok," Karrin says, a friendly smile settling on her face, "what sort of creature are you, if you don't mind my asking? I don't think I've seen anything like you before."
She turns from her address of Isaac to regard Karrin. "Why I am a Medusa of course. You have truly never seen one of my kind before? While not overly populous, we are a commited member of the Vale and it's resistance of the Winter Queen's advances."
Rhiannnon smiles.
"I might be mistaken but as far as I know, most people who have seen a medusa rarely have the opportunity to discuss it afterward."
She gestures to a pile of small bladed objects that were thrown by the dead goblins, now scattered all around her..
"Based on the reactions when these actually hit, they're probably all coaten in some sort of poison."
"I see. It seems you have found yourself at the mercy of a powerful enemy then. If I may ask... what is the nature of this Silver Rose Company?""We fought the Lady Hel on the road to the city- though I reckon "Handmaiden" Hel was a more proper moniker, eh? She gave us the laugh, more's the pity, 'fore we could pen her in the deadbook."
He starts checking the goblin corpses for any clues or correspondence.
"We're trans-Planar security contractors specializing in asset acquisition, troubleshooting and the securing of mission-based objectives. Primarily in the private sector.", Isaac replies.
Rhiannon gives Isaac a sidelong glance and a quiet chuckle.
Karrin edges away from Stheno a wee bit and immediately breaks eye contact.
"You don't say," Karrin says to Stheno's feet, "I've never met a medusa before, so um, some quick obvious questions: number one, and this is the big one, could you turn us to stone by accident? and two, how do you turn people to stone, because I heard it was the eyes, but if it's something else like a touch or something I'd rather not have any mistaken handshakes and stuff. And three is that sort of thing really permanent or is it something that you can walk off?"
Maelrin turns to the group after assisting Jena to her feet
DC 20 Sense Motive:
"Indeed the appearance of these little blue demons means that the Recluse has entered the game. The Morkarthau must be very interested in you, usually the Recluse spins her own web. Lady Hel and her have been rivals for years."
He frowns
"I have never seen them so brazen. Attacking us in the streets of Hanalindali! It's inconceivable!"
A squad of guards get to them, only to bow as Maelrin turns to them and they recognize him.
"Alert your captains that the Morkarthau have infiltrated the city. Be vigilant. We are returning to the temple. "
Sense Motive:
He starts checking the goblin corpses for any clues or correspondence.
Issac:
Isaac tosses a black vial to Stheno.
"Reckon that's what you're lookin' for, eh?"
Holding up the brown and white agate spider necklaces, he says.
"Suppose that'd be the Recluse, then. Any other spider themed warlords we ought to rile up, Lord Maelrin? Hate to leave a job half finished..."
Justin continues speaking with Ekuur and their hostess, discussing the various theories of planar openings and gates, and the theories of how a living tree (even if it IS the world-ash!) manages to keep so many portals powered and stable. He also looks to their hostess for a clue as to whether or not he's guessed correctly regarding the use of Lauralie.
Justin looks startled, then relaxes. He peers at the large seed, his brow furrowed in concentration.
** spoiler omitted **Justin listens to the tale with interest, his lips pressed together in thought.
"So the 'Dream Weave' protects you, but only from large scale assault. And being as it's derived from your deity, I can only presume that as your numbers dwindle from attrition, so too does her power wane. Am I correct?"
Justin grows thoughtful for a moment, running a few scenarios over in his mind. He looks up at their hostess in surprise.
"Your not looking for a retreat. You could have escaped out the few gates you have at any time. When Lauralia matures, she will provide a stable and constant contact with multiple planes. And the Powers exists on multiple planes. Your looking to draw on the power of your goddesses' worshipers on other planes, and strengthen her ability to manifest here, in your world!" He blurts, his eyes wide in surprise at the magnitude of the idea. And his mouth corner twitching in approval of such a daring plan.
"I must admit my lady, being more short-lived, I tend to think in immediate results. If I am anywhere near correct, I salute you and yours on such a daring stratagem."
Lady Meralindiel smiles. It is a potent and dazzling sight.
"You are quite astute in you deductions, Ser Justin. We are loath to abandon this world for many reasons, not the least because it is very important to Our Lady. She created it, it is of her power and body, a 'child' if you will. When you put forth that much power to create, you lessen yourself. Even a goddess would be greivously harmed by having a piece of herself ripped away and drawn into darkness. But, as ages grind on and the Morkarthau consolidates their dominion, it does become harder for Lady Hanali to maintain the Weave."
She pauses, her eyes shining
"But Lauralia will strenghen our connection to the Outer Realms. Hopefully allowing Our Lady and her allies to protect us in more direct ways than the Dream Weave. And, having the scion of Yggdrasil rooted in our soil will eventually redound on Our Lady, Lauralia, and our people. We shall become the wards of Lauralia, perhaps even dwelling on her when she matures in deeper ages."
She laughs, a high ringing note
"Ah but this is all conjecture for ages far in the future! For now, we need to see our beloved Laualia planted in the sacred soil on the morrow. Then, we shall send you back to your homes, if we can. I am certain Yggdrasil is keeping the portal you entered from open for you."
Merle and Nari continue with there impromt elvish lesson.
Guh. Apologies again Justin. My life has been sore hectic lately..
Justin briefly grins back like an idiot-savant, momentarily lost in the radiance that is Lady Meralindiel's smile. But a moment later he blinks, and coughs self-consciously.
"You, are far too generous my Lady. It was merely an educated guess." Justin demurs.
He is unable to prevent himself from giving Ekuur a swift, worried glance at the lady's words.
"Yes, we do have other, urgent, tasks that require immediate attention. But are you going to be alright? I mean, are your people going to be able to continue holding out against the incursions until Lauralie is mature enough to assist you?" He corrects himself hastily.
'Blast! I've met sorceresses and wizardresses before. What IS it about this woman that makes me feel like a child with a schoolyard crush?!?'
Guh. Apologies again Justin. My life has been sore hectic lately..
Justin briefly grins back like an idiot-savant, momentarily lost in the radiance that is Lady Meralindiel's smile. But a moment later he blinks, and coughs self-consciously.
"You, are far too generous my Lady. It was merely an educated guess." Justin demurs.
He is unable to prevent himself from giving Ekuur a swift, worried glance at the lady's words.
"Yes, we do have other, urgent, tasks that require immediate attention. But are you going to be alright? I mean, are your people going to be able to continue holding out against the incursions until Lauralie is mature enough to assist you?" He corrects himself hastily.
'Blast! I've met sorceresses and wizardresses before. What IS it about this woman that makes me feel like a child with a schoolyard crush?!?'
Ekuur returns Justin's look, but doesn't feel constrained about asking the obvious - "I am sorry, Lady Meralindiel, I could not help but interpret your words with some concern. Is there a chance we will not be able to return to the World Ash? Why is that?"
Karrin edges away from Stheno a wee bit and immediately breaks eye contact.
"You don't say," Karrin says to Stheno's feet, "I've never met a medusa before, so um, some quick obvious questions: number one, and this is the big one, could you turn us to stone by accident? and two, how do you turn people to stone, because I heard it was the eyes, but if it's something else like a touch or something I'd rather not have any mistaken handshakes and stuff. And three is that sort of thing really permanent or is it something that you can walk off?"
"um . . ." Karrin says in the awkward silence that follows, "did I say something offensive or racist or something?"
"Probably"
"Todays' been all about broadening horizons and bringing understanding- an important step in realizing a cutter's Potential. We've all made mix-ups chartin' one another's family tree today, let's not get tied up in screed like a Guvnor arguing Chaos into Law and back, eh? I reckon we're all just curious about each other an' that's healthy, right?"
"But personally, I find such a wig-wag better handled over a pint or three and I believe our kind host suggested we move on before we attract any more attention."
Karrin waits another moment and then turns to Isaac:
"Ya that sounds good," Karrin says quickly moving away from the medusa, "I sure could use a drink. and maybe a small bite to eat Nice meeting you Stheno, and thanks for all the help . . ."
Maelrin looks at the group
"I think our wisest plan is to head back to OUr Lady's temple and let your companions and Lady Meralindiel know what transpired. With your leave?"
The party makes it back to the temple in one piece. Maelrin commandeers a few guards to escort them.
Night has totally fallen at this point. Maelrin inquires where his grandmother is at, and leads the group back to where she is discussing things with Justin
Lady Meralindiel looks at the bedraggled wounded group and frowns
"What happened?"
With night having fallen, Nari takes the opportunity to point out things like stars and the moon, patiently teaching Merle the elven words for them. She ought to be frightened being out after dark in such a vulnerable position, but instead it felt peaceful and so much less oppressive than the city.
With night having fallen, Nari takes the opportunity to point out things like stars and the moon, patiently teaching Merle the elven words for them. She ought to be frightened being out after dark in such a vulnerable position, but instead it felt peaceful and so much less oppressive than the city.
With night having fallen, Nari takes the opportunity to point out things like stars and the moon, patiently teaching Merle the elven words for them. She ought to be frightened being out after dark in such a vulnerable position, but instead it felt peaceful and so much less oppressive than the city.
With night having fallen, Nari takes the opportunity to point out things like stars and the moon, patiently teaching Merle the elven words for them. She ought to be frightened being out after dark in such a vulnerable position, but instead it felt peaceful and so much less oppressive than the city.
"You know..." Merle begins "I never realised how pretty the night sky could be." Seph sitting next to Merle nods in agreement the two seeming to be as much at ease as Nari was.
"We're trans-Planar security contractors specializing in asset acquisition, troubleshooting and the securing of mission-based objectives. Primarily in the private sector.", Isaac replies.
Stheno gives him a quizzical look and shrugs her shoulders. "I take it that means you are important people where you come from."
"You don't say," Karrin says to Stheno's feet, "I've never met a medusa before, so um, some quick obvious questions: number one, and this is the big one, could you turn us to stone by accident? and two, how do you turn people to stone, because I heard it was the eyes, but if it's something else like a touch or something I'd rather not have any mistaken handshakes and stuff. And three is that sort of thing really permanent or is it something that you can walk off?"
"Unlike many of my sisters, I have yet to learn the art of turning people to stone, so you are safe from that aspect of my gaze. There are ways for people to be returned to their former state after being turned, but all involve powerful magics."
Isaac tosses a black vial to Stheno.
"Reckon that's what you're lookin' for, eh?"
Stheno catches the vial and holds it up to the light. "Yes, that will do quite nicely. If you happen to find any more I will be most appreciative."
Maelrin turns to the group after assisting Jena to her feet
"Indeed the appearance of these little blue demons means that the Recluse has entered the game. The Morkarthau must be very interested in you, usually the Recluse spins her own web. Lady Hel and her have been rivals for years. We are returning to the temple. "
She turns to Maelrin after he alerts the guards to the presence of the Xvart in the city. "If I may be so bold as to ask. If the Cobalt Shadows are involved in your business, my Order would be most interested in assisting you in dealing with the threat they pose. If I may be permitted to return to my abode and equp myself more fully, I would very much like to join you at the Temple to discuss this problem with you further."
She turns to Maelrin after he alerts the guards to the presence of the Xvart in the city. "If I may be so bold as to ask. If the Cobalt Shadows are involved in your business, my Order would be most...
Maelrin nods.
"That sounds like an excellent suggestion, Lady Stheno. By all means join us at the temple."
Lady Meralindiel looks at the bedraggled wounded group and frowns"What happened?"
"We were ambushed by... what were they? Cobalt Shadows? An error in judgement on my part got a few of us poisoned and knocked out. Fortunately everyone else acquitted themselves admirably and Stheno here happened by and elected to pitch in."
Isaac holds up the pendant.
"The xvarts had some fancy jewelry though."
Justin looks up with his customary smirk, which instantly changes to serious as he also notices the state of their post-battle dress.
"What happened?!" He echoes their host as he glances around at everyone.
"Is everyone alright?"
"We're fine," Karrin says, "stupid poison knocked me out otherwise I'd have mopped the floor with that stupid blueman group. So I guess all we suffered were some cuts and some bruised egos. Nothing serious, at least not for me, but I don't know about . . . Say, where's Merle and Nari? If we got goblins out chasing us shouldn't they be hear with us? I mean if we got bad guy about we shouldn't split the group."
Isaac pulls off his pack to make certain the Crysagmir is still within.
"Reckon we oughtta find 'em, then."
Ekuur turns to Lady Meralindiel. "Will Lauralie be safe until tomorrow?" Looking at Isaac, "Who are these Cobalt Shadows? Why would they attack us?"
Ekuur turns to Lady Meralindiel. "Will Lauralie be safe until tomorrow?" Looking at Isaac, "Who are these Cobalt Shadows? Why would they attack us?"
Lady Meralindiel looks grave, staring at the pendant Issac holds up, then as he rummages for the Chyrsagmir. When he pulls it free she looks somewhat relieved.
"No one can enter this temple without my knowing of it. This one place, you will be safe. I had thought our city would be safe, but I was obviously wrong."
She turns to Stheno
"You have my eternal gratitude for assisting my friemds and kin. Ask what you may of me, and I will try to grant it."
She turns her brilliant gaze next to Ekuur
"The Cobalt Shadows are the spies and assassins of the Morkarthau. The Recluse, one of their members, oversees them. Normally, we don't hear much of her or her ninja assassins, but I fear that somehow they have learned about Lauralia and the Chysagmir's imminent departure. Neither thing must be pleasing to the Winter Queen. The fact that you humbled Lady Hel, one of the Winter Queen's most fell lieutenents, must also fill her with wrath."
She looks about at the mention of Nari and Merle.
"We must find them at once. None of your party will be safe until you return to the World Ash. Maelrin, please assemble a search party to go after them. I will retire to my scrying chamber to see if I can locate them. If you all would excuse me, I shall return momentarily. Ekkur, if you would be so kind as to watch Lauralia for me?"
Lady Meralindiel exits after handing the large seed to Ekuur.
"Well. That's good, I think." Justin replies, relieved. (Having by now learned to talk enough Karrin-babble to pick out the important portions from her usual ramblings.)
"Bruised egos heal at least. THAT much I know." he adds wryly.
He also looks around with a worried look at the mention of Merle and Nari.
"Didn't Merle say she was going to find Nari?" He asks Ekuur, his concern evident.
Lady Meralindiel exits after handing the large seed to Ekuur.
Justin snags his pack and races after their host.
"I'm going with her. I'm more familiar with the girls and Seph than she is. I may be able to help locate them!" He shouts over his shoulder as he chases after the eerily beautiful elvin lady.
Isaac kneels to stow the circlet back in his pack, taking an awfully long time rearranging things, wrapping things and compulsively rearranging his supplies.
Dungeon Monkey:
Isaac kneels to stow the circlet back in his pack, taking an awfully long time rearranging things, wrapping things and compulsively rearranging his supplies.
Dungeon Monkey: ** spoiler omitted **
Justin snags his pack and races after their host.
"I'm going with her. I'm more familiar with the girls and Seph than she is. I may be able to help locate them!" He shouts over his shoulder as he chases after the eerily beautiful elvin lady.
Justin hurries down the hallway, after the elven priestess. When she hears him coming, she stops, turns, and smiles. Justin could swear his heart twists from the beauty of that smile
"Ser Justin? Would you like to assist me in my scrying?" She says in her smoky voice
Merle takes a pause from stargazing as a thought occurs to her "Is it just me or are the others taking there time finishing up?"
Merle takes a pause from stargazing as a thought occurs to her "Is it just me or are the others taking there time finishing up?"
"Yes, I wonder if they just got distracted by the city or if something else happened. Or maybe they were just planning on spending the night there," she said with a shudder, glancing distastefully back in the direction they came from, "and simply haven't missed us yet."
"Yes, I wonder if they just got distracted by the city or if something else happened. Or maybe they were just planning on spending the night there," she said with a shudder, glancing distastefully back in the direction they came from, "and simply haven't missed us yet."
"Maybe...still not a big deal I told Justin where we would be so they can come and get us when there ready."
Justin hurries down the hallway, after the elven priestess. When she hears him coming, she stops, turns, and smiles. Justin could swear his heart twists from the beauty of that smile
"Ser Justin? Would you like to assist me in my scrying?" She says in her smoky voice
"Uh." Justin replies cleverly. Then swallows hard.
"Yes? I mean Yes! I figured with your intimate knowledge of the valley, and my familiarity with the girls, we could find them. Quicker. Together. I mean we could find them quicker if we work together!"'Easy Case old boy. Just think of bathing in a mountain spring. A really cold one. Like next to a glacier. And think of Skyy. And how much damage she can dish out when she gets really PO'd,...'
"Uh." Justin replies cleverly. Then swallows hard.
"Yes? I mean Yes! I figured with your intimate knowledge of the valley, and my familiarity with the girls, we could find them. Quicker. Together. I mean we could find them quicker if we work together!"'Easy Case old boy. Just think of bathing in a mountain spring. A really cold one. Like next to a glacier. And think of Skyy. And how much damage she can dish out when she gets really PO'd,...'
Lady Meralindiel extends her arm, clearly expectin Justin to take it
She leads him though the temple complex to a small room with a large birdbath-looking appartus in the center. It seems to be crafted of silver, with ancient Elvish runes graven along its surface. Lady Meralindiel brings a pitcher of water from a small fountain running in the corner of the room. She fills the bowl and turns to Justin
"Do you happen to have any item of theirs?"
Justin takes the lady's proffered arm and allows himself to be guided by her to her scrying chamber. He murmurs polite comments on the room stark beauty, and gently runs an idle finger along the edge of the scrying bowl as she fetches her vase of water.
Do you happen to have any item of theirs?"
"Yes. No! Maybe." Justin replies, turning his attention to the fountain in the corner in an attempt to regain some control over his thoughts. After a moment his face brightens.
"AH! Maybe, Yes!" He cries, pulling back his heavy longcoat to reveal a bandolier of scroll tubes. He withdraws a scroll from one and hands it to the lady.
"She was carrying a copy of this scroll. I don't think she's used it yet. As I wrote both of them, they're practically one and the same thing, sympathetic-magic wise at least. And also, if we're lucky,... Seph is always playing hide-and-seek, please tell me,... Yes! at least, I think this is his?" He says, holding up a pair of short, dark hairs,...
Ekuur turns to Lady Meralindiel. "Will Lauralie be safe until tomorrow?" Looking at Isaac, "Who are these Cobalt Shadows? Why would they attack us?"Lady Meralindiel looks grave, staring at the pendant Issac holds up, then as he rummages for the Chyrsagmir. When he pulls it free she looks somewhat relieved.
"No one can enter this temple without my knowing of it. This one place, you will be safe. I had thought our city would be safe, but I was obviously wrong."
She turns to Stheno
"You have my eternal gratitude for assisting my friemds and kin. Ask what you may of me, and I will try to grant it."
She turns her brilliant gaze next to Ekuur
"The Cobalt Shadows are the spies and assassins of the Morkarthau. The Recluse, one of their members, oversees them. Normally, we don't hear much of her or her ninja assassins, but I fear that somehow they have learned about Lauralia and the Chysagmir's imminent departure. Neither thing must be pleasing to the Winter Queen. The fact that you humbled Lady Hel, one of the Winter Queen's most fell lieutenents, must also fill her with wrath."
She looks about at the mention of Nari and Merle.
"We must find them at once. None of your party will be safe until you return to the World Ash. Maelrin, please assemble a search party to go after them. I will retire to my scrying chamber to see if I can locate them. If you all would excuse me, I shall return momentarily. Ekkur, if you would be so kind as to watch Lauralia for me?"
Lady Meralindiel exits after handing the large seed to Ekuur.
"Of course. You can rely on me and my compatriots." Ekuur takes Lauralie, and concentrates.
DM
To Isaac, he says "A suggestion, if I may - we should all stay together from this point on. I believe we cannot allow Lauralie or the Chrysagmir to fall into the Winter Queens hands.
"Oh, and I get the impression there is a chance we are stranded on this world. Lady Meralindiel made a comment that she was 'sure the portal we came through would still be open.' I detected a lack of complete confidence ..."
She turns to Stheno
"You have my eternal gratitude for assisting my friends and kin. Ask what you may of me, and I will try to grant it."
Stheno bows gracefully to the Lady. "I thank you for your notice Great Lady. I shal think on your offer and be ready upon your return."
She turns to the others. "So what have you people done to earn the ire of the Winter Queen?"
"A suggestion, if I may - we should all stay together from this point on. I believe we cannot allow Lauralie or the Chrysagmir to fall into the Winter Queens hands.
"Oh, and I get the impression there is a chance we are stranded on this world. Lady Meralindiel made a comment that she was 'sure the portal we came through would still be open.' I detected a lack of complete confidence ..."
Isaac nods.
"Aye, a trig idea cutter. Not to insult our hostess, but I reckon we ought to take every precaution with our charge's security.""As for being hipped... well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it as they say. Let's focus on getting everyone together in one place."
She turns to the others. "So what have you people done to earn the ire of the Winter Queen?"
"It's like I said, cutter- her handmaiden attacked us on the road and since we weren't willing to turn on our hosts, they attacked. She likely figures we're bringing some new magical support or something to the elves. Which ain't exactly wrong."
"She was carrying a copy of this scroll. I don't think she's used it yet. As I wrote both of them, they're practically one and the same thing, sympathetic-magic wise at least. And also, if we're lucky,... Seph is always playing hide-and-seek, please tell me,... Yes! at least, I think this is his?" He says, holding up a pair of short, dark hairs,...
Armed with the items given by Justin, Lady Meralindiel begins casting a scrying spell on the rippling water in the silver basin.
Justin can see the surface ripple and clear into a vision of Nari and Merle talking in the darkness by a stand of trees. Lady Meralindiel whispers into the water...
...Out in the starry darkness, Merle and Nari work on their Elvish. Suddenly a voice whispers to the both of them.
"My friends, there has been attacks on your companions. Please hurry back to the city at once!"
Nari goes as white as a sheet, looking back towards the city with obvious terror.
"B-b-b-back?" she squeaked. "B-b-b-but I...b-b-b-but...attacks....if they need help...Merle....I don't know what to do...if I go back, I'm so afraid that...that Sanna...."
Merle sighs as she stands and offers Nari a hand up "I know but like you said the others may need our help and we cant just abandon them. Going back there scares you but me and Seph will be sticking close to you all the way. If Sanna has a problem with that then I'll just have to kick her ass" Merle gives a small smile as she says the last part hoping she sounds and looks more reasuring than she really feels.