You are waiting for the mission briefing with your fellow agents.
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In the heart of the Cassomiran Flaxseed Lodge training dojo, a single raven-haired woman sits in the lotus position. Her eyes are closed and there is an audible thrum in the air.
Around her, flames of pure ki swirl and dance. Protruding from her lower back, three sharp dragon-esque spikes protrude, the only unchanging forms within the moving chakra.
A fourth, near the shoulder blades, seems to be trying to form, but the slamming of the dojo door snaps the woman out of her extreme focus. In a flash, all of the swirling ki dissipates and the woman reaches for a towel to dab off the sweat from her brow.
Excuse me, madam... This came for you. mutters the trainee. Stag said that you have finally been called up for a mission.
The man sits in seiza several feet behind her and places the envelope, sealed with the Flaxseed wax in front of himself, bowing his head forward.
The woman stands before turning to grab the envelope. She pulls a dagger and slices into the letter, reading it carefully. "I have finally been given the chance to train outside of these walls after my confirmation. Interesting." she says as she walks past the bowing man towards the door.
Hearing a slam, the trainee jumps as he hears her speak with the hint of joy and resolution. "Tell my father when he returns from his classified mission for the Ten that my time has come and he is free to read the letter for himself."
The man dares to look up and sees the dagger piercing the letter, holding it to the doorframe. Karina, however, is gone.
---
In the waiting room of the Cassomiran Lodge, Karina sprawls out over a reclining couch, resting a cup of tea in a saucer with both hands. It appears that she is the first to arrive for the mission.
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A tall but very slender figure enters, pushing the hood of his oddly-angular cloak back to reveal skin that gleans ever so slightly in a light green color. His eyes appear gold, with slightly vertical black irises. He is clad in well-worn but well-kept armor but has virtually no weapons to speak of. Around his neck is a silver holy symbol of a platinum dragon above a pool of water.
Once inside the waiting room, he nods to the woman already present, his voice is almost hissed but is also deep and quite audible. However, perfect in match to his outward appearance, his tongue is indeed forked, visible as he speaks.
"Greetingss, fellow Pathfinder. I am Kel-Aurthraxis Maleocorr, Sscroll Scholar, sservant of Apsu the Waybringer, and acolyte of the Platinum Band. It iss my duty to provide ssuport and protection to you and all those otherss who join us on this mission."
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Not standing due to her formality training, the woman in the room takes a sip from her steaming herbal tea as the man introduces himself.
As he finishes his introduction, the woman sets her cup down on the saucer in her other hand and decides to introduce herself.
"Greetings, Ser Maleocorr. I have a similar background. I trained at the Academy of Irori, adopting the trainings and teaching of their inquisitorial force. After learning from the esteemed martial artists, I returned to my father's monastery and began training my body to handle the Serpentfire. It appears that we will be comrades on this mission. Let us endeavor to grow stronger and protect the weak who have been trodden upon." she says eloquently.
She snaps her fingers twice and a man dressed in a gi enters the room. Strapped to his back, a giant greatsword stands out oddly against the pure white outfit and black belt. In his hands, there is a another cup of tea. "Vice Lieutenant Stag, please provide our guest the cup." she asks kindly.
The man bows and extends the cup to Kel-Aurthraxis, placing it on the table in front of him. With another bow, he offers only a few words before leaving. "I will enjoy your return, Lieutenant."
As he leaves, Karina speaks once more. "So, I prefer to fight on the front lines, but it takes a few seconds for me to release my true power, so blessing me with Apsu's power while I release my own restrictions would help me to end any threat quickly. In return, I shall set up a defensive position in front of you since you do not appear to be heavily armed or that strong." she analyzes.
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The doors slide open as a pale man enters with loose robes that seem to float about him with wispy tendrils. In his hand he holds a small glowing crystal that pulses with a dark energy and unearthly presence.
One by one he looks to each of his companions. Slowly probing their minds so that they will not notice.
As he speaks his voice almost sounds as if they are two voices overlapping within your mind. "I am Anuum and this is my vessel."
The voice sounds almost alien as it grits and flows, not matching what should be the man's voice. As he walks forward he looks to glide as his mithral chain shirt and darkwood shield remain nearly as silent as the wind that carries his form.
The small crystal glows darker as the man seems to be fighting and trying to resist something from within, though to no avail. His face crunches in obvious displeasure as whatever was taking place seems to be punishing him.
Regaining control Annum speaks once more. "Why have I been pulled away from seeking out the perfect vessel?"
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As the unearthly man strides in, Karina does not seem to pay him the same deference as the previous entrant. "Take a seat. We have yet to find out the mission." she says tersely.
"Venture Captain Flaxseed should arrive soon." she adds. "Though why we brought a mind-capturer such as your self is beyond me."
Although the city of Nantambu is hot, the interior of Sharrowsmith’s
Exports is cool and dim as you wait for the briefing from the local authority with your fellow agents.
Aya Allahe enters and gestures to a sideboard of iced drinks and jungle fruits as she settles in behind her tidy desk. “Please, refresh yourselves, for I’m about to ask you to journey far from the comforts of civilization.” The only other person in the room, having followed Aya in, is a half-elf named Fola Barun, who has curly hair and dark skin painted with delicate designs. Fola now stands behind a massive oak table, meticulously adding details to a half-finished map.
Allahe’s brow wrinkles over her golden eyes, hinting at her worry. “North of Bloodcove is the mountainous Terwa Uplands and a scarp called Azlant Ridge. For more than six years, Pathfinder archeologists at Azlant Ridge have been excavating an Azlanti outpost of vital historical significance; it’s perhaps the only Azlanti outpost on the Mwangi coast.” Allahe pauses. “Fola, you mentioned to me before that you wanted to learn how Pathfinder agents begin a mission. Why don’t you hold off on that map for a few minutes and listen?” The half-elf carefully sets her cartography aside and strides over behind the desk. Allahe nods approvingly and continues, “My good friend, Juliet Dias, leads the expedition at Azlant Ridge. During their first year, the expedition was beset by a horde of ape-men, but was saved by the timely intervention of a group of Pathfinder agents. The site has been mostly quiet ever since—Juliet provides monthly reports. Archeology is a slow and careful science, as Juliet is keen to remind me. Not all Pathfinders are reckless thrill-seekers.” Allahe flashes a conspiratorial smile.
Fola Barun speaks up. “Juliet Dias’s monthly correspondence is a week overdue. Her last missive described a strange light emanating from somewhere deeper in the Terwa Uplands, and her intense curiosity about it.” She slides a folded letter across the desk.
Aya adds, “I fear for my friend. Go to Azlant Ridge and seek out Juliet Dias. If she has met danger, please assist her. If my fears prove true, and Juliet is injured or worse, please ensure that the Pathfinder archeologists under her supervision are safe and continuing their valuable work, and then bring Juliet back to me. I have a riverboat to Bloodcove ready to depart, and I’ll provide you directions from Bloodcove to Azlant Ridge. Although I ask that you hurry, it is important that you ask whatever questions you may have before departing.”
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Using Kel's Oft-Lectured boon from Kreighton Shaine to see if he can recall anything...
"Ah, yess...long ago the that region wasss contested between the sserpentfolk empire and the Ghol-Gan cyclopsesss. The ssserpents were a common enemy of both Ghol-Gan and ancient Azzlant at the time."
Thisss light must have done something to our Pathfindersss for them not to report in after leaving to invesstigate. I am glad to be going on this mission sso Apsu's influence can spread to the region and perhaps protect it from encroaching dangersss like this."
Kel then turns to the elven woman with a polite bow. "I take it from Lady Allahe's words that you are not a Pathfinder agent yoursself. May I inquire asss to your expertisse in this area, or if you have any inssightss to share?"
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A gaunt half-elf with an unsually-shaped head sits quietly in the corner. A massive tome sheathed in iron sits on her lap, its cover featureless.
"Indeed. Their celestial knowledge was remarkable."
"It's terrible to hear about Juliet. Do we suspect more Aspis involvement? It is close to Bloodcove, after all."
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As Venture-Captain Flaxseed explains that they will be heading to the Song-Wind-City in the Mwangi, Karina deftly rises from her couch. "I assume that we will meet our fourth in the lodge, then." she guesses aloud.
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Karina arrives at the meeting dressed in flowing pants white pants bound by a Belt of Strength, a white halter top with the hint of an amulet depicting Irori's fist hidden under a Headband of Mental Prowess worn around her neck (instead of her forehead), tightly-bound sandals and a wide-brimmed Tian hat. She bows deeply as a sign of respect when the proprietor of Sharrowsmith's Exports enters with the druidic woman. "Thank you for the refreshment."
After the explanation of the mission and the knowledge of the region by Kel and the mysterious woman, Karina only feels the need to add her dedication to the goal at-hand. "We shall bring back the archaeologists to the best of our ability. I will pray to Irori for their safety while we make our way to their encampment."
Turning to her group, Karina speaks boldly. "I am ready to depart immediately. If you have not prepared for the warm weather of the jungle, then I suggest we find appropriate gear for you, otherwise we should leave with haste. It appears that we are fighting against time."
As Karina is meeting her for the first time, the Champion of Irori extends her hand to the new Pathfinder. "Greetings. I am Karina, Lieutenant of the Bold Striders, a dragon-fighting company out of Belhaim. We also have Kel-Aurthraxis, a follower of The Exiled Wyrm, and Anuum, a body-snatcher from another plane."
Producing a willow-branch wand from her pack, Karina holds out the Wand of Mage Armor to the dented half-elf. "The reports mentioned that you might be able to cast spells such as this. Please keep me warded while we travel. It will greatly increase my defensive capabilities, which appears to be necessary given our team's composition."
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Anuum looks to the drinks. "This body has little use for such nourishment." The crystal glows a dark red as the dual voices speak.
As the mission is explain Anumm seems quiet as he takes in each bit, trying to remember what he can from so long ago.
"All of your history seems correct. at this point" His mind wanders back with flashes of insight from eons ago.
Floating lightly off the ground Anuum's crystal turns more of a glowing bluish green as his voices take on a bit of excitement with the light.
This light may be a sign from the sky gods to the vessel I have been seeking. Let us make haste! You have no worry about the heat. I will close off your minds to the stresses of such mundane worries."
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"It is a pleasure to meet you. From your tone it sounds like we're meeting for the first time? I can never be sure of that, unfortunately. They've been calling me Jane, at least until we figure out a more accurate option."
She takes the wand and straps it at her side, before sliding off her haversack and rummaging about. She continues speaking,
"I'll be using a similar device myself. I do have a wide range of spells available. What would be beneficial to the rest of you?
"You might have been briefed about my...condition. My talents are diverse but primarily magical. They do however carry some side-effects that can be unfamiliar and upsetting. Don't be alarmed. Whatever you see is almost certainly supposed to happen."
She retrieves a leatherbound book stamped with the Glyph of the Open Road. "If anyone wants some light reading for our trip, Durvin Gest had quite a bit to say about Azlant, and Gregaro Voth about the Expanse."
She offers the book to anyone who wants it.
Kel then turns to the elven woman with a polite bow. "I take it from Lady Allahe's words that you are not a Pathfinder agent yoursself. May I inquire asss to your expertisse in this area, or if you have any inssightss to share?"
Aya answers, "Oh, she is a companion of mine who wanted to know more about the Pathfinder Society and its workings."
"It's terrible to hear about Juliet. Do we suspect more Aspis involvement? It is close to Bloodcove, after all."
Aya Allehe sighs and says, “Unfortunately, yes. The Aspis Consortium is in control of Bloodcove, the closest settlement to Azlant Ridge, so they might be involved. Keep a watchful eye for their meddling.”
---
The journey through Bloodcove and into the Terwa Uplands proceeds without incident, and eventually you reach Azlant Ridge. A series of thin switchback trails climb ever higher out of the jungle. Near the top, a dilapidated camp comes into view. The camp is surrounded by a wooden palisade wall forming a semicircle that both starts and ends at an imposing cliff face looming hundreds of feet above the camp. A gatehouse towers over the palisade, guarding a wooden gate. Near this gate is a large gap of splintered wood, as though some enormous creature recently smashed its way through the wall.
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"You don't know your own name?" Karina says, a serious note of skepticism in her voice.
What has Irori and the Ten given me to work with on my first mission back...? she laments in her mind.
At the offer of the book, Karina takes the tome, eager to know more about the lore behind the region, but finds it to be too stuffy and academic. She tosses the leather-bound tome back to Jane. "Not really my type of text." she says succinctly.
Approaching the Azlant Ridge, Karina hears Jane's offer of magical assistance and her ears perk up. "Aye, I've heard of a spell that should be a bit beneath our level that makes your reflexes like that of a cat. That would be beneficial to me, I believe."
"So, please cast that on me if you can." she says with a knowing nod as she surveys the damage. "That being said, we might be fighting giants..."
Karina moves closer to observe the damage more closely and to see if there are still any living creatures at the ridge.
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"Perhaps I might find you name during our travels."
During the trip Anuum spends several hours with his eyes closed as he concentrates on Jane. Though each time his body is left strained and exhausted as her mind is like a shattered maze and fights back. He slumps to the deck and spends the entire day resting as his vessel requires strength enough for the journey ahead.
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Approaching Azlant Ridge Annum grows anxious as his eyes scan for any signs of the bright light in the nearby distance.
Annum thinks back to what could have possible caused the massive hole in the perimeter.
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As the party draws in closer to Azlant Ridge, Kel will take out his wand of Lucky Number and offer it to the others. "Thisss sspell enhances your luck by a sslight amount for a day, or until you utilize ssuch luck. To help us be prepared, in the name of the Maker of All, I offer its benefits to each of you."
He will also join Annum in looking around.
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Karina listens to Kel-Aurthraxis's explanation of his luck-bending magicks and nods along, grasping the gist of the spell, but not understanding the technical aspects of such an incantation.
"If it will help us fight, then I will gladly take the aid, Ser Maleocorr." she says as he blesses her with Apsu's gift.
"While I understand most of you lot have invested heavily in learning or perfecting your magical abilities, do you not want to confer on optimal tactics if we somehow do end up in a fight?" she asks, clearly looking to start a discussion despite the rampant silence from the group.
"For example, I tend to fight with a mixture of strikes from my blade..." she says as she unsheathes her seven-branched sword, brandishing it for the group to see. "And sweeping kicks."
"Given a few seconds, I can adopt my preferred fighting stance and open at least one of my chakra gates, which will greatly increase our chance of survival."
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Anuum listens to Kel speak of lucky numbers and other celestial signs. Blankly turning towards the man he asks a simple question.
"Are you a seer of the future?"
Turning to Karina he replies as his body rises lightly off the ground with the breeze of the wind. He slowly bobs in the air.
"Like your Chakra gates I can also open gates within my mind, releasing concentrated waves of energy that have the chance of knocking those on the ground while slowing our enemies to a crawl."
Overall though Anuum's body looks to be resting and recuperating from attempting to decipher Jane's broken mind.
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Karina nods as the mind-invader tells of his psychic powers. "Interesting, it will be quite the sight to see in the midst of battle, but doing so should give me time to ready myself if combat is sprung upon us without warning." she says, contemplating the most problematic situation.
"Given enough time, we should be able to take on anything, even a Balor."
A series of thin switchback trails climb ever higher out of the jungle. Near the top, a dilapidated camp comes into view. The camp is surrounded by a wooden palisade wall forming a semicircle that both starts and ends at an imposing cliff face looming hundreds of feet above the camp. A gatehouse towers over the palisade, guarding a wooden gate. Near this gate is a large gap of splintered wood, as though some enormous creature recently smashed its way through the wall.
The gate is constructed from thick logs, lashed tightly together and sealed with pitch. A square platform atop the gate serves as a lookout post. Just outside the gate are three recent graves. A single nervous Pathfinder watches for trouble from the lookout post.
As you approach and make yourselves seen in front of the gate, the Pathfinder lookout calls out, "Hello there! I hope you don't intend trouble?" When he hears that you are also Pathfinders, he climbs down to open the gate and let you in.
The man nervously wrings his hands, his eyes darting about behind and around you as he says, "Good, good, some more agents. We could use the help. I'm Vadlin Whent, but I'm guessing you'll want to talk with Happ Voltz in the camp to figure out what's going on and where you're needed. It's just over that way."
Vadlin points to two large tents, one with its sides rolled up to reveal a fairly complete camp kitchen. Around the two larger tents are ten smaller canvas tents which must be the barracks and living quarters. In fact, just as he is pointing in the direction of the camp you see a redhaired, round-faced man move around the side and start taking down one of the smaller tents. "Ah, there's Happ now." Vadlin comments.
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Karina extends her hand to the guard that is watching what is left of the gate. "I am Karina of the Bold Striders Dragonslaying Company. These are my compatriots. Thank you for your assistance." she says firmly as she shakes his hand.
Once the man points out Happ, Karina boldly strides over to the man. "Agent Voltz?" she asks as she extends her hand once more. "I am who was dispatched by the Decimvirate to assist Juliet Dias. What do you know of her location and situation?" she asks straightforwardly.
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Anuum strides nearby as he continues to assess the situation. "What created such destruction?" Anuum echoes as he refers to the massive hole in the wall
Anuum's crystal glows yellow as it pulses with intrigue and apprehension. The nearly unblinking eyes scan the camp and all within as it inspects each and every one of the vessels for something Anuum has yet to discover.
When you get closer to Happ, you notice other archeologists working behind him to disassemble the tents.
Once the man points out Happ, Karina boldly strides over to the man. "Agent Voltz?" she asks as she extends her hand once more. "I am who was dispatched by the Decimvirate to assist Juliet Dias. What do you know of her location and situation?" she asks straightforwardly.
Happ Voltz nods vigorously and shakes Karina's hand. "Voltz, yes, that's me. Good to meet you. Damn shame about Juliet, that's why we're packing up and moving out. A few weeks ago, a steady white light appeared in the Terwa Uplands. Juliet Dias and six others went to investigate. Although the light appeared to be only a day away or so, no one has returned."
Happ lets out a dramatic sigh and continues, "Since then we've focused all our research on the ivory sphere, and learned that its glow doesn’t just indicate danger—it indicates powerful fiendish activity. When a fiend is near, the sphere activates an Azlanti monolith to seek and destroy the fiend. We've became much more concerned about Dias’s welfare upon learning this, but didn’t feel qualified to trek across the Terwa Uplands ourselves. That's why we sent out the call for help to the higher-ups."
Anuum strides nearby as he continues to assess the situation. "What created such destruction?" Anuum echoes as he refers to the massive hole in the wall.
"The last time I was here, there was an attack by a massive fiendish ape and a horde of lesser primates. Perhaps they've returned?"
Happ nods warily. "Yes... they've been back. Two days ago, another Azlanti monolith activated, smashed its way through the camp and killed several workers and guards in its way. Then it plodded off toward the distant light. Several survivors immediately fled back to Bloodcove but we just couldn't run without first packing the camp and preparing it for a hoped-for return. So we've been taking the time to secure the site and pack up the camp, in the hopes that another team might reopen the dig someday. But we plan to leave first thing tomorrow morning now that you're here."
Happ hands you a small leather satchel. “These are the things Juliet left behind,” he says. “Can you bring these to her? I’m sure she won’t mind you making use of them while you head out to rescue her. If she’s still alive, that is.” The satchel contains a lens of detection, a pair of bracers of steadiness and a heavyload belt, along with a note from Juliet.
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Karina looks around at her compatriots and finds their noticeable lack of manners disturbing. "I apologize for my compatriots' terseness. Words and manners are not their strong suit." she says as she bows her head in apology.
"As to your safety, are we able to depart immediately or should we rest here to ensure you are protected until you can head back to the Lodge in the morning?" she asks. "I would rather ensure the safety of you and your men, then chase after a probably-dead Pathfinder, especially if I would later find out you all perished."
As the man offers the satchel, Karina takes it and slings it over her shoulder. "These will reach her safely if we are able to find her." she says, reassuringly. "Is there a way to take the sphere with us to detect any fiendish activity?" she asks, hopeful that the artifact can be moved.
Happ starts to answer, "If you are prepared to leave, you may-" but he is cut off from a shrill whistle near the gate. Vadlin Whent, still watching the gate, must have seen something in the jungle and not two seconds later you hear the howling shrieks and hoots of the dreaded charau-ka that infest this part of the jungle, along with the calls of more mundane monkeys under their command....
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"And this is why I check..." Karina says, feeling a bit prescient.
Drawing her blade, Karina holds it firmly in both hands as her flowing pants billow in the windless encampment. "Haaaa!" she yells as fiery ki erupts from her feet, bathing her body in fire.
She dashes forward twenty feet in under a second, easily completing the move with only a few quick steps. Keeping the blade turned towards the entrance, she prepares for the assault from the primates. "Turn back now or we will be forced to cut you down!" she warns.
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"My words are actually quite strong. Manners on the other had have little use as I will always find another....." Anuum is quickly cut off as he spins around at the crashing sound.
He sneers at the monkey's. "I was too busy focusing out on intelligent thoughts and dismissed all primate ones it seems."
Floating forward a bit Anuum's crystal flashes with a bright light. [b]I shall slow their minds for you.
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Karina, feeling the flames of the Serpentfire singing her skin, grows a bit impatient at the choices of her compatriots. "Why have you moved down into the digsite?!" she bellows.
"More importantly, why have you moved away from the only person capable of fighting in close quarters?! " she adds.
"This is why you discuss tactics before a fight..." she mutters with gritted teeth.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Karina does not hesitate to leap towards danger to defend the archaeologists. Anuum tries to slow the monkey-men down but they don't seem affected. Jane fires off a set of missiles at one of them and Kel encourages everyone on, just before everyone but Karina jumps into the digsite for safety.
Those in the pit are not totally safe, however, as the two baboon troupes quickly follow...
And, Bold Striders being Bold Striders, Karina finds herself alone to face the charau-ka. Luckily they can't quite reach but they swarm through the broken defenses easily and start hurling poo at Karina:
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Annum's mind muddles and gets quickly distracted as the poo covered monkey's swarm all over him. His link between himself and his vessel breaks momentarily as the Slyph's eyes grow panicked.
"Where am I? What is happening? How long has it been?" His spins his head around in confusion at his surroundings and begins to run away.
Rushing into the small outcropping of trees the Slyph seems to slow as the link he regains his calmness once again. A whispered hush is heard through the wind.
"You will submit to me....."
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Kel easily shakes off the distracting nature of the monkeys and backs away from the swarms a bit, hissing at Karina.
"Becausse I work bessst when in the middle of you who ssstride too boldly forward heedlesssly!"
Dropping his wand as a free action, Kel takes hold of his holy symbol which begins to glow softly as he begins to emit a subsonic hum that will affect Anuum and Jane (if needed), as he casts Recentering Drone
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Karina watches as the swarm of monkeys careen over the edge of the digsite and swarm the other Pathfinders, but is drawn back to her immediate circumstances as a pile of poop plops down on the grass near her feet.
With two quick slashes, she cuts down the other two projectile defecations in a whirl of flames and steel.
As she attempts to open another chakra gate, Karina is overwhelmed by the serpentfire and the flames disappear immediately. Her eyes roll into the back of her head as her hand grips her blade, but she seems unable to act.
Kelk regathers the focus of the party as Jane wildly flings a pot of alchemist's fire into the digsite. Karina is finding it hard to focus with all the poop and shrieking....
The charau-ka start to shriek, the very act seeming to speed their movements as they close in around Karina and try to club her to death:
Meanwhile the baboon troupes chase after Jane and Kel!
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Two of the clubs land while Karina is recoiling from the serpentfire's backlash. The attacks barely scratch the Bold Strider as she recovers.
Choosing to forgo her powers at this time, Karina looks at the monkey surrounding her. "Mistakes have been made, but they will be rectified, primates." she says as she takes three massive slashes with her blade on the nearby charau-ka.
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Anuum moves around the smaller building with a bit more grace and far less screaming. The crystal glows with a continuous soft white hue as one of the gates within the Slyph's tormented mind open and four pure missiles of mental force pour forth from Anuum's head. The missiles arc around Karina and slam into the charau-ka with enough force to knock them off their feet.
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Kel is able to shake off both the distraction of the monkeys as well as being damaged while concentrating on his Recentering Drone to benefit Jane only (as Anuum moved out of range). He moves back away from the swarms while using his other spring-loaded wrist sheath to slide a wickedly curved kukri into his open hand.
Karina quickly takes out one of the charau-ka but then misses her third strike. Anuum assists the Bold Strider from afar by putting them on the ground with tripping missiles. Kel moves away from the swarms and tries to keep Jane from being to distracted by the baboons.
The charau-ka on the ground continue to swing at Karina's legs, trying to bring her down with them!
The first monkey swarm continues to harass Jane as the other chases after Kel!