Isilme |
"I am Isilme," she offers by way of introduction to the Commander, deciding an introduction would be best before she inserted herself into Ary's report to the Commander.
"As we mentioned to Ser Morgan, the town we encountered the demons in was Bedir. It has been used as a base of operations by cultists and demons in the past." As she thinks about the situation, she can't help but feel that there was something that they had missed there "The fact that the Vermleks were able to use magic worries me, I wish Ai'Sin..." She realizes that the Commander Wardroxan likely doesn't know Aravashnial, but on the off chance she'd heard of him it'd better to use his name than a term of endearment. "--My apologies, I meant to say Aravashnial--were here to offer his insight on the matter. There may yet be more going on there than what we uncovered. Once things are under control here, it would probably be good to take another look around that area," she says to the commander.
She ponders the situation for a few moments and then adds, "Perhaps when we send a raven to Irabeth I can write something to be delivered to him as well. His knowledge has always proved invaluable when dealing with demons, and I believe it's important we understand what the vermleks were planning with those sacrifices, and how they gained the powers they did."
Edit:
After Isilme had finished addressing the commander, the fact the she'd mentioned unsavory rumors popped into her head. "You mentioned that there were rumors? What sort of rumors have reached the ears of those here ahead of our arrival?" she asks, curious about them. She had no trouble imagining rumors had reached here, but she found it hard to believe that there were negative rumors being spread about them.
Ary Bishop |
"Also," She says, indicating each person in turn. "This is Markus, Isilme already introduced herself, and this is Annabelle. They're 'under my command'. Ehren, Hinagiku, and Valaria aren't. They're just friends to the Crusades. On that note, Annabelle has an allergy to sunlight, and will need a dark room during the day, if you have any available, she and Markus also have an aversion to healing magic. They have to have negative energy to heal." She said, making accommodations known to start.
Markus Coffinborn |
"Not that you should be alarmed about that, ma'am." quickly amends Markus. "The natures of our bodies aside, we're yours to command."
GM Kiora |
Knowledge Checks
Brimoraks:
However, they are not truly self-destructive, and will teleport to avoid death.
Once unleashed on the material plane, brimoraks enjoy hiding in catacombs, sewers, or in the wilderness. They become natural leaders of savage humanoids like goblins, orcs, gnolls, or human barbarians - often seizing control by killing the former leader and dominating the others into submission. There have been cases of whole tribes worshipping a lone brimorak as a god due to fear and ignorance. Once they have control of a group, brimoraks gleefully order their minions to attack and destroy nearby towns and settlements.
Schir:
Schir speak and understand all languages.
Markus Coffinborn |
Brimorak Know (planes): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Schir Know (planes): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Valaria Alazario |
Knowledge Planes (Brimoraks): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Knowledge Planes (Schir): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
"What she means is that I follow her orders, but only because I want to not because I've taken an oath to a goddess I don't follow in the first place. Don't worry, we're still on your side though. And I think you're going to need all the help you can get."
She considers the situation silently for a moment. Nothing special about these Brimorak demons comes to mind, but a few tidbits about Schirs come to her after a moment. "The Brimorak was the leader right? So it was probably using the others a foot soldiers. Schirs are nasty little buggers in a fight, especially if they manage to catch you with their halberds. And dretches aren't good for much other than following orders." She seems to be more talking to herself than to anyone else, though her thoughts are easy to hear. Finally, she turns to the commander. "Which way did the demons go when they left? Back toward the Worldwound?"
Isilme |
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Std Act: Pageant of the Peacock, +4 bluff, use bluff instead of knowledge for checks.
PotP Bluff(Know/Planes - Brimoraks): 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 15 + 4 = 28
PotP Bluff(Know/Planes - Schir): 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 15 + 4 = 27
"Brimoraks and Schirs.... Brimoraks and Schirs..." Isilme says, thinking deeply on the matter. After a few moments her eyes seem to glaze over as she enters the same trance-like state she'd been in a few times before. Her voice takes on a dream-like quality as she begins to speak. "Its hooves leaving burning marks with each step, the Brimorak's path was easy to follow, or so the scout thought. He had tracked the fiery goat-like demon for days across the badlands, hoping to discover its goals. When he'd finally caught up to it, however, he was amazed to watch as it walked through the air across a ravine," Isilme recounts. "Unable to cross himself, he let loose an arrow, thinking to finish it if he couldn't discover its purpose. The arrow struck true and the creature cried out, its blood spraying violently and igniting the ground where it fell. Unfortunately for the scout it closed quickly with him by the same means it had crossed the first time, and as it did, it breathed a cloud of toxic smoke upon him. Sickened by the smoke, he stumbled backwards, fumbling as he drew his longsword, dropping it to the ground. The creature seemed to grin as it strode forward, picking up the mundane blade and causing it to burst into flames. The last thing the scout felt was the burning sensation of the blade piercing his heart and the sight of the Brimorak laughing as it teleported away."
She pauses for a moment, looking about her as if she were watching various apparitions floating by her. She turns around quickly and smiles as she catches sight of something off in the distance. Reaching out to it she pulls it closer and holds it before her, clutching it close to her heart. "An old sage stands before his students in a small room. The air is musty and the room cramped, but the students seem not to notice at all, enraptured by his lessons. 'What is a Schir?', he asks them. Murmurs erupt before one of them stands proudly. 'A goat headed demon who wields a halberd!' Before the man can comment, another one, a small boy with horns interjects as well 'They chew on their weapons! It makes them poisonous!' A third, more portly child chides him, adding 'diseased, not poisonous! The second, seeking to save face immediately continues 'They're stupid and like fighting, they're good at jumping too. Not so good at magic'" Isilme seems to be enjoying the tale immensely, her eyes shining brightly as she continues. "'Good', says their mentor. 'They are also able to understand all languages, and are able to see invisiblity as well as using what little magic they have to move quickly, he adds smiling proudly at his pupils."
Satisfied for the moment, she stands there peacefully, still seemingly engrossed by whatever phantoms were dancing through her sight.
GM Kiora |
2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Commander Wardroxan is an attentive listener. She does not interrupt, and is glad to hear the different perspectives of the party members.
To Ary: The commander gives Ary a small smile. Her eyes are tired, though her body does not show it. ”I appreciate it. Ultimately, we hold strong, and that’s all that matters right now. “ She listens to Ary’s tale about the vermleks. ”That is interesting. Vermleks are a foul infestation in the land around here, though ones that can summon swarms are especially troubling. Perhaps they were granted divine powers by Deskari. How many were they?”
To Ehren: At Ary’s mention of Ehren,Commander Wardroxan’s eyes fall on the young hierophant, who has been quiet this entire time. ”So you’re the druid, correct? Ehren Ferron? I’ve heard about you. The Ferron clan have been an asset to Fort Portolmaeus in the past. Have you heard from them? We could certainly use the healing.”
To Markus: ”Ah, that leads me to my next point. That is precisely what I was going to ask of you. My rangers were able to track them to the border of the Worldwound, where they crossed at a ford. I don’t have enough men to protect this fort as is. But if those men stand a chance at surviving, a rescue team must be sent out now.”
She turns back to Ary. ”You were trained by Ser Ilivan of Erages, correct? A fine ranger. One of our best. But the Worldwound is a difficult place to navigate.” She cuts herself off, chuckling. ”Oh, but you’re a Bishop. My apologies. It should come naturally to you.”
To Isilme: ”Correct, Bedis has been used as a staging ground. So you’re reporting that it was clear, except for some vermleks, correct?” She offers no recognition to Aravashnial’s name, though she agrees that they should investigate further- ”Regardless, I will send a pair of scouts, for certain.”
When Isilme asks about the rumors, she clarifies. ”Hmmm. Well, you destroyed the wardstone, but in doing so you destroyed the wardstone border. So some believe your group to be double agents.” Her eyes flick between Markus and Annabelle for a moment, and she smiles wryly. ”I have been briefed on both of you. And look. I believe in giving people a chance to prove themselves. And I take Chevalier Irabeth’s words to heart.”
She sighs. ”Fear makes people do stupid things. Even otherwise good ones. Try not to let talk drag you down.”
To Valaria: She smiles. ”Great. And you’re correct. I’m in no position to turn away a new friend.”
”Correct, the brimorak was the leader. His name is Savash, and he is no ordinary brimorak. He stands a towering seven feet tall. They retreated into the Worldwound.. crossing… here. “ She unfolds a map of the region and points at a spot on the West Sellen River. ”The water is shallow here, shallow enough to walk across. Maybe two feet deep.”
She then stands and listens to Isilme’s stories with a smile. ”Oh, that’s good! You should teach that to my soldiers. Perhaps they’d actually learn a thing or two. Goddess knows it’s hard to get much through some of their thick skulls.” She grins.
To Hinagiku: ”So… you must be Hinagiku. You are a monk of Irori, correct? I’m afraid I am not very familiar with his teachings, but she did mention you pulled a minotaur to the ground. With your bare hands, no less.” Some of the other soldiers in the room take note, staring at the foreign woman curiously. ”I’m glad to have someone that can pull that off on my side, that’s for sure.”
To the group: Once she has addressed each hero at least once, she focuses the discussion on what to do next.
”The trail is already cold, but you look tired. I will leave it up to you, Captain Bishop, if you want to press on now or wait until first thing in the morning. I’m sure I don’t need to go over the pros and cons of either choice to you. Just let me know when you’re ready. I intend to share with you some of our supplies.”
”Do you have any questions for me?”
Now? Or later? It’s not a small decision…. so I am waiting for a majority vote before proceeding.
Isilme |
Isilme smiles at the commander when she's addressed, not particularly looking at her, and responds melodically "Of course dear, it would be my pleasure to recount those stories for the troops. Perhaps when we get a chance to rest." After a few moments she seems to snap out of it, however, and actually seems a bit flustered as she realizes how she'd addressed the commanding officer. "My apologies," she says with a courteous bow, "I meant to say: It would be my pleasure, Commander."
"I have enough magic left to empower Valaria with heroism enhanced by my runes once more today. I've still a bit of magic left otherwise though, and I've barely even warmed up my voice today. If we could get our wounds tended to before leaving, I believe it would be best to set out to save the troops immediately."
Markus Coffinborn |
"The majority of my magic for today remains as well, and Annabelle has yet to see combat today." reports Markus. "And my wounds from the battle with the Vermleks are all but healed. I am fine to proceed on today, though some of my allies may need additional healing."
"As for the vermleks... I believe there were three. And there were dretches as well... seven, I believe?"
GM Kiora |
Annabelle nods at Markus. She had been uncomfortable for most of their discussion, at least until the Commander explicitly gave her her blessing. She slowly starts to open up. "That's right! And I got a bone to pick with anyone who messes with cavalrymen, too. So, as long as the Captain is ready to go, I am too." She has a cocky smirk on her face.
Ehren Ferron |
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Having climbed off the wagon, Ehren does not shrink from the attention quite as much as he might have before. It still makes him feel uncomfortable though.
"I'm afraid I have not heard from them in over a week," Ehren reports, his tone betraying his concern. He looks a bit crestfallen as he recalls the carnage they had witnessed. Had they gotten caught up in that? "I presume that they had departed for the next wardstone in line, but I cannot be certain under the circumstances."
He looks to Markus and nods. "I still have most of my magic left as well, so I have no reason not to head out."
Valaria Alazario |
Val frowns. "Well, that gives us a path to follow at least. What else was strange about the brimorak? You said he was massive, but what else makes this Savash special?"
She nods slowly. "I'm still more than fit for combat. I could use another cure spell or two to put me in top form, but I'm not about to back down from this over a few scrapes. As for the vermleks, they were magic users beyond the normal and particularly fond of calling for more back-up. Carving through packs of summoned dretches gets tiresome quickly."
GM Kiora |
On the Vermleks: ”Right. Well, I’m glad that you eliminated those threats for us.” She smiles. "Good work, soldiers."
On Savash: ”Well, his size is formidable enough, and he is more cunning than your normal demon. I’m unsure if he follows Deskari, or if he is just a marauding rogue, though.”
Since clearly the majority of the group is ready to leave tonight, she grins. ”Great. I’ll escort you to the medic’s bunk shortly. But first, I have some supplies to spare.” A gnome in a breastplate hands a small knapsack to Ary. Inside they find…
Be clear about who is carrying what.
- 2 potions of cure moderate wounds
- 3 potions of shield of faith (CL 6)
- 10 flasks of holy water
- 2 potions of cure serious wounds
- 2 potions of barkskin (CL 9th)
- a wand of haste (6 charges)
Markus Coffinborn |
Markus takes the wand that's in the knapsack. "Thank you, Commander. These expendable resources will come in handy."
He notes the holy water, knows its use against the undead, and takes five of the vials. "Are we expecting to encounter the undead or haunts?" he asks.
Valaria Alazario |
Val thinks for a moment on the demon's description. "So stronger and smarter than average. This is going to be fun, isn't it?" She sighs. "Well, there's captured soldiers to save, so let's do this."
She peaks over Ary's shoulder and peers into the bag. Her eyes widen slightly. "Maybe I'm used to being on strained resources in Kenabres, but can you really afford to give us all this?" She reaches in an picks out one of the moderate healing potions and one of the shield of faith potions.
GM Kiora |
Commander Wardroxan nods. "If these supplies mean the difference between a dozen of my cavalrymen's lives or deaths... it is a good use of our resources."
She escorts the group down to the medical bay, as promised. Clerics of Iomedae clad in white robes move out to heal them. She calls for a warpriest to cast a prepared inflict spell for Markus.
Ary Bishop |
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"In this case, it's less about being a Bishop, and more about being trained by Ser Ilivan... and my father. If you'd believe it, I've never actually been into the wound... but I'm confident I can track that many demons with relative ease." Ary says.
"I'm glad you understand our needs. Ideally, we can head out tonight, if you're able to mend some of our wounds. I don't want to risk taking us out there and just adding more to the pyre."
Then, elaborating, and simplifying Isilme's story, she explains what she knows.
"He's definitely way oversized, they're usually about three feet tall. Brimoraks are fiery death demons. They're also easy to track aside from the fact that they can choose to walk on air. They can also break magic, create several forms of fire, and teleport to safety. They'll favor burning things, though, as when they burn others, it lessens the pain they feel. If you've got more of that ice magic, we can definitely use it, Rocky. In fact, they're sort of self-destructive in the fact that they'll do really stupid things to go after someone who's endangered. Maybe that'll extend to hitting him with ice."
She pauses for a moment. "Hinagiku and 'Belle should be able to hold him in place, fairly well while we clean things up. I'd suggest not using Blossom against the Schir, but it's up to you. Do not draw blood on him if you're in close proximity, and don't cluster up. Like she said, they breathe toxic smoke, so be prepared to hold your breath as well. They delight in domination, so they're likely to keep the prisoners alive until they've 'broken' them." she says with a frown. "They'll use burning weapons. If we have any magic to protect us from fire, that will be ideal as well."
"They prefer the wilds and underground over civilized places... he might even have some human worshippers, if he's like other Brimoraks." If there are any dumbfounded looks at her long spiel, she'd respond. "I was sick on Brimorak day... so I stopped in with the teacher a few days later and..." she shrugged.
"As for Schir, they're spite demons. Don't let them charge you, and be careful of the disease. It'll make you weak and send you into a coma in short order. The Holy water is going to be for the demons. It's a safe way to harm multiple evil outsiders while not hurting other people. Were you still looking to get a set of chain, Isilme? Or did you specifically want the shiny stuff?"
GM Kiora |
Commander Manaria smiles at Ary. "Hah! Well, seems like you know more about them than me. I learned something new today."
She turns to Markus. "Yes, holy water is just standard supply for fighting demons. I wouldn't expect too many undead in the Worldwound. There aren't many people there, so."
Ehren Ferron |
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After perusing the contents of the small supply stash, Ehren politely declines to take anything.
"I have my own healing magic to fall back on... and my throwing arm isn't very good."
Markus Coffinborn |
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accelerate is on the sorcerer/wizard wordcasting list, which you've given me access to. I'm okay with Isilme having it though. She can also have one of my potions.
Ary Bishop |
"I vote Isilme and Hina each take a big potion. Likewise, Hina should take a barkskin potion... if you're comfortable with playing with a flaming minotaur this time. Everyone should take a vial of holy water. If you're in a good situation to use it, don't be afraid to toss it in. Except you, Belle. The risk of it breaking open means we shouldn't have you carrying it."
GM Kiora |
Markus: okay, my bad! gotcha
Hinagiku hasn't checked in for over 24 hours so I'm moving forward without her. Hinagiku, the following items are still up for grabs: 1 potion of CMW, 2 potions of shield of faith (CL 6). As long as you stake your claim the next time you post, we'll just assume you had it all along.
Otherwise, the loot is split this way:
EDITED:
- 2 potions of cure moderate wounds VALARIA (1), ARY (1)
- 3 potions of shield of faith (CL 6) VALARIA (1), ARY (2)
- 10 flasks of holy water: MARKUS (5), ARY (1), VALARIA (2), HINAGIKU (1), ISILME (1)
- 2 potions of cure serious wounds ISILME (1), HINAGIKU (1)
- 2 potions of barkskin (CL 9th), ISILME (1), HINAGIKU (1)
- a wand of haste (6 charges) : ISILME
"Okay. So. I'm ready to go whenever you guys are!" Annabelle chirps.
Once two are ready to leave, we will.
Valaria Alazario |
I'll snag a couple of holy waters if no one else is going to use them. I'm also down to carry other potions if no one else is planning on taking them.
Hinagiku |
Hinagiku stayed in tow of the group ever since they arrived to fort Portolmaeus. Most of the things inside the fortress were new to her.
Apart from the gray garrison, that was the first western battlement she had ever visited, and this one was manned. So, she elected to keep silent, trying to see what role needed to be filled, what she was supposed to do, and understand her place in the team. However, it seemed as though everything was taken care of quickly and efficiently, leaving her time to get accustomed to the environment rather than constantly analyzing it.
Finally, once they met with commander Wardroxan, Hinagiku bowed and let the other speak. When complimented about her skill at taking down a minotaur, she simply bows her head, trying to remain humble. The reactions of the people around her made her feel uncomfortable. Being looked up at was not something she wished others to do. Only The Master should have such a privilege. Finally, upon hearing Ary's suggestion, Hinagiku steps forward to pick a few items from the knapsack, which she puts away in various pockets of her clothes.
1 CSW, 1 barkskin, 1 holy water
"Ary, this Brimorak, if its skin ever came to be as fiery as its blood, I think I would unable to fight it…. Rather, I could still fight it, but it would be unwise. " she says.
As she spoke, her head was bowed, shamed that she might already let her down.
Isilme |
If I've still got charges on it when we hit 7, I'll toss it back your way Markus. Thanks for letting me snag it. I figure I've got buffing duty, and it leaves you free to use debilitating magic.
Isilme grabbed the wand from Markus, along with one of his smaller potions, and snagged one of the more potent ones from the bag. She packs them carefully and goes over her inventory once before she turns to the others. "I believe I am prepared to depart." she says to Ary.
Ary Bishop |
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"Just don't break the skin." Ary says. "Don't make it bleed. Break bones, turn his fire inwards. As far as I know, he doesn't actually burn things other than his weapon on contact. I'd already thought of that. You're perfect for the job, if you're willing. It'll be dangerous, though. I definitely won't be able to do much without catching on fire."
Inb4 Brimorak Barbarian with Body Bludgeon.
Ehren Ferron |
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Man, that'd be rough. As the brimorak lifts you off the ground and you burst into flames, you think to yourself, "Huh, wait a minute, this means I'm mundane. Aw man."
Ary Bishop |
So much better than being a masterwork gnome club, I'd say.
Valaria Alazario |
Val snags two of the vials of holy water. With her exceptional dexterity, she's figures she'll be capable of hitting a mark without too much trouble. Plus, it's preferable to soften up the demons before getting in close enough to disease causing goat demons or giant fiery goat demons without softening them.
GM Kiora |
The heroes depart from Fort Portolmaeus in their caravan after getting some warm food in their stomachs. It is late at night, and the sky is filled with stars, and a glowing full moon. Annabelle gleefully rides out in front, thrilled to be outside of the constraints of the wagon and the fort.
The kellids Edgar and Helha seek the heroes out to let them know Rione arrived later, safe and sound. They wish them good luck, and they are on their way.
Commander Wardroxan let the heroes take the map, and they use it to travel to the ford. Not that it was particularly hard to follow the retreating demons.… here and there enormous, scorched hoofprints mar the earth, the flames hot enough to even melt solid stone in places.
Eventually the group gets to the ford. It is so shallow that even Annabelle doesn’t need to fear crossing the running water. Across the river is the Worldwound – appearing normal for all intents and purposes. The water seems to sparkle beneath their feet.
Unfortunately there are no deposits of nexovar that remain that are known today, as most of it was mined to inscribe the runes into the wardstones. Faith is made of a nexovar alloy – and as such is a priceless weapon, at least to the Crusades.
Then the heroes make it to the other side… and everything changes as soon as they step out of the river. It becomes pitch black. Looking up, the stars are gone. The moon is gone. Just endless darkness.
Of course, those with darkvision can see fine… for about sixty feet in front of them. But Ary must rely on Radiance to steer the wagon, and for the horses to see. The light pierces the darkness… and out on the open plains, with no sheltering vegetation in sight, the light could be seen from extremely far away. And what demon needed light to see?
The grass under their feet is crunchy and dead. It is bitterly cold, here in the Worldwound.
The tracks are gone. It doesn’t make sense. Where could they be?
It takes a DC 30 survival check to track the demons in the Worldwound (at night!)… it is extremely difficult. But not impossible for a professional.
You can retry a check after 1 hour.
Ary Bishop |
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"The waters that run around this side of the World Wound rebuff demons. It's not strong enough to stop them, but it's a lot better than most other natural barriers." she says, as they cross... and then winces, drawing her sword, as her eyes are robbed of sight.
Survival (DEMONS, TRACK, TRACK DEMONS): 1d20 + 9 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 4 + 3 + 3 = 32
Ary watches the slightly illuminated path carefully, picking out signs within the darkness. Bits of blood and the Brimorak's scorch marks... which she does her best to only use as a guideline, not a certainty. "Keep careful watch, those with nightsight, don't neglect to watch above us."
Isilme |
Bardic Knowledge(Planes): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Bardic Knowledge(History): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Isilme crosses the river on Cyno, keeping an eye out as she goes. The sudden change in terrain and the unnerving darkness beyond the river sets her on edge, and she finds it hard to think of anything that might be useful to know in this situation. She heeds Ary's advice, moving to the front left of the wagon and keeping an eye out above and in the quadrant ahead and left of her. "Val, can you get the right side, and Annabelle the back?" she sends via message. "Do you still have the trail?" she asks Ary.
Ary Bishop |
I'd typed +11, then looked at my topbar, and saw the +9 beside it, and went 'oh, okay.' :P I'll take it.
"Mmhmm. Clear as mud. Sorry we're having to go so slow." she responds.
Valaria Alazario |
Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Val glances down at the glistening water, marveling at the sparkle. "Was this induced, or is it simply another way that nature defies the fiends that try to invade this world?" she wonders aloud.
Her ears perk up at Isilme's message and she nods. "I've got it." She guides her mount over to the right side and keeps an eye on their surroundings. Going into the Worldwound certainly wasn't on her list of things to do when she'd first come to Mendev. How things had changed.
GM Kiora |
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The heroes continue forward for an hour, moving slowly as Ary works to catch the trail. The tracks reappear at some point – the group that they are following is fairly large, after all, then disappear again periodically. At one point, the tracks split off into two different directions… with an equal number of people producing both tracks. Ary chooses one, and they follow it for awhile, only for it to vanish again. The group is forced to backtrack and choose the other direction.
There isn’t much vegetation in the Worldwound – dead, gnarled husks of trees, yellowed, brittle grass. So when the trail moves through a field filled with golden flowers, it is disconcerting… but with the unpredictable nature of the area, they can’t afford to go another way and lose the trail…
Suddenly, a wind blows through the flowers, kicking up a dust of golden pollen. Perhaps the heroes hold their breath, but the pollen gets onto their skin, and into their eyes nonetheless…
Make a DC 21 will save. This is an evil, mind-affecting, compulsion effect. If you can succeed at the below DC 20 planes check, you may take a +2 circumstantial to the save.
If you fail at the will save, click on the spoiler below…
Annabelle groans, rubbing the yellow pollen dust off from her face. ”Ugh! This stuff is getting everywhere” she whispers through Isilme’s spell.
Ary Bishop |
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K(Planes): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Will save v. Oh Noes!: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
"What the hell, Val?" Ary says, slowing the horses, to tilt her head and look at her, brow furrowed. Then turns her attention back forward, paying more attention to the road. But she was right in that. Ary was special to Iomedae because she was the girl who returned; by name, not by deed. She had her shield by name, not by deed... and even the difference in the way the people had looked at her and Val had been because of their bodies, and because of her name.
She'd said it plenty of times before, that circumstances make all the difference... but she hadn't realized that things had affected Val that badly in the city. She should have said something, but she hadn't. "Hopefully they'll see us as people. Perfection is well beyond me... but don't you think that's a little harsh?"
Hinagiku |
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Slightly earlier with Ary
"I am willing. I would fight it even if it caught fire and I was the only one who could stop it. I simply wanted to know what my role really was." she says, her voice calm and composed, not betraying much.
Now
Inside the fort, Hinagiku had watched the others, and noticed that Annabelle had been awfully silent, but now that she was riding, the Tian woman was glad. She was happy to see her comrade enjoy herself. Her eyes smiled.
It all changed when they passed the river, she started paying better attention to their surroundings. The sudden darkness and lack of moon had made everything more worrisome. She actually never would have though the extent of the wound to be so great. This land was truly tainted, evil, dying. What she could see of the landscape might have been horrifying, but it only strenghtened her resolve. She would somehow find a way to drive back the onis. Feeling the taint in the very air, she breathed once in, and focused her thoughts on her body, making sure to regulate it so that she would not need to breath in for the next few hours.
The caravan having slowed down to a walking speed, Hinagiku gets out, walking on the rear, spear in one hand, and resting on her shoulder. After taking a few steps, she stops by a dead flower and kneels next to it. Watching it for a moment, he gently touches it, worried as to what she might feel, but still needed to know how the world felt here.
Following the caravan, Hinagiku happens to look at Markus who is still inside. All of a sudden she looks concerned.
"Mr. Markus, why would you say such a thing? I know it was not your fault. You said so yourself. I could tell you were being truthful." she said, able to let go of the insult, but she could not let the man think that he was guilty of it. She was certain he was innocent... he was simply a child playing with powers he did not understand. He lacked wisdom.
K.Hist: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Will save(still mind): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 2 = 20
Isilme |
Isilme looks rather taken aback, wondering what had brought this on. She starts to speak, but finds herself unable to find words to respond to Val. She was taken back to that first night, keeling there amongst all of them as they demanded to know what she was... why she'd taken their friend. They had been polite, but the looks and accusations were accentuated in her memories after hearing Valaria speak to her now. Isilme looks down at Cynosure and then off into the distance. After a few moments she mutters quietly "I... understand. I'll never be her..."
Valaria Alazario |
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Will Save (Birthmark, Knowledge): 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 23
Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Val coughs as the cloud of pollen blows over her and tries to wipe it away, feeling the grains stinging at her eyes. She coughs again and rubs her head, feeling her head going fuzzy for a moment before shaking the feeling off. "Ugh, I know," she whispers back. "I wonder if I'm allergic to this stuff. It's giving me a headache."
Val flinches back slightly at Ary's vehemence. "What? I didn't say anything to you." She sneezes and suddenly something clicks in her head. "Kul. Ary, I don't know what I just said... because I didn't say it. This stuff is like a drug." Her voice fails her as, intentionally or not, Isilme's spell carries her words directly to her ears. "I didn't... I know, it's... damn it! Why am I the bad guy in everyone's hallucinations!? This stuff is rageweed! It's making you see and hear things!"
GM Kiora |
Valaria, you are free to do any one action, as you are free of the compulsion this round…
”Hah! They won’t. You’re just a symbol to them. Someday you’re going to die out here, and no one is going to remember you. And then there won’t be anymore Bishops, will there?” She grins. ”And then you’ll have failed your family, failed your goddess, failed everyone. You’re just a scared little girl with something to prove.”
Your mind grows hazy as a rage that is not your own bubbles up inside of you. Your mind, slowly slipping…
”You’re so naïve. You’re like a child in a woman’s body. I lied. And you fell for it. Now Annabelle’s my thrall, and it’s only a matter of time before I do to every one of you what I did to her. And you’ll all be my slaves.”
Your mind grows hazy as a rage that is not your own bubbles up inside of you. Your mind, slowly slipping…
Valaria laughs. ”Oh, yes, that’s for sure. You’re disgusting. I wonder what her father, Elan would think, if she could see you prancing around in her daughter’s body, wearing her skin like one of those disgusting vermleks. You’re no different from them. A parasite.”
Your mind grows hazy as a rage that is not your own bubbles up inside of you. Your mind, slowly slipping…