[PFS] GM Kyshkumen's Destiny of the Sands (Inactive)

Game Master Kyshkumen

He seems to calm down significantly from Miko and Khimia's words. "Well this is interesting, I thought Taldans and Qadrians usually don't get a long." He addresses Khismia first. "We saw a small figure leading off some horses on our approach. That was probably your squire and we felt no need to harass them. I don't think she went far and is hiding close by." He nods at Miko and says "You are correct, me and my crew hail from the Land of the Linnorm Kings. I have come here seeking a powerful weapon to aid me in slaying a linnorm. So I will be taking all the treasure if you'd step away from the table."

Khismia quietly exhaled as they said, Sabah was safe.
"If you take a look, even from your current position, you can see, there is nothing except of broken stone. But we have a specialist in all types of weapon, Vincent. Or Vyk, may be you can help this hero? Might be you have some hints for killing Linnorm? But, gentlemen, I must warn you that regicide is illegal and might lead your land to certain unrest, even if it seems to you, that you will be a better king after all."

That wouldn't happen to have been a severely burnt man that told you there was a powerful weapon here?

"I can say with certainty that there was no burned men along the path that lead me here. Just a bit of luck mixed with my own cunning." The bald man takes a look at Vincent. "You mean to tell me this fancy lad knows the secrets to killing a linnorm? BWA HA HA that's a good one."

Dylara doesn't throw her flame. She instead lowers the arm that holds it.

I hope they think I'm just using it to light the place...

"This 'fancy lad', as you describe him, is more than just fancy. He's a very capable warrior. The reason he's able to dress as fancy as he does without worrying about ruining his look in battle goes to prove his experience."

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

So what makes you think there is a powerful weapon here? Miko asks, fiddling with her hands. We've been doing our research, and nothing we know says anything of the sort. We've only seen people with bad burns, and Dylara here... Miko makes a painful face, briefly interjects how are you doing now, Dylara? then continues ... she caught a bad blast of heat herself.

You must be tired too, if you spent all that time in the desert wearing that fur. Aren't you thirsty?

Anyway, we aren't looking for fight. We're not here looking for weapon, just lost knowledge. And it seems we have a crack in out plan, at any rate.

"I'm fine now, thank you," Dylara replies to Miko. She feels herself ease up a bit at her comrade's concern.

Come on, just leave us be... It's just a broken jewel of immense value, let us have it...

"While you are a polite and entertaining lot I will be taking my treasure now. It took a lot to get out here and I will not be going back empty handed. So I will ask you one more time to step aside." It looks like the bald man is losing his patience.

Sir, disappointing as it may be, there is no powerful weapon here. The only thing you'll find here are corpses. Corpses that, to us, have tremendous value, but which might be of lesser interest to you.

We might be able to find you what you need, though. We know of a very good information gatherer in Eto. If anybody knows where to find your mighty weapon, it is him. He'll charge you for it, but we will be more than willing to cover that for you if you'll allow us to continue our research.

For sure gold must interest a future king like you?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Wow wow wow! Miko!

Dylara's eye twitches when Miko mentions both "he'll charge you" and "we will be more than willing to cover for you" in one sentence.

She stays quiet though, her confidence slightly lessened by the trap that nearly took her and Melon's lives.

If, however, the man continues to push, Dylara will conclude that further negotiations are in vain. She'll then throw her readied flame at him, before he takes the initiative to attack first.

The bald man chuckles,"Polite, funny and resourceful. Since there is no weapon and you can help me get one I think we can come to an arrangement." He nods as he appears to ponder something. "Well now that we are partners we'll be working together to explore the rest of this.." The man's words are cut off as the room begins to tremble. The brazier behind Dylara bursts to life with green flame giving the poor half-elf a bit of a scare. Shadows arise from the table forming an emerald skeletal face cloaked with shadows. It's skeletal jaw babbling as it's shadowy arms grow claws. As if this wasn't bad enough a pile of corpses fuses together through some sort of dark magics and rises to face the adventures.

Dylara
Vyk
Vincent
Miko
Tuich
Shadow creature
Signe
Corspe Monster
Yjalk
Khismia

Bold is up. Make sure you start your turn with that will save.

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Phew

Are the visitors attacking us, or is it just the babbling creature?

The emerald skeleton:
K(religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 A mimir?
The corpse-thing:
K(religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Miko manages not to be entranced by the strange creature that just appeared, and starts inspiring courage

It sounded like he wanted to team up, but you are not completely sure yet.

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

"EEEEYAAA!" Dylara shrieks, about to wildly swing her hand with the flame at the thing that appeared next to her.

Dylara reconsiders, and studies the thing before she attacks it with the flame.

Flame punch, Studied Target, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 15 Fire damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 8

"Melon, attack this thing!"

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 4 = 16

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Fascinated for: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4 rounds

Melon doesn't do anything but stare at the shadow creature, her beak wide open.

We had several server outages in a row at work, so I've been super busy during the week. Sorry I missed that entire conversation. I appreciate the hook you tried to give me, though. :)

Will Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Vincent looks over at the bald man. "I hope this fight isn't beneath one such as yourself who believes himself capable of taking on a Linnorm. If you'd like, you can get some practice swings in against this creature."

Identify creature, Knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Vincent casts Protection from Evil on himself, draws his sword, and 5-ft steps adjacent to the creature. Swift action to begin Judgement(Protection).

Protection from Evil grants me +2 AC and an extra +1 on saves against this creature, plus some additional effects. AC 22, touch 17, ff 18

Will (+2 vs mind-effect): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10
Fascinated for: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

Khismia stuck, looking at shadow creature.

"Stop it! It's not the time..." her haunt was terrified by power radiated from strange creature and tried to help Khismia, because of her own secret agenda.

Vincent: Apparently it's going around. :o/ Queuing this now as I don't think I'll have time to post the rest of the day.

Befuddled by the unexpected arrivals, Tuich had chosen to remain quiet and be as inconspicuous as possible throughout the odd conversation. But as the unpleasant man unilaterally imposes "cooperation" upon the team, Tuich's silks begin to flap violently. Moments later she feels a vibration through her feet, and then an eerie green light tints the room.

Will Save: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 1 = 19

"What did you DO!" she shouts accusingly at the newcomers while backing away from the nearest monstrosity (5' Step) and whipping a scarf from about her waist. "స్టీల్ కండువా!" she cries as one end of the scarf lashes out, no longer fabric but steel.

Steel Scarf: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Will Save : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

"Let's get nuts!"

Vyk draws his scimitar as he maneuvers over to the shadow creature. With a thought his blade gains an edge of arcane might. He finishes by charging into the creature.

Scimitar charge: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 = 26
Damage : 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

-Posted with Wayfinder

Special attacks, if any? I'll let that count as both questions if there's multiple. If not... does it have some sort of special defense?

"This room has way too many spirits haunting it right now. At least our normal poltergeists don't try to kill us... that's I've noticed, anyways. This Allip seems a bit more hostile."

Vyk I can't give you the charge as you would need to get on top of the table. You'll still hit, but you won't have the penalty to AC. I am also guessing that you made your weapon a +1 with the "edge of arcane might"?

Dylara swings her hand through the undead creature while the fire seems to burn away a part of it as it passes through. Her faithful roc Melon seems to be just stare at it wided eyed. Khismia is also entranced by the strange creatures random babbling. Vincent prepares for battle by casting a protective spell before stepping into the brawl. Tuich's scarf seems to pass harmlessly through the creature while Vyk's blade also passes through it seems to leave some residual damage.

The emerald green eyes flare with rage as it swipes back at Vyk.

Melee Touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Vyk Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Wisdom damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

As the claws ripe through him Vyk is surprised to see no physical damage, but he feels like a bit of divine essence is ripped from his soul. As Vyk feels a part of him ripped away he notices the creature seems to recover from some of it's wounds.

Will Singe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
2d4 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6

The well dressed woman next to the bald man is also captivated by the strange words uttered by the creature.

The odd collection of corpse finishes it's ghoulish transformation and shambles forward taking a swing at Vincent.

Slam: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

A foul stench seems to follow the creature and it is over powering.

Will Yjalk: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

The bald man seems to resist the incoherent babbling and goes into a furious rage before he rushes toward the strange combination of corpses. "Creatures that interrupt me make me ferious!"

Fort Yjalk: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

The stench doesn't phase him at all as he rushes forward and swings his greatsword with all his might.

Melee: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 2 = 17
Damage: 2d6 + 9 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 5) + 9 + 6 + 2 = 25

The Ulfen man lands a massive blow that would even impress Vincent and splatters himself with gore. "Flimsy creature won't last long at this rate." The bald man bellows in triumph.

Khismia stares at the creature still fasinated.

Will Crew 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Will Crew 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Will Crew 3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

One of the crew members manages to avoid the undead babbling and shakes the man next to him out of it.

Dylara
Vyk
Vincent
Miko
Tuich
Shadow creature (4)
Signe
Corspe Monster (25)
Yjalk
Khismia
Crew

That was a long post. Bold is up.

Yes, I added a +1 to my scimitar. Sorry, I should have been more specific. So with my Wisdom damage is Vyk now more reckless? :-) I love it.

Fort. Save DC 12: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

"Is that all you got?!" Vyk says sounding a little punch drunk. "Eat lightning!"

Cast Defensively DC 16: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

But the delirious tiefling fumbles the spell badly, and nothing occurs. However, that doesn't stop him from trying to hit the shade.

Scimitar : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Damage : 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

-Posted with Wayfinder

Fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Strange sounds made Khismia hypnotised and she looked at the strange creature with her big eyes. Meanwhile, stinking creature approached, making her stomach to react on terrible stench.

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

"Blegh... I feel so sick..."

Dylara pukes over the shadow creature.

Oh dear...

Fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Melon continues to stare at the fascinating creature.

For 3 more rounds.

Sorry, I forgot to subtract 2 from my attack. The result was 15.

Miko keeps her singing going, and moves up to Khismiy to shake her out of it.

C'mon Khismia, we need you. Snap out of it!

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Vincent whistles appreciatively at the bald man's attack and grins at him. "You have nearly the strength of a Gorumite, sir." Not wanting to be outdone, he also swings at the corpse creature with his greatsword.

Swift action to change judgement to destruction, activate Power Attack. Free action 5-ft step to flank the creature with the bald man.

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 - 1 + 1 = 30
Confirmation: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 2 - 1 + 1 = 26
Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2) + 5 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 17
Crit Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2) + 5 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 17 (total 34 damage... I hope it's dead)

Vincent makes a mental note to have his current outfit thoroughly cleaned. With expensive magic if necessary. This corpse creature thing stinks to high heaven and is certainly making a mess everywhere.

AC 21, touch 16, ff 17. hp 16/21

If anyone in the party is hit this coming round, I use Determination to make the enemy reroll the hit or give myself a +4, depending on who's attacked first.

Vyk manages to inflict a small wound on the creature despite his failed casting attempt. Dylara and Kishmia are overwhelmed by the foul stench. Miko manages to snap Kishmia out of her strange fascination with the undead creature. Vincent works with the large Ulfen man to dispatch pile of corpses. The ulfen grins, "Well struck, I can see that maybe there was some truth about your fighting abilities."

Dylara
Vyk
Vincent
Miko
Tuich
Shadow creature (4)
Signe
Yjalk
Khismia
Crew

Tuich still has actions this round.

Darn it, I had a post almost ready to go and somehow managed to close the tab and lose it.

"Eugh!" cries Tuich in reaction to the stench rolling off one of the abominations.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Managing to keep her most recent meal down and seeing Vyk being targeted, she decides her best contribution right now is to help him. Especially since her last attack didn't seem to have fazed its recipient.

Rushing forward -- silks flapping out Tooley's objections -- she places a hand on Vyk's shoulder. "ఎన్ ముసుగు వద్ద డార్క్నెస్," she breathes, asking Ashava to make her favorite tiefling harder to hit.

Invoking the Enshrouding Darkness war blessing. Vyk, you have 20% concealment for the next minute.

Edit: Nvm found it.

The creature continues to attack on Vyk, slashing at the teifling with it's shadowy claws.

Melee touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Vincent tries to shout out a warning as the claws look to swipe through Vyk's head.

Melee touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Vyk tries to move out of the way but is still caught by the claw. The darkness surrounding Vyk does not seem the slow the creature at all.

Wisdom damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Will save Vyk: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

The creatures claws seem to have no effect this time.

The well dressed woman still standing in the hall is entranced by the strange sounds uttered by the emerald spirit.

The large Ulfen man steps forward and attempts to strike the shadow spirit with his greatsword.

Melee: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 2 = 22

His greatsword rips through the creature, but has no effect. "What is this thing made of?!?" He points at Vyk "You horned one, how does your blade manage to hurt it."

One of the bald man's crew shakes the other fascinated man next to him. While the other shakes the woman out of her hypnotic state. She immediately begins singing along with Miko to inspire her own crew.

Dylara
Vyk
Vincent
Miko
Khismia
Tuich
Shadow creature (4)
Yjalk
Crew
Singe

Everyone is back up. Khismia is no longer fascinated or nauseated.

With a sharp curse, Tuich dives between Dylara and Melon, circling around to get in position opposing the creature. (E, SE, S; 15' MA) Trying to shut out Tooley's increasingly violent objections, she chants "ఐరన్ వెపన్" as she skids to a halt. A weapon coalesces out of thin air, leaving her holding an all-metal bardiche in both hands, preparing to attack.

"Leave him alone!" she shouts as she brandishes the wicked-looking polearm.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 Yeah, sweet lil' Tuich just ain't very intimidating!

Invoking Iron Weapon to create a cold iron bardiche (proficiency bestowed). Note that's a reach weapon, so it should provide Vincent with flanking from her current position.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 - 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 1 + 2 + 1 = 12 I'm going to use my last use of Determination today to reroll that.
Reroll: 1d20 + 8 - 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 1 + 2 + 1 = 27
Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 5 + 3 + 1 + 2 = 16

Vincent brushes some of his hair to the side and swings his sword at the Allip. "It's called an Allip, and I would guess that its incorporeal nature renders it immune to non-magical weapons."

I had 2 questions. I'll make "Is it incorporeal" one of them. I'm assuming it is based on the interaction the bald man just had with it.

Standard action to attack.
AC 21, touch 16, ff 17. hp 16/21

Just be glad you are fighting in high tier with the four player adjustment. Other wise this guy would have mythic powers. Like two init rolls and he gets full actions on both.

- Does it makes him immune to horrible manifestations? - Haunt asked inside Khismia's head.
Girl hesitated as she was fighting with her condition, but then answers:
- It does. It's so dead that we cannot shake her mind.
- Damn! - Ayu sent a mighty whirlwind of sand around Khismia, who was trying to find a scroll in her possessions.

Retrieve scroll of magic weapon

Miko walks around, keeps up her chanting, and mixes in a casting of disrupt undead

RT into melee: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 - 4 = 141d6 ⇒ 3

Dylara tries to hit the shadow creature with another fiery fist.

Flame punch, Studied Target, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 25 Fire damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 9

One use remaining.

Melon's still very fascinated by the shadow creature, and continues to gawk at it.

For 2 more rounds.

Miko, Vincent and Dylara all mange to inflict the shadow creature with damage and it show signs of weakening.

Dylara
Vyk
Vincent
Miko
Khismia
Tuich
Shadow creature (23)
Yjalk
Crew
Singe

Vyk still has actions this round.

Vyk hiccups self-consciously. His head was beginning to feel like that time he challenged a dwarven Pathfinder to a drinking contest. He shook his head wildly in a feeble attempt to clear it.

"Hey! Where did my spell go!? Give me back my magic, Mr. Shadow Ghost Man!"

Cast Defensively DC 16: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

His scimitar began to spark with arcane fury.

"That's better!"

Spellstrike: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 - 2 + 1 = 8
Damage: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12

He takes a wild swing and misses the shadow completely.

"Stop moving so fast!"

Spellstrike: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 2 + 1 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

"Yeah! You better run!"

Yeah, so no way that hit. BUt the spell is still attached to my sword. So next round I can take another whack at it.

Vyk you are only at -1 wisdom damage you made the fort save against the last attack negating the damage.

Vyk charges up his blade with electricity and takes a couple of swings at the creature, but fails to hit it. The creature continues to fight back against the tiefling.

Melee touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

The shadowy creature also seems to have difficulty hitting the creature.

The bald man takes a step back and looks over at Vincent. "You there, fancy lad. How is it your blade has some effect on this creature."

The crew members look at their captain waiting for a command, not really wanting to jump into combat with such a terrifying creature.

The woman continues to sing with Miko intertwining the songs to make both singers sound even better.

Dylara
Vyk
Vincent
Miko
Khismia
Tuich
Shadow creature (23)
Yjalk
Crew
Singe

Everyone is back up.

"Let me touch your blade and I imbue that with a power", said Khismia stepping forwards.

Ready to cast Magic Weapon from scroll if someone asks me and give his weapon to touch

Vyk swings wildly once again. But growls and then tries it once more.

Spellstrike : 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 2 + 1 = 11
Damage : 1d6 + 5 + 1 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 + (4, 1, 6) = 18

Spellstrike : 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 2 + 1 = 17
Damage : 1d6 + 5 + 1 + 3d6 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 + (3, 5, 5) = 25

-Posted with Wayfinder

Vyk's first swing is a little off target, but his second swing hits the creature with a loud crackle of electricity. The foul thing cries out in anger as it's shadowy form fades from existence. The bald ulfen man nods with approval, "Well fought all of you. The damned thing didn't give me a chance to introduce myself. I am Yjalk and this," he points the the well dressed woman, "is the famous singer Signe. I respect your honesty in the cursed nature of this place and will be seeking out that information broker as you suggested. If you ever need a ride across the seas my ship and it's crew are at your disposal."

Khismia since your turn is after Vyk's you can consider that magic weapon scroll as unused.

Thank you for your help as well, mighty Yjalk. And Signe, it was honor singing together. For now it seems like the only ship we'll be riding is the ship of the desert, but your offer is most kind.

As promised, we would provide payment for the information broker. Miko says as she rummages through her stuff and produces the inscribed wayfinder. Offer this to him, as a gift. Tell him that we'll make sure that she is remembered, and that we're finishing her mission. Tell him he should contact us with any suggestions for the wall of names. Tell him we apologise for the late arrival.

---
I know, I should have held onto the Wayfinder, and I should have planned to visit Torch myself. As I stood there waiting for Amenopheus' answer, though, I just wanted to get rid of the thing. It was just too symbolic an item for me: the sadness of the story, the harshness of the desert, the fear I felt in this place, and most of all: my shame. I had treated Torch poorly, for his past, but never allowed myself to look into the deepest darkness of it. Never even wondered about his motivations. Sometimes, when you stare deep enough into the Abyss, no monster stares back at all.
---
Miko Teppen, personal journal

Vincent bows to Yjalk. "And I am Vincent Blackwood of Taldor, a Pathfinder and companion to these fine folks. You are quite formidable, sir, but you should learn more about how magical enchanted blades. I don't know much about how they work, myself. I only know sword technique and the teachings of Gorum. Keep your steel sharp and it will protect you. Perhaps ask a blacksmith in a large city for a recommendation on what wizard could enchant your own sword? Maybe that would be another question for that information broker." Vincent muses as he cleans off his sword, inspecting the broad blade for nicks. He hasn't found any since he'd had the sword enchanted, but it would be nearly heresy to stop checking on his gear's upkeep.

Once this guy and his crew clear out, we should notify the sage that we found some other gems? Did we do that yet?

The sage was notified and was on his way.

Yjalk nods and accepts the wayfinder Miko offers. "An odd trinket to trade for a great weapon, but I trust your wisdom." With that Yjalk and his crew take their leave.

Even though it only takes Amenopheus an hour to arrive the wait feels much longer. When the old sage makes his appearance he seems to be full of youthful vigor as he hurries toward the table. "Well done Pathfinders, this is very exciting and I look forward to learning more about..." Amenopheus' jaw drops as he sees the ruby fragments on the table. "No no no not broken. I've come to far to only find a broken gem. The sage almost seems to be in a full panic as he manages to cast a spell. [/b]"Come on, don't tell me we worked this far for a dead end......yes there it is some left over magic still resides in the fragments. Give me a moment and we can see what we salvaged."[/b] He takes his time to carefully arrange the gems and activate their magical properties. As the fragments react to Amenopheus' work they flare a bright red before blasting one of the corpses at the table with their red light. The old withered husk seems to restore and return to life until a beautiful olive skinned woman with silver hair sits at the table. See map for image.

"Greetings and thank you for granting me a few minutes to speak with you," she says. "I am the Ruby Sage and while my consciousness has been trapped in the gems fragments I was still able to retain a limited degree of awareness. For example I witnessed all of you dispatch the spirit of the Emerald Sage, he like the rest of us could not handle the mental strain of long term isolation." She looks at Amenopheus and the Pathfinders, "No doubt you have many questions, please I will share what I can."

Vyk's mouth hangs open in horror.

"You were aware the entire time? Gods! I think I would have gone mad."

Vyk bows respectfully to the sage.

"There are a million questions we would ask of you, from the great to the mundane, if we but had the time. So much history... But with limited time, I suppose we should start with the jewels themselves. What can you tell us of them?"

Earlier...

Reaction Roll: 1d100 ⇒ 19 Hoo boy.

Tuich gasped when Miko handed over the wayfinder, and her jaw dropped as Vincent spoke with Yjalk as if he were a respected equal. Her hair whipped and sashes fluttered as Tooley reacted to her frustration, but she managed to hold her tongue until the other band had departed.

"What were you thinking, giving such a... a... džukel that wayfinder! And you!" she snaps at Vincent. "Talking to that chor as if he were royalty! He was not one to be respected!"

She gestures wildly in the departed group's direction. "They marched in here like they owned the place and tried to bully us! When they were extended the benefit of the doubt that ulfen cur tried to take over and declare we were working together!"

She spits on the ground. "I'd rather drown than voyage in his ship! And we were fine until they got here, but did you notice those... abominations only attacked when that Yjalk măgar started advancing? And it wasn't one of them that dealt the final killing blow!"

With that she turns her back on them and gives her attention to Vyk, putting a concerned hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright? You seem... stressed or something. Are you ill? Injured?"