Shattered Star

Game Master Zesdead

'Shattered Star' - Part 2, 'Curse of the Lady's Light'

...in which our adventurers explore the Thassilonian Chambers beneath the Lady's Light.

Party Health
Ziomarra Callinovo 46/46HP, 1 Hero Point, 1 Blessing of Desna
Josephina Annabella Whitehall 31/59HP, 1 Hero Point, 1 Blessing of Iomedae
Halli, 54/54HP
Teldon Moore 52/52HP, 3 Hero Points, 1 Blessing of Pharasma
Briana Kaddren 60/60HP, 1 Hero Point, 1 Blessing of Pharasma
Arsith D'Arabiane, 65/65HP, 3 Hero Points
Shadlah Broken-Earth, 63/63HP, 30NL, 2 Hero Points

Maps / Images
The Lady's Cape
Varisia


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Female Halfling Paladin 8 | AC: | HP: | Fort +17, Ref +16, Will +15| CMB +7, CMD 22 | Init +5 | Perception +

Hoping to put all these emotional outbursts behind them, Nalathi gratefully accepts the suggested boat arrangements. "I can help row." She climbs into Teldon's boat, taking the other oar.

If anyone looks doubtful or laughs:
"What? Just because I'm little doesn't mean I can't pull an oar." She pats one of her sinewy upper arms and grins.


Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

"I think you're right. It shouldn't be a problem, unless the people in the other boat aren't paying attention."

Joanna helps steer the boat towards the jetty, using the rhythmic work of rowing to douse the last embers of her earlier anger at Teldon.

No objections here.


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

As the angry women row away Teldon breathes a sign of relief and his tense posture relaxes some.

in Teldon's boat:
When distance and the sounds of splashing oars and lapping waves cut off communication between the two boats, Teldon asks, to anyone willing to answer, "Why are they so angry? Why are they angry at me at all?" At this point there is no anger or sulking in his tone but almost a begging quality.


CG Female Human (Azlanti) Witch (cartomancer)/VMC Cleric of Desna 5/Evangelist 2
stats:
hp 46/46 | AC 17; touch 17; flat-foot 12 | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +9 | Init +5 | Perception +9

On the boat with just herself, Joanna, and the three (living) Tower Girls, Zee speaks quietly with Joanna as the paladin rows. She keeps her voice low so as to make the Tower Girls strain to hear her words, if they're so inclined. "I've been thinking about Teldon... I don't think he can fully comprehend other people's emotions. It's almost as if life is one big logic puzzle to him. Honestly, for his obviously vast intellect and impressive scholarship, I'm not quite sure he understands the concept of good and evil, either. If that's true, It would be a great chasm in the man's soul. For as much as he exasperates me at times, I pity him. I don't think his world is as rich as ours." She sighs, and adds, "But maybe it's enough for him. Perhaps it's our duty to help him out in that regard."


Female Halfling Paladin 8 | AC: | HP: | Fort +17, Ref +16, Will +15| CMB +7, CMD 22 | Init +5 | Perception +

In Teldon's boat:

Nalathi would shrug if she weren't already using her shoulders to row. "Beats me. Where I come from we don't think bodies are very special. I mean, it's not like that girl needs it anymore."


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

In Teldon's boat:

Teldon waits for a moment for any of the Tower Girls in his boat to chime in. When none of them volunteer any information he comes out and asks them, "Did I miscalculate? You're all, more or less, professional climbers... how likely do you think it was that an inexperienced novice without so much as a piton for an anchor point would have been able to balance on that statue and lower down the body of a full grown woman?"


Wordlessly, the Tower Girls help to steer the boat deftly around the pilings and the rocky outcrops that litter your route back to Underbridge. The soft light of the sun, low on the horizon, picks out the statues and gargoyles that adorn the Thassilonian structure - the orange light, softly moving as it reflects of the water, seems to give the stonework animals the illusion of life.

Perception DC20:
You are fairly sure...that one of the gargoyles, a horned figure high up on the 'Osprey', turns it's head to watch you as your boat sailed beneath...but looking at it a second time - it does just seems to be a statue

The Girls talk softly amongst themselves, it seems they have no intention of making trouble for you - their attention is fully on finding a place to lie low and the matter of laying Embyr to rest...But when Teldon asks about the difficulty of the climb, the one who had fought most spits back at him, "We had ropes, we could have lowered you down to her...it wasn't right - to just toss her into the water like she was rubbish...she was the best of us - and... and...", the woman breaks down in tears...whilst her neighbour on the boat tries to comfort her.

Coming up on one of the more discreet wharves in Underbridge, you ready to raise oars from the water and let the boats drift in...


Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Joanna helps tie the boats up and turns to Zee.

"Will the boat we rented be fine here, or should I see about getting it back?"


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

"How could I possibly have trusted you to lower me down safely when you already tried to kill me once today?" Teldon asks in a surprisingly unaccusatory tone. "We tried to talk with 'the best of you' and avoid violence, and all we got in return was whizzing crossbow bolts. I'm sorry that everyone is sad and angry but today's bloodshed and death are the consequences of the lifestyles you've all chosen to live up to now. And, of the lifestyles we've chosen as well- it just as easily could have been me dangling from that statue."

He looks down and frowns as he adds, "though it seems unlikely anyone would be this upset if it had been..."

Teldon falls silent for the remainder of the boat ride. He contemplates the logistics of the Tower Girl's suggestion, and why such effort would be put into gingerly retrieving an empty husk. In the end he concludes that Nalathi is the only other person present capable of forming a rational thought.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28


CG Female Human (Azlanti) Witch (cartomancer)/VMC Cleric of Desna 5/Evangelist 2
stats:
hp 46/46 | AC 17; touch 17; flat-foot 12 | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +9 | Init +5 | Perception +9

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 ...So close!

To Joanna, Zee replies, "This is Underbridge. We should return the boat we rented."

Zee helps the Tower Girls gently remove Embyr's body from the boat. "Embyr was your friend, and we leave her remains with you. I trust you will do right by her."

Fishing out some money from her own purse, Zee gives each of the Tower Girls 10gp. "Go in peace. I ask that do something positive with your lives. You only get one of those, and it can end sooner than you think. May the Starsong smile upon you."

Turning to her friends, Zee says, "I would suggest that we return our rented boat now. It would be best if we were all in it." She also helps transfer the collected loot into that boat.


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

Teldon seems completely lost in thought for the uncomfortable journey to return the boat. As they draw close to the dock he sheepish says, "Eu nu pot da seama cântecul tău stea . Trebuie să-l să-mi explici cândva . Vă Rog."

Varisian:
"I cannot figure out your Starsong. You must explain it to me sometime. Please."


Female Halfling Paladin 8 | AC: | HP: | Fort +17, Ref +16, Will +15| CMB +7, CMD 22 | Init +5 | Perception +

Perception: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 = 25

On the shore, she gives Ziomarra an incredulous look. "Oh, don't go telling them that. Only get one life? Sheesh, no wonder they're so worked up about that girl dying, if you've got them convinced she isn't coming back again."


Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

"I don't know how it is for your people Nalathi, but we only live once. When we die, our souls are sent to be judged and we are either rewarded or punished for our deeds." Joanna's voice is soft, almost a whisper. Tears can be seen gleaming in her eyes, but they refuse to fall as she helps Ziomarra load the rented skiff.

"Sometimes, there really aren't any second chances."


Inactive

Man, I had a great (and busy) day Friday but I'm still rather sad that I missed out on all of this awesome RP! Good job everyone!

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

"Joanna is right," Briana says softly, breaking the silence she'd kept since before leaving the Crow. "When we die, we travel to Lady Pharasma's Boneyard...from there, she sends each soul to its final destination on the Outer Planes. Where that happens to be depends on the individual's deeds in life. We all have to make our choices in this life count for something, because we won't get another opportunity."

She begins helping Zee and Joanna load the rented boat, but pauses long enough to look at Teldon. "Those women were upset because Embyr was their friend. Even though the soul travels on after death, the body remains...and so does the grief of the living. To manhandle the dead...it's a disrespect to the memory of the one that died and to those who grieve." Uncertain if her words make any sense to the man or not, she sighs and adds, "And of course we would have been upset if you had been the one to fall. Don't be foolish."


The words of wisdom, and the coin, are taken by the Girls - the one who seems to have elected herself spokesperson, and the one who seems least unfriendly towards you, bids you goodbye, "Farewell pathfinders... it was a poor day when our fates crossed - maybe the next time we will be better people... I pray the Starsong also to smile upon you...and for your journey be full of wonder". As the hired boat is loaded with the salvage from the 'Crow', the Tower Girls melt away into the tumbledown streets of Underbridge - Embyr's body is wrapped in a Varisian shawl that had been extensively tied round the waist of one of the older women and then carried between the two strongest looking women.

...your activities at the quayside appear to have drawn the attention of at least two shadowy figures lurking near a derelict shed...two faces look out beneath weatherbeaten capes at you - when you meet their gaze they turn away - feigning disinterest...


Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

Something about the figures lurking nearby causes the hair on the back of Joanna's neck to rise.

Why where they looking at us? Who are they?

Sense Motive (Who or what where they looking at specifically): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20


The figures, their clothes are so loose fitting that you can't tell whether they are men or women, seem to be straining to see what it is that is being transferred between the boats - their interest seems to be entirely upon your salvage - to the extent that they paid little to no interest to the group of women carrying a corpse into Underbridge.


Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

Joanna keeps her voice quiet so that only the others can hear her.

"Ware the watchers, they seem to be after what we've recovered."


Female Halfling Paladin 8 | AC: | HP: | Fort +17, Ref +16, Will +15| CMB +7, CMD 22 | Init +5 | Perception +

Wh... But..." She looks from Brianna to Joanna to Ziomarra. "Really? No Shadowlands? No coming back? Weird." I guess that would explain why dying is such a big deal to them.

* * * * * * * * * *

She notices the interested people as well. "All the more reason not to stick around. Come on, let's head back to the shard."


Inactive

"Anyone looking like they're moving valuable cargo around here is going to draw attention," Briana nods. "Let's hurry before anything else happens."


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

Teldon's question for Zee hasn't actually happened yet, but assuming we manage to get safely away from the dock he will still ask it on the way to returning the boat.


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CG Female Human (Azlanti) Witch (cartomancer)/VMC Cleric of Desna 5/Evangelist 2
stats:
hp 46/46 | AC 17; touch 17; flat-foot 12 | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +9 | Init +5 | Perception +9

When she notices unwelcome eyes watching the transfer of salvage, Zee returns the baleful gaze. To her friends, she whispers, "Hurry. News travels quickly in Underbridge, and we won't want to be here when they return with their friends..."

* * *

In the journey back to Dockside, Zee answers Teldon's question. There is no sense of lingering anger in her response.

"You don't know the Starsong? While I'm surprised that a man of your scholarship does not know her, I am more than happy to tell you about her. That is another name of the goddess Desna. She is the goddess of travel, dreams, fortune, and the stars. Some of her other names are The Song of the Spheres, Lady of Fortune, Tender of Dreams, and Queen of the Stars. Desna blesses and protects travelers; the road is her temple and the journey is her blessing. We Varisians sometimes call ourselves the Children of Desna, for we all have a natural wanderlust. That is why the traditional Varisian lifestyle is on the road, and why my people have founded so few cities. For there is so much to see and experience in the world, and Desna wants us to see and experience as much as we possibly can. After Desna blessed her people, she wept in joy; the glittering tears fell into the eyes of the Varisians, which is why so many of us have the gift of prophecy--in dreams, or in reading the stars, or through the Harrow. But Desna does not want us to place too much faith in prophecy: she shows those with the Gift possibilities-- goals to strive for or warnings against folly. For we all have the freedom to forge our own paths; to journey with those who choose to accompany us. We are all travelers in the great journey of life. Desna wants us to delight in discovery of the novel and to savor the experiences we encounter along the road, trusting our instincts and intuition as our guides. For the possibilities are as limitless as the stars themselves."

She pauses, gauging her friends' reactions to her mini-sermon. "Sorry. I could go on like that for hours. There is a Desnan way-shrine on the Lost Coat Road about three miles north of Magnimar, if you know where to look. An inscription is carved over the entrance: 'Blessed is the long road, the destination, the homeward path, and all who make the journey. Let each dream be a bright star in the night sky of your mind, lighting your path in the day.'"


Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

After Zee's mini-sermon.

"Don't be," Joanna tells Ziomarra as she rows. "It sounds like a wonderful faith, and I wonder if I would have adopted it if not for Brother Titus. As it is, I wish that others might find it, if for no other reason than to keep the darkness at bay."


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male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

Teldon's expression is confused and sad as he continues speaking, "Eu încă nu înțeleg . Prin Desna să vă binecuvânteze pe vrăjmașii voștri , și prin ei vă blestemă aliații tăi ... Acele femei a încercat să pună capăt viața ta și le -a iertat așa de ușor , m-am luptat pentru a salva viața ta și de peste si peste primi furia ?"

Varisian:
I still don't understand. By Desna you bless your enemies, and by her you curse your allies... Those women fought to end your life and you forgave them so easily, I fought to save your life and over and over recieve your anger?


Leaving the shady characters watching you behind, your boat - laden with treasures from the Crow - glides along the shore line from Underbridge to Dockway. With the sun fully set below the horizon, you have to light the lantern at the prow of your boat...if you hadn't, one of the many merchant vessels manoeuvring for position in the harbour would surely have collided with, and sunk your small boat.

With the exertions of the day starting to ache within your shoulders and back, your boat finally comes up upon the quayside where you hired the skiff from Gianya Imoroa before dawn...

What are your plans now? The time is somewhere around eight or nine in the evening


Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

"We should head to Heidmarch Manor and report back to Lady Heidmarch," Joanna says as she begins unloading the skiff, "If we hurry, we shouldn't be too late into the night. Unless any of you have a better idea of what to do with what we've recovered?" Joanna's tone is light, not accusatory. She genuinely wants to know if there's another place they could keep things safe at.

Joanna's worried about items that the Pathfinders would be interested in, not the loot from the Tower Girls.


Female Halfling Paladin 8 | AC: | HP: | Fort +17, Ref +16, Will +15| CMB +7, CMD 22 | Init +5 | Perception +

Nalathi considers for a moment. "Maybe you're right. The shard's been under that water for who knows how long, I'm sure it'll still be there in the morning." She would prefer going back and looking for it now, but she's fairly certain at this point that the eyes of big folk don't work well at night. And too many lights might give them away.


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CG Female Human (Azlanti) Witch (cartomancer)/VMC Cleric of Desna 5/Evangelist 2
stats:
hp 46/46 | AC 17; touch 17; flat-foot 12 | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +9 | Init +5 | Perception +9

At Teldon's statement of confusion, Zee smiles the smile of a mother who is gently correcting the misbehavior of a child who didn't understand what he'd just done. She places her hand on Teldon's shoulder and leans in to speak quietly to him.

"Teldon, eu nu te blestemat, mai ales nu în numele Desna. Tu și cu mine suntem prieteni și aliați..." She speaks in rapid Varisian, speaking softly yet firmly, while looking Teldon right in the eye.

Varisian:
"Teldon, I have never cursed you, especially not in the name of Desna. You and I are friends and allies. But friends can get upset with one another. What upset me was your callousness and disrespect to the dead-- especially in front of our prisoners. That woman Embyr had been their friend. I was shocked that a man of your intellect and scholarship would behave in such a manner.

You see, when you volunteered to retrieve the body, my heart warmed that you would so something so selfless and compassionate. We all expected that you would lower her body down to us gently and respectfully. But when you just dropped her into the water, we were all horrified-- you turned our expectations on its head. That is why we all reacted with shock and anger. Speaking just for myself, that woman was the first person I had ever killed. I am still very much upset with myself for letting her fall, for I had no intention of killing her. I feel that any loss of a person's life to be a tragedy. Watching her body fall made me re-live killing her all over again. Honestly, I fear that I'll be re-living her death in my nightmares for a very long time."

Zee shudders a moment, re-living the experience of watching the body fall one more time.

The Varisian woman inhales deeply, holds her breath a long moment, then lets it out slowly. She switches her language to Taldane, "I do value our friendship very much. You are a very learned man, Teldon, and probably have the keenest intellect of anyone I've ever met. You have reached heights of scholarship that I doubt I'll ever achieve. You are an integral part of our little team here. I had been afraid I'd misjudged you, but the fact that you are seeking to understand speaks volumes to your character. I think we can chalk this up to a difference in expectations. Here, we respect the dead-- even the bodies of our fallen enemies. I have never been to Absalom-- perhaps your rites are very different than what I am accustomed to."

She pauses a moment, and then asks, "Are we okay?"

* * *

Joanna's powerful arms propel the boat steadily toward the wharf in Dockway. Zee takes one of the ties, hops off the boat onto the pier, and secures it to a piling. She speaks very quietly to her friends, "We are in agreement-- let's go straight to Heidmarch Manor. We should take the objects we found with us: some of these things are artifacts that the Society should study. The others... well, Lady Heidmarch can perhaps store them for us overnight before we can have them assessed tomorrow."


Leaving behind the bustle of the quayside markets, you make your way back up the long slope to the ‘Summit’ – the towering monument of Indros Cul Vydrarch standing at the crest a constant encouragement for tired legs. By the time you arrive at Heidmarch Manor, a tapestry of stars twinkles in the sky above you…you can hear soft music playing from windows of a nearby building – after the excitement of your day, this seems like a world removed.

Announcing your presence at the door of the Manor, Lady Heidmarch’s Qadiran assistant welcomes you back to Magnimar’s pathfinder lodge, ”Lady Heidmarch is just through here…She has someone with her but I am sure she will want to see you immediately”. Ushering you through to the drawing room where you last met Lady Heidmarch and her husband, Jacanne asks you to wait a moment. You have little time to enjoy the warm fire and the comfortable chairs before the Venture Captain strides into the room accompanied by a prematurely white-haired lady, ”My explorers? How went your day? Have you travelled out to the ‘Crow’ yet?”, there is a pitch of genuine excitement in her voice until she catches herself, ”Oh…do excuse me, please allow me to introduce Arsith D’Abariane. I invited her here this evening to take a look at our mutual acquaintance Natalya Vancaskerkin… there have been, how shall we say, further developments”.

”Jacanne, please… tea for our guests I think – we shall look in on Natalya and then I would like to hear all about your day”, you can’t help but notice that Lady Heidmarch’s eyes have, on several occasions, looked towards the bags that you have wrapped the treasures from the ‘Crow’ within. ”Please, let’s go and take a look…”, Lady Heidmarch ushers you towards the stairs and on to the room where Natalya is ‘staying’.

This is an opportunity for Arsith and the rest of the party to quickly get to know each other IC


Female Human Warpriest (7) Ini +5 HP 65/65 CA 20 T 12 FF 18 Fort+9 Ref+4 Will +9 Perc +10 Speed 20 PH 4/4 Fervor +2d6 HP, 2/4

As Lady Heidmarch introduce her, the white haired woman nods at you.
She's still young, but her eyes are full of sorrow
Her clothes are simple, if well cut, and she carries herself with a martial stance.

Then she saws Briana, and nearly takes a step back, her face paler, her hand darting to her chest, and to her holy symbol, a Pharasman spiral

I'm sorry... I think I know you, even if I can't remember your name... I remember your face, but it was a few years ago, no? In sad circumstances, alas. It was at Lenore's burial..


CG Female Human (Azlanti) Witch (cartomancer)/VMC Cleric of Desna 5/Evangelist 2
stats:
hp 46/46 | AC 17; touch 17; flat-foot 12 | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +9 | Init +5 | Perception +9

Feeling a bit underdressed from the Alabaster District, and still rather dirty from the day's exertions, Zee greets Lady Heidmarch as she enters the room. "Lady Heidmarch! Thank-you for seeing us at this hour. We have just returned directly from the Crow, and we have much to share with you." She nods toward the sacks and tarp-wrapped other things recovered from the ruins, "And also much to show you."

Zee smiles at the white-haired woman and extends her hand. In Varisian-accented Taldane, she greets the newcomer. "Good evening, Ms. D'Abariane. I am Ziomarra. So you can help with whatever has befallen poor Natalya?"


Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

Joanna gives a quiet word of Thanks to Jacanne as he goes to fetch the tea. That done, she turns her attention to the young, white-haired woman. With a polite bow, the paladin introduces herself.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss. My name is Joanna, a Paladin of Iomedae."

Knowledge(Nobility) Trying to see if D'Abariane rings any bells: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Knowledge(Religion) Trying to see if Joanna recognizes the symbol about Arsith's neck: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

"By the symbol around your neck, I gather you're a Pharasmin priestess, or at least a devout follower. Perhaps you, Ziomarra, and I could sit and have a conversation about our faiths sometime? For now, though, what news do you bring on Natalya's condition?"

OOC for Arsith and the GM:

I don't know if you've read Joanna's background yet, but she's the scion of a a minor noble house that made its name in trade. She attended numerous parties, balls, dinners, and galas before running away. I did a check for Briana when we first started, and I'd like to see what Joanna knows about the family and anything that may have happened in the past few years.


Female Halfling Paladin 8 | AC: | HP: | Fort +17, Ref +16, Will +15| CMB +7, CMD 22 | Init +5 | Perception +

Back to her usual cheery self now that she's returned to the warmth of the manor and hopes to get a hot meal for her troubles today, she greets the new woman brightly. "Hi! Are you a human too?"


Arsith - you can put some information against Joanna's nobility check if you wish - equally, you can make a check back towards her / Briana to see if you know / remember anything about them (although I think it sounds like Briana is a passing acquaintance?)


Inactive

Smiling, Briana's mouth had been open to offer a friendly greeting to the young woman...but her expression changes to one of surprise and a little bit of shock at her words.

Lenore's funeral? How did she know Lenore?

Int (Does Briana remember Arsith?): 1d20 ⇒ 1
Lol nope!
Kn. Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

"I...yes? I see you wear Lady Pharasma's symbol...did you preside over Lenore's funeral? I'm afraid I don't remember that day very clearly," she says quietly, her manner still puzzled but now apologetic. She offers a bow to Arsith as well. "I am Briana Kaddren. As Joanna said, it is a pleasure to meet you."

She looks so sad...


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

exiting the boat:
in response to Zee asking if they were ok
"I hope so... perhaps next time I disappoint your expectations you could just pretend that I merely tried to kill you?" There is no hint in his tone that the question is meant as a dig, but it is delivered so dryly it's difficult to discern if it's a joke or an earnest request.

As introductions are made, Teldon follows the women towards the new figure. Before he introduces himself the conversation turns to religion and death and, fearing another round of anger and yelling, he quietly turns aside and instead begins unwrapping the tarps containing some of the larger items.


Female Human Warpriest (7) Ini +5 HP 65/65 CA 20 T 12 FF 18 Fort+9 Ref+4 Will +9 Perc +10 Speed 20 PH 4/4 Fervor +2d6 HP, 2/4

I did not preside over her funeral... I was here, as a woman and not as priest, to mourn her. I'm glad to meet you again in other circumstances. You were related to Lenore, I think, Brianna? A cousin, maybe, or something like that?I'm sorry for your loss, again, and offer my sympathies.

Bows to Joanna
I'll pray to your successes in fighting the noble fights, and will gladly fight by your side if need arise, or speak about our respectives gods and goddesses between skirmishes.As for this Natalya's condition, I hope I will be able to help.

To Joana:
D'Abariane is an old and noble name around the town. Such ancient names knew their share of scandals, and Arsith was part of one of theses scandals.You don't know much about the details, but it was quite recent, half a decade maybe, a story of forbidden love.

Looking at Nalathi with a puzzled look
I am, indeed, human. Maybe my white hair convinced you otherwise?And please, you can all call me Arsith. People may frown upon me using the name of my ancestors. I have been told that I wasn't worthy of using it. It wasn't the greatest loss I ever suffered.

She kisses her signet ring, with deep sadness


CG Female Human (Azlanti) Witch (cartomancer)/VMC Cleric of Desna 5/Evangelist 2
stats:
hp 46/46 | AC 17; touch 17; flat-foot 12 | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +9 | Init +5 | Perception +9

* * *
While on the boat...

Zee smiles at Teldon's deadpan joke. She squeezes his shoulder and replies, dryly, "I'll keep that in mind."

* * *

Zee smiles at Nalathi's typical innocent directness. "Arsith, this is Nalathi."


Female Human Warpriest (7) Ini +5 HP 65/65 CA 20 T 12 FF 18 Fort+9 Ref+4 Will +9 Perc +10 Speed 20 PH 4/4 Fervor +2d6 HP, 2/4

Nice to meet you, Nalathi.

She doesn't seem ill at ease by Nalathi's straightforwardness.
Side by side with Ziomarra, the two manes of hair, one jet black, one moon white, catch the eyes of the onlookers


Lady Heidmarch directs you towards a room at the end of a corridor, "We put her in this room to make sure she had quiet...sometimes silence is a great restorative agent - Jacanne and Sharika have been checking in on her throughout the day and we thought her condition unchanged. I asked Arsith to come and take a look, I thought maybe she might have seen or read of similar conditions during her studies in the Pharasmin faith...but, now...", she pauses as if looking for words, "Well, you'll see..."

With those ominous words, she quietly swings the door open...soft candle light comes from the open room but the silence suggests Natalya is still 'asleep' - the room itself is sparsely decorated (a strange contrast to the rest if the manor) and there, lying beneath an Orisani throw, is Natalya...the rise and fall of her chest tells you she lives but, with eyes wide open, she is motionless...

"It's worse than that" warns Lady Heidmarch and indicates for you to take a closer look - in the soft light it it difficult to see yet, once you do see it, it is quite unmistakable - on her chest, just below her neckline, a distinct shape is forming - the darkened skin looks almost like a birthmark in its coloration and the shape...is a sihedron.

"And...", Lady Heidmarch points to the wall next to the bed where, scrawled in charcoal is an ancient script...

Thassilonian:
Lo! Death has reared himself a throne
In a strange city lying alone
Far down within the dim West,
Where the good and the bad and the worst and the best
Have gone to their eternal rest.
There shrines and palaces and towers
(Time-eaten towers that tremble not)
Resemble nothing that is ours.
Around, by lifting winds forgot,
Resignedly beneath the sky
The melancholy waters lie.

"You said that she recited the first part of this verse when she had a seizure last night? Canayven and I have been scouring the library but to no avail..."


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

"It sounds like a reference to Bakrakhan..." Teldon mutters to nobody in particular.


"Maybe Teldon...if the script is referring to submerged cities though, parts of Eurythnia were lost in Starfall as was the entirety of Edasseril...but what does it mean? And there is the small matter of Natalya's sudden mastery of the Thassilonian tongue...", Lady Heidmarch turns to Arsith, "Would you mind taking a look at our patient?"

Heal DC10:
There is nothing, as far as you can see, wrong with Natalya - her vital signs are, if anything, stronger than you would expect and she has a healthy glow in her cheeks...but, no matter what you try, she doesn't respond to any stimulus


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

"Τι προσπαθεί να μας πει ;" Teldon asks Natalya.

Thassilonian:
"What are you trying to tell us?"


CG Female Human (Azlanti) Witch (cartomancer)/VMC Cleric of Desna 5/Evangelist 2
stats:
hp 46/46 | AC 17; touch 17; flat-foot 12 | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +9 | Init +5 | Perception +9

Ziomarra studies the poem, with a far-off look in her eyes. She reads the poem aloud in Thassilonian, then translates aloud to Taldane for everyone to hear.

All those stories of long ago that my grandmother told around the fire or when she tucked me into bed as a little girl. I loved those stories... Now, I wonder how she knew so much of that time...

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Has Zee read or heard anything about Thassilion that would make sense out of the poem?

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Does Zee know anyone locally who might have some ideas about what's under the sea to the west?

Question to the GM:
I'm Using some player knowledge here from having GMed a game set in Magnimar...

With that roll, would Zee know Nireed Wadincoast, proprietor of the Aquaretum? If so, she'll suggest that he might have some insight on what lies beneath the waves in the Varisian Gulf.


Female Human Warpriest (7) Ini +5 HP 65/65 CA 20 T 12 FF 18 Fort+9 Ref+4 Will +9 Perc +10 Speed 20 PH 4/4 Fervor +2d6 HP, 2/4

Know Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

My only field of knowledge is theology.But I have no idea of the implications of this text in regard to Pharasma or another god.

Healing, DC 10: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
after a lenghty inspection
As far as I can tell, Natalia's life isn't endangered. She isn't dead, she is not particulary alive.. She seems trapped within herself. I've seen that on battlefields, soldiers who would shut the world out after too much horrors. Have you tried magical healing on her, to see if she reacts and how? I have spotted no wounds, however, and I'm more confortable with physical wounds than mental ones.


CG Female Human (Azlanti) Witch (cartomancer)/VMC Cleric of Desna 5/Evangelist 2
stats:
hp 46/46 | AC 17; touch 17; flat-foot 12 | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +9 | Init +5 | Perception +9

Another question for the GM:
More player knowledge intruding... Would Zee have heard about the Skinsaw Murders from five years ago... Where people were turning up dead in Magnimsr with a Sihedron carved into their chests?


Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

Joanna quietly follows the others into the room. She keeps her attention on Natalya, no doubts in her mind that she did the right things yesterday, but her heart is still troubled.

What did that thing do to her? What could it do to Nalathi?

Arsith's question brings her out of her reverie.

"I channeled the last of the power Iomedae gifted me into a seal of protection, but that was yesterday after we fished her out of the muck she fell into."


Female Halfling Paladin 8 | AC: | HP: | Fort +17, Ref +16, Will +15| CMB +7, CMD 22 | Init +5 | Perception +

Nalathi nods. "Nalathi Estrid. I'm a... a wayang." It takes her a moment to remember the word, but she's a bit proud of herself for doing so.

* * * * * * * * * *

She purses her lips as she sees the body and the markings around Natalya's neck. She puts a hand to the shard at her chest. It doesn't feel any different beneath my armor... I'll have to check to see if I have a similar mark tonight.


Natalya makes absolutely no response to Teldon's question pitched in Thassilonian nor to Arsith's examination of her - as the Pharasmin has deduced, her injuries may well be more mental than physical.

"We tried a number of potions, each of increasing potency, throughout the day but to no avail... Thankyou Arsith, I'm sorry to have dragged you across Magnimar for this - maybe you will stay and take tea with us? It seems poor Natalya is a conundrum that we may not solve today...in the meantime, I would very much like to hear of my fledgling pathfinder's discoveries in the 'Crow'". Lady Heidmarch ushers you from the room and softly closes the door behind her.

Ziomarra / Knowledge (local) DC20:
Rumours have long persisted about cities deep beneath the Varisian Gulf; Nireed Wadincoast, the proprietor of the unique Aquaretum - which serves as Magnimar's only aquarium as well as a unique museum, is renowned as a bit of an eccentric but a renowned expert on life beneath the Varisian Gulf. If you are looking to deduce the meaning of Natalya's verse, he may well prove to be a valuable source of information.

Knowledge (local) DC15:
The appearance of a sihedron on Natalya's chest brings back memories of a spate of murders that plagued Magnimar a number of years back. These particularly gruesome acts culminated in the carving of seven-sided stars into the still-living victim's chests

Teldon:
Given the involvement of your father in the events surrounding the Skinsaw Murders, you may know more about those events - you do not need to roll for the above spoiler

Returning to the drawing room, you find that Jacanne has set out a platter of warm buns, an ornate teapot and eight cups. Lady Heidmarch motions for you to sit, "Warm yourself by the fire and tell me of your day...I see that you have brought some artefacts back with you?"


Inactive
Arsith D'Abariane wrote:
I did not preside over her funeral... I was here, as a woman and not as priest, to mourn her. I'm glad to meet you again in other circumstances. You were related to Lenore, I think, Brianna? A cousin, maybe, or something like that?I'm sorry for your loss, again, and offer my sympathies.

"Yes, she was my cousin. I...hadn't seen her in some time, sadly. Some sort of falling out within the family," Briana nods, her expression darkening. "But thank you for your sympathies...and let me offer my own in return. She was a wonderful cousin to me and so I am sure she was also a wonderful friend to you."

*****************************

Kn. Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Having checked in on Natalya and finding themselves at as much of a loss as before to explain her condition, something registers in Briana's mind as she contemplates the appearance of the sihedron on the woman's skin. A story she had overheard her grandfather speaking of, one of murder most gruesome...

"Um..." she coughs timidly. "The sihedron on Natalya's chest...isn't it like the ones seen in murders that took place here in Magnimar years ago? The victims had that same seven-sided star carved into their chests...while they were still alive," she says quietly. "Is there some sort of connection between those events and what we're seeing now?"

As the group returns to the drawing room, Briana gratefully accepts both a bun and a cup of tea before settling into a nearby chair. She hadn't realized it in all the rush of returning from the Crow, but she was actually quite hungry. "Thank you," she says, gratefully. "And yes...it has been quite a day." She pauses and looks at Arsith curiously, but reasons that Lady Heidmarch must trust the young woman to have her sit in on their meeting. "Gaining entrance to the Crow was easier than expected...simply sailing far enough around the piling yielded a balcony area where we were able to tie off our boat and access the inside. We weren't the only ones who had found a way in, though. There were more Tower Girls; they'd set up residence in the piling. Some of them we were forced to slay, but many of them we captured...and then freed once we returned to Underbridge. Zee and Joanna seem fairly certain that they won't return to trouble us further."

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