The Forgotten God (private) (Inactive)

Game Master Whack-a-Rogue

Rhoswen's Palace


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In all honesty, none of the villagers look very surprised by what happened. "We get things like that around here now and then - there's bad magic in the ground here that the Dream Tender normally protects us from, but now and then, animals get the badness in them."


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

"And you haven't looked for ways of purifying it?" she asked. "Large-scale rites? Requests to the main church of your goddess? Individual efforts? The gods most favor those who go out and try things on their own - those who never act will rarely receive much favor." She... probably wasn't getting through to them, huh? Sigh. Well, that was a drop in her personal favor of them - she was truly fond of those who sought out changes and improvement. The dawn's light would shine on everyone, of course, but she always shone more on those who sought her.

...That was a fairly literal description of her usual way of doing things. "Goddess of the Morning" was not a metaphor. Still, the games seemed to be winding down... was there anything else to this festival?


The villagers look confused. "Isn't the Dream Tender's protection enough? Sure she lets the animals go crazy sometimes, but it's not that bad. They cause a bit of trouble then go off into the moors. We're used to it."

Your conversation is interrupted by an announcement from Mayor Kriegler. "All right, everyone. Pork is off the menu for tonight, but there's still plenty of good home-cooked food. Let the feast begin!"

As sundown is approaching, the villagers light the bonfires lining the perimeter of the festival grounds. You're invited to sit at the head table with the mayor and other important villagers. Once everyone is seated, Mayor Kriegler stands for a short benediction to bless the food and give thanks to "the slumbering dreamer whose gossamer cloak protects us." During the meal, each course is served by the family who prepared it. Fare includes fresh greens, baked breads, and unusual items such as Black Mushrooms, Flayleaf Salad, Fried Silkworms, Smoked Tick Legs, and Stirge Blood Sausage.

Is there anything you choose not to eat?


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Iris waited politely through the benediction to the Dream Tender, making no move to join in or interrupt it. It actually took quite some time for her to begin eating, in part because she spent a fair bit of time listening to the others and focusing inwards.

Preparing [Purify Food and Drink] in her open 1st level spell slot.

Fortunately, this wasn't exactly a ten-minute meal, and she had plenty of time. Only when she'd finished did she whisper over her own food, bathing it with holy light to banish any ills. The food itself was simple enough - just the breads and fresh greens, with none of the food the locals might refer to as specialties. This may have looked overly cautious - or, to the locals, a city girl who was 'too good' for real food - but she was taking as few chances as possible. An infestation of qlippoths within the body of a goddess could be bad on so many levels.


Once everyone's been served, Mayor Kriegler gins everyone's attention as three families present their beautiful teenage daughters. Each is dressed in a white silk robe with intricately-braided hair decorated with garlands of local flowers. Each takes a turn visiting the various pavilions and tables and recounts the story of Ravenmoor's founding.

The story's vary slightly, but the general details are the same. Ravenmoor was founded many years ago during a burst of colonialism that saw the birth of many large cities. Unfortunately, while they flourished, Ravenmoor never progressed beynd its rural beginnings due to the ravages of a supernatural blight. With the village close to starvation, the town's founder, Desnan priestess Iola Kriegler, undertook a vision quest to seek out a solution. She was gone for months and returned a changed woman. Despite their early skeptisicm, the miracles she wrought quickly proved to the villagers that she had been touched by Desna herself. In her greatest work, Iola brought prosperity back to the village by luring the crop's corruption to sleep on the soft wings of dreaming moths.

After all three girls have finished, Mayor Kriegler confers with the village elders and declares Shel Lupescu to be this month's Founders' Feast Queen, presenting her with a wreath of woven vines and flowers. The girl's family then makes the rounds of the feast in a flurry of excitement. As the traverse the feast area, you notice that Shel keeps looking at you with a certain light in her eyes. At one point, you could almost swear she winks at you.

Shel Lupescu


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Ah. Mortal infatuations. Very commonly given to those who were what society considered 'attractive'. Indeed, Iris had chosen her current form and intentionally imbued it with more-than-human splendor. Iris acknowledged the lass with a nod of her head, but that was all - she was a virgin goddess, and had never really felt love.

...

Except for Shelyn, anyway, but that was Shelyn. Everyone in the pantheon loved her, though for Iris, it had ultimately manifested in the form of sisterly love.

Still, for a goddess to bless this land and still have blights so common the villagers don't even seem surprised when something happens in the middle of a festival... she frowned slightly, not liking where this evidence was leading. There was more to this - there had to be.

"Has anyone communicated with Desna since Iola lived?" she inquired of those near her. "Perhaps a group of clerics serving the town?"


"Oh, no, nothing like that. We're too far away from the big cities for one of them to come out here. Besides, we do fine on our own." You detect a bit of irritation and pride in the response.


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

"I see." she observed, guarding her true thoughts and more than a little concerned by the apparent lack of direct divine connection here. There was usually someone in that role once you got past the very smallest hamlets. Indeed, if they'd had some clergy here, perhaps it wouldn't have been all but forgotten to begin with. Besides, whatever they may have thought, their independence clearly wasn't working for them. Not when they had an infestation of qlippoths that had been going on for what sounded like decades. Iris quietly finished her meal, waiting for the rest of the ceremonies to conclude.


It's quite dark when the festivities conclude. Mayor Kriegler comes over and asks what you plan to do about the taxes. "We don't have enough in the coffers to cover the entire amount, but I can give you a down payment."


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Sense Motive (Is he lying?): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

"The more you can provide, the more willing I suspect the government will be to work with you on the rest." she said agreeably. "They might even be willing to write it off as long as you're better prepared for the future, though you may wish to consider improving your ability to trade with other towns. Governments can get nasty when they think their people aren't obeying the law, but fortunately, you're small enough that minimal effort is all you'd need." Her advice was sincerely and freely given - whether or not they took it was up to them.


You get the sense that Ravenmoor could probably pay the full amount of back taxes.


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Iris tilted her head slightly as she considered her feelings on the matter, but didn't press it. The village would be understandably reluctant to pay the full amount twice, and could hardly be blamed for that. Besides, she tried to avoid intervening too much on affairs of this level unless her chosen were involved, and they'd all been dead for a long, long time.

"Would you prefer it if I came 'round in the morning to collect whatever you can scrape together?" she added, smiling again. "I'm sure you still have some things to take care of tonight, and I'm in no particular rush myself."


"Certainly. By the way, you're welcome to stay in one of my spare rooms if you don't have other arrangements tonight." His offer appears genuine.


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

"That will do quite nicely, thank you." Iris said, nodding and accepting the offer. It was better than sleeping outside, at least, but... "Your brother won't be bothered by the presence of a guest?" she inquired. "I'd rather not create strife within a family, so if he'd be bothered, I can just as easily find someplace else to rest." If it wasn't an issue, though, she'd make her way to the Mayor's house and eventually settle down, checking how defensible the room was. She didn't like having to do that, but nothing about this town had made her feel particularly comfortable.


Iris Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Kriegler's guest rooms (there are 6 of them) are starkly appointed with a bed covered with a thin quilt. A wooden washbasin rests against the wall with a pitcher of water. There's also a single window that looks out past the estate toward the Lampblack River to the east. There's no lock on the door, but Mayor Kriegler assures you that his brother won't bother you.

Going to do anything before bed?


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Iris smiled and nodded, noting that she would strongly prefer it if she wasn't disturbed - after all, she had a long ways to travel in the morning. It was only after he'd gone that a divine light sparkled in her eyes and she whispered softly, warding the area with an Alarm spell.

Using Wild Arcana to cast Alarm on the area outside her room. Duration should be 8 hours, and it's set to a mental alarm.

Satisfied with her preparations, she quietly dropped into bed and pulled the quilt over her body. Rest was also important, but perhaps she'd look around a little more come morning...


Your alarm *pings* a little after 3am.


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Iris' eyes flicked open - rising early, for obvious reasons, had never been much of a problem for her - and picked up her staff as she focused on her natural protective power. She quietly dropped to the floor a moment later and said nothing... instead, she simply waited and listened.


About a minute later, Shel Lupescu climbs in through the window. She's wearing a surprisingly-revealing night dress.


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

How had that triggered from outside...? Hm. Well, no matter. Iris flicked her staff around and pointed it at the girl's throat. "The answer is 'no, I'm not interested'." Iris said, forestalling the obvious question. After a moment, she added, "Don't worry, it's nothing personal." Well, over-eager young ladies might take it personally anyway, in the sense of 'what do you mean I'm not good enough for you!?', but that was something they usually managed to grow out of. Chances were she was simply fascinated by an attractive outsider and was letting that get the better of her.


Shel looks shocked, then hurt, then her eyes fill with tears. "What do you mean? I'm not good enough for you?!?"

Thanks for the dialogue. ;-)


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

"Did I say that?" Iris asked, raising an eyebrow. "I simply have no interest in romantic entanglements - casual or otherwise. If you set up some expectations for yourself, only to have them shot down, then you only have yourself to blame for your disappointment. You speak of being 'good enough' as if there is some secret level of quality I'm judging you by, but that is also incorrect. I'm simply not interested, regardless of who's asking. If you truly wish to form a relationship with someone, young lady, then you must start by thinking of others instead of yourself." Half gentleness, half rebuke was the way to go... or so she'd decided here, at least.

Diplomacy (Discourage the romance but remain on good terms): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24


GM Rolls:
7d20 + 19 ⇒ (12, 9, 5, 5, 2, 19, 3) + 19 = 74
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

With tears in her eyes and a desperate look on her face, Shel exits via the window. Moments later, the guestroom door bursts open, and four Stirges fly in. Behind them, you see three figures wearing strange clothes and wicker mosquito masks. They're armed with sickles.

They spent their round getting into the position shown, so it's your turn. Have fun!

Editable Map

Your Attackers


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Iris whipped her staff through the air, starting with the insect near the window...

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

...and while her first strike missed rather badly (caught off-guard as she was), she did manage a far better blow the second time around. "Ah. I think I see what's going on here." she said, forcing herself to remain calm. It was more difficult than she would ever admit in public, but she'd been getting a lot of practice with that lately. "Though I must say... I'm not feeling particularly merciful at the moment." If they wanted a fight, they would have it.


3d20 + 21 ⇒ (5, 19, 12) + 21 = 57

Your strike splats a Stirge against the wall, but two of the others attach themselves to you and begin to suck blood (take 2pts CON damage). The mosquito people watch with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

Your turn. Normally I'd tell you to post multiple rounds of actions, but this encounter has a particular twist that prevents that.


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

I'm fairly certain I get an Attack of Opportunity when they buzz in.

AoO: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

...Which is utterly unsuccessful! Bah. DX Also, multiple stirges on a level two character? Eeeeeevil. XD HP: 35/35.

Iris stabbed out with her staff, aiming for one of the insects that had landed on her while remaining ready to smack the other one if it got close again.

One-Handed Swing: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 2 = 23 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Critical Confirm: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 - 2 = 7

That blow, at least, had been a success - and she felt no guilt at all about skewering the creature.


1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

You squish one of the attached Stirges as the other happily continues to suck your blood (take 1pt CON damage). The other Stirge flies at you, but you manage to duck (and get an AoO).

Your turn

Yeah, this particular Module has a few really evil moments. It's meant for a Level 3 party, but you're rather epic, so I figure you can handle it solo. *evilGMgrin*


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

*Coughs* One thing I've learned is that solo games are unpredictable. I usually lean towards small numbers of powerful enemies, which are easier to match to a single player, than larger groups of weak ones... ESPECIALLY at low levels, when it's far more difficult to recover from weirdness. XD On the other hand, she is expected to die at some point... Also, no change to stats.

Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Her quarterstaff whistled harmlessly through the air, failing to strike the one still buzzing through the air, and she hissed in irritation as the other continued to suck at her blood. Her staff seemed to be going off-course...

Melee: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 2 = 9 plus Legendary Surge: 1d6 ⇒ 6 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

...until the runes that lined flared with holy light, at least, and guided it back onto course to strike at the one grappling her. One thing few people realized about her staff was that it possessed its own inner power aside from the magic spells she could cast through it - and in times of need, it could enhance the accuracy of an attack or aid her concentration for spellcasting. She had yet to address the cultists, though she did have a few choice words she planned to give them.

Legendary Surge: 1/2 uses left.


I know what you mean. :-) I'll confess to being a bit lazy by running this particular module as-written. Still, as you said, your eventual death will only enhance the plot!

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

You squish the Stirge on you as the last insect buzzes your way. Despite this distraction, you can see the three mosquito people exchanging looks.

Your turn


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Iris missed on the attack of opportunity, but shifted to a double grip a moment later as holy light again surrounded her weapon. She whipped it through the air in a quick series of blows a moment later...

Enhancing her staff via Arcane Pool - 4/6 uses remaining.
Double Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Double Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 for Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

...though it was entirely possible that she was further off her game than she'd thought after the loss of all that blood. Still, she'd been near the peak of human vitality to begin with - she could survive a bit of blood loss. "I do hope the three of you are prepared for Pharasma's judgment." she added conversationally. "It's long past time for a new light to shine on this town."

Staff Enhanced: 1/10 rounds.

AoO if the Stirge comes at her again:
AoO: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 for Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9


GM Rolls:
3d20 + 6 ⇒ (20, 3, 12) + 6 = 41
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
1d6 ⇒ 1

The final Stirge charges - right into your staff. It falls to the floor in a heap. The three masked figures look nervously at each other for a long moment but proceed to charge at you in unison. It takes another moment for them to get through the narrow doorway, and you effortlessly deflect their initial clumsy sickle swipes. The last one to enter, however, manages to land a lucky blow while you're momentarily distracted and grazes your forearm (take 1pt HP damage). You notice that the sickle blade has been dipped in a foul-smelling substance.

Fort DC 14 or take 1pt CON damage


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Fortitude: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

These people really liked their poison, didn't they? Still, her immune system wouldn't fail her so easily, and she jabbed out hard with one end of her weapon before flipping it around and bringing the other end cracking down towards their skull.

Double Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 for Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Double Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 for Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"You were warned." she said grimly, no sympathy in her voice. Like most gods, she was very respectful of the choices mortals made. If they sought forgiveness and wanted to improve, she'd help them. If they turned to evil and threatened innocents, though... well, their punishment was deserved, and she wasn't the type to let them have their way. The dawn would come whether they liked it or not - the desire to do things her way, regardless of what others thought, was part of her very being. (Though it was probably best to note that this wasn't the same as intentionally rejecting everyone else's advice - a number of other gods were good as well, and Iris was more than happy to consider their opinions and change course they could convince her it was for the best. It was simply that she'd always do what she thought was for the best, and wouldn't allow the disapproval of others to sway her. This was a significant part of why she'd never been a lawful deity. Ah, the details of the divine mind.)

Current HP: 34/35. Weapon Enhanced: 2/10 rounds. Arcane Pool: 4/6. Mythic Power: 3/5. Legendary Power: 1/2. CON Damage: 3.


Untrained Heal: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
Untrained Heal: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0
Stabilize: 1d20 ⇒ 10

You land two solid hits on the figure, and it drops to the floor. The two remaining mosquito people throw off their masks in horror - revealing Shel's mother and brother. With anxious cries and pleas to the Dream Tender, they begin to administer crude (and unsuccessful) first aid to their fallen family member. They seem to have forgotten you as the entirety of their attention is focused on their father/husband.

Told you there was a twist. ;-) They're considered helpless targets.


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

They were... really quite terrible at first aid, weren't they? All right, piecing things together... Shel had come in as a distraction, while her family snuck in... through the hallway, at that, which probably meant the mayor and/or his brother were at least minimally complicit in this.

Piecing together some of the other evidence... infestations of evil that hadn't been removed... the garb of mosquitoes... an unusual epithet for Desna... behavior that certainly wouldn't have been tolerated among the faithful... If the Great Dreamer ever blessed this place at all, I don't think she's here any longer. Still, the sight of family crying out...

Look, she was a goddess of good, okay? With a flick of her wrist and a switch to a two-handed grip, her quarterstaff was by the throat of the mother (she couldn't have done the kid... she just couldn't) and she looked down. "I hope you realize..." she began, once she'd gotten their attention. "That I would be perfectly justified in killing all of you. Fortunately for you, I'd rather not kill anyone I don't have to. And while the Dream Tender isn't answering, I can easily save him." They shouldn't have been anywhere close to dead anyway - a burst of channeled energy ought to be more than sufficient. "However, given what you just tried to do to me, my patience is quite limited. Tell me what's going on here and don't leave anything out. If you do, I'll heal him."

Sense Motive (Listening for lies): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Diplomacy (Convince to talk): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26


Shel's mother appears close to hysterics, and her son isn't in much better shape. "Please, you have to help us! My daughter is to be sacrificed tonight! The Dream Tender herself sent you in her stead. And now Saul's dying! I can't lose him too! Please! Please take my daughter's place tonight! Please save Shel!"

She's being completely honest with you. In her current state, it's doubtful that she'd even have the capability of lying.


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Iris raised an eyebrow. The woman clearly didn't understand what she was asking. "Do I look like the kind of person who would sacrifice herself just to save the life of someone I didn't know?" ...Yes. Assuming there was no other option, at least. On the other hand, the girl was clearly complicit in an attempt to kidnap and murder someone to save her own hide - an act that could quite reasonably be deemed evil. Still, good did not change its ways simply because others behaved poorly, and those pushed to desperation might do things they normally wouldn't. Sigh.

"I can assure you, the deity who sent me here wasn't the Dream Tender." Iris was independent and made her own decisions about where to go, thank you very much. It was doubtful any god had even realized she still existed, much less worked her into their plans. "And given that I wasn't sent here as a sacrifice, I see no reason to be one. If you truly seek the salvation of your husband and daughter, then pray. Ask for a new light to enter your lives and banish the darkness, to bring a new beginning and a brighter future as you seek to be better and step away from your wicked ways. If you cannot truly wish for such a thing, then all I see happening here is evil sacrificing evil." She'd still try to disrupt the ritual, of course, but Shel's fate wouldn't be nearly as important to her. Also, given her current lackluster powers, it might be best to see if any good-hearted people remained in this town. Perhaps she could talk the father of the boy with the pet stirge into joining her...

Game Note: At my tables, characters can hear prayers directed their way. It begins with a short range (where players can hear prayers addressed to 'any deity' willing to listen that come from nearby), and taking the Divine Source ability greatly expands the range and allows people to pray specifically to them. It also allows for nice ways of inserting plot hooks - hearing a distant prayer for assistance is a good way of moving people around. I generally consider the ability to hear prayers to be an innate aspect of being a deity, so it felt like a good thing to toss in. How you use (or don't use) prayer in this game is up to you, of course. ^^ Now just seemed like a good time to mention it.


Prayers will definitely be used eventually, so the info is helpful. By the way, you've taken this module in an interesting direction. What's going to happen now? ...

The two of them bow their heads at your words, and Shel's mother gets a resigned look in her eyes. "Varen, take Oric (the stirge boy) instead. Don't look back. The Dream Tender will be with you." With a determined expression, the woman slowly rises to her feet (provoking an AoO if desired) as her son races off. Shel's mother's face is grim, but she completely ignores you and turns her eyes upward. "Oh, Dream Tender, Saul's dying, and unless Varen can find a substitute offering, I'll lose Shel too. Please grant me the strength to do what has to be done. I know that when this is over, you'll fly me to them on your gossamer wings."

Her prayer concluded, she looks you dead in the eye. "What's taking place is not evil - it's Ravenmoor's salvation. But I can't lose both my husband and my daughter in service to the Dormant Dreamer. We've already given enough. Oric will be an acceptable substitute. Don't try to interfere." Her prior fear and desperation has completely vanished. She speaks with calm acceptance and total conviction.

Knowledge(religion) DC 15:
Distorted titles for Desna and a surprising lack of mentioning her actual name. In fact, the starknife toss game made no mention of Her. Mosquito costumes. Pet stirges. "gossamer wings". Whether knowingly or not, Ravenmoor is worshipping Ghluander.


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Ah, so that's it. Iris mused... not failing to notice that none of the prayers had been directed her way. Praying to that pest, though... "You call to Ghlaunder, not Desna, and he offers no salvation." she stated coolly. "Pray to the Gossamer King all you like - he cares only for the spread of parasites, infection, and stagnation... now stand aside, for I have a ceremony to see to." With that, she readied a swing of her staff to whack the woman if she tried anything, and strode towards the door while she was at it.

Ready Action: Make a Melee Attack if she begins an attack of her own.

People occasionally wondered how the gods chose which prayers to answer. Well, in this case, Iris hadn't been prayed to - and the request was one she wouldn't have answered. While she liked the bit about gaining strength to accomplish something, she didn't like the fatalistic intentions that seemed to be behind it. Besides, this woman - and indeed, a good part of the town - constantly called upon evil for aid. No, she'd not weep for any losses the cultists took - and they shouldn't have been dumb enough to sacrifice their own members anyway. On the bright side, if they were gathered together, it probably meant anyone left wasn't with them... and if unhindered, Iris marched towards the other houses and began checking for signs of occupation.


"I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that. The ceremony will save us." Shel's mother begins to raise her sickle, but you strike first.

Iris Ready Action: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Iris Ready Action 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

At the last second, she blocks your staff in an impossibly-fast motion.

Trip AoO: 1d20 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 4 + 2 + 20 = 30
Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 4 = 15 (vs. prone AC)

She follows up with a precise leg sweep that knocks you on your back. "You will not interfere," she says calmly as the sickle comes down.

Surprise! ;-) You're up.


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Ah, what fools these mortals be.

Even prone, Iris had little difficulty thrusting away the power of the attack - and she pushed to her feet a moment later before whipping her staff through the air. She had made a reasonable, good-faith effort to get the woman to seek the light - and not only had she refused, but she continued in her attempts to arrange for murder. Iris rather regretted that - she felt bad for every lost soul - but sometimes you had to burn away the old material before fresh growth could take its place.

Two-Handed Melee: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 for Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 for Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

And the retribution for tripping and insulting her was swift indeed. Iris tilted her staff back to let it rest on her shoulder, even as she raised an eyebrow and looked down at the woman. She probably wasn't getting back up, but it was best to be sure - and if she was out cold, Iris would resume heading out.

Current HP: 34/35. Weapon Enhanced: 6/10 rounds. Arcane Pool: 4/6. Mythic Power: 3/5. Legendary Power: 1/2. CON Damage: 3.


Stand up AoO: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 4 = 18 (vs prone AC, so missed by 1)

Her sickle *thunks* into the floorboards a microsecond after you roll out of the way and stand up.

Your return blow knocks the woman back a step but fails to knock her off her feet. "I told you, this is futile. The ritual WILL be completed." She retaliates with a quick sickle slash to gain a little separation from you.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 4 = 12


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Iris smacked the woman's sickle to the side and sighed. "Your husband is unconscious, your insects are dead, your child has run, and you still persist in attacking me? ...Have you considered therapy? I am beginning to fear that there is more wrong with you than a strike atop the head and a foolish attachment to a lord of evil can explain."

Double Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Double Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 for Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

A soft strike, but a strike nonetheless, more of a warning than anything else.


Sickle: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 4 = 15

You deliver a sharp rap to the woman's nose, and she gives you an angry glare. Her retaliatory swipe is easily deflected, but it's merely a distraction. She 5ft steps back and vomits up a multitude of cockroaches.

Swarm Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6 (plus Fort DC 14 vs. distraction)

Cultist: 21pts damage


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Fortitude: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Eeeeeeeeeeeeew! Ew ew ew ew!

Despite the sheer horror of what the woman had conjured up, Iris seemed like she was doing quite well at avoiding the distractions... and darted out the door, using her superior speed to bolt through the house and towards the exit. Honestly, in a case like this, it was probably best to simply avoid the swarm and wear her magic out. One thing Iris currently lacked was decent area-effect spells - she'd have to find some way of remedying that and regaining the powers that would let her effectively fight such foes.

Also, she hated swarms of insects. There had been this one time when- well, the details weren't important. Point was, she didn't need to fight this head-on... and could try something a little less creepy instead.

Double move, heading 80 feet away.


AoO: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 4 = 17

You take off running in a blur of motion, dodging another sickle slash as you go. The woman follows with a blank, determined look on her face. Although your attacks thus far have left her heavily battered, she shows no sign of noticing her injuries.

You have a higher speed, so you can outpace her as long as you double move. What's your plan?


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Iris continued moving, working to open up the distance between them a little more as she made her way outside. The main goal was to get away from the swarm, but remain a tempting enough target that the woman wouldn't stop chasing her... and finally, when she judged that she'd been able to move far enough that the swarm couldn't reach her before she could move away again, she darted back in and swung at the woman in an overhead blow.

Two-Handed Melee: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 for Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Her weapon enhancement has probably expired by now. Current HP: 28/35. Arcane Pool: 4/6. Mythic Power: 3/5. Legendary Power: 1/2. CON Damage: 3.


Iris Reroll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
AoO: 1d20 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 12
Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 4 = 7

You create some distance from the mass of roaches, ready your staff, and deliver a sudden strike as Shel's mother charges at you. Once again, she deflects your blow in an inhumanly-fast motion and responds with a quick sickle swipe. You easily dodge, but realize too late that it was a feint. Her actual attack cuts a gash in your leg (for 7pts damage).


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

That was... troubling. Hmm. She flicked out her holy staff in another rapid strike, aiming to put the woman down for good and get through whatever power she was using to try and deflect blows - goodness knew she hadn't had much defense earlier, and few great powers could be used endlessly.

Two-Handed: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 for Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

If this didn't work... well, perhaps she'd just have to put a bit more power into things.

Current HP: 21/35. Arcane Pool: 4/6. Mythic Power: 3/5. Legendary Power: 1/2. CON Damage: 3.


Sickle: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 2 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 4 = 10

You land a solid crack on the woman's head, and she staggers back a few steps from its power. Her head now rests at an unnatural angle, but she impossibly continues to attack. Her sickle carves deeply into your chest (for 10pts damage).

Cultist: 31pts damage

Heal DC 15:
Even with her surprising amount of resilience, your last blow should have dropped her. I mean, you heard neck bones crack! Still, one more solid hit should put her down. She's a mere mortal, after all, and the human body can only absorb so much punishment.


Female Adv. Aasimar Cons 7/Inc. 8/Mgk 8/Tier 3 | HP: 167/167 | AC: 25 [+2 vs Evil] / T: 17 / FF: 20 / SR: 13 (vs. Evil Sp/Out) | Fort: +16, Ref: +17, Will: +18 [+Stalwart] | M. Touch: +12, R. Touch: +13 | CMB: +12, CMD: 29 | Init: +10 [Hope: +14], Perception: +16

Heal: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Iris bit her lower lip, refusing to scream in pain in front of a mortal. She may have been wearing mortal flesh herself at the moment, but she retained the pride of a goddess, and decided to forgo a barrage of attacks in favor of making single blows that were as accurate - and heavy - as possible. "I will commend your tenacity, at least, even if it is misplaced." she growled. If this didn't drop her, she'd have to pull back and heal. Fortunately, she ought to have no trouble outpacing the woman.

Two-Handed Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 for Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Current HP: 11/35. Arcane Pool: 4/6. Mythic Power: 3/5. Legendary Power: 1/2. CON Damage: 3.

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