You find Z in the library as expected, her head buried in a book titled, Everything you ever wanted to know about Orcs, but were afraid to ask.
She looks up as you all approach and setting down the book, "Well that certainly didn't take long."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Yes, she seemed pleased with our efforts, but didn't have much to tell us. Though she did have some news regarding your curse..."
Jones sighs. "The Order did find a ritual that could remove the curse. But your curse and your divine magic are intrinsically bound. By breaking the curse, you would also lose your powers."
He gives Zin a moment to mull that over.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Z frowns at Jones and sets her book down, pushing it aside and other yet unopened ones such as, To Tame an Orc, Jacque Pierre's Risqué Encounters with Golarion's Wildest Women and So Your Half-Orc Lover was Struck by a Half-Blood Extraction? How to Survive and Thrive.
Z sighs heavily, "Useless woman."
"Have a seat." she says to everyone.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Jones does so.
"It's your decision, of course." he says calmly. "I have my own opinion on the matter, but will not try to sway you with it."
"I'm not going to accept a world where my only options are burn to death, or give up my way of life."
"There is a cure to this. A real cure, and I'm going to find it, old woman be damned."
"I owe it to you all to see this through to the end, cure or no. But once we're finished I'm leaving Ustalav, I hope you might consider joining me?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
-Posted with Wayfinder
Darius seems shocked but doesnt show it upon his face, while Zin is speaking with Jones explaining the situation, he thumbed through some of the books, somewhat curious. The depictions and skimming alone unsettled him slightly before looking back up to hear Zin mention her decision.
" I'm surprised, I had assumed you would value a life free of pain and ridicule more than the power you currently have. Has that suddenly changed? If you were to continue there could very well be truth in their research. There are those cursed with afflictions that fuel their power. You could train your body to handle situations a different way, but ultimately you have made your decision. I will respect and support that. Now... about these books? "
Orcius holds To Tame an Orc loftily " Was this really necessary? "
"First, those books were here when I sat down." she says stoney faced.
Then she continues, "I never said I wanted to give up the one part of me that defines me."
"...Being normal would be its own curse."
"I've lived with this pain for nineteen years. If I'm like my father, I've another eleven to go."
"But if it's true. If there is no cure..."
"Then I'd rather fight it and die an inferno, than to live on as a candle...."
"I'm glad you bought that bottle, you'll be sharing it tonight."
-Posted with Wayfinder
" .... You do know what you are asking me to agree with? If slinging fire is your defining part I have to upset you by stating many types of people can do so. People are defined by what they do and who they are... rather than one specific thing. I am an example of that if anything. I would rather you not die, unnecessarily. "
Darius places the book down. " There when you got here, just so happen to have your face in one? Fine, but that has nothing to do with this bottle. Is there someone I should be sharing it with? " He rose an eyebrow.
"Yeh." says Z flatly, "Me."
"As to this one" she says indicating to Everything you ever wanted to know about Orcs, but were afraid to ask, "It seemed topical."
"I'm not concerned with what other people can do. I've done battle now with abominations, the undead, werewolves, and things that shouldn't be."
"By the time I've seen this through I will have burned the entire Whispering Way to ash and cinder."
"And then what, simply give that up? To do what? No." says Z shaking her head.
"You're how old again?" she asks Darius.
"Surely you'd have a wife by now if you wanted her. Why is it that you do not? Were you holding out hope for a half burned woman to come into your life, hmm?"
"What about you two?" she says to Sledge and Jones.
"Because what we do is inherently dangerous. In fact, it's down right dumb. We're taking on a syndicate of possibly hundreds, maybe thousands as a small group."
"How much death have we seen already? You've died twice." she says to Darius.
"Jones once as well." she nods to Jones.
"Amanorm is worse than dead, then two more before we hardly knew each other back at the entrance to Caromarc's."
"My point." she says, "When you died this last time. You didn't have to come back" she says to Darius, "But you did. Why? Because Darius isn't going to rest and let a job go unfinished, right? That's the kind of man you are?"
"Well that's who I intend to be. I want Zin'Retatarianna Mor, the Witch of Flames to go down into the annals of history. I want to have a group of friends."
"So I get cured, then we're all just going to continue on together, huh? You'll want to have me around? Sooner or later I'd just become a liability for you all, be left behind? "
Z shakes her head again, "I'll die first."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Jones listens intently to Zin's speech, then nods.
"I think I understand. You see your magic as a part of your being, one that you have cultivated throughout your entire life. Although it originated from a source of constant anguish, it is something you have claimed as your own. Were I in your position, I doubt I would be willing to give up something so important to me."
He shrugs. "It's not the most rational decision, but we humanoids are utterly emotional creatures at the core. Sometimes we must indulge our emotions to retain our sanity."
"I won't patronize you with empty promises, but maybe, just maybe there is a way to stop the curse without losing your powers. And we will work with you as long as necessary to find it. Magic or no magic, we will always be your friends."
He smirks. "Besides, our actions have drawn the attention of one deity already. Perhaps another will take note of us and grant your request."
"Mm." says Z nodding to Jones, "I still have time to find other options, I'm not condemning myself to death quite just yet after all. I stopped here in Ustalav in the first place as more of a "leave no stone unturned" kind of deal anyways. Who knows what a place like Mendev might have for me."
Darius listened to Zin's words with increasing understanding. " Very well then. Most of what you say is true. What we do is dangerous, difficult, suicidal. Our will is much stronger, bond to one other in many ways. However, I will not speak for the rest. If I were in your situation I would at least consider the ritual a last resort. Otherwise I fully respect your decision. I had already promised to put forth the effort to cure you. You will not be getting a large portion of this bottle though. "
"In any case, why don't we head out?"
"Jones, you're more apt and versed in spellcraft, can you pick out a few books that you think would be useful for those attempting to create an unique spell, unless you think Caromarc's own library might be more extensive?"
Z stands from the desk and gathers her things, ready to leave.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Of course. I'll have plenty of time to look through both libraries in the coming week."
Jones drinks Heroism and searches the library for books about spellcrafting, oracle curses, and Flauros.
Caromarc has a few books, though most pertain to the arcane knowledge needed to create golems, and alchemical formulae.
Still, his extensive library contains enough arcane texts on research techniques and trial and error spellcasting that Zin can gain the basic knowledge needed to set her on the path, if not take her to the end.
Jones brings Zin every book that seems useful.
"Here's what I could find. It should be enough to get you started with creating a new spell. It'll take a lot of effort and experimentation, but I think you can do it."
Z lay in her tabbard on the bed in the room Darius and she now shared, kicking her feet back and forth slowly as she magically thumbed through one of the books Jones had acquired for her.
"This book makes no sense at all." she says to Darius.
"I can see why Jones picked these books out, they must make a lot of sense for those who have to actually try to do magic or only have read about it."
"That's not me at all."
"This is all about convocation and concentration, it's like a book of magical theory."
"... It's awful!" she exclaims as she keeps reading apparently quite pleased with the book despite her complaints.
"Maybe it will start making more sense after two or three reads." though the look in her eyes says she's picking it up faster than she let's on.
"You do magic too right Darius, so does yours take any effort? Come look at this." she says, pushing the book to Darius.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Four days pass, and Caromarc informs you he has your payment. two massive chests, filled with gold are dropped at your feet.
"There we go. This should more than cover it."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Darius was somewhat getting used to the idea of Zin's presence but it seemed trivial to wonder upon it too long. She was seeking his help. Casting a simple spell on both himself and her .
Grasping the book Darius went over the knowledge in his mind.
Darius chuckled pointing out the small lines and arcane sigils mixed int with the other knowledge and acted as a translator.
" That's because there is arcane writings and lore hidden in the text Zin. As for magic, mine comes from both gifts of my goddess and intense study. I a actually quite the reader. Somewhat similar to Jones. "
Practically nothing remains in my cavernous skull.
Z nods to Darius' words, "It appears I do need to do more studying outside of that just relating to my condition."
"Still, some parts do make sense, while others remain more difficult. I'll get there eventually I'm sure."
Z continues to read happily as the day drags on.
Darius would help as long as he could before finally retrieving the gold payment for the materials. it would be split accordingly and he would return later in the day to Zin after speaking with Caromarc.
To the gracious man he thanks him for allowing their party to stay at his castle. Darius also apologized to Caromarc for any inconveniences their stay may have caused. It was no fault of the Gutpunch unfortunately.
" Caromarc I must ask, we will be returning to the road soon but my current form is still weak and the local church has commissioned to heal the effect in the coming time. Could we use your residence for but a few more days? "
"To be quite honest, I've barely noticed you're here. I forget how large my house is sometimes. Stay as long as you need."
Darius rose an eyebrow, " Ah I did not know. I suppose the distance from the guest rooms and the constant sound of a waterfall precariously close to you abode would do so. I am glad the noise did not interfere with any business you had to attend to. If that is the case I offer nothing but heartfelt thanks. I will make sure Zin returns any of the books she has borrowed. Farewell Caromarc. "
Darius bowed deeply as he left, returning to Zin.
" Zin as you know we have funds now. I have secured our stay at this castle for what seems indefinitely. However there are materials and equipment I am sure you may want. Would you like to accompany me and the rest or remain here? "
"Whenever you're ready."
" Very well then, I shall go inform the others of their chest and on our departure to re-appropriate loot. Should be entertaining. "
Darius twitched a bit as he did so before leaving with Zin in tow to sell and buy new equipment.
This is the last Treasure Skull dump:
- 29 Masterwork daggers
- +1 Scale Mail x2
- +1 Mithral Shirt
- +1 Morningstar x2
- 20 sling bullets
-+2 Greataxe
-Masterwork Chain Shirt
-A +4 Chain Shirt (Taken by Sledge?)
-A Masterwork Dagger- Rope of Climbing
- Unidentified Magic Ring (Ring of Force Fangs)
- +1 Cloak of Resistance
- +1 Amulet of Natural Armor
- +1 Ring of Protection x3
- +2 Headband of Vast Intelligence
- Unguent of Timelessness
- Pearl of Power I x5
- Marvelous Pigments (4k gp)
- Fish boat Feather Token
- Ring of Swimming x2
-Unidentified Magic Helmet (Helm of Underwater Action)
-A +1 Amulet of Mighty Fists-Wand of Spider Climb (34 charges)
-Scroll of Remove Disease
-Wand of Animate Dead (10 charges)Last call for any of this stuff before it's liquidated!
Nobody really replied to this. Not sure if it went unnoticed or what.
These:
- Gold-threaded chausable x2 (100 gp)
- Gold Unholy symbol of Dagon x2 (100 gp)
- A pretty pretty tiara x2 (300 gp)
- 3 Statuettes (1500 gp total)
-Fishgold bracelets (450 gp)
-Assorted opals and pearls (50 gp)
-An Unholy symbol of Shub-Niggurath
-An assortment of fishgold jewelry (750 gp)-Fishgold carvings (1200 gp)
-A beautiful diamond (500 gp)
-155 gp= 2815 gp
Were sold in Thrushmoor, and subsequently paid for your Elixir of Shadewalking and a Reincarnation.
-Posted with Wayfinder
-Posted with Wayfinder
- 30 Masterwork daggers (9k gp)
- +1 Scale Mail x2 (2100 gp)
- +1 Mithral Shirt (1100 gp)
- +1 Morningstar x2 (4k)
- 20 sling bullets
-+2 Greataxe (8k)
-Masterwork Chain Shirt (250 gp)
-A +4 Chain Shirt (Taken by Sledge?) ???
- Rope of Climbing (3k)
- Unidentified Magic Ring (Ring of Force Fangs) (8k)
- +1 Cloak of Resistance (1k)
- +1 Amulet of Natural Armor -Taken by Zin
- +1 Ring of Protection x3 (6k)
- +2 Headband of Vast Intelligence (4k)
- Unguent of Timelessness (150 gp)
- Pearl of Power I x5 (5k)
- Marvelous Pigments (4k gp)
- Fish boat Feather Token (450 gp)
- Ring of Swimming x2 (5k)
-Unidentified Magic Helmet (Helm of Underwater Action) (24k)
-A +1 Amulet of Mighty Fists (4k)
-Wand of Spider Climb (34 charges) (3060 gp)
-Wand of Animate Dead (10 charges) (2250 gp)
=47.18
Plus 60k in payment = 107.18 split 4 ways = 26, 795 gp apiece.
Trying to figure out why Jones has a 17k edge on everyone else.
Minus the shadewalking elixir, I'm 13.5k over. I'll sell the following stuff:
+1 cold iron rapier (2020)
Silvered rapier (220, selling back for full price)
Mwk. sword cane (172.5)
Ring of feather falling (1100)
Undead Bane arrow x5 (100)
Ghost Touch arrow x1 (20)
Shortbow (30, selling back for full price)
That gets me 3662.5, which I guess I'll distribute to everyone else? Not exactly sure how this'll work.
I just need a proper baseline, and then I'll divvy it up so everyone's at about the same place.
So everyone's at 40k, but Jones is at (now) 53?
Yep.
Z finishes putting on her new headband and checking the clasps on her reforged Breastplate, confident in its craft she addresses the others, "Look at you three! What's the hold up? I'm already re-equiped and you've all yet to even place a buy order."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Not exactly." Jones raps his knuckles against his chest, producing a muffled metallic clank. "I spent most of my gold on a set of celestial armor. I'm told it will provide greater protection while also allowing more flexibility and temporary flight. And as you've proven, it is virtually unnoticeable when worn under other clothing, which makes me feel better about its exorbitant price."
Z shrugs, "I've found that the best kind of armor is the kind that doesn't need to be hidden." she says indicating to her own suit and unfurling her wings, "But you should quite enjoy being able to fly, I highly recommend it."
"Oh! Your taste in books is atrocious by the way." she says with a smile to Jones, "Thanks again for picking them out for me."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"You forget, I've already flown on a few occasions with the power of my alchemical extracts. Though knowing that I can fly at will is certainly freeing."
He smiles back. "Atrocious, you say? In that case, I suppose I'll just return them all. I do hope you'll find some other way to lift your curse."
"Have you? I guess I get pretty self absorbed when it becomes time to kill things."
"And no, that won't be necessary. I'm learning a lot from these books... I think..."
-Posted with Wayfinder