Kip scooted farther from the advancing gillmen, then healed his friends again.
The monstrous thing cast it's unholy spell and the lantern gave a chiming sound of agony as it promptly exploded in a shower of sparks and motes of tainted light returning to whence it came. A tear came from Ema's eye at the sight. One of the balls of flame disappeared as she began to move the remaining one which stopped as soon as it hit it's first target. before she herself moved quickly from the gillman that were advancing on her.
The gillman cleric leaps away from Ema's flaming sphere as the arcanist falls back. Kip heals the group while Victrix assumes a defensive stance, ready to take on the fiend. As Simon drinks his extract of blur, the gillmen move in to attack. The cleric touches one of her allies, filling him with temporary rage, and they stab at Simon. One hits despite his blur spell.
The insectile fiend flies up to Victrix and claws at her, but she dodges its blow.
With fatigue and numbness nipping at her limbs, Victrix swings her axe!
Kip scurried closer to the others so he could see the enemy spellcaster, then called up a spectral rapier of his own to harry him.
,
Ema was worried about the demon thing's proximity and knew that it needed to go down so they could focus on the remaining gillmen. She used the wand once more to create a sphere of fire, this time right on top of it, and then stepped away from it to get a little bit of distance.
The wihsaak dodges Victrix's axe, and the gillmen avoids Kip's spiritual weapon. Ema conjures another flaming sphere, which the fiend avoids as well. Simon manages to slice the most wounded of the gillmen, leaving him barely standing.
The gillman cleric steps up to instill rage in one of her allies again, and both attack Simon. One scores a hit with his short sword. Meanwhile, the wihsaak claws at Victrix, slicing her neck in a critical hit!
Victrix glares at the bug demon.
"B$*+@ move."
Then swings with all her might.
"You've got it Simon, keep it up!" Kip cheered as he wagged his tongue to heal his friend.
His spectral rapier continued to stab at the spellcasting gillman.
,
With the creature moving closer to her Ema quickly moved around and away from it as she commanded the sphere to roll onto it again.
Victrix misses with her strike, and the fiend dodges Ema's flaming sphere as well. Kip heals Simon, who takes down the wounded gillman with a chop of his sword. The grippli's spiritual rapier stabs the enemy cleric, eliciting a snarl of pain.
"Kill the healer first!" she commands. She casts a spell and reaches for the shaman with crackling negative energy. Her minion stabs at Kip with trident and sword. Neither one hits!
The wihsaak continues to claw at Victrix, slowly wearing her down.
Cursingat teh bug things ability to ignore that sphere of fire Ema sent it rolling over to the gillmen attacking Kip. She then used the wan to summon up a second one on top of the second gillman.
Victrix rears back and swings again.
Kip's ghostly rapier continues its assault, stabbing at the gillman spellcaster.
,
A moment after the grippli's spell stabbed downward, his tongue darted out with the force of a crashing wave.
Victrix finally manages a good hit, slicing into the wihsaak's carapace and drawing blood. Both of the gillmen fail to avoid the flaming spheres, crying out in pain as their sensitive skin burns. Simon finishes off the warrior with a studied strike. Kip's spiritual weapon stabs the cleric, then he blasts her with a powerful wave that knocks her off of her feet!
She quickly stands back up and tries to touch Kip again. The grippli narrowly dodges her crackling fingertips. The wihsaak claws Victrix some more.
Bloodied again, Victrix swings once more...
Ema focused and moved the remaining fiery sphere on top of the last gillman while simultaneously burning the last of her magic to send a trio of magical bolts lancing into the winged demon thing.
Kip hopped back and cast another spell. As soon as he finished casting, his tongue stretched out once more with the force of an icy wind.
,
,
The gillman dodges the flaming sphere, but Kip's freezing touch saps her vitality, and Simon brings her down with a slice of his sword. Ema blasts the wihsaak with magic missiles, and Victrix manages a solid blow, further wounding the fiend.
This isn't over! You haven't seen the last of me! the creature shrieks in your minds. Greasy darkness consumes it as it teleports away!
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Breathing heavily, while leaning on his sword, Simon looks over his friends, fully appreciating how well the group has come to work together.
Even so, he recognizes that this battle could have gone much worse.
"Well done, everyone! Let's hope we don't see that thing again any time soon. We should collect ourselves and return to our Strix friends on the beach to rest."
Simon will search through the altar room as the rest of the team recovers
He then consumes his last extract of CLW and quickly prepares another extract of Shield.
It was with no small amount of relief that Ema saw the last gilman go down and the demon thing flee. That it would be back was not in question only when, she would need to be prepared. Going to the others she began to help gather what there was to find and then said, "Yes, I agree Simon, let's meet up with our strix friends and get some rest."
Beyond some more well-gnawed humanoid bones, Simon doesn't find anything else of interest.
While you were inside the cave, Oorka and Kalikk flew around the poisonous swamp to wait for you on the beach. Oorka is excited to hear about your battle with the gillmen. "Wow! You fought an actual demon? I want to hear all about it!"
As evening approaches, you set up camp on the beach and settle down for a well-earned rest. You awaken the next morning feeling refreshed and invigorated. As you reflect on your recent experiences, you feel stronger and better prepared for the trials still to come.
"YEAH YOU'D BETTER F%~+ING RUN!" Victrix shrieks at the demon as it flees.
"Little buggy prick."
Ema regaled Oorka with a highly embellished tail as she worked on writing in her spellbook. How much of the story was true and how much fiction was largely dependent on your point of view but in the end it was only slightly embellished on the descriptions as opposed to who did what. By the time she was finished Ema had completed a couple of spells she'd been working on and entertained their young friend before going quietly into a deep sleep.
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Having traveled for some time with the Strix, Simon's keen understanding of linguistics has been able to pick up the differences between the language he set out to learn and the language spoken by these Strix.
Putting this knowledge to use, he speaks with Kalikk while Ema recounts to Oorka, relating the events to the archer with less bluster, emphasizing the danger of the encounter.
"I surely wish that we had your bow on our side in that battle, but I am glad that Oorka was not in danger, though I wonder if some of her spells might have made the combat easier."
Shaking his head, he berates himself.
"I was overconfident after the success of the initial battle, and strolled back into the temple area with hardly a thought to continued danger.
I am making a poor scout for this group, I think."
"We did it! At least these gillmen won't be preying on their own kind again, even if the demon did get away. This place never stops surprising me with all its many secret denizens... some more friendly than others, that's fore sure."
---------
"Don't feel bad, Simon. How were you supposed to know that they were craaaaazy. All you can do is try to be vigilant so we don't bumble into more fights like that last one."
"What is our next destination?" Kalikk asks. "Do you still plan on meeting with this snake-woman Vriskirsa, or is there somewhere else you wish to go?"
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"Yes, we should talk to Vriskirsa. She is a formidable spellcaster.
If we can recruit her to our side, she would be extremely helpful against the hag.
If not, she happens to have a key that we need to access a room in a sunken laboratory to the south."
Simon pauses to think about some of the other tasks they have been given.
"Have you scouted much of the larger island, Kalikk? There are some things that we are looking for to assist the community.
Stone suitable for building structures. Lumber for furiture and construction. Ore for metals.
Additionally, we have legends of a structure used to gaze upon the stars in the sky. An observatory. Have you seen any of these things?"
Simon does his best to describe the observatory from the Pathfinder writings, hoping that the view from above isn't all that different.
Victrix looks rather despondent, staring at the dirt and twirling her greataxe in her hand.
"...I need a better edge to my weapon. If that demon comes back to attack Talmandor's Bounty, I need to be prepared."
...and I think I need to talk to Antona about... something.
"The cliffs by the sea have good stone for building, and the forests have plentiful wood," Kalikk says. "I can show you some good sites, but I do not know where to find ore. Our people do not make things from metal."
She cocks her head when asked about the observatory. "I have not seen any structure like that, but it may be further inland than I have scouted."
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"Thank you, Kalikk. If we can easily pass by any of these sites, please point them out."
Simon will get out a map and show the path that the group will be taking to Vriskirsa's, then to Talmandor's Bounty after that.
In response to Victrix, he tries to be understanding. "Yes, we will need to supply ourselves for another encounter with that demon and things like it.
There are simple magical oils that can be applied to a weapon that would allow you to damage it. I also need to resupply my splash weapons for dealing with his swarm. Stopping at Talmandor's Bounty is next on our list, after Vriskirsa, I think.
I fear the worst. That we will have to battle him again at the same time we are dealing with the hag."
Kalikk points out a few quarry sites you have already discovered--the basalt cliffs south of Talmandor's Bounty where you fought the chupacabras, and the pumice cliffs near the ruined settlement of Joskadlar. She also notes several forests throughout the island where lumber is plentiful. Coupled with the iron ore you found in the chuul's cave, you have discovered quite a few resources for the colonists to make use of.
You head east along the island's coast before turning south, eventually reaching the edge of the Erskani Reef. While Kalikk and Oorka wait on shore, you swim out to the sunken ship where you battled the sahuagins. Vriskirsa has reclaimed her old lair. Kip swims down to greet her, and she follows him up to the surface as a courtesy to the rest of you.
"Welcome back, friends. Is there something I can assist you with?" The naga's serpentine body bobs in the surf, iridescent scales glistening in the sunlight.
"Vicki, tomorrow morning I can prepare a spell that will make your weapon extra sharp in case we find that thing again, though it only lasts a brief time. Should be long enough for you to do your awesome chop-choppin' thing though."
"...you mean like holy-edged?" Victrix tilts her head at Kip. "Because I think I remember Simon saying that holy weapons were the best for hurting it..."
"Maybe not. Maybe the priests back in town can help with that?"
"I hope they can. Maybe they can enchant this to have a permanent holy edge?"
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"I hope they can. Maybe they can enchant this to have a permanent holy edge?"
"I am sure that would be possible, Victrix. If not, there are some simple magical oils that can provide the same effect situationally.
I'll make sure to pick some up. Maybe we can practice a maneuver where I apply the blessing while you are fighting."
Simon chuckles to himself, recalling stories he read when he was very small. "I can be your squire, Ser Victrix."
----------
As Vriskirsa comes above the water, Simon smiles broadly, then bows deeply.
"Lady Vriskirsa! How delightful to see you again! Thank you for coming out to visit with us. Your willingness to accommodate our limitations is humbling."
After pausing briefly to see if Vriskirsa would like to make a reply, he continues with introductions.
"Allow me to introduce two new friends of ours. My apologies, but the archer speaks only the language of her people, Syrinx. The young one additionally speaks Azlanti."
Motioning the Strix to come closer, Simon completes the introduction. "The ranger is Kalikk. She has explored much of the surrounding islands from the sky and provides us with a new perspective to our explorations, as well as some additional weapons in our coming fight against the Hag who threatens us all.
This is Oorka. She is an Oracle for her people in Sheskadrann, and asked to come with us to gain new experiences and hopefully find ways t increase her power. We are hoping that her magics will provide some boon against the Hag as well."
Turning to the Strix, Simon will switch to Syrinx and complete the introductions. "Kalikk, Oorka, this is Vriskirsa, the powerful spellcaster we told you about. In addition, she is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced people in the area.
Meeting her has already been a great boon for us, and for Talmandor's Bounty, and it gives me great pleasure to facilitate an introduction with the people of Sheskadrann."
Simon pauses again for any words exchanged between the peoples, translating if needed.
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With the introductions completed, Simon switches to a common language, if there is one, using Azlanti, if there is no better option.
"Lady Vriskirsa, we come to see you again for several reasons. First and foremost, we truly enjoy your company and wished to strengthen our relationship with such an elegant and learned lady.
I am ashamed that we did not spend more time learning your ways. With humans, we would have brought gifts of food or wine as a thank you for your hospitality. However, I do recall that you had interest in Azlanti artifacts, and we did find something that you might be interested in."
Simon removes the Ioun Gauntlet and hands it to Vriskirsa, then launches into a tale of the sunken laboratory where the party found it, including detailed descriptions of the calamity, the haunt, and the shades who laid in wait.
He will also describe in detail a description of the portion of the laboratory they could see and the doors that could only be opened with Ioun Stones.
"...So, with Ema's sphere stone, we were able to open one door, but we need a spindle shaped stone in order to open the other door.
We recalled that you showed us a spindle stone in your collection. Is there any way that we could either borrow or trade for this stone? As an archeologist, I simply can't leave this mystery unexplored.
Perhaps you might even want to travel with us to see the site first hand?"
--------
Once the discussion about the stone has been completed, Simon will move to darker tidings.
"In addition, we would like to warn you about some new dangers we encountered. In a cave reachable only through a path traversing a poisonous bog, we encountered a group of gillmen who had been corrupted by a Whisaak.
We were able to dispatch the gillmen and their priestess, but the Whisaak itself was able to teleport away. It is always possible that this creature might attempt to revenge itself upon us or our friends, so you should be aware.
My fear is that the creature will choose to ally itself with the Hag, making our coming encounter that much more difficult.
I don't suppose you would come with us for that encounter? Your powers would be a great boon in our efforts."
Victrix grins. "Pleasure to see ya again, Vriskirsa."
After introducing the naga to the two strix accompanying them, she lets Simon introduce the two strix with them.
Then she speaks up after Simon explains the danger of the wihsaak. "Aye, it's a tough demon from elsewhere. It's bound to come back and target the colony we protect. Any support you could lend us would be much appreciated--and perhaps worthy of a favour to be owed."
Oorka and Vriskirsa exchange pleasantries in Azlanti, the strix hovering in the air over the ocean.
The naga balances the ioun gauntlet on her tail, peering at it with interest as she listens to Simon's story. "This is a fascinating find! I would be pleased to travel to this sunken laboratory with you to see its wonders for myself. I shall bring the ioun stone along so that we might gain access to the final chamber."
She frowns when the half-orc tells her of the wihsaak. "Thank you for the warning. Unfortunately, I have no desire to risk my life against a powerful hag, especially if the fiend has joined forces with her. My magic trends towards knowledge and defense, not attack. You will have to confront them without me.
"But, for now, I am ready to depart for the laboratory when you are."
Victrix claps her hands once. "Alrighty then!"
"One more question, before we go--you haven't seen any faceless creatures lurking about, have you?"
"No, I don't think so," the naga replies.
Victrix looks oddly disappointed at that answer. "Oh. Well, thanks."
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"Oh, have we not talked with Vriskirsa about the Faceless Stalkers? My apologies. It is so hard to keep track of whom we have and have not communicated with about the various dangers we have encuntered."
As concisely as possible, Simon runs through what the party knows of the Stalkers and the events in the village.
"As far as leaving, we are ready to go. The journey will take us about a day and a half over land.
Also, I apologize for not being very familiar with your physiology... The laboratory is about 80 feet deep. We will need to climb ropes to reach the bottom.
Are Naga capable of climbing?"
As they traveled, Kip helped fill Vriskirsa in on their their recent adventures. "The lab looks like it was the victim of some horrible blast that destroyed a large portion of it and killed the people there. We found the remains of some of those people melted into a wall and fortunately we were able to put their spirits to rest. As Simon mentioned, we made contact with Oorka and her people. I had no idea there are people living up in the trees!"