Fearless grabs the items and nearly begins to barf as the teleportation spell takes effect. "Don't mess this up and get me killed Shapeshifter!" His scream is cut off as the spell unfolds.
"Where are we?" Cats asks, looking around. "Are we near somecat we recognize?"
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A knifing cold first pierces the Mariner's feet, then crawling up his legs and torso. It's all right, it's just the magic, calm down, it's all right. When the cold ooze reaches his face, it dives into his eye sockets turning searing hot at once, gorging its tendrils deep into his being, the sensation of being turned inside out, Not all right! Not all right!!!
The universe suddenly explodes around him, like the opening of curtains to a show of things he cannot possibly comprehend. There is a dark void with tiny sparkling dots at an infinite distance. A large swirling blue orb hangs above him. He hears Fearless throw up sausages. Then he is suddenly slung into the void at a terrifying speed!
Half way through the journey of a breath's length but a millennia to cross, he hears a faint sound of a dulcimer.
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The Watchmen gather after some R&R and Brother Butterfly prepares to grease the wheel of the cosmos with a prayer...
… for a moment, nothing happens. The city of Katheer remains before you. A sailor stops packing supplies on the Starling and frowns at the group, digging slowly at an itch in his nether regions as everyone stands on the deck, going nowhere fast.
A seagull drops a load nearby which nearly splatters on Butterfly’s boots. He flinches and Golarion is suddenly gone!
***
There’s a reason most gods don’t grant the power of teleportation magic to their devoted clerics. Multiplanar physics requires a certain degree of intellect to avoid everything going pear-shaped in transport, and unfortunately most clerics are about as sharp as marbles.
***
You find yourself being suckled by a figure - perhaps a memory of your mother? But no, this thing has too many arms and smells wrong…
…you are in a field gathering flowers and weeds, all in pale yellow hues. Dozens of strange beady eyes watch from among the grass…
…the flowers smash into a pulp in your hands and you smear the paste on a wood paneled wall. You step back to behold the shape you’ve drawn - the Yellow Sign.
A faraway voice whispers, “The influence of the Inmost Blot grows. More of them seek the forgotten city, and when its memory returns to the world, the seal will be broken and those that can’t be seen will fly once more…”
***
You return to the world completely discombobulated, week in the knees, and nauseous. Mud brick walls rise on either side of you in a curving passage. Ten sturdy wooden doors with a high, barred windows sit nestled in the walls. Archways lead out from the passage in opposite directions.
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That was strange, and not at all *normal*. There's a vibe that the higher powers are trying to tell me how important our search is. This is just more than hunting Lowls for revenge, My Goddess wants me to prevent a larger threat to her dominion.
He thinks the above internally, but then mumbles aloud the following as he concludes his thoughts.
Then why didn't she bring me better support? Like Cesadia - Boy how I wish she was here with me. Investigating, and investigating some more.
He looks around, straightening his weak kneed and nauseous body up.
See we are here. We are looking for the wild lady in a cell. And....... Voi-oila! Barred Windows on ten straight wooden doors. This has the standard description of a prison to me. Oh, let's be quiet as I'm certain there will be guards that won't shine too kindly on our being here.
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Fearless immediately vomits as he drops to his knees. "What the f!++ was I just sucking on?" He holds his hand up. "Nope, nope. I don't wanna know."
He stands on shaking legs, barely drawing his own dagger as Brother Butterfly begins to look around with out a care in the world.
There's a bitter taste in the Mariner's mouth as he spits a yellow flower petal out and onto Brother's backpack. "Is that gonna happen every time?..." the Mariner sullenly says when his eyes roll back to forward position.
Looking down the brown hallway, "Did we make it? Is this the place? Or are we looking up the entrails of some colossal thing." He levels the polearm ahead and moves forward cautiously at the doors.
Cats jumps back from Fearless's gut-spilling, worried it might have cooties, rabies, or something worse, like chunk peas or something.
"Ah man! Catless! What the new boots!" Cats worries that Fearless had acidified his somewhat new Boots of Speed that he totally hadn't forgotten all about.
He draws his bow, ready for trouble.
"Catterfly?! IS THIS NORMAL!?" Cats asks, breathing deep to avoid losing his lunch as well.
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"Catterfly?! IS THIS NORMAL!?"
Jasper is wondering that exact question himself, but reacts a bit on the offensive. Trying to peg Cats as being ungrateful.
I don't actually know if this is normal. It was the first time My beloved Benefactor, who's purview is travel I might add, has granted me this gift. You're an archer, the first time the bow string slapped your wrist and took off a layer of flesh, did you ask?," Is this normal?".BB might just have to get better at this aspect of traveling.
Anyway, Desna just saved us 8 days on the ocean waves. Pirates, Military ships, or sabatour goblin red mantis assassins could have just been avoided. I don't see anyone other than myself being grateful.
He takes a second to add a layer of dramatic to his statement.
Oh great and mighty Desna. Thank you for allowing us to avoid trials and tribulations on our path and travels. As your cleric, it is only *I* that understands your mission.
After his prayer, he looks around to see which cell might hold the prisoner they are looking for.
After gathering their wits (what little they still have) the Watchmen begin checking the doors, looking for the woman from their visions. Unfortunately, every cell they open is empty.
During the search sounds come from two exits from the area. To the south the sounds of growling and hissing. To the north the sounds of metal rattling and the crack of a whip, followed by a howl of pain.
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Cats resists yelling more at Catterfly, who is probably heck pecked enough at home and probably doesn't need more of it while cavorting during men's crusade out (it's like the Hangover, but with crazy people).
He readies his bow and will follow others to the north. He will try to hide in any shadows or darkness as they make their approach.
Stealth
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Fearless gives a timeout sgnal with his hands. and points south, then north. "Growling and hissing that way. Metal, whips, and pain that way." Fearless shrugs. "South sounds like animals fighting and north sounds like Shapeshifter's pleasure dungeon. Neither of which I wish to see. Teleport us back out of this hellhole." He jabs the larger man in the back but sees Cats already moving north and begrudingly follows his crazed associates.
Heading north you find the structure you are in curving back towards the west. Piles of refuse lie in neat rows along the outer walls. Loose bales of dried grass lie on makeshift piles of timber fifteen feet above the floor.
A double door stands along the wall to the left, a heavy bar meant to lock it resting off the side. Light streams through cracks in the door indicating that it must lead outside. Across the chamber another stone arch leads further around the circular structure.
In the chamber itself are a half dozen camels loosely tethered to various hooks and posts, tended by a few humanoid slaves of various races.
Also in here are two the wooden cages along the right hand wall. The cages are made of strong, tight wooden bars, and tied with a curious knot. One houses a magnificent dire tiger. The other holds a dragonne - the beast’s wings have been hobbled and a thick leather muzzle covers its mouth.
Standing guard near the door in this area are two gnolls…
…one is looking the other way, but the second blinks in confusion as Cats stumbles into the room.
INITIATIVE
There’s a moment where Cats and the Gnoll fumble for weapons, and into this moment strolls a complaining halfling, who’s just fast enough to maybe do something before this escalates.
INITIATIVE
Fearless
Gnoll
Cats
Mariner
Butterfly
Fearless is caught off guard and quickly moves to knock both of the gnolls down as quickly as he can. "Mariner, get them before they can draw their weapons!"
HP 81/81
AC 21 (25 w/ Mental Barrier)
Spells: 1st 7/7 | 2nd 5/5 | 3rd 5/5 | 4th 3/3
Inspiration 10/10
Tactician 1/1 (Rounds 3/3)
Challenge 1/1
Phrenic Pool 4/5
Wand of Magic Missile (3rd) 13 charges remaining
Wand of Unnatural Lust (48/50)
Ring of Tactical Precision (Cats, Brother Butterfly)
The gnoll goes flying to the ground from Fearless’ magic missiles. It scrambles back to its feet, and moves towards the double doors, shouting as the other gnoll jumps and turns at the surprise visitors.
Round 1
Having been unseen, Cats shoots from the shadows at the gnollkin.
to hit; (+PBS, deadly aim, cloistered)
damage.
damage.
to hit; (PBS)
damage.
to hit; (PBS)
damage.
[ dice]1d20+18[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+15[/dice] slashing damage.
[ dice]1d20+13[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+15[/dice] slashing damage.
[ dice]1d20+18[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+15[/dice] damage.
AC: 24
HP: 80/80
LoH: 2/4 used (2d6)
0/1 used Hero's Defiance
0/10 boots of speed
[ dice]1d20+12+1 damage.
[ dice]1d20+17[/dice] to hit; (+PBS, deadly aim, smite)
[ dice]1d8+14[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d8+141[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+17[/dice] to hit; (PBS)
[ dice]1d8+14[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+9[/dice] to hit; (PBS)
[ dice]1d8+14[/dice] damage.
Catrenrae’s Gift: 0/2 used.
Mini Smite: 0/1 used: Once per day as a swift action, you can add your Charisma bonus to your attack rolls and deal 1 additional point of damage for each class level you have against evil creatures for 1 round. You must have a good alignment to take this trait.
+8 Bab +7 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS -2 DA -2 Rapid= +13/+13 to hit
+3 Str +1 magic +4 DA +1 PBS = +9 damage
Cats fires a pair of arrows at each gnoll.
Fearless sends missiles back into the gnoll, "Kill it quick so we can figure out where we are at."
HP 81/81
AC 21 (25 w/ Mental Barrier)
Spells: 1st 5/7 | 2nd 5/5 | 3rd 5/5 | 4th 3/3
Inspiration 10/10
Tactician 1/1 (Rounds 3/3)
Challenge 1/1
Phrenic Pool 3/5
Wand of Magic Missile (3rd) 13 charges remaining
Wand of Unnatural Lust (48/50)
Ring of Tactical Precision (Cats, Brother Butterfly)
The Mariner charges forth ready to castrate the gnolls into puppies.
The Watchmen attack with arrow, sword, and magic, laying waste to the two gnolls before Brother Butterfly can even ask if either is a lusty female.
The slaves cower from the violence, looking at your party with wide eyes.
The Mariner pokes his head into a cell, tears off his horned helmet, ”I’m Kook Drydocker. I’ve got Tubby One Cozy with me – we’re here to rescue you!”
”Well no - we’re actually not. We are insane, and we're looking for the pack leader of these two. Seen him?” He nudges the dead gnolls with his boot, making sure of the neuter job done, then gestures a welcome mat for Brother to chat with the prisoners.
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Yes, we'd like to exchange freedom for information. You see, we are looking for a Gnoll Slaver, and we will probably put an end to him. Since we see gnoll bodies at our feet. We see dungeon cells. We do basic math. One plus one equals two.
This is where you -- the slaves and prisoners -- get alll excited to help us-- The Watchmen who are about to liberate you. Remember the name - The Watchmen. We are a legendary group and need your legends to help that status grow.
BB also looks around and tries to find the one rat fink that actually works for the slavers. His/ or her loyalties always rest in the eyes.
Upon discerning the person who's the rat, he points them out. BB prepares to say, "Except you. You are the fleas on a dog's rear. "
Cats listens to Catterfly exalt the Watchmen, though he feels he wishes he would someday meet someone that matches Catterfly’s expectations. He isn’t sure the current team is all that, but won’t deny the fatman the chance to preach to a flock.
”Yeah.” Cat chimes in, trying to help motivate the slaves.
Diplo to aid
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Fearless is busy searching the bodies while the others talk with the local prisoners. "Where are we by the way?"
Brother Butterfly chats up the slaves, and of course there's one that is probably a snitch, but one look from the big moustache and he cowers.
One of the women answers questions as best she can in a thick Katapesh accent. "You are in the slave pens of Blossoming Thorn. If you are seeking mistress Biting Lash, she is likely in her Pavilion on the third floor above. You must have missed the ramp back that way." She points back the way you came.
Meanwhile Fearless loots the two bodies and finds:
2 regular spears
2 masterwork longbows with 2 quivers of arrows
2 potions of cure moderate wounds
2 tanglefoot bags
2 cloaks of resistance +1
”Yeah, but where are we?” Cats asks, wondering. ”Where the cat is this?”
The slave blinks at Cats, possibly not realizing that the “where” of the question is bigger than Buting Lash’s stronghold.
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Let's move up the ramp, towards the growling. It might also behoove us to have Fearless use the new Rod that I crafted. The one that might find valuable metals and minerals -- i.e gems!
Does anyone have an ability to calm savage beats? I mean, if we are moving towards some growling - let's be prepared. Speaking of pre-paredness.
Brother turns towards the slave lady that helped give then information. He gives a courteous bow - meant to instill a level of respect to uplift the slave. He then asks her a couple questions.
My Lady - Thank you for telling us where Mistress Lash might be. We had heard growling up towards the ramp area. Any idea what monster with large teeth could be near the ramp? Another question - do you have a very old woman locked up in some cells near hear? Maybe through the archway to the west? The decrepit old woman gives anyone who looks at her the heebie-jeebies?
BB is ready to move toward option one, unless we get a hint that the woman in our visions is in one of the cells towards the West. Placing himself third in line.
Aura moderate divination; CL 9th; Slot none; Price 10,500 gp; Weight 5 lbs.
DESCRIPTION
This rod is valued by treasure hunters and miners alike, for it pulses and hums in the wielder’s hand in the proximity of metal. As the wearer aims the rod, the pulsations grow more noticeable as it points to the largest mass of metal within 30 feet. However, the wielder can also concentrate on a specific metal or mineral. If the specific mineral is within 30 feet, the rod points to any places it is located, and the rod wielder knows the approximate quantity as well. If more than one deposit of the specified metal or mineral is within range, the rod points to the largest cache first. Each operation requires a full-round action.
”The growls come from basilisks caged near the ramp. Without gnolls to pull their blinders they are safe to pass.”
Brother Butterfly is just about to head that way when one of the other slaves speaks. ”You said old woman, locked in cell? Do you mean the mind reader Kaklatath? She is that way.” He points the other direction.
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BB turns on a silver piece and instead of heading towards the ramp - moves to the area that has the old woman Kaklatath.
Good info on the basilisks. Duly noted. We need to hurry to help release the old woman Kaklatath. She told us to release her -- so we should. Then prepare to skirt past the basilisks.
Anyone know about Basilisks? Like can I just use a mirror or something?
you all *know* I've got a big shaving (vanity) mirror with me and available to draw out on my bag of holding.
Hey, hey, hey. You that's the snitch. You are coming our way and with us. No chance I'm letting you sound an alarm.
BB leads the party toward the cells to release Kaklath. Coming with them is the guy that was cowering. We aren't going to threaten him, but he know he'd better come if he knows what's good for him.
Cats listens and wonders what a catilisk is.
Fearless tries to see what he can remember about basilisks. "Normally creatures are growling cause they are hungry. We could always feed them you instead of chasing after your fourth wife locked in a cell.
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You've seen Kaklatath. She's not my type. My type is the strong independent woman that forges her own path. A woman that is driven, so I can relax and enjoy a refined life.
My sexy groove and libido is for the fine and sensual.
It's not into old women.
BB says the last part flatly and gives a stare to Fearless.
"Don't be giving me those lustful eyes Shapeshifter. Save it for your caged woman." Fearless doesn't hear much of what he says as he was trying to remember important things, like Basilisks.
The Mariner peers around the bend looking at the walls, cautious for any bas-relief sculptures that petrify men dead upon sight. "You mean like a medusa?" Squinting, he puts the helm back on, sword and shield at the fore. "And would you two stop talking about getting laid. What would Desna think of her flock banging his way through the clergy?"
Following instructions from the slave, and making sure to drag the squirrelly one along, the Watchmen head through the western arch into a part of the fortress sectioned off with mud brick walls approximately ten feet high. Sturdy wooden doors with high,
barred window sit nestled in the walls.
This is the place from your dreams.
Within one of the cells, bound with a trio of chains and fetters, is the frail old woman you seek. When you break open the door to the cell she turns to you with a faraway look, stares for a moment, and then smiles. A telepathic voice is suddenly heard in your minds.
I knew you’d come. Please, free me and I will show you the way to Neruzavin.
The hairs on the back of the Mariner's neck stands up. Yea... an old woman with three lengths of chains... totally normal.
"Suddenly I feel like we shouldn't have made this trip.", he says quietly to the Watchmen though not hiding the words from the hag.
"You - sod", he addresses the squirrelly in tow, "Why is she here, separated from the lot of you?"
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If someone has the keys, we will unlock the chains. If someone doesn't, I'm certain a blessing from Desna will clear things up.
Hey Fearless- use that wand to see if you can find a lump on metal that looks and act like keys?
Prepared to cast freedom of movement on her, if we can't get an easy disable device or actually locate the keys.
Fearless moves to pick the lock. "Why would a frail older woman need all of these chains? Seems a bit overkill."
Cats is slow to realize that he could have picked the chains if he had not be daydreaming, but that’s where he was right now. Having a waking catnap.
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The Mariner stands back eyeing the 'wise woman' suspiciously.
She better start saying something full of wisdom and not just a stab at something in the dark, which she'll be getting otherwise.
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Fearless quickly and easily pops the locks on the chains holding the woman in the cell.
”Ohhh… ” She moans and nearly slumps to the floor. Though the Mariner was hoping for powerful words to explain the nature of the universe, the first thing he hears is a fluttering fart.
Apologies. Her voice comes to your minds again. This body is weak, and my control of it is… unreliable. 10,000 years ago I would have abandoned a vessel at the first sign of infirmity, but I’ve since found there is something charming about the old, and flatulent.
A mental giggle tickles your minds.
I am named Kaklatath, and I am a yithian. Myself and others of my kind fought back flying polyps in the lost city of Neruzavin. Afterwards I decided to stay and explore this world in a thousand bodies of your people. My true form lies preserved in Neruzavin, but a corruption has entered it. A horror recently awakened. It has touched your minds, and linked us through time and space. As you save me now, so I look back and save you…
Suddenly the old woman's voice calls out, echoing in a memory.
"Awaken! Awaken!!"
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The Mariner had been told many times before that he had a scent like the inside of a sick old woman. Smelling this ten-thousand year old vintage, he nearly loses his grip on the sword. However, hearing the recounting of Briarstone awakening, he suddenly feels nauseous and losing his footing. Her words - like a magician's phrase to awaken the hypnotized.
::gasp::
"YOU!"
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As the old woman exclaims that she's a "Yithian", BB searches his mind for references. Unable to recall anything at all (I don't have knowledge dungeoneering), he is a bit mad at himself until the startling revelation -- Awaken! Awaken!!.
BB's mind is blown.
He's trying to get around the circular reasoning of how this woman is doing something NOW that impacted them back THEN. MONTHS, almost half a year has passed. He retraces his steps, going through the different events since re-awakening at Briarstone to now. He's befuddled.
I have to unpack all of this. I'm even going to ignore and drive out the fact that someone who indicates they are 10,000 years old has to resort to fart humor. I'm ignoring it, but seriously - you'd think existing for 10K years would give you deeper insight on comedic timing and material.
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”She unpacked it alright”, the Mariner waves the sticking cloud away. ”What does your real form look like? Because we're gonna hack it to pieces accidentally unless it looks like a damsel. In which case Butterfly will take a real stab at it.”.
While chatting, the Mariner give a check around the cell.
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but I’ve since found there is something charming about the old and flatulent.
Cats’ jaw drops.
Wow. She waited that long to hit on Catterfly? And she thinks Catterfly is charming.
The old man has skills. Cats is never understanding, but still never not impressed by Catterfly’s mysterious abilities.
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Afterwards I decided to stay and explore this world in a thousand bodies of your people.
"Mineral, vegetable or animal, he'll do it all. I mean the old woman is not even a woman. If it's anything, it's a...a..." he searches his dim mind for the right word, "a doppelganger!", pointing at Fearless and his adage.
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Fearless holds his hands up. "We only have room for one Shapeshifer here. But a couple of things, First yea, we need to know what you look like. Cause if it looks like a door or has a lot of holes Shapeshifter here gets all excited and marries it. Second farts are always funny, no matter the situation."
He stays kneeled down. "And lastly why us?"