Mara prepared herself for the excursion to retrieve the Night Hag Ambassador's Heartstone.
1st lvl (5): Ant Haul, Cure Light Wounds, Liberating Command, Protection from Evil, Remove Fear
2nd lvl (4): Barkskin x3, Calm Emotions
3rd lvl (3): Heroism x3
4th lvl (2): Threefold Aspect, Slowing Mud
"Ready as I'll ever be, I guess," she declared.
Theo gets ready for the excursion by dressing spectacularly.
What you discovered with your research
In the marginalia in Atop the Valley's Soul Lowls notes on an entry on night hags that he sought the heartstone of a specific hag—an ambassador and soul-trader named Quaveandra. He also finds out what a heartstone is:
All night hags carry a heartstone—a special gemstone worth at least 1,800 gp that is worn as a periapt. A heartstone's magic is fueled by the hag's spirit and proximity—once separated from its owner (or upon the hag's death), a heartstone retains its magic for one month before becoming a nonmagical gem again. The heartstone instantly cures any disease contracted by the holder. A night hag that loses this charm can no longer turn ethereal or soul bind until it finds a replacement gemstone.
Theo finds a register of extraplanar diplomats listed in the book In Admiration of Keeping Pact which lists Quaveandra as an ambassador to the city of Dylath-Leen. A grim city of basalt and one of the Dreamlands’ most notorious havens for vice.
According to The Falling Silk, a diary brimming with spiteful rumors, Quaveandra has an unnecessarily large retinue of retainers and an insufferably imperious manner.
Finally Theo pieces the modifications needed to travel to Dylath-Leen.
You feel lightheaded and dazed as you descend the ivory staircase into the Dreamlands a now familiar experience. You arrive in a spacious, round room that has a vaulted ceiling barely visible through a haze of blue smoke. Soft round couches cover the floor along with several golden braziers, ornate hookahs, and small tables. The curved wall is pierced by curtained archways leading to small private chambers.
Humanoids of various races relax in this common room and partake of various recreational drugs. Polite, attractive hosts circulate around the room selling insidious substances to the patrons. Flayleaf, opium, and more. An outsized presence in the common room is your quarry. Quaveandra has elaborately coiffed hair and a curvaceous form draped in expensive fabrics, which stands in stark contrast to her horrid appearance.
Dervak reaches for the now-familiar Vorpal Scimitar. He looks around curiously.
"So what's our plan?" he whispers to his companions.
"Lure her away? Attack her in the middle of this crowd? Try to buy it from her?"
Theophilus bows.
Perhaps, a bit of charm and sleight of hand?
Theo casts Dancing Lights.
Many of the drug den's denizen's clap and try to grasp at the light show Theo provides. But not the night hag who seems lost in thought.
It is early evening with the first stars poking out. The thin angular towers that line the dark streets of Dylath-Leen are built of black basalt. The streets and sea taverns along the wharves are filled with oddly robed sailors from across the multiverse.
1st lvl (5): Ant Haul, Cure Light Wounds, Liberating Command, Protection from Evil, Remove Fear
2nd lvl (4): Barkskin x3, Calm Emotions
3rd lvl (4): Heroism x3, Dispel Magic
4th lvl (3): Divination, Threefold Aspect, Slowing Mud
Mara surveyed the room and said to Dervak, "I wouldn't think she'd be willing to sell it. I intend to try a prayer to divine what the best course of action would be. But first, I need to buy some incense, and a suitable offering."
She made her way to a door to see if it was day or night outside. Luckily, it was night; she stepped outside and concentrated on the stars, while praying to her mother for orcish courage.
She returned inside, and looked for a place to buy incense, and a suitable offering for a divination.
Mara finds that Dylath-leen is a busy port town and easily finds what she's after.
Now that she had what she needed, Mara looked for somewhere quiet where she could perform her divination.
Once she found a suitable spot, she recited a lengthy prayer, seeking advice on the best way to obtain the Night Hag Ambassador's heartstone.
Kat finds someplace nearby and sits back, arms folded behind her head. ”I’m right with Mara on the buying question. Don’t make much sense to sell something like that less there’s a way for ‘em to get another one somehow. Night hags tend to be s+~&s, so I’m expecting a fight.”
Theophilus smiles at his audience. He casts Heroism.
This is fantastic! It reminds me of a recent party that we attended.
Mara contacts an ancestor spirit that she hopes has useful information but the one that responds either speaks incomprehensibly or in a language Mara cannot understand.
"A fight I can do. Let's see if Theophilus can make his way work. Let me know what I need to do."
Dervak observes the room, trying to gauge if any of the other patrons are less drugged than the others, perhaps bodyguards for the Night Hag.
Mara told her comrades, "Sorry, my divination didn't yield any useful information. I guess we have to wrestle it away from her?"
There are three individuals that don't appear to be high and orbiting Quavaendra.
A woman with broad pink ears that come to a dull point seems to be doting on the Hag, bringing her food, drink, and drugs. Once her desires are satisfied she starts going what appears to be a schedule.
As the woman goes over the schedule a pale human man who is making vague proclamations about "fates in the stars" or "portents in dreams within dreams" as he slaps down cards from a harrow deck boorishly.
Finally a lithe, olive-skinned woman who wears layers of silk fabrics is playing a tambourine in the background.
Theophilus takes a drink off a tray, downs it, and exhales slowly. The nicely attired gentleman begins to do a series of stretches, as he confers with the group.
So, my associate here has prospected my success to be roughly 65%. I confess that my lapse of practice at the Art of Swindling has been completely an oversight. I am still willing, however?
The White Rabbit points to the abacus in his hand.
"Maybe Mara can make you lucky? Or we can help in some way?"
Dervak draws upon the magic of the Mnemonic Vestment to cast Cat's Grace from his scroll on Theophilus.
As graceful as a cat, Theophilus begins to employ more complex exercises.
I do believe that you've got it, my dear Dervak!
The White Rabbit makes some quick adjustments to the abacus.
Mara asked the hatter, "What do you have in mind, Theo?"
A little smoozing and, perhaps, I may be able to slip it off from around her neck.
Mara replied to Theophilus, "OK, let me know what I can do to help."
Theophilus straightens his lapels. He takes off his hat, runs his fingers through his hair, places the hat back; and, smiling the entire time, bows his head in acceptance.
I don't believe your Chanting will be noticed from 30' away, my dear. And, being lucky is way better than being good; although, why not us have both!
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Mara (in her crone aspect) beseeched her mother to lend Dervak and Rowan some heroism.
She waited for Theophilus to move close to the ambassador. Making sure she was within 30ft of the hatter, she started to chant. She gave herself good fortune first, and tried to make it seem like she was high from a special substance that she had consumed.
Celebrate good times, come on!
Celebrate good times, come on!
There's a party goin' on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times, and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with you
Many of the drug addled patrons join in Mara's dance and singing not quite knowing the words or how to move, but they seem to be having a good time as she chants. As for the night hag's retinue only the tambourine player seems to notice Mara with a quick glance and a raised eyebrow. Quaveandra herself also takes note of Mara but does not do anything but keep an eye on her.
Theophilus sauters over to the routine of the ugly hag. He smiles; He tips his hat; He nods knowingly. He reverses positions. He winks.
Even the Red Sea parts for the one Chosen! Even the great city of Jericho shall fall, as I only encircle her! Harken on to me! For one comes that the lowly shall be made to weep! His eyes are set! His deepest desire made manifested before him! Move git out da way! My dearest darling, I, Theophilus Carter, have arrived!
The hag smiles coyly as Theophilus approaches with his bombastic speech. "I had a feeling that you were a man of importance when you appeared. I am Quaveandra ambassador to Dylath-Leen. To what do I owe the pleasure of your pleasure of your company in this den of iniquity?"
Standing directly before her, the grandly dressed gentleman bows low; sweeping his hat out wide.
My Queen of Desirious Temptation, I, Theophilus Carter, have been given to only one wish! Only one desire! Only one direction shall ease the existent of my poor soul! My only goal has been to be allowed near your presence for but one kiss!
Mara continued to urge the people around her to party!
Come on now
Celebration
Let's all celebrate and have a good time
Celebration
We gonna celebrate and have a good time
It's time to come together
It's up to you, what's your pleasure
Everyone around the world
Come on!
Yahoo! It's a celebration
Yahoo!
The night hag waves Theo on, ”Oh stop! Charmer. Flatterer. If that is what you desire, well…” She looks at her entourage and sends them away with a gesture. She turns back to Theo and says, ”I must ask a favor my dear Mr. Carter.” She leans in and whispers, ”I’ve been the target of assassinations and attempts to weaken me over the last year, my heartstone pilfered, poisoned food, a robe of powerlessness delivered as an anonymous gift, and so on. I suspect one of my retainers is behind the plot but I’m at a loss as to which one. Ferret out which one is the traitor and you shall have your kiss Mr. Carter.”
Theo purrs into her ear.
Have you heard of the Man in Yellow?
Theo suddenly looks down at the White Rabbit pulling on his trouser leg; and shaking his head not that one, Flash!
Theo nods smile bright and wide!
I meant the Yellow Tatterman! Count Lowls; I believe, it is!
Theo reaches for the hag’s periapt, a sickly green emerald and easily grabs it, while Mara with the aid of nearby addicts continues to celebrate. As Theo has the heartstone in hand Quaveandra’s expression darkens and turns to rage. ”I should have known you worked for count Lowls! He won’t have another of my heartstones!”
Theophilus still smiling; winks at her.
The White Rabbit face palms himself!
We should just wake up and get out of here... but that could leave Rowan vulnerable.
Dervak moves forward, drawing the Vorpal Scimitar, then Rages (+4 Dex) and attacks. Using the scimitar 2-handed.
A scream rings out through the room as Dervak draws his weapon and slashes the exquisitely dressed hag. Many of the other patrons flee for their lives at the sudden violence but other remain grasping at the spray of blood and remarking unaware of the danger they may be in, ”Ooooh! Aaaaah! Again!”
Rowan tries to wake up but all he does is give himself a headache.
With alarming speed the musician arrives back on the scene first. She quickly assesses Dervak’s telling blow, Quaveandra’s missing heartstone, and quirks a grin, ”She won’t be able to escape if we kill her quickly!”
She moves to flank with Dervak and delivers a leopard blow to the hag’s ribs.
Quaveandra yells, ”Traitor!” The musician is able to barely dodge both claws but the hag digs into her shoulder with blackened and too sharp teeth.
Theophilus tips his hat.
Alas, parting is such sweet sorrow!
Theo delivers his line with a sense of dramaticism, timing it perfectly with the moment he choose to wake up and vanish from this world. Or so he thought, when he opens his eyes again he's treated to the visage of the huffing and puffing fortune teller. The night hag's assistant for her part is no where to be seen.
To Mara's dismay, her joyful party seemed to be devolving into violence! She desperately tried to keep the song going, while simultaneously speeding up the flow of time for her friends (causing her to sing faster without realizing it).
Celebrate good times, come on!
It's a celebration
Celebrate good times, come on!
Let's celebrate
Dervak takes the Vorpal Scimitar and slashes at the neck of the Night Hag. Using Fortune on the Iterative attack.
It is a flurry of near-perfect swings.
With a sickening snicker-snack the hag's head comes clean off. Her blood sprays the room putting an end Quaveandra. The musician turns to Dervak and bows, "You have my thanks. She was bringing the soul trade Dylath-Leen."
Kat’s eyes pop at the gory display. ”Bloody hells, bruv! And I mean bloody. Way to take care a’ that one right away.” She gives him a thumbs up as she wipes bloodsplatter from her cheek.
Dervak nods to Kat. "Thanks. This is quite a weapon."
He cleans off the blade and sheathes it, ending his Rage.
"Rowan, drink that potion of Eagle's Splendor and then wake up. It should be back the next time we come here."
Dervak will wait for Rowan to wake before he himself wakes up.
Theophilus smiles.
The White Rabbit applauds loudly!