Purpose Creche sits quietly at Eliza's feet, listening intently to the exchange. The charred prayerbook lays in his lap across open palms.
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Ugh, she's even creepier when she's calm.
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Eliza makes eye contact with Silt and, without ever breaking her gaze or saying a word, her image distorts and changes, and suddenly there is a locathah in her place.
"I've always had magic; it just made it much stronger. More powerful. It may not actually care about me, but the world never has either."
A clicking sound emits from Purpose Creche's head. "Thoughtform. Familiar."
A sarong-wrapped wooden figure kneeling before a smaller being of similar make. An iron eyeband, scuffed, minute jags of metal curling up from its edge; they begin to move flush with the greater body of metal, melding into its form.
Purpose Creche lifts a finger and touches it to the transformed Eliza's knee; her mind flashes with the thoughtform conjured from the book and his mind.
"If the world does not care, why come to a colony of caring, intentional individuals."
Eliza frowns and nods with grudging admiration for Purpose's abilities. She allows the locathah form to drop and looks like herself once again.
"I wanted a new life. And that's exactly what I found."
"And now?"
Silt hisses she changes into a member of his species. He gestures about the cell. Is this new life to your liking?
Eliza glares at Purpose and Silt and slouches down with her arms folded.
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Joli smiles as Purpose shows Eliza kindness. In response to Cedar he says, "I know something of suffering and what it can do to one’s heart. If it were my choice alone, you’d be shown love despite your deeds. I’d give you a chance to redeem yourself. What would you do if we did that? What do you think would make things right?"
Eliza seems almost startled by Joli's question. "I...I don't know. While it was controlling me was the first time in my life that everything made sense. I was just so tired of being scared and worried all the time."
"I'm sure you realize a portion of that feeling is because of the entity's control. In Talmandor's Bounty, you could exert your own." Purpose Creche curls his fingers around his thin kneecaps. "Could. It is more than our decision. Ramona. The others." He pauses.
"You."
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"It is your choice to make. If you make it sincerely, there is always a possibility that you can find love and forgiveness."
But we grippli’ve offered redemption before. So many times. The Charau-Ka ever chose their demons over peace. Ever was it our lot to end their lives, when their menace continued unrepentant. And the Bekyar... But they were different. Well, Lasumbu was different. Often years of age. Kidnapped as a child, forced to kill his own villagers. To kill my people. But he heard Jalaitali’s song. Turned away. Helped us stop the demon ape’s zealots. One hope among thousands. It’s worth it.
"There is no greater trust than forgiveness truly sought and earned. That’s the path to power, not this menace that would always divide you from those around you."
Eliza goes back to glaring at Purpose and Joli. Ramona knocks on the shack door and gestures you to come back outside.
"I just wanted to see how it was going in there. What do you recommend we do with her? It's hard to tell how complicit she is."
Joli looks at Eliza’s face carefully, attempting to discern and flickers of remorse. Twould seem our words are for naught. Shr has no ear for the music. Or does she...?
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Cedar is relieved when Ramona arrives. He lets out a sigh.
”She was definitely complicit. She made a deal with this whatever-it-was that she freed at the tower. It would give her power if she led the villagers to the tower. What happened to them after that we still don’t know, although we found the grizzled remains of one. She doesn’t show remorse for any of it.”
"There are degrees of complicity. And the entity's control brings complications. How much of her decision was truly her own." Purpose Creche emulates a shrug. "We asked if she wished to stay with the colony. Seek forgiveness or improvement. I made it clear that the decision was not ours alone."
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"I don't think the colony could bear it if she stayed. We'll have to send her back to Andoran on the next supply ship. They should have a brig. I just spoke to Rayland; I'm so glad you talked him into staying. He's a huge asset to the colony, and I'm sure he'll be an inspiration to everyone. He wants to give a statement in support of Eliza; he thinks that the creature, whatever it was, caused her to be evil. I'll send his statement along; perhaps the judges will prove merciful. In the meantime, we have a lot of work to do around here to get this colony running."
Downtime! You have six weeks! You can each complete two projects in that time. Here are some example projects.
Study with the celedons. Hang out with those cool stone statues! Learn Azlant, and gain a +2 competence bonus to Knowledge (history) checks about Azlant and be able to make such checks untrained.
Practice a trade. Earn one free rank in a Craft or Profession skill by working with an expert colonist.
Craft some things. Normal rules for this.
Building improvements. No specific check for this, but add upgrades to your home or a public building.[/b]
Pitch me something else!
A supply ship arrives during this time, and you can both sell your stuff and buy whatever you'd like.
Joli says to Eliza quietly as her extradition to Andoran is confirmed, "I hope you'll think upon me as one among many who care. I'm sorry for the troubles you've faced, and pray you'll find some peace within." He readies himself for a mental assault or spit aimed at his face. His response is measured kindness.
In the ensuing weeks, Joli spends time working alongside Gaege Murani, learning carpentry and the finer points of woodcarving. He puts some effort into whittling whistle sticks in homage to Jalaijatali. He offers his first product to Purpose as a gift.
He helps the priests monitor the village for signs of enchantment, offering daily to sing a song to Jalaijatali, to keep their spirits up and clear. In this way he gets to know each of the settlers, gaining what insight he can into their stories and motives.
Silt works on kelp farming, teaching any willing villagers how to cultivate bounty from the ocean, showing them that the farm helps keep the coast clean and provides a place for fish and shellfish to thrive. He hopes to show them that they (and the island) can subsist healthily off the ocean in more ways than traditional fishing, farming, and ranching.
He also keeps training Karl, eventually using his newfound skills direct him below the farmlands. The confusing maze of Karl's new playground aerates the soil and provides valuable nutrients to the young crops.
The tubers, boiled a kelp broth with some ginger and garlic, are delicious; rass-berries are seen nowhere.
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Tired of never knowing what the heck anyone is saying, Toby follows Cedar to the celedons. Though he often finds his attention wandering out to the nearby sea, Cedar's presence stops him from giving up entirely, and he manages to pick up a bit of badly-accented Azlanti.
When he's not studying weird words, he continues to hang around the blacksmith shop, asking questions and watching Luetin work 'til finally the man gives in and agrees to let Toby work as a part-time apprentice. It's hard work, but hard work's not so bad when it's interesting, and hey, at least he never has to haul water in for the quench bucket.
Whatever time he has left between studying and smithying, Toby spends exploring the cove, swimming and diving, looking for new types of sea life to marvel at, and generally frolicking in the water.
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In the ensuing weeks, Cedar spends much of his time helping to establish the pub, not only in the design and layout, but also by volunteering his own elbow grease to get the work done. With occasional help from an earth elemental or two. One important task still remains though: deciding on a name for the place. He brings it up to the Oathsworn one evening over dinner and asks for suggestions.
He also enjoys walking with Toby to the celedons and learning to speak Azlanti, although he isn’t sure if he’ll ever be able to summon something that speaks the language.
One afternoon on their way to the celedons, Cedar says to Toby:
“You were right to stay away from all that business. Preserve your innocence and everything. It was terrible what they did, but I guess it wasn’t entirely their fault. They were under an evil influence, some power greater than theirs. There are such things in this world. Calling out to people.” He swats away a fly. Cicadas chirp in the deep forest.
“We should think about what we’d do if it happens to us. You’d probably blow me right up. Ka-pow! An oath will not be enough to stop us from turning against each other, if this thing is as powerful as it seems... But if you kill me, you know, you won’t be able to see Mitzi again.” He laughs in an attempt to lighten the reality of the situation.
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The supply shop arrives, bring several scrolls of remove disease requested by the clerics, though Eliza is placed in the brig untreated. Ramona seems a little embarrassed. "You might think me heartless, but she'll be more compliant if she needs the crew to survive. She'll get treated on the mainland; I'll make sure of it."
The clerics are able to remove the condition from Rayland, and the man finally walks in the sun for the first time in months. He seems to have found some peace of mind, though he is still physically showing the signs of his extended captivity. He is more than happy to serve under Ramona, and he takes up a berth in the barracks.
The next time Silas manifests, Father Eamon calls Rayland over. At the sign of the man, the poltergeist goes on a rampage. Every piece of furniture in the church goes flying and the entire town can hear the screams.
"RAAAAAAAAYLAAAAAAAAAND! WHY DID YOU KILL ME????????"
Rayland, miraculously unharmed by flying pews, kneels in front of the altar. He speaks quietly.
"It was my blade that killed you, Silas, but not by my will or my mind. I could never have betrayed my dearest friend. Please, rest a little easier knowing that."
The furniture pauses in the air a moment, then crashes to the ground. The church is silent. An aura of peace starts to grow within the building, even spreading outside.
Silas does not manifest again.
The priests begin holding services in the church again, signalling a return to something like normalcy. Weeks go by with no disturbances or oddities, and residents start to relax, still working hard to get the colony back in shape.
After about six weeks of calm, Ramona calls you in. Carver Hastings is there as well.
"Hello, my troubleshooters! Our dear guard Carver here was hiding a bit of a secret. It turns out that he is actually a member of the Pathfinder Society!"
Carver gives you all a wink when Ramona isn't looking.
"I’m sorry to have deceived you, but the state of affairs within the Pathfinder Society isn’t conducive to an open operation in Azlant, of all places. When I first heard that a ship was bound for these islands, I knew that the Society needed a presence on here. But that brings me to why I wanted to talk to you. I am not the first Pathfinder to set foot on Ancorato. That, my friends, would be the legendary explorer Durvin Gest.”
Ramona continues. "I know that you've been asking to explore Ancorato and the surrounding islands a bit, and this is the perfect opportunity. Carver has identified several potential historical locations based on Pathfinder Chronicles written by Gest. Now I do want to be clear. While you're checking out these sites, I want you to also be doing work on behalf of the colony. Things like locating a quarry of stone suitable for construction of larger buildings, prospecting for precious metals or ore that could expand the settlement’s trade arrangements, flagging forests to establish lumber camps, and discovering whether there are any peaceful indigenous inhabitants—and if so, opening diplomatic relations with them. Scouts have spotted aquatic humanoids just up the coast to the west of Talmandor’s Bounty, and the scouts actually said that they look a lot like you, Sil'tchaak! Lyra and Perrell should do some of this, but I've already got both of them buried with work."
Carver adds, "There are five sites I'd like to have you explore. There's an abandoned Ulfen settlement on the east coast, a cave behind a waterfall on the northeast side of the island, a sunken laboratory long swallowed by the earth, a crystal monument on a small island northwest of Ancorato, and an ancient observatory located somewhere in the mountains. I've marked their approximate locations on this map."
Ramona continues, "Now, I'm sure you have lots of questions for Carver, and I have a lot of work to do. Just let me know where you're going, and check back in here periodically, to make sure things are still quiet. Good luck!"
Excitement takes over Joli's face as Ramona and Carver speak. He turns to Cedar. "Did you know Ancorato was filled with so many wonders before you joined the expedition? Silt, do your people all love tubers and hate rassberries as much as you? How do you think they'll react to us?"
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We are not an insane. None will eat the rass-berry. To my knowing, I am the first to have suffered this. He licks his lips. Tubers are table-treasures for all.
"Exploring this town was fun, in a creepy kinda way. Let's go explore another one!"
"Laboratory. Observatory. Crystal monument. My priorities. We may encounter the locathah on the way to the monument. Efficient route. Potential allies against rearers of invisible worms. If not, a nonaggression pact would be beneficial."
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"Purpose, it's like you read my mind! It's important for us to make friends and see what they might know of the other people of these lands and waters!"
He smiles and continues. "Also, Jalaijatali's taught me a song that'll help you swim. Want to try it out?"
Joli tugs on Purpose, leading him to the shoreline. He then sings a watery ditty, whereupon a stream of water appears under Purpose' feet, causing him to slide into the water.
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”So many places to explore! I can’t believe the Ulfens made it all the way here. That’s nuts. And a sunken laboratory?! What’s that about? I’d love to meet more locathah, of course, but there’s only room in my heart for one Silt,” Cedar says, clapping Silt on the back, and then wiping his hand off on his pants.
”Carver, do you have any more details on these places? Can we read the chronicles from this Gest guy? How can we choose where to start? I hate choosing! Someone else decide!”
"It might sounds crazy that Ulfens were here, but it seems to be true! Named “Joskadalr” in volume 1 of the Pathfinder Chronicles, this lost Ulfen camp allegedly exists on the east coast of Ancorato, hidden from view of the ocean by its placement in a rocky cove. Durvin’s account of the settlement claims it has an “unsettling presence” and that he did preliminary investigations but did not stay long. Ive got it narrowed down a to an 8-mile stretch of coast."
"Durvin’s account of the waterfall cave speaks of unusual etchings and murals that may have been an archaeological excavation by the Azlanti themselves, potentially of an even older civilization dating back to the beginning of the Age of Legend or perhaps further. It should be on the far northeastern side of Ancorato in the foothills."
"The fabled site of the sunken laboratory is where Durvin Gest claims to have discovered ancient Azlanti technology that led to the creation of wayfinders. Durvin’s journals claim that he was never able to fully explore the ruin due to a puzzling series of locking mechanisms and the presence of dangerous undead. I believe this site could hold invaluable information to the Society regarding the nature of ioun stones and how they were used in ancient Azlant."
"While Durvin did not personally explore the crystal monument, in volume 1 of the Pathfinder Chronicles he describes seeing a massive azurite monolith etched with strange runes rising up from a forest-covered island off Ancorato’s northwest coast. An approaching storm prevented Durvin from exploring the island, and I'd like a detailed account of what lies there."
"Somewhere in the mountains of Ancorato, Durvin Gest became lost during his expedition and stumbled upon an ancient tower that contained a trove of Azlanti writing, star charts etched into the walls, and a still-functional orrery used to chart the movement of the planets. Durvin was driven from the observatory by packs of creatures I believe were aberrations called chokers. Unfortunately, I don't know exactly where this observatory is—or even if it still stands after so many centuries. Please find out if it still exists and what lies inside."
Flashback
One evening while Rayland and Eliza are still enthralled, Joli walks along the shoreline singing of salt and foam. He happens upon Cedar as the larger man gazes out over the moonlit waters. "Cedar, good evening to you!"
Present
Joli listens with some awe as Carver orates. "Those sound like fantastic places. But really I think we should focus on securing allies and hearing their stories first. But I guess we're agreed on that, no?"
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Silt agrees with Joli. Locathah are strong friends, trusty as tide.
He gazes out across the weird labyrinth of baby rass-berries, to the field where Dulin Levin turns the soil, occasionally pausing to glance fretfully around for Karl.
Sometimes, shy. Not for talking. Not elephant like Silt.
He makes ready to go. He stuffs his sack full of potatoes, yams, and beet — offerings for new friends.
----
Early the next morning he visits the kelp farm. The black waters wait for the sunrise, and there are no villagers at work yet. Later, he knows they will be pulling rope up from the deep, cutting the green tendrils off, and drying them in the sun. Others will be diving for urchins and perhaps even spearing a few of the fish who've come to shelter in the modest underwater forest. Someday it will be bountiful indeed.
He sits with Llyu-Llyu in the surf and meditates, feeling the ocean slowly eating the beach.
He then swims with her in the water, and says goodbye — Llyu-Llyu has grown significantly over the last few weeks and barely fits under his hat. Silt willl come back soon! Thank you for watching our farm: play, protect, grow! They play a game of coral-catch under the waves, trying with fin, nose, and shell to keep a round chunk of bright coral from inevitably sinking to the the murky bottom.
Later, over pungent morning tea he asks Purpose:
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All is going well for Cedar working on the pub and learning Azlanti. And then one night:
Daughter
Cedar wakes with a start. The window by his hammock is open and a breeze rolls in off the ocean. Moonlight sparkles on the low rolling waves. The scene is serene but Cedar feels exposed and vulnerable. He doesn’t remember falling asleep with the window open. Crickets chirp. Night birds sing. But something else is calling too, somewhere outside, luring.
Cedar reaches out, farther than he’d like to have to, and pulls the window shut. A scent lingers in the air, one he cannot place but deeply familiar, maternal even, if a scent could be described as such.
For a long time Cedar sways in his hammock, his blankets pulled tight to fend off the chill. He doesn’t dare close his eyes, but he doesn’t dare look out the window either. Eventually the sun rises.
The next day he sharpens his nails and begins digging a pit trap under his window.
To Joli he says:
”I don’t know what to do.”
+5 HP
+1 DEX (14)
1 + 4 skill points
+1 Bluff
+1 Diplomacy
+1 Perception
+1 Sense Motive
+1 Spellcraft
+1 Will saves
+1 BAB
+1 DEX = +1 Init
+2 second level spell known/day
New ability: Shielded Meld (EX)
Hakkuho
+6 HP
New: Jet special ability
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The moon rests high in the night sky. Scattered stars attend it, waiting, anxious, for it to begin its slow plummet towards the sea.
Purpose Creche, coatless and cross-legged, is nestled into the thatch at the edge of his home’s roof. His thin shadow stretches behind him. His hands are cupped in his lap, the prayerbook, iron strap, and weathered splinter resting in his gentle, fern-like grip.
He is elsewhere, treading the spiral path of his mind. Ash falls lightly around him, behind him whorling into constellations that quickly scatter off the pitted iron road. The horizon stretches ahead, unmoving despite the wyrwood’s steady pace and innumerable steps.
More questions in the tower. Signs of artificial geniture. Nothing concrete.
Lost patience. Potential endangerment. Potential fault.
Potential priorities. Geniture. Altered lineage. Companions. Colony. What order?
Ash collects in the crook of his neck. It flickers, turned to embers by invisible breath; around Purpose Creche, motes of ruddy light flash and fade.
Clouded minds and tenuous settlement. Unknown threats. It is clear.
Thin fingers curl around the holy symbol hanging from his neck. Lady of Mysteries, Mother of Souls. I cannot be mother and midwife to my own people if I cannot safeguard a community. Guide me. Some time else I will find my place in your order. Build a new one for my others. Here and now, Ancorato holds other souls to rear.
Sensing new conviction, the greater fabric of the endless path shifts. A strand of lightning arcs from beneath Purpose Creche’s feat to weave around his waist; further arcs crackle between it and the iron expanse, twisting into a sarong. Intricate fractals, oak leaves of rust, coat his eyeband, and he can now see simulacrums of himself stretching infinitely fore and back along his mental road.
His awareness shifts, advances by one Purpose Creche; an old him behind, a new him in front. Another shift, then another, faster and faster until the scene fades in a rush of pale wood, dull iron, and blowing ash.
Sea breeze ruffles the thatch around him, bringing the sound of footsteps. When he moves to replace his progenitor’s eyeband, a tiny blue spark closes the gap between the object and his finger.
”Good evening, Joli. I think I’ve reached an understanding. Would you like to hear it?”
Once Eliza is sent away and Rayland enters s healthy routine, Purpose Creche travels with Cedar and Toby to learn from the celedons. He listens intently to their lessons on Azlanti language, enjoying—if he can be said to experience such a thing—their native speaker’s take on grammar and meaning. He asks pointed questions at the barest insinuation of pre-Earthfall Azlanti life, absorbing everything they reveal. He does his best to to help his companions understand and practice their language skills on the walks to and from Talmandor’s Bounty.
Over the ensuing weeks, he works at least an hour each day to improve his woodworking skills. He spends most of his shop time at the lathe, working the pedal as he showers Joli and Gaege with woodchips. He turns dozens and dozens of cones, which he then carves into rough approximations of his own head, ”To help keep watch.”
He fastens them to the eaves of a different roof each night, until every building in the colony has tiny wyrwood heads nestled amongst their thatch.
Amidst the general bustle and effort of colony life, there is one week where Purpose Creche hardly appears on the streets of Talmandor’s Bounty. His disappearance his prefaced by at trip to the seashore, where he gathers many strands of drying kelp, and one to the woodshop, where he takes a saw to a salvaged trident and a tiny silver ring.
He installs himself atop the Oathsworn’s home, where he lays out the liberated trident head, two perfect ring halves, and kelp strands. He asks Joli to come by now and then, to bless him with the Rillsong.
He sits cross-legged between these components and spreads his arms wide. Over hours and hours, he directs the pieces in slow procession: kelp slither and twines into long braids; the trident’s tines twist, curl in on themselves; the shining arcs of the parted ring march their way up kelp and ensconce themselves at the center of the braid.
At the end, he has completed works.
Toby’s belt is woven around a “buckle” made from the trident’s curled tines, twisted into a stylized wave. He hangs it over the headboard of Toby’s bed, so that he might find it when he awakes.
The two headbands are tightly woven kelp, the glittering ring placed to rest on the wearers’ foreheads. The day he finishes, he invites Joli up onto the roof, where the light wind plays its melody upon the whistle stick gifted to him earlier. He holds a headband in each hand, offering one to his friend. ”To better understand the Rillsong.” He dons his own. ”To better hear and consider it.” The ring halves glitter in the sunlight.
~~~~~~
With his pressing work dealt with, Purpose Creche spends the next few weeks on other tasks.
Propelled by Joli’s help, he swims with the others. He explores the kelp farm and tidal ecosystem, slowly parsing and growing familiar with the sensation of weightlessness and agility the grippli’s magic grants him.
He continues his woodworking, helps Silt farm and train Karl, moves barrels and tidies up in the new tavern, and does his best to be personable and visible in the colony.
Before one morning’s work, he sits with Silt while the locathah drinks his tea.
”We have been very productive. Talmandor’s Bounty may live up to its.”
The wyrwood stops. He buzzes out a stream of discordant syllables.
”Home. Claw. Stream. Bloom. Name. May live up to its name.”
~~~~~~
Ability score increase!: +1 Dex (16)
FCB: 1 hp
Languages: Aklo, Aquan, Azlanti, Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Gnome
HP: 37 (4d8[8+5+5+5]+10small construct+4FCB)
BAB: +3
Skills:
Knowledge (Arcana) +1 rank (4 total)
Knowledge (History) +1 rank (2 total)
Knowledge (Local) +1 rank (1 total)
Knowledge (Religion) +1 rank (4 total)
Linguistics +1 rank (3 total)
Perception +1 rank (4 total)
Spellcraft +1 rank (4 total)
Use Magic Device +1 rank (3 total)
Bonus: Craft (Woodworking) 1
Saves: Fort +4 Ref +1 Will +4
Occultist class features: shift focus, 2nd level spells
Spells: see invisibility, defensive shock, enter image
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Celedon lessons
Joli songs the words to himself, outpacing his friends with diction if not vocabulary or grammar. "It’s funny how many words there are ithat are similar to Polyglot and even Taldan. It reminds me of the calls of cranes as they alert each other to the presence of gators. Purposeful, clear, with a note of anxiety in every phrase. Pray tell though, celedon teachers, what curse words do you know? Surely there were Azlanti sailors."
Woodworking
Joli marvels at Purpose’s quicker grasp of woodworking techniques, quickly taking on the role of aid. To the rather formal head carvings he adds some expressive curves. "These represent the kindness you bring to your dealings with others. For soul and emotion are not just what you have inside, but also what you spark in others."
The Call
Joli looks quizzically upon Cedar. "I’ve heard es of a swamp bag residing in the Sodden Lands. To have such.a mother... You do not seem in any way like the tales. Tell me if this call. Is it compelling in the manner of Rayland’s captor?" Joli puts a hand on his big friend’s shoulder, all sympathy.
The Gift
Joli takes the treated kelp headband with care, marveling at the tailoring Purpose was able to do for his flat, earless head. "This is wonderful, Purpose. I love how you’ve made it complement my hat. It will be even more comfortable for Iggi underneath. I am so thankful to you!"
Woodworking
Purpose Creche turns Joli's embellished carving over in his hand. "I have neither soul nor emotion. That is not what wyrwood are. But I am glad if I inspire them in others."
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The Call
Cedar is taken aback. ”Like Rayland’s? Why would it be like Rayland’s? That was some ancient evils No, this is like when you have a bad mom and you know she’s bad but you still love her somehow. And she wants you to do something, but you know it’s wrong, and she’ll give you chocolates and cakes to make you do it, but you don’t fall for it because you know it’s a trick and something horrible will happen to you if you do. But she won’t stop because she thinks it’s what’s best for you so she keeps trying and trying. That’s what this is like. It’s nothing like Rayland’s.”
[b]”I thought I could out smart her by moving here. But somehow she found me. She’s always calling and will never stop until I give in. What can I do?”
Silt will spend a half-day scouting the island from the air — perhaps doing a loop from the aquatic humanoids, to the ulfen settlement, to the sunken lab and back.
WHHHUUAAAARRRRKKKKPHHHH
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Woodworking
Joli opens his mouth to speak in response, only to close it again. It's not for me to say whether he has a soul. Nor for him either, in truth. He has a song in this world. That's all I need to know.
He takes off his tricorne and invites Iggi on to his arm. "My clan believes there is spirit and song in all things. The wood that gives a ship form. The stones that men turn to mortar. I do not know if you have a soul, but you have melody and harmony. That's all I need to know!" He puts the headband upon his head, lifts Iggi up, and returns the octopus' shelter to his pate.
The Call
Seagulls cry and the surf pounds as Cedar speaks of his plight. Joli puts a steadying hand on the changeling's leg and ponders. "You can add your song to mine and those of our friends. Tell us when she calls — what she calls you to do. We'll craft a song in response of the Cedar we know. The true self you know yourself to be."
"For the current follows its own course. No riverbed can force its flow for long."
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Toby is delighted when he wakes to find the belt Purpose has crafted for him. He quickly seeks out the wyrwood to thank him for the gift. So cool! I wonder what I can do to thank him?
When he finds Purpose and Joli hard at work at the carved likenesses and learns what they are for, he gets an idea. He heads to the smith, where he's been spending much of his time learning the craft from Luetin. Finding a short length of scrap iron, he gets to work hammering it into shape.
He returns to the woodshop, a triumphant look in his eye and an angled piece of iron held aloft. "Hey Purpose, can I see one of those cones for a minute?" Holding the wood up to the angled iron he slots the carving in, two holes in the base of the iron ready for nails to attach the pieces. The wings of what is now clearly a mounting bracket extend back, ready to nail on to the eaves of a house to hold the carving in place. "What do you think?"
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One sunny day, while Joli watches Purpose practice using his spell, Toby crouches on a low dune behind them. He carefully reaches out his hand, slowly and quietly so as not to draw attention, and squirts out a stream of water right behind Joli's feet. Rather than soaking in, this water seems to slip along the surface, working its way below the grippli's feet and making the ground exceedingly slick! When Joli takes a step to follow Purpose along the beach, his foot slips backwards and he nearly stumbles. Toby quickly ducks behind the dune, but his stifled giggles soon give him away, at which point he makes a funny face at Joli before running back up the hill to the house.
-----
FCB: 1 skill point
Languages: Common, Rougarou, Azlanti
HP: 44 (4d8[8+5+5+5]+20+1FCB)
BAB: +3
Skills:
+1 rank in Acrobatics
+1 rank in Disable Device
+1 rank in Stealth
Bonus: +1 rank in Profession (Blacksmith) from downtime
Saves: Fort +4 Ref +4 Will +1
Kineticist Utility Wild Talent: Slick
Purpose Creche holds up Toby's handiwork. "Better field of vision. Easy installation. Sound craftsmanship. Very well done."
He lowers the object slightly; a winged silhouette glides into view. "Do you think Silt's tastes change when he does. Will he find a form which appreciates raspberries."
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Cedar awakes one morning to find two items hanging from his hammock: a headband of kelp with mother of pearl accents, and a belt of stripped bark and fragments of discarded Karl exoskeleton.
If asked about them, Purpose Creche says: "Seashells for your laugh like crashing waves. Bark and armor for flexible agility. I have seen you training with Karl." He pauses. "They seem like appropriate associations. I am trying to be artistic like Joli."
The party can use the now-repaired canoe found at the start of the adventure, unless you'd like to use another method of travel.
You head in the general direction of the reports, and before too long, you stumble on what looks like a small camp on the shores.
A small hunting camp rises from the coastal shallows of Ancorato. The camp primarily comprises driftwood frames draped with mesh netting upon which fish and masses of seaweed drip-dry. Other racks hold gutted fish that hang over the open water.
Several creatures who look much like Silt turn to look at your approach and one waves you down.