Despite not being able to understand Lohad’s words, Hinagiku could tell that the woman was at her limit. Having already connected her to as much positive threads of ley as she could, there was not much else she could do except lay a calm hand on her shoulder and try to fasten the song process. Hinagiku had told the others what each of the murals represented in hopes that they would be able to think through what they represented, they were the bright and quick witted ones after all. But, Li’an’s call made it clear that this was not sufficient. And so, without much other recourse, Hinagiku makes her choice based not on her intellectual understanding of them, but of the feeling they evoked.
”The first one there could be Nurturing, the second Radian, the third and fourth by the hole could be Celestical and Harmony” the monk says,pointing to each in turn.
Ehren looks at the other murals as Hinagiku points at them, impressed by the certainty with which she ascribed their corresponding songs. The timeworn images were beautiful, but he is not so sure he can make a guess by feeling alone. Left with only two more murals and songs, however, he liked his odds.
"I suppose that one could be Transformative," he suggests uncertainly, pointing at the purple mural. Looking at it now, he could not believe how hard of a time he had perceiving the image. He then turns to the final image, wondering who it is these images depict, if they were indeed one person at all. "Which would make this Eternal."
"Do you two think you could try playing the song together in that order?" she says to Unafe and Myrna, pointing to the murals one at a time in what they surmised was the final order. "Hopefully the image is listening, since it seems to be triggered by sound. If that doesn't work we'll try to figure out this instrument."
Myrna frowns, wincing in pain as the trap screams magically into their ears. Even with Li'an's protection, the trap was still managing to harm them. She stood around with her compatriots while they shouted over the piercing screech. "I don't believe this will work if we don't play it the way it was intended to be played," she cries, her voice amplified by the clarion call spell she cast, moments before. "Do you all mind if we walk into the hallway to discuss our plan? This magical trap is giving me a headache."
Unafe looks at her Sarkorian sister. "I want to get this done quickly if we can, but I believe Hinagiku, Ehren, and Li'an have determined the order. Li'an, will you point to the next color in line, as we go? Then Myrna and I can trade off as needed.
"I'll start us off."
Unafe starts singing the Red section, and then–at the angelic wizard's direction–sings Pink and Blue, before pausing for Myrna.
As Unafe begins to sing, the winged guardian at the center of the room loosens its grip on its head, and its grimace softens into an expression of relief. With wide eyes, it watches Unafe and reaches for its strange, alien string instrument. It begins to play along with her, matching her voice note for note with great dexterity.
Unafe's voice is like magic, filling the chamber with ethereal beauty and wonder. The guardian's playing adds another layer to the song, making it more hauntingly beautiful and otherworldly.
Meanwhile, Lohad kneels down beside Pagbean and whispers something in his ear, making his face light up with excitement. He eagerly reaches into his backpack and pulls out a large sack covered in red dust, carefully unraveling it.
Lohad fumbles blindly for the opening of the bag, her fingers searching over the rough fabric until she finally grasps the edges and feels her way to the opening. She deftly slips her pistols inside.
But their task is momentarily forgotten as the music fills the room. Captivated by the melody, both Pagbean and Lohad turn to watch the winged guardian join in, playing its strange alien string instrument in harmony with Unafe's voice.
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Myrna jumps a bit when Unafe starts singing, realizing that she has only a few bars to organize her thoughts, take in what Ehren and Hinagiku had revealed about the murals, and put the bars she knows in the right order. She watches Unafe carefully, not knowing exactly what the end of Unafe's piece might be like, but knowing approximately how long she would be singing... and takes over right at the moment Unafe stops.
Unfamiliarity with the words causes Myrna to vocalize "aah"s, but her voice is husky and beautiful. She faithfully recreates the music she studied, lending her full voice to the effort.
Unafe notices the slight hesitation as Myrna weaves from one section into another...but mostly just finds herself swept up in the alien beauty of the song, and in Myrna's great skill as a singer.
Truly she is a great skald, and an honor to her ancestors. Listen to the raw Passion and Truth that she brings to even such an alien song, and with so little time to practice!
She's so caught up that she hesitates a second (soaking in the music) when the time comes for her to start back up. Then, seeing Li'an nod at her, she sings what they hope is the final piece.
Pagbean and Lohad are not the only ones to be entranced by the music. As Unafe’s voice echoes through the chamber, Hinagiku can sense movement in the ley, tension and release of the different threads as a cosmic harp was being played. A song for the Song of the Spheres, so beautiful, so grateful. Following the threads, Hinagiku’s eyes fall upon Unafe and the others standing at the centre. Even if none of them were followers of Desna, she can feel the reverence in the song, after all respect was due to a deity who brought about joy and peace to so many’s heart. And so, Hinagiku slowly joins in, humming softly and walking to the centre where her voice can join that of her companions.
Contingency:
Actions
Swift:
Move:
Free:
Standard:
Full round action:
Defense
**+3 dodge AC vs first attack at her, she gets AoO if foe misses.
AC:
uncanny dodge
Touch:
FF:
CMD:
CMD-FF:
175/175 hp
0/40 delayed damage pool (working the opposite way from HPs)
Offense
Reach: 5 (10 for AoO)
Precogniscient smite: +3 insight hit/dg
Points
6/19 ki (spell points)
9/11 mythic
1/1 m.foc.
4/4 AoO
Others
Senses: 35’ blindsight, blindfolded oracle, battlefield sense, .
Immaculate hands (2 essence) (mercy: fatigued)
-Hinagiku x1
-Ganymede x5
-Lohad x5
Li'an floats silently next to Unafe and Myrna as the room resets and the song begins anew. This time, however, Unafe's intercession changes the mood in the room entirely, the painful screeching replaced by Unafe's voice and shortly thereafter, the accompaniment of the alien in the center of the room. Somehow within the chamber the music becomes more than the sum of its parts, and moments later she finds herself caught up in the experience along with Hinagiku and their two new companions.
She begins to sing quietly along with the music, dancing as she does, recalling how she'd danced reciting the stars with Valaria back in Neatholm. Unlike then, when she'd simply had to allow the Song of Spheres to guide her steps at random, she now could innately sense the positions of all the celestial bodies. Out here on the comet they seemed to loom closer than she'd felt them at any time since she'd been returned to her body. Spinning slowly amidst her friends she points to and recites the names of the bodies in harmony and time with the music, doing her best to direct Unafe and Myrna as to the correct order of the pieces as she does.
Myrna and Unafe's voices entwine in a spellbinding melody that reverberates through the vast temple, enveloping everything within its reach. Hinagiku and Li'an join in, their voices blending with the tune, creating a divine harmony that seems to transcend time itself. The Guardian at the center of the temple continues playing its musical instrument, and the sound it produces is both ethereal and powerful, filling the air with a sense of peace and tranquility.
As the last note of the song lingers in the air, the Guardian gracefully puts down its instrument, causing it to vanish into thin air. The heroes watch as the Guardian's golden wings flutter slowly behind it, and its large, opaque black eyes gaze down at them with a piercing intensity.
"Thank you, kind strangers," the Guardian says, its voice emanating a calming energy that seems to wash over the heroes. They can understand its words perfectly, even though it clearly isn't speaking Common.
"The damage to the temple has become extensive, and I cannot properly boot up without starting the day with the Hymn of the Seven Songs. I am sorry for any discomfort I may have caused you," the Guardian explains, its tone filled with regret. "I am the Voice of the Seven Songs. You are... not Sarcesian. Who are you? Have you come to pray to the Seven Songs? It has been so long since there have been prayers to Her in our temple..." it trails off, its voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
"Oh! I am sorry. Some of you are hurt," says the Voice of the Seven Songs, suddenly noticing the wounds on the heroes. "Please, help yourself to healing magic." It gestures with one hand, and a small compartment opens at the base of where it stands. A drawer automatically shoots out, and with it, a large cloud of dust.
The heroes can see several scrolls inside, each one exquisitely adorned with intricate symbols and glyphs. The air around the scrolls shimmers with a faint golden light, and the heroes can feel a warm energy emanating from them.
"Take them," the Voice of the Seven Songs urges. "They are a gift from the Seven Songs herself. They will heal your wounds with her divine energy."
Endure Elements - there are 4 of these scrolls total.
Cure Light Wounds - there are 2 of these scrolls total.
Remove Disease
Lesser Restoration - there are 5 of these scrolls total.
Remove Curse
Heal
Life Bubble
The experience as they perform the song is transcendental, and while caught up in the moment, her thoughts drift to Valaria and Isilme, both of whom would have been better suited to honor Desna in this place. Perhaps one day, somehow, she could bring them here to experience this temple. She didn't doubt for a moment that they would both treasure the experience.
Li'an is amazed when the guardian in the center of the room awakens at its conclusion. Somehow whatever it was, it was bound here and unable to collect its senses without having music played within the temple chambers. "Thank you for the healing, we will put it to good use," Li'an says, moving up and collecting the scrolls to study them once they are done with the being.
Floating up higher to come eye-to-eye with the large being, she addresses it respectfully, answering its questions. "I follow the North Star, Pulura, today, but grew up with the Song of Spheres and recalled the Hymn of the Seven Songs from my childhood as we passed through here. I could not help but see in it divine providence that the Song of Spheres would show up here in this remote place with a temple dedicated to a hymn I knew as a child on Golarion. Lady Starsong must have guided our steps here. Of course, without my friends here I never could have pieced together the song that awoke you, so you have them to thank for it." She gestures to everyone in turn, but especially to Myrna and Unafe, whose ability to learn the alien music and perform it had enabled this, and who had indulged her desire to try to awaken this place.
"We are here aiding our friend Unafe in fulfilling Goryon's wish that we rescue their friend, Sara," she says, pointing out Unafe. "Your people died some time ago, and this land is being assaulted by the forces of the Elemental Lord of Water, Kelizandri. We were trying to find our way through the city, both to do as I mentioned originally, and to rescue Lady Zhaleh, who sought to protect the nereids that had taken up residence here peacefully in the aftermath of the passing of your people. Is there anything you know or any way that could help us in our mission? And is there anything we could do for you in return?"
Before speaking to the Guardian, Unafe asks inwardly, Goryon, ydych chi erioed wedi dod ar draws y Gwarcheidwad hwn o'r blaen? A oes unrhyw beth y gallaf ei rannu–am Sara a’i lleoliad, neu am eich amser gorffennol yma–a allai ei berswadio i’n helpu, efallai gyda gwybodaeth neu adnoddau?
”Mrs. Voice of the Seven Songs, it is an honour to meet you.” Hinagiku says, ignoring the mention of booting which she did not understand at all. She gives a short nod of acknowledgement when Li’an mentions everyone’s help. ”I am not a follower of the Song either, but I pay my respect to all deities who look on people with compassion. It was an honour to sing this song and bring back life into this temple.” Hinagiku listens as Li’an exposes their quest here and comes to add some more details to her companion’s story.
”Yes, we are trying to rescue Lady Zhaleh since she has been taken prisoner from trying to free her people from the same elemental lord that caused yours to pass. I am sorry for this.” Hinagiku marks a pause here, in respect for the dead. ”Mr. Ganymede here is one of her followers.” Hinagiku continues motioning toward the Nereid. She continues nodding along as Li’an suggest the Voice might help them and then, seeing how open ended her companion’s suggestion is, tries making it more inviting and concrete. ”This must be all very difficult to hear… you are welcome to join us if you want, even come back to our homes with us. I am sure many faithful of the Song of Spheres would be glad to awake you each morning with a song. Though, I know how important shrines are and leaving this one might not be wise or respectful.But, maybe this one here will not see many or any more travelers with the elemental lord and his servitor ruling over it.”
Contingency:
Actions
Swift:
Move: move
Free:
Standard: inspect + jump
Full round action:
Defense
**+3 dodge AC vs first attack at her, she gets AoO if foe misses.
AC:
uncanny dodge
Touch:
FF:
CMD:
CMD-FF:
175/175 hp
0/40 delayed damage pool (working the opposite way from HPs)
Offense
Reach: 5 (10 for AoO)
Precogniscient smite: +3 insight hit/dg
Points
6/19 ki (spell points)
9/11 mythic
1/1 m.foc.
4/4 AoO
Others
Senses: 35’ blindsight, blindfolded oracle, battlefield sense, .
Immaculate hands (2 essence) (mercy: fatigued)
-Hinagiku x1
-Ganymede x5
-Lohad x5
As Li'an brings up the tragic history of the sarcesian people, the Voice of the Seven Songs nods slowly, its sorrowful expression casting shadows upon its features. "Yes, I remember," it says in a solemn tone, its voice laden with the weight of memories long past. "It was just under an orbit ago when Kelizandri's forces descended upon us. The marauders showed no mercy, indiscriminately slaughtering everyone in their path, young and old alike. They even butchered those who sought refuge in this very temple." The Voice pauses, visibly shaken by the recollection. "I watched in horror as my people perished before my very eyes. It was a dark day that will forever be etched in my memory."
The Voice of the Seven Songs lets out a heavy sigh, as if to expel the pain and grief that have accumulated within its being. "It is a pain that I carry with me to this day," it continues, "It seems that whoever lives in Callenkan now largely avoids the shrine, save for a group of mischievous veelas that like to cause trouble every now and then. They come up from the entrance to the monorail at the back of the shrine sometimes."
The Voice's expression turns serious. "They are elemental spirits given shape," it explains, "Capricious yet alluring, veelas revel in the unbridled energy of the elements from which they draw power. However, on other planes, they lose some measure of the elemental energy saturating their forms. To compensate for this, they can siphon vitality from other living beings by engaging them in their ancient dances."
The Voice's eyes narrow, as if remembering something unpleasant. "As these particular veelas follow Kelizandri, I would advise you to be careful," it warns, a note of concern creeping into its voice. The Voice pauses, considering Li'an's offer of assistance. "Would you be able to repair the systems that maintain myself and the shrine, perhaps? I fear that if there is much more deterioration to the shrine, I will eventually not awaken at all."
Unafe can feel Goryon mulling over Unafe's question about the temple and its inhabitant, sifting through her memories, but none of them provided any familiarity with the place or the creature. The alien city they found themselves in was vast, far surpassing the size of their own home in the Taranau Valley. Unafe can feel in her second heart that Goryon feels a curiosity regarding this temple but also that she knew that they had a pressing mission to accomplish, and wasting more time in the unfamiliar city was not an option. With a determined resolve to find Zhaleh, she voices her thoughts to Unafe, "Na, nid wyf wedi cael y pleser o ddod ar draws y deml hon na'i thrigolion yn fy nheithiau. Fodd bynnag, ni allwn fforddio aros yma mwyach. Gad inni barhau ar ein taith i leoli Zhaleh."
The Voice of the Seven Songs turns its gaze towards Hinagiku, its ethereal voice ringing out clear and true. It speaks with a warmth that fills the air around them.
"All are welcome in the temple of the Seven Songs," it says, its golden wings fluttering gently. "We believe that every being has the right to worship in their own way, according to their own beliefs. Our temple is a sanctuary of peace and acceptance, where all can find solace and comfort."
The Voice inclines its head, the intricate golden patterns of its wings shimmering in the light of Ehren's spell. "As sarcesians, we believe it is our duty to serve others," it says. "To assist those who are lost or in need. That is why I have chosen to remain here, in this temple. I will serve my goddess and anyone seeking sanctuary here for as long as I exist."
With a warm smile, the Voice continues, its eyes shining with a gentle light. "It brings me great joy to be of service," it says. "Perhaps, with enough time, more of my kin will return to Callenkan, and our temple will once again resound with the hymns of the Seven Songs."
Water veelas are an aquatic race of people, sort of like mermaids, but they have legs that allow them to walk on land. There are many fables and songs about their enchanting dances, that leave people feeling exhausted but overjoyed. They have been spotted in lakes, in the ocean, and in rivers.
You have read accounts of adventurers, perhaps Pathfinders or via some oral tradition, that warns that the seductive dances of veelas can be dangerous. Veelas hail from the Elemental Plane of Water, and are the most human-like of the elemental race. While most elementals are essentially their element given sentience and form, veelas have a distinct culture and society on the elemental planes. Water veelas are mostly known for their dances, and their ability to shroud themselves in ice and cold. They are completely impervious to the cold, and their icy shields can make it difficult to affect them with blasts of fire. Only adventurers with attuned, magical weapons should attempt to engage them in any sort of combat, though most veelas shy from confrontation and will attempt to flee at the first sign of aggression.
Water Veelas, like most denizens of the Plane of Water, speak Aquan, though they often learn the languages of local beings on the Material Plane when they cross over into it. They draw power from the Elemental Plane of Water, and when cut off from it for too long, they become weaker until they eventually die. To avoid this, they use their dances to drain life-force from sentient creatures.
Water Veelas are capable of a range of inherent magic. They can hydraulic push and resist cold, as well as cure serious wounds, make suggestions. They can also dispel magic and create cones of cold though for most water veelas, this requires significant effort on their parts to do so.
Myrna bows to the giant holographic woman, confused by some of the things that she's saying, but aware of the great significance of their ability to speak to her. That their haphazard song had managed to awaken this ancient guardian amazed her, but she knew they didn't have time to linger and investigate everything strange and wonderful about this place. She raises from her bow, looking at the creature in its eyes. "Thank you for your help, your advice about the veelas, and the scrolls you kept safe."
"I wish you luck with maintaining your temple, but we must be moving on. We have an urgent task, and we have no way home after we complete it, so we have a lot left to do."
The Voice of the Seven Songs meets Myrna's gaze. Its eyes seem to hold the secrets of the universe, as if it has seen the rise and fall of civilizations, and the ebb and flow of life itself. The Voice nods with understanding.
"Of course," the Voice says, its voice resonating with the power of the Seven Songs. "May the Seven Songs guide your steps and fill your heart with the sweet melodies of harmony and the joyous rhythms of life along your path."
Ehren remained silent during Unafe and Myrna's performance of the hymn, even as Hinagiku and Li'an joined in, less than confident in his own singing ability. He much preferred to be their captive audience, enthralled as they brought the haunting melody to life in an unconventional form. Its imperfections aside, the beautiful song puts the Guardian at ease.
However, as she explains the circumstances of her erratic behavior and the current state of the temple, Ehren feels another pang of sorrow. He does not exactly understand what she means by "booting up" or what the temple's systems are comprised of, but he comprehends the fact that the Voice's lucidity is only temporary - without a daily performance, she would be trapped in her previous state, doomed to eventually deteriorate into nothingness. Was that not a worse fate than death?
As Myrna pushes for everyone to move on, the druid steps forward to address the Sarcesian.
"I am sorry, but I fear the workings of this temple are beyond our ken," Ehren says regretfully, frustrated by the fact that there is something that their collective power could not do. He pauses for a moment, trying to think of an alternative. "As long as Kelizandri and his ilk hold this city, this temple will never be safe, not least in its current state. But where we come from, the followers of Mother Moon do not lay down roots. They are always on a journey, looking only to the stars for guidance. They do not wait for those in need to come to them - they seek them out. Is there no way to convey you from this place, to take you somewhere you might hear the Hymn without fail?"
"Voice, listen to my friend Ehren. There is a temple to many faiths back in our city Drezen on Golarion. Many of the Song of Spheres priestesses are there serving those in need every day. Come with us and I promise that we will seek to repair you and when we can repair the temple, we will return you here should that be your wish."
The Voice of the Seven Songs tilts its head slightly to the side, its piercing gaze fixed on Li'an as if searching for something within her. The being's voice echoes through the temple chamber with a firmness that demands attention. "The Song of the Spheres and the Seven Songs are not one and the same, so these statements you speak of are irrelevant to Her sacred teachings. I swore an oath to serve Her for the rest of my existence, and I will not betray it," it states, its tone unwavering. "The Seven Songs does not wander needlessly, as adherents of the Song of the Spheres tend to. But of course, travelers of all sorts are welcome to bask in the wisdom and harmony of the Seven Songs. I mean no disrespect to any worshippers of the Song of the Spheres. I believe there are a few wayshrines in Callenkan."
The Voice falls silent for a moment, flickering in and out of visibility. The room is quiet. Suddenly, the Voice begins to move, the gears in its mind moving as it considers the question at hand.
"It is unlikely that you would have the capability to dismantle the Temple for transport," it replies at last, its voice still and calm. "If you do not possess the skills and knowledge to repair this sacred place, then it would be a great risk to attempt to transport it."
"It is clear to me that you have much to learn of the Seven Songs. Would you like for me to perform a service for you? It has been very long, but I believe you would enjoy it. There is much singing and dancing, eating and drinking. It is a celebration of all life. We would learn, together, the teachings of each of the Seven Songs, and how they help us to understand the fundamental forces that govern all existence."
"Were the circumstances different, I would enjoy the opportunity, but our time is limited, and there is someone we must rescue. I will return one day to help restore your temple, however, I promise." With that she bows and then flies past the guardian to the passage down, past Lohad and Pagbean, then flies down the hole to find Ganymede.
"Not one and the same...?" Ehren repeats quietly, his brow furrowed in confusion. For one last time, he peers at the murals on the walls, nigh incomprehensible in their meaning. He had suspected they might be depictions of Desna herself, distinct from those on Golarion only because they were conceived by the culture of a world beyond their own. But if the Sarcesians explicitly worshiped the two separately, that could hardly be the case. Was he mistaken?
"Much to learn indeed. If only I had the time," the archdruid laments, shaking his head. Even if he had jumped to conclusions, he is glad that they were able to restore the sanctity of the temple, if only for a short time. It is not as though they are leaving empty-handed, in any case. "This is where we must part ways. I pray that one day, the Seven Songs will echo through Callenkan once more."
Ehren bows to the Voice of the Seven Songs respectfully before following Li'an, giving her time to reach the bottom before dropping down himself.
Unafe listens, feeling another wave of Goryon's grief inside her own heart, as the guardian describes the slaughter of the Sarcesians. Then she feels the wise elder's impatience rise when the guardian offers to lead a service.
"As my friends say, we are on an urgent mission to rescue one who has been asleep deep within this comet since long before the slaughter of the Sarcesians. One who is in grave danger, for the servants of Ayrzul are digging for as we speak.
"You have already been generous with your information and your scrolls. Before we go though, I beseech you: Knowing that we seek to go deep within the comet, first to free a good-hearted marid who opposes Kelizandri, and then to rescue Sara, before Ayrzul's army can reach her. If there's any additional aid you could give us before we travel on, I would be most grateful."
The Voice of the Seven Songs considers Unafe's request carefully, pausing for a few moments before speaking. Its serene voice fills the air once again, "I hope with all my heart that you and your companions will be successful in your quest to find the marid you seek and your Sara. I will pray to the Seven Songs for your success."
The Voice of the Seven Songs smiles warmly. "Have faith. And if you need shelter on your journey, you are always welcome to return to the Shrine of the Seven Songs. The doors will be open to you and your companions."
After listening to the Song of Sphere’s answer and theexchange between her allies andher, Hinagiku is left with but one thing to say: ”We will keep that in mind, thank you for your help.”
Following her companions, she makes her way to the hole. As she approaches it, directs her attention and non-visual senses to Lohad and Pagbean, curious as to their reaction to their reaction to the Song of Spheres and why they did not engage with it.
Afterward, she simply jumps behind Li’an.
Hinagiku turns and looks to see if Pagbean and Lohad are there, to see why they haven't said anything. But it seems they already jumped down the hole after Li'an did, so there isn't much for her to see.
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"Thank you, and may your temple soon get the care it deserves." Unafe smiles to the guardian. "I'd be happy to return, at a less urgent time, and learn more from you."
With that, Unafe leaps down the hole as well, and does her best to swim along right beside or behind Ganymede.
As she does, she translates for Goryon a summary of what's been said in Taldan.
The Voice of the Seven Songs utters a final farewell to the heroes as they leap into the dark hole in the temple floor, vanishing from sight in an instant. The hole seems to stretch on forever as they hurtle through the abyss, the only sound a rush of wind whipping past their ears. They brace themselves for impact, and just as one begins to fear the worst, they land with a resounding splash in a large pool of water.
The water is frigid, sending shivers down their spines as they gasp for air. They splash around for a few moments, getting their bearings and trying to adjust to the chill. Ehren's daylight spell illuminates the water with a warm glow, casting an otherworldly radiance that makes it easy for the heroes to see their surroundings.
Ganymede, who is invisible in the water, signals his presence by blowing a stream of bubbles. The bubbles rise upwards, shimmering in the light, and the heroes are able to follow their path to where Ganymede is waiting.
"Ამ გზით!" Ganymede says, speaking in Aquan, a language of clicks and chirps that is perfectly suited for speaking even underwater. He points to a narrow tunnel that slopes downward, blowing a long stream of bubbles to emphasize his point. "Ამ გზით!"
"This way!"
"Follow me!"
With that, he takes off, his lithe form slicing effortlessly through the water as he disappears into the tunnel's depths. Ehren, Li'an, and Hinagiku can sense him in the water, but the bubbles make it easy for the others to track his location.
Upon hitting the water, Li'an pulls out the scale of Terendelev she'd gotten so long ago. Isilme had told her it was completely inert for her, but she'd held onto it anyway. Somehow the thing had become attuned not to her body, but to her soul, and upon returning the scale had worked to allow her to change shape. Here in the water it would come in quite handy, allowing three of them to swim quickly for hopefully long enough to make it through the tunnels.
""Mən üçümüzə tez üzməyi bacara bilərəm", she says to the gnome and his four-armed friend, "Pagbean, Lohadı üzməyi bacarsam, Lohaddan asılmağa razı olarsan?"
"I can make Myrna and myself able to swim as well, if you're able to hang on to Ehren, Daisy. And you and Unafe can both adopt forms that swim effectively, right Ehren?" she asks, looking at Unafe and Ehren.
Once everyone agrees, she makes use of the scale to turn herself, Myrna and Lohad into merfolk, hopefully it would make the trip easier for them all.
Pagbean and Lohad are still concealed by their invisibility, but their advantage is less useful in the underwater environment. Their presence is easily given away by the water they displace as they move. Li'an approaches them, her movements fluid and graceful in the water.
Pagbean nods at Li'an, acknowledging her presence, and then turns to Lohad to translate. "Вона каже, що може зробити так, щоб ти міг плавати",Pagbean says to Lohad, whispering through message.
"She says she can make it so that you can swim,"
Lohad looks at Pagbean incredulously, bubbles escaping from her nose. "Вона каже, що можна зробити так, щоб ти міг плавати", she asks, her tone wary.
"What does she mean she can make me swim?"
"Я не знаю", Pagbean admits, "просто погодись".
"I don't know,"
"just go along with it."
Before Lohad can voice any more objections, Pagbean responds to Li'an. "Yaxşı, onda bunu et."
"Alright, then do it."
Once she finishes transforming the others, she changes herself into a merfolk and then begins to follow the others down into the tunnels.
Li'an carefully removes the glittering scale of Terendelev from her utility belt, the light from Ehren's spell casting a silvery reflection on her face. She approaches Lohad, her fingers caressing the scale's smooth surface. The gun-slinger watches apprehensively as Li'an touches the scale to her forehead. Suddenly, Lohad's body begins to shimmer and contort, causing her to let out a startled gasp.
As Lohad's body transforms, her limbs elongate and stretch into a sleek, supple form, with a lustrous red tail and shimmering scales that sparkle in the underwater light. With a newfound grace and fluidity, Lohad swims around in wonder, relishing the sensation of being a mermaid.
"Клянуся богами, це неймовірно",Lohad exclaims, her voice now a melodic, enchanting tone. «Я ніколи не міг мріяти про таке перетворення». She notices that Pagbean is struggling to keep up, and without hesitation, gestures to offer to carry him on her back.
"By the gods, this is incredible,"
"I never could have dreamed of such a transformation."
"Давай, скакай" Lohad grins, gesturing to her back. "Я буду твоїм особистим дельфіном на цей день."
"Come on, hop on,"
"I'll be your personal yunus for the day."
Pagbean, feeling grateful yet still a little self-conscious, chuckles and replies, «Ну, я сподівався покататися на єдинорозі, але візьму те, що зможу».
"Well, I was hoping for a ride on a yedynorih, but I'll take what I can get."
Li'an chuckles softly at Lohad's clear enjoyment of the form he took. When she uses the scale on herself, the effect oddly is somewhere between a mermaid and a salamander--perhaps due to her innate fire-aspected nature now--with the tail comprised of almost an ombre of red-orange wrapping around the back to a single streak of yellow scales down the front of it. Her upper form remains vaguely similar to Li'an's own, though much of the signs of her outsider nature is hidden away by the transmutation magic.
As Hinagiku hits the water, it feels as though taking off most of her clothes is finally meaningful. Her momentum drags her down into the water and so it takes her a few moments to surface back up; the monk had never been an amazing swimmer, but being able to control her body to the point that she could hold her breath for hours made any swim, however difficult, a relaxed affair.
”It would be …. help… full… ” Hinagiku replies, in the short intervals when she is resurfacing, to Li’an when she hears that she’ll be in someone’s tow.
4 rounds of staying put to get pulled and one readied action to grab unto Ehren.
Contingency:
Actions
Swift:
Move:
Free:
Standard:
Full round action:
Defense
**+3 dodge AC vs first attack at her, she gets AoO if foe misses.
AC:
uncanny dodge
Touch:
FF:
CMD:
CMD-FF:
175/175 hp
0/40 delayed damage pool (working the opposite way from HPs)
Offense
Reach: 5 (10 for AoO)
Precogniscient smite: +3 insight hit/dg
Points
6/19 ki (spell points)
9/11 mythic
1/1 m.foc.
4/4 AoO
Others
Senses: 35’ blindsight, blindfolded oracle, battlefield sense, .
Immaculate hands (2 essence) (mercy: fatigued)
-Hinagiku x1
-Ganymede x5
-Lohad x5
Ehren's hair and robes billow around him freely as he slowly plunges deeper into the water. While far from an exemplar of Kellid physicality, he is a competent enough swimmer, at least in these calm waters. If he is going to keep up with Ganymede, however, he would have to do better than that. Answering Li'an with a nod, the druid momentarily releases his sunlit quarterstaff and wills his form to change shape.
The druid's body goes translucent and loses all semblance of solidity, momentarily melting into its surroundings. But amid the still water, the amorphous form spirals into a rushing current that takes on a humanoid shape. Reaching out, Ehren grasps his staff once more before effortlessly gliding through the water, stopping at Hinagiku's side.
"Are you ready?" he asks, the form's normally gargling voice sounding much more pleasant when spoken underwater. He extends a hand to the monk, the currents rushing across his face contorting in a manner that might be a smile.
Unafe finds that the purple energy that Goryon has surrounded her with keeps her comfortable into the water as well.
Her childhood training, swimming in the rivers and lakes of the Taranau Valley–together with the saurian form the ancestors have blessed her with–make it easy for her to keep up with Ganymede. With a few strong strokes she stays beside him.
She turns to the nereid and says, "განიმედ, თუ საფრთხეს შევხვდებით, გთხოვთ, თავი შეიკავოთ. შემიძლია ჩაერთოს." ...and as she speaks the (still unfamiliar) language, she wonders to herself how the words feel so right underwater.
Myrna accepts Li'an's transformation with a silent nod, watching as her legs fuse together into a grey-black scaled tail, powerful but unassuming. Her horns melt away, as does her hair, leaving her scalp bare. Her ashen skin lightens to an electric blue. After examining herself for a few moments with pleasure, she looks around to see if anyone might need her help swimming. When she sees that everyone is taken care of, she takes off down the tunnels, following Ganymede and Li'an.
29. Unafe
19. Lohad
17. Veela #1
14. Li'an
14. Ganymede
13. Pagbean
9. Hinagiku
8. Myrna
7. Veela #2
5. Ehren
Unafe darts through the tight tunnel with lightning speed, effortlessly catching up to Ganymede with Myrna in tow. As they burst into the larger chamber, Ganymede pauses to let the others catch up, so Unafe takes in her surreal surroundings. The chamber is dark, but thanks to her goggles, she can see the area around her with a purplish tint.
But suddenly, Unafe's gaze fixes on something that causes her second heart to race. Two blue-skinned veelas are hidden amongst the kelp that lines the bottom of the chamber, their eyes locked on the intruders.
"Ansicr, dyna'r feelas y rhybuddiodd yr offeiriades ni amdanynt. Maen nhw'n frodor o'r წყლის თვითმფრინავი. Rhaid inni fod yn ofalus. Ni ddylid eu diystyru," says Goryon.
Surprise Round!
Unafe is up!
Li'an senses something's amiss as she sees Unafe hesitate for a moment. In that instant she releases the remaining magic in her heightened awareness spell to speed up her reaction so she can finish transforming Lohad before anything happens.
Unafe sees two veelas hiding in the kelp and her eyes go wide beneath the purple solid-light armor that Goryon summoned to keep her alive on this comet.
When Goryon reminds her that the Guardian warned they are the servants of Kelizandri, her eyes narrow and she nods. In one swift motion she grows to her full saurian size and strikes out at the nearer Veela, punching her in the jaw and then holding her under one arm.
She gives an urgent whisper: "Dau o weision Veela o Kelizandri. Rhaid inni sicrhau nad ydynt yn dianc a thynnu sylw eraill at ein presenoldeb."
Free: Berserk (-4 AC, +23 THP)
Free: -1T: enduring crit, -1T: vital tension
Swft: Grow to Huge
Stnd: Brutal Strike
Free: -2T: Grab
Unafe springs forward, her fist connecting with the veela's jaw with a sickening crack. As her fist connects with the veela's face, Unafe feels a sharp, icy pain shooting up her arm. The creature staggers back, slamming into a wall of kelp with a wet thud. Unafe seizes the opportunity, reaching out to snatch the dazed veela in a powerful grip. The creature writhes and struggles, but Unafe's iron grip holds her tight against her side.
The veela's companion cries out in Aquan, her voice ringing with melodic urgency. "ჩვენ თავდასხმის ქვეშ ვართ!" she warns. "შემოჭრილები შევიდნენ ჩვენს დომენში. ისინი უნდა ცდილობდნენ ჟალეში შეღწევას!" With a flick of her wrist, the veela begins a frenzied dance, her movements both graceful and erratic as she attempts to enchant and compel Unafe to join in. But her efforts are in vain, as nearby Myrna's protective wards pulse with a bright, white light, repelling the veela's magic.
"We are under attack!"
"Intruders have entered our domain. They must be trying to get at Zhaleh!"
Below her, the chamber comes to life with the writhing forms of more veela. They join in the dance, their lithe bodies swaying and twirling in unison as they attempt to lure their intruder into their spell.
Surprise Round!
Myrna is up!
Surprised by attackers, but wanting to follow up on Unafe's zeal, Myrna fixes her gaze on the hidden aquatic creatures. She had certainly heard Ganymede say that these creatures would be here, and that they might be dangerous, but she still feels conflicted about beating them to death the moment of seeing them. She wheels through the water, trying to block any route that allows flanking, and she uses her ability to speak in tongues to shout at the veelas in Aquan:
"Hey! Attacking us is a bad idea, my warrior-sister here will crush you! You better step off if you know what's good for you!"
The veela in Unafe's grip looks even more frightened now, and Myrna senses a momentary advantage. But the other veela is not so easily cowed. "თქვენ ხართ თავდამსხმელები! დატოვეთ ეს ადგილი დაუყოვნებლივ!" they call out, brandishing their knives. Their voice is sharp and clear, cutting through the water like a blade.
"You are intruders! Leave this place at once!"
Round 1!
Unafe is up!
AC 29, touch 23, flat-footed 27 (+2 deflection, +2 Dex, +3 druid, +6 natural, +6 Wisdom)
hp 156
Fort +15
Melee slam +11 (1d8+5)
Special Attacks vortex (DC 17, 10-30 ft.)
Str 15, Con 20
CMB +10, CMD 33
Feat Power Attack
Unafe's jaw tightens as she sees more veelas swarming toward them.
She twists the veela she's squeezing tighter, elbowing her hard as she does, and then slamming her against a sharp rock, growling at the other veela to drive home the point that this is coming for them too. As Unafe does so, the buzzing thrum of saurian spirits around her honk and snarl as well.
Then she glances at Li'an, readying to continue pummeling once the wizard has made it easier for Unafe to fight down here.
Free: Berserk (-4 AC, +23 THP)
Free: -1T: enduring crit, -1T: vital tension
Swft: Slam
Free: enforcer
Free: grandstanding slam
Stnd: Ready to attack (the same one if conscious, or else the closest conscious one) after Li’an casts Free Swim
Unafe's grip tightens on the veela's arm, and she twists her body to elbow her hard in the ribs, causing her to wince in pain. With a sudden motion, Unafe slams her against a sharp rock, the sound of the impact echoing in the darkness, and growls at the other veelas to drive home the point that they are not to be trifled with.
The veelas retreat back a few feet into the shadows, their eyes wide with fear. Unafe looks around, her senses heightened by the presence of the saurian spirits that surround her. The buzzing thrum grows louder, and the spirits snarl in agreement with her actions. The veelas can sense the danger, and their fear intensifies.
As Unafe asserts her dominance, a veela farther away raises their hand, and the water around them starts to chill. Unafe and Myrna feel the icy coldness, but the magic of Mother Heartwood still lingers on them, protecting them from harm.
"გაჩერდი! არის რაღაც მოჯადოება ამ თავდამსხმელებზე, რაც მათ ჩვენი ჯადოქრობისგან შეუღწევად ტოვებს," the veela calls out, frustration laced in their voice.
"Halt! There is some sort of enchantment on these intruders that leaves them impervious to our magic,"
Meanwhile, in the higher chamber, Li'an concentrates on her spellcasting, using Terendelev's scale to transform Lohad into a merfolk. As the magic takes effect, Lohad's eyes widen in amazement as she looks down at her new tail, and she starts to swim around joyfully, relishing her newfound mobility.
Hinagiku and Myrna are up!
Unable to keep her head above water, Hinagiku was serenely sinking when Ehren transformed into a water elemental. The ripples in the ley she could sense were quite unusual and curious, wonderful even. And so, Hinagiku opened her eyes underwater to get a glimpse of what he now looked like. Peering through the glowing waters into the face of her life companion, now attuned to the waters and translucid enough to glow with the surrounding light, Hinagiku could not help but gently smile at him.
”Yes.” Hinagiku answers to Ehren when he asks whether she’s ready.
Still sinking when Unafe’s whisper reaches then, Hinagiku positions herself to be easily grabbed by Ehren when he is ready to go.
When Li'an hears battle happening up ahead, she tries her best to hurry up Lohad and her own transformations. None of the group were adapted for fighting underwater yet, which might be essential for the coming battles.
"Hang on Unafe, Myrna, I will be there as soon as I finish changing my own form," she calls through their magic link.
As the veelas gather in the dimly lit chamber beyond, the water crackles with their combined magic. Their slender fingers weave in and out of each other, like a delicate dance, as they work tirelessly to unravel the protective wards that encircle Unafe. The faint glow of their power illuminates the room slightly, casting eerie shadows on the walls.
Their voices rise and fall, like a haunting melody that echoes through the chamber, as they chant in unison. Their movements are graceful, each gesture deliberate and precise, as they pour their magic into the task at hand.
Unafe feels a chill run down her spine as she senses her protective spells being stripped away one by one. Her once impenetrable stoneskin crumbles like sand beneath her feet, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. The warmth that had once been granted to her by Mother Heartwood's blessing fades away, leaving her shivering in the dark. And the serendipity granted by her ancestors, which had brought her fair fortune wherever she went, is gone, leaving her feeling alone and forsaken.
She watches as the veelas' magic chips away at her defenses, leaving her significantly more vulnerable than before.
Myrna is up!