Li'an strides purposefully toward the hidden entrance, beckoning Hinagiku, Peace-Amidst-Pain, Unafe, and any other willing volunteers to follow. As Peace-Amidst-Pain lumbers forward, the ground beneath them trembles slightly. Their colossal, stone-etched hands engage roughly with the heap of debris. Hinagiku, her eyes sharp and hands ready, assists as well, meticulously working alongside the Elemental. Unafe lends her strength as well.
Despite their concerted efforts, the escape tunnel, a relic of bygone conflicts and desperation, stretches on and on and on. After an hour of labor, Unafe wipes a bead of sweat from her brow, her frustration evident. "It's like we're trying to empty the Lake of Mists and Veils with a thimble," she mutters, stepping back to survey their progress.
More willing to ask the elemental directly now that they had agreed to help, and seeing that the excavation was taking longer than expected, she asks to see if they can scout ahead.
"በህመም መካከል ሰላም፣ በመጨረሻ ይከፈታል እንደሆነ ለማየት በዋሻው ውስጥ ወደፊት ለመፈለግ ፍቃደኛ ትሆናለህ፣ እና ከሆነ ይህ ምን ያህል ሊሆን ይችላል?" she asks the elemental.
Peace-Amidst-Pain, towering above them with their earthen frame, turns their deep, sunken eyes towards Li'an as she speaks. The elemental responds in a rumbling voice.
"እኔ ዝግጁ ነኝ፣ ልያን።" the Elemental replies. "እኔ መንገዱን እተሻገር እና በጥልቁ ውስጥ ስለሚገኘው እባላ ገልጣለሁ።"
"I am willing, Li'an."
"I shall traverse the passage and return with knowledge of its depths."
Li'an watches as Peace-Amidst-Pain begins to meld with the stone, their form seamlessly becoming one with the earth. The Elemental moves forward, their massive form navigating the rubble with ease, unaffected by the confines that would hinder their flesh-and-blood companions.
Minutes pass, and Peace-Amidst-Pain has not yet returned.
While the others disappear into the towers to search for treasure and clear away rubble, Myrna stays with her troops, looking in on Valaria to see how she's doing, and checking the status of her soldiers to see if any of them are still wounded. To Braith, she nods and returns a smile. "Agreed, we'll take care of our own, and we'll regain our full strength before we move out again."
She waits for everyone to gather to discuss their next steps while she remains at rest with her squadmates.
"አመሰግናለው፣ ሰላም - ከህመም ጋር። ማንኛውም አደጋ ካጋጠመዎት እባክዎ ወዲያውኑ ይመለሱ።"
While Peace-Amidst-Pain is scouting, Unafe continues to excavate. As minutes pass, she begins to get nervous, but continues digging.
"Hopefully they'll be back soon. If not, Ehren, would you be able to see if you can trail them?"
Li'an aids with clearing while they wait to see if the elemental returns.
"Hm. I would advise a little more patience. Earth elementals are rather slow, and Li'an's request was a tad open-ended," Ehren points out, slightly reluctant to delve too deeply into unknown territory. "There is no telling how long this tunnel is or where it leads. It might be some time before Peace can make their way back."
”Peace-Amidst-Pain is still so young, i wonder if they misunderstood what was asked of them, like earlier today.” Hinagiku says as she helps the others move another boulder.
Captain Myrna Riversoar, steadfast in her role as the leader of the Hellfire Squadron, opts to remain with her troops while the others embark on an excavation project. In the midst of the bustling activity, Afanen Davies sits somewhat removed from the center of the squadron's encampment. Her fingers dance lightly over the strings of her lyre, producing a melody that is both haunting and soothing, a song with nuanced harmonies interlaced with a dynamic rhythm.
Unafe continues to clear away rubble by hand. Li'an and Hinagiku soon join Unafe in the meticulous task of clearing the debris. Each movement is purposeful as they work to uncover the path ahead. The rubble yields slowly to their combined efforts. As they work, the minutes tick by, each one stretching longer than the last. Ten minutes pass, and there is still no sign of Peace-Amidst-Pain.
"Lets rest for now then, and wait for Peace-Amidst-Pain to return," Li'an says. "At this point there is not much point going further until we know how far it will be."
Unafe's jaw tightens as they discuss Peace-Amidst-Pain's absence. She pauses her excavation briefly to reach into her dreamspace, pulling out the Moaning Diamond, and can't help feeling that the diamond's moan is a bad sign.
She closes her eyes, focuses on the diamond, and attempts to sense if Peace is still alive.
Closing her eyes, Unafe allows her senses to extend through the Diamond, reaching out in search of Peace-Amidst-Pain. The connection is tenuous, a thread of consciousness amidst the vastness of the stone and soil. But it's there – the unmistakable presence of the Elemental, alive and moving through the earth.
Another hour passes, and the rubble continues to slowly give way under Unafe and Hinagiku's determined efforts as the evening continues on. Unafe's muscles ache from the continuous labor, but her focus never wavers. Hinagiku works alongside Unafe, her keen eyes catching any signs of instability in the structure as they clear the debris, slowly physically moving stone after stone out of the tunnel as to not obstruct the way. Li'an rests nearby, keeping watch. There is no sign of Peace-Amidst-Pain.
Resting inside, Li'an takes some time to work a pair of divinations. The first focused on the fate of Auraelia and Gaiwan, and the second on Xanthir and the Ivory Sanctum.
Preparing for the first, she inscribes the question on a piece of parchment. It was important to know what had happened, and it would be a while before anyone was able to try to contact either of the two. Was Auraelia able to save Gaiwan and take him to safety?
Once she has received her answer and the ink vanishes, she inscribes her second question. Will returning to Drezen before heading to the Ivory Sanctum endanger Valaria?
Header
Percept +22 low-light vision, blindsight 45', detect evil creatures within 190' emanation | Init +15 | AC 32, Touch 29, FF 25 +4 dodge when moving | DR1/- | CMD 34 | Fort + 16 Ref +17 Will +19, +2 vs death effects, +4 insight vs starv., thirst, some diseases and some poisons | Evasion (for all saves)
AC breakdown: 4 dex, 5 wis, 2 sage, 2 enhanc, 2 deflection, 3 dodge, 3 insight, 1 nat ac enhanc
Others: not FF in surprise round,act in surprise round | Treat exposure to hot and cold as 2 steps milder (or 1 when sleeping or unconscious),
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Left..|..07........18........6........0........06....01
Max.|..07........18........6........4........17....11
143/143 hp
Martial focus: 1/1
Resources spent
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Move:
Move (enhanced patrol):
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Standard:
Full round action:
_______________________________
Hinagiku wipes her vulpine brow and sits on some of the cleared rubble to listen to Unafe’s report on Peace-Amidst-Pain. If the elemental was still well, then they probably had not understood what Li’an meant and would return when they felt like it. All they could do now was go and fetch the giant stony newborn, so Hinagiku looks to
.
”They might need guidance on many things before they learn what we mean. Like when to come back.”
When an hour passes without any sign of Peace-Amidst-Pain, Unafe throws a hunk of rubble in frustration.
"OK, maybe I should've done this sooner. Let's see if I can reach them in the realm of dreams."
She stops excavating, sits comfortably, closes her eyes...and is instantly in her dream realm.
She reaches out to Peace-Amidst-Pain, thinking, "ሰላም-አሚድ-ህመም፣ ይህ ደህንነቱ ያልተጠበቀ ነው። የሆነ ቦታ ደህና ከሆኑ እባኮትን ይተኛሉ እና አብረን መነጋገር እንችላለን።"
Unafe's dream realm, a swirl of colors and sensations, seems to pulse with her intent, yet the response she hopes for does not come. Peace-Amidst-Pain, with their deep connection to the earth, is a being of different nature, and their will is strong. They do not appear in Unafe's dream.
With it becoming apparent that Peace-Amidst-Pain would not return anytime soon, Ehren leaves the excavation site to seek out Myrna. He sympathized with Unafe's concern for the newborn elemental but somehow doubted they were in danger; it was more likely that they had inadvertently assigned Peace a monumental task they would single-mindedly follow to completion. Of course, that begged the question of how far away the tunnel could lead.
Once he finds the captain, the archdruid smiles. Again and again, the skald was proving herself to be a capable ally.
"The Hellfire Squadron fared well, I see," Ehren says before remembering to add, "As did the additional troops you were loaned, of course. I must thank you for your wise judgment. When I called on you for your aid back in Drezen, I did not expect you to assemble such a capable force on short notice. None of this would have been possible without them. Now, there is just the matter of getting everyone back home."
Unafe sighs when she doesn't hear back. When she sees the Archdruid going off to speak to Myrna, she asks Hinagiku if perhaps they should go along as well.
"It seems Peace-Amidst-Pain resisted my attempt to draw them into the dreamworld. The Crystaline Queen knows they're alive, as best as I can tell, but perhaps we should go after them. It occurs to me, I can use the moaning diamond's power to speed this excavation, especially if we're confident of what direction to dig in.
"I know it's been a hard day already but I can't rest easily knowing that they may be in peril down there. If I am able to clear the rubble, would you want to join me in investigating, and perhaps tracking Peace down?"
Hinagiku looks back over her shoulder to the departing druid and then back to Unafe.
"I would be glad to help you search for them. I am only concerned that opening the passage would open danger to the people here at camp. Would you be able to close the passage while we are gone?"
Beatrix stands next to Myrna, as she always does. Her red skin and distinctive horns, coupled with her neatly pressed uniform adorned with metal badges of honor, make her a striking figure. "Thank you, Archdruid. It's been a challenge, but one we were prepared for. As for returning home, we'll need to strategize carefully. The journey back is fraught with as many dangers as our journey here, perhaps more given what we've uncovered."
"But we're not without resources. Between my knowledge, your magic, and the strength of this Squadron, I'm confident we can navigate whatever lies ahead."
Minutes pass in utter silence, save for the faint sounds of the settling camp outside. Li'an opens her eyes, expecting the familiar clarity that divination brings. Instead, she is met with a disconcerting void. The parchment remains unaltered, the magic around her dissipates into nothingness, and the air grows cold.
Before he leaves, Ehren turns, in response to their calls. "Sealing the passage while you two travel down it might be more dangerous than leaving it open," he says, providing wisdom. "An earth-gliding creature like Peace leaves no trace of its passing, and I have no senses when earth-gliding. It would be impossible to track an earth elemental in its native habitat. Moreover, sealing the passage could trap you inside, or suffocate you. The risk is too great."
He pauses, looking at them with both concern and trust "Please be cautious, but, I also know that sometimes the path forward requires taking risks. I will be with Myrna and the Hellfire Squadron if you need me."
Before Li'an could rest, like the others, she needed to finish her divination. This time, the ink reveals:
"In Drezen's shadow, safety will lie,
Or one whose strength wanes even beneath curse, could die.
Seek the witch's ancient art,
And then, the curse shall part."
As time passes late into the night, the Hellfire Squadron settles in to sleep so that they can regain their energy. Ehren, Myrna, and Beatrix, after a long evening of strategizing and overseeing the Squadron's activities, prepare to rest. The camp, nestled within the crumbling wall of Caerwen, is a scene of subdued activity as members wind down, with some taking up positions for the night watch.
Ehren finds a secluded spot near the edge of the camp. He doesn't carry a bedroll on him, so he will just have to sleep on the hard ground. Before lying down, he takes a moment to gaze at the alien stars above, contemplating the vastness of the multiverse and the role he plays in it. A gentle sigh escapes him as he finally closes his eyes, allowing the sound of a crackling fire nearby lull him into peaceful slumber.
Nearby, Captain Myrna Riversoar makes her own preparations. Her tent had already been prepared for her by her soldiers within easy reach of her troops, allowing her to see to their safety and wellbeing. Her bedroll was laid out with military precision, and she methodically checks her gear before settling down. Myrna spends a few moments speaking quietly with the soldiers assigned to the first watch, ensuring that everything is in order. With a final reassuring glance around the camp, she draws the tent closed and lies down.
Beatrix, her tent a little apart from Myrna's, finds a quiet moment for herself. She carefully arranges her belongings, her bedroll meticulously placed. The tiefling cleric spends a few moments in silent prayer before sleep. Her lips move in a soft whisper, invoking protection and guidance for the night. Satisfied with her devotions, she gently reclines, her mind filled with thoughts of the day's events and the challenges to come. The familiar smell of her parchment close at hand brings a sense of comfort as she drifts off to sleep.
With it becoming apparent that Peace-Amidst-Pain would not return anytime soon, Ehren leaves the excavation site to seek out Myrna. He sympathized with Unafe's concern for the newborn elemental but somehow doubted they were in danger; it was more likely that they had inadvertently assigned Peace a monumental task they would single-mindedly follow to completion. Of course, that begged the question of how far away the tunnel could lead.
Once he finds the captain, the archdruid smiles. Again and again, the skald was proving herself to be a capable ally.
"The Hellfire Squadron fared well, I see," Ehren says before remembering to add, "As did the additional troops you were loaned, of course. I must thank you for your wise judgment. When I called on you for your aid back in Drezen, I did not expect you to assemble such a capable force on short notice. None of this would have been possible without them. Now, there is just the matter of getting everyone back home."
Myrna nods to the Archdruid, grateful for and honored by his esteem. She does not consider herself useful for wise judgment, but still she understands that without her and her soldiers, things would have been very difficult for the Archdruid and his friends.
"So, we're returning to Drezen right away, then? Very well, I will inform the troops."
She kind of awkwardly considers him for another moment. "Thank you for your kind and generous words, Archdruid. I hope I will continue to be able to assist you. You seem to have awoken a feeling in our people. With your coming and the beginning of this Crusade, people really have hope once more that this horror can end."
"I will do what I can to help you end this war, Archdruid. And any Crusader worth their salt will gladly follow me."
With her piece said, she begs leave from him. "I'm sorry, but I must retire. We all have to rest, but I especially, so that I can gather the strength to heal Valaria."
She returns to her tent and lies down to rest, trusting in her fellow soldiers and the others to keep watch and ensure vigilance.
Joining Ehren and Myrna, Li'an contributes what she'd determined through her magic.
"My divinations are inconclusive on whether we should head back directly to Drezen," Li'an says. "I asked whether returning to Drezen before heading to the Ivory Sanctum endanger Valaria, and the reply I received was:
'In Drezen's shadow, safety will lie, // Or one whose strength wanes even beneath curse, could die. // Seek the witch's ancient art, // And then, the curse shall part."
I am not sure how to interpret that. What do you all think?"
Ehren was right, if they went down, they might endanger the camp, and face the real issue of air. So, it all came down to Unafe.
”I believe Peace-Amidst-Pain is safe. You asked them to come back as soon as things were dangerous, and I am sure they would follow your instructions. But, it is your decision, and whatever it is I will accompany you.”
"Cryptic as ever," Ehren muses as he ponders the meaning of Li'an's divination. "The answer is laden with uncertainty, but I think it is clear that convalescence in Drezen will spare Valaria from many threats but not from the curse itself." The druid frowns. "I am less certain about the second part. Who is the witch that the Shimmering Maiden spoke of? Jaruunicka?"
He considers his question for a moment longer before shaking his head. "Perhaps it will be a moot point if Myrna succeeds in breaking the curse. Regardless, I think it will behoove us all to return to Drezen before we proceed. Once we learn of the Ivory Sanctum's location, we will be in an ideal position to prepare our approach."
"As for how we intend to return to Drezen, we could march back the way we came, but I suggest we seek out the ley node in the forest. The path would be dangerous, but securing that site will expedite our journey considerably. I believe that would also take us back in the direction where Gaiwan was taken, no?"
"Hopefully Myrna is able to do so," she says of the skald's coming attempt to free Valaria. "I would guess the divination means Jaruunicka. Perhaps there is something in how the curse was created that we need to know to make it easier to remove."
"Taking the path to the ley node will still be dangerous, but it does seem like a better choice than attempting to go all the way back. It would also speed our return should the Ivory Sanctum be located out here."
"Speaking of the witch's art, Hinagiku, do you think you could peer back in time in her workshop in the other tower? Perhaps she did something there that could help us understand what it is the divination was asking for."
Sitting around the campfire in the middle of the night with her compatriots, Myrna listens to their concern about something named Peace-Amidst-Pain and about Li'an's divinations for whether they should go back to Drezen.
Not wanting to appear rude or completely divorced from the conversation, Myrna decides to just ask: "Who is Peace-Amidst-Pain?"
She appreciates when the Archdruid reminds the others that she had offered to break the curse on their friends using the witchy tricks her grandmothers had taught her. Perhaps they would only believe she could do it after she had tried. All was well. Tomorrow would come, and then they would see.
When he then goes on to talk about the Ivory Sanctum and "their approach" to it, she loses track once more. Had the others learned something here when they arrived before she did? "The Ivory Sanctum?" she asks. "What about the Ivory Sanctum?"
Unafe slaps her forehead, realizing that she hadn't introduced them.
"Sorry, sister. Peace-Amidst-Pain is a great earth elemental–as large as me, or larger–who was born today through the power of the Crystaline Queen. They are bound to serve me, and I want to do right by them as well. Li'an and I asked them to scout through the rubble...but we're still learning that Peace doesn't see things the way we do, and twice now seems to have not understand our requests.
"I am responsible for Peace-Amidst-Pain's wellbeing, just as I am for Demetae who follow me."
Glancing at Hinagiku, she continues, "I'm inclined to look for them, in case they are lost or confused, but I acknowledge Hinagiku's wisdom here. Waiting patiently has never been my strong suit..."
Unafe trails off, and gets that dreamy look she's had more-and-more since Goryon fully awakened her ability to listen to the spirits, and to pass back and forth to her dreamspace.
Speaking in a dream-tongue that is somehow Terran and Hallit at once, Unafe asks, "Wise Goryon, I have attempted to contact Peace-Amidst-Pain but was not able to entice them into the Dreaming. I fear they've misunderstood our request, and now fear for their safety...though the through the Moaning Diamond I know they yet live.
"Perhaps the wisest course is to just rest, and await their return...but I still know so little of the ways of elementals. What is your council?"
Goryon's crystalline eyes shimmer with ancient wisdom as she regards Unafe with a gentle, but penetrating gaze. Her voice resonates like a chorus of wind chimes.
"Unafe, ifanc, mae dy bryder am Heddwch-Yng-Nghanol-Poen yn adlewyrchu dynder dy ysbryd. Mae elfennau'n dilyn rhythmiau sy'n hŷn na amser ei hun, ac mae eu ffyrdd yn aml yn anodd eu deall."
"Yn dy ymdrech, nid rhinwedd yn unig yw amynedd; mae'n angenrheidrwydd. Tra bydd bywyd yn parhau, nid yw gobaith ar goll. Ymddiried yn thaith Heddwch-Yng-Nghanol-Poen. Cymer yr amser hwn ar gyfer myfyrio, nid yn unig i ti ond iddyn nhw hefyd."
"Pe na ddônt yn ôl, parhau i estyn dy feddyliau tuag atyn nhw yn y Breuddwydio. Mae dy fwriad fel goleudy; bydd yn eu harwain pan fyddant yn barod. Bydd yn agored i'r gwersi y mae'r profiad hwn yn eu dwyn, a chewch dy ddealltwriaeth yn dyfnhau, fel gwreiddiau'n ymestyn i mewn i bridd ffrwythlon."
When Myrna asks about the source of the information on Xanthir and the Ivory Sanctum, she thinks about how best to discuss it. Introducing Myrna to Rue would be necessary, but it would need to be done away from the crusaders as a whole. A basic explanation would have to do for now.
"The powers Jaruunicka had were the work of Xanthir Vang experimenting with Nyhadrian Crystals in the Ivory Sanctum. We learned this from Valaria's companion while we were preparing to fight. They had located it in their travels. Val's companion, Rue, has gone out to scout the surrounding area, we can introduce you properly later."
Unafe's powers were strange and wondrous and made Myrna slightly confused and uncomfortable. She had birthed an elder creature, just today? Strange. But, Myrna understood the value of summoning creatures for basic tasks, so she understands the situation. "We won't leave your elemental behind, if it's really important to you, sister. Where did you send it? What were you hoping to find?"
When Li'an answers her other question, Myrna smiles, excited by the news. They had uncovered something truly important! The Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth were among
the Crusaders' most dangerous enemies. If Valaria and her mysterious companion had uncovered the location of their sanctum, it would be big news for the war.
Myrna starts to conceptualize their near future, excited by the prospect of defeating the Crusade's big rivals. "You're going to have to tell me what some of this means, like, what are Nyhadrian Crystals, and who is Xanthir Vang, but... If we've located the Ivory Sanctum, why don't we just go there now? Why return to Drezen at all?"
"Nahyndrian crystals are the crystallized remains of dead Demon Lords, harvested from the depths of the Abyss," Ehren explains patiently, realizing that there is a great deal of information that Myrna is not necessarily privy to. As thorough as Ary's reports were, not everyone had access to them - nor did they necessarily have the patience to study them at length. "The enemy counts among their number an alchemist capable of distilling those crystals' power into a special elixir that imparts the drinker with incredible power, provided they survive the experience. The traitor Staunton Vhane was one such individual, as was Jaruunicka, I suspect."
"Xanthir Vang, on the other hand, is a member of the Blackfire Adepts, a group wicked spellcasters aligned with the Templars. He was responsible for much of the destruction wrought on Kenabres years ago, and holds a position of great authority among the enemy."
"As far as why we cannot simply march to the Ivory Sanctum now, well, we do not actually know where it is yet. Rue has yet to elucidate us. Once we do have that information, however, should you not report to Irabeth first? She loaned you her forces with the expectation that you are defending our territory from Jaruunicka's army, no? I am sure she is expecting you to report back now that we have accomplished that. With that knowledge, she might be willing to lend more crusaders, more resources."
Ehren frowns, remembering their last run-ins with the Blackfire Adepts and Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth. "The home base of the Templars has long eluded us. Like Deskari before him, the cult of Baphomet has spread through our people like a poison, promising nothing but lies. Now that we have a lead, we cannot afford to recklessly stumble into their den and expect things to go our way."
"We won't leave your elemental behind, if it's really important to you, sister. Where did you send it? What were you hoping to find?"
"Diolch." Unafe smiles, her eyes half-way closed, speaking to Myrna and Goryon at the same time, as her consciousness straddles both worlds.
To her companions in the Non-Dreaming, she continues, "Myrna, thanks for your word that we will not leave Peace-Amidst-Pain behind. Hinagiku, thank you for your readiness to follow me if I pursued them.
"I am persuaded that it is right to give Peace-Amidst-Pain time, and for me to practice patience."
With that, she listens with interest to Li'an's and Ehren's explanations, trying to understand the full scope of the plot they were in the midst of.
Ehren frowns, remembering their last run-ins with the Blackfire Adepts and Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth. "The home base of the Templars has long eluded us. Like Deskari before him, the cult of Baphomet has spread through our people like a poison, promising nothing but lies. Now that we have a lead, we cannot afford to recklessly stumble into their den and expect things to go our way."
Slowly, half-conscious, Unafe nods. "You can count on me to join in taking the assault to them, when the moment is right."
A kind expression on her face, Hinagiku watches Unafe’s inner struggle and clear mental efforts as they walk to join with Myrna and Li’an. However, her brow quickly furrows much information is brought by the others regarding divinations, the Ivory Sanctum, and nahydrian christals. It was a lot to consider.
”Maybe the divination refers to what Mrs. Myrna learned form her mothers, I think you mentioned they were witches, no? Or maybe you are right Li’an. In that case, yes, if I have enough time and someone to guard me, I could gather enough ley in her lair to sense some of the ritual’s nature. Mrs. Unafe, what do you think of standing guard while I meditate in priestess Jaruunicka’s tower?”
”As long as Mrs. Valaria is not healed, I think it best to go directly to Drezen. But, if Mrs. Myrna succeeds in her magic, and commander Irabeth agrees, maybe Mrs. Arueshalae…. Rue sorry, guide us, we could take the templars by surprise. One way or another, finding a close ley node should help with our return, so it seems wise to look for it.”
To help Hinagiku with her past sigbt, Myrna enchants the monk with a spell that enhances her skills and abilities.
Unafe nods in her half-sleep and then awakens herself (letting her the comforting presence of Goryon and her dreamspace fade away).
"Of course I'll watch over you."
"As far as why we cannot simply march to the Ivory Sanctum now, well, we do not actually know where it is yet. Rue has yet to elucidate us. Once we do have that information, however, should you not report to Irabeth first? She loaned you her forces with the expectation that you are defending our territory from Jaruunicka's army, no? I am sure she is expecting you to report back now that we have accomplished that. With that knowledge, she might be willing to lend more crusaders, more resources."
Myrna hums and nods in response to the Archdruid's thoughts. Though he was full of great wisdom, perhaps his patience was a bit too overriding. "If all we need to find out the Labyrinth's location is to ask Val's friend, why don't we summon her and ask her? Didn't you say she was here just moments ago?"
"And can't we report to Irabeth now? Or at least, once Hinagiku has finished her meditations. It's night time. Unafe can contact her in her dreams."
"We can report via sending as well, in the morning."
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Ehren sighs, realizing that now is as good a time as any to share with Myrna the truth about Valaria’s friend. He does not know how the captain will react to the revelation, but that is besides the point; from his perspective, lying to her was never a feasible option.
"Having that discussion right away would be ideal,” the archdruid admits, folding his arms over his chest. “But it is complicated. You see, Valaria’s friend is a demon. A succubus, to be exact." He pauses to let his words sink in, but not for too long. "But she is different from the rest. Through the divine intervention of Desna herself, Arueshelae has been set down the path of redemption. For years she has been spying on the enemy, thwarting their operations wherever she can, all while evading those wishing to recapture here. That was Jaruunicka’s reason for being here in the first place. If not for Desna’s blessed sanctuary here, it is likely that Valaria would be dead, and Arueshelae back in the enemy’s clutches."
"I hope you have enough trust in me to believe that I have not been ensorcelled by her charms, and that I am not merely a gullible fool who has fallen for an absurdly optimistic lie. I believe she is the genuine article." Ehren frowns, watching Myrna’s reactions carefully. "She wishes for the Crusades to one day view her as an ally. The obvious complication is that you are all oathsworn to annihilate her execrable race. Hence why she was not here to greet you in the wake of the battle she helped us win."
"The information she holds might well be the key to dealing the enemy a decisive blow... but doing so requires that we trust the word of a demon. Knowing that, would you still be so eager to march on the Ivory Sanctum?"
With Unafe's promise to stand guard, Hinagiku and Unafe depart for Jaruunicka's tower, leaving the others to ponder the intricacies of their situation amongst themselves. The campfire crackles in the background while the Crusaders all rest in their encampment.
As Hinagiku settles into her meditative stance, Unafe stands guard over her. For a moment she's silent but then she hears Dafydd Honeyed-Tongue's voice in the back of her mind, singing a melody that she distantly remembers Old Aye singing once long ago.
Unafe opens her mouth and lets her ancestors' song pour forth.
Outside Myrna's tent, Ehren, Li'an, and Myrna pause in their nocturnal discourse, captivated by Unafe's unexpected serenade from within the northernmost tower. The melody carries a clarity that pierces the veil of night, enveloping them in its mystical embrace. Li'an, her eyes closed, allows the song to wash over her, as if seeking hidden meanings within its haunting cadences.
As the night deepens, the campsite is wrapped in a peaceful slumber, with only the watchkeepers of the night awake to bear witness to this moment. The song, a bridge between the past and present, serves as a reminder of the profound connection they all share with each other, and with the unseen forces that guide their fates.
"As Ehren mentions, the situation is complicated by Rue's nature, but the conclusion that Ehren reached is the same one I and the others did as well. Valaria was already blessed by Desna directly, so it is not surprising that Rue ended up accompanying her. But clearly this is a sensitive topic. Since we need to get the location of the Sanctum sooner or later, perhaps it's best if we go try to speak with her now?" Li'an adds to Ehren's explanation.
"Valaria's friend is a demon."
"Different than the rest."
"perhaps it's best if we go try to speak with her now?"
When the Archdruid mentions that the "friend" in question is a succubus demon, Myrna takes a pause. She trusts his judgment, she trusts his willpower, she trusts that the Archdruid must not be ensorcelled by a demon. But she doesn't know what to think about the demon. Was it real? She couldn't tell.
"I don't know," she says, conflicted and confused. "If you say that this demon is truly repentant, perhaps we can trust it... but I would like to have any information we get from it to be verified."
"Isn't it... impossible for a demon to be good? Ah, she can still be a traitor even if she's not good. Yes, I would like to meet this demon. Where is she now?"
Li'an nods, a plan already forming in her mind. "Rue is concealed within the petrified forest to the north of Caerwen. Venturing there at night could be dangerous. However, Unafe possesses the ability to connect us together via the realm of dreams. This method of communication is discreet and safe, allowing us to gauge Rue's current situation and intentions without exposing ourselves to the hazards of the forest."
"Before Rue departed for the petrified forest, we did not remember to establish any specific signal or method for reconnecting. This oversight complicates matters, but it also underscores the importance of reaching out to her as soon as possible."
Ehren nods in agreement. "Without a predetermined signal or meeting method, locating Arueshalae in the vast Stonewilds would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. We must rely on Unafe's ability to bridge this gap through her dream messaging."
The three then move towards the ruined northern tower, the haunting melody of Unafe's song resonating through the darkness. Inside, they find Unafe, her voice a bridge between worlds, and Hinagiku in deep meditation, her mind traversing the corridors of the past. They stand and wait for them to finish as the night stretches on.
In the dimly lit chamber of Jaruunicka's tower, Hinagiku, the kitsune monk, sits serenely in the lotus position. Her eyes are closed, her breathing steady, as she delves into the mystical streams of time. The makeshift bed beside her, a haphazard arrangement of smaller beds, is strewn with rumpled sheets that speak of tumultuous nights and abrupt awakenings.
The room, steeped in the remnants of chaotic spellcraft, is littered with scraps of parchment, quills, and spilled ink, scattered across a small table. The uneven floor, covered in a thick layer of dust and debris, bears the recent imprints of their boots. Sarkorian tapestries, faded and frayed, drape the walls, their once-vibrant scenes now dulled echoes of a distant past. Among these remnants of daily life, more sinister items lurk: a small altar stained with dried blood, bones from various creatures arranged in ritualistic patterns, and a cluster of burnt-down candles surrounding a crudely drawn symbol, evidence of recent summoning rituals.
As Hinagiku's consciousness travels through time, she witnesses the past nine days compressed into a fleeting 90 minutes. She sees Jaruunicka, the annis hag, pacing the room, her mutterings and growls in an unfamiliar tongue punctuated by curses in the Abyssal language, directed at Sifkesh. There are long stretches where the room lies empty, a silent witness to the passage of time.
In her visions, as the past stretches on to include the past several days, Hinagiku observes Jaruunicka sleeping restlessly, engaging in strange rituals at the altar, and writing feverishly on parchment, only to destroy her work in fits of rage. The hag's frequent strange dances with a noose tied around her neck is particularly unsettling, a macabre performance that sends shivers down Hinagiku's spine.
Hinagiku's spiritual journey through time continues, the scenes unfolding before her inner eye, a mosaic of activities that paint a picture of Jaruunicka's life in the tower – eating, sleeping, worshipping, and performing her dark rituals. The monk remains focused, absorbing every detail, every nuance, in her quest to understand the purpose behind Jaruunicka's actions and the nature of the magick she wields.
Throughout these glimpses of the past, Hinagiku struggles to comprehend the depths of the foul magick at play. The rituals and incantations are beyond her understanding, their purpose shrouded in mystery, though there are a few obvious summoning rituals - she summons a number of succubi and babaus as well as one derakni. She watches as other babaus teleport in and out of the room across the past few days, but they never speak to one another aloud.
About six days ago, Hinagiku witnesses Jaruunicka's arrival at the tower, her desecration of the space as she claims it for her own. Before this, the room stands empty, untouched by any presence.
All the while, in the tangible world, Unafe's voice, singing in the beautiful Hallit tongue, weaves through Hinagiku's consciousness, a grounding melody amidst the chaotic visions of the past.
Header
Percept +22 low-light vision, blindsight 45', detect evil creatures within 190' emanation | Init +15 | AC 32, Touch 29, FF 25 +4 dodge when moving | DR1/- | CMD 34 | Fort + 16 Ref +17 Will +19, +2 vs death effects, +4 insight vs starv., thirst, some diseases and some poisons | Evasion (for all saves)
AC breakdown: 4 dex, 5 wis, 2 sage, 2 enhanc, 2 deflection, 3 dodge, 3 insight, 1 nat ac enhanc
Others: not FF in surprise round,act in surprise round | Treat exposure to hot and cold as 2 steps milder (or 1 when sleeping or unconscious),
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Left..|..07........18........6........0........04....01
Max.|..07........18........6........4........17....11
143/143 hp
Martial focus: 1/1
Resources spent
Rolls
Contingency:
Actions
Swift:
Move:
Move (enhanced patrol):
Free:
Standard:
Full round action:
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As the vision blurs and draws to its end, Hinagiku lets go of the arbitrary order that is time: sensory experiences lose their meaning, and so does self awareness. For a moment, everything is one, until her body in the here and now slowly reasserts its hold on her mind. Everything comes into focus, the ley, odours, tactile sensation, sounds, and vision. The monk’s eyes flutter open.
She lets the most haunting memories of the vision slowly fade before gently smiling to Unafe.
”Thank you for the accompaniment. She did many dark rituals in the past few days, and you words help me put some distance between the visions and myself. But, I could not understand what curse she prepared. If Mrs. Myrna’s knowledge and power cannot help Mrs. Valaria, I believe we will need to search for more information about a cure.”
Ehren, who had been observing Hinagiku's emergence from her deep meditative state with a thoughtful expression, steps forward to help Hinagiku back up to her feet. His voice is tinged with concern. "Hinagiku, your insights are invaluable to us. The dark rituals you witnessed confirm the depth of Jaruunicka's malevolence and the complexity of the curse we face."
He then turns to Myrna, acknowledging the potential limitations they must consider. "Myrna, I am hopeful that with your help, we'll be able to awaken Valaria. However, if you're unable to, then, as Hinagiku suggests, we might need to extend our search for knowledge beyond our current resources to aid her effectively."
After Ehren finishes, Li'an who had been patiently waiting, seizes the opportunity to discuss their next move. "Unafe, we need your help. We told Myrna about Rue. She is currently hidden in the forest, to stay away from the Crusaders. We need to establish contact with her to gain crucial information, and your ability to reach out in the realm of dreams is our best hope."
Ehren nods in agreement, his gaze moving between Unafe, back to Myrna. "Yes, we need to determine our next steps, and Arueshalae holds the key to finding the Ivory Labyrinth. Your connection to the dream world could bridge the gap between us and her. We must rely on your guidance to reach out to her."
As Unafe considers her response, a sudden, inexplicable sensation washes over Ehren, causing his brow to furrow. It's subtle, almost imperceptible, yet unmistakably the touch of an external will attempting to infiltrate his mind. Instinctively, he centers himself, calling upon his deep reserves of mental fortitude and druidic magic. He quietly resists the intrusion, feeling the foreign presence recede as quickly as it had arrived.
Once the moment passes, Ehren opens his eyes, his expression calm yet alert. He turns to his companions, sharing the occurrence with a sense of caution. "I just experienced an attempt to breach my mental defenses," he informs them, his voice steady. "It seems someone, or something, sought to penetrate my thoughts with a spell."
Li'an reacts with curiosity. "That is troubling, Ehren. Do you have any idea who might be behind this attempt?"
Ehren shakes his head slightly. "We have many enemies, as you know. It's not entirely surprising. I've become a focal point for various divinations and spells, especially in these recent times. The rarity lies in the fact that this attempt was strong enough to register, albeit faintly. Most efforts are easily dismissed or go unnoticed."