Unafe smashes the fleeing Yeti in the jaw, giving it everything she's got.
Unafe's powerful strike connects with the yeti's jaw, producing a gruesome crunch that reverberates through the clearing. The yeti, visibly shaken, finds it difficult to stand as nausea induced by the traumatic blow overwhelms him.
Following right behind Unafe, Hinagiku moves in as the yeti falters under his injuries. She aims to incapacitate him, preventing any further resistance or flight. Unfortunately, given the yeti's severely weakened state, her strike inadvertently becomes fatal. The yeti collapses to the ground, life extinguishing from his eyes as he draws his last breath.
In the midst of this tumult, a small, red-furred yeti spots an opening. He bolts towards the forest, leveraging his smaller size and agility to evade the heroes. He disappears into the dense shadows of the trees, successfully escaping the chaotic scene.
Away from the front lines of the melee, the eerie march of the zombie druids continues. These undead foes, undeterred by Li'an's magical barriers, continue their ghostly march over the wall of force, moving with deliberateness as they advance beyond the confines of the spell.
Round 5!
Myrna and Unafe are up!
Seeing the battlefront shift, Myrna whirls around Unafe to take up the Sarkorian warrior's back. Unafe could handle the remaining yetis, and there were zombies incoming from the other direction. Myrna alters her stance, casts an enchantment spell to improve her prowess, and dares the zombies to come on and get them.
Unafe shoves the last remaining Yeti, snarling as she does so, and then tries to punch them.
Move: shove
Stnd brutal strike
Swft: war honk
Unafe charges at the yeti, intending to disrupt her stance and set up for a decisive blow. As she pushes forward, her hands meet only the chill of the open air—her target, a mere illusion among many. The yeti's conjured duplicates effectively confuse her efforts, making it challenging to pinpoint the true enemy. Frustrated, Unafe lashes out with a powerful punch, only to slice through another illusion, which flickers out of existence, while the remaining images and the actual yeti hastily retreat towards the forest.
Meanwhile, the battlefield sees the dramatic return of the two siabrae. Rising from the earth where they had previously vanished, these druid-liches, twisted by their dark transformations, stand ominously. Their lifeless eyes, glowing with malevolent intent, survey the chaos before them as they start to chant in the ancient Druidic tongue. The air around them tingles with divine energy, signaling the impending havoc of their spell: "A ligean ar lasadh na lasracha seo, agus iad a scuabadh thar an talamh!"
"Let these flames ignite, and sweep across the land!"
Their incantation culminates in the summoning of a massive firestorm that sweeps across the battlefield, enveloping heroes and yetis alike in a devastating inferno. The flames roar around them, forcing each hero to navigate through the blistering heat, dodging and weaving to avoid the worst of the burn. When the flames finally subside, the ground is littered with nothing but the scorched remains of the yeti corpses, reduced to ash by the spell's ferocity.
Inspired by the siabrae's fiery assault, two zombie druids attempt to replicate the destructive magic. They cast flame strike, summoning columns of divine fire that mix with raw energy to form targeted blasts descending upon Ehren, Myrna, Beatrix, and Unafe. The column approaches with them a thunderous roar, but just as the flames are about to strike, Ehren's paralysis lifts, giving him a crucial moment to react.
Ehren, Hinagiku, and Li'an are up!
By the time Ehren manages to regain his facilities, he is far too late to avoid the blazing maelstrom evoked by the two siabrae. The elemental defiantly weathers wave after wave of their fiery wrath, but by the time the flames subside, he has been reduced to a charred husk. Ehren's charred, fractured form lurches forward treacherously before hitting the ground with a thunderous crash.
Myrna is lit alight by the siabrae's pyretic assault, but she raises her turtle shield in response to the most powerful attack. With a little luck, it could shield her friends against the worst of the effects.
Unafe's eyes go wide as she sees the flames come rolling toward her, but she again hears Rhys, son of Owen, calling JUMP! And she does, riding the explosive blast into the air and down between Li'an and the nearer druid lich.
As she lands, she sees Ehren fall, his rocky body charred and smoldering and cries out
// I'm not totally clear if that avoids everything or not. In case I need to, here are my rolls. With Myrna's blockade I *think* that means no damage in any event.
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Unprepared for the onslaught of flames, Li'an is caught in the firestorm and loses her grasp on the scroll. In an instant it is incinerated by the maelstrom, eliminating their easiest route home. Looking down, she sees caught in the blast as well, his body prone and smoldering from the flames.
The situation was now dire, with both Ehren and the scroll out of commission, and her evacuation of the troops earlier had left her short of her most powerful spells. Before she could do anything, however, she would need to heal herself and her allies to buy them time.
Allowing herself to plummet to the ground, she lands with a soft thud and quickly unleashes a wave of healing energy.
Her wounds mended, she closes her eyes and focuses on the feeling she'd had during the battle against the aghasura on the comet. The sensation she'd felt as the Aura's blade had nearly cleaved her in two. There, at the center of her being was the spark that linked her to the elemental plane of fire, something present in all brijidines.
To her, however, it was now a door she could open. The first time had been unconsciously, but she'd since learned enough to know how to throw open the gates in a situation like this. It was, of course, an extremely risky move. As with the prior fight, her body could only handle so much power for a few moments before it overwhelmed her.
When her eyes open they shine with a blazing light, and a crown of flaming runes appears above her brow signifying her brief ascension beyond mortal limits. Drawing upon the energies pouring into her body, she wards the group against the flames the Siabrae and their followers seemed to prefer, then quickens a spell to enhance the group's morale.
Header
Percept +23 low-light vision, blindsight 50', detect evil creatures within 200' emanation | Init +12 | AC 38, Touch 35, FF 27 +4 dodge when moving | DR5/- | CMD 39 | Fort + 16 Ref +21 Will +20, +2 vs death effects, +4 insight vs starv., thirst, some diseases and some poisons | Evasion (for all saves)
AC breakdown: 7 dex, 6 wis, 2 sage, 2 enhanc, 2 deflection, 4 dodge, 3 insight, 1 nat ac enhanc, -1 untyped
Others: not FF in surprise round | Treat exposure to hot and cold as 2 steps milder (or 1 when sleeping or unconscious),
____.|.AoO__DgPool_LoH_Medit__Ki__MP
Left..|..07........33........7........3........16....00
Max.|..07........33........7........4........19....11
136/154 hp
Martial focus: 1/1
Resources spent
Rolls
Contingency:
Actions
Swift:
Move: move
Move (e. pat.):
Free:
Standard: csw
Full round action:
Surprise round action:
_______________________________
Accidentally slaying one of her foes would normally have weighed on Hinagiku’s mind, but with Ehren not answering her question, concern had led the monk to monk her eyes, only to witness a raging inferno engulf him. And, as the flames rolled in her direction, she barely had time to protect herself; in one swift and graceful motion, Hinagiku drew a large circle of ley with her hands that cancelled the hungry flames coming for her.
”Ehren-kun” she softtly whispers as she rushes to his side. And, as Li’an’s wave of healing energy washes over everyone, so does Hinagiku draw on her own healing skills. Drawing the ley of the earth into her own body, aligning it with herself, she lays a gentle hand on her fiance’s stony shoulder. As the the ley fuses rock back together, Hinagiku's eyes stare into those of her lover, hoping for them to flutter open.
The light returns to Ehren’s unblinking gemstone eyes, and his immense earthen form stirs. Disoriented by his momentary lapse of consciousness, he quickly realizes that mere seconds have passed since he blacked out. It takes him a moment longer to realize that he is on fire, perhaps because, strangely enough, the flames cause him no pain. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the portions of his body blasted away by the siabrae’s deadly spells; smoldering craters mar the alabaster stone, surrounded by spiderwebs of jagged cracks. Ironically enough, he would already be dead if he were a true elemental being like Peace-Without-Pain.
Still sprawled on the ground, Ehren lifts himself just enough to assess the damage the firestorm wrought on his companions. His scanning gaze freezes when he sees Li’an’s current form, recognizing it from the battle on Apostae’s Tear. While he still cannot fathom where she is drawing such immense power, he remembers that using it has dire consequences. If she was using it now, the odds were indeed against them.
Ehren reaches for the polymorphic pouch at his waist, its form unchanged from its original state. Reaching into the pouch as delicately as he can with his gigantic stone fingers, he fishes out one of the magical scrolls he appropriated from Jaruunicka’s corpse. He practically slams it onto the ground before swiping it to the side, unfurling the large scroll and revealing its contents. Steeling his will, Ehren filters out the pain and focuses on the magical text, drawing out the powerful healing spell contained within.
The undead druids, unwavering in their offensive, intensify their magical onslaught. They orchestrate a continuous assault of divine fire, summoning more columns of flame that descend from the heavens like divine retribution. These flame strikes illuminate the battlefield with their intense heat and bright light, creating a spectacle of destructive beauty as they roar down upon the heroes.
Beatrix, Myrna, and Unafe are up!
Her body ablaze and her Lieutenant fallen, Myrna charges into battle against the desolate beings that rained this fire down on them. Hoping to draw their wrath away from her companions, Myrna pays no heed to her own wounds. From deep in her diaphragm, she gives off a powerful, sonorant hum that resonates throughout the battlefield. Meanwhile she hefts her hammer in battle against the siabrae that killed her best friend.
She pays only one word back to her companions: "Run!"
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Beatrix is blasted apart by the pyroclastic assault of the undead druids. She is assuredly dead.
The fiery pillar crashes down over Ehren, who raises his arms to shield himself just in time. Coupled with Li'an's protective spell, the flame strike appears to have no effect. Unfortunately, it seems that Beatrix was not so lucky. The sight of her charred, unmoving body threatens to ignite his anger once more, but the archdruid quells the notion. Winning this fight would demand a cost far too great.
"I'm okay, Kiku," he says to his lover in a low rumble, thankful for her aid. But the words hold a deeper meaning she can easily pick up on. I won't do anything reckless, but we must get out of here.
Ehren then looks to the flaming sorceress, who is also mostly unbothered by the fiery blasts. "Li'an, I can still get some of us out if you can handle the rest."
"Do it," she responds, looking over towards Myrna and Beatrix's fallen, smoldering corpse. "Try and get Unafe and Hinagiku out. I need to try to save Beatrix."
"Myrna, I'm coming to you, we're getting out of here!"
Unafe nods, relieved to see Ehren standing again, but nervous as she watches her allies crumble under the mighty assault.
Staring at the druid-lich in front of her, she spits out, "Rydych chi'n ffiaidd gan y gwyrdd." Unafe attempts to pummel the one in front of her with a rapid punch and a shove, before stepping back toward the Archdruid, shrinking down, and reaching out her hand.
Stnd brutal strike
Move: shove
Free: 5' step to Pink square (by Ehren)
Swft: shrink to Medium
Tracking
33 AC +2 vs evil outsiders
34 CMB (37 vs Grapple) +2 vs evil outsiders
88/147 HP // +4 fast heal
27 THP // 20 +3 guardian spirit
0 Nonlethal
5 Tension (1 hit, 1 demoralize)
5/6 Mythic Tension Pool // -1 for rapid strike
4/9 AP //
1/11 MP //
2/2 martial focus // -1, +1
13/22 SP //
3/3 stone shapes remaining
DR 2/- vs evil outsiders.
As the battlefield becomes ever more chaotic, Myrna wields her hammer with vengeful force, each swing targeted to strike down the undead druids. Unafe, on the other hand, faces a formidable obstacle: a dynamic, hemispherical energy field that envelops the siabrae, deflecting all physical attacks. This magical shield blocks every one of Unafe's strikes, making them ineffectual against the barricaded adversary, though it curiously does not impede Myrna's assaults.
The situation intensifies dangerously for the heroes as the floating zombie druids persist with their aggressive magic. They release another volley of flame strikes, each one crashing down like a fiery comet. The impacts generate immense waves of heat and light, charring the earth and threatening the heroes with severe burns. The relentless frequency and sheer power of these attacks gradually erode the heroes' defenses, pushing them towards their limits.
Amid this fiery barrage, the siabrae engaged by Unafe recites a dark chant, invoking a new form of torment. Swarms of biting and stinging insects suddenly materialize, engulfing Li'an, Unafe, Ehren, and Hinagiku. The air buzzes violently as the insects attack, their stings delivering painful venom that both burns and itches terribly. The overwhelming number of insects and their aggressive attacks distract the heroes profoundly, threatening to overwhelm them and disrupt their focus—crucial for spellcasting, maintaining defenses, and coordinating their efforts.
In a simultaneously coordinated attack, two zombie druids, hovering with ominous intent, each unleash a bolt of lightning. These electric strikes target Myrna and Li'an specifically, aiming to capitalize on any distraction or vulnerability. Amidst this electrical storm, the siabrae facing Myrna employs a cunning tactic. Sensing her as a significant threat, it attempts a transformative spell that would turn her into a rabbit—a devious move designed to exploit any lapse in her concentration during the lightning strike, potentially rendering her harmless in the heat of battle.
Round 6!
Ehren, Hinagiku, and Li'an are up!
Despite being warded against fire, Ehren tries to shield his extremities from the pillars of fire to avoid pushing the abjuration past its limit. But there is no avoiding the plague of insects unleashed by the siabrae, which assail him with such tenacity that it penetrates even his stony flesh. Fortunately, the Green has blessed the archdruid with protection against such verminous assaults, aiding him in his battle against the ilk of Deskari. Never had he imagined it would be tested against fellow druids.
Maintaining his focus amid the chaotic swarm, Ehren reaches out with his massive stone hands, laying them against Hinagiku and Unafe's backs. He visualizes the menhir near Drezen, where so many of their past adventures both began and ended. This one, he hopes, would be no different. Having traced a path through the ley lines that would lead them there, Ehren plunges into the ley node they are fighting on, taking his two companions with him.
Header
Percept +23 low-light vision, blindsight 50', detect evil creatures within 200' emanation | Init +12 | AC 38, Touch 35, FF 27 +4 dodge when moving | DR5/- | CMD 39 | Fort + 16 Ref +21 Will +20, +2 vs death effects, +4 insight vs starv., thirst, some diseases and some poisons | Evasion (for all saves)
AC breakdown: 7 dex, 6 wis, 2 sage, 2 enhanc, 2 deflection, 4 dodge, 3 insight, 1 nat ac enhanc, -1 untyped
Others: not FF in surprise round | Treat exposure to hot and cold as 2 steps milder (or 1 when sleeping or unconscious),
____.|.AoO__DgPool_LoH_Medit__Ki__MP
Left..|..07........33........7........3........16....00
Max.|..07........33........7........4........19....11
113/154 hp
Martial focus: 1/1
Resources spent
Rolls
Hinagiku and Ehren must make a DC 17 reflex save or take 12 fire damage and 12 divine damage (success halves).
Ehren, Hinagiku, Li'an, and Unafe must make a DC 17 reflex save or take 10 fire damage and 10 divine damage.
Ehren, Hinagiku, Li'an, and Unafe must make a DC 17 reflex save or take 11 fire damage and 10 divine damage.
.
Ehren, Hinagiku, Li'an, and Unafe must each make a DC 24 fortitude save or become nauseated for 1 round from the swarm.
Ehren, Hinagiku, Li'an, and Unafe must each make a DC 24 fortitude save or take 1d4 ⇒ 2 DEX damage from poison.
Expend martial focus to roll a 13 on the save.
Contingency:
Actions
Swift: renew enhancer
Move: focusing breath to regain martial focus
Move (e. pat.):
Free:
Standard: set up assist zone (allows to aid allies within range and take AoO on people within range too).
Full round action:
Surprise round action:
_______________________________
Hinagiku nods to Ehren’s silent message, things were indeed dire. Yet, could they truly all leave in one go? This doubt comes to mind and can clearly be read from the monk’s furrowed brow; from their last trip through the menhir, it was evident that without going into the bag of holding, they would be too many for transportation. Thankfully, Li’an’s new powers come to the rescue.
And so, Hinagiku simply prepares herself for the worst; for the menhirs to be too corrupted to carry everyone away. With one breath, she readies herself for their foe’s next move and falls into a defensive stance; if they were going to call on more fire she would counter it. But, before she is fully ready, columns of fire come swirling down from the sky just befores thousands of insects swarm them. The onslaught is so quick and intense that Hinagiku is singed by some of the divine flame and stung by numerous insects; it takes all of her bodily control to stem her reaction to the insect’s poison, but she succeeds.
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Pushed to her limit, Myrna explodes into the assault of fire and electricity with a burst of rime, revealing behind the condensate a hard body of ice and stone. She stands proud against the siabrae's assault, determined to end one of them before she herself ends.
Despite being engulfed by the swarm of insects, their bites have little effect on Li'an in her current state. Looking to Ehren, she sees him beginning to take Hinagiku and Unafe via the ley, leaving only herself, Myrna and Beatrix left to worry about.
Running over to Myrna, she calls upon her magic to try and revive Beatrix. By channeling sufficient healing energy into her body, Li'an attempts to compel her soul to return despite the fact she'd clearly been slain in the prior assault.
She then places a hand on Myrna and Beatrix and visualizes the menhir in Drezen, using her magic to teleport the three of them there before the druids could continue their assault.
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In a crescendo of magical and elemental forces, the battlefield around the menhir vibrates with the unleashed power of corrupted ley lines. Ehren, tapping deeply into his druidic connection, harnesses these energies to shield Hinagiku and Unafe from the fray. With swift, deliberate movements, he envelops them in the protective currents of earth magic. Their forms blend seamlessly into the ley's energetic flow, swiftly transporting them away.
Meanwhile, Li'an, her form bathed in flames, hurries to the side of Beatrix, whose body lies scorched from the battle's fury. The air crackles around Li'an with fiery energy as she kneels and places her hands on Beatrix, channeling a potent life-restoring spell. The power coursing through Li'an is intense, driven by a desperate resolve to save her fallen friend.
The spell revives Beatrix, pulling her back from the brink of death. As the healing magic flows, steam rises from her healing wounds, the energy rapidly repairing her damaged tissue and armor. Gradually, Beatrix's breathing steadies, a clear sign of life's return under the spell's miraculous effects. Without a moment to lose, she prepares a teleportation spell. The world around them blurs into a swirl of magical energy, transporting them away from the impending doom.
As they disappear, the siabrae and zombie druids are left facing an abruptly empty battlefield, their targets gone. Despite their departure, the magical firestorm they had been battling does not abate but continues to consume the field, leaving behind a scene reminiscent of epic sagas.
The journey through the ley lines, fraught with the perils of corruption, takes a dire toll on Ehren and his companions as they navigate the unpredictable and volatile energies. Ehren, deeply connected to these ley lines, experiences a betrayal of his magical senses when the corruption distorts his intentions. The surrounding reality warps alarmingly as they traverse the network, culminating in a turbulent arrival near Drezen's menhir.
As they materialize, a surge of unstable magic crackles in the air, accompanied by the sharp scent of scorched earth and smoldering fabric. Ehren, caught in the midst of this magical upheaval, feels a sharp, excruciating pain, and the group is momentarily overwhelmed by a crushing pressure. When reality finally settles, a void of perception leaves them disoriented.
Regrouping around the menhir, Hinagiku and Unafe, upon ensuring their own safety, rush to assist Ehren. He is found kneeling, gripping one side of his face in agony. The grim reality of their travel through the corrupted ley lines becomes apparent as Ehren, with great reluctance, reveals the loss of his right eye—now an empty socket, a physical manifestation of the journey's toll. Li'an, Myrna, and Beatrix, still enveloped in residual flames from their chaotic transport, materialize amidst the turmoil.
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At first, it barely seems to register with Ehren that everyone has made it home, even Beatrix, evidently snatched out of death’s grasp. With a dismal wave of his hand, he draws on the knowledge contained within the ley node, casting a spell that snuffs out the persistent flames clinging to them.
But the despondent archdruid stays on his knees, rooted to the spot not by pain or fatigue but by despair. Mustering the will to at least sit upright, he leans against one of the thankfully intact menhir in the ritual circle.
“They were among our order's wisest,” he says quietly, tears welling beneath his eye and now-empty socket. He stares into the distance, half his sight now obscured by an ever-present shadow. “Yet they truly believe that the Forest of Stones is more perfect now than ever. What madness possessed them to embrace that corruption, to let it seep so deeply into their very being?”
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Teleportation is always slightly disorienting, and Li'an's first instinct once the spell completes is to make sure they've actually arrived in Drezen. A wave of relief washes over her as she spots Ehren, Unafe and Hinagiku nearby, as well as Myrna and Beatrix beside her. She sees Ehren clutching his face in pain, and starts to move towards him, but finds her body unresponsive. The toll of channeling the energies catches up with her, the flames and crown above her brow vanishing as she her body falls limp to the ground. As the world around her is swallowed by darkness, she glimpses the gem she'd seen in her vision previously, glimmering in the distance.
Header
Percept +23 low-light vision, blindsight 50', detect evil creatures within 200' emanation | Init +12 | AC 38, Touch 35, FF 27 +4 dodge when moving | DR5/- | CMD 39 | Fort + 16 Ref +21 Will +20, +2 vs death effects, +4 insight vs starv., thirst, some diseases and some poisons | Evasion (for all saves)
AC breakdown: 7 dex, 6 wis, 2 sage, 2 enhanc, 2 deflection, 4 dodge, 3 insight, 1 nat ac enhanc, -1 untyped
Others: not FF in surprise round | Treat exposure to hot and cold as 2 steps milder (or 1 when sleeping or unconscious),
____.|.AoO__DgPool_LoH_Medit__Ki__MP
Left..|..07........33........7........3........16....00
Max.|..07........33........7........4........19....11
113/154 hp
Martial focus: 1/1
Resources spent
Rolls
Contingency:
Actions
Swift:
Move:
Move (e. pat.):
Free:
Standard:
Full round action:
Surprise round action:
_______________________________
Disoriented by a trip through ley energies trying to both protect and corrupt, crushed by the pressure of a collapsing magical field, barely recuperating from the intense pain, and witness to the pain endured by her fiance, Hinagiku barely registers Li’an’s arrival and subsequent collapse. There is just so much going on. For a few seconds she staggers around, ears flat on her head, tail drooping. The confusion, though, soon slips off her trained mind, while the concern for her fiance is left clinging. And so, Hinagiku goes to him before checking in on the much more dire case of Li’an.
Relief somewhat breaks to her composure when, kneeling beside Ehren, she hears him speak.”I am sorry you had to meet these people. We will seek to right these wrong, maybe help them see our way. But, right now our companions need our help. Can you stand?” In asking, Hinagiku reaches Ehren’s hand to help pull him upright before moving to Li’an, Myrna and Beatrix’s side.
Looking at the ascendant brigidine snuffed of her power and consciousness, she cannot help but wonder whether the same would happen as last time, whether she would simply recover.
”Mrs. Myrna, Mrs. Medici, are you alright?” she asks, looking up at them.
Beatrix is only awake for a few moments before she's knocked right out again by the flames. Because of the power of Li'an's healing magic, the flames don't extinguish her life, but they do render her unconscious again. She lies on the ground, steaming from the flames, but safe from harm due to the Archdruid's spell.
Myrna is ready to smash the siabrae's face in until she falls unconscious when she is quickly whisked away. She suddenly appears at the menhir hill near Drezen, wild-eyed and full of adrenaline. She whirls around, looking to and fro to see if there are still any enemies around. Her skin gives off a menacing rime, blacking and hardening still, approaching a critical point.
"I am fine, but..." she groans, staggering, "...someone is gonna have to carry me home."
She shrinks down to her normal size, falling to one knee and then onto the ground.
It is unclear whether Hinagiku's words have reached Ehren, who merely nods along slowly, seemingly content to wallow in self-pity. Fortunately, realizing that Beatrix is still in danger snaps him back to reality. His miserable contemplations would have to wait until everyone was safe and sound. He hastily takes his lover's hand and pulls himself onto his feet, proving that missing eye aside, he is in comparatively good shape.
Ehren hurries to Beatrix's side with an unsteady gait, unaccustomed to the abrupt hit to his depth perception. He retrieves one of his healing wands from his belt and waves it over the cleric’s severe burn wounds, radiating soft pulses of positive energy. While his ministrations take the edge off the worst of her wounds, stabilizing her condition, she is far from okay.
Unafe looks at the archdruid's face and hollers "No! How did...what did they...
"I did not think your fellow adherents to the Green could stray so far. The damage done by this Wound takes so many different shapes...and I'm sorry it has now taken your eye from you."
Seeing Li'an and Myrna arrive with the barely living Beatrix, and then watching Myrna and Li'an both collapse alongside the already-unconscious lieutenant snaps Unafe back into focus.
She looks Myrna and Li'an over. "I'm no expert, but I think perhaps this is the same thing that happened after Li'an over-exerted herself on the comet. I can carry all three back to Drezen, once you think Beatrix is healed enough to be carried."
With Beatrix out of immediate danger, Ehren joins Unafe in tending to Li'an and Myrna. Recalling the latter's strange transformation, he comes to the same conclusion as Unafe. "If that is the case, it is just a matter of time before they wake up. We should take them to the infirmary in the meantime."
"We should also report to Irabeth, seeing as Myrna is in no shape to do so. Someone from the Hellfire Squadron might have already done so, but we should fill in the gaps." Ehren pauses, trying not to linger on the fact that much of the reason they delved into the Stonewilds in the first place was all for naught. Gaiwan and Auraelia were still out there; Arueshelae was stranded, and as he learned the hard way, the ley node there was not safe to use. It is a struggle, but he tries to be optimistic. "Once everyone is back on their feet, we can figure out our next move."
Header
Percept +23 low-light vision, blindsight 50', detect evil creatures within 200' emanation | Init +12 | AC 38, Touch 35, FF 27 +4 dodge when moving | DR5/- | CMD 39 | Fort + 16 Ref +21 Will +20, +2 vs death effects, +4 insight vs starv., thirst, some diseases and some poisons | Evasion (for all saves)
AC breakdown: 7 dex, 6 wis, 2 sage, 2 enhanc, 2 deflection, 4 dodge, 3 insight, 1 nat ac enhanc, -1 untyped
Others: not FF in surprise round | Treat exposure to hot and cold as 2 steps milder (or 1 when sleeping or unconscious),
____.|.AoO__DgPool_LoH_Medit__Ki__MP
Left..|..07........33........7........3........16....00
Max.|..07........33........7........4........19....11
113/154 hp
Martial focus: 1/1
Resources spent
Rolls
Contingency:
Actions
Swift:
Move:
Move (e. pat.):
Free:
Standard:
Full round action:
Surprise round action:
_______________________________
”I will take care of Mrs. Myrna.” Hinagiku tells her despondent fiance. And, not before casting a concerned look at him, she kneels next to the captain. Placing her joined hands on the worst of the wounds, Hinagiku closes her eyes and guides the flow of ley within the lieutenant into an harmonious weave which slowly heal her wounds.
”I am glad you are back… you were not gone long, but Mrs. Myrna also needs my help.” With that, she moves to the commander, healing her in the same way.
Though, when she is done, it becomes obvious that Unafe is right, and that both Li’an and Myrna have overreached their limits and must now rest.
”Yes, that would probably be best Mrs. Unafe. Mr. Medici, can you walk?” Hinagiku asks, moving to help the lieutenant sit up. ”Once we are all somewhere safe, we can begin to talk about what happened.”
And with that said, Hinagiku helps Unafe setting the others comfortably on her before leading everyone to Markus’ infirmary. She is silent the whole way, focusing on keeping Ehren moving and directing him to his duty as a healer: ”Do you think the same happened than on the comet? That she will recover in the same way?”
"That is my hope, but I cannot be certain," Ehren admits, recalling the vast power that Li'an manifested on Apostae's Tear. It was not difficult to imagine that Myrna was capable of a similar feat, but they were all fortunate that they managed to escape before it exacted its toll on them. A few moments longer and they would have been left at the siabrae's mercy. "Our powers are similar, yet wholly unique. She is alive, at the very least."
Beatrix gasps back to life, rejuvenated by Hinagiku's powers of healing. After taking a few deep breaths and checking on her destroyed robes, she looks around to see that they are safe, and that Myrna has driven herself past the point of exhaustion again. "Yes, don't worry, as long as we can keep her safe, she'll wake up in just half a day. Let's get her back to a bed."
Beatrix stands up and tries to make something organized of her outfit. "Thank you for rescuing me," she adds. "I thought I was done for."
"Archdruid," she wonders, giving deference to the Kellid spiritual leader over all, "What should we do next? I imagine I will be reporting back to Irabeth about the success of our mission to Caerwen."
Unafe nods to Beatrix, "I'm very grateful you're still alive. If you need anything from me for your report to Irabeth, please let me know. Otherwise, I need to focus on creating a new container for the Diamond, and seeing if perhaps we can use the Purity Forge to end–or at least reduce–The Crystal Queen's torment."
After Li'an and Myrna are safely settled in Markus' infirmary, Unafe takes a stroll over to the stately mansion that houses the Pathfinder lodge. She makes her way to Valais' private office and...
"Tell me, how are things going with your lodge? And life in general?"
After some discussion, Unafe says, "I have a project I'm undertaking. I'd appreciate your research and insight, if you're able. First though, I'd need to have your sworn secrecy."
Unafe explains about the Crystal Queen, and the Moaning Diamond. She says that she aims both to make a container to protect it from scrying, and that she is also curious about if perhaps the Purity Forge could be used to–if not free the Crystal Queen–at least free her from some or all of the suffering she has experienced for millenia in her diamond cage. "I know of no better researcher than you. Do you have the time to help with researching how to attempt to alleviate a goddess' suffering? And any risks we should be aware of?"
She reaches into her dreamspace and pulls the moaning gem out, offering it to Valais for her examination.
Seeing Beatrix back on her feet does much to improve Ehren's mood, her confirmation that Myrna would recover all the more so. The druid manages a small but genuine smile when she expresses her gratitude, only to immediately inquire about the task at hand. With Li'an and Myrna in Unafe's hands and the report to Irabeth in Beatrix's, he considers how he should proceed.
"You should all go ahead. I will remain here for the time being," Ehren says, eyeing one of the nearby menhir. After a moment he clarifies, adding, "I have access to the full breadth of the Green's gifts here. I will attempt to scry on Arueshelae, Auraelia, and Gaiwan. We won't be able to contact them right away, but we can at least find out how they are doing."
Header
Percept +23 low-light vision, blindsight 50', detect evil creatures within 200' emanation | Init +9 | AC 34, Touch 31, FF 26 +4 dodge when moving | DR1/- | CMD 35 | Fort + 16 Ref +18 Will +20, +2 vs death effects, +4 insight vs starv., thirst, some diseases and some poisons | Evasion (for all saves)
AC breakdown: 4 dex, 6 wis, 2 sage, 2 enhanc, 2 deflection, 4 dodge, 3 insight, 1 nat ac enhanc
Others: not FF 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........33........7........3........16....00
Max.|..04........18........7........4........19....11
113/154 hp
Martial focus: 1/1
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After helping Unafe pick up their two companions, Hinagiku is already falling in step with the clan-liege and lieutenant when she notices Ehren is not setting out. Stopping, she listens to his explanation. It made sense, except that she could not leave him alone here, there was a chance the druids they had faced might try to trail them here through the ley lines, and she would not let her fiance be ambushed here alone.
”I think it would be wiser for me to stay with, we may be out of the stonewilds, but this place can still have its own dangers. It would be unwise for any of us to be, especially while concentrating on rituals that take hours to complete.”
While Ehren doubts he is in danger so close to Drezen, within the boundaries of the Sword of Valor, he cannot argue with Hinagiku's wisdom. On the contrary, he is grateful for her company; left in solitude, he might have an excuse to wallow again. As ever, his fiancee had her way of soothing the aches in his heart.
"Thank you, Kiku," Ehren says with a quiet smile. Deciding that he would rather not work with an open hole in his head, he opens his healer's satchel and pulls out a short length of bandages. He wraps it around his head with a few quick, practiced movements, covering his exposed eye socket. It would have to do, at least until he decides what to do with the gruesome injury.
Seeing that the group is ready to split up, with Unafe accompanying Beatrix into town (carrying the unconscious Li'an and Myrna) while the Archdruid and his companion remain behind to attempt some druidic magic, Beatrix picks herself up and ensures that she hasn't lost any precious belongings.
Then she does the same thing for Myrna, strapping any items to the woman and helping (as much as she is capable of, with her limited strength) get Li'an and Myrna onto Unafe's back. "Thank you for carrying them to safety," she murmurs to the Demetae warrior. "Your strength is quite impressive."
Then she accompanies the Clan-Liege into Drezen proper, aiming to drop Myrna off in a bed before reporting to Irabeth.
As the sun sets, casting its last rays over Drezen's cobblestone paths, the heroes return, their movements slow and burdened by the weight of recent battles. The vibrant sunset hues of green and crimson stretch across the Worldwound sky, lending an ethereal touch to their weary trek. The city gates loom ahead, a steadfast barrier against the looming darkness of the Worldwound.
The gatekeepers scrutinize the group with a mix of magical and conventional methods to detect any traces of demonic influence. After ensuring the heroes carry no taint of corruption, they grant them entry with a silent nod of approval.
Silently, the group heads to Paradise Hill, where Drezen’s renowned infirmary awaits. The gentle slope is illuminated by soft lamps that guide their way to the healing sanctuary surrounded by serene gardens. Inside, the infirmary's soothing ambiance offers a stark contrast to the harshness of their recent encounters. Fine tapestries and the scent of herbs and antiseptics fill the space. Markus greets them with a weary nod. "Back so soon? I can't say I'm surprised, but you all look like you've been through the Abyss and back. I'll have beds prepared immediately," he says.
As Li'an and Myrna are settled into their beds, Valaria Alazario, already a patient there watches with concern. Her usually playful demeanor is replaced by earnest worry as she assesses her friends’ conditions. "You all look like you've been through hell. What happened out there? Is Li'an going to be okay?" she asks.
"Tell me everything," she urges.
Markus returns, bearing a tray of cure light wounds potions and bandages. "I'll leave these here for you," he states, placing the tray down carefully. "Let me know if you need anything else." With that, he nods to Valaria and the others, then retreats into the infirmary's quiet corridors.
Once Hinagiku is left alone with Ehren, and probably Grumtarr who was likely one of the stone piles nearby, Hinagiku takes a closer look on her fiance; others might have thought him calm, but she knew better, a chill had creeped into his mind, something he often battled with. In staying she would be able to aid him if a storm were to break the ice. In the meanwhile, the monk simply says:
”I will be right here if you need anything.”
To be fair, the last two days had been tiring for everyone, both for body and mind. She herself could still barely grasp how a demon could have rejected its nature, or the number of losses they had sustained to save two people, however close, or that Auraelia and one of the crusaders were still missing, or what was at the centre of the stonewilds.
As these thoughts pass through her mind, awaiting a good meditation to be truly accepted, Hinagiku walks the perimeter of the circle looking out for danger and greeting what she think is most likely to be Grumtarr.
As Auraelia speeds through the Stonewilds, her wings effortlessly cutting through the cold air, she spots an unusual glimmer. Above her, a scrying sensor—a small, translucent orb—appears seemingly out of nowhere. Its sudden manifestation and silent hovering make it almost inconspicuous, but not to Auraelia's sharp senses.
Just as she begins to process this intrusion, a chilling scream pierces the quiet of the Stonewilds. The sound, both distant and agonizingly clear, resonates through the dense trees and off the stones, creating echoes that amplify its disturbing nature. The scream is unmistakably human and filled with unbearable pain. Her inner nature makes her feel like she is compelled to act.
Grumtarr's emergence from a pile of rocks near the menhir is sudden, but it does not surprise Hinagiku. He speaks, his voice resonating with the deep timbre of moving stone. "Good day, Hinagiku," he greets with a low rumble. "It is a time of great turmoil, I feel the disquiet in the ley, and the land suffers." As he speaks, a few pebbles tumble from his shoulder. "But worry not, I remain here, vigilant. How fares Ehren?"
Meanwhile, Ehren is engrossed in his magical endeavors beside the menhir, handling a scrying mirror with delicate care. He sets the mirror down on a flat stone and traces the ancient runes at its edge, whispering incantations aimed at reaching Arueshalae. Despite his meticulous preparations, the mirror's surface remains frustratingly obscured by mist. Shifting his focus, he next tries to connect with Auraelia, his words meticulously navigating through the layers of arcane energy.
The surface of the mirror reacts differently this time; it trembles like water stirred by a breeze, then gradually becomes clear. Through the mirror, Ehren observes Auraelia soaring high above the Stonewilds. Auraelia's wings beat with purpose through the cold night, her face etched with resolve. Suddenly, there is a distant scream of agony, cutting through the quiet of the night.
Beatrix's smile is tinged with the fatigue of recent battles as she greets Valaria, her tone warm despite the weariness that shadows her features. She adjusts the bandages on her arm.
"It's good to see you, Valaria," Beatrix says. "We're all in one piece, more or less. Today was... intense. We faced corrupted druids, swarms of undead, and barely made it back through the ley lines without a few extra scars." She offers a brief glance towards Unafe, noting she is in deep engagement in spiritual communion, before turning back to Valaria with a concerned look.
"Li'an pushed herself too far with her powers," Beatrix continues, her worry evident. "We're keeping a close eye on her and Myrna. They both exhausted themselves protecting us all." She then shifts the conversation towards Valaria, her curiosity genuine, "How have you been holding up here?"
After some time exchanging updates and stories, Beatrix stands, her expression becoming more formal as she prepares to depart. "I need to report back to Citadel Drezen. There's much to discuss, and preparations for tomorrow need to be made. Keep resting, and let's hope for a quieter night." She offers Valaria a reassuring nod.
"Take care, Valaria. I'll check in again soon," Beatrix says, managing a small smile as she turns to leave the infirmary.
Beatrix's entrance through the imposing gates of Citadel Drezen is marked by recognition and respect from the guards on duty. The stern expressions of the guards soften slightly in acknowledgment of her evident fatigue and the battle scars she bear. One of the guards, a seasoned crusader with a scarred face, steps forward with a crisp salute. He listens attentively as she expresses her need to see Lord-Commander Irabeth, noting that her Captain is recuperating in the infirmary.
"Lieutenant Medici, Lord-Commander Irabeth is currently in council with her advisors. It might be a while before she's available," he informs her with a respectful nod.
"Understood," Beatrix replies, her voice steady despite the clear signs of exhaustion. "I'll wait as long as necessary."
The guard gestures toward a small antechamber adjacent to the main hall, a quiet area often reserved for those awaiting an audience with the Lord-Commander. "You can rest here, Lieutenant. I'll let you know as soon as the Lord-Commander is free."
Grateful for the chance to sit, Beatrix makes her way to the antechamber, sinking into the quietude that the dimly lit room offers. The walls, adorned with banners depicting Iomedae, add a touch of solemnity to her surroundings. As she waits, Beatrix mentally rehearses her report, ensuring that she is prepared to communicate every critical detail of their perilous mission.
After what feels like an eternity, the crusader returns with a brisk step. "Lieutenant, Lord-Commander Irabeth will see you now."
Beatrix rises and follows him through the winding corridors of the citadel to the grand doors of Irabeth’s office. As they open, she is greeted by the sight of the Lord-Commander standing by a large map of the Worldwound, her expression reflecting the seriousness of their ongoing struggle.
"Lieutenant Medici, I was informed you've returned from a significant mission to Caerwen. Report," Irabeth commands, her voice resonating with authority and expectation.
Stepping forward, Beatrix begins, "Lord-Commander, our mission to Caerwen to rescue Valaria was met with heavy resistance." She details the sequence of events, including the ambush by enemies, the disappearance of Gaiwan and Auraelia leaving to rescue him, the discovery of the Bell of Mercy, the defeat of the hag Jaruunicka, and the harrowing circumstances leading to their narrow escape facilitated by Li'an's timely intervention.
"Finally, we encountered undead druids—siabrae—who've succumbed to the corruption of the land. They wielded formidable powers, making the region highly unstable and dangerous," she concludes. "We only escaped with the help of the Archdruid and Li'an."
Irabeth listens intently, her brow furrowing at the mention of the siabrae. After a moment of contemplation, she responds, "Your bravery is commendable, Lieutenant. We'll need to strategize a more robust response based on your findings. Rest now, you and your team have earned it. We'll convene tomorrow to discuss further actions."
"Thank you, Lord-Commander," Beatrix acknowledges with a salute, relief mixing with fatigue as she turns to leave.
Exiting Irabeth's office, the weight of their achievements and the daunting challenges ahead settle on Beatrix. Deciding to check on Myrna at the infirmary before retiring for the night, her steps are slow but unwavering as she navigates Drezen's familiar streets.
[spoiler=Auraelia]Though escaping the Stonewilds and the Worldwound was foremost on her mind, the cry of pain that fills the air above the canopy of the cursed forest tugs at her strongly. Gaiwan was safe for now, and whomever was in pain might yet be saved.
Looking over at the scrying sensor that had just appeared, she waves, making it clear she's aware of the spell, though she had no idea if it was cast by one of her friends or a foe. With nothing else she could do about the sensor, she instead turns her attention towards heading to the source of the scream, moving quickly in its direction after taking a moment to refresh her protective spells.
Turning her attention back to the urgent matter at hand, Auraelia quickens her pace toward the heartrending screams. She murmurs an incantation, reinforcing her protective barriers with a shimmering aura that clings to her like a second skin. The cries lead her to a secluded spot where a small cave mouth yawns darkly at the edge of what was once a lively brook, now just a stretch of pebbles and dry earth.
She can hear a voice coming out from somewhere within the cave- "NÍL!"