Header
Percept +24 low-light vision, blindsight 50', detect evil creatures within 210' emanation | Init +14 | AC 37, Touch 34, FF 26 +5 dodge when moving | DR6/- | CMD 41 | Fort + 18 Ref +23 Will +22, +2 vs death effects, +4 insight vs starv., thirst, some diseases and some poisons | Evasion (for all saves)
AC breakdown: 8 dex, 6 wis, 2 sage, 2 enhanc, 2 deflection, 3 dodge, 3 insight, 1 nat ac enhanc
Others: | Treat exposure to hot and cold as 2 steps milder (or 1 when sleeping or unconscious),
____.|.AoO__DgPool_LoH_Medit_Trip_SF_TP_Ki__MP
Left..|..012........00........7........3........2…....05…….3…….15....03
Max.|..012........36........7........5........3........10........3........2 1....11
134/154 hp
Martial focus: 1/1
Seeing the sideway glances towards Arueshalae, Hinagiku has to agree that leaving would be the best solution. Yet, she wonder if there was a way to alleviate some of the suspicions without lying.
”If it is safe to travel today, then it may be wiser to leave now for one of the possible locations of the Lexicon, having the wound’s weather delay us again would benefit the mage Vang. Mrs. Myrna if you say your mothers can receive us, and we would not overly impose on them, then I believe resting in your childhood home would be best, if the weather is terrible tomorrow, then we would still be able to search for the Lexicon. Otherwise, we could still teleport back to Gundrun if necessary. People may worry about what they have seen of Arueshalae todays, Mrs. Myrna, Erhen-kun, it might be wise to let our allies know why we are leaving so that they don’t feel like we are teying to flee.” Hinagiku suggests.
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As the last demon falls, Unafe raises a fist and bellows,
Then–while keeping her saurian features–she lets herself shrink to human size to congratulate the other warriors. When she sees one with his leg a bloody mess, she lifts him and carries him to Hinagiku for her healing.
As the most critically wounded survivors find the care they need, she joins her comrades in planning what’s next.
”I don’t want to delay more than necessary, but I’d be very happy to see what aid your mothers and other contacts in Gundrun can lend us us, Myrna. Then in the morning, we must strike back against the Worm and his minions.”
Sana's sharp vision slices through the haze of battle’s aftermath, her keen eyes scanning every corner of the plateau for signs of lingering threats.
Far to the east, faint shadows dart across the broken landscape. Small figures—likely minor demons or stragglers—move hurriedly, their direction suggesting retreat rather than regrouping. Sana makes a mental note, her gaze shifting northward toward a jagged ridge. The area seems quiet, but the uneven rocks and narrow crevices could easily conceal lurking foes.
Southwest, a churned expanse of ash and torn earth draws her attention. Though abandoned now, the scarred terrain bears clear signs of recent demonic passage. She scans for anything left behind but finds no immediate threats.
Then, farther out, her gaze locks onto a larger group of demons several miles away to the south. Their numbers suggest another warband, though they, too, appear to be retreating—perhaps regrouping deeper in the Worldwound. Sana watches them for a moment longer before turning her attention to a nearby shallow ravine. Hidden in its shadowy depths lies a smoldering Abyssal camp, its tents and supplies abandoned in haste. Whatever force was there, it seems they fled when the battle turned.
The immediate perimeter around Sesker's Gully appears secure and void of movement. Sana’s attention shifts to northward below the plateau. This area seems empty now, but its dark recesses would make an ideal hiding spot for smaller demons.
Her survey continues, catching faint tracks etched into the ground, leading northwest. The deep claw marks suggest something large passed through recently, its purpose unknown. Sana’s gaze lifts to the skies as she scans for any airborne threats. The air is clear, the skies free of demonic reinforcements.
Finally, her eyes settle on a cluster of figures retreating into a dark canyon to the south. Unlike the scattered movements of stragglers, these figures move with precision, suggesting they have organized leadership.
The Sarkorian warriors respond to Unafe’s roar with triumphant shouts of their own, the echoes of their voices ringing through the plateau. Crusaders cheer alongside them, raising their weapons high in celebration of their hard-fought victory. The tension of the battle gives way to an electric camaraderie, the line between ally and outsider blurring as they stand united against a common enemy.
Meanwhile, away from the masses, Arueshalae tilts her head slightly, her hood shadowing her face. "A stop could be worthwhile if it helps us prepare better. I’m not opposed to the idea, but we should weigh how much time we’re willing to spend against the urgency of Vang’s plans."
Ehren turns his attention to Hinagiku. "I’ll speak to the Crusaders and to my people. Transparency will help dispel any lingering unease."
Ehren steps toward the gathered Crusaders and Sarkorians, his steady gaze quieting the post-battle murmurs. "You fought well today," he begins, his tone firm and warm. "This victory is yours, and you’ve proven that this ground is secure in your hands."
He pauses, his words measured. "Our mission requires us to move on. Time isn’t on our side, and the Worldwound waits for no one. We’re leaving because we trust in your strength. You’ve shown the demons what resistance truly means, and that strength lets us focus on the next step in this fight."
Ehren glances toward the horizon. "The weather’s clear for now, and we need to take advantage of it to stay ahead of the demons and their worshippers. Trust that we’ll continue this fight, as I trust you to hold this place."
A grizzled Sarkorian shaman raises his staff in silent approval before speaking. "Go with speed and purpose. The Green will remember what has been done here today. You have our gratitude for your aid."
Arueshalae, standing slightly apart, speaks quietly. "Well it seems decided then, we will go to Gundrun. We should go soon. The Worm-that-Walks won’t stop, and neither should we. Morning must see us striking at him. Are we ready to depart?"
Sana swoops back down to the group after taking in their surroundings. "The enemy is mostly scattered and just running away. While there are locations that they could set up ambushes all about, the only group that seems to have maintained cohesion after the attack have traveled south, moving into a canyon." she says, catching only the end of the conversation. She twirls her parasol idly, before leaning her weight onto it. "So the biggest threat you'll face is likely from the south, if at all."
She maintains her languid position as she looks to the others. "Sure, I'm ready when everyone else is. Over the ashes and through Gundrun, to Grandmothers' house we go..." she says sing-song, while suddenly acutely aware that she desperately wanted a washbasin for her clothing.
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Header
Percept +24 low-light vision, blindsight 50', detect evil creatures within 210' emanation | Init +14 | AC 37, Touch 34, FF 26 +5 dodge when moving | DR6/- | CMD 41 | Fort + 18 Ref +23 Will +22, +2 vs death effects, +4 insight vs starv., thirst, some diseases and some poisons | Evasion (for all saves)
AC breakdown: 8 dex, 6 wis, 2 sage, 2 enhanc, 2 deflection, 3 dodge, 3 insight, 1 nat ac enhanc
Others: | Treat exposure to hot and cold as 2 steps milder (or 1 when sleeping or unconscious),
____.|.AoO__DgPool_LoH_Medit_Trip_SF_TP_Ki__MP
Left..|..012........00........7........3........2…....05…….3…….15....03
Max.|..012........36........7........5........3........10........3........2 1....11
134/154 hp
Martial focus: 1/1
Hinagiku looks with her sole good eye at the others, noting a hint of tiredness amongst them.
”We have faced many trials in the past two days, but we have done great good and succeeded at defeating many demons and their allies. Only a bit more left to do today and we can rest. ” the monk says, her voice devoid of regrets despite the heavy toll that the battles had taken on her.
With agreement from the group, Myrna gathers the Hellfire Squadron. The Hellfire Squadron lines up to say their goodbyes. Braith claps Myrna on the shoulder with a grin. "Don't go getting yourself killed before I can show you up in a real fight."
Thornam gives a solemn nod. "We'll handle the stragglers here. Don't worry about us."
Renat slings his bow over his shoulder, shaking his head with a wry smile. "You always did know how to make an exit, Captain. We'll keep the demons from regrouping."
Beatrix steps forward, addressing the squadron with practiced ease. "You know your orders—sweep the area, ensure the enemy doesn’t have a chance to reorganize. Stay sharp, stay together."
Vai waves lazily, smirking as he leans against his staff. "Try not to have too much fun without us."
Leaving the Hellfire Squadron to their duties, the heroes set out once more, traversing the scarred expanse of the Worldwound plateau. The path eventually dips into the tunnels carved by the Stone Oak clan, the jagged walls carrying the marks of years of effort and care. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the faint glow of ley energy pulses along the stone like veins of light. When they reach the Menhir Temple, they are met by a small gathering of the Stone Oak druids.
Clan-Liege Durik, his long hair woven with bone and feather talismans, steps forward and bows his head slightly to Ehren. "Archdruid, croeso yn ôl," he says in a deep, resonant voice. "Mae'r garreg yn sibrwd am dy weithredoedd. Mae'r cythreuliaid yn cwympo, ac mae'r ddaear yn dyst."
"Archdruid, welcome back," "The stone whispers of your deeds. The demons fall, and the earth bears witness."
Ehren returns the greeting with a respectful nod. "Ni arhoswn yma'n hir. Mae ein llwybr yn ein harwain i Gundrun, ond galwodd y llinellau ley ni yma yn gyntaf. Rydym yn ddiolchgar am dy groeso."
"We will not linger long. Our path leads us to Gundrun, but the ley lines called us here first. We are grateful for your welcome."
The druids exchange knowing glances before the Clan-Liege speaks again. "Boed i'r cerrig dy arwain yn wir. A boed i'r storm sy'n dy ddilyn dorri ar dy elynion yn hytrach na dy ben dy hun."
"May the stones guide you true. And may the storm that follows in your wake break upon the enemy instead of your own heads."
With that, the heroes step into the stone circle, the power of the ley thrumming beneath their feet as Ehren leads them through the underground network, their surroundings shifting in a blur of ancient magic before they arrive at Ghalcor’s Tower. The Crusader research base stands tall on the outskirts of Gundrun, its structure designed for weaponizing ley energies against the demons.
As they enter the tower, Beatrix’s familiarity with the place becomes evident. She greets several Crusaders by name, exchanging quick but heartfelt words with those she once served alongside. One, a grizzled soldier with a scar running down his cheek, claps her on the back with a broad grin. “Didn’t think I’d see you here again, Medici. Thought you’d finally outrun all the madness.”
Beatrix chuckles, shaking her head. “Not likely, Kellen. You know me—I go where the fight needs me.”
Another Crusader, a woman with striking auburn hair, gives her a nod. “You’re back just in time. We’ve been testing a few new theories on ley-based wards against fiendish corruption. Might be worth your while to take a look before you head out again.”
Beatrix exchanges a glance with Ehren before replying, “I’ll take you up on that. We’re not here long, but I’d love to see what you’ve been working on.”
The Crusaders, ever-vigilant, screen the group using detect magic. One of the paladins, an older man with sharp eyes, pauses slightly as his gaze lingers on Arueshalae. A brief moment of tension flickers in the air before he nods, satisfied, and waves them forward. “You’re clear. Safe travels.”
With that, they descend through the tower’s lower levels, the hum of ley magic crackling softly in the background. Soon, they step out into the outskirts of Gundrun, where Myrna takes the lead, guiding them toward her grandmother’s home.
The house stands on the edge of the Forest of Embers, where burnt and blackened trunks stretch endlessly into the horizon. The air is thick with smoldering ash, and faint embers float lazily, glowing dimly in the perpetual twilight of the Worldwound. The structure itself appears weathered but sturdy, its wooden walls darkened with soot and its roof patched with scavenged parts. Despite its grim surroundings, there is an undeniable aura of magic that clings to the place.
As the group approaches, the door creaks open on its own, revealing a warm, inviting interior that is far larger than it seems from the outside. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of herbs and wood smoke. Shelves filled with books, jars of dried plants, and odd trinkets line the walls. The hearth crackles cheerfully, casting flickering light across the room. Two figures rise from chairs near the fire to greet them.
The first, Eurig, is tall and gaunt, her sharp, hawk-like features framed by a long silver braid. Her piercing gray eyes sweep over the group with suspicion. She leans on a gnarled wooden staff adorned with charms and feathers. “Myrna,” she says sharply, her voice dry and stern, “Rwyt ti wedi dod â dieithriaid. Pwy ydyn nhw, a pham wyt ti wedi dod?”
“you’ve brought strangers. Who are they, and why have you come?”
Beside her, Talfryn, round and warm, offers a wide smile that softens her weathered face. Her eyes twinkle with kindness as she steps forward, clasping Myrna’s hands in hers. “Croeso adref, annwyl. Ac wyt ti wedi dod â ffrindiau? Wel, mae unrhyw ffrind i ti yn ffrind i ni. Tyrd i mewn, tyrd i mewn. Mae wedi bod yn rhy hir.”
“Welcome home, dear. And you’ve brought friends? Well, any friend of yours is a friend of ours. Come in, come in. It’s been far too long.”
"Eisteddwch, cynheswch eich hunain. Myrna, bydd rhaid i ti ddweud popeth wrthyf—beth sydd wedi digwydd, a beth sy'n dod â ti yma nawr. Fi yw Talfryn. Pwy ydych chi i gyd?”
"Sit, warm yourselves. Myrna, you’ll have to tell us everything—what’s happened, and what brings you here now. I am Talfryn. Who are all of you?”
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Myrna has some mixed feelings to be back in Gundrun. She hasn't been back since she left to join the Crusades, and she was sure there was some bitterness left in the Clan-Liege over the way she spoke to him before she left. However, she wasn't afraid of him, nor anyone else. Her childhood home was just as she had left it -- ramshackle but proud.
She is elated to see her grandmothers, and her heart quivers with a childish relief when Telfryn holds her by the hands again. But then she remembers who she is with, and turns to introduce them.
"Nain, dwi wedi dod efo arwyr Drezen. Dyma'r Archdderwydd, Ehren o Clan Ferron. Ei wraig Hinagiku, mynach o Tian Xia. Unafe, Clan-Liege y Demetae, Yui, heliwr enaid cyfarfuom yn ymladd yn ddyfnach yn y Clwyf ddoe. Sana, sgowt cain a thwyllodrus y gwnaethom ni hefyd gwrdd â hi ddoe, a Rue, côt gythraul sy'n ymladd ochr yn ochr â ni nawr."
She steps into the house, going for her favorite spot -- the floor, her back up against a pillar, next to the book-shelf. She invites the others to enter as well, and to make themselves at home if they so chose. The books were a mixture of academic and mythological, and Myrna had always preferred the latter.
She adds more. "Roeddwn i eisiau ymweld â chi, yn chwilio am eich doethineb, ac rydym yn chwilio am Alase Widow-Knife hefyd. Rydyn ni ar y ffordd i Storasta i ddod o hyd i arteffact sydd wedi'i guddio yno gan Areelu Vorlesh."
"I wanted to visit you, looking for your wisdom, and we're looking for Alase Widow-Knife as well. We're on the way to Storasta to find an artifact hidden there by Areelu Vorlesh. "
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Header
Percept +24 low-light vision, blindsight 50', detect evil creatures within 210' emanation | Init +14 | AC 37, Touch 34, FF 26 +5 dodge when moving | DR6/- | CMD 41 | Fort + 18 Ref +23 Will +22, +2 vs death effects, +4 insight vs starv., thirst, some diseases and some poisons | Evasion (for all saves)
AC breakdown: 8 dex, 6 wis, 2 sage, 2 enhanc, 2 deflection, 3 dodge, 3 insight, 1 nat ac enhanc
Others: | Treat exposure to hot and cold as 2 steps milder (or 1 when sleeping or unconscious),
____.|.AoO__DgPool_LoH_Medit_Trip_SF_TP_Ki__MP
Left..|..012........00........7........3........2…....05…….3…….15....03
Max.|..012........36........7........5........3........10........3........2 1....11
134/154 hp
Martial focus: 1/1
As they follow Myrna on the edges of town towards the home of her grandmother, Hinagiku gently calls to Arueshalae with her thoughts.
Mrs. Arueshalae, can you hear me? That was quite strange back at the tower, do you know what happened with that crusader? He seemed unsure about his reaching of you. As the demon responds, Hinagiku looks at her body language, trying to determine how she feels about the situation.
As the scarred door of the burnt cabin magically opens to greet them, Hinagiku’s tail cannot help but swish a bit, betraying the surprised wonder of the monk. Stepping in, she politely bows to Eurig and then to Talfryn. As Myrna introduces them, her ears twitch ever so slightly at the mention of her being the wife of Ehren. If they survived the next few months, most likely, but not yet.
Yet, none of these thoughts show through as she greets the two grandmothers, for she is unmoved by them.
”I am Hinata Hinagiku, please to meet the grandmother of Mrs. Myrna.”
Hinagiku is surprised at the concise yet complete exposition from the grand-daughter. Listening, she moves to the earth when invited to by Myrna. As the topic comes to the artifact and Storasta, Hinagiku gently speaks up:
”My apologies for being so forward, but I was wondering if you had knowledge of the coming of goings in Storasta, Riverkeep. We believe that servants of the demons might go there soon.”
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Arueshalae hesitates for a moment before responding, her voice sounding wary. "I... I felt something, but it was subtle. Almost as if the spell tried to read me, but then hesitated, as if uncertain what I was. It wasn’t like the usual sensation of detection magic. I don’t think it was a failure- I think it was confused."
Hinagiku watches the succubus closely, picking up the minute shifts in Arueshalae’s posture—the slight downward tilt of her head, the way her wings fold a little tighter, the distant look in her eyes as she processes the moment. There is unease there, but not quite fear. Perhaps curiosity, perhaps a quiet hope that whatever happened might mean something good.
Talfryn hums thoughtfully, rubbing her chin as she gestures for everyone to sit at a large dining table, which lengthens out to accommodate the extra guests. "Storasta, meddi di? Mae hynny'n lwybr peryglus, plentyn. Nid yw'r tir yno fel yr oedd o'r blaen llygredig ac yn newid yn barhaus."
"Ac Alase Widow-Knife... wel, rwyt ti'n ei hadnabod yn well na'r rhan fwyaf. Os nad yw hi allan yn creu helynt, mae'n debyg ei bod ar waelod potel.""
Eurig snorts, leaning on her staff. "Os oes arnat ti ei hangen, gallet ti geisio darganfod lle cwympodd hi'n anymwybodol ddiwethaf yn hytrach na dechrau hela mawr."
Talfryn's eyes gaze up and down at Myrna. "Rwyt ti wedi tyfu, Mynni. Rwyt ti'n cario dy hun fel rhywun sydd wedi gweld gormod o galedi. Ond cyn i ti fynd ar ôl ysbrydion, dylech orffwys. Bwyta. Gad i ni ofalu am dy glwyfau."
Beatrix, still leaning against the doorframe, grins. "I won’t say no to that. I think I’m still carrying half the dust of the Wound on me."
Rue shifts uncomfortably but nods. "Rest would be wise. We do not know what we will face in Storasta. We should prepare."
Eurig grumbles but finally waves them all toward the table. "Iawn, iawn. Rwyt ti wedi dod â thrafferth i'm drws unwaith eto, fel arfer. Gwell i ni dy fwydo cyn i ti fynd yn ôl i mewn iddo eto."
The group settles in as Eurig bustles about preparing food. Her eyes narrow as she exchanges a glance with Talfryn. With slow, practiced movements, she reaches for a bundle of dried herbs hanging from the rafters, plucking a few leaves before grinding them between her fingers. The scent of sage and thyme fills the air, blending with the rich aroma of simmering stew from the heavy cauldron that hangs over the fire. The older woman hums thoughtfully, stirring the embers of the hearth with a long iron poker.
"Nid yw Storasta wedi bod yn fan dynol ers tro. Mae'r coed yn sibrydion am gysgodion yn pasio, ond nid pawb yw cythreuliaid. Mae rhai yn ceisio adennill yr hyn a gollwyd. Mae eraill... yn llai anrhydeddus yn eu bwriad."
Talfryn sighs, shaking her head, stirring the thick broth with a wooden ladle. The soft clinking of the ladle against the iron pot punctuates her words, the steam rising in fragrant swirls. She scoops up a spoonful, eyes narrowing in assessment before nodding to herself and sprinkling in a pinch of crushed salt.
"Os yw rhywbeth yn symud yn Storasta, nid yw'n newydd. Mae'r tir yno yn dal cyfrinachau wedi'u claddu ers talwm, ac nid pawb sy'n eu ceisio o resymau anrhydeddus. Os yw'n Riverkeep y maent yn symud, yna bydd y dyfroedd yn aflonydd. A ydych wedi siarad â ysbrydion y tir? Efallai bod ganddynt fwy o wybodaeth nag sydd gennym ni."
Eurig snorts, moving toward a clay bowl where she kneads a dense mixture of ground grains, her fingers deftly shaping small loaves of bread to be placed near the fire. Her hands, rough with years of labor, work with precision as she sets each one carefully onto a hot stone, the dough beginning to rise with the heat. "Neu efallai y byddant yn dy arwain mewn cylchoedd, fel y mae ysbrydion yn aml yn ei wneud. Ond beth bynnag, cer yn ofalus. Rwyt ti'n camu i le lle mae amser ei hun yn dal ei anadl."
The grandmothers then serve steaming bowls of hearty stew alongside thick slices of freshly baked bread. The scent of roasted roots and savory herbs fills the room, wrapping around the group like a warm embrace. Talfryn hums softly as she ladles another portion, setting it down before Myrna with a fond smile. "Bwyta, blentyn. Rwyt ti a'th ffrindiau yn edrych fel petai gormod o galedi wedi eich blino ar y ffordd."
Eurig sets down a bowl with a decisive thud before Rue, eyeing her with a lingering scrutiny before turning away without comment. She moves to sit, folding her hands over her staff, her expression heavy with thought. "Ond mae'n rhaid eich bod chi'n gwybod, blentyn, mae ein noddwr wedi sôn am lygredd mawr yng ngwlad ein hynafiaid. Mae angen cymorth arnom ni. Os ydych chi'n mynd i Storasta, efallai y gallech chi ein cynorthwyo."
Talfryn sighs, stirring her own bowl absentmindedly, her eyes distant. "Mae beddrodau Clan Riversoar yn Storasta wedi'u llygru gan rym maleisus. Mae ysbrydion ein hynafiaid yn aflonydd, ac mae eu man gorffwys olaf wedi'i halogi. Rydym yn ofni beth allai ddod o'n llinach os nad yw'r llygredd hwn yn cael ei lanhau."
Eurig meets Myrna’s gaze. "Rhaid i ti deithio i feddrodau Storasta a cheisio beddrod arbennig. Mae'n dwmpath pridd wedi'i atgyfnerthu â cherrig, wedi'i baentio â symbolau coch sy'n ei farcio fel man gorffwys ein harweinwyr mwyaf nodedig."
Talfryn leans forward. "O fewn y beddrod hwnnw, byddi'n dod o hyd i weddillion ein hynafiaid a chofroddion o'u hoes—arteffactau o bŵer a hanes. Dyg y rhain yn ôl atom, fel y gallwn eu cadw a pharchu ein llinach. Bydd unrhyw weddillion neu eitemau cyfan sydd ar gael yn werthfawr iawn."
"Within that barrow, you will find the remains of our ancestors and relics of their time—artifacts of power and history. Bring these back to us, so we may preserve them and honor our lineage. Any intact remains or items you can find will be of great importance."
When she first enters Myrna's grandmothers' home, she frowns briefly at the presence of the witches' arcane paraphernalia.
Relax, she tells herself. Yes, these are witches, but Myrna vouches for them...and haven't I already placed my life in the hands of witches like Li'an and Xander? Haven't I even found common cause with a reformed succubus?
When introduced, Unafe bows her head to the elders. "Well met, Eurig and Talfryn. You have raised a granddaughter to be proud of. Her ability to stir the soul with words, and inspire the best in others is astounding. I'd be proud to have one such as her in my own clan."
When the stew is served she digs into it, heartily. Then, as the Riversoar elders describe their dilemma, Unafe nods, and feels her own ancestor spirits become agitated at the description of the desecrated barrow.
Unafe looks to Myrna, and says, "Myrna, you can count on me to aid in this, for the honor of your ancestors. Hopefully we can preserve your Riversoar relics and grant your ancestors their peace, while also investigating Vang's plans."