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"Something tells me that this maze will not allow for there to be no guardian. Perhaps we will find a new guardian or the old one resurrected. In either case, we know where we found it last time and should check and can decide from there which of the targets to visit first. Kyalla we've already met and she is unlikely to be at home, so perhaps we try the third one on the list, Prince Odrien, if we are unable to find out where Hestram went - if he went anywhere."
You enter the Maze of the Open Road, looking for any signs of comings or goings; sadly, you find none. Other than your own tracks, the maze is pretty much as you found it on your first trip inside.
As you approach the courtyard, you hear a voice call out, "My weapons are down and I have my back to you. You have my word I will do nothing to impede you, as you have clearly shown yourselves to be my better in combat."
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...then exchanges his toiletry kit for a rather gaily-wrapped package that appears to have come all the way from Osirion. He opens it gingerly, and pulls out its contents: A brand-new wand, shaped like a miniature Osirian obelisk and made from some unidentifiable dark-greenish-blue mineral, around which spirals a maddeningly complex numerological design.
He waves it over each and every one in turn; as he waves it over you, you hear a series of delicate clicks or ticks, feel a fleeting pang of déjà vu, and catch a momentary flash of...did a tiny eye just blink open-and-shut somewhere on that wand...?!?
Holding a mirror out to peek around the corner, you see what appears to be the back of a medusa. As promised, she is facing away from you, sitting on a stone, arms where you can see them and no weapons visible.
"I hear you casting spells back there. I trust you won't just attack me out of hand. Dying hurts even when I know I'll be back."
"I am called Condria ... and would prefer conversations be aloud, please, so that all can take part. Since it appears we have established that we don't have to fight, let me know what direction you want to travel, and I will get out of your way so as not to accidentally gaze upon you."
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Marta is NOT a fan of bad puns and glares at the mini-drag.
She turns a more friendly look towards (but not at, no, not at) the direction of the voice.
"I was rather hoping you could be of some help to us. I take it from your comments that you are the same Medusa that we bested in combat and have been resurrected. Would I be correct in assuming that this is part of the Mazes magic? I too am curious. Hod DID you become the guardian? Has it been since the maze's conception?"
Her voice is as androgynous her appearance and she makes uses of the oratorical skills she has learned to pitch her voice low and friendly, speaking in calming and soothing rhythms, her spear angled unthreateningly to the side.
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Myrdon leans over toe Fendahl and mutters, "What's a hypo-condria?"
Turn back to the medusa, well the reflection of the medusa in the mirror, Myrdon adds, "Yes, yes, I mean we killed you! But of course, I hope you understand why we did it then. But you're back! I did that recently actually, but man did it cost me much. How did you do it?" He shortly realises they have more important things to do here. "Oh yes, the maze. So fascinating. Some extra dimensional space?"
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After some more small talk to assess the medusa’s potential willingness to help the party, Luisila gets down to business.
“We’re interested in the comings and goings through the Maze of an old supervisor of ours named Adril Hestram.”
“We suspect he may have be visiting a number of persons via the Maze. People who may not necessarily appreciate his attention.”
Luisila gestures casually in a direction beyond the central statue. “We liberated a goodly naga named Volyanni from your rock garden, who travelled with one of the visitees. A lady named Kyalla.”
“If you have any information you can share about Mistress Kyalla, or perhaps another person of interest: Eddington Keel, we can go about our business and leave you to yours.”
With her smoked goggles firmly in place, Luisila risks looking around the corner for traps or threats.
Luisila watches the area carefully, but detects no threats beyond the currently docile medusa.
“How did you become the guardian of this maze, Condria? Do you like it?”
Even with her back turned, you can tell the medusa is rolling her eyes. "Oh yes, I love being magically bound to a small maze with only rare company. Dying and coming back to life repeatedly is complete and utter joy."
But you're back! I did that recently actually, but man did it cost me much. How did you do it?"[/b]
"You would have to ask the one who bound me, but I haven't seen that crazy druid for many centuries."
“We’re interested in the comings and goings through the Maze of an old supervisor of ours named Adril Hestram.”
“We suspect he may have be visiting a number of persons via the Maze. People who may not necessarily appreciate his attention.”
“That bear isn’t easily forgotten. He’s been quite active in the Maze since you and I last met several days ago. In each case, when I confronted him, it always ended badly for me. In fact, I can’t recall more agonizing deaths than those he granted me in all my centuries in the Maze. While he travels often through the Absalom, Galt, and Mwangi Expanse gates, his most recent movements centered around the Chelish portal, taking place under the cover of night.”
Luisila gestures casually in a direction beyond the central statue. “We liberated a goodly naga named Volyanni from your rock garden, who travelled with one of the visitees. A lady named Kyalla.”
“If you have any information you can share about Mistress Kyalla, or perhaps another person of interest: Eddington Keel, we can go about our business and leave you to yours.”
"I last saw the naga's companion going through the gate to the Mwangi Expanse after I captured the naga for my garden. As to Keel, I am aware that the Chelish portal connects to a manor in Corentyn called Habermorrow, and I think I heard Hestram mention the name 'Keel' before he killed me yesterday. Not that I have ever been through this or any other portal, mind you, as attempting to do so simply brings me back to the center of the Maze. I can never leave through any means.”
"I was rather hoping you could be of some help to us. I take it from your comments that you are the same Medusa that we bested in combat and have been resurrected. Would I be correct in assuming that this is part of the Mazes magic? I too am curious. Hod DID you become the guardian? Has it been since the maze's conception?"
[b]"Yes, that was me. A powerful druid bound me here to guard the maze after he built it. I am bound, body and soul, to this place, to guard it until the powerful druidic magic binding me is broken, or some unknown conditions are met.”
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"One would think you would be more kind to travelers then. Even a loner such as myself craves company from time to time. Is there some magic that forces you to be hostile or is it just part of your nature?"
Never missing a chance to convert an evil creature, Marta gives it a go. You know, Ragathiel might be able to help you with that. If he can welcome demons to his side, I have no doubt one such as you could lead a rewarding life under his benevolent leadership. Unless you are satisfied with life?"
Condria chuckles. "What kind of 'guardian' would I be if I let just anyone pass through? Besides, I have little other entertainment."
She sighs and adds, "You can keep your religion, thank you. The gods have no interest in such as me."
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“Is cosúil go bhfuil an duine a tharraing comhlacht Hestram tar éis 'Myrdon' a dhéanamh air.”
हेस्त्रम के शरीर को उठाने वाले व्यक्ति की तरह लगता है कि इस पर एक 'Myrdon' किया गया है।
“Sounds like the person that lifted Hestram’s body has done a ‘Myrdon’ on it.”
“It seems we have a decision to make, team.”
Luisila ducks back around the corner with the party. “Do we go to Cheliax to warn Keel or the Mwangi to visit Kyalla. From what Condria says, Hestram seems to have placed a priority on Habermorrow in Corentyn, Cheliax.”
“Perhaps we should go there first?”
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Marta practically growls, "We need to find Hestram. That is our main priority. If we can capture him all this chasing ends. If not, what are we going to do? Sit on Kyalla while Hestram is running around causing more mischief? We must find Hestram if we ever want to get to the bottom of all this."
I wonder if he has been subject to a domination spell? They last a lot longer than my swaying word from what I hear. Something to consider.
Condria moves to give you a safe path through the courtyard, and you follow your map to the Cheliax gate.
Stepping through the portal, you feel a light tugging on your entire body, as if you are being pulled in every direction at once. Whether in limbo for only moments or an eternity you can not tell, but in the end you step unscathed from the portal’s mate, finding yourself in the shadow of a red and black marble gazebo before the ominous shape of the portal behind you.
A traditional Chelish garden surrounds the structure, and the form of a sizable manor house rises from behind a row of topiary bushes. Cleverly woven into the random patterns in the mosaic path are Glyphs of the Open Road, hidden from eyes not familiar with the symbol.
The gate from which you emerge takes the shape of a simple ebony archway covered in bloodstone carvings in the shape of thick, thorny brambles. On the left side of the portal, amid the intricate vine relief, half of the Glyph of the Open Road has been carved into the stone.
The grounds appear to be completely enclosed by a high, granite wall.
Half a dozen workers—four halflings, one human, and one tiefling—occupy the garden, rigorously tending the landscape. They have not yet noticed you from your position by the arch.
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Before stepping through, Myrdon casts more spells on himself and Aegis.
"Wait. That space on the right side. It once held the right half of the Glyph of the Open Road." Not understanding the significance though, he looks away.
Seeing the rather idyllic scene, Myrdon pauses. "What do you think? Perhaps someone should scout around first to find out what's happening?"
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“Hmm … well, I guess we’d better do just that then, Fendahl. I’m going to send out a decoy and see how the gardeners react.”
When everyone is ready, Luisila taps Marta and Myrdon with her wand of protection from evil. She then ✨casts mislead conveying greater invisibility on herself, and puppeteering a Luisila simulacrum openly on the path to the manor’s front door.
If challenged in a non-hostile manner, she plans to converse pleasantly but will not allow herself to be touched, in order to maintain the illusion.
As the illusionary Luisila strides across the garden, following the path to the manor, the various workers all take notice but do not attempt to interact with her.
Marta watches them carefully, and sees that they seem surprised, but are clearly well disciplined not to interfere with people above their station.
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Luisila’s twin calls out in a friendly manner to the gardeners, as she concentrates. “Hello, good folk! My, don’t you all work hard!”
Lu2 frowns as she wonders whether the gardeners are slaves. “Are you paid for your service to Mister Keel? Does he treat you fairly regardless of your background?”
“I have been called half-breed or mixed-blood by ignorant people – but only ONCE!”
She smiles. “Is he about? What about a big bear of a fellow named Hestram?”
The workers seem surprised to be addressed. One of the halflings looks toward Luisila but not directly at her. "Paid, ma'am? Who ever heard of a slave being paid? But I suppose all things considered he is a fair master. If it please you, I may have seen your "bear of a man", but couldn't say as to his name, ma'am, or how recently he's been about."
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“My late mother was ‘ma’am.’ My friends call me Luisila. And I certainly hope we shall be friends, my good ser.”
She curtseys. “Are you the only slaves on the estate? Have you ever contemplated another line of work? I might be able to arrange that, but first I need to have a word with your master about the elusive bear.”
“Now where might I find Mister Keel? And are there any devils about?”
She looks skyward briefly wearing a dreamy expression. “Imaginary friend, do you detect anything?”
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Marta marches forward, convinced there is nothing to fear, though she does have her halo up, her spear ready, and her wayfinder displayed prominently.
"I assume, Luisilla, that the front door would be the most suitable egress. Perhaps some of the flyers could do a quick scout while we make our approach and you question the slaves?"
Marta looks angry, though controlled, for some reason.
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“Are you the only slaves on the estate? Have you ever contemplated another line of work? I might be able to arrange that, but first I need to have a word with your master about the elusive bear.”
“Now where might I find Mister Keel? And are there any devils about?”
"Master Keel should be at home, ma'am. There are a number of slaves here, for different jobs. If you go to the door, the house staff should be present. I couldn't speak to whether there are any devils about, ma'am. If Master Keel works with them, I don't know about it."
Vladek casts a spell, then sends Qadathra off to scout the manor. There is a single main entrance on the east side of the manor; several chimneys and windows dot the walls around the remaining sides. Most of the windows are covered with curtains, but Qadathra notices something strange about the upstairs windows on the north side: they seem to be frosted over, as if the room inside is very, very cold. He detects a few magical auras inside the manor, such as might be found on magic items common to aristocratic households.