Erdij is clearly confused by the mention of a Katapeshi bazaar, and is uncertain as to what either word means. He remains silent, however, as he leads the more subdued group on.
As night approaches, a suitable sheltering spot is found, just off the canyon floor and barely ten feet in depth.
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Ed listens to Kappi, and Davosh then continues to walk with a far away stare as he recalls a memory.
I’ve been to that Bazaar, and Kappi you are correct. One must keep a close watch on all their belongings. I caught one wee boy named Sterling Po, he was naught but skin n bones. Turned him into the law which is right to do, but then I paid his fine and bought him some shoes and some food. I hope he learned the lesson, and Apsu has guided him onto bettter things.
.
Ed listens to Kappi, and Davosh then continues to walk with a far away stare as he recalls a memory.
I’ve been to that Bazaar, and Kappi you are correct. One must keep a close watch on all their belongings. I caught one wee boy named Sterling Po, he was naught but skin n bones. Turned him into the law which is right to do, but then I paid his fine and bought him some shoes and some food. I hope he learned the lesson, and Apsu has guided him onto bettter things.
[dice=Survival]1d20+8.
Kappi considered Ed's story. The Oradin was a strange fellow, not in the crazy sense that OjosLocos was, but strange none the less.
The lad volunteered for the first watch.
Then the MurderHobo
Then Edward
Then Ali
Then Davosh
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Davosh hears the Oradin beginning to stir waking early to do his morning prayers. This morning is different. This morning he makes sure everyone else is still asleep, including Erdij.
He wanders over to Davosh, and sits close. In a whisper Hey what’s your assessment here? I’m sure by Apsu’s will I’m where I need to be, but this situation doesn’t seem to have any good endings. Baba Yaga isn’t a good person, but she seem better than her daughter.
Davosh sensed that Ed’s words weren’t finished not answering till he asked the question he should have asked first.
But more importantly I’m worried about Vojtek. I’ve sensed something off about him ever since he received the dragon’s heart. I’ve been working with him, teaching him about Wayfinder, and his ways, but the man is just a little off, kind of like he’s just riding the edge of his axe. What do you suggest? Do you think you can help keep him sane? Or even allied with us?
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"The Future my boy, is a toss of the dice. We can worry about the vacuous cataclysm in days to come. As for our warrior..."
Davosh stares at the lad, tempted to use both eyes, but opting for one, "I think he's simply out of his element. Let us have this conversation again after we enter this dungeon and have plundered its depth."
Breaking camp at dawn the next day, Erdij leads the party north along the Myrfrus River. At a ford point, you note the ice floes that litter the broadening river to the north. Wispy clouds race across the gleaming blue sky overhead, but the floor of the crevasse to the east lies in shadow, the sunlight blotted out by the massive cliffs on either side. Gray grasses and scraggly trees poke through drifts of ice and snow, weaving their way through black boulders that lie at the base of the towering cliffs. Your destination lies that way, Erdij says, pointing toward a series of intermittent bluffs below the soaring cliff faces. It is time for me to take my leave of you. Fare the well, friends!
Crudely carved into the face of these cliffs, several miles apart, stand three impossible sculptures that each rise over half a mile in height. Each carving depicts a naked humanoid woman holding forth a warning hand. The first resembles a young maiden with flowing hair, the second depicts a pregnant matron, and the third a stooped and withered crone.
"Let us not delay my friends. This is where heroes come by their weird."
Davosh turns to the centaurs, "We'll return and bring sunlight and a more certain future with us. Fare thee well."
Vojtek cranes his neck back and squints at the statues. He describes their massive size to his friends in a quiet voice. He has never seen the works of man crafted to such scale. He asks Davosh if these might be the handiwork of the gods?
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"The gods rarely work with clarity. Their handiwork is in the ground beneath you and the wind that pushes you. Nay, these are the work of mortals. I suspect that before long, once inside, you'll feel that with utter surety my hyborean friend."
Ali usually lets Davosh's utterings--which, let's face it, would often be generous to call "half-mad"--roll off her. But this time she stops, looks at him seriously, and nods with conviction.
Yes. You've the right of it, Wanderer!
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Vojtek remembers his campfire talks with Edward about Apsu, and the wonders the Oradin's god can perform. He rolls the thoughts around in his mind, trying to gauge their worth like a merchant rolling a bauble back and forth in his hand.
If Apsu created the other gods as Edward claimed, surely he could have created these statues... But why then would a god bother to do so? Perhaps the Wanderer speaks true. The gulf between what Davosh clearly believes, and what Vojtek understands of Apsu's power apparently justified, Vojtek nods and puts away such esoteric thoughts.
He scans the landscape before them for threats. If he were to set an ambush, he might do so in sight of these massive statues in order to pounce while his distracted prey wondered about gods and men.
Vojtek quietly warns Kappi against marveling at the Maiden statue, as the lad clearly was while trying to stay out of Ali's line of sight. "Keep your hand on your weapons little brother, not on your hilt. Watch the trees."
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Kappi also stares with awe at the great statues. Whether the work of mortal hands or the gods It sure is impressive The young rogue stares a bit more just marveling at the excellent artistic craftsmanship. He liken the image of the pregnant matron to that of his aunt who was very heavy with child when he last saw his Family. And suddenly even his olive skin reveals him to be blushing horribly. With utter embarrassment he realized Ali is watching him stare at a giant naked, very pregnant statue. Aaahhh, she must think I have some strange desire for huge pregnant women... Damn it all! Why couldn't she have caught me staring at the beautiful Maiden. I'd still be embarrassed but at least she would think I'm normal...
The flushing Kappi turns to Ali but can't quite meet her eyes. He sputters trying to explain that it wasn't what it looked like. Ummm, NO it... I mean uhhh... He sort of turns and starts to point at the statue of the Maiden, Pref... Mai-... His sputtering dies out and he just tries to forget the whole ordeal.
Doing his best to put his gameface on, he gives a quick scout around now that their guide has left them. He starts to find the best path to advance toward the giant statues (whom he now can't bring himself to look at) What if she sees me looking at the Crone? I don't want her to think I LIKE THAT. Id prefer she think Id rather the preggo one...
Somewhat distracted Perception check
The Varisian lad begins leading the group forward.
Ali notices Kappi’s typical floundering around her in a potentially embarrassing situation...she gives him a girlish giggle and a shake of the head...than seruptitiously gives Ed a conspiratorial wink
Votjek notes that the statues themselves are worn smooth over time and that climbing might prove a difficult endeavor.
Kappi further sees that there are no outcroppings and fissures to allow purchase on a climb. Difficult indeed!
Votjek notes that the statues themselves are worn smooth over time and that climbing might prove a difficult endeavor.
Kappi further sees that there are no outcroppings and fissures to allow purchase on a climb. Difficult indeed!
Kappi figures an opportunity will present itself. He is more of less aiming for the center Matron, but he figures there will be a path of some sort to where they need to go. Be it a tunnel/cave near the base of one of the statues or a narrow goat path leading up to the top of a mesa above/behind a statue.
Nodding to Vojtek, he flips his tomahawk once and catches it as he moves the party forward.
"I can fly."
Davosh looks at the rest of the party. "But that doesn't do us good as a group. I can fly around and look for an entrance, but I also suggest we look for something more.... terrestrial."
The party takes pains to search about the base of all three statues, taking 20 on Perception and Survival. After a thorough search, the only reasonable conclusion is that the mesas atop them are only available via aerial access or climbing.
The Varisian lad takes off his head scarf. He smoothes it out and refolds it properly, then ties it back onto his head. His other team members know this is something he does when he is thinking. Sort of a nervous tick.
I'm not a bad climber. Maybe with Davosh's flying ability and my climbing help... He seems to be struggling to find the words Maybe we can tie off some ropes and make it possible for the rest of the party to make the ascension? He looks at the others for their approval.
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Vojtek is completely absorbed in a strange flexing pose... He can FEEL leathery wings beneath his shoulder blades. The musculature is cramping, and Vojtek tries with every fiber of his being to snap the wings wide, allow the air currents to cup him in their gentle hands, and with a few powerful strokes to climb to the statues’ summit. For his efforts, he is rewarded with a partial transformation in his hands and jaw - the terrifying claws and toothy mandible seem to unfold from the man-flesh like they were molting his human form.
In a few short moments, Vojtek’s partial transformation reverses, and the frustrated barbarian continues to flex and work his arms and shoulders around to try to relieve the cramping pain he feels.
** spoiler omitted **
Kappi asks the others about providing cover with their bows.
The rogue starts his climb w/ Davosh to assist with carrying rope and and assisting in tiedown points.
Climb
The rogue is confident in this endeavor. He smiles as he thinks about his Ring of FeatherFall...
Aye.
Vojtek follows the rope and ascends without much trouble. He ensures he checks on Ali and Edward periodically, offering aid in spotting handholds or route selection.
Take 10 aid another (+10=20) for each.
Davosh looks up, then looks at Vojtek. He slaps Kappi on the shoulder and prepares to go up the easy way.
OH YEAH!!
Ali has been rummaging through her pack, and whips out a wand.
A wand of Spider Climb! Who wants some???
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Davosh gives Aly the Stink Eye. "Why didn't you say so in the first place?"
Davosh opens his Big Eye and looks to the top. Liska jumps on his shoulders and he begins flying up as soon as everyone has been tagged.
Ali sticks her tongue out at Davosh.
Davosh looks up, then looks at Vojtek. He slaps Kappi on the shoulder and prepares to go up the easy way.
I figured there would be a place or two to stop and regroup. Like it wasn't a sheer half mile straight up. And Kap has a magic ring, he isn't that worried about falling.
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I figured there would be a place or two to stop and regroup. Like it wasn't a sheer half mile straight up. And Kap has a magic ring, he isn't that worried about falling.
As for the clues:
Tryva
Moc
Rozum
Davosh looks at the party before ascending the Maiden.
"Remember these words. Remember them well."
"When you have all, find the sisters who are one: Mother. Maiden. Also Crone.
But the Maiden is elusive, and may only be caught with the waxing moon.
"We have two days remaining of Waxing. I'm not sure what changes then. Also, be prepared. We expect guardian Will o'wisps. This will not be easy."
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Two days till the full moon? Well then I suppose that we should climb the mother. Moc’s clue was she would be available then. I think we can wait 2 days, and the extra time will be good if something goes wrong. Especially with Davosh’s warning.
Davosh what can you tell us about the Jack-o-Lanterns, I’m sorry you call them Will-o-wisps?
"Well Edward..."
Also: the waxing moon means the Maiden should be accessible, at least until the full moon.
"The Waxing moon means the Maiden is accessible, for now."
Davosh's explanation of the aspects of will'o wisps is mind-numbingly thorough."
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Hmm, those little blighters sound very hard to hit. At least I can use Magic Missile on 'em.
Yes, let's mount the Maiden! Ali throws Kappi a wink.
Ali uses five charges off her wand while Davosh prepares to summon the ancients to lift him up.
Davosh's exhaustive knowledge of the will-o'wisp proves worthwhile when three arise from the forest as the party ascends, intent on dinner! From what the warlock knows, these are larger and more substantial than normal! Two head toward the main party, while one moves over toward Davosh!
Round 1
Vojtek — GO
baddies — TBD
Davosh — TBD
Ali — TBD
Kappi — TBD
Edward — TBD
this is the next day after the fight with the flying p%+@kers, right? If so, can we retcon that the discussion about the Wisps happened for spell preparation time??
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- Round the First
- Current HPs: 93/93
for
for
Confirm -> for
Vojtek grips the wall with his legs and starts shooting his mighty bow of the Centaur at the strange will o' wisp approaching Davosh. His snarling and growling have become familiar to the group, but even so they are a little distubing.
Davosh doesn't seem at all disturbed at Vojtek... he seems, even relieved, as if all is right.
Though he doesn't waste time in encouraging his wiry friend, "Nice shot Vojtek!"
Vojtek hits (but does NOT confirm) with his bow!
The balls of light suddenly fade away, the light dimming until it can be seen no more!
Round 1
Vojtek — pew
baddies — disappear
Davosh — GO
Ali — GO
Kappi — GO
Edward — GO
Davosh opens his eye wide, and moves to float near Ali. As he does, he casts a spell of See invisibility.
Recognizing the spell Davosh just cast, Ali shouts out Great!! Point to where they are, I'll Glitterdust 'em!!
As the warlock moves, he feels a shock course over his skin from...something he cannot see!
"OW!" Aly right by your right hand! Vojtek, by your left hip!"
HP: 48/58