Ali is distracted by the exhilaration of flying and cannot connect!
Green remains fascinated by the shinies in Davosh's hand, but Red and Blue can and do act!
Blue, still angry about the force missiles, speeds at Ali! It stops strategically to generate a flanking position with its Red fellow!
Red does the same on Ali!
R 55 fog 11 rnds, entangled
G fog 5 rnds, fascinated
Round 3
Ali — swingandamiss
baddies — elf sammich
Kappi — GO
Edward — GO
Vojtek — GO
Davosh — GO
Bescaylie/Efrixes — TBD
"I am your friend noble drake, I mean you no harm. Now go and take a well deserved rest." Davosh waves his arm at the mounts behind him, luring him away from our goal.
Edward lands a pair of shots on Red, while Davosh sends the fascinated Green away from the fracas!
R 68 fog 11 rnds, entangled
G fog 5 rnds, fascinated, sent away
Round 3
Ali — swingandamiss
baddies — elf sammich
Kappi — GO
Edward — pewpewpew
Vojtek — GO
Davosh — GO
Bescaylie/Efrixes — TBD
Davosh turns on the other mind-fogged drake and gives him the judgement of the Big Eye.
Round 3
Flanking with Ali, the lad takes 5' flying step to bring short swords upon the red drake.
First attack
sh sword
2nd attack
sh sword
3rd attack
sh sword
It takes two swings from Kappi, but Red succumbs to its wounds, spiraling down to crash on the snow below!
Davosh inexplicably can't seem to get his hex to stick on Blue!
Round 3
Ali — swingandamiss
baddies — elf sammich
Kappi — sneaky stabs
Edward — pewpewpew
Vojtek — GO
Davosh — hex is thrown off!
Bescaylie/Efrixes — TBD
Vojtek works himself around to target the blue drake, with a deft twist and a quick adjustment for his vertical axis, the barbarian edges closer to his foe and attacks!
(5' toward blue)
- Round the Third
- Current HPs: 120 +5 +5 = 130
- Hastened
- Enraged
for .
for .
for .
for .
Haste Attack: for .
for .
And for .
Confirmagic: for .
Vojtek's flurry of claw lands a few blows!
Bescaylie and Efrixes can be seen circling outside of Spurhorn, keeping a watchful eye on the battle.
B 86, fog 4 rnds
Round 4
Ali — GO
baddies baddie — TBD
Kappi — TBD
Edward — TBD
Vojtek — TBD
Davosh — TBD
Bescaylie/Efrixes — TBD
Ali goes Full Tilt Boogie on the drake...
It takes two sings, but Ali finishes off Blue!
Bescaylie nods. Well fought! she shouts over the winds. Let us make haste before another patrol takes notice! She and Efrixes wheel in the air and streak toward the walls of Spurhorn.
Some 100 feet ahead of the party, you can see a series of figures along the parapets on the wall launch a single volley at the pair. Bescaylie shouts something and they immediately cease fire.
When you approach, you can see dozens of the figures manning the wall, their weapons trained on you but not firing. They are clearly keeping a watchful eye, however.
Upon landing, Bescaylie motions you over as she converses with a trio of other dragonkin riders. This is Zusk, of the Dragon Legion, and their partner is Herjan, she says, motioning to the pair in red. Zusk bows slightly, while Herjan glares suspiciously.
Bescaylie presents the gold dragonkin and its rider next. This is Jaenton, of the Dragon Legion, and their partner is Balakalo. Jaenton also bows slightly, as Balakalo paws the icy ground a bit.
And this is Zalmos, of the Dragon Legion, and their partner is Skalmee. Zalmos glares a long while before giving an almost imperceptible bow. Skalmee, in turn, slowly looks back and forth between their partner and Bescaylie.
Bescaylie turns back to Zusk, who nods. You are invited to join us and Commander Pharamol at first light tomorrow, Zusk says stiffly. We have simple accommodations for you, but hope they will manage.
Kappi tries not to gape too much upon seeing a whole dang army of dragonkin and riders. The lad awkwardly bows in several directions to them all.
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Ed's mood picks up being this close to this much dragonkin. Though not full blooded dragons, his connection to Apsu just seems a bit stronger at the moment.
Ed takes a look for any decoration of rank amongst the riders, or seeing if any of them defer to one of them being a leader. I'm currently assuming it's Zusk.
(Triaxian) Thank you Lady Bescaylie, Thank you Rider Zusk. Greetings Jaenton, and Zalmos. Let me introduce myself and my companions. I am Edward Fell, humble worshiper of Apsu may he continue to guide our way. This lady is
Ali'yanah D'ohr'hein warrior mage. This is Davosh the Wanderer wielder of magic from the ancients. This young man is Kappi Matarito, skilled with the short blade, and finally I present Vojtek skilled passionate warrior with the heart of a dragon. I am sure that any accommodations will be better than we could have found down there. I would welcome the introduction to Commander Pharamol.
Ed switches to draconic. Greetings Herjan, Balakalo, and Skalmee. It is a pleasure to meet you. May Apsu bless you and your riders. Though we come from another world, dragons and their kin are truly majestic and noble.
The trio seem to appreciate the use of their native tongue, and even the minor translation errors don't seem to bother them. The dragonkin, for their part, listen intently as Edward speaks their language, and all but Herjan nod in greeting.
Davosh doesn't speak, but he stays observant throughout the exchange...
The party is guided into the nearest tower, where several sparsely appointed rooms await them. An odd drawerless bureau rests along a wall in the common area, inside which are thick, scratchy blankets stacked tidily.
Someone will call on you on the morrow, Zusk says. Until the meeting, we kindly ask you to remain here. He shuts the outside door behind him.
"Sounds like we're nearly considered prisoners.... Strange, I thought we did well. Either way, I assume that whatever weird they bestow will bring us to our key." Davosh then spends time looking about the room with his Eye attuned to magic.
More out of boredom than anything else, the Varisian lad searches the rooms they have access to.
Perception
Davosh's detect magic yields no fruit.
Kappi's sharp eyes find ample evidence that these chambers are rarely used. Dust is thick atop the bureau, and the entire area feels stale, as though the doors hadn't been used in some time. Nothing dangerous or untoward is evident, however.
While walking to our “guest” quarters Ed will try to engage in small talk to get a feeling if we are in danger if we stay there.
Also do they offer separate quarters for Ali? If so Ed will offer to room with her for protection (yes he knows she would protect him. lol.) This offer is left for Ali to answer.
After burning up his nervous energy, the young lad gets ready to sack out. I think flying burns more energy than walking all day... What do you think Vojtek?
Also do they offer separate quarters for Ali? If so Ed will offer to room with her for protection (yes he knows she would protect him. lol.) This offer is left for Ali to answer.
Ali shrugs and nods, setting herself up in one room for a night's rest.
Davosh is already snoring.
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Davosh is already snoring.
Ali sighs, and takes whatever room Davosh is NOT in--she's heard him snore before. It ain't purdy.
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Davosh is already snoring.Ali sighs, and takes whatever room Davosh is NOT in--she's heard him snore before. It ain't purdy.
Everybody else crammed into the other room?
Everybody else crammed into the other room?
only if you want to sleep
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When dawn comes, you are greeted by Zusk, who asks how the accommodations were and, without waiting for an answer, guides you up the steps to the lext floor of the tower, where a number of Triaxians and dragonkin await.
You recognize Bescaylie at once, who motions you near her as Efrixes' wings twitch. Zusk moves opposite Besacylie near Herjan, who contines to eye you all with some caution.
About the room, you can see four more dragonkin: one whitish-silver, one gleaming gold, one iridescent blue, and the last muted copper. Before the white is a rider in immaculate white armor that matches the scales on the dragonkin behind her exactly, while before the gold stands an imposing figure who almost at once holds up a hand and the conversational buzz in the room falls immediately silent.
His eyes flit to Bescaylie, who nods and steps forward. Members of the Spurhorn Council, I present to you these persons. Edward Fell, with no partner; and Ali, with no partner; and Kappi, with no partner; and Vojtek, with no partner; and Davosh, with his partner Liska. Each of Golarion. She raises her hand in presentation and, with a deep breath, continues. I have witnessed their battle against our foes, and thus I will vouch for them. Efrixes turns to lock eyes with each of you in turn, emphasizing the gravity of Bescaylie's remark to you.
She turns to those assembled in the council room next. I present Zusk, of the Dragon Legion, and their partner is Herjan, whom you have met. Zusk nods. Herjan does not.
Next I present Sumira, of the Dragon Legion, and their partner Calissus. Sumira and Calissus both nod.
Next I present Thronull, of the Spurhorn Council, commander of the Defenders of Spurhorn. Thronull has his strange crossbow strapped to his back, so you surmise the bowyers on the walls are under his leadership.
Next I present Jarilne, of the Spurhorn Council, leader of the Ice Seers. Jarilne does not look your way, and Kappi notices at once she is blind.
Next I present Nevra, of the Dragon Legion, who has not yet bonded with a partner. Nevra regards you regally, giving the slightest of nods.
Next I present Talsune, of the Dragon Legion, who has lost their partner. Talsune drops their head at Bescaylie's remark. Edward surmises it to be a gesture of sorrow.
And lastly I present Pharmol, Commander of the Dragon Legion, and their partner Amerenth. Bescaylie bows and falls silent.
Pharmol nods. Thank you, Bescaylie, of the Dragon Legion, and your partner Efrixes, he says, turning to the party. Bescaylie has vouched for you, which goes far with this Council. I would ask your purpose in coming here today.
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Ed wakes up early, he knows that everyone will need to be their best to impress the commander. Ed gets up and prepares himself making sure he and his equipment are clean and in immaculate order. He then wakes Ali so she can prepare, and asks her if she can use her magic to get everyone's gear clean and prepped. Ali has never witnessed Ed with so much energy, he seemed almost giddy.
With everyone's clothes and gear cleaned and made ready Ed wakes the rest. Then he excuses himself to pray to Apsu, and play out the conversation in his head. We need the Eagle, and they have an army attacking them. Lets listen to their needs, and help as we can, but lets not sacrifice ourselves for this cause when we have Golarion to save. I know we can do good here, Apsu has led me to a planet with dragon kin.
Ed hears the knock and finishes his last preparation. He prayer to Apsu culminates in a spell to help his words and intentions speak true to the listener almost like he has a honeyed tongue, and a spell to make sure he is able to comprehend languages
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ed listens to Bescaylie's introductions, and he makes eye contact with each individual and dragonkin and nods his head in respect to each, especially the dragonkin. His eyes linger on the two riderless dragonkin. Nevra with hope that she gets a rider, and Talsune with compassion at loosing his/hers.
After the commanders invitation, he steps forward and bows Thank you Commander, thank you Amerenth, thank you to the rest of the Spurhorn Council and the Dragon Legion. Our purpose is simple we are here to save our world Golarion from an eternal winter. By the blessing of Apsu we have been brought to this world to acquire two items. One is a double headed eagle which I understand that you possess Commander, and a specific bearskin, that I guess we will know when we see it. Though we have no idea where in this world it is. All I ask is that we can come to some sort of agreement that enables us to recover both of these. Now we are prepared to answer any of your questions truthfully. If you will allow, I will cast a spell over us to ensure you know our words are true. help us Commander Pharamol you're our only hope
If he allows Ed will cast Zone of Truth
The gathered council listens to Edward's presentation. Zusk sits with his arms crossed across his chest, while his partner Herjan scowls as only one related to a dragon can. Commander Pharamol appears neutral, but not so Thronull, who appears to be doing all he can not to roll his eyes at the Oradin's words.
Jarilne gently touches Pharamol on his sleeve, and the Commander yields the floor to her. The blind Triaxian woman rises slowly to her feet, her white body fur showing masses of silver-grey in many places. This Golarion of which you speak, she says, her voice reedy but clear as daybreak, it is not unknown to me. She is third from the Fire, called "the Cage", for she imprisons The Worldbreaker, whom in your tongue is called Rovagug. She pauses a heartbeat, as if collecting her thoughts, then continues. Our home is Midne -- Triaxus, in your tongue -- she is seventh from the Fire.
Thronull interrupts Jarilne, which is clearly a breach in etiquette but he does not seem to care. If these persons are from the Cage, we cannot trust them! You all know our fables of The Worldbreaker and the destruction he brings! You see Herjan nod in agreement, while Zusk sits with his arms folded in glaring silence.
These fables, as you call them, Jarilne gently chides, obviously accustomed to the outbursts of her fellow council member, are our history. Because you do not believe them, it does not make them any less true. Thronull snorts, but does not respond further, stared into silence by Commander Pharamol.
Nevra speaks next. It is prudent to be cautious, she says, her voice surprisingly gentle considering she is a dragonkin, but we have as little reason to not trust as we have to trust. She turns to the party. Can you assure us you are not here to release The Worldbreaker upon all creation?
Ali steps forward a half step and bows, addressing the council in Draconic.
Honored allies (she puts slight emphasis on that last word, in an attempt to remind them of the fight yesterday) Please believe me when I say that worship of Rovagug is NOT something that is encouraged by any of the goodly folk in our world. None here have any desire--AT ALL--to release the Worldbreaker. We do NOT desire creation's destruction... here she gives a slight smile all my stuff is here!
Returning to seriousness; Edward is the follower of Apsu, our deity of goodly dragonkind. I don't know if you have heard of Apsu, but Edward does embody the religion's tenant of righteous, goodly wrath! She pauses here, to see if there is any reaction to this name.
If not, she continues. Perhaps we can offer some goodwill to you. Bescaylie and Efrixes, our new friends, have told us of your siege. I can't speak for my companions, but perhaps we can offer what assistance
we can, in exchange for any knowledge of the items Edward spoke of...?
"Gah! Rovagug, the worst of all entities, the qlippoth who would end it all! I promise you all that not a single shred of OUR hearts, not a single shred of our ancestors' hearts would ever entertain freeing the Beast-Who-Eats!" Davosh speaks plainly, without intent to sway via ethos, logos, or pathos.
When Ali mentions the siege though, he wiggles his fingers as if pantomiming the casting of a spell. "Aye, we can help."
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Ed's eyebrows raise at Davosh's outburst remembering that he had counseled against such things during this negotiation. Although even with the raised eyebrow, there was still a small up turn to his mouth. His friends would be his friends be his friends perfections and flaws one in all.
Turning to Jarilne Thank you Ice Seer, I was concerned that I might have to explain about Golarion or Cage as you call it. While it is true that some on our world worship Rovagug, but you will as Davosh has stated find none of those in your company. Ed's tone displays the disgust when speaking about worshiping Rovagug, and conviction when stating that none in his presence would be one of those worshipers.
Turning to Nevra, Ed's pupils dilate in admiration when speaking with the draonkin. Legionnaire Nevra, I am a servant of Apsu, one of the gods that imprisoned Rovagug. I wouldn't work nor be associated with any of his worshipers or sympathizers. So I can promise you that we are not here to release the Worldbreaker.
Switching to Draconic and making sure his holy symbol can be seen by all.
I shall then be Apsu
For I am the first
I am the primeval,
who was of Heaven
and of Material
before they had names,
for I created them with Chaos
I then shall go
and I shall end Death
Back to Triaxian That is the first nine lines of a very long book on the creation written by Gunnarrex. Wayfinder has put us here in the now, and I Ed pauses and looks at who he feels is the true leader here Amerenth. humbly implore you to aid us in saving our world.
Nevra nods knowingly. The names are different, but it is clear that your Apsu is our Zumlzi, patrol of the Dragon Legion, she says, and much of the Council, save for Pharamol, nods in agreement. Even Herjan seems impressed. The other notable exception is Thronull, who sits back and glowers.
Sumira speaks next. You claim to have brought to Midne in search of this double-headed eagle and this bearskin. Yet the Cage is so far from our home. How came you here?
Davosh snorts at the question, but then excuses himself one iota louder than the snort.
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Ed smiles at the question for it is one he doesn't know the exact answer to. That answer is simple, yet could be a long story, so I will shorten it. We came here by magic, and not our magic, but it enables us along our path in search for ending this threat of eternal winter for Cage. For as a humble servant of Apsu or Zumlzi if you will, it is to take the path offered to him, or her. I know that the answer is vague, but I'm not sure how the magic works. I hope you can forgive my ignorance on the matter.
Several members of the Council appear confused and murmur among themselves. Zusk looks downright angry. This is not a difficult question! he barks, as Pharamol raises his hand to quiet the room, turning back to the party expectantly. Can someone among you better explain your arrival here?
Davosh, typically devoid of desire to interact with the living, clears his throat. "You see, there's a powerful user of magic on our world. We call her Baba Yaga. She is fond of games, and has had centuries to hone her craft in making them. We happened to stumble into one of her games like flies in a spider's web. Now we are seemingly beholden to her game. The spider's web is a magical home which moves from place to place.... and apparently world to world. It's following a path, but we're at a loss to plot it. We simply know that wherever it brings us, there's an adventure or problem to solve. Each one of these..... quantum leaps comes without direction. We are left to figure it all out on our own."
He takes his first breath, "Well, the magical home has brought us to you, and we are largely as in the dark as you are."
In case I need them:
Davosh doesn't get any flicker of recognition from his words, but despite the negative reactions of Zusk and Thronull, he sees some measure of mollification from the rest of the Council. Pharamol and Jarilne whisper between themselves a bit, the latter explaining something to the former, as Talsune poses another question to the party. You mention the Siege on our home, the copper dragonkin says. What do you know of this? Or of any warfare? Are you capable of lending this help you offer?
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Of the Siege on your home, we only know what Bescaylie has informed us of. That there is an army led by Yrax who for some reason can't accept that the Dragon Council and others have chosen to bond with their riders.
As to our resume, and capable of lending help. Bescaylie, and Efrixes has witnessed us in battle. As far as helping, yes I'm sure we can. I'm sure that there is something that we can accomplish as a small surgical team that will help break the siege.
"And my axe!"
"And my axe!"
Ali gives a point and nod at Vojtek (relevant bit 1:40)
When eyes fell to Kappi, the lad took a deep breath and stepped forward. There was silence as they waited for him to speak. Struck dumb the lad froze. He then coughed slightly as he forgot to let that breath out.
As he regained his breath he spoke. He did his best to mimic the storyteller's of his Family. While not overly religious, he followed Desna and knew many of her tales.
He made Her butterfly symbol over his heart. I don't pretend to know where we are going. Or how we got here. He glances over to Edward and gives him a nod. I respect Edward's Apsu, his dragon god. But I have always followed Desna, The Tender of Dreams. During the Age of Creation, sweet Desna was one of the original gods who battled the Rough Beast/Rovagug and helped to contain him in the Dead Vault.
The lad takes a breath. While Desna is an ancient goddess of freedom and luck, she also has power over the domain of travel. I believe she also has a hand in bringing us here. And I believe it was for a reason. So I will stand for her and do my part... The lad's speech fizzles out.
Vojtek's response elicits a couple of icy stares from Thronull and Zusk, but a muted chuckle from Bescaylie and a genuine smile from Talsune.
Kappi's earnest speech appears well received, and even Commmander Pharamol gives a nod to the young Varisian.
Well spoken, young one, Jarilne says.
Pharamol rises. Have you anything more to add before this Council votes?
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Ed looks to each of his friends and pauses to see if they have anything to say. No Commander not at this time. Our thanks to you and your partner Amerenth, and the rest of the Dragon Council for spending their time in hearing our request. Would you like us to stay, or retire so you can deliberate in private?
You may remain, if you wish. Commander Phramol waits a brief moment to see if anyone else has something to say.