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Ariana tries to keep her face expressionless when the name Aryana is mentioned. She fails and looks shocked. Is it possible? My mother did tell me I'm named for a great woman from our clan's past. Could this be her?
She stands at attention listening. I'm a warrior. I'll let the scholars of the group sort this out.
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Noble sages, in my past explorations on your behalf I recall seeing evidence that the Song Pharaoh defeated the Pharoah of Forgotten Plagues. If we are to face the servants of the Pharaoh of Forgotten Plagues again, have we any further knowledge of the means by which the Song Pharaoh conquered?
“Another insightful question, Quenly.” Tahonikepsu thinks a moment.
“In the ancient past, Osirion was ruled by pharaohs who governed in accordance with the Precepts of Maat, an ancient code of ethics that suggested a leader must put the needs of the land and the people before their own. But all of that went wrong when the Pharaoh of Forgotten Plagues took the throne. He chose to listen to the dark voices his planar allies, and indulged himself in every sort of corruption. The Scrolls of Thoth he sneeringly threw in the treasury to collect dust.”
Tahonikepsu continues. “There they were retrieved by the Princess Shemayet. She was of royal lineage, though somewhat removed from the main line, and had spent her childhood studying music in a temple of Hathor, the Mistress of Jubiliation. On reading the Precepts, she saw clearly how corrupt Pharaoh had become, and set herself against him. In time, she became a powerful cleric of Hathor, and successfully put down the Pharaoh of Forgotten Plagues and his horrific extraplanar allies. She is now known to history as the Song Pharaoh, for her use of magical music in combat.”
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It is a little known secret that the Sarenites sanctified the remains of the Usij cultists they slew in order to keep their spirits at rest.Was it somet'ing specfific to de Sarenrites? Or were dey just de ones on hand to do de sanctifyin'.
Tahonikepsu thinks a moment. “Although they were the ones who did the ‘sanctifyin’, there can sometimes be a power in symbols — especially when dealing with ancient enemies.” She peers at all of you with her deep purple eyes. “Do any of you worship Sarenrae?”
“I saw you reacting to the name,” Padym frowns as he looked at Ariana. “You must be wondering, who was Aryana Tahari?” The dwarven sage looks to the fighter. “The name is an odd coincidence, but it may be that you were the one destined to fight her. Aryana was a strange woman who spoke to unseen spectres more than to people. Stories say that she had some involvement in developing of the Night Plague. Divs often accompanied her, as they did all the Usij. However, she treated them especially cruelly, and they despised her.”
“Tahonikepsu told you about the Song Pharoah.” Amenopheus clears his throat. “But it might do you some good to know some more of the man she defeated. The Pharoah of Forgotten Plagues was one of the mightiest and cruelest of the pharaohs. He crushed the Jistka Imperium with the Night Plague, won Ahriman to his service with the construction of the House of Oblivion, and bound the daemonic harbinger, Zelishkar.”
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Hmm...so there may be something to Ariana here. Well, victim or perpetrator, I will keep a close eye on her.
When asked, the detective offers up, "I do not answer the Dawnflower's call." Nor that of any deity. Using mortals as pawns in their games with planar consequences, souls of little more than poker chips to them.
The detective has come to accept that his viewpoint is not readily accepted by most he meets. Nothing like those zealots devoted to the 'Kingdom of Man' in Rahadoum. Their devotion was more than equally caustic, but rather worse. As a nation, Fendel viewed it as a pendulum that has swung too far the other direction. It most cases, gods are at fault, not their devoted. The 'Kingdom' seeks to play an as yet undiscovered game of their own making. They will reap what they sow when the time comes, and again I fear mortals will pay the cost.
I serve the ancient gods of my people. They have taught me many secrets.
Could you tell us any more of the divs, or of Zelishkar?
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We would be wise to bring holy water, or similar, on our journey.
“Is one vial enough? I’ve got some genuine First Vault-brand holy water – Can’t Get Enough of that Abadarian Stuff®
“Do any of you worship Sarenrae?”
“Yes, ma’am. Provided Sarenrae is the Kelish word for Abadar.”
Eadie frowns in concentration. “Sounds like there are clues to defeating the Usij in the scrolls of Thoth and songs of Hathor. I don’t suppose either of those are available for study?”
She blinks a few times before adding, “OK, so we’re tasked with exploring an ancient necropolis, likely filled with plague ghuls, divs, undead and a Daemonic Harbinger (greeeat) beneath the village of Resa.”
“But unless I’ve missed it, you haven’t said what we do once we find the spot Ariana’s oct-tuple great grandma thrice removed is messaging from. Have you?”
Padym turns to Quenly. “We could talk for hours about divs and demons... But Eadie is correct. You need to know what we need from you. We need your help exploring the necropolis, learning what you can about Aryana and her cult. We need you to help us find her sanctum, and to either help us with the ritual, or keep watch for us. We need to clear this curse from the stones before it is too late.”
The sages glance at each other, and Amenopheus finally speaks. “The spirit of each jewel offers its bearer wisdom and knowledge from the past, but a second voice whispers and drives darker impulses. A thoughtless action or response could nudge one toward more ruthless methods. So far the urges are easily quashed, but they’ve grown more insistent. I’ve... I’ve been thinking that if we cannot find another way, we may have to resort to desperate measures.”
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"Desperate measures doesn't always end well. Especially when it involves spirits. Let's find what we need to find, and help you how we can. I'm good at guarding persons who can help with rituals and such. I sort of worship Erastil."
"The older Aryana sounds like a terrible person, and she shouldn't be allowed to influence others." She gives a bright grin. "I however am a lovely person, and you should listen to me when I suggest you move out of danger."
She gives Eadie a wink, "I have two holy waters available. I don't think they are First Vault grade though."
That is twice you have referred to 'desperate measures' without telling us what you mean. Please explain, noble sages. If we are to help, we need to know every element of the plan including contingencies.
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“I would guess ‘desperate measures’ means destroying all the Scarab Jewels. Am I close?”
Eadie face is grim. I didn’t think of divs, plagues and curses during our initial discussions, Quenly. We might need to re-think our strategy a little.
“So far the urges are easily quashed, but they’ve grown more insistent.”
“While the august Tahonikepsu, yourself and Ariana of Osirion are indeed lovely people.”
Eadie bows to each worthy in turn. “I’m concerned Bad Moon’s whispering in your ears could … tip you over to the dark side, so to speak.”
“If you are travelling with us, couldn’t that mean we may need to fight and subdue you in order to carry out the mission?? A truly terrifying thought.”
“Let us act swiftly then, so that we have the best chance of maintaining ourselves.” Tahonikepsu states, firmly. “As for desperate measures, Amenopheus suggested Tahari’s influence could be intrinsic to the sage jewels and that we should consider destroying them if the ritual fails. We are nowhere near considering such an option.” She gazes at all of you. “The jewels are repositiories of priceless wisdom. Let us find a way to clear their taint without destroying them.”
“You have been often right where I was wrong, Tahonikepsu.” Amenopheus acknowledges. “After years of seeking the jewels, the thought of destroying them is a dagger through the heart. Very well. Let us make it our last resort.”
Amenopheus produces a scroll sealed with purple wax stamped with a stylized swirl of smoke flame—one of the symbols associated with the Shadow Lodge. “One final matter remains. Grandmaster Torch, through disreputable means, now bears the emerald sage jewel. Torch requests the opportunity to contribute to our expedition in person and purify his jewel. He is untrustworthy, but allowing the gem to corrupt him holds its own dangers. He was an ally once; perhaps he could be again. As Pathfinders, you may know him best. Should we invite him to join our expedition?”
Torch? I recall how he obtained the emerald jewel. He was not open about his motivations, but nonetheless he kept his end of the bargain he made with us. What I do not know about Torch is his capability in the field. Clearly he is an expert information broker, but what can he do as a Pathfinder?
Diya Akan comes in again, bringing more chilled drinks for everyone. “He was a Pathfinder once. I remember that Torch was part of an elite group called the Scarab Seekers that specialized in old ruins. I heard that he was the only survivor of a mission that went disastrously wrong.*” She points to her cloudy eyes. “I know how painful it is to lose your team. I survived, but I lost my sight to a curse. Whatever happened to Torch out there left him irreparably scarred.”
“It takes a special mindset to survive something like that and keep going. Not everyone can do that, and Torch did. The decision is up to you of course but I would say that he would be an asset.”
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"We should approve his request. To allow a dangerous operative to go unchecked; possibly leading to further corruption is untenable. Loathe as we may be to bring him, Torch has a vested interest in our success. That said, he will look for any possible way to turn the situation to his advantage. I believe there is an ancient adage for this. 'Keep your friends close...' . Besides, now that he is aware of our expedition, it is doubtful he will dissociate from pursuing some course of action. Best if it were one we had a hand in guiding ."
It seems we are agreed, though not without some reservations. Torch comes with us.
How and when shall we depart? Shall we be teleporting? There are some further supplies we may need to requisition first.
“I will be doing a sending to let Torch know,” Amenopheus says, raising his brows. “That plus the reply will likely take at least half an hour. If you wish to run down to alchemist’s row for some supplies in the meantime, Tahonikepsu and I can meet you there.”
Outside the Pavilion, Tahonikepsu transforms into her true draconic form, a stately time dragon with shimmering purple scales. “See you in a few minutes,” she says. “Please make your purchases quickly.”
With the guidance of Venture Captain Diya Akan, you make it out of the maze faster than you went in, and find yourself just two blocks later in the midst of Merab’s famous Alchemists Row. There are some eight or nine shops here, all brimming with supplies, oddities and wonders galore. Although it would be tempting to window shop through all of them, you find yourself in Eddie Corkbiter’s Adventuring Supplies, a shop run by a neat and somewhat beefy half orc. Eddie’s tumor monkey familar, Jekyll, climbs the shelves and grabs things for you as you call out for them, then starts packing them neatly into boxes. Just as Jekyll packs up the last of your supplies, there is a commotion in the street.
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
“A dragon, a dragon!” a gnome steps out of her shop, Pricknettle’s Potions, pointing to the sky..
Tahonikepsu soars down into Alchemist’s row, Amenopheus on her back. She ignores all the citizens of Merab crowding the streets, staring at her as they whisper amongst themselves and jostle each other for a better look. “Are you ready to depart yet? I can give all of you a ride if you wish.”
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“Nah, sorry Jekyll. I’ve decided against the 10’ pole after all.”
Eadie nods in satisfaction at her purchases. “What was that, Master Corkbiter?”
“Do I want a basket for all the stuff I’ve bought?”
Eadie *SLAPS* the man on the shoulder.
“I’ve got enough to carry as it is!”
“I can give all of you a ride if you wish.”
“Resplendent Diamond Sage, are you seriously asking me if I want a ride on a dragon??”
Eadie climbs aboard behind Amenopheus. “Like is the Archbanker Abadarian?”
“Hey! Quit pushing, Grand Lodgers! Scarab Sages to the front!”
“You can go in front of me, young la—er, woman,” Amenopheus says, looking a little green. “Maybe it’s best if I don’t look down again.”
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Although it is only a shadow-copy of a semi-living conjuration, the pseudo-pseudodragon nonetheless expresses surprise and wonderment at the appearance of a much larger wyrm.
"Eeeep!?" it says aloud, settling once more on Quenly's shoulder.
Merab’s citizens shout and point in awe as the huge violet dragon launches into the air, soaring upward until the curvature of the world is visible and then down toward a long stretch of desert south of the Thuvian coast. As Tahonikepsu approaches over the sands, a small encampment comes into view along with a young elven woman with rich brown skin and dazzling gold-colored eyes and an aging Garundi man wearing violet robes and gold armbands studded with jewels.
The elf has a light sheen of sweat and there's a rosy glow about her, as if she's come in from a long run. But it's not until you land that you notice there's something off about the garundi man.
The man bows stiffly as you approach, but his voice is lovely. He intones in a rich and vibrant Osiriani. “لذت بردن از من، پیدا کردن راه. من منحنی هستم.”
The elf raises an eyebrow. "Sinuhotep, it is probably more polite for us all to speak Taldane. It is the tongue we all share in common, after all." She turns to you with an elegant incline of her head. "And I am Dhiara, the Topaz Sage."
Or I could transcend language, Sinuhotep thinks coolly at you. Taldane is not my tongue of choice. They are too concerned with titles and paltry passing human vanities, and not the things that matter. Fops obsessed with their own foolish glory days, as if those glory days were not yesterday. The ones I have met show no interest in all the wonders and wisdom that a deeper study of history could offer.
There's a slight arrogance in Sinuhotep's thoughts, but no true menace.
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Eadie is beyond excited to sit in pole position on the Diamond Sage's back.
As Tahonikepsu soars, tumbles and freewheels through the endless desert sky, the young warrior can’t help but break into song.
♫ A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
Valsin won’t tell us us no
Or where to go
Or say ‘that fool girl’s dreaming’♫
♫ A whole new world
(Quenly, don’t you dare close your eyes!)
A dazzling place I never knew
(Hold your breath, Ariana – it gets better!)
But when I'm way up here
It's diamond-crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you ♫
Once, she has dismounted (reluctantly) Eadie smiles shyly before bowing to the Topaz Sage.
“Noble Dhiara, although we have never met, Master Aeotsep and Abbess Menkha of the Ouat described your bad-assery – uh, history – in such detail during my stay in Tar Kuata that I feel like I already know you.”
“We Scarabs were so impressed that someone seeking enlightenment while fighting demons in the Tanglebriar and giants on Flintyreach, could remain humble and caring enough to send messages home, that we recommended Amenopheus seek you out as a Sage Candidate.”
She bows once more. “I am delighted that it appears to have worked out well for you.”
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Tahonikepsu joins in the song with gusto!
♫ Unbelievable sites
Archaeology revealing
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
As Diamond Sage flies by
A whole new world
Don't you dare close your eyes
A hundred thousand things to see
Like the monastery of Kuata’s Tar
We’ve come so far
Reasearching through history
A whole new world
Our jewel’s shadows to undo
And ritual solutions to pursue
We’ll chase them anywhere
There's no time to spare
For now we share
This whole new world with you
A whole new world
That's where we'll be
A thrilling chase
A wondrous place
For you and me ♫
“Thank you, Eadie. There is nothing like a song to raise one’s spirits.” The dragon says, a smile on her face. “I needed that reminder.”
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
After you land, Dhiara takes Eadie’s hands. “Thank you for choosing me. I would not trade it away...” a slightly regretful expression crosses her face, “even now, with voices in my head.”
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Well, Tahonikepsu must know he's undead. Still, just because he is not worried does not mean there is not some danger lurking nearby.
با تشکر از شما برای مهمان نوازی خوش تیپ شما. من فندل هستم لذت بردن از آشنایی شما.
The detective looks around the site to see if they may be walking into an ambush.
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Dunia feels slightly awkward at meeting Dhiara and Sinuhotep for the first time in such a context, Clearly I haven't spent enough time at the true heart of this organization if it takes a crisis like this for me to meet two of the sages, but tries to disguise that by bowing, then maintaining a respectful silence. She still ends up nodding along with the Amethyst sage's assessment of the Taldans before she catches herself though...
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Although functionally deaf, Quenly was already over one hundred years old when he was "chosen by the gods." As a (self-styled) elven paragon, he retains the elven love of music. As he flies along on the back of the time dragon, he hums along with the songs, almost but not quite in tune.
Once Tahonikepsu has landed, Quenly pulls his puzzle book from his pack.
Dhiara, it is good to meet you at last. I also spent time with the monks of Tar Kuata. It pleases me that a fellow elf made such an impression on the Ouat. Do not be troubled by voices in your head. That is quite normal for an enlightened elf; no doubt like me you hear the voices of the gods, and soon they will drown out all other voices.
And Sinuhotep, no less. We meet again. Yes, mere words are limiting. The true gods speak directly to my mind. You are quite correct that many humans fail to understand history, but Quenly glances at Amenopheus and Eadie as his dragon communicates on his behalf, some manage to transcend their short lifespans.
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Dhiara raises an eyebrow at Quenly. “Your voice in my head is fine. I can even tolerate Sinuhotep’s voice in my head. What I do not like is when the voice pretends to be mine, as this one sometimes does.”
Sinuhotep looks at Quenly with interest. Yes, I remember you. Elves at least take a longer view of history, and see its value —
Before Sinuhotep can finish his thought, Tahonikepsu lifts up a draconic claw pointing to the sky where a tiny dot is visible in the distance. “Torch comes to join us, I think.”
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
Grandmaster Torch descends down towards you upon a flying carpet. Even from the air, you can see that hideous burns cover his body, and his wounds and eyes occasionally shimmer with a green hue in the light. As he lands, he stands, singing his defiance to the world.
♫ So my past was a little fraught
But I am not throwing away my shot
Hey, yo, I’m a product of the Ten
The bastards who chewed me up, spat me out and then
I gave ‘em as good as they got!
Graduated from Hard Luck’s own college.
I prob'ly shouldn't brag, but dag, I amaze and astonish.
The problem is I got a lot of brains but no polish.
I gotta holler just to be heard.
With every word, I drop knowledge!
I'm an Emerald freaking sage, broke and made whole
tryin' to reach my goal.
My power of speech: unimpeachable.
Only middle aged but my mind is older.
The Decemvirate’s glares get colder, I shoulder
ev'ry burden, ev'ry disadvantage
I have learned to manage, got half orc guards to brandish
Seekin’ secrets like one famished!
The plan is to fan my spark into a flame.
But damn, it's getting dark, so let me spell out the name
I am the—
The one and only G-M-T — meant to be
The broker that runs independently.
Meanwhile, the Ten keeps spittin' on us
endlessly.
Essentially, they vex me relentlessly
But this mission’s about more than just ME
We gotta set the all the Sage Jewels free
So there will be a revolution in this century.
Enter me!
(He says in parentheses)
Don't be shocked when your hist'ry book
mentions me.
I will lay down my life if it sets us free.
Eventually, you'll see my ascendancy
And I am not throwing away my shot.
My shot!
I am not throwing away my shot.
My shot! ♫
Then he bows. “Torch, the Emerald Sage at your service. I have the supplies you requested. I’m here to stand by your side and help you all kick ass. Let’s do this thing.”
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Quenly looks up from his puzzle book and nods at Torch...
"♫ You better not lose yourself in the Sage Jewel, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go (go)
You only get one shot, do not miss this chance to learn
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime, yo! ♫ "
...and goes back to his book.
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Eadie squeezes Dhiara’s hands before searching the sky at Tahonikepsu’s announcement.
The warrior points upward as Torch dots in. “Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird …”
Then she stops to shake her head. “Sorry. Sorry, guys. I meant:
“Flame on! It’s the Human Torch!”
She then heralds the lovable rogue’s arrival:
♫ To think, he tricked the Ten
And may I say - not in a shy way
But never me, oh no, not me
He did it his way …
For who is this man? What is his schtick?
Just tepid baths? And hot orc chicks?
He says the things some agents feel
And not the words of those who kneel
His face doth show, he took burns and blows
And did it myyyyyyyy <sorry> his way! ♫
Sinuhotep shakes his head at the exchange of songs, but Tahonikepsu has an amused look in her violet eyes.
Torch gives Eadie a slow clap. “Heh. Now I know why I’ve always liked you. If only you were a half-orc, I’d have hired you already. Shall we head to Resa, then?”
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
Each sage seems to be feeling something different. Torch seems determined, almost relieved to be here. He walks upright, proud to be part of the team. Tahonikepsu is skeptical, throwing a sidelong glare to Amenopheous every few moments. Amenopheous himself looks lost in thought, almost as if thinking of the consequences of such an endeavor. Sinuhotep looks determined to see this through, and Dhiara is cautious, watching every step for potential threats.
Tahonikepsu points out the village of Resa—now a flat stretch of desert, with a few scattered bricks the only sign of civilization. “There it is! There is not much left of it, I am afraid.”
The wind whips up as a low feminine voice telepathically announces, Home again at last. How delightful. Although you all have had two other telepathic voices in your head already — Quenly’s Dragon and the resonant ‘voice’ of Sinuhotep — this third voice sends shivers down your spine. It is overly sweet, and drawls with both confidence and menace.
Amenopheous's eyes go wide, as the ground shudders. Sand begins draining down unseen fissures and rising in plumes hundreds of feet high as buildings emerge from the desert.
Dhiara calmly adopts a martial stance, legs balanced and ready for combat. She give you a nod. “Well, this should prove interesting.”
Amenopheous looks at Sinuhotep, whose jewel is glowing with an otherworldly light. “Sinuhotep, your Sage Jewel!”, he shouts, before noticing all of the other jewels begin glowing with a sickly black aura.
The woman’s voice in your heads gloats. Young, old, war hero, or coward—all served the Plague, and the Plague served me. The sages all attempt to suppress their individual jewels, sweat beading on the faces of those who are living. In the village square, a basalt monolith suddenly looms amid an avalanche of humanoid bones. Well, my unwelcome guests... Know this. Living flesh may rebel, but the dead are ever so obedient. The bones twitch as a wave of unholy energy washes over the area. Sickly gray flame illuminates the bodies as the dead rise up.
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
Tahonikepsu cries out over rumbling earth, “Pathfinders, that monolith empowers the dead! One of us will aid you in disabling it while the others hold the creatures at bay!” The winds howl in response as spectral giants appear and disappear within the whirling sandstorm descending on the area.
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Ariana gives the dragon a look, but climbs on with everyone else. She remains quiet as the songs are sung.
When they land she bows low to Sinuhotep. إنه شرف أن ألتقي بك. أنا في خدمتك يا كرمت
She gives Torch a nod in greeting but stays away from him.
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“Mighty Sinhuotep, freedom of movement for Ariana, Rufeo and Ki'lala would be most appreciated. I would also ask that you apply my scroll of that spell to me, please.”
“I am sure a combination of your UMD and Quenly’s ‘craft would also see the wand of remove sickness applied to the seven of us in short order.”
Eadie brushes her armor with alchemical grease, sips antiplague and soothe syrup (YUK), draws her enchanted falchion, ✨casts shield from her ioun stone, downs a potion of enlarge person and floods the edge of her blade with an oil of bless weapon.
“I’m thinking speed to the central monolith will be important.”
The warrior places her left foot forward, standing on the toes of her back right foot as she raises her tree-sized blade above her head aggressively.
“Ready.”
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Quenly takes to the air on dark, insubstantial wings, and draws his bow. Quenly and his dragon fly about 20' up in the air, the dragon perching on Quenly's shoulder unless it needs to move independently. (Fly higher if those "giants" look like they can reach 20' up). Quenly will try to stay within 30' of party members so that they benefit from his Scarab, and also because his first action in initiative is likely to be blessing of fervour.
Ariana-Fighter
Dunia Mbani
Fendel, CSI: Absalom
