Motteditor's Strange Aeons PBP (Inactive)

Game Master motteditor

Uh, if it’s a fear effect (and it seems to be), don’t forget that Al is nearby and his old man stench might be heartily fortifying, with a +4 vs. fear for the first save.

Tristain remembers Al’s smell as he enters the portal.

Yes, drain. And, yeah, we're getting into some higher-level foes.

Kyffin charges forward, taking a vicious cut from the creature's flaming longsword 17 hp, plus 6 fire before it twirls the blade and casually bats aside his attempted strike. Al's words seem to have just as little effect on it, but Lothan's arrows get to the point. Two of them seem to penetrate, but even then, he can't help but think they don't do as much damage as they should it has DR (I accounted for clustered shots). Unsure what it is, Starflit tries to help Al, but to no effect as Tristain floats to the floor and his magic takes hold on each of you. Al senses the presence of evil coming from the south, but he can't be sure it's from the creature or not.

Undaunted, the creature focuses on Kyffin, blade cutting badly, and the smell of burned flesh starting to fill the room. 50 hp total, 4 of which is fire

Al, I'm not quite sure what defensive stance is (total defense?). At your first location, you weren't close enough to detect if it's evil, so I had you move forward so you could use that ability (I wasn't sure if the defensive stance took an action, but since I decided it would attack the only one in melee, I didn't think that would matter).

1d20 + 22 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 22 + 2 = 33 Know (Planes)

DRs? Special attacks?

Tristain will examine the creature to see what might work best against the creature.

It appears to be an exscinder archon -- but something's wrong with it, as if its soul had been broken somehow. Perhaps by the Necronomicon?

You think it's resistant to most weapons, but especially evil ones due to its original nature DR 5/—, 10/evil. It has an agonized wail that everyone else already heard, a baleful gaze which reminds me, at the start of your turn, Tristain, At the start of your turn, you must succeed at a DC 23 Fortitude save or take 2 points of Strength, Constitution, and Charisma drain; everyone else has already made this save, and can censor text. Finally, it merely needs to touch a foe to cause hideous, painful wounds to rip open in their body, sending them into painful convulsions.

1d4 ⇒ 2

1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 = 26 Fort

Wow. I'll take it. Is this a one time effect or should I state now that Tristain will be avoiding gaze?

Tristain will share the above with the party.

Hmm. I guess you know you would have temporary immunity for a day to it.

Where is everyone?

Tristain waits to see if more of his valuable magic manic mental issues are needed.

Kyffin gets hammered by the fiend. He swiftly converts Shield of the Dawnflower to healing and tries to salve his injuries a little.
CCW: 4d8 + 11 ⇒ (2, 8, 3, 8) + 11 = 32

He then digs in as best he can, fighting for the lives of his allies.

Scimitar: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 2 = 25 (bull, drain, haste)
damage: 1d10 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 14 + 1 = 25 (bull, drain)

Scimitar: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 2 = 11 (bull, drain, haste)
damage: 1d10 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 14 + 1 = 20 (bull, drain)

hasted Scimitar: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 2 = 17 (bull, drain, haste)
damage: 1d10 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 14 + 1 = 18 (bull, drain)

Seeing how his arrows didn't have the impact he hoped for, he switches to his normal ones and unloads a barrage of them against the massive archon.

Clustered shots

Rapid shot/Deadly Aim/Haste/PB shot/Studied target +3
+2 adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

(Haste attack)+2 adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

+2 adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

+2 adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

+2 adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

AC 23; Hp's 81/81

Round 1, Init 24

Tristain glares at the angry archon, and moves some of his own anxiety and ill ease into the mind of the outsider.  Casting Ill Omen, and next 3 d20s should be rolled twice.

1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33 SR

Tristain's Haste: Round 3/10. You feel an urgent need to bonk your head on a wall, this can be overcome by acting quickly and decisively. If you choose to act quickly and decisively, then get +1 to attx/reflex yadayadayada. Otherwise, choose to enjoy a nice wall bonk, which is also lovely.

Not convinced her little starknife can do much damage to the mighty archon, Starflit instead repositions herself in the party's midst and casts a spell. Two bursts of light pulse outward from the inquisitor, one amber and one white. The light seems to fortify everyone with some of the power of her goddess.

Move to the square in front of Al, then cast judgment light.

Judgment Light Effects:
Protection: Amber light erupts from the caster, granting allies in the burst a +2 sacred bonus to AC and CMD, and a +4 bonus to AC against critical confirmation attack rolls for 1 round per caster level.

Purity: White light erupts from the caster, allowing each ally within the burst to attempt a saving throw against a single effect that allows a saving throw with a +2 sacred bonus on the roll.

"Danged thing ain't right in the head, it should be working with us." Al curses and leaps into battle with unnatural grace. swift action, Grace, movement doesn't provoke AoO, Al will move to flanking the angel with Kyffin

curve blade, flank, haste, power attack, focus, heroism: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 17 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 30
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 9 = 21

Tristain's spell settles on the creature, which immediately begins suffering the ill fortune of Tristain's companions, who pepper it with arrows -- though Al and Kyffin struggle to get past its guard.

"You won't get away with this!" it bellows, slashing at Al and Kyffin. Despite the ill luck, and Starflit's spell, both find themselves cut badly. I think everything still hit (Al's at 27, I think?); 45 to Al, 11 of which is fire; 21 to Kyffin, 3 of which is fire

See you all in a couple of weeks!

Kyffin gets wounded further, nearly dropping him. So he focuses a bit on further healing, doing what he can…
CSW: 3d8 + 11 ⇒ (7, 4, 8) + 11 = 30

He then flails away with his scimitar, trying to do some minor damage to the beast after the DR.

Scimitar: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 2 = 20 (bull, drain, haste)
damage: 1d10 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 14 + 1 = 16 (bull, drain)

Scimitar: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 = 21 (bull, drain, haste)
damage: 1d10 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 14 + 1 = 20 (bull, drain)

hasted Scimitar: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 2 = 29 (bull, drain, haste)
damage: 1d10 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 1 = 21 (bull, drain)

Round 2, Init 24

”C’mon guys, get it!”

Tristain tries again to slow down the foe.  Casting Ill Omen, and next 3 d20s should be rolled twice.

1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30 SR

Tristain's Haste: Round 4/10. You feel an urgent need to bonk your head on a wall, this can be overcome by acting quickly and decisively. If you choose to act quickly and decisively, then get +1 to attx/reflex yadayadayada. Otherwise, choose to enjoy a nice wall bonk, which is also lovely.

Albert swiftly wipes dirt on his burning wounds and presses the attack against the deranged creature.

Dirt On It: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 5, 3, 6, 2) = 20

curve blade, flank, haste, power attack with focus, heroism: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 17 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 28
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 9 = 14

curve blade, flank, haste, power attack, heroism: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 1 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 17 + 2 + 1 - 2 + 2 = 34
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 9 = 16

curve blade, flank, haste, power attack, heroism: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 2 + 1 - 2 + 2 = 24
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 9 = 20

curve blade, flank, haste, power attack, heroism: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 2 + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 9 = 23

Al's AXC is back to 25, HP: 56/81

Starflit tries to close on the demented archon and bring her starknife to bear, attuning it with her bane ability to harm lawful outsiders.

Starflit Acrobatics Check (to avoid AoO; Dex penalty): 1d20 + 14 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 14 - 1 = 23

Starflit +1 returning starknife Main Attack (bane, haste, Dex penalty): 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 13 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 30 for lawful, magic, piercing damage (bane, Str penalty): 1d4 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 + (5, 3) - 1 = 14

And we're back!

Al and Kyffin continue to slash at it, but their wounds are starting to take a toll and struggle to break through its guard or its tough skin. Starflit tries to get close but gets a flaming sword wound for her trouble 24 hp, 3 of which is fire. Still, it seems to momentarily dismiss her afterward, letting her scratch it with her starknife. With the creature distracted, Lothan takes careful aim, arrows flying true into the creature, one after another, each only whisker-length away from each other.

Still, it refuses to fall, and presses its attack on Starflit, Al and Kyffin. It cuts the inquisitor 22 total, 3 is fire and old man 19 total, 3 is fire , but ill fortune causes its blade to catch in the latter's ribs, throwing it off just enough to allow the half-orc to let his armor take the impact of the blow against him.

Round 3, Init 24

Worried for his team, Tristain pushes out some of his own psychic angst at the angelic creature.

1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 force damage
1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 force damage
1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 force damage
1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 force damage
1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 force damage

Tristain's Haste: Round 3/10. You feel an urgent need to bonk your head on a wall, this can be overcome by acting quickly and decisively. If you choose to act quickly and decisively, then get +1 to attx/reflex yadayadayada. Otherwise, choose to enjoy a nice wall bonk, which is also lovely.

Kyffin gets wounded further. So he focuses again on a bit of healing, doing what he can with a Dispel Magic conversion.
CSW: 3d8 + 11 ⇒ (4, 2, 4) + 11 = 21

He then flails away with his scimitar, trying to do some minor damage to the beast after DR.

Scimitar: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 2 = 17 (bull, drain, haste)
damage: 1d10 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 14 + 1 = 24 (bull, drain)

Scimitar: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 = 12 (bull, drain, haste)
damage: 1d10 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 1 = 17 (bull, drain)

hasted Scimitar: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 2 = 25 (bull, drain, haste)
damage: 1d10 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 1 = 22 (bull, drain)

Starflit weaves her starknife into a dance of death. Unfortunately, the poor strikes likely presage her own demise.

Starflit +1 returning starknife Main Attack (bane, haste, Dex penalty): 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 13 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 22 for lawful, magic, piercing damage (bane, Str penalty): 1d4 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 + (5, 2) - 1 = 14

Starflit +1 returning starknife Iterative Attack (bane, haste, Dex penalty): 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 24 for lawful, magic, piercing damage (bane, Str penalty): 1d4 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 + (3, 6) - 1 = 15

Starflit +1 returning starknife Bonus Haste Attack (bane, haste, Dex penalty): 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 13 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 26 for lawful, magic, piercing damage (bane, Str penalty): 1d4 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 + (5, 3) - 1 = 15

Rolling his eyes in frustration, My gosh we can't hit this stupid thing, but when we do, IT WON'T FREAKING DIE! he yells within his mind, unloading another barrage of arrows at the creature.

Rapid shot/Deadly Aim/Haste/PB shot/Studied target +3
+2 adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

(Haste attack)+2 adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

+2 adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

+2 adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

+2 adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

AC 25; Hp's 81/81

Albert wipes more dirt on his wounds and presses the attack.

Dirt On It: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 5, 1, 6, 5) = 21

curve blade, flank, haste, power attack with focus, heroism: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 17 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 36
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 9 = 19

curve blade, flank, haste, power attack, heroism: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 17 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 = 22
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 9 = 16

curve blade, flank, haste, power attack, heroism: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 = 28
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 9 = 20

curve blade, flank, haste, power attack, heroism: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 = 26
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 9 = 23

HP: 58/81

The foe proves to be a vicious fighter, fending off blows from Kyffin and Starflit, though Al's able to cut it at once, even if it seems to resist his blade. It has less luck, however, against the missiles from Tristain and Lothan, which slam into it despite the flashing blade and flaming armor.

It lets out a cry of rage as the first missile hits it and begins to lurch forward, blade coming for the two foes staying out of its reach. It takes one step then another, each met with a missile or arrow. As it finally reaches its goal, however -- the bowman -- one more missile hits it and it falls, clattering in a heap of armor and broken flesh.

Combat over!

Tristain looks out from between his fingers, just hoping that anyone was still alive…and they were. He doesn’t know how, but there you go…aliveness in Kyffin, Starflit, and Al, which is surprising. There is someone else who is also showing signs of aliveness, but he couldn’t be bothered with that right now. They hadn’t died.

”I thought you all were dead for sure. Goners. And then…and then not sure what I would have done,” Tristain moves to the wall and bonks his head for a bit, trying to get the bad thoughts out so he can think clearly.

*bonk!*
*bonk!*
*bonk!*

*bonk!*
*bonk!*
*bonk!*

When that is done, he will walk over to search the area for loot, magics, things of interest, and mostly whatever set off this angel to attack the party.

”Ooof, that was a tough one.” Kyffin comments as he picks up various bits of himself. He’ll touch himself with the blessings of Sarenrae (fast healing 3 for 1 minute) and tops up the rest with a wand of curing.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

He offers his healing touch to any who need it to save on wand charges. (Let me know if you can use a 30hp bump, then top off the rest with the wand and I’ll track the charges.)

”Boy, that took a lot out of me. Let’s proceed cautiously. I don’t have the juice for another fight like that!” He’s grinning though, as the party managed to survive the onslaught of their opponent.

As the creature falls in a massive heap, "FINALLY!!! ABOUT FREAKING TIME!!! MAN I DIDN'T THINK THAT THING WAS EVER GOING TO DIE!" the slayer yells in frustration before moving to the nearest wall and lowering himself to sit against it, burying his eyes behind a hand as he rubs them. "Oh man this day sucks. I feel like half my life is drained from me, I can't shake this 'fear' feeling and I can't hear jack," he says to himself.

The slayer yells in frustration before moving to the nearest wall and lowering himself to sit against it, burying his eyes behind a hand as he rubs them.

Tristain turns to look at the 'slayer' and tries to be encouraging.

"You're almost there! Now just give your head a good bonk against the wall! You're so close!" Tristain smiles helpfully. "Not too hard, just enough to bonk out all the bad thoughts and allow good thoughts to take their place. You'll feel *so* much better."

Tristain demonstrates by bonking his own head against the wall.

*bonk!*
*bonk!*
*bonk!*

*bonk!*
*bonk!*
*bonk!*

"See?"

Lothan continues to rub his eyes, having zero reaction to what Tristain was saying - or doing - as if he's either flat out ignoring him or didn't hear him.

Albert calmly wipes more dirt on his wounds and gently nudges the large corpse with his foot. "Shame whatever it was that happened to it. If the book could corrupt a creature like this, then Lowls is in a heap of trouble." While the party loots and heals, Al stands watch and inwardly cries at the angel's demise.

Dirt On It: 6d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 6, 2, 2, 3) = 20

Kyffin chuckles at Lothan's reaction. "Yes, the fights are brutal, and the after affects nasty. But we'll get you all cleaned up in a day or two. Promise."

He smiles at Tristain's reaction, and starts to wonder if it's the sane alternative. Looking to Albert, he sees his pain. "We had to. Trust in the gods to sort it out. They should do the right thing, er, right?"

He'll sheath his blade and help Tristain loot. He wonders if he'll finally get that suit of armor he's been dreaming about lately. Maybe get hit less... That would be nice.

The poor archon had a +3 flaming longsword.

It appears you've reached the Soul, and are able to make the library safe again for people to enter -- or exit, which you soon do after collecting Tenebrynn and Mun.

Elder Thyrr’s proves good to her word and grants you all a week to study in the library -- which proves to be too much, a final insult for poor Tenebrynn. She says she's going to take Mun back, and keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't get up to any other trouble. She sadly leaves you, shaking her head one last time at Tristain and his overwrought goodbye. She'd really thought she'd persuaded him to give up his pursuit of her.

Elder Thyrr also honors her agreement to pay you: 25,000 gp, a reward that she says is inadequate for the services they rendered. In the meantime, the Stewards raise Elder Lythiin, who later visits you to offer his thanks. He also confesses his foolishness in dealing with Lowls -- he is utterly mortified to learn that the Necronomicon has been stolen; the book, he implores, can’t fall into the wrong hands. "Please, you must make all haste to recover the book and return it
to the Mysterium!"

When you ask, he says he knows very little of Lowls, but is aware that the count had a great hunger and knowledge, and seemed affected by some external forces. He talked very little, but Lythiin did overhear his hired guards talking about a gnoll slaver in Okeno called Biting Lash.

You have a week to spend recovering, and shopping and determining your next step.

Please take a look at the first page of the treasure sheet and check everything marked 'To Sell'. If you want it, now's your chance to say so. :)

We're also picking up a wand lesser restoration, a wand CLW, and 1k diamond dust to replenish our supplies. If you can think of other things the group should have, please let me know and I'll add it to the list. I'll do a divvy after folks have had some time to respond.

Kyffin thanks the Elders graciously for their kind donation and uneasy warning. "It's our goal to catch up to Lowls. We certainly don't want him to succeed."

He thinks a moment, "By the way, where's Okeno?"

When the group is on their own again, he turns to Tristain, "So do we have other leads, or is our best bet to head to Okeno? We've heard of that place before (link)."

Lothan follows along with the others in silence. As they meet some total strangers - at least to him they are - he waves his arms frantically. "HELLO! HELLO! I CAN'T HEAR! CAN YOU HEAR ME?! I DON'T SUPPOSE ONE OF YOU CAN FIX MY HEARING, CAN YOU?!"

Kyffin chuckels, and apologizes, "Sorry Lothan, I can fix you up in the morning. Forgot you were still deaf. You know, we should talk about your continued involvement too."

"I mean, I don't want to force you into anything, but we could use your help. You know?"

The next morning, Kyffin will cast Remove Deafness.

Hearing nothing that Kyffin is saying, Lothan stares intently at the newcomers, looking for some sort of response to his plea.

Tristain has looked at the sheet. All good.

Tristain looks at the yelling guy, wondering why he's yelling so much.

Is today his yelling day? Is that what this is? It's very...odd. And we're so normal.

* * *

Okeno? The Biting Lash? What are those?

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 Know (Geography)
1d20 + 23 ⇒ (6) + 23 = 29 Know (Local)

* * *

Tristain will spend equal times bonking his head and reading/living his best life in the library. He'll avoid the yelling man and the drama, and just focus on knocking out the bad thoughts, so that good new, fresh information can get inside.

And yes, he will shop for stuff he needs.

The harbor city of Okeno, located on the southern coast of Stonespine Island off the eastern shore of Katapesh, is the third-largest city in Katapesh. Also known as the Yellow City, its bustling slave markets host up to 1,000 slavers, buyers, and travelers at any given time. The island has a large population of gnolls who often come to the city to purchase slaves.

Biting Lash is apparently a gnoll slaver. Let me know if anyone has issues with the slavery that's coming up here. This was obviously before Paizo changed its approach, but I will rework Biting Lash if anyone would prefer.

When you ask about Okeno, Elder Lythiin arranges as a final payment transportation -- either by mundane ship, or if you want, through a faster method such as teleport. Can advance whenever you're all ready.

Kyffin spends a little of his week casting Restorations and Remove Deafness on the party. He spends a little more selling the various bits and pieces the party has found so far.

Party Divvy
Each of us receive 12,449gp and wand of lesser restoration, wand of CLW, 1,000gp in diamond dust

Kyffin heads down to the armorers and fits up a sweet new suit of Mithral Full Plate +1 (11,500gp)(25#) (+10 AC, +3 max dex, -3 ACP, 20’ move). Concerned about his mobility, he’ll also pick up a pair of Boots of Striding and Springing (5,500gp). He also picks up a pair of Wrist Sheath (spring) (5gp ea) and a scroll of Breath of Life (1,125gp).

He’ll spend the rest of his time in the library, assisting others in any way he can. He’s very excited about his new armor and wears it everywhere despite its clattering.

Party Divvy, addendum
Each of us receive 2,300gp in additional cash. This is additional to the above post. :)

Kyffin offers to loan out up to 3kgp to any in need. "I've got what I need for now if anyone needs a little to top up to something nice."

Tristain shops for a while, but only ends up buying a few rods and few old issues of Pathfinder Chronicles, mostly adventure smut, probably.

New Daily Prep: False Life 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 temp hp, Extended Heroism (Tris & Kyffin) (4 hours), Life Bubble (about 5 hours each), Overland Flight (12 hours).

Albert thanks Kyffin for the divvy of treasure and heads directly to find a better magical cloak. On the way he stops at a shrine to Erastil and makes a donation. As the party readies for departure to Okeno, Albert reads up on the laws of the city to understand the bastion of evil before he sets foot in it. "Hmmm, according to these articles I should be able to smite this entire city."

Thanks for the spell support Tristain!

Kyffin suggests teleportation if they’re not paying for it. After all, they are in something of a rush.

He chuckles at Al’s suggestion, ”Yeah, but you don’t have an unlimited supply, so let’s save it for the worst of ‘em shall we?” He smiles.

Actually, if Kyffin can find it, he’ll buy a Dawnflower Sash as well.

You cannot find a dawnflower sash in Cassomir, which is more likely to fund means of battle with Qadira than offer clothing from the satrapy, but you can do so in Okeno when you arrive there. Fine to add now; just don't think it would be available in Cassomir, even if Taldor isn't so anti-Sarenrae anymore.

"Alright, I think I'm done here. Let's get going," Tristain is finally willing to be dragged away from the very nice library, but only after inquiring about a job in the future, should the party succeed in recovering the lost book.

And with that, Tris will press to press on.

Kyffin holds onto his purse for the moment, disappointed that the second largest city in the land was still hostile to his people. Well, a little.

But he figures such slights are going on on both sides. So he doesn't take it personally, or take it to heart. That's how wars start. He just keeps his eyes open for it when they get to Okeno.

Ready to go!

"I'm ready as well, let's find Lowls and get that book back."

Al has got a fine new cloak, updated sheet, and ready to go!

With your purchases completed, you bid a final farewell to Tenebrynn and set sail for Okeno. The city sits nestled between rocky ridges on the southern side of Stonespine Island, 450 miles from Katheer as the crow flies. By ship, the journey is approximately 670 miles, and takes about 10 days -- blissfully without any serious interruption, unlike your last voyage on the water.

Collecting yourselves and filling in Lothan on more details, you still don’t know Lowls’s final destination, but know that he planned to meet with a gnoll flesh trader by the name of Biting Lash in order to outfit himself for the journey to Neruzavin.

You arrive at the city, its harbor filled with the yellow-colored sails of the slavers' ships, a horrifying sight for anyone of any conscience or decency. Mountains tower beyond the city limits, providing a protective wall from the rest of the world. Leaving the harbor, you find the city is a slippery mass of alleyways and streets, a confusing maze of sunless dead-ends and corners where cutthroats happily welcome those with bulging pockets. Gnolls walk openly in the streets, alongside humans as well as the occasional ratfolk, halfling, half-orcs and others. Kyffin leads the way, with Al keeping a close eye on Tristain to make sure he doesn't appear too much of a target. You all clearly know how to handle yourselves, leading the smart thieves to avoid you -- and the not-so-smart thieves in Okeno have their own, bigger problems to worry about, keeping them away from you.

You eventually find an inn that looks like it may not immediately try to get you sold and clapped into chains, leaving you free to begin trying to find Biting Lash. You realize you're going to need to ask around to find this gnoll if they hope to stay on the count’s trail. But, obviously, slavers aren’t very forthcoming with details about their own business, much less that of their competitors (unless presented with the proper bribe), and they can get aggressive if they feel like people are asking too many questions. You will need to be clever if you want to find the elusive Biting Lash, and cautious if you want to remain alive.

You can attempt Diplomacy checks to Gather Information; or let me know if you want to do other things.

Keeping an eye out as they make their way to an inn, "Well this place leaves a lot to be desired. Feels like everyone here just as soon stab you in the back as shake your hand. Reminds me a lot of Riddleport." Lothan then turns to Albert, "Hey, Big Al, what again is this book y'all are looking for? And why is it so important? I'm sure you've told me already but I've slept since then."

Tristain wakes up grumbling about bad dreams, wondering if he really does miss Tenebrynn or now he's free to exist with a bit less crazy around which has opened up new avenues of pain.

Either way, Tristain is still bonkin'.

Tristain is likely to be even less useful than Lothan in finding out information and declines to use his lack of social graces even once.