Lorenz tries to explain as they make their way back to the village. "There was this statue, probably for some sort of vampire god. It turns out that if you touch blood to its lips it makes you into some sort of foggy thing. You can fly that way, but very slowly."
"We don't know that Ieana was a vampire." He continues. "The place she led us was a temple for some people who worshipped some the god of vampires. But the story -- it was on the walls, Douena says -- is that they fought and killed the serpent people. And as far as we can tell, Ieana may have been one of the serpent people. So maybe she was the enemy of the vampire worshippers."
"And we're all going to go try and find a city full of treasure!" Douena goes on. "Only we don't know where it is. And Pezock's coming with us, and you and Alton are too, Sasha! Only don't tell Gelik because I don't think he's invited."
Shaking his head at Douena's last comment, Moka goes and sits by Aycenia's tree.
"I think the island is safe again, at least for a while."
Lorenz looks at Douena in surprise. "Why wouldn't Gelik be invited? Who is going to immortalize us in story if Gelik doesn't come along?"
"He might get dirty and lose his old hat," Douena replies, still running in circles around Sasha and Mahjik as they move up the path at a slower pace. "You can tell the story, Lorenz! I liked the one you told about how we got Alton's egg when I splashed the flappybite."
"Thank you Sasha," Mahjik doesn't mind that Sasha helps support him, the long trip didn't tear at him or exhaust him - but it was hard to move. Even things that should be child's play demanded concentration, more so things that normally required effort.
"I think we need to make plans," he confides in Sasha, "we've almost run out of things to do on this island. The little one will go berserk a month hence. Fortunately not all is lost, we uncovered word of a secret hidden lost city somewhere in the Mwangi expanse. Apparently an old Azlanti place. I think that'll be my next goal - how about it?"
Urza brings up the rear of the line as they walk the trail to the cannibal village. He's eager to see how the repairs come with the lighthouse but his mind keeps wandering back to the clues they uncovered to the lost Azlanti city.
"I think we need to make plans," he confides in Sasha, "we've almost run out of things to do on this island. The little one will go berserk a month hence. Fortunately not all is lost, we uncovered word of a secret hidden lost city somewhere in the Mwangi expanse. Apparently an old Azlanti place. I think that'll be my next goal - how about it?"
"The Mwangi? Sasha says. "Lorenz and I were going to go there anyway. I suppose looking for a lost city could be fun."
Shaking his head at Douena's last comment, Moka goes and sits by Aycenia's tree.
"I think the island is safe again, at least for a while."
With Sasha assisting Mahjik, you make your way into the village. Aakif comes out of the guard tower to greet you. Past him, you see Soulwind grazing by the pen that used to hold the skeletons. As you reach the centre of the village, Jask and Ishirou come out of the lighthouse followed by a gasping Gelik who's trying to keep up with the faster-moving men.
"Jask, Mahjik got bit by a vampire snake! Can you make him better or will you have to stake him?"
"We think he was poisoned." Urza interjects. "How go the repairs to the lighthouse?"
"Yes, please, I think I'm sick - the poison probably ran its course during the fight. But this," he points to his pale limbs, "happened the morning after."
"But this," he points to his pale limbs, "happened the morning after."
"When the sun came up," Douena loudly whispers to Jask, with a significant look.
Jask looks at Mahjik with concern and leads him over to a log that they can sit down on. "I don't think we need to worry too much about vampirism," he tells Douena. "I'm not a vampire expert, but from what I understand, sunlight kills them outright. Since Mahjik is still alive, it could just be one of the blasted illnesses we've been getting with annoying regularity on this island."
He begins to examine Mahjik, but continues talking while he does. "Besides, a few hours ago, we all felt something pass over this island, like a great evil being lifted. While I don't really know what happened, I suspect it had something to do with your actions, and I have faith that any supernatural influences that may have affected Mahjik or anyone else will have also been lifted."
He pauses to look more carefully at Mahjik and to ask him a few questions about how he's feeling and the effects of what he's feeling. After a short while, he turns to look at Douena. "I can say that Mahjik is most definitely not turning into a vampire. He has the shakes, a perfectly natural disease. It's not deadly, but unfortunately, it can be quite debilitating until it's run its course."
"Oh." Douena looks distinctly disappointed by the news.
"We were thinking that, with the creature we knew as Ieana dispatched and the lighthouse on its way to being repaired, once Mahjik is able, we play pirate and search for Ishiro's treasure."
"With Aycenia's help, I think I'll be in fighting form tomorrow again," says Mahjik hopefully.
"Then we should definitely get you to Aycenia," Jask says. "You'll need to wait until the heat breaks, of course, but you should still be able to make it there tonight. I'll do what I can for you before you go. In the meantime, we can all fill each other in on everything that has happened. We've got work started on the lighthouse. I have to admit, I'm just following directions, but I think it's going well."
"Yes, yes, most definitely going well," Gelik interjects. "Much better than I expected in fact. Another day or two and it should be ready."
He strides over to Lorenz. "My boy, I'd like you to tell me every detail of your encounter with Ieana. This needs to be recorded for posterity."
Bravely attempting to overcome her disappointment that Mahjik isn't turning into a vampire, Douena asks Ishirou, "Are you coming with us to find the treasure?"
Lorenz smiles at Gelik's request. "I'll do my best. But first, I should describe her. She wasn't just the mild-mannered, quiet scholar we all knew on the ship. No, she was this monstrous, tall, serpent-like creature, complete with a tail, green scales and terrible blue eyes that looked at us as they we were insects to be stepped upon. She had terrible sharp claws and cruel long fangs dripping with poison. Her voice was like a hiss, cold and sibilant. I think she called herself something else too, Yarzoth. She was a terrible sight to behold."
He shivers as he describes her and then he goes on to tell the tale, describing how Makoa wasted no time in his attack, the way Yarzoth's teeth snapped before they bit into Mahjik's flesh, and how difficult it could be to hit her.
He embellishes from time to time but eventually tells the whole story of their encounter, what they found in the ancient temple and finishes with the story of how his blows finally destroyed the dark altar to Zura.
Bravely attempting to overcome her disappointment that Mahjik isn't turning into a vampire, Douena asks Ishirou, "Are you coming with us to find the treasure?"
Ishirou looks down at Douena and smiles ever so slightly. He nods.
Gelik applauds heartily when Lorenz finishes the tale. "Well done, my boy! Well done! You've come a long way in these last few weeks. Now, tell me again, what did you say the name of the ancient city was?"
After Lorenz has informed him, he nods. "Yes, I thought you said that. Well, I'll be." A glint has formed in his eyes, and he continues slightly more excitedly, "Saventh-Yhi is one of the most sought-after lost cities of Garund. Legends speak that it was built by the Azlanti. Such a discovery could revolutionize what is known about the ancient empire! The information you've found, properly transcribed and recorded, could be worth thousands! Hard evidence about the location would be priceless!"
Douena looks up at Ishirou. "Have you ever talked? I don't remember."
Gelik applauds heartily when Lorenz finishes the tale. "Well done, my boy! Well done! You've come a long way in these last few weeks. Now, tell me again, what did you say the name of the ancient city was?"
After Lorenz has informed him, he nods. "Yes, I thought you said that. Well, I'll be." A glint has formed in his eyes, and he continues slightly more excitedly, "Saventh-Yhi is one of the most sought-after lost cities of Garund. Legends speak that it was built by the Azlanti. Such a discovery could revolutionize what is known about the ancient empire! The information you've found, properly transcribed and recorded, could be worth thousands! Hard evidence about the location would be priceless!"
"The wall-writing didn't say where it was," Douena intrudes, "but it said somewhere to go to find directions to where it is. Only we didn't know where that place was, either."
Douena looks up at Ishirou. "Have you ever talked? I don't remember."
Ishirou gives her a quizzical look. "Of course I have," he says.
"The wall-writing didn't say where it was," Douena intrudes, "but it said somewhere to go to find directions to where it is. Only we didn't know where that place was, either."
"Really?" Gelik sounds very excited. "Tell me what it says!" After listening to the description, he thinks for a moment, hopping agitatedly from one foot to the other.
Finally, he shakes his head. "No, I don't recognize it." He looks over at Jask who also shakes his head. He frowns momentarily, but then brightens up again. "However, one we're in Eleder, we can use the Colonial Archives to find out where this place is. They have extensive volumes of the Pathfinder Chronicles there, as well as numerous other sources that could help us narrow down this location! We must get back to work on the lighthouse immediately!"
Without waiting for anyone else, he scurries back into the lighthouse.
Makoa shakes his head and follows Gelik, offering to help. Fixing a lighthouse would be a good change of pace from traveling and hunting and fighting anyway.
Lorenz nods back to Gelik with a grin. Turning to Sasha, he says, "What do you think? Is that the sort of adventure you'd like to go on once we get to Sargava? Imagine, a city that has been lost for so long! The things that we could discover there!"
Lorenz nods back to Gelik with a grin. Turning to Sasha, he says, "What do you think? Is that the sort of adventure you'd like to go on once we get to Sargava? Imagine, a city that has been lost for so long! The things that we could discover there!"
"Sounds fun!" Sasha says with a grin. "Exploring the jungle was what we intended to do anyway. Might as well add in a lost city or two!"
Mahjik finds himself a place to rest in the heat. Although he's still suffering from the disease, the good mood of his companions is infectious and he smiles ear-to-ear.
"I'm sure we'll be able to do a little bit of both. This other place that's supposed to lead us to the city sounds like it's a good ways from civilization. It's sure to be quite the adventure."
Lorenz looks warily over toward the razorbeak. "Alton's training seems to be coming along quite well. He's certainly growing fast!"
Sasha follows Lorenz's gaze. "You can say that again. He's starting to eat voraciously. It's hard keeping him supplied with food. But at least he's starting to learn to hunt. He'll be able to get his own food soon."
You relax for the afternoon, in buildings or under trees to keep out of the heat. Gelik continues to work on the lighthouse (possibly with Makoa's help), but Jask and Ishirou insist on resting awhile.
Eventually, as the heat breaks and the rain pours down, you gather your things again and set out for another journey.
Might as well keep the PCs together.
Those of you heading to Aycenia's set out in the pouring rain. In his weakened state, the journey is difficult for Mahjik (with the climbing and pressing through the jungle), so you're slowed down a bit, meaning you don't reach Aycenia's grove until the twilight. However, you do make it without any other issues. Even the rain stops just as you arrive.
You see Aycenia standing by her tree, a broad smile on her face. She beckons you over. "I never thought you could accomplish what you have," she says. "A great evil has been lifted from this island. The plague of undeath that affected the ships wrecked here is gone. The dead sailors have finally found their rest. Even the curse that lured all those ships here is now gone. There will be far fewer shipwrecks along these shores from now on. I do not know how to thank you."
"Aycenia!" Douena runs ahead to give her a soggy hug. "You could make Mahjik better. He's sick." She leaves the others to explain more fully, hurrying to her swing to spend time with Desna before she's too late.
Aycenia looks at Mahjik and frowns. "He definitely doesn't look well," she says. "Alas, as I've mentioned before, I cannot cure him of his condition. However, I can alleviate the symptoms for at least a little while."
She motions Mahjik over to her and places a hand on his head. A moment later, her hand glows and he feels rejuvenating energy pour through him.
"Ah... thank you so much Aycenia. You should've seen it; down below where we went was some form of ancient temple of evil. Make that two temples of evil, if I understood Douena's explanation properly. Not very pleasant." Mahjik flexes his fingers and wiggles them about, relieved that the pain has largely subsided. When she's not paying attention he tipples his fingers on Douena's head from behind.
With night settling in, you all settle down to rest.
The night passes peacefully at both Aycenia's and the cannibal village. Indeed, it's probably the most peaceful and quiet night you've had on the island. Your dreams are much more content than previously. In the village, the sound of the sea against the cliff side seems more subdued than usual. In the jungle, while the usual buzzing of insects and monkey shrieks are still present, they too seem less harsh and happier. Sunrise is obscured by clouds and a light rainfall, but it still feels like a bright happy morning.
Lorenz steps out of the lighthouse and smiles up at the rain falling, marveling at how pleasant the the morning feels. He makes his way to where he can look out over the water and imagines the ship that will be coming to rescue them, how it will look on its approach to the island.
For the first time in quite a while, he feels real promise to the day.
He goes looking for Sasha and when he finds her, offers to go with her while she hunts with or for Alton.
"Does it feel different to you too? I think we've actually made a difference here."
Mahjik wakes up and immediately starts sniffing at the air, "What's that smell? Can you smell that? It smells like a treasure hunt to me! Quick, let's get the others! I feel great today! Thank you Aycenia! And thank you Jask! This is great!"
"And me," Douena insists sleepily, awakened by Mahjik's exuberance. "Why aren't you thanking me?"
"I guess I should be thanking you too - for not stabbing me with a wooden stake;" Mahjik grins. "Oh don't try to hide it, I saw how you asked Jask to add garlic to my meal." Mahjik laughs, "But yes! You too: thank you. It's not even been two days - but it makes so much of a difference! I feel vastly more alive now."
"I wouldn't have staked you," Douena scoffs. "You'd have been much better looking as a vampire. I would have tamed you, and we'd travel around the world fighting evil at night. A vampire sidekick would be almost as much fun as a Tiny bear. Oh, that reminds me, Aycenia! Do you know about a little captain who lives in a shipwreck under the sea near Red Mountain? Does the land tell you about him, or would we have to ask the water?"
He goes looking for Sasha and when he finds her, offers to go with her while she hunts with or for Alton.
"Does it feel different to you too? I think we've actually made a difference here."
Sasha happily lets Lorenz come hunting. "Oh, I definitely feel a difference," she says. "The island has changed quite a bit. It's still a wild place with many dangers, but it's no longer unnatural. Even the animals seem to have noticed it. Look out over the water there at those flappybites wheeling about, diving into the water for fish. They've always done that, but there's something about the way they move now. Maybe it's my imagination, but they seem more animated now."
"I wouldn't have staked you," Douena scoffs. "You'd have been much better looking as a vampire. I would have tamed you, and we'd travel around the world fighting evil at night. A vampire sidekick would be almost as much fun as a Tiny bear. Oh, that reminds me, Aycenia! Do you know about a little captain who lives in a shipwreck under the sea near Red Mountain? Does the land tell you about him, or would we have to ask the water?"
Aycenia thinks for a moment, then nods. "I think I know who you mean," she says. "He is a mephit from the Plane of Water. I know little about him other than he was familiar to the ship's captain until the captain was eaten by the winged chupacabra. He never leaves the ship now."
"Oh, poor little Captain!" Douena cries. "I knew we should have made him come with us. He must be very lonely."