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The fourth and final day of training has come to a close at the Grand Lodge of Absalom, heralding the end of this year’s Torchbearing. Pathfinders the world over attend this annual symposium to share their knowledge, teach each other new skills, and reinforce their connections across the Inner Sea and beyond. To celebrate the end of festivities, the lodge has hosted a grand banquet in the visiting agents’ honor. A refreshing winter breeze blows through an open window, flickering torches and sending papers scattering. The smell of freshly baked desserts fills the air while initiates clear away the remnants of the first course.
You find yourselves seated together in the crowded banquet hall, with some time between ceremonial speakers to chat about your experiences at this year's Torchbearing.
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A tall but slender figure arrives first, pushing the hood of his oddly-angular cloak back to reveal skin that gleams ever so slightly in a light green color. His eyes appear gold, with slightly vertical black irises. He is clad in well-worn but well-kept armor but has virtually no weapons to speak of. Around his neck is a silver holy symbol of a platinum dragon above a pool of water.
He nods to each of you as you arrive, his voice bearing a slight twinge of a hiss to it, but is also clear and pleasant on the ear. His tongue (in perfect match to his outward appearance, however) is slightly forked.
"Greetingss, fellow Pathfinders. I am Kel-Aurthraxis Maleocorr, Sentinel of Apsu the Waybringer and Silver Crusader of the Platinum Band. It iss my duty to provide support and protection to my peers, such as yourselves, whenever we embark on missions..." his eyes dart to the side as the last tray of small meaty hors d'oeuvres is brought past - a wink and (only slightly serpent-like) suggestive smile to the initiate carrying it later, it now sits before him instead of the more pastry-like desserts. "...as I was saying...whenever we are not enjoying the fruits of success in joyouss halls such as these."
Between bites of succulent fried game, "I hear it told that the Three Masterss use this event to keep an eye out for particularly talented agentss that embody our society's core ideals of Exploring, Reporting, and Cooperating - giving the most exemplary agents public recognition and even special wayfinderss."
He ponders this for a moment, looking at the slightly tarnished silver filigree on his own wayfinder, thinking, "It has been some time since I have received a summons from Master Shaine after being named a Student of Scrolls...I hope my performance in the Worldwound did not disappoint him as much as it did myself..."
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Taking advantage of the brief lull between courses a black feathered tengu reaches into a satchel to retrieve a set of notes barely restrained by a letter binding and twine. His body shows little sign of strength as it would appear he seems ill suited to lift much more than the tome. His clothing is more utilitiarian offering a basic amount of protection from the hazards of a workshop as some lingering chemical burns still stain the leather of the garment.
As he prepares to unfold and sort the wide array of parchment the breeze blows through and he is barely able to hold the records in check.
For a moment he stares accusingly at the open window before coming to peace with the situation.
"Of course, of course. This isn't the proper time to organize my writings." Even with that acknowledgement he sadly stows the papers out of sight again.
"I had hoped to be able to properly safeguard my own recorded thoughts. I have heard many of the more eloquent members of the society offer advice for more proper conversation." As he speaks he runs a talon over a set of potion bottles and scrolls tubes he has prepared for use at a moments notice, the digits only lingering on each long enough to confirm they are still present.
"I apologize, I got so lost within my own thoughts I forgot the basics of my studies today. I am known as Watts Helm and a proud member of the Scarab Sages. Typically I serve as a researcher both here in Absalom, on expeditions throughout the world, and beyond. I'm grateful to have the many who have ensured I've persevered in this field as long as I have."
Kel-Aurthraxis, I hesitate to bring this up as I only have a lingering memory, but I would swear that I've heard your name come up during my time working with Master Shaine. If that is the case, I'm certainly grateful to have any moment with you. Few are able to draw his attention for long. If at all."
Watt's eyes linger a moment on the cooked bird. "I've heard much the same as well as the fact that several of our number are secreted away for some time. Supposedly before The Decemvirate if the local gossip is to be taken as fact."
"I do admit that while accolades would certainly be of interest, I do put far more value within the workshops here. It is rare to have the most skilled members of the society available to offer their advice. I'm uncertain if I would value a recognition over many of the lectures I have attended."
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A second tengu sits closeby, eating and drinking with some gusto. Where Watts is small and bony, this tengu is broad, squat and muscular. His brown and red cloaks part to reveal gleaming mithral armour beneath, with a medal pinned prominently to his breast, alongside many colourful ribbons that would appear more suited to a young girl's best dress. A pair of swords are scabbarded at his hips.
"Me Tooth! Me Baron of Ravenmoor! Me Mayor too, very important! Me expect me going to get another medal. Me kill many Razmiran blasphemers. Me sad that me no get golden pony out of city, but it o.k. Killing Razmiran blasphemers is worthy of medal."
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A strong looking Nagaji of average height also sits nearby. He wears no armor and seems to have no weapons on his person. His scales are a dark green with a few faint yellow. He sits quietly observing his surroundings. He picks some meat from his teeth before speaking. "I am Kaa. Warrior of Apsu. I do not require special recognition. Trust is all I need." His speech is slow with a few hisses in between but he does not seem like a simpleton.
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The lone human in area relaxes in her own seat, sipping on the wine that the society provided for this feast. Considering the formality of the situation, she appears to have taken it to heart, and came to the banquet in a simple blue dress, her ever-damp hair bound up into a simple set of braids. "Good evening." she greets, " I'm Lissa, from the Villasani clan, though I've been in Absalom far more then with my family's caravan of late. A pleasure to meet you all."
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Watts attentively analyzes introductions, although he seems more puzzled by Tooth's introduction than the others. Contimplating for a moment he choooses a question to follow up on hearing Tooth speak of the matter.
"I must admit I have had only limited interactions with those who serve Aspu. The knowledge I have is only from rumor or through second hand accounts through reports. I would be curious to hear you understand of Aspu."
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"More than one blood god? What? No. Me not think so. Blood god is Him Who Walks In Blood! If Him like you, me can help you. You have god? All of Ravenmoor follow blood god now! It the Law! Me make it the law, me is Baron and me is Mayor. You come to Ravenmoor, we have best blood sausage and good flayleaf too!"
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Uncertain that he is fully aware of the situation at had Watts presses forward cautiously in order to try to uncover anything he may have misunderstood or isn't understanding about Tooth's faith.
"I would be ... interested in visiting. Although I must admit I'm not quite interested in presenting myself as intending to become one of his faithful. I don't know much of what you worship, but I don't recall if his guidance would be helpful. I have venerated Nethys in my study of magic and gathering of magical knowledge and have recently looked toward the doctrine of Ioemaedae to better myself."
"How did you come about to become baron, and ... mayor, of Ravenmoor? How are they dealing with their new religion?"
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"How? Me kill old mayor, of course! Him was very bad man. Him not pay taxes. But first, me won prettiest girl contest in town festival! That important detail. Me still got ribbons, look! Shiny." Tooth pats the ribbons on his chest.
"People of Ravenmoor agree to me becoming Mayor when me save them from old mayor. People also agree to follow blood god, much better than their old gods. Me make it law! Then Grand Prince Stavian make me Baron, him say it in recognition of bringing peace and good order! And me get medal too!"
Tooth reaches into his cloaks and withdraws an ornate scroll tube. He unfurls a lengthy scroll and displays it. The scroll is filled with cramped, legalistic writing in the Taldane language, and at the foot of the text is the Royal Seal of the grand prince himself.
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"Yes. Those ribbons look very appealing. Was the former mayor performing criminal acts beyond tax evasion or was the level of funds he withheld far beyond the norm for such criminals?"
Watts looks with with admiration at the document, his hand approaching but not touching the proclamation. "Ah, the matter is clearer now. In any case your work in the town much be exception to receive this level of attention. In all honestly I wouldn't have thought that suhc worship would result in peace and good order. I do want to visit Ravenmoor even more now to see how your people live."
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A weathered tengu clad in shiny plate armor clomps in, leaning heavily on her darkwood quarterstaff as she deflects some young woman wearing the blue of Liberty's Edge. A katana rides at her left hip, but while she has the pacing of a warrior it does not look like the blade gets very much use.
"No, J. Gramma can't come on the mission with you. Andoletta has other plans for me this time, and good on you for keeping up the good fight, even if I don't trust that Maldris' fellow's intentions." she offers as the young human woman heads off in another direction.
"Pardon me, fledgelings. Is this seat taken? My old bones could use a bit of a rest after that extended seminar on the interactions of Thassilonian and Varisian. Not going to bore you on it, probably said enough 'bout it already t' make your eyes glaze over."
On seeing the other tengu she makes a few clicking and chirping sounds.
She pauses for a moment, then fluidly whaps herself on the back of the head with said darkwood quarterstaff.
"Where are my manners? Andrietta Ebonfeather. Follower of Grandmother Crow -- That's Andoletta to some folks. Are you kids talking about Ravenmoor? I've got a farm up by Ravenmoor, like to kind of keep an eye on that town in my off-time, make sure it doesn't backslide to the nastiness that was going on over there..." she kind of drifts off for a moment in recollection.
"Th' former mayor had made some really poor life choices and it was no small task to bring the town back to being decent folks."
"You should visit Ravenmoor, young man... what was your name again? But be ready for one thing... it's up by Magnimar, and Magnimar is notorious for their taxing and then not paying back, so two thirds of the year, the roads heading to it are... muddy. Dangerous enough to eat horses if you're not careful. Makes for good growing, though, 's long as you're not tryin' to grow flayleaf all the time. Oh... right... that's a thing -- they put that into a good chunk of the local dishes, so if you're allergic to it or don't like it, be aware. It's not bad... but I'd prefer a nice hot dark tea in the morning to help focus than any of that. Sharper senses better than duller ones and whatnot."
There's another pause.
"Come to think of it, I only recognize one of you here..." she starts then breaks off to a slightly singsong version of Varisian to Lissa.
Kaa gets a second glance. "Can't say as I recall seeing anyone quite like you before, look forward to the prospect of a mission with you should it be required."
"Y'all probably know this already, but keep on your toes. Pathfinders during this special time of the year can get particular attention from the Society in a good way if they explore, report, and cooperate right, and rumor has it folks can get access to some pretty nice Wayfinders if they play their cards right and do the job that's asked for them to outstandin' levels."
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Tooth catches sight of the newcomer, a third tengu. His beak opens wide, and he sniffs the air.
"You... you... you tengu lady!" Tooth immediately starts preening, smoothing his feathers, puffing out his chest to display his ribbons and medal. He sniffs the air again....
"Waaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh! You OLD tengu lady! Me not meet any tengu lady since me was just a chick in Wanshou, and now me meet tengu lady and you grandmother!"
Tooth pecks at the table, repeatedly and powerfully.
"Waaaaaahhhhh!"
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"Boring? It is truly a interesting discussion on the linguistic evolution.Ah, of course, I helped set up that seminar myself although the other members of the panel went ahead with a far smaller scope than I encouraged. Given a few more days I would have loved to have a much fuller discourse on the links between Thassilonian, Varisian, Shoanti, and Azlanti. Beyond that most modern languages have some connection to these languages. I would love to hear your thoughts following the seminars." Watts becomes exceptionally excited as he begins to speak on his own interests, speaker faster as he begins mapping out an impromptu lecture on the matter. He slowly comes to reflect on the timing and his possible over exhuberance. Given a few moments, he settles himself once again. "Later of course, after you have been able to properly relax."
Watts is clearly uncomfortable as he hears what Andrietta says in Tengu. More so than considering his responses to Tooth, he takes a long moment before returning a response while Tooth issues his own response.
Following he introduces himself again, slow at start as he considers his introduction, and speeding to a normal rate as he recovers.
"I am Watts Helm. I'm grateful for your advice, I will take it to heart when I find time to visit the area."
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As the Pathfinders conclude the dessert course, a small origami swan flutters through the room and lands on the center of the table. In moments, it unfolds itself into a crisp and creaseless piece of paper.
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Andrietta gets a bit of a twinkle in her eye, but resists the urge to pat Tooth on the shoulder for personal space reasons. "It's okay, dear. You should probably stop hurting the table, though -- it never did anything to you to deserve that, right? I'm honored that you at least tried to gussy up a bit before it sank in."
"I haven't had a chance to pick up Shoanti or Azlanti yet, but I'm hoping a chance to do so happens at some future point. Thassilonian has always felt rather... precise to me, and I like languages with a bit more... life to them?" the grandmother offers with a conspiratorial tone to Watts.
Andrietta is keen on watching the rest of the table then blinks as the origami swan lands.
"Huh." she huffs with a strange after-accent.
Why do I get this feeling like I've done this before?
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Watts nods to Andrietta, "I would argue that the trait of the language presents a certain character to it's people. Although I must admit that I learn languages to allow for communication. Thus far many more languages have had more to offer me than Thassilonian. I almost wish that wasn't the case."
His eyes gleaming as the paper unfolds, Watts starts to move to snatch the paper before halting himself and letting the message go to another to read.
"I must admit this seems familiar. I largely account that to the vast number of times the society has needed to come to aid of Nigel. Recently he has been focusing on an exhibit regarding the Shining Crusade and the museum has been closed to allow for the opening of the exhibit next week."
As he speaks Watts steps away from the table while he checks his gear, retrieving an ornamental cane from his bag and drawing upon the candle pulls a small blade from the shaft, he confirms the ready state before returning the sword to the sheath.
"Although Nigel has taken preparations this time to ensure the museum's safety by paying a large sum for the creation of magical protections from the Arcanamirium here in Absalom as well as the Golemworks from Magnimar on the coast of Varisia."
Watts takes a moment to count out the time and looks to the rest of the party to add to or correct the information he has set before continuing.
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"Ahem... me apologise, Grandmother."
Tooth stops pecking, and smooths over the (rather worse for wear now) table. If it's possible for a tengu to blush, Tooth is blushing.
Tooth is grateful for the diversion of the origami messenger. He reads the note...
"Oh, me know the Blakroses. Taldan merchants. Very wealthy. We help them? O.k. Me go find out who me kill."
Tooth stands, pops one last pastry in his beak, and makes ready to depart.
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In response to Watts's earlier question about Apsu, "Apsu the Waybringer iss the guardian of the material plane itself. When he saw evil and destruction being wrought by his own offspring, he gave up his seat as a truly immortal and unassailable being beyond the reach of any force in our multiverse in order to combat it directly, to protect those who were not ready to face thiss evil. And so do we who serve him strive to emulate his deedss - servantss like myself teach and support others to prepare for when the worst comess, while warriors like brave Kaa bring the fight to protect others directly to bear on those who would destroy this world and otherss like it."
Though Kel has no real knowledge of Absalom high society or too much involving the Blakros museum, he does chuckle a bit after reading what Valsin wrote in the note. "Thiss all seemss familiar somehow...I believe they have a phrase in Galt for times like these...deja vu?"
As the others check their gear, Kel casts Message on the party to enable us to communicate even when spread apart, and also Longstrider on himself (8 hour duration).
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Lissa quietly notes to herself to tell her kin to avoid Ravenmoor with all due haste. She doesn't know much about He who Walks with Blood, but demanding the worship of a god like that can't be good for her people.
She waves at Andrietta, and grins. "Este o plăcere să fiți în prezența dumneavoastră din nou, Bunicule. Fie călătoriile voastre sunt prospere și pline de înțelepciune. Sperăm că, de data aceasta, voi evita sfârșitul afacerii dvs," she responses to Andrietta's greeting.
Venture-Captain Valsin's note, however, steals any mirth from her. "the Society needs to put a retainer in Nigel's employ, to try to stop things like this from happening," she grumbles. The Varisian waterweaver reaches under the table and pulls out her bag for where she had hidden it. "Never go to any Society functions without preparing for some obnoxious shenanigans to come up. Starsong's blessings that I don't need to ready a weapon," she mutters as she pulls the pins out of her hair, and ties a scarf over the resulting mass. Then, with a practiced pull, she removes the sleeves holding the glamour on her and stuffs the magic clothing into her bag, revealing light chain armor and proper (for a Varisian, that is) traveling garb. As she steps into the main hall of Skyreach, she snaps her finger , causing frozen mist and shards of ice begin to float around her, and wisps of water starting flowing around her feet. "Sir, what's happened at the Blakros museum?" she matter-of-factly asks Valsin, deferring to the man in charge of whatever mission is about to start.
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The front doors of Skyreach burst open with a loud crack. Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin strides to the edge of the platform, with a slender elf dressed in practical but expensive clothing trailing meekly behind. The red-faced venture-captain addresses the crowd in a booming voice.
“Pathfinders, I regret interrupting the festivities, but we have something of a situation. Approximately twenty minutes ago, unknown forces invaded the Blakros Museum. Fortunately for everyone involved, the Torchbearing is about cooperation and helping our colleagues, so let’s think of this less as an inconvenience and more as an opportunity to practice what we preach.”
The elf, Nigel, exhales sharply, then speaks, “Now, Ambrus, I’ve spent a king’s ransom fortifying the museum from all sorts of invaders: sentinels from the Golemworks, magical wards from the Arcanamirium, and even contracts for guard beasts, both magical and mundane—spared no expense. I didn’t want to come here, but I’ve got no choice.”
Valsin’s forced smile cracks slightly, showing his annoyance. “Out with it, Nigel. Get to the point.”
“Someone broke into my museum and set off the magical protections! I was preserving priceless Shining Crusade pieces for our new exhibit when the first alarm activated. I sent for district guards and went to investigate, but by the time I arrived, the thieves had already locked themselves in my study. They somehow caused the Shining Crusade relics to fly around the museum and attack my sentinels. Everything is going haywire! The magical traps started to target me, the sentinels are not responding to my commands, and—”
Valsin holds out a hand to steady the increasingly agitated elf. “The last you knew, the thieves were still in your study?” Nigel nods. “Very well. Pathfinders: the Seekers should prepare to teleport directly into the Blakros study—“
“That won’t work,” Nigel interrupts, “The study is magically sealed. After that dreadful Numerian exhibit, I turned it into a magical safe room. The robbers must have figured out how to activate it; no one can get in or out while the wards hold. I can work on breaking the wards, but meanwhile my sentinels are smashing up the collection. Some of those priceless relics are on loan from your own Society lodges, so helping me is really helping yourselves.”
“Fine.” Ambrus Valsin takes a deep breath and then turns to the assembled Pathfinders. “Pathfinders, go to the Blakros Museum, secure any relics you can, disable the security systems, and apprehend the looters if possible. Stay safe.”
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"Tooth's assessment is completely correct on the Blakros family. They have been allies to the society for years, although they have also had dealing with more dubious organizations as well, like House Thrune or the Onyx Alliance. Although others might count ours just as questionable as the others. Of their arrangements Nigel was once a Pathfinder until he married Dhrami Blakros. Him becoming curator of the museum was, in fact, part of their marriage contract. I can't say whether or not it was requested by Nigel or demanded by the Blakros family. My assumption is that it was a request by him, as it would be an incredible chance to spend your life working alongside all of these historical relics and sharing them with the world."
Watts closes his eyes for a moment to picture himself at the middle of the displays before returning to his explanation and the preparation of his extracts.
"Although I have never been to the museum myself without being attacked by some infernal entity or animated exhibit, I do find that I'm constantly impressed by the structure. If not only for the exhibits, but the building as well. While from the exterior the design is not exceptional, the interior appears far larger than logic would demand."
"Common theory ties this to the building being imbued with shadow magic. Supporting this is an incident a few years ago where the interior changed dramatically in a short period. This isn't as absurd as many rumors though. The prior owner of the building was a powerful wizard, Ralzeros the Overwatched. There is an outstanding claim that he cursed the building upon his death. Unfortunately I have had enough experience within various tombs in Garund to support that conclusion. Unable to offer specific advice, I can only implore caution and we make few assumptions as we move through the enchanted building."
"With that all in mind, I believe I am as prepared as I can be on such a short period of time. Is there anything I can assist others with?"
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"So, me kill looters, me get paid. That o.k."
Tooth gathers his gear, and waits outside. Next to Tooth stands a giant, red mantis, the size of a horse. Its limbs are clad with spiked leather plates, and a cunningly designed saddle is attached to its shoulders.
"Him Claw." says Tooth, gesturing towards the giant insect.
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Dozens of Wise District guards surround the Blakros Museum. The sergeant nods to Ambrus Valsin as he approaches, a subtle smirk dancing across the venture-captain’s face. The museum itself is alight with swirling whorls of color and the sounds of metal and stone clashing. Occasionally, brief flashes of light burst from the front entrance, illuminating a toppled banner that says “Legacy of the Shining Crusade.”
The broad-shouldered, middle-aged Ulfen man salutes, a somewhat bemused expression on his face. “Well met, Venture-Captain Valsin. I am Svaralk of Asleifar, Sergeant of the Learned Guard. The Guard appreciates your assistance.” He points to his subordinates, “Our initial attempt to quell the animated relics within failed. I’ve ordered the Guard to withdraw and form a perimeter.”
Ambrus Valsin returns the sergeant’s salute, a gesture of mutual respect. “You once served in Grand Prince Stavian III’s Ulfen Guard, did you not?”
Svaralk nods, “That’s right. Afterwards, I retired to Absalom and have served this city for seven years. This is not the first catastrophe I’ve responded to at the Blakros Museum, though none has been quite so dramatic as this. As if anyone needed further proof of the museum’s reputation for trouble.”
The Ulfen confides to the Venture-Captain, “After Nigel Aldain harangued me for dereliction of duty in not immediately retaking the museum, I’m in no rush to sacrifice the lives under my command until the warring creatures inside wear each other down.” He holds up a hand and shakes his head, “I don’t hold Nigel Aldain’s outburst against him. I recognize the elf is rightfully concerned—albeit rather precious—about his exhibit.”
Svaralk turns to your team of Pathfinders and says, “Before you enter, I can provide you an overview of the museum’s layout and tell you that there are animated relics and guard animals on the ground level, and clockwork creatures skirmishing with each other on the floor above. We also have an especially challenging problem in the gardens at the southeast corner of the museum grounds. Some kind of magical runes displaying swarm-like behavior, more magical devices really than living creatures. They proved too complicated a challenge for me and my guards; we simply lacked the skills to disable them.”
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Andrietta nods and squints conspiratorially to Lissa.
"Tooth, dear, we don't know what the situation is. We don't even have confirmation that it's looters and not say, some new effort to cause problems in the city. We need to consider all options and be respectful where respect is due. If they need putting down then we can shift to that, okay?" the grandmother gently reminds the follower of the Blood-Walking Deity.
"We would appreciate what overview you are willing to provide, sir, and if there were any concerns in particular that might be good to know as well." the grandmother offers, leaning on her quarterstaff.
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With danger so close, Watts goes through a significant number of elixirs, extracts, and potions for the coming battle. He handles one last vial with some concern before placing it at his side again.
Testing his newly hardened skin with cane he seems satisfied with the results. "I do hope you are correct Kaa. I value conversation much more than the end of battle."
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Under a sign that reads “The Shining Armory,” priceless Shining Crusade artifacts displayed on pedestals creak and move by some unseen force. Eerie light seems to dart between the objects while the din of a raging battle echoes throughout the chamber. The central feature is a low, artificial hill atop which stand two stuffed owlbears surrounded by shattered undead foes. Each of the beasts wears chainmail barding and an orange-and-black caparison depicting a stylized owlbear. A dead man dressed in furs lies on the floor before a suit of full-plate armor. As you approach, the owlbears turn heads toward you in a stiff, unnatural way, then begin clambering down the artificial hill toward you, malice clear in their intent!
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
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Initiative:
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On the jog over to the museum, Kel will briefly explain how Apsu's Divine Barrier works - not necessarily to try and educate, but rather so that the front-line melee-types and the spellcasters will, with luck, stay aware of their location in battle relative to Kel...should harmful large-scale explosions occur.
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"Mind your steps, kids, don't want to be an owbear sandwich." Andrietta offers as she moves forwards, shield held in front of her and quarterstaff twirling protectively with her right hand to try and pull the one nearest to her away from the rest of the party.
"Hey big guy. Do you think you could just stand down?"
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Unlike Andrietta, Lissa looks once at the owlbear and immediately dismisses a chance of a peaceful resolution. As such, she skates around Claw and along the other narrow approach. As she skids to a halt just outside of her reach, she easily forms an orb of water in one hand. With her other hand, she reaches into the orb and withdraws/forms a rather lengthy tendril of water with a bulbous head on the tip, which she uses to smack at the closer owlbear at droplets of water spray all around her.
damage
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Andrietta moves forward into a defensive position while Kaa protects himself magically. Lissa moves forward and attacks with a whip of psychic water. The weapon easily connects, but does less damage than she might have expected.
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The greener of the two orange-clad owlbears steps forward to assault Andrietta...
...but is just unable to penetrate her defenses.
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Watts moves forward as he describes all he knows of the creatures.
"They may not even understand your words. These are stuffed owlbears given animation by undead spirits!"
He nearly jumps to the aid of Andrietta, but pauses seeing how well she defends against the construct's powerful blows. He rushes over to the damaged owlbear in an effort to bring it down quickly with a precise blow to the the legs.
"Healing magic will disrupt the spirit's hold, but destroying the vessel will work as well. I feel ashamed to come to quickly to that conclusion. Hopefully these are mere replicas!"
The researcher misses a moment to strike as he studies the heraldry and looks for signs of restoration on the piece.