Round 6 For Vojtek
With his appropriated heart pounding,and his adrenal glands pumping out more and more of their performance inducing hormones. With the most recent boost Vojtek's voice gave rise. His sputtering gurgling growls resembled some of the draconic language that Ed was teaching him.
Attacks:
for .
for .
for .
for .
And for .
It takes every bite that Davosh summons and each of Vojtek's claws, but at last the moon-beast falls to the earth and moves no more!
Is Ali still confused?
"Mighty Forefathers! That was .... not fun. Is everyone okay? What is this beast DOING here?" Davosh begins looking around (assuming Ali isn't a danger.)
Vojtek is also under confusion...but at least he's suspended, so not so much a danger
Davosh and Ali confer a bit, and are able to piece together that the moon-beast's plane shift ability might have allowed it and its slave to get into the Hut, with no way out until another day passed.
Kappi finds little inside the pile of filth that the denizen of Leng left behind except the apple-sized garnet it used to try and lure you to the moon-beast. Kappi estimates it to be worth easily 2500 gp.
"Kapp! You could retire on that gem alone! Of course you wouldn't. Think about it... luxury, women, wine, silks, and comfort! How revolting!"
Kappi is startled by OjosLoco's words. The lad was in the process of winding a string around the gem to make a spinning top out of it. He thought this would make a great one. Lots of style...
But then he did realize this is important money for the group. Could buy important supplies and magic items. Not for the first time the lad has a brief daydream about enchanted flight and how amazingly useful that would be...
Edward heals everyone...
Now where to? Looks like we have gone everywhere on the map? Did we miss anything?
Lets keep this moving
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After Vojtek calms down, and comes back to earth Ed does lay hands on him, curing his exhaustion while speaking to him in draconic Yes Brother feel the power of your dragon heart flow through you, but control it's impulses maintain your humanity, and your values. Let Apsu guide your draconic nature let go of the Dahak nature of the heart inside you. Ed is sure that Vojtek can't understand him, but he is sure that the words are felt.
Switching to common Ed speaks in his common practicality.
Yes that was a tough fight, the last two locations we needed to find some keys. I wonder if that gem is one of the keys so lets not go spending it yet. Also, I think we should rest.
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Vojtek's draconic is pretty limited since Edward's lessons seem to focus heavily on Apsu prayers and the like. But still it sort of sounded like Edward was saying draconic heart but that couldn't be right.... that wouldn't make any sense.
"I think we are done here. I think it's time to take the reins and break this steed in."
The party takes Edward's advice on resting and settles into the room where they first encountered the denizen of Leng.
Votjek's dreams are full of open air and soaring wings, while Kappi can't shake the images he saw atop the chimney from his mind and Davosh dreams of electric sheep, of all things. Ali blanks her mind in the sleepless meditation of her people, and Edward has dreamless, undisturbed rest under the watch of Apsu.
Vojtek's sleep is ENRAGIFIED!!!!!!!
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... and Davosh dreams of electric sheep, of all things...
it's all the static in the wool. At least he'll wake up fully recharged!!!
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The story since then:
This trip in Baba Yaga's Dancing Hut brought you to Baba Yaga's garden — yet another layout of the Dancing Hut — and you had to explore your surroundings, defeating a number of plant creatures, to find an exit. (Reminder: Zilvazaraat will return to the Hut in two days' time.)
Kappi climbed the chimney in the shelter found in the garden, reporting back some fantastical views when outside. Once outside in the cold air, you find that his words didn't do the view justice, and it's obvious that you are no longer in Iobaria.
If you hit a DC 30, you can read the next spoiler.
Knowledge Geography
Ojos Locos
Kappi
Knowledge Planes
Ojos Locos
"This is.... I don't think we're in Taldor anymore..."
Davosh looks about, takes in a deeeeeep breath, coughs a bit, then lets it out coughing a fair bit more.
"Well my friends, let's find another token and tighten the circle on these witches!"
He reviews his equipment, spells, and secret desires, and gives Kappi a slap on the back. "As they say in Galt, allons-y!"
Huh. Yeah, um, not Taldor. Other than that...ummm...
Just as the party is set to climb the fireplace, three shadowy ravens suddenly take to the air, cawing loudly as they fly about the room. The ravens resemble the raven oracles encountered when the Hut was in Iobaria.
"Baba Yaga has gone on, off to see her only son!"
"But a trail she left behind, if the breadcrumbs you can find!"
"Seek you keys, you will know by these!"
One lands and morphs into a taxidermy two-headed eagle, while another collapses into a pool which transforms into a fierce-looking bearskin rug. The last splits in half, one half resting atop the rung as a small hand mirror made in part from tusk of ivory, the other into a corded drinking horn with an iron spur emering from the end.
The shadow images then disappear!
Outdoors in the chilly air, the Hut has come to rest in a small valley between three craggy tops. The dim light all about feels like twilight illumination, but the sun is overhead in the cloudless cerulean sky, although tiny (though still unbearably bright to look at). The air is cold and thin, rendering breathing a little difficult, though no one feels as though they are gasping for air.
A curious scent is here, something akin to evergreen blended with the sweet smell of pitch, but that doesn't quite identify the smell. It's close, but not quite right. Meanwhile, a gentle but frigid breeze hums through the dale; facing into it makes ones eyes water.
As the adventurers look about trying to get some bearing, Kappi's sharp eyes pick a shape out of the sky! It is reddish-gold with wings, and he estimates the size of a horse! With surprise, he notices that it is not a single creature -- something rides in a saddle on its back!
The creature circles once and lands some 150 feet away. It is only then that you see the rider astride the sleek, red-gold scaled draconic creature. A leather harness holds a saddle between its wings, and it bears a massive glaive, which it immediately stows as its rider slides off and likewise makes a clear show of leaving their weapons behind before the pair slowly and cautiously approach.
About 60 feet away, the rider stops, its helm ribbon fluttering in the wind, and shouts some words in a language you don't understand.
Cursing his limited knowledge of only 11 languages, Davosh looks to Edward; recognizing, but not understanding the rumbles and exhales of Draconic.
Vojtek is extremely pleased with the change in climate, and breathes deeply of the cold air. He knows of the delicate nature of meeting a warrior such as this on the tundra by the edge of the ice. He lays his weapons down and steps away.
In a voice low enough not to carry beyond the group, Ali breathes Dragonkin! Not a true dragon, but still intelligent and regal.
He's declaring peace, but wants to know why we're here.
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Ed is extremely pleased at the draconic language. He is also pleased that his smart friends have identified the drake.
Ed bows with a flourish, and responds in draconic. Greetings rider of Pern I am Edward Fell and we hail from Golarion, so yes we are foreign here. We are here seeking a way to save our world, and free a mother who's been imprisoned by her very ambitious daughter. Would you be able to help us, or at least tell us where we are? He then translates to common if Ali doesn't for the party.
Ali’s habit is to translate for the non-draconic speakers; I gotcha covered
The rider pauses, then responds in Draconic, still straining to make their voice heard over distance. Golarion? I am unfamiliar with this place.
Another pause, then: May I approach? It would be more colloquial than raised voices.
Ali looks at her companions. He wants to approach. I say we let him.
Ali looks at her companions. He wants to approach. I say we let him.
The rogue shrugs his shoulders and nods in agreement.
Vojtek is clearly in a heightened state of mostly non-sexual arousal with the friendly clime and the draconic goings-on. He's down with whatever.
Vojtek is clearly in a heightened state of mostly non-sexual arousal ... He's down with whatever.
I see what you did there.
Ali calls out Sir! Please approach. You have our word of safe passage, if we also have yours. Edward will speak with you, and I'll translate for my other friends who don't speak the dragon tongue.
With Ali's answer, the rider and dragon slowly approach, maintaining their attempts to appear non-threatening. About 20 feet away, a raised hand stops the dragonkin, who sets warily but regally in a seated posture. The rider steps somewhat closer, removing their plumed helmet, revealing a vaguely elf-like face with narrow eyes shaped into long, horizontal slits.
Thank you. But I am no sir, she says matter-of-factly. Her skin is covered with short, white fur, not unlike that of a stout, while her elongated, round ears are notched with lines like a comb. These ears twitch and move about independent of one another, rather like a dog sniffing the breeze for some elusive scent. I am Bescaylie, of the Dragon Legion, and my partner is Efrixes, she continues, placing the helm under one arm. Her plated metal armor, grey-sliver in color and etched with curious symbols and visages, fits as though a second skin, almost noiseless when she moves. I admit I am less familiar with the lands south of the Drakelands or the Allied Territories. Where is this "Golarion"?
"oooohhhhhhh boy." Davosh smiles, and the smile is genuine, but he does not elaborate.
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Ed smiles and bows. My apologies Miss, Lady Bescaylie and Efrixes. I'm afraid we are also not familiar with the Drakelands or Allied Territories. Believe me I am as shocked to say as you might be unwilling to believe, but Golarian is third planet from the sun, this world Ed looks towards Davosh for confirmation. Triaxus is the seventh. So what say you? Are you the one that Apsu put in our path to be our guide? Could find it in yourself to help us find our way here?
"Baba Yaga has gone on, off to see her only son!"
"But a trail she left behind, if the breadcrumbs you can find!"
"Seek you keys, you will know by these!"One lands and morphs into a taxidermy two-headed eagle, while another collapses into a pool which transforms into a fierce-looking bearskin rug. The last splits in half, one half resting atop the rung as a small hand mirror made in part from tusk of ivory, the other into a corded drinking horn with an iron spur emering from the end.
Italics are mine for emphisis.
Bescaylie's face appears nonplussed, though unfamiliarity makes it hard to read. Triaxus, you say. Hmm. We simply call it home. Efrixes, noting that the party has not raised arms to them, moves alongside Bescaylie, who absently scratches its head as she continues. I know nothing of this Golarion, nor of this Apsu -- these names are strange to me. But I can tell you that Commander Pharamol, Spurhorn's commanding officer, has a two-headed eagle as a pet. Perhaps you can ask him yourself, if you can get into Spurhorn. We are under siege at the moment.
Huh...sounds like this Commander might be our first "breadcrumb!"
Kappi blurts out Under siege from who? Then he immediately blushes and looks to Ali and Edward and gives a look of apology.
He also mimes using a key to lock his mouth shut.
"A two headed eagle? Fascinating. That has been a symbol of Empire in our homeworld and beyond since time immemorial."
"Wait... siege?"
Indeed, siege, Bescaylie replies. A massive army from the Drakelands has Spurhorn bottled up at present. It's only a matter of time before a storm from the mountains presents ideal conditions for an assault. Efrixes and I were on patrol and managed to slip past a few watchposts to try and get some reconnaissance in.
Bescaylie looks at the Hut behind the party. We were on our way back when we saw you climbing out of the house behind you. It was not here when we flew past before, so I presume it to be some vessel of transport?
Yes in a manner it is. So a siege you say, we will either have to sneak in, or break the siege. The second said with an understanding that that would be improbable at best.
You're the expert here, so how can we get Spurhorn open to us to meet this Commander Pharamol?
You'll need wings, Bescaylie says, or, failing that, the ability to pass by an entire army undetected.
Ali gives a thoughtful nod. Well, we DO have certain resources. That may not be impossible.
"Haha! Wings I can do!"
"Oh... Good point."
I can show you Spurhorn, she says, but this will require some travel on your part. She points. Some three and a half leagues Ningward from here. Without wings, you'll have a fair number of mountains to cross.
"That's only 9.5 miles. Is it that bad? Either way, let us lose no time!"
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Ed starts by taking his dagger an making a map on the ground with approx peaks and valleys.
Yes lets go, but first lets not be to hasty. Bescaylie you know this area. Can you give us a quick battle map? Disposition of forces, capabilities, command and control, any QRF, any special religious or cultural traits. Are there any friendly forces in the area, what do we do to identify ourselves as friendly if we come across them? Can we rely on you for some support if we get into trouble?
Bescaylie nods and adds to the map.
She points out where the party is now, where Spurhorn is, then gives a brief run-down of the siege, though she is a little vague about specifics of the keep. Spurhorn has no gates, one can only get over the walls, she says. There is also some form of protection against teleportation, but I know no more detail than that.
She mentions that the Drakelands forces outnumber those of the Dragon Legion at Spurhorn some ten to one. It is not easy to assault the aerie, but such numbers do not bode well.