After the group recovers their energy, they return upstairs to the hallway leading towards the chamber containing the Dark Window. At the end of the hall is the ominous iron door covered with sigils and the incredibly complex/secure locking mechanism. This time, however, an uncomfortably large number of tree-like tendrils appear to be creeping through the slight gaps between the door and the jamb surrounding it; the wriggling worm-like limbs snaking eerily outwards in all directions , with several of them attempting to reach the door handle unsuccessfully. As the sounds of the approaching Pathfinder's footsteps echo slightly down the hall, all of the limbs freeze in the movement briefly; then creepily retract with unearthly swiftness back through the door cracks...leaving the door seemingly unattended.
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Tereze motions for the group to back up a ways and the quietly walks around and places a blessing of Protection on each of her companions and herself.
Zis will be dangerous, but needs to be done. Zis should help guard your mind.
[ooc]Cast Pro Evil on each party member to hopefully stop mental control.[/b]
“Mind if I wear the magical boots?”
Initiative Order:
Locke
Melisande
Testudo
Yangethe
Tereze
Kegan
Locke chugs back an extract of vomit swarm, and proceeds coughing up a swarm of wasps, which fly towards the Yangethe.
The swarm of insects attempt to sting the Yangethe, but are unable to pierce through its thick bark-like skin.
Melisande waves her hands and several glowing missiles streak from her fingertips, striking the tree.
The missiles bounce off the Yangethe at right angles, seemingly unable to pierce the creature's spell resistance!
Testudo issues a challenge upon the Yangethe.
"WE HAVE RETURNED, FOUL CREATURE! PREPARE TO FACE JUSTICE!"
As Roshi zooms at the Yangethe, the first two of the turtle knight's attacks land on the creature...but don't do as much damage as he was initially expecting! Roshi attempts a quick nip, but is unable to land his attack.
The Yangethe is briefly surrounding by a quickening nimbus of eerie otherworldly starlight, then unleashes a barrage of attacks with its claw-like branches and tentacles upon Testudo! After striking him thrice, the turtle knight finds himself grappled in the creature's tentacles!
Initiative Order:
Round 1
Tereze
Kegan
Round 2
Locke
Melisande
Testudo -24, grappled
Yangethe -30
Tereze
Kegan
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The life link draws a bit of her health from Tereze and heals Testudo.
While this happens Tereze moves up and and calls out praying for guidance and help.
Ladies of Light, Lords of Right
Help us for zis plane to fight.
Guide our strikes against ze tree.
So we may break zis window free!
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Testudo smiles as Kegan approaches.
Roshi bites at the creature, to aid Testudo's AC.
Testudo, gritting his teeth, keeps thrusting the lance.
I've recently fought a yangethe in a home game.
Lances are piercing weapons, a type a yangethe has no DR against. Is this yangethe that much different, that it took reduced damage on the previous attacks?
Locke drinks an extract of true strike.
Lances are piercing weapons, a type a yangethe has no DR against. Is this yangethe that much different, that it took reduced damage on the previous attacks?
Having gotten into flank, he then attacks.
The swashbuckler lands his strike, though it is not the critical attack that he was hoping for!
Testudo, gritting his teeth, keeps thrusting the lance.
The turtle knight lands this first and third attacks amidst the writhing tentacles that grapple him!
The Yangethe maintains its grasp on the now greasy Testudo, and then thrusts one of its tentacles in his face! As the wriggling tentacle suctions onto the turtle knight's face, a slurping sound can be heard as the otherworldly creature drains away some of Testudo's willpower. As this happens, the Yangethe seems to heal some of the damage it has taken so far.
Round 3
Tereze
Kegan
Round 2
Locke
Melisande
Testudo -19, grappled, 2 charisma drain, greasy
Yangethe -99
Tereze
Kegan
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Locke, having drank a special concoction, feels her eyes centering on a weak spot of the creature.
Attaching some volatile contents to her arrow, she slowly exhales, and fires the arrow at the creatures head before Testudo attacks it again.
Testudo frowns at the ugly tree.
Roshi bites to aid Testudo's AC.
After Kegan manages to stab the Yangethe once in one of its vulnerable spots, it wobbles briefly but remains standing. Shortly afterwards, Locke's explosive arrow finishes the job and kills the alien creature once and for all! The room now sits silent, barring the now flaming tree-like corpse on the ground, with the star-filled Dark Window floating ominously in the air before the group.
Out of Initiative!
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Epilogue...
Evaluating their options, Melisande comes to the conclusion that the only way to close the secondary rift in Aeteperax's cavern is to temporarily suppress the Dark Window with the use of a dispel magic spell; easily supplied by Tereze thanks to her divine abilities. The Window's connection to the Dark Tapestry is dampened just long enough to cause the secondary rift to implode, while leaving the Dark Window intact for future study. As the group departs from the Window chamber, Tereze turns back for a final look in the room before leaving.
WHY COULD YOU NOT DESTROY IT? WHY WOULD YOU NOT FIX OUR MISTAKE? WHY???
Its voice continues to sound as the Abbot's form dissolves into ash that swirls around you, the wretched soul's presence continuing to linger amongst those that haunt you even now.
The group departs the Monastery, encountering a very confused group of kobolds lingering near the entrance to the Monastery grounds. They disperse without incident upon hearing of Aeteperax's demise, not wanting to risk their own scaly hides while the threat of draconic punishment no longer looms over them.
The Pathfinders return to Belhaim to inform Lady Origena and the townsfolk of their success in ridding their town of the threat Aeteperax held over them. A massive feast is held in the group's honor, with places of honor held for those who aided the effort earlier but could not be present for the feast itself. Origena holds a small, but official, ceremony at the end of the feast to knight each of the Pathfinders; granting them the title of Lady or Sir, elevating them to a minor position of aristocracy within the nation of Taldor. The ceremony itself is almost interrupted part way through, as Rima Kell abruptly goes into labor as Origena is in the middle of knighting Roshi. Thanks to the medical attention of the town midwife, perhaps even Tereze or Locke given their knowledge in healing and herbal arts, Rima gives birth to fraternal twins, a boy and girl, that night. Azmur gives the honor of naming their two children to the Pathfinders, along with his offer of his services should any of the group need his assistance in their endeavors.
The revelry in town threatens to stretch after the feast for the rest of the week, but eventually the Pathfinders find themselves called to return back to the Lodge in Absalom. An uneventful trip through Taldor, then a moderately quick sail aboard a ship bound for Kortos, brings the group back to the Grand Lodge for whatever adventures wait in store for them next...
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Leaving the dreadful lair and monastery was a welcome event for Locke. Almost having died, she was pleased to be away from there.
Back at Belhaim, Locke visits the tailor shop of miss Hinata, now looking for a less neutral outfit. Ditching the black and brown leather armor from before, she asks miss Hinata for some custom design.
Waiting an hour or two, she picks up the outfit and rejoins her friends, wearing a stylish, yet suit for on-the-road outfit.
At the ceremony, she's surprised at the announcement.
A title? This is quite unexpected. Looking at Tereze with a slight smile. "Lady Locke, Lady Tereze. It has a ring to it." Shortly thereafter, Rima goes into labor. Locke mixes some reagents for a concoction for Rima to drink.
Helping with the delivery is a first for her, but she tries as best she can.
She felt content, happy. They felled a great dragon, reunited a man with his pregnant wife, and now she helped deliver those little bundles of life into the world.
In the evening though, Locke heads towards Melisande's room and knocks on the door.
"Melisande, might you have a minute? I would like to ask you something."
Should she be in and open the door..
"This might sound silly, but some time ago you mentioned some evening ritual involving herbs and special substances, i admit my mind was with other matters at the time, and thus i had only vaguely heard half of it back then. Could you tell me about those? I am looking to expand my options of reagents and ingredients for my extracts."
The voyage back left her to contemplate some family matters. True to her word towards Tereze, she would have a long conversation with her family regarding her working for the Pathfinder Society.
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Of course Lady Locke - you are welcome to join me. To be certain, my rituals are sexual in nature, as that is what Nocticula demands. I generally use this Flayleaf, Melisande says, pulling a small bag of herbs from her pack, making a tea or chewing the leaves. It gives a pleasant tingling sensation on the tongue, and makes one feel quite euphoric. It makes erotic exercise rather more pleasant than usual, increasing sensation.
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Once all the magic is done on the mirror, Kegan asks Melisandre about it.
“Is there any way to safely pack it up for the dark archives? We can’t just leave it here.”
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Kegan is happy to join in the festivities. Dancing and flirting with the women of the town. He prefers to sample the various festivities, careful not to over indulge himself.
He is surprised at being knighted, but attends the ceremony and thanks Origena.
The next day he says goodbye to each of you. “Time to find the next adventure!” Early the next morning he leaves without another word.
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As she finishes her spell. Tereze lets out a sigh of relief.
She looks at the window for a moment then shifts her focus back to the group when she overhears Kegan talking to Melisandre.
Then she leans close and softly says:
Kegan Remember ze complex door lock? If we lock it and I keep ze key, ze window should be safe until ze Archive can send a team to study it. Unless you feel comfortable moving zat Melisandre? For me, I worry moving it will destroy it, or worse open it again with no circle to control it.
However as she leaves and locks the door, the rest of you see a concerned look on her face. But she says nothing to the others as they head back to town.
When back in town, Tereze cheerfully joins Locke in her shopping trip, keeping her company as they find her new look. She also picks up a new practical traveling outfit (here) to wear during the feast.
Tereze is honored to take part in celebration, and after a time tries to encourage the town musicians to get their instruments and play. Then she rounds up the young men and women of the town and leads them in dancing.
She specifically goes out of her way to make sure the shy young men and Testudo are pulled into the dance for at least one song with her, doing her best to subtlety guide them so they feel like they are enjoying themselves.
Finally she makes her way over to where Kegan is entertaining a number of giggling women .
Excuse me Ladies. May I steal him away for a moment? She asks with a twinkle in her eye.
Assuming he agrees, she pulls Kegan into the dance laughing. Any bets how many broken hearts and jealous husbands your leave behind? She glances back at a couple younger men who are shooting dark looks in Kegan's direction before smoothly spinning away as the circle dance had them both switch partners. When she came back to Kegan she says softly. The Dark Archive... I'm surprised. Zere are clearly depths to you still to be plumbed.... So what drew you to zat?
Later at the ceremony Tereze humbly accepts the title and leans over to Locke: I agree Lady Locke. Although I wonder how jealous Eyr will be. He could have been an actual Lord of Tea!
However all joviality drops from her face when Rima doubles over in pain. Tereze breaks the ceremony and rushes to check on her. As soon as she determines her water broke, Tereze takes her to a private room calling for the town Midwife.
She helps take care of Rima until the midwife arrives, giving her Locke's pain tonic and making her comforable a labor progresses. She ignores completely the fact that her new dress is getting stained as she aids the midwife.
Two new lives and a town saved from that beast. Not too bad. Maybe there is a way to pay off the debt I owe... Unless I added to it by not closing the window. Kanjougas did seem worried...
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Then she leans close and softly says:
Kegan Remember ze complex door lock? If we lock it and I keep ze key, ze window should be safe until ze Archive can send a team to study it. Unless you feel comfortable moving zat Melisandre? For me, I worry moving it will destroy it, or worse open it again with no circle to control it.
Kegan smiles and replies "Hopefully that should be enough."
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Finally she makes her way over to where Kegan is entertaining a number of giggling women .
"Excuse me Ladies. May I steal him away for a moment?" she asks with a twinkle in her eye.
Kegan gracefully excuses himself from the others. "I do not like to keep a Lady waiting." Somehow you can hear how he capitalizes the title.
"Any bets how many broken hearts and jealous husbands your leave behind?" She glances back at a couple younger men who are shooting dark looks in Kegan's direction before smoothly spinning away as the circle dance had them both switch partners.
"With luck, only a few of the first and none of the later."
When she came back to Kegan she says softly. "The Dark Archive... I'm surprised. Zere are clearly depths to you still to be plumbed.... So what drew you to zat?"
With a broad smile, he whispers back "I can think of only a few who take greater delight in puns and wordplay than Zarta." In a somewhat more serious tone he adds "When you get past that, there is still all she can teach about defending oneself against magics and the proper handling of dangerous items."
In a more jovial tone, he says "With reference to the young men, shouldn't we be betting how many profess their feelings and perhaps even offer a maiden a ring?"
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When discussing the Dark Window. It seems as though it is not something that can be moved. I think we have done what is within our power to contain the threat, and that, along with the research and notes should be sufficient.
While Melisande seems to enjoy the festivities, consuming small amounts of food and large quantities of wine, she declines any of the more enthusiastic dancing, preferring to watch others exert themselves for her amusement while she cases the crowd, looking for potential customers, finding at least one likely candidate.
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A young man, hurried and out of breath quickly arrives on scene. His scans the area and begins asking around for Tereze. After some pointing and verification, the young man, a courier of Absalom, approached the oracle and handed her a rolled letter before bowing and leaving the scene.
Dearest friend!
Through the grape vine, I’ve heard our wayward group has all but disbanded and replaced by similar folk…who are not we.
Worse yet, I’ve even heard that you’ve found another courtesan to replace yours truly. I’m wounded. This news has cut me to the quick. As if I wasn’t enough for you!
With Fiona, Gwen and Locke having left your side, I believe I cannot possibly, in good conscience, let you be alone with these hooligans! A swashbuckler? A not-me courtesan? A turtle riding knight? Another alchemist?! By the gods woman, have you know civil decency? You have a harem of people that sound like old party without the verve or charms. I’m not judging, I’m actually impressed. But the gull to assume I wouldn’t catch on is audacious.
Its only right I return…to guide you back to the proper arms of your truly. Ill be to you shortly.
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Locke, sitting at a table having some lemon tea with honey, takes the scroll.
"Something from Eryzule? Ok, i will have a look.
In the meantime, i asked for multiple cups for the tea.", she motions at two spare cups next to the small pot of tea.
Locke reads the scroll, translating while reading. When done, she puts it down smiling.
"Oh yes, he shall be in for quite a surprise."
"And Melisande might have herself an eager toy to play with."
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*slightly embarrassed smile*
"Of course. Though i suspect she and Urbar know part of the truth already. Them giving tight hugs, you know. I was surprised neither said anything, truth be told, especially from Urbar."
"But we cannot forget to visit Fiona either. With a little luck, hopefully, Gwen's tavern is a second home to her."
"There has been progress in my research and, as you can hear, my vocals have narrowed down to but a few. I think final progress aught be possible in the foreseeable future.", *conspiratory smile*, "What say i keep silent and use my mask, no better yet his journal, to jog his memory."
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Melisande leans back in her chair, relaxing after a couple of hours work, sipping a glass of wine. It seems that you both have several social calls to make before we embark on our next assignment? Should I meet you in Absalom then or should I come with and meet these people you are discussing? She looks at Locke and frowns slightly. Out of curiosity, why does their silence surprise you? It was your express wish that you be addressed a particular way. Were they to do anything other, I would not call them friends.
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*sips some tea*
Out of curiosity, why does their silence surprise you? It was your express wish that you be addressed a particular way. Were they to do anything other, I would not call them friends.
"Well, for one, not many people do not question a discovery, that is the opposite of what they believed something to be at first. I had not expressed for being addressed either way, i believe at any time in my career."
"As for friends, Urbar is kind of a rough and blunt man. Good in a fight, but we got off on an uneven foot at first meeting.", she slightly chuckles, "But yes, i guess i could call him a friend, in a rough sort of way."
"I say you are welcome to accompany us. Gwen's tavern is very homely with a nice interior."
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(smile)
"No joke, our house has this one room, designed for alchemical experiments, safe from burning down if anything flammable would end up on the floor."
"But you have to admit, it has this pleasant welcoming atmosphere. A place to unwind. Some taverns have more a hard 'drinking stop' vibe, some make you feel at home when visiting. Gwen's tavern is the latter, in my opinion."
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Some time before the group reconvened, Locke had asked their druid friend to remove a tooth from the defeated dragon, and she alchemically preserved it in fine condition.
After the events the lady had for the group, she visited a local highly skilled craftsman, who cut the tooth in smaller parts, crafting 5 smooth brooches from it.
==========================
Locke took out a pouch and opened it.
"I had something commissioned by a very talented craftsman. It is made from one of Aeteperax's teeth." Locke takes from it two cameo brooches, sliding one to both her companions.
The engraving on the outer side, was a five circle symbol, each engraved with its own symbol. In the middle, the one holding it all together.
Brooche engraving
On the back is a small text.
Victory through teamwork.
May the gods smile upon us.
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Many thanks, friend Locke. This is lovely. I do enjoy trophies from vanquished foes. Melisande looks the piece over, then attaches it to her cloak with a small smile. It's a pity Testudo and Kegan are not able to continue traveling with us. They were both quite entertaining. Perhaps our paths will cross again in the future.
As Locke, Melisande, and Tereze share their trophies from their well-earned victory while they are sitting outside the Grand Lodge, the loud sound of a female halfling can be heard carrying on the air. Looking over in the direction the voice is coming from, a familiar looking halfling woman can be seen struggling to keep up with the much longer strides of a hefty but muscular human man, while gabbing continuously as she does so.
"-possibly imagine a crystalline ship just appearing out of mid-air? I mean, Venture-Captain, I heard that even the Harbor Guard can't manage to enter the vessel!" the excitable voice of Janira Gavix says as she looks up to prevent herself from almost running into the trio's table. She stumbles briefly as the halfling regains her composure, her visage lighting up as she sees who she ran into. "Ah, hello again! We were just looking for you all. You can't possibly guess what-" Janira starts to wind up again, but then gets distracted by the dragontooth brooches the group is showing off. "Oooh, are those from a dragon? I mean, the shape and color clearly indicate that-" the halfling rambles before the man next to her cuts her off.
"That's quite enough, agent. You three, an urgent matter has just come up," says Venture-Captain Adril Hestram gruffly. "Quite literally out of thin air. A derelict ship appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the Flotsam Graveyard, not even an hour ago. We have had little time to get initial reports, but our cursory inspection indicates that it is likely of ancient Azlanti make." He fiddles with his beard briefly, as if sizing up the value of such a discovery. "I have managed to arrange a meeting with the First Harbormaster as soon as we can get to his office. Sorry for the short notice, but I have already filed the requisitions for your assignment to this task. Come with me, we leave at once." The Venture-Captain turns briefly to Janira.
"Run off and gather the others that I wanted for this task. Have them meet us at the Harbormaster's office immediately," Adril tells her before beginning to stride briskly towards the gate out of the Grand Lodge. The halfling hesitates briefly as she looks admiringly at the group's trophies for another second, then scurries off to gather the other three Pathfinders for the task. The Venture-Captain summons a carriage to carry the Pathfinders swiftly through the city, leaving another one waiting to carry the others to be joining. The ride passes quickly between the Grand Lodge in the Foreign Quarter to the Docks, the carriage debauching before a sizable stone building near the harbor a short ride later. The carriage stops before a well-worn wooden door with a placard hanging from a post next to it that reads "Harbormaster's Grange." Adril steps heavily off the carriage steps, then leans against the stone wall of the building to wait for the other Pathfinders to arrive.
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Andor enters the Harbormaster's office and looks around.
He is a Kitsune, an anthropomorphic humanoid fox. He is covered with a downy coat of auburn fur.
Andor is very thin and looks quite weak but agile.
He wears a unique kind of dragonhide armor that seems to shine. Beneath the armor he is wearing a noble's outfit and the necessary jewelry.
He has an adamantine rapier at his hip that is attached to his wrist with a very fine chain. Under his clothing sometimes the holy symbol of Chaldira Zuzaristan is visible.
"Hello everybody, I am Andor. You called for me?" he says with a stern look on his face.