Shishka just explores around, hoping to stay out of trouble.
The guest tents are comfortable. Although most nights are buggy in the Blackfens, the elves have fashioned delicate cloth drapes that allow airflow (necessary in a tent on a warm night like this) but keep the insects away.
Gentle music from the taverns, treehouses, and tents continues until sometime after midnight.
The next morning at dawn, Trellara's singing awakens the hill.
"Heart of the wind,
out of the night,
bear to us now,
the one lost from sight.
Send his soul here
that we may rejoice,
sing songs of his life,
and lift every voice."
This is the signal for the elves to assemble. They arise from their homes and make their way to the temple. The temple is consecrated to three Elven deities: Ketephys (god of the hunt), Yuelral (goddess of magic), and Findeladlara (goddess of crafting). The temple is made of wood shaped from the trunk and branches of a large, squat tree in such a way that the tree was unharmed and allowed to continue to grow. It consists of a large, circular worship hall, the walls of which are left open to the air. Three eight-foot-tall statues occupy the middle of the temple, depicting the three deities.
Paxis, the apprentice priest, carries a censer of aromatic herbs, walking around the temple. The High Singer herself stands at a podium in front of Yuelral's statue. The elves filter in and stand around the worship hall. On cues from Trellara, they begin singing Elven hymns. The hymns are sad but hopeful, expressing hopes for Lanikar's next life.
After about half an hour, the elves file into a double column and proceed to the most open space on the hill, on the north side. The elderly Sellyria Starsinger leads the way, with Killiar Arrowswift bringing up the rear. Trellara walks up and down the column singing. The elves gather around the small pyre, and place various small mementos of Lanikar Nightshadow on it. Since there is no body, this is what they must do. Paxis anoints the pyre with holy water, then Sellyria Starsinger conjures a Flaming Sphere to set the pyre ablaze.
The singing continues for another half an hour. The entire pyre is reduced to ashes in only the time it takes for wood to burn (not nearly as long as a body would take). Trellara collects some of the ashes and places them in an urn. "We will inter these in the Hall of Ancestors," she says to the crowd, repeating it in Common for your benefit. "Although his body was not here, his soul was not his body. Our memories of him contain more of his soul than his shell did. We will always remember you, brother." Her voice cracks a bit at saying this, but she smiles as she hands the urn to Paxis.
The rest of the day is, as promised, feasting, dancing, and storytelling. The elves tell many stories of Lanikar learning to be a hunter, and of his daring escapades fending off lizard-folk raiders. Amidst these stories are some facts that could be useful. The other hunters tell of Lanikar sneaking as close as he could to get a look at the black dragon of Rhest, and they tell of him bringing back the surprising report that a goblin - not a hobgoblin - leads the Red Hand forces in the city. The younger elves ask Sellyria for stories about the Westdeep, the forest the Tiri Kitor came from centuries ago.
Some elves ask Thom for stories of the Witchwood, and of the giants.
Others ask Bran for stories of Kurgess or stories of Bran's travels.
Some elves ask Shishka about the songs or stories of the gnomes, and are particularly curious about the First World.
Many ask Tal'ariel about the Elves of other lands, and many of the young men wish to dance with her.
Several ask Mikail about the celestial realms.
Nobody asks Seltazar anything. However, he walks off to talk with Sellyria Starsinger for a while.
Mikail is not a very good storyteller but will tell some of her personal stories and what life was like while she was growing up. For the most part, she will watch and enjoy the tales and antics of the others.
Tal'ariel feels a surprising urge to reminisce as she finds herself among the company of many elves for the first time in a long time.
"I wish I could share with you how beautiful the cities of Kyonin are. I'm guessing some of you have seen human cities from a distance, those messy assemblies of stone, wood, and straw that pile up on top of each other. But in Kyonin, the cities are graceful, natural, harmonious. I miss the beauty of that place." But I don't miss the ugliness beneath the surface, she thinks. . Apparently, her lack of authenticity shows itself.
Instead, she decides she's better off shutting up and dancing. She was a young girl (by elvish standards) after all. After watching some of the elves dance for a while, she tries to mimic some of their dance styles. She clearly doesn't realize that she's doing it wrong as she dances along happily. She is eager to dance with a certain person in particular. "Killiar, will you join me for a dance?"
Shishka smiles at the attention she is getting, and is more than happy to share her knowledge of the gnomes of her family and its customs.
I grew up in a rather small community, much like this, but far less formal. we would spend days singing, dancing, and every day was like an adventure. I remember one day, my brother and I snuck off to a small cave we found behind the summerfalls. we called it that cause it only was there in the summer after the snows melted. Anyway, hidden in there was a creature known as a Splanxty, They are water creatures related to nixies, or leprechauans. it challenged us to a battle of riddles. But luckily for us, we were experts at that.
Shishka goes on all about her home and growing up as a gnome.
sensing that she may have lost her audience, she quickly pulls out her grapple hook, I got this cool grappling hook!
The party's efforts are, while not stellar, appreciated for the earnest spirit in which they are offered. The Tiri Kitor seem rather proud of their clearly superior artistry and begin offering advice on how Mikail could improve the story, and how Shiska could improve her delivery. There are a few elven children, who are enthralled by the tale of the Splanxty, and ask Shishka to continue.
A number of the elves, both male and female, spend some time 'helping' Tal'ariel learn the dance moves, although it seems to other observers that they are enjoying correcting her a bit too much.
Killiar Arrowswift is willing to dance with Tal'ariel, though he is rather aloof and formal at first. Once his fellow elves begin their critiques, he actually warms up as he comes to her defense.
"Hush! She's learning just fine! Go bother the tree-speaker."
He shoos them off, and a few of his friends join in the dance, content to follow the steps and sing the words.
"I am sorry. Those ones are not truly cruel, but enjoy showing off how much they know. It makes them feel smart. They feel a need to prove that our culture is the equal of yours, rustic as we may seem."
The battlehunter cracks a cocky smile.
"I don't have that worry. I have nothing to prove."
Bran decides to relax and go dancing. While it isn't a great attempt he laughs and clearly starts to enjoy himself. He notices the elves fawning over Tal'ariel and the shine in Shiska's eyes when she brings out her grappling hook.
These moments. This is what we're fighting for Trellara.
At some point he decides to take a seat and when asked about Kurgess, he begins to evangelize and tell stories. He remains as respectful as he can be though telling the stories of his hero makes him almost as excitable as the gnome. While not much of a storyteller, when he tells the story of the assault at the gorge and the sky-high duel with the dragon he thinks back to all that they've lost and what's still to come.
Can I do that again without the magic of Nethys? My faith is strong, but some things I cannot do even with faith alone.
He begins to look around for Trellara, knowing that she will break the news to the others soon, but decides to leave it in her hands.
Bran's attempts at dancing are appreciated, but for all his agility and grace, he feels he just doesn't have the rhythm right. The same group of elves that was being catty with Tal'ariel is watching him and giggling, until Trellara steps in, shoos them away, and dances with Bran for a while, smiling.
Then he begins telling his stories, first of Kurgess and then of Skull Gorge Bridge. Since Bran is a daring type, he throws caution to the wind and rather than telling the story in a fairly routine way (Take 10), he makes a real effort to impress the elves.[/ooc]
The elves are enthralled by his tale. Trellara is dancing nearby, and pops in at moments to play the role of a helpful plant in the audience. She asks for elaboration at exactly the right points, and translates unfamiliar Common phrases into Elven for her kinfolk.
Around noon, Sellyria Starsinger holds up a hand, and the music ceases. She begins speaking in Elven; Tal'ariel and Shishka can translate for the party.
"Tiri Kitor! The travelers bring word of a grave threat. The creatures that have taken over the human city are agents of the great hell-dragon. The outlanders seek to destroy them. We know this is a risk; the creatures may come for us. But the hell-dragon would not be content to let us hide here. She would send more harrow-blades and goblins and dragons.
The tree-speaker Thom will help us fortify our defenses. And he will help search the Blackfens for aid. He will accompany our hunters and speak to the beasts and the birds, and he will use his magic on our owls that they may stand against even a dragon."
Thom nods to the party. "I'll meet up when I can. Sellyria was planning to do this, but given her age and station that is a risk that the Tiri Kitor can't afford."
Seltazar speaks up quietly. "I too will stay here and help these people. There is... something I need here. I wish you well." There is something other than his usual melancholy in his voice, maybe a more sincere sadness.
Sellyria nods, and gives Seltazar a comforting look. "Trellara Nightshadow, step forward."
Trellara addresses the gathered community. "Tiri Kitor! I go with the outlanders, to drive the goblin from Rhest and to stand against the hell-dragon. My travels will take me far from the Blackfens, to the man-towns, through the mountains, and maybe even to the Thornwaste. Perhaps even to the dwarf-halls! I will carry you in my heart and in my songs; keep me in yours. This thing must be done, not just to avenge my dear brother, but for the good of all. I will return, in body or in song.
We leave tomorrow morning."
A number of the elves, both male and female, spend some time 'helping' Tal'ariel learn the dance moves, although it seems to other observers that they are enjoying correcting her a bit too much.
Killiar Arrowswift is willing to dance with Tal'ariel, though he is rather aloof and formal at first. Once his fellow elves begin their critiques, he actually warms up as he comes to her defense.
"Hush! She's learning just fine! Go bother the tree-speaker."
He shoos them off, and a few of his friends join in the dance, content to follow the steps and sing the words.
"I am sorry. Those ones are not truly cruel, but enjoy showing off how much they know. It makes them feel smart. They feel a need to prove that our culture is the equal of yours, rustic as we may seem."
The battlehunter cracks a cocky smile.
"I don't have that worry. I have nothing to prove."
"Believe me, I like your culture. Where I come from, status is very important. And I am not of high status. Here, you have a strong community. I think we have a lot we could learn from you."
Shishka continues her story with the elf children...
Well this sneaky little fey challenged us to a puzzle game, lets see if you can answer the same puzzle, lets me think now, how did that go... Ahh yes, now I remember.
Young as spring, old as time
Often falls, cannot climb
Always rushing, never still
In a bed, never ill
She looks to the children to see if they can guess the answer.
I would like some drinks to heal me up, if you can spare any... Shishka asks politely.
Mikail smiles and listens to all the positive comments and suggestions the elves give her. The offer of potions and scrolls is very tempting and she asks if it is possible to gather some of each.
Bran just stands and listens to the speech, judging the reactions of the others. She will be back in body. He makes eye contact with Sellyria for a quick moment and nods.
"A river!" shouts one a little elf girl, gleefully, figuring out Shishka's riddle. The elves appreciate her spending the time with the children.
Late that evening, Illian Snowmantle returns from his ministrations to other camps. He is accompanied by a gnome . The gnome passes out in a guest tent, and the priest comes up to you. Various elves point to you and talk to him excitedly, and he waves them off, wishing to meet you for himself. He speaks in accented though correct Common.
"Outlanders, I see. I am Illian Snowmantle, High Priest of the Tiri Kitor."
"Bran. I suppose you heard of our mission?" He asks as he approaches before stopping to ask "... What's the Tiri Kitor? I hear this word thrown around but truly I have no idea."
He hopes he doesn't offend and continues, "And what of that gnome? Haven't seen one like him other than Shiska in these parts."
Tal'ariel thinks of what she knows of black dragons, which are mentioned in Lanikar's scouting report.
She would ask around to supplement her information, if that's helpful.
She is possibly interested in a Potion of Deadly Juggernaut.
The high priest gives Bran a long, skeptical look. He raises an eyebrow. Then he looks around your group and responds, slowly and patiently, as if explaining to a child.
"You are ignorant, but respectful, human. We are the Tiri Kitor. That is the name of our tribe. We are the largest of the Elven tribes in the Blackfens, but not the only. Some have been here since before we arrived."
He turns to Tal'ariel. His tone is grim and serious. "You wish for that power? It is among my most powerful incantations. I myself did use it once in a battle with the lizard-folk. Terrifying and darkly exhilarating. Only magic that affects others can be imbued in a potion. For the power of the Juggernaut, I could scribe a scroll. It would be ready upon your return from Rhest. But be warned, if you have not the training of a priest, using such a scroll is difficult."
How about some magic oils, like magic weapon or magic vestments. also I would love to get a few more grenades.
Tal'ariel knows that black dragons can breathe a line of acid. Like all dragons, they are immune to paralysis and sleep magic. Black dragons can breathe water, and can use their breath weapon while submerged.
Depending on their age, they may resist mundane weapons and spells, and may be able to cast spells of their own. From the description, this dragon might be old enough to have those qualities.
"We make out for Rhest in the morrow. I think I'll prepare myself and take a rest. Thank you for the assistance." Bran excuses himself from the elf and walks off.
The next morning, Sellyria Starsong addresses you.
"Greetings, travelers. We wish you well on your foray into Rhest. We can tend to your horses here, and provide you with boats for the journey. I can tell you that a few stone buildings of the city remain, in the center of a shallow lake.
These boats can get you to the city, though you would be seen. There are six navigable waterways into the lake, each with one or two lizardfolk encampments.
A spell of Water Walk would let you advance quickly into the city.
A spell of Water Breathing would let you advance unseen into the city, if you can find your way through the murk.
Had we more time, I could prepare those, but I do not think you wish to wait. Fortunately, there is one who will join you who can call upon such blessings.
Hamaili Starsinger, come forth."
A tall elven woman, much younger than Sellyria, approaches.
"She is my brother's grand-daughter. Hamaili is of the Tiri Kitor, but felt the Wanderlust of Desna. And so she has traveled far and wide. At times she has used the name Hamailii D´Arquetai, but in truth she is of the Starsong Clan.
You bring two of our tribe with you, travelers."
The old elf's voice catches a bit.
"One who knows the outside world, and one who does not. Protect them both, for my sake."
Killiar Arrowswift salutes you all, although his eyes are clearly more on Tal'ariel than the others as he talks.
"Go with the favor of our gods and yours. I must be here to protect the tribe. Should you fail, the goblins will suspect our involvement and come for us. But I think you will not fail. Good hunting, my friends. And from my heart, thank you for honoring Lanikar with your stories, songs, and dancing."
Illian Snowmantle speaks quietly and in a lecturing tone, but Trellara whispers, "He's always like that. So serious.". The High Priest says, "Kill or drive out the goblins and the dragon. The lizard-folk are not a threat without the Red Hand's leadership. But most of all, learn of the Infernal beasts, the harrow-blades, and destroy every one you can find. Do not let any escape your wrath. They are Spawn of Tiamat, and their presence on Golarion is a threat of an entirely different nature than a mere goblin army. I speak of the Dragon of Hell seeking a foothold in our world. Do you understand?"
Tal'ariel is delighted at the news of a new traveler. "Hamailii, it is an honor to meet you. The blessings of Desna will surely help us in our many travels."
She returns Killiar's salute. "The goblins will not be merciful to these lands. The armies of men are gathering at Brindol. If we fail, it would be well for the Tiri Kitor to find a way to aid them."
And finally, she responds to Illian. "We will slay these harrow-blades should we find more of them. We have learned a thing or two from our earlier battle with them!"
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The tall elven woman steps forward and nods gravely to her elders, paying them her respect.
She then turns towards the adventurers, smiling to them.
My greetings as well travelers. As a follower of Desna i will join you and hopefully be able to make your travels safer and successfull. You can call me Hamailii.
You notice how a pattern of stars shifts on her dark blue vestment as she puts forward a spear with a tip that might be a shining star or a butterfly.
Tell me, how do you prefer to travel? Do you want to walk across the water? Or do you want to dive in the waters to our destination? Like Sellyria said, both has two sides. I can pray to Desna for the one you prefer.
Bran weighs the options, "What lies in the murk? Even if we were able to see through it who knows what can. If we find another of those razorfiends under the swamp we're done for if we're in there with it."
Before he has a chance to continue, Sellyria introduces Hamailii. Bran locks eyes with the speaker and gives a nod of understanding. "To have one of the Starsong along with us, it is an honour. I am Bran O'Dimm, warrior of the Strongman and to have your services and worldly knowledge is my honour."
He listens a little more before acknowledging the High Priest, "That was the plan. I can't allow such an evil to even gaze upon this homestead we call Golarion. You have my word."
"You know this land better than I, what route would you take? I've said my peace about diving into waters unknown. I am confident in my swimming skills, but I'm not aquatic beast. That doesn't even begin to deal with the possibility that others aren't so adept."
Shishka has been a little quiet, she seems a bit nervous about this leg of the journey.
I don't really like being under water. my powder will get wet, and my bombs will get wet then they won't work.
It is about seven miles as the crow flies from Starsong Hill to Rhest. Taking boats involves winding paths through the swamp, and would take about twelve hours even with the occasional shortcut of carrying the boats over hillocks.
When you get near Rhest, you know the lake will be roughly two miles by almost one mile, with the remaining stone buildings in the center of the lake. From the nearest shore, it is maybe 1800 feet to the stone buildings.
You also know there are lizard-folk settlements around the edge of the lake, where the streams feeding the lake come in.
Do you want to camp along the way or just arrive there shortly before dusk?
How do you wish to approach the lake, and where? If you cast Water Walk a bit early, you don't have to come in at one of the navigable feeder streams - you could store the boats nearby and come through the swamp to any of the shores you want.
Tal'ariel begins to discuss strategy as the party gets closer. "Should we plan to approach from either the eastern or western shore? That seems to be the closest to the ruins and would give us the benefit of cover from the swamp for the most time."
"The western shore seems to have the least distance over top water. We need to minimize that time, not much cover to be had."
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Mh interesting, i would have chosen the east naturaly. One direction seems as good as the other though without more information. Let's go west then.
Hamailii looks at everyone and motions around.
Please gather in a circle so i can channel Desna's boon of water walking upon you.
As you do so, she stands upright, arms and hands erected into the air, chanting an elven prayer to Desna, slowly lowering her arms again with open palms untill they make a circle and her hands meet in front of her stomach, when she leads them to her face, opening them, releasing a butterfly from nowhere.
The butterfly flits around everyones feet and you can feel them tingle with wanderlust, but they also seem a lot lighter, as if not really touching the ground anymore. You feel like you could float on water now.
Smilingly she says: Let's go!
The western shore is actually closer, since Starsong Hill is southwest of Rhest. You'd have to circle the lake to get to the eastern shore.
Hamailii, I assume you will cast Water Walk when fairly near the lake. It lasts for an hour, right? You can't get from Starsong Hill to Rhest in an hour even with Water Walk (it's about 7 miles as the crow flies, and even with Water Walk there are tangles of vegetation you have to go around).
So it's boats most of the way through the Blackfens. Do you want to camp along the way to arrive at the lake the next morning, or travel all day and arrive near the Western shore shortly before dusk?
"This water walking is actually kind of refreshing! Its much easier than flying that's for sure!" Bran gives a laugh and pats the Desnan on the back. "How long will this blessing last?"
Mikail gingerly steps onto the water, not completely sure that the spell will be able to compensate for all her armour, and is surprised when she only sinks a little into the water.
"This is truly a great blessing Hamailii! Thank you for sharing it with us."
Wow, this is pretty amazing, thinks Tal'ariel to herself. But she tries to act as if this was just another magical trick that she was used to.
When you get near Rhest, you know the lake will be roughly two miles by almost one mile, with the remaining stone buildings in the center of the lake. From the nearest shore, it is maybe 1800 feet to the stone buildings.
I should have been clearer about this -- you aren't at Rhest yet. You know what it will look like when you get there, though. Tal'ariel suggests camping along the way and crossing the lake in the morning. If Hamailii still wants to casts Water Walk for part of this day's travel, she could. Might shave an hour or two off the journey, but you'd still be in boats most of the day (and you would need another Water Walk to cross the lake).
The party travels through the Blackfens, mostly on the boats. At times, there are shortcuts that Trellara knows, so you take the boats out of the water and bushwhack your way across small islands.
"I think this is right," Trellara says, "Though I'm more familiar with how it looks from the air. If we clear out the Red Hand so my people feel less threatened, I will see about a loan of some owls."
A crustacean monstrosity bursts from the water and attacks the lead boat! I assume this would be Bran.
Combat map is up. The 'path' is the navigable channel, and the green is vegetation. It's basically all shallow water. For the boats, one person has to move the boat while the other can act. Or if you stay where you are, both can act. You can also jump out of the boat and try to wade, but that will present its own difficulties.
The creature grabs Bran with is claw, and starts to pull him towards the wriggling mass of tentacles around its mouth!
This is a Chuul, an amphibious crustacean-like predator.
The creature tries to maintain its grapple on Bran (standard action).
As he is still flat-footed, that is enough. It crushes him some more with its claw.
It then moves him into the tentacles, which flail at him with venom.
"Bran! Fight it! May your Strong Man aid you!"
Trellara begins Inspire Courage (+2 to attacks and damage).
Round 1
Beastie
Hamailii
Shishka
Trellara
Tal'ariel
Mikail
Bran -36
Bran gets surprised by the creature, while he has skin hardened by battle and scars, his surprise instincts aren't as sharp and he quickly gets grabbed by the crustacean.
"What the---!"
Years of being pitted against creatures of all types has strengthened his body to many toxins and he lets out a shout before trying to wrangle the beast.
"For the Strongman!"
Though the monsters alien form and the unfamiliar terrain seems to make it difficult for him to get out of it's claw. He centers himself and and plays out some processes in his head.
Bran does not succeed in reversing the grapple. The creature chitters, apparently in laughter, as it feels it has this battle won.
"It's a Chuul! Um . . . be careful!" Knowing the name of the tentacled crustacean does not seem particularly helpful, unfortunately.
"Should I get us closer, Hamailii?" If she agrees (or fails to object), Tal'ariel will row the boat closer, hoping to get into melee range.