Tarinhil grits his teeth again, his catlike eyes flaring with pure hatred as the Venture=Captain speaks, and the elongated nails of his mutated form starting to draw blood in his clenched fist. I would call the fire down upon you, had I not used it. Or I'll make a list. If so small a payment is enough to have a group kill a runelord, I'll guarantee that I can find the wealth to have a Venture-Captain killed. Finally, he unclenches his jaw enough to growl in a low voice, "Some of us think more highly of our companions than of your knowledge.", not even quite realizing that he'd given voice to the thought.
He coughs, then lifts his companion's body once more, "Well, since you'll be of no use, then I'll be away with Fernus. I'd imagine Darin's already started asking after some actual help."
He turns to the paladin, "I'll be at the Cailean temple, Unalaq, when you're done here. Sadly, I don't think they serve a drink heavy enough to get the taste of this business out of my mouth."
Sir Gnome, you mistake me. your companions were valued, but you seem to think that no one else has lost any. 15 pathfinders died obtaining the tokens you used to get to the runelord, on your way out note the statue in the hall. It is of a beautiful young woman, that would be my niece, she was cursed beyond our ability to bring her back. Those that survived them received much less reward than you have. If you wish to harbor ill will toward the society then you can, but your rage at me is misplaced. Or if you think it is in the proper place, perhaps you are in the wrong business.
When Tarin walks into the "temple" of Cayden Cailean, actually a tavern named "The Foamy Mug" he'll see the entire group of priests and customers standing on the long tables, swaying back and forth with drinks in hand while singing a bawdy song about Cayden Cailean and exactly how he persuades Pharasma to allow resurrections take place.
Darin will turn to Tarin when he sees him and sigh.
Maybe we should find a more dignified place, like the temple of Abadar. I think they actually have you sign a contract.
Tarinhil stops at the door in response to the Venture-Captain's words, and sighs, unable to hold back the tears, "My condolences for your niece. And, yes, perhaps I have misjudged you. Perhaps what seems like callous behavior in my moment of loss is your own response to your losses. But if you think that I was -that we were- motivated to do that for reward, then, Pathfinder, you misjudge us, and frankly insult the memory of the fallen."
He turns to face the Pathfinder and says, "Maybe you can't afford to let yourself care and feel the losses, but it is my capacity to care that makes me risk my life, even when no Pathfinders were..." He hold up a hand, "...a statement of fact not an accusation, and yes, past losses notwithstanding... and that makes me want to turn my intellect and abilities toward curing your niece... Assuming that I survive dealing with the current problems... But I will not walk quietly into the Bleaching... "
He sighs again and heads out the door, carrying Fernus as he does.
She nods, in understanding, perhaps of Tarin's pain, perhaps in understanding that he understands her pain.
Unalaq puts an arm around Tarin and goes with him to find Darin and Vinny, "Dark times in this land Tarin. I hope that when we are done, they will be brighter. And I hope we lose no more along the way. Let's see if Darin and Vinny have found a priest to bring him back."
Is Elorin okay to bring into the campaign?
Yep. Looks fine
I'm sure I will find him grossly overpowered soon enough but for now he is fine
Yep. Looks fine
I'm sure I will find him grossly overpowered soon enough but for now he is fine
Pretty devestating that he already missed killing one runelords
Don't worry I elorin I am thinking of starting up some of the others so you might have another crack at him
Intensified Spell has to be the best feat that Paizo added for an evoker.
Or, especially, a Magus.
Yep. Looks fine
I'm sure I will find him grossly overpowered soon enough but for now he is fine
Empower at my level has very limited impact since it takes up a 4th level slot and I only have a few. I wanted to make sure it is hard for them to Save so I focused on DC and figured I would pick up some of those feats when I can use them with Fireball or similar spells. I picked up the rod to make up the difference. 48 damage won't be bad.
Elorin walked into the Pathfinder guild shortly after the group. He handed the guild the medallion given to him by the Tower of high magic...it would insure their cooperation with his questions.
After a few hours of Q&A he then tracked the group to where they were...
Elorin will follow the group from the tavern to the temple of Abadar. When the group completes the paperwork and is waiting for the high priest to ready the spellcasting he will approach the group.
A tall and slender Elf approaches you. He wears flowing silvery blue robes with Arcane symbols sewn into them marking him as an arcane caster...and possibly a noble if the plentiful amount of Jewelry that is apparent on his body is any indication.
His eyes dart around as if looking for trouble, but has a confident air around him. He has dark, almost black eyes but blond, almost white hair. He walks up and bows his head slightly...
I apologize for disturbing you on such an occasion. I can't say that my timing is good but I am guessing your time in one place is short, as there is much danger around you.
My name is Elorin...and I have heard of your troubles. I am quite aware of the...enemies that you have been facing and what great feat you just accomplished.
And I wish to assist you in any way that I might.
He again bows his head in a small gesture of deference.
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Darin will look at Elorin absently and cock his head like someone has said something to him that Elorin can't see.
Well, that's a weird way to judge sincerity.
He pauses.
No, I don't think it's an appropriate question to ask.
He pauses again.
Well I don't really care what you think about it.
Suddenly he looks pained and starts hopping up and down on one leg.
Ow ow ow, charley horse! I give, I give!
He'll look at Elorin with focus now and sigh.
What's your favorite alcoholic drink?
Unalaq detects evil on the newcomer. "Not evil." is all he has to say.
The Elf looks at the Cleric, almost assessing what to say before speaking, I...well I don't mind a nice white wine...
Though confident in appearance, the more intuitive of you can sense a nervous undercurrent about him.
Phooka hops down off Tarin's shoulder where he has remained curled up as a cat, comforting him as best he can and rubs up against Elorin's leg and purrs.
Darin nods as if that works for him, taking note of Phooka's reaction.
Good enough for me.
Tarinhil looks at the newcomer and laughs, "You want to willingly sign up to tilt at windmills that actually fight back and probably die in the process? Are any of those arcane symbols supposed to ward against madness? If so, I think it, and you, may have more than a few loose threads. "
He turns to Unalaq and asks, "Out of curiosity, when did we decide to extend a vote to the drunk with an imaginary friend? Did I miss a team meeting? ".
He winks at the cleric, then turns back to the newcomer,sighing when Phooka rubs against him, "OK, Phooka, you can keep him, but remember that you'll have to feed him, walk him and clean up after him. Elves, especially wizardly ones, can be very messy."
Oh what a pretty creature...no wait, I am sorry little one I didn't recognize you at first. With a few magic whispers he casts Tongues and starts to chat with him.
Good to meet you little one. What is your name? Not sure if you understood me but I am Elorin. What do you do for these fine folks? Are you a scout, or a companion?
At the entire group, I couldn't help but overhear that you are looking to have a magical item made...perhaps I can be of assistance. I am quite talented at creating items. Maybe I can make it for you...as a sign of good faith?
He smiles at Tarin, I like your sense of humor...sarcasm, I have always thought it an underrated means to convey your message.
This Elven Wizard has magical means to clean up after himself!
Unalaq shakes his head at Tarin, "Don't know. First he just shows up and gloms on. Now he expects a vote. I think he's trying to get his priest friends to help with Fernus." He winks and adds, "Maybe we should go find a nice temple of Abadar instead?"
Nope. This is all the same day
"I mean...do you need magical means? I find a piece of soft cloth...or a pine cone or two...often are the best of ways to clean yourself," pausing for a moment, he looks to Phooka and then back to Elorin, "Did you bewitch our companion?!?" With that said, Vinny goes to grab his weapon.
Hilarious
Yes, my imaginary friend who can smite the ungrateful with holy fire.
Darin will sigh when Vinny starts pulling his weapon.
Stop that. He didn't use any magic which you would know if you didn't have the judgement of a turnip right now.
"I mean...do you need magical means? I find a piece of soft cloth...or a pine cone or two...often are the best of ways to clean yourself," pausing for a moment, he looks to Phooka and then back to Elorin, "Did you bewitch our companion?!?" With that said, Vinny goes to grab his weapon.
Certainly not...are sure you are okay? Elorin takes a step back towards the nearest wall.
Darin will put a calming hand on Vinny's shoulder, then collect Fernus and take him back into the temple-tavern, then return a few moments later with a slightly befuddled but now animate Fernus.
Now, if you'll excuse me for a moment I'm off to do some selling and shopping.
He'll turn to Unalaq and Tarin and bow mockingly.
Should you require a cleric in the future given your stellar record of adventuring, you can find me here. That is, of course, if my presence isn't too oppressive.
He'll look at Vinny.
You need to stay out of trouble until I get back, so please go get blackout drunk in the temple. I've left a note that you, and only you, are on my tab.
Darin will slap Elorin on the back.
So you can enchant items? Tell me, have you ever heard of prayer beads?
Phooka shifts into his fey form and waives at Vinny. No no, I was just hoping to get some scratches!
He speaks to Elorin, I am Phooka!
Tarinhil smiles and rushes over to hug Fernus. He then starts to chuckle at Darin's mock outrage and replies, "We do require a cleric, but, as you said, given our stellar reputation, all we can get is you. ".
He winks again, then adds, " I think maybe Vinny will need to order his ale by the cask rather than by the tankard."
Prayer beads? I haven't had cause to create such an item yet but I did read a treatise on them. One of the high Wizards had a very nice write up in a journal about how to create a Greater Strand.
After the resurrection Fernus goes from a limp dried up shell of a halfling to a more healthy looking small figure, curled up and eyes closed. A soft noise is coming from between his lips, apparently he is snoring slightly and asleep, murmuring faint words in his sleep.
"Yes Father I understand. Thank you for this great opportunity, I will not let you down, when I come back home to Janderhoff, I'll come bearing gifts, stories and do the Stonecall name proud."
Afterwards his voice shifts and seems altered, a deeper booming voice, speaking in a language you haven't heard Fernus speak.
He should be... those friends of his... helped him... His destiny lies onward...
Oh I'd wish his parents could see him now, see where life and death have taken him. Do you expect they felt his suffering?
Don't know... I know... I felt it... Our kin... we always feel connected..."
Lastly Fernus mumbles in his own voice again, a bit restless at first, but then at ease.
"I'll blast you all to hell. I will protect my friends until my last breath Krune! I'll hold you back!" He lets out a sigh and smiles, seemingly patting an unknown creature with both hands, before grabbing Tarin who got close to hug him with both hands.
"I'm glad you stood beside me my friend, in both your forms. Although you looked a bit weird at first, and smelled funny too, I don't think we could ask for a better friend. Thank you for standing by me in this last trouble Bear."
Fernus remains in this position with Tarin for several minutes, untl finally he raises a lazy eye and seems to awaken...
"What? What happened? Are.. Are we in a temple? Did that runelord get away?"
Fernus will wake up at a point in the resurrection ceremony where a chorus is describing Pharasma "giving up the goods" to the hero, Cayden Cailean so his confusion is easily forgiven.
He'll see Darin leaning over and handing him a mug of beer.
I can see why you would be confused. But yes, we're in a temple and no, the runelord didn't get away. Here, drink this. If you don't you'll have mushrooms growing on your feet as a, um, side effect of your return.
Darin will look embarrassed.
Don't, um, don't ask.
As soon as Fernus returns Phooka begins to run towards him shifting back into cat form, he almost tackles Fernus and starts purring away.
"Wha...What?!? Fernus is walking...be careful...these drunkards may have made him update..." he says with a word of...trepidation? excitement? It is unclear, but definitely concern.
"Easy there Vinny. He's back. The normal Fernus." Unalaq goes up to the halfling and gives him a crushing hug. Nearly necessitating a second raise dead. "Hey Darin. Now that we're done insulting one another and Fernus is back, think we can do something about him?" Unalaq jerks a thumb toward Vinny. "We ought to keep the Magnimar chapter well-stocked with spirits for the next year or so after these battles."
It'll take a day, sadly. I don't have the ability to cast a fourth-order spell of the nature needed by Vinny until after Vespers tonight.
We can fast forward if we like I think we have had good comedy out ofnvinny
11 days pass, to Elorin it's as if he spent an afternoon studying a scroll.
The detail was as good as he hoped. He had spent the first day procuring a small child's piece of jewelry, an armband that could serve as a headband for the Goblin Cat. It was pretty, but functional. After that he had infused it with the needed magic as well as carve in the magical symbols that would enhance Phooka's ability. Several times the Goblin Cat was needed at key points to use his channeling to infuse his magic into the item.
He dabbed his sweat off his brow, took a sip of chilled wine then brought it to main room of the small house they had rented for their stay.
Well, here it is. I like the silver as well as the blue emeralds...they bring out the color of your fur. He presents it to the cat and helps to clasp it around it's head.
Phooka sniffs at it, then shifts into his Fey form and picks it up and turns it over in his hands and smiles then quickly returns to his preferred cat form and purrs as Elorin puts it on him.
He immediately channels, and if a cat could smile, then he is smiling now.
He shifts into his Raven form and flies about the room, stopping infront of a mirror to get the full effect, then he flutters back to Elorin, lands on his shoulder and shifts back to cat form and curls up around his shoulder.
After several weeks, there is word that someone is in town looking for the heroes. It is common knowledge that this female elf is waiting for the heroes at the Skin and Bones inn.
By any chance is there word that this female elf is named Shalelu?
Sure is
"Be good to see her again, won't it?" Unalaq remarks to Fernus and Tarin. "I wonder if she has any word of the road ahead of us?" Unalaq heads off with everyone to meet Shalelu.