There is a faint aura of evocation coming from the glow that is coming from beneath the pile of stones.
Lumi smells other creatures. Elk, rabbits, deer.
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Razisus makes his way slowly through the rushing water to join the druid, calling out, "You need not go it alone, my friend."
When he emerges out of the water onto the stones, he attempts to wring out his clothing. Although he clearly does not appear to enjoy being this wet, or this cold, he makes no mention of either.
"There is where I am sensing the aura," he says, pointing to the location.
With others keeping look out Paemil and Razisus move to the island and begin looking at the location where the glow and aura is coming from.
Paemil, with assistance from Razisus lifts away a large flat stone and underneath there is a lantern. The lantern is composed of a humanoid skull dangling from a short length of chain. It glows weakly with an orange light.
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As they pull off the stone, Paemil sees the glowing orange light of the burried lantern. He turns to the Cleric next to him for just a moment.
"Too easy", but it is unclear whether the druid is making a statement, or asking a question. He glances once more across the bank of the river, takes a deep breathe, and then reaches out to pick up the grotesque Lantern.
As Paemil lifts the lartern out of its hiding place something moves in the woods. With a bear's head and a body made of 4 glowing lights you do not know what this is, but it moves inexorably through the mists and toward Paemil. As it gets close the head flies off and at Paemil
The bear headed creature turns out to be a small, green humanoid flying and surrounded by 4 balls of light.
An elk also bursts into the clearing. It has ribbons and yarn woven through its antlers.
Combat Round 1 - Bold May Act
Paemil
Feelo
Polo
Ememies
Ephiril
Razisus
Sirius
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"สิ่งที่ทำให้คุณอยู่ที่นี่ห่างจากโลกแรก? ปล่อยให้ก่อนที่จะกลายเป็นสถานที่พักผ่อนของคุณ"
The druid holds his ground, gripping his sword tightly in anticipation- calling out commands to Lumi on the far bank. "ลงและยาม ฟังคำสั่งของฉัน"
What brings you here, away from the first world? Leave, before this becomes your place of rest
Down, and guard. Listen for my command
See Elk! Now is hunt!
The cat poises to strike the Elk, but Paemil's voice pulls her back from her hunter's lust. Down. Guard.
Lumi turns her attention toward the Elk, backing down in a defensive position.
Paemil passes to the group that this small, flying creature is an Atomie. A diminutive fey creature. It can sneak attack and takes reduced damage from weapons that are not cold iron.
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Feelo reaches out to channel Desna's divine energy, healing some of the damage his allies had done to themselves earlier, and granting all in the burst a small amount of Desna's luck.
Creatures gain a channel bonus or a luck bonus (creature's choice) on one roll (attack roll, CMB check, saving throw, or skill check) made before the end of your next turn.
Polo fails to connect with his crossbow as Feelo grants everyone a little of Desna's luck.
The Atomie flies at Peamil and at him with her rapier.
The elk advances toward the island, but does not enter the water quite yet.
Combat Round 1/2 - Bold May Act
Paemil -1NL
Feelo
Polo
Ememies
Ephiril
Razisus
Sirius
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Razisus reaches out toward the flying creature, attempting to lay a hand on it. "Little One," the cleric calls out,"it is unwise to stir up conflict with those who you do not know. Please, reconsider your actions or face wounds most severe--if not an appointment with the goddess."
Razisus' touch spell hits the small flying creature and she begins to bleed. At the sight of her own blood she flies off into the woods, the elk hot on her heels.
You have recovered the artifact and retire to the nearest large city to regroup, recover and look at the next journal entry.
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"The drawing of blood. Let us hope that it was all the reminder that this creature needs that a summons to appear before the goddess may be forthcoming at any time--a fact known to be true even by the so-called "eternal" Fey," Razisus notes.
With the lantern recovered, Razisus says to the others, "You fend well for yourselves. We recovered the item as equals and, thus, are each entitled to a share in it. But, this foul device," the cleric says as he points at the skull-shaped lantern, "is an item of necromancy--offensive to the goddess and, I believe, to all the living whether they recognize it or not."
Tell me, then, what do you all plan to do with this unnatural object of ruin?" Razisus asks of the others.
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"We return lamp. To free-er, not creator. One who hid it here first"
Despite his gruff common, Paemil weighs the words of Razisus over carefully.
What is Ulisha going to do with all these objects? Into whose hands will they fall? He tries to shake the thought but his mind continues to the inevitable end. "Is returning Silverhex to my Grove worth these risks?
And in the echo of his mind, Paemil hears no answer.
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Tsuk walks into the inn. How did you fare in finding the lantern?
He then spots it. Well, there you go. We could try to sell it, but I think we give it back to Ulisha.
"Another travelling companion of yours?" Razisus asks of the others. "Then, allow me to purchase a drink for you." he says to Tsuk Sach.
Later, the cleric notes, "I know not of this Ulisha, but I wish to see to the destruction of this unholy device. If it requires that I purchase it from you, then I am offering my services as payment." says Razisus. "I did not mean to overhear, but it sounds as though you could use help in locating other objects of value. What say you?"
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Shruti recoils as Paemil and Razisus retrieve the lantern and discuss its apparent evil nature. "This One agrees that the lantern is an item of ill-portent. Such things should not exist. We must discover what Ulisha intends for the object before handing it over to her. Perhaps she will return it to those with sufficient power to destroy it."
The samsaran listens intently to Razisus's offer of service and nods affirmatively, "Yes, This One would value your presence among our number. Join us, priest."
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Feelo accepts Razisus' help with gusto. He shakes the man's hand. "I think it would be great if you could help us find all of these items for Ulisha. I have to say, as a loyal Desnan, I'm encouraged by your commitment to see this dark item put to ruin! Unfortunately, we have been tasked with its recovery; it's yet to be seen, I think, if we have the liberty to decide its fate quite like that. Let's talk to Ulisha about it when we meet her!"
He gets a drink from the bar, then opens Ulisha's journal to look for their next destination. "It looks like we need to go to Razmiran next. As much as I would love to stay with the rest of you, this is a holy time for Desna, and I need to find a temple so that I can celebrate. Shall I join the rest of you in Allenstead in a few days? Hopefully by then you'll have this scepter Ulisha writes about, and we can continue on from there."
In addition to the journal entry detailing the scepter that Ulisha wants the team to recover, she includes a map and directions to Allenstead. The directions are simple, and the journey to Allenstead is uneventful.
Allenstead consists of a few dozen buildings built along either side of a solitary dirt road that leads from Razmiran to a ferry dock on the West Sellen River. At the center of the village, construction is nearly complete on a large stone statue of a Razmiri priest that stands nearly 20 feet in height. The head of the statue peers down at a stage.
Diplomacy (gather information) or Knowledge (history, local, religion)
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Razisus seems truly hopeful that the lamp will be destroyed and truly grateful to be included among the party.
Upon reaching Allenstead, he stares at the statue and shakes his head.
"Curious, that they would build a statue to their priest, rather than to the deity himself." Razisus remarks. "Odder still, it seems to me, that a faith that seems to value anominity by use of masks and attire would pay tribute in such a way to just one, single individual."
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Shruti looks up at the statue as if regarding an interesting curio. "Not only that, friend Razisus. This town is historically resistant to the influence of the Razmirists, yet now they build a statue to one of the Living God's priests? Perhaps they finally found some benefit to the faith's proclamation of law, luxury, and obedience."
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Paemil does his best to enjoy the travel, using it as an opportunity to stretch his, and Lumi's, legs.
Why must we always be in cities around people. Someday soon I shall spend a great length of time back in the woods.
As they enter Allenstead, he is relieved to find it more of a village than a city. No need to worry about Lumi's welcome here. She will be just fine.
"Masked faces uncomfortable. Much attention to selves."
He glances around nervously at the culture of the town.
"If this is a recent change, all the more unnerving it makes this..."
As their party begins walking through the streets, Paemil attunes his mind to the gentle traces of magic- attempting to identify who amongst the crowd might be of high enough stature to be wearing magical items. Or carrying septers.
As you wander around the village, a little before mid-day, most of the activity centers on the stage. In addition to the workers putting the finishing touch on the statue, it seems that some townsfolk are starting to gather around the stage.
Paemil, you detect no magic.
"Oh, a show indeed!" the man answers with enthusiasm. "Folloch, our priest of the great Razmir, delivers his sermon at noon everyday. It's wonderful; please, stay and listen!"
The man seems to be bewildered, as if he's under the effects of some kind of mind-effecting spell.
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Paemil observes the interactions between Shruti and the spectator, paying close attention to the townsfolks mannerisms. As the follower walks away, Paemil turns towards to rest of his companions and talks quietly.
"They under enchantment. Concern for our own thoughts. Should we avoid or observe this gathering?"
The sermon could be incredibly informative, however- if they are using the scepter for mind influencing purposes, a daily sermon would be the best place to use it."
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"I concur with the Wild One's assessment. These folk are enchanted." Razisus notes. "If we are searching for a scepter that sways minds, then it is most likely to be present at the upcoming sermon. Thus, if we wish to obtain the scepter--and, perhaps, in the process grant freedom to this populace, we should be in attendance."
"May I suggest that obtaining a blessing from my goddess before the event begins will likely provide some help to each of us in steeling our wills to tendrils of enchantment?" The cleric offers with a courteous bow.
"For death has a gift for helping people find their focus. And it is often when death draws most near, that one is confronted with the truth about one's own self and desires," Razisus adds with a warm smile.