Shattered Star

Game Master Zesdead

'Shattered Star' - Part 2, 'Curse of the Lady's Light'

...in which our adventurers explore the Thassilonian Chambers beneath the Lady's Light.

Party Health
Ziomarra Callinovo 46/46HP, 1 Hero Point, 1 Blessing of Desna
Josephina Annabella Whitehall 31/59HP, 1 Hero Point, 1 Blessing of Iomedae
Halli, 54/54HP
Teldon Moore 52/52HP, 3 Hero Points, 1 Blessing of Pharasma
Briana Kaddren 60/60HP, 1 Hero Point, 1 Blessing of Pharasma
Arsith D'Arabiane, 65/65HP, 3 Hero Points
Shadlah Broken-Earth, 63/63HP, 30NL, 2 Hero Points

Maps / Images
The Lady's Cape
Varisia


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Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

Joanna nods. After a moment, she looks as if she's about to ask Briana something, but stops before uttering a word. She clenches her hands and her teeth and takes in a deep breath before making her way to Briana.

"Briana, can we talk? Just the two of us," she asks in a whisper.


Inactive

Briana looks up from her pack as she feels an anxious tightening in her chest. It takes her just a second to find her voice and then she nods.

"Of course. Out on the beach...or somewhere else?"
_______

Hopefully this chat won't take too long but I expect we can move it to flex-time spoilers so Zed can keep us moving come Monday.


Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

I think we're going to have to move it to flex-time. Out of curiosity, how old it Briana? 18? 19? I keep imagining her as close to Joanna's age.

Joanna shudders and shakes her head.

"Not the beach, the room with the door to it," she says.

Briana:

Once they are alone in the large, rough-walled chamber, Joanna spends a little time getting a small fire going. Her hair, normally a silky brunette, is black and dull. She wears no armor or padding, showing just how small she truly is. Halli stays next to Joanna's side, but watches Briana with wary eyes. For a long time, Joanna silently stares at the flames, scratching Halli's ears and petting the wolf idly with one hand.

"I'm failing everyone," she says after a little while, "I feel like I'm being ground away from the inside. I'm worried about you, Teldon, Zee, Arsith, and Shadlah, and I can't stop thinking about my sisters. I can't stop thinking about what they must be going through."

Halli sits up and Joanna hugs the wolf as she starts to shake.

"I don't know what to do and I'm so scared. I'm scared that what my stepmother said about me is right. I'm scared of turning into her. I'm scared that I can't do what I need to, that I can't be what you need me to be," she blurts out in a rush. For another long moment she just sits there, holding Halli as if the wolf was her only lifeline in a stormy sea.

"Mother Dearest told me I was a monster on my sixth birthday. My sisters had told me that I didn't have a mother and when I went to her, crying, and she told me that I was a horrid little monster that had killed my mother," Joanna said, forcing her voice to be flat and calm, "I don't know if she was far off."

Joanna goes silent once more as she looks into the fire and holds Halli close to her. Her eyes are dark, like stormclouds. Her hair falls down and hides her face in shadow as she tries to don an unfeeling mask.


Female Human (Shoanti) Geokineticist 7 | AC 22, T 16, FF 18 | DR 6/adamantine| Fortification 15% | hp 80/80 (21 nonlethal) | Fort +13, Ref +11, Will +5 | CMD 21 | Initiative +6 | Perception +13 | Burn 3/9 | 3 Hero Points

"The usual watch." Shadlah spread out her bedroll and sits atop it, saying nothing more as she unrolls her tools and unpacks her stones. She shifts through them, selecting a relatively large piece of sandstone and beginning her work.


Inactive

"Er right, that'd make more sense..." Briana murmurs, her face reddening a bit. Of course Jo wouldn't want to go back outside to the beach, not so soon.

I am stupid. I am so stupid sometimes.

She obligingly follows her friend back to the large entry chamber just outside the Gray Maidens' former quarters...

Joanna:

...once inside, Briana silently takes a seat near the fire but not too close as Halli seemed wary of letting anyone get too close to her human as of late. Intuition more than anything told her to wait until Jo felt compelled to speak. But when she does, Briana's expression slowly morphs from one of concern to one of shocked horror.

"I...Jo, I...I had no idea," she whispers. "That's a horrible, despicable thing to say to anyone, let alone a child! Why would she do such a thing?"

Then, Jo's last sentence fully registers.

"Don't tell me you believe her? No Jo, no. You're not a monster, you're not. You didn't kill your mother!"


_______

I think Briana is probably 17/18ish at most, though I never really nailed it down exactly. She'd definitely be no younger than 16. Also you might need to remind me of what Jo's already shared about her home life; I remember it came up that her stepmother is a vicious harpy and that her half-sisters weren't exactly super nice to her either but I don't remember if anything more specific was shared.


Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

That's pretty much the gist of it. There are a few details, but not as many as I'm about to be giving. Also, nice to know Joanna's not the only young one here. :)

Briana:

"My momma died giving birth to me," Joanna replied, "there are times I do feel that I killed her."

Halli shrugs free of Joanna's arms and curls up around her. The wolf keeps a wary eye on Briana, but she doesn't seem as nervous as she had been of late.

"Papa was furious when he found out. He started taking me to meet the captains and factors that worked for him. He'take me to see things, just the two of us, and Mother Dearest used that like a wedge between me and my sisters. He favored me, and that made it easy for her to make them hate me. There were times we wouldn't talk to each other for weeks, but there were times we were close, when we were sisters in act as well as name. They were few, but they were there. They were the ones that first called her Mother Dearest. She was always quick to drive us apart again, though she found that hard when she started teaching us etiquette and proper behavior."

"My sisters got it as bad as I did. We were beaten if we were too slow or got things wrong. Sometimes she'd just take out her anger on us. She always told me that no one cared about me. My parents were dead and the only hope I had was in obeying her. I didn't, but it was hard some days to do what I thought was right. Brother Titus was there, but he couldn't protect me all of the time. It was like I was a prisoner in my own home. No, I was a prisoner. I lost all of my friends. My sisters began to resent me more, even though Papa was dead. I was alone."

"Mother Dearest would have loved that room we found where I accidentally made Arsith dance. She wanted us to be dolls, unthinking dolls that did what she wanted. Do as she says and we don't have to worry. She'll take care of everything."

Joanna buries her face in her hands and begins to sob. Her mask of indifference falling away to reveal the pain tearing her up inside.

"And I left them," she wails, "I ran away and abandoned them. I always run away!"

She continues to sob for several long minutes as the fire flickers and casts leering shadows on the walls.


Helanda takes her own spot in the watch - standing impassively at the door appearing, to all intents and purposes, as a statue of steel... a terrible reminder, to those who were there, of the martial law imposed across Korvosa...


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

Teldon feels a pang of anxiety as Jo and Braina head off to talk.

I hope this goes well... Jo obviously could use some support but if she get's Briana second guessing herself getting through here could really get messy...

He occupies himself with a thorough search of the room while he waits.
perception (take 20): 20 + 14 + 1d6 ⇒ 20 + 14 + (5) = 39


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CG Female Human (Azlanti) Witch (cartomancer)/VMC Cleric of Desna 5/Evangelist 2
stats:
hp 46/46 | AC 17; touch 17; flat-foot 12 | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +9 | Init +5 | Perception +9

Lost in her own thoughts and regrets at the loss of human life, Zee is strangely silent for a time. She goes along with the rest of her friends, responding with nods and one-syllable answers.

The deaths of more young and misguided women are on our hands. Oh, Blessed Starsong, why does my road keep leading to more death?

Seeing Jo and Brianna sit down to have a heart-to-heart seems to break Zee's funk, at least a little. But then seeing Helanda back in Gray Maiden armor brings back a bunch of other disturbing memories.

At one point, she says to Arsith, "I suppose nobody ever said that the life of a Pathfinder would be easy. I expected the joy of exploration, and to face our fair share of danger. I was less prepared for so much sorrow, regret, and death."

She absently draws a card from her deck, taking it as an omen:

Harrow card...:
Suit: 1d6 ⇒ 1 ...Hammers
Ethic: 1d3 ⇒ 3 ...chaotic
Moral: 1d3 ⇒ 1 ...good

...The Big Sky

Zee's expression brightens greatly at seeing the card. "This is the card of liberation... of casting off one's shackles and finally moving freely." She looks up and smiles, "This is a sign that the worst is behind us!"


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Inactive

Joanna:

Although bearing witness to Joanna's pain makes Briana want to cry as well, she fights back the tears - she could always cry later, in private, if she needed to. But crying now wouldn't do her or Joanna any good.

She waits a bit to let Joanna get some of her tears out and then carefully edges just a little closer to her friend. "Jo, you don't always run away and you didn't abandon your sisters," she whispers. "You left because you had no other choice - if you hadn't, she'd have crushed you completely and you would've..." killed her, or killed yourself, or both "...done something really drastic to escape the pain. And you couldn't have taken your sisters with you, not then. You said she started hunting for you after you left - just think of how it would've been if you'd brought both of your sisters with you right then. She'd have had you branded a kidnapper or worse, probably!"

Briana sighs and turns to stare into the flames. "I know that probably doesn't make you feel much better though, at least not right now. But I think..." she hesitates, trying to choose her words carefully, "I think there'll come a day where you'll have the courage to face her again and the power and the reputation. She won't be able to hurt you and she won't be able to spread her lies because people will know you Jo, not because of your family name or any title but because of the good things you've done for people. You won't be a perfect shining example but that's okay...I mean who really is? Not even the gods themselves are perfect. And if the gods aren't perfect then you shouldn't have to be either!" she says as she pounds her fist against the ground in emphasis, not caring if she might be committing blasphemy with her words.


Teldon's detailed search, with Helanda watching - again showing little emotion, rummages through crates and barrels... all told, he finds a somewhat diminished stash of food supplies, along with camping gear, rope, tools to repair armor, and other miscellaneous camping equipment. Some of the crates contain extra armor and weapons; in all, there are four suits of full plate, six heavy steel shields, three masterwork longswords, three light crossbows, and 120 bolts in these crates.

One of the chests, smaller and more elegantly decorated, is locked - an examination of the locking mechanism suggests that it isn't trapped... but that the lock is rather robust.

Let me know when you folks are ready to move on... happy for you to RP out whatever you like / equally happy to push you ever onwards...


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

Not generally one to take unnecessary risks, Teldon drinks an extract of heightened awareness and takes the time to carefully inspect the lock, and chest, to be certain there are no traps.
perception v traps (take 20): 20 + 17 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ 20 + 17 + 2 + (6) = 45

assuming he still finds none, I believe I can take 20 if it’s not trapped...
Retrieving his lockpicking tools from his bag, he sits and methodically works for several minutes on opening the lock...
disable device (take 20): 20 + 17 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ 20 + 17 + 2 + (3) = 42


Female Human Warpriest (7) Ini +5 HP 65/65 CA 20 T 12 FF 18 Fort+9 Ref+4 Will +9 Perc +10 Speed 20 PH 4/4 Fervor +2d6 HP, 2/4

Arsith smiles; sadly

I was prepared for that. Worse, I was embracing that, I was welcoming that. I was ready to die, for a good cause, hoping to join my beloved in Pharasma's gardens. Your reason to join the Pathfinder is way better than mine. it's only by joining your group that I became .. how should I put it?.. conscious again of life's joy. My love for Lenore will never die, as long as I am alive.Even if I fall in love again.


Cautiously, and taking his time to check for any concealed devices or traps, Teldon cracks the lock of the chest... slowly opening it, he finds what must surely have been the sum totality of the Grey Maidens' riches - minted with the visage of the deposed Queen Ileosa, thousands of coins are bagged and organised within the chest.

The chest contains 4,000gp... and I think I am going move you along now, you folks can flex-time any RP you still want to do...

From here, there is only one exit... a door to the east which, after having been checked - and with Helanda confirming there is no danger, leads into a smaller chamber. The air in the room beyond is almost uncomfortably warm and filled with steam. A grand, tiled bathing pool, the waters steaming hot, sits at the centre of the room, while a large red panel stands in the eastern wall. Helanda, who is happy to stand near the front of the group as they make their way onwards, whispers that the room beyond this eastern panel is as far as she ever got whilst down here.

Map update to follow, Actions?


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

Uhh... I’m unclear on the time frame here... I think the plan was to get some rest and sleep here before moving on? Is this the next morning now?


Teldon Moore wrote:
Uhh... I’m unclear on the time frame here... I think the plan was to get some rest and sleep here before moving on? Is this the next morning now?

Yeah, new day... full HP, etc...


Inactive

Briana will continue her conversation in flex-time with Jo as the both of us are able to post, but for now I'll post for the present happenings.

Briana rises the next morning having slept...not exactly poorly, but perhaps a bit uneasily. Her heart-to-heart with Joanna the 'night' before had left her with a lot to think on and her dreams had been perhaps a little darker than usual.

After making her usual preparations for the day, she readies herself as they prepare to advance beyond the bathing room. "Was that far room the farthest that 'Sorshen' allowed you to go or was there another reason you've not been any further, Helanda?"

Spells & Powers:

3rd - Call Lightning x2, Magic Circle against Evil
2nd - Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Spiritual Weapon x2
1st - Bless, Heightened Awareness, Obscuring Mist, Produce Flame
Orisons - Create Water, Dancing Lights, Guidance, Stabilize

Wandering Spirit - Flame

Spirit Ability - Touch of Flame (Su): As a standard action, the shaman can make a melee touch attack that deals 1d6 points of fire damage + 1 point for every 2 shaman levels she possesses. A shaman can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + her Charisma modifier. At 11th level, any weapon she wields is treated as a flaming weapon.

Wandering Hex - Flame Curse (Su): The shaman causes a creature within 30 feet to become vulnerable to fire until the end of the shaman’s next turn. If the creature is already vulnerable to fire, this hex has no effect. Fire immunity and resistances apply as normal, and any saving throw allowed by the effect that caused the damage reduces it as normal. At 8th and 16th levels, the duration of this hex is extended by 1 round. A creature affected by this hex cannot be affected by it again for 24 hours.

Spirit Magic
1st - Charm Animal (N) or Burning Hands (Fire)
2nd - Barkskin (N) or Resist Energy (Fire)
3rd - Speak with Plants (N) or Fireball (Fire)

Healing Hex Uses:
Fortune Hex Uses:


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male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

***last night***
Once his search reveals a steam bath, Teldon leaves his gear with Zee while she consults the Harrow and heads into the bath for a nice long steam. He smiles a little when he emerges and announces to nobody in particular, ”I haven’t had a good steam since I left Absalom. I’ll sleep well tonight.”

When the time comes he does, in fact, fall asleep quickly and deeply. His dreams, however, are a vivid reminder of the temptations to which he’d been subject during his captivity. Laying together, Briana cannot help but notice how stimulating they are for the inexperienced adventurer.

***this morning***
Teldon rises early and follows his typical routine of reading, journaling, preparing his extracts, feeding Rowenna from his stash of treats, and laying out rations for everyone’s breakfast. Once all the necessary preparations have been made he takes the vanguard as they all head out.

When they reach the eastern panel he quickly checks it over for traps, and to discern the means of opening it. He listens with great interest, though, for the answer to Briana’s wise question.
perception v traps (take 10): 10 + 17 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 17 + (3) = 30
perception v release (take 10): 10 + 14 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 14 + (4) = 28


Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

Flexy-time is fine with me. Sorry about not posting last night. I was just not able to get into Joanna's head.

Briana:

"I could have stood up to her," Joanna half-snaps at Briana, her emotions too fierce for her to temper the words. "Maybe I should have stayed! Maybe Nalathi would still be alive and enjoying life if I had. I was the one that argued for us not to kill Gnaeus and it almost got Zee killed, and now... Now she's having to deal with thoughts and memories that aren't hers. We could have lost Teldon because I wasn't fast enough or smart enough or strong enough."

Halli moves away from Joanna as her raw doubts and fears are put into words. Her voice is like lye, caustic and bitter. A whine from the wolf pulls Joanna back, calming her.

"I can't even protect Halli. Something broke when we fought that worm thing. She's afraid of everyone and everything now."

"I don't know what to do, Briana. I'm scared. I'm scared that I'll get us all killed, or that I'll become the monster my stepmother calls me." Joanna looks to her friend, pleading for her not to leave her alone.

After her talk with Briana and her discovery of the steaming baths, Joanna spends a long while bathing, letting the water soothe her body and mind. After getting both her and Halli clean, She finds a place to sleep and doesn't wake until someone gets her for her watch.

The next morning.
It takes Joanna longer than normal to get ready the next morning. When she meets up with the others, she wears her father's breastplate and pieces she's cannibalized from the Gray Maidens' armor. At her hip is the sword Teldon had given her and on her back is the broad, round shield that she'd had since before running away from home. In her hands is the blade that they'd recovered from the fight with the Seugathi.

"Helanda," she says calmly, "do you mind coming with me for a moment?"

Assuming she says yes. We can flex time this as well.

Helanda:

Okay, The plan is to fix up the scarring with a lesser restoration spell. I know that's not strictly rules as written, but I really like the imagery and I hope that rule of cool will be enough to allow it especially if it has no other benefit than healing an ugly scar.

"I have three things for you," Joanna tells the former Gray Maiden, "to give you the first, I'll need you to take off your helmet."


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Female Human Warpriest (7) Ini +5 HP 65/65 CA 20 T 12 FF 18 Fort+9 Ref+4 Will +9 Perc +10 Speed 20 PH 4/4 Fervor +2d6 HP, 2/4

Arsith took the time to pray for the souls of the dead Grey Maidens, as she was a follower of Pharasma not so long ago.

Then she takes some private time, to let her mind wander, reminiscing her lost love... and, perhaps with the influence of Shorshen's ancient magic, the most intimate moments they shared.

She doesn't blush or feel ashamed. This was a part of their love too. A part, sooner or later, Briana and Teldon will have to face.

Maybe she should give Teldon some hints about how to please a woman? Or does he already knows? The white haired woman doubts it, reminding both his and Briana attitude when they found the erotic frescoes.

There are some things you can't learn with books. But you can't blame Shorshen and her followers for trying.

Arsith smiles.


Inactive

Joanna:

Briana flinches back a little as Joanna's emotions get the better of her but then she quickly fires back, "Yes, maybe you could have stood up to her. And maybe it would have done some good. Or maybe it wouldn't have. But you made your choice and it doesn't do any good to dwell on the maybes! All that does is...is cripples you, lying awake at night thinking could've, should've, would've! Think about what you're going to do now and what you're going to do once we're all out of this hole!"

Surprised at herself, she stops. "I'm sorry, I just...I'm scared too," she admits, her tone softer. "Having everyone with me makes me less so, because I trust them. And I trust you and I want to keep trusting you. But...it's hard to trust you when you don't even trust yourself. I wish that you would give yourself a chance again."


Joanna:
When she realises that Joanna is offering to heal her scars, Helanda stops the Iomedean in her tracks... running a gauntleted hand across the cruel furrows in her face, "These are me... this is who I am now, a reminder of who I was and of the folly of mindlessly following orders... I will wear these until the day I walk into Pharasma's gardens"

As she dons her helmet once more, she rests a hand upon Joanna's wrist... and, with genuine warmth in her voice, "But... I thank you".

Joining Teldon as he pushes the door open, Helanda nods towards him as if to reassure him that all is safe... The long gallery beyond the door is striking and gaudy. The walls are painted a shimmering golden hue, with similarly gilt columns running down the centre. Black marble statues of the same beautiful woman, unsurprisingly depicting Sorshen, stand to the north and south — an inscription has been carved into each statue’s base, each saying in Thassilonian 'By my touch may you enter the shining glory of my inner sanctum'. Each statue holds out a hand as if in greeting.

Rich tapestries hang on the walls at the centre of the gallery, while set at intervals along the tiled floor are three great golden plates, slightly recessed. The ceiling is made of black marble shot through with a sparkling material. A broad oaken door to the east, the only exit from this room, has no lock or handle.


Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

[ooc]This may not be up to par for me. It's late. I've just discovered the pants to the one suit I have are full of holes, and I'm pretty sure I'm too heavy for my recliner now. :\
Not exactly the best night I've ever had.[ooc]

Briana:

Joanna opens her mouth to give a hot reply, but stops as Halli bumps into her side. The words die on her tongue as she looks the wolf in the eyes. She still trusted her. Even with all that was happening. Halli still trusted her and remained by her side.

"Do you really trust me?"

Gray eyes look up at Briana as the question hangs in the air.

Helanda:

"I don't think that's who you are," Joanna replies, "You thought for yourself and wondered what was really going on, right? Isn't that how you wound up in that hag's clutches?"

Joanna shrugs and hands the sword that she'd claimed from the fight with the Seugathi.

"At least let me allow you to use this. I'll bet it's a darn sight sharper than the blade you currently carry," Joanna says, "and that brings me to the last thing. Would you like a job? I can promise the work will be something you can be proud of, and that sword is yours if you accept."


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

"Be careful not to touch the statues at all..." Teldon advises. "And be vigilant- if some of these are constructs or animated items they wouldn't be the first such guardians we've encountered. Zee, if you could check out the magical auras, please?"

Moving forward, he takes time to carefully examine the statues, the recessed plates, and the tapestries. I'll spend a minute on each thing to take 20. Rather than make a ton of rolls for the d6s I'll just take 1 on those; that gives me a 35 perception to find hidden things and a 38 for any traps.


Joanna:
If Joanna could see through the blank visage presented by Helanda's helmet, she would see a wry smile, "So... what you are saying is, think for yourself and you can become the plaything of some deranged witch?" A brief pause, "I am just humouring you... I know that is not who I am anymore - but it is a sage reminder nonetheless"

Helanda takes the offered blade, weighs it in her hand and swings it speculatively, "A fine blade... I thank you - and for the offer of employment, let me think on it... I can not truly consider my life to be until Oriana has been dealt with".

When Ziomarra looks for the magic in this room, it is no great surprise that conjuration magic abounds here... each of the statues, and all three of the golden plates embedded into the floor emanate strong auras. Examining the mundane, Teldon observes that the statues, each of them sensually depicted and with their palm outstretched, are identical... but, of the golden plates, two are tarnished by age whilst the one in the centre of the chamber is highly polished - nearly to a reflective finish.


Female Human (Shoanti) Geokineticist 7 | AC 22, T 16, FF 18 | DR 6/adamantine| Fortification 15% | hp 80/80 (21 nonlethal) | Fort +13, Ref +11, Will +5 | CMD 21 | Initiative +6 | Perception +13 | Burn 3/9 | 3 Hero Points

As the others prepare themselves in the morning, Shadlah continues her work. Chip by chip, scrape by scrape, shaping stones and rubbing them smooth with rasps and papers. Finally, she shrugs herself into her chain shirt and sits cross-legged on the ground, holding the pile of stones in her hands and focusing.

With a small grinding sound, like a cat clawing its way out of rubble, the stones animate, and the armadillo takes shape as the small spirit shifts in its new form. With a wry smile, Shadlah helps it onto her shoulder, shrugs on her pack, and follows the group as they press onward, tiny hands made of granite pebbles digging into her shirt.


Inactive

Joanna:

Briana's mind races, thinking back over all she'd shared with Joanna since meeting her, all of the fun moments, all of the uncertainties and hardships. Through all of it, no matter what had happened and how low Joanna had felt, hadn't she always gotten up every single day and carried on?

Just being able to keep going...sometimes that makes all the difference, doesn't it?

Green eyes meet gray, her voice quiet but carrying a conviction as strong as one of Shadlah's earthen blasts.

"I trust you. I hope you can still trust me, too."


_______

While Teldon and Zee busy themselves carefully examining the room they now find themselves in, Briana can't help but notice that something looks different about Shadlah's new companion. She quietly moves beside her companion and says quietly, "Your friend has a different appearance today! I saw you working the stones earlier; any reason for the change?"


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Female Human (Shoanti) Geokineticist 7 | AC 22, T 16, FF 18 | DR 6/adamantine| Fortification 15% | hp 80/80 (21 nonlethal) | Fort +13, Ref +11, Will +5 | CMD 21 | Initiative +6 | Perception +13 | Burn 3/9 | 3 Hero Points

"I thought it might appreciate something always available," the Shoanti says with a small, uncharacteristically warm smile, reaching up to stroke the flat stones of the spirit's belly. "I suspect it will vanish when I sleep, but the stones will remain, always ready." After a short pause, she says, "It has been some time since I had a friend. It was the least I could do for it."


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Female Human Warpriest (7) Ini +5 HP 65/65 CA 20 T 12 FF 18 Fort+9 Ref+4 Will +9 Perc +10 Speed 20 PH 4/4 Fervor +2d6 HP, 2/4

You know, you have friends, here, in us, Shadlah. But I agree you can't have to much friends, and seeing you smile is an happy sight for me. You should smile more often. It fits you well. And you can always say that you are good at making friends-quite litteraly. It's a gift, an art, and for a follower of Sheylin, a blessing.


Inactive

"I'm sure he?...she?...will appreciate it," Briana agrees, carefully holding out her hand for the armadillo spirit to inspect. "And I think Shadlah knows that we're her friends too, but sometimes it's nice to have a break from people and spend time with someone or something that doesn't really expect anything from you besides something to eat and the pleasure of your company."


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

Teldon's serious countenance as he studies the room softens and he cracks half a smile at Arsith's pun on 'making' friends.

perhaps I should try crafting a friend... that would likely be easier than developing friendships with other people... although, I must admit, after all we've been through in the past several months these women are my friends, I think... I wonder what old Rycrick from the Grand Lodge would think about that- he always found such humor in my awkwardness around women...

The young adventurer pauses his work and stands. He clears his throat and loudly announces, "excuse me, may I have your attention please!?! Jo and Zee, Arsith and Shadlah, thank you all for being my friends. Briana... thank you most of all..."

He stands uncomfortably for a moment then turns back to the center gold plate and adds, "Zee, could you please try to analyze the aura on this plate? It seems to be different from the others."

I'm not sure if I can technically assist on a roll to analyze an aura if I don't have the ability to detect magic, but if Zee can discuss it with me I'll give her +2 to the roll (I can't fail that roll; in fact even if you give me -5 for working off a description instead of seeing it, I still can't fail an assist check).


Going to assume that Ziomarra follows Teldon's suggestion and assesses what the aura might be... not sure about the Aid Another, I'd probably rule against it were it a particularly important roll - but given it's sort of a 'move the story along' kind of a check, I'm not going to bother rolling any d20's anyway!!!

Ziomarra's examination of the auras confirm that there is strong conjuration magic at play here... and that it has likely been active for millennia. Observing the intricacies of the strands of energy pouring from the central plate, she is convinced that this is teleportation magicks... although, as she compares the aura against that emanating from the other plates, it seems that they too are, in some way, imbued with teleportation arcana.

Actions? I'll try and get that map update tonight as well!!!


Inactive

Briana looks over, startled, at Teldon's sudden announcement but then she smiles, a bright, genuine smile that hasn't been seen much since the group entered the Lady's Light. "You're welcome...and thank you too - all of you. You've been the best friends, and more, that a person could ever ask for."

Though she wishes this warm moment of camaraderie would last, Briana wills her mind back to focusing on the task at hand - the strange teleportation auras on the plates. "You said teleportation auras? So...maybe if someone were to step on one of the plates, or maybe just the central plate, they might be sent somewhere else within the Lady's Light?" she asks, looking rather nervous.


Female Human Fighter 3/Paladin of Shelyn 5 | HP: 67/67 | AC: 24/14/21 | CMD: 26, CMB: +12 | F: +13, R: +9, W: +11 (+1 vs. mind-effects) | LoH (2d6, 3d6 channel): 5/5, Smite: 2/2, Aura: Courage (10ft.) | Per: +13 (low-light vision), Init: +3 | Arrows: -, Wands:
Halli:
HP: 67/67 | AC: 19/11/17 | CMD: 25 (29 vs. Trip), CMB: +13 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +3 (+4 vs. Enchantment, Evasion) | Per: +9 (low-light vision, scent) Init: +2

"Well, might as well send me first then. If I get hurt I can at least patch myself back together," Joanna replies.

Sorry Briana. It's late and I'm not up to writing Joanna's response.


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

”Hold on...” Teldon interjects with an outstretched arm. ”the inscription says it is by Sorshen’s touch that we enter her inner sanctum... likely we need to touch a statue to trigger the desired effect... this plate being different concerns me though... why is it different? If the auras are the same there must be some environmental difference, like frequency of use... Perhaps we could all stay away from the plates for a moment and see what response comes from touching a statue?”


You folks are definitely on the right track here... so I'll push things along a little.

Realising that the inscription is almost certainly meant to be interpreted literally, Teldon touches one of the out-stretched hands... and, bathing the room in a warm light, each of the plates floor plates starts to glow - and now, with the amber light softly shining from the plates, it is impossible to physically discern the difference between them...


Inactive

No worries Jo, we'll continue it as each of us is able!
_______

"Nicely done," Briana nods as the plates begin to glow. "But do you think they all go to the same places? Those two on each side seem like they've not been used in ages, but that center one looks to have seen quite a bit of use so I'm thinking that maybe it goes somewhere different."


Female Human (Shoanti) Geokineticist 7 | AC 22, T 16, FF 18 | DR 6/adamantine| Fortification 15% | hp 80/80 (21 nonlethal) | Fort +13, Ref +11, Will +5 | CMD 21 | Initiative +6 | Perception +13 | Burn 3/9 | 3 Hero Points

The small rocky creature on Shadlah's shoulder lets out a sound like two stones scraping together, as if to express delight. Shadlah only gives a small laugh through her nose, but the smile doesn't fade until the matter turns back to the business at hand. "So we go there," she states matter-of-factly.


Inactive

"Hah! You're right, I suppose one way or another we'll have to go to wherever 'there' is eventually," Briana chuckles at Shadlah's rather direct observation. "We'd best be ready for anything on the other side, though."
_______

Guessing the plate is only big enough to accommodate one person standing on it at a time?


Briana Kaddren wrote:
Guessing the plate is only big enough to accommodate one person standing on it at a time?

Yep, each plate is big enough to accommodate a single person standing upon it...


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

Teldon smiles warmly at Briana's cleverness. It quickly fades though as he considers how to proceed.

"I agree: based on the difference in use, it seems likely they lead to different places, and that the center plate gets most of the use... so, it's most likely to be the way we want to go. It looks like we can only enter one at a time though..." he reasons. "I wish we had access to a telepathic bond spell... and teleportation... maybe a contingency..."

He drifts away in thought momentarily and then snaps back to reality with a quick chuckle. "I guess, really, I wish Zee had all of Sorshen's powers to go with her outfit."


Inactive

Briana's own smile fades at this. "Do you really? I know it would be very handy, but I don't think it's a good idea for any one person to have that much power. Even people who have good hearts. Zee might be a much stronger person than me, but if it were me with all those powers, I...I don't know how well I'd be able to keep myself from abusing them in some way."


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

Teldon looks incredulous for a moment, then smiles. "Uh... My dad killed Runelord Karzoug..." he reminds Briana, "His friend, Aliphaz, who had faced the Runelord with him, was an arcanist who could transform himself into giants and dragons, and open gates to the outer planes. He didn't abuse that power though. He was actually very friendly."


Female Human (Shoanti) Geokineticist 7 | AC 22, T 16, FF 18 | DR 6/adamantine| Fortification 15% | hp 80/80 (21 nonlethal) | Fort +13, Ref +11, Will +5 | CMD 21 | Initiative +6 | Perception +13 | Burn 3/9 | 3 Hero Points

"You sound like a young man trying to grow his hair thick, when it only strings from his scalp like bloodweed from the trees," Shadlah snorts, shaking her head. "If none of you will go first, I will - though I am sure you remember what happened when I last travelled before my party."

The earthen spirit on her shoulder sadly snuffles around her ear.


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

Teldon is clearly flummoxed by Shadlah's words.

He stammers for a moment before finally managing to get out "what? but... I... I'm not boasting... they, they saved Sandpoint... everyone else saw the statue when we there..."

Regaining a (small) bit of composure he adds, "besides, how would boasting about someone who's skill far exceeded my own make me seem any better."

As Shadlah start's to move towards the plate he shake's off the bewilderment and quickly adds, "we have no way to bring anyone back, so once one goes we all go. Given that, our best strategy is to all go through as close together as possible. I just don't know if we have to touch the statue in between each use... maybe all hold hands and try to rush onto the plate in a line?"


Inactive

Briana blushes - how could she have forgotten about Teldon's dad? "I'm sorry, that's not what I meant at all! I'm sure your dad and his friends were all good people - and I know that there are other powerful people out there that use that power for good things. All I meant was that people need to be careful with the power they're given - or attain. That's all. Sometimes people start off meaning well, but...things get out of hand."

"Um, but anyway, Teldon's right - if one goes, we all go. I don't know if holding hands and rushing the plate would work but however we do it, I don't mind it if you want to go first, Shadlah." Briana's mind flashes back to last night's talk with Joanna. Maybe she wasn't the only one of them that needed to hear some reassurance.

"I trust you," she says simply.


Helanda, who has stood quietly throughout the exchange, brings the argument to a very quick end... stating, quite matter-of-factly, that she will go first, she steps onto the plate...

...and, other than the soft glow reflecting from the Grey Maiden's armour a little, nothing happens.


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)

”Well, it seems I’m going first...” Teldon offers after Helanda’s anti-climactic step on to plate. ”I suspect the plate will deactivate as soon as I teleport away, and each of you in turn will have to touch a statue and then step on to the plate. Could one of you please cast light on my spear, in case there’s no light on the other side?”

Once the spell is in place and Helanda has moved off the plate, he steps on...


Inactive

"We'll be right behind you then," Briana replies, her voice wavering ever so slightly. She'd almost lost Teldon once before and now the thought of watching him step on that plate without her was almost too much.

No! If you get upset, he'll get upset!

"Just be careful, okay?"
_______

Briana only has Dancing Lights loaded but I'm sure Zee or Arsith has Light.


male Human Investigator [empirist] (VMC Magus) 7 | HP: 52/52 | AC: 18/13/16 | F +4, R +8, W +7 (+9 v Illusion) | Init +2 | Perception +17 (+20 v traps)
Briana Kaddren wrote:
Briana only has Dancing Lights loaded but I'm sure Zee or Arsith has Light.

well, if all else fails, I've still got my trusty miner's lamp...

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