Ryli shakes her head. "All I need is a clear pool of water," she says with a smile.
Elthariel adds ”I did find an abandoned keep. There was clearly some sort of mayhem there. So many bodies, some of them...cooked. And blood stains in so many places. It was like a nightmare. We should be cautious...”
"That's not Fort Rannik that you found, is it?"
"That was probably Fort Rannick," Jeevika agrees. "It was occupied by a clan of ogres before the Rangers liberated it for the Lord-Mayor of Magnimar. It appears that nothing has been done with it since. The caves around the fort were also the last place Shalelu was seen. If you found nothing, then she has almost certainly relocated elsewhere. However, until Ryli Scrys her, we have no real leads."
As the spell completes in a nearby pool, a scene of carnage begins to appear. Small huts are torn asunder in the background, some of which are on fire. But in the center of the image is a massive crocodile covered in battle scars. It has clearly just recently finished a slaughter, quite uncharacteristic for an ambush predator, and is currently putting the "finishing touches" on its latest meal. The small, green skinned, humanoid leg of whatever it is eating is the last thing you see as the animal gulps it down.
When Jeevika hears about what Ryli saw, everything clicks.
"She meant goblin tribes. That... makes far more sense than ogre tribes," the Holy Vindicator realizes, "Grandmother, do you have any means of pinpointing her location? As little sympathy as I have for goblins, at this point, leaving Shalelu to her own devices is simply not an option. Her mental healthy will almost certainly continue to degrade, and when that happens, I fear that goblins will no longer be the only target of her aggression."
Ryli vigorously nods her head in agreement, tail flicking about in agitation.
"In the morning, I should be able to find her with forest sense, and if that doesn't work, I'll commune with nature. Also, I'll make sure to set myself up as the forest's apex predator. That should give me an an advantage in finding her."
"If your casting skill is the same as mine, those spells will only yield fruit if Shalelu is within... sixteen or so miles of us. Here, I will see if I can get us a good starting point for your Transport via Plants spell," Jeevika offers.
The Ambassador takes fifteen minutes to prepare two Divination spells. After taking fifty gold pieces worth of diamond dust from her personal stock to act as the offerings and lighting some incense poached from the Iron Cages, Jeevika casts her magic.
"By the way, I would consider leaving some of your spell slots open. If you need to fill them, it only takes fifteen minutes of prayer and meditation. I have been leaving mine mostly open, and it has been incredibly useful."
"If your casting skill is the same as mine, those spells will only yield fruit if Shalelu is within... sixteen or so miles of us. Here, I will see if I can get us a good starting point for your Transport via Plants spell," Jeevika offers.
Ryli smiles. "Sixteen miles if I stay put. As an air elemental, I'll be able to cover a fair amount of distance. But, a starting point would be appreciated."
Your first Divination mentions a swamp named for its stumps standing in brine water. This is most likely Brinestump Swamp.
After the first Divination yields incredibly useful information, Jeevika does not cast the second.
"...She's likely in the Brinestump Swamp. If I'm not mistaken, she once told you all about that place? It's incredibly close to Sandpoint; if we return to that area, your spell should be able to pinpoint her."
Jeevika sighs.
"Perhaps we should spend the night in your Faerie Ring Retreat? I could get us back to Magnimar right now, but it seems easier to just wait and go to Sandpoint or the swamp in the morning. After her big meal, I doubt Shalelu is going to be going anywhere."
"Sure," Ryli says, and gestures while holding onto her ring of mistletoe. A ring of toadstools erupt instantly on the ground between them.
She takes Kallie from Lorthan and bids him enter, and waits to be the last one in.
Once there, she sets her foal on the ground and watches as her stubby legs hold her up. "I knew it! You were ready!" she shouts as Kallie giggles and wobbles.
You arrive in the stagnant waters of the Brinestump swamp. The scent of swamp water mixed with salt water creates a unique odor neither of you have been privileged to to date. What seems like hundreds of insects fly through the air, and large snakes can be seen crawling along branches, sometimes inexplicably holding them aloft.
The whole place is teeming with life. And death. It is almost literally a testament to the circle of life and death in constant motion.
Using your magics you are able to detect a pair of suitable crocodilians...one half a mile northwest of your position, the other 1 mile southwest.
While she does leave a few slots open, having an idea of what they might encounter, Jeevika prepares her spells according. For her preparations, she borrows the Orange Prism Ioun Stone and activates her prayer bead to greatly enhance the potency of her spells. Jeevika then casts Moment of Prescience, Magic Vestment on her armor, Magic Vestment on her shield, Greater Magic Weapon on her falcata, and Vindicator's Shield.
Elthariel gets a Greater Magic Weapon on her bow. Jeevika spits Communal Air Walk on herself, Elthariel, and Fenrir (who also gets a Longstrider and Ant Haul). Jeevika splits Life Bubble ("Swamp gas is no good for babies.") between everyone present and Extended Tears to Wine to whoever wants it.
"Let's try the north first. Regardless of who it might be, it's closer," Jeevika suggests.
To ensure the quickest travel, the two female elves pile onto the dire wolf's back.
. . 8th—
. . 7th—spell turning[D], open, open
. . 6th—mislead[D] (DC 20), word of recall (Magnimar Embassy), heal, heal, wind walk
. . 5th—break enchantment[D],
. . 4th—freedom of movement[D], freedom of movement, good hope, good hope,
. . 3rd—borrow fortune[D],
. . 2nd—augury[D], lesser restoration, lesser restoration,
. . 1st—true strike[D],
. . 0 (at will)—create water, detect magic, detect poison, stabilize
. . 3rd—instant enemy[APG]
. . 2nd—barkskin, barkskin, carry companion
. . 1st—abundant ammunition[UC], gravity bow[APG],
"I agree," Ryli says, after accepting the ioun stone and tossing it up to orbit around her head. She casts barkskin on herself and Lorthan, takes a sip of the Tears to Wine. She then casts echolocation and starts cantering off after the dire wolf. Lorthan takes flight and rises above the treetops to more easily glide with the fast runners.
You move to where you believe this creature is, which turns out to be the camp you had seen in the scrying. Small goblin huts are torn to shreds, several of the outright crushed. Others have burned. There seems to be no sign of any survivors. But Elthariel is quick to point out obvious tracks of a massive crocodilian that has entered the swamp water nearby, though she gives the waters edge a wide berth. ”Are you certain this is a friend? It is truly massive...and...and it’s penchant for destruction...it is unnatural...”
__________
Ryli shakes her head sadly at the destruction. She then closes her eyes and focuses on being one with the swamp, gaining an insight about powerful creatures that may be nearby.
"Underneath the water," Ryli whispers. "Stay back, just in case." She hands Kallie off to Lorthan and as a precaution casts freedom of movement on herself.
She steps closer to the water's edge and calls out in the language of all living things, "Hello, great water-lurker! I can tell your belly is full. Could you rise up and speak with me, a friend?"
The head of the beast rises to the surface, it alone is the size of a large river raft. It is missing an eye, and is covered in scars along its snout.
”Water Lurker?” it speaks aloud in Taldane. ”I am the hunter of these lands, Centaur. I am the Beast of Brinestump. Scourge of Goblins. Tell me why I shouldn’t end you for bothering me?”
Ryli's form flows and shrinks, taking on that of a human male just entering middle age. "Because you wouldn't do that to an old friend, now, would you?" He leans on his staff and gives the beast a sad smile.
Before Ryli goes to "talk" to the crocodile, Jeevika dismounts from Fenrir and casts Eagle's Splendor, Aspect of the Nightingale, and Tap Inner Beauty. The combined power of the spells seems to almost bridge the gap between her personal charm and that of Setsuna; there are small, subtle changes in the Holy Vindicator's looks and mannerisms, but they are there, and all for the better. However, she initially stays behind with the others.
When the crocodile talks, Jeevika utters a sigh of relief and carefully approaches. She taps herself and uses her Bit of Luck ability to maximize her efforts. Literally, every Bit of Luck counts...
"Shalelu, dear, my name is Jeevika. I'm Setsuna's mother. I believe we spoke earlier? ...Should you be willing, I am here to make good on my daughter's promise to you to restore your Elven form. It is within my power to make this a reality without fail relatively quickly."
At the sight of Riley, the crocodile’s eye seethes and its roars with anger! It surges out of the water, it’s gargantuan form towering over all of you! Lorthan steps between Riley and the rest, weapon ready.
”You! You cursed me to this damnable form! I should rip you to shreds and leave your remains for the swamp!” Shalelu roars as the swamp murk falls from her reptilian form.
When Jeevika interjects, the monstrous form stops and flares down at the group, small in comparison. A crocodilian hiss issues forth as it considers, you hope, Jeevika’s words. Or trying to eat you. Either one is equally a likely thought process.
Jeevika briefly turns to Ryli (Riley?), her expression a very clear "Please allow me to handle this highly delicate matter."
With a deep breath, she continues talking.
"Shalelu, I have a very powerful connection to Shelyn. You likely know who She is, but if you do not, She is the goddess of art and love. She is very kind, compassionate, and benevolent. I cannot restore your true form right this second, but I have a magical candle that will let me restore you tomorrow morning."
If Shalelu does not object, Jeevika slowly reaches into her haversack and produces the candle in question.
"This will augment my casting ability enough to directly petition Shelyn for a Miracle. Given her compassionate, loving nature, I strongly believe with all my heart that She will grant it without hesitation. I can only imagine how much you have suffered, Shalelu. How unloved you have felt. Still, I just... want you to know that Setsuna never forgot you or her promise to you. Perhaps she could have contacted you more frequently, yes. However, she was always intent on following through... Setsu's sadly no longer with us, but one of the points of her will was to restore you. As I said, I can do that. That's why I contacted you. That's why we're here!
"Shelyn be willing (and I am absolutely certain that she is), you will be an elf again tomorrow morning. I swear on Setsuna's grave that there are no catches; this will not backfire. It is well documented that a Miracle can restore a reincarnated individual to their original form."
Jeevika ponders what else she can add to seal the deal.
"As a gesture of good will, if you give me a mere fifteen minutes, I can Regenerate your eye and patch those scars."
"Step back, Lorthan, please," he says wearily. "If anyone's going to get eaten today, I'd prefer it be me."
The sound of Kallie crying causes Riley to move back, plant his staff in the ground and pick her up to shush her. The oversized bundle of legs and hooves looks comical in his arms, but he manages to quiet her. "Though I'd prefer she wait until Jeeves casts her spell before she tries," Riley coos to Kallie.
He looks up from the foal in his arms. "I'm sorry, Shalelu. I can't control the Wheel. Whatever strange confluence of events put you in this form, I know I had some part of it. I'm sorry. I can't take away the months you've spent like this, but we can put you to your rightful body. Will you let us?"
Jeevika ponders what else she could add. Does anything else need to be said? Perhaps...
"Shalelu, I understand that this is asking a lot from you. Placing your trust in us again is, well, daunting I imagine. That is why I am explaining everything upfront in as much detail as I can manage; I truly want you to know that I am being completely sincere."
Jeevika looks down at her magic candle and then holds it close.
"Unlike the Wheel, while much grander in many ways, this magic is very simple and controlled; I am directly petitioning who many regard as the single most kind, compassionate, benevolent deity in existence to restore your rightful form," explains Jeevika, emphasising each adjective she uses to describe her patron goddess, "Because of what happened between Her and Lord Dou-Bral, I truly believe that She empathizes with us in ways most deities do not. She understands pain. She has suffered greatly too. When I felt lost and unloved, Lady Shelyn was willing to help me. As such, should you let me make this simple request, I am absolutely certain that She will help you too."
Shalelu glares fown at you all, continuing to hiss on occasion as her reptilian mind works. ”Let us see what your ‘miracles’ are capable of,” she growls as she turns back to the water. ”then I’ll decide if I need to kill you.”
The water churns as she wades into the water and sinks out of sight.
Ryli returns to her native shape. "That went well." She tries to comfort Kallie by tickling her. "Your Uncle Riley certainly was crotchety. Sigh. I miss being old."
She carries her foal to a nearby spot of dry-ish land and casts grove of respite. She plucks a goodberry-infused pear from one of the trees and gulps it down, then curls up to rest.
Jeevika sighs in relief.
"Now we just wait," she mutters to Eltharial as she leads the rest of the group to Ryli's grove.
Once the morning dawns, Jeevika places her magic candle inside the special container she bought to protect it from the elements and lights the wick. After an hour of intense meditation, the Holy Vindicator does the same buffing routine as the day prior (plus the Charisma enhancement spells and Freedom of Movement). Once ready, Jeevika chugs per renewable potion of Ward the Faithful and mentally utters every prayer to Shelyn she knows. She blesses everyone with Good Hope.
Just in case, Elthariel coats Jeevika with a Barkskin spell and prepares herself with Abundant Ammunition.
"Shalelu!" Jeevika calls out into the depths of the swamp, "I'm ready!"
. . 9th—miracle[D], miracle
. . 8th—
. . 7th—spell turning[D], regenerate, open, open
. . 6th—mislead[D] (DC 20), word of recall (Magnimar Embassy), heal, heal, wind walk, open
. . 5th—break enchantment[D],
. . 4th—
. . 3rd—borrow fortune[D],
. . 2nd—augury[D], lesser restoration, lesser restoration,
. . 1st—true strike[D],
. . 0 (at will)—create water, detect magic, detect poison, stabilize
The water ripples softly as Shalelu’s head breaks the surface. She stares at you coldly for a long time, before slowly wading to the dry land.
”You have one chance, Miracle Worker. One.”
Jeevika works her magic, and for a moment, nothing happens. Then, as Shalelu begins to hiss and snarl, a bright light begins to glow from between her scales! Then it glows from her eyes, mouth, and claws! The gigantic crocodile is lifted into the air as the magic envelopes her! Slowly, her form shrinks and reshapes, eventually morphing into a humanoid form, then shrinking down to a normal size!
Once the light subsides, the naked, Elven form of Shalelu lands on her hands and knees, panting. She looks at her hands, legs, and arms before crawling to the murky water. Even through the swamp filth, enough of her reflection can be seen for her to confirm she has returned to her original body!
”It...it worked! I’m me...I’M AN ELF AGAIN!!!”
Lorthan turns his eyes away from her nudity, while Elthariel’s eyes tear up at the scene.
Ryli gives Shalelu lots of space to celebrate her return to her old form. Kallie stands, still wobbly, in between Ryli's legs and watches with wide eyes.
"Jeevika," she says softly. "My presence is probably unwanted for this happy occasion. I'll let you elves get acquainted. Let her know that I'll be glad to transport her anywhere she'd like to go. But in the meantime, we'll be over there," she gestures to a small clump of land that rises out of the swamp. She urges Lorthan to join them and give the elves some time.
Jeevika glances up at the sky and closes her tearing eyes.
Thank you.
The Holy Vindicator pulls out one of the group's many Bags of Holding and starts fishing around for a variety of different things.
"Here," she says softly as she places some familiar items before Shalelu, "Your old gear. All nice and cleaned too. Since you returned to this mortal coil, we kept it with us. We figured that you would need them when you transformed backed."
Jeevika blushes slightly at that last sentence and looks away.
When Shalelu is decent, Jeevika approaches her and asks gently, "How about I Regenerate your missing eye and heal those scars? My offer from yesterday still stands, and I have the spell ready."
Shalelu, trembling with excitement and emotion, shakily puts on her old gear, holding her bow almost reverently. Once she calms, she looks to Jeevika and says, "Thank you. Thank you so much!"
She then turns to gaze at Ryli, before walking over to her. Lorthan shifts his weapon in his claws, glaring at her keenly. As she gets closer, she says "So, you're really him? Riley Tobias? I...I suppose you've not fared so well since Fort Rannick either. I...apologize for my earlier outburst. Rannick was just so terrible, seeing what that ogre did to my father, then the whole death and becoming a monster...it was a lot to take on. Then living that way for so long...I...I still don't really know how to wrap my mind around it. But, I do know that had you not brought me back, even as that...thing, then I wouldn't be standing here now, alive. So, thank you."
She offers her hand as a sign of her forgiving and thanking you, before adding, "This might sound crazy, but I'm going back to Fort Rannick. I won't let my father's legacy, no matter how distant we were for so long, be lost to that f+%&ing clan of ogres. I'm going to rebuild the Black Arrows."
By whatever means, you all eventually return to Sandpoint after about a month abroad preparing. There is a new fixture in the small town: a massive boat just sitting on the beach. On board are three stunning nymphs walking about, and standing at the gangplank is what appears to be an elf with golden blonde hair dressed in lavishly appointed attire.
She then turns to gaze at Ryli, before walking over to her. Lorthan shifts his weapon in his claws, glaring at her keenly. As she gets closer, she says "So, you're really him? Riley Tobias? I...I suppose you've not fared so well since Fort Rannick either. I...apologize for my earlier outburst. Rannick was just so terrible, seeing what that ogre did to my father, then the whole death and becoming a monster...it was a lot to take on. Then living that way for so long...I...I still don't really know how to wrap my mind around it. But, I do know that had you not brought me back, even as that...thing, then I wouldn't be standing here now, alive. So, thank you."
Ryli nods her head. "I was Riley. Seeing what the ogre did to you wasn't any easier, I must say. I think after he got done with you two, he killed me. I came back as Rilee, and now here I am again. I can't... seem to be Rilee anymore. I'm not sure why. But this is who I am now."
She accepts Shalelu's thanks. "I'm glad you're still alive. I hope you find peace now, honoring your father's legacy."
True to her word, she transports Shalelu to Fort Rannik, and even assists in the clearing out of any squatters that have come back in the Rangers' absence. A few summoned fire giants could make short work of ogres and their kin, aided by Lorthan, Jeevika, Elthariel and 'Lu. It was almost like the good old days, except only the ogres died.
After Eugeni buys his super cool boat, Zoli goes to chat with Dunner Butterhill at his halfling-sized church of Chaldira Zuzaristan and shop for enterprising swashbucklers.
The elder cleric gives her a big hug. "You're back! Tell me everything."
Zoli catches him up on their latest adventures, and then starts looking at his wares...especially the Ring of Resilience that he'd tempted her with before they went to the Runewell. She chats and makes her purchases, and then goes out to scour the rest of the bazaar buying gear, and ordering custom items as well.
Her enjoyment of being back in Magnimar is soured by terrible dreams, again preventing her from sleeping well.
As she waits in Magnimar for her exciting new purchases to be crafted, Zoli suffers night after night of disturbing dreams. In frustration one morning, she complains aloud, "Ugghh. Who are you? What do you want from me?!?"
A voice in her head replies, ::I’m a friend, if you’d let me.::
Surprised to hear a voice in her head, she says, ::No offense, but you're not getting off on the best foot. Care for a fresh start? How about you introduce yourself.::
It replies, ::I am a follower of Wrath, just like you, Highlady. And to that end, we share the same enemy.::
Zoli asks, ::You mean Karzoug? If so then you're in luck. I plan to thwart his plans for return...as long as I can get some frigging sleep. Are you here to help me get some?::
The voice responds, ::I could help you, if you agree to help me.::
Zoli grimaces. ::You haven't quite endeared yourself to me yet, but make your case. What help do you want? And what can you offer in return?::
It replies, ::I can promise you get a good nights sleep tonight. In the morning, perhaps we can talk again about “endearment.”::
Zoli does indeed sleep well. After so many restless nights, She is genuinely grateful for the rest. While breaking her fast on some tea, bread, and soft cheese, she ventures, ::OK, it's nice to wake up rested, I'll happily admit. Now, you've said know that I'm the Highlady of Righteous Anger. Is that why you're in my head? I'm ready to listen. Who are you, and what's on your mind?::
The voice responds, ::A friend will have to do for now. I have given something to you, but I wanna know if you are willing to do something for me now in return. Something that will help your cause as well.::
Sipping tea, Zoli challenges, ::Given? Or stopped taking something away?
::Either way, feel free to make your request. I'm just finishing my breakfast and happy to listen. If you have a way for us to help each other, I'm open::
It replies, ::Convince your teammates to help you find Xin Bakrahkhan. Once there, you can find the greatest weapon against Karzoug!::
Zoli arches an eyebrow. ::You mean a Dominant weapon? You'll have to tell me more. I don't know how I can trust you if I don't even know who are you and what do you want in Xin Bakrahkhan.::
It answers, ::I, like you, want to see Karzoug destroyed. And it isn’t a Dominant Weapon. It is something far more powerful. And until you give me reason to believe you will work WITH me, then I don’t know if I can trust YOU.::
Exasperated, Zoli replies, ::OK, look. I swear by the rune of Righteous Anger and my mantle as Highlady, I WILL destroy Karzoug...but I'll have a more pleasant time doing it if I can GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP! Let me sleep until I'm reunited with my friends and I'll discuss this with them...but unless you can give me more to go on, I don't know how likely I am to persuade them.::
In response, she hears the voice say, ::Very well...we shall see if you are good for your word...::
That conversation complete, Zoli does in fact have a few good nights. She finds that the voice is there to talk to just about anytime she tries, and when she does it points things out like, Who did Karzoug wage war against the most? The Runelord Of Wrath. Who would be the largest threat to Karzoug in his prime? The Runelord Of Wrath. Who would have been the most likely to have had a way to stop Karzoug for good? His greatest enemy. So on and so forth.
Pretending to play along, Zoli asks :Hello, mysterious ally in Righteous Anger. You're making interesting suggestions. Tell me, could the great weapon be the return of Alaznist herself? Surely that would help greatly to turn the tides against Karzoug. Is that your aim?::
It replies, ::That would be a great weapon against Karzoug...do you think it could be done?::
Zoli asks, ::I was hoping you could tell me! Really, if you give me a bit more to go on, I'll be more likely to be able to persuade the rest of the Varisian Rangers to seek Xin Bakrakhan.::
In reply, it says, ::We will know more when we get there. Things can change in so much time. It is hard to tell what is or isn’t there...::
Zoli gets the feeling that it's trying to act as though it's playing along...but it doesn't trust her any more than she does it.
When she gets back to Sandpoint with her new purchases, she seeks out the rest of the Varisian Rangers, gathering at the White Deer.
"Friends, I want to be honest with you. The good news is since you broke that spell, I've been in control of my own mind again. I'm confident of that.
"The bad news is I still have a voice in my head. I'm not sure how much to trust it...and I'm not sure how much it trusts me. That said, it says that there's a great weapon against Karzoug--better even than just having Dominant weapons--that we could gain by traveling to Xin Bakrakhan. I'm suspicious, but there might be something to it. After all, he certainly had no foe greater than Alaznist. Perhaps her domain really does have something that could help us defeat him."
Zoli relays her dreams and conversations in as much detail as she can remember and then asks, "What do you think?"
About a week before the reunion at Sandpoint, Jeevika asks Ryli to take her back to Shalelu. If not, she Wind Walks her way to the Fort Rennick area.
"I know that Reincarnation leaves some drain on the soul. The sheer powerful of your previous form likely masked it, but perhaps you have noticed it now?"
Jeevika produces a Silver Ioun Stone in the shape of Spindle from her pocket and lets it hover around her head.
"If you would like, I can treat that drain."
If allowed, Jeevika cast Greater Restoration on Shalelu and fully restores her fellow elf. However, instead of using an absurd amount of diamond dust to power the process, the Holy Vindicator simply bites the soft part of her outer hand around where the index finger meets the thumb. From there, she seemingly uses the blood spilled to power the spell...
Remembering how the last time she tried to reason with Zoli went, Jeevika promptly waits for Ryli and Eugeni to speak first.
"Friends, I want to be honest with you. The good news is since you broke that spell, I've been in control of my own mind again. I'm confident of that.
"The bad news is I still have a voice in my head. I'm not sure how much to trust it...and I'm not sure how much it trusts me. That said, it says that there's a great weapon against Karzoug--better even than just having Dominant weapons--that we could gain by traveling to Xin Bakrakhan. I'm suspicious, but there might be something to it. After all, he certainly had no foe greater than Alaznist. Perhaps her domain really does have something that could help us defeat him."
Zoli relays her dreams and conversations in as much detail as she can remember and then asks, "What do you think?"
Happy to have his companions back, Eugeni is about to suggest that they come view the Rangers' new airship when Zoli makes her plea. "I think that this is most likely a trap; or at minimum something which will benefit the voice in your head as much or more as it will us. Despite this, I would be willing to investigate Xin Bakrakhan as long as we go in well prepared."
Jeevika quirks an eyebrow when Eugeni seems open to going to Xin-Bakrakhan.
What would Setsuna say?
A mental imagine of her middle daughter appears in Jeevika's head.
"Alaznist was trying to wage a war against the Runelord of Greed, right? That means that she was probably loaded! Just imagine all awesome things we could crib from her!"
...I thought our family's sin was Wrath? That sounds really Greedy, dear.
Jeevika hears squirrel chittering from Setsuna's backpack.
"Sabby says that she is probably a Gluttony. While you could make a case for Sloth, she also spent like three hours a day working out. Anyway, no, I'm not being Greedy. Obviously a generous portion of proceeds would go to Sandpoint! And everything we repose from her is something that she can't use upon her return! Plus you still need like at least 15,000 gp worth of diamond to bring me back, right?"
Jeevika snaps back to reality.
"Putting aside their blatant attempt to mentally subvert Zoli already, this individual was not exactly forthcoming with meaningful information. In fact, I believe that they seek to turn Zoli into Alaznist's Mokmurian. As such, I see no reason to trust them. I agree with Eugeni in one regard: it's a trap."
Jeevika turns to Ryli and adds, "However, I will reserve final judgement until we all have said our piece."
"...Plus you could totally just kill the fool trying to subvert Zoli and then poach their stuff too and use it against Karzoug! I mean, we've beaten Tsuto, Nualia, her army, Ironbriar, Xanesha, their cultists, that family of hillbilly ogrekin, the entire Kreeg clan (minus that one jerk who got away), Barl, Lucretia, their allies, The Sandpoint Invaders, General Gobbledigook, Mokmurian, his army (sorta), The Scribbler, his mooks, Frostmaw, Vraxeris' leftovers, Delvahine, her goons, The Warriors of Wrath, Azaven, his lackeys, Ordikon, his minions, and Lord Humungus! Why is this goober any different?" Imaginary Setsuna cooes, "Oh! You could also totally sabotage anything Alaznist needs to return too~!"
More squirrel chittering is heard from Setsuna's backpack.
"Ah, nuts! Uh, I think Pharasma's Psychopomps are getting close! Gotta run, Mom!"
Jeevika promptly blanks out and stares into space.
"We could take our new airship..." Eugeni throws in. "There are a couple of nymphs waiting there to inspire you and Elthariel, Jeevika."
Ryli listens sagely to everything, but stays quiet for a while. She watches Kallie prance and cavort in a nearby patch of clover, chasing butterflies. The carefree joy of childhood demonstrated in stark contrast to her former progeny's heavy burden.
Her tail flicks in agitation as she considers their choices ahead of them. All the Runelords were massively powerful; they needed to stop one of them from returning. It certainly sounded like Zoli's mysterious voice wished for another's return. While Alaznist sounded like an enemy to Karzoug, she wouldn't benevolently return to her own exile once he was defeated.
There were others, too. Though far more muted ever since leaving the Runewell (or its destruction), she still felt the burning in her loins far too often for this to be simply the product of a youthful and virile body. Something in her stirred with excitement and passion when she considers the possibility of Sorshen returning. But her return, too, would be ill-advised, even if Ryli had a voice inside her directing her to the Runelord of Lust's hiding place.
"I think we're all agreed that it's a trap. And my guess is, that the weapon this voice is talking about is Alaznist herself. It's using the prospect of us finding something else to entice us to Xin-Bakrakhan. Whatever treasures that may lurk there, are probably dangerous and destructive. What's Wrath's magical school? Evocation, correct? Destructive magics."
She whistles, and Kallie stops her joyful canter and looks at her. Olympus pauses in his protective watch over the young filly and looks in her direction as well. "Alaznist won't go quietly if Karzoug is defeated. We shouldn't risk waking one tyrant while trying to stop another. Even if we succeed in avoiding the voice's trap, what weapons could we find that won't cause collateral destruction?"
As Kallie trots up to Ryli, she takes her into her arms. "I'd prefer we keep as much that's green and living as possible."
"I have often used evocation magics for the good of our mission. Going to take a look is highly unlikely to awaken a Runelord. As long as Zoli does not pull another Runeforge, and everyone is careful, I believe the potential rewards are worth the risks."