As she fades from sight, the Stirges betray her position as she begins to flee. Zoli rushes over and slices through the air beneath them, sending a spray of blood across the room. The archon sends two beams of light that way as well, and one impacts the woman, who falls to the ground bleeding profusely from her wounds as she shimmers back into view.
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"Yes! Lets bind her, and question her! Find out what's behind all of this madness. There could be others involved yet.
"Riley, call your stirges off for now. Mory and Eugeni, will you help me tie her up?
"Setsuna, she'll need a bit of healing to bring back to consciousness...but only after we have her bound of course.
"She killed many people--and now Tzefira--so she needs to pay...but if we can learn what was behind all of this first, we'll be better able to put this to rest once and for all!"
Riley presses his lips together tight, not really happy to allow the monster to live even for questioning. However, he nods his head once and gestures, which in turn causes three of the stirges to disappear. A few seconds later, the other two pop out, although they were able to take a couple more gulps before fading off into the ether.
Zoli sees the last of her lifeblood drain out as the stirges disappear. She sighs, "Well, she certainly deserved it. I don't know how much she'd have divulged...but we still don't know how deep this 'Brotherhood' and 'the Seven' go exactly. Why in Desna's name would she anyone...?"
She looks over at Tzefira. "We didn't know her well but she was a real hero, fighting to do the right thing." Zoli closes Tzefira's eyes and tries, uselessly, to rearrange her corpse into a position that looks more comfortable. The halfling's own eyes start to water up. Wiping them with her sleeve she says, "I don't much feel like it at this point, but we'd better search Xanesha and this area for clues. That demon-thing seems to have gone away, but who knows if it went to go get help or what? Or what other allies Xanesha might've had around here?"
Zoli straightens Tzefira's hair a bit, and then says the rhyme that activates her ability to Detect Magic and begins to search the room and Xanesha's corpse.
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Riley shrugs. "Sorry. About the stirges, that is. They're handy, but just creatures of instinct. They're going to keep drinking as long as she had blood in her."
He steps over to Tzefira's body and kneels down, placing a hand on Zoli's shoulder in comfort. "I know a way to bring her back; to let her ride the wheel and get a new start. She may not accept it, though, if she would rather see the Lady of the Boneyard. But if she takes the wheel, she'll be back just as your friend did. And this time, we won't have to worry about thieves taking off with her old body."
With that, Riley checks on Olympus, who nuzzles him with affection.
Zoli looks up at the druid, smiling at the warmth of his weathered hand on her shoulder. "Of course, you could reincarnate her. Her soul will...get to choose whether or not to return?"
Zoli starts to examine the loot and then looks up with a start. "Wait a second! What did you mean, 'this time, we won't have to worry about thieves taking off with her old body'?"
Riley jerks around, surprised at Zoli's outburst. He looks at Eugeni, then replays the last few days in his head. "Oh, I might not have gotten around to mentioning that part yet," he says while scratching his chin. "What with all the murders and cults and mysteries, it didn't seem to be a very good time to add to your distress."
He looks around uncomfortably, taking a longer look at Eugeni and Tzefira's body than the others. "I happened to have observed Eugeni's moment where he subjected himself to the wheel. Not much of the old body is needed for the spell, since you're getting a new one, after all. So the druids shifted, savages his corpse, and ran off in different directions with, ahem, pieces, in their jaws. It's what piqued my curiosity in the first place, since that is not how I would have done it."
Zoli starts to mumble, then groan, as she reads the crumpled up letter. "'Little sister'? Oh dear. How big do Lamias get, anyway? You all should definitely have a look at this letter. There's more going on here we'd realized..."
Setsuna casts Guidance before each attempt to study the unknown magical items.
"...I can't tell you anything about the spear, but I recognize the mask and the shirt."
She takes a long moment before doing much of anything else. The Half-Elf looks at Xanesha's corpse and sighs. Setsuna feels her eyes starting to water again.
Her nightmare is finally over.
And yet...
Setsuna's eyes linger on Tzefira's broken body, which causes her to whimper a bit.
Her nightmare is finally over, but it came at a price.
She lets out a small groan upon hearing that Xanesha has a sister.
"Does it matter? It sounds like she lives miles away from here."
Morythine takes a deep breath of relief as the lamia falls. He squats down beside Tzefira’s corpse and picks up a lock of her hair. “It doesn’t float on its own anymore,” he points out to Zoli.
“Tzefira might have some gear we can use to avenge her.”
Not much of the old body is needed for the spell, since you're getting a new one, after all. So the druids shifted, savages his corpse, and ran off in different directions with, ahem, pieces, in their jaws.
”Wow,” observes Morythine. “Those druids must have been picking hair out of their teeth for quite some time afterwards.”
Aura moderate transmutation; CL 11th
Slot head; Price 10,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.
DESCRIPTION
This intricate mask is made of gold-plated iron. Writhing snake tails radiate from a gemstone upon the brow, almost as if they were medusa-like hair.
The mask grants a +4 bonus on all saving throws against visual effects, including gaze attacks and sight-based illusions. Once per day as a standard action, the wearer can cause the central gemstone to glow with pale green light, at which point she may target any one creature within 30 feet. The targeted creature must succeed at a DC 15 Fortitude save or be petrified for 1 minute, as if by flesh to stone.
Slot chest; Price 8,000 gp; Weight 2 lbs.
DESCRIPTION
A snakeskin tunic is a tight, form-fitting shirt crafted from the scales of a giant snake.
When worn, it grants a +1 armor bonus to AC, a +2 enhancement bonus to Dexterity, and a +2 resistance bonus on saving throws against poison.
Hearing Setsuna whimper, Morythine manages to tear his gaze away from where the spear ran Tzefira through. Seeing tears in the woman's eyes, he gets too his feet and approaches her with a shuffle. Clumsily he removes his tricorn and pats down his limp brown hair.
"Fear not my lady, and dry thine eyes. I'll protect you from harm when the sister no doubt comes to find us and bring down ruin upon all our heads."
Zoli sits down next to Setsuna, letting the weight of her body lean into the dark halfelf's.
"This is the third companion who's died during our travels. Baern. Kala. Now Tzefira. It doesn't get any easier, although--" she looks up at Riley, "I guess at this point, you have the power to give her soul the chance to return, if she wants more of this crazy life. Is that right? Is that really within your power?"
Turning to face everyone, she says, "At any rate, we have much to do. I'd like to get this loot out of her as soon as we can...given the trecherousness of these steps. We need to find out who Tzefira's next of kin are...though I guess the very first step is Riley seeing if she wants to return anew. We need to get the evil masks we captured from the cultists in the sawmill to a good temple who will see them safely disposed of, we need to sell what loot we choose to here, and buy what we want to help us on our next journey.
"And of course we need to let the guard know that we've brought the Skinsaw Murders to an end. (Hey, maybe they've even got a reward out for that!) Before we do though...that line about the mayor troubled me, in the letter from Xanesha's sister. I'd like to ask around a bit and see what I can find about him first."
"This is the third companion who's died during our travels. Baern. Kala. Now Tzefira. It doesn't get any easier, although--" she looks up at Riley, "I guess at this point, you have the power to give her soul the chance to return, if she wants more of this crazy life. Is that right? Is that really within your power?"
Riley looks at Zoli with kind eyes. "It will take a bit of preparation, but for Tzefira's reckoning, no time at all."
When the treasures are claimed and everyone is safely out of the tower, Riley invites everyone to a pleasant glade a few miles outside Magnimar. Tzefira's body is laid upon some moss-covered stones. Riley had gathered some rare herbs from the surrounding lands as well as purchased other components from various merchants within the city itself. Laying them about the corpse, he intones a low supplication to the cycles of life -- ever spinning and rejuvenating such as when rain falls, flows through rivers to the sea, where it is called back up into the clouds only to fall again as rain -- and invites Tzefira's spirit to ride that wheel to be reborn again.
Minutes pass, then hours. Eventually, Riley nods sadly, then begins gathering up the components and storing them away. "I believe she has made her choice. Her spirit wishes to move on to the other realms, and not return to this one." He presses his lips together tightly as he regards the ones who have lost companions before. "It's not for everyone, mind you. Casting away what you were, coming back as someone else. It's still you, but different. Man, woman, elf, dwarf, human, and so on. Lots of what makes you you is cast aside, should you ride the wheel."
Zoli nods. "Thank you for trying. I...I feel certain now that if I were to die I'd want to come back; there's still so much I want to do!
"But it's odd to think how death itself might change that perspective. I mean, what is there to learn there? (...And yeah, it'd be really weird to come back as a dwarf or goblin or pegasus or flumph or whatnot.)"
Before descending from the clock tower Zoli places the Sihedron Medalion over Tzefira's neck so that her body can benefit from its gentle repose effect while they settle business.
A precarious hour later, they manage to haul all of the loot down and back to the Inn where they're staying. "OK," she says, "We'd better let the city guard know that these murders are done with and the city should be able to breathe easier again."
With that, the group heads into the Capital District, to the Pediment Building. The pint-sized swashbuckler proudly leads the adventurers through the enormous entrance doors and says to the first guard she sees, ”Hello! I have excellent news: We have defeated the cultists who were perpetrating the Skinsaw Murders. Is the Captain of the Guard available? Or the Lord-Mayor? I believe they will be interested to hear what we've learned!”
___________________
An annoyed adjutant looks up from a stack of correspondences before saying dubiously "Of course you have. You'd be the fifth ones to do so this week," before turning his attention back to his missives.
Noting that the group does not turn away at his rebuke, he sighs as he puts down the scroll in his hand and adds, "Very well. What proof do you have of your deed?" in a tone that seems rehearsed and that he has repeated several times over.
Zoli holds up a bag of masks made of human flesh, and--in her other hand--a sihedron medallion. "I didn't feel like dragging the cultists' bodies here but we can escort someone to them when needed. "
The man looks at the masks with disinterest, but his eyes widen at the symbol on the medallion. "Th-that is the same mark..." he clears his throat to buy him a moment to regain his composure. "Lord Ironbriar has not been in his office the past few days, he was the Justice handling the case. But I am certain the Lord-Mayor will want to see this. Follow me."
The adjutant turns and guides you up a few flights of stairs through the opulent building to an office on the top floor, where he knocks and waits for a muffled "Enter." before proceeding. Inside an immense and lavishly decorated office, sits a portly gentleman easily recognizable as Lord-Mayor Haldmeer Grobaras. The man sits behind a mahogany desk covered with papers, ledgers, and coins.
The adjutant leads you across the office and bows to the Lord-Mayor, glancing back to make sure you all do the same. He then rises and says, "Lord-Mayor. These adventurers have reasonable claim to having put an end to the string of murders plaguing our city."
Grobaras looks up from his counting and arches an eyebrow. "Do you, now? Well, let's hear it."
Setsuna casts Guidance on herself before entering the Mayor's office.
"Here's what happened, your Lordship," the half-elf says politely as she begins to tell the entire tale as she knows it. Well, for the most part; she carefully leaves out any major personal details about her past. Setsuna offers the various pieces of paperwork that the group has collected as proof and points out that Tzefira was repeatedly seen working with the group by numerous Magnimar guards prior to her murder.
Once she finishes, Setsuna quietly adds.
"If I had to guess, the reports I gave the Watch are probably buried somewhere in Ironbriar's office? The guards took me seriously on every occasion I contacted them, but I get the feeling that Ironbriar buried the evidence when it got to him. It would explain... a lot..."
Grobaras seems doubtful at the beginning of the tale, but as the evidence mounts and its credibility becomes clear, he takes the story more serious. As Setsuna finishes her story, Grobaras begins flipping through the documents she presented in silence. When he reaches the note found in Xanesha's lair, he reads it in earnest, pales towards the end of it, then faints!
The adjutant calls out to the guards in a panic, and four armed men burst into the room. "The mayor has fainted!" the man calls out to them before they assume the worst. After several minutes and the retrieval of some smelling salts, the Lord-Mayor comes to and waves off the guards, who reluctantly leave the office.
Grobaras sits back behind his desk and takes a quill and some paper, scribbles some things down, stamps it with his seal, then hands it to the adjutant. The man looks at the paper and his eyes go wide. "But sir...this was meant for..."
Haldmeer silences him with a wave of his hand. "These fine folk saved my life, and countless others. It is well worth it. Now shoo! See to it!"
The adjutant bows and takes the paper and leaves the office.
"My friends," the mayor says, "the city owes you a great debt! You have brought this dark period to an end! As well as unveiled and handled a traitor lurking in our very midst. Your heroics are the stuff that the bards shall sing of for months!"
As the mayor lavishes you with praise, the adjutant returns with five guards carrying a medium chest each. "Take this as a symbol of Magnimar's and my appreciation for your heroics." The guards set a chest in front of each of you, and opens the lids to reveal a mound of glimmering platinum coins!
__________
Zoli's eyes go wide at the reward and she grins ear to ear. That...that's a Real Hero's Reward!
"Thank you Lord-Mayor. I am as glad as you are that these murders have come to an end here, and to see the cultists defeated. Your reward shows that Magnimar is a just and noble city, treating well those who serve the greater good.
"If I may trouble you for a few more minutes, there are two other matters: First, our companion in this fight, Tzefira. She was hired by the city to investigate and ended up joining forces with us...and as Setsuna said, is now sadly dead. We know not who her family are. Can you have someone from your office find who her next of kin are, to inform them of the sad news and to pass along her possessions and her body for burial?
"Second...you'll note on that final letter that Setsuna presented you with that there is likely more trouble to investigate around Fort Rannick and the Turtleback Ferry. We have discussed it and will go to investigate there as well, but I wonder if you, or someone on your staff, have heard any strange reports coming from there? Or otherwise have anything that might be of assistance to us in this next endeavor?"
The mayor assures you that Tzefira's personal effects and body shall be tended to properly.
At mention of Fort Rannick, he replies, "Yes, yes, it would seem that there might indeed have once posed a threat to the Fort, but I assure you, I received a missive from the Black Arrows there just the other day, and there was nothing of note to report. So go, enjoy yourselves and relish your victory! You have earned it!"
__________
After receiving the reward and unsuccessfully trying to bring back Tzefira, Riley hangs around the group as they decide what to do about Xanesha's sister.
As he predicted, Olympus kept growing. With Zoli's willingness to get Olympus used to carrying a rider, he commissions barding and a special harness and saddle for the growing roc. However, it soon becomes apparent that despite the avian's rapid growth in size and strength, carrying a man-sized rider with gear was going to be nearly impossible. But Riley found a solution in magic. Buying a pair of muleback cords and having them incorporated into the barding helped greatly. Furthermore, if Riley casts ant haul on his companion before flight, the roc can effortlessly carry both himself and all their gear besides.
After concluding your business with Mayor Grobaras, you find yourselves with a small fortune of coin in each of your hands, more coin than any of you have ever even fathomed before. As is usual with folk who come into a financial windfall, the coin begins to burn through your coin purses as if they were made of magma, and you each spend the next few days in the city making extravagant purchases.
Four days go by , before the heroes of Sandpoint convince their newfound friends to accompany them back home to their small town "home." It is another two days of travel up the Lost Coast Road before, as the sun begins to set on the second day, that the Old Light makes its first appearance ahead, soon followed by the rooftops of Sandpoint.
As you approach the town, Eugeni, Zoli, and Morythine quikly recognize Titus Scarnetti atop his horse headed down Schooner Gulch Road towards his family estate. He pauses long enough to get a look at the group, and as realization sets in on his face, he narrows his eyes as he says sarcastically, "Ah, the heroes return. How fortunate for us all."
Without waiting for a response, he spurs his stallion to a trot, continuing on his way. After a few more feet, the wooden bridge entering Sandpoint from the south provides a welcome sight to those of you who have spent some time here, and the sign and mirror posted beside it greets you as always: "Welcome to Sandpoint! Please stop to see yourself as we see you!"
Mothers busy themselves chasing down their children to prepare them for bed, and Gaven Deverin (mayor Deverin's cousin) can be seen somberly closing down the Two Knights Brewery for the night. The smell of the cooking fire of the Rusty Dragon pleasantly assaults your nostrils as you can hear Hayliss Korvaski's (Jasper's sister) laughter as she watches a child playing with a toy dragon they just purchased from her boutique across the street.
The boy pauses his playing long enough to spot the group approaching on the street, and once he recognizes them, his eyes light up with excitement. Just before his mother can catch up to him, he runs off shouting, "THE HEROES ARE BACK! THE HEROES ARE BACK!"
His mother gives an exasperated sigh and begins her chase anew, calling after him as the pair run down Market Street further into town.
__________
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Zoli enjoys getting to eat fine food in Magnimar and to shop in the big city’s many magic shops...though in the end she keeps turning to her shopping-mates and whispering, ”I bet Xamarath could make that for us just as well, and cheaper!” In the end, she ends up mostly selling off her share of the loot for platinum and jewels...and writing up a list of things to ask Xamarath about making when they get home. And if he’s too busy, I guess I can always head back to Magnimar to buy stuff then.
As she’s shopping on their second day, Zoli’s approached by a halfling fellow in loose red pants with a green tunic, wearing a broach like a golden shortsword. ”Ahem! Are you Zoli the Bold, the Daring Blade of Chaldira, who led a band of merry adventurers to defeat the skinsaw cultists and their mighty lamia mastermind?”
When Zoli blinks with surprise and nods he says, ”I’m Dunner Butterhill, sworn cleric of Chaldira Zuzaristan. Please, if you would, we’re having a meeting this afternoon in the shrine of Chaldira and we’d love for you to come and tell your dashing tale!”
Her eyes widen as she realizes that even in this large city their tale--her tale--is starting to spread. ”Why, I’d be delighted!” she grins.
Zoli finds that the shrine is one of the few thoroughly halfling-sized buildings she’s been in in Magnimar. Reverend Butterhill invites her to the front of a packed-to-overflowing room, filled with halflings of all ages. Zoli clears her throat and then begins to tell their tale. As she warms up, she finds she’s truly enjoying herself. Remembering the tricks Xamarath taught her, Zoli punctuates the tale with occasional well-placed ghost sounds and bursts of prestidigitation.
When she finishes, the halflings cheer, howl, and bang on their benches. ”To Zoli! Zoli the Bold! Chaldira’s Daring Blade!!”
Zoli giggles merrily as the crowd cheer her and she bows and thanks everyone. If only papa was alive to see this. Oh maybe then he’d understand why I’ve made the choices I’ve made…
As the packed shrine slowly starts to empty out, Reverend Butterhill says ”Before you go, Zoli, I’d like to give you a special blessing for your further escapades.” He leads her over to a fountain. ”What is your sacred keepsake, my dear?” Zoli holds out the lucky Thassilonian button she’d found before this all began.
”Allow me,” the cleric says. Pouring water from the fountain over the button, he says, ”By the grace of Chaldira Zuzaristan--the Calamitous Turn--may your boldness ever be rewarded. May your luck flow on like this holy fountain, and when you rush into danger may Chaldira never turn her eyes from you.”
As Zoli walks back to the Inn, she has a huge, silly grin on her face. Rubbing the button (once again pinned into her braids), she thinks You know what? I do feel luckier! and grins even wider.
Earlier...
Once the business with the Lord-Mayor is concluded, Setsuna retreats to the inn and passes out. About three hours later, she comes out of her room looking much more rested and relaxed.
Probably still in shock about Tzefira's death, the Half-Elf justifies to herself, feeling slightly guilty that she is not feeling any worse. Or maybe I'm just more happy that I lived through that nightmare.
Setsuna wishes that she could say more about Tzefira. She died a hero, and she generally seemed pleasant, but they never really interacted much. They were allies of convenience, and thanks to the arcanist's death, that is all they will ever be.
She briefly thinks over the rest of the group.
The Oracle really likes Zoli. She is probably the first non-family member that Setsuna considers a friend. Friendly, kind-hearted, nice, caring, fierce, noble, loyal, cute. So many positive adjectives could apply to her. Zoli had helped her the most in her time of need, and Setsuna feels that she will always be grateful for that.
She also likes Riley. Wise, sagely, kind, rather doting (in her opinion), he feels something like the human grandfather she never had. He seems fairly well-adjusted too; the druid definitely knows how to roll with any punches thrown his way. That is always nice. It must come with living so many lifetimes.
Her opinion of Morythine is a mixed bag. He has certainly eyed her throughout their time together, but Setsuna could honestly care less; most men (and some women) just tend to find her attractive. That's perfectly normal. She wants to like him more, but something about him seems off. Generally, he tends to be kind to her, but there's something about his tone that bothers her. Setsuna cannot help but feel that he is being passive-aggressive.
While silent, Eugeni seems nice. He thanked her for healing and welcomed her into his "family" after their second fight together. He just seems... weary. Broken in some fashion. He must have had a hard life prior to meeting her. Setsuna wishes she could relate more; her Magnimar Nightmare is far and away the biggest thing with which she has ever dealt. Jeevika Kailani bent heaven and earth to make sure her beloved daughter lived a happy, innocent life before adulthood, and it shows. Even after striking out on her own, Setsuna had always lucked out before anything serious had happened.
Setsuna looks at her hand and absentmindedly flexes it.
Despite her slumber basically equating a two hour nap, she Dreamed again. Dream with a capital D. Once again, she saw things not meant for mortal minds. Something... powerful... acknowledged her, and Setsuna recalls being able to pull more powerful from the vast insanity.
Her connection to the Dark Tapestry is stronger than ever. In many ways, it feels like it is a reward for surviving Xanesha's wrath. Setsuna knows more magical spells, ones that would have made life that much more difficult for Xanesha. Her cloak of shadows is now thicker and more protective. If she wants, she can morph it into two inky wings, which would have made escape from the clocktower far easier.
No more suicidal rides on summoned bats!
Her mind drifts back to what she was thinking about just before her Dreams: Luck.
She had been lucky. Everyone sans Tzefira had been lucky. If her celestial crocodile had not stunned Xanesha for six vital seconds, then it is more than likely that someone else would have died. In the grand scheme of things, the snake woman probably would have perished either way; Riley's striges were sucking her dry quickly, and Setsuna feels like the old druid probably could have called a couple more just in case. However, the croc's bite stunned her long enough for Zoli to sneak in a few good blows without worrying about getting ripped to shreds.
Setsuna sighs. She had made a difference. That feels... nice. Aside from her crocodile, her Archon had helped worn Xanesha down and had delivered the downing blow. Her healing had kept Zoli on her feet. Even before that, her Dust of Twilight spell had allowed Zoli to slow Xanesha down just enough for Zoli to get a good hit despite the snake's invisibility. She had bought Riley enough time to summon his stirges. Sure, she probably could have done more; she really cannot think of any way she helped Morythine and Eugeni besides putting a giant body in between the latter and Xanesha.
Still...
~~~Rise of the Runelords: Setsuna's Insane Adventure~~~
The spoils of war are sold, and Setsuna finds herself with enough money to retire for a half-elven lifetime.
She wonders what to do with it. Getting quick and safe passage via Teleportation back to Kyonin should be easy enough. From there, she could hide from Xanesha's sister in her grandparents' basement for the rest of admittedly long life. It would probably be one of the last places anyone would ever look.
As tempting as that plan sounds, Setsuna ultimately just buys a Ring of Invisibility. There are ways to foil such magic, but only powerful outsiders and casters really seem to readily sport them. Meanwhile, having a Ring of Invisibility would have let her easily avoid the cultists. Combined with her new wings, Setsuna doubts that she will ever be trapped in a similar situation ever again.
Without the rampant murders taking place, Magnimar turns out not to be such a bad city. However, Setsuna feels that she has been there for far too long. She contemplates reuniting with her mother, but Azathoth knows where Jeevika Kailani is. Besides, if her mother learns what had transpired in Magnimar, then she would probably keep her beloved daughter on a leash for another decade. True, Setsuna had a few to spare but not nearly as many as her mother probably thinks.
There is another option. The Heroes of Sandpoint™ seem about ready to head home. Riley also seems to have convinced them to take him along.
Maybe...
Setsuna considers how to make her appeal and ultimately concludes to ask Zoli. Morythine probably would not give her a straightforward answer, and Eugeni already has told her that he considers her one of the group. If gets two of the three Heroes' approval, then she probably has all the permission she will need for it to be official.
Once she is able to get a moment along with the smaller woman, Setsuna quickly turns on her Charm to full blast.
"Hey, Zoli. Uh... We worked so well together, and I've kind of noticed that you really don't have a dedicated healer, and I'm a healer, and I'm also a trained diplomat (sorta). I kinda think we're friends too. That's not too much of an assumption, right? And I'm really not doing anything, so I've been wondering... If it's alright with you... and the others... If it's not too much trouble... Maybe... Possibly... Could I go back to Sandpoint with you?
The first night after their ordeal in the tower, Eugeni pops out of the city and finds a quiet place in the nearby countryside. He builds a rough lean-to shelter and just sits quietly with his thoughts. Another companion cut down by evil before my eyes. I wasn't able to save her either. Is all this happening because I turned my back on Old Deadeye? Is he punishing us? Well, if so, he never deserved my worship anyway........
I miss being happy. Sure, I used to be an outsider, but at least I knew my place and life was safe and simple. Now things are so complicated. I feel like I'm living out a destiny that's too big for me to understand. At least Zoli is still around. She's always been so kind to me. I think...I think I love her. She's so brave and cute. How could I ever confess it though? What if she doesn't feel the same?
The archer spends a long time staring into the cherry red embers of his small fire, feeling the cool night breeze flow over his naked green skin. He pulls out his newly purchased long-stemmed pipe, and thwacks a handful of dried plant matter into the bowl from a pouch at his waist. Grabbing a twig from the edge of the fire, he uses it to light the pipe. His first draw is long and slow. Eugeni sighs as much as he exhales, his brow furrowed. Kinda miss my fur. Get so chilly now. Well, I don't have the excuse of looking like a monster anymore. At least not that much....
Who knows, I could be cut down at any time just like Baern, Kala, and Tzefira. I have to at least ask her on a date. If I don't someone else probably will. His resolution made, Eugeni quiets his thoughts. He finishes his pipe in quiet contemplation, and then drifts off to sleep under the stars.
Eugeni gets an early start and hits up the shopping district. He purchases a belt to make him stronger, and has a wizard do an upgrade to his headband. He picks up some enchanted bracers, a ring and amulet as well. He feels a bit silly spending so much money, but it could be the difference between life and death with the foes they've been facing lately. He also visits a tailor and has a new outfit made. After all his purchases are done, he finds the nearest bar. He takes a double shot of Andoran bourbon and then sets off to find Zoli.
He finds her in at the shrine to Chalidra, telling the tale of their adventures. Her retelling of their adventures makes him laugh, and cry. He remains hidden at the edge of the crowd until well after everyone is finished congratulating her after the show. Once she's finally alone and walking back to the inn, he catches up with her.
"Hey, Zoli! Wait up!" Eugeni approaches the halfling with a smile. "That was a really great back there. I know you weren't expecting me, but I've been looking for you. I've had a think, and there's something I want to ask you. You've....you've always been kind to me, and we've been through so much together. I feel very strongly for you, little lioness. I think you're my closest friend, if I have any....and well, I'd like to take you out to dinner?"
Oh gods....here comes the crushing shame...
Zoli is enjoying an early breakfast with Setsuna before the others rise. When Setsuna asks about coming back to Sandpoint, the halfling's saucer eyes widen. "Oh gosh! I guess I'd almost assumed you were coming back to Sandpoint. That's silly I know, I just wasn't thinking, but of course we want you to come. We fought side by side and killed cultists and Xanesha together and, well, I probably would've died without you there. You’re weird--in a good way, I think--and you’re totally my friend now.
"You'll like Sandpoint. It's not as busy as Magnimar, and not as dirty. The shops are cooler here, but the woods are beautiful and the Rusty Dragon Inn is great. Ameiko--she's the owner and she's from Minkai in Tian Xia--she brings some great dishes to the menu there, not like that Galtan squid oil pasta but totally just as good. Anyway, I totally think you should come.
"You'll like our friend Xamarath too, I bet. He's from another star he says...and I kind of believe him. He'll totally think you're hot--which, I mean, you are of course. He's not really my type but, y'know, he's pretty slick and funny and not bad on the eyes neither. But I should warn you, he kind of looks at all the pretty girls like that. At least the tall ones. He's kind of typical human in that he always looks at me more like he'd look at a kid than a real woman--not that I mind, he's not my type--but still...I guess humans tend to get stuck on size."
Zoli takes another bite of her bread and marmalade, licking a bit of stray jam off her lip. "Speaking of weird...do you mind if I ask you what you are? I mean, I'm no whiz at spellcraft but you don't seem to have a book of spells that you study like a wizard...and I never hear you praying to your gods for blessing either. (Who do you worship, by the way?) And then you get really weird when we're fighting: talking in Thassilonian and charging ahead on the backs of giant bats. I mean, I think it's pretty amazing and there are some old plays I've read that have really weird casters in them but that still doesn't mean I exactly get how you do what you do, so: what are you?"
Zoli finds she's almost floating along the street after the reception she got at Chaldira's shrine. She's replaying the story she told and thinking how she'd tweak it just a little bit to make it even more dramatic next time...when Eugeni surprises her out of the blue.
"Hey, Zoli! Wait up!" Eugeni approaches the halfling with a smile. "That was a really great back there. I know you weren't expecting me, but I've been looking for you.
Zoli immediately starts to respond, cutting in without really realizing Eugeni's still talking. "Oh! You were there? Thanks, it's so amazing that word is spreading around about our adventures. I think I could tell it even better next ti--"
"I've had a think, and there's something I want to ask you. You've....you've always been kind to me, and we've been through so much together. I feel very strongly for you, little lioness. I think you're my closest friend, if I have any....and well, I'd like to take you out to dinner?"
"Oh that's so sweet, Eugeni, you know I love--" Zoli cocks her head to the side and her mouth hangs open as what he's really saying slowly dawns on her.
Oh gods....here comes the crushing shame...
Zoli starts to giggle and grasps Eugeni's hand. "Ey-oo-he-nee Silva, I think you just asked me out on a date!" She giggles again, then sees he still has an uncertain look on his face. "Oh! Yes. Yes, I think I'd be happy to have dinner with you. What do you have in mind? We've already tried that Galtan squid-ink pasta. I think it's your turn to pick the next restaurant."
Eugeni looks dumbfounded at first. Shit, didn't think that far ahead! Then he smiles. She said yes!
"Uhhhh....meat?" he utters lamely. "You know me, I'm a man of simple tastes. Maybe some goat or sheep would be nice."
Zoli nods, amused. "Sure, goat's good. Didn't we pass a Keleshite place yesterday? Whatever they were cooking smelled good to me. I have a bit more to do today. Meet you back at the Inn before sunset?"
She squeezes his hand briefly, calling out "Nice outfit by the way!" as she runs off.
On her own she starts to think: Is this...what are we getting ourselves into? I mean, Eugeni's great. More than great. He was there for me when my dad died. And Baern. And Kala. After just a few months, there's no one else I depend on more...but we make such good friends. Is this...is this a good idea? Zoli looks herself over, and then shrugs. I guess we'll find out! Anyway, enough shopping for adventuring gear. I suppose I can treat myself to a new outfit too. Back to the markets!
Zoli is exhausted and still a little shaken--both from the fight and from starting to haul loot down from upstairs--when she gets to the base of the tower and sees that Scarecrow is gone. "What!? Ughhh. He promised...I promised the city guard...Oh geeze where would he have gone?
"Riley, how good are you at tracking? Can you, like, turn into a bloodhound or something? I...I guess I really thought he'd still be here when we got downstairs."
Riley scratches his chin and looks around. "I could turn into a bloodhound, but I keep my own sense of smell. So the only thing that gets me is a closer view of the ground. Well, and a tail. And fur. And a few other features, but nothing that would help."
He kneels down and studies the ground. "Fortunately, the big fellow makes enough of an impression that I don't think I need a better nose. Just good eyes and the wits to use them."
The trail is easy enough to follow, thanks to the wake of terrified people in the path the golem took. The trail leads straight into the ocean. Traveling along the shore reveals no sign of the creature leaving the sea for a mile in either direction.
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Setsuna finds herself smiling at Zoli's description of Sandpoint. It sounds like an amazing little town. Definitely a nice place to rest for a while. She also finds herself blushing when Zoli nonchalantly comments on her... physical appeal. Looks are one thing. Someone so casually complementing her is always so unexpected.
"...Uh, tall ones? Oh, tall ones. Yeah... Many of us taller folk do heavily consider height in relationships. Dad is pretty tall for a Human, and being an Elf, Mom found that really attractive. Kind of glad she did. Isn't always an issue, though. I traveled with a Gnome and Human couple once. It was... interesting."
Setsuna briefly wonders about her father. Last she heard, there was talk among her Elven family about helping him retire and taking him within the next five years. As much as Setsuna hates to admit it, her father was slowing down the last time they saw each other. Her mother seems to have trouble grasping how quickly humans age relative to herself. By Elven standards, Jeevika Kailani is still a relatively young adult. By Human standards, Vince Vandermoon is an older gentleman, soon to be outright elderly.
Speaking of her heritage...
"Oh? What am I? I'm Half-Elf. Or Half-Human if you're more familiar with that term. Don't worry; most non-Elves mistake me for an Elf, so I see- Oh. Oh. Uh..."
Setsuna takes a moment to consider how to phrase the information Zoli wants.
"You know how some arcanists don't read books? How their magic is in their bones? I'm like them, but... different. I'm a... divine sorcerer I guess. Mom - she's like me but a lot more powerful - calls us Conduits. I prefer the term Oracle.
"We all have an inner divine spark. It's usually given to us before birth, but I've heard of others getting one much later in life. Unlike other divine casters, we never really have to worry about losing our magic, so I don't think it always comes directly from the Gods. The power always comes at a price, though. Mom and me speak in Tongues when stressed. She speaks Aquan and Celestial, and I speak Aklo and Thassilonian. Some Oracles are deaf. Others walk with a limp from wound that they never actually received. Some randomly get sick if they break a promise. Aside from our spells, we also tend have our own unique powers.
"Mom? She has a natural affinity for the Waves. The Oceans. The Seas. She spoke fluent Aquan years before she spoke a word of Elven. She can walk on water, swim better than a fish, and turn into a watery version of herself. And yet no water-aligned deity has ever tried claiming her or anything.
"Me? Uh... I think some of my power comes from Desna. It would explain a lot of my dumb luck and cloak of a starry night. I worship her fairly religiously. I also like Shelyn. I'm a real sucker for a good poem, play, painting, or love story, but my powers seem to be out of her domain. Same deal with Mom in a sense. Dedicated Calistrian, but water isn't exactly in her goddess' portfolio as far as I know."
Setsuna looks up at the ceiling.
"...Also, Azathoth. Ever heard of him or his kin?"
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The trail is easy enough to follow, thanks to the wake of terrified people in the path the golem took. The trail leads straight into the ocean. Traveling along the shore reveals no sign of the creature leaving the sea for a mile in either direction.
"Well, now. I suppose I could become a dolphin and look for him, but it seems to me that he wishes to be alone."
Riley turns back to return to the city. "Not all mysteries are meant to be solved."
The night after the battle with Xanesha and their failed pursuit of Scarecrow, Morythine finds himself weighing the bag of platinum coins awarded by the mayor of Magnimar. More wealth than he’d ever known.
Sure, growing up amongst the revolutionaries of Galt he’d seen treasures enough in Edme, but with the social order collapsing there was nothing to spend gold on. And of course his mother’s comrades knew an avaricious streak could get one into trouble, and trouble in Galt often ended with someone’s head feeding a final blade.
There were no such concerns here in Magnimar.
Morythine spends the next four days in opulent pleasure at one of the finest inns to be found in the Alabaster District. He also splashes out on an elegant new tricorn of sable pelt, with curling peaks and extravagant swirling designs stitched in gold thread. Although it costs five of the platinum pieces awarded by Lord-Mayor Grobaras, by the time the heroes return to Sandpoint Morythine has already gone back to wearing his old hat, and his brief flirtation with decadence is over.
The Heroes of Sandpoint. Morythine’s reflexive reaction to the moniker should be a silent hiss of derision, or perhaps a bilious sarcastic comment. But somewhere down in his cynical heart it makes the dhampir happy. He even smiles and pats Forli affectionately on the neck at the first sight of Old Light when they return back to Sandpoint.
When they run across Titus Scarnetti, Morythine tips his hat back and gives the gangster a cold glare. Last time my companions were wasting breath on that weasel ‘not my town, not my fight’ were the words I used. Times are changing . . .
Zoli nods, amused. "Sure, goat's good. Didn't we pass a Keleshite place yesterday? Whatever they were cooking smelled good to me. I have a bit more to do today. Meet you back at the Inn before sunset?"
She squeezes his hand briefly, calling out "Nice outfit by the way!" as she runs off.
On her own she starts to think: Is this...what are we getting ourselves into? I mean, Eugeni's great. More than great. He was there for me when my dad died. And Baern. And Kala. After just a few months, there's no one else I depend on more...but we make such good friends. Is this...is this a good idea? Zoli looks herself over, and then shrugs. I guess we'll find out! Anyway, enough shopping for adventuring gear. I suppose I can treat myself to a new outfit too. Back to the markets!
"Keleshite sounds nice, I love the way they do spices," Eugeni replies. He hesitates, and then reaches down and offers his hand to Zoli to hold. "Lead the way, Little Lioness. I'm afraid I don't know where we're going."
At dinner, Eugeni does everything he can to avoid talking about "work". Instead he spends time learning more about Zoli's life before all this madness. He eats lamb, flat bread, hummus and falafel with cucumber yogurt. After they eat he moves the conversation to the future.
"So, this is starting to look like some larger plot, isn't it? I mean, is there some new religion reviving ancient Thassilon or something? I can't believe we're still chasing threads that popped up with the goblin attack."
After receiving the largest sum of money he'd ever seen in his lifetime, Riley doesn't immediately splurge on an extravagant lifestyle. Instead, he stays humble and contemplative as he works out what to do with the large influx of cash.
As the days pass, Olympus keeps growing as Riley predicted. He goes to a saddler to commission a specialized saddle for the roc, and has a pair of muleback cords worked into them to enhance the avian's carrying capacity. Using a large portion of the coin he'd been awarded, Riley has some studded leather barding created and enchanted to fit Olympus.
The work with the barder and saddler has Riley sticking around in Magnimar for much longer than he'd originally intended. But it was an enjoyable time, allowing him to wild shape into an avian himself and fly with Olympus and Zoli to get his animal companion used to carrying a rider. He couldn't help but enjoy the halfling's exuberance, even though when in bird form he couldn't express it.
Thus, when the "Heroes of Sandpoint" decide that it's time to leave Magnimar and return to the town that hailed them as saviors, Riley agrees to travel with them. He tests Olympus' ability to carry a human-sized rider several times on their trip, but when they arrive at the coastal town, Riley is walking along with the others and Olympus is gliding high in the air above.
"Quite the welcome!" Riley comments as the town turns out with excitement at the Heroes' arrival.
Although not one of the Heroes proper, the town's general openness to someone who had fought alongside such personages gave him a status of honored guest. Riley wasn't used to such attention, but was happy to chat with the locals and tell stories of his travels.
He particularly enjoyed the food and ambiance of the Rusty Dragon Inn. Ameiko tolerated Olympus roosting in the eaves over the entrance to the tavern. He spent most of his time in the new town hanging out in the common room or exploring the nearby hinterlands on the back of Olympus or flying alongside his companion.
Morythine idles around Sandpoint on his return, unsure what to do with himself. Whenever he crosses paths with his Setsuna he can't help but gaze at her with avarice, though only when she's not looking.
Soon enough, you are all greeted and welcomed as if you were conquering heroes returning from a mighty campaign! The murders have stopped, and word of your deeds in Magnimar quickly spreads through town as only a rumor can. But other rumors are hard at work on the rumor-mill as of late, it would seem. Apparently, Ameiko and Xamarath have officially become a romantic item. Some circles seem to be happy for the couple, but others seem to hold come contempt for the couple.
Notably, friends of Shayliss Vinder seem to speak of Ameiko quite negatively, using various slanderous terms directed at her assumed sexual escapades with an unseemly large number of townsfolk to date, Xamarath being the most recent (or not). Several other townsfolk, namely employees of Titus Scarnetti, swear that Xamarath used her romantic interests to encourage her to sell the Glassworks to him as opposed to the "honorable" Lord Scarnetti.
Also, it would seem Shalelu has been missing for quite some time. While it is not unusual for her to take long forays into the forested areas around Sandpoint, she usually doesn't stay out long with winter approaching. But she hasn't come back for supplies or to report to Mayor Deverin for a while now...a little too long of a while...
During the next couple of months, things are comparatively quiet for the heroes, though while each of you share many times together during the fall, you do find plenty of time to yourselves to pursue your own interests.
Morythine: During your time in town, you cannot shake the feeling of being watched. It is almost as if you could turn your head just a second faster, you'd be able to spot someone or something watching your every move, but alas, there is never anyone there...
Eugeni: Though it takes some time and convincing, before long everyone in town accepts that you are, in fact, the same Eugeni that had helped save the town from the goblin attack. In fact, it seems now that you are more accepted than you ever were before! People who once would not even make eye contact with you are now greeting you warmly as they pass you on the street.
Setsuna: While the people of the town are polite enough, your macabre color choices for clothing and strange abilities keep people somewhat at a distance. Mothers hurry their staring children quickly past as they walk by. Some men give you appraising, and from what you can tell, approving looks, but none seem bold enough to initiate any sort of conversation. With one notable exception: Xamarath Fingoth, the wizard the others had told you about. His accent is impossible to place, but he seems very polite and interested in learning about you and your magical capabilities. While flirtatious, he never makes any overtures towards you.
Zoli: For a few weeks, things are just as they were in the days after the attack on Sandpoint: people try to linger around you and the others, attempting to befriend the town's mighty heroes. Townsfolk hang on your every word if you so choose to grace them with the tales of your adventures thus far. At one point, Cyrdak Drokkus tells you that he is at work on a play about you and the group, showcasing your heroics that he promises all of Varisia will come to see!
Riley: Olympus gradually grows larger and larger over the next few weeks, and before long, several people in the town, notably Daviren Hosk, the owner of the Goblin Squash Stables, put together a petition to ban him from the town's limits and immediate vicinity, in fear the creature will lash out and attack one of the citizens or their livestock or horses, as roc's are known to do. While the petition at first gains some traction, it is soon laid to rest as the town seems to hold your new friends in quite high esteem.
As the first week of Kuthona (December) creeps by , the citizens of Sandpoint busy themselves putting the final touches on preparing themselves for the cold months. The market sees its usual upsurge of business as townsfolk flock to finish up filling their winter stores with goods and foodstuffs.
But, soon enough, a murmur quickly finds itself stirring through town as a messenger makes his way one-by-one to each of your places of residence here in town. He wears the livery of Magnimar, and he quickly explains to each of you in turn that he has been sent by the Lord-Mayor himself to fetch you. If asked what it is about, he quickly states that he was not filled in on the matter, but Lord Grobaras stated that he was to come to Sandpoint and bring you back.
Eugeni grumbles about being summoned. "Do I look like a servant? Undoubtedly he wants us to go into the jaws of death again...and in the middle of bloody winter!"
He goes to the Rusty Dragon, the group's regular meeting place and waits for the others to arrive. Before they head to the city he'd like to make sure he wasn't the only one going.
Morythine’s return to Sandpoint is not completely comfortable. He can’t shake the feeling that he’s under scrutiny. His suspicions make little sense; if anything, since being dubbed a ‘hero’, the townsfolk treat him better than any place he’s ever been. Usually, he’s actively shunned, or at best, quietly ignored. In Sandpoint, some people even doff their caps and greet him in street. Yet he can’t shake the sense of being watched.
As a result, he changes his habits. He continues to stay at the Rusty Dragon, but confuses Ameiko by insisting on a regular change of rooms. He sleeps at odd hours, mainly in the daytime, and spends the nights roaming the town’s quieter corners. He’s particularly fond of the Old Light, and the view north to Stoot’s Rock. This island was once the home of a mass murderer the locals deemed Chopper, responsible for the deaths twenty-five souls in the Late Unpleasantness. Morythine often wonders what motivated Chopper, who proved to be one Jervis Stoot, Sandpoint’s woodcarver. He also wonders what it would feel like to mutilate a defenceless victim as Stoot had done. No doubt fascinating.
Such a shame I wasn’t able to see Eugeni change bodies . . .
Morythine takes further precautions against his unknown (and perhaps imaginary) observer. He retrieves the hungry decapitant from the Red Wizard Xamarath, now enchanted to scream with alarm should an intruder disturb Morythine whilst he is sleeping. He also makes use of the Stalker’s Mask to adopt the appearance of Sandpoint’s locals, and even his own companions, for brief periods when the sense of scrutiny is unbearable.
The ride through the countryside is a cold, somewhat unpleasant trip, a stark contrast to the comfortable, celebratory journey you experienced on the Lost Coast Road during your return voyage back to Sandpoint.
As dusk creeps along at the end of the first day, the first traces of snow can be seen to fall from the heavens, which provides a unique experience for Riley, sitting astride Olympus amidst the falling fluff.
On the road below, the messenger huffs beneath his cloak and furs, a puff of breath escaping between the layers. He has not said much at all during the journey, and what he has muttered has been between complaints.
Ahead on the road, you can easily see two trees have fallen across the path. Standing behind them are two men, dressed in leather armor and cloaks. One has a bow held casually in front of him, an arrow knocked but not drawn. The other stands quietly to his side, his arms folded in front of him, tucked into the sleeves of his cloak. Thick clouds of breath creep out from behind grey silk masks covering the lower portions of their faces.
The man removes his hands from his cloak and holds them up to signal you all to stop as the bowman speaks up.
"Good evening, adventurers," he says through a thick Galtan accent. "I trust zat you all are 'aving a pleasant evening. We 'ope zat it continues as such, and only ask for a moment of your time so zat we can 'elp you. My comrades and I 'ave traveled ze breadth of ze Inner Sea chasing a monstar, a wolf in sheep's clothing if you will. And after quite some time, we 'ave learned zat 'e lurks among your number," he concludes as he points a finger towards Morythine.
"We 'ave 'eard of your deeds, and are honored to 'ave ze opportunity to speak with you, but it is unfortunate zat it is under zese circumstances. 'Owever, if you would allow us to take zis creature into our custody, I assure you zat we would be doing you and your people a service."
__________
"What!?" Zoli exclaims. Putting her hand on Morythine's arm, she says "This must be some mistake! This man is a hero, he's risked his life more times than I can count to save the innocent people of Sandpoint, and to bring murderous cultists to justice in Magnimar.
"Now he's been summoned by the mayor of Magnimar himself for another mission--one you surely don't want to interfere with!"