The low path does prove to be a wise choice, both in terms of ease for the mounts and the shade it provides.
However, after a few miles the ground begins to shake. The earth shifts and squirms, as though the sand has become a living thing.
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Reiko takes a moment to study the paths while her companions bicker amongst themselves. Weighing the options, she offers her opinion.
The low path greatly risks sandslides, whilst the high path is more susceptible to intense winds. I suppose the choice is whether you prefer to be buried alive or fall to your death.
On that morose thought, she leads the group toward the low path. Something tells her that camels are known for their stubbornness rather than their acrobatics, and may not take well to narrow ledges and strong winds.
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Fort(+4) Ref(+3) Will(+3) | Init +1 | Perc -1
Conditions: none
Weapon: none
Abilities
Arcane Reservoir (+2) = 4/6
Consume Spells = 2/2
School Understanding = 2/2
Versatile Evocation = 5/5
Spells
0 ∞/∞(DC 14): Acid Splash, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Read Magic
1 5/5(DC 15): Heightened Awareness, Magic Missile, Snowball
Consumables
Antiplague, Antitoxin, Potion of Darkvision, Potion of Restoration (lesser), Scroll of Comprehend Languages, a Scroll of Identify, and a Scroll of Resist Energy x5
Wands
48/50 - Infernal Healing (Wrist sheath)
49/50 - Mage Armor
48/50 - Magic Missile (Wrist sheath)
Lana notices nothing as she is staring in the opposite direction of the landslide, thinking of her future treasure.
La+Lo=no
Reiko - Perc:yes
Totoma - Perc:no Reflex:no Strength:no
Hayato - Perc:no Reflex:yes
Lana - Perc:no Reflex:yes
Lo Ma - Perc:no Reflex:no Strength: no
As the earth rumbles, seeming to disintegrate below your feet and turn into a massive morass of sand and rock, Reiko spots the disaster from dozens of feet away and quickly guides herself and her mount out of the way before any harm can befall them.
The other four Pathfinders are not so fortunate as they, along with their mounts, are carried ahead in the wave of rocks and sharp debris.
Luckily, Totoma's camel leaps free - leaving Totoma in shock and surprise. The exact opposite is true as Lana leaps from her camel, leaving it behind as it's carried ahead. Lo Ma, too busy wondering how she might complain about her feet while riding seemed about ready to complain about being sore from her saddle when both her and her camel were swallowed by the sandslide.
Then, despite the bruised bodies and egos, things turned for the worse as Totoma and Lo Ma struggled against the sand but feebly so as they sunk up to their ears, only their heads barely above the surface .
Lana's camel flails for a moment, its massive muscles flexing as it clears the sand and debris and rejoins the others.
As Lo Ma and Totoma begin to panic about how they might free themselves, a group of vistors arrive.
A hand emerges from the shifting ground, followed shortly by a humanoid shape made entirely of packed stone and dirt. One by one, a dozen similar creatures emerge.
A larger elemental steps out from the trench wall. This one towers over the others and looks like a heavyset woman with hollow eyes. The elemental steps forward, but raises no hand to suggest hostility.
Picture of the larger earth elemental.
"Interlopers," says the elemental in a deep voice. "Fools, I would expect, were it not for your timing."
She pauses, as if coming to a decision. She focuses her attention chiefly on Reiko who nimbly avoided all the sand.
"Could you be the prophets we seek?"
She then waves Reiko ahead, along with Hayato - neither of whom struggled with the sandslide due to their keen eyes or nimble reflexes.
The elemental clearly seems to have assumed that Reiko, and possibly Hayato are the group's leaders and that perhaps they allowed the sandslide to happen to their less valuable hirelings. Essentially, anyone who was so unskilled must be a subordinate.
She seems to be expecting Lo Ma and Totoma to free themselves without any as well.
"Tell your hirelings to come the rest of the way from the sand, so that we may talk."
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Totoma! What kind of warrior allows themselves to be trapped in sand!? Free yourself and then assist Lo Ma.
Approaching the larger elemental as requested, and making sure to show no signs of hostility. Hayato offers a slight nod to the elemental leader before speaking.
I'm Hayato, and this is Reiko and Lana. The two fools in the sand are Totoma and Lo Ma. While I know not that any of us could be considered prophets, I would be happy to trade information. We are in pursuit of someone we believe passed this way.
He is likely unaware of the need to present himself as a superior to someone who struggles with elements of earth, but has lucked out "just being himself".
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Totoma begins the agonizingly slow process of freeing himself from the earth, and for a moment sounds slightly dejected.
"Yes...Hayato...just...one moment..."
Totoma tilts his head towards Lo Ma and despite getting rocked by the debris and yelled at by his friend, he returns to his high spirits.
"Did you... hear that... Lo Ma? We're... Higher Lings! I'm... gonna get... out of... this rock... and be... the Highest Ling... ever..."
A few minutes passes as Totoma struggles to free himself.
"You know...this is... probably... the best... training... I've had... in weeks... It's like... weighted... training... clothes... but... heavier..."
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| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
"Ayyy Yaaaaaah!! Zou Shu Cho almost dead!! Smell really bad!!! Why Lo Ma buried with smelly camel???"
The old woman continues to slither around. The camel is clearly panicked and tries to break free.
With a momentous bray, the camel wrests himself free, spits at the still struggling Lo Ma and scampers over to his boss, Jinfu.
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Fort(+4) Ref(+3) Will(+3) | Init +1 | Perc -1
Conditions: none
Weapon: none
Abilities
Arcane Reservoir (+2) = 4/6
Consume Spells = 2/2
School Understanding = 2/2
Versatile Evocation = 5/5
Spells
0 ∞/∞(DC 14): Acid Splash, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Read Magic
1 5/5(DC 15): Heightened Awareness, Magic Missile, Snowball
Consumables
Antiplague, Antitoxin, Potion of Darkvision, Potion of Restoration (lesser), Scroll of Comprehend Languages, a Scroll of Identify, and a Scroll of Resist Energy x5
Wands
48/50 - Infernal Healing (Wrist sheath)
49/50 - Mage Armor
48/50 - Magic Missile (Wrist sheath)
Lana barely pays attention to the elemental as she pulls out her wand to heal her camel. She is a little worried about the camel becoming more vicious since she is using a wand of internal healing.
With a fire in its eyes the camel looks at Lo Ma stuck in the sand and spits on her.
Judging Mama! Meat Head! Why are you always so useless. Always trying to die! Pains in my ass.
The elemental woman speaks slowly and deliberately, taking time to pause between each thought.
"I.. am.. Elsharon."
"I was... sent.. by.. Ini-Kherit.. of the.. Goanron Triumvirate."
Elsharon nods as Lo Ma and Totoma finally free themselves and begin dusting debris from every crevice and orifice on their bodies.
"You seek.. the janni who fled.. through these dunes.. Jamila al-Shafah."
"She passed through.. not long ago.. though only the leader.. of my tribe knows where she was bound."
"She rightly fears.. the power of the prophets.. while we respect it. My leader can tell you.. where this Jamila has gone.. provided that you are the ones we seek..""
Elsharon and the dozen smaller earthen elementals look optimistically towards Reiko and Hayato.
"Will you.. prove yourselves to us?"
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It's quite obvious to anyone who has spent time with Hayato that the slow cadence of Elsharon's speech is grating on his nerves.
I really don't remember constantly needing to prove myself to others being mentioned during my confirmation...
Your leader has information that we need. If we must prove ourselves to acquire the information, then so be it. What sort of test or tests are involved? And not that I will fail, but...
Turning to look at Lo Ma and Totoma before continuing.
what is the penalty for failure?
Elsharon leans forward slightly and seems to nod.
"Sacred ground lies near here.. known as the Sandflow.. Source."
"Those who pass through.. must show a mastery.. of the elements.. and an appreciation.. of our people."
"If you meet the challenges.. within.. you will prove yourselves.. to all who may.. not.. see your true value.. Only then may I bring you to our leader."
Elsharon follows Hayato's gaze to his hirelings for a moment.
"You are.. the prophets.. do not worry.. you will not be judged.. for the failings of.. your followers or hirelings."
Aa Hayato continues to employ a diplomatic tone and tact that most of you aren't used to seeing displayed with any of you, Elsharon nods and beckons for you to follow her.
The emissary leads you through a dizzying maze of trenches, dunes, and escarpments, eventually bringing them to the holy site known as the Sandflow Source. The area apparently gets its name from the fact that the ground itself flows like a river here, constantly shifting, roiling, and eventually descending into a waterfall-like shower of sand.
"From the Sandflow Source.. many of us came.. and to the Source.. we periodically return."
"If you pass through this holy site.. you too.. will be welcomed into our tribe.. and you too shall earn.. the secrets you seek. To complete the first trial.. you must.. get inside.. and make your way.. to solid ground."
A roaring, bubbling noise from below sounds like water rapids, but is in actuality a constantly shifting stream of sand. The river, approximately 15 feet wide, tosses and heaves with waves of fine yellow-brown sand. The rapid flow ends at a ledge, where it crashes downward just like a waterfall.
You observe as Elsharon begins to glide effortless down into the sand through the entire waterfall, seeming to provide little else by way of guidance .
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Reiko looks sidelong at Lo Ma and mutters beneath her breath as she secures her mount nearby.
I doubt you would lift a finger for any of us regardless of past circumstances.
Reiko sizes up the challenge before her and, without a running start , she leaps into the waterfall drop quite gracefully, "swimming" to the point where Elsharon awaits.
Elsharon stands somewhat impassively as Reiko leaps ahead, running along the side wall of the riverbank before gracefully diving into the sandstream, performing a full somersault while leaping from the apex of the waterfall, plunging gracefully into the pool below and then reversing into a broadstroke before emerging onto the stability of the far shore.
Elsharon nods.
"Impressive, prophet..."
She then leans over.
"How will.. your fellow leader.. or your henchmen.. err, henchserpents..? .. fare?"
Reiko scans the shoreline and observes the half dozen smaller elementals stribbling words before they hold up a dozen cards marked '10' each.
Or, maybe you just imagined that.. as you blink again, they are gone.
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Reiko chuckles, smiling under her mask.
While they sometimes surprise me, I suspect not nearly as well.
Reiko turns and watches her compatriots' efforts, and all of them know that, if it weren't for the mask over her face, they'd be seeing a huge grin of self-satisfaction.
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| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Holy site?!"
At the sound of something resembling "Sacred Ground", Totoma begins to get a little worried.
Feeling pretty good about himself, Totoma excitedly yells towards Hayato.
"Hey Hayato, look at me! Am I doing it righgrblrbglrgbrl"
Totoma then begins to choke on the sand.
Both Totoma and Lo Ma show bravery as they leap into the sandflow and attempt something resembling a dog paddle to orient themselves in the current. Sadly both are swept up almost instantly, being carried forward mostly against their control and hurled over the sandfall quite inelegantly.
As Totoma is hurtled over the edge, he poses briefly, appearing as if he's waiting for an artist to capture the moment on canvas, then like a rug being pulled out from under him, he plunges into the sandpool below.
They quickly discover the pool at the bottom has a strong pull down as both plunge below the surface and out of sight.
You are both dazzled.
You can continue to try to make some swim checks. DC10 to "tread" and DC15 to "swim" to the shore.
I full understand if you wish to just grin behind your ninja mask for a minute first.
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I would pay for the enjoyment that these elementals have given me for free. Perhaps the old woman and the buffoon will drown...
Seeming to take a moment to admire the sight of Lo Ma and Totoma sinking below the surface. Hayato then follows the rest of the party across.
Hayato offers Reiko a brief nod as he pulls himself onto shore on the far side. Speaking with Elsharon.
I have a hard time calling them "good help", but even mediocre help is hard to find. In your estimation, will they be able to make it out of there?
Hayato, aided once again by his magic to traverse the most difficult of hazards, strides along the sand, occasionally leaning backwards to perform what appears to be a backstroke.
As he reaches the apex of the waterfall, he pirouettes before landing as soft as a feather on the sandpool, choosing to leisurely make his way to the solid ground near Reiko.
Elsharon nods to herself, as if she expected nothing less from the leaders of the pack. She leans over to Hayato.
"Perhaps it is time.. you fetched your hirelings.. from the sand.. before they suffocate. It will take much time.. to train these ones.. I fear."
"Years.. if not decades."
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Fort(+4) Ref(+3) Will(+3) | Init +1 | Perc -1
Conditions: none
Weapon: none
Abilities
Arcane Reservoir (+2) = 4/6
Consume Spells = 2/2
School Understanding = 2/2
Versatile Evocation = 5/5
Spells
0 ∞/∞(DC 14): Acid Splash, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Read Magic
1 5/5(DC 15): Heightened Awareness, Magic Missile, Snowball
Consumables
Antiplague, Antitoxin, Potion of Darkvision, Potion of Restoration (lesser), Scroll of Comprehend Languages, a Scroll of Identify, and a Scroll of Resist Energy x5
Wands
47/50 - Infernal Healing (Wrist sheath)
49/50 - Mage Armor
48/50 - Magic Missile (Wrist sheath)
Lana stares at the Sandflow Source.
Interesting, this Sandflow has taken on features of both the Elemental planes of Earth and Air.
Lana contemplates the crossing of Sand flow.
Um... Shadow Lady, could you throw the grappling hook across so I can walk across?
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Reiko tilts her head at the request and shrugs. Without a word, she draws her bow and shoots a grappling arrow up to Lana near her feet.
Reiko, excited that someone has actually asked her for help, fails to take time aiming her bow. The grappling hook lands squarely in Lana's shoulder as a result. Reiko just stares blankly, her hands frozen in place in shock.
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| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
Argggh... Oh Lord of Nightmares why!
Lana is tumbling end over end with an arrow in her shoulder.
The rope tangles around Lanas legs she begins to drown.
The rope has now completely wrapped around her arms and legs.
Finally Lanas head breaches the Sandflow gasping for breath.
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| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Totoma continues to drown and struggles to get his head above the sand with the assistance of the rope offered by Hayato.
Totoma gasps at the delicious fresh air and continues towards the shore.
Totoma eventually makes to the edge of the sand, and rolls over onto his back exhausted.
"This training is really tough... is it nap time yet?"
Once Totoma hear's Lana's scream of pain, Totoma's instincts kick in and he stands up abruptly. Looking towards the sand, Totoma sees Lana begin to drown and he dives back into the sand with the rope still held in his hand.
Totoma makes enough progress to make it to Lana, and attempts to secure her with the rope that is linked to Hayato.
"Don't worry Lana, I'll savrglrlgrlglrg."
Totoma over extends himself by trying to save Lana, and once again begins to drown.
Once Lana has a solid grip on the rope, Totoma will grab hold of what is left of it and try to get them both out of the sand.
Making back to the sand, Totoma once again collapses onto the shore.
"Did we make it...? Are we all good...? Wait, where is Lo Ma...?"
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| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
The rope is enough to keep Lo Ma from drowning in sand. As the old woman's head crests the sandflow, indistinct, sand garbled yelling can be heard, which quickly clears into full throated howling.
"Children!! Why you leave Lo Ma so long in sand!! You disrespect your elders!! Lo Ma dying!!!"
The old woman continues to tread sand striking a comedic yet horrifying spectacle of slithering and paddling through the sandflow.
"nagaji, nagaji, nagaji!!"
She has not stopped wailing, and sadly is now close to stable ground.
In the middle of a particularly loud curse, the nagaji matriarch's head ducks back below the sandflow, bathing the surroundings in the peace of a quiet desert.
The spectacle is nearly over as the old woman nears solid footing.
"Ayyyy Yaaah!!! Lo Ma so tired!!! Reiko!!! Rub Lo Ma's feet. They so sore!!"
Elsharon, if she's amused, disguises it well but nonetheless congratulates everyone on navigating the Sandflow Source and reaching the firm footing of the far ledge.
"Please rest.. make yourselves familiar with this area.. learn about our history.. that has led.. to your being chosen.. as prophets."
Now that you have arrived and had a chance to catch your collective breaths, you glance about the area here.
The natural slope of the trench combines with several artificial elements. The curved southern wall bears a slight polish and is reddish in color. An opening to the north gives way to a sandyfloored corridor. A wide frieze carved with numerous hieroglyphics flanks each side of the northern exit.
A script that alternates between different elemental tongues accompanies the hieroglyphics
Elsharon observes with some degree of curiosity (as much as can be seen on her stony demeanor) as you take in the ancient writings.
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The old nagaji looks to be sulking as she is mumbling indistinctly to herself while reading a book; her voice becomes a little more apparent as the moments pass on.
"Sniff, children study more! See! Lo Ma study with book! Lo Ma show children, with knowledge!"
"Lo Ma knows! Leader of tribe, Ini-Kherit, use lost city to reshape desert... This no make sense, also says keep lost city hidden. Feared very powerful secret!!"
"Hmmmphh!! Lo Ma thinks someone change carvings many times!! Look at wear on stone! All different!!"
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Finally regaining his composure after the ordeal that Lana just went through, Hayato begins to exam the ruins around him.
Hmph, I don't know what those two are talking about. This place seems rather dull. I'd rather not Elsharon think more highly of Reiko than me though.
Yes, of course, the writing was altered many times...
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"Oh yea, I see what you mean. I bet with all this war stuff going on, maybe this site changes hands a lot. OR! What if the elementals mess up all of the drawings by accidentally coming through the walls when they earth glide?! Haha, wouldn't it be funny if they were all walking around with weird bits of drawings on them?"
Totoma allows himself a few minutes of unapologetic musings regarding the practicality of earth gliding through carved stone.
"Hey Lo Ma, mind patching me up a bit? That rock slide did a number on me."
for
"What happened? You didn't break it did you?"
Totoma looks sad and dejected.
"Hayato, can you patch me up? Lo Ma keeps stabbing me with my wand and it doesn't appear to be helping."
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Lana looks livid as she rests on the shore. She draws her wand of infernal healing and patches up the wounds in her shoulder. As she does so, she stares at Reiko with malice.
Lana then looks to where Lo Ma is referencing.
Lana then shrugs in silent apathy, still seething for the next minute.
As you examine the hieroglyphics, Elsharon comments, "Yes, Ini-Kherit was a wise.. and respected leader."
Seeming to grow fond of you all, despite your moments of bickering or complaints, Elsharon expands on what challenges still await in your trials.
She explains beyond await a band of sandmen - pitiful creatures that have not accepted the worth of stone. She goes on to explain that she and her people desire their presence eliminated as they are sullying this holy site. She gestures to Hayato and Reiko's weapons, offering to bring and supply them with some clubs if they desire to face this foe.
Elsharon then explains just as you passed through the sandflow, you must pass through an area that mimics the Plane of Air. Elsharon describes this as a dangerous challenge where you must exert an amazing force of will to move forward.
Finally, she describes the presence of Qiarah, an oread sorcerer who came to the Sandflow Source weeks ago and sequestered herself within. Elsharon appears sympathetic as she speaks about Qiarah, who has maintained contact with the Goanron and shown a deep respect for their history and traditions. She refers to her as a wayward daughter and hopes you can convince her to leave the site peacefully. She finally adds that Qiarah has been attempting to transform herself into an elemental, which is tragic as the oread doesn't already realize she is a child of earth.