To Rule the Razor! (Inactive)

Game Master Eric Swanson

"Yeah, if we can do anything to put your suffering at ease and your soul to rest, we'd be happy to try it. We are here to stop that evil demon causing problems for everyone!"

Aid another diplomacy 1d20 ⇒ 14

"So, you're gonna talk to it then..?" - Reknar whispers.

Nef nods. This is crazy, but she doesn't see any other options. "Listen, Maximilian has a story he needs to tell! One that is burning like a raging fiery ember inside him."

Perform Oratory: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Wah! Why couldn't that have been my diplomacy?

"I only know the beginning of your story. How you came here with seven friends on the Dulcimer, full of hope for fun and discovery. But then your ship got attacked by a whale, and everything went wrong after that. What happened next, Maximilian?" Nef lets her voice carry, then gestures with empty hands, prompting Maximilian to help her fill in the missing bits. "All I can do is guess at the pieces."

"Tell me, please, so that I can tell your family and your friends that have survived -- Lenora, Susanna, Tordell, Genevieve, Joshua and Elizabeth. One day, they're all going to want to know your story. I tell stories that people remember. I can share your story with the world if that is what you want. So tell us... What did Jacinth do to you, and how can we make this right?"

As Jacinth cowers in fear from the apparition the ghostly form of Maximilian cries out "Now you are MIIIINNNE!" as he flies up out of the pit and directly towards the elf woman.

Corrupting Touch vs Touch AC 17: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 miss.

Jacinth ducks under the blow yet feel the unnatural chill seeping into her body. As Maximillian hovers over Jacinth ready to strike again the pleas of her companions cause him to pause momentarily. "You wish my story? Ask Jacinth that coward...that traitor! She is nothing but a commoner at heart! I saw her quaff a potion and suddenly vanish into the night, leaving me and my friends to fend for ourselves!"

OK you have managed to shift Maximillian's attitude from Hostile to Unfriendly so we are out of combat...for the moment.

1d100 ⇒ 93

"Ok, less hitting. That's a good start. Jacinth, have you more of your story to tell? Apparently, Maxmillian wants to hear something from you. It would only be neighborly if you would tell he and us everything!".

Jacinth shrieks in terror as Maximilian flies directly at her, ducking under his swing just in time but still feeling goosebumps spring up all along her skin from the unnatural chill that radiates from the ghost.

"Neighborly!?" she exclaims in response to Oren's words, still shrinking away from the ghost that hovers menacingly over her but unable to tear her eyes away from the ghastly sight. "I told you everything while under the influence of Nef's magic, which I voluntarily agreed to, I might add! I...I did as Maximilian says," she continues, no longer shrieking though fear is still evident in her tone. "When the hiwanis came for us after the Dulcimer was destroyed, I drank the potion of invisibility that I carried. I vanished and swam for the shipping lanes, leaving everyone else to their fates."

Even though she had already confessed her sins once before back in Port Shaw, this time it felt different. Even though she had agreed to be placed under Nef's spell at the time, knowing what it would likely lead to, her confession had still ultimately been coerced out of her. But now there were no such magics in place and the words came of her own free will despite finding herself face to face with one who had paid the ultimate price for her foolishness. Or perhaps, because of it.

He will never return home, never live the life that he should have had, never marry and have children and grow old. All because he followed my lead and put his trust in me.

"It was all a mistake, from the very beginning," her voice grows quiet. "I never should have asked any of you to accompany me. We should not have been here in the first place. There is still hope for saving the others, but you Maximilian...I have failed you. I am sorry," she whispers, tears filling her eyes as she finally grasps the consequences that her actions have wrought.

Diplomacy (Check or Aid Another): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Not sure if a fresh check is needed or an Aid Another to Nef's original check but here you go, such as it is!

sliding cooly into the scene, looking a little disappointed, Aikane keeps his hands in his belt. He says, "She told us we could save you." bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26 "Well, You as in you-whole crew and like. Seems we might could still help your lot on this little plane, though. What do you say?"

"Yes, I put Jacinth under a truth spell." Nef meets Maximilian's cool gaze. "In the beginning, I had little reason to trust her. But she went under that truth spell under her own free will, and I think she's changed from the coward that you knew. This is a woman that could have lived the good life in Port Shaw. She could have told everyone that there was a shipwreck and a storm that only she survived. It would have been a believable story. There would have been some talk and rumor, but she could have lived the lie and stayed safe."

Nef shakes her head and gestures to the trembling elf. "Instead, Jacinth spoke of the whale, and the savages, and became the laughing stock of Port Shaw. Why? Because she wanted to come back here and make amends. She wanted to rescue you... all of you. I won't lie to you, Maximilian. She was spoiled and foolish, and she ran from you when you needed her most. But then she turned right back around and got help."

"Your friends are badly hurt, and shell shocked, but they live still. We will try to heal them if we can and return them to their families after slaying the demon that caused all this." Nef pauses and then kneels down to look at the pit where Maximilian's body lay. "I'd like to hear the rest of your story. How did you avoid getting captured by the hiwanis? Then I'd like be able to return you too, so that your family can find closure and grieve. Is that what you want?"

Maximillian shifts his gaze to first look at Nefertiti, then Aikane and back to the priestess. "You say Jacinth has changed...that she can save me...yet I see this not." He glares at his former friend before turning back to stare at his earthly remains.

"Still...what you say is also right. She is HERE now and I cannot deny that as my eyes do not lie to me. As for how I came to be here...it is all a blur now. I remember swimming to shore...those horrifying creatures that slaughtered my friends! I...blacked out...came to where we washed ashore. Crawled here and...nothing."

He turns a pleading gaze to all of you. "Please! I beg of you...return me to my home for proper burial. Then I shall know peace!"

His attitude is now Indifferent.

:D

Reknar raises an eyebrow, almost not believing what he is witnessing, as the creature offers a plead. He says nothing, but offers a nod at it, peeking down the hole, to see if Maximilian's corpse is there.

Ke' held still, afraid of sparking a more violent confrontation with something he couldn't touch. His eyes flicked back and forth between the ghost and Jacinth.

"I trust you know the answer we will give, Maxmillian. If we weren't willing to accept, we wouldn't be here now. The Captain is here to right all of her wrongs from that day. The rest of us are here to help her in that task. We'd be more than happy to return your remains for a proper burial."

Thanks Reknar! It's the thought that counts :D

As Maximilian's spirit calms, so does Jacinth's racing heart. "Y-yes..." she nods in agreement. "It will be done, one way or another. This I swear, for whatever my word may be worth at this point. If I am unable to, then I know that these people I have brought with me will see the job done."

She hesitantly peeks over the edge of the hole with Reknar and then gives Nef an uncertain look. "Should I retrieve his remains or would it be better for another to do so? I would rather not offend..." she queries, eyes darting nervously to the spirit and then back to the priestess.

Nef glances over the men in the party. Then she turns back to Maximilian. "Jacinth would be honored to collect your body, but if you would prefer another candidate, Reknar here is an honorable veteran of many wars in Varisia. He's carried home other fallen comrades, and would likely serve you well. Which would you prefer?"

Now that the ghost is no longer attacking, Nefertiti feels her heart pound as the reality of the situation comes home to her. She just negotiated with... a ghost. But the job is not done yet, and she cannot let herself give in to the shakes and tremors that are threatening to come now that the danger is supposedly past.

You have a job to do still, and this lost boy deserves the best you can give him.

"Maximilian... may I say a prayer over your remains? I know not what gods you worshipped in life, but I could say some words for you. My name is Nefertiti. I'm a priestess of Horus, a god who like you is a long way from home." She pulls out her notebook, trying to keep her hands from shaking. "Also, is there anything you want me to say to your family? Any final words or bequests?"

The ghost looks back at Jacinth before looking over to the priestess of Horus. "Well...that is not a question I ever expected to be asked. Still, I do feel my...uhhhh...remains here and I don't think it matters..." His voice trails off as he flies back to the pit hovering over it for a moment.

"Perhaps...yes I think maybe you should....uhhh....bless my remains here. Horus? A god I have never heard of, yet it seems you know of him well."

Maximilian cracks a small smile, an odd sight on his spectral features. "I think....yes Jacinth has indeed learned much. I would be honored to allow her to retrieve my body."

It does not take long for Jacinth to climb down into the pit, which is actually a fairly deep pit, 30 feet or so. You suspect magic was of use in excavating the pit. In addition to his decomposing body, which you estimate has been here for several weeks, Jacinth notes Maximilian’s body still bears the following items: a suit of masterwork leather armor, a family heirloom opal ring (100 gp), and a pouch containing a vial of antitoxin, an ivory comb (20 gp), 5 agates (10 gp each), and 68 gp.

Maximilian slowly shakes his head as he sees what is left of him. "Feel free to take what you need here. I only request my...ring be kept on me. I am still quite attached to it."

Time check 0930, day 8.

Reknar's eyes only go open wider at the amazingly civil conversation taking place, and he assists Jacinth down without a single word, simply shaking his head.

Although relieved that Maximilian's anger seems to be quelled Jacinth still can't help but shiver at the small smile he offers to them, in death a shadow of the one she had often seen him wear in life. "Thank you," she murmurs as she begins her climb into the pit with Reknar's assistance.

Once down in the pit, she silently takes stock of her former friend's possessions before working with Reknar and the others to bring the body up and out. She then waits for Nef to offer up her prayers to Horus as she struggles to find the right words to say in eulogy for her fallen friend.

Nefertiti smiles in return to Maximilian's small cracked smile. Jacinth was right. You would have liked this one, had you met him while he was still alive. "Of course, the ring is yours, and will stay with you. Thank you."

"Maximilian, you should know that our ship was destroyed by the same whale that destroyed the Dulcimer. However... I expect rescue." As she says these words, she knows deep in her heart that they are true. Zem is the truest soul she has ever known. He left their mission, but he would not abandon them. "My friend Zem by now knows that our ship went down right off the shore of this island, and he knows how to find Jacinth's uncle. He even has a ship he might be able to use, if he was clever about where he docked it. Zem is a man of action; he will not stand by if we need help."

She takes a deep breath. "However, if we're going to make it safe for any ship to come to us, we need to slay the demon that controls the hiwanis and the whale first. Do you understand, Maximilian? If you do, I'd like to say my words."

Nefertiti raises a feather in the air and prays.

By the way, can she feel the presence of the demon in this spot? I'm going to ask you periodically, because I need to know if there are any places on this island that are out of his range...

"Horus, please guide and light the way for Maximilian Sidrow, a good person who died honorably, defending his friends from a great evil. You like he, once tread the paths of the dead, and came back to fight for your people who needed you. Guide Maximilian if you can, and help us bring him home to his family, his gods, and his well-earned eternal rest."

Though not an especially religious woman, Jacinth bows her head as Nef offers up her prayers to Horus. As she listens, she finds herself hoping that they reach someone out there, whether Horus or another benevolent presence, or both.

Once Nef finishes, Jacinth knows that she owes it to Maximilian to say a few words as well, both as his friend and his former captain. She finally looks up, eyes focused on Maximilian alone. "Maximilian, you were a good friend and a good crew mate, far better than I deserved. I failed you once, but will not do so again. Please rest easy...for you will be home soon."

*********************************

After everything is said and done, she carefully collects what money and gems Maximilian had on his person as well as the comb and the vial of antitoxin. "Does anyone have use for the antitoxin? I am already carrying one." Standing up, she regards Nef curiously. "Earlier, you mentioned that Zem would know that the Rita sank - how so?"

"That's a good question. You and he don't have any sort of magical link, do you? That's takes awful strong magic to be set up. I hope you are right though. I'm not looking forward to trying to build rafts after we are done with the demon. "

Nefertiti reaches into her pouch, and grabs the splinter wrapped in paper from the Kolohe, and shows it to Jacinth. "Remember my ship tracking spell? I gave Zem a splinter from the Rita, so that he could track our ship the way I tracked his. Any priest or shaman can cast it... it's an easy spell. All you need is a splinter and a map. If the ship sinks, it shows a skull and crossbones where it sank. Zem will check, and when he sees it, Zem will come."

She knows this like she knows that the sun will rise in the west. It's a truth, deep in her heart. Undeniable. Zem will come, because she would come for him.

And what will you tell him when he comes? You killed a pregnant woman without mercy. You're attracted to another man, and just this morning you splashed around in the water half-naked, flirting. it's been barely a week since you two parted.

Nef trembles, looking up at Jacinth with scared eyes. "Oh, Kaiku, he will come. But I don't know if I'm still worthy of him!"

The ghost of Maximilian watches Nefertiti perform last rites on his own remains with an expressionless look on his face...not that you can read spectral faces that well however. As she finishes he nods once. "Thank you for your words, though I think I will need more than just words to release me. There was much...anger and rage I felt at the time..." His voice trails off.

As the rest of you prepare to depart this area and return to the cove where you left your charges Maximilian hovers close to you. "Was there anything else you wish of me? I feel the need to...rest now."

Nefertiti suddenly realizes while she was in the presence of the ghost she found it much easier to reach her deity Horus. With a start she realizes the undercurrent of the demon the spirit's presence must interfere with Hawanapoki telepathic abilities.

Jacinth opens her mouth, ready to point out that even if Zem were able to find such a person to work that scrying magic, there was no guarantee that he would be able to return to the island with any speed, but thinks better of it and simply nods.

No...aside from earlier this morning on the beach, this is as hopeful as I have seen her since we arrived here. Do not take that away from her.

She finds herself caught by surprise at Nef's next statement, her own eyes widening slightly at the fear that she sees on the priestess' face. Glancing uncomfortably at the rest of the group, she lowers her voice. "Why would you think that? Because of Reknar?" She shakes her head. "This island seems to do strange things to the mind and sometimes I am not sure if it is entirely the work of our host." Her voice takes on a grave, but gentle tone. "I do not know your mind and your heart, Nef - only you do. My father once told me that love for another can spur us to great heights, to be better than we once were...but it should not be a weight under which we feel crushed, trying to live up to an ideal that may only exist within the mind. Zem seems a good...man, from what little time I spent with him. But remember that he is not perfect...and has little right to expect you to be, either."

Clearing her throat, she turns back towards the spirit of Maximilian as he asks if they are in need of anything else. "I cannot think of anything, as you have told us all that you remember after the Dulcimer sank. Unless someone else has thought of something that I have not," she looks at the rest of the group, "then we will leave you to your rest, until we defeat this demon and return to take you home."

As the group prepares to head back toward the beach, something occurs to Jacinth that she noticed when she first descended into the pit. "It is odd...that pit was very smoothly dug, almost as if it had not been dug manually but rather with magic. But the hiwanis do not seem capable of magic and such a trap does not seem to suit the our hosts' purposes."

After everything is said and done, she carefully collects what money and gems Maximilian had on his person as well as the comb and the vial of antitoxin. "Does anyone have use for the antitoxin? I am already carrying one."

"I'll carry that Captain" - Reknar nods, then picks up the leather armor - "This one may come in handy also - maybe worth some coin"

-----------

At Nefertiti's words about this 'Zem' character, Reknar shrugs - "Well, I sure hope your boyfriend shows up - we could use a ride out of this place. If we survive that is" - the big man chuckles - "In any case, and if we actually do, we should start thinking of alternatives, just in case. Still a long ways off that is though"

As the group prepares to head back toward the beach, something occurs to Jacinth that she noticed when she first descended into the pit. "It is odd...that pit was very smoothly dug, almost as if it had not been...

"I'd say we still have some surprises heading our way - maybe the demon has someone actually working for him, apart from those mindless wret... Huh... Captives" - he adds, taking a last look at the ghost they just left behind, nodding his farewell.

The ghost of Maximilian watches Nefertiti perform last rites on his own remains with an expressionless look on his face...not that you can read spectral faces that well however. As she finishes he nods once. "Thank you for your words, though I think I will need more than just words to release me. There was much...anger and rage I felt at the time..." His voice trails off.

"I understand."

As the rest of you prepare to depart this area and return to the cove where you left your charges Maximilian hovers close to you. "Was there anything else you wish of me? I feel the need to...rest now."

Nefertiti suddenly realizes while she was in the presence of the ghost she found it much easier to reach her deity Horus. With a start she realizes the undercurrent of the demon the spirit's presence must interfere with Hawanapoki telepathic abilities.

"I have one more question before you rest." Nef looks at the ghost, hovering near her. "Are you bound to this spot, or do you travel where your body does? Your spirit is strong, Maximilian. While I am in your presence, I don't feel the thoughts of the demon who rules this island. I think you dampen them somehow. Being with you is the first time I've felt free from his interference while on this island."

"I know how crazy this must sound, but I have a talent for odd ideas. Sometimes they even work." She looks at the others before turning back to Maximilian. "Last night, your friends from the Dulcimer all woke up screaming from terrors that the demon put in their heads. If we took you with us... Do you think your presence could deter the demon's hold on them, and let them rest and maybe heal?"

And maybe let Opu and Lani sleep through the night?

Oren nodded at Nef's question. Either he was going to sleep here tonight, or if the spirit could travel and give them so respite from the awful power of the demon. "Good question, Nef. We need everyone at tip top shape to try and defeat this demon, and get Maxmillian back home to out him at rest. He might be able to help us achieve this."

She finds herself caught by surprise at Nef's next statement, her own eyes widening slightly at the fear that she sees on the priestess' face. Glancing uncomfortably at the rest of the group, she lowers her voice. "Why would you think that? Because of Reknar?" She shakes her head. "This island seems to do strange things to the mind and sometimes I am not sure if it is entirely the work of our host." Her voice takes on a grave, but gentle tone. "I do not know your mind and your heart, Nef - only you do. My father once told me that love for another can spur us to great heights, to be better than we once were...but it should not be a weight under which we feel crushed, trying to live up to an ideal that may only exist within the mind. Zem seems a good...man, from what little time I spent with him. But remember that he is not perfect...and has little right to expect you to be, either."

Nef startles, then blushes slightly at Reknar's name. "Yes," she whispers. "Well, that and... I've done dark things here. I slew a pregnant woman, Jacinth. I caused the deaths of our loyal crew. I'm not the person that I thought I was."

At Nefertiti's words about this 'Zem' character, Reknar shrugs - "Well, I sure hope your boyfriend shows up - we could use a ride out of this place. If we survive that is" - the big man chuckles - "In any case, and if we actually do, we should start thinking of alternatives, just in case. Still a long ways off that is though"

At the word, "boyfriend", Nef's eyebrows shoot up. Was Reknar.... jealous?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"I don't know if he's my boyfriend anymore," she says honestly. "He left. I let him. We have no promises for the future and... I don't know whether we still suit. Zem is a good man, but rigid and unbending. Maybe I can't handle that anymore. I just know that he will come, because I would do the same for him. I would tear up all of Port Shaw to get a rescue ship if I knew he was in trouble. Even if we're not lovers, we're family."

She sighs. "What's between us is unfinished and messy."

Bluff to Hide Feelings: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

She tries to keep her face composed, but her feelings shine through anyway. She feels as transparent as glass.

Jacinth simply gapes at the priestess with amazement when she suggests taking Maximilian's remains with them now. "Are...are you suggesting we haul his body all across the island with us as if he is some sort of charm or token?" She shakes her head and sighs. "If Maximilian does not object to that, I suppose it is worth a try if you truly do not sense the demon while you are in his presence...but something about it strikes me as patently absurd!"

Sense Motive (Nef): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Her own nerves still rattled by the experience of meeting her former friend as a disembodied spirit, Jacinth fails to catch the true depth or intensity of Nef's current feelings and confusion regarding Reknar. Lowering her voice once more, she whispers, "As I said, this island seems to do things to people. You are not alone and you are not to blame for the deaths of the others. If blame must be placed, then place it on me - I should have had us strike at the demon when we were first at his horrible shrine." Here she sighs once more, though her expression is resolute. "That, Maximilian's death, slaying those women...I know that I will be called to answer for those things, sooner or later. All I can do is apologize, acknowledge, and amend as best as I am able. That is all that any of us can do."

Maximilian Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Maximilian considers Nefertiti's words carefully, even as a wistful look passes over his face as a look of realization mixed with regret briefly appears on his face. "I...I do not know. Being in this state is a new experience to me."

As you head back to the cove, with Maximilian trailing behind he speaks up. "Let me try something." He then fades out of existence, only to reappear after a few minutes has passed directly in front of Reknar. "It seems as if I am tied to my bodily remains." He softly replies, heedless of the effect his appearance has on you. As for the demon...I do feel its presence here, yet I am not certain what you mean by blocking his presence. Its thoughts mean nothing to me so I cannot see how I can help you here."

"Transport Maximilian all over the island as charm or token?" Nef raises her eyebrows, and gives a half-smile. "No. But I do propose taking him back to the cove, where we'll likely all sleep tonight with your friends from the Dulcimer."

As Maximilian gives his demonstration, Nef's eyes widen, and she claps as he vanishes and reappears. "That was a fine trick! I'm sorry we have to move you, but I think it will help everyone if they can have a full night's sleep without the demon's voices in their head. We'll be better able to fight and destroy him once and for all."

"Thank you for being willing to try this." She cocks her head to study the ghost. "I don't know how you're blocking the presence of our unpleasant host. I just know that you are. I don't know much about how this works... I'm only guessing here. But perhaps something in your aura interferes with his dark magic."

Once again, she finds herself wishing that she could have found this boy still alive.

"Besides, if we're to leave you someplace while we fight the demon, let's make it a pretty beach where you can see the sea. I don't know about you, but I can watch the sea endlessly. I find it very restful."

Guys, just a heads up to let you know I am currently without internet at home - posting may become sparse until I get this one sorted (hopefully by the end of the week...)

Regarding the Sense Motive:

Reknar didn't seem particularly jealous regarding this Zem character, in truth if anything he sounded 'half convinced' that Nefertiti and this man had been, and were still lovers, thus 'boyfriend/girlfriend' or something similar.

"I don't know if he's my boyfriend anymore," she says honestly. "He left. I let him. We have no promises for the future and... I don't know whether we still suit. Zem is a good man, but rigid and unbending. Maybe I can't handle that anymore. I just know that he will come, because I would do the same for him. I would tear up all of Port Shaw to get a rescue ship if I knew he was in trouble. Even if we're not lovers, we're family."

She sighs. "What's between us is unfinished and messy."

The warrior stares at Nef for a second, then turns back on the path - "Rigid and unbending is dangerous - you may end up broken" - he states flatly as they move along - "Unfinished and messy will crawl in your head and under your skin - enough to get you killed when you're out in the open like this"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Pondering her words, he presses on - "The way I see it, everyone's free - to make decision, even if they are the wrong ones, as long as you are able to handle the consequences. If you mess up, there are no two ways about it, suck it up and move along" - he shrugs again - "You don't owe anyone anything in the end, neither on this island or back at Port Shaw, unless you decide it to be so. Live on what you know, and not on what you 'assume', and you won't get disapointed as much - at least that's how I see it" - shuffling uncomfortably at the presence of the ghost, and even more so as it disappears and pops back again.

I assume Reknar is the one carrying the corpse?

With a stare at the dead body in his arms, he simply shakes his head, and continues onward towards the cove.

Maximilian shakes his head slowly. "I fear I cannot help you here. I know little of what you speak. And now if you need me..." His form starts to grow insubstantial as he fades from view, his last words are "Just call me."

Your trip back to the cove is uneventful and both Aikane and Rata Fenn move to greet you as you emerge from the jungle undergrowth. The sailor looks you over noting the number of your party is unchanged. "I take it you were not able ta find 'im?"

Time check 1000, Day 8.

My brain seems to be stalling but I'm guessing that we went ahead and brought Max's corpse back with us. Also, Aikane was with us when we found the ghost, right?

Jacinth simply gestures at the shrouded figure that Reknar bears. "Work of a pit trap," she sighs. "Though considering what happened after the Dulcimer sank and all the dangers of the island, I am amazed that he made it as far as he did." She shifts uncomfortably, unsure of how to explain their encounter with her former friend. "When we approached the pit, his spirit...it rose from within. He wanted my blood for leaving him and the others here."

Although she knows that Rata has heard this story before, she suddenly finds herself unable to meet his gaze. "Were it not for Nef and Aikane's attempts to reason with poor Maximilian's spirit, my body would be slowly cooling next to that pit right now. But they were able to calm him. He saw fit to spare me and in return we have promised to return his body to Port Shaw for a proper burial, so his spirit will be at peace."

She glances over at the body as Reknar carefully deposits him on the sandy beach. "There is something else. Nef claims that the demon's influence seems to wane while within the presence of Maximilian's spirit. Though we would eventually have needed to return to collect his body either way, she believes that perhaps he will be able to aid us in resting more soundly tonight and so we brought him with us."

Though relieved to have returned to find Rata and the other Dulcimer survivors as well as can be expected under the circumstances, Jacinth fidgets as she takes note of the sun's position in the sky. "The day is early yet and we have, sadly, found our answer to at least one question. Shall we see where that second trail takes us, while we still have plenty of daylight left?"

Ke'ahilani nodded, smoking his pipe as he watched the aristocrat and the Cleric. Remarkable. Actually wrangling a ghost! Although, my old master swore it could be done...
"Yeah, let's check out the second trail." He said aloud.

"No point in standing around - lets press on" - Reknar agrees.

I can't remember - did we check if the harpoon was somehow magical or something?

It had certainly been a strange day all right. Oren nodded at the words of the others. "Might as well follow the other path. Didn't take as long as I figured, so plenty of time before we need to try for rest on this accursed island. Perhaps this would be a spot to leave the remains while we continue on. I'm not sure if lugging the corpse around would be respectful or not.". While the others decide, the Mage casts detect magic on the harpoon and other gear

Nef nods. "Let Maximilian rest here... on this pretty beach." She kneels down by the corpse. "Thank you for helping us, but now is your chance to rest."

She checks over the charges from the Dulcimer, speaking reassuringly. "Did you enjoy your morning on the beach?" She makes sure that they are all sitting in the shade, and gives each plenty of good, pure clean water. She also refills the party's canteens. "Rata, do you feel comfortable watching them still? Do you need someone to change off with you?"

I'm assuming that Rata will stay again, but Nef would ask.

Before she remounts Wedjat, she turns to Reknar. She had been considering his words all the way back to the beach. "Is that how you really feel? That no one owes anyone anything? Or are you only saying that so that you can guard your own heart from disappointment?"

She looks up at Reknar's craggy face. "I'm not that kind of girl. I follow through on my commitments. My word is sacred to me." If Reknar did not understand that, there was nothing she could do. She sighs. "We have a mission. Let's survive that, and then I think you and I need to have another talk.'

Seeing the wide path ahead, she leaps back aboard her bird, soaring overhead. She wonders again whho made this path... and why. "Okay, let's go!"

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Reknar stares hard at Nefertiti for a few seconds, then simply bursts out laughing - "Ok then, we'll have that talk whenever you want"

He is still chuckling when he grabs his gear, getting ready to move out again.

Nefertiti tries not to let Reknar's laughter get to her, but it does. Why was he laughing? Did he think her word was not good, after all? Or was he looking at her as a child that doesn't know what it wants?

Isn't that what you are? A confused child? You've never had a boyfriend, save those few confusing days shipboard with Zem... You're a green girl, with no experience, and no idea what will happen when you meet with Zem next.

Perhaps he was right to laugh at her. Nef sighs, shakes her head of these distracting, ill-timed romantic thoughts. They had an island to explore and a demon to kill. Nothing else matters now.

Maximilian gives one last smile as his remains are laid down on the sandy beach where Rata Fenn stands nearby. "I be watchin' then again, if'n ye don't think ye need me, Nefertiti." He replies to her unspoken question.

Leaving the doughty sailor behind, you once again brave the jungle growth, where the trail is swallowed up by the flora. Fortunately the trail does not vary in direction heading in a north-easterly direction. As before the going is difficult and tiring. After about a half hour of walking you find yourself struggling to wind your way around an impassable spot where one of the trees crashed to the ground, likely due to a recent storm. Not far away in the jungle you spy a vine winding its way around the fallen trees branches its color a striking magenta color.

Time check 1030, day 8.

Nature 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

"Stay away from that plant over there. It's a magenta wailer vine. It pollutes the air around it with hallucinogenic pollen! It'll make you crazy. Best to just avoid it. "

Nef sighs. "Just what we need on this island. More things to make us crazy."

She gives the pretty magenta vine a wide berth.

"Indeed," Jacinth mutters, pausing for a moment to wipe the sweat from her face. "At least these are avoidable, though," she adds, attempting to give the plant a wide berth as well.

Eyes popping at the sight, Ke' whooped.
"Hot diggity!" He shouted.
Producing bottles, jars and envelopes, he sucked in a deep breath and charged up to the magenta vine. He took samples of the flowers, pollen and leaves; and even scraped some of the bark.
Occasionally, he runs back out of the influence of the pollen to take another breath.
Knowledge:Nature: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Profession:Herbalist: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Craft:Alchemy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

Nef stares, dumb-founded, as Ke'ahilani ignores all warnings, then dances right up to the Magenta Wailer Vine and starts taking samples.

"Maybe the crazy-making plant won't affect him. And if it does... Will we even be able to tell?"

As the Shoanti moves off towards the tree where the Magenta Wailer vine is entwined, his movements disturb several of the vibrant pollen-laden flowers and they burst easily sending clouds of pollen all around him...

'Lani I need a Fort save please.

Fort save: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 = 21

At seeing 'Lani doused in pollen, Nef wraps her scarf around her face and steps further back. "Opu, can you message 'Lani and ask him to please roll in the dirt a bit before returning to us? He's imbibed so many odd concoctions that he may be immune. I don't know how the rest of us would fare, and I don't want to find out."

"What the..?" - Reknar stares in disbelief.

Jacinth simply facepalms as 'Lani cheerfully goes about taking samples from the plant and moves a little further away in case the pollen might be carried on the wind or any stray breeze that might blow through.

'Lani finishes his task of gathering the thankfully rare specimens of the vine and stores the in his alchemy supply pouch. He then returns to the rest of you with a smile on his face, apparently showing no ill effects from breathing the fragrant pollen.