Volcano's Land - A New Beginning

Game Master Miner Cotren

Tilting her head and staring at the slyph. Lips twisting into a feral smile as the thorn digs it into So Khong only to close her eyes and sigh quietly. Not bothering to move to help as death and destruction seem to be what her hands are more skilled at doling out.

Turning in a slow circle, keeping a watch on the room. The newest dead body and its tainted blood, the monster that seems to just keep living, and the two sylph's who are far better elen than she is.

Glaring at So Khong, "We are to take the blame for you almost dying after your apparent Resurrection?"

Taking a step towards So Khong and pointing her axe at him, "Clear Inam's name or I will insure you stay dead this time."

"But So...K..." she begins, as the inquisitor cut her off. Frowning, she pouts. "Fine! Be that way." and quickly gives him a hug as he hands her the talisman.

Eyeing it with intrigue, she steps back and holds it out for Etrah to inspect.

K Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Landing next to the sylph under his charge, Etrah takes the finger and the talisman in a wing each. Holding them close, the phoenix inspects them in excruciating detail.

Absentmindedly, he advises Kallik "His actions may seem callous here, but he is actually doing you a favor. Even with the falsehood he plans to use, he's likely to be punished for allowing 'The Blessed' to leave without inspection."

So Khong nods at Etrah's words. "Just so."

**

With an instinct born of a hundred generations of phoenixes, Etrah simply, without a word, eats the inquisitor's small finger. His feathers go painfully bright-white, then fade. He spits out the finger, which is now a polished bone, the skin burned away. The finger bone spins upward in a lazy arc, eventually landing point-first in the dirt.

A moment later, the path of the bone is outlined in bright red light. The air around the light seems to...peel away, leaving a doorway that seems to lead to a familiar-looking street of Hearth.

Scowling at So Khong, "He had better hope so since we have to go back to his other mess now. And he cannot make up for that."

Ibinu quickly darts through to Hearth... because in his gut he feels if a portal home is open there is no damn good reason to stand around grandstanding or chattering, "see you all on the other side."

It is only one step. There is no electric shock, no poison needles, and--especially surprising, considering this is likely ifrit magic--no ostentatious flames. One moment, you are in an unbearably hot environment, sustained only by enchantments against the heat. The next, you are in cold winter weather, snow falling, then steaming, upon your warm shoulders. There is absolutely no trace of your passage.

Chapter 14. Room to Grow.

Turning from the undine who has had such a profound impact on her life and future. Forgiveness is hard. Moving to the doorway but waiting until Inam has gone though.

Pleased with himself, Etrah nods to the others and with but a flip of his wings sails through the doorway.

Stepping through behind Ibinu and Etrah, Inam turns back to ensure Kallik's safe passage.

"Well that was certainly something else...Warrior help me, but I hope So Khong's punishment isn't too severe..."

Looking around, she sighs. "Now back to trying to keep this place from tearing itself apart."

It is Emberday, Witchrites the 13th.

So eventually you meet up with the people you wish to. It is early in the morning of the 13th, when you were expecting it to be early evening on the 12th. These can take place after you've rested, eaten, healed, etc. Here are some greetings you might receive:

Edoardo talks to directly to Inam. His face is lined with concern. "Ee-nam, you cannot run off like that without support, without telling others how to reach you! You are co-rulers of this city, and we need you here!"

Kallik, you find Egret in Bian's chambers. Her soft golden eyes are red-rimmed from crying. When she sees you her manner is reserved, hesitant. "I'm glad you're home, Sissy. Are you leaving again, or can you play with me?"

Ibinu, would you find Culkin first?

For what reason? I mean, if Culkin sought Ibinu out or there was a note to come talk to him Ibinu would go check it out. Otherwise, Ibinu has the armor packaged up with him according to the last time he was with Culkin.

After Inam gives her assessment of the armor, she hands it back to Ibinu.

Etrah whispers something in Inam's ear. She cocks her head, listening, then turns to Ibinu. "Of course! Here's a thousand gold." She tosses a bag of one hundred Temple platinum toward you. "Etrah says you need it. I think I'm going to go get things straightened out with Edoardo and the rest of the Temple guard." She waves to you and Kallik as she takes her leave. Etrah bows in farewell.

Let's just do the buying of your items and the ID of the armor (if you want to do that) now, hopefully before you go on hiatus.

Let me know who you are asking for advice on such locations, or exploring the town yourself, etc

That works for me. Sweet, free money! :P

"Oh wow! Thanks. Need me to get you... and they are gone... and I'm talking to myself again."

He looks around then continues anyway, "okay then, I'll assume this is a loan. Better get to working it off this week. Hopefully things calm down for a short while at least... and I'm still talking to myself." Humming a small tune he heads to his room to collect the rest of his funds.

Ibinu heads out into town with, I'm sure, an honor guard or two following along. He will chat them up about Hearth and hopefully get them to open up a bit about themselves and their past. He is headed to see Fiordelise.

It is sixth candle.

Ibinu, as the pre-dim pink peaklight warms in preparation for the day, you swear you see a yellow, orange, and red symbol spread above Volcano, taking the shape of a phoenix. You hear a cry from various parts of the town--the Dims Watch, the Temple--as they too see the sign (or experience a shared hallucination, your right brain supposes).

Volcano stabilizes into a fierce red. The winter wind is unpleasant, and the snow falls with large flakes upon your face. The snow is ankle-deep upon the ground.

Eventually you find Sophia (or, more accurately, it seems Sophia finds you) and she rounds up two other Temple guards, a sylph and an ifrit, both els. They salute you, fists over hearts, as they approach. Their names are both fritan: Antonio and Giovanni, respectively. They don't say much to you, seemingly overwhelmed by your reputation.

You find the Locatelli residence in the Mansions easily enough. The home has strong, tall stone walls, evidence of a well-to-do family. The mansion within the walls is all dark timbers and accents of marble and ivory.

the gates stand open, feel free to knock and say your piece to Fi - she would open the door

Moving up to the door, Ibinu knocks and waits for an opportunity to chat with Fi.

When they meet he lays out his thoughts, "hello Fiordelise, sorry you didn't get the Temple Guard Captain slot. I honestly think you would have been great at the job but I also think that your position over your family business is also incredibly important. Anyway, I'm here on different business. I have some armor I'd like you to take a look at and I'm also looking to acquire a backpack of holding, an item that is 'bigger on the inside' if you will."

As Fi opens the door, she looks you up and down, and smiles. "The one who called me beautiful." She has a light ifrit accent. Her fiery hair, tied tight in a warrior's braid, is almost an echo of Etrah's plumage, though slightly duller. Her blue eyes, like the heart of a flame, are mischievous.

"Whoa, slow down. I know from personal experience that when properly handled, sylphs can actually speak at a comprehensible speed. What's this about armor?"

Immediately moving to kneel in-front of Egret. Putting both of her hands on either shoulder, "I'm so sorry I wasn't able to come let you know I had to leave."

Shifting to sit with her legs crossed, "Of course I will play with you. You were the first one I came to look for and you always will be. But it is something that will happen again. That is the life the Gods planned out for me."

Egret small hands ball up into fists. Her voice is choked up as she says, "But you don't have to. You could stay here with me!"

if you try to say the work saves many lives, that kind of thing

"Noo," she says with the drawn-out, pouting defiance of youth. "Innie and Ibbie can do that. She has a phoeeeenix," again using that long-winded sarcasm. "Sissy, I need someone I can see every day! I need a mom!" She looks at you with tearful hope, seasoned with a hint of sullen anger.

Clinching her teeth at being rebuffed, at Ibinu being right. Blinking away her tears and shaking her head, "Just like how I found you Egret when I see something wrong I have to fix it. That is how the Great Forest made me."

Looking back up at the child, "I am one of three elen who can do what I do so I cannot just stay. But you are who I come back too."

"If you need someone who can" nearly choking on the next word, "al, always be here I will find them but I have to.. I have to leave sometimes."

Clinching her fingering into fists at her side to force the twitching away. Though there is a tremor that runs up and down her arms then into her shoulders. And no amount of blinking can chase away the tears of failure. "I'm so sorry Egret. You deserve better."

A thought triggers in his mind and Ibinu goes to a dark place, "the uh... two sylphs I know that have been 'properly handled' have some major self image issues. One tried to turn himself into an Ifrit. The other took a much higher road."

His eyes go wide and then he apologizes, "oh no, I'm sorry that has nothing to do with you and I know your remark didn't mean to reference what has happened in the past." He drags out the next sentence with a big smile as he jokes, "I... will... speak... slower."

Taking a deep breath and continuing at a normal pace, "do you have a workshop or something to take a look at it? All I know so far is that it functions as an enhanced piece of studded leather armor." He waves the guards to stay and Sophie to follow as they head to a better place than the foyer to inspect the item.

Once there, he pulls the chest piece out and adds, "it's uh... well... it's made from darkspawn or darkspawn essence or something. And there is some sort of extra enchant that we don't know about." Thinking for a second he adds, "I also came specifically here to try to figure out how something like this could have been made and who would have been able to craft it. I expect if one item was made more might have been as well. If it can give our fighters a better chance against the spawn's infection, then that's maybe the most important discovery in a hundred years."

Egret actually laughs, a tinkling sound you have not heard in ages. "Sissy! You can't be better - you are the best! I just need to learn to share you." She gives you an extra-hard (for Egret) hug, which is difficult to feel at all through your armor. She is still crying, but she smiles against the tears.

After a while, you both calm, like River after a storm. The girl looks at you with her serious expression. "You don't have to look. I know who I want." She looks over at Bian, who has remained silent. Her eyes also brim with tears. The look on the undine's face seems to be asking you for forgiveness.

At the first comment, Fi stares blankly at you. "I was joking, strambo (weirdo)."

At the second comment, she laughs, loudly and honestly. Shaking her head, she says, "Only a sylph would assume everyone in the world has a workshop at their house." Her eyes go distant for a moment. "Although I know someone who does..."

She tugs you on the arm. Her grip is stronger than you would have guessed. "Come on, Strambo. I'll introduce you to Elfie."

You stroll out of the opulence of the Mansions, traveling south away from the Temple. At the eastern edge of the Shops, there is a mid-sized instrument shop, painted a cheerful yellow. Equally cheerful letters proclaim the name of the shop 'The Canary's Whistle'.

As you enter, the top of the door sets off a series of wind chimes, one after another. Elfie's high, melodious voice calls from the back of the store, "Be right with you!" You walk down an aisle of stringed instruments from southern undine villages, and catch a glimpse of the sylph between two sitars.

Elfie's dark, shoulder-length hair is pulled back in a ponytail. Straight-cut bangs rest upon her pale-gold forehead. She is looking down at a brass horn, cleaning the valves one at a time. Her hands move with the casual skill of experience.

Her eyes, somewhere between toffee and caramel, glace up, seeing Fiordelise first. "Fee-fi! I was wondering when you would come around." Fi walks around the counter and puts her hand on Elfie's shoulder. Addressing you, the ifrit says, "Tell her what you told me. About the armor. Elfie researches magic too." She smiles. "Like I said, only a sylph, si?"

Smiling and no long noticing or caring about the tears running down her cheek. Unclinching one hand and bringing her hand up to cup Egret's cheek in palm, "I think you are my favorite thing about this city." Death did not strip away the monster.

Wrapping both of her arms around Egret as gently as possible. Closing her eyes and breathing in. There is no scent of death or fire on the child like what clings to her. There is fear and grief, which is her fault, but there is no reek of blood and pain. Any that now lingers to the youth is only gained though contact with Kallik. Keeping her arms around Egret but locking her trembing fingers into a fist.

Opening her eyes and nodding at Egret before turning towards Bian. Not trusting herself to able to form words she mouths's "Thank you." Before tucking her Egret into her arms again and greedily reveling in the scent of life.

Once there, he pulls the chest piece out and adds, "it's uh... well... it's made from darkspawn or darkspawn essence or something. And there is some sort of extra enchant that we don't know about." Thinking for a second he adds, "I also came specifically here to try to figure out how something like this could have been made and who would have been able to craft it. I expect if one item was made more might have been as well. If it can give our fighters a better chance against the spawn's infection, then that's maybe the most important discovery in a hundred years."

Ibinu spits out what he had planned to tell Fi about the armor. I'm happy she admits when she doesn't know something and is willing to go seek help with the answer.

To her last comment he adds while nodding, "it does seem that we are an inquisitive species. I guess some of the stereotypes are probably truer than one may think."

Roll a spellcraft to aid Elfie

not a known skill and can't roll it: 1d1 ⇒ 1

Elfie smiles and attentively takes in everything you say. "Alright, well!" She waves at you to come closer. "You get to step behind the counter - a sight not many customers get to see!" She winks mischievously.

Down a hallway, you pass a few closed doors. Elfie takes the two of you down a narrow flight of stairs. She fumbles with her keys for a moment, muttering to herself, then unlocks the door.

You duck through the short entrance, and immediately feel several small objects brushing up against your hair. As you move, chimes, crystals, and bells dance and move with you, filling the air with tinkling dings and twinkling clinks. The white walls catch small rainbows from small glowing prisms. Candles are set in the four corners of the room.

Elfie motions for you to put the armor on the floor, in the middle of a bright blue painted circle. Fi quickly lights the candles with a soft word and a bit of ifrit magic. Elfie sits inside the circle. She closes her eyes and begins humming softly to herself. Fi plays a soft accompaniment on her flute; you recognize the tune, an old sylphan folksong, but for some reason you cannot recall the name at the moment. The candles smell like apples.

After a minute, perhaps longer, she opens her eyes. "Ok, this is a pretty weird piece of armor you've got here..."

The other enchantment: once per day, go invisible and silent (per the Invisibility and Silence spells) for exactly 10 minutes. There is a 1% chance (rolled every time you use it) that you are permanently invisible and silent instead

Ibinu's brow furrows as he muses to himself, "huh... well that explains how he got so close."

He speaks up, "I guess that's pretty good odds and it's not like you would be dead even if it malfunctioned, thanks! Can I offer to help repay for the reagents and your time?" He packs up the armor I'll be putting this to use later, but no reason to be obvious about it.

Shoving the bundle into his overflowing bag he looks up, "hey um Elfie? Do you know anything about storage options? My pack here is a bit full and quite heavy. Know of something that can well lighten the load or store things more efficiently?"

Elfie moves her lips to one side as she thinks. "Hmm, I've definitely read about bags and sacks like that, but I've never actually seen one." She shrugs. "I don't have enough money for one either-"

Fi interrupts, laughing, "Si, you spend all your money on purses instead."

The sylph rolls her eyes. "Like I was saying, I don't have the money, but I bet I could help you make one. The only thing I don't have is planar magic - since this will be a small, umm," she waves her hands in a vaguely circular motion, "bag dimension. Do you know anyone with spells like that, or maybe a magic item that could help?"

Ibinu thinks for barely a second and then replies, "yeeeessss I do, but I'm not sure if they'll help. Well, I know the owner will help but... anyway, it's a long story. I'll go talk to them. If that falls through, any idea where should I look to buy one?"

Elfie nods. "Charlatan's Quarters, for sure. I'll write you directions to a nice shop and a little introduction from me." She smiles at you brightly. "Any friend of Fi's is a friend of mine."

Sitting quietly with Egret until she feels that Egret is calm again. Standing up, "I'm gonna go get cleaned up and get rid of the armor and then I will be back, ok? Then we can do whatever you want." Waiting for an answer before leaving.

Quickly walking out and putting her hand on the weapon at her side. "What was that? You sent us to where the dead are!"

Kallik, you feel another wave of looming anger, similar to when you kicked the axe away from you. "I sent? You DECIDE to walk through some weird rift with your mean face on, not knowing what you are doing, and you say I sent you there? Or maybe it was that Soap Khong guy's fault? Is it everyone's fault but yours?" The axe is incredulous. You hear it rant in a language you have never heard before. "Arogancka mała dziewczynka myśli, że jest pniem!"

Egret nods as you walk toward the door. "I'll think of a fun special thing to do in winter for when you get back!"

Sucking in a sharp breath and locking her fingers into fists again, "I'm sorry. I seem to have forgotten myself and the blame that must always rest on my shoulders. Though you were the one that opened that rift and happily went along with my mean face. Silly me for assuming you might know more than me considering you claim too!"

Soap Khong!

"And silly me for thinking you would only walk into another plane if you knew what you were doing!" Without breath, you somehow get the impression of a sigh. "We'll both have to be more careful, alright? I like the kid too, so let's make sure we always make it home."

Ibinu happily takes the offered directions and letter of introduction. Vigorously shaking her hand he smiles, "thank you very much m'lady! Hopefully I'll see you and Fiordelise soon."

He takes his retinue to Charlatan's Quarters to at least see what is available and price it. No need to bother Kallik and Axey McAxeface unless I can't find what I need affordably.

Ibinu, on the way, Sophia remarks, "I didn't realize you were such good friends with that Fiordelise." Her eyes, framed by those triangular scars, stare ahead as you walk.

Ibinu thinks for a second, "I didn't realize it either. I mean she helped us out with some temple stuff and seemed trustworthy. Then she was about the only person we could think of to nominate for temple guard and that was sorta close, though I think Dove was quite an exemplary pick. I don't know..."

He takes a deep sigh, "honesty set to max? I've literally been in Hearth for a very short time. It uh... seems like it's been my whole life right now but I know that isn't even close. But it definitely shows sometimes as I don't know many elen here. So it's good to get out and meet some, plus walking around is a good time to catch up with you."

The other guards being less than forthcoming with conversation earlier, Ibinu has given up on them for now. He continues with a shiver, "can we find a place with a warm drink and chat about how you have been doing?"

Sophia grins widely, then consciously takes a more somber expression. "You mean, you know, right now? Or after you go shopping for your magic purse?" She smirks and cocks an eyebrow at you.

Ibinu shivers again, "um now would be ideal. I had no clue it got this cold out here just walking around. I think I outta shop for a thicker coat too."

He thinks for a bit, "I'm pretty sure now that I think about it, I've only been outside the temple during this season the two times I went to the steam slums soo... sorta messed up my perception of the ole temp."

Staring up at the ceiling and letting her shoulders slump, "I had no idea where that portal was going to go... I never know what I am doing. Have you not figured that out yet?

Never breaking her quick stride her bring her to her shared quarters. Mindlessly striping and cleaning the smell of death and fire from her skin and clothing. I'm sorry you are stuck with me. There is very little I do right and while I have not lost myself to my anger I still do not seem to have control over it. Apparently that is never going to leave me be."

The axe seems surprised by your sudden turn to melancholy. "It's been a long couple of days, and I can't remember - have I told you my name? It's Krzysztoff. Kriz is fine. You know, you can 'rage it out' with me, and we can get through the anger spells. Just don't kick me or toss me, alright?"

Quirking an eyebrow, You gave me your name already and sadly you have to deal with my rage, just like everyone else.

Staring up at the ceiling, I can try to not throw you anymore. But I cannot promise anything.

Turning to her bag and starting to dig though it. But a small bag stops her, That place, where I found you, was that the Forest's version of where we were earlier today? Was I really dead?

A pause. That Khong guy was dead in his plane, right? So you came to the place of Forest's power, the place where the fey dance in silvery light. It is not a place for creatures of mere flesh...yes, you were dead. Changes have a price. Gifts have a price.

Sophia, now in a brighter mood, briefly touches your shoulder to steer you off the main road of the Shops. "I don't come to this part of town much, but the cozy spots are always off the beaten path. Come on!"

She takes you past flat stone buildings that leak steam as the doors open and close. Past jewelers and tailors, and a dozen other stores carrying items with gold embroidery or lace ruffles.

You see a few cafes, but Sophia dismisses them one by one - too pricey, too pretentious, too crowded. Suddenly, she stops short, and almost slips on a patch of ice. She grabs onto you, steadying herself. Realizing what she has done, she apologizes. She is either blushing, or red-cheeked from the cold.

"Phew! Grazie! Ok, this is the one, I can tell from the smell." She takes a deep breath through her nose, and sighs in appreciation. You smell it as well - hot chocolate, with a hint of some other spice. The aroma is coming from an unassuming brick building, graced with a simple sign that says Mamma's Chocolates.

The interior is warm and homey, with two friendly fires burning at either wall. An elderly ifrit, presumably Mamma, nods to you. "Take a seat, I'll be with you in a minute!" She shuffles into the back through a swinging door. Most of the tables are empty, but a few other patrons are enjoying drinks and desserts.

Ibinu allows Sophia to lead the way through town, no clue what places would be good. His shivers intensify a bit yet his scars are hot. An odd feeling.

Surprisingly to himself, he actually reacts quickly enough to catch her right as she grabs onto him. His suspicions are increased but not confirmed when she appears to blush.

Heading inside he finds a seat at a table with a view of the door... it's just more comfortable to see the exit. (I'm guessing the other 2 guards are staying outside?)

He grimaces a bit as the skin pulls tight against his new scars as he and Sophia sit. He attempts a smile anyway, "so tell me a bit about yourself as we warm up. Have you always lived in Hearth?"

Yep, other two are guarding outside. The ifrit guard gives the two of you a sidelong glance, but says nothing

Sophia notices the grimace and seems not to hear your question. "Does it hurt? I'm the last elen in the world to pry about scars," she gestures to her face, "but I can't stand to see you- to see someone in pain."