Volcano's Land - A New Beginning

Game Master Miner Cotren

you can tell he is talking in riddles and circles on purpose - the best you can get is that: 1) the scent of the plant (from the Watch) was indeed an attack or a separate burglary committed by the Fey and the Captain used that as a misdirection to guide you to the Elder; 2) Odebie retrieved Egret at an undisclosed time from them (the Watch) ; 3) he's not really interested in giving you details beyond that

"...as to why you are here, well, it sounds like Captain Tareasca is an admirably skilled liar. Would any of you at least play a game of tshala if you insist on staying?"

Ibinu literally buries his face in his hand when Inam begins her rambling whatever the heck that is speech. He sighs, "Well dammit. Sure I'll play, what are the rules?"

He steps up to the king and as they start playing he asks, "Also, do you have any evidence of Tareasca's involvement? Unfortunately we aren't able to simply walk up to her and execute her, regardless of the magic used on Kallik there. I mean, I'm not saying she won't get executed, I'm just saying it'd be easier to pull off with a bit more information."

What the hell has Kallik gotten herself into here? Though I totally get a deal with the devil, still there might have been other ways to pull this off.

The game is simple to learn. There are 14 holes--six to a side and one personal space on the right--with three seeds each. Pick a hole, pick up all the seeds, and 'sow' them going counterclockwise until you run out. This continues, and the game ebbs and flows with seeds being sown all over the board, and eventually ending up in the personal pits.

After briefly showing you how to play, Odebie wins quickly and handily. He murmurs, "Why don't you check the basements of the Ardere before the Captain realizes that Egret is missing? Surely finding that milksop undine Bian in their dungeons will be proof enough? Or would you continue to play games with me, Efreet-kin?"

Ibinu wrinkles his nose as he is stomped, ”Not my mission, I’m just here as support. I’ll head out when they are ready to go. I’ll be back for a rematch though, you get bored down here all the time? Anyone ever visit?”

Odebie laughs low when you say it is not your mission, a shared appreciation in that mirth for subversive adherence.

Suddenly a marvelous, bewitching crowd of Fey appear before and around you. Els made of tufted grass wear ifrit doublets and yammer crumblingly to one another ; fern and willow eles sway on the walls, dancing in unison to form vague faces that slowly change color in waves; eyes of all shapes upon you - in butterfly wings, centipede backs, frog warts, duck feathers, and porcupine quills. All with eyes. All staring at your game.

"Lonely? I think not."

if you decide to play again, roll an int check to see how well you do this time. Odebie will roll twice (advantage) because he knows the game very well.

Trying to ignore the shaking, that urge is strong. But Egret is in her arms again. Glaring at the two playing the game. Moving with Egret in her arms towards Inam and Sequoya. "I am going to check those basements and do what I was going to do earlier."

Having said that she walks away from this horrid place.

Ibinu stands as the game wraps up, "Ah, well played. Duty calls or I'd stay for another. I'll be back for a rematch." And I've already learned way more than I expect you ever wanted me to.

As they chase after Kallik he talks to the other two, "Listen, I'm all for righteous justice and smiting. I've definitely lost my head at least once recently on that front. But how can we be sure that it was actually Captain Tareasca and not one of her underlings? There would be plenty of motivation there, either to set up the Captain for a fall or even to impress her with their out of the box thinking. I don't know, I just don't want another innocent killed because we can't tell when either side is lying. Seriously, is anyone of you good at that? Reading people, I mean. It still doesn't make any sense why the scent trail for Egret would lead directly to the plants used in the attack. Something is up."

Odebie has his assorted coterie of Fey bow and wave as you leave the rootball throne room.

"I'm not great at reading people..." replies Inam. Glancing back towards the tree, she frowns. "I'm sorry...but I really wanted to kill that thing back there. I don't know if I've ever truly felt this way before."

"It has got to be evil! But...if we killed it, would a war start up with the oreads? I..."

Glancing at the back of Kalliks head, she shudders "You know we'll have to beat her to the captain in order to have any chance at the truth."

"You are quite right." remarks Etrah. "Kallik is liable to be consumed by whatever that presence did to her."

Glancing towards the small bundle in the ele's hands, he frowns "If it's true though...I don't know that her response is improper..."

"I will help as best I can with the captain."

Sophia speaks up. "You know, I remember when Ibinu spoke to both of you earnestly about your weaknesses. He told you, Inam, that you needed to stop relying on that black and white morality. I for one see a king, somewhat arrogant, who gave us back Egret at basically no cost. "

Before Kallik can storm off, she adds, "And he told you, Kallik, that you couldn't lead two lives - your life with Egret, or a life of protecting the many. Not both."

She places her hand on Ibinu's chest. "Ibinu is the only one who is still trying to be rational here. Making the wrong move costs too much."

she's not stopping anyone from moving, this is just discussion on the way back to the Ardere Watch

Growling at Sophia, "Yes, and that wisdom has lead us here. And you might be a little biased by whatever is brewing between you to."

Looking forward, "Inam and Ibinu can have their entanglements but apparently I cannot."

Moving as swiftly as she can, "And that lead to this situation. And if I have to pick again I will not be choosing this city full of evil."

Gently squeezing the child in her arms, "And there is a cost."

Kallik's guards are outside right? She would be willing to entrust Lui with Egret.

Ibinu answers sternly, "One, I don't think we have attempted to hide anything between us, but having a bias doesn't make her wrong. Two, you are correct that we do have entanglements that could be used against us. However, mine is an adult who is well aware of the risk. There are just some things in this life worth taking the risk and I'm happy Sophia has done so with me. If she is torn from this world, I have no clue how I would react. If I'm lucky we'll go together, but that is a rare occurrence so I won't dwell further on it."

He takes a deep breath to slow his roll, "But before we rail down a whole trail of anger, I just want to say that you did nothing wrong. You kept Egret out of harm's way intentionally and it likely took a very large effort to pull off her kidnapping. So, before we just barge in and execute someone thinking we are magically saving the world with one bad person killed, how about we try to unravel the whole ring and maybe make a lasting change so she isn't threatened again?"

Kallik, Lui is indeed waiting at the entrance of the Stems. The Greenwoods shift out of your way but for a moment, to allow all of you to leave. The grizzled guard limps over to you. "Is that her? You found Egret?" He smiles, and you notice a fresh bandage on his cheek.

Lui takes Egret as you offer her. As she leaves your arms, she whispers, "Please bring Bian back. I'm sorry we got in danger."

Edoardo clears his throat. "You're right, killing the top soldier is just gonna put someone just as bad as Captain in charge. The Ardere is corrupt, more loyal to the gold of the nobles then anything else. You want change? You're gonna have to start stepping on some toes, use your political power as well as the fire and claws and scary stuff. Talk to the council after we clear this up, and find someone for our ranks to fill out the Ardere. Of course, that will cause its own problems, nobles will complain, the East Watch won't be happy...but it will be a start."

Kissing Egret on the top of her head after passing her off, "You did nothing wrong."

Looking up at Lui, "You do whatever is needed to keep her safe, ok."

Standing there a moment and watching Lui and Egret leave before turning back around. Glaring at the group, possibly just existence in general. Locking her fingers into fists and trying to use the pain to center herself, "What you do not understand is I have to kill her. Magic binds me to it."

Huffing before continuing, "At this point I highly doubt whoever replaces her will be any better. This place births evil."

A few steps closer, "But I know I was right. But I questioned myself and thought I would be better off listening to those I thought were wiser. Who cared. Egret could have died. Bian might be dead. Who knows who else they have killed. I should not have sent her away. I should not have listened!"

Focusing on Ibinu, "I understand you all might see me as a mindlessly violent beast but I trusted you. I have literally placed my life in your hands before. But I do not get the same respect in turn!"

Sighing and turning to walk away, "And again I am a slave to something beyond me. So unless you are going to attack me them I am going to go rid myself of this compulsion. And I will fight or run to avoid penalty. After all I am magically bound. I will work with you but I have to do this."

Waving one bloodly hand in the air and letting the other drip blood on the axe at her side, "I have always supported your choices and actions."

Krz tings in support, the droplets of blood vibrating strangely on his blade.

Hurt showing in her eyes, Inam frowns. "I swear to you I've never meant to show you and disrespect. You are my blood for all intents and purposes. You are my sister."

"I understand your frustration and anger. I understand your desire for revenge. If it be the requirement...I..."

Pausing, she turns away before blurting "I won't stand in your way."

Tagging a ragged breath, choking back tears, she forces herself to turn back to Kallik. "But they are right. It will do us...you...Egret no good to severe one limb from a hydra. We must properly question and investigate the captain to find out whom helped in this dastardly deed. If we don't destroy the entire serpent, we'll find ourselves caught in an endless circle of death and destruction with no end."

"The beast will come back time and again until you have driven yourself mad beyond comprehension."

Glancing back towards the Tree elder, her frown deepens. "The magic is powerful, but are you able to funnel it towards destroying the entire organisation of evil? The evil that placed poor Egret and Bian in the crosshairs?"

Looking down at the ground, she follows Kallik, matching stride for stride.

'I was so worried about losing Ibinu to the evils of the Lady...I neglected to keep my eyes on Kallik's needs. This...and what comes of it...I am not totally blameless.' she considers.

Ibinu sighs, "For craps sake, dammit!"

He looks at Kallik, "Okay, so I know you all don't like the Cauldron Lady, I get it. But she is an aspect of Volcano and while her methods are questionable, she doesn't want her worshippers wiped out. So, when she sends me a vision I know it isn't just something she wants. And I say all that so that when I tell you she sent me a clear message that there is an assassin going after Tareasca and I must stop her, you know how serious this is. I just never though that assassin would be you, Kallik."

He'll wait for a response before continuing.

Stopping still for a moment, Inam stares at Ibinu. Blinking multiple times, she glances from Kallik to Ibinu.

"Well Vulc!" violently escapes her lips.

Stopping at looking back at her companions. Sighing and looking very tired. Rubbing at her eyes with the back of her hand and groan when all that gets her is blood on her face.

Letting her shoulders drop and staring at the ground. "I have to do it. I am all for taking out the serpent as you call it. But I am magically bound. So long as I am working towards it maybe the magic will give me time. But it is pulling at me.."

Wiping at her face with her arm now, "I am so tired of death and revenge. I am tired of this place. It sucks the life out of everything here. I used to want to do good and all I have done since I got here was kill.."

Wiping at her eyes again, "The Gods do not care. We are puppets at best. Her worshiper, to her, has more value than others. But to me that is not the case."

Looking up with tears and blood on her face, "I am going to kill her and anyone I learn is helping her in these things. This Serpent you mentioned. But this place is a taint on the land. Even if you manage to do so I doubt anything good will come of it. And I am going to find Bian. So long as no one gets in my way I wont kill them..."

Turning to resume walking, "Yet."

"So..." turning to Etrah, Inam inquires "What do we do?"

"If we slaughter or allow the slaughter of the el, we've no idea what ramifications will occur. We simply know Ibinu has been charged with stopping it."

"However, if we stop it, there's no telling what ramifications the Elder will impart either."

"On the one hand, both actions are potentially Just and Righteous on their own merits for different reasons...and both actions will hurt at least one of us..."

"So, what do we do?" she reiterates.

"It is a conundrum, little one." he replies slowly.

Deliberately looking to Kallik, then Ibinu, and back to Inam, "Unfortunately, I am forbidden from aiding you in this particular crossroads. The Blessed must decide the course here."

Turning to look directly at Kallik, he continues "You are wrong little inkazi. The gods do care about the natural elen...though some have a sad way of showing it."

"I know, believe me, things are tough and unsettling. At times, it seems no good comes from anything you try to fix. This is not so. If you could see the whole picture, you'd understand so much better...alas it is not the way of things."

Pausing, he address Ibinu "Drake Sprout, I don't envy you or your burden either."

"Inam, I implore you to have faith. The Blessed have the ability to solve this, but it will take all three of you."

Opening his mouth to say more a bright, crimson light shoots down from the peaks of Volcano and engulfs him. In an instant, he shifts back into a chicken and simply says... "BaKah."

Ibinu just simply states, "I will not stand in your way Kallik, you are my friend. I will pay the consequences. Let us go rescue Bian and deal with what happens after that."

The same tall V of the Ardere stands with golden conceit above the double-door entrance. The same young ifrit stands outside this time immediately letting you in.

Taresca is standing in the foyer, flaming teacup in hand, with several of her guards, all ifrits. She looks at all of you, red eyebrows raised. "Back so soon?" She holds up her drink. "Would any of you like to take flame with me?" Her voice is utterly courteous.

"I'd be happy too...but might I utter a prayer first? A spell, if you will, to bless our drink?"

She bows her head. "Of course, Fenice Madre. Speak whatever blessing you feel appropriate."

"Warrior, bless all in this room. Allow us to enjoy this moment of truthful sharing and allow us to find that which was lost."

With a few strange gestures with her hands, a pale light emanates outward engulfing the elen in attendance.

Accepting the glass with a slight bow, she smiles. "Thank you. If you'll indulge me, I'm curious if you've heard anything regarding Bian. I was curious if she'd made it to her desired destination."

(Everyone will need a Will Save DC 16 vs Zone of Truth)

Will Save DC 16: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Will DC 16: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Easily shrugging off the weak and pathetic warrior spell*, the avatar of the Cauldron Lady intently watches for any flicker of reaction to the name Bian.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

* :P

Tareasca frowns. "More accusations, Inam? Listen, the last I heard of Bian was when Kallik came barreling in here a candle ago. Ibinu said Egret and Bian went south, right?"

Exasperated, she says, "What is all this about? Did you find anything in the Stems? What about the attack from that potted plant?"

LINK, this was mentioned in front of her last time you were here

"Since when is a simple question an accusation? You are lead of the watch. You have access to an extensive amount of information regarding the comings and goes as necessitates your position. It is not unreasonable to think you might at least know if she made it out of the city."

"Your ego aside, we are still following the trail your pot set in motion."

"As you suspected, it was an attack on your life. It lead us to rumors of Bian still being in town and back to this location."

"Why would the Stems desire your death?"

Tareasca is about to reply, but sees Kallik staring daggers at her. She trails off, waiting for Kallik's anger to prompt her to speak.

Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Keeping to the back of the group and biting her tongue. Glaring at Tareasca but saying nothing. The metalic taste filling her mouth and the pain is enough to keep from rushing up and trying to remove her head, barely. Trying to avoid swallowing the blood so she cannot speak.

It is nineteenth candle.

Tareasca raises an eyebrow at Kallik's silence, but turns back to Inam. "A simple question can be an accusation when you came in here accusing me of similar things just a single candle ago.. Do not play the subtle games, Inam, you have no talent for them."

"Fair enough" growls Inam.

"You are also quite pointedly avoiding my question. I'll be blunt then. Did you or any of your people have anything to do with Egret and Bian not reaching their intended destination."

Tareasca sighs, annoyed. "It sounds like you can call a meeting of the Council to get your questions answered, if you want to formally question a Captain of the Watch."

She turns back to Kallik, voice now dripping with sincerity, "Kallik, did you find Egret in that awful place? Is she alright?"

"You still didn't answer the question." Sequoya points out, speaking up for the first time in all this. A complete foreigner to the convoluted politics of this place, she remained quiet, observing, learning, watching for some error or flaw that would indicate the best course of action.

She could easily tell that Kallik was barely managing restraint and it seemed that the captain was almost trying to goad her into an action she could use against her. "Telling us the last time you saw the girl does not deny knowing why she went missing."

Beside her Mishipeshu's hackles rise, responding to the smell of impending violence in the room.

Will: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Tareasca's eyes remain on Kallik while she answers Sequoya. "And I won't answer anymore until the Council is assembled, to make sure all the proper forms are followed. After all, I've already been threatened by a known murderer, who Captain Dove refuses to convict based on personal biases." She is obviously talking about Kallik, but thinly pretends to be talking in the abstract.

Ibinu simply walks past the group and turns down a hallway to the left, "Good luck with your proper forms and everything."

"Afraid you'll say something damning?"

Captain Tareasca shouts for her guards to follow Ibinu. When they close the distance, you can tell most of the guards are reluctant to point their weapons toward the horned sylph-- whether out of reverence for the Blessed or fear of the Cauldron Lady is unclear.

Tareasca says, "As much as the Blessed would like to pretend otherwise, you do not rule this city. The Watches are separate from your precious Temple. You do not have authority here."

her back is currently to Kallik

"You fear what he might find don't you? Are you hiding something?" she presses the question.

Ibinu continues walking, looking for the doorway down. He smiles back at the guards holding their weapons reluctantly, "If you wish to address whatever breach of etiquette you believe I am committing, why don't you call a meeting of the Council to officially accuse me of something. Don't worry, I'll show. Meanwhile, I'll continue my escorted tour."

Something of the dragon's fang and fire shows in Ibinu's eyes. No one challenges you.

Tareasca's control is suddenly shattered. A desperate "No, no!" as she runs in front. She stands directly in front of Ibinu, who towers with horned height above her.

Ibinu's coy little smile stretches into one of a certain cheshire nature, "Why now my dear, what seems to be the problem?"