"Is it worth the risk to find out while we are down a party member?" Remy wonders aloud. "I think we should brave the storm and come back tomorrow when we are refreshed and better prepared. I, for one, do not wish to spend the night in a haunted house!"
The monk removes her hooded cloak and breaks a few lengths of wood from the desk in the study to fashion a makeshift stretcher so that she and Borgol can carry Fergus back.
"But it would be so spooky!" Flik considers. "I would be more comfortable with good-old Fergus around, though. Perhaps we could prepare to go and one of us could sneak a peak inside the room? Then we could...uh...tactically retreat if there is something lurking in there."
Remy sighs. "Fine. Alustria, will you take this end of the stretcher? I'll check the door. Be ready to run if things go poorly."
That said, the monk moves to the door the ghost disappeared through and opens it.
Alustria does so, peeking over the monk's shoulder as she opens the door.
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As Remy goes for the door, a chill takes her whole body. She places her fingers on the door nob, realising it's locked. Flik, helps by using his dagger and listening for the click.
Successful, he lets the monk open the door. A mouldering mattress lies amid a bowed wooden frame, flanked on either side by ruined tables. A dresser in the northwest corner of the room has seen most of its drawers pulled out and discarded on the floor. Remnants of mouldy and animal-gnawed clothes spill from them. A hole has been hacked into the floor, near a long, slender wooden case that is open and tipped over on the floor.
You see Roderic's ghost, sitting on the bed. A younger version of himself, he seems to be looking for something. She has taken it. Why would I hide it here, you idiot. You stupid idiot. Something so dangerous... He stand up and lets the team explore the room.
least 350 gp.
This was once Roderic and Andella’s bedroom. Now, animals have torn out most of the bedding, leaving a scattered tangle of cloth remnants and soiled and shredded stuffing. Aside from the couples’ garments, little of interest can be found among the scavenged dresser.
As you take the case and look it over, Roderic's ghost dissapears and swiftly reapears behind the group standing outside in the main part of the house. Apearing behind Maddie and Borgol, you see the discheveled and older Roderic once more. She has lost her way - took it. Do not trust her. She is dangerous - you must stop her... He has a concerned look on his face, as his cold hands grab Maddie on the shoulder. She can feel the stining pain of cold surge through her body, and just as quickly it leaves. Roderic dissapears once more into the aether.
Alustria sees something under the bed and bends down to retrieve it, bringing out a beautifully carved wooden case.
"Barakat...what does that mean?" , she says, then startles when Roderic approaches Maddie, only relaxing a little when the ghost vanishes. "Right, um...anyway, Barakat."
Alustria points at the word, then runs a finger along the preserved hairs. "With as old as everything else is here, these shouldn't look this fresh. It's locked...maybe there's something in there that's keeping them this way? She glances at Flik. "Think you can open it?
[b]"My, how interesting! And it looks so old!"[b] Flik exclaims as he examines the case. While the others are preparing to leave, he takes out his thieves' tools and carefully tries to charm the locks.
"Maddie said the name was Thassilonian. Any other insights?" Remy asks the young wizard.
Despite her lack of skill, the stretcher is surprisingly sturdy. She takes the lead on the journey back, ready to put Fergus down and fight should danger emerge.
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As hard as he tries, Flik is unable to make the case open. He thinks that this is way beyond his level of expertise for the moment. He is, however, able to figure out that there is some sort of keys, that are used to open the respective locks on either side. The strange shapes hold merit to the strong design of the case, and you reckon that the person who crafted these was very skilled.
As the party makes their way back down the stairs of the old mansion, they feel the many spirits of this house watching them. The storm brewing outside causes the front doors snap open. The swing so powerful they nearly fly off the hinges. A sign, you think, of the house telling you to leave and weather the storm.
Thanks to Remy's handywork, you are able to put together a surprisingly sturdy stretcher from the rotten woods and debris scattered around. The heavy body of the dwarf makes enough work for the two of you to carry, but you think the storm will cause you to move slower.
Flik's magic, shines a bright light through the storm, as he moves closer to see the path you took here, once again illuminated by the shinning dancing globules of light. He sends them forward, remembering the way making sure to move them in front of the party so they can see.
As you make your final preparations, and make your way out into the night, you feel the cold of the night and the rain on your skin lower your body temperature quite significantly. You reach follow the coast path up and into the forest, turning back once more to take a glance back at Roderic's Wreck. You see the transluscent image of Andella staring you down through the storm. She has a needle in her left hand, etching something in fine details into the window.
As you start making your way back towards Roderic's Cove, you think you have about a 60 minute journey back by foot, in this rain making sure you don't fall over and hurt your injured friend any more.
Flik pulls his hood forward, but drops of rain still drip onto the end of his nose.
"Ah, the lovely weather of the Lost Coast! If I had a silver for every time I've tromped through here with soggy boots, we'd be riding back to town in a gilded chariot." Flik stifles a sneeze. "We should get in out of the rain when we get back to town, and see about getting a full-night's rest."
Remy blinks raindrops out of her eyes. Without her cloak, the water soaks the monk, causing her robes to cling to her curvy form. "Once Fergus's wounds are healed, we can see about finding Sir Roderic's map. Maybe we could do some research to learn more about Baraket as well."
Maddie shudders as the ghost grabs her, recoiling at the specter's touch. "Umm... Well, it was a really powerful sword. If I were to see it, I could figure out more. But otherwise, nothing." she's clearly shaken by the ghost's touch, but it doesn't seem to have affected her in any sort of permanent way, just left her somber for the moment.
Outside, Maddie looks around at the rain and sighs, then mutters an incantation and raises her hand, leaving the rain seemingly parting around her to fall to the muddy ground- which likewise doesn't seem to be getting on her shoes. "I'm going home- Mama and Papa are probably worried, but..." she doesn't complete the sentence, but it seems she's concerned about something.
"Don't worry Maddie, you will be safe traveling with us. And of course we'll get you back to your parents." Flik scratches his head while listening to Remy. "Yes, if Baraket was important, I'm sure we can find some information about...whatever it is. I've always loved research, myself."
”A sword...now that is interesting.”
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You are able to make it most of the way, shambling about along the forest path towards Roderic's Cove. You can't hear the ocean over the restless storm that has hit the cove, but the dim glow of town life in the distance warms your hearts, knowing you will soon make it back.
Nevertheless, a mist creeps out of nowhere, and blankets the path you are walking. The change in temperature is real here, as the condensation masks the right way. You are able to stay on track, but the cold conditions are getting tougher. A wolf howls in the distance - but how? It's very cold and wet, they should all be hiding. You pick up your pace, steading youselves.
Out of nowhere, a quadraped apears wandering out of the cold night in the line of your path. You think its a simple wolf at first, but as it gets closer, you realise it is something else. Malice oozes from this stout, hutched predator. A ruff of dirty feathers adorns its hearless muscular body just below its crocodilian skull. It glares with you with it's blood shot eyes, and stand there, puffing from the cold.
"Till thugainn, dè chaidh a thogail. Till iad gun Abhainn Souls ..." it grows at you menacingly. It's eyes focus on Remy and Maddie at first, but then it sniffs around towards the unconsious Fergus liking it's lips.
Could be some important story information with this knowledge check...
Party Conditions
@ Flik [-5 lethal]
@ Maddie
@ Alustria
@ Remy [-2 lethal, mage armour running 18 minutes]
@ Borgol
@ Fergus [-14 lethal, unsoncious, stable]
Dog (red)
@ Party may act!
Remy's face remains impassive as the monster emerges. She sets Fergus down and steps forward, then stomps the ground and drops into a fighting stance. "If you want him, come and claim him!" she declares.
"A psychopomp! But what is it doing here? They shepherd loose souls back to the Boneyard."
Flik waves his hands at the creature, through the rain: "Go away! There are no loose spirits here! Go find a ghost to bother; we are cold and wet, and our friend needs healing."
Maddie speaks up, talking to the creature in a strange tongue.
It is still so dark, so very dark. It should be tranquil but in the farthest reaches of his mind, Fergus feels danger.
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The creature turns its head slightly towards Maddie.
Cywir. Nid yw'n twyllo marwolaeth. Ond rydych chi'n bendant yn …
As the creature surgest forward, prowling in the rain towards the young chronomancer. You notice, however, that it seems to be moving slower than expected. However, the sudden movement from the creature and it lurching up it's feathers as it moves, is terrifying to watch.
-- Maddie is Shaken.
The dog misses, as it sees the monk step forward and strike, but is smart enough to stop just short of Maddie and rear backwards to avoid the blow.
Round 1
@ Flik [-5 lethal]
@ Maddie [shaken]
@ Alustria
@ Remy [-2 lethal, mage armour running 18 minutes]
@ Borgol
@ Fergus [-14 lethal, unsoncious, stable]
Dog (red)
@ Party may go!
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You find yourself in the dark, but not for long. You begin to dream of the first time you remember as Cordwin passed by your small settlement. Hi being so mighty and strong - everything that the legends you remember about this dwarven hero are true. Yet, no matter how much you try to get close to him, he seems to ignore you and walk away. You seem to grab his attention, you show off how much you have grown, yet his dull eyes stare right through you - as if no one is there.
Suddenly you feel cold, and wet. You aren't sure exactly why, but you feel rushed, as the dream speeds up faster and faster. You watch, as Cordwin shows your people his fabled weapon that he used to slay the...but he draws your greataxe instead. You know it is your greataxe, as it is the same one you forged yourself as all right of passage for worshipers of Angradd. But wait...Cordwin never used a greataxe…
"Hey! Pick on someone your own size!" Remy shouts. She ducks low and delivers an uppercut to the monster's jaw in an attempt to stun it, then brings her elbow down in a bone-shattering strike to the back of its skull!
Flik will activate Naturalist and begin listing everything he knows about the creature, then draw his longsword. "I don't know why it's so hostile! Is anyone as specter? You all look perfectly solid to me!"
Alustria sucks to the side for a clear shot, throwing another storm bolt.
"Eek!" Maddie retreats, her response dying on her lips as the outsider charges at her. As she gets just outside the creature's reach, though, something seems to take hold of her and her gaze hardens, even as the rest of her is trembling fiercely. She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a bit of dust, which slips between her fingers as she chants a spell.
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PCs - ”We don’t care for your not-so-random encounters! Screw your notes and screw your panning! Screw this thing!”
As the bard starts telling the party this creatures weak spots, Alustria reacts focusing her magic on the weather. She catches a drop of rain on her palm and throws it at the creature dazzling it. Using the momentum from her previous swing, Remy jabs her elbow below the sternum of the creature. Catching herself, she twists the other way, delivering a blow that shatters the creatures muzzle. You watch, as the eye swells and a huge crack emerges from the side of the snout.
As Maddie begins casting the spell, she blinks again and the creature is already limping away undercover of the forest canopy. At this distance, and through the rain, you cannot hear them - but rather know this creature is whimpering...
Osebok -30 lethal, dazzled.
Remy lets the wounded creature run off. Killing it wouldn't accomplish anything. She shakes out her arms and picks the stretcher back up. "Come on, let us get him to the healer."
She looks at Maddie. "What did that thing say to you?"
"I'm cheating death? I guess?" Maddie shrugs, "I dunno."
Borgol raises his bow at the retreating creature, holding the arrow and asking, "Won't it come back? Better to end this now, no? Rather than on its terms and when we're asleep?"
"Hmm. It's not an evil creature. I don't know. Maybe it was just attracted by Fergus?"
"It was intelligent. It now knows better than to try to attack us, and if there are others of its kind, it can tell them we are not to be trifled with," Remy says, justifying her decision.
Alustria agreed. “Killing in battle I can accept. Killing a retreating foe, no. Never.”
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As Maddie talks about the hounds intentions, her head seems to hurt thinking about the meaning behind his words. You all find this attack very perculiar.
Knowing now that you shouldn't spend any more time on the road back, you rush forward towards the lights on the horizon. Though the storm doesn't get any less stormy, the promise of a warm bed and a shower is a welcome one.
You make your way into town from the West side. The Rampant Reefclaw is busy, even at this time of night. You hear the loud converstions, the ruckus of people moving about in their drunken states and you can feel the warmth as a few individuals leave back home for the evening. It is late, and people are more focused on enduring the storm by forgetting about it's excistance entirely.
As a group you know that this will not be your destination tonight. You are heading to the Lady's Chapel, as you know this is where you will find Desil Marphan, friend and ally to Audrahni. Alustria beckons that this is the best course of action, and you will be more safe there. You will also be closer to her cousin, who was infact the benefactor of your travels to Roderic's Wreck.
There are not many people out, and most of the homes have thier candles either too dim to notice, or not burning. Borgol tells the party that they should avoid the guardhouse, even this late at night, to avoid any questions and delay on healing your fallen comrade.
You eventually make your way to the Lady's Chapel. You can see the faint dancing of candles coming from one of the rooms. A wrought iron fence stretches from the church and surrounds the town’s graveyard, and the party feels uneasy knowing what they have seen in the past few hours. You rush into the large building, seeking repreave from the storm.
You are met by one of the younger priests, wearing black clad robes that look more like a night gown than anytning else. She swiftly bows and leaves to go get the attention of Desil. Drentched and weak from the journey, Remy and Borgol still hold onto the make shift stretcher with their paladin on it, knowing that as soon as they put him down they themselves will collapse from exhaustion. The head priest comes down to join you in due course, his expression is concerend, to say the least. "So you return, in the middle of the night and amidst a horrible storm. Your timing couldn't be more forboding if you tried. What happened to your friend? - quickly, bring him through here. Lanni, be a dear and go wake up Audrahni. She would like to know her friends are back."
As the younger cleric nods, and leaves back outside to fetch Alustria's cousin, the man leads you into one of the side rooms which is fashioned into an infirmary. The man, who is very tall of a human, guides Fergus to one of the empty beds. As the party follows and places the still body where they are told, Remy and Borgol find it in themselves not to collapse immediately. Maddie begins shaking from the cold, as she lets herself finally relax. Alustria and Flik find the fireplace and some blankets and immediately begin making this space as warm as possible.
Investigating the body, the priest continues. "What in the Boneyards name did you find out there? His wounds are all infected - see the decay? You are lucky he isn't dead. You were right to come here." he cast's two spells, followed by channeling possitive energy. You're not sure if its the warm blankets, or the healing energy that begins to burn first, but feeling slowly begins to return to your extremities.
-- healing to everyone.
At this moment, Audrahni and the younger cleric burst into the room, panting. "What...what happened? You were gone for 2 days...you weren't supposed to be out that long. I was getting worried...what did you find out there?" As she finishes, she runs over to her younger cousin and gives her a wet hug.
As she says this, Flik, you have a small panic attack. It's happening again...the loss of time...but why, why now?
She doesn't seem to recognise Maddie and Remy at all, but she nods your way thanking you for helping bring the other four home.
Fergus is surprised to see his cousin Cordwin. Last he remembered, he was far from their homeland and when he had left, Cordwin was already gone having more adventures and achieving even more fame!
Cordwin, me kin, it is good to see ye! What tale will ye be tellin' me 'round the fire tonight? Fergus asks slipping into his dwarven accent. He is surprised when Cordwin doesn't answer. Whatta ye about? Cat got yer tongue? He asks with a laugh.
He is surprised when time speeds up and Cordwin is claiming a greataxe-his greataxe!
Everythng I've heard tell, Cordwin used a book and his knowledge as his greatest weapon...not a greataxe!
Fergus is still contemplating this mystery when he suddely sees light and the sounds of battle! No! Not battle but thunder and the lights from some sort of temple? Where am I? he asks the religiously attired man. Where are my friends? Baby ghosts! Angradd! Cordwin! He mutters.
Remy is grateful to be warm and dry, wrapping the blankets closely around herself. She's about to greet Audrahni but it is clear the elf doesn't recognize her or Maddie. She stays quiet for now.
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The tall priest, helps to sit Fergus up on the bed. His warm hands still applying preasure to your wounds, helping them heal. You are safe now, Fergus. You are in The Lady's temple - safe from whatever did this. You were having a dream, it is common among victims. You're friends are with you...see? as he brings a cup of warm milk into your hands.
Audrahni shakes Remy's hand and pats the little Maddie on the head. Thank you for bringing Fergus back. My name is Audrahni, but...I get the sense that you already know that. Her slender elven form is beautiful, yet she seems sad for some reason. As she makes contact with you, she seems to be taken back by something, and she clasps her head with one arm in pain. Aaoooow. That's new. It must be from the cold, it will pass. Your paths must have crossed just in time, how did you stumble across the rest of the group? And aren't you a little too young to be adventuring at that age, young miss? Are you sisters?
Flik snuggles into the blankets, but his mind is reeling. This time they all noticed it! Two day?! Maybe it isn't my imagination.
"Audrahni, we have much to tell you!" Flik stifles a gigantic yawn. "But I'm exhausted. First a little snooze, then questions and answers!"
Remy frowns when Audrahni recoils. "We have met before, Audrahni. Or at least, Maddie and I are acquainted with another version of you. She could probably explain it better--despite her age, I fear my young companion is already much smarter than I will ever be!
"The short version is that we somehow were pulled to Roderic's Wreck by some unknown magic. This world appears to be very similar to our own, but there are many key differences. I... I don't know if there's a way back there or not, but so long as we are here, we will do what we can to help keep this town safe."
Alustria returns the embrace. "Two days? Certainly not! Not unless some magic was at work - it was scarcely an hour, if that, before Fergus fell to undead...cockroaches." She shudders. "But we found so much! Roderic's ghost seeks something - a map, that he fears someone took from him. We found this..." She hurries over to Flik's pack, and unless he stops her, extracts the case to show her cousin. "But we can't open it. Do you have any idea what it is?
Maddie nods, "I really liked you back home." she tells Audrahni, "But that's a long way away. Or time away? Eh. Imagine if every time you made a choice, a new world appeared, where you made the opposite. It would result in an infinite number of worlds, where everything happened. From what I can tell, we're from another world, but one that's nearly the same, just offset a bit in time. Maybe. Anyway, I have no idea how Mister Roderick got us here, but yeah."
"Anyway, I didn't have a choice, and the other you thought I could do it. Besides, I'll do more dangerous things before."
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In reaction to Maddie and Remy, the room is silent and confused. You are saying, you are from a different world, parallel to ours? Does such a place even exist? as Audrahni is visually stunned.
The male priest, lets out a sigh and injects, It is said that the existence of The Boneyard in its singular state is an...but, it has never been proven. Surely these adventurers are mearly tired.... Desil seems to completely disregard the whole idea. You all seem too tired for him to take you seriously.
Audrahni continues. I agree with Desil, you must be tired and confused. And, seeing Roderic's ghost again probably isn't the easiest to process. Nevertheless, I thank the both of you for assisting Roderic's Cove and bringing these lot back to us. She still looks a little confused by your presence, but is accepting of the events.
----
After a few more minutes of the party coming to their senses and everyone warming up, the talking continues. So, you say that you saw Roderic's Ghost? as Audrahni takes the Baraket box from Flik. A map? A map to where? If you didn't find one at Roderic's Wreck, it makes sence for it not to be there, a map would not have lasted very long by the sea. He was a persistent man, and always made copies of all of his work. Most of which are kept archived at Cove Hall.
As she turns the box around and read the name, she drops the box and gasps. Where...where did you find this? It can't be. H...h...how did you...? Do you, do anyone of you know what this is...?
"Maddie mentioned it was a powerful sword related to ancient Thassilon, but that's all we know. I'm guessing you can fill in some more details," Remy says wryly, though she is concerned by the elf's intense reaction.
Flik stirs once he has warmed up.
"What is this Cove House? Roderick's ghost mentioned a "stone house in the woods." Would that be it?" Flik sniffs and suddles down into the blankets. "It is a shame that Roderick's home has fallen into disrepair and danger. I think people would like to visit it...without the danger of being killed, of course."
without the danger of being killed, of course."
Fergus winces at that. Strange thing about almost dying. I saw my famous cousin, but he wasn't acting right.
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Desil consoles the paladin, who is still obviously a little distraught and in need of rest. He lays him back down on the bed, and covers him in a blanket. Another cleric begins to take of his wet shoes. Dying is a natural part of life. I assure you, there is nothing strange about it. Tell me about your cousin - I am always fascinated by those who still dream while clutching onto life. Tell he, why wasn't he right?
As the younger Lani begins to attend to Fergus, she seems to be rushing - visually irritated to be staying up so late during the evening for duties. She huffs and puffs, and …
Maddie's head rings, as she watches as Lani's form suddenly speeds up. You watch as the young cleric is rushing at her duties, as doesn't seem to notice the lantern sitting on the corner of the bed frame. In a matter of seconds, she knocks it over and fires begin to consume the room...
… and … she starts making her way towards the top of Fergus's bed to fix his pillow. Beside him, the burning lantern with hot oil sits un-attended on the corner.
---
Audrahni stands and straightens herself. The wet clothes on her seem to sag and dry uneavenly and even though she was in the rain for only a moment, you can see the cold impacting her in many ways. Although, at this point, youre not sure if the slight shakes are from fear or from the weather. I would assume that sir Flik would know more than myself on this matter. I am sure you are all aware of Varisia's great history. The once Azlanti rulers of this great nation possessed great power. They rules over these lands, marking each of their territories with brands of their conquests. They were masters of a distorted magic, lost now to the ages, known as sin-magic. The corruption of the basic schools of magic we practice today. To aid them, they had crafted artifacts of immense power. These Sin Swords were believed to be tales of fiction. So tell me, how can a group of young adventurers come across such a case, with the Sword of Pride spelled out on the front of it. What idiot would even lable it! These weapons were fabled to contain the grafted souls of the first Runelords who weilded them. Though, they are still just myths... The elf seems to collect herself and seem more sure of herself, as her final words are seen as an attempt to convince the room, but most importantly herself of this fact.
She continues nodding at Flik, A stone house? I, i am not too familiar with the terrain around Roderic's Cove - maybe somewhere east in the forest? Who knows what sorts of ancient burial cites and citadels still exist. Alas, i left Magnimar to seek a simpler life - my duties to this realm are done. And now with Roderic's Ghost being more active then ever, i fear this weather isn't the last strange thing we will see in the coming days... she bows her head solemnly.
Remy stands tall as she sees Audrahni seeming to get overwhelmed. "Hey! You can't lose yourself to worry and despair. Ghosts and Sin Swords are nothing! I've been through worse--much, much worse." The monk glances down at her body briefly before she meets the elf's eyes again.
"We'll find the stone house. You said there are maps in Cove Hall? Then that's where we'll head in the morning. We'll get to the bottom of this mystery, we'll find this wayward sword, and we'll put Sir Roderic to rest once and for all. And if anything gets in our way--well, it will wish it hadn't." She slams a fist into an open palm for emphasis.
Borgol says, "While I will be the first to admit that the house was far more haunted, or that the haunt was more severe, that we'd expected, I don't think there's any reason to think of this as lost. Ser Roderick's ghost itself led us to clues, and now we have something to work with, rather than fumbling about blindly in the dark... I say we follow the trail to the next part of the hunt..."
The confidence in his voice fades slightly as he adds, "..even if we're still figuring out what trail these clues actually mark."
He clears his throat, then says, "In terms of the blade itself, and the corruption, I think it better in our hands -- many of have had some rather negative experiences and opportunities to lose hope -- and ourselves -- and yet, we remain here, true to what's right." Besides, if we do worry we're being corrupted, better an inexperienced group like us that could be easily defeated.... Maybe I should pen a letter to Leandra warning her of what we may be walking into?
"Why, I think I do recall some things about the Runelords. Terrifying despots, or so it is said, but lost in the long ages of the past. Like all things, they pass away in time." Flik attempts to sooth Audrahni, but has some doubts himself.
Though, who knows what could be happening, with time behaving so strangely!
"Why, I think I do recall some things about the Runelords. Terrifying despots, or so it is said, but lost in the long ages of the past. Like all things, they pass away in time."
"Perhaps they are not as lost as we might hope," Remy says quietly to the gnome. Despite her previous bluster, the beautiful woman looks deeply troubled at the talk of runelords.