Saga of a New Land

Game Master Kitsune Kune

Cenna nods to Nem, "I suppose that makes sense, I sort of forgot all about that when we stumbled into the first world".

Whelp, I'll give until this time tomorrow to see if anyone else adds anything. Otherwise will assume we move forward with the Apiary as that is now the option with two votes.

With the fog rapidly fading, the way through the forest quickly becomes clear. A small dirt path, barely more than a deer-trail, leads off the road and through the trees. After a mile, it suddenly opens up to reveal an open cl3aring between the trees, several hundred meters to a side, filled with various flower fields and vegetable patches. There's even a row of berry bushes, flush with fruit, on the far side of the clearing, and five small bee-houses are placed in the clearing. The path itself turns to the right and approaches a cosy little hut with a handmade wicker-fence.

The air is filled with the sweet aroma of flowers in bloom, and something more.

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Despite all the recent terribleness, the equal amount of amazingness leaves Elaina in relatively high spirits. As a bee expert herself, Elaina loves bees. She gathers up a bouquet of wildflowers and takes them over to the apiaries. "Bees love me on account of my natural sweetness."

Oh, did anyone need healing before we move on? Elaina has a CLW wand, I'll save channel for emergencies.

Lemme get my spells sorted. Communal Endure Elements on everyone, 24 hrs. Used a communal Prot for Evil, expired by now. Magic Vestments upon self. Elaina has too many spells to list what she has prepared in the character header, so you can find her spells at the very top of her profile. I'll try to keep it updated with what's been used and what hasn't. And of course let me know if there's a specific cleric spell you want prepared.

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Elaina feels extra re-energized after getting to interact with such a special unicorn and Dryad in person, and doing truly good deeds... As does the rest of the party.

As a reward for the patient waiting between previous GM and myself. I am giving a one-time free refill of the party's spell slots, and hp, to full. Including any lost in that spriggan fight. All spell effects such as magical vestments, endure elements, etc. are still active. But your slots are back to full. Enjoy. ;) Consider it the work of Ng, the Eldest, thanking you for taking care of the two.

As Elaina approaches the apiaries, she quickly notices there aren't any of the common guard bees at the apiary entrances... In fact, she isn't noticing any bees at the apiraries or in the fields, at all. The air is strangely still and devoid of any insects... Or birds for that matter.

Here is what Mizuchi looks like

Yamato and his draconic companion waits to see what their ally is up to as she strolls into the forest of flowers

Nem wanders right into the clearing, trusting in her druidic powers to keep her safe in this natural area. Since Elania goes and checks out the apiary, Nem will go check out the berry bushes.

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 General Perception

"Gasp!" Elaina gasps when she sees the sad state of the bees, or what remains of them. "I've heard of this kind of thing before... Cordyceps... The poor bees have been corrupted..." Her warm heart is saddened by this revelation. Bees are amongst the most innocent of creatures, wanting only to work and dance - much like herself. She leaves the bouquet atop one of the apiaries and, keen ears perking up, draws her scimitar. She approaches the cottage warily and casts a protective spell. "It sounds like there are bees in here, but that's not a normal place for bees to bee... Don't get too close, Mizuchi. I don't want you to get stinged."

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Yamato at first looks at Mizuchi before he speaks, with a nod of acknowledgement, he continues
"I believe the majestic Mizuchi would be able to severely reduce their numbers if the bees do try and assault her or us. Though I would suggest we keep the way clear between them and her"

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Mizuchi herself turns towards the hut and flows up next to Elaina, clearly prepared to face any threat that may be contained within. "I appreciate your concern, but I will face any threats head on."

Cenna turns to Elaina, "Corrupted!

That's terrible. Nem, is there some way to revers that or are these wonders of nature doomed?"

Cenna would rather heal than harm them, if she can, well if the group can, Cenna mostly just cleanses things with fire...

Cenna pauses and re-casts her Mage Armor and also casts See Invisibility, just in case something is lurking the Party cannot detect.

Thanks GM! That certainly helps!

There’s definitely more going on here. The scent of death hangs in the air, and we should take a closer look around.

With a prayer that fills her with warmth and confidence (well, she already has as much confidence as one can have), Elaina steps up to the cottage, scimitar in hand, and throws open the door, eyes peeled for the bee-murderer.

Shield of Faith, Divine Favor.

The rainbow haired gnome studies the plants intently, trying to see if she knows a way to reverse the grafts or to aid the plants in their plight. 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30 K: Nature. I'm gonna also roll Survival and Spellcraft, just in case: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 Survival, 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 Spellcraft

Upon hearing Christian mention the scent of death, she ceases her examination, and calls forth a pack of wolves to aid her. Casting Summon Nature's Ally IV, to summon 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 wolves.

"No evil will be able to stand in the light of heaven's radiance" as the samurai closes in on the building, his large weapon drawn

"Mizuchi-dono, please ensure no evil escape our wrath" he bows with his request

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As the party prepares itself for combat, Mizuchi draws in a deep breath as Elaina kicks in the door. Revealing a scene of twisted magic and insanity. As the entire inside of the small hut, once clearly housing for a bright and cheerful individual. Is now spattered with offal and gore.

This gets a bit on the body horror side, and I don't know folks tolerance for such. So spoiling the full version here. Will have a "PG" version spoilered underneath for those who don't want to deal with such.

"So... You sur- *COUGH*. Survived the trap. A pity..." He breaks out into another wracking cough, the smell of rot and death intensifying.

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Nem will, distance: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14
Elaina will: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Christian will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Cenna will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Saito will, evil: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 2 = 14
Mizuchi will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
duration: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Nem, Saito, and Mizuchi are Shaken for 1 round.

Elaina gasps and takes a step back when she sees the horror before her. It doesn't rattle her though, as she is familiar with the twisted forms evil take, and she takes a step forward, scimitar held before her. She's not sure what the history between the evil beekeeper and lord D'Elagante, but the gnome seems obsessed. Still, she cannot just execute someone laying in bed. "Surrender, now! I don't want to hurt you, but I won't let you murder anyone else! You're outnumbered, and you and your corrupt swarms cannot hope to stand against Sarenrae's cleansing flame! You'll die for nothing, and it'll hurt the entire time."

Diplo (Touch of Glory): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

GM, did you factor in the +2 to saves vs evil creatures from Prot from Evil to our above saving throws? Also, was this a spell with the evil descriptor? If so, Nem has an additional +4 to her save from Resist Fiendish Influence.

from my side. Is it a fear effect? If so., Yamato is immune and everyone around him, 10ft, has +4 vs fear

Unless someone has recast Prot. Evil since the spriggans event that I missed, it would have expired by now. Nor is it a spell, but rather a Supernatural Aura, of a one time fear effect.

That said, it IS a fear effect. So Saito is fine, and by extension of the aura, so is Mizuchi. (By positioning descriptions when Elaina opened the door. Nem was more than ten feet from him.) THAT said, this wouldve been happening as Nem was starting to cast the summon spell, and so the following is information she would have before finished. So can decide if she wants to spend that spell or not.

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The Gnome lets out another laugh, that quickly turns into a coughing fit, that shakes his entire throne, as though he is physically bound to it. When done, he spits a bit of bloody phlegm before responding to Elaina.

"A slow death... That's what I've- *COUGH*... What I've been doing... for years... *COUGH* The Blight... Just cus I wanted. *COUGH* A calm life with... With my bees... No more travels *cough* just a quiet... *wheeze*... quiet life." He manages to slowly shake his head, but doesn't seem to even twitch a finger otherwise.

"You say...*WHEEZE* Say if I don't surrender. I'll die faster? *COUGH* Alongside my bees?... Pain I am used to... I accept!"

He strains some, as though wanting to take some aggressive action, and the swarm seems to get riled up for a moment... But then he fully slumps back into his chair, coughing heavily, clearly unable to move anything but his head and shoulders, and the swarm calms back down.

"Pity... *wheeze* Seems even this way out- *COUGH* is denied me."

The sight of the man's state, and his need did not stir fear, though his story made Yamato watch and when the creature accepts their offer of death, he nods, a sympathetic smile as he turns towards Mizuchi

"If you would, please be kind to him, and let the soul of this man find rest, may he once again find peace in the sun"

Master Tenzekil.
Christian stepped forward, his weapon held low in a calm, non-threatening manner.
I wish we were meeting under better circumstances, but that’s beyond our control now. You’re facing a terrible fate—one I haven’t personally witnessed before today, though I’ve heard much about it. You have my sympathy, though I know I’ll never truly understand what you’re going through.

He stops and takes in the room as a whole.
Let me help you find peace and bring an end to your suffering, giving you some dignity to carry with you when you meet your god. All I want in return is some information. Please, tell us why this event happened and what caused all this death and destruction.

Mizuchi prepares her breath attack to scour the hut clean of the evil that has taken root, but waits until Lord Christian, Elaina, and anyone else who wishes to speak with Tenzekil, has finished doing. but her eyes remain alert for further signs of aggression.

Breath Weapon, Cone, Fire form is readied. Either for conversation to finish, or combat to start.

Tenzekil takes a few more shallow breaths, almost imperceptible in their weakness, as he clearly fights an internal mental battle. His vision clouds for a moment, before he speaks up and answers Christian. "It happened, because I was afraid... My bees- *COUGH* I couldn't... I Couldn't leave them. They are my family. All the- *wheeze* the only family I-" He is wracked by another coughing fit, then a groan of pain, as part of the chair seems to expand more around his feat. As though slowly absorbing him.

"I had to choose... Between them and the Blight. *Cough*" He gives Christian a pleading look, "You... You understand, don't you Lord Christ- *wheeze* Stian? Having to choose. Between family and death?" He gives out another wheezing laugh. "Not that it was- *cough* was really choosing. The Blight comes even if I left..." He takes several more weak breaths before continuing.

"Then a stra- *cough* Stranger came... Dressed in all black, and no-" He shakes his head some, "Before you ask, I didn't see their face. Just the mask..." He cracks a sardonic smile. "It was a theatre mask. One of those white ones, with exaggerated faces... I should- *cough* should've known it was all an act."

He starts to cry as he continues, almost manic, and the bees seem to agitate some "They- they told me they could stop- *cough* stop the Blight. Let me stay with my bees! No cost, no cost, NO COST!... I just had to- to lead you to a portal if you ever came here... *Cough* I didn't think... Why? Why did you come? Why would you come? Just a small... *wheeze* just a small..." He trails off and goes quiet, his eyes looking into the distance, as though he has forgotten all of you, more of his body growing fungal patches.

Then he manages to focus again as he continues, his voice calm again. "Lies... Beautiful, twisted *cough* lies and illusions... The Blight didn't stop... I know that- KNEW that... But I felt different." He laughs again, before wracked by another coughing fit. "I would, wouldn't I?! look at me- *cough*... When... When you arrived, I thought, maybe... Maybe if I did what I was told, I would be spared.. Spared the Blight... And this..." He is wracked by another coughing fit.

"I was wrong... When you left, it quickened... I felt it... I wasn't needed anymore... My bees were dieing.. .I was dieing... but we... we will die together, at least...right?" The last question is laced with fear.

The samurai takes an honorary stance next to his draconic ally
"I shall bare witness to your passing. The sun will smile on your this day. By the power of the lady of heaven, I, for one, forgive you of your crimes" he gives a smile to the dying man "You and your bees can now find rest"

Christian’s expression shifts to sorrow as he gazes at the gnome.
Tenzekil, where can we find this thespian masked person. The more you tell us the better prepared for a confrontation we will be. How do they know of us.
...me...

He lets those questions sink in as he lets a slight smile cross his face.
Perhaps a different approach
Do not let Ohma know I was actually listening to her...Bees play a vital role in pollination, supporting food production, biodiversity, and healthy ecosystems, making them indispensable to both nature and our survival.
He shakes his head with a soft chuckle.
I still have no clue what any of that means.
I think that was word for word.
Christian motions to the bees around him.
Over the years, I’ve expanded my family by welcoming those who were lost or had lost their way, and they became part of it. If we can heal them, I’d be honored to save your bees, and with Ohma’s help, we can rebuild their colony. They can flourish, produce honey, and help the area grow. They can become part of something greater than themselves, ensuring your legacy lives on. Don’t let the blight erase all you’ve achieved. Let us help and make sure this masked stranger causes no more harm.
His voice softens and slows for a dramatic effect.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28
Allow us to save your bees. Let us save the queen.

Cenna turns to Nem, "I was ready for vengeance as we strode here, now I find myself pitying him. I suppose this blight effect upon him cannot be reversed by any magics we have at our disposal?"

"I'm unsure. I know we can reverse the damage to the berry bushes outside by removing the grafts, but this is obviously something much different."

Kitsune, what should I roll to learn anything useful about The Blight?

Based on how he described not wanting to keep traveling and just live a quiet life. Nem (and anyone who knows about gnomes/fey) suspects the Gnome is using a local euphemism for the Bleaching. And totally not the GM using the wrong 'B' word while trying to GM this during a busy week... Yup... definitely not... XD Thus, there is no known cure for it, and something all Gnomes risk is they stop having "new" or "exciting" experiences.

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He lets out a sad sigh. "The queen... Is already gone... Just like the others... As for the Stranger..." Tenzekil purses his lips as though he is about to answer Christian, then groans in pain, as the entire fungul mound he sits on seems to object. But Christian's words move him, so he forces himself through, every word seeming to make the mound angrier, if rot and fungi can gey angry. "They would meet me- *groaning wheeze* where the Shrike *groan* meets the sellen, during the Butterfly's Zenith" As he finishes the sentence, the entire mound seems to suck downward, drawing him into the center as though trying to suffocate him.

Sensing the agressive action, Mizuchi uses her tail to push Christian out of the way, and releases her breath attack. Searing the entire evil area from existence... In the flash of heat and light, before becoming engulfed, Tenzekil's face takes on a look of gratitude....

After the attack clears, the place is thoroughly cleared, just a small bit of the fungal mound remains. It seems to shudder, like attempting to launch a spurt of spores forward in its last moments, but Mizuchi let's loose a final gout and cleanses it fully.

Even as the flames engulf the gnome, Yamato keeps his eyes on it. As he promised, he would be a witness to his final moments

"Lady of heaven, let your sun shine eternally on this kind hearted soul, and may he live a life he so desperately wanted in the meadows of your realm" he offers up a prayer

Then he turns to Mizuchi, and does a bow "Thank you for your service my friend, wish we could have done more"

for those who want to use character knowledge to glean a bit of info from Tenzekil's statements. Know Local, Planes, or Religion will gather pieces of it.

Cenna considers Tenzekil's last words.

Know. Planes - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Cenna shivers at the implications, "There are some cults who serve strange, almost unknowable, gods. Ones which are said to dwell not on other planes. But in the deep edges of the material plane. One such God, Nyarlothotep, acts as a Herald for the others. It is said He will on occasion come to Golarion and will walk amongst the pantheon's most devout followers as a stranger clad in black, wearing a mask....

Certainly Elloise's dark readings could line up with this sort of mysterious villain..."

1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23 Local

"Don't be jumpin to no conclusions Cenna. Just cuz that werid soundin herald guy corrupts life, doesn't mean he's the only one. Treerazer is a mini demon lord in Kyonin who also defiles and distorts nature. Really hates elves, too."

Cenna nods to Nem, "Oh I agree that may just be one of a few possibilities, but we should be open to any origin for our mysterious foes and that cult would certainly qualify based on the description provided by the... by Tenzekil".

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

We had our share of trouble with the Cult of Lamashtu, and I thought we were done with them. Could they be back?

"Shrike and Sellen are rivers nearby. But, I don't know if they ever meet. Need a map to figure that out. There's also rumors of some spooky activity on Candlemere Island. We might wanna check that out." Nem offers.

Now we just need Elaina to complete the trifecta of knowledges! lol

Elaina grimaces at all the awfulness before her. There hadn't been many answers to be found. None of this explained why the dryad had to be murdered, or the wedding interrupted. But then, there was rarely an explanation for evil. No answers, only a rising sadness. She looks around the room for anything telling. "I'm not convinced this house can ever properly be free of this evil. We should bring Sarenrae's cleansing flame to this place. The hives as well, bees are vulnerable to infectious diseases."

Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Elaina isn't the most studious student of the canon.

Perception, i dunno anything that stands out I'm the place: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Planes: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
Religion: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

not the most studious student. Still gets a 25. Then rolls another 25 on perception making me make something worth noticing. ;) Lol

Cenna doesn't need much prompting to burn shit, "Let's everyone stand back a bit then OK?"

Once all are clear, Cenna casts Burning Arc to burn more of what needs to be burned! Let me know how many casting I might need here DM.

As the hives smolder Cenna turns to her companions, "No sense i heading back to the village now, let's track down these leads. Anyone have a map handy for Nem?"

it's a wooden hut, with plenty of kindling etc available, in a calm day. If no one is putting in an effort to put it out, but rather encourage it, and people take a few moments to add kindling first, (perhaps collecting anything folks have noted first). I don't think more than a single casting would be needed. Light the hut, let it get going. Use it to light a branch to burn any apiary as well. And voila.

I’m all for burning the place down, but maybe we should first check if there’s anything valuable left behind—like other clues or even that cloak over there.

Elaina sighs, her head falling back. "The Butterfly is at Her zenith on the full moon." She whines. "I don't wanna meet cultists on the full moon, I wanna celebrate the full moon." Cultists are always ruining Elaina's plans. She perks up as she sees something interesting while she looks around the room. Approaching the pile of kindling, she plucks one stick from the lot. "Hmm. This is a wand or something. I could tell right away it wasn't a regular stick. I'm an expert on sticks."

Well Elaina is familiar with Desna since She's part of the Trinity :p How close are we to the full moon?

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Once Lord Christian points it out, everyone can see the fancy cloak stuck in the thorny bush he is talking about. Beyond that and the fancy not-stick Elaina found, there doesn't appear to be any more clues in or around the hut.

Based off the date set by the last GM. The next full moon is in eleven days.

"That's not a wand Elania, it's a rod. Specifically one that can empower one's spells. Unsure what the cloak is however."

As the hut is burnt down, Nem goes back the berry bushes. "I would like to save these, but without anybody here to tend them, I'm not sure it would be worth it." She sounds a bit sad at that prospect.

"The cloak is indeed useful, it's a cloak of protection, useful for any of us. The question is who might need it the most?"

Whomever the cloak will benefit the most should take it. I could put it to good use but will defer to another if they so desire it. The rod should go to the person who can make best use of it.

Christian looks at the area as it burns. Seeing that it appears safe that it will not spread to the rest of the area, he nods his approval.
Let us get back to town and check in on the people there. We may find some more details about these rivers. I know of Shrike and Sellen rivers with the Shrike entering from the east into the Tuskwater. It then exits out to the west. The Sellen is south of there, but I am not sure where that is exactly.