Tensei will continue his assault on the new creature.
◆Strike 1st (Raging)
◆Strike 2nd (Raging)
◆Strike 3rd (Raging)
Faust will try to capitalize on Tenseis hit.
↺Opportune Backstab
Faust will yell at the creature trying to distract it and get some panache then will heal Tensei and strike at the creature.
◆Bon Mot
◆Battle Medicine
◆Strike
Tensei slashes away, but his weapon only leaves a minor cut.
Faust also gives her a poke, but the damage is far less than expected. He does however manage to bind up more of Tensei’s injuries, immediately after making a quip so bad, even his ancestors would be embarrassed.
Vencarlo, light on his feet stabs at the beast.
With an unsettling chuckle, the sphinx casts a spell, and the room plunges into darkness.
The sounds of her wings flapping is brief, but Vencarlos grunt gives an indication of her direction.
As the negative energy digs in from Behsets spell, you can hear the beast collapse in the darkness.
Round 8
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Yellow, -169, dead
Behset, 88/88
Tensei, 135/147
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Round 9
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Faust, 63/89
Vencarlo 117/170
Neolandus 59/??
Hu, 84/89, Vital Beacon x2, wounded1
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Behest will tensely wait for the darkness to clear before heading to Vimanda's corpse in a huff. She will go through the shape shifters effects. She will also take the fancy dress ( assuming it's the same as from the party) and don the new garb, after detecting magic on it and investigating to ensure there is no curse or other tiny Rakshasa on it. With the former gown cast on the floor it's clear that it was made from a torn red banner of the Korvosan crown. The symbolism totally lost in the bird.
With no further threats in the immediate area, as the darkness fades, Vencarlo returns to Neolandus to check on him. Meanwhile Behset checks Vimanda for goodies and procures new, slightly bloodstained clothing.
With a nod, Vencarlo turns to the group. ”We should make our way out of here sooner rather than later. I spotted a small boat near the entrance to the labyrinth when they dragged me in here. If it’s still in working order, we can use that to escape the city. I have a plan, but we should get Neolandus away from here for his protection. The queen has been desperate to get her hands on him as he could threaten her control of the city. Until we can secure some more allies, it may be too much of an uphill battle for now.”
With that, he and the seneschal move over by the entryway and wait for the four of you to get your bearing.
Once ready, the group is able to slowly navigate back out through the shifting rooms until they find the opening leading back out of the labyrinth. Following the long corridor, they head back to the temple area, and following the path down in that area they spot the small boat. Nearby a huge shape silently waits under the water, but makes no move to capsize the boat as it pushes off and heads out of the smugglers tunnel. Approaching the tunnel exit, it is clear that night has fallen and will be dark outside, but Vencarlo stresses caution and insists everyone extinguish any lights they may be using. The trip across the water is tense, but you can slowly make your way towards the outer bank where lights are at least giving you some direction. Rowing carefully, the old swordsman guides the boat along the banks and heads towards the River running to the north.
”Alright. I know it has been a rough time, but if you are able, I’d like to head north to Harse. There’s someone there that I trust and would give us a good place to rest and recover. It is quite the distance as well, but there’s something we can do there that might just help.”
At this point Neolandus nods grimly and lays out what he knows.
When Neolandus confronted Queen Ileosa about King Eodred II’s death, her response was to send Red Mantis assassins after him—proof enough of guilt to Neolandus. Through a combination of luck and knowledge of the castle’s layout, Neolandus escaped and went into hiding with his friend Salvator Scream in Old Korvosa.
After he recovered from the attack but before Salvator handed him over to the Arkonas, Neolandus spent much of his time conducting clandestine interviews, poring through records in Endrin Academy, and piecing together rumors to try to determine what caused Queen Ileosa’s sudden personality change from a petulant queen to a scheming tyrant.
Neolandus knew that Queen Ileosa had been “borrowing” the treasury key to look through Korvosa’s treasures. He was also familiar with several old and obscure legends about the rooms below Castle Korvosa— chambers, it was whispered, used to hide something of great power or terrible evil. He’s heard mention of something called “Midnight’s Teeth,” believed to be a sacred relic of great import to the Shoanti. Circumstantial evidence indicates that the Shoanti kept these teeth somewhere inside the pyramid that now serves as Castle Korvosa’s foundation.
Further research uncovered a chilling old legend. Several hundred years ago, a blue dragon agent of Zon-Kuthon named Kazavon brought the orcs of the Hold of Belkzen to their knees before attacking Ustalav and Lastwall, until he was finally defeated and his remains scattered. According to the legend, some of his body parts, including his fangs, contained fragments of the dragon’s essence.
Neolandus suspects that Midnight’s Teeth and Kazavon’s fangs are one and the same. The description of the queen’s new crown sounds to Neolandus as if she now wears the teeth on her brow, the implications of which trouble him greatly.
Hard facts about Midnight’s Teeth remain sparse, since Korvosa’s founders didn’t think it important to preserve much in the way of Shoanti culture. Yet the Shoanti have very strong oral traditions, and if anyone knows the truth behind Midnight’s Teeth, that truth is doubtless hidden among their historians up in the Cinderlands.
After the debriefing he sighs. ”So, I hope that you would be willing to help us in this endeavor. Freeing Korvosa from her clutches, no, the clutches of a long dead draconic tyrant seems of critical importance right now.”
Well after what we have done in the city I almost pretty sure that thr Queen would be after us sooner or later so it would be better to help than just sit on our hands. I would definitely like to know more on the teeth to see why she changed so drastically.
I have nothing else to live for other than my friends here. Where they go I will go, my wife didn't want me to fight anymore but for this reason I think she would understand. He looks at the wedding ring on his finger.
The doctor checks everyone's wounds during the trip, saving herself for last. She listens intently during Neolandus' tale, griping her holy symbol at the mention of Zon-Kuthon. "It sounds like a solid plan. I'm in."
"Very well then. It is a bit of a trip, and you may even see a familiar face when we arrive. The next question I suppose is, do we wish to keep the boat or do we want to trek overland. It's a shorter trip overland, but it will take about the same amount of time. Don't know about you lot, but being cramped on this little boat is already starting to wear on me a bit."
Vencarlo looks as if he wants to stand to stretch his legs, but is worried about the shifting weight throwing off the balance and tipping the vessel over.
"I'd prefer overland as well."
The whole time in the water Faust hasn't looked very comfortable. Yes over land would be best. I am not a huge fan of the water to be honest.
Stretching our legs would be nice.
As the group generally agrees with Vencarlos overland option, he pulls the oars a few times to angle into the shore. Beaching the ship everyone gets a chance to stretch and a mild sense of easy at the distance between you and the city washes over everyone.
”I know it’s late, but we should probably travel a bit before we camp. And maybe hide the boat so it’s less obvious we’ve come ashore, in case they come looking.”
With a bit of effort, the boat is hauled to the tree line and hidden from the shore by some bushes. Travel into the woods is slow work, but after an hour or two Vencarlo signals a halt. Neolandus had been relatively quiet again up to this point, but he speaks.
”This should be sufficient for today. I’m not sure I could go much further.” His features lit by magical light seem on the brink of exhaustion.
Supplies are limited as no one had been expecting a camping trip following the fancy dinner party, but everyone is able to make due.
The next several days are mostly uneventful, though you do come across a very small village. Vencarlo advises avoiding going too near as the lot of you tend to stand out in this region. He does head in by himself to purchase some supplies and is even able to acquire large tent which make the evenings a lot more comfortable.
On the 7th day of the journey, just as the camp has been set up for the evening, an odd blue flame rises up from the campfire, popping and crackling loudly. As everyone watches the shape of Zellara slowly forms and then steps towards the group. Vencarlo reaches for his rapier, but notices that you all seem at ease with this apparition and relaxes, watching with curiosity.
The fortune teller pulls out her harrow deck and spreads the cards out in the air. She silently flips the first set and points to each of you in turn the card flying out and revealing itself. In front of Faust, The Keep floats. For Tensei it is The Fiend. As the card settles in front of Hu, The Cyclone, and finally Behset sees The Uprising. Zellara’s ghostly voice calls out. ”Little bird, you are most fortunate on this night”. The cards then return to Zellara and swirl around, shuffling themselves before nine hover in front of her. She gestures to the left most cards, and they reveal themselves one by one again.
”The Wanderer. The Queen, no, the people left in Korvosa have forgotten what that place meant. Seek knowledge of the past to find what was lost. The Vision. Ahhh, the words of wisdom that fell on deaf ears, they may still hold truths if you’re willing to listen.” The final card on the left column flips and reveals ”The Liar. I see a being of great power. So obsessed that he did anything to hold onto it. Even some unspeakable acts and powerful magicks.”
Zellara pauses for a moment as winds suddenly kick up and blast her ethereal form, but she soon continues on the middle column.
”The Tyrant. The Queen seems to have started to put her power on display, but is it truly her you should worry about?” The Midwife turns over next. ”Something new looms on the horizon, but this will only bring sorrow.” The Mute Hag turns. ”This path you walk now will lead where you should be. It will bring about a reminder to those that need it through just your actions.”
Another gust of wind blasts the camp. This time, rain splashes on everyone briefly, but Zellara’s blue glow flares brighter than before and appears to repel the rain momentarily.
The cards on the right begin to turn over and she calls out their meanings at a faster pace.
”The Owl, a power capable of tearing apart any life comes ever closer. Will it be you or them to wield it? Be careful with bargains when dealing with The Foreign Trader at play. You may be bound to more than you wish.” The final card flips and The Uprising shows itself again. ”A great danger hides and tests you. It knows you and keeps all the people in check. Beware the…”
Her words are cut off as a torrent of rain slams down on the camp, immediately extinguishing the campfire and soaking everyone to their bones. You are able to duck inside the tent for a respite, but the howling winds and rain last all night and part way through the next day.
Days pass quickly as the group marches towards Harse. When the little hamlet finally comes into view, Vencarlo directs everyone along a path that continues north. About five minutes outside of Harse a modest ranch reveals itself and as Vencarlo leads you to the main house, a barrel-chested man greets him.
”Welcome welcome! It’s nice to see you again my old friend. I take it you’ve gotten yourself into more trouble?” He gives a hardy laugh and motions to follow him inside. A large entryway greets the team and the man blushes slightly before indicating a rack nearby. ”Uh, wife’d have my hide if I let you lot track mud all about the place. Especially with her condition and all.” And just seconds after he speaks, two women step into the room. One is clearly older and showing signs of being heavy with child, while the other is much younger, with dark hair. As she notices you all, her face lights up.
”Oh my Desna! It’s you guys! Hi, do you remember me?”
Though her hair is different and she’s looking a bit older, there’s no mistaking that this is Trinia, the girl you had rescued from the city previously.
”Tell me all about what’s been going on back home, please?”
The doctor removes her soiled boots as instructed and thanks the family for their hospitality. She observes the woman's condition and, holding her medical bag in plain veiw, politely offers her services.
I will remove my boots and take off my coat. Trinia is that you? Wow I'm so glad you have been doing good. Maybe it's best to leave the talks about town for a bit later. He gestures towards the younger one in the room.
Tensei takes the weapons off his back and props them against the wall and then takes off his boots as requested. He gives a small smile and nod to Trinia.
The older woman introduces herself as Myra and gives her husband a nudge before turning to Hu. ”Oh dearie, you don’t need to worry bout me. Been through this plenty o’ times already.”
The man, still smiling puts a hand to the back of his. ”Er, forgot my manners. I’m Jasan. You already met Myra and by the sounds of it, you lot are the ones that helped out Abigail here.”. He gestures towards Trinia and gives a subtle nod to see if everyone is catching on. ”Somewhere round here are the other kids. Most likely Cody and Dane are still working in the fields, while Harls and Kat are probably pestering the horses. Not sure where Ja… oof.”.
A small child, maybe no more than five dashes face first into the man, wrapping his leg in a hug.
”Got you!” she exclaims
”You sure did kiddo. Anywho, let’s head downstairs so we can talk a bit.”
He lets the child from his leg and lifts her up, giving her a kiss on the forehead, then sets her back down and gives a playful swat to her hindquarters and she bolts for the door and giggles.
Once downstairs, Vencarlo introduces Neolandus and Jasan gives an impressed whistle. The three of them discuss the plan of going to visit the Shoanti and about keeping Neolandus safe here for the time being. Jasan nods and clasps hands with Vencarlo.
”Of course he can stay. We'll keep him safe here, you can count on it. I’d offer you lot refuge too, but the ranch isn’t really big enough for this many folks. We’d need extra supplies and that might draw too much attention. I hope you understand. Besides, it sounds like you’ll be busy in the Cinderlands anyways. I wish you luck there. Our two peoples haven’t seen eye to eye in a lot for a long time, and it’s built up some bad blood. But enough business talk. Stay for dinner tonight, it’s the least we can do.”
"Please, allow me to do something to repay your generous hospitality. I'm not sure how often you get a traveling doctor in your home, but I would very much like the opportunity to give you all a check up. Just in case."
Myra sighs and smiles at the doctor. ”Fine fine. If it’ll put your mind at ease. But we can’t take too long, I’ll need to get started soon if I’m making supper for this many people.”
The doctor is able to examine any of the family that she wishes, except for Jane. The little one ran away when asked and seems to be hiding from Hu specifically.
Dinner goes well and you are able to eat your fill. Trinia (Abigail) tells stories about her training and some adventures she has had. Jasan reveals that he and Vencarlo used to be part of a team long, long ago, but eventually he had wanted to settle down and start a family. Not long after the team disbanded. As the night goes on, eventually everyone heads off to their beds or makeshift resting places and gets a good nights sleep.
The next morning Vencarlo suggests heading to town to sell off surplus goods and pick up supplies for the road. He does it with a bit of sadness in his voice. ”I need to get back to Korvosa. If nothing else the ‘other guy’ can help push back while you all are gone. I’ll send word if anything pops up.”
Before Vencarlo leaves Tensei will want to talk to him. Vencarlo, you mentioned the Cinderlands. Do you know what kind of enemies that could be there? Should we prepare with fire resistant things? Would like a Frost rune be beneficial on weapons?
Vencarlo rubs his chin for a moment before replying. ”Well, it is hot there. So, perhaps something to keep the heat away. As for creatures that roam the place, hard to say what you might find there. Plenty of things live in the Cinderlands.”
Hunting through the local shops Behset finally locates an older, slightly run down magical purveyor that happens to have the rings she seeks.
The doctor walks the stalls and shops with Behset. She purchases Greater Healing Gloves, selling her previous pair. Then selects a Greater Shining Symbol. Finally, she has a Ghost-Touch rune engraved on her Glaive and will apply the shifting trait with Blessed Armament ability every morning during her daily preparations.
Faust will shop around and finally decide on getting a Resilient Rune for his armor, Daredevil Boots and Charm of Resistance (fire)
Tensei will go to the blacksmith to get a +2 armor rune put on his armor and then will go shopping and see the Doctor looking at the healers gloves. After thinking about it he will do the same as the doctor and buy the Healers Gloves (Greater) then selling his old pair..
The more obvious parts are talking about the queen being a tyrant and how we have to learn about the past to learn the truth.
"I'm not really sure what to make of it. Is this a normal occurrence for you? Do you have a ghost tell your fortune often? Has it been accurate?"
Yeah this is surprisingly normal. Her fortunes can be rather obtuse but from what we can tell it has been accurate. Just she talks in those riddles so it's hard to interpret sometimes.
"I've never been good at riddles."
With the shopping wrapped up and the Harrowing leaving the group with many questions, the day has grown gloomy and a storm is brewing on the horizon. You all head back to the farm out of town to meet with the family and Abigail (Trinia) again to make your final preparations.
Vencarlo had already left earlier in the day when everyone stepped out to purchase supplies. Dinner is somewhat muted this night as the thunder erupts nearly every time someone tries to speak. It does eventually die down, but not until the wee hours of the night, giving everyone a slightly unsettled feeling come morning.
Abigail meets the group as they groggily make their way to the living room.
”So… um… can I come with you? I know it’s kinda out of the blue, but I’ve been learning to fight here and I really want to go on an adventure. Would you please at least consider it?”. As she speaks she alternates between staring at her shoes or fidgeting with her short hair.
Shortly after this, Jasan steps inside the house and slips off his muddy boots.
”The boys and I got our old wagon out back together yesterday. Got a couple horses hitched up and some feed for em in there. Not kicking you folks out, but it sounded like business was urgent and best to keep on the move if the Queen sends someone lookin. Maybe once all this business calms down we can break bread again.”. He holds out his hands to shake with anyone that wishes.
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Behset will bid Jasan farewell, awkwardly shaking his hand with both of hers. Yes you's right, best move quick as queen not above sending assassins as we've learned. Stay safe
As for Abigail, Behset will look her over. Benefit of having a local who knows place is big. How you fighting, what do you bring to us? I vote in your favor, but needing to know if you stand your own or we need to be guarding you.
Abigail looks around to see if anyone from the family is nearby before quietly replying.
”Theyve been trying to look after me and keep me safe, but sometimes I’ve snuck out to help folks. I can hold my own in a fight, I just don’t want to be kept away like I’m some fragile thing, you know? They mean well, but I feel like it’s time for me to move on to help others that need it. If I go with you guys, they might feel better about it as someone else to ‘watch over me’, but I promise, I don’t need a babysitter.”
Thank you for letting us stay in your home I will shake his hand. Yes let's have a feast when this is all done. He laughs and then goes over to Abigail and says quietly. As long as you know the danger then I am fine with it.
Thanks. He shakes his hand. Maybe more booze next time. You think you almost see a smirk before he walks away. He looks at Abigail and just mods his head.
"Thank you for your hospitality." the doctor says and shakes his hand. She would have spent a little time making some origami birds for the little ones, reminiscent of her holy symbol, for them to keep as good luck charms.
( "Youre welcome to accompany us. Us girls have to stick together." She adds, with a wink to Abigail.
"The doctor will come visit again as soon as she can!" she'll say with a smile and a wave to the family as they depart.
Hearing the approval from the group, Abigail dashes off and returns shortly with a pack all ready to go.
The goodbyes are warm and heartfelt, and you can see some concern from the family as Trinia is leaving, but as she settles in with the group in the wagon, their fears do seem to ease.
Abigail speaks up as the farmhouse drifts out of sight.
”They really are some good people. I own them so much for taking me in when they did. Now, Cinderlands eh? Not a lot of people want to go there, but the shoanti did. Kinda cause they had to. Got pushed all around Varisia they did. Poor folks just trying to live, but they had stuck to their old tribal ways, and the more modern people kinda trampled over them. If we’re heading that way, best place to go would be Kaer Maga. Not the most pleasant of places from what I’ve heard, but it’s the last bit of civilization before we get into the badlands.”
I am assuming Kaer Maga has to be better than where we just came from tho.