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Seeing Rikki stagger as the dark shadows of the creature pull the life from him, Hornietelle's mind goes over everything she knows for a considered reaction. Not knowing anything about the creature, but that it seems to harbour evil dark powers, like that of the undead. Hornietelle floods the area with the essence of her god, whisps of yellow and black intertwine as they touch creatures within the area. She watches intently to see if the creature is hurt by Calistria's touch.
"Knab, Rikki, if you want me to bless your weapon, I will come to you." she says to her companions, if they decide to fight rather than correct the ritual.
She stands to protect Tavvar as a reaction if she can,
HPs 14 of 14
Hero Points 1
Divine Font 1 0f 4 used
Focus Points 0 of 1 used
Focus Spells: Charming Touch
Todays Cantrips: Guidance, Forbidding Ward, Light, Prestidigitation, Shield
Todays Spells: 1 - Magic Weapon, Sanctuary
Spell +6, DC=16
Waves of positive energy emanate throughout the room healing everyone except the shadow creature which is slightly burned.
Shadow ritual! Round 2: Bold May Act
Rikki (-7)
Knab
Ritual (party has 3 successes vs ritual to disable)
Shadow(Pink, tiny size, -2)
Tsu
Isra
Tavvar (North)
Assistant1 (South)
Assistant2 (East)
Assistant3 (West)
Hornietelle
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Knab moves to a different quadrant and doubles down on his efforts to prevent this situation from going completely out of control. Spitting into his hands, he mixes his saliva with the fresh mushroom ink; yanking a single strand of his hair out, he twists it into a ball and dips it into the ink; then he presses his thumbs together and begins re-tracing some of the runes.
◆) Stride
◆) Recall Knowledge (Occultism)
◆) Recall Knowledge (Nature)
↺) Step in front of the Tavvar / assistant
◇) Speak
"I'm not sure what is wrong with the physical integrity of the rune layout?"
hit
crit success vs reflex dc.
hit but not crit,
Knab continues to observe and analyze the ritual for mistakes, but he is struggling to determine what else is wrong with the ritual.
Rikki focuses on the shadow creature and fails to strike it himself, but Thork bites and claws at it with such precision that the creature's shadows wane making it appear weaker.
The ritual sparks back up and shoots another volley of shadow energy this time targeting Knab, and Tsu. Knab isn't able to block the rays from hitting Tavvar, but Hornietelle quickly steps to block the damage.
Another shadow creature claws it's way out of the shadow mass in the center of the room. It strikes out at Tsu with it's claws and scrapes her arm . It then moves towards Tsu and wraps its tendrils around tsu and slowly works it's way into her shadow. . More tendrils then appear from Tsu's shadow and strike at Hornietelle which scratch her ankles
Rikki's shadow creature fights back and strikes at Rikki with it's tendrils which lash him across the arm. . It attempts to claw it's way into Rikki's shadow but rikki moves around too quickly to let it connect with his shadow. It strikes one last time with it's tendrils but Rikki continues to evade it.
Shadow ritual! Round 2: Bold May Act
Tsu (-10, fort save vs ritual (8 dmg on fail), can spend a move action to attempt a reflex save to escape the shadow creature)
Isra (can react and block damage from assistant)
Tavvar (North)
Assistant1 (South)
Assistant2 (East)
Assistant3 (West)
Hornietelle (-11)
Rikki (-13)
Knab (fort save vs ritual (8 dmg on fail)
Ritual (party has 3 successes vs ritual to disable)
Shadow(Green, tiny size, attached to Tsu)
Shadow(Pink, tiny size, -23 - looks badly hurt from a quick glance)
The shadows lash out particularly violently against Knab who seems to have been the biggest threat to the ritual-gone-wrong thus far.
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Tsu stands strong in the face of the shadowy blast calling out, "I got this, my love, just focus on shutting down the ritual!" even as shadows move behind her and lash at the Elf. "Leave her alone!" Tsu calls even as the shadowy beast entangles her.
Tsu takes a step away from the shadow beast and flurries.
The shadow rays blast towards Tsu who stands defiantly and negates them completely. She then manages to nimbly separate the shadow creature from her shadow. . Her flurry of blows misses on the first strike but then hits the shadow creature squarely causing some of it's shadow to dissipate.
Isra heroically leaps in front of one of the assistants saving them from a shadow ray but takes the full force of the shadow damage himself. . His heal spell nearly restores Knab to full.
Tavvar shouts "Hang on!! We're nearly in control!! Just a little more help! I just know it!!"
Shadow ritual! Round 3: Bold May Act
Hornietelle (-11)
Rikki (-13)
Knab (-1)
Ritual (party has 3 successes vs ritual to disable)
Shadow(Green, tiny size, -7)
Shadow(Pink, tiny size, -23, looks badly injured at a glance)
Tsu (-10)
Isra (-8)
Tavvar (North)
Assistant1 (South)
Assistant2 (East) (-8)
Assistant3 (West) (-8)
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Knab continues to scramble around the circle, fingers blackened from mushroom inks, crazy look in his eye, waves of negative followed by positive energy upsetting his stomach, trying to also stand near one of the sloppy attendants, cleaning up other peoples messes, a little perturbed!...
◆) Stride
◆) Occultism
◆) Nature
"Gah!!" As he gets some of the gook in his eye "Hope we don't have to pay for that!" but then possibly at the vertex of another epiphany?...
Knab scours the eldritch circles for more mistakes. He finds another rune using the wrong ink and quickly works to fix the mistake!
As Hornietelle's positive energy flows throughout the room, the green shadow creature resists it completely, but the pink creature falls prone and begins clawing the ground as what was left of it's shadow form rescinds into the ritual. Isra, seeing this, feels invigorated to keep fighting!
The shadow opening in the center of the room closes further and looks to be nearly shut.
Shadow ritual! Round 3: Bold May Act
Rikki (-8)
Ritual (party has 5 successes vs ritual to disable)
Shadow(Green, tiny size, -7)
Tsu (-5)
Isra (-0hp* (*3 temp hitpoints), reaction used. )
Tavvar (North)
Assistant1 (South)
Assistant2 (East) (-3)
Assistant3 (West) (-3)
Hornietelle (-6)
Knab
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Now that the shadow is gone, Rikki will use his deep connection to nature to feel out where the mistakes in the ritual have been made, and try to fix them.
"Get 'im, boy." He hisses a command at Thork to target the Green Shadow, and Thork duly complies.
◆)
◆) Hunt Prey (Green Shadow)
◆) Command Thork
-Stride
-Strike
Rikki discovers more incorrect runes and quickly works to correct them . Thork rushes over towards the remaining creature and severely wounds it, biting down on it's shadowy figure.
"We've got it!" shouts Tavvar as the void in the center of the room continues to close. The shadow wisp in Thorks mouth gets sucked back into ritual, as do the shadows that have been emanating throughout the room. Once all the shadows disappeared, the opening closes completely and Tavvar falls to the ground giving a sigh of relief.
After taking a moment to recover she stands back up. "Thank goodness you arrived when you did! I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting each other. I am Tavvar Hamavsi."
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Knab walks over to Rikki "Well done there - right in the nick of clutch - thick your blood runs - and through a useful organ above your neck! - if only everyone could know what blessings await! - oh to see the world from a balanced point of view..." essentially taking half the "credit" for the victory and granting the other half to his Redbraided comrade, cutting Hornietelle a single side eyeball.
Having boasted such, when the stranger starts talking, he immediately shuts his mouth and lowers his head - uncomfortable around strangers as he is, unless of course, there is something to be immediately done with the hands, which, seeing as the foul ritual was safely corrected, there is nothing to be done. Awkward.
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Hornietelle approaches Tavvar and in a sweet voice answers her, "We are Pathfinders, sent by Gorm Greathammer to request a copy of the Nidalease scrolls for further research by our scholars. It would certainly be safer for you and your researchers to make use of the Society's expertise to work on these rituals together." She placess a reassuring arm around Tavvar's shoulders, "With what you have learnt already and the the knowledge in our libraries, you would be able to write a treatise yourself much quicker and with greater depth of understanding. Working as a team, is so much more productive. So what do you say, provide a copy and work with us?" Her eyes watch the young researcher, as she gently moves Tavvar's body to face away from the dwarves as they discuss their success.
The cleric smiles and nods back to the dwarves, without whom she doubts the ritual would have been made safe, but it is hardly any acknowledgement.
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Tsu watches Hornietelle works her diplomatic magic and lets out a sigh of appreciation even as she goes over to check on Stitchy. "You okay, buddy? Were you scared? It's ok now. We're all fine. Auntie Hornietelle and the rest of the group shut down that bad old ritual and everything's fine now," and she gives him a reassuring hug and a pat on the head...which is awkward since he's taller than her.
Tavvar looks flustered. "I mean, we had it under control! Until we didn't. But it was under control! I couldn't possibly hand over a copy of my research!" she takes a deep breath, second guessing herself, "But I see you very well just saved our lives here...I suppose it's the least I could do. Just a copy right? I can keep my research? And you want me to work with the society as a team?"
Mr Stitch looks around cautiously, after the ritual was closed, but hug Tsu back without thinking twice.
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"I don't see why we cannot work together, you here and the Society. We can help you tidy up here and then come with us to celebrate our success. I can introduce you to some interesting leaders, who can discuss these arrangements more fully. What have you got to loose, you can always say 'no', but think of the knowledge that might be available to your research." Hornietelle continues. "See my friend Isra, he is a man of Pharesma and Tsu, Knab and Rikki dwarves of different talents. We are stronger together.".
She beckons the group over. "Do you think that we should take a copy of the scrolls and Tavvar back to the Society? Isn't it possible she would enjoy the opportunity to work with the Society?" she watches Tavvar closely.
Tavvar scans the group, double taking at Knab's smile, then returning her attention to Hornietelle, "I see. That certainly has some appeal. Teamwork certainly helped today. I will have my assistants make copies of our research and provide it to the Society. I presume they should be dropped off at the Grand Lodge, yes?". She motions to her assistants to get to work. "Oh! and here's something for your troubles." she reaches into her bag and pulls out a shadowy elixir she used as a focus for the ritual. "This is a lesser mistform elixir. Maybe it will come in handy" . She offers the potion to whomever is willing to take it.
----
.
The group begins heading towards Westgate to find the petrified whistleblower. Anyone may choose to gather information on their way to Westgate/Statue Street.
For several blocks, the quiet lanes of Westgate's residential neighborhoods feature small houses, low-key cafes and taverns, and the occasional specialty shop. The fragrant scent of tended flower gardens in the warm sunlight blends with the low hum of distant conversation over what would normally be a pleasant boulevard. But the stone statues—at first appearing only here and there, like odd decorations—now number several per block, and the otherwise plain square ahead is outright cluttered with stone figures. They take countless forms, from humans and halflings to orcs, lizardfolk, and even stranger, all forever frozen in acts of desperation, defiance, or despair. The quaint, statue-filled square is also filled with people; several dozen townsfolk shout and argue, their voices somehow out of place among the silent statues.
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Hornietelle takes the elexir from Tavvar and the two talk all the way back to the Society party, where she asks the group to rest and regroup, so that her powers are refreshed.
She uses Isra's healing tools to help in fighting off the disease that assaults him.
Hornietelle wanders through the streets, picking up the local gossip about the Westgate and in particular Statue Street.
As they near the street Hornietelle asks if either Knab or Rikki want their weapons to be blessed by Calistria , if things become nasty.
Approach the square, Hornietelle stop for a moment trying to listen to what is being said by the angry people. Trying to Tsu, she says quietly "Keep your friend close, you don't want the crowd to take out their anger on .... him?"
On the way to Westgate, Hornietelle was able to learn a few things from the locals who were disturbed by a protest. The locals inform her the protest is being led by a Socialite, a Charlatan, a Smith, an Acolyte, and a Herbalist.
As the group approaches Statue street, some yelling is clearly heard. "They want to release a criminal!!! We cannot let them do such a thing! The criminal was a threat to Absalom and must remain a statue!" The crowd unanimously yell in the affirmative. A collection of fists, pitchforks, and garbage are held up in protest.
A second leader looks down the street and spots the pathfinders, "They're here!!"
Despite being angry, the mob does not attack the pathfinders when approached. In the center of the street are the group leader. Although angry and upset, perhaps the group could talk them down. "Tell us, why do you wish to release a criminal?!" yells a third leader.
Following Leaders are present:
• Socialite (Society or Absalom Lore)
• Charlatan (Thievery or Underworld Lore)
• Smith (Crafting or Guild Lore)
• Acolyte (Religion or Lore specific to a deity, like Pharasma lore)
• Herbalist (Nature or Herbalism Lore)
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Hornietelle approaches the acolyte, "It is not the will of Calistria to take revenge on wrong doers by turning them into stone and leaving them to remain for eternity in limbo. If this man is truely a criminal, then Calistria will have her revenge on him in this world. But you should know that the truth is this man has been deemed not to have broken the law. See my 'Sting'" she takes out her whip, "It can cause more pain and ecstasy then any stone prison, hand the prisoner to me and if he is guilty, he can feel the pain of his guilt, if not he can choose his own ecstasy."
The Acolyte bows his head fervently at Hornietelle's words. "Calistria is not my deity, but I daresay I recognize a cleric when I see one. I trust you will see this through as you have said." He then steps down from the platform.
• Socialite (Society or Absalom Lore)
• Charlatan (Thievery or Underworld Lore)
• Smith (Crafting or Guild Lore)
• Herbalist (Nature or Herbalism Lore)
Knab
Tsu
Isra
Rikki
Hornietelle
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Emboldened by seeing her beloved taking the reins with such flair and panache, Tsu decides she will step up to help. However, as soon as she steps forward and starts speaking, she realizes this might be harder than it looks... .
"Good people...and the mediocre ones too, I guess, but I assume none of you are bad. In a society, when the society tries to...be...societal...sometimes decisions must be made by the higher ups of...society...and we're the Pathfinder Society and...there are lots of really smart people I work for who are...smart...and can gain important information from the prisoner...to benefit society. Umm, praise be to Calistria?"
The socialite laughs, "Oh, so smart people have said that it is important to release the guilty from their stone prison?" she takes a dramatic pause to emphasize her next words, "Query: Are these the same smart people that are okay with society initiates running around with THAT monster?" she points decisively at Mr. Stitch who is sulking behind Tsu. The crowd boos the pathfinders and raise their fists and pitchforks once more.
• Socialite (Society or Absalom Lore)
• Charlatan (Thievery or Underworld Lore)
• Smith (Crafting or Guild Lore)
• Herbalist (Nature or Herbalism Lore)
Knab
Isra
Rikki
Hornietelle
Tsu
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Isra approaches the smith.
"Good sir, the guilt of the man in question is uncertain. The more relevant fact is that this individual has vital information with regard to siege castles. Being a man of the hammer and anvil, this may be of interest to you. The knowledge that he possesses may be vital to the protection of Absalom itself. Surely, you can see the wisdom in letting him free, so that the Pathfinder leadership may question him?"
The smith replies "Are you saying weshould let a guilty man go just because he might know something about siege castles? Are you mad!?!? He's a prisoner and his fate has been decided! It's not our place to second guess justice!"
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Rikki will approach the herbalist.
"I see a kindred spirit it ye. Do you truly think it is right that this man spend his eternity in stone? I have been told that he is an innocent man, but if it happens that he is truly guilty, let him face a natural justice and his body be returned to the worms, so the cycle can begin anew and another chance given."
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Game recognizes game. Knab sneaks up to the Charlatan, and, though not much of a charlatan himself, attempts to steal the rogue's coinpurse!...
...but he is caught! Anticipating the second round, he tries to talk his way out of it - a tactic normally way under his level of consideration - but seeing as "talking shop" has a context to it that Knab finds not only pleasing, but facile, he shares his experience. "I think the city should Defund the Royal Guard, who in no small way, are merely ruffian thugs for the Monarch himself. Down with tariffs: let the Merchant ply his trade, and the Thief his! What say you?"...
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With the negative response and the comments of "monster" used in reference to poor Stitchy, Tsu gets a very angry expression, which is realistically the first time any of you have seen such an expression on her face, and is standing defensively in front of her undead construct friend with her fists very clearly ready to take over the conversation.
The herbalist nods their head at Rikki's words, "Very well, if this man is truly guilty, then this man has more to fear than being a statue." She then takes a step down from the platform and the crowd momentarily pauses.
Soon after Knab attempts his stunt. The charlatan yells, "Do you see this? First they want to release a prisoner, now they wish to steal from our very noses!"
The Charlatan shakes their head at Knab, "You can't talk your way out of this one. We will not let you release this prisoner!!" The crowd cheers the Charlatan and raises their pitchforks and fists. The crowd is becoming noticeably more agitated and you feel this may be your last chance to peacefully resolve the conflict.
• Socialite (Society or Absalom Lore)
• Charlatan (Thievery or Underworld Lore)
• Smith (Crafting or Guild Lore)
Rikki
Hornietelle
Tsu
Isra
Knab
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Isra responds to the smith.
"True, it is not our place. Only the Lady of Graves herself can decide his fate. This is no judgment! She has been denied her godly right to judge him by this petrification he's suffered. By rights, all of them should be released to be killed or kept alive at her pleasure. Are you denying the Mother of Souls? Let this man to us or face her wrath!"
A puddle appears below the Smith as he stammers "No..I..would never...dare deny the Mother of...Souls." the crowd laughs at the Smith who is too embarrassed to stay on the platform.
Just Charlatan and Socialite remain