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The goblin giggles maniacally in impotency at the construct's feet, doing no damage. Kamil, on the other hand, scores a few cracked lines across the creature's bare legs, though his efforts seem much less impressive than his manoeuvres suggest.
Kukuha, sweating through the strain of adjusting the ley lines, seems to have locked one arc of the sphere in place, the glimmering blue energies of the Wrathful Tide Gate stationary to her left. She continues to concentrate, sheathed in magical emanations.
A small contingent of kodama appear from nearby trees, rattling in rhythmic unison and unleashing their magic to summon grasping roots from the earth that coil around the guardian’s legs.
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Jeeves strums his lyre and sings once more:
"Kukuha providing us perks.
The guardian nearby still lurks.
.....Our goblin keeps trying.
.....Still laughing, not crying.
We pray that his distraction works."
The bard casts Inspire Courage and finishes with a flourish.
Seeing Grum severely injured, Jeeves sings out, "Stay strong in the fray. Sending healing your way."
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With a massive cut at the guardian after Jeeves' healing, Grum succeeds in shearing the creature straight through mid-section. The guardian dogu raises its fists again in threat to the orc barbarian even as its upper half slides away from the lower extremities, the blue sigils of energy flickering with loosed arcane magicks. The construct separates completely and crashes to the ground near Kamil as the swordsman jumps out of the way, its arms frozen in time as the sigils extinguish.
The energies swirling around Kukuha coalesce into an iridescent vortex, then burst outward. Globes of luminescence linger in the air for a brief moment, then fade. The earth grows still, and the clearing is quiet, cast in the light of the setting sun. The cluster of kodama rattle their stones in a different timbre for a few seconds, then fade back into the forest surrounding the clearing.
Kukuha gets to her feet, casually dusting the dirt from her robes. “It is done. Now that the island’s ley lines have been restored, Kayajima’s magic will protect this site for years to come. I do believe the Society will find this location most appropriate for a new lodge. I’ll send word to Fola Barun to inform her of the outcome."
“I can’t thank you enough for your actions today. I will stay here for a while longer — it seems this island still holds countless secrets. I wish to study them before I depart. Safe travels to you, Pathfinders, whatever destination is next for you. I do hope our paths cross again, fates willing.”
Once you've said your farewells, the team heads to the beach where Masuhei is waiting at the agreed-upon rocky pier to return you all to Sakakabe. The captain pulls a long ivory pipe from his lips as you approach, sitting up on from his reclined position.
"I saw some bright lights over the island; I wonder if that was your efforts?"
Upon the boat on the way back to Sakakbe, night begins to fall, the sunset glow casting the waves in orange light as the Auspicious Pearl arrives to port. The streets of Sakakabe are aglow with the lights of night life, and people dressed in all manner of Minkaian finery are enjoying a leisurely evening out. True to his word, Masuhei treats you all to a dinner of oyster soup.
Weeks later, a letter arrives for you (wherever you may be) from the newly- minted Venture-Captain Kukuha Mukai.
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Nina heals everyone up after the fight, expending the last of her spells before sitting down to a hearty oyster soup. She takes some time to enjoy the scenery, watching the sun set over a western mountain, just like from her balcony in Vidrian.
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As the Pathfinders say their farewells in Absalom, Fola Barun rushes out of the Grand Lodge to chase Nina down before she can board a boat for home.
"Nina! Nina!"
She hands Nina a letter, sealed with a Vidric royal seal. Nina opens it, and immediately drops to her knees.
The House of Jaribuni has been overthrown. Her husband is dead, and her sons are missing, having fled into the Mwangi Expanse, or dead on the road somewhere. She has been tried and convicted of treason in absentia, and there is now a bounty on her head.
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As Grum fells the statue with his mighty blow, Jeeves jumps for joy. "Most impressive, Master Grum!"
The bard then bows to Kukuha. "It was our pleasure. This island has been a real blessing." After a brief pause, he adds, "And we thank you for sending help as we faced the guardian. You were brilliant." Seeing the tengu dusting off her robes, Jeeves offers some magical help in the form of a Prestidigation spell. He says, "Dirt alert!". And her robes are suddenly spotless.
When the group eventually parts, Jeeves bows to each of his fellow Pathfinders. "Fare thee well. It's been an honor serving with you. The next time you're in Absalom, stop by The Surly Sailor, where I play most evenings. First round is on me."
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You saved us twice Grum, I own you one that I hope to be able to repay one day.
Says Kamil impressed by Grum's feat in combat.
Once Kukuha gets back to them, he bows and says It's our duty as Pathfinders. I'm glad to have been assign to this mission with these fine folks. Congrats are for them, I am but an humble helper.
Turning to Jeeves he adds Yes, my weapon master have talk to me about these land. It was a privilege to set foot here.
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As they part ways he says to Jeeves Surely will do! Your balades had enlightened our mission. I want to listen to more!