Izomandakus follows along while trying to reason "Look, if It was not the real one... Why to leave all his expensive magic items within the corpse?"
Once the door is open, he will go in, but prepares with a touch to augment his natural armor and that one of Seamus.
This long room contains only three plain items of furniture - an enormous bed strewn with silk ropes, a writing desk, and a freestanding armoire.
On the bed, in identical languid poses are a half dozen succubi! They each look exactly like Delvahines, the succubus you fought in a prior hall. Dirty, dirty Vraxeris.
They see you aren’t Vraxeris, and they screech in unison!
- - -
Val gives Seamus a side glance of the “can you believe this f%!@ing guy” variety in response to the array of succubi in front of them. She rushes in to the corner of the room to give the others room for their big booms.
HP: 131/131
AC: 35/18/27
Saves: F14/R18/W17+2 will vs charm and compulsion, +2 fort vs poison and drugs, +4 fort vs alcohol
Hypnotic Stare: red
Painful Stare: red
Active Implanted Tricks 3/7 used): Mesmeric Mirror (Seamus, unused), Mask Misery (herself, unused)
Hero Points: 2
Spells/Conditions: freedom of movement, apport object precast, mirror image(7 images)
0: (Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Mage Hand, Message, Read Magic, Ghost Sound)
1: 2/6 used (Vanishx0, Psychic Readingx0, Ill Omenx0, Faerie Firex1, Invigoratex0, Remove Fearx0, Eldritch Weaponx1, Martial Esotericax0)
2: 1/6 used (Mirror Imagex1, Placebo Effectx0, Lesser Restorationx0, Tonguesx0, Apport Objectx1)
3: 1/5 used (Sendingx1, Displacementx0, Major Imagex0, Invisibility Spherex0, Step Through Realityx0)
4: 2/4 used (Dimension Doorx0, Freedom of Movementx1, Telepathic Bondx1, Tough Crowdx0)
[ dice]1d20+22[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6+10[/dice] damage.
Know (Planes)
Kast studies the foes.
- - -
"Ough! What an awful taste for a harem" the red steps forward and attacks through the door with his dragon reach, and despite the cover.
Pachemu repositions next to Seamus, oinking aggressively at orange.
+2 if within circle vs evil
+0 if within circle vs evil
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 12th; concentration +22)
Constant—detect good, tongues
At will—charm monster (DC 24), detect thoughts (DC 22),
ethereal jaunt (self plus 50 lbs. of objects only), greater teleport (self plus 50 lbs. of objects only), suggestion (DC 21), vampiric touch
1/day—dominate person (DC 23), summon (level 3, 1 babau 50%)
And they prefer, "Where the Wild Things Are."
- - -
"Can you protect us from evil Rastaf?! Don't give them kisses! Don't even think on that! Those succubi can end being very suggestive and play with an unprepared mind!" Izomandakus exclaims as he makes it back from his assault.
Chuckling at Val's glance, Seamus shrugged. He'd spent enough time in the 'kitten' that he'd seen all types. Pausing, he'd never seen anyone infatuated with five identical versions of a devil, so maybe he'd just seen more than most.
Taking a moment to remember the fight with the 'original' Seamus drops his rapier, drawing the cold iron long knives as he entered the room. Answering Dragonmandakus, "Not a problem!" Stepping over the threshold beside Val he stabs at the not-a-real-succubus.
Seaumus steps in and stabs deeply the first succubi in the room, overcoming DR. Valena gets a stab in on red also, and also overcomes DR so it all goes through! The creature shies away from the formidable blade. Izomandakus steps up, and even with the doorway causing mischief, slushes her. Even with DR, red collapses into a puddle of ice and snow.
The falsies all begin with cooing noises directed at the various party members. They step back, giving their most come-hither looks before casting!
They cast suggestion, trying to inspire you to give them a little kiss… just a small peck really. Please?
DC 21 will, or spend the round moving to, and engaging in a kiss with, the succubus pairings below.
Rastaf with Green
Kast with Blue
Seamus with Purple
Valena with Orange
If you do, ah, succumb to the succubus kiss, you suffer one negative level. Further, Will DC 22 (an automatic suggestion caused by the sumptuousness of her kiss) or do it next round too…
The last succubus begins to dance a little, rather finely you find. (Bardic performance, inspire courage, not the party - sorry).
Val shakes her head with a few tsktsktsks. ”Sorry, darling. We already went over this with your original in the other wing. Not my type.” She moves as if about to attack the one to the west but instead goes for the one in the corner.
HP: 131/131
AC: 35/18/27
Saves: F14/R18/W17+2 will vs charm and compulsion, +2 fort vs poison and drugs, +4 fort vs alcohol
Hypnotic Stare: blue
Painful Stare:blue
Active Implanted Tricks 3/7 used): Mesmeric Mirror (Seamus, unused), Mask Misery (herself, unused)
Hero Points: 2
Spells/Conditions: freedom of movement, apport object precast, mirror image(7 images)
0: (Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Mage Hand, Message, Read Magic, Ghost Sound)
1: 2/6 used (Vanishx0, Psychic Readingx0, Ill Omenx0, Faerie Firex1, Invigoratex0, Remove Fearx0, Eldritch Weaponx1, Martial Esotericax0)
2: 1/6 used (Mirror Imagex1, Placebo Effectx0, Lesser Restorationx0, Tonguesx0, Apport Objectx1)
3: 1/5 used (Sendingx1, Displacementx0, Major Imagex0, Invisibility Spherex0, Step Through Realityx0)
4: 2/4 used (Dimension Doorx0, Freedom of Movementx1, Telepathic Bondx1, Tough Crowdx0)
[ dice]1d20+22[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6+10[/dice] damage.
Feeling the urge to run over and kiss one of the not-a-real-girl, Seamus shakes his head. Working at the 'Kitten' He'd known a lot of girls willing to 'kiss' for a price, but it seemed like this price would be higher than he wanted to pay. Chuckling at Val's answer, he watched and waited to see what she would do. Seeing her feint the non-succubus, he stepped nearer, slashing at the same creature as Val.
Thanks Rastaf! As they are evil outsiders, you get 10d6 damage on them, please roll. Also, what's my DC to resist?
for 16
for 33 and blinded
for 33 and blinded
for 33 and blinded
for 16
Izomandakus squeezes through the door and starts giving smacks to the succubi, from left to right
Pachemu moves in, and also gives a smack.
+2 if within circle vs evil
+0 if within circle vs evil
Will
Round 1, Init 2
Kast moves up to help pacify the succubii in the kissing practice room. He attacks orange.
to hit; (GMW)
magic cold iron damage
A +2 sacred bonus to AC
A +4 sacred bonus to Strength
Resistance 5 to acid and fire
A +5 sacred bonus on all Intimidate checks made against evil creatures
Fast healing 2
Any critical threat roll made against an evil creature with a weapon you wield is automatically confirmed.
hp: 121/121
AC: 34/27/19 (always on shield, Barkskin included) +1 with MCaE +2 BoF + 7 smite
Saves: F10/R15/W12* +7 vs. mind affecting
Furious Focus, GWM=+3, SoF = +4
Aroden's Verve: 0/0 used
GlitterBomb: 0/0 used
Extend GammaRadiation: 0/0 used
Extend Rods: 3/6 left
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Think Really Hard: 7/7 left
1: 6/8 left
2: 6/8 left
3: 5/8 left
4: 6/7 left
5: 6/7 left
6: 6/7 left
7: 5/5 left
[spoiler=Kast's Pre Exploration Magics][ /spoiler]
[spoiler=Perfect Soul]Facing an evil outsider, a perfect entity imbues Kast with some sweet evil slaying cheese:
A +2 sacred bonus to AC
A +4 sacred bonus to Strength
Resistance 5 to acid and fire
A +5 sacred bonus on all Intimidate checks made against evil creatures
Fast healing 2
Any critical threat roll made against an evil creature with a weapon you wield is automatically confirmed.
[ /spoiler]
to hit; (GMW)
magic cold iron damage
to hit; (GMW)
magic cold iron damage
[spoiler=Perfect Blessing Round 1/15] [ /spoiler]
Rastaf starts off by calling down the power of god almighty upon the outsiders. Kast sidles in and swats the blinded orange. Valena smacks blue twice, including a critical hit!, but she refuses to drop. Seaumus wades in on blue and after a slow start creates another puddle AND hits green twice! Izomandakus squeezes in and further spreads out the attacks swinging on orange. Koba doesn’t have much of a shot, but he shoots what he can as he 5’ steps closer. He drops green, already heavily wounded by Rastaf and Seamus.
Orange, Purple, and Green, all blind, lash out at their opponents as best they can.
Pink tries domination. Valena, Will DC 25 or attack Seamus to the best of your abilities with your most powerful spells/abilities.
Round 2, Init 2
Kast attacks orange.
to hit; (GMW)
magic cold iron damage
additional magic cold iron damage
to hit; (GMW)
magic cold iron damage
to hit; (GMW)
magic cold iron damage
A +2 sacred bonus to AC
A +4 sacred bonus to Strength
Resistance 5 to acid and fire
A +5 sacred bonus on all Intimidate checks made against evil creatures
Fast healing 2
Any critical threat roll made against an evil creature with a weapon you wield is automatically confirmed.
[ /spoiler]
[spoiler=Kasternations]
hp: 121/121
AC: 34/27/19 (always on shield, Barkskin included) +1 with MCaE +2 BoF + 7 smite
Saves: F10/R15/W12* +7 vs. mind affecting
Furious Focus, GWM=+3, SoF = +4
Aroden's Verve: 0/0 used
GlitterBomb: 0/0 used
Extend GammaRadiation: 0/0 used
Extend Rods: 3/6 left
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Think Really Hard: 7/7 left
1: 6/8 left
2: 6/8 left
3: 5/8 left
4: 6/7 left
5: 6/7 left
6: 6/7 left
7: 5/5 left
[spoiler=Kast's Pre Exploration Magics][ /spoiler]
[spoiler=Perfect Soul]Facing an evil outsider, a perfect entity imbues Kast with some sweet evil slaying cheese:
A +2 sacred bonus to AC
A +4 sacred bonus to Strength
Resistance 5 to acid and fire
A +5 sacred bonus on all Intimidate checks made against evil creatures
Fast healing 2
Any critical threat roll made against an evil creature with a weapon you wield is automatically confirmed.
[ /spoiler]
to hit; (GMW)
magic cold iron damage
to hit; (GMW)
magic cold iron damage
[spoiler=Perfect Blessing Round 1/15] [ /spoiler]
Val shrugs. ”Darling, just stop. You are embarrassing yourself.”
She advances on the cornered snow-cubus that tried to mess with her mind, passing her stare over the poor simulacrum before taking a literal stab at her.
HP: 131/131
AC: 35/18/27
Saves: F14/R18/W17+2 will vs charm and compulsion, +2 fort vs poison and drugs, +4 fort vs alcohol
Hypnotic Stare: pink
Painful Stare:pink
Active Implanted Tricks 3/7 used): Mesmeric Mirror (Seamus, unused), Mask Misery (herself, unused)
Hero Points: 2
Spells/Conditions: freedom of movement, apport object precast, mirror image(7 images)
0: (Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Mage Hand, Message, Read Magic, Ghost Sound)
1: 2/6 used (Vanishx0, Psychic Readingx0, Ill Omenx0, Faerie Firex1, Invigoratex0, Remove Fearx0, Eldritch Weaponx1, Martial Esotericax0)
2: 1/6 used (Mirror Imagex1, Placebo Effectx0, Lesser Restorationx0, Tonguesx0, Apport Objectx1)
3: 1/5 used (Sendingx1, Displacementx0, Major Imagex0, Invisibility Spherex0, Step Through Realityx0)
4: 2/4 used (Dimension Doorx0, Freedom of Movementx1, Telepathic Bondx1, Tough Crowdx0)
[ dice]1d20+22[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6+10[/dice] damage.
Assuming Seamus or Rastaf and Kast have left some empty space for him, Izomandakus steps in and continues the smacking on the purple one.
Pachemu, with a clear idea she is not on the theme of this room, goes for the toe of the succubi.
+2 if within circle vs evil
+0 if within circle vs evil
Pleased to see both the creatures melt, Seamus turns to see who or what is still standing. Looking at the nearest make believe succubus he realizes that she's blind. Shaking his head, "It's almost as easy as getting a kiss." He steps around Pachemu, near the not-a-succubus and thrusts his cold iron long knife at her chest.
Rastaf does something heroic. Kast destroys orange and grievously wounds purple. Valena slides in on pink and smacks her for the attempt! Seaumus moves up to purple (no 5’ step) and smacks it once, for more snow and ice as it drops! Izomandakus flies into the room next to pink and misses. Koba, without targets, must double move into the tightening bedroom.
Pink, hard pressed, casts defensively (can’t fail).
vs AC 16
The party then, likely lead by Izomandakus, crushes pink, cowering in the corner… snow and ice.
There are no further foes. The room grows quiet, if a little damp.
Kast looks around for other bad things to slash upon, but realizes that there will be no more kissing in this room, not even cold iron onto flesh.
"Well okay. What a weird place to hold a bunch of succubi. What have they been doing for 1000s of years?" Kast asks while casting Detect Magic and looking around.
Kast finds no magics other than the warm and comforting glow coming from the party.
Further, no loot nor secret door is found in this chamber.
You have a text to decipher and, I think, no further tunnels. Do you retire to do a little reading? Well, those of you who can read Thassilonian.
Kast, who reads Thassolonian at least passably, will put down his manual of core exercises to embrace a bit of historical reading.
"Maybe there is an explanation on why the walls in here are so awfully made."
Relieved that the not-really-succubae were gone, Seamus begins to search the room for any secret doors or hidden places. Hearing Kast's question about what they had been doing, Seamus considered offering some ideas. Shaking his head, as his search comes up empty handed, he decides he's too tired to explain any innuendoes to his friend later and leaves the question alone.
Turning to the others, he sees Kast taking out a book that isn't his exercise manual. Shaking his head, "I don't really care about the walls, but I would like to know what we need to do before we leave." Gesturing towards the book, he asks, "If we're going to spend some time reading can we find someplace a little more comfortable?"
" Reading time it seems " Izomandakus will revert back to human form and go sit at the library for work " What Seamus? Is it unsettling here?"
Kast, who reads Thassolonian at least passably, will put down his manual of core exercises to embrace a bit of historical reading.
"Maybe there is an explanation on why the walls in here are so awfully made."
Val, quite proud of herself for coming to understand something before the young Sihedron Scholar, clears her throat and raises her chin as she explains. ”Ah, young Kast, you must remember the Power of Themes. The theme of this area is Pride/Illusion. You cannot really have an illusion theme without something to hide, yes? So you make a shabby looking place and cover it over with illusions.”
You spend the afternoon going through the dead mages notes and it helps clarify some of the things Izomandakus has been saying. Two particular pages stand out.
The first page (image) is a hint of the recent past, and hints of Xin-Shalast.
I was mistaken. Runelord Xanderghul still slumbers. It is that monster Karzoug who quickens and nears rebirth. Damnation! He must not be allowed to precede Xanderghul into the world, for he would rebuild Thassilon in his own inferior image, a testament to his own greed rather than one of pride in the work. He must be delayed or defeated!
I have managed to escape this place, to a certain extent. By astral projection I can explore what the world outside has become. It is a brutish place, yet it pleases me to see Thassilon’s mark endures in the shape of our monuments. Still, the wilderness of the world vexes me. Gone is the empire I knew. Karzoug’s city of Xin-Shalast is now hidden high in the mountains, and when I finally discovered it, I found the spires where his body is hidden to be inaccessible, warded against astral travelers by the occlusion field around the peak of Mhar-Massif. As long as his runewell is active, I fear even a physical approach would be impossibly deadly. I must determine a way to pierce these wardings, and to send an agent in my place. No need to risk my own life before my clone is ready.
- - -
Then you come upon a second note (image).
The runeforge pool is the key. As I suspected, the occlusion field around Karzoug’s fortress in Xin-Shalast has a flaw. His lack of knowledge of the intricacies of Sorshen’s and my own lord Xanderghul’s powers have left an opening. My agents must use components infused with our lords’ virtues, extract the latent magic within these components, and then anoint their chosen weapons with this raw power. The runeforged pool seems to have enough reserves to enhance no more than half a dozen or so runeforged weapons, but those enhanced with enchantment and illusion magic will be most potent against Karzoug’s defenses. They may even be pivotal in his defeat. For my own part, fragments of any of the mirrors in the Peacock’s Hall should suffice for a component. Delvahine’s... equipment... should suffice for enchantment, although one might be wise to cleanse them before they are handled.
The search for an agent goes poorly. Delvahine seems more interested in her own lusts than aiding me. Worse, the lapses and fevers are increasing. I fear that I will be forced to see to Karzoug myself, in which event I will need to use the master circle I built into the Halls of Wrath to escape this place. Yet first, I must set aside my work on delaying Karzoug’s return and turn back to the final development of my 205th clone. I only hope I have time to finish before the dementia takes hold...
- - -
It’s late on Kuthana 12, a Fireday by the time you’re done sorting through it all. Do you spend one more night in the relative comfort of the Runeforge?
Know (Geography) - Mhar-Massif?
Kast ponder things, uncertain what it all means just yet, and hopes that some solid thought might get him thinking in the right direction.
Following Izomandakus back to the library Seamus pulls a chair out from under the table. "Well, the library is better than the bedroom." Dropping his pack beside the chair he sits down and takes his lute out of the magic pack. Leaning back, he props his feet on the table and begins to play.
Naturally, you do not know anything about the river. It’s likely been renamed since Thassilon times, unlike the mountain (which no one can find anyway).
You also remember Brodert Quink mentioning an old story of two dwarves having actually found it, though there was some doubt on their claim. He even has a letter from one of them that he was waiving in front of your eyes one bleary-eyed night of ramblings.
- - -
That evening, over supper, Koba brooches an uncomfortable subject. His impending death.
”So… I have no interest in staying here forever, but I die the instant I step out of the Runeforge. As we discussed, the only way to revive me, is reincarnation - for I shall die of old age when I leave this place. Even that is not guaranteed to work.” He frowns.
”But it is the course I have chosen, rather than remain in this prison for eternity. I do not claim much in the short time we’ve been together, but if my assistance has been at all helpful, I request that you find a druid and make the attempt on my remains. Please my lords and ladies, for while I do not wish to live forever, I would like one lifetime not as a goldfish.”
Val raises her wine goblet to Koba. ”My dear knight, I would be happy to. I could even ask my Sapphira via sending if she could make arrangements to save time. I would be happy to pay for any expenses.”
Izomandakus studies the volumes and journals with avid interest trying to seek more answers to their questions.
When the supper comes up and Koba speaks, Izomandakus raises an eyebrow "I despise playing with the fate of souls but I... I might be able to do this for you Koba. If this is your wish. Only thing I need is a worthy diamond" the boy opens Azaven's book by a page that reads 'On the secrets of limited wishes'.
"As about the journals..." the boy starts piecing up things for the rest "They confirm my worries, Karzoug is rising. We need to make it to Xin-Shalast, but his laying place is protected by an occlusion field. Vraxeris thinks one of the powerful Runeforge Weapons attuned towards Karzoug's weaknesses, might help penetrate that field. For that we need to use the mirror shard and Delvahine's tools to anoint the power of illusion and enchantment on the Runeforge pool. Then anoint our weapons with the power of the waters in there."
"Mmm... besides, he confirms about the circle at Wrath! It seems we have a way of escape" he exclaims optimistically "The good Vraxeris must have been struck with dementia before he completed his last clone... poor thing forgot about magic or what he might be doing in these halls"
Kast agrees strongly with Val and Izo's take on the matter.
"Oh yeah, we'll do our best. We'll try to find a way," Kast agrees, even hoping that Izo might find a way to make it happen. He trusts the experienced kisser to find a way.
"Yeah, I think I know where the mountain might be, and we might need to check in with Brodert again. He might know a bit more," Kast explains what he thinks (spoiler above).
Kast ponders a bit more.
"So what is the plan? Try to kick up our weapons in the morning in the pool? Then, head back to Sandpoint before or after Magnimar to stock up before trying to find the occlusion protected mountain?"
”Oh thank you my lady, that’s most generous.” Koba says with feeling as he relaxes a little. He must still face death, but the knowledge that if he can return, he will return is a comfort. He likes Izomandakus’ solution as well, fewer moving parts for surely a diamond can be found in Magnimar.
He turns in early. He’s eager, in an odd way, to leave the Runeforge. From his memory, a scant few days have passed since his entry here, but knowing there’s a world out there hundreds of years older, that he must see for himself.
Night passes uneventfully, and you arise early on Kuthana 13, a Starday.
You have been through every room of the Runeforge complex (though there is a dimensional platform yet which you were told goes to Thassilon). You’ve collected great wealth, and several items to create what are called Rune Forged weapons - Weapons of Power. These are weapons that were strictly forbidden in Thassilonian times. They were restricted because of their power against Runelords and their magics.
You now have an opportunity to forge your own weapons of power. You take an existing weapon, follow the rituals inscribed in a few of the texts you’ve found, apply the rare ingredients scattered throughout the Runeforge, and immerse the entire thing in the Runewell (the pool at the main entry - the map you’re on now).
All Runeforged weapons grant the bearer a +2 insight bonus to initiative and a +1 dodge to AC. Other abilities are dependent on your choices (link) (see the bottom bits in particular but feel free to read it all). And of course, your weapons will be effective against the Runelords and their ilk in ways that you cannot even conceive of, but will become clear to you later with luck.
You may only have one Runeforged weapon at a time. The process intertwines with your spirit which precludes a second.
So for example, let’s take a +1 dagger worth 2,301gp according to this table (link). We apply the Runeforge and it gains a +2 special ability. But the weapon is still worth 2,301gp, and improving it to a +2 dagger will cost 6,000gp (the difference between its current value and +2).
Clear as mud? Well just think of it as a non-bonus. None of you are walking around with +8 weapons, so this doesn’t really matter. I just want you to be able to improve your gear, if you wish to, without being penalized because it’s now a Runeforged weapon. Feel free to hit me up in chat if you have questions.
- - -
If you provide him with the raw materials and the how-to, Koba would like a Runeforged bow. He’ll make it Trusting (bonuses against some undead and protection from negative levels). He’s not going first though. He wants to see how it’s done.
So, who goes first, and what do you forge - if anything? You are certainly not required to convert any of your weapons to these magical powerhouses.
Izomandakus puts the ingredients in the pool, without giving much explanation, he goes a bit mysterious and only explains what he knows about the process of Runeforging as he goes. The boy inputs the mirror shard and Delvheine's special kisses implement into the pool, and let's it activate "Mmmm.... let me try to experiment with this..."
Picking up his amulet of mighty fists from his neck, he submerges Longtooth's mighty jewel into the pool to see what happens.
When Koba started to explain his 'last wishes' Seamus stopped playing his lute. Listening as the paladin spoke Seamus nodded in agreement with Val. As Kast and Rastaf chimed in Seamus made a mental not to tell her that he'd chip in to help pay. Since they would head to Magnimar, he wondered if Koba preferred the idea of reincarnation or if 'raising' him would not be an option due to the paladin's advanced age. Mentally shrugging he decided he could as Izomandakus or Kast, after they had found their way out of the runeforge; but Hearing Izomandakus offer to deal with it himself, Seamus smiled wondering how his friend would do it.
As the conversation turned to more dire things, Seamus listened to Izomandakus explain more. As Izomandakus explained more Seamus tried to pay good attention, understanding most of the information. Karzoug alive in Xin-Shalast, which was bad, He was still 'asleep' which was good. Xin-Shalast had a protective shield, which was bad. They could use the Runeforge to make a weapon to penetrate the shield, which was good. Realizing Izomandakus had mentioned adding magics to weapons, Seamus grinned, that was always a good thing.
As Izomandakus prepares to place his amulet in the forge, Seamus, eager to add more magic to all of his weapons asks. "Once you do yours can we do mine? Would all of them have to have the same 'blessing' or can we do different ones?"
Izomandakus adds the various ingredients to the pool, which bubbles and roils in response. Alas, his amulet does not take the magics as it is not a weapon.
He eyes the simmering pool, and is pretty sure he doesn’t want to put his claw or hand in there either.
The pool awaits a weapon.
Kast spends half the time during his pistol squat workouts thinking about the Runeforge and what to do with the Iron Quill. It’s not an easy decision, and he frets over what the decision he makes will say about him.
What if I’m too vain? What if I’m too proud? What if I’m too tyrannical? What if?
And then he does a few sets of High Intensity Interval’d lunges as he transverses the campsite in thought.
I’ll want something that can help against the Whispering Tyrant. Gotta think two moves ahead. Yeah. Undead.
In the end, Kast will offer the Iron Quill for the Jealous/Trusting aspect and hope for the best.
Kast removes their weapon from the pool. It shimmers with an inner glow, only visible from certain angles in certain light. But the power is there and make no mistake. The power is there. The Iron Quill indeed.
The pool, which had been bubbling when the weapon was reforged, seems enraged now! The pool writhes, and the water flows most unnaturally up and points to the north where Karzoug’s statues lies still, watching you…
There’s a creak, and then a crack, and then the statue rises up from its moorings on the platform as a golden light flies out from the pool to the statue! Immediately, the towering statue animates, transforming into an enormous stone golem. It stares down at you and speaks, the voice the same you’ve heard issuing from Mokmurian (link) earlier. “You. Again. I can’t help but be inspired by your optimism, but alas, your weapons will never reach Xin-Shalast. Your fate is death, here in Runeforge.”
As he speaks, his glaive bursts into flame.
- - -
Kast slowly takes his eyes away from the Iron Quill and towards the awakened monstrosity.
Know (Arcana)