Val folds her arm, tapping her foot as she waits for Iso to come back. ”Come on.” She looks to Kast, as he is the specialist in Knowing Things. ”What spell got cast on him anyways? Where did he go?”
The party spends some time looting. Seemingly with each outstretched hand, you gain thousands in gold and gems. But as time passes, and Izomandakus continues to refuse to appear, the reality begins to settle in.
He may very well be lost in a maze of his own mind... forever. None of you can think of a way to bring the mage back from such an odd happenstance. Clearly Karzoug was messing with planar twisting in a most unusual way.
Eventually, after perhaps hours - just to be sure - the sun starts to settle over the mountains. The two storm giants keep much to themselves, having the wisdom to see you're suffering even in your victory.
Another thought occurs to you. Without Izomandakus' teleportation, it's going to be a long walk back.
What do you do as dusk settles?
Val expresses little interest in the runelord’s wealth. Money has never been exciting for her, having known it so well for so long. Most of all she just wants to be done with the villain. Her mood may change later, but at the least it feels gauche and callous to fawn over the runelord’s treasures while they have lost one of their number.
”If we need a way to get out of here without…without Izo, then I can help.” She produces a scroll that she was holding onto. ”It sounded interesting, and we were going on a trip, so I bought it. I thought was never going to need to use it. I wish I had been right.” She takes a too-long swig of the wine in her goblet.
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Pachemu silently awaits Izomandakus' return looking at the city at the foot of the mountain until the dusk arrives.
At that point she reverts back to being a pig, the staff of commanding falling of her pig hands, as well as the wands.
She is still pretty injured, only barely having survived to the most powerful meteor magic of a true runelord, but she shows some interest on the runelord's wealth, basically looking after the gold required to replace a lost wizard master.
Smiling as he looks around waiting for Izomandakus to return, Seamus's smile wain as he looks at Pachemu. Realizing the pig was blind, he approached carefully, "Pachemu, everything will be fine once Izomandakus returns." As he helped gather Karzougs wealth, he holds up the belt asking, "Anyone care if I wear this?"
Getting nervous as Kast tells their friend to come back, Seamus started to get nervous. But instead of pulling out his loot, he tells Pachemu, "Stay there girl, I'll keep gathering gems and such, that way if Izomandakus doesn't come back we can pay a wizard to do some magic that will help him return."
Shrugging at Val's question, Seamus only answers, looking down at the blind pig. "We should be able to gather enough wealth to pay a wizard to bring him back." Picking up the staff and wands Pachemu dropped Seamus placed then in his pack. Having loaded as much wealth as he could in all the containers they had, he turns to the giants. "Boys thank for your help, do you think you can make it home from here?" He turns back to his friends, but addresses Pachemu. "don't worry Pachemu, we have enough wealth we can pay a wizard to summon Izomandakus back."
"What do you mean he's not back yet? And is Pachemu...normal?" Kast airstomps over to worry over Pachemu. "Oh, this can't be good."
Kast leans over to look at Pachemu in his not-eyes.
"Pachemu, grunt if you can understand me. What is the square root of 91? C'mon buddy, you used to know this!"
Kast begins a long thinkering process to try to figure out what is going on.
Know (Arcana)
Know (Planes)
And he will offer a Heal to the pig.
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Rastaf casts ALL the healing until Pachemu is OK. He's got a buttload of that.
He also has a scroll or two that would resurrect the wizard boy. He's not sure if that would work, or if it's even necessary.
We need to locate Izo, or have an educated guess where he is.
Desperate, the half orc tries talking to the pig. He knows she is probably just a pig again, but maybe not.
Do you remember anything, or is it already too late?
Yes, to be clear, Pachemu returns to his normal form when the spell expires. Nothing unusual there. However, her blindness is unhealed by any spell. Remove blindness, Heal, even a miracle (which Rastaf can now cast I think) does not eliminate her blindness.
Kast believes that Izomandakus was sent into his mind by a powerful spell, fated to return within 10 minutes depending on his luck in the maze. Likely much sooner what with Izomandakus's smarts.
However, the plane of existence that he was to return to is no longer there. There are a few possible outcomes for this.
1) He remains trapped in the maze of his mind, forever.
2) He returns to null space and is destroyed/trapped in the void, forever.
3) He returns to one of the planes that comprised the pocket plane Karzoug created. Either Golarion or Leng.
The last option, and the most unlikely, would have happened within the 10 minutes... So either he's on Leng and needs a plane shift, or he's gone forever. All your knowledge points to the latter.
Let me know when you're ready to go.
Kast isn't in a rush to go, and certainly wouldn't go without putting in a lot of effort to make sure there is nothing to be done or gained before he decides to leave.
When that is all done, he will, sadly, be ready to depart.
"Got any ideas on what happened, Pachemu? Anything at all?" Kast asks, trying for a last gasp.
Looking from Kast to Pachemu then back to Kast, Seamus gestures at all the wealth they've gathered. Asking "When we get to Magnimar we can pay a wizard to bring him back? Right?"
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We can try, but he may be beyond our help. He may be stuck in some void between planes.
Rastaf tries to comfort the blind pig, offering a snack and some water from his rations. I'll take care of you, girl. I'll set you up in style. You'll be as safe and happy as a blind pig can be.
Rastaf will help collect as much treasure as we can carry.
Pachemu attempts to answer questions while the hours spanning magics of goyle form last.
"Nine" the piggoyle looks at the infinitum of blindness.
"He should have been here already, but I do not feel him, so he is not... It seems he managed to lock himself in another corner-case of magic" even blind, Pachemu feels the need of her companions for a closing "But be assured, he would had been glad to pay the ultimate sacrifice to save Sandpoint and Varisia. We should celebrate our accomplishments, for they have been epic."
Hearing Pachemu's explanation, Seamus looks up from gathering wealth. He looks towards the pig, almost flabbergasted. "So are you saying we shouldn't try to revive him? That you don't even want us to try?" He puased a moment, looking down at the 'friendship' ring on is hand. They'd lost Kizzy already and he knew everyone was going to go their own way, but to lose Izomandakus forever? Never to be able to even visit? He shakes his head "I mean celebrating accomplishments isn't that great if everyone isn't there to celebrate with you." He looks towards Val to try and talk sense into the pig.
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Hearing Rastaf would care for Pachemu, Seamus was relieved. He'd decided that taking her with him to the ranger's fort seemed unnecessary cruel and would have asked Val to take Pachemu to live with her and Sapphira. But if Rastaf wanted to care for her, Seamus would not deprive the man of the pleasant pig's personality.
Hefting his gear, he realized much of their magic gear had been with Izomandakus, so returning home would be more arduous. Asking, "So if we're 'Wind walking' home should we get started?"
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Sure.
After making sure that everyone is loaded down with all the loot we can carry, Rastaf casts the spell, taking pains to bring Pachemu along with us.
If Val would rather have the pig, Rastaf won't object. Pachemu will have to be taken care of, one way or another. Her adventuring days are behind her.
We should probably let someone know the task is done.
Kast is ready to go. He thinks the party should return to the skulks on the way out and explain what happened in case they need it for their tribal lores and histories.
He will do that. It's important, especially if Izo does magically come back and someone should be looking out for him.
"So are you saying we shouldn't try to revive him? That you don't even want us to try?"
The Pachegoyle shrugs, the shoulders moving the wings "You can try. Though I doubt Izomandakus would have gave up the gold required to bring back any of you. You know, he was once the Highlord of Greed after all, remember?"
Despite the hard truths Pachemu speaks up, the piggoyle seems abated by the lost companion.
She nods towards Kast, agreeing the ruin inhabitants should be informed.
Accepting Rastaf's blessings, she will wind walk with Kast to warn their friends and allies about the new power vacuum.
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Every pouch crammed with wealth and glorious magics, yet with heavy hearts, the party makes ready to depart Xin-Shalast.
First you talk to the skulks, who are enormously pleased that the evils of this place will be receding rather than increasing. They promise to look for your friend, should he return.
For the trip, air walk is slightly faster. You travel most of the night, with heavy cloud cover soaking you to the skin.
It’s well after midnight as you begin to close with the Hook Mountains, so you descend for at least a few hours sleep with your good friends the rangers. They embrace you with open arms and give you shelter for what’s left of the night.
In the morning of course they won’t let you go without a story or two, so it’s nearly noon before you proceed the rest of the way home… to Sandpoint. The storm giants are rather more interested in staying behind in the mountains, rather than hoofing it to civilization. So they travel north out of the Hook Mountains toward their own home - thanking you for their freedom.
Sandpoint is, well, lovely. It’s cold, as you expect from darkest winter, but the snow glistens brightly off the mid afternoon sun, which is out today in force. It’s nearly 4pm when you alight in a convenient alleyway, and re-form, the five, er four, Heroes of Sandpoint with a resolute pig!
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Rastaf rents a small but cozy place in town, with a little fenced area for Pachemu.
After all the excitement dies down, he starts writing, making a record of the heroic deeds of his companions. He hires a scribe to make copies, so the tale is documented and shared, and Izo's sacrifice is not forgotten.
The cleric resumes his normal activities, serving at the cathedral and healing the injured and tending to the poor and orphaned.
Pachemu becomes a local celebrity, accompanying Rastaf on his rounds, and bringing comfort and amusement to people who are sick or suffering. The pig seems to like all the attention. She can't see it, but enjoys being petted and fussed over, and given lots of treats.
Rastaf tries everything he can think of to cure her blindness, but fails, and hopes against hope that someday Izo will find his way back to Sandpoint and his friends.
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Spending the night with the Rangers Seamus let the others tell the stories, but he did sit and play his lute, playing any requests. Explaining to the rangers that he at least had to try and resurrect Izomandakas. Telling them he intended to accompany the others to Sandpoint, then go to Magnimar to speak with Izomandakus professors. Once he'd restored his friend or explored every avenue to do so, he would return to the fort.
Bidding goodbye to the Rangers he returned to Sandpoint with his friends. Arriving in Sandpoint, he nods north towards Izomandakus' mothers shop. "We should tell his mom what happened." He accompanies whoever is willing to go, but let's them do the talking. Afterwards, he breaths a sigh, Nodding back the way they came, "Let's go to the dragon."
Finding their table occupied, Seamus goes to a round table in the middle, tossing his pack under his chair. Taking a seat, he hopes that Ameiko will play....
At the end of the evening with his friends, Seamus heads to the 'Kitten' and played for the 'working folks' late into the evening. Once things shut down at the 'Kitten' he walked up to the 'lighthouse' one last time. Sitting on the edge of the cliff watching the goblins down on Junk Beach.
When it was time, with her permission, Seamus joins Val on her journey home to Magnimar. Once there he avoids his mother's house, not just her house but her entire neighborhood. He finds himself at the school where Izomandakus trained. Spending a fair amount of time and money, in time learning that Izomandakus cannot be found. Eventually accepting the fact, he used the rest of the money to purchase a pair of Wings of Flying. Using the wings he returns to the 'Black Arrows' officially to help them rebuild, but unofficially to spend more time with Shalelu.
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*limp, drag, limp*
Kast limps by the “Some Pig” sign that someone had put up over Pachemu’s new sty. Half-memorial, half tribute, Kast enjoyed walking by the pig’s new place in Sandpoint. It would stand as long as Kast would be around, and Pachemu was free to do what it chose, but Kast would remember both the Pig and Boy regardless.
*limp, drag, limp*
Kast limps on.
People would let the memorial stand. After all, Kast was a big fancy hero now, and so was Izo. They had legends and story to back them up. Kast was even going to work with Brodert Quink to get the story down and get it right. It would take some time. He would work on it.
*limp, drag, limp*
He pauses by the Sandpoint Cathedral, where most of the madness started all those month ago. Seems like a lifetime ago when the town guard stood back to back with the local town minstrel, a boy walking his pig, and a traveling wine connoisseur to beat back a horde of lost goblins. He smiles at the simple memory.
Kast limps on.
*limp, drag, limp*
He pauses before his last destination, looking down to make sure his fancy armor is sparkling, and the Iron Quill’s red bow still festoon’s the shaft. He wants to look perfect. This has to be perfect.
He takes a deep breath, trying to find the needed courage to do what he has to do. Entering, he admires the various jewels and gems, pendants and jewelry, diamonds and gold. He knows that they all have value, but after what he’s seen of Karzoug’s greed, how much are these stones really worth? He pauses again, letting the ringing entry bell’s clanging fade. He fixes his gaze on the only thing of value in the shop.
”Hi. I’m…I’m Kast. Can we….uh…can we…talk?” Heart thudding, Kast stammers at the most valuable thing in the shop.
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In the months following the Runelord of Greed’s defeat, Val took the lead on telling the group’s story to the presses and keeping the focus off any of her friends who desire privacy. Sapphira was a stalwart and loving source of strength during this period. She sought out every noteworthy specialist who would give her time and take her money to try to find a way to reach Izomandakus, believing firmly in the importance of loyalty to those who fought and traveled with her. It would be years before she finally lets the matter rest.
Once the gold dust has settled, Val is all-too-happy to move on from adventuring. The cruel and bizarre horrors she witnessed gnaw at her and trouble her sleep, and she just sees another adventure as a source of new and terrible nightmares. She did what she needed to do for the memory of Meg and the girls, and that is enough.
Instead, she goes back to the life of nobility, except with the partner she always desired and a fresh openness. Finally free to exist as herself, the life of a noble no longer feels the prison it once did. She has a calm to her now that was not there before, a steady assurance that she has done something important and necessary and might actually now deserve the comfortable life she has been offered. Her and Sapphira’s wedding is small and personal, at Sapphira’s request, and Val finds it much improved on her first. She and Sapphira become known as the people to go to for funding charitable works throughout all of Varisia, the combination of Sapphira’s gift of mind and Val’s gift of gab making them formidable challenges against any who would try to take advantage. While their reach touches all parts of Varisia, the full scholarship that Val funds for the Golemworks in the name of Izomandakus is one of her favorite contributions.
Val is happy to always make time for any of “the boys” who come around. She even keeps a room in her Magnimar estates set aside for Seamus at all times, just in case her good friend decides to come by that way.
Once Sapphira and Val have fully settled in to their new normal, Val herself suggests something she would have never thought herself capable of before: adopting.
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Back in Sandpoint, Pachemu joins Seamus on the ungrateful duty of filling out the Avertin family about the twin’s fate. Aneka is sad for the loss and angry for she will have to keep taking care of the Savories alone, while the mother, Alma, does not believe the story and insists to keep the boy’s bedroom “For when he bores partying and cares to show up”
With time, Pachemu learns to rely on her scent to guide herself in life, partially overcoming the issues of blindness. For the only true blindness is the one from someone in love. She sniffs with approval Valena's flowering marriage (she long awaited the fireworks) and Kast's approach to the jewel shop (the pig is happy to see the guard has finally found the proper slot for his medallion). She approves as well Seamus and Valena's efforts to find out about Izomandakus. But she focuses her own efforts to see the adventuring gold invested into the boy's business.
The pig takes over the responsibility of witnessing the old manor over the cliff finishing its conversion into a fully fledged, "Neothassilonian" style, workshop. But the place is too big for a single hog and too tied to the golem builder so she prefers to routinely return and sleep in Rastaf’s cozy fenced area.
Overtime, the vision is completed, and Pachemu is free to pursue her own interests. She looks to take care and guide new adventurers to face the future dangers to Varisia. For a time, she looks at Aneka, expecting to find the same natural talent found in her twin. But Izomandakus was a singularity, the spirit of a greedy ancient wizard, tempered in the warmth of the Savories. Without the pig's guidance and the love of his family and friends, he could have well completed his plans of raising his master. Under Pachemu’s view, it was just all good the wizard was not tempted in the end to overtake Karzoug's throne over the Mhar Massif.
Despite her duty in Sandpoint, the pig has understood Karzoug was only one of many Runelords that want to come back from the basements of history to claim their portion of Varisia. For the rest of her life, Pachemu remains vigilant to the signs of any such raising Thassilonian, oinking the truth to those that care to listen, attentive to fostering and looking after the adventurers that should be prepared by the time there is need.
For the pig is too conscious there are dangers that lurk in the shadows, there, somewhere, hidden in the darkness, and when time comes, there will be new people that have to stand up and defend their own Swallowtail Festival.
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Lost in space and time, Izomandakus spins in no direction through a non discrete span, his thoughts analyzing his non-situation, trying to understand what went wrong and when. On one hand, he knows he was trapped in a maze, hard as it is to assume his cunning failed him to find the real exit, there is also the chance Karzoug trapped him in some kind of mindescape.
It takes some non-time for the ancient mind of the wizard to realize the reality: either Karzoug or one of his companions have destroyed the layer of existence where he was when the maze was created, depriving him of a return point. Of course there is chance Seamus blowed up the whole reality with one of his tunes, but most probably his friends just took the ultimate sacrifice to obliterate Karzoug and his well from the root, as the Runelord himself would not risk to damage his runewell pocket plane and, hence, his plans of conquest.
Maybe Karzoug turned the whole lava into wine and Valena drinked it out producing the singularity in the plane, or Rastaf overdid himself calling the goddess rage and overtook the dimension. But no. Given the revelation of the Peacock Spirit that only Kast would survive to this, what happened could only be explained by Karzoug invoking the banshee kiss over the limping guard, only to discover the Sihedron warrior, Lastwall knight wannabe, was impossible to kiss, and the resulting conflicting energies consumed the whole plane and produced the singularity.
Yes, there is no other plausible explanation turning in no direction, in no space, the wizard looks through his non-empty pockets, trying to find a solution to his no location. Of course, retrieving stuff in zero dimension is tricky, but Izomandakus had no time to make it work. Plenty of no time he had to think.
If he was to look at himself at Sandpoint’s mirror sign today, what would he see reflected back? A human? Perhaps a dragon? Or some bizarre monster? But he knew better, the monster was not on his skin, but long growing inside himself. The monster was growing inside when he started caring more about the wealth and power to defeat Karzoug than staying by his family and friends. The moment he put aside Seamus’ friendship ring to embrace more power on his fingers. Maybe it was good he was in no place, out of reach of Karzoug’s inheritance, for otherwise the ancient greed would keep seizing him.
On the other hand, the pig always wanted his company, his friends just accepted him, no matter how he looked, except perhaps Kast who was unsettled by some of the most feminine shapes. Seamus even stopped rolling his eyes for him. Valena tried to indulge his desires with Ghlorofaex. Maybe there was something worthy inside himself, something he did not know how to appreciate. That other hand stumbles with something cold and metallic on his non-dimensional pouch.
The key to his ancient prison. Pachemu collected all types of junk on his pouch that often turned to be vital spell components that would turn the odds of the group weeks or months later. So it came as no surprise to find the Runeforge attuned fork there, at his very hand Wily pig
We are never infinitely far from those we hate. For the same reason, then, we might believe that we will never be absolutely close to those we love. When I embarked I already knew this atrocious principle. But there are truths that deserve our attention, and there are others with which dialogues do not suit us.
Embracing the destination that broke him in his previous life, the prison where his new life started, Izomandakus pronounces arcane words that could not be heard, burning the wish prepared before the epic battles at the Eye of Avarice I wish to plane shift to the Runeforge grasping in peace the cold fork, he thinks with all his strength on everyone that appreciated his company and needed his help.