"A promise?" Izomandakus raises an eyebrow as a response to Meg but does not question forward anyway, instead coming up to the preparations "That amount of rope shall suffice. As for swimming, perhaps we can bring a small raft with us, or at least the tools to build one in case we are forced to cross a body of water."
"A runewell... well, did we not say it?" the boy opens his mouth wide and scratches the back of his hair, looking down at Pachemu "Why you did not remember me about it?" the pig answers by looking quizzically with a tilted face.
"Yes, the quasit called it a runewell. Is that grave?" then looking back at Seamus "I have never seen Thistletop actually. Perhaps Shalelu..."
Kizzy blinked in surprise when the man seemed unnerved by the mention of a runewell and turned a critical eye on the fellows. "You guys didn't tell him it was a runewell? That's what the quasit called it, anyway. She seemed to think we'd come to take it from her, at first. Why? Do you know the term, Master Quink?"
Brodert shakes his head, ”They did not. A runewell is serious business. The Runelords made them and would store magical power in them which they could release for all manner of powerful effects - including the creation of armies.” he grows quiet.
”They were said to be quite large though. Ten feet or more diameter, not small as that was. I don’t know… I don’t know…” He ponders and seems torn with himself, ”I think you should destroy it. An artifact of ancient Thasselon it may be, but it is also more powerful than I can imagine. It may not be possible to destroy it, but you must try.” He puts his hand on Izomandakus’ arm, ”You must try!”
He thinks a moment, ”After you get rubbings of the runes around the base of course…”
Izomandakus can tell you it’s a two or three hour walk to Thistletop from Sandpoint, but the Nettlewood is in the way (hinterlands map link). You’ll need a survival check to avoid getting lost in the tangles of that forest. Yes you are following the coast to some degree, but even that is difficult with cliffs, heavy underbrush, thick forest, and other difficulties - so you’re not always in sight of water. Well, you could be, but it would be even rougher going, and take twice as long - maybe even longer in the somewhat hilly and heavily forested terrain.
It’s known that Thistletop is a rounded island close to shore and that it’s coveted tribal land for the goblins. Historically the most powerful tribe has always lived here and become known as the Thistletop goblins.
Meg frowns as she finishes another sip of her wine. "Do we need to take care of the well immediately? I mean, if it's been there a few thousand years already, us taking care of the goblins first would be fine, yes?" She sighs and leans her head back. "Ugh, I just do not know. If we must, we must, I suppose." She really misses having Sapphira around to tell her what to do in situations like this.
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"Are we going to Thistletop this afternoon?" Looking at Kast...
Kast blinks, thinking, and wishing the Sheriff was back.
"Wait, what!? Today!? No...no. I can't leave today. I mean, if you want to go without me, I'll understand, but there is no way. Firstly, I can't leave the town unprotected. I have to make sure that assh--, that uh, that's ashy faced man, Warren, can handle things. Let alone I haven't shopped, nor packed. And also, I need to write to the Sheriff to let him know what's going on. I mean, do you think there is any way to get word to She-slay-you? I mean, Shalelu?" Kast asks a little wide-eyed as he thinks things through.
"I just don't know that I can leave the town about now. I don't know."
Izomandakus can tell you it’s a two or three hour walk to Thistletop from Sandpoint...
Kast relaxes a bit when Izomandakus reminds Kast that it's more of a day-hike away, and the party might be back by dinner, if everything goes well.
"Well sure, we can leave early and hope to get back before dark then. I have responsibilities here. I can't just take off." Kast looks down at his uneaten food, wondering what decision is the right decision.
Meg nods in agreement to going to Thistletop tomorrow. ”We should make sure we are all equipped as best we can afford, so Kast should have time to shop.”
She raises her glass while looking to Kast. ”And defeating a horde of goblins attempting to invade your town and burn it to the ground is not part of your duties? Come now, where is your sense of adventure! Think about it: a daring assault upon the enemy fortress, a preemptive action that will save the lives of countless people. And you, the man of action. Why, the Lastwall recruiters will be begging to have you. It would just be so perfect, do you not agree?” She smiles before downing the rest of her glass.
Nodding in agreement with Meg, Semus adds, "Relax Kast Meg's right, we need to leave first light in the morning." He gestures towards Izomandakus, "If it takes three or more hours to walk there, and we can't ride horses through 'the Nettlewood.' Even if we left right now we'd barely be able to make it there and back before dark."
Looking back at Meg, as she downs her wine. "We gear up today, get to bed early and head out before dusk." He looks to Kizzy, "Kizzy, you were a traveling guard, what will we need, just in case?" Then dropping his head a little, he mumbles, "Um, could I bunk with someone? I'll never get to sleep before midnight sleeping at the Kitten."
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”It would just be so perfect, do you not agree?”
Kast looks hopeful, smiling boyishly, and engages happily on the fantasy that Meg offers. He really wants to believe. It could be perfect.
"Relax Kast Meg's right, we need to leave first light in the morning."
Kast smiles weakly at Seamus, slowly nodding.
"Yeah. It might be a plan," Kast agrees, mostly sold, his mind working through what must be done even though there was food on his plate that need to be eaten: another task for the list.
He finally takes a bite of food, then another, then begins to really eat like a teenager who hasn't eaten in 7 hours. He goes to town on bread, meat slices, cheese, and whatever dipping sauces and condiments might be on hand. He even manages to get most of it in his mouth.
"Okay. Yeah. Fine. We leave at first light. Yeah, I gotta go. I have things to do," Kast rises and pulls out coins to pay for food. "Seamus, you ready? Let's go shop."
* * *
Kast follows Seamus out only because he's a bit too limpy to lead, but with his full pouch, he's anxious to buy the weapon he hopes will give him purchase into the defenders of Lastwall: the Iron Quill.
Kast, of course, had been dreaming of the longblade for ages, even before he joined the Watch. And he sometimes dreamt of using the Iron Quill to defend against hordes of orcs, defending the honor of Marigold Pottersmoot (who had never kissed Izo, of course), the potter's daughter.
"So, you're looking into some finely made swords and nice chain shirt, huh? Yeah, I bet that would be good," Kast nods as he limps along with Seamus. He's anxious to get what he's dreamt of.
*limp, drag, limp*
*limp, drag, limp*
Kast will shop, then return home to compose a note (describing all that happened) and arrange sending to find the Sheriff in Magnamar, then be ready to leave at first light. If he needs to explain things to Warren, he will do that as well.
"Even if the way back can potentially be done in a single day, I can guess infiltrating the tribe to find out about Tsuto's allies and severing their control of the goblins and thwarting their bad-for-business plans will consume a day or more" the boy alerts as the others do plans.
Izomandakus straightens in the chair when Brodert places his hand over his arm "No one is going to pay for that but no one else is going to do it, isn't it?"
"Brodert is probably right, we need to make sure the well is not dangerous. Warren is not going to do that and the Sheriff will not be back in a few days" looking at Pachemu and then the group "If this is a matter of erasing some runes we can perhaps do it pretty fast"
Izomandakus will get his crafting tools and direct himself with anyone else wanting to do it, and try to erase the runes that Brodert says power up the runewell.
Brodert shakes his head, ”They did not. A runewell is serious business. The Runelords made them and would store magical power in them which they could release for all manner of powerful effects - including the creation of armies.” he grows quiet.
”They were said to be quite large though. Ten feet or more diameter, not small as that was. I don’t know… I don’t know…” He ponders and seems torn with himself, ”I think you should destroy it. An artifact of ancient Thasselon it may be, but it is also more powerful than I can imagine. It may not be possible to destroy it, but you must try.” He puts his hand on Izomandakus’ arm, ”You must try!”
He thinks a moment, ”After you get rubbings of the runes around the base of course…”
Qetsiyah listens intently to the sage's advice. "Hmm, that does seem worrisome. The quasit did use it to create Sinspawn, and there were quite a few down there. Maybe we'd better try and take care of the runewell today. I don't like the idea that someone may slip in from the beach tunnel and try summoning a bunch of those things. Do you have any ideas about how to destroy it, Master Quink?"
She smiled to Kast's compliments about her new armor. "It's just an Eastern style of heavy armor. Well, further east than we are, anyway. I can actually fold it up and stuff it in a pack if need be. Try doing that with full plate, ha!" She was happy to explain the various parts and what they were called and seemed quite interested in what Kast intended to buy. "Hey, are you still getting that Bardiche you were talking about? I wanted to look at some polearms myself. Maybe we can practice our reach fighting techniques on the sinspawn later."
On the subject of supplies, Kizzy says, "We'll want to bring food and bedrolls and such, just in case it takes longer than we expect. Fortunately, we'll be moving faster than a caravan, so if we get in over our heads, we just run." When Seamus asks about a bunk, she replies. "Hey, I bet no one is in the 'VIP suite', now that Meg and I took a proper room. I'll ask Bethana if you can sleep there tonight." She made sure to do just that before they left the Dragon.
"Brodert is probably right, we need to make sure the well is not dangerous. Warren is not going to do that and the Sheriff will not be back in a few days" looking at Pachemu and then the group "If this is a matter of erasing some runes we can perhaps do it pretty fast"
Izomandakus will get his crafting tools and direct himself with anyone else wanting to do it, and try to erase the runes that Brodert says power up the runewell.
"Erasing the runes, huh? Do you think that will destroy it, Master Quink? Suppose it's worth a try anyway."
”I don’t know if that’ll do it.” replies Brodert Quink, ”But destroying the runes, if you can, should help. You may not be able to though. Thasselonian artifacts are protected by powerful magics that retard simple tools and age. I’ve heard adamantine does the trick, but I don’t know of anyone with an adamantine pick around here. I’ve been meaning to get one myself. Well, a small one, you know, for fine work…” he trails off.
Sounds like a few folks are doing some shopping (the men mostly) at this point, and then the group is headed back down into the catacombs. Warren isn’t there, and the other town watch let you through without hassle. The statue that was Lord Kaijitsu has been removed, and there is only some broken glass and a bit of a boot still welded to the floor to show his passing.
You make your way beneath the town of Sandpoint once again, and into the runewell chamber. It continues to pulse with an orange glow, steam rising from the small triangular pool, though the fluid is frigid.
To advance us a bit, I’ll say you brought a couple picks, temporary loans from the store. You take the first pick and give it a big WHACK! to try and chip away at the runes along the base. As Brodert feared however, you scarcely scratch the surface. It would take years to chisel it all away at this rate, and you'd likely go through a number of tools doing so.
What else do you try?
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Meg wipes her brow and sets down the pick, head down, while she leans on the butt of it. "I could try punching it or stabbing it, but I doubt that would work much better. Maybe we can just try thinking happy thoughts until it goes disappears in a poof of confetti and free booze."
She does legitimately have no ideas as to what might work.
Raising an eyebrow at Kizzy's recommendation about gear, Seamus muses, "I figured food, but bedroll? You thing we'll be out long enough to camp?" He rubs his chin a little. "I better bring my lute." Shrugging, about sleeping locations. "I'm willing to pay, I don't want to owe anyone anything." He pauses for a moment. "Well, Maybe I'm willing to 'owe' Ameiko. It would give me a chance to open other doors."
He nods to his friend, "Yeah, there's a pair of matched long knives, well I guess anyone but a Varisian would call them short swords." He holds out his arm, "About the length from my elbow to my middle finger." He shrugs. "Long knife, short sword not much difference as long as I'm not expected to 'duel' with someone and can just stab 'em."
Leaving Savah's Armory wearing his matching blades on the back of his bandolier with the quiver and bow scabbard, Seamus gestures towards the glass factory. "I suppose we should meet with the others. I'm eventually going to need to tell Kaye why I havn't kept up with my chores." He shifts his black floppy black hat on his head. "And I need to tell Crachtooth what's gong on. I don't owe him anything, but it doesn't hurt to be polite."
Watching as the others attempt to ruin things that seem pretty impervious, Seamus asks, "Is the liquid in the alter water? What if we just dip it out and fill it up with something that will dry quick?" he looks at the group, "Does anyone have a cup or anything?" Looking at Izomandakus, "Izomandakus, can we use your horn as a syphon maybe?"
Kast, of course, would have stayed for the final discussion of what to do with the runewell, and would be happy to help with anything after he gets his shopping done before the shops close as the party intends to leave early in the morning.
"Well yeah, let me know if you need me to kick in gold for the mason, Izo. I think it's a good plan, but not sure how quickly we'll want to pay," Kast says before departing.
* * *
After shopping and admiring Seamus' swords, he will return to write some reports and a letter for the Sheriff, leaving detailed accounts of what had happened, and copy the warning from Tsuto's notebook. He'll arrange to have them delivered to the Sheriff in Magnimar, or on his way back.
He'll pack everything he thinks he'll need in his new backpack and be ready to leave in the morning.
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After trying by force and magic to destroy the runes powering the ancient artifact, Izomandakus looks at the others and proposes "It seems the only way would be to completely consume the power of the well diminishing the glow like Erylium did. But that is going to have us face more of the sinspawns, no doubt, and we have no certainty the well cannot be recharged somehow. Are you up to this?"
Pachemu nods energetically approving.
---
"Yes Kast, if you can give me ten gold pieces, we can advance the payment so the laywoman can start the job" the boy blinks and extends an open palm to the future Last Wall soldier.
Raising an eyebrow at Kizzy's recommendation about gear, Seamus muses, "I figured food, but bedroll? You thing we'll be out long enough to camp?" He rubs his chin a little. "I better bring my lute." Shrugging, about sleeping locations. "I'm willing to pay, I don't want to owe anyone anything." He pauses for a moment. "Well, Maybe I'm willing to 'owe' Ameiko. It would give me a chance to open other doors."
Qetsiyah quotes something Mistress Grey was fond of saying, "'A failure to plan is a plan for failure.' But don't worry, the 'VIP suite' is just what Ameiko calls it. They can't charge for it, really, so they loan it out to friends. You'll see why. It's little more than a storage cubby with a bed thrown in. It's hardly even big enough for a halfling. You should have seen Meg and me, dancing around each other in the morning when her cot was set up in there too." She laughed at the memory of having to alternately press against the wall to give the other space to move by.
Watching as the others attempt to ruin things that seem pretty impervious, Seamus asks, "Is the liquid in the alter water? What if we just dip it out and fill it up with something that will dry quick?" he looks at the group, "Does anyone have a cup or anything?" Looking at Izomandakus, "Izomandakus, can we use your horn as a syphon maybe?"
Kizzy scratches her head a moment and then brightens with an idea. "Hold on, I'll be right back." She scurries off and soon returns with a slightly dented soup ladle. She was almost tempted to remind everyone how it had received that but frowned as she realized it would be in poor taste.
"I guess you can only try and see if it's water. But just to be safe, try not to get any on you, alright?" She hands Seamus the ladle and gives him brisk double pat on his shoulder and then draws her shiny new reach weapon and set herself up to receive any possible sinspawn at the fountain below.
There are four small bodies of water within the catacombs. First there’s a large bowl, cut into the altar to Lamashtu, which is filled with what looks like potable water, though you haven’t really investigated it much. Just a few gallons, tops, you could easily empty it with a bucket if you wished (and I’ll say you brought one along for convenience).
The second is the large pool out of which the Sinspawn come. That pool is 15’ across and some 3’ deep. It’ll take some doing to try and empty it, and it’s the low point, so you’d need to haul the water out elsewhere in the catacombs at least.
Then there’s the small triangular runewell. It’s about 5’ on a side, and comes up to ~4’ high as well, though it may not be pool all the way down. If you want to try and empty that with a bucket, you can, but whomever is doing it needs to make a reflex save to avoid splashing the liquid on themselves, their hands, etc. Assuming you don’t want to touch the stuff of course.
Lastly there’s a small pool near what was once the entrance for washing the road-dust off.
Oh, and Kizzy, you can’t ready an attack out of combat, but you would presumably have a surprise round, so I’ll apply it there. :)
Whomever does the bucket-work, please also give me a will save for no particular reason (after the reflex please). Also, let me know where you're putting the stuff you get out of the runewell.
Seeing Kizzy return with a bucket and ladle, Seamus shrugs, "I may as well give it a try." setting the bucket on the lip of the runewell, he carfully ladles the liquid out, gently pouring it into the bucket. Eventually stopping once the bucket is three quarters full, seeing how much liquid is left in the runewell.
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Dear My Most Beloved Sheriff,
Kast crosses out the start to his letter to the Sheriff, trying to figure out both how to address the letter, and how to accurately portray the day's events.
Dude Sheriff, I regret to inform you...
Kast crosses that out as well. With a deep sigh, he tries again.
Sheriff, I hope this letter finds you well in these trying times...
Kast crosses that out and beats his head against the table...and tries writing the report again, until it's perfect. Just perfect.
Well, the bucket holds maybe two gallons, and the pool holds, hrm, 7gal/cu', 3' deep, triangle, 5' on a side, math, math, math = lots of gallons. So after a 3/4 bucket, you've hardly touched the pool. You're very careful though, and don't spill any.
You don't need a reflex for every bucket drained, but ladling it out into the bucket and carefully pouring it out somewhere will take some hours of labor I think, unless you each get buckets and 'dive' in.
Now, that said, the ladle chills, and even begins to freeze as you pour the liquid into the bucket. It's so cold, it's hard to handle comfortably, even through basic gloves in case you have any. Once the fluid enters the bucket, it too grows cold, though not nearly as much and the fluid clears and seems to warm quickly (well, warm to 'room temperature' which is in the 50's down here.
The fluid in the bucket looks like water, but is dirtier. It certainly isn't boiling and steaming and glowing orange.
Where do you plan to dump the water - assuming you plan to continue with this plan?
Realizing the bucket idea was stupid, Seamus dumps the liquid back in the hottub triangular pool. "Well, that will take forever, and where would we dump it." Shrugging to the others, "Let's do something else."
Seamus sloshes a little of the water on himself as he does so, but suffers no harmful effects that he notices (other than a wet spot in an embarrassing location).
As the water hits the runewell, it freezes... then boils away as steam - apparently now an impurity burned off by the magics of the pool.
'It didn't take the water back?' Looking at the pool, then the bucket, Seamus dips the whole bucket in, carefully holding it by the handle. Waiting a moment he pours the liquid back in the pool.
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Seamus pulls a bucketful of liquid from the pool. Trying to be careful, he never the less sloshes a bit on himself. The bucket got so cold so quickly it took him by surprise.
Dropping the bucket into the pool he's further splashed (taking 2d6 cold damage) and he turns on his allies - his eyes all black and wide. Drawing his brand new cold iron weapons, he strikes out at Meg, standing nearby!
Though he's enraged (under the constant effect of a rage spell (link)) for 2d6 minutes, the combined power of Meg, Kizzy, Izomandakus, and let's not forget Pachemu, will be enough to subdue him.
Seamus is fatigued at the end of the rage, and we'll say a mere 5 charges on the CLW wand to top everyone up as I'm handwaving the battle.
On the plus side, the runewell dims further, though not as much as it did when the quasit summoned the sinspawn.
Izomandakus observes Seamus dealings and pushes Pachemu back protectively "That is going to take forever Seamus. I pledge we take the quasit route. We only need to fight one sinspawn at a time and if after the first one we find the method is not weakening the device as we observed when the quasit did, then we can try this other longer method"
As the elf dives into the well, the boy stretches his eyes increasingly worried about his friend "Are you ok Seamus? That liquids might be dangerous... I am all about finding out, but take care"
Izomandakus remains observant at the changes on Seamus and the well, ready to rush for help on the elf.
---
"HEY!" Izomandakus screams when the elf strikes at Meg, and jumps trying to grapple Seamus and help the others pin and bind him until his rage ends.
His thin arms hold inexplicably strongly the elven.
Once things settle, the boy sits breathing heavily next to the subdued elf "Oh, that is most interesting. That fury... Araznist is known to rule with Wrath back in the days of Thassilon, so perhaps she created this to enhance the fury of her followers?"
When Seamus calms down he tries to open his eyes "Hey, are you ok my friend? What was that?"
'What the hells? Why are...' Coming to his senses, Seamus, eyes dilated looks at his friends. focusing on Izomandakus. "What happened? Why are you sitting on my chest?"
Rolling, pushing Izomandakus slightly, his shoulder starts to burn. Standing he notices the bucket in the corner and his new blades on the ground. Asking "What the bloody hells happened?" as he bends over picking up the weapons.
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Meg laughs as she pats Sea on the head. ”You just went slightly mad for a few minutes. I think perhaps you should not touch the water.” Meg stretches, raising her arms above her head with her fingers interlocked. ”Look at us out here doing figuring out how it works. Is this what science is?” She draws her rapier and holds her finger above the tip. ”I never have been much of one for the sciences. Too much reading and note-taking.” She walks over to edge of the runewell, holding her finger and the blade over the water. ”Whenever you are ready, darlings.”
His eyes widening, Seamus blurts out. "What are you doing? We have no idea what will happen!" He points at the dead quasit stammering. "That thing was calling monsters out of the water, We have no idea what your blood will do! It may bring something much worse." He Points over to the bucket, "When we drew the liquid out and poured it back in, the separated liquid froze and evaporated. We could bail all the liquid out and dump it back in removing all of it!" His eyes wide Seamus looks from Meg to the others, "Tell her that is a bad idea!"
Meg is calm. Honestly, rather surprised that Sea would react so strongly.
”Blood also drained the pool. We know that works. Your method made you go briefly mad, and I do not imagine this could end up much worse.”
She sighs.
”I will give you 10 seconds.”
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Kast puts down his quill, reflecting on the notes to the Sheriff that he had written.
Glassworks was in a ghastly array...Tsuto's diary (see addendum IV)...Lonjiku is dead, encased in glass...death everywhere...Lamashtu's teat...the infernal WhatsIt...runewell called forth sinspawn...barely alive...Zombies!...and fearsome battle, thankfully...cold iron...more cold iron...saved the day...went back to drain the pool...I'm sure nothing went wrong.
Kizzy...has been amazing asset...purchased some sweet armor...acts taller than she is, and does it well...I am more fond of her than...fitting like a valkyre...stormborn, I might guess.
Seamus...fingers more like worms...makes good use of his...more perceptive than I am...running ahead of the party, bravely...quicker than a cat callt to dinner...and I'm surprised he hasn't been recruited to the Watch.
Izomandakus has been a surprisingly *strong* asset...knowledgeable about everything, it seems...trying to help with sealing off...masonry...and the most adorable pig.
Meg...talks a lot about drinking, but is better at fighting...leader in her own way...not afraid of anything, save an empty cup...probably should be put in charge next time.
Kast nods, and rolls the document into an easy traveling scroll. He seals it with wax, as he has no proper seal of his own, he Lastwall fistbumps his knuckle into the cooling wax.
He then goes to pack for tomorrow's day hike.
Snatching up the bucket, Seamus moves to the 'well' "Blood will also call the gods knows what to the pool and then we'll have to fight it." Looking over his shoulder at Meg. "You know ten seconds isn't enough time, but watch what happens." Carefully dipping the bucket in the well, he holds bucket on the lip for a second, then carefully pours it back in. Watching as the water freezes and evaporates, he says. "See, no fuss no muss."
He looks from Meg to Kizzy, Iomandakus and Kast. "Isn't that better than fighting who know what, from who know where, who knows how many times?" As he waits for an answer he will again carefully dip the bucket into the well and carefully pour the liquid back in, waiting till it freezes and evaporates.
”Oh, I meant 10 seconds to prepare yourself. You are down to six now.”
Snatching up the bucket, Seamus moves to the 'well' "Blood will also call the gods knows what to the pool and then we'll have to fight it." Looking over his shoulder at Meg. "You know ten seconds isn't enough time, but watch what happens." Carefully dipping the bucket in the well, he holds bucket on the lip for a second, then carefully pours it back in. Watching as the water freezes and evaporates, he says. "See, no fuss no muss."
He looks from Meg to Kizzy, Iomandakus and Kast. "Isn't that better than fighting who know what, from who know where, who knows how many times?" As he waits for an answer he will again carefully dip the bucket into the well and carefully pour the liquid back in, waiting till it freezes and evaporates.
Qetsiyah shakes her head. "No, it's not better. It's already cost us, trying to knock you out without really hurting you with all the healing from our new wand. I think maybe that stuff has addled your brains. Dropping blood in it is the one thing we know will work because we saw it happen. For all you know, you can empty it of water tonight and it will be full again tomorrow. We need to drain it's magic so the town will be safe while we're gone. Better we deal with whatever comes out than townsfolk. So let's get on with it." She gave Meg a nod, that she was ready.
Raising an eyebrow, at Meg's countdown Seamus turns to Kizzy as he drops the bucket. "I'm tired and worn out. If wrestling with me was so damn bad, how is calling up whatever comes out after you better? I was careful and dumped two buckets that water evaporated." He gestures towards the pool, "and for all you know the magic will recharge tomorrow."
'Wand? What is she talking about?' Raising an eyebrow when Kizzy talks about the wand. Seamus sneers, "I'll make sure to buy a new wand, so I don't owe anyone."
Looking at Meg as he walks towards the door; he taps his wrist, like he was wearing one of the fancy gnome time pieces. "Tick tock, you do whatever you want Meg. But I'm not going to be here to deal with it." He then walks out of the room, heading out towards the cave to the glass factory.
Raising an eyebrow, at Meg's countdown Seamus turns to Kizzy as he drops the bucket. "I'm tired and worn out. If wrestling with me was so damn bad, how is calling up whatever comes out after you better? I was careful and dumped two buckets that water evaporated." He gestures towards the pool, "and for all you know the magic will recharge tomorrow."
'Wand? What is she talking about?' Raising an eyebrow when Kizzy talks about the wand. Seamus sneers, "I'll make sure to buy a new wand, so I don't owe anyone."
Shaking her head again, she taunted him angrily. "Oh I see, we wait around to help and deal with the fallout of your addlecoved plan, including saving each other and yourself from some psycho-rage but once we say it's time to try something else, you're done. That's just fine Seamus. You don't owe anyone, clearly that's all that matters to you."
Meg’s smile disappears for once. ”Wrestling with a friend is always worse.” Her voice drops. ”As bad as fighting family.”
Izomandakus observes silently all the process and the discussion afterwards. As the spirits go up, the boy looks down at Pachemu "See, I told you friends discuss from time to time. Normal stuff"
As Seamus is storming out of the room, Izomandakus produces his cookies pot from below his silken robes and fills the door space by offering the elf a cookie "Cinnamon or cranberries?" he shakes the pot in front of his new friend "Are you not curious to see if Alaznist herself is up for a date?"
Picking a cookie himself, he bites him and looks at the well "This is normal stuff, professor Toth Bhreacher told many times this is the way to deactivate ancient artifacts, you just spill blood until they go down, purifiers do it all the time and there is a chance the blood becomes gold, or even adamantium"
The sentence is a clear absurd lie trying to give Seamus a reason to honorably remain, because Izomandakus just knows this is the way, even when he clearly does not know.
"Well, if we do not try, we cannot know" shaking again the cookies pot he adds "Do not let them explain it to you. Live it"
Pachemu also looks at the elf with tilted head and round eyes.
The boy otherwise waits patiently to see what happens when the well is again activated.
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Meg, after some delay, cuts her hand and bleeds into the pool (-1hp, healed in the usual ways). As before when the quasit did it, there’s a brief roiling of the waters in the lower pool before another Sinspawn appears!
Without Seamus and Kast, the summoned sinspawn is tougher than it might be. Izomandakus, Meg, and Kizzy get the jump on it to be sure, but even if they remember to remove the ranseurs, the sinspawn is quick, and its talons just as damaging as any weapon.
Nevertheless the group takes it down, and the sickly-sweet smell of blood strengthens in the chamber as more is spent, some of it your own (say two charges on the wand for a lucky blow or two). Checking the pool, it does seem to have dimmed, though it still has power left. Based on mostly guesswork, and trying to gauge how much power is drained, you’d guess that one more use of the runewell should drain it completely - if such a thing is possible. Either way, you’d know for sure.
Focusing yourselves, a little more hand waving later, and another sinspawn is dead (along with another two charges on the wand - so four total). You head up the short flight of stairs to re-examine the runewell and find it quiet. The bubbling has stopped, the frigid coldness has abated, and steam no longer rises from within.
However, it is not completely faded, for deep within the well, you think you can still see a glimmer of the orange color, and bubbles still occasionally rise from the depths. A moment later, and there’s a large bubble coming to the surface - exploding with a loud POP! When you look back at the runewell, it lies empty. All the fluid it once held vanished into the ether.
You suspect there is little more you can do for now (though feel free to try one or two things before you go). The runewell, for now, seems ‘off’.
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Kast doesn't sleep as well as he hopes. He keeps waking to be sure such-and-such is packed, and then later because he's not sure his report will reach the Sheriff and worries that he should have made duplicates, so that if the letter was lost, there would be another waiting for him.
But mostly, he's anxious to get on the road and defend Sandpoint. This kind of thing would, no doubt, prepare him for raiding sorties against orcish encampments in Lastwall. He would ride or march out with the Lastwall regulars, when needed, to deal with orcish incursions.
And this was like that. Except with goblins. And instead of marching with hardened veterans, he was marching with a ragtag bunch of Swallowtail aficionados...same thing.
He's at the appointed meeting spot well before the meeting time. His new fancy backpack is full and his new bardiche, the cold iron blade Iron Quill is his new walking stick, and goblin sticker.
Qetsiyah nodded with a sort of grim satisfaction when the runewell had grown quiet, finally. It was true, she wasn't sure how long it would stay that way, but she felt some peace of mind that they had done what they could to try and make it safe, for now.
She picked up the bucket and ladle and scooped out the contaminated water in the recess of the altar to Lamashtu and dumped it on the edge of the cathedral grounds. She kept an eye out for an opportunity to speak with Ameiko as they made their way back to the Dragon, though she did not hold out much hope. If she missed speaking with her, she would leave a note with Bethana in the morning.
Kizzy decided to turn in early that night after only a few drinks with Meg. She always made sure to enjoy her last night in a proper bed before a journey and tonight was no exception.
Meg drinks that night, much as she does every night. She just keeps drinking, though. She already felt lonely, but fighting with Sea—who had been her closest friend since she became Meg—left her emptier than usual. The old her would have been happy to wait patiently, see it as an opportunity for socializing while Sea did his thing. Everything just feels so much more consequential now.
Before she gets too inebriated though, Meg gets an idea, inspired by Kast’s own mention of writing a letter to the sheriff. She dashes up to her room and grabs a pen and paper.
Dear Sapphira,
I am fine. They made me a “Hero of Sandpoint,” even, after we fought off some goblins. Do not worry, nobody has noticed me yet that I can tell. Even ran into some Foxglove boy I had talked to face-to-face back in Magnimar and he was none the wiser. I think his name was Albert? Maybe Bern. Is that even a name? Anyways, the biggest risk I have taken is probably writing this letter.
I thought I would be more scared. I just feel lonely. Is that selfish of me? My daughters and their caregiver are dead and all I can think of is wanting to talk to someone. Mostly you.
I miss you. I wish you were here. I wish I was with you. I do not know how long I can live like this. You know me, I need people to talk to. I have met good people, but I cannot be myself with them, not completely, as though half my personality must be in shackles.
If I am honest with myself—there is a first time for everything—I think even if I could talk normally and at-ease, I would still miss you. That shirt you let me borrow, I keep it on my pillow because it makes you feel close. Remember when we were younger and would have sleepovers? I know you would pet my hair after I fell asleep. Sometimes, I just pretended, which is how I know. The only way I can sleep now is to imagine you playing with my hair. Please, please keep yourself safe. I cannot bear to lose you. I have something to tell you I need to ask you a question I love you I need to talk to you next I see you. I have something to tell you that I can only say in person. I know that must feel terribly unfair of me, but I think you will understand. I think I have been terribly unfair to you for a long time. To be entirely honest—another first—I do not expect I will be sending this letter. I am once again being unfair.
Eternally yours,
Val
Meg holds the letter in front of her as she allows the weight of it to wash over her. Did she really mean all that? It could not be love, as that would mean she has wasted half her life. She is just being childish, that is all. She is lonely and reaching out in desperation, nothing more.
But—and maybe this is just the alcohol at work—it does not matter? In all likelihood, if she does not die fighting these goblins, she we will be caught and executed. Maybe she can indulge herself a little. Just open that door a crack. No thinking about the future. No worrying about consequences. None of it will likely matter anyways. If calling the feelings love gives her a little happiness, if holding that warmth close makes her feel like the next morning is worth seeing, then why not? Why the hells not?
She opens up her hollow-heeled boot, folds and rolls up the letter, and slides the ring over it before placing both back in the heel and closing it up. She collapses in bed, spent, and goes to sleep to Sapphira’s scent and memories of her hands in her hair.
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Hearing a pause in the combat, realizing Calistra wouldn't care if they survived or not, he breathes a quick prayer to Desna asking her to keep his friends safe. Moving through the cave he eventually smells the sea air blowing from the beach entrance. Staying to the left side of the cave, he finally makes his way to the basement where the brick masons had been. Pausing for a moment, realizing the sound he heard was that of his three companions echoing through the cave behind him, he sighs. 'At least their safe.'
Embarrassed and not wanting to speak to anyone, he quickly makes his way through the glass factory and out into Sandpoint. Heading down Water Street through the Square and down Salmon Street to the 'Kitten.' Entering the side door, Seamus makes his way up the ladder into the attic. Sitting on the bed he tries to gather his thoughts about what he will need for the next day. As the fatigue and emotions from the day begin to cloud his thoughts, he lays his head on his pillow. Covering his body with Kizzy’s cloak and his face with the floppy black felt hat he falls fast asleep.
Waking from the sound of revelry downstairs, Seamus rubs his eyes, looking out the window into the darkness, remembering the events of the day. Taking a sip from his waterskin to clear his mouth, he lights his candle, and begins to sort his gear. Tucking some items in the empty pouches in his bandolier and stuffing others in the rucksack, satisfied, he grabs his lute and heads down the ladder.
Going to Kaye's office he knocks on the door waiting till he is bid enter. Explaining the position Hemlock had put them in and the situation with 'thistletop;' he apologizes for being delinquent in his responsibilities and promises to get caught up on his chores once the situation with the goblins was taken care of. Pausing he asks a favor. Taking all but a few coins from the different pockets he had put them in; he sets the gold on her desk. Asking, if anything happened to him, if she would send the money to his mother in Magnimar. Smiling and nodding to his mothers long time friend, he heads out the back door towards Cracktooths Tavern.
Entering the tavern, he stores his gear behind the bar, as his stomach begins to rumble. Instead of instantly helping clean up, he sits at the bar, giving his old friend a smile and orders Cracktooth’s favorite stew. After slowly eating the stew and washing it down with a light ale, he rests his lute on the stage to mark his place. Then helps with the tables and chairs. Once it's his turn to play, he sits down on the familiar stool, dropping his floppy black felt hat on the stage in front of him, shifting with his left foot he begins to play. He starts with his favorite dancing jig, realizing it was the first song he played when Meg said she wanted to dance. It didn't feel right, so he switched to another song. Changing cords, he started the hafling song he learned in Manimar and began thinking about the time he had spent on the road with Kizzy and Meg. Quickly changing cords again, he started to play the 'Swallowtail hymn' a happy danceable tune. But began thinking about the festival, just four days before. Stopping in the middle of the bridge, he stands picking up the empty floppy black felt hat. Turning to the mime team waiting on the side of the stage, tipping his hat to them, he steps off of the stage and returns to his seat at the bar.
After several minutes, nursing his light ale, he tells Cracktooth of the events of the day: the fight with the goblins and Tsuto, the caves, the temple and its occupants, the return with Brodert Quink and finally the runewell and abandoning his new friends. He pauses waiting to see what the old comedian would say. Cracktooth pauses, even taking the time to go serve another customer, then returns and only tells Seamus that 'true friends are hard to find' and he has to 'fix it.' Nodding, Seamus tells him about the planned trip to 'Thistletop' the next morning and that he would do his best, both to stop the Goblins and fix what he did with his friends. Looking into his ale, 'Especially with Meg and Kizzy they didn't deserve that.'
As the evening slowed, almost as an afterthought, Seamus asks for a couple of days worth of food, anything they could spare from the kitchen. Cracktooth, smiled and nodded, while Cracktooth went to the back, Seamus began to collect plates and mugs and wipe off tables and chairs. Cracktooth returned with a bag holding bread, cheese, dried meat and fruit and a few fresh vegetables. the old tavern owner frowns at Seamus as he places three gold coins on the bar. Smiling Seamus tells him. "Hey, I haven't played as much lately and there's no reason for you not to profit from my gain." He winks, "Besides, you know I don't like to owe anyone."
Leaving as Cracktooth locks up the tavern, Seamus walks to the cliffs edge, sitting down he begins to play songs from his childhood, thinking about the nights he spent here on the cliffs, first avoiding the 'kitten' then avoiding being home with his step father. As he plays he begins to work in the new songs; ones that reflected on friendship, adventure and travel. Remembering he still had to be up at dawn, Seamus got up from the familiar place, returning to the Kitten, with plans to attack Thistletop in the morning.
Having asked the Shoanti doorman to bang on the attic hatch an hour before dawn, Seamus wakes quickly putting on his deep blue trousers, the orange shirt his mother had given him and the soft doeskin low boots. Pausing for a moment he puts on his double breasted three quarter length, high collared, belted Burgundy leather vest then the new chain shirt armor over the vest. Pulling his hair back, he puts on his bandolier and the orangish brown cloak Kizzy gave him and his new floppy black felt hat. Checking to make sure the new weapons are attached to the bandolier where he could comfortably reach them, he shoulders his rucksack and slings the lute over his arm. Heading down the ladder he nods to the Shoanti guard stepping out into Salmon Street he heads to the Rusty Dragon.
Walking into the Dragons greatroom, he nods to the only waitress and asks, "May I have a pot of tea and a variety plate of a dozen pastries, please? There will be five of us." He then sits at the now familiar table and waits for the others to come downstairs and through the door. Waving at Kast as he limps in with his new weapon, "Over here Kast! Have you eaten yet?" Pushing the plate of pastries towards his friend.
Izomandakus cleans his staff from the sinspawns remains and nods to the others "We could use some silver dust and permanent light to protect the place against evilness, so nothing else can enter... or... get in... but I know none in Sandpoint that could help. Perhaps once things settle up and we can get some from Magnimar..."
That night the boy, exhausted his magic, takes the quill and paper to instead write down about the experiences of the day It seems the runewell reacted to the blood, and it was consumed by its use. We need to study it further to make sure it is not recharged. I wonder what other marvels from Old Thassilon remain to be unearthed like this one... He also makes sketches and takes prominent notes about the sinspawn and the mutated goblin the group faced in the catacombs before getting slept over his writting table all surrounded by her mother's dolls.
---
The next day, Izomandakus wakes up and prepares his backpack, including Pachemu's favorite toy, an acorn shaped soft ball made of cloth and wool. Before leaving he talks with his sister "I will be probably some days away fighting the goblins. I know I promised to help in the bakery, but could you cover up my turns Aneka? Just make yourself pass as me so people do not think I am a lazy one skipping turns. I promise to pay you off for it! Thanks!" and with a kiss in his sister's cheeks, he quickly rushes out of the bakery with Pachemu running after before his sister can complain.
"Over here Kast! Have you eaten yet?"
Kast seems surprised to see Seamus already there, and with food, as Kast was already ridiculously early.
"Did you even sleep last night? Did you sleep *here*?" Kast asks as he makes his way closer. "No, I haven't eaten yet, I've barely slept so haven't gotten to food. We can't spend too much time here, we need to get going." Despite that, Kast is willing to order a big breakfast.
He leans the Iron Quill against the wall and sits.
"Anything of interest happen yesterday after I left? How'd closing down the runewell go?" Kast asks, knowing nothing.
Nodding his head at Kast's question, Seamus pushes the chair out for him with his foot. "I slept some late yesterday afternoon, then again early this morning. But I slept at the 'Kitten' left an early 'wake up call' with the night watch, so I got over here early." As Kast leans the pole arm against the wall, Seamus gives him a sideways look. "Anything interesting? I guess it depends on what you mean by interesting."
Embarrassed he clears his throat a little and continues. "I tried to bail the water out of the runewell with a bucket. Apparently something happened and I came too being held down by Izomandakus totally worn out, like I had been doing hard work all day." Fiddling with his pastry, "Um, I wanted to keep trying to bale the water out and Meg wanted to wear it's magic out by using in." Looking down at the pastry, "Meg said something that hit a nerve and Kizzy sided with her idea." He shrugs his shoulder lightly. "So I left."
Realizing how it sounded, especially since none of the three were there yet. "I heard them fighting, then later I heard them coming up the cavern." His eyes still down, "Um, so you'll have to ask them exactly what happened.' He starts to take a bite of his pastry, then sets it back on his plate, looking up at his friend.
Trying to chance the subject, he asks, "So how's the balance on the new weapon? What did you call it 'Iron something or other' right?
The party rests, and arises the next day eager to be off to Thistletop. You meet at the Dragon for breakfast before heading north out of town. You see the lone guard on the northern wall, who raises his signal horn to you by way of hello as you pass.
You make your way to the Lost Coast Road, which curves east here. You travel a few uneventful miles, much of it along the same route you took just a few days ago when riding with Lord Foxglove for a day’s hunting. But you head further east.
When you pass the pauper’s graves you turn north again, off the road and into the Nettlewood. Just a couple miles to go really, but what a bramble! The forest is thick with undergrowth, and all of it seems to have spiky thorns.
Survival check please. You can have just one go for it and everyone else support, or everyone can try their own, or some combination thereof.
"So how's the balance on the new weapon? What did you call it 'Iron something or other' right?
Kast barely listens to the details of the Seamus' story, more interested in the final disposition of the runewell than the details of what worked or didn't. His ears pick up when Seamus asks about something he really cares about, though.
"The Iron Quill," Kast says with a big boyish smile as if it makes perfect sense and is totally special...a weapon worthy of a knight of Lastwall.
"Oh, give it a try. I haven't had much time to practice with it, but I dunno, it's so well made that maybe that won't matter too much. And we have the march up to the Nettlewood too. I'll get the hang of it on the way," he hopes.
* * *
Kast is mostly useless in the wild, spending more time practicing than developing any actual, practical wilderness skills. Nonetheless, he's happy to try to help orient people and point the way if he can.
Aid Survival
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Qetsiyah decided to skip breakfast as she preferred to march on an empty stomach. She took advantage of the facilities to bathe and clean her clothes well. She tended to stay packed, so once she was freshly washed, she was ready to go.
It didn't seem likely she would speak to Ameiko this morning either, so she settled down to write her a note.
We're on our way to Thistletop to hopefully deal with these goblins and whomever has been organizing them. Can't let them bring another raid down on the town. They'd take away my 'hero' card! Ha!
Don't know if you've seen the tunnels under the Glassworks, but there's a passage that leads out to the beach, which is still a security risk. Izomandakus consulted with a mason named Jess about sealing it up on your behalf, but she will want to get your okay before she starts work. Until it's sealed, the Watch is keeping... well, you know.
I'm sure we'll have some great stories to tell you when we get back. Take care of yourself!
~Kizzy
She left the note with Bethana and headed out for a last minute purchase of a healing potion, just in case. She met the group just as they were finishing up their morning meal.
---
Qetsiyah squinted her eyes against the sun as they traveled east. She really hated heading east in the morning and was relieved when they turned north toward the Nettlewood.
She laughed ruefully as she spotted a way through. "Heh... Halflings are considerate enough to build their homes so that tallfolk can get around in them without stooping or being cramped. Goblins, however, seem to have no compunctions." She said as she pointed out the narrow path through the brambles to the others.
Turning to Seamus, she arched an eyebrow dubiously, saying her first words of the day to him, directly. "So... You still want to lead the way?"
'The Iron Quill' Smiling at his friends name for the weapon. Seamus nods, "With the long handle and odd tip it does look rather like a quill I guess." Settling into an uncomfortable silence, They wait for the rest of the group. When everyone is ready to leave, Seamus stuffs the remaining pastries in the bag of food, Tucking his lute in the rucksack, he puts in on. Drawing his short bow from it's scabbard he follows the others out of the Rusty Dragon.
Following the familiar trail to the east, Seamus walks quietly. 'The last time any of us were here was the morning hunting with Lord Foxglove.' he smiles to himself 'Who busied himself flirting with Kizzy.' HIs smile fades as he watches his friend, who was obviously ignoring him. 'Can't say that I blame her much.'
As they come to the Nettlewood he pauses for a moment looking at the paupers graves, 'Will any of us end up here after today?' Hearing Kizzy speak to him for he first time that morning, Seamus turns shaking his head and lifting his hands as if in surrender. "No no, my expertise ends when there are no doors." He shrugs giving a half hearted smile, "But I will try and keep a keen eye out."
Meg is in good spirits that morning. She is her usual pleasant self, moving about the group with ease. "It is a new day, darlings! Let us make it a good one." She winks at Seamus. When you have lived the life of social indulgence that she has, the ability to let go of conflict is imperative. One can hardly spend an evening diving into cups and wake up the next day upset about any harsh words exchanged under the effects of inebriation. Part of what endeared her to the upper classes was her ability to sell them a fantasy: that all the world is light and each day is a new beginning. A party where everyone forgets grudges and worries provides a welcome escape from responsibility for those who want it and a fertile ground for dealmaking for those that never stop playing the game. That Meg feels a certain lightness from her epistolary unburdening last night makes it all the easier for her to switch on a bright mood.
Meg is in rare form, her mind clearer and more focused than even she has come to expect. Her own energy proves infectious, making it easier for Kizzy to find the path and keep them all on-target.
Qetsiyah nodded in reply to Seamus, "Good, there may be traps still. Even without doors." She added with a slight smirk. She drew her weapon and made ready to lead the group into something that reminded her of a hedge maze grown wild. Except with the most inhospitable vegetation possible.