"That's fine, I will take one more potion" comments Izomandakus, and when it comes to the horse "I do not plan to travel much. I have no need for a horse. But if we are to keep it, it will need a name"
Pachemu nods "Oooooink!"
"What about going to the temple and look if Father Zantus has another wand for purchase?" Izomandakus points towards the cathedral "We can also ask him omens on whether opening the door will be better in the long run or worst"
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Qetsiyah greeted the crowd warmly and described all the strange beasts they fought, which she found far more interesting than a tribe of goblins. But she delivered her grisly care-package of goblin ears to Daviren Hosk along with the warhorse. "A fair few of those bounties should go to the horse. He'd killed a number of them himself and so they boarded him up to starve him to death. An extra helping or two would do him some good and he certainly deserves it." She said, giving the heroic beast an affectionate pat. She seemed reluctant to part with him after learning he had no home to return to. "Probably we could all use horses, eventually. He's clearly a survivor. Seems a good fit for a group of travelling heroes." She said with a grin as Val... er, Meg voiced the idea that they might keep him for themselves.
She was a little disappointed that she could not yet see Ameiko but she asked Bethana for a portable dinner and delivered it to Kast's desk, where he was likely working hard, trying to make the perfect report. She read over his shoulder for a few lines, nodding her approval and then left him to his work and meal.
Then she followed after Val... er, Meg again, as usual. Now that she knew the woman was possibly being hunted, she felt even more protective than usual.
When Seamus' starts asking about her goals, Kizzy scowls at him. "You make it sound like I'm out of place here. Like I don't belong. Bored of my company already, huh?" She grumbles in a off-hand manner, or tries to.
But it's pretty clear the idea carries some hurt along with it. "I came to find gainful employment, sure. But it was never really about the money. I want to do something worthwhile, before I travel on with Desna to find my mother once and for all. Until then, if I can be of help, I will. If I can protect good folk from bad folk, I'll do that too. Even skinny, reckless, over-competitive half-elves, when necessary." She added with smirk.
Val pulls out one of her kind smiles for Kizzy. "I do not think Seamus meant it like that. You do a lot to try to keep us safe and he--and I think all of us--want to make sure we giving back to you in turn, making sure that we are helping you get what you want, too. Also, you can hardly blame him for being curious considering another of his traveling companions has revealed a devastatingly complicated secret already?"
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Kast shows up a bit late to the Rusty Dragon, ink stains upon his fingers (and chin). He's tired, having walked a lot and having scribed and remembered and recorded a report for the Sheriff, because how else would others know what happened? No, it was Kast's story to tell in writing, and he did that before thinking of food or relaxing or fun.
Kast knows that perfection isn't perfect.
Perfection is *never* perfect.
Perfection is the *act* of trying your best at all times. It's not a state, but a moment in time...subject to the observer's view. And by that measure, Kast has been perfect, at least for the moment.
* * *
"Sorry I'm late," Kast says, pulling up a chair. "I couldn't quite remember if the horse was left-hoofed or right-hoofed, and that was causing a disconnect with the narrative," he explains as he orders some cod and mashed sweet potatoes.
"It's funny how some details just escape us, yet are so important, you know?" Kast looks around at the table, his eyes resting on Meg/Val. "You revealed your life to me...yet...yet...yet...I don't know what to call you in my report. Are you Meg? The hero of Sandpoint? Or are you Val, from Magnimar? What would you prefer to be called? I don't know...because I wouldn't betray your trust if there are those who are looking for you, you know? I would call you Meg, as Sandpoint know you for your safety." Kast looks to see if his food is ready yet. It's not so he returns to his thoughts.
"I don't know how you wish to be known. Are you Meg? Or Val? Who are you?" Kast sighs, uncertain. He looks again to see if his food is ready, his uncovered abdominal area seems to growl with hunger.
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Val gets the feeling Kast is asking a deeper version of the question of who she is paired with the more functional “which name do I write.” Easy one first. ”I am always me. I would like to go by Val, but I cannot really do that right now because I would like to not have my husband find me and try to kill me again. As far as your report goes and when we are any place people could hear, I should be called Meg, have an unspecified background, and be a natural blonde.” She takes a drink of her wine while she considers a more thoughtful addendum to her answer. Kast is just so earnest and thoughtful that she has a hard time not wanting to speak on his level, wherever he is trying to go with this philsophy-type stuff. ”As for the deeper question, who the hells knows? Maybe somebody can tell me who I am after I am dead. I just know what I want and what I feel. I know I want a good drink and a back massage and to get stronger so I can defeat my husband and finally have that heart-to-heart with Sapphira. I am also enjoying doing something worthwhile with my life for once and being the daredevil I never got to be.” She takes a drink, the glass not quite lining up with her mouth perfectly and a line of red rushing down her cheek. She wipes it. ”More into my cups than I thought. Heh. Sorry I am no good at this deep thinking. Hope I answered you well enough.”
Kast listens, but his worry does not completely abate.
"Is it okay if I just call you Meg? I mean, that's how I know you...and I don't want to make any mistakes. When the mess in Magnimar is fixed, then I'll be sure to correct your name. I just don't want to make any mistakes, I like I did with Kitty. Kizzy." Kast feels flummoxed by even that failure.
Kast is content to begin eating food. He likes food.
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You all have a pleasant evening chatting, dining, and drinking in the Rusty Dragon.
Seamus, in the morning, please make a Fort DC 12 vs disease.
The night passes uneventfully, and come morning (Rova 30, a Toilday), you all head over to the church to catch the good father while he’s free. He often walks about the town around midday, doing what he can for the people by way of a kind word or, more occasionally, a spell or two. He welcomes you warmly and with plenty of coffee to go around.
Done and cast. 300gp as usual.
"What about going to the temple and look if Father Zantus has another wand for purchase?" Izomandakus points towards the cathedral "We can also ask him omens on whether opening the door will be better in the long run or worst"
”Oh, I’m not much of a diviner my son. I found the answers to be so cryptic as to be nearly useless so I don’t bother. Also, the only one I’ve cast before is Augury, and it only foresees about a half an hour, not terribly useful. Not sure where I put my sticks for that spell in any event.” he apologizes for not being much help, though he does sell you another wand readily enough.
As you leave the church, an older Varisian woman stops Valena in the streets as you walk, and laughs, ”Meg? Meg Alekto? Why as I live and breathe, it is you! They said it was you!”
Valena, you do not recognize her.
"It is fine Father. You are probably still busy handling the grieves of the goblin attacks... So, thanks for the wand" Izomandakus nods to the man, looks at the different shrines, and shrugs, making a vow to all of them.
"Mmmm.... what do you think if we try to ask Madame Mvashti? She is the most powerful foreteller in all Varisia. Her house makes me chills tho-" the boy startles by the woman interrupting the group.
The redhead looks at the old woman, then blinks. Pachemu looks at Valena, then blinks.
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”Works fine with me. I said as much earlier, I believe. I am good with switching masks. I do not expect you all to be.”
Now, real Meg was always trying to do five things at once. She tended to get flustered easily when interrupted, completely lose track of anything except the half-dozen tasks on her mind. Of course, Val does not need to think of any of that in the moment. She just does as she always does and follows her intuition.
Val turns to look at the old woman, putting on a stressed, out-of-sorts expression. ”Oh my goodness! I’m sorry?” She bites her lip and scrunches up her face like there is something on the tip of her tongue.
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Kast, when given a free moment, goes to find Rodert Quink. He has the sihedron medallion, and many stories to tell. It's important that the finds and discoveries be passed on and recorded, because how that is how histories are actually made: by being recorded.
"Mr. Quink! You won't believe..." Kast will explain everything, hoping the older scholar might have some ideas. Especially about the beast behind the door.
"...so, what do you think? Is it more dangerous to leave it alone or take it on?"
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"We could try the fortune teller, if you want, Izo. I could sit for a reading." Qetsiyah offered, she didn't put a lot of stock into such things since she'd learned that most fortune-telling was more performance art than divination, but it certainly couldn't hurt to try.
It took her a moment to realize that the woman who approached them might be an issue. She stood by, waiting to see what she said.
After supper perhaps, Kast tries Brodert’s home, but finds it dark and uninviting. Perhaps that man went to sleep at a normal hour, as it is late. You can always delay the departure to Thistletop to visit with Brodert the next day (well, today actually), maybe while the others are getting their fortune’s told - if such delays are planned. It’s currently around 9am.
The main entry and pub here is not unlike that of the Rusty Dragon, though the bar is at the back of the establishment to give more tables access to the view. It’s slightly less hectic here, though no less full. Again it’s clear to see who’s in charge, mostly because he moves more slowly than his employees and has far more tattoos.
A somber and quiet Shoanti man named Garridan Viskalai owns the White Deer and is known to run the place with the aid of his family and a few locals. As you approach the bar, one of his bartenders, a much younger woman with a striking tattoo around her left eye and trailing toward the side of her face greets you, ”Welcome to the White Deer, what can I get you? There’s still a brace of pheasants left if you care to dine yet.”
She takes your room order and accommodates you in much the manner you expect. Even with generous tipping, and claiming all the fine services they offer, you’re still out less than 5gp. Oh, you are truly wealthy now indeed!
You think you’ve seen the old lady around, but then again, she looks very much like all the old ladies in Sandpoint, so you’re not completely sure. You certainly don’t perceive anything amiss with the woman, all the way down to the cane she pokes you with.
- - -
The little old lady pokes Seamus in the chest with her cane, ”Now mind your manners young man, I’m talking with the lady here. I’m no goblin for you to defend her against, as if she needed defending - she’s bigger than you!” she laughs and continues on to Meg.
”I’m Lavinia Macek. I used to give you little cinnamon candies when you were a child. You probably don’t remember me, you were very shy, but do you remember the cinnamons? Sometimes flavors linger in the mind.” She stares deeply into Megs eyes waiting for an answer, hoping for some recognition to flare there.
A good web of lies is a balancing act, as you have to be open just enough that the other person does not think you are lying but being closed-off enough that you do not say too much too quickly. Say things that sound meaningful and specific but are in fact trite and generic. Like horoscopes.
There’s another consideration given the high stakes game she is playing: someone making up a story to try to trap her when she plays along. “Aha they were peppermints, not cinnamon, you faker!” or “Lavinia Macek” never existed at all and any answer she gives would be assumed to be a lie. The key in such situations is to leave yourself room for the cover of “politely” lying. Is it really so odd for a person to pretend to recognize someone entirely out of politeness or a desire to spare the other person the humiliation of not being recognized?
All of these considerations are second nature to Val now, like how a veteran writer no longer needs to consciously consider whether a clause is dependent or independent or whether this phrasing works better than that and why.
Val opens her mouth in a voiceless “oh!” as she starts “trying to remember” this Lavinia. ”Lavinia...oh the candies! Those were delightful. So sweet of you to think of me after all this time.” She moves in to give Lavinia a hug.
Val opens her mouth in a voiceless “oh!” as she starts “trying to remember” this Lavinia. ”Lavinia...oh the candies! Those were delightful. So sweet of you to think of me after all this time.” She moves in to give Lavinia a hug.
She hugs back, and you feel as if you can smell the cinnamon still on her, ”Oh now there’s a dear.” she says eventually pulling away, ”I always knew you’d grow to be someone worthwhile. Good job young lady.”
And with that she totters off, telling stories to her companions about changing your diaper once, many years ago. Well, not so many. The party heads to the Rusty Dragon, to fortify yourselves for the coming day. It’s still raining lightly, and promises not to let up the whole way to Thistletop. Best do so on a full stomach at least.
Ameiko comes into the main room of the Rusty Dragon as you settle into your seats!
The patrons applaud her, encouraging, and somewhat embarrassing, the poor woman. It’s clear she’s still not well, but she has most of her color back and looks quite fit - better than she did when you found her on the floor of an old storeroom just a few days ago now.
She approaches your table and takes a chair, smiling, ”I want to thank you, sincerely, for what you’ve done for my family. For me. There’s nothing I can offer that compares to what you’ve done, but it goes without saying that all I have is yours - you stay and eat free at the Rusty Dragon any time you wish.” She bows her head a little with deep respect and begins to rise and depart so as not to intrude, though you could probably convince her to stay a moment longer…
"Did you know Lavinia?" Izomandakus looks at Valena startled as the old woman moves on "I thought you had not been in Sandpoint before"
---
Izomandakus smiles as Ameiko makes her appearance "Glad to see you are quickly recovering Ameiko"
When the woman offers free meals the boy's eyes go wide "That is very generous of yours. Please, stay with us and maybe you will have a chance to hear how Kast cut down chief Ripnugget, saving us before he can charge again" and making a sign towards the counter he says "A jar of beer and a dish of mashed potatoes with eggs and ham, please Bethana!"
Pachemu oinks from behind the table "And a few acorns please!"
Val waits until Lavinia is well out of earshot before answering Izo. ”Never in my life.” Her smile adds “I am very good at what I do, and I know it.” As much as it feels bad to lead the woman on, it is hard to deny how happy Lavinia looked at the result. Just another reminder that she needs to get her “Irreconcilable Differences” with her husband resolved. She pats the pommel of her rapier.
Val waves up-to-down for Ameiko to sit. ”If we can eat free, then allow us to feast upon your company a little longer. Tell us how you have been carrying on, if there is any wild new news coming through town. Aside from those beautiful and handsome Heroes of Sandpoint, that is.”
"Mr. Quink! You won't believe..." Kast will explain everything, hoping the older scholar might have some ideas. Especially about the beast behind the door.
"...so, what do you think? Is it more dangerous to leave it alone or take it on?"
Qetsiyah rose to her feet when Ameiko entered and added a few loud claps of her own to the crowd's applause. When she approached the table, she pulled out a chair for her friend and sat beside her. "Izomandakus is right, it's good to see you looking well... er, better. And really, no thanks are necessary, but I bet you won't see any of us turning down the excellent food here. Or the wine, except maybe for Kast." She said with a grin at the watchman and a wink at 'Meg'.
But she grew serious when there came a lull in the conversation as she put a hand on Ameiko's shoulder. "Look, I know what you went through was horrific. But you should know too that we were able to stop an even bigger attack on the town because of it. It might seem like your kindness to Tsuto was wasted, but if he hadn't come back to try and carry you off... Well, things would have really been a lot worse for everybody. I just thought you should know that." She finished with a sad smile and a warm squeeze.
Val raises her chin, placing the flat back of her hand gracefully underneath it as if framing a picture. "And what a lovely face she is." While it may sound like Val is being vain--and let's be real, she is--the line is actually one she has borrowed from Sapphira, one of her playful phrase-catchers from any time Val referred to herself as the "face" of their attempts to manipulate the rich and powerful. Though Val is beginning to realize that it was only half-playful, the other half being...well that is precisely what she needs to talk to Sapphira about, is it not?
Val raises her glass and nods with enthusiasm towards Kizzy's consolations. "Cayden's fortune does not always come how we like it, but it comes nonetheless."
When the woman offers free meals the boy's eyes go wide "That is very generous of yours. Please, stay with us and maybe you will have a chance to hear how Kast cut down chief Ripnugget, saving us before he can charge again" and making a sign towards the counter he says "A jar of beer and a dish of mashed potatoes with eggs and ham, please Bethana!"
Pachemu oinks from behind the table "And a few acorns please!"
Bethana does indeed gather food and drink - beer for breakfast! Ameiko smiles and lingers.
Val waves up-to-down for Ameiko to sit. ”If we can eat free, then allow us to feast upon your company a little longer. Tell us how you have been carrying on, if there is any wild new news coming through town. Aside from those beautiful and handsome Heroes of Sandpoint, that is.”
She seems somewhat relieved at not having to talk about the recent past, and instead discusses some of the local gossip. She admits she knows little enough, for she’s been largely bedridden, but good Bethana has been prattling on - keeping her in the loop!
She’s also quite pleased at your exploits, and says as much. Even without touching on matters close to her family, she speaks of the impressive things she’s heard about your band. ”You know, adventuring parties, for surely that’s what you have become, often have a name for themselves. If you don’t, someone else may just come up with one for you - and it may not be what you want.” she smiles with the warning, probably already thinking of horrible but funny nick names for the group.
But she grew serious when there came a lull in the conversation as she put a hand on Ameiko's shoulder. "Look, I know what you went through was horrific. But you should know too that we were able to stop an even bigger attack on the town because of it. It might seem like your kindness to Tsuto was wasted, but if he hadn't come back to try and carry you off... Well, things would have really been a lot worse for everybody. I just thought you should know that." She finished with a sad smile and a warm squeeze.
She manages not to tear up at the memory of her half-brother’s actions - a strong person indeed. ”No, no kindness is ever wasted.”
Val raises her glass and nods with enthusiasm towards Kizzy's consolations. "Cayden's fortune does not always come how we like it, but it comes nonetheless."
”Indeed, but surely you have things to attend to? I’d hate to think I was keeping you from something important.” she smiles, but you can see she’s tired. It’ll take some time again before she’s comfortable in her own place, but she’s clearly come a long way.
As she departs, so does Kast, making his way to Brodert’s for consultation before departure. He promises to return shortly… though he’s an hour and a half gone and still hasn’t returned as you finish your breakfast. How much longer do you wait?
He’s fascinated.
The rain continues outside as you continue to discuss the matter at hand in his study - Thassilonian ruins and an unknown door…
- - -
Izomandakus nods to Ameiko "Yeah, feel free to rest, there will be occasions for some epic narratives another day. Well, at least if we come back alive from Thiletorp again, that is" the boy snatches one of the potatoes and gives a long drink to the beer, just in case there is no other chance in the future.
"Brodert can talk for long hours if it is about Thassilion. But no worries, he is very religious with eating times, I am told" the boy grins at the name suggestion and even Pachemu oinks amused "Last Wall, or the Wall of Quills, hehehe"
And taking another sip of beer he proposes "Although we could easily be called Sandpoint Circus as well, we have an acrobat, a pig, a disguise expert, and a circus master with us" the boy taps the pigs head as she eats some of the acorns "Although I am not opposed to the idea of forming a real band of adventurers. I am finding it more lucrative than I supposed. And look at Ameiko, she bought this inn after her adventuring days, so we might be good at exploring the Thassilion ruins around Sandpoint and sack... finding relics for Kast to learn"
"That would deserve a more serious name as the Golden Blades or the Fantastic Five"
Val puts her boots up on the table and leans back. "Yes, I am quite certain Kast is just speaking with Brodert still. Or perhaps he got wrangled into filling out more reports. That boy needs to learn to cut loose. Life is too short to spend being responsible." She takes a drink of some champagne mixed with orange juice and ice. "As for a name, we should not pick anything until Kast is here. I am partial to names with double-entendres or that enable them."
Kast continues to talk and talk and talk, drinking water or tea if offered, but trying to both glean any help he can get from Rodert, but also downloading as much as he can recall to the older scholar.
He's thrilled and excited by the report he offers, and can tell Rodert shares his joy.
"...so yeah, not sure what to do next."
The party waits patiently for Kast’s triumphant return as they bandy about ideas - and return he does, though it’s after 11am before it happens!
"...so yeah, not sure what to do next."
Brodert, in the end, isn’t sure what may lie in the last room. He feels unfinished, like a good book waiting on the last chapter. He’s keen to read on, and see what he may learn. Though of course, like a good book, he wants to hear it from the comfort and safety of his sitting room.
”You really must open that last chamber door and see what this Malfeshnekor is! Open it, and return to tell me about it, I beg of you!” he insists, finally rising to let you go. When you return, he offers to buy the key from you for 50gp for its historic value - regardless of what you find behind the door.
”Imagine what you may find… Perhaps a library!”
- - -
Do you pause for lunch, and further delay, or head straightaway for Thistletop, eating on the road, in the rain?
While Val is not particularly a fan of the rain, she can dry herself off in mere moments with her magic, so it's ultimately more of an annoyance than anything. "I say we should just head on and get to work. We can work up a bit of an appetite."
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”...and well, Rodert thinks it’s important that we learn what’s behind the door AND he’s willing to pay us 50 gp for the key, which seems fine for a non-magical item, I have to admit,” Kast says, relaying his discussion to the party.
”So...as long as we think I can get back by nightfall, we should go. We should go right now. It’s only a few hours to and fro, we’ll be back for 2nd dinner.”
Kast packs up and is ready to go, using the Iron Quill as a walking stiff as he limps.
"Oh, well, let's go then!" Izomandakus makes a fast drink and takes a piece of bread and cheese into his mouth "Thanks Ameiko, we will be back soon! I hope with a large treasure!"
Pachemu shivers, not actually very happy to go into the rainy street, but Izomandakus pushes her gently with a smile "They know what they do, no worries, even Kast got some gold for that ancient key, you see, if he was not planning to come back alive he would not take the time to strike a deal like that"
Cantrips (4/day)
daze (Will 13)
detect magic
ghost sound (Will 13)
open/close
Level 1 (5/day)
magic weapon^
magic weapon
magic weapon
mage armor
shield
Level 2 (4/day)
alter self^
cat's grace
cat's grace
suppress charms and compulsions
Drawing your cloaks around you, and lowering your hoods you head out into the cold rain and march out of Thistletop!
You make your way on the Lost Coast Road all the drizzly way onto the Nettlewood. Under the canopy the cold rain turns into a heavy fog, and you can scarcely see each other as you move through the soupy stuff even though the sun is at its zenith. It makes the last stage seem to take forever, but you don’t get lost - having the wide drag-trail from your journey south with the golden helm and Orik.
You smell Thistletop before you see it. The goblin and goblindog bodies bloated and reeking - covered in insects. You carefully make your way back into the complex - still seemingly abandoned. You check the place as you go, to ensure no one is going to backstab you.
In the sub basement things are the same, tilted to the west and a somewhat comfortable, if a little cool, temperature. You clear away the debris and other difficulties Seamus put in place to seal the door - none of which were touched in your absence. Valena has the key, though by your standard marching order she’s in the second rank.
Any preparation before you open the door?
"Let's be careful. Predators might have come to eat the bodies" Izomandakus covers his nostrils not enjoying the smell "And I thought the goblin odor could not go worse..."
Back at the basement, Izomandakus casts mage armor and shield on himself "So, who wants her weapon to be magical?"
"Four minutes each" Izomandakus says a few arcane words and when he touches Seamus swords, they shine for a second with magic power "Maybe less. Who knows"
"And take this too" then says more words of arcane power and casts cat's grace on the half-elf "Now, I have made your muscles more flexible and faster. If you are right and the room is full of spirits it shall make your task to dodge them easier"
Kast wouldn't say know to a magic Iron Quill and offers it to Izo should he have the spell to offer.
As his own contributions to the fight, Kast will ask everyone to find their perfect and best selves in the fight.
"If any of you would like additional protection from fell forces, come hither and I will remind you of the perfection of your own virtue," Kast offers.
He will then be ready to fight.
"I will happily take a magic weapon, Izo, but if you are running out of spells, I do still have my holy weapon balms if we run into a spirit." She rests her rapier on her shoulder, then glances back towards Kast. "I could hardly turn down protection versus fell forces, though I have a feeling my own virtue is a little less than perfect."
Val stretches and cracks her neck and knuckles. "Oh and Sea, let me refresh that little trick I have for you."
Izomandakus casts magic weapon for Kast too "Here, some magic ink"
Then nods to Valena "Well, if necessary, I have a scroll too" then casts another cat's grace for the woman "Here, you have, enjoy"
Then looking at Kizzy, Izomandakus shrugs "I fear there is not much left for you"
Anyway while the door is being open, he touches Kizzy with an augment to her strength.
And holding tight his staff he says "Well, let's see if it is spirits or gold"
You insert the key into the door, which flares with magic briefly. The two door panels slide easily aside each into a pocket in the wall.
This, perhaps final, room is lit primarily by a 10-foot-long pit of flickering fire that fills the room with a strange humid heat and the strong smell of singed hair. In the northern corners of the room, wooden risers each hold several dozen golden candles in various stages of melting though they seem not to burn. To the south the wall bears an immense carving of a seven-pointed sihedron along with lesser carvings of mythic creatures from the era.
The fire pit is only a few inches deep - stepping into and out of the pit doesn’t impact movement, but each time a creature passes through the pit, it takes 1d6 points fire damage. The flames themselves appear to be magically sustained, and have been burning for a very, very, very long time.
Seamus identifies two secret panels in the southern wall (noted on the map).
For no particular reason, please take only one round of actions after the door is opened, and move yourself carefully on the map so I know where everyone is.
Kast looks for a threat. A beast.
Kast waits, not moving, letting the others go in first if that is what they wish. He imagines that the Iron Quill hums with magic in his hands, but there really is no hum.
”Some beast,” he relaxes a bit. The room of empty beasts.
Val saunters into the room, her rapier still resting on her shoulder. "Goodness, a fire pit. How deadly of you, Karzie." She pokes the embers listlessly. "Maybe it will come alive and attack us? Or maybe the monsters on the wall will spring to life? Or perhaps the Sihedron on the wall will fall on us?"
"Ah! Secret panels! You see!? The treasure must be there" Izomandakus willingly goes inside the room and stops to admire the ever burning fire "Ah, what do you think fuels this fire? The Glassworks factory sure would pay well for a source of energy like this"
Holding the staff in only one hand, Izomandakus casts detect magic and searches for the presence of auras.
Not convinced by the humanoids arguments, they can be very dumb sometimes, Pachemu goes into the room, next to Valena, and sniffs the air for the beasts the two-legs cannot see.
Kizzy grins over Ameiko's comment that they are turning into a proper adventuring party. "So the Heroes of Sandpoint isn't a good enough name? I thought it had a nice ring. We do have one more loose end to tie up at Thistletop, so keep an eye out. If we're late for supper, there may be more trouble for the town soon."
Then looking at Kizzy, Izomandakus shrugs "I fear there is not much left for you"
Anyway while the door is being open, he touches Kizzy with an augment to her strength.
"No worries, this Bastard Sword is already magical. Thanks!"
Qetsiyah scowls at the seemingly empty room as she steps in beside Izomandakus, with the aforementioned sword in hand."Could be hiding, waiting for a clear path through the door. I don't intend to give it one, just in case." She also issues a Lion's Call, just in case.
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As the group begins to examine the room, Izomandakus discovers there is magic in the room, Pachemu discovers there’s burning hair in the room but she cannot identify the source readily, Seamus crosses behind the fire and bumps into something… something large!
A creature leaps out of invisibility (link) attacking him! This snarling, canine beast pads forward on all fours though its slender front limbs looking more like hands than a wolf’s paws. It further seems to fade in and out of reality as it strikes. Its hair singes in the flames as it straddles the pit of fire, though it seems to take no damage from the experience. However its hair burns to an awful stench!
It speaks in Goblin as it gnashes with its teeth.
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It connects on the flat-footed Seamus, and even it's flickering isn't enough to stop the devastating blow!
It misses the never flat-footed Seamus, always ready for any enemy!
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"Ah! Koj yuav tsum yog Tus Malfeshnekor no txhua tus tau hais txog. Koj tsis yog cov neeg loj dua li cov goblins uas tau piav qhia koj, thiab koj tsis yog tus dab tsis zoo li kuv xav tau koj" Izomandakus shouts back when the creature makes its appearance.
"Ah! You must be this Malfeshnekor everyone was talking about. You are not as big as the goblins depicted you, and you are not as ugly as I expected you"
"It seems in the end our friend was a greater barghest, a lawful evil shapechanger" Izomandakus explains.
Recognizing the spell it is on effect, the boy brings up the magic missile wand, steps back and points in its direction "He is under a blink effect, he is phasing between the ethereal plane and the material plane. If you have force magic, use it! It is the only one able to affect in the ethereal realm. Otherwise you will have to hit the mark when he is phasing into the material plane"
ракета магии with the command word, the wand produces a single force missile that flies unerringly towards the barghest!
Pachemu tries to bite the large beast leg to distract it from Seamus.
She revolves hitting around to deflect incoming attacks around.