GM Nomadical's Trouble in Tamran (Inactive)

Game Master Nomadical

Slide 9

Stone steps lead down from the open trap door into the northern corner of a small room. An open archway leads south, while a second archway leading west is obstructed by rubble and mud.

Proceeding down the hallway to the south, the next room was clearly once used as a storage area. Water drips slowly from a leak in the roof in the northwest corner, forming a muddy puddle on the floor. Human and animal tracks cover the floor.

A hallway to the west then leads you first to a small barracks. Hastily constructed bunks line the southern wall. Mold covers the walls in patchy green splotches, and the stench of decay is thick in the air. Open archways on the east and west ends of the barracks connect to the hallway.

To the north and west of the barracks sits a disused armory. Rubble and debris block the eastern half of this room, while sparsely filled weapon and armor racks line the remaining intact walls. A cursory glance reveals that even the intact weapons are not anything special.

None are Masterwork, there’s just a couple mundane basic weapons and studded leather. It’s really beneath your time to bother with it, and I won’t dock your gp for bypassing the room.

Please place yourselves into a single-file marching order in the long east-west hallway. Since there’s nothing to encounter up to here, I’ve pushed the thrust levers up for you to this point. If you'd have done any buffs or made any other preparations before moving out past the entry room, please state so.

Survival (DC 12): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

"Animal tracks," Beryl points out as everyone files into the southern storage room. She kneels down for a better look."See? These are badger and weasel tracks, no doubt about it. And...they're fresh. Made within the last day or so, I'd say."

The grippli is silent for a moment and then grabs her musket.

"Do we keep up our ruse? Or should I prepare to do someone some violence?"
______________

If we're going to drop the act, Beryl will go ahead and load her gun. Otherwise she'll wait a bit longer.

Drelluandast conjures a layer of invisible magical armor around himself before swallowing and nodding his readiness.

Casting mage armor - stat bar has been updated.

"Mmmmm, the current master of this place is unlikely to accept an unannounced audit. And she seems to prefer the company of mustelids."

Gnoda loads his own weapon. "It is better to avoid violence Beryl, mmmmm, but being prepared for it is wise."

No pre-buffs here - but if the Psychosomatic Surge implanted in Felix has expired then Gnoda will renew it. It lasts 24 hours or until triggered.

No pre-buffs here - but if the Psychosomatic Surge implanted in Felix has expired then Gnoda will renew it. It lasts 24 hours or until triggered.

I'd say it's still good. You guys purposefully visited the Gar's Last Meal as the last thing of the day, and set out today after a hearty brekkie.

"She seems to prefer the company of mustelids."

Teasing Georgia! What the heck is a ‘mustelid’? And why can’t he just speak Taldane?

Abdara allows half a moment to get over herself. Mustelid, mustelid? Wait ... Perhaps it’s the gnome word for the Family or Genus of predatory rodents Beryl mentioned?

“Whatever you call them, animal companions are often the first casualties once contact has been made.”

The noble considers the implications of her words on the others, albeit after she has opened her mouth. “Strangely this doesn’t seem to apply to familiars, Drelluandast.”

“I would posit this is because they are more intelligent, independent and resourceful than the average stoat or wolverine. I am certain Rattholomew would agree.”

"Do we keep up our ruse? Or should I prepare to do someone some violence?"

“I for one am looking forward to meeting the architect of this banditry. In addition to reparations for poor Felix getting stabbed, I am keen to ensure I never have to visit this particular region of the Inner Sea again.”

“I would opine that will require some traditional Pathfinder violence to achieve, which I am thoroughly looking forward to.”

✊ ☤

Abdara’s tone turns serious. “I designate myself party healer. If you desire some wand healing, don’t be shy.”

“Otherwise, I will be performing to inspire and casting debuffs on the enemy …”

She looks belligerently at Drelluandast. “… and others that irritate me!”

"Now where has our front line got to?"
_________________
No pre-buffs here

"Then I'll ready my weapon," Beryl nods as she proceeds to load powder and metal into her musket, "and let it speak for me."

Making his way to the front of the procession with spear readied in his battle stance, he raises an eyebrow at the bard... though his jovial tone belies his words.

"Right here, of course. Not sure where you were looking; perhaps your eyes aren't quite as sharp as you think?"

“Peace, good Felix! Thou hast cut me to the quick – or speared me in a place that stings, if there one is speared.”

Abdara is in a jolly mood, but can't resist a little teasing with a quote from her favorite Bard. "I know, Wisely, and slow. They stumble that run fast."

The Armenian Man nudges his way forward, slipping in between Felix and Abdara. "The Armenian Man has a sharp blade; much better up front!" Before they begin proceeding again in earnest, though, he consults with Abdara. "Are we still trying to fancy-talk our way through, or should The Armenian Man be quick with his blade now?"

“I prefer the swiftsure style that you propose, Armenian Man.”

“Let us not fight for the Ten, or Guaril Karela. Nor honor nor glory nor riches – because the Exchange won’t give us any!”

“But this is your slice of Society the Snakes threaten! Your friends they mean to slay or enslave.”

Beryl considers the quiet chatter among her companions and then leans into whisper to both Gnoda and Drelluandast, "Heh. Only humans take twice as long to say half as much."

”Yep,” the gnome agrees quietly.

“But this is your slice of Society the Snakes threaten! Your friends they mean to slay or enslave.”

"Or maybe they slay or enslave us!" The half-orc adds, cheerfully. "We never know what Magdh plans until it happens!"

"Like, I understand what you mean, Armenian Man."

Abdara always tries to respect others' (non-evil) beliefs. "But I find the most rousing orations take a 'glass is half-full' approach."

The Armenian Man's head tilts reflexively, the look on his face clearly confused. What could be half-empty about fulfilling Magdh's destiny?

Gnoda nods sagely, but keeps his own counsel. Spirits are high, and that is well. Let us hope that any battle is short and decisively in our favour.

Rolled up straw mats lie in a pile against the western wall of this room, leaving the damp earthen floor exposed. The walls appear freshly cleaned, though they are still speckled with stray flecks of moss and mold. Open cages line the southern wall of the room, and the air is rich with the smell of recently shifted earth, dung and musk. Two exits lead north: an open hallway and a closed door.

A tall, broad-shouldered woman in leather and fur dominates the center of the room. He hair is white streaked with black, and she has no weapons on her. Her eyes gleam with a feral intensity. (Picture on Slide 10.)

As the first couple of you enter, she spits at the ground in front of Felix, cracks her knuckles, and smiles confidently, revealing a row of sharp canine teeth. “Welcome, Pathfinders. I hope you aren’t interested in surrendering without a fight. Cause I’m very interested in beating the crap out of you.”

Round 1
Bold May Act

????
Felix
Beryl
Gnoda
Drelluandast
The Armenian Man
Cetanna
Abdara

"Mmmmmm, much aggression I feel from you. Much hatred. The path into darkness, this is."

Gnoda shakes his head glumly, and focuses his will upon the feral woman. With a further effort, Gnoda reaches out his hand. A burst of bright colours explodes around the woman.

Hypnotic Painful stare on Cetanna, then hit her with Colour Spray. DC16 Will avoids; -2 Will save from the stare.

Aware that colour spray could end the fight before it's begun - she's positioned just right for it though.

"Much aggression you feel? You're damn right about that, shortie," the woman sneers mockingly. "And your creepy eyeballin' at me ain't makin' me any happier."

Will save, Staring contest Loser: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 3 - 2 = 20

The vivid cone of clashing colors washes over the feral woman, and she snarls. "Heh. A pretty show that ain't very effective. That's exactly what Zurnzal said to expect from you Pathfinders."

Beryl slides past Drelluandast and Abdara and takes aim at the strange, ferocious woman.

"Maybe this is more to your liking then?" she asks as she pulls the trigger.

Attack vs. Woman (Musket; Touch AC): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 7

"Something something, boomstick!" the grippli adds. "Met a strange guy once who said I should say that."

”Why does she want to fight us so badly though?” Drelluandast’s face is scrunched in puzzlement as he weaves together magic with glittering fingers. As Beryl’s gun explodes, the wizard jumps and the spell sends the sparkling dust flying in the same direction to explode around the strange woman’s head. (Cetanna’s, not Abdara’s)

Casting glitterdust (Will 16), centered on Cetanna’s bottom left corner.

Beryl’s boomstick sets of a resounding echo in the stone chamber. In the silence that follows, Drelluandast flings a handful of sparkling dust at the woman. Her need for some anger-management counseling is only further increased as the glitter settles daintily on her clothing and clots in the gaping gunshot wound in her shoulder.

Will save, Stared at: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 - 2 = 18

”Again with all the pretty but useless garbage. Zurnzal was right, you Pathfinders really are the worst.”

In answer to Drelluandast's query she responds, "Well, I do love to fight. But we're going to end you damn Pathfinders. First here in Nirmathas, then everywhere!" she shouts in a rage.

As she bellows, dozens of mundane weasels, stoats, and other tiny-sized mustelids dart from the cages on the south side of the room to hiss, bark, and nip at the two gnomes.
There's no mechanical effect in this tier.

Round 1
Bold May Act

????
Felix
Beryl
Gnoda
Drelluandast
The Armenian Man
Cetanna (-7)
Abdara

"But we're Aspiiiiiiiiisssssssss!" The Armenian Man whines absurdly. He steps forward as he slashes his scythe towards the woman. "The Armenian Man is a confirmed Pyrite Agent!"

Gnoda triggers the Painful Stare the first time Cetanna gets hit in a round, for 1 extra precision damage :o

Following the Armenian Man's lead, he steps forward as well, spear already working through its routines.

"I'm afraid we can't let you do that. I personally would like to serve more than one tour with the organization I just signed on to, if you don't mind!

Attack vs. (Longspear MH): 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 2 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Attack vs. (Longspear OH): 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 2 = 6
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

“I see what you did there, Armenian Man. A Fool’s Gold agent, I like it!”

Hiss, bark, and nip at the two gnomes.

“They must want their brother Rattholomew back, Drelluandast! Can you get him to ask them who ‘Zurnzal’ is?”

Strange name. But better than Dwayne Pipe!

The "Aspis" half-orc's scythe misses, but his human friend's first spear attack strikes true. However, no sooner than Felix steps forward into melee than something furry springs from beneath the dirt and bolts into the fray. It froths at the mouth and snarls savagely as it

Bite, flanking: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 = 20
damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

rips into Felix's thigh.

If Beryl threatens the square immediately North of Gyrlak the Rage Badger, she may take an AO.

Cetenna takes advantage of her furry friend's positioning to also attack the new Agent, as she answers Abdara's question.

Unarmed Strike, flanking: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 = 21
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

"Zurnzal is my mentor. One of our best agents. One of the great ones that assaulted your own Headquarters just months ago," she says referring to the recent assault on the Grand Lodge (in #6-98, Serpent's Rise).

As the blood gushes out of Felix’s leg, something in his mind /flips/ and he is suddenly overcome with a renewed sense of health.
Psychosomatic Surge: 2d8 + 1 ⇒ (7, 8) + 1 = 16
I went ahead and assumed that Drelluandast triggered the Psychosomatic Surge. And since it happened just as Felix hit 0 hp, he gets an extra 1d8 of temp hp.

Round 2
Everyone May Act

Felix (16 temp hp)
Beryl (AO?)
Gnoda
Drelluandast
The Armenian Man
Gyrlak
Cetanna (-12)
Abdara (Round 1)

Nope, don't think Beryl threatens with an unloaded gun...though the mental image of beating something with the butt of it is amusing!

"!!"

Beryl is caught by surprise as the woman's fearsome attack badger bounds in and takes a bite out of Felix's leg. With no room to maneuver and reload, she drops her musket and slips a webbed hand into her pocket, pulling out a cestus. She aims a punch at the back of the animal's head, taking advantage of it being caught between herself and Felix...

Attack vs. Gyrlak (Cold Iron Cestus; Flanking): 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 2 = 24
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Crit!?: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Round #1: AC 16

“This honey badger is like, CRAZY. It just takes what it wants. It don’t care.”

Abdara moves fifteen feet back into the corridor (provokes from Gyrlak) and ✨casts hideous laughter on Cetanna.

DC 15 Will or fall prone, unable to take any actions.

“BITE ME!”

"Maybe she's trying to impress her- Oh no!" Drelluandast's train of thought is disrupted by the badger's sudden appearance and Felix's bloody leg. "Hang on Felix!" The gnome scrunches up his face, his arms flailing wildly as barely-controlled magic swirls around him. He stamps the ground with his little foot, and the spell whirls around him before spiraling into the dirt floor like water going down a drain.

Fortitude vs DC 17: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Drelluandast is using his Acadamae Graduate feat to cast summon monster II as a standard action.

The earth rumbles before another form bursts forth from the dirt - though this one seems to be made of the very soil it springs from rather than a creature of flesh and blood. With a rumble like the distant sound of rocks rolling down a hillside, it attacks the mad woman.

Slam, Earth Mastery: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11
Bludgeoning damage, EM: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

Small Earth Elemental - positioned so Felix could step adjacent and not be flanked at the end of his turn.

"Mmmmm, strong with the cosmic life energy you are, but in the grip of darkness. Too late to turn you back to the light, to balance, it is. Too much anger in you."

Gnoda focuses his will again, attempting to sever Cetanna's connection to the all-encompassing life force.

Cast Mental Block, Will DC15 avoids. If this spell succeeds it will likely block her access to her animal companion class feature for the duration (assuming it IS a class feature, and not just some random angry badger).

Painful Hypnotic Stare still imposing a -2 Will penalty, and adding 1 point of precision damage per round as long as Cetanna is hit at least once.

The Armenian Man shifts position slightly to take advantage of the flank opportunity provided by the earth elemental, and continues swinging his scythe in wide strokes.

The little frog lady drops her big gun and pulls out a set of removable claws. Gyrlak is impressed with their ingenious design until they stab him in the rump. It’s a clean cut, but not in a particularly vulnerable spot. (The critical did not confirm.)

Gyrlak sees an opportunity to taste some bard meat and chomps towards Abdara as she backs away towards the hall.
Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
But the wound in his rump distracts him and he doesn't get to taste the yummy diva.

Abdara and Gnoda combo up the spell whammies
Will save, Stared at, DC 15 vs Comedy: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 - 2 = 6
Will save, Stared at, DC 15 vs Stupidity: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 - 2 = 7

Cetenna suddenly begins laughing at how adorable Gyrlak is with his white markings and his cute little growl. She falls to the ground, and as she does so she becomes confused about how to tell Gyrlak just how cute he is.

Drelluandast brings a new friend to the party, but the transition from the plane of Earth is a bit disorienting and it fails to connect.

The Armenian Man takes advantage of the new friend’s positioning and slices a nice sized gash right through Cetenna’s belly. It’s a bad wound, but the tenacious pit fighter isn’t down for the count yet.

Round 2
Bold May Act

Felix (16 temp hp)
Beryl
Gnoda
Drelluandast & his Pet Rock
The Armenian Man (redo?)
Gyrlak
Cetanna (-25, helplessly laughing, mental blocked, stared at)
Abdara

Yes, I included the painful stare damage. If The Armenian Man would not have stabbed her because she's helpless and rolling on the floor laughing, you may redo your actions.

He grits his teeth through the incredible pain of both the woman's attack and the badger's bite, though just as things start to go dark the surge of energy lets him keep his feet and clears his head!

With this renewed vigor flowing through him, he turns from the helpless fighter to the remaining threat of her ferocious badger companion, taking advantage of having Beryl also engaging the powerful little creature.

Attack vs. (Longspear MH): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Attack vs. (Longspear OH): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Felix stabs twice at Gyrlak, but neither of his attacks connect.

The furry-fury-fiend lashes out at Felix and Beryl with tooth and claw,

Who: 1 Beryl, 2 Felix: 3d2 ⇒ (1, 1, 1) = 3
Wow, all on Beryl.
Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Left Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Right Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Damage: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

He gets a taste of frog leg and goes back for a second helping.

Will save, Stared at, DC 15 vs Comedy: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 - 2 = 15
Will save, Stared at, DC 15 vs Stupidity: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 - 2 = 11

Cetenna tries to shake off her confusion and remember how it was that she did all the cool things she used to be able to do. She can’t quite remember, but as her laughter dies down she looks up and glares at Abdara. With a growl like a feral beast, she threatens ”You’re gonna pay for that, you sodding b++@$.”

Round 3
Bold May Act

Felix (16 temp hp)
Beryl (-9)
Gnoda
Drelluandast & his Pet Rock
The Armenian Man (Revising Round 2?)
Gyrlak (-2)
Cetanna (-25?, prone, mental blocked, stared at)
Abdara (Round 2)

If The Armenian Man would not have stabbed her in Round 2 because she was helpless and rolling on the floor laughing, you may redo your actions. Note that she’s now prone and no longer helpless.

Round #2: AC 16, inspire courage +1

“I’m right here, darling. Come and get me if you think you’re bad enough.”

Abdara steps 5 feet to the west and draws her wand of CLW to wave at the feral woman. (5’ + move)

She then begins a bardic oration to inspire courage in her companions.

+1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

“When the Matriarch of the Ghost Wolves rebuffed Amestra Veen’s humble request, good Amy and her friend Eadie challenged her to a midnight wrastle, with the tech monopoly of Yellow Gully the prize.”

“Proving that if a bad day at work leaves you frustrated, go to bed and later try again.”

"Um, if you say so..." Drelluandast's voice is hesitant as he listens to the Despairing Abdara's sermon, but his eyes are locked on the other angry woman on the floor. He slips a hand into his pocket, rubbing a bit of butter between his fingers.

Readied action to cast grease in dotted cyan spread if Cetanna stands.

The elemental doesn't give any sign of understanding Abdara's words as it mercilessly pummels the prone woman.

Slam, PA, EM, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 6 - 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 2 + 1 + 1 = 22
Bludgeoning damage, PA, EM, IC: 1d6 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 11

Concerned for Beryl's wounds, Gnoda steps closer to her and lays a hand on her shoulder.

"The cosmic life energy surrounds you and protects you, Beryl."

Implanting Psychosomatic Surge in Beryl.

Then Gnoda brandishes his cane at the badger. "Shoo, shoo. Bad dog! Run along!"

I'm okay keeping The Armenian Man's Round 2 action as-is. She didn't die.

"The Armenian Man thinks that it doesn't look to good for you now. You should stop." He briefly lifts his scythe to the sky in an offering to stop the combat, but remains ready to strike if provoked.

Cetenna raises her head preparing to spit defiantly at The Armenian Man’s suggestion. As her lips purse to hurl the lougie his way, the earth elemental’s stony fist connects with her head turning it into a pulpy mass and spraying brains and tiny bits of skull across the wall. Her body drops lifelessly to the dirt floor, the blood making a muddy puddle.

Gyrlak looks at Cetenna’s corpse, cocks his head in confusion at Gnoda’s “command,” and barks and growls to the other mustelids. They all carefully withdraw from the room and proceed out the northwestern hallway.

Combat Over!

There is nothing of value in this training room, unless you count ratty wicker animal cages and badger poop. (Hey, we’re not judging if you do.) In the small room to the north, two desks face each other and occupy the center of this room. Each is covered with stacks of reports, maps, and other pieces of paperwork. A large map of Nirmathas hangs from the northern wall.

I presumed you would search the office room. Please stand by for a long-ish developments post.

Investigating the piles of paperwork on the desks, you find enough evidence to implicate Zurnzal, a rising star in the Aspis Consortium, in the theft of Guaril Karela’s goods, as well as in the rumor campaign against the Pathfinder Society in Tamran. You also find a thick bundle of bloodstained mission notes written by Guaril Karela and taken (often by force) from members of the now-defunct Sczarni faction. These notes provided the handwriting sample used to produce various forged documents also used in the disinformation and smear campaign.

Further digging through both desks yields a collection of letters to and from a Nirmathi militia captain named Jana Vaylorne. One is Zurnzal’s original plan, with extensive notes from someone signing only as “MG” on the back, and one buried in another stack is Captain Vaylorne’s reply.

These letters detail Zurnzal and “MG’s” plans to frame the Pathfinder Society by posing as Pathfinders and selling secrets leaked to them by Captain Vaylorne to Molthune. Captain Vaylorne and her soldiers would then “coincidentally” stumble across the sale taking place and become war heroes by foiling the exchange and slaying the Molthuni spies. Vaylorne plans to use her newfound popularity to support the church of Razmir’s reintroduction into Tamran, and the Aspis Consortium plans to use the event to convince Nirmathas to evict the Pathfinder Society.

On one small scrap of paper, you do find a reference to someone named “Madreki,” …..

Searching the rest of the underground compound yields nothing except a hidden back exit at the end of a long tunnel. It’s clear that this exit would not be in sight of the two Aspis spellcasters that you encountered earlier, if you wish to avoid fighting them. Though who’s to say what items or “books” of interest the Snakes might have....

"Good dog."

know.local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

"Mmmmm, there was an attempt to kill Guaril Karela about a year ago. The perpetrator was Madreki Gael, a disgraced Sczarni. MG. Karela will want to know of this connection."

take 10 Knowledge (local): 10 + 5 = 15

“Yes, I suppose he will.”

Abdara cuts short her fable about the thrills of Pathfinder negotiation, to examine Felix and Beryl’s wounds.

Abdara’s CLW wand on Felix: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Abdara’s CLW wand on Felix: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Abdara’s CLW wand on Felix: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Abdara’s CLW wand on Beryl: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Abdara’s CLW wand on Beryl: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

“There we go. Both of you, fit as Taldan Longhorns again!”

As the egress adit leads them way from the ‘ghostly’ guards, the bard frowns. “Those Aspis door-elves seemed all hat and no cattle.”

“We’re in good shape. I have most of my spells and virtually all of my inspirational ✨magic left. I vote to go back and take care of them too.”

“However, if other folks have had enough of Nirmathis, I am happy to fall in with the majority.”

Sorry, decided to take the weekend off from the forums!

Beryl retrieves her musket, frowning as Abdara mends her wounds with her own personal wand before she can object. "I would have been fine...but thank you. Can't believe I forgot to purchase my own before we left..."

When the question turns to whether to take care of the two jokers topside, Beryl considers it a moment and nods. "May as well be thorough. Do we try to take either of them alive?"

"Thank you for the healing Abdara, it's much appreciated! I'm fine with heading back up and tying up those last loose ends; the less underhanded folk operating around here the better, right?"

"You are both welcome."

“I am never miserly when it comes to sharing resources. Considering the risks the front line takes to protect casters and support personnel, it is the least I can do.”

Abdara *bobs* sincerely. “Some religions and spiritual advisors speak of ‘karma.’ Getting back what you give out many-fold, though not necessarily in the way you expect.”

“While the concept is hardly scientific, there seems to be something about the (demi-)human condition that supports this. Though I confess this is merely my personal perspective, and I would not argue (too vehemently) with one that disagrees.”

*Stares at Drelluandast*

Drelluandast stares right back with wide eyes as he leans towards Gnoda and whispers, ”It’s like she’s trying to communicate, but it’s all going right over my head.”