Grundle trundles after everyone else, grabbing a metatarsal as a bargaining chip with Alvarius.
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Having been revived, Nicky looks thankful, but a bit embarrassed.
Sorry, I was trying to jump in and help protect you. Instead, I was the one needing the help at the last minute. I need to get better at using this shield thingy.
He holds up his buckler for emphasis.
Then, looking at the two new people- Grundle and Alvarius.
So.... elephant, or Mastadon, or Linnorn (use your figure of speech preference) in the room is happening here.
We gonna talk about what the heck just happened? And why you being our friend .... um... can I get your name? You might have said it already, but I was knocked out cold and probably missed stuff. I think you mentioned telling us your life story. I'm kinda cool with that. Because I find you interesting. I find both of you interesting.
He points to Alvarius and Grundle.
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"Onye Dinta notes that Nicholo says that to every onye Nicholo meets," the amurrun comments as he surveys the other side of the aiudara.
Your questions are reasonable but I am afraid I do not have answers sufficient to quench your curiosity.
Grundle's features soften, as if a mask had been removed.
"I was looking for someone. A person I cared for deeply. I do not know who it was. I do not know when it was. I do not think I found...her?[/b
His posture straightens and the mask is back.
[b]"In the labyrinth of existence, memories often elude us like whispers in the wind, leaving traces of emotion but blurring the specifics. It's a haunting sensation, isn't it? To yearn, to search with an intensity that burns from within, but to grapple with the shadows of the forgotten."
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Nicky does actually snicker at that comment.
Yeah, yeah. Guilty as charged Onye. He lets out another jovial laugh as he knows that the incredible companion, that can transform into animals because he wears masks, has him nailed.
When Grundle gives more.
I do not know who it was. I do not know when it was. I do not think I found...her?
He looks equally excited because he could actually translate the Gnome-crap/speak.
DUDE! You are a Gatewalker then! You are like us! DUDE!He tries to give the gnome a high five of congratulations. Intentionally placing his hand just high enough that the short stature of the gnome plus his arm length in juuuuusssstt too high.
Nicky's playing a prank on the newcomer Grundle.
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Questioning the newcomers you realize the gate will not stay open much longer and leap through. As you do the shadeweather key around Onye's neck turns to ash as it quickly crumbles.
The final moments in the interplanetary tunnel between Castrovel and Golarion feel like falling through a tunnel of multicolored light. Then, with a sudden flash, reality snaps back into place. The chamber that appears is large, windowless and circular, its center almost entirely occupied by a massive, mechanical telescope. The telescope’s far end pokes out of a wide, rectangular gap in the domed ceiling, beyond which can be seen hundreds of stars in the night sky. The other end of the telescope tapers down to a raised dais, from which a young woman in heavy winter clothing descends. “Oh, thank the stars, it worked!” Before she can say more, loud, hard bangs issue from the other side of a barred pair of wooden doors. The girl’s smile turns wry. “As you can see,” she says, “I need help.”
Alvarius, who was about to tell his story, stops short as the woman speaks. "Everything is moving so fast! Just tell me: is this Golarion?"
"Also, please don't mind the nudity. I haven't had a chance to put on my robes," he says, pulling off his backpack. The skeleton rummages around briefly, pulling out some faded red robes. Throwing them on, Alvarius re-slings his backpack. "There we go. Much better I hope."
"Wait a second. Why's someone banging on the door?"
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Grundle whispers to Nicholo, "The skeleton is not a nudist after all. The first of his deceptions. I fear it may not be the last."
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Nicholo nods at the gnome's whispers. Like he agrees with Grundle's assessments.
As the young lass asks for help, Nicky's face brightens.
Well, we have arrived just in time to be of assistance! You have done us a boon by returning most of us back to our home (planet). In my mind's eye, that puts me in a spot where you ask for favors -- and I return those favors with a cheerful heart!
Nicky gives a flirtatious wink to the winter coated female.
Science chicks love me.
I am great at diplomacy, do you think the one's on the other side will listen to reason and we can negotiate you some "help".
He eyes the reaction, and knows full well that he's gonna have to draw his curved blade for this one. In fact, he has it 1/2 way out the scabbard already!
HP 20/46 (currently 42)
AC 21 (+1 vs. traps), deny advantage, cold resistance 2
Fort +7, Ref +11, Will +8 (+1 vs. traps)
Hero Points: 1
Deviant backlash DC: 5
Effects: drained 1, wounded 1
Still badly wounded, Daehalya leans on her staff, trying to prepare herself to fight once again.
"Who is at the door?" she asks, eying it warily. She moves to stand beside the wall so she can surprise anyone that might enter .
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"Hard to tell. Some Raiders started chasing me through the streets. Black armor and terrifying warpaint. They made their intentions clear enough so I barricaded myself in here."
The door begins to splinter. they will be through soon enough.
"This is the only way in or out" She looks apologetic and a bit worried. Though you notice that climbing the large telescope window in the
domed ceiling may also be a viable escape option.
"Onye Dinta could easily climb the telescope and escape, but Onye Dinta will not leave the tribe behind," the amurrun says as he draws a javelin from over his shoulder. "Onye Dinta will hold these raiders at bay."
"What?! No, don't do that! Go up the telescope. I'm sure it's not that hard a climb, and I can slow them down."
Alvarius moves his bony fingers through a series of arcane gestures, ending the spell with a shout. "Sgri Gwasgariad!"
The area in front of the door explodes with a jumble of rocks, making the area difficult for any invader. "That'll last about a minute. Now let's go!"
He then rushes to make the climb up the telescope.
Ezgara eases back toward the telescope. Why are we here? Do they know why? They don't. But I'll tell them. His good eye rolls around like a marble in a cup. A winding way home, a crooked sliver of hope, small as the shadow of a wriggling worm. A grub. A grub smaller than a nail clipping. Hee hee!
One way out! Not up, out! He yanks at the spiral wisps of grey hair with both hands and stamps his hoof, screeching: Destroy these marauding cutthroats Oyne! Destroy them! Do you understand?
Crude images of javelins piercing piercing black-armored foes dance in the air around the amurrun.
"We are already hurt, my friends," Daehalya reasons, "and if we can escape, we should do so."
She looks over at the other woman. "How should we call you? Do you think you could climb?"
She gestures toward Alvarius, who seems to be mimicking the motions of climbing the telescope to indicate his preference.
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"Name's Sakuachi." She reaches underneath the table and pulls a small sack dumping it out onto the table, revealing four loose lesser healing potions. "I can try to climb if that's the only way." Though she is hesitant as Alvarius slips and falls to the floor.
Within seconds the door lurches and leans as one of the hinges breaks loose. Four hobgoblin raiders peer through with malicious intent gleaming in their black orbs. "We got you cornered now." They seem surprised to not see her alone but aren't looking to back down.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
➤ Daehalya
➤ Alvarius
➤ Grundle
Hobgoblin Raider 1 (Red)
Hobgoblin Raider 2 (Green)
Hobgoblin Raider 3 (Blue)
Hobgoblin Raider 4 (Pink)
Nicholo
Onye
⠀⠀Uhu
Ezgara
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Grundle assesses the situation with his usual equanimity.
"Daehalya, I see that several of your internal organs appear to be attempting to escape, like clumsy skeletons attempting to shimmy up a telescope and outside your body. Please allow me to help you return them safely to their home."
Grundle Soothes Daehalya twice as much as before.
He then attempts to comfort the clearly skittish Alvarius.
"It seems that violence is inevitable, Alvarius. I can see the fear in the place where your eyes should be. But even in your clumsy cowardice, know that there is a strength, a raw essence that the adversaries might underestimate."
"Prepare yourself. Together, let's face the oncoming tempest with a resolve born of shared purpose. And perhaps, in the dance of combat, you'll find a grace you never knew you possessed."
Alvarius curses, though the anger seems mostly towards himself. At Grundle's words he says, "I'm not scared. It's just that it's not easy patching myself up. Ever see a skeleton heal itself? It's not easy, and I've had years to make the most of a lousy situation."
He looks like he wants to say more, but the hobgoblins interrupt them. "Streic Gwir!" he shouts, magical energy swirling around his eye sockets. Waving his skeletal hands in a series of gestures, he invokes another spell. "Bollt Hallt," Alvarius says pointing at the lead hobgoblin.
or
plus Blinded for 1 round. If crit, add and Dazzled for 1 minute. Creature can spend an action to remove the Blinded condition
HP 39/46
AC 21 (+1 vs. traps), deny advantage, cold resistance 2
Fort +7, Ref +11, Will +8 (+1 vs. traps)
Hero Points: 1
Deviant backlash DC: 5
Effects:
The worst of Daehalya's wounds fade as she nods in appreciation to Grundle. But then her focus is back on the door in a flash. As the first hobgoblin enters, she swings her staff, trying to knock it to the ground. A moment later, she swings again at it, this time putting all her force into it. The pale elf's color seems to again race through her body, leaving her pale as Grundle or the snow of her arctic home.
"Don't you know a creature is most dangerous when it's cornered?" she admonishes the attackers.
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Grundle heals Daehalyas wounds just before the door is knocked down.
Daehalya sweeps one of the hobgoblins right off of his feet as he enters the room. Bringing her staff up she snaps it right into the Raiders gut, launching him 5' across the room.
Alvarius hits the prone hobgoblin with a bolt of seawater drowning it.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
Daehalya
Alvarius
➤ Grundle
Hobgoblin Raider 2 (Green)
Hobgoblin Raider 3 (Blue)
Hobgoblin Raider 4 (Pink)
Nicholo
Onye
⠀⠀Uhu
Ezgara
"You hobgoblins stand at a crossroads. The stories told of your kind are filled with tales of aggression and chaos. But today, in this very moment, you have a chance to redefine those narratives.
Consider your actions, not just in the context of this immediate confrontation, but in the annals of history. Is this woman truly your enemy, or is she but a pawn in a larger, misunderstood game? I implore you to seek clarity before you act.
While I stand here, trying to broker peace, I acknowledge that I am an outsider, possibly missing nuances of your shared history. If there is a grievance, let it be voiced, understood, and resolved. In the meantime, I will be flinging debris at you purely as an act of self defense."
Grundle then flings debris at them.
Unleash Psyche ◇
Telekinetic projectile on green ◆◆
Psi burst also on green ◆
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"Lotta big words for such a short gnome..." The hobgoblin is cut short as a small piece of glass from the nearby table thumps it in the jaw. The hobgoblins raise their shield from anymore hunks of metal and glass being flung about.
They quickly spready out among the room to try and dispense of you all quickly.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
➤ Daehalya
➤ Alvarius
➤ Grundle
Hobgoblin Raider 2 (Green)
Hobgoblin Raider 3 (Blue)
Hobgoblin Raider 4 (Pink)
➤ Nicholo
➤ Onye
⠀⠀➤ Uhu
➤ Ezgara
"Sgri Gwasgariad!" Alvarius shouts the words of magic, his hands moving through a series of strange gestures. A jumble of rocks appear in a contained explosion, though that contained space includes a hobgoblin.
plus area marked is difficult terrain
"Ha! You're going to rue this day, hobgoblin marauder. Take this!" The skeletal wizard points and a glowing blue spike appears, floating in midair. With a flick of the wrist Alvarius sends the magic streaking out to hit the hobgoblin.
HP 39/46
AC 21 (+1 vs. traps), deny advantage, cold resistance 2
Fort +7, Ref +11, Will +8 (+1 vs. traps)
Hero Points: 1
Deviant backlash DC: 10
Effects:
"This violence is meaningless," Daehalya admonishes the foes. "Use your words and tell us what you seek here!"
Despite her own words, she continues to fight, moving to help Onye with a sweep of her staff in a complicated series of movements at the nearest hobgoblin. She's distracted, though, trying to keep an eye on the hobgoblin she's set at her back.
The catfolk kicks at the knee of the hobgoblin between Daehalya and himself. He then steps around the hobgoblin and raises his kudu-hide shield. "Onye Dinta cannot know which is in the right without words," he says. "But Onye Dinta will defend the tribe."
Grundle groundhog day's his turn:
Telekinetic projectile on green ◆◆
Psi burst also on green ◆
ETA: ...
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In a tense confrontation, Onye attempts to kick out at the hobgoblin's knee but loses his footing and misses as he slips on the floor, his attack thwarted.
Daehalya, on the other hand, swiftly moves to trip the hobgoblin with her staff as it approaches, but the hobgoblin displays agility and leaps over the staff, evading her attempt to unbalance it.
Seizing the moment, the hobgoblin counters, swiftly swinging its longsword at Daehalya as she moves past. Daehalya must react quickly to avoid the oncoming attack and defend herself in this dangerous skirmish.
In the chaotic fray, Daehalya sustains a small scratch, but before the hobgoblin can press its advantage, Onye swiftly intervenes. He hurls a javelin with precision, catching the hobgoblin off guard. The javelin pierces through the air, finding its mark and incapacitating the hobgoblin, preventing further harm to Daehalya.
Meanwhile, Alvarius, the arcane adept, recognizes the urgency of the situation. With a commanding shout and a weave of strange arcane words, he manipulates the very ground beneath one of the hobgoblins. The floor buckles and erupts, sending a barrage of broken stones flying like shrapnel. The targeted hobgoblin is caught in the arcane upheaval, facing both physical and magical threats.
The tide of the battle shifts as Onye's decisive throw and Alvarius's arcane prowess combine to turn the tables against the hobgoblins.
The blue spike hurtles through the air with deadly precision, aiming to strike the hobgoblin and tip the balance of the battle in their favor. The hobgoblin now has another formidable threat to contend with as the magical projectile pierces its body.
Grundle, recognizing the weight of the loose stone created by Alvarius's spell, struggles to lift it with his telekinetic abilities. However, the violent psychic energies surrounding the stone seem to have an unexpected effect on the hobgoblin's mind. The chaotic energy disrupts the hobgoblin's thoughts, causing confusion and disorientation.
While Grundle may not have been able to directly manipulate the stone, his telekinetic efforts indirectly contributed to the battle by affecting the hobgoblin's mental state, potentially making it more vulnerable to the group's attacks. This unforeseen advantage could prove crucial in gaining the upper hand in the ongoing conflict.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
Daehalya
Alvarius
Grundle
Hobgoblin Raider 2 (Green)
Hobgoblin Raider 3 (Blue)
Hobgoblin Raider 4 (Pink)
➤ Nicholo
Onye
⠀⠀Uhu
➤ Ezgara
Ezgara continues weaving a tale for Onye.
Lightning crackles between his fingers as he rants about destroying them all.
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Nicholo tries to come up with a decent strategy.
Coming up with a decent trajectory Nicholo strikes out with his shortsword.
The hobgoblin, its grotesque features contorted in surprise, barely had time to react. With a swift and practiced motion, Nicholo drove the blade through the creature's chest, eliciting a guttural growl of pain.
Meanwhile, Ezgara, with arcane energy crackling around his fingertips, unleashed a surge of electricity towards the wounded hobgoblin. The bolts of energy danced across its body, intensifying the pain and causing spasms as the creature convulsed. The combined assault of steel and magic created a chaotic symphony in the cavern, the air charged with tension and the scent of burning flesh.
As the hobgoblin writhed in agony, Nicholo withdrew his shortsword, and Ezgara continued to channel her electrifying powers. The once menacing foe now lay defeated.
The remaining two hobgoblins motion to the other as they tactically retreat back down the stairs as you are proving to be to formidable of a threat. "Let's get out of here!"
Daehalya looks at the two slain hobgoblins and then back at the woman, wondering what this fight was about.
"Now that we have some time -- perhaps! -- maybe you can explain? Who are you? Who are they? And why were they coming after you?"
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Yeah! Take off! There's more surprises in this room - so you'd better steer clear!
Nicky taunts at the fleeing hobgoblins. Pretty glad that his blade cut so deep. First bit of success in a while.
Well, they will be coming back and with more reinforcements. Hopefully, I just made them take longer to gather even MORE troops.
Let us get some answers and get out of this dead-end. With a stress on the word "dead".
So luscious - my companion Shadowsun did ask the right questions. What's the answers.
And he gives the cute girl a wink.
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"It's a bit of a long story." She sighs. "My name is Sakuachi. I am from Aaminiut and have been traveling with my guides to the Sarkoris Scar, the land where gods still walk with mortals."
"We stopped here in Skywatch on the way, hoping to use the observatory for further guidance from the stars." Her face grimaces. "These gates have been shu for over 20 years. When we arrived the gates were flung open and the entire city was deserted. Word must have gotten out as we got separated by roving bands of mauarders and raiders pillaging the city."
"I rushed to the observatory and was able to contact stargazing elves on Castrovel!" her excitement causes her voice to rise. "I told the
alien astronomers about this predicament but they lamented that were was no way they could help me from such a distance. Against all odds, however, my prayers were answered in the form of a band of adventurers" She motions to you all.
"Our meeting cannot be purely coincidence. This is fate." She smiles grasping Nicholo by the shoulders as she smiles. "I am headed west in search of a living god. According to the elders of Aaminiut, this will save my people from a powerful evil." She reveals the pal of her hand. "My elder Seshu glimpsed this rune in her dream and etched it upon my palm for protection."
Much to all of your surprise this rune etched on her pal matches eac and every one of yours from that fateful forgotten moment shared by all Gatewalkers.
"Wait... you all have the same rune? How'd that happen?" Alvarius says, seemingly oblivious to the same rune that appears on the back of his skull. "How'd you get that?"
The amurrun scratches unconsciously at the rune on the back of his neck. "This is an auspicious meeting. It might be wise to bolster the strength of the tribe before more raiders come looking."
"You have a tribe nearby? In Skywatch?"
"The tribe," the catfolk says pointing at the other gatewalkers in succession. "The Consortium of Epopts. All who walk with Onye Dinta."
"Oh, this is your tribe," Alvarius looks over the motley group of adventurers. "Well, I've seen stranger gatherings of people. You look to be a tough bunch, which is good news."
"Sorry, I haven't even introduced myself," Alvarius says, tone apologetic. He holds out a hand to Onye, suggesting that they shake hands. He offers his hand to the others. "My name is Alvarius Blackthorn, and you couldn't have arrived on Eox with more perfect timing. I've been wanting to get off that rock since I got there. See, I made the mistake of stepping through an unstable portal. An aiudara. It was failing when I found it in the Graidmere Swamp. That's in Ustalav. But I needed to be somewhere new and took a chance. It didn't work out."
" I never thought I'd be able to get back to Golarion. But from what Sakuachi says we're here. I owe you all for what you just did for me. So if I can help you, let me know," Alvarius looks at Sakuachi. "I will happily help you as well."
Daehalya waits for a lull in the conversation, not wanting to interrupt.
"I'm Daehalya Shadowsun, and like the rest of us, I too stepped through one of the gates, though only Findeladlara -- and maybe Alseta -- knows for sure what happened then. Though we are starting to get some clues. Perhaps you can bring us more, Sakuachi. But if we need to find your companions, that may be a priority -- assuming we're are hale enough to do so. How long have you been here? Is it possible your companions have found a place of safety where they can hide before we can recover them? And how many are there?"
The questions seem to tumble from her lips as they come to her.
"Onye Dinta," the catfolk states. "Onye Dinta will help Sakuachi find the lost guides. Onye Dinta will prepare."
He then goes to examine the weapons and armor of the electrocuted hobgoblin.
"I did. Of a sort. Well, 'stepped through' suggests a modicum of control. There wasn't really any of that. I think it malfunctiones, if I'm being honest. And I usually am," Alvarius says to Sakuachi. It's hard to tell from the skull, but he sounds embarrassed.
While Onye searches through the bodies Alvarius takes some time to study the telescope. "This thing is fascinating. I'd really enjoy studying it for a bit at least. I've never seen anything like it. Or if I have, I can't remember."
The elf considers. She looks down at the surrounding streets to see if there's any sign of foes ... or perhaps more unlikely, future friends.
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Everyone remains focused as Onye searches the two dead Hobgoblins. While they don't carry much it may prove useful in you fleeing the city after finding the Guides.
All healed up and ready to go you leave the Observatory. Once outside you immediately begin to feel they ley lines strange effect befuddling your minds as the streets seem to stretch endlessly in all directions you look. Sakuachi leads you on a few blocks where you find a small gap in between the buildings. once through you recognize it was a full road.
A young man dressed in thick sealskin clothes scans the streets a moment before he waves and calls, “Sakuachi!” A pair of pale-skinned humans clad in leather armor and gray furs step out from the shadows, and the three approach.
"s Innumma!" Sakuachi calls out giving him a hug. "He is one of my escorts." Innumma, in turn, motions to his leather-clad companions. "These are members of a Brevic mercenary company called the Smiling Wolves. I stumbled into their camp at the riverside docks,” Innumma says. “They’ve been very helpful. They know how to navigate this place.”
The pair introduce themselves. "Joruf and Yana. We should get back to camp soon before night falls. There you can speak with our leader Matz. the Smiling Wolves may be able to help you find you companions. That and it looks like you all have been to Hell and back."
"Eox actually, but the comparison is apt," Alvarius says, more than happy to follow the group to camp.
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During the short jaunt to the docks, Yana occasionally looks skyward and measures the stars with her fingers before making a sudden turn down an alley or an inexplicable detour through an empty building. As you walk, Joruf explains, “Strong magic twists up these streets. The only way to make heads or tails of the place is to use the stars.”
The Smiling Wolves’ base in Skywatch is a collection of heavy cloth tents erected along some wooden piers that jut out over the Little Icerime. A bonfire burns in the center of the camp, around which tough-looking people mill about or squat, drinking hot tea or sharpening knives. They wear fur-trimmed armor like Joruf and Yana and look to be no strangers to combat.
As you approach the rustic encampment, Joruf and Yana let out a lupine howl that’s picked up throughout the camp. As the call dies down, a tall, lean man with a thick head of hair and a scruffy beard emerges from the largest tent with a grin.
It was explained to you along the way fro Joruf and Yana that this man is Matz Balandim, the leader of the Smiling Wolves. He is an effusive, larger-than-life figure who founded his mercenary company after several years of serving the Brevoy nobles of House Lodovka. Looking to line his pockets, he found several dozen other soldiers ready to sell their sword arms to the highest bidder. Their services were mostly used along the country’s southern border against rogues from the River Kingdoms.
Matz towers over you. "Name's Matz. What brings you to Skywatch?"
"Onye Dinta and the tribe were hunting the fey unraveler called Kaneepo," the amurrun explains in the most confusing array of statements. "The hunt was successful but the trail let the tribe across the planes and then across the stars. The tribe arrived in Skywatch through an aiudara. Sakuachi required help."
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"When I heard that the gates of Skywatch were opened and the city abandoned, I brought the Smiling Wolves here to hunt for treasure. We rowed up the Little Icerime on rafts, took control of the lockhouse and now occupy these docks, effectively controlling who enters and leaves the city via river." Matz explains. "Rival treasure hunters, like the Obsidian Oath, you encountered earlier who mix bloodshed with looting equal measure." He frowns at hearing this. "The Smiling Wolves here have no interest in bloodshed and mayhem. Once we hae enough to fill our rafts we will be leavng the same way we came in." Matz nods to Innumma. "We took in your friend when we found him lost and wandering the streets. You will have a safe place to rest and recover here in Camp."
"Thank you," Daehalya smiles, appreciating the same sort of generosity and openness to housing strangers that her own people and faith provides.
"A rest will be good, though we want to help Sakuachi find her remaining companions as quickly as possible," she adds.
"A rest will be good, though we want to help Sakuachi find her remaining companions as quickly as possible," she adds.
"We do?" Alvarius wonders aloud. As eyes turn to him he says, "Oh right, yes of course. We do, definitely."
Desna weeps! I'm mixed up with a group of adventurers who actually want to help people. the skeleton thinks to himself. I didn't think such a thing existed!
"When do you think you'll be leaving the city? Rafts almost full?"