For the first time since joining this group, Zienvus takes a hit. He grimaces against the onslaught of spiritual forest creatures, and once again focuses on an aura of protective wards.
"Focus your ire against the avian spirits, friends, while I contemplate the nature of our challenge!"
"I am beginning to arrive at a solution!"
Sir Batman speaks as the barrage of force missiles into him!
Reminds me of Prom...
The bronze-color bat-shaped Sprite takes it like Robin take his s@#@!
Waving at Zienvus, the Champion of Mazludeh decides to do his tang!
He Raises his Shield, Enters his Stance and Strides all cool like into a Flank with Sylva!
Moves like Jagger!
Once you have healed up, you proceed through the nearest door. This soaring cylindrical chamber appears to be the bottom of a massive, dried-up well. Along the southern wall, a humble, red marble statue stands watch over the empty chamber. The statue resembles a horse-sized ferret with the horns of a ram and large, furry moth wings.
"This is one of the guardians Ruun mentioned," Sakuachi says. "I will need to make a sacrifice, and then we will face a challenge. Prepare yourselves, friends."
The young oracle kneels by the statue and holds forth her spear. "This weapon was passed down to me from my father. I give it up to you now."
An incorporeal spirit suddenly appears, surging to life out of the statue! The winged ferret is surrounded by throngs of smaller animals. At the same time, two spectral, owl-shaped entities appear behind you!
The ferret commands the spectral animals to swarm over you all! The two owls swoop to attack Batman and Sylva.
Sylva gets clobbered! She strikes back!
…or… tries to.
You battle the spirits and calm the haunt to appease the manifestation of the Sarkorian god. Once you are victorious, the god in the well shrine peers down at you, bows, and dissipates into a swirl of lightly glowing ethereal mist. The mist weaves a winding trail through the air to the small tunnel connecting to the central cistern. There, in a burst of light, the god unseals the channel, allowing stagnant water to quickly drain from the cistern into the well. As the room fills with water, the misty god swirls around you and pushes you through the large open door from whence you came. Once everyone is out of the well, the large door shuts behind them and locks, creating a water-tight seal so the well can fill with water.
"Good work," Sakuachi says. "Now let's keep going."
Indeed, you find a nearly-identical test waiting for you in the two other remaining chambers. In each one, Sakuachi offers the local god a sacrifice--her favorite furs (which she crafted after her first successful seal hunt as a teenager) and then her astrolabe (a navigational aid her companion Ulikuq gifted her at the outset of their journey). After each offering, more spirits appear to challenge you, and when you defeat them, the cistern seals and fills with water.
Once all three cisterns have been filled, the central cistern has drained enough to allow you to access it. "Ruun said that this is where Dyzad does battle with Malgamon," Sakuachi says. "No doubt a powerful demon we'll need to defeat. Make sure you are prepared before we enter."
Sir Batman's blue eyes sparkle in enthusiasm the ritual cisterns refilling! The bronze-color bat-shaped Sprite guards his company from any vengeful spirits as they help Sakuachi appease the restless spirits.
All they really wanted was attention and recognition. Well done everyone!
The Champion of Mazludeh watches the central cistern drain enough for them to complete this mission.
Best be prepared to Battle a particularly powerful demon. Everyone! Drop and give me 100!
The sprite begins doing pushups....
Zienvus sits in trance and contemplates the names Dyzad and Malgamon.
Sylva let’s Sir Bat take care of all of the healing this time…!
When warned of the powerful demon, she contemplates preparations.
From your previous research, you recall that this fallen city's founder, the god caller Domora, summoned a powerful water spirit named Dyzard from the lake to serve as his goddess. During the Worldwound, a demon called Malgamon took special pleasure in slaughtering spirit guides and the god callers who worked with them. It would seem the two are locked in combat still. It's time to tip the balance in Dyzad's favor!
Sakuachi presses her hand to the door. The massive door rumbles, then swings forward. A few inches of fetid water cover the ground of this vast stone reservoir. Two giant arthropods with otherworldly features tangle amid the muck. On the edges of the chamber, four narrow tunnels set into the walls allow water to drain in ordinal directions. Though three of the drains are open and appear to be functioning normally, the northeastern drain’s seal is broken, and somehow, the tunnel is filled with thick blue ice.
As soon as you enter the cistern, Sakuachi sprints toward the ice-choked drain in the northeast corner. "The god calling to me is this way!" she cries. Seeing the young woman, Dyzad, the first goddess of Domora, transforms into a whirlwind of water and enshrouds Sakuachi, protecting her from damage and hastening her movement. When she nears the drain, the ice blocking the tunnel rapidly melts of its own volition, like curtains parting, allowing Sakuachi to crawl inside. Just as quickly, the ice magically re-forms behind the seer, blocking anyone from following her.
Malgamon, seeing the cistern doors open, turns to face you. The fiend appears to be a horrifying amalgam of horse and scorpion, with screaming faces set within his claws. He chortles with glee. "Freedom, at last! Stand aside, mortals, or I will rend you limb from limb!"
Before you can react, Malgamon invokes a foul rite. With bursts of noxious smoke, two hissing babaus appear to aid him!
Sylva suspects that moving aside will not save her limbs. She uses those limbs while they’re still attached to her body.
“Let’s give him a taste of The Usual, Batty!”
"Well, this is it!"
"Godspeed little fairy."
Zienvus points at Sylva and grants her Haste!
He follows up with summoning a spinning globe of protective wards about himself.
Protective Wards
“Thanks,” Sylva replies as her fists move so fast—
—even she can’t keep up with them!
Sir Batman's bronze-color bat-shaped Sprite jaw just hangs open as he witnesses the transformation, possession, return of the body snatchersing!
What was in the tea again?
When the Monstrous form of Malgamon presents itself in all its...glory, the Champion of Mazludeh giggles.
How do you brush your teeth?
Granting Sylva his customary bronze-color thumbs up, Sir Batman starts this out with a familiar but consistent method acting!
Raises the Shield, Enters the Stance and Strides into Flanking position!
Flanking with Batman, Sylva strikes Malgamon twice, wounding the fiend. Ravenna scores a hit as well. Malgamon snaps his pincers around Sylva, but fails to grab a hold of her. But his stinger whips around and impales her in a critical hit!
Meanwhile, the babaus move to flank the rogue and stab with their longspears. Both weapons impale the sprite, who goes down!
Sir Batman--Reacts--quickly by granting his Liberating Step to poor bloody like a tomato after it gets stomped Sylva!
The Champion of Mazludeh then Raises his Shield, reaches out to Lay on Hands the Rogue and comes up Striking!
Sir Batman grits his teeth!
Sylva gets up and hastily attacks!
Staying next to Ravenna, Zienvus concentrates on his protective aura.
He then tries to crack the mind of this foul fiend.
Daze: Amped (Heightened +2)
Malgamon reels from Zienvus's spell. Both Ravenna and Sylva miss the fiend, but Batman lands a telling blow, drawing the demon's attention. He snaps at Batman but the champion blocks his blows. The babaus try to stab Batman as well, one of them managing to hit and leave behind a particularly gory wound!
Sylva fears retribution after landing that attention-getting-blow, but she knows by now how this works. Fleeing is not an option.
Sir Batman only grins at the red devil dancing in the pale moon light.
My grandma on my father's side hits harder!
The Champion of Mazludeh--Reacts--quickly by Shield Blocking the pincer blow!
Raising his Shield, Sir Batman Strikes twice!
The bronze-color bat-shaped Sprite frowns at his aim!
He chortles with glee. "Freedom, at last! Stand aside, mortals, or I will rend you limb from limb!"...
"The beast shares our Common tongue!" Zienvus exclaims, mostly to himself. "Then he must obey my command!"
With the friend's will being weakened, Zienvus tries to bend it's knee.
"Fall, beast! Fall before true heroes!"
He then continues to concentrate on the ever expanding globe of swirling sigils around him.
Sir Batman takes out an abacus. The bronze-color bat-shaped Sprite begins arranging the various colored beads as he thinks....
Hey Zienvus! 25% is not that bad actually! Good luck!
The sprite laughs.
Too bad that you aren't adopted by goblins for their Goblin Song shananagins!
Batman misses the demon, but Sylva pummels Malgamon with two well-placed strikes, and Ravenna hits with two bullets!
Despite the odds, Zienvus's spell has an amazing effect. Malgamon crumples to the ground and lies there, wincing and snarling, unable to get up!
The babaus shift their target to Sylva, stabbing her twice!
Sylva strikes back! Or is she unconscious, merely dreaming she kicks and punches like Sister-Princess Hotcha P.P.P. Twinkletoes herself!
Zienvus blinks twice as Malgamon falls to his command, and stays put on the ground. He blinks once more as Sylva is taken down again by the blood-demons.
While he's created an opening of sorts, he decides to create another.
He then continues to concentrate and expand the spinning globe of abjurative sigils.
Sir Batman--Reacts--quickly by granting his Liberating Step to poor bloody like a tomato after it gets stomped Sylva!
The bronze-color bat-shaped Sprite sadly shakes his head at his Lost Flanking partner....
He quickly gets over it, as his new Flat-footed partner, Zienvus, has provided such!
With a bronze-color bat-shaped thumbs up for the Wizard (and a moment of silence for their rogue), Sir Batman Raises his Shield and Strikes the ugly prone Malgamon in his face! Twice!
Batman and Sylva pound on Malgamon until the fearsome demon shudders and goes limp, blood pooling beneath his body. The two babaus hiss and recoil as they are banished back to the Abyss!
The water spirit Dyzad briefly reforms in midair above you. She regards you with an inscrutable expression, then departs from the Material Plane, exploding in a deluge of water that leaves you drenched! Water falls from above like soft rain as the ice blocking the far tunnel beings to melt slowly.
You follow Sakuachi's trail into the shrine of the spirit guide Ruun. There, you find a spectacular sight: Sakuachi floating in midair, held aloft by spectral owl wings made of dazzling blue ice, which extend from her shoulders. Though the well is freezing cold and she wears only a thin base layer of clothes, the seer doesn’t shiver or show any signs of discomfort. In fact, she seems utterly serene as she calmly regards you and descends gently to the ground.
"My quest is complete. To become closer to the gods of the natural world, I have made my final offering," she says. "I can no longer answer to the name I once went by. From now on, you may call me Snowy Owl."
As the beast-fiend falls, Zienvus stares incredulously at its form, "This fiend has been embroiled in endless combat with the water spirit for countless centuries, and yet we have defeated it in a matter of minutes."
He looks to his new companions, "I honor your formidability, friends. A job well done."
“Couldn’t’ve done it without that spell,” Sylva admits as she mummifies her leg in bandages.
Looking up at the spiritual guide (or what she has now become!), the little sprite gives the new name a try. “Snowy Owl, it was a privilege to get you through this safely.”
She’s not sure what’s in store for herself now, but is too focused on treating her own wounds to contemplate the road ahead.
Sir Batman's blue eyes never leave the fantastical floating from of Snowy Owl, as the Champion of Mazludeh begins his Lay on Hands treatment (himself last).
Back outside at their campsite, Innumma, Ulikuq and Deniigi rejoice upon seeing their charge, but they don’t embrace her or even clap her on the back, perhaps sensing that she’s no longer quite of their world. Snowy Owl is also far less bubbly than she used to be. “The god Ruun has agreed to join me on my quest,” she announces to her fellows. “Our next destination is the Crown of the World.”
To punctuate her words, she motions to a nearby stump. Ruun, a magnificent snowy owl rimed in shards of bright blue ice, manifests above the stump in a flurry of snow, then lands to perch on the fallen tree. The god blinks her eyes slowly while peering at each of her caller’s allies in turn.
For your part, your next goal is to travel south and return to Lepidstadt in Ustalav, as Dr. Ritalson requested in the letter that found you back in Egede. Perhaps surprisingly, Snowy Owl announces that she and her entourage will be joining you on your journey. “Ruun tells me there is a magical gateway there that connects directly to the Crown,” she explains. “It will be more expedient for us to go south and use the gateway, rather than head straight north.”
Zeah explains that she and her fellow Reclaimers intend to stay in Domora for now and continue their efforts to cleanse the place of lingering evil. However, expert local navigator that she is, Zeah is more than happy to provide you with directions to Lepidstadt from your current position. In exchange you have done for them, the Reclaimers gift you enough rations to make it to the city.
You say your farewells as you begin the long journey south...
Sylva plays some banjo tunes on the trip back, and sometimes sings songs about food—
P B and Jaaaaaay…
And a knock on my doooorrrr…
Tomorrow maybee-ee-ee
Toda-ay for surrrrre…
—which usually eventually prompts her to put her instrument down and open up her rations. She tends to just hold her food and talk a bit before wolfing down what seems to be more than a five-inch, one-ounce woman can eat.
“So I was thinking when I saw Snowy Owl and Ruun, that I’ve got this connection to water and ice. I mean, I’m part undine… which is a curious lineage, since that means I’ve got some really big ancestors on my mom’s side, but anyway, I also got that Ice Scream thing I do.
“I wanted to ask Snowy Owl about that, but it was her first day as a goddess. I didn’t want to give her that kinda pressure ’cause first days are hard enough. My first day on stage, not an hour before I had to go on, I got asked, ‘do you think humans will find your jokes funny?’ And I’m like, ‘I don’t know, Mom. Do you think they’re funny?’
“I never did ask the follow-up question, ‘so how come you never laugh?’” She’s about to take a bite of her ration, but before she does, she says, “Prob’ly for the best. My music teacher told me that the only stupid question is the one that was never asked.”
She finally busies her mouth with eating.
Sir Batman seems especially boisterous on the journey to Lepidstadt. The bronze-color bat-shaped Sprite tells jokes, recalls stories of bravery, and he even regales Zienvus with his opinions on color coordination ideas,
Bronze is the it color.
Zienvus is pleased with their successes against the demonic denizens in the cistern, and during their travels, he is oft recalling details of the creatures encountered and pondering outloud various strategems for future combats. He asks Snowy Owl if she has any inkling as to the types of resistance they should expect journeying to the Crown of the World.
"Your music instructor was very wise, Sylva," he nods, adjusting his spectacles, "There is no shame in not having the answers, and the best way to gain the answer is to seek it, rather than blundering forth in the unknown. Yes, knowledge is power. I am certain Snowy Owl will be forthwith with her newfound cognizance. It never hurts to ask."
To Sir Batman, he replies, "Ah but gold and purple are scholarly colors, you see. As far as metallurgy goes, bronze, being an alloy of tin and copper, does stand superior to gold in terms of tensile strength, and, therefore, is a complementary scheme for you and your talents. But, I believe I shall keep my robes as they stand."
“I guess that leaves me in the middle with my preference for silver.” She isn’t actually wearing silver at the moment, though she could change her attire magically anytime. “Well… I wear the seven colors of Shelyn. But, if someday I get in the habit of wearing jewelry, silver goes with anything. And it’s cheaper than gold.”
She wonders if Sir Bat’s jokes land more often that her own, or if anyone can even tell if she’s joking at all. But in any case, she’s enjoying the break from demon slaying.
That, and the chance to try to actually know Zienvus! Evedyone’s been so busy keeping each other alive, she hasn’t even asked— “Did you also have a teacher who gave… advice?” —well, she hadn’t actually thought of a particular question. “What kind of school did you go to? I mean… magic, but… as a scholar, you umm… well, y’know. You’re not like me just studying one thing. Two if you count the medical stuff. What were you passionate about, as a student?”
"I've had many a great teacher, little one. In fact, I have been a teacher as well. My academic career began in my sylvan homeland of Kyonin, and saw me off to the distant sands of Osirion where I earned a professorship. It was there that I stepped through the gate on that fateful day, drawn in by images of my dear home."
"My arcane studies focused primarily on the power of the written word, sigils, runes. They don't call it 'casting spells' for nothing. I am fond of learning new languages, and in my delving into the Occult, the workings of the mind."
"Besides studying the arcane and the Occult, I do have a passion for the beauty of nature, especially of the forests of my homeland. Long has it been that I've stepped foot in my native woods."
<You’re from the Sylvan for—?> The little sprite’s eyes light up when it’s apparent that the scholar is fluent in Sylvan. She continues to speak in her native tongue. <It is quite beautiful there. The allure of human civilization is what prompted me to get out and see the world. But after this is done…>
She doesn’t dare speak in future tense. That last demon was more than she could even handle.
<Well, let’s just get each other through this, then maybe make plans for a safer world, right?> Still, she adds, <It would be nice to ditch all the material stuff and get back to nature.>
Zienvus replies in the Fey tongue, <I will endeavor in my research, to hone our resources, when we reach civilisation, to best prepare us for the fight ahead, and ensure our survival. A better world awaits us.>
Sir Batman seems preoccupied with attempts to coax Ravenna out of her shell.
So, there I was surrounded by the misinformed gang of caterpillars....
Part 3: Dreamers of the Nameless Spires
Chapter 1: A Most Unwelcome Truth
Since the destruction of the Worldwound, travel through Sarkoris is much safer than it used to be. The most direct route to Lepidstadt from Domora is 125 miles south, skirting the western border of Shudderwood to reach the headwaters of the Moutray River, then downriver another 125 miles to reach Lepidstadt itself.
When she was Sakuachi, the young woman was excitable and bubbly, but now her soul and destiny have merged with that of an ancient Sarkorian god named Ruun. Traditionally, Sarkorians become summoners known as god callers in order to enact the will of these supernatural forces, but in Sakuachi’s case, she and Ruun have become one: Snowy Owl. As Snowy Owl, she is more enigmatic and less excitable than she was before. She prefers to remain on the periphery at most times, silently watching you and following quietly. She’ll engage in conversation when prompted, but for the most part, she plays the part of observer.
Thankfully, the journey south is relatively uneventful. Soon enough, you find yourselves in Ustalav, in the city of Lepidstadt. Lepidstadt is a lauded center of learning, where scholars from across Golarion convene with local experts to explore mysteries and occult knowledge. The university is known both for its work in the sciences and its fervent duelists, and rumors swirl around the mysterious standing stones on the city’s outskirts.
Doctor Ritalson's manor sits a few blocks north of Lepidstadt University. The manor grounds are enclosed in a gothic, wrought iron fence through which access is possible by a single large gate. A gravel path leads up to the manor’s courtyard, which is decorated with a mossy fountain featuring several water-spitting ibises carved from stone.
As you approach the manor’s front door, you're greeted by a tall man in a threadbare suit. This is Ulwin Kivorak, the doctor's majordomo, a towering elderly human who moves deliberately yet gracefully and speaks in a low baritone. He bows before you.
"Welcome. Dr. Ritalson sends his regrets that he cannot personally greet you at this time—he is currently engaged in an important matter off-site, but plans to return a few days hence. In the interim, he’s asked me to inform you that Ritalson Manor is yours to treat as home. You are not alone in waiting for the doctor’s return—you’ll find several of your fellow Gatewalkers within these walls as well. Until he returns, the doctor encourages you all to rest, relax, and converse with your fellows. But first, if you’ll accompany me, I shall show you to your rooms."
Sylva curtsies to Ulwin. “Thank you, Mr. Kivorak. I will make myself at home. A moment, please.”
She heads to the dining are.
After a minute, if that, she is back. In her hands is a silver desert fork which is two inches longer than the sprite is tall. “Sentimental value,” she not-really-explains. “Dr. Ritalson will understand—and I’m just gonna keep it in my room, while I’m her, ’kay?”
“Big people!” she told her family. “Y’know, like the fairy from Three Men and a Fairy? She earned her wings in a human world, and now she’s a dancer and a princess’ bride!
“I don’t know if I’ll marry a human princess or beat big people up, but… there’s a stage with my name on it. Not the stage itself, but that program they pass out to spectators? Yeah. My name would be on that!”
After a comedy act, a song, a dance across piano keys, Sylva started to wonder if there was a misprint on the program. “It’s possible they misspelled my name B-O-O, and the guy who threw the tomato coulda thought I was hungry. If it was fresh, a tomato wouldn’t be a bad pay day.”
After she was done talking to the unconscious drunk, Sylva set out to find the next town that would adore her until she ruined everything.
And then it happened.
She saw the light!
“With all this,” she explained to a curious squirrel, “I could afford a stage of my own, and a big person to cart it around! I wouldn’t have to Walk-of-Shame outta town! I could Ride-in-Style outta town!”
The squirrel staring at the portal chittered and skittered away. Sylva went the opposite direction: to mountains of treasure with her name on it! Not the treasure itself, but that deed that’ll say it’s legally hers.
And then it was… gone.
It was later explained to Sylva and a couple of fellow sprites that what was seen in the portal was one’s Most Important Thing.
Money, she thought to herself. Not love, not fame… just money. And no one to share it with.
With that thought, she sucked all the color right out of the room.
And stole a fork because it was shiny, and if every place setting had two, there were obviously enough to spare.
Sir Batman talks incessantly about how fun it will be to revisit the University after them having so many adventures.
....and then we were all marching through those trees and...then we were Striding across those plains....and remember when we had to walk through them mountains...
The bronze-color bat-shaped Sprite seems a bit fixated on the various terrains that they traveled....
Being greeted by the butler, Sir Batman only smiles.
Zienvus seems to brighten a bit, in that aloof, detached, elven sort of way, when they enter into the University city. Still far from the towering trees of Kyonin, he does feel a little more at home here in a land of academia. Along the way to Doctor Ritalson's manor, he often stops to peruse the bargain racks outside the various occult bookstores, and gets easily distracted by various baubles hanging in magic shop windows. "Oh my, Byzander's Treatise on the Formulation of Dialect Throughout the City of Brass! I've been meaning to check that one out. And marked 50% off!"
But, before he can go shopping and researching, there's the matter of meeting their contact and securing lodging at hand.
Upon being greeted by Ulwin, Zienvus' contained excitement seems to settle, as the barely there smile on his face straightens into a straight line of seriousness, "Pardon, my good sir, but is there any indication as to the hour of the Doctor's return? There is much we need to discuss with him."
"He should only be detained for a few days," Ulwin says.
The lower floor of Dr. Ritalson's manor contains lounges, a ballroom, a library, a conservatory, a dining room, a kitchen, servants’ quarters, and several bathrooms. The upper floor consists of bedrooms and bathrooms. There are enough bedrooms for each of you (and Snowy Owl) to have your own room.
In addition to your party, four other gatewalkers are relaxing in the manor, having arrived individually shortly before the group. Lunja is a stern, middle-aged Garundi woman who grows animated and lively when speaking on the topic of constellations and other planets. She is typically found in the westernmost lounge, which affords the best view of the sky through its skylights. Vaxtervin is an intense gnome with bright yellow hair and several tattoos of strange runes along their arms and neck. They claim these runes cause ghosts to manifest more often. They’re usually found in the conservatory, which they suspect is haunted. Iasanden a bald half-elf who dresses in muted colors and spends his time annotating one of several large ledgers of hand-drawn maps. He is often found in the ballroom, where he’s spread several maps out on the hardwood floor for ease of reference. Finally, Takuzo is a soft-spoken, elderly Tian man who is more prone to listening than speaking. He’s frequently reading, and is typically found in the library poring over the manor’s extensive book collection.
"I guess, then, we should get ourselves acquainted with the accommodations and settle in. Thank you for your hospitality, Ulwin."
After getting comfortable, Zienvus wanders down to peruse the selection in the library. He politely and respectfully introduces himself to Takuzo, and gives a curious glance at his choice of literature.
Sylva replies to Zienvus, “I think that’s a great idea. I’ll talk to Lunja.”
She heads to the westernmost lounge and looks out the skylight. “The stars must be over a hundred miles away. Maybe even over two hundred.”
Sylva grins.
“There was an elder sprite with us, and it drove him crazy when I understated the unfathomable vastness of space! But if my idea of a joke annoys you, you’re not alone. I’ve been booed of many a stage.”
Her face becomes more serious. Not because of her failure as a comedienne. It’s the stars themselves.
“I was out there.” She points to a star. “I’m definitely pointing at the wrong star, but a lot happened out there and it changed me completely. But I think I became stronger, thanks to my friends… not just the ones I’m here with. There was also Alleli.”
Sylva turns her gaze from the wrong star. She faces Lunja.
“You two share an interest. That’s also an understatement. Alleli knows a lot about stars—enough that she shot me and my friends across space and got us safely home.
“I wonder if she knows we made it.”
Sir Batman winks at Alfred, as they enter the manor. The bronze-colored bat-shaped Sprite wonders about the place, peeking in every room.
Lounges, a ballroom, a library, a conservatory, a dining room, a kitchen, a servants’ quarters, and several bathrooms. The upper floor consists of bedrooms and bathrooms!
The Champion of Mazludeh begins searching for Candle sticks, lead pipes, rather large wrenches among other Clue-related instruments of murder ...
Takuzo gives Zienvus a friendly nod. The Tian man is reading a book about occult magic.
***
"Across space? Have you been to another planet?" Lunja asks Sylva excitedly. "You must tell me all about your interstellar journey!"
***
Batman activates Detective Mode as he begins to explore the manor!
“Yes! I was on Castrovel!” She describes the alien scenery and how she and her friends “rode wayyyy way up some kinda floating platform and flying creatures tried to eat me..!”
She goes on in detail about the wonderful people she met, especially Alleli whom Sylva remembers quite fondly. “I mean not like I had a crush on her or anything like that, but I felt she had a connection here, maybe with Snowy Owl? I mighta been reading too much into it, but the idea of connecting with another person across space is beautiful, in the way romance is, even if there wasn’t actually any romance there.
“Brilliant woman anyway! And the device she used to zap us home—” Sylva talks about the many accidental detours on the way back. She “tries” not to brag about single-handedly kicking a wight’s frigid butt… but if Lunja’s interested in a fight story, she downplays her epic awesomeness by confessing to her “fear-induced adrenaline rush.
“But after that, Alleli aimed the thing and we were home-sweet-home!”
Zienvus gives a knowing nod towards Takuzo's selection, "Ah yes, Hezzekham's The Contemptuous Concordance. I found the chapter on interplanar catastrophe to be quite laborious, but worthwhile. So, are you a student of the occult arts then?"
He takes up a high backed leather chair next to the elderly Tian and removes out a pipe and a pinch of tobacco from a pouch on his belt, "Do you mind?"
The soft sounds of Theme Music accompanies the bronze-colored bat-shaped Sprite through the spooky manor....
Gosh, if only Robin were here too.