Vashta looks over the scenes. "The party does look lovely, but the Juggler represents destiny, deities, and those who play with the fates of others. That seems like it might be something we could learn from right now."
"Meddling with other's fates, eh?" Targrish frowns. "Can't say I'm in favor of that. There's a difference between reading fate and trying to fiddle with it, of course."
There's a feeling that this is a long-going conversation between the old dwarf and Vashta, but Targrish states it aloud for the benefit of their new acquaintance, the seer.
"Still, best to keep that card out of greedy hands. I'm ready when you are."
You step through the portal and find yourselves standing in the mouth of a cliffside cave. From a daunting mountainside elevation of thousands of feet, an ocean studded with islands commands the view to the west, while to the east stretches out an expanse of thick jungle. The slope below hosts a cloud forest, its trees poking up through a layer of swirling mist, while a narrow path winds down and out of view into the fog. From here, Orozomoc can tell you are standing near the peak of Mount K’Walder, the second-highest peak in the Terwa Uplands.
The portal behind you vanishes, and you can now see that the cave entrance leads into an enormous space inside the mountain. This cathedral-like space stretches in a rough circle about 100 feet in diameter. Its smooth walls run in irregular arcs punctured by fissures and sporadic shafts that allow the daylight in so that the whole is well lit. Much of the wall space features huge, simple murals in bright colors, mostly of megafauna and towering trees against a backdrop of high mountains. A portrayal of an immense, heavily tattooed, brown-skinned man with thick muscles, rolls of fat, and a pleasant expression covers the wall opposite the cave entrance. The shaft of light illuminating the wall makes the man look even bigger, tricking the eye to make him look larger than even this massive cavern could contain. Those of you trained in religious studies recognize the man as Balumbdar the World-Shaker, the god of great size, megafauna, and strength.
A second shaft of light falls on a stone altar directly in front of this dynamic portrait. Slowly gyrating through loops in the air above the altar is a single object: The Juggler.
A lone man occupies the shrine, a hulking dwarf the at least as wide as he is tall. Dressed in sandals and a thin, sky-blue tunic tied with a rope, he seems impervious to the somewhat chilly temperature within the shrine. He speaks slowly in a quiet, warm voice, apparently not startled or unsettled at the brief appearance of a strange portal at the entrance to his shrine.
”Welcome, travelers, to my humble shrine. May I offer you refreshments?” The dwarf gestures to a nearby table that holds a huge jug of water and lumpy biscuits the size of coconuts.
Balumbdar, or He Who Is Massive, is the god of all huge things in the world that tower over smaller things. Creatures of great size, such as elephants and dinosaurs, are sacred to him, as are natural features that dominate the landscape like mountains and massive trees. Balumbdar is also a god of strength, but of might born of great size rather than training or skill. His edicts are to grow as large as you can, shelter those smaller and weaker than you, and to tend large animals and megafauna.
The dwarf shakes his head. "Occasionally, some brave explorers make the climb to visit the shrine, but for the large part, I have been alone here for... oh, I don’t know exactly—three decades? Four? I imagine some of you weren’t even born when I first ascended this sacred peak.
"They call me Blegkenu the Pious. I’m not saying I deserve that name, but that’s what they call me. It’s because I live up here in this shrine day and night to pay homage to Balumbdar. I never forsake him. He protects the biggest animals, the highest peaks, the tallest trees, the largest boulders. He Who Is Massive understands the significance of weight and strength, the might that comes from size alone."
Targrish chuckles gently. He was certainly born when the hermit ascended this mighty peak.
"Thank you for your warm greeting, Blegkenu." Targrish glances over his shoulder to look out the cave mouth and over the highlands. "I can see why your gigantic patron singled out this spot. It is an impressive vantage point."
The dwarf looks about for the refreshments, content to let those with smoother tongues inquire about the Harrow card.
He's been here for close to forty years?! By the Nine Hells, Aicard hopes he surely doesn't look that old. All those alchemical moisturizers and skin cleansing cremes couldn't have been that big of a waste of gold?!
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Blegkenu, and I must say that this place is quite ... something. Say, that card over yonder, has that been here for close to four decades as well?"
Blegkenu looks at the card orbiting the altar. "Ah! That just appeared here! I found it there above the altar one morning several weeks ago. It’s very magical—and I suspect it has powers far beyond floating in circles! I’ve been seeking the prayer that will bring it to life. But look! See how immense the juggler on the card is? Look at the size of the things he tosses about so casually! What could this be but a sign from the World-Shaker? Marvelous! This juggler must be a herald of my god. I just need the right prayer to bring him forth."
"Perhaps we can help you with that prayer, if you don't mind," Vashta suggests. "We just require a closer look..."
Blegkenu shrugs. "Of course. The card can't be moved, though. You're welcome to try, but I don't know that you'll have much luck."
Indeed, while the Juggler card appears to float weightlessly, its weight is extraordinary, and attempts to pick it up or move it fail as though it were extraordinarily heavy. Any attempt to block its path above the stone simply causes the card to change its course—or simply to float in place.
"I've been thinking a lot about how to claim the card. Surely you recognize the card for what it is—a card from the Harrow. This card in particular, it’s from the suit of Keys. A key must be the key, wouldn’t you think? I think if I had a big key, especially a certain very specific key, I could complete my prayer. At that point, it wouldn’t matter whether I had the card or not."
The massive dwarf taps his chin. "I have seen the key in question not so long ago. The good news is that the key isn’t far, but the bad news is that the key is part of the hoard of a nefarious cloud dragon who lives in the valley to the south. This dragon is named Sedisserax. Exiled from the dwarven sky citadel of Cloudspire years ago after she destroyed several historical statues and relics, the dragon’s spent the last several decades moping and fuming in her remote lakeside lair.
"I've visited Sedisserax several times, and can tell you the route to her lair. She may be bitter and cantankerous, but she’s majestically massive and gloriously gigantic, and has given me many insights into the lifestyles of larger life over the years. I must warn you, though, that Sedisserax is vicious and spiteful, and usually eats those who travel too close to her valley—she’s traditionally suffered my visits because I never approach too closely, I am properly respectful, and, I suspect, because she’s guilty about her past and sees the chance to speak to a dwarf as, perhaps, an opportunity to find forgiveness.
"Each time I visited her, I noted a singular element of her treasure—an immense key almost as large as my arm. The dragon grew angry when, on my latest visit, I asked to examine the key. She attacked me in response, and while I thank Balumbdar’s mercy for my fortunate escape, I'm positive that I'm no longer welcome in her lair. If you could secure that enormous key and bring it back here for me to meditate upon, I am certain the mystery of the card will be revealed!"
You are able to recall that a large large number of cloud dragons make the Terwa Uplands their home. Each dragon takes a particular valley for their own, usually nesting in the tallest tree or near a mountain pool. Most of them are allies and friends of the Mbe’ke dwarves, so Sedisserax’s crimes must have been shocking and severe to merit banishment.
Indeed, Targrish recalls hearing something of those crimes—destruction of sacred relics simply to get to the “treasures” she was convinced were hidden within. There were no such treasures inside the destroyed relics, but when the rulers of Cloudspire confronted her, she reacted with violence and was driven from the sky citadel.
Aicard opens his mouth and ever so slightly raises his hand before he realizes that doing what he was planning on doing, would be a huge mistake. No, he should definitely not point out that this card is not a herald of his God. Besides, knowing what little he knows about the World-Shaker, this man will most likely challenge them to a game of sorts! And Aicard loves challenges.
When Vashta suggests they ought to be given the chance to inspect the card from up close, Aicard backs her up. "Vashta knows her stuff when it comes to magical artifacts like this."
"Ah, but we have a dragon on our side as well, my dear," Vashta assures the priest. "We will of course try to reason with Sedisserax -- but if worst comes to worst, we will defend ourselves. You could say the Juggler holds her fate in her hands as well."
Blegkenu nods, noting that Sedisserax’s attitude has earned her trouble, and he’s long suspected her end would come in the form of a group of dragonslayers. If you can secure the enormous key without killing her, that’s fine, but the dwarf warns you that he’d be shocked if the dragon stops to talk before she tries to eat you.
When you are ready to set out, Blegkenu gives you directions to Sedisserax’s lair. “Follow the trail from my cave down the mountainside until you reach a lake. The trail heads off to the east from there, but to the west, along the lake shore, is a cave entrance—her home.”
"We'll have to be careful. The Mbe'ke are some of the most gracious and forgiving of my kin. If they drove the dragon out, the destruction must have been impressive and shocking." Targrish considers. "If the dragon is repentant, perhaps we could arrange a trade for the key. Dragons are jealous of their treasures--no offense to the Tyrant--but it likely has little use for the artifact."
Vashta nods, well acquainted with at least one dragon. But it sounds like it will resort to violence, and hopefully the Mbe'ke won't hold that against them should they encounter the Mwangi dwarves.
The directions are easy enough to follow. It is a 2-hour hike down the mountain to the lakeshore in question.
The thick, squat trees of this bowl‐shaped valley grow densely together. A deep blue lake lies here, the trail turning upon reaching its shore and winding off to the east. A cliff rises from the lake’s western shore, and a large cave entrance is visible at the base. A jagged rock protrudes from the lake’s surface not far from the cave entrance.
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Orozomoc is quiet on the trip. He seems to relish the walk in the uplands and takes to the jagging paths and steep inclines with spry steps. Though as you get nearer the dragon's lair, his mood darkens.
It is an ill thing to confront a mighty cloud dragon in her lair, and worst still to go to one intending violence. I hope we can convince it to part with the key.
As they journey, Vashta summons the Tyrant.
"Should we try to approach with kind words, my dears," she asks, her appearance shifting to a smaller maiden and then a stern warrior, "or simply make sure the dragon understands that we will not suffer its behavior?"
"No harm in talking to him. There's still the possibility we can resolve this peacefully." Targrish doesn't hold much hope of talking a dragon out of his horde, but Vashta has pulled off similar jobs, in the past.
As you approach the lakeshore, you are caught by surprise as three flowering vine-like plants suddenly emerge from the foliage. They move to block your path as they point their trumpet-shaped flowers in your direction, then they unleash massive blasts of discordant noise!
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Though rattled by the unexpected trumpet blast, Oro thinks quickly about what these are and how best to attack them.
From his vantage, Oro can't see any good angle to attack these plants. Rather than waste an arrow, he tends to his own wounds. I'll have to keep myself in fighting shape if I'm to help the others later in the fight.
Things are really going badly. I may soon be joining the spirits. Deafened, badly concussed, Oro stumbles backward from the party, hoping those things can't sound their trumpets again immediately.
Orozomoc recognizes these plant creatures as oppalis. Stories passed down through generations refer to the oppali as a “bad luck vine” and warn against letting one take over a copse or garden, lest “your luck drain away like water down a hole.” Their poisonous tendrils cause misfortune in those they touch, but oppalis are weak to fire damage.
19 19 22
Head ringing, Targrish looks for the weaknesses of the plants, then charges in to attack.
for
Aicard withers as discordant noise overwhelms his senses. He's no music critic, but the tiefling is about to leave this sorry floral trio a scathing review.
He raises his shield and marches forward. The wall of wood and steel ought to be enough to keep his ears safe from further harm.
Fortitude:
Fortitude:
Fortitude:
Fortitude:
HP 0/173 (Toughness)
AC 27
Fort +13, Ref +11, Will +13; fire resistance 5 (crown), poison resistance 11 (brass dwarf), xx weakness 5? (brass dwarf)
Hero points: 2
Active Harrow Omen: The locksmith (keys)
Chaotic Destiny [x]; Incredible Improvisation []; crown of the fire eater []; ring of lies []
Focus Points: 1/1
Effects: Dying 2
Vashta collapses under the sheer amount of noise as it catches her and The Tyrant completely unprepared. The dragon disappears.
Targish slices one of the oppalis, scorching it with his superheated blade. It lashes out with its vines, striking the dwarf. The other two plants attack Aicard, landing two hits.
Critical Success The creature is unaffected and is temporarily immune to Drain Luck for 24 hours.
Success The creature takes 2d6 poison damage. Until the start of the creature's next turn, the creature must roll twice and take the worse result on all checks.
Failure The creature takes 2d6 persistent poison damage. For 1 round, the creature must roll twice and take the worse result on all checks.
Critical Failure The creature takes 4d6 persistent poison damage. For 1 minute, the creature must roll twice and take the worse result on all checks.
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Seeing the Tyrant blink out and Vashta go down, Oro dashes to her prone form and tries another medicinal cure.
Having brought her back from the brink, he reaches out to the spirits that abide within him. Healing energy pours through his hands and into Vashta. Finally, Oro clutches the talisman around his neck, where the little green firefly has been buzzing.
"I release you. Go in peace,"
With a sigh of relief, the firefly disperses into a fine mist, drawing away more of Vashta's wounds.
The dwarf resists some of the lash's sting, but he still feels his luck draining away. Still, his amulet negated most of the damage.
The dwarf intensifies his connection to his implements, then slashes at the plant while pressing his amulet against it.
or for
Aicard's ears stop ringing, but his world remains a place of utter discomfort. Whatever the plants 'do', nothing quite seems to work the way he wants it to!
Orozomoc heals Vashta, who summons the Tyrant again and send him into melee. Targrish and Aicard hack and scorch the damaged plant. All three oppalis fail to hit with their lashing vines!
HP 132/173 (Toughness)
AC 27
Fort +13, Ref +11, Will +13; fire resistance 5 (crown), poison resistance 11 (brass dwarf), xx weakness 5? (brass dwarf)
Hero points: 2
Active Harrow Omen: The locksmith (keys)
Chaotic Destiny [x]; Incredible Improvisation []; crown of the fire eater []; ring of lies []
Focus Points: 1/1
Effects:
Vashta, still on the ground, empowers The Tyrant, then stands up on shaky legs.
"Thank you, darling, I think we will be the best of friends in no time."
The Tyrant, back and furious that someone dared hurt Vashta, roars and lashes out in a frenzy!
Targrish's image splits, with one reflection appearing behind the plants, flanking with Aicard. He attacks the plants!
for
for
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Oro is glad to see Vashta back on her feet and the Tyrant back on the material plane. But, he can see also that Targrish is hurting and Aicard is poisoned.
He dashes forward and tries to patch up the dwarf...
...then tends to Aicard, trying to treat the poison.
Having treated his allies, he retreats to the relative safety of the back rank.
Aicard wails away at the plants with shield, fist and steel-kissed foot. Despite Oro's expert administrations, the poison continues to spread.
Targrish and Aicard team up to take out the first oppali, while the Tyrant tears at a second plant. Both remaining oppalis turn on the eidolon, battering him with their vines.
Critical Success The creature is unaffected and is temporarily immune to Drain Luck for 24 hours.
Success The creature takes 2d6 poison damage. Until the start of the creature's next turn, the creature must roll twice and take the worse result on all checks.
Failure The creature takes 2d6 persistent poison damage. For 1 round, the creature must roll twice and take the worse result on all checks.
Critical Failure The creature takes 4d6 persistent poison damage. For 1 minute, the creature must roll twice and take the worse result on all checks.
"Ah, c'mon! Don't be a bad sport, tap out will you still can!" But they're plants. Plants don't 'tap' out. Aicard bashes and smashes, but this lesson won't be learned no matter the punishment he dishes out.
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Seeing that the line has stabilized, Oro shifts to offense. Remembering what he knows of their anatomy, Oro draws a bead on a weak spot just below the petals.
A twinge of familiarity quavers in his mind. He'd consulted the stars at dawn and they spoke of this moment. Incorporating his awareness of fate with his own will, he tries to nudge it in a favorable direction, though he knows the stars augured ill.
He looses his arrow.
Critical Failure The creature takes 4d6 persistent poison damage. For 1 minute, the creature must roll twice and take the worse result on all checks.
Bolstered again by Vashta, The Tyrant roars out his fury at the attacks, and lashes out in a continuing frenzy.
HP 74/173 (Toughness)
AC 27
Fort +13, Ref +11, Will +13; fire resistance 5 (crown), poison resistance 11 (brass dwarf), xx weakness 5? (brass dwarf)
Hero points: 2
Active Harrow Omen: The locksmith (keys)
Chaotic Destiny [x]; Incredible Improvisation []; crown of the fire eater []; ring of lies []
Focus Points: 1/1
Effects:
Vashta's face hardens as luck turns against her draconic companion, though she can feel the brass dwarf leeching away the poison that flows through their bond.
"You will wither and die, plants!"
Swapping his focus to the red plant, Targrish steps up next to Aicard
and attacks.
for
Targrish and Aicard both land two hits on the second oppali, then Orozomoc takes it down with a precisely fired arrow! The Tyrant flails impotently at the final foe, the poison draining the eidolon's luck.
The last oppali uses its long reach to lash Targrish with its vines.
Critical Success The creature is unaffected and is temporarily immune to Drain Luck for 24 hours.
Success The creature takes 2d6 poison damage. Until the start of the creature's next turn, the creature must roll twice and take the worse result on all checks.
Failure The creature takes 2d6 persistent poison damage. For 1 round, the creature must roll twice and take the worse result on all checks.
Critical Failure The creature takes 4d6 persistent poison damage. For 1 minute, the creature must roll twice and take the worse result on all checks.
HP 74/173 (Toughness)
AC 27
Fort +13, Ref +11, Will +13; fire resistance 5 (crown), poison resistance 11 (brass dwarf), xx weakness 5? (brass dwarf)
Hero points: 2
Active Harrow Omen: The locksmith (keys)
Chaotic Destiny [x]; Incredible Improvisation []; crown of the fire eater []; ring of lies []
Focus Points: 1/1
Effects:
Seeing that The Tyrant and her luck has been turned against them, Vashta steps closer to the plant and invokes her magic.
"We've had just about enough of you!"
The Tyrant roars and snaps at the plant, only to have a stray bird fly into his jaws at the last moment.
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Seeing that the party has the monsters on the ropes, Oro decides to start patching up the fighters. He begins with Vashta/the Tyrant as she's closest.
Oro then hustles over to Targrish and applies some conventional medicine to him...
...and then releases another greenish wisp from inside the wicker fetish where it's been flitting.
While Orozomoc isn't able to patch his cursed wounds, various reactions reduce the damage somewhat.
Poison runs through his veins, effecting his luck, but he draws on his implements for protection and presses his amulet against the plant.
or for
With only one foe left, Aicard confidently strides forward to take care of the last oversized plant.
Targrish and Aicard both hit, the latter raising his shield. The oppali lashes out at Targrish, hitting the dwarf once.