Moon's strike misses the skeleton as it ducks her swing. Casina comes rushing to Maidie's aid and tries to get her out of the flank she's in with the lieutenant and the skeleton she'd run past.
She smashes the skeleton to pieces and provides some relief to the embattled wizard. Her eyes flare with holy fire as she locks them onto Asar.
"Dammerich has judged you and found you wanting. Prepare to receive your divine punishment," she says with a voice that rings like the death knell of the condemned. Gray-flamed celestial runes appear on her weapons and her armor as she invokes the empyreal lord's divine wrath against evil-doers.
Betzolte pulls around as she sees the skeleton behind Moon.
"NO YOU SLAGGING " she declare as she flanks it and strikes!
Betzolte's axe produces a line of sparks as it screams across Asar's armor, but fails to actually inflict any damage on the undead.
"Hey, do you want to see a magic trick... Maidie says to the undead surrounding her with a strained smile, barely managing not to cry out in pain from her deep wounds.
In the blink of an eye, she shifts position to a few feet away, in the protective shadow of Moon's giant form. Safely outside the reach of her enemies, she strides to stand besides Meep.
Holding up the Pearl of Power that Holgast gave her, she attunes herself its magic and instantly feels the arcane phrases and gestures of an already expended spell rush back into her mind. She utters the words as fast as they come to her, and a thick layer of slick grease form under Asar's feet.
"Outrun THAT, you bony coward!" she hisses then adds quietly to Meep: "I may need that potion back I gave you..."
Asar manages to keep his feet, almost as if Maidie's spell had no effect at all on him. Meep does as she's asked, handing Maidie the potion.
Asar's eyes flare with unholy light and hatred as he stares at the wizard.
"Your parlor tricks won't work on me."
Fate, however, could never resist a setup like that one. Asar falls flat on his back as he tries to move out of Maidie's grease spell.
Following the last command given to them, the skeletons chase after Maidie. Casina, however, isn't about to let the skeletons do as they please. Her morningstar smashes the unlife out of another skeleton as it tries to chase down the wizard. The other skeleton starts running up to Maidie, but to complicate matters for Moon, Asar's lieutenant sees the writing on the wall and is moving to run away.
Casina, seeing the target of her wrath down, charges in and takes a swing at Asar.
Her morningstar slams into Asar's breastplate, and he howls in impotent rage as the divine judgement of Dammerrich sears his very being.
The fleeing lieutenant is less of a threat for the moment, so Moon brings her blade down on the skeleton chasing Maidie.
The ranger slides right, making Asar’s retreat into the southern aisles more difficult before she slashes at the downed would-be dictator.
Arrows (20): xxxxx
Blunts (18): xxx
CLW (4): xxx
Enlarge Person = +2 STR, -2 DEX, -1 To HIT, -1 AC
Grobradon isn't sure he dare sling at any foe. The farthest one away is too far and obscured, and the other two are close enough to allies that a stray shot might hit one of them. He takes his chance, and flings it at the one on Maidie.
Moon smashes the last of the newly risen mooks, but Asar proves more slippery. The would-be dictator wriggles out of the way just enough to avoid the rangers devastating blow.
Grob was about to sling at the one on Maidie, but Moon's is quick, and lethal!
Apex predator was right.
Instead he moves closer to Asar himself. Maybe he can at least help block off an escape.
"NOT SO HIGH AND MIGHTY ARE YOU, ASAR?!" Betzolte crows.
she bellows as she joins the others in whaling on the fallen skeleton.
While her friends wail on the fallen Asar, Maidie calmly unstops the potion vial and drinks the content. Her breathing becomes a little less strained as the deep cuts partially heal.
Dropping her spent pearl back into her component pouch she glances at the fleeing lieutenant cowering in the corner.
"Going somewhere? Don't worry, we'll attend you shortly, just as soon as we are done teaching you master some manners." she says, her words dripping with as much acid as one of her cantrips.
Asar - 11/50 hp, Prone
Lieutenant - 30/30 hp
Meep pulls out a third potion and watches to see who might need it.
Asar manages to wiggle away from Betzolte's strike and tries to stand. He gains his feet, but in the process leaves himself open to attack, which Casina is all too happy to take advantage of.
Her morningstar slams into Asar's helm, denting it badly and cracking his skull.
Moon's blade cuts deep.
Asar's lieutenant barely takes one more step before Moon ends Asar's existence on Golarion. Much like before, it freezes as its master is destroyed. Even though its dazed state only lasts a few moments, the heroes of Kassen have already cornered it and destroyed it before it can do anything. With the last of the undead gone, the eerie fires in the braziers gutter out, leaving all of you in almost pitch darkness with only the faint light of the Everflame to guide you. After a few moments, the braziers reignite, like coals given new life by the wind. This time, their fires are warm, almost welcoming. With the crypt restored, the corpses that become undead turn to dust. There's only one thing left to do, gather a piece of the Everflame to return to Kassen.
Grobradon blinks as it grows dark, then shrugs. He sees in this fine, in that, then the lights come on again, and he blinks again.
"Well, THAT happened." He observes, "We need to get Father Prasst down here to make sure things stay at rest, I suspect but, going by the FEEL, things are better now. The natural cycle restored, and all that."
He approaches the everflame, "You guys mind if I gather the sliver while saying some respectful words? This is.. part of our history. Painful recent history it turns out."
Moon nods at Grob's request. "That seems appropriate." The large ranger wipes her blade clean and sheathes it before poking around the remains of Asar.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Maidie takes a moment to collect herself, then begins moving methodically through the large camber to make sure no more hidden threats are lurking.
Satisfied, she says to the others: "We should take the time to clean up the crypt and erase the defamations made by Asar and his minions. We should also get a good rest before heading back to Kassen. There are still the goblin tribe to consider, so we must move carefully."
Turning to Grobradon, she adds: "I recall reading that druids can charm small animals to serve as messengers. Can you do that? If so, we could send word ahead to let the town know what transpired here and that we're on our way back."
When the talking is done, she heads to chamber with the trees to heal the rest of her wounds.
"Nah, that's beyond my ..." He stops, "Actually, you know I think it might be in my power. I'll need to pray for it, then leave some food out for a bird that can carry a note and.. yeah. I can do that." He looks surprised, as if only now aware of new power entrusted to him by Gozreh
Moon examines the crypt in detail, trying to locate Asar's original resting place and any clues to what the Razmirans did here.
Arrows (20): xxxxx
Blunts (18): xxx
CLW (4): xxx
Betzolte raises her axe above her head with both hands and gives a hearty laugh. Then she drops her arms down and sighs.
"We did it! We won! We battled Kassen's oldest enemy, and we won!"
Then she hears Grobradon quip and hustles over to him and gives him a punch in the arm.
"Hey, none of that! None of that. It's not marvelous."
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Moon finds Asar's original resting place on the other side of the block of stone behind Ekat Kassen's sarcophagus. It appears that someone had disturbed the old war lord's final slumber judging by the scattering of crowbars and poles that appear to have been used to lift and move the lid. It would seem that many did not survive the experience, if the bloodstains on the floor are any indication.
After gathering up anything of value that had been left behind by the undead, the heroes gather around the Everflame. Before they can light the lantern they had been given, the spirit of Ekat Kassen rises from his final resting place and walks through the flame to stand before you.
"Well done, young heroes," he says in a baritone voice that would have rang out loud and clear over the battlefield in life. "I thank you for the bravery and tenacity that you have shown in defeating Asar Vergas once more. I fear that this may only be the beginning of your troubles, however."
He looks around at each of you. His eyes are filled with paternal pride and worry.
"You may have already guessed the reason for Asar's reawakening. Tomb robbers disturbed our rest. They took from our graves only one thing, the pieces to a key that both Asar and I held onto after we had promised each other that we would never again visit the place where we had found so much treasure and the seed of a greed that borders on madness. It called to me, and only my efforts to build up the town you call Kassen kept it from consuming me. I fear the same can not be said of my companions. Asar was indeed my friend before we parted ways, but after, he grew convinced I had cheated him and our other companion, Iramine. That was why he attacked the town I was trying to build. With us dead, I had hoped that we would have taken the secrets about the treasure we found to the grave. Alas, I appear to have been naive."
He looks at a spot on the wall where one of the few frescos to escape defacement is. It's of an elven woman, beautiful and graceful.
"Iramine is the only other one that knows of where that cursed treasure horde we found is. She's also the only one that knew we two had the other parts of the key one would need to find that place again. I fear she is the one that is behind this desecration. It pains me to think that she too has given into that madness."
The specter turns back to face the party of heroes, a grave expression creasing his face.
"You must prepare yourselves. The curs that stole the pieces of the key from mine and Asar's corpses will soon learn that the one around my neck was a fake, and I fear they will tear my town, your home, apart to find it. All I can grant you is this, a boon to aid you and a blessing to protect you."
He holds out his hand towards the heroes and begins to pray. The warmth of the Everflame grows and each feels it growing within them as well. After a few moments, the room grows bright, too bright, and causes everyone to close their eyes against the glare. When they can once again see, Ekat's spirit is gone. The lantern has been lit, and the flame within appears to be a miniature of the Everflame, down to how it sways and dances.
"Again, I thank you," Ekat Kassen's voice echoes through the crypt.
There are two boons that you have been given. First, when you make an attack roll or cast a spell, you can declare that you are using the Kassen's boon on that attack or spell. If it is an attack, it is an automatic hit and critical hit that does max damage. If it is a spell, all targets affected by the spell fail their saving throws and are affected by the spell for the max duration. If the spell does damage, it does double max damage for the duration of the spell.
The second boon is that if a character with this boon dies, they are instead brought back to 0 HP and affected as if by a sanctuary spell until you are back in a safe place.
Both boons are only usable once.
Looking over the damage done to the crypt, it appears that it will take more than the skills the heroes have among themselves to repair the damage. Thankfully, it appears that some magic cast over the crypt is cleaning things. The pool before the last chamber, the one that had ensorcelled Betzolte, is once again clean and clear. The corruption having been expunged by whatever blessings guard this place. While it is only mid afternoon by the time the Heroes of Kassen are all back outside, they feel the aches and pains from their fight through the crypt. Once again, they make camp in the gorge. The sky overhead is clear and the stars and waning moon shine down on all of you. It would appear Desna's smile also shone down that night as the next two days pass without incident as the heroes head back to Kassen. It's not until the town is in sight that a problem occurs.
===
Meep hides behind Moon as the party rounds the final bend and can see their home at last. The afternoon sun is dipping low now, more than halfway to the horizon, and without its warmth, the air takes on a noticeable chill. The ranger can feel the tiny goblin shaking in her shadow.
"I-is Meep allowed," she asks. "M-meep g-g-goblin. Town hate goblins. Town hate Meep?"
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Moon crouches down to regard the goblin. "You heard what Kassen said and you felt his presence - you are a hero, Meep. And heroes go where they want, especially if they have friends. Some townsfolk are going to need time to get used to you. Until they do, every one of us is going to look out for you. Now climb up on my back. No one gets to you without going through me."
She assists the goblin onto her back and starts walking.
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"Hey, none of that! None of that. It's not marvelous."
He rubs his shoulder "What? I can't have viewpoints?"
****When the spirit arises...
Grobradon got ready for a FIGHT, then realized, oh, this is the spirit of the GOOD guy and founder
And he listens to Kassen "We'll pass on warning to our elders. May you find rest, or at least a pleasant next turn on the wheel."
The lantern catches fire, and he nods "Well, that's done. Not crazy about the news we got, but better than ignorance."
***
on the trip there, he apologizes to Moon, "Sorry about that stupid 'corruption' talk. Just for a moment I thought it was another 'orc blood is filthy' comment and I get tired of those, and I thought there was presuming against you as well. I need to get a thicker skin" He admits
****
When they get to near their village, and Meep worries, he nods, "Moon's right. THe founder of our town called you a hero, Meep. The folks that doesn't work for, well, they aren't worth worrying about. But if someone threatens you, you tell one of us right away. Okay? We'll keep you safe. You're part of our pack now."
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On the trip there, he apologizes to Moon, "Sorry about that stupid 'corruption' talk. Just for a moment I thought it was another 'orc blood is filthy' comment and I get tired of those, and I thought there was presuming against you as well. I need to get a thicker skin" He admits
Moon gives Grob a confused look for a long moment – the length of time it takes her to recall the comment. It felt like it had happened a lifetime ago. It takes her another moment longer to comment as she tries to recall if she’s ever heard Grob apologize to anyone for anything before. She’s pretty sure she hasn’t which means this is… significant. ”You don’t need to apologize, not to me. We don’t get treated kindly sometimes. I guess it’s different for you, though. Elves would never say my blood was tainted. They just look down on me – like I’m damaged – as if that is somehow nobler than calling me a half-breed to my face.”
She chuckles quietly, ”I’m a bit relieved, truth be spoken. For a time there, when you were talking about ‘corruption’, I thought you might be one of those holier-than-thou people who thinks laying with a girl is sinful and regrets it. You’re not… like that, right?” She glances at the half-orc, trying to measure his reaction, maybe hoping the scales tip in the right direction.
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Moon gives Grob a confused look for a long moment – the length of time it takes her to recall the comment. It felt like it had happened a lifetime ago. It takes her another moment longer to comment as she tries to recall if she’s ever heard Grob apologize to anyone for anything before. She’s pretty sure she hasn’t which means this is… significant. ”You don’t need to apologize, not to me. We don’t get treated kindly sometimes. I guess it’s different for you, though. Elves would never say my blood was tainted. They just look down on me – like I’m damaged – as if that is somehow nobler than calling me a half-breed to my face.”
Grobradon listens to that, letting the idea of those challenges she has to face, different from his own ,sink in, "Damaged? You're just a different kind of whole being is all. Sides, I saw you fight. You are not damaged, but you are a major supplier OF damage to those that piss you off." Admiration there.
She chuckles quietly, ”I’m a bit relieved, truth be spoken. For a time there, when you were talking about ‘corruption’, I thought you might be one of those holier-than-thou people who thinks laying with a girl is sinful and regrets it. You’re not… like that, right?” She glances at the half-orc, trying to measure his reaction, maybe hoping the scales tip in the right direction.
Grobradon snorts, "Oh GODS no! I mean, I'm supposed to honor nature and, to be plain, that is... just about as natural as it gets. I follow Gozreh, not Erastil..I mean, I respect old Deadeye but some of the teachings are too rigid for me. Nah, my problem would be my obnoxious grinning for hours after. THAT might get on a girl's nerves" He admits with a wolfish grin of his own. Then he recalls, and admits, "Well, there was this girl in the village who made me promise not to tell anyone we had been intimate. So I had to clamp down on the smile there. I can't name her. Oath is an oath, but it took some of the pleasure out of the aftermath that she was ashamed to share her bed with me. But I'm over it now. Her choice to be scared of what others think and we've both moved on." He doesn't appear to be bragging about a conquest with this nameless woman of the village, just as open as he's allowed.
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"Damaged? You're just a different kind of whole being is all. Sides, I saw you fight. You are not damaged, but you are a major supplier OF damage to those that piss you off."
”Thanks. Arnama is a great teacher.” She blushes slightly and deflects the subject quickly. ”Damaged isn’t the right word perhaps.” She struggles to articulate her experience. ”Humans treat me like I’m exotic - a hothouse flower. Some elves see me like I have inherited a disease…” She slides into a tut-tutting imitation of a man’s voice, ”What a pity. Moon would have been a fine elf if only she hadn’t been afflicted with humanity.” She switches back to her own voice, ”And other elves – the worst ones – they act like they are the popular debutantes in town and I’m the bucktoothed girl with no tits.” She lets out an exasperated breath, ”I didn’t intend to go on like that. It’s just… frustrating… so I get why you said what you said.”
Grobradon snorts, "Oh GODS no! I mean, I'm supposed to honor nature and, to be plain, that is... just about as natural as it gets…”
”Oh, GOOD.” She quickly downplays her reaction, ”I mean it’s good that you value nature’s ways, it’s… it’s just good.”
”Well, there was this girl in the village who made me promise not to tell anyone we had been intimate.”
Shock, then anger, crosses the ranger’s face. She shakes her head. ”You don’t do that… not to anyone. Keeping an intimate moment private, I get. But hiding it like a guilty secret? NO. Don’t do anything or anyone you aren’t willing to own. Grob, just give me a little nudge when we see her. I’m gonna punch her in the…", she debates some very off-color but appropriate part parts to punch before settling on the least eyebrow-raising option, "...gut.”
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”Thanks. Arnama is a great teacher.” She blushes slightly and deflects the subject quickly. ”Damaged isn’t the right word perhaps.” She struggles to articulate her experience. ”Humans treat me like I’m exotic - a hothouse flower. Some elves see me like I have inherited a disease…” She slides into a tut-tutting imitation of a man’s voice, ”What a pity. Moon would have been a fine elf if only she hadn’t been afflicted with humanity.” She switches back to her own voice, ”And other elves – the worst ones – they act like they are the popular debutantes in town and I’m the bucktoothed girl with no t~*+.” She lets out an exasperated breath, ”I didn’t intend to go on like that. It’s just… frustrating… so I get why you said what you said.”
He sneers at the 'opinions' of visiting elves regarding her looks and grunts sympathetically at her frustration.
”Oh, GOOD.” She quickly downplays her reaction, ”I mean it’s good that you value nature’s ways, it’s… it’s just good.”
For a moment , he ponders explaining how it could be so much better than good when they get a bit of practice in, but druids are known for being wise. So he nails down that response before it gets him in trouble.
Shock, then anger, crosses the ranger’s face. She shakes her head. ”You don’t do that… not to anyone. Keeping an intimate moment private, I get. But hiding it like a guilty secret? NO. Don’t do anything or anyone you aren’t willing to own. Grob, just give me a little nudge when we see her. I’m gonna punch her in the…", she debates some very off-color but appropriate part parts to punch before settling on the least eyebrow-raising option, "...gut.”
Now, Grobradon DOES speak, shaking his head, "No. I mean, yes she shouldn't treat people like that, but no, I am not betraying my word and outing her with a nudge or anything else. I'm not going to weasel around my pledge..." A bit of amusement slips out, "Even if it would be mildly entertaining to see her run for her life while you hunted her through the village square." SOme part of him is surprised she's so angry about this, almost as angry now as he was hurt then, "her doing that really upsets you, huh?"
Okay, his wisdom isn't perfect and he might sometimes state the obvious.
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"Even if it would be mildly entertaining to see her run for her life while you hunted her through the village square."
Moon smiles at the image and it mollifies her anger somewhat. She counters jokingly, ”I suggest a compromise… You pick out three girls. Two that you simply don’t like and the vile harpy. Then I will chase all three through town whipping them with a willow switch without knowing which one is the culprit. Everybody wins.”
"Her doing that really upsets you, huh?"
”Yes. You disrespect the person, you disrespect what is shared between you. If a man – no a boy – did that to me I would… I would break his plow. He would not be tilling any other fields without pain for quite some time.”
Maidie listens intently to the ghost of their hometown's founder as he tells his tale.
"Tomb robbers wearing masks of Razmir, a cursed treasure and a mad elf. This has turned out to be much more than a coming-of-age tradition. Kassen is right, we must return home and prepare as best we can, because this is far from over."
She marvels at the magic that restores the crypt to its original state.
"Your father can be proud of his role in building the crypt, Betzolte. It's truly a wonderous place, protected by powerful magic. I'm glad we managed to cleanse it of Asar's unholy influence."
On the trip home, she studies her spellbook with great vigor, and discovers that her practical experience during their adventure in the crypt has given her a new understanding of spellcasting that her theoretical studies could never have revealed.
Maidie smiles when Moon hoist Meep onto her shoulders.
"Moon is right, Meep. You're a hero of Kassen now, and we'll make sure to let everyone know that. I'm certain we can also find you somewhere nice to live if you want to stay with us."
She does her best not to eavesdrop on the conversation between Moon and Grob, but the sexual talk does bring a slight flush to her cheeks.
She quickly pushes those thoughts aside, absentmindedly rubbing the almost invisible scar in her chest where the skeletal champion's arrow struck her.
It's nice that they can still think about love at a time like this. I hope they get some time alone together before danger rears its ugly head again.
Moon smiles at the image and it mollifies her anger somewhat. She counters jokingly, ”I suggest a compromise… You pick out three girls. Two that you simply don’t like and the vile harpy. Then I will chase all three through town whipping them with a willow switch without knowing which one is the culprit. Everybody wins.”
A chuff of amusement, "Still have to pass." She IS fierce and he likes that about her but what she is suggesting still sounds like more trouble all around than it is worth.
Though, there are a few girls that he'd be tempted to name for their general cruelty. Moon probably knows the same ones.
"Her doing that really upsets you, huh?"”Yes. You disrespect the person, you disrespect what is shared between you. If a man – no a boy – did that to me I would… I would break his plow. He would not be tilling any other fields without pain for quite some time.”
Grobradon fights the urge to wince at the imagery that metaphor invokes, but he respects her ire and her stance, "Then, if... something good happens for us, let's not ruin it with disrespect." He suggests then quieter "if we get time, maybe meet in the clearing, the one you made your own? We could bring a basket of food... i'd get that, a blanket, and ourselves. "
A chuff of amusement, "Still have to pass."
Moon sticks her tongue out briefly. ”As you wish… Ladykiller.”
She looks at their companions, who are studiously (and quite thoughtfully) trying to ignore their conversation. Playfully, she points at Maidie’s back and silently mouths, It was her, right? That b!tch!
Despite her show of playfulness, in Moon’s heart, the matter isn’t settled. She knows girls; they like to talk. And if her burgeoning relationship with Grob becomes public knowledge – and why would it not – then the backbiting minx or one of her friends might say something about who ‘had’ the half-orc first – a goad and a ‘trophy’ of sorts. Moon could ignore the cattiness but not the additional disrespect to the druid. It wouldn’t go unanswered. Grob could take the high road, Moon was under no such obligation.
He suggests then quieter "if we get time, maybe meet in the clearing, the one you made your own? We could bring a basket of food... I'd get that, a blanket, and ourselves. "
Moon doesn’t trust herself to speak with the competing emotions in her pounding heart. She blushes then nods.
Grobradon nearly chokes trying to swallow the laugh that threatens to issue out as Moon playfully begins her detective work by pointing at Maidie's back.
But when she nods, he instead breaks into a broad grin, "Good."
And he resumes walking with her in silence. But there is a bit of mischief in HIS eyes, and he sways on and off the path, then back to her side again.
If the ranger bothers to check, she may realize he's not leaving any trail as he walks! No footprints in anything green, it as if he never passed through.
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Moon raises an eyebrow at Grob's vanishing tracks. The second time he goes off trail, she takes a minute to follow him to search for any trace of his passage.
She gives him a smile, "I see that a game of 'Hide & Seek' with you will be very challenging. Of course..." She hitches a thumb behind her to indicate her own set of footprints that have also disappeared. "Don't expect I'm easy prey, either."
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He is surprised, then grins even wider, "Okay, if you get any more amazing I'm going to freaking swoon."
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She laughs, "I'll try to be less dazzling... in public."
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Grobradon tries not to let that banter distract him too much. Be embarrassing if his daydreams of possible private dazzling caused him to walk into a tree. That kind of 'one with nature' is not what the goal is.
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Meep looks at the others as Casina nods in agreement with Grob, Maidie, and Moon. She takes in a deep breath to steady her nerves and walks beside the Heroes of Kassen as they enter the town. There's a tension to the air that wasn't there before, that is until the men watching the road recognize the returning heroes. When they see that all of you are live, cheers ring out as the townsfolk swam all of you. The next few minutes are a blur as you make your way to the Greathall. Family members and friends, both new and old wrap you up in tearful and joyful embraces as the feast that was prepared more in hope than anything else is finished and both food and drinks are passed around.
Culver spots Grob and Moon sitting together, and ribs his friend about the budding romance between them. Bimbur, Keth, and Voronoy stop by to congratulate the heroes, as well.
Maidie's family swarms the heroes, her parents and older siblings thanking everyone for keeping her safe while her younger siblings and nieces and nephews beg for stories about what happened. They take particular interest in Meep, who is obviously overwhelmed by everything going on. With the constant stream of questions and demands for a story, the little goblin's face turns beet-red as her shyness takes hold.
Betzolte's parents stay by their daughter's side, happy to have her back safe and sound. Braggar asks her about Meep, wondering where they picked her up at and where her table manners came from. Morg just shakes her head reminds him to behave.
Grobradon's mother sits on the other side of him from Moon. She lets the others ask questions and do the talking for the moment, but it's clear that she has several for her son.
Arnama sits next to Moon and listens as the tale of what happened in the Crypt of the Everflame unfolds. Moon knows her mentor well enough that something is going on behind the smiles and laughter. She'd seen the concern in her eyes more than once as she learned at the ranger's side.
At some point, Casina slips away with her aunt and uncle. The young paladin talks with them long into the night and almost to the dawn. Whatever happened, it appears that there's a change in Casina as she seems calmer and more cheerful after that long conversation.
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Moon tries to engage in the festivities but it is all so strange… the events of the last few days, sitting next to Grob, thinking about what might happen between them, being celebrated in a town that largely ignored her until now, noting (unsurprised) her father’s absence, considering the threat Kassen mentioned, and worrying about Meep who was even more of a wallflower than Moon herself. She smiles and speaks, trying to be more outgoing… but her mind can’t seem to hold a thought. She rises abruptly and kneels down in front of Grob’s mother, laying a hand gently on the blind-lady’s knee. ”Madam Ventar? I am Moon, daughter of Akechi Temue. May I get you something to eat or drink?”
When Moon mentions her father, Coldanna's smile falters. She places her hands over Moon's and holds them gently for a moment.
"Thank you, my dear, but I have nearly had my fill. Much more and I may pop," she says with a chuckle.
Moon can't help but notice how the older woman's smile becomes brittle. That will be father's legacy in this town.
She keeps her tone light, "Of course, Madam Ventar. If you change your mind, please call on me." She rises, "Grobradon, would you like anything? I'm getting a plate for myself. Between Arnama and me, I'm sure we can bring you something, provided you don't ask for a stack of ribs."
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Grobradon is not used to... well, being treated this warmly by so many. Orc blooded, and sometimes surly, he's not made many friends so he's surprised but he goes along with it. Partly because he's still in a good mood regarding Moon and he.. well, getting along. Who knows what the future might bring, it could suck! But for now? It's rather nice.
And there are other reasons to be quite happy too, like seeing an old friend is okay.
Culver spots Grob and Moon sitting together, and ribs his friend about the budding romance between them. Bimbur, Keth, and Voronoy stop by to congratulate the heroes, as well.
He mutters softly to Culver as Culver teases, "Don't make me stuff you in a backpack , funny guy." then he adds, "Thanks for looking in on mom and delivering that letter."
He greets the others with nods and accepts their congratulations as politely as he can manage.Grobradon's mother sits on the other side of him from Moon. She lets the others ask questions and do the talking for the moment, but it's clear that she has several for her son.
Oh he has questions for her, "Any chores I need to do? Did you have any trouble? I know you can manage things fine but there are still something I should do instead of you if possible."
”Madam Ventar? I am Moon, daughter of Akechi Temue. May I get you something to eat or drink?”
"Moon's been sharing wood guide duties with me with the group only she's even tougher in a fight." His voice is full of pride for the ranger . And, while she might not know it, Moon's gentleness and courtesy to his mother makes Grobradon appreciate her even more.
She keeps her tone light, "Of course, Madam Ventar. If you change your mind, please call on me." She rises, "Grobradon, would you like anything? I'm getting a plate for myself. Between Arnama and me, I'm sure we can bring you something, provided you don't ask for a stack of ribs."
"No stack of ribs? I'll starve!" He faux laments, then says "If it's no trouble? Sure. Mom's got that 'interogation look' on her face anyway. At least a rib or two for real though? I am craving meat."
His mother gives him a LOOK"AND a few vegtables too, if you don't mind." He adds hastily "I trust your judgement. Later I'll get us the desserts" Fair is fair after all
Moon smiles, "I cannot allow a 'hero of Kassen' to starve or be denied vegetables." She shoots a quick look at Arnama. The other ranger clearly had a couple things on her mind and Moon was making it easy for them to sneak away for a short private conversation.
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"More than fine to have opinions, just don't sound like a character in a hack bard's tale when you do," Betzolte replies to Grobradon, sticking her tongue out at him. "You're better than that!"
Upon seeing the spirit of Ekat Kassen himself appear, she immediately gets serious and does her best attempt at a curtsy, her hauberk jingling as she lifts its edges.
"It's an honor and a pleasure to have rendered this service to the town and to you, beloved Founder."
Betzolte's brow furrows as she listens to Ekat's explanation of what led to these dark events, and it becomes clear this story isn't over. She draws A Father's Love and salutes him with the clan dagger in the traditional dwarven way.
"On my honor as a daughter of the Ironhame clan and a child of Kassen, I'll stand to protect her with both axe and spell until the danger is defeated. Thus swear I."
Maidie listens intently to the ghost of their hometown's founder as he tells his tale.
"Tomb robbers wearing masks of Razmir, a cursed treasure and a mad elf. This has turned out to be much more than a coming-of-age tradition. Kassen is right, we must return home and prepare as best we can, because this is far from over."
She marvels at the magic that restores the crypt to its original state.
"Your father can be proud of his role in building the crypt, Betzolte. It's truly a wonderous place, protected by powerful magic. I'm glad we managed to cleanse it of Asar's unholy influence."
"Aye, Maidie. Should maybe ask him about what Ekan said: if anyone knows about cursed hoards and the greed they inspire it's us dwarves," Betzolte replies to Maidie, appearing a little hesitant to smile at her own joke. "I imagine me and Papa will have a lot more to talk about when we get home than we've had in years. I gotta wonder how he managed to keep all this secret when you know how he can blurt things out when someone sets him off."
She spends the trip home similarly engrossed in her spellbook and how much stronger she felt in both arm and mind after experiencing true adventure, and trying to balance in mind her excitement at the prospect of new adventures to come with the understanding that this was no game, and people's lives would depend on her.
During the trip, she suggests Meep carry the Everflame's lantern, as a tacit statement of the group's acceptance of her and to give Meep another chance to feel special and important, something she figured would boost the little goblin's confidence.
She grimaces a bit when they come close and Meep's anxieties resurface, but as soon as the others sweep her up and reassure her, she smiles again.
"Aye, this is as close to a 'happy ending' as we could have gotten for this, and it wouldn't have happened without you, Meep. Thanks to you, a whole lot of lives were saved, and I don't think anyone's gonna argue with the ghost of Ekat Kassen himself calling you a hero! Even my father wouldn't...though to give you a heads-up, he can be a bit...loud and easy to provoke, but he wouldn't hurt you. Just give him some time to rant and he'll calm down and say he's sorry. Or tell my ma and she'll frown at him and shut him up right quick."
When they arrive Betzolte rushes over to her parents and gives her father a big hug and then her mother.
"I've so much to tell you and so much to ask you! I found your name on the wall in the Crypt! You never said you'd helped build it, that's so cool!" she babbles.
As they enter for the feast, Betzolte tears into the meal with gusto, returning for a second and third helping. To her father's questions about Meep, she covers the basics and as to her table manners she just shrugs.
"Seems she's just a naturally dainty goblin, I guess. Certainly daintier than you and me, Papa!" she replies with a chuckle.
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At the party, Maidie insists that Meep sits close to her. Despite the groups combined efforts to ensure the little goblin is respected and recognized for her participation in clearing the crypt, Maidie wants to be able to comfort her if the attention gets overwhelming.
She does her best to tell the story of how they defeated Asur and his minons, carefully curating the facts and leaving key parts out. This is both the shelter the young from all the gory details and in case the cult of Razmir has somehow infiltrated Kassen. She can’t help but cast nervous glances at her fellow townsfolk, wondering if there are some among them who can not be trusted.
After a while, when she is certain that Meep is OK, she excuses herself and slips out of her seat. She seeks out both Holgast and her brother Garth separately for private conversations.
It is no surprise that she finds Garth outside the hall, sitting quietly under the stars. Recalling his letter, she can’t help glancing up at the moon, a pale sliver among the drifting clouds. Full moon still weeks away.
”Thank you for your letter and your lessons, brother. You were right, some things we had to experience for ourselves to understand them. Although…there were certain lessons I would rather have been without,” she says, pulling aside her shirt to reveal the arrow scar over her heart.
”It is fortunate that we Henrods are so hard to kill. And I’m afraid that there may be more danger ahead. I don’t want anyone else in the family to worry, but I know you appreciate being told that trouble may be coming.”
She spends a while explaining about what they learned in the Crypt and about Iramine. Then she seeks out Holgast.
Maidie spots her former mentor sitting in the corner of the great hall, where he is sipping from a tankard and blowing smoke rings from his pipe.
Sitting down besides him, she holds up her hand with the silver band of the Master’s Touch shining off her left ring finger.
”Many thanks for the generous gifts and kind words, Master. While you are right that experience is the best teacher, I would likely not have survived without your lessons.”
She locks gaze with the old wizard, as if to reassure herself that he really is not as senile as he has been letting on. Reassured by the clear flicker of mirth and intelligence in his eyes, she repeats the tale of Ekat Kassen’s warning, the Razmir cultist and Iramine.
”Even though you wrote that you had nothing further to teach me, I would like revisit your library. We should learn as much as we can about Iramine, Asar and Ekat Kassen, especially what they did before Ekat founded this town. There are also a few more spells I would like to copy out of you spellbook, with your permission. “
After talking to Garth and Holgast, she seeks out her companions.
”I hope everyone are enjoying the celebration. It sure is nice to be home, but once this party is over, I think all of us had better go visit the Mayor and the rest of the city council. We have a warning to deliver.”
Moon smiles, "I cannot allow a 'hero of Kassen' to starve or be denied vegetables." She shoots a quick look at Arnama. The other ranger clearly had a couple things on her mind and Moon was making it easy for them to sneak away for a short private conversation.
Grobradon blushes at the hero talk. Anyone else said it, he'd just scoff. But for Moon, well, it means more. Catches him off guard.
I actually value her opinion. No one warned me about that part. It was almost annoying in a way.
When Moon departs to get the food (And get her private convo with her mentor), Grobradon turns to his mother and lowers his voice
"Mom, How IS everything here? For you? normally you've got me to be your eyes. Don't be too proud now."
And he adds, "And before you ask, yes, Moon and I are hitting it off so far. I .. like her. But I'm not gonna presume how far it will or won't go."
Moon heads to the table holding the cornucopia of foods. Now that most people are already eating, it is relatively empty of prying ears. Moon grabs two plates and begins filling them slowly, letting Arnama draw close. She glances at her mentor a couple times. Characteristically, Arnama doesn’t speak first, obliging Moon to break the silence.
Her first comments are for public ears, if any are pricked. ”Your letter… what you told me, it means a great deal to me.” She pats the letter that still resides close to her heart in the hidden pocket below her armor. ”It made me cry, and that is rare. Your gifts and your training I put to good use. They kept me and the others alive. Thank you for all of them.”
She sidles a little closer and speaks very quietly, in the direct manner both women favored.
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Arnama chuckles as Coldanna, Grobradon's mother, gives him a mock glower. She smiles sweetly as he concedes and thanks Moon for fetching him a plate and giving them a chance to talk.
Seeing Moon's look, she excuses herself, saying she'll help Moon, and gets up to follow her protege.
"I guess my secret's out," Braggar says with a chuckle when Betzolte mentions finding his name in the crypt. "I did most of the ironwork. Never really had the knack for working with stone."
When the conversation turns to Meep and her table manners, Morg laughs at her daughter's observation. It's true that Meep is being very dainty, taking nibbles rather than tearing big chunks off and out of her food as some of the other townsfolk are doing. That said, however, it appears that she does have a goblin's voracious appetite after all, if the small stack of plates next to her is any indication.
"Oh it depends, Betzy," Morg giggles. "Your father can be quite dainty when he puts his mind to it. I'm sure you'll figure it out one day."
Braggar's cough and sudden blush at the smokey look in his wife's eyes gives more than enough clues as to when he's put his mind to it.
It takes a little while for Meep's nerves to settle, but once they do, she is fascinated by both the food and the children who are just as interested in her, mostly in getting her to play. After she's had her fill, she looks to Maidie to see if its alright if she joins her younger siblings, nieces, and nephews in their fun. The adults tense for a moment, until they see that Meep is beign as careful as she can. Still, they keep a wary eye on the goblin as she learns some new games and becomes the town's new Hide-and-Seek champ.
The moon is only half-full, having been almost a week since it was full. Still the light is enough to cast a silvery glow over the town where the light from the Greathall doesn't touch. Garth starts to wave off your thanks when he sees the scar. He frowns at the sight, but lets you tell you tale before saying anything. After you finish telling him of what happened and Ekat's warning, he pulls you into a tight embrace.
"Dimira, Anislee, and the others told me about that," he says, referring to the scar from where an arrow had nearly taken your life. "I'm glad you're alright. And yeah, we're hard to kill, but that doesn't make us immortal."
The silence that follows is deafening as he holds you like your father had when you had returned from the Crypt of the Everflame. Whatever else may have happened to him, he still deeply loves and cares for his family. After a while, he lets go and gives you a smile.
"I'll make sure the Mayor and the rest of the town's council stay up so they can hear this from all of you," he says, guessing at your intentions.
As you look closely at Holgast, you see a twinkle in his eyes and a gleam of a sharp wit hiding behind his mask of senility. A mask that falls away as he listens to you relay Ekat Kassen's warning.
"Firstly, I believe that it is up to the student to apply the teachings of the master correctly. I may have given you some of the knowledge, but it was you who had to figure out how to best make use of it. Secondly, given the grim tidings you have given me, I would be happy for you and Betzolte to add any spells that you two think you would need. I would appreciate some help in penning spell scrolls I believe we will need in return. Lastly, I fear that you'll find little about the town in my library. I was never all that interested in Kassen's history. I do have copies of some of the town's records and history, but Mayor Uptal is the one that would most likely have what you seek." The old wizard puffs on his pipe and blows smoke out his nose.
"Iramine, I wish I could recall why that name sounds familiar to me," he mutters to himself before turning his attention back to Maidie.
"Unless I have missed my guess, you wish to tell the Mayor of what you've been told tonight, yes? I'm sure that the rest of the town's council will need to be there. I better make sure that Olmira is dressed and Colbin hasn't drunk himself into a stupor yet. I'm sure they're going to want to talk to the goblin girl you brought back, too." He sighs before smirking at you. "It's times like these that I wish I'd gotten a familiar instead of bonding to my father's ring. I'd ask if I could borrow Tanglefoot, but I don't think petting a hedgehog would relieve all that much stress, no?"
He stands and grimaces as his knees pop and crack. After reassuring you that he's alright, he heads off to find Olmira and Colbin.
Your mother smiles and pats your hand as you ask after her and talk about your relationship with Moon.
"I'm doing well. Olmira, has been checking up on me, and Aelna has been helping me around the house. Culver too, when he's not getting up to mischief with Jimes. They're hardly the only ones. Most of the town does what they can to look out for me."
She smiles and squeezes your hand.
"It seems to me that Moon likes you, too. I have a feeling that you two will get to know each other a lot more. I just wish you'd waited for her instead of sleeping with that Gloriana Mora girl," she tells you, her smile disappearing as she reveals that she knows about that one-night stand you had and with whom. Sensing your surprise, she laughs, though there's only a little humor in it.
"Grobradon, my son. You are a great many things, good at hiding your feelings is not one of them. I knew something happened between you, and Olmira happened to know what happened and the promise you made, so we kept it quiet. I'm happy that you've found someone that you can trust your heart to, and from what Arnama has told me, Moon is not the type that will go breaking it." She smiles, happy that you've found someone even if it's early days yet, but the smile fades as she looks you in the eyes. Her tone dark and serious.
"And it's a good thing that you are like that, too. I feel that she'll be needing you more than ever," she says.
Arnama blushes and looks more than a little distressed when you thank her for the letter she wrote and mention that it made your cry. She starts to protest and apologize when you move in and begin whispering. Her face pales and she can't meet your eyes as she replies.
"Moon, how about you stay with me after this," she asks.
After a little while, Maidie comes by and gathers you all up. Garth meets with her at the entry of the Greathall and guides you to the church where Mayor Uptal, Colbin Ventar, Holgast, Olmira, Father Prasst, Braggar, and Trelvar Silvers are all gathered in the main sanctuary. With them is a man that has been the subject of many rumors since coming to Kassen almost three months ago, Cyredar Rovolov.
"Garth and Holgast told me some of what happened after Gerol, Vark and the others left the Crypt. I'd like for all of you to tell us what happened and what you found," the mayor says, his tone and demeanor unusually grim.