When the suggested juicy mutton, baked potatoes, and veggies were placed before her, Alice smiled relieved, and happily dug in.
Her thrush familiar was acting up, in the master-familiar speech wanting to know why she didn't order any bread or seeds for it.
The response was merely it was a repay for getting Alice fuzz, and she'd feed it later.
With Ulricha and Vandomir at the table, Alice stopped to ponder their get together like this was a first. All of them, and the ones getting drunk elsewhere, had mainly been underway.
"I'm a bit curious, Ulricha, Vandomir. What are you seeking in this land? Fame, adventure? A test of strength?", as she kindly hinted at Ulricha's imposing physique.
"PERKS PLEASE!" Both paladin and hare said in unison.
d6 Effect
1 You glow faintly. Shedding dim light in 10 ft.
2 You can hover 1 inch off the ground (no mechanical benefit).
3 Your voice echoes with two layers—yours and a second, whispering version.
4 You can smell emotions as colors.
5 Once in the next hour, cast Prestidigitation at will.
6 Your eyes briefly resemble a starfield; advantage on Insight checks for 1 hour.
d6 Effect
1 You glow faintly. Shedding dim light in 10 ft.
2 You can hover 1 inch off the ground (no mechanical benefit).
3 Your voice echoes with two layers—yours and a second, whispering version.
4 You can smell emotions as colors.
5 Once in the next hour, cast Prestidigitation at will.
6 Your eyes briefly resemble a starfield; advantage on Insight checks for 1 hour.
"Like many, I came for a chance to start anew. The reasons are unimportant. My stock in trade is Roci, really. There are plenty of men here who can wield a sword, but not many who have one such as Roci."
Jorrast takes a bite of the food while waiting for his drink to arrive. He has no intention of trying to match anyone drink for drink, especially not the Caydenite!
Roll on the table below. Lasts: hours. No save.
1d6:
Effect
1 You glow faintly. Shedding dim light in 10 ft.
2 You can hover 1 inch off the ground (no mechanical benefit).
3 Your voice echoes with two layers—yours and a second, whispering version.
4 You can smell emotions as colors.
5 Once in the next hour, cast Prestidigitation at will.
6 Your eyes briefly resemble a starfield; advantage on Insight checks for 1 hour.
"I came here because I heard about the new kingdom and how it was being run. I wanted to be part of it. Honestly I hardly care if anyone knows my name. My goal is to contribute something positive."
Jorrast takes a bite of the food while waiting for his drink to arrive. He has no intention of trying to match anyone drink for drink, especially not the Caydenite!
** spoiler omitted **
"I came here because I heard about the new kingdom and how it was being run. I wanted to be part of it. Honestly I hardly care if anyone knows my name. My goal is to contribute something positive."
Ulricha tucks into her food with enthusiasm, the physical exertion and demands of her rage, clearly requiring substantial refueling. "I suppose the challenge is a part of it, and the chance to help forge something powerful." she replies, considering the question. "Power is best when it has a purpose."
To Vandomir,
"I wouldn't doubt that for a second. Roci is a majestic creature."
Towards Ulricha,
"True. And a young kingdom offers the opportunity. I reckon we haven't even properly gotten on the coach trip yet."
Vandomir nods.
Just having swallowed down taken another bit of juicy mutton,
"Then Vandomir, how did you come to have Roci as a companion? Suffice to say, a creature such as Roci isn't a common sight."
"Thank you, my newest friend! I can pay for the next round when we are ready. Yes, please, I would like the perks!" He ignores the magpie and watches her concocting with interest.
He takes the drink in hand watching the chaotic swirl of violet, green, and gold. "Oh wow, the taste keeps changing!"
** spoiler omitted **
He starts hovering over his chair. "Oh wow this is a strong drink! Is there a way to keep it to one flavor... some I don't care for. How about fruit flavors only? Is that a thing you can do with it?"
"Yes, I can make it stick to one flavor or a set of flavors. Try this one!" The bartender offers.
Vandomir paused mid-bite, chewing slowly as Alice’s question settled into the quiet air between them. He set down his fork with deliberate care and glanced out the nearby window.
Beyond the glass, Rocinian stood beneath a crooked awning, her feathers ruffling as she shook herself dry from a recent drizzle. Even tired, even battered, she held herself with the unmistakable grace of a creature born for the sky.
“Roci?” he repeated, a rare softness flickering behind his words. “Rocinian is no common beast, no. She is Sable-bred—raised and trained at the Endrin Military Academy in Korvosa. The pride of their hippogriff line.”
His eyes lingered on the window a moment longer before returning to Alice.
“We were paired during my second year. Typically, cadets rotate through several mounts, but Rocinian made her preferences known early. Bit the stablemaster when they tried to reassign her.” He allowed himself a faint smirk. “They let us remain together after that. We trained side by side, drilled daily, and served together for seven years.”
Vandomir leaned back slightly, expression unreadable. “She is not just a mount. She is my partner—fierce, loyal, and stubborn as I am, which says something.”
Then, with a familiar gruffness returning to his tone, he reached for another bite. “Which is why I mean to get her back to full strength before chasing down daemon-lords or hopping into singing fireplaces.”
The Lord Commander, Quince, comes with a whole retinue of advisors, guards, and such. He brings you a pile of bounties. "I would like you to continue to explore the region around Fort Derev. Also here are a slew of bounties that have been unclaimed so far."
Xandarian and Boffy looks over the bounties. "Finally. A reason to stretch my wings."
Over the few couple of days, the paladin and divine emissary have been taking the reformed daemon out for drinks. Each time, Xandarian explains the virtues of Cayden Cailean to Martikio.
"Haha, no singing fireplaces wouldn't fascinate me either. A nice fireplace, a book or sketchbook and a mug of something delicious to drink, just fine for me."
It doesn't take a Sense Motive roll for others to see Xandarian is trying to convert Martikio to Caydenism.
------------------------------
The next day, Alice communes for 2 castings of Cure Disease and 1 Remove curse.
------------------------------
As per earlier plan, Alice spends the next day working on custom items that are not PFS wayfinders. They work the same way, but are much better in appearance.
When that's done, and she had handed the other one to Ulricha, Alice goes for a walk. She knew that Martikio had been drinking with Xandarian. She was herself also curious about the ascended daemon, and quasi looked for him.
A friendly chat would be nice.
When she would meet him, she strikes up conversation about Martikio's aspirations about seeing the world here.
During this, she shows her sketchbook, which is about 1/2 filled with pictures of landscapes, city sketches, people. Though not with particular intention, her own enthusiasm of Lady Luck's connection to luck and travelers are somewhat in her stories.
As he previously stated he wanted to see the material world, something she enjoyed very much herself, Alice will try to start some interest in the goddess of travelers and fortune. Actively aiming to convert? No, she's no cleric. It's more on poking towards polytheism through her own enthusiasm.
As time passes Jorrast works to figure out what is needed for him to recover his magic. Not knowing much of the ways of Gods, he doesn't make much progress.
"Bounties? Count me in. I could use a distraction and a bit of gold."
Candor expresses his thanks, but continues to be worried about Roci's condition.
Candor expresses his thanks, but continues to be worried about Roci's condition.
"Let's meet up tomorrow morning, here perhaps? I'll try another time."
If Roci allows Alice, Alice will use whatever she might have on hand, or herbs she can get from the establishment's owner, to improvise something to treat fevers.
CON damage, and then the bonus?
I think a 15 fails, so probably more CON damage or something.
Also asking this day for 4 lesser restoration.
@ Vandomir, choose 2 attributes to restore for Roci, and 2 attributes for yourself.
Ulricha accepts the beautifully enchanted compass gratefully, appreciating the craftsmanship. When the bounties are mentioned she nods enthusiastically. "That sounds promising!"
|
Over the few couple of days, the paladin and divine emissary have been taking the reformed daemon out for drinks. Each time, Xandarian explains the virtues of Cayden Cailean to Martikio.
10 fail
Roci has two diseases left...
Bubonic Plague
Type disease, injury or inhaled; Save Fortitude DC 17
Onset 1 day; Frequency 1/day
Effect 1d4 Con damage and 1 Cha damage and target is fatigued; Cure 2 consecutive saves
Infected vermin and parasites spread this disease, also known as Daemon’s Touch or the Black Death, through their bites. Once contracted, the disease spreads quickly, polluting the victim’s body with toxins. As the disease reaches the lymph nodes, the victim suffers extreme inflammation of glands, and his skin might take on a black pallor. Symptoms include fever, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and swelling of the lymph nodes (called buboes) on the neck, underarms, and inner thigh areas, and eventually bleeding beneath the skin. A victim who takes any Constitution damage from the disease must immediately make a successful Fortitude save or become fatigued until all his Constitution damage is healed. Each time a victim takes 2 points of Constitution damage from Black Death, he also takes 1 point of Charisma damage.
24 succeed
Not sure yet. Find one that has a DC 13...
"I think we should look for a scroll of dispel magic", Boffy offers.
"Yeah. I'm tired of playing games with Wee Jas chic, despite how sexy she is", the half-azata confirms. "Either way; I need another weapon to defend Cayden's virtues until I can get the Carouser back to normal."
"Looks like we're going weapon shopping", Boffy smirks.
Alice will treat disease daily on everyone suffering from disease.
+4 to fort saves.
Alice will poke for Martikio's polytheism.
Over the coming week, on days the group does not go bounty hunting, Alice will cast lesser restoration daily as far as people require it.
ability damage restored. Divide as seen fit.
ability damage restored. Divide as seen fit.
He would gladly join both.
Are you pulling him aside to have this conversation? If so let us continue this conversation in the spoilers.
With Alice's aid, in a few days the group is disease free and most if not all ability damage is dealt with/restored.
When catching Martikio wandering alone again, or he in humanoid form catches her wandering, Alice invites him to have a picnic. She'd pick a spot in a park or a high point with a view.
"So you were bound to that palace realm. Believe it or not, mortal society can make social constructs similar. Duty to family and such. I decided to diverge from such a path and set out to see the world."
She cuts a big sausage into chunks and opens a bottle of wine, passing him a cup.
"Lucky me, my patron is the goddess of fortune, travelers, and explorers. Through her gift i can work my magic.", is said with a cheerful smile.
"What would you seek to see and experience on the material realm? It might even coincide with our own travels.", she herself chews on a piece of bread and cuts some cheese.
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Away from Xandarian the next day, he is exploring and meeting people. He sees Alice and walks up to her, "Hey Alice!" He quickly realizes you don't recognize him, and he blushes. "Oh, sorry, it's Martikio in my human form. Yes, a picnic would be nice." He goes with you for the rest of the day if you have him.
Calmly, he replies simply, "Yes." Then with curiosity, he states,"Interesting. Thank you." He takes a sip from the cup before listening to you again. "Taking such a path and worshipping a goddess of fortune, travelers, and explorers should be a great mix!"
He blurts out a question, "How do you swing? Romantically that is."
He smiles and relays, "I would like to see what has changed but more importantly get stronger. I hope you would welcome be to be apart of your travels."
Ulricha spends the next day or two exploring the palace and surrounding environs, trying to get a feel for the realm she has sworn to protect.
Conversation going along good, but Alice falls into a short cough, when Martikio asks about her romantic orientation, just when she swallowed a sip of wine.
*cough...cough...i'm good now..*
She's obviously caught off guard.
"What's up with that sudden question?", said with a careful smile.
"If it's about personality, someone levelheaded. Trustworthy and charming, sharing an interest in travel. As for looks? No particular demands, but a bit of biceps on a guy certainly isn't bad. There was one guy in university who had part the personality, tall and dark-brown hair. But he went into politics, wasn't interested in travel."
She then inquires,
"In a domain where mortals could make wishes, i will assume you've seen a variety of them through one circumstance or another. Any that stood out for you?"
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Confidently he states, "I feel like I hit all those categories. I have a lean physique. Even better I want to travel with you. I know what I want and I ask for it."
Thinking back he recalls, "Oh yes, I was the custodian for a few centuries. One of them asked to be inbreakable... he is still the adamantine statue. A trio of sister witches came, they wished for power and were melded together as one. You know there were not many visitors maybe a group every decade. Oh I had a paladin wish that his love be free from an evil lord. She was turned into a rampaging monster. I think he even put her down."
** spoiler omitted **
He looks at you over his cup covering his smile. With an amused grin he states, "I am interested."
Confidently he states, "I feel like I hit all those categories. I have a lean physique. Even better I want to travel with you. I know what I want and I ask for it."
Alice is speechless for a moment.
After spilling about university, she couldn't refute human form Martikio had the looks, and calm composure when he was still an enemy.She shows a modest smile looking slightly downwards.
"That bold statement is near the exact lines as one of the lead characters in the final act in the last musical play i saw back in my home city. That was a good play."
Herself preferring a clear what is what, she looks back up.
"To be honest, i need to process this, it's not every day one gets into the situation of 'your former adversary says they're into you."
Assumingly the rest of the conversation goes about mutual interests, and her answering questions to the best of her knowledge, from her past travels and studies.
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"It must have been an excellent play."
"Take all the time you need, but you should know. 'You' had more impact on my new form than you know. Xandarian helped as well as you both wished me to be a benevolent... for lack of better words... hero. I want to be a follower of Desna, of Cayden Cailen, by your side. Have more precious memories with you. Maybe I was imprinted on you or something. But I do need something from you. I hunger for your blood. I don't know why, and if you refuse, I will refrain. I ‘need' you!" He is now kneeling before you, looking into your eyes to see your emotions.
Alice keeps composed, hearing him out.
Though he did have the looks and social traits, she wouldn't mindlessly fawn like a freshman seeing 'that pretty guy in class'. Perhaps it was all the travel and social experiences she's been through, both on the road and amidst the wealthy circles in Oppara.
Right now, this sounded like genuine flattery, but the point still remains that one shouldn't rush into things recklessly, or take things at face value.
Just because a coat looks pretty, doesn't mean it is warm enough in winter.
When Martikio starts speaking of blood, she slightly tilts her head faintly.
Her eyes lose color, turning as pale as unwritten parchment, inducing an impression of the stereotypical 'blind sage', and her face loses all expression.
Take 10 for result of 31.
@Xandarian,
Jorne previously ooc said that remove curse result 25 I rolled, could be used on your sword if needed. Alice will go try find Jorne anyway this week for trying to help him.
In the meantime, Xandarian finds a serviceable rapier to use, but finding it took a while to find in a Erastilian stronghold.
Xandarian asks around talking with the guards and learns that Jorne has not been seen for a while. "He went off on an adventure with the Lord Commander. The Lord Commander is back but we don't know where Jorne is located." With a bit of coaxing he soon learns that Cleonora, Sulvanii, Quince, Elizabeth, or Bearik would likely know where Jorne is and what he is doing.
Xandarian can easily find a MC rapier at a 10% discount of full price.
Not having used this power often, snapping out of the knowledge trance takes evidently a bit more effort than other scholarly shamans she may have met in the past.
Suddenly grabbing her chin switches her eyes polar opposite, into a void black with tiniest hints of light, this resembling a tiny midnight starscape.
Poor you is janked through a tear in the fabric of reality from your current position, and you reappear up in the tree a few feet from the picnic spot. Easy enough to climb down from.
Alice snaps out of it.
"Sorry, you surprised me. And don't go back on your knees again, ok? Allies and friends don't kneel pleading before each other."
She unintentionally says this pretty firmly, somewhat uncomfortable.
"And...you weren't always a daemon? You turned into a lycanthrope, and then on top ended up a custodian in Abaddon?"