Veshka keeps Catamoch close by her side, skin itching with the sense of another divinity. "Start nothing in the sacred halls of another."
The scouts step through the stone doorway into the Blood Owls extradimensional sanctuary and find themselves standing on the edge of a dream. Towering mountain peaks rise impossibly high from a vast ocean of shadowy darkness, their jagged silhouettes glistening under a sky alive with thousands of stars. The constellations above seem to pulse with an ethereal light, casting an otherworldly glow over the entire space.
Bridges of shimmering stardust stretch between the mountaintops, weightless yet solid beneath their feet, leading to smaller peaks equipped with makeshift workstations and humble sleeping pallets. At the center of this breathtaking expanse stands the largest peak, crowned by a wide, circular plateau.
As you take in the scene, a figure steps forward from the nearest mountaintop. Eokoe, their features illuminated by the starlight, raises a hand in greeting. "Welcome to our sanctuary, it is good to see you again my friends. The others have yet to arrive, but for now, rest. You are safe here."
Nearby, the scouts notice another familiar face. Onak, the skilled hunter you once met in the Calamity Caves, begins to spar with Zedak. At the edge of another mountaintop, a woman with a scholarly air, Iesa, charts the stars on a stretched hide, the constellations above reflected in her thoughtful expression.
And on a smaller peak, two children, Fela and Awa, dawdle on the edge of a cliff, their laughter echoing faintly in the starlit expanse.
"Ah, a moment of respite!" Hakata sighs in relaxation. After greeting everyone, he introduces himself to the scholar and offers his help.
The Goblin, the goat, the White Rabbit all stare incredulously at the panoramic scene set before them. The Witch punches the White Rabbit in the nose.
Youses bees sneaks Dem magic mushrooms into Mees foods again!
The White Rabbit punches the Witch back in his big goblin nose.
Actually I have not done that since we were at the tea party.
Tanngrisnir nonchalantly finishes eating some mushrooms....
While Hakata charts the stars, and the goblin and his companions reach for the magic mushrooms, Kadosh makes his way over to the children. "Can I play with you?" he asks.
All too soon, however, the indefatigable tots tire him out.
Hakata quickly gets winded, but Valda laughs heartily as she plays with the kids. "I could do this all day!" she boasts.
Thankful for the scouts help, the party continues to impress their wit and skill upon the Sutaki.
Eokoe explains to you that the Blood Owls are a burgeoning rebel group that plan to overthrow Ashen Swale and escape Lost Mammoth Valley. Sutaki consider rebellion, changes in leadership, and great calamities a part of the natural cycle. A rebellion is the death of a previous reign and the birth of another. The Blood Owls seek not "rebellion" but to see their people reborn, or "birthed again."
That evening, under the surreal starlit sky of the Blood Owl base, the scouts meet the rebel leaders, exchanging stories. After introductions, the party is questioned by the Blood Owls about their motives and goals. Eokoe, the seer, declares the scouts vital to the Sutaki’s rebirth, foreseeing their deeds as uniting the people against Ashen Swale.
With the support of the people, the Blood Owls and the party can reclaim Lyuba, then move against Ashen Swale. To that end, Eokoe gives the party a deed—a minor way the party can earn the support of the villagers.
"We'll need to choose our battleground carefully, drawing out Ashen Swale and their allies."
Strongjaw sits proudly upon Tanngrisnir. The White Rabbit is seen wearing a black tuxedo, complete with black top hat and holding a cane.
The White Rabbit slaps Strongjaw!
"These are similar to our beliefs, and how everything has a spirit, which moves us all," Kadosh says. "We welcome others to be part of our following, and perhaps a similar spirit moves us. Perhaps the Broken Tusk and Sutaki will be as one if we can survive Ashen Swale ... and the Burning Mammoths."
Veshka's scarred face and twisted frame don't betray an ounce of doubt as she speaks to the Blood Owls. "Don't fear to name your own terrors. We Can hunt them."
"We will be victorious. For I am Radiant Valda, Peerless Under Heaven. My enemies quake at the sound of my name and fall before my shining blade!"
The party is quite convincing and the Blood Owls detail the following deeds they need assistance with:
One of Nasanu’s domesticated lagofirs is ill. Nursing it back to health requires a successful DC 20 Medicine check and 2 days of effort.
Kezaku needs a group of volunteers to test her newest creations. Each character is pelted by a lesser and moderate water bomb, then gifted a moderate water bomb for volunteering.
Epaku is out of lagofir oil. Collecting enough oil from the lagofirs in area C1 requires Nasanu’s permission (attainable with a DC 21 Diplomacy check or a bribe worth at least 10 gp), a successful DC 22 Nature check, and 3 hours of work.
Many villagers come to the observatory for comfort and advice. Offering these villagers guidance requires 1 day of work and a successful DC 23 Diplomacy check.
The trading post is running out of food. For the PCs to acquire enough fresh fish to restock, they must succeed at a DC 21 Fishing Lore or Survival check.
C8: Vayku’s little brother, Olohe, got lost in the swamp outside Lyuba. Finding him requires a successful DC 23 Perception or Survival check and 4 hours of effort.
An elder’s home is sinking into the swamp. Stabilizing the foundations requires a successful DC 23 Crafting or Engineering Lore check.
"Oh, we should definitely find Olohe first! He's probably so scared!" Kadosh declares.
"Catamoch and I can hunt the boy down."
Catamoch chuffs in delight until Veshka gives him a hard stare. "And return him unharmed."
Strongjaw is seen pushing and pulling a White Rabbit wearing a full scuba outfit.
Kezaku needs a group of volunteers to test her newest creations. Each character is pelted by a lesser and moderate water bomb, then gifted a moderate water bomb for volunteering.
"I will go find food," Valda says.
Hakata accompanies Valda on the quest to gather food.
While the others look for food and missing children, Kadosh tries to rectify the shortage of lagofir oil. He carefully approaches Nasanu, explaining the need -- and easily gets permission from the tender to collect the oil.
Unfortunately, the lagofirs are far less accommodating, and after three hours, he's only manages to collect some bruises and sore fingers.
Veshka and Catamoch successfully track and rescue Olohe from the swamp, returning the frightened boy unharmed.
Strongjaw volunteers to test Kezaku's latest creations, enduring water bomb pelting to earn a reward.
Valda and Hakata team up to secure fresh food for the trading post, bringing back a bountiful haul.
Meanwhile, Kadosh gains Nasanu’s permission to collect lagofir oil but struggles with the task, spending nearly the entire day with little to show but bruised hands.
The next day, the party notes they will need to earn a little more reputation with the Blood Owls, so they set out trying to finish up some of the oustanding tasks again.
Hakata goes out fishing, enjoying the respite from conflict, but knowing that they will have to take on Ashen Swale soon for the good of the following.
Veshka has little patience for members of a Following who stand too heavily on their own pride and privileges, so she minces few words when convincing Nasanu to let her near the lagofir.
Once there, she quickly sets to her task, long familiar with working with untamed or untameable beasts.
A giggling goblin sits on Tanngrisnir while a soaked, quite unhappy White Rabbit drips behind him.
Many villagers come to the observatory for comfort and advice. Offering these villagers guidance requires 1 day of work and a successful DC 23 Diplomacy check.
The Songsinger begins encouraging the villagers.
Having realized he has no talent with lagofirs, Kadosh tries his hand with villagers instead, to much more success.
You complete task after task for the Blood Owls and it seems like you are stuck here doing work to assist them for so long you nearly lose track of time and purpose!
Finally the tasks are complete and the Blood Owls wish to share the details of their plan with you. You have proven yourself and with less than two weeks remaining in the month of Lamashan, the have successfully obtained the support of many of the Sutaki.
You find yourselves once again gathered atop the stardust-bridged plateau of the Blood Owls’ pocket dimension, the dreamlike night sky above glimmers with countless constellations. Eokoe stands near the shifting central campfire. Around them, the Blood Owls form a solemn circle: Zedak, Iluin, Iesa, Dodani, Lahi, and the others. Faces grim, but resolved.
Eokoe raises a hand for silence and begins. "The stars have spoken. The time is now. The people believe in you! Because of your deeds, your courage, and the hope you’ve rekindled in Lyuba."
Zedak steps forward, a finger pointing to a simple map etched in the sand near the fire. "To end Swale’s reign, we must strike from within. But we cannot do so while Venexus watches from her frozen throne. She must be lured away... pperhaps by fire, or by sacrilege. Your allies can trigger this distraction in the outer valley."
Iluin continues, her voice low and intense, "While the dragon is gone, Swale's chief enforcer, Lieutenant Desiak, will dine at Hearth. He never misses a visit. That’s when we strike. My guests that night, every one of them, will be Blood Owl. There will be no collateral."
Dodani adds, "Once Desiak falls, we will rise in the shadows. Coordinated strikes across Lyuba. You choose who fights where, your allies are ready."
Eokoe turns to you "And then, with the dawn, the people will rise. We will storm the Howling Square and break the gates of Swale’s fortress. The stars show us a hard path, but a clear one."
"What is sacrilege to that dragon is likely sacred to the benign spirits here. Our people will provide a distraction, though they are not fighters. We must also provide for their safety," Hakata agrees.
"We will help you; we will not sacrifice our own to do so," Veshka rasps in agreement.
Strongjaw looks up from cheat The White Rabbit at jacks, while Tanngrisnir looks on (secretly cheating for The White Rabbit).
Wees gits ta kick da Dragon arse in da snow! Nice!
Kadosh moans softly as he realizes how much could go wrong, but nods in agreement. "It must be done," he says.
"A challenge worthy of Radiant Valda, Peerless Under Heaven!" Valda declares.
The Hearth is thick with tension as the scouts take their places among the flickering firelight. A roaring blaze crackles in the central pit, casting long shadows over the packed earthen walls. Villagers—Blood Owl sympathizers in disguise—sit quietly around the flame, their gazes calm but watchful.
Iluin stands behind the long counter, her expression unreadable. Hefet tends to a simmering pot nearby, while Dodani moves through the room with practiced ease, whispering reassurances.
The scouts wait near the entrance. Every creak and shuffle outside draws their attention—until the door groans open and a monstrous figure fills the threshold.
Lieutenant Desiak enters with a lumbering gait, his warped body twisted by necromantic magic. Muscles bulge unnaturally beneath bone-studded flesh, white ritual paint glowing faintly across his skin. His jagged blade scrapes the floor as he steps forward, grinning with predatory delight. A necrohusk shambles behind him, eyes dim and soulless.
Good." Desiak growls, scanning the room. Plenty of meat on the bones tonight."
Iluin dips her head politely. "Lieutenant Desiak. Your usual seat is ready." They quickly move out of the area.
Her eyes flick to the scouts-then to the fire.
The signal has been given.
The Witch decides to Hex both Valda and Kadosh!
Strongjaw then shrugs at the Big Bone Guy.
Tanngrisnir then Strides them 25' away!
Hakata focuses on the lieutenant, and lets the spirits of battle infuse him. He tries not to let nerves affect him as he unleashes an opening volley.
for
for
Valda rushes around to Desiak's far side, setting up a flanking maneuver. "For the Broken Tusks!" she shouts as her blade flashes in a flowing-spirit strike.
HP 74/74
AC 23
Fort +13, Ref +12, Will +10
Hero points: 2
Effects:
Kadosh sizes up the foe, and rushes toward him, axe swinging in a deadly arc. Its blade seems to split the air.
Veshka and Catamoch circle closer, their rage building to a jagged point as Veshka pries off a budding scale from her scalp; grass springs up where her blood touches the ground, but only divine wrath answers where she calls!
Strong Jaw launches his ice hex at both of his enemies. Desiak sidesteps it entirely and the husk manages to avoid the bulk of it.
Hakata fires two shots from his longbow towards Desiak, but the warrior spins abruptly and both shots fly past him.
Valda charges around brandishing her blade, but her display is less than impressive and causes Desiak to smirk and respond "Is that the best you've got?"
Kadosh finally delivers a blow that break the lieutenant's defenses! He axe tears open a vicious wound on Desiak.
Veshka's wrath affects the husk more than it does Desiak, but both of them suffer.
Desiak strikes at Valda once with his bone spur and once with his claw, hitting both times. Kadosh rings his bell to try and disrupt the lieutenant, but the warrior is focuses and ignores it. Afterwards, he spins back towards Kadosh, stepping over closer to him.
The necrohusk frenzies on Valda, slashing repeatedly at her again and again with its legs. Valda successfully protects herself from all three strikes!
H:27 S1
D: 42
Valda shifts her focus to the necrohusk, putting her immanence into her blade and attacking it.
Hakata sends some healing to Valda, then fires off two shots at the lieutenant.
for and [sice=spirit]1d6[/dice]
for and [sice=spirit]1d6[/dice]
Veshka stalks closer, blood dripping from one fist as she blesses Catamoch's abyssal assault!
Catamoch stalks like his acolyte, driven by her mental entreaties to aid the rest of the Following. Deciding the bonehusk looks weaker, he begins there, tearing and ripping with his tusks.
Strongjaw appears deep in thought, considering how best to tip the scales as it were....
The Songsinger stares hard at Desiak!
The Witch decides to switch it up a bit! Just before casting, the White Rabbit whispers in the Goblin's ear.
Don't bees hitting our friends. Gots it. Hear that not hitting friends!
HP 74/74
AC 23
Fort +13, Ref +12, Will +10
Hero points: 2
Effects:
Kadosh glares at his foe, swings his axe again! "You're not going to defeat us! Your reign of terror ends here, and then we'll deal with Ashen Swale!"
Valda lands her first flowing-spirit strikes, just missing with her second, instilling fear into the husk! Catamoch moves into flanking with Valda also delivers a solid blow from his tusks on the husk. When Catamoch misses his second attack, the husk reacts quickly and steps out of flanking position and into flanking position with Desiak!
Hakata is unable to find a clear shot on Desiak, his allies constantly move in and out of his line of sight.
Both Strong Jaw and Kadosh try to intimidate Desiak, but is a trained warrior and easily deflects their glares.
Both of Kadosh's swings fall short, missing the lieutenant.
Stong Jaw's fireball explodes in the area of the skirmish, engulfing the melee combatants. The husk dodges the effects entirely, while Desiak avoids the worst of the blast.
The nusk strikes first. Flanking with Desiak, the creature bites and then kicks the boar god.
Desiak is focused on Kadosh and strikes out with his claws and bonespur, hitting the thaumaturge twice. Kadosh's bell rings out, but doesn't seem to bother the lieutenant. The strength and brutality of Desiak are on full display as he criticallly strikes him with both attacks. and
As Kadosh's body is shredded and torn apart, Desiak laughs heartily as his bonespur which is buried deeply in Kadosh's chest seems to drain the half-orcs vitality and transfer to his own.
H:73 S1F1
D: 35
HP 8/74
AC 23
Fort +13, Ref +12, Will +10
Hero points: 2
Effects: Wounded 1
Kadosh withstands Desiak's attack, but caught completely unawares by the fireball, he collapses in a heap, only to be brought back to painful consciousness a moment later.
Grasping for his ax, he stands back up and swings again. His feeble blow bounces harmlessly off the warrior's guard.
Veshka rounds on Strongjaw as the smell of seared pork that has gone badly off fills the air. "Watch what you're doing, fool!" She tears open the length of one of her fingers with too-sharp teeth, channeling her blood and vitality to the badly wounded Kadosh.
Strongjaw looks on as surprised as everyone else. The White Rabbit is frowning.
Butts Mees did aims it away from da friends. Maybe defective...
The Witch casts Heal at Kadosh!
He then attempts to distract the Desiak!
Valda is slightly burned by Strong Jaw's fireball. She lays hands on herself before stepping up to attack Desiak.
Luckily the fireball explodes far enough from Hakata that he avoids it. He sends a strong heal at Kadosh and fires two more shots.
for and
for and