☠ Season of Ghosts w/ DM rainzax ☠

Game Master rainzax

Kazuki's mom remains stable.

The Wall of Ghosts lashes out once more!

This time, an apparition seems to head straight for Vekka, Lan, or Kazuki?: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Kazuki sending a chill up his spine and turning one of his hairs stark white!

Kazuki - please make the Will save described HERE

☠☠☠ ☠☠☠ ☠☠☠

☠☠☠ ☠☠☠ ☠☠☠

Interrupting the Ritual of Sacrificial Appeasement

Lighting: Bright Light
Terrain: Trees and Stumps are Obstacles, Fallen Logs are Difficult Terrain and can provide Take Cover
Monster ID (Acolytes): Occultism or Society (DC 15)
Monster ID (Zoudou): Occultism, Religion, or Society (DC ??)
Ritual Disable (◆◆): Occultism or Religion (DC ???) from Adjacent to Altar of Blood
Ritual Statistics: Failed Sustainments / Disable Threshold (☑/???)
Ritual ID (◆): Occultism or Religion
Wall of Mists: All creatures inside are Undetected
Cage: Unlocked / Open

Kazuki @ Will Save panding!
Lan
Auntie Wu w/ Greasy armor @ Blinded 1-min
Sigurd @ Stupified 1 (1-rnd) @ Dying 1, Dropped, Prone, Unconscious - Faithless!?
Zoudou w/ Sacrificial Dagger @ -11 scorch, +4 heal, -11 slash
Black Acolyte (AC 15) @ Fleeing !?
Vekka w/ Runic Weapon
Kazuki's mom @ Wounded 1, Stable @ +4
Ritual @ Energized!? Towards Sigurd!?
Wall of Ghosts @ Energized!? Towards Sigurd!?

☠☠☠ ☠☠☠ ☠☠☠

Kazuki, Lan, and Auntie Wu are Up!

Sigurd's concentration breaks as Zoudou sows disquieting words into his ear. She finds the opportunity to lunge her dagger past his armor. The horrifying altar and Kazuki's unconscious mother are the last things he sees as he passes out and hears the cultist chanting to something. Someone.

He's failed so many people, how can Sigurd move on? His brother, his sister, he thought they were safe. But this wall, this... damned wall, and the spirit beyond the veil that Ugly Cute warned them about. What is going on?

Sigurd thought his dying visions would be of Kolphanir, revealing herself and guiding to the Boneyard for the formality of transferring him to her service, like the other Kolphans. Or perhaps the blazing sun as Shizuru calls him to watch the land and the moon for threats.

But instead he sees ghosts- wailing ghosts, screaming at him. What is it? What do they want?

As Lan crests the fallen tree, the scorching rays stop - but his legs don't. He charges directly into the fray ◆, his hands lighting up with a different fire. A cone of fire bursts forth, enveloping Sigurd's body, Zoudou, and Vekka.

◆◆ Rejuvenating Flames
Fire Healing and Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2
Healing for Sigurd, DC 19 basic Reflex save for Zoudou

Zoudou Basic Reflex vs 2 fire (DC 19): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

"Pest!"

Sigurd comes to and is Up with Kazuki and Auntie Wu!

Sigurd's vision of the wall gets worse- he feels like he is burning alive. Flames shoot about him. The cultist leader gloating above him, dodging the flames. Vekka's blade finally scoring a hit. The altar of blood stagnating.

But then he realizes he's alive and awake. There's no time - he has to heal himself, quickly!

Stupefied 1, DC 6 Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 1

His lapse of faith comes back to bite him at the worst time.

It doesn't matter. He stands up. Unarmed, he reaches for Zoudou.

Athletics vs Zoudou's Fort DC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"I'll keep her from moving too much. Quickly, take her down! Try to shake her confidence. We can do this. I am... badly injured, if you can assist!"

◆ Try to cast Heal from Divine Font, fail Stupefied check
◆ Stand Up
◆ Athletics to Grapple Zoudou

Not sure what's going on with Black. He's acting like he crit failed both saves vs. fear from Lan and the Wall. Kinda funny, really.

"Sigurd! I see you through the Wall!" (She can call it a Wall--just a Wall. Nothing else. Only a Wall. No sense in giving it more power by saying its true name.) Quickly, in case he manages to extricate himself from it, she casts Heal on him.

2nd level Heal on Sigurd, 2 action: 2d8 + 16 ⇒ (5, 8) + 16 = 29

Then she cautiously shuffles toward the altar, hands out and feet shuffling so she doesn't trip or run into anything.

@Sigurd: Auntie Wu can cast Restoration on you to get rid of Stupefied if you communicate that to her.

◆◆ Cast a spell, ◆ Stride (blindness = half movement)

”No no no!”

Zoudou screams in frustration as Sigurd, who is supposed to be undergoing blood sacrifice, rises again and grapples her, and nearly restored to full health by blind Auntie Wu!

Kazuki!

Kazuki just ignores whatever the cultist leader was talking about. He was barely paying attention anyway, due to being more concerned about his mother.

With Sigurd holding the cultist leader tight, he fires a shot between Sigurd's legs, hoping to pierce the artery in the leader's thigh...
Potent Longbow (P, 100-ft, ignore 1st increment, deadly d10) vs Target: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 251d8 ⇒ 61d10 ⇒ 10
Gravity Weapon (status bonus first damage roll): 2 = 2

He then lets loose another arrow after taking careful aim...
Potent Longbow (P, 100-ft, deadly d10) vs Zoudou & Hunter's Aim, MAP: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 2 - 3 = 201d8 ⇒ 51d10 ⇒ 8

◆ Strike (@prey)
◆◆ Hunter's aim

Back! Not Vekka's turn, but may as well post to warm him up :)

Vekka's tension relieves the more they flag Zoudou's progress. His confidence builds. Yet, he's curious about what she describes beyond The Wall.

What is this existence or power beyond the wall? They terrorize the town in trying to obtain it, but what if the power could be harnessed for better purposes...

It is a cautious thought, yet he is compelled to explore all forms of magical power.

Both of Kazuki's arrows hit home - the first by sheer marksmanship, but the second because Sigurd, in a daring gambit, rotates Zoudou by force into it's trajectory, nearly bloodying the occultist (has she not been healed by Auntie Wu's vitality burst)! (13 more damage for Zoudou - near half HP threshold!)

Black Acolyte - confused and terrified - surrenders, drawing and then tossing down his ceremonial staff, and lying prone "Spare me!" he pleas!

Still awaiting Kazuki's Will Save: HERE!

Kazuki shivers from the frightful effect.
Will: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

"Stay on the ground, face down," Lan says.

"Um, or back of the head up. Whatever."

"No - You are to Die!" Zoudou, frustrated and struggling against Sigurd's grasp, shanks him repeatedly with her Sacrificial Dagger!

◆◆◆) Strike x3

Fiend's Hunger the Silver Sacrificial Dagger vs Sigurd (AC 20): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 232d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 = 9
Fiend's Hunger the Silver Sacrificial Dagger w/ MAP (-4) vs Sigurd (AC 20): 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 9 - 4 = 172d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 = 10
Fiend's Hunger the Silver Sacrificial Dagger w/ MAP (-8) vs Sigurd (AC 20): 1d20 + 9 - 8 ⇒ (6) + 9 - 8 = 72d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 = 10

The knife plunges in, but she cannot finish the job!

Kazuki's second arrow misses as he is unnerved by the Wall of Ghosts! (only -8 damage due to frightened 1)

Black bows "face" down, unmoving...

☠☠☠ ☠☠☠ ☠☠☠

Interrupting the Ritual of Sacrificial Appeasement

Lighting: Bright Light
Terrain: Trees and Stumps are Obstacles, Fallen Logs are Difficult Terrain and can provide Take Cover
Monster ID (Acolytes): Occultism or Society (DC 15)
Monster ID (Zoudou): Occultism, Religion, or Society (DC ??)
Ritual Disable (◆◆): Occultism or Religion (DC ???) from Adjacent to Altar of Blood
Ritual Statistics: Failed Sustainments / Disable Threshold (☑/???)
Ritual ID (◆): Occultism or Religion
Wall of Mists: All creatures inside are Undetected
Cage: Unlocked / Open

Kazuki @ Frightened 0
Lan
Auntie Wu w/ Greasy armor @ Blinded 1-min
Sigurd @ Stupified 1 (1-rnd) @ Wounded 1, Dropped @ 31 HPs total (healed) then -9 shank @ Grabbing Zoudou
Zoudou (AC 22) w/ Sacrificial Dagger @ -11 scorch, +4 heal, -11 slash, -8 arrow @ Grabbed by Sigurd
Black Acolyte (AC 15) @ Surrendered (face, er, head down)
Vekka w/ Runic Weapon
Kazuki's mom @ Wounded 1, Stable @ +4
Ritual @ Energized!? Towards Sigurd!?
Wall of Ghosts @ Energized!? Towards Sigurd!?

☠☠☠ ☠☠☠ ☠☠☠

Vekka is Up!

Now to tumble through space and finally see this alter up-close...

With a slight smirk Vekka phases out of existence, appearing immediately behind Zoudou and slashing at her.

◆ Cast a spell: Dimensional Assault
Strike: +1 katana attack, slashing damage (one-handed, runic weapon): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 182d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8
deadly damage IFF crit: 1d8 ⇒ 8

On the back end of the slash he whirls around towards the altar, hoping that Zoudou must give him a moment's respite in needing to dodge his attack.

◆◆ Ritual disable (Occultism): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

On the first try he... blanks on the specifics of interfering with it.

Vekka tampers with the ritual - it backlashes against him!

Void Damage to Basic Fortitude (DC ???) vs Vekka: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 5, 3) = 19

Kazuki's mom remains stable.

The Wall of Ghosts assails Lan, Kazuki, or Vekka?: 1d6 ⇒ 2 Lan with visions of apparitions!

Lan please make the Will save described HERE!

☠☠☠ ☠☠☠ ☠☠☠

The Party (except Vekka) is Up!

The dagger hurt. But Zoudou is held back. Good.

Athletics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

No good, she's wriggling free of Sigurd's grasp. "Careful! I can't hold her much longer."

Sigurd finds it much too fitting. He opens his palm and a Dazzling Flash unleashes from his hand.

◆ Grapple Zoudou, fail
◆◆ Cast >Dazzling Flash< on Zoudou. Fort Save DC 17.

Zoudou throws Sigurd onto the ground as he tries to maintain his grip. (Sigurd prone)

Will vs Dazzling Flash (DC 17): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

But is then blinded by his sudden flash of light.

”Pest!”

"It's not fair to blind people. Time to return the favor!"

”Fool! There are no Favors to Return! The only Return for you, is back to The Beginning. The only way through The Wall is to appease the Great Spirit. Mark my words! You are all Trapped here unless you Step Through!”

Zoudou, mad doomsayer, lashes out blindly, and with some futility, as she realizes that her own end is very well near…

"Anything that is created can be destroyed, even that wall." Auntie Wu remarks ominously, turning her head toward Zoudou's voice. And thank you for talking so much. It makes you easier to find. Targeting the spot where the mad doomsayer's voice originated, she casts Flourishing Flora. A bounty of plants surges from the ground, pummeling Zoudou with tough-skinned, inedible fruits.

Florishing Flora (fruits), 1st Rank, Bludgeoning damage: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6
DC 19 basic reflex save. Crit failure causes Clumsy 1 for 2 rounds.

◆ Seek, ◆◆ Cast a spell

Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
DC 30??! Wow.
Lan takes 1 mental damage and Frightened 1.

Hands shaking, Lan runs - forward, not backward - and circles around Zoudou, ignoring her as he Disables the ritual.

Occultism, Frightened 1: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 1 = 16

Or at least attempts to. If that is a Failure, I'll Hero Point.

Occultism, Frightened 1, Hero Point Reroll: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 1 = 16

Kazuki continues his assault with arrows against Zoudou...
Potent Longbow (P, 100-ft, ignore 1st increment, deadly d10) vs Target: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 221d8 ⇒ 41d10 ⇒ 2

He takes careful aim on the second shot...
Potent Longbow (P, 100-ft, deadly d10) vs Zoudou & Hunter's Aim, MAP: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 2 - 3 = 261d8 ⇒ 21d10 ⇒ 10

Gravity Weapon (status bonus first damage roll): 2 = 2

◆ Strike (@prey)
◆◆ Hunter's aim

Basic Reflex vs Fruit Flora (DC 19): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

Zoudou doesn't even notice the druid's bouquet.

Lan fails to interact meaningfully with the ritual.

Kazuki plants two more arrows into a blind Zoudou! (8 damage total)

Vekka...

Awaiting Vekka's Save Outcome: HERE

The tengu seems to gasp for air as... something happens to him in response to his tampering attempt. One hopes his soul isn't leaving his body.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Zoudou, bashed about but very much alive, continues to try and blindly stab Sigurd!

“I offer thee my name, oh Great Kugaptee! Unbind me from those whom I called friends"
“I offer thee my blood, oh Great Kugaptee! Unbind me from those whom I called family"
“I offer thee my flesh, oh Great Kugaptee! Unbind me from my own mortal body"
“Lastly, I offer thee my soul, oh Great Kugaptee! Unbind me from that which was my fate”

◆◆◆) Strike x3

Fiend's Hunger the Silver Sacrificial Dagger w/ Hidden Flat Check (DC 11) vs Sigurd (AC 20): 1d20 ⇒ 201d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 292d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 = 12 (@ 24 damage over 22 remaining HPs and Wounded 1 ➤ Dying 3!)
Fiend's Hunger the Silver Sacrificial Dagger w/ Hidden Flat Check (DC 11) w/ MAP (-4) vs Sigurd (AC 20): 1d20 ⇒ 131d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 4 = 252d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10 (@ Dying 3 ➤ Dying 5 but then Heroic Recovery ➤ Wounded 2!)
Fiend's Hunger the Silver Sacrificial Dagger w/ Hidden Flat Check (DC 11) w/ MAP (-8) vs Sigurd (AC 20): 1d20 ⇒ 131d20 + 9 - 8 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 8 = 212d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9 (@ Wounded 2 ➤ Dying 4 and Irrevocably Dead!)

Edit math mistake!

(@ Dying 3 ➤ Dying 5 but then Heroic Recovery ➤ Wounded 2 Wounded 1!)

(@ Wounded 2 Wounded 1 ➤ Dying 4 and Irrevocably Dead Dying 3!)

Sigurd hovers near death's door - he can see his god! - wait - something is wrong! - that's not what he had expected - something is different...

"I can see. I CAN SEE!"

Mad with power, Zoudou's perfect strikes carve Sigurd's body like a stuck pig - multiple lacerations hemorrhage from wide open gashes, spewing red gore onto the party, the Altar, the cage, even Kazuki's unconsciouss mother...

...but somehow...

...he lives!...

...but perhaps not for long...

"HOW!?" Zoudou is aghast at blindly feeling rising and falling of his breast - she snaps to attention, calls Black Acolyte whom she had previously ignored "If you are still there, Disciple of Kugaptee - Finish The Job!"

Black Acolyte rises. He strides over, and draws his staff, holding it over Sigurd's head, ready to deal the final blow!

Black Acolyte
◆) Stand
◆) Stride
◆) Interact

Part of Vekka's soul does leave his body - and heads towards the Wall of Ghosts! (9 damage failed save)

☠☠☠ ☠☠☠ ☠☠☠

Interrupting the Ritual of Sacrificial Appeasement

Lighting: Bright Light
Terrain: Trees and Stumps are Obstacles, Fallen Logs are Difficult Terrain and can provide Take Cover
Monster ID (Acolytes): Occultism or Society (DC 15)
Monster ID (Zoudou): Occultism, Religion, or Society (DC ??)
Ritual Disable (◆◆): Occultism or Religion (DC ???) from Adjacent to Altar of Blood
Ritual Statistics: Failed Sustainments / Disable Threshold (☑/???)
Ritual ID (◆): Occultism or Religion
Wall of Mists: All creatures inside are Undetected
Cage: Unlocked / Open

Help Sigurd?
Move Sigurd's Body?: Use Reposition (◆) rules!
Lift Sigurd's Body?: Roll Athletics (◆◆) vs DC 10 + his bulk, but -5 penalty if you have only one free hand - and make sure you check your Encumbered Speed - if you critically succeed you may Stride or Interact as a free action (◇)!

Kazuki
Lan
Auntie Wu w/ Greasy armor @ Blinded 1-min
Sigurd @ Dying 3, Dropped, Prone
Zoudou (AC 22) w/ Sacrificial Dagger @ -11 scorch, +4 heal, -11 slash, -8 arrow, -8 doubleshot
Black Acolyte (AC 15) w/ staff and fighting again!
Vekka w/ Runic Weapon @ -9 void
Kazuki's mom @ Wounded 1, Stable @ +4
Ritual @ Energized!? Towards Sigurd!?
Wall of Ghosts @ Energized!? Towards Sigurd!? Vekka!?

☠☠☠ ☠☠☠ ☠☠☠

Vekka is Up!

Holy crap, GM! Three Nat 20s in a row!?! Unbelievable!!!

Kazuki's eyes go wide in shock as Sigurd is stabbed viciously in the heart three times.
"BY THE GODS!!! SAVE SIGURD!!!" he hollers to his companions.

Better bookmark that post. 1/8000 chance. Sheesh.

BTW, somehow Vekka got moved away from the alter where he should have been after the dimensional assault last round (or else I neglected to move his token in the first place?) Anyway, fixed.

Vekka, in apparent shock of being struck by Sigurd's inurds, tightens his grip on his katana and beats a spell drum on the sandalwood ring at his back. Flames dance across his usually-black eyes, and gush from the edge of the blade as well. His arm shoots upward to hold the sword above his head before striking down, at which his sleeve emits a satisfying snap. His movements are sharp. The blade comes down with Vekka's fury behind it...

◆◆ Spellstrike
Cast a spell Ignition
Strike PURPLE: +1 katana attack, slashing damage (one-handed, runic weapon), Fire damage: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 282d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 93d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 2) = 12
deadly damage IFF crit: 1d8 ⇒ 4
On Critical Success The target takes double damage and 2d6 persistent fire damage.

After he brings the blade back to his side, a light sheen of the magical flame surrounds his being.

◆ Enter stance: Arcane Cascade

Vekka's strike lands solidly as he gathers fire around himself - Zoudou burns but remains alive. (Total sustained damage -55)

The ritual stirs, visible wisps of Sigurd's soul drawn into it!

Kazuki's mom lies eerily still.

The Wall of Ghosts lashes out at Kazuki, Lan, or Vekka: 1d6 ⇒ 3 Lan again!: LINK

☠☠☠ ☠☠☠ ☠☠☠

Kazuki, Lan, and Auntie Wu are Up!

"NOOO!" Auntie Wu screams. She steps up to Sigurd, navigating via creepy-Wall-vision, and touches his shoulder. Warm golden light flows from her hand into him.

Casting Lay on Hands for 12 HP to Sigurd.

She whips out some bandages as well. "You're not allowed to die, Sigurd! For more than one reason!"

Battle Medicine on Sigurd, Treat Wounds DC 15, Assurance = 17: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 8) = 15

That's a total of 27 HP of healing to Sigurd.

◆ Step, ◆ Cast a spell, ◆ Battle Medicine

Kazuki notices the cultist in black moving towards Sigurd and readying to srike a blow.

He quickly fires a shot at Zoudou...
Potent Longbow (P, 100-ft, ignore 1st increment, deadly d10) vs Target: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 231d8 ⇒ 11d10 ⇒ 8

And then takes careful aim at the cultist raising his staff. He fires at the cultist's armpit...
Potent Longbow (P, 100-ft, deadly d10) vs Cultist & Hunter's Aim, MAP: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 2 - 3 = 151d8 ⇒ 71d10 ⇒ 6

Gravity Weapon (status bonus first damage roll): 2 = 2

◆ Strike (@prey)
◆◆ Hunter's aim

Kazuki’s arrows glance Zoudou (3 damage) and the black acolyte (7 damage) but they remain standing…

…Sigurd’s eyes open once more…

He and Lan are Up!

Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 vs DC 30
Frightened 1, 1 mental damage

If Sigurd is at 21/35 or higher ...

Lan shields himself and begins channeling energy away from the ritual.

◆ Shield
◆◆ Disable
Occultism, Frightened 1: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 1 = 21

If Sigurd is at 20/35 or lower ...

Lan shields himself and heals Sigurd.

◆ Shield
◆◆ Cast a Spell

Heal, 1st level, 2 actions: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Sigurd could feel the Altar channeling into Zoudou. Guiding her dagger through his armor. Tearing his ribcage, reaching for his heart.

"You're not allowed to die, Sigurd! For more than one reason!"

Something hot radiates through his body. The will to protect his home. The pride of protecting a family. The strength to fight evil. He can't describe it exactly, but he can't falter here.

So he stands.

His hands burn with destructive energy as he grasps the ghost in Black. "Enough."

Cast Harm as a 1 action spell. Deals 2d8 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8 Void Damage.

A veneer of light forms around him as a protective shield.

"Thank you, friends. If this is my final hour, know that I spent it proudly protecting Willowshore.!"

◆ Stand Up
◆ Cast >Harm< as a Rank 2 spell on Black. DC 17 Will Save.
◆ Cast >Shield<. AC is now 21.
↺ Will >Shield Block< the first hit for 5 damage.

Lan disables the Ritual (which had spent two rounds untended by Zoudou as she became lustful for blood) - the magic connecting it to the Wall of Ghosts is severed with this final blow - the Altar of Blood goes quiet!

Ritual Interrupted!

Zoudou - somehow surviving the attacks, jabs her own dagger into her heart, and kills herself, but not before declaring "I have failed you Kugaptee" she dies instantly.

Black Acolyte does the same, jamming his own staff into his... wait... it doesn't seem to work without a dagger - he throws his staff down and resumes his position "face" down upon the ground - silent and still and surrendered.

☠☠☠ ☠☠☠ ☠☠☠

Encounter Over!

Now What!?

Lan will encourage someone with more physical prowess than he has to tie up the acolyte for questioning.

When the area appears secure, Lan sits down at the altar, scoffing at the unholy rituals that were performed on it. He Refocuses his will, feeling an energy bubbling up within him. It's more than energy, though - he feels like he's physically recovering from his mental wounds even as he meditates.

Lan finally discovers the nature of the pebble he found in his shoe at the beginning of Level 3!

He'll bathe the party with rejuvenating flames, if they need additional healing. We should get Sigurd up to full and clear Wounded. Kazuki's mom is also welcome to take a flame bath.

Wow, a Hero Point really changed this encounter's outcome...

Sigurd stands ready for Zoudou's assault. The sun shining in his hands, the sun's heat searing the acolyte, the solar flare shining across Zoudou's... eyes? Sigurd isn't certain what to think of that. He's certain Darius would have a story or two about it.

But Lan manages to stop the ritual, and Zoudou ends her own life rather than admit defeat. "Coward. All of your ranting, all of your sacrifice. And for what?" He puts his hand to his check and takes a breath.

"I saw it. Her dagger tearing through my armor like it was paper. Tearing out my heart. The altar surging with power as she laughed, and they both disappeared. The sun, calling me to leave this mortal plane and join her from afar."

"You would have been safe either way." He turns to Auntie Wu. "Thank you... Your eyesight will return in a minute. If this were a poison or some kind of madness I would be able to clear it up quickly. Remastering my spells were a mix of blessings and curses."

He nods to Lan, Vekka and Kazuki. "Make sure the woman is alright." He turns away from Kazuki's mother in shame, knowing he failed to find her and subjected her to this mess. Nevermind the other two he wasn't able to find.

He begins to restrain the acolyte. "You were wise to back off, yet you were foolish to raise your weapon upon me. Who is Kugaptee? Your deity? Did they tell you to sacrifice innocents in exchange for leaving? Why did you all congregate here? Where are the other prisoners?"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"Answer me, or you will feel the sun's heat in the palm of my hands!"

Two questions per success to Coerce, double that on a crit, vs Will DC 16!

”Do not speak Her name!” the Acolyte physically recoils at Sigurd’s pronouncement ”The Great Spirit dwells beyond The Wall, and only permits the Worthy to follow Her into The Real!”

"I tire of these secret ceremonies, ghost." Sigurd sighs. "Fine."

"Where are the prisoners? There are two unaccounted for."

Intimidation: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24 vs DC 16

Discuss questions in Discussion?

Kazuki frantically runs toward the cage and pulls his mother out.
"Mother! Mother? Are you okay!?!"

It takes a moment for Auntie Wu to believe that the danger is over. Finally, she breathes a sigh of relief, mumbling something in Sigurd's direction about ignoring the light at the end of a tunnel, and sinks to the ground to wait for her vision to return. I need a smoke. She settles for a deep swig from her gourd.

Once she can see again, she heaves herself up to check on Kazuki's mom, gently speaking to her during the examination and bandaging. "Thank goodness you're alive! Don't worry. We'll heal you up and get you back to town. Everyone's gathered at Matsuki Estate for safety. We'll bring you there. I'm Auntie Wu. What's your name?"

Treat Wounds, Assurance for 17 vs. DC 15, Kazuki's mom: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

She can cast Cornucopia or Lay on Hands one more time, to help either Sigurd or Kazuki's mom. Then she'll Refocus for either 10 or 20 minutes (depending on whether she uses the second Focus spell or not).

Mama Kazuki, coming to, stands up and thanks Auntie Wu for healing her.

Then she walks over to Kazuki and bonks him on the head like he was 10.

And hugs him close.

”Promise me that you’ll never leave home again”