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Astrid scoffs at the signal whistles. "Bah! I can do better than that. How far away will the egghead scholars be hiding? Also I don't suppose Bremix is among their number is he? He might not be so eager to come to our aid after that beating I gave him." She grins sheepishly. "After we subdued him, I might have given him a few extra bumps and bruises carrying his unconscious body to the ship. Accidentally of course." She appears unrepentant as her sheepish grin takes a decidedly wicked turn.
"How are we to know if the hag has been weakened by all the traps... if we do not know where or what the traps are?" asks Teja.
"Ha! Good thinking Teja. I knew there was a reason I liked you. So, how do we avoid falling prey to those traps?"
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Patrick stays in the back but is being quiet, maybe too quiet. The mere presence of Zarta is making him really nervous, because of her Cheliax background, her hedonistic tendencies, although she seems to have calmed down a bit recently, and also she had been featured in some of his nightmares portraying a succubus.
As a consequence he had been actively avoiding her all this time except in situations like this and even then he kept interactions to the bare minimum. Because of that, he wonders if he owes her an apology. But now is not the time.
He also worries about what might be in Zarta's dreamspace.
As for the other woman, she is most likely a member of the Decemverite.
"The first set of traps should be the containment field." Zarta says. Her tone is that wonderful combination of polite irritation. "In addition to preventing her escape except through the directed dreamscape it should dampen some of her abilities and strength. With another similar field as she emerges to keep her weak." The Archivist adds. "These fields are powered by both magic relics prepared to be anathematic to Aslynn, as well as that promising new 'Stasian' technology. I believe some of you have met one of the scholars setting them up currently - that Ardis woman Revecka."
"As for my dreamscape, rest assured the traps within it should further chip away at the hag. But I have been subjected to assaults on my freedoms before: I am willing to put my own mental state at risk for this fight but I do not see a reason why my mind must be exposed for you to pick over for your own part in this." Zarta responds back firmly to Teja's prying about her mindscape's construction.
To Astrid, the masked woman answers: The clockwork chirper is a simple clockwork bird made by our new allies the Ardis Scholars. It's automated nature means that its sounding of the alarm should occur regardless of if you are incapacitated or otherwise engaged, so long as the Draught is placed down near it to begin. But we will have agents hidden moderately close enough that they will be able to move in and support shortly if things go awry.
The woman cocks her head, then adds In fact at least one you three know Her obscured face turns between Astrid, Patrick, and Fortiva. While Bremix is still being tended to after his...situation. Narcela is currently in this camp as well. Even at this late hour she is working to to find any potential weakness in our plans that her mother might be able to exploit. To then patch them of course.
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Drak furrows his brow. This is a pretty complicated plan. Lure Aslynn to a location, probably by lying to her about the Draught of Dreams. Get her to come to us. Activate the chalice to create a portal into Zarta's dreamscape. Trick Aslynn into trying to take the chalice. Once she takes the Chalice, she should be funneled by the containment field into the Portal to Zarta's dreamscape. Once Aslynn has been weakened by what happens in Zarta's dreamscape, Zarta should wake up and shunt Aslynn back into a second containment field where we defeat her once and for all?
What happens if Aslynn won't pick up the Chalice? If she finds another way out of the containment field? If she finds a way to turn the tables on Zarta in Zarta's dreamscape, or Zarta can't get her out of the dreamscape? What if the second containment doesn't work?
"So to be clear, we do not chase Aslynn through the portal, right? Once she goes through we stay and wait for her to return. That's when we can finally get stabby." The shield maiden rubs Hagsneiðari's hilt thoughtfully.
Correct Waterfall nods.
What happens if Aslynn won't pick up the Chalice? If she finds another way out of the containment field? If she finds a way to turn the tables on Zarta in Zarta's dreamscape, or Zarta can't get her out of the dreamscape? What if the second containment doesn't work?
"Then we will need to improvise." Zarta reluctantly acknowledges. "This scheme is many-layered I admit, but Aslynn's been able to avoid any direct confrontation we've tried in the past. But now we have something she desperately need - the Draught - and so we have some cards to play. Bluff her, taunt her, bribe her if you think she will believe it, but get her to come. If she doesn't take the chalice but you can signal us in time the containment field can be activated manually. And if the fields fail then we will strike at her despite her full strength. But this is the best chance we have at finally stopping that hag in some time."
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"Sounds like the first part of this plan - the first containment field - is the bottleneck of this operation. I mean. Is the Witch-Thief really going to fall for the oldest trick in the book?" Jakoby makes eye contact with the "trixiest" of the party-members...
Teja (Expert) @ +15
Astrid (Trained) @ +15
Drak (Trained) @ +14
Jakoby (Trained) @ +11
Fortiva @ ???
Patrick @ ???
...Teja especially, but also Astrid and Drak "Tell you what, I've no true poker face, but from the looks of you three, we might be following your lead" she stows her pipe, blowing her last plume out of her nostrils "In any case, no further questions here: We are ready!" and looking over towards her avian companion, our smoky hero raises her leather-clad arm, calling Ro to her command, who obeys dutifully and with the simple love of a reptile brain playing to it's primal spirit.
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"Ha! Of course she'll fall for it. We have her stupid fancy cup don't we?" Astrid picks up the chalice and examines it. "Why is she so interested in it anyway? I mean, it's pretty, I guess, but here's easier ways to get something to drink out of. Hells! I have three mugs in my bags right now. What's so special about this one? Is it one of those that always has ale in it?" She turns it upside down and shakes it, hopefully.
When nothing emerges she frowns in disappointment and reads the parchment once more. "Oh, right, dreamscape. Still, what's the use in that?"
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The Dreamscape can be anything you want it to be Patrick replies dryly. But personally, I would prefer a mild cider with added berryjuice.
Although I am referring to a dreamspace that is under my control. I am not sure you can manipulate someone else's Dreamspace to produce ale in the cup he pauses for a bit. Unless they allow it
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Fortiva listens to the party iterate and reiterate (and reiterate) the plan with amusement at first and mild annoyance by the time Astrid starts messing around with the chalice.
Reaching out and taking it from her, she turns it over in her hands thoughtfully. "Certainly well-made. No rare materials, though. The inlaid patterns speak to a magic that may be hidden from the casual observer. Of course, it's entirely possible that it appeals to Aislynn as something she needs to include in a ritual, probably as a focus."
Handing it back, she shrugs, "Regardless, I look forward to luring the hag into the trap with it."
Hearing mention of Revecka and Narcela, Fortiva smiles warmly. "It 's good to hear they are contributing - and able to work together. After we're done, I'll have to catch up with both of them."
"Indeed, dreamscapes can be powerful. And almost all lviing creatures touch the Dimension of Dreams often in their lives." Zarta says, expanding on Patrick's points. Seeing Fortiva examine the chalice she explains “The Draught of Dreams is an artifact with great power tied to that Dimension. From what we have pieced of the nature of her primary goal, Aslynn intends to use the chalice to infiltrate the personal dreamscapes of countless sleeping beings. Twisting their dreamscapes and reshaping them as she pleases. With that amount of access and ability to manipulate dreamscapes, the hag could even merge them into her own personal demiplane of nightmares from which she could overtake the Dreamlands. If Aslynn had her way, the Dreamlands would become a vast wasteland of never-ending nightmares from which the hag could effortlessly mold sleeping individuals according to her desires and readily reap souls in untold numbers.”
"So," she adds. "Let's not screw this up."
Stepping in, Waterfall gently takes the Draught of Dreams back from Fortiva and returns it to the chest for now.
Yes, Narcela and Revecka are both some of our new allies helping us to set up this trap. Revecka is working at the closer trap site I believe, while Narcela is somewhere in the camp. There is another recent arrival as well: Star, a Jistkan war machine some of our agents recently unearthed. They had left for some time on their own, but recently returned here a few days ago. I admit I am uncertain as to the exact reason why, or why now.
The Decimverate member turns to the six of you. We have a bit of time before we will be ready to begin and you will need to summon Aslynn here. I would advise spending it preparing. Perhaps you could speak with the others around the camp. Narcela, Revecka, and even Star may have useful insights int what we are planning. And even if not, perhaps better links could be made with them so they will continue to be allies once our mutual foe is taken care of.
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I am fairly sure I have been targeted by Aslynn before for nightmares, and I am fairly sure, she takes delight in such behaviour. So, I wish to offer myself as bait. There is so much potential for a nightmare even in this small group. Plus, I have got rather used to it by now.
Patrick then decides to bite the bullet and go find Revecka - doing a Discovery on her (Perception+13)
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With the team already covering the three potential allies, Jakoby will keep watch on the one the team seems to learn the least about.
Puffing her pipe from a distance, she observes the mannerisms of the swordsman, the magical tradition of the mage, and the construction of the metal turtle.
Splitting off together, Patrick and Astrid find Narcela sitting in one of the tents near the center of the camp. Books and scrolls are strewn about the tent with pages spread open and covered with notations scribbled across them in ink. As you enter, Narcela looks up from the schematic she's holding and smiles. Astrid! Patrick! the changeling says warmly. It's wonderful to see you again. Come, sit!
Narcela gestures for you to take a seat, though there is little empty space around the tent that isn't covered in research material. She keeps talk as she turns to search for another scroll, continuing to speak pleasantly but with her voice barely concealing her anxiety. It's thanks to you I was able to break free from Aslynn. And not become…well something I'd rather not dwell on. And Revecka has told me how much you were able to help her recover too! It’s great to be able to collaberate with her on this; she’s devised a whole array using her Stasian coils that should bring up a field that will block off Aslynn from using extraplanar travel! But If my mother isn't stopped there will be more and more victims who aren't as lucky. And I know Ree and your Zarta are confident but my mother's smart. Tricky. I keep worrying there might be something we're missing…
Upon exiting the meeting with Waterfall and Zarta, Teja wanders out to try and meet with this 'Star' Directions to them are easy to come by: off the eastern outskirts of the encampment the massive automaton is resting still in the sands. Appearing like a gargantuan snapping turtle made of yellow-gold metal, their head is turned upwards to the sky. In the dunes around her Teja sees several other figures dressed in scholarly robes. They are asking various questions to Star - about her construction, the Jistkan Imperium, and other topics - and the automaton in turn sometimes answers. Hearing Teja's footsteps Star cranes its neck down towards the Pathfinder and says
Revecka is easy to find out away from the camp near the 'trap site'. The pale woman is crouching down in the sands adjusting some strange cables and sweating profusely from the heat. The noise of other workers around - and the sounds of a clockwork bird incessantly chirping - masks Drak's approach and Revecka starts as she only notices him as he is right beside her.
Gah! she says dropping her tools and clutching her chest. You see that a mechanical artificial heart is still embedded within it, though its design has several improvements since you two last met. Oh, Drak. They called you in for this huh? Good: glad to see your Society can recognize talent where they have it. Picking up her tools she crouches down again over the devices being lined in the sand. They are an intricate series of cables and connected devies, thrumming with a staticy hum. Here, see if you can help get that oneirum array aligned into place. I know this Aslynn is old, but this Stasian tech is not only cutting edge, but something that's a complete game-changer. If we get it right - and my theories hold - it shouldn't be something she sees coming!
As Revecka points out the array she's mentioning, the clockwork bird continues to loudly chirp. The Ardis Scholar winces and glares at it. Ugh! Damn thing got set off early. I guess its good to confirm we'll hear the alarm from plenty a way off, but right now its annoyingly distracting.
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Ro cranes his neck, and at the bidding of his master, attempts to "land" upon the automaton called "Star"!
Somebody can roll Thievery to silence the bird (does not cost an action)
Narcela
Crafting, Hag Lore
Star
Astronomy Lore
Revecka
Athletics, Crafting, Thievery, Engineering Lore
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Figuring her party can take care of the other two, Jakoby becomes intrigued by the mysterious Star - she sends Ro to perch upon him.
"Hello" between puffs "The stars, themselves, can be as a comforting blanket whilst you sleep under them, or, a scroll you can read that tells a story of the past, present, and future" she pauses here, allowing him to take the metaphors in "We tonight seek to put an end to a Dream-Stealing Witch's schemes - I am wondering if, having divined them for so long, you are able to foresee any contingencies we haven't already considered?"
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Teja offers a quick bow of forgiveness to Star, before heading over to try and help quieten the bird.
"Hello again Revecka!" she says, before turning her attention to the bird.
"Be back later, got to talk with Star first. They are amazing!"
She returns to talk with the great turtle. Noticing Jakoby focusing on the celestial aspect, she offers some words of her own..
"I was trapped beneath the sands once myself, but not for as long as you." she reminisces. "I have heard the stars are other worlds, similar to ours. Is that why you call yourself Star? You wish to visit them one day?"
She tells what she knows of them.
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I know Ree and your Zarta are confident but my mother's smart. Tricky. I keep worrying there might be something we're missing…
"Ha! Your mother may be smart but she's just one person. We have an entire team of smart people. When I was little Amma Nanni used to tell me scary stories of hags so I know something about their tactics. My favorite was this gruesome story that went like this..." Astrid absent-mindedly rubs a locket about her neck as she recounts a grisly tale of a hag that captured and cooked naughty children.
Unfortunately the shield maiden gets too caught up in the gory details of the story to impart any useful information.
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Patrick is carefully looking through the notes, not touching them though as he doesn't want to disturb their layout.
Yes ... well ... erm .... I have to admit, I did send her a bunch of flowers, I hope you do not mind but I thought it would cheer her up. Plus I actually admire her intellect. Her thoughts on planar physics were .... most interesting.
As for this ..... hmmm ..... fascinating. It would be interesting to see if your research can be used to travel to the other worlds in this system and beyond.
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Fortiva joins Drak in visiting Revecka. She does not even pause as she approaches the scene, but heads directly to the bird and shuts it off.
Turning and greeting Revecka with a light hug, she says, "There. Now we can talk properly. So good to see you again..."
She holds the other woman at arm's length for a moment, appraising, "... and doing well, clearly."
Looking around the site, she says, "I like the look of what you have going so far. I overheard some of your concerns, and I wouldn't worry - your tech is superior to anything the hag has thrown at us."
With a crooked smile, she adds, "Or that we've stolen from her."
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The Ardis Scholar smiles as Fortiva joins her once more - and even further as the chirper is silenced. Thanks. So much easier to focus! She is a bit surprised at the hug, but accepts it. And yes, we Acholars may have taken a bad hit from Aslynn's focus on us the last couple of years, but in the process I have been able to make some breakthroughs. See, hold that there for just...a...bit... She directs both Drak and Fortiva to hold some crystals close together while she carefully wraps some filament around them. You see, these crystals will work as capacitors to channel the Satasian energy through the coils and electric relays. It'll give a solid charge on its own, but the real kicker is how they react to certain other energies. Like ethereal ones. she smirks. That should cause a minor feedback loop, which shunts...well the math is complicated. But the summary is it'll serve as an extraplanar inhibitor.
She stands up and takes a look at the recent work. Well, it will be soon. Assuming we can get all of these set quick enough. Revecka then sheepishly kneels back down and slightly adjusts the few crystals Drak had been holding.
"I was trapped beneath the sands once myself, but not for as long as you." she reminisces. "I have heard the stars are other worlds, similar to ours. Is that why you call yourself Star? You wish to visit them one day?"
Star responds in a slow and calm voice to the question. Teja tries to keep up with Star on the topic, talking about what she knows of Astronomy and their movement through the sky and space, but the automaton doesn't seem to fully warm to how she presents the topic.
"We tonight seek to put an end to a Dream-Stealing Witch's schemes - I am wondering if, having divined them for so long, you are able to foresee any contingencies we haven't already considered?"
Star sighs.
They turn their head down towards the two of you.
Narcela listens to Astrid's tale while she works, but the saga puts the changeling even more on edge. Gingerbread hags - nasty sorts. But Aslynn's a night hag and they're even more powerful. Plus in that story so many children were killed before she was finally stopped!
Patrick's contributions seem to put her a bit more at ease however, especially as he mentions Revecka. Oh that was you! Yes, they made her day! I'll be honest I can't fully understand what she's talking about when working half the time, but what she can come up with. And create! It's genius! And she just keeps on no matter what problems crop up. Ah, see!
Looking over Patrick's notes and sorted documents prompts Narcela to pull out a complex-looking schematic of a small projector. Recognize this? When we captured the Gale's Claw Revecka was able to study the ship and reverse engineer it. Aslynn stole enough components from the Arids Scholars that I wouldn't be surprised if she were able to build another airship, but Ree's containment field can jam it too. Even if she arrives in a ship, their own Stasian engines won't be able to draw on the needed power to transit back out to another plane!
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Well ... when it comes to building my plane hopping ship - or something to travel to the moon and stars, then I know who to consult. And if you ever need help with arcane theory ... well ... I would be honoured if you and Revecka come to visit. I ... am attempting to socialise more and make friend. Fola believes that my ... paranoia is what has allowed Aslynn to get inside my head. I am trying to overcome that. She actually attempted to send me a nightmare of you in your transformed self. I actually managed to fend it off with techniques I have been taught.
He actually smiles a bit.
But yes, let us not lose touch - and if you do decide to visit ... well ... I hope you like cats. Now if you will excuse me, I should say hello to Revecka. It would be rude not to, so I am told.
As it turns out, when Patrick discovers that Star is into astronomy, he stop by to say hello, compare notes, and to offer more detailed knowledge.
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Teja continues to talk with Star. "Friendship? That is where one helps other people... not for any immediate gain, but because we have shared experiences." she thinks for a bit.
"In some ways, friendship is the heart of what makes nations work. The kings and rulers may dictate laws, but what holds a society together is people looking out for one another."
She is happy to talk for some length about culture, society and the role of friendship in it.
that will fully Influence Star[/ooc]
Star listens carefully as Teja tries to define the nature of friendship. The massive automaton nods, but then asks concernedly as the scholar expands on comparing the concept to the bonds of a community.
As they talk Patrcik also approaches Star to join you. Though his cheering words to Narcela had not quite come off as great as he'd hoped , the wizard's insight into the celestial movements are enchanting to Star. They Look down on you with their metal jaw twisting into a vague smile.
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Back at the containment field construction site, Drak took his earlier mistake in stride and tries to help Revecka with some of the clockwork components of the machine. The scholar listens intently with widening eyes at his suggestions. That, that should work! Which means with a higher intensity field around each projector we could space them out more evenly to better regulate the energy flow! A period of quick and excited adjustments follows as she and her assistants go about resetting some of the machinery. That's clever! And it should mean we're a bit less dependent on our backup. In fact, here she motions for Drak to join her as she walks a ways away from the trapsite with a reinforced case. Once well clear, she opens it to reveal several arrows and bullets that gleam and glisten. Our work crew aren't experienced adventurers like you, so we were keeping some of this in reserve in case Aslynn of one of her forces broke free. Take a few, might be useful when it comes time for you to confront her. Careful though: they're pretty volatile.
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As Patrick's nervous offer of a later visit doesn't quite cut the tension - Narcela's still too stressed and focused on the immediate scheme about to unfold - Jakoby observes the changeling as she talks to the Patrick and Astrid, and at the work she seems to be focusing on. With Narcela researching Aslynn’s past strategies and foul work, Jakoby suspects Pathfinder Society Lore or Occultism know-how could prove useful.
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Realizing that her story is doing more harm than good Astrid excuses herself and excuses herself to go visit with Revecka.
As she arrives Revecka is struggling to move heavy piece of machinery. "Ha! Let me help you with that. That way you can get right back to the big brain activities." Astrid takes a moment to show off by activating her new belt and effortlessly lifting the heavy device. "So...Where do you want this?"
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Jakoby decides to commit.
There is a saying: "Best not mention the Mammoth in the Tent" "Here, Swordsman" heading over to assist with the written plans "I can give you a hand with that" she cocks the pipe into mouth sideways, allowing our smoky ulfen hero to puff-puff-prod without obstruction "Do you see this section, here?" she points to one of the containment schematics "I think it's placement is good, but could even better if..."
In hindsight, it was probably better not to say anything. She returns to Star "If a friend whose mutual respect for their comrade's freedom and will to choose is compromised - such as through attempts to control the other - this constitutes a different kind of relationship altogether despite masquerading as friendship. This is called an Enemy" she smiles, adds "Sometimes it's hard to tell!" she winks at the automaton, wondering how he will interpret the gesture.