This is the final post, guys. After this - I'll see you in the OOC for questions, loot distribution, etc.
Clearly relieved that all of the heroes have enlisted in the cause, Bebhinn smiles. "As I learn of the names and locations of their mortal leaders, I will pass them along. I leave it to you to determine how best to finish them. Now to arm you... it seems a waste to not repay Naladoria in her own coin and turn her 'weapons' back upon her. And champions should have the power of champions, no?"
The goddess waves a hand in a small circle, speaking a few soft words of power. Our heroes feel power return to them.
Jayse, Jofram, Ushari, and Straehan are gestalt again.
"I cannot offer you Godhood or any evil path as Naldoria did, but I can open your potential..." Another gesture accompanies her statement.
Booyah! Jayse, Jofram, Orin, Ushari, and Straehan can either take a non-evil second Archetype for one of their classes (sorry no 'Hungry Ghost' Jayse. Reasonable exceptions will be waived on Archetypes.) OR a non-evil third gestalt class that will stay at 1/2 their other class levels. This is pretty much the same deal Naladoria offered.
Bebhinn slides up to the cleric, wraps an arm around her and whispers, "If you still wish it, when the war ends, we will find a way for you to recover your father." Without waiting for an answer, she speaks to them all. "Go with the good will of the Gods of Miir and the good wishes of all her people. I'll be in touch but, for the moment, I've got to run. Good luck and thank you." With a wink, the Goddess vanishes.
You stand for a moment contemplating all that has happened. The world suddenly seems slightly brighter and, conversely, a great deal more dangerous.
~ END of Book I: The Great Southern Isles ~
To Jofram, she says, "We will be able to help you, prepare the faithful to heed you, and locate the islands and towns where the attacks will come..."
Bebhinn considers Ushari's questions, "It will take time but, yes, we will get help from the Continent. My brethren touch the minds of their priests and champions already. You must organize and protect the people until they arrive."
She looks to Jayse, the only one who hasn't committed to the cause, "Will you help us? And if not us... then maybe help your friends or the people of these islands?"
The Goddess scoffs good naturedly at the gnome "Scamp." before turning to Jofram, completely serious. "You won't need to convince the Isle folk of the threat after the first raids. The Aboleth and Sahuagin are coming... with Merrows and Margoyles most likely. And other deep dwellers besides. They will send their forces to pillage and occupy the coastal towns. They won't be raiding parties. It will be an army led, no doubt, by the best they have... Aboleth Illrigger/Evokers or worse."
Gestalt Anti-Paladin/Wizards
Bebhinn graces the Witch with a warm smile, "Doubly blessed is he who saves his neighbor with no thought for himself. You will find us appreciative of your aid."
Bebhinn looks earnest for a moment. "We all have a past and a future... the only question is how much we let one dictate the other." The brunette shrugs off the thought and laughs lightly while sketching doodles in the sand with the toe of her slipper. "If taking the battle to Naladoria's servants keeps your inner demons at bay, so much the better. We need the help. The others are hesitant to speak with mortals directly, so assembling the heroes of Miir will take time."
She waves a hand as if to dismiss all sorts of tedious tasks, "There will be dreams, prophecies, portents, and omens a-plenty for months to come... just trying to lead their champions here. In the meantime, the folks of the Isles will be on their own - mostly. It seems, we've been neglectful about inspiring heroes of the faith in the Isles." She glances at the Oracle, "No offense intended."
The Goddess smiles, "Well, I imagined you'd make that choice but it wasn't a certainty... and you can serve in other ways, if you prefer."
Bebhinn takes the comment soberly, sort of. "I can appreciate that... It would be a job you've kind of already volunteered for when you told that old Fishwife that you would stand against her. Only this time, we'd have your back." She gives Jayse a winning, dimpled, smile. "Still, it's your choice and there is no 'or else' implied in our offer."
The Goddess looks you over, to ensure you are all fully healed. Satisfied, she turns serious, "Just so we understand each other... you owe us nothing. You could have decided to work with Naladoria and her people and lived. Instead, you chose to give up some of your power and possibly your lives to stay true to your hearts and values. In so doing, you have done us a favor. So we are even, got it?"
She smiles as if she knows a great secret. "Having said that... how would you like a job?" Bebhinn laughs.
Feel free to post.
Bebhinn sighs and releases Ushari, "Well, that was interesting." She kisses the cleric on the forehead. Ushari feels the vitality returning to her limbs.
Ushari's HP, STR, and CON are restored in full.
Somewhere between coy and flirtatious, Bebhinn approaches each man, says "Thank you", and kisses him on the lips. They find their wounds mended.
Jayse experiences no change but a nice kiss.
Jofram's HP, STR, and CON are restored in full.
Orin's STR is restored in full.
Strae's HP, STR, and CON are restored in full.
Bebhinn nods, but doesn't seem to entirely agree with Naladoria's estimation. Nevertheless, her response is polite. "Perhaps... but do you really want to take that chance? And is killing these mortals or me worth that much to you? I'd think after that long in the Void, you'd want to enjoy your freedom a bit before losing it... again."
Bebhinn interrupts with a wave of her hand, the other still wrapped around Ushari, "I know, I know... You're old and cunning. I'm young and inexperienced - granted. Truth to tell," She gives Ushari a smile and then turns her attention back to Naladoria, "This is my first intercession... so I'd probably be easy pickings for a tough, old, hag like you." She smiles broadly, "But unlike your 'sink or swim' brethren, mine wouldn't let an inexperienced, young Goddess - like me - go without a chaperone... several actually."
She points a slender finger skyward. Among the clouds floating by you see the vague shapes of four faces. Their features are impossible to make out but it seems certain they are divines and their attention seems to be focused on the small strip of beach.
Your confusion is answered by a light laugh above you. A woman in a golden gown floats slowly down. As her delicate slippers threaten to touch the water, the sea retreats away from her. She lightly lands on the soaking sand. She is a pretty, long-haired brunette with flashing eyes and a mischievous grin just a few inches taller than Ushari. She is real and oddly unreal. Some of her features are ill defined, almost as if they are a vague idea that hasn't been fully fleshed out.
Knowing Ushari's tendency to take a knee before deities, she quickly sidles next to the blonde and wraps a supporting arm around her waist, keeping her up. For Ushari, who doesn't need an introduction to know this Goddess, the woman feels like coming home. Bebhinn whispers conspiratorially to the cleric, "Keep standing, dear. It's never good to look weak in front of evil divines." She raises her warm, pleasant voice and addresses the remaining heroes. "Good afternoon, gentlemen. It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm sorry if my arrival was a bit late. On behalf of... us... thank you for your loyalty to our people and our world." She gives a playful wink, "Now, if you'll excuse me for just a moment, I should really chat with the Exile."
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