ClearSpring's page

K. Religion: 1d20 + 9 + 1d8 ⇒ (17) + 9 + (7) = 33

Teruko also recognizes the small creature. "An attic whisperer. Undead and cursed through no fault of his own. I doubt he intended to trick us, but just like most other undead they are evil." She bites her lip. "Sending him on to whatever afterlife awaits him is the best thing we can do for him."

She's moved by the touching gesture as Riftun enters the room and kneels next to the small creature. She's also very, very afraid. "I don't think he'll come out now. He'll keep attacking Riftun until..." She doesn't finish that sentence. "We'll have to fight in there." Moving forward to peer through the doorway, she sends a wave of energy to bolster everyone's confidence. (Including, hopefully, Riftun's.)

Casting Bless. Allies gain +1 on attack rolls and saves against fear.

Teruko lowers her hands, fight over before she could even consider casting a spell. "You were quicker than me this time Ami. Fortunately my assistance wasn't required." She smiles at Riftun. "An impressive spell indeed. It's a good thing you learned it."

"I doubt these creatures fought each other much. Most likely the ones who didn't get along simply didn't encroach into each other's territory. Basic alliances of the 'you don't attack us we won't attack you' variety. It is strange this quickling moved into the courtyard though; he wasn't here before. Perhaps trying to expand his own territory?" Shaking her head, she stops speculating for now and pulls out her wand. "Let me take care of that injury before we proceed."

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Teruko just stares. "You accidentally created a sentient beard." Out of all the strange things that have happened on this journey this might possibly be the strangest. A feeling that only intensifies as Torra starts gushing over the mass of hair and names it...Mimosa?

Although as the tiny 'head' pokes up and the beard starts resembling a hedgehog, she has to admit it is kind of cute. In a very unsettling way.

"I do hope you weren't attached to being either clean-shaven or having a beard, as it seems that decision is no longer yours to make. You'll have to ask Mimosa every morning if they wish to stay on your face or not." Her lips twitch. "Although perhaps you can negotiate if there's a look you'd prefer for the day."

Teruko stares at Riftun's shoulder even after he recovers it, face completely blank. When she finally looks up and meets Riftun's eyes there's the faintest hint of concern in her own. "Don't be foolish. Even putting aside the army of fiends that may or may not exist," (she nods towards Andochtuir), "The caravan has already been attacked by Hana's old family seeking to retrieve her. We handled a small, well-trained force of ninja assassins; I believe we can do the same with your pursuers. The risk to us is negligible compared to the risk you're taking by coming along on such a dangerous trip. If you're willing to take that risk, then I see no problem."

Her eyes drift back down to Riftun's shoulder. "Such extensive scarring must be uncomfortable. I have skin cream in my bag. I don't know if it would help, but it's yours if you want it."

Teruko seems distracted, staring off into the flames. It isn't until Ameiko calls her name that she looks up, and it takes her a few seconds to mentally replay the conversation before she replies. "The throne was stolen and you're the only one who can reclaim it. We can't sit back and do nothing now that we know. We have a duty." She forces a smile. "Besides, if I wasn't willing to let you go explore Brinewall alone, I'm certainly not going to let you face an army of demons by yourself."

Level 4

Stat Increase: +1 Charisma
Base Attack Bonus: +1
Saves: Will +1
Hit Points: +6 (Half 1d8 + 1 Con)
Spells Per Day: +2 1st level, +4 2nd level
Spells Known: +1 Cantrip (Read Magic), +3 2nd level (Augury, Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds)
Skills: +9 Skill Points (4 class, 1 INT, 1 human, 2 background, 1 FCB)
-Appraise
-Bluff
-Craft (Calligraphy)
-Diplomacy
-K. Arcana
-K. Local
-K. Nobility
-Sense Motive
-Spellcraft

Teruko's gone weeks, months, even years at a time without seeing her sister. Without knowing if Ameiko was alive or dead. The past few days had hit differently, because she'd known Ameiko was alive but not safe, suffering from an affliction none of them understood or knew how to cure. Seeing her wake in the vision had been a relief, but seeing her here, now, smiling and laughing and healthy...it feels like Pazuzu's curse has been lifted all over again and she can finally breathe.

She hugs Ameiko back tightly, resisting the urge to cry in sheer relief. "It's good to have you back Ami. I've missed you." She finally lets go and adds in Minkaian,

Following Ameiko to the center of the camp, she gestures for Spivey to join them. "Everyone, this is Spivey. If anyone's a hero here it's her, for keeping us alive while we explored." She smiles directly at Koya. "Spivey, there are a lot of people to introduce you to, but I believe we should start with Koya. She's the cleric of Desna we were telling you about. I think you two will get along fabulously."

Finally sitting down, she looks around and her brow furrows very slightly. "Where's Hana? She's hardly left your side since you fell ill; I'd have expected her to be here now."

Most funerals are tailored to the chosen deity of the deceased. Teruko doesn't know which deity Kortun favored, but she does know he was a warrior. She tries to honor that with her brief eulogy.

"Andril Kortun, Commander of Brinewall. In both life and death you fought bravely to protect your keep. I have no doubt you were the first to enter battle and among the last to leave it." She bows her head. "Now at last your watch has ended. May the River of Souls carry you to your rest."

Before Leaving

"Torra, Andochtuir, you both have good points." Teruko looks tired. "However I'd still rather leave for now. We saw Ameiko waking up in the vision and that feels true, but I'd like to find out for sure as soon as possible." She pauses. "Also, selfishly...I need some time to think."

In the Graveyard.

"Commander Kortun was a brave man who died defending this castle. We thought he deserved a proper burial." Teruko sees the direction of Spivey's gaze and nods. "We believe we found what we came for. It's a complicated story and I'd rather not tell it more often than we have to. Care to join us as we travel to the caravan? There are several people there that will also need an explanation. If you'd like to stay after hearing the whole story, I'm sure Koya would be delighted."

OOC I agree we should finish clearing out Brinewall.

"I-I can't be a g-guardian! Not me! Can't you see? I'm a liability! I'm weak a-and no good with a sword. My magic is subtle... and then there's...."

The young man bends forwards crying out into his cupped hands. "I shouldn't have been here!"

"I disagree that you can't be a guardian. As others have pointed out we wouldn't have gotten this far into the castle without you. But if you don't want to be, then don't." Teruko's voice is matter of fact. "The same goes for all of you. Whatever some magical trinket thinks, you don't have to do anything you don't wish to. Traveling halfway across the world to reclaim a throne...that's a huge decision, and not one to be made lightly."

She stands quietly off to the side while Riftun recovers enough to open the chests. When standard magical items are revealed instead of more earth-shattering secrets, she breathes a sigh of relief. Perhaps it's her desire to focus on something, anything else that helps her recognize the various enchantments. "The amulet hardens one's skin, helping protect against blows. The belt improves one's constitution. The bracers help mages cast without provoking attacks. All extremely useful items."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Holy s*!& Teruko actually knows what things are!

Teruko stares down at the seal within her hands, face curiously blank. It's too much. It's all too much. She doesn't stir until Yuto makes his promise. Then, abruptly, she shoves the seal back into the warding box and closes it tightly.

"It seems when Grandfather wrote 'our family's enemies' what he meant was 'fiends who stole the throne of Minkai and would do anything to keep us from reclaiming it.'" She laughs without a trace of humor. "Andochtuir, I may have been wrong to defend the letter writer earlier for not including enough details."

"At least Ameiko should be awake now, assuming the vision was correct. Although we still don't know what caused her coma in the first place. Perhaps Grandfather, trying to protect the seal, set a trap to discourage any Kaijitsus from coming here?" That doesn't make much sense, but she can't think of any other possibility.

"Before we leave you should see if you can open the other chests Riftun. There might be other secret legacies hidden inside." Her casual tone is at odds with her pale face and still-shaking hands.

"Father?" Teruko whispers as the wraith starts speaking. "Father no, it's me, I'm here, don't leave me again!" When Rokuro's form dissipates she lets out a wail and collapses to her knees.

She leans forward, head in her hands, and just breathes for a long moment. When she finally stands again there are tears running down her cheeks. "My apologies for the scene. As you can likely guess my father is...rather distraught." She swallows hard. "Thank you Torra for finding the vault. Even with Grandfather pointing it out I'm not sure I would have noticed the latch."

Moving forward into the room, she hesitates in front of the chests. Her hands are shaking almost too much to open the lids. "Please let the secret to curing Ameiko also be inside."

She'll open all three chests.

Teruko freezes at the sight of the ghostly figure. "I think my father knows him, so it's entirely possible he was a retainer. That doesn't mean he won't attack, but I'll try."

Stepping forward next to Yuto, she bows her head respectfully and addresses the wraith.

Teruko peers around Yuto's shoulder at the circular depressions. "I doubt the people who built this castle worshipped Tian gods, but the symbols do look familiar." It takes her only a few seconds of thought before she gasps. "The discs! The ones possessed by Kikonu and the fiend. They were inscribed with images of Brinewall under the moon and noonday sun."

She quickly pulls them out and attempts to fit them into the depressions.

"I was thinking Commander Kortun would have preferred the crypts, given his status." Teruko frowns. "However you are right that the crypts are no longer consecrated ground. The graveyard might indeed be the better choice. Once we're done here we can carry his body back."

She follows the others into the southern room but doesn't take note of the papers until Andochtuir points them out. "It's possible the writer of the letter didn't know any more details. After all they were in here writing instead of out there fighting. Pure speculation of course, but I'd like to give the writer the benefit of the doubt."

When they're ready to go downstairs, she does cast light on Yuto's katana as requested. "I'm glad we found this staircase. Vaults and treasures aside, I'll feel better knowing we've cleared out the entire basement, or basements, whichever it turns out to be."

"Meanwhile 'stabby' is my middle name. And my last, since I don't otherwise have one. Shula 'Stabby' Stabberson." Shula does glance at Lope over her shoulder before turning back to the oozes. "Non-sarcastically the advice is appreciated and I'd take it if I could. Unfortunately I don't have anything heavy and sturdy to work with."

She steps back into a flanking position and starts slashing away at the one attacking Sercha.

Main Hand, Flanking: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 2 = 15 S. Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 2 + (4, 1) = 9
Off Hand, Flanking: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 2 = 29 S. Damage: 1d4 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 1 + (1, 6) = 12
Confirm?: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 = 24 Crit Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Wow you all have been busy.

Teruko cranes her head to look at where the statuette is sitting innocently in her pack. "I suppose that explains why the curse didn't dissipate when we destroyed the statue. It can't be destroyed, at least not by such mundane means." She sighs. "Perhaps Koya will have some idea of what to do. I would like to avoid showing it to Zaiobe unless we have no other options. She's already connected to Pazuzu by some strange means; I'd rather not risk developing a stronger bond."

"Thank you anyway, Spivey." She's about to say more, but her eyes widen as Riftun starts to talk about the possibility of them not coming back. Andochtuir's comment also seems to alarm her. "There's still much of the castle left to explore; I'm certain the Kaijitsu legacy is simply hidden somewhere else. It has to be." She takes a deep breath, holds it, and lets it out slowly. "Even if Ameiko has recovered, I doubt she'll want to leave without finding the thing we came here for in the first place."

She's quiet as they leave the graveyard and make their way back to the caravan. When Sandru comes over, whatever small hope she had that Ameiko would have woken up is dashed. "We were hoping perhaps the demon was responsible for Ameiko's coma; Spivey seemed to think its presence was tainting the whole area. Regardless it seemed dangerous to continue without trying to lift whatever curse is on me. All it seems to be doing is slowing me down, but we can't be certain. Demons are wily creatures. Is Koya available?"

"I think this castle is cursed," chimes in Torra. "Every time we try to find this legacy we get sidetracked and get into fights with very dangerous creatures."

The dwarf gives Teruko a worried look. "How are you feeling, other than the weight?"

"Fine, otherwise. It doesn't hurt or anything. It just feels like I'm carrying a weight far too heavy for me, which to be fair is not an uncommon feeling." Teruko tries to smile, but it comes out as more of a grimace. "I'm inclined to agree with you about the castle being cursed. So much is going on here, and so little of it seems to have anything to do with either our legacy or Ameiko's condition." At this point she holds little hope that killing the decapus would have solved any of those issues.

Arriving at Spivey's, she tries to fix her posture into something more normal. "We killed a half-fiend in the basement that might have been responsible for some of the corruption around here. It seems he was an avid worshipper of Pazuzu. Unfortunately he was guarding a statuette, and when I carelessly picked it up to examine it..." She gestures down at her legs. "They no longer seem to work properly. I can barely walk. We destroyed the statuette immediately, but the effect seems to linger."

"Would Desna by chance have granted you any ability to remove curses? I apologize to once again be asking favors of you, but I don't think I can continue exploring like this."

"If you think it might provide some useful knowledge, I have no objection to you studying the remnants of the egg. Just be wary; demonic corruption can be very subtle." Teruko gives the statue of Pazuzu a disdainful look. "As demonstrated by that statue. Any artifact that only assists the worshipers of a demon is not one that deserves to exist in this world. We should destroy it before we move on."

While examining it Teruko picks up the statue, only to freeze and immediately set it down. "It's...heavy. Very heavy." She slowly moves forward a few steps but seems to be struggling. "I still feel like I'm carrying it. Like it's pushing me down into the ground. We should definitely destroy it. Or, if we cannot, then I will carry it to Spivey so she can destroy it. No one else should touch it. It might be cursed."

I'd assume with that warning both Andochtuir and Riftun examined it from a distance and are therefore not cursed.

Teruko shivers as she sees the pulsing objects. "Remnants of the egg from which the decapus spawned. There's still a...taint, for lack of a better word, present in the shards. A demonologist would no doubt find them interesting." She shivers again. "Personally however I can't imagine touching them."

Her attention goes to the treasure hoard, and as usual is first captured by the jewelry. She picks up a particularly vibrant beaded necklace and studies it carefully. "My mother had some pieces like this. Quite valuable, although a bit old-fashioned. The stones would need to be reset before anyone today would wear them."

Eventually she turns away from the jewelry to the items radiating magical auras. Many of them she's not experienced enough to identify, but she pulls out a few. "A wayfinder, a lantern of hidden light, and..." Her brow furrows as she pulls a small disc out of the pile. "Another disc with a tranmutation aura. Other than the design being of a moon rather than a sun, it's identical to the one Kikonu held. We'll have to bring them to Koya's attention later. Perhaps she can puzzle out their intended use."

Teruko also accepts Andochtuir's help in getting down to the lower level of the cave. Suppressing her natural disgust, she moves close enough to the decapus to pick up the wand and examine it. A few seconds later she shakes her head. "I still have no idea what type of spell this casts, other than a powerful one. Riftun, do you have any insights? Either way we should hang onto it for now."

With the wand secured Teruko turns her attention to helping Andochtuir heal everyone. They could go back to Spivey, but she would much rather finish exploring this part of the castle as quickly as possible.

"You were indeed brilliant Torra. Without your aptitude for stone I don't think we could have won. As for you, Yuto, no need to apologize. If anyone should it's me, for using Andochtuir's scroll without asking."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 Nope.

CLW Riftun: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW Teruko: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW Yuto: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW Yuto: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW Yuto: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
CLW Andochtuir: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
CLW Andochtuir: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
CLW Torra: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW Riftun: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Riftun: HP 16/19
Teruko: HP 18/21
Yuto: HP 28/31
Andochtuir: HP 27/27
Torra: HP 31/31

Rolling for everyone, but I figure we'd split the wand charges if Andochtuir's okay with it. (-5 from his, -4 from Teruko's)

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 + 1d8 ⇒ (19) + 6 + (7) = 32

"I think that would be lovely." Teruko feels a pang of guilt for not already asking Spivey if she'd like to come back to the caravan. She'll have to mention it to Sandru before they go.

"The graveyard Spivey's been tending has a statue to Desna already and might make a good location for a wayshrine. It's more accessible than the castle and less likely to get reclaimed by monsters once we leave. I'll ask her tomorrow what she thinks of the idea." She hums thoughtfully, considering how to phrase what she wants to say. "I can also ask her about joining the caravan. No matter how long she's been in one place, it's never too late to start traveling again."

"Now I should probably travel to the baths." She smiles at both Koya and Yuto before slipping out of the wagon. Once she's bathed and eaten, she does indeed find Sandru to make certain he wouldn't mind yet another addition to the caravan.

(Gods, they really are recruiting.)

Once finished with that conversation, she waits for a moment when Andochtuir is alone and approaches him.

Fine to either move onto the next day or continue roleplaying out the evening.

Once Teruko and Amaya are finished with their conversation, Teruko makes her way to the cart where Ameiko lies. Amaya would have said if she had gotten any worse, but it's still reassuring to see for herself. "Hello Koya. Amaya updated me on what happened earlier." For a few minutes she sits there, watching Ameiko's face. Seeing her lie so still brings back memories of their mother's funeral. Lonjiku had paid well to ensure that Atsuii's face showed no signs of the injuries that had killed-

Don't think about that.

"We found a lyrakien who had been taking care of the graveyard in Brinewall." Teruko's voice is upbeat, almost cheerful as she talks to Koya. "Her name is Spivey. Desna sent her visions of a desecrated shrine and she asked for our help in finding it. Which we did. Once we're completely done clearing out the castle and Ameiko has recovered, if you're willing we'd like to take you there. You could meet Spivey, and perhaps the two of you could reconsecrate the shrine."

"There is the being Kelda spoke of. Someone or something that felt of 'power and malice'. I don't believe we've yet encountered any creature exuding such an aura, not even Kikonu. Perhaps that is who is responsible for Ameiko's condition." Teruko resists the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose at the thought of facing yet another powerful foe. "Riftun, could you ask Zaiobe if she knows of any creatures matching such a description?"

"Regardless, Andochtuir is correct. There are still large parts of the castle we haven't explored." She smiles, although it seems forced. "We're slowly narrowing down the possibilities. Now with Kelda rescued we can focus our full attention on the search for a cure...and the Kaijitsu legacy." The last part is added almost as an afterthought.

As they arrive she heads first for Ameiko's cart, on the off chance that there has been some change. It seemed unlikely either the corrupted shrine or the Phantom had anything to do with Ameiko's condition, but 'unlikely' was not impossible. That faint hope does not last long.

"Thank you Spivey." Teruko bows formally as the lyrakien channels energy across the group. "Your healing has truly been invaluable." A nearly imperceptible tension leaves her shoulders as the last remnants of pain are soothed away.

She smiles slightly at the mention of recruiting. "It does seem that way, doesn't it? At least our newest addition should be easier to explain to Sandru. We did tell him we were looking for Riftun's friend." She pauses. "Didn't we?" Come to think of it, she's not actually sure. There had been so much else to share. "Regardless, I don't think he'll mind."

"As for the Phantom..." She hunts through their bags for the piece of jewelry inscribed with Desna's butterfly and offers it to Spivey. "She was wearing this. I doubt very much that she was a true follower of the Starsong, but the piece itself is beautiful. I'm sure it could be adjusted to your size if you'd like."

The 70gp for it can be deducted from Teruko's share.

Teruko steps back to allow Riftun full access to his friend, thinking a friendly face might be just what she needs. "We're all glad to find you alive. Riftun was very worried." On a much more selfish level she's glad they found Kelda now, and thus don't have to make any difficult decisions about whether or not to keep looking.

Her brow furrows slightly as Kelda asks about her equipment. "Of course. Do you need assistance in donning your armor? We can also carry anything you don't wish to carry yourself."

"As for healing, we were planning on visiting an...acquaintance. Spivey is a lyrakien who has been protecting the nearby graveyard, and has generously offered us healing. We've made significant progress clearing out this portion of the dungeons, so I don't expect any fights on the way out." (She tries not to think about the day before when she'd also expected no fights, only for them to be ambushed by an ettercap.) "However we do have wands available, if you would prefer healing right now."

"Creepy. Very creepy." Mazul pulls out some chalk and deliberately covers the pictures of Dorianna. "This is a full-blown stalker shrine. I'd set the whole place on fire if I didn't think it would backfire and somehow burn us all alive." When they enter the next room and see the withered hands, she gags. "So I guess we know what was in store for her if she continued her 'adventures.' How many people has he done this to? Anyone remember hearing stories of withered hands followed by a mysterious disappearance?"

"I think I need a bath." She all but runs into the maze of new doors, eager to leave Ysondkhelir's quarters behind.

For a moment Teruko can hardly believe it. The Phantom had seemed all but untouchable. "And so the sentence has been carried out," she whispers. Then, louder, she says, "That was a great idea; tripping her like that. Well done." She gently squeezes Yuto's shoulder.

They're all alive. It had been their closest fight yet; with both Yuto and Torra nearly slain by enemies they didn't yet know were there. But they'd done it. They'd survived.

She reaches out to take the wand from Riftun, then pauses. "Where do we want to go from here? I have to admit I spent all my spells on that fight. Do we want to retreat or keep going? Or some combination thereof, where we check the immediate area for signs of Kelda but don't go too far? What we plan to do next will likely determine how many of the wand's charges we wish to use now."

The Phantom's armor is probably pretty good, if someone wants to grab it. As usual looting the bodies isn't going to occur to Teruko.

"Huh. Looks like Chkirri landed the next killing blow. Did not bet on that." Luckily neither had anyone else, so she's not out any money.

More importantly, they'd won. In front of Hao Jin, the empress, and every other qualifying team, they'd faced off against the empress's elite bodyguards and won. Handily, at that. Xin bounces on her toes with excitement.

I can't wait to tell Mom and Dad about this.

When the next challenge is presented she eyes the other teams to see if someone else looks eager to volunteer. "It seems a bit rude to not give other teams their chance to show off, but it would be even more rude to not give the empress a good show. So if looks like the Arms of Balance are going unchallenged then I'm in."

Teruko instinctively steps out of the way of Torra's blasts as she frantically tries to think of what to do. She offered Yuto all the protection she could and it wasn't enough. She could use her crossbow, but the creature seems to deflect all attacks with ease. She's out of spells, out of ideas...

You're a Kaijitsu. Act like it.

She fiddles with her sleeves and her dusty, blood-covered clothes transform into a formal kimono. Her face is set in stone, eyes locked on the ghost corby. "Phantom. By order of Teruko Kaijitsu, daughter of Lonjiku Kaijitsu, granddaughter of Rokuro Kaijitsu who once defended these walls, you are hereby sentenced to death. Accept your fate."

Intimidate, EF, Inspiration: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1d8 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 + (8) = 24

Demoralize Opponent. The DC of this check is equal to 10 + the target’s Hit Dice + the target’s Wisdom modifier.
Success: If you are successful, the target is shaken for one round. This duration increases by 1 round for every 5 by which you beat the DC.
Fail: The opponent is not shaken.

Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Teruko exhales a sigh of relief as Riftun heals the worst of her injuries. ”Thank you. I-“ She cuts herself off as she hears Andochtuir call out for light. Apparently the Phantom had found another angle where she could hide in darkness.

For a second she stands, torn, as Yuto hacks away at the ogre. She wants to follow Riftun’s advice and retreat, but they can’t let the Phantom get away again.

You have a duty.

She steps back to the corner. Bending down, she picks up the morningstar and hurls it forward as far as she can. (Which isn’t far; she’s not strong at the best of times and right now is definitely not the best of times. But hopefully it’s far enough.) ”Andochtuir! Can you see her now?”

Strength?: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

Delaying until after Yuto in case he fells the ogre and saves Teruko from a nasty AOO. She’s hoping to get the morningstar far enough forward to illuminate the whole chamber the Phantom’s hiding in.

Teruko doesn't scream. She doesn't have enough air in her lungs to do so. Swaying on her feet, she fights the urge to pass out.

Torra's unconscious Andochtuir's fighting the Phantom Yuto's facing off against the ogre again you can't black out now you said you'd keep them all alive you have a duty YOU HAVE A DUTY

She dodges around the ogre's club without really thinking, all her focus on casting one more spell. As she reaches out with her unbroken arm to touch Yuto's shoulder, runes travel from her hands and surround him before melting into his skin. "Protection." It's all she can say past the blood in her mouth.

Before stepping backward to give the others more room, she unhooks the morningstar from her belt and tosses it to the ground. At the bend in the hallway it should provide enough light for everyone, no matter where they move.

Casting Defensively DC17: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 2 = 23

Casting Protection From Evil on Yuto. He gains a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves from attacks/effects generated by evil creatures.

Apparently I shouldn't have opened my big mouth about the ogre charging forward :P

I appreciate the low roll though!

Teruko can't quite keep up with what's happening. She can just barely see Torra's unconscious form around the bend in the tunnel. Then not even that as Andochtuir steps into the fray.

The Phantom. Again.

Yuto's still in terrible shape, and she can't reach Torra anyway. She calls energy to her hands and wills it to be enough. Then she steps back to where she'd been before, reaches forward, and closes the door.

Not there's anything to stop the ogre from opening it again, but at least he'll have to open it instead of charging forward and striking before they can react.

CLW, Yuto: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

My bad, I think I forgot to update the map after my post. Teruko started out next to Yuto, healed him, then stepped back to hand Riftun the wand. (Leaving a space available.) Andochtuir, I've taken the liberty of switching our positions so you are currently next to Yuto.

Apologies for any confusion that caused.

Before they leave the washroom, (not that anything had been washed in there for a long time), Teruko gives both Torra and Yuto a light tap of her wand. "That acid seemed quite painful. It's fortunate you were able to kill the phycomid before it attacked again." Her eyebrows raise as the discussion turns to the spores'...unique properties. "Would anyone truly be desperate enough to take an 'aid' that might poison them? ...On second thought, that was a foolish question. Of course they would."

As they continue exploring and reach the next cavern, Teruko halts Yuto from moving any further forward. "A moment, please. I've just had a thought for places like this one where we can't see the entire area." Kneeling down, she finds a small rock and transfers her light spell onto it before handing it to Yuto. "There. Throw that and we'll be able to see further in. Once we have an idea of what lies ahead I'll put the light back onto your sword."

CLW, Torra: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW, Yuto: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

When Dorianna wakes, Mazul kneels beside her bed. "Hey. I know you're having lots of fun with the Motley Man. But there are people who care about you here too. Like your dad, and your friends, and us. So if the Motley Man asks you to go away with him forever, I'd appreciate it if you came back to us at least one more time. We'd all be very sad if you left without saying goodbye."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

Mazul gives a deep sigh as soon as they're outside. "So we know who's tormenting her and we can assume from the map of Otari that he's nearby. Probably in the Vaults, like everything else. Akkaboo, if you can track this guy through the ruby I think that should be our first priority. I don't like Dorianna's talk about going away 'soon.' Gives me the distinct impression we've got a deadline here unless we're okay with seeing more of her wither away. Which, to be clear, I'm not."

Mazul's Diplomacy roll is in the hopes of extending any potential deadlines, or at least convincing Dorianna to give us a warning if we're about to hit them.

Teruko also looks a little green. "I suppose it's a good thing that they had a laundry room, but I'm afraid any clothing entering this place just came out dirtier than it went in." She shakes her head. "Let's finish exploring this area as quickly as possible. With any luck the other basement rooms will be a bit...fresher."

Immediately after returning

Shula walks up to Bartelby, eyes flaming. The sight is not a pretty one, given that she's covered in blood. (Mostly, but not entirely, her own.) For a moment she looks like she wants to punch him in the face. Whether out of an unusual level of restraint for her or simple recognition that his alarm seems genuine, she doesn't. She does however hiss, "You thought it had gone? A manticore, apparently plaguing the county for months, and you thought it had gone?! You didn't make sure? Didn't think it was worth mentioning? Instead of this farce of a hunt we could have all gone together and taken it out. Even if we'd just known there might be a manticore we would have taken more precautions. Robert could have prepared different spells. Lollia might have worn some armor! I wouldn't have...wouldn't have..."

Her face twists. Instead of finishing that sentence she turns and stalks away, leaving Victor and Robert to answer any questions. To Purple Finch, she requests, "I'd like the hottest bath and the strongest liquor you can find." She proceeds to hole herself up in her rooms for the rest of the day.

Over the week

Shula isn't significantly more social for the rest of the week. The first couple days she appears for meals, usually at least partially drunk, but nothing else. The second night she sneaks out and makes her way down to the wine cellar. She finds every bottle of the expensive vintage Bartleby had sent to the Exaltation Gala and smashes them against the wall. Then she sinks down to the floor and, for the first time since Lollia's death, cries.

After that she continues mostly staying in her rooms except for meals, but she's significantly more sober when seen. She attends Lollia's funeral and sticks close to Victor and Robert while they say their goodbyes. When it's her turn she whispers, "I got you killed, and I'm sorry. If it helps I'll try not to be so reckless in future. Wherever you've gone I hope it's amazing, because that's the least you deserve."

Once they're ready to depart, she gets into the carriage without a backwards glance.

Teruko tries to hide her own smile, but does a poor job of it. "I'd like to say I wouldn't join in the box-wearing, but I probably would if it were fashionable. There was a trend a few years back of having pads on your shoulders that practically made you look like a box. Yuto, do you remember?" She gestures to her own shoulders. "Those wide, bulky things that made every outfit drape down in almost perfectly straight lines. Very silly in retrospect, but I wore them. I wonder what fashion trends common today will seem ridiculous in the future?"

She gently pats Yuto on the shoulder. "No one's going to perish here. I won't let you." There's a ring of confidence behind the words; while the statement is clearly meant to be reassuring it's also an order from a noble used to being obeyed.

By all means, level Diplomacy if it fits your character concept. Teruko doesn't particularly enjoy it. (She's naturally a shy person who's been trained into pretending she's not.)

Also, I'd appreciate some limelight stealing. I feel a little bad that the adventure so far has been so Kaijitsu-centric. (I know that's kind of how the adventure path goes, but I don't want Teruko to suffer from 'main character syndrome' just because there's a lot of Kaijitsu backstory.)

Teruko is quiet while Riftun tries to talk the ettercap down, and even more so after he fails. "Even monsters have motivations," she finally says. "Friends, family, dreams...I don't think there are any sentient beings that don't have at least one of those. It's not a bad thing, to want to save them. But Andochtuir's right, about needing to conserve our resources. I think...I think once a creature has attacked us, sparing them is very unlikely to do any good and could cause further harm." She looks at Riftun, trying to convey sympathy. "Nevertheless I don't think it was foolish to try, and I'm sorry it didn't work. You are a good man. I understand why Ameiko likes you so much. She holds very similar beliefs about second chances." And third chances, and fourth...

Once they're ready to go, she inclines her head towards Spivey. "Thank you very much for your aid. It would have been difficult for us to heal everyone, and we certainly couldn't have done it as efficiently as you did. Nor could I cure the lingering aftereffects of the poison. I believe we have potions that might, but now we can save those for an emergency. We'll be certain to search the shrine for this relic you've mentioned, and take the first steps towards cleansing it."

"It is just... the way you run to stop the ettercap bleeding wh-while the poison was sti-stiffening me..."

Teruko doesn't want to interfere with this conversation. Truth be told she'd had similar thoughts, when she turned around to see both Andochtuir and Torra looking after the ettercap while she was still trying to draw the poison from Yuto's wounds. However she does have one thing she needs to say. "As a matter of priorities, I understand stabilizing the dying take precedence. However, if any such future situations arise, I know a cantrip that can do so automatically. I am far less talented when it comes to mundane healing." She shifts uncomfortably. "I would...appreciate it...if I were not left alone with poisoned wounds."

"As Yuto says." Teruko has also been mostly ignoring the ettercap, apart from making sure it isn't trying to escape. "The shrine had been desecrated by a priestess of Pazuzu, but we were able to kill her. It was a hard fight though, made harder by her...ally?" She frowns. "Now that I think about it, didn't Zaiobe say the Phantom and the priestess hated each other? Although I suppose she wasn't so much aiding the priestess as she was taking advantage of the situation."

She shakes herself a little. "Regardless, almost everyone had been quite badly injured, and we did find the shrine, so we decided to come back and speak with you. On our way out of the courtyard we were attacked by the ettercap's...pet, followed rapidly by the ettercap itself. It was acting strangely, and...I don't think any of us particularly enjoy killing unconscious enemies." She grimaces. "Though I'm not so naïve as to think it's never necessary. We should probably talk as a group about what to do with them. If some of us think of that as murder, and others a gruesome but necessary action...well. We don't want there to be any misunderstandings or hurt feelings."

Andochtuir did mention tying it up, and specifically stated he only picked it up to carry back to the graveyard after it was bound.

Teruko fusses over Yuto, barely noticing the conversation around her. She's too busy trying to figure out how best to draw out the poison. "I have some baking soda, maybe if that were mixed with water it could help. Regardless, we should leave here, now. Spivey can help heal us, and perhaps relieve the lingering effects of the ettercap's..." She turns and notices for the first time the ettercap being treated by both Andochtuir and Torra. "...The ettercap's bite. I don't...it still lives?"

She thinks, guiltily, of the lizard-folk she'd watched Zaiobe slaughter the day before. Perhaps it's that memory that leads her to not complain. "We will have to keep a careful eye on it. Make certain it can't hurt Yuto, or anyone else, any more than it already has."

Heal, Yuto: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

"Really? It's still not dead?" Xin shakes her head as she stabs the construct again. "Some creatures just need to know when they're beaten." Despite her casual tone, there's a hard set to her mouth. This is taking far too long, and while her and Lazarus are distracted by these constructs, it sounds like Chkirri and Storm Adder are taking a beating from the other two.

"Perhaps try punching it in the groin? It shouldn't be more sensitive there, but you never know when a sculptor will go for a little more realism."

◆ +2 Starknife vs Blue, IC: 1d20 + 26 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 26 + 2 = 35 P. Damage, IC: 2d4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 3 + 2 = 13+ Precise Strike: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 5, 1, 1) = 13
◆ One For All, Lazarus: 1d20 + 25 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 25 + 4 = 37
◆ Dueling Parry (+2 to AC)

Confident Finisher: On a failure, Xin still deals half her precise strike damage to the target.
Exemplary Finisher: Blue gets a -2 penalty to attacks against Xin until her next turn.
Lazarus: +1 to your next attack roll

"Yuto? What's going on in there?" It sounded like he'd been hit by something, but Teruko had no idea what. Or even where he was.

She taps Torra with her wand, hoping to heal her enough to ensure she could stay on her feet even if hit by one of the priestess' spells. Unfortunately the divine energy fizzles out almost immediately. "It's better than nothing I suppose. Sorry it wasn't more."

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Again?!

Earlier

Teruko bows to Spivey before they leave. "Thank you for your offer of healing and a safe place to rest. We will be certain to inform you once we've found the shrine."

Once they walk away, her head snaps towards Riftun as he informs them of his new connection to Zaiobe. "Isn't that the same as the bond she had with Kikonu?" There's a definite note of alarm in her voice. Amaya had said Riftun didn't seem enchanted, and Zaiobe hadn't had any control over Kikonu, but it's still concerning. "Does it do anything else? Could you block her if you needed to?" She calms herself down with a visible effort.

"Riftun, I know you want to trust Zaiobe. But you've grown very close to her very quickly, and I worry she's manipulating you." She holds up a hand to stall any protests. "I acknowledge there's no conclusive evidence of that, and it's entirely possible I'm being paranoid. Just...be careful. Please?"

Present

Teruko is relieved to see no enemies lurking on the walls. "At least if they're guarding anywhere, they don't have enough numbers to cover the whole fortress. That's a good sign." Looking around, she points to the west. "We never did see what was across that bridge. Shall we start there?"

"Hmm... Riftun might be correct. Does Ameiko have some sort of special connection to Desna? Is she her patron goddess?"

Teruko shakes her head. "To the best of my knowledge Ameiko primarily follows Shelyn. She venerates the North Star when she travels, but they don't have a special connection. I believe the family legacy is a more likely cause." She considers for a moment. "What little I know of my grandfather does not include whom he worshipped, but his letter said our family's 'greatest treasure' was hidden in a vault. Not a shrine."

"Although whether it's related or not matters little." She manages to look at Spivey without looking down at her. (A useful skill when dealing with dwarven craftsmen.) "We will look for it as we search the castle, and do what we can once we've found it. To do otherwise would be an insult to the goddess."

Teruko's dreams had not been pleasant, and she needs to use makeup to hide dark circles under her eyes. She's not surprised to hear Elvina won't be joining them. Were it not her sister ill, her family legacy hidden in the castle, she wouldn't want to go back either.

As such she smiles warmly at Andochtuir when he joins them. He'd said he would, but she'd feared otherwise. "Thank you for coming with us. I hope the castle might be safer today with Kikonu dead, but it's difficult to know for certain."

"I'd ask you to please stay behind me, but part of me believes that is patronising, and the other part thinks an intelligent woman such as yourself must know your strengths and weaknesses well enough to make the best choices regardless."

It's barely noticeable, but someone looking closely might see her flinch. "Yes. About that. I...Riftun, you mentioned yesterday I seemed distracted. It wasn't the time or place to talk about this then, but you and Andochtuir should probably know why." She focuses on Andochtuir, as he knows the least about her family. It makes things a little easier. "My father died four years ago. Ever since his spirit has been, well, haunting me. Brinewall was once his home, and he has strong opinions about reclaiming it. Sometimes it's difficult for me to separate his emotions from my own. So if I ever seem distracted or...not myself, that's likely why."

She gives a very slight shrug of her shoulders. "I told Yuto and Torra yesterday, before Ameiko fell ill. She confirmed that I wasn't mad." Not that anyone has disbelieved her so far, but she knows the story sounds ridiculous.

More ridiculous than finding Yuto's dead father in Brinestump Marsh, still carrying a secret letter from your grandfather?

Come to think of it, a lot of ridiculous things had needed to happen for them to reach this place.

Eager to move on from the awkward conversation, she nods immediately at Yuto's plan. "That sounds fine. I doubt anyone at the castle has organized a proper defense yet, but they probably will be expecting us to return. If they're guarding anywhere it will be the main gate, so going a different way seems like a good idea." Climbing is normally something she'd like to avoid, but with a rope it should be doable. If nothing else she should be able to hold on while the others pull her up.