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While figthing through the rocks, he feels the warming touch of magic from Saya's hand, her words inspiring him and guiding his body out of the rubble. He can't help but smile at her before hearing Lunnette's instructions It shall be done then, Lunnette. I'll leave it to you He nods as he moves through the rocks and finally come out from the collapsed zone By Wadjet’s eye, let thy wickedness be laid bare! In the name of all that is sacred and true, I shall cast thee out from this world
He sees with awe at the massive army. Without hesitation, he uses a wand to summon a shield of energy, before the three-eyed giant states his intentions with them personally You think you bring honor with threats? Ye who serves Ayrzul blindly, yet the maker of your own undoing? Know this, for thy blades and boasts are no match against our resolve. We are more than just mortals, we carry the will of thousands at our backs.. And you shall not taint nor crush those bonds with such a hollow will as thine The Ka Stone on his forehead blazes witha a brilliant light, spreading golden tendrils of energy down his body. His height doubles, his muscles swell and his stone like skin, already tough as a desert rock, hardens and expands, cracks forming along his arms and legs as his body shifts into the towering form of a large living monolith By Wadjet’s eternal gaze... I am the desert's wrath made flesh. Let stone become strength, let spirit become shield, and know that thy master’s might crumbles before the gods' true power and the unbreakable resolve of the livings. For no force shall break the will of those who walk with righteousness!
Eskar charges alongside his allies, his heavy footfalls steady and determined. His combat skill has developed a lot since he started working with the society. At first he always fought to defend small merchant caravans in small groups of mercenaries in the desert sands. But most of the time it was a disorganized mess. Everyone fighting for their own life and reputation. Another dead mercenary was one less competitor to worry about. It wasn't the kind of life he wanted to be proud of living for. Where he once fought alone, guarding only himself, he now moves to aid and strike alongside his companions, trusting them in battle, for their cause was a noble one. One that will eventually bring a shining tomorrow.
Strike me if you dare! For your ambitions are void compared to our resolve! He attempts to taunt and yell at the creature to get its attention so it won't focus on his allies.
The weight of his sacred duty seems to settle comfortably on his broad shoulders. His years spent guiding travelers through the treacherous catacombs and harsh deserts of Osirion gives him the tools and knowledge to travel through these underground. The shifting sands and deadly caverns he once guarded have given him a profound connection to the earth, and he senses the way forward. Reading the subtle shifts in the stone, he raises a hand as he surveys the path, maintaining a calm composure despite the pressing claustrophobia. Sstay close he says in a low, steady voice, while he scans the darkened passage ahead The earth speaks, I can hear it. The rocks will not betray us if we know their language. This walls have seen life and death, much like the desert. Yet, fear not. For we walk with purpose, and as long as we stay true to our course, the way will be clear for us As they start moving, he marks out a path where his companions can follow him safely. His breath seems to sync with the faint rumble of the cave’s walls, and he pauses now and then, placing his palm on the stone as if listening to its whispers. These walls, twist to deceive, are constructed by fear, but navigated by faith. Let thy hearts be your compass. The walls may close in, but their tricks has no power over the resolve of those who stand firm. We shall pass through this as we have passed through worse
Taken by surprise by the creature's surprise attack, the nagaji begins to relive the moments of anguish throughout his life's decisions. Recalling the pains, the losses, and the moments of weakness in his vows. But when it starts to eat away the warming memories and promises made to his wife and childs, he refuses to let this negative feeling overwhelms him. For there's no better desert than the heart of the ones who loves you. Even in the vast emptiness, their warmth will always find you. This cherished memories and vows... I hold close at heart... Shall not be tainted.. By thy filthy corruption! In a fit of sudden rage, he unleashes a swarm of swings to cut down these creatures, so they attempt to steal any ones precious memories no more
So.. What does our magical resource department say about doing this encounter? I know how difficult it is to manage resources in a long scenario, and casters are the ones that I think are most affected when coming out of a difficult encounter and still have to deal with future fights. I don't mind doing the optional encounter. But what does the rest of you think?
A cautious frown is noticeable on Eskar's face as he observes the figure of the pharaonic guardian. Be careful! That is an incorporeal and vile creation born of the fear of slaves and servants who would even think of going against the selfish desires of their former pharaonic masters. It's able to invade our minds with a mere glance and find ways to strike us more effectively, and don't get carried away by those cursed wings, they are capable of firing cold rays that absorbs life essence!
Eskar bows his head as a sign of respect an steps forward Terran:
Do not let shame be your master as Ayrzul sought to be. You are no longer bound by his will, and though those runes still scar your scales, your heart remains your own. He may have carved his will into them, but he has not claimed your spirit. You resisted long enough to stand with us today, to fight back even for a moment. That is your strength. I stand before thee as Eskar Stonefair, from the Pathfidner Society. We have arrived here to inspect a far call from within this star. It seems we face a threat not just to ourselves, but to all living beings that surround this place. If we stand united, even the most powerful of runes can be broken. Join us. Not as a slave of the society, but as an ally. The world we defend is as much yours as it is ours, and no creature, no tyrant, should hold dominion over our fate. Together, we can banish the darkness from this star that seeks to enslave us all. The will to fight is not something you must find alone, it is something we build together. You have it on thee, and we shall help you see it through
Fighting against the elemental, Eskar's attention is taken as soon as he hears the dragon's furious roar. Aryzul..? He repeats confused, the name didn't seem to ring a bell at first in the middle of the combat. But his confusion is replaced by surprise as soon as the ferocious dragon lunges at the gigantic elemental, taking a step backwards before the magnitude of the impact. Terran:
You have come to your senses! Quick! Before it's too late and we lose your will again! How can we aid against this illed magic that affects you? He exclaims to the flying creature as he lunges at the elemental in unison with the crystalline dragon's rampage.
Planting his boot on the ground in front of the huge elemental, the nagaji prepares his onslaught. I do not know what ill or forces ye serve He begins to speak to it in terran, his yellowish Ka stone beginning to glow on his forehead. But I must recon, as us, ye are far away from home A few pieces of stone and dust fall from him as he pounces towards the huge enemy, guided by his companion's melody.
Letting the melody and harmony of the song imbue him with resolution as she alone knew how, the serpentine crusader rushes through the northern area, gaining ground and spreading out to avoid a sudden breath attack.
You're in no need to do this He tries to get the dragon's attention Stay strong, and break free of thy shackles. If thou are not able to do so, then we shall lend thee our aid Says as he readies his falchion for battle
He manages to reach the bottom of the crater, with just some scratches "I am... I am alright, Ssaya.." He replies with a certain weight in his tone "This star.. Givess me a lot to think about.. About the past and the present.. But I shall try to linger this thoughts no more. For my duty is to protect Golarion from the darkness that lurks.. And to keep watch of my suns that live within it.. "
Hearing Saya's word, he mentions Perhapss something is forcing him to act thiss way. Let's try to take him down, but not killing it if possible
Without engaging in much dialogue, his mind continues to wander in memories of the past. Recalling conversations and promises made during his childhood. Even if he tried to push those thoughts aside to stay grounded in the here and now, it was hard not to get lost in the immensity of the situation they were all in. Even those closest to him. I'll watch over you from below he commented carefully I'll make a safe landing zone for us all. Until then, sstay vigilant
He then lifts a boot into the air and drops down the crater, alongside Patrick, letting his blue cape billow in the fall until he lands on the bottom with enough force due to his incredible weight.
Eskar stood motionless, his massive figure towering like a stone monument. His body, carved from dark granite, showed the chisels of ancient Osirian art, and his broad shoulders were carved with intricate hieroglyphs that glowed faintly in the gloom. His serpentine body was armed with a heavy armor ornamented with the most durable materials the desert could provide. His forehead adorned with his distinctive yellow Ka Stone, where he wrote his duties and oaths that he would fulfill in life, both to be there for his loved ones and to protect Golarion from the forces of Apep. His face, though modeled in hard stone, had a surprisingly kind expression, with polished amber eyes that seemed to radiate a warmth even as they flickered with concern. His skin smooth but unyielding, cracked in places where age had worn it down, like weathered statues of forgotten kings. A golden serpent emblem, the mark of Wadjet, adorned his chest, a reminder of his devotion and purpose. Distant starlight cast faint glints on his stony figure, highlighting the subtle movements with which he shifted his weight, preparing for whatever might come. As he looks up at the sky, his chiseled face is hard to read-unyielding as ever, but with a subtle tension in the jawline. The comets and stars above have seen much of his past, and in the yellow glow reflected off his stony skin, there is a sense of heavy contemplation. Though Eskar is built like a fortress, there's a flicker of vulnerability in his stillness, a silent acknowledgment of the weight he carries within. His broad chest rises and falls slowly, the only movement betraying his inner thoughts. He quietly mutters to himself, lost in deep thoughts Dear brother... How could ye ever see this as a paradise? A dream, ye called it, a tangible vision of what could be. And yet, all I feel from it... Is dread. How could you find peace in something ssso cold, so distant... When it chillss the very marrow of my boness? What did you see in its dark light that I could never understand?
He recites a brief prayer as he finishes his preparations for whatever they are about to face. Wadjet, great protector of our people, lend me thy wisdom in thiss dark hour that comess, and may thy waterss cleanse what this dark sstar sseeks to corrupt As the harried elven approaches and states his bussiness, he stoically nods at his proposal Whatever may aid uss in our journey, we'll welcome it with open armss
As the migthy creature falls from the rooftop, the guardian collect his thoughts while flying down to the ground. The evil creature was slay, it will not hurt anymore innocents now. The memories of the ballads sing with a warm ending, with the hope of a prosperous future with the help of those close to them. Hopefully he will be able to add more in the near future when he returns home. As his size goes back to normal, he nods towards the half-elf Thank you for thy kind words. Ye all fought well, now this dragon shall not harm anyone else. I'm proud of our work done here He uses the time to recover as well using his wand CLW Healing:
Let us proceed inside. I'll take the lead ahead
He embraces himself, hardening his scales just enough to avoid most of the damage from the storm of acid
The melody in his head continues to echo loudly. Lived memories of a shared warmth keeps him from faltering. A life of discipline. A life of failures and tragedies. But one he is never willing to change for the joy it brings him if it means being with those he cherishes most. Only a bright light shines ahead, and he will try to raise it as best he can for those under his eternal guard. I shall give ye no mercy for thy acts, creature He steps forward For that which is sublime i shall protect, and that which threatens it, i shall destroy. Now face Wadjet's righteous wrath!
As the cat-lady prepares her approach, the stoned guardian drinks his potion as well while clenching his fist with his sacred symbol A lot of people are going to get hurt by this creature if we do not stand on the way for them. I shall not let go of this evil The stone on his forehead start to shine with an intense golden light, as his size and scales begins to grow up and solidify him Because the alternative is to look at someone else, someone weaker and more vulnerable, and tell them that i want them to be hurt instead of myself With firse resolution, the giant statue raises his sword at the menacing dragon taunting them, with an echoing speech Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination. In the name of those before us, thy acts shall fall upon thee, so the innocent will peril at thy presence no more The sound of the metal of his shining falchion echoes loudly around him For to the righteous we bring hope. And to the wicked we bring fire His feets then leave the ground, charging swiftly toward the creature above. While a distant melody echoes in his fervent heart. Memories that rise above over his divine wrath. A melancholic reminder of the struggles of life that come without warning. How deep they can change and marks us forever. But if we stay true to our will an endure our trials without despair, soon we shall see the beauty of light that life has given us. Even in our deepest of hours.
I am aware of all the disadvantages and that it may not be an ideal situation. Its's a risky choice, but Eskar's intentions are to fight the dragon either way so it won't harm anybody else, not just distract it. That's why he chooses to stay and fight. Unfortunately, I don't have air walk scrolls, I only had enough for fly potions and longbow for this occasion. We could also give the potion to Noir if it is a preferable way to fight the dragon Although the door is already open, so if the group unanimously prefers to bypass it and go in, then we can also do that.
So many loses, so much carnage. How many people lost their lives over this? These creatures cannot leave without punishment. We must show our resolution to make it out of this situation. Darkness shall not be victorious, for as long as i stand. The guardian steps forward, reaching out to his religious uraeus symbol to look at it for a moment. I shall distract this dragon long enough for anyone to pass through. I will not allow these creatures to harm our people any more. For something must be done with them
His mind focused on helping the other pathfinders climb, he barely senses the nimble scampering of the cat-like woman running above him. Puzzled at the fleeting question, his mind doesn't have time to fully process it as he continues to help the pathfinders and the woman quickly climbs to the top of the wall. However, the second question does perplex him for a few moments. I...I do... He barely says, as he lowers his head a little She is... The letters read this morning written by her and their two childs unfolds before his mind The mother of my suns... They all.. Are my conviction to stay resolute.. When the cat woman turns to Amestra and talks to her, he can't help but let out a faint and almost inaudible uneasy response Saya.. I... Cannot speak for her but.. I Hope that she is... He struggles a bit to keep his feelings true, and after a somber moment of doubt, the memories of her smile with him and the sagas they sang together in the desert with their childs helps him to set his foot back. He then finally lifts his head to respond with a confident hiss ... I hope that i can make her as happy as I am of being with her The eternal guardian then continues to help the others to climb over him with renewed strength.
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