Jayma Thornfiddle's page

At Gideon's agitated questioning, Jayma lifts her chin slightly. "We finally found her after cutting our way through a truly dreadful assortment of guardians... undead, aberrations, and worse. Lady Wormwood was waiting for us in her private chamber, quite irritated at the interruption." She pauses a moment to purse her lips and wave her hand dismissively. "She refused to surrender, naturally, and fought with considerable skill. In the end, it was insufficient, and she fell."

Letting that sink in for a moment, Jayma concludes. "You need not concern yourself with her returning to trouble you... at least not from the land of the living."

At Gideon's surprising generosity, Jayma inclines her head gracefully. "How very magnanimous of you, Master Shanklett... truly, you do the Society proud." She does another quick mental review of the items but once again concludes that there is no item available that she would prefer over the cash they could obtain for it on the open market.

Each of the items is listed at 3000gp, so we will clear 1500gp each when we sell them. That 1500gp is what it will cost you to buy the item from the loot (actually it is a net cost of 1125gp once you include your 1/4 share of the 1500gp in question). Having gone through the item descriptions several times now, I cannot find one that I'd be willing to pay anywhere near 1500gp to keep. If any of you see an item that interests you, then speak up, otherwise we'll just ask for the first three (Crooner’s Cravat, Herald’s Ring, Mocker’s Swazzle) and move on.

Jayma wanders around surveying the library. She carefully lifts items one by one while jotting notes in her small notebook. With the curios catalogued, she turns her attention to the shelves and tut-tuts to herself when she realizes what they are. "Keeping copies of secrets rather defeats the purpose of keeping secrets in the first place, does it not?"

Loot sheet updated.

Once the books are packed into Wormwood's spacious pouch, Jayma straightens up and adjusts her cane. "Well then. That appears to be everything. Unless anyone has developed a sudden fondness for this rotten catacomb, I believe it is time we left this place and arranged a meeting with Gideon."

Jayma frowns at Marine's question. "No, darling... they chose violence the moment that door opened. Had they shown the same level of restraint as the earlier Graverobbers, they might very well still be standing here with us now."

Once all the questions are answered, Jayma clears her throat loudly and shoos the last two Graverobbers toward the exit with an imperious flick of her wrist. "Yes, yes, off you go now... Do try not to bleed on the books as you leave." She gestures at the fallen bodies. "You may take your unfortunate friends and all of your personal equipment, but everything else in this room remains. Don't even think of touching anything that is not yours... are we quite clear?"

Once they've hurriedly gathered their dead and fled, Jayma exhales and turns her attention to Lady Wormwood's library. "Now then... let's see what secrets our dear Lady kept here." She then spends time looking over Lady Wormwood's library for anything of value or interest, while occasionally prestidigitating away any dust and grime that dares attach itself to her gloves.

Activity: Search with Eye of the Unseen (Visual Perception +21) - SECRET

Jayma allows herself a satisfied smile at having struck down one of the Graverobbers. She then begins to gather more electrical energy in her hand for another spell, but pauses the incantation when the remaining Graverobbers drop their weapons and plead for mercy.

She sighs and allows the half-formed magic to dissipate as she steps forward. "I commend your decision to stop fighting and talk... though it is a shame you did not do so before two of your number were so decisively dispatched." She gestures lightly toward the fallen without looking at them.

Her voice hardens. "You should understand that we have no quarrel with the Graverobbers. We came here solely for Lady Wormwood, and that matter is now concluded. Therefore, I strongly suggest that you follow the example of your colleagues in the other chamber and vacate this area immediately... or you may well share the fate of your, uh... friends, here."

Activity: Coerce with Group Coercion and Guise of the Smirking Devil with Crit Aid vs Blue Graverobber and Purple Graverobber

Intimidation (Coerce): 1d20 + 24 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 24 + 2 + 2 = 30 vs Blue Graverobber and Purple Graverobber Will DCs

Ugh! Will use Halfling Luck to reroll...

Action (◇): Halfling Luck

Intimidation (Coerce): 1d20 + 24 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 24 + 2 + 2 = 47 vs Blue Graverobber and Purple Graverobber Will DCs

Better!

Once again, Jayma finds herself the last to react to changing circumstances. She watches as the others empty out of the hallway and into the room to deal with something within. She then watches as a Graverobber runs screaming into the hallway and away from her. "It doesn't appear that we'll be talking these ones out of attacking us," she says to Twyl. He chitters back in apparent agreement. "We better go see what we can do to finish this quickly so we can leave this fetid place."

She moves to the doorway and enters the room cautiously. Seeing the situation, she moves to the wall to put as much space between herself and the thick of things. Moving her hands in an intricate pattern, the air around her starts crackling. Then with a flick of her wrist, she unleashes the built up lightning energy at the two Graverobbers in the room.

Action 1 (◆): Stride (50 feet)

Action 2 & 3 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Chain Lightning with Sorcerous Potency vs Red Graverobber, then Purple Graverobber

Chain Lightning Damage: 8d12 + 6 ⇒ (5, 1, 7, 5, 6, 6, 7, 6) + 6 = 49 electricity damage vs DC 32 basic Reflex

Jayma listens as Lazarus explains the provenance of the items, her expression turning faintly sad. She is not surprised in the least to hear that the troupe's end likely came at the hands of House Thrune. She herself only narrowly escaped a similar fate by fleeing Cheliax with the help of the Bellflower Network.

She examines the magical items with a practiced eye. Jayma admires the craftsmanship, but none of them stir any real desire in her. They are valuable curiosities, and she is quite confident that the one they obtain from Gideon in payment for their services will fetch a handsome price.

What loot doesn't fit in Jayma's sleeves or the spacious pouch they just found, is loaded onto Marine's back. She then checks the map in her notebook. "It appears that we've pretty much cleared out Lady Wormwood's underground complex. There is only one area that we haven't fully explored yet. It lies behind that door there." She lifts her cane and indicates the door on the other side of the room from the one leading to Lady Wormwood's study. "For the sake of completeness, why don't we see where it leads." She heads in that direction but waits for the frontliners to take the lead.

Jayma enters the room and stands over the now cooling body of Lady Wormwood. Her breathing steadies as the excitement of the battle leaves her. There is satisfaction in being the victor, but it is blunted by the finality of death.

She then moves through the chamber with practiced efficiency recording in her small notebook all the items of value they come across. Twyl hops onto the desk and sniffs at the occult tomes as his mistress flips through Lady Wormwood's journal with a faint frown and a shake of the head.

Loot sheet updated.

When she lifts the lid and sees the neatly packed theatrical curios within, her expression brightens despite herself. The cravat, the cloak, the belt... all the items they had been sent to retrieve, present and accounted for. Fallenta's freedom was now assured. "Well, that is that. Let us gather everything and be gone. I have quite had my fill of sewers for one lifetime."

Lore (Theater) vs DC 26: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25

Sigh! I'll leave the final reveal to someone else.

Lady Wormwood staggers beneath Marine’s relentless blows and Lazarus’s clinical efficiency. Jayma's lips press into a thin line. She had little pity or patience for smugglers and blackmailers, but saw little need to prolong this woman's torment. With a sharp flick of her wrist, she releases a Force Barrage of invisible missiles that streak across the room with flawless certainty and plunge into their weakened opponent.

Action 1, 2 & 3 (◆◆◆): Cast a Spell: Force Barrage [L5] with Sorcerous Potency vs Augusta Wormwood
Triggers: Blood Magic

Force Barrage Damage: 9d4 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (4, 1, 4, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 4) + 9 + 5 = 34 force damage

Blood Magic - Imperious Defense
Until the start of Jayma's next turn, she gains a +1 status bonus to saving throws.

Before Jayma can finish her spell, Lady Wormwood realizes what's happening and reacts faster with a spell of her own. The spell lashes out toward Callistro, and he staggers as the magic takes hold, his usual poise collapsing into confusion. A second shorter incantation causes her outline to blur.

Jayma inhales once in irritation at being beaten to the punch. Her cane taps the floor as she switches gears and casts a quick spell over her companions. Her arm snaps straight, with a finger pointing directly at Lady Wormwood to indicate their collective enemy.

Action 1 (◆): Cast a Spell: True Target on Marine, Dr Lazarus, Callistro, Jayma vs Augusta Wormwood

The first time each PC makes an attack roll against Augusta Wormwood until the start of Jayma's next turn, the attacker rolls twice and uses the better result. The attacker also ignores circumstance penalties to the attack roll and any flat check required due to the designated creature being concealed or hidden.

Without hesitation, Jayma follows up her first spell with another. A viridian lance of destructive magic tears across the room toward the concealed tiefling. "Do try to hold still, dear... I dislike wasting good magic."

Action 2 & 3 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Disintegrate with True Target [L7] vs Augusta Wormwood
Triggers: Blood Magic

Disintegrate Attack: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (12) + 22 = 34
Disintegrate Attack: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (12) + 22 = 34
Disintegrate Damage: 14d10 + 7 ⇒ (2, 5, 2, 3, 1, 6, 1, 6, 6, 5, 5, 5, 8, 8) + 7 = 70 damage (no damage type) vs DC 32 basic Fortitude

If a crit, the target gets a result one degree of success worse than the outcome of its Fortitude save.

Blood Magic - Imperious Defense
Until the start of Jayma's next turn, she gains a +1 status bonus to saving throws.

Jayma accepts the Bravo's Brew from Marine with a smile. She lifts it, sniffs once, then downs it without ceremony. "Thank you, dear. My mind feels stronger already."

When Marine pushes the door open, Jayma looks past her to see inside the room. Her eyes are immediately drawn to the tiefling woman at the desk who is clearly distracted and irritated at being interrupted by what she presumes, incorrectly, are the now long gone Graverobbers. Jayma does not hesitate. An opportunity like this is not to be wasted.

She raises one jeweled hand and starts moving it in an elegant pattern while arcane syllables slip from her lips in a low, controlled murmur. The magic coils outward, subtle and insidious, reaching for the tiefling...

Action 1 & 2 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Slow vs Lady Wormwood

I presume this will trigger the start of the encounter. I'll choose Jayma's last action once we know what's what after Initiative is rolled.

Jayma is pleased that her conversation with the graverobbers went so smoothly. Bullying cutthroats into deciding that discretion is the wiser course, without having to raise her voice or cast a spell, was always satisfying.

She then makes a careful accounting of the loot in her little book as the items are sorted.

Loot sheet updated.

When Lazarus shows interest in the femur, she passes it to him without comment. If there were any information to extract from such an object, Thurston would be the one to do it. To Callistro, she gives a mild, amused glance as he flourishes the wand. "As you know, I need no such assistance to teleport us, but it should sell for a respectable sum."

With the room cleared and the exits considered, her gaze settles on the northwest corner door (upper right door on the map). It is the most obvious choice. If Lady Wormwood was to be found down here, through that door it would be. Adjusting her coat, she gestures with her cane at the northwest door. "That way next, my dears. Let's not keep Lady Wormwood waiting."

Jayma looks past Marine and Thurston into the chamber. Her eyes narrow as they adjust to the light. Twyl peers at the four nephilim and chitters a warning to his mistress. She whispers back. "Yes, yes. I see them."

She straightens, and stepping forward, presents a polite but steely smile. "I assure you that my companions and I have no personal grudge against Lady Wormwood. We are here merely to retrieve some stolen property. If Lady Wormwood returns said property, then we will be on our way without any further need for violence."

Jayma lifts a gloved hand in a calming gesture. "Now, it may be that Lady Wormwood does not wish to part with this property, in which case we will likely become more forceful in our insistence. But... I see no reason why any of you need become collateral damage in the process. If you would be so kind as to quietly leave the area and refrain from interfering, you could all go on to enjoy very long and comfortable lives... and none of us would need to spoil this morning with unnecessary unpleasantness."

Activity: Coerce with Group Coercion and Guise of the Smirking Devil vs all four nephilim

Intimidation (Coerce): 1d20 + 24 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 24 + 2 = 45 vs all four nephilim Will DCs

Once the group is healed up and Thurston suggests that they continue up the corridor down which the shining child had failed to escape, Jayma falls in behind him. "Yes, Doctor. This way is as good as any."

Jayma stands with practiced stillness as Thurston tends to her burns with his usual precision. "Much obliged, doctor," she says sincerely. Once he moves on to his next patient, she flicks her wrist and with a few quick spells, quietly removes all the soot and scorch marks from her precious clothing and skin, returning them to their original pristine state.

As Thurston moves through the room, Jayma trails him through the chamber, eyes lingering on the alcoves with a mix of distaste and fascination.

Action: Recall Knowledge Society

Society vs DC 28: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (16) + 25 = 41
Society vs DC 20: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (13) + 25 = 38

She listens to the doctor's analysis, nodding when it aligns with her own conclusions, and discreetly jots notes in her little book. "Yes indeed. This does not bode well for Mr Shanklett's longevity."

When the discussion turns to the impracticality of hauling heavy portraits through the rest of the lair, Jayma clears her throat. "I can manage that," and lifts one arm slightly. "My Sleeves of Storage should suffice for the bulkier pieces."

Loot sheet updated.

The shining child flings another screaming mote of sunlight. It detonates and Jayma barely manages to snap her pink forcefield into place in time. It flares as it absorbs much of the blast, but not all. Heat slips through the forcefield and she staggers back a step in pain.

Reaction (↺): Shield Block - Hardness 20

Hardness is 20, so Jayma's damage is reduced to (45-20=) 25 hp

Her body stiffens in offended fury. "Again?!!" With a quick snap of her cane against the ground, she sends a chunk of loose stone flying at the shining child. Without lingering to see the effects of her spell, she makes a sharp turn and retreats back into the chamber.

Actions 1 & 2 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Telekinetic Projectile [L7] vs Shining Child

Telekinetic Projectile Attack: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (12) + 22 = 34
Telekinetic Projectile Damage: 8d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 6, 5, 3, 3, 6, 3) = 32 bludgeoning damage

If a crit, you deal double damage.

Action 3 (◆): Stride (50 feet)

Jayma is once more gratified by the success of her spell as she watches the shining child recoil from her vision of death. Seeing it turn and flee with Marine and Thurston in close pursuit is even more satisfying. She slides across the room and into the hall after the Doctor.

Action 1 (◆): Stride (50 feet)

Action 2 (◆): Stride (50 feet)

Reaching the corner, she looks around it and past Marine's broad frame to catch sight of the creature. "Ha! Leaving the party already? I don't think so."

Unfortunately, she's too out of breath to do much more than flick her wrist to renew her personal pink force field.

Action 3 (◆): Cast a Spell: Shield [L7] - Now at AC 33 (Hardness 20)

Jayma feels a thrill as the chained lightning tears through the room, detonating one of the shining children and staggering the second. It is gratifying when magic behaves itself for once.

When Callistro terrifies the remaining child with a glare, Jayma decides to take advantage of the creature's weakness. With a narrowing of the eyes and a wave of her cane, she sends a vision into its mind, forcing it to imagine its light being snuffed out by the crushing dark of the cold ocean depths.

Action 1 & 2 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Vision of Death [L5] with Sorcerous Potency vs Red

Vision of Death Damage: 10d6 + 5 ⇒ (1, 5, 4, 4, 5, 2, 3, 3, 6, 3) + 5 = 41 mental damage vs DC 32 Will

Once again, she renews her personal pink force field.

Action 3 (◆): Cast a Spell: Shield [L7] - Now at AC 33 (Hardness 20)

Marine pulls the door open and the hallway explodes with searing light. Jayma reacts by flinching away...

Fortitude Save vs DC 29 Blinding Aura: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33

...and manages to avoid being blinded, though she's blinking away spots of color from her vision.

Turning back to try and locate the shining children in the room, she spots them just in time to see one of them casting a spell. A moment later, a blast of heat rolls through the narrow hallway and washes over her.

Jayma gasps as her skin scorches along with the fabric of her clothes. More irate at the damage done to her precious outfit, she hisses in anger. "Do you have the faintest notion what this ensemble cost me? No? How unfortunate. Allow me to present you with an invoice."

Fire, it appears, would do little to these creatures, so instead she decides to bend her magic in a more suitable direction. Instead of a fiery explosion, she lifts a hand and sends crackling arcs of lightning tearing into the room. They strike first one of the shining children, before (hopefully) leaping hungrily to the other.

From where she's standing, Jayma has line of sight on both children, barely.

Action 1 & 2 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Chain Lightning [L7] with Sorcerous Potency vs Blue then Red, in that order

Chain Lightning Damage: 9d12 + 7 ⇒ (8, 10, 9, 8, 2, 7, 6, 4, 12) + 7 = 73 electricity damage vs DC 32 basic Reflex

Refusing to be caught exposed again, she clicks her cane on the floor and wraps herself in the familiar rosy shimmer of her transparent personal force field.

Action 3 (◆): Cast a Spell: Shield [L7] - Now at AC 33 (Hardness 20)

As she'd predicted, the giant head succumbed quickly to their attacks, even without her usual help. "It appears that Swirly has an infinite army of doppelgangers at his disposal with which to torment us. I fear it will do him little good in the end."

She then continues the search of the room that had been so rudely interrupted by the faux Swirly's appearance.

Activity: Search with Eye of the Unseen (Visual Perception +21) - SECRET

Jayma stiffens as the screaming creature resolves itself into a ludicrous parody of Swirly. When it becomes clear that they are dealing with yet another impostor, her initial trepidation turns into irritation. Lips pressed thin, she watches as Marine reacts quickly and batters the creature to within sight of death. Whatever this thing claimed to be, it was not worthy of her finest magic.

With a disdainful flick of her wrist she sends another loose piece of debris flying at the monster.

Actions 1 & 2 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Telekinetic Projectile [L7] vs Anguish Skitempora

Telekinetic Projectile Attack: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (2) + 22 = 24
Telekinetic Projectile Damage: 8d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 4, 4, 3, 1, 1, 5) = 27 bludgeoning damage

Ugh! You can't win them all

Unfortunately, her aim is off. Frustrated, she lifts her other hand and once again calls up a shimmering pink field of force around herself.

Action 3 (◆): Cast a Spell: Shield [L7] - Now at AC 33 (Hardness 20)

When Thurston finishes off the last of the wights, Jayma relaxes somewhat and enters the room. When Marine mutters something about the room being shrouded in illusion, Jayma pauses. She narrows her green eyes and forces her will to peel back the lies. The falseness finally falls away under her scrutiny. "Hmmm... Not quite so grand after all."

While Lazarus tends to Marine, Jayma collects the magical daggers from the remains of the wights and makes careful notes of them in her ledger. She then circles the planters and peers into the empty pool as she searches the chamber for anything more of interest.

Activity: Search with Eye of the Unseen (Visual Perception +21) - SECRET

When Lazarus moves to check the northern door for traps and locks, Jayma falls in neatly behind him, leaving room for Marine ahead of her. She remains alert and ready for whatever further unpleasantness lies ahead.

According to the map, North is pointing to the right, so Laz is technically at the northern door while the other door lies to the west.

With only one wight remaining, and that one looking a little wobbly on its feet, Jayma even wonders if she needs to do anything here or just let Marine and Thurston take care of things. With nothing better to do, she flicks her wrist and sends a small stone flying in the creature's direction, then refreshes her force field.

Actions 1 & 2 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Telekinetic Projectile [L7] vs Green Risen Graverobber

Telekinetic Projectile Attack: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (11) + 22 = 33
Telekinetic Projectile Damage: 8d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 4, 2, 2, 6, 3, 5) = 25 bludgeoning damage

If a crit, you deal double damage.

Action 3 (◆): Cast a Spell: Shield [L7] - Now at AC 33 (Hardness 20)

Jayma is a little disappointed that her lightning spell hadn't done more damage before fizzling out. She watches as Thurston repeatedly strikes at the wight in front of him (quite likely killing it) and spots three of the remaining wights nicely grouped in the background. A faint smile crosses her lips. "Let's see how they fare against fire."

With a slight tweak of her magic, the sparks at her fingertips turn into small flames and coalesce into a ball of fire which she then tosses behind the three clustered wights and watches as the expanding explosion engulfs them but leaves Marine unscathed. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she refreshes her personal pink force field.

Boom!

I've dropped a template to show that Jayma's fireball can engulf Blue, Green and Colorless without affecting Marine.

Action 1 & 2 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Fireball with Sorcerous Potency

Fireball Damage: 6d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 2) + 3 = 26 fire damage vs DC 32 Basic Reflex

Action 3 (◆): Cast a Spell: Shield [L7] - Now at AC 33 (Hardness 20)

With Marine now out of the way, Jayma steps up behind Thurston to get a better view of the field of battle. When she sees that they're up against a number of undead, she decides that this would be the perfect opportunity to unleash another round of lightning strikes.

She once again gathers power into her fingertips and unleashes it at the wights. Lightning bursts from her hand in a jagged arc, leaping from one creature to the next in a chain of blinding white heat.

Action 1 (◆): Stride (50 feet)

Action 2 & 3 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Chain Lightning with Sorcerous Potency vs Yellow, Purple, Colorless, Orange, Blue, Red, Green Graverobbers

Chain Lightning Damage: 8d12 + 6 ⇒ (7, 11, 10, 8, 7, 9, 12, 2) + 6 = 72 electricity damage vs DC 32 basic Reflex

Here's hoping their saving throws aren't as good as they were against Callistro's Divine Wrath.

As Lazarus eases open the third door, Jayma feels the change in the air suggesting a larger chamber beyond. Marine's large equine body blocks much of her view, but the pale moonlight pouring down through the stained glass above allows her to see some of the room's contents and architecture... though not enough to properly analyze.

She is happy when Thurston shares his findings about the room's connections to Shelyn and Norgorber, though less happy when he calls out to the people hiding in the shadows. Twyl stiffens slightly and chitters nervously. Jayma tries to calm him, but she too is now on full alert and a little magic starts to gather at her fingertips, just in case. "Why do I not think this is a welcoming committee."

Jayma follows Marine through the door and pauses short of the rickety plank bridge when the centaur lacks the room to advance further. Her nose crinkles in distaste as the stench from the passing sewer water wafts up to her.

"I would greatly appreciate it if we weren't to dawdle overmuch in this area." She looks down at the strange green-tinted waste passing by below her and shivers at the thought of falling into that stew. Reading her mind, Twyl emits a short sharp screech and dives into her sleeves.

Jayma listens as the ockomlire recounts what it knows of the sewers, the Graverobbers and Lady Wormwood. She isn’t particularly surprised to learn that the creature wasn't truly part of the gang or Lady Wormwood’s inner circle, and that its knowledge of the sewers beyond the door was thus limited.

Once she’s certain the ockomlire has shared everything it can, she says coolly, "Thank you for what you’ve given us. You will now leave this place and you will not return. If we meet you again down here, it will be your last day in this world. Understood?"

Activity: Coerce and Guise of the Smirking Devil vs Ockomlire
Intimidation (Coerce): 1d20 + 24 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 24 + 2 = 34 vs Ockomlire Will DC

While the Doctor tends to Marine, Jayma and Callistro search the room. She retrieves the darkvision elixirs from the hidden niche and notes them in her ledger. Then she hands the key to Thurston, knowing he’s the one most likely to use it when they reach the doors ahead.

Activity: Search with Eye of the Unseen (Visual Perception +21) - SECRET

When the remaining ockomlire appears to back down and beg for its life, Jayma lowers her raised hand, the gathering spell flickering out between her fingers. She steps forward and studies the creature. Her dark green eyes narrow slightly as she assesses its sincerity.

Action: Sense Motive (Perception +20) - SECRET

Presumably her assessment will match Marine's, but even if it doesn't...

She moves to stand just off Marine's shoulder. "Very well. Tell us what lies ahead in this complex and what you know of the Graverobbers and their operations here. What role does Lady Wormwood play in all this and where might we find her? Leave nothing out; your life depends on it."

Jayma watches Marine stagger under the sudden strikes. "Poor dear. They will pay dearly for that."

The air around her vibrates with gathering power as energy starts crackling at her fingertips. She quickly calculates the spacing of the snarling ockomlires and unleashes the spell. Lightning bursts from her hand in a jagged arc, leaping from one creature to the next in a chain of blinding white heat. Satisfied, she flicks a wrist and surrounds herself with a transparent pink force field.

Action 1 & 2 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Chain Lightning with Sorcerous Potency vs Green then Red Ockomlires

Chain Lightning Damage: 8d12 + 6 ⇒ (1, 5, 6, 3, 8, 11, 3, 11) + 6 = 54 electricity damage vs DC 32 basic Reflex

Action 3 (◆): Cast a Spell: Shield [L7] - Now at AC 33 (Hardness 20)

No Striding or Striking to do, so no Hasted action.

The wooden platform creaks as it lowers them to the basement below. Reaching the ground, her eyes are immediately drawn to the northern door, marked with a freshly painted symbol: a skull with a black triangle over its lower face. "It appears Lady Wormwood is not alone down here. Seems like we'll be dealing with the Graverobbers gang as well."

Her gaze then falls on the two ockomlires lurking near the door looking back at her and the others with way too many unblinking eyes. As they scurry forward, Jayma raises her cane and prepares to cast a Haste spell over the group. Unfortunately, Thurston jumps the gun and quickly charges out of range to attack their fungiform opponents.

Jayma curses softly and steps off the elevator and into the room, adjusting her aim to ensure her spell reaches everyone.

Action 1 (◆): Stride (50 feet)

Action 2 & 3 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Haste [L7] vs Jayma, Callistro, Dr. Lazarus, Marine
Triggers: Blood Magic

Blood Magic - Imperious Defense
Until the start of Jayma's next turn, she gains a +1 status bonus to saving throws.

When Marine begins fussing over the slime on her armor, Jayma moves over to her friend. "Hold still, darling..." And with a practiced flick of her wrist, the grime is whisked away. "There, much better, no?". She then turns and gives Callistro and the Doctor the once-over. Lifting an eyebrow, she says, "If you two gentlemen would like a spruce up, please say the word, otherwise you'll forgive me if I keep my distance."

If Callistro and/or the Doctor indicate their willingness, Jayma will happily Prestidigitate them clean as well.

Jayma picks her way through the foul mess, her hand repeatedly casting cleaning spells as she goes. As she nudges aside a broken box with the tip of her cane, her eye catches a glimmer of something... different; something clean. With a look of clear distaste on her face, she reaches down and lifts out a pair of unmistakably magical boots.

Holding them at arm's length, she examines them more closely...

Activity: Identify Magic with Mage's Hat (Greater)

Arcana (Identify Magic) vs DC 31: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 19 + 2 = 39

...and recognizes them as Propulsive Boots. She gives a small nod of satisfaction, and extracting her notebook from her sleeve, makes a note about the find.

Loot sheet updated. Unless someone wants to put them on right now, Jayma will stow them in her sleeves with the rest of the loot.

As the furnerico collapses, Jayma lets out a sigh of relief. Though the overwhelming magical overtones of the stench are gone, the room remains an affront to every civilized instinct she possesses. Still, the creature is dead with Marine only lightly bruised in the process. Jayma permits herself a small, satisfied smile.

With a resigned look, she steps forward into the refuse. Quick and repeated wrist-flicks of prestidigitation wipe away any errant speck of dirt that dares touch her person. She pokes gingerly through heaps of trash with the tip of her cane. Her nose wrinkles as she tries not to think too hard about what she is touching. She urges the others to follow her lead and thus speed up the repugnant task.

Activity: Search with Eye of the Unseen (Visual Perception +21) - SECRET

Jayma wrinkles her nose at the foul air in the room. Fortunately, she's gotten sufficiently used to the stench by now that it doesn't impact her negatively. Her earlier fireball had done its work, but with Marine and Dr Lazarus now pressed close to the horror, it left her no space for another grand display of pyrotechnics... not without inflicting collateral damage on her friends. Too bad, really. A second fireball would have been so very satisfying.

She inhales deeply and gathers her will. Her green eyes narrow as she focuses on the creature. "Fine then... if force of flame will not do, force of mind it shall be."

With a gesture of her cane, Jayma channels her magic with practiced grace and weaves a vision of suffocating terror. She would use the creature's own phobia against it and send its mind plunging into dark waters. Then, before the creature feels the full brunt of the trauma, Jayma lifts her free hand and snaps a shimmering pink shield around herself.

Action 1 & 2 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Vision of Death with Sorcerous Potency vs Furnerico

Vision of Death Damage: 8d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 4, 6, 2, 5, 5, 2, 1) + 4 = 34 mental damage vs DC 32 Will

Action 3 (◆): Cast a Spell: Shield [L7] - Now at AC 33 (Hardness 20)

With the movement of the tentacled creature, the stench redoubles in ferocity, and...

Fortitude Save vs DC 31: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31

..."<urk!>", Jayma is almost overcome, but barely manages to avoid adding her stomach contents to the filthy river below.

Fighting her every instinct telling her to get away from the smell, Jayma forces herself to enter the room and face the creature.

Action 1 (◆): Stride (50 feet)

The slimy tentacled creature in the far corner of the room was as horrifying as its scent would suggest. "Ugh! Absolutely vile." She gives the room a quick appraising glance, assuring herself that the place is sturdy enough not to collapse around them if she were to unleash something mildly explosive. She extends her free hand and forms a small sphere of flickering fire. Looking over at the creature, she says, "Now, do hold still," as the fireball leaves her hand in a blooming streak of light, expanding in a brilliant, roaring blossom of flame that envelops the hideous form in the corner.

Action 2 & 3 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Fireball [L5] with Sorcerous Potency

Fireball Damage: 10d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 4, 6, 3, 3, 2, 6, 5, 3, 4) + 5 = 45 fire damage vs DC 32 Basic Reflex

Jayma looks past Marine into the rectangular room. The stench hits her like a slap in the face and she quickly raises a gloved hand to cover her nose and mouth. Her eyes narrow with dread at the thought of going in and she once again questions why she'd agreed to this wretched errand. "Charming." Twyl chitters from her shoulder, and Jayma gives the ermine a resigned look. "Yes, darling, It appears we must enter." And enter she will, though not before the stronger members have done so and confirmed the coast is clear.

Jayma stands at the river's edge and eyes the stagnant water below. The stench rising from it is almost a personal attack on her sense of smell. Lazarus is already on the dock, but Callistro and Marine stand beside her looking expectantly in her direction. Jayma's lips purse in displeasure. She had already vetoed the sewer pipe... some horrors were simply too much to face. She sighs softly. "Very well. If we're going to skulk around instead of striding through the front door like civilized people, at least let's do so without soaking ourselves in industrial waste.""

The magic rises to her call. A faint swirl of color flickers along her fingers as she prepares her spell.

Action: Cast a Spell: Airlift

A strong wind rushes in from seemingly nowhere, grabbing the three friends and lifting them off the ground. Twyl pokes his tiny head from her sleeve and chitters in surprise at the unexpected turn of events. "Do hold still. It'll be over soon."

They touch down lightly on the wooden planks, and Jayma releases the spell with a flick of her wrist. "There we are. So much more civilized than the other options." She looks up the narrow wooden stairs. At the top sits a perfectly ordinary door. "Well, it seems we are going through a door after all. How very surprising. One might almost think the front entrance would have served just as well... and without the aromatic detour." Her point having been made, she waits for her sturdier colleagues to get the door open.

Twyl chitters from Jayma's shoulder as he peers toward the boarded front door. Jayma answers him with a faint nod. "Yes, darling, I see it too."

Behind her, Callistro, and Lazarus discuss the merits of scouting the perimeter for an entrance. Jayma listens for a moment, then sighs. "At this rate it'll take half the day just to get inside."

Stepping forward, she taps her cane against the ground a couple of times to get their attention. "While I appreciate the spirit of caution, this sorry construction is no fortress. There is a perfectly serviceable door right there." She points out the boarded front door with the tip of her cane,.

She approaches the door, examining the boards. "Doesn't look like anything that would hold up against a kick or two from a well-aimed hoof." She turns to Marine. "What do you think, Marine dear. Does getting through this door look like something within your purview? If not, then doubtless I have a spell that will take care of things."

Jayma trails behind the others as they leave The Seven Apples. The tavern they end up at is loud and filled with smoke. Jayma perches on the cleanest barstool she can find, her feet dangling several fortunate inches from the sticky floor below. The liquor is aggressively mediocre. She swirls the amber stuff in her cup and eyes it with suspicion before finally summoning up the courage to take a sip. She is not surprised when the foul concoction burns all the way down her throat.

She smiles politely but never really gets into the mood of the evening. After some cajoling, she agrees to another drink, but it too proves as terrible as the first. When the others rise, eager to track down a gambling den, Jayma stands and smooths her coat. "You three go and enjoy yourselves, I believe I am done with this evening. Have fun and try not to wake me when you stumble back to The Seven Apples."

Jayma then makes her way back to The Seven Apples and emits relieved sigh as she climbs the stairs to her room. Sleep comes quickly. Morning arrives and Jayma blinks awake to find Twyl tapping her cheek insistently. She dresses with practiced speed and joins the others downstairs. Her friends look a little worse for wear, but nothing that would keep them from the task ahead.

The walk across Vyre is a long one, but eventually the warehouse comes into view. Jayma studies the boarded windows, the bricked up facade, the steep slope toward the riverbank. She purses her lips in displeasure. "Charming place."

Jayma sighs and gives Callistro a look of mild irritation at his seemingly bottomless enthusiasm for vice. "Honestly, Callistro, why do you feel the need to patronize every wretched den of iniquity you come across?"

She sighs again, but softens a little. "Very well. I am far too tired for any of this city's more... colorful diversions, but I suppose I can be persuaded to share a drink before I retire."

She quickly holds up a finger to forestall any argument. "One drink only, mind you, and it better be from the top shelf. After that, I will withdraw to my room and suggest you do the same. We want to be in good conditions come morning when we go deal with Lady Wormwood and her minions."

At Callistro's nudge, Jayma lets out a delicate sigh and settles back into her seat. "Very well. Let's hear what else he has to say."

She listens as Gideon speaks, her expression polite but unamused. So Lady Wormwood was a practitioner of occult arts, was she? That might prove interesting. Jayma was always up for pitting her magical skills against those of a worthy adversary. He then goes on about the treasures the woman had stolen. Magical curiosities, trinkets, oddities... nothing that truly interests Jayma beyond their value in coin.

When Marine pipes up about delaying the mission until the morning, Jayma's gaze flicks toward her colleague wearily. With a mixture of resignation and restraint, she says, "Very well. Tomorrow bright and early, then. I suppose one more night in this den of excess will not kill us."

Jayma sits stiffly in her chair with her cane propped against her knee. She taps its jeweled head in a steady rhythm with a gloved finger. Her green eyes flick from Gideon's smirking face to the list of stolen curiosities on the table, then back again.

Perception (Sense Motive): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21

Strangely, she has trouble reading the fellow and frowns momentarily before giving up.

Jayma sighs. "It seems we have little choice in the matter. I cannot say I approve of being volunteered, nor of your... methods, Mister Shanklett." She collects the list from Thurston, and after looking it over, tucks it into her coat pocket. "Still, if completing this errand means that Fallenta's freedom is secured, I shall see it done. You may rely on that much."

Jayma rises gracefully, brushing an imaginary speck of dust from her peplum coat. "Come, my friends. The sooner we retrieve his trinkets, the sooner we may return to Kintargo, where civilized pursuits await. I have no wish to linger in Vyre any longer than absolutely necessary." Twyl chitters softly in agreement before disappearing into her sleeve again.

What's on the list? Jayma wants to make sure that they get everything back so that there's no question about whether they completed the job or not.

Jayma steps through the front door of The Seven Apples and immediately finds the place strangely cozy and comforting. The interior is warm and inviting, full of the easy noise of travelers and adventurers exchanging stories.

When Molly comes up to show them to their table, Jayma greets her with a warm, genuine smile. "Good morning, Miss Mayapple. You must be Molly. What a pleasure it is to finally visit your establishment. I've heard it's the finest lodging in Vyre..." Adding to herself, "Which isn't saying much." "I'm sure our (hopefully short) stay here will be nothing but a pleasant experience."

Jayma finds herself quietly impressed by Molly. From her own experience growing up in Cheliax, she knows all too well how cruel that nation could be to its halflings. To see the aging Molly here running her own establishment in Vyre fills Jayma with a deep sense of respect. She wonders if the innkeeper is involved with the Bellflower Network in some way.

When Gideon appears, Jayma feels her expression harden into polite neutrality. She is not impressed by his charming manner. "Mister Shanklett, I presume. Yes, by all means, let's cut to the chase, shall we? What is this job the Dragonfly Society wishes us to perform? The sooner we understand your needs, the sooner we can be about our business... and the sooner we can all leave this charming city behind."

She folds her hands on the table, posture impeccable, gaze unwavering. Twyl chitters softly on her shoulder, echoing her impatience.

The prospect of a voyage to Vyre leaves a sour taste on Jayma's tongue, but she smooths the expression from her face, replacing it with one of calm determination. Though the sea voyage to Vyre is a short one, traveling by ship has never been one of her favorite activities.

After leaving Fallenta, she goes back to her room and packs her sleeves for the trip before heading with the others to the port. When the ship casts off from Kintargo’s harbor, Jayma grips the railing with white-knuckled hands, her smile fixed in place as the waves rock the vessel in an all-too-familiar rhythm that she loathes. More than once she catches herself muttering the words of a teleportation spell before stopping herself. "No, Jayma. It would be unseemly to abandon the others mid-journey." Instead, she retreats to her cabin. Tomorrow they would be dealing with the seedier elements of an already very seedy city and she would need all her wits about her.

At Thurston's explanation, Jayma waves a gloved hand dismissively. "If the simplest way to rid ourselves of this Gideon person and his Dragonflies is to tidy up their little rivalry, then very well, but if he dares fail to keep his word... then we will have to deal with him rather more directly."

When Fallenta indicates that the group will need to go to Vyre to meet with Gideon, Jayma exhales softly through her nose, the picture of restrained annoyance. "Vyre," she sighs. "Of course it would be Vyre. The city of sin and secrets. A fitting place to deal with smugglers and blackmailers."

Jayma pauses, glancing at the others. "Still, I suppose we cannot allow these Dragonflies to keep buzzing about. If they truly hold the keys to your past, then this Gideon Shanklett must be dealt with swiftly and properly."

She turns back to Fallenta, her expression softening just a little. "We will go to Vyre, then. But let it be known, I am not going there for their benefit... nor for yours alone. This opera is ours now, and I will not have its debut tarnished by scoundrels."

Jayma listens to Fallenta with her arms folded. Her green eyes narrow slightly as Fallenta confesses to volunteering their services, and though she maintains a polite smile, her irritation with the playwright is clear in the stiffness of her pose. Twyl quickly ducks out of sight when he notices the darkening of his mistress's mood.

"So..." Jayma says softly, after a moment of silence. "You have... volunteered us. To clean up a smuggler's quarrel on behalf of blackmailers. Do I have that right?" She taps her cane lightly against the floor, the metallic click ringing in the air. "How very... enterprising of you, Fallenta dear."

After another moment of silence, Jayma sighs and straightens. Her tone softens. "Still, I suppose I cannot entirely fault you. If these Dragonfly ruffians have you trapped in a web of threats, then better to free you of them now before it detrimentally affects our opera. But, my dear, next time you consider farming out our talents to a gang of unsavory smugglers, you might consider asking us first."

Jayma thinks a moment more and then comes to her feet. "Very well. We shall meet this Gideon Shanklett fellow. We'll see what sort of person he is and whether we can help him with his rival without dirtying our own hands overmuch."