Achlyss is glad to have saved the planet but leaves the broadcast appearances for those more inclined to speak with media (despite him having the most attractive face of the group). He is disappointed that Izu has escaped and that the trail has grown cold. "We still owe him one--we'll settle that score later." When they receive rewards for their efforts, Achlyss thinks first of the many times he missed the ability to fly. "A shortfall that will soon be remedied," he says, opening a screen to view some Abadarcorp merchandise.
Glad you're still here, friend! I hope life gives you a break and that you've had a great Christmas!
Achlyss frowns at the drones--at least the side of his face that still moves. "Lots of drones--let's hope they stay offline. We saw what a couple of those could do--I'd hate to see what this many could accomplish," he sniffs. "Anyone make heads or tails of those controls?" he wonders, not having any aptitude for it himself. When Arcalinte mentions Isu, he looks at him. "I've heard of that guy--he and some crazy droid stole some weapons I was tasked to retrieve. All sold off before we could get them back," he muses. "Could use some more weapons now."
While the others negotiate with the harpies, Thael takes the key from the captain's belt and frees the gnome. "Of course you can go free," he says. "Or join us and we will get you to safety. I'm Thael Silverstep, and we are all refugees, as well. Who are you, and what can you tell us of what has been happening here?" he asks.
Achlyss takes the lead in his powered armor, with the cord for the others to hold anchored between his shoulders. Still, he frequently veers off course, with the others having to correct his course multiple times as he steers in circles. "Heh--you can't keep me dead--I'll discover your secrets--you'll see!" the others can hear him saying, or some variation thereof, on occasion.
Achlyss listens to his companions chatter. When the talk turns to AbadarCorp, he smirks, which seems awkward on his undead face. "AbadarCorp is paying the bills for my trip--so like them or not, as far as I'm concerned the customer is always right. At least until payday." Achlyss eyes the planet carefully, trying to remember which hemisphere he had been in or perhaps identify a landmark he could recall. "It's cold down there--I know. I hope you packed your fluffy slippers."
A large creature with pale, thick undead scales for skin peers through a port window with narrowed eyes. His extremities are blackened with what appears to be frostbite, and he points toward the planet below with a finger with a missing end digit and claw. "I'm back, you frozen hellhole--and your wretched mysteries will not remain hidden this time," he tells Jedarat as a matter of fact. Nearly seven feet tall, he is well-muscled and robust. He has several permanent traumatic injuries visible, including a gaping hole in his upper chest and a partially caved-in rear skull. His travel mates have learned little about Achlyss Sadow thus far on the trip, but recognize that he was once a Vesk and now a Borai. Achlyss was either subject to a botched resurrection attempt, or was simply too stubborn to fully die when his time came. "Eoxians--a strange lot," he says to Arcalinte, perhaps not recognizing the irony of his statement.
Wow--I can't believe this campaign is over! So awesome to be almost FIVE YEARS LATER! Thank you SO much to all of you for sticking through this, and especially to Rutseg for rescuing what seemed a doomed campaign. That was immensely satisfying to finish and is the first campaign path I've played all the way through. I really appreciate that! I would certainly welcome the opportunity to game with any of you again. Rutseg, I'll watch for any games you're opening, and if any of the rest of you see openings in games, etc., I'd love the chance to join. THAT WAS AMAZING! :)
Like Kalem, Ilsa takes all the newfound notoriety in with a large grain of salt. She would just as soon be done with the ceremonies, soirees, and certainly the parade. She stays close to her companions, thinking only of reuniting with her niece, Briget. As soon as she is able, Ilsa sends for Gregor Step, their one-time halfling ally, to return to Korvosa with Briget. Ilsa awaits what she hopes will be a happy reunion--her niece had been terrified of Ilsa at one point, and Ilsa worried about what she had become. It is true that she was a monster--a formidable and dark mental presence--but she hoped that having that under control would ensure she would use her powers for good, and that she could raise her niece with a new start. In the coming days, Ilsa wandered back through Old Korvasa--her home--surveying the destruction. There is much to rebuild here. Walking down one familiar street on Bridgefront, Ilsa suddenly turns to a shop she knows well. Slipping inside, she sees a near-sighted old man at the counter. She takes a large sack of gold from her belt and tosses it on the counter with a thud. "I'll take everything in the store--and I'll take the building, too," she adds. "What the...?! Who are you?!" he responds. "I--Ilsa?" In the months and years to come, Ilsa uses her time and treasure to rebuild Old Korvosa. Her shop becomes the premier magic shop in the city. What had at one point been the most dangerous part of town became the safest. Criminals avoided the area, and openly spoke of a terrible figure that would only make you soil your pants if you crossed her. Some were not so lucky, and the most hardened thieves changed their ways, often performing hundreds of hours of 'voluntary' community service, but with a glossy look in their eyes. Those attempting to sell drugs--particulary Shiver-- in Old Korvosa fared worse, dying in their sleep to be discovered sweat-drenched and eyes wide with terror. Rumors also circulated of former assassins finding a second chance in Old Korvosa. Those who wished to escape that life knew they could enter a certain magic shop and ask for a new cloak--one cinnamon in color. Ilsa purchased magic items to communicate with her friends and call for their help, when needed. Korvosa occasionally came under threat in various forms, and when needed she could rally her former allies. Kalem, like her brother and so much like her. Ilsa occasionally teased him that he had transformed too much, and she couldn't tell whether he or Bashiel was the more straight-laced. Bashiel was a steady, reliable force and always had been. She still remembered walking into a gambling den with him, pretending that they were married. Zamanda seemed so other-worldly now, and Ilsa couldn't help but wonder if they could relate as well anymore. Among the allies, the other three had become more celestial, while Ilsa had grown more terrible. She worked with them to ensure the former Thassilonian relics remained safely hidden or otherwise destroyed, and enjoyed catching up with her friends over the years, whether via magic or in person. She couldn't help but think often about how this all had started, with a desperate, sleep-deprived shop girl searching for her missing niece. Ilsa thought often of those that believed in her and that helped find her her niece, find herself, and that together saved Korvosa.
Ilsa does agree with Zamanda that it might confuse things to bring the real despot's corpse back. "We do have her crown and other belongings. That, along with the witnesses that saw her die should be enough." Looking at her massive charmed creature, she says "Plus, it seems a fitting end, I agree." To the monster, she says "It appears she is dead. I know she was your friend, so I'll let you decide whether to eat her or not," Ilsa says, offering the corpse as they pass.
Cellion, Many thanks again for taking over this campaign and seeing us through. This is officially the first AP I've ever finished (on the boards or in RL). It's quite the arc to go from level 1 to level 12! You ran a great campaign, have fantastic writing skills, and run combat very well. You're an amazing GM! All the rest of you, It's been a great run, and I've been glad to have allies willing to stick with this all the way through. We had some good times, some funny interactions, and worked well together. Though I still regret I couldn't get my real-life cousin to join my criminal endeavors (i.e. "goody two-shoes can't be corrupted Ted") this was a very fun campaign top to bottom. I've got my two longest-running campaigns ending this month. If anyone is running anything, has someone drop from an existing campaign, or sees a good AP to apply to, I'd certainly be happy to game with all of you again! Great game!
The first thing Spectre did after arriving on Absalom Station was retrieve the secret smuggling accounts of his former deceased master. After springing Isu from jail, Spectre obtains state-of-the art code-breaking and computer-slicing equipment, and also springs for some upgraded equipment and armor for Isu. Spectre specializes in obtaining launch codes and black-market weapons schematics--Isu helps Spectre turn a profit in ways that don't imperil the galaxy. With Spectre as the brains and Isu the brawn, the two make a fortune. Eventually becoming bored, Isu teaches Spectre various card games, and the two earn additional fortunes neither could ever spend scamming would-be card sharks. "I think you will find the odds are somewhat in our favor. Now, will you be raising, or not?"
Spectre seems content that they have survived the nearly-impossible operation. "When we are back home, there will be continued need to acquire more resources and credits. If any of you would like to assist me in future endeavors, I have a number of contacts that will help us. Any of you are welcome to assist me. You have proven yourselves capable companions. I have had to adjust my odds of success based on your improbable capabilities."
Ilsa frowns one last time at the sapphire. "I'm trying to decide why it wanted to single me out. No offense, but my mind is probably the strongest out of all of us. I'm not sure why it wanted to try to get me to touch it," she muses. Looking up the next shaft, Ilsa activates her boots of spider climb and traverses the wall like a vampire.
Ilsa's eyes go wide as Zamanda transforms before their eyes. She tries to help her, but it's clear she doesn't need help. She's being translated into some celestial being. "You're--majestic!" she says, trying to squash any thoughts about the monster she herself had become. "Let's hope they work--you may need them." When they enter the next room and the strange blood creature addresses them, Ilsa stares back at it with her deadly gaze. "I am Ilsa," she responds without fear. "What do you want?"
Ilsa nods at Zamanda. "It's worth a try." Turning back to the giant creature, she says "Your other friend requires sacrifices--all of these are to be offered as sacrifices. I think she will feed them to you when we're done. If you let me past, I will get them to her, she will kill them, and then you will be fed."
Ilsa looks at the crooked, sunken pyramid from a distance before they approach. "I should mention that when we're done with all this, I'm making one of these--a monument to myself," she says with dark humor. Following Kalem's lead, she also casts false life on herself, though she reserves casting more long-term spells until they get the lay of the land.
Once they reach the entrance, she says "I'm guessing she doesn't know we're here. If that's the case, perhaps we should scout ahead. I'm happy to go first and look around," she offers.
Ilsa doesn't have any more questions to ask, though the image of the bloody dragon draws down the corners of her mouth. While the others finish any questions they have, she studies the teleportation scroll for when they are ready to proceed. Her mind unlocks arcane words and characters, putting each in its proper place as if her mind is the key opening a complex lock. "Once we're ready, I think I've got this down," she says confidently.
"I'm also unsure who was scrying on us, if it wasn't her," Ilsa agrees. "Perhaps our own allies wondered how we were faring?" she adds by way of speculation. As they begin questioning how they might arrive at the Sunken Queen, Ilsa offers one suggestion. "We have a teleportation scroll, don't we? Though this isn't my kind of magic, I believe I can activate just about anything. Though it isn't without risk, I think I could use it properly. I mean, the alternative is Zamanda's carriage, and that could take quite a bit longer."
Wow! In typical Tarondor fashion, that is a literary work of art that will take some time to delve into. I look forward to it! I love how in-depth your guides are, my friend. :)
Having tried various ways to wrestle and dodge the baby dinosaurs, Shagrat tries another tact. Hiding in some bushes, he waits in silence until a trio of them comes near. Jumping from his surprise position, he raises his arms as he leaps, startling them toward the pen. "Raaaah!!! Shagrat magic too powerful for you! Ha!" he shouts.
Ilsa had one more idea after Kalem's prompt. Perhaps I can thread the needle-- After attempting to discern which might be the leader of the bunch, she discreetly fixes her hypnotic gaze on her. "Are you sure you can't help us? Let us forego anything that will lead to regret," she says with subtle emphasis as she inserts a terrible thought in the maiden's mind. [b]"Surely there is a way we can help the Queen," she suggests.
Egorian Diplomacy: As part of casting this spell, you can attempt a single Intimidate skill check to make a target act friendly toward you. If you succeed, the target assists you normally, but Egorian diplomacy clouds the memory of any threats or pressure you applied. The target remembers assisting you, but can’t remember why, and its attitude toward you doesn’t worsen as a result of being intimidated.
Whether a creature fails or succeeds at its saving throw, it becomes immune to further castings of Egorian diplomacy for 24 hours.
Ilsa tries to build on what Zamanda and Kalem have said. Her dark features recede as she takes a more diplomatic tact than she usually would. "I am sure you can sense something is wrong here," she ventures. "But there is change rapidly coming too. Sabina could see it and has sided with us. Please don't stand in our way. You don't need to take our side, but if you impede us it will not go well for you."
If it’s a Tarondor guide it will be epic!
Many thanks for finishing this up for us, Cellion. Though I had hoped to keep the Franz/Eris connection going, it was definitely fun to finish this to the point we did. I wouldn't ever call a TPK completely satisfying, but it's as much as one could hope for. You're a great GM, and I'd also love a ping on any new campaigns! Have some great holidays, all!
Ilsa watches in dark majesty as the others are also transformed before her eyes. She folds her arms across her chest as she contemplates the changes to Kalem, Zamanda, and even Laori. She turns toward Bashiel, the last to draw cards, wondering what would become of the paladin. "Let us hope this does more good than harm, all told," she muses, trying to conceal how overwhelmed she feels by everything that has happened in a few short minutes.
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