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Organized Play Member. 14 posts (5,700 including aliases). No reviews. No lists. 1 wishlist. 1 Organized Play character. 63 aliases.


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Male Halfling S: 11, A: 12, I: 10, W: 11, | Perception: 10 | Move: 11 (15) | Def: 18 (19) | Health: 25 | Damage: 0 | Insanity: 2 | Corruption: 0 | Power: 1 | Fortune: No| Status: normal

Tamien had to dodge back again momentarily as another fireball shot past him. Keri kicked Bramble hard and the older halfling caster went down. Tamien lowered himself down and readied to crush his neck. Gritting his teeth he prepared to end the man's life.

But as he did he realized they were all still in serious trouble. The poison and the devil vine were still going to kill them.

This is the only chance we have to get what we need.

"The antidote, Theodora! Give us the god damn antidote for the devil vine or I swear I will kill him!" as he spoke he put his foot to Bramble's neck, staring unblinkingly at Theodora.

Fast turn: Action- Prepare to crush Bramble's Throat if Theodora continues to act in a violent manner.


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Thank you for all of the feedback. You've given me a lot to consider and also a rule clarification I'd overlooked. I particularly like the idea of making the Druid Boggard more important to the plot than as a one-off. He is 5th level.

My players are 6th level.

I suppose I have become a bit gun shy when it comes to killing off characters since I've had some bad backlash in the past. But there's a lot of good points about death being a part of the game and one that shouldn't be avoided at the expense of tension.

But I'll also speak with my players about this before next session.


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

"Ah well, that's too bad."

"Well let's bury them somewhere properly. They deserve that much at least." he helped to heft up the bodies of both the slain men and bring them out of Skull Peak.

... ... ...

Before leaving Skull Peak, Raven went back in and picked up the Queen of Gold. His head had cleared somewhat. He'd considered leaving her there to mourn until something else occurred but now it just didn't sit right with him. She had been the focal point of this suffering.

He was of course, only moderately well off now, not rich like he'd dreamed of. He went about the fortress, scavenging as many worthwhile things he could find and reasonably carry. His appearance was forever cursed now. He would have to remain in the shadows the rest of his life and wealth could help with that.

As they returned to the Maztacan village before leaving the Eremean continent, Raven kept his features covered. He spoke with Chief Coatl and the Shaman Tihuican.
"We return with good news for you. The Necromancer of Skull Peak, Rubendius Mal, was defeated. He had been possessed by a demon which had caused him to lose his mind. We slew it as well. The undead that have been menacing you from Skull Peak will not bother you any longer."

He then pulls out the Jaguar statue and sets it down. "This was helpful but it's too much to keep track of. I have plenty of tricks of my own."

"What's more, I have something for you. The Queen of Gold. She has been in mourning over the loss of her husband, Rubendius, and likely won't speak for some time. But I imagine she'll speak to you long before she speaks to me again. She has power and can offer it to you in times of dire need." Raven removed the statue from his back, emphasizing his point by staring his darkened eyes at the two men. "Make sure to converse with her sparingly and only by those with a strong will or a similar fate may befall them."

Will: 1d20 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + (3) = 22
He left shortly afterwards to find Xochitl. It was hard to suppress his dark urges but keeping his vision obscured and hood low helped. "Xochitl, I am sorry for before. I'm nothing more than a monster now. We're leaving Eremea soon and returning to our continent. You can come with us or stay here. The choice is yours."

Banes: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 4) = 11
Will: 1d20 - 6 ⇒ (18) - 6 = 12
Surprisingly, the day they boarded the ship to leave the continent, the woman came aboard with them.
... ... ...

Upon the return to their continent, Raven took to teaching Xochitl about the world outside her village. Looking out for her may have been a good thing for him in the long run, as it gave him more stability toward looking to the future.

Eventually he said his farewell to Thomas. The Nobleman was from a vastly different society and now that the danger of the maddening nightmares had faded the two were no longer directly connected. Although he offered that should the man ever need the services of an unscrupulous character, he would answer.

He followed after Kris, urging Xochitl to take up her teachings. Raven became the silent, savage shadow lingering just outside of her light. There were many enemies she would have to deal with as a new religious presence and he would be her protector as long as he could.

Years would pass, he would have two children with Xochitl eventually. Occasionally he would jokingly refer to them as One and Two. Although he would be glad for this, his heart would remain heavy. He was sure that his soul would go to hell when he died.


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That's fair. Come to think of it, there have been multiple times where players just disappear.

One notable player I knew from being in a game on the Midnight setting Against the Shadow Forums, as well as a game on the Paizo boards, mentioned the city he was in was on the direct path of a hurricane and would probably not be able to post for a few weeks. He stopped posting altogether on both forums after that.

In that case it's fairly easy to assume what happened because of prior warning. But there have been others too.


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Have you ever been in a game, or been reading a game because it caught your interest, and then suddenly it just ends?

Not because anything is wrong, mind you. Sometimes too many players have to drop out. DMs will say they suddenly got busy or their life changed drastically and now they don't have time for the forseeable future.

Not any of that, but because without warning, the DM is just gone. You wait a few days, weeks, months, and nothing.

Like you can check the history of posts and the date when that last happened, and they were active, excited participants, for years in some cases, and then then just poof. Gone, and they never posted again.

I found myself going over some of my old games the other day and fondly remembered several of them, feeling nostalgic, and then trying to remember what happened to them. Then when I looked back, I remember "oh yeah." One day the DM just stopped.

Has that ever happened to any of you?


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

Raven inhales deeply as the last of the monsters fell. The pain was dulled somewhat by the elation of victory and by cries of the Maztacans. He raised a hand in solemn victory, they had won.

For today at least. His more cynical mind quipped in. He wondered if this was how the commanders of the battlefield from his conscript days long ago felt? Knowing they had bested a stronger, if simpler, enemy today but that the fight was far from over.

"Now you've seen us, you've all witnessed our strength!" he called out to the scattered Maztacans.

But these were just a handful of the prophesied enemies, minions. Destructive yes, but not the true threat.

"The tide of fate, it can be changed! We are the one's who can do it for you!"

Our strength it, my strength is likely not going to be enough as it is.

"Chutliatl's sacrifice does not need to happen. For tomorrow we will head to the heart of the mountain before the eclipse."

Raven didn't actually believe his words, it seemed implausible they could win against something much stronger, but he thought that perhaps the Maztacans needed to hear them anyway. Tonight would be for celebration, recovery, and preparation. He planned on communing with the Queen of Gold again.

Is Xochitl still alive?

boons 2,Trickery #1/ Xochitl: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7
Befriend Maztacans: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
boons 2,Trickery #2/Xochitl: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9
Deceive Maztacans: 1d20 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 6 = 15


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

"Gods, I love it when she does that." Raven said more to himselfthananyone, admiring Kris's confidence and power as she stood against the setting sun.


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

Raven clicked his tongue in disappointment at the lack of treasure in the ship. It seemed as though Anne had spent the majority of her hard earned wealth repairing her vessel and no one was happy about it. In truth, neither was Raven, but that did make for an interesting opportunity for them.

Anne with her full crew and ship would prove to be overwhelming odds in a fight, but if Anne lost her ship, then the majority of these men would lose faith in their future prospects with her. Anne, grounded without a ship, with only a handful of her crew, and no resources, was a much more manageable problem to deal with.

Raven moved into the back of the hold there he took out his old black cloak, the one he'd replaced when Kris had given him the shifting color, enchanted cloak. He then uncorked his vials of oil and began dousing the black cloak and the deck of the ship with all five vials. Raven took out match and struck it, lighting the cloak on fire. Then he began to make his way out.

Using 5 flasks of oil, 1 cloak, and 1 match.


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Male Human Expert Rogue Level 5: Thief Level 6| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 12, Perception: 15(Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 35, Dmg: 0, Insanity 8, Corruption: 3, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal)

Spend fortune. Turning failure into success. 1 corruption gained.
Corruption Mark of darkness <4: 1d20 ⇒ 7
No effect.
Raven felt the deep sickening tendrils of the Queen of Gold slide through his mind, wrapping around, corrupting him, pulling him further into a nightmare world. But somehow his newfound sense of primal self helped his spirit find his wings and take flight and he managed to escape falling into a depth he did not wish to fall into.

Raven looked fatigued now, but he also seemed different somehow.
0th level Primal spell learned: Beast Within. Raven's dark eyes have a glint to them as if he was looking at something bright and gold reflecting within.

"That's... that's enough for now." he said, quietly.


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

Raven grinned at Krislyx's praise.

"Yeah, I guess I am pretty great." he said, smirking.

"Stopping the curses is definitely important, but I figure if we can get this idol, Anne isn't just going to back down and let herself be robbed. Which means we can finally lure her to us on our terms. So yeah, we can make things better around here."

He paused to let the idea hang there. Then Kris's words caught up to him and his normally sharp features softened.

"Friend, huh? Haven't had anyone I could call friend in a long time. Thanks Kris."


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

"Damn it all, I can't hit this thing unless I'm looking at it!" Raven said as much to himself as he did to Kris.
Not looking away this time. 1 bane, hypnotic light. Trickery #1 and blessing 2 boons.
Will: 1d20 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + (3) = 10 Phew, that was close!
Slow turn: Minor action 1- Draw longbow. Action- Skirmish Attack, 1 bane/+1d6 damage. Move back 5 yards again. Boons 2: Blessing and Trickery #2/+1d6 damage. Dirty Trick +1d6 damage. Move 5 yards closer. Minor action 2: Draw dagger.

"Thanks for saving me, Kris!" Raven said as her spell broke the creatures mesmerizing darkness and light orb combination and freed Raven from moving closer to it.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 3 + (6) = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 3d6 ⇒ (5) + 1 + (1, 4, 2) = 13

Exploit Opportunity: Action- Attack.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

Level 5 Expert Rogue
Characteristics: Health +3
Dirty Tricks: Your attacks deal 1d6 extra damage when you make an attack roll with 1 boon.
Rogue Cunning: You can use Trickery twice per round

Intellect: 1d20 + 2 - 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 2 - (2) = 16
CP saved: 1d6 ⇒ 1
.. .. .. .. ..

The initial days following the destructive wake of the Eel wives in New Town found Raven at something of a personal loss. He didn't have a guilty conscience about killing Arctan. The man had been crazed, and things like that he'd gotten over a long time ago. But he wondered if perhaps there was something else he could have done. It certainly hadn't helped their financial situations much. Plus there was the trouble Anne was bound to cause in the mean time. If they didn't stop her then it wouldn't matter if he ever found location of the treasure or not.

Despite his idea for wanting a group name to call themselves, he didn't come up with much while working on it. Kris's name was a bit too fancy, while Chiruut's was too succinct. He would have to keep working on it.

Thomas seemed busy with acquiring the manor, Chiruut got off and away on his own, and Kris was busying herself with speaking to the masses of people. Perhaps because of the people they managed to help people during the raids, or perhaps of her own charisma, they seemed to be listening.

During the days, he stood nearby, watching Kris as she spoke to the gathering crowds. She was growing into the figure she had said she believed in. It was similar to the inquisitors of his younger years, but it was so very different at the same time. Perhaps it was because it was against an evil that was so real and relatable but he thought he could see the appeal of religion now.

He told himself it was just because the crowds were easy pickings as he moved through them, casually picking several pockets along the way as Kris preached to them. There was something about the way she spoke to them, her passion, the fires of her conviction, it made him stop and stare at her in something close to wonder.
Working: Pick pocket. Getting by lifestyle.

He rented a personal room in one of the larger inns. He didn't want to be disturbed by thin walls and he felt like a nicer, larger, bed would be best to sleep in, and it was where he could take his heartier meals. The pickings were not quite enough from the crowds, so he had to dip into his own personal savings some to pay for the difference. Buying up to the comfortable living style. 1 SS

During the nights, he took on the process of going over Arctan's ledgers to find any clue wasn't going to be done in a single night, so Raven set to work over the next week burning the midnight oil.

It was during this time that he found an interesting alchemical mix called All-night. The spicy aroma milky white liquid wasn't bad, but he quickly discovered he preferred it with cinnamon added in.

As he became a frequent customer of the apothecary, while buying several potions to replenish those he'd used, Ven was eventually steered towards some rarer items, a vial of a rose colored liquid that was said to restore ones youth temporarily! Intrigued, he took them up on the offer.

Buying 1 potion of Fleeting Youth, 3 vials of Alertness, and cinnamon spices. 1 GC, 15 SS, & 5 CP.

One day, Kris called to him after she had spoken, his heart skipped as he thought she had caught him pickpocketing, but instead she offered to teach him how to use her rifle instead. He had never used such a weapon before but took her up on her offer. As such he took to spending the afternoons with her practicing at using the rifle at differing ranges.


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

His concerns must not have been hidden as well as he'd hoped. As upon the return from their impromptu rescue, Kris had learned, and thankfully, listened to his concerns over her without conceit, dismissal, or any other sort of reprisal. That eased his concerns quite a bit.

Upon their return to Freeport, Raven saw to all of them gaining the reward they were due. He took his share
......... 
Historia, is that her real name? Raven thought. He decidedly set his thoughts toward unlikely, as Ferin, one of the older boys from the orphanage waved him along excitedly.
The days since returning the partially transformed survivors from Flind's truly evil machinations had flown by in a blur. He'd been given a share of more wealth than he'd ever had to his name before, but even so, it did not compare to what he'd dreamed of finding if he could just decipher this damnable map of his.
It was then while talking to the boys at the orphanage, some of whom had begun a game of sharing their dreams with each other, that he'd been asked what his own aspirations were. He told them about the treasure and they'd laughed, until he showed them his map. Suddenly they'd gotten wide eyes full of inspiration, and Ferin had spoken up about a woman who worked at a library who supposedly knew a great deal about many things..

And now they were here. Raven took a deep breath and grasped the handle inside.
... ....
"Damnable woman! he said to himself in frustration for well over the dozenth time in frustration since he'd met her, going over the material she'd given him. He'd been manipulated into taking yet another stack from her. Her coy smile burned in his memory as he fell for her wiles. He hated studying, but damn it all if he was going to let her get the last laugh. He grit his teeth in determination. He'd survived things that would make her curl into a ball and whimper, he couldn't let this get the better of him.


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

Raven's eyes widen ever so slightly in worry, as he hesitates at Kris's words. He knew it came from a good place but hoped it wasn't the beginning of some sort of mania. "Uh... sure, Kris. That makes a lot of sense. I don't really care overly much for Thomas's leadership anyway. We can be the shining light." he gives her a half smile in encouragement.

He turned his head to Thomas, one hand on the box. "Right, we'll get rid of this, burn the box." he then reached into his pack for his tinderbox with which to light it.

With that, Raven turned and began trying to help the half-transformed survivors get up and out of the cave.


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

Raven grimaced. "Now wait a minute, Chiruut. That's a very leading question. I can't speak for others, and I won't deny that Klinz had to die... but we shouldn't kill the half transformed ones without speaking to them first."


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

"Damn it, Thomas!" Raven said, in alarm. The man wasn't likeable by any means but he couldn't deny that his sword skill was still great to have in situations like this.

With a sharp exhalation he reached over to Kris and pilfered her healing potion.

Fast Turn: Triggered action- Pick pockets on Kris to take her healing potion.

Sorry Kris. he thought to himself. But he doubt he would tell her, a good thief never admits what he did after all.

Action: Skirmish- move and give Thomas the healing option.


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

Absolutely.

Hmm, it'd be a waste to leave anything we might use behind.

While Kris prayed to... herself?... he gave the area another search to make sure he didn't miss anything.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

"Kris," Raven hissed as he crouched upon noticing the group of fishmen conducting their strange ritual. "they haven't noticed us yet. Help Thomas and the others, I'll try to even the field by taking away as many of their weapons as I can. Okay?"


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

You shouldn't. Was his immediate thought.

"Look, all I'm saying is that we shouldn't be sticking our necks out without preparing ahead. If we are looking to go to the ruined town, then we ought to go to the mayor of Wrecker's Roost and make him listen to us about the danger that is looming over his township. In return, we have him charter a ship to go after the Orphanmaker. He gets to brag about being proactive against the threat, we get our transport, and if we make it back then we give him the news.

If we don't come back, then clearly his preparations were the right call. If we do come back with bad news about the fish men, then he's got a leg up on said preparations, and we'll have our ship ready. If we've got good news, then great, the mayor's got less to worry about and we still have our ship.

As for Anne's ship, people talk. Some people ought to know where they were going around here. Maybe we can add the stipulation that we'll need to figure that out and the mayor can get a few of his people on it, or offer a reward. That ought to loosen a few tongues."


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

Level 2 downtime story:

The first few days after the attack, Raven filled his days with paranoid training, watching others closely, and wondering if the demon would return with the shrieking of the eels. It didn't and he relaxed his guard before noting how things finally seemed on the upside for himself. He was remarked as a local hero among the town, he was treated decently, and he was able to come back to a meal, a bed, and he had those he could nearly trust, strange as they were. It almost reminded him of how things used to be for him, back in the orphanage.

Krislyx came to him, asking him how to handle her share of the reward. She had been particularly helpful, so he decided to help her get outfitted with what she needed. The remainder, well, she clearly needed a keener mind to hold on to her wealth for her, lest she be otherwise swindled or spend it frivolously. Like most people would.

He didn't relish the idea but he decided he needed to prepare himself for further trials at sea, so he took to going out with the fisherman every few days. It was practice, he told himself, for when he continued his treasure hunt. The half of his map and its eventual horde was calling after all. But after nearly a week relaxing in town and working with the fisherman, he finally noted the slowly growing oddities among the townsfolk. Their thankfulness turned sour much more quickly than he had surmised and he started to make himself a less public figure than before, relegating himself to his room. He waited for his chance to leave, hoping a ship would arrive and growing steadily more nervous as things continued their downward slide.


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

Raven was momentarily stunned by this man's reaction, nearly dropping the idol in the process but he caught it without dropping it.

What the hell? Why is he complaining to me about this? I'm the one in trouble here!"

"Keep your self pity down, man! You're acting like a sad drunkard and not the priest of the island. I'll buy you a drink and listen to your woes later, now sober up long enough to tell me if this thing I'm holding is actually a cursed idol or not!"


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Male, Expert Human, Master Rogue Level 8: Master Thief Level 9: Beast level 10| S:11, A:14, I:13, W:10, Speed: 14, Perception: 15 (Darksight, +1 boon), Defense: 16, Health: 45, (51) Dmg: 0, Insanity 5, Corruption: 6, Fortune: (no), Status: (normal) (51)

Earlier during the meal.
Raven eyed the girls slight trembling as she brought them the meal.
"No need to be scared, girl. We might look strange but we're not bad folk."

Later, as the meal carried on and conversation continued, Raven stared at Thomas and his declaration for several long seconds, the audacity settling over him before he couldn't contain himself.

"Oh for the love of Astrid, proper stock?! Is that the sort of thing you nobles were in your tents arguing about all day?" Raven said, incredulously to Thomas.

He rolled his eyes and chuckled after a moment, then settled back looking at the older man.
"Just to let you know, I've seen a handful of your 'proper stock' choose the wrong direction and improperly use your tools for goading us common folk. They screamed just as loud as anyone in the hands of the inquisition. So don't go thinking you're better than us."

He stood up then, leaving his bowl of soup only half finished "Chiruut, you're rooming with me." he said, then stepped outside.

.... .... ....
Outside

Bloody hell, that man is infuriating. he thought angrily to himself as he skulked around the fisher village.

When the fisher's returned his temper started to cool and his body reminded him that it was still quite hungry.
Damn it Ven, get it together! You're smarter than that, but you let some useless argument cause a problem with that man. Don't forget, he found the boat that saved your hide.

As the last boat came under attack with the sounds of horrible shrieking in the air, Raven rushed to get a clear view of the scene.

By the New God, they're in trouble... but what the hell am I supposed to do? Not like I'm out there. Besides, what's in it for me, risking my life?

The memory of what Anileda had said, offered itself in his mind.
Oh, right. Maybe getting these people thinking I'm here to help will get them to ferry us to other islands. I need to get the others.


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

Imedren was tired, there was but the call of the battle being over was a relief in many ways. Lucretia was gone now. His Vision saw no illusions or deception. She had been murderous and evil, uncaring for the people of today but she had been driven to protect the Eye. Sunionious Roo had been evil for so long until he realized his mistake and tried to undo them. Lucretia, he realized, had sent her minions to try and stop Katandramus when he first unleashed the plague within the city with the Enigma Stone and tried to use the Eye. An immortal protector of something and now she was gone.

Imedren saw past the immediate victory and now was worried for the future. There were many possibilities, too many to count. They would have to protect it from now on... but he supposed he could let them enjoy their victory for now.

"Yes, this battle is over for now."


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Male Human Mage/Sorcerer/Watcher HP: 38, Dmg: 13, Defense 15 (18), Move 10,

Eldren stared into the void as he cast his spell to hold back the tear threatening their world. It was among the most powerful teleportation magic's his younger self, and therefore he, had ever researched. It seemed to be working, the edges of reality halted in cracking any further... but the energies did not stop. Two sides, two wills pressed against his salve, separating the realities. Magic which his research had concluded should last for days was being torn asunder.

Then from within the void an eye was staring back at him.

Banes 4: Eye of the Void 3, Time Paradox 1. Boons 6: Dark Magic boon 2, 3rd Eye 2, Joy's Guidance 2,

Boons: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8
Will vs. The Void: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 5 = 11 Whew, just barely! Thanks Joy!

It was more than the aged Wizard could take, despite his preparations and knowledge he began feeling the malice of the Eye upon him, driving him to recall his insecurities and past failures, pushing him into insanity!
But the constant calming assurances of the young, ever enthusiastic girl Joy, shook him out of his reverie and gave him the strength he needed to hold on.

*** *** *** *** ***

Spells to cast: Iridescent shield. Defense bonus +: 1d6 ⇒ 5, Flame Ward, Lasting Boundless Step. Lasting Entropic Power. 3 damage. Lasting Chaos Boon. Healing potion to recover damage.
Boons Dark magic 2, Banes Horrifying 1: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 1Penalty
Will vs. Demons: 1d20 + 2 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 3 - 1 = 8

Triggered Action- Retry: 1d20 + 2 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 3 - 1 = 12

G- get out of our world! Eldren said, nearly succumbing to the demon's influence... but not in this time.

Fast initiative- Cast a Lasting Accelerate. Slow Initative- Cast Potent Fireball.

Potent, Entropic Fireball: 5d6 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 6, 5, 5) + (4, 4) + (6) = 40

Chaos die: 1d6 ⇒ 4 Bonus
Time Ripple: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 4 = 10 Success!

Banes: Strain 2, Paradox 1,
Banes: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 6) = 9
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 6bonus

Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 6 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 2 - 6 + 6 = 19


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Yes, I have seen what seems to be a drop in overall open new games lately. Currently down to my last PBP game which is looking to be over within a month, so I was hunting for a new one.

A few of my more recent games seem like they got just barely past the introduction before fizzling out. Then some of the longer running ones the DM's either had RL get in the way or just seemed to have disappeared into the ether without warning.

I've been part of Pathfinder Society in the past for a few games but I didn't particularly like how the DM's handled things as the game felt forcibly rushed to a completion.


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

Boon 1: Blessing
Will: 1d20 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (6) = 9Wow, +1 insanity. No fear.

Despite his preparations, or maybe because of them, Imedren's eyes gain a dangerous light of their own the moment the Barghest reveals itself.

"That is big and scary... but it's only the third scariest thing I've seen this month." Then in the blink of an eye, he vanished. Appearing 5 yards from the beast.

Triggered action- Warp 95 yards.

Fast action: Greater Sorcery: Lastig spell- +1 Strain. Action- Cast Slow.
Boons: Blessing 1, Potent magic 2,: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 1) = 9
Slow: 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 5 = 17

"I saw a beast from beyond time within a dying world come for me. You are not that."

Slow Action: Move 10 yards back. Greater Sorcery- Potent spell. Action- Cast Explosive missiles. All missiles targeting the Barghest.

Potent Entropic damage: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 5) = 15
Missile 1: 1d6 + 2 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 15 = 20
Missile 1: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Missile 1: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Banes: Sorcery Strain: 5, Medallion 1: 6d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 3, 4, 1, 2) = 17
Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (4) + 2 - 6 = 0
Outburst, 5 yards: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 1, 6, 3) = 16


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

The Geometry of Time and Space:
Imedren could not sleep that night. Uruuna was out on patrol and his senses were pushed to the extreme. His curiosity had gotten the best of him. He had decided to meditate and focus on his sights of time. The tea he'd acquired had helped. He wondered if perhaps there were any clues within the annals of time to deal with the problems of now. Then he had gone back... further and further his visions led him to distant times. He caught glimpses, moments of knowledge and feelings of things long lost or forgotten. He saw many things, wondrous constructions, terrible desires, tragic emotions, key moments and decisions that shaped their world. So much had been destroyed and forgotten. He realized he could continue down this pathway for what felt like eternity... but there was more. Within the corners of his visions he saw other worlds, some lush with life, others built with construction only touched on by the minds he'd read about.

Curiosity pulled him, away from the path of this world and he stepped sideways, away from the normal coordinate plane of time, and onto a completely new path. But he leaped further than he'd meant to. Instead his mind was pulled into a world which had become cracked and ruinous. Here the laws of nature no longer applied. The void had slipped in, all was naught but destruction which somehow resonated within him. The ruins of whatever civilization could offer only the smallest of clues as to what happened... there were lessons to be learned from this, he was sure... and then he sensed it. From the jagged and cracked flows of time there was a danger which lurked. He had awakened it somehow. It was beginning to move, searching for him, at that moment he could retreat with relative assurance, he would miss whatever lesson there was. Imedren did not believe he could not afford to do so, and so he risked his mind and his soul to travel along this worlds timeline.

Now he passed hurriedly through the alleyways of Crossings, the foreboding sense that something was inherently wrong with the world seemed to grow with Imedren. He could feel the eyes on him. He could sense the malice. It reminded him of when he'd been hunted by the mercenary, but no matter how far he traveled or where he ran, he was still followed.

He wore the silver medallion from the moon tower around his neck. The grinning faerie seemed gleeful as his heightened senses caught the dancing shadows from around him in the occasional soft lantern light. Somewhere else the baying of several hounds could be heard. They didn't like him now, Imedren hadn't grown up with any, although there had been plenty on Door Street, but he never had a problem with them personally. Now they growled at him whenever he got close.
He paused, something up ahead moved oddly, another shape he thought but no, the shadows moved brokenly around it and it was large, much larger than he expected. The figure padded toward him silently, making no sound at all, it's image was that traveling as though through a cracked mirror, or peeking from a hidden closet. It stalked after its prey, seemingly far away and yet its own shape closed in from different angles.

His mind reeled at the broken shapes, each fractal image refused to be summed up as a whole, terror gripped him, causing his throat to seize and his chest to tighten. The medallion around his neck felt heavy, the cord seemingly tightened adding to his troubles as his eyes were forcibly enhanced to try and grasp at it's image. Even the dark things he had studied and the horrors he had witnessed in recent times were not enough to completely shield his mind, his training holding through, Imedren began to cast spells.

He saw his mistakes moments before he made them. It entered into the world, through the edges of reality, Imedren had long since used as a safe warping point. But no, Imedren was a traveler to these strange angles, it was a resident. It lived there and it chased him readily through it. He saw through time within his mind, he traveled through time bodily, and he moved along the edges of reality. The only place he could even hope to deal with it was in the actual world. Reality as one was meant to walk through it.

The beast snapped and tore at him, Imedren successfully dodging only because of desperate defenses he threw up. His shields were torn and snapped at. His attacks hindered it some, but still it came. Fire washed over it without harm. His chaos magic was able to harm it but it was only so effective. Several bites found their mark, terrible pain followed. Imedren's mind reeled at what he saw and he was at his wits end.

Then he recalled the lesson he had learned at the heart of the broken world. All was torn apart, expanded, broken down by a point of origin. Regardless of angles, time, or distance, everything has a point or moment of beginning and end. A Singularity.

This thing wanted him, so it attacked, relentless, horrifying, and at this point completely predictable. Imedren centered the singularity within it's reach. It was pulled back to the very center, Imedren felt the pull but used another lesson he had learned, the moment of great decision. He removed himself from time. He Averted a disastrous Fate for himself. He watched as the formless being and everything loose nearby was swallowed up within the darkness, ripped apart into nothing. When the moment ended, the world rushed to fill the gap with a powerful explosion of reality, knocking Imedren from his feet. He was hurt, weak, but breathing. The thing which had been hunting him was gone now. Against all probability, he was still alive.


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

Imedren looked at the Faun with his arms crossed.
"Let me make this abundantly clear in case it wasn't already. I may have saved your life, Selgaer, but I still don't like you. I think you're an ass. And no, I'd really rather not work with you.

But I know that with your knowledge of Terrain and Geography and with my divination magic we can accurately narrow down the probabilities of their course and get to the remaining Orcs and Iron Titan faster."

He sighed. "Whatever my personal grievances with you are though, Selgaer, at the end of the day you are a hero... and it's probably better to have you around than not."


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Male Human Mage/Sorcerer/Watcher HP: 38, Dmg: 13, Defense 15 (18), Move 10,

Slow initiative: Minor actions 1&2, Set the child down. Move back 10 yards into the room. Greater Sorcery: Potent spell. 1 Sorcerous Strain. Action Cast Explosive Missile, having all 3 missiles targeting the Long Mother. 3 agility saves for half damage.

Carefully setting down the child he was carrying, a moment later Eldren noticed his own body began to glow with silver and he felt himself being pulled through time.

No. It's too soon... what is he doing?!

He turned and hurried back into the room. Upon seeing the mess of chaotic power surrounding his younger self, Eldren understood immediately as he focused on the scene in front of him.

"You hate him, but you save him... I don't understand you at all."

Entropic Potent Bonus damage: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 1) = 10
Explosive missile 1: 1 + 1d6 + 11 ⇒ 1 + (5) + 11 = 17
Explosive missile 2: 1 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ 1 + (6) + 1 = 8
Explosive missile 3: 1 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ 1 + (2) + 1 = 4

Chaos Boon: 1d6 ⇒ 3 Penalty
Banes: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10
Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 3 - 6 ⇒ (2) + 2 - 3 - 6 = -5
Outburst: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 2, 4) = 15

In those last moments before being pulled to another time he nodded to the others. Then he too was suffused with silver light and vanished in time.


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Banes: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 5) = 15
Will: 1d20 + 2 - 1 - 6 ⇒ (16) + 2 - 1 - 6 = 11

Imedren resisted the howl of starvation and in that moment his visions flared. He watched the others struggled against it in their own way and Selgaer was immediately torn apart by the long mother.

The thought of being rid of the Faun danced through his mind but he saw the Long Mother would immediately turn her attention to Uruuna. So he decided to interfere and began counting in his head.

Triggered action- Cast Timely Warning:

When a creature within medium range that you can see would take damage or gain an affliction, you can use a triggered action to cast this spell. You mark in your mind the exact moment when this event occurred, and then your future self from a few moments ahead in time travels back to just before the event to deliver a warning to the triggering creature. The creature reduces the damage it would have taken to 0 or removes the affliction it would have gained. At the end of each round thereafter, you must make a Will challenge roll with 1 bane. On a failure, you transport yourself back in time to deliver the warning, disappearing and reappearing in the space you occupied 1 round later, which ends the spell. If you become incapacitated before you can deliver the warning, you and the triggering creature
each gain 1d6 Insanity as time momentarily unravels.

Moments before...
Imedren appeared beside Selgaer, in a flash of mercurial light.
"Selgaer, gather your will and guard your ears, the Long Mother will unleash a horrid shriek and is coming for you!"

Fast initiative: Greater sorcery- Empower Spell. Action- Cast Pain. 2 banes: Spell defense/ Twain self. 2 boons: empower spell.
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Bonus
Pain: 1d20 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 6 = 23

Chaotic energies wound their way around Imedren causing his curse magics against the long Mother to reach out with crushing power.

Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 2 Bonus
Banes: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6
Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 - 5 = 15

Imedren found that he was able to hold onto and control them from bursting out.
"Hit her! Hit her with everything now!"

Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 5 Penalty
Banes: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4
Will vs. Timely warning: 1d20 + 2 - 5 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 - 5 - 2 = 6

Even as he rode the waves of chaotic energies, they finally crashed back down on him causing his focus to falter on exactly when it was he'd jumped back in time to save Selgaer... his body began to suffuse with silver light until he finally vanished in time to save the Faun.


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

3 banes: 2 Dragon fire, 1 Twain self. 3 Boons: 2 Third Eye, 1 Blessing. Success, 6 damage.

Agility: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15 Imedren saw the flames coming but was able to dodge the worst of them this time, despite their intensity. Imedren was suddenly struck by an idea.

Fast initiative: Greater Sorcery- Lasting spell. Action- Cast Blink. Duration: 1 minute. (You rapidly teleport in place for the duration, imposing 3 banes on attack rolls made against you.)

With a wave of black energy coursing over his body, Imedren began to flicker in and out of reality.

Slow initiative: Action- attempt to engage in social combat with the Dragon.

"Dragon!" Imedren called out to the beast above him. "There is no reason any of us need to meet our ends this day. I was led to believe you were intelligent. You must see this is a fruitless battle!"

Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 2Bonus
Banes: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 2) = 4
Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 - 2 = 9
Outburst: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 5, 3) = 15

Chaos die: 1d6 ⇒ 4 Bonus
Banes: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 6) = 13
Persuade: 1d20 + 2 - 5 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 2 - 5 + 4 = 11

Imedren saw that his words were going to fall on deaf ears with the Dragon.

No. NO! I have to go back. I have to try again! Imedren's eyes flashed with a dark blue and he felt as time itself shifted within his mind. It had been a future sight, the power came from within his mind and was unleashed by his third eye.

Triggered Action- Cast Retry.

"Dragon! You are a mighty being, it would be a shame to see one so majestic fall to such an insignificant battle. Know this, if we but cease our hostilities now, we can work a way thorough this. If not... then there will be much wasted bloodshed and some of it will be yours. I have foreseen it."

Reroll: 1d20 + 2 + 4 - 6 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 4 - 6 = 20


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Male Human Mage/Sorcerer/Watcher HP: 38, Dmg: 13, Defense 15 (18), Move 10,

The old man grimaced immediately once the mercurial portal had faded. "Ah, of course. I remember this now." he muttered under his breath.

Fast initiative: Greater Sorcery- long spell. +1 strain. Action: cast Accelerate.

A wave of chaotic red energy suffused the older man's body too and mercurial light suffused his body. As it did, a copy seemed to form over Imedren's body as well. His head snapped back toward the Children of the Long and an irritated look came over him.

"You waited until now?!" he growled at Imedren. Then he looked at the rest of the assembled group. "Gah, no time! Proper introductions will happen later. You deal with the children for now, I'll try to make sure that We don't die!"

Blue light suffused his eyes, and after a few moments an eye made entirely of blue light opened on his center of his forehead.

Slow Action: Casting Third Eye. An extra eye opens in your forehead and remains there for
the duration. While the eye is open, you gain the following
benefits:
• You impose 2 banes on attack rolls against you.
• You make challenge rolls to resist attacks and other
hazardous effects with 2 boons.
• Creatures within short range of you cannot be hidden
from you.
• You cannot be surprised, blinded, or deafened.
• You make all Perception rolls with 2 boons.

Banes: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 1) = 6
Will: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 2 - 4 = 9

Although he tried to resist, the sorcerous power was too great and escaped from him.


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

As the locomotive begins to pull out of the station, Imedren crosses away from the engine and folds his arms while looking back at the disappearing city and shaking his head. "Now that was just impressive for TaBog to come up with on such short notice. I'll never understand how his mind works..."

When Igor said such a foolish hope out loud, Imedren sighed audibly and walked over to a clear sitting space, pulling off his pack and going through it to find his deck of tarot cards.

"Three days, huh. Igor, do you know what tempting Fate is? Sit down, I think I have some things to teach you." with that he began shuffling his deck.


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

Imedren's Time:

"I will take care of this. I promise." the words were the one thing that echoed within his mind, the only thing that let him hold his strength.

A pair of dogs barked and growled nearby, restrained by ropes
"I told you... it's not... wha-... you think!" he managed to rasp out past the numbing effects of the poison.

"You told me enough to confirm what I already knew. Seeking out the powerful and forbidden magic of Sunionious Roo. Consorting with a devil for assistance, heh."

Imedren was already beyond frustrated with the man, cycling back around to near despairing.
"Did you... even READ it?! He was trying to undo what he'd already-"

"Your words are heavy with taint and fall on deaf ears, sorcerer![b] he interrupted. [b]"Though you may seem to be some sort of hero where you come from, my pets and I can sense your true intentions. You would be chaotic and dangerous to others in the best of times, but you are so much worse now. Many would be sorry after striking their wife." he added in a mocking tone. He knew that would set Imedren off and it did.

"So close to getting what you want too, I'm doing this world a favor by removing you from your course early. I have to thank you though, you've given me my next set of potential targets as well. Maybe I'll even have to visit your -" The Witch Hunter's smile faltered as he tried to speak over the dogs who were becoming even more agitated, barking and struggling against the ropes that restrained them. This one liked to hear himself talk.

Imedren's head began to ache, the onset of a migraine he felt.

"Miles, Gallo, both of you shut up! I can't hear myself think." the Witch Hunter said, turning to look at his two dogs.

"Well now, that hardly seems a fitting end, does it?" came a heavy but familiar voice from a cloaked figure. The hunter looked to his right, hand to his blade.
"What the... stay back, old man. This is a dangerous fugitive!" 
There was a moment of muttering from the cloaked figure, sparks of red chaotic light lanced about the air. "Son of a b*%#$!" the Hunter cursed, drawing his blade and dropping Imedren's ring to the ground, his free hand carving an arcane rune in the air in front of himself. It was the same one which had managed to destroy a spell he'd been intending to use for escape before being captured. But he was too slow.

Silence took the area as it seemed like the world seemed to stop. The barks and growls went quiet and the Witch Hunter did not move anymore, but his magic rune was still in the air.

"Y-you." Imedren said weakly, looking at his older self who strode up to him. The two of them seemingly the only things that could move within the strange field.

"Yes, me. A fine mess you've landed yourself in. Now that I've had to act of my own volition to save you, our paths are completely intertwined. Hurry, get yourself free and grab your things, these are my last 10 minutes before my mind and memories are effectively shattered into fragments to be rearranged into yours. I'm sure you have questions."

Imedren looked at the man like he was a hallucination but knew better than to disbelieve it. He started working himself free, while his older self reached over to the manacles on Imedren with a key and undid them. Rubbing his wrists, he stood up and walked over to the spot on the ground where his ring had been dropped. He picked it up and put it back on, feeling whole again. His older self meanwhile, manacled the legs of the Hunter. The moment he stopped touching them, they became as still as a painting.

"What are you doing here? How did you find me?" Imedren went over to where the packs of supplies were and began grabbing everything of his together. He noted as he got over there, things were no longer quiet. Looking back to where he'd been, he could almost see a strange outline in the air, a bubble of still time.

"Typical questions. I couldn't let you die. Not after you connected us last time in the library, because if you ceased to exist, causality would have simply found plausible reasons for me to die until I did. I've simply kept an eye on you from a distance. Leaving for my own time was impossible now... not that I wanted to go back anyway. Hurry, we need to be away from this man as soon as we are able, he's a blind spot to your abilities."

"I know, that's how he caught me unaware." 

"No, you don't see it because you are too unused to your abilities. This man literally doesn't factor into any sort of divination at all anymore. Future sight, foretelling, predictions, prognostications... he is literally a wild card. Normally they don't tend to make too big of an impact, but he could go anyway. I just hope he doesn't see it.

We're going to teleport now. We'll clear a thousand yards. Take his horse, it'll make it all but impossible for him to find us."

The horse proved to be more difficult to work with than expected. Thankfully the blinders helped and about 2 minutes later it was able to be moved with some persuading. His older self opened a portal, reality between two points seemed to bisect itself and they walked through to the other side before it sealed closed behind them, leaving them all in a completely different area now.
"Why did you not want to return to your own timeline? What happened there?"

The older version of himself was quiet for a short time, then finally he sighed and spoke. "I ran away. I was a coward in my youth, I'd nearly died and I knew we weren't strong enough to deal with the calamity that was coming. I tried to convince the others, my friends and Uruuna to leave the city with me. Let others handle it, I said. TaBog was unsure, Anophth said he couldn't leave his shop and the successful life he'd made for himself. Dramm wouldn't leave because of his budding romance with Ezekia. Uruuna adamantly refused to leave because she was a lieutenant of the Brown Cloaks.  We argued about it for hours, but they were adamant. In the end, I decided I was leaving and TaBog seemed like he would. That night I tried to convince Uruuna again, but she'd set her mind to it and refused. She called me a coward and told me she hated me. I... I left the next day. TaBog got me to the edge of town, made sure I took Nutmeg with me, and turned back to say he had to fight for his son's future here... and that was the last I saw of them.
Days later we heard the city had been destroyed. Everyone I knew who had stayed behind died... and I realized I had made a horrible mistake. I wondered if perhaps I had made the other choice, if I had stayed and helped them, would they have survived? Slowly I became obsessed with that. The world continued, of course. Things steadily seemed to get worse for the Northern Reach, without Crossings as a safe trade hub, it became far more difficult for things to continue. Nutmeg became my apprentice, learning magic under my tutelage. We were equally possessed with the idea of changing things, though. We spent years learning what we could of time magics, theories and the like. We even managed to find a small group of like minded individuals. In the end we were able to learn several truths.

There were many points in time where the world could have fallen into jeopardy. Crossings was a crucial location and time, not the first, nor the last, but an important one. "

"You found others, you mean those with time magic? What happened to them?"

His older self shook his head, seeming tired. "Those who could attempted to go back and alter things. Our initial attempts proved successful, but our more ambitious goals failed several times. One of our number, Mehdi, warned we were being hunted by those who refused to let the past be so blatantly changed. We also became fugitives in my time. Some were hunted down. One despaired and fled to the future. The rest scattered to the winds."

"My options were limited then. I knew I couldn't move openly. I had to conceal myself, find a version of me who was... unpredictable. One who could see the future, one who moved through time. One who was largely compatible. In other words, you."

Imedren was quiet now. "I have to get home now, back to Crossings. Everyone must be worried about where I went and-" he was interrupted by his older self shaking his head.

"No, you're too eager, if you return to Crossings now, you'll just be hunted down. You need to lay low and hide. Head north and east to Foundry instead, wait a few weeks and send a letter. Those who know you will be there waiting. Make sure you keep them with you in your life as long as you can." His older self was talking to him and was asking for a sincere wish to be made. Imedren felt the weight of those words, but then the older version seemed to perk up.

"Our time is almost up now. Our realities will collide and my time will become enclosed with yours. Open your mind and grab at as many experiences as you can. This will be a defining moment for us. Goodbye." and with that, both Imedren's vanished from time.

A minute later, only the younger version appeared. He seemed almost dazed but recovered quickly. Then after a minute of looking around he continued on toward Foundry.


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

Joy's Guidance re-rolls: 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) + (6, 6) = 23

Alright, that's a clean sweep of the soul shards! Now on to the difficult part.


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Male Human Priest/Paladin/Healer Level 8, / S 14, A 10, I 11, W 14, / Health: 47 (41: W/Crown: -6 ), Damage: 0, Perception: 11 (Crown: +2 Boons) Def: 10 (18), Move 10, Insanity 0, Corruption: 0, Fortune: (Yes), Boons (1), + Holy Symbol Boon 1 minute, Status: (Normal)

Truths and Suppositions:

The day she left Charles couldn't help the pain in his heart and hadn't done much of anything that day, or the next. It was only later, when he'd remembered that Kahtia had returned with them that he'd thought to go speak with her. When he discovered the room, she had been staying in was empty, Charles was confused at first. But slowly the realization began to sink in. She was gone, and she'd left with Tesswyn.

"Some secrets are best kept, Charlemange. And when they are finally revealed, they are the sweeter for it." her voice echoed in his mind.

He began to replay the conversation with Tesswyn over and over again in his head. He had been so distracted with her saying she needed to get away that he hadn’t parsed her words entirely but now he was carefully examining it. She couldn't leave with him but she could leave with Kahtia? How in the world was Tesswyn supposed to be able to clear her head with Kahtia around?

Then at one point after over a week it clicked, leading to a chain reaction of Charles going over his conversations with Kahtia, the one where she’d convinced him to let her come with them. The one where she’d stated her goals. He saw several contradictions from what she’d said at first to what she’d claimed later. Had it all simply been to win his sympathy, and he'd played right into it like the fool that he was.

The Book… oh no! The book that she claimed was vile and had driven Withir Buckling mad so he had stolen it from her. The one she had claimed that returning to the tower Arcana was potentially important to the world. She got it back… so, now what? She just said she couldn’t go back now but was that true? More importantly, where had she even gotten it from?

Then he started pacing, going back over the earlier conversation he’d had with Tesswyn in the desert, the morning after she hadn’t come back to their tent. The morning she’d been dressed in one of Kahtia’s outfits. Tesswyn had been ashamed of something...

Charles stood in front of the mirror breathing heavily, the man who looked back wasn't the same face he was familiar with from just a few weeks ago. Charles now saw the lines in the face, the grey in the hair, a scar on his head, and missing an ear now, but even with all of that the resemblance was still there, that was the thing he hated even now.

" She seduced Tesswyn.” the man in the mirror said, matter of factually.

” She has that book and now I have no idea where they are or what she’s doing to Tesswyn! What the Hell?! You lied. You lied and you manipulated Tesswyn. Damn you! DAMN YOU KAHTIA!” he shouted, voice growing louder than should have been normally possible as it reverberated in the walls of the house.

The man in the mirror gave him a grim, wry smile and a dry laugh.

"What did you expect, Charles? Did you really think that she was going to stay with you after this? Look at yourself. Heh, I'd have run away with Kahtia too. Besides, "

The mocking face contorted into anger and he smashed a fist into the mirror, cracking it. Heedless of his hand, he turned his back on the fragmented reflections of the man in the mirror and went to his chest. Flinging the top open, he began to throw his things onto the bed. How he'd wanted to come home, but after everything that had happened, it felt empty now.

He heard a knock at the door. Soft but insistent. He didn't move at first, standing there while blood dripped onto the floor. The knock came again, more insistent this time. Charles responded, crossing the house and opening the front door.

Standing outside was a woman who looked maybe 30 years his junior. She had red hair, had a staff in one hand, wore simple but well-worn clothing, a crimson red cloak on her back. A tattoo shown on her right cheek, marking her as a devotee and fully trained member of the House of Healing and she wore a holy symbol of the Ouroboros, a serpent eating its own tail to mark her as a follower of the New God.

"Pardon my intrusion, Sir. I was led to believe this was the house of the priest of this village, a man named Charles. Is he in?" she stared at him discerningly as she spoke and must have caught either the recognition or the surprise in his own eyes. A look he had seen many times before.

Charles let out a deep breath and shook his head, his sense of urgency creeping back up.
"It is good to see you again, Astrid. But I'm more than a little bit shorter on time than when we last spoke, so you'll just have to pop back up into my life another day." he turned away from her.

It was her turn to be surprised as her mouth hung open for a long moment before she began blinking rapidly to speak. "... ... Charlemange?! Oh... oh by the New God, Charles what happened to you?!" she put a hand to his wall as if to steady herself and followed in after him.

"Oh, you know, battling demons, surviving natural disasters, becoming a paladin of the New God, helping to build a town, exploring tombs... ugh, finding ancient relics and using them without knowing anything about them. Losing friends and having my heart broken when the love of my life left. Just the usual things to age a man."

"No, Charles, no. This isn't a time for jokes, this is unnatural!"

"Really? I never would have guessed... anything else you'd like to point out to me Astrid? Anything your keen mind has observed from my current state of affairs?"

"Your hand is bleeding... and since when did you start wearing a crown? I always thought you'd hated the idea of rulership."

"My hand is fine and the crown is… well it's been more helpful than you know."

Astrid sighed and began to pray "May the reach of the New God heal my former apprentice in his time of hardheadedness." His wounded hand healed magically.

"Thanks, but I could have done that on my own. I've learned some things since you last saw me. No reason you had to use more powerful magic like that on me." he said begrudgingly.

"It wasn't powerful, it was very minor, actually. I've simply learned enough to no longer need direct contact with others. I'm a true healer now Charles. Though I am glad to hear you've learned more of healing magic. But will you please tell me what happened?"

"Hubris! I was... I told you already.” Charles seemed tired. “A death mask, a relic we recovered from a tomb in the Waste, offered power beyond what I could control, and it drained a good portion of my life away and then it was destroyed, causing a magical explosion. Now what are you doing here, Astrid? Don't tell me you came solely to seek me out to see how I was doing?" Charles said, crossing his arms.
She seemed troubled by his words, peering at him more closely. ” No. I was traveling when I heard about a burgeoning town with a new trade route in the middle of the wilderness. I thought to come this way and see what I could do to help these people, once I arrived, I learned that there was a priest with your name who had taken up residence. I had hoped it would be you, but I didn’t expect this. ”

… … … … …

” That’s how it always is with you, isn’t it, Astrid? You always arrive much too late after the fact, or you leave far too early to be any real help. You can’t do anything to help me. The shards of the mask are buried too deep. There’s some residual power there. It was pushing me towards a fate I didn’t want but I think it’s too late. ”

She seemed hurt by his words but she continued speaking calmly. “It doesn’t have to be that way, Charles. You were always drawn to violence, soldiering on, and thinking things were unchangeable. Even after 2 years it seemed like you still thought everything was predetermined. I can heal you; your fate isn’t determined solely by powers beyond your kin. As long as you truly haven’t given in to them. As long as you don’t want them, your fate can change. Remember the Third Truth, Charles.”

Charles looked up at her. ”The Divine depends on the mortal. No the other way around.”

”Exactly. The New God doesn’t want those who follow out of fear or any sense of helplessness. It wants those who follow by choice. As far as I know, the New God is the only one who teaches this in practice and lets his followers know that it is their choices that matter. ” she paused for a moment. ”Despite what you said, Charles. I won’t be setting up a shop in a town anywhere. There are plenty of shrines, churches, and houses full of worshippers who have done just that, but I’ll continue to wander, helping where I can… it is how I came to find and help you after all.”

Charles was silent for several long moments then spoke quietly. ”Then I suppose you had better get going.”

Astrid shook her head again. ”It seems like you’re just sitting around here again when you ought to be moving yourself, I’m not just going to leave you. I’m coming with you, actually. I can teach you as we travel. I do believe your heart was broken, correct? ”
Charles seemed to accept what Astrid was telling him. ”Yes, but that’s not the point. She might be in danger and she left with the person I think is dangerous some time ago and now I have no idea where they are.”

”Well she’s not here in this village, right? This is what I was talking about with people settling down in one place, you get too complacent. Pack your things and lets go find her!”

Charles eye twitched in annoyance. ” I literally just pieced what happened together moments before you arrived.”

”And you can tell me all about it on the way.” she interrupted, shouldering her bag.

” I… I have to get Drot’ook!”

”A friend of yours? Good, I’ll fetch us some more horses, you go get him.”

Charles shook his head and waved a hand. ”We’re not taking horses. We’re flying.” with that he went to grab his things and prepare the skiff.


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

You've all been wondering what his role was in this plan, well this is what Imedren has been doing. He is now casting the spell Augur. DM, is now the time?

Imedren sat in his study, shuffling a deck of tarot cards in his hand, as he did, he rolled his dice to choose his cards to choose which ones to lay out in front of him. He'd spent the last few days studying his notes, practicing general readings. Now he was ready.

Major Arcana: 7, 31, 9, 43. Minor Arcana: 28, 20, 60, 45.

His numbers ready, he began casting the Augury. His eyes began to glow with a dark blue.
"Major Arcana: representing outside forces of circumstance and things beyond my control.
Devil; addiction, materialism, playfulness.
3 of Wands; inverted; obstacles, delays, frustration.
Death; end of cycle, beginnings, change, metamorphosis.
8 of cups inverted; avoidance, fear of change, fear of loss.

So, this represents the Temple of the Guilded Purse. There may be unseen obstacles. If this works, a new era will begin. Of course there will be those who show resistance to this change, but honestly when isn't there?" he waved a hand dismissively. They would deal with that when they needed to.

Perhaps that will be me.

"Minor Arcana: also referring to the things I can control.
8 of Wands; rapid action, movement, quick decisions.
High Priestess; intuitive, unconscious, inner voice.
5 of Swords; unbridled ambition, win at all costs, sneakiness.
6 of cups; familiarity, happy memories, healing.

Planning certainly has its benefits, everyone should be able to react and end this quickly. Despite the surprises, they're skilled enough to improvise or may avoid the unforeseen dangers. Taking down Quick who is one of the most dangerous people in Crossing certainly is ambitious and we'll use every advantage we have." Imedren gave a grin to himself as he foresaw the events. Then he cocked his head to the side at the last card. "Someone familiar? A friend... being healed." his eyes flashed as the spell came to fruition.

"Is now the time to act?"


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

Downtime

Returning after the task in the iron mines seemed to be difficult for Imedren. He couldn’t go back to help with the bodies, the dreams and nightmares had convinced part of him that one of the bodies they would find would be his.

Upon returning to Crossings, Imedren found the total of expected wealth to be much more than he had ever had in his life. He finally chose to contribute some wealth to the side project they had of renovating the mansion.
Donating 2 gc to renovating our base.

Intellect: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Wealth saved: 1d6 ⇒ 5

He threw himself into studying and acquiring as much lore as was possible. He worked within the wizard’s tower as his primary place to gain research materials. He quickly filled up his study at home as he gathered tidbits of research into time magic, learning that most of it seemed to be based on bending reality and creating what were effectively time bubbles around those who were subject to such magics, speeding or slowing time. There were warnings about how taxing it was but the benefits were often viewed as far more beneficial than the setbacks. But the thing he was interested in primarily was time reversal.

Imedren knew he had died. He was convinced, and yet in defiance of all logic, he was still alive. As the days turned to weeks, his research and practical applications yielded some interesting results, especially when he combined the ideas and theories of time with magic. During his practical applications, he became aware that something strange had happed to him though, when he harnessed his powers of chaos and reached for his sorcerous power, he could feel an unusual surge of energy that had not been there before. It was as though the well had deepened and a previous restraint had been removed and now, he could pull more. The power now encompassed all his magic. Letting him strengthen its potency even more, he could make it reach farther, extend its duration, widen how large an area it might fill, and make it more destructive. This thrilled him but despite this, it did little to answer his lingering questions of why he was still alive or the new question of why he’d received this newfound power. He’d hit a dead end.

When bringing his troubles to his sometimes employer, Caribdus, the wizard suggested the man look deeper into the study of divination and effects of Chaos in the world, of which there were already many theories. Eventually he stumbled across a strange variation of theories. Texts describing timelines which could be viewed through divination magic and other theories with slight differences known as worldlines that could be traveled between. Causality from the choices that each individual made and the correction of chaos to set right again those things which should not belong. Something close to fate, he decided. He recalled his warring ideals in those moments before his actions overruled his conscious mind and all rationality.

Had he been forced to die in a different timeline? Had he needed to in order to pursue this line of reasoning. Had the correction of chaos made it so that he was still alive? It made some sense. The surge in his abilities seemed to account for multiple people’s worth of power. Was he connected to them all, or they connected to him?

He couldn’t be sure unfortunately, the more he learned the more he realized how vast this ocean of possibilities were. His studies on divination were limited by his minimal study in the field but he was able to make use of a spell with a deck of cards he purchased which seemed to allow him to receive answers to simple questions. Mostly he used this to slowly weed out unhelpful pieces of information or give him an answer when he felt completely frustrated. He had another use for his divination magic, which helped him focus on one other thing which had plagued the back of his mind. Katandramus and his dark brotherhood. Steadily his study began having walls covered with large sheets of parchment with writings dedicated to theories and how they might be interconnected. A much smaller section was dedicated to questions he’d been asking about Katandramus and the cult.

He was however, keenly aware that he couldn’t ignore his current life that he had been given. When he could, he made sure to spend time with Uruuna on her days away from the Watch. His friends occasionally showed up on his doorstep with problems. While he was tempted to turn them away, he often did not. Instead he invited them in to see what they needed.

Imedren didn't really seem to notice the strange effects the study of time magic seemed to have on him at first. Once every few hours he would flicker in and out of view. Sometimes he seemed to interrupt people mid sentence as if knowing what they were going to say next. Or when asked a question he seemed to have the perfect answer ready. There were times when he was excited, determined, or happy and he seemed a bit younger. Other times, when he seemed contemplative, sad, or worried he looked aged. Other minor, or abstract phenomenon occurred as well.


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

In the mines:

"It's difficult to think under pressure, Dramm." His voice dropped lower. "I probably wouldn't have cared so much if it had just been Selgaer, but Uruuna was there too. Don't do that again."

After exiting the mines:
"My assistance would be extremely limited, if there was to be any further trouble. Given what we've had to deal with so far, I doubt that treasure is going to go anywhere. We should wait."

That night, Imedren did not sleep well. The dreams or memories that came to him recalling the days events were sometimes vivid or sometimes distant and fuzzy in his recollection but all of them different. Deaths, fire, pain, echoing screams of those he knew, sometimes his own. His magic failed sometimes, other times he would have moved wrong and an insect monster or an undead might harm him or someone else. Sometimes he saved someone, other times he stood there and watched as another person died while he couldn't or didn't do anything to help.

To anyone with sharp gazes on watch, once in a while Imedren seemed to flicker in and out of existence in the corner of their eye.

The Next morning, after returning from the treasure chamber:
"We didn't come here to only do half of a job. We'll find the rest of those miners, if they're still alive."


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

Fast initiative, move closer to the group.

Imedren's eyes widened as he saw what happened to Dramm. He wasn't willing to get that close to the monster.

So, you're that dangerous up close. But how often can you do that? I still have magic that can reach you, but I think I have a better use for my... then he saw Selgaer rushing forward toward the Queen. What the hell?

"No! You idiot, she's more dangerous the closer you get!"

Triggered action: Swap
Imedren shouted as he opened himself to the rifts in the world between him and Selgaer. Time seemed to slow for himself as he moved.

"You had the advantage at range. You never give that up!"

What the hell am I doing?! I hate him! If he wants to die then I should let him!

"Just, just let me help you!"

He reached for Selgaer, his magic reaching as well.


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

The days after their excursion into the Moon Spire and recovering the Oracular while also rescuing Nutmeg found Imedren simultaneously happy, but also upset at the information he’d learned from Uruuna. What were Katandramus and his allies up to now? They had the Oracular now, so it was a question, he supposed, for another time. He finally had his own answers as to what Uruuna had been so worried over… Selgaer. The faun made Imedren angry every time he thought of him. If he had found out in a worse way…

If he’d still been within 50 paces of me.

But that was behind them already. Or so Uruuna claimed. Selgaer had left before Imedren had learned the truth. He and Uruuna were working through it. It was harder for her, he thought, but it was in a way, fresher for him. She’d held back the truth from him after she’d returned and that had hurt when he’d found out. Selgaer had stolen Uruuna from him, for nearly a year. Though here, it had only been minutes. She’d moved on, in that world. Maybe it had been circumstantial, maybe it had been for a good cause, rescuing those kids, but Imedren still couldn’t forgive the Faun. He hoped he’d never have to see him again, now that he knew the truth.

Now he just had to prepare for the future. He had to get his magic stronger than before and he knew just the field to pursue. The question was, what else could he be doing with his time? The thought gnawed at him as he found himself wandering to his study

It would be faster. he thought.
” It would be easier, wouldn’t it? But what else would I lose by summoning her again?” Imedren said to himself out loud, looking down at the book. They’d rescued Nutmeg, now Katandramus didn’t have a trump card he could hold over them.
It costed us to do that; an ally, Dramm’s pet, and time… but we’re no longer bound by that madman’s will.
” Anophth was a friend, not just an ally. But I already promised Uruuna I wouldn’t do anything else to put my soul in further jeopardy. So, I’ll have to do this the normal way.” he said out loud.
With that, Imedren took the book that contained the name of Druxcanor and placed it among the shelves in a small river of books. He walked over to the small desk, he opened the glass bottle filled with a brandy and stopped. He picked the bottle up and held it, slowly swirling it about.

This does nothing good for me. It impairs my mind, my judgement and my body. It lets me be idle when I shouldn’t be. Maybe I should stop with such excess.

The next few months were spent with Imedren practicing magics he thought were to be useful. He no longer drank for comfort during this time, he hadn’t sworn off drinking, he just didn’t seek the comfort in it he used to. His mood became much more serious as he continued exploring the mysteries of their worlds magic. His exposure to the tears within the fabric of the world from within the tower allowed him to gain a greater degree of understanding and control. The random chaos energies were still present but he could now move through them to even greater degrees. Not just himself but items and eventually other people.
The continued learning and experimentation of such magics had an unexpected breakthrough. As he began to move objects, his body, and other through such breaks in reality, he began to attempt sending his consciousness into the rifts too. At first there was nothing, but then he began to have flashes, moments of insight into danger or his own movements. It wasn’t much yet but he theorized he was perhaps just beginning to touch the very fabrics of time itself.


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

A bit earlier:
Imedren was taken by surprise from TaBog as he was hugged by the man.
"It's good to see you alive too."

Imedren nodded at Sel.
Another lifetime? Must have been before Uruuna and I met.

"Well your timing is well placed then, Sel. Although what we're doing is very dangerous. You seem like you can handle yourself in a fight though.
Anophth is a friend of ours, a goblin who went missing after we got separated in the tower. Nutmeg is TaBog's son, he was taken forcibly by a band of cultists known as the Dark Brotherhood.

We came here to try and find this artifact, known as the Oracular. Now we've found it. We'll find our friend first then we'll find his son."

Now:
2 dark magic boons, 1 bane: 1d20 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 1 + (4) = 10

"Anophth?" Imedren said, a moment of shock passing through him. Some part of his mind had feared this might happen, especially given how close he and Dramm had come to dying.

"Is everything in this damn tower designed to kill someone and make more of itself?!" He lout out a growl of frustration and kicked a wall.

He stepped back, looking over at TaBog. There was a hardness to his eyes now. "Your turn, TaBog. Let's find where Nutmeg is and then we'll try to get out of here with this."


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

The days and then weeks following the defeat and routing of the cult and beginning to work with Inquisitor Randolfus had caused Imedren to be more forthcoming to the masses with his work. He pushed himself to be the central figure, using the public proclamation and hero status to further the belief in the old and new faiths. That the Old Gods and the Cult of the New God, as well as more mundane folk can in fact work in harmony to route out the evils of cults like the Dark Brotherhood. He does not find his work much different, though he notes that perhaps a few more people take note of him in this regard.

When he can, he turns his attention to his more interesting work as a research assistant for the wizard Caribdus. The hours are long and the research is mostly unhelpful except in the broadest of senses, largely regarding the properties of strange magic rituals and perhaps recognizing the effects of certain kinds of magic. There were some magic relics mentioned of decades if not centuries long past, if the condition of the majority of the books were any indication. But the whereabouts were unknown which frustrated him until he finally went to look for help.

The night he returned from the summoning of the Devil Druxcanor, had left Imedren feeling drained and tested. He needed Uruuna but when he arrived home and found she wasn't there he was confused. She had almost never been late but he supposed it was probably due to her increased training and rank increase within the militia. So that night he took solace in the other thing he loved, drinking at the tavern. He went out and got quite drunk that night.

At some point he decided that they needed to change their living situation, and he decided to surprise her with a new house. So he staggered out to the local notary and pounded on the door until he spoke with the man about purchasing a new house and beginning a new change to his lifestyle.

Comfortable 1-8/ Wealthy 9-10: 1d10 ⇒ 10 Okay...
he argued with the man behind the counter, haggling for prices in his drunken logic for very fine accommodations.
Intellect: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Apparently Imedren argues amazingly while drunk!
SS saved: 1d6 ⇒ 3 Modestly successful.

When all was said and done he had himself a fancy title to a new house.


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Male Human Level 10 / S 11, A 11, I 14, W, 12/(-1 bane) HP: 38, Damage: 13, Perception 14 (+3 boons), Defense 15- Currently (18), Move 10, Insanity 1, Corruption 5, Sorcerers Strain (0), Status: (Normal) Fortune: Yes Bonus Fortune (1)

Fast initiative, distraction vs. the Demon

Imedren grunts in pain as he took the hit from the demon. Coughing out blood. These things are too dangerous, what can I do against a demon... Then an idea struck him.

He stared at the demon hard, baring his teeth at it, then he glanced up behind it, and then again with a visibly paling expression, letting his eyes widen with fear.

"There are devils here too?!" he exclaims loudly.

Intellect, Distraction: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13


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Male Human Priest/Paladin/Healer Level 8, / S 14, A 10, I 11, W 14, / Health: 47 (41: W/Crown: -6 ), Damage: 0, Perception: 11 (Crown: +2 Boons) Def: 10 (18), Move 10, Insanity 0, Corruption: 0, Fortune: (Yes), Boons (1), + Holy Symbol Boon 1 minute, Status: (Normal)

Charles looked at himself, he hadn't really noticed too much. "I suppose I have been out working the fields and training with the soldiers some has done me a bit of good."

By the time they got back to his house Charles realized he hadn't really had time to set anything up. The affair was a pleasant wooden structure with 10 ft. high ceilings with seven rooms that fit to Charles taste.

"I wasn't exactly expecting company when I got back from my last trip.

I'll be making most of the food tonight, but don't go expecting anything too fancy. Boiled potatoes, beef stew with carrots, and some bread from the bakery. Feel free to look around. I'm going to run and get some water. If Tesswyn gets here before I get back Let her know where I've gone."

Entry way:
The first room was smaller than the rest. A place to hang one's coat was immediately to the right and held several small crates stacked to mid height. The path winds left and opens into the next room.

Sitting Room:
Large and spacious with several shuttered windows. Two separate tables sit on either side of the room each with two candles on stands. A couch big enough for three people and a larger sitting chair lay next to a stone hearth. A basket with large amount of firewood sits to the left and a small stand with a fire poker is there as well.

Kitchen:
A cast iron stove sits on one corner of the room. A basket with a small pile of wood sits to it's right in a hefty looking basket. Some strikers for lighting fires rests near the stove. Two shuttered windows on either side of the room sit open. Next to that a small wooden table with several knives sit on a chopping block. There is a larger table with a stack of bowls, plates, a few larger pots, and some other cutlery. A pair of barrels sit under the table.

Lavatory:
A small room off on it's own. Very little dominates the room with a window in the back.

Bathroom:
A simple room with a wash tub large enough for two people sit in place. A bucket is in one corner and a large brush hangs from a hook. A shelf with a lantern sits in the middle of the room with racks for hanging clothes underneath.

Storage room:
A small dark room without windows with a number of crates and empty barrels sits off to the side of the kitchen. A crate with a sack of potatoes, a small area of dried meats and some other kept foods are stored.

Bedroom:
A bed in one corner of the room with several blankets and pillows on it. A foot locker sits at its base, several sets of simple clothing are inside.
Perception checkA signet ring lies near the bottom. A symbol of a noble house is clearly marked.

In the corner a chest lies open with various bits of gear strewn out. Several shelves line the walls. A small circular table takes up another corner with a single chair. A desk with a comfy looking writing chair and what appears to be a writing quill and ink sit, properly placed but looking unused for some time sit against the far wall. On the center of the table is a glass vase with a strange red flower with thorns, it seems to have an otherworldly allure to it.


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Male Human Priest/Paladin/Healer Level 8, / S 14, A 10, I 11, W 14, / Health: 47 (41: W/Crown: -6 ), Damage: 0, Perception: 11 (Crown: +2 Boons) Def: 10 (18), Move 10, Insanity 0, Corruption: 0, Fortune: (Yes), Boons (1), + Holy Symbol Boon 1 minute, Status: (Normal)

To Drot'ook, yes I was referring to that moment. But nevermind.
Charles looked at the Orc he could also now call friend.
"Perhaps that's what the gods think but I've seen you act more heroically than many who call themselves true worshipers, even a few crusaders I've met. We'll find a way to cleanse this evil you say you have, Drot'ook. Who knows, friend, maybe when we do we'll be able to convince all of the Orcs its possible to cleanse their souls and make amends for past mistakes."

Later: Charles will automatically fail the will save. This was one of his greatest fears and he just caused it.

Perhaps he'd been too focused on getting everyone out of the tower safely to realize it. Perhaps he'd been too slow to realize everything that was going to happen. He'd made plans and they were wrong.

Charles watched the rising smoke with a growing amount of concern. He kept wondering why the fires had not died down and then the first of the screams had sounded from inside the walled structure. His eyes widened in horror as it dawned on him they were coming from within the tower. The tower they had ran away from. The tower he'd planned on returning to on the following morning to seek out and destroy whatever evil remained.

Instead, he'd caused the burning of a building with lives he'd been too afraid to seek out and save.

"No! No, no, no! NOOOO!" he started to run in the direction of the burning tower. He'd been too afraid to progress further on. It was his fault that those people died. Not even the screaming Formor deserved a death like that. Were they innocent? He didn't know. What if they'd been in just the next room. Being kept in cages. Infected with plants but otherwise left to wait until their untimely fate took them. What if Charles could have intervened as he'd already proven able to do.

He'd made it to the gates, breathing hard by this point, when another round of screams came. He forced aside the small barricade they'd made and opened part of the gate. Inside he saw the tower was completely lit with flames of an inferno, embers of which visibly trailed into the darkened sky. The sounds made his heart ache. He fell to his knees, knowing that he could not take his actions back and as the inky black smoke rose to darken the sky, so too did something upon his soul.


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Male Human Priest/Paladin/Healer Level 8, / S 14, A 10, I 11, W 14, / Health: 47 (41: W/Crown: -6 ), Damage: 0, Perception: 11 (Crown: +2 Boons) Def: 10 (18), Move 10, Insanity 0, Corruption: 0, Fortune: (Yes), Boons (1), + Holy Symbol Boon 1 minute, Status: (Normal)

One solution could be that a primary ingredient happens to be a rare flower or herb that only grows at certain times of the year. Like Athelas (Kingsfoil) from Lord of the Rings. It also makes sense that the Druid who has the gathering profession would be one of the few people who could do this. Also, it may behoove the party to have Balrog meet with our NPC ally who is good with herbalism.


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Male Human Priest/Paladin/Healer Level 8, / S 14, A 10, I 11, W 14, / Health: 47 (41: W/Crown: -6 ), Damage: 0, Perception: 11 (Crown: +2 Boons) Def: 10 (18), Move 10, Insanity 0, Corruption: 0, Fortune: (Yes), Boons (1), + Holy Symbol Boon 1 minute, Status: (Normal)

I do so love this, writing for Quinnet must be difficult but I hope it's also rewarding. Especially since she's not getting lost in her station and is showing remarkable restraint while Charles is still very young and driven by anger at a class he hates.

Conversation Conclusion:
Charles anger flared up again as she mentioned rewards and punishments. Typical behavior for someone in a higher station.

But as she continued his anger was smothered by her voicing her considerations for the others. But still his anger smoldered underneath.

"A nobles sentiment, I suppose. I know that all too well." he chuckled but there was little mirth behind it. "But the sincerity of your words is cut short by your veiled threats and bribes. Greed and selfishness to the point of negatively affecting others is a detriment to your soul, Quinnet. You walk a parallel line to what the Demon Lord wants."

Charles paused for a moment. "I don't say this lightly, but he and his agents are active in the world. Don't stray too far."

It was at that point that he heard the screams of pain as David and Drot'ook were hit by molten gold.
"... This conversation will have to wait!" he said before turning to rush off.

A bit earlier: He came running as fast as he could "What happened?!" he looked down as he saw David dead by the gold and Drot in obvious pain.

He uttered a prayer for the unfortunate man. Then came over to see Drot'ook's burns. "That looks painful. Drot, let me help."

Charles will cast a minor healing spell on Drot. Heal half of your natural healing rate.
When he's prompted to take the icy sword, Charles hesitates for a moment as he looks down at the blade he'd so far only been using in practice bouts but then decides that he had probably better.

"Thank you Drot. I don't know if you need a blade of your own but you can take this one in exchange. If not perhaps we can get one of the others to use it." he then offered the more mundane blade to Drot.

At the Mine shaft: Didn't we have a supposedly unbreakable rope at one point?

Charles frowned in thought and looked down the mine shaft. "Tesswyn, how far down is it to the bottom? Also, did anyone bring rope?"


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Male Half Elf Shielded Fighter, level 1, Init +3 | Perc +2 | AC (15)19 / T 14 / FF (11)15 | CMB +3| CMD:17 |HP 11/11 | Saves F +3/R +3/W +0 (+2 vs. Enchantment, Immune vs. Sleep)

Okay, well I've got the ball rolling in a new Play-by-post. Here's the link.

PC's seeking new GM.

Now we'll see if anyone bites. It might help if you put a post in to show I'm not the only one.


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Male Half Elf Shielded Fighter, level 1, Init +3 | Perc +2 | AC (15)19 / T 14 / FF (11)15 | CMB +3| CMD:17 |HP 11/11 | Saves F +3/R +3/W +0 (+2 vs. Enchantment, Immune vs. Sleep)

Walked right into that social fopaux trap. Clearly, Lucius is also very distracted by Tru's presence to take much notice of the off colored beam.

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