Sarrissa's page

Sarrissa thanked the librarian and continued upstairs to see if the others had discovered anything. She spotted Iym and Henris inspecting a book and attempted to join them. "Learn anything?" she inquired.

She frowned at hearing the news. "Surely there have to be more books here. All of our history cannot be contained in one book...can it?"

She was clearly no academic so it took a few minutes for the missing page to sink in. "Iym, is there no magic that can restore the missing page? Or locate it?"

Well frag. Shadowrun much?

Standing quietly behind the others, Sarrissa had been pondering where to go first. While it would have been nice to relax at the inn and maybe speak to others about what had transpired, the potential to learn more about both what was occurring and her own clouded past was an opportunity she couldn't pass up. She followed behind the others as they headed to the library, deep in conversation in her own head.

The library, like the rest of Evereska, was awe inspiring, and overwhelming. She didn't know where to begin. Despite several scoldings from Jerr-Dann, she decided to approach a librarian to ask for assistance.

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 14

"Uhm, excuse me. Could you help me locate some information?"

Do not tell them what you are child. You will bring unwanted attention to you and your companions Jerr-Dann warned.

Companions? Sarrissa thought. It was a simple word really, but one she had not attributed to those that she accompanied. I guess we are now, after everything we've been through.

There is more yet to come. You will need them. Care for them. Protect them.

I didn't know you were so sweet on them Jerr-Dann.

Fool girl! Jerr-Dann cursed.

"I am Sarrissa, a simple wood sculptor and local guide" she said as she curtsied low.

Aid Another Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Sarrissa stood in awe at the sight of the elven city. She had only ever seen sketches and they did not do Evereska justice. The details present in every inch, the sheer size of the twin gates, it was all so inspiring. She stood quietly with her mouth only slightly open.

It is beautiful, isn't it?" Jerr-Dann echoed.

"Time...is different now. We're dealing with things that I don't think any of us have ever imagined before. We should be safe, not rush ahead. We also need time to think, to study the kiira. The long way seems a good choice to me."

"And I won't leave any of you. You are as brave as any I've seen. I will walk with you, stand with you, and die with you if need be, all of you."

Sarrissa's eyes widened in thought. She quickly slung her bow as her hands danced around each other, summoning every fragment of light to her that she could find. Like a child making a snow ball, she packed it all together and released it into the air. Slowly the glowing orb hovered higher and higher above, basking the immediate area in a soft glow.

Fool girl! Shoot the fiend again!" the familiar voice in her head echoed.

Casting light.

Not seeing any other options at the moment, Sarrissa followed the others' lead. She drew her bow and nocked an arrow with a deep breath. Slowly, she exhaled and released her grip on the bow string.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

"Well now what then? Track a ghostly child through an ancient keep outside of time? Ugh, none of this makes any sense!"

The frustration in her voice was evident.

"So let's see what happens when we try to remove it from this place...and maybe we're not the first visitors..."

"If a person traveled back through time, their old version likely wouldn't know anything that had occurred in their future. Maybe someone hid it here in this time period. Assuming a person could travel the through time, there would be no safer place to hide something in their own time. Ugh. This is starting to make my head hurt" Sarrissa said as she began to rub her temples.

Sarrissa began slowly walking around the library. Her movement was a combination of pacing and curiosity. She skirted around the room, deliberately staying as far away as possible from the boy so as not to spook him. She tried to focus on the other books in the room. As she walked, her eyes traced the spines. Some of the titles she could read, others she could not. She knew not what she was looking for, only that curiosity guided her. For every tome she witnessed, she grew a little bolder, a little more excited.

Jerr-Dann...do you remember any of this? Do you recognize any of these books? Anything at all?

No my child. My memory of this place is...hazy. I cannot focus on any details. I...feel, like I have been here, like I know this place. Yet I could not tell you anything specific. I...I cannot explain it. Whatever brought us here, this...curse, is obstructing my memories. Be wary though. Whether a kira or something else, there is great power here...immeasurable power.

"Or who's?" Sarrissa wondered aloud.

Learn to control your tongue girl, Jerr-Dann chided.

Sarrissa blushed.

Stepping out onto the walkway was refreshing. The warm air mixed with a cool breeze reminded her of home. It reminded her of a different time. The more she thought about, it the more she began to worry. Would they too become trapped by this, curse?

Do not give it pause girl. Press on. Follow your instincts.

She nodded in agreement and continued on. The doors were both grand and simple. The room beyond was less grand and more simple. It was smaller than she had anticipated, but no less occupied. Shelves upon shelves were almost littered with books. Whatever this curse, it did not seem to spare these tomes. She focused her eyes to bring the magical sight back and began to look around.

Casting detect magic again

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Slowly encroaching forward, Sarrissa stepped cautiously, her eyes darting around the room. She takes a moment to focus her eyes to seek out magic auras, then proceeds.

Casting detect magic

Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Sarrissa stepped forward, shouldering past the others with her branched spear in hand. She would be their wall, their shield. She would protect her brethren, with her dying breath if need be.

Moving in front of everyone and casting shield on herself.
AC: 21

Sarrissa walked over to stand behind Iym. The excitement of visiting a library that no longer existed in her time was more than she could contain as her weight constantly shifted back and forth as they waited.

Just think of it Jerr-Dann. We'll get to see information lost to the ages, read about things that no one was read about in centuries. Oh the stories we could discover. Can you believe it?"

Yes. I have already seen them.

"Oh wow. A library? Really? The amount of knowledge that could be there. Things that could have been lost to time." Sarrissa blushed. These were the types of comments that would drive Jerr-Dann crazy.

She cleared her throat and straightened her posture, trying to at least feel more grown up before continuing. "Will you accompany us? I wouldn't feel right looking through your chambers without you present. Besides, this may go smoother if you are with us to answer any questions we may have as we go."

"What could your sister have done to earn your ill will? Please, if you genuinely want us to end this curse, we must know every detail. There is no telling what piece of information will be pertinent to this task. Stop playing games and tell us everything, and quickly now."

Be careful young one. You know not where you tread, or what powers you probe Jerr-Dann warned.

With one foot on the wall and her back resting against it, Sarrissa leaned on the wall right next to her spear. She absorbed all of the details as they came tumbling into existence. Silently she debated their validity and ramifications with Jerr-Dann. It was like so many conversations they had had before.

"By your own words we should investigate the entire keep. Will the guards try to stop us? Are any areas normally restricted? And what happens in three years? What is the end of this cycle before it starts again?"

Tread carefully young one. She is a traitor and likely responsible for this in some way. Do not assume her words are truth.

You don't know that Jerr-Dann. I value your wisdom, not your paranoia.

They are often the same thing. You will learn this some day.

Sarrissa simply rolled her eyes.

The sights, the sounds, even the smells were all so amazing. The dialects may have been different, and the clothes too, but this was her history. It was all of their history. It was almost intoxicating, like having a wonderful dream. It was practically what she had wished for. "Oh isn't it amazing?"

She danced around like a child at play, giggling and laughing and twirling about. It took a while for her to notice the others and their concern. "Don't you guys realize where we are...or when, I guess? When would we, or anyone, ever have another chance like this? Think of all the things we could learn?"

Jerr-Dann's thought echoed in her head. You can be such a child.

Sarrissa stood on the stairs behind the others listening intently. She was uncertain about what was occurring. She had never heard of anything like this. It was like they had traveled back in time, so how. Did time rewind, like a sail on a ship? Or was time continuing on and they were just thrusted backwards? These guards were not likely to hold any answers. And then there was the celebration.

After the last 24 hours, she didn't really feel like being part of a celebration, but it was all so tempting. How did elves of the past celebrate? What did they wear? What did they eat? Had time changed any of it? She had so many questions, questions that would best be answered by her own personal inquiries.

Without giving pause to her question, Sarrissa blurted out from behind the others "are we free to roam the festivities?" She blushed slightly as she hadn't really given pause to the question before asking it. It had just slipped out.

Standing up slowly, Sarrissa grabbed her branched spear as she looked around, amazed. She could see the walls, whole again. She could hear the laughter, echoing through the hall. She could feel the warmth, the wind shielded by the intact walls.

Jerr-Dann, can you see this? Is this what it was like before?

I see it. I'm not sure I believe it. I...I can't seem to remember. It's past escapes me at this time. Perhaps we should venture forth to the upper level...

Sarrissa looked around at the others. She affixed her pack to her back and slowly started to the stairs. "I want to see what the upstairs has to offer, and maybe see where this laughing is coming from."

In between bites of an apple, Sarrissa introduced herself. "Forgive me but I'm not sure that I met all of you last night. My name is Sarrissa and I...uh, don't know what to do next. I'm told this place is safe, but I would have thought the Halfway Inn to be just as safe. I don't know where to go next but I am exhausted."

She found herself leaning up against the wall for support. The cool touch and support of the stone helped to keep her awake. "They'll have a hard time trying to track us through this weather without magic, but I suppose it could be done" she said as she continued to snack on the apple.

"Wait, I'll go with you. You shouldn't go alone" Sarrissa called after Nehama.

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

As a few of them started clearing the rubble, Sarrissa briefly contemplated summoning Jerr-Dann to assist. She thought better of it though, deciding that it would not be nice to burden her friend with manual labor. It was also probably not the best time either.

She began to assist with moving some of the smaller rubble when her stomach grumbled loudly, almost echoing off the walls of the confined space. She blushed before asking "I'm sorry, would anyone have anything to eat? I...I didn't think to bring any rations."

"This way. It's just ahead."

Sarrissa had no idea where she was going. Luckily, she wasn't the guide. Brief flashes of the surrounding area played through her mind, as if she was watching someone else's memories.

Are you sure you know the way Jerr-Dann?

The male voice echoed through her mind. Don't worry young one. I have been here before. I once slept under the leaves of that very tree.

Survival, snow penalty: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 4 = 19
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

With her back against a tree, Sarrissa collapsed against it and slid to the ground. Her branched spear toppled over on to the ground, her hand no longer able to maintain her grip on it. She closed her eyes for a moment and images of the battle flashed through her mind. The orc in her room, Iym laying unconscious in his own blood, the knight in dark armor, the dead rising, the smoke billowing out into the night air.

So much death Jerr-Dann, so many bodies rising.

His thoughts echoed in her head. I know young one. I know. You handled yourself well. You should be proud. Your mother would be. You not only saved yourself, but others as well.

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

"My body aches and my head hurts so much that I have no idea where we are. I'm afraid I don't have any food but I can fill waterskins. Just uh...let me a rest, a few minutes, and I should be able to find something edible."

Sarrissa stood and swung the heavy blanket free from around her sending tiny fragments flying all around her. She looked around and quickly spotted the group of others elves. Wasting no more time she began heading in their direction. As she approached, her eyes caught sight of the dancing lights of the flames beginning to roar to life inside the tavern.

"We cannot stay here" she said aloud, more to herself than to anyone else. "These foes made it into the heart of this sanctuary and struck a blow without being deterred. They seem to be organized and we seem to be fragmented. We should leave, while we can. To fall here and now would be a waste of more life."

Knowing that the longer the act took, the less likely she was to actually go through with it spurred Sarrissa forward recklessly. She slung the sheathed blade over her shoulder opposite the pack and with her newly freed hand, she grabbed the heavy blanket still on the bed. Trying not to think about it, she turned and ran straight for the window, slinging the blanket around her like a cloak as she ran. She could almost hear the lecture now.

Acrobatics diving through window: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Acrobatics to lessen fall damage: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Using the blanket to shield her from the glass and her spear out in front of her to pierce the window, Sarrissa dove through the window and out into the night air.

With new found hope in her heart, Sarrissa darted for the corner of her room. She grabbed her pack and quickly slung it over her shoulder, briefly glad that she had been too tired to unpack. Then she grabbed her curved blade and turned towards the bed.

She could still hear Iym's song echoing through the halls and she was glad. It meant that he was still alive, and if he was still alive, others would be too. She thought about running to find the others and trying to leave with them, but she didn't know where they went and it would take time to find them, valuable time that she didn't have. She would have to meet them outside, hopefully they made it outside already.

She glanced at the bed, and then turned to look at the window. Suddenly, an idea occurred to her and she knew what she had to do.

Returning Iym's nod, Sarrissa darted away and back down the hallway towards her room. Somewhat relieved and disgusted at seeing the dead orc still lying on the floor where it had fallen, she paused for a moment to glance around the room before proceeding too far in. She was starting to remember some of her training now that blades weren't trying to cut her in half. Jerr-Dann may be proud of her yet.

Double move back to room to retrieve gear.

"Orcs have attacked and made it up the stairs. I don't know what's going on down stairs yet, but they caught us unaware. We need to help the others as quickly as we can. Shouts of fire have rung out so we must be quick before it is too late. There are a few others in the halls. We should meet up with them, can you move okay?"

She cursed herself for being rash and leaving her belongings in her room. She should have taken the time to gather them. She would have to go back for the sword at least. Jerr-Dann would not forgive her if she lost it, especially so soon.

She blushed as she looked at Iym. "It would seem in my haste, I left most of my belongings in my room. I'm afraid I can't leave without them. Let me escort you to the others before I retrieve them."

Sarrissa will double move back towards her room but she will wait on Iym before moving.

Not spotting any immediate threats in the room, Sarrissa strode forward towards Iym's unconscious form. She knelt down beside the body, leaning on her spear for balance and placed one hand on his chest. Feeling the shallow rise and fall of his breathing, she summoned positive energy into herself and let it flow out through her hand and into the elven man's body. As his eyes fluttered open, she smiled.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Following the shouts calling for a cleric, Sarrissa turned left at the intersection and proceeded to where Herrnarrell had come from. She glanced into the first room she passed but saw no bodies so she continued up the hallway. She stopped at the doorway to the next room and saw the unconscious body of an elf laying on the bed. She took a few steps into the room before freezing in place and started looking around, making sure the room was clear of any immediate threats.

Double Move

With the orc collapsing into a pool of it's own blood, Sarrissa darted past it and into the hallway. Every second counted if the tavern was still under assault so she left the rest of her belongings and headed out of her room. In the hallway, she encountered another of the elves from the night before. She appeared no worse for wear so with a quick nod to her, she continued on farther down the hallway.

Double move

As the orc stepped onto the bed, Sarrissa stepped off and away. The polearm needed room to dance and she would not be the one to restrain it. The spear pulled back and lunged forward again. This time it went higher, aiming for the orc's belly.

Branched Spear, fighting defensively: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 5 - 4 = 15
Piercing damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

AC: 23

Frustrated by the lack of maneuverability in the confined space, Sarrissa planted the butt of her spear on the floor of the inn and kicked her feet off of the wall, vaulting onto the bed and out of the orc's reach. With more room to wield the branched spear, she thrust it downward and into the orc's thigh. If she didn't kill the savage, she at least wanted to maim it so she could escape the room and see to the others. The roars seemed to shake the very walls of the inn and she began to fear the worst.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Branch Spear, fighting defensively: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 4 = 17
Piercing damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

AC: 23

Hopping over the edge of the bed, Sarrissa landed quietly on the floor. She reached out and grabbed the branched spear and turned to face her foe. She drove the tip of the spear towards the orc's gut, but the confines of the room made the strike awkward at best. The butt of the spear knocked against the head of the bed first and then the wall after. It was all she could do to keep her hands on the spear and the blade pointed away from herself. Still, she tried her best to be menacing with the polearm. Somewhere deep in her own subconscious, Jerr-Dann had to be laughing.

Branched Spear, fighting defensively: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 5 - 4 = 2

AC: 23

Sorry to hear about the accident. I hope no one was hurt.

Before she even sat up, Sarrissa's fingers were working to summon her shield of magic. Motes of light gathered around her coalescing into a circular shield between her and the invader. She quickly got to her feet and took a few steps toward the corner of the room where she had foolishly left her branched spear leaning. She cursed herself for not taking Jerr-Dann's warnings seriously, and silently began to resent the scolding she would no doubt receive later, assuming she survived the next few moments. She briefly considered summoning her spirit guardian, but it would take much too long for him to heed the call.

Standard Action: cast shield
Move Action: Stand from prone
5-foot step (if possible) to north east corner of the room


AC: 21

Sarrissa looked on with eyes as wide as saucers. She had expected to be laughed at, even insulted because of her remarks. She had not expected others to share her ambitions.

She turned her attention to Herrnarrell. "You mentioned books on Myth Drannor. Would you be in possession of any? If it would not be too much of an intrusion, may I accompany you? I would like to read up on the city tonight."

Sarrissa hesitantly joined the cloaked figures at hearing the call about the city of love. She stood transfixed and listened intently at the big gold elf's story of Myth Drannor. She even felt herself begin to clap at it's conclusion.

What did I tell you. Even those that would protect the sacred city turned on it for power and politics. Never before has a greater tragedy befallen the Tel-quessir and never again since.

As the others began to argue or depart, Sarrissa blurted out...

Fool child! You must learn your place. You know none of these elves. Why would any dare to aid you? Even if any would, you will not survive the journey. It is fraught with more dangers than you have ever read about, even dreamed about. Things in the city would give your nightmares nightmares and you toy with the notion like a child wanting a new doll. I implore you, please, return home and give up this fantasy before it gets you killed.

You over react Jerr-Dann. I was just asking for directions.

As the conversation shifted to Myth Drannor, Sarrissa listened intently. It surprised her that others would be so openly curious about the fabled city. Almost immediately she felt a kinship with the others. She almost began to panic as Nivian excused herself to return to the stage, but as the conversation continued on about Myth Drannor, the panic abated.

Sarrissa looked at Nehama with great interest as she spoke. "Have you seen the city yourself? I long to see it with my own eyes. I have heard such wonderful tales about it."

Her focus switched to Herrnarrell as he mentioned the books. "I would be very interested in reading about the city." At the mention of being overrun, she immediately slumped and sighed. "Would you know if there are plans to retake the city?"

"Why yes, of course. You sing marvelously, and those songs. Did you write those yourself? They're so inspiring, and beautiful. I've never heard anything like them. They really are wonderful. Oh, forgive me, where are my manners. My name is Sarrissa, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Obviously a little overwhelmed by the conversation, Sarrissa rushed through the words quicker than she meant to. Her nervousness was apparent although she did try to hide it.

As Nivian's song carried through the establishment, Sarrissa stood transfixed. Her voice alone was amazing, like a pool of fresh water in the middle of the desert, but it was the words that enticed Sarrissa. The story the woman told about Myth Drannor was enrapturing, seducing even. Sarrissa stood paralyzed. Not by fear or magic or poison, but by potential, by possibility. The thought of learning even more about her family's home, their origin, it was all starting to come together.

You haven't even talked to anyone and you stand in awe of an entertainer? Oh yes, this journey will be much too easy.

Your sarcasm needs practice Jerr-Dann, but you're right. We'll have to introduce our self.

She started to approach the stage after the first song until the cries of encore were heard. She halted and held her place, continuing to stand and watch. For a brief moment, she caught Nivian's eye. She took advantage of the moment to smile and give a discrete wave, still holding the branched spear in her other hand.

A half eaten plate of roasted vegetables sat in front of Sarrissa. She stirred the food occasionally, moreso out of boredom than anything else. She contemplated packing it away for later and finally pulled out a small piece of cloth to wrap the scraps in. She tucked it all into a small pack resting at her feet as her eyes casually darted around the room.

She knew none of these people. They didn't !ok familiar and more than likely none of them knew who she was either. With a composite longbow slung over her shoulder she grabbed the branched spear that had been resting in the crook of the arm of the chair as she stood. She purposely looked around the room, taking in each patron.

You must be careful Sarrissa. You do not know these people.

Jerr-Dann's thoughts echoed in her own head. That was the problem with an unmanifested spirit. It was nearly impossible to silence something sharing your consciousness.

I'm in a tavern full of elves. What could happen?

Sarrissa is basically a run away princess, kinda. Isolated for most of her life, she has grown bored and when presented with a unique opportunity, jumped at the chance to get out and not only see the world, but hopefully learn something about her past. She's only ever really had contact with elves and struggles when dealing with anything else. She has a spirit protector who fell at Myth Drannor and has been following her family for centuries since and has basically been her only friend.

Sarrissa is basically a run away princess, kinda. Isolated for most of her life, she has grown bored and when presented with a unique opportunity, jumped at the chance to get out and not only see the world, but hopefully learn something about her past. She's only ever really had contact with elves and struggles when dealing with anything else. She has a spirit protector who fell at Myth Drannor and has been following her family for centuries since and is basically her only friend.

Thank you for taking the time to be a GM.

I am honored to be among those chosen.