"Cold iron for demons. Silver for devils. These are demons."
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" What you're describing sounds like a babau demon. I'm not sure the confusion magic stems from them, but I think we can handle it." "No time like the present. Let's move quickly." She casts a spell, erecting an invisible shield, then moves into the chamber.
Tess considers the problem. "Mind magic is not the sort of thing I dabble in. It seems the best thing to do is to keep our distance. Can you describe them in more detail? Notable features, sounds, smells... anything you recall will help. I might have read a thing or two about them."
"The 'confusion'? Can you maybe enlighten Delnin and I on what we're stepping into here?"
Before heading out, Tess acquires the scroll Taranis found. She sets to the task of inscribing it to her spellbook using a set of special inks that she collects specifically for this purpose.
"I suggest we keep close together to I can use the magic I've prepared to make us invisible. I have several castings ready, which hopefully will help for us to get out as well." Once everyone is close enough, and they are all close enough to their foe, she casts her spell and moves as quiet as she can.
Presented with a strange rod, Tess takes a moment to study it. She then casts a quick spell, opening her mind up to the hidden sights of magic within the world. She attempts to decipher the tangled auras around the item...
"I will leave you to your preparations, milord. Though before I do, this Armag... Is he someone you've met before? Can a likeness be drawn up if so? If someone can provide me with a silver mirror, I might be able to scry upon him. If not, it's fine. We can do this the more conventional way."
"Need me to step in, boots first? Very well, milord. I can do this, though you can definitely expect that I will approach the job different from John."
With some downtime available to them, Tess forgos her own personal projects to dig into the new job. She moves about Tatzylford, finding various people of influence within the town and trailing them a bit from the cover of invisibility. When she needs to be seen she conjures a magical disguise to appear as someone else. Occassionally, she uses magic to detect the surface thoughts of key individuals, attempting to get a feeling for the general disposition of the people.
"Unrak is, of course, correct. You even heard your great leader say my proper name: Tessaria. But I know pronunciation can be tricky so, please, just call me Tess." She then looks at Bytor, her face sympathetic. "The hardships of an adventuring life must truly be hard on bards. To forget the that I came out here before, to find you of all people, and then to have gone back to Oppara with your friend... I suppose that naga had some truly powerful magic at her disposal!" Tess turns her attention back to Taranis. She has not forgotten who leads this ragtag bunch. "Milord, if you have need of my services then I am happy to give provide them. I know that you reward your group with an equal share of the spoils, and honestly... I was beginning to get bored. Dealing with armies are a challenge I'm up for. Though, do you not have an army yourself?"
Tess nodded along as Delnin told his story, somehow intuiting that this tale is one not told often. She felt that hearing it was a privilege. At the introduction of Lobo she just smiled. "Would you believe me if I told you that you aren't the first person I've met who kept a wild animal as a travelling companion? A newly made noble, no less." "I'm making my way towards Tatzylford, having left Solaasgard. Looking for that same noble and his travelling companions. I'd adventured with them for a time, doing battle with a lich. It was a... challenging time, and I'd needed to step away to deal with the fallout of that battle." "At heart I'm a Rostlander, and so I needed to come back. Needed to do some good again," Tess said these words, somehow feeling their weight for the first time. She was silent for a time before changing the subject. "If you are looking to deal with bandits, you should probably make your way to Tatzylford too. Speak with the ruler of these lands."
"Well now, here's a bunch of faces that I've not seen for some time." Clad in the same mithril breastplate and sporting a greatsword slung over her back, the half-elven form of Tessaria Moondown greets the group. She smiles, looking at them with two blue eyes. "It seems like the road has been a hard one, though if you are willing I'd share tales while you relaxed and ate. Much has happened here since last I walked with you all, I can see that." She then gestures to a halfling man standing beside her. "Oh, and this is Delnin. Among other things, he makes a delicious roasted quail with mushrooms. The honey he adds makes it just a little bit sweet."
Caught off guard, Tess whirled towards the voice, her hand moving to grasp her sword. She stopped when the words were obviously friendly. I guess I know how it feels now when someone gets the jump on you. If I see Marc again, might be I should apologize. "Well met, Delnin. I am Tessaria Moondown, though you can call me Tess..." She watched as the halfling quickly set to the task of building a fire and cooking the game. He seemed very excited to be doing this. "I don't much eat, but... sure, I will join you to break your fast." Tess did her best to help out, retrieving her long unused mess kit and using the bowl to bring fresh water. She was not much of a cook even before the days when she stopped eating, so most of the time was spent watching Delnin cook. Sitting opposite the ranger, Tess nibbled at the food. I'm still so full, she thought. "This is delicious." Blasted ring. He's going to think I hate his cooking. "I can't remember the last time I had quail." Technically not a lie. "I, uh, don't each much. I have a strict fasting regimen most days. Helps me stay fit." Ok, now that's a lie.
Around midday Tess stopped by a brook, dismounting off her spectral steed to stretch her legs. She placed her hands into the cold water, splashing her face to wash away the road dust. Feeling refreshed, the half-elven warrior then spent the next twenty minutes performing a series of slow, continuous, circular movements meant to stretch her stiff limbs and work muscles that have been doing very little over the last few hours. She then moves back to her mount, ready to continue her journey.
Tess sat by the fire most of the night, enjoying the warmth. She closed her eyes for only an hour, and packed up her few belongings to once more continue her journey to Tatzylford at sunrise. Not long for there now. It'll be nice to sleep in a bed. Tracing with a finger in the air, the half-elf worked more magic to conjure a glowing, phantasmal horse. She studies the saddle, bit, and bridle worn by the magical beast, makes a few adjustments, and mounts up. She then sets out at a brisk walk. For anyone watching, it is obvious that the horse never tires. But for its rider this is a comfortable pace...
Tess' Awareness:
Enjoying the quiet of the night, Tess continued her campfire rituals. She reached over to grab a large sheathed blade, a greatsword of incredible craftsmanship, and slid it free of its scabbard. After a minute of study she returned it to its sheath, with Tess satisfied that her primary weapon is as sharp as always. I don't know why I keep doing this. The enchantments will hold for many years. She looked up into the night sky, studying the moon's position. Late enough, I'd say. Standing up, the half-elf then walked a small circle around the perimeter of her campfire, whispering sibilant arcane syllables. Completing the circuit, Tess then pulled out a tiny silver bell, shook it once so that it rang, and stowed it again. Not done with her nightly rituals, she pulled out a pinch of dried carrot from a pouch, ate it, and spoke a different set of words in the language of magick. Tess sat back down, watching the fire burn down low. Hidden Magicks: Cast Alarm, then Darkvision
The campfire's embers crackled, spitting sparks into the night. She poked at a log with a stick, watching as the orange glow reflected in her eyes. The road was quiet, just a dark line stretching out in either direction. It was in these quiet moments that the world seemed to shrink to just this small patch of light. The familiar weight of her mithral armor felt different here, less a suit of protection and more a second skin she wore for comfort. She ran a hand over the hilt of her blade, a habit she'd developed long ago. The cool metal was a steadying presence. She wasn't a stranger to herself when she sat here; she was Tessaria Moondown, a half-elf with a sword and a handful of spells, watching the fire die down. A lone owl hooted from a distant tree, its call echoing through the darkness. She looked up at the stars, a blanket of silver dust against the black. She was just a small part of a larger, epic story, yet in this moment, under this vast sky, the only story that mattered was her own. She sighed, a wisp of breath in the cool night air, and soaked in the peace of the wilderness.
Two-headed troll ripped me up. Tess waits to hear more of the tale. When there's nothing forthcoming she sips her drink and says, "Yep, that'll do it." GM: Not that it's a priority right now, but what was the reward? I can't remember if there was something set.
Tess smiles at the idea of Unrak missing her. "Would that I could remember much of what happened. It's a strange thing, knowing that you were actually dead. That concept, that idea, is not one you can shake, right? And that's even without considering the more obvious physical changes." She chuckles, lifting her own mug and draining it. "I will say that I thought I would have been stronger as a half-orc. Instead I feel so... drained still. I don't feel like myself yet, and I'm not sure I ever will." "You all have a lot more ahead of you. You're running a growing kingdom! And honestly, that's not for me. At least, not yet. I've got my own problems to figure out." She takes the pitcher the barmaid had left at their table, refilling their respective mugs. "I'll stick around for a little bit here. Maybe see if I can arrange for my payment to come to me. Otherwise I've a long journey back to Taldor. But that's okay." "If you don't mind me asking... how'd you die?"
When the group arrives in town... As the Huntsmen settle into their responsibilities, Tess makes a decision. "I think, at this point, I will bit you all farewell. I will stay for a time in town, at the inn. I need rest, and you have important business. I'll be around for a few days, mostly to rest and think about what comes next for me." "If you get tired of running a kingdom, come by the inn and join me for a drink."
Tess is silent for a few seconds after Augrym finishes his short speech. She finally says, "I'm not a lady, Augrym. There's not an ounce of noble blood in my veins. And you already know two people from the Acadamy. But Bytor is staying here, and Ervil is the one I was to find. Not bringing him back is not much different from me not completing the job."
"How many days journey is it?" Tess considers it, obviously still torn by her desire to complete the job for the Kitharodian Academy.
"Solasgaard? Where is that? I've not heard of the place."
"I've been mulling it over, Lord Taranis," Tess says to leader of this group. He is, after all, in charge. "I will be forever in your debt, as you used what magic you have to bring me back from the dead. But I don't know I fit." "Finding Ervil Pendrod has been the toughest bounty I've ever followed through on. I could not have done it without you and yours. But the dangers you seek are outside of my skills," she gestures to her body and then points at the gem in her eye socket. "I am thoroughly changed by this ordeal, and have a lot to figure out. And, put bluntly and without any offense meant, but you are not able to help." "My hope is to get answers in Oppara. This part of Golarion is my home however, so perhaps we will cross paths in the future."
Tess joins the conversation with Ervil and Bytor. "Master Pendrod, if you welcome it, I would be happy to travel with you back to the academy. First and foremost I have payment to collect, but I also have other business to attend to."
"I'll stay with the Varnholders, just in case there's something unexpected," Tess says to Taranis and the group. She's worn thin by all of the events of late, but her words carry a fierce determination.
Tess stows the various spellbooks into her backpack. She then joins Bytor in studying the bit of black cloth.
[b]"There must be a spellbook around somewhere. If we can find that, perhaps it will contain a spell I can use to get us out of here." Tess tries to take a methodical approach to her search. She starts with the throne in the other room, looking to see if there's anything hidden within the bones or nearby. She weaves a spell to detect magic as she searches, hoping that it might reveal something. She the studies the altar, delicately moving the severed skulls. [b]"These will need proper burial. Tess maintains her magical study, looking for catches or buttons in and around the altar. Lastly she looks to the water. The sulfurous nature of the pool makes her pause, but she recalls that sulfur itself isn't harmful unless ingested. She takes a wooden spoon from her mess kit and pokes the water with it to see if there's any reaction. If not she'll stick her hands into the water and feel about. If it's need enough she'll step inside and wade about as she searches.
Still feeling her exhaustion, Tess slowly checks over her armor before lifting her sword. "I am ready to leave this place."
"Bytor, it seems we're in luck. I spotted Ervil," Tess says to the bard before walking over to the man. "Master Pendrod, I have good news: there have been people keen on knowing whether you were alive or not. All things considered, are you well?"
Tess tries to calm down, and because it's John of all people she does. "It's hard to accept that it's literal when 'undead' is literally something I am not." But the words strike a chord. She looks at Augrym. "I'm sorry. My words were uncalled for and I certainly could have expressed myself better. I don't understand why you speak that way, but please understand that I find it jarring. I do not wish to be defined or identified by my appearance, my demeanor, my afflictions, or my role. Please, just call me Tess. Nothing more, nothing less. Can you do that?"
Tess tries to ignore Augrym, but can't. Her anger bubbles forth as she speaks. "I am not undead, and I am not possessed. Are you really that slow? Do I look undead? After slaying a seemingly endless parade of axe-wielding zombies, then battling a lich, can you really not tell?" she puts away her blade, giving herself seconds to think. He's not slow. 'Preferred nomenclature'? That's more than enough syllables to show he knows what he's saying. "What do you gain by feigning stupidity so you can say these hurtful words? Is it spite for past societal prejudices? Do you think Erastil would approve of how blithely disrespectful you are? You know what? I don't care. Just get away from me." She recasts her cantrip, burying her attention into the task of study of the magical items.
Tess will indeed cast Detect Magic and follow Taranis.
"There is no 'soul' within it, Marc," Tess clarifies for the priest. "And at this stage removing it likely solves nothing. It simply sets it loose to one day fall into someone else's hands. Right now we don't know anything anything about it." She shoots Augrym a look, one filled with displeasure. "This should not require stating, but here goes: I am not a lich. Do not call me that ever again."
"I wouldn't go so far as to say I was 'under its influence', Unrak," Tess pauses for a few seconds, blinking with the solitary eye. "But it did catch me off guard. And that's on me." She moves to stand beside the nearby pool, attempting to use the liquid to see her reflection and, by extension, the gem embedded in her eye socket. "I can feel it, you know. It's an artifact, a one-of-a-kind piece of magic. It has a will, a personality. And it's not happy to have me as its host." She looks back up, her gaze moving to each of them. "I'd say that, for now at least, this is a good sign."
"That... was not something that I expected." Tess shudders, bracing herself for the mental battle. When what she meets is instead a wall, she sighs. "I'm sorry, I may have made a mistake. But I will fix this."
Tess retrieves the gemstone and...
*Get back, Xamanthe! I have a feeling that stone contains the soul of the lich. It could still wield power, even in that state." Tess moves forward and picks up the stone to study it.
Tess moves to get a better view of the lich, readying a spell in case they weave a spell.
Readied Action:
"Do not let them complete that spell! It will wrest John's will away! Hit the Lich!"
Tess attempts to identify just what magic the one-eyed lich is using.
Tess hustles to close the distance, hoping to provide support once able to.
Tess retrieves a wand, expecting to use the magic it contains on the warriors of the group. "The sooner we start, the sooner we'll see the sun."
"I can swing my sword still. But if you want magic, know that I have next to nothing left. I can cast a spell that will allow one person to see in the dark, and another that will transform hands and feet to help someone climb and swim in equal measures." Tess shrugs. " I want to get out of here. And I want to live." She then retrieves the worn leather satchel and platinum and ruby ring that Taranis had handed her earlier, casting a spell to see if there is magic.
Tess chuckles as she hears Augrym's over the top praise for Taranis. She walks up beside Unrak, resting the blade on her shoulder, and says, "If I didn't know better, I would say that we've got a potential romance here. They'd make a cute couple, don't you think?"
Tess winces as she is struck. "Why must everything be so much bigger than we are?" She nonetheless steps in close, bolstered by the magic and song from Bytor. "Let's see if we can cut it down to a more manageable size." A pair swings of her greatsword follow.
Tess rushes forward, greatsword trailing as she hastens to get within range of the massive elemental!
She shares what she knows about their foe.
When she sees Bytor wince at the magic, her curiosity wins and she too casts a spell to see the magical auras. Struggling through the pain, she does what she can to identify what she sees.
"Start with the door, Augrym," Tess suggests to the half-orc. "If we're to leave this place, I expect it will be through a door. Plus, if there are any surprises they're also most likely behind a door. I'd rather we surprise the surprises." The group moves up and Augrym gives the door a once-over. Once he's certain it's safe he opens it.
"Check the hallway for secret passages. There have been enough of them that opened up to reveal giant skeletons, so I'd not put it past this place that there are other hidden areas." Tess moves with Augrym, helping the irrationally smitten half-orc search.
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