Ursula Vashkara's page

"Sharlott!"

"Yes miss?"

"Anyone severely hurt?"

"Um, Miss Kalla went down but Miss Dawn and Mr. Laszlo are helping her..."

"Very well. I will investigate this area. Please pass on a ration of cacao bar to her to console her for being injured."

The skittish young maid steps up next to Kalla, offering her what looks like a hardened chunk of dark brown butter. "Um, Miss Ursula is very, very sorry you were hurt. I hope you'll feel better with this. Miss Ursula thinks its too bitter on its own, so she normally has me shave flakes into her evening milk."

Ursula, not privy to her maid's gossip, continues to look for the source of the area's trouble and what drew the fey creatures here. Mostly, she simply wants to be seen as having been useful for this encounter, as her thoughts drift briefly.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Ursula manages to direct the stabbing sword coming out of the smoke to avoid ruining her clothing with some exertion.

Spellstrike, ignition: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Spellstrike, ignition Disadvantage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Striking back with a flaming blade swipes little but air as she parts the smoke. Ursula follows up with one last attempt to strike, conjuring a shield to protect herself in the same moment!

Shielding Strike: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Shielding Strike: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3
AC up to 20, Shield Block Reaction ready!

"Well, no sense in staying here," Ursula says as she strides across the uneven terrain to the wall. She attempts to vault over and feels the wood give way underneath her boot. Luckily she recovers in time to try again, getting into the thick of things with the treacherous cretins.

Climb (Attempt 1): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Climb (Attempt 1): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Climb (Attempt 2): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Climb (Attempt 2): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Stride, Climb (failed), Climb (success)

"I have just changed, so please be kind and avoid anything that will stain," Ursula suggests to the strange fey creatures.

Will Save 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Will Save 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Ursula follows Laszlo and Dawn, calling out to Sharlott. "Keep an eye on the others and relay if they're in trouble!"

With Sharlott holding for now, she focuses on the edge of her dueling sword, as she conjures up a thin sheen of acid that she flings towards the enemy, splashing them!

Acidic Burst vs. Red Meanie and adjacent friends (Dc17 Ref): 1d8 ⇒ 2

Ursula plucks the offending origami figures out of the box, burning those two. She picks up the box and examines its contents. "No snake or owl, but take a look at what else is in here," She says, offering Kalla the box before going to tend to her panicked servant.

Sharlott looks relieved that the terror is over, her body shaking like a leaf from narrowly escaping a horrific blow. It seems the healing poultice will work best soothing her spirit than actual grievous injury. "It's why I stay away, but it charged so suddenly and I didn't think it would attack me and Miss Ursula is - oh, Miss Ursula! Your tunic!"

Ursula stops in front of Sharlott and Laszlo with an odd expression before checking her clothes. To Sharlott's horror, there was a gash in the sleeve where the boar's branch tusks had torn through the silk. Ursula hums in disappointment. "Unfortunate. We'll need to buy a replacement later, Sharlott. A change of clothes will suffice for now."

Sheathing her sword, Ursula takes up the wayfinder from her belt pouch. The discerning amongst the party would note that it is of a slightly different configuration from their own. She unclasps the device's lid open, peering inside, before snapping it shut. Immediately, her garments under her armor were replaced by a fresh blue tunic and breeches. The injured clothes were folded neatly in her other arm, as she hands them to Sharlott to fold and tuck into Ursula's bags.

"Once we have solved the overgrowth problem, we should consider out next investigation site. One where Sharlott will stay out of harm's way." Ursula pointedly emphasizes. "It would be terrible if she were to perish, and I was without someone who could tend to my personal belongings."

The maid nods and bows her head. "Of course, miss! Won't happen again! Thank you again Mr. Laszlo for the poultice!"

Ursula notes the healing poultice, looking at Laszlo. "You have my gratitude as well for tending to her." Her head inclines briefly in his direction.

The boar was on her, but Ursula reaches into the box, plucks out the boar shaped origami and uses her Ignition cantrip to burn it to a crisp. If it works, it works, and if not, she supposes she'll need to enact stronger violence against the topiary directly.

"Have you ever heard of proper form? You wield that blade like you're trying to break it," Ursula snipes back at Kalla.

"KYAAAAAAAAHH, DON'T EAT ME!" Sharlott screams as she barely avoids a lethal hit, going pale as her dress.

"Sharlott, move out of the way!" Ursula snaps off an order, as the scared maid bounds away from danger as quickly as her feet can carry her.

Ursula is close enough to see the boar shaped construct getting ready, so she mutters and focuses her arcane energy into reinforcing her dueling sword. "There's one more coming, I'll hold it off!" Casting Runic Weapon on her sword

Ursula considers fighting, but sees she's closest to the small wooden box. Out of place here, it's obvious it might solve the problem with the attacking topiary quicker than cutting them down. She rushes through the mud to open the box, peering inside.

"KYAAAAAAAAHH, DON'T EAT ME!" Sharlott screams as she barely avoids a lethal hit, going pale as her dress.

"Sharlott, move out of the way!" Ursula snaps off an order, as the scared maid bounds away from danger as quickly as her feet can carry her.

Ursula is close enough to see the boar shaped construct getting ready, so she mutters and focuses her arcane energy into reinforcing her dueling sword. "There's one more coming, I'll hold it off!" Casting Runic Weapon on her sword

"Come at me, pig."

Ugh. Mud. Still, Ursula would not be deterred by a bit of runny dirt. She strides ahead keeping herself alert for any movement or traps. "Thank you for the information. There's a muddy patch ahead between the owlbear and cobra that we should look at for footprints."

Sharlott looks at Laszlo as her mistress forges forward. "Uh, so, we shouldn't try and attacking any of the sculptures then? If that's the case, um, I would rather keep my lady's belongings safe... in the rear... away from danger..." She presses herself into the inanimate hedge that looks like a proper hedge. "Miss, please be careful... "

"Hedge sculptures are not my preferred art form, but you have to admit there's something intriguing about shaping a living plant into the form of a different, ambulatory creature," Ursula comments as she looks around. "These are so well made I could certainly see them being enchanted like the animated armors at my family's keep."

Sharlott is keeping far away from the topiary, the skittish maid clearly not wanting to get attacked again. "Um, what are we looking for, miss?"

"Check for paw prints like the ones we saw at the stones. Perhaps some of the paint they used, they might have done something to interfere with any magic here," Ursula suggests/commands, keeping her gaze lingering towards the ground for clues.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Ursula flicks her dueling sword to get off the loose spores on its edge, before running a cloth to wipe off the remaining material. She glances over at Kalla, standing with nary a hair out of place from the battle. "Hmm. I thought that I heard some street mutt yapping during the fight, but perhaps I was hearing things. Sharlott!"

The handmaid hops back close now the danger has passed, offering her lady a drink from her waterskin. "You worked well with the team, my lady!"

Ursula shakes her head. "The accolades go to Dawn and Laszlo. We would have fought harder if they hadn't dealt with the problem at the route. I must admit I was expecting a problem to solve, not a fight."

"That's all right, you still contributed well! You should be proud!" Sharlott encourages her, Ursula accepting her praises with a courtly posture.

"At any rate, we've dealt with the issue with the stones? We should press on to the next location. The topiary garden was suggested as our next stop. Shall we be on our way?"

Fort Save vs. Brown: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Fort Save vs. White: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Ursula knows to exhale while the toxic spores blow out to avoid inhaling any. The rush of fire from Ursula's attack gathers and swirls around her as she takes a stance, her hair billowing in a heat shimmer from the gathered magic.

Arcane Cascade (1 action) - Ursula's attacks deal an addition 1 fire damage, and while her shield is raised, she applies her circumstance bonus to AC to her saves against spells and other magical effects.

She thrusts out in a move that seems to shift her other arm into place, the protective buckler lit up in an aura to ward off attacks. She follows up with another slash, scoring the mushrooms with burning brands across its cap!

Shielding Strike (Raising a Shield) vs. White (Flanking): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Spellstrike now available

Strike 2 vs. White (Flanking): 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 5 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Ursula manages to keep her poise as she sidesteps the mushroom that had grown out from under her. "Sharlott, withdraw!"

"Yes miss!" Sharlott squeaks as she runs away to a safe distance.

Ursula then focuses on the mushroom that attempted to harm her. In an instant, her dueling blade is suddenly wreathed in fire as she channels magic through the weapon to strike the fungus!

Spellstrike (Ignition): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Damage (Fire and Slashing): 2d6 + 1d8 ⇒ (6, 5) + (8) = 19

The Maze

Ursula does not carry her bags with her adventuring gear, spell book, changes of clothing, romance novels, hair brushes and herbal infused soaps. Sharlott carries them because while Ursula could carry the load herself, it would leave her servant with little to do out in the field. Now she had utility as someone who could provide the tools she needed on demand. After all, a servant needs to have duties to fulfill for their lady.

The lady did have one item she carried, the scabbard belted to her right hip: an Aldori dueling sword. The curved blade is iconic and recognizable, and Ursula carries herself with the confidence of knowing exactly how to use such a famed weapon. A graceful and noble armament for a lady of her esteemed station.

"We should be able to easily find and investigate the errant landmarks using this place as our rallying point," Ursula says as she looks at the other Pathfinders, keeping a graceful poise. "While I have my opinion of which we should investigate first, I understand that groups which work without a clear cut leader try the democratic method of decision making. I'll cast my vote for the standing stones, as we may learn something about what's causing this disruptions examining how they have interfered with magical structures."

Sharlott is staring up at the statue, distracted by the rather cute garland on Narven's head. "It's not the best color match for Miss Ursula, but I could make rose water for her evening care..."

"Of course. Someone has to carry Miss Ursula's bags and pick out her outfits and manage her hair, and she doesn't have as many servants as back home so I'm pulling the extra duties. I'm just glad I can help this way now..." Sharlott explains, before hearing the alchemist's address.

The maid looks a little panicked as Laszlo talks to her and ignores her mistress. "Ah...I mean, she's very strict about her diet. I can taste test for her, it's part of my duties. Just, um...Miss Ursula prefers her tea with lots of honey to sweeten it. She doesn't like bitter things."

"What are you whispering, Sharlott?"

"N-Nothing, Miss!" She jumps back from Laszlo, wringing her hands. "T-Thank you, Mister Laszlo. I hope we can get along..."

"I am - regrettably - not a direct superior to you in the Pathfinders." Ursula answers Sajan. "So I concede to that point. However, due to my education and social standing, I propose that this group allow me to represent ourselves to those of proper upbringing."

She glances back into Kalla's eyes. "Sharlott is my maid. Our relationship is beyond your scope." She scoffs, brushing her hair back. The scent of jasmine and citrus wafts from her luxurious locks.

"But I do agree that arguing won't get us anywhere. We should prioritize ensuring the Maze's continued utility to the Society. Now, I have a list of problem sites within the Maze that need to be tended to, and I'm hoping that we can agree to investigate them together."

She steps past Kalla as she looks to the others. "Now, Rising Dawn, Nixoret, and...'Lazlo Csoka'. Do any of you have a question for me?"

Sharlott skips over next to Kalla, fidgeting nervously. "Miss Ursula isn't a bad person. She is just...focused," She says.

"While I'm unsurprised at your willingness to jump straight to violence, considering your background," Ursula says as she looks unfazed by Kalla getting in her personal space. She steps further in, her eyes peering through the rose-tinted goggles Kalla wears. "I'm afraid that Pathfinder guidelines direct us to cooperate with each other. However you might wish to act as you were in Kenabres, we're both part of the same organization. I'll put my distaste aside working with a thug, you do the same for working for your better. Can we agree to that?"

Sharlott is looking a little alarmed at the building tension, shivering in the background. "Ah, Miss Ursula just means w-we're all friends. P-Please don't fight."

Seated on the bed with her legs crossed is a blonde woman currently looking through documents. The way that the room looks its apparent that she's done some rifling through their effects while they were out. She glances up at the party with a haughty expression.

"It's about time that you all showed up. I'm aghast at how much you waste on frivolities when there's work to be done," She says as she shuts the ledger. She stands up and holds the book out. A white-haired woman of similar age Rising Dawn recognizes steps out to accept it from her, before stepping back.

"Lady Ursula Vashkara, House Orlovsky and Pathfinder. I'm attaching myself to your group for future Iobarian missions," She explains. "Though considering what's going on with the Maze recently, it seems more prudent to secure the route and avoid having to spend months traveling otherwise to reach it from here. Sharlott?"

"Y-yes, miss?" Nervous seems to be Sharlott's default expression.

"My notes from the meeting with Drandle Dreng?"

"Of course! H-Here," She hands her another small book, as she flips through it.

"There are several sources of activity that bear investigation. I have them marked down and will act as point for this mission. I've had Sharlott help me research all of you, so I know your skillsets for the most part. I'll assign you based on where you'll meet the most efficient useage," She informs the group. "Now, I suppose for the sake of getting out of the way, I'll let you each have one question each before we get underway."