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Never used discord before, but I’m big user of Roll20. My opinion for Roll20 is it’s a poor middle ground. I’ve been in a game that used it only for maps and it was more hassle than it was worth. Any of the file sharing sites at least load on mobile, Roll20 technically loads, but not in any helpful or useful manner.
"That's strange iconography for Gozreh. Hmmm." Vala ponders over Zelda's description, thinking back to old texts she'd studied back in Leipstadt.
”If we’re truly intent on looking into the church, then I’m afraid disguises will be more of a liability than an aid to us. Why don’t we keep eyes on it for a day and the more deft among us can try their hands at sneaking. Zelda and Pyth might be able to help a good deal in that regard at least.”
Vala deflates a little as the scope of their task here continues to grow as they talk. ”I don’t need privacy or some secluded, secretive room. Besides, I think Zed or Vermundr simply frowning at anyone in the inn would give us whatever space we could hope to find here. Now, I’m more ready for a fight with swamp giants or horrors from the deep than I am for playing detective, but I can scry as often as we like or reach out beyond the veil for leads, though that course does bear some risk.”
Vala huffs softly, the harshness of the sound softened and muted as she keeps her mouth shut. Shaking her head softly, she offers simply, "It wouldn't surprise me if..." she lets the thought die with another shake of her head. "Forgive me." Thoughts of Jonathan bent over Kendra's body in repose cloud her mind briefly as the scope of the mayor's request dawns on her. She draws her lips into a tight line, ready to press on after their quarry, but she glances to the others, lastly at Hazel, and she deflates a little. "Of course, mayor Greedle, if your people need help, we're more than willing to offer what aid we might."
I’m recovering from a bout with pneumonia, so I may be a bit scarce yet. Sorry, friends!
Vermundr:
"Sweetheart, I know it was troubling you, and if you still feel strongly that what's being done to that man out on the stones is wrong, I can grant you flight if you've a mind to set it to what you think is right. You'd need to be quick though, it won't last for even a full ten minutes."
She then calls out more loudly, "Very well, Sheriff. Are we so pressed for time that the mayor will be seeing us in our undergarments or have we a few minutes to get properly dressed?"
As Croon's description wends on, the hairs on the back of Vala's neck prickle as it brings to mind the effigy which had been stolen from Leipstadt. She shudders involuntarily, "That sounds dreadful, Horace. Chillingly so." She shakes off the eerie unease that slithers up her spine and refocuses on her initial question, "What about the Neighbors, though? I didn't think there was another settlement nearby."
"Tell me about this Watcher and these Neighbors. We've heard talk of them, but haven't any idea who you or the other townfolk are speaking of."
Vala accepts the cup with a warm nod, "Thank you, Horace." She sips the tea gingerly as her eyes wander about the workshop aimlessly. "You know, I tried to purchase some hunting equipment earlier today, just to try to get the shopkeeper to warm up to us and offer more than an angry glare, and he warned me of marsh giants in the area. Is that true, Horace? Are there marsh giants in the surrounding bog?"
Vala nods in understanding as the fisherman expounds on the man’s fate. ”A cruel end for a cruel man, then.” She looses a stiff breath from her nose as the only outward hint of her unease, but then shrugs as the man walks off. ”You’re right, Zed. But unless we want to bring the whole town down on our heads, we’d best not make a scene about it.”
D=
Interviews always leave me utterly drained and exhausted. You have any others lined up?
”Oh? Well that be a disappointment to him, I’m sure. If there’s no game in the Soddentimbers what makes the place so dangerous?” Vala puts on a crestfallen face as she asks the question, though inwardly her patience begins to wear thin.
Vala, who is with Kazamir and the fat-necked man in the shop and not at the wharf with Vermundr, notes the shopkeeper's tone and winces inwardly. She swallows the sudden urge to meet the man's rudeness with a bolt of lightning, but tries a different tack instead, "Oh! Of course, where are our manners?" She turns her attention to the hunting gear, and after a few moments of consideration, she gasps, "Aha!" Kneeling down, she rises again a few moments later with a pair of bear traps in hand. "These are a start." She turns to the grumpy man behind the counter and explains, "A friend of ours fancies himself a grand wolf hunter. Do you recommend anything else that you might have for such an endeavor?"
Vala turns to the others and offers softly so the young clerk can't overhear, "I think we're overwhelming the dear girl." She pats Hazel on the arm encouragingly, "Sweetheart, I think she might open up to you, but I'm going to head back into the square so there aren't so many tall folk looming over her." She smiles and excuses herself, and warmly accepts the company of anyone who cares to join her. When back in the center of town, she fixes her gaze on the statue. "I wonder what secrets or stories you're keeping." Her words are directed at the monument, and a breath later she turns to Pyth, "Well, let's find out, shall we?"
Vala shakes her head, "No, I'm afraid not. But perhaps our best bet would be to speak with the sheriff as you suggested. Do you mind if we wait or would it be better to make an appointment and come back later?"
"It was always going to be difficult, Vermundr. We've other means at our disposal though." She nods at Hazel's suggestion to take stock of their room as she speaks, making for the back of the dilapidated inn with a few contrite nods to the innkeeper and his patrons. Once back in the rooms, she reminds everyone, "One of the riders who came to Illmarsh is named Gregorus. I can try to scry on him again now that we're here, but with only his name to go on, he's likely to resist the magics again." She then turns to Constantin, her face tight but also sad. "Sweetheart, I know you've done all you can to shut the world around you out of your mind, but if the others were to ask questions of the locals, would you be able to hear their thoughts if you focused? The quick ones that bubble up in the few moments between them recalling what they know and deciding whether to remain silent or lie? I know it's a terrible thing to ask," she reaches forward then and squeezes his hand, "and if it would risk the defenses you've been working so hard to put up, then forget I asked."
Vala doesn't turn her steely gaze from the sign as she shrugs in reply, "He can't hurt us anymore, Constantin. Though it does add an air of bleak determinism to all of our misery, doesn't it?" She sighs softly through her nose and brings two fingers up slowly to her lips, touching where she felt the bite of the piper's flute down within Harrowstone. Shaking her head, she turns to the others. "This appears to be our only real option for lodging, unless we have any other ideas?"
Vala nods in agreement with Hazel, "Dismal indeed. I've neither seen nor read of any place that lay beneath a pall of dour gloom as heavy as this. Goodness." She tuts and shakes her head in disbelief, but then smiles sweetly at the coach driver as Hazel catches his attention. Status: HP: 57/57 Negative Energy Resist 5 AC: 14 (10 T / 14 FF) CMD: 16 F/R/W: +7/+4/+13 (+2 vs death effects, energy drain, negative energy, & necromancy) Monstrous Insight used: 0/7 Healing Hex targets: Current Wandering Spirit: Waves Prepared spells Orisons (4) | DC 15: dancing lights, disrupt undead, identify, read magic Level 1 spells (4+2+1*) | DC 17: inflict light wounds [ ], know the enemy* [ ], magic missile [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ], produce flame (CL7) [ ] Level 2 spells (4+1+1*) | DC 18: bull's strength [ ], spiritual weapon [ ] [ ] [ ], tongues* [ ] Level 3 spells (3+1+1*) | DC 19: fly [X], lightning bolt [ ] [ ], water breathing* [ ], spiritual weapon (toppling) [ ] Level 4 spells (2+1+1*) | DC 20: ball lightning [ ], legend lore* [ ], greater magic weapon [ ], spiritual ally [ ] Level 5 spells (1+1+1*) | DC 21: dispel evil [ ], lightning arc [ ], contact other plane* [ ] Ongoing Effects
Vala chuckles softly as Hazel and Croon start to drift down a rabbit hole of mechanical engineering, but her smirk turns wistful and sad as she realizes conversations like this have become the exception in their lives when they should have been the norm. Jonathan, it seems, had taken even more from them than she’d thought. When the opportunity presents itself, she adds, ”I don’t suppose you could direct us to a place in Illmarsh that offers decent beds and some privacy? The last place we stayed proved to be something of a disaster.”
Horace's demeanor and manner of speech, now that the crisis has passed, brings a small mournful smile to the edge of Vala's lips. She offers a curt but respectful nod, "Valavastra Cross. I'm glad for your sake we came along when we did." She gives Hazel's hand an affirming squeeze. "And I'm sorry to hear the locals treated you so poorly. I don't suppose that bodes particularly well for strangers like us either."
Realizing the relationship between the tiller and the rudder now after her mistake, Vala pats Hazel’s hand and smiles encouragingly despite the roaring wind and rain, ”Come on, Hazel! We can do this!”
Vala listens to the strange, bespectacled man’s instructions briefly then sets to work with Hazel trying to figure out how to accomplish what he needs.
Vala's already finished the spell on Hazel by the time Zed volunteers and she shakes her head, "Sorry, Zed. I've only got the one." Then nodding at Hazel, she looks toward the struggling boat. "Let's go, sweetheart!" And without waiting for another moment, Vala shoots off through the cutting wind toward the beleaguered sailor. As soon as she gets to the deck, she shouts over the wind to the man, "HOW CAN WE HELP?!"
"I can try to get to him. Not sure how to help him when I get there though. I can grant the same power of flight as I have to one of you; who wants it?" Despite her uncertainty, Vala's feet lift off the ground and she looks ready to zip through the slashing rain and biting wind for the imperiled trawler.
Vala can fly on her own thanks her flight hex and has one single fly spell prepped as well. Heaven's Leap hex would be a quick solution, but I took the Waves spirit rather than Heaven's, so that's not available. I would guess, too, that the winds would make it difficult to fly out to the boat without ranks in fly, and it looks like Vala's the only one trained in that particular skill. If someone would like to try flying out alongside Vala though, let me know! I could have prepped control water or control winds, or, heck, both even, but I prepared a lot of violent spells instead in case of another ambush since my scry attempt failed and I was worried I'd tipped them off. =( womp womp.
Vala rolls her eyes as the spell ends and scratches Pyth atop the head lovingly. ”That fool. Since I can’t bring him back to kill him again the best I can settle for is to repeatedly remind him that I stuck him in the boneyard to begin with.” Pyth nods in understanding, but then offers gently, Vala taps her index finger against her lips as she considers, then nods. ”A fine idea Pyth. But hopefully this is the last we’ll need of these magics for some time.” She then turns her attention to a small bowl filled with water and begins trying to seek out Gregorus.
As the others go out into the town to learn what they may, Vala returns to her room and the wide candle set atop the small desk. Like she'd done the night before, Vala strikes a flame to the wick and falls into a trace as she and Pyth work in unison to draw Vrood back for further questions. "What were the names of Clanartus' fellows who rode on to Illmarsh, Vrood? Answer me. Your will and power are broken. You can try to resist, but you will yield to me." Her quill begins scratching across the sheet of parchment she'd used the night before, though her eyes remain locked with Pyth's throughout.
Status: HP: 57/57 Negative Energy Resist 5 AC: 14 (10 T / 14 FF) CMD: 16 F/R/W: +7/+4/+13 (+2 vs death effects, energy drain, negative energy, & necromancy) Monstrous Insight used: 0/7 Healing Hex targets: Current Wandering Spirit: Waves Prepared spells Orisons (4) | DC 15: dancing lights, disrupt undead, identify, read magic Level 1 spells (4+2+1*) | DC 17: inflict light wounds [ ], know the enemy* [ ], magic missile [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ], produce flame (CL7) [ ] Level 2 spells (4+1+1*) | DC 18: bull's strength [ ], spiritual weapon [ ] [ ] [ ], tongues* [ ] Level 3 spells (3+1+1*) | DC 19: fly [ ], lightning bolt [ ] [ ], water breathing* [ ], spiritual weapon (toppling) [ ] Level 4 spells (2+1+1*) | DC 20: ball lightning [ ], legend lore* [ ], greater magic weapon [ ], spiritual ally [ ] Level 5 spells (1+1+1*) | DC 21: dispel evil [ ], lightning arc [ ], contact other plane* [ ] Ongoing Effects
As the group gathers in the morning, Vala relates what she learned the night before. ”Well, whatever information you pried from that assassin, at least one bit of it was a lie. The story of his brethren heading south across the lake was meant to distract us. And, it seems, that assassin had a name: Clanartus. I’ll see if I can’t determine the names of those who were with him and pressed onward.”
Vala sequesters herself for a brief time in the evening as the group secures lodging. Pulling a small stool up beside a simple table in the corner of the room, she produces a small scroll of vellum, a quill and ink, and a fat, waxen candle. As the candle is lit, Pyth flits down beside and perches on the edge of the table beside the small light. Vala then seems to lose herself as she and Pyth lock eyes. Occasionally, during the next handful of minutes, Vala huffs and grunts as Pyth fidgets, but the movements and sounds are brief and fleeting. Then, at one point as this strange behavior continues and the candle reaches a small hatch mark that divides the wax into equal sixths, Vala's voice is strong and firm. "Answer me, Vrood! You've lost your power and can't resist. Answer me!" Pyth, in response, struggles and fidgets more forcefully than before, but after a moment relaxes and nods once. Vala, still holding an unbroken stare with Pyth, nods as her hand starts scratching rapidly across the scroll. Question: Vala asks "If we were to cross the lake tomorrow, would we be in time to stop the Whispering Way from completing the trade they came here to make?"
Vala huffs briefly but nods. "Well, we're not learning anything new here." She then offers a respectful nod to the two guardsmen, "Thank you both for your service and I wish you the best in your search for this Parsons gentleman, though I do fear the worst for him. If you hear more of these dark riders, please do call on us."
”The only thing we came here for was to stop those riders from whatever dark business they've brought to your town. Does this Parsons gentleman work at the livery? If one stayed behind and it’s not this imposter, then we’d like to suss him or her out before they’ve a chance to work any more evil.”
Vala shifts her stance as the impromptu interrogation begins, her expression flat and uninterested as she crosses her arms. The loss of her reputation in Leipstadt had stung her more bitterly than she’d had time to process given Kendra’s murder, but the unmasked disdain from these people didn’t bother at all. As the group speaks with the guard, she shoots Pyth an arched eyebrow as the bird alights on the eave of a nearby roof. The knowledge that the only power these guards had over her and the others was whatever power they voluntarily granted to the them left her eerily calm.
Vala shakes her head as the assassin falls over. "A coward to the end then." She frowns deeply and sighs. Looking to the others, she asks, "Before we rush for the lake, do we wish to make for whatever amounts for the lawful authorities here? Regardless of how justified we were in defending ourselves, I don't think bringing the body along with us is an option. That seems like a poor first impression to make and Nethys knows how long we'll be here trying to disrupt this wretched man's kin."
If only I'd switched back to a life spirit instead of bones, I could have just popped that turd with a breath of life! Can you imagine that guy's surprise to think he got away only to pop back a breath later but now without a lower jaw? Talk about regrets.
" but we at least need to make the gesture of closing the loop on his other crimes, for the sake of any other survivors." "After all, this is not only about us and our crusade. Vrood has impacted many other lives and they, too, deserve better." I'd read the above, in particular, as an intent to try and tie up all messes left behind by our would-be assassin. My apologies for misreading it.
"That's very noble of you, Constantin, but terribly impractical. You can't chase the Whispering Way and dig up the next of kin of every victim they've caused harm to. We can't change who this cult has hurt. We can't undo it. We could bring comfort and closure to some and tear open old wounds for others, but how much would our focus there afford the Whispering Way to accomplish in the mean time? And the last time we involved the constabulary, well, look what happened to dear Benjen." She sighs softly, patting Hazel's cheek and smiling sweetly as she pulls away. "There. That should do, dear." Turning then to Constatin, she continues, "I wish we could do both, sweetheart. I wish we could vindicate and comfort every life that's been harmed by these foul men. I don't think we have the time or the energy to pursue both though. And, given that choice, I'd rather do everything in my power to stop those evil necrophiles from causing more harm than to console those already scarred."
I think if it is a fight, Vala’s probably to blame for starting it. =D
Vala sighs, shaking her head gently as she continues to keep her hands and eyes busy with Hazel’s injury. ”Constantin, sweetheart, if you want to chase that errand across Nethys knows how wide a swath of the Inner Sea with naught but names and without the associated whens and wheres, you’re welcome to, dear. But I’m not turning from Jonathan’s trail until he’s been dealt with and Kendra’s body and soul are safe once more.”
Vala looks to Vermundr and Zed first, then shakes her head as she turns to Constantin. ”You saw what this wretch tried to do to Hazel. No, he’ll not find shelter in a jail cell or have opportunity to hurt any others or escape. Send him to his miserable master and let’s be off.” Then, as if realizing her own words, she turns to Hazel, ”Are you alright, dear? Let me take a look at that cut.” While she tends to Hazel’s injury, she offers sharply over her shoulder, ”If none of you care to end that slime, I will. Just give me a moment to finish here.”
Vala sags with disappointment, especially when the old fool doesn’t recognize Kendra or give them any idea what Jonathan had done with her remains. She steps forward, frowning, and grabs the man by the jaw, pursing his lips as she turns his head from side to side regarding him. Stepping back, she sighs and asks as she shakes her head, ”I don’t suppose there’s anything else you’d like to add to your report, dear?”
Vala's eyes widen in surprise as the arc of crimson leaps from Hazel's neck and she fears the worst for a moment, but her fear turns to a smirk as Hazel simply brings her free hand up to the wound and gives back as good as she got. Shaking her head, Vala scoffs. "Auren Vrood sends his regards? You poor, wretched thing. Auren Vrood is little more than a stain on the ground now." She then floats up above the toppled wagon, her tattered shawl flapping behind her in the breeze off the lake like a pair of torn, diaphanous wings. "No, it is you who will have the opportunity to give our greetings to him." She gestures as if to punctuate her statement, and a crackling roar and flash of lightning erupts between two of their foes.
Status:
HP: 57/57 Negative Energy Resist 5 AC: 14 (10 T / 14 FF) CMD: 16 F/R/W: +7/+4/+13 (+2 vs death effects, energy drain, negative energy, & necromancy) Monstrous Insight used: 0/7 Healing Hex targets: Bone Ward targets: Current Wandering Spirit: Bones Prepared spells Orisons (4) | DC 15: dancing lights, disrupt undead, identify, read magic Level 1 spells (4+2+1*) | DC 17: inflict light wounds [ ], know the enemy* [ ], magic missile [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ], produce flame (CL7) [ ] Level 2 spells (4+1+1*) | DC 18: bull's strength [ ], false life*[ ], spiritual weapon [ ] [ ] [ ] Level 3 spells (3+1+1*) | DC 19: fly [ ], lightning bolt [ ] [ ], locate object* [ ], spiritual weapon (toppling) [ ] Level 4 spells (2+1+1*) | DC 20: ball lightning [ ], fear* [ ], greater magic weapon [ ], spiritual ally [ ] Level 5 spells (1+1+1*) | DC 21: dispel evil [ ], lightning arc [X], slay living* [ ] Ongoing Effects
Vala, about to cut in, isn't quick enough to beat Hazel to answering the man's question, but the former historian shoots the young Desnan a subtle but approving nod.
Vala remarks at the sight of the shrouded lake, ”What a dreadful place. It’s no surprise Jonathan and his cult would seek to do their dark business here.” She draws her frayed and worn shawl tight around her shoulders and neck, as if it might do something to ward her against the involuntary chill that rolls down her back. Turning to Hazel, she shakes her head. ”I’m not sure, dear. Maybe we should just start with finding lodging and a fire. No miserable hunting lodges this time though! We want a proper inn without secret passages within the walls.”
Now, the only worry is that our teleport rolls put us on target. 4 times in a row.
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