We can put her in a little cart and train a small dog to pull her around.
"Trouble, how about we get someone to lead us to one of the rooms and then I'll give you some directions that are a lot easier to follow."
The next morning Shadow would say ere good byes and slip out of the safehouse.
Andrea will be there to say farewell to Shadow.
Thank you for helping us. Go to Alistar and explain that I directed you to him and you wish Sunny returned. I have preserved her body at the morgue so you can have her raised.
Andrea kisses Shadow's cheeks and says a prayer for her and Sunny.
Goddess, may I become a proper priestess for them. Not only for Shadow and Sunny, but also Tracy,Pearl,Shu Len and all those who suffer under the lash instead of bringing pleasure.
Andrea stands upon the roof of the safehouse, looking towards the climbing sun as she says her prayers, the top of her robe in around her waist, leaving her clothed only in her breast bindings as she holds her hands out.
I've been running away from it. Trying to be a priestess to them. I said I was going to help, wether by turning Alphonse into a pot-scrubber or feeding him to the shadowbeasts, but I just didn't step up.
Andrea tilts her head back ad begins to utter a prayer.
Give me, my Goddess, what you still have;
Give me what no one asks for.
A slight wind started, ruffling the leaves as Andrea's eyes closed slightly.
I do not ask for wealth, nor success, nor even health.
People ask you so often, Goddess, for all that,
A humming was heard and two specks appeared, flying over the rooftops as they approached Andrea.
That you cannot have any left.
Give me, my Goddess, what you still have.
Give me what people refuse to accept from you.
The two specks became large wasps, as big as Andrea's hands. They circle around her as she lifts her hands up to them.
I want insecurity and disquietude;
I want turmoil and brawl.
The wasps alight upon her hands, their eyes looking down upon Andrea as her face flushes and the prayer continues..
And if you should give them to me,
My Goddess, once and for all,
The wasps then raise their abdomens, stingers emerging as they position themselves.
Let me be sure to have them always,
For I will not always have the courage to ask for them
The stingers then plunge down, piercing Andrea's hands and anointing her blood with Calistria's venom and ushering her into the role of Holy Vindicator.
Gazing from the rise of the ladder leading to the roof, the young dwarf stares as Andrea finishes her prayers, sees her recoil as the very large stingers pierce straight through her hands. He knew what she had done. Grimm was no priest. But he knew enough of the gods to know a pact of sorts had been made. She had become something more like him.
Never would any learned adventurer confuse a cleric with an inquisitor.
Clerics, even war clerics, still cared for the faithful. Guided them, lead them comforted them.
Inquisitors did none of that.
And soon neither would she.
Grimm was an inquisitor of a God of War, he fought bloody battles for the sake of his people and to oppose the oppressive rule of Hell.
Andrea was more and something less than that.
Her pact meant she was like him now. A killer for a cause. But hers would be for far more personal ideals. The savored sting never forgave. Andrea would be a tool of retribution.
Was she ready for that.
He finishes his climb and drags the bottle of stout from his belt.
He walks over to her prone form and casts a shadow over her stigmata. He wounds which would bleed whenever she invoked her goddesses wrath.
Came up fer me prayers.....Look at me! I saw what ye did. What yer asking fer is gonna require more outta ye than yer scrawny hide can give.
I like ye but. So I'm ginna help ye. Ye fight like s*~%e. Yer arms ain't strong an while yer certainly doable I'd snap yer neck witout sweating. He pours the stout over her hands.
Savor that pain. I ain't Duncan, I cannae replace what e were te ye. But I can teach ye ta take a hit. I kin teach ye ta take a heart while it's still beating. An I can teach ye ta hold a shield an keep yer arm. Rest. Tomorrow we start.
He helps her to her feet and kisses the wounds.
For the first time she sees what could actually be kindess in his eyes.
Duncan?
....
We need a drink. Or seven.
He walks beside her on the way down.
He does not hold her.
She would walk or she would fall.
Truk wasn't sure how, but he knew it was early when he woke. He was sore - the dwarf had been right about one thing, blindness hadn't slowed Truk and Lucrezia a beat - but it was a good sore. Next to him, he felt the ranger still gently sleeping.
Taking care not to jostle the bed too much, the big orc pulled himself from bed. He made his way to the window and pushed the covers aside. He could feel the warmth of the morning sun on his naked flesh but he longed to see it again.
Taking a knee, Truk ordered his thoughts and prayed.
Eternal Rose, through these Children I think I've started to see the true evil that hides beneath Westcrown. It's foul and cruel and without beauty. It has to end and I ask that you aid me in helping them with all the strength in my body.
The half-orc turned towards the place where Lucrezia gently rested - a silly gesture due to his handicap.
This woman, she's special. I've loved before but only now do I understand what you've wanted for me... for all of us. Grant us sight, even if only to see each other again.
Truk rose and grazed the beautiful ranger's face with a meaty hand. He somehow knew the spell had worked its course. He rubbed his jaw for similar effect.
As his vision started to return, blurry at first, he climbed back into bed next to his lover. He took a deep breath, grinned, and shut his eyes.
Morning prayers have been heard and granted, transformations following the horrors of the old pathfinder home are fresh on everyone's soul.
When the companions make their way downstairs they find Areal, Janiven and Ailyn sitting in Areal's office examining the Morrowfall. Ailyn is sketching the item and making notations in her journal, while Areal jots down a few findings.
The Morrowfall is one-half of the Aohl, an artifact gifted to the ancient Jaytirian Society following a sacred truce between their two feuding gods of millennia past. The Morrowfall is the remaining manifestation of the power of Easivra, a potent sun god now all but forgotten, but any good-aligned creature that touches the Morrowfall immediately knows the name and how to use the artifact’s powers. It constantly glows with the light spell. The Morrowfall can not be used by a neutral or evil creature. By presenting it strongly and uttering Easivra’s name (a standard action), the Morrowfall can be used to cast the following spells.
At Will— detect undead, disrupt undead, daze monster (DC 13)
3/day— blindness (DC 13), daylight, searing light
1/day—sunbeam (DC 20), sunburst (DC 22)
Destruction:
When the Morrowfall is joined with its counterpart, the Totemrix,its powers, as well as those of the Totemrix, are suppressed. In this state, both it and the Totemrix can be destroyed by anything capable of destroying a magic metal object of its size.
"This is the answer to the city's Shadowbeast problem! You've done it!! The residents owe you a debt of gratitude! THANK YOU!, Area excited exclaims when he see the party. Meanwhile Janiven and Aiyn are all smiles.
Andrea hisses as the stout pours over her hands and she looks up at Grimm. Thank you. Andrea sits up and lightly strokes her sore palms, the wounds healing as a minor prayer closes them.
Listening to Grimm's offer, Andrea ponders and then nods. I'll be ready. You are right about me being rather scrawny, I am more of a spellcaster than a warrior, but I know these blessings can increase the potency of my spells.
Andrea dabs away any stray drops of blood and redresses. b]Let's see the others, I need to take care of Orsin and Faelyn.[/b]
After tending to those in need, Andrea listens to the pathfinder explain the uses of the Morrowfall and lightly tuns a finger over the holy object.
[b]Indeed, with this we can slay any Shadowbeast we encounter, and when we find the Totemrix, we can end it once and for all. However, we need to keep this a secret as well. Ilnerik no doubt will know very soon that his spawn have failed and want this destroyed, so I will cast a prayer of Non-Detection and Obscure Object on it. We should also only use this in dire situations.
Andrea as you prepare to cast your spells, Areal will hold up a hand, and say "A good thought but unfortunately this is an artifact and it takes incredibly powerful magic to conceal the will of Easivra" he shakes his head.
[b]We can perhaps keep it in a Bag of Holding or other container. Even if it is scryed, they would only see the artifact in a dark space[/ooc]
The power of the god is not held back by the mortal spell.
Worn out from their adventure in addition to the nights activities with Truk, Lucrezia sleeps later than usual, waking up to see the sun well up in the sky already through the window.
Wait a minute? I can see!
Lucrezia turns around in the bed to look at Truk beside her and nudeges him.
"Trouble, did you do this? I can see again."
Knowing full well that the Brotherhood's healers won't be able to remove his deafness until morning, Orsin sets to the task of writing up his Pathfinder field commission, detailing the events at Delvehaven. He readies his little station at the kitchen table with parchment, ink, and quills, unable to hear the buzz of activity around him. The deafened silence was strangely blissful.
Like his previous tale, Orsin found it hard to know how to start. The empty page taunted him with the empty promise of unfulfilled labor.
How do I start...?
The bard looks over, through the doorway into the assembly room, watching the evening play out among the freedom fighters. Grimm laughs at presumably one of his own jokes while Fiosa snuggles up against Andrea.
People. It starts with people.
Orsin dips his quill and ink and sets its point against the parchment, making deliberate swipes and flourishes.
"There were two sisters, but you wouldn't never it guess by looking at them. One was of the sun and the other of shadow..."
Well, woooo! and all the rest. How is it at killin vampires? Maybe we can find this bloke and shove the morrowfall up his a$$. That would sort a few things.
"Trouble, did you do this? I can see again."
"Shelyn helped, but yeah", Truk said as he grinned wide between his short tusks.
"Everything is good now? Not blurry or anything?"
Andrea looks very disappointed but not surprised that her magic was shrugged off. Well we should use this as it was intended, defeating undead. The less we use it against common thugs the better.
Andrea then hands the folded up cloak and magical ring to Fiosa. Mathalen, would you like a magical dagger? It will return to your hand when thrown.
"Everything is great now and you look better than ever."
Lucrezia moves to straddle Truk and goes about showing her gratitude for having her sight back.
Ailyn Ghonstavos is particularly eager to hear everything she can from the group regarding what they found in Delvehaven. "The treasure in the sealed lodge belongs to you, you’ve earned such items as surely as any Pathfinder earns treasure from exploring "
"I am interest in learning the fates of the missing Pathfinders, what can you tell me about them? She pauses, "I'll be leaving for Absalom tomorrow to deliver the report."
Faelyn thanked Andrea for removing the blindness. He spent the rest of the morning quietly studying scrolls.
Something was different with him. He had been quiet the past 24 hours. His time in Delvehaven had obviously effected him. I need to get out of here. Blow off some steam. He listened to the discussion of the Morrowfall, but didn't respond.
How much down time do we have?.
Well we need to find Ilnerik for one, since he has the Totemrix. We do have a scroll of Scrying available to us and can use divinations. If the Totemrix is anywhere near the same level of power as the Morrowfall, then it should be very obvious, especially since the Morrowfall is one-half of the Aohl.
Andrea will recount her observations of the fates of Bisby,Aiger Ghaelfin, and Coriana Heavenscape(Including the tragic loss of her ashes at the Massacre House.)
Bisby still haunts Delvehaven and I strongly urge that his remains be undisturbed since he was very hostile towards intruders.
Making it out of her room just in time to eat some lunch after sleeping in later and then taking her time in showing Truk her 'appreciation' for restoring her sight, Lucrezia will look for Faelyn.
"Hey Faelyn. I kinda got a favor to ask of you. Given all the crap we've been dealing with lately, I was thinking maybe I should learn a bit about some arcane stuff. Would you mind kinda tutoring me a bit?"
Faelyn perks up at Lucrezia's interest in arcane magic. Of course I will help you Lucrezia. We need to go to Talbard's and grab you a spell book! He jumps up. Lets go now. I could use some fresh air. Truk...you want to be our bodyguard? Could we run by a tavern and have a few drinks on the way as well? I really need some Bloodwine to quench my thirst.
Truk nods and grins at the invitation.
"Sure thing Champ. Somebody has to make sure you and Beautiful stay out of trouble. Did you ever hear back about that coward Thrax?"
After a pause in recounting the tale of the missing pathfinders and Delvehaven, Andrea addresses Aiyln,Areal and Janivan. Would any of you be able to contact one of the druidic faith and inquire about procuring a reincarnation miracle for Ermolos? While raising him is something I would like to happen, we are somewhat short of dunds. Not impying that Ermolos isn't worht the cost of course.
Areal nods that he has an acquaintance that may be able to help with Andrea's request.
He then turns to Faelyn,"Go let off some steam."
What is everyone doing in this down time?
I see Lucrezia is going to talbard's to get a spellbook, and some ink.
Anyone going back to the lawyer?
Gear/equipment purchasing?
Are you heading off on your own, or staying in small groups like Lucrezia, Faelyn and Truk?
Truk will be sticking with whoever wants him around.
He won't be buying anything as 100% of his coin is going to freeing Orn.
When Truk and John move in separate directions you each get an uneasy feeling, almost a sense of loneliness.
Before Ailyn leaves she would identify the gold and black bat head as a holy symbol for the believed to be dead-demon lord of shadows, Vyriavaxus.
"Grabbing a drink sounds like a good idea to me Faelyn, but let's do our shopping first. Then you can try to explain to me how to use and write in the book over lunch and a bottle of wine."
Andrea looks over to Orsin. Orsin, after you are done with writing your report to the Pathfinders, we should head back to the lawyer and see if any progress has been made with freeing Orn.
Andrea will secure the 'Free Orn' funds and also also her own personal funds in case more is needed, and head out with Orsin when he is ready.
As for shopping, Andrea will look into purchasing a Wand of Lesser Restoration.
The arrows will be easy enough to obtain.
You suffer the armor failure check regardless if it is a scroll. You still need to make the hand motion, body motions.
I've never played failure when using a wand while in armor.
After Andrea restores Orsin's hearing, he thanks her profusely, confessing he has something he must share with her en route to or from the lawyer's office.
Orsin finishes up his report of the group's findings in Delvehaven, complete with identity-protecting pseudonyms (which are different from the ones the bard used last time to further prevent any connections being made). Before Ailyn leaves with the report, Orsin gives her an austere salute, only to embrace her in a warm, informal hug.
"Thank you so much, Captain," he whispers, "For everything."
Orsin feels that this woman literally saved his life by giving him purpose and something real worth living for.
The lovely lawyers fee was $1500 GP plus expenses of $500.
Then there was the cost of getting Orn out of jail and his sale from slavery.
Andrea will wait for Orsin to finish his farewells to Ailyn and then exits the safehouse with him and heads to the lawyer's. Of course Orsin, feel free to tell me what is on your mind.
With your fame points you get the first drink on the house and a free meal.
If you are looking for items, or anything specific you can roll your fame check for a possible discount.
Truk, Lucrezia and Faelyn are off to do a bit of shopping, drinking and teaching.
Andrea is off to the lawyer is Orsin going with you? Andrea's fame is not getting her any discounts right now. Just a free drink and meal.
Grimm and John are headed where?
"Goblin spawn! Out ...Out ...OUT!
Andrea flees from Talbard's.