Daewen suddenly appears next to Mock in the gloom, and shakes the sleeve of her cloak to get her attention. She then proceeds to draw a crude map in the dirt with the tip of a stick, showing the entire area within a league of where they currently are. She then highlights the suggested route forward, which appeared to be the safest route forward.
Arora had been hiding in the shadows keeping watch. She notices that the party is about ready to keep moving and steps out of her hiding "I suggest we keep moving, otherwise we may have unwanted company sooner rather than later."she says as she gathers her belongings. She starts helping some of the villagers up "You all ready? Let's go."and she starts leading the way, with the help of the villager, towards Galekin Estate.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D 5E BEYOND: Ada- Sorceress /Isa- Sorceress / Naris - Oathbreaker Paladin CYBERPUNK RED DISCORD: Isa - Solo 5 / Angel- Solo 5 / Faun- Tech 5 / Raja - Nomad 5 PATHFINDER 2e DISCORD: Crystal - Sorceress
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Portent rolls: 15, 18 Zhisshikassa casts mage armor, surrounding himself in a snakeskin-like webbing of abjurational magic.
Zhisshikassa barely even breathes in his sleep. He simply used the moment of relative safety to curl up and feel his muscles become sore overnight. What a terrible sensation. Zhi remembers why he never worked out. He was too thin for this. Whether he recognizes Nephvir accidentally becoming his pillow overnight or not is unknown. It's not like he would speak about it, anyways.
The last to wake up from the night's rest - Wizards needed their rest for their spells, obviously - Zhi yawns his usual, unhinged-jaw yawn and neglects a breakfast out of fear he'll throw it all up again if running is necessary. He huddles in his warm clothing with his usual sour expression on his face. The readings were good today. He calmly watches as Raza approaches and blinks in surprise as Raza taps him on the shoulder. His scaly skin is cold to the touch. "While I am busy, of course, I can aid you with what you wish," Zhi replies, shifting his shoulders as he recognizes an opportunity to show off his magical knowledge.
Guidence-fueled Arcana! 29
Zhi rolls his eyes. Simple, yet Kasha being unable to control her shapechanging was an issue. "Druids such as Kasha are known to transmute themselves into different forms. Without going into much arcane detail - I am sure it will mean nothing to anyone other than me - polymorph and other forms of transmutation are similar. I am unsure why Kasha chooses to keep her forms. Perhaps she is too weak. It does not last indefinitely. Injuring the creature should force her to revert to her original form."
Much too cramped in Zhi's magical hut, Doc eventually left its confines to sleep outside, where he slept like a rock, before awaking sore but moderately well rested. He spent the morning before departing checking on everyone once again and making sure that no one had developed any serious wounds or injuries over night.
Whenever the group was finally ready to depart, Doc give the Squad a nod before turning to the village who had spoken earlier and saying simply, "Lead the way. We shouldn't stay in one place longer than we must."
"While I am busy, of course, I can aid you with what you wish,"Zhi replies, shifting his shoulders as he recognizes an opportunity to show off his magical knowledge.
Well, that was an almost...nice answer from Zhi. Maybe he won't be too upset about what I have to say.
Zhi rolls his eyes. Simple, yet Kasha being unable to control her shapechanging was an issue. "Druids such as Kasha are known to transmute themselves into different forms. Without going into much arcane detail - I am sure it will mean nothing to anyone other than me - polymorph and other forms of transmutation are similar. I am unsure why Kasha chooses to keep her forms. Perhaps she is too weak. It does not last indefinitely. Injuring the creature should force her to revert to her original form."
"Well, I'd rather not wait until it wears off and I definitely don't want to purposely injure her. In fact, I almost squished her last night and she didn't change back." Her tail starts moving back and forth as her nervousness grows. Zhi's gaze is always so intense. "Um...I think I might have figured out a way but I think it may take someone who knows magic?" She takes a breath and continues. "Before settling down for the night I like to read poetry and I read some aloud to Kasha, thinking maybe should would like them. Well, as I was reading one of my favorite poems to her, she perked up. She was listening and a slight green glow appeared but fizzled a moment later. I read a similar poem, they were both silly ones, and got the same results." She pulls out her book and flips to a page. "I was wondering if you would read the poem to her and see if it worked better?"
Zhisshikassa freezes. He actually, literally doesn't move for several moments as if attempting to process what he just heard. Raza wanted him to what? Zhi's crimson gaze bores into the rogue, a blend of bewilderment, confusion, and appall apparent in his gaze. His forked tongue flickers out to taste the air as normal when he isn't quite sure what to do. He stands as still as a statue.
"You what?" he exclaims, voice drawing into a low hiss, designating the familiar irritation Zhi shows. His scaly lips pull back over his mouth in a sneer. "Kasha is someone sent on this mission. If she cannot control her own powers, perhaps she deserves the injuries received while attempting to control them," he snarls - like a cobra attempting to appear intimidating, the hood hanging below his shoulders flares. "Furthermore, poetry is a useless waste of time, as is anything designed for the purpose of enjoyment. I am capable of dispelling magical effects and reversing transmutations to a certain degree, although the most expedient method would be to cause the form she is in enough pain for her original self to awaken. Poetry is useless," he spits, "A waste of time. Have you seen the amount of magical power I have achieved through study, Raza? Comparing myself to meager magicians and sorcerers who are not disciplined enough and turn to music to mimic a fraction of my capabilities is like comparing a droplet of blood to the countless bodies slain by carelessness and incompetence." Zhisshikassa's nostrils flare as he heaves a raggedy breath - Raza could swear something rattles in Zhi's chest. He calmly brushes some dust from a sleeve folds his arms behind his back, still maintaining unblinking, soulless eye contact with Raza. "And you expect me to read a silly poem?" he scoffs, treating Raza to another nasty look and eye roll. "Very well, Raza. I will do so only because you asked me to and you are an ally. Apparently catering to their idiotic whims is supposed to build trust and aid in our missions," Zhi sarcastically snaps, raising his hoarse voice loud enough for Doc to hear him. Zhi received many debriefings from Doc on general politeness and, well, how to actually be a person and hold a decent conversation. Zhi clearly didn't socialize much in the jungle he lived in. He rattles an incantation - a clawed mage hand hovers before Raza. "Kasha and the poem," he demands.
Wrong! She was so very wrong! Raza's tail droops and she shrinks down a little bit at each comment until she is about 4 inches shorter, her face scrunches as if she is in physical pain. But she perseveres and withstands the tirade because Kasha is a dear friend and she must help her. A bit of surprise shows on her face as Zhi eventually agrees to reading the poem. She gingerly hands the book over and gently pulls Hamsha out of her pocket, almost afraid to set her in Zhi's clawed hand. "It's ok Kash, Zhisshikassa is going to help us." She whispers before handing her over.
Hamsha's cleaning her face with her paws as she's handed to Zhi. She looks around sniffing the air and has no idea what's going on because she's an actual hamster.
The evil, rotten part of Zhisshikassa's heart approves Raza's wilting before him. The Orzhov - much like the Yuan-Ti - functioned best when there were clear-cut people in charge. Those at the top ruled those below. It's a simple mentality Zhi finds so...convenient, in a way. To Zhi, he was better than all these people. Even the Drow. They worked to serve Zhi's will. He towers over Raza, an approving look resting on his cruel features as Raza cowers before him. "Correct. You need me. Ensure this situation does not happen again." A clawed Mage Hand holds Kashamster in the air as Zhi props the book up. A minute passes. Another. Zhi throws Raza a withering glare, his face twisting in an expression of absolute disgust and seething rage. "I reiterate my previous point," he manages to snarl through bared fangs.
Holding the struggling Kashamster around the waist with his clawed hands, Zhisshikassa recites the poem in his hoarse, clinical, raspy tone. His petty fury adds to his anger as he stumbles through the words. The shame. His dignity. How would he ever recover? He maintains eye contact with Raza the whole time, despising every second of the process. Sparks of arcane magic flash from his hands as he attempts to...revert Kasha into her original form?
"My beard grows down to my toes, I never wears no clothes, I wraps my hair Around my bare, And down the road I goes."
He spits on the ground and seethes a few times as if attempting to rid the taste of the words from his snakelike mouth.
A change in air pressure let everyone know that Kasha was no longer a hamster. She tumbled to the ground with an "Ouf!"and looked around, dazed, but blinked out the dust. "Oh! Hi Raza! What are you doing he-"she turned to look around and saw Zhi, where she promptly startled with a loud "Yeep!"- his visage so wrapped with disgust and anger. "Hi, Noodles!"she gulped. He looked upset. More upset. Than normal.
Raza is frozen, she is unable tear her eyes away from the terrifying reptilian eyes of the Yuan-ti wizard. She shrinks down even more if possible, barely breathing. Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God keeps repeating over and over in her head. She doesn't even feel the change in pressure as Kasha pops back into her normal form but seeing her friend on the ground and hearing her voice finally allows Raza to free herself from Zhi's control. She blinks her eyes a couple of times and takes a deep, shuddering breath. "Hi Kash." She squeaks out.
Daewen looks on to this event, hidden in the woods. Such immature children my teammates are. But what more should I expect from humanoids that live such finite, short lives? Don’t they realize that time is irrelevant? True power comes from experience….something none of these children will ever live long enough to experience.
She longingly looks at her fellow elf sisters and brothers. They understand.
Arora watched the exchange intently between Raza and Zhi concerning Kasha. It was curious how Kasha always had trouble changing back into her original form but it would eventually happen so it was usually not a concern... but this time she was a hamster/hamsha and that was much to dangerous. It wasn't just the squishability part of being in Raza's pocket but it was the fact that she was a small rodent and rodent have many predators. One of the biggest predators of rodents are snakes... which is why she was watching the whole interaction so carefully, especially when Raza handed poor Hamsha over to Zhi.... the terror that must have gone through poor Hamsha's mind, struggling to get free, thinking she might be Zhi's next meal and not understanding that they were in fact trying to help her. Honestly, I'm a bit surprised that Zhi didn't start drooling at the tiny morsel in his hands, I have to give him props on his restraint and for his willingness to actually help. All is well now that Kasha is back to normal. We must move on.
She starts helping some of the villagers up "You all ready? Let's go." and she starts leading the way, with the help of the villager, towards Galekin Estate.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D 5E BEYOND: Ada- Sorceress /Isa- Sorceress / Naris - Oathbreaker Paladin CYBERPUNK RED DISCORD: Isa - Solo 5 / Angel- Solo 5 / Faun- Tech 5 / Raja - Nomad 5 PATHFINDER 2e DISCORD: Crystal - Sorceress
Neph claps his hand on the back of Zhi, smiling. "Loved the poem! Great work, it turned her back! Your delivery was perfect." He gathers his things into his pack and takes off after Arora toward the Galekin Estate. He pulls up next to her. "What do you think our next move is from here? This is a matter of sheer numbers. Perhaps we can lure their force away and head back to the castle, find where this moonshard resides."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
You leave a bit off the main road to follow a much smaller on through hilly countryside, bereft of forest. Ahead, Galekin Estate sits atop a low rise, promising safety. The Galekin Estate is a small country manor, only a single story tall and clearly intended to house no more than a dozen people comfortably. A low stone wall encircles the property and while some areas are in visible disrepair, it remains high enough to keep out passing wildlife.
The walls around the grounds are two and a half feet high and six inches thick. The eastern wall has partially collapsed at one point, leaving a three-foot wide section only one foot high. The grounds contain two large trees, a well, and a small garden.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Daewen just frowns at the sight of the supposed estate in disrepair. They expect to shelter in this hovel? Or, is this like the great icebergs of the north…there is more hidden below, and this meager building is just the tip of what lays below?
Before approaching any sort of main gate, Daewen will explore entire circumference of the fence around the estate.
Daewen suddenly appears next to Mock in the gloom, and shakes the sleeve of her cloak to get her attention. She then proceeds to draw a crude map in the dirt with the tip of a stick, showing the entire area within a league of where they currently are. She then highlights the suggested route forward, which appeared to be the safest route forward.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Arora had been hiding in the shadows keeping watch. She notices that the party is about ready to keep moving and steps out of her hiding "I suggest we keep moving, otherwise we may have unwanted company sooner rather than later." she says as she gathers her belongings. She starts helping some of the villagers up "You all ready? Let's go." and she starts leading the way, with the help of the villager, towards Galekin Estate.
D&D 5E BEYOND: Ada - Sorceress / Isa - Sorceress / Naris - Oathbreaker Paladin
CYBERPUNK RED DISCORD: Isa - Solo 5 / Angel - Solo 5 / Faun - Tech 5 / Raja - Nomad 5
PATHFINDER 2e DISCORD: Crystal - Sorceress
(Raza and Zhi will have a moment and then i'll move on.)
Portent rolls: 15, 18
Zhisshikassa casts mage armor, surrounding himself in a snakeskin-like webbing of abjurational magic.
Zhisshikassa barely even breathes in his sleep. He simply used the moment of relative safety to curl up and feel his muscles become sore overnight. What a terrible sensation. Zhi remembers why he never worked out. He was too thin for this. Whether he recognizes Nephvir accidentally becoming his pillow overnight or not is unknown. It's not like he would speak about it, anyways.
The last to wake up from the night's rest - Wizards needed their rest for their spells, obviously - Zhi yawns his usual, unhinged-jaw yawn and neglects a breakfast out of fear he'll throw it all up again if running is necessary. He huddles in his warm clothing with his usual sour expression on his face. The readings were good today. He calmly watches as Raza approaches and blinks in surprise as Raza taps him on the shoulder. His scaly skin is cold to the touch. "While I am busy, of course, I can aid you with what you wish," Zhi replies, shifting his shoulders as he recognizes an opportunity to show off his magical knowledge.
Guidence-fueled Arcana! 29
Zhi rolls his eyes. Simple, yet Kasha being unable to control her shapechanging was an issue. "Druids such as Kasha are known to transmute themselves into different forms. Without going into much arcane detail - I am sure it will mean nothing to anyone other than me - polymorph and other forms of transmutation are similar. I am unsure why Kasha chooses to keep her forms. Perhaps she is too weak. It does not last indefinitely. Injuring the creature should force her to revert to her original form."
Much too cramped in Zhi's magical hut, Doc eventually left its confines to sleep outside, where he slept like a rock, before awaking sore but moderately well rested. He spent the morning before departing checking on everyone once again and making sure that no one had developed any serious wounds or injuries over night.
Whenever the group was finally ready to depart, Doc give the Squad a nod before turning to the village who had spoken earlier and saying simply, "Lead the way. We shouldn't stay in one place longer than we must."
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
"While I am busy, of course, I can aid you with what you wish," Zhi replies, shifting his shoulders as he recognizes an opportunity to show off his magical knowledge.
Well, that was an almost...nice answer from Zhi. Maybe he won't be too upset about what I have to say.
Zhi rolls his eyes. Simple, yet Kasha being unable to control her shapechanging was an issue. "Druids such as Kasha are known to transmute themselves into different forms. Without going into much arcane detail - I am sure it will mean nothing to anyone other than me - polymorph and other forms of transmutation are similar. I am unsure why Kasha chooses to keep her forms. Perhaps she is too weak. It does not last indefinitely. Injuring the creature should force her to revert to her original form."
"Well, I'd rather not wait until it wears off and I definitely don't want to purposely injure her. In fact, I almost squished her last night and she didn't change back." Her tail starts moving back and forth as her nervousness grows. Zhi's gaze is always so intense. "Um...I think I might have figured out a way but I think it may take someone who knows magic?" She takes a breath and continues. "Before settling down for the night I like to read poetry and I read some aloud to Kasha, thinking maybe should would like them. Well, as I was reading one of my favorite poems to her, she perked up. She was listening and a slight green glow appeared but fizzled a moment later. I read a similar poem, they were both silly ones, and got the same results." She pulls out her book and flips to a page. "I was wondering if you would read the poem to her and see if it worked better?"
Zhisshikassa freezes. He actually, literally doesn't move for several moments as if attempting to process what he just heard. Raza wanted him to what? Zhi's crimson gaze bores into the rogue, a blend of bewilderment, confusion, and appall apparent in his gaze. His forked tongue flickers out to taste the air as normal when he isn't quite sure what to do. He stands as still as a statue.
"You what?" he exclaims, voice drawing into a low hiss, designating the familiar irritation Zhi shows. His scaly lips pull back over his mouth in a sneer. "Kasha is someone sent on this mission. If she cannot control her own powers, perhaps she deserves the injuries received while attempting to control them," he snarls - like a cobra attempting to appear intimidating, the hood hanging below his shoulders flares. "Furthermore, poetry is a useless waste of time, as is anything designed for the purpose of enjoyment. I am capable of dispelling magical effects and reversing transmutations to a certain degree, although the most expedient method would be to cause the form she is in enough pain for her original self to awaken. Poetry is useless," he spits, "A waste of time. Have you seen the amount of magical power I have achieved through study, Raza? Comparing myself to meager magicians and sorcerers who are not disciplined enough and turn to music to mimic a fraction of my capabilities is like comparing a droplet of blood to the countless bodies slain by carelessness and incompetence." Zhisshikassa's nostrils flare as he heaves a raggedy breath - Raza could swear something rattles in Zhi's chest. He calmly brushes some dust from a sleeve folds his arms behind his back, still maintaining unblinking, soulless eye contact with Raza. "And you expect me to read a silly poem?" he scoffs, treating Raza to another nasty look and eye roll. "Very well, Raza. I will do so only because you asked me to and you are an ally. Apparently catering to their idiotic whims is supposed to build trust and aid in our missions," Zhi sarcastically snaps, raising his hoarse voice loud enough for Doc to hear him. Zhi received many debriefings from Doc on general politeness and, well, how to actually be a person and hold a decent conversation. Zhi clearly didn't socialize much in the jungle he lived in. He rattles an incantation - a clawed mage hand hovers before Raza. "Kasha and the poem," he demands.
Wrong! She was so very wrong! Raza's tail droops and she shrinks down a little bit at each comment until she is about 4 inches shorter, her face scrunches as if she is in physical pain. But she perseveres and withstands the tirade because Kasha is a dear friend and she must help her. A bit of surprise shows on her face as Zhi eventually agrees to reading the poem. She gingerly hands the book over and gently pulls Hamsha out of her pocket, almost afraid to set her in Zhi's clawed hand. "It's ok Kash, Zhisshikassa is going to help us." She whispers before handing her over.
Hamsha's cleaning her face with her paws as she's handed to Zhi. She looks around sniffing the air and has no idea what's going on because she's an actual hamster.
The evil, rotten part of Zhisshikassa's heart approves Raza's wilting before him. The Orzhov - much like the Yuan-Ti - functioned best when there were clear-cut people in charge. Those at the top ruled those below. It's a simple mentality Zhi finds so...convenient, in a way. To Zhi, he was better than all these people. Even the Drow. They worked to serve Zhi's will. He towers over Raza, an approving look resting on his cruel features as Raza cowers before him. "Correct. You need me. Ensure this situation does not happen again." A clawed Mage Hand holds Kashamster in the air as Zhi props the book up. A minute passes. Another. Zhi throws Raza a withering glare, his face twisting in an expression of absolute disgust and seething rage. "I reiterate my previous point," he manages to snarl through bared fangs.
Holding the struggling Kashamster around the waist with his clawed hands, Zhisshikassa recites the poem in his hoarse, clinical, raspy tone. His petty fury adds to his anger as he stumbles through the words. The shame. His dignity. How would he ever recover? He maintains eye contact with Raza the whole time, despising every second of the process. Sparks of arcane magic flash from his hands as he attempts to...revert Kasha into her original form?
"My beard grows down to my toes, I never wears no clothes, I wraps my hair Around my bare, And down the road I goes."
He spits on the ground and seethes a few times as if attempting to rid the taste of the words from his snakelike mouth.
EEP! COLD HANDS! COLD HANDS! COL-
A change in air pressure let everyone know that Kasha was no longer a hamster. She tumbled to the ground with an "Ouf!" and looked around, dazed, but blinked out the dust. "Oh! Hi Raza! What are you doing he-" she turned to look around and saw Zhi, where she promptly startled with a loud "Yeep!" - his visage so wrapped with disgust and anger. "Hi, Noodles!" she gulped. He looked upset. More upset. Than normal.
Raza is frozen, she is unable tear her eyes away from the terrifying reptilian eyes of the Yuan-ti wizard. She shrinks down even more if possible, barely breathing. Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God keeps repeating over and over in her head. She doesn't even feel the change in pressure as Kasha pops back into her normal form but seeing her friend on the ground and hearing her voice finally allows Raza to free herself from Zhi's control. She blinks her eyes a couple of times and takes a deep, shuddering breath. "Hi Kash." She squeaks out.
"Hi! Are you ok?" she asked, looking between you both. "Noodles, did you fart again? What did we tell you about your ruffage intake?"
Daewen looks on to this event, hidden in the woods. Such immature children my teammates are. But what more should I expect from humanoids that live such finite, short lives? Don’t they realize that time is irrelevant? True power comes from experience….something none of these children will ever live long enough to experience.
She longingly looks at her fellow elf sisters and brothers. They understand.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Arora watched the exchange intently between Raza and Zhi concerning Kasha. It was curious how Kasha always had trouble changing back into her original form but it would eventually happen so it was usually not a concern... but this time she was a hamster/hamsha and that was much to dangerous. It wasn't just the squishability part of being in Raza's pocket but it was the fact that she was a small rodent and rodent have many predators. One of the biggest predators of rodents are snakes... which is why she was watching the whole interaction so carefully, especially when Raza handed poor Hamsha over to Zhi.... the terror that must have gone through poor Hamsha's mind, struggling to get free, thinking she might be Zhi's next meal and not understanding that they were in fact trying to help her. Honestly, I'm a bit surprised that Zhi didn't start drooling at the tiny morsel in his hands, I have to give him props on his restraint and for his willingness to actually help. All is well now that Kasha is back to normal. We must move on.
She starts helping some of the villagers up "You all ready? Let's go." and she starts leading the way, with the help of the villager, towards Galekin Estate.
D&D 5E BEYOND: Ada - Sorceress / Isa - Sorceress / Naris - Oathbreaker Paladin
CYBERPUNK RED DISCORD: Isa - Solo 5 / Angel - Solo 5 / Faun - Tech 5 / Raja - Nomad 5
PATHFINDER 2e DISCORD: Crystal - Sorceress
Neph claps his hand on the back of Zhi, smiling. "Loved the poem! Great work, it turned her back! Your delivery was perfect." He gathers his things into his pack and takes off after Arora toward the Galekin Estate. He pulls up next to her. "What do you think our next move is from here? This is a matter of sheer numbers. Perhaps we can lure their force away and head back to the castle, find where this moonshard resides."
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
You leave a bit off the main road to follow a much smaller on through hilly countryside, bereft of forest. Ahead, Galekin Estate sits atop a low rise, promising safety. The Galekin Estate is a small country manor, only a single story tall and clearly intended to house no more than a dozen people comfortably. A low stone wall encircles the property and while some areas are in visible disrepair, it remains high enough to keep out passing wildlife.
The walls around the grounds are two and a half feet high and six inches thick. The eastern wall has partially collapsed at one point, leaving a three-foot wide section only one foot high. The grounds contain two large trees, a well, and a small garden.
Daewen just frowns at the sight of the supposed estate in disrepair. They expect to shelter in this hovel? Or, is this like the great icebergs of the north…there is more hidden below, and this meager building is just the tip of what lays below?
Before approaching any sort of main gate, Daewen will explore entire circumference of the fence around the estate.
Perception: 24
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Neph helps Daewen to scout the perimeter, looking for movement. He circles around the well and has a look in.
Perception : 21
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The villagers begin pouring into the Estate. A quick perimeter check reveals no drow pursuing, or enemies around the structure.