Lady Kaede stands back up, and wonders out loud Where might all of our fellow adventurers be, my furry friend? as she looks around for sign of anyone else making it through the sphinx gates.
Violet opens her many eyes, quickly sweeping the area to see how many of the other Remnants are still alive...
She breathes a sigh of relief (and, to be frank, amazement) as she realizes that they all are... even Greko! With a new sense of confidence (which will probably be quashed in the not-too-distant future) she walks towards the gate.
Rum moves for the first time in a while, moving a paw over his heart and bowing his head to each of the Sphinxes in turn.
He then looks over to where the others are and a smile spreads across his feline face, showing how pleased he is to see that most of his companions were already through the first trial, and that no extra bodies littered the ground.
"An intriguing conversation, seemingly designed to separate us and make us introspective and ultimately judge ourselves. At least that is how I experienced the trial", he says as he moves to join those who had finished the trial.
"Hello there. The others appear to be having a harder time getting through their trials....Were your trials.....difficult to face?"
"The Sphinxes test the soul, Greko-sama. Their challenges are personal and demanding. However, you are here now, safe and sound. Trust in yourself and your purpose. We face these trials together, as one united team!"
Greko nods "Indeed it was introspective. It helped solidify in Greko's mind the role Greko is to play....Greko hopes the group trusts Greko will not lead them astray." Greko rummages through his pack and offers those waiting around some snacks
Rum gives Greko a warm smile and pats him on the back, "You have much wisdom to impart, friend Greko. Just no more sacrificing yourself". He is happy indeed that Greko seems to have rediscovered his focus and determination.
With that, he sits down and looks out for those others that entered the gate to finish the first trial.
"The second trial is where we face ourselves, in our darkest form", he says to all the others there. "The fact we are no longer separated, suggests we might face that trial together", he adds before closing his eyes and clearing his mind.
"A wise observation, Rum-san. Facing our darkest reflections… together. It is a daunting prospect, but perhaps also a source of strength. We have witnessed each other’s struggles and shared burdens. Perhaps united, we can overcome even this challenge." Lady Kaede responds to Rum.
Greko nods "Well as long as we trust each other and do not give up hope, we will conquer whatever is set forth next. A famous poet once said "hope is all we need"....Greko believes that this group will overcome. Greko trusts you with Greko's second life" Greko chuckles at his joke and then he face turns a bit remembering how he died sliced in half and as a lizard pin cushion
A yelping-snarling-howling shriek pierces the night sky simultaneous with a burst of light and fire from between the two Guardians. Rocketing out on four legs, tails and ass scorched and smoking, comes a monstrously powerful looking dog, black and red with glowing, smokey eyes. The hound skitters to a halt and then rolls over onto it's back a shuffles this way and that until the fire on it's haunches is out... Climbing back to it's four feet it looks at those of you who are through the gates and chuffs out a snort. Stretching first, they then strut around you all in a circle, assessing... Finally it decides on a spot it likes, circles the spot two, three times, then it lays down with it's muzzle upon it's paws and languidly watches you all.
Greko looks at the others and then to the dog then back at the others and then the dog again. Greko takes a moment and ritually casts speak with animals while they wait for the others to emerge from the sphinx.
In dog
"Hello there. I am Greko the White. These are my friends. Are you lost? Hungry? I know that one there is a cat person but they do not taste good. I have snacks, perhaps you would like some? I saw you emerged from the sphinx with a burned bum, would you like me to take a look and heal it for you?"
The large hound cocks it's head and lifts an ear, the look on their face one of being perplexed... And perhaps a bit amused. The hound yawns before slowly climbing back to their feet. Shaking as if to throw off water, the hound blurs for a moment and then standing in it's place is a hunched over Judal adjusting the heavy cloak he wears. He brushes off some soot from the back bottom of the cloak and then looks around to the rest of you.
"Oh. Hi. Yes then," he says. "We ready? 'Cause the Guardians were quite impressed with me and suggested we best hurry onward..."
Judal then turns to Greko and scrunches up his face a moment. In a hushed voice he asks "Were you barking at the dog? Dude, they don't speak dog... Just Infernal."
"Right then," he calls out with his normal aplumb. "We missing anyone? Shall we go?"
Rum opens one eye when he hears the yelping-snarling-howling shriek, taking in the visage of the monstrous hound as it darts away from the burst of light and fire. He assumes it is one of his companions, and has a good idea which he thinks it is, but stays silent as it rolls over.
He goes back to meditating until he hears the strange sounds of barking, seemingly coming from Greko. With a sigh he opens his eyes to see what is happening, just in time to see the monstrous hound turn into Judal.
"It does seem that they were keen to hasten your departure", he says with a smile.
Greko looks at Judal curiousily "You were blasted by the Sphinx? Did they deem you unworthy but you escaped by transforming into the hellhound? Ingenuius indeed but why did they deem you unworthy?"
Lady Kaede stood vigil near the colossal Sphinxes, their otherworldly glow casting long, distorted shadows across the barren ground. Patience was never her strongest suit, but here, it was the only weapon she possessed. She scanned the gap, hoping to see another figure emerge from the shimmering portal beyond.
A sigh escaped her lips, a wisp of vapor in the dry air. This unexpected delay gnawed at her. Reaching under her armor, she retrieved a small vial of shimmering ink, its contents a deep, almost luminous blue. It was a stark contrast to the traditional black ink used by samurai tattoo artists.
Over the past month, the long trek to the Oracle had provided a rare moment of introspection. Inspired by the ancient stories whispered around campfires and the resilience of her companions, Lady Kaede had embarked on a personal project – a vast tattoo that adorned her upper body.
The intricate design, a swirling mix of traditional samurai motifs and symbols whispered to her by the desert wind, was nearing completion. Here, bathed in the otherworldly light of the Sphinxes, she dipped the needle into the vial, her movements precise and practiced.
With each prick, each line drawn, she felt a sense of calm settle over her. It was a tribute, a promise, and a reminder – a tribute to those lost, a promise to rebuild, and a reminder of the unwavering spirit she shared with her companions. The Ardent Remnants might face their darkest reflections together, but they would not face them alone. They faced them, quite literally, with Lady Kaede's new tattoo, a testament to their shared journey, emblazoned upon her skin.
As the final line settled into place, a surge of energy pulsed through Lady Kaede. The once-ordinary ink flared to life, the swirling blue symbols glowing with an inner light. The Blood Fury Tattoo, a secret passed down through generations of her family, had finally awoken. Its potent magic hummed beneath her skin, a wellspring of power waiting to be unleashed.
I've been working on this idea for the last three months IRL....finally remembered that she was going to tattoo herself the other night, so I worked it out with the DM on the side.
This is what Lady Kaede now looks like-
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
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Lady Kaede bows a noble bow towards cat Greko, kneels down, and scratches him on top of the head between his ears, lovingly.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Lady Kaede stands back up, and wonders out loud Where might all of our fellow adventurers be, my furry friend? as she looks around for sign of anyone else making it through the sphinx gates.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Violet opens her many eyes, quickly sweeping the area to see how many of the other Remnants are still alive...
She breathes a sigh of relief (and, to be frank, amazement) as she realizes that they all are... even Greko! With a new sense of confidence (which will probably be quashed in the not-too-distant future) she walks towards the gate.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
((we all are? news to me...))
(We all saw the eyes close... which seens to imply we're all still alive...)
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
(I think the others r still going through trials but are alive ….for now)
Cat Greko shifts back to Greko
"Hello there. The others appear to be having a harder time getting through their trials....Were your trials.....difficult to face?"
Rum moves for the first time in a while, moving a paw over his heart and bowing his head to each of the Sphinxes in turn.
He then looks over to where the others are and a smile spreads across his feline face, showing how pleased he is to see that most of his companions were already through the first trial, and that no extra bodies littered the ground.
"An intriguing conversation, seemingly designed to separate us and make us introspective and ultimately judge ourselves. At least that is how I experienced the trial", he says as he moves to join those who had finished the trial.
"The Sphinxes test the soul, Greko-sama. Their challenges are personal and demanding. However, you are here now, safe and sound. Trust in yourself and your purpose. We face these trials together, as one united team!"
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Greko nods "Indeed it was introspective. It helped solidify in Greko's mind the role Greko is to play....Greko hopes the group trusts Greko will not lead them astray." Greko rummages through his pack and offers those waiting around some snacks
Rum gives Greko a warm smile and pats him on the back, "You have much wisdom to impart, friend Greko. Just no more sacrificing yourself". He is happy indeed that Greko seems to have rediscovered his focus and determination.
With that, he sits down and looks out for those others that entered the gate to finish the first trial.
"The second trial is where we face ourselves, in our darkest form", he says to all the others there. "The fact we are no longer separated, suggests we might face that trial together", he adds before closing his eyes and clearing his mind.
"A wise observation, Rum-san. Facing our darkest reflections… together. It is a daunting prospect, but perhaps also a source of strength. We have witnessed each other’s struggles and shared burdens. Perhaps united, we can overcome even this challenge." Lady Kaede responds to Rum.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Greko nods "Well as long as we trust each other and do not give up hope, we will conquer whatever is set forth next. A famous poet once said "hope is all we need"....Greko believes that this group will overcome. Greko trusts you with Greko's second life" Greko chuckles at his joke and then he face turns a bit remembering how he died sliced in half and as a lizard pin cushion
A yelping-snarling-howling shriek pierces the night sky simultaneous with a burst of light and fire from between the two Guardians. Rocketing out on four legs, tails and ass scorched and smoking, comes a monstrously powerful looking dog, black and red with glowing, smokey eyes. The hound skitters to a halt and then rolls over onto it's back a shuffles this way and that until the fire on it's haunches is out... Climbing back to it's four feet it looks at those of you who are through the gates and chuffs out a snort. Stretching first, they then strut around you all in a circle, assessing... Finally it decides on a spot it likes, circles the spot two, three times, then it lays down with it's muzzle upon it's paws and languidly watches you all.
Greko looks at the others and then to the dog then back at the others and then the dog again. Greko takes a moment and ritually casts speak with animals while they wait for the others to emerge from the sphinx.
In dog
"Hello there. I am Greko the White. These are my friends. Are you lost? Hungry? I know that one there is a cat person but they do not taste good. I have snacks, perhaps you would like some? I saw you emerged from the sphinx with a burned bum, would you like me to take a look and heal it for you?"
The large hound cocks it's head and lifts an ear, the look on their face one of being perplexed... And perhaps a bit amused. The hound yawns before slowly climbing back to their feet. Shaking as if to throw off water, the hound blurs for a moment and then standing in it's place is a hunched over Judal adjusting the heavy cloak he wears. He brushes off some soot from the back bottom of the cloak and then looks around to the rest of you.
"Oh. Hi. Yes then," he says. "We ready? 'Cause the Guardians were quite impressed with me and suggested we best hurry onward..."
Judal then turns to Greko and scrunches up his face a moment. In a hushed voice he asks "Were you barking at the dog? Dude, they don't speak dog... Just Infernal."
"Right then," he calls out with his normal aplumb. "We missing anyone? Shall we go?"
Rum opens one eye when he hears the yelping-snarling-howling shriek, taking in the visage of the monstrous hound as it darts away from the burst of light and fire. He assumes it is one of his companions, and has a good idea which he thinks it is, but stays silent as it rolls over.
He goes back to meditating until he hears the strange sounds of barking, seemingly coming from Greko. With a sigh he opens his eyes to see what is happening, just in time to see the monstrous hound turn into Judal.
"It does seem that they were keen to hasten your departure", he says with a smile.
"They think out mission is of the utmost importance, yeah," Judal answers. "Nothing lights a fire under one's ass like a fire under one's ass."
Greko looks at Judal curiousily "You were blasted by the Sphinx? Did they deem you unworthy but you escaped by transforming into the hellhound? Ingenuius indeed but why did they deem you unworthy?"
Lady Kaede stood vigil near the colossal Sphinxes, their otherworldly glow casting long, distorted shadows across the barren ground. Patience was never her strongest suit, but here, it was the only weapon she possessed. She scanned the gap, hoping to see another figure emerge from the shimmering portal beyond.
A sigh escaped her lips, a wisp of vapor in the dry air. This unexpected delay gnawed at her. Reaching under her armor, she retrieved a small vial of shimmering ink, its contents a deep, almost luminous blue. It was a stark contrast to the traditional black ink used by samurai tattoo artists.
Over the past month, the long trek to the Oracle had provided a rare moment of introspection. Inspired by the ancient stories whispered around campfires and the resilience of her companions, Lady Kaede had embarked on a personal project – a vast tattoo that adorned her upper body.
The intricate design, a swirling mix of traditional samurai motifs and symbols whispered to her by the desert wind, was nearing completion. Here, bathed in the otherworldly light of the Sphinxes, she dipped the needle into the vial, her movements precise and practiced.
With each prick, each line drawn, she felt a sense of calm settle over her. It was a tribute, a promise, and a reminder – a tribute to those lost, a promise to rebuild, and a reminder of the unwavering spirit she shared with her companions. The Ardent Remnants might face their darkest reflections together, but they would not face them alone. They faced them, quite literally, with Lady Kaede's new tattoo, a testament to their shared journey, emblazoned upon her skin.
As the final line settled into place, a surge of energy pulsed through Lady Kaede. The once-ordinary ink flared to life, the swirling blue symbols glowing with an inner light. The Blood Fury Tattoo, a secret passed down through generations of her family, had finally awoken. Its potent magic hummed beneath her skin, a wellspring of power waiting to be unleashed.
I've been working on this idea for the last three months IRL....finally remembered that she was going to tattoo herself the other night, so I worked it out with the DM on the side.
This is what Lady Kaede now looks like-
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?