Shaking them, both Shae and Maxine come to quickly. Both are a bit dazed at first, but Shae seems terrified of something.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"What... what was that?" Maxine shook her head. "Never mind that. We are all alive - this is all that matter." She looked at Shae and carefully put a hand on her shoulder: "Are you all right? You do not look so good."
If they were able to retreat from the summoning circle in the direction of the skull and take cover there, the Professor will nod and say, "Welcome back. I'm not sure what that hag was doing, but she seems much to powerful for us to face directly. Maybe I can learn something by investigating her residence."
Investigation: 18
If not, he will say, "Glad to have you back. It seems there is nothing for us to learn here after all. Perhaps Koro-arak is getting his power from some other source."
Shae would be involuntarily shaking, not from what the hag did, but from her emotions coming too. As Maxine addresses and touches her first, the scholar would turn to Maxine and grip her forearms tight, as if trying to get a grip on reality. Clearly in shock, at first as if looking through Maxine, recalling images, Shae’s eyes are wide and begin to well up in tears. Her body shudders and her eyes shift to actually look at Maxine, “Did... you have visions too? I saw Kam... being disemboweled by the monkeys... I felt... I relived Nhar’s death... I lay there in his grave...” She could remember the feeling of worms and maggots burrowing into her flesh. Guilt and helplessness flooding into her.
as Berrus assumes a defensive position, constantly circling the group looking outward for any danger (picture him pacing and stalking like a jungle cat)
"Tis alright lass twas just a dream youre going t'be ok"
There could be nothing more real, earthly, even mundane than Maxine with her scratched hands, untamed black mane and ever-inquisitive look in grey eyes. "It was just a dream," she sounded sincere, and actually believed it, "the witches - or whatever they are - sent frightening thoughts to our mind. Remember monkeys? Same thing, only stronger. Seriously, think about it - your friend is on another plane, right? How could those hags reach out so far? They simply frightened you with the most terrifying vision, and your head choose which one to be afraid of. Classic!"
"Can you still contact him?" Realizing it was the wrong question she hurriedly elaborated "looks like in this place nothing works. Their magic is to blame. Pity, we did not destroy the circle. Though, we could be dead by now if we did. Or they would. You know, if we suddenly realize we are truly helplessly suck here, I might consider that a good way out. For fun, if nothing else."
Professor, since getting to the skull would have meant dragging both closer to the whisps and the hag, I assume you went the other way.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Professor, since getting to the skull would have meant dragging both closer to the whisps and the hag, I assume you went the other way.
OOC: Got it. Thanks for the clarification
The Professor:
Snively will say, "Glad to have you back. It seems there is nothing for us to learn here after all. Perhaps Koro-arak is getting his power from some other source." The Professor does look longingly towards the skull, though, and leafs through his spellbook, sighing, "Still, I would like to investigate that skull and see if it holds any clues--I just don't have the right spells to facilitate a stealthy approach."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Maxine presented logic which allowed Shae to process through some of her shock, and she could begin to calm. Though, there was definitely one thing wrong. Shae would shake head head and glance down at her time before looking back up to Maxine, “No. I can’t.” She finally confesses our loud. “His presence has been nearly nonexistent since we’ve been in this area. Which means so has my magic. I’ve been lucky to draw what I have since we arrived near this lake.”
Shae will take a shaky breath before taking a moment to turn to Berrus and grab his hand in hers to keep hold of her reality and to sincerely thank him for retreating. “Thank you.”
She will also then turn to the Professor to do the same thing, “Thank you professor.”
Shae will then pan through everyone before thinking out loud. “The hag is stronger at night. Especially with a full moon. That’s a certainty. When she ‘blinked’ out of our plane for a moment, I could sense Kam again. Briefly. Until she returned.” After a pause, she will continue. “I feel like we’re missing something. And it could be within our grasp. I refuse to believe this to be a waste of time...” She’d sigh, hearing her own naïveté.
The warlock would stare at her tome then mindlessly thumb through it, hoping to stumble across something helpful.
“I agree the skull would be a wealth of information... But I can’t offer much in the way of magic or stealth...”
"I could certainly disrupt their circle by uprooting the dirt underneath the symbols as I threatened to do. Given that it was our only leverage for a safe retreat, I was reluctant to do so unless the hag kept attacking," the Professor offers. "However, if you think it could weaken her enough that we could defeat her--or maybe distract her while someone else searches the skull--I could give it a try," he adds.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Shae, as you reach the last page of your tome, you see writing that wasn’t there before. It takes you a small moment, but as you focus, you suddenly see that more writing appears:
Shae, I’m sorry for not thinking of this sooner... I was so used of talking to you directly that I didn’t think of alternatives should that stop working.
The hag can affect people across planes, and she has marked you somehow, cutting my connection to you. She forgot your tome though, and as ling as you keep it on you, I should still be able to communicate with you. I’m not sure how much magic I can channel through the tome, but you won’t be defenceless, even if the hag thinks you might be.
She is planning something big, and you need to stop her ritual. She’s still gathering strength, and so should you. Next time you face her, you need to be prepared. She might be more powerful, but you have at least an idea of what to expect now. I’m trying to help you as much as I can, and maybe I have a trick up my sleeve.
Don’t despair, this is a setback, but no defeat! Believe in me, as much as I believe in you!
Your friend,
Kam
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
If Shae shared her finding with the rest of the group, Maxine would be the one to sum it all up as she saw it. "So... all this time it was not about frogs or our survival but about hag's your Kam's wish to stop it? Cunning! Are you sure he is a unicorn?" It was not clear if Maxine is joking this time but happy look of Shae reunited with her ever-present companion stopped Maxine from pressing the issue. "Well, since we are already here, we can as well finish what we started. It looks like Kam wants us to rest first and then attack, can we find a dry spot around to take a rest? Or should we walk all the way back to the camp? Anyway, assuming we want to survive... Professor, by your calculations, should we destroy that ritual circle , would the hag be able to restore it and finish the ritual?"
Considering her question, the Professor says, "From my look earlier, I could tell this is a summoning circle of great power, sized to summon an extremely potent outsider. I had the sense that disturbing the runes may disrupt the circle, but the hag can likely repair it unless she runs out of time prior to the full moon. That's why my threat to Mold the Earth bought us some time to escape." Thinking a bit more deeply, he will add, "There are two things that might work in our favor. The hag may need to stay in or near her circle to prepare it for the summoning, so we may be able to skirt that area and get to the skull if we can find a way to deal with the wisps. Secondly, there needs to be some kind of potent sacrifice used, a material component that is used up and that helps bind the summoned creature to this plane. I did not see it in the circle, so it is likely kept in the skull."
"If we want to salvage something out of this mission, I say we rest briefly as you suggest, Maxine, then I will do two rituals--one for Comprehend Languages and one for Detect Magic," he starts. "I will then give you a few minutes to circle around, then I will head directly to the circle, trying to draw off and deflect the wisps with my control of the air and get to within range of the edge of the circle. From there I will start using my control over the earth to destroy the symbols on the circle. Hopefully this will draw attention to me well enough to buy you some time to quickly search the skull. If we are fortunate, we can find and take the binding sacrifice away and the hag will not be able to complete her summoning." Turning to Berrus, he asks, "Perhaps given your lack of stealth and your capability for defense, you should go with me and we let the ladies do the investigation?"
Shae would give her tome a quick hug of relief before trying to show it to the others. She'd be pleasantly surprised that the others can read it too. I'm not entirely insane.
Shae would have some renewed hope from the Professor's plan. She'd give everyone a nod in agreement. "I trust as a team we can execute your plan Professor."
Berrus would get a chuckle out of Shae. She'd hug Maxine to her to respond to Berrus. "Us? Never." She'd smile with a wink.
In all seriousness though, Shae would continue. "We should keep in mind minimizing lack of line of sight of each other for as long as possible. I understand while in the skull it could be inevitable, but perhaps the face could be window like? Maxine and I would obviously have to be as quick as possible with our investigation." She could feel a little bit of confidence build back up.
"Honestly? I do not like it." Maxine looked in the direction of the skull and hags with disgust. "I mean, no offence, Professor, but you are not the strongest and sending you as a bait is too risky for your life. Even if with Berrus. But you are right, those symbols might take more then a simple scratch to be removed, no one else can do it... " Then she echoed Berrus: "Do not take unnecessary risk!"
Once far enough away and if there is no appearance of threat Berrus will attempt to wake Shae and Maxine
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Shaking them, both Shae and Maxine come to quickly. Both are a bit dazed at first, but Shae seems terrified of something.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"What... what was that?" Maxine shook her head. "Never mind that. We are all alive - this is all that matter." She looked at Shae and carefully put a hand on her shoulder: "Are you all right? You do not look so good."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"neither of ye look all tha great at the moment"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
The Professor:
If they were able to retreat from the summoning circle in the direction of the skull and take cover there, the Professor will nod and say, "Welcome back. I'm not sure what that hag was doing, but she seems much to powerful for us to face directly. Maybe I can learn something by investigating her residence."
Investigation: 18
If not, he will say, "Glad to have you back. It seems there is nothing for us to learn here after all. Perhaps Koro-arak is getting his power from some other source."
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Shae would be involuntarily shaking, not from what the hag did, but from her emotions coming too. As Maxine addresses and touches her first, the scholar would turn to Maxine and grip her forearms tight, as if trying to get a grip on reality. Clearly in shock, at first as if looking through Maxine, recalling images, Shae’s eyes are wide and begin to well up in tears. Her body shudders and her eyes shift to actually look at Maxine, “Did... you have visions too? I saw Kam... being disemboweled by the monkeys... I felt... I relived Nhar’s death... I lay there in his grave...” She could remember the feeling of worms and maggots burrowing into her flesh. Guilt and helplessness flooding into her.
just an unstable unicorn.
as Berrus assumes a defensive position, constantly circling the group looking outward for any danger (picture him pacing and stalking like a jungle cat)
"Tis alright lass twas just a dream youre going t'be ok"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
There could be nothing more real, earthly, even mundane than Maxine with her scratched hands, untamed black mane and ever-inquisitive look in grey eyes. "It was just a dream," she sounded sincere, and actually believed it, "the witches - or whatever they are - sent frightening thoughts to our mind. Remember monkeys? Same thing, only stronger. Seriously, think about it - your friend is on another plane, right? How could those hags reach out so far? They simply frightened you with the most terrifying vision, and your head choose which one to be afraid of. Classic!"
"Can you still contact him?" Realizing it was the wrong question she hurriedly elaborated "looks like in this place nothing works. Their magic is to blame. Pity, we did not destroy the circle. Though, we could be dead by now if we did. Or they would. You know, if we suddenly realize we are truly helplessly suck here, I might consider that a good way out. For fun, if nothing else."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Professor, since getting to the skull would have meant dragging both closer to the whisps and the hag, I assume you went the other way.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
OOC: Got it. Thanks for the clarification
The Professor:
Snively will say, "Glad to have you back. It seems there is nothing for us to learn here after all. Perhaps Koro-arak is getting his power from some other source." The Professor does look longingly towards the skull, though, and leafs through his spellbook, sighing, "Still, I would like to investigate that skull and see if it holds any clues--I just don't have the right spells to facilitate a stealthy approach."
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Maxine presented logic which allowed Shae to process through some of her shock, and she could begin to calm. Though, there was definitely one thing wrong. Shae would shake head head and glance down at her time before looking back up to Maxine, “No. I can’t.” She finally confesses our loud. “His presence has been nearly nonexistent since we’ve been in this area. Which means so has my magic. I’ve been lucky to draw what I have since we arrived near this lake.”
Shae will take a shaky breath before taking a moment to turn to Berrus and grab his hand in hers to keep hold of her reality and to sincerely thank him for retreating. “Thank you.”
She will also then turn to the Professor to do the same thing, “Thank you professor.”
Shae will then pan through everyone before thinking out loud. “The hag is stronger at night. Especially with a full moon. That’s a certainty. When she ‘blinked’ out of our plane for a moment, I could sense Kam again. Briefly. Until she returned.” After a pause, she will continue. “I feel like we’re missing something. And it could be within our grasp. I refuse to believe this to be a waste of time...” She’d sigh, hearing her own naïveté.
The warlock would stare at her tome then mindlessly thumb through it, hoping to stumble across something helpful.
“I agree the skull would be a wealth of information... But I can’t offer much in the way of magic or stealth...”
just an unstable unicorn.
The Professor:
"I could certainly disrupt their circle by uprooting the dirt underneath the symbols as I threatened to do. Given that it was our only leverage for a safe retreat, I was reluctant to do so unless the hag kept attacking," the Professor offers. "However, if you think it could weaken her enough that we could defeat her--or maybe distract her while someone else searches the skull--I could give it a try," he adds.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"Im not much for sneakin anywhere. Bull in tha glassworks ifn you get my meaning."
Then to Shae. " Anytime"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Shae, as you reach the last page of your tome, you see writing that wasn’t there before. It takes you a small moment, but as you focus, you suddenly see that more writing appears:
Shae, I’m sorry for not thinking of this sooner... I was so used of talking to you directly that I didn’t think of alternatives should that stop working.
The hag can affect people across planes, and she has marked you somehow, cutting my connection to you. She forgot your tome though, and as ling as you keep it on you, I should still be able to communicate with you. I’m not sure how much magic I can channel through the tome, but you won’t be defenceless, even if the hag thinks you might be.
She is planning something big, and you need to stop her ritual. She’s still gathering strength, and so should you. Next time you face her, you need to be prepared. She might be more powerful, but you have at least an idea of what to expect now. I’m trying to help you as much as I can, and maybe I have a trick up my sleeve.
Don’t despair, this is a setback, but no defeat! Believe in me, as much as I believe in you!
Your friend,
Kam
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
If Shae shared her finding with the rest of the group, Maxine would be the one to sum it all up as she saw it. "So... all this time it was not about frogs or our survival but about hag's your Kam's wish to stop it? Cunning! Are you sure he is a unicorn?" It was not clear if Maxine is joking this time but happy look of Shae reunited with her ever-present companion stopped Maxine from pressing the issue. "Well, since we are already here, we can as well finish what we started. It looks like Kam wants us to rest first and then attack, can we find a dry spot around to take a rest? Or should we walk all the way back to the camp? Anyway, assuming we want to survive... Professor, by your calculations, should we destroy that ritual circle , would the hag be able to restore it and finish the ritual?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
The Professor:
Considering her question, the Professor says, "From my look earlier, I could tell this is a summoning circle of great power, sized to summon an extremely potent outsider. I had the sense that disturbing the runes may disrupt the circle, but the hag can likely repair it unless she runs out of time prior to the full moon. That's why my threat to Mold the Earth bought us some time to escape." Thinking a bit more deeply, he will add, "There are two things that might work in our favor. The hag may need to stay in or near her circle to prepare it for the summoning, so we may be able to skirt that area and get to the skull if we can find a way to deal with the wisps. Secondly, there needs to be some kind of potent sacrifice used, a material component that is used up and that helps bind the summoned creature to this plane. I did not see it in the circle, so it is likely kept in the skull."
"If we want to salvage something out of this mission, I say we rest briefly as you suggest, Maxine, then I will do two rituals--one for Comprehend Languages and one for Detect Magic," he starts. "I will then give you a few minutes to circle around, then I will head directly to the circle, trying to draw off and deflect the wisps with my control of the air and get to within range of the edge of the circle. From there I will start using my control over the earth to destroy the symbols on the circle. Hopefully this will draw attention to me well enough to buy you some time to quickly search the skull. If we are fortunate, we can find and take the binding sacrifice away and the hag will not be able to complete her summoning." Turning to Berrus, he asks, "Perhaps given your lack of stealth and your capability for defense, you should go with me and we let the ladies do the investigation?"
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Shae would give her tome a quick hug of relief before trying to show it to the others. She'd be pleasantly surprised that the others can read it too. I'm not entirely insane.
Shae would have some renewed hope from the Professor's plan. She'd give everyone a nod in agreement. "I trust as a team we can execute your plan Professor."
just an unstable unicorn.
"aye i don like splitting the group but it is needed in this case" turning to Shae and Maxine "you two don be taking unnecessary risks please"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Berrus would get a chuckle out of Shae. She'd hug Maxine to her to respond to Berrus. "Us? Never." She'd smile with a wink.
In all seriousness though, Shae would continue. "We should keep in mind minimizing lack of line of sight of each other for as long as possible. I understand while in the skull it could be inevitable, but perhaps the face could be window like? Maxine and I would obviously have to be as quick as possible with our investigation." She could feel a little bit of confidence build back up.
just an unstable unicorn.
"Honestly? I do not like it." Maxine looked in the direction of the skull and hags with disgust. "I mean, no offence, Professor, but you are not the strongest and sending you as a bait is too risky for your life. Even if with Berrus. But you are right, those symbols might take more then a simple scratch to be removed, no one else can do it... " Then she echoed Berrus: "Do not take unnecessary risk!"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice