Varielky’s first blow strikes the scorpion, lopping off fragments of its claw and frightening the creature. The scorpion catches her second sword blow in its other claw (RP only), parrying the blow.
Auger’s spell fires, and the perception of a hostile scorpion attacking his target is utterly convincing to the beast, which convinces itself it has been stung for 4HP damage.
A bolt of golden radiance shoots from Ednyss to Scorpion No. 1, and he then steers his tawekki around to engage the creature.
Benita steers her tawekki away from the sand funnel.
Granophyre suddenly appears visible on the back of Benita’s board, where he is strapped behind her. He throws a tiny green stone toward Scorpion 5, and the stone bursts, illuminating the nearby creatures with magical light. (Those affected have green numbers.
Scorpion No. 1 turns to attack Ednyss, missing with one claw, but grabbing and squeezing him with the other (Ednyss is now grappled. Its stinger shoots forward, clanging against the war cleric’s square shield.
Scorpion No. 2 attacks Varielky. Both claws shoot forward, pinching around her waist and squeezing with bone-breaking strength. She takes 16HP damage and is grappled. (N.B. Her tawekki can still move her but it will be a STR vs STR contest for them to pull the scorpion with them.) The scorpion’s tail whips up, but misses. (Varielky may riposte if she wishes.)
Scorpion No. 3 whirls around to attack its phantasmic assailant
Scorpion No. 4 advances to attack Ednyss’ tawekki, which have ½ cover underground. Its stinger and one claw come up with nothing but sand, but the second claw grasps the creature, lifting it above ground and squeezing. Black blood pours out from the wound.
Scorpion No. 5 advances to attack Ednyss, and one claw crits. He takes 12HP, and remains grappled.
Scorpion No. 6 advances to attack Varielky’s tawekki. Its first claw crits, killing one of the beasts. The second claw strikes the other, grappling it and lifting it out of the sand, where its stinger finishes it.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Satisfied to see his phantasm has distracted a creature, Auger observes the Scorpions swarming his friends and judges Ednyss to be in the worst shape for the moment. Sensing this combat may take a moment to resolve, Auger opens himself to the Sea of Stars and allows the energies to flow into him. Turning towards the strangely highlighted scorpions facing Ednyss he lets loose with a pair of Twisting Blasts, hoping to send the creatures tumbling into each other.
Py
Move: Flies ahead to E4
Auger
Move: Auger must use his full action to move his Tawekki so he is staying in place for now.
Concentration: The Phantasmal Force still assaults S3. Damage: 4.
Bonus Action: Auger uses 2 spell points to recharge one of his Pact Magic spell slots.
Action: Casts Eldritch Blast, targeting S5 and hoping to send it 10' into S1 and possibly S4 on a hit. Depending on how the creatures move, Auger may change his target to whichever Scorpion is closest to him on the same line, all in the hopes of freeing Ednyss from their attentions (ie if the pushing blast moves S5 to the other side of S1, then Auger targets S1 with Beam 2).
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As she dodges the tail, Varielky ripostes with a quick strike upwards, hoping to at least cut the creature's claw off (RP). Both tawekki dead now, Varielky has no reason to keep a hold on the reins. She reaches back and grabs her shield, sliding her arm in with no difficulties. At the same time, she keeps attacking the scorpion that has a hold on her. If it dies, she tries to run to the nearest scorpion and attack it instead. Lastly, her hand now firmly holding the shield, Varielky tries to shove the huge beast back to where it came from, towards the spiralling sands.
Okay, I'm not sure how it all works, but here's how I imagine it:
Reaction: Riposte Manoeuvre against #2. Attack: 23 Damage: 22. Free Action: Taking out the shield. Action: Don the shield. Action Surge: Attack. Aimed at #2, or #6 if the former dies. Move, if needed, and assuming she does not need an action to get out of the bonds that connect her legs to the board: To wherever needed to attack her targets. Attack: 14 Damage: 17. If the attack was made against #2, advantage's second roll: 26. Attack: 20 Damage: 15. If the attack was made against #2, advantage's second roll: 24. BA: Shield Shove, trying to push the nearest living scorpion into the spiralling sands. Athletics: 20.
Py flies ahead while Auger stays in place, his Phantasmal Force still assaulting S3. The warlock’s first Eldritch Blast hits S5, sending it crashing into S1 and toward the funnel, and his second blast smashes S1 in an explosion of dark blood, sending the creature twirling in the air into S4.
Varielky’s riposte slices Scorpion 2’s stinger almost completely off, and her next blow impales its heart as it leaps upon her. It shudders and falls, dripping dark blood. The shield-maiden realizes her bindings will take time to undo (i.e., an action), and with S5 having just been shot away by Auger, no other enemies are in range.
Ednyss sends another guiding bolt into S4, which writhes in pain as the golden orange radiance sears it.
Benita’s crossbow is now loaded, and as the comely Indallian clicks the trigger at just the right moment, a bolt slices the air, directly into S4's abdomen. The creature spasms in pain.
Granophyre opens his pouch and a green dart floats out. The sage points to S4, while intoning an arcane phrase, and the dart zips at the creature, bursting on impact with its head in a splash of scorching acid, causing its antennae to shrivel and nauseating smoke to rise.
Scorpion No. 1 finishes off Ednyss’ damaged tawekka, decapitating it, then retreats into the sand tunnel with its forebody.
No. 3 continues to battle Auger’s phantasm, writhing and leaping, its claws clacking.
No. 4 claws and stings Ednyss’ second tawekka, ripping off its forebody and pulling it back into the sand with it.
No. 5 turns and rushes at Benita’s tawekki, killing them both with claws and sting, and ripping off one of them from its harness and retreating back toward the sand funnel.
No. 6 wrests the forebodies of both of Varielky’s tawekki into its claws, and retreats back into the sand.
Seeing his Tawekkis are all that remain Auger thinks to try preserving them to carry at least one or two of them back to the city. He picks up the reigns and begins coaxing his Tawekki so that they move away from the single Scorpion still battling the phantasm and over behind Ednyss and Varielky, hoping that the other Scorpions were going to be content with their kills.
"Hop on,"he calls to Ednyss and Varielky, "lets move away from here and then figure out what to do next."
Auger & Py
Py: Stays put and monitors to provide any warnings, focusing on whether the Scorpions are truly retreating into the funnel.
Concentration: Phantasmal Force continues assailing S3. Damage: 4.
Move: Maneuvers the Tawekkis and board so that the board arrives at Q11.
Action: Tawekki movement. If Ednyss and Varielky hop on board on their turn then Auger will react with a Tawekki Dash to N17 or so, intending to turn and approach Granophyre and Benita.
For RP I imagine it as both have one foot on the board and one foot pushing off from the sand to help with momentum.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky starts working on the bindings - no point in staying connected to an immobile board. "I don't suppose we can fit all of us on one board, right?" She looks around. Walking on foot will take too long, and there don't happen to be free tawekki roaming around, or camels just coincidently passing by. Then, her gaze shifts to the scorpions. She wonders if it were truly just a hunt, done for survival, or perhaps if it were connected to all that's been happening lately, as with the giant crabs. Then, an idea comes to her mind. "People ride all sort of strange animals. Tawekki, Rocs, Horses... has any of you ever felt an urge to ride a gigantic scorpion?"
Ednyss responds to Varielky, “Our travels have catylized my connection to Ritha Demsha. I can see these creatures, brightly, as part of the lifeplan. I sense that they are the natural predators of tawekki. I feel their life forces… and the Tawekki’s.”
He releases his bindings, and, eyes on the sifting funnel sands, waits until a new scorpion appears, then extends his hand, beckoning the creature.
It charges at him, but at the last moment, relents, pulls up short, and allows him to place his extended palm on its arm.
Ednyss looks at Varielky, nodding. “Get the harness.”
It takes some time, but soon you are all mounted on giant scorpions. They do not move as quickly as the Tawekki, but they make much better time than you would have on foot.
In two hours, it is three bells in the afternoon when you pull back on the reins, for, under breezy gray skies lending a silver cast to the landscape, Kalahata looms into view before you, opposite the sand harbor bordering the city.
The Poppy Citadel’s golden form extends high above, like a narrow arm reaching for the heavens, and two rocs circle above the northern road into the Vale.
The Sebu River courses out of its southern canal to your left, slips holding sailboats and barges, and to your right and left, the Queen’s High Way extends through the city, jammed with imperial patrols.
“This is… as far as I go, says Ednyss. I will tell Tamazaert. I will keep an eye out for her. But I must continue my studies with the priests of Ritha Demsha.”
Even if it were her idea, Varielky can't help but keep looking back, to the stinger of the scorpion she rides on. If... whatever it is Ednyss did ceases working - if his connection to Ritha Demsha isn't as strong as it needs be, she does not wish to be impaled from behind by the creature she rides. Fortunately, no such thing happens.
"Thank you," Varielky cannot truly word all that she feels for the old Dwarf, but she hopes he understands, as he usually does. "For everything that you've done since we met." This is awkward. She feels it and doesn't know what to do about it. She was never good with things of this kind. She turns around. "Don't fossilise before we meet again." Though, she knows she's more likely to die before he does, even if they both die of natural causes. Such are the lives of Humans. "But if you do, I know we'll meet in Halvalla. If anyone's worthy of being there, it'd certainly be you."
Despite his recent bravado and acceptance of self as a being of some power and even importance, Auger struggles mightily with idea of riding the Scorpions. Eventually at their obvious connection with Ednyss and at the insistence of the others Auger is able to mount one and rides it back, his mind not quite able to accept how easy it was.
After Varielky says her goodbyes, Auger clasps arms with Ednyss and -- and he barely knows what to say. It had only been a few weeks, but his connection with Ednyss had grown as strong as it had with any person outside of his family. With tears in his eye, at last he says, "You proceed -- with the attention of Gods, at some risk. I will pray to Piya, who's way is peaceful, to watch over you - during your transition -- and to keep you safe. The Gods will be with you. And you will find your way. Farewell Ednyss."
Auger stands and watches Ednyss head towards the city before he turns to the others.
"I think riding Scorpions into the city itself will draw undue attention and we should let them go and walk from here. I still suggest skirting the city to one side or the other. Word from the messenger behind could get to the imperials soon and Ednyss himself may draw attention. I think we should move quickly around the north side of the city and then head to the Vale."
Ednyss returns each of your farewells in kind. Granophyre and Ednyss speak Dwarvish in a subdued but passionate undertone. They end with arms locked, staring firmly and unblinking into each other’s eyes for a very long moment, before letting go. After that, neither looks back.
Benita turns to you all. “Vee… Auger. Granophyre and Ednyss already… know. I’m not coming with you. I’m… the Azhvuv Queen was right. She said, ‘I see the curse of life upon three of you. I see a second life within one of you. I see peace at the end of your journey.’ I don’t know if I’ve reached the end of my journey, but… It’s me — the second life is… within me. I’m pregnant. And I’m not sure who the father is… but I need to think about… more than just myself… or even my best friend,” she says, looking beseechingly at Varielky.
Ednyss touches each of the giant insects, and they clatter away toward the deep desert, slowly, claws raised. The war cleric then turns away, stops, fighting the urge to lift his eyes to lock with yours one last time. But he holds his course, following the Dwarven custom, and continues on, directly across the sand harbor toward the docks, Benita at his side. Soon, their shapes are like a mirage, shimmering above the hot sands, then disappearing from view in the shadow of Kalahata’s great eastern walls.
Granophyre seems lost in thought, his eyes dwelling on the River docks. “Perhaps… we needn’t go around the city at all,” he muses.
That's a little too much for Varielky to comprehend in a single moment. "You're... leaving?" Of course, like any woman, Varielky had to experience 'that time' once a month, but for her, it wasn't as bad as for most - or perhaps, she was just more used to inconvenience and pain - and either way, the concept of pregnancy seemed so distant from her. She knew it wouldn't pose a problem for her, and thus she never bothered to worry about it. She never thought to consider that Benita might become pregnant. That they would be separated for a reason like this.
To make it all worse, the fact that Benita didn't know who the father was only made it harder for Varielky to accept it. Bali? It would have been some time already. Someone along the way? That sounds too careless, even for Benita. Xurl?
As the question hangs in her mind, Varielky notices the way Benita is looking at her. Why does it seem as if she asks for permission? Does Varielky want Benita to go? Of course not, even if that's just being selfish. She was her first friend since... a long time. But, it's not like she could ever say that. Varielky pulls Benita into a hug. It's unusual for her to hug people, and yet, with all that's been happening lately, even Varielky needs that. Too many emotional turmoils in too little time. "I'll see you again, right?" She asks quietly, in a tone unrecognisable when spoken in confident, mostly independent Varielky's voice. A dependant tone. "When we're done, Kalahata will be the first place on my list of places I wish to come back to." Quite a long list, by now, and as she says that, Veleif's hopes in Varielky almost nag at the back of her head. Will she truly be able to return to all those places?
Varielky lets go of Benita, then crouches down and removes her pack off her back. She unties her old shield off of it, where it's been tightly secured with a rope. A round, wooden shield, full of dents, slashes and marks made throughout many battles, but otherwise not remarkable in any way. "Take it. Something to remember me by." She feels a little guilty for not giving anything to Ednyss, so she gets her old sword out as well, along with its sheath, and gives that to him. "I hope you'll remember me without them too, but... if you'll ever miss me..."
Varielky turns away. Veleif's words echo in her mind. “Varielky, the village… it is no more. It was destroyed… soon after you left.” She didn't think much of the last time she had to say goodbye to someone she truly cared for, and now she won't see them again... alive, at least. She does not want that to happen again. Still, if this gets any more emotional... she has no idea what will happen. She does not remember any time when she felt as she does now. Perhaps when her parents died, perhaps. "May the gods keep you both safe until the day you'll be called to Hallvala. There, if not before, I'm sure we'll meet again." Varielky does not turn back to face them again. She can't. She simply can't do it.
--
After the two are gone... Varielky keeps quiet, following the others as they walk. She does not want to think at the moment, even though she can't do anything but that. She almost wishes for someone, or something, to attack them, as often happens. Something to distract her from everything she's been through over the last two days.
An experienced father, and thinking of his still very young daughters, Auger accepts Benita's declaration and immediately is supportive of her belief that she should end her adventuring, at least for now. He bids her to farewell and recommends she spend time with Tamazaert so that their children may perhaps share time together.
Not surprised at how the news was striking Varielky, Auger leaves her alone to work through her thoughts. Perhaps a distraction of some sort would be in order later, but for now he leaves her alone.
Auger engages with Granophyre's question, "Do you mean us to take a boat through the city and into the Vale, upriver? Well after all this walking since --", Auger was going to mention the ambush, but thinks again since that was where Tuff met his end, "-- a time traveling on a boat might do us well." Glancing over at Varielky for any reaction, Auger continues, "Perhaps I can handle the matters of booking passage for the three of us."
Auger recalls that the Kalahata Guildhall in Salakta Amboule — where he met the joiner, Baragsen (“Rags”) — oversees the shipping log and contracting of barges and boats through the city canals.
Granophyre replies, “A small sloop can be towed through the city, and sail against the current into the Vale. Perhaps the garrison will not search the waters as thoroughly as the roads.”
”Also… before his departure, Ednyss agreed to stop at the Dwarven Bank for me, where the funding for the next leg of our journey awaits. He will ensure that he and Benita are paid what they are owed. My Golden Bird can find him at the bank and tell him where to leave the withdrawal for me, whichever route we decide.”
Auger feels less confident than Granophyre that the river passage will go easier than any other but nonetheless his tired legs speak to him and he imagines the three of them being able to get out of sight in a cabin or something as they proceed through the city.
"Let's take a boat then and see if fortune can favor us on the water."Briefly praying to Piya that this is the right decision Auger does take some comfort in knowing that his ability to commune with the Dowager might be easy on a river barge.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Before she departs, Benita accepts Varielky’s gift, and the shield-maiden sees that what was in her eyes was guilt. “You’re so strong Varielky. And me… I’m a woman of passions, and I always will be. I know you hate Shulong, but… he was there… when I thought I had lost everything. He is strong, and if the child is his, whether it’s his or Bali’s, I know I’ll be proud of her. Or him…”
“I’ll be here, Vee. I just need to think. Indallians work and fight until the day their baby is born, you know that. Maybe you’ll see me sooner than either of us would expect.”
Benita La Cass grasps Varielky’s hand in a firm shake, hugs her in return, swallowing a sob, and kisses Varielky on both cheeks, in the Indallian fashion, before turning away to cross the sand harbor.
"Don't worry. A child is never judged by the misdeeds of their parents." Varielky knows what she says is true, and yet, she says that to remind herself, more than to reassure Benita. Will she be willing to work her differences with Xurl out for Benita's sake? Varielky doesn't know.
--
"Around the city, through the city, it doesn't make much difference for me,"Varielky says indifferently. "I've never really familiarised myself with boats, however. I never had to sail anywhere myself."
“We only need transport beyond Kalahata. Once in the Vale, we will be free to decide our best course,” says Granophyre, trailing off, as his gaze focuses on the city defenses. There is an air of nervous energy in the movements of the guards in the walls, whose numbers seem much greater than you have seen before. Two roc riders circle high above at times diving down over the Queen’s High Way, then gaining altitude again and circling once again. One of them drops to land close to Ednyss and Benita in the distance at the sand docks. After a long minute it takes off once more, and your friends enter the city gates.
You have cover where you are standing now — a low red stone wind-carved arch. Granophyre continues, “One or both of you —can you find a craft for hire at the Guildhall, then send Py to inform me where to go. I can make myself invisible and find you at whatever transport you engage.”
"Ok, I will enter the city and book passage. Varielky, I think I can handle it alone, but your company will be welcome either with me or in staying with Granophyre."
Once Auger learns what Varielky plans he moves to enter the city.
Which route will Auger take into the city? North around the Poppy Citadel into El Harrouch, or straight ahead to the sand docks and eastern walls, or to the left onto the Queen’s High Way? All entrances have imperial garrison fighters guarding them.
Varielky considers the options. "I'd rather stay with Granophyre to be there in case something goes wrong, but at the same time, if you're invisible, I won't be able to see you either. I suppose I'll go with Auger, then." Varielky will follow Auger through the city, in whichever route he decides to take.
Round 1 Results
Varielky’s first blow strikes the scorpion, lopping off fragments of its claw and frightening the creature. The scorpion catches her second sword blow in its other claw (RP only), parrying the blow.
Auger’s spell fires, and the perception of a hostile scorpion attacking his target is utterly convincing to the beast, which convinces itself it has been stung for 4HP damage.
A bolt of golden radiance shoots from Ednyss to Scorpion No. 1, and he then steers his tawekki around to engage the creature.
Benita steers her tawekki away from the sand funnel.
Granophyre suddenly appears visible on the back of Benita’s board, where he is strapped behind her. He throws a tiny green stone toward Scorpion 5, and the stone bursts, illuminating the nearby creatures with magical light. (Those affected have green numbers.
Scorpion No. 1 turns to attack Ednyss, missing with one claw, but grabbing and squeezing him with the other (Ednyss is now grappled. Its stinger shoots forward, clanging against the war cleric’s square shield.
Scorpion No. 2 attacks Varielky. Both claws shoot forward, pinching around her waist and squeezing with bone-breaking strength. She takes 16HP damage and is grappled. (N.B. Her tawekki can still move her but it will be a STR vs STR contest for them to pull the scorpion with them.) The scorpion’s tail whips up, but misses. (Varielky may riposte if she wishes.)
Scorpion No. 3 whirls around to attack its phantasmic assailant
Scorpion No. 4 advances to attack Ednyss’ tawekki, which have ½ cover underground. Its stinger and one claw come up with nothing but sand, but the second claw grasps the creature, lifting it above ground and squeezing. Black blood pours out from the wound.
Scorpion No. 5 advances to attack Ednyss, and one claw crits. He takes 12HP, and remains grappled.
Scorpion No. 6 advances to attack Varielky’s tawekki. Its first claw crits, killing one of the beasts. The second claw strikes the other, grappling it and lifting it out of the sand, where its stinger finishes it.
You are now situated like so. You have advantage when attacking the scorpions with green numbers.
Please post Round 2 actions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Satisfied to see his phantasm has distracted a creature, Auger observes the Scorpions swarming his friends and judges Ednyss to be in the worst shape for the moment. Sensing this combat may take a moment to resolve, Auger opens himself to the Sea of Stars and allows the energies to flow into him. Turning towards the strangely highlighted scorpions facing Ednyss he lets loose with a pair of Twisting Blasts, hoping to send the creatures tumbling into each other.
Py
Move: Flies ahead to E4
Auger
Move: Auger must use his full action to move his Tawekki so he is staying in place for now.
Concentration: The Phantasmal Force still assaults S3. Damage: 4.
Bonus Action: Auger uses 2 spell points to recharge one of his Pact Magic spell slots.
Action: Casts Eldritch Blast, targeting S5 and hoping to send it 10' into S1 and possibly S4 on a hit. Depending on how the creatures move, Auger may change his target to whichever Scorpion is closest to him on the same line, all in the hopes of freeing Ednyss from their attentions (ie if the pushing blast moves S5 to the other side of S1, then Auger targets S1 with Beam 2).
Beam 1: Attack: 23 Damage: 9.
Beam 2: Attack: 21 Damage: 7.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
As she dodges the tail, Varielky ripostes with a quick strike upwards, hoping to at least cut the creature's claw off (RP).
Both tawekki dead now, Varielky has no reason to keep a hold on the reins. She reaches back and grabs her shield, sliding her arm in with no difficulties. At the same time, she keeps attacking the scorpion that has a hold on her. If it dies, she tries to run to the nearest scorpion and attack it instead.
Lastly, her hand now firmly holding the shield, Varielky tries to shove the huge beast back to where it came from, towards the spiralling sands.
Varielky
Round 2 Results
Py flies ahead while Auger stays in place, his Phantasmal Force still assaulting S3. The warlock’s first Eldritch Blast hits S5, sending it crashing into S1 and toward the funnel, and his second blast smashes S1 in an explosion of dark blood, sending the creature twirling in the air into S4.
Varielky’s riposte slices Scorpion 2’s stinger almost completely off, and her next blow impales its heart as it leaps upon her. It shudders and falls, dripping dark blood. The shield-maiden realizes her bindings will take time to undo (i.e., an action), and with S5 having just been shot away by Auger, no other enemies are in range.
Ednyss sends another guiding bolt into S4, which writhes in pain as the golden orange radiance sears it.
Benita’s crossbow is now loaded, and as the comely Indallian clicks the trigger at just the right moment, a bolt slices the air, directly into S4's abdomen. The creature spasms in pain.
Granophyre opens his pouch and a green dart floats out. The sage points to S4, while intoning an arcane phrase, and the dart zips at the creature, bursting on impact with its head in a splash of scorching acid, causing its antennae to shrivel and nauseating smoke to rise.
Scorpion No. 1 finishes off Ednyss’ damaged tawekka, decapitating it, then retreats into the sand tunnel with its forebody.
No. 3 continues to battle Auger’s phantasm, writhing and leaping, its claws clacking.
No. 4 claws and stings Ednyss’ second tawekka, ripping off its forebody and pulling it back into the sand with it.
No. 5 turns and rushes at Benita’s tawekki, killing them both with claws and sting, and ripping off one of them from its harness and retreating back toward the sand funnel.
No. 6 wrests the forebodies of both of Varielky’s tawekki into its claws, and retreats back into the sand.
You are now situated like so. The semi-transparent scorpions will get +2AC for partial cover.
Please post Round 3 actions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Seeing his Tawekkis are all that remain Auger thinks to try preserving them to carry at least one or two of them back to the city. He picks up the reigns and begins coaxing his Tawekki so that they move away from the single Scorpion still battling the phantasm and over behind Ednyss and Varielky, hoping that the other Scorpions were going to be content with their kills.
"Hop on," he calls to Ednyss and Varielky, "lets move away from here and then figure out what to do next."
Auger & Py
Py: Stays put and monitors to provide any warnings, focusing on whether the Scorpions are truly retreating into the funnel.
Concentration: Phantasmal Force continues assailing S3. Damage: 4.
Move: Maneuvers the Tawekkis and board so that the board arrives at Q11.
Action: Tawekki movement. If Ednyss and Varielky hop on board on their turn then Auger will react with a Tawekki Dash to N17 or so, intending to turn and approach Granophyre and Benita.
For RP I imagine it as both have one foot on the board and one foot pushing off from the sand to help with momentum.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky starts working on the bindings - no point in staying connected to an immobile board. "I don't suppose we can fit all of us on one board, right?" She looks around. Walking on foot will take too long, and there don't happen to be free tawekki roaming around, or camels just coincidently passing by. Then, her gaze shifts to the scorpions. She wonders if it were truly just a hunt, done for survival, or perhaps if it were connected to all that's been happening lately, as with the giant crabs. Then, an idea comes to her mind. "People ride all sort of strange animals. Tawekki, Rocs, Horses... has any of you ever felt an urge to ride a gigantic scorpion?"
Varielky
Ednyss responds to Varielky, “Our travels have catylized my connection to Ritha Demsha. I can see these creatures, brightly, as part of the lifeplan. I sense that they are the natural predators of tawekki. I feel their life forces… and the Tawekki’s.”
He releases his bindings, and, eyes on the sifting funnel sands, waits until a new scorpion appears, then extends his hand, beckoning the creature.
It charges at him, but at the last moment, relents, pulls up short, and allows him to place his extended palm on its arm.
Ednyss looks at Varielky, nodding. “Get the harness.”
It takes some time, but soon you are all mounted on giant scorpions. They do not move as quickly as the Tawekki, but they make much better time than you would have on foot.
In two hours, it is three bells in the afternoon when you pull back on the reins, for, under breezy gray skies lending a silver cast to the landscape, Kalahata looms into view before you, opposite the sand harbor bordering the city.
The Poppy Citadel’s golden form extends high above, like a narrow arm reaching for the heavens, and two rocs circle above the northern road into the Vale.
The Sebu River courses out of its southern canal to your left, slips holding sailboats and barges, and to your right and left, the Queen’s High Way extends through the city, jammed with imperial patrols.
“This is… as far as I go, says Ednyss. I will tell Tamazaert. I will keep an eye out for her. But I must continue my studies with the priests of Ritha Demsha.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Even if it were her idea, Varielky can't help but keep looking back, to the stinger of the scorpion she rides on. If... whatever it is Ednyss did ceases working - if his connection to Ritha Demsha isn't as strong as it needs be, she does not wish to be impaled from behind by the creature she rides. Fortunately, no such thing happens.
"Thank you," Varielky cannot truly word all that she feels for the old Dwarf, but she hopes he understands, as he usually does. "For everything that you've done since we met." This is awkward. She feels it and doesn't know what to do about it. She was never good with things of this kind. She turns around. "Don't fossilise before we meet again." Though, she knows she's more likely to die before he does, even if they both die of natural causes. Such are the lives of Humans. "But if you do, I know we'll meet in Halvalla. If anyone's worthy of being there, it'd certainly be you."
Varielky
Despite his recent bravado and acceptance of self as a being of some power and even importance, Auger struggles mightily with idea of riding the Scorpions. Eventually at their obvious connection with Ednyss and at the insistence of the others Auger is able to mount one and rides it back, his mind not quite able to accept how easy it was.
After Varielky says her goodbyes, Auger clasps arms with Ednyss and -- and he barely knows what to say. It had only been a few weeks, but his connection with Ednyss had grown as strong as it had with any person outside of his family. With tears in his eye, at last he says, "You proceed -- with the attention of Gods, at some risk. I will pray to Piya, who's way is peaceful, to watch over you - during your transition -- and to keep you safe. The Gods will be with you. And you will find your way. Farewell Ednyss."
Auger stands and watches Ednyss head towards the city before he turns to the others.
"I think riding Scorpions into the city itself will draw undue attention and we should let them go and walk from here. I still suggest skirting the city to one side or the other. Word from the messenger behind could get to the imperials soon and Ednyss himself may draw attention. I think we should move quickly around the north side of the city and then head to the Vale."
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Ednyss returns each of your farewells in kind. Granophyre and Ednyss speak Dwarvish in a subdued but passionate undertone. They end with arms locked, staring firmly and unblinking into each other’s eyes for a very long moment, before letting go. After that, neither looks back.
Benita turns to you all. “Vee… Auger. Granophyre and Ednyss already… know. I’m not coming with you. I’m… the Azhvuv Queen was right. She said, ‘I see the curse of life upon three of you. I see a second life within one of you. I see peace at the end of your journey.’ I don’t know if I’ve reached the end of my journey, but… It’s me — the second life is… within me. I’m pregnant. And I’m not sure who the father is… but I need to think about… more than just myself… or even my best friend,” she says, looking beseechingly at Varielky.
Ednyss touches each of the giant insects, and they clatter away toward the deep desert, slowly, claws raised. The war cleric then turns away, stops, fighting the urge to lift his eyes to lock with yours one last time. But he holds his course, following the Dwarven custom, and continues on, directly across the sand harbor toward the docks, Benita at his side. Soon, their shapes are like a mirage, shimmering above the hot sands, then disappearing from view in the shadow of Kalahata’s great eastern walls.
Granophyre seems lost in thought, his eyes dwelling on the River docks. “Perhaps… we needn’t go around the city at all,” he muses.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
That's a little too much for Varielky to comprehend in a single moment. "You're... leaving?" Of course, like any woman, Varielky had to experience 'that time' once a month, but for her, it wasn't as bad as for most - or perhaps, she was just more used to inconvenience and pain - and either way, the concept of pregnancy seemed so distant from her. She knew it wouldn't pose a problem for her, and thus she never bothered to worry about it. She never thought to consider that Benita might become pregnant. That they would be separated for a reason like this.
To make it all worse, the fact that Benita didn't know who the father was only made it harder for Varielky to accept it. Bali? It would have been some time already. Someone along the way? That sounds too careless, even for Benita. Xurl?
As the question hangs in her mind, Varielky notices the way Benita is looking at her. Why does it seem as if she asks for permission? Does Varielky want Benita to go? Of course not, even if that's just being selfish. She was her first friend since... a long time. But, it's not like she could ever say that. Varielky pulls Benita into a hug. It's unusual for her to hug people, and yet, with all that's been happening lately, even Varielky needs that. Too many emotional turmoils in too little time. "I'll see you again, right?" She asks quietly, in a tone unrecognisable when spoken in confident, mostly independent Varielky's voice. A dependant tone. "When we're done, Kalahata will be the first place on my list of places I wish to come back to." Quite a long list, by now, and as she says that, Veleif's hopes in Varielky almost nag at the back of her head. Will she truly be able to return to all those places?
Varielky lets go of Benita, then crouches down and removes her pack off her back. She unties her old shield off of it, where it's been tightly secured with a rope. A round, wooden shield, full of dents, slashes and marks made throughout many battles, but otherwise not remarkable in any way. "Take it. Something to remember me by." She feels a little guilty for not giving anything to Ednyss, so she gets her old sword out as well, along with its sheath, and gives that to him. "I hope you'll remember me without them too, but... if you'll ever miss me..."
Varielky turns away. Veleif's words echo in her mind. “Varielky, the village… it is no more. It was destroyed… soon after you left.” She didn't think much of the last time she had to say goodbye to someone she truly cared for, and now she won't see them again... alive, at least. She does not want that to happen again. Still, if this gets any more emotional... she has no idea what will happen. She does not remember any time when she felt as she does now. Perhaps when her parents died, perhaps. "May the gods keep you both safe until the day you'll be called to Hallvala. There, if not before, I'm sure we'll meet again." Varielky does not turn back to face them again. She can't. She simply can't do it.
--
After the two are gone... Varielky keeps quiet, following the others as they walk. She does not want to think at the moment, even though she can't do anything but that. She almost wishes for someone, or something, to attack them, as often happens. Something to distract her from everything she's been through over the last two days.
Varielky
An experienced father, and thinking of his still very young daughters, Auger accepts Benita's declaration and immediately is supportive of her belief that she should end her adventuring, at least for now. He bids her to farewell and recommends she spend time with Tamazaert so that their children may perhaps share time together.
Not surprised at how the news was striking Varielky, Auger leaves her alone to work through her thoughts. Perhaps a distraction of some sort would be in order later, but for now he leaves her alone.
Auger engages with Granophyre's question, "Do you mean us to take a boat through the city and into the Vale, upriver? Well after all this walking since --", Auger was going to mention the ambush, but thinks again since that was where Tuff met his end, "-- a time traveling on a boat might do us well." Glancing over at Varielky for any reaction, Auger continues, "Perhaps I can handle the matters of booking passage for the three of us."
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Auger recalls that the Kalahata Guildhall in Salakta Amboule — where he met the joiner, Baragsen (“Rags”) — oversees the shipping log and contracting of barges and boats through the city canals.
Granophyre replies, “A small sloop can be towed through the city, and sail against the current into the Vale. Perhaps the garrison will not search the waters as thoroughly as the roads.”
”Also… before his departure, Ednyss agreed to stop at the Dwarven Bank for me, where the funding for the next leg of our journey awaits. He will ensure that he and Benita are paid what they are owed. My Golden Bird can find him at the bank and tell him where to leave the withdrawal for me, whichever route we decide.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger feels less confident than Granophyre that the river passage will go easier than any other but nonetheless his tired legs speak to him and he imagines the three of them being able to get out of sight in a cabin or something as they proceed through the city.
"Let's take a boat then and see if fortune can favor us on the water." Briefly praying to Piya that this is the right decision Auger does take some comfort in knowing that his ability to commune with the Dowager might be easy on a river barge.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Before she departs, Benita accepts Varielky’s gift, and the shield-maiden sees that what was in her eyes was guilt. “You’re so strong Varielky. And me… I’m a woman of passions, and I always will be. I know you hate Shulong, but… he was there… when I thought I had lost everything. He is strong, and if the child is his, whether it’s his or Bali’s, I know I’ll be proud of her. Or him…”
“I’ll be here, Vee. I just need to think. Indallians work and fight until the day their baby is born, you know that. Maybe you’ll see me sooner than either of us would expect.”
Benita La Cass grasps Varielky’s hand in a firm shake, hugs her in return, swallowing a sob, and kisses Varielky on both cheeks, in the Indallian fashion, before turning away to cross the sand harbor.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Don't worry. A child is never judged by the misdeeds of their parents." Varielky knows what she says is true, and yet, she says that to remind herself, more than to reassure Benita. Will she be willing to work her differences with Xurl out for Benita's sake? Varielky doesn't know.
--
"Around the city, through the city, it doesn't make much difference for me," Varielky says indifferently. "I've never really familiarised myself with boats, however. I never had to sail anywhere myself."
Varielky
“We only need transport beyond Kalahata. Once in the Vale, we will be free to decide our best course,” says Granophyre, trailing off, as his gaze focuses on the city defenses. There is an air of nervous energy in the movements of the guards in the walls, whose numbers seem much greater than you have seen before. Two roc riders circle high above at times diving down over the Queen’s High Way, then gaining altitude again and circling once again. One of them drops to land close to Ednyss and Benita in the distance at the sand docks. After a long minute it takes off once more, and your friends enter the city gates.
You have cover where you are standing now — a low red stone wind-carved arch. Granophyre continues, “One or both of you —can you find a craft for hire at the Guildhall, then send Py to inform me where to go. I can make myself invisible and find you at whatever transport you engage.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Ok, I will enter the city and book passage. Varielky, I think I can handle it alone, but your company will be welcome either with me or in staying with Granophyre."
Once Auger learns what Varielky plans he moves to enter the city.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Which route will Auger take into the city? North around the Poppy Citadel into El Harrouch, or straight ahead to the sand docks and eastern walls, or to the left onto the Queen’s High Way? All entrances have imperial garrison fighters guarding them.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Varielky considers the options. "I'd rather stay with Granophyre to be there in case something goes wrong, but at the same time, if you're invisible, I won't be able to see you either. I suppose I'll go with Auger, then." Varielky will follow Auger through the city, in whichever route he decides to take.
Varielky