[4/17/2026, 4:39:48 PM] Dammitwho
You've defeated the fleshwyrm, rescued Vaustin, and agreed to take custody of his ominous sphere. What now, adventurers?
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 4:40:14 PM] Imran Traveler
A bed, a meal. A question of where to go next.
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[4/17/2026, 4:40:19 PM] CBN
we should probably go back to town and let them know 'what's up' and wring the last drops of free room and board out of it, first off
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[4/17/2026, 4:41:56 PM] Imran Traveler
It's difficult to know how much insight Vaustin might have into these matters, given his general state of dishevelment, hiding in a mine, all his companions dead and so forth, but how quickly should we expect uptake on the forces chasing this bauble? We may need to head to a big city immediately to lose ourselves in the ambient noise while we figure out what it is.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 4:43:27 PM] Brun Rentclaw
Brun is carrying the literal and figurative weight of the burden with relative ease. "Seems like not much more to do here. Where to?"
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[4/17/2026, 4:44:32 PM] Imran Traveler
"...I've always wanted to see Absalom."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 4:44:42 PM] Dammitwho
Vaustin responds: "You should have an easier time of it, once you get some distance from me. I'll head wherever you're not going and try to hole up in the biggest church of Desna I can find. Hopefully that will draw them off."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 4:45:03 PM] Tak Ironflame
Back to town seems like the best immediate option, unless the forces chasing Vaustin are that close behind him.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 4:45:13 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom, whose arms and armor are looking fine, but whose soul has been reaved by varying degrees by gribblies and gooblins and whatnot: "We are owed food and drink and bed for a couple days yet, for investigating and resolving these issues, yes? We should hold up our end, of collection."
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[4/17/2026, 4:45:28 PM] Imran Traveler
Yes, we can at least regroup and rest before setting out.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 4:46:00 PM] Imran Traveler
If they want to try to hit us at the inn, fine. Town's with us, not them.
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[4/17/2026, 4:46:33 PM] Brun Rentclaw
"We shouldn't stay there long. It'd be hard to defend the townspeople from the likes of the things we've seen. Hopefully no more will come from here, at least."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 4:47:50 PM] Crion
does anyone have forcefully preferred destinations ooc? i do wanna see The Main Character City of Protagonism at some point, might as well be now
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[4/17/2026, 4:47:56 PM] Tak Ironflame
"We can tell them what we found. If the problems start up again, they'll know where to go... or at least where to send the next batch of adventurers."
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[4/17/2026, 4:48:03 PM] Zarick
no issues here
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[4/17/2026, 4:48:21 PM] CBN
i'm good with wherever, but absalom sounds Compelling for certain
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[4/17/2026, 4:48:32 PM] Nicolae
absalom sounds fine, might even have been where tak was headed in the first place
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[4/17/2026, 4:48:34 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Or a really big rock." Dubnoom observes.
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[4/17/2026, 4:51:44 PM] Dammitwho
It's not difficult to go back the way you came. The spider is still hiding, and you thankfully aren't ambushed by any more bioprecursor creatures. Only the rock bridge over the chasm is a little dicey, but you already set a rope across it.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 4:52:10 PM] Imran Traveler
Vaustin might require a little care, in his state, but Imran can secure him.
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[4/17/2026, 4:53:04 PM] Dammitwho
It's not long before you're back out in the sunlight! Fresh air, singing birds, very little chance of falling into a pit, etc
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[4/17/2026, 4:53:45 PM] Imran Traveler
Does Vaustin have friends out here to bury? There were some bodies here and just inside the threshold, if Imran recalls correctly.
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[4/17/2026, 4:53:56 PM] Imran Traveler
If so, Imran will help with the act and the rites.
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[4/17/2026, 4:53:57 PM] Tak Ironflame
Very little chance... but never zero.
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[4/17/2026, 4:54:19 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Another nasty cave made evil-free. Well done, everybody."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 4:55:11 PM] Dammitwho
The one inside the threshold was partially transmuted into a HLT, but he appreciates the help in burying the rest of them. There's enough fallen rocks that it's easier and quicker to set up a cairn next to the cave entrance.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 4:55:21 PM] Brun Rentclaw
"I think that dragon-thing was the biggest thing we've ever taken down. What'll beat that?"
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[4/17/2026, 4:55:38 PM] Imran Traveler
"Greater Wyrmwhathaveyou, I'll wager."
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[4/17/2026, 4:55:45 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom IMMEDIATELY looks skyward. Then narrows his eyes at Burn. "You tempt fate! Ssh!"
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[4/17/2026, 4:56:02 PM] Brun Rentclaw
Brun grins widely. "Not by accident."
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[4/17/2026, 4:56:55 PM] Dammitwho
Heading straight back to Moonglow Bay? Your boys Siddhendra and No-Blight hang out in these woods, if you've a mind to talk to them, and when you were coming up you made a note of a place where you found 2 doses of flayleaf and 1 dose of sootheweed that just needs harvesting and drying.
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[4/17/2026, 4:57:44 PM] Imran Traveler
Yeah, let's talk to them and grab that stuff.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 4:57:50 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
If we miss the chance to right-click some crafting materials, what sort of adventurers are we?
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 4:58:55 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"We should go see the tree and the man on our way. To be polite."
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[4/17/2026, 5:00:04 PM] Brun Rentclaw
"If we warn them they could probably keep an eye out for any recurrence of trouble."
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[4/17/2026, 5:00:21 PM] Imran Traveler
"Agreed. Vaustin! You're going to meet a treefolk."
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[4/17/2026, 5:00:48 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Good point! And we can tell them the gooblins are not thinking, so it's not against pacifism to smoosh them or anything. It is moral and just. If squishy."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:01:23 PM] Dammitwho
Siddhendra's reclaimed temple is relatively close, and the forest is pleasant. The only disruption to your hike is seeing that enormous deer again in the distance. It notices you first, and prances away with a THUMP, THUMP, THUMP.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:01:38 PM] Nicolae
what was the name of the deer again, dire deer?
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[4/17/2026, 5:01:41 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"They were sort of like lyrebirds (but murderous)."
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[4/17/2026, 5:02:02 PM] Dammitwho
As I recall you decided to call it that, yes.
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[4/17/2026, 5:02:39 PM] Dammitwho
The descendant of an experiment of Cecilus Highleaf's, to study natural gigantism in creature ecosystems.
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[4/17/2026, 5:03:45 PM] Imran Traveler
Chasing him down seems exhausting. Doubtful he'll grow fruitful and multiply, but may he prove a challenge to a great hunter.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:04:01 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Long-run experiments like that are in keeping with his desire to live forever... which is NOT as unique a goal as archwizards seem to think.
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[4/17/2026, 5:04:04 PM] Dammitwho
It doesn't take long until you pull up to Siddhendra's reclaimed temple to Benorus. No-Blight doesn't seem to be around, but the door's open.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:04:11 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
The halfling didn't even do as well as Geb.
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[4/17/2026, 5:04:22 PM] Imran Traveler
Loudly: "Greetings!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:04:32 PM] Imran Traveler
You must offer a hearty "greetings" before just walking into a man's home.
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[4/17/2026, 5:05:00 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Ah, right, Lindal will actually introduce himself this time.
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[4/17/2026, 5:05:25 PM] Dammitwho
"Mmm? Who?" The old man's tanned face pokes out. "Ah! You all! Alive, still!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:05:53 PM] Imran Traveler
"Indeed. And a bit of work it was. We've braved old Highleaf's redoubt. Found a schoolmate of mine in there."
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[4/17/2026, 5:06:37 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"It is gross in there! Full of gooblins, and an awful dragon that isn't a dragon, and definitely isn't a dragon now."
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[4/17/2026, 5:06:49 PM] Dammitwho
Lindal remained outside the temple when you first met him, so Siddhendra never saw him, is that right?
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:08:56 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
It is... should he feel a bit embarassed about having carefully snuck around to spy on people who turned out to pose no threat. Nah. He'll just extend a wrinkled hand and explain: "P. P. Lindalsivranragdya. Additional dragonslayer."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:11:25 PM] Dammitwho
"Indeed? Ho! A young vanara!" He shakes your hand firmly. "I didn't know you spent time in Vudra, Imran the Traveler!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:12:06 PM] Dammitwho
Vaustin coughs politely. "He's referring to me, actually."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:12:41 PM] Nicolae
lol
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[4/17/2026, 5:12:49 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran, wryly: "Vaustin, this is Siddhendra. Hermit by trade. Man of Benorus."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:13:03 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Wow, Vaustin doesn't know a prank setup when he sees it.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:13:58 PM] Dammitwho
He raises a finger. "Man of Irori! Noble Benorus has merely supplied my home, and I thank you again for naming him for me. But you--" He looks uneasily at Vaustin. "You had all better come in."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:16:10 PM] Imran Traveler
"Ah, yes. Excuse me."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:16:28 PM] Dammitwho
He withdraws into the small temple, lit by a few candles and tapers, and hastens to light a few more for you.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:17:19 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom observes. Fire, trees, sure this guy knows what he's doing, but...Dubnoom's seen it go the other direction before. Never hurts to stay alert.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:18:29 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak follows along with the rest, hanging out in a gloomier corner of the temple.
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[4/17/2026, 5:18:57 PM] Dammitwho
It's necessary. While the old temple is still proof against the elements, Benorus is a lord of caves and those who dwell underground, so there aren't any windows and little natural light save for what comes in through the doorway and a spot on the floor under the chimney.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:20:14 PM] Dammitwho
"Would you care for food? A refreshing salad is easy to make from local ingredients once you know the trick of it." He gestures to a nearby stack of wooden bowls.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:20:53 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran will have a small salad, certainly. They are owed food on their return, but their return is going to be quite a walk.
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[4/17/2026, 5:21:47 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Yes, please! We really had to squash *quite* a few blobs and bugs and so on. I'm hungry."
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[4/17/2026, 5:22:46 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Thank you yes." One eye on the flame, one eye on the door. NEVER turn down a free meal.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:23:14 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
He looks around the temple. "So these guys don't mind sharing? I thought western gods were more jealous."
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[4/17/2026, 5:23:16 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak will also accept a salad. "I'm a bit peckish myself."
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[4/17/2026, 5:23:25 PM] Dammitwho
"Won't be a moment. Sit down, sit down! Tell me all. The Lord In Iron is dead and I'm sworn to peace until I answer his riddle, but hearing tales of battle makes my old hands itch." He begins collecting hand-carved utensils and spooning up a simple mixture of nuts, berries, mushrooms, and a small variety of leafy greens to each of you.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:25:35 PM] Brun Rentclaw
"A huge dragon that attacked us by vomiting out its insides! It burned worse than fire!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:25:44 PM] Dammitwho
"If Benorus minds me using his temple, he hasn't said a word to me about it! Though I've been lighting a bit of my homemade incense for him every now and again since you worked out who he was. Just in case."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:25:49 PM] Imran Traveler
"We also fought a great spider, and she accepted Nocticula's redemption and fled before Her light. That, or she saw her opening since I relented from striking the killing blow. I prefer to believe the former." He gives the blow by blow of the fight.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:26:36 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"And many gooblins. They mimic voices they've heard and then slither-stomp around, slapping wetly at your very soul."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:27:12 PM] Imran Traveler
"Yes, one of them tried the old 'broke leg merchant' routine on us. But he was in an incongruous location!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:27:57 PM] Imran Traveler
"But yes, the highlight was that we got vomited on by a goo dragon. That's why our armor smells, and is pitted."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:28:49 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"The more fleshy things were difficult to classify. I'm unsure whether they were the same as goo merged with rot and bone, which it did also do."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:30:05 PM] Dammitwho
Siddhendra shrugs. "Everyone stinks after a battle. They don't write that bit in the sagas."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:31:33 PM] Dammitwho
"Giant spiders... young goblin sir, you're a wizard of sorts, yes? Or at least passing familiar with the arcane? Why are spiders - creatures I would prefer to leave alone - in the habit of growing enormous whenever there's magic about?"
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[4/17/2026, 5:31:54 PM] Brun Rentclaw
"We saw a huge deer in the forest. Is it just spiders or is it anything?"
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[4/17/2026, 5:33:16 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Is Dubnoom *young*? Are goblins just like that? Lindal makes a mental note to ask when his mouth isn't full.
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[4/17/2026, 5:34:07 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Dubnoom is no wizard!" He bristles. Then smoothes out his hat, and beard. "But, the spider observation is accurate. Dubnoom's theory is that their webs' dark geometries attract stray magical energy. Like ley lines that get stuck in your hair." He pauses, then adds: "Also, they eat smaller magical bugs, so, greater than."
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[4/17/2026, 5:34:21 PM] Dammitwho
Siddhendra's old enough that he feels everyone's younger than him, or at least won't be insulted by him saying so. If any of you are secretly dragons, well, you're pretending to be humans and kholo and whatnot, so you can't complain.
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[4/17/2026, 5:35:38 PM] Tak Ironflame
"Might be that the giant spider and the giant deer are both related to whatever Highleaf was doing down there."
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[4/17/2026, 5:36:32 PM] Dammitwho
"Magical bugs..." Siddhendra strokes his own silver-grey beard thoughtfully. "Perhaps so. And to answer your question-" This to Brun. "I have only seen the one giant deer, but it seems every campaign and every armed foray to cave or pit I have been on in my life, sooner or later: giant spider."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:37:45 PM] Dammitwho
Siddhendra has handed out your bowls of salad, and is contentedly eating from his. "So, you claimed victory? Over a dragon of flesh and bile?"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:37:59 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"You can also fit many spiders where you would fit one deer. And even a little magic can go a long way."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:38:30 PM] Imran Traveler
"Yes! It fell apart into sloppy pieces, and dissolved."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:39:01 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom is eating this 'salad' and enjoying it despite the lack of butter or roasted meat or bread. "Imran smote it with many stabs, and Tak, with shooting it until it stopped moving."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:39:09 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"...we also helped."
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[4/17/2026, 5:40:19 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"The creature was born from the wizard's craptanks, but it took on a dragon's form... maybe it's some kind of environmental pressure."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:41:23 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Convergent evolution. On a long enough arcane timeline, the worst thing anything can turn into, is a dragon."
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[4/17/2026, 5:41:43 PM] Brun Rentclaw
"It sounds like you made that up."
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[4/17/2026, 5:42:01 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Can YOU think of anything worse than a dragon, to fight?"
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[4/17/2026, 5:42:12 PM] Brun Rentclaw
"A wizard?"
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[4/17/2026, 5:42:17 PM] Dammitwho
He slaps his knee. "Well done, well done! The roar of hot blood in your ears, the shriek of a dying beast, the rush of adrenaline!" He looks at Vaustin and the black veins on his face uneasily. "And you, sir? You have been poisoned, perhaps? Illness from dragon-bile?" He sounds actually hopeful. "I am no cleric, but I have a few medicaments..."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:43:19 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom nods in reflection at Brun's point. Oh, no, there he goes, daydreaming about killing wizards again. He's miles away.
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[4/17/2026, 5:44:16 PM] Tak Ironflame
"Wizard that's also a dragon."
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[4/17/2026, 5:44:20 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran is interested to see how this goes, and how Vaustin reacts. He is in odd humours, and likely will be for some time; perhaps the rest of his life. He's been changed some how.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:45:23 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Didn't the man mention passing through a black portal into a realm of cosmic lies or whatever. It seems difficult not to change when that happens!
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:46:57 PM] Dammitwho
Vaustin, who had been eating peaceably, now sullenly replies "No. Nothing like that." To be fair to him, it's unpleasant to be reminded that most of your life was a cruel lie.
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[4/17/2026, 5:48:19 PM] Imran Traveler
"He speaks truthfully," Imran says, regretfully but firmly. "Some ailments do not have simple cures, or even simple triage."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:48:53 PM] Dammitwho
Siddhendra's hand darts out faster than a striking viper and grabs Vaustin's chin! He pulls the young Nidalese man closer for a moment, squinting at him clinically. "I thought not. You are a friend of Imran the Traveler and his friends, so you are welcome in my home. But..."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:49:05 PM] Imran Traveler
Ah.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:49:31 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran doesn't drop his salad, but he does move closer.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:50:27 PM] Dammitwho
He shakes his head and turns to the rest of the party. "No-Blight took you to me because he was uncertain about you. He smelled a foulness on some of you. Young Tak in particular, I am sorry to say."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:50:59 PM] Dammitwho
"No-Blight doesn't understand the ways of us walking meat sorts. His concern is the safety of his forest, you see? Danger?" He claps his hands together. "Squash!"
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[4/17/2026, 5:51:35 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom is brought back to reality by the clap. "Yes! Of course, squash."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:52:04 PM] Dammitwho
"I think you must be a decent sort, young Vaustin. But No-Blight... he would be certain of you. You are welcome, as I say, to eat, to talk, to rest. But No-Blight will be back by sundown. Best you were gone by then."
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[4/17/2026, 5:52:42 PM] Brun Rentclaw
Brun looks more serious than likely anyone in the group has seen him, looking at Siddhendra. "No path to perfection is straight, friend."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:52:54 PM] Imran Traveler
"We will be gone by then."
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[4/17/2026, 5:53:01 PM] Imran Traveler
"And Brun is right."
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[4/17/2026, 5:53:42 PM] Dammitwho
Siddhendra nods slowly. "I know it."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:53:43 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Lindal swallows what he's been munching and considers whether it's worth making a scene to defend this guy. On balance... not unless Imran asks for it. But he's not a fan of vague foulness judgments made by wild things.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:54:47 PM] Tak Ironflame
If Tak is surprised by the news of his foulness to No-Blight, he doesn't show it. He nods his assent to the plan to leave by sundown. How long is that?
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:55:00 PM] Imran Traveler
"It's best we finish our meal, in kindness, and be on our way."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:55:16 PM] Imran Traveler
"Thank you again for your hospitality, Siddhendra."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:55:34 PM] Dammitwho
Quite a while. You're eating what's essentially brunch right now.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:55:42 PM] Imran Traveler
There's a stiffness to him now. He always gets that when he starts talking polite.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:57:02 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom is finishing his salad. Need the fuel for the fire of trekking back to town! For more food!
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:57:10 PM] Imran Traveler
The wisdom!
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:58:24 PM] Dammitwho
Siddhendra mutters to Vaustin: "I am sorry for the grasping, young man. I meant nothing by it. I only... bah!" He waves a hand. "I have a firkin of small beer somewhere. I do not drink, but No-Blight has tasted it from time to time, and he says it is still good. Will you take it, as my amends?"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:59:11 PM] Imran Traveler
That is up to Vaustin, but Imran, well-traveled as he is, thinks it a fine way to repair hospitality.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 5:59:47 PM] Dammitwho
Vaustin grasps his holy symbol of Desna nervously. "I could not..."
Siddhendra interrupts. "I do not drink! It will go to waste, otherwise."
Vaustin drops his hand and nods.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:02:37 PM] Dammitwho
Anything the rest of you would like to say to this weird old man?
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:03:10 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran has a question for him, after the others filter out.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:03:16 PM] Imran Traveler
Specifically Vaustin.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:03:48 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Lindal has a curiosity: "Hopefully the woods will be ok now that the mine's cleared? Not too much damage done and so on?"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:06:46 PM] Dammitwho
"Oh, I'm no expert, good vanara. But you found a deep hole in the ground and killed the biggest thing in it. You'd be surprised at how often that works."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:07:18 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
The young vanara beams. "Yeah! Oh, we've got to go tell the painters about their sheep, too... more creatures saved. Well done us, eh Ram Banaram?"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:07:29 PM] Ram Banaram
(croak of possible acknowledgment)
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:07:39 PM] Brun Rentclaw
"It'd be appreciated if you and No-Blight could keep an eye out for the villagers, encourage any remaining beasts to head a different way."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:07:42 PM] Dammitwho
"If I no longer come across wet patches of old goo on my evening strolls, it will be enough for me, and I will thank you for it."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:09:28 PM] Dammitwho
He nods solemnly to Brun, one student of self-perfection to another.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:10:13 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran will ask when Vaustin is outside: "Let us say you were given a magical item in trust. It has no value or apparent use. Men are searching for it. They will come for you. You must keep moving. You have no idea what this thing is or what it might do, or what investigating either of those things might do. For the sake of argument. What would you do?"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:15:04 PM] Dammitwho
"Hrrmm." Siddhendra sits down, stroking his beard, glaring at the floor. "That's a difficult one. I would first go somewhere by ship. No tracks, you see? Then.. I would need a library, a sage, one I could trust. Golarion is stuffed to the brim with sages, but trust is a rarer treasure."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:15:55 PM] Dammitwho
He points to Imran's holy symbol. "Your lady. I don't know much about her - she is well established? A priesthood, temples? You might try there. If not, work out who the enemies of your searching men are, and seek refuge with them."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:16:16 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran thinks. "Trust is difficult...but I might have a route to it. You are right. Faith is that key. As for by sea...yes. Yes. Thank you, sir."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:16:42 PM] Imran Traveler
He stands. "It is my hope that we meet again. But perhaps you should hope we shouldn't."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:17:37 PM] Dammitwho
He grunts. "I'm an old man who lives in the forest whose best friend is a tree. You've got bigger things ahead of you than coming to visit me, I think."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:18:31 PM] Imran Traveler
"Fair enough. Good winds and bright mornings, Siddhendra."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:19:49 PM] Dammitwho
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first stride. Go well, Imran the traveler."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:21:38 PM] Imran Traveler
Well then. Let's mosey before the big tree returns.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:24:30 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
For their first fifteen minutes on the trail, Imran is going to have Lindal skipping around him with body language reading "I'm NOT going to ask what your secret question was... it's ok I guess...". Then he'll forget all about it.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:24:52 PM] Imran Traveler
Does Lindal actually say anything while doing this?
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:24:59 PM] Imran Traveler
If he does then he will get his answer.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:25:01 PM] Imran Traveler
If not, well.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:25:16 PM] Imran Traveler
We've fathoms to cover!
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:26:57 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom, for his part, is almost immediately testing if his phantasmal minion can carry him, discovering it cannot, and sulkily trudging forth. "We will purchase a horse and cart, yes?"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:28:02 PM] Imran Traveler
"Yes. Well, we will pay for one. I don't know if we can carry it to where we're going."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:28:11 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Lindal makes a variety of facial expressions, hums and picks up Ram Banaram to drum out a little tattoo on the frog's back before wiping his fingers on a tussock. He doesn't *say* anything.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:28:26 PM] Imran Traveler
"Lindal. Walk with me a moment."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:28:38 PM] Imran Traveler
He'll fall back from the group, including Vaustin.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:28:42 PM] Dammitwho
Dubnoom wants a horse? so brave! so wise!
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:28:43 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
This is tact. The kind an adult might display toward their friends.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:28:58 PM] Brun Rentclaw
Brun is examining the containment for the contaminant he's carrying as much as he can while carrying and without opening it or risking opening it.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:29:00 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Sure, although we're already walking here."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:29:07 PM] CBN
Dubnoom wants to render a horse subservient. critical difference
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:29:21 PM] Imran Traveler
When they're a modest distance away from the rest: "You have a question."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:30:22 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Ahhh. I mean, I just like knowing things, you know? Secrets. But you probably had a good reason to keep it secret, like maybe you had a matter of faith to discuss with the old guy... or maybe another old-acquaintance thing, or some kinda embarassing health problem..."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:31:48 PM] Imran Traveler
"I asked him what he'd do if he had an evil magic bauble he didn't know about. He had two pieces of advice: First, find a institutional magical arbiter I trusted, through my goddess if possible. Second, travel over sea. Break up the land route; make it harder for them to track us. I ask for your counsel on this."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:32:20 PM] Imran Traveler
"I'll ask for the others' as well; Vaustin himself requested he not be involved in these discussions due to his...compromises. So this is how we're doing it."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:33:18 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Oh! Oh... well, good idea. Um, the device is neutralised by water, right? Travelling by ship is fast as well as safer, and also just kinda fun?"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:33:32 PM] Dammitwho
Brun: The box itself doesn't seem particularly unusual, except for the weight (because of the lead lining).
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:34:44 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"As for trust, if we're talking about magic institutions.. you um, can't. They're not trustworthy! But if we go somewhere big, like Oppara or Absalom big, the sages are anonymous and jaded enough that they won't be in a position to 'ahaha! ahahaha!' us on the spot."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:36:34 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran nods. "I was also thinking of Absalom. And the institution I wish to trust is Nocticula. They all play flutes and artistic drums, instead of researching making spiders bigger."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:39:47 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Mmmm. Sincere and committed believers sure do believe sincerely. "Well, we can start with your guys or girls and move on to whichever experts may specialise in clicking orbs, or will pay our way along the way."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:40:08 PM] Brun Rentclaw
Is the orb clicking? That would be more interesting...
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:40:27 PM] Imran Traveler
Having had our conversation, we can rejoin the group and keep it moving.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:40:35 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"I guess we'll be sticking together, if everyone agrees.. do you want to interview us each for this orb journey now? I'm definitely on board, anyway."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:41:25 PM] Imran Traveler
"If Vaustin retires to his room and we're still eating, we can have it there. We can't have him know our destination, however. In case he's taken."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:42:29 PM] Nicolae
This does raise an OOC question with potentially problematic consequences - how easy is it to track someone in this great big wide world with just a description?
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:42:41 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Due to being marked by the space terror despair god's fake(?). It's a real shame. Maybe they'll leave him alone when he's orbless?"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:42:54 PM] Imran Traveler
"That's the hope."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:43:00 PM] Nicolae
i could probably raise the question IC but tak isn't part of this conversation
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:43:28 PM] Crion
unless we want to do travel stuff i think it's fine if we proceed IC to a position where we can all talk about this in the inn
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:43:35 PM] Nicolae
works for me
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:43:48 PM] Crion
but travel is mechanical so
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:44:35 PM] Gul Banana
well, we could proceed to whatever mechanics occur at least
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:45:05 PM] Dammitwho
Yep, but also don't forget your various weeds
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:45:12 PM] Crion
right yes
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:45:55 PM] P. P. Lindalsivranragdya
P. P. Lindalsivranragdya moves 2 × Flayleaf from Party Loot to the party stash.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:45:57 PM] P. P. Lindalsivranragdya
P. P. Lindalsivranragdya moves Sootheweed from Party Loot to the party stash.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:46:04 PM] Nicolae
hell yeah smoke em if ya got em
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:46:16 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Who here dabbles in herbalism?
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:46:21 PM] Crion
2x mids 1x Loud
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:47:15 PM] Nicolae
looks like the weeds are tagged as alchemical which means it might be tak territory
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:47:44 PM] Nicolae
though his expertise with alchemy is mostly bullets and explosives
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:48:18 PM] Dammitwho
Luckily, harvesting flayleaf and sootheweed is fairly easy, and drying them just takes a bit of time on a tarp or similar.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:48:22 PM] CBN
tak brewing up that shit that sends you to the shadow realm
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:48:28 PM] Crion
alchemy is under crafting, right
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:48:33 PM] Dammitwho
yes
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:48:43 PM] Crion
imran can rotate into that pretty easily he's +14
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:49:27 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran's been known to smoke. And crush, and otherwise prepare for poultice.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:50:17 PM] Nicolae
plus iirc dwho gave us alchemical and magical crafting for free
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:50:45 PM] Gul Banana
nature +0, medicine +0, crafting +4 untrained. lindal is a city kid who believes in economic specialisation
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:50:50 PM] Dammitwho
-Feat Changes
---Magical Crafting and Alchemical Crafting are free feats given to every character once they meet the prerequisites.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:52:31 PM] Dammitwho
Having collected some literal leaves off the ground, and carrying a firkin of beer (it could hold up to 8 gallons, but with the occasional arboreal sippy it currently has six), you continue on back to Wyvern's Wings, holding the makings of a modest party.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:53:30 PM] Imran Traveler
Excellent.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:57:25 PM] Dammitwho
As you return to the Wyvern's Wings, late in the afternoon, there are a few villagers eating, drinking, and arguing over artistic technique. Quinthus is behind the bar, and Kenapsu is idly sketching with his one good arm.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:58:57 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Thanks to our journey into wizardarkness, they never even had to *see* an ooze.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:59:36 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran will immediately walk to Quinthus and negotiate lodging overnight for Vaustin; they're leaving in the morning, or early afternoon. Should be able to get him his own room, but if not, he can have Imran's bed.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:59:41 PM] Tak Ironflame
"Afternoon," Tak says as the party enters the bar, tipping his hat to Quinthus.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 6:59:54 PM] Tak Ironflame
Make it early afternoon. Let the man sleep in a little.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:01:20 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom throws his arms wide. "WE HAVE SLAIN THE DRAGON" he announces as they enter.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:03:27 PM] Dammitwho
Kenapsu remarks with surprise: "Dragon?". The other villagers whisper to each other for a little while, then seem to come to a conclusion.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:03:46 PM] Dammitwho
A thunderous "HUZZAH!" echoes from the rafters, and artists immediately make their way to the bar to order rounds of ale.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:04:22 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Yes, huzzah!" And now they will make our food and drink even more on-the-house. The wheels turn.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:05:32 PM] Dammitwho
The average Moonglow Bayan may not really understand what you've done without further explanation, but you've given them an excuse to drink and they're going to aggressively 'believe you' until it's proven otherwise.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:06:08 PM] Tak Ironflame
No doubt we're going to be pressed with questions, such as "wait, there was a dragon?" and "can you tell us about it?"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:06:42 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
It's basically a metaphor, right. We've pathfound, in some sense, as hired. Although we actually did kill a pretty dragon-shaped creature, and Lindal for one will be describing its lunges and ejecta.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:06:42 PM] Imran Traveler
And we can! More importantly, those Low Men won't be bothering anyone anymore.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:06:51 PM] Imran Traveler
...Unless we stick around for too long.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:07:33 PM] Dammitwho
Quinthus is suddenly pretty harried, but you can still talk to him or Kenapsu if need be.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:09:41 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Remind us, did either of them know Highleaf, or was he before anyone's time?
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:10:32 PM] Dammitwho
Cecilus Highleaf died about a century ago.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:12:06 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Right, so there's nobody to quietly quiz about whatever happened to his apprentices... or the diary-modifying entity he summoned.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:12:12 PM] Dammitwho
There's nobody in town old enough to remember him personally - there is an elf, who runs the general store, who's actually named for the old fellow. But that guy's only in his late twenties.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:12:28 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
It feels like we should leave that information with the mayor or someone though. Just in case.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:12:38 PM] Dammitwho
You might ask anyway, or take another trawl through the archives.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:13:06 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran's not particular about who arranges Vaustin's room; he's gonna take him to the temple in town for a bit, unless he wants to go right to bed.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:14:02 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak is not one to boast, but given the general atmosphere, he'll happily join in the story-telling. If pressed, he will show his firearms to those who ask -- probably don't see a lot of those around here.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:14:59 PM] Tak Ironflame
He doesn't let anyone hold them, though. Seems like a recipe for trouble.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:15:40 PM] Dammitwho
The artists are very interested in Tak's firearms. They ask him to make a few dramatic poses with them, and some of them seem very interested in the how landscape outside of Alkenstar looks.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:17:00 PM] Dammitwho
Kenapsu: "My friends, my friends! You must tell me about this dragon. I cannot imagine such a creature this close to town!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:17:17 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak describes it to the best of his ability, the deserts and the canyons and the mountains and so forth. No doubt some of the details will change in the retelling, and the next visitor from Alkenstar to pass through here will wonder what the hell they're talking about.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:17:23 PM] Brun Rentclaw
"It was in the depths of the mine. Huge! And it vomited acid!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:18:01 PM] Dammitwho
He's not exactly accusing you of tall tales- he likes you and assumes you killed something scary enough to warrant celebration. But a dragon? Here?
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:19:09 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran: "It does not have the religious and political implications of killing a dragon, I'll warrant. But it was very difficult and disgusting."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:19:30 PM] Dammitwho
"Egad, acid? I note - you will forgive me - the pitting and scarring upon your armor, no doubt from that very thing? What did the wyrm look like? Plucked you ought from its hoard?"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:19:57 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran will give him a forthright and honest description of the globby beast and its entourage.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:20:40 PM] Imran Traveler
Size, shape. Smell.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:20:52 PM] Dammitwho
There's increasing arguments, sketches. A likeness of Tak doing something evocative is probably going to end up in some Opparan nobleman's dining room. Hope that's something he wants?
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:22:35 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
We can convey some of the smell without having to actually describe it.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:23:08 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Simply save descriptions of the smell for when you want to mock someone or their cooking. But not here.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:23:12 PM] Dammitwho
Kenapsu looks horrified. "To think that such a thing could have emerged from the mines and fallen upon us!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:23:19 PM] Crion
a funny thing to do would be to give Kenapsu the honest straight truth then turn around and hit the common room with a performance oratory roll to glow us up
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:23:46 PM] Dammitwho
As I recall, you manage to salvage a chunk of the fleshwyrm's body that absorbed some of its latent magic. You could show that off as proof, if needed.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:24:05 PM] Crion
indeed. armed with that, what would be the DC on such a check, DM
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:24:15 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"It was very large! But the gooblins were probably a less-impressive but more disgusting threat. Luring people out of their homes, siren-like, with mimickry. But they are dead now too!" Chipper.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:24:19 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Lindal goes over to the bar once mayor/keeper Quinthus is less harassed by calls for rounds. If the other Bayans are absorbed in the tale of glory, it might be a good time to pass on the more sobering historicals.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:24:24 PM] Tak Ironflame
If someone wants to make a piece of art depicting Tak, he'll oblige. If it helps them keep a roof over their head, so much the better. And if his portrait ends up hanging someplace noble, well, at least he's being depicted as a hero.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:24:33 PM] Brun Rentclaw
"It would have been hard for it to emerge, honestly. There were some unstable bridges such a beast couldn't cross, and it seemed too heavy to fly."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:24:43 PM] Dammitwho
i'm gonna say DC 20
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:25:03 PM] Crion
excellent. what item bonus does the fleshwyrm provide,
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:25:27 PM] Dammitwho
it gave you a bonus on the DC
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:25:37 PM] Crion
excellent,,
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:25:49 PM] Imran Traveler
29
1d20 + 10 = 19 + 10 = 29
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:26:29 PM] Dammitwho
Quinthus: "Ah, young master Lindal! Pleased to see you again, I'm sure, though it's hard enough for me to hear what you've been doing, with all these goings-on!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:27:18 PM] Dammitwho
Kenapsu has put his sketches aside, and is using his leftover paper to frantically write down the (original, non-embellished) account Imran and the gang gave him. For the archives, you see.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:28:10 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"We're all pleased to be back in your very hospitable inn! And on account of that hospitability, and the future welfare of these townfolk, there are a couple of things I should pass on. From the dragon's lair."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:28:15 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Have you a hat to keep it under?"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:29:02 PM] Imran Traveler
After satisfying Kenapsu, Imran steps forth. "People! Good people of Moonglow Bay. You deserve to hear the honest truth of the way that Great Flesh Wyrm, the Dragon of Filth and Poison, was slain. It killed many, and it killed for so long. It in fact presided over so many of the strange uncertain and sloppy creatures that marauded about this countryside. It drew its power, forsooth, from the wastings and runoffs of a wizard's mine. The unfortunate side effect of idle devices left to their own accord. And we destroyed it. Attend!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:31:22 PM] Dammitwho
Quinthus frowns, a bit alarmed: "Aye, wait a tick." He beckons frantically to one of the barmaids to take orders in his stead, then awkwardly slips from behind the counter and urges Lindal through a door out of the common room.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:31:42 PM] Imran Traveler
He spins them a story of a heroic party led by the man Vaustin, who were driven from the mines and serve as a cautionary tale. Then, the story of the matriarch spider, who accosted the heroes but repented in the light of the Holy Lady, and retreated. Between the first and second encounters, the cleverness of Lindal, steadfastness of Brun, agility of Tak and wisdom of Dubnoom guide the action, as the party learns of the great legacy of Highleaf. And then the final encounter, in the depths, with the Great Flesh Wyrm. The heroes win! And monstrosities of the countryside are in abeyance.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:31:52 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Ah, more of the warrenlike town hall. Lindal looks about with interest as they trot along.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:31:53 PM] Dammitwho
The villagers of Moonglow Bay cheer raucously, already drinking, as Imran begins.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:32:11 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"I'm sorry to say it, but back in your Founder's day he kept the kind of secrets which may come back to haunt Moonglow Bay. Or they may not! That would be nice for everyone."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:33:23 PM] Dammitwho
Quinthus sits down at a chair next to a small table beside a window, and offers you one across from him. He takes off his hat and grips it in his hands in front of him with worry. "Secrets? What do you be meaning?"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:35:17 PM] Imran Traveler
What's important in this telling of the tale is that Highleaf remains a figure of local pride. Imran is here to divorce the gross shitdragon and the spider and the weird goos from that legacy, and inspire them to fight against such things in defense of, well. A more sanitized Highleaf's memory.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:35:26 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Ah, I won't pastrycoat it." Lindal drags the chair about a bit with his tail and perches on it sideways. "The old wizard had research interests he thought were important enough to extend his life at others' expense."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:35:29 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"He drained other mages of their essence... conjured powerful things which do not seem to have remained restrained. It's possible someone comes looking for revenge!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:35:53 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"I think, I hope, at that point all you've got to do is make it clear that the town knew nothing about this and hasn't carried on such practices."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:36:14 PM] Imran Traveler
He doesn't give the specifics of Highleaf's dalliances in the spheres, but intimates he was wise and deep in esoteric subjects of such weight. And so on.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:36:52 PM] Dammitwho
A man in a heavy coat thoughtfully smoking a pipe asks Imran whether that means his sheep won't be butchered at night anymore.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:36:54 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Lindal's going to give Quinthus Highleaf's diary - the one with passages marked up by a DarK Editor.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:37:49 PM] Crion
the answer to that truthfully is a straightforward yes, right, we did actually uproot the sheep butchers and then destroyed their source
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:37:51 PM] Dammitwho
Quinthus takes the diary solemnly. "I'll pass 'er off to Kenapsu - he'll know what to do with it. But... revenge? Are ye sure? The man's been dead a hundred years and more!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:38:01 PM] Crion
at least as far as imran knows
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:38:07 PM] Dammitwho
crion: it seems so!
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:38:28 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran to the pipe-smoking man: "Not at night, nor, as is our belief, during the day."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:39:48 PM] Dammitwho
The man nods with satisfaction and raises his glass to Imran and to Dubnoom. "Then I'll drink to that, and to the little goblin wizard, Dubnoom the Wise!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:39:51 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"No, I'm not sure at all!" Lindal continues, unhelpfully. "This is just a thing, you know, a just in case thing. Someone should keep charge of the facts. Cecilus Highleaf... certainly dealt in timescales of centuries, but there's no reason, in my opinion, that it ought to blow back on your people. That's why my comrades aren't emphasising these causations in their tale."
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:40:33 PM] Tak Ironflame
"To Dubnoom!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:41:17 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"To Dubnoom! He is not a wizard but welcomes your praise!" Where did he get a...goblet? Full of wine? Best not to dwell. Sloshing it everywhere.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:42:12 PM] Imran Traveler
"To Dubnoom!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:42:30 PM] Dammitwho
Another man, who had been drinking since well before you came in and is now sitting due to inability to stand, shouts "Three cheers for the dragonslayers! Three cheers for Imran, Brun... uh, fuckin'..." More whispers. "Tak! and Dubnoom which he said now. And the other fella who was here a second ago!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:42:57 PM] Dammitwho
It takes them a minute to get sorted after that inauspicious call, but they do:
"HUZZAH!"
"HUZZAH!"
"HUZZAH!"
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:42:58 PM] Brun Rentclaw
The burly armored guys always get top billing in monster slaying.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:43:03 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
The thing is, we've *just* experienced a case of the wizard's shotgun. And Lindal grew up one strait away from the land where two archwizards' legacy of war continues, thousands of years later. So! In case of future events, and in case they may be affected positively by what's in the diary, here it is.
---------------------------
[4/17/2026, 7:44:33 PM] Dammitwho
Quinthus frowns with concern. "Your concern is well taken, master Lindal. We'll have a read-through--" He slaps the cover of Highleaf's diary. "WIth the more sensible lads on the morrow, when they've sobered up."
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[4/17/2026, 7:44:48 PM] Dammitwho
"Doubt there's much we can do, but better forewarned."
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[4/17/2026, 7:44:55 PM] Imran Traveler
We should leave him the Fleshwyrm trophy as well, as a sample.
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[4/17/2026, 7:46:01 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"You got it! Now I'll let you get back to the Sheep Safety Shindig."
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[4/17/2026, 7:46:19 PM] Imran Traveler
If we can set it up this quickly, tonight is a night for carousing and celebration, and tomorrow is a -- okay, next afternoon is a time for running towards the next boat to Absalom in a cart.
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[4/17/2026, 7:46:32 PM] Dammitwho
You can, though the Grim Trophy would give Imran the chance to Demoralize a foe when used.
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[4/17/2026, 7:46:31 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran and Lindal should talk to the rest of the gang about this.
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[4/17/2026, 7:46:34 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
And if Quinthus ushers Lindal along he'll return to the party too; otherwise, he'll poke around the backrooms of the inn just in case there's something interesting to gawp or nab.
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[4/17/2026, 7:47:01 PM] Tak Ironflame
I suspect Imran has plenty of ways to demoralize his foes already.
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[4/17/2026, 7:47:15 PM] Imran Traveler
He's fine sacrificing that. Imran's scary enough.
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[4/17/2026, 7:47:28 PM] Crion
its main use is making it a group check, but it's up to 2
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[4/17/2026, 7:47:47 PM] Crion
which is not so much of a group that i'm not willing to hand it off for social reasons.
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[4/17/2026, 7:48:27 PM] Nicolae
yeah, i'm also fine with letting the locals have it. worst case scenario, i suppose the low men show up and someone accidentally hits 'em with the Trophy Grimness and it all works out
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[4/17/2026, 7:48:32 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran's riled up the village; how long is it until the five of us get a moment alone and Vaustin is in bed?
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[4/17/2026, 7:49:30 PM] Dammitwho
Vaustin is already in bed - you were able to arrange a room for him, and while he's not seriously injured anymore, he's still pretty worn out (and it's not like anybody's celebrating for his sake).
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[4/17/2026, 7:50:05 PM] Imran Traveler
Then let's get a corner table and some privacy. It's time to talk travel.
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[4/17/2026, 7:50:16 PM] Dammitwho
The rest of you... in theory you can pull away at any time. But like, these guys really want to toast your success, eat, drink, be merry, ask Genna to play music for them/you, etc.
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[4/17/2026, 7:50:36 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom LOVES being praised.
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[4/17/2026, 7:50:36 PM] Imran Traveler
Can we slip away one by one and meet in the secret study?
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[4/17/2026, 7:50:39 PM] Dammitwho
If you're just going to a corner table rather than leaving the common room, that's easier.
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[4/17/2026, 7:50:44 PM] Imran Traveler
Dubnoom can slip away last.
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[4/17/2026, 7:51:23 PM] Dammitwho
If you *are* planning to slip out of the room, it'll take a bit longer - into the evening, but you manage it.
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[4/17/2026, 7:52:01 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak is a creature of shadow, and begins feeling self-conscious after getting too much praise, so it won't be long before he's able to sneak off to a corner with Imran.
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[4/17/2026, 7:52:52 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Then Dubnoom will eventually slip out in the evening. And, last. And, happiest.
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[4/17/2026, 7:52:59 PM] Imran Traveler
Taking longer means more time to carouse and eat lamb.
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[4/17/2026, 7:53:27 PM] Brun Rentclaw
Brun will wander off after many songs from Genna and carrying kids around the common room.
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[4/17/2026, 7:54:45 PM] Dammitwho
The kids - Marissa, Lucus, and Protus especially - love Brun. Though Genna has to gently remind some of them not to refer Brun as a kind of dog, no, not even if you like dogs and think that it's good he is one.
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[4/17/2026, 7:55:22 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran will be first to make his way to Quinthus's back room, unless Lindal or Quinthus himself has remained there. He's a fantastic speaker when he's so motivated, but he's also just a stiff at parties.
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[4/17/2026, 7:55:52 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Lindal will meet the others wherever they happen to collect, backrooms or backtable. Did he find any interesting trinkets or souvenirs?
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[4/17/2026, 7:56:33 PM] Brun Rentclaw
Brun is definitely _not_ helping in the dog case since he will run around on all fours and let kids ride on his back.
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[4/17/2026, 7:57:58 PM] Dammitwho
Hmm. Lindal, roll Perception!
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[4/17/2026, 7:59:44 PM] Imran Traveler
When the others make their way back, they'll find him whittling.
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[4/17/2026, 8:01:27 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
24
1d20 + 8 = 16 + 8 = 24
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[4/17/2026, 8:01:38 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
*perceives*
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[4/17/2026, 8:03:24 PM] Party Loot
Lindal does find some stuff lying around! An ampoule of "oil of mending", a handfull of smoke bombs, and a belt buckle with the town arms (Highleaf's sigil) on it.
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[4/17/2026, 8:05:03 PM] Crion
i want to roll to create a work of art during downtime while whittling
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[4/17/2026, 8:05:09 PM] Crion
trying to find the rules for that
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[4/17/2026, 8:05:19 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Oh, well, he wouldn't want to deprive these people of their repair oils.
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[4/17/2026, 8:05:26 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya takes 5 × Smoke Ball (Lesser) from Party Loot.
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[4/17/2026, 8:06:50 PM] Crion
hmm i guess it would just be an Earn Income roll since i'm not making a specifically useful whittled item
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[4/17/2026, 8:06:51 PM] Dammitwho
What are you intending to do with said art piece?
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[4/17/2026, 8:07:04 PM] Dammitwho
Are you going to sell it or?
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[4/17/2026, 8:07:06 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
The whittling Traveller is joined by a young witch learning to juggle smokebombs. Just a couple to start!
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[4/17/2026, 8:07:36 PM] Crion
i think instead i am just going to punt on this question and figure out a way to make whittling something worthwhile from a non-economic perspective.
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[4/17/2026, 8:07:43 PM] Crion
and it's just flavor that imran is whittling
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[4/17/2026, 8:08:23 PM] Dammitwho
If it's just flavor then you can say you make whatever you please within reason, and I'll make you roll something if you decide to actually Use it in some way
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[4/17/2026, 8:08:39 PM] Dammitwho
(for artworks, anyway)
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[4/17/2026, 8:09:22 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran looks up from a half-done carving of a goopy wyrm's head whistle. How do you carve goop? Well, you don't. You sand. He's just getting the wood in position. Anyway: "Lindal!"
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[4/17/2026, 8:10:42 PM] Imran Traveler
Hopefully Tak, Brun, and Dubnoom will arrive forthwith, but: "The town loves us. We should leave as soon as possible."
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[4/17/2026, 8:11:46 PM] Brun Rentclaw
Brun does arrive, with some sort of garland draped over him. "Hello friends!"
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[4/17/2026, 8:12:08 PM] Imran Traveler
"Brun!"
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[4/17/2026, 8:12:23 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"You're really worried about the Device, huh? What's your bet - something the B.T. use to talk to big Z.?"
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[4/17/2026, 8:12:49 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom, who is there with his goblet, and a big turkey leg (or lamb chop? or both?). "Yes. Wisdom is knowing how to not be the last person at the party. They are called to clean up."
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[4/17/2026, 8:13:09 PM] Imran Traveler
"Yes, or worse," to Lindal. To Brun: "How do you feel about Absalom?"
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[4/17/2026, 8:13:30 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Hey, all."
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[4/17/2026, 8:14:03 PM] Brun Rentclaw
"Pretty good overall. I've never been but it seems exciting."
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[4/17/2026, 8:14:45 PM] Imran Traveler
Back to Lindal: "The worst possibility isn't worth thinking about. But we're doing it anyway, so: A small device that can be taken anywhere. A Lord obsessed with the Void. The general concept of an orb."
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[4/17/2026, 8:15:04 PM] Imran Traveler
"What if it's not talk to? What if it's co-locate?"
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[4/17/2026, 8:15:08 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Intriguing! -ly bad."
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[4/17/2026, 8:15:28 PM] Imran Traveler
"Anyway. They want it, they can't have it, fuck them."
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[4/17/2026, 8:15:44 PM] Imran Traveler
To Brun: "I agree! I think we should go."
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[4/17/2026, 8:15:55 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"By sea, although I guess that's implicit."
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[4/17/2026, 8:17:05 PM] Imran Traveler
"Yes, I think so. We take a cart tomorrow to a port that has a boat to the isle." What are the logistics here, actually? Moonlight Bay is right there on the Inner Sea with a straight shot, isn't it?
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[4/17/2026, 8:17:33 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Before we take it anywhere, we should make it easy to find if we misplace it." Dubnoom waggles his hand with his Ring of Sigils on one finger.
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[4/17/2026, 8:17:57 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Ring of Sigils (Greater)
Arcane Invested
This silver band is carved with the personal sigils of different individuals, adding one to represent you when you invest it. The ring allows you to cast Sigil as an arcane innate cantrip. Activate—Track Sigil 1 (concentrate, detection) Frequency once per 10 minutes Effect You detect the general direction toward the most recent sigil you created using the ring. This activation fails if the sigil is more than 100 miles away or if there's lead or running water between you and the sigil. In addition, if the sigil was placed on a living creature, you also determine whether the creature is alive, its distance from you, and any conditions affecting it.
Item 6 Price: 225 gp
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[4/17/2026, 8:18:15 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Dubnoom can do the same for any of you if you would like. In case we lose you."
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[4/17/2026, 8:18:29 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Hells yes. Add another rune to the pile.
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[4/17/2026, 8:19:10 PM] Dammitwho
Yes, Moonglow Bay is quite near to Absalom. Not quite close enough to take a fishing vessel there, but small ships regularly dock nearby, and you can easily buy passage.
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[4/17/2026, 8:19:51 PM] Imran Traveler
"Excellent, Dubnoom."
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[4/17/2026, 8:19:56 PM] Brun Rentclaw
"Seems a bit risky to take a lead box with something dangerous onto a boat. But I suppose we don't have much of a choice."
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[4/17/2026, 8:20:16 PM] Tak Ironflame
"It's risky to have the thing with us at all."
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[4/17/2026, 8:20:19 PM] Imran Traveler
"Water's also apparently a problem for those chasing it."
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[4/17/2026, 8:20:30 PM] Imran Traveler
"So at least if we sink, it's protected."
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[4/17/2026, 8:20:39 PM] Imran Traveler
"Tak! Absalom?"
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[4/17/2026, 8:21:31 PM] Tak Ironflame
"Absalom works for me. I'd been planning to go there anyway."
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[4/17/2026, 8:22:31 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Boats are the safest place for things you don't want to be taken from you. Roads? Bandits. Forests? Bandits. Caves? Cave bandits. Boats?" Dubnoom makes a show of looking around. "See no bandits."
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[4/17/2026, 8:22:38 PM] Imran Traveler
"Alright. I'll let Vaustin know we intend to leave by sea, bearing west, which is true. He should head north and east away from us, and find his shelter."
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[4/17/2026, 8:23:12 PM] Imran Traveler
"We spend a time in Absalom, and then we figure out our next plan."
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[4/17/2026, 8:23:27 PM] Tak Ironflame
"Should we tell him we're leaving by sea at all?"
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[4/17/2026, 8:23:29 PM] Dammitwho
Lindal, of course, knows that Dubnoom is wrong about the lack of high seas banditry.
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[4/17/2026, 8:23:45 PM] Imran Traveler
To Tak: "Yes, it makes it sound like a longer journey than it is."
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[4/17/2026, 8:25:23 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Yes, but he's not going to disabuse anyone. Aquabanditry is *fun*.
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[4/17/2026, 8:25:49 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak considers, and nods.
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[4/17/2026, 8:25:51 PM] Imran Traveler
"I want the best for Vaustin. And the best for Vaustin is that if they tear down the temple he's found sanctuary in and drag him to the rack and highstar screaming spinehold for torture, they know with certainty from the moment they inflict it upon him he's telling the truth.
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[4/17/2026, 8:26:04 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Not that he minds highway robbery all that much either. You either get to take from the rich and give to the poor, or, if the bandits are just shitheads, you can beat them up and do some good!
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[4/17/2026, 8:26:29 PM] Imran Traveler
"If he has any inkling or uncertainty about where we've gone, and they catch him, he will die badly. Because their magic will read that uncertainty on him."
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[4/17/2026, 8:26:37 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Wow, that's a really depressing kind of optimism."
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[4/17/2026, 8:26:43 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Friend Imran, your culture is foreign to Dubnoom."
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[4/17/2026, 8:26:49 PM] Imran Traveler
"My culture is pain and death."
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[4/17/2026, 8:27:08 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"May it ever remain where it is." He raises his goblet in cheers, and drinks.
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[4/17/2026, 8:27:08 PM] Imran Traveler
"Culturally, we are world historical at it."
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[4/17/2026, 8:27:25 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak drinks to that as well.
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[4/17/2026, 8:27:59 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Nidal's supposed to be more ancient than even Osirion, right?"
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[4/17/2026, 8:28:07 PM] Imran Traveler
"I think that's true."
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[4/17/2026, 8:28:15 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"It'd be amazing if we're in the time where things change. Even for the worse!"
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[4/17/2026, 8:28:50 PM] Imran Traveler
"I will tell you this faithfully: I'd love to go home and just kill a bunch of people I used to know. Leave them in the street."
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[4/17/2026, 8:28:53 PM] Tak Ironflame
"If he is caught, what can he tell them about us?"
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[4/17/2026, 8:29:03 PM] Imran Traveler
"But that requires...infrastructure, planning, power."
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[4/17/2026, 8:29:13 PM] Imran Traveler
"Sometimes there's things you can't do in this life."
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[4/17/2026, 8:29:58 PM] Tak Ironflame
"And what can they do with whatever information he gives them?"
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[4/17/2026, 8:30:08 PM] Brun Rentclaw
"Maybe shouldn't do, either."
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[4/17/2026, 8:30:19 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"You have so much time to do that though! Maybe with magic." The phantasmal minion is bringing him another rack of lamb.
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[4/17/2026, 8:30:33 PM] Dammitwho
Lots of things have been changing, these days. Aroden died almost 120 years ago, and shit's been bananas since.
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[4/17/2026, 8:30:32 PM] Imran Traveler
"Anyway. Nidal is Nidal. They'll send people. Absalom is a great place for those Low Men to be frustrated, because Absalom has a lot of other great powers who don't take kindly to low rent dogshit smug fatherless bastards who never met any solution to a problem other than a smirk and a knife."
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[4/17/2026, 8:31:20 PM] Imran Traveler
"We can't stay there forever, but we'll have some leeway. That's my hope, anyhow."
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[4/17/2026, 8:31:23 PM] Dammitwho
All roads lead to Absalom, the City at the Center of the World. It's a melting pot, a great place to disappear.
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[4/17/2026, 8:31:48 PM] Brun Rentclaw
"To Absalom, then."
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[4/17/2026, 8:32:15 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran raises his empty glass. "To Absalom. We leave tomorrow."
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[4/17/2026, 8:32:37 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"To Absalom!" He misinteprets, raising his goblet again.
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[4/17/2026, 8:33:03 PM] Imran Traveler
In his wisdom, he interpreted it the most correctly.
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[4/17/2026, 8:33:38 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"I'm sure there's a lot to do. Many things must be wrong, in such a great city..."
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[4/17/2026, 8:33:43 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Absalom ke lie!"
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[4/17/2026, 8:35:09 PM] Tak Ironflame
"Absalom it is. I hope my second sea voyage is more tolerable than the first."
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[4/17/2026, 8:35:29 PM] Dammitwho
Your course is set. Back in the common room, the artists of Moonglow Bay are already writing songs about you. Most of them will fade into obscurity within a month, but 'The Goblin With The Goblet', though only recognizable as referring to Dubnoom if you are already in the know, persists and becomes a staple in southern Taldor.
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[4/17/2026, 8:35:33 PM] Dammitwho
It's a start, anyway.
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[4/17/2026, 8:36:10 PM] CBN
Legends starts somewhere.
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[4/17/2026, 8:37:23 PM] Dammitwho
You'll sail to Absalom and begin the next phase of your journey... next week!