The End of an Era Part 1

[Alhallor]

Onka follows Leylek full of trust, even when he thinks that he sees the same construct twice. That he could drown in this cavern doesn't come to his mind even with the water rising. Drowning is way too much of an alien concept for the mountain-villager.

When it seems that the grotto becomes more narrow. Look, I think we're getting close to the exit! I think... AAHH!

When something cold grazes the dancers legs he jumps out of the knee-deep water, only to get claimed back by the ground.

He looks around, smiling nervously. There Onka gulps. Was something at my leg.

We should hurry!

[Cygnia]

"OOK! Indeed!" Ahalyā hoped it was just some blind cavefish that brushed against Onka -- some small blind cavefish. She was tempted to cast Detect Thoughts, but wasting time casting such magicks when they could hopefully just get away from Whatever It Was would probably be a Bad Idea.

Still, she at least tried to think about any possible aquatic threats that could realistically be in such a cavern like this while keeping her own senses alert...

(1d20+10)[28] Know: Nature
(1d20+7)[11] Perception

[BelGareth]

Completely out of his element, he merely throws his hands up to Leylek signifying he is out of his depth.

"What do we do here?" he asks

Spoiler

Show

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai \ Mirumoto Niten Master 2
Level 7 Init 3, HP 61/61, Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 14 Flat-footed 18
Fort +9 Ref +5 Will +6
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's Fortification 25%, DR 1/-, Mantle of flame 2d6 fire on hit, Essentia 3
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [0/3], Anklets of Translocation [3/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects, Blade Guide, Eternal Training [1/1]
speech: 008080

Mirumoto Niten, Ancestor (Blade Guide)
Least Soulspark, Tiny Outsider (Lawful, Incarnum, Native)
Hit Dice 2d8 Init 5, HP 16/16, Speed 20 ft., fly 30 ft. (perfect)
AC 15 Touch 13 Flat-footed 14
Fort +5 Ref +4 Will +4
Stats Str 10, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 6, Wis 13, Cha 13
Condition's Amorphous (immune to crits/sneak attack), DR 1/chaotic, Evasion
Special
-Attack Bonus: 0/2; +1 bonus to-hit&damage / Essentia
-Deflection Bonus: 1/2; +1 deflection to AC / Essentia
-Healing: 0/2; Fast healing 1 / Essentia
-Saving Throw: 0/2; +1 resistance bonus / Essentia
Attack: Soul blast +5 ranged touch (1d4+1)
Skills: Diplomacy +3, Hide +14, Knowledge (history) +3, Listen +6, Move Silently +6, Sense Motive +6, Spot +6
speech: 40E0D0

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	1/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	1/2	-
Soulspark Familiar	Blade guide Familiar	multiple options	1/2	-

[Auranghzeb]

Oh, there's something in the water, and is not blindfish. Raksha, up to the cross in water, almost swimming, is really nervous. And now is Ahalya who feels a cold caress. The light shines dim through the water, and there's something, almost translucent, long like tentacles.

From the darkness around, a voice comes and reverberates in the grotto, a young woman's voice.

Men illness bring

cleanse them swift death

still water.

Perception checks, please.

[Alhallor]

Onka, beginning to fear what he couldn't see. Was... Actually relieved after hearing the voice.

Hello? Are you one of the sisters? None of us are ill and we have some with us who aren't men. And we have a boon for you from a friend of yours?

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Perception: (1d20+10)[16]
Diplomacy: (1d20+4)[7]

[Auranghzeb]

There's the shadow of a person cut against the deeper darkness of the grotto beyond, where the water seem to give way to a rock. The voice may come from there.

Their illness is lies
Tongues twisted as roots
their words poison

Once you are all still, the sound of something moving in the water is clear, as several translucent tentacles rise from different parts of the water. Some almost 10' tall.

The voice seems to rise and reverberate, and you clearly feel it speaks to Shimura now.

Armored like a thief
Took the little one from the womb
this be for thieves a tomb

Map
Conditions:
Water is difficult terrain, slowing your movement. Only source of ligt is Shimura's ancestral soulspark.

[Cygnia]

Ohhhhh...not good, not good! Raksha's obvious discomfort echoed the shaman's own. And seeing tentacles rise from the murky waters didn't help the situation in the slightest. But whatever this entity was, it at least was talking.

Granted, its/her words were ominous -- but at least Whatever It Was wasn't attacking first, asking questions never.

Ahalyā gave an audible gulp before she tried to speak. She gave Raksha a reassuring pat on the head for both their sakes.

It didn't help.

"O' Guardian of this cavern, we have been warned by the kami of the evils now infecting our world. Of the taint corrupting the land and the waters poisoned with salt. And we have indeed seen this with our very eyes! We have fought oni and foul undead alike left behind in our quarry's wake and purified what we could afterwards. We have been tasked with restoring balance to the realm. To thwart those mortals responsible for this vile illness of nature..." As Raksha whimpered, Ahalyā once more drew out the pendant from under her tunic. "Please, allow us to prove the worth of our words. We have been ordered to meet with the three Sisters who dwell on this isle. Please, allow us to safely pass so that we may continue to heal this wounded world and drive back the void..."

Heart beating frantically, the vanara bowed her head, praying to all her ancestors that her words could positively sway this entity.

(1d20+10)[29] Know: Religion or Nature to figure out what this being is
(1d20+11)[28] Diplomacy

[Metastachydium]

Leylek freezes for a moment. He lead them all into a trap. He looks around, intently, for a good way out of this, alive. Fight? Flee? That is no new conundrum – he realizes, very suddenly, as though he has seen lightning dance, jittering down somewhere far away over the steppe, from a stormcloud far behind him. He asked that before, and aloud. And as the voice speaks to the Samurai, of thiefs, and the Shaman begins to parley, it comes together. Shimura-sama. His words on the hill road. We are no thieves in the night. he repeats them, slowly, calmly, his wings slowly rising, spreading. We hunt them. Will you let us pass?

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Other stuff rolled on Discord; Aid Another on that Diplomacy: (1d20+4)[5]

[Alhallor]

Onka, wary of the rising tentacles slightly raises his hands, try's to get a safe standing and waits, just trying to stay still.

Alhalya seemed to understand whatever it is pretty well and it was clear that Shimura was the one talked too. Onka could at least help by shutting his mouth and be prepared for anything that is to come.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Full-Defense-Action which raises my AC to 30 (thanks to my absurd Tumble), also I'm declaring Dodge against the nearest tentacle, for a 31.

[Auranghzeb]

Ahalya lifts the Du`coq's trinket while talking to the shadows. Her heart throbs loudly in the deep darkness as her words carry wisdom and are elegantly articulated.

This is as Leylek's sharp mind realizes the connection: Why is the voice particularly angry with the Samurai... unless... of course!

But his crane voice come more like a squeak that does not aid Ahalya's convincing effort.

The Vanara's word seem to have an effect in calming the evident hostility. The translucent tentacles recede into the water, practically invisible now.

Come forward you
of the face like a winter monkey
but it is late for talk

Spoiler: Knowledge

Show

Good roll, but the tentacles tell you nothing, I'll tell you more if Ahalya approaches.

[Cygnia]

Raksha could feel what Ahalyā was going to do. "...mistress...?" The wolf softly growled in concern.

"This needs to be done, Raksha. She needs to see we are not the enemy..." And Ahalyā stepped forward towards the voice. Not willing to let the shaman face Whatever This Was alone, the wolf was a half-step behind.

"It is never too late to talk, o Guardian. Never too late to turn away from unnecessary bloodshed. A difficult lesson, to be sure. But there are still some mortals willing to put that into practice..."

[Metastachydium]

Leylek warily motions to the Samurai and Onka to, perhaps, move towards the patch of dry ground and out of the water, if possible, but stays otherwise motionless himself. If the water is an enemy, he can fly; they can't. If they all pull back, the Shaman must treat alone; and he won't have that.

[Auranghzeb]

Ahalya, as you walk towards the voice, you stumble with something in the water, softer than a rock or a stalagmite. When you look down, in the dim radius of shimura's ancestral light, you see a hand half submerged and a body weighted by samurai armor and a pale dead face looking at you from under the water.

As your eyes grow accustomed to darkness, you can see now the outline of the voice.

Come closer you have
Their luck you won't share
unless you lie.

[Cygnia]

"...ancestors...!" breathed Ahalyā as she saw the corpse clad in the armor of a samurai. She shook her head sadly. Her assumption was that this was not a natural death. Another victim of the Crab perhaps? Or did this happen even earlier -- maybe even by one of Master Shimura's clan once upon a time? The latter might explain such anger this entity had.

"Please, o Guardian, may we know what happened to you? Who you are and what led you to this fate? And what could be done to grant you deserved peace...?"

[BelGareth]

Shimura mutely nods at Master Leylek and slowly shuffles to the small patch of dry land, should I take my armor off? he mused to himself having just put it back on...if the water raised any further, it would be prudent, but taking it off was a matter by itself and now wasn't the time to do a wardrobe change.

Spoiler

Show

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai \ Mirumoto Niten Master 2
Level 7 Init 3, HP 61/61, Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 14 Flat-footed 18
Fort +9 Ref +5 Will +6
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's Fortification 25%, DR 1/-, Mantle of flame 2d6 fire on hit, Essentia 3
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [0/3], Anklets of Translocation [3/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects, Blade Guide, Eternal Training [1/1]
speech: 008080

Mirumoto Niten, Ancestor (Blade Guide)
Least Soulspark, Tiny Outsider (Lawful, Incarnum, Native)
Hit Dice 2d8 Init 5, HP 16/16, Speed 20 ft., fly 30 ft. (perfect)
AC 15 Touch 13 Flat-footed 14
Fort +5 Ref +4 Will +4
Stats Str 10, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 6, Wis 13, Cha 13
Condition's Amorphous (immune to crits/sneak attack), DR 1/chaotic, Evasion
Special
-Attack Bonus: 0/2; +1 bonus to-hit&damage / Essentia
-Deflection Bonus: 1/2; +1 deflection to AC / Essentia
-Healing: 0/2; Fast healing 1 / Essentia
-Saving Throw: 0/2; +1 resistance bonus / Essentia
Attack: Soul blast +5 ranged touch (1d4+1)
Skills: Diplomacy +3, Hide +14, Knowledge (history) +3, Listen +6, Move Silently +6, Sense Motive +6, Spot +6
speech: 40E0D0

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	1/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	1/2	-
Soulspark Familiar	Blade guide Familiar	multiple options	1/2	-

[Auranghzeb]

As Shimura advances with his light, Ahalya finally sees the contour or the voice, a young woman not even in her twenties sits facing the darkness ahead. She wears an elegant kimono and her long long hair falls dreamily flowing like water. Her voice comes towards you, as if she were facing you, clear, no echoes.

Thieves took the child
no longer here, my grief is great
my sister's more

As your pupils adjust, you see the bodies of six samurai wearing the crab's colors, their heads are scattered like pebbles in a child playground around the young woman.

Her face turns lightly...

Leylek and Ahalya know immediately what they are facing. She is a Yamauba 山姥 not an Oni, something much more powerful! a Yokai, closer to Kami than to demon.

Spoiler: Knowledge and sense motive

Show

Ahalya an Leylek know she is really powerful, Ahalya can sense her power now, but she is not a spirit, she is more material than the world itself, older than the rocks around her, yet there's taint in here, it is smeared on the walls and on the bodies of the samurai.

Sense motive DC 15

Spoiler: Sense Motive

Show

She is incoherent, acting randomly, she does not show aggressivity. But you sense the fine line between peace and violence.

her bare featureless face is almost smooth as milk with only the underlying shape of eye sockets and lips...


She seems peaceful as she chants softly almost friendly

Thieves took the child
no longer here, my grief is great
my sister's wound are open

But suddenly, she shudders violently, and the heads scattered in the floor tremble

Thieves took her baby
no longer here, my grief is great
my sister's milk is sour

Behind you, in the water, the translucent tentacles lurk, ready to pounce.

Spoiler: Sense movite DC 15

Show

She is on the verge of violence.

What do you do?

[Cygnia]

Yama-uba. Mountain witch.

Ahalyā had heard the ghost stories of such beings as a whelp. Most were meant to terrify them, characterizing them as cannibals -- specifically, eaters of children. But some had the yama-uba as more as kindly benefactors and mentors for legendary heroes when they were but children -- if treated with respect. Somewhere, Ahalyā suspected, the truth was a muddy mixture of both. The accursed taint in this cavern wasn't helping -- whether the fallen Crab had caused this infection or this kami already had taint was still up in the air.

But if the Crab had kidnapped a child belonging to the yama-uba's sister (And are these two of the Three Sisters we are meant to meet? Have the Crab already been here to make more evil?!) no wonder she was enraged with grief.

If they are the Sisters, they must all be furious!

No time to ponder that -- the tentacles were twitching menacingly. And hopefully Ahalyā could sway the yama-uba to hear reason.

"O Guardian, neither you nor your sister deserved such cruelty! No mother should be denied to love their child, nor no doting aunt. We are sworn to stop the Crab -- we are hunting them now! We know your enemy. Please, allow us to aid you in delivering justice for this crime..."

(1d20+11)[15] Diplomacy

[Metastachydium]

Leylek's visage darkens. So it is true. The Crab was here, and a great Yokai now wants his own and him to pay for their deeds. Indeed. his voice, measured, the words flowing forth slow, almost one at a time, joins the Shaman's once again. Shimura-sama, the worthy Samurai that leads us is of the Dragon, not the Crab. He serves the Prince, with faith. So does Onka-san. I came to aid them on the Regents orders, but would fight for them now of my own accord, any day and in any battle. We do the bidding of a Kami when we come to you, for counsel. he stresses once more, his beak moving, slowly, to point at the Half-Man's axe, hanging on his own belt. The Crab we fought, five times now. They took things sacred. If our hunt succeeds, we shall restore these to where they belong. He pauses once more, his wings still raised, the hands open. Where is the child now?

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I understand that it may not be of much use, but Diplomacy anyhow: (1d20+4)[5]

Also, Leylek is likewise on alert and enters full defense, designating… The tentacles for Dodge? That would make for an AC of 22.

[Auranghzeb]

They came with truth
in their tongues, yet two were tainted,
a test they'll face

The Yamauba's head tilts back completely and her hair parts in two revealing in the center of her head a foul mouth lined with with sharp teeth. She bents backward and spins in a quick movement.

The dead Samura's head spring up and start to orbit around her in perfect patterns, their dead eyes seem to stare at Leylek and Onka.


The Yamauba voice is deeper now and while there's no anger, there's judgment.

Your words sincere,
but two of you are tainted, your blood is poison
the eyes of the tainted dead read you.
Your path is violent and the sea may drown you.

The eyes of the dead then seem to stare at Shimura and Ahalya.

You are true and clean
You may go through or you may remain
and be likewise tested
Decide!

[Metastachydium]

Leylek lowers his wing-arms, at last, and nods grimly. I see. he says, with a simple, hollow calm. Before we felled the shadow rider in Kare, it struck me and touched my mind. I saw darkness and felt darkness. That must be the root cause; I carry its mark now. he explains the others, a thick bile of disgust, for what the Crab chose to join with and for his own weakness, ozzing into his voice. Mistress Ahalyā. I will need you to light my lamp once more. Shimura-sama. I must then beseech you to lead her on. To go. His eyes below the heavy scowl thendart back towards the Yamauba. And I will stay. To take what Fate will give me.

[BelGareth]

It takes a moment for Shimura to take it all in, but his eyes bulge out as he hears Master Leylek's words "I will NOT leave you here!" he demands.

"There must be something!"

Spoiler

Show

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai \ Mirumoto Niten Master 2
Level 7 Init 3, HP 61/61, Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 14 Flat-footed 18
Fort +9 Ref +5 Will +6
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's Fortification 25%, DR 1/-, Mantle of flame 2d6 fire on hit, Essentia 3
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [0/3], Anklets of Translocation [3/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects, Blade Guide, Eternal Training [1/1]
speech: 008080

Mirumoto Niten, Ancestor (Blade Guide)
Least Soulspark, Tiny Outsider (Lawful, Incarnum, Native)
Hit Dice 2d8 Init 5, HP 16/16, Speed 20 ft., fly 30 ft. (perfect)
AC 15 Touch 13 Flat-footed 14
Fort +5 Ref +4 Will +4
Stats Str 10, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 6, Wis 13, Cha 13
Condition's Amorphous (immune to crits/sneak attack), DR 1/chaotic, Evasion
Special
-Attack Bonus: 0/2; +1 bonus to-hit&damage / Essentia
-Deflection Bonus: 1/2; +1 deflection to AC / Essentia
-Healing: 0/2; Fast healing 1 / Essentia
-Saving Throw: 0/2; +1 resistance bonus / Essentia
Attack: Soul blast +5 ranged touch (1d4+1)
Skills: Diplomacy +3, Hide +14, Knowledge (history) +3, Listen +6, Move Silently +6, Sense Motive +6, Spot +6
speech: 40E0D0

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	1/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	1/2	-
Soulspark Familiar	Blade guide Familiar	multiple options	1/2	-

[Cygnia]

"There is..."

Ahalyā's heart skipped a beat as the yama-uba rendered her verdict, spiritually cleaving their small group in two. And another when Leylek solemnly accepted his fate. But had not one of those accursed pennoggolans tried to damn her with its last gasp? Or the other one successfully dominating Shimura, nearly using him as another deadly puppet against them? Were those not weights against their own souls? Onka was trying to atone for his own crime already. And as far as the shaman knew, all Leylek was was a touch grumpier than most.

She was not learned enough to cast Atonement herself. Nor did she know of such magicks that could purge taint from a mortal soul or place -- perhaps such skills were granted only by the blessings of the Gods.

"We stay and face their test by their sides. With them. To abandon them now to such a fate would see us unworthy."

[Metastachydium]

All shall be as Fate will have it. I was weak in Kare, and it came with a price. A price that may yet prove me strong. Leylek pronounces dryly, frowning at the two. I feel a bond to you both. But you must think of the task.

[Auranghzeb]

In honor bound
in trial sealed in death joint
the sea will tell, the earth will tell.

For a moment, the severed heads spin faster. The Yamauba's maw on top of her head opens wide and a wild screech reverberates inside the cavern. Then, the Yamauba bursts in a cloud of salt and the heads dark eyes look in pain and then fall dead on the stone floor.

All around, the sea water rises a foot, as with a soft wave and starts humming as if alive.

Spoiler: Rolls

Show

Roll initiative and and Knowledge arcana or planes

[Alhallor]

Onka was shocked about what was revealed by the light, he never saw something that would both make him weep with it's beauty but also chill him to the bone with it's distorted face and sorrow. He was tainted? Was his penance not enough already? Was it something that happened while he traveled? It didn't seem that anything they said really reached the ears of... Whatever this was. It was not surprising, a mother filled with grief could not hear what is spoken.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Initiative: (1d20+5)[15]
Knowledge: Arcana: (1d20+2)[20]
AC: currently 30 due to Full-Defense or 24 if not. +2 more against evil targets.

[Alhallor]

Onka shouted out. Mighty water spirit! While he spun around letting his knee fly in a scythe like motion towards the tentacle. It seemed diplomacy was over, both because of himself and Leylek for some reason. He pummeled the appendage while trying to get in a less awkward position, with the water limiting his movement.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Attack against the tentacle and 5 foot step out of being in the middle of the tentacles.
Attack 1: (1d20+10)[24]
Damage 1: (1d8+5)[10]
Attack 2: (1d20+5)[18]
Damage 2: (1d8+5)[6]
Attack 3: (1d20+5)[18]
Damage 3: (1d8+5)[11]

[Cygnia]

"EEP! Yes! Master Leylek, keep to the air if you can!" cried Ahalyā in warning. Oh, so much danger this one is -- yes!

Or (gods willing), was it?

Ahalyā murmured the blessing to Detect Magic, hoping that this test was just some terrifying illusion at best -- or how strong the summon was at worst.

[Metastachydium]

Fools. Leylek says, curtly, simply, but with a strange tone of warmth mixed with the resignation in his voice as he kicks himself into the air to tru and get some distance between himself and the water as advised. For what reason, he is not yet too sure; but Onka's words and the Shaman's agitation bode ill enough. It would seem that they will fight the very waves.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Double move upwards, Hopping Up against DC 10 to get above the waist high water: (1d20+13)[26], then
flying up at the 60 degrees angle average flight allows, Tumbling for the first half, for a final altitude of roughly 15' above water unless I messed up the calculations: (1d20+14)[27],
and moving 10' laterally while at that, to above S18.

[Auranghzeb]

Onka spins around hitting the solid shape of water forming all around you, only one of the fists connects truly and barely does any damage.

Ahalya focuses her magic sight and detects an aura of conjuration in the water.

Spoiler: 1st round

Show

detect the presence of auras.

Leylek lifts above the water, towards the dark ceiling of the cave.

[BelGareth]

Shimura was lost for words....lost for action!

He had....no idea how to fight the very water around him, and for the first time in a long time, he froze.

This was...beyond him, he panicked, and quickly began a breathing exercise I can't just leave them in there to fend themselves off he thought.

The little light that was his ancestor buzzed around his head uselessly.

Spoiler

Show

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai \ Mirumoto Niten Master 2
Level 7 Init 3, HP 61/61, Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 14 Flat-footed 18
Fort +9 Ref +5 Will +6
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's Fortification 25%, DR 1/-, Mantle of flame 2d6 fire on hit, Essentia 3
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [0/3], Anklets of Translocation [3/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects, Blade Guide, Eternal Training [1/1]
speech: 008080

Mirumoto Niten, Ancestor (Blade Guide)
Least Soulspark, Tiny Outsider (Lawful, Incarnum, Native)
Hit Dice 2d8 Init 5, HP 16/16, Speed 20 ft., fly 30 ft. (perfect)
AC 15 Touch 13 Flat-footed 14
Fort +5 Ref +4 Will +4
Stats Str 10, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 6, Wis 13, Cha 13
Condition's Amorphous (immune to crits/sneak attack), DR 1/chaotic, Evasion
Special
-Attack Bonus: 0/2; +1 bonus to-hit&damage / Essentia
-Deflection Bonus: 1/2; +1 deflection to AC / Essentia
-Healing: 0/2; Fast healing 1 / Essentia
-Saving Throw: 0/2; +1 resistance bonus / Essentia
Attack: Soul blast +5 ranged touch (1d4+1)
Skills: Diplomacy +3, Hide +14, Knowledge (history) +3, Listen +6, Move Silently +6, Sense Motive +6, Spot +6
speech: 40E0D0

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	1/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	1/2	-
Soulspark Familiar	Blade guide Familiar	multiple options	1/2	-