D&D 4e - Athas' Second Fall - IC Thread

[GPuzzle]

A market street in Tyr. Tons and tons of people are selling their stuff, and the place is crowded. The four of you hear a single thought.

"You must meet at the blue tent, now."

The Telepathic Psion is waiting near the blue tent, where an old man is selling fruit juice, and as you reach him, the Psion turns and says:

"This is a very private topic. The current age has started to fall. You must follow me. I seriously hope the Thri-Keen can understand me, though."

The group follows him through a chaotic series of turns, splits and roads, which you all get lost. The crowd around you is noisy, and the crowded place is a chaos. People scream, people laugh, people cry. A half-elf prostitute offers the wizard the best night he will ever have in his life, but the group keeps moving and he ignores it.

He leads you into his house, which is more like three rooms stacked on the top of eachother then a house. The house is surprisingly feeling fresh compared to the arid environment that the streets had. He picks up a tome, filled with weird scribing notes. He reads it one more time, asks you four to sit down in the wooden chairs, and sits down on another chair himself.

"You might wonder why I hired you people. Well, first, I am too old to protect myself on the way to the catacomb. Second, the catacomb holds the single most important thing in this world. It is not infinite wealth, it is not a miracle cure, it is not eternal vigor. It is the last reminiscent of the gods. The old gods, those that died long ago. And that last reminiscent is a person. A demigoddess, more specifically, not born from a woman's uterus, but from the gods' several shards. Pieces, fragments of the gods. She is the only person that can trigger this second fall. In both senses."

He opens the tome and says:

"And you four? You need to help her. She is the key, but a key needs hands to be hold. Not in that meaning. But she can't do this on her own, and you people have got enough talents of your own that I believe it's possible to be done."

He leaves the tome on the table, turned to Dominic.


The tome seems to change its letters rapidly, and you can't seem to read it, because the whole thing is just a mess. You don't recognize the language, but you could try if you want. It is a Religion check, DC 21.


He walks toward the window and peeks through the curtain. A single drop of water falls from the sky.

"The fall has started. We must leave soon. Any questions?

[Gospel Noctis]

"So you're to have me believe that some long lost relic of the lost gods is being held in the catacombs? Not just any long lost relic, a living demigoddess born from the shattered pieces of the ones long dead? You must understand how hard this is to believe? Now, I'm not saying you're lying, or even that you're wrong, but I must inquire as to how you came about this knowledge?" Dominic gazes down at the book on the table, briefly attempting to translate the ever changing text.

"Even assuming this is true, not all of the old gods were kind and merciful, what makes you sure that this is something that should be unearthed? Also, what exactly is this 'Fall' you speak of?"

Religion: 1d20+6 → [9,6] = (15) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4469657/)

Apparently you cant preview your posts without breaking the in-forum dice roller. Time to just use what I'm used to

[Shimeran]

Gillein strokes his chin before uttering "It's certainly an interesting story you've got. Be it true or not, I'd be on board with checking it out. I would like to hear this fellow's answers though, as well as a little tidbit on what these catacombs are like and who they're held by."

[GPuzzle]

"Well, it's all in that tome. Try reading it, took me years to figure it out. About the fall, the era - the Sorcerer-kings - are falling. But seemingly, in the times of old, there were these seasons The hot summer, the fresh spring, the cold winter, and the mild fall. It was somewhat wet, but it got its name from the fact that things - leaves, fruits - they tended to fall. They've followed a cycle - summer, fall, winter, spring. And we've sort of been in a permanent summer, you see. As this era of defiling and destruction falls, Athas completes another cycle, and frees itself into its natural cycle."

[Ardurious]

Udai stands behind his apparent new companions as they puzzle at the concept of 'seasons'. He eyes the telepath warily. Strange men with their voices in his head had not ended well for him in the past.

He knows not what he is doing here, nor does he care much for this talk of old gods and goddesses, nor of the swirling book he cannot read. But perhaps there is coin in it, and a chance to further hone his skills. That is all he seeks.

And so he listens.

[Gospel Noctis]

Dominic nods, recalling tales from ancient scrolls describing the state of the world before it was rendered a barren silt filled wasteland.

"So you believe that the 'season' is beginning to change? Well, the death of Kalak certainly marks the end of one era and the beginning of another, but do you really think this will effect nature itself? I suppose it is possible," He pondered. "Defiling has most certainly made great alterations to the world, and with one of the most powerful defilers in existence now removed from the picture nature could theoretically begin shifting back into it's rightful cycles."

Looking down at his side, Dominic couldn't help but smile at his faithful traveling companion, scratching the great feline under the chin, eliciting a deep thunderous purr. "You hear that old girl? With any luck, this dry dusty place may eventually start to look like the Lands Within the Wind. Won't you be pleased?"

Turning back he once again regarded the old Psion. "How exactly does the demigoddess tie into this?"

[GPuzzle]

"That's one thing we'll find out in the dungeon. She must know about it. So, I guess we can get going."

[Gospel Noctis]

"Then assuming everyone is prepared, let us depart at once."

[Ardurious]

Udai nods in agreement.

[Indori]

Sabquiri waited quietly in his seat as the others questioned the psion. He himself listened intently, making mental notes, but otherwise said nothing. He was there at the behest of someone greater than himself, whereas he figured that the others were participating either for money or sport. His master knew enough about the initiative to send him, so the mission itself must be of some validity and merit. The leader's description of their objective did however pique his interest. What matter was this to the master? Stories told of the old gods, who opposed the primordials in ancient times. Would not the resurgence of such beings subvert the master's power? Sabquiri shook the thought out of his mind. Such things were not for his speculation.

As the group prepared to depart, he decided that he did have one question. "One thing, as we leave." He stood and circled his chair, leaning gently on the back with one hand. The other hand rested on the hilt of the knife at his belt. "What is the nature of this dungeon? Is it a ruin? A mine?"

[Shimeran]

Gillein rose in one smooth motion, "I travel light, so I can leave as soon as y'all are ready." Looking at Sabquiri, he continues "Our host mentioned catacombs, so likely underground with plenty of corpes, sometimes they double as a sewer. Turning to said host, he finishes "Though we're missing details about this one. We can talk more on the way, but I would like to know if there will be any trouble if do some salvaging while on site."

[GPuzzle]

Two days later, somewhat away from Tyr, inside the catacomb.

You descend the spiraling stairs, taking a lot of care with every step you take - it'd be very easy to fall and break your neck in the tight steps. At one point, the stairs turn into a corridor, and the old man throws your torch at the ground - which catches on fire.

"Old oil trap. Detectable by smell. Simple, but effective. Let's get moving."

He gets another small piece of wood from his backpack, and lights it in the fire, just as the inferno flickers out.

As you reach the final chamber, he starts to read the markings on the walls. They are changing, just like the letters in the tome. He seems interested in them, muttering some things about the Gods reincarnated, natural seasons and something called rain. And then he reads something that leaves him with an horrified look on his face.

Shortly after that, he falls down, screaming, hands on his head, starts spewing utter and total nonsense, and his head explodes in a shower of gore that'd put the famous Scanners scene to shame.

After you recover from the explosion, you notice a woman, sleeping atop a sandstone tomb.

And the catacomb starts to fall down.

[Shimeran]

"Parch it all!" Gillein growls. Thinking quickly, he pulls on the forces around him to leave the ground and speed toward the woman. "I'll be damned if I'll let the whole blasted place fall apart without getting some answers."

Gillein is using Feather Step to ignore any difficult terrain, then making a dead run toward the woman. It actually lifts him a few inches in the air, so hopefully that will get past shaky ground and floor panel traps.

[Gospel Noctis]

"Well, this has sure all gone to hell, hasn't it?!" Dominic exclaimed, gaze erratically analyzing the structural integrity of the surrounding area. "While I didn't exactly expect this venture to bear fruit, I didn't think we'd bring the entire cavern down on our heads! At the very least not this quickly!"

[Indori]

"Agreed," Sabquiri replied to Dominic, wondering suddenly where his master had found merit in this quest. "Perhaps we can postpone this disaster til the Mul can acquire the woman!" he shouted over the mounting noise. A nearby stone pillar was working itself out of alignment. Putting his shoulder against it, he heaved and pushed the escaping stone cylinder back into place. He turned back, scanning the surrounding area for the next weak point in the underground structure. The whole thing seemed oddly familiar - not unlike the cave in under the Smoking Crown. But something told him that anyone trapped here would not find patronage - only death.

Dungeoneering check to see if there's any way to shore up the catacomb?
[roll0]

[GPuzzle]

This area of the catacomb is going to collapse under the weight of the sand, but other areas are going to be somewhat alright, filled with rubble, to say the least.

[Gospel Noctis]

"I can't imagine I'll be of much use in this situation." He replies, quickly making his way over to the crumbling rock face of the wall. Pushing against the slowly sliding outcropping of stone, vainly attempting to delay the caverns inevitable collapse. "But, it's surely better than nothing. That said," He called out to the battlemind, voice strained as he desperately pushed at the stone outcropping. "I'd truly appreciate it if you would retrieve the girl just the slightest bit faster!"

[shamgar001]

The young woman opens her eyes just in time to see the mul rushing toward her. She lets out a startled yelp and falls off the other side of tomb. She rises a second later, pointing a steel blade she had clutched across her chest a moment earlier and demands from him, "Who are you? Where are we?" She look around and notices the others' efforts to keep the crumbling structure intact. "What's going on here?"

[Gospel Noctis]

"I see you're alive and well." Dominic calls out. "That's good! Now, as you can see, we are all in the process of being buried alive under several tons of rock and sand," As if to confirm his statement a deep fissure begins to wind its way down the far wall. "And that is not good. So, Ms. Demigoddess, I would appreciate it if you would either let my compatriot there haul you out of this crumbling deathtrap, or, if you are currently capable of moving at a sufficient pace yourself, follow us out of this place before we all find out first hand what happens to a person after they die."

[shamgar001]

She looks at him, completely perplexed. Another loud cracking sound, and she makes up her mind to follow these people; surely it's better to go with them and risk getting killed than to stick around and be certain of it. She hastily fastens her scabbard on and grabs a lance that's leaning against the wall. "Lead on."

[Shimeran]

Seeing the lady seems to be spry enough, Gillein comes to stop, letting himself fully settle to the ground. "We'll explain what we know once we're out miss." Reaching toward his hip, he continues, Since I'm here, let me escort you, just let me pull out something to swap away the rubble if it starts coming down. So saying, he turns toward the door and pulls out a crudely carved rod, holding it at his side.

Minor to draw the rod as it's boosts my defense. When the lady moves, he'll try to move along side so here so he's close enough to intervene if something happens.

[Indori]

Spotting the same fissure that Dominic saw, Sabquiri realized that any hope of shoring up the catacomb and slowing its destruction was at an end. The woman at the center of the chamber had awoken though, and by that time was by Gillein's side, running toward him. He gave a wide wave as if to say, "This way!" He turned and sprinted back down the corridor to the spiral stairs with the rest of the group trailing behind. With one last look back to make sure that they were following, he headed up the steps as fast as he dared. Having no need of a torch since his transformation, he left his burning halfway up the first turn of stairs, marking his path.

[Gospel Noctis]

Safely arriving up on the surface, Dominic takes the time to catch his breath.

"Everyone alright?" He inquires, brushing the dirt from his clothing and picking stray pebbles out of the lengthy black strands of his hair.

[Shimeran]

Dusting himself and sheathing his rod, Gillein rumbles Yeah, managed to make it out in one piece."

Turning to the lady, he continues "As for that story we promised you missed, well the poor sod back in the tomb with the busted head said there was a goddess in there. Seeing as you're the only person we ran into before it all went to hell, I'm hoping you're who he was talking about. Otherwise, we'll need to get ahold of some picks and shovels."

[shamgar001]

She chuckles at the suggestion. "A goddess? Well, that's very flattering, but I'm just...just..."

It suddenly occurs to her that she has no idea what her own name is. Or where she's from. Or anything about her life. She remembers going into the tomb, but nothing else.

"I'm...a normal woman with a strange case of amnesia." Yeah, that's it.

[GPuzzle]

Despite the fact that Fionna has her back away from the sun, some weird sort of light frames her, causing something that is borderline an angelic effect.

[Gospel Noctis]

"I'm not quite so sure I'd describe you as normal." Dominic muttered quietly, eyeing the way the light played across the young woman's figure.

"Well then, my lady, standing out here in this barren wasteland will do us little good. I suggest we begin our trek back to Tyr. Even if there was something more to be found down there, we'd require an entire excavation team to get at it now. That said, introduction are in order!" He announced, dipping into a deep sweeping bow. "I am Dominic Jaeger, 2nd son of house Jaeger. Would you perchance recall your own name, my lady?"

I am Duncan MacLeod of the clan MacLeod

[shamgar001]

The woman puts a hand to her head and looks into space. "Um...my name. F-Fionna? That sounds familiar to me for some reason."

She looks back at Dominic, apparently satisfied. "Fionna will do for now."

[Shimeran]

"And I'd be Gillein. Honestly, I don't know what you are any more than you do miss. And unfortunately, the person with most of the details didn't make it out of the tomb. Still going to Tyr is as good plan as any at this point."

[Gospel Noctis]

"A tragic loss, no doubt. That said," The enchanter pulls out musty tome once held by the deceased psion. "I did manage to grab this on our way out. He did say that everything he knew about this situation he learned from this."

Brushing dirt and bits of brain matter off of the cover, Dominic flipped the book open to once again attempt to decipher the texts ever-changing script.

Religion: 1d20+6 → [15,6] = (21) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4478834/)

[GPuzzle]

Weirdly enough, the strange letters on the tome that you couldn't understand initially start reorganizing themselves into letters you do recognize. You've never seen this caligraphy, but it is stunningly well-written.
From the gods
as good as dead
a girl shall rise from
and change she will lead

She is locked in her own prisons
prisons built from sand
prisons built from her mind
prisons that will soon end

She feels several things in her thougts
she doesn't know why
she is bound to become a goddess
and this is all true because it rhymes.


Does anyone want to read what Dominic's also reading? No Religion checks needed!

[Shimeran]

Gillein will slide over for a peak when the look on Dominics face shows he can actually read it. He'd been expecting a bit more frustrastion in the expression, so the lack of that will draw his attention.

[Gospel Noctis]

"Well," The mage began, eyebrow raised with a strange sardonic grin on his face. "It sounds somewhat prophetic. Though if not for the odd, ever-changing script I don't think I'd have normally put much stock into it. But, it did lead us to a rather lovely girl trapped within the catacombs, so who knows? Maybe this isn't some pipe fueled fantasy dreamt up by a crazed psion."

[shamgar001]

Fionna also stepped over to examine the text. That's strangely coincidental. What sort of person writes such an insane poem? What sort of person reads such an insane poem? She decides it would be a good idea to get to a place around other people.

"It's awfully how out here. How far is this Teer place?"

[Gospel Noctis]

"It's awfully hot everywhere, my dear. And it only gets hotter. Anyways, Tyr," He enunciated. "Is about 2 and a half days travel to the west. Come, the sooner we depart, the sooner we'll reach the Free City."

[shamgar001]

Hot everywhere? Damn.

"We'd best get going then." She turns away from the group and lets out a long, loud whistle. Nothing happens.

[Ardurious]

Udai shakes his head, blinking several times. It feels as if his ind had been in a fog for the last several hours. He vaguely recalled the events that unfolded, though cannot think of his actions in them. He grimaces at the thought, then quikly dismisses it.

"Tyr," he says slowly, repeating after the human, "It has been a long time since I visited the Free City. The journey there is dangerous; the desert, unforgiving. Do you believe yourselves prepared for it?" His grey eyes scan the motley crew gathered in the room. "I live in the wastes, but you humans, and elves . . . you are soft. This shall not be easy."

[Indori]

Sabquiri crossed the circle that the group had naturally formed until he stood toe-to-toe with Udai. "Prepare yourself, orc. You are not the only one accustomed to the deserts beyond civilization. Do you think I came by this complexion," he gestured to his face, "by lounging in a palace?" He moved past him, brushing shoulders with Udai. A moment of guilt crossed his conscience. Was not such pride and braggadocio a sign of his former life? Still, it was the half-orc's arrogance - he was merely responding in kind. Choosing the most obvious westerly direction based on the location of the sun, he began to walk.

[Shimeran]

Gillein chuckles, "I'm a hair less human than you might think and one thing the pits were not was soft." Turning and walking away at a steady clip, he continues "But we can share pleasentries while we walk. From what little I recall travelling at night will help with the heat problem, if you don't mind sleeping during the day. If we're going that route, you're welcome to give it a try in a few hours. I've got no complaints there. Travel under the night sky has a certain beauty to it."

[Gospel Noctis]

"I am completely human, and spent most of my free time growing up with my nose buried in a musty old book. Clearly, I am the manliest and most rugged member of our group." Dominic interjects, mirth and sarcasm coating his words in equal measure.

[Shimeran]

Gillein slow slights and throws back, "Really? I don't suppose you heard of titles like the 'Libre de Crimen Noctis'? I had a friend who was quite a collector of odd tracts." If Dominic is interested, Gillein is ready and willing to debate the merits of various arcane texts on the long walk to Tyr.

[GPuzzle]

Just as you'd start to walk towards Tyr, your hear someone scream for your northwest.

"There they are! They've gotten here before us! We cannot let them escape with the Demigoddess! Abalach-Re needs her power!"

An arrow made out of force energy comes flying towards Gillein, hitting him and knocking him away from the group. A cart carrying a wagon comes towards the group, and its driver gets out of the cart, pulling out a spear and a dagger as soon as he can, while a man who is dressed up in sort of a military uniform, carrying only a small carved rod on his hand, gets out from the wagon, by the back, and 5 poorly armed and poorly dressed men get out of the wagon by the front.

Battle Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ig_cbgprcP1cUQQmhOy5vHSOgk6HX2qupIk00k6lBfQ/edit?usp=sharing)

Gillein:

[roll0] force damage, you're pushed 2 from the T (templar) position based on the position you choose.


Mid-dark orange: dune, difficult terrain.
Yellow: Cart and wagon

Choose your places, and say that on the OOC thread when you're ready to go.

[Gospel Noctis]

"I would recommend you leave us at once." The steel in Dominics voice as well as the glint in his eyes indicated this was anything but a request, and that refusal to comply would be result in dire consequences.

"My name is Dominic Jaeger, of the noble house of Jaeger of Tyr." He announced. "Acting on behalf of my father, Isaac Jaeger of the Templars of Tyr, I formally place the demigoddess Fionna under the protection of the Free City. Her needs and well being will henceforth, until a time where it is deemed unnecessary by the parties involved, be met and provided for by house Jaeger. Any attempts to violate these rights will be seen as an attack upon a noble house, and by proxy, the Free city itself."

All that said, I really doubt they care. I'm also not quite sure I'd have the authority for this to be legally official. I know Dominics father, who probably could make it legally official, would back it if only to claim something that the city of Raam wants for Tyr. I figure that would apply to most of the big wigs in charge.

[GPuzzle]

The Sorcerer-Queen of Raam is the incompetent one. This is just the start of the fall. More leafs (leaves?) will come.

[shamgar001]

More demigoddess talk. "Is everyone here insane? It must be the heat." she thinks to herself. She reaches for her blade and prepares for the fight, hoping dearly that the weapons and armor weren't just there for show.


Standard action: Equip shield
Minor action: draw sword
Then Total Defense until combat starts

[Ardurious]

Udai sighs wearily as the shouting begins. He is several paces behind his newly-acquired travelling companions when armed men begin leaping from the wagon that had slid to a halt some ways off. The long-haired human in the fine robes shouts something back to them. His voice is confident; commanding. Brave, this one. Udai thinks. Perhaps there is something to him, after all.

He slips his heavy bone blade out of its leather sheath on his back, shrugging it over his shoulder and to the ready. The steady hum of its enchantment urges him forward. He strides slowly, stretching his legs as he does so, before stopping some distance from the cart.

He eyes the man with the rod carefully. He wears a uniform unlike the clothing of those around him, albeit stained with sweat and worn from use all the same. Udai's eyes widen. The man wears the colors of a Raamite - a mansabdor. Udai's nostrils flare and his brow furrows.

Start at N7

[GPuzzle]

"Dominic Jaeger, uh? You think your miserable House Jaeger - no, you think that Tyr, a city that is now in borderline anarchy, is going to be able to wage war on Raam? If you think so, tell me. I've got another arrow ready, and I'm not afraid to use it. Tyr was the first leaf. Raam is not going to be the second."

[Gospel Noctis]

"You truly underestimate human nature." The wizard chuckled mockingly. "Sure, they squabble and bicker now, but if threatened by Raam, by the possibility of being subjugated by another Sorcerer-King, do you honestly think the people of Tyr will remain divided? The easiest way to bring a group together is to rally them against a common enemy. So if you really wish to be that enemy, the faceless nemesis that will unite the people of the Free City, then come forth, we shall be your opponents this day!"

[Shimeran]

Gillein takes a moment to regain his breath, his hand slipping slowly to his own rod. While doing so, he surveys the scraggly troop spreading out before him.
I'll try to take a second wind if there's time (standard), readying my rod (minor), and trying to get a read on the common troops (move; Nature check [roll0]).

[GPuzzle]

"You don't understand. She's coming with us alive. You're coming with us dead."

And he fires an energy orb from his hand towards Dominic.


[roll0] vs AC
[roll1], and Dominic's pushed two squares

[Ardurious]

"Enough of this," Udai growls. He starts towards the man with the rod, slowly picking up speed as he goes. After several feet, he is sprinting headlong towards the man, his great blade poised to strike. He lifts the great length of bone above his head and uses his momentum to bring it crashing into the man.

Move Action:
Move to Q7

Standard Action:
Charge to U6, using Howling Strike against the Templar at the end of the charge

Howling Strike
[roll0] vs. AC
[roll1]+[roll2]+[roll3] damage on a hit

Udai also uses Inevitable Strike (no action) to augment the attack:
Second attack roll - [roll4]
If both attack rolls are hits, the Templar take an additional [roll5] damage

[Ardurious]

Woo!

31 damage from Howling Strike (12 from the weapon, 6 from the additional damage, 5 from Udai's Strength modifier, and 8 from the Vanguard enchantment) + 8 damage from Inevitable Strike (if the Templar has 17 AC or below) + [roll0] damage from the fullblade's High Crit property + [roll1] damage from the fullblade's enchantment

For a grand total of 52 damage!

[Ardurious]

With a roar of effort, Udai pivots on his heel and brings his blade screaming back towards the man.

[roll0]
[roll1] damage on a hit

[Shimeran]

Gillein strides up around the other side of the dune bellowing "You liverless sons of sun adled lizards!". With a snap of his wrist, a bolt of light spears from the heavens at the driver.

Move: advancing from E1 to K1. Minor: Warlock's curse on rider (+1 AC from rod). Standard: Dire Radiance on Rider for [roll0] vs fort, [roll1] radiant damge on hit w/ second damage roll if he move closer.

[Ardurious]

His anger renewed in the face of a mansabdor officer - for what else could this Raamite soldier be? - Udai takes another vicious swing at the man.

Desperate Fury
[roll0] vs. AC
[roll1]+5(Constitution modifier) damage on a hit

[Ardurious]

"You will fall to me!" Udai roars, pushing himself to swing again.

Udai will take 5 damage to re-roll the attack roll:
[roll0] vs. AC
If this second attack roll misses, Udai takes an additional 5 damage

And a correction to the damage roll:
[roll1]+5 damage on a hit

[shamgar001]

Fionna knows as much about these newcomers as the creatures she's currently with - that is to say, nothing at all. But if the ones she's with are insane, these are insane and extremely unpleasant, so she decides it's better to stick with the former.

She holds her shield up and prepares for anything.


Standard action: Total defense

[Gospel Noctis]

Shaking off the pain of the Templars previous assault, Dominic strides forward across the hot desert sands with Maia, his faithful companion, right at his heels.

"And now I'm angry." He hisses, eyes blazing with arcane power.

Move from E3 to J6.

[Indori]

Sabquiri watched the scene unfold with some surprise. Truth be told, this was the first time he'd been in this sort of situation in quite some time. Not since giving up the bandit lifestyle had he any cause to put his skills to use. Nevertheless, he had been armed by his master for a reason, and this sort of action was not to be unexpected. He whirled away from Dominic as he went down, following Udai's lead. He pulled a bone - the femur of...something - from a hook on his belt. At one end was a loop made from another long bone, bent into a circular shape and fastened as a head. The whole implement had been enchanted to be as hard as stone and to channel one's natural powers.

He crested the dune with surprising ease. Each step he took seemed not to disturb the sand, and he found unnatural purchase in the shifting sediment to propel himself along. Approaching the driver of the cart, Sabquiri whirled the rod around and around in an intricate pattern while locking his eyes on those of the driver. The rod providing a distraction, he attacked the driver's mind, trying to send him into a confused state. He urged him mentally that the drow before him was not the foe, but that his enemy had just exited the wagon behind him.

Minor action: draw the rod.
Move action: Drunken Monkey - move speed +2 to N3, ignoring difficult terrain.
Standard action: Drunken Monkey attack on the driver. [roll0] against Will.

If that hits, I'll immediately use Centered Flurry of Blows on the driver. He'll take 5 damage, and I'll slide him to O2.
Then Drunken Monkey will take effect. He'll take [roll1] damage, then I'll slide him to P2. Then, he'll make a MBA against the slave at Q2, with a +3 bonus to the attack roll.


Oops, I goofed on my ability modifiers. Drunken Monkey will do 1 point less damage. Only 1d8+5.

[GPuzzle]

The impact of the charging mountain of muscles on the frail templar knocks the officer into the ground, bleeding profusely all around his body. The rider, confused by both the light from the Mul's rod and the lightning-fast attack of the monk, accidentally stabs one slave in the face, and you can see several wounds on his back.


[roll0] vs 13
[roll1] damage


A few slaves are pissed off with the barbarian - who has nearly killed their leader in a flurry of attacks - and rush, trying to overwhelm him.


Slave 1 charges Udai.
[roll2] vs AC
8 damage if hit

Slave 3 attacks Udai.
[roll3] vs AC
8 damage if hit


Now Udai, you have a turn, followed by Gillein.

The Slave attacked by the Rider falls down, screaming in pain, dying shortly after.

[Ardurious]

"Now you finally know how it feels to be powerless," Udai looks into the mansabdor's eyes as he raises his great bone blade above his head, "Die, slaver." He brings the blade howling down hard.

Howling Strike
[roll0] vs. AC
[roll1]+[roll2] damage on a hit

[Shimeran]

Gillein snarls out something about "simpering sand slugs", directing a glare toward one of the slaves before renewing his assault on the rider.

Minor: spread warlocks curse to slave 1. Move: advance to K4. Standard: Dire Radiance at ride ([roll0] vs Fort [roll1] radiant damage on hit w/ extra damage if it moves closer).

[GPuzzle]

The templar narrowly dodges the attack, and Udai's blade hits nothing but the sand. The rider is very wounded, more than you'd expect a slave to be. The templar gets up with surprising speed summons an energy spear attacks the half-orc with it and moves away, trying to avoid a counter attack.


[roll0] vs AC
[roll1] force damage, and he slides Udai to U6.

[GPuzzle]

Fionna, Sabquiri and Dominic, in that order, do your rounds.

[shamgar001]

Fionna's instincts start to kick in. Without really knowing what she's doing, she rushes one of the slaves.


(I'm assuming the C on the map is Fionna)

Minor action: activate Defender's Aura
Move action: Move to M6
Standard action: Charge to Q6, MBA against S2

Attack vs. AC: [roll0]
Hit: [roll1]

[Indori]

A curved, bone dagger appeared in Sabquiri's other hand as he raised the rod over his head. He called on the power of his master, deep within the earth. Had he known his name, he would have uttered it as a volcano exploding into the sky. The rod shimmered red for a moment in the sunlight before he struck down at the desert floor with it. The circular head buried itself halfway in the sand of the dune. For a split second, nothing happened. Then, the sand beneath the corpse of the dead slave vibrated. A gout of burning gas belched from the sand, engulfing the body and the two men on either side of it.

Moving quickly, the drow sought his next vantage point.

Minor: draw dagger.

Standard: Vezzuvu's Eruption, centered on R2, burst 1.
Vs Driver: [roll0] vs. Reflex.
vs Slave 4: [roll1] vs. Reflex.
On a hit, they'll take [roll2] thunder damage and will be knocked prone.

The burst creates a zone of difficult terrain til the end of my next turn. Anyone that ends their turn in the zone will take 5 fire damage.

Move action: If Fionna managed to kill Slave 2, then Sabquiri will move to S5. In any other case, he'll move to P4 and (if possible) climb up onto the cart with an [roll3], then finish his movement standing on top of the cart at R3. If the roll fails, he has to stop at P4.

[Gospel Noctis]

Briefly analyzing the movements and abilities of his comrades Dominic focuses his gaze on his target. With arcane energy pulsing through the gnarled black wood of the enchanted staff the wizard strides forward, his companion distorting the space around them all the while.

"Tear out your own throat." He snarls, voice laced with mystic energy. His victim, the Templar, can do little more than obey as the nobles arcane magic assaults his mind, overriding all rational thought with his absolute authority.

Move forward to L6.

I use Charm or Misplaced Wrath on the Templar. If it hits, move the Templar to V6 and he's dazed until the end of my next turn. Regardless of hit or miss, he makes a basic attack against himself with +2 to the damage roll.

[roll0]

[GPuzzle]

The Rider barely dodges the volcano-like movement of Sabquiri, and the Slave falls due to the attack. The other one falls dead, pierced by Fionna's blade. The Templar panics, and then is forced to watch himself tore himself apart.


[roll0] vs AC
[roll1] force damage.


The Rider, one of the few still standing, takes a desesperate decision, and charges Dominic, trying to make him stop controlling his master.


[roll2] vs AC
[roll3] damage, and Dominic's grabbed, DC 13 to escape.


Battle Map, part 2! (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ig_cbgprcP1cUQQmhOy5vHSOgk6HX2qupIk00k6lBfQ/edit#gid=0)

[Shimeran]

Sparks trail dance from Gillein's rod at the rider's approach.

Moving to Dominic puts the rider closer to Gillein, which should trigger Dire Radiance's rider effect for [roll0] damage.
On a side note, it looks like I'm still back at E1 on the battle map when I spent a move action to go to K4 in my last post.

[GPuzzle]

The Rider suddenly falls dead, dropping his lance just before he can reach Dominic.

[GPuzzle]

The slaves, cornered by both Fionna and Sabquiri, try to overwhelm Udai before he can act.


Slave 1:
[roll0] vs AC
9 damage if hit

Slave 3:
Move to V5
[roll1] vs AC
9 damage if hit

All attacks are towards Udai


Udai, Gillein, you may now act.

[Shimeran]

Gillein strides up along side his companions, cursing one the slaves for daring to stand between him and their master before sending a bolt of starlight straight at them.

Move to Q7, just below character C. Curse S3 and use Dire Radiance on them with +1 from Fate of the Void ([roll0] vs fort, [roll1] damage).

[Ardurious]

"Cowardly and weak-willed," Udai scowls at the Raamite officer as he pries his hands from his throat, gasping for breath, "Exactly as I remember your ilk." He raises his blade once more, determined to end this vile man's life.

Howling Strike against the templar
[roll0] vs. AC
[roll1]+[roll2] damage on a hit

[GPuzzle]

Now, the Templar should've been dead.

But no, instead, he's coughing blood.

"You think that you were the first ones to know about her?"

He coughs more blood, and the sand beneath your feet turns red.

"You weren't. But neither were we."

He coughs again. And then he speaks in an outerwordly voice, as he turns to Fionna. Kind of an angel-like voice.

"Everyone knows about her. And they're heading to here to kill whoever is near her, and take her away for their own purpose. I lost some of my men on an ambush. If you go to Tyr, get there fast, and hide somewhere safe. We cannot stop you from trying to protect her, but do not destroy yourselves to defend her. Gods cannot rule a dead world. That's why there are no gods in Athas."

And he falls dead on the sand. During his monologue, his slaves disappear as they run away from you.

[Shimeran]

Gillein gives out a sigh. "Well that's a bloody mess alright. At least the fellow gave us a warning before passing on." Turning to the group he continues, "I don't suppose any of you know of a good hiding spot? I've got some contacts, but this kind of thing isn't really in their juristiction." His face hardening, he continues "I'm not entirely sure what's going on right now, but seeing as there's a definite chance at least on these roving packs of jackels have enslavement on their minds, I'm not keen to giving up just yet." Turning to the lady he finishes, "Of course if you've got somewhere you'd like to go I don't mind escorting you, though I suspect you're just as lost in this as we are."

[Indori]

"All of my contacts are far out of range as it stands, even past the lands these people called home. You heard them. Abalach-Re. They traveled from Raam, nearly as far as I, in search of this girl. And still others come." Sabquiri said, turning the templar's head with a sandled foot. He turned to the woman. "Our leader said that you are the 'key' to the 'Fall,' and that you would know what to do, but that does not seem to be the case. Others seeking you may know more. It might be wise to set an ambush of our own and capture someone who looks halfway intelligent. They may provide us some answers."

He looked over at the cart and nodded to it. "There will be supplies in the wagon. I will gather what we need while you decide." He stepped away from the group and climbed into the back of the wagon, rummaging through the traveling supplies the group from Raam had brought.

[GPuzzle]

You find a good deal of provisions, enough to keep you five alive for a week or so, and a map with a compass. The man has drawn on the map, and it seems that any other enemy will arrive there within the next hour or so. And by any other enemy I mean more and more wagons attacking you all, simulteanously.

[Gospel Noctis]

Taking a quick breather while Sabquiri searches the wagon, Dominic scans the horizon for any sign of immediate trouble.

"Well you heard the old bastard." He says, gingerly rubbing his newly formed bruise. "We've got others on the way and out looking for blood. We need to get moving. It seems every other city state in the world is after your head, milady, and the faster we can get to Tyr the faster we can set up some proper defenses."

Looking darkly to the west he seemed to quickly reassess his own words.

"That said, I don't know how many people in the Free City know of you yet. I'm sure there's a faction or two that would be all too willing to get their hands on anything they think would give them an advantage." He reasoned. "But, I don't think they would be willing to risk starting a civil war over someone who, while admittedly skilled with a blade, has demonstrated very little in the ways of divinity. They almost certainly don't know your face, so it would probably be for the best if we kept your identity as a so called 'demigoddess' between ourselves. You said that you were just a normal woman, correct? Then we'll run with that. I'll tell them that we were assaulted by agents of Raam, and that you assisted us in driving them back. I'll give that as my excuse for inviting you to stay as a guest."

Short rest while Sabquiri loots the wagon, spending a healing surge to bring me back up to 34.

[Ardurious]

"They were well-provisioned. Very lucky for us," Udai rips a piece of cloth off of the Raamite's robe and uses it to wipe the blood from his face. Most of it belongs to his enemy, though some of it is his. The soldier had gotten a solid hit on him. He spits into the rag - blood mixed with saliva - before tossing it down on top of the man.

He takes a seat on one of the wagon's wheels. His heart pounds loud in his ears. He takes several deep breaths, calming himself, before speaking again.

"If we are to be pursued across the wastes by more of these marauders seeking this . . . goddess," he sets his sword tip-down in the soft sand and gestures to Fiona with the hilt, "perhaps it would indeed be best to set an ambush. Others coming may use beasts of burden as opposed to human cattle. We'd have a difficult time outrunning them, I think."

Short rest, spending two surges to bring Udai's HP up to 45/46.

[Shimeran]

Gillein sucks the air between his teeth, "I see the merit of an ambush, but I wouldn't suggest one here. If these notes are accurate, we'd be outnumbered in short order. I think our best bet is to put as much distance between us and the tomb as possible. The further out we get, the less likely we are to run into more than one group at the same time. We can keep an eye out for a likely ambush spot as we travel."

Giving the lady an appraising look, he remarks "I think this would go better if we didn't tip our hand to having a 'goddess' aboard. Let's see if we can't make you a bit less remarkable. Lets see if there are any spare clothes in the wagon that might help. Our best bet would probably in hiding that you're a woman at all. In fact, if we can pass you off as slave boy, you'd be near invisible to some people."

He cracks a bit of a smile at that last part, "Believe me, I'd know. There's some binding tricks that might help, but lets see what we've got to work with. If any of you lot know a thing or two about disguises, I'm all ears."

Spending a healing surge to get up to full during short rest.

[Gospel Noctis]

"Deceit isn't my specialty I'm afraid." The mage replies with a wry grin. "Which is why even though I have the mind for it, I'd make a rather terrible politician. Though a disguise is a brilliant idea. That said, it'd be hard to mistake such a pretty face for that of a mans."

[Indori]

"Not to mention all of that metal," Sabquiri said, reapproaching the group. He was draped in a multitude of waterskins and sacks of food and sun protective. He spoke directly to the strange woman as he handed out the goods, "You may not know that metal in these quantities is very rare. You'll surely stick out if we can't find a way to conceal it. We should be wary of those just trying to make money off of you, aside from other interests. Were I not sworn to this mission, I would attempt to make off with such a collection myself."

[shamgar001]

"But, I don't think they would be willing to risk starting a civil war over someone who, while admittedly skilled with a blade, has demonstrated very little in the ways of divinity."

Fionna was a bit put off by this comment, but couldn't pinpoint why exactly.


"Were I not sworn to this mission, I would attempt to make off with such a collection myself."

"That's very comforting," Fionna replied, not the least bit comforted. With so many others after her (for whatever misguided reasons), there was no particular reason to trust these. Dominic claims not to be good at deception, but that could easily be a part of the charade. Nevertheless, these people hadn't shown any intention of hurting her yet.


"
If our enemies will be here soon, then I'd rather we get moving than stand around talking about moving. I don't know where to go, so someone needs to take the lead."

[Shimeran]

"Hmph, you're right about the metal. Best bet then is probably to nab a robe if we can find one. That should large enough to hide both identity and armor."

"As for getting a move on, lets do a quick clothing check and get moving. If all else fails, we can cut some strips of canvas to make a quick cloak. I'd suggest someone who know the lay of the land take the lead. We'll want to stick nead features that give us cover, even if it takes slight longer to get to Tyr."

[Ardurious]

"Though I may not be the best at moving silently, I'm likely the most experienced with the wastes of any of us," Udai speaks up, "I've lived out here for years. I've grown quite familiar with this awful place." He picks himself up off of the wagon wheel and begins stretching his legs.

"We'd be best to search the bodies before we leave as well. The slaves are unlikely to have anything of use, but the Raamites may," and with that he kneels and quickly rifles through the mansabdor's robes and cloak. He picks up the man's rod as well and slides it into the thick leather belt he wears.

Search the templar for anything useful/valuable.

Also, is there anything special about his rod?

[GPuzzle]

"Though I may not be the best at moving silently, I'm likely the most experienced with the wastes of any of us," Udai speaks up, "I've lived out here for years. I've grown quite familiar with this awful place." He picks himself up off of the wagon wheel and begins stretching his legs.

"We'd be best to search the bodies before we leave as well. The slaves are unlikely to have anything of use, but the Raamites may," and with that he kneels and quickly rifles through the mansabdor's robes and cloak. He picks up the man's rod as well and slides it into the thick leather belt he wears.

Search the templar for anything useful/valuable.

Also, is there anything special about his rod?


He has a small bag with 54 GP, and the rod is, while carved in a certain pattern that you do recognize as what's normal for Raam's templars, nothing special.

[Gospel Noctis]

"Did you find anything useful in there?" Dominic called out. "Pack everything you can carry, night is falling and we'd best get as much traveling as we can under cover of darkness."

[Shimeran]

Before they head out Gillein checks the wagon to see if he can find a spare robe or large cloak. Failing that, he'll check the templar's clothing. If he's got a large cloak, he'll take that. Otherwise, we'll see what he can salvage from the likely bloodstained robe.

[GPuzzle]

The Templar's coat fits Fionna perfectly, if a bit bloodied and with a visible cut in it.

[Indori]

Sabquiri fell in line behind Udai, who naturally led the way being the most familiar with the local terrain, as the group began to move. He stayed near the front, keeping a sharp eye out for potential hiding places or ambush sites, as well as figures on the horizon. As the sun fell, his ability to see in the dark would become more important, but for now the others could help significantly. The thought kept him at ease and allowed his mind to wander to the woman who followed them. He slowed his pace and fell into step with her. He spoke in a low tone, and only to her, though not in such a hushed voice that the others could not hear. His thoughts were not secret, merely for her.

"You seemed troubled by what I said earlier," he started, referring to his comment about stealing her armor. "I again assure you that I am dedicated to your well-being. I know nothing about where you came from, and you seem to be at the same disadvantage, but what I said is not uncommon. We do what we must to survive. It is simply our way." Exactly who "we" was, he left unsaid. Did he mean just this group? Or his faction? Or everyone?

[shamgar001]

Fionna speaks in a low voice, matching the drow's. "Since I've awoken, I've been surrounded by strangers who have been telling me stories I dare not believe about my own nature and the treacherous ways of this world, and then attacked by men with intent to capture me for their own nefarious purposes. Forgive me if I withhold my trust from you for the time being. Perhaps I will be more at ease at a later time."

[Gospel Noctis]

"That's good, that's good," The mage smirked. "I would be somewhat disappointed at your lack of common sense if you trusted any of us this quickly, given the recent chain of events. Hold on to that, milady, it will surely keep you alive. That said, while as a scholar and practitioner of magic I am quite interested in your potential status as a demigoddess, I will openly admit that I mean you no harm. And while it is the truth, I rather hope you aren't gullible enough to believe it on my word alone."

[Indori]

"If we are lucky, you will receive no cause to prove it, Sabquiri said to Dominic. As it stood, that seemed unlikely. They had scarcely introduced themselves to the woman before the Raamites appeared, and they already knew for a fact that there were other interested parties. Although Udai was leading them on an ostensibly safer path, the drow felt sure that the other parties would not be dissuaded simply by having lost track of her. On top of that, all the talk of trust made him wonder if they should even be following the half orc. He had dealt with the templar sure enough, but the templar's group had to have been ambushed by someone. Were they led into the trap by one of their own?

Sabquiri fixed his crimson eyes on the back of Udai's head for a moment before scanning the horizon again. The sun was falling.

[GPuzzle]

Suddenly, at Fionna's feet, grass starts to appear.

And green grass, not dusty, desert-y grass.

[Gospel Noctis]

"Wha...?" The mages eyes widened as healthy flora sprang up underneath his new found companion. "What is- how are you- I don't even-..." Dominic fumbled, vainly searching for the proper words to describe his wonderment. Any magic capable of creating water or flourishing plant/animal life had been lost in ages past, since the war that originally turned Athas into the barren wasteland it currently was, to see the likes of it here and now was simply too much for the noble.

[Shimeran]

It takes a few moments before Gillein can speak. When his mind unjams, he manages "As amazing as that is lady, any chance you can turn it off? I hate to ask it, but if you keep doing that while we travel, it's going to be ridiculously easy for your enemies to find you. Once we get to relative safety, I'd love to see that again."

[shamgar001]

Fionna had assumed that she had just walked into grass when she wasn't paying attention, but her companions' reactions contradicted that theory. She tried walking around a bit to see if the grass-growing followed her.

[GPuzzle]

It does follow Fionna.

[Indori]

Sabquiri stared wide-eyed at the sight before him. Even as Fionna walked around, the grass sprouted up in front of and around her. The drow crouched down and rubbed a leaf of the plant between his fingers. It felt...fresh. Almost frail. Like no plant he had ever encountered. Even in areas where plants were grown or cropped cultivated, they were stiff and hardy, resistant to the desert winds. This grass seemed like it would need a great deal of water to stay alive, more than any plant Sabquiri knew anyway.

He plucked a leaf. It was fairly short, and no root came with it. Feeling around in the sand, he found a vine-like structure. Apparently the root moved laterally through the sand and sprouted leaves upward toward the surface. Desert plants tended to have extremely deep roots, reaching down into the hidden water pockets below the ground.

[Ardurious]

For the first time in longer than he can remember, Udai stands dumbfounded. He stares in wonderment as plantlife sprouts from the very ground the woman walks on, following her as she goes. He has never seen anything like it.

"Marvelous," is all he can manage for a long moment. When he regains his wits, however, he continues, "A true miracle, no doubt. But I must agree with the half-man; this leaves a clear trail for our pursuers. Even were they not to realize its cause, such growth would surely spark interest. Interest enough to follow it to its source."

[Gospel Noctis]

"I wonder if she has to be touching the ground for it to work?" Dominic pondered, eyes positively blazing with scholarly intrigue. "Someone pick her up and walk around, lets see if grass begins to grow even if she's not making physical contact. Regardless, this will complicate getting away. If touching the ground isn't required then, as has been stated previously, we're going to be leaving an hilariously easy to follow trail. And even if it isn't, someone will have to carry her at least part of the way to Tyr. Though..." He paused, grin slowly widening as he looked between his companions and the formerly man-driven wagon. "What would you strong, burly, paragon of manly men say to giving a beautiful young woman and a haplessly, pitifully, pathetically weak wizard a ride in this here wagon?"

[Indori]

"Perhaps," Sabquiri began in response to Dominic, his eyes narrowing at the suggestion that they pull the wagon. "Perhaps it would be easier to simply quell whatever magic is causing this. That sounds like something a wizard could accomplish."

Maybe Dom could put a damper on this thing with Arcana or Religion.

[Gospel Noctis]

"Hmmm..." He pondered, looking between Fionna and the healthy grass being conjured at her feet.


Arcana: [roll0]
Religion: [roll1]

[GPuzzle]

As Dominic cast some magic at the grass, it enters sponteanous combustion for a few seconds before dying off on the sands.

Except for one little spout of grass, the one that started it all.

[Gospel Noctis]

"Well...I can burn it. That said, stopping to do this the entire way to Tyr would be highly impractical. Not only would it slow us down considerably, we'd still be leaving a trail of incinerated plant matter. While the dirt and sand might hide it from some, any experienced tracker will be able to track us just as easily as if we'd left it in full bloom."

[Shimeran]

Gillein turns to Fionna, "I'd say our best bet is seeing if we can get you to stop doing this somehow. We can haul you if need be, but if we don't fix this the problem will be back the minute your feet touch the ground. Let me step you through a mind emptying exercise my old mentor shared with me. Perhaps that will help you."

Arcana [roll0] to recall the right meditation technique.

[GPuzzle]

While you do remember the right meditation technique, the life that seems to come out of her feet (literally) seems to come from another type of power, not something you know, or ever seen, or even heard of.

[shamgar001]

While Gillein meditates, Fionna mounts the cart and walks around on its deck to see if the grass continues to grow once she has ceased contact with the ground.

[Shimeran]

It had less to do with trying to modify the effect myself. My thinking was that psionic training likely involves mediation techniques for improving self control, potentially including increased control over ones own body and mind. I was hoping to share those insights with Fionna to help her control her own powers, kind of like a verbal aid another. I simply used arcana for the check because it seem like the closest match for "knowledge - meditation techniques".

[GPuzzle]

It had less to do with trying to modify the effect myself. My thinking was that psionic training likely involves mediation techniques for improving self control, potentially including increased control over ones own body and mind. I was hoping to share those insights with Fionna to help her control her own powers, kind of like a verbal aid another. I simply used arcana for the check because it seem like the closest match for "knowledge - meditation techniques".


Ah, alright.

In that case, you did suceed!



The grass disconnects from your feet, but starts to appear on the sand, right below of where you're standing.

[shamgar001]

Fionna lets out a very unladylike grunt of frustration. "Well one thing's for sure: if we stand around here trying to figure out stop this grass from growing, we won't have to worry about whether out enemies can track us because they'll be upon us. Perhaps we should get moving and try to figure this out on the way and at least keep the distance we have on them?"

[Ardurious]

"I believe the only thing left for us to do is move. Quickly," Udai readies himself to move out, "We likely will not reach Tyr before at least one or two of our pursuers catches up, but should they prove to be of like skill as these it should be little issue. We seem to have no other choice."

[Gospel Noctis]

"Agreed. There's not much we can do about the trail. The best we can hope for is to put enough distance between us and any pursuers that by the time they manage to track us down we'll be well within Tyrian territory."

[shamgar001]

Fionna looks around at the others, standing in silence.

"So...Let's go then?"

She sits on the back of the cart and waits.

[Shimeran]

Gillein gives a grunt "I don't know why you're not trying to control this. Maybe you're tryin to deny it's something your control. I agree we're burning time we don't have here, but I'm less than thrilled about heaving a cart when your not even attempting to adress this yourself."

Despite that, Gillein advance on the cart. He starts bending down before stopping to say "If we're going for speed I'd sugest getting off the cart and start walking. I doesn't seem to be doing anything to stop the growth and we'll be slower dragging it along."

So saying, he turns and starts marching at a steady pace in the direction of the city.

[shamgar001]

Anger flashed in Fionna's eyes. "Look shorty, I don't like this situation any more than you do. I don't know what to do to control this, and I don't have time to sit here and find The Power Within when enemies could be on the other side of that hill!"

She grabs her back and lets out another long whistle, then starts walking.

"Where are you, Bree?"

[Shimeran]

Gillein gives a nod before tossing back "I see. I figured taking a few moments to close your eyes and think about stopping it might be worth a try. I figured sharing a meditation technique with you might help."

Looking back over his shoulder, he continues "I admit it's hardly been the swift effort I was hoping for. We've spent more time talking about it than the actual attempt would have taken. But I can understand if that kind of mental exercise isn't something that comes naturally to you."

After a moment he finishes "I do think that if you do have that kind of power a little reflection could help you grasp it's nature. If you do want to give that a try, I'll tell you what I can as we walk. There are exercise that can be done during rest breaks that might help."

[shamgar001]

She takes a moment to clear her thoughts. "Forgive me, please. I think the stress and heat are making me a bit irritable."

She follows him.