Zeitgeist: Island at the Axis of the World IC

[PeacefulOak]

The sudden onset of battle breaks Roland's concentration, and they release the arcane energies that had begun to summon their companion. Hearing the words of Jakros, they decide to add their voice to reason.

"Indeed, we are not the ones who killed your friends. We are here to free this place from occupation and to rescue some few that are held captive within. We desire no blood on our hands, particularly not that of a loyal Danoran. Stand down, please."

Spoiler: OoC

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(1d20+5)[7] Diplomacy (starting, or helping Jackros as needed)

[Ghostfoot]

Indigo wages battle with the shadowy creature, the halfling and her quarterstaff a blur of speed as she strikes for 2 damage. Arina concentrates drawing on her power over spirits to engage with the shadowy creature ahead of her. Jakros ducks back against the wall, injured. He pulls out one of his RHC healing draughts and gulps it down feeling his pain eased somewhat. Your marine, his musket spent, hustles forward toward the frontline as he knows best, drawing his sword as he steps in next to Indigo to face the shadowy fiend.

Jakros steps out again, entreating the pistol-wielding miner in his native Danoran tongue to hold fire. Roland sees Jakros try to talk the foreign miner down and joins in with words of encouragement. "Lies! You an' your tromperie, your trickery! You'll not fool moi!"

The shadow reaches out an ephemeral limb even as the desperate man jumps up, firing. The shadows caress chills Indigo unnaturally, sapping 1 strength from her. <Crack!> the man shoots again at Roland again the shot going wide. The rubble elemental picks up another barrel of flammable oil and lobs it toward Jakros, this time the barrel going well wide and crashing down to explode into flames on the platforms far below.

Spoiler: rolls

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"Calling for a Cease-Fire" is a 1 round action. It is possible (and quite a good idea) but sadly a DC 7 roll will not cut it this time.

shadow vs Indigo
touch (1d20+2)[17] damage = 1 Strength

miner vs Roland
pistol (1d20-3)[8] (incl. range penalty) damage (1d8)[5]

elemental vs Jakros
thrown barrel (1d20-8)[11] (incl. range) damage (1d8+3)[6] + fire (1d6)[6]
almost another crit!

Spoiler: Map

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Ladders stretched horizontally between platforms can be crawled across safely, or walked across with an Acrobatics check (DC 12). A character who fails makes no progress; one who fails by 5 or more falls off.

Normal vertical ladders lead between levels of the scaffolding (2x movement).

A rope dangles from a wooden crane at the tunnel at the top of this chamber. The rope can be climbed (Climb DC 12), or a creature at the crane can raise or lower the rope 20 ft. as a move action.

A pair of ropes stretch between two sides of the scaffolding. A character could try to walk (Acrobatics DC 19) or climb (Climb DC 12) along the ropes.

=> Party

[Eldest]

Indigo continues to batter away at the shadow.

Spoiler

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Still dual wielding and hitting it.
(1d20+4)[19]
(1d8)[4]
(1d20+4)[18]
(1d8)[3]

[Starbin]

Jakros, the Shifting Blade

Ducking back from another barrel that narrowly missed the tiefling, Jakros' snarled, glaring at the miner. ”One last chance, mon ami ... or you won't have to worry about the outcome of all of this.

Dead men have no problems.” He clacked his claws against the walls

---

OOC - Fine ... we'll do it the hard way. Intimidate - (1d20+8)[13] to surrender, or We're going in and ripping him a new one.
EDIT - these crappy rolls are getting a little tiresome

Spoiler: Status

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AC: 18 (16) CMB/D: +3 or +6/14 / HPs: 8/10
F +4 R +5 W +3 / Init +4; Move 40'
Weapons/Armor: Claws (+6/1d4+4 x2); Rapier (+6/1d6+4); light mace (+6/1d6+4) / Studded leather
Acrobatics: +7; Stealth +10; Perception +5; KS Local/Martial +8; Intimidate +8
Stance: Aura of Misfortune
Maneuvers: Spilled salt (C); Breaking glass (S); Disturbing blow (s)
Effects: Hiding (+10 Stealth [comp], 1 hr); Stance (Foes w/in25’ get -2 saves); Darkvision 60’

[rs2excelsior]

Her eyes still glowing an unnaturally pale green, she doesn't take any outwardly visible action, but her hair moves as if blowing in a breeze and the temperature of the air around her drops to an uncomfortable chill. There is a blur of motion and a faint wail which seems to dart from her to the wraith.

Spoiler: OOC

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I am having fun describing her "magical signs" drawback :) (basically means any creature within 30ft automatically knows she's casting when she does so, but the exact effects are up to the caster and what fits their theme)

Ranged touch attack vs the wraith: (1d20+3)[23]
Damage: (1d8)[1]

Assuming it hits, a will save (DC 14) halves the damage.

She'll also draw her sword if she hadn't already.

[Ghostfoot]

Indigo keeps swinging her staff at the shadow, swiping at it for 2 & 1 damage trying to fend it off.

Jakros yells at the man to stand down, but he's too worked up, too far gone and yells back "Go to the heck, basterd!"

Sorcerous energy coalesces around Arina as she draws on her powers. A faint wail of energy blasts from her to the nearby shadow striking it for 6 damage. The thing seems to emit a silent howl as it fades and disperses, its negative energy overwhelmed.

The way cleared of the shadow stalker, your marine ally hustles forward clambering up to stand next to Jakros ready to face down the hostile miner.

Spoiler: Info

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these crappy rolls are getting a little tiresome

Yep this is getting to be a bad habit Starbin!

Spoiler: Map

Show

Ladders stretched horizontally between platforms can be crawled across safely, or walked across with an Acrobatics check (DC 12). A character who fails makes no progress; one who fails by 5 or more falls off.

Normal vertical ladders lead between levels of the scaffolding (2x movement).

A rope dangles from a wooden crane at the tunnel at the top of this chamber. The rope can be climbed (Climb DC 12), or a creature at the crane can raise or lower the rope 20 ft. as a move action.

A pair of ropes stretch between two sides of the scaffolding. A character could try to walk (Acrobatics DC 19) or climb (Climb DC 12) along the ropes.

=> Roland

[PeacefulOak]

Roland

With a growl, Roland gives up on reasoning with this distraught native and digs into their reservoir of arcane presence, calling forth a gleaming eagle immediately behind the opponent. Appearing in a flash of light, the gleaming bird unleashes with claws and beak as Roland slowly makes his way forward, climbing ladders as he makes his way along the path.

Spoiler: OoC

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Eagle Attack! Swift Action for Smite Evil (in case it matters)
(1d20+3)[10] to hit for (1d4)[4] claw 1 (+1 if Evil)
(1d20+3)[17] to hit for (1d4)[2] claw 2 (+1 if Evil)
(1d20+3)[15] to hit for (1d4)[2] Bite/beak (+1 if Evil)

Eagle is at D2 (line of sight should work from Roland's starting space).

Roland moves as much as they can.

[Ghostfoot]

Roland summons a gleaming eagle, the mystical creature swooping in behind the man to claw and bite at him for 2 & 2 damage as the miner shrieks trying to fend it off. He draws a knife, slashing at the eagle for 4 damage as he swings wildly.

The elemental continues its mindless lobbing of flammable barrels, grabbing another and hurling it towards your trooper. The barrel sails wide as your soldier easily dodges to one side.

Spoiler: rolls

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miner vs eagle
dagger (1d20+2)[20] damage (1d4)[4] Hit?

elemental vs trooper
thrown barrel (1d20-8)[9] (incl. range) damage (1d8+3)[4] + fire (1d6)[4]

Spoiler: Map

Show

Ladders stretched horizontally between platforms can be crawled across safely, or walked across with an Acrobatics check (DC 12). A character who fails makes no progress; one who fails by 5 or more falls off.

Normal vertical ladders lead between levels of the scaffolding (2x movement).

A rope dangles from a wooden crane at the tunnel at the top of this chamber. The rope can be climbed (Climb DC 12), or a creature at the crane can raise or lower the rope 20 ft. as a move action.

A pair of ropes stretch between two sides of the scaffolding. A character could try to walk (Acrobatics DC 19) or climb (Climb DC 12) along the ropes.

=> Party

[rs2excelsior]

With the wraith dealt with, Arina scampers up the ladder. With the next platform above crowded, she instead directs another wave of energy towards the elemental, the spirits swarming around it and hampering its movements.

Spoiler: OOC

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Actions:
Move to G5 (should be 20' of movement to climb the ladder and 10' for the level portion)
Use Poltergeist ghost strike on the elemental (ranged touch attack w/medium range), if successful I can dispel the effect within the next round to impose a -3 penalty on a d20 roll it makes.
Ranged touch attack: (1d20+3)[5]
No save against the effect. If the attack is successful, I'll use it on the first attack roll or save it makes before my next turn.

[Starbin]

Jakros, the Shifting Blade

Jakros fumed silently, ducking back as yet another barrel almost hit true. Shaking his head at the soldier, he nodded towards the two foes. ”Looks like they want it this way ... let's oblige them.” He moved forward to attack, pulling free his mace as he did. Once close to the elemental, he struck swiftly, the mace head moving towards the elementals 'head.'

---

OOC - Fine ... Okie-day ... advance and draw weapon (move + free) to E9. Swift action to 'Claim' elemental, then attack with Breaking Glass maneuver - w/successful attack, target makes a Will save (DC 15) or become dazed for one round. Regardless of save, it becomes dazzled for 4 rounds. Remember foes w/in 25' get -2 save due to stance.
Attack - (1d20+6)[8], Dam - (1d6+4)[7]

Spoiler: Status

Show

AC: 18 (16) CMB/D: +3 or +6/14 / HPs: 8/10
F +4 R +5 W +3 / Init +4; Move 40'
Weapons/Armor: Claws (+6/1d4+4 x2); Rapier (+6/1d6+4); light mace (+6/1d6+4) / Studded leather
Acrobatics: +7; Stealth +10; Perception +5; KS Local/Martial +8; Intimidate +8
Stance: Aura of Misfortune
Maneuvers: Spilled salt (C); Breaking glass (S); Disturbing blow (s)
Effects: Hiding (+10 Stealth [comp], 1 hr); Stance (Foes w/in25’ get -2 saves); Darkvision 60’

EDIT. And so it continues ...

[Eldest]

Indigo takes one look at the crowded platform and decides against the ladder. She instead jumps to the rope, suspended for an instant over the water before sticking the landing. She bolts to the side, glancing at the fight as she does.

[Ghostfoot]

Everyone moves forward, Arina blasting energy at the elemental as Jakros engages it in melee with his mace. Indigo jumps across to the suspended rope with great agility, dancing her way along it. Roland clambers up the nearest ladder as the eagle continues to buffet & claw at the attacking miner, hitting for 2 damage.

Your marine ally steps in next to Jakros, slashing at the rock-like creature for 8 damage sending shards of stone flying. As he does so his guard drops and the elemental smashes him back with a counterattack for 5 damage.

At the back, the old miner continues to stab at the eagle muttering curses as he does "You'll never take me!", his lack of skill apparent as he can't manage to land a blow on it. The miner backs up slightly looking for a safer position and gestures the elemental to step in behind him.

Spoiler: rolls & info

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Eagle Attack! Swift Action for Smite Evil (in case it matters)
(1d20+3)[21] to hit for (1d4)[2] claw 1 (+1 if Evil)
(1d20+3)[12] to hit for (1d4)[4] claw 2 (+1 if Evil)
(1d20+3)[7] to hit for (1d4)[1] Bite/beak (+1 if Evil)

marine vs elemental
longsword (1d20+5)[19] damage (1d8+2)[8]

miner vs eagle
dagger (1d20+2)[11] damage (1d4)[1]

elemental vs marine
slam (1d20+6)[18] damage (1d6+4)[5]

Spoiler: Map

Show

Ladders stretched horizontally between platforms can be crawled across safely, or walked across with an Acrobatics check (DC 12). A character who fails makes no progress; one who fails by 5 or more falls off.

Normal vertical ladders lead between levels of the scaffolding (2x movement).

A rope dangles from a wooden crane at the tunnel at the top of this chamber. The rope can be climbed (Climb DC 12), or a creature at the crane can raise or lower the rope 20 ft. as a move action.

A pair of ropes stretch between two sides of the scaffolding. A character could try to walk (Acrobatics DC 19) or climb (Climb DC 12) along the ropes.

=> Party

[Eldest]

Indigo continues her dash, leaping off again into space to grab onto the crane's hook and swinging up to the ledge, balancing precariously for a moment, before stepping forward. "You tosser, we're not here for you!"

Spoiler

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A complicated double move to E13, and then swift action to change my staff to a 1 handed reach weapon, so I threaten his square.

[rs2excelsior]

Arina continues moving up, clambering up the last ladder and drawing her sword once she's at the top.

Spoiler: OOC

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Don't have +1 BAB, so don't think I can draw a weapon as part of a move action. In that case it's one action to move to F8 and another to draw a weapon.

[Starbin]

Jakros, the Shifting Blade

Jakros growler to himself, lashing out at the elemental again, clearly frustrated with his lack of success.

---

OOC - Move to try and flank the elemental, attack again. Using disturbing blow (if attack is successful, for takes -4 on next d20 check). Should be dazzled for three more rounds ...
Attack - (1d20+6)[22], Dam - (1d6+4)[6]

Spoiler: Status

Show

AC: 18 (16) CMB/D: +3 or +6/14 / HPs: 8/10
F +4 R +5 W +3 / Init +4; Move 40'
Weapons/Armor: Claws (+6/1d4+4 x2); Rapier (+6/1d6+4); light mace (+6/1d6+4) / Studded leather
Acrobatics: +7; Stealth +10; Perception +5; KS Local/Martial +8; Intimidate +8
Stance: Aura of Misfortune
Maneuvers: Spilled salt (C); Breaking glass (S); Disturbing blow (s)
Effects: Hiding (+10 Stealth [comp], 1 hr); Stance (Foes w/in25’ get -2 saves); Darkvision 60’

[Ghostfoot]

Arina and Roland move forwards, Indigo swinging in from the opposite side as you all close in on the Danoran miner.

Growling Jakros lashes out with his mace, the weapon catching the stunted elemental for 6 damage sending it crumpling to the ground like a sack of shingle. Your marine steps up in the gap, slashing out at the old miner striking a nasty gash for 12 damage even as Roland's mystical bird flaps about scratching at him also hitting for 3 damage.

"Mon dieu! This is la fini for moi!" he shrieks hysterically. He backs off, knife held high trying to ward off any attacks.

Spoiler: rolls & info

Show

Marine vs miner
longsword (1d20+5)[22] damage (1d8+5)[12]

Eagle vs miner
(1d20+3)[7] to hit for (1d4)[1] claw 1
(1d20+3)[13] to hit for (1d4)[1] claw 2
(1d20+3)[19] to hit for (1d4)[3] bite/beak

Miner 5ft step & Total Defense action (+4 Dodge to AC)

Spoiler: Map

Show

=> Party

[Starbin]

Jakros, the Shifting Blade

Jakros continued to growl, stepping forward slowly "I TOLD you we didn't want to hurt you! Drop the weapon and we'll talk!" He raised his mace and prepared to strike the man and knock him out.

---

OOC - Based on dropping claimed creature, recovered maneuvers. Will do non-lethal with strike - Att - (1d20+6)[12], dam - (1d6+4)[7]. If he surrenders, Jakros won't hit him ...

Spoiler: Status

Show

AC: 18 (16) CMB/D: +3 or +6/14 / HPs: 8/10
F +4 R +5 W +3 / Init +4; Move 40'
Weapons/Armor: Claws (+6/1d4+4 x2); Rapier (+6/1d6+4); light mace (+6/1d6+4) / Studded leather
Acrobatics: +7; Stealth +10; Perception +5; KS Local/Martial +8; Intimidate +8
Stance: Aura of Misfortune
Maneuvers: Spilled salt (C); Breaking glass (S); Disturbing blow (s)
Effects: Hiding (+10 Stealth [comp], 1 hr); Stance (Foes w/in25’ get -2 saves); Darkvision 60’

EDIT: Ah, back to normal already ...

[rs2excelsior]

Finally catching up with the others, Arina moves up by Private Waterhouse as Jakros demands the man's surrender again. She considers attempting to hinder him, but her particular brand of magic would probably not help him calm down. "Surrender and I guarantee no harm will come to you," she says, trying to be as calming as possible while holding a sword on him. "No blood needs to be shed here."

Spoiler: OOC

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Moving to D12 - I think I can make it, even if the barrels cost double. If I can't, I'll move to E11 instead.

Thought about hitting him with a poltergeist... but I'm going to try diplomacy instead. (1d20+5)[6]

EDIT: welp... there was an attempt.

[Eldest]

Indigo moves a bit closer, but holds off on hitting the poor fellow. What they said.

Spoiler

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Moving around to B13, then holding action to hit him if he tries something offensive, he's in my reach if he tries to bolt.

[Ghostfoot]

"Ai! You 'ave me now....I give up. Make it quick, s'il vous plaît."

Surrounded, the poor old miner drops to his knees his knife clattering to the tunnel floor as he raises his hands and clasps them behind his head in defeat.

[rs2excelsior]

Arina moves up, blade still at the ready just in case the man tried something. She keeps her eyes open for something else further into the cave, but all seems quiet for the moment. "Was there anyone else here in the cave? Anyone who might have gone to raise an alarm?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Perception check to look for any further threats: (1d20+4)[10]

This raises the question of what we want to do with him... Maybe have Private Waterhouse either take him back to the ship, or (since that's probably impractical, without the guy having access to a water breathing spell) just keep hold of him around here. If we bring him with us I'm somewhat concerned he might warn any other enemies we come across. Thoughts?

[Starbin]

Jakros, the Shifting Blade

Jakros sighed explosively. "You couldn't do that earlier? I told you we are going to kill you … unless you do something stupid. Now, answer the question … as a matter-of-fact, tell us what happened here. Who else came through? Numbers, details … come on man, speak up!" Jakros puts away his weapon, knowing his claws would more than suffice if he needed to attack. For now, he was in questioning mode.

---

OOC - So … Intimidate - (1d20+8)[17]?

Spoiler: Status

Show

AC: 18 (16) CMB/D: +3 or +6/14 / HPs: 8/10
F +4 R +5 W +3 / Init +4; Move 40'
Weapons/Armor: Claws (+6/1d4+4 x2); Rapier (+6/1d6+4); light mace (+6/1d6+4) / Studded leather
Acrobatics: +7; Stealth +10; Perception +5; KS Local/Martial +8; Intimidate +8
Stance: Aura of Misfortune
Maneuvers: Spilled salt (C); Breaking glass (S); Disturbing blow (s)
Effects: Hiding (+10 Stealth [comp], 1 hr); Stance (Foes w/in25’ get -2 saves); Darkvision 60’

[Ghostfoot]

The man looks up with a glimmer of hope in his eyes that he is not abut to be summarily executed. "I thought that you were going to kill me?"

"I haven't seen anyone else. The soldiers came, Risuri, like you. My workers fled into the jungle. I thought it a better chance to stay 'idden in the mine...I know it like the back of my hand you know. I grabbed the Golden Icons from the safe," he indicates the two archaic golden coins hanging from thongs around his neck, now evidently similar to the coin resting in the nearby splinter of stone, "and I hid down here."

"'Ow long has it been....days now? I haven't seen anyone since. I don't know what happened to them".

[Ghostfoot]

"Want me to waste him?" says your marine, perhaps misreading the situation as you consider your options...

[Starbin]

Jakros, the Shifting Blade

Jakros eyed the man for a moment, then shook his head bemusedly. When the marine mentioned ‘wasting’ the old man, the tuefling glared incredulously at the soldier. "Uh, no, we don’t want you to ‘waste’ the unarmed man. How about we use his knowledge to help.

So old man, what’s your name? Those soldiers you saw aren’t acting on command of the King, but his crazy sister. We’re here to help stop her. Can you lead us through the caves? And what’s so important about those golden things?"

---

OOC - So sorry for the delay - life has been a crazy ride for everyone; family and friends are all safe and I have steady work, but my routine has been blown to crap. I’ll try to get back into the swing of things!

Spoiler: Status

Show

AC: 18 (16) CMB/D: +3 or +6/14 / HPs: 8/10
F +4 R +5 W +3 / Init +4; Move 40'
Weapons/Armor: Claws (+6/1d4+4 x2); Rapier (+6/1d6+4); light mace (+6/1d6+4) / Studded leather
Acrobatics: +7; Stealth +10; Perception +5; KS Local/Martial +8; Intimidate +8
Stance: Aura of Misfortune
Maneuvers: Spilled salt (C); Breaking glass (S); Disturbing blow (s)
Effects: Hiding (+10 Stealth [comp], 1 hr); Stance (Foes w/in25’ get -2 saves); Darkvision 60’

[Ghostfoot]

Your marine stands down obediently, unaware of his social ineptitude.

The old man speaks, "Je suis Nicolas Dupiers. I am -was- the foreman here at the mine." He reaches up slowly and takes the two amulets from around his neck, handing them over. "We were excavating for iron ore and came across these old relics. They give the bearer some power over the elements. This one shadows and this one earth. I thought that they might help me - I was coming to get the last one." He indicates the third ancient golden coin still resting in its niche in the pillar of stone.

"I can show you the way to the mine entrance. I know this place like ze back of my hand"

Spoiler: some loot

Show

dagger
studded leather armour
pistol
2x mysterious ancient golden amulets
another golden icon resting on the pillar

[Starbin]

Jakros, the Shifting Blade

Jakros nodded, then let someone more magically-attuned take the amulets. "So we grab those and one of you lot figure out what they do and how they work. Then Monsieur Dupiers leads us up and out so we can continue our mission.

Anything else before we go? "

---

OOC - Sweep and clear for loot, head out!

... unless I'm missing something?

Spoiler: Status

Show

AC: 18 (16) CMB/D: +3 or +6/14 / HPs: 8/10
F +4 R +5 W +3 / Init +4; Move 40'
Weapons/Armor: Claws (+6/1d4+4 x2); Rapier (+6/1d6+4); light mace (+6/1d6+4) / Studded leather
Acrobatics: +7; Stealth +10; Perception +5; KS Local/Martial +8; Intimidate +8
Stance: Aura of Misfortune
Maneuvers: Spilled salt (C); Breaking glass (S); Disturbing blow (s)
Effects: Hiding (+10 Stealth [comp], 1 hr); Stance (Foes w/in25’ get -2 saves); Darkvision 60’

[rs2excelsior]

Arina still has some misgivings about trusting the person who was just trying to kill them to lead them through the mine - but it seemed like he was their best option at the moment. "Not sure about figuring the amulet out, but I can go get it. Any traps on it?" she asks Monsieur Dupiers. Assuming there aren't any, she heads up to the top of the pillar to recover the amulet before rejoining the party.

Spoiler: OOC

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If he does say there are traps, she will take appropriate precautions (I think I have a talent that can help). I can't actually ID magical auras or figure out items, that'll have to be someone else.

Hope everyone had a merry Christmas and happy holidays!

[Ghostfoot]

"Traps? Non. Take the thing".

Arina clambers up to the golden coin/ amulet that rests in the pillar niche and safely retrieves it, finding it surprisingly easy to spring down the scaffolding. Coming back to the rest of the group you spend a few moments inspecting the ancient relics. Having no real knowledge in this field you nevertheless observe certain strange phenomena when you clasp them in your hands.

As you look over the strange items, an odd thing happens. From the recesses of the ceiling of the cavern a small cloud-like form descends, amorphous but dark hollows reminiscent of eyes and a mouth evident in its form. It swirls about the group gently, drawn to Arina or whomever holds the newly-acquired amulet, certainly not hostile.

The foreman, Nicolas, shrugs "Oui, the other amulets each had a guardian elemental too. I think it likes you".

Spoiler: icon details

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Golden Icon (Air)

Slot: Neck or Held;
Known powers: A person holding the Icon or wearing it as a necklace gains a +5 competence bonus to Jump checks, and can influence air magic. The wielder of the icon casts spells with the air descriptor as though they were one caster level higher.

Golden Icon (Shadow)

Slot: Neck or Held;
Known powers: A person holding or wearing the icon gains darkvision 60 ft. and casts spells with the shadow descriptor as though they were one caster level higher.

Golden Icon (Earth)

Slot: Neck or Held;
Known powers: A person holding or wearing the icon gains a +1 natural armor bonus and casts spells with the earth descriptor as though they were one caster level higher.

[Eldest]

Indigo watches out carefully for any further trouble as the group discusses the issues, but doesn't really have anything to add. She does eye the air amulet appreciatively, but doesn't say anything.