Bryon did one of her little dances and done in. She could swim as easily as walk, and breath water.

swimming the river Styx
This message was last edited by the player at 12:49, Fri 18 May 2018.

Prizzard held the wrists tight together, high enough to be uncomfortable when walking anf quite painful if the creature tried to fall or slouch.

Despite his childhood and strength, Prizzard found himself struggling with the cold water.

rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  Swim
This message was last edited by the player at 04:48, Sat 19 May 2018.

PM

ooc: Wow. You guys are lucky the DC on this thing is 7. That's all I can say.

The going is absolutely horrid for all but Bryon, who thankfully is there to make sure you both make it, helping often.

The shock of the cold water makes your muscles stiffen and spasm, and it's very difficult to hold your breath and keep your teeth from chattering at once. The rope is literally a lifesaver. Without it you'd drown. Pure and simple. Even as you follow it into darkness, pulling yourselves deeper and deeper down and wondering just where the bottom is, you can't help but think you've just committed a very slow and unpleasant suicide.

Just as you seem fit to burst, and the icy water threatens to slip into your lungs, you suddenly feel a warm sensation and you fall, flailing for the rope but not expecting gravity to take such an unexpected effect. You land on a smooth marble floor and as you look around you, you discover yourselves in a massive chamber, the water above kept at bay by an invisible force. The chamber is filled with fine, plush furniture, wardrobes, shelves, mirrors, all stuffed to the brim with beautiful things that have taken up a great deal of the space. In the center a blue flame burns, clearly magical in origin, and on a burgundy stuffed chaise you see a woman in white lying sleepily. Her raven black hair falls about her and she stares at you as though unsure if you're worth getting up for.
I was just drifting off to sleep. You'd better have a good reason for interrupting me she says softly.

Tanzy: pm
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:16, Wed 23 May 2018.

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Tanzy: pm

Byron was about to go back for the others, but thought better of it. She stood back and watched, not saying anything.

Raknesh had, in the past, really enjoyed water.
Now he was starting to wonder if he would ever swim again...

But his thoughts were interrupted as they fell on the ground.

It was not what he was expecting, to say the least.

"We need your help, but did not come here, disturbing your tranquility, empty ended."

Only those watching closely could tell that Prizzard made an effort to land on something other than his face, wet hands and numb arms not even slowing his descent.

rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  balance/acrobatics

Just going to take a moment catching my breath, if Im concious, before making an attempt to stand or even roll over.

PM

Prizzard does indeed land hard, and it takes the wind from him, though thankfully that's the worst of it.

The woman, Vivien, eyes you all and lazily moves to a sitting position before standing tall and stretching as though she'd been asleep for centuries. For all you know in this odd place, she had.

A moment later the motherwitch emerges, landing gracefully with the Grindle, who struggles madly. Vivien eyes the woman with interest. Hm....that's not for me is it? she sounds hopeful. Raina's grandmother laughs and throws the grindle to the ground where it lays twitching, as if too afraid to move. Of course! I know better than to come without bribes. Now, these mortals need your help. Think you could fit them with a few things to borrow? My granddaughter has gotten herself into trouble.

Vivien listens with interest. Not Raina? Oh I do miss our little chats. Hm...let me see if they are worth the effort...Though I'll take the grindle either way you know. She then turns to the three of you and gestures for you to gather together. Then, without saying anything aloud, you individually hear her voice in your minds, hypnotic and enchanting. I like to know a little about the people I aid. It helps me give you the right equipment. What dark little secrets do you hold? I must know what mettle flows through your veins...

ooc: Roll a will save.

Tanzy: pm
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:13, Wed 30 May 2018.

PM

PM

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You feel a coldness wash over you and then the most piercing headache you've ever experienced pounds in your heads. At first you are alarmed but she merely watches you, a look of concentration on her face, though it's all you can do not to vomit from the pain. She smiles at the men but gives Bryon a cool and dismissive look. You don't know why but you get the sense she doesn't like you.

Hm....You have strong minds. Especially him, she points to Prizzard. Good. You'll need that. Well, well, well. Looks like we've a murderer on our hands. That's why you're here is it? she again nods to Prizzard. You needn't have bothered, death isn't so bad. Well, as long as she passed the trials that is she chuckles. It all depends where you go. You make a wonderful murderer Prizzard. It's a shame you resist it so. Then she turns to Raknesh. And you. You're interesting you are. You probably don't realize how much of you is already linked to this place with that lovely new arm of yours. You could fit in nicely here and the gods know I could use a new companion after all these years she purrs. Maybe when you're done with your fool's errand you could come back to me. If you survive of course She stretches again and looks at the mother witch. Alright, since you've brought me such interesting subjects and a treat, I will see what I can do. When you save Raina remind her she owes me a visit she adds. With that the headache is miraculously gone, though it leaves your knees shaking.

She then snaps her fingers and looks at you all, satisfaction on her full lips. There. Since your own magic has abandoned you, you can borrow some of mine. It will be similar but not quite perhaps what you're used to. Any particular weapons you need while I'm at it? Oh, and of course you should know you'll owe me down the road. Not sure how yet, but I'll let you know she adds smugly.

Tanzy: pm

Somebody here was going to say it, if not everybody, and at least she didn't try to grind in guilt. Prizzard took the words plain-faced, but not all of his tears were from the incredible headache. He responds only to the question, a little shake in his voice but with a forced smile. "You have seen our minds, you know what we need." To the inattentive eye he would seem to have taken it pretty well, even challenging Vivien with a cold calm, while in reality that coldness is anger and some guilt.

rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Bluff

Raknesh had trained his mind and he had supposed his mind was guarded.

But his walls were probably weakened by the recent nearly drowning experience... and the trauma of simply being here as they were swiftly broken. Painfully so.  It was hard not let see the cracks in his composure as it hurt him hard in a field he thought was his forte.

He was worried about how much she had found, especially his history with the evil goddess.  But what he heard was maybe even more frightening.

Not only what she said about him being linked to this place but what she not so subtly insinuated.  That send a cold shiver down his spine.

As for Prizzard's 'revelation', judging by his reaction, it was more than he thought at first. After all, they all had killed a few people, sadly.  Maybe he would explain later... Raknesh would not be the one asking, anyways.

And when he felt she had been fearsome enough, she added they were in her debt... if he could have nightmares, his night would not have been nice for some time.

IF they were allowed to get things, he would ask for clothes, a light armor, maybe a shield and a short sword, just in case.

Bryon returned the cold state, but said nothing.

PM

Vivien looks at Prizzard with a smirk and then conjures a rapier and scythe. She also gives all of you clothes that are considerably better than the ill fitting garb the mother witch lent you, as well as boots, belts, and other such sundries. Raknesh gets his requested light armor and sword and shield and Bryon will get whatever she asks for as well, albeit with a cold snubbing kind of expression.

Eventually the mother witch takes over, after you're all satisfactorily outfitted. Vivien looks disappointed when it's announced you must go. Couldn't you leave him with me? she points to Raknesh with a lazy little smile. The mother witch laughs. I don't think Raina would like that my dear. We all know what you do to your little pretties when you tire of them. Alright, I'll square things away with you later but for now would you let us out through the back? They weren't too keen on swimming down here. Almost didn't make it. Vivien sighs with disappointment but you suspect it is more in response to Raknesh not staying rather than anything else and with a wave of her hand two massive doors appear behind her, swinging open on their own accord. Remember, I'll be in touch down the road. I do like to see my favors repaid... she chuckles throatily. As you start through the door you look back then to see her grab the grindle and with both hands she breaks his back in midair before slamming him on the ground and scrambling on top of him, ripping into his flesh with her mouth.
The mother witch laughs. You really don't want to be her pet Raknesh. It's not worth it.

Soon you find yourselves emerging through a long dark hallway lined with purple tiles and on the other side you end up in the snowy forest once more.

Well, you've been properly equipped. I suppose we'd better go find my granddaughter eh? Knowing my son as I do, he's probably got her locked up somewhere nasty. How are you all at subterfuge...? As you talk you start to feel as though you are being watched and suddenly the air buzzes around you, heavy and dizzying...

ooc: Roll a fort save and spot check please

Tanzy: Pm

Bryon shook her head "no" as she refused to owe a witch anything. She followed the others.

Noting Byrons refusal, Prizzard offered: "I would accept the cost of my companions. As you have seen, the mistake and this foolish quest are my own. They need not pay for what I have done."

Prizzard also accepted a chain shirt and dressed somewhat normally for once. His fashion tended toward tones of grey and soft blues, well-fitted and durable as canvas. A wool layer under the clothing provided warmth, so he took no cloak. If available, he oiled his clothes and boots against moisture. A leather sash held the scythe and a belt with a pair of large pouches held the rapier. Lastly he held his hair back with a rope that also crossed his forehead to catch sweat.

In response to the question of subterfuge: "I have never practiced such skills. My familiar made up for my lack."


rolled 16,18 using d20+7,d20-2.  Fortitude, Spot

Raknesh didn't need the mother's warning to know he really wanted to leave, the sooner the better.  And he would have some question for Raina - and probably Halek too - once they would be safely out of this cursed place.

He had picked sober clothing, allowing for easy movement.

"I am not good at deception with words, but I am trained in stealth and scouting." he answered.


07:10, Today: Raknesh Kaltash rolled 30 using 1d20+17.  spot.

07:09, Today: Raknesh Kaltash rolled 16 using 1d20+6.  fortitude.

PM

Vivien seems to accept Prizzard's offer, thankfully for Bryon as without her help Bryon would have little access to her powers...

Now, outside with the mother witch, you all feel intensely nauseated and sick. Fortunately you are able to keep the sickness at bay, but it is disconcerting to say the least. The witch rolls her eyes, clearly unaffected. Oh great. Just what we need she sighs. Raknesh spots them first. Huge lidded eyes, the size of watermelons, just rolling around through the snow, blinking disturbingly. Prizzard spots them next and the witch folds her arms and leans against an icy tree. Those are spies for my son. If you don't want him knowing you're here you'd better take care of them she motions with her hand.

ooc: Go ahead and roll two attacks. They are about 15 feet away so keep that in mind. Also, your powers are back, but they will react a bit differently. I'll get into that in the next post. Also, you get a -1 to all rolls due to the effect of feeling sick.

Tanzy: PM