Day 15.3: Run to fight another day

After removing the corrupted wall shadows, we continue our exploration into the disrupted cairn. Down the corridor we see a passageway to the right with a rune carved over the mantle stone. According to Diana, it was Degas referring to the beginning/end of life (renewal or transformation or turning point?). Sneaking past I am able to see at least 2 figures. Undead or as least long past their prime, one sitting on a throne surrounded by treasure/ or some kind of pile of something. The other just as undead yet more of a bodyguard (probably a second one I couldn’t see.) If we cross the threshold, we break the seal. Decide that is probably a bad idea. Moving farther in we hear a voice of what seems to be an old woman talking as though she hears and knows us.

I told your mistress already that I have passed along her offer and he has agreed. The Southeast chamber has been setup for you to perform your ritual with the child. My part in this is done. Unless she wants to trade for more information about the City of Nod.”

Charles and Kiren move just inside the room and with Charles’ less than stealthy movement she sees him. Firey red hair but withered and aged beyond count. Not undead though as Charles’ normal glow was absent, unlike near the passageway. She reminds me of someone Geist described once but I could be wrong. (Exiled Countess? – will have to confirm later) Either way, it was obviously her that corrupted the prior chamber.

Realizing we were NOT who she thought, she asks what we want and if we wanted to make a deal for information. A feeling of dread surrounds the woman. Whoever she was, she is dangerous. A feeling that put me off my game. I try to talk to her – not well unfortunately. Claims she is willing to trade information…for a price. Also seems oblivious to the fact that we disrupted the ritual in the lab (we’ll see how long that lasts!). My normally silver tongue obviously turned to lead as I asked her if she was Fey? That was the wrong question as she grew offended. And then she saw Geist. The cold chill that fills the room turns deadly. Geist calls her [AGATHA] and promptly makes a rude remark about her looks (I knew there was a reason I kept him gaged!) She screamed at us how dare we invade her abode and befriend Geist!

Since I am carrying Geist, she lashes out at me with a warped “time” spell. My instincts kick in and I skip through the Ethereal to escape the attack. (21:8:32a) Her other attacks miss. Charles’ spells miss and we quickly realize this is a foe we can’t fight and survive. Mutu yells to RUN and blocks her path, while Diana orders the Eidolon in to attack and trip her, succeeding. Unfortunately, once regaining her feet she destroys the Eidolon, and in turn, Diana. I race to grab Diana and drag her away (this is all my fault!) to the nearby entrance out of the cairn. I see Charles dart off to the side and grab something from one of the alters before dashing back and out the door. Mutu rushes to us and heals Diana, getting her on her feet and out the door with him. Agatha takes one last shot at me with a touch of the grave. My very soul shrivels, but I manage to dodge out of the way and out the door. Diana states we need to collapse the door or somehow block it to give us more time to escape which her and Mutu manage while Charles heals people. Instead of going to the Inn (a place where we are known), I suggest an uninhabited house in the less fortunate side of town that I know (Don’t ask).

The item Charles found, was holy beads which quickly acclimate to him and Sarenrae. Useful but I was surprised he dared such a feat (I’m so proud!)

Geist provided some information about Agatha – an associate of Witherleaf who was ousted from the court prior to his leaving. The sigils once again prevented him from directly speaking about them so I suggested some “entertainment” which he provided.

In darkness, allure and corruption did spin,
Both drawn to the Withering Man’s ominous din.
Witherleaf, ensnared in his malevolent art,
While Agatha preserved a fragment, a part,
Of her former self, a glimmer of light from within.


In counsel and advice, I did extend my hand,
Yet her defiance cast her into shadowland.
The darkness twisted her, nightmares took their stand,
Though she resisted the Withering Man’s cruel brand,
Lost was her fey nature, her sanity now in quicksand.

Q: Did the Withering Man snare BOTH Witherleaf and Agatha?

Q: Who is Agatha working for? Witherleaf?

I told the party of my talks with Geist and that the same sigil restrictions had showed up then too. Someone doesn’t want their secrets spilled. But my intelligent friend figured out a work around – he was able to “entertain” me with information in limericks and sonnets (shared with party). I suspect one of the Balory women, possible the youngest as the “escaped” note might suggest or even both of the women Eliza & Bessenne together. Told the party my thoughts about the gossamer – the dream sand – being siphoned off the children through the toys. We decide we need to revisit Dr. Ritalsin to check on the girl.

We rest and manage to sleep for a bit before heading to see what Dr. Ritalsin has managed to find out. As we arrive, Dr. Ritalsin is so engrossed in his research, he doesn’t notice us. Mumbles that an effect much like a “heatwave” moves from the black sand to the living creature. Noticing us he quickly collects his notes and puts they away. I try to do a quick scan to see what he has writing with only moderate success. Diana & Charles were in better position so hopefully someone else got a better look.

After updating him on what we have found, we check on Violetta. She is in much the same state as when we left her. On closer inspection we see what could be a tattoo around her lips to give the impression of them being sewn shut. I use the Hag Stone and can see “heatwaves”, what I assume are gossamer strands, leaving her form around her head. Using the ritual paints we found, we attempt to recreate the protective circle from the lab. A quick check with the stone and the threads are contained within now, yet still draining the girl. Looking around none of us have any strands about us, but I notice the servant had strands leaving her. They seemed normal (no black motes) and realized the servant was probably daydreaming.

But the question remains – how do we stop the gossamer outright?

 

Tagged: Gatewalkers, Kiren, Player Journal