What Does the Future Hold?

[Sohala]

As the brightness faded and the world came into focus once more, the group found themselves together again. Each had a look of change to them. The lingering effects of the trials settling into their subconscious... the other life leaving an impression on their own?

Rick was the first to break the silence, his body betraying him as he leaned heavily on a spear and hacked. He has been standing straight as if cured of his eternal illness. Summer hurried to his side, retrieving a pouch from her belt and pulling a wad of some herb from it. She tentatively offered it to him, "Here, suck on this. It should help." Wheezing, he took it without hesitation, shoving it into his mouth. A few softer coughs came after, but he seemed to relax, "...Thanks..."

The room gives off a clear impression of being old, the sense it has been there for ages is hard to ignore. Its appearance is that of a spotless crypt for someone of great importance. The floor is made of tightly packed tiles, with no seeming pattern to their layout, other than the traffic wear from one end to another. The walls are seamless and unmarred stone, with similar pillars supporting the ceiling.

Metal-bound chests of varying shapes and designs lined the walls, stacked as best as they could be; each was covered with a different insignia.

Other than the exits at either end, there was a side passage in the middle.

If explored

The side passage led to an elaborate, solitary tomb just before it dead-ended.

 

Edited May 9 by Sohala (see edit history)

[Drunva]

For a few moments Davon seemed lost in introspection, but Rick's coughing seemed to break him from his mental musings. "You alright Rick?" They hadn't always seen eye to eye but they were in this ordeal together. His concern eased as Summer seemed to ease the coughing. His golden eyes scanned the room, settling on the chests lining the walls "Odds that this is part of the tests?" Dragon's had hoards after all didn't they? Noting the insignias he moved closer to examine the symbols to see if he could determine any meaning from them.

 

Mechanics

Spot

Meldshaping

Essentia: 0/3

Invested:

Healing Soul: 1

Sapphire Smite: 1

Incarnate Weapon: 1

Statblock

[URL=/sheets/?id=2708640][B][SIZE=+1]Davon Taylor[/SIZE][/B][/URL] Male LG Human Soulborn, [B]Level[/B] 3, [B]Init[/B] 1, [B]HP[/B] 36/36, [B]Speed[/B] 30 (20) [B]AC[/B] 16, [B]Touch[/B] 11, [B]Flat-footed[/B] 15, [B]Fort[/B] 5, [B]Ref[/B] 2, [B]Will[/B] 1, [B]Base Attack Bonus[/B] 3 [B]+1 Lawful Incarnate Longsword [/B] 5 (1d8+2, ) [B] Breastplate[/B] (+5 Armor, +1 Dex) [B]Abilities[/B] Str 12, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14 [B]Condition[/B] None Immune to Fear

Davon Taylor
Male LG Human Soulborn, Level 3, Init 1, HP 36/36, Speed 30 (20)
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, Fort 5, Ref 2, Will 1, Base Attack Bonus 3
+1 Lawful Incarnate Longsword 5 (1d8+2, )
Breastplate (+5 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14
Condition None
Immune to Fear

 

 

 

[Sohala]

"Was too good to be true..." Rick bitterly wheezed out. He then nodded to Davon, "I'll survive, just had to remember how to breathe."

Shane, eyed their surroundings, "This doesn't look anything like what I went through..." Summer and Rick made sounds of agreement.

During Davon's approach, he unconsciously gravitated towards one in particular...

OOC

Each person should be drawn to a different one, they are intended to be holding the item.

Touching the insignia will project an image of a person that looks like your character, but is clearly not you. Not now or in the future.

While not required, the insignia/image can invoke memories from the other life and/or from your time on earth. If Earth is chosen, it should in some way tie to your family heritage/history.

 

Edited May 9 by Sohala (see edit history)

[Steel Warrior]

 

Samuel Martin

Samuel Martin Factotum 3, HP: 27/27   Saves: Fort 2, Ref 5, Will 3 AC: 14, 12(touch), 12(flat-footed) Speed: 30
Spot: +7, Listen +2, Search +8, Hide: +8, Move Silently +8

---

Samuel had felt a sense of loss, as his trial had led to loss of people he had put his trust in. Although the coughing had broke him of his trance, he was still at a loss for words. Did any of these things really happen, or was it simply an illusion or spiritual journey that was simply meant to test his mettle.

As he then looked at the others, his grim expression changed and simply sighed. "Definitely not like anything I have experienced, yet it held a little familiarity, not a vault, but still a crypt that holds the same features in a way."

"I will never know for sure if this test was all a dream, or we were whisked away to another reality and experienced these first hand." he adds, "I suspect it was a test of the mind."

[Sohala]

"I was at a lake, surrounded by a thick forest, for... it." Summer said with a chipper tone. "This cult was tainting the waters... driving the ele-men-tals..." She trailed off, her face turning to deep thought, and then she nodded to herself, "Mhm, elementals. Driving them into a frenzy. We killed... them." Some parts of the memories appeared to weigh on her as she seemed to get lost in thought when she looked down at her hand. It opened and then flexed a couple of times.

Rick was brief in his retelling, saving his breath, "Seaside tower, rogue mage, Council's orders."

Seeing it was probably his turn, Shane spoke up next, "I found myself in a city, I think it was called Bridgeguard, and then one of those farm-hostels. Investigated a few unexplained deaths, bumped into a criminal ring, and eventually broke up their smuggling."

[Drunva]

"I was dealing with . . . lizardfolk attacking a small settlement. My men and I were victorious though we lost some soldiers." His voice was somewhat distracted as he reached out to the insignia on one of the chests. As he examined it he felt the crushing weight of duty, a sword rising and falling against one threat or danger after another. As he touched the insignia an image of a hard faced man was projected. His hair was cut shorter than Davon's and his left cheek sported a wicked scar, but the golden eyes were undoubtedly the same. Still, the expression, the aggressive stance, this man wasn't Davon and he shuddered to think the life such a man could have lived.

 

Mechanics

 

Meldshaping

Essentia: 0/3

Invested:

Healing Soul: 1

Sapphire Smite: 1

Incarnate Weapon: 1

Statblock

[URL=/sheets/?id=2708640][B][SIZE=+1]Davon Taylor[/SIZE][/B][/URL] Male LG Human Soulborn, [B]Level[/B] 3, [B]Init[/B] 1, [B]HP[/B] 36/36, [B]Speed[/B] 30 (20) [B]AC[/B] 16, [B]Touch[/B] 11, [B]Flat-footed[/B] 15, [B]Fort[/B] 5, [B]Ref[/B] 2, [B]Will[/B] 1, [B]Base Attack Bonus[/B] 3 [B]+1 Lawful Incarnate Longsword [/B] 5 (1d8+2, ) [B] Breastplate[/B] (+5 Armor, +1 Dex) [B]Abilities[/B] Str 12, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14 [B]Condition[/B] None Immune to Fear

Davon Taylor
Male LG Human Soulborn, Level 3, Init 1, HP 36/36, Speed 30 (20)
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, Fort 5, Ref 2, Will 1, Base Attack Bonus 3
+1 Lawful Incarnate Longsword 5 (1d8+2, )
Breastplate (+5 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14
Condition None
Immune to Fear

 

 

 

[Sohala]

Shane was the first of the trio to notice the image and the similarities. Not sure what to make of it, he nudged Summer, snapping her out of her contemplations. With his hand, he pointed it out to her, Rick, and Samuel (if need be). She gasped, "What is that? How did you do it?" Her surprise and curiosity spurred her into a purposeful stride up to Davon's side.

Shane and Rick followed a bit more tentatively but seemed to get distracted by the multitude of chests. Their eyes scanned them, their feet following.

Summer looked around Davon's shoulder, "He looks a lot like you... Do you know who he is?"

When appropriate in the conversation:
Having wandered a fair distance each, Shane, and then Rick, approached seemingly random boxes. As Davon had done, they touched the insignias.

Rick's was hail and hearty, dressed in a heavy robe, standing straight backed. Its expression was one of focus, with eagle-sharp eyes.

Shane's looked friendly enough, a smile touching even their eyes. It was dressed in a light mail and supple leather, with both a bow and sword poking over their shoulder.

[Drunva]

Davon was as shocked by the image as his companions. "I just, just touched the insignia on this chest. I don't know who this guy is though." The resemblance was eerie though. When added to the strange nature of the Trial he'd undergone, it was starting to wear on his psyche. It was somewhat of a relief when the others conjured images of their own. He examined theirs as they had his, particularly Rick's. "Whatever these images are supposed to represent, they seem to be exemplary in their own ways. Still, it's really unsettling." He looked to Samuel, "Any of the insignia or boxes stand out to you? I don't know what exactly pulled me to the chest I touched, but I'm guessing there's one "meant' for all of us in here somewhere."

 

Mechanics

 

Meldshaping

Essentia: 0/3

Invested:

Healing Soul: 1

Sapphire Smite: 1

Incarnate Weapon: 1

Statblock

[URL=/sheets/?id=2708640][B][SIZE=+1]Davon Taylor[/SIZE][/B][/URL] Male LG Human Soulborn, [B]Level[/B] 3, [B]Init[/B] 1, [B]HP[/B] 36/36, [B]Speed[/B] 30 (20) [B]AC[/B] 16, [B]Touch[/B] 11, [B]Flat-footed[/B] 15, [B]Fort[/B] 5, [B]Ref[/B] 2, [B]Will[/B] 1, [B]Base Attack Bonus[/B] 3 [B]+1 Lawful Incarnate Longsword [/B] 5 (1d8+2, ) [B] Breastplate[/B] (+5 Armor, +1 Dex) [B]Abilities[/B] Str 12, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14 [B]Condition[/B] None Immune to Fear

Davon Taylor
Male LG Human Soulborn, Level 3, Init 1, HP 36/36, Speed 30 (20)
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, Fort 5, Ref 2, Will 1, Base Attack Bonus 3
+1 Lawful Incarnate Longsword 5 (1d8+2, )
Breastplate (+5 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14
Condition None
Immune to Fear

 

 

 

[Steel Warrior]

 

Samuel Martin

Samuel Martin Factotum 3, HP: 27/27   Saves: Fort 2, Ref 5, Will 3 AC: 14, 12(touch), 12(flat-footed) Speed: 30
Spot: +7, Listen +2, Search +8, Hide: +8, Move Silently +8

---

Samuel had stood there staring at a similar likeness, as if it was someone in his own family, he looked at the insigna as well, it felt familiar, but it wasn't he immediately recognized. "I can't say for certain, it reminds me of my great great grandfather's house crest, the legendary Van Helsing that stories are written about. Maybe a connection, but until now, it's been stories.

Samuel reached out to touch the chest with the crest in question, wondering what mystery it hides.

[Sohala]

Listening to Davon and then seeing each of the others find similar chests of their own, Summer felt a bit left out. She quickened her steps, hoping to find hers. Not finding it on the same side as everyone else, she crossed to the opposite side; only then did she spot one that triggered a reaction from her. She approached cautiously as if she was wary of it. Standing before it, she hesitated and then lunged her hand forward. A somewhat squat image appeared. She had weathered skin, with pockmarks, and missing one hand. She stood there unmoving just looking at it. A single tear rolled down her cheek as she flexed her matching hand...

Rick showed a longing in his expression as he looked at the image of his similar self...

Shane was curious and appraising while looking at the image and nodding to himself...

Samuel found the box surprisingly light for its design and that it came free from the stack without disturbing any of the others.

Contents:
Samuel - a mail shirt
Davon - a helmet
Shane - a pair of boots
Rick - an amulet
Summer - a belt

[Drunva]

"The ones with the vampire hunters?" Davon responded, with a mild tone of skepticism. After a moment his brow furrowed and his eyes strayed back to the image before him. "I was going to say 'that would be a strecth" but given recent events I can't rightly say what makes sense and what doesn't." He glanced down into the box, pulling forth the helmet and examining it. "Huh, I ended up finding a helmet in the trial." He grimaced and added, "that one had been swallowed by a giant snake."

 

Mechanics

 

Meldshaping

Essentia: 0/3

Invested:

Healing Soul: 1

Sapphire Smite: 1

Incarnate Weapon: 1

Statblock

[URL=/sheets/?id=2708640][B][SIZE=+1]Davon Taylor[/SIZE][/B][/URL] Male LG Human Soulborn, [B]Level[/B] 3, [B]Init[/B] 1, [B]HP[/B] 36/36, [B]Speed[/B] 30 (20) [B]AC[/B] 16, [B]Touch[/B] 11, [B]Flat-footed[/B] 15, [B]Fort[/B] 5, [B]Ref[/B] 2, [B]Will[/B] 1, [B]Base Attack Bonus[/B] 3 [B]+1 Lawful Incarnate Longsword [/B] 5 (1d8+2, ) [B] Breastplate[/B] (+5 Armor, +1 Dex) [B]Abilities[/B] Str 12, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14 [B]Condition[/B] None Immune to Fear

Davon Taylor
Male LG Human Soulborn, Level 3, Init 1, HP 36/36, Speed 30 (20)
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, Fort 5, Ref 2, Will 1, Base Attack Bonus 3
+1 Lawful Incarnate Longsword 5 (1d8+2, )
Breastplate (+5 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14
Condition None
Immune to Fear

 

 

 

[Steel Warrior]

 

Samuel Martin

Samuel Martin Factotum 3, HP: 27/27   Saves: Fort 2, Ref 5, Will 3 AC: 14, 12(touch), 12(flat-footed) Speed: 30
Spot: +7, Listen +2, Search +8, Hide: +8, Move Silently +8

---

Samuel holds up the mail shirt, it seems to glisten slightly and he seems to feel the weight of it in his hands. "Interesting, I wonder if it's some kind of titanium steel." he says, "It feels pretty light."

As his attention returned to his companions, "Well.. apparently I was part of a little subterfuge, but it didn't end as I would have liked, some big tall snake headed abominations." he says, "Reminded me of the guy from Conan the barbarian who turned part way into a snake."

[Sohala]

Shane paused, deeply looking at the boots in his opened box. He didn't comment on them as he tied the laces together and slung them onto one of his shoulders. His face was a carefully tended-to mask, lacking any emotion to it as the group formed up and continued talking.

There was no hesitation to Rick's actions as he reached and pulled out the broad-faced amulet by its chain. The large central stone caught more than the chamber's light as a shine glinted off it. In a swift motion, he had it over his head and around his neck. Another and it had disappeared from view under his garments. There was a slight air of contentment to his stance when he joined the others.

Summer froze at the sight of the belt, the realization that some part of what she had encountered existed physically in this reality made the whole thing hit home. She snatched up the belt and held it tight before strapping it on. Her demeanor was reserved when she joined the group.

Speaking up first, Summer sounded a bit nervous, "You had a giant snake and you had some 'snake' things? Were they 'smart'?

Shane turned to Summer and his eyes narrowed, "Did you too?"

"She had a strangely human-looking face, but a fully serpent body." Summer sagged a bit, "And she liked to sing."

"The fugitive had a serpentine creature coiled around their neck and shoulder. A familiar if I were to guess." Rick interjected.

His expression thoughtful, Shane's words lacked direction, "I didn't see it at the time, but thinking about it now... The getup of smuggler's magic muscle oddly resembled a snake..."