The explorer rises from the dust, retrieves her brass lantern, and steadies herself. She points along a stony trail winding away from the collapsed shrine, where evening shadows lengthen between the rocks.
Mara Vey
The nearest wayhouse is along that trail. They can provide bandages, and witnesses to what happened here.
She keeps the lantern raised, its small flame trembling across her freckled face. Her fear has not vanished, but gratitude has replaced the first sharp edge of suspicion.
Mara Vey
Come with me, please, before darkness deepens.
Mara Vey
Protector, danger, or both? I need to know before I place myself farther in her hands.
The explorer starts down the trail, glancing back without leaving the choice behind. The wayhouse waits somewhere beyond the stones, while the open path offers Velistra no command, only an invitation.
✓ Quest Accepted
Escort the explorer to the wayhouse
✓ Quest Accepted
Tell the explorer what I am
“"shit that hurts." i say as i rest my shoulder "I sure hope they can help my shoulder. We can talk while we walk there." While we walk to the wayhouse i tell her that i am a succubus, capable of shapeshifting. I demonstrate by shapeshifting myself to appear as a human woman version of myself.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Shapeshifting, rolled -2)
Velistra
Shit, that hurts. I sure hope they can help my shoulder. We can talk while we walk there.
Velistra rests her injured shoulder and follows the lantern down the stony trail. The explorer keeps an easier pace, glancing back whenever the joint makes Velistra’s posture tighten.
Velistra
I am a succubus. Shapeshifting is one of the more useful things I can do.
As they walk, Velistra’s crimson skin smooths into a warm human complexion, her horns and wings withdrawing as dark red hair settles around a familiar human face. Her tail and demonic armor vanish into the altered shape.
The transformation succeeds, but its magic catches hard across her wounded shoulder. A sharp jolt steals her breath, and the new form leaves her voice briefly rough and her limbs heavy with strain.
Mara Vey
You look entirely different. The eyes are the same, though. I believe you.
The explorer raises the lantern toward Velistra’s altered features, then lowers it and resumes the trail. Ahead, a warm amber glow marks the wayhouse beyond the darkening stones.
Quest Complete
Tell the explorer what I am
“We enter the wayhouse and she helps me get medical aid for my shoulder.”
SUCCESS (Superb Reasoning, rolled -1)
The wayhouse door opens onto firelight, herb smoke, and the murmur of travelers. The explorer guides Velistra inside, then calls toward a broad table stacked with clean cloth and glass jars.
Mara Vey
Healer, please. Her shoulder was wrenched getting me clear of the shrine. I am Mara Vey, and I will answer for her.
A middle-aged woman steps from behind the counter. She is a sturdy human woman with copper-brown skin, braided gray hair, a blue wool dress, and a silver ring marked with a green leaf.
The Wayhouse Healer
I am Elianor Pell. Sit, traveler. Mara, fetch the willow tincture and hold the lamp close.
Velistra sits at the table while Elianor examines the joint with careful fingers. Mara brings the tincture, and the healer binds the shoulder firmly, easing its painful movement with practiced skill.
Velistra
The binding steadies the joint, and the sharpest pain is already fading.
Mara Vey
There. You carried me out, so let me see you properly cared for. Rest tonight, and the shoulder should mend cleanly.
Quest Complete
Escort the explorer to the wayhouse
Skill Upgrade: Illusions Great→Superb