"The Stalked Spirit" (RT2x18) is the thirtieth episode of The Re-Slayer's Take. The Re-Slayers find that the Elk Eidolon is not the threat they were led to believe, but soon realize that a far more terrifying predator is stalking it.
Synopsis[]
The five adventurers meet again, finding Timpani in the middle of his moose transformation; they all find it disturbing, and Heera recommends him return to normal so as not to offend the nature spirits. When it gets dark, everyone notices that the temperature drops supernaturally, and they go together to locate the rest of the runic stones, collecting seven in total. As strange northern lights begin to concentrate at a distant point, the Re-Slayers notice that their weapons activate, but Farah confirms that the spirit in question is one of the good ones; however, this leads them to talk about how unfair it is that they have to force the eidolon to move, with Heera pointing out that even if they do so successfully, nothing guarantees that the people won't eventually expand into its new territory. Although they all understand that the reward is very enticing, they decide that they can always ask Freedom for more treasures, but that they don't want to complete this mission as Shai requested; thus, they decide to destroy the condo, and Farah takes care of most of it using one of Dr. Fitzwaggle's potions, which allows her to throw up lava. Once they are done with that they see the lights taking the form of the elk-like Apex Eidolon, which approaches aggressively; however, when it notices they are not a threat, it seems curious, and Poogs even gets closer, confirming they are not enemies. Heera draws the Druidic rune for "home" in the still-cooling lava, and that causes the eidolon to shrink, as its flaming antlers disappear; it touches Heera with its snout, causing her tattoos to shine and then fade a bit, and it allows the other adventurers to get closer, sniffing them. Then, it runs around the area and touches the volcanic rock, causing a sapling to sprout from it. Poogs says that Frog should draw that, and she confirms she has been doing so from the beginning.
In that moment, Dr. Fitzwaggle warns Farah that danger approaches from the Ethereal Plane, and a strange dome starts forming in the horizon, as ten marionette vines come out of the ground to restrain the Apex Eidolon, despite its attempt to grow back to its monstrous size; the Re-Slayer's Take react fast, and Farah, Heera, and Frog manage to destroy four of the tendrils while Timpani casts Barkskin on the former. Heldwell appears before them, his form mutated and altered by the influence of the Timberblight and the spirits he has absorbed; he thanks them for helping him find his prey, and casts Hold Person on Heera, Timpani, and Frog. The wizard begins to comment on how indescribable it is to claim the power of an eidolon, but at that moment Poogs shoots him in the head with his slingshot (causing Heldwell to compare him to a useless flea). Timpani manages to free himself from the magic holding him, and he and Heldwell exchange insults; the enemy prepares to threaten Farah but she vomits lava at him (much to Dr. Fitzwaggle's delight), making him lose concentration, but also causing a marionette to grab the blood hunter. Freed from Hold Person, Frog manages to destroy other two tendrils and confirms their resistances and immunities; Heldwell, however, attacks her with a spectral bear claw and with his dagger. Poogs shots him with his sling again, being hurt by Toll the Dead in response. Heera destroys the seventh vine, but their enemy summons more to keep the eidolon restrained; Timpani then casts Freedom of Movement on Farah, who attacks with lava once more (Heldwell protects himself with Absorb Elements) before being targeted by Toll the Dead herself. Grimm wonders outloud if they saw what he did in his basement, and if he would be able to do more experiments once everything was over, causing Frog to declare that his days of experimentation are over; she grabs the enemy's lantern, but when she looks inside she sees Putridius laughing, and a wave of necrotic energy knocks her unconscious. Heldwell paralyzes Poogs and Timpani with Hold Person (causing the latter to drop Barkskin). Heera, hidden by her cloak, whispers to Farah that they need the eidolon, and that she will try to buy them some time; she casts Distort Value on the lantern (its wielder isn't fooled by the illusion), and then she and Heldwell exchange attacks, followed by Farah throwing lava at him using the distraction, encouraged by Dr. Fitzwaggle. While Heldwell summons more marionettes Farah uses her blood magic to create a veil that protects Heera from his attacks; the wizard then tries to target Poogs, but he, already free from his spell, jumps and grabs his lantern. Heera tries to use manacles on Heldwell, being attacked in response, and Grimm throws his dagger at Farah, missing. The blood hunter considers breaking the lantern, but fearful of what that might do to Gurt Stumpstuck, she decides to attack with lava again, with the enemy using Absorb Elements once more, although dropping his Hold Person in the process. As all of that is happening, Frog remains unconscious, remembering the voice of Devexian.
Eleven marionettes in total subdue the eidolon, and Heldwell takes Poogs off with Power Word Pain; Heera manages to attack him as he walks away, and although he is somewhat weakened, he concentrates on using the flashlight to absorb the Apex Eidolon. Grimm Heldwell grows even taller and ghostly antlers emerge from his head, after which he declares that the Re-Slayers are going to die.
Featured characters[]
Re-Slayers[]
Returning[]
- Dr. Fitzwaggle
- Grimm Heldwell
- Putridius Festerkin (as a vision)
- Devexian (hallucination/voice only)
New[]
- Apex Eidolon of the Thorain Tundra, an elk-like spirit
Mentioned[]
- Derek, a man working for Shai, formerly an accountant who wanted to be a monster hunter
- Freedom Windsong
Quotations[]
Trivia[]
References[]
Art:
- ↑ Re-Slayer's Take S2 promotional art, by Elaine Tipping (source). Used with permission.