"Once we all leave I suspect the true purpose for which the fountain was liberated will become clear. I would have that information. Carrying bulk water could easily be achieved by a dragon."
Once the conversation starts Johenric ends his writing. Instead he follows carefully the conversation and the argumentation lines.
Well, I support Cairn's idea. If we have two equal aims, we should divide our group. That is a logical move.
"I'll stay behind as well, a knife in the shadows can be very useful from time to time."
"We are here for your Countess nothing more, nothing less, she is what drives your importance and your urgency. Now one way or another we were manipulated into coming and opening this place up for the enemy, . . . All you are racing back to is a wedding, I have actual work to do!"
"My dear Victoria, my whole life has been dedicated to serving the Inheritor and I believe that the Countess Sassandra Livgrace was brought into my life for some purpose. I admit that I have fallen in love with her, but I know that she is also a beacon of light and hope not only to me, but to a great many people. I know there are many tasks before me that need to be done, but my heart tells me that I need to rescue her and the people of Karcau for some greater purpose. The people need a leader, and I believe she is meant to do exactly that."
"Begging your pardon my Lord? But you will be able to carry so much of the healings waters back with just our few numbers. Now that we have found the source of the plague's end in Karcau; should we not keep it secure? I volunteer to stay here with the Lady Victoria until you are able to send knights and guardsmen to protect the fountain."
"Your offer is most kind, my good friend. Let me consider what you propose. I certainly do not like the idea of separating the company, but you and the others appear to have a strong inclination to stay here. Whereas, I am compelled to return to Karcau immediately, now that we have the healing water. You do realize that it may be some time until we are reunited?"
"Well perhaps I can try to rendezvous with you at a later point in the future. What do you all plan to do next?"
It sounds as if I am the only one to return to Karcau.
Before we decide we have to take the dimension of time into consideration. Might be that a stay limited to a pre-defined time window is acceptable to both aims? Victoria, how much time do you think we should stay here?
"A couple of days, perhaps. The point is that at the moment we are moving along a continuum that is of our enemy's making. They call for us to jump, and we do right on command, although the pushing and prodding is convoluted - infect Solarics love interest and a few children and get a fountain unlocked, participate in the tournaments so all the strengths and capabilities are put on show; the vampire mess? well that was all ours, but still, there we have it. The tail wags the dog. This fountain has a purpose as an aid to our enemies or we wouldn't have been sent to liberate it for them"
"Oh yes, Vampires, they are still running around Karcau no doubt"
We only have a map without a map scale.
The dragon's swamp lies about a day south of Karcau and you are about a day north of Karcau.
So, Solaric retruns to Karcau on his own, while the rest searches the cloister?
Flofer should accompany you my Lord. We cant have our Count wandering the country side all on his own.
"Flofer should accompany you my Lord. We cant have our Count wandering the country side all on his own."
Solaric ponders Cairn's offer, and replies, "Are you sure? I mean, I'm sure you could use a strong and able fighter such as Narumek, the Unforgiving."
Turning to the bard, Solaric asks in the hope that he would prefers to stay with the others "What do you wish to do, Flofer? Do you want to stay here with the others?"
"What do you wish to do, Flofer? Do you want to stay here with the others?"
"Are you, kidding? I would be delighted to accompany you, Sir Zekkaran. Besides, I am thinking of writing a song about you, the demon, and the fountain. I was going to call it Eruption! I can't wait to play some of it for you. Let me know when you want to leave and I'll be ready! Whoo hoo!"
"Very well, Flofer. I shall look forward to your company. Mind you we will not have the leisure to compose music while we travel. We will need to travel fast and hard. There will be little time for music on this trip. Let's get a good rest tonight, but come first light, we will load up the horses with the healing water and depart with haste."
Turning to Cairn, Solaric adds, "Thank you for the kind offer, Master Stern. It was most thoughtful for you to think of my well being. I do look forward to healing the people of Karcau and restoring peace to the city. However, in the meantime, continue with your work here and I will try to return as soon as I am able. Where do you suppose you will go first. I wonder where we may be able to meet up once again."
The others then start a thorough search?
-------
When Solaric and Flofer enter the courtyard of the cloister, morning has already broken and the yesterday so very creepy scene suddenly feels much more serene.
Outside, you mount your horses and swiftly begin your ride back to Karcau.
Originally your plan was to bypass Belfurth not to lose time, but as you spot several wagons with refugess coming from the north you pause for a moment.
Johenric starts to search...
Victoria will indeed be searching, inch by inch, and Naga will be helping too :)
Take 20 on perception I guess?
Take 20 Perceptions + Aid another + detect poison/magic/good/evil :)
Taking 20 on Perception as well.
Solaric rides up to the refugees and speaks with them.
"Well met, good people. You look as though you have travelled far from home. Can you give me some news from the north? What have you seen of the enemy thus far?"
Ok-results of search a bit later, when it's appropriate timeframe-wise.
The refugees, obviously people who have led a good life until now, look up warily.
A corpulent man, wearing the expensive garments of a mayor or town official sighs and bows his head
M'lord, it is good to see you...we're coming from Grayville, a hamlet at the edges of the Graymere Swamp...goblins have raided us the last couple of days and we rather fled than stayed I'm afraid to say.
A corpulent man, wearing the expensive garments of a mayor or town official sighs and bows his head.M'lord, it is good to see you...we're coming from Grayville, a hamlet at the edges of the Graymere Swamp...goblins have raided us the last couple of days and we rather fled than stayed I'm afraid to say.
"Indeed change is upon, and most of it is an evil sort. I am sorry to hear of the tragedy that has befallen Grayville. Tell me, has everybody escaped safely from the hamlet? In time, I hope to see that all is set aright! The Inheritor willing, all the evil will be banished from this land. Where do you now go to seek shelter?"
"It is time to consult an old friend, perhaps his hundreds of years of study of a wide range of disciplines can be brought to bear that we may get som insights, and he has an axe to grind with our enemies... call to our friend the Black Dragon"
Naga flies up to make eye contact with Naga, and the instruction is given to Naga to fly with great haste to the swamp and fetch the venerable wyrm.
Cairn watched the Solaric and Flofer leave and wondered at the group's wisdom in letting the Count travel with such a small escort...well, he was... or is rather, the Black Knight... Shrugging his shoulders he got to searching the cloister with the others keeping the presence of mind to watch their surroundings as he did.
The man smiles as he hears your consoling words
M'lord we intended to go to Karcau, we were told that everyone could find shelter in the shadow of the opera...please, don't say that isn't true.
----------
A thorough search of the cloister unearthes quite a hoard of treasures no glory seeker ever dared to touch
A small chest filled with 2500 gold pieces and 100 platinum pieces.
A gilded scythe and a gilded hourglass
Magic items:
2 daggers
1 scythe
1 shield
1 horned helmet
1 platemail
1 banded mail
1 mace
50 arrows
3 olive potions
2 yellow potions
Johenric wonders when he sees the treasures and shakes his head a bit.
Although each magic item is a wonder on it is own, I am disappointed not to see any real magic treasures, like spells or staffs...but all good.
"Perhaps they are worth enough coin for our shares to purchase the commission of such items - I haven't purchased anything... well I just haven't yet really"
Spellcraft
1 daggers
1 daggers
1 scythe
1 shield
1 horned helmet
1 platemail
1 banded mail
1 mace
50 arrows
3 olive potions
2 yellow potions
"My good gentleman, indeed Karcau is the light of Sinaria! It is the beacon of hope in the wilderness. For if there is a refuge in all of this land it is to be found in that glorious city. Go ahead and make your way there. There is no finer place to be until the mighty Inheritor's kingdom has come to pass in this mortal realm. I bid you well in your travels and may you have the blessings of Iomedae with you always!"
Solaric touches the refugee on the shoulder and casts guidance upon him.
"I bid you fare well!"
2 daggers +1
Scythe of undead bane +2
Light wooden shield +2
Helm of fearsome mien
Platemail +1
Banded mail +3
Corrosive mace +1
50 arrows +1
3 potiosn of cure moderate wounds
2 potions of remove curse
--------
The refugees look a bit heartened and also bid you farewell.
The landscape nearly flies past you as you race back to Karcau, wherever you go deserted farms, destroyed bridges and burnt-down watchtowers tell of the war that is ongoing...cold shivers run down your spine and even the sight of Karcau in the evening isn't able to cheer you up.
"A bit more like it. These will aid the efforts greatly"
"Come along, Flofer. We have much to do here. I cannot believe the magnitude of destruction around this place in even the short time since we departed this city. May the Inheritor have mercy on her people and give me the power to slay those who oppose all who stand in the way of her glorious kingdom!"
Solaric proceeds directly to Swansong House to find the Countess Sassandra Livgrace.
Cairn smiled in spite of himself and helped with the distribution of the loot for carrying it back to Karcau.
A wise decision M'lady. Staying here and scouring the cloister for valuables. Now we can truly return to the city as heroes and be richer. A Sczarni always prefers to get compensated for work well done.
"The only rewards in this sorry endeavour are those that we seize for ourselves. That the cloister sat occupied in the way it has for so long waives any right to its contents and valuables that the locals may claim, and I have no qualms about walking them out of here... though I still wonder at the true purpose of liberating the fountain. That's something I can ponder from the comfort of a better station of wealth however"
Before you even rech the gate, the portal is already pulled open...but as you pass through it, you ride thorugh long panels of black cloth that hang from its higher sections.
Everywhere you look, you see miserable faces and people who don't dare to look at Solaric. There are also black pieces of cloth hanging out from almost every window.
Solaric rides through the gate. At the sight of the black cloth and the miserable looks upon the faces, the dark elf hopes for the best, but wonders if he is already too late.
Turning to Flofer, he comments, "This is not a good sign, Narumek. It appears that many people here are facing loss, and not a one of them even dares to look me in the eye. Clearly they have all experienced a great loss in their lives. We must go straight to the chambers of her Grace, The Lady Sassandra Livgrace. She must be restored to health. Her people adore her and she in return gives them strength. Truth be told, she is the light of all of our lives. We cannot be too late!"
Solaric presses Dart forward making all haste now to Swansong House.
Upon arriving at the great mansion, he quickly dismounts and pushes forward with a flask of healing water in his hand. As he meets the servants, he commands, "Take me to the Countess as once!"
A Solaric reaches Swansong House, he instantly realises that all of Karcau's nobility is assembled in the house's gardens.
Most of them wear black or dark colours and nearly no one of them is able to look the lord of the city in the eye.
It is Gregori who takes the horse's reins and helps Solaric off the horse
M'lord, I fear you are too late... he says with the dutifulness of a soldier...though the tears in his eyes betray the strength of his voice.
"The treasure will sell off and split for about four thousand each, not a bad days effort"
It is Gregori who takes the horse's reins and helps Solaric off the horse.M'lord, I fear you are too late... he says with the dutifulness of a soldier...though the tears in his eyes betray the strength of his voice.
"Gregori, I cannot be too late! I have the healing waters with me. Now take me to her immediately! Once this pure elixir passes through her lips, the healing will begin!"
"Blessed Inheritor, let your will be done here and now!"
Gregori sighs, but ever the obedient soldier tromps through the crowd and leads his lord into Swansong House.
In front of the Countess' bedchamber several veiled elderly women moan a traditional elegy, a poem only recited on days when a member of the royal family dies.
Gregori stops at the door and takes a deep breath
M'lord...it was not your fault, none of the physicians thought rescuing her was possible when you left...
"M'lord...it was not your fault, none of the physicians thought rescuing her was possible when you left..."
"Gregori, let us not speak of fault! Step aside and let me see what state her Grace is in! The Inheritor willing, it is time to restore her to health and the light!"
Solaric steps forth and approaches the bed of Sassandra Livgrace. As he walks forward, he utters a prayer to his powerful deity!
"Almighty Iomedae, you are my guide and day by day, step by step, you lead me along the paths of the righteous! Now, at this time, I ask that your will be done in me and through me! I have followed your guidance and through me, you have destroyed the evil that has surrounded the fountain of healing. Now, that the evil that lingered there is destroyed and its healing waters brought back to this home, the time for your glory is upon us. I ask that through these healing waters, and my willing hands, you allow me to restore the Countess, Sassandra Livgrace, to the light, so that the people of Karcau may come to follow her and know your face better in your world to come. I ask this in your name! Your humble servant, Solaric!"
Gregori, sensing that his lord needs no witnesses at this very moment, quietly leaves the room and closes the doors.
When you pour the water into Sassandra's mouth, nothing happens...no move, no breathing, nothing...
Horrified by the realisation that you're too late, you stumble back, but are grabbed by the shoulder
It is not a lord's behaviour to despair of the death of a loved one...
As you turn around, you look into Lucretia's emerald eyes. She smiles malevolently and the tips of her vampire fangs show through her ruby lips
Well, I think I can help you m'lord.
Well, I think I can help you m'lord.
"You will not touch my dear Sassandra! You have caused enough trouble as it is! This is not what I ever intended. It is now time to set things straight! In the name of the Almighty Inheritor, I will smite you!"
Solaric draws his longsword and attacks Lucretia.
I have the feeling we all should have gone back to Karcau....
"Not at all, things are probably playing out precisely as I predicted. Unfortunately the zeal with which we undertook this venture is no doubt meaning my obligations elsewhere have gone unchecked and will trouble us further - this 'doing good' business is all impulse, no strategy. Had we just departed this place impulsively like we always do, we would not have found all this wealth. Our rushing about like headless chickens continues to cost us dearly. We must destroy these fountains prior to our departure."
How are we going to destroy the fountains? Dont we need to bring of the healing waters back to Karcau?
"I've called a Dragon. Perhaps my friend will oblige us with a large lift of water. We were manipulated into opening these wells by the enemy who relied on our predictability and our continuous impulsive trend to do good deeds - the Countess and small children were targeted to push Solaric to go a certain way, and by extension, all of us. The Enemy knew that hitting the Countess would get Solaric to come here and reopen the well, and they'd only do that if they wanted the well open for their own ends. Personally I would have simply given the Countess her last rites and burnt the Opera - save the masses at the loss of the few, but I'm not in charge of that. Likewise cutting deals with Vampires was folly, and we have some work to do there... before I left I found out her secrets and the depths of her powers, and she needs to be 'dealt with' to restore things. We need to be more calculating, and less rash, for it gives the enemy the advantage every time - look like a bunny, think like a rattlesnake"