Petronicus moves up and swings his guisarme underneath the wererat's legs. "Not so fast, were-lady!" ,
The wererat shrieks a high-pitched wail, "I give up, I give up!"
"Very well we accept your surrender."
Mach skids to a halt when the wererat surrenders. His blood boils in outrage.
WHAT?!
He says nothing, but keeps his weapons at the ready if the wererat tries anything foolish.
"That is wise from you girl. If only you told your allies to do the same sooner..." Standing Bear says looming over the woman.
The wererat throws down her weapon, holding up her hands defensively. "You have defeated us. Please let me take my remaining girls and leave this accursed place. No good has come of us ever having discovered it. If you let us leave, we promised to never return."
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Um'bala scrutinizes the lycanthrope cowering before them for a long time before lowering his hands at last. "Take your girls and go," he says, gesturing towards the way out with his head. "Stay out of our way, and we'll stay out of yours. Stand against us again, and I'm not sure your words will buy your life a second time."
Quintus isn't sure about the woman's intention, but his natural inclination was to trust a lady and Um'Bala's support of her makes up Quintus's mind since he trusted Um'Bala. Quintus offered the lady a hand up as he explained.
"I'm sorry about all of this violence. I hate to see any lady hurt, but should we meet again let it be in better circumstances and for a better reason than to fight."
Mach's blades remain where they are for a moment before he lowers them. "Get going. Take your girls and get out."
He wobbles, a wave of pain hitting him.
The wererat nods in agreement. "Don't worry, you won't ever see us again."
Leaving her weapons on the ground, she walks carefully over to the two remaining Tower Girls and waits a moment for the paralyzing magic to wear off. She then grabs each of them under the arm and carries them off down the hallway toward the exit.
Your group still is hurting from the battle, but a major obstacle has been cleared. The door into the unexplored part of the Crow lies open, inviting you to enter a part of the pilon that supposedly has not been explored in over 10,000 years!
Petronicus looks around, trying to hold his wounds closed and winces. "Hey there, Shoanti, how about you come here and hit me with that happy stick a few times? I'm bleeding all over the floor here."
Mach wobbles and leans against a wall. "I could use some healing as well, please..."
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Um'bala watches as the Tower Girls' wererat leader retreats into the darkness. "That could have gone much worse," he says with visible relief. "Like that first battle we had with the lycan girl. That was far too close." He takes a seat on the stone ground while Standing Bear heals the wounds incurred during the conflict, looking back at the Thassilonian vault that he opened mere moments before. "Still, a find of this sort is worth it. Makes you feel good to be doing field work."
"Which reminds me - what brought you all into the Society's fold? I mean, for me, it was an obvious choice. Who better than the Society to travel the Inner Sea and study the lost empires and ancient histories? And now, look at me - seated inside of an edifice of a fallen empire, about to explore a vault that hasn't been cracked in over ten thousand years! It's exciting!" He clears his throat, suddenly self-conscious of the growing animation he'd been displaying. "Aherm, what about the rest of you? Why'd you join up?"
"Patience is a virtue. Good things come to those who know when to wait." Standing Bear offers as he touches his allies with the wand and mends cuts and bruises.
Petronicus shrugs. "I thought the Society could use some Chelaxian perspective. It's a bit too anarchic, if you ask me."
Petronicus nods in thanks to Standing Bear as his wounds close up. "Thanks for that, Shoanti. You're pretty handy with that earthbreaker. You use those to kill the aurochs out on the Storval Plateau?"
Quintus responds to Um'Bala's question with a cheeky grin. "Money, status, and adventure are the main reasons I joined. I've never heard of a poor pathfinder retiring I just have to make it to retirement. Meeting new and friendly ladies isn't a bad bonus as well."
Feeling refreshed thanks to Standing Bear's ministrations, Petronicus picks up his weapons, and looks to Quintus, Standing Bear, and Um'bala.
"Hey, can one of you mages put some magical light on the end of my polearm? I want to take a quick look into this 10,000 year-old vault."
Once someone obliges him, he takes a peek through the crack in the Thassilonian door.
Turning back around he shrugs, "Hmm, seems empty, but doesn't smell stale, strangely. Kinda moist for an ancient tomb, actually."
"I have heard of this Society before. Most elders held it in some decent regard. I had figured you just to be a group of adventurous, but it seems there is more to you then meets the eye." Standing Bear says with a delighted chuckle.
He turns to Petronicus and continues with a more stern face. "I hunted Aurochs, but also those of hostile tribes and outsiders. Eventually the elders noted that I had too much bloodlust in me. They wisely sent me to Serpents Run to find patience and peace of mind. It took a couple of years, but eventually I got there. It was only then that I was able to hear and commune with the spirits of the ancestors.
Speaking of those, should we enter a particularly challenging battle, I can also send them to aid you.
So, shall we head indoors?"
Petronicus shakes his head. "I say we head back into town and sell some of the stuff we found to some antiquarians or something. We're likely to be meeting more than just a few second-story girls from now on, and I'd like to get a bit more protection, since I'm the one that gets hit the most."
"Which reminds me - what brought you all into the Society's fold?"
Mach winces and looks away. "...I was at rock bottom, and the only place left to go was up. Let me just leave it at that."
Mach, having been quiet for most of the time, nods at Standing Bear when he heals some of his injuries. "Thanks."
"I'm all for heading back and reporting in to Captain Heidmarch. Maybe we can get her approval in setting up a bigger expedition deeper into this place."
And maybe I'll get to see Nimt again...
"Going back to civilization to get more supplies sounds like good idea, but I don't know much when it comes to ancient ruins and such."
Petronicus looks at Standing Bear. "Well, that's the sorcerer and the tiefling saying they want to go back into town. What do you say, Shoanti, are you willing to step onto the civilized streets of the enemy?"
It's quite obvious from his demeanor that the Chelaxian is trying to be a little coy.
I could also use a good bath and perhaps a woman. Lord knows I've now got a few coins to rub together.
He then turns to Um'bala. "If we closed this door again, do you think you could open it again, Um'bala?"
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"All depends," Um'bala replies. "If the combination remains the same, then absolutely. There's no guarantee of that, though. We're only now beginning to really learn the extent of Thassilonian ingenuity. I don't see why this lock couldn't cycle through several different passwords. Still, if they're as simple to solve as this last one, I should be able to crack it as well."
Petronicus scratches his head. "Yeah, almost suspiciously easy to solve. You don't think it's a trap, do you? That the Thassilonians wanted their security to be bypassed? Either that, or the people back then couldn't read, which would make a word puzzle quite a bit more difficult."
Still not sure what I think of these Thassilonians and their runelords.
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"Not sure," the mage replies, scratching his chin in thought. "It makes little sense to secure the doors with an obvious puzzle. I mean, the point of a lock is to ensure only you can open it. This makes no sense if the point is to keep everyone out. So, clearly, it's not. What's left? A test, perhaps? Only those able to puzzle out the solution are worthy to enter? Sounds like we should definitely proceed with caution, in that case. Who knows what else awaits us."
"If you can call a city where those without an arbitrary piece of metal whom everyone assigned value to have to fight to survive civilization.... then yes." Standing Bear says with a wry smile.
"It will do some good to have some fresh air again. It got a little musty and crowded in the cage. I'm sure that the gem will be safe for another day at least." He continues with a wider smile and calm voice.
Mach shrugs. "Well, I think I can get the doors open again if we REALLY need to."
The party carefully picks its way through the many levels of the Crow until it once again arrives at the docks. The wererat leader of the Tower Girls seems to have been true to her word, as there is not sight or smell of her or her followers, and the boats that had been tied up are now missing.
The pre-arranged light signal summons your ferrymen, Yuli and Igrich, who have patiently been waiting at the docks for your signal. They help you on board with few questions, and quietly row you back to Magnimar.
The next few days are spent with resupply and purchasing of new items for your upcoming journey. Lady Heidmarch has been busy with some other matter out of town, but her husband, Sir Canayven Heidmarch is excited to hear about anything you have found in the Crow, particularly anything that pertains to ancient Thassilon. The image that you copied from the frieze in the uppermost level is of particularly interest to him, and he pays the party 650 gp for the drawing. He is quite excited to learn more, and tells you if you bring him additional finds, he will happily accept them.
A few days later you hear of Lady Heidmarch's return, and make your way to her office once again to make a full report. Upon arrival, you are immediately ushered into her presence, where she is in conversation with a halfling man.
She looks up when you come in and greets you warmly. "Greetings, Pathfinders. I'm happy to see you all returned in one piece. What have you learned in your exploration of the Crow? Any sign of the second shard?"
In her excitement to see you, she seems to have forgotten to introduce the halfling. "Oh, but where are my manners? This here is Milo Bandersnatch, a brother from Windsong Abbey who has recently become a Pathfinder. I know that with the departure of both Nimt and the unreliable and duplicitous Natalya Vancaskerkin you are a few persons short. I was wondering if you might consider Milo as a suitable replacement? He has proven himself to be quite resourceful to the Society."
The days passed in a blur for Mach--between sorting out the new loot the team had acquired from the Tower Girls (including a kitschy bladed scarf he insisted on taking for himself) and reporting in to Heidmarch Manor, he was surprised to have enough time to practice his skills further.
When Lady Heidmarch returns, Mach seems to be more eager to see if Nimt returned with her than anything else. Where is she...? I hope she's alright...
"Greetings, Pathfinders. I'm happy to see you all returned in one piece. What have you learned in your exploration of the Crow? Any sign of the second shard?"
"Well, we haven't found the second shard yet, but we know where it is now." Mach starts, nervously looking around. "See, deep inside the Crow, guarded by pretty much the entire Tower Girls gang, we found another one of those puzzle-box thingies, but this time it was actually a door. Turns out the answer to them was 'THEY SEE' and 'SILENT'--the original words were 'THE EYES' and 'LISTEN', respectively."
"That's why we decided to report back--we thought you might like to set up a base camp inside the Crow and continue the exploration there."
"Oh, but where are my manners? This here is Milo Bandersnatch, a brother from Windsong Abbey who has recently become a Pathfinder. I know that with the departure of both Nimt and the unreliable and duplicitous Natalya Vancaskerkin you are a few persons short. I was wondering if you might consider Milo as a suitable replacement? He has proven himself to be quite resourceful to the Society."
Mach looks the new arrival over. "Ah--hiya. Name's Mach, resident trap-spotter and dungeon raider."
"By the way, Lady Heidmarch--" Mach looks back up at his boss. "--how's Nimt doing since she left?"
Lady Heidmarch seems quite interested in Mach's report, but has a few questions and comments.
"Interesting. I think the idea of setting up a base camp within the Crow to facilitate its further exploration is a good idea. How much do you think is left to explore? I'm willing to underwrite your explorations to some degree, so let me know what supplies might be of help. What happened to the Tower Girls? Are they still within the Crow?"
On the subject of Nimt, Lady Heidmarch shakes her head. "She appeared briefly the same day you left for the Crow. She apologized for not having the stomach for these kinds of explorations, and felt that she was holding the group back. I've since reassigned her to investigate a ruin in the wilderness, something which I believe she is more suited for."
"Interesting. I think the idea of setting up a base camp within the Crow to facilitate its further exploration is a good idea. How much do you think is left to explore? I'm willing to underwrite your explorations to some degree, so let me know what supplies might be of help. What happened to the Tower Girls? Are they still within the Crow?"
Mach shakes his head. "We cleared the Tower Girls out of the Crow--I'm pretty sure all that's left to explore is what's beyond the great big door they were guarding."
"She appeared briefly the same day you left for the Crow. She apologized for not having the stomach for these kinds of explorations, and felt that she was holding the group back. I've since reassigned her to investigate a ruin in the wilderness, something which I believe she is more suited for."
"Oh."
Mach feels a great deal of disappointment. "Well, here's hoping she finds something interesting, and stays safe then."
"Greetings lady Heidmarch, is it? My name is Standing Bear of the Tamiir-Quah. It appears our fates have aligned where your objectives overlap with mine." Standing Bear says stoically and a slight bow.
Lady Heidmarch bows low to Standing Bear in the traditional Shoanti fashion with her palms facing out to show that she is not holding a weapon.
"This tshamek greets the Tamiir-Quah. What brings the human being so far from his mountain home?"
Petronicus regards Milo with some curiosity. "I guess the slip might be useful for crawling into small spaces. Has the lady informed you of our objectives, Bandersnatch? This is no endeavor for the faint of heart; we are challenging the might of the ancient runelords themselves."
Mach elbows Petronicus in his side. "Krupt, don't insult the new guy." He says, giving the burly Chelaxian a dirty look.
Petronicus momentarily looks at Mach with a confused expression on his face, then seems to understand what the tiefling is saying. Not being one to apologize, however, he simply shrugs his shoulders.
"You have to have a thick skin in this business. We don't tickle puppies all day, Mach. I'm sure the sl..., I mean the halfling can take it."
"Right?" he adds, turning to Milo.
Milo bowed his head to the party when Lady Heidmarch introduces him. Standing at a bit over 3' he is tall for a Halfling and the body wrapped within the simple monkish clothing is lithe. When he is addressed by Pertonicus his chestnut colored eyes flash, but his lips smile. Turning to Mach he says, "Well met, Mach. We Halflings are known for being tougher than we look and we of Windsong are also trained to flow around larger, ungainly... Objects."
Turning back to Petronicus, "One would think that Lady Heidmarch would not have presented me to the group today if I were not up to the challenges before you all."
Petronicus huffs a bit and stares out the window following Milo's comment, muttering "Of course, of course, I was not intending to denigrate the lady."
Quintus smiles at Milo's comeback before stepping forward and offering a handshake.
"I think you'll fit in just great Milo. I'm Quintus and I'll be happy to have you as a new member on the team."
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"Good to meet you as well, Brother Bandersnatch. I'm Um'bala, this group's resident scholar, most recently of Magnimar but originally from the Magammbyan tradition of magic. I've not had the pleasure of approaching the Windsong Abbey's views on philosophy, let alone the chance to visit. Is it true that the Masked Abbess goes about constantly masked? Has no one seen her true face?"
Standing Bear smiles at the gesture en returns it. "The same as your group was apparently. The spirits of my ancestors guided me to that tomb, but unfortunately the tower girls wished to fight, whereas I tried to resolve it without aggression. Fortunately the pathfinders found me."
He turns to the halfling and smiles gently again. "Nice to meet you Milo. I believe I once fought one of your brethren in the pits. It was quite the fight. It would be an honor to fight alongside one of the Windsong monks."
At the wizard's question he turns, "Well met, Master Um'bala. Please call me Milo!
"I shall look forward to the opportunity to discuss the philosophy of Windsong with you. In a nutshell we provide a space for worshipers of all faiths to meet and exchange the threads that when woven together create the tapestry of Glarion. My brotherhood serves to ensure the protection from those who would do harm without and peace for those who gather within the Abbey. As to the Abbess she has a well-earned named."
Lady Heidmarch listens patiently to the Shoanti as he tells his story. When he finishes she notes, "Well, that is quite interesting indeed. It seems your ancestors are knowledgable of things that we only know from legend. Perhaps you would be willing to continue advising my agents in case you can provide further any further guidance. Your presence might be to their great benefit, but since you are not a Pathfinder, I can do nothing to compel you."
"Would you be willing to accompany my agents in their continued exploration of the Crow? From what I understand, there is quite a bit more to uncover there. In exchange for your services, you'd be entitled to whatever share of any treasure recovered that you and the others have agreed to. In addition, I am willing to provide some assistance in the form of minor magics and my own meager expertise on the subject of Thassilon. Would this be amenable to you?"
The venture-captain continues, "I had a meeting with the mayor yesterday, who seemed to be quite upset that Magnimar's citizens are disappearing at an alarming rate; kidnappings it seems. It probably doesn't have to do with anything that you'll be investigating, but just keep an ear to the ground, will you?"
Milo cocks an ear in interest at the word that citizens have been disappearing, but he does not speak. To his mind he is the junior member of the party; however, he does glance at the Chelaxian, who seems to think he is the party's leader.