DM Omen |
The alchemist swirls he potion. "Powerful spellcastes can shift to the shadow plane with magic. There are also old stories of gates to the shadow plane, and while I believe they are true, I don't know where they are."
Yana frowns. "By your accounting of the situation, it seems the plan was to draw Toramin out. I wish I knew the full extent of any possible enemies he had made in recent months." Her eyes water up for a moment at mention of a funeral. "Perhaps. But I believe the Voices would put forth the money and effort to have Toramin brought back from the dead, and possibly Dalton too. Didn't somebody mention a huge diamond that was found? That could fuel the magic and hold much sway with convincing the Voices."
Bjorkus |
Bjorkus provides the riches they took from the giant camp including the chunk of diamond. It was more wealth than he'd ever held before but the booty didn't interest him as much as it used to.
"This is everything. You think they can bring 'em back? You dwarves really do that?" he rumbles in disbelief.
Rilka Featherfeet |
Did Toramin ever tell us his position about being raised from the dead, in character?
Rilka addresses the alchemist, ”Have you been able to identify the drug? Is it common to this area? Or perhaps its rarity can lead to the kidnappers’ patron.”
Rilka stands beside Bjorkus as they meet with Toramin’s relatives. ”I think Toramin might feel like his duty on this plane is not finished. Please, take the diamond, gems, and coins we found to pay for the rituals.”
DM Omen |
"It is far from a common practice, both for practicality and morality reasons, but not unheard of. I believe the Voices will give serious consideration to the offer, especially if the cost is paid for."
The alchemist shakes his head. "The ingredients and complexity of the poison make it beyond rare."
After a healer examines the body, he comes back with some bad news.
As a full-round action, a devil dog can deliver a coup de grace against a helpless opponent. If the victim survives the attack, he must succeed on a Fortitude save (DC 10 + damage dealt) or die. Opponents killed in this manner cannot be raised, but resurrection, true resurrection, or the like can restore the slain creature to life.
Bjorkus |
Bjorkus listens to the news but magic that powerful was far outside his area of expertise. As far as he was concerned the dwarves were all mad for how casually they spoke of raising the dead.
Resurrection is just a more expensive raise dead. Are there no casters powerful enough in the city?
Toramin Gearsmith |
Toramin only said that as far as he understood it the spirit had to be willing for the spell to complete, so unwilling spirits just never returned.
Ianna Trealamhgabha |
Ianna nods at Yana's words.
"Such magic is costly, but the rite that raises the dead is not terribly complex. Though both are beyond my skill, it is easier to raise the dead than it is to regenerate a limb. The rite to resurrect you friend -- Dalton -- is of equal difficulty to regeneration, though much more expensive."
A Question races through her mind though at her grandmother's words. Why would the Voices be involved? There are several priests capable of such feats in this city.
As for the cost, Iana could only be impressed with her grandmother's business acumen. Their family could affords such things, but it is better for the outlanders to pay for what they can. The wealth of the Trealamgabha is not cultivated by letting gold spill from their hands if there are alternatives.
DM Omen |
"Well first things first, let us speak to their deceased souls." Yana spends some time in meditation, then comes back and weaves a spell. After a moment she stops and opens her eyes. "Toramin?"
Rilka Featherfeet |
Rilka turns around looking for an image of Toramin. She isn’t sure if she’ll see a soft blue glowing image, a flickering pallid light, perhaps just a red ball of light.
She folds her arms and clenches her jaws to stop herself from speaking to Toramin. Don’t disturb the ritual.
Bjorkus |
”Besmara’s tits!” Bjorkus mutters in surprise when the dwarf matron’s ritual calls up Toramin’s voice from beyond. He’d attended séances and Harrowings before but he’d never actually heard the voice of a dead man before.
The bull forces himself to get over how unnatural the whole scene was and addresses his fallen comrade. ”Toramin, we’re back in your halls. Your sisters are safe – both of ‘em. Rilka’s here too.” Bjorkus scans the room, unsure where he should be speaking exactly. ”It turns out the man that arranged for the whole thing has ties to the shadow plane. Your grandma’s gunna bring it up with your ‘Voices’ but first she wanted to know how you felt ‘bout comin’ back. Whoever hurt your sister’s still out there and we could use your help.”
Toramin Gearsmith |
"I'm glad we were successful, and that every one else survived. Either I overestimated my abilities or those giants were rather lucky. Presently, I am inclined to return. This River of Souls does not seem particularly safe. I prefer being able to do something about what threatens me.
DM Omen |
Yana shakes her head at Bjorkus. "The spell can only communicate with one soul at a time." She turns her attention to Toramin. "It is good to hear your voice Toramin. I am told you fought bravely, and your sacrifice allowed the escape of the others. I'm so proud of you. If you want to return I'll see to it, I now have very little doubt that we won't be able to manage it."
Toramin Gearsmith |
"There are many people here, but I am not aware of Dalton. Making too much 'noise' is dangerous. Yes, I want to live. I feel I can further serve my people."
DM Omen |
If nobody else wants to add anything...
Yana gives a nod, a smile coming to her face. "Than the next time we speak will be in person. I love you my grandson."
The dwarves will take the 7k diamond and 8k worth of gems, which combined will completely fund both of the spells. Do you guys want to buy or sell any other loot while you're here?
Bjorkus |
Yeah, I think we were waiting on things to move on.
Bjorkus tucks the sack away once Yana's taken what she needs for the rituals. "Have you done this before?"
The 15k pretty well wiped us out. We've got ~8.3k left split 4 ways. Bjorkus will sit on his share for now.
Rilka Featherfeet |
Rilka pipes up, ”Do you mind if we watch the ritual?” Her eyes are roaming the chamber, as if she could catch a glimpse of Toramin. Finally she looks at Yana, implying that the question is meant for her as well.
Sometime after the ritual, Rilka will ask that one vial of the drug be sent to Tenrach and one back to the Aestherics. She’ll use a portion of her funds to pay for the courier/transit. She’ll buy a necklace, sized for a halfling; showcasing dwarven craftsmanship. Nothing too cheap (2 for 5 gp) but not too expensive (150 gp). Maybe 60-70 gp. Oh yes, she needs her new coat repaired & cleaned. If that’s possible due to the extensive damage from the giant’s attacks.
Finally a flask of holy water, alchemist’s fire, and acid (25, 20, 10 gp respectively = 55 gp total)
DM Omen |
"I don't see why not. I'll be sure to let you know when the ritual is taking place."
+1 DM point to Rilka for remembering Tenrach!
You have plenty of time and available resources to get all of your alchemical items, feel free to add them to your sheet and deduct the cost. Yana will provide gifts to Rilka in the form of repairing her coat, and giving her a fine dwarven necklace that provides a +2 bonus on diplomacy checks against dwarves (it marks her as a dwarven ally).
DM Omen |
Later that evening, the good news comes in that the spells will be cast for both Toramin and Dalton. Yana covers the cost of the restoration spells, offering to cast them herself.
The party is invited to a church of Torag for the rituals to take place. First Toramin's body is laid out on a stone table to be raised. The high priest, a venerable dwarf by the name of Margolg Duine Gealtine. It takes him a full minute of careful spellcasting, than he touches Toramin's forehead and stares down expectantly.
Bjorkus |
Bjorkus watches the ritual from whatever seating was provided to him in silence. He wouldn't admit it aloud but the dwarves' magic frightened him. Could they truly return the dead to life?
DM Omen |
The silence only lasts a few seconds. From the utter silence and stillness in the room, it's easy to tell when Toramin's chest rises, drawing in breath. His eyes slowly open, pale skin starting to flush red.
Toramin feels very weak. His limbs feel flimsy, his heart feels like it's on overdrive, and his lungs scream for air. But above that he feels just less powerful, as if some of his life force has been siphoned from him.
The venerable dwarf leans over Toramin, who recognizes him as the high priest Margold Duine Gealtine. "Welcome back brother. Please take things slowly for a time. How are you feeling?" Yana hurries over with tears in her eyes. She gives Toramin's hand a squeeze, than starts casting a spell. It takes nearly twenty seconds to finish, but once she does Toramin feels marginally better, although there is still that edge of weakness.
Toramin, you are now alive and have one negative level. Restoration can only fix one negative level per week, so the other one will have to be taken care of later.
Margold nods and lets Yana take care of Toramin, floating over to Dalton's corpse. The transmuter looks for more dead, skin already completely loose around his body and his throat wide open to the world. Again Margold casts a spell that takes a full minute to conclude. At the end, he again touches Dalton's head with no apparent effect, waiting expectantly.
Rilka Featherfeet |
Rilka watches the ritual with awe and excitement, paying special attention to the vocal inflections and somantic gestures. Once Toramin is back, she gives Yana space to help him adjust to the return to life.
After a moment, she turns her attention to Dalton and her large smile begins to falter slightly as she begins to wonder if Dalton is coming back.
I should have specified about the necklace. It’s the first gift for friends and family she’ll be getting on her adventures. Also, I definitely should have clarified that Rilka didn’t say “ship this to the Aesthetics, please.” She’ll send it to the appropriate contact person in Andril (she knows, *I* don’t).
Toramin Gearsmith |
Toramin's basalt flesh flushes with renewed life. He sucks in breath and speaks.
" . . .Let us not do that again. I feel weak, but thankfully alive. I appreciate your help, sir, and yours as well, Grandmother."
He pauses and looks around the room. "Bjorkus? Rilka? Are you there? Is Ianna alright?"
Ianna Trealamhgabha |
Ianna brushes back her lustrous chestnut curls.
"I am here, Toramin. I am so happy you have returned to us. I forbid you from leaving us like that again."
Her fond command is accompanied by a relieved smile.
He chose us over the afterlife. I could weep for joy.
Bjorkus |
Bjorkus climbs to his hooves when Toramin asks for him, suddenly abandoning any concern over offending his seemingly god-like hosts.
"I'm here Toramin", the bull rumbles. "We're all here. I didn't believe you when you said your priests could do it but I'm glad to have you back."
Toramin Gearsmith |
Chuckling weakly, Toramin replies.
"That necromancer raised an army of the undead. There must be those who can balance the scales, yes? Life to answer for all that death?"
Toramin struggles to sit up at the sound of his sister's voice. "I will do my best not to die on you again, Ianna. Terribly remiss of me."
Dalton Barrowwheel |
He nodded to the servant. "I imagine this will not be the smoothest experience, but let us find out!"
Stirring on the bench, the old man opened his eyes. He felt sore, drained, and dry. He rolled to his side with a cough. It seems Toramin was injured in the attack as well. Oh, dear...
"I ... I must thank you all for returning me to the living. Such a return is not a cheap trick, as I understand it; I'm indebted to all of you." He looked around. And they thought Bjorkus was just a beast. It looks like he has an emotional side after all.
"But ... but I must go into debt a touch more and ask for a drink of some sort. My throat feels like Akropash!" He coughed once more.
While the others (hopefully) laughed, he looked to the priest before him. Dalton had planned for that bit of levity before his resurrection, but he could not plan for the priest. "Dalton Barrowwheel thanks you." He gripped the man's hand in gratitude. For once, I'm not the eldest in the room.
Much more exhausted than a few moments ago, he lay back against the stone. "Do tell ... what exactly happened? Did I ruin the mission?"
Toramin Gearsmith |
"Nothing was ruined, master Dalton. Please meet my sister, Ianna. Bjorkus must have climbed into the crevice that I tumbled that frost giant into, whatever his name was."
Feeling a little better now that he was sitting up, Toramin swings his legs over stone table and stands up. His legs feel weak, but he refuses to let his knees buckle. Reaching out spiritually he calls Ymir to his side.
Ianna Trealamhgabha |
The lovely young dwarf gives the older mage a deep curtsy and a small smile.
"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, master Dalton. Welcome back to the lands of the quick."
Dalton Barrowwheel |
"The pleasure is mine. Toramin had mentioned his family was gifted in terms of magic, but he was too modest to mention your beauty!"
While he head cleared from the planeshift, Dalton tried to prioritize. We must see what the hostile parties from this situation had to their ends.
Bjorkus |
Bjorkus puts an arm around Dalton's shoulders to steady him when he's returned to life as well. Watching the elf's ravaged throat knit back together was an unnerving sight but it was drops in the sea of unnatural things he'd seen among the dwarves' sacred halls. The rituals were another experience that had made his past and his own world feel tiny in comparison.
"I stuck to the plan", the bull rumbles. "After the giant tumbled into the ravine I went after him. The soddin' bastard was alive but I was able to get Ianna from him."
He gives the young priestess a smoldering glance. "That said, there's worse things to die for."
Dalton Barrowwheel |
Dalton couldn't help but roll his eyes at the Minotaur's antics. Definitely just as I left things!
"Are we any wiser of Ianna's captor's aims?"
Dalton Barrowwheel |
At Bjorkus's reminder, there was a small pang of hunger, but it was, Dalton imagined, not as urgent as it would've been had he been alive. I guess the dead don't eat as much. Necrobiology? Not my cup of tea. "I won't say no to a warm loaf of bread. It is much more welcoming than the River of Souls, I'm sure."
Ianna Trealamhgabha |
The priestess of the goddess of beauty and desire blushes prettily at Dalton's compliment and Bjorkus' looks.
"Sometimes my brother is a poor judge of what is important." Ianna remarks as she moves to help her brother.
"I think you both should rest in our mansion until you we can restore your lost life energies. It will be a chance to explore the city."
Ianna Trealamhgabha |
"True. I think they may also be out there when Toramin and Dalton have recovered. This could be an opportunity for you to rest and also gather information," Ianna replies smoothly.
Toramin Gearsmith |
Toramin chuckles quietly.
She is always so full of opinions.
Moving slowly over to his friend he speaks softly.
"Ianna could be right in this Bjorkus. I do not feel up to fighting any one who has the wealth and power we have seen hints of thus far. Certainly not in my diminished state. And we can put our time to use. As I mentioned before we set out, I believe that there may be answers for you here. The Voices in the Stone extended an invitation to take council with them concerning the strange entity that attempted to contact you."
DM Omen |
Yana hugs both of her grandchildren tightly, whispering to them. "Don't either one of you give me a scare like that again. I'll rip down Torag's gates before I watch my grandchildren die." She smiles and steps back, then turns to the party.
"So. I imagine the Voices will take a great deal of interest in what you seem to be getting involved in. I believe Toramin will need to stay an additional week to get up to his full strength anyways. I would be honored to house you all for the time while Toramin and Dalton recover, and I can set up a meeting with the Voices for you. If that works into your plans, of course."
Dalton Barrowwheel |
"Far be it from me to decline such an offer of hospitality. My deepest gratitude is with you." These Voices play quite a few cards. I wonder what they cost?
Toramin Gearsmith |
Warmth suffuses Toramin with his grandmother's embrace. Her love and mother's more than make up for father's disdain. I believe her too. There is a reason she carries the blessings of the Watchful Mother; she loves each and every one of her hundred-odd grandchildren.
Toramin bows to the priest who performed the ritual. "You have my thanks, brother. May the fires of your forge never dwindle."
Turning to the rest of the assembled, "Would it be possible to return home soon? I cannot believe it but I think I could use some sleep after some food of course."
Bjorkus |
Bjorkus nods recalling the offer. "I did want to see what your Voices could tell me 'bout this being callin' out for me wants."
"It's important we play it safe for the next few days. We don't know how far the hooded man's reach extends."
Ianna Trealamhgabha |
"There is wisdom in caution." Ianna agrees.
"Dalton, you are a man of learning, yes? Perhaps you your mind can unlock the puzzle. We suspect that the man who captured me was attempting to draw out my brother. He may have some connection to the plane of shadows, given the ingredients of the sleeping draught used against me. Has my brother angered any such while he was in your company? Where do you think we should start looking?"
Dalton Barrowwheel |
I suppose there is no use in holding back.
"The plane of shadows is not an inherantly evil place. Though dangers abound in it, it is simply a plane lurking about and beyond that to which we are accustomed." The wizard sat up, feeling a bit better with his mind put to work.
"Toramin - along with the rest of us - have surely angered many. In the desrt alone, there are more than I could count on my hands who would be upset. Most of them, however, would have had to pool their efforts to effect sufficient malice in this manner; they did not posses the ability to planeshift or contact other beings from those locations. Perhaps a scant few." Maybe Seimah, but I don't think he would a double-dealer.
"It is true I am a man of learning. Unfortunately, that brings to bear some unfortunate facts. Look around us. Unlike the uncivilized dustbowl of the East, here there are many people of learning, a much greater number of mages capable of such planespeaking I would imagine. Does it not seem more likely by the numbers alone someone of this region would have been part of such a scheme to ambush us? I do not believe it was one of our group per our injuries, nor you for the same reasons, Ianna, but it is beyond a mere queer occurrence this assault happened here; we spent a fortnight in the hot desert sun before our arrival where any number of blades or poisons could have found us." Dalton shook his head.
"Some truths are in plain sight, though they may be ugly ones."
Ianna Trealamhgabha |
The younger woman frowns thoughtfully, but not in disagreement.
"Though I would prefer to think that there are only friends and allies in our city, what you say cannot be summarily discounted. If anything it gives us a place to begin our search."