Princess Almah continues: ...Ages ago, and for reasons only such beings can comprehend, an evil Efreeti Lord named Jhavhul left his home in City of Brass on the Plane of Fire. He came to the Pale Mountain, here in our world, and his wishcraft almost tore a hole in the cosmos. Over the course of a single season, weird castles appeared in the Brazen Peaks, men transformed into legendary creatures, and others swam in piles of coins that appeared out of thin air. Some gained immortality while others reunited with never-were sweethearts or old lovers miraculously returned to life. In each case, Jhavhul’s wishes nudged the multiverse, smudging destiny and reweaving fate.
You see, Genies wise in the way of wishcraft learn to sense the ripples of fate, hearing in their flow an ethereal symphony. To a trained ear, Jhavhul’s blunt manipulations of reality resounded like an orchestra playing furiously out of tune. The cacophony drew the attention of the Djinni Princess Nefeshti, whose own wishmastery had gained her a force to rival Jhavhul’s. Nefeshti led the Templars of the Five Winds in headlong battle agains Jhavhul. But if Song of Edrehu is to be believed, after a series of battles in which Nefeshti’s forces grew fewer and fewer in number, the Templars of the Five Winds set upon a desperate strategy. They enlisted the help Nefeshti’s own human lover, a wizard named Andrathi, a powerful Djinni Binder. Somehow Andrathi trapped Jhavhul and his forces in a forgotten demiplane by sacrificing himself to the cause.
It is difficult to know how much truth there is in these old tales. But they make wonderful campfire stories!
Hajar nods appreciatively at the story, understanding the role of sacrifice to combat evil.
Dhavyn pauses briefly at the mention of the evil Efreeti Lord before he continues writing.
"This is all fascinating... One would think that after such war people would not be terribly fond of the Djinns. You did mention this Efreeti Jhavhul made the wishes of mortals true while the templars made an end to it. I can't say that sounds very evil. I rather imagine people not being too fond of Nefeshti if she was the instigator of this war. Not only they lost the wishes but also had to handle the aftermath of the war just because she did not like the way how wishes were used."
"I wonder about Jhavhul's motivation though. I can't image altruism being one. Everything that I've read about the fire genies puts them in rather questionable light. Maybe there is a connection to cultists somewhere in there or maybe it was merely the...misuse... of wishcraft as you said."
Dhavyn pens words Legends of the Geniekind: the Legacy of Fire on top of the parchment.
"An enthralling tale, Princess. Genies are one of the races that the fates favor, with their ability to divine the future and affect fate's own strands themselves."
Bartan turns to the rest of the group.
"If anyone would be interested in a harrowing, please let me know. Now that Mistress Anjali is finished with her bath, I believe I may take part in one as well, but after I've refreshed I'd be glad to read the cards for anyone who wishes it."
To the princess: My Lady, I hope you do not mind my use of your facilities. I was also curious if any of poor Eloais' fortune-telling equipment may have survived the fire? I would not wish to explore his former possessions without your express permission, of course, and if all was consumed in the fire, there would really be no point."
you hear Bahram approaching the back of the group around the fire
You notice something apparently valuable hidden on his possession
Bahram standing in the back leaning against a tree I don't believe in the cards, i believe we make our own fate.
he says, nonchalantly speaking his mind, but without malice against those that do.
At the mention from Bahram, Avenka genuinely smiles, because she thinks exactly like him.
with a smile, Bahram winks at Avenka.
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"Miss Yazi, I had no idea that you were interested in such things! Let's get started. It will be five silver pieces, please."
Bartan sits down near the fire and sets out his cards.
<- The Cyclone (Chaotic Evil, Strength)
The Uprising (Chaotic Neutral, Strength)
The Unicorn (Chaotic Good, Charisma)
The Dance (Lawful Good, Dexterity)
The Desert (Chaotic Good, Constitution)
The Publican (Chaotic Good, Wisdom)
The Forge (Lawful Neutral, Strength)
The Carnival (Chaotic Neutral, Wisdom)
The Courtesan (Chaotic Neutral, Charisma)
The Midwife (Neutral Good, Wisdom)
"Mon chere, your role card is The Cyclone. You are a force of nature, causing chaos wherever you go, sometimes with dire consequences."
Bartan flips the left column. "The Dance in its misaligned position here suggests that you have often stayed in perfect step with your goals, creating a hypnotic pattern for those around you, but even with good intentions your dance may not be for the good of all."
He flips the middle column. "The Desert placed here signifies the aid of your comrades in the bleak environment to come in the near future."
He flips the final column. "Hmm... this future column is very complex. The Carnival follows your whimsical nature, perhaps suggesting that you put your trust in the arcane arts, while the Midwife wishes you to find the good in any new arrival, and the Courtesan tells you to follow the expected social niceties despite any awkward situations."
"You're a difficult read, mon chere. I hope that my reading was helpful in some way, however."
You think that, while most of what Bartan said was truthful, he may have embellished a bit or left out an important detail for the sake of not offending.
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As Bartan performs his Harrowing a coy smile starts to play across Yazi's face. "You know how flatter a lady Mr. Dealer, but I just have this teeny, tiny, itty-bitty feeling what you're saying and what the cards are saying don't exactly agree." As she talks she leans in closer towards Bartan, to the point you can feel her breath as she speaks. "So why don't you be a good boy and tell Yazi the truth, or am I gonna have ta punish you?"
Bartan blushes, clearly embarrassed by his omission.
"I mean.. no disrespect, mon chere. Everything I said was true, but I did leave out one thing... the position of the Courtesan suggests that you will FAIL to follow expected social norms, and CREATE at least one awkward situation in the near future. I... suppose I may have created just such a situation for you though this very omission, now that I think on it. I apologize for my omission, Miss Yazi. Please, keep your silver as my apology."
Awlrighty that's enough o dat! Let's get this game crankin'
Bahram simply watches the exchange, a devilish grin crosses his lips.
Looks like the Dealer is gettin Played. he mutters to himself.
The next morning Almah summons you to the war-chamber room of her tent. There is a long object under a silk blanket in the room. You don't yet know what it is, but knowing the Princess you are sure it will be helpfull in the coming fight against Kelmarane.
Last night I decided that staying at the Sultan's Claw with Pugwampis nearby is too risky. We must find a safer base of operations. She unrolls a Map of the Kelmarane Hinterlands and jams a dagger down on the Old Monastary. While you were asleep last night I sent Asif to scout things out. He reports that there are indeed creatures living in the old building which look similar to the one you captured. I want you to make safe the monestary. I want you to make it safe so we can use it as a base for striking Kelmarane. But also so we can put this in the minaret.
She tugs the silk blanket off revealing a 30x Zero-Axis Forward-Azimuth Refracting Osirionite Telescope.
With this we will be able to see anything that goes on in Kelmarane. I make this mission my top priority. You have all been given the best gear the Katapeshi Pactmaster's have to offer. Will you do this for me?
Bahram spent the night somewhat separate from the rest. again stargazing and finding some peace and quiet.
Bahram glances toward Yazi, gotta wonder, you talking about the Princess or the Telescope? he whispers as he listens to the job.
approaching the princess Bahram bows. Of course, I am at your service, Your Highness.
Hajar bows deeply to the Princess. Yes most Esteemed and Beautiful Almah, we will do this thing. You say that this was a monastery? To what God or Goddess was it consecrated?
Dhavyn eyes Hajar thinking We will? ...I guess we do. Protection and a chance to find out about history of the region while getting paid instead of being the one paying. I could get used to this Dhavyn hmms thoughtfully.
"Monastery you say. I wonder if it has a library and if any books remain. Why was it abandoned in the first place?" he adds to Hajar's question.
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Bartan's shyness freezes him in place for a moment, then he takes Yazi's hand in his. Miss Yazi, you owe me no payment, for a beauty such as yourself saying such things to one such as myself is staggering and fills me with joy. I... when we reach a more civilized area, I would like to take you on... it is called a date, no?" He looks up at her with his head bowed, waiting to be rejected, but hoping otherwise.
"Lovely Princess, I would be honored to help." He pulls out his harrow deck, gives it a quick flourish of a shuffle, and pulls a card.
<- The Peacock (True Neutral, Dexterity)
"Hmm, the Peacock is a symbol of your beauty, and it is telling us to accept change in our lives. Perhaps this change will be the use of this monastery as our new base of operations, I think?"
"My new flail is ready for action ! I'll battle whatever evil lurks in there"
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As Bartan maintains his composure as he responds Yazi's expression goes from mischievous to serene. "Oh you are just adorable. If we have time when we get somewhere nice..."
Scratching her chin, a trait picked up from the heavily bearded Pahmet, Yazi will offer to the conversation, "Given the local religions I'm guessing it belonged to followers of Mama Lam-Lam or Sunny. I don't see followers of Ol'Grumpy being the types to build a monastery."
Hajar arches his eyebrow at Yazi's terms for the diety he reveres but does not respond.
You are correct. It does not seem likely that the mad followers of Rovagug would build a place, in my experience they live to destroy and that is all.
Almah laughs at the thought of rovagug followers building the great minaret of the Monestary, then answers: Hajar it was The Monastery of St. Vardishal. She looks at Dhavyn Yes, the same Vardishal from last night's story. Now it's just a forlorn edifice, once holy to the faith of Sarenrae. In the 2 decades since the mad Gnolls from Kelmarane invaded and put its monks to death, the place has stood as an empty ruin, a reminder of a brief era in which civilization tamed the the Kelmarane Hinterlands. But there was a time when the Templar himself, St. Vardishal, would appear to the Monks there. I'm sure you will be able to find out much more from the reliefs and inscriptions in the old building.
Khayal has been admiring his new blade, a blade as fine as this must have a name. A blade like this deserves to be tested and this monastery seems like the perfect place. I for one am eager to test my new blade.
Hajar nods, A Monastery dedicated to the Dawnflower being used as a refuse heap by followers of the Rough Beast. Indeed, we shall do this thing. I for one, will enjoy cleansing the Monastery of St. Vardishal in her Ladyship's name. Hajar eyes gleam with purpose.
"Reliefs and inscriptions you say. It is a deal then!" he pauses looking startled "I mean I would be glad to assist in this endeavour."
"How far is the monastery? If we need mounts it might be a good idea to have someone along to watch them when we are inside. If the place is occupied I'd rather not endanger the animals... because they are our only way to get out of there fast..." he adds to himself.
You follow Almah's Hinterlands Map a short distance to the North, and find the Monestary atop a barron hill. It's once beautiful battlements have crumbled, but it's mighty minerat spire still rises high into the sky, with it's onion topped summit overlooking the hinterlands. A perfect place for a telescope, which Khayal has tucked in the saddle of his camel.
Scrub brush and a light, patchy carpet of weeds invade the monastery through two huge fallen sections of the western wall.
MAP UPDATED
This place appears like it was once magnificent, but that time is long past. If we are to work out of here we aught to restore it.
Khayal looks around for any movement or sign of recent habitation.
Khayal you see three toed tracks going in and out of the building through this very entrance. But none fresher than about 12 hours.
Most excellent suggestion Brother Khayal, your ideas are as sharp as your blades. says Hajar with a friendly smile.
Come, let us bring the justice of the Dawnflower upon these that have defiled her place.
Hajar walks slowly into the temple.
"מאַדזשיקאַל פאנצער" Dhavyn intones and weaves magical force into familiar armor. He stays close to Khayal but slightly behind him so the meatshield is between him and anything that could be inside.
Stepping into the Monestary, Hajar can see...
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As the group gathered to head to the Monastery Yazi will head over to Hajar with the armor and weapon she acquired earlier from the cart. Upon seeing the Holy Warrior not get a go with the mobile armory Yazi, having complete faith in her Father's sword, searched around for equipment within her allowance. Given her popularity to the people of the sands it wasn't hard to find items also decorated with motifs of Sarenrae. Handing him the Falchion and Four-Mirror Armor she'll simply explain her doing so as "A gift from one servant of the Sun to another."
At the monastery she will also follow Hajar into the defamed building, keeping an eye out for aggressors and traps as she does so, sword drawn the moment they get off the camels.
Hajar bows deeply at Yazi's gift. I thank you. I will use these gifts in service of the Princess and the Dawnflower.
Entering the ruined chapel and seeing the skulls Hajar says loudly in common and gnollish Any of you here who wish to flee should do so now, before you invoke the wrath of Sarenrae.
Kdo od vas tukaj, ki želijo pobegniti, morajo to storiti zdaj, preden ga pokličeš jezo Sarenrae.
Bartan follows the others into the monastery, drawing his quarterstaff and keeping his other hand near his throwing cards, whilst keeping a keen eye out for any gnolls or other monsters.
His eye is not terribly keen.
Avenka follows as well, her flail ready.
Drawing his weapons Khayal cracks a small smile from Hajar's complement about his idea. It is not very common that he receives a complement about his intellect. He nods to Dhavyn and then heads into the monastery as well. He is mindful to place himself in between potential danger areas and his less robust friends.
The knotted rope suspending the gnoll-skull candelabra jerks and jumps as a runty little creature dressed in crude furs scrambles from far above to gain a foothold on the swaying skulls. With a squeaky laugh, this gremlin casts a rude gesture in the PCs’ direction, signaling the attack to the other pugwampis in the rafters above...
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Monsters 23 holding action: arrows, triggered when characters step within range...
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Hajar 18,
Khayal 18,
Dhavyn 17,
Anjali 14,
Bahram 12,
Bartan 11,
Yazi 9,
Avenka 4