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Ralph takes out his wand of silent image as the kappa withdraws. He activates it to create an image of himself just a couple of feet from his real position, then calls out to the kappa in Tien.
"Please wait. It would appear that you have no love for the followers of Zhanagorr, and if that is so then we have something in common. Perhaps we could help each other out."
His tone is calm and measured, but loud enough to alert his fellow pathfinders of the kappa's presence.
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As soon as Exiel hears Ralph attempting diplomacy, he casts raiment of command on himself. He is all too familiar with the archmage's haughtiness and that it sometimes makes him come across as somewhat abrasive...
And then he hears Alden interrupting his own greeting with a long loud belch and ending it with a short but all-too-audible fart.
"And here I was worried about Ralph..."
With a heavy sigh, he steps in front of Alden to draw attention away from him and silently thanks Ralph for his life bubble spell that keeps the smell of Alden's gaseous emissions at bay. He thrusts his hooked lance into Alden's hands, then places his right fist in his open left palm in a traditional Tian gesture of greeting and peace.
"My humblest apologies for the lack of social graces exhibited by my travelling companion here."
"I am Exiel, last surviving son of the late Lord Ko Tang of Xa Hoi, Snowbrother of the Ulfen Snowmask Clan, Koboldfriend of the Sewer Dragons of Absalom, Exemplar of Falcon's Hollow, Protector of Whistledown, Hero of Sothis and, as of last month, one of the slayers of the Runelord Krune. I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Will you honour us with your name, good sir?"
He waits for the kappa to introduce himself in reply.
There is a deep raspy noise from the kappa below. "Hmph. So many titles for a man! One wonders if you ever forget which one you are at the moment?" The kappa's tone puts you in mind of a grumpy old man, chiding the kids who keep insisting on coming onto his lawn. "Might as well come down where I can see you properly! Too much gore and flatulence up there. Not fit for proper speaking." The kappa's voice recedes.
An open, winding stairway encircles the fifteen-foot-tall statue of a staglike creature with backward-facing horns and fiery hooves, sculpted as though it was ascending skyward through the opening to the floor above. Rich tapestries adorn the walls, and a pair of statues depicting noble samurai flank each of the four doors found at each corner of the room. Against the south wall, a railed stairway heads down.
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"How can I forget when I am all of them at once? The titles are not who I am so much as how those I have helped and served well have honoured me," Exiel replies genially as he retrieves his lance from Alden and follows the kappa down the stairs.
Noticing the statue of the stag-like creature, Exiel breaks into a smile.
"Ah, a kirin, I'm guessing? I once had to defend a house from a small army whilst Amara Li and Iku Tsuneo performed a ritual to summon several of these creatures to our aid. It was... a memorable battle."
The kappa makes a noncommittal noise. "Hmph. You summoned the kirin, did you? I hope it wasn't for a foolish or petty reason. Or would you then be 'Summoner of Kirin without Necessity?'" The kappa, who is larger than most of his kind, nearly the size of a man, snorts. "I am called King. I am the gatekeeper of Shen-Shou. I assume you are hear to destroy, defile and otherwise make nuisances of yourselves?"
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"So then, cantankerous but otherwise benign. But from the looks of it, not particularly beneficent either. But it looks like this is one encounter we can settle with words."
"Actually, Amari Li and Iku Tsuneo did the ritual in private whilst myself and a few others fought off our would-be assassins. They were trying to interrupt a tea ceremony that was to seal an alliance between our Society and his Order. It was a cowardly act on their part and we were fighting for our lives. Fortunately, Lord Tsuneo is a member of an order that has ancient ties with the Kirin, and for that reason identify themselves as the Way of the Kirin. The need was great, and the Kirin responded as our friends."
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When the Kappa finally gives his name, Exiel gives him the sign of greeting once more. "We are hardly here to destroy or defile. Quite the contrary. You see, in the time of Lung Wa, agents of the Way of the Kirin operated out of Shen-Shu, which was the name they gave to this very tower. It was they who erected this statue that we see before us. And as they are our allies, the last thing we wish to do is to destroy or defile one of their old strongholds. Quite the opposite, if there are any who would destroy or defile this place, we would seek to stop them. However, the Way of the Kirin is still rebuilding itself, and are not seeking to re-establish this place as a base of operations. We are simply here to retrieve a few old artifacts of their order.”
As he speaks, Exiel suddenly gets a suspicion about where the kappa's questions are leading to. "Would I be correct in assuming that you have taken up residence in Shen-Shu, and now call this place your home? If so, I would assume that the Way of the Kirin would have no problem with that. In fact, we have received word that servants of the vile kraken Zhanagorr have been defiling this place, and as you have seen, we are not thrilled by that either. Perhaps we could help each other? If you help us find those artifacts, we will clear out the tower and leave you to enjoy it in peace. In fact, you may even consider an alliance with the Way of the Kirin, for Wanshou is a dangerous land, as you know all too well, and even after we get rid of Zhanagor's lackeys it may not be long before another threat comes to this place. The Way of the Kirin are honourable and will come to the aid of their allies, if you choose to be one."
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Ralph follows behind invisible and directs the image of himself to follow as well. He lets Exiel speak, for though the aasimar's magic was only mediocre, Ralph had come to respect his gifts in the art of diplomacy.
But he also notices 42's impatience. If diplomacy proved ineffective, Ralph was always ready to take...alternate measures that the magus seemed to prefer.
The kappa looks almost taken aback. "I know not of this Order, but I am the custodian here. I have followed the call of Irori here and done my best to keep the place in good repute. I kept most troublemakers out until... he came. Killed his people when they came, till he proposed a truce between us. You say you stand against Zhanagorr? Tell me, warriors, for I have seen your skills in the battle above, what makes you believe you may stand against the hand of Zhanagorr?"
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"If you have kept this place in good repute, then I am certain the Way of the Kirin will be pleased to have you continue stay here, and if you are a follower of Irori, then I believe we can count on your honourable conduct. I myself am a paladin of Torag, but I have great respect for the followers of Irori as people of truth and honour for Torag also values such qualities."
"As for what makes us think we can stand against the hand of Zhanagorr, well, I did mention that I was a member of a team that took on a woken Runelord of ancient Thassilon and defeated him. May I present to you the rest of the team," Exiel replies with a faint smile as he indicates the rest of the party with a sweeping gesture.
"With your blessings, we will drive out and slay the followers of Zhanagorr from Shen-Shu. If you have assumed the position of custodian of this place at the behest of Irori, then I trust that the Way of the Kirin will respect that, and if you wish to have an alliance with the Way of the Kirin, it would be my honour to convey the message to them. They are samurai, and will return honest and honourable conduct in kind. In fact, it may be that some among their number too follow the Master of Masters, and will wish to help you hold this place against those who would despoil it. All we seek are the artifacts of the Order: the flute of the fallen emperor of Wanshou, Wise Zijao’s seal, and the second Shu coronation crown. We humbly request that you guide us in good faith in retrieving those artifacts."
The kappa nods at 42, listens intently to Exiel and seems to look distracted when you mention seals, flutes and crowns.
"This flute, you say, can you describe it?" Listening to your description, he shakes his head. "One of the slaves brought in by Rybos was a musician named Hamade Sora. I heard him play while I spied on Rybos' servants. I freed him and brought him here. I gave to him a flute I had discovered, a beautiful instrument and he made transcedental music with it. I thought for certain Irori had sent him here to aid me in my path. But last night Hamade was stolen back by the blubbery giants. He was taken below, where I cannot follow." He looks sorrowful as he tells this tale.
Suddenly he looks grumpy and suspicious again. "The seal, what will these Way people use it for?"
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"The honored Zijao was one of the first of the Way of the Kirin, and his seal stamped their founding charter among other of their foundational documents. The Way of the Kirin seek to safeguard it so that none might impersonate the visionary Zijao or use his seal to forge documents that may dishonor his memory."
"Since Zijao was one of their founding fathers, I believe none but Zijao's kin by blood can claim a stronger right to the seal than the Way of the Kirin. And since they wish to keep it safe and to preserve the honour of Zijao, I hope you will trust that it is best-placed in their keeping. Zijao himself would likely approve of his seal being kept by the order he helped create, for they do so to preserve the honour his memory."
The kappa listens, then sighs deeply. He gestures toward the northwestern door. "I believe the seal you seek is in there. Pray keep it safe and unharmed. I do not know of the crown you seek, though I know that below there is a room filled with gold that burns like fire. I suspect your crown may rest within. Be ware, below, for there are doors sealed to keep the swamp at bay. Open them at your peril." He describes the sealed door, as well as a sealed passage well enough that you can recognize them.
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Exiel bows and says, "we thank you, King, Custodian of Shen-Shu by Irori's decree, for your aid for granting us passage within your domain. I pledge once more that we will drive Zhanagorr's minions from Shen-Shu before we depart. Do let me know whether you wish to have an alliance with the Way of the Kirin or simply that they leave you to have this tower to yourself in peace. I trust that they will honour your wishes either way."
With a genuine smile and a farewell-salute, Exiel turns to the door that King said would lead to the seal.
The door opens without lock or trap into a small room dominated by a life-sized statue of a Tien man in scholarly robes holding his hands out as if to present something. The marble statue has a kind and wise face and a soft smile, as if sharing a private joke. In his hands rests an ivory seal, of the sort used to press into wax. Raised bumps on it resolve into the artistic form of a leaping kirin.
Despite your best searching, despite your caution.... no traps go off. The seal is heavier than it looks and appears quite well-made.
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Now fully confident that they have secured King's goodwill, Exiel slides the seal into his pack and thanks King once more before looking to the other exits from this room.
"Honourable King, you mentioned before that you had spied on Lord Rybos and his minions. Since we're both looking to have Zhanagorr's minions ousted from Shen-Shu, would you be able to tell us what you know of Lod Rybos and his followers? What manner of creatures they are, how many there are and where in Shen-Shu they are holed up in? You said something about 'blubbery giants'..."
"Could you also describe Hamade Sora to us? If he yet lives, I would like to see him freed, and I believe you would too since you yourself freed him once before. In any event, it sounds like we'll find him and the flute we need at the same time, but we'll know to keep him safe if he's present when the fighting starts."
King nods. "I have never seen this Rybos in the flesh, but I have seen the masked humans, the boggards and the blubbery giants. Hamade Sora is a young man, thin of build with long black hair. He has a scar above his right eye. He is kind of nature, a shepherd by birth. He was taken from his village by the minions of Rybos, along with others. However, I believe he is the last survivor. I could not return him home without abandoning my duty here, so I kept him safe as I could. I would consider it a great honor if you would help him, if you are able."
King sighs deeply. "My vows do not allow me to leave. Hamade Sora deserves a chance to live. If you survive, if he survives, please return him to his home. It lies not far, five miles to the east."
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Ralph sighs, then shrugs (or rather the illusion of him does) as he speaks, "I presume you're expecting me to provide the transport? Hmmph. Fine, fine, if I must. Five miles? Easy. We may need to rest up before departing this place, if Lord Rybos proves tenacious. If we can retrive him or his corpse, we can deliver him home alive by the morrow."
King nods as you speaks and bids you skill and perseverance on your road. You cautiously descend the stairs into a small room below. A trickle of water seeps through the closed door on the east side of this small, fifteen-foot-high antechamber. A moldering tapestry hangs from floor to ceiling along the south wall, while to the north a closed wooden door remains relatively dry despite the dampness. A heavy stone hatch rests open against the southwest wall, revealing a slick staircase carved from the bedrock that descends into the darkness below. You recognize the trickling door as one that King warned you to leave closed lest you let the swamp water surge in.
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Exiel will take the other ring of protection and a potion of CSW. He'll take the tridents and spears if no else needs them, for throwing at enemies he can't reach. Anything else not used by the others will be put in his pack, since he has heaps of carrying capacity to spare...
Upon seeing the door that King mentioned, Exiel rushes to open it! Exiel decides to leave it well alone. He instead casts guidance on himself, then inspects the tapestry and also looks behind it, just in case there is something of interest hidden there.
"Nienna, could I trouble you to check the door to the North? I reckon we should check it out before descending into the basement."
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Buff - remaining duration
Protection from Energy Fire - 95 rounds (195 for others)
Magic Circle Against Evil - 1199 rounds (on Alden)
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Lavode looks at the prohibited door, I wonder how quick a swamp would rush in and if a mud elemental could hold it back?
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Lavode puts on the other amulet and takes a potion of CSW. Alden you might want to give your steed one of these, he says holding up one of the potions of Water Walk.
Just before the open the next door, he casts Magic Circle Against Evil on Alden.
Nienna checks the door, but finds nothing out of the ordinary. The door is opened to reveal a small office. A desk sits with papers on it, while against the wall a cabinet is partially open. The papers prove to be maps and a log of the excavation's progress. The maps are both old and new, showing the area before the flooding and after. You check the cabinet with all due discretion and discover a single wand, which Ralph can identify as a wand of resist energy, CL 11 with 10 charges remaining.
The only way now is down, through the hatch in the floor in the stairway. A series of short flights of stairs switchback downward along 10-foot-high corridors. Each landing bears a soggy tapestry whose designs are no longer discernible. Gradual seepage of moisture through the walls has resulted in the fabric’s gradual decay. At the bottom of the stairs is an unlocked wooden door.
Nienna duly checks the door and finding nothing, opens it. A twenty-foot-tall hallway seems to have once been a major intersection with passageways to the north, south, east, and west. A heavy pile of wood and debris partially barricades a ceiling-high set of stone doors that lies to the east, and shattered chunks of rock and dried mud block the way south. A wide flight of stairs rises to the north, terminating in a set of
double doors.
There is no magic emanating from the eastern door, but you estimate clearing the debris away enough to open the door will take around 10 minutes work. Nienna finds no traps either, but she does determine that the rubble piled up is not a natural rock fall and was likely put here to block the door and keep something out... or something inside from getting out.
Between Exiel's efforts and anyone else who helps, the rubble is cleared away after minutes' work. The door is opened, revealing a large room. Eerie blue light plays across murals on the north, south, and east walls, each portraying a kirin flying through a raging storm. Coins of many shapes, materials, and origins form low heaps throughout this treasury, though in many places the coins have fused together or melted slightly to form extensive sheets of precious metals. A golden skeleton lies sprawled near the room’s entrance.