The gnome happily eats the reward meal, though being small she can't eat much as the big folk or the goblin, but she takes the milk back to her lion.
Markhet returns to Larrs, mainly to ensure that he's not gotten into mischief, and to make sure he's been fed and he's acting relatively content. Markhet then changes out of her armour. Not much one for modesty the little gnome changes cloths beside Larrs. There isn't much to see though, Markhet is scrawny, not quite skin and bone, but certainly nothing that would interest the average human. Her shapeless threadbare peasant smock makes her look more like a child then then a gnome. Markhet bounds through the camp looking for Ayish, hoping the beautiful woman would sing again tonight. More then one of Markhet's previous owners had dancing and singing but Markhet didn't think any were as fine as Ayish. Markhet had never been invited to listen to the performances before, she'd heard the music usually from dark wing of the salves quarters, usually late at night when she needed to be sleeping, but Markhet had stayed awake. She loved music. Even though she'd need to wake before the dawn she'd listened to the beautiful sounds. Now she had a front row seat.
Spying Xerxzayas Markhet edges closer to the two Suli, pretty much oblivious of their current disagreement. Paying more attention to her feet then her proximity as she slowly edged closer Markhet looked up to find herself standing quite near the summoner.
"Pardon this one's intrusion," Markhet says when she knows the summoner has spied her, "but Markhet was wondering if you and your sister would be playing music tonight. Markhet would very much like to hear your sister sing again."
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i do not know yet, markhet. she is not feeling her best tonight and might not be up for entertaining. mamood and i will still play, though. i will let her know that you are here waiting for her decision. in either case, you are welcome to stay."
"where is larrs? does he not like our music? bring him too."
Ayish pokes her head out of the tent she is sharing with her brother at hearing the small gnomes voice.
"Ah, Markhet." Ayish steps out into the night wearing seeming naught but a blanket wrapped about herself. "I am sorry, but tonight I don't think I would be in the best state to perform for any one." She sighs, "Running into the burning camp, then off into the cactii patch has not left me with much to wear." She kneels down in front of the Gnome, still clutching her blanket/shawl about her self. At seeing Markhet's face,
She reaches out and lifts the sad Gnomes face gently,
"I tell you what. If you can help arrang things, then I shall put on a show especially for yourself and the others. How does that seem?" She asks with a smile. Ayish winks at Markhet, "Perhaps get Celena and Vrealk to assist you in keeping the larger folks clear of the camp fire?" As Ayish smiles and rises gracefully, the little Gnome can tell that something new seems to be troubling Xetzxayas now, as stepping barefoot lightly past her brother, Ayish pokes her tongue out impishly at Xerxzayas over some matter shared between the pair of siblings.
Spoken to Markhet and Xerxzayas:
For Xerxzayas/Markhet Others, please do not read so as to enjoy the suprise
For Keeper of Forbidden Lore Others, please do not read so as to enjoy the suprise
Keeper of Forbidden Lore, I leave the actual description of how such events play out in your capable hands. *bows*
After the meal which Celena happily excepts She retires to her tent where if anyone goes to find her will see she is cleaning her armour and weapons to what can only be described as a fanatical degree.
Markhet does indeed look crestfallen when Ayish suggests that there will be no performance but when the bard asks for her assistance Markhet happily agrees.
"Markhet will do as you ask Ayishidaj," the small gnome says, slightly struggling with Ayish's name, "and she will get Larrs to ensure the big folk listen to her! Most people don't listen to Markhet unless she's sitting on the back of Larrs for some reason."
The gnome happily skips back to her bedroll and Larrs. The lion has already finished his meal and the goats milk by the time Markhet returns. Markhet doesn't bother saddling him, she'd already unsaddled and brushed him for the night, but Larrs reluctantly rises to do his mistresses' bidding.
Markhet's first stop (with Larrs) is to Celena:
"Celena Markhet needs your assistance," the mounted gnome calls down, "Ayishidaj wishes to put on a performance and she needs the camp around the fire cleared. Celena could deal with the big folk."
Markhet spurs Larrs onto her next appointment before Celena has a chance to reply. Markhet asks Larrs to hunt down the goblin. Vrealk, if he doesn't hear Larrs approach, will notice the camel growing uneasy as the lion draws near.
"Friend goblin," Markhet calls keeping Larrs at a safe distance from the camel, "the lady Ayishidaj needs our help putting on a performance and I think Vrealk will be given a special task."
Markhet then has Larrs bound into the camp.
"Attention, attention," Markhet calls out to the startled camp denizens, "There will be a special one time performance by Lady Ayishidaj. Tomorrow we will attempt to retake the old monastery of Sarenrae and it is possible that one or more of the valiant heroes will not return. Markhet needs the area around the fire to be cleared. The lady Ayishidaj will need room to dance."
Celena blinks slightly at Markhet's retreating form before mumbling to herself mildly in annoyance. She was a holy defender of Saranae not some stage hand. Still despite her feelings on the matter she does emerge from the tent to help keep people back from the fire as best she can.
Vrealk smiles as Markhet asks him to come. "Me will come to help! Of course!" He tamps out his pipe, puts it back in his pouch, and goes to ask Ayish what it is she needs.
Once of the mercenary's, a roguish looking fellow by the name of Qrinn had an oud and seemed very adapt at playing. He was more the happy to help , most of the others did not seem to mind moving after all they had little entertainment in weeks. Soon the camp is ring around the fire save a few guards standing watch, even Almah and Gareval are seated for Ayishes performance.
As Qrinn starts the music Ayish appears dancing around the fire, whirling and swaying with the rhythm of the music. As the tempo builds she rings the fire leaping and whirling, like one with the music, fire dances upon her flesh like a lover she seems to embrace it and soon the fire is part of her dance, she spreads and whorles it around her body, leaping and bounding around the camp in a seductive dance of fire and flesh. As the beat gets faster she spins and swirls letting the flame leap higher casting it abound her like great rings of almost living flame, twirling and dying as she leaps about the fire. Like a living lady of flame she coverts around the fire, as the fire starts to fade she daces farther and farther away from the flame, her moves slower but no less fluid, she seems almost sad , as the flames slowly fade. As the last of the flames die she drifts to the sandy earth, not unlike fallen ash and the music fades.
Applause rings though the camp as she stands to take a bow. Almah nods to Ayish "Fine performance , fine in deed. I hope that once we reclaim Kelmarane and the battlemarket you would grace it with such a performance "
Father Zastoran finds Ayish "A marvel child, you truly are a breath of culture and refinement amount the barbarians I find myself.' The old man smiles 'I do hope we have some time later to talk, I would dearly enjoy your take on dance styles and modern art form. But I know you have a long day ahead so good night to you' He says with a bow as he makes toward his wagon
Soon after , Almah and Garvel exposure themselves to her tent as her guards stand by, and the camp starts to head for bed or night watch. Near the mind of the might some of you awake to a deep yelping howl. It repeats twice then stops. A few moments later another howling yelp can be heard farther way. And some of you think you hear a third fainter still a few moments after. If asked the guard on night watch shrugs and says they hear it every night
The morning comes to early for some of you, stiff and tired from the last few days, but with a long ride ahead of you and what will most likely be a hard day you rise from your sleepmats. Preparing for the day to come, you mount your camels and make your way toward the monastery Almah said lay near the town.
As you approach the fallen monastery you can see scrub bush and a light, patchy carpet of weeds invade the monastery though two huge fallen sections of the western wall. The exposed nave beyond is huge hallways littered with bits of debris ranging from small rocks to massive sections of the crumbling monastery. Most of the roof above the long promenade is gone but several jagged pillars remain.
Come morning Ayish is awake, rested and dressed as best she can be fro the comming adventure. Whip coiled about her waist and rapier slung from one hip. At others looks in regarding her still only wearing the silks of 'city dress' all she can do is smile reasurringly as she stands between the protective froms of Xerxzayas and Mamood.
"I will heal others wounds as best I can." She adds meekly.
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During the performance Mamood's excitement is darkly mirrored by Xerxzayas' frown. Both keep time by clapping though. Even though Xerxzayas is upset at the his sister, he says nothing to her. He knows it would do no good.
In the morning, they perform their meditations to keep the bond between them strong. When done, Xerx dons his armor and readies his gear. He is in a good mood to clear out the monastary. For his part, Mamood seems in good spirits. He hums the tune from last night.
"Wah wah! Marvelous performance!" N'Djamena enthusiastically applauds the performance.
Afterwards, he heads over to Father Zastoran and presents himself. "A thousand pardons for not talking with you earlier, Father! The fire and the pugwampis distracted my attention, alas. I greet you in the name of holy Nethys, the All-Wise, the Destroyer, the Beginning and End of All Magic! May our works in this desolate land bear fruit." He bows with respect.
Larrs has little interest in the performance, trying to sleep through it, but Markhet is enthralled. She claps, she sings when she thinks she knows the words, and cheers as loud as she can when the performance is over.
"That was wonderful Ayishidaj," the gnome calls from atop a sleeping Larrs, "it was the greatest performance this one has ever seen!"
Markhet waits around after the performance to congratulate the bard more privately then she wakes Larrs and takes him back to where they slept. Larrs reluctantly obeys. His head snaps up when he hears the howling.
"What do you think that is Larrs," Markhet asks the lion, "we're in gnoll country for sure now. I think we'll find out soon enough."
The next morning Markhet changes into her armour and makes sure her weapons are secured in her belt. She communes with the lands and exchanges her endure elements spell for a produce flame spell. She saddles Larrs and makes sure she has all her equipment including her trusty bucket and ladle.
As you've come to expect Markhet constantly summons water and happily shares it with everyone. She always dumps the excess before summoning more. Again Larrs and Markhet zig zag ahead and behind the party. Larrs is happy to stretch out and hunt lizards and snakes but Markhet uses this as an opportunity to scout:
Perception:
Survival:
Markhet
Markhet's antics again bring a smile to Ayish features as she watches the little Gnome rambunctiously cavort about with her large cat freind.
Upon the groups arrival at the deserted monastery, Ayish steps closer to Mamood and Xerxzayas.
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Xerxzayas stops and tries to gather everyone together before going into the monastery.
"perhaps we should have some sort of game plan going into this. maybe celena, vrealk, mamood, and n'djamena could form a front line. me and ayish can come in behind them. that leaves larrs and markhet to use their mobility to good effect. simple and it uses what i figure are our individual strengths."
"Me could scout the building ahead of everyone! Me is very quiet and quick, and it would be good to know what's in there first!" If the rest agrees, Vrealk is willing to sneak up and check the monastery out a bit first ...
Stealth
Perception
Xerxzayas stops and tries to gather everyone together before going into the monastery.
"perhaps we should have some sort of game plan going into this. maybe celena, vrealk, mamood, and n'djamena could form a front line. me and ayish can come in behind them. that leaves larrs and markhet to use their mobility to good effect. simple and it uses what i figure are our individual strengths."
"That sounds like a very good idea," Markhet beams, though you get the idea that had Xerxzayas said 'let's stand on our heads and pour porridge down our pants' it would have illicit-ed the same response from Markhet.
"Me could scout the building ahead of everyone! Me is very quiet and quick, and it would be good to know what's in there first!"
"Markhet thinks that is a good idea Vrealk," the gnome says, eager to agree.
Ayish steps forwards,
"Pardon me, but should You," She indicates Markhet and Vrealk, as well as possibly Celena, "Wish to go ahead of we bigger and clumsier folk. Then having Mamood along would at least give the three of you some thing to hide behind if you do come across something nasty." She suggests, while smiling to both Mamood and Xerxzayas to indicate she means no offence.
Ayish then steps back, hanging her head and scuffing her sandals, the stepping forwards seeming to have taken all of her courage.
"Markhet is always with Larrs," the gnome happily points out, "Larrs is so much faster and stronger then she is so she's far safer on his back, but Markhet also thinks that Ayishidaj's idea is a good one. Celena and Vrealk have no lions to ride so they could use Mamood's help."
N'Djamena will wait if Vrealk wishes to scout ahead.
Celena will hold as well.
As most the group waits Vrealk, Mamood and Markhet(riding larrs) makes their way into the old monastery
Market,mamood,vrealk
As you three make your way into the monastery you notice that promenade is missing most of it's roof. Debris ranging from small rocks to large sections of the roof cover much of the ground here. The columns stands lonely like dead tress lost in a forest of ruin.
You see two doorways leading deeper into the monastry and to the left the promenade opens up into some type of large chamber, Looks to be a chapeL, with two naves off the the sides of the entry way.
Vrealk will motion to the others to remain here a moment, and creep forward into the larger area (chapel-like room).
Stealth
Perception
Vrealk
Peeking into the chapel itself you see a short ceremonial set of steps leading into a cavernous chapel in which congregants would gather in happier times. The vibrant orange and red depiction of Sarenrae still stands behind a film of rusted rainwater and dirt on the northern wall overlooking the collapsed alter.Between the alter and the stairs lay many old marble benches many overturned or broken. A wide walkway bisects the pews, leading directly to the raised alter. Here and there a few clumps of the red carpet still cling to the thoroughfare,holding out against rot and neglect.
Above the center of the chapel, dangling about ten feet above the floor, hangs a cluster of gnoll skulls in various stages of decay.Strung together like a ghoulish candelabra of twine and bone, the boulder-sized ornament hands from wooden rafters about twenty feet above the ground.
Vrealk silently heads back to Markhet and Mamood. "Me thinks there are ... somethings in the chapel. Me see many gnoll skulls hanging together from the ceiling, like ornament. Some old, some not-so-old. Not good, anyways," he whispers as quietly as possible.
"Markhet thinks we should get the others and get our long range weapons out. Perhaps we can sneak up and ambush them."
"Markhet thinks we should get the others and get our long range weapons out. Perhaps we can sneak up and ambush them."
Vrealk's hand instinctively goes to where he used to hang his crossbow, only to find empty space. A scowl flashes across his face as he remembers it shattering in his hand. "You two go get the others. Me will sneak back to the chapel and find good hiding place; if fighting starts, me will be in good position to surprise!"
Without waiting for a response, Vrealk turns back and creeps away to the chapel. He'll again stay to the shadows and try to find a decent hiding spot among the overturned benches.
Stealth
Perception
stealth 2
Markhet moves to offer the goblin her sling, taking her eyes off of him for but a moment, but finds he's vanished.
"Wow," Markhet says, hugging Larrs, "is like ghosts."
N'Djamena draws a javelin and follows the rest of the group.
Your group makes it toward the old chapel, you see a short ceremonial set of steps leading into a cavernous chapel in which congregants would gather in happier times. The vibrant orange and red depiction of Sarenrae still stands behind a film of rusted rainwater and dirt on the northern wall overlooking the collapsed alter.Between the alter and the stairs lay many old marble benches many overturned or broken. A wide walkway bisects the pews, leading directly to the raised alter. Here and there a few clumps of the red carpet still cling to the thoroughfare,holding out against rot and neglect. To the left stands a rackity ladder leading to the dilapidated balcony and rafters 20 feet above the floor.
Above the center of the chapel, dangling about ten feet above the floor, hangs a cluster of gnoll skulls in various stages of decay.Strung together like a ghoulish candelabra of twine and bone, the boulder-sized ornament hands from wooden rafters about twenty feet above the ground.
Suddenly the Gnoll skulls start to jump and swing and you see a pugwampi climbing up the rope, it stops flips you the finger and lets out a high pitched giggle before disappearing into the rafters 20 feet above the ground. The the one giggle become many and you spot movement in the rafters, and more giggles then a volley of arrows rains upon you from the rafters catching Larrs Markhet , Xerzayas , Ayish and N'djamena in the volley as the pugwampi shrike with laughter
Init
pugwampi=18[went]
Vrealk=10
Ayishida=8
Larrs=8
Markhet=7
Xerzayas7
Celena=5
N'djamena=5
Your map,all pugwampi are in the rafters or on the balcony
Markhet
You notice that sections of the right side of the rafters seem to have some kind of nest make of paper or cloth, you see more movement inside
Celena looks from the rafters to the ladder and back again "Someone cover me" She shouts out as she races over to the ladder and begins to climb.
Ayish shivers at the sight and sound of the evil Pugwampis. She edges closer to Mamood, unlimbering her whip as she does so and coiling its length in her hand ready to at least have some sort of ranged attack upon thes most trouble some of little monsters.
Vrealk tries ti sneak forward to the candelabra, remaining unseen.
Stealth
N'Djamena will delay until initiative 17 (just after the pugwampis).
"Markhet sees more monsters over here," she calls out, pointing to the rafters, "Celena grab hold of Larrs' saddle, Markhet and Larrs are going up to the rafters as well!"
Markhet and Larrs also move to the ladder.
Vrealk moves into the room, hiding under pews as he moves toward the center. Ayih uncoils her whip and goes into a defensive stance, Marhket wait for Celena to grab onto the saddle and the lion starts toward the ladder but burdened by the weight of both gnomes only makes it 5 feet onto the ladder. Mamood moves toward the ladder as Xerxzayas fires at one of the pugwampi near the ladder, catching the little creature in the chest. It falls on the balcony and does not move. N'Djamena stands readying his javelin.
The pugwampi however still giggle paying no mind it seems to loosing one of there own. One of the pugwampis runs across the rafters just above Xerxzayas shacks his finger back and forth saying "No, no,no" in a high pitched voice as the summoners crossbow starts to vibrate, and shack with a shattering sound it like so much glass, leaving Xerxzayas's hands tingling.
Three arrows reach out for Larrs, one finding the lions flesh. One Misses Mamood and one hits Ayish and another barely misses Xerxzayas
Init
pugwampi=18[went]
N'djamena=17
Vrealk=10
Ayishida=8
Larrs=8
Markhet=7
Xerzayas7
Celena=5
Markhet spurs her pet on getting him to move at half speed up the ladder. Once at the top she casts produce flame.
Larrs moves at half speed up the ladder:
Climb:
If lars can make it up the ladder in one go Celena will dismount (although if it is possible for her to charge a pug she will certainly take it.)
N'Djamena moves 20 feet forward and channels positive energy (excluding the wounded/dead pugwampi).
As the wicked barb strikes home, Ayish gasps,
and collapses
But she remains conscious,
"NO! Go and help the others, the thing has just taken the wind out of me." Ayish waves her hand to shoo Xerxzayas towards the fight
"I'm all right, see to helping every one else in the fight against these monsters." Ayish steadies herself and tries to rise,
Vrealk whips one of his daggers at the pugwampi on the skull chandelier above him, and immediately tries to hide again (trying a sniping move).
Attack
damage
Stealth