Nasira looks with concern as Morgrym goes one direction and the rest another. She tentatively joins those exploring the next room, looking over her shoulder toward where Morgrym disappeared with his grisly trophy.
In the room where the babau's were located you see an array of maps adorn the walls on far side of the room. Looking closely at them you realize that they show previous troops movements of cultists and demons! Clearly these were the plans for invading the rest of the surrounding areas once the Wardstones were destroyed. While the detailed troop movements themselves may not yield any benefit to the current war situation officers higher up would love to study them to try and piece together the thoughts of the demon general's mindset.
You figure these maps would fetch almost 7500gp and would constitute enough evidence to earn each of you a Righteous Medal of Clarity
To the east in what looks like a storage room you find a set of stairs leading down further into the depth of the Citadel.
To the south is Staunton Vhane's private quarters. Rich appointments of fine furniture and plush carpet decorate this oddly shaped chamber. A mahogany desk with several bookshelves occupies the southeast corner, while expansive liquor cabinets follow the curving northern wall. Three doors lead south and west. These doors open up to his bedroom and those of the minotaur guards he keeps with him at all times.
Upon closer inspection the liquor cabinets hold a particularly potent dwarven ale. Pakak can easily tell you that each of the 30 bottles here is worth 150 gp.
Staunton Vhane's spacious bedroom is immaculate to the point of spotlessness. The bed sheets are tight against the mattress, and no splinters mar the floor near the well-used sparring dummy in one corner, despite its obvious heavy use. An inkwell, a blotter, and a black quill sit atop an otherwise bare desk, with a three-legged stool pushed out of the way underneath. A single large chest sits at the foot of the bed.
Inside the chest you find treasure that Staunton’s gathered over the last year, and includes 956 cp, 2165 sp, 8743 gp, 526 pp, nine garnets worth 150 gp each, a pearl of power (magical), a rod (magical), a scroll of divination, a set of stone-carved dwarven figurines worth 900 gp, an expensive pair of vases worth 250 gp each, a silver coffer worth 350 gp, an elixir (magical), a potion (magical), a wand (magical), a dose of oil (magical) and a leather and mithral bound journal.
"I really need to improve my spellcrafting skills," Maelchar sighs dejectedly... "I'm sure Pakak or Nasira might make more sense of these than I can."
Despite his initial failures, he tries again with other items.
Nasira studies the different items. Realizing some probably hold an enchantment of some sort, she casts detect magic and concentrates on the items that show a dweomer.
spellcraft checks at +16
pearl: nope
rod: rod of metal and mineral detection
scroll: scroll of divination
elixir: elixer of climbing greater (+20 to climb check)
potion: no
wand: wand of nondetection (34 chargers remaining)
oil: Oil of Life crafted from a cure serious wounds potion and a philosopher's stone!
"Friends, this is perhaps more important than anyone of us can fathom... I even hesitate to say so but... This may mean we can resurrect the mighty Terendelev!?" - the usually calm monk seems quite agitated at the thought, as he holds the scale from the mighty dragon in his open palm.
"I had been wishing for a chance, a glimpse of that mighty and honorable creature that saved our lives in Kenabres - could this be it?" - he whispers.
Unfortunately no one can decipher the headband even though many have looked at it. In the meantime morgrym decapitates what is left of the head of Vhane and begins to take it back to the barbarian to the south. Long the way he sees Staunton's brother who tries unsuccessfully to hide and escape notice.
Staring at the non-hiding dwarf, "Oy. What are ye about? Your brother is dead - you see?" he holds up his head, "I've got his head. Anyway, the way I see it, you've got two options: You can continue ta run and hide and hope the demon folk never find ya - good luck with that by the way. Especially considerin' how the demoness never even hesitated in tryin' ta kill ya - or, ya can come with me and stay alive. It's your choice. Of course if ya do come with me and ya double cross me or me friends, then I'll kill ya. Just so ya know," he says as a matter of fact. And with that, Morgrym continues on his way, unconcerned with whichever way Staunton's brother decides.
Joran looks around a bit sheepishly and fearfully at the same time. Not seeing any demons present but not sure what may be around the next corner he follows as best he can behind Morgrym. At this pint I don't know who to follow or why. I will go with you if nothing else out of self preservation. Dwarves should stick together after all and after seeing your hammer in action I know you can take care of yourself.
Continuing onwards Morgrym reaches the domain of Jestak. Opening the door with the head in his arms Jestak smiles upon you. You have arrived within the appointed time. I see you have accomplished the task I set before you. Tell me, did you defeat him in solo combat or was it the group of you?
Morgrym looks to the dwarf a moment, "Fair enough," he says and continues on.
Looking directly at Jestak, his hammer resting upon his shoulder, "It was the lot of us. There's was gonna be no solo combat in this one. He had a demoness on his side in disguise as one called 'Maranse'. Plus he had several minotaurs on his side. And another demon that came from nowhere. And an oversized wasp. We're not so stupid as ta fight solo when he had a small army with 'im."
Jestak hurrumphs upon Morgrym's words. All of those mean nothing if you challenged him to solo combat. If they joined in then it be decided that you would be the victor by forfeit. As it seems that none of you were worthy to challenge and defeat him then that frees me from my obligation. I am a woman of honor though and will pay you for freeing my. You have your choice. I will grant you my sword or my armor as payment. Which one do you choose?
Raising an eyebrow, This one's a complete fool. "Your sword or your armor? How do ya expect ta survive if I take either? You'll be at the mercy of demons who'll kill ya just as soon look at ya and your freedom will be for naught. Look, since your so keen on your word, I'm gonna ask for an alternate choice - one that let's ya keep both and live as ya want ta live. We prefer ya leave our men alone. That's it. Just like we asked for initially. Go where ya want and do what ya want just don't be killin' those on our side. Heck, if your willin', we'd be more than glad ta have ya fight on our side." He looks to the warrior a moment, looking for a sign of 'something' before, "But if that's not an option for ya, then I'll be askin' for your sword." He studies her, curious about how she might decide. I'd bet 50 gold on her she goes stupid. This one is about as intelligent as rock.
No, I will return to my people. Once that is done though I may return some day to help you fools as clearly you don't even see a gift when it is presented to you. As for your troops, I already agreed not to attack them. I may go into a rage when confronted by an enemy but that does not make me a blood thirsty demon. with that she makes to pack up her gear and head out.
It will take her about 20 minutes though to finalize everything before she is gone if you want to ask or do anything else.
"Well from one fool to the next, let's hope you can actually make it back to your people without runnin' into a demon or two. Or possibly a whole army of 'em. And be sure ya remember who it was that didn't take your weapon or your armor so you can manage to survive at least or moment or two against 'em. You're welcome by the way." Morgrym turns to leave but stops, looking back at the naïve barbarian. "Oh and one other thing: If ya make it back to your people alive then you'd best enjoy your time there; because if these demons manage to be victorious, then you nor your people will have nowhere to run or hide which obviously leaves ya with no chance ta survive - no matter how 'tough' ya think ya are." And with that, Morgrym takes his leave back toward the others.
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Garith joins Morgrym shortly after he arrives at Jestak's rooms, and remains silent while the warriors speak. Not interrupting Morgrym or trying to keep him there, Garith also has a peace to speak.
It would have been my duty to face Vhane, and I did hold him at bay, but my was is not one of killing but rather protecting, something I need to outgrow, I know, but it's not easy to keep all my people out of harms way. I would also not have you bound to us, but a willing member of our crusade. So when you have returned to your people, I look for word to seeing you again, and having more than just your sword, but your arm as well
Looking at her main weapon and armor you can tell the weapon is at least MW adamantine greatsword. Her armor is appears to be hide but closer inspecting reveals it to be at least MW breastplate with the inner lining covered in furs for comfort. The furs stick out around the breastplate hiding most of the metal.
Jestak shakes her head at Morgrym, Fear not for my sake.I have not yet met a foe outside of Staunton that could defeat me in single combat. Were it not for his accursed weapon that summoned a demon on my flank I would have won surely. As for weapons and armor, there are enough around I could confiscate to hardly be naked and at a demon's mercy.
Jestak listens to Garith as if trying to understand his reasoning but not wholly comprehending it. That is possible but what better way to defend your charges than by killing your foe quickly. Even the best defenses get pierced and you can never win on the defensive always. Better to take the fight to the enemy then let them dictate their terms to you. You will likely hear of me again either in person or in rumor.
The journal is magical as well...
I also never gave you the items from 'Maranse'
+1 frost rapier
elven boots
cloak of elven kind
ring of protection +1
A variation of glamered +1 leather armor (the glamor when active always looks like fullplate)
"Friends, this is perhaps more important than anyone of us can fathom... I even hesitate to say so but... This may mean we can resurrect the mighty Terendelev!?" - the usually calm monk seems quite agitated at the thought, as he holds the scale from the mighty dragon in his open palm.
"Mercy of the gods... you maybe onto something there," the wizard realizes, and grows excited, "Why, the power of the scales we carry could only aid the effort!"
Pulling back to rest and recoup you find the rest of the day passes with joy among the troops as they have taken the city and you have all taken the first step in cleansing Drezen. Indeed with the fall of Staunton Vhane any forces left in the city flee the area by whatever means possible.
Pakak is overjoyed, ecstatic, the normally pessimistic little dwarf has found new hope in both their success, and Zeriax's excellent notion. Still, his first priority is to rest and study, for he was down to cantrips, a dimension door and... well, that's about it really.
The adrenalin past, Nasira realizes that channeling so much of the goddess' gifts has really taken a lot out of her. She's weary beyond anything she can remember and looks forward to getting some rest, but first she talks to the other healers in the army to see if there's any assistance she can provide.
The healers inthe army report that nothing unusual beyond their scope has affected them. With the army composed of paladins they don't have to worry about typical problems like diseases, fatigue, minor wounds, etc.
Jestak shakes her head at Morgrym, Fear not for my sake.I have not yet met a foe outside of Staunton that could defeat me in single combat. Were it not for his accursed weapon that summoned a demon on my flank I would have won surely. As for weapons and armor, there are enough around I could confiscate to hardly be naked and at a demon's mercy.
Jestak listens to Garith as if trying to understand his reasoning but not wholly comprehending it. That is possible but what better way to defend your charges than by killing your foe quickly. Even the best defenses get pierced and you can never win on the defensive always. Better to take the fight to the enemy then let them dictate their terms to you. You will likely hear of me again either in person or in rumor.
Rolling his eyes at the foolish warrior, "That's all well and good but this is WAR. You're not gonna have the luxury of fightin' everyone in 'single' combat. Don't ya get it? Kudos to ya for stickin' to your honor, but that's not gonna keep ya alive against a horde of demons, lass. You've got ta see that."
"And yeah, ya can't always when on the defensive, but a proper defense that complements a good offense goes a long way. Take it from me, lass, I've neglected my defense to a point ta where it's nearly got me killed. If it weren't for me comrades, I'd surely be dead. This 'single' combat you're so big on won't keep ya alive forever. Eventually, you'll lose. And I'd wager you'll lose to a dishonorable lot." Shrugging, "Anyway, that may not matter to ye and that's fine. But I'm hopin' ya won't lose, because then I could try and give ya a run for your coin," he tells her with a wry grin, winking. "Good luck to ya and try not ta get yourself killed, hm? And don't hesitate ta fight these blasted demons with an army on your side, ya hear? " He nods, grinning slightly as he takes his leave.
Making his way back to the others, he notices Pakak seems to be acting strangely, almost like he's... happy? "Pakak? What are ye about? You seem a bit more... chipper than usual." He takes a quick glance around before leaning in closer, "Pakak, please tell me you're not... you know," he cuts his eyes left to right again and pantomimes smoking pesh, giving him a questioning look.
Making his way back to the others, he notices Pakak seems to be acting strangely, almost like he's... happy? "Pakak? What are ye about? You seem a bit more... chipper than usual." He takes a quick glance around before leaning in closer, "Pakak, please tell me you're not... you know," he cuts his eyes left to right again and pantomimes smoking pesh, giving him a questioning look
Pakak actually smiles at that, "I know. I know. I'm normally a naysayer, but did you not hear Zeriax's plan? The Oil of Life, it can grant true resurrection, and bring back the great silver dragon Terendelev. There could be no greater mortal ally that I know of. Brilliant! And, frustrated as i am by how quickly my spells seem to trickle out, I am also eager to help rebuild this place. I might even be able to craft a magic item or two. I'll be useful here."
"Really? No. I did not hear that. Do ya really think it can bring him back?" he asks, crossing his arms as he ponders the possibilities. "Because that would be truly fantastic." Stroking his beard as he loses himself in thought a moment, he eventually turns his attention back to Pakak. "And you're blasted right you'll be useful! Just like you've always been, friend. Especially with me here ta help ya," he winks, grinning as he claps him on the shoulder.
"well, keep the idea from most of the men until it is done. Getting their hopes up would be unfair, and we must be wary of saboteurs," He admits, "But yes, I believe the odds are very good that it should work." At the shoulder clap from his fellow dwarf, he admits, "I think history shall remember me aiding you friend instead of the other way around. Warriors such as yourself tend to be favored by skalds and bards when they tell their tales. But I know my grumbling about being less effective than many of you does not speak well of me, and I shall try to curb it better in the future. Perhaps I'll work it down to dour sullen looks. Baby steps, y'know?" Pakak says with a straight face, but there's a twinkle in his eyes as he says it.
Morgrym lets out a chuckle. "Fair enough, me friend, fair enough."
Jestak is not swayed by your arguments. I never said to ignore your defenses just that you will never win focusing on defense. Likewise I never said I was at war and oing against an army myself. Contemplating the idea though she gives a small smile.If I was gp though it would take a fair sized army to defeat me still. There are tricks and ways to defeat numbers much greater than yourself. Find a narrowing to limit the numbers they can send at you, use terrain to your advantage and keep moving. Never slow down, never stop in one place.
Smiling at you Morgrym she continues, Perhaps some day you will learn the art of single combat. There is honor in it yes, but there is also preservation. I know it would be suicide to try to take the citadel her by myself. Yet by challenging Staunton Vhane if I won I could have single handedly taken control of this place. Imagine the glory of that.
Having finished packing up her belongings she shoulders her pack and heads out the door. Perhaps I will see you again with an army of my own. Should we meet I will take pleasure in challenging you to combat for the honor of my tribe. Personally I would enjoy defeating you and position you beneath me.. Sh says this last bit as she gives you a look up and down with a renewed smile on her face.
As some of you pass along the time and consider the use of the oil of life Irabeth overhears your talk and comes over. Truly that oil there can do such wonders? That is great news indeed. When Terendelev fell all were shaken at th loss. The defeat of such a champion fill all with fear. Even then though some did not doubt Kenabras's ability to withstand the onslaught. Yet I admit to having doubts myself when I heard reports that the balor took Terendelev's body away. For what purpose he took it I do not know. Would the oil still work if the body was in possession of the demons? Surely they would want to prevent him from coming back to us. Is there a way to know if it would work before trying it?
Pakak frowns at the news the body was taken,"Scrying of some sort, using one of the dragonscales as a conduit, one might be able to gaze upon the dragon's remains. I am not sure, but I think the dragon would spontaneously resurrect where the oil was used, thus bypassing the possession of the body but wards do exist."
"Perhaps the scales can be used as a single body part, which is all resurrection requires, unless I recall incorrectly... the soul is called back to the restored body... anything left of the original body would just be inert flesh, I would think... though they might have done something horrid like animate it as undead. That shouldn't affect a resurrection though." Maelchar grimaces at the thought of Terendelev brought back as a creature of undeath. Even though the the thought occurred to him, it distresses him.
Jestak is not swayed by your arguments. I never said to ignore your defenses just that you will never win focusing on defense. Likewise I never said I was at war and oing against an army myself. Contemplating the idea though she gives a small smile.If I was gp though it would take a fair sized army to defeat me still. There are tricks and ways to defeat numbers much greater than yourself. Find a narrowing to limit the numbers they can send at you, use terrain to your advantage and keep moving. Never slow down, never stop in one place.
Smiling at you Morgrym she continues, Perhaps some day you will learn the art of single combat. There is honor in it yes, but there is also preservation. I know it would be suicide to try to take the citadel her by myself. Yet by challenging Staunton Vhane if I won I could have single handedly taken control of this place. Imagine the glory of that.
Having finished packing up her belongings she shoulders her pack and heads out the door. Perhaps I will see you again with an army of my own. Should we meet I will take pleasure in challenging you to combat for the honor of my tribe. Personally I would enjoy defeating you and position you beneath me.. Sh says this last bit as she gives you a look up and down with a renewed smile on her face.
Morgrym nods, unable to contain a slight grin. "Perhaps ya will, lass, perhaps ya will. Good luck to ya," he tells her, nodding in farewell.
Eyes going wide due to the news of the dragon's body being taken, "What?! They took his body?! Blast! Well that's obviously not good news." He then looks to Maelchar, "And are ya tellin' me they could turn him into... undeath? 'Terendelev the undead dragon' they could have on their side?" Shaking his head in discouragement, "This is not good, not good at all if that's the case. So, are we absolutely sure that this potion is gonna work? I'm with Irabeth, I'm wishin' we could test it first. I just don't see how we're gonna be able to do that though." He shrugs.
"Perhaps Nasira could consult the gods through a Commune spell and ask? or if such is still beyond her abilities perhaps a Divination?"
Nasira considered what she knows of such powerful magic, wanting them to be right, but not wanting to waste such a powerful item if they were not.
The journal is magical as well...
"I did not know..." - Zeriax frowns deeply when hearing about the body of Terendelev having been taken, but then turns to Nasira as he notices she is pondering the possibility of garnering additional information through divine scrying or divination, and adds his own knowledge to hers.
Nasira spend some time in quiet contemplation before she speaks out as to her beliefs on the scales and the Oil of Life. As she talk Zeriax nods along as it seems to confirm his beliefs as well. While the oil of life us a powerful elixir capable of being created by only powerful alchemists or magi, there are some precautions that one could take to prevent its use. The preventative measures are costly and time consuming but given the vastness of the demon army is within their power. Wether they did ward Terendelev or just have him hanging on the wall as a trophy though is another matter.
"We need to try" - Zeriax comments to Nasira.
"Is there a way we could find out exactly where the mighty dragon's body is being kept?"
"I do not know how Master Morgrym, but I still believe we cannot afford not to try..." - the monk comments with a solemn voice.
Even without identifying the magical properties of the book Zeriax takes the opportunity to peruse its contents. As he opens the book though he notices a strange thing. it would seem at the book only holds about 50 pages but thumbing through it he has turned at least twice that number with pages still available to peruse. The words in the journal are written in Dwarven but that is easily overcome with a translator found amongst the army.
Zeriax it will take you 8 hours to get through all of the journal. However you find a trove of information that few if any have ever really understood.
It seems that this diary of Staunton was started almost 90 years ago and he kept detailed organized notes to himself. the first many pages details how life was for him growing up in the Five Kings Mountains. This portion of the journal was filled with wonder at the notion of what life could be like and how Staunton felt at an early age that Iomedae had called him for a special purpose.
The second section of the journal describes how he joined in the First Crusade and went in search of the famous Sky Citadel Jormurdun. The journal goes into detail on how long he searched to no avail until finally he ended up in Drezen.
The third section details how he languished under the rule of those in charge at Drezen. He wanted to take the fight to the demons themselves and press the righteous cause of the Crusade. Multiple entries describe how he begged with his commander to lead a strike force out from the city to break the demon's moral. Eventually his commander agreed and Staunton Vhane led a force of 49 other paladins with him. Success after success followed him until he was ambushed and the company almost slain. Then in a flash of light a woman appeared to him and sent the demons scattering in all directions. It was Iomedae as he first thought. The woman told him how that if he brought the Sword of Valor out into battle then surely he could penetrate the defenses of the demons and secure victory. Yet in this Stauton was deceived as the woman was nothing more than a demon in disguise as he later learned. Taking the Sword of Valor out of the Citadel without permission he lead his paladins right into a trap. The sword of Vaolr was captured and when 'Iomedae' transformed herself into a Glabrezu named Jerribeth. Once in control of the Sword of Valor the marilith Aponavicius laid waste to Drezens defenses that night. Deceived, defeated, and dishonored Staunton fell hard as he realized what he had done. Instead of taking his own life he turned traitor to all that he once held dear. In 'honor' of him turning to the demon's side Aponavicius made him the ruler of Drezen when the marilith was not present.
The fourth section of the journal talks about an artifact created by the demons called the Corruption Forge. Apparently Staunton and his brother Joran were able to use it to pervert weapons and items from the crusaders and turn them into items for use by the demons. Of note there is mention how Aponavicius did not want to try and alter the Sword of Valor but rather wanted it kept inert as a trophy below Drezen.
Fifth in the journal is lengthy drawn out ramblings of a troubled mind it seems as he talks about Irabeth and the tortures he wishes to impose on her for almost ruining everything he has worked for. The journal entries are quite graphic and detailed leading one to believe that he was reprimanded severely for almost failing before and how he wants to find the source of his most recent suffering.
Sixth Vhane mentions a specific shadow demon names Eusoyriax who has made himself home below Drezen. Ironically he arrived possessing the body of a man named Maranse and discarded him when he arrived. The succubus claimed Maranse for a while before she drained him dry and left his husk of a body to rot away. When Eustoriax arrived he carried with him 6 vials of a substance called Nahyndrian Elixir that was made from Nahydrian powder. The notes explain how Staunton volunteered to take one of the elixirs to test its strength before Aponavicius used one, and of the powers the elixir unlocked in him (drinking the elixir was the antipaladin’s moment of ascension to mythic power). The notes go on to describe the grisly deaths the elixirs inflicted on the dragon and xacarba servants Aponavicius tested them on, and that only the chimera Soltengrebbe survived the transformation. The last vial was given to a captured crusader to see what effect it had on those not of lawful evil alignment. The notes are strangely vague at this point as it seems a complication arose but does not go into much detail other than the captive is still in the dungeon below. The notes conclude by revealing that the shadow demon Eustoyriax remains here in a chamber below the citadel, where Aponavicius has placed him in charge of protecting the Sword of Valor.
Vhane then goes ont o talk about where Eustoriax got the elixirs. The Ivory Sanctum is the central stronghold of the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth in the Worldwound, a fortress led by a man named Xanthir Vang who also happens to be the regional leader of the Blackflame Adepts. Staunton records his sole meeting with Xanthir Vang, and indicates he would rather not meet him again—apparently something about the man
particularly revolted the antipaladin.
Finally, Staunton mentions a special prisoner who’s been kept in the Drezen dungeons—a succubus by the name of Aureshalae who was captured by Aponavicius. Staunton knows the succubus is some sort of Abyssal heretic and that the marilith wanted her kept prisoner until a special oubliette in the Rasping Rifts on the Abyss was ready for her. The fact that the succubus escaped not long after Aponavicius left Drezen in Staunton’s hands is a major point of worry for the dwarf. He’s sent several minions out into the Worldwound to track her, noting that her loss of certain demonic abilities is the one saving grace and hoping her inability to teleport or become ethereal will allow his agents to find her and return her to Drezen before Aponavicius finds out she’s managed to f lee into the wilds of the Wounded Lands. The final note in the diary talks of how he hired an annis hag cultist of Sifkesh to track her down as well, and that if this final attempt fails, he intends to seek out Arueshalae himself once “this matter with the so-called heroes of Kenabres is settled.”
Morgrym looks up from the diary once he finishes reading. "You've got ta be kiddin' me. A succubus demon turned rogue? Against its own kind? No way. It can't be true." He loses himself in thought a moment before, "I'll confess, though, it's piqued me interest ta meet up with that one." Going back through the writings, "Now this 'Corruption Forge' gadget, do any of ya know anythin' about it? From what it does I'd say let's destroy it; but Vhane's words mention it ta be an artifact. And by the best o' me knowledge, those are nigh impossible to destroy. Maybe bury it deep or somethin' so it no longer can be used by them blasted demons." He shrugs. "I'm not really sure what ta do about it." As he thinks about it a moment, a small grin forms. "To bad we can't make it a 'Non-corruption' forge. Now that would be funny!" He chuckles at the thought.
"But on top of all that, we've got a demon shadow right under our feet that's guarding the Sword of Valor." Stroking his beard a moment, "Ya know, I'm startin' ta feel a bit bad for this Maranse fellow. I wish I would've gotten ta know the real him. Poor lad never had a chance between the shadow and the succubus." Morgrym shakes his head somberly, knowing full well what kind of torture demons are capable of "Looks like we've got our hands full yet still, all. I'm thinkin' we've only just begun ta clear this place out."
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Have you ever read this story?
If this corruption engine is used to taint our weapons, perhaps we can use the same device to sanctify theirs. Garith suggests.
Once we are rested we smite this shadow. And retrieve the artifact
Have we ID-ed the brestplate yet? That be useful...
Morgrym looks questioningly at Garith. "Can you change how an artifact works? I gotta say, I've never heard o' such. I've always figured items such as those tend ta work how they work and there's no goin' back... right?" he asks, looking around for anyone to clarify.
"With the blessings of a goddess, anything is possible. With the blessings of two, everything else is possible." She gives a slight smile as she finishes.
divination check target 1-79 success
Taking the scroll of divination with her NAsira found a quiet secluded location to focus on the task before her. Never before had she tried to find information out in such a direct way before. Such things were talked about but always beyond her. She knew of course what the correct medium was and how to go about it but it was still something she had never tried herself.
Gathering old wood into a pyre Nasira laid the scroll on top. Uttering the words of power needed to open herself up to revelations the same words burst the scroll into flames alighting the pyre. In a trance like state Nasira watched as the flames danced and wove in and out of the wood. Suddenly a voice deep and majestic yet filled with sorrow entered her consciousness as her request was received and answered.
By demon's wings was born away
his body beaten his heart was slain
shadows engulfed him all a sway
a lasting peace he wished to remain
yet words of power spoken with cheer
his once dead body alive again
smiling he looked at those who're near
upon his new home on demon's plain.
Before she had time to ask anything further the voice was gone. Awaking from the trance she saw the pyre was gone, not even a trace of ash remained. Yet she could remember the words and the tone of the message.
Nasira remains sitting, meditating on the words and their possible interpretations. The first part seemed to identify Terendelev by his horrific death. Then it spoke of his return in the present - has it already happened? Or is it a future reference?