As people come to look in on the wounded, Nasira casually quizzes them to see if they are knowledgeable about spellcraft - except the ones she already knows, of course - and forms a mental list of those that might be able to help her and Pakak in redeeming the forge.
Pakak takes advantage of the downtime to study the forge with Nasira. Once it has been determeined exactly what must be done to convert the forge they make a plan and seek to gain others to join in the efforts. Aravashinal and Sosiel gladly participate and combined with Nasira they all give Pakak a major boost in his efforts. Aiding Pakak in the nuances of magic Nasira prepares the proper spells while Pakak gets down to business. Casting endure elements to ward off the heat given by the forge all are able to work in relative comfort.
spellcraft check DC 40
spellcraft check DC 40
spellcraft check DC 40
spellcraft check DC 40
spellcraft check DC 40
Remarkably it only takes Pakak 3 days to crack the code of the spellforms woven around the forge. Only thanks to the aid of the others and using his own inner power was he able to complete the task. As the forge converts from evil to neutral the air seems more wholesome and esier to breathe. No longer does one have to worry about a good spell being disrupted by the evil forces in the basement.
On the 5th day though the final triumph is completed as with the hallow spell cast upon the forge a white light shines down upon it softening the harsh edges of the forge. Also the connection to the plane of fire has been terminated as the heat that radiates off of is holy fire. Sarenrae herself seems to provide the heat needed to work the metal now! Only fitting since it was her priest that provided the divine power to convert the forge even if it was Pakak who knew where and when to place the spell.
In thanksgiving, Nasira spends the next day in prayer at the forge, treating it as an altar to her goddess and enjoying the whiff of desert air that issues from it on occasion, reminding her of home.
Arriving just in time to see Zeriax holding on to Nasira like a crutch, the dwarf shakes his head in frustration. "Blast ya! What are ya doin' up?!" he yells, moving to grab Zeriax and helping him to the nearest cot. "Lie down ya blasted fool! The lass can't hold ya up forever!" He glances over at the mumbling Maelchar a moment before continuing on his tirade. As he does, he continually cuts his between the two. "Ya nearly got yerselves killed! The both of ya! What are we runnin' here, 'The fools club'?! Is it a race on who can get themselves killed the quickest?! Hm?!" he asks with obvious sarcasm. "If ya would, let me know who wins, lad. Mainly because I WANNA CONGRATULATE THE WINNER! Now, if I have to, I'll have armed guards followin' the both of ya all the time. And if that don't work, I'll throw ya in PRISON! Mark me words!" he declares, pointing at them, even though Maelchar is unconscious.
Zeriax cannot help a feeble smile from crawling on to his lips - "Right you are Master Ironfist" - he stammers - "It was reckless and foolish to venture without you my friends - I would say it was the first time in my life I was reckless" - the monk ponders - "And it almost cost me my life" - then shakes his head.
"I am recovering fast though, due to Nasira's cares, and your own" - he nods at Morgrym - "What about Maelchar?"
Pakak wipes sweat from his brow, and beams with delight as the forge goes from free of taint, to enhanced by purity.
While the forge seems to favor Sarenrae over Torag now, Pakak hopes the God of Dwarves will understand.
He inclines his head towards the priestess out of respect before moving onto his other tasks, a great library, with room one day to expand perhaps to an academy!
Eventually Zeriax and Maelchar do return to a healthy standard physically but perhaps some mental scars remain of their ordeal in the Worldwound. things continue to progress in Drezen as more and more people are coming to what was the last bastion and now the first decisive victory of the war.
With the influx of people coming in Maelchar's tavern and inn provides a welcome relieve from the restoration projects going on. As is the case whenever people gather to drink, stories are told and fables spun leaving the listener trying to determine truth from fiction. 1 of the rumors/tales spun by an old veteran that was part of the last baggage train talked about some creature he saw flying in the sky. I am telling you all I saw it with my very own eyes. It was flying through the sky on giant wings. Too large to be anything natural that for sure. I was sure glad it was a long ways off and heading the other direction. Gave me the shivers just seeing it from that far away.
Another new arrival stands up trying to out do the veteran. That is nothing. I heard from some long range scout that he saw a flow of lava going up instead of down.
Meanwhile at the citadel itself the council is asked to meet again as it decides on the next months agenda. At the meeting is a man by the name of Jesker Helton. good day to you all and may the Hunter ever shelter us and protect this community and family. I have come here to ask you for permission to purchase land and build a shrine and possible temple to Erastil here. A burgeoning settlement such as this needs the protection of those such as Iomedae and the cleansing fire of Sarenrae. But I see that there are shrines already devoted to them. I instead with to focus on people that are here and shepherd them in the ways of Erastil and establish this as a community, a family, that supports and watches out for each other.
Once Maelchar is up and physically healed, though the scars remain, both mental and physical, he goes back to finishing the shrine to Iomedae... He spends a LOT Of time there, praying, often pacing back and forth and talking to himself...
When the shrine is finished, he turns it over to the capable hands of the highest ranking priest or priestess of Iomedae in the settlement, with his blessing and the hopes that it will become someday a church, maybe even a cathedral... He walks away from it with a sense of accomplishment, but with a distinct sadness, as if leaving a part of himself behind.
He takes to walking the parapets alone at odd hours, and even hanging out in the inn from time to time, though never much going in for carousing or drinking heavily. Often he stands on the second story balcony and simply watches the folk below enjoying themselves.
He commissions a few items to be made for him... among them a new clothes and a new tabard to wear over his armor...
Slowly over time he starts seeking out his friends and fellow crusaders, working at the forge with Pakak and Nasira, or spending time with his brother and cousin. He starts practicing with a bastard sword, a weapon he's never used before, making short work of one or two of the many pells in town.
Nasira observes the changes in Maelchar's behavior and approaches him as he watches over the inn's common room one night.
"In your delirium, you often mentioned a decision you did not wish to make. It appears that you have made it, if your actions are any indication. If your mind is clear on the matter, perhaps it would do you good to share with a friend. I'm always willing to listen."
She pauses long enough to see if he is inclined to take her up on the offer immediately and leaves with a pat on his shoulder if he doesn't.
"Ah Nasira, you are kind to ask... and there is much to tell, though I'm not sure how to begin. I strayed into the wastes, following what I thought was my sister's voice, calling for help. It turns out it was a demon, merely a false sending and I fell prey to it. I would have certainly died alone there, if another hadn't come to my rescue. He slew the demons I could not, and then healed most of my physical wounds, but Nasira, he was not like you or I... not a mortal being at all, but an angel. He first appeared as twenty feet tall, towering over both the demons and myself, an angel with five blood-red wings and a flaming sword that cut through the demons like a scythe. He was able to change his form though, and took the shape of a mortal man, one I barely recalled... from my childhood, before the Zeru family took me in, before even the orphanage. He claimed to be my father and he was as I remembered him, though the memories were dim and distant. He asked me to take up the sword of vengeance and follow his teachings... " He pauses and sighs, looks out over the common room, wringing his hands over the balustrade.
"I have agonized over this decision for some time... How and why should I give up my worship of Iomedae for this being I essentially just met? And yet, my faith in Iomedae was instilled in me at a young age, before I could make a choice.... did I ever really have one? Service to her seemed my destined lot in life and I never questioned it til now. But he made me think, and consider many things... My own thoughts and temper among them... and in truth, I think my devotion to Iomedae was set upon me, not a choice I made. I... I suppose I have chosen to follow this being who claims to be my father. Have I made the right choice? How do I know for certain? How do we mortals ever know we've done the right thing? His teachings are not so different from Iomedae in many ways, though he is hotter tempered, I think." He looks at Nasira pleadingly, as if still seeking counsel.
Nasira looks at her friend, sympathy clear in her eyes, and she takes one of his hands in both of hers. "You ask one of the most difficult questions any mortal can face. Few of us are so certain of what the correct path is for us. I have felt the fire of Sarenrae burning within me since I was a child. For me, there has never been a doubt. Some in my family revered the old gods, but I did not feel them in my bones like I felt the Dawnflower. I guess my situation was different from yours - I went against the guidance of my elders - but it is still the same. No one can tell you what the correct choice is, even the god or goddess themselves. If Sarenrae herself in all her holy fire stood before us and demanded that you worship her, I would tell you that it must be your choice. It must be your heart that answers. Otherwise, it will not be worship, but merely an act."
She pauses, turns away, and looks out over the crowd, "If you must know right now, my suggestion is that you find a quiet place, free of distraction, so you can hear your heart, and think on what it means to worship Iomedae. Pay attention to how that makes you feel. Then do the same for the one that says he is your father."
"However, the less satisfying path may be the right one. Do not choose. Be Maelchar, do what Maelchar has always done, and let your feet - your actions - mark you for whose philosophy you follow. For the actions you choose without thought are the actions chosen by your heart. Thus you will know who your heart follows."
Looking a little troubled and thoughful at the same time, the priestess gives the man a hug before stepping back. "I will meditate on this, but I think my advice will remain the same. Be yourself. Do as you have always done. Then look back and ask yourself whose path you are on."
She walks away swiftly, robes whipping around her feet as she goes, with her head bowed.
Maelchar listens with great interest and intense concentration as Nasira speaks of her own devotion and her words of advice. When she hugs him, he accepts it, and even hugs back and whispers... "Thank you, dear Nasira. Your words are always wise, though not always easy." As she walks away he sighs and leans heavily on the balustrade, staring at her retreating form.
Once she is gone from sight, he turns back and looks out over the common room again. The pleasure he thinks he should feel at the busy, happy crowd is absent... leaving him feeling empty and void of any satisfaction. He pushes off from the railing and walks downstairs and out into the night, wanders the town, making his way to the shrine he built eventually. He stands before it, eyes closed for a half hour, just thinking and praying. Finally, he simply turns and returns to his rooms at the inn and sequesters himself for a night of thoughtful contemplation and prayer.
He prays through the night, finally falling asleep in the early morning and sleeping through most of the day. In the evening he wakes, ravenous and heads downstairs to eat. Still unsure of himself and his course of action, he goes down to the forge to work for a while, hoping that the heat and exertion will take his mind off his dilemma. He takes a blank and begins working it, folding the steel over and over again... and sighs when he is done, and the realization strikes him that, without real intent, he has formed the blade of a bastard sword.
Meanwhile at the citadel itself the council is asked to meet again as it decides on the next months agenda. At the meeting is a man by the name of Jesker Helton. good day to you all and may the Hunter ever shelter us and protect this community and family. I have come here to ask you for permission to purchase land and build a shrine and possible temple to Erastil here. A burgeoning settlement such as this needs the protection of those such as Iomedae and the cleansing fire of Sarenrae. But I see that there are shrines already devoted to them. I instead with to focus on people that are here and shepherd them in the ways of Erastil and establish this as a community, a family, that supports and watches out for each other.
Assuming he has time to attend the meeting, Pakak stands up, "I am a follower of Torag, chiefly, and sometimes I do wish there was a shrine of his here I could visit. That may yet come in time. Yet, despite a differing faith, I feel sympathy for Father Helton, or whatever the proper title is, excuse me if I get it wrong, and those who might be in his flock. It is good to have a place where one can call out for solace with others of like heart, to a god or goddess that guards the soul path you long for. Further, any goodly god's eyes on this land are sorely needed and should be encouraged. I stand by such requests if they be given by true hearts."
Morgrym himself stands when Pakak finishes. "I second that," he says, sitting back down.
Nasira stands as well. "Iomedae and Sarenrae are indeed represented but there is no intention to exclude any of good heart that would lead those that would follow them. In fact, my desire as the shrine to the Dawnflower was designed and built was that it welcome followers and priests of any of the good deities."
"I support your plan to establish a following to Erastil. Further, I invite you and your followers to use the shrine to Sarenrae as your temporary spiritual home as long as necessary."
"Welcome to Drezen."
Morgrym stands back up, "Looks like we're done here. I'm off, then, there's work ta be done. Castle isn't goin' ta fix itself ya know." And with that Morgrym takes his leave, heading back to work.
At the meeting, Maelchar voices his own opinion as well. "I think it fitting that any and all good deities be recognized here. A shrine to Erastil seems to me to be a fine addition to the city." Happily, his opinion coincides with that of the others.
With the consent of the council Jeskar looks pleased. He turns to each of y and gives you all large shakes as he promises to get to work right away. To Nasira he politely declines the offer of using the shrine in the meantime. I understand fully and appreciate yr offer madam but it would be remiss of me not to stay at the sight and oversee the construction at this time. However I do understand what you envision and will see about building my sharing next to yours in the hopes of one day bringing us all under 1 building.
He leaves and in short time the construction of the shrine is underway. It takes a bit longer than normal as Jeskar does some of the work himself and works at providing the necessary capital but eventually it will be finished by the end of the month.
The council then begins talk in earnest of which projects to perform and complete in the following month. While some of you have made headway on the bridge it is not a finished project and so that is voted on and passed by the council. Talk shifted then to options of a town commons area but without much infrastructure there was no real need for that yet. To rectify that different businesses were evaluated and proposed. Always a business man it was Horgus who came up with the best option. We already have a butcher and fresh meat coming in trains. We should build a tannery to use the hides and eliminate the wasted product. We should position it though away from the gathering armies as the smell is not the best. I recommend on the far west end of the city near the cemeteries.
The last order of business from the council was a monthly stipend to the heroes. It helps morale to have you here and see you investing in Drezen. Irabeth explains. As such each month you will each receive some capital for your efforts. It is not much but it is something that we wish to grant you for everything you have done thus far and continue to do for us.
Horgus looks a little frustrated at the giving of wealth even if you are the heroes. This is a not a slight upon you at all but rather with his new focus on the crusade and helping he thinks the resources could be better used to build more infrastructure.
"That's very generous. Thank you."
"I would, for the time being, donate my share back to the city for building what is needed for the good of all. "
Horgus stands up before any of the others can speak and smiles warmly at you. Your generosity is most impressive Marlchar. There is much that we can do with these resources. While the council was willing to let you use them as y see fit I assure you that returned to the city we will put them to good use. Another section of walls perhaps, a granary, or even the hiring of a few more acolytes for the hospital could all be possibilities.
Learning of the Forge being converted, Morgrym goes to find Pakak. "Hey, brother, now that the Forge can be used for our side, you think we could attempt ta turn that blasted weapon Vhane used against us ta our side as well? Might be worth a shot," he says. "Ya never know. And what better way ta make 'em pay than with their own weapon bein' used against 'em. The possibilities of karma is a grand one, me friend," he tells him with a wink, grinning wryly.
"It's an interesting idea," Pakak says when found, "Atonement spell from our good priestess to help might also be a factor...." The smaller dwarf gives a softer smile in return, "The more I think about it, the more i like it. It saps the strength from the forces of evil, redeems an instrument with intellect, and aids our cause."
Pakak from your work in at the forge and the journal provided you understand that it will take you 1/4 the time normally needed to convert the Soulshear. Even with that it will still take you 12 days of dedicated work. Even then there is a chance it will go wrong if you fail to make the appropriate spellcraft check at the end of the time. If successful you feel it will still be a +2 transformative intelligent glaive but the babau demon essence would be replaced with that of a angel.
"Brother Pakak, it would be an honor to aid you in this endeavor. I am sure that many of our allies would feel the same."
"I have a little skill with weapons and with spellcraft... perhaps I can aid in a small way."
At the offer of help from Nasira and Maelchar as well, the smaller dwarf nods, "We are blessed to have so many talented smiths and holy individuals among us. There is no guarantee of success but I believe... in good time, with hard work, we can drive out the fell spirit, and request the infusion of the celestial to take its place."
Pakak sighs a bit at something, but smiles "I suppose the library can wait a bit longer yet."
The twisted weapon finds itself bathed in the holy light of the newly resained forge, as Pakak spends time with it, no less than twelve days, hammering at it. The dwarf wards himself with protection from evil as he takes to wrestling with the dark magics within, a battle that cannot be seen with mortal eyes.
"Aysnal vora null! Ves ar Ves ar Ar celestar!"
Food and drink he takes but only when he must, and not much then.
If his friends take their turns at the hammer or aid him, he grunts his thanks, and returns to it as soon as he may.
Zeriax has been through much lately, and even though he seems back to his former self, the monk is more somber - as Jesker Helton speaks his will, he observes him intently, looking for any falsehood in his words.
The last order of business from the council was a monthly stipend to the heroes. It helps morale to have you here and see you investing in Drezen. Irabeth explains. As such each month you will each receive some capital for your efforts. It is not much but it is something that we wish to grant you for everything you have done thus far and continue to do for us.
"Thank you Irabeth - even though helping to rebuild Drezen is nothing more than our obligation, we will try to put these resources to the best possible use" - the monk bows his head.
"It is done, we have succeeded," Pakak says, holding up the formerly evil weapon which now glows with almost pearl like hue in his hand. He can feel the spirit celestial within, no longer is there a demonic presence seeking to twist and corrupt, but now something divine supporting the right and eager to help a hero, "This is no longer Soulshear, let it be known instead as Braceheart: May it be held by champions of the right for as long as it exists in this plane."
Then he looks at his allies who each took their part in helping, "I think such a fine weapon would be wasted in my hands. Who do you think should use it?"
So'rien nods at Pakak and says Mine too.
He has been very quiet lately, trying to recuperate from the torture and ordeals he had suffered.
"I could use it, but unless it can become a blade, I doubt I'd put it to the best use. Not sure who would be best to use it... perhaps one of the named defenders of the city?"
A transformative weapon alters its shape at its wielder's command, becoming any other melee weapon of the same general shape and handedness; the weapon's categorization as simple, martial, or exotic is irrelevant.
A glaive is a simple blade, mounted to the end of a pole about 7 feet in length.
With the influx of people coming in Maelchar's tavern and inn provides a welcome relieve from the restoration projects going on. As is the case whenever people gather to drink, stories are told and fables spun leaving the listener trying to determine truth from fiction. 1 of the rumors/tales spun by an old veteran that was part of the last baggage train talked about some creature he saw flying in the sky. I am telling you all I saw it with my very own eyes. It was flying through the sky on giant wings. Too large to be anything natural that for sure. I was sure glad it was a long ways off and heading the other direction. Gave me the shivers just seeing it from that far away.
Zeriax takes the opportunity of having all his companions gathered, to offer his insight on Jeskar - "While he was speaking at the council, I had the distinct impression that while he talks about Drezen there is a twitch of sorts - I am not sure his motives are all as they seem. Even further, I distinctly sensed he looked differently at both Pakak and Morgrym, and this happened more than a few times... As if he was trying to formulate some sort of idea yet not concrete. Almost like he has an inkling of an idea or thought pertaining to them but hasn't given it enough time yet to fully manifest as a true thought" - the monk smiles - "I don't know how to explain it any better. Suffice to say I do not fully trust him, and intend to check further on his activities, both by inquiring around Drezen, and by inspecting the construction site this very night"
Zeriax any inquiries right now about Jeskar come up with very little as he is too new to the area for people to know much about. Once his shrine is completed and he is out among the populace a bit more (month 3) then you might learn more about him.
As for the site, the shrine is adjacent to Naberius' shrine. It appears that it will even share a back wall if possible. It seems that it will be a smallish building but will have a basement, presumably living quarters for Jeskar.
"you mean you think I vouched for someone using a goodly faith as a pretext for evil?" the shorter dwarf winces, "Alas, Illusion spells are difficult for me, so my skills at spying are very poor... if you have an idea on how I can help otherwise though, I will try. If I set evil up to take root, it's on me." Pakak looks worried.
"I'm not sure there is evil intention afoot Master Pakak" - Zeriax nods - "I just think there may be some hidden agenda, somehow pertaining yourself and Morgrym"
"Stealth is not my forte, but I would not be averse to dropping in to visit on the shrine under construction for a visit."