Variel's WotR

Game Master Neltji

Pakak flies and pushes the levitating archer down to Maelchar, "I'm sorry, I tried to dispel the paralysis on Nasira to no avail." The dwarf looks distraught!

Morgrym walks over to his fellow dwarf, "Don't worry about it, brother. Now that we've got Zeriax to where Mal and Garith can reach 'im, he'll be alright. Liftin' 'im out of the lava with your magic saved his life. Ya done good, me friend." He gives him a slap on the shoulder. He then looks to the perfectly still form of Nasira. "Well if you weren't able ta remove the bad magic from her, maybe Mal can or So'rien. But if worse comes ta worst...," he turns to the dwarven wizard with a somber look upon his face, "I'll just carry her," he says with a wink and a wry grin.

So'rien is also immobilized Morgrym.

With Garith and Maelchar providing some healing the true danger of losing Zeriax is over and the group can just wait out the hopeful return of movement to So'rien and Nasira. While you are waiting the fallen priest Jeskar manages to pull himself up to a sitting position and sits there with his back against the center rock holding the crystalline coffin of Delamere.

The burns beginning to dissipate, Zeriax manages to smile at his friends - "You have saved my life master Pakak. My thanks will never be enough" - he bows, then turns to Garith and Maelchar - "Thank you for healing my wounds, or I am not sure I would have been able to ever take another step"

He then turns to observe Jeskar - "How are you feeling?"

The priest looks like his skin is smoking and giving off a sulfurous aroma, or is that just the lava flows that surround you all. Jeskar finds he does not have the energy to stand currently and just waves you away from himself. Leave me be. I am fallen in more ways than 1 and can not seem to get back up. I have found the tomb of Delamere only to have the discovery be tainted for me.

Gathering up some dust on the ground he flings it at you in misery. Bah, what do you care, all of you in piety and devotion. Never have you had a crisis of faith like I have. Where am I to turn for guidance? The worldwound has precious little to offer and those of the Green Faith seldom come this far.

Nasira and So'rien are freed by now

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Narrowing his eyes at the man, the dwarf catches movement out of the corner of his eye and sees Nasira moving again. Moving over to her, he takes her by the arm and pulls her to the side. "Be careful with this one, lass, he's wrong and I mean bad wrong. But with this whole 'Green faith' talk I'm guessin' there's a chance he could be turned right. Maybe you could convince 'im," he suggests, shrugging. Glancing in the man's direction a moment, "Or possibly just use a bit 'o magic on him, I don't know. Just givin' ya a heads up so ya know what you're dealin' with. Ya don't want me talkin' to 'im ... he'd make me mad and I'd just kill 'im," he deadpans.

She nods, "I expected as much from the descriptions of the foe we face. Jeskar's state is an effect of the demon's touch. Regardless of the purity of the man before the demon took control, rarely does the soul survive the contact with the demon's taint unscarred."

Sense Motive untrained: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 Not reading the spoiler unless Morgrym's comment can be used as an aid. What follows is based on the prior rolls and knowledge granted.

Nasira looks at the archer, trying to judge the state of his health. "Morgrym, check on Zeriax, please. I need to know if he needs the Dawnflower's blessing or if he is sufficiently healed after his exposure to the lava. In the meantime..." She moves over to the stricken priest.

Crouching down in front of him, she softly says, "Jeskar, everyone experiences a crisis of faith. If their faith is not tested, it does not grow stronger. You should not expect to get up from such a challenge on mortal willpower alone. Your god - your Green Faith - will sustain you and grant you the strength you need, but you must find ask for this boon with all your heart. The demon's touch has wounded you to the core. I will do what I can to aid you in this effort, but I will have to ask a boon of my goddess to aid me. This is not a simple task we seek to undertake. You should not be discouraged to find it difficult."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31 Boom!

Probably should've ooc'd it in previous post. My bad. He's CE but there's a possibility he could be redeemed. And with that awesome roll here's hoping! I expect him to respond with: "These aren't the droids we're looking for." :)

The dwarf nods and heads over to the mostly charred monk. Keeping his voice down as Nasira speaks to the man, "Hey, lad, if you be needin' more of those wounds healed - and I'm suspectin' ya do by the looks of ya - let Nasira know. Or I've got a potion that'll help heal ya up if you're wantin'. If not - and if ya can hold on - I'd wait ta see if she can talk some sense into this one. 'Cause I'm not for trustin' this one so be ready."

Garith detects evil in jeskar.

He also scrutinized the coffin, in case it is "Evil" as Delemare was considered heretical...

But he takes a knee by the priest, subtly positioning himself between the man and Nasira.
You have fallen, Jeskar. But you are not the only one to have done so, and you are not the only one to have been tested. I know of the pain you feel now, I have seen such treachery and cruelty in this forsaken place that I could not have imagined. The machinations of our abysmal enemy are effective, otherwise The demons would not be the threat that they are, The palidan admits, and yet we still resist. We survive in the face of such odds, and continue to stand against the demons.

my only task, my duty to Iomadae is the protection of my friends and allys, our people, and I have seen so many fall, I fail time and again, by lack of strength, by my naivete, by the cleverness of my foes. I question myself so thoroughly and cannot believe myself worthy of my task, and yet I continue because I have to. As do you, Jeskar. You MUST carry on, you will struggle and face hardship. You are strong, you have come this far, and you will learn from your failing, and rise up a shining beacon to your people. You, who will have known true darkness, so you will be able to really understand the light in ways the naive and ignorant cannot comprehend
diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

He captures the priests attention, looking him in the eye, while speaking. Comunicating a sure confidence in the man's ability to rise up.

Wow, two natural 20's on Diplomacy checks. When does that happen?

Probably should've ooc'd it in previous post. My bad. He's CE but there's a possibility he could be redeemed. And with that awesome roll here's hoping! I expect him to respond with: "These aren't the droids we're looking for." :)

The dwarf nods and heads over to the mostly charred monk. Keeping his voice down as Nasira speaks to the man, "Hey, lad, if you be needin' more of those wounds healed - and I'm suspectin' ya do by the looks of ya - let Nasira know. Or I've got a potion that'll help heal ya up if you're wantin'. If not - and if ya can hold on - I'd wait ta see if she can talk some sense into this one. 'Cause I'm not for trustin' this one so be ready."

"I am well enough Master Ironfist, that Nasira can use her soothing influence with Jeskar" - Zeriax nods and smiles at the dwarf - "He seems to be the one truly in need at this moment. I can wait, and you can save your potions for now my friend"

Delemere's tomb in not CE Garith.

Jeskar looks at the conviction radiating out from both Nasira and Garith. It is clear to see that holy light seems to be shining through them. Taking it as a sign Jeskar tries to stand but still seems rooted to the ground. He loosk at Nasira with sincerity in his eyes as he asks and begs for help. I don't know if I can be as strong as the both of you are. I am but a mortal man and fear taht I will fall again. Yet I beg of you to give me another chance. I can not guarentee that I will not fail as even Sir Garith has indicated, we all are tried in these times. Yet I will strive to be more aware of the insidiousness of the demon's touch. I will seek out those that are of my faith and see if they are willing to join me here to spread Erastil's word. With two of us I pray that we will be able to better stay to a true path and keep eachother from falling by the wayside.

With tears in his eyes he reaches his hands out to you Nasira, Please help me.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Nasira nods, "I will help you, Jeskar. I will ask the Dawnflower for her blessing in the morning. Your first task is to be patient." She doesn't approach the stricken cleric, a previous doubt remaining in the back of her mind despite the sincerity she hears in his words.

She looks at him thoughtfully, "Show me your mother's ring, please."

Jeskar nods his head in understanding even though he wishes for the mercy to come sooner. I...I can wait. It is the least that I can do for this blessing you are giving me.

He then holds up his mother's rign for you to inspect although you can see his knuckles are white from him gripping so tightly.

Assuming you detect magic and inspect it closely you find that it is a normal ring as far as magic is concerned. There are no magical auras that you can detect. What makes in unique is that it seems to be made of interwoven vines turned into the hardness of metal and given a gold appearance.

Nasira steps back. "You said the demon controlled you because it had the ring. How do you come to have it now?"

Jeskar looks a bit stunned as he tries to think how it happened. I don't know exactly. Its all jumbled up and I can't piece together when I was me and when I was the demon. His face contorts as he tries to remember better. I think when he took control of me it was in my possession then. Like he couldn't take it in me. When you convinced me to cast him out the forceful removal left the ring with me.

He looks up at you with sincerity. That is the best answer I can give you right now.

Even without a sense motive check you are certain he is giving his perception of the truth even if he may be wrong.

She nods, accepting his explanation. "Keep it close. Keep her in your mind for strength."

Looking at her friends, "Where has the demon gone? Have we any way of finding it?"

Pakak has grown silent, as if afraid anything he might say would only diminish the efforts of Nasira and Garith to save Jeskar's immortal soul.

The demon does not show himself at all giving you all the feeling that it has left you to recover and plot its revenge. The heat of the chamber is uncomfortable but now damaging as long as you stay away from the lava flows.

Are you staying here till tomorrow when Nasira can refresh spells or trying to get Jeskar to come with you and leave this place?

I would vote we get out of this place, but will let our resident Wonder Woman decide :D

Nasira is not discomfited by the heat, but she recognizes the possibility of the demon returning. She also knows if they leave with Jeskar in the state he is in, he might more of a liability if something worse finds them. "Friends, I am inclined to rest here where we are less likely to be found by a random patrol. Unless you think we can make it back to the city before we rest... Jeskar, are you able to travel?"

"This is an evil place to rest in, but I will do what is best for Jeskar in this case, as I'd not travel if he's not up to it just yet."

"Yes, if it will help Jeskar." Agreement.

Ironically the place is evil only by the design of the demon that you forced to flee. The night passes easily and you all get a good nights sleep but for Jeskar as he continues to lay huddled by Delamere's tomb.

Instead or water lulling you to sleep it is lava. Still soothing as long as you don't roll over into it.

"Alright, let's get out of this hot hole." Gathering his things, "There's nothin' about this place to like. We should've left last night. What if I was a toss and turner? I would've found meself in Torag's halls by now. Bah. The sooner we get out of there the better." Once he's gathered up his items, the grumbling dwarf is ready quite quickly to move out.

Awaking refreshed Nasira prays to Sarenrae for guidance. Receiving her allotment of blessings for the day she turns to Jeskar and once again asks for his conviction in the task ahead. Finding him still dedicated to path NAsira casts and atonement on the former priest. As the spell starts a light shines upon the two of them brighter than even the glowing lava all around. The light coalesces into a beam connecting the hearts of Nasira and Jeskar. The power of the beam lifts Jeskar up off the ground as he floats in midair. With the last syllables of the chanting from Nasira the beam of light passes through Jeskar to fall upon the tomb of Delamere. A large crack of thunder is heard as teh tomb surrounding the dead priest shatters open revealing the preserved body and items buried within.

items within the tomb...
Celestial armor
+2 complosite longbow (+3 str)
Talisman of good (1 charge remaining)

Clearly the act of restoring Jeskar to a portion of his former self was seen by Erastil and Sarenrae as the right course of action allowing the heroes to claim the lost heirlooms of Delamere.

oooh, want armor! lol, but I suspect I'm not the only one.

Nasira sits down heavily as the casting is complete, temporarily fatigued from the effort and awed at the result. Taking it all as a sign of approval, she bows her head to thank her mother-goddess first and foremost.

Standing, she moves to the slightly-stunned Jeskar and gives him a big hug. Leaning back with a hand on each of his shoulders, she asks, "How are you? Has a weight been lifted from your heart?

Jeskar rises up to his full height as a smile breaks from his face. I feel alive again and filled with purpose. The darkness that crept around my heart and mind for the last few weeks. Thank you. For giving me my life, purpose and most importantly hope that Erastil still has use for me. If you would have I will follow you upon your journey so you do not have to return to Drezden. I will do what I can to heal you and help in what capacity I can but I do not think I will be able to handle the demons and trials that you are notorious for facing.

Morgrym cuts his eyes from Nasira to Jeskar before speaking up. "We'll take any help you'd be willin' ta offer, lad. But don't ya be worryin' about the blasted demons, we'll take care of those."

"We are glad to have you with us, Jeskar... and that you are on the road to recovery and redemption.. If there's anything else you need, just ask, and we will do all we can for you, as your return to the light is precious. And your aid on our behalf is most welcome... won't you tell us what you can do, so we know what we can ask of you." assume that he tells us what you posted in ooc, yes?

yes, not too skilled though. Clerics and their 2+int skills.

I am gifted by Erastil but not to the extent that Nasira is. I have heard of such miracles but never thought I would be witness to one, much less have one cast upon me. Typically in the past I have used the grace of Erastil to provide for my daily needs.

"It would appear that Erastil approves of the cleric you have been and will be again or he might not have granted us the boon of your atonement. Caring for yourself and your flock is no minor task to be dismissed."

I need to figure out what MY spell load is before I can pretend to select for him. However, spells to remove conditions seem like good default choices, especially since he can cast cure spells spontaneously and would not need to prepare them at all for post-battle patching.

"You are returned to light, I am beyond grateful, Jeskar, to the Gods of Light and Nasira both."

"Amazing once again Lady Abujamal" - Zeriax bows before his companion - "Again you show us all how the Gods truly act through you" - he stares at her with his golden eyes - "We are blessed unlike any other to have you with us" - and smiles.

"It is a joy to see you recovered lord Jeskar - your offer to walk with us is one filled with valor and courage" - he nods at the cleric - "Please make sure to take no unnecessary risks, and be welcome"

Thank you all for your effort in returning me to my former position within Erastil's grace. However Zeriax I am not so sure I can completely agree with your last statement. The worldwound is filled with risks that even being here may be considered an unnecessary risk. I will do what I can but I will not stand idly by either if I see something I can do to assist you.

Nasira looks more than a little embarrassed by Zeriax's remarks, but says nothing. She returns the bow, palms pressed together, and smiles back.

"The next challenge, I believe, is formidable indeed. Do we hunt the woundwyrm now?" She looks at Jeskar. "We surmise that protections from fire and acid will be necessary. Ability to fly and silence the creature's surroundings may help, as well. Can you provide such support? I will make similar preparations as I suspect redundancy will be necessary."

"I'll help as I can, but unfortunately the abilities and spells you describe as necessary are ones I do not have access to.... as yet. We will have to depend on you, dear Nasira and you, Jeskar. And you, as well, Pakak, as you are our flight master among many other talents."

The idea of a Woundwyrm causes the priest to tremble a bit even after he gave his resolve moments earlier. I heard the rumors of such a beast in Drezen but put it at idle gossip and rumor mongering among the troops. You say it like this is a fact that a creature exists.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself he looks at all of you with Nasira last. I will do as I say but this seems over my head. I will pray to get those blessings from Erastil to grant you some protection or resistance to the beasts fell power. I only pray that it will be enough.

She lays a reassuring hand on his arm. "You need not worry about your strength, my friend. You are a weapon in the hands of a god. His strength will carry you and bolster all of us. We represent many gods in our little band - having the aid of another goodly divine being makes us that much more formidable. We shall overcome this menace. We must take care and plan, for the gods do not reward foolishness - well, we cannot count on it, anyway - but we shall persevere. I must prepare, as well." She moves off to pray, thanking her goddess and preparing her remaining spells for the day, having left them unrequested until the matter of the atonement was complete.

OK, her character sheet is not up to date, but I have finally had time to modify her spell load. I will try to get the character sheet updated tomorrow, but once she is done praying for spells, she will cast divination with the intention of getting guidance from her goddess regarding the woundwyrm. Before she casts, she will ask the party what they feel she should be asking when she casts the spell - what information should she seek? Location? Weakness? Tactics? I'm not positive what all she can ask though I'm confident Nasira knows.

assuming Sorien gets you guys out via d-door, moving south again looking for the Woundwyrm? If so will update later this afternoon with the answers to divination as well.

Nasira's divination comes back...

Travel west till ancient river bed
Provides the Gray Road path ahead

Last thought revealed in a week
A scroll case of ash and teak

Divination gives conflicting reports as to direction to travel. Continue south or head west?

Nasira dutifully shares the results of her spell with her friends. "Any insight into what it means?"

Know history, geography, arcane and possible religion checks may help as well.

Maelchar contemplates on the response stanzas of the divination.

know history: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
know religion: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Knowledge (history) aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Knowledge (geography) aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Knowledge (arcane) aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Knowledge (religion) aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

History reminds you that at one time this land was once a verdant area with flowing streams and vibrant life. The main thoroughfare was called the Gray Road for the color of the stones used to create the path.

Need higher on the rest to get anything from it.

Know history [ooc] 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
[ooc]geography1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
KN arcane 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

I wasn't expecting to rolll well enough on anything to learn something. All four rolls were offered as aid another's to someone that actually knows something...