Round 1
still acting as the victim she shouts to the rangers Stand down everyone, This is the summoning i am being offered to willingly she says acting liked a drugged woman With her appearance now the summoner can chant the finals words of power and my Reward will come. Stand down I say and Witness. Come of Woman of Darkness and power. Come and stand by me as one Soul is send to the Next Level of Existence
in order to have the fight stopping (and her shaken) so that we can go to the next part of our play.
Cindy uses her sleep hex on the Succubus, hoping to take it down.
Round 1
Seeing Cindy use her sleeping hex, Cormick pauses to see if the succubus falls to it's effects.
--------------------------------------
On Going Effects: Message (Group), 160'; Charge -2 AC;
The foul creature slumps to the ground.
nice ! Lets all chop her head off at the sa[me time/b]
she says walking next to the slumbering demon.
[b] you can all hold your fire she will tell all the rangers.
Cormick yells out for all to hear, "Stop Attacking Her!!"
He then hurriedly rushes over to her body and gets out his silk rope.
Looking at the ranger and holding the rope out, "Here, begin to tie her up, but be careful not to wake her. I will try to negate her teleporting abilities next."
--------------------------------------
On Going Effects: Message (Group), 160';
Cindy looks confused as she closes on the enemy. We dare not try to negotiate with demons. They will lie and twist anything they say. And tieing has a chance to wake it. In an instant it can be gone. Let us strike it jointly. And hurry. We only have seconds.
The succubus gasps once, then expires from the deadly wounds. Her body transforms upon death, leaving the governors former aid, Lyetia, lying on the ground.
Its not the fact that she can lie or twist anything said or charm any one. It has to die because like cindy said she can just be gone in a instant.
Seeing the body of Lyetia after the demons' transformation
Now that is something that puzzle me
Cindy checks Lyetia body for any signs of life.
After, she continues to check it for any valuables or notes or other clues, casting Detect Magic as part of her search. So, was Lyetia possessed? Or was she the demon? Was her betrayal of her own free will? And what remains of this mystery to solve?
well not only we got what we came for, but his is almost a perfect outcome. Two for the price of one. If we get the mission all clear from the ranger'scouting tomorrow we can bring back three bodies for magical interrogation: the summoner, the warlord and lyetia. lets move a bit away and rest for the night with guard duty. I can take first watch. she says cleaning herself and dressing in her clothes
Upon the corpse of the demon is a ring which detects as magical, and a scroll case.
A ring of mind shielding
The scroll case contains a sheet of 'paper'. The texture of the paper is very unusual, and has a greasy feel to it. A short paragraph is written in the same tongue as the writings possessed by the barbarian hordes shaman.
You recognize the paper as something manufactured by subterranean cultures from a certain type of mushroom that grows in the lightless caverns.
Cormick looks at the 'paper' for a minute, recognizing the source of the material, but is confused by the language.
"Can you make it out Aerin? If not I have another scroll of comprehend languages. I may need to study this tongue at a later time, as we keep running across it."
--------------------------------------
On Going Effects: Message (Group), 160';
Sure thing cormick let me have a look at it and see if i can deceipher it
aerin will a a later point Cast a detect Magic
to Id the magical ring.
Aerin is unable to decipher the language, though she is certain it is abyssal.
With no further expected threats the rangers both get some rest to heal from their wounds, particularly Yaj, then rise early in the morning and scout about the area. They report back about an hour later. "Everything looks to be clear, though I will recommend to governor that several squads of soldiers be sent to watch the area in the case of additional barbarian tribesmen."
"That sound like a good idea, Yaj. Do you think it would be advisable to let us return with a message writen in your hand for the governor and let the two of you stay here until support can arrive?"
Cormick will continue adminstoring aid and healing to the others (rangers, ex-prisoners, party) that need it.
"If there is nothing else here, we should take the others with us and leave. We can take them back to thier farms or back with us to the governor."
--------------------------------------
On Going Effects: Message (Group), 160', 1hr repeating;
Yaj nods, "Yes. Artus and I can stay here to keep on eye on things, and also hopefully help these villagers put a few things back together in their lives."
Travel back to Akleta is uneventful, and upon arriving at the outskirts it can be seen that the presence of armed guards has been increased. The party is stopped and questioned briefly, "The governor will be eager to hear your report from the north."
Upon arriving at the governor's mansion, you note that the number of guards around the place has been more than tripled.
Several windows have been smashed, and the grounds have been torn up near the building.
Governor Alding greets you at the door, his eyes showing a lack of sleep. "I'm happy to see you've returned, as you can see, it's been rather hectic around here. There was an attack by one of those demonic assassins every night for the first three nights you were gone, and captain Tekel was murdered in his cell."
He pauses for a moment, "Forgive my manners. Come in, sit down and have something to eat. Then you can give me a full report."
Cormick sits and begins to eat.
"I am sorry to hear about Captain Tekel, he seemed a very sensible man and will be of significant loose to you at this time. Governor, while we were on our mission, we encountered more missives written in the abyssal tongue. While we here gone have any more been found here or on the demonic assassins that you have had to contend with? I have a magical method of reading this strange language, but it will only have a short period of time to utilize the power. I would like to have all sources of the language present so we can dechiper them at one time. Oh, these meat pies are delicious, my compliments to your chef," he finishes as he licks the drippings of the meat pie from his fingers.
Cindy is attentive, but not in the mood for a meal. We have done what you asked. The succubus is dead. We even have Lyetia corpse with us to show you she was the demon. Many of your enemies lost their lives last night, and the two rangers you sent with us should be commended. They fought bravely. I would have news of the second mission; the one we did not chooses. How fairs your other agents?
Why thank you for the food Governor Would you mind after Miss Asin's arrival as she is "technically" our supervisor and while we offered our help she is the one that had to approve our mission to the Merchant guild that way we can all makes plans or offer insights.
After Miss Ashin gets here (assuming the governor agrees)
I'll make the report short and to the point. A rather large group of barbarian had taken over the area. The size of a war party. 80+ raiders including full command. Those from the population that weren't killed or fled were taken as slaves, most to be sacrificed in unholy rituals that Cindy identified. During the night their Summoner started a ritual to breach the planes of existence to draw forth more demons and Lyetia appeared. Having defeated the war party we were able to kill the succubus. We indeed have the war leader, the summoners and lyetia's corpse so that they can be interrogated. Looking at the evidence and what happened to me it seems that we are at war with Gumlat their current prize and no one bother to inform the Kingdom . While i don't know who is leading this the Frans have indeed Demons supporting their operations. Having agents this far into Akelta in order to disrupt its administration and its military. This speak of a long term planning and covert operation as one can attest to your ex-assistant nature abilities and body. Do you have any news of Coran? Demons needing magical or cold iron weapon to be hurt is bad news for everyone.
Miss Nasha arrives quickly, being summoned as you eat.
"I have not had any news from Coran for several weeks now, other than the message that the empire was in peace talks with the Frans, however... Lyetia generally received such messages and passed them on to me when my duties allowed me the free time to look at them. Given what you've uncovered, I now question whether I've been apprised of everything, or the truth of anything."
To Cindy's question, governor Alding responds, "As to the eastern pass, only bad news from there so far. Twenty men killed. They were attacked in the night by an unknown foe. There was a wizard or sorcerer among the attackers - caused an explosion of flame in the midst of those who had gone to bed. The posted guards didn't see anything. The trackers in the group were able to pick out to sets of humanoid footprints in the morning, but they lead up into the mountains where the trail was lost. Most of the patrol has retreated back to more established lands for a few days while the scouts try and find out who is up in the mountains or where they went."
"What the next steps are needs to be determined still. But you have already done myself, Akleta, and the empire a great service. I have here a note of receipt for each of you from the treasury."
Govenor before all of this had you read the note that has mark of Master Veray, first seat of the council of seven. The document itself is short, but instructs the governor to double the number of soldiers at the pass to Gumlat to insure nothing comes that way. There is a faint Transmutation magic also on it. That not properly identify it, but in order to know what is really on that paper a dispel magic will need to be done. We had recovered it stashed away by Lyetia
Do you have any means fast communication with the capitol Governor ? and quick other question is there any strategical value to those two location (where we went and where the soldiers went)
You've just arrived in Akleta after escorting a caravan for Anton di Alkanov, the second most powerful merchant on the merchant council. Given the reported trouble of Miss Ashin's wool caravan a week before Anton asked for some extra security on his caravan of spices and silks from the Ioso islands.
Miss Nasha, the guilds primary contact in Akleta greeted your arrival in the city and informed you of recent trouble - which by the several guard patrols you encountered near to the city you'd already guessed something was up.
A messenger from Governor Alding arrived as you were speaking with Miss Nasha and summoned her to meet with the governor. She asked you to come along as the other employees of the merchant's guild were also in attendance.
During the short walk to the governor's mansion, she explains the situation. Nearly a week ago the governor's personal guard captain betrayed him, in association with a succubus. The guard captain was taken into custody, while the vile demon escaped. The ex-captain was found dead in his cell though, killed in a brutal manner.
For the next three nights an demonic assassin attacked the mansion in an effort to kill the governor. These were killed off, but not without cost of life.
The last three nights have been uneventful in this regard, though everyone has been on high alert. Governor Alding asked the aid of three of the merchant's employees to assist with hunting down the demoness, and to look into somewhat cryptic, but threatening message regarding one of two possible mountain passes. He sent several patrols of soldiers to the other location.
Now outside the governor's mansion, which shows signs of fighting, broken windows and trampled grass. Miss Nasha leaves you outside for a moment while she enters.
Miss Nasha speaks up, "Before we continue governor, Ive a couple of individuals I'd like you to meet. They are also employed by the merchant's and may be able to assist in dealing with this latest problem."
The governor gives a faint smile, "Very well. Bring them in. Your aid so far has certainly been of utmost value."
Miss Nasha heads back into the main hallway and opens the front door, motioning for Issa and Helzog to come join the conference. "I shall let them introduce themselves as they see fit."
Cindy eyes the two newcomers sure she had heard of if not seen both before. The agents of the merchant's guild are not so numerous that these could have totally excepted her knowledge. She tries to recalls hat she knows of each.
You may recognize Hezrog as a debt collector / dirty work do-er for the Merchant's guild. The dirt-colored half orc stands before you a little over 6 feet tall. Hardened and strong from his many years in the Issust Hold mines, Hezrog wears a suit of full plate armor which has been painted black and red, and carries 2 Large shields, also black with sharp spikes. A cruel-looking whip is coiled at his side.
Hezrog Grunts, "I understand that there is a vile creature to track down. I can help with that."
Looking around at the group, he lets out a grumbling sigh.
They better pay me extra for this one...
Governor Aldin speaks, "Well, I believe your friends have taken care of that problem. We may very well have a second problem though."
"The patrols sent east to to investigate the Bernina pass were attacked while they slept. Over a dozen killed by a single burst of fiery magic. Our trackers followed a trail deeper into the mountain, but lost the trail."
"Perhaps these various documents though in this alien tongue can shed some additional insights."
There are two documents of interest, one collect off the slain succubus. the second is the one written in common containing the seal of Master Veray, first seat of the council of seven, which exudes a faint magical aura.
উপায় একটি বড় বল জন্য অনুসন্ধানে এবং treachourous হয়, যদিও আমরা পৃষ্ঠ মাধ্যমে একটি উপায় খুঁজে পেয়েছি. আমরা প্রবেশযোগ্য পথ ধরা হতে পারে, যদি দেখতে স্থল উপরে থেকে পর্বত মাজন করা হবে.
Translated it reads We have found a way through to the surface, though the way is to narrow and treachourous for a larger force. We will be scouring the mountains from above ground to see if we might spot an accessible path for our allies to come through.
The governor sighs, "Whatever foul plans the demon had, it appears its claws were involved in many machinations."
"Will you again lend your aid to the government, and help us root out this additional threat? In return I see to it that your organization receives more favorable dealings here in Akleta than the empire has afforded them in the past. And for each of you personally another stipend from the treasury."
The document from Master Veray is instruction to the governor to send a small patrol of men to watch the eastern road from Gumlat.
If that is Miss Nasha's orders that we undertake that mission then that is what we will do. But i must reiterate what i feel. The Empire is at war with the Franc and their Demonic allies and if we can trust the lasted documentation we got from the demons AKleta can soon find itself facing two invasion force once Gumlat has been secured
Cormick looks over the papers, and attempts to remove the concealing magics from them.
Issa Al'Sadri is a well known merchant of unusual animals and a cleric of Horus, the Falcon God.
Issa let his friend, the mighty Innulamane, outside the governor's mansion.
Issa possess an overwhelming beauty, his features perfect, his height not too high and is body seems of perfect harmonic symmetry.
His voice as strong as sweet.
Please to meet you. I'm Issa Al'Sadri, follower of Horus. I hope to be of help and to work with you.
I hope our help will effectively secure the trade agreements between the Merchants and the city. As always, my magic is at your service.