Kobort seems to have forgotten Musami is laying nearby, focused as he is on his internal struggle, the confusion of fight or flight.
Navith feels frustrated, tired and angry. This large idiot is keeping them from their task. Whether it is the dark weapon in his hand or his own wounded state, the Pelorite knows not - but it is only with great effort that he stifles his desire to cleanse the earth of this fool.
"Kobort - Xaod speaks true, the wizard speaks true - we are all here to redeem a holy, once consecrated space that has been defiled. The undead are never good. I serve Pelor, a just god of righteous valor. Your magic stick is a lie. Put all of these things together and lay down your arms. We are good folk - come home with us." the Pelorite implores the giant man.
Perhaps it the holy man's hands raised in preparation, or slight irritation in his voice - his words ring false.
Ready Action: Cast fire bolt
Zokama walks up to the monument, but also makes sure that she is within 30 feet and has a direct sightline to Kobort, in case things turn bad.
The man is right, Kobort.
"Listen, lad. Why don't you help us with our or friend, who's bleeding due to your axe? We're here on behalf of Hommlet authority. Do you want to check with them, or are you so sure that they're all bad guys? Has the people in Hommlet treated you like if they were?"
While saying that, Braggi is dragging his body to check Musami.
"Kobort, I have nothing to hide from you. I have no reason to lie. None of us do. Raising the dead is always evil. Always causes harm. Hurts people. We were sent to restore the monument to prevent that harm by the good people of Hommlet. Those so called friends of yours lied to you. They are here to hurt people, and those lies are part of it. I'm so sorry for you. Please, my friend, help the village of Hommlet against these horrible liars. If you feel that I am being untruthful, then strike me down, but I speak only in good faith, as I have faith in you."
As Fil advances from the ogre and steps over the bleeding Musami, he drops his bow and sword there, along with his backpack next to him (free action). He then kneels next to Musami, looking to Musami with great sadness as he does. He hopes for the best as he bows his head.
Hopefully more from taking additional steps to ensure his good faith in Kobort.
Toruk sighs at the futility of reasoning with the giant and moves to cure Musami with his wand.
Seeing Toruk Kobort seems to become angry, convinced you are trying to trick him. Stop sayin' bad things bout Turuko. He no make them dead walk, they was already up. The man clenches his axe handle tightly, his fingers turning white. So he knewt Hruggin. I don't know hows. He looks off past you into the distance, towards the last battle spot. He cut Rogo's saddle belt fer the funnies, he didn't not know them deads was gonna make it breaks like it did.
The warrior steps warily, waving the greataxe in front of him. He glances down at Musami, then shakes his head, You're all tryin' ta tricks me. I is special, not you. Turuko trusts me. Not you. He's my friend.
He snarls at Xaod, then eyes red glances at everyone else. You guys are bad guys. I must stops you.
Kobort rushes at Filnefillan and attempts to grab him up with one arm while pulling him closer with the greataxe, , the wizard close to use him as a sort of shield. You bad men, but mebbe you likes this guy. You lays down now, on the mud, an you let me go. I get to the woods I lets him go. Yeah? He tries to walk backwards a bit, a foot or so, And you no chase me. Deals?
"I believe that you and I should have a much more peaceful meeting, next time, Kobort. Everyone, do as he says. Focus on the goal at hand, our misled friend here is ending this as peacefully as possible. Kobort is not our enemy. Getting rid of the undead are our immediate goal."
Fil does not struggle against the grapple. He stresses the final part.
I wonder if he's been charmed on top of being fooled? Fil thinks as he is instructing the others.
Zokama, whose idea was to just let the guy walk away anyway, thinks this is a great idea. She says Deal with a smile, and lays down in the mud, knowing that she can easily clean the mud off with Prestidigitation.
"Okay, okay." Braggi lowers his arms. "Go, but start thinking about all we said, man. You might regret this." He goes down to the floor, wishing the fool doesn't change his mind and stabs them all. "Remember that you won't be big forever!"
Navith sighs, angry beyond measure. This has not gone well, and he feels himself largely to blame.
"Very well Kobort. But know that you are very very wrong, and even more stupid. We have given you reasons, and talked with reason, but your stubbornness and refusal to see that you are only as special as the next flower, or tree or ray from Pelor's sun will bring about your undoing."
Navith emphasises the next point very clearly.
"If you harm the elf, I will do my utmost to see you disintegrated with all the wrath Pelor can muster."
With that the Pelorite backs away, hands held aloft, though he still wields the dark weapon.
Kobort continues to move backwards, slowly, holding tightly to Filnefillan, . You best not say more bad stuff bout Turuko. Turuko my friend. Be quiet and you go free Kobort mutters to Filnefillan.
Toruk sighs as he drops prone. "We'll end up killing him soon or later. He's too stupid to see the error of his ways."
Fil waits for the scene to end, trying to memorize features of the large man. Smell, callouses, the way he walks when carrying Fil (as the grapple is more likely to be lifting him), and his face.
He follows Kobort's instructions and remains silent.
He sees his companions and their anger, but Fil is calm. This will provide the best way to track the murderers down, perhaps even to their leader if he is as careless as I think. Fil thinks as he holds himself as best he can with that calm.
"Toruk, that is horribly callous. Kobort is not our enemy. I am sorry, Kobort."
Fil is being genuine. He does not bear Kobort any ill will.
Navith hangs his head in shame. Fil is right, the man's stupidity, while frustrating in the here and now, is no reason to wish to kill - those are not Pelor's teachings. Looking at the fell weapon he holds he wonders if it challenges him to give in to evil. He decides he is up to the challenge and grips it ever tighter.
Considering Fil's relaxed demeanor, Kobort is able to lead him away from the group and out of sight of the memorial and party. He seems willing to release Filnefillan to walk ahead of him, But no funny stuff, no lying, no talking bad guy.
Kobort mumbles to himself as you go, mostly a mantra that Turuko is my friend, He say I is special, bad guys say bad things, etc. He pokes at you with the butt or blade of his ax if you attempt to speak.
As you reach the spot where he thought to find Turuko he becomes dismayed. He reaches the area where his and Turuko's horses had been taken, finding only a single skeleton, one left to hold them. What did he do to Turuko, he bellows at the undead, the thing standing no chance against the man's confused anger as his greataxe easily smashes the thing to pieces. Hruggin took Turuko, Hruggin bad. Hruggin lied. The man continues hacking at the brittle bones of the once man, cursing and shouting, frothing in anger.
He then spins at you, raising his axe high, charging towards you with a look of blind rage. At the last moment, before you can react, he pulls up short, the blow chopping down into the ground, half burying the blade into the soft earth. You right, Hruggin was bad. The dead are bad. He took Turuko. He took my firend.
Kobort drops to his knees, sobbing and slobbering over himself, crying for his missing friend. Between his sobs and ranting he tells Filnefillan to go. You bad man too but you no hurt Kobort. No hurt Turuko. Go, now. NOW!!! Don't make Kobort lie and hurt you. RUN AWAY puny bad man, clutching at the ground, hurling clumps of dirt and turf towards the wizard, clearly lost to his confusion and grief.
Once Kobort and his hostage are out of sight Xaod climbs wearily to his feet, and walks weakly forward, removing his spiked gauntlet as he approaches your team. He holds out his hand towards you, offering his thanks. Your arrival came at just the right time. It seems Hextor was right when he told me I would find fellow law-abiding heroes in Hommlet. He checks over Musami, offering a potion from his pack. It's my last, but I offer it in gratitude, it may help your man be ready in case more of the dead rise or those already risen find us.
Looking again towards the path Kobort and Filnefillan took he tells you I would trust Kobort, when not with Turuko his word is his bond, he wouldn't understand anything more than doing as he states. Words on a rock have more depth than that one, and more guile. Pausing he considers, If he finds Turuko, well then your friend is assuredly a dead man. It seems he was well aware of what was happening here, that he glaumed on to me and my band to spy against us, to turn the others, and to lead us into this trap. He walks towards the memorial and drops down into the pit, checking the last area the fighter and monk were lifting for the undead priest. When he heard your group was coming out here, he practically bribed the others to race out here first, with tales of gold, glory, whatever it took to convince them to come.
Looking back at your team, I paid one of the Trading Post's men to alert you, and did my best to leave deep enough tracks for you to follow, hoping you might be guarded. He turns back to the mud and digs a bit at something wedged under the memorial. Muttering a bit, his back turned to you, his face near the dirt and mud, It is my shame I didn't consider he'd ambush my group too. The dead were on us almost from the start. We smashed one group only to race headlong into another, larger band. One lead by that Hruggin, his ogre back there, and another skeletal giant too. Grunting he pulls an oiled sack from beneath the large stone, caked in mud, and something else. Turuko stabbed Furnok after the man alerted me to the monk's attempt to strike me from behind with a thrown, poisoned, glass blade.
Muddy, the man rises back up and turns towards you all, clutching something in his hands. He tosses the sack out of the hole, landing near your feet. He holds out his other to you, seeking help getting out of the deep ring. Since he's not with you then I must assume he and the others didn't survive those befouled dead. May Hextor judge them fairly, they were godless men, but today they fought with a touch of might and obeyed the call when time demanded it.
He then waits for someone to help him climb from the ditch, his armor preventing his own easy climb out.
Navith nudges the bag with his foot away from the edge and toward his fellows, then offers the Hextorite a hand out of the pit.
Zokama casts Prestidigitation to clean the mud off her clothing, and offers the same to anyone else quietly.
Xaod accepts both Navith's hand and Zokama's offer, overhearing her and perhaps wishing to ease his own sensibilities, moreso than those of Hextor, by not walking about with the filth of the dead and earth still caking his armor and clothing.
Turning to your group he holds out a small object, thickly caked in mud. He protected it from the bard's magic, having held it high above his head. He twists and chips at the dirt, causing it to crack away in pieces, revealing a small purple gemstone. Cupping it in his hand it seems to reveal a small light of it's own, at it's core. I managed to see them gather a few of these while I was fighting, and hoped they might have missed one in their rush. Turuko struck me as being highly twitchy and prone to mistakes. He tosses the stone a time or two in his hand, weighing and catching it a couple of times. Hextor blessed my request. He holds it out to your group. You saved my life, so I owe you a debt. It seems only fitting, since you quest to stop these cultists, that I share what I found with you. I only ask that you return the favor, as I am still seeking clarity from Hextor. A clarity over what wrongness he would have me prevent hereabouts.
He nods towards the bag, Whatever is inside they wanted but only because of Turuko's greed. Hruggin repeatedly told him to leave it, to grab the stones first. For what purpose I don't know, but I did catch one clue. These were not all of the stones, that others had been secreted elsewhere. May still be hidden away somewhere.
He walks over to the toppled part of the memorial, gauging the damage, inspecting fine runes carved over innocuous spots, hidden to not take away from the overall image and perhaps grandeur of what the whole had once been. This looks like it was once enchanted to keep the dead at rest, a warding of peace from multiple faiths, even my own. Turning back to your band, Hextor approved of the battle as well it seems, though that is little surprising. While He and Heironeous are generally at odds, they both see the value in granting honorable warriors a well deserved rest. Smiling at Navith, Even if some would have differences regarding what constitutes honorable.
He appears to be more open, more willing to speak with you now that he has seen you in battle, and now that you have taken a hand in saving his life.
Do you have a plan to restore this monument, or is your mission to quell the current outbreak while others orchestrate something more permanent?
Navith listens stonefaced, though he does manage a small smirk as Xaod attempts some levity. The Pelorite accepts the purple stone, and hands it to Zokama. Turning back to Xaod, he nods stiffly.
"Our many thanks in providing aid for our fallen comrade."
Navith grimaces.
"I had hoped, even understood, that the restoration would result in the quelling of the outbreak. We have scrolls to remake the stones and then consecrate it. Beyond that, the only permanency I have is my faith in my lord in the sky." Navith finishes, grinning weakly. He bends to pick up the bag, and passes it to Turuko.
The light of the small purple stone goes out the moment Navith catches it, and remains out when he turns it over to Zokama.
Xaod nods to the Pelorite and comments, If I might be of any service in restoring the memorial you have my arms and what little magicks I retain. Sitting down for a short rest he continues, Though the day has some light left to offer my efforts here have spent much of my candle.
The bag contains a small pouch, 6 trade ingots of platinum stamped with the royal seal of Ulek, 12 trade ingots of gold marked with Sterich weights and measures, another 12 silver ingots in a triangular shape etched with Furyondese runes, a small collection of waxed parchment scrolls, and an ivory cylinder.
The pouch contains several gemstones, specifically 6 Blue Sapphires, 6 Black Pearls, and 6 Dark Violet Garnets.
The scrolls seem to be a series of writs of credit assuring varying amounts, made out from banking coasters located in Dyvers, Verbobonc, Veluna City, Greyhawk, and Celene. Each wax coated and protected contract appears to be arranged for payment to the presenting bearer, with no listed requirements nor expiration dates.
Lastly, the sealed ivory cylinder is carved with a series of interconnected flowing loops and whorls.
GM
Fil keeps a respectful distance from Kobort, allowing the mud to strike him. It will clean off easily enough.
Toruk opens the bag and carefully sets out the ingots, scrolls and cylinder for all to see. "These scrolls are payments for something unspecified. Something nefarious no doubt."
He then detects magic on the cylinder as well as the purple stones and the other sack contents. If the cylinder doesn't radiate magic he will open.
Zokama accepts the stone from Navith and examines it, wondering why it was glowing before and isn't now. She casts Detect Magic to aid her examination.
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Toruk detects no magic on the cylinder and attempts to open it, discovering it appears to be some sort of puzzle tube. The loops and whorls on the exterior seem to be tiny rings which can be twisted round and round, changing the design along the length of the tube, which has a bit more weight than expected for an ivory tube.
The writs are not receipts for payments, but rather deposits waiting to be withdrawn, so while someone else's intentions might be nefarious, at this point the funds are simply funds.
The purple stone detects STRONGLY of magic, almost OVERWHELMING to look at, more than any of you have seen before. It seems to be tied to Transmutation energy, though there are underlying traces of both Divination and Abjuration as well. As to what it is used for, the stone seems far stronger than what you can delve through at this point.
Zokama tells the group what she has learned about the stone.
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"And they have more stones like this one? That is something to be worried about."
Braggi does change the subject to more urgent matters. "So, shall we try to follow any of those who fled?"
Hearing Braggi comment about the stones, Xaod offers I don't know how many he gathered exactly, but he took three handfuls or so, putting them into an ornate brass box. If they're all like that one in size and shape, he likely got a dozen or so, at the most.
While not part of your group he also offers to help Braggi if he wants to follow after Filnefillan. As I said I doubt Kobort would hurt him, but I've found men can be driven to do most anything, and that simpleton has it bad for Turuko.
He stands and slips back on his spiked gauntlet. I'm willing to help with the memorial or in rescuing your man. Smiling, he adds He did buy my lunch the other day, least I can do in return.
What must we do to restore the memorial?
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Navith rubs his face with a hand, and looking toward Fil and Kobort's departure nods wearily. Braggi, Toruk- if you would retrieve Fil, then Zokama and I will stay to keep Musami safe, bring the wagon up and prepare the equipment. We may need Musami's aid in setting up the gear..."
Navith eyes the Hextorite.
"Xaod, if we could impinge upon your hospitality, aid brave Braggi and Toruk - but please, no more bloodshed. Capture Kobort if possible, but do not initiate further hostilities. [here looks at Musami] Too much blood has been spilled this day..."
GM
With that, Fil backs away, slowly at first, ensuring that Kobort isn't following up with an attack. Once he is certain this is not the case he turns and moves as quickly as possible to the monument.
Once back to the others, Fil relates to the others Kobort's
Obvious frustrations and confusion. He will also check on Musami as well as help with whatever preparations he can for reconsecration.
Toruk nods at Navith and departs to assist Fil.
"Sure" Braggi nods.
He, with Toruk, directs himself on the direction Kobort left, looking for any trace of the duo.
Toruk sighs at the futility of reasoning with the giant and moves to cure Musami with his wand.
[dice=CLW]1d8+1
[dice=CLW]1d8+1
@Musami
The rescue party encounters Filnefillan roughly 7-8 minutes after leaving the others, the wizard racing back through the far side of the meadow, watching here and there for signs of the undead. He only spots one small cluster of zombies, the group meadnering around in a small clump, mostly just bumping into each other. Fortunately for Fil they did not notice his passing.
For everyone else, Filnefillan informs the group of his interactions with Kobort.
It takes your group nearly an hour to safely secure the horses, offload the wagon, and set-up the materials properly to aid in lifting the broken stone pieces up and back onto the memorial.
Xaod offers to be of assistance and asks how best he might help you in this endeavor. I am no laborer but I have a strong back and am smart enough to obey directions from someone who knows what they're doing.
Musami's eyes flicker open and he sits bolt upright. His head darts around as he tries to catch sight of the enlarged human. Confusion crosses his face as he fails to spot the threat. He soon realizes that the fight is over one way or another. He stands and gets caught up by talking with his companions.
He takes a drink from a potion of cure light wounds.
Being a dwarf and having been raised underground attempts to use his mining knowledge to help in the re-establishment of the monument.
Fil will attempt to aid the foreman.
He utilizes the tools to the best of his abilities, taking instruction from Musami.
Xaod offers to follow Musami's advice alongside Filnefillan, Taking 10 on a Craft Stonemasonry check to assist aligning the carved runes and sigils in their proper positions.
Toruk rolls up his sleeves and gets to work the best he can, though he mostly just seems to get in the way.
Ah... Braggi wishes he'd paid more attention when the ship carpenter did his job.