Init:
Knowledge[dungeoneering]:
Should we regroup ? It acts more as a guard than a foe
Makedonia looks at the statue transforming, then loads and fires a bolt at it.
Yes, why don't we retreat, see if it follows us.
Kwin will cast detect magic on the statues. Unless they charge, he'll try to to it long enough to see what magic types they have.
Makedonia's bolt bounces off the composite statue. Yurggen goes into total defense as the statue advances and manages to withstand its pounding.
You are up again, all of you.
Knowledge (arcana) 12:
Makedonia looks over to the others, distressed. "I think it's animated... I don't have much I can do against it".
Seeing Yurggen getting the statue's attention, Kaduk closes in on the left, after a short sidestep left, getting into a flanking position.
move to K27 via J28
attack:
damage: -5 if statue's immune to sneak attacks.
Noticing that he now has some help, and kaduk is serving to distract the creatures full attention Yurggen wades in.
Warhammer attack, Flanked
Warhammer damage
Snapped to action by his companions efforts, Kwin steps to O31 and calls out Yurggen, don't resist my spell!
Kwin casts Enlarge Person on Yurggen.
Kaduk finds a weak spot and manages to dislodge one of the smaller statues, but Yurggen's hammer just bounces.
The statue turns and swipes at Kaduk but he manages (barely) to dodge its blow.
Your turn.
Round 3
AC 16, HP 16/16
CMB +6, CMD 16
Big Yurrgen strikes out again, liking being big.
Warhammer attack
Big damage
Selina charges the statue and nearly kills herself in the process!
Kaduk shifts North to K26, and lands another blow.
attack:
damage:
Your combined blows shatter the composite statue into its parts and one small and two tiny statues are destroyed, leaving four tiny and one small statue.
They fight on persistently, though, scratching Yurggen for 2 points of damage.
Makedonia positions herself better, then shouts some unintelligible words as a cone of fire bursts from between her hands, spraying over the smaller statues.
Makedonia's fire has no effect on the statues, but they don't do much damage either, so after a long and tedious fight you manage to destroy them.
Letting loose a breath of relief, Makedonia moves among the statue remains scattered all around the room and picks some pieces which she then puts in one of her pockets.
Now we have some time to look around , what does this triptypch represent ?
The triptych is made of three flat pieces of ebony, framed in copper and held together with copper hinges. The triptych portrays a map of the night sky, with various small jewels holding the positions of the stars and planets above. Unfolded, it is three feet across and it weighs 300 pounds. It looks like it could be quite valuable, if somewhat difficult to transport.
Interesting , I would think that, if religious, it could be related to Desna. If not and if we can find a astrologer , I would be interested to know if these are actual constellations. Of course , this could point to winces Damn what's her name ! you know the goddess of the moon we already found a shrine to ?
Another one bites the dust. Where next? If we're headed back, we could haul the triptych. I think we have some celebrating to do.
"Yeah". "Let's haul this thing back and cash it in". Yurggen goes to grab one end of the piece of art.
"Yurggen , let's be a little more imaginative. this looks really heavy . Since this is a triptych maybe Kaduk can separate all three parts. It would make this less cumbersome . "
Kaduk examines the hinges of the triptych before attempting to dismantle it for easier transport.
Better ask around when we're back at town. Somewhere somehow I feel someones going to dole out a lot of money for this.
Unless Kwin's tiny hands would be helpful in the process, he'll keep a close watch for the others while they work out the best way to bring the artwork out.
Kaduk estimates the triptych to be worth a fortune (about 20.000 gp), so you take great care in transport it unharmed back to Brindenford.
There you can enjoy a hot meal and a soft bed and those of you that have reached second level can level up.
What then?
I feel giddy just looking at it. I think we should ask around. We need a buyer for that. Valynie, just crossed my mind, it's Glarias but her worshippers are no more. Then, if you suggest we seek out Desna' church then let's.
Kwin is beside himself at the estimate of the value, but then calms. We do need a buyer before it is worth even a copper. But it is worth checking out. When we get back to town, Kwin will spend some time isolated with his spellbook, wrapping up the development of new arcane wonders. The next day, he'll slip out of town a little way on the road and test them privately before returning and checking in with the others to see what he can do to help get rid of the artwork.
Selina looks forward to the sale, given her coin purse is feeling very light.
It is unlikely that anyone in Brindenford can pay you 20.000 gp for the triptych, but you could try Sirius Craddock, a wealthy merchant.
Sirus is a grossly fat man with long brown hair and a broad nose. He wears the finest of clothing and one assumes he must have to pay double to cover his ample frame. He can be seen about town with a number of toadies, guards, or other servants. The consummate businessman, he frequents all the town's establishments, and has ties and relationships with absolutely everyone.
Before selling it , Valynie will seek some information . She will show the tryptich at the old woman at the inn and ask her opinion
Marlena looks at the triptych critically. "Nice", she says. "Very nice. I will give you 1200 gp for this."
I know it is expensive. I just want to know WHAT it is
I think we do need to seek out a buyer for this. I appreciate art, but gold talks to me better.
Kwin leaves the sale of the triptych to those better connected in town, but he regularly makes himself available as an escort if they desire. He won't force himself on them when they go out, knowing that sometimes transactions like this are harder with a stranger in the room.
Otherwise, he enjoys a nice ale and scribbling in his spellbook, while part of his mind considers the things he might buy...
Marlena looks coolly at Valynie. "What you see is what you get, darling. It's a well-made map of the starry sky, that's what it is. A bit bulky too. Maybe 1000 gp is enough."
Ah well , too bad
Totally exhausted by the research she has done , Valynie will leave the triptych with Kaduk and return to more religious pursuits
( Seducing people , having fun and so on )
Sure enough, the next day a lean, middle-aged man, who introduces himself as Mr Lattimer, explains that he is an agent of Sirius Craddock and that he might be interested in taking the triptych off your hands. He asks if he might be allowed to inspect the work of art in question.
Valynie suddenly stop what she is doing and go see Kwin
By the way , Kwin , what was the result of your 'detect magic' on the triptych ?
Kaduk smiles, greets Mr Lattimer and asks Yurgen and Kwin along to accompany. Bringing the man along, he just says Look but no touching!
Yurggen agrees to accompany Kaduk. He's tired of sitting at the bar drinking.
"Thank you, mr Orc", Mr Lattimer answers coolly as he bends over the triptych, studying it carefully with a magnifying glass. He straightens up and clears his throat. "That's quite an impressive piece you have found there, and I doubt that you'll find a buyer for it here in town. However Mr Craddock has decided to extend his grace to you, offering you 1100 gp in gems or credit for the artwork. I shouldn't have to add that Mr Craddock's word is as good as cash here in Brindenford."
[ooc]It's not magic, as far as Kwin can tell.{/ooc]
Mind that we did risk life and limb, not to mention considerable care in bringing this hefty piece relatively unscathed. Kindly make a better offer and Mr Craddock can boast that how his latest acquisition was bought from the depths of the renowned Delve in pristine condition.
Diplomacy:
Mr Lattimer manages a wan smile. "Mr Craddock prefers not to mingle with adventurers and other disreputable people and their dubious means of acquisitions. Mr Craddock has deviated from his principles and made you a generous offer but he is more than happy to take his business elsewhere." He rises to leave.