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A nagaji in a yellow robe barrels around the corner near the room with the pillows; Zadim fire his bow at the on-rusher. It's on the mark and a vicious shot.
The nagaji springs at Zadim and jabs with its spear, but distracted by the arrow now lodged in its shoulder it misses; before springing away and retreating into the library.
Cizish begins to cast a spell!
Round 1
Map
Zalkar
Zadim
Nagajis
Red 7 dmg
Yellow 13 dmg
Olli
Cizish
Round 2
Zalkar
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Zadim drives his blade into the Nagaji and gives it a twist. The nagaji attempts to strike back with its spear. Zadim sidesteps the attack. Another nagaji steps from a doorway and fire an his bow at Zadim's back, the arrow seems particularly accurate, just as it looks as if it might take his head off, he slightly turns his head and is grassed right across his check.
The red-clad nagaji speaks as it moves into the open but further from Olli, This is OUR temple, you should not be here! Trespassers! A ray of flames fires from his hand at Olli. The ray burns the ranger badly.
Round 2
Map
Zalkar
Zadim
Nagajis
Red 7 dmg
Yellow 20 dmg
Olli 17 dmg
Cizish
Round 3
Zalkar
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Olli rushes forward driving his blade into the nagaji. Lightning Bruce arrives slamming into the bow-wielder. Cizish arrives with his sling and nails the blue garbed nagaji with a stone. As Olli ducks, Zalkar’s smelly bomb flies by and is right on target, but the red nagaji spots it a second before impact and knocks it harmlessly away from him in shocking fashion. (Zadim actually makes his attack here).
The blue clad nagaji rushes away from the elemental streaking into the room with the naga idol. While the yellow clad one goes toe-to-toe with Zadim, he quickly drops his spear and then delivers a flurry of blows, but they are useless flails. The red nagaji steps back and smiles a sickly smile at Olli before firing another scorching ray at him, that hits the ranger pretty hard. The nagaji waves at Olli to move forward in a cocky challenge.
Round 3
Map
Nagajis
Red 12 dmg
Yellow 20 dmg
Blue 7 dmg
Olli 28 dmg
Cizish
Round 4
Zalkar
Zadim
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Well now that wasn't very nice!, Zalkar says as he sees the Nagaji deflect his bomb harmlessly away.
Let's try a different tactic then
Zalkar chucks a bomb at the square in front of the red Nagaji and excludes his friend Olli from the blast!
Reflex for half, snake must make DC16 Fortitude save or be Nauseated on their next turn.
Zalkar then pops his Cure Light Wounds Wand out of his spring-loaded wrist sheath to help Olli out
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As the blue clad nagaji rushes past Cizish, he gasps, Whoa! That guy can really move!! I barely saw him as he flew by. I'd better get some more help before he gets away or causes more trouble
Cizish begins casting SNA2 again.
Just before beginning his summons, Cizish calls out to Bruce in Auran: Wathaish hooathia eesthati, Bruthahee! <Chase him down, Bruce!>
Bruce flies over and easily catches up with the blue nagaji and gives him another slam.
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Olli misses his first attack and and just as it looks like his second attack will miss, he reaches deep and delivers a killer blow on the nagaji. Cizish doesn't think the enemy is magical enhanced, just fast, begins to summon another ally. Bruce easily keeps pace with the speedy nagaji and slams into it hard again. Zadim connects on his first attack as well, the yellow clad nagaji looks in bad shape..
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Zalkar gives Olli some healing. With two nagajis down, and the other badly hurt, the final nagaji looks for a quick temple exit .
Round 4
Map
Nagajis
Red 26 dmg - down
Yellow 29 dmg - down
Blue 14 dmg
Olli 26 dmg
Cizish
Round 5
Zalkar
Zadim
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Oh no you don't, snake-man! Cizish shouts as he completes his casting and Bruce the Air Elemental blocks the blue robed nagaji. Bruce the Lightning Elemental swoops in from behind and the elementals surround it. They both give him a slam to remember!
If it is still standing after the slams, Cizish will create a storm burst on the nagaji's head that buffets him with wind and rain (Nagaji takes -2 on attack rolls for one round if he takes damage from the burst).
Wow! another critical! Go Bruce!!
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Zalkar heals Olli some more.
As the Bruce's converge on the last of the monks in a whirl of wind and lightning the last of nagaji's is dropped to the ground.
These monks seem only to have the close on there backs and there weapons. A spear, a composite longbow, and bare hands. Good news is that both the weapons are magical and you soon learn they are a +1 spear and a +1 composite longbow (+4 str).
These nagaji seemed territorial, more interest in fighting than talking. You get a look at the last two rooms.
The smaller one, closer to the alter room, contains only old clothes, barrels, large sacks, rusted pickaxes, and other miscellaneous junk lies in piles in this room. A little rummaging through the junk finds nothing of value; but you do notice some recently made bundles of dried rabbit meat. Additionally, you also notice five eggs hidden amid the clothes.
In the larger room, rows of columns divide this spacious room. A pile of blankets lies in the southwest corner, but otherwise, the room is bare. Tanbaru nods {b]This is were the pilgrims would sleep.
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Cizish sends the Bruces on a sweep around the area to make sure the party is truly alone.
Seeing the eggs, Cizish takes a closer look. Are these eggs for eating or something more unique? Cizish will commune with Tanbaru to gather some information about the room and the eggs (if needed) and he will also look around the room for anything on interest.
The magical weapons are of little interest to him, but if no one else needs the spear, Cizish is proficient in its use and will take it.
- Identify the eggs or anything interesting about the rabbit meat.
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The Bruce's circle around and don't detect any other threats.
In the big room Zalkar notes only 3 of the blankets appear to have been used recently. Cizish examines the eggs and identities them as the eggs of a fairly large snake. He thinks these eggs represent an especially strong subspecies of serpent that might serve as powerful companions if properly reared and trained.
After a time, you've record some of your findings, and you notice Tanbaru is just outside the Altar Room but is peering in. You join it there, and find Tanbaru staring at the top of the statue.
There surrounded by fierce whirling winds, an athletic woman of living stone appears atop the head of the massive serpentine statue. In a booming telepathic voice, she declares, “For over a thousand years I’ve stood vigil over the procession that leads up to this temple. I was watching you while you walked the Pilgrim’s Path. Everything you faced along the way was a test of your abilities and your character. I saw the way you cleared my path and took care not to disturb the birds there. Your rice was adequate and your ringing of the gong somewhat week, but your intentions were good. You but some effort into cleaning up after your battles with the snakes, but those bombs are messy business. You were thoughtful to sign my guestbook, and careful with the things you've found here. You have not disgrace yourselves
But the test is not over— answer my questions and face my judgment!
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Oh my! Can anyone else hear that? Who are you and what are your questions? We aren't here to face any judgment but rather we wish to show you respect! Tanbaru, do you have any insight on who this is or what we need to do?
Zalkar nervously looks around to make sure he isn't the only one heard the booming voice.
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Olli only notices the statue and whirling wind have are new, the room otherwise remains as it was earlier.
I'll see about that, the statue replies to Zalkar, before continuing. I am Jiraku, guardian of the path. The booming voice in your head grows quite for what seems like a long time as if searching for something. Tanbaru where? I lost my mate many, many years ago. When the path was changed.
Tanbaru begins to fly forward toward the statue, Jiraku. That’s close enough! Jiraku voice rings in your ears, and Tanbaru stops and begins to whimper pitifully. It clear that Jiraku does not recognize Tanbaru.
My first question is Who are you and why are you here?
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Mighty Jiraku, we mean no disrespect and would be happy to peacefully answer any questions you have for us. We were tasked to come explore this ancient temple. As pathfinders our desire is to gain knowledge and further learning wherever we can. This temple was damaged by a sorceress named Hao Jin long ago. We were introduced to Tanburu and asked to help escort him back to his ancient home. You see he was one of your kamis before the destruction and in his despair he became an oni. With the pathfinders aid he has changed his focus to good. If you look closely at him you may find you know him despite his changes.
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Zalkar senses that there are multiple ways to approach answering the questions and that not all options are equal—choosing the wrong approach may anger Jiraku even though your arguement is good.
When Olli speaks about Tanbaru and the other temple’s half stored in the Hao Jin Tapestry, you can tell Jiraku is shocked as the stoic statue actually makes a concerned expression. After listening to all Zalkar and Olli have to say. Jiraku responds I accept your answer.
Despite Olli's words Jiraku next question is aimed at Tanbaru. This is no place for an oni! What were you thinking when you brought that creature here? Clearly not accepting Tanbaru's change.
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Jiraku considers Zalkar words, and you somehow feel pity wash over the kami. I see. Then she asks one more question.
“I have failed my ward. Look at the desecrated altar! Tell me why I shouldn’t just let the fire and ash of Yamatsumi cleanse this place?
When Jiraku speaks these words, the earth trembles, and fiery flashes are visible at the summit of the mountain looming over the temple. Droplets of lava begin to seep and bead at the seams between the temple’s stone blocks.
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Speaking to Olli before returning to the room with the statue: Mr Olli, I agree with you that these might make good companions for some Terran based druid, but I have no interest in any sort of creepy-crawly. However, these should be cared for carefully. I will try to return them to where they belong...now, where could that be?
Cizish begins looking around for a place where the eggs might belong.
After Jiraku encounter begins, Cizish wanders into the room, barely aware of the conversation (head in the clouds). ☁️ After hearing Zalkar and Jiraku discussing Tanbaru, he speaks up. Bowing low before the alter and statuesque woman, he says: Oh great guardian of the path, my name is Cizish Windwalker and I am here to seek new knowledge and experiences. Myself colleagues have spoken truly and eloquently regarding our task. Please look closely at Tambaru, she may appear to be an oni, but I can confirm that her heart is good. During our voyage here, she spoke kindly into my mind and sought to keep the path to this temple pure. Perhaps Tambaru can help to reconstruct your alter?
With that, Cizish begins to turn away before spinning back with a start and carefully holding the eggs up to Jiraku. Oh! I almost forgot, we found these eggs. Might they belong to you? If not, can you please assist us with how to best return them to their mother or at the least care for them to allow their health and well being?
Both to determine what to do with the eggs
- talking to Jiraku about sparing the temple/alter.
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Wait and don't despair Jiraku! The temple can be repaired! I know you feel like you failed your ward but you will truly fail if you continue down this path and will become an evil Oni that you don't want to and I'm sure that there are rituals that can restore the alter from desecration! See how Tanbaru has changed and kept from becoming evil!
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I agree with my friends. Destroying this beautiful temple would be an insult to all you hold dear and sacred. The challenge would be to repair it to its former glory. That would truly reinvigorate this holy temple and invite people to come and honor this area as it should be honored. I’m sure Tanbaru can aid you and perhaps if you desired the pathfinder society could aid as well.
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So few visitors have come and shown such respect for local traditions. I had forsaken my love and duty for this place, but perhaps there is hope for me yet. Jiraku exclaims. The lava ceases and temple stops shaking.
Please take your time to finish studying the temple, rest, and prepare your next journey. Thank you for reminding me what's important. Now do you believe Tanbaru should stay with me here at the temple? Jiraku asks you.
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You find a suitable place to place the eggs that gives them the best chance of hatching and living.
With the Pathfinder's recommendation Jiraku places Tanbaru on her face, smiles, and says, I’m sad about what happened to you, Tanbaru, but I need you to remind me why I must never abandon my duty.
You stay long enough to thoroughly document what's left of the temple and then head back to Ramparassad. Old Pak listens with interest to your account of the adventure. Old Pak wistfully notes the departure of a friend, Tanbaru, before cheerfully declaring that this might be reason enough for him to visit the temple in person sometime. You never know the site might once again attract Yamatsumi’s faithful to repair the trail and temple, earning the Society goodwill throughout the region.
A job well down Pathfinders!