This particular group calls itself the Dawnflower
Blossoms, believing that they are but a bud of the mighty
flower of faithful that will soon grow in Taldor’s heart.
Unless any cultists were captured during the events of
Act 1, 10 refugees travel with the PCs: five human women
(Charito, Ionnia, Nellina, Pasara, and Xene), two halfling
women (Piria and Sophone), and three human men
(Marcian, Narces, and Theodric). All are young adults or
adults, 1st-level commoners with 4 hit points. The only
exception is Piria, who is a 1st-level adept. Unfortunately,
she has already expended her daily spells tending to
the needs of her fellow cultists. Even though the cult
was a fairly egalitarian organization, it did have a few
leaders. Sadly, however, almost all of them perished in
Dalsine’s attack. The members the PCs saved are simple
parishioners and are unarmed.
Since the PCs will be traveling with the Sarenites during
this Act, they might have some questions about the recent
raid on their organization, the history of Sarenrae worship
in Taldor, and the catacombs through which they travel.
Below are a few answers the cultists might give:
What happened during the raid? “That murderous raid
took us all by complete surprise. They burst in while we
were in the middle of worship. We were in what we thought
was a safe house in Oppara’s Westport neighborhood. A
butcher of a man named Chalfon Dalsine—a nobleman
of some sort judging by his dress—led the attack. There
hasn’t been such a vicious attack on Sarenrae’s faithful in
Oppara for decades. They came in and just started killing
everyone. They didn’t even ask any questions.”
What are the catacombs and can you get us to the
Vault of Sarenrae? “The catacombs are old tunnels and
connected rooms buried centuries or even millennia ago.
I think we can find our way to the Vault, although I’m
not familiar with this particular part of the catacombs.
Sarenites like us have used the catacombs for centuries to
meet in secret and to move around the city undetected. It’s
not the safest place, as we’ve encountered criminals and
dangerous creatures down here from time to time, but I
don’t think we have a better choice at the moment. The
Porthmos Militia has likely alerted the other city guards
to us. I doubt the streets are any safer at the moment.”
What is the Vault of Sarenrae? “It’s an ancient temple
dedicated to the Dawnflower we discovered here in the
catacombs a few years back. Only a few of us know about
it, so it’s probably the most secure location for us right
now. Then again, after the attack, I’m not so sure it’s wise
to trust anyone or anything.”
Additionally, there are several Knowledge skill checks
the PCs can make now that they have a moment to
organize their thoughts.
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"So what hap-"
“That murderous raid took us all by complete surprise. They burst in while we were in the middle of worship. "
"I could see where that might be awkward (or maybe fun) were you Calistrians."
"We were in what we thought was a safe house in Oppara’s Westport neighborhood."
"Is it a nice place? How's the rent there? Property in Oppara I hear can be pretty expensive."
"A butcher of a man named Chalfon Dalsine—a nobleman of some sort judging by his dress—led the attack. There hasn’t been such a vicious attack on Sarenrae’s faithful in Oppara for decades. They came in and just started killing everyone. They didn’t even ask any questions.”
"Okaaay, not really what I asked...."
“The catacombs are old tunnels and connected rooms buried centuries or even millennia ago. I think we can find our way to the Vault, although I’m not familiar with this particular part of the catacombs. Sarenites like us have used the catacombs for centuries to meet in secret and to move around the city undetected. It’s not the safest place, as we’ve encountered criminals and dangerous creatures down here from time to time, but I don’t think we have a better choice at the moment. The Porthmos Militia has likely alerted the other city guards to us. I doubt the streets are any safer at the moment.”
"Riiight. I know what catacombs are. Are you familiar with the term 'too much information'? Listen, you stay here and I'm going to scout over there." Rilia moves away from the cultist.
“the Vault of Sarenrae is an ancient temple dedicated to the Dawnflower we discovered here in the catacombs a few years back. Only a few of us know about it, so it’s probably the most secure location for us right now. Then again, after the attack, I’m not so sure it’s wise to trust anyone or anything.”
"Okay. If you don't leave me alone right now I'm going to hurt you. So back off!"
"I've met less clingy cultist of Cthulhu."
KNOW HISTORY OR GEOGRAPHY
sewer lines, natural caves, and old city streets and
buildings buried centuries or even millennia ago.
The ground beneath the city is literally honeycombed
by countless tunnels and chambers. The catacombs
have been used throughout Oppara’s history as a
meeting place for secret organizations.
ago by the last descendants of ancient Azlant, and its
catacombs are said to contain a few deep ruins dating
back to this time.
existed from the surface. Most were destroyed or bricked
up centuries ago, following a nasty torble infestation that
was believed to have originated in the catacombs.
areas used today are relatively close to the surface. Most of
the oldest areas have been underwater for millennia.
Know Religion or History
since the Great Purge of 4528 ar. The degree to which her
followers are persecuted has waxed and waned over the
last 200 years.
of Taldor’s major urban centers (Cassomir and Oppara),
and away from the xenophobic southern border region
(which includes the city of Zimar).
the Dawnflower Blossoms does not reflect
the current government’s attitude toward
Sarenites within Taldor’s borders. It
is more likely to be the result of a
single, ultra-patriotic zealot.
once quite popular in Taldor,
although never as central
to national identity as the
veneration of Aroden.
Numerous large Sarenite
temples and cathedrals
once existed throughout
the empire, one of which was
built of gold-plated bricks,
rumors say.
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Smacking his forehead, the thin man remarks "Oh! That's right. They outlawed her after the Great Purge...I suppose that would be why you are in hiding and thusly use these catacombs to move about."
Looking around as they travel, Manathiel makes a few hand signs, while muttering to himself. Forming a square with his fingers, she peers through the gap, looking over the area they are in.
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Rilia smacks Manathiel's knowing it is never too early to start a party tradition and expands upon his thoughts. "Persecution of the Sarenites has waxed and waned particularly in Taldon's major cities since the Purge of 4528. Though the catacombs under the city date back to Azlanti times over 6000 years ago, incase anyone needed to know more about catacombs."
The catacombs twist and turn, the passages ranging in width from narrow five-foot crawlspaces to massive twenty-foot avenues. The walls and
floors vary in material from rough-hewn stone to cobblestone to moldering wooden boardwalks. The current stone passage spans a width of twenty feet and features dozens of smaller, five- and ten-foot-wide, round tunnels branching off every few yards. The air is
dry and still.
The human woman Xene and the Halfling woman named Sophone seem to be the only cultists privy to the Vault’s location. They navigate the
catacombs from memory, often counseling one another privately when unsure which way to go.More than once they double back after reaching
a dead end, evidence that their knowledge of the
tunnel systems is not perfect.
an increase in cobwebs as they pass through the tunnel.
Those who succeed at the check may make an additional
Perception check to notice a giant spider hiding in one of
the 10-foot-wide side tunnels before it springs its attack.
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"Hah!" snarls Iso. "Outlaw a god? Did they also outlaw rain? Soft lands and full of foolish people."
"Iso sees less rats, and more webs. Iso has met a big spider before. Caution is recommended!" he says, unlimbering his axe and making sure he is at the front.
"Have kovely Xene and Sophone seen Spiders the size of Iso here before?"
"Look... There is one over there!"
Iniative
Spider
Farith
Manathiel
Karolina
Iso
Riia
Order
Karolina: Cast Mage Armor
Spider
Manathiel
Farith
Riia
Iso
Spider Attack in order of Iniative
The Spider shoots out a web at the elven mage
grabbing him
Manathiel
Farith
Riia
Iso
[b] I believe the spider is up in the corner [/ooc]
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The elven mage chuckles at his predicament. Looking over the multi-legged creature, he closes his eyes. Forcefully, he moves his hands about in an intricate pattern. Spouting an unearthly phrase, a ray of black energy shoots from his fingers.
"আপনি যথেষ্ট শক্তিশালী মনে হয়"
After casting, the man snaps his fingers. In a burst of purple smoke, he's no longer encased in the web. A second burst of smoke appears nearby, dissipating just as quickly to reveal the mage standing, unharmed.
Fort save
THe party is able to attack the spider who begins to retaliate
end of round 1
This itsy bitsy spider doesn't like being hit
The spider rears back and bites at the barbarian who hurt her
damage
Fort save
While the spider injects its venom into the barbarian he is able to fight it off, for now.
Poor spider goes splat
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Looking from Iso to the flattened enemy, Manathiel opens his mouth to speak. Pausing a moment, he finally says "Uh...there any useful items in the goo?"
I best not get on his bad side He considers as he starts searching the room.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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The barbarian looks in wonder at the elf.
"Iso thinks Manathiel very smart! Spider fangs. Very good luck!"
He stays sitting until his breathing has returned to normal, and then plunges into the sticky mess of smashed spider sending goo everywhere. Eventually he returns with a couple of large fangs.
"Protect Iso from Poison!"
The ichor splattered barbarian stands, looks round for a pretty lady to hug while ensuring her that "See, Iso tells you no harm will come!"
there is nothing of interest in the spider webs
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"Iso suggests we press onward!" announces the barbarian, seemingly little concerned about the hunk of his arm that still leaks blood from the spiders bite.
He also seems unconcerned with the gore that covers him, or the lingering odour that stays in his wake. More noticeable down here, underground where there is no fresh air to blow it away.
About an hour after the spider ambush, the PCs and
Sarenite refugees finally reach the Vault of Sarenrae.
In the center of this large, natural cavern, easily more than
forty feet in height, stands the ruin of a truly ancient temple
constructed of chipped grey and white marble. Its domed
roof collapsed long ago, but the structure is otherwise in
remarkably good shape. Where doors must once have hung, a
small campfire now burns, surrounded by piles of ragged but
neatly folded bedding.