Reflex
Dolgrym keeps trying to chop up the strange alchemist.
Attack
Damage
"You should yield, grandfather. It's preferable to having your head staved in."
The firey blast scorches The Green Man, but in is rage he does not feel the pain except on a primal level, and that only serves to make him even MORE angry.
One hand feels out the edge of the table... "Yield?" He giggles and snorts "How do you tire so easily with such lazy swings?" He pushes between Dolgrym and Furiel's minion. He stumbles a bit, and slams into the shelving - with his hands up as if he'd intended to scale it.
Jars on the edge tip over, and shatter onto the flagstone floor.
Undeterred, he finds his grip and footing... and quickly makes it to the top.
AoO
Damage
As the tiny old man reaches the top, he tips over and falls - landing on his back... finally succumbing to his wounds.
"Whatever that old man was, he was tough. I socked him good three or four times, and he just kept shrugging it off," the dwarf muttered almost admiringly. He casts Detect Magic on the corpse.
Furiel looks at the old man with confusion.
"How can something so small take so much punishment???"
The Green Man leaves his rage behind, wheezing and puffing for a moment, slowly wiping sweat from his brow with the back of one massive hand.
"He mentioned the goddess of undeath and diseases, she might have been granting him unnatural vigour.
...
Doesn't he remind you of another little old man we fought beneath Stagfall?
Methinks there might just be a connection."
The Green Man's head suddenly snaps around as he glares at the stairway.
"Kinsilvi had truck with a worshipper of this goddess? Making a disease?
I don't care what he THOUGHT he was planing, if he was stupid enough to think helping spread a disease in her name would accomplish anything good then he is a fool of epic proportions!"
For those who'd faced the tiny old man under Stagfall, this one is very similar in appearance - somewhere between ancient gnome and lowly demon. Upon the bony hump at the base of his neck, is a tattoo upon a scar of a fly... A skull is visible in the lines which make up the body of the fly.
A book covered in stitched hide, an iron and onyx comb, and a small glass dagger lie on the table among the canning supplies.
+1 Glassteel Dagger of Grounding
Spell craft dagger
Spell craft book
Sonechka smirks down at the old man's body. "I never regret the death of a follower of the Mother of Monsters." She shakes her head and looks at Green. "I will be glad to hear Kinsilvi's answer to your question, my lord."
(variation of Book of Cults)
Price 5000 gp; Slot none; CL 7th; Weight 5 lbs.; Aura moderate
This strange leather-bound book contains erratic handwriting; the words
within it appear to have been translated from Gnome into Common (and
perhaps some other language before Gnome). It contains notations of
strange cult practices, disturbing rants about ancient godlike beings,
and confusing diagrams resembling summoning circles, with many parts
crossed out or obliterated with ink or fire. The bearer of the book
gains a +1 resistance bonus on Will saving throws while carrying the book.
Once per day, the bearer can hold the book in one hand to use it as a lesser extend metamagic rod, but only for conjuration spells that summon or call an evil outsider.
"The dagger is magical. It is a +1 glassteel dagger of grounding. I'd think it would be a good backup weapon for someone who doesn't have a magical weapon yet.
Sonechka very carefully inspects the book, opening the cover with a handy stirring stick and turning the pages with two fingertips. She grimaces at the contents, shaking her head as she reads. "This book describes... unspeakable things. Cults, lost gods. It looks like it was written by a madman. The handwriting has been crossed out or burned in places." She cocks her head and looks more closely at it, not turning the pages for a few seconds.
"And it operates as a magical item, as well. The carrier's mental defenses are improved and a spellcaster can use it to extend the duration of a spell." She nods appreciatively at the book; in here eyes its usefulness clearly overcomes the distasteful contents.
"Keep that thing away from me, Sone. I like to keep evil away from my magics. Bad mojo," he whispers conspiratorially.
The Green Man snarls and begins to walk towards the staircase with what can only be described as the vengeful purpose of an angry god.
"If we continue our plan to establish ourselves as a good community, we may want to ritually destroy the book in public."
"I think we would be better off ritually executing Kinsilvi in public after a recitation of his crimes. Perhaps we could destroy his formulae and notes as well, as a symbolic gesture." She taps the book with a fingertip. "I doubt any of the members of the public would care enough about this book for its destruction to have any symbolic impact."
She nods in Green's direction as their king stalks away looking like death on two feet. "Please don't kill him, my lord. At least, not here where no one can see."
Sonechka quirks an eyebrow at Dolgrym, a slight smirk on her lips. "Bad mojo can be quite useful, from time to time." As evidenced by her frequent use of the evil eye.
After securing Kinsilvi in the hands of the guards, Norton reaches the others downstairs. Apparently the had been partying without him. He happens to hear the words of lady Sonechka while he steps down.
"I hate to be the devil's advocate, milady, believe me, I truly do." his cheliaxian accent more audible than usual "But the presence of a crime here is quite questionable. What Kinsilvi was doing was wrong, wicked, and potentially dangerous, but as far as I know, he didn't tresspass any law of this land. He didn't even force anybody in his experiments, the kobolds came to him, on their own. Do you really want to show everybody that we held people responsible for what they did before we came here, and execute them according to some law that has not even been written or made publicly known?"
"The Stag Lord men attacked us, and his presence was a menace for many here, but Kinsilvi, beyond been creepy, didn't hurt anybody. People here are used to be free from law's protection as well as law's constraints. Hanging Kinsilvi could surely send the wrong message."
The Green Man can't help but snort at that.
"Not at all, you forget the end result they were after, spreading the disease to other kobolds.
The idea was to create a virulent plague and spread it amongst the other tribes.
At least one tribe which is now allied with us.
Moreover, due to the presence of a Urgathoan, one almost exactly like the one responsible for the undead under Stagfall, I do not think that it would have ended with just the plague.
No, Kinsilvi has a lot more to answer for than that, but don't you worry, he will have his say, oh yes he will."
Upon hearing Green approach, Kesten tugs Kinsilvi up straight - he'd begun to ragdoll coming into sight of his current situation.
Kesten instructs him "You are about to be in the presence of your Lord. You are a prisoner. This is not a conversation. You will not speak other than when questioned."
The Green Man presents a picture of tranquil fury as he slowly approaches the man responsible for his anger.
When he speak it is with a tight, clipped voice, signalling that a much more explosive anger is held in check only by force of will at the moment.
"So, Urgathoa...the pallid princess, mistress of diseases and UNDEATH...
Tell me, was the second stage to perhaps raise the kobolds killed by the plague as zombies?
You've made it quite clear you think of yourself as more clever than most, so you must have known the ultimate goal of anyone aligned with that dead goddess.
It might also interest you to know that we fought a man enough like this one to be his twin, already responsible for filling the bowels of the Staglords fort with undead.
A little outbreak of disease here, a swarm of undead here, a few isolated events stringed together to create quite a terrible mess.
And who is to say there is not other such hot spots working their evil as we speak?"
When Green mentions the "second stage"... Kinsilvi shows a hint of realization, and shakes his head ruefully. "It's true. I thought not of Flaudeshrog's endgame, but only of my own gain. My love who now.. will never return... my love.. blinded me." Kesten gives him an unsympathetic little arm tug.
Kinsilvi has no answer or comment for the remainder or after.
"I hate to be the devil's advocate, milady, believe me, I truly do." his cheliaxian accent more audible than usual "But the presence of a crime here is quite questionable. What Kinsilvi was doing was wrong, wicked, and potentially dangerous, but as far as I know, he didn't tresspass any law of this land. He didn't even force anybody in his experiments, the kobolds came to him, on their own. Do you really want to show everybody that we held people responsible for what they did before we came here, and execute them according to some law that has not even been written or made publicly known?"
"The Stag Lord men attacked us, and his presence was a menace for many here, but Kinsilvi, beyond been creepy, didn't hurt anybody. People here are used to be free from law's protection as well as law's constraints. Hanging Kinsilvi could surely send the wrong message."
Sonechka smiles her chilly smile at Norton. "I would, in fact, want to show everyone that we are willing to enforce rules of good behavior in spite of Kinsilvi living here and conducting these experiments before our law became law. I would want everyone to know that doing evil results in swift justice, regardless of any written code. Among my people, the laws are known by all but go unwritten and punishment is certain and decisive. Evil is evil, regardless of boundaries or writ. All men should know that justice will be done, wherever their actions touch on our land, whether they consider themselves subject to our law or live in a lawless wilderness."
She looks at Green as their king stomps out of the basement. "Of course, what I want is immaterial, as our lord Green seems quite convinced that Kinsilvi is guilty of a crime and seems set on extracting punishment."
"I fear it is worse than you think, downstairs, we found a spirit eater, what you call a "will-o-the-wisp".
A creature well known to imitate the dead to lure in the unwary, and while not undead, still a perfect tool for an Urgathoan."
As he speaks, The Green Man's face softens just a little, because as angry as he was, somewhere deep down he began to realize that there was little pleasure in breaking this man.
At the same time, he would keep pounding away for a while longer, to see if there was even a sliver of regret in the man, if there might just be a chance to offer this man the redemption that some had taken before.
Kinsilvi is silent... his lips quiver, his eyes tear up....
He snorts and giggles, then throws his head back cackling madly while tears stream down his face.
"Driven to damnation! Ha ha!"
Kesten motions the two guards over. They move to either side - ready to move him out on a word or nod.
Kinsilvi steadies his breathing, then... "Soul and body I offer to those they truly feared. Who? The true wild.. Who? Unknowable power... Who? Beyond your reach! Ha ha! Nameless godless power! Find me.. dead or in chains... I will march at your side when the darkness falls upon these-" Kesten gags him.
Sonechka nods and murmurs to Dolgrym. "I suspect there may be more books like the one we discussed. That was an enlightening comment. I do not think Urgathoa was the only forbidden power invoked in this house."
Boolna had been present for much of what transpired. By her side is another kobold - larger and more muscular than Boolna. He grumbles not far from Furiel. "I have seen enough."
He then turns to Furiel. "Boolna tell me you are war chieftain of this new kingdom, and friend to Embermaw. Kuh-Dakaah-Huaa."
He brings a fist to his chest and nods. "I am Yarbel."
"After we are healed of disease, we will go to this Mikmek. The Whiptail will follow your Embermaw friend if he will lead us."
The Green Man sighs, the sign of possible redemption failing to appear in Kinsilvi after all.
To The Green Man, it appeared as if the man's pride simply would not allow him to accept his defeat fully and so he pledges himself to someone else.
Madness...in a way he broke himself...
"Let us search this place fully, take stock of what we find and then get ready to depart.
Depending on what we find, I may need to remain a little while longer, to treat the kobolds."
Dolgrym nods at the words of the other kobold as he spoke the draconic tongue. He did not add anything to the discussion, letting the kobolds and the others have their conversation.
"I suspect there is more dangerous magic in this place. We should take care in a search as more evil items will no doubt be hidden."
Furiel smiles at the kobold, and the elemental of earth salutes first Furiel and then the kobold before returning to his home plane. Furiel speaks to the hearty kobold after reciprocating with a fist to his chest:
"I have a feeling you may have earned the title to his place here in blood. Until we find Mikmek, Yarbel, you will watch out for your people. I think Green may be making an announcement about your former bondage."
Furiel makes a gesture to Green: "After what we have seen today, I think it is time."
Sonechka shakes her head at Furiel's comment to the kobolds. "Don't promise things to people who haven't asked for them." She nods at Green. "It will take me," she glances at Dolgrym, "and Dolgrym, if he wishes to participate in the tedium, hours, perhaps days to catalog all the books in the downstairs library. To say nothing of any other items in the manor. I suspect you will have more than enough time to tend to the kobolds."
Yarbel nods to Sonechka, then looks back to Furiel "If shown way to Mikmek, we leave when sickness is gone."
Action/Time: 10 minutes.
Should take 6 hours overall, good luck
Copy and paste to roll!
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
dice=heal vs disease DC 15]1d20+11[/dice]
Furiel takes out their map, and shows the kobolds where Mikmek is located.
"I sent human scouts to find Mikmek, but he was easily able to avoid them."
Furiel looks at Green: "Sonechka is against the emancipation, but I would think this would be timely given the tragedy and horror discovered today. Initially against it, but now those who would favor slavery put them on Kinsilvi's side now."
"First, in front of others is not the place to discuss kingdom leadership." She gestures at Kinsilvi, gagged and held by guards but still present. "Especially not in front of such as him. Second, of course I am not opposed to allowing the kobolds to go free. But we should discuss this later, in private, and deal with our captive now."
After 3 hours of doctoring,
23 will be healed, 12 still diseased
"I believe you will be able to fight of the disease now, so I'll ask you to remain on that side, so you don't get a new infection from those still in need of more aid."
Kesten and the guards lead the prisoners out to the wagon.
"I suspect we can handle this, but if someone cares to join us...."
Boolna and her younger sister assist Green with patient relations. After many hours of repeated treatment, they are confident they can deal with the few who may have lingering symptoms.
Sonechka and Dolgrym take several hours separating the books of value from those more vile. The tiny old man's book is a difficult read some seems to be messages from an insane mother to her unborn children - passing on lessons. There are many rituals - mostly necromantic, all evil. The rituals to create a "Beheaded" and several variations are among the more evil. In addition to what's written in the book, the alphabet of many different languages covers every page - though the occasional letter is missing.
You estimate there to be about 2500 gold worth of books - not including the profane texts.
There is enough alchemical equipment to assemble 2 portable alchemy labs, and one full alchemy lab
"Hmmm, that looks good.
Yes, I really do think that did it.
Wiping his hands slowly on a fresh linen towel, the Green Man grins happily.
"It feels good to ply my trade as a healer again, lately it is the warrior that has been called upon most often.
This restores the balance somewhat.
Now I just need to find a way to indulge the natural side as well.
Like...finding and taming a great beast.
Something to ride maybe?"
Shaking his head to clear away the hopeful musings, something suddenly occurs.
"With Kinsilvis claim on the Lurleton estate gone, our allies have a secure base now, but what about this place?
Obviously it would take some debating back at the council before we could do anything, but I am thinking we should bestow this place on one of the farmer families that live in this area.
Like it or not, we will see an influx of nobility to our lands, but nothing says we cannot address the balance by making some of our own..."
Looking over at Furiel and Norton, The Grren Man gestures at Kesten.
"I suspect that myself, as well as master Stoneaxe and Damsel Alkaeva will need to remain a litlte while longer.
But maybe the two of you could accompany Kesten back to the capital for now, and we can meet up in the morning?"
"Well, some, we've hit the mother lode as far as information is concerned. There's a ton of useful stuff here, even discounting those evil tomes. Do we sell the books, or use them for our own research purposes?"
"With Kinsilvis claim on the Lurleton estate gone, our allies have a secure base now, but what about this place?
Obviously it would take some debating back at the council before we could do anything, but I am thinking we should bestow this place on one of the farmer families that live in this area.
Like it or not, we will see an influx of nobility to our lands, but nothing says we cannot address the balance by making some of our own..."
Sonechka looks around at the rich furnishings and solid walls, shaking her head. "There are many who would say this place is so steeped in evil that it is likely cursed. I doubt there are many farmers who would want to live in even so beautiful a manor if they knew a fraction of the things that went on in and under these walls. The land is valuable and desirable, but this building? Raze it and let your new farmer-noble build their own, once we have removed all the dangerous items from it."
"Well, some, we've hit the mother lode as far as information is concerned. There's a ton of useful stuff here, even discounting those evil tomes. Do we sell the books, or use them for our own research purposes?"
"I would prefer that we keep it for now, not discounting the works of a... darker nature. Knowledge is power. We can always sell the library later once we have learned what there is to learn."
The Green Man rubs his chin as he contemplates Sonechka's suggestion.
"Hmmm, you think the place irredeemable then? If so, I agree that it's better torn down, lest it temps someone with it's dark whispers.
Plus, tearing it down my reveal yet more secrets in the process."
Looking around the the rooms, the smile on his face grows a little.
"Besides, I see the merit in your idea, let THEM build something here, something that will belong to THEM, to THEIR family.
Something to pass down through time, connected to the bloodline.
Yes, I like that, I like that a lot."
Sonechka smiles her chilly smile. "Do I think a building can become evil simply because of the actions of the man who lived in it? No, I do not. But do I think there are many who would think so? Yes, I do."
She nods at Green. "And yes, letting your chosen one build their own manor or whatever they will gives them an investment in the land they would not otherwise have if simply gifted with this place. An astute insight, my lord."