Orik looks relieved that they are not entering the temple and glad that Selden their cleric is prepared when they are going to head that way. 'I wonder how Lyrie will react to this group,' he thinks to himself.
"How do you think the researcher will respond? Will she prove pure as pyrite like you?" The dwarf still holds a measure of distrust for the mercenary, but doesn't object to having Orik be behind him now.
"Yeah, pure as pyrite." He says a bit sarcastically shaking his head. "I hope she can see reason and can see the downfall of Nualia. It actually might be better if you can persuade her without me in the room, but that is your choice." He says grimly.
Selena was about to cast one of her spells to bolster the offensive firepower of the group but stopped at the last minute as it seemed that they were bypassing the chapel area altogether. Instead Selena takes her usual place near the rear and follows the group as they make their way towards this researcher. With luck they will find her cooperative but Selena would be ready in any case.
As the group of adventurers pass by, they notice the two large stone doors on the western wall that must lead to the temple. The doors are carved with images of deformed monsters clawing their way out of pregnant women of all races.
Continuing on past the doors as quickly as possible, and looking at them as little as they can, the group continues to the north, where a door stands. Moving quickly, Tunder pushes open the door and looks around.
The lower four feet of the walls in this empty room are covered with crude drawings in mud, blood, and paint. Most of the draws show goblins engaged in some sort of violence against humans, horses or dogs. One picure on the north wall is at least three times the size and complexity of the other scrawlings. This image show Thistletop from the side, the goblin stockade perched atop it like a crown. A cave has been drawn into the center of the image, and looming inside is what appears to be an immense, muscular goblin with snakelike eyes and a dog-slicer in head taloned hand. If the scale compared to the rest of the drawing is to be believed, this goblin must be at least thirty feet tall.
There is another door to west of this otherwise unremarkable room.
Seldon stiffens as they pass the temple doors, his displeasure clear on his wizened face. "We should attack this evil where it is birthed. Without delay." he complains, but he follows in step all the same. He pauses to examine the paintings. "... is this the Malfeshnekor we've read so much about? It seems even the goblins knew of his presence. No doubt he has been manipulating them for as long as they've made their nests here. Selena? What do you make of it?"
Barek looks at the images on the doors with disgust. "Ugh, please tell me that's not what Nualia's doing. If we walk in on her giving birth to some monster, I'll hurl."
When they come to the goblins drawings, he laughs. "Just stupid graffiti, Seldon. Who's ever heard of a goblin that tall? I can add a picture of me 80 feet tall and kicking it in the face. And we'll put a 100 foot tall Tunder chopping it to bits. Heh, a 100 foot tall dwarf. That'll give the goblins nightmares for years."
Barek's words do little to put him at ease, but the elf does his best to hide it. "But I think all the lice in Avistan will rejoice!" he quips, flashing Tunder a playful grin and motioning to the west door. "Shall we move on?"
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Selena takes a look at the carving and drawings trying to make sense of what it is she is seeing. Although she tends to agree with Barek about the possibility of a goblin drawing an accurate description she tries to recall any that it could be.
Barek you a probably right but give me a second to take a look and study this closer. Perhaps something will jog my memory...
With a rye laugh, Mirela gently teases the brawny warrior "Oh Barek, wish that I had some chalk... we'd put your art skills to the test!"
Passing Selena while inspecting the room, Mirela appears somewhat bored at the sight of such infantile doodles. "While Selena is trying to decipher this... artwork, I can check ahead." Mirela ends her last sentence with a slight up speak intonation, turning her declarative statement into more of a question.
Tunder stands impatiently waiting for the others to finish being fascinated by the door.
Selena hardly hears Miri exactly so engrossed is she in studying the artwork. She nods her head in agreement though for Miri to scout ahead as that will give her some extra time to study what it is she is seeing.
By the time that Selena studies the drawings and scrawls of the goblins she realizes that the large goblin is likely little more than a goblin fantasy or an expression of some other power.
Mirela moves ahead opening the western door, and finding a 10' hallway that end in another door. Opening that door, she finds what appears to be a war-room of some kind. A disturbingly accurate map of Sandpoint is scrawled on one wall, and drawings of troops of soldiers, including the sin-spawn from below ground appear to be converging on the town in overwhelming numbers.
There is a set of stairs that goes back to the ground level through a eastern door. From behind the western door, Mirela hears the sound of someone working in the other room. A soft gentle put persistent hammering sound comes from that room.
Selena waits to see what the group decides to do with the soft knocking/tapping sound from behind the door.
Barek nods at the door. "Let's open it up. We'll give her the same chance as you, Orik. If you have any pull with her you might try to convince her. "
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"She doesn't really listen to me," says Orik a bit wistfully. "She's smart and thinks she knows it all. I won't have much pull with her."
The door opens into a room with a large wooden worktable in the middle. The surface is cluttered with scrolls, books, stone tablets covered with dense spiky runes, and fragments of carvings that appear to have been chipped off statues or bas-reliefs. To the north, a floor-to-ceiling set of wooden shelves sags with picks, shovels, brushes, lanterns, and other equipment one might expect to see at an archeological site.
At the work-table, a small hammer and chisel in hand stands a dark-skinned woman with long braids, and a small white cat rubbing her shoulder beside her.
The woman looks up as you enter. "Who are you and what are you doing here?" she asks the assembled group.
"We're new. Orik is introducing us to everyone.
Tunder puts away his weapon and walks over to her.
Not trusting or underestimating this one, Mirela takes the distraction opportunity Tunder's introduction gives to move around to her other side silently in the event she tries something unexpected.
Selena makes a show of casting prestidigitation on herself to clean up the dust and grime from the dungeon before she speaks. Its a long story myself, but the short of it was that my wagon broke down and my guard got slain by goblins. These fine folks saved me and know I am travelling with them to help end the threat to Sandpoint by the goblins here. Orik decided to join us once we convinced him of our purpose. He spoke highly of you and asked that we speak with you and give you the same opportunity as him. That being to help us end the threat to Sandpoint.
Once that is accomplished then I see no reason not to let you continue on with your studies myself. I can understand the importance of research and the need to prove ones thoughts and conjectures.
diplomacy
Seldon, his mind on demons and death, is content to let Selena do the talking. When she is finished, Seldon will punctuate her terms by drawing an arrow. "In short, Nualia's tenure here is at an end. Come quietly and cooperate you'll be spared."
"Right. Orik's already seen the light. Come help us or at least forsake Nualia and leave for a while."
The wizard hesitates looking from Selena to Orik and then at the drawn arrow of Seldon.
"Wait, so you are saying, if I surrender to you, I can keep studying here? These finds are so important to my research! It will send Thassilonian studies on it's ear. But, what do I have to do, just stand aside? I don't mind standing aside, as long as I can keep working on my research. I'll just let you pass, okay?"
"We'd like you to leave for a few days at least. Just so we know you won't try to help Nualia. We might let you take any materials to study that you can carry. What did she want your help for anyway? "
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The woman looks put out at the idea of leaving. "I will just stay out of the way, and work in my lab here. You don't need me to leave. If you want her, go get her. The finds here are too important to let sit."
"Nualia promised to pay me in platinum for studying some old Thassilonian relics. Silly girl, I'd have paid her for this stuff. Not that she cares...With her its only 'Malfeshnekor this' and 'Malfeshnekor that'."
Selena tries to work another angle in at the mention of Malfeshnekor, I don't see too much of a problem with you staying here myself. In fact I would insist on it as old ruins like these are sure to have an abundance of rare and interesting items to be found. Perha[s you could help us then. I think it would be possible to remove Nualia and let your research go on unimpeded if you help us identify any items we find and you are willing to provide us with any magical boons to speed us on our way. Once cleared then you will have no one to bother you at all during your research except perhaps Orik as he may want to stay and guard the place as well.
Selena pauses a moment to let her words register to both Orik and the woman before she continues, By the way, what or who is this Malfeshnekor?
diplomacy
Tunder stands there with a scowl on his face, not trusting a word of what she says. "And where can we find Nualia?"
Sense Motive
"As long as I can stay and keep on this research, I'll agree to lend a hand when you need it. Magical items, especially Thassilonian ones, are my specialty. Bring me whatever I can help with and I'll do it."
She looks up from her work for the first time wen you ask about Malfeshnekor. "Well, I'm not really sure what it is, but it seems one of Alaznist's lieutentants, a being of extraordinary evil and power, was imprisoned in this building by Karzoug's minions using some sort of binding spell. It has been trapped here ever since, that's thousands of years ago, mind you. Nualia is trying to free that thing for her goddess Lamashtu, so I'm guessing it's some kind of monster. But I will tell you this, if it gets free, its bad news for everyone. That thing is supposed to be powerful and dangerous. Don't let her get it out, and don't you free it either!"
"If I could tell you more, I would, but that's all I know so far. She really wants me to find the release for the binding spell, but I haven't seen it yet. She's starting to get a bit crazy about it, if you ask me. Honestly, I don't know what Tsuto sees in her, besides the whole looks thing; that b@!&! is nuts!"
It seems once Lyrie starts talking, it may take a bit to get her to shut up...
Barek laughs. "Ok, girlie, I like your spunk. You can stay. But know there might be goblins or demons or whatever running around here once Nualia knows were here to take her out."
"And for gods sakes dont help anymore with that binding spell. Do you know anything about the other creatures here? We heard about Yeth hounds."
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Keeping Lyrie talking is fine by Selena. The amount of information gleaned from someone rambling on and on could prove highly valuable. What was most interesting was that she was working on a release for this Nalfeshnekor. It was possible that they could use this to their advantage.
Perhaps you could be a great aid to us. We could have you call for Nualia saying that you have found the answer that she is looking for. Once she comes to talk to you, we ambush her and remove the threat to all of us.
diplomacy
"I could try that...I guess," says Lyrie unsure. "I'd feel better if I wasn't directly involved in tricking her. I'm not very good at it, and don't want the consequences if she sees through me. You can just go down there and get her if you like." she nods towards the wall in the west which appears solid, but Orik has told you the stairs to teh lower level lie that way.
When you ask of creatures she says: "There is the tentamort on this level, and the goblins of course. At least one of the yeth hounds is always by Nualia's side but there are three altogether. The lower level we haven't fulled explored or cleared, but there is a creepy crypt down there with something foul in it, I have only been in there once and left quickly. We haven't figured out how to get past the pillar yet. And of course, there's the trap...She keeps it set when down there, and you have to call to tell her you are coming."
If you are not able to bring her up perhaps you are able to call to her to have the trap disarmed so we have a direct path to her. I have a way of making it appear that you are down there yourself. I would just need your voice to completely the ruse. Once we are cleared with the trap and her then we can discuss this pillar and crypt that you are talking about.
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Raising one brow inquisitively, Mirela absorbs the researchers very sudden change of allegiance. That was easy? Nualia apparently wasn't much of an inspiration as a leader...
Glancing over at Orik, the young varisian shrugs and sends a look to the warrior that seems to beg the question, can this one be trusted?
Orik wanders over to Mirela and whispers, "Her research is most important to her. That and looking out for number one. She'll bend whichever way the wind is blowing. Right now it's our way."
Lyrie considers your request. "So you are thinking about Silent Image mixed with my real voice? I think that could work yes. Nualia can't see from where we call to open the trap, so I will go that far, but no farther. I do get to keep working after you go downstairs right? Maybe you'll open up other parts of the ruins for me to investigate?"
"Once these yeth hounds are banished, the temple consecrated and Nualia in hand, then we will see to aiding your investigation. Who is this "Alaznist", and "Karzoug"? More servants of the demon queen?"
Lyrie begins discussing the beings you asked about almost as if giving a lecture at university. "Alaznist and Karzoug are Thassilonian rulers of immense magical power. They ruled what we now call Varisia thousands of years ago. Karzoug was the Lord of Greed and his nemesis was Alaznist -- she was the Lord of Wrath. This complex was originally built by Karzoug but it fell when ancient Thassilon was destroyed. Their magic is still alive here however, and Malfeshnekor's magical chains still bind it here."
"Yeah, how about we don't wake that thing up." He flexes his fists. "But Nualia has earned a beating. I'll make an exception to hitting a woman for her. Besides she's part demon now right?"
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Shrugging lightly, Mirela whispers casually but resolutely in response to Orik "Alright then, I guess we don't have to worry about her then for now."
Walking over to Barek, the lithe varisian girl gently punches him on the shoulder "Aww, and here I thought chivalry was dead." Pondering Barek's last statement, Mirela adds "That's a good point actually, Nualia really is more monster than human at this point."
Does that sound like a plan then? Get the trap to be deactivated then proceed down to Nualia? If so then give me a few moments to cast some spells to aid some of you.
3 questions...
Any special attacks
Special defenses
Special abilities
Special Defenses - DR 5/silver
Special Abilities - in addition to those already mentioned - flight, at 60' per round.
He looks a bit uncomfortable but as they go down the secret stairs he will not say a word knowing that Nualia will need to die to secure his safety.
Seldon will cast protection from Evil on Barek and communal protection from evil on Tunder, Mirela, Orik and himself. He'll make sure his vials of holy water and his scroll of remove fear are on hand. He tries to shake the nagging feeling that something isn't right as they make their way toward Nualia's chamber.
Tunder is not a fan of just leaving her. He suspects she will betray them to Nualia somehow, but he is out voted by the others. Tunder takes up Iona and carefully goes down the stairs.
Perception: +2 v goblin or underground
Stealth: +2 underground
As Selena speaks of the spells she can cast Orik perks up some, still quietly he says, "Those spells will assist me but it makes sense you would cast them on the others first."
Before we go down there is something else you should know about the Yeth Hounds. If I recall correctly, and Lyrie might be able to confirm this, but Yeth hounds are hard to damage with regular weapons. Their skin only allows those weapons made of silver to damage them fully. Another thing to note is that they possess the ability to fly without wings though. Last but not least, beware their mouths. They can emit a loud braying that can make even the most dedicated fighter quail at the sound and run from them. As if this wasnt bad enough but a bite from them can make the good at heart quail as well.
I do not mean to scare anyone with this news, but wanted us to all be prepared for what is to come.
Selena then starts casting bull's strength on Barek and Orik, casts magic weapon on Tunder's weapon of choice and a scroll of magic weapon on Miri's rapier. Than cast silent image of Lyrie.
Barek: bull's strength 3 min 6 rounds remaining
Orik : bull's strength 3 min 7 rounds remaining
Tunder: Magic weapon: 3 min 8 rounds remaining
Miri: Magic Weapon: 9 rounds remaining
Selena: silent image: concentration duration
Mage armor: ? Duration remaining
Tunder switches to his silver crossbow bolts. "I'll probably be more effective with Iona here, so someone else should take point.