Uirdir smiles as his plan to focus down the woman seems to have worked as she begins to falter with her blade. He tries to conjure another gout of magic again to finish her off. "I'd be scared too if I knew that these would be my last seconds on Earth." he taunts.
Uirdir delivers a blast of cold that goes directly into Nualia's chest, finding her heart and delivering ice crystals directly into her bloodstream. Moments later, her insides are ripped open in a hundred places as the tiny crystals travel inside her body.
Nualia drops her sword, as rivulets of blood drip down her nostrils and ears. She convulses violently and falls to the ground. Seconds later the convulsions stop, and Nualia, Mad Priestess of Lamashtu, Terror of Sandpoint, and Killer of Viroleth, is dead.
• +1 breastplate
• +1 bastard sword
• masterwork composite longbow
• 20 arrows
• Sihedron medallion - Spellcraft DC 20
• gold holy symbol (Lamashtu) - Appraise needed
• 7 pp, 5 gp
• flaming skulls (x4) - essentially ever-burning torches
Uirdir shrugs as the woman collapses into a pile of ice and blood. "I told her to be scared. Perhaps if she had surrendered then her outcome might be different..." he remarks as he looks over the medallion she touched at the beginning of the fight.
As the evil woman finally dies, Alexei lets out a small cheer, but his triumph is short-lived as he then bends down to check if any life remains in his ally, Viroleth. He shakes his head sadly finding no pulse. "There are incantations that can return life to a body, are there not?" he asks Bruin or Uirdir. [b]"Do the priests of Desna in Sandpoint know these prayers?"
Looking askance at the abhorrent holy symbol, Alexei chooses not to consider its value, suggesting they just throw it in the fire instead.
Motioning to the rest of the loot, Alexei will at least refill his quiver with the arrows from the pile. He examines the fine composite bow for a few moments, but in the end chooses to stick with his own.
Beromar arives just on time to see Nualia fall dead. The momentary relief of seeing the evildoer fall is wiped out by the sight of Viroleth's lifeless body. Realizing that the young man's gut is spilled out Beromar knows that his weakness has been for by his fighting companion. He pushes past his companions wordlessly and kneels next to Viroleth's lifeless body.
I beg ye forgiveness Viroleth. It was my place to stand there and meet her devlish blade head on. But I failed and you has to pay the price for me weaknesss. I am forever indebted to you and yer family...
Bruin placed his hand on Viroleth's shoulder.
"Blessed be the road, my friend."
He then turned to answer Alexei's question.
"Well, we can ask, but -- that power is rare among the faithful. Magnimar would be a better chance. And our window is short. The simplest raising still needs to be done within five days."
Bruin took a deep, shaky breath.
"But that's all beside the point. Viroleth was a free spirit, who died a hero, fighting an enemy of the Starsong. I have no doubt that he would be warmly accepted into the Starry Fields, where a million wonders would be made available to him. He - he might not want to come back."
Ye mean boozing in heaven wit naked gypsies? Nah the kid will stand in line wit his ancestors dyin in battle against such amighty foe will make em proud!
"Or perhaps he'll crash cups in Cayden's mead hall for all eternity," Bruin said with a sad chuckle.
Alexei considers for a moment. "You are wise Bruin. If you think he is happier in the next life, carousing with the Drunk God, then who are we to bring him back to this place of pain and sorrow? He did a hero's death, saving the village and they should venerate him for that. Let's see him buried proper in the churchyard at least." He bends and hefts the broken corpse of his friend, making ready to head for the exits.
Uirdir watches Beromar eye the breastplate before divesting its former owner of her armor. "Let's take his body back after we finish exploring this place. I have yet to find anything of interest here." the elf says as he insist on moving forward with the investigation of the fort.
Once everyone is situated, Uirdir moves to the south behind the well-armored dwarf.
"I am sorry this place does not interest you, wise master elf. But my interest here waned with the fall of the demon-woman and the death of my friend. I say we pay our respects, and if curiosity beckons us back here later, so be it."
"Wait, why were you here if not to explore the place? Surely, this demon woman was here for some no good reason and we should ensure that reason never sees the light of day, though I'm sure that we can retreat to heal up if necessary." Uirdir reasons.
"Nualia is one-half of the true threat. A demon still remains here, but locked away. And with Nualia slain, the rune well in Sandpoint spent, and with the Goblins all but routed, we have probably bought ourselves some time. Certainly a day at least."
"I think we should go back. My magic is nearly spent and we can't be sure what other threats linger here. Sandpoint is only a couple hours away. We could return, tend to our friend, rest, resupply and return in the morning."
"And I would like a chance to commune with my goddess to see if Viro would like to come back to us or if he is truly content. And for that, I'll need to dream under the stars."
"Alright, let's move back to Sandpoint. You can introduce me to the locals. A hot meal and a bed will be a welcome respite." remarks Uirdir as he lets the others carry Viro's body.
Continuing to move at the back of the pack, Alexei will haul the fallen rogue's body back to Sandpoint, even if it means he is less effective in any combat they might stumble into.
Beromar helps Alexei with Viroleth's body. Drapping him first in a cape and then tying him up to make the whole ordeal less tasteless.
The Heroes manage to very carefully make their way out. Closer to the top, Bruin remembers to get the horse they had found earlier. They place Viroleth's body on it. And walk out the front gates.
The bridge is tricky, but manageable with Beromar and Alexei's coaching of the horse. The woods are another difficulty, but Alexei and Beromar manage to find a very clean path that even the horse can easily traverse.
After an hour in the woods, they find the main road, and it's just another hour back until they reach Sandpoint.
At first there's a clamor, until the townsfolk notice the somber expressions and the covered body on the horse. There's a quiet moment, and then some of the people come forward to ease the body off the horse. A litter is somehow produced, and a makeshift funeral procession leads its way to the new chapel.
Word has gotten around the town, and the heroes find themselves greeted by Mayor Deverin and Abstalar Zantus. The religious leader invites the heroes inside.
Sandpoint Cathedral is not dedicated to the worship of a single deity. Rather, it gathers under its eaves the six most commonly worshiped deities in the region: Abadar, Desna, Erastil, Gozreh, Sarenrae, and Shelyn. The building provides chapels for all of these deities in a communal forum-in a way, Sandpoint Cathedral is six different churches under one impressive roof.
Several lay brothers and sisters escort the body to the back where they can prepare it.
Finally, the Mayor asks quietly, "What happened?"
Alexei looks from one to the other, knowing that Viroleth would normally fill up this space with his silliness, but his quieted now. The ranger steps forward and starts hesitatingly.
"Our man, one of your own...has fallen. He died bravely... in defense of those who mean Sandpoint harm. Though he fell, we stopped the evil... and the town, for now, is safe again. There is more to investigate and to explore, but we felt brave Viroleth deserved a decent burial... with full honors. Many goblins died at our hand, and their leader, one you once knew as Nualia, fell to us as well. She was tainted by demonic intrigue and was twisted in body and thought, but now she is dead. And you are safe. We need to rest and resupply, but we will go back to Thistletop and root out any that remain there."
He stops there, his expression brooking a challenge to any questioner. Then he bows awkwardly and shuffles back into line.
Zantus sits down quietly at hearing the news that Nualia was dead. He sighed deeply. Eventually, he says, "I had hoped that Nualia hadn't truly fallen so far. A vain hope - I suppose. She was such a troubled girl."
He sighed again.
"But thank you. And you have my condolences for your friend. We shall of course bury him as a hero."
"Sandpoint shall see to the expenses," the mayor adds.
"Unless he had other wishes. Did he have a home he would have wished to have been returned to?"
Bruin pipes in, "Actually, we were hoping we could commune with the his spirit tonight. To see if, he would like to be -- resurrected."
Zantus looked uneasy but offered guidance.
"Well, I myself can not perform such a miracle. I do know of a cleric of Abadar who could perform such a service - for a fee. She is in Magnimar. But we get ahead of ourselves."
Zantus moved off to a side room and returned with a scroll.
"This scroll will allow you to contact the deceased in your dreams tonight, Brother Bruin. He can tell you if he would like such a thing himself. I will cast the spell myself. No charge."
That ain't right to take one back from one's ancestors... Beromar grumbles to himself...
"Which is why it must be Viroleth's choice, Master Copperkettle. Only the most powerful of dark magics can resurrect someone against their will."
Uirdir moves through the town with the party. When they stop to meet Zantus, the elf introduces himself. "Greetings, Father." he says, respecting the holy vestments of the man. "I am Uirdir Lightfoot. The group happened to luck upon me as they were about to enter the fort. Sadly, we could not save Viroleth, but I believe we have ended the threat to Sandpoint from whomever the woman was." he remarks.
Uirdir moves through the town with the party. When they stop to meet Zantus, the elf introduces himself. "Greetings, Father." he says, respecting the holy vestments of the man. "I am Uirdir Lightfoot. The group happened to luck upon me as they were about to enter the fort. Sadly, we could not save Viroleth, but I believe we have ended the threat to Sandpoint from whomever the woman was." he remarks.
Zantus makes a point to bow back and thank Uirdir warmly.
"Which is why it must be Viroleth's choice, Master Copperkettle. Only the most powerful of dark magics can resurrect someone against their will."
Bruin nods. "I understand. And believe me, I have no intention of robbing anyone of their deserved rest. But, I just get this sense that Viro's time hasn't come yet. I think we all feel that way."
"Very well, Master Greenleaf. Come, let us prepare."
***
That night preservation magics are cast upon Viroleth's body. And he is anointed with crushed rose quartz. The shiny pink crystals catch the moon and starlight and reflect back dazzlingly, beautiful sparkles of luminescence.
The other heroes are gathered around a campfire in the woods, with Viroleth's body off to the side, looking for all the world as if he was only asleep.
Bruin stands by Viro's head, reading over and over from a scroll, his eyes half-lidded. He is wearing purple robes with little moons and stars stitched on it in yellow fabric. The halfling is swaying from side to side as he cants, listening to a song only he can hear: the music of the spheres. The harmony of the universe in all its mysteries and wonders are part of Desna's domain.
And then suddenly the scroll turns into dust in Bruin's hands. The others notice a spectral swallowtail butterfly land upon his head and disappear. Bruin lays down on the ground, next to Viroleth. He us unconscious the second his head touches the soft grass.
The heroes watch this and settle down to wait.
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Bruin lies dreaming. For a moment he is drifting on the ebb and flow of starlight itself. But then he becomes more aware. The plane he is in begins to take shape.
And Bruin is shocked to realize that he recognizes the place.
"The Rusty Dragon?"
"No. Not really," a voice says behind him.
Bruin turns to find Viroleth sitting alone at a table, drinking a flagon of Ameiko's finest. The cleric notices that the flagon has a symbol of Desna on one side, and one of Cayden Cailean on the other.
Viro lets out an unladylike belch and he glances over to Bruin, spreading a huge smile. His movements are a little slower, more gentle as he regards the halfling.
"Bruin! Long time no see. Something to drink? It's astonishingly good here."
Bruin stares at the flagon for a moment before saying, "I'm not so sure that's a good idea."
Bruin does take a seat at the table though, and is immediately tempted to groan in pleasure.
"This is the most comfortable chair I've ever sat in," he said in an amazed voice. He started to sink into the chair, as a sudden urge to take a nap flitted in his mind...
The halfling violently shook his head -- or at least his mental projection of it. Despite not technically having a body, the act seemed to do the trick. This entire place seemed created for comfort and relaxation. A resting place for the spirit, as it were.
Bruin carried on, suddenly more on guard.
"It's good to see you again, Viroleth," Bruin said with a watery smile and a chuckle. "Do you - do you remember what happened? At Thistletop, I mean?"
Beromar despite feeling a bit at odds with bringing one back from his ancestors feels great feeling of relief at Viroleth's reappearance.
Aye! I says Viroleth deserved himself a drink! I'm buyin!
With that the Dwarf sets down the young man none too gently and orders a round.
So what was it like to meetin yer ancestor in person must a been a great experience? Clearly they must think ye still have much to accomplish in dis life if they let ye come back...
Viro looks at Bruin curiously for a moment before taking another draught.
"Vaguely. It's like it was in a fog, but I remember being hurt very, very badly. I think I'm dead. I'm not sure I was ready for that."[
Uirdir makes his way to the nearest tavern with the group and sits down to the nicest meal that the bartender has on offer. The roast thylacine with fresh broccoli seemed the wisest choice and he paired it with a red Chelish wine. As he finishes eating, he takes his reprieve from the group. "We shall be up early to finish exploring the fort." he says succinctly. "I'm glad that you are not truly gone, Viro." he says with a bow before retiring.
Bruin looked around at the spectral surroundings, finding now that he was joined by his other companions: Alexei, Beromar, and Uirdir.
"I think that scroll had a bit of an extra kick."
The halfling shook his head.
"Yes, Viro. You -- you died. It was, er, a bit my fault," he said while clearing his throat nervously.
"Anyways, we're using some pretty expensive divine magic to contact you, because, well, we want to know if you want to come back to the land of the living."
Viro smacks his lips and then takes another long pull from his beer for setting it down.
"Sure! I mean... this place isn't going anywhere," he waves his hand around vaguely. "I've got a lot more to do! And it's not your fault I died, you didn't stab me. I hope she got what was coming to her."
"Uirdir froze her until her eyeballs exploded. It was a bit -- well, awesome, actually."
Bruin then blinked.
"And, really, you want to come back? That's, actually, pretty rare. I've seen the rich try resurrection of their loved ones over and over again only for it to fail."
And then the halfling back-pedaled, "I-I-I mean, not that we-we don't want you back - this is great news!"
"We'll talk to the mayor. We'll see you soon."
Bruin concentrated and dismissed the spell, disappearing from the Dream Rusty Dragon.
True to his word, Father Zantus contacted the Priestess of Abadar who owed him a favor. Bruin went with him, taking a share of the treasure to pay for the expensive spell.
After many hours of chanting and ceremony, Viroleth opens his eyes.
• +1 bastard sword 2,335gp; sold for 1,167.5gp
• +1 (dog) hide armor 1,165gp; sold for 582.5gp
• flaming skulls 110gp each x4; sold for 220gp
• gogmurt's +1 leather armor 1,160gp; sold for 580gp
• wand of produce flame (34 charges, 510gp); sold for 255gp
***