Oh, true. I was thinking that they had their own healers, but if that isn't the case...
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
It turned out that the Lizard men once had a class of priests who spoke to the gods and ancestors. Yarash had them killed one by one in a series of 'accidents' and he controlled access to medicines. Something of a hypochondriac Yarash actually had quite a large stash and the tribe felt sure they now had enough to share.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Glad to have a rest, even though the group hadn't done too much fighting that day, Zane woke before the sun rose as usual and began meditating, feeling Lathander grant him the gifts that the priest had been presented with daily for many years now. He was glad the Morninglord had seen fit to view him as a worthy vessel for increasingly powerful blessings. He just hoped it would be enough for Phlan's sake.
Once he was ready, he began the complex casting of the divine spell to send a message to Councilor Eberhard, saying, "River's pollution source destroyed. Created by madman Yarash working under Jandark Cadorna. Have truce with lizardmen who were enslaved here. Heading north to investigate further." It wasn't perfect, but hopefully it would get the important information to the Council.
After a few moments Zane heard Eberhard's voice across the connection, "Excellent! Notable improvement in river color overnight. Situation tense here, assassins failed to kill von Urslingen, have lead, arrests expected. Will send delegation to lizardfolk."
Ser Armithia rises just before dawn to pray. The gold elf then makes eggs, bacon, and biscuits for the Watchers....
Well done, Zane! That is a very useful spell.
The Paladin is ready to travel North....
I don't know how you got the ingredients for this breakfast here, Ser, but it is delicious.
Azarra explains to the Lizardfolk that a delegation is coming to talk to them, and so they could either wait here for them or meet them on the way to Phlan if they preferred.
Azarra seems ready to go and then she says
Oh wait... wasn't there something ... what about those glass encrusted shackles we saw at the top of the pyramid? I was wondering if something was trapped there. We should check to make sure before we head out, shouldn't we?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Zane relayed the information Eberhard had imparted to him, wondering if perhaps the group should head back to Phlan, instead. It seemed the situation was under control, though, if tense, so they might as well try to correct one more situation while they were out all this distance.
The cleric grinned at Ser Armithia, chuckling, "Indeed it is. I'm glad to have been finally able to use it. The Morninglord had to have been getting frustrated with me not using His gifts."
Zane wasn't really too eager to find out what might have been shackled outside the ziggurat, really. Chances are it was really dead, or something bad if it wasn't, after being continually immersed in those waters. Pleasing the half-elf woman remained high on his to-do list, though, so he nodded agreement to her vocalized option before the group headed north.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Just before going for a rest, Ishta uses several iterations of Detect Secret Doors all around the pyramid, just to be sure.
Next day, she tries to wake up first, but with everybody having to pray, study, get breakfast ready and all that jyve, she ends up being one more in the morning rush. She checks her spellbook for useful incantations while enjoying Ser Armithia's breakfast, and goes to memorize them when she's made her mind.
Azarra went to view the oversized glass shackles several curious lizardfolk youths trailed after her and one of them explained in his thickly accented language, "The massster used to conduct experimentsss here, immersssing lizard folk that displeased him or other beingsss in the liquid. The last one wasss an air being that greatly frightened usss, he broke it's ssspirit and he instructed it fly off to the north."
Ishta doesn't find much of interest except for some hidden passageways that allowed for discrete observation of the lizardfolk's living quarters and main workrooms. The dust choking these unlit passageways suggests they haven't been used for sometime.
Azarra thanks the lizardfolk youth for telling her the story.
Ser Armithia--not really concerned with the planes; being a Paladin--readies for their visit North.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"It seems we're talking about a Djinn, a powerful inhabitant of the Plane of Air" Ishta explains. "If we can help him, we might gain a valuable ally. Other than the pleasure of frustrating another thing related to Cadorna, of course."
Well, good. We'll add that to the list. It supposedly flew off to the north... same direction the dragon was said to go, and the same direction Mirabel should be. At least we know what direction we are going.
Azarra wonders if she'll find any news about her parents, but quickly stifles the thought, trying not to get her hopes up when she knows she should be focused on preparation rather than speculation.
Zane listened with interest to the lizardmen, Azarra, and Ishta discuss the air being and lizardpeople that had been shackled beneath the acidic waters of the ziggurat, but ultimately didn't know much about Djinns beyond the standard wish folklore. The priest waved politely to the reptilian folk, bidding the elder farewell before departing with the others north towards where Mirabel was rumored to be.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Kardas goes through his spell preparation in a matter of minutes as he didn't cast many spells the day before, and he's ready to go before he's fully aware of it himself. "A djinn, a dragon, and a mysterious lady ... well, this is going to be fun, isn't it?"
The Dragonspine mountains are a range of dangerous peaks that bisect the southwest region of the Moonsea from the northeast. In spite of this, they provide many valuable raw resources that entice entrepreneurs that are attempting to carve out new pieces of civilisation from the wild places. Though far from being the largest mountain range in Faerûn, the Dragonspines are rugged and often bitterly cold throughout the year. The western slopes of the Dragonspine mountains are home to the infamous Citadel of the Raven.
The portal is variable, like the others in this network, and it can activate four times a day. The default destination is a spot in the midst of Raurin, the Dust Desert east of Mulhorand. This desert is a home to brown and blue dragons that devour any tasty morsels that suddenly appear from the portal. As with the other portals in the network, creatures are transported to the desert, while their equipment goes to Valraxaxath's secondary hoard in the Wyrmbones. It is likely that in the future Valraxaxath might build a two-way portal from here to bring the browns into his network.
The other destinations all require keys:
The portal to the Forest of Wyrms requires a dragon's breath weapon to activate.
The portal to the Small Teeth Mountains requires blood from a freshly killed (within the last 8 hours) humanoid or animal.
The portal to the Dragonjaw Mountains requires the user to speak the word "gem" in Draconic.
The portal to Rethild requires Valraxaxath himself as the key; unless he uses one of the other keys, Valraxaxath always goes to Rethild when using this portal.
The party are currently at Sorcer's Isle. You know Mirabel Songstar is supposed to live in the eastern end of the Dragonspine Mountains, somewhere between the Glacier of Silver Blades and the Dragonden Pass.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Zane thought about his studies of the Moonsea region over the years, trying to harness memories about the Dragonspine Mountains. It took several minutes as he packed up his things, but he finally strung together enough lore to be able to talk intelligently.
"There's a tower overlooking the Glacier of Silver Blades. It was built by an elven archmage after Myth Drannor fell. He is long dead, but a wizard's tower seems a likely haunt for a sorceress."
After gathering his thoughts for a moment, he continued, "Also, there's a volcano known as the Fang of Kortassa on the other side of the glacier. This supposedly housed an ancient green dragon's home and hoard until a clan of orcs destroyed him. History speaks of the riches that could still be in that place."
Not finding it relevant, but thinking it would be interesting to pass the time, the priest spoke of the portals in the Dragonspine peaks.
(pass)
My parents told me about these mountains... the Dragonspines.. I believe that white and red dragons are supposed to live up in the higher peaks. Goblins, orcs, and giants lower down. Zhentil Keep has mines in the western side of the range, and Melvaunt and Hillsfar have mines on th east.
(fail)
Interesting stuff. Portals just sound kind of cool all by themselves. These ones though... I mean, one way portals that are almost certainly going to get you attacked as soon as you enter? Dims my curiosity just a bit.
Azarra looks at Zane.
Where did you learn all of that history? I mean, my parents are both from Phlan, but I don't remember them ever telling me about a volcano. Wow. I just got stories about Phlan and the Quivering Forest where their elven ancestors are from... which would be cool to visit on the way back, by the way. I believe that is where the elven side of my ancestors were from.
Armed with knowledge completely unrelated to the matter at hand, Kardas defers to the other repositories of wisdom found within their party. "Portals are the playthings of creatures and beings altogether too powerful for their own good. There is a reason we are where we are, and we must use our legs and trusted steeds to take us from here, to there."
He refrains from commenting on where Zane found the time to read about all of these things. Isn't a priest to go out and make a difference in the world?!
Ser Armithia smiles at his knowledgeable companions.
Good information! We will need to explore those lost caves; but after we have words with our Lady. The Tower seems a good starting point.
Dealing with those altitudes; we should resupply. A Wand of Endure Elements would be quite useful. Perhaps, we can find and hire a guide?
Where? Are you saying now that you want to go back to Phlan?
Ser Armithia nods to Azarra.
We have much information pertaining to these evil events that have been plaguing New Phlan. I am only being--a bit--cautious as to our preparation for such a venture.
Ser Armithia then smiles.
Perhaps, back in New Phlan, we would cover actually more of our ventures by securing their current--and newest--threat, while procuring a more informative path to see the Witch in the Mountains.
The Paladin will--of course--continue if the Watchers desire to do so...
Zane replied, "The Morninglord has blessings that can protect us from the cold, should we decide to continue. Seems like it will take some time, though...perhaps checking in with the council would be advised before we're gone for such a time?"
Okay... I guess we can escort the lizardmen after all then. Let's leave.
She stalks out, trying to find Estrassa and change plans.
Keen to avoid misunderstandings the lizardfolk where glad to be accompanied, at least as far as Phlan. They started out with adequate supplies but progress was slow, the weather had taken a turn for the worse and it rained solidly for days turning the path into a quagmire. The one good thing was the river was purging itself of the toxins, but many years of abuse wasn't undone overnight and the fish still died shortly after entering although at least their corpses where no longer getting dissolved!
Zane's plan of summoning food and water proved to be vital, progress was slow, damp and miserable. There was little game to be found although tee tribe's trackers proved to be adept at foraging for tubers of edible plants, although they could never really find enough. Digging lattrine tranches each night was quite a chore, as was setting up tends and trying to coax a fire out of wet tinder but somehow it was managed. Perhaps Ishta's presence helped...
Late on the fourth day, after trudging ten sodden miles and about halfway to Phlan there's a sudden commotion from the back of the line of two hundred lizardfolk. A middleaged mother rushes forwards to find you and in their language (interpreted by elder Estrassa) she explains, "My sons! I have lost my sons! They were guarding the back and now they are gone!"
The pair are young warriors called Yontass and Arvent, strong lads they formed part of the rearguard. A quick search is done and several folks saw them as recently as twenty minutes ago, dutifully following the passage of the lizard folk and ensuring no children got left behind.
Azarra runs back down the path, looking for any sign of them.
Ishta quickly grabs her spellbook and talks to her comrades. "Okay, who wants to explore? I will grant some useful quirks."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Azarra quickly finds their foot prints, the Stojanow way in this area is half a mile from the river having swung west to avoid a low marshy area. The footprints head directly in and judging by the depth and angle of the toe marks they where running.
If anyone is coming with her, she signals that she found the prints, and then heads in after them.
Ser Armithia steps to elder Estrassa.
We shall find them! We will require one of your people that have skill in survival!
The knight then prepares to head into the foliage!
Zane hurried after Azarra as she found footprints that likely belonged to the rear-guard duo, wondering what would have caused them to run off like that.
The young man didn't at all see the tracks she was looking at, but she seemed pretty sure, so he just followed along, hoping her keen elven sight was better than his.
The tracks lead into a shallow pond but seemingly not out the other side, looking around you are now in an area full of marshy grasses and bullrushes. You can't see or hear any lizardmen having gone far enough away from the Stojanow trail. Insects buzz about and birds squabble, you hear a sudden splash but it was just a frog chasing a fly.
Earlier
Elder Estrassa nods, "They are forwardsss scouting the way. We can recall them but it takesss time."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Kardas groans. Why had the tribe elders insisted on him staying in the Tent of the Matrons to study the Raumathar magics of old? All the other boys were out, learning how to ride, hunt, and do all the things that make a man of a boy. It wasn't fair. Sure, he could take on any of them in hand to hand combat thanks to his intensive martial and arcane training, and sure, he bears with him a cultural heritage that might die out soon, but still!
Sounding grumpier than normal, Kardas weighs on in the topic. "I can shift into the form of a creature with superior olfactory faculties. Yes, I will assume the guise of a blasted bugbear once more."
As the scent of spice washes over his companions, the swordmage's form blurs. He immediately gets to doing what needs to be done: catching the scent trail of the lost lizardmen.
When bugbear Kardas shows up (as long as he communicates the fact that he is Kardas), Azarra says
Looks like they went after a deer, hunting for dinner.
She shows him the deer tracks.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Wielding the same sword, armor, and kit as Kardas, and even sporting a Bugbear-esque interpretation of the Raumathar's rather ghastly crop of long untamed hair, Azarra feels pretty sure this is indeed Kardas.
"I will aid you with this accursed goblinoid nose, Azarra."
Ser Armithia graciously accepts the offered guide. They then all go traipsing amongst the tulips....
Azarra attempts to follow the tracks that she found now that everyone has caught up.
Zane is a little taken aback when Kardas turned into a hulking bugbear, but shrugged it off. It wasn't the weirdest thing the swordmage had turned into in the last 24 hours. The priest got ready to follow the bard and the Rashemi man once they figured out which way would lead them to their wayward scouts.
Elder Estrassa nods and runners are sent to recall one of the scouts. After a few minutes a wiry young huntress known simply as Po jogged towards the elder. They shared a few words and she nodded to Ser Armithia and followed as they retraced the steps of Azarra and Zane.
At the pool everyone did a double take as Kardas in bugbear form lumbered up. Po looked at him very sharply with her hand on her bow, but Ser Armithia smiled and she relaxed when it became obvious this strange companion was expected.
Azarra pointed to where the lizardmen had darted off in hot pursuit of dinner! At first Azarra found it easy to follow them but the ground rose slowly and the harder the ground became the harder it was for her to follow their passage. Fortunately Ser Armithia's foresight to bring Po along was validated when the huntress was able to find signs of their passage which lead along a stream before darting off towards the middle of a low lying boggy area.
The company quickly follows Po as she cautiously leads them into this quagmire, careful to step only where she steps. Suddenly she stops and gasps for ahead is a large pool of greenish muck covered in white and red lines resembling veins and blossoming with weird vegetable-like growths and sap-seeping boils. Snared within this morass, with pseudopod creeping up their legs, torso and arms are the missing scouts along with a large deer which has been stuck with several arrows.
Kardas Rasalas <----- WE ARE HERE
Po
Ser Armithia-Seendren
Zane Levallis
Ishta Khosiv
Azarra
Giant ooze
Spoiler:Kardas Rasalas Bugbear form
Po
Ser Armithia-Seendren
Zane Levallis
Ishta Khosiv
Azarra
Giant ooze
Kardas Rasalas Bugbear form
Po
Ser Armithia-Seendren
Zane Levallis
Ishta Khosiv
Azarra
Giant ooze
Oh no, looks like a verdurous ooze, which slowly digests its captives-- we need to get them out of there!