Ser Armithia makes certain those, including children, injured are within 30' of him. The Paladin then intones,
Helm, protect and guard our wounds!
Since she has no idea how to cleanse the pool, Azarra goes back to what she had been trying to do before the children came, and breaking it.
She chooses whatever spot looks weakest, as long as it is away from the children and won't flow in their direction, and she starts singing sharp staccato blasts at the pool, trying to break the barrier down so that the pool will drain.
The sound striker bard can spend 1 round of bardic performance as a standard action to direct a burst of sonically charged words at a creature or object. This performance deals 1d4 points of damage plus the bard’s level to an object, or half this damage to a living creature.
She sings "break" and other destructive words, doing damage until it actually does break.
Ser Armithia invokes the power of helm and a whitish radiance flares brightly before fading away along with some of the party's wounds. meanwhile Azarra flings inventive with such force the corners of the pool start to crumble and some of the revolting liquid starts to leak out and drain into the cracks between the floor stones!
"Yeah, breaking everything should work. I would have thinned that blood first, though, but well..."
She seems too distracted to noticed the anything else.
Azarra can't perceive much of anything over the noise of her yelling at and destroying the pool.
Zane sighed as more healing energy washed over him, this time offered by the god of guardians. As the lovely half-elf started to audibly attack the integrity of the pool of blood, the priest kept a sharp watch on the children and the door, ready to defend the Temple once again, should it come to that.
If it had been up to Kardas, they would've collectively urinated their objections all over the pool, but something told the mage-warrior that the civilized nature of his comrades-in-arms would object to that. Strongly.
Luckily, however, Azarra had just the right answer and the Raumathar knows there's no way any of them could've voiced that answer so eloquently as the bard was doing.
So, a shimmering trio of Raumathars leans against a pillow to catch up on breath and take in the sight of destructive beauty. "Let me guess, the cavalry is here."
Ser Armithia stands at the doors; bastard sword and shield at the ready to defend his friends...
As she finishes her destruction of the pool to the best of her ability, and Kardas' comment alerts her to external sound, Azarra grumbles.
It better not be another group following us and interfering in our assignment again. I am getting sick of interlopers.
The crashing sound gets louder and louder until something gave way and you hear a great splintering sound. You then hear the tattoo of a drum and many marching feet approaching...
A few moments later a platoon of Phlan army regulars secure the area. You then hear the clatter of iron shod hooves as their leader approaches and dismounts.
Flanked by a pair of soldiers, Councillor von Urslingen enters. His eyes scan the room and he has a sharp intake of breath when he sees the carnage. A runner approaches and whispers something to him, von Urslingen nods and addresses you, "Lets get you all out of here, it seems that snake Morven has got wind of this. I'll spare you the details but Cardona is trying to push through some seriously regressive changes and Braccio and I are on the back foot. We could do without awkward questions in council because you're not officially supposed to be here." He then issues orders to escort the children out of here and to fetch them fresh clothes and food, "We really need to find a way to care for all the street children. Victims of war most of them, their families killed or captured. They're terribly vulnerable." Somewhat bitterly he adds, "I had hoped being on the council would give me the authority to do help. Everyone agrees something should be done but no one can agree what."
On recognizing the counselor, the knight stands down.
Helm is supposed to be anywhere where the weak need defending! This town needs an enema!
With that he gathers whatever gear that the group needs help procuring.
Azarra makes sure the children get off okay, and then goes with the Councillor, explaining as they go that the temple should be thoroughly cleansed so that it cannot be used for evil again.
Ishta accompanies Azarra and also distracts the children with some stories. "Did you know I'm also a war orphan? I was captured by orcs when I was a child..."
Zane smiled as he saw the forces of the New Phlan army stomping down the street toward the group's location, quietly praising Lathander for sending the backup before the party could possibly be overwhelmed by the remainder of Bane's faction. The priest's features quickly clouded with concern, however, when von Urslingen mentioned the changes Cordona was trying to push through. Not exactly thrilled with the idea of encountering Morven, Zane was all too happy to follow the Councillor's lead once it seemed the children had been taken care of.
On the way back, the cleric made sure to stay close to the older man, glancing back at his companions in a silent invitation to join the conversation before asking von Urslingen, "What changes are being proposed, Councillor?"
Von Urslingen sounded worried as he explained, "He's proposing an amendment to the civil emergency act, which would lower the bar for declaring an emergency and subsequent temporary legislation from a unanimous vote to a simple majority and remove the automatic sunset clause. He claims this is necessary, we've suspected for some time that the enemy are planning a counter offensive. His argument is the enemy could easily cripple our response by targeting one or more of the council. That's not an unreasonable fear by the way, something like that happened shortly before the last invasion. Problem is this all seriously lowers the bar on declaring the head of council as Promachos which would hand them unlimited executive power whilst removing the only balance, the automatic sunset of emergency powers." He glances at you before adding in a whisper, "Braccio has seen something in the auguries that's got him seriously spooked. This doesn't bode well. Still I have one good piece of news there's a vote tomorrow afternoon on opening up both the Kuto's square area and Mantor's Library for reclamation. Of the two I expect the Library to be the hardest and the most rewarding for in antiquity it's restricted archives contained a great many spell books. We have reason to believe the magical wards are still in place."
When they get back, Azarra goes to check in on the women they saved in their last foray, and to see if there is anything they need.
The gold elf shakes his head.
Human politics.
The knight acts as escort while they ferry the survivors to safety.
Once back inside New Phlan, the Paladin visits the Helm chapel to pray and meditate.
I shall be at the chapel, if I am needed.
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Zane listened to von Urslingen as they walked, realizing now what was troubling the elderly councilor. Such a shift could create a mechanism for concentrating power with one group who managed to secure three council seats. The younger man digested the news for several minutes as they traveled, thinking things through. He finally shook his head in exasperation, "What nonsense. I suppose that enemies could be organizing a counter offensive, but surely anyone would realize this is an act of desperation. The Watchers of Dawn and the other groups in the city have been clearing out the vermin rapidly in the reclaimed portions of Old Phlan."
The priest's brow furrows, then he continued, "And this business with Kuto's Well and Mantor's Library is likely just a distraction. A piece of meat served up to the rest of us while the real business happens more privately. What can be done about this proposal?"
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"I agree. Probably they expect groups like ours to be focused on receiving and fulfilling the new assignments."
Ishta bears divided feelings, for this seems quite a good chance to advance on his personal quests. "The library could hold some information interesting to me."
The whole topic simply annoys Kardas. What good is it to be a family or tribe, when you do not act in favor of the group? "I'll happily give up my split of the bounty to the children to ensure they'll be taken care of. And, if you want us to accompany you back to the city proper, I am okay with that. You have backed us, counselor, and so we should back you during times of need."
He then refuses to comment on Cardona. The timing of his actions feel highly suspect to the swordmage. Right about when the city's temple of Bane falls ... heh, a horse doesn't bolt without good reason to do so. This definitely deserves mentioning when him and his companions have some privacy.
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Von Urslingen thinks for a moment before replying to Zane, "Desperation? I'm not so sure, it smells like the first moves of a power grab to me. If and when that happens, it'll be unmistakable. What can we do about it? Braccio and I will do our part in council, but at best we can hope for deadlock. This may be put to a public vote and if it does we need to be sure our story is heard. Perhaps you can help if it comes to that, although I think your point about the city getting cleared out is a good one Zane. The more success you and the other companies have the harder it will be to portray the city in crisis."
Nodding to Kardas, he says, "That would be appreciated Mr Rasalas. Thinking about the situation with the children, if the council can't come to a collective decision perhaps a band of like minded individuals could pool their resources and set up an orphanage and school. The library should be perfect for that, although it remains to be seen how damaged it is. In theory it's council land, but it could be leased... I'll ask Friar Jenkins to check the relevant laws."
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Zane smiled, nodding his agreement with Kardas's words. "Of course you can count on our support, Councilor. Let us spread the word that the Banites have been dealt a grave defeat. That ought to take a bit of the wind out of the sails of Cadorna and his cohorts." The priest listened politely as von Urslingen discussed the welfare of the children, but the cleric had never doubted that the group would ensure the kids received proper care.
Things were starting to settle in New Phlan, and as the settlement's attitude changed from one of mere survival and conquest to something more long-term, the government would change as well. Times of transition were the best times for power grabs, and this young Cadorna was capitalizing. Unfortunately, Zane failed to see a peaceable way to deal with the council member, and violence was out of the question.
This Cadorna is proving quite a character. Ishta walks absent-mindedly, while thinking about it, and definitely labels the idea of asking him about her origins as unpleasant, at best. "I hope he's not related to me..." she lets go aloud, thinking it was only a thought.
The passage back to town takes an unexpected turn, rather than take the land route over the bridge, instead you are all ushered into a barge and discretely poled round and under and onto the docks. Apparently the aim of this is to prevent Morven from seeing you leave...
Just before the barge docs, Von Urslingen whispers something to Azarra, "Unless I've missed my mark I think it might be worth your while seeking out Friar Jenkins, he's been burning the midnight oil looking to see if we can strike down that bill of attainder struck down."
Once you're in town a few rumors are doing the rounds.
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Kardas seeks reclusion the moment they get back to civilization, opting for a warm bath over a stroll through town. His tub time isn't enhanced by a floating darkwood duckie, but by a good amount of home-made ointments and mineral crystals. The smell can't be described as pleasant, but the Raumathar steps out looking clean enough. Their true power lies in enhancing the man's strength, although at the cost of turning his skin ever more gnarly. Hairs turning a wet ashen grey, muscles and sinew like cracked paint. It is a price worth paying.
Armed with the tip from Councillor von Urslingen, Azarra goes to see Friar Jenkins.
After his visit to the chapel, the gold elf walks around the town. The Paladin (dressed elegantly) pauses to watch street plays, share in friendly debates in the street, and visits popular establishments to speak, listen and learn.
He relays his findings to his friends.
As the group awaits the events of the next day, Zane talked with the others about the options available. Nodding at Ishta, the priest stated, "The library seems like a logical next step, as it will help reclaim the City and also possibly provide the information Ishta seeks. Possibly even information on my own family and others that have been here."
The priest looked at Kardas askance for a moment as he joined them, wondering why he seemed to be scowling at everyone, but he just chalked it up to the Rameshi being in a bad mood about the political situation. As Ser Armithia returned armed with tidbits of information, the young man absorbed it, nodding occasionally and grinning good-naturedly at times. "I think we'll just have to hope the books aren't in the mountains. I doubt whatever monsters were holed up here wouldn't have just killed said merchant and taken the money."
The bit about the Cadorna household was interesting, though since the Textile house wasn't open, it really shouldn't be a consideration. That wizards were common at the library increased the likelihood of valuable texts being there, if they weren't all rotted and destroyed at this point. Thankful that the gold elf had learned something of the area, Zane went to relax with the others as they awaited their lovely half-elven companion's return.
Azarra replies to Friar Jenkins:
It seems suspicious to me. I wonder if a locate object spell would help, or... perhaps they have been destroyed. ... Would there be copies of those volumes in the old library they are opening up? It should have copies of things like that, should it not?
The Archivist was rather surprised by the revelation, "Really they're actually opening up the library for exploration? Well now! Take a look at these scrolls over here." He leads you to what looks like the largest set of pigeon holes you've ever seen, in which are neatly filed many thousands of beaten metal rubes. All have a blue ribbon with the seal of Phlan, some are new and others moldering and fragmentary, with an unmistakable aura of dust and parchment. getting enthused now he explains, "The records all look like this, the metal cases may look beaten up but they have magics that prevent decay and repel vermin. Lets take one of them out so you can see what an original looks like." He deftly removed the cap and withdraws a great sheath of vellum, upon which has been inscribed in small but painstakingly neat handwriting the a bill laying out regulations for the defunct lamp lighters guild. The style of writing and the great seal of the council are unmistakable. "What's more, if you say the phrase 'From Tir's grace come the laws of Phlan!' Well it uh does that." The seal on the vellum flared with incandescent light and an ethereal voice started reading the law, droning on incessantly.
"Isn't that marvelous!" he beamed before telling Azarra, "Multiple copies where made for each act up until the darkness came, and the library naturally had several for each one. We have roughly half the originals and copies of most of the rest here but it would be amazing to get a complete record again. I'm certain we can help those poor women. There's more though, the library contains extensive genealogical records going back at least a thousand years. Your friend Ishta was interested in some local families, there's bound to be a wealth of information there not to mention spellbooks! Hmm actually now I think about it, that probably explains why Delenn is back again from Cormanthor. She is another scholar, who thanks to her Elven heritage is old enough to have studied a Mantor's Library while it was in it's heyday. I have to admit I find her a little cold, but she was a friend of Brother Geraint's my predecessor. He spoke highly of her in his journal, and she is well regarded in academic circles. If anyone can open the restricted archives it will be her, I expect the council are looking for a company to escort her."
Azarra writes down a brief description of the scrolls and the code phrase in her journal and addresses Friar Jenkins:
That's good news. We will try to get the assignment to open up the library, and then we might be able to clear some of this up.
She listens to any other information or advice that he has to offer, and then returns to the group, telling them of the possibilities inherent in getting the library job, and telling Ishta specifically about the genealogical records.
The Raumathar frowns and - wait, did he almost burst into a giggle?! - swallows down something upon hearing Armithia relay to them what he had on the streets. "T'must be a place filled with fancy spells of comfort and luxury, or why else did they fail to provide more assistance when Phlan fell? Regardless, I shouldn't be so glum, for we achieved a great victory, did we not? If the bards were to hear of how the paladin of Helm cleaved that Banish hellspawn in half, Armithia would never be able to join us on adventures again, bogged down as he would be by the attention of fair maidens and their less reputable cousins."
See Armithia prays early. Feeling refreshed, the Paladin joins his friends for today's business.
Zane grinned at Ser Armithia as Kardas commented on the gold elf's exploits against the demon the group had encountered, though he had the good grace to not add to the paladin's probably embarrassment. When Azarra returned and spoke of her encounter with Friar Jenkins, the priest paid attention as she talked of the missing records and the possibility of the documents containing the legislative muscle they might need to keep Cadorna from organizing a political coup, in addition to keeping the women of the Second Story Gang from an early grave. It seemed accompanying this Delenn to Mantor's Library was to be their next assignment, should they be able to get the Council to hand it to them.
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Ishta finds the prices a bit swollen, though she calmly pay what she's asked for. She doesn't want to be recognised for being a materialist - actually, it's not really a good moment to be recognised at all.
When home again and told about Azarra¡s conversation with the archivist, Ishta can't help but smile. "Oh my! We're so close!"
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The gold elf Paladin takes the retelling by Kardas as only truth.
While you are out shopping, a halfling boy with a mop of brown hair and what appeared to be a loaf of bread came running along the road chased by an angry merchant. "Oi stop!" that man shouts and the boy takes fright and darts away bouncing off Azarra before jumping round a corner. You watch the merchant and several town guards chase after him crying out, "Come back here you little $*#&!"
Azarra runs to catch up with the merchant and pays for the loaf of bread with her own money... extra if he is still angry, not wanting the kid to be punished for being hungry.
Azarra goes to the Laughing Goblin at 11pm, alone. She leaves early enough to easily make the appointment, and attempts to take care not to be followed, using prestidigitation to change her cloak and hair color in a couple of alleys after she leaves to make it harder. (Let me know if you want me to roll anything for this... not sure if it is important or just flavor because she is doing her best to be a spy.) :) She doesn't tell anyone who Talia is as a Harper, but she does leave a note with her stuff in her room (like her bedroll and blankets which she wouldn't have with her), addressed to Zane, telling him where she went in case for some reason it is a trap. If it isn't a trap, then she surmises no one will ever see the note.
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Zane huffs after Azarra and the rest, though the armor he wears slows his efforts. He is happy to help, as well, though if the boy is there the priest does give a brief lecture on stealing before offering that the Morninglord approves of second chances. If any of the guards seem to want to still pursue the matter, the cleric interposes himself between them and the lad, his manner still mild and friendly, though the positioning should be clear enough.
Ishta just lets things as they are. The boy does what he needs to survive and he's not to blame for that. On the other hand, the punishment he'll receive will be nothing important (and surely more desirable than bearing Zane's dissertations), and will serve him to hone his skills and not get caught again.
She instead concentrates on finding her way to that magic item seller she once visited...
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"A tribe that fails to feed its people is a tribe that won't last." That's all Kardas has to say on the matter.
Luckily, the Raumathar's 'tribe' has no trouble whatsoever lining his pockets with gold. Blood-stained gold acquired the way a Nar would approve of, but gold nonetheless.