Nowzai is able to located Saureya, but the fallen angel resists his summons. Do you wish to travel to him?
The mummy responds to Magma's questions, "You are lords of this plane, you may do as you wish, but the Test of Judgment is broken and should be fixed."
Nowzai does detect an avoral guardinal in the Cathedral of Feathers
The party rests up and heads in and first light, the road to Cauldron clear of traffic. As you get closer to the city, discarded pieces of clothing and remnants of trash and and other detritus are scattered along the side of the road. The gates of Cauldron themselves are open and unguarded with several vagrants lounging about under the protective barbican. They eye you suspiciously as you approach but don't make any move toward you as you pass through.
The rest of the city is similar with one in four houses or stores either closed up or abandoned with plenty of temporary lean to's and housing set up in large plaza areas. Barrels of water seem to have been placed haphazardly around and there is a general lack of city noise.
Epik turns to the others. "I suggest that we escort Jenja to the Church of Iomedae. I think it's best that we all stick together until we know the nature of what threatens Cauldron. I would also like to confer with the Church about how to exorcise ... the lich."
"Agreed. We have been away for some time, and our few allies here may be even fewer. Let us be cautious."
*
After teleporting back into the Skull, Nowzai nods to the test proctor. "I do not intend to leave it broken for long. I will put the brightest minds in Cauldron to the task and create a test worthy of the challenge."
cauldron
i will check on my aunt first on the way to the church of iomedae.
Elder we were staying at the drunken morkoth. that why the creature destroyed it to get our attention.
Elder we were staying at the drunken morkoth. that why the creature destroyed it to get our attention.
"Then it seems we will have to find a new place to sleep. Suggestions?"
Elder we were staying at the drunken morkoth. that why the creature destroyed it to get our attention."Then it seems we will have to find a new place to sleep. Suggestions?"
we should go check out the Drunken Morkoth and see what we can do for them. if that creature shows up we will at least know our surrounding in a fight.
All that works for me, let's check on Magma's Aunt, take Jenya to her church, and then stop by the Drunken Morkoth (in that order, and as a full party). I will need to slip out at some point after we find a plce to stay and check on the Striders, see if I can gather information about the current status of the city and so on.
I think we should stick together, that seems wise coming back to all of this chaos and change. Nowzai, I may have a contact that can give us advice on a safe place to stay. Once we finish the other tasks, let's stop by the Drunken Morkoth and I'll reach out to them.
Sam nods at Nemoris in agreement, "That should work."
"Aye, it is a good a plan," Nowzai adds.
Epik nods, and follows the others to Magma's aunt.
yes it good plan
The couatl looks at Nowzai.
The party heads through streets of refuse and often has to back track and move around impromptu camps of refugees. They wind around to Magma avenue passing by the Church of Saranrae (#33 on map), noting as they do so that Kristoff is doing his morning prayers to the sun about 200 yards up the road, closer to Sondor's home. A massive shadow cast from the towering central spire of the Cathedral of Pharasma (#29 on map) blots out the tiny church.
Sondor is at home and is immensely pleased to see you all, ushering you into her simple, yet well kept home and getting breakfast together. Armed to the teeth as you are, you somehow crush yourselves around the dwarven sized table, clanging into each other and apologizing profusely for evey metal scratched chair and scuff.
Before you get to close to the Temple, you are aware something has changed. The camps are noticeably absent and the streets are near spotless with a quarter mile of the building. Tabarded men brandishing ill-made longswords stamped with the symbol of Iomedae populate the area and a couple times you see them escort refugees through the streets. They eye you askance when they first see you, but one glance at Epik or Jenya and they salute poorly and move out of your way.
The Temple itself has a crush of petitioners clamoring to get in ... there's a loud sermon of some sort going on in the Temple and the people who can hear things cheer loudly in unison. Many of those in the back appear to be cheering as well, but obviously can't hear a word being said.
The Drunken Morkoth is much as you found with the exception of a 10 foot radius hole in the side of the common room. Inside you find Gryphon Marek and a team of people you don't recognize cleaning up splintered tables, shattered glass, and mopping up blood.
Gryphon sighs as he sees you enter, putting up a broom and wiping his brow, "That thing find you yet? Please tell me you put it down ..."
Epik will allow Magma to lead the conversation, but he will ask Sondor for any information on the recent events in Cauldron, when he has the opportunity.
Epik nods at the guards. "What is all the ruckus about? Why are all these petitioners here? Who's providing the sermon and to what purpose?"
He attempts to gather information from the crowd. He crowds in to listen to sermon. While doing so he scans the scene for anything amiss.
Epik steps in and orders ale for the group before sitting down next to Gryphon. "Not yet - we just arrived. We're eager to slay this beast before it can cause any further damage. What have you heard about it? What does it look like? Where can we find it? "
Nothing here for me, Sam will sit quietly and listen,
Sam has been thinking about this for awhile and it finally dawns on him, "What was the name of the dragon that was in Bhal-Hamatugn, wasn't is called the All-Father?"
ironfold homestead
thank you for breakfast aunt Sondor. just got back to the city and wanted to check on you. i will hand her a bag of 100 gold. Can you give us an update on the city since we left?
Temple Iomedae
looking at one of the guards let me see that sword child. Who is making these crude longsword? these swords are not worthy of Iomedae. as soon as we deal with this creature hunting us, i will return and make you guards proper longswords. how many men guard this temple? do you have a proper forge to make weapons and armor worthy of Iomedae?
don't look at Epik and Lady Jenya answer the questions
Drunken Morkoth
i will grab a ale and start helping with repairs. Gryphon it will die as soon as we find it.
Sam the dragon we kill on the way to Bhal-Hamatugan call to the All-Father as it died. something was very anger with us as we kill all those creatures in bhal hamatugan as we left with dwarf
** spoiler omitted **
"Who knows the reasons behind the evils of Kheltos? Dhorlot is another demon, called the All-Father for his proclivity to mate with ... well ... anything.
"Illusions and such trickery are not my forte," Nowzai replies, shaking his head. "Can you turn yourself invisible, or change form? If not, then perhaps best you wait in the outskirts or Occipitus."
The snake speaks in the language of heaven, an amazing beautiful sound emerging from the coldly reptilian visage.
Sondor bustles about, sweeping up Magma's bag without much reaction, other than to mutter, "Hope you didn't pull this off some poor dead boy."
She gives you her thoughts as she cleans up breakfast, "City never has been the best of places, but at least the Lord Mayor kept some things in line. Always seemed somewhat reasonable for a human. Seems as soon as he went missing, the city fell apart. No idea why those fool guards marched on Redgorge. Worse, I have no idea why good sensible dwarves would embroil themselves in that ridiculous fight," she shakes a pot in the air to emphasize her point.
"Most days I take food down to the refugees and help feed the children. Gives me something to do since Lothar was taken."
"The Bishop has been providing sermons, extolling the virtues of cleanliness, valor and purity of body. He sees those who revel in gambling or drink as opening themselves to potential perversion by a demon or susceptible to a devil's contract. He's encouraging us to take the fight to the streets, keep the refuse out, help those in need and purge the riffraff," replies one of the guards to Epik's question. When the man speaks, the paladin realizes he's barely more than a boy.
To Magma, another responds, "We make these ourselves. We will not be beholden to the corrupt monopoly of the Lathenmires." He states this proudly and as if reciting it from memory.
Gryphon serves you all but quickly puts you to work, almost before you're even aware of it. "I didn't run off to chase it down, but the word is that it's been sighted down by the lake more often than not, near the Minutia's Board since that's become a complete refugee flophouse."
"It's a massive ... man, but it's head is part bull and part dragon. It's feet are hoofed and it wields a massive chain with devastating accuracy. If you are to fight it, be careful who is around. I don't think it really cares about killing bystanders," says the bartender with a slightly pained expression.
"I do have a note here from the dwarf. It's addressed to Nemoris."
Meet me at the Drunken Morkoth 24 hours after your arrival back in town. - M
Nowzai replies in the common tongue, sounding guttural and crude compared to the Tlanextic. "Anytime you feel is right, of course. I will ask if I need your appearance for a specific situation. We can communicate telepathically, if you wish to remain incognito."
***
Nowzai ponders. "Another half-dragon... likely another spawn of this Allfather."
The coautl fades from sight.
Yes, that is fine
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Epik thanks the boy for the information."You are too young to fight. Return to your family. They'll be plenty of time to fight for Iomedae when you get older."
He then moves through the crowd to speak to the bishop.
Epik nods his thanks to Gryphon. He then turns to the others, "We must travel to the Minutia's Board at once. We can't risk this beast killing any more people in our name."
Before we enter the home, I'll pull Magma aside and ask him a quick question:
Things don't look good here, Perhaps we should hire a few men to guard the area and specifically keep an eye on Sondor in case she is in any danger?
Once we're inside:
Thank you very much for the food and hospitality. Have you seen anything in the last few days that you think we should address immediately? How about you, has there been rioting or unrest close enough to make you worry?
I'll wait until we are out of earshot of the Iomedae guards, then turn to Epik and the rest of the party.
It seems like the church is trying to take advantage of the lack of organization and leadership in this city. This could be very detrimental indeed. At some point we should take a closer look at this Bishop and his motives.
Thank you Gryphon, was anyone hurt when this happened? How long ago was it, this seems quite fresh! I'll turn to the party I agree with Epik, let's track this beast and end it
Survival to track If we want to hurry I'll take a -5 penalty and can move at 40ft per round. I'm not sure how far away the beast is, but here are a few more rolls (1 mile of tracking each):
"Followers of the Inheritor are known to be somewhat... fanatical. We may find that his intentions are noble, and given the state of things in Cauldron, that is probably a good thing. I leave it to Epik to appraise the quality of this bishop's motives."
Ironfold Homestead
Before we enter the home, I'll pull Magma aside and ask him a quick question:
Things don't look good here, Perhaps we should hire a few men to guard the area and specifically keep an eye on Sondor in case she is in any danger?
Thank you for your concern Nemoris but aunt Sondor believes guards would only draw the danger to her.
Sondor snorts, "This is a dwarf home. There is nothing this city can do to make me worry. Any rioter will leave here without an arm should they step foot across that threshold." Sondor indicates an old but well-oiled battle axe next to the kitchen door.
The kid looks back at his companion nervously, and meets Epik's eyes for a moment with a look filled with youthful arrogance. But it quickly fades as Epik's piercing gaze withers the man. He mutters something to his friend and then runs off. Several others nearby who overheard the conversation also drop weapons and depart.
Epik fights his way toward the front of the crowd, and enters the church where more traditional petitioners fill pews and chairs. The Bishop is up on the pulpit in full regalia and in an intense but controlled religious fervor as he delivers his sermon in a deep, resonant voice that carries throughout the hall.
Gryphon shakes his head, "Not directly, Nemoris. A couple folks were hit by some splinters from the wall or exploding glass, and a few twisted ankles or cut themselves getting away from the creature, but it didn't actually do more than destroy some tables and the wall ... obviously. It swung its chain around and threatened, but didn't actually attack anyone. I don't think it cared, there just wasn't anyone sitting on that side of the room. Once it realized you weren't here, it left."
"Gryphon, how do you know this massive beast was looking for us? Did it say anything, or leave any kind of mark or message? Also, you said that it is often seen down by the lake, does anyone know where he has been sleeping?"
"It roared for the Guardians of Cauldron. Said something about destroying the home of the 'All-Father' and needing to answer for that. It didn't ask for your individual names," the bartender says.
"No visible mark left behind, other than this," Gryphon waves at the damage. "He didn't seem like the 'can you take a message' type."
"I don't know know ... haven't been inclined to hunt it out."
Epik will respectfully allow the bishop to finish before approaching (unless he hears something completely inappropriate).
Upon completion of the sermon Epik will approach the bishop and will drop to one knee. "Your holiness, I seek your guidance in this dark hour. But first, let us discuss how to stabilize the city. My instinct is to first destroy the monstrosity that terrorizes the people. What wisdom would you impart on this humble servant of the inheritor?"
Epik will respectfully allow the bishop to finish before approaching (unless he hears something completely inappropriate).
Upon completion of the sermon Epik will approach the bishop and will drop to one knee. "Your holiness, I seek your guidance in this dark hour. But first, let us discuss how to stabilize the city. My instinct is to first destroy the monstrosity that terrorizes the people. What wisdom would you impart on this humble servant of the inheritor?"
Maybe this is only me, but I'm extremely disinclined to wait for a sermon to finish before we finish with the rest of our goals. 5 minutes of conversation on the street is fine, but if we wait for more than another few minutes I'll ask the party quietly what we hope to accomplish waiting here.
Sense Motive on Bishop :
Friends, this bishop seems.... long winded. Let's continue on and return here when he is not speaking, or if his words are that inflammatory, let's stop him now and set the record straight
Nowzai nods, "It is most certainly a spawn of the All Father, half-dragon and half... what?" He shakes his head, then asks, "Something that large and monstrous could not be missed. Where did it go after it left?"
"I think seeking this beast out, needs to be our first order of business. Let's get ready for a hunt!"
The bishops sermon is nearing it's end. Epik doesn't hear anything that concerns him particularly, and the bishop regards himself contemptuously as he comes forward.
"Ah yes, the paladin who travels with heretics and suborned my priestess away from me. What can I do for you ... Child? What monster do you speak of?"
Head to the Minutias Board or go somewhere else to track the creature?
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Epik pauses and carefully considers the priest's words. "How are you not aware of the attacks on the city? There have been numerous sightings of a creature that is part bull and part dragon near the Minutias Board. Sir, we have a responsibility to protect the people. I would advise you to focus your efforts to helping the city resolve the current crisis."
Epik will detect evil on the man.
He will then pull Jenya aside, "The priest is exceptionally arrogant and disrespectful. These are not traits that I normally find in the clergy. What do you know of this man?"
Let's head to the Minutias Board.
Agree, let's head to Minutias Board. Once we deal with that, we can do some further investigation in the city.
I believe I can just track the creature right from the Drunken Morkoth
[oo]Did I not find tracks from those rolls Tike? I think unless it's rained or snowed since the thing was here I can follow it pretty easily. With the 31, I can track it on hard ground (bare rock, indoor floors) as much as 11 hours after he passed this way. [/ooc]
How long has it been since the beast was here Gryphon? I'd rather track him from a known location than go and try to find tracks without knowing for sure it's our target.
Epik pauses and carefully considers the priest's words. "How are you not aware of the attacks on the city? There have been numerous sightings of a creature that is part bull and part dragon near the Minutias Board. Sir, we have a responsibility to protect the people. I would advise you to focus your efforts to helping the city resolve the current crisis."
The Bishop who was walking away from Epik pauses and draws a long breath before he turns and glares at the paladin, "You forget yourself, swordbrother. There are more tenets to the Inheritor's faith than simply shoving your sword into anything you think is bad. Some of us pursue the more difficult parts of doctrine. Bringing civilization to those without it, justice, rulership, and statecraft. This city is sorely lacking in all those things. Chaos is rampant. I am fighting this at the heart, not simply looking for monsters to kill. If you can't see that, you may want to spend a few more hours in prayer today."
He begins to depart and then turns back again, "That wasn't a suggestion ..."
temple Iomedae
i whisper to Epik "this is a battle you will not win"
"I don't know much about him, Epik. The Temple in Sargava sent a missive in response to my notice that Sarcem had been murdered. It said from that Bishop Shebeleth for this region of Avistan was coming to bring purity back to the church in Cauldron. Then he arrived and brought change to the clergy. Focus on cleanliness and doctrine and severe punishments for all breaches of holy scripture."
Determining that ending the creature's threat is of the utmost urgency, the party bids Gryphon farewell and follows Nemoris' identification of the days old trail. A big hooved creature dragging a chain left quite a trail for the ranger to find and it winds its way down the caldera and the party encounters several more destroyed stalls and buildings and injured and upset townsfolk. They are less helpful then Gryphon and more put out that the party has brought this evil upon their city, given all the other issues it has. Eventually through diplomacy and bribes, they all continue to point toward the Minutia's Board as Nemoris loses the trail on Ash Ave.
Just short of the flophouse, a man disengages from the shadows. "It's down that alleyway ... 'bout time you showed up to do something about it." He flips a coin at you then scrambles up a building and runs across the roof out of sight.
Peering down the alley, you don't see much but trash and debris and turn to search somewhere else when suddenly a thundering cry echoes from behind you. "YOU!"
Turning, you see a powerful draconic warrior in the center of the street about twenty yards away. Clad in light chain armor and holding a huge spiked chain with links the size of dinner plates spiked with blades as long as your forearm. The beast stands several feet above the head of the tallest human. Although he halts his advance, the commoners in the street rush to get out of the monster’s way. His face, a rough mix of dragon and bull, seems to grind out a question: “Did you destroy the home of the All Father?”
Epik bows his head in contrition. Perhaps he is right. Who am I to question a bishop of Iomedae?
Epik will salute the bishop with his sword. "As you command, your holiness."
He then heads to the temple to pray. One the way, Epik will whisper to Jenya, "While he is focusing on doctrine, we must save the city. Are you with us?"
Epik will smite evil on the creature as he moves to address it. "We have no conflict with the All Father! Stop your destruction and leave Cauldron in peace. We have no desire to fight you, but we will not tolerate any threat to the city or its people!"
in pursuit of beast
move to support Epik
use protection from evil spell