[dice=fort dc 23]1d20+6
[dice=fort dc 23]1d20+6
[dice=fort dc 23]1d20+6
At this point both Robb and Nicolae come crashing through the trees to help. They don't even notice Jiro, still hidden in the trees, and when they arrive they seem both shocked and disgusted by the remains of the spider carcass.
Looking around they see Christopher and move to help him, but he yells at them fiercely -
"Back, back," he says, waving his arms.
"There's webbing on the ground - it's poisonous," he says as he does what he can to drag Amen-set into the damp grass away from it.
Turning, he moves to Daeron and works and struggles to pull the Elf free and move him to the grass then lays down in it panting and gasping, nearly overcome by weariness as he stares up at the sky.
"Horses... the horses... are they secure?" he asks and Robb responds - "Aye; they're tethered tight, we came running when we heard the shots."
Nicolae stares at Amen-set and Daeron.
"Are they dead?" he asks.
"I don't think so - but that god's cursed venom... it's weakened them to the point where they can barely move," he responds after studying the bodies.
Nicolae nods his head.
"It is good they are not dead - what, then, are our orders?" he says to Christopher who looks up at him with a surprised look at his response, then does what he can to help turn their bodies somewhat so the rain is not pouring into their faces, nor are they laying face down in the mud.
"We meant to camp; here, if the tower is safe... I'm hoping yes, but we need to find out soon," he says, then looks around, seeing Rajah clinging to the wall and Variel flying somewhat back.
He stares at Variel, having never seen him before, but realizes that the Elf is clearly not a threat.
Still, with his eyes on Variel, he calls to Rajah on the wall, being unable to see Rain above, and having not yet met Dhaavan, nor being able to see him on the other side of the bulk of the spider.
"Where's the others - the kid with the rapier and that Elf girl with the cat?" he calls to Rajah, not knowing where Jiro and Rain are.
"We gotta find them soon. The kid was also in the spider's web and may some help quickly," Christopher adds as he scans the trees for Jiro.
Rain cast her gaze upon the flying Variel and relief washed over her at the sight of her beloved. Still, Flynn was missing. There would be time for a private moment with Variel once she had taken care of those wounded in the fight with the spider.
Rain switched her animal focus back to tiger and telling Neko to make her way down to the ground, Rain took to the air and flew down toward the now freed Amen lying on the wet grass safely away from the poisoned webbing.
Still in her translucent state, she called to the others, "I am here. I bespelled myself so I could better fight the spider." Dismissing the spell, Rain materalised before the others. She contracted the magical pike and placed it on the wet grass by her feet. Shaking off some of the rain droplets from her silver, leathery wings, she furled them against her back.
Looking to Christopher Ironhorse, Rain quietly added, "Thank you for freeing my sister from the webs. I saw Jiro head toward the treeline there from my vantage on the roof." Then to all she steadily announced,
"I have a potion to restore some of the strength Amen has lost from the venom. She once aided me with such magic, so I believe she has spells to help with this malady. Mayhap Priest Daeron, there, is also versed with such restorative healing?" Rain looked to Ironhorse for confirmation of the priest's powers.
Not wasting another minute, Rain removed a potion of lesser restoration from the pouch around her waist. Unstoppering it, she carefully lifted Amen's head and poured the liquid gently/slowly down Amen's throat.
She waited until Amen eyes fluttered open. "Little sister, can you sit up? Slowly, for the poison has sapped your strength." Rain moved to assist Amen to sit upright.
While Rain was administering to Amen's condition, Neko had magically transported herself by Rain's side, ensuring she did not touch the webbing on the grass.
"I have a vial of antitoxin. Let me open it so you may drink." Making sure Amen could remain seated without her support, Rain removed another vial from the pouch and opening it, pressed it Amen's lips so she could drink.
"Amen, if you're feeling able, can you aid Priest Daeron? The poison has keenly benumbed him."
Looking to her golden cat, "Neko, go find Jiro and bring him back here. Be careful of those trees."
The golden cat's emerald gaze flashed brighter and giving a nod, went to search for the kitsune, using his scent to mark his whereabouts.
To all those near her, she discreetly advised, "Mark the trees. They are more than they seem."
Looking to Christopher Ironhorse, Rain quietly added, "Thank you for freeing my sister from the webs. I saw Jiro head toward the treeline there from my vantage on the roof."
Christopher bows his head before Rain.
”It was my pleasure, Your Grace,” he says in response.
"I have a potion to restore some of the strength Amen has lost from the venom. She once aided me with such magic, so I believe she has spells to help with this malady. Mayhap Priest Daeron, there, is also versed with such restorative healing?" Rain looked to Ironhorse for confirmation of the priest's powers.
”Daeron has some spells like that, too. I don’t know how many or how potent, but I know he’s got some,” he says to Rain.
As he waits to see what happens, Christopher looks at the spider and curses roundly, then looks at Nicolae and Robb.
”So listen up; we’re fine here for right now I guess, but get back to the horses and make sure they’re safe. Then fetch some of those hatches we have for chopping firewood 'cause we’re going to need to try to get some of this filth away from the door if we plan on bringing the horses anywhere near here,” he says with a wave of his hand at the corpse of the spider.
Robb and Nicolae turn and hurry back into the forest.
Chris turns to Rain.
”I’ll look for your pal in the woods; I can track better than those two anyhow. I’ll be back when I find him,” he says giving her a brisk nod then moves off to look for Jiro.
She waited until Amen eyes fluttered open. "Little sister, can you sit up? Slowly, for the poison has sapped your strength." Rain moved to assist Amen to sit upright.
Amen-set looks at Rain with a somewhat confused and disorientated look, almost as if she is not sure what has happened, but she pulls herself up as well as she can, though it seems as if she is very tired.
Amen, if you're feeling able, can you aid Priest Daeron? The poison has keenly benumbed him."
Amen-set blinks at Rain a few times, then lays her hand on Daeron. After a few moments of casting, Daeron seems to be more aware and awake, his eyes fluttering open and he seems to be almost fully recovered.
To all those near her, she discreetly advised, "Mark the trees. They are more than they seem."
Daeron swings himself upright easily then looks around. Seeing Amen-set and Rain, he turns and looks at Variel and Rajah and notes a Cerebi standing and watching him in the rain.
His hand falls to his weapon, but looking at the others he pauses and does not draw – seeing that the Cerebi has not attacked them.
”Whence did this creature hearken?” he asks the others with a stern voice, his eyes not leaving it.
As he waits for an answer, he notes Amen-set is clearly weak. Still concerned about the Cerebi, he nevertheless bends down low and over her, though his eyes do not leave the creature.
Placing his hands on her he begins to cast –
Daeron peers at her, studying her face intently, then casts again -
He frowns.
"I have no more spells such as this to cast today; for I did not anticipate such a trial. Yet in the morning I shall be ready to do all I can to aid you," he says with a soft voice.
Amen-set nods her head, then pulls herself to her feet.
"I am strong enough yet to stand, methinks, and that is enough for now. I have one more such spell as that I may cast, but I shall first wait to see if we find our ally in the woods," she says, glancing around and looking for Jiro, then turns back to Daeron.
"If he needs to be aided, then I shall lend the power to him; if not, I shall use it myself."
"In any case, on the morrow I shall more recovered and so shall restore mine own health and his should it be needed,"
She shakes her head and stares at the bulk of the spider, then looks at Rain.
"I see that thy mate has come back to thee. Did I not say that the Great Father shall guide our destinies?" she says as she turns and looks north to Variel, though she sounds still a bit tired.
Then she turns back to Rain, her breath coming shortly and she begins to shiver in the icy rain.
"What did thy find above with thy search, senet?" she asks her, as she pulls out her Traveler's Any Tool and orders it into an ax and begins to slowly carve out pieces of the spider and then fling them behind her with her bare hands, ignoring the stench and the rot which has poured from the corpse as she works.
As Daeron listens to the others talk, his eyes narrow and he turns and looks back at the Cerebi while the three-headed hell hound merely regards him neutrally.
”With respect,” he says, calling in a loud voice ”where did this creature hearken?” he asks again, pointing his finger at the Cerebi, his eyes moving from Amen-set, Variel, Rajah, and Rain.
Daeron seems to be somewhat upset as he watches the Cerebi, but he says nothing more but waits for an answer.
Rain swiftly switches her animal focus to that of a falcon (Falcon: Rain gains a +4 competence bonus on Perception checks).
---
[dice=INT check on Rain being referred to "as your grace" (DC 14)]1d20+2[/dice]
Rain swiftly switches her animal focus to that of a falcon (Falcon: Rain gains a +4 competence bonus on Perception checks).
[dice=Perception (DC 22)]1d20+17+4
[dice=Know, Nature (DC 15)]1d20+9
The forest that surrounds you is oak; it's ancient and very, very old, as you recall. Oak trees can get up to about 80 feet in height; but these - though very wide - are barely 20-25 feet in height.
Meanwhile, barely a quarter of a mile from you (maybe 1,200 feet) is a tall Rowan tree; it's nearly 50 feet in height, tall for a rowan tree; and you don't see any other such trees around it. As a student of nature, you find it odd that a single rowan tree could be growing there, alone, with so thick a root system on the ground - you find it very, very unusual for some reason, even though it's about a quarter mile away.
You think that's odd - but it's probably just a coincidence.
Rain heard Ironhorse refer to her as "Your Grace" but did not give it too much thought.
"I see that thy mate has come back to thee. Did I not say that the Great Father shall guide our destinies?" she says as she turns and looks north to Variel.
"Aye, little sister. Variel has found us." Rain waved to her betrothed, calling him down.
"What did thy find above with thy search, senet?"
"This ancient forest is filled with Oak. A quarter mile from the tower I saw a single, tall, thick rooted Rowan tree. I find it strange that only one grows among the Oak and one with such roots on the ground."
Chris turns to Rain. ”I’ll look for your pal in the woods; I can track better than those two anyhow. I’ll be back when I find him,” he says giving her a brisk nod then moves off to look for Jiro.
"Wait. You may not be able to see him for our quartermaster has cloth that allows him to appear immaterial. Call out his name and tell him the spider is dead. He will probably show himself then. Thank you, Master Ironhorse."
”With respect,” he says, calling in a loud voice ”where did this creature hearken?” he asks again, pointing his finger at the Cerebi.
Since the holy man's earlier question was left unanswered, Rain responded steadily, "It was summoned by our caster First Mate, Dhaavan, Lord of Tidewater Rock. The hound won't harm you. It appears Dhaavan made his way through the magic portal afterall."
Seijiro walks slowly and wearily out of the woods when he sees the spider fall. His weakness troubles him, but not nearly as much as would have without the haversack. When he runs into Chris he gives him an embarrassed half-smile. "well that wasn't very brave of me. I was just trying to avoid those nasty webs. Well, best go face my friends and apologize.. yet again , for my absence, and this time without benefit of being enspelled. "
He looks toward the group, scowling when he sees so many weakened and lying on the ground. "they'd best be alright. I'm not proud of escaping the webs, but if anyone died as a result, I'm not sure I could live with myself."
He looks toward the group, scowling when he sees so many weakened and lying on the ground. "they'd best be alright. I'm not proud of escaping the webs, but if anyone died as a result, I'm not sure I could live with myself."
Rain turned her gaze to Jiro coming out from the edge of the forest. "Amen still suffers some weakness from the venom. Priest Daeron has been healed by Amen. The rest of us are unharmed. How do you fare?", having seen Jiro walk slowly out from the forest; more slowly than his usual pace.
”So listen up; we’re fine here for right now I guess, but get back to the horses and make sure they’re safe. Then fetch some of those hatches we have for chopping firewood 'cause we’re going to need to try to get some of this filth away from the door if we plan on bringing the horses anywhere near here,” he says with a wave of his hand at the corpse of the spider.
Having noted the command Ironhorse had given Nicolae and Robb, Rain added, "Once the spider's remains have been removed, we should enter through the front doors of the tower and build a fire inside. It'll be dry and safe enough for us to wait out the worst of the storm. We can set a watch to ensure no other spiders or threat attack us as we rest."
Rain heard Ironhorse refer to her as "Your Grace" but did not give it too much thought.
"This ancient forest is filled with Oak. A quarter mile from the tower I saw a single, tall, thick rooted Rowan tree. I find it strange that only one grows among the Oak and one with such roots on the ground."
Amen-set continues to work, her body shivering hard in the rain, but she does her best to ignore that.
"What is a 'rowan' tree, senet? I know oak, but I have not heard of such trees before," she asks, her fingers slipping on the hatchet.
Before Rain can answer, Chris is ready to move off.
"Wait. You may not be able to see him for our quartermaster has cloth that allows him to appear immaterial. Call out his name and tell him the spider is dead. He will probably show himself then. Thank you, Master Ironhorse."
He nods, then advances and begins to call Jiro's name.
As they work, Daeron repeats his question -
”With respect,” he says, calling in a loud voice ”where did this creature hearken?” he asks again, pointing his finger at the Cerebi, his free hand pulling the cloak more tightly around him.
"It was summoned by our caster First Mate, Dhaavan, Lord of Tidewater Rock. The hound won't harm you. It appears Dhaavan made his way through the magic portal afterall."
[dice=Diplomacy to calm Half-Elven priest]1d20+6
Daeron looks appalled at this, and turns to the creature, then to Rain.
"Then... then your First Officer... your commander; he consorts with and summons Infernal Beings?" his face seemed shocked; as if he can't believe that someone like Rain or Amen-set would deal with friends of Devils and their ilk...
Seijiro walks slowly and wearily out of the woods when he sees the spider fall. His weakness troubles him, but not nearly as much as would have without the haversack. When he runs into Chris he gives him an embarrassed half-smile. "well that wasn't very brave of me. I was just trying to avoid those nasty webs. Well, best go face my friends and apologize.. yet again , for my absence, and this time without benefit of being enspelled. "
Christopher sees Jiro, but does not seem overly surprised by his sudden appearance, though he hears his words.
"Hey now, it's alright, kid," he says, placing his hand on Jiro's shoulder in a friendly fashion.
"You got hit hard and got a little spooked; it happens. The important thing is that you're alright and everyone's still alive..." he says, then peers at Jiro.
"You are alright, aren't you?" he says as he studies him.
He looks toward the group, scowling when he sees so many weakened and lying on the ground. "they'd best be alright. I'm not proud of escaping the webs, but if anyone died as a result, I'm not sure I could live with myself."
Christopher seems to down-play things a bit, but clearly he's trying to do what he can to make Jiro feel better.
"Nah - everyone's fine. The blond girl you run with, she healed up my buddy Daeron; he's healthy enough now. And she wasn't doing too well, but she seems to doing better. Hell, she says she could do more to heal herself, but she wanted to know how you were doing first, you know - just in case... The way I figure it, she can't be doing that bad, right?" he says with a comforting grin.
"Besides, we're going to rest up, get a good fire in the remains there, and after a good sleep we'll be good to go in the morning," he adds as he walks back to the others with Jiro.
Rain turned her gaze to Jiro coming out from the edge of the forest. "Amen still suffers some weakness from the venom. Priest Daeron has been healed by Amen. The rest of us are unharmed. How do you fare?", having seen Jiro walk slowly out from the forest; more slowly than his usual pace.
Chris looks at Rain and lets Jiro and her sort things out. Then, he notices Daeron and his expression and seems confused, then moves to the elf and speaks quietly to him in a low voice as the rain and wind continues.
Amen-set turns to Jiro and moves to them. She is shaking hard now, and has pulled out her extra clothes and wrapped them more heavily around herself.
"I can heal thee, if thy would need it..." she says to Jiro as her teeth chatter somewhat.
Having noted the command Ironhorse had given Nicolae and Robb, Rain added, "Once the spider's remains have been removed, we should enter through the front doors of the tower and build a fire inside. It'll be dry and safe enough for us to wait out the worst of the storm. We can set a watch to ensure no other spiders or threat attack us as we rest."
Nicolae shrugs and moves off to the horses, but Robb lingers.
"Have you had a chance to look inside the tower? Just saying; if the outside was trapped, the inside might be, too..." he adds, then bows to Rain and heads off and helps Nicolae with the horses.
Soon he comes back with three hatchets and well as their bedrolls and brings them to Amen-set and begins to cut up the corpse as fast he can so to get the filth out of the way and make it more comfortable if the horses come near.
At this time he, too, is shivering; though Chris and Daeron seem to be handling the weather better. What they are saying is hard to guess as they're still talking somewhat away from the party and in hushed voices...
Daeron looks appalled at this, and turns to the creature, then to Rain.
"Then... then your First Officer... your commander; he consorts with and summons Infernal Beings?" his face seemed shocked; as if he can't believe that someone like Rain or Amen-set would deal with friends of Devils and their ilk..."
Well, he isn't my commander, Rain mused privately. It was not a slur but fact. Dhaavan, even as the First Officer, never gave her an order to follow. He never had to for she knew what needed to be done.
"I see you are shocked by this revelation. I do not sanction the use of such creatures. Alas, Dhaavan seems undisturbed by such summons. The creatures have not harmed us or our allies. The rest, he can tell you himself, Priest Daeron." Rain inclined her head respectfully and ended the matter for they had other more pressing issues to contend with.
Hearing Amen's teeth chatter angrily, she urged the others, "Let us get inside, out of this rain. Amen, little sister, come along now."
"Have you had a chance to look inside the tower? Just saying; if the outside was trapped, the inside might be, too."
"Nay, not I. But I believe my companion, Rajah, entered through the front doors and no harm befell him. I will do a sweep as soon as I enter to discern the presence of magic in the immediate area. I am not versed in trap finding, so I will leave that to someone more experienced."
And with that Rain called Neko and taking Amen by the arm to steady her for she was still weak, began leading the way into the tower through the open doors.
Stopping just inside the open doorway, Rain switched her animal focus to that of bat, giving her darkvision (60ft), and cast Detect Magic.
"I see you are shocked by this revelation. I do not sanction the use of such creatures. Alas, Dhaavan seems undisturbed by such summons. The creatures have not harmed us or our allies. The rest, he can tell you himself, Priest Daeron." Rain inclined her head respectfully and ended the matter for they had other more pressing issues to contend with.
Chris and Daeron pause in their conversation and turn to Rain and listen to her.
Daeron seems to say something but Chris gives him a look, then turns to Rain.
”As you wish, Your Grace,” he says with a bow, which Daeron also makes after a moment, then they stand straight and continue to talk privately.
As she moves to the doorway, she pauses and speaks to Robb about the possibility of traps –
"I believe my companion, Rajah, entered through the front doors and no harm befell him. I will do a sweep as soon as I enter to discern the presence of magic in the immediate area. I am not versed in trap finding, so I will leave that to someone more experienced."
And with that Rain called Neko and taking Amen by the arm to steady her for she was still weak, began leading the way into the tower through the open doors.
Stopping just inside the open doorway, Rain switched her animal focus to that of bat, giving her darkvision, and cast Detect Magic.
Hearing Amen's teeth chatter angrily, she urged the others, "Let us get inside, out of this rain. Amen, little sister, come along now."
Amen-set nods as nonchalantly as possible.
’It is naught but the weather, we two have seen far worse for this to trouble us, methinks. Yet I shall not let thee travel inside without aid,” she adds with some forced bravado, then follows Rain into the doorway.
When Rain enters, Amen-set glances at the room too.
The ceiling is roughly 20 feet off the ground, and to the immediate left is an opening with many broken rocks lying about. Peering in the opening you see a stairway leading upstairs.
Meanwhile, you also notice a strange rope dangling from the ceiling with an odd set of crystal frames hanging from it like a lantern. You cannot determine what it is, or what is for – on studying it closer you can see that the crystal is cut and there is a smaller crystal inside.
Amen-set ponders the crystal and casts on the crystal inside… The light instantly reflects of the larger crystal frames around it and the effect causes the entire room to be bathed with light almost as bright as a Daylight spell.
There are two bunk beds which allow four men to sleep. The bunks themselves have rope cords tied between the beams which function as crude “mattresses”, but there are no linens on them.
There is a small table with four chairs around it near the bunk beds.
There are four sacks which look about 50 pounds in size each. Peering closer you can see small amounts of grain laying near them, as if they may have spilled out with recent use.
Above the sacks is a shelf fastened to the wall; it has strips of dried venison dangling from it; each strip about 2 pounds with a total of six strips. You find a pile of blankets folded near the bunks; the blankets are worn and rough, and they have stains on them, but they look warm enough and someone at least folded them.
You see a small stove in the corner, with a pot and pan hanging from a hook near it, and a small kettle on the stove. The stove looks like the sort of stoves used on ships to prepare food (think of it like a “Franklin Stove”). You do not see any wood for it, and indeed; you do not even see a place to put wood inside it to burn; you wonder if it uses oil to burn, but as you see no oil, you then wonder if the stove is warmed by by magic – if so, that would mean it would grow hot, but give off no smoke…
There are two kegs of water (each roughly 20 Gallons) and one keg of something which you believe to be Mead, but you do not drink or eat anything at this time.
Peering around you see a rack of gear in which there are six quivers of arrows for long-bows (each quiver having 20 arrows in them); four suits of well-tended Chain Mail; six short swords and eight long spears.
At this time you notice there is a series of screens set up on the far side of the room, opposite of the bunks. Moving to them you can see beyond them is a single bunk; this one has a mattress on it as well as folded linens and heavy, wool blankets at the foot of the bed. There is another table and chair there. You also see a small chest on the floor next to the table with a lock on it. Finally, you see various writing utensils on the desk, but nothing of note except what you believe may be a map.
Moving toward it, you discern that the map is of a large wood with various points marked on it. There seems to be some writing on it. Though you cannot read it, you recognize the alphabet and deem it is Infernal.
At the base of the map there is a wax seal; you cannot make much of it out, but the symbol looks like a Wyvern.
Amen-set looks at you.
"There is naught fuel for a proper fire. Yet if I use fire on the metal here, it shall grow hot and the heat from the metal shall travel the pipe and warm it. Yet I do not think it shall last long; for I do not have a spell to last all night for such tasks."
She goes to the stove and sees there is not much room inside; she casts "Produce Flame" and places her hand inside the opening of the metal stove to slowly warm it and make the room feel warmer.
She frowns.
"Some spells could last long to keep the room warm, I deem, yet in truth, I know them not. Further, what wizardy has those powers in their keeping?" she ponders.
She looks at Rain.
"What shall we do with yonder chest? For assuredly I would think inside there may be something of use beyond this..." she says, waving her hand about the room.
Christopher and Daeron enter the room; both are shocked at what they see and Christopher's eyes narrow in anger as he seems to guess something about the place.
"Then... then your First Officer... your commander; he consorts with and summons Infernal Beings?" his face seemed shocked; as if he can't believe that someone like Rain or Amen-set would deal with friends of Devils and their ilk...
The Cerebi vanishes fading away, the magic holding it, spent, Dhaavan having kept it in this plane in case of greater threat, I'm sorry, but to consort? What, dost thou make us minstrels? Dhaavan asks,
approaching the others, and avoiding the webbing, No, I jest, but I assure you that I do not consort as with a consort with anything from the lower planes, as the those that wallow in abyssal indulgences are apt to do.He then levels his gase at Daeron, I am sure, my good Daeron, that you are not the sort that lays the sins of the father, upon the shoulders of the child? That blames the cursed for what is thrust upon them by another? Nor would you deny me my most powerful tool at my disposal to protect my friends and your people as well? . Dhaavan makes his reasoned arguement, begin as convincing as he can, diplomatic as possible.
He just pointed our the use of the word consort is tantamount to an accusation of engaging in liaisons with demonic entities, specifically succubi,a terrible insult which the young man is overlooking, as such an insult must be a misinterpretation of Daeron's intent. it is one of my most effective tools, and as the nature of my magic is in my blood, natural, for the most part, not something gained by choice or through study, it makes little sense to ascribe culpability or condemn one for using one's power on something like that spider that left us in such bad shape, to protect our people. we could have been killed, he notes, as it was the Cerebi that scored the final hit. and Dhaavan uses that detail to full advantage.
Dhaavan is avoiding admissions of wrongdoing, and skirting the topic at hand, but beneath the scandalized exterior, Dhaavan seems ok with what his power means, all be it with a measure of fatalism.
He also hides a powerful rage at any suggestion that he "Consorts" with beings of the lower planes, as succubi are typically the superior bedfellow to Erynies, the infernal counterpart, and dhaavan has a powerful hate for all things demonic.
And if you do still aim to mistrust me, the ask my respected companions about, say, my relationship with the Chellish wretches that have had the misfortune of an encounter with our ship, and if I have any sympathy for the country based on infernal affiliation.
The Cerebi vanishes fading away, the magic holding it, spent, Dhaavan having kept it in this plane in case of greater threat, I'm sorry, but to consort? What, dost thou make us minstrels? Dhaavan asks, approaching the others, and avoiding the webbing,
No, I jest, but I assure you that I do not consort as with a consort with anything from the lower planes, as the those that wallow in abyssal indulgences are apt to do.
He then levels his gase at Daeron, I am sure, my good Daeron, that you are not the sort that lays the sins of the father, upon the shoulders of the child? That blames the cursed for what is thrust upon them by another? Nor would you deny me my most powerful tool at my disposal to protect my friends and your people as well? . Dhaavan makes his reasoned arguement, begin as convincing as he can, diplomatic as possible.
Daeron offers his answer at once –
”I judge no man but by his own actions, sir,” he responds somewhat stiffly.
”But it is a truth that the lash of the whip may motivate the sluggard to labor; yet some will put such tools aside in favor of other methods which do not leave bloody scars upon those who serve.”
Christopher looks like he might say something here, but Dhaavan responds.
He just pointed out the use of the word consort is tantamount to an accusation of engaging in liaisons with demonic entities, specifically succubi,a terrible insult which the young man is overlooking, as such an insult must be a misinterpretation of Daeron's intent. it is one of my most effective tools, and as the nature of my magic is in my blood, natural, for the most part, not something gained by choice or through study, it makes little sense to ascribe culpability or condemn one for using one's power on something like that spider that left us in such bad shape, to protect our people. we could have been killed, he notes, as it was the Cerebi that scored the final hit. and Dhaavan uses that detail to full advantage.
Daeron looks at Dhaavan for a moment.
”My apologies,” he says with a stern tone ”Perhaps you misconstrued my words. Earlier I did not say "consort", as in - someone a man might dally with at a brothel. Rather "consorts" - as in "associates with"... It is a truth that I did not intend anything else but to suggest that you seem to be a man who associates with creatures from the Inferno," he adds with a sincere voice, though his gaze is still suspicious.
Christopher lowers his eyes and shakes his head, looking very uncomfortable with the whole thing, but Daeron continues.
”As for myself, I serve the Lady Sarenrae – her doctrines do not advocate clemency for those who would use such weapons to achieve victory, no matter what their bloodline may be,” Daeron adds.
”And you did save our lives, yes, this is true; but to what purpose? Shall we take you into our confidence so that you could then learn our secrets to some other end?” Daeron continues.
Christopher turns to Daeron and opens his mouth, as if to speak, but Dhaavan responds.
If you do still aim to mistrust me, then ask my respected companions about, say, my relationship with the Chellish wretches that have had the misfortune of an encounter with our ship, and if I have any sympathy for the country based on infernal affiliation.
”Many may hate Cheliax yet still follow others far more dangerous then their kind…” Daeron responds with a glance at Rajah, the man from Varisia, knowing Varisia and Cheliax may dislike each other, but many times they both serve dark gods.
At this point Christopher breaks in and holds up his hands and turns to Daeron.
”Oh for the gods sake!” he says with growing annoyance as the rain pours down on you all.
”Look, if the guy was a spy trying to trick us I doubt he’d let us know that he uses devils in combat – wouldn’t he be kind of slick about hiding that information? I mean, it’s not like we don’t know your goddess hates devils and creatures from the Inferno, and you’re pretty much honor bound to fight those things and all that! Besides, I’d think a real spy would be all – “Ooh, I hate devils, and anyone who even has devil bloodline in them should be killed”, and so on, you know, so that we trust him? But this guy is all - “Uh, yeah, I summon devils, I’m not going to lie about that, it’s who I am, but I can still be a good guy” – I mean, hardly seems like he’s trying to be sneaky about, right?” he says to Daeron.
Daeron looks uncomfortable with the whole thing, but Christopher presses on.
”Come on, you already did your trick about learning if they were Good or Evil earlier, right? We know the Varisian guy’s alright, too, and everyone else checks out,” he says to Daeron.
”That is so, but this one was not there when I did my casting, and I cannot perform that spell again at this time,” Daeron responds as he watches Dhaavan.
Christopher looks exasperated.
”Look; you saw the blonde girl who went in the tower, right? The one who is treating the Elf who’s got bloody dragon wings like they’re sisters?” he says.
”You think either of them would be running with a guy who’s really evil? Hell, the blonde girl’d likely kill him outright, and I bet the dragon-Elf girl wouldn’t be too happy with it either, right?”
”As for the blonde girl and the dragon-Elf? Well, they’re both good, right? Your spell picked up on that, right? Why the hell would they be running around with a guy who’s serving Asmo… well, him that we don’t talk about, right?”
Christopher looks at Dhaavan, both the Elf and Human seeming to ignore the elements.
”We just met these people, they just popped out because of magic, but so far they haven’t hurt us or done anything bad to us – they even helped us!”
Daeron cocks his head and stares at Christopher.
”They defended themselves, yes; that we also survived was fortunate, but…”
Christopher cuts him off.
”Look; here’s the thing – the little blonde girl healed you proper when she could have healed herself fully, right? And the dragon-Elf girl also made sure you were alright. Meantime, just think about the two of them, right? I mean, they call each other sister; just like the Queen and that little silver dragon girl talk to each other? Plus, didn’t you tell me the blonde girl spoke some of the Osirioni tongue, too? I’m telling you, Daer, there’s something afoot here that’s got to be more than just coincidence, you know? Trust in your goddess, but give the guy a chance; so far he’s on the level with us, so why not try trusting a bit before being all… He must perish!, or whatever, you know?”
It’s hard to gauge with freezing rain falling on all of you (except for those who went into the tower) but even though Christopher is still a little suspicious, he’s willing to trust Dhaavan because of the company he keeps; and he’s willing to believe Dhaavan is a good guy until he does something that proves otherwise. Meanwhile, Daeron is a priest of a Sarenrae, he feels a great distrust for anyone who works with either the Abyss or the Inferno. Dhaavan’s Diplomacy Check did help out a lot, but with the freezing rain and the really mysterious circumstances, he’s a little nervous.
It’s clear they’re BOTH nervous about something that they haven’t mentioned or talked about; but that may become more clear with time.
At this Daeron nods his head slowly.
”It is true… Further; my goddess teaches redemption. It may be that you are a man who is, indeed, trying to do good as best as he may. With that in mind, I may have been overly harsh on my judgements; for that, I offer you my apologies,” he says with a more sincere tone and then bows his head courteously at Dhaavan.
Christopher looks very relieved.
”Well that’s fantastic,” he says, but only slightly sarcastically as he feels the rain bite into his skin.
”That said, we’ve done a lot of work cutting up and getting rid of this bloody spider corpse; the rain’s washed most of the smell away… Why don’t we go find the girls inside and see if we can’t try to get a bit warm while the lads bring the horses up?” he says to Daeron and Dhaavan.
Daeron nods at this.
”I see nothing wrong with that,” he says, then turns to Dhaavan.
”Will you come with us into the tower with the two ladies who were in your company?” he asks Dhaavan politely as Christopher has already walked to the tower to get out of the rain and get warm.
|
Variel retrieved his sword in time to see the giant spider being decimated and fall. Blood still up from the adnaline rushing through it takes a few moments to realize that he men before him were not enemies. It wasn't until Rain spoke and addressed the men with some familiarity that he let his guard down. Rain, are you ok and what happened? Where are we and who are our new companions?
Once Variel gets filled in then he will help remove the spider carcass and cast prestidigitation on people to dry them out.
As the battle comes to an end, Rajah immediately tends to the wounded, gathering those together who are hurt.
"I ... think I'm okay, I just feel so weak... I can barely lift the few things I carry. I guess that spider did something to me without ever touching me... Ever since those webs touched me, yanno?" When Amen-Set restores his strength a little, he looks surprised and brightens a bit with a broad smile. "Thanks, much appreciated."
"I ... think I'm okay, I just feel so weak... I can barely lift the few things I carry. I guess that spider did something to me without ever touching me... Ever since those webs touched me, yanno?" When Amen-Set restores his strength a little, he looks surprised and brightens a bit with a broad smile. "Thanks, much appreciated."
She nods her head to him, still weak from the venom.
”It was a hard thing to deal with such a threat. But we are shipmates; it is right that we should aid each other,” she says with a polite but weary smile.
As she talks to Jiro, Chris looks at Jiro somewhat strangely.
”Hey, just curious – but you aren’t from Minkai, are you?” he says after listening to Jiro talk for a bit.
Then he holds up his hand –
”No, wait – don’t worry about it. It's alright, we can talk in a little bit – this weather’s damned miserable. Get inside, get some rest and when you’re up to it we’ll talk in a bit.”
As the company is about to break up, Rajah comes over to them.
As the battle comes to an end, Rajah immediately tends to the wounded, gathering those together who are hurt.
Chris, Amen-set and Daeron all seem much relieved. The spider had trampled them relatively badly – but in all the excitement, such normal means of harm had nearly been overlooked.
Daeron smiles and nods his head in thanks to Rajah.
”Many thanks, my friend,” he says politely.
Amen-set also thanks Rajah, but then – given the cold – she turns and heads with Rain into the tower.
Rajah looks around, shrugs, then follows them into the tower, too.
At this time Variel hurries over and calls out to them –
. Rain, are you ok and what happened? Where are we and who are our new companions?
At this time you see a young man, possibly in his early twenties, debating with an Elf, who would be roughly the same age – in Elven years. They both look rather weather-beaten and used to long travels. The man has two flintlocks on his hip and a sword, and the Elf has a longbow on his back and a symbol of Sarenrae on a medallion over his neck.
They seem to be in a debate with Dhaavan. The man hears you and walks over to you.
Studying your gear quickly, he nods his head as if this checks out with what he had thought earlier.
”You with them?” he asks with a brisk tone, his hands and arms covered in gore and a bloody hatchet in his hand from where he had helped cut up the spider’s corpse.
”Oh – sorry – my name’s Chris Ironhorse; you’re in the Queen’s Land… It used to be called the River Kingdoms, but that was a while ago. Anyhow, your pals did some hard fighting, but they’re inside those ruins now. I got a few boys in the trees trying to get our horses and baggage moved closer to here; being that the storm looks pretty bad.”
”Oh, hang on…” he goes back and has a few quick words with Dhaavan and the Elf, then the Elf considers things for a moment, speaks a bit to Dhaavan, then bows his head and the two of them head into the tower.
The one called Chris turns back to Variel.
”I hear your boss – Dhaavan was it? Anyhow, said he was the First Officer of your ship, so I guess he’s your boss… but him and my cousin Daeron – oh, that’s the Elf, they had a few words with each other but it all looks sorted out.”
”Say, why don’t you head inside the tower with the others and then ya’ll can get things settled… Assuming the tower’s safe enough, I guess.”
Turning he sees two more men leading four horses gingerly through the trees.
”Anyhow – nice to meet you. We’ll talk in a bit, I got to give my guys a hand with those horses,” he says to Variel as he hurries to the other men to help them with the horses and gear.
Variel does not let on that he is the Captain and instead responds easily, Thanks. The name is Variel. I will head in out of the storm once the spider carcass is move.
Chris grins at Variel and reaches out his blood-soaked hand and shakes Variel's hand warmly.
"Good to meet you," he says as a sudden rumble of thunder echoes from the west.
He turns back to the lads with the horses.
"Oye - get them tethered just outside the door, but get the kits and gear inside. See if you can't rig some kind of lean-to from the side of the tower over the door with some cord and blankets to shelter the horses if there isn't room for them inside," he adds, and the two other young men move to obey.
He turns back to Variel as they work side by side.
"The one with leading the horses's name is Robb; he's from South Brevoy - good guy... The one with the dark hair's named Nicolae - he's from Ustalav originally - a little surly, but he's still trusty and a good fighter," he says, then turns and coughs a bit as a rush of organs and blood spill out after a good cut with the hatchet and the smell rises to you.
He watches you work on the spider with your weapon, noting the ease with which you heave some of the bulk from the carcass and dump it into the trees.
"Say - that's pretty damn strong! You sure you're just the sailor sort?" he says, clearly impressed.
However, it seems he is less impressed with your ability to fly, though. You would guess it's likely he's either seen such skills or powers before, or he is just too overwhelmed with things to give it much thought.
In any case, he turns and goes back to work with the spider, not really focusing on much but the chopping up of the corpse, though it's clear he is comfortable with you as he chats easily while he works.
"So what the other guys told me, ya'll do your shipping and sailing down south? Hell, I don't know much about sailing - well, except for barges and keel boats - but we don't got the big ships that real sea folk types sail, I guess.... Still, don't let that fool you! We got our trouble with pirates up here, too - of course, they're mostly reavers - you know, the sort that sail up fast from the river, hit a village, then run back to their keel boats and sail off?"
"Anyhow, that basterd Marquis's been bringing in some piss-drinking whoreson's from Cheliax... they're more disciplined than the regular barge boys we had to tangle with... these guys know how to fight as a team and have been giving us some real problems."
He coughs again, then pulls a scarf from his neck and wraps it around his face as he works to keep out the stench.
"Rumor has it that the Queen might be getting some help from the Gray Corsairs... You heard of them? Hell - you're a sailor, of course you've heard of them... Well, last I heard we're supposed to be getting a diplomat to be coming in... If things work out, then we might get some better sailors out here to help us with things," he adds as he pauses in his work, then kicks some of the carcass into the grass and then continues.
"I got no knowing what's really going on, but I know enough to know that the Cheliax boys have been up to something a lot worse than petty raiding and looting... Hell, we don't know what it is, but you don't bring boys that far in from out of town just to hit some villages... Anyhow, I figure when we get back to town we'll learn a bit more - plus we'll be able to get you some help getting back home," he adds.
By now the real bulk of the work has been done. You're both covered in filth and gore, and the rain is freezing and there's enough chill in the air that you can see little crystals of ice where the water's been dripping from the branches.
Christopher wipes his arm over his brow and shakes his head at the remains of the spider's corpse, noting that the bulk of it has been scattered back into the trees themselves, a good portion of it now heaped over the bulk of the roots of the oak trees surrounding you.
"Sorry - I tend to talk a lot when I work. Looks like this hash is done - why don't we go in and see what the others are up to?" he asks.
It wasn't until Rain spoke and addressed the men with some familiarity that he let his guard down. Rain, are you ok and what happened? Where are we and who are our new companions?
As Variel drew nearer, Rain's smile grew brighter even in the hard, cold rain. She lifted her hand and touched his face, looking into his eyes, "I am well. We are among allies somewhere in the River Kingdoms. It is good to see you, A'maelamin." She pulled her hand away for he would want to speak with Ironhorse and Daeron.
"Variel, I am headed inside the tower. Only as far as the entry level. Come inside as soon as you are able."
And with one last look, she hooked arms with Amen and moved towards the tower doors; Neko beside them.
-----
Rain, with her keen bat focus, looked about the chamber, until Amen set the crystals above their heads to gleam brightly and light the entire space. Rain had concentrated about the space, allowing her own magic to determine the presence of other magical auras. After moments had passed, she had discerned two halos, one minor and one major.
"Some spells could last long to keep the room warm, I deem, yet in truth, I know them not. Further, what wizardy has those powers in their keeping?" she ponders.
"I do not know such when it comes to the stove. Mayhap Variel or Dhaavan can tell us."
"What shall we do with yonder chest? For assuredly I would think inside there may be something of use beyond this..." she says, waving her hand about the room.
Rain pondered the magic which could have been used on the lock.
She had heard Amen's question but waited for all to be present before she shared her knowledge of the magic on the lock.
"The magic upon the lock is powerful indeed. Let us not touch it for now, little sister."
Seeing the pile of blankets, she moved to them, and, not concerned with their general wear handed one to Amen and the others, keeping one for herself and Neko. "Wrap the blanket about you, little sister, for the rain has soaked you through. Once all the others have joined us we will speak as a group." Rain took her wet magical cloak off and shook the rain from it. And did the same with Besmara's tricorne she wore upon her head. She placed both back on and then wrapped the blanket about her to stave the cold air directly hitting the wet clothing. Neko shook herself, trying to dislodge the water from her fur. She licked her sodden golden coat. Rain placed a blanket on the floor and Neko sat down upon it, pressing into its dry comfort as she licked herself clean.
Rain steadily called out to Rajah, "There's a map on the desk. There is writing in Infernal scribbled on it that you may want to read and translate for us, please."
"I ... think I'm okay, I just feel so weak... I can barely lift the few things I carry. I guess that spider did something to me without ever touching me... Ever since those webs touched me, yanno?" When Amen-Set restores his strength a little, he looks surprised and brightens a bit with a broad smile. "Thanks, much appreciated."
Rain looked across to Jiro, who still appeared weak and unable to do much but stand. After wrapping a blanket around the kitsune's shoulders, she rummaged inside her leather pouch and produced another vial. "This is my last restorative potion . Here, let me help you drink it. You are far too weak and vulnerable at present."
Rain unstopped the vial and lifting it to Jiro's lips, gently poured the contents into his mouth and waited for the kitsune to swallow before pouring the remainder.
"I do not know such when it comes to the stove. Mayhap Variel or Dhaavan can tell us."
Amen-set attempts to Aid Rain in her Spellcraft Checks –
She had heard Amen's question but waited for all to be present before she shared her knowledge of the magic on the lock.
"The magic upon the lock is powerful indeed. Let us not touch it for now, little sister."
Amen-set nods in agreement and then looks up at the room, then the door, then the stairway, and then the room again, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
Seeing the pile of blankets, she moved to them, and, not concerned with their general wear handed one to Amen and the others, keeping one for herself and Neko. [b"Wrap the blanket about you, little sister, for the rain has soaked you through. Once all the others have joined us we will speak as a group." [/b]
"Many thanks, senet," she says, holding the blankets with one hand as the other hand continues to hold the spell against the metal of the stove to slowly warm it.
As the others move into the room in time, she continues to look at the walls and ceilings, her brow furrowing as if she is thinking something.
"Oh my senet," she says slowly "My folk are of the southern lands, as thy know, so perhaps I am unused to such craft as this... Yet yon doorway seemed overly large to mine eyes, as do the ceilings to this chamber. Further, something about this structure recalls to my mind stonework of like work, yet I cannot place it..."
"I may not know the actual spell that has been placed on the stove, but I believe it's possibly evocation magic which powers it."
Rain's eyes scanned the interior as Amen spoke of the structure and its dimensions.
"I have seen stonework such as this near The Shackles. It has the size and dimensions of Azlanti masonry. You saw the bulk of the spider for yourself - and the chamber above could withstand it with ease."
"I have seen stonework such as this near The Shackles. It has the size and dimensions of Azlanti masonry. You saw the bulk of the spider for yourself - and the chamber above could withstand it with ease."
Daeron's eyes widen in shock at the news.
"I am not overly surprised; it is said in their remaining days that the Azlanti folk turned to dark gods and made temples like mansions to house these powerful beings within - their stonework was cyclopean monstrosities which dwarfed the houses of mortal men."
"Indeed, some claimed these being were so beyond our lot that all who turned to them for knowledge or power were driven mad... Insanity itself dripped from these beings like a sickness, and no mortal who dealt long with them - be it through unholy worship or righteous battle - was immune to that disease..."
He scowls as if recalling some horrible tales of long gone monstrosities, then shakes his head to ward off whatever is troubling him and continues with a softer voice.
"No one truly knows where these demi-gods or devils came from; some claimed that they were born in the depths of the darkness beneath the deepest oceans... Others claim that they gnawed on the lowest parts of the Underdark and burrowed forth, like worms in the earth... others say they come from Planes beyond our own knit of dark fire and twisted sorcery."
He pauses, his eyes having lost focus as if he's thinking on something for a while.
"Yet some say all of these things are false and claim that the Alzanti worshiped beings who came to our world from the stars above..."
He shakes his head, then looks up at the others, clearly surprised he as said so much on this topic, then shrugs his lean shoulders and pulls his damp cloak around his shoulders to ward off some chill - though he had seemed nearly immune to the weather outside.
You determine the trap itself is not in the chest, but rather, the [illock[/i] for the chest. In short, it's based on an "Alarm" spell. So if you try to pick the lock and fail you'll set off the trap - if you stick something in the keyhole, you'll set off the trap.
The trap itself is this -This-
(Everything in a 20 foot radius, and 20 feet above the trap, will suffer 2d6 points of Acid Damage each round for 11 rounds; as long as they remain in the fog).
You instantly divine the devilish cunning of the trap will not only likely destroy the person who sets it off, but very likely most of what is the in room - including (possibly) anything in the chest itself...
Via your natural 20 - the chest is not trapped; the lock on the chest is...
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When Rain told him with her words but more importantly he could see it in her eyes that she truly was ok he relaxed even more and held her gently. I am glad to hear of your well being. I was greatly concerned as I was in the tower and saw the spider earilier. Then I saw you outside and heard a commotion upstairs. I ran up only to see you outside flying with the spider coming after you. He stops his babbling as is his want with Rain and just holds her for a bit.
You handled yourself well as you always do. I am just relieved. Let me meet these fellows you already met and I will meet you inside. Variel casts prestidigitation on Rain to dry her off as she goes to get inside.
Variel gives him a wry smile. Yeah I guess you could say I am blessed to be both a sailor and a fighter. You could say I am lucky that being an elf with a long life I have the chance to hone my craft as I like it. Fighting came first and sailing second. That and from where I am from if you can't fight you won't be on a ship or alive for long.
Variel quiets Finn getting back to work and let's Chris talk for a bit. Glad you gave the spider to focus on Variel raises an eye I was Chris mentions pirates and reavers.
Know local Grey Corsairs
Not being too forthcoming with strangers affected ter all Variel stays noncommittal about the politics Chris talks about. When the work is finished Variel heads in toward white shelter as he casts prestidigitation on them both to clean them up. [b]Lets go in and get out of this weather. I have some tricks to stay dry but it is only fleeting.
Once inside he finds Rain and stands by her with his hand hanging loosely by his side occasionally just rushing up against Rain enjoying the contact.
Rain felt Variel's hand upon her and enjoyed the contact and reassurance.
"Yet some say all of these things are false and claim that the Alzanti worshipped beings who came to our world from the stars above..."
The priest had spoken much of the rumours of the Azlanti and Rain had listened. She answered soberly, "Let us hope we are not driven mad by such a sickness. It is good you know of such ancient things, Priest Daeron."
Rain returned to her contemplation of the magic lock on the chest and her brow suddenly furrowed. To all she quietly warned,
"The lock is magically entrapped. If any try to pick the lock or insert tool inside the keyhole, it will set it off. A billowing mass of misty, acidic vapour will spread 20 feet wide around and 20 feet high. Sight will be obscured, but those engulfed by it will be harmed, burned by the acid. The trap could possibly kill the one that sets it off and harm those closest; even destroying the chest. Please do not touch it until we can find a way to safely open it."
Variel gives him a wry smile. Yeah I guess you could say I am blessed to be both a sailor and a fighter. You could say I am lucky that being an elf with a long life I have the chance to hone my craft as I like it. Fighting came first and sailing second. That and from where I am from if you can't fight you won't be on a ship or alive for long.
Christopher gives a quick bark of laughter at Variel’s comment.
”My cousin always told me that no one lives long who doesn’t fight good… he also says that’s why Elves live so much longer than humans!” he adds with a roll of his eyes but a friendly grin.
Robb sees Rain handing out blankets and does what he can to aid her while Nicolae rummages through the food thoughtfully, smelling it to see if it’s not rotten. After a moment, he takes one of the strips of venison and tastes it gingerly, shrugs, then begins to eat it.
The priest had spoken much of the rumours of the Azlanti and Rain had listened. She answered soberly, "Let us hope we are not driven mad by such a sickness. It is good you know of such ancient things, Priest Daeron."
He looks up at her, as if startled from a dream.
”Aye…” he says after a moment.
”It is true; knowledge is a good thing, though – well… Thank you, I appreciate your kind words, Your Grace,” he says with a low bow.
Amen-set is still focused on the stove and trying to figure out what the mystery of the spell bound to it is when she hears Rain speak on the chest.
"The lock is magically entrapped. If any try to pick the lock or insert tool inside the keyhole, it will set it off. A billowing mass of misty, acidic vapour will spread 20 feet wide around and 20 feet high. Sight will be obscured, but those engulfed by it will be harmed, burned by the acid. The trap could possibly kill the one that sets it off and harm those closest; even destroying the chest. Please do not touch it until we can find a way to safely open it."
She looks up at Rain thoughtfully.
”Begging thy pardon, senet – by thy words it we know that the lock is trapped, yes? What is the chest itself made of, then?” she asks.
"I might be able to unlock it safely, but if someone could perhaps protect me magically from the forces in the trap just in case, that would be helpful."
Seijiro asks that everyone leave the room except himself, and then gets to work carefully on the lock.
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"I might be able to unlock it safely, but if someone could perhaps protect me magically from the forces in the trap just in case, that would be helpful."
Neko stopped cleaning herself and stood up from the blanket. The golden cat made her way over to the kitsune and laying her golden paw on Jiro's leg spoke the words of the spell in her own strange way, infusing the kitsune with some protection against the acid. Satisfied with her work, Neko moved to Rain and waited outside of room as Jiro worked on the lock.
”Begging thy pardon, senet – by thy words it we know that the lock is trapped, yes? What is the chest itself made of, then?” she asks.
"I did not discern any magic coming from the chest itself. It appears to be made from oak boards with iron bands to reinforce it."
Rain watched as Neko bespelled Jiro and the kitsune attempted to disable the lock on the chest. As instructed, Rain moved out from the room (and range of trap), calling Neko and the others to do the same. "Let's give Jiro room to work on the lock and move a safe distance away."
Seijiro rubs Neko's head, scratching behind the ears as well... then encourages everyone to leave the room... then he gets to work on the lock.
As the company stands shivering in the chilly stone chamber, Rajah overhears Rain talking.
"I may not know the actual spell that has been placed on the stove, but I believe it's possibly evocation magic which powers it."
He sees Amen-set standing by the metal stove, holding in her hand the spell to try to warm the metal. He glances at Variel and Dhaavan and then back at the stove and rubs his chin.
”Well, I may not be an expert, but let me tackle that, lass!” he says with a winning grin and wink at Amen-set, who only rolls her eyes at his charm, though she smiles somewhat at it nonetheless.
Rajah peers at the stove thoughtfully.
”I had hunch…” he says and then looks at Amen-set.
”Most fire spells deal with Evocation Magic…” he says to her.
”Aye – this is clear to one and all,” she interrupts, somewhat annoyed that she and Rain missed the magic on the stove and Rajah deciphered it so easily.
”Yes – well, the point is,” he continues, completely unruffled by her interruption ”This stove has a minor magic bound to it – with a spell casts on it – with a command word to have it be halted and then – basically – unhalted, if you take my meaning?” he adds.
She just stares at him and he leans in and whispers some words in Infernal –
The stove top immediately starts to get hot, and you all see that this means it will be able to warm the entire chamber in time, and be used to cook upon, without using any wood for a fire, nor would it create smoke. This would mean it would allow anyone using the room to heat the chamber and cook without drawing undue attention to themselves.
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Inside the chest you find six small bags of coins. Each bag is evenly divided with the exact amount of coins in each bag. The coins are Platinum; there are 100 coins in each bag.
On each coin you find some strange markings you cannot identify easily you think they may be writing, or possibly some kind of symbol or pattern, you’re not entirely sure. The other side is a symbol like a dragon or a wyvern, or something like that, but you’re not entirely sure….
The coins bear the stamp of Ustalav on them. You believe they were minted and forged in Ustalav.
In addition that you also find some vials of ink, blank paper for writing documents or letters, and finally a folded scroll with a wax symbol on it, like a letter that is readied to be delivered but has not yet been sent.
What do you do with these things?
Nice work on the box. Lets have a look at that letter
detect magic to make sure there's no auras and it's not just exploding runes
The heat of the stove was a relief as there were some quite chilled by the rain. "Well done, Rajah. The heat will help if we are to stay here until the storm has passed."
Rain came back into the tower as soon as Jiro had disabled the magical trap and opened the chest. "Good work, my friend". she praised the kitsune's delicate work with the lock.
She looked over the coins with their strange symbol but could not make them out. "Does this symbol mean anything to anyone here? I have not seen their like before."
Rain heard Dhaavan say he would look over the sealed scroll and she left him to it.
"There's much coin there. I wonder what it was going to be used for. Mayhap the sealed missive will tell us more."
Looking to Rajah, she once again attempted to turn his attention to the map on the desk, "Rajah, can you translate this Infernal text for us?"
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Variel stands quietly to the side as Jiro open the box, Rajah lights the stove and Dhaavan works on the letter. As it seemed everything was well in hand (as it was with this group most of the time) Variel kept himself busy by keeping watch outside in case the light drew any unwanted visitors. In a strange land like this it paid to be prepared.
Daeron glances at Christopher.
Chris gives him a nod and a - Go on, shake it - sort of expression and Daeron stares hard at Christopher then turns back to Dhaavan and takes Dhaavan's hand, perhaps more firmly than a typical handshake.
"May Sarenrae hold you tightly forever," he says with a tight smile, as Christopher rolls his eyes then claps you both on your backs.
"Fantastic! That said, let's go inside and try to dry off," he says, then grins at you both.
Then he guides you both inside the tower, as if he's eager to make sure you have nothing else to talk about at this time.
Nice work on the box. Lets have a look at that letter
The heat of the stove was a relief as there were some quite chilled by the rain. "Well done, Rajah. The heat will help if we are to stay here until the storm has passed."
"No worries, ma'am - I'm happy to help," he says, and then bows elegantly before Rain.
Rain came back into the tower as soon as Jiro had disabled the magical trap and opened the chest. "Good work, my friend". she praised the kitsune's delicate work with the lock.
As the others gather around the stove to warm up, the horses are now tethered in a row in front of the somewhat opened doors. Above the doors Robb and Nicolae have fixed some of the blankets they found to hang out from the door frame and drape over the horses.
The horses are even now poking their heads in the doorway, their breath coming in heavy snorts as they seem to be calming down even as Robb brings some of the grain out and takes some sacks and makes up some crude feedbags with Nicolae’s help for the horses to feed on.
At this point Variel nods at the men, then moves forward.
As it seemed everything was well in hand (as it was with this group most of the time) Variel kept himself busy by keeping watch outside in case the light drew any unwanted visitors. In a strange land like this it paid to be prepared.
Ducking under the blankets he moves his way between the horses and now stands in the damp grass outside the tower. He sees the grim mess of the remains of the spider’s body – now cut into knee-high chunks that lay scattered near the trees; the chunks being constantly washed by the icy rain.
Looking up you can see that the water is dripping off the branches and the frigid air is causing the water to harden into icicles. You look at the sky, but the evening is dark and you cannot make even the stars in the heavy cloud cover.
After stepping only four or five feet beyond the horses you can see no light at all from the inside of the tower as the horses are so huddled so close together, the blankets draped well around them. You suspect most of the light that would shine out only comes from the Spell Amen-set cast on the crystal hanging from the ceiling.
As you ponder protection, you suddenly recall that the stairway which had been blocked was now free – thanks to your efforts – and that same stairway led to the chamber above this room which was where the spider had rested and the things wrapped webbing had dangled.
At this point you consider your options as the others inside study what they have found…
Inside, the others are still intent on the items in the chest, Rain pondering the coins and what may be on them.
She looked over the coins with their strange symbol but could not make them out. "Does this symbol mean anything to anyone here? I have not seen their like before."
Rajah looks around.
"I'm sure someone will take a crack at it," he says, glancing at the others, then turns back to Rain with a smile.
"There's much coin there. I wonder what it was going to be used for. Mayhap the sealed missive will tell us more."
Rajah glances at Rain, then Dhaavan.
"Mind if we all get a peak at that, M'lord?" he asks with a merry grin, then leans over and studies the letter.
Looking to Rajah, she once again attempted to turn his attention to the map on the desk, "Rajah, can you translate this Infernal text for us?"
He looks from the letter to Rain.
"Well, I was just trying to share what the letter says - but I suppose I can look at the map first," he says with a friendly smile.
Then he peers at the map intently.
"I'm not sure..." he says slowly as he studies it.
"From what I can tell, this map has a lot of information on it; all of it the notes are either under or near various dates... Now, most of the dates have already passed, some by several weeks... In fact, the only one that's not happened yet - it looks like it happens on Kuthona the Fourth - is this one," he said, laying his finger on a small "X" nestled by a forest and a river "...there are some roads connecting to the X - and, if I'm not mistaken, the river has the name "Sellen" on it..." he muses.
At this point Christopher, Daeron, Robb and Nicolae suddenly glance up from their various positions and all move quickly to you.
"The River Road," Robb mutters while they all move to study the map with you.
Rajah glances at them, then continues to read.
"It's hard to make out - the whole thing seems fairly cryptic, just notes and scrawl - but this here," he says pointing at some streams running west to the river "have notes which say - Serghei, Chelaxian Corsairs - Urion... and then - Terminate Numerian... Again, all of them linked to Kothona the Fourth..."
"Being that today - or should I say tonight is only the Twenty-Ninth, that means whatever this is might be happening only five days from now..."
He shakes his head and looks up at everyone.
"Let's see what that letter says, eh?" he says, then studies what Dhaavam is reading and shares it with the group – assuming Dhaavan hasn’t already done so.
To Father Meliar Aructus, of Pezzack:
Progress going well and your services shall not be forgotten.
At this time we have continued to inspire our mutual friends in my own homeland while the new recruits you have sent us have done well in our efforts in the north. Meanwhile we have heard of the excellent work our allies have begun in Rahadoum, including even as far south as Sargava. Further, reports of the success of our agent in the islands known as The Shackles are very encouraging. Naturally their identity is anonymous until they cement their position of power more strongly; even so, we look forward to learning what new plans our mutual ally in that quarter shall enact next.
Should your support continue, we hope to send allies of our own to aid your cause. It should please you to know that we have recently taken into custody David “The Dirk” Hawkins; captain of The Sundrider and one of the Gray Corsairs. He was summarily tortured and executed; yet we discovered he may have sent agents to The River Kingdoms to speak with their damnable “Dragon Queen” to offer her their aid in assailing us in the north.
Despite a potential alliance with the Gray Corsairs and this northern Dragon Queen, our current focus has been on discovering the emissary from Numeria. Discovering this emissary must be the primary focus if we wish to aid in the ascension of power of our Lord.
Indeed, the prophecy in this matter was clear - Warriors shall seek to halt our Lord’s ascension and they shall be armed with weapons which came not from our world, but from the stars.
True to most prophecies, this was obviously esoteric at best. Even so, I am putting the full might of my Wyverns to finding this emissary and destroy it. Whoever the emissary is, they must not be allowed to find the means to prevent our Lord’s ascension and reclaim his rightful place in this world as well as other realms.
My men shall deliver this scroll to you soon. My agent is even now in Castle Urion and one of his mendicants will soon be able to deliver this letter to you so we can join together in aiding our Lord in claiming his rightful place on this Plane and crush those who would let Chaos fester in the name of ‘freedom’.
With our combined effort we can end these troubles and restore the world to Order. As always, I am eager to continue our mutual work and I hope to hear a reply from you very soon.
Priest of Urgothoa
Knight of the Order of Asmodeus
Lord High Marshal of The Scarlet Wyverns
Marquis of Echo Woods
Rain had listened to the words of the translated letter. There was a deeper conspiracy at foot and The Shackles was tied to it, also. Who was the agent? It was maddening that the name was kept a secret. And even Castle Urion had been infiltrated by the enemy.
She looked to Ironhorse and Daeron, "Have either of you met Father Meliar Aructus of Pezzack to whom the letter is addressed? There is a spy among your Queen's court at Castle Urion. Have you any knowledge of such a person? And what of this Captain Hawkins who supported your Dragon Queen? Have his ally agents arrived in the River Kingdoms? And what of this River Road and terminating a Numerian? Has one recently come to this land? This person seems of utmost value to this lot and so we must find and protect them."
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As it seemed that no real light was visible and they were pretty secluded Variel heads back inside past the horses and blankets. the drape and protection they offered was a blessing in hiding the light but it also meant that someone could theoretically sneak up on them.
Determined to make sure that everyone was protected Variel lets Rain know that he is heading up the stairs briefly to check on the second floor.
Variel does a once over the entire complex again before heading back. Once back by the stone wall he broke through he opens it up slightly to move the larger stone inside, crawls in and uses the stone to barricade that entrance as well.
When that is done he returns to the group satisfied that they are as secure as possible from any external threats.
She looked to Ironhorse and Daeron, "Have either of you met Father Meliar Aructus of Pezzack to whom the letter is addressed? There is a spy among your Queen's court at Castle Urion. Have you any knowledge of such a person? And what of this Captain Hawkins who supported your Dragon Queen? Have his ally agents arrived in the River Kingdoms? And what of this River Road and terminating a Numerian? Has one recently come to this land? This person seems of utmost value to this lot and so we must find and protect them."
Christopher is hanging his wet clothes off the side of the bed so they’ll dry while he orders Robb and Nicolae to take the saddles and bridles off the horses, but he hears Rain’s question.
”Never heard of Hawkins, but the letter said he’s connected to the Gray Corsairs – and that’s good news as they’re pretty good people from what I hear. Plus, when they got proof that The Marquis was behind Hawkins’s death you can bet that they’re going to go after him in force, and it's about damn time,” he says grimly.
”As for the River Road, that’s just what we call the River Sellen… See, Sellen starts up in Brevoy, but then it heads west and south through Numeria, then down right into the River Kingdoms themselves all the way down to the Inner Sea – lot of folk use that for moving freight between our country and the others – plus, it heads right past where our lord lives at Urion,” he says.
Daeron nods at this and Christopher continues.
”If you had some bloody-handed reavers attack from the Sellen they could hit lots of places, but this map makes it seem like they'd use an attack from the river on our folk as some sort of distraction – like maybe a cover so they could hit that Numerian guy the letter mentioned,” he muses.
He glances at Daeron.
”You know anything about a place called Pezzack or that priest guy the letter mentioned?”
Daeron shakes his head slowly.
”As for the foul priest, I have no such knowledge – regrettably. Yet I deem that it may be the same Pezzack which is part of Cheliax… Yet rumor has long said that this City State has broken from the Infernal Empire and attempted to become independent of their nefarious plots… It has always been loyal to Andoran – if it is the same place… Further, the Empire of Cheliax sent their navy against it long ago – they could not destroy it, yet they managed to blockade it… If you are in truth privateers in the south, perhaps you might find allies in Pezzack to aid you against threats in your land? For it is a certainty that this letter has suggested that Cheliax has a private party as an agent for its schemes even in your own seas,” he adds slowly.
Christopher looks from Rain back to Daeron.
”Wait; I though this Father Arctus… Aructus? Well, however you say his name – I thought he was one of the bad guys, or at least working with that scum The Marquis?”
Daeron nods at Christopher and continues patiently, even as he takes off his boots and removes a small flask from his side and begins to oil the leather of his boots so they do not crack after being so soaked with water.
”The priest is assuredly no friend of ours – and likely no friend of the insurrectionists in Pezzack – instead, I deem that he is working privately with direction from parties in Cheliax – even as The Marquis is here – so that they can enact a plan of Infernal terrorism across all of Golarion at once… All the signs are there, of course.”
He then takes off his heavy over-tunic and also hangs it to dry, seeming to ignore the chill air – likely due to Rajah’s spell.
He looks at Rain, his eyes flicking to Jiro, Dhaavan and Rajah, then noting Variel busy at work by the stairs.
”The letter suggests other such attacks may be going on in even your own nation; that somehow Cheliax is using their agents – as they are here, and likely at Pezzack – to find important local leaders and either kill them outright, as they did to that Hawkins fellow – or possibly enlist them to their side; as they did for whoever their agent is in the place called The Shackles…” he adds pointedly, studying you all carefully.
”For this to be correct, then, we must assume similar issues are occurring in even the seas which you yourselves sail. Yet your lands are far from here and all of this is merely speculation on my part,” he adds, his eyes flicking to Dhaavan as he studies him long and thoughtfully.
Determined to make sure that everyone was protected Variel lets Rain know that he is heading up the stairs briefly to check on the second floor.
As you make your once over, you move to the bundles dangling from the spider web. Moving closer you are surprised to notice that one of them is strangely shaped - but you cannot tell what is in it; but you do not think an animal.
Three others you believe are nothing but birds, but you are not sure. The last you are surprised to see has what looks like a hand sticking out between the webbing - you can see the fingers clearly, but you do not know if the hand belongs to someone living, or heavily poisoned by spider venom without further examination.
Do you plan to head down right away, or would you prefer further examination? If so – what would you like to do?
Christopher ignores Variel for now, but he sees the look that Daeron is giving Dhaavan and suddenly interrupts it to continue to get information.
”Look – didn’t the letter say there’s some kind of issue with a Numerian guy? I mean, what’s the deal with that? Also, what’s the deal with weapons made out of stars?” he adds, clearly trying to change Daeron’s focus and also answer some questions.
Daeron rises to the question, though, and responds.
”The letter did not say made from the stars – it said that weapons were made from things that originated in the stars. But what of that? It is a prophecy and they can be vague at best… In any case, many things have been rumored to have come from the stars – assuming it does not merely mean “heavens”... Indeed, legend claims that some have crafted fair tools and devices from the rare Skytones – Skytones are merely rocks which fell from the heavens above, or so some folk claim - it is likely that others may have claimed such things, if they exist, and then used them to forge rare and powerful weapons… Of course, there are other possibilities... After all, others tell of beings that come from the stars and were worshiped as gods... though in my mind such stories are best not pursued, though,” he adds the last with a softer voice, his eyes ranging over the Azlanti stonework thoughtfully.
Then he shrugs and continues.
”But all of this is academic at best… Whether or not this prophecy is true or false matters little; what matters it that in five days from now a spy for Cheliax who is currently closeted in Urion will attempt to harm an agent of Numeria – Numeria being well versed in cosmological events, it is not overly surprising if they seek to stop one who knows more of things such as weapons forged from things which came from the stars... In any case, they shall also attempt to create distraction from their ultimate objective by enlisting the aid of Chelaxian corsairs to attack the shipping in the River Sellen and likely the port at Urion itself,” he adds with a dark scowl.
Christopher nods and then hops up and begins to pace.
”You’re gods-damned right!” he growls.
”We got to get back home right away and let our lord know what’s up – plus, we got to make sure we got folk who know how to fight professional pirate folk – not just the usual reavers and raft-runners… but some gods-damned Cheliaxian marine types… And then we got to find that Numerian guy, figure out what’s up with his connection to whatever that supposed prophecy is all about and if there really is a plot in which Cheliax is really up to something more than just their usual hash – and not just here, but pretty much all over the world – meantime, we need to figure out what that plan might be, and if we can stop it,” he adds, pounding his fist into his open palm emphatically.
Daeron looks at Christopher, his eyes flicking to Dhaavan, then he looks at Christopher again.
”Indeed; we must also do what we can to return our new friends to their own home. If troubles with Cheliax are truly ranging the world over then it is likely that they themselves must deal with the rumored ‘secret agent’ who is serving Cheliax even as he poses as a loyalist to the lords of The Shackles… it is only right that we aid them in returning home as they have aided us the trials of this last combat,” he adds, then begins to take his damp bed roll and lay it on the rope mattress to make it somewhat comfortable for rest.
Christopher nods then looks at you all.
”Well – what do you all think?” he asks.
Daeron smiles and nods his head in thanks to Rajah.
”Many thanks, my friend,” he says politely.
Nodding, "You're quite welcome, my good man," he responds, also nodding a 'you're welcome' to Amen-set as well.
Nodding, "You're quite welcome, my good man," he responds, also nodding a 'you're welcome' to Amen-set as well.
Shaking his head, "I cannot make much out of these coins I fear. I would wager, though, they were probably made in Ustalav and whoever made them is wealthy enough to have these symbols printed on them." He shrugs, not really able to discern any more about them.
"And I would gather that the Cheliaxians with who we are dealing with are doing all they can to aid Asmodeus in gaining more power. Which, if accurate, would explain the issues we've had with said agents in the Shackles. BUT, being mostly conjecture, I could be wrong. But if I am not, and they somehow manage to succeed at such a task...," he shakes his head ominously at the thought.