Sounds like we need to speak with this person and potentially arrest them. Can you describe him?
The woman's voice begins to rise again in agitation, Like I said, I didnt stick around to get a good look at him. Spellcasters start making trouble in the street it isn't smart to hang around gawking. And you are going to arrest a Voice of the Spire?
Anyhow, I'm feeling much better now, she says examining her healed wounds. Best take my own advice and move along before more trouble finds me hanging around you lot!
She then turns and leaves.
Myron sheathes his weapons and checks that all the zombies are truly destroyed.
She's right, Kheled. Either the summoner acted on his own or he was under orders. Either way, it must be up to the church to discipline their own. I think the best thing we can do is report this quickly.
El nods slowly, still looking around for any hidden threats. "We should return to the temple and see how they want us to proceed with this, I think."
Kheled frowns as he thinks through why a voice would be summoning undead... with no ready answers he agrees with the group.
Rakara examines the zombies and surrounding area to see if she can determine where they might have originated.
The group returns to the Grand Mausoleum without any further incidents, and climbs the stairs to the inner courtyard. It is obvious that things are beginning to calm, at least a little bit. Your own actions have undoubtedly contributed to stabilization of the situation, but it is obvious there is more to do and further investigation is needed.
We will seek out Ptemenib or Sabu, whomever is available to report our latest encounters.
It only takes a few minutes to locate Ptemenib who eagerly awaits your report. What did you find at the Precinct?
Pleased to see Ptemenib again, Myron launches into an excited recounting of their most resent adventures.
Hi Ptemenib! Things are getting more an more crazy out there. Would you believe that we found a long dead judge had reaimated as a gory skeleton. He was right back to judging people and ordering his undead bailiffs to remove their eyes. We were able to persuade them all to return to his rightful rest.
In route to the courthouse, we came upon a woman dragging her reanimated husband in a rope. The pair were almost torn to pieces by a mob, but we also managed to diffuse that situation.
Then, on our way back here, we encountered a trio of strange summoned creatures who were running rampant, attacking undead and living indiscriminately. Witnesses report that they were summoned by members of the Voices...disturbing news, if that is true. I made a sketch of them in my journal...Do you know what they are?
Myron presents a rough drawing of the strange summoned beasts they just fought.
Ptemenib listened to Myron's recounting of the recent events with rapt interest, nodding along and interjecting positive feedback along with the odd clarifying question. As Myron wrapped up his report, the priest took the offered drawing.
Disturbing news indeed, he commented as he looked the sketch over. He immediately recognized the beasts. So the Voices of the Spire are summoning esobok psychopomps are they? Near-mindless hunters who feed on negative energy. The mad dogs of the Boneyard, esoboks are the blunt and vicious predator caste of psychopomps. They patrol the Spire as feral hunters, hungry for undead flesh. Though as outsiders esoboks don't have to eat and draw no sustenance from this behavior, the spark of undeath is a feast for their every sense, and they pursue and ravenously consume undead creatures given the chance. And apparently without concern for innocents caught in the middle.
As this was precisely High Priestess Sebti's concern, she has expressly forbade Shepses and his followers from employing such tactics. It seems she has been ignored and needs to be informed. If I take you before her, will you be willing to stand behind your report?
We all stand behind Myron and his accounting and would be willing to state the same to Sebti.
Ptemenib leads the group into the the High Priestess' office and requests that she listen to your report regarding the psychopomps you encountered. You recount the events and repeat the witness' statements that they were summoned to the city by a Voices of the Spire.
Sebti the Crocodile listens to all you have to say, while looking over Myron's sketch. Unbelievable. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I told him under no circumstances was he to do this. Obviously he has chosen to ignore me.
She turns to an underling and instructs that Inquisitor Shepses should be summoned immediately to explain himself. As the acolyte runs off she turns back to you. Please accept my gratitude for all that you have done these past days and hours. It is with help like yours that I believe we can overcome this troubling disaster, while minimizing the loss of innocent lives.
While they wait, Myron scribbles the information Ptemenib revealed about the esoboks in his journal next to his sketch
We do what we can to help, High Priestess...although it will take more than just us to drive the horde back to their graves, I'm afraid.
He pauses, then asks. Ptemenib said that these...esoboks...were a caste of psychopomps. What are these psychopomps? Servants of Pharasma? And what other kinds exist? I hope they are not all as vicious as these brutes.
You have already done so much. I hope that you will continue to help. With your continued assistance, I truly believe we can find out what is causing all of this chaos.
The High Priestess waves you over to a seating area and bids you to sit. With a nod of her head, a large platter of fruits, meats and cheeses are delivered to the low table. A number of pitchers with various refreshments are also placed beside the platter. Please enjoy. We should have a few minutes before Shepses arrives.
You wish to learn about Psychopomps? Very well. Sebti begins a lengthy lesson...
All life has its beginning and its end. From the moment of birth, everything that shrieks and struggles upon the Material Plane crawls toward a singular finale, that fatal climax that grants passage into the River of Souls and the unimaginable infinities of the afterlife. As the spirits of the deceased flow from the confusion of mortality to their ultimate fates, they are each judged by the goddess of death, who assures that all who die reach their prescribed afterlife. Yet with all the worlds of the Material Plane, with the countless faces and exceptions of mortality, and with all those who would turn fate and finality to their own devices, death as a system and institution requires more agents than a single goddess to uphold. So serve the psychopomps–denizens of the Boneyard and the dispassionate stewards, chroniclers, and guides of all that die.
Psychopomps preside over the flow of life. Their primary concerns focus upon souls in the vulnerable transition between death and their final destinations upon the planes. Psychopomps carry out their duties with the dispassion of veterans and cynics. In terms of service measuring in ages, psychopomps meet countless souls from innumerable worlds, and soon nearly every story, fate, plea, and exception becomes all too familiar. They care little for the histories or personalities of the souls that pass them by, concerned only for the efficient and unvaried processing of each spirit to its final unremarkable eternity. Damnation and paradise are the same to them, as are heroes and villains, and no psychopomp cares one jot for great deeds left undone, other fates hanging in the balance, or bribes worth even a world’s ransom. But while drudgery is the lot of many psychopomps–interrupted only by the diversions they sometimes create for themselves–their system is not without flaws. There are those who would seek to deny the natural order of death–creatures that prey upon souls, spirits lost in their migration, undead abominations. To counter such abnormalities and preserve the flow of souls as the multiverse requires, numerous specialized psychopomps exist to protect the dead and counter any who would seek to pervert the state of death to their own ends. Noteworthy among psychopomps are their masks. Nearly all who have dealings with the living wear some manner of grim face covering or funerary mask. While these masks are not part of a psychopomp’s body and grant them no special abilities, the legends of numerous cultures suggest that a living creature that sees a psychopomp’s unmasked countenance invites a premature death. Those psychopomps who deal predominately with the dead typically eschew such marks of station except as a formality.
As psychopomps help convey souls to all of the Outer Planes, and thus provide petitioners equally to each of those realms, they enjoy a special status among many planar races as respected neutrals. As such, most other planar races grant them a wide berth, with even archons and demons going out of their ways to avoid interfering with death’s emissaries. Soul-hungry daemons and reality-violating qlippoth number among the only races that actively oppose psychopomps. Consequently, the deadlier classes of psychopomps watch for and hunt disruptive members of these races, seeking to expunge the paths between the planes of any that would impede the certain cycle of death.
There are approximately a dozen known variety of psychopomps. They range in power from the little Nosoi to the mighty dragon-like Yamaraj.
Shepses himself is served by a Vanth psychopomp, by the name of Ajin Ra Baqa, who came to Wati with Nakht's ancestor, Nefru Shepses, centuries ago. It has resided in the city ever since and long an ally of the Voices of the Spire.
Do you have any other questions while we wait for Shepses to arrive?
Well perhaps Shepses doesn't know about what is happening with the psychopomps due to this being a rogue agent or maybe someone is making it look like this is tied to the voices.
We should proceed with caution no matter what we do in case this is a plot by whomever released the undead to divide us when we need to be united.
What is Shepses like?
Sebti listens to Kheled before answering in a measured manner. I doubt that any of Nakht's subordinates would risk crossing him by going against his orders. No, I think that if the psychopomps were summoned by a Voices of the Spire then it was under his direction.
The man is ruthless and efficient. To a fault if you ask me. We are frequently at odds and this crisis is no different. He vehemently opposes my reliance on adventurer's like yourselves. I find his militant strategies unpalatable. Too many innocents citizens will be caught in the crossfire if he and his inquisitors have their way.
Almost on cue, the acolyte returns to announce Shepses' arrival. The stern looking man strides in confidently, flanked by a pair of his underlings. The difference between Shepses and Sebti is as clear as their manner of dress. She is garbed in flowing priest's robes while he is dressed in the trappings of a soldier.
Sparing but a momentary glance at the rest of you, he storms directly up to the high priestess. What is the manner of this? I am conducting operations all over the city and you have me summoned? What could possibly be more important than the eradication of the dead from our city?
To the priestess' credit, she stands her ground in the face of Nakht's unrestrained aggression. I have just received reports that Voices of the Spires are summoning psychopomps inside the city. You know that we discussed this and it was rejected as too dangerous to the general populous! Do you deny it?
I do not! You decided against such tactics. I disagree with your decision. As commander of the Voices it is my duty to protect the city, and that is exactly what I am doing! Now if you would leave me to my duties, the indignant man retorts.
Your plan will kill innocents! I am high priestess and you must listen, Sebti begins to say but Shepses cuts her off, And I am the commander of the Voices! You do not have authority over me! What we need is a quick and decisive victory or many more will perish! If we don't find the source of this necromantic uprising who knows what other powerful undead will be unleashed upon the city! The psychopomps are the only ones qualified for the task! Who else is going to cleanse this scourge from Wati?
Letting her halo of golden light flare into existence over her head, Elrisiel silently raises her hand.
Dumah shifts a pace so he is standing half behind Elrisiel. Standing ramrod straight, he meets Sebti's gaze to leave no doubt that El 'speaks' for him as well.
As the rest of the group stands tall, Kheled speaks, As you can see there are other options. Releasing these creatures without clear objectives does nothing other than endangering innocents that live within the city.
Do you want to save the city but turn the people against Pharasma?
Shepses turns to your group. You think you are better suited to save the city than I? My family line has been protecting this city for over 1700 years! Nefru Shepses personally oversaw the walling off of the Necropolis and the building of this temple we are standing in! If we don't resolve this crisis, there won't be any people left to worry about turning against us!
He turns back to address Sebti. This is your solution? To put the fate of Wati and its people in the hands of hired adventurers? It is madness to suggest such a laughable thing!
They have proved highly effective and invaluable, both before and after the outbreak! They have saved lives Nahkt! And have not caught any innocents in the crossfire! You want to use a hammer, while I propose a scalpel! Sebti fires back at the commander.
Sebti turns to you, Perhaps a demonstration of your abilities would convince Nahkt?
Nahkt looks to you. A demonstration hmmmm? Very well. If you agree, I shall set the test of your prowess.
Kheled looks to the others before looking Nahkt in the eyes, If you think we can help, we are at your service. obviously trying not to agrivate the cleric further.
Though he does try to read if there is any malice in his response.
Your gut tells you that while Shepses may be arrogant and egotistical, his concern is real. You feel that he truly has the survival of the city first and foremost in mind.
I have just the test, he says gravely. He now turns and instructs one of his clergy to, Go fetch Ajin. Inform him he is to "test" some "recruits".
Sebti, stone faced, nods in acknowledgement. We should move to the courtyard. She moves to her desk and retrieves a number of scrolls from within a drawer before following Nahkt out of her office and into the corridors.
As you make your way to the central courtyard Ptemenib whispers to your group as you follow the others ahead. [smaller]A stern test it will be! Vanth's are notoriously rugged. Only adamantine weapons harm them with ease. They are also highly resistant to magic! Ajin will prefer to keep to the air and use hit and run tactics... Up ahead Nahkt hears the whispering and shoots Ptemenib a deadly look stopping the cleric from speaking further.
Reaching the grand courtyard, which is roughly sixty feet in diameter, Shepses orders the area cleared. All those present scramble to empty the courtyard. Most take up positions out of the way, but with a view of the yard.
You are soon left standing alone within the courtyard as you wait for Ajin to arrive.
Myron responds to Ptemenib’s warning with an expression of equal parts surprise and disgust.
You mean to tell me, that after all our fights and after risking our lives to stop the creatures HIS men summoned, our test to be “allowed” to help is to fight ANOTHER of these psychopomps - his private family pet, in fact?! These guys are nuts, and I grew up in Cheliax, where trial by summoned devils were common, mind you! Remind me again why we’re doing this, when we could be out there helping people? he rants exasperated.
Once they get to the courtyard, he calls out to Nahkt: Hey, Your Worship! Do you have better control over your critter than your men did, or are we supposed to fight until someone is slain?
Calming a bit, he adresses Sebti and Ptemenib. Since it seem we’re about to spill more blood for Wati, might we trouble you for a channel? Some of us still have wounds from our last encounter with his playthings.
Once the Delvers are alone:
You heard Ptemenib. We have to be smart. Dumah, you still have that adamintine flail we found in the Necropolis, right? I have a tanglefoot bag that will hinder his flight. Kheled, we will need Pharasma’s blessing and probably a summoned friend or two. If it likes to swoop and my tanglebag don’t work, ready a strike once it dives to attack. I’ll do my best to help in any way I can, I’m not going to be able to hurt it.
Kheled will cast bless on the group as well as projection from evil on Dumah and himself.
If needed he will also use the wand of cure light wounds on above that needs it.
He will also give his tanglefoot bag to Rakara along with his two alchemists fire if she doesn't have any.
We bring the creature down and support Dumah to defeat it.
If defeating this creature gets them to back off their tactics then we should do what we need to Myron, though I agree we have proved ourselves already many times.
"I do have the flail" he says, reaching for he weapon even as he replies. "But how do we deal with its aerial hit and run tactics?"
"The tanglefoot bags should work; if they don't, I think I might have a solution for it," the musetouched elf says. She looks around at the 'arena' they will be fighting in, looking for places where she could anchor a Web spell.
Just prior to the vanth's entrance, El incants an abjuration upon herself.
Strike back when it swoops down. Myron says to Dumah as he readies a tanglefoot bag.
I will take the tanglefoot bag and alchemists fire, thank you. Nothing I have will likely affect this creature very much so we will have to get it and keep it down so Dumah can smash at it.
She keeps the tanglefoot bag and alchemists fire handy and holds her falchion at the ready.
Dumah readies the flail, hefting its weight a couple of times to adjust to it.
Nahkt replies in an even tone to Myron's rant. If you do not wish to demonstrate your abilities, to sway me from enacting my plan, then withdraw.
I do not wish to see anyone die, either you or Ajin. The fight will be until the majority of either side is unconscious or asks for mercy.
Ptemenib looks to Sebti and Nahkt before receiving slight nods from both. He then channels, soothing all injuries the Delver's are currently suffering.
A few moments later Ajin arrives with two Esoboks. The Vanth is a tall skeletal figure wearing a vulture like mask and a ragged cloak of grey feathers. It has a long tail and two large black raven wings sprout from its back. It carries a large adamantine scythe in its bony claws. It is utterly and eerily silent.
Nahkt speaks to it in infernal...
...before turning back to you. Whenever you are ready, I'll give the signal.
The group makes plans and Kheled casts his spells as the Vanth remains completely silent and still.
Ptemenib approaches to offer some additional support, whispering, Do not hold back, Ajin will not. If someone should die, Sebti has brought some scrolls of breath of life with her.
Whispers to El. You are right, looks like they are lined up for web and color spray.
I won't be much use offensively in this battle but will focus on making sure everyone stays in the battle.
Rakara is not really sure why they are fighting what could be allies, If the psychopomps were guided I would have no problem with them joining the fight against the undead as well. I don't know why the priest that summons them can't stay to control them.
She sighs and hefts her weapon. They don't appear to be mindless or uncontrollable, she nods towards the obviously calm and controlled creatures they are about to fight then shakes her head in resignation. I guess I just don't understand the ways of priests. I am ready.
El nods to Kheled, eyes on the psychopomps.
If Shepses heard Rakara's questions he shows no inclination to respond. With everyone apparently prepared, he simply says, Begin.
The Vanth is the first to react to the commencement of the test, pumping its large wings powerfully, taking to the air . Once aloft it speaks in an unearthly voice and gestures as it casts a spell. Once completed, its hand becomes surrounded by foul looking black symbols which seem to drip inky darkness. Its gaze settles on the Delvers below.
Relying on the others to bring down the creature to be hit Rakara turns her attention to the creatures she can hit right now. She moves forward and to the side and strikes at the Esobok in front of her.
But she stumbles on a loose piece of stone as she runs in, her wild swings as she tries to keep her balance prevent her from mounting any kind of actual attack.
She grits her teeth and growls to herself.
This is just what the Ass expects.
Rakara's swing is indeed a poor one.
Kheled and Elrisiel aren't quite able to make out the spell.
Dumah advances with Rakara, attacking the other esobok.
Move to J10, attacking the one in K11.
Power attack with adamantine heavy flail.
To hit
Damage
Elrisiel tenses and readies herself to quickly cast an incantation when the opportunity arises.
Dumah moves in and deftly strikes one of the Esoboks with the adamantine flail as Elrisiel prepares a spell for the Vanth.
Myron holds his tanglefoot bag ready to hurl at the Vanth.
Myron clutches his tanglefoot bag as he watches Ajit up above.
The Esoboks aren't sophisticated fighters, preferring a direct and brutal attacking style. They lay into Rakara and Dumah with tooth and claws...
...battering both warriors with one of the brutes clamping onto Dumah with its formidable jaws.
Focus your attacks, we need to drop one of them.
He moves to L6 then channels.
Excluding all enemies.