At first Tal'Zeneb doesn't respond to Kyren's prodding. The with a slow exhalation of breath, Tal opens his eye and turns to Kyrej with a smile. "Thank you, friend Kyren."
Rising in a fluid motion, Tal'Zeneb turns to Zonod and bows "Vice-historian, you do me great honour by attending me here." Guiding the older man to a stone bench along the south wall, Tal sits and says "I and my associates have had a recent encounter with the Child Goddess cult. I would know the sum of your knowledge on these people."
Zonod gives a friendly nod to Kyren and follows Tal to the bench.
Brother Tal, I haven't seen you for a long while, it is good to know that you have made friends outside of the walls of our island of serenity. The Child Goddess? Let me see...
he opens the small book that dangled from his belt and flips through it. He stops at a seemingly random page and takes out a magnifying glass. The miniature runes on the page seem to change while he reads them and he does not have to turn the page even thoigh he reads for at least five minutes. Then he closes the book and explains:
The Child-goddess is the object of veneration for the Cult of the Child-goddess located in the Ankar-Te district of the Varisian city of Kaer Maga. It is not known whether the Child-goddess is an actual deity, a hoax used to generate income for the cult, or something more innocuous.
The Child-goddess or -goddesses (the exact number is not known) dwell within the Palace of the Child-goddess, a flat-topped pyramid with a single, massive door. From here, metal, windowless palanquins are carried throughout the district by carriers. Each palanquin is a metal box six feet long and four feet high and carried by zombie servants or half-naked, oiled male slaves. Judging from their dress, the cult is believed to have originated in distant Vudra. Followers approach these processions and drop coins in the tithe-bags attached to the palanquins.
In Kaer Maga—the only known place in the Inner Sea region where the cult is active—the faithful are led by the High Priestess Shamalay Kasan, a Vudrani woman who is also one of the most powerful figures in the district of Ankar-Te, if not the entire city. She is referred to as the Foster Mother and is head of a council of so called Superiors.
Zonod hesitates for a moment and adds
We know surprisingly little about the cult I have to admit.
Bobo harrumphes and is about to say something as Emerald cuts him short
Ah...the least talented necromancer of all...Bobo the blatant beguiler...hah. she giggles and shrugs Well and who is that? she asks pointing at Kenta.
@ Vaughn: Okay, staying in a safe distance is no problem.
Kyren gets worked up when he hears the description and blurts out the following when he gets a chance.
"Your little book doesn't exactly tell us anything we don't know, but there are a few things we can add to your book. Most importantly, they are a hoax and they kidnap children to put in their boxes and kill them when they come of age! Also, you could write in the margins that they have a big bad golem that crush anyone who tries to harm them!"
Tal'Zeneb was about to respond to the historian when Kyren spoke up. With a smile, Tal says "What Kyren says is true, the cult kidnaps or purchases from slavery girls of a young age, venerating them until they are no longer "useful", then day disposing their bodies in the rivet, where said bodies become raw material for the necromancers. A sordid business, for business it appears to be...."
Emerald arches an eyebrow and gives Buta a questioning look
Noble steed? Well...I won't question its pedigree, but it has to stay outside.
Zonod remains friendly and nods to Kyren, then he listens to Tal and scribbles some notes into his small book.
Brother Tal, your knowledge about the practices of the cult is impressive. How come that you found out so much about such a secretive society?
"Brother Tal, your knowledge about the practices of the cult is impressive. How come that you found out so much about such a secretive society?"
"The only reason they are a secretive society is that they do not want anyone to find out all of the evil things they are doing. However, if you pretend to want to give them a sizable donation, they are quite happy to tell you their secrets. It also helps if you peek in their little pyramids."
Smiling, Tal'Zeneb nods at Kyren's comment "What my friend states is true. A dear acquaintance of our group had been kidnapped by the cult. During our retrieval of this person, we made the discoveries we detailed. It seems the cult is nothing more than an elaborate confidence game; though I cannot definitively rule out any supernatural influence within the hierarchy. Please make note of the information we have provided, we may have occasion to learn more in the near future. " Tal then rises, bows to the historian and says "You do us honor, brother. We will trouble your studies no longer. Come, Kyren"
Tal then rises, bows to the historian and says "You do us honor, brother. We will trouble your studies no longer. Come, Kyren"
"Okey Dokey!"
Emerald shrugs and turns to the next necromancer arriving behind you in a cloud of smoke.
Mhm...seems the others know better than we how a proper necromancer arrives.
Bobo remarks thoughtfully and rides into Horus‘ mansion.
Once you have passed the two guarding mountains of rotting flesh, you find yourself in a richly decorated hall.
Black and red colours dominate the large room with the high and domed ceiling. Between the ebon furniture that is scattered over the room, small groups of necromancers and zombies stroll around and have chats about most probably unpleasant topics...well, actually only the necromancers chat, the zombies just stare. The air is heavy with exotic incenses, a pleasant sensation after all the smell of rot and decay.
Brother Zonod nods thoughtfully and closes his little book
Yes please, whatever you find out, I would be delighted to record it. Farewell Brother Tal.
Once Brother Zonod departs, Kyren cheefully begins a flury of questions. "So did you learn everything you could about this cult? What does your friend Zonod do with that book? Does he carry that around wherever he goes? Is there anybody else around here who knows more information that could help us? So do you have a boss down here who you work for? It seems like you have some nice friends down here. I wonder how much they get out."
@Berry: You are most probably still at the Revive cleaning up and waiting for Alchy to return - for the rest: Vaughn is totally correct.
Bobo tastes some of the morsels the zombie servants carry around but after the first mouthful of grave-worm-muffins he gives the rest back and shrugs
Nothing special...have already eaten better putrefied food...so where is Horus?
Iam here. a voice from behind says.
It sounds a bit like rustling leaves and has an underlying threatening tone.
Bobo turns around instantly and nearly falls over his own feet.
Horus Ilaktya, lord of all necromancers of Kaer Maga is a tall, gaunt man with aquiline features and extremely long fingers. He wears a black cloak and on each of his shoulder sits a large raven. He has pale blue eyes that remind you of the colour of an iceberg and which form a stark contrast to his jet-black hair. His two feathered companions eye you with a feral intelligence and...mockery...
You are brave to turn up, Chef Bobo. I know that you are no necromancer...so tell me, why are you here? seeking for Help Bobo quickly looks at Kenta.
From outside Vauhgn is able to observe the scene through a window.
Once Brother Zonod departs, Kyren cheefully begins a flury of questions. "So did you learn everything you could about this cult? What does your friend Zonod do with that book? Does he carry that around wherever he goes? Is there anybody else around here who knows more information that could help us? So do you have a boss down here who you work for? It seems like you have some nice friends down here. I wonder how much they get out."
Tal'Zeneb watches Brother Zonod leave, then turn to address Kyren's volley of questions.
"The cult's activities were a mystery to my brethren, so it is good that we can illuminate them as to their true nature. The book? Merely a device used to access the stores of knowledge we maintain here. Others.... hmmm, perhaps the Duskwardens may have other information we lack, didn't the Wee Bluets have some contact with them? My Boss would be Pharasma, our order while hierarchical like most, permits a fair degree of autonomy for brethren such as myself, not shackled by an official appointment. " Tal then pauses to reflect on Kyren's last questions "I'm glad you find them so, Kyren, they are good souls, not always then best conversationalists , and some do indeed get out fairly often , others are content with their cloistered life."
"Your Boss sounds very powerful. Do you feel a great deal of pressure to do her bidding? I mean, I suspect you wouldn't want to make her mad in any way! Just think what she could do to you! So, my good friend, shall we return to the surface and check on the others? I am curious how Bobo is faring with the necromancers."
Ilaktya smiles a bit too friendly and for a moment he looks like a shark which is about to bite your head off...but then he just says
Oh yes, we shouldn't forget why we are exactly here...please, follow me. he gives Emerald a signal and leaves the hall through a large double door with intricate golden ornaments.
The next room has the size of a ball room. There are no windows, but a myriad of black candles that burn with a bluish flame create a surreal atmosphere and shed enough light to see quite well.
The necromancers assemble in front of a small podium and with great anticipation await the beginning of the meeting.
The assembled necromancers become silent as Ilaktya steps behind the lectern on the podium.
After a lengthy introduction and a personal welcome to the most important members of the guild, Horus introduces the reason for everyone to be here
A long time we have tolerated the doings of the Child Goddess Cult...but instead of seeing our behaviour as a gesture of benevolence, these upstarts have begun to wage war against us. They have done this because some of us have found out that behind their masks and charades is no godly power, only avarice and a dull wish for power.
Of course we cannot accept their attacking of our shops and minions - we have to act now and in unison. We will send our troops and crush their ugly temple and retake the district that was once solely ours.
As far as we know they have nothing that could stop us, but still, there is one variable that we have to keep in mind...
and now his dark eyes rest on Bobo and Kenta and everyone turns to you...
Leading Kyren up and out of the Cathedral, Tal'Zeneb says "My Mistress is like any god, remote and concerned with god-like concerns. My devotion to her is rewarded, as would any betrayal be punished. " Tal pauses once they reach the street in front of the Cathedral "Yes, it would be an interesting meeting. I suggest we retire to the Respite to await their return."
"I suggest we retire to the Respite to await their return."
"Hehe. Oh you mean, the Revive for a Better Life? Oh sure. That would be nice. I love that place, but it seems every time we return, there is always some drama unfolding. I hate to say it, but maybe with Bobo out of the house, it will feel a little less frantic. Maybe I can go and play my harp. Do you like harp, Tal? I know I am biased, but I think it is the best instrument they ever made. The vibrations that come out of the sound board are rather healing, if I do say so myself."
Kyren cheerfully strolls the streets of Kaer Maga with Tal'Zeneb back to the Revive.
Back at the Revive Berry has cleaned up most of the damage the Child Goddess thugs caused - actually the place looks better than it ever did. But still, you don't feel very well knowing that Bobo, Al, Kenta, Abacus and Vaughn are maybe in great danger right now.
Bobo looks at you and nods eagrly - after a speaking pause Ilaktya smiles again and says
These variable is a certain band of adventurers, led by a member of our guild: the mighty Bobo, inheritor of the dark knowledge of the mighty Esulan Worsh!
You feel the necromancers' gazes piercing you like spears...
I wonder how Bobo and his friends will act once we attack the blasphemous pyramid. Hilaktya finishes and stares at you...
Bobo grimaces and pulls your sleeve and whispers Yes uh, what do we do?
"Hello, Berry! We are back home! This place looks rather nice. Have you been cleaning in our absence?"
BErry looks up. "Oh yes. Thet made quite a mes. So I had to dissolve nearly everything that wasn't intact into a thick goo and squeegee it into the ditches outside. Oh I do hope we'll have enough tables and chairs for when we reopen. But at least the place doesn't look half as cluttered."
Berry looks up. "Oh yes. They made quite a mess. So I had to dissolve nearly everything that wasn't intact into a thick goo and squeegee it into the ditches outside. Oh I do hope we'll have enough tables and chairs for when we reopen. But at least the place doesn't look half as cluttered."
"Berry, Berry, my dear. Why do you do things so differently than anyone else I know? Did you really turn everything into goo and squeegee it outside? You certainly make an interesting house companion. So how about Alchy Cat, have you seen our great feline around?"
A moment of silent murmur follows that is abruptly brought to an end when Ilaktya harrumphes and smiles again his shark-like smile.
Splendid! Friend Bobo, it looks like that even if you won't become a mighty necromancer, you do have a sense of surrounding yourself with the right people. Sounds like you already have a plan...maybe we should act in a concerted effort and strike as one force. Please, tell us how your plan looks like.
Tal'Zeneb nods his appreciation at Berry's work cleaning; he endeavours to assist in any way needed; carrying furniture, sweeping, airing out rooms etc...
Well, if Vaughn were not hiding, and were talking to the necromancers, he'd say somehting like
Let's put it this way. We'll be ready in 2 days After that--you tell us when you want to attack. We'll just happen to be there and ready when you do. Our goal is to get the children out, but we're more than happy to cause some mayhem to the cultists on the way. We don't want to specifically coordinate an assault with you, but we certainly would take advantage of the chaos you'll create--and we'll also serendipitously aid you with adding our own brand of chaos. Can you work with that?
But since he's not there... :-)
Kenta looks at Ilaktya and barks a harsh chuckle "Hai, Kenta can tell plan. First, wait two days then till bout eight o'clock at night... need for kitty come back first before can make with scratching... and want all done before midnight... Buta get upset stomach if out too late. Second, make with the shooting and the stabbing... will be much blood, Kenta maybe need send armor for making with the cleaning again after. Last, take away little ones... give them icecream. That work for you? Now, you necropeople just tell Kenta what color shirts you wear and which way you fight from... that way not shoot you in head by accident."
Luckily Vaughn's murmuring isn't heard by anyone :)
It takes Ilaktya and the assembled necromancers a moment to make sense of what Kenta has just said, but then the arch-necromancer smiles and spreads his arms
Splendid...two days you say? A very wise decision not to rush the attack. You see our troops are not the fastest, but very...even extremely stubborn, hah! I will send my right hand to contact you then, agreed?
"Hai, fair enough... Kenta be waiting.." two beats and a sigh "..with Bobo." getting ready to leave and gripping Bobo strongly by one arm.
Bobo waves a friendly goodbye to the undead cream of the crop and smiles broadly. Once out of earshot he remarks chattily
Ha! I guess Kyren will be most impressed by the way we handled this dangerous situation. It was a good plan to let you do the talking while I remained in the background as the one who pulls the strings, heh.
You leave the manor through the large front door and outside you soon meet Vaughn again
Daggers! Good to see you, we handled the situation like real pros!
As they are reunited with Buta Kenta slides into the saddle and once they reunite with Vaughn he nods "Hai, Bobo show good skill at shutting up and let Kenta speak. Not much can say, two days we make with killing... they say will send word to Bobo... but Kenta not trust them far as can throw. Would make good to keep eyes on compound in case cross is doubled."