This is how I picture the crossbow. It throws large bolts to set lines for climbing. It is stationary on wheels. It has only the one bolt. God knows where it came from but it would have easily killed Hajar.
"Well done Master Grim. Yet again, your talents have held our party safe."
Well i have to confess that the whole back story we were told just shook my to my bones. If you must know i was born here just a little bit before the tragedy. I am one of the sole survivor.
|
Raj looks up at Grim sharply, eyes squinted as if trying to recall something. Slowly, a grin breaks out across his face. Well if it isn't the demon child himself. I didn't recognize you Miles! You were probably to young to remember me, but the whole town was well aware you and your mischief. He starts chuckling to himself. I haven't a clue where you got the animal from, but I will never forget the hedgehog in the toilet stunt. That one had me rolling for a week. It was you that did it though, wasn't it?
That was a life time ago, a time where things was smiling upon us Raj. I actually got it from the under marker with a piece of rotten fruit
Jim actually tell you the story of the puzzle box and show you the ring he keep on his left hand under a glove. (you can read the fluff on char sheet)
|
|
Raj shakes his head, smiling. Unbelievable...
His expression hardens, and he turns to the fallen priest. Well my bony friend, lets see if you can make one last contribution to your church, shall we?
Raj extends a hand, and a shimmering cone of hazy light extends out from it as he casts detect magic. Meanwhile, the now non-glowing dog chews on the priest's head, which had rolled away. It disappears after a few moments though.
No treasure
What is the state of the statue of Sarenrae? Is there a place we can lay the remains of the priest to rest?
|
|
Shame, looks like you have nothing to offer. He walks over to the sealed doors and looks up at the glowing runes. Don't worry Xulthos, we'll be back for you soon.
Raj turns back the group as Nemaides lands on his shoulder with a squawk. Friends, only a few more enemies stand between us and entry into the bowels of this literally godforsaken place. I think it's time we cleansed the Battle Market of all the remaining gnolls, and face Kardswann. The sooner the corruption of Xulthos is destroyed the better. We can tidy up this place once it is cleansed of the evil that dwells in it, but for now, let's move.
Hajar adjusts the remains to a more peaceful position. He then prays over the corpse asking the Goddess to forgive the priest's fall. Hajar says his prayers at the statue and does his best to ensure the statue isn't desecrated. After a few minutes of prayer he turns to the group.
Yes Master Raj, we must deal with the Gnolls. If only so Mistress Almah will unlock the door. This demon must be purged.
With that said Hajar begins the walk towards the Battle Market.
What is the state of the statue of Sarenrae? Is there a place we can lay the remains of the priest to rest?
The statue is still in fine shape. You can lay him to rest here no problem.
Hajar, Gunk, and Naziri. You feel peace wash over you as you destroy the evil creature.
Well since that is done. Maybe when this is over our parent's source of corruption will be brought down.
"Your timing was perfect, is there anyone that needs more healing?"
How are you going to approach the battle market? You know that it is actually a market so it is possible to just walk right in the front door.
The front door sounds promising to Hajar. The others might have a slightly different approach...
Also, keep in mind that Hajar has expended all of his LoH and Smite for the day. So....
I'll go head and scout from the nearby rooftops overlooking the battle market.
The calm you felt when you destroyed the priest persists as long as you stay within 10 feet of the statue of Saranrae. (4 hours of awake resting=8 hours of sleep.)
Grim:
Spying from the rooftops you see a single goblin by the front door. It is unarmed that you can see and is dressed in a colorful jesters garb. It looks to be less of a guard and more of a greeter. More than anything it seems to be trying to sleep. You see little other activity in the large round building.
Can we retcon a 4 hour rest at the Statue? Would that refresh spells and abilities?
Grim will report back to the group what he saw
Can we retcon a 4 hour rest at the Statue? Would that refresh spells and abilities?
That was my plan! =D
Master Grim, you saw nothing to show that the Gnollish chief has posted sentries? The gnolls seem to be...waiting for us?
During the 4 hours downtime Hajar prays at the statue and attempts to implore Sarenrae to take the fallen priest back into her fold. He also studies the sealed doors to the Church to check for cracks or...leakage? of extraplanar evilness.
I have no idea where they are.
Hajar the seal is very intact. The harpy said Kardswan walked into the crypt and came out possesed.
So the plan is to walk straight in correct?
"Did you see an alternate entrance by any chance? If there'S none then we don't have any choice but to enter head on. Let's just assume that everything and everyone inside wants us dead."
There are 3 other doors closed and probably locked Grim tells you
Long enough. Front door it is. (I was hoping you would do it this way anyway.)
You walk toward the battle market ready for a war when the Goblin spots you he exclaims.
Welcome, welcome! the goblin rasps, jangling a short wand topped with a series of tiny bells.You have been expected! The Mouth of the Carrion King seeks an audience with you immediately! This way, this
way! he says, beckoning toward the central chamber and the wooden stage.
Hajar gives the creature a stern look and a detect evil for good measure.
Then Hajar silently walks up the ramp and into the Battle Market.
Vardishal, if you can hear me. Lend me your strength in battle for I fear we are walking into the jackal's den
The battle market’s four entry halls lead into a huge arena-like room
dominated by a massive circular wooden stage, its surface smeared
and sticky with blood. Two rows of terraced benches surround the
stage, which is bathed in natural light from a large open circular
hatch in the citadel’s roof far above. Torches illuminate a darkened
gallery of compact market stalls in the eastern half of the first
floor’s inner wall. A raised platform along the northwest curve of
the inner wall sports four round tables, several wooden chairs, and
a long bar stocked with numerous bottles of distilled spirits.
About twenty feet above is an open balcony, beyond which lie
a series of small rooms on an upper floor of the market. Several
rows of empty bleachers peer down from the edge of the balcony.
Twenty feet above the second floor a half-circle balcony marks the
highest of the citadel’s terraces. Three thrones look down from this
vantage, each positioned to give a commanding view of not only
the stage below but the entire market.
You quickly become the center of attention as all of the surrounding humanoids in the different merchant stalls grow silent with an expectant
excitement, assuming the assuming you are the latest entertainment.
Moments after you step onto the stage, a figure seated in the largest throne up in area C15 above stands—a 7-foot-tall armored bald human man armed with an enormous greataxe. The man stands and speaks down to
the you with a booming voice that echoes throughout the entire structure.
I am Kardswann, Mouth of the Carrion King, Chieftain of the
Kulldis Tribe and master of this village. Tell me, what business
brings you to Kelmarane?
There is no doubt in your mind that this is in fact the Kardswann of the 5 Templar's of the wind.
Map Updated.
Holy Lady guide my actions this day.
I will redeem the ignorant with my words and my actions. If they will not turn toward the light, I will redeem them by the sword.
You are Kardswann, Templar of the Five Winds and your mind is not your own. Turn from this path and fight the demon who corrupts your thoughts. The Lady of Light and your own Nefeshti will forgive your actions. I know you Kardswann.
Hajar pauses for a moment then issues his challenge to the assembled gnolls of the Kuldis tribe.
The gnolls of the Kuldis tribe have been bested, their demon Schir has been slain. I will slay the demon Xulthos in the name of Sarenrae. Leave this place now and your safety is assured. Tarry and face certain and swift death.
Hajar draws Tempest.
Hajar: You get a +2 on that diplomacy roll for wielding Tempest. for a 17 total.
There is a hint of recognition in Kardswans face. The large Jann's whole demeanor changes bur for an instant. Vardishal?The moment passes and the cruel facade returns.
Perhaps if the others speak with Hajar about the Kardswan of old you will get a stronger reaction.
Well i am here on behalf of all the families that got slaughter during the cleansing. So i am going to have the demon that is poisoning your brain Kardswann. This is the last event in a long chain. Fight the control of the beast. We will kill and and you can once again reclaim the person you were. You ow at list this much to Me as i am one of the sole survivor of the Kelmarane
Grim's Aid another. From the speech +2 Gets it to 19.
Map Updated remember some people are on different levels then you. so look at levels 2 and 3 as well.
|
|
Raj quietly mutters to Hajar, Be careful, that ax he's wielding is deadly to outsiders of a lawful nature, and with your parentage and personality it will likely affect you. You better hope tempest is up to the challenge if a fight breaks out.
He looks up at Kardswann up above. Kardswaaannn! You forget your duties! But that's because of the demon Xulthos, isn't it? You, Xulthos, are the one overthrew Kelmarane, and now we are here to return it to its rightful rulers! Though I once thought Kardswann the greatest, it seems that this day I must follow his brother. Ladies, Gents, please vacate the premises.
What followed was one of the most impressive displays of magic the others had ever seen. Upon completing his declaration, he extends his staff, and there's a creaking noise as Raj's clothes rustle as if in the wind, then strongly as they billow out behind him. He raises his staff, and plants it on the ground. Nothing happens at first, but then a small spark of electricity appears, then another, then another, until finally a massive lightning bolt, from staff to ceiling, connects. It holds for a moment, then quickly vanished downward, leaving a cloud of smoke, which promptly clears itself away. Standing where Raj was only a moment ago, stands a dangerous looking Janni, robes billowing out behind him and small currents of electricity moving between the folds.
Davashuum the Executioner steps forward and looks up at Kardswann. You see Kardswann? I and Vardishal's successor have come to turn you back to your purpose, or if necessary, destroy you. I may be limited by this mortal who has summoned me, but I can still defeat you. Come down here Kardswann, and face us!
I don't know how much of a bonus my special effects will give, but (if neccesary, :))here's an intimidate roll for getting everyone to scram:
"If a fight breaks out, we are certainly at a disadvantage." whispers Leyli.
Upon noticing Raj, "Oh well.." Leyli draws her staff and strikes it on the ground and sparks comes out from within her, "Now, what is your decision?"
Upon hearing Raj's advice Hajar is extremely confused Parentage?
|
|
Raj was referring to Hajar's elemental ancestry that makes him a Suli. I mentioned that they discussed this a little in my opening post, though even if Hajar is entirely oblivious to the fact that he's a Suli Raj probably could have figured it out from Hajar's fire attacks, which are definitely not Paladin standard issue.
"Remember yourself Kardswann!"
Another +2 gets you too 21
Anyone else to aid on diplomacy or are we moving on?