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Ernest, after stowing with his bag of butter and other components, will cast Grease (DC 18) beneath the two gnolls to try to knock them over!
"Just yell if there's anything you want Snouts to deliver over to you!"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Snouts, while avoiding any threatening range movement entirely with a 10ft berth, will move over and dig out any potions (or whatnot folks want removed from the chest) for slightly easier retrieval.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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“The only loud mouth here is YOU, Hargur! But don’t worry … we can fix that.”
Eadie’s features turn grim as she takes a 5’ drop to the south and lunges at Hargur over the top of August’s unconscious form.
She turn to the inquisitor. "This is a battle of attrition now, Ignatius. If we can protect Lore, Ernest and Joh, we should be OK."
Ernest casts grease under the pair of remaining gnolls...however, by some miracle, they seem to actually relish the grease rather than slip upon it (go figure).
H
V
August is still prone, but has stabilized.
Eadie steps up and lunges at Hargur, slashing the lead gnoll once.
Lore starts to cast a spell,
Hargur wanted to whip her, but now that Ignatius is in the way, he cannot get a clear shot.
Her spell goes off and a fireball blooms from the courtyard beyond. Both gnolls let out screams in pain.
H
V
Hargur goes down in the flames as the stench of burnt, grease and dog-hair permeates the chamber.
Vangru yells "NO! Hargur! I avenge you!"
Johendar moves southwest (not sure how far, so just moved you 5')
He launches at arrow at the smoldering gnoll, easily piercing it's shoulder and drawing another cry of pain.
After Ignatius steps back, Vangru slides over and snaps his whip at Eadie, scoring a couple deep wounds.
"You die! You too talky, slave."
for
for
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Hargur goes down in the flames as the stench of burnt, grease and dog-hair permeates the chamber.
And people say wet dog stinks! They should try a sniffer full of dry dog sometime.
Eadie raises a hand and turns her head to shield her eyes from the Dawnflower’s flame. As a result she doesn’t see the incoming lash from Vangru – but she feels it all right!
Eadie faces the gnoll and says calmly "After a short time in the place you're going, you are going to LONG for another chance to hear my voice, Vangru." The young warrior slides 5' to her right and lunges at the remaining slaver.
Eadie retaliates against Vangru with two quick slashes of her falchion, and the gnoll drops in a bloody heap.
Gima and the other slaves "Hooray! They really did it. But what over the others? Are we really free?
You do not hear any sounds of other gnolls in the camp. On the bodies, besides the pair of whips and the fallen axe of Farug, the gnolls each carry a few vials in belt packs, nicer cloaks and armor.
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"Oh! Uh, yeah, definitely." Ernest stumbles around in the chest, looking for all his various equipment while Snouts searches for food on the Gnolls (possibly sniffing for if they count as food now.)
"Um, uh, Miss, um, Lore; this is Korshad. He's, uh, looking to, uh, reaffirm h-his faith, I suppose is a-aah a way to put it."
-Posted with Wayfinder
You are able to free the slaves now that the dogs and gnolls are dead.
Snouts finds several vials and other gear on the gnolls, which you are able to discern with a bit of checking.
Combat Gear potions of cure light wounds (2), potion of cure
moderate wounds, alchemist’s fire (3), thunderstones (2);
Other Gear mwk splint mail, mwk light steel shield,
+1 scorpion whip, mwk javelin, cloak of resistance +1, 15 gp
Combat Gear potion of cure moderate wounds, alchemist’s
fire (3); Other Gear mwk breastplate, mwk greataxe, mwk
javelin, amulet of natural armor +1, 119 gp
Gima comes out and hugs Eadie "You really did it!"
While Korshad approaches Lore.
These others say you are a follower of the Dawnflower. I was skeptical at first, as no follower of Sarenrae would ever live as a slaver.
You have illuminated the errors of my thinking. You have our gratitude.
However, the gnolls will be back before dawn, and the leaders are likely deeper in the compound.
We must be gone before either return.
Fighting three is one thing, but taking on the entire tribe, is something else altogether."
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As August regains consciousness, Eadie offers her hand to help pull him to his feet. “FAIL?!? Are you kidding, August? That was one of the bravest displays of combat arts I have witnessed. I am proud to fight alongside you and call you ‘friend.’”
Eadie quaffs one of the cure mod potions, before handing the other one and two CLW potions to August.
“If someone will oblige me please.”
She returns Gima’s hug, grabs her gear and a change of clothes from VC Valsin’s chest of holding before heading back into the slave’s alcove to change. “I’ll be ready faster if you help me with my armor, Gima.”
Eadie pokes her head around the shattered doorway and calls out as she’s getting ready. “August, do you want the amulet? Otherwise I wouldn’t mind it. Lore, can I please have predit … prestit … presitdit ... one of those magic baths?”
Once equipped as the black knight again, Eadie collects the gnolls' mundane gear and returns to ask the freed slaves, “What’s in the gnoll pen to the south of the kennels? Do you know anything about the masters' quarters that might help us?”
She proceeds to check any doorways for traps.
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Lore casts her one prestidigitation for the day on Eadie, and herself, cleaning them both up after the battle.
She turns to Korshad with a broad smile, removing the tunic she was wearing over her armor, which now gleams with the holy symbol of Sarenrae worked into the bright golden armor. "I was only pretending to be a slaver to get us in here. but Sarenrae teaches us that any wrong doer can be redeemed and any misdeeds may be atoned. No matter what was done, if you know it was wrong and are truly repentant, all can be forgiven... will you.. pray with me?" She places a hand on Korshad's and prays for Sarenrae's forgiveness for Korshad.
When done, she nods to Korshad about what he said then purses her lips as she considers their mission. " Our mission here is not complete. We have to find the veiled spymaster and bring her and her mirror back with us. If we are to do this before the gnolls return, I think we're gonna have to hurry."
Korshad smiles at the sign of Lore's holy symbol.
"The veiled spymaster may not be her. I heard the gnolls saying she was gone, followed by shouts and celebrating back in her chambers."
He points to the doors to the east of the circular kennel room.
Looking through the barracks in the south...
the freestanding structure serves as a barracks for
most of the gnolls. Its doors are in poor repair and are
unlocked. There is little within other than bedding and
the gnolls’ gear.
Gima will help Eadie with her armor.
"So what happens to us? I am not sure I can lead these other slaves across the desert on my own."
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Ignatius quickly dons his armor, shield and his backpack with his supplies.
He uses Eadie's wand to perform her healing and offers his own for use as well. "If anyone else needs healing, please allow me to help."
"Gima, you shouldn't have to lead all these slaves by yourself." He looks around at the others, "Perhaps... after we find this mirror, we can help guide the slaves to safety?" He turns back to Gima, "Do you think you can wait for us to return?"
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"The veiled spymaster may not be here."
“That may or may not be, but we need to make sure.”
Eadie muses to herself. I wonder if Muhlia or whatever-her-name-is has some kinda teleportation device? That would be logical if she can use the mirror to scry a location first …
Eadie places a gauntleted hand on Gima’s shoulder as Ignatius reassures her. “We need to look for the boss of this little setup and stop her from procuring any more slaves. Capisce? Then we can ALL escape this filthy gnoll den together.”
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Tele-Pasha
Ernest asks one thing, but leaves the more personal discussions with his respective party members. "Why not just come with us and keep a safe distance?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
With no sign of other gnolls in the camp, you are able to check the eastern door in the kennel and find it unlocked and not trapped.
Proceeding into the stone corridor, Johendar and Eadie notice the décor in this section of the caves
is an abrupt change from the dusty and unfinished
slave quarters. This large room includes many of the
trappings of a noble household: a table laid with fancy
place settings, a vanity and wardrobe that would be
at home in a lady’s boudoir, oversized oil paintings of
stuffy nobles, a grand staircase and balcony, and even a
chandelier suspended from the ceiling.
Gima suggests they wait in the Kennel until you return.
"It will probably be safer here, and once you return we can all venture back to civilization as a group. You know, safety in numbers and all. Good luck."
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Ernest attempts attempts to identify any crests or noble's origins after stringently attempting to avoid entering what is clearly lady's room.
-Posted with Wayfinder
After a few moments a large male humanoid appears at the top of the stairs.
Clearly bearing the appearance of an outsider.
He 'stands' nearly twice as tall as a human, although his lower torso trails away into a vortex of mist and wind.
He greets you with curiosity.
"Aheh, welcome visitors! Although I would think it would be proper
to have formal introductions before one would entertain ransacking a lady's private drawers, would you not?
For my part, I am Jairo the Enlightener, And who might you be?"
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“Oh, hi there Jairo! I’m Eadie - wielder of the falchion that slices up bad guys in all enlightening conditions.”
Eadie gives the outsider a friendly wave before jerking a thumb over her shoulder at Johendar. “Yeah, boys and ladies’ underwear, huh?” She *shrugs* “Gotta admit – I don’t get it either.”
“Now, I’m thinkin’ you DON’T like being called to do dirty work for mortals. Am I right? It’s kinda like being a slave … Now, before you get all uppity about it – I’VE been a slave up until recently and didn’t much care for it. No, sir! Not one bit. So if there is any way we can help you, we’d be happy to, wouldn’t we, gang!”
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Johender puts the article of clothing back and gives a crooked smile. Holding his hands out, he says. "Guilty as charged..." Giving s short bow, he says. "I am Johender. A pleasure makin' your acquaintance, Jairo. Truth be told, I was just now reflecting on the oddity of hyenafolk wearing items such as these, but you mention a lady. Is there a lady in the house?"
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"Y-yes! We WOULD be willing to help," Ignatius says a little too loudly on account of being caught. [b]"My name is Ignatius of the Van Hjorder family. And yes, if you could help direct us to the lady of the manor, we would be most appreciative.
While he finishes speaking, Ignatius keeps a close eye on this outsider, hoping to figure the motivations.
Jairo looks down upon you and responds to Eadie first, then others in turn.
He raises an eyebrow as he speaks to Eadie.
"Your appearance and actions expose you as one not accustom to playing the role of servant.
I would not expect you would be able to tolerate slavery for even a few days or weeks. Imagine bound service for decades or centuries."
Turning to Ignatius and Johendar with amusement.
"I am sure you 'gentlemen' would love to help, but at what price? To help me, you would need
to speak to my mistress about removing a certain ring she wears.
However, as luck would have it, the Lady of the 'manor' as you call this hole in the ground, is not currently available."
"But not to seem inhospitable as some of the gnolls you have or will encounter here,
may I offer you a civilized meal before you depart for your own lands?'
He pauses, watching each of you for a reaction...
"That is, assuming of course, your business here has reached its desired end.
Or would you like for me to pass on any message if she would return? A private word perhaps?"
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So he enlightens us about the situation we face? Cute.
“Your appearance and actions expose you as one not accustomed to playing the role of servant.”
Eadie raises an eyebrow under her visor as she looks the outsider up and down. “Master, are you familiar with the children’s Harrow card game called *SNAP*?”
“I would not expect you would be able to tolerate slavery for even a few days or weeks. Imagine bound service for decades or centuries."
“Noble Jairo, again you are correct. My spirit would not allow me to submit – EVER. I would rather channel my energy in more productive directions. Indeed, I would exploit any external assistance or opportunity that suddenly appeared to twist or subvert my ‘mistress’s’ binding words, allowing me to escape.”
The warrior waves her gauntleted hand at the offer of food. “Pasha, the only nourishment I would taste is that of Victory over an oppressor. There is no wine so sweet or feast as satisfying as that of Triumph over a ‘superior’ using mine own wit against their own words. I believe you have the wisdom and will, Noble Jairo – but only you can choose to be free.”
Jairo considers Eadie's words for a moment.
"If only freedom were so easily achieved by my will alone, we would not be having this conversation. But alas, such is fate.
So if I cannot prepare food and wine for you, there is little else I can do for you here.
I have heard of the game of SNAP, but I have not troubled myself to learn more."
Pausing to give weight to his next comments...
"So now we have arrived upon a pivotal point in our conversation. You can choose to turn back whence you came, and I wish you well.
Or you may desire to advance further into my master's chambers.
However, the second action I cannot permit without correctly offering the appropriate password."
He patiently awaits a reply...
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“My Good Jairo, thanks be to the god of Civilization (and the patience of one as civilized as thou) we are now down to City of Brass Tacks!”
“If only freedom were so easily achieved by my will alone …”
Eadie claps her hand against her thigh. “But don’t you see? That is exactly my point! Mine own freedom could NEVER have been won by my will alone. It took my sister Lore’s boldness and my friend August’s strength and courage. Otherwise I would still be captive to another’s will.”
Eadie holds up her index finger to make her final point. “But there was one other CRUCIAL element, Noble Jairo. I had trust that they would come for me, not only because of our friendship but also because of our mutual loathing of slavery – a condition you find yourself in through no fault of your own.”
“You speak of your infinite patience, that a decade is nothing to you. That is good, because I make this promise to you. Should I find your mistress and remove the ring from her finger – my first and only wish will be to set you free, Jairo the Enlightener.”
Eadie gestures with an open hand. “But first I must find her or give her cause to pursue us. It is most fortunate that the next obstacle – a mere word no less – is known by the one whose chains we wish to break.”
“You have the wit and power to interpret her words in a way that causes us to learn that sweet combination of wind and tongue. Noble Jairo, you must now choose whether to be the architect of your own freedom.”
She patiently awaits a reply...
Jairo spots Ernest hiding around the corner, as he creates a crystal goblet of dark merlot and savors a sip before draining the glass while Eadie speaks.
"You in the back! Please step into the room where I can better see and hear you.
Rest assured, I have no intention on hurting you.
While I have heard from these others, what would you know of my master, Pasha Muhlia al’Jakri's ring?
Why she probably has forgotten she even wears it while I toil here.
Like many mortals, she is consumed
by a mad quest, her every spare thought given to plotting
the downfall of a group called the Pathfinder Society. I
honestly find her a bit of a bore, but I do wonder how the
that group wronged her to provoke such wrath."
Ernest senses the Jairo has oddly taking a liking to him,
providing details he probably would not have shared otherwise.