With a sigh, Yoshi tried again to break the lock.
After Yoshi's second swing the old rusted lock crumbles at the hinges, allowing him to open it easily.
"So, Corvus, you seem to have heard at least once which end of the sword to hold! What a proud papa you must have."
"Poulain; boats? sabotage? treasure? reinforcements? I'd check," holding up blood-soaked hands, "but I'm trying to hold things together here."
Taking no notice of Angelo initially, Corvus falls into step alongside Poulain. Her face does not show any trace of emotion and her voice is calm but melodic. ”I am obliged to show patience in all things and that must extend to you. I am also bound to deliver swift justice to ensure my foes do not suffer any longer than necessary. There is no pride for my parents in that – simply the knowledge that I do my god’s work."
"I must confess that I find your lack of faith troubling. To respond to violence with swift metal is part of my code. To initiate combat before other paths are considered is wrong. Over time I expect to show you the error in your ways."
She then turns to Angelo. "What now?"
Mem'basi cradled his leopard in his arms assessing the extent of the wounds. "You've proven yourself many times these past few days, old friend. It may be time to rest a bit."
"Does anyone have a rope so that we may free these captives?" asked Yoshiyaru as he threw open the wooden grate.
Angelo reaches into his pack and draws out his rope and handing it to Yoshoiyaru. He looks at Mem'basi and Zimba for a moment, then retrieves his dagger, hefts his short sword, and heads back out towards the boats.
"Corvus, let's leave them to releasing the prisoners and tending Zimba. I want to make sure those boats are still there."
"Thank you, Angelo-san," The magus said.
He then proceeded to tie off the rope.
Tossing the free end down, Yoshi told the prisoners, "You can climb up now."
Corvus steals a glance at at Mem'basi and the leopard before following Angelo. "Why do I mistrust your motives on this issue?"
Despite her protest, she keeps in step with him as they return to the cave's mouth.
After about ten minutes all seven of the prisoners climb up the rope and are safely out of the pit.
The one you heard shouting looks like a A massive man who looks to have orc blood in his veins stands next to you with arms
crossed over his barrel chest and says Thank you very much! My name is Kapitain Esteban Selim, of the River Queen, my crew and I were captured by these beasts about a week ago, except for Hurq, which I haven't seen since we were captured, but I gather he just hid in the boat's engine compartment, which is what that ancient dwarf does... How many and what kind of things did you kill to free us?
As the captives climbed out, Yoshi cast a few spells on himself.
I am Yoshiyaru, the half elf said with a bow.
"We slew a pair of girallons outside this cave, along with a trained dog and eight of these monkey-men."
Yoshi motioned to several of the corpses on the cave floor.
"Unfortunately, their leader, who wielded the power of nature, escaped."
"Angelic Corvus, you should not allow such thoughts to trouble you. You should let me shoulder the burden of all of those baser speculations. I do have something of a talent for them." Angelo beams a very toothsome grin in her direction.
"In this instance, however, I'm concerned that the druid that escaped might be perpetrating some mischief on the boats out of spite, to further her escape, or to conceal misdeeds. And I also don't mind that the boats have some salvage value to us collectively. Now if you were looking for ill intent, you should pay strict attention to the health of our rescued captives back there. They put a considerable crimp in our wealth acquisition prospects, merely by continuing to breathe."
This is not good, the leader of this group is a young Angazhani. We counted 12 charau-ka, 2 normal girrallon and a dog. Did one of the girrallon's speak with you to intimidate you? says Selim.
Yoshi appraised the man. He is definitely one to take charge, he thought.
"I did not know these girallons could speak. They fell rather swiftly to our blades and arrows."
"Pardon my ignorance, but what is an 'Angazhani'?
Damn, damn, damn... an Angazhani is the evil, much larger and more intelligent cousin of the girrallon, he is also known to be magical. The one leading this group is definitely a youngin'. Make no mistake, he needs be killing, cuz without it, the river will be blocked and medicines to Kibwe and other towns will be stopped. Not to mention my assignment.
The elf woman who had been soaking in everything that was said, steps forward and says This captain is correct in his assessment, I propose we go back to our boats, get some rest, collect our equipment and attack at first light, Chivane by the way and thanks for saving me...
For Angelo and I think Corvus,
You two walk out of the mouth of the cave and can see the hastily docked boats and rivercraft haphazardly moored at a dock. The largest of which is a sight you have never seen before with a large wheel. There is also a yacht, in disrepair and a sailboat.
Taking Angelo at his word, Corvus starts to give each of the vessels a check for activity - remaining on the riverbank at all times.
"Angelo, salvage is something we can discuss when those rescued are spoken to. For the moment, everything remains in the boats." She flourishes her rapier, performing one of the forms of the dervish dance to punctuate her words.
"I did not know these girallons could speak. They fell rather swiftly to our blades and arrows."
Mem'basi and a rather disheveled looking leopard appeared at Yoshi's side. "Do not forget about fangs and claws. Zimba has been instrumental in all our encounters."
Yoshi bowed to the elven woman. "Greetings, Chivane-san."
Turning to Mem'basi, he added, "My apologies, Mem'basi-san, Zimba-san."
Looking back to the Captain, the half-elf said, "We have been charged with removing the girallon threat and checking on the status of events along the riverside communities by House Barzoni."
"We would appreciate being granted passage up river."
Chivane nods her head in acknowledgement.
Selim answers The Admiral sent ye, Ha! We needs to finish these heathen apes off and then gets back to Bloodcove, before we can continue upriver. I would gather your group would be looking for a large reward or something. Lets make our way back to the relative safety of my boat and pull up anchor and prepare for tomorrow.
The seven recently released prisoners and you meet up with Angelo and Corvus near the boats, where Angelo is inspecting one of the yachts.
The group of you board the River Queen and Selim and his crew untie the boat from the dock and he chugs the boat a safe distance from shore and out of sight of the cave for the evening. Before this happens, Chivane grabs her gear from her sailboat. And together you eat aboard the River Queen.
Selim says,
We need to get our rest this evening and then hit them hard in the morning, any ideas?
"Hmm... do we have an idea as to where this Angazhani and the remaining charau-ka might be?" asked Yoshi.
"I for one would appreciate knowing more about what we are up against. Are these creatures for turning from their chosen path? Evil must be opposed, but all options should be explored."
She then turns to Yoshiyaru. "And of course, any information about Angazhani's whereabouts would be appreciated.
Captain Selim responds I do know they sleep in the cave and we can either sneak in there late at night or hit them at first light. There is also a large totem on the inside. But to answer the lady's question, with the totem in there the likelihood of conversion is non-existent.
A night attack is really risky with the shape you guys look to be in as well as us, shoot we haven't had a meal in awhile.
Knowledge Religion Angazhan DC 20
In his home realm of Ahvoth-Kor Angazhan is served by thousands of powerful nalfeshnees and while few of the fiercely independent demons would care to admit it Angazhan does serve as their lord and master.
Angazhan is served by his created minions the Baregara in Ahvoth-Kor as well as in Material Plane jungles important to him, such as the Mwangi Expanse.
Knowledge Dungeoneering DC 22 High Girrallon
Yet the most dangerous thing about the angazhani (as the creatures call themselves) is not their strength, but rather their intellect. For behind each angazhani's fury lies a cold, calculating mind. Whether this intelligence is the product of evolution or meddling by unholy powers, all angazhani honor the demon lord Angazhan.
Reclusive by nature, high girallon clans settle the most secluded depths of the jungles, generally inhabiting ruined cities and misty mountain temples. There they rule as divine priestkings over tribes of lesser apes. These congregations sometimes even include humanoid slaves or cultists, though the angazhani prefer raiding and collect tribute over commanding direct service. They rarely reveal themselves to outsiders, and instead quietly gather strength against the day their patron sends them out to claim all the world's forests.
Some primitive tribes worship these girallons as the agents of evil gods or demons, and a few high girallons have been known to work for or even breed with tribal orcs, inspiring legends of four-armed “white orcs.”
Speaking to Corvus, "These are dedicated demon worshipers. They have no need of faith, because their demon god anoints a King of the followers of Angazhan - the Gorilla King Ruthazek. We could ask them nicely to abandon their demon worship, but we might as well ask fae to renounce nature. I have some experience with Mwangi demon tribes - the followers of Angazhan are not fanatic about their faith, they are defined by their demonic overlord."
Speaking more broadly, "Let us recover overnight, and we will come at them in the early light." Angelo inspects each of the captives closely, looking for any signs of treachery, and he keeps his wand close at hand.
Angelo
"I have heard some rumors about these creatures from my time in Bloodcove."
"I thought it only legend, but the locals there spoke of powerful girallons that follow demons. They are supposed to be about nine feet tall. Although strong, it's their cunning intellect that makes them truly dangerous."
"They rule over lesser apes as priest-kings and often wield strange throwing axes or sacrificial knives."
Shrugging, Yoshi added, "We should wait until morning, but post guards during the night."
Since the boat was anchored about two miles from the cave in the middle of the river, the night was uneventful. Selim lands the boat about a mile from the cave entrance for your group to disembark.
What kind of approach would you like to take in assaulting the cave?
"I believe that if several of us are stealthy, they could sneak in first, followed by those of us that aren't. The archers should then take up the rearguard," Yoshi suggested.
"Of course, it might be wise to have a melee warrior guard the archers."
Corvus shakes her head. "Followers of evil are not necessarily evil themselves. I will fight them to their death but I will not draw first blood. If that means. Have to guard the archers then so be it."
"Oh, many thanks, pious warrior. We genuflect with great humility."
Selim turns to the group, I am no archer, three of my crew can probably stay back with the ranger, but Faruq Pointing at the Half-orc would be best in the front
Chivane says, I will sneak in with any of your sneaky types to see if we can cull the heard so to say, first
Corvus glares at Poulain. "Do not test my patience. My code is clear...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. Even one as ignorant as you cannot help but understand the implication. If you have nothing civil to say to me, I bid you say nothing."
"Oh, yes, ma'am. What a beautiful code you have. The next time some mindless beasts are rending you from your code, I'll make sure to ask them if I can convince them otherwise first. Religion ...excuses for the weak."
Corvus smiled a satisfied smile. "This is almost too easy. Poulain, the ignorant creature I refer to is you. You are the one I have been sent to change or smite. I see it now."
Corvus seems serene now, her previous agitation gone. Instead a rather annoying smug and self-satisfied look plays across her beautiful face.
"If it will be any consolation, I shall approach them with honeyed words on my tongue. Though it did fair little good yesterday."
Looking at Selim and Yoshi, with a wry grin, "I'll take ranks with the fighters - I'm too beautiful and glib to be stealthy. It's also likely I'll need to move forward quickly to ease wounds of stealthy and brazen alike."
"So come, let us engage them, lest they grow impatient waiting for us."
'and let us hope they are not much cleverer than we.'
Poulain's face twists into disgust, then something angrier, to suddenly a smile. "Ha! I thank you, madam. I was in need of a good laugh, and far too cross with you all. Haha!" She really believes it ...
About an hour before dawn Chivane takes off on her own, armed to the teeth in crimson covered leather armor and she wishes you all luck as she disappears into the underbrush without a sound.
A half an hour later you all disembark the River Queen for the final preparations for your assault.
Mem'basi scratched behind the leopard's ear. "Stay sharp, will you. And try not to get hurt this time," chuckled the druid.
The leopard growled in answer.
Just before they entered the cave, Yoshi cast a few spells.
Seeing the half-elf cast, the druid does the same.
He then transforms into a larger version of Zimba but with a peculiar dark, jet-black coat.
With the sun just shymieing up over the jungle leaving it still dark but low-light. Your group makes its way from tree to tree not being overly stealthy but not trying to look like you have an army either.
You enter the mouth of the cave where you see two freshly killed Charau-ka.
Yoshi looked around while trying to stay quiet.
Pssst! Over here! says Chivane as she steps out of the shadows.
I have found the remaining group of enemies ahead, but we needs to be careful there are five charau-kas, the extremely large girallon and a couple dire gorillas. There is the large totem.
"As you wish, Chivane-san," Yoshi whispered back.
He motioned for the others to follow.