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Seeing and hearing the body of Valonia rise from the dead sends chills down Vivi's spine. No... this isn't right.
Ignoring the lamia's taunts, he rushes down to put Val back to rest. Closing the gap with blinding speed, his first swing is a bit wide. But the two after connect with the dead woman's form, setting off flashes of fire and freezing cold as they do.
"I am sorry for this. Go back to sleep for now," he says the to dead woman's form as he retreats back.
Turning to the seated form on the throne, he snarls at him mockingly in his own tongue.
"Go on and sit there like a coward. We will be with you presently."
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Vivi tears into zombVal, trying to put her back down for good this time.
The giant laughs at Vivi's threat and the reaction from Delendir, clearly not intimidated.
His laugh stops however when Krysta and Sunday put the finishing touches on the lamia. Lucrecia screams in pain and her eyes widen as the life is drained from her body and her large form collapses to the ground between the pair.
Barl's eyes widen, disbelief evident as he recognizes the power of his enemies for the first time. Raising his weapon high into the air, he regains his feet. " Let us be done with this nonsense. I shall make a deal with you. I will tell you all you wish to know of Lord Mokmurian, release your friend from her current state and tell you where you can find the other lamia in exchange for my freedom and past transgressions forgotten."
Sunday coldly stared as the Lamia collapsed. Then he heard the giant beg and barter. Then he remembered the crunching sound. And then the groans. "We found her, we'll find the sister."
And then he turns around. "Forgive? Why did you think we came into this snake den in the first place?"
Then he charged.
With the lamia dead Krysta turned her gaze to the now frightened giant. She heard what he asked and snarled as she saw what he had done to Valonia. She was about to demand more from him when Sunday suddenly charged at the giant Krysta called out, "Sunday wait if he could animate her he might be able to raise her! None of us can do that!"
"Can you?"
The giant looks to Sunday and corrects him, holding a finger out in his direction. "Ah. I did not ask you to forgive, I said forget. I am no fool."
He looks to ZombVal and holds a palm out towards her. "I cannot. However. I can unmake her and I can cast a spell to preserve her remains until such time as you could find someone who could assist you. I'm certain someone within Magnimar possesses those talents. I will amend my offer to include those services to your fallen ally. Without which, there is no way you could reach a healer within time to restore her."
Krysta's eyes narrowed in thought at the offer the giant made and then said, "Include any materials needed to have her raised and I would find that an acceptable deal." She looked to the others and asked, "Would you all agree?"
Delendir tries to hold Rajah around with an appease sign of his hand.
"Wait, he said something about this Lord Mokmurian" the half-elf then addresses Barl "Whom is this that we should care about information you have about him?"
Vivi glares at the giant, defiantly.
"To me, the time for such bartering was before you slew one of my rescuers. Still, I will set aside my blades for now if the others wish it. That said, as the longest standing... guest... of your former master's hospitality, I feel it fair to add a request of my own. Call it back taxes owed for my... understanding."
He gestures to his chest, the brand glowing a bit brighter than before to the point where it is almost visible through his robes.
"Tell me all you know about what she did to me... and how to undo it. On top of everything else previously mentioned. That is my price for forgetfulness."
What is the giant's weapon made of? Can Vivi tell?
The giant considers the counter-offer by the dragon for a moment, thinking. "Done."
Turning to Delendir, Barl smirks. "You're here to stop what has been going on in these lands, no? If that is true, then you should care greatly. I have been following orders from Mokmurian. He that has dispatched both of the lamia sisters."
To Vivi the giant shrugs "If you wanted those answers then you should have probably gotten them out of Lucrecia before your everiserated her body. It was not under my direction you were brought here and I cannot guess as to their intentions other than to say the sisters have been intent on marking up bodies of all forms mortals in this region for their own purposes. Perhaps when you find the other sister you could ask her."
He searches over each of you, "Do we have a deal then?"
Krysta nodded in agreement with the giant's acceptance and said, "I will forget what you have done unless you start causing trouble again. If you do I will come back and find out what a giant of stone tastes like." With that she turned away from the sight of Valona's animated corpse and went to where the lamia
Looking at the corpse Krysta considered a dilemma and then seemed to have an idea. She grabbed the head of the dead serpent woman and held it tight with one claw then began use her claws to severe it from the body. As she worked on removing it she kept muttering about "showing the snake: and "taunting her with the head". Once she was done she looked thoughtful as she mumbled, "Hmm, how am I gonna keep it intact?"
As the others agree to the deal Sunday goes listless, the spirits returning to the etherial.
Vivi glares at the giant with a look that almost says, "Does it look like I killed her myself?" but remains silent for a moment.
"Put down your weapon and begin your work. I will put mine down once you have prepared the body without trickery, but before you answer questions. Oh, and it should go without saying. If you warn the serpent's sister of our coming or her sister's demise, I will return to end you. And I don't think I will be alone."
Vivi adopts a posture that indicates that he is ready to respond to a threat from the giant, but not about to strike the creature immediately.
Delendir growls and spits to the floor as the deal is struck.
The half-elf raises his arm and Ghina flies to set itself over his arm, while the ranger tries to hold Rajah and avoid the tiger from running away "You should be a good cat. Stay here, we are trying to save your mistress"
"Yes, it's your turn to safe our friend and tell us about the plans of this Lord of yours" Delendir looks impatient at the giant.
Yavenee glares malevolently at the giant seething in silence as the group negotiates. Were it solely up to her he would suffer the most painful and torturous of deaths, and deep down she still considered cursing him before they left.
But for now if it saved Valonia from a fate as dire as undeath then perhaps it was worth allowing his vile heart to continue beating.
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Seeing an agreement form among these intruders, the giant nods and places his large earthbreaker down at his feet. He steps towards ZombVal and places his overly large hand on her head. He mutters "Rest Now." as he expends some magical energy. Her body goes lifeless and collapses to the ground at his feet.
Turning to you he says "What I will tell you will anger you and upset, but I am fulfilling my end of the bargain and you must ensure you keep your tempers in check and uphold your business deal or your ally here will never return to life. I will complete the ritual to preserve her body when the information exchange has been completed and I am outside ready to depart and go our separate ways."
"Now then, let me tell you of what is truly happening in this region. My Lord Mokmurian has been gathering an army of giants to march across Varisia for some time now. Over a month ago I was sent by my master to subjugate the ogres of Hook Mountain and prepare them for assimilation into the giant army. Unfortunately the inbred fools of the Kreeg family were anything but receptive and I was forced to dispatch many of them, including their idiotic leader Golki, but the rest saw the wisdom of accepting my rule."
"I settled in as new chieftain of Hook Mountain with ease, immediately setting ht Kreegs to work forging massive weapons and shields from veins of iron to send to the host of marauders gathering at Mokmurians fortress of stone, Jorgenfist."
"Everything was going according to plan until these pesky Black Arrows caught wind of our transportation of equipment and tried to begin a war with us, forcing my hand to stop them. While I simply wanted to destroy them outright, it was this Lucrecia who developed an alternate plan. You see Lucrecia and her sister Xanesha also work for Mokmurian, though the way she told it she was giving Mokmurian orders. I don't believe that nonsense though, she worked for my master as did I, she was not serving a higher Lord."
"I should back up. Lucrecia had actually come to this area years ago and had disguised herself as a human an built a gambling hall on a barge. She started to mark the people there-" turning towards Vivi he points " very similar to what I think she did to you if I'm not mistaken. Anyway, she recruited a Black Arrow there and charmed him and then began to pull information out of him about the Fort's defenses, commander and other extremely useful information. So when the time came for us to attack Fort Rannick, we had everything we need from the inside to unmake them. "
"Lucrecia learned from her source that Rannick's commander had a not-so-secret love affair with a nymph in the nearby wilds. It was a simple matter of waiting for his tryst and leaving the forth and launching the attack when the commander was absent. She magically controlled her source to ensure the patrol was delayed and we descended on the fort and took it with ease. We left Papa Jaagrath Kreeg and his deviant family lording over the Fort while we resumed our shipments of supplies to Jorgenfist."
"Meanwhile, Lucecria enacted some secret plan to destroy her gambling boat full of gamblers and recruited hags to produce constant rains to flood the waters of Skull Crossing and destroy all further threats in the region."
"I just recently received word from Mokmurian that his army in nearing their destination in Varisia and plans to launch their assault imminently."
He surveys your faces and asks "Questions or are we done and can move outside?"
"Where is the assault starting?" Sunday flatly asks.
Krysta finished her grizzly work and carried the head over to where the others spoke with the giant and listened to what he had to tell them. She dropped the head and sat as she began to try and clean the gore off of herself, to little avail, and looked at her friends and asked, "Can someone conjure some ater or something? I need to wash off." She looked down at the head and then said, "And if someone knows how to preserve this," she tapped the head with a claw, "so it doesn't start stinking I'd be grateful."
She continued to listen to what the giant said and when he was done her expression was very concerned. She cocked her had to one side slightly and then said, "Yes, what he said," she gestured to Sunday with her snout, "also when will the attack occur and what do you know of any battle plans?' Her eyes narrowed as she then asked, "Will the other snakey b~$~$ be there? I hope so, I can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees her sister's head."
Delendir has to make a real effort to not outright attempt to kill the giant as his deeds are revealed "How are you capable of such evilness... to sacrifice innocents like that and conspire to war..."
The half-elf kneels with Krysta next to the corpse "We still have Nualia's Sihedron medallion, Tal said it will preserve any dead corpse"
"I think the real questions is why your Lord wants war against Varisia, and where exactly is he hiding himself right now" the ranger words are almost spit at the giant.
Thinking about Krysta's question, he shrugs as if unsure "I cannot say for certain, but I believe she intends to accompany the attack, though she certainly isn't in charge!"
To Delendir he nods "I understand you are upset. One does not understand war. To war is to be unreasonable in someones perspective. I have no ability to understand the motives of my master."
He nods to Krysta and then glances to Sundya's question "I do know the exact location. As I depart I will tell you the location of a missive from my master located here in this cavern that explains those details and will tell you what you need to know. It a safeguard against you not holding to your end of the bargain."
Looking around he asks "Any further questions or are we done here?"
Vivi's glare would kill as quickly as his kamas if it could, but he keeps his tone neutral.
"I have a question. What do you intend to do once we leave? I cannot imagine your lord of Giants to be a... sympathetic or compassionate master. And apart from having sacked a keep, you have lost your entire force, including one of his pet lamia."
"I don't think a coward like this one will face the ire of his master Vivi" Delendir spits to the floor "More probably he will just cover behind a new tribe of weak minded ones he will use as undead fooder as the Commander or Valonia here..."
The ranger only steps back very slowly as the giant walks away to escape "You better don't give us your back or try to trick us with that note thing. My bow is long aimed Barl the Coward. Next time we see us you will have no time for a corpse to bargain with..."
Barl briefly considers what it would take to smash Vivi's skull in, but dismisses that train of thought. "I will not be returning to Mokmurian, no. I am sure I will be able to survive somewhere else without his oversight."
Once the path is made for him, he scoops up Valonia's body and makes his way towards the entrance with her. Outside once again you find that the howling storm that was dominating before has now stopped, though the ground is still covered with at least a foot of snow.
Once outside, he lays her body in the snow and casts a spell over her body. Turning to your group he nods, "You have one week before this protection expires."
He turns to leave and says "The location of the attack is written on a note which is in a chest located behind the throne I was sitting in. It is a lost cause to go there, but I am sure that is what you intend to do anyway. It will be destroyed and you are better off sending your attention in restoring your lost friend."
With that, he turns and leaves heading up into the snowy mountain.
Returning to the throne room and searching for the item he describes, you do indeed find a chest with a letter that reads:
"Barl - Latest contact with Teraktinus indicates he has narrowed the search. He believes a human town called Sandpoint could hide what my lord seeks. Teraktinus will lead several of the people, as well as the dragon, on a raid into the town soon. When they return, they may be pursued and I may need your ogre salves to aid in Teraktinus's retreat to Jorgenfist. Be ready to return at my command!
M"
"Shit."
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As he departs, Vivi calls after the giant.
"Pray to whatever gods you believe in that our paths never cross again, Barl. I will personally be sending you to see them if they do."
Reading the note with the others, Vivi goes cold. "Ameiko-chan...."
Turning to the remaining companions, he looks down at Val's dead form, resting peacefully once more.
"I am sorry. I cannot repay my debt to you." Looking up, he addresses the rest. "I will be understanding if you decide to take her to Magnimar to bring her back. If the attack were aimed anywhere else I would follow you. But I cannot let the attack happen without trying to prevent it... or at least trying to aid in the defense. I might die doing so... but I must try at least."
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Krysta nodded in thanks to Delendir as he gave her the amulet which she promptly wrapped around the head's hair to preserve it. As things with the giant wrapped up and she absorbed all they had learned from the giant and the note her breath left her as fear seized her heart. The fact that Jessica, the twins, and others of her horde were in danger left her angry but the thought of getting them help quickly gave her some means of relaxing enough to think.
Krysta quickly stuffed the head in her pack and said, "Give me what we need for the effort to raise her. If anyone can calm her kitty down and bring do so. I'll fly ahead to Magnimar with Valonia's body and see if the temple can raise her with what we have. The rest of you go on to Sandpoint to help, I'll be along when I can be." She considered intently what else they needed to do and said, "See if Niosa wishes to come with you or to return to the swamp where she lived before. I think she might be very helpful in the fight to come but it is her choice."
Delendir frowns as the note is read aloud "And there you see!!! I have been trying to tell this to Major Deverin for weeks! She will finally believe me. We have to bring this note to her immediately!"
The half-elf nods to Krysta "You are the only one that might make it in time. Please, take the note, bring it to Deverin and then to Magnimar. We met the Major of the City of Monuments some weeks ago, he should listen and prepare to defend the region if Sandpoint falls"
"I want nothing more than go there and crush those giants" the ranger closes his fist with strength "But we must rush. We are at least a week away if we are lucky to find a ship after the last flood, much more if we have to walk through the fey forest. And for all we know this note could have been written months ago. Damn it! The giants destroyed my farm many weeks ago already!"
Delendir face expression clearly shows his feeling of defeat.
Vivi claps the ranger on the shoulder.
"We have to try. Besides, attacking a farm isolated from other people is one thing. Sandpoint is a town with guards. They will have to be a bit more tactical if only to avoid losses. That means we might have time to warn them and to get there."
Smiling grimly, he smiles. "Besides, it is not like I will know what this curse is without finding the other sister." He turns to Sunday. "Assuming she is there, please try to take her alive. I do need to know what needs to be done to remove this thing. And unless you can force the dead to speak..." He trails off, then adds, "Well, if you can do that, perhaps we can ask her sister then before her head flies off with the dragon of crystal."
”I can speak with corpses that wish to have a conversation, but I can’t force them to speak.” Sunday tells Vivi.
Vivi shrugs. "Maybe she is feeling talkative. Might as well give it a shot, worst case we get a bit of silence, right? Besides, Lucrecia loved to talk while trying to torture me... perhaps she will want to get in some last insults if nothing else."
Turning to Krysta, the monk bows.
"I know time is shorter than we would like, but this is important. If they were branding others like this it had to be for a reason. Would you mind bringing out her head to let Daud-san attempt to get answers from her?"
”I was referring to the unliving, I can’t talk with corpse-corpses.” Sunday corrects. Then he shrugs. ”Of course you could try pissing her off enough to come back.”
Delendir nods to Daud "Sure, you are right! We definitely want to bring peace to Myriana's heart and stop her curse of the swamps..."
The half-elf then notices something on the in-house magician of the group "What's it Yavenee? I have seen that look before. Are you reserving something special under your sleeve?"
Vivi shakes his head. "We just slew her in her own den and then a dragon queen bit off her head. If she isn't angry beyond enough reason to be willing to speak with you, I know not what else to do."
Looking at Yavenee and Krysta, and seeing that they are beginning to make preparations to head... somewhere... he holds up a hand. "Assuming is a bad habit... but I pressure... no, wrong word... presence.... present.... presume, yes presume... that you are heading someplace civilized and closer to Sandpoint. Give me a moment and I will accompany you. The townsfolk must be warned."
So saying he returns to the cave and searches all the rooms once more to ensure they missed nothing. Satisfied, he returns.
While Yavene figures our her plan to handle Valonia, the party sorts through the loot they found in Barl's throne room.
Behind Barl's throne was a chest are valuables that add up to 9,200 gp. In addition, there is a second chest that clearly looks like loot that was stolen from the Black Arrows at Fort Rannick: 32 +1 arrows, 12 +1 giant bane arrows, a suit of +2 light fortification studded leather, a +1 longsword, a +1 composite longbow, a belt of incredible dexterity +2 , a cloak of elvenkind, and a pair boots of the winterlands.
On Lucrecia's body you find a wand of scorching ray (22 charges), +1 keen dagger, masterwork dagger, lesser caster's tatto, sihedron medallion, pearl ring (300gp), silver necklaces (200gp) and a scroll of "Sihedron sacrifices". This scroll is in a small tube which lists dozens of Turtleback Ferry citizens names with check-marks next to their name. Two names of interest on this list are Kaven Windstrike and Vivi Eni, both of which have circles around their names.
"Yes, we are taking her body to Magnimar to see if a temple there might be able to restore her. And while there see if they will send soldiers to aid Sandpoint." Yavenee answers, as they prepare. If you all remain here or head to the grove of the Nymph queen, I can teleport back in a day or two to get you all."[/b]
Sunday nods. "We'll be heading to the lake, the sooner they can rest the better."
Krysta considered Vivi's offer and said, "Come if you want, I can't carry you and Yavenee both when flying to Sandpoint." She paused and considered, "Actually how do I get to Sandpoint from Magnimar? I've never been there." After a moment of perplexity she continued, "If you can keep up on the ground though, that might work, you've been there so you could guide us right? I wouldn't likely be flying full speed the whole way regardless."
"Follow the main road and fly towards the sun as it rises in the morning." Sunday tells the dragon.
Vivi takes the scroll with his name on it, the strange necklace that matches his scar, and the cloak of elvenkind, leaving the rest for the others.
"I can keep up without problem. If not I will not be very far behind."
Coming closer he nods to Sunday and Delendir. "Stay safe we shall see you soon."
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The path ahead of them is not a quick one. When the party sat down and tried to roughly map out where they were in relation to Magnimar, it didn't take long to guesstimate that they were more than 250 miles from that city, and that was taking a direct path in the air. Traversing by foot through the forest, rivers and mountains was a significantly longer path.
Luckily for the party, they had magical means to accelerate the travel that allowed for traveling within that range to quickly deal with Valonia's situation. Barl had said they were on the clock and the party wanted to try to get her back as fast as possible.
Returning to the location you found Mariana last time takes a bit of tracking as you temporarily lose yourself in the woods, but as the lake appears and the nymph's spirit appears - you know you've found the right place. She is overjoyed with the sight of Lamatar's body and begins to explain to you that she will finally be able to rest now that he has returned to her heart. Before she rests for eternity, she offers to bestow her inspiration to either of you as she passes, if you will have it.
The watch helps Yavenee quickly transport Valonia's body to the temple and after a brief wait they are met with an entourage of acolytes and a high priest who inquire as to this strange unexpected arrival.
Gathering up the more arcane impliments from their defeated enemies to study later, Yavenee prepares and makes use of her teleportation magic, takin them to her home city.
When the priest arrives, surrounded by acolytes, many of whom blanche at the sight of the mangled corpse, obviously bloody and broken despite being wrapped in a cloak and preserved magically.
Explaining their battle against the stone giant and lamia, the witch details the poor woman’s demise and their decision to bring her here, seeking to restore her.