Touched by the quiet fighter's gesture and unused to such generosity, Anjali blinks a few times before she replies in hushed tones. "Oh Khayal, I am a healer - like my mother was before me. It is what I do. You do not owe me anything. That you put yourself time and again between myself and the dangers before us is more than enough."
The stone passes from her hands into Khayal's once more. [b]"This could save your life. You should take it."
Hajar tries the hatch, pulling with all his might. . He thinks it begins to give way...
Dhavyn IDs the final scroll: Scroll of Fey Aspect
The hatch opens. Hajar climbs down a manhole ladder some 50 ft into the earth. Whatever Tempest is, the old monks who rebelled and bound Vardishal went to great lengths to keep it hidden. It must be...WOW! Down here there is a chamber. In the center of the chamber is a ball of fire, about 4ft in diameter, floating in mid air!
Voice of Vardishal: Efreeti fire. Bastards. Hajar nar Jundi, it will hurt when you reach in to take Tempest out. It will hurt bad. But we must get it back! Reach, Hajar, reach into the fire and grasp your destiny...
Dhavyn finds Bartan skulking in the room. Completely oblivious to man's blight he hands him the scroll with a smile. "Simple glamer... the scroll I mean. It allows you to appear as a fearsome fey creature. Oh and speaking of scrolls. I found some interesting formulae when investigating the laboratory. They detail how to create a restorative ointment and some marvelous pigments. Let me know if you wish to look into them."
"Oh and speaking of looks and interests. I have to find Hajar" he finishes the comment with a wave of hand and leaves Bartan to his own devices before he has time to reply.
Dhavyn wanders around until he finds the hole left behind by Hajar. A sense of curiosity and caution overcomes him as he descends into the manhole and follows Hajar into the chamber.
"What in the blazes is going on here? Hajar?" he exclaims and utters דעטעקסט מאַגיק scanning the room for magical auras.
Ignoring Dhavyn for the moment Hajar plunges both hands into the fire, roaring with pain he grasps something, is it a handle?
Pulling herself together, Avenka hears someone roaring and goes to see what happens.
"Hajar, are you alright?"
The ball explodes in a dizzying maelstorm. Hajar staggars back under the pressure, but not before his hands clasp upon the hilt something wonderful. The fire disappears from the room, and as it does, a hoarfrost covers the walls and ceiling. Hajar, Dhavyn and Avenka's breaths forms a vapor in the cold air.
Hajar holds up his prize: a falcion, so large in nearly needs 2 hands to weild. It's cold steel is engraved with swirling motifs representing the north wind, and as you look it over from tip to tail you find that the pommel is sculpted into the howling face of a wind-god.
In your mind: Ah, Tempesssst. Forged on the plane of air, my home. Wield it well.. Then Vardishal is silent.
Tempest is a +1 falcion that gains additional story and game powers as you guys progress. Super fun...
Scorched and smoking, Hajar smiles down at his prize. Tempest, I will use you to strike down the followers of the Rough Beast.
Hajar calls upon the power of his Lady to heal his burned body.
It seems I have found something Dhavyn, a weapon to help us clear Kelmerane of its foul inhabitants.
Dhavyn backs away from the explosion that engulfs Hajar and. While relieved that he survived the onslaught he nevertheless gapes at the sudden appearance of hoarfrost.
Pulling himself together he shakes off the afterimages caused by the detect magic spell overloading, and fixes a somewhat stern look at Hajar. "Indeed? And just *how* did you find that weapon?" he asks with a cocked eyebrow.
I was told by the Saint Vardishal that it would be located here. Hajar says fixing Dhavyn with his intense gaze. We serve the same Mistress. and with that Hajar begins his travel up the ladder into the Monastery proper.
He searches for Yazi.
Most kind and Munificent Yazi, I thank you for the wonderful weapon. But I have a new one, you should take this one back.
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Taking back the sword she'll stare at Hajar quizzically. "So in the span of a day you've wrestled with tentacles and jellymen, got high on spores, and got a cool sword. Why does nothing fun ever happen to me?"
Turning to go lay down a look of realization spreads across her face. "Wait, almost forgot about the Fluffies..." Giving Hajar a slight bow of appreciation she'll head to where the woman and child are being held.
Shaking his head Dhavyn follows Hajar up, away from the suddenly freezing chamber. He seeks council with Bartan judging him to be most prudent of the group.
"You know. I worry about some folks here. That Hajar fellow for example. He just happened to find a secret passage in the garden that the rest of us missed. Oh and he also just happened to find a sword there - hidden behind a magical trap I may add..." he pauses for a moment but continues before Bartan has chance to interject.
"...and what sane man thrusts is hand into a ball of fire just like that. I know fire. You don't stick your hand into it just because you fancy having a new sword. Now I might expect this all from a religious fanatic but did he mention about any of this to any of us? No he didn't... What next? If he starts talking about hearing voices in his head we might need Anjali look into it." Dhavyn laughs a bit nervously to his own joke.
"Oh and that Yazi person. I'm not sure if she is just crazy or messing with me... us... I think a bit of both." he pauses again this time giving Bartan time to reply.
Hajar smiles at Yazi's summary of his day. Indeed, we have had a most interesting day. as Yazi hurries away, Hajar follows. The Old one might be beyond our ability to sway, the Young one, she may yet walk in the path of the Light. I would be there when you speak to them if you allow.
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As they walk Yazi will begin to think aloud, "Sure, though I don't know what all there is to sway, in Katapesh the Lamashtans run as many orphanges as the Sarenrites. Aside from the sacrificing is there that much of a differance between the two mother Goddesses?" Her tone comes off as more questioning than sarcastic.
Lamashtu revels in destruction and death. Violence is her creed as is madness and deformity. Yes Mistress, there is a difference. Where the Demon Queen wants monsters and darkness the Dawnflower urges light and peace. Where the Mother of Monsters wants blood the Everlight urges restraint and patience. Yes Mistress, there is much difference. Hajar says, not unkindly but he is bewildered at Yazi's casual reference to the similarity of the Goddesses.
Avenka responds to Dhavyn.
"I think we are a strange group, but a competent one. I wouldn't be worried about Hajar, if he thinks he know what he's doing, then I say let him do his thing. As for Yazi..." Avenka smiles widely.
"We truly should," Anjali agrees. A cry of pain is the one thing that makes her move even before she even finishes talking. She sprints ahead of Khayal and finds the rest of the group in the secret garden and down a large hole in the ground. The diminutive healer shivers in the cold.
"What in the Dawnflower's name is going on here? We heard screaming." She tsks at Avenka. "You shouldn't even be down here. You should be resting!"
Waiting until Khayal joins them, Anjali looks up at the circular piece of light from the hole up above, thrusting her palm towards it. Another burst of healing fights the cold and seeps into her companions.
HP.
Bartan is roused from his contemplation by the scream, running to join the group.
"What happened? Everyone looks alright, no?"
He sees the sword in Hajar's hand. "My friend, that sword is exquisite. Where did you find it?"
Anyone looking at Bartan can see that he is visibly despondent after contemplating his personal harrowing.
"I thought someone was in danger..."
Avenka's voice is tainted with a bit of shame. She wants to get back to action, but also sees the need to rest. She goes back to a safe and solitary spot, doing just that, now that she is assured everything seems ok.
Evening sets in as you all gather in the minaret. The desert at night is so clear and bright that your bodies cast shadows even by starlight. No torches are needed, and the warm wind off the mountain brings air so fresh that Adam himself breathed nothing cleaner. Garvel eyes Kelmarane through the telescope. The ominous Gnoll call between pale mountain and the occupied town fills the night.
Almah: Ack! Must we endure that incessant whining!?
Dashki: It is The Howl of the Carrion King. Some Gnolls say it is a religious call to prayer. Others that the Carrion King is sending battle orders to his agents in the town. No one knows what they mean.
Almah: Fine. We shall work around it. She rolls out a map of Kelmarane and sticks a dagger through it's corner into the fleshy wood of the table to keep it rolled open. Kelmarane is really nothing more than a big Bazaar. And this building is the Battle Market. For generations it was the main trading post between Katapesh and Osirion, over the mountains. It was a wondrous place to buy and sell. And the Pactmasters wish to make it so again. What I need now is a plan to retake it. Perhaps we need some reconnaissance. Someone to scout out the town. I am open to suggestions...
Most honored Princess Almah, it is this humble servant's opinion that we should start with the outskirts of town and weaken the Carrion King's influence there first. Hajar says with a small bow.
To Dhavyn: "You say he stuck his hand in fire? For a sword? It must have been one incredible sword, no?" I suppose if I had to stick my hand in fire for some sort of artifact harrow deck, I might consider it, as long as it would not hurt the cards! Now, Mademoiselle Yazi, she is just... how you say... carefree? I an enamored by that aspect of her, myself."
"Princess, while I am not one with scouting abilities myself, I am sure that between all of us we can come up with a plan. We do have your farglass, which I'm sure will aid our reconnaissance."
Every place has weaknesses. We are in a desert were water is life. My vote is to go to the lake they are draining and cut off their water supply. When they come to investigate, have an ambush ready, be dug in and well prepared, have the routs up trapped and keep what ever comes bogged down. Were there any caltrops in that weapon wagon, if so we could use them.
Hajar nods at Khayal's strategy clearly impressed with his adoptive brothers acumen for battle.
"I do not know about our goals but I know the laboratory below is rather impressive. I'm sure it could aid greatly anyone who is interested in creation of magic items. Actually I suspect it was used for just that purpose because I found a few formulae that detail creation of a restorative ointment and... I believe some pigments with marvelous qualities..." he trails off when he realizes that the plans Almah was interested in involved more action and less research.
He fidgets a bit. "This is most untowards of me but I'm not sure what is the incentive for me to join in the restoration of Kelmarane. I found a lot of interesting research material here related to genies which is my primary purpose for being here after all. Taking on such a large group of gnolls with a small team like ours sounds... frankly.. suicidial." he pauses to think for a moment.
"However should we continue on this I agree with Khayal. We could perhaps find an ally within the pond. Perhaps one than can satisfy my thirst for more knowledge. Didn't the gnoll mention something about some water creature?"
"We should try to get a good night's sleep and see tomorrow ?"
Dhavyn, the key to victory, especially against a larger force is to not let them act, force them to react. This monastery will not be safe for long under the shadow of the gnoll threat. Far better to fight them where and when we dictate the terms, then under circumstances of their choosing.
Bartan likes the idea the Kayal suggested, but wants to see if the cards agree.
-> The Beating (Neutral Evil, Strength)
"While your plan is sound, I worry that the fates are telling me it could result in our defeat. Then again, this card could be suggesting that we will vanquish our foes. The future is clouded for us, I think...."
"Dictating the terms and pushing the attack sounds all good but at least I require rest if you wish to get more out of me than a few tiny gouts of flame."
"Let's also not forget they are likely to have scouts and the sandy wastes here aren't the best choice when trying to hide. We could travel during night but many monstrous creatures have excellent nightvision - something I lack if I may add". Dhavyn muses for a moment.
"They may even be able to track through scent. Aren't Gnolls and those scrawny dog-scavengers alike?"
Princess Almah: Hm. Your plan seems wise. Cut off the bastard's water supply.
She thinks hard then says
I like it. Rest up tonight. Let Father Z heal you if you need it. Then make your way to the waterfall and shut off the water. Build your defenses and hold your position. But when they send a force too powerful, by heaven, retreat and report back to me.
Then she remember: Oh, what do you want me to do with your Gnoll captives? The seem harmless. But a Gnoll is a Gnoll, and they are technically your prizes, not mine...I've locked them in a room near the library. She hands Yazi the key from around her neck.
The normally helpful side of Anjali recedes as she stares back coldly in response to Almah's inquiry about the gnolls. "That is precisely it, say'yida. A gnoll is a gnoll. I say keep them locked up. It is as good a sanctuary as they deserve."
I would speak with them Mistress if you allow it. Hajar says with a small bow to Yazi.
You find the two female Gnolls well taken care of by Princess Almah. They are fed, and Garavel claims they have been allowed into the courtyard every hour for relief. Neverthless, a caged Gnoll is not a pleasant sight. They eye you coldly as you enter their chamber. Celanka is painting strange symbols and animal shapes all over the room in red ink which she has mixed from the grout between the flagstones, and colored blood from the tips of her fingers.
Crone: Release us.
Do you with to speak in the Taldane ali res jezik?? Hajar says to the elder gnoll
Bartan addresses the princess:
"Princess, do you have any magic items that may be useful to us in this task? My scrolls are running very thin, and any small item may help."
The Princess Almah smiles at Bartan's request. You know, fine sir, the call me "princess" but I am not royalty. I am the daughter of a rich merchant. An ancient family, making me "The Merchant Princess." Perhaps we could barter? I did find a chest which belonged to my Harrower. He had left it in my tent and it escaped the fire. Perhaps we can strike a bargain.
Princess Almah will pay the sales price for any item you have, and 150% of the sale price for any item you have with a DC12 diplo check and a role play attempt. For sale she has anything in the books worth less than 900gp, total spending limit 10,000gp.
Anakhsunamun: I am comfortable in Taldane, as wretched as my touge twists the language. But I am impressed that you speak my own so well. Tell me, did you find the artifact Celanka foresaw in the crypt?
Celanks walks slowly toward you. She is not menacing. She reaches out and touches Tempest (if you let her). Her eyes roll back. She whispers: The Blade of lord Vardishal! Finally, someone may stop Kardswan and end the Carrion King's reign!
the spirit of Vardishal vibrates with confusion: how could she speak thus about my brother? He has nothing to do with the Carrion filth!
Dhavyn is less interested in Gnolls and more interested in what Almah has to offer. He cocks an eyebrow at the suggestion of barter.
"Well I did find this beautiful chime cast in mihtral and etched with engravings. Not only it's a beautiful and vauable item in its own right but it also possess magical properties to open any lock." he pauses for a moment to consider his next words carefully.
"It is not in full power that much I can say and it could certainly help us in our quest to secure Kelmarane, but we have enough other means to get past most locks, and I'm sure you could part with a scroll that does the same in emergencies, and is easier to carry around. "
Who is Kardswann? Hajar replies to the younger gnoll
to the older he says I learned your tongue from a friend in Katapesh, a gnoll. I have found Tempest, blade of the Four Winds. What is your interest in it?
"Ah, bartering, now that is a thing I relish, my beautiful princess. A few scrolls would do wonders to even our odds against these foul beasts."
Is that reasonable?