Dhavyn is perplexed by the sudden change in the creature's behavior and almost launches another barrage of magic missile into it before he realizes it's surrendering - or at least ceasing its attacks.
He approaches the creature cautiously. "Enspelled by the Crown you say? What is so special about that thing?" he walks next to the crown and scans it with Detect Magic while at the same time trying to figure if the creature is telling the truth.
Dhavyn senses an strong aura of compulsion enchantment, though he cannot identify the spells involved. He senses no subtrefuge.
For goodness sake, sir, do not touch that thing! When the genie gave it to me I had no idea what it would do. I thought it was a gift!!
Answering Hajar and Avenka: My intentions? Pah! Now i intend to return home. If I ever set foot on the material plane again it shall be too early.
As the smallish fey lady steps into the cavern through the waterfall, Eosphorite looks over your shoulders at her, and lowers his head. A thousand apologies, mistress. I could never make up for the pain i've caused you. He looks around at you all: pain I've caused all of you.
We did cause some pain back but this might not be the best time to mention it.
"The crown. It's harmless if not worn, correct? I'd like to examine it more carefully in case we see more of them in the future." Dhavyn crouches over the device, fascinated by it, but smart enough to not touch it - yet. As he does the light spell on his necklace begins to grow dimmer.
Alarmed by it Dhavyn repeats the incantation to put it back to full power. "We need to act soon regardless. Let's not forget the Gnolls will be here soon. Unless you are willing to lend us your assistance?"
Avenka will try something new: helping Dhavyn with diplomacy.
"Yes, we would be honored to fight them besides you!"
Anjali steps forward, smiling gently at the well-intentioned barbarian girl before addressing the elemental creature. The girl might be gruff, but her heart is in the right place.
She bows her head, hands clasped together before her before speaking to the crystalline elemental. "Say'yedi Eosphorite, consider Dhavyndor's words. You have mentioned yourself that you could never make up for what was done to the mistress of these pools. But perhaps you can. Once the gnolls get here, they will attempt to divert her watery abode again. I am sure that she would appreciate your assistance in gaining the safety of her home once more."
Eosphorite is moved by your diplomacy attempts: Listen to me, all of you. These jackle-headed beasts have found a leader in the genie, Kardswaan. He is no easy foe. But you are right that he will send his whole army here. Water is precious and he will not forgive my treachery. Consider this proposal: I am willing to stay here a while longer. With the good Nixie's help we can distract the gnoll army when it arrives. While we do this, your party could sneak back down into the valley, and assault Kelmarane proper. It will almost certainly be empty as the army will be here at the pond. If you do this you are sure to find Kardswaan in the large stone building, the Battle Market, with but a few defenders. Though they are bound to be powerful, robbed of his gnoll army you may be able to overcome him?
The nixie is warry of the rock monster, but nods in assent. You have freed both of us from our prisons. I forgive this creature, he was as much a victim as I. I will help your party in any way you see fit...what will your strategy be?
I...I would not wish to harm Kardswann before I found and destroyed this Xulthos being. The Gnoll Anaksunamun spoke of the Daemon being trapped under the church. If we could free Kardswann from its influence, we might yet gain more allies against the Carrion King and his Pale Mountain hordes. Hajar says.
[b]"In either case, having the bulk of the gnolls here instead of in Kelmarane will be beneficial to us. Thank you, and I apologize for the explosions in your face, but we had to defend ourselves. I'm sure you understand. "[\b]
X...Xulthos? Did you say the name "Xulthos"? Ahhh, so this is how a Templar of the Five Winds has been moved to evil acts, such as dominating me with that crown: The demon trapped in the crypt by the Pactmasters!
Listen to me. If the Daemon Xulthos has dominated the genie here you will all need to be extremely careful. It is true you must vanquish the demon before Kardswaan will be released from bondage. But trust me: the demon will not allow you into his chamber without you first passing through his minions, of which Kardswaan is now one! A true dilemma for true heros...
The great rock man bends down over the earth. He waves his hand over the ground and a mineral spike grows up three feet high. The tip of this spike shapes itself into a crystalline key. He plucks it off and holds it out in the palm of his hand for the taking.
There is no door on this plane made of earth or stone which this key will not open one time. Please, take it. With it I have no doubt you will be able to enter whatever chamber the demon has been trapped in.
What can I do to help? Are you all equipped for the journey?
I am equipped but any help you can give would be well appreciated. I don't suppose you can bless a blade?
|
From the moment the battle ended and the elemental reclaimed its senses Yazi was lost deep in thought as the conversation played out. If you were to carve him into a very sexy sculpture could he also make the parts work?
As the battle plans recommence she snaps out of her wistful daydreaming to rejoin the others. "If either of you could provide any healing that would be nice. Or any items you might mind us borrowing? She scans the area as she asks the last part.
"I concur. Any items that might help us in our journeys would be welcome. This fight alone proved that we are in dire need of items that can aid our little party in healing or resisting a possession, and let's not forget the demon either." Dhavyn says and pokes the crown cautiously.
"No disrespect to Anjali's talents meant..." he adds as an afterthought.
While the others busy themselves with gaining information and wheedling the nixie for boons, Anjali retreats to the background, taking the time to explore the cave more closely. She kneels down on the floor, examining the minerals there, wondering about its possibilities for her craft. One never knew what could be a valuable additive for a scented balm or a soothing cream.
So engrossed is Anjali in her task that she almost misses Dhavyn's offhand comment. The healer merely looks up at the fire mage and nods curtly, very much aware of how she could only mitigate a fraction of the damage Eosphorite doled out. She goes back to dragging her fingers through the cave floor.
Perhaps the waterfall will refresh us once more when we pass through it, just as before. Otherwise, I will heal them as best as I can before the upcoming fight.
Hajar takes the proffered key. Our thanks Master Eosphorite. We will destroy this Xulthos and free Kardswann Hajar turns to leave after a respectful bow to the creature.
To the nixie: "If you have the power, restoring us as you did on our way in here would be more than sufficient to help us fulfill our goals. Barring that, a blessing from the spirits of nature would always be welcomed."
To both of them: "If there is anything that we may do to help the two of you prepare for the assault that will surely be coming upon you soon, please don't hesitate to ask. And after these battles, if you'd like to know what the cards have in store for you, seek me out for a harrowing."
"Hajar, it will take a plan of action if you don't want to hurt Kardswann. He will act against us, no doubt, and I won't let him kill us just because he is good but under the influence of a demon. If we can get past him and still reach our goal, good, but if he blocks our way and attacks us, I won't hold my flail and risk the safety of this group, just be warned..."
Anjali stands, dusting off her hands. Her palms shimmer with powdered crystals. "I am with Avenka. The safety of the group is of utmost importance."
"I agree with Avenka. We can attempt to subdue Kardswann without using lethal force, but if it comes down to his life versus our own, I will choose ours."
Dhavyn continues peering at the crown while the rest squabble and furtively picks it up, hiding it into folds of his clothes even as the others argue.
If others ignore such a potent item it can't be that lethal - besides studying it might prove interesting.
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Anjali finds all kinds of interesting potential additives in the cave...
1. cyan colored mushrooms whose under-hoods glow like blacklights. She knows these will provide a sort of scent to concoctions.
2. ruffly orange lichen with velvety skin. She knows these will provide a sort of scent to concoctions.
3. ice-like stalactite crystals which form wherever the rock creature steps. She knows these will provide a sort of scent to concoctions.
Paige the Nixie smiles at your requests. Yes I will heal you as you walk through my watefall. And any time you ever need it forever. Just come back to visit me. But also, come, gather around. I have treasures I have collected for ages upon ages.
The ancient iron hinges creak loudly as she opens the giant treasure chest...
Speaking of loot, Bartan looks longingly at the chest in the corner. "Monsieur Eosphorite... what is in that enticing chest there?"
-A beautiful pearl NOT IDENTIFIED
-A shirt made of gossamer-thin fabric embroidered with arrangements of winged feet NOT IDENTIFIED
-Masterwork Theives Tools
-A brooch which looks EXACTLY like the one the little saint in the monestary crypt wore around her neck! Paige: Hm. Where did that come from?
-A scarlet cape embroidered with the symbol of a mighty eagle clutching a crooked cross shape NOT IDENTIFIED
-A deck of unusual Harrow Cards in a wooden box
-4x potions NOT IDENTIFIED
-A pair of elven boots NOT IDENTIFIED
-An amulet NOT IDENTIFIED
-gems and gold but you shouldn't take everything the poor nixie has!
As you all sift through the items, the Nixie walks to Khayal. This takes a lot of power from me. But...Thrust your blade into the waterfall...
When you retract it, the blade has become a +1 magic weapon.
Hajar stares at Avenka. You will do what you must. And I will do what I must. I will not allow harm to come to my brot.. Hajar pauses and shakes his head slightly To Kardswann. He is under a compulsion, we will free him. I would do no less for any of you.
Wow, she's more forward than Yazi.
Khayal, while not used to the ways of magic is able to tell that there is a new power about his blade; something he has never felt before. He swings it and it almost guides his movement. The blade seems to stay damp even after he gives it a good solid swing or two.
I lack the words to thank you with, know that I will put this to good use. Khayal says with a bow.
Dhavyn idly wanders from his current position to his gathered friends, and peers over Yazi's shoulder into the chest. "That looks like a wondorous stash indeed. Do you know what powers those items possess? If not perhaps I can be of assistance?" he asks and scans the chest with detect magic.
And potions
Dhavyn probably already got the brooch
For the two potions that Dhavyn probably failed on:
If neither of us got the pearl, Bartan will pick it up and likely attempt to re-cast one of his spells during the next battle using it.
Helping eachother, Bartan and Dhavyn identify every item (accept the crown) The full hoard looks like this:
-A beautiful pearl Pearl of Power level 1 (1000gp)
-A shirt made of gossamer-thin fabric Quick runner's shirt (1000gp)
-Masterwork Theives Tools
-A brooch which looks EXACTLY like the one the little saint in the monestary crypt wore around her neck! brooch of shieding (1500gp)
-A scarlet cape embroidered with the symbol of a mighty eagle clutching a crooked cross shape Eagle Cape (wonderous item) (7000gp)
-A deck of unusual Harrow Cards in a wooden box
-4x potions potions of CLW
-A pair of elven boots Boots of Elvenkind 2500gp
-An amulet Amulet of Natural Armor
-gems and gold
Dhavyn's eyes widen in wonder as every new wondorous item reveals its properties. "This truly is a wondorous bounty. We are ever grateful if you are willing to part even some of these items" he says to the Nixie and runs his fingers through fabric of the cape.
I'd be very interested in this cape. It bears the signs of my heraldry... he fiddles with the strings of the pouch on his belt, and pulls out a signet ring with symbol similar to that on the cape.
He quickly hides the ring and pulls the cape from the chest. Folding it neatly on his arm in case someone wishes to contest his choice.
Paige's smile melts a little. You are going to take it all then?
"I'm so sorry, mademoiselle, we got too excited about your treasures! For myself, the harrow cards are very enticing, and the pearl would help me in the upcoming battle... I would be happy to return the pearl to you after the battle though, if you so desire."
Dhavyn muses for a bit about Paige's comment. "Well we probably need the potions and many of these items would truly be useful in our battles..."
Avenka stays far from the treasure, not seeing anything of use to her.
Paige smiles again at Yazi and takes the gems. I like pretty things like these she says. The rock man looks over her shoulder...
...Well, Ms Nightsong, those gems are rare indeed. I shall help you identify the particular minerals when we have time.
Bartan inspects his new Harrow Deck:
It is a full deck in a wooden box. Each card instead of being made of paper is made of very thinly sliced cherry wood. The images are hand painted in vibrant colors with gold trim. They are MWK. Just as he is about to put them back in the box a slip of paper falls out from between them. On the paper is a message:
The owner of this deck is hereby inducted into the Grand Varisian Harrower's Guild. You are entitled to entry into the most exclusive Guild events, and invited to perform in The Annual Harvest Harrowing. //signed// Lady Ambrosia Vashenko, Korvosa 4432 GE.
Dhavyn bites his lip in frustration. "Fine. You like pretty things but the truth is we do need these things. Before others decide to split with all our existing belongings know this. This cloak alone is worth nearly as much as the other things in the chest combined"
He drops the cloak back into the chest and pulls out the Amulet, the Boots, and the Brooch gingerly, pausing as a sudden revelation hits him. He picks the thieves tools almost as an afterthought.
Marching to Yazi he drops the boots on her hands. "You! I heard you complain about your troubles getting around. These boots will help you with that."
He continues his march to Avenka "And you! Your rage makes you vulnerable. This amulet will aid you in protecting yourself."
Finally he pauses at Anjali "...and you. The goddess wishes you to have this." He hands the brooch to her.
He completes the trip and heads back to chest, pocketing the small vials.