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Seeing that he has time, Corellon steadies his hand and continues to tap the tumblers until he gets them in the exact position. Finally, he gets a satisfying click out of each one.
Inside one chest are several pounds of long-outdated investment papers, lists of debts, and various notes on blackmail victims—while once totaling nearly 120,000 gp in value, these papers are now worthless thanks to the passage of time and the deaths of most involved. Of greater value are this chest’s other contents, including several valuable books. These books include an early Andoren philosophy book worth 200 gp, an illustrated scenic journey through Osirion worth 230 gp, a three-volume work on the teachings of a spirit naga entitled the Libra Malfactum worth 400 gp, and a spellbook containing 30 spells (Random: 10 of 1st level, 10 of 2nd level, seven of 3rd level, and three of 4th level). Under the books is a layer of 1,300 gp, along with a narrow ivory box with a carved lid depicting an army of golems destroying a city wall. The box is worth 800 gp, and it contains a golem bane scarab and a wand
The other chest contains only one object—what you believe to be the fabled Chelish Crux. This strange and baffling object appears as a wooden and metal dodecahedron (similar in shape to a d12) that measures about 6 inches in diameter— each face of the crux is carved with a different rune, and when one looks upon the thing, the observer has the unsettling sensation that he can see too many or too few sides at once.
tems now...
+1 Keen Long Sword
+1 Defending Long Sword
+1 Cold Iron Axe
Wand of Cat's Grace (15 charges)
Ring of Father Fall
Crown of Blasting
2930gp of Misc treasure/coin
Spell book (10/10/7/3 Random)
? Wand
"Corellon, We're in this messed up place fighting scary disgusting demon getting infected with god knows what, to freeze up here is perfectly normal i don't think of you any differently."
Aemon then takes a moment to think.
"Beppo's right i doubted myself, but it's not about one person we're a team if one of us slips there will be someone there to help you backup."
He offers his hand to Corellon, Look to your friends in times of need.
"Corellon, We're in this messed up place fighting scary disgusting demon getting infected with god knows what, to freeze up here is perfectly normal i don't think of you any differently."
Aemon then takes a moment to think.
"Beppo's right i doubted myself, but it's not about one person we're a team if one of us slips there will be someone there to help you backup."
He offers his hand to Corellon, Look to your friends in times of need.
Exactly. So enough of the self pity, I feel sick enough already. None of us have covered ourselves in glory here - broken, battered, one member down. he says this idly as he picks up the Crux and examines it carefully. But it is dead and we are not and the rest is inconsequential.
Hmmmm...
Oh and by the way, Devils dead, yes? I only mention it because I think it's on everyone's mind and Brandon will be back soon. He'll want to turn this place upside down looking for his friend. A pointless endeavour which I'm sure you'll help him to realise.
Putting her arm around Corellon, Tessai smiles at the rogue - "We all have our place in this game Corellon - they can differ at times, but the main role is sticking together, as we, and YOU have done since day one... Knowing you here is more than enough for me, because regarding the rest, I already know you well enough to be sure you will do your best"
As Edmond voices what is probably on everyones' mind for some time, Tessai snarls at him - "Regardless of what everyone else wants to do, I will not leave this place until I am sure that Devil is gone... So, you can leave if you want to - I will be searching for the coward, as you have put it"
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Kyle would like to read any books found before selling them.
"We should hold onto the spellbook for now. Surely someone in our group could benefit from this." I believe there is an NPC Shade of Gray that could if someone doesn't change their class.
Kyle studies the wand.
"You saw how quick that demon went through everyone. I'm not sure what else you could have done. You were probably the smart one of the bunch." He tells Corellon.
Tessai assists Kyle in studying the wand.
She whispers to her companion - "Sorry Kyle, my head is still spinning, I cannot make anything of this one..."
Corellon brings himself to a stand. "Your graciousness is a further testament to your greatness. Your kind words offer me solace. I appreciate them greatly."
He shakes off the dismay and clears his throat before changing the subject. "I agree we should not abandon him, but considering the mysteries of this place, he may not even be here, or on this plane of existence for that matter. Dutifully we should search for him, but I fear that his absence for this length of time is ominous."
He takes a few steps and recalls, "What about that thing in the cell, maybe he went bakc there to finish it off?"
As Edmond voices what is probably on everyones' mind for some time, Tessai snarls at him - "Regardless of what everyone else wants to do, I will not leave this place until I am sure that Devil is gone... So, you can leave if you want to - I will be searching for the coward, as you have put it"
As you wish.He says with a dismissive wave of his claw. I'll put the kettle on back at base.
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You look in that room.
The far wall of this otherwise empty chamber is fitted with three mirrors about 6' tall and 3' wide each.
The left mirror shows a steel treasure chest in a dimly lit room. It has very fine, gold moldings in the shape of various birds' heads. The chest is closed and appears to be locked. It sits upon a stone floor with a stone wall behind it.
The right mirror shows Kyle's bedroom in the mansion. It is dark, and quiet. A woman sleeps quietly in the bed, though it is hard to make out her features due to the lack of light.
The middle mirror shows the hideout. There you see Janiven and several of the other children gathered in a tight circle around a bettered Black Devil. Janiven appears to be doing her best to bandage the tiefling, but looks exasperated.
More trickery?
Tessai seems puzzled at Kyle's option - "But... Devil is right there..." - she stammers as she starts moving, towards the mirror where Janiven is depicted, and her companion lays down.
Without hesitation, she touches the mirror.
"What are these? has someone been watching us?"
Aemon steps back waiting to see what everyone else is doing, looking through the mirrors trying to work out what's happening.
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Kyle finds himself back in the bedroom where the young actress awaits him in bed. She stirs ever so slightly...
Kyle...is that you? I had a dream....no...a nightmare really that...
She tosses to the other side, covering her head with blankets.
Kyle, please have the help draw you a bath.... She eventually drifts back off.
Tessai touches the mirror, and instantly finds herself back at the 'abandoned' Temple of Iomadae.
Tessai!, Janiven exclaims. Where did you...it doesn't matter. Where's Kyle! Black devil just feel onto the floor, out of the blue! He's hurt, and needs healing! Arael is on assignment and Fiosa used her energies elsewhere!
Well, I... Tessai stammers for a moment, clearly looking just a little shocked.
Do you have anything that can heal him? He'll die if we don't do something fast!
"I... I have these..." - Tessai kneels before Devil, her voice faltering - "I don't know if..."
Corellon is in awe of the magical windows that he sees before him. Seeing that Devil is being attended to and knowing that he can't add much help, He can't keep his eye off of the one with the chest in it.
"Wouldn't surprise me if it was a trap, bet that thing is in the room with the devil in that cell."
Beppo stares in wonder at the scenes. If only we knew where that chest is...
With his eyes still on the chest , Beppo grumbles, We should follow Kyle. We can't let him get trapped in this house all by himself.
Without moving, he moves on to another thought. Who can see this? Has someone been watching us?
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Feeling relaxed knowing Devil has returned to headquarters and knowing he's in good hands he thinks of Fiosa. 'She has done such a great job in training. It is so good to have such a capable person help pick up the slack. Especially, after such an ordeal.'
Kyle is seriously spent and in need of rest. The party is still in need of healing, but he can't do anything about it until after his prayers to Shelyn. He had already relied more on her help than he is accustomed to. Fortunately, the parties ailments aren't serious yet and can wait.
Kyle takes Calseinicas advise and looks for a servant to draw him a bath to clean himself up, before returning to bed next to the young actress.
She administers to potion. He looks a little better after a few minutes, but not much.
Whatever this is, its eating him up. Without Arael or Kyle, I don't know what to do. We might...we might have to risk running out in the streets at night to one of those disgusting temples of Asmodeus!
"That chest does look very nice... I still wanted to go back and speak to that demon locked up. They shouldn't have gone through without us discussing it."
Aemon then look at each mirror unsure of what to do.
"What should we do?"
"I'll do whatever is necessary - perhaps I can recall where Kyles' priestess friend lives... Let me think for a second..."
"Yes, I remember!" - Tessai exclaims as she gets up, and then picks Devil up as if he weighted nothing, her frame sporting a surprising massive strength, and dashes out.
"Well, I am curious about the chest. I assume you can't get back the way we came since the others havn't come back. Its a one way ticket. We could send one of us over and see what happens? If its a fight the one going over could motion for assistance or warn the rest of their immminent demise and not to join them."
Corellon thinks for a moment.
"Hmmm ... what if we send something through to be able to see the rest of the room?"
He takesout his small mirror and rmoves the rope from his bag. He ties the mirror in so that it sits amid the clump of rope and tries to toss the clump through the mirror so the clump lands with the mirror reflecting the other part of the room, away from the chest.
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The servants pour hot water into the bath. Kyle feels the heat before he even steps into it. He tests it with a toe and slowly dips the rest of his foot in. He lets all the pains from the evening drain into the bath as he holds his breath when he finally gets to his head. He stays under the water for half a minute just feeling the muscles relax as the servants do their best to scrub the stench from the Knot away. 'I could get used to his.'
Kyle lies in the tub a few minutes after the servants finished scrubbing him. He dozes in and out of consciousness; the servants cough to wake him up. When he gets out, the servants towel him off and rub oil that smell like flowers on his skin.
Kyle is surprised to see his clothes already washed, cleaned, and dried when he is dressed. 'I must have dozed off in the tub longer than I had thought.'
Returning to his room he snuggles in next to Calseinica who reeks of alcohol. "You should take your own advise, you know. Those baths are amazing."
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As Kyle relaxes Corellon and Beppo look at the treasure. As he puts his mirror through the other mirror, he does his best to look around. The room is only dimly lit. He sees what appears to be a large lizard like creature in the opposing corner.
Perception check!
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Tessai begins to run through the sewers using her knowledge of the lay of the city to find the shortest, yet safest route, as running into shadow beasts would not help out the situation at all at the moment.
Aemon starts to get a little tense with everyone splitting up.
"What's in there? can we go in?" Clearly sounding a little aggravated. He takes a peak in over Corellons shoulder. "Kyle and Tessai seem save aat the moment. WE can't help Devil."
Aemon start to pace.
Tessais' dash is surreal - her eyes blurried with dark tears, she moves as if it is all a dream - not really remembering the path but following it, she wanders along in complete darkness, Devil fading away in her arms.
No brother... - she struggles as his breath grows shallow with each step. Not much can be seen or heard from the tiefling as she moves through the dark streets of Westcrown - those more attentive may hear her heels against the cobbled stone, or her labored breath, but she cares not, pressing forward through the maze of walls and buildings.
Here and there, some approach thinking to find easy prey, but a snarl from the heavily armed and armored tiefling is enough to keep most at bay - those more brave, are met with a solid boot to the groin and left whimpering on the floor.
"There!" - she lets out at the familiar sight of her objective.
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Corellon and the crew look further in to roped mirror. They see what appears to be a small dragon or wyvern sleeping in the opposing corner. There's a door on another wall. You still don't recognize the room...it could be anywhere.
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To keep timelines somewhat shored up...I won't continue Tessai's line at the moment. In reality, it would have taken at least half a minute to talk things out with Janiven, make a decision, unlock the necessary doors, etc ... and the guys above are taking about that much time to make this decision here...
"It looks like its asleep, maybe we could surprise it. Who knows whot or what is beyond the door, and whether there is any risk of someone hearing us and coming in. I also suppose that there is a chance that one could sneak in grab the chest and go without waking the beast, but who knows. I'd like to go for it but there are only three of us. And I think Kyle took the healing wand with him. Anyone know anything about what that thing is or could do to us?"
Beppo watches the archer pace with a touch of annoyance. Stay calm, Aemon. Either we go to wherever that thing is - he points toward the chest - or we follow Kyle. As far as I'm concerned, Tessai is safe, and we can't do much about Devil without Kyle.
...
He responds to Corellon as well. I am tempted to sneak in, too, and I think I still have a couple of potions left, but who knows where that room is? Edmond, any thoughts? Shall we try it?
"One lizard thing against the three of us, might be the least of what we've face here. But who knows what else might be there or where we end up. Despite that, I'm inclined to do it. What do you two say?"
Aemon takes a deep breath.
Ok. I really want to know what's so important about that chest, if we sneak up to the lizard thing maybe we could take it out before it wakes up?
"I'm in on the sneak plan ... Beppo?"
Corellon readies his blades and prepares to go through the mirror, doing his best to sneak up on the lizard, he glances at Beppo waiting for the nod.