With a casual flick of his whip, Vaghn snatches the unholy symbol up to his hand and peers at it quizically.
"Zon-Kuthon," he mumbles to himself. "Was there some connection between The Midnight Lord and the Whispering Tyrant?"
Alexa looks at the holy symbols.
Destroy those things. They are unnatural and unholy. I do not want them anywhere near me.
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When the time presents itself - possibly back at caravan camp - Valen will also try to decipher the items for their ability with Detect Magic.
(6) Cure Light Wounds vials.
Three unmarked vials, etched with small daggers on them.
[dice=Spellcraft]1d20+10Six magical scrolls.
[dice=Spellcraft]1d20+10Leather breastplate studded with steel. The armor glows very faintly.
[dice=Spellcraft]1d20+10
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With a casual flick of his whip, Vaghn snatches the unholy symbol up to his hand and peers at it quizically.
"Zon-Kuthon," he mumbles to himself. "Was there some connection between The Midnight Lord and the Whispering Tyrant?" You are unaware of any other connections... although it is logical that Zon-Kuthon may have favored the tyrant.
The scrolls are (3) scrolls of death knell and (3) scrolls of owl's wisdom.
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After clearing the scene of the battle (and blessing and burying the dead), your group follows S'jeer back to the caravan. As soon as she carries the girl into the camp, the whole group gathers around, silent. When she sets the girl down and she walks over to her sisters, they collectively give up a cry of joy.
Kaleb immediately comes over to your group, his smile as wide as the horizon.
"Dear friends... you... you... you have done something remarkable this day. Ustalav is such a dark place and by your actions, you have brought light back to it. I cannot thank you enough. With that said, I am bound to reward such nobility."
Kaleb produces a ebon box with a golden clasp. He opens it, displaying a dagger that shines with a pale, blue light. He says, "This was my father's blade. It is called Luckfire and I must pass it on to you, for your actions suit its nature. It is a smart blade, able to answer simple questions posed to it. It has never been fond of me, as I rarely take it from its velvet bed, but I think it might attune nicely to one of you."
And with that, he presents the dagger to your group.
"Now, come and feast with us. I have a beautiful bottle of Andoran Scotch that I've been meaning to open...."
"A sentient blade?! Such a treasure is worth a kingdom! Surely you cannot really mean to gift us such a priceless artifact! Surely we cannot accept it?" Vaghn trails off, his eyes wide and staring at the glowing dagger, his mind obviously racing off on one of his wild fancies.
Having quartered the area checking for other dangers Madeline, with Smith, then helps with the details of squaring away the detritus of battle. The pair then escorts the girl and company back to the camp-site.
Content that their fellow travelers are safe, Madeline approaches her companions and, firstly, apologizes for not being very effective in the combat they've just had and promises to try and do better. She offers a respectful curtsey to Master's Valen, Vaughn and Weehawk. Smith bows along side his Mistress. To Alexa she offers a shaking of hands, Smith again bows.
She agrees with Alexa that the religious items should be dealt with, quickly and as finally as possible. A smile does dawn upon her features at the other group's happy rejoining.
Upon being presented with the glowing, talking blade, Madeline's face remains neutral. Though upon its utterances an eyebrow does arch.
After the holy symbols have been destroyed/consecrated properly, Alexa wearily returns with the others. She too smiles at the happy reunion which makes her wonder how her family is doing to the south (in a small farming village a few days walk WSW of Ravengro I think).
As the blade is presented, her eyes open.
I am trained to use such a weapon, but do no think that I would be best with it. Perhaps Vaghn or Valen would be better suited to use it. Or even Madeline. What can the blade do? Does it have sentience? What is its personality?
Valen concurs with the others to destroy the holy symbols - if it helps to consecrate them, he will certainly do so.
When they return, Valen takes satisfaction in seeing the young girl reunited with her sisters - alive and well. At Kaleb's offer of the dagger and to hear it talk, he can only respond with a stammered, "Remarkable! How do you do, Mr. Luckfire?"
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Once they are settled in, he conveys that the potions are:
Potion of Magic Weapon - grants the user a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls with their weapon.
The leather armors are +1 studded leather.
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Also later, he will ask Vaghn and Madeline. "Begging your pardon, but given your previous knowledge of the books and rumors of the Whispering Way, does it seem likely they would have members of Zon-Kuthon's clergy? Or were they just after the books for some reason?"
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Your group easily destroys the holy symbols.
At the mention of the blade's value, Kaleb says, "Ah, valuable it is. But not nearly as valuable as the life of any of my kindred. It is not a fair trade. You have already paid for it in spades."
"Then we shall happily accept. Thank you. Greetings to you, Luckfire. It seems you shall be joining our merry band. I look forward to a more in-depth conversation with you later, as I am bursting with curiousity as to your history! Perhaps I shall even write a dissertation on you for the University."
Later, in response to Valen's questioning:
"Three of these scrolls are of vile magic that feeds on the souls of the dying; best for all if they are destroyed. The other three are a boon to improve one's wisdom for a few minutes. As for that armor... as nefarious as it looks right now, with the skull motif and everything, I do not believe that is part of the enchantment. A little work might be able to render it serviceable for one of us, without making the wearer look like a cultist."
"It may behoove us to once again peruse the tomes to see if we missed something of import. Why the Way wants them so bad, I cannot say. Yes, our attackers must certainly have been followers of the Tyrant, and the Midnight Lord both; the Pallid Princess is not the only deity whose followers are known to work closely with the undead."
"I'll buy you dinner later, if it helps. For now, if you please, I am fascinated by the enchantments laid upon you, and as I have never had the opportunity to study a sentient item before, I simply will not be able to rest until I have taken a peek!"
Madeline moves about the group's campsite preparing to return(?) to bed. Since they still have to face the renewed journeying on the morrow.
The item's comments/behavior currently elicit no real response from her. She is content to wait.
"Oh, hush! I haven't harmed you in any way, and I must say the enchantments woven into you are quite simply put a work of art! You, my magnificent new friend, are going to be the subject of an in-depth scientific treatise when our adventure is over and done with."
Weehawk tends to Mule and readies for the journey. Before he retires he takes a moment to go over to Madeline
I don' know what came over me Lady Madelaine.. I hope yer can forgive me fer causin' yer harm...
He then heads over to Valen -
Ye seem familiar with deez majikal ways ... wha' izzit dat happened to me to want to harm one our own?
Madeline's eyes continue to glare at Weehawk for a moment as he makes his apologies. Though quickly she marshals her thoughts and her feature's soften. She seems to think for a moment or two....and then extends a gloved hand.
"It is not to mind, Master Weehawk. The enemy casters used their arcane skills to good advantage in the encounter." She smiles a little ruefully, "That is what you're..." She stops as Weehawk seeks Master Valen's council.
Nodding, she simply returns to the business of settling down for the night, though the antics/comments passing back and forth between their new 'blade' and such does occasionally draw her gaze and accompanying frown.
Alexa also keeps an eye on Weehawk after his strange attack on Madeline.
I do not know what overcame him. But those evil men used all forms of shadow and illusion magic. Perhaps they may you appear as an enemy to him.
Madeline nods at Alexa's assessment.
"One would hope it was just such...And not something longer lasting..." She replies, though she offers Master Weehawk a slight smile and nod of her head to show she's not at all serious in her last claim. That the incident was incited by the evil spell casters and nothing else.
Ye seem familiar with deez majikal ways ... wha' izzit dat happened to me to want to harm one our own?
Valen blinks and seems to consider his question. "Well, I've never been one to consider the spells before, but it is a charm designed to bring out murderous intent - a blinding rage towards allies. The good news is it generally is a short term effect; you shouldn't feel any after-effects now that the caster is dead," he finishes saying - hoping that will reassure both Wehawk and Madeline.
The priest otherwise settles in with the rest - slightly amused by the professor's conversation with Luckfire as an aside. He takes some extra time to insure that anyone in need of healing be checked, and also makes it a point to check with the troupe on Aleece to make sure she is alright. During his prayers, he will make sure to include two lesser restoration spells for himself and Alexa.
The priest otherwise settles in with the rest - slightly amused by the professor's conversation with Luckfire as an aside. He takes some extra time to insure that anyone in need of healing be checked, and also makes it a point to check with the troupe on Aleece to make sure she is alright. During his prayers, he will make sure to include two lesser restoration spells for himself and Alexa.
At Valen's inquiry into her health, Madeline demurely smiles and reassures the kind Priest that she is indeed all right.
There is a moment's hesitation, however, as Madeline hesitantly reaches out to lightly touch Valen's sleeve. She seems embarrassed at having to accept Master Valen's help.
At Madeline's tentative request, Valen gladly assists - giving her a small smile of reassurance.
Madeline smiles and offers a small, polite curtsey as thanks.
:
Have a good evening/morning.
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The following morning, your group awakens to the smell of bacon, honeyed breads, and hot coffee. As each of you get up, you notice the motley nature of the Crooked Kin in their full glory - the whole of the performers gathered around the fire sharing coffee out of large, wooden cups. As you collectively start to mill about, Kaleb stands and walks over to your small camp. He says, We'll be breaking camp and on the road within the hour. We're continuing on to Lepistadt and you're welcome to join us. By my estimation, if we travel without any incident, we should arrive tonight around midnight. Would you travel with us?"
Alexa looks to the others:
I would prefer traveling with all speed. Helping to protect the group is honorable, but it seems that trouble is following us. I would hate to place any more of them in harms way.
Out of the times that the shadow attacked me - none hit
I would prefer traveling with all speed. Helping to protect the group is honorable, but it seems that trouble is following us. I would hate to place any more of them in harms way.
If de group feels safer wit us wid 'em - den maybe we should stay...?
Alexa shakes her head:
That little girl was attacked as bait to catch us. I would hate it if another innocent was so attacked, and even worse killed.
If we march forward with all haste, then there will be no reason to attack the caravan. Our enemy is smart, it is not going to waste its resources if there is no chance at getting these books.
Valen rubs his chin in thought at the discussion. He gives a warm look at the strange folk, "We are more forearmed than we were, and I think they are too..., but we could move swiftly to get there without the caravan and turn these books in before anyone else is at risk."
"Unless they request our support, I think Alexa is correct."
Madeline with every one else. She smiles and makes small pleasantries with the other folk.
When discussion turns to the arraignment of travel she listens and ponders.
"What Alexa says is only partially correct. Those villains were waiting ahead of us to use these folk as bait for their trap." She lapses back into thought.
"So...the question is...did they prepare a second line of ambush? Further along the road to Lepistadt? Or...is there possibly another group moving up behind us? Much like one would hunt a quarry?" She asks, looking to her companions.
"Though, either way, Master Valen is correct and the possible target should be made safe from their predations as soon as possible." She offers a reassuring smile to Kaleb and his troop.
"I'm sure that those who would seek us harm are in no position to flaunt with figures of authority. Should there be any following us, they are sure to skirt incidents which would draw attention to themselves. So, as Miss Alexa recommends, we should hasten to Lepistadt."
"We will indeed look for you once every one has arrived at the town." :)
Either before or after their meeting with Kaleb, Valen makes it a point to apply Lesser Restoration to Alexa and himself.
Finishing a mug of the offered coffee as they talk, Valen gets his gear ready to go. "Thank you for your hospitality, Herr Hesse. We'll see you in Lepidstadt then."
Alexa feels much better after Valen's restorative spell.
Yes, we shall see you in the university city.
Not being great at concealing her emotions, it is apparent that Alexa is not really looking forward to going into another large city, but understands that in this case it is a necessity.
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Recently renovated, Lepidstadt is a bustling, lively city of students and academics, with newly bricked streets, wide plazas, and grandiose structures built from imported wood and stone. Away from the university and city center, however, the narrow, winding streets of Lepidstadt show the signs of its age, with dilapidated hovels, crumbling stone walls, and cramped courtyards.
As you look around, you notice the city is flush with activity - feeling almost as if it were in the midst of a celebration or carnival. As you make your way into the center of the city, you cannot help but notice the huge pyre in the shape of a man—Lepidstadt’s famous Punishing Man—that has been erected in the main circle outside the courthouse,
"Ah, home!" Vaghn inhales deeply of the smells of his home city, a gleam in his eye, and guides the others with the expert step that only one who grew up in a city's streets can achieve. "What the forest is to you, Alexa, Lepidstadt and the University are to me!"
Madeline as well smiles, obviously welcome to be in the city.
With Master Grafft's guidance she sets about doing all the things she has planned...