Legacy of Fire

Game Master Megan Robertson

Sonya rolls her eyes noticeably impatient as Silena talks of their ruse. Sonya had little love for court politics. In the last year she's only appeared before the Lady Almah twice, always managing to convince the High Priest to go in her stead. The excuse always being that the Church did not wish to insult the Princess with anything less than their highest office. It was a convenient excuse to keep Sonya away from a lifestyle she had grown to detest. Sonya sighs heavily, "Yes, yes, you're all so clever in your little ruse." Sonya says her voice dripping with sarcasm. Anyone who knew her less than Silena may even have been insulted at the tone and implication, but Silena knows and understands well Sonya's feelings on the court. It reminded Sonya far too much of her life before being called into the churches service. Sonya was no princess, but her father was very wealthy and well renowned all over the country. His name recognized and respected by any in his trade all across Golarion. Had Sarenrae not so forcefully grabbed Sonya from that life, Sonya would still be a debutante, being sought after by the richest and most powerful princes of the nation.

"And you're certain the Lady Almah will not be insulted by the church only sending the lowly position of Abbot-Protector to this meeting. I am certain the High Priest can arrange time for the Princess." Sonya knows there is little hope of avoiding the court today, since this visitor requested her specifically, but she can't help but try the request on Silena.

Once she is defeated she will abruptly change topics. "Speaking of rumors," Sonya begins with a mischievous smile Silena has come to know represents the wild teen in the young cleric, "I have heard rumor that the High Priest of Calistria has imported a large stock of exotic spirits for some function tonight. As a leading member of the church I feel it is my duty to attend the function and show the churches tolerance and acceptance of the Calistrian church's practices. I would love if you would accompany me. That is, if you've not already made plans with Hijero." Even as she speaks, she feigns ignorance that Hijero financially sponsors the brothel the Calistrians run their prostitution services out of. Only ever remarking on what a coincidence it is he attends most of the Calistrian functions.

Silena takes no affront at Sonya's dismissiveness of court intrigue, knowing indeed she has always wanted to escape such plotting and schemeing~ but its a type of life Silena had to learn to survive and get good at to keep her parent's machinations at least at arm's length.

She chuckles at her friend, {tee-hee}"...no the lowly priest is not going to be evident just in the wings to support if things get...'interesting'... besides.. I will be there and I wield even greater divine power available. But it IS just a courtly meeting.. not an armed assault we're planning... I just like to be ...prepared for all eventualities.. it increases one's survivability!"

Grinning, "OF Course ..I'll be joining you at the party tonight.. wouldn't miss it!"

Sonya laughs, "You truly believe you wield greater power than I? HA!" Sonya laughs sarcastically. "I am an exalted of Sarenrae, my very body burns as a symbol of her power. Not to mention while you've been busy playing with paperwork, I've used my power to heal the needy each and every day this past year." Sonya's tone is mostly joking, though she is defending proudly the power the Dawnflower has granted her.

Barezata, you cannot recall anything whatsoever about an abnormally-tall human in your travels.

Hijiro, you pick up one interesting thing: the merchant party with whom this fellow apparently arrived in town say that he only joined them on the road the night before. They've no idea who he is apart from what little he said.

Anyway, once everyone has assembled, he comes ambling out of the tavern. He's very tall indeed, and has a sun tattoo on his forehead. He bows.

"Greetings, all. I am Zayifid, traveller of the sand and scrub, a student of all things Sarenrae sees fit to shine upon, and an unwilling bearer of bad news. May I speak?"

The Lady Almah waves a languid hand, and he continues.

"I do not belong to a single church. I do not mock those priests who choose to remain in one location and tend to one building - not at all, for they provide a needed service. But I am not at ease if I stay in one location. I am a traveller, as I have said, and have walked the billowing sands of Osirion, the westernmost veldt of Nex, and much of our own beloved Katapesh in between. I have seen much in my travels, and have brought the word and redemption of the Dawnflower to many. Yet also have I seen much in the way of cruelty and war in those travels, and it is a warning of such I bring to you today.

"You have distinguished yourselves by defeating the Kulldis. You know that word of the liberation of Kelmarane has reached all the way to the coast by now, and you are enjoying the fruits of that success even as we speak in the form of trade and tax. Yet word spreads not only to friends, but also to enemies. The Carrion King knows of what you've done to the Kulldis, and though he did not reply in kind at once, I have heard dire rumours in my travels. Rumours of gnoll tribes gathering on the far slopes of Pale Mountain, tribes united under one banner - the sign of the Carrion King!

"My path is not one of war. Sarenrae teaches redemption and forgiveness, but I know well that many do not seek these ends, and that war is often inevitable. Yet sometimes, there are other ways. The gnolls are ever a bickering lot, and if the Carrion King has managed to unite these tribes, then his word is mighty indeed. And although I despair to think on the death of any living creature, if the Carrion King's death would mean that the gnoll tribes would stand down — a war could be averted.

"And so I bring this news to you. I shall not stay long, for I have no desire to be caught up in the folly of battle. But you would do well, heroes, to take my warning to heart. Seek out the Carrion King and bring him low before he raises high the flags of war. You will find him in the House of the Beast, the rumours say, an ancient temple upon the far side of Pale Mountain from which he has long ruled. May your efforts be swift and just, that needless suffering be averted."

At this, the verbose fellow falls silent, only mentioning that he intends to be his way within the hour.

Barezata listens to the man, sorting his words for hidden meanings or falsehoods. When he finishes, she scowls, "Tell us more of this Carrion King. If he is uniting these tribes, it is not only his word that is powerful. Perhaps it is magical as well. Is he known to be a mage or priest of some form? Or is he a powerful fighter. And surely he has gathered advisors around him. What do you know of them?"
Study Zayifid as a move action
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

{At breakfast with sonya}

Silena gently punches Sonya in the shoulder, "Not YOU silly... I mean the priestly acolyte of my UNBREAKABLE Knights... SHE will be watching from out of sight to assist and or raise the alarm if something happens... YOU will be in court with us... and don't roll your eyes like that... it won't be any long drawn out meeting of state.. I'm certain!"

.....
{At court}

Silena states, "I have expected that enemies would be gathering to try to take advantage of Princess Almah's good fortunes... here in Kalemarane, more likely rivals at court unwilling to secede such a profitable endeavor to a woman who had so little aid to begin with achieving greatness that was unexpected! I have prepared for war as I knew those jealous of Princess Almah's success would gather to plot her downfall...!"

Then something comes over Silena as she stands tall and imposing her hand resting upon the pommel of TEMPEST... her voice changing and a sweet smell of fragrant spores fills the air about her...

"But YOU Zayifid of the West Wind~ are known to me... what really brings you~ TEMPLAR and spy of Nefeshti to Kalemarane?"

Silena ...seems to be someone else... gesturing she taps the pommel of FIENDFELL slung across her back with her opposite hand, "Kardswann of the South Wind was sent back to Princess Nefeshti to report his failures... did he do so? HE may have forgotten his vows, but Vardishal of the North Wind, General of Nefeshti's Armies does not! Has the time come to finally strike down Jhavhul?!?"

...with that the 'presense' or whatever it was leaves Silena and she slumps to the floor exhausted...

Sonya pauses in her joy and adulation that her brother was bringing to her church. Opening her mouth to welcome him and invite him to stay in the church are cut short when this "presence" takes over Silena. She listens to her friends words with shock and concern. Silena spoke over the last year how the sword could communicate through her, but she had yet to witness it herself.

Silence echo's through the chamber before Sonya finally cuts through it, "Zayifid, my name is Sonya Amir, Abbot-Protector of the Church and Exalted of Sarenrae." The glowing rune that marks her as Sarenrae's chosen burns brightly on her shoulder-blade like a golden flame. "You're claim has been called into question. If you speak true and are of the faithful, present to me the Sign of the Dawnflower."

Sonya's voice is still gentle, keeping the blade of accusation sheathed for now.
Diplomacy Check1d20 + 19 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 19 + 1 = 38

Sign of the Dawnflower is a 0 level cantrip given to all spellcasters in Sarenrae's service. If he is a cleric, as he claims then he should have it.

Hijiro, knowing Silena's thoughts bore much merit, agreed it best that their personal relationship remain a secret and that they be simply friends and adventuring companions, nothing more, to the general public.

He stood aloof during Zayifid's introduction of himself, watching and listening, knowing a few of his operatives were listening and making note of it all, ready to take the information to his headquarters immediately, as such intel was of great import to an organization that thrived on information.

When Silena entered her trance and spoke, he himself was confused as to who Princess Nefeshti, Vardishal and Jhavhul might be, but sure he'll know in the fullness of time...

When Silena slumps to the floor he rushes to her side, but without revealing any special tenderness, he still drops to his knees by her and checks her vitals for signs she is okay. "Silena... Silena, are you alright?" Once assured she is exhausted, nothing more, he bows deeply. "Please excuse any improprieties, my friend. I feared for your safety, nothing more."

Silena gasps softly... for a few moments.. making no outward reaction to Hijiro...

Finally catching her breath she says, "...I don't know how THAT happened... he's never done that before...."

She tries to stand on shaky feet gathering as much of her dignity as she can in the circumstances and continues, "...but HE spoke truth... Zayifid is mentioned in the Tome recovered in the Monastery of SARENRAE... the tome called, 'Courts of Stone & Flame'... Zayifid, is described as one of the 6 Templar genies~ like Vardishal himself; in service to Princess Nefeshti, an elemental Princess. Zayifid is a spy and diplomat, a messenger of Princess Nefeshti. He represents the west wind, upon which secrets thought hidden were carried. His weapon is a delicate but razor-sharp scimitar."

Zayifid looks uneasily at Silena.

"What proof would you seek? Increased attacks on Kelmarane by gnolls? A signed document from the Carrion King himself declaring his intent? Look to Pale Mountain, to watch for war fires and listen for the Carrion King's howl upon the midnight wind."

He doesn't rise to the challenge Sonya threw down, fixing her with a firm stare.

"I am a travelling scholar, it is true. I seek truth. The paths of Sarenrae seem a likely way to find it."

Barezata flashes a look at Silena, "Fine, he is Zayifid. Do you find falsehood in his words that I do not? Unless you plan to throw down with him here and now, can we perhaps learn more of what he knows about this Carrion King himself?" She turns her attention back to Zayifid. "His howl doesn't really give us much to go on other than how to find the bastard. I repeat my questions you have either evaded or been distracted from. Is he known to be a mage or priest of some form? Or is he a powerful fighter. And surely he has gathered advisors around him. What do you know of them?"
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Silena stands smoothing her dress and resettling her weapons belts and harness letting the moment build for drama...

Then she chuckles slightly, "..no you misunderstand Barazata.. neither I nor do I believe Vardishal have any intention of attacking Zayifid... certainly not without Princess Almah's commands...!"

Silena scratches her cheek below her left eye as if to clear some sleep from her eyes... but this is the private signal she has already prearranged with her UNBREAKABLE Chaplin cleric waiting in the wings concealed from direct observation; to cast his detect evil spell and scan the visitor claiming to be Kayifid for any trace of evil.

She continues addressing Princess Almah's and the court, "No, I believe , if what I have read in the Courts of Stone and Flame is to be accepted as truth... both Vardishal and Zayifid serve as so-called Templars, elite Genie warriors, of the same elemental monarch this Princess Nefeshti. It's likely Vardishal upon recognizing Zayifid's name~ if this is indeed Zayifid, sought to learn if his Princess Nefeshti had new orders for her general... Vardishal has been dead for some time."

Turning to now address Zayifid, "What I find curious is that Zayifid has not answered his question about this Jhavhul? The Courts of Stone and Flame only refer to him as a disgraced Effriti noble of some sort who Princess Nefeshti seemed to have warred against... the reason for their conflict is not mentioned. But indeed Zayifid is being ...very evasive in his answers, which makes me suspect some trick is involved here..."

"So, Zayifid if that is indeed your name, if this Carrion King is such a threat... we have heard nothing of him. Would you not agree that it would be more prudent for a young new Monarch like Princess Almah to be cautious before provoking an supposed enemy on the word of a traveling stranger? Would not sending s few stealthy scouts to see if there is indeed a ...{pshaa} 'Gnoll' army amassing first? I find it hard to believe the gnolls can organize a picnic let alone an army.. they are so... chaotic.. and more prone to war on each other as anyone else!"

"And this 'House of the Beast' you refer to.. 'BEAST' is usually the term used in referring to ROVAGUG, the Rough Beast. We the Clergy of ZON-KUTHON... know much of the Beast.. for it was the Midnight Lord that fashioned the prison that holds the beast.. and for that matter the entire world of Golarion intact with the Star Towers crafted by ZON-KUTHON'S power when SARENRAE smote the world to its heart to serve as a prison for the Rough Beast. The bindings crafted by ZON-KUTHON... and the key to which ASMODEUS holds in darkness."

"Is this 'House of the Beast' a holy sight to ROVAGUG? Is the Carrion King a servant or servitor of ROVAGUG?"

...to note.. Silena is stalling for time so her cleric can send word via their special signals of the results of her spellcasting detect evil a at Zayifid. With good reason Silena is VERY wary of trusting, at face value, what evil poeple say!

"The Carrion King is a gnoll who worships not Lamashtu but Rovagug, who has claimed the haunted House of the Beast as his home, who fights with a howling greataxe, who towers nearly twice the height of most of his kin... Ghartok is his name, all but a god in the eyes of his tribes, and the House of the Beast has become his throne. Few see him face to face, though, he sends messages when he wants something done," said Zayifid.

Your tame cleric, Silena, makes the signal for evil.

Silena listens to Zayifid's response... and is somewhat annoyed he seems only interested in talking AT the group rather than addressing any of the Questions Vardishal asked him not even acknowledging HIS affiliation with Princess Nefeshti...

Then a courtly servant comes to Silena's side offering her a cup of wine.. 'Red' wine... the planned reply from her Cleric if evil should be detected within the 'visitor' and cup of red wine refreshment should be brought to her.

Silena seems distracted as she gazes with some consternation into the cup of wine she has just been brought.

She casually makes her way to stand not directly in Princess Almah's way but near enough to before her that should anyone try to approach Almah~ Silena could Easily intercept and forestall such an approach.

When she stops turns to face Zayifid and touches the amulet at her breast hanging from the loose spiked collar at her neck...

And suddenly the Amulet opens with the sound of sliding metal like an amry's worth of swords being unsheathed all at once... Silena is wrapped from head to toe in blackened magical Spiked Full Plate Armor! Her weapons belts and harnesses being integrated to the fit of the armor as the metal slides beneath and adjusts the bearing of the weapons of war for ready use...

And at that the four Unbreakable Knights in the room all heft weapons to the ready... two positioning themselves to Princess Almah's flanks ready to defend her and support Silena if needed... Clearly, Silena has trained her UNBREAKABLE Knights well!

As she turns to address the court and Zayifid, "..I hear your words Zayifid, but know this Princess Almah, this Zayifid is tainted with evil! I know not what his 'true' motivations are in coming here with this 'friendly-warning' but, I suspect helpful advice is not entirely his only goal. Where evils treads... deception and treachery follows close behind! That said, this Carrion King does seem worthy of investigation.. but I suspect some trap as well!! Followers of ROVAGUG are Not to be taken lightly~ they will do mad things that are not even in THEIR best interests!!! That is, IF anything this~ 'Zayifid' has said is to be believed... as he seems unwilling to address the declarations of his affiliations.
What is it you would ask of your Knight's, the Lions of Kalmarane~ Your highness?"

Silena does not trust evil beings... and she is not certain if Zayifid is here to harm or mislead Princess Almah.. but Silena is ready to defend the princess... though she has not as yet drawn any weapon to threaten Zayifid...

Barezata waits. She has already assessed this Zayifid and has no plans to ready her bow unless things go sideways. "In all likelihood his true motivations have to do with the Carrion King standing between him and something he desires. It is usually so with those with an evil inclination. I suspect he feels it would be easier for us to remove the Carrion King than to do it himself. For now, perhaps our interests are aligned. Later, perhaps not."

Silena turns a smile Barezata's direction, "..insightful my friend.. I had not considered that!"

Turning back to Zayifid, "...So Zayifid.. just what do YOU or your Princess Nafeshti gain out of this Carrion King's demise... does he hold something you or your liege desires?"

Sonya's mark glows brighter as her anger boils just below the surface. Someone evil, posing as a devout of the Everlight, it was infuriating. She seethes in the anger glaring at Zayifid awaiting an answer.

You can see Barezata's cheeks rise in a predatory grin behind her veil. "I'd answer them. I'd be happy to work together for now and sort things out when our interests collide, but you're not getting out of here without a straight answer."
Of course Barezata will be waiting to see if we get that straight answer...
Sense Motive (studied): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Hijiro, having backed off into the background after assuring himself that Silena was alright, watches Zayifid with suspicion.... waiting for that same straight answer Barezata seeks.

Zayifid watches and listens as you all froth, a lip curling.

"Of course I have my own desires. Who does not? I see no reason to share them, however. Nor do I see the heroes I had been led to believe were here. Rather than cause you any further distress, I bid you good day."

He turns on his heel and stalks out of the Battle Market without a backwards glance.

Silena chuckles, {snicker} "..ohhhh!!! Don't go away mad! We just saw through your ruse, Zayifid, and are just interested in some forthcoming truth from you~ but we are not fools nor pawns either! Rest-assured.. we do not fear yours or anyone else's 'trap'! We will go an seek this Carrion King, and IF we determine he is a threat.. he will be put down like the dog he is! But a warning... do not be a foe or betray our magnanimity with treachery... or it is YOU who find our wrath is terrible indeed!"

"Looks like we'll have to figure it out the hard way. This Carrion King sounds like trouble. Should we see what else we can learn around Kelmarane?"
Oops, cross-posted with Silena. I'll go ahead and give a Knowledge (local)...
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Silena turns back to face Princess Almah, kneeling with all due respect, "..forgive me milady if I have perhaps overstepped my bounds... but your defense and protection are always my highest concern! I do not believe this Kayifid.. is a threat directly to you, but I do perceive he wishes to use The Lion's of Kalmarane in some scheme of his elemental liege."

"What are your order my Princess?"

The Lady Almah inclines her head.

"I am most grateful to you for your efforts towards my protection, dear one. Perhaps if you protectors would investigate the matter further, discover what threat this Carrion King might pose and neutralise it. Leave your well-trained Unbreakables here, they shall protect me and Kelmarane in your absence. Do you have any needs before you depart?"

She looks round the group, an eyebrow raised in enquiry.

Silena nods, "I only ask one thing your highness.. that my Kuthite Cleric assigned to the UNBREAKABLE be allowed to also minister to the duties of my Temple.. as I will be taking my Church priest with us on our journey as he has scroll inscribing and potion brewing skills that may be of use to us in the field. The added duties should not interfere overmuch with the UNBREAKABLE Chaplin's protection of your person or the defense of Kalmarane in our absence. We will also need .. I think a least a month's provisions... so we do not have to spend valuable time hunting for provisions that would better be spent assessing the danger of this Carrion King. Our mission, at least initially, being a surveillance mission, but if we must engage to neutralize him... we may need to be in the field a lot longer than anticipated, likely in enemy controlled territory. The provisions may be the difference between victory or defeat!"

"That can be arranged," said the Lady Almah, sending a servant to organise rations for the party.

"As for the chaplain, she can attend to whatever duties you choose to direct."

(As ever, you have the feeling that religion is not a high priority for Almah - sad but true!)

Silena nods, "So be it... your highness!"

With that Silena leaves to make ready for the journey.

She will gather some additional gear for the mission putting a request to Princess Almah's Quartermaster/Seneschal...

Area Maps of Katepesh, specifically Detailing the Brazen Peaks Area = +1'cir' Survival {to avoid getting lost} [50gp]
Alchemist's Lab [200gp] for her priestess' potion brewing
Scrivener's Kit [2gp] for her priestess' scroll scribing
100x sheets - parchment [20gp]
4x Ink Vails [32gp]
Scroll Case [1gp]

A total of 305 gold... which Silena will agree to bill to her business earnings... in her absence of Princess Almah so desires.

Silena will check to see that suitable mounts are prepared for the party plus her priestess.

Her priestess' name is Shahin Kheder

Silena will ready Nightscream her now trained warhorse, with war gear.

Silena will turn running her business over to Calain... whom for the past year she has been training and grooming for just that purpose.. as her business Manager in her absence! So even with her gone.. Silena is still making money.

Lastly Silena set the departure time for Midnight tonight during the coolest part of the desert... and give her time to rest her spells for the day as she must recover and reset spells at Midnight. It will also limit who will observe them leaving on their journey. Gnolls may see at night but their darkvision is limited to 60'ft ... and Silena is pretty sure none will want to get that close to identify that the Lion's of Kalmarane are leaving specifically! Silena will not be wearing her armor.. but her Desert Outfit.. though her folding armor is always but a touch away at her neck...

Spell List -
{Cleric}
Level 2
D blindness/deafness {blind-only}
+ S Inflict moderate wounds
1 endure elements, communal
2 spiritual weapon
3 silence

Level 1
D sleep
+ S Inflict light wounds
1 bless
2 detect evil
3 divine favor
4 shield of faith

0 Lvl
1 bleed
2 detect poison
3 resistance
4 stabilize

{War Priest}
+ S Inflict light wounds
1 cure light wounds
2 protection from evil

0 Lvl
1 create water
2 detect magic
3 guidance

When the 'Lions' assemble to leave, Shahin is waiting on her mount clad in chain shirt, spiked chain wrapped around her waist, travel gear packed upon her mount.

She is a short katepeshi woman tanned skin, dark hair cut short on the sides but gathered into a long pony-tail top knot and stern green eyes.

While everyone else is preparing, Barezata seeks out news of this House of the Beast and the surrounding area. She is particularly interested in any information on the location, terrain, length of time to get there, and any known information on the disposition of gnoll soldiers.
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Hijiro assists Barezata through the knowledge he's picked up since arriving in the area, and using his network as well...

take 10 to assist: 10 + 13 = 23 (auto assist, so you have a 32 now!)

I'll post a map of the area for you on Wednesday (when I'm working from home). The House of the Beast is about 30 miles away as the vulture flies, somewhat more if you are plodding along although you can follow the river most of the way. It's at the foot of the Pale Mountain more or less due NW of Kelmarane. The location is reasonably well-known, although there is little detail about what's there: 'some ruins' is about the most coherent that you can find.

Barezata suggests to Silena, "Its not far. 30 miles or so. Even if we walk it should be around two days there and two days back. Let's pack light. Maybe 10 days rations for each of us. I'm afraid the horses and cleric are likely to end up as gnoll food so I'd suggest we leave them back in Kelmarane."

Silena ponders Barazata's words then counters, "If the House of the Beast and this Carrion King are THAT close ... if we take what I've suggested and we find its not needed~ we can always send the extra back.. with a report on what we've found so the Princess can be informed! As for Shahin and Nightscream ending up Gnoll food... I'd not bet on that fight! Shahin I trained myself.. she is not weak... nor is Nightscream.. he is also war-trained ready and eagar for battle! He is far faster than any gnoll could possibly catch if running seemed more prudent. Best to prepare for the worst and hope for the best in my opinion... if it is a large encampment.. we may need to slowly erode the Carrion King's resources over a longer time~ like we did here in Kalemarane against Kardswann."

Map of the Pale Mountain region, as promised.

But Silena is anything if interested in being well prepared... she will also do some investigations of the local rumors of this 'House of the Beast'...

Diplomacy: {Gather Information - Take 10!} 10 + 8 = 18

So with that Silena heads out of Kalmarane mounted on Nightscream and leading the 'Lions of Kalmarane'... Shahin riding close to her.

Silena takes a northwest course, following the river.. into the foothills of the 'Pale Mountains'... sharply turning west before long ...seeking the one trail that leads to 'White Cayon'... but not entering, as yet.

Silena is scouting the terrain for signs of gathering gnolls... she is not sure she wants to take the mountain passes to 'The House of the Beast' as they will likely be watched if not guarded. She would rather not give the Carrion King any warning of their arrival.

Survival: {Take 10!} 10 + 10 = 20
- Survival to navigate and avoid getting lost

Survival: {Track for Signs of Gnolls gathering} 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 = 16{w/Aid other from Shahin}

Shahin - Aid Other {Tracking} Survival: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
- Typical NPC Codex Cleric 3rd has a Wisdom of 16{+3}

Silena is keep a Very keen eye on the terrain looking for possible ambush points to avoid them...

Perception: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19{w/Aid Other from Shahin}

Shahin - Aid Other {Perception} Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
- Typical NPC Codex Cleric 3rd has a Perception of +3

Hopefully traveling at night will give them the advantage of avoiding detection from long distance visual spotting...

Sonya turns to leave still seething in anger. "This is why I don't come to court. I can't take this!" She makes her way down to the church and into a private audience with the High Priest. She explains to him albeit with far too much anger and enthusiasm what transpired, and that she would be leaving to attend to the princess's wishes for a few days, possibly weeks.

The High Priest listens to Sonya's outburst with annoyingly calm patience.

"Be at peace, child. If your path is to go forth, then so be it. Remain safe, remain true and return when you are ready."

A pause, then almost as an afterthought, "Is there anything that you need?"

Reading Silena's post, do you want to wait for nightfall before setting out? Everyone else happy with that?

There are no more rumours to be had beyond the House of the Beast being the name given to some ruins at the foot of the Pale Mountain, although some say that there's a vast complex underground, also in ruins.

I'm fine leaving in the evening.

Frustrated by his level of patience, Sonya tries to reel her emotions in before responding. "The Dawnflower has provided all that I need. I will submit to your wisdom if you believe there is more I should take, but enough to feed me and my combat gear was all I intended to take with me."

Any other preparations anyone wishes to make before your departure this evening, then?

Good to go.

same here

I'm ready

All right, you set off :)

It's a typical clear rather chilly desert night, the stars above glowing brightly. There always seem to be more of them out here than there are in the cities you have visited.

Overhead, there's a sudden clatter of wings - looking up, it appears that Umdrella is out and about, but she flies off south and pays you no attention.

In the distance, there's that distinctive howl... echoing on the wind.

Sonya follows along after the group, her head tilted up watching the sky. She occasional eyes Silena and Hijiro leading the pack to ensure she's not wandering off track. She is staying unusually quiet, her mind clearly off on another task.

Barezata walks as quietly as she can, observing the surroundings carefully. She keeps her bow out and nocked at all times, ready for trouble.
Probably easiest to either assume taking 10 on Stealth and Perception with Stealth having the full speed penalty. So Stealth of 25 and Perception of 21 unless something special occurs.

Despite the reputation of the area, your trip is relatively easy and you go unmolested.

Wedged into a wide precipice along the far slopes of Pale Mountain sits the crumbling ruins of a once massive temple. Passing centuries have weathered its stones, and while some of the outer walls remain standing, they have collapsed in several places, leaving the temple grounds open to any who would approach. The House of the Beast's fearsome reputation as being a place haunted by the ghosts of genies has been its traditional defense against explorers — that, and its remote location and the angry tribes of Rovagug-worshiping humanoids who still dwell within.

Like a child's sandcastle carelessly placed before hungry waves that lap against shore, the forgotten temple rests, nestled in the crags of the Pale Mountain. Its crumbling spires and domes bask in the pale grayish glow of the alien twilight of the mountain skies. The scope of such a creation seems implausible in such a remote location, yet it isn't hard to question why one might choose such a spectacular setting. Indeed, it seems unlikely that there exists another so close to the realm of the gods.

Among the broken stones and empty fountains, dry thorny shrubs poke through packed clay soil sprinkled with shards of bone. The temple would almost appear deserted if not for the ominous feeling of dread and the few dozen gory warnings hung upon the outer walls; headless bodies thick with swarms of black flies.

Barezata nods toward the ruins of the temple. "Looks like we found our quarry. Want me to scout ahead? I can either see what is here and come back or if there are a small number of guards, I could try to take them out."

Silena surveys the approach to the ruined forgotten temple. Not what she would have expected to find... she wonder's who originally built the ruin, worshipers of ROVAGUG, one would think not architects seeing their ethos was one of total destruction for Everything..why bother? A rough-hewn cave would seem more their kind of abode.

She nods in response to Barazata, "...it would seem so. Though I do not see any signs of any amassing army of gnolls, looks can be deceiving... if the interior of this ruin is vast enough to hold such numbers. Yes, Barazata, a quick initial scouting would be prudent, but we want to remain undetected more than, at least initially, learning anything. If there is a army of gnolls in there or amassing near about we certainly do not wish to make our presence known!"

Silena taps the iron broach at her throat and her blackened spiked steel full plate armor folds and retracts from her body leaving her clad only in noble's soft silks for ease and particularly quiet movement.

Dismounting Nightscream she hands his reigns to her priestess Shahin and she moves to Barazata's side...

"Will you receive the Blessing of enshrouding darkness from ZON-KUTHON? Give thanks and be swift!"
- Enshrouding Darkness = Touch ally and bestow enshroud of shadows – Concealment 20%, 1 minute

"Do your scouting Barazata ...do not get spotted!"

"I will look for a place of concealment in the slopes... perhaps another crag, cleft, small cave in the rocks to set up our a observation camp of the ruins out of sight of its wall. Once you have done your initial scout and our observation camp is concealed and set up, you and I will take point sneaking into the structure under stealth.. I'll take my leopard form for it more stealthy abilities and senses and we'll look for signs of this gnoll army. Go and be careful!"

Silena leads the group away from the ruins back around the mountain as she seeks a spot to set up a campsite that is concealed yet gives them a line of sight on the Temple Ruin...

Though Shahin is mostly seeing to Silena's and her steeds she does attempt to aid her mistresses efforts as well... and she also casts guidance upon Silena to add a little more to her efforts.

Silena's Survival: {In Katepesh} 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 2 + 1 = 22w/Aid Other from Shahin and guidance
- Seeking campsite of concealment and line of sight to Temple Ruin

Shahin's Aid Other Survival: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18Aid other success!
- Typical NPC Cleric of 3rd level from NPC codex p.45 has a wisdom of 16. Survival is NOT a class skill for clerics.. but is an untrained skill anyone can attempt. Aid other DC 10

Barezata nods and slips off into the ruin, disappearing quickly as she fades into the shadowy structures.
Taking 10 for 30 on Stealth. Taking 10 for 21 on Perception. If anyone spots her, she will take the most direct path that she has already traversed back to the rest of the group.

Most of the aged flagstones in the courtyard lie loose, cracked, and dusted with pebbles and other debris. In several areas the terrain is littered with large chunks of broken walls, while in other areas the ground is completely torn up. The remaining soil consists of hard and dusty clay that greedily devours water. Few plants bear the fortitude to survive among the ruins, but a few short trees, shrubs, and plenty of lichen grow on toppled stones or ruined works. The air is remarkably dry and crisp, but the generally comfortable temperatures during the day can drop close to freezing at night.

Here is a plan of the above-ground area.

Where do you wish to start?