•We should get back and check on the harpies soon,” counsels Ingvarr. He adds, ”Hopefully with the death of the vampire the attacks on their home have ceased, but we should check in nonetheless.”
In other normal days, Koldur would have spent time to observe the Bunny girl's skill as she trained and perhaps may have asked for a friendly bout but not this time. His thoughts heads towards the vampire cult that menaces' them.
It could not be a coincidence that they were involved once more. He needed to regain his skill but the recent events had left him drained. Given a chance he would have done so again but Hundor had stepped in and thus shared the damage. He hoped his little friend had recovered from that since he was part of the magical pact overseen by Olivira.
Time to rest............
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Woken up by the bunny girl, Koldur feels some of his aches fade from the good rest as he joins the others.
"It is fine Sable, it is safe for me and for each of you here. I will spend a few days familiarizing myself with my new lands and people. Then I will return, if you plan on exploring on your way back it will take you about eight days to get back to the temple of Nythes. I will join you then. If any others wish to stay that would be fine as well." He offers.
"Yes, I should rendezvous with Meir. He and I can make the journey more quickly than that. Once the group has finished exploring for the day, we can return here." She considers for a moment, "Though it might be a good idea to note the locations on our map to be sure. "
Seated next to Johanna, Ingvarr has an idea. "Queen Johanna, you have been quiet," says Ingvarr. "The magic mirror transports two--perhaps you would go with me back to the temple and from there to inform the harpies of our success? I feel they will prove powerful allies if we handle the situation well."
"The Dungeons interest me." Koldur mutters as he seats in his own chair.....thinking of its possible riches and potential training abilities.
"Allies, I hope they will be allies of ours. We might be able to broker a peace treaty at least. What do we know about harpies?" She states and asks. As the group has no previous experience with them and no knowlege on nature to remember what they know about them she asks, "Does anyone know legends or rumors of them?"
"I would suggest not becoming their allies, they are evil creatures that feed on humanoid flesh as a delicacy." She announces. "Taking in the outcasts is one thing but to fully be allies would be asking the cat to come into the canary cage."
"Yes Sable!" She says in response to Sable's command and quickly gets up and leaves the room.
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"Oh NO! We left those we promised to take with us in our haste! Who knows what has happened to them! Olivira quickly take flight through the mirror and back to the tower. We will wait for your opening of your Sanctum." He urgently says.
"Hundor we may need you and your guardians to save those we promised to protect would you please ask and see who would help?!" He pleads with his former squire.
"Of course!" He says in response to Sable and orders, "Yolanda make the order for all maids, and all unessential guardians to report to the throne room immediately!" At that he gets up and leaves the room quickly going to the throne room. He then picks up the staff of the mansion. As those likely he left behind follow he states as they enter, "I may be weakened but I am still strong and capable to fight! Yolanda will you be staying behind or joining me on the battle field?"
"We will keep the guardians of the 2nd, 5th, and 8th floors here. All of the combat maids will be joining us, with the Lord of Blades, your troop of minotaurs, and myself to turn the tide of battle. Please let me suit up for the occasion." She states and walks into an adjoining room.
She emerges in full armor holding a massive halberd. The armor is brilliant like Koldur's new armor and has hundreds of etchings on it making it look like a page from a book.
The battle maids are known by most by now and for sure now. As Katrina, the catfolk, the bunny eared female, and the other humanoid females with monstrous traits arrive and join, following the group into the Sanctum.
With the portal open she enters first and the dozen of minotaurs follow, likely after the group. The minotaurs each have javelins and a great axe on their back, in their hands they carry composite longbows.
"I am familiar with many creatures, harpies among them," notes Ingvarr. He adds, "The harpy requesting our help was unusual. If we negotiate through her, we will be well served," suggested Ingvarr, relating his poem about the situation and warning of the Blood of Vol:
Amerilari
The curse of death upon the land,
The Blood of Vol may rule,
Sisters of Voth seek helping hand,
Ere blood begins to pool.
Amerilari is her name,
Harpy fair to behold,
Jasmine aroma wafts the same,
Khorvian heroes bold.
To battle do the heroes ride,
New allies to defend,
Harpies and heroes side by side,
This deadly threat to end.
Yet will the Blood dead heroes make,
The kingdom held in thrall,
Or will the vic’try heroes take,
Grant peace upon us all?
"Allies, I hope they will be allies of ours. We might be able to broker a peace treaty at least. What do we know about harpies?" She states and asks. As the group has no previous experience with them and no knowlege on nature to remember what they know about them she asks, "Does anyone know legends or rumors of them?"
"Hopefully they won't have done anything rash to our people after we defended their keep!" Sera wanted to be certain but sounded suddenly much more worried than before. She pulled out Alembic's rod of extend spell and cast her Mage Armor through it on both Hundor and herself.
Johanna nods, and responds to Ingvarr, "Yes we surely hope that is what the poem portends. Though do we know the source of the poem and divination?"
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"I believe Meir and any of our people would be fine. I am speaking of the harpies we promised to take with us. The neglected. I got the feeling that they were not apart of the normal harpy community, outcasts if it were. After all they couldn't fly right? Well Amerilari could but I don't think the others could. I wish that the poem portends for allies but do we want human eaters as allies?" He points out and finally asks having an open mind but still uneasy about the situation.
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Johanna nods, and responds to Ingvarr, "Yes we surely hope that is what the poem portends. Though do we know the source of the poem and divination?"
Sure that Johanna is teasing him, Ingvarr responds, "I hear the poem was written by a great orator and author, on the occasion of the heroes of the kingdom's commitment to aid the harpies in their time of need. Some say the renegade harpy Amerilari retains the original copy even to this day."
"I say we take the renegades in. As for a peace treaty, we can consider it with the harpies though they may or may not be keen on it. Best we could hope for I feel is a Non-Aggression Pact." Koldur puts forth his own point.
"I doubt they might want to pick another battle with us so soon after their own clash with the Cult."
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Rognar jumoa up an dgoes with the group and prepares himself to go back through the portal. He asks for help with his armor and dons it and then nods saying anyone wwe have agreed to help, we must honor our agreement. Anyone else we consider must be upon us as they represent us and our kingdom. Having flesh eating monsters really doesn't represent us well
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"I agree with Koldur and Rognar, though I am hoping for the best and hope that the poem will ring true with our interactions with the harpies." He offers putting his sword away and getting out his bow.
After a few minutes he nods to all those gathered, stating, "Here we go!"
At that the portal opens and Sable is the first out.
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As most of the group exits the portal he looks to Ingvarr and asks, "Would a call upon your horn be appropriate to call their attention to us?" You can tell he is not looking for an answer but leaving it as not a command this time.
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As the fierce naked harpy asks the question he nods to Ingvarr to speak on their behalf.
As you exit the portal you likely expect to be near the temple or outside of the mirror. You find the tower before you. Harpies are flying about casually.
Meir and Olivira greet you as you exit.
Soon enough the 8 of your group, the six battle maids including Yolanda, and the dozen minotaurs exit the portal.
At the sight of your extra allies the harpies flying casually move a bit faster and towards the tower. Within a few minutes the group of nearly naked barbarian harpies land and then walk up to have 30 feet between them and the front of your group.
The fierce leader who is naked asks, "Are you planning on challenging the tower?"
Seraphina breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Meir was present and unharmed. She went to meet him, reaching up to stroke his shining scales in greeting. She reached out mentally to speak with Meir, using their telepathic bond to speak. "The Vampire is no more. I do not see the outcast, Amerilari, nor any of the clipped. What have the harpies been up to in our absence?"
She noted that Sable nodded to Ingvarr to treat with the Harpies, probably a good decision as she had no desire to work toward an alliance with such creatures. That had been Johanna's notion. She merely strove to diffuse any tension. "Do you refer to challenging the Trials within? We might be willing to attempt that at some point, with your blessing. Though we might want to do some research first. Would you be opposed to allowing us to examine the magical auras involved?"
”Of course, General,” responds Ingvarr, and he plays a mighty blast announcing their return and sounding the “Victory” battle signal as their procession approaches the Harpy stronghold.
'I found Amerilari and the clipped hiding together away from the community. I told them to stay hiding and we would collect them once we were done here.' He mentally responds to Seraphina enjoying the brushing over his scales. 'What is different in you?' He asks looking you over sensing a change.
"You have saved us from the undead and that vampire, we are in your debt. I don't speak for all the tribes but I am sure they will be fine with your presence and won't prey upon you. Still stay as a unit and we will do our best at making you welcome." She offers.
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He doesn't look too happy about speaking as he had motioned for Ingvarr to talk. He then does his best to keep up on good terms, "Yes, thank you for that. As Seraphina said, we might be interested in it in the future. As you say we are protected what terms could we come to make sure we have peace between our kingdom and yours? Perhaps a non aggression pact?" He offers trying to be diplomatic.
The naked harpy sneers at those words, replying harshly, "We have no true kingdom as you civilized folks call towns or cities. We travel where we go and do as we want. If any of our tribes meet you and your leaders we probably won't attack but anything beyond that no promises can be put down. Let alone each tribe is their own, we only come together when threatened."
Finally getting the message that Sable actually wants him to negotiate on their behalf and not merely introduce them, Ingvarr steps up and says, "We respect your traditions and your free spirit. If you do not wish an alliance, so be it. However, we must insist on a non-aggression pact at the least. Let us forge an agreement between our peoples to not attack each other throughout the kingdom, in honor of the victory we have won here against the Blood of Vol."
Seraphina spoke softly in Draconic, so Hundor, Sable and Ingvarr would understand her but likely not their harpy hosts. "Meir can take us to where the clipped have gone if you do not want to risk examining the Tower."
To Meir she quirked an eyebrow as he delved his sense of her through their bond and responded over their telepathic link. "Well, I've had a blessing from the God of Magic, I believe. But I expect you're feeling the additions from entering The Contract. It binds me to these other friends of ours too. Does it concern you?" She hadn't really considered that the contract could possibly interact or interfere with her bond with Meir. She looked up at him now curiously, wondering precisely what it was he felt.
The harpy looks at Ingvarr and snarls before answering with a curt, "No!" They don't draw their weapons but the others behind her get more agitated.
”I see,” says Ingvarr with regret. ”Truthfully, this offer benefits you more than us. Your kind is known as bloodthirsty flesh-eaters, and we have gone to great effort to help save your lives. A non-aggression pact would have all the citizens of our kingdom enjoined from attacking you. If you wish to join in peace and trade with the people of this region, now is your chance. Think carefully before you reject our offer and lose this opportunity,” he concludes, stepping back to the group and waiting for their final reply.
"No, we don't need you and do as we like!" She relays briskly.
"Seems like their decision is made and won't be changed." Koldur observes as the harpies throw their offer to the side without further consideration.
"Then I would like to challenge the tower. Is there some other rule that I must follow?" he asks.
does challenging the tower give us some rule over these harpies? If it does not it seems we will have to fight them to protect our kingdom as they seem not interested in peace between our people Rognar says
Seraphina had expected as much from harpies, so she seemed neither surprised nor disappointed as she idly stroked the shining scales of Meir's neck. "I think they mean to say that their kind does not put words on paper, such things mean little to wild hearts. But that need not mean that they intend to attack us or our people. They know we have defended their keep against a threat they could not contend with on their own. Perhaps if we attempt the trial, they will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they should avoid the lands which fall under our protection." She said with a smile.
Laughing lighty, she addressed the aged dwarf. "Koldur, do you never turn from an opportunity to test yourself in battle? Well, at least let us examine the magics at work before we make an attempt." She looked to the naked harpy again to see if they would be allowed access.
"These harpies all have their own tribes and individuality thus for them to come to a collective agreement is not possible. They have in their own way promised not to be the aggressors so in my view we should leave it as such. These things take time and can't be rushed." Koldur shrugs as he explains his views.
As Seraphina laughs at his apparent eagerness to get into battle once more he nods as he answers.
"The last few battles were mostly done by yourself and the rest. My axes hardly saw any action. Furthermore these training grounds are supposed to be good for training with promises of treasure. It may serve as an option to send potential recruits here for additional training."
Turning back to the fierce harpy leader, the armsmaster once again asks.
"I would challenge the tower, what do I have to do?"
The harpy looks at the two dwarves and after their first two comments makes her own comment, "You are all daft! Have you even seen a harpy recently, most of us have nests here or in hidden glens. Yes we do love the way such prey does eat but most of us keep to ourselves. The reason I won't sign anything with you for it would only be with my immediate kin, two dozen harpies isn't a kingdom it is a tribe. If you want it you can have it with my tribe."
After Seraphina offers her words, the harpy smiles with its razor sharp teeth, "Ah the female of your species has wisdom! Though she says she doesn't know us, perhaps she knows of other tribes. What is the power in words and such? Yes, yes you may analyze and take a test should you wish it. It is a marathon not a sprint should you take the challenge. Beware to leave at a higher level means to fly or drop from that height. We would do our best to catch who we can and as most of the tribes are still here that is good."
"The tower has many magics but it does not affect us, in the way you speak of dwarf." She says in response to Rognar.
"To challenge the Tower on your own means you are even more out of your mind than I said before. If you choose that route you walk into the Tower and touch the large crystal in the middle of the room. All within will be challenged so please ask that the harpies leave before touching the stone." She says hysterically then rather politely. Then she adds offering, "We will take care of your mounts until you return."
As Koldur walks up the stairs into the Tower several of the harpies blow on horns or other signalers. As any harpy within leaves quickly.
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"We are still a fellowship of blades! Perhaps Legends in the Making or even Slayers of Renown?! Master Dwarf would you take all the glory or share it with us?!" He offers in good nature and a wide grin on his small face.
Once it is decided that Koldur would take help he would then look to his minions, "Yolanda, I would like you beside my side. Though let my forces move back to our mansion." He would quietly ask Meir to show some of his maids where the harpies lay in wait, away from the barbarian harpy leader, "so that they may be guarded and brought back to the mansion," he explicitly explains.
"Well, who are you going to have to write about the experience if I don't come along," chides Ingvarr with a smile, joining the others in the challenge!
"Of course you're all welcome to join in. I would test this tower and pit my skills against it. I really would like to see what's in this tower such that a rabble of vampires would spend so much effort on." Koldur smiles to the rest.
As he climbs the tower, he waits for the others to join him and also to give enough time for unwilling participants to leave.
Seraphina did not yet have the gift of flight, so she sent to Meir. "I will try and check in with you as we progress, we might need your help if we are ejected. Keep an eye on things here and stay safe."
"You really ought to be resting and healing after our ordeal, the both of you." She said, clearly speaking to Koldur and Hundor, "But I certainly can't let you fellows go exploring a tower of trials without me. Who knows what trouble you might get into." She said with a wink.
As the harpies gathered themselves to leave the challenge area, Sera cast detect magic and scanned the magical crystal they planned to activate.
Taking 10's to automatically aid Seraphina in Spellcraft and Arcana, Ingvarr asks, "Do you think we will go immediately into combat? I could use a few preparatory spells before we activate the stone if that is the case."
Johanna and the others that have not spoken will head back to the capital to get the caravan to head this way.
Seraphina checking out the crystal globe you notice it has a summoning magic tied to it and preservation magic. The doors and walls are all warded with many abjuration spells.
As the group collects around the globe you look to each other and nod. Spells begin to get cast.
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Once everyone seems done casting spells, Saronis lays his hand upon the globe. There is a thunderous sound and you see many of the 'doors' open and out comes earth elementals. You hear a voice come from above though looking there you see no one, "Wave 1 of 5 for the entrance room to see if you are worthy."
As you see there is elementals coming from every direction but behind you the melee warriors of your group likely will create a semi circle. These roughly canine creatures of dirt and stone explodes up from the ground, faceless save for two glowing gemstone eyes. There seems to be 2 for each of those who entered. They glide above or into the ground at what seems to be a pace of 40 feet per round, the first 9 will be upon you in round 2 and the second wave of 9 would get to you in round 3.
Sable
Koldur
Rognar
Ingvarr
Seraphina
Hundor
Meir
Olivira
Yolanda
Amerilari
Elementals
Small Earth Elemental
CR 1
XP 400
N Small outsider (earth, elemental, extraplanar)
Init –1; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +4
DEFENSE
AC 17, touch 10, flat-footed 17 (–1 Dex, +7 natural, +1 size)
hp 13 (2d10+2)
Fort +4, Ref –1, Will +3
Immune elemental traits
OFFENSE
Speed 20 ft., burrow 20 ft., earth glide
Melee slam +6 (1d6+4)
Special Attacks earth mastery
STATISTICS
Str 16, Dex 8, Con 13, Int 4, Wis 11, Cha 11
Base Atk +2; CMB +4; CMD 13
Feats Improved Bull RushB, Power Attack
Skills Appraise +1, Climb +7, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +1, Knowledge (planes) +1, Perception +4, Stealth +7
Languages Terran
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Earth Glide (Ex)
A burrowing earth elemental can pass through stone, dirt, or almost any other sort of earth except metal as easily as a fish swims through water. If protected against fire damage, it can even glide through lava. Its burrowing leaves behind no tunnel or hole, nor does it create any ripple or other sign of its presence. A move earth spell cast on an area containing a burrowing earth elemental flings the elemental back 30 feet, stunning the creature for 1 round unless it succeeds on a DC 15 Fortitude save.
Earth Mastery (Ex)
An earth elemental gains a +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls if both it and its foe are touching the ground. If an opponent is airborne or waterborne, the elemental takes a –4 penalty on attack and damage rolls. These modifiers apply to bull rush and overrun maneuvers, whether the elemental is initiating or resisting these kinds of attacks. (These modifiers are not included in the statistics block.)
As Sonronis touches the globe he casts shield on himself.
Round 1
"Small earth elementals, let them come!" He states moving his greatsword above his head in a very offensive stance.
Round 2
He would wait for the elementals to get their attacks first and then aim to cleave two of them, possibly cleaving finish a third. He misses on the first strike and fails to continue.
Round 1
Koldur has his axes drawn out and adopts a defensive position as he waits for the earth elementals to approach them.
Round 2
Axes spin and sing as they cleave through the air, Koldur's deadly dance strikes once more on the earth elementals in his range.