As the night goes on and Almah goes to bed, Apollo th before putting himself and Nom to bed, in preparation for their early morning start.
As morning breaks, Apollo rises, gives out a large yawn and stretches.
As he dons his armour, he brushes his hand through his hair, makes himself look presentable and wakes Nom up, before heading over to Almah's tent.
Almah! I'm off to the Monastary now. I've heard Garavel's instructions and wish you well for your trip ahead. We'll secure the building, readying it for your arrival. Take care and see you all soon. Oh and look after the elderly couple for me!
Apollo walks over to the Elven woman and politely speaks with her, as he waits for the rest of the group.
I'm Apollo and this here is Nom. What's your name? It appears we'll be travelling together often!
Kori looks over at the man, disinterested "I'm full aware of who you are Lizard-friend. You humans can call me Kori. If we're working together, you'd be better not wandering off and getting beat up by goats and cactuses." She replies to him with as much warmth as she seems to have for anyone.
Apollo laughs.
The only harm I was caused, is that from the Cactus needles. The pugly that attacked didn't survive one swing from this baby.
I desire a more worthy opponent. Perhaps the leader of the Gnoll's around here would prove a worthy adversary. I'm out for his blood for murdering those who I call family....
Kori looks at the man, somewhat confused, "A worthy adversary? If they are worthy, why would you want to kill them? If I'm trying to kill someone, then they aren't worthy, they deserve to die." She crosses her arms and shifts her weight impatiently as she waits for the rest of the group.
Because there's no honour in killing something that stands no chance. The challenge is in fighting an equal or stronger opponent and the prize is coming out on top!
Apollo smiles with confidence in his statement.
"If there's no honor, why are you so proud of squishing the little gnoll rat you fought? What good is honor? Does it feed you, or house you? Does it make you stronger when you fight? Any fight you win is a prize, no matter what it is you fought. If you live, you win, your prize is going on living. I fight because I need something dead, how it ends up dead don't matter to me, the prize is what I wanted dead is dead." She's oddly enough not being argumentative, and it's obvious by her tone, she just doesn't seem understand what purpose there is in honor.
I'm not proud to have killed that creature, but I don't regret it either. It attacked us first, and so I struck back in order to save the Goat and prevent any further harm done to those I travelled with. As for making you stronger, does honour do that? It might do, because without it you'd be killing whenever a winnable opportunity arises, but with it, you gain the courage to fight creatures that may be bigger and stronger than you're used to, with uncertainty of victory always present in your mind, and yet you press on, pushing yourself to move faster and hit harder with each opponent.
Determination is what makes you stronger, where as honour allows you to feel empowerment, seeing weaker foes as just that, and stronger foes as obstacles to overcome. Killing a downed opponent is dishonourable and something I have only ever done once. I mean why take the easy route when the harder challenge is what strengthens your confidence in your own abilities? Still, you could argue that it's all just a matter of perspective.
Apollo speaks in a friendly manner, trying to explain his views on the subject.
She only grows more confused by his explanation, "If I'm fighting it, I think it's killable. If I think I can't win, what do I get by fighting it? I'm dead, and it keeps doing what it deserves to die for. What is wrong with killing a down enemy? What if you don't kill it, then it comes back and kills, say, your lizard? Is there more honor in killing it when it's easiest, or after you have let it go and it kills someone you want to live? I take the easy route, when it's there, because there's no reason to do things the hard way, when the easy way gets the job done. If you have to walk for two days in the desert, do you take your boots off and walk barefoot, because you get more honor? Honor that does nothing for you, and gives nothing to you?"
No, but honour is what differentiates the good from the bad. If I knocked an enemy down, in most cases I'd restrain it. Maybe the authorities would imprison it, or perhaps it has a bounty on its head and you're handsomely rewarded? You have many options, but there's no skill involved if you kill an enemy on the floor. If you're that intent on killing it, wait for it to stand and continue the fight. If it refuses, throw it a weapon and force it to fight. I'm sure many opponents would rather fight than have me allow Nom to eat them alive when he reaches full maturity.
Apollo looks at the sky and takes a deep breath.
I understand your concerns, but the glory is from the fights of which you face certain death. When you persist against all odds and come out on top victorious, you gain a strong sense of satisfaction and become mentally prepared to take out even stronger opponents without looking back. That is how I've always remained strong, and although I'll fight in self defense, I only take pride from killing equal or stronger opponents than myself. Although for Gnoll's, rapists and murderers, I'll make an exception.
She just shrugs, "I don't need glory, or honor. All I need is success. Success means I go on living. Your goals are different than mine, fine, but if I get injured because you think to waste time letting an enemy have his weapon and get up, then we have a problem."
I wouldn't risk that when helping others, as it would be putting their lives at risk as well as mine. It's just how I fight alone, though I wouldn't think twice about killing the most vile of people. Slavers included. People should live as free men and women, following their heart and ambitions.
Noticing Kori's tone, Apollo continues.
I don't know your background, but hopefully this trip will open your eyes to show you that not everything is bad. You have your own beliefs as I have mine, and I'd like to show you that there are good people. I'm one of them and although I barely know you, would put my life on the line for not just you, but Keth and everyone else I have met over the last day or so. I'd like to become better acquainted with you, as a friend. Even if you disregard the need for my help, I'll look out for you, and show you that happiness can be had.
Apollo digs the hilt of his hammer into the ground and starts playfully spinning it on the spot, before asking one favour of the woman.
If we ever find the leader of the Gnoll's.....the Carrion King, it would mean a lot if you left the final blow to me. He took those I cared for away from me, and it's only fair to repay him by taking his life.
"I will attack any enemy with all my ability. I don't know if my first or fifth hit will be their last. I won't stop attacking until they're dead. If you want to deal some final blow, then you better pray to the god you follow that fate lets it be yours. Does his death mean more or less if it was you or not? He is dead, dead is dead, by you or someone else, or by thirst. It's death."
It would mean everything to me. It's my purpose for being here and if I fail to finish him off myself, I would have failed to avenge the clan he slaughtered. My adoptive family.
Dmitri was sitting, observing the conversation for a healthy amount of time before he finally decided that he thoroughly enjoyed the company of some of Kori's ideals. Though he didn't agree with Kori because of his affinity for the fairer race, he did agree with what she was saying.
You know, if we're going by technicals, it was the treachorous vagabond that caused all this... While I fully agree with Kori on the dead being dead, to me, you've already killed the main instrument of hatred.
He mused.
Not to stop the argument, but it seems that the major solution to all of our inner cravings is to get some well-deserved blood and carnage, no??
He laughed, clapping his hands together once.
I know just the abandoned church to get our rocks off then... The grin when he said that, and the smoothness of his voice and wickedness in his only visible eye at that moment was enough to make hairs stand up.
Where did you come from? You weren't here when I originally approached Kori. said a confused Apollo, as barely anyone was awake when he got up and out of his tent.
Angmar merely shakes his head at all the talk about killing and worthy opponents. To him there where no worthy opponents and no unworthy ones either. If one got into his way he had to get out of his way or fight. Avoiding a fight was usually better and good planning could always help.
Dmitri had been awake prior because he was honestly considering taking up the cloth of a cleric. So many options with it that he could easily make do, no?
"My apologies for being so... spontaneous. I've been considering something for a while, and it requires I be awake early. Still... if you need me, I'll be consorting with the priest."
He took a bow in Koritylija's direction. "I look forward to seeing your ferocity in combat."
As he raised back up, he had a grin on his face and the wicked glint was still in his eyes.
Dmitri was restless. He was eager, more than anything. His bad habits of sadism were starting to show up, and, fully revitalized, he was more than ready to give and take as many blows as he could. His blood was boiling, and he thought speaking of religion to a fellow devout would calm his nerves.
He entered the tent/wagon/whatever it is, and looked around for the halfling. He tried to remember his name, but it escaped him as he hadn't been paying attention.
Priest? Are you there?
No worries. What's your name by the way? Mine's Apollo, though I hear most people know that by now. Apollo responds with a slight laugh, before pulling out one of his rations to keep him going for a while.
Nom had a decent meal last night, so should be good for a little while.
1st level:Cure Light Wounds, Keen Senses
Domain:Magic Stone
Keth went to bed early the previous night due do all of the cactus pain and frustration of the day, even though he was healed from the cacti he was still thoroughly upset about it.
The next morning Keth woke up early and packed ready to go once again. As he was packing, and doing his other morning things, he herd arguing from the camp but was well used to it by now and didn't bother to find out who or what it was about for he would know soon enough.
Keth heads to the the main of the group after finishing his morning duties to see what was happening this fine morning Good morning all, what are we arguing about today?
Nothing really. We're just talking about honour and its relevancy.
Apollo places his hand on Keth's shoulder as a friendly greeting.
So Keth, are you ready for adventure today? You look a little tired even though you've had more sleep than me! Gear up you lazy man! We're all set for the Monastery!
Raising his Hammer high above his head, Apollo plonks it back down into its harness, then loads his bedroll and Canvas onto the Camel, ready for departure.
Well, today is a fine day for adventure. With a woman as angry as Kori, I'll have no trouble finishing off whatever comes our way!
Keth nods and perks up a little. I'm prepared for, well, what ever happens.Keth grins.Yesterday was frustrating, but that will where off soon enough as it no longer seems to matter. Keth proceeds to gather himself before getting ready for departure.
Another day passed another thing gone, no need to fret on past experiences.
Apollo seems happy and is glad to know that everyone's determined to succeed.
Good man!
Nom rubs his head across your leg, possibly in affection, possibly because he has an itch.
As Kori manages to get on her mount and ride towards the monastery with the others, she makes a little correction. "Camel-talker, I do not argue. Making my point with words is a waste of time and more easy just swinging. I was trying to make sense of Lizard-friend's need for honor and glory."
It is only a journey of a few miles from The Sultan's Claw to the abandoned monastery, but a journey made difficult by the tough uphill route you must take into the mountains. It's clear that it will be several hours before you reach the monastery, so you dig your heels into your camels and ride.
It doesn't take long to lose sight of The Sultan's Claw and Almah's caravan.
After about two hours of uphill traveling, the figure of a stone structure becomes visible atop the next rise. Once a proud temple to Sarenrae, the decades of disuse have done their work. Where once there must have been many wooden structures, now only mostly rotten planks remain. The stone remains mostly intact, although a few of the temple's towers have collapsed and gaping holes mar most of the structure’s ceilings. Most of the walls remain as well.
From this far down, no motion can be seen through any of the holes in the monastery's walls.
Alright, let's get a closer look at the place. There might not be anything to worry about at first glance, but we should approach with caution.
Apollo scouts around for a way in.
Sabeen just nods at Almah's request as if expecting it. She seems to shy to talk to the great lady directly.
-------------------------
At the temple she studies the broken walls for a time as if trying to see through them.
Yes, we must be quiet. Like mice.
Early evening comes around right as you get to the temple, about an hour after initially spotting it.
As you draw close, you see the extent to which the natural world has reclaimed this temple. While it remains a large and sturdy structure, weeds have covered nearly every surface, and vines climb the temple's walls.
There are two entrances into the temple, although they both go into the same room. One is a hole in the wall and the other appears to have once been a door, now long-rotted away.
Apollo whispers and smacks his lips together, though loud enough for the party to hear; Eeee, eeee, eeee!
With a smirk he looks to Sabeen and says Sorry, that was my impression of a mouse. Got any cheese to complete the joke?
As the group approaches the Monastery, Apollo dismounts his Camel, grabs his hammer and places it on the ground. He then ties his bedroll to his back before picking his hammer up once more, and then proceeds to the hole in the wall, where Nom follows ever so slightly behind.
Dmitri's blood was thoroughly on fire at this point. He could hardly contain himself. He kept the thrill stifled, however. Dmitri wasn't that stealthy, so he didn't bother attempting it. He believed that gnolls could simply smell them if they tried to sneak up on them, anyway, and surprise attacks weren't particularly his favorite method of blood-letting.
He walks casually up to the front door. Worst thing that could happen, he thought, was that there could be gnolls on the other side waiting in ambush.
"Perfect" was a word that went through his head at that point.
He drew his scythe, slowly, and eagerly, nearly drooling at the hope that there was something on the other side of the door that he could maim, or would hopefully maim him. He heaved a heavy sigh as he lowered his weapon, carefully gripping it with one hand.
He touched the door, barely pushing it, checking to see if it needed forced open, though not actually trying to open it.
Scrub brush and a light, patchy carpet of weeds invade the monastery through two huge fallen sections of the western wall. The exposed nave beyond is a huge hallway littered with bits of debris ranging from tiny rocks to enormous sections of collapsed masonry. Most of the roof above the long promenade is gone, but several jagged pillars remain. There apparently was once a shrine and an altar here, but they have been smashed to pieces. You can't see much beyond a perhaps 200-by-35 foot hall from your position in the doorway, however.
Walking into the room, Dmitri isn't taking any precautions at all to stay hidden. His eyes were alight with wicked intentions, scanning every orifice of the room carefully, hoping against hope that there was something he could kill. Whether his allies were with him or not, they would be if a fight broke out, as they weren't too far away, so his cares were literally absent.
He walked down the hall, curious of the shrine, yes, but still mostly looking around, hoping against hope that there was something for him to sink his blade into.
The room runs north-south, with an intact wall at the south and an opening into a wide ovoid chapel in the north.
Two recesses to the sides of the opening to the chapel contain huge, bas-relief statues. The roof over the westernmost one is intact and has preserved its features from the eroding influences of rain. The roof over the other one has collapsed, exposing it to erosion, and thus its features have worn away. Searching the room, however, will turn up a secret door between its legs. A catch to open the door stands behind one of the legs and the door is built into the wall.
The westernmost statue is a muscular humanoid man with a pointy beard gesturing toward a huge mountain in the background, his face a picture of mortal concern.
The easternmost statue is the same bearded figure appearing on a hilltop to a group of robed pilgrims. The being holds up his hands, palms out, in a sign of peace. Though many of the faces and limbs on the bas-relief have been worn down or cut away, the expressions of those range from beatific to horrified.
Echoing throughout the entire area of monastery that you have thus far explored is a loud and high-pitched cackling, as well as some shouted dialogue in a language you don't understand. The sound is emanating from the chapel, although no visible figures present themselves obviously in the chapel.
A crude stone stele that seems to have been erected more recently than the abandonment of the monastery stands here as well. Its graven inscription reads: “A ghost of unholy mien was purged from this place by Theodephus Estrovan, servant of Aroden, 4691 ar.”
As Dmitri hears the cackling, any potential interest or knowledge he could possibly have in the statue becomes null. His blood lust gets the better of him, and his sadism finally appears. Anyone who is currently near him, following him, should notice a much colder, more vile aura about him.
The words Dmitri just said, to those who can't understand them, sounded cold and raspy, and seemed to shift to completely new words as he said them, as if the language fluxed as he spoke it.
His eye was wicked with glee, and a grin sprawled across his face. He turned, looking at the person behind him. His bliss at the moment about to unfold was clouding his sense of thought, so much so, that he couldn't perfectly see whoever else was in the room.
Dmitri had to calm himself, as he realized he was still speaking in the original tongue of the outer plane, but he fortunately caught himself with the rest of it. The sound of the shifting words was still unnerving, however.
Angmar approaches the ancient structure with a sense of awe and pity for the stone.
As he stands there plotting their best move the headstrong young huntsman runs into the place recklessly barring his big hammer. Angmar curses the fool but follows in suite a string of curses accompanying him on his way.
Kori in turn, follows Dmitri, not out of any sense of connection as much as knowing he could take a solid hit from her. To her that spells tough, the other one, Lizard-friend, got beat up by cactuses. Her blade is drawn, but unlike Dmitri, she does attempt to remain silent. Some things about your upbringing just don't go away. "I hear something, but I don't know what it is. Who's the statue? I thought this god was a woman?"
Knowledge Religion
I could tell ye if she was a Dwarf for sure. But she don't look like one never heard of er!
The Dwarf replies to the dark elf as they make their way into the temple.
"The cackling is... most likely gnolls..."
He takes a moment to glance at the statue and considers studying it, but his blood is boiling too much to actually focus on it. He removes his coat, throwing it on the floor behind him and revealing his scars. He grips his scythe tight, grabbing it with his second hand as well, and pointing the deathly sickle in the direction of the noise.
"Koritylija, I'm going."
With that he starts walking down the hallway, with a look of absolute confidence and an aura of absolute blood-lust.
Seeing that the coast is clear, Apollo walks in with Nom following behind.
The temple is one of the more grandeur places that Apollo has had the privilege of exploring, but he still looks around in awe, mostly ignoring the fact that Dmitri has already rushed off ahead.
Grand place, this. It's gonna make a fine base for us, but those walls...A herd of Elephants once gathered here perhaps?
Apollo laughs to himself, wondering if anyone appreciates his humour.
Upon seeing the statues, the man is familiar with the picture the last of the three depicts, but can't quite recall what it's in relation to.
Suddenly, hearing the noise that echoes from the Chapel, Apollo looks up and past Dmitri, walking towards the source of the sound, spotting under one statue, a set of stairs that lead deep underground.
Heads up guys. Things are about to get lively! Still, when we're done here, I'm gonna venture down those stairs. You're welcome to join me.
Apollo smiles and then marches towards the Chapel, briefly turning to point at Nom, shaking his head and signalling him to back off, as things could get dangerous.
Why don't ye wait just a moment laddy for those of us wit shorter legs to catch up! Angmar rumbles as Apollo wants to rush down the stairs.
Apollo Angmar
Sabeen Keth
Dimitri Koya
Kori balks at the dwarf's indication that he gets to tell others what to do. She just huffs and moves up to walk at least beside Dmitri where the hallway allows room. She attempts to move in front of him when the hallway doesn't, her sword at the ready.
As dmitri continues to walk forward he suddenly remembers that there are 2 women in the area, thanks to Angmar and he full-stops. He turns to look at those following, of which are Angmar, Kori, and Apollo, who was just coming through the hole.
He stops, and considers the suggestion.
I believe I should be one of the ones to take the front. I can stave off more hits than you and the druid. Avisk nisi*
Though he had most certainly, Dmitri's time-long habit of speaking in Abyssal in moments of excitement was still rearing it's head. He considered his fluent understanding of the abyssal language a gift, though hardly a controllable one in situations such as this.
Come on shorty. It's good exercise! laughs Apollo as Angmar comments on the shortness of his own legs.
Apollo rests his Hammer over his shoulder, now that his harness is helping to secure the bedroll on his back, before signalling to those on his side to ready themselves.
The nave is less of a hallway and more of a hall, being 40 feet wide and about 200 feet long, there is easily enough room for all of you to stand abreast and more.
The clanking of armor and echoing of conversation travels far in a stone building like this, and a minute or two after the group enters the monastery, the cackling and unintelligible conversation halts. It's followed by the skittering of clawed feet and silence.
At the top of the short staircase leading into the chapel, a tiny dog-faced head reveals itself. Seeing the group, it lets out a small shriek and ducks back behind the wall. There is then a moment of shouted but unintelligible yelling, and six of the creatures that attacked Apollo and Keth the day before come barreling out into the nave.
A feeling of dread settles into your beings as the creatures get closer-you just don't feel like luck is with you.
It is not. It is simply stone tile flooring. The floors have remained largely intact.