"Hum...I have seen those within our tribe with a strong connection to nature attract the company of such creatures. Sometimes great wolves or other large animals, sometimes small ones such as birds or reptiles," Joza nods. "It sounds as if she is yours. Does she have a name?"
Rahiv shrugged a bit at what she said. "She has never given a name, I have tried a few but she gives me a feeling of being annoyance. I assume it's because she believes I should know it without her telling me...But she has followed and hidden with me for years. It is quite odd that she hasn't seemed to age any in that time. But perhaps it's just because of my lack of knowledge of such animals." he said shaking his head a bit before popping a frog leg into he mouth enjoying it a bit.
vs
Ekran! This is unexpected...You're not away chasing three headed dragons today?
The big fighter isn't sure if she is toying with him or just pleasantly surprised. The girl seems to push him into a less crowded side street
One of the largest and most ornate buildings in town, the Temple of the Golden Key is dedicated to the worship of Abadar, god of law and commerce, between Juliver's way and Lord Varden way's
A young priest welcomes you to the Temple. He's not fat. Just pot-bellied, really. You feel sure he has already a fair idea of the cost of everything you visibly carry.
My name is Toras Calbion. Do you come here to worship and pay, sorry, pRay the Master of the First Vault?
As they approach the temple, Pekoe looks around in wonder at the grand architecture. "Wow! They sure don't have anything like this back home!" she exclaimed as she ran up to a rather decorative wall panel. She paused and thought a moment. "Well, actually they do, but this one is clearly much better."
As they entered her already big eyes got wider as if attempting to take in everything at once. But, when the priest comes and greets them, she clutches her purse rather tightly. Clearly this place did not need her money in any way.
Hearing the priest mix up the words pay and pray brought a smile to the sorcerer's face but he decided not to laugh.
Thank you but we are here to ask for information as we are adventurers hoping to cleanse this land of the evils oozing from the Emerald Spire. We were told by...well a group of people who run this town...um well you know the ones who wearing scary looking armor...that the priests of Abadar had information about sightings of strange new undead and other monsters. We hope you can aid us in our noble quest. Oh where are my manners!? My name is Davlamin Glimmergaunt, and these are my companions Zinli and Pekoe. My other comrades await us back at Juliver's Inn.
The young priest answers Davlamin
So you mean the Hellknights send you there? I've heard some strange undead have been seen and fought in the recent weeks. Did the Hellknights told you to meet someone specifically, or just to take a stroll by the temple and ask a few questions? We have a few Hellknight worshippers, so why did they send you?
Davlamin shrugged.
your guess is as good as mine. Maybe... the half elf lowered his voice as he whispered the next part least some Hellknight heard him, ...they realize that they aren't as powerful as they thought and they sent us to you as they don't know all the answers.
He then returned his voice to normal, They probably meant that we should ask the head priest of your order for information. he returned to a whispering level, They did mention that these undead were able to overpower their most experienced Hellknights. And that other monsters were besting them as well.
If possible could we please seek an audience with the head cleric of your temple if it isn't too much trouble?
Joza looks up with a start as the wild-eyed man bursts into the Inn. She takes note of both his wound and the fact that he seems to be armed, but she can't tell if he's done this to himself or if he was actually attacked by someone or something. Her mind flashes back to the incident with the fleeing men in the street.
Not again...
She eyes the man cautiously but makes no move to rise from her seat. Discretely, she bends her wrist and allows the dagger hidden within the wrist sheath strapped to her arm to slide into her hand...hopefully unnoticed.
Rahiv sees the rather distraught man but notices the knife more then the wound at this point. He stares at him for a moment trying to judge just how much of a danger to himself and others he might be.
"In fact," Pekoe started, rather confident in herself. "If you don't take us straight to your, uh, head priest, the Hellknights will probably be very cross with you! And you don't wanna make them cross. They'd probably tell on you! Or, you know, something!"
Pekoe nods her head firmly, clearly confirming this as fact to the Abadaran priest. It might be fact for all she knows. Those Hellknights are pretty tricksy, after all.
It took a lot of willpower to keep from laughing.
Now Pekoe you don't have to do that. I'm sure the priests of Abadar has had...reluctant dealings with the Hellknights so they are probably aware of what they're capable of.
No one seems to see or care for Joza's actions, as everyone eyes are on the running man.
Shall I remind you I already told you that some Hellknights are followers of Abadar? They support civilisation and law, just as the Master of the First Vault. Now stay here, and try to find some manners and respect while I'll warn the Hight Priestess of your presence and request. A small donation to the Temple for your sinful, reckless attitude is expected.
He looks at Pekoe with all the gravitas and authority he owns, before turning heels to see the High Priestess.
Davlamin nodded.
A thousand apologies. We just have had...not so good dealings in the past with Hellknights in the past and leave it at that. Anyhow we appreciate you telling the High Priestess of our request. Any information the Church of Abadar may give us will be helpful in our noble quest.
The half elf also donates a few coppers into the donation box.
"Annoying." Zinli muttered.
Incredible... Are all the Hellknights like that?! They're just so mean and condescending!
She had turned her back to the priest to take a little look around.
Maybe there's something a little more interesting... Ahah! A boxie!
She gently shook the donation box, listening closely to the tinkling coins.
"Ahah! Plenty of coins in there. That must be a kind of piggy bank. Except there's no piggy. Too bad. Piggies are nice. Not very clean, but still fun to be around... Or not. Yeah. They aren't fluffly. That's a big flaw. Actually, piggies are lame... Why don't we have doggy bank? Or kitty bank? They would be much more popular. Maybe I could build one in the future? Or even start a factory? I'll become millionaire... That's it! I know how to help civilisation! They just have to build and sell tons of kitty bank, and fluffiness will save the world!"
Pekoe scowled at the priest, looking more than a little bit like an angry tomcat than any humanoid should be able to. She clutches her purse just a bit tighter, now highly suspicious of the church and their potential attempts at squeezing money out of her.
The sound of coins jingling in the donation box was tempting, but even the mischievous gnome wasn't about to try pinching anything from a church. That was just wrong. Even if she was pouting over her clearly flawless bluff that had gone sour.
Seeing that apparently no one has noticed her palming her dagger and that no one else seems willing to try addressing the crazed man, Joza sighs to herself and then coughs.
"Well, it looks like you have our attention," she says quietly. "And you seem to be in trouble of some sort...or looking for it, which doesn't seem wise in this town based on what little I've seen. What is it that you want?"
AHEM!
The sorcerer gave Zinli a look to put the donation box back where she got it right now! He also said so in case she didn't figure it out yet.
Pardon my friend she's quite...curious about everything.
The High Mother Dremagne will meet you. Be on your best behavior, if possible. you are supposed to address her by her title, "High Mother", even if you're not of the faith.
He walks you to a small side chapel, and opens the door after knocking.
The High Priestess of Abadar is a matronly woman which might be in her sixties. She looks at your strange little group, and nods to the younger priest, who gets out of the room.
Please have a seat, and introduce yourselves...
She has a pleasant, polite voice, and small hands for her body
and tries to dashes to the small crowd of the inn, as your hear familiar loud metallic steps outside...
After thanking the younger priest for taking his time to get them a meeting with the High Mother and after the younger priest left, Davlamin turned and slightly bowed to the priestess.
Thank you High Mother Dremagne for agreeing to meet us. My name is Davlamin Glimmergaunt and these are my companions Zinli and Pekoe. We are part of a group of adventurers who have taken upon ourselves to aid the good folk of this town against the evil festering in the ruins of the Emerald Spire. We were told by the Hellknights that the Church of Abadar had more information on the recent attacks and sightings by monsters both living and undead and how these attackers have even bested and defeated their most experienced Hellknights! We were even told of a patrol of Hellknights that has gone missing while scouting the ruins themselves. We hope you can aid us in our noble quest High Mother. While we may not...like the Hellknights to put it mildly, my companions and I will do all we can to help in protecting all those endangered by the villains lurking and scheming within the Emerald Spire. Any information you can give us will be most helpful High Mother.
After speaking Davlamin sat down.
Hellknights respect and uphold the law, just like Abadar. Some people despise them for their link with the Church of Asmodeus but most of them aren't devil-worshippers. They do what they can to bring peace and order to outlaws lands, and fights against demons in the Worldwound Crusade. Have you recently fought against demons? I don't think so... So please don't judge them too quick and too harsh, if only because they have the power to judge and execute you. After a trial, of course.
A pause to let the words sink in, then
As you might already know, patrols around the Fort have fought zombies and other undead. All these undead were wearing a kind of insignia, a crowded skull. I want you to discover, and destroy if possible, whatever hides behind this crowded skull. Do you feel up to the task?
After being escorted to this 'High Mother' and the priest was sent off, Pekoe planted her hands on her hips. She took on a facial expression that suggested she was about to let someone have it, and opened her mouth as if to speak. Luckily for every one else in the room, she was cut short by the opening lines of Davlamin's eloquent speech that was likely to ingratiate them all to her far more than whatever it was Pekoe was about to let dribble from her mouth.
Instead, she settles for standing beside Davlamin, her tail flick-flick-flicking behind her. Curches of law and her never saw eye to eye. In hindsight, she probably should have gone along with that greenish guy and the furry cat-lady.
Joza gives Rahiv a look as the man plunges into the crowd, though she makes no effort to stop him provided he doesn't attempt to attack anyone or take a hostage.
"What should we do? I...I don't know that I want to get involved..." she whispers.
The sorcerer thought for a moment.
Hmm...you make a good point High Mother. They do keep law and order, which is good, I have seen their...style of keeping the peace and frankly it has soured my view of them. But...I'll try to keep words in mind when I have to deal with them. I do not particularly like their belief in allowing slaves from what I've heard from other travelers. Still, I'll do what I can to hold my tongue against them. You are most wise High Mother. Now, in terms of this additional quest we have been given, yes we will seek out the ones behind this crowned skull. But first, we must know, when did the first sightings and attacks begin and was there anything else unusual about them? I ask because I'm trying to see if there is a pattern or something that may be of importance that could aid us in opposing this vile threat...or threats as it would seemed that there has been planar portals opening up near the ruins which I'm afraid might have caused anything from demons to devils to even elementals into our world...although it could be a mad king from another material plane or planet or an evil god from another world. But nonetheless we will do what we can to aid you and the good folk of this town.
Rahiv watched with a bit of curiosity for now as he tried to figure it out. Joza finished his thoughts as she approached him and spoke to him. What he did next left him a bit stunned and he just let him pass him by.
He looked to the door "I think we should just stay out of it this time, if they ask us anything tell no lies." he said softly.
Two Hellknights enters the Juliver's Inn as the man tries to reach the bar (and everyone gives him enough room)
Here you are , slave! We will bring you back to your rightful owner...Don't try to escape!
Their target answers desperatly
NO! You won't get me! Not again! FREEDOM!
With that final word, the man plunges the dagger deep in his chest, to the shock of the onlookers
The undead seems might be linked to the Emerald Spire, we are not sure. Maybe you will find some hints. Beware, as the unliving abominations are quite resilient. You should try to track them first, and eliminate small groups when possible. We don't want our citizen to become tools in the elimination of the city. There's a small temple of Pharasma in the Fort, if you need special information or equipment against undead. They would be happy to help you, probably.
Pekoe tugged on Davlamin's shirt and gave him a concerned look up. "No one told me there was actually going to be zombies," she whispered, looking more than a bit alarmed. "Aren't you concerned they will smell your brain and try to rip it out and chew it up? I heard they like that sort of thing." She kept her tone low, but it held a gravity that suggested she was most certainly not kidding around on this subject.
This was all quite worrisome to the little gnome.
Chuckling a bit, Davlamin assured the tiefling gnome that's things would be alright.
Don't worry Pekoe. Even adventurers like ourselves know the meaning of caution. Besides zombies can be killed like any other monster. We will have to just be careful and carry maces and hammers with us and make sure to use fireballs and lightning bolts against them. So don't worry and be rest assured your friends will look out for you.
He then turned back to ask the High Mother some more questions, Do you have any more information you could give us? Was there anyone suspicious prior to these attacks who passed through the area that you and the other townsfolk may have noticed? Anything out of the ordinary happened before the increase in monster attacks?
The High Mother rolls her eyes as she hears Davlamin and Pekoe speaking
Little one, don't listen the half elf too much. If you fight zombies with maces and hammers, you're in for a nasty surprise. It's been a while since I last put down a wandering corpse, but I remember that zombies are quite resilient to smashing blows, even if their rotting flesh can be cut off.
Maces and flails are good against skeletons, on the contrary. As for your last question, we have no idea about who can be behind these undead attacks. We tried to use magical means, to show us the identity of the summoner, but to no avail. So we have to try more mundane means... And nothing unusual happened recently. No mysterious plague or something like that.
Ah yes, I forgot zombies are vulnerable to slashing weapons! Thank you for correcting me High Mother! As I've learned you never stop learning.
He nodded as she went on.
I see. We will gladly take on this quest and we appreciate all the information you have given us. Thank you for your time and wisdom Esteemed and Wise High Mother, he said as he got up and bowed slightly to her to show her respect.
Joza gapes in shock and horror as the apparently-escaped slave plunges the dagger deep into his chest, preferring to be free in death if he cannot be so in life.
"He...he killed himself!" she manages to squeak. "What a horrible life it must be to be a slave here if death is preferable to returning to his chains...no hope for the future..."
But wouldn't you do the same if there was no other way out?
"Don't worry, I'm sure even zombies can blow up very well," Zinli said, trying to reassure Pekoe. "Oh, and I would like to know... Is there a place where I could have a book of this city's laws, please?"
The High Priestess seems genuinely surprised by the gnome's request
We can do you a copy of the city laws book, at a cost, of course. Twenty gold pieces.And that's cutting my own... sorry, that's a bargain.
The two Hellknights take the body of the slave, as everyone in the Inn keeps silent, out of fear probably.
The slave is dead, but we must bring his body back to his rightful owner. At peace, citizens!
"Of course," Zinli muttered to herself; she shrugged. "I don't have that sum right now..."
I'm sure you have plenty of things to do right now. Don't let me detain you. May your wealth multiply.
With that sentence, it seems clear the meeting with the High Priest of Abadar is finished
"That...that was awful," Joza whispers to Rahiv as the Hellknights drag the slave's body away. "Is that sort of thing common here? Please tell me it isn't..."
Her appetite gone, she stares down at the table.
Rahiv waits till it seems the Hellknights have left for good. He puts a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I would like to say it isn't...but it depends on the slave and the owner. There are some good ones out there but of course there are some terrible ones as well. I would suspect he was not a slave of the Hellknights but a private citizen...and more then likely a not so pleasant one. I can't begin to imagine what must have happened to the poor man to make him to go to such an extreme..." he said softly.
"Come, lets get you that warm bath to try and take your mind off it and get you some rest. I'll be outside your door if you need someone to talk to" he offered as he tried to coax her into doing something to take her mind off what she'd just seen.
The sorcerer bowed to the High Mother.
Thank you again High Mother and rest assure we will do what we can to aid the good folk of this fine town!
Before leaving he then added, Oh and we will be back to buy Zinli a book of laws from you.
Pekoe wasted no time getting out of that church, going as far as to dodge and weave her way between people just to get to the door.
"Phew," she said as she finally stepped out into the street. "Thought they were gonna take me for every penny then send me right back to the Hellknights!" The though made her shudder.
"I heard Pharasmans are much more amicable if you can stand all the dreary colors."
Joza sighs and nods at Rahiv. "I suppose you're right...nothing that we can do about it now," she replies glumly. "Maybe a bath will help. I certainly don't have much of an appetite anymore..."
As the activity in the tavern slowly begins to pick up and return to normal, Joza rises from her table and approaches the barman. "Um...how much for water for a bath?" she asks quietly. Once everything is arranged and paid for, she turns to Rahiv. "I shouldn't be terribly long. Thanks for...being willing to talk with me, but I think I will be okay for right now. You mentioned you wanted a bath too; you should go ahead and take yours too, so we can both be ready by the time the others make it back."
the halfling innkeeper answer Joza grimly
The bath would cost you six coppers each. We'll need some warm water to wash out the blood on the floor, anyway...
You get out from the temple, and feel a cold breeze outside, even if the day is quite sunny.
Either Ekran has gone to the inn, or he is still busy with the busty girl somewhere.
"Right...of course," Joza mumbles as she hands over the six copper for her bath. Though she has her doubts as to how much of a help a bath will be with getting what she's just witnessed off of her mind, she's ready to try anything since she has no appetite and she knows that she will not be able to sleep right now.
"At least Pharasmans aren't into slavery and hellish stuff... But I agree with you: they could make an effort for their sense of fashion, and interior decoration... Some bright colours would be nice:"
Zinli looked at Davlamin, apparently touched:
"Really? How nice!!! But don't worry, I can save money until I have enough..."
She sighed.
"Do we really have to work for them though? I don't appreciate the way they treat everyone as their lackeys, and I don't like their laws, 'cause they're giving the Hellknights all rights. Why don't we just let them manage their own problems?"
Dav thought for a moment.
Well I guess they have to bow to the Hellknights as they're pretty much the chief protectors of this town. And you're welcome Zinli. And while they do allow the Hellknights I would rather work for them than the Hellknights. Still it is best we ask questions at the other temple as I want to gather as much as information as we can get because we need to know what we are dealing with here. I'm a bit concerned though: what were the Azlanti doing that would cause all of this? Are these undead and planar visitors of ancient seals coming undone or is someone messing around with something they shouldn't be doing?
Pekoe looks like she's about to say something, and from the angle of her eyebrows it's probably not something nice. And probably about the Hellknights. But, the wafting aroma of cooking meat hits her nose and her belly gives a grumble to rival an active volcano. How long has it been since she's eaten a proper meal instead of the cardboard and rice the Hellknights ensured she was provided? Without another moment of hesitation, Pekoe was elbowing past anything that got in her way and threw herself at the feet of the vendor hawking kabobs.
"My money. How many will this get me?" she asked, eye sparking in anticipation of the sweet tastes of juicy beef.
A quick exchange of copper and six kabobs later, Pekoe returned. She already had one in her mouth and she held her extra four out to Zinli and Davlamin. "Uh... We need a full belly to fight zombies?"
The sorcerer looked at her for a moment before saying, Can't argue with that logic!
He then accepted two of the tasty treats from Pekoe.
On your way to the temple of Pharasma, you see two Hellknights dragging someone. Everyone give them a wide berth.
You realise, after a few seconds, than the man they are dragging in the street is dead.
Dav looked at the two Hellknights dragging the dead body. The gears in his head began to turn as he said to the two gnomes, Remember how I told the High Mother of Abadar that I would give the Hellknights the benefit of a doubt?
Pekoe shivers and very deliberately looks away. "Devil spawn, if there ever was any."
Dav nodded in agreement.
Well, I decided not to give them the benefit of the doubt now, he said in a hushed tone to the two gnomes.
Come let's get going to the temple. I hope the others are alright.
The Temple of Silence, dedicated to Pharasma, seems to be a very ancient building, older than the town itself.
There are dozen persons near the Temple, and you hear prayers. There must be a ceremony running.