"How did you? But you died?"
"What in the world? What's going on? I think I've drank too much. This must be a trick. But the priest, Father Turnin, didn't cast anything so how did he come back?"
All around you are confused, and some quite startled or scared, dwarves and a few men looking in turn between all of you, Zethyris and the priest who is just starting to lift himself of of the floor with help.
"By all that's holy what just happened?" he looks at Zethyris then at Rutilux, "Wait a minute, I thought you said your friend was dead? How did he..." his voice trails off as a look of understanding crosses his face, "Oh." he shuffles over to the bar and pours two very large glasses of frothy ale then heads over to Zethyris, "I don't know who you are but someone up there likes you. Drink up lad and tell me what happened."
"Hey. Hey. Hey." Julian shakes Dagmar, semi-gently. "Wake up. Wake up. Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey. Hey. HEY. DAGMAR. HEY.B
Dagmar begins to come around, rather surprised to see Julian's face right in front of hers.
"Julian? Why am I on the ground?"
It apparently takes Dagmar a moment to recall that she fainted, then she realizes why she fainted and whips her head around to stare at Zethyris now drinking some ale.
"Zethyris? He is really alive again?"
"You're not on the ground. You're simply very near it. Sorry I didn't recover from Zeth's ...awakening faster. I could let go if you want me to, or I could help you up. And, yeah. Seems that only the Gods themselves can heal better than you."
Dagmar glances down and then realizes that Julian is actually holding her up. "Uhm, up please?"
Dagmar blushes a bit in embarrassment for fainting like that in front of everyone and that Julian had to catch her so she wouldn't hit the ground.
I'm rather surprised he didn't just let me hit the ground....
"Thank you for catching me, I guess I was just so stunned. I certainly wasn't expecting this."
"This will certainly be an interesting tale to tell Savol. Zethyris, how do you feel? Do you remember anything from when you were, er, dead?"
"You look fine now Zeth - much more alive than a few moments ago. Welcome back. But just to make sure your ... uhm ... your brain didn't take any damage: tell us something only the real Zethyris would know."
Ana is genuinely happy that Zeth is back - nevertheless she remains alert until the presence inhabiting Zeth's body has proven its identity.
"By the Ancestors! Zethyris has been returned to us! You are sure he was dead right? I mean, he wasn't just paralyzed or in a coma, right?! Thank you, Pharasma for releasing your claim to his soul and allowing him to return."
"What in the world? What's going on? I think I've drank too much. This must be a trick. But the priest, Father Turnin, didn't cast anything so how did he come back?"
A frown forms on Zethyris's face, and he slowly seats himself back on the table. "Oookay, I gather that I wasn't actually raised by anyone here." With an awkward smile, Zethyris looks at the priest again. "Um, thank you regardless. For any help you gave my friends." Ugh. Quite awkward. Time for a quick change of topic!
"How did you? But you died?"
Zethyris pivots to face Silme and Thorvald. "I'm quite certain that I was dead. Either that or I have a very strange imagination... I suppose it's simplest to say that I was, well, sent back here. Judging from where I am, I can only assume that you were working to bring me back anyways, and for that you all have my sincere thanks."
"I am... so glad to see you alive. Well, of course I am, we all are."
Welcome back, bro!
Zethyris smiles. "If I remember correctly, it is you two I need to thank for getting me here. I was sort of... well... dying at the time..." Zethyris shudders involuntarily before continuing. "but I think that it was the two of you that got me to the rope and pulled me up. I hate to think what would have happened if I came back in that pit."
"I don't know who you are but someone up there likes you. Drink up lad and tell me what happened."
"What or who is Eron? You spoke that word right before you arose, or so it seemed."
Zethyris accepts the offered beer, and sips it appreciatively. In between mouthfuls he answers Rutilux. "Eron was an old priest back in Westcrown. He was my friend. Ran the orphanage down the street, and brewed the best Caydenbrew you'd ever taste. Though I must say," he breaks off, turning to Father Turnin, "this is excellent brew. Could I get a round for everyone? And another for me. Seems coming back from the dead is thirsty work." Zethyris shrugs apologetically and holds out his empty mug.
While he waits, he notices Dagmar recover her footing. "Dagmar! Are you feeling better? Don't worry, it's just me."
"This will certainly be an interesting tale to tell Savol. Zethyris, how do you feel? Do you remember anything from when you were, er, dead?"
"Heh. One adventure he hasn't had yet. And, heavens willing, one he won't have for a long time to come. I feel just fine, though quite thirsty. As for what happened... I'll explain right away."
"You look fine now Zeth - much more alive than a few moments ago. Welcome back. But just to make sure your ... uhm ... your brain didn't take any damage: tell us something only the real Zethyris would know."
"Do you remember staring down that Weirjadr? Back in the cave near Tweyd? We walked in on him in his lair, and you just glared at him and actually ordered him to release the prisoners for you. It was so audacious that I backed you up, and he looked like he was on the verge of doing it too. And one more thing I told you that I hope you never forget: No matter what, we won't let the witches have you."
Once everyone is settled with their drink Zethyris begins his tale.
"The last thing I remember from the cave was grabbing onto the rope. I assume I fell unconscious and later, um, died."
"I woke up in what looked like the tavern in Westcrown where I met Savol. Eron, the old priest of the Lucky Drunk, was there too. He mentioned that I wasn't 'expected yet' and made references to 'mortals,' so I gathered that I was indeed dead and had arrived in Elysium. It was....incredible. There was a sense of... belonging, of being home, with friends, enjoying life. Though I don't know if 'life' is exactly the correct term." Zethyris looks down into his drink for a moment, then continues.
"So Eron talks to me. He was killed in a mugging years ago, but he says he's been watching me ever since. He said that I still had more to do down here, and offered to send me back. I accepted, things started to fade and swirl around me, and then I found myself here."
You notice that Zethyris quickly glosses over what Eron says to him. He seems to be hiding something.
Sense Motive
"and? . . . Ah well, for now what maters is you are back?"
"You should have been sneakier. In the water, I mean."
Once the talk starts getting more serious father Turnin offers the use of a side room normally used for people who wish to worship in private rather than out in the 'bar' amongst the rest. "Here, why don't you all use this room for a bit, looks like you've got some serious words to say that are best left outta a regular dwarves ears. If you need anything just let me know." he waits to see if anyone needs anything then gives you all privacy.
Zethyris smiles. "If I remember correctly, it is you two I need to thank for getting me here. I was sort of... well... dying at the time..." Zethyris shudders involuntarily before continuing. "but I think that it was the two of you that got me to the rope and pulled me up. I hate to think what would have happened if I came back in that pit."
"It might have been a short return, that serpent thing was... quite the beast."
Rutilux takes a drink that is offered, and listens intently to the rest. He raises a curious brow at something, but lets it slide.
Once the talk starts getting more serious father Turnin offers the use of a side room normally used for people who wish to worship in private rather than out in the 'bar' amongst the rest. "Here, why don't you all use this room for a bit, looks like you've got some serious words to say that are best left outta a regular dwarves ears. If you need anything just let me know." he waits to see if anyone needs anything then gives you all privacy.
"Thank you, Father Turnin. May your ale never grow too bitter," He doesn't follow the accidental god himself, but he does recall overhearing that phrase once.
Unless the others decline, he'll join them in the side room offered and see if Zeth says more now that it is just them.
Isham braces Zethyris by the shoulders, "OK Zethyris - first drinks. many drinks. then once you're in your cups I'll be interrogating you at length. Tomorrow - swimming lessons." Isham gazes intensely at the slighter man for a moment, then embraces him warmly, before turning abruptly to find a mug.
"Here, why don't you all use this room for a bit, looks like you've got some serious words to say that are best left outta a regular dwarves ears. If you need anything just let me know."
Zethyris nods gratefully. He waits until everyone finishes their drinks before motioning his compatriots into the side room. While he waits, he asks, "So, how many days have I been gone for? It seemed like merely minutes for me. Has anything happened? Did Savol arrive?"
Zethyris heads over to the side room once everyone has finished their drinks. If Silme comes too, he raises an eyebrow but does not protest.Once everyone is inside, Zethyris speaks again.
"As I think most of you noticed, I didn't give the whole story. I don't think it's a good idea for the rest to be common knowledge."
"Eron said that something big is happening here in the north. He said that powerful forces are moving here, forces that rarely interfere with mortal affairs.
When I said that he was watching me, it wasn't the whole truth. We are all being watched by some sort of celestial group that he is part of. He didn't give much detail, but it seems that the upper planes have an interest in us. Eron told me that there were things that needed to be done here, which is why I was sent back."
"Finally, he said that there is a man 'nearby' we need to find, named Montulo. He's from Brevoy, but was 'sent' here years ago to accomplish.... something. Now, we are asked to finish what he started. I realize that's a little vague, but Montulo should have more information."
"This is something bigger than Savol's return. More than the material plane is at stake."
"You weren't gone for long. We brought you here as fast as we could after you died. We brought your body directly to the temple. The priest was just going to tell us that he can't bring you back - when he was possessed by something that obviously could."
In the backroom, Ana feels stupid for being the only one who is surprised when Zeth announces that he didn't tell the whole truth earlier. Especially since she was the one scrutinizing him the most, because she thought he was undead. But while Zeth speaks, she soon starts to worry about more important things. When he is done, she replies:
"First Irrisen and now powers from the Great Beyond. I don't like this at all. This is one number too big ... even for Savol. Did your friend Eron tell you more about this Montulo? Does he expect us? Is he on our side?"
"He said that Montulo was sent to 'look into things' but is too old to do what needs to be done. Eron said he would help us, but I have no idea if he knows about us."
"How do we find him? Will it be safe for us to just ask people whether they know him?"
"Assuming he is human, that may not be too hard. Zethyris, why dont you ask your priest? He is definately on our side and probably has a network to gather information seeing as how this is a temple bar." Wow, drinking in church IS church, no wonder this god is becoming popular.
"I was told he was a Brevic man, so I think we can expect a human. I'm hoping that Eron's 'nearby' means in the city, but we can't be sure. How much should we tell Father Turnin? Just ask if he knows anyone named Montulo?"
"Your church is way more fun than any I've been to before, Zeth. Also better at the 'spontaneous resurrection' thing."
Ale and whores! The gospel of The Drunken Hero.
"I would prefer love and wine, but to each their own I suppose," Rutilux says "And I think we can trust the good father."
A short while after you seclude yourselves in the private room there's a knock at the door.
"It's Nellens, and i've brought the viceroy of the Abadaran temple, can we come in?"
After being granted entry Nellens quickly introduces an older, stern looking dwarf in golden robes, "This is Viceroy Dyan. As soon as the guards at the gate told us what they saw Ruam and I went looking for him. We figured you'd need... Wait, Zethyris? But the guards. If they think this was funny ill have them strung up by their beards."
"Not to be rude but I don't see a body. Nellens?"
Thorvald had held his peace hopping that one of the more silver tongued party members would speak, but since no one else said anything and one of the city's most blessed citizens sat waiting before them he spoke. "It is a pleasure to meet your Most Holiness, Dyan Viceroy of The Temple of Abudar, may your city ever grow and it glory gain new heights. Our companion Zethyris was indeed deceased and we beeged for you to come to our aid for we thought no one here had your ability to call our friend back to his mortal body. However our friend Zethyris was a loyal father of his god and upon coming to this place Cayden Cailean reached out and channeled through, or granted, Father Turin with the power to bring him back to life. You have arrived just after he has come back to us."
Thorvald looks to his other party members looking like he is about to share more as he fiddles with his fetishes.
"My homeland is extremely skeptical of divinity. In my home, they would have said that the cold water and the sea serpent's venom rendered Zethyris apparently dead, and that the warmth of the hall and time to clear the venom allowed him to recover." Isham shakes his head ruefully, "It continues to amaze me how men can delude themselves."
"Sometimes mortals are not yet ready for the revelations of the gods."
"Yes, your holiness, we are all somewhat shaken with delight at the return of our friend to us." Rutilux says.
"More likely they would have beaten him to death again - with such a strong divine aura surrounding him." Ana whispers to Isham.
"Thank you, viceroy, for coming. I greatly appreciate your willingness to help, and apologize for wasting your valuable time."
"Nellens, my thanks to you and Skylord Ruam. Your quick thinking and concern is much appreciated by me.
May I offer either of you a drink?"
"no thank you, unlike some, our church does not believe in the consumption of alcohol while we serve. Since there appears to be no need for my presence I'll return to my duties." and with that he leaves.
"Don't mind him, he's a traditionalist who doesn't feel that Caiden Caylien should be so closely related to revelry." from the door with a pitcher of foods and more ale. "You're probably famished after whatever happened so please eat up." as he sets the platter down and leaves again. Nellens turns to leave with him.
"I am glad you're all okay. Oh I almost forgot. I've made arrangements for you to have access to one of my orders divination rooms. One of you had asked me about allowing others to see what a spell caster sees when using divination magic and this room can help you. You can use it tonight if you want. Good day."
Thorvald picks up something to eat from the platter. "Well it looks like our wake has turned into quite the welcome back party. . . . Hey, what is that room he mentioned going do do for us? Lets us see what a magic user sees? What's that for?"
Ana also picks up some food and replies to Thorvald: "Divination allows you to spy on remote places. Learn secrets. See into the future. That sort of thing. I don't know who it was that asked for it - but it might indeed be useful to us." Turning to Nelles she adds: "Thank you, Nelles."
Rutilux raises a brow at something Ana says and takes a drink slower this time. I hope my worries are wrong. Besides, this is a time to enjoy our friend's return "Well, if we can use it to find this Montulo , so much the better"
Ana raises her eyebrows back at Rutilux raising an eyebrow.
"What? Did I say something wrong?" she asks, genuinely clueless what this is about.
"No, no you didn't say anything wrong. Please, pay me no mind. I was just thinking how I should be celebrating not worrying about how things might go wrong for us."
"Rutilux is right. Let us make the most of our time of celebration - I have a feeling we may be quite busy in the days to come."
Zethyris holds his tankard high, and calls out a traditional toast:
"May your ale never sour and your courage never falter.
May your sword stay sharp and your heart stay true.
May you forever follow in the footsteps of freedom."
Jediah toasts with Zethyris.
Later he buys two antitoxins(100 gp)
Several hours later once every has had their fill of celebrating Zethyris' return you head off towards the cities Mage hall.
A tall, wide building that appears to be an octagon covered with several different shades of marble tiles stands before you at the end of a dead end street. Two large ziggurats with large rubies held atop them stand beside the open front doors. When you arrive a young dwarf in brown robes quickly leads you up to the third floor and shows you into a locked door.
On the opposite side of the door is a round spherical room with the centre being dominated by a gigantic glass orb suspended from the ceiling with several smaller glass orbs of different coloured glass suspended around it and moving seemingly of their own accord. The walls have hundreds of magical glyphs denoted in dwarven style painstakingly carved into them. A middle aged dwarf in red and black robes stands to one side while you enter.
"Greetings dragon slayers, I am a diviner of the Order of Sages. Master Nellens has requested we make this room available for your use tonight and to assist you in its workings. I you have any questions I will attempt to answer them as best as I can. Now which of you shall be conducting the magics?"
The device appears to be a representation of the many planes that make up existence.
The Glyphs are simultaneously runes of protection against magical backlash as well as runes meant to augment divination magics and the item in the centre is an orrery.
The use of this room appears to allow a caster utilizing spells of the divination school to project the images that their magic would normally allow them to see onto the central orb of the orrery for everyone in this room to witness
Ana snickers when the dwarf offers to answer questions as best as he can ... in the room of divination magic.
Rutilux ponders a dozen things he'd like to ask about, but at least half of them he's not sure he wants to ask where the others can hear.
"What is the source of Anastasiya's evil? Is it within or without? Can she be freed?"
"She isn't evil! Tread lightly."
"Oh, do please listen, Thorvald. I asked of 'her' evil. The evil afflicting her, we all dearly hope. Now's no time for chest-puffery."
"Or smartassery, you like to push the limits. I know what you meant."
Before leaving the chapel, Zethyris inquires of Father Turnin if he knows any man named Montulo.
Oh ... so this is what this was about.
Ana sobers up when she realizes the divination questions will be about her.
"It's okay Thorvald. No need to sugar-coat it."
"I doubt, even with this orrery, that I could discover more than master Nellens has discovered regarding the source of your friends corruption. What I can do is use this room to let any of you share memories with each other, like dreams or past encounters, to hopefully give you further insight. I have also been asked to cast Scry twice for you if you have something you have lost or wish to find."
"Can you scry on my sister - the woman that stole the book from your vault? Maybe you can use me as a connection."