Quzman curses vehemently as he sees the target of his rage fall to the ground by another's hand. His rage turns quickly to guilt and sorrow as he sees the crumpled form of the young mage. Falling to his knees beside the smoking body, Quzman offers prayers to the Dawnflower to watch over Dumah as he makes his way to the Great Beyond.
A while later, after paying his respects, Quzman will rejoin the two remaining members in preparing for travel onto Katapesh. "The way has been hard, and fraught with peril, I hope Dumah is able to find his peace. Come, let us try and salvage what we can from these vicious interlopers, and continue on to get our friends to the church in Katapesh."
Turning towards Jameena, "Sister, do you have any healing light left from the Dawnflower this day? Her blessing would help ease the sting of loss that we have suffered today."
In stunned silence Eli surveys the death now spread across the sand. He seems to ignore the hot blistering sand on his feet as he stumbles over to Dumah's body. With out words he begins to try and brush away the dust, and with his canteen wipe away the blood and grime, preparing the body so it can be transported with Tyronel's to Katapesh. "Brebork's brethren will know what to do, they restored Quzman the will restore you too." Eli softly whispers to his fallen companion.
A couple of rounds later, the pits disappear bringing everyone's dropped possessions (boots, weapons, armor) to the surface.
After taking a moment to sweep the area with her ability to detect hidden evil to make sure no other enemies lurk in hiding, Jameena helps Eli clean up Dumah's body, offering her own prayers alongside Quzman.
Turning towards Jameena, "Sister, do you have any healing light left from the Dawnflower this day? Her blessing would help ease the sting of loss that we have suffered today."
"I have but one use of my healing touch left, and we are all three equally hurt. Perhaps we should make use of the wand of healing, or remain here and use our combined skills in the healing arts to ease some of our wounds before pressing on."
Quzman
Jameena
Eli
Eli new hp total 47/55
Once Dumah is prepared for a safe journey next to Tyronel Eli will help finish gathering up the gear and loot from their attackers. He takes a moment to study the pile with an arcane eye and separates out anything touched with an aura of magical power. Before setting off again he will pull out the curative wand and touch it three times each to Quzman, Jameena, and himself. If any of them are still weak he will use its curing affect on them again. Once the set off towards Katepesh again, Eli will focus his thoughts on trying to identify the new magical items they have acquired. It is obvious to the others he would rather do that then talk about the recent loss of life that is weighing down his spirit.
Once he determins that the potions will also cause healing he will pass them out to the others. Keeping only two for himself he hands three each to Quzman and Jameena. "These can heal you, let's save the wands power for later. The ring can protect you some, the cloak will help you resist danger. I already have items that can do these two effects, can either or you use them?
Eli will pop the cork on one of the healing potions and drink it down.
Unable to learn more about the medallion, he will think about it's design and study it for any unusual markings trying to recall if there are any stories or legends that may help him discern its origin or power. In the morning he will concentrate on its magical properties intently once again.
; ;
"So this is how she was able to run in and out of the foul cloud of sickness. The necklace allows one to breath fresh air even under water I suppose. It will probably fetch a good price to help pay for bringing Ty and Dumah back."
Quzman stows the vials Eli hands him, "Thank you, hopefully we will not need them all before we return to town. I already have a ring that shields me, and I do not believe my vest would work with such a cloak to any benefit. Let us make haste to Katapesh, as if there is still this much determined resistance this far from Kelemarane we maybe needed back there sooner than I had hoped."
The next two days pass without incident as you arrive at the city of Katapesh by noon and you enter past the city gates. View as you enter
You quickly move through the bustle of the metropolis, headed toward the Cathedral of the Sun dedicated to Sarenrae.
Leaning close to his compatriots, "Word of the scroll being found has beat across the desert faster than we were able it seems. Our anonymity shall not last long I'd wager." He straightens up and continues guiding the mounts towards the temple area.
"True, the name of the scroll seems to be on the lips of every scoundrel in the crowds. Let us move swiftly to the temple of the Dawnflower. My brethren there will aid us."
Jameena stays close to Eli, her hand never far from her scimitar.
Shortly after on the way to the temple, Quzman leans in again whispering, "Keep your eyes open and wits about you. It sounds like more than word of the scroll has crossed the desert ahead of us. Someone knows us and knows we have it. Our descriptions are being passed along with frightening speed."
As before, you reach the Cathedral of the Sun and give your names, and after an hour of waiting, Ismael Chaqra, the head priest of the Sarenrae faith in this region, comes out to greet you. "Ah, the Sand Stalkers, once again in my presence. Welcome! Quzman, bearer of the Sarenrae mark, I hope you have been well. Eli, how have you been? And you, sister of the Sarenrae faith, I have not had the pleasure. Father Chaqra at your service, blessings of Sarenrae upon thee. Though by the looks on your faces and the number of people present, I take it this is not a social call."
Eli hears the whispers of the crowds, but doesn't seem to notice being intent on getting to the temple. When Quzman and Jameena point out that news that the Scroll had been found, and that rumors rightly claiming that the Sand Stalkers have it, anger fumes in his body. Turning on a cluster of gossiping merchantmen the bard loudly shouts, "Do not forget ladies, as you are passing your apron tales, to remind everyone that the Sand Stalkers fear no one."
Irritated Eli hustles to get their precious cargo, Ty and Dumah, to the priests. He impatient awaits Father Chaqra's appearance and nearly starts talking over the good priests niceties.
"We are not well father. Rumors spread about Katapesh that we have the Scroll of Kakishon, and they are correct. We have slain the Carrion King, eliminated his threat to the villages of the desert, and in the process we were guided to find this relic. These victories have come at a great price, and we need your help. Dumah and Tyronel were killed in fight against the evil we faced. They have sacrificed everything so that merchants and travelers can be safe, only to have their names whispered in the corners of the marketplace. Your power and infulance with Sarenrae once brought Quzman back to us, Dumah and Tyronel need you to do the same for them now. Plead with the Dawnflower to bring them back, they do not deserve to end their lives this way."
"Straight and to the point, as always, eh Eli? Fine, follow me, and bring the bodies of your friends. As you know, I am hesitant to upset the natural order of things but if what you say is true, your group has accomplished many good deeds in a short period of time so I will speak with the souls of your friends to see if they wish to return. As always, the church will require a donation."
You follow Father Chaqra to his chamber, lay the remains down on white sheets and then depart.
Quzman bows low, "Father, thank you for the blessings. I truly we were able to arrive with more light in our hearts. Sadly, bringing the Dawn to those in the dark can be a dangerous affair, as any true test of faith should be. Unfortunately, it was those who traveled with me that bore the brunt of the damage in our trials and tribulations. If, as young Eli said, you can ask the Dawnflower to shine on my friends once again, we would be most appreciative. Whatever donation is required, we shall make be it coin, blood, sweat, or tear."
As he lays Tyronel and Dumah's bodies down to rest on the sheets, Quzman looks to the priest, silently pleading for his assistance.
... And you, sister of the Sarenrae faith, I have not had the pleasure. Father Chaqra at your service, blessings of Sarenrae upon thee."[/b]
"Greetings. I am Jameena Al'Qadr, holy warrior of the Dawnflower. Father Ismael sends his regards and thanks for your efforts in rescuing his friend. Every effort is being made to lift the curse from poor Haidar. When Dhardra informed father Ismael that you are currently without a healer, he instructed me to travel here to Kelmarane to offer my assistance in any way I can. I am honored to be of service to the Sand Stalkers. Your efforts to cleanse this place are well known, and I hope my blade and my powers of healing will help keep it safe from the Gnoll King."
Jameena respectfully bows her head to Father Chaqra. After Eli's has spoken, she quietly adds.
"Eli speaks truly, Father. Both these brave souls fought bravely against the forces of evil before they perished. I did my best to protect them as you instructed, but...I failed."
It is easy to tell that Jameena feels a personal responsibility for the death of both men.
... And you, sister of the Sarenrae faith, I have not had the pleasure. Father Chaqra at your service, blessings of Sarenrae upon thee."[/b]
"We have the coin." As Quzman lays out their friends, Eli digs into the purse he keeps the Sand Stalkers funds in. Diligently he counts out the 780 golden coins that the priest requires.
Once the three of them are alone and waiting Eli softly speaks to the others. "The cost of this magic has lightened our money stores greatly. We still have a bit over 60 gold coins, and about 30 platinum as well. I fear the cost of the church's good work will take all the coin we have plus much of what we can earn by selling the spoils of our last encounters. Dumah and Tyronel are good friends and I will pay whatever price they ask to bring them back, but I also am beginning to fear that acquiring this Scroll, and the fact that Zayfid is out there somewhere plotting against us, that we are not done with our troubles yet. The Templar's of the Winds have sucked us into their eternal struggle, and I will be damned if anymore of us shall die for it. We must protect ourselves with powerful magic if we are going to see this though, and that too will cost us a great deal of coin. As for that I have a plan. Katapesh should have many card dens where one can make a wager, and I happen to be very good at collecting those wagers from other less skilled card players. I am set to find one of these gambling halls and put up a good sum of coin. I have over a thousand gold of my own funds and I will not ask to risk the coin that we have earned as the Sand Stalkers. I will wager my funds, to earn enough to pay the tribute to the church for our friends lives, and any left over we can use to outfit the Sand Stalkers for the trials that lay ahead. Though I am not sure why yet, this Scroll seems the center of some attention. Jameena I would leave it here safe in the temple with you guarding it while I head out on this endeavor, and Quzman...brother, I ask you come with me to watch my back. The dens are full of less then honest card players." What say you?
After half an hour, Father Chaqra returns and speaks with the party. "I have done as I said, I spoke to both souls. The one you call Tyronel expressed a longing to return to the mortal world to join you, his friends. Dumah, unfortunately, refused. His soul is content now in the afterlife and he seemed at peace with his decision. Though it may pain you, you must accept it and mourn your friend, as appropriate. As before, for Tyronel, I will charge you the material costs of my spells and the ability to call upon a favor to be done in the furtherance of Sarenrae, at a date to be determined. If these terms are acceptable, then I await deposit of the costs."
Quzman sighs deeply at the news, "I can not say I blame him. I hope Dumah finds the warmth of the Dawn forever more in the afterlife.", and bows his head in a quick silent prayer. Looking up at the priest, "But of course Father, we understand great magics require great sacrifice. Unfortunately, we do not have this sum in loose coin among us, but give us but a few hours in the market, and I am sure we can procure this."
You travel to the Lower City, the largest district of Katapesh and the most populated, famous for the world's largest bazaar - a collection of kiosks, tents, huts, carts or even just spread carpets. The Lower City bazaar stretches the entire length of the Lower City and nearly anything can be bought or sold there. Races of all kinds walk around, including gnolls, tieflings, goblins, and ogres. As is the rule in Katapesh, almost anything and everything is overlooked by the city, so long as trade is upheld.
After an hour of shopping and being offered everything from silks, pesh, gems, jewels, camels, leathers, skins, cattle, alchemical items, exotic animals, with Eli's help and savvy eyes, you find the Peculiar Emporium, a maze of buildings connected by bridges and underground passages, wherein you can sell your items. You see an assortment of wizards, sorcerers, bards, alchemists, and others trading their wares and shopping. Each kiosk has a resident mage ready to peruse all items for sale, presumably to identify them. The duergar weapons merchant, Kaz Irontongue, most admires the quality of your most expensive items, namely the 2 magical greataxes, saying they will fetch him a good price, especially the Human Bane one. He reaches into a magical bag and gives the gold in platinum pieces and smiles at you as you leave.
After about 2-3 hours, you sell all the items and receive your gold. You return to the Church, make the deposit, and 30 minutes later, Tyronel comes out, marked on his forehead, same as Quzman, and greets you!
The archer came out looking quite shaken...he still wasn't completely clear what had happened. He remembered the strange creature showing him something frightening that had shaken his soul, but he could not recall what.
He smiles wearily at Quzman. "I guess we are brothers in more than spirit now," he says looking at the rangers's forehead. "Thank you all for helping me find my way back from the other side. With Saranrae's blessing of course. Is everyone else oaky?"
The usually reserved Jameena rushes up to Tyronel, hugging him in a warm embrace. Then she seems to remember herself and steps back, smiling self-consciously.
"Oh, it is good to have you among us again, dear Tyronel. It may have only been a few weeks you spent in the blessed realms beyond this one, but it seems like an eternity. Much have happened since the crypt. We have found a mysterious scroll and been set upon by another of the templars of the four winds, a treacherous Janni named Zayifid. But surely Eli should be the one too explain all that has happened, he will be able to tell the story much better than me. We have fought many battles since then, even slaying one of the Carrion King's daughters..." Then she seems to remember something, and falls silent "She...we are not....Dumah..." she says softly, searching for words that she can't bring herself to say.
The joy of the beautiful paladin embracing him was cut rather short, as Ty could understand what she was saying, without really saying. He looked around, and true enough, the young mage wasn't there. "How did it happen? Are the priests helping him the way they did me?"
"No, Dumah's soul remains with the Dawnflower. He chose to remain there in peace." Sadly Eli tells Ty all that has transpired since the moment of his death, but the story is matter of fact lacking the bardly flair of his usual stories. When he finishes he hands Ty a sack of coin, "Here is your share of the spoils for our service in ridding the world of the Carrion King. Use it wisely for Jameena is correct...there are those who want this Scroll."
Quzman grasps Tyronel's forearm firmly, "Brothers forever Ty, brothers forever. I know it is difficult to leave the glorious ever shining Dawn, but I am glad to have you by my side to continue the struggle against darkness here in life." Quzman's face creases in sorrow as Jameena and Eli mention the young mage, but swiftly he replaces the pain with his stoic mask.
"Come, let us have a drink, eat, relax, as I am sure you need a moment to gather yourself.", as he leads Tyronel off towards a local tavern.
Father Chaqra bids the party farewell, saying, "Please try and stop by one of these days to listen to one of my sermons. I do more than just raise the dead. Sister Jameena, please watch over them."
As you are leaving the Church, a man stands up from one of the pews. "The Sand Stalkers, I presume? Might I have a moment of your time?" He is human, dressed very elegantly, around 5'7", with brown hair and eyes.
"I shall protect them all or die trying, Father." Jameena says with determination and follows the rest of the Sand Stalkers towards the door.
Having learned a hard lesson about trusting strangers, Jameena silently asks for divine aid in determining the moral stature of the man that suddenly confronts them. She leaves the talking to the others.
Ty nods at the stranger. "Certainly, but maybe only a moment. It's been a really long day." Maybe its been a really long month, or longer, the archer thinks to himself, still not being acclimated to his return after his traumatic experience.