Leaving behind Halruun’s shattered remains, your party takes its leave of the cemetery and moves back down the way you came. You navigate the lower tier of the village carefully, despite having taken out the gnoll patrol, and return to the wharfside manor. Felliped seems overjoyed to see you again, having hidden beneath a dining table for almost the entirety of your absence. Upon hearing your plans to leave the village, he is more than happy to accompany you, emphasizing the need to hurry on. You opt to take to the village’s south exit this time, past the slave market, so as to avoid another dip into the Kelmarane River (”Pale River, actually,” Felliped corrects, without anyone actually asking).
With the predacious dust digger dead, the journey across the old pesh fields is more or less safe. Strangely you do not cross its eviscerated remains, or the remains of Felliped’s fallen comrade; he seems gladder for this. Marossa lags behind a few times, looking more sickly since the incident at the cemetery. By the time you reach the monastery an hour later, she is shaking like a leaf.
Upon your arrival at the monastery, you are first faced by the spears of the Pactmaster Guardsmen, their suspicions evidently leveled at Felliped. With a yelp he hides behind his fellow Pathfinders, until Almah comes over to order the men to stand down.
”So you’re finally back,” she starts, trying hard not to sound too relieved. The merchant princess eyes Felliped with interest, but quickly takes note of Marossa’s current condition. ”Well, what have you to report?”
-Posted with Wayfinder
Narkû will let the merchant princess know of the acts of glorious bravery he performed while in the ruined village.
---------------------------------------------
Current Effects: Whetstone edge on falchion and scimitar, +1 damage on next successful hit;
|
Sarala helps in giving some kind of account of the events, but finishes with, "Yeah, we found a buddy from the Pathfinders, so that's nice," says Sarala, gesturing towards Felliped. "But I got bit by a giant horrible snake and I still feel kind of awful about it. 'cause it was a giant venomsnake. Which is snake overkill. Excessive snake danger. Is there anyone who can help me out with that?"
"One day soon I hope to be able to help with that... but my abilities with healing is still growing"
-Posted with Wayfinder
"We found a horrible creature outside the temple of Sarenrae. Inside there were many long-dead priests. A horrible thing that."
Before Almah can even open her mouth to reply to Sarala, Father Zastoran comes rushing by, having evidently caught the news of your party's arrival... and of the Vanaran's injury.
"Snake venom? And you are still on your feet? Walking around, like nothing happened?" the alchemist says frantically, his beady eyes practically bulging out of his head. "Are you insane, girl?" Zastoran tuts and momentarily turns his attention to Marossa; with only a single glance he sighs, a little more sympathetic to her plight. "I will tend to the two of you first. Come along then - I'm not going to drag my potion chest all the way over here."
He moves back over towards his tent (the nave certainly being large enough for them), beckoning the two women two follow. Marossa glances at Almah first and receives a nod of approval, before hurrying over to join the healer.
Almah watches her walk away before speaking again, returning to the business at hand. "From when the village first fell, I'd wager," she says in regards to Thurrios' report. "I would have thought the place would have been picked clean by now."
"Indeed not. The fell creature in the graveyard clearly kept the beasts at bay, so the fallen priests had never been given proper burial."
"That is likely the case for many of the villagers," she replies, nodding grimly, "Once the village is cleared out, it should be no trouble at all to have a high priest reconsecrate the church."
"I will be happy and honored to help retake the town so that the dead can find their peace." he nods to affirm
-Posted with Wayfinder
Still confused over what occurred at the church and not statisfied with the what meager answers he has heard so far, Narkû speaks up and asks the questions.
"Who is Xulthos? And why did he say the Dawnflower abandoned him and the village long before? The priests actions at his end seem very odd."
---------------------------------------------
Current Effects: Whetstone edge on falchion and scimitar, +1 damage on next successful hit;
|
"Yeah, yeah, yeah...reconsecration, save the souls of undead things trying to kill us, but more importantly..." Julius says waving his hand to indicate all of that isn't important at all, "Let's talk about Thurrios' new lady love. I think our arrangement with her is a much more pressing matter to discuss. Cuz you know...she's alive—as in not undead—and sleeping with the leader. Pretty sure that's something Thurrios should explain before we sound like we're in cahoots with the bad guys."
Raising his hand to his face conspiratorially, Julius turns to Thurrios with a telling-it-like-it-is-sorry-to-be-so-blunt expression and stage whispers, "Don't worry, man. I'm sure she thinks about you the whole time she's with him."
Truth be told, Julius was afraid the talk of the events at the temple would lead to other questions which the group had agreed not to discuss just yet and is trying to deflect attention and scrutiny in his usual "tactful" manner.
"You met with the Kulldis chief's lover?" Almah says, raising a thin brow. She is clearly surprised, if not outright impressed. "That sounds like it could be very advantageous... or very dangerous. Yes, tell me more about her and this arrangement of yours. I gave you all the authority to act on my behalf, but I will not be kept in the dark about such matters."
"Now you get some rest," Zastoran says to Marossa, helping her settle onto one of the bedrolls. "I'll see what I can do for your condition in a moment."
The alchemist then turns his attention to you, looking you up and down. One again he tuts, moving over to his potion chest. He pops open its large lid with a key, proceeding to search through its contents. "I presume you have gotten magical healing already, from the looks of it. But that only fixes half of the problem," he lectures, countless glass bottles clanking together as he moves them around. He finally emerges from the chest, having apparently found what he was looking for. "All right, take this then." He hands you you a phial filled with a bluish-purple fluid. "Go on then, drink it up. Should make you as good as new... for now."
"There. A good night's rest should do the trick if you're still feeling a bit ill. We can't always rely on magic, after all." He pauses for a moment, shifting uncomfortably before offering you another, identical potion. "Bah. You had better hold onto this. If you're going to insist on fighting venomous, poisonous, disease-ridden creatures, you might as well have the means to treat yourselves. Nethys knows the gnolls are bad enough on their own."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"We did, indeed, treat with Undrella, the great and powerful. She was very helpful and warned us of several evils in the town, as well as tales of great riches. We brokered a truce with her mighty self, one based in mutual need, and mutual distrust, hahaha. With her sage advice, and at her request, we were able to slay a great evil. We have promised her an abiding truce, and that she may continue to reside in her current abode. we have only to slay her lover! and we are promised the riches of the town as well. Promises that I believe you are honor bound to keep."
|
|
She puts her arms out far apart and says, "This venomsnake's head was big as I am, though. He was pretty huge, is that common here? Giant snakes? I admit that I've never visited a desert, and it's a bit dry for my liking, but maybe you have some advice on not getting poisoned or diseased?"
"The spoils of war, yes. You are entitled to anything you find," Almah says, nodding, "As for Undrella, a link to the chieftain is invaluable. But to allow a gnoll to remain in the village once it has been liberated... I am not so sure it is a good idea. What makes you think you can trust her?"
He pauses to stroke his beard for a moment before realizing that he has not actually answered your question. "If your body is strong enough you should be able to fight off afflictions on your own. If not, a healer with the right herbs can bolster your body's defenses. Or you could just cheat with magic - Nethys would certainly approve of that." The alchemist looks you up and down again, before remarking, "And well, you could always wear armor."
"Innocent untill proven guilty. If steps out of line I will end its life personally"
-Posted with Wayfinder
|
|
She gives an exasperated sigh to show what she thinks of that, "Still, it was more a result of me being dumb than untough. But I think having a healer with herbs would be good. Maybe Julius could learn quickly, he's pretty smart."
|
|
Julius bursts out laughing at Almah's reaction. His laughter causes him to completely miss any tells she may be exhibiting.
"A Gnoll! Ahahaha! Whew! Sorry about that. No, no, Undrella is a harpy! Much more dangerous. And I think she said her lover, the Kulldis chief, is also not a gnoll. Some kind of genie," he says. "Assuming you didn't already know that last bit."
"A harpy. I should have known," Almah replies dryly, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You are taking a great risk here, but if her relationship to the gnolls is as you say it is, then she is too important of an asset to ignore. Very well, then - I agree to her terms. But if she should betray us..." She looks to Anapa pointedly, eyeing his weapon. "...then you'll deal with her accordingly. I will hold you responsible."
"As for the chief... I cannot imagine what interest a genie might have in leading a pack of gnolls. I did not know this myself... but it is not unlike the Pactmasters to withhold such details."
"I find that difficult to believe," he replies, in regards to your ancestors, "And yet, it is not entirely unheard of. I could use some of that age immunity myself..."
Marossa lets out a groan, as though to remind Zastoran that she was present. He quickly moves back to her side, letting out a sigh.
"Well, run along then," he says to you, "I need to take care of your friend here. For her... it will not be quite as easy."
|
|
She looks to Marossa and gets a sympathetic look, leaning over towards Marossa to say softly, "Hope that he can help you out too... I'm sure you'll feel better soon." She glances to Zastoran, and gives him a couple of quick nods, before she runs back towards the others at a very fast pace.
Sarala approaches at a full run to rejoin the others, skidding to a halt when she arrives. "What juicy gossip did I miss?"
|
|
Julius moves to Sarala's side and playfully elbows her in the ribs.
"You missed Mistress Almah's reaction to the Thurrios-Undrella-Kulldis chief love triangle. But she does agree it's a good idea to curry favor with the over flirtatious feathered one, so evidently we've done well for our first foray as guerrillas," Julius whispers to his friend.
More openly he asks, "Are you poison free? We agreed no dying from boring stuff before we left Absalom if you recall." Julius winks and smiles playfully.
|
|
"I feel less worse, but still not the best. Healer guy says that I'll be all better in the morning. And yeah, but poison from a giant venomsnake isn't all that boring, it's better than choking on a grape, or from food poisoning after eating a bad egg. I'm super hungry, by the way," replies Sarala to Julius, before intentionally mishearing her friend. "Also, I'm a Vanara, not a gorilla. But that is very juicy gossip!"
"Should we be on our way then? "
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Thats what i ment. My apologies. Rest is needed. Earlier we go to sleep, the more rest we have for what is to come"
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Sure, if we need rest, then let's get it."
"I want to get some answers and I don't see any come from anyone in this camp."
Narkû leaves the tent to tend to Phlegm Thrower, if Almah dismisses them otherwise he waits for the others.
|
|
"I'm gonna second Julius on this one," says Sarala to Anapa, "I need a night of restful sleep to be fully recovered, according to Zastoran. I expect that he'll think I'm pretty dumb if I don't take that advice, at least."
She glances to Felliped and says, "And how about you? Maybe you have some insights that we don't now that we're on safer ground and free to discuss."
"Ten gnolls and their pet dead, an alliance with someone within the tribe, and a rescued fugitive," Almah muses as you conclude your report, looking rather pleased. "More than I had hoped for in such a short period of time. If only the others would return... I had been hoping to learn whether the Kulldis' reach has extended east of the river."
"But that is a matter for another time. For now, I suggest that you all get some rest. I'd say you've earned it."
Having quickly acclimatized to being in a walled area filled with non-gnoll warriors, Felliped has calmed down substantially since your arrival. More than satisfied with these accommodations, he nods at Sarala excitedly. "Oh yes, I will tell you everything you want to know!"
Almah looks on with interest, but says nothing on the matter. "Hadrah should be glad to cook something up for you if you are hungry," she says instead, "She somehow managed to salvage that wreck of a kitchen."
|
|
Later on, Julius is looking through a tome Thurrios had within his stash of loot and munching on a sandwich.
"Thif Courts of Stone and Flame isf pwitty inferesting, thanks!" he says around a mouthful of bread and meat. He tries to find any information about genies that may prove useful in regards to the Kulldis chief.
Following the read and food, Julius makes certain to use prestidigitation on all his travelling gear and clothing to remove the stains of the traveling and return the luster to the fabric. Once the day wanes and the night begins to come, Julius begins to make rounds visiting the various caravan individuals. He introduces himself and makes casual conversation to get to know people better as he was late and never really had the chance. If possible, he tries to play off his newness in order to see if anyone shares more about what they know of what happened in Kelmarane. He especially pays attention if anyone mentions the temple of Sarenrae or anything to do with the Pactmasters' original presence in the area.
|
|
Sarala nods to Almah at her dismissal, and after stepping out of her presence, admires her new shiny ring, holding it up and hopping a few times to see if it works. Not noticing any particular difference in how hopping works, she remarks, "Well, thanks." To Julius, she adds, "That book is half mine, by the way, so any thoughts you have in your head after reading it are half my property too! I'll read it later, and I'll release my claim to your thoughts after you release yours on mine. That's the human way of things, right? With your 'property laws'." She says the last bit with just a hint of derision, as if the concept escapes her.
During the day, Sarala is mostly interested in what Felliped has to tell about his adventure. "So what landed you in that place anyhow? Can you tell me kind of an overview of what happened since leaving Absalom? I might ask for more details on some parts, but just tell me your story for now. While we eat, of course."
Narkû will ensure the quarter of the boar that was brought back makes/made it to the kitchen.
Davashuum, who represented the fury of winds from all directions. He wielded a powerful quarterstaff known as Maelstrom.
Kardswann, who represented the south wind, the most well-traveled and worldly of the winds. He wielded a massive greataxe known as Cyclone.
Pazhvann, who represented the east wind, upon which the whispers of the gods and the advice of elders is carried. He wielded a tremendous burning flail called Firestorm.
Vardishal, who represented the north wind, which was said to carry the battle cries of all armies. Described as a master of arms, his weapon was ever-changing, and was called Tempest.
Zayifid, who represented the west wind, upon which secrets thought hidden were carried. He wielded a razor-sharp scimitar named Squall.
There is also a brief entry on a sixth genie, Jhavhul, a disgraced member of the efreeti nobility of the City of Brass, a famed location within the Plane of Fire. The entry suggests that he ventured to the Material Plane in search of an army and a legacy to raise his standing. His armies warred against the Templars of the Five Winds, but the efreeti prince himself was never again seen in the City of Brass.
"Dragons. It had to be dragons," Hadrod said, nodding sagely, "They like mountains, right? The Brazen Peaks are full of them."
Hadrah shakes her head. "I don't think there would be much of a village left to save if it was dragons, honey."
Hadrod and Hadrah marvel at the size of the dire boar's leg, though they are more surprised that Narku managed to carry it so far on his own. They go on to remark on how strong he must be, and express their gratitude. Evidently, the contribution made them a little loose-tongued. As they chatter on a bit about how they plan to cook the huge chunk of meat, Narku manages to get a word in every now and then, directing the flow of conversation.
"The animals were all having a fit last night. You probably saw them on your way back in - we have them all penned right outside now, out of the village's line o' sight. We figure something must have spooked them."
"Yeah, maybe one of those pug-what-you-call-its, or one of those things that suck goats."
"Chupacabra, dear. But you don't have to worry yourself about that, Narku sir. That's the kind of thing we got the rest of those mercenaries around here for. They've certainly been complaining about having nothing to do around here."
"Well, it all started back in Absalom. Aula was the leader of our little group - even picked out the name of it herself. She was a tiefling, you see. Senara is full of them. We all first met during our Confirmation. She was always rash, and hotheaded, but she also had that knack for adventure that all Pathfinders need. Perhaps that was why she was so easy to follow, or maybe we were all just a little crazy. But some of the best in the Society are crazy too, so we just said to Hell with it. We had all kinds of adventures, a lot of them wild goose chases. Rescue missions, treasure hunts, pest control... I think some of you know the gist of it."
"But one day, Aula came to us all with what she considered a 'bright idea.' She had been digging through the Society's libraries and found mention of a certain rumor, a rumor about Kelmarane. We all already knew the story of the abandoned village, but we were all ears. Apparently, there were supposed to be some magically sealed vaults within the old church, which contained a fabulous treasure. Aula figured that if we could claim that treasure and solve the mystery of the village, then we could finally land ourselves in the Pathfinder Chronicles! Fools that we were, we all agreed to the scheme. It was all behind our Venture Captain's back, of course."
"So we made our journey to Kelmarane. And gods, was that the most boring journey I ever had! Miles and miles of desert! It took us forever to finally reach the village. Of course, we had no damned clue that the village had been overrun by gnolls. We figured that some critters must have made the place their home, but a whole tribe of them? We never stood a chance. Before we even reached the church, the lot of us got ourselves captured. They dragged us into the battle market and locked us all into prison cells."
"Aula... they killed her first. That night they pulled her out of the cell and tried to roast her over a fire... but devilspawn that she was, she just wouldn't burn. But that didn't stop those monsters. They... they ate her alive! It could not have possibly lasted so long, but I could swear that she was screaming for hours..."
"Days... or weeks? It could have been longer. Well, time passed on... The gnolls gave us putrid food and water; I had supposed that they wanted to keep us alive for some reason, maybe so they could eat us too. One day the gnolls gave us a surprise visit - said that they were going to feed two of us to the 'mouth of the desert.' They dragged Andrus and me out of the cell, and back out into the village. I don't know where he got the energy, but Andrus must have thought that was our chance to escape. He managed to get us away from our captors, out into the ruins of the village. But we... we got separated. He had told me to hide, and that he would get help for me, and for Oxvard. I... I guess he did in a way. You lot found him, after all."
"Well, that's my story. I suppose I should call it 'The Folly of the Lions of Senara.' We were all damned fools... we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. I never imagined that my adventuring days would end like this."
"I will have a quick meal. I have to apologies. But I need to sleep. I have to wake early. Anubis waits for me at sunrise. I wish to not be late" with that he bows out. Interesting conversations usually happens at night. But since he took his oaths, night time was not always available for him to sit and banter with others
-Posted with Wayfinder
Narkû will continue to guide the conversation and gossip with more questions.
"Well Narkû doesn't know anything about Chupacabra, but the Harpy did say they gnolls have to feed a fat goat to a winged creature in the mill every couple of days. Maybe they are the same thing. She said it lives in the of mill. Do you know anything else about Chupacabra?"
"We did here a frightful howl, well frightful for the others, while we "infiltrationinged" in the village. Narkû think that might have been the other creature the Harpy warned us about, some Kezurkian. She said it was a demon conjured up by the priests of the Carrion King. Have you heard of one of those before? Narkû has never fought a demon so need to figure out what kills one."
"Do either of you know anything about Kalmarne or it's history? We came across a Temple of the Dawnflower, but the priest was callin' out to someone called Xulthos. You ever here that name before?"
"Chupacabras? They're nasty little pests - like sucking out the blood of lone travelers and farm animals. Lots of folk deny they exist, even as their livestock turn up sucked dry. A damn shame. But I don't know about anyone keeping them as pets. Wild critters like hunting, not being fed, am I right?"
"We don't know anything about demons. Just the usual horror stories you tell children. You know, jumping into human skins, stealing your soul, that kind of thing. Oh! And they don't fancy cold iron! No telling how much of that is true, though."
"And we don't know anything like that about Kelmarane, dear. Sorry. We just know what Almah already told us all."
|
|
Sarala nods along with Felliped's story as she walks over to where Hadrah is, the expressions on her face going through from a bit nostalgic at being reminded of making like-minded pathfinding friends, to interested in the adventure and potential for fame, disgusted by Aula's fate, and then concerned for the Pathfinder. "Sorry that you went through all of that... and what of Oxvard? You guys got separated or something? 'cause I saw no other Pathfinders. Is he human too, like you? Mustached kind or nakedface, like Julius? We may want to talk more about the treasure. Later... But knowing more about Oxvard might be more pressing. We might still be able to track him down and get him to safety too."
She stops once she gets to Hadrah, Narkû and Hadrod, nodding to each of them politely, waiting until the discussion comes to a natural pause to intrude and say, "Do Chupacabras live around here? I've heard nothing about them, but it's great to say 'Chupacabra'. Hey, I know there was some pig brought back. Which by the way, if you've never seen Narks fight a giant boar, it's something you should witness before you die... but Almah mentioned that you guys might have some kind of food and I'm not supposed to eat meat unless it's a desperate sorta situation. Boring standard religious stuff. Is there any non meat that I can eat around here? I'm sure Felliped here would appreciate some meat, though. He's looking thin and his face fuzz is looking droopy."
A certain aspect of Felliped's story caught Thurrios' interest. "Felliiped, regarding the treasure locked in the vaults of the church, what hints did you have as to what it might have been? Gold and jewels? Magic items? Is it possible that it is just a huge cache of books and scrolls, which Pathfinders such as yourself might consider of great value? Was there any mention of how the vaults were locked, or how to open them? A spell, key, ceremony, or just a password? Anything you can provide would be very helpful. And, of course, as Sarala said, any idea where we can find Oxvard to save him too."
"'Something forbidden,'" Felliped answers, complete with air quotes, "What little information Aula had found was terribly vague. We had hoped for some relics or historical documents or the like, to help us figure what happened in the village. And some treasure to be properly documented... and then returned to the clergy of the Dawnflower, of course." He adds this last bit hastily while eyeing Thurrios.
"And Oxvard... if he's still alive, he's most likely still being held captive in the battle market. Like I said before, he's Garundi - you can't miss him. They only kept us alive as long as they did so they could toy with us, so there's no telling how much longer they might leave him be. For all I know, my escape might have thinned their patience for him." At this thought the Pathfinder sighs miserably, before shoving a handful of food in his mouth.
This new information does not sit well with Thurrios. "Forbidden? Forbidden by whom?" he looks inquiringly at Sarala and Julius, "how often in the annals of your Society has it proven a good idea to seek out 'forbidden' caches of treasure, be it knowledge, gems, or other things?"
He paces a little bit, hands behind his back. "I'll tell you what I think. Those pactmaster troops died trying to obtain the 'forbidden' treasure, and the priests and civilians gave their lives in service to the Dawnflower to defend it. Probably some sworn Brotherhood of Defenders of the 'Forbidden Treasure.' It is likely lucky for the world that they held true to their oaths and vows. The problem for us becomes, how do we ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain? Almah is no doubt here as the Pactmasters second attempt at obtaining it. Luckily it is still protected in the vault, but I am certain she believes she knows how to get in. We must not let that happen."
"Well..." Felliped starts, in between bites of his sandwich, "If memory serves, Aula said it was actually the Pactmasters themselves that forbade the treasure. They might've even been the ones to seal it away to begin with. No idea why they would do that, and in a temple of all places. The fishiness of the whole thing is part of what got us to come all the way out here."
Thurrios gives Felliped a piercing look, "and you couldn't have mentioned that earlier? I do not appreciate being toyed with, Pathfinder," he spits out the term. "Your Society is well known for meddling in the affairs of men, nations, and gods, quite often with disastrous consequences. I do not question the intent of the Society in doing so, merely its competence. Results are important here, and constantly needing to drag new information from you is becoming tiresome!" He pauses, takes a deep breath, "One last time, Pathfinder, tell us what you know of the 'forbidden' treasure. Who forbade it? When? Why? What form is it? What powers does it have? Is it cursed? Hold nothing back this time!"
The Pathfinder reels back from Thurrios' gaze, clearly stricken with fear.
"That's everything I know, I swear! I swear! We never even made it to the gods-forsaken vault! And after everything that's happened, I don't think there's anything good in there. Nothing that could have been worth all of this...!"
|
|
Sarala's brow furrows at Thurrios's line of questioning and she snaps hotly, "Yeah, he couldn't have mentioned it earlier, the guy was half starved and trying to hide from gnolls. More important things on the mind, like his friends! And he said it himself, they weren't sanctioned by the Society or anything, the Lions of Senara struck out without the knowledge of their Venture Captain, so no reason to blame that on the Pathfinders!"
She puts her hands on her hips and continues sternly, "He's telling us what we want to know, as you may be well aware, he wasn't with us in the church. Have some patience, he's an ally! I should hope that you'd have more patience with me or Julius if we knew something you wanted to know but didn't know that you wanted to know it!"
She gathers some of the boiled veggies so that she can eat with the others, clacking her teeth together a few times as she makes an effort not to say more while her temper is still hot.