Well did St. Thomas Aquinas speak of the heavenly host arriving at great hours of darkness. Well did the Evangelist write, Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. Now have salvation and power come, Oh Prince of the Heavenly host.
In Celestial:
I have studied these fables as well, though not as Spiritual Bread,... We should share our knowledge of these matters to glean clues to help us fight the dragon, Conflagratius -- Though I am certain that the Dragon you mention is not the dragon from Mercury.
Paddy goes to the baby and wraps his cloak around it.
As much as I would like to hunt down that nasty wizard, I think we should get this wee bairn up to someone who can look after it. I know what it's like to not have anyone in this world....it is not a nice feeling.
Paddy looks around for acknowledgement or disagreement.
And don't worry Nacht.....we will hunt that bloody mage. And make sure he can't ruin anyone else's life.
Hisao looks over the wailing infant after he's done checking out the rest of the room to see if it's wearing anything valuable... To see if it can be used to identify the parents of course.
The cultists, clad in black robes and cowls, and masked with skull face masks, bore masterwork cold iron daggers (3), silver necklaces with inverted silver crucifixes inlaid with tiny bloodstones (3), and Satanic rosary beads with human teeth and finger bones in place of beads and inverted crucifixes (3). One of the three (the one tortured to unconsciousness by Nacht) also has a black leather scroll tube tucked in the rope cinching his waist....
Hisao looks over the wailing infant after he's done checking out the rest of the room to see if it's wearing anything valuable... To see if it can be used to identify the parents of course.
The infant is wrapped in a swaddling linen, but is otherwise naked.
Gooooo.....
The infant stops its wailing as Hisao pokes through its swaddling wrap in search of....identifiers.... It grabs the ninja's nose and grins a toothless grin at him.
It seems as though you've been adopted, laddy. Is it a boy or a girl? We should give the wee thing a name, shouldn't we?
Paddy looks over the fallen cultists.
I think one of you holier-than-me types should say something over the bodies....I don't want to have to deal with them again, if you know what I mean. Are these things evil? he points to the crosses and rosary beads.
These might come in useful against some nasties we might see... he says as he picks up the daggers.
Riding majestically in his cloud chariot drawn by twin cloud dragons across the azure sky of the Seven Heavens, Hachiman, Lord of Archery and War, and protector of Japan and the people of the Japanese islands, hears the chuckling of the Monkey King as he clings to a celestial bamboo stalk, applauding the petty escapades of some mortal thief, no doubt....
Circling around to hover before Sun Wukong, he instantly perceives all that has transpired in the catacombs under Paris and Rome, and notices one of his favorites among the band of adventurers there--Akio-San of Clan Ryuu!
Ho, King Sun Wukong! Giving away such trinkets to mortals can only lead to mischief and dishonorable conduct! What shall we do to return balance to Creation?
Meh.... I never have a problem with balance, Lord Hachiman! Heh!.... See to it yourself, if my gift to the ninja makes you all sweaty, milord! Tee-heee!!
The Monkey King flicks a booger off his finger that sticks between the nostrils of one of Hachiman's dray cloud dragons....
Jimeno looks aghast at Nacht's sudden spell of rage in killing the cultist. He hears the condemning of such actions from the others, at least the words in Latin. However he looks to himself what he would have done, quietly contemplating while the others debate.
Would I have done the same? To kill on the field of battle or single combat is honourable I've been taught, to kill off the field of battle is not. Is this truly the way of all adventurers? I'm glad Akio is on my side as well as some of the others, but I won't kill anyone in that fashion... I won't...
**After searching the cultists**
He picks up the shiny stuff and hands the tiny tube to Iommi as he seems like he might be able to read it.
**To the baby**
As the baby has stopped crying Hisao picks it up and joggles it up and down.
Anata wa mazushī kamo shirenaiga, anata no akushū de sore o oginau. Ten o yutaka ni suru tame ni jūbun ni kyōryoku!
Then cradling it he says to the others
Before returning to playing with the baby by poking it in ticklish places.
A proud and fearsome scowl crosses Hachiman's regal face, and the clouds of his chariot thunder and lance the heavens with lightning....
I shall, you pesky meddler! The House of Ryuu shall not be overshadowed by a common thief and arsonist of the Yellow Reed Clan! Akio-San shall wield a katana as sharp as the blade of Miyamoto Musashi, and twice as swift!
Thundering off in his cloud chariot, the Lord of War goes to make good his divine word....
Sun Wukong rubs his chin thoughtfully....
Hmmmm.... Perhaps I have started something that might grow.... Into trouble! That suits me just fine! Trouble is more amusing than tranquility!
**After searching the cultists**
** spoiler omitted **He picks up the shiny stuff and hands the tiny tube to Iommi as he seems like he might be able to read it.
**To the baby**
As the baby has stopped crying Hisao picks it up and joggles it up and down.Anata wa mazushī kamo shirenaiga, anata no akushū de sore o oginau. Ten o yutaka ni suru tame ni jūbun ni kyōryoku!
** spoiler omitted **
Then cradling it he says to the others
** spoiler omitted **
Before returning to playing with the baby by poking it in ticklish places.
BAAA! BAAA! Goooo....
The infant giggles at the ninja and kicks its feet, clinging to his ear....
Perceiving from the watery depths of Oceanus, Poseidon grimaces at the goings on in the mortal world....
If a game is afoot, I'll cast my piece as well.... Jimeno Diaz, unaware of his divine pedigree....shall yet have the favor of his divine ancestry.... A trident to fork the Beast of Mercury! I shall set mine brother Hephaestus to the task....
What murks thy waters, dear brother? Are we playing games with mortals again? *Sigh!* I suppose I'll play along and choose my champion, as we always have.... That dapper gentleman Paddy seems to swagger the way I like it done, so I'll make a gift for him.... A surprise quite fitting to open one's eyes!
Darting like lightning away to his errand, the Messenger of the Gods gathers up the feathers of the peacock that was once Argus the Guardsman to be woven into a magical robe that would allow its wearer to perceive all things as they are....
Methinks it be time to hasten Ragnarok a bit.... The End of Things must sooner or later be.... Why not sooner? Mayhap I can help start the avalanche of Fimbulwinter by tossing a twig in the cogs!?.... This young Viking son of Magnus, may be a fitting vehicle....
The adventurers return the infant to the care of Father Renaud and his acolytes, who are horrified at the thought of so helpless and precious a creature sacrificed to the Devil....
In French:
You have done God's work today, gentlemen! Praise be to God!
Alphonse closes the dead cultists' eyes and says a quick prayer over them before dragging the bodies out of the catecombs.
"I have no doubt Father Renaud would be less than pleased were he to learn that we had allowed a pair of Satan worshipers to be effectively interred in the catacombs." he says, by way of explanation.
------------------------------
One they reach the surface again:
"We should bind the cultist and interrogate him. When he is tied up I can lay hands on him to make him better, slightly."
Nacht nods to the adventurers once they start to leave, but of course stays behind.
" Je serai là ... Lorsque vous revenez . "
He knew he would not be welcome and had not gained the sanction he would need. The alive man.. he no longer had interest in. Once they looked back to see the four armed man, he slowly faded into the shadows.
You shall be my pawn in this idle game of mortal chess, Nacht.... Your name means night....the darkness.... Your part in this passion play will set the way for my coming when the stars are right.... To facilitate your ascent in the world of men, I shall gift thee with a boon, my little beetle.... A gift from R'lyeh....
Cleric of christianity, we have also a prisoner -- a cultist of Jesus's enemy. We would like to ask him questions before descending again to the bowels. Do you have a cell or private office for which we can do this?
()
Questions for the devil worshiper:
If you truly renounce Satan as you said in your surrender, answer these questions openly and honestly, and get our support & request for leniency in your trial.
Do you know the traitor-cleric of Notre Dame; were you in league with him?
Explain what ritual you were doing with the infant and for what purpose(s) it had specifically to your cause.
Were your deeds connected to, and in what way were they connected to, Conflagratius and his horrible arrival from Mercury?
Are there any more prominent figures such as Clerics, Lords, Parisian military officers or even Merchant lords who secretly serve Satan with you and who are they? Name any others that you know.
...
Paddy watches as Iommi questions the cultist.
[b] If ye aren't getting any answers, I might be able to persuade him into answering. It would be to his benefit if he did....[b] Paddy says with a rather disturbing grin on his face as he twirls a dagger.
Cleric of christianity, we have also a prisoner -- a cultist of Jesus's enemy. We would like to ask him questions before descending again to the bowels. Do you have a cell or private office for which we can do this?
()
Questions for the devil worshiper:
If you truly renounce Satan as you said in your surrender, answer these questions openly and honestly, and get our support & request for leniency in your trial.I shall, Monsieur!
Do you know the traitor-cleric of Notre Dame; were you in league with him?
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+8 +1d6Pierre Le Sorcier? Oui, Monsieur! He is our leader in France....
Explain what ritual you were doing with the infant and for what purpose(s) it had specifically to your cause.
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+8 +1d6We were going to sacrifice the infant at midnight to appease the Devil in preparation for an augury.... We wanted to know if Domesday was nigh, sir....
Were your deeds connected to, and in what way were they connected to, Conflagratius and his horrible arrival from Mercury?
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+8 +1d6The dragon is known to us.... By another name.... A secret name.... Foretold by the Apostle John.... His true name is..... Wormwood.... And he heralds the end of days!
Are there any more prominent figures such as Clerics, Lords, Parisian military officers or even Merchant lords who secretly serve Satan with you and who are they? Name any others that you know.
The cancer runs deep, sir....
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+8 +1d6
In French
Where did you get the little one? Hisao asks curiously.
Akio walks towards the man, listening during the questioning.
He speaks at the end.
my friend. Long have you lived in darkness, long have you followed its trail, but now you see the strength of that evil is small, and only illusionary, the path you noe walk will be hard, and difficult I am sure, but with strength in yourself, and the will to do what is right you will be fine. Like this god of the land here, I will forgive you of your past, however I will ask one thing of you as you start this journey. Lead us to this leader of yours. Take us to the heart of this snake. You can do this yes?
"We will forgive, but not forget." Alphonse warns.
"You will still be punished for your crimes, but you may yet save your eternal soul, and redeem your actions in the eyes of our Lord, if not in our ortal courts."
In French
Where did you get the little one? Hisao asks curiously.
From Madame Jezebel's brothel, here on the isle.... A harlot's babe....
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Akio walks towards the man, listening during the questioning.
He speaks at the end.
[Dice=sense motive] 1d20+6
[Dice=sense motive] 1d20+6
[Dice=sense motive] 1d20+6my friend. Long have you lived in darkness, long have you followed its trail, but now you see the strength of that evil is small, and only illusionary, the path you noe walk will be hard, and difficult I am sure, but with strength in yourself, and the will to do what is right you will be fine. Like this god of the land here, I will forgive you of your past, however I will ask one thing of you as you start this journey. Lead us to this leader of yours. Take us to the heart of this snake. You can do this yes?
[Dice=diplomacy] 1d20+7
The cultist blanches in terror....
Please have mercy, Monsieur! I cannot do this! He would make ghouls or walking corpses of us all! Hang me if you must....but please....let me give confession....and take once more the body and blood of Our Savior before I meet my fate....
He breaks down in sobs of remorse and grief for a life ill spent....
"We will forgive, but not forget." Alphonse warns.
"You will still be punished for your crimes, but you may yet save your eternal soul, and redeem your actions in the eyes of our Lord, if not in our ortal courts."
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+9
Grasping Alphonse's hand, the man kisses it and weeps.
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Paddy watches as Iommi questions the cultist.
[b] If ye aren't getting any answers, I might be able to persuade him into answering. It would be to his benefit if he did....[b] Paddy says with a rather disturbing grin on his face as he twirls a dagger.
[dice=intimidate] 1d20+7
The cultist cringes at the deft display of daggerwork and avoids making eye contact with Paddy, clearly intimidated by the rogue....
Paddy looks at the cultist, contempt and ill will apparent in his gaze.
Just remember to thank the powers above that Alphonse here saved your sorry hide and not our friend from the caverns. You know what your fate would be if he had gotten his hands on you. Can't say as I blame him....
Paddy then turns his eyes towards the waylaid infant.
What will become of the wee one? Please tell me he won't be sent to one of those blasted orphanages? Is there somewhere he can go where he will be loved? Poor little fellow....
Paddy looks genuinely concerned with the infant's situation.
Paddy looks at the cultist, contempt and ill will apparent in his gaze.
Just remember to thank the powers above that Alphonse here saved your sorry hide and not our friend from the caverns. You know what your fate would be if he had gotten his hands on you. Can't say as I blame him....
Paddy then turns his eyes towards the waylaid infant.
What will become of the wee one? Please tell me he won't be sent to one of those blasted orphanages? Is there somewhere he can go where he will be loved? Poor little fellow....
Paddy looks genuinely concerned with the infant's situation.
He shall be loved by Our Lady, the Mother of Christ Himsef.... We of Notre Dame shall take him as one of our own, Monsieur.... And he shall be named.... Clementine.... Because he was shown mercy....
Clementine grins at Father Renaud and tugs the old priest's white strands of hair.
The young acolyte brings a goat's bladder filled with goat's milk and feeds the infant in Father Renaud's arms.
Good. I know all too well what can happen to a wee lad that has no family. All too bloody well....
Paddy looks grim as he turns to his colleagues.
Let's get back down there....we should show these cultists the error of their ways. Sacrificing a wee bairn to their dark gods is something I cannot stomach.
Paddy reaches into his purse, taking a few gold coins out. He hands them to the priest.
Here. It isn't much, but use it as you see fit for Clementine. It should help you with his upbringing. Teach him well. Now, I need a stiff drink before going back to the catacombs.
Good. I know all too well what can happen to a wee lad that has no family. All too bloody well....
Paddy looks grim as he turns to his colleagues.
Let's get back down there....we should show these cultists the error of their ways. Sacrificing a wee bairn to their dark gods is something I cannot stomach.
Paddy reaches into his purse, taking a few gold coins out. He hands them to the priest.
Here. It isn't much, but use it as you see fit for Clementine. It should help you with his upbringing. Teach him well. Now, I need a stiff drink before going back to the catacombs.
Father Renaud accepts the coins from the young rogue with a grandfatherly smile....
Store up your treasures not on Earth, where moth and rust corrode, and thieves break in and steal, but in Heaven, good sir.... May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Father Renaud casts guidance on Paddy, making the sign of the cross on the young rogue, granting +1 on his next saving throw....
There remain other passageways untaken to explore....
Further mysteries to unravel in the darkness of The Underworld....
Nacht is awaiting in his chamber sitting on the ground much like when you had met him before. It seems hat he is dead or asleep the yellow orbs that replaced normal eyes closed. That is.. until you see a rat skirt by near him. In an instant the creature is impaled by a blade and then left to die. Within seconds you see the small mammal cease to be and Nacht grab the corpse off the blade, casting a spell.. before placing it where you would think his both would be. You hear the sound of evisceration as the body disappears specks of blood patterning along his coat. He looks up to the rest of you as if this is normal.
" Vous revenez . Voulez-vous continuer? Je suppose que vous avez mangé ainsi ? "
"Thank you, Father Renaud." Alphonse says in Celestial, and gives a short bow to the priest.
"We should go. The Necromancer yet lurks beneath the catacombs." he says, and strides off.
He drinks a potion as he walks along, seeking to be at full strength for the trials ahead.
One more question for the cultist
Où undergound est nécromancien?
Back in the sewer Hisao nods at Nacht Le bébé est sûr . L'adepte a donné de bonnes informations . Nous continuons chasse.
One more question for the cultist
Où undergound est nécromancien?
The Necromancer lairs in a vault deep in the catacombs, west of where you....stopped the sacrifice....and down a winding stair....a moat of vile waters, in which the Dread Guardian swims, surrounds his underground island.... Beware the Dread Guardian! And beware the Necromancer! He will try to add your bones to his army of skeletons! Or feed you to the Dread Guardian....