"A wizard fascinated by what a swordsman can accomplish?" Deriven pats Damoc on the shoulder, "You cannot fight wars without men who can wield arms. That any good general knows. Yet no matter how great a man is with a weapon, he will not match what you can do with a spell. You will be more feared if you can master the arcane arts. There is little in the world more fearsome to an opponent than a skilled sorcerer. They can do much good in the world...," he surveys the zombies, "...and evil."
Ashe pans his vision over the room... his pathfinder training warning him, '...things are not always what they seem.'
Ashe will cautiously walk toward the rubble and with his foot kick the rough-hewn partially completed remains around - wary for anything that might be hiding int he piles of dirt.
"Damoc, or Varrel would you please detect magic within here..just to be certain nothing is amis?"
...Ashe will pause for their results.
Then flenching, somewhat, just to be certain he will in the room...bracing himself for the likely overwhelming rush of evil from the Temple behind him... hopeful this room will not radiate the same... since it appears newly dug...
"A wizard fascinated by what a swordsman can accomplish?" Deriven pats Damoc on the shoulder, "You cannot fight wars without men who can wield arms. That any good general knows. Yet no matter how great a man is with a weapon, he will not match what you can do with a spell. You will be more feared if you can master the arcane arts. There is little in the world more fearsome to an opponent than a skilled sorcerer. They can do much good in the world...," he surveys the zombies, "...and evil."
Damoc colors slightly. He considers mentioning his fondness for romances, but that might be too revealing. Instead he replies, " When I was a boy, I wanted nothing more than to be a great champion leading a band of warriors. I dreamed my sword would be the terror of cruelty and oppression everywhere." His hand waves at his first strands of greying hair concealed by the doctor's mask. "I was never able to realize that ambition. My talents lay more in magic, but I am still fascinated by the fighting man. He can inspire people in a way that divines or arcanists can not. People can empathize with a warrior. Men will follow him where they would not follow a spellcaster."
***
In the new room, Damoc obliges Ashe by casting detect magic.
Satisfied Ashe nods and turns to leave the room.
He makes his way for the south door to the far east {off the map} leading into the 'Inner Vestibule of Unholies' within the Temple Complex of Urgathoa.
He pauses at the door for everyone to get into position and speaks softly but fervently to them all...
Ashe pulls a potion vial from his pouch and applies an to . Then Ashe drinks a ... saving his spell for emergency - should he need to cast it in support or protection of an ally.
Looking them all over as they prepare he waits for everyone's preparations then smiles proudly at them all one last time, then lowers his visor turning to open the door and stride in to face whatever evils await... there is no uncertainty in his stride.
{I'm coming father... grant me a measure of your valor... so I make face my end with equal courage.}
{Goodbye... . I'm sorry.}
In the grip of the golden of his left fist... glows softly and warmly...
"Do not much stock in Harrow Decks, Ashe. The Inheritor will not a let a deck decide your fate." He readies his shield and follows Ashe in.
Varrel allows Ashe his moment and nods at the young man as he turns. Then he catches an incredulous look from Graxer and simply shrugs. Losing was never really an option for the Gorumite.
In any case the elf was keen to end Duvalus and be done with it.
Graxer charges the kneeling priest, showing no mercy..
Ashe moves toward the second priest not being charged by Graxer the same intent clear...
Varrel Moves in behind and casts SHIELD from his wand, Eyes open, Deriven
He replaces the wand and looks for other dangers.
Outside the door Damoc pauses to consider his choices for an encounter with a high priestess of Urgathoa. Remembering Arkminos' description, he reasons that Andaisin herself is probably not directly behind this door, the deamons and their keepers are what he should fear.
He casts shield from a scroll and is considering a second spell when Ashe pushes open the door.
He follows the others in, watching to see how Graxer's and Ashe's atacks fair and looking for other foes in the room while a hand digs in his handy haversack for a scroll.
Deriven will move into the room and stand in a defensive position.
Ashe readies his sword and swings again to put the Priest down... permanently!
Graxer will scan the room for other threats..
Varrel critters a command and Silf takes wing flapping up to the ceiling and shrieking as he scans for foes.
Varrel moves in and Draws his sword, the priests were handled so he casts DETECT MAGIC and scans for auras and foes.
Init
Damoc follows the others into the room. He assumes the two priests are dead men and takes his cue from Varrel. He casts detect magic and begins scanning the room for threats.
Perception (aid another?)
Ashe stalks toward the glass container... holding the fiendish creature inside wary of it getting free...
"It... looks trapped! Damoc, Varrel can you tell is the container holding it magical? If it can't get out.. we could potentially leave it until we have time to just banish it back to whatever abyssal realm it hails from without ever lifting a weapon against it?
"Are such dismissing magics available to you Circle Brother Deriven?"
"I have not learned prayers to banish evil from this realm yet. Soon though, brother, soon," says Deriven, "Let us leave it trapped for now."
"We can come back and slay it later.. Lets move on too that Ugathoan whore.."
Varrel eyes the tank with barely concealed rage, though he keeps hhimself in check.
Although this was not Devil, the elf had a particular distaste for the denizens of the lower planes.
Tactically, I agree we should not waste resources on what is a non-threat at this point, must endeavor to cleanse this place of such things AS WELL as the priest. Such things are just as capable of inflicting pain and suffering upon many.
Ashe nods, "Then we are in agreement... Lady Andasian first."
He pauses, "...now, let me bring up a point of order... that I know will be distasteful. I don't plan on killing Lady Andasia if I can avoid it. Before you all object... please hear me out."
"First, If Queen Ileosa is behind this all... Lady Andasian can provide clear proof. Potentially deniable, by the Queen, but Andasia can provide the actual details of the plot - in detail!"
"Second, there is no reason to conjecture that if Andasia is slain, that a mere 'Speak with Dead' spell will force a high-Priestess of the Goddess of Undeath to answer at all!"
"Third, Andasia IS a high Priestess and this is the Temple of HER goddess... it is not wise to kill such a high ranking member of a god within their own temple.. its BEGGING for the God to take direct action! We may have our goddess' backing, Deriven and I, but THIS is Unholy ground of the Godddess of Undeath! If you must insist upon Andasia's death... let us at least, 'prudently', kill her OUTSIDE the temple... and not under the direct eye of her evil goddess!"
"Fourth, weather Queen Ileosa is behind this plot, as we ALL strongly suspect, or not.. the Queen cannot - WILL NOT pardon this villainess. She can't - we don't have to fear that... the evidence of the crimes going on here is too solid... Ileosa will HAVE to politically distance herself as far as possible from these actions here and immediately demand for Andasian's execution - or Illeosa will be facing a full open rebellion by both the citizens and the nobility! They would have her head on the chopping block were she to 'let this pass'!"
"Fifth, Assuming the Queen is guilty... which FIRMLY believe so, what we have here is still ALL circumstantial evidence! I know its hard to admit it or accept it... but this can all be denied as 'beyond her knowledge'. If we come out of here decrying the Queen for a villain all we do is paint a target upon ourselves - yes criminal activity was going on here but was the Queen directly behind it? We can't clearly prove that... only conjecture, mostly because of how MAD the whole plot is no one will understand why the Queen would do such a thing and she could easily claim of course she's not behind it for such would be madness.. and they would accept that. My point being this... if we capture Andasian and have her interrogated thoroughly we get all the details of what was hatched here and MOST importantly the WHY of it all! With that knowledge we can know where to pay attention to the Queen to get evidence that Can't be Denied!! We will understand her, and what her Actual goal is!"
"Plus we may throw the Queen off our 'scent' by coming out an declaring the Queen was an unfortunate victim in this debacle.. we keep her guessing what exactly if anything we know. She might even believe that her villainous plots have been concealed and be emboldened to act is a way that can be proven - IF we have the intel to know where to look for her deeds!"
"But only if we spare Andasian and try to find out what she knows. We MOST certainly WILL execute her.. once we have some idea what was going on here and why!! But only if we are prudent. She is far too dangerous to leave alive very long after we have captured her."
"But if we kill her immediately, we will likely loose EVERYTHING she knows!"
"We are acting in the dark now.. we don't know what the Queen is planning or why she would do this.. and until we do know we will always be a step behind her."
"That all said, I will whole-heartedly support any consensus we come too.. but I felt these points needed to be aired."
"At least, let's not kill Andasian in the temple of her goddess.. it just seems unwise. One might make a point that Death... is a promotion to such a wicked-hearted woman who serves an undeath goddess! I would not be surprised if there is a fiendish afterlife in some Abyssal realm in store for such a dark soul. Nothing we do can prevent that... save if we don't actually kill her ~ ultimately we will anyways. Just 'HERE'... I feel, is the wrong place to do it!"
"I do not advise any here to withhold any lethal capability you can direct towards her destruction. Showing mercy to a high priestess of Urgathoa might lead to a similar tragedy as the one that has occurred in Korvosa. She is the architect of it even if not the giver of the order. Give her no chance to evade her righteous sentence."
"There will be no attempt to take her alive. If she lives it will be because she threw herself on our mercy or by the intervention of her goddess."
"I do not know what consensus you seek, Ashe. Her death is why I am here. Let these pitiful servants of Urgathoa see the end of their delusion. They think their high priestess can oppose the Inheritor? They will see the folly of their belief."
Deriven meets Ashe with a cold gaze, "I will end her here. I will not give her the chance to rise again and plague this city or world. There are no more questions to be answered. This woman will not stand before any trial this city can concoct. The presence of good is not strong enough here. I do not trust the laws of this city. She dies here, in her temple, before the eyes of her goddess just as the Inheritor will look down and know we used her power to put an end to this evil. If Urgathoa should feel the need to show her presence, let her challenge the Inheritor."
He looks with fervor at the others, "Enough showing mercy to the wicked. Death to Andasian and any that stand with her. Death to the killer of children, the spreader of plagues, the enemy of all that is good and decent in this world. Let the wrath of the righteous fall upon her with conviction"
After this speech Deriven moves face to face with Ashe, "Swear that you will strike to kill with the full measure of the Inheritor's gifts this Lady Andasian. Please do not pass the door without this question answered." He is discerning Ashe's words and expression very carefully.
Ashe is not angered nor surprised at the response of his Circle brother, "I have just as much desire to slay these villains as you do Brother, this is home ~ Korvosa's citizens are my heart's concern and I focus my every effort to their protection! I know there are evil elements within this city... but you do dis-service to those elements in the city that serve the good by disregarding their efforts - Field Marshal of the Korvosan Guard, Commandant of the Sable company, Seneschal , even Arbiter ... they all would take exception to being lumped in with the wickedness they hold the line against everyday! They are not alone in their efforts... I'm am only one of many that assist them! I will answer your question... but first I would hear everyone else's thoughts on this.. for it is not by our singular hand that this endeavor is being accomplished. It is clear you wish Andasian dead, I will not countermand the directives given by a superior officer and direct servant of the Inheritor.. however, we are not alone in this task... we do need to consider our companions interests as well."
"Ashe turns his gaze to the others, "Speak your minds as well. I only wish a consensus of our efforts."
Varrel considers the two swords of Imoedae, one young and full of hope, the other far more experienced and cold to the rehabilitation of the wicked.
It was a stark contrast, and their goddess favored them both. Varrel truly liked Ashe, and save Graxer, knew him best of all this group that had been rebuilt to shine for hope in Korvosa.
But liking the young paladin would sway him no further. Deriven was more akin to Varrel's own heart. And Varrel worshipped the patron of Vengeance.
I see your points Ashe, but enough evidence exists with the lower level captives we have already indulged you. What's more, they are sheep, lead by one far more dangerous and cunning to be leading this sect. She is a larger part of the cancer that must be excised here. We MAY take her alive for questioning first but she dies TODAY. All of Korvosa need her gone, with or without the knowledge. This is going to be bigger than you reason Ashe. Eventually we will have to oppose the queen directly- either by open war or Assassination. She is guilty. Today we remove one of her key weapons.
Varrel will renew his SHIELD spell before they open the next door.
Ashe nods emphatically in response to Varrel, "Oh believe me friend Varrel.. I only want her alive long enough to question!! I would not let the sun set on another day with her alive for she is dangerous and evil and empowered by divine power.. she MUST not live another day to prepare whatever wicked might her goddess would lend her.. but we MUST know what she knows of these plots! If she is unwilling to answer or is only dissembling for more time we kill her anyways, intel or no! Letting her live another day is NOT an option! I just feel we need to get some clearer picture of what is actually going on here."
"Ponder what would happen should we assassinate the queen.. "
His expression clearly finding extreme distastefulness in the notion...
"We have no clear direct candidate for the throne. The nobles would fight among themselves for the throne ... if you think Korvosa is in danger now - fill the streets with waring factions... factions that to hurt each other would attack the peasants that serve each of their noble Houses and provide their economical wealth... which is what makes them the nobility of Korvosa! We must prevent that from happening... not by supporting an evil ruler but figuring out what we must do to convince the nobility that she is behind these plots so a more measured line of succession can be agreed upon... arbitrated by the Seneschal of Korvosa - . He has the authority to remove an unsuitable ruler .. and is backed by the Sable Company Commandant, . The Sable company does not answer to the Queen but to the Seneschal!"
"THAT'S something the Nobles can ALL agree on when its proven the Queen is no longer suitable for the throne. BUT we must Prove it!"
Graxer has a hard time not laughing as he listens to Ashe's speech.. Let that scrawny b~&$@ challenge The Lord in Iron.. Ha.. That will be the day.. "If she submits, which she wont, than i will consider not taking her head.. In all likeliness it will take everything our combined might has to vanquish her.. If you hold back trying to take her alive you will be the one dead.. I will do no such thing.." Game face on Graxer will cast on himself.. He will also read off a scroll of "When this is all said and done you should run for some office Ashe.. You will make an excellent politician ahahh.."
Ashe at the notion of him of all people being a politician...
"I'm not saying we should hold back in putting her down. I'm only proposing that if I cudgel her once or twice with the flat of my blade we can lay into her until she falls and that should spare her... at least temporarily from death long enough to question..."
Deriven scowls, "My question is answered. Graxer, I am at your back. I cannot trust my own to carry out sentence. I beseech those that are willing to destroy this evil. You cannot trust prisons in a city with a corrupt leader. This is no common initiate. This is a high priestess of great power who has done and will do great evil if allowed to live. She has escaped justice long enough to gain power to be called a high priestess. Let her escape justice no longer."
"You will have what power I can provide Servant of the Lord in Iron. May your blade fell a mighty evil today, not just cudgel her a bit."
Ashe frowns, " I did not say that was my intent Deriven, I merely proposed I could do that.. if the PARTY agreess its a worth while effort! Why are you So opposed to finding out more of whats going on here? Varrel.. the servitor of vengance is willing to try... I'm merely saying we need more intel and should not waste the opportunity to find out more truth. I know you want to kill her, but the party has constantly been at me acting only on my directives and not consulting the party! I'm asking them for their input... you would take action without letting them all have their say on the option I have proposed. If they are against it then I will relent. You are making it a DIRECT order to do so completely disregards their opinions of the valid points I have raised! That is not the way things should be done among equals of the party - We you and I are soldiers of IOMEDAE.. but we are not currently among her Army! We have always come to a consensus of our actions and I have admittedly made the mistakes of personally angered the party when I acted without fully including them into what my intents were! To just demand things be done your way is not fair to them! Verral seems willing to give my proposal some merit, off-handedly so does Graxer, Damoc has yet to voice his concerns.... some consensus through quick dialogue does not hurt our cause!"
"The stroke has not been hasty enough. That is why so many innocents lay dead because of this evil. If the death of all these people does not rouse your spirit to seek a righteous end to this evil, then no longer stand in the way of our fire. My spirit burns to end this high priestess of Urgathoa."
"I'm damn sick of these debates over how to deal with evil. You provoke these debates. You are the sole reason more of these evil criminals still live this day. I have sufficient evidence to carry out my duty. That is what I intend to do. If the Lord in Iron and a Servant Ragathiel is more willing to do what is needed to end this evil, then I will join the power of Inheritor to them."
"Enough talk. Time for action."
Damoc sheds the Physician's Mask to speak. The wrinkles in his brow deepen beneath his grey sprinkled hair.
"Ashe, we are going to face a high priestess of Urgathoa in her inner sanctum. If you want to strike her with the flat of your blade that is your perogative. But I think this undertaking dangerous enough without half measures.
"Your devotion to law is admirable, but I think you are letting it obscure the good that Korvosa needs. Remove this priestess in the fastest, most efficacious manner, and let things fall out as they may.
"I stand ready to bolster any of you should you wish before we go on."
First Level:
Magic Weapon (T) x2
Expeditious Retreat (T) x2
Grease (C) x2
Summon Monster I (C) x2
Alarm (A) x2
Shield (A) x0
Silent Image (I) x2
Protection from Evil(A) x2
Comprehend Languages (D) x2
Magic Missile (Ev) x2
Charm Person x1
Second Level :
Alter Self (T) x2
Bull's Strength (T),x2
Darkvision (T)x2
Knock (T)x1
Levitate (T)x2
Make Whole (T)x2
Detect Thoughts (D)x2
See Invisibility(D)x1
Invisibility (I) x2
Web (C) x1
Third Level :
Fly (T) x1
Haste (T)x1
Keen Edge (T) x1
Dispel Magic (A) x1
Tongues (D) x1
Sleet storm (C) x1
Sepia Snake Sigil (C)x1
When everything is ready he'll put the mask back on. He's still afraid of Blood Veil.
"My friend, I hope it was an excess of zeal and not your true feelings that condemn my kinsman Ashe. I can assure you that he has been a beacon to Korvosa in this diseased night, and that many more malefactors would remain at large without his efforts.
"Consider that he has accomplished more in half my years with faith and a sword than I with all my knowledge; that young man has power. I shudder to think what might happen if he plunged along blindly as I did when I was young. I tell you that it is Iomedae's blessing that Ashe questions and debates. It is no dereliction of his duty."
Varrel tires of the quarrel.
He lays an armored cesti on both their shoulders.
I have a compromise. A favored spell that saps the vitality and slows and opponent. You have both seen it used so conclusively today against the iron maidens. Ashe, one of it's effects is additional concussive force, like a sap.
Provided my strikes are true she will be knocked out before she dies...now, let's finish this.
Ashe accepts the party's opinions and relents.
"Very well, we have all had our say... I'll not split the party's resolve on this matter we will put her down with ALL force necessary. I have stated my points they are not supported by the party so.. I'll not bring it up again. Let us be done with this then."
Ashe will ready and will stride to the door open it and proceed in. He makes no effort to conceal his coming.
When Ashe spots the high priestess he will say, "Lady Andasian, your crimes are Evident and Manifest ~ surrender or die! By IOMEDAE'S Power I will smite you - there will be no other warning!"
Regardless of her response Ashe will not slow but will move right up to her ready to strike if she does not surrender immediately unconditionally.
If she doesn't surrender... and let's be honest... she won't!
Deriven to Varrel, "I tire of compromise. I have never seen so much compromising on the behalf of evil."
We will kill her. I only ask that we consider interrogation if possible. Don't worry, You will fight my attack...decisive.
Varrel activates his flight and rises two feet off the ground to get a height advantage over an opponent.
Varrel opens the door and sees...?
Invisible he follows the others in.. He activates his judgement of justice as a swift..
Ashe is appalled at the reek in the 'holy of holies' within the Temple of Urgathoa. 'Lady' Andasian... a vision of beauty - her words only confirming what Ashe already knew. Perhaps, there is no understanding needed for madness?
{But surely there is some cause for whatever madness has inspired the Queen to plot this wickedness? Why? She coveted the Crimson Throne the day she arrived her and for years... why destroy it? It just makes no sense...}
Madness needs no reason... 'some beings just wish to see the world die... screaming.'
There is anger in Ashe's voice a clear tone unmistakeable. A tone none of those familiar with Ashe have EVER heard him take when addressing any woman...
"Your goddess has no power over us. And your triumph will be short - It ends here! Ileosa will find her end as well... but your END is NOW!!"
Ashe lowers his visor and attacks.
{Reminder...}
1d20 (6) + 2 = 8
If she doesn't surrender... and let's be honest... she won't!
1d20 (10) + 11 + 3 + 2 - 2 = 24
1d8 (2) + 4 + 4 + 6 = 16
Varrel barks a command,
☆Silf, EYES!
The paladin barely has time to finish his reply and the Magus was already charging through the air. This room was so wrong. There would be no holding back! He flies fast and straight casting as he goes and delivering a Icy Cold Strike as his magically enhanced blade comes down hard upon the woman batting at the dinosaur pecking her eyes!!
The blow is swift and mighty, cold magic seeping into the woman's bones!!
The long hall opens into a circular chamber~