With the sounds of combat finished Lady Almah comes into the courtyard, preceeded and flanked by her Pactmaster Guard. She takes in the size of the bird and the presence of of the group and smiles, "You have excellent timing, my friends. I would be interested to hear the results of your foray into the old Shrine of Nethys. Once you have recovered a bit from this bit of excitement, please come see me."
Zhalet and Rokn also collect the captive the group had returned with. He is also treated, although kept bound.
While helping Zhalet, Rukn reopens the talking.
-Oh, Zhalet, mmm... do you by any chance remember if any of the crew here is a jeweler or has any similar skill? I would like to set the fire crystal in a brooch...
A short while later Solomon stood, clear headed and feeling the warmth of his goddess' love. He looked around, smiled, and headed to the makeshift infirmary.
Zhalet is etremely grateful to have Rukn's help moving the wounded guards and the prisoner. It would have been an almost impossible task for her alone.
"Bless you Rukn. If I had tried to move them alone, I could easily have restarted their bleeding or harmed them in some other way."
Since Rukn seems to be interested in what she is doing as she works on the men, Zhalet talks her way through it, describing what she is doing and why in each case. She also mentions that her talents in this area are not so developed as Solomon's. She will have him look them over as well when he is ready.
After finishing with the gravely wounded, Zhalet turns to Rukn.
"You are not free to go quite yet. You could use some attention as well."
While she dresses his wounds, Rukn brings up the question of a jeweler.
"I don't know for certain, but I doubt there is anyone with those skills here. It wouldn't be a practical trade to Lady Almah to have included when assembling the caravan. Best to ask her though, someone may surprise us. Honestly I don't know what I will do with my stone either. Carry it with me until I find someone who can work with it I suppose."
-Thank you, Zhalet. I will do that.
Rukn stays for a minute or so looking at the place with eyes lost.
-Okay! I think it's time we go talk to the Lady. Maybe I can ask her. And then Alexander can study the items. We don't want to make him wait, do we?- he says, winking.
Rukn puts the crystal in one of his pockets and stands up, ready to report and feeling that some good things have been acomplished today.
A short while later Solomon stood, clear headed and feeling the warmth of his goddess' love. He looked around, smiled, and headed to the makeshift infirmary.
Solomon arrives in the makeshift infirmary, a beatific expression on his face, just in time to see Zhalet finishing up tending to Rukn's injuries.
Two of the injured men are unconscious still, and one lies on a cot.
The injured men, including Rukn, have been well tended and efficiently bandaged, and should recover well before long.
Erizi limps about a bit, jumping at every noise outside the camp, and eying the corpse of the Vulture. "Wonder how these things taste". He mutters more to himself than to anyone else. "It seems to already be cooked a bit".
Then he walks over to where the wounded are being treated. "I would be more helpful to our mission, were I more healthy. Perhaps after these men are helped there might be some left for me"?
Solomon smiled and tapped Erizi in the chest, spreading Sarenrae's warmth to him.
Alexander returns from his visit to the eggs, surveys the field of battle and shakes his head.
"I certainly hope this bird was alone. It would be unfortunate if its mate arrived next and we discover this was the smaller bird...."
Seeking out the others, the old Wizard nods politely.
"Seeing as we are to take our ease for a bit, at least until morning, how's about we try to identify all the magical treasure we rescued from the vault? Better that we know what we're dealing with."
With the sounds of combat finished Lady Almah comes into the courtyard, preceeded and flanked by her Pactmaster Guard. She takes in the size of the bird and the presence of of the group and smiles, "You have excellent timing, my friends. I would be interested to hear the results of your foray into the old Shrine of Nethys. Once you have recovered a bit from this bit of excitement, please come see me."
Looking around with a feeling of 'where'd everyone go?!?!' Kilarra begins to go get Solomon but does not want to interrupt his prayers. Seeing Zhalet and Rukn tending to the wounds of others she says to no one "Well, that certainly seems more important." She then goes to Alexander "Hey Alexander....;oh sorry, you look busy, never-mind. Sorry I interrupted." Kilarra turns and says under her breath "Welp I guess I will just go see her myself and tell the others about what she wants later"
Kilarra sets out to find Almah. " Greetings my lady, the others are dealing with the aftermath, do you need all of us or is there something that I can help you with?"
Once everyone else present has been treated, Zhalet looks to Solomon's injuries and let's him do the same for her.
"If you don't mind Solomon, I'll turn over the lead on continuing treatments to you. It is more your area of expertise than mine, and the walking wounded will need to be rounded up and reminded they need overnight rest and care. You are the more difficult one of us to ignore." she tells the large, muscular warpriest with a waggish smile.
Zhalet hunts down the others who are yet untreated and reminds them to see Solomon before sleeping. When she finds Alexander though, she becomes engrossed in helping him look through the various items he is studying.
Liquids:
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Sword:
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Scrolls:
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Wands:
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
Ring:
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Gems:
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Necklace:
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
Velvet pouch:
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
After his healing, Erizi joins Kilarra in going to speak with Lady Almah.
"Hold up a bit little one. I'll go with you. I'm not much good at soothing injuries or psyches".
"I appreciate your assistance," Alexander tells Zhalet while they study the collection of magic items together. "I had felt we were coming to be on bad footing during our reconnaissance of the monastery, and that was not my intention."
The old man stops cross-referencing his books for a moment, and looks down on his hands, his expression... distant.
"The Wizard's greed is upon me. I admit this. But... it is not solely out of a desire to possess more and more magic. Would you believe that but a year ago, I rarely did any active casting at all? I was a theoretician. An armchair scholar. When I cast at all, it was only to verify theories. We certainly had no magic items like these at home, save for..."
For a moment, Alexander hefts his sword cane, then puts it down again and shakes his head.
"Irrelevant. Suffice it to say, there is method to my madness, a purpose behind my greed. Whatever happens, know that I do not collect power merely for power's sake. And I am no longer an armchair scholar. I know there are people who need us. I am not eager to get to grips with these items just for the pleasure of owning them. They are tools. I would see them put to good use."
Rukn is glad that Solomon is fine; he seemed a bit confused just a while ago. When he joins the improvised nursery, Rukn decides to let the experts work. He would only be a nuisance. He stays, though, a bit beside, to continue checking and learning on the subject.
-Mmmh... interesting... I must not forget, though, that I must talk to Lady Almah about the place and ask for a jeweler...
Solomon smiled at Zhalet. "That's fine. Go clean yourself up and get some rest. I got this. Let me know what Lady Almah says."
After his healing, Erizi joins Kilarra in going to speak with Lady Almah.
"Hold up a bit little one. I'll go with you. I'm not much good at soothing injuries or psyches".
Clearly happy to have Erizi along "I think we are both more suited to creating injuries and damaging psyches. Just goes to show you that there are all types in this world. I appreciate you coming along."
Kilarra sets out to find Lady Almah. "Greetings my lady, most of the others are dealing with the aftermath, do you need all of us or is there something that Erizi and I can help you with?"
Potion Vials 1-4: (Red, pearlescent liquid that writhes of its own accord.)
Combined spellcraft checks (26,12,30,20)
Potion of Elemental Body II (fire elemental only)
Potion Vials 5-7: (Clear, red liquid.)
Combined spellcraft checks (30,25,20)
Elixir of Fire Breath
Short Sword: (Black hilt wrapped in gold wire with a red crystal for a pommel. Leaf-shaped blade of a very dark metal with a red vein of crystal where the blood groove would be.)
Combined spellcraft check (20)
Magical properties cannot be identified at this time
The short sword is made of Adamantine that has been somehow forged around a core of some kind of crystal not native to the material plane.
Scrolls: (Rolled pieces of red parchment.)
Combined spellcraft checks (18,20,16,29,27,27)
Scroll of Scorching Ash Form.
Scroll of Obsidian Flow.
Scroll of Firefall.
Scroll of Volcanic Storm.
Scroll of Pyrotechnic Eruption.
Scroll of Greater Aggressive Firestorm.
Wand 1: (Resembles a frozen piece of flame.)
Combined spellcraft check (25)
Wand of Tongue of Flame.
Wand 2: (A charred and blackened length of round wood.)
Combined spellcraft check (30)
Wand of Detonate (fire only).
Wand 3: (Dark wood polished to a mirror shine.)
Combined spellcraft check (30)
Wand of Elemental Aura.
Ring: (A gold ring with a small red gem)
Combined spellcraft check (25)
Ring of Firefangs.
Gems 1-3: (Red gems pulsing with an inner light, reminiscent of a heartbeat.)
Magical properties cannot be identified at this time
Necklace: (Golden necklace with three golden orb pendants.)
Combined spellcraft check (31)
Necklace of Fireballs (type I).
Velvet Pouch: (Red velvet pouch. Very heavy and full of something soft and yielding; feels like flour or something similar.)
Combined spellcraft check (23)
Five doses of Powdered Fire.
When Kilarra turns to leave after finding Alexander looking over the items she says back to him over her shoulder "By the way, be careful with those three gems. I am not sure why but when I picked them up they spoke to me. One even called me 'one of the blessed'. Needless to say I think those items posses some degree of intelligence. If it is alright I would like to come back later and talk with them again to ask them what they meant."
Almah smiles and invites Kilarra and Erizi to join her at a small table inside her rooms. "No, this should not require all of you. I would like to be briefed on the events of the last two days. Kilarra, you came back to us last night with a report of stiff resistance at the Shrine. And today you return in the very nick of time, but with a prisoner in tow. What has occurred since your group left after rescuing Andrus?"
Pleased that Lady Almah simply wants a report of events thus far Kilarra begins that long story of everything that has happened to them since they set out for the Shrine "This might take a little while and some of it may be hard to believe, may we sit?" After the lady gives them both her leave to do so she goes on. "When we headed out to the shrine we went around the long way so as to reduce the chance that anyone hostile from the town might tack us back to this place......" After about 30 minutes or so of telling the Lady about every detail including her visions and the Vault of Fire Kilarra adds little except to say "I must warn you, the visions of the vault below the shrine seemed somehow personal and dangerous. I would strongly advise against any attempts to investigate that location without all of our presence. Additionally, I cannot explain how or why and I have not spoken to any of our more educated arcane practitioners but after the vault of fire had given us these treasures, the vault changed and appeared to be old and undisturbed, not even our passing into it showed in the dust. The only way I can imagine this happening is if Nethyis himself transported us thru time to when the shrine was still in tact and in use, allowed us to take the gifts he intended for us and then returned us to our own time. Therefore, if you go and inspect the places I have told you about, you will not find them in the same condition as I described."
Turning to Erizi "Did I miss anything?"
Rukn arrives in the room just as Kilarra is finishing the story. He gestures, as if saying that he means no interrupt, and leaves Kilarra to her narration and the Lady to her audition. Grabs a chair and sits close to Erizi, tapping him in the shoulder as a greeting.
As they work through the collection and Alexander says his piece, Zhalet listens in silence. After he has finished, she takes a moment to compose her thoughts and replies without stopping her study of the objects.
"I do not see any rift between us. Nor do I think our fundamental motives or desires differ greatly, so don't be concerned. If our priorities are sometimes at odds, do remember I have certain obligations and duties that constrain my choices. I must preserve life. I must provide protection for those who need it. I must alleviate the suffering of those in need of healing."
"I have made those choices beforehand, and they are no longer negotiable based on circumstance. You and Kilarra were proven correct. There were powerful things afoot there intended for us. But I cannot put my concerns aside for that. I must still object if continuing forward while we are injured, increasing the likelihood of deaths among us, is suggested. I have to protest if our plans leave others in jeopardy."
"You could say my obligations tie me to the short term and make me cautious, to the possible detriment of the long term, at least in efficiency. That is my role though, to never let the 'how' be sacrificed for the 'what'."
Zhalet stops her work and places her hand on Alexander's.
"I have my own reasons too of course, just like you. I have been tasked with reclaiming this monastery and the church in Kalmarane. Essentially to restore Sarenrae's faith in this region. The weight of the expectations upon me is immense. I was only given this mission because of who my mother is. It should have gone to someone more experienced and, honestly, from Katapesh. But here I am, and eyes who have never looked upon me directly from all over Qadira, Osirion, Katapesh, Absalom, wherever the church is powerful, are watching me to see what happens. I cannot fail. I can't think about the possibility of failure."
"No. I think that you've conveyed everything that needs to be shared very well. I'm still confused by much of what took place, but we are all alive, and for the most part whole, so I'm ready to move on".
Kilarra gives Rukn a quiet greeting then nods her agreement to what Erizi says. "Indeed, I agree that it is time to move forward. I think we all feel that the exploration and clearing of the shrine took far longer than anticipated. Time that we feel may have put us behind in clearing and taking the town. I think we are all concerned about maintaining the element of surprise and the momentum we have built up till now. I can not say for sure what our plan is from here but unless you have some input, my Lady, I think we will return to the task as soon as possible. After all we have the rest of the mercenaries to find as well as open the way for you and this caravan to enter the town safely. I will have to discuss it with the others but in my opinion we should start on the east bank of the river and clear those two buildings there then work our way into the rest of the town. The bridge will act as an effective choke point should we get in 'over our heads' and need a place that we can fall back to where we know we will not have enemies at our backs."
Kilarra pauses for a moment thinking for a moment. "Do you have something else that you require of us or should we proceed to working on making the town safe for your arrival?"
Lady Almah listens quietly, asking only a few questions as Kilarra relates the events of the last two days. She smiles when Rukn joins them, gesturing him to a chair beside the others.
When Kilarra gets to the point in the narration relating to the strange leopard-creature that turned into a man, Lady Almah's face turns very grave, and she interrupts the tale, "I have heard of creatures like this. They are related to the legendary werewolves found in other lands. Like the werewolf, their curse can be passed from one to another through its bite or claws. Anyone who was injured by this creature should be examined by Father Zastoran. I will inform him that if any are infected, he should use the necessary resources."
Once Kilarra finishes the tale, Lady Almah smiles once more, "A well told tale, Kilarra. I approve of the dedication to the task shown by you and your companions. I agree that you should continue on into Kelmarane tomorrow; I am eager to reclaim the city. I should inform you that a courier reached me this morning. The Pactmasters have decided to commit more resources to the retaking of Kelmarane. They have dispatched another caravan to either join ours, or replace us if we are moving too slowly. We have a few days, but I do not wish to surrender the prize that Kelmarane will be to another."
-We'll get some rest and tomorrow put our hands on the task- says Rukn standing up. -but meanwhile... is there someone here who can do a small jewelcrafting... mission?
At the news of these 'cursed creatures' Kilarra's face turns slightly ashen. "Thank you for letting me know. I will go submit myself to Father Zastoran immediately and I will have the prisoner taken to him as well. Thank you for the warning." Kilarra bows and makes her way out, gathers a pair of guards to help her with the prisoner and then proceeds into the makeshift lab that Father Zastoran has set up. On her way she finds and tells all the others about what Lady Almah told her.
"Father, I have grave tidings, it seems that Lady Almah believes this man may be suffering from a curse that causes him to change into a wolf like beast and that some of us might have been afflicted thru our injuries. We found this man in the shrine, in the chamber of the breath of Nethys. When I first heard him his voice sounded normal but then.....and a few of us were injured by this strange punching dagger that left three puncture wounds instead of just one. Would you mind tending to my wounds and also examining me for this affliction?" Kilarra spends the evening with Father Zastoran in order to receive the benefit of his medical expertise.
"We are more alike than I thought, then," Alexander says to Zhalet without looking up. Slowly, his hand closes into a fist. "I, also, am committed to a course, a goal which consumes me. But then again, we stand worlds apart."
The old man raises his eyes to the priestess', a bitter smile on his lips.
"It soothes my heart that you are there to heal the innocent, Zhalet, for my mission is not so fine. I am here to destroy the monsters.
Now then, back to work..."
"If we are to leave tomorrow, then perhaps it would be wise to see if anyone can help to ease some of my existing wounds. I would be at full strength before we depart".
-We'll get some rest and tomorrow put our hands on the task- says Rukn standing up. -but meanwhile... is there someone here who can do a small jewelcrafting... mission?
Lady Almah shakes her head slightly, "No, not that I know of. You might ask Garavel, though."
At the news of these 'cursed creatures' Kilarra's face turns slightly ashen. "Thank you for letting me know. I will go submit myself to Father Zastoran immediately and I will have the prisoner taken to him as well. Thank you for the warning." Kilarra bows and makes her way out...
Lady Almah waves a dismissal, "Please do. Heal and rest well; it sounds like you have a busy day tomorrow."
"If we are to leave tomorrow, then perhaps it would be wise to see if anyone can help to ease some of my existing wounds. I would be at full strength before we depart".
Lady Almah rises from the table as the group makes their way from her rooms, "As always, Father Zastoran is available and willing to treat any injuries you may have."
While Kilarra, Erizi, and Rukn are talking to Lady Almah, Solomon tends to the injured. While the injured caravan guards are resting quietly, the man from the Shrine of Nethys begins to be restless, tossing and mumbling in his unconsciousness.
After a few minutes of this, he quiets, but Solomon notices that his eyes are once again open. He seems to be speaking, but it is so quiet that Solomon cannot hear.
"You'll need to speak up if you want to be heard." Solomon said from where he was, continuing to tend the wounded, but keeping one eye on the prisoner.
Zhalet continues to work on identifying the properties of the magical items until Kilarra arrives to tell her about the ongoing possibility of danger from the wounds she received from their captive.
With some degree of worry she goes with Kilarra to be checked out by Father Zastoran.
While Kilarra and Erizi go back to Solomon to have their wounds attended, Rukn seeks for Garavel all over the place. When he finds him, he explains what he needs and asks if something could be done, though specifying that there's absolutely no hurry.
-Just, you know, a way to carry it easily.
"You'll need to speak up if you want to be heard." Solomon said from where he was, continuing to tend the wounded, but keeping one eye on the prisoner.
The man repeats what he said, and while it is clear he is putting a great deal of effort into speaking more loudly, his voice is still too weak to be heard.
While Kilarra and Erizi go back to Solomon to have their wounds attended, Rukn seeks for Garavel all over the place. When he finds him, he explains what he needs and asks if something could be done, though specifying that there's absolutely no hurry.
-Just, you know, a way to carry it easily.
Garavel thinks for a moment, then nods to himself, "Is there a requirement for what material the amulet should be made of? If not, I am fairly certain that Jeral could fashion something secure; he is rather clever with leather and strings. Once the second caravan arrives, there will likely be someone there that can work with gold or silver to fashion a more permanent solution, but Jeral can probably put together what you need until then."
Alexander comes limping up to the gathered group, and casts a cynical look on the prisoner from the shrine.
"You might want to keep your distance," he grates at Solomon. "For all you know, he might try to bite you in his madness if you stray too close."
-Anything will do, I guess. Or, at least, we can try. I'll be sure to talk it to Jeral once he is recovered. Thank you, Garavel!
Having at least found a hint, Rukn rests happily and hopes to be able to confront next day's challenges.
-Anything will do, I guess. Or, at least, we can try. I'll be sure to talk it to Jeral once he is recovered. Thank you, Garavel!
Having at least found a hint, Rukn rests happily and hopes to be able to confront next day's challenges.
Garavel bows slightly as Rukn departs.
Alexander comes limping up to the gathered group, and casts a cynical look on the prisoner from the shrine.
"You might want to keep your distance," he grates at Solomon. "For all you know, he might try to bite you in his madness if you stray too close."
"Wasn't planning on getting close." Solomon agreed. "Not without backup, at any rate. Now that you folks are here I'm willing to risk it."
Solomon picked up his spear from where it lay against the wall. "See this?" he said to the prisoner. "I'm coming closer. You move anything more than your lips, I'm sticking you."
"Now, try again. Loud as you can."
"Once you are done with that ... gentleman, might I invite you all to the room where Zhalet and I have been working on identifying our ... haul?" Alexander suggests. "We have managed to deduce what most of it does. We should make an equitable split of them, so everyone is well-armed for our next trip."
Having said so, Alexander goes in search of spell-scribing inks....
Alexander comes limping up to the gathered group, and casts a cynical look on the prisoner from the shrine.
"You might want to keep your distance," he grates at Solomon. "For all you know, he might try to bite you in his madness if you stray too close."
"Wasn't planning on getting close." Solomon agreed. "Not without backup, at any rate. Now that you folks are here I'm willing to risk it."
Solomon picked up his spear from where it lay against the wall. "See this?" he said to the prisoner. "I'm coming closer. You move anything more than your lips, I'm sticking you."
"Now, try again. Loud as you can."
Solomon can tell that the man is still on death's door, conscious or no. It does not look like his wounds have healed by any noticeable margin and any strenuous activity would almost certainly render him unconscious once again.
As Solomon comes closer, the man closes his eyes for a moment. Once Solomon is as close as he is going to come, he opens them again. His expression is one of pleading, and his voice is as weak and thready as you would expect from someone so badly injured as he is and only faintly audible from 10 feet away, "Kill me, please. While I am weak. Before it can take me again. While I am sane. Kill me."
Solomon paused a moment, considering, then backed away and returned to Alexander and the others in the room.
"He wants to die. I want to save him. If I heal him now, he'll probably shape shift and break free. If I don't heal him now, he's going to pass out soon and probably die a while after that."
"We're going to need some serious chains and a good lock." he said to Alexander. "See what you can scrounge up. I need to stay here with the wounded and keep an eye on him."
"We have a committed healer-priest," Alexander says. "After we shackle this man, perhaps something can be done to cure his condition."
That being said, the old man shuffles off to find all he can in the nature of chains and locks - as many of them as he can scrounge!
The Pactmaster's Guard supply you with high quality manacles for both wrist and ankle with a short chain between them, as well as a chain with which to tether the prisoner down.
A short while later it was done. The prisoner was as secured as it was possible to be with the resources they had.
Then Solomon reached out and touched the man with Sarenrae's mercy.
Then he stepped back and held his spear low and ready.
"Ah! Thank you and your goddess Solomon. I feel as good as new, and now I can protect you all better when we go to this place. Let's come up with a good plan... Direct approach? Act like we belong there? Someone sneak in and get the layout of things?".
"I still seem to be somewhat weakened from the venom however. Do you or the Father have some way of restoring my health to it's former robustness"?
"Ah! Thank you and your goddess Solomon. I feel as good as new, and now I can protect you all better when we go to this place. Let's come up with a good plan... Direct approach? Act like we belong there? Someone sneak in and get the layout of things?".
"I still seem to be somewhat weakened from the venom however. Do you or the Father have some way of restoring my health to it's former robustness"?
A short while later it was done. The prisoner was as secured as it was possible to be with the resources they had.
Then Solomon reached out and touched the man with Sarenrae's mercy.
The man flinches back from Solomon's touch, but as the hand of death lifts and some of his health is restored, he breathes a deep sigh of relief. When his eyes open again, they are a clear blue. For a very brief moment they shift to a bestial yellow and the man cries out, "NO! Leave me alone!" He blinks rapidly and his whole body goes tense. Then between one blink and the next, his eyes are a clear, beautiful blue once more and he relaxes onto the cot, a sheen of sweat on his forehead.
He finds and meets Solomon's eyes, and the expression is one of hopelessness, and his voice is raw with despair, "You should not have healed me. I am cursed! You only prolong my torment! Free me! Kill me! Please!"