Boland and Andolphas:
Allustan’s eyes light up. “Well, in fact I might be interested in buying some of what you have discovered,” he says. “Those model buildings for example ...”
Andolphas darts Boland a hard look. "I don't know that I would want to sell everything we found. Magic should be respected, treasured and studied, regardless of what our other companions might think. I have no qualms about selling mundane gems and goods, but magic and historical relics, no..."
As Allustan expresses an interest in the models, the cleric nods his agreement to part with those particular treasures.
Andolphas and Boland:
The Ebon Triad is an evil cult dedicated to merging the gods Hextor, Vecna, and Erythnul into a mighty overgod. Adherents to the cult’s doctrine clutch close their secrets even from fellow worshippers of the gods’ they follow, who consider them heretics. In fact, word of the heresy has not spread far from these three churches, who keep the accounts of Ebon Triad activities brutally suppressed lest the cult gain more converts.
One of the things that troubles the orthodox churches so much is that clerics of Hextor, Vecna and Erythnul in thrall to the cult continue to receive spells from their godly patrons. This fact especially galls the church of Hextor, whose rigid faith cannot square the contradiction.
“If this cult has a foothold here in Diamond Lake,” said Amariss, “it could be disastrous. Andolphas, you should seek the truth in these rumours and do what you can to work against the Ebon Triad. Be careful though. Bide your time and marshal your strength, as the combined powers of followers of Erythnul, Hextor and Vecna will be great.”
Andolphas and Boland:
“Green worms, Spawn of Kyuss, of course!” exclaims Allustan at hearing Andolphas’ tale. “I do not know a great deal of them, but I have heard of them. They are said to be corporeal walking dead, similar in appearance to zombies or mummies, but always crawling with green worms – as opposed to ordinary earthworms or maggots as one might find infesting zombies. And look at the teeth on this thing,” Allustan again refers to the preserved worm in the jar. “It would no trouble boring through living flesh let alone dead. Though I question how a corpse infested with such vermin would hold together for long …”
“Anyway, the Spawn, or Sons, of Kyuss are, of course, associated with a semi-mythical being known as Kyuss. Exactly who or what Kyuss was is not known to me – as I said, cults, religion, necromancy and the undead are outside my areas of expertise. He or it may have been a necromancer, an undead creature or some powerful outsider, or something else entirely.”
“At any rate, the Spawn of Kyuss are rare in this day and age. I understand that they were once prolific in and around the southern jungles of Amedio. I have heard unsubstantiated rumours in recent weeks of attacks by zombies in the hills and swamps south of here. Of course, zombies are normally dealt with easily enough by local militias, priests or adventurers. If these zombies are in fact Spawn of Kyuss – perhaps introduced by the cult you mentioned – it could be a more serious matter, but I really know little of how dangerous these creatures are or what they are capable of.”
“As for the Ebon Triad, I know little of that organization or its goals. I have heard the name; I believe they were active around the distant southern city of Cauldron several years ago, and caused some trouble there before being routed by local adventurers. I have not heard that they were active locally.”
“It seems from what you have told me that Balabar Smenk and this Filge character are or were working against the cult, or at least trying to gather information on them. Although I hesitate to suggest it, given Smenk’s character and the outlook of the typical necromancer, you may consider going to one of them for further answers. It is interesting that you mention the Dourstone Mine in connection to this cult; Ragnolian Dourstone is one of the few mine managers in town that Smenk may not see as a direct rival, given that Dourstone’s dealings are almost exclusively with dwarven contacts from Greysmere who don’t treat with humans. I wonder if, either in working with Dourstone, or looking for a way to undermine him, Smenk stumbled across this cult? And I wonder if Ragnolian Dourstone is a member, or even aware of the cult you say operates from under his mine?”
Harrigan and Moth
Having done all they can for his father, Brash bids him goodbye, shaking his hand awkwardly and assuring him again that all would be ok.
Back on the street Brash walks in silence for a while, hands clentched tightly, before addressing the dwarf.
'Thankyou... for your help, with the door... and our problem.' Brash speaks haltingly, and the words don't seem to come naturally to him, though they do seem genuine.
'I might go and make some enquiries, see if I can find out where Kullen or some of his henchmen might be holding up during the day. Maybe we could take one or two of them by themselves. It wont be easy taking them when there ready and together.'
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“It seems from what you have told me that Balabar Smenk and this Filge character are or were working against the cult, or at least trying to gather information on them. Although I hesitate to suggest it, given Smenk’s character and the outlook of the typical necromancer, you may consider going to one of them for further answers. It is interesting that you mention the Dourstone Mine in connection to this cult; Ragnolian Dourstone is one of the few mine managers in town that Smenk may not see as a direct rival, given that Dourstone’s dealings are almost exclusively with dwarven contacts from Greysmere who don’t treat with humans. I wonder if, either in working with Dourstone, or looking for a way to undermine him, Smenk stumbled across this cult? And I wonder if Ragnolian Dourstone is a member, or even aware of the cult you say operates from under his mine?”
Andolphas is evidently quite perturbed by all he has learned from Amariss and Allustan. "Hmmm... I thought that Smenk and Filge were experimenting with the worms for their own nefarious purposes, not necessarily to oppose the Ebon Triad. The necromancer unfortunately has met his end at the hands of one of our companions... who... uh... felt threatened by him. And I suspect that Smenk probably knows that we were involved in Filge's death... so going to him might be risky. It sounds like our best option is to take a closer look at Dourstone's operations..."
The cleric looks back at the assorted treasures they have laid out before Allustan. "The white gem does not have any magical properties, does it? Would you be interested in purchasing it, along with the models? Our other two companions would, of course, want us to get as much as we can for the models... what do you think is a fair price, Learned One?"
Harrigan and Brashen:
Boland and Andolphas:
Allustan strokes his thick black beard and gazes at Boland. “Indeed. Well, that is a pity. If you have made an enemy of Balabar Smenk, I would advise caution; he is, by all reports, a dangerous man.”
“As for these items; I can offer you two hundred gold coins apiece for the architectural models. I think you’ll find it a generous offer, I sincerely doubt that you will find anyone else who will appreciate their historical as well as aesthetic value this side of the Free City. Of the gemstone I can detect no magical properties, nor see any particular historic value in it, apart from the accident of its location. I would suggest that you visit the gem merchant Tidwoad for his opinion on its monetary value.”
Andolphas darts Boland a hard look. "I don't know that I would want to sell everything we found. Magic should be respected, treasured and studied, regardless of what our other companions might think. I have no qualms about selling mundane gems and goods, but magic and historical relics, no..."
"I..I did not mean to imply we would sell all of them," Boland stutters slightly under Andolphas' hard look.
When Allustan offers a price for the models he nods hesitantly, looking to Andolphas for confirmation.
Harrigan and Moth
As they walk Brash racks his brain for people who may know where the brute and his friends stay. He tries to think of trustworthy people, but also people who sought Kullens favor.
Finally turning to Harrigan he speaks. 'Maybe even if we can't find out where they sleep, we could lure them into a trap. Let it get out im looking for him, and let it slip as to where im 'staying'. Then set up an ambush.'
"I..I did not mean to imply we would sell all of them," Boland stutters slightly under Andolphas' hard look.
When Allustan offers a price for the models he nods hesitantly, looking to Andolphas for confirmation.
Andolphas nods his agreement. "That's a very generous offer, Learned One, which we will be happy to accept. I am especially pleased that such treasures will be kept by one who will have a true appreciation for their rarity and historical value."
Once the transaction is complete, Andolphas will thank Allustan for his time, insights and generosity, and will suggest that they go in search of their other companions before visiting Tidwoad.
Boland and Andolphas:
You are welcome to stay at his house as long as you like (particularly Boland who currently lives here), but Allustan himself needs to hit the books if he is going to be able to give you further information on some of the relics you have found by the next morning.
What is the plan from here? Where are you looking for your companions?
Brashen and Harrigan:
Shops will be opening shortly, if not now. Meanwhile, The Spinning Giant, The Rusty Bucket and the Garfish should all be open for breakfast. Local Knowledge checks of 11 + and you know something of the reputation of these places.
Andolphas suggests to Boland that they decide whether to take payment in coin and/or arcane scrolls after discussing Allustan's offer with Brashen and Harrigan. He also would rather not stroll around with 600 gold coins in their pack with Kullen and his gang around, at least not without the protection of their more martially inclined companions.
The somber cleric thanks Allustan for his offer of accommodation, and may take him up on it. He proposes to Boland that they go looking for Brashen and Harrigan while Allustan conducts further research into the items they have retrieved from Zosiel's tomb.
"Any idea where Brashen might have taken Harrigan? The Feral Dog? Does Brashen have a home or family in the area?"
"Or perhaps they're off visiting the brothel?" adds Andolphas in afterthought. "The dwarf in particular looked rather eager to get a... um... load off his mind... and I'm sure that it wouldn't take much to convince Brashen to go along with that idea."
Moth and Harrigan
Anything revealed by Harrigans knowledge check?
Brash and Harrigan:
The Garfish claims to serve Diamond Lake’s finest food. These claims are widely felt to be false. In fact, the food is alright but nothing special, and the prices are average. This place rarely gets very busy. Locals know to stay clear of the fish ... generally speaking you don’t want to eat anything that came out of the lake.
The Rusty Bucket, despite the name, is actually quite a nice restaurant. The food is good, but the prices tend to be on the high side for Diamond Lake. This is the closest the town has to fine dining (though it is a far cry from the posh restaurants of the Free City’s wealthier quarters), though that doesn’t mean that some of the town’s more rough and tumble folk are not welcome. The place is owned by Chaum Gansworth, one of the town’s wealthy mine managers.
Moth and Harrigan
'Maybe we should head to The Spinning Giant. Its unlikely we'll run into trouble there, but I guess its possible someone in a position of authority might be keeping some type of tabs on Kullen and his boys. We might get lucky and pick up something useful.'
"Or perhaps they're off visiting the brothel?" adds Andolphas in afterthought. "The dwarf in particular looked rather eager to get a... um... load off his mind... and I'm sure that it wouldn't take much to convince Brashen to go along with that idea."
Boland shrugs. "He said he'd meet us here, so I guess we wait for a while? The expression on Brash's face didn't make me think he was planning to visit a brothel or a pub. He does have family here - maybe he went to visit them?"
"We could certainly use some scrolls..." Boland muses as Andolphas raises the point, "though I'm not sure if Brashen or Harrigan would be too impressed if se sold their share of the money on scrolls. Still, some healing scrolls would be useful, and would benefit them. Maybe we spend half of the money on healing scrolls and then divide up the rest? I might take some of my share in further scrolls."
"Or perhaps they're off visiting the brothel?" adds Andolphas in afterthought. "The dwarf in particular looked rather eager to get a... um... load off his mind... and I'm sure that it wouldn't take much to convince Brashen to go along with that idea."Boland shrugs. "He said he'd meet us here, so I guess we wait for a while? The expression on Brash's face didn't make me think he was planning to visit a brothel or a pub. He does have family here - maybe he went to visit them?"
"No, you're probably right about the brothel... he wouldn't have been in a hurry to bring me there. But his manner suggested urgency, as if he was concerned or worried about something..."
"We could certainly use some scrolls..." Boland muses as Andolphas raises the point, "though I'm not sure if Brashen or Harrigan would be too impressed if se sold their share of the money on scrolls. Still, some healing scrolls would be useful, and would benefit them. Maybe we spend half of the money on healing scrolls and then divide up the rest? I might take some of my share in further scrolls."
Andolphas shrugs. "I would not object to having a few more scrolls at hand..."
1d20 + 4
You know that Brashen's parents live in town, or at least they did a few years ago. You seem to remember that they lived in a rather poor neighbourhood on the south side of The Vein, but you don't know which street or an exact address.
"We could certainly use some scrolls..." Boland muses as Andolphas raises the point, "though I'm not sure if Brashen or Harrigan would be too impressed if se sold their share of the money on scrolls. Still, some healing scrolls would be useful, and would benefit them. Maybe we spend half of the money on healing scrolls and then divide up the rest? I might take some of my share in further scrolls."
Brash and Harrigan:
The place seems fairly quiet this time of morning, but the door is open and the aroma of fried bacon wafts out onto the street.
Moth and Harrigan
Boland and Moth:
"Let's start by trying to track down Brashen's relatives and see if they know where he might be... I am quite confident that he was not pulling me insistently in order to go to the Dog, to a brothel, or even a shop, for that matter... This somehow felt more... personal."
Brash and Harrigan:
The few people in here who aren’t militia include Tyrol Ebberly, also known as ‘The Captain’, proprietor of The Captain’s Blade. You’d both know him – Brash has purchased weapons from him before and Harrigan may have a couple in hock at his shop. There’s another man also, you don’t recognize him. Dressed quite smartly … he could be a merchant, although the ornate looking rapier at his hip might suggest otherwise.
Polishing glasses behind the bar is Nimiscent, a soldier’s widow and part owner of the tavern. The pretty and flirtatious girl coming to take your order is Primmith.
Moth and Harrigan
Brash takes his seat and flashes Primmith a smile. 'You get prettier every time I see you! Can me and my friend here have some of your fine breakfast, and some ale to wash it down with.'
Brashen and Harrigan:
Primmith giggles vapidly. “Ooh, you’re a flatterer,” she says, bending over to wipe down your table, and giving you a good (and likely deliberate, all the better for tips) view of either her cleavage or behind as you might prefer. “Your clothes are all torn and patched darling, seen some action?”
Boland looks out the window uncertainly. "Brashen did say they'd meet us back here...but then again, something did seem to be up with him. Yep, let's head out and see if we can find his family. The Dog might be a good place to start - he hangs out there and someone there might know where he lives. Allustan needs time to study anyway..."
Few things have changed (assuming it's ok with you - let me know if any are not):
- +2 onto Intelligence
- Was hoping to change my familiar for a bonded item (staff). I've always struggled to use familiars effectively, and then when you don't refer to them it seems dumb when suddenly they appear.
- Skills: Pretty much the same, but I've added Linguistics in place of Decipher script. This means his got a few more languages. I've added Abyssal and Auran. Figured Auran made sense given that he's studying a fair bit of it.
- Feats:
-Open Minded doesn't exist in pathfinder, so changed it to Skill focus -Knowledge Arcana
-Will Precocious Apprentice still stand? Makes sense to keep it given I've used the spell quite a bit, but happy to change if you need?
- Spells:
-Was going to change Kelgore's Firebolt for Magic Missile; haven't used Kelgores in the game anyway, and magic missile is similar and easier.
-Had Wracking touch which isn't under pathfinder rules, so was considering changing to Summon Monster I
Again, let me know if you don't want me to do any of these ones.
Harrigan's eyes go wide when Primmith swings her sizable rump around at him in the process of taking orders. After Brashen has ordered and she turns to him he offers her his best creepy uncle grin and says, "I'll have the same, double bacon." Remarkably, he keeps it to that. While they wait for food the dwarf seems tense and keeps an eye on the militiamen. Eventually he offers, "You know- if we can't find a buyer for the things from the crypt, we might see about that crew from Greyhawk. Chances are we could get a decent price outta them, then they turn around and flip it for double back in the Free City. We'll have to see what yer boys turn up first though."
Boland:
Also, I think you should know a total of 7 languages including Common. You only have 5 written on your sheet (Draconic is listed twice).
Harrigan:
You’ve heard of Militia Lieutenant Trovost Skunt. He’s not on the take, but he’s a right bastard. He’s been stuck stationed in this backwater for years because, so you hear, he pissed off one too many people back in Greyhawk. You don’t think he’d have any love whatsoever for Kullen, but he’d probably love an excuse to lock a pair like yourself and Brashen up almost as much. He’s just like that.
Primmith might come across as a brainless bimbo, but there is a rumour about that she’s not nearly as dumb as she looks. You’ve heard that you need to be careful what you say around the woman, that someone – perhaps Governor-Mayor Neff, perhaps Balabar Smenk – pays her to keep an ear out for what the garrison soldiers talk about in here.
Brashen and Harrigan: ** spoiler omitted **
Harrigan and Moth
Brash winks at the girl, flashing here another smile. 'Oh, nothing to worry yourself about, i'll live. If its action your after though, I do know a thing or 2 about that. I'll even promise not to tear your clothes to badly...'
As Harrigan imparts his warning, Brash nods thoughtfully. 'Thanks for the heads up. I wonder if we could use that to our advantage... let slip something about where were staying, knowing that it could get back to Kullen (he works for smenk as well doesn't he?) and lure them into a trap.'
Also, should be six languages; I had accidently put 3 ranks on linguistics and only 2 on Spellcraft - was meant to be the other way round. One of the Draconics should have been Elven. I have amended these now.
Boland pulls out the handful of magical items he carries that have not yet been identified; a wooden wand, the 4 stoppered tubes from Filge, a gold ring (from the bugs nest). Laying them out on the table before him, he murmurs the words to a spell and then takes each of them up in turn, studying it intently. As he sets each down, he discusses it briefly with his companion, hoping to utilise the priest's knoweldge of magic to verify his suspicions.
Boland and Andolphas:
Anyway, I will await Andolphas? Aid Another checks if he wishes to make them.
Harrigan and Brashen:
Soon afterwards, Primmith returns with your food and drinks, laying them on the table with a flirtatious smile and wink.
Boland and Moth:
"Before we head out, can I have a minute to study some of these items? In the excitement and exhaustion of the past few days I have not had the chance..." Boland requests. "If there are any items the Lady has not yet identified for us that you carry, I could also take a closer look?" he offers Andolphas.
Boland pulls out the handful of magical items he carries that have not yet been identified; a wooden wand, the 4 stoppered tubes from Filge, a gold ring (from the bugs nest). Laying them out on the table before him, he murmurs the words to a spell and then takes each of them up in turn, studying it intently. As he sets each down, he discusses it briefly with his companion, hoping to utilise the priest's knoweldge of magic to verify his suspicions.Casts Detect Magic, below are Knowledge Arcana and Spellcraft checks for each item. If Andolphas is able and willing to aid another, Boland will use his assistance (so add +2 to the below results)
Knoweldge Arcana: Wand 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Knoweldge Arcana: Ring 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Knoweldge Arcana: stoppered tube 1 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Knoweldge Arcana: stoppered tube 2 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Knoweldge Arcana: stoppered tube 3 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Knoweldge Arcana: stoppered tube 4 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20Spellcraft: Wand 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Spellcraft: Ring 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Spellcraft: stoppered tube 1 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Spellcraft: stoppered tube 2 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Spellcraft: stoppered tube 3 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Spellcraft: stoppered tube 4 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Knowledge arcana rolls:
Wand: 13 + 6 = 19 = (+2 aid another)
Ring: 13 + 6 = 19 (+2 aid another)
Tube 1: 7 + 6 = 13 (+2 aid another)
Tube 2 : 18 + 6 = 24 (+2 aid another)
Tube 3: 2 + 6 = 8 (failed aid another)
Tube 4: 9 + 6 = 15 (+2 aid another)
Spellcraft checks... though I don't think I can make use of them, since I didn't cast detect magic:
Wand: 12 + 5 =17
Ring: 8 + 5 = 13
Tube 1: 2 + 5 = 7
Tube 2: 3 + 5 = 8
Tube 3: 2 + 5 = 7
Tube 4: 19 + 5 = 24.
I think Andolphas knows the properties of all other magic items he is presently carrying (save for those liked to the diadem intended to be revealed later by the DM).
Andolphas (and Boland):
Andolphas and Moth:
Boland and Andolphas:
The gold ring does not radiate magic When Allustan notices this ring, adorned with an insignia of an eight pointed star, he says, "The eight-pointed star is the symbol of The Seekers. If you found this ring in the Cairn, it appears that Khellek was correct; a Seeker expedition truly did make it there sixty years ago."
The stoppered tubes each contain a substance called a necroturgon. They function in most respects as a potion, except they must be injected or otherwise delivered directly into the bloodstream or internal organs to take effect
They are a necroturgon of gentle repose, a necroturgon of false life, a necroturgon of ghoul touch, and a necroturgon of chill touch.
In the process of casting detect magic one of you also notices that the leather thong adorned with silver beads and a bird's skull that Andolphas carries also radiates magic. You are able to identify it as an amulet of natural armour +1.