"Carry. Nope, drag it behind us. We don't want to let those other guards think that we respect their leader..we want to show what will happen to them if they don't 'leave peacefully'."
Hasina watches Emilia as she attempts to open the chest.
Sefanit has an intuition about the tin bird and feathers and detects magic on both.
Ki'dhir happily throws on his familiar gear. The brown, ground-sweeping, bisht barely conceals the heat-deflecting loose tribal clothing of the nomad. A well used but sharp scimitar is slung at the end of the parched leather bandolier running across his chest. A fine longbow runs diagonally as well. Wrapped around Ki'dhir's hips is a red sash and his long black-and-white patterned keffiyeh loops loosely several times about his shoulders before it wraps over his dark, Garundi skull.
He draws the scimitar and warns up his arms and wrists with a series of swift circular swings.
Toilday, the 27th day of Gozran, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm, with light winds coming from the north.
Fourth Hour after Sunset
----------------------------------------------
Hasina watches Emilia work after correcting Francis on the proper manner in which to display the body of the ex-leader of the Silver Chain gang, figuring that the effort will serve to demoralize the thugs that yet remain. The halfling rogue curses softly to herself as her initial attempt to open the chest fails, but after taking a deep breath and a copious amount of time (Take ‘20’), she is able to jimmy open the rather tough lock (DC 30). Inside is a simple-looking haversack, though the contents of the backpack reveal it to have a very large space within – far more than a normal pack would. The magical backpack contains an assortment of gems, necklaces, rings, statuettes, artwork and loose coins that will most certainly fetch a very good price to the dealers and merchants in Wati – at least once the present situation has been dealt with.
Francis finds that though the bird statue is not magical, the feathers certainly do. Though the priest is unable to determine exactly what they are, Sefanit identifies them as Bird Feather Tokens, magical items that can create a small, summoned bird that will send a message across vast distances. Francis quickly determines that the magical backpack is a Handy Haversack, capable of holding about 120 lb of equipment in an extra-dimensional space between the main pouch and two roomy side pockets.
(Feather) = Failure!
(Feather) = Success!
(Backpack) = Success!
After claiming much of the loot gathered, and storing the rest in the magical backpack, the group continues on, prodding their prisoners into motion as Hasina drags the slain leader of the Silver Chain behind her as a grisly display. Retracing their steps back to the trapped entry hall, the group pauses at the door there and, after forcing the captured cultist to open it, they peer inside. The chamber beyond the door is quite massive, with cracked ceramic tiles covering the walls and the columns that support the ceiling of this expansive room. In the center of the chamber, iron posts connected by chains delineate several smaller subsections, each crowded with boxes, crates, urns and sarcophagi. The stink of soot and the leathery smell of death hangs heavy in the air.
The cultist, eager perhaps to appease his captors, explains that this area that once housed the furnaces used by the burnt-out brickworks shop is now the warehouse for most of the stolen grave goods that the Silver Chain loots from the various tombs that riddle the ancient city of Wati. Though the more valuable pieces are (or were) kept by Ekram in his private chambers, this area serves as storage space for the majority of the more practical contraband of lesser value, including books, furniture, charms, textiles, toys, wine and even mummified body parts and organs kept in canopic jars. In a hushed voice, he admits that when the undead rose from their graves, the handful of corpses they’d kept in here hammered the door open and headed up into the city – much to the chagrin of the Silver Chain gang. Oddly enough, Ekram didn’t seem to be frightened by this chilling development – though he did seem disturbed in the sense of being annoyed, perhaps even angry. But the leader of the Silver Chain kept his personal thoughts and feelings to himself, and the underling cannot guess as to the reasons of Ekram’s odd reaction to Wati’s dead suddenly rising from their graves to besiege the city.
Treasure:
Magical Khopesh Natron Fang
Magical Leather Armor +1
3 Magical Cloaks of Resistance +1
Magical Potion of Undetectable Alignment
Magical Scroll of Whispering Wind
Magical Handy Haversack
4 Magical Bird Feather Tokens
4 Masterwork Shortswords
Masterwork Kukri
Composite (+3 STR) Shortbow
Oil of Taggit
3 Spellbooks (each with Mage Armor, Burning Hands, Disguise Self, Shocking Hands and all 0-Level cantrips; each one also has another spell in addition – Dancing Darkness, Fabricate Disguise, Sculpt Corpse)
3 Spell Component pouches
Key
Gold funerary mask (value – 100gp) [1.0 lb]
3 Copper funerary masks (value – 25gp each) [3.0 lb]
Silver chain bracelet (value – 20gp)
3 Finely-crafted pieces of jewelry (value – 200gp each)
6 Precious gemstones (value – 150gp each)
7 Well-crafted pieces of jewelry (value – 75gp each)
12 Semi-precious gemstones (value – 50gp each)
7 Fine works of art (value – 25gp each) [14.0 lb]
81pp [1.5 lb]
353gp [7.0 lb]
89sp [1.5 lb]
54cp [1.0 lb]
Player Map - Slide #1
We found the treasure room, but weren't there guards here or am I thinking of a different room. If there were guards, can we tell which way they went?
Francis listens to the cultist's explanation of the items in the 'warehouse'. Hating the description of these looted historical artifacts he has to accept that these cultists wouldn't have cared for the historical value of the items. "I don't think we need to search through this stuff now. Our objective is just to clear the rest of the cultists out. Let's proceed."
Emilia just nods at Francis, glancing around the room again with a small smile. "Find the rest of the cultists, take them out. Seems pretty cut and dry to me."
"Well what are we waiting for. Let us clean the rats out of here."
OOC: Letting the cultist leave is ok by me.. one less person that we have to keep an eye on.
Sefanit chooses the spellbook that includes Dancing Darkness to keep for herself. She also grabs the bird feather tokens to ensure they don't get lost in the shuffle of loot. Finally, she selects one of the silver bracelets and a nice pair of earrings for herself because why not? I deserve to have nice things.
"Yes, let's finish up and get on out of here."
Toilday, the 27th day of Gozran, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm, with light winds coming from the north.
Fourth Hour after Sunset
----------------------------------------------
The adventurers let the cultist go, and the man makes his way quickly up the stairs and out to freedom – or whatever fate awaits a fellow like himself at any rate. Elliander rejoins the group, relieved of his ‘baby sitter’ duty and the party makes their way across the enormous chamber, moving around crates and boxes as they head toward the nearest door without searching the chamber any further.
The door to the south is boarded over, likely leading to the abandoned laboratory the cultist mentioned. A few minutes’ work should suffice in removing the planks nailed into the walls. Or the adventurers could instead investigate the door on the opposite side of the chamber, which is closed but not boarded up nor even locked.
Player Map - Slide #1
Francis nods at the young man as he buckles on his equipment. The change in the sword was interesting but not important for the moment. "No thanks are needed, especially if you help us finish these guys. We took down the leader and Hasina has his dead body so hopefully these next will surrender without a fight. Hasina, be ready and throw the body through the door once I open it. I think the gang was called Silver Chains, and yes they robbed graves and smuggled the historical treasures out of here. All they seemed to care for was the gold. The dead rising seems to have been caused by some powerful magic, an artifact discovered and stolen from the Necropolis during the government's allowing of opening of the burial vaults in it. By Pharasma's grace hopefully we can find it and put the dead back where they belong. The one we released, and likely these ahead were just thugs. Kill them if they fight. Otherwise they are just followers and the city guard can handle them when they reach the gate back into the city."
Moving across the room toward where they think the final cultists remain, Francis barely glances at the boarded over door. Their objective was to rescue Ptemenib and any other prisoners of the Silver Chain gang, get rid of the cultists/gang here, and discover anything possible related to the necromantic power that was animating the undead terrorizing the city. The unlocked door was likely the way to the last remaining cultists. Weapons ready he motions for the group to be ready as the door opens.
Hasina is ready to throw the body.. just waiting for the door to be opened.
She hums and nods at Francis, shortsword and buckler held loosely. She lightly bounces from foot to foot with a small grin of anticipation.
Toilday, the 27th day of Gozran, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm, with light winds coming from the north.
Fourth Hour after Sunset
----------------------------------------------
Francis throws open the door easily and Hasina tosses the slain body of the Silver Chain leader into the room as she moves in after, readying her heavy flail while Elliander steps in beside her, his favorite weapon ‘Biter’ in hand as well.
The gentle lapping of water echoes through this chamber, and stone stairs descend from a raised platform into a subterranean canal that leads west as far as the eye can see. Three gang members lounge here, playing cards at a makeshift table near the door to the south, which is boarded up firmly. As the adventurers make their dramatic entrance, a large canine that looks like a big hyena stands up from where it was resting and gnawing on a bone near one of them – though now it is alert and growling in menacing fashion, its scruffy hair raised in hackles as it takes a step toward the party. The trio of guards, two men and one woman, glance as one at the body of Ekram then at each other before turning their attention back to the intruders, obviously taking in the fact that they are outnumbered and without a leader. One of the men starts to draw his sword and stand, but the other pair make no movement and stare at the fellow silently – save for the woman who speaks a single, clipped command to the hyena. After another moment, the half-standing gang member relaxes his grip on the weapon and retakes his seat with a scowl even as the animal also relents in its aggressive stance.
The female stands up, her hands well away from her own sword as she speaks in a voice that is remarkably calm. “Who are you? Guardsmen of the Grand Mausoleum? You don’t exactly look the type.” She adds the last comment with a sneer, though despite the bravado it is clear she is anxious and intimidated.
Player Map - Slide #1
"Call your animal down. I would hate to kill an animal because you were to stupid to control it."
Hasina is ready to attack if necessary, she is waiting for Francis to do the talking. She usually talks with her flail. She watches the trio in front of her, letting the ones behind her scope out this new location.
Elliander enters what looks like another store room. He watches the thugs they spot inside, but also tries to decide if the room is just a place for them to rest or if they are guarding something. He sees a door behind them seemingly boarded up and barred, but looks for any additional door or opening, and if the platform beside the canal might be some kind of loading dock to move goods out via the canal.
The duskblade keeps his sword still out and ready but lowers the tip of it when things seem to settle down somewhat. He does not say anything yet, but lets his new-found allies continue their investigation
Francis steps in following Hasina. He keeps his shield and wand ready and watches the group. As they seem to back down and ask questions he smiles.
"Thanks Hasina and stay ready. They seem willing to cooperate. We've spilled enough blood, for now." As the female stands he faces her. "You're right, we aren't Mausoleum guards. I am Francis Thrannel, Theologian of Pharasma. Our group was known as the Blades of Destiny during the recent lottery. We have killed your leader and rescued the prisoners that you were holding, including the priest Ptemenib. With the dead rising around here imprisoning one of the clergy from the Grand Mausoleum was rather stupid. I'm assuming your leader there" motioning to the body "didn't tell you who he was?"
He pauses for a moment to let the three absorb his words. Unless they scream/attack he continues, "There are already too many dead bodies around here, especially since they seem to be standing back up and attacking any living creature nearby. Explain what you know of the operation here. If your words hold enough valuable information we'll do as we did with the others, the guards that surrendered when we killed that one... We'll let you run to the gate, before it gets dark and really dangerous!"
Toilday, the 27th day of Gozran, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm, with light winds coming from the north.
Fourth Hour after Sunset
----------------------------------------------
Between the glowering Hasina and Francis’ diplomatic stance, the thugs stand down and take the offer. They speak of the place and confirm what the party has already been told. The warehouse area to the east, filled with the ‘lesser’ treasures they’ve collected and the off-limits laboratory south of that huge chamber (also accessible through the door to the south of this guardroom, which is boarded up in a similar manner to the one in the storage room.) Once the group is satisfied, they let the trio go, along with the hyena…
Player Map - Slide #1
Elliander does not recognize any of the thugs as being his attacker and bears them no personal grudge. He lets them go and instead pokes through the crates, sacks and barrels closest to him to see what the bad guys have collected, while the rest decides what to do. He casts a cantrip to help him detect anything useful.
Indeed, none of these thugs were the ones that took down Elliander. Neither does the duskblade find anything magical in the area.
In his search for more knowledge, Elliander has followed The Biter’s vague indications and ended up in this foreign area. What he is looking for, he does not really know he must sometimes confess to himself a bit bewildered. It seems his ancient blade is sometimes taking him on a wild goose chase just to see different types of action, rather than following a decided plan. What type of ancient lore or dark magic does this place hold? What secrets to unlock? He feels an itching urge to find out more but waiting to tomorrow sounds wise. He’s in no hurry and there might be safety in numbers.
“I’m also interested in what is happening here. May I join you and we can find out more tomorrow together?” he asks.
Toilday, the 27th day of Gozran, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm, with light winds coming from the north.
Fourth Hour after Sunset
----------------------------------------------
The adventurers decide to withdraw from the base used by the now-disbanded Silver Chain gang. As they make their back through the darkened streets of Wati - accompanied by the occasional scream or bestial roar that echoes in the distance - Ptemenib speaks about the ruined structure they climbed out of, briefly describing the history of the place and of the Silver Chain gang that inhabited the rooms beneath.
Not so long ago, the Bright River Brickworks produced a steady supply of mud bricks for Wati’s less glorious homes and businesses, but one setback after another eventually led to a cracked kiln and a fire that raged through the building and the surrounding shanties in the area known to the locals as the Veins. In the two years since, the hovels have quickly grown back, but the brickworks remained uncannily silent and empty for a structure in Wati’s crowded harbor district. And now, the priest of Pharsma has learned the truth. Ptemenib figures that the Silver Chain gang probably moved into the ruins soon after the ashes of that great fire cooled, using the isolation of the place to shield their activities from prying eyes. He conjectures that the supply tunnels once used by the brickworks factory provided easy access beneath the nearby walls of the necropolis, ideal for smuggling tomb robbers in and valuables out.
“I recognized one of the attendees at the auction that night as an agent of the Silver Chain gang,” Ptemenib says as the party makes their way out of the dirt-poor Veins district and through the section of Wati known as Midwife, where the Grand Mausoleum lies just south of the Sunburst Market. “We have been tracking that elusive group for a long time, and running across one of their known members was a lucky boon for me. I left the auction house just after he did, and followed him into the Veins. My plan was to gather intelligence about the group’s hideout, but I was seen by one of those mask-wearing members as I approached the ruined factory.” The old priest frowns then, and shakes his head. “But I was not as stealthy as I thought, and they spotted me. I am thankful that my faithful Qasin alerted you to the danger I was in. There is no telling what that Ekram would have done with me.”
Ptemenib pauses as the impressive view of the Grand Mausoleum hoves into view, its stained glass windows lit up with eerie purple light that does little to illuminate the area around and instead gives the enormous structure of dark stone an ominous appearance in this city now plagued by the walking dead. Turning to the group, the priest speaks on. “There is something… different about that Ekram and his mask-wearing followers. He apparently came to lead the Silver Chain only recently, and his arrival was not well-received from what I overheard during my captivity. I suspect that his goals and the greed-driven aims of the original gang members did not necessarily go hand in hand. Ekram was also not surprised by the uprising of the undead in Wati - a fact that was hotly debated by those that served him. I cannot say whether Ekram is somehow behind this unholy disturbance, but I suspect he had some knowledge or was perhaps involved in some way. In any case, you are all welcome to rest in the temple for the remainder of this evening and for as long as you need to tomorrow as well, you have earned that at least that much - in addition to my heartfelt thanks. I will also see that your wounds are tended to before you leave. I pray that you are able to learn more about what has occurred yesterday - though it seems as though months have passed rather than but a single day.”
With that, the elderly priest leads the adventurers past the guardsmen that ward the Grand Mausoleum and into its sacred halls, finding rooms for everyone and the heroes of Wati spend a night that is undisturbed, for the thick walls of the temple shelter them even from the screams of the dying and the dead in the streets beyond. On the following morning, refreshed and fully healed by acolytes that bring them food and other refreshment in addition to their magical care, the party is discussing how best to proceed when suddenly Ptemenib arrives, his face taut with distress. His eyes seeks those of Francis and he speaks to the cleric in a tone of dire urgency.
“Please, come with me immediately,” Ptemenib’s gaze sweeps across the entire group before refocusing on Francis. “I fear for the future of our church and for the lives of the citizens of Wati. This schism between Sebti and Nakht threatens to divide the temple when Wati needs us to work together more than ever in our long history. Come, I will explain quickly and pray that you are able to make them both see reason. Perhaps they will heed the counsel of those unaffiliated with the church.”
As the old priest hastens along the corridors of the temple with the party in tow, he gives a brief outline of the crisis. It seems that a substantial rift has long existed between the priests of the Grand Mausoleum and the militant wing of Pharasma’s faith, a group known as the Voices of the Spire. Nakht Shepses is the leader of that assemblage, and given his lineage that he is able to trace all the way back to Wati’s original liberator Nefru Shepses, the ruthlessly efficient commander holds great power in the church, nearly as much as Sebti the Crocodile. The high priestess, born from common blood, is a peacemaker and counselor, frequently at odds with her militant counterpart. Ptemenib relates that Sebti’s reaction to the crisis in Wati is in offering protection and healing to the citizenry while relying on adventurers such as themselves to assist in cleansing the city of its undead invaders. This strategy apparently disgusts Nakht, who has come up with another solution. With the help of his inquisitors an a powerful ritual handed down though the generations within his family, Nakht plans to conjure an army of esobok and vanth psychopomps to destroy the undead scourge and hopefully uncover the source of the outbreak. And though the warrior psychopomps are quite capable of returning the living dead to their graves, the creatures don’t care much for the living either - and Sebti is concerned that the battle will claim hundreds of innocent lives throughout Wati…
Player Map - Slide #2
Elliander shakes his when he hears the story. It seems worse than he had first guessed. While he is not unfamiliar with necromancy, he has a strong dislike for anything concerning the undead. ‘It’s not natural!’, is a phrase his elvish friends used to say when they were disgusted, and while life and death are parts of nature too, an undead is something in between and neither at the same time.
He learned some more about Wati yesterday, and the people who rescued him from the pit seem to have accepted him for now as being able to offer help in a common predicament. The duskblade decides to stay around and see what the local leaders plan to do about the undead ruining their city. The locals giving up their own initiative and relying on hired mercenaries might not be enough or even wise. Still, conjuring up some kind of spirit warriors they can’t control, might be even worse.
Elliander asks around, trying to find out how widespread this scourge of undead is and for how long it has been going on. Did it start out small, creeping upon the poor city, or were they there in numbers from one day to another? What or who could have caused it? Who would benefit from the unrest the undead creates? How important was this Ekram? Was someone higher controlling him?
Wealday, the 28th day of Gozran, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm, with light winds coming from the north.
Second Hour after Sunrise
----------------------------------------------
Elliander cannot think of anything else to add to Ptemenib’s words, and the rest of the journey through the halls of the Grand Mausoleum pass in silence. Finally, the party arrives at a pair of large doors crafted of bronze, with a half-dozen well-armed guards standing at attention before them. They stand to one side as the elderly priest leading the adventurers advance upon them without slowing and Ptemenib opens the doors, revealing a large room decorated with comfortable chairs and tables that hold plates of food and pitchers with drink. The refreshments and chairs appear to have been entirely ignored by the two inside the chamber, and judging by their hotly spoken words they are nearly at each other’s throats.
“The city will fall if we do not seek aid from those that are powerful enough to assist, mark my words Sebti!” Nakht is a tall man with dark skin and very well muscled, clad in colorful garb with a heavy falchion strapped to his broad back. His face is flushed with fury as he barks into the face of the high priestess. But Sebti refuses to back down from the livid commander, he own dark eyes flashing with anger as she stands before him, clad in her own robes of office and shouting back into the big man’s face, which is but inches from her own. “Your grand plan would only serve to destroy the city and leave most of her citizens dead by the hands of those that you claim would protect them both! We must trust to the brave souls that inhabit Wati to save her!”
Into this hot quarrel Ptemenib strides with purpose, the soft-spoken words of the old priest cutting through the charged atmosphere with a surprising strength. ”Sebti! Nakht! I have brought those who have shown great initiative in battling the undead that have invaded Wati, assisting those in need and overcoming tremendous odds in destroying several dangerous creatures through their magic and strength of arms!” Both priestess and commander turn to regard the party as Ptemenib continues. “I have heard reports from several of those that serve Pharasma, and I have witnessed their skill and resolve with my own eyes as they sundered the Silver Chain – a gang of tomb robbers that have long plagued our city. You must listen to them, and consider what advice they might give.”
Ptemenib turns to face the adventurers as well, his eyes seeking out those of Francis in particular. It is clear that the old priest wants them to make these two see reason and come together with a plan to save Wati. But what can they possibly do to help?
Player Map - Slide #2
OOC: I think that Francis is doing a good job of "speaking" for the group and maybe he needs to continue to be our voice. But we do need to find out more about what is going on.. and what exactly will we be expected to do. And we need to defuse this volatile situation.
IC:
Hasina looks at the two priests and then at the room.
"Is there not enough fight and killing and death in this city without two of her highest priests adding to the madness. Your people, the people of your city are in danger. As their spiritual leaders, it is up to you to help and not hinder. Now, if you can start acting like the civilized leaders that you are reputed to be, maybe we can help. Please sit and calm yourselves and maybe have some of these refreshments and while you are cooling off, maybe you could give us some more insight as to what is needed and how we may help."
Hasina stares them both down, her hand on her flail -- not drawing it but letting them see that she has her weapon close and ready to use if necessary. Hoping that she had the right words to at least get them to stop fighting, and maybe give Francis the opening he needs start being our voice.
Francis steps forward, brushing at the dirt and .... stuff on his clothing. He checks to be sure his holy symbol is clean. "Thank you Hasina. We need cool heads in this room. Let me try."
"Brothers and Sisters of Pharasma, please listen. This city faces many trials and we can't be adding to them by our divisions. If in doubt we should ask the Lady of Graves, but I think for this time her answer is already clear. We must come together, use the resources we have and face our enemies directly. As Ptemenib has stated, our group has already faced some of the enemy, and we have overcome all of them. Let us be the tip of the dagger and we will carry the fight to whoever, or whatever is behind the offenses that are being taken with those that should have stayed interred in the Necropolis. And if we encounter any citizens needing help, we will help them. This is how the Lady of Graves would want this situation handled."
"The leader of the Silver Chains that we faced seemed to know something about the undead. Perhaps others of the gang would know more. I think we should track them down and question them, and I think we need to search the Necropolis to see if we can shut down the undead at the source!"
Elliander’s quick investigation does not turn up much. In general, it seems that the few clerics and servants of the temple he has chance to speak to do not know much of the situation in the city outside, if they can understand his questions at all.
Soon enough the group moves on to meet the two local power figures of Wati. They arrive in what seems like a heated argument and Elliander settles for studying Nakht and Sebti, while Ptemenib, Hasina and Francis try to calm the leaders down. He tries to figure out if Nakht and Sebti seem glad for their offered help, or if anyone of them perhaps dislikes them interfering in their own plans.
The Biter appears to be content watching what is acting out, instead of giving him any clue as to what to do, but Elliander does not feel it pulling away from dealing with whatever threat the undead stand for either.
Wealday, the 28th day of Gozran, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm, with light winds coming from the north.
Second Hour after Sunrise
----------------------------------------------
Hasina is the first to speak, chastising the two leader for their lack of effort to work together before Francis speaks openly about their situation, building on the red-haired warrior’s admonishment and advising that perhaps the party can search the Necropolis for some idea of what might have caused the undead uprising.
= Success! Francis gains a +2 bonus.
Sebti seizes on the cleric’s words immediately, turning to face Nakht squarely once more. “Yes! You see, these valiant souls can aid us in this endeavor. We are both in agreement that the Necropolis must surely be hiding the source of this uprising, for the undead within even now struggle to break through the gates that my guardsmen hold against terrible odds! If they can somehow win through that terrible tide, then they can find…” The colorfully-garbed warrior interrupts the priestess as he slashes the air with one callused hand. “Pfah! You think that this ragged band of mercenaries can do what my psychopomps cannot? I doubt they could win their way into the Necropolis, much less survive long enough to find the source of this necromantic uprising!”
Ptemenib speaks to the adventurers as the two resume arguing, speaking in a hushed tone. “The Silver Chain gang had a direct route into the Necropolis, probably through that canal we saw at the docks. You might be able to slip into the Necropolis using that…” But any further words that the elderly priest might have spoken are clipped off as Nakht turns to face the party again, his mouth twisted in an expression of scorn and his eyes fairly ablaze with righteous anger. “I find the idea laughable that hired adventurers would prove more effective in this war than my unswervingly loyal army of outsiders…” He begins, but then Sebti also turns to face the group, gesturing towards them as she refutes his words. “But our saviors have already proven their abilities in their efforts to rid Wati of the undead invaders, have they not? Their noble exploits have been seen by the eyes of our loyal priest Ptemenib…” Again, the haughty commander slashes the air with his powerful hand, cutting off Sebti’s words as he speaks to the party in a condescending tone. “Well then, perhaps your ‘saviors’ would agree to show proof of their prowess in a test that I might see with my own eyes?” Without waiting for an answer, Nakht strides toward the doors and speaks briefly with one of the guardsmen, his words lost as Sebti approaches the adventurers, an earnest expression upon her kohl-painted face. “Forgive me for placing you in a position to endure whatever test Nakht has in mind. I will stand ready to heal you if needed afterward - and of course my priests will be at your disposal as well - though I dare not interfere during the test itself, unless your lives are in imminent danger.”
A moment later, Nakht strides away from the door, followed by three soldiers, a cruel smile etched upon his features. “So then, I have sent a runner to have Ajin Ra Baqa answer my summons with all haste. Ajin is a loyal psychopomp, arriving with my ancestor Nefru Sphses centuries ago and has resided in Wati ever since. Ajin and his two wardogs should prove an adequate test as to your courage and mettle in dealing with this undead incursion. Of course, I have no desire to see any of you killed, so you have but to ask for mercy at any point and I will command Ajin to cease and desist his attacks immediately. This chamber is large enough to provide an acceptable battle arena. What say you all?” While the commander speaks, the trio of guardsmen move tables and chairs up against the walls, clearing out the center of the large room to provide an obstacle-free fighting area of roughly 80’ in diameter. The two leaders of Wati face the adventurers expectantly…
Player Map - Slide #2
Francis steps up to face the arrogant priest, "You would turn outsiders loose against the city? And what of the innocent civilians that would be slain as your 'soldiers' kill all in their path? We accept your challenge, and offer the same to you. If you command we will hold our attacks so your creatures are not slain."
"Even now you show how little you care for your people. The very people that come to you for help."
Hasina takes out her flail
"Bring it on. We will fight those you would put in our path..It is a shame that we have to waste this time when we could be trying to help this city, but... so be it."
Hasina is ready to fight.. flail out .. waiting..
Elliander doesn’t really understand it all. Why aren’t they all united against this threat? He feels like the proposed ‘test’ is ridiculous and a waste of time and strength. Somehow Biter is out of its sheath and in his hand without him fully realizing it though. He can sense the sword feeling excited again and doesn’t really want to challenge it mentally now if the upcoming fight can’t be avoided. Instead he seems to examine it while waiting for the situation to clear up or his opponents to arrive.
‘Psychopomp, hmm’ Biter muses, but the duskblade is wondering what they are up against.
If the fight is really on, Elliander will ready his shield too and cast Chill Touch on the sword just before of time permits. He also puts on his crystal lenses.*
The atheist in Sefanit isn't exactly comfortable getting involved in church debates. But if the question is taken to what she sees as it's root, there is a clear choice to her mind. With Kushi, who had emerged earlier to watch the debate, perched on her shoulder Sefanit interjects herself into the debate before time wasting violence breaks out.
"The wrong question is being debated here. This is not a question of whether we, and others of our ilk, or summoned servants are the stronger. It is a question of what will best preserve Wati and it's people. I have no doubt your summoned servants can deal effectively with the undead scourge Nakht, But they would also kill all the living who found themselves entangled in the battle, perhaps even those who were not."
"We are also quite capable of handling the undead plague, and we are discriminating. We can save people who are in danger, preserve property, complete the task while leaving the city as close as possible to intact."
"Further, we have accomplished much this very night to prove our effectiveness. We dispatched the undead who menaced this evening's auction, saving the attendees. We prevented an undead judge and his minions from executing people and put him to rest again. Your priestess Bal Themm, a hero this evening who should be recognized for her great courage, and I held the gates alone against a shadow until reinforcements arrived. We insured that shadow is no more. Wherever we have passed, none of the unliving have remained. And during this we have still found time to dispatch bandits who were guilty of thieving from the Necropolis and rescue Ptemenib."
"There is no need for a fight to show who is stronger. Both possible solutions are strong enough for the task. But we have proven ourselves to be flexible and surgical, exercising reason and judgement in the use of violence. The servants that would be summoned in our stead cannot show such evidence, and would not even bother to make a similar claim."
"The reasonable decision to to allow us to proceed, and if we should fail summon the servants as a last resort."
Emilia stayed mostly quiet this entire time, but grins as she hears the challenge. Laughing, she pats the sword ta her hip and grins at Nakht. "Oh, I am SO going to enjoy watching that smile drop off your face after we kick your outsiders behinds."
Wealday, the 28th day of Gozran, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm, with light winds coming from the north.
Second Hour after Sunrise
----------------------------------------------
Nakht only grins wordlessly at the harsh words leveled at him, though he answers Sefanit. “Stand with your friends if you will. Or step aside if you wish. This test has been decided and the choice is yours.” Without knowing how much time this Ajin Ra Baqa will take to arrive, Francis begins considering which of his divine spells will benefit his allies and readies himself to begin casting as soon as the battle seems imminent.
After a few minutes of tense waiting, there is an audible ‘pop’ as air is displaced suddenly and three imposing figures now stand in the center of the chamber. One is a tall, skeletal figure with a ragged cloak of gray feathers draped across its shoulders, its face hidden by a hideous, vulture-like mask and an enormous scythe clutched in its bony hands. The two others are a grotesque amalgam, combining the body of a mastiff with the skeletal head of a crocodile – its neck ringed by a mane of black feathers.
Francis begins to cast his spells, calling upon the magical divine boons that he hopes will assist as Nakht sneers at the cleric, but he bides until Francis has finished his preparations. Then he turns to speak to the figure named Ajin Ra Baqa. “By my word, you shall treat this group as you would any undead. Though do not kill any of them, if you can avoid it.” The haughty warrior adds the last caution in a condescending tone.
Ajin Ra Baqa raises its scythe and its wings flap once, lifting it slightly into the air as it glides just behind the strange crocodile-headed mastiffs that move forward menacingly toward the party in utter silence, and then the group rushes forward to engage in battle! Ki’dhir’s eyes are wide and the warrior takes an involuntary step backward, as though second-guessing himself in getting involved at all with this test…
Elliander 33/33 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear)]
Mastiff/Crocodile (Yellow) - Unwounded
Mastiff/Crocodile (Red) - Unwounded
Ajin Ra Baqa - Unwounded [Flying 5' above the ground]
Sefanit - 36/36 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear)]
Emilia 34/34 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear)]
Hasina 42/42 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear); Magic Weapon (+1 Flail), Bull’s Strength (+4 to STR)]
Francis 31/31 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear); Spiritual Weapon (at the ready)]
Having readied his shield, Elliander moves forward turning Biter in the air with an arcane pattern as he approaches to attack the enemy.
Combat:
Move to stand just in front the red “Mastiff”.
Casting Chill Touch on Biter while attacking it.
4/4 charges held. Spending a charge if successful hit.
(I guess the Outsider is not considered a “Magical Beast” for the purpose of using Biter´s Bane ability?)
The Biter: with Bless
necrotic
Chill Touch Ability Damage 1 STR (Fort Save DC14)
With his new CON, Elliander has 41/41 HP
Wealday, the 28th day of Gozran, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm, with light winds coming from the north.
Second Hour after Sunrise
----------------------------------------------
As Elliander moves forward to engage the nearest of the other-worldly creatures, a shock of fear courses through him (roll a Will save vs Fear effect) as he draws near to the one named Ajin Ra Baqua. Still, the duskblade channels his magic and connects solidly with his sword – though ‘Biter’ is somewhat disappointed that these creatures are not ones with which he enjoys to battle most. The blow seems to wound the beast, though Elliander deems that the outsider has some sort of natural defense against weapons – even those that are magical like his own (no crit, target has DR 2).
The outsider joined in battle with the duskblade snaps and claws at Elliander, the duskblade ripping himself out of the monster’s vice-like grip when it bites him, though he is unable to avoid its claws while doing so (7 damage). The other charges Hasina and pounces on the red-haired warrior, and though her armor protects her from the teeth and one of the creature’s claws, still it manages to rake her across the forearm with its right claw (5 damage)!
Ajin Ra Baqua sweeps forward as it flares its wings wide, rising up against the party like a harbinger of death, and everyone feels the same dread that rocked Elliander a moment earlier (everyone except for Elliander roll a Will save vs Fear effect.) Its scythe, which appears to be an ancient artifact and carved with unknown runes, sweeps toward Hasina as well, connecting solidly and inflicting a nasty wound (11 damage)!
vs DC 14 = Success!
vs Elliander’s AC = Hit!
vs Elliander’s CMD = Failure!
includes DR for Armor Crystal
vs Elliander’s AC = Hit!
includes DR for Armor Crystal
vs Elliander’s AC = Miss!
vs Hasina’s FF AC = Miss!
vs Hasina’s FF AC = Hit!
vs Hasina’s FF AC = Miss!
vs Hasina’s FF AC = Hit!
Elliander 26/33 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear); 2 HP (of 10) absorbed by Armor Crystal]
Mastiff/Crocodile (Yellow) - Unwounded
Mastiff/Crocodile (Red) – Wounded (8 damage)
Ajin Ra Baqa - Unwounded [Flying 5' above the ground]
Sefanit - 36/36 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear)]
Emilia 34/34 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear)]
Hasina 26/42 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear); Magic Weapon (+1 Flail), Bull’s Strength (+4 to STR)]
Francis 31/31 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear); Spiritual Weapon (at the ready)]
Elliander chooses to continue fighting the strange beast. He tries his best to counter the multitude of attacks the creature uses and wonders what it really is.
Continue to attack the red “Mastiff”.
3/4 charges of Chill Touch held. Spending a charge if successful hit.
Check:
Save:
The Biter: with Bless
STR (Fort Save DC14)
With his new CON, Elliander has 34/41 HP
Francis (ever last in initiative....) feels the wave of magical fear from the beast (as he studies it)
He sends the Spirit Blade at the flying creature
and holds up his holy symbol calling on Pharasma to heal the hurt members of the party.
As an actual fight breaks out over the dispute, Sefanit can only roll her eyes at men and their pissing matches.
So we're going to waste time and precious resources...
Sefanit takes a few steps to place herself behind Emilia and Hasina until she is readied.
Over who's going to protect the city...
She draws a wand from her belt.
Which will almost certainly mean the best of my magic used...
With a word she draws a sheath of magical protection about herself.
And probably a day wasted recovering from this absurd display before anything that matters can actually be done.
Grimacing slightly as the creature rises above them, she moves forward around Hasina to engage. "Hey, big and ugly! Don't you know better than to hit a woman?"
With the little quip, she brings her arm back before snapping forward to try and stab the creature. "They tend to hit back!"
Wealday, the 28th day of Gozran, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm, with light winds coming from the north.
Second Hour after Sunrise
----------------------------------------------
Sefanit is able to stave off the fear that thrills down her spine as she moves behind the front line and sheathes her body in a magical aura of protective armor using her wand. Emilia is also able to overcome the dread aura of Ajin Ra Baqa as she moves up next to Hasina, shouting brave words at the reaper while stabbing with her blade – though the blow is well off the mark. Hasina is shaken to her core as the specter of death swoops upon her, but still she holds her ground and swings her flail at the hideous monster, but perhaps her fear causes her to miss with the attack.
Francis easily shakes off the fear effect and realizes that he knows a little bit about these psychopomps. The one named Ajin is a Vanth, and is very difficult to damage with any weapon other than those crafted of adamantium (DR 10/adamantium) He also knows they have some spellcasting abilities, though he cannot recall specifics, and are ancient creatures that might even predate the gods themselves. The other creatures are known as Eseboks, and like the Vanth they have some resistance to regular weapons (DR 2/adamantium.) A predator caste of psychopomps, the creatures are especially deadly when they grip their foes in their vice-like jaws – for they are able to wrench the very spirit from a living or undead creature! Weaker undead are instantly destroyed, but even stronger undead creatures can be stunned by the attack. Living creatures are utterly paralyzed as they feel their life force being torn away from them.
Though the cleric’s spiritual weapon fails to connect, he channels energy to heal the wounds taken by his allies. Elliander knows next to nothing about these monsters, but the duskblade is able to ignore the fear engendered by the reaper as it sweeps past him and again swings at his foe, connecting with a solid blow – though again his weapon doesn’t seem to penetrate as much as it should have.
One of the Esobok psychopomps continues to attack Elliander, and again the duskblade manages to tear himself out of the creature’s jaws as it clamps over his arm, though he is again wounded by tooth and claw (10 damage). Hasina battles her own foe, avoiding its snapping jaws but its claws tear into her flesh (10 damage)!
Ajin Ra Baqa flies back and out of the reach of Hasina and Emilia as its empty eyes meet those of Francis. The Vanth raises one hand and a beam of light lances out to strike at the cleric! (19 damage)!
= Success!
= Failure!
vs Ajin = Miss!
= Failure! 1 STR Damage
vs Elliander’s AC =Hit! Possible Crit!
vs Elliander’s AC = No Crit!
includes DR for Armor Crystal
vs Elliander’s CMD = Failure!
vs Elliander’s AC = Miss!
vs Elliander’s AC =Hit!
includes DR for Armor Crystal
vs Hasina’s AC =Miss!
vs Hasina’s AC = Hit!
vs Hasina’s AC =Hit!
vs Francis’ Touch AC =Hit!
Elliander 31/41 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear); 4 HP (of 10) absorbed by Armor Crystal]; 2 (of 4) charges on Chill Touch spent
Mastiff/Crocodile (Yellow) - Unwounded
Mastiff/Crocodile (Red) – Wounded (23 damage & 1 STR damage [no effect yet])
Ajin Ra Baqa - Unwounded [Flying 5' above the ground]
Sefanit - 36/36 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear); +4 to AC for 1 hour (Mage Armor wand)]
Emilia 34/34 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear)]
Hasina 26/42 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear); Magic Weapon (+1 Flail), Bull’s Strength (+4 to STR); Shaken (-2 to attack rolls, saves, skill/ability checks)]
Francis 12/31 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls, saves vs fear); Spiritual Weapon (at the ready)]
Elliander has not really seen his new allies in a fight and is not sure what is happening behind him. He wonders if he can count on them for support and it comes as a relief when some healing flows into him. His opponent is truly a challenge and seems resilient to the worst of his attacks. The duskblade tries to focus, aware he has been lucky so far hitting the beast in front of him. Still ready to fight a little more, he continuous to swing Biter.
Continue to attack the red “Mastiff”.
2/4 charges of Chill Touch held. Spending a charge if successful hit.
Save:
The Biter: with Bless
necrotic
Chill Touch Ability Damage: 1 STR (Fort Save DC14)
Glancing over at Nakht Francis speaks his mind, "This is the force you would release on the city? You're as bad as the enemy raising the undead to attack! The damage you would do is incalculable and you'd end in a city with nothing but the dead. Are you stupid enough to think that is what Pharasma would want!?!"
Francis directs the spirit weapon to continue attacking while calling on Pharasma to heal himself and his allies.
Sefanit moves from behind Hasina and Emilia. With a couple of arcane words she sends flames leaping from her outstretched hands to engulf both the beastly esoboks.