"Agreed," Lym says. "I still have a little power left. We need to think about what to do with the Giants, too."
Her eyes swivel to Thordak and narrow.
"I can teach you to fly. Aurora, you'll help me, won't you? It'll be one for the ages; a self-tossing Dwarf."
"Yes!!! I can't do a blasted thing when I'm down here and the bad guys are up there," he says, obviously frustrated at the thought.
Aurora slumps slightly, but appears rejuvenated by Tomaru's healing magic.
Most of my magical might is expended until we get some rest, however I can still continue to contribute if battle finds us before we have the chance to recover
She smiles at Lym and Thordak
It would be my pleasure to assist Master Ironheart at mastering the intricacies of flight! Rest assured it will soon be second-nature to you to be soaring across the sky!
She grins at the dwarf, winking at Lym
Now we should perhaps investigate that locked room if we are finished chopping the wizard in to itty bitty pieces...
Praxim offers her some healing hands.
"Thordak, you keep that potion. We'll get you some more when time allows."
Use Wand of Cure Light Wounds on Lym.
He looks Lym in the eye. "Are you sure you're able to continue on?"
"Yes. I still have two area spells and a scroll for more individual damage. Once those run out, I'll go invisible and fall back," Lym says. She nods once. "Let's go."
This long hallway has a looming ceiling forty feet above and is decorated with an intricate display of stone supports and beams. The walls are carved in long swaths of densely scribed runes—the seven-pointed star is repeated often. To the east, the hallway has caved in entirely—a battered door protrudes from the rubble, but the hall beyond is completely filled with detritus. To the west, the hall ends at an immense bronze double door that bears a huge mirror-like silver inlay of the ubiquitous seven-pointed star. This set of doors has no obvious hinges, handles, or locks, save for a single tiny star-shaped indention at the center of the larger mirrored star.
The key Mokmurian carried fits neatly in the star on the doors. Once placed, the doors begin to glow, starting slowly and working up to a dazzling brightness. A dark crack forms in the center, slowly expanding as the doors swing open.
Numerous glowing crystal lanterns hang on fine chains from the domed ceiling sixty feet above, filling this circular room with bright light. The walls of the room are carved with more runes and sigils, while overstuffed wood-and-leather chairs and polished oak tables surround a thirty-foot wide shaft in the floor. The central shaft contains the library’s holdings. The walls of the shaft, 30 feet wide and 50 feet deep, contain shelf after shelf of books, scrolls, tablets, and other means of storing information.
There is a whirring of gears and a clicking of servos, when this creature strides up to you.
"Greetingzzz Masterszzz! Welcome to the Therazzzzic Orderzzz library! The greatezzzt collection of lore in all of Golarion! There are currently twenty four thouzzzand, four hundred and ninety one volumezzz, scrollzzz, pamphletzzz, and unbound manuscriptzzz available. Which volume would you like me to retrieve? Pleazzze state your wish by author, title, zzzubject, or date of acquizzzition by the Therazzzic Monazzztery."
The clockwork librarian smokes slightly and light pops can be heard from its interior, but it waits patiently for your response.
Praxim quietly moves up behind Lym, ready to catch her if she swoons at the sight of the library.
"Intriguing," Lym says after a moment of hesitation.
"Ahem. Librarian, before we proceed, are there are subjects or books which are classified or only accessible to people bearing special clearance?"
Provided the answer is no, Lym continues: "I should like to do some research based on subject. I shall rely on you to bring the most appropriate volumes to conduct my investigation. Kindly bring me the most informative books on the subjects 'Xin-zhalast'. 'Hellfire flume'. 'Karzoug'. 'Runelord'. 'Sin magic'. 'Sihedron rune'."
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"Thordak, you keep that potion. We'll get you some more when time allows."
Nodding in thanks, "You got it, lad." The dwarf then stores it away in his pack.
As they make their way through the fantastic doors, Thordak is taken aback by the sheer volume of books within the room. "By Torag. I've never seen anythin' like this in all me life," he says, completely awestruck. He then makes his way to one of the chairs and has himself a seat. "Not bad. These are my kinda chairs. I wonder if we can take one with us?" he asks himself. "They're not that heavy. I could sure use a good chair like this," he thinks out loud as he ponders how he would go about actually carrying one with him.
Praxim scans the robot for evil. Presumably, he finds none, then widens his search to scan the whole area within range.
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"Ok. This is weird. I feel like this is weird. Is this weird? This is weird." Tomaru follows Lym's lead.
Aurora grins at Thordak's comment, glancing over the enormous amount of shelves on offer.
I've never been much for books, but I understand their uses. I doubt you'll need it but let me know if you want me to look over anything and give you a second opinion.
She leaves Lym to her search
Master Ironheart, why don't we see if one of those chairs can be deconstructed such that it can be reconstructed put that axe away young man and it might even fit in to that bag of holding if we're careful, what do you think?
"Ok. This is weird. I feel like this is weird. Is this weird? This is weird." Tomaru follows Lym's lead.
Thordak raises an eyebrow in curiosity. Looking around wondering what it might be he's talking about, "Maybe it is, lad, maybe it is. But then maybe it isn't. I'm not sure. Probably?" Shrugging, he's not real sure what the correct answer to that is.
Aurora grins at Thordak's comment, glancing over the enormous amount of shelves on offer.
I've never been much for books, but I understand their uses. I doubt you'll need it but let me know if you want me to look over anything and give you a second opinion.
She leaves Lym to her search
Master Ironheart, why don't we see if one of those chairs can be deconstructed such that it can be reconstructed put that axe away young man and it might even fit in to that bag of holding if we're careful, what do you think?
His eyes going wide at the revelation, he nods emphatically. "That's a good idea, Aurora! Ya think, maybe, the whole thing might fit in the bag?" he asks as he looks to the chair and then to the bag. Studying the size of the opening of the bag and comparing it to the chair, "I don't know; I'm startin' ta have me doubts."
Smiling gratefully at Praxim as his prayers heal her wounds, Aurora turns her attention back to distracting Thordak.
Before you get any ideas... we could always drag it back to that odd chamber where some of us were shrunk, then the chair will surely fit in the bag after that!
"Certainly Mazzter." The librarian shuffles off to its appointed task. When it reaches the edge of the circle in the center, it steps off of the ledge! Rather than fall, it flies with purpose about the stacks of documents, pulling volumes for Lym. It's at this point when you notice there are no ladders or other means of getting around in the center chamber.
After 10 minutes, and several trips to deposit information in front of Lym, that this might take a while, and it's clear the librarian is not finished yet.
"I wonder...I know it's gruesome, but what do you suppose would be the stone giants' reaction if we were to just show up carrying Mokmurian's severed head?"
Smiling gratefully at Praxim as his prayers heal her wounds, Aurora turns her attention back to distracting Thordak.Before you get any ideas... we could always drag it back to that odd chamber where some of us were shrunk, then the chair will surely fit in the bag after that!
"I think that's a grand idea, lass. Once we get this place cleaned out, we'll have ta give that a shot," he nods.
"I wonder...I know it's gruesome, but what do you suppose would be the stone giants' reaction if we were to just show up carrying Mokmurian's severed head?"
"HA! I think it would be great!" he says with excitement an instant before another thought hits him. "Wait a minute, what if they run off and we don't get ta kill 'em? That wouldn't be very much fun, lad. Then they'll just join up with more giants and then we'll have ta kill double the number the next time we meet 'em. Look, I'm all for killin' tons of giants but even I have ta admit too many is too many. I'm startin' ta think it's not such a good idea, lad. Although it would be quite funny," he says as a matter of fact.
"But I wonder if the stone giants who are only causing all this trouble because Mok convinced or frightened them into it might not abandon the cause altogether if they see that he's been defeated."
Thordak ponders that a moment, "Hm. I'm guessin' that's possible. I'm still not sure though. But Conna did say try not ta kill to many of her people and that some might do exactly that. Okay, let's give it a shot and see what happens. Worse comes ta worse, we'll just blame you," he says with a wry grin.
"I agree it's worth a try," Lym says. "See if there's any part that carries the sihedron rune; we'll take that up as well to show the Giants their supposed leader was a slave of Karzoug."
Turning to the librarian, Lym says: "I will return later to commence my studies. Please continue collecting the relevant texts; thank you for your hard work, Librarian."
"Maybe we should see what Conna says about it. If she can take control of the giants and is willing to lead them away from war, we should allow her the chance to do so. The alternative is very potentially brutal and bloody."
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"I think that's a grand idea, lass. Once we get this place cleaned out, we'll have ta give that a shot," he nods.
Aurora smiles
Now that brings to mind a visit to Katapesh some years ago. I was visiting Weneschia Elvanna, no relation, a wonderfully talented second story artist who had a nasty habit of only stealing from other thieves. Some called her brash or elitist, out to prove she was the cat's whiskers, but I suspect she did it because it was easy. After all, who does a thief go to if they have their ill gotten gains stolen?!
She smiles and glances around at each of you, a bemused expression on her face
But I digress, I wanted Wenny to steal back an artifact for me, one that had been taken from the private museum in Kelesh who had hired me. The artifact was a petrified hand, purported to be that of some Osirion demi-god or other, left dust in its wake wherever it went. Anyway, I ended up having to present it back to the museum with a horde of Katepeshian jackal soldiers yapping at my heels. I dropped it in to the hands of the waiting curator, the man had a dreadful taste in music, Qadiran dirges would you believe? In any case I left him and his museum guards to tidy up the whole mess. Quite satisfying really and I earned this little trinket for my troubles...
She rolls up the sleeve of her dainty, tattooed arm to reveal an intricately decorated gold arm clasp encircling her elbow.
Why bring this up now? As Tomaru notes, I feel we ought to drop Mokmurian's head in Conna's lap and see what she wants to do with it, she'll have more of a head for stone giant politics than the lot of us put together, and she owes us...
"Yezzz Mazzterzzz" the librarian replies, going about it's business of collecting documents.
The path back out o the ancient library is quiet, as are the halls of the caves where you first entered and met Conna. She is not in the shrine where she first talked to you about Mokmurian. The halls about are empty, in fact.
A roar of voices from the surface filters down to you from center area where the circular ramp was. Making your way cautiously up the ramp, you emerge blinking into the sun. All around the interior of Jorgenfist, the tribes of stone giants are lined facing a single figure in the middle. Conna stands there, alone, holding the bodies of the lamia sisters in one arm. She is speaking to the gathered giants, and she casts the bodies down as she continues. "...that is what I am saying Gratikus! Mokmurian has been breaking the old ways, the old traditions! He has defiled the history of Plateau People with his dark magics! These were his lackeys - evil priestesses of a vile god!"
There is much grumbling amongst the giants. The young warriors are clearly suspicious of Conna, taken as they are by promises of loot and plunder. But the older giants can be seen whispering among themselves, nodding their heads in agreement with what Conna is saying.
All they need is the right sign...
"Can one of you use your whispering magic to let her know we're here and have Mokmurian's head?" Praxim whispers.
Thordak shakes his head, "Forget that, lad. Be ready!" Grabbing the giant's head, Thordak's anger rises and he races over to the giants, yelling along the way, He then throws the head down amongst them, his anger receding. "The lass is right," he motions to Conna, "If you've got some kind of mark on ya, you'll be feedin' the dark magic when ya die. Mokmurian knew it, he just didn't care." Thordak looks around at the lot, weaponless. Yet the dwarf is ready to draw his axe if need be and hoping they at least give him a moment or two to catch his breath before they move against him.
Lym flinches - then sighs, and walks out after Thordak. The Wizard starts to speak in a deep, rumbling language
Do the People of the Plateau remember Thassilon? One of its dark lords yet lives. It was he who commanded Mokmurian, not the wellbeing of your people.
We fought Mokmurian, to prevent him from plunging all of us into a pointless war, true, but it was the dark one named Karzoug who killed him .... drained his soul. In the end, Mokmurian was a victim of deceit, as were you all. Had you followed him to war, your ultimate fate would have been slavery.
To all of this, I will swear under truthspell, if any of you can cast it."
That's ok Praxim, I think they've got the message now...
Aurora smiles politely
Inside voice Master Ironheart, Inside voice.
She starts judging how many giants she could encompass in the last spells she has available, in case things get... more complicated.
The giants start in alarm as Thordak steps forward, many reaching for weapons. They stop in amazement when Mokmurian's head rolls to a stop in the dust at their feet. There is a very pointed silence as they stare down at it. Then they all begin to speak at once - some to each other, some to Conna, and some yelling and brandishing weapons at you all.
Conna's voice booms out over the din, and the following silence is instant.
"There is no need, wizard, they will listen to me, not you. You are not one of us." Conna says to Lym next to her. She turns to her people. "My people, you have heard my words, now you have seen the price of breaking the old ways. Mokmurian has paid for crimes against the Plateau People. We will end this foolish nonsense today. As a first step: you will drive the lesser tribes out of this valley. This begins now. When you are finished, we will gather back here for Kagan Grah."
The gathered giants thump their clubs on the ground as one thunderous crash. "KAGAN GRAH!" they shout, and charge out of the gates into the valley.[/b]
"Goodness," Lym says, lamely, as she looks at the Giants charging off into battle.
"Conna. We found a wealth of books below, tomes which could help to defeat Karzoug. Will you grant us the use of the library, or would it be better for everyone concerned if we were to gather them up and get out of here before your people return?"
That's ok Praxim, I think they've got the message now...
Aurora smiles politely
Inside voice Master Ironheart, Inside voice.
She starts judging how many giants she could encompass in the last spells she has available, in case things get... more complicated.
Thordak mouths the words 'inside voice' before it registers. "Oh riiiight, Inside voice, got it." He nods in understanding.
Relieved the giants moved out without attacking, Thordak breathes a sigh of relief. "Whew! That was a close one. That could've gotten ugly. Fortunately... it, well, didn't."
"The library does not belong to me." She nods towards the black tower that is part of the wall of Jorgenfist. "The legends say the
ancient monks built it. As they have not been seen for thousands of years, I'd say the library is yours to do with as you will."
"Except it's not." says a deep rasping voice. Nearby, one of the great aurochs in the pens look at you in a strange way. As you watch, it transforms itself into a huge red dragon. One whose name is familiar to you: Longtooth.
"I lay claim to this valley and all of it's resources. If you wish to live, you will leave immediately." The dragon steps over the wall of the pen to stand within 50' of you and Conna. Smoke streams from its nostrils.
"You do not belong here, dragon. This land belongs to the Plateau People, not you." Conna says defiantly.
Longtooth roars in anger, rushing forward to stretch his long neck, bringing his foot-long fangs within inches of Conna's face. "You DARE?!? Worm! I am lord and master of this valley now! I will kill you and burn your people into ash!"
If Conna is intimidated by the dragon, she does not show it. The two stand face to face, inches apart, Conna's face partially wreathed in smoke from the dragon.
Lym mutters a brief spell and then speaks up.
"Use your brain, dragon. Karzoug was perfectly aware of what was going on in this valley. Right now, he is likely still aware, scrying -- and you just revealed yourself for a turncoat, a rebel, whatever he will call it.
Even if you hadn't, sooner or later the Runelord would turn his attention back to this valley so he can settle the score. We stopped him from harvesting all the Plateau People. You had better believe he will be back.
When he comes, do you want to be here, the guardian of a library of knowledge that could harm him? You did not dare fight Mokmurian directly. How much better could you possibly fare against Mokmurian's master?
No, dragon. Once again, your only hope for freedom and survival is us. We will keep fighting the Runelord. Get ye gone so we can study and prepare for the next battle. Go find a place to hide with your hoard, and pray Karzoug never gets his hooks in your soul. Pray for our victory while you're at it.
Leave. Now."
Tomaru casts Resist Energy, Communal, giving himself, Thordak, and Praxim 30 points of fire resistance.
Tomaru wanted to kill this creature before. Perhaps now he would get his wish.
Spells are cast, violence erupts.
"I was hoping you'd go this way..." the dragon snarls. Suddenly a wave of fear washes over you.
Lovely, though according to frightful presence, we're just shaken, not frightened.
Clenching her jaw despite the sinking feeling in her stomach, Aurora's eyes narrow, refusing to be cowed by the greedy example of everything she despised of her heritage.
I was hoping your intelligence would triumph over your greed, a shame...
Flexing her shoulder, the concealed rod slides in to her tiny hand and a ball of dazzling ice flame forms in her palm, motes of sparkling light buried in its depths. She throws it behind Longtooth, far enough away to catch only him and not Conna in the blast.
However, if he does run away this can be negated...
Praxim takes a five foot step up and right and quickly grabs arrows, starting with thistle arrows.
and 1 bleed on the dragon's turn.
Aurora's spell bursts over the dragon, who roars in pain. He staggers backwards shaking his great head in an effort to rid himself of the effects.
Praxim's hits the dragon solidly with one arrow, cutting him deeply.
Praxim tries to get his shaking hand under control as he takes another 5-foot step forwards (to get within 30 feet) and fires more arrows.
Alas, his hands still shake and all the arrows bounce off the dragon's thick hide.
Tomaru taps Praxim on the shoulder to give him a Bit of Luck.
Spiritual Ally: threatens and can flank
Lym grits her teeth against the sensation urging her to cower and flee. She barks out words of dark power and points her hand at Longtooth; a black lightning bolt goes streaking away from her to wrap itself around the red reptile....
Narrowing his eyes at the dragon, Thordak's fury takes over and he races toward the dragon, drawing the large falchion as he does.