Aurora has little to do to prepare and does not disagree with Lym's proposed plan.
When not needed by the party for anything, she spends her time assisting the townsfolk in rebuilding, using her magic to repair buildings and ensure all those affected have shelter.
There's little else Kellen can do for defenses, but his interest is in finding some giant-bane arrows if they make a trip to Magnimar. Otherwise, he'll probably take the dozen +1 arrows available in town, if nothing else.
On the first day of downtime, Lym invites Tomaru to join her for a ride in the country. The Wizard does lead the Cleric out into the countryside, but soon swings out towards the Misgivings, the accursed manor house that once housed a ghoul lord and his undead entourage -- and ultimately his nemesis as well.
"I want to do this somewhere no one is likely to accidentally see us," she explains. "And also somewhere apparently unmonitored by Korvosa or Magnimar. Sandpoint might be under scrutiny, but if either of those big cities were watching the Misgivings, surely someone would have been sent to eradicate a burgeoning nest of ghouls before we had to come and do it..."
At more than bowshot's distance from the Misgivings, the looming ruin clearly in sight but not close enough that its vile aura could affect what is to come, Lym dismounts and hobbles her horse, then invites Tomaru to do the same, and sits down in the grass.
"The law is the law," she says. "And the law says we cannot leave any outsiders to protect the town. Political balance requires that we do nothing... to provide safety for people who have called us friend, who have called us hero... who quite frankly need more than Sheriff Hemlock can provide if more Giants come. Or worse, if that Dragon decides to strafe the town again in vengeance for its injuries."
Lym lets that thought sink in for a moment, then speaks with quiet vehemence: "Screw politics. If I cannot help overtly, I will help in secret. You, Tomaru, are a far better diplomat than I could ever hope to be. If I summon outsiders, will you help me persuade them to protect Sandpoint from the shadows for as long as possible, or until our return here? Today, I want to try and call an Avoral Agathion here. Agathions can transform into the shape of animals; an eagle circling high overhead should not cause too much surprise. Are you with me?"
Provided Tomaru agrees, Lym makes some preparations.
First, she uses her magic to clear a patch of grass and painstakingly draws a magical diagram on it. At the center of that diagram, she places a marking that looks remarkably like a black hand.
Second, she casts a spell on herself, one which lends a little extra sparkle to her eyes and greater energy to her casting.
Finally, Lym sits down, legs crossed, and takes out her flute. Rolling the beautiful instrument between her fingers, the Wizard drones out the verses of the spell... ...and inside the magical diagram, the Black Hand moves. Flexing its fingers like a real hand, the figure simultaneously swells, darkens, and grows more transparent, until it vanishes from sight.
Lym raises the flute to her lips and starts to play.
In the pure skies of Elysium, the Avorals soar and race each other, waiting for the call to fight Evil. Among the soaring clouds of white... one abruptly turns black, its shape warping to resemble a black hand that reaches out and closes itself, gripping, then fades from view. And when the hand is gone, so is one Avoral -- gone down a tunnel of blackness with a small light at the end. Flute-music beckons from that light, trembling strains of an uncertain tune.
Lym lowers the flute and looks up as the Black Hand reappears inside the circle -- and a beautiful, avian creature appears there as well.
"Please," she says, lifting her hands in supplication. "Wait! I have no desire to enslave you. I ask that you listen to my request, and if you do not wish to grant it, I shall release you to return home to Elysium forthwith. You have my solemn vow."
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
The agathion raises itself to it's full 7' height. It's piercing green eyes look down its long nose at you with some contempt. "I am listening, best be quick."
"My apologies," Lym says, bowing her head. "I am nervous."
The Wizard draws a deep breath, then speaks: "We are near the town of Sandpoint, on the continent of Avistan, on the world of Golarion. It is not an ancient, cultured metropolis, but it can be a good place, and the people here have proven kind. Last night, the town came under attack by a horde of Stone Giants, accompanied by a Red Dragon. We did manage to defeat them in the end, but the damage to lives and the city was... noticeable.
From interrogation of one of the surviving Giants, we have learned that they were part of an army, which is readying itself to sweep across the lands, exterminating all non-Giants, save for a very few who will be enslaved. We also know that ultimately, they are in service to a Runelord, a superior Wizard of Evil.
My comrades and I are planning to beard the leader of the Giants, a servant of this Runelord, in his lair. But while we are away, Sandpoint lies... insufficiently defended. I love this place and want to settle down here one day; I do not wish to leave without arranging for a guardian or guardians who can protect the good people who live here.
Alas, mortal politics prevent me from placing overt protectors in Sandpoint; two large cities near here, Magnimar and Korvosa, are vying for control over the region. If they become aware of powerful outsiders in Sandpoint, they will become irate. This is why I turn to you, an Agathion, agent of Good shriven of the bonds of both Law and Chaos.
My request -- my plea to you is that you remain here for a time, as long as you can spare, and secretly keep guard over Sandpoint against the chance that Evil will attack it while my friends and I are away on our mission. You can fly higher than mortal eyes can see and communicate with the local birds; you should be able to pass unnoticed until you are needed. If all goes well, you will not need to do anything but stand guard over the region. Nor do I intend to force you to do this all by yourself; tomorrow, I will return to this place and attempt to summon another Agathion to support you -- depending on your preference if you should agree to stay, I could call for a Vulpinal or three Silvanshee. Or I could make the attempt for a second Avoral, if you wish."
Thordak spends his time helping out with any rebuilding that needs done. "Let's make sure we get that thing back to workin' order, lads and lasses, it's very important," he tells the local crew. "That outhouse ain't gonna fix itself ya know. Heave! Ho! Put your backs into it!" he yells, putting his own back into it.
Lym has obviously forgotten why she chose Tomaru to help her. She didn't roll twice and keep better roll. Then if that still doesn't go well, I'll give her one more chance with Tugging the Strands.
"The Runelords? They have been dead for ten thousand years, mortal. They are no more a threat than you. Still..." He looks around at Foxglove Manor with some disgust. "...it makes me wonder why you would want such a place." He is silent, as if reaching a decision. "You have one week. I do not intend on fighting any army that comes through here. My kind are the eyes and the ears of the Agathions. We fight as necessary, but that is not our role. But I will keep watch."
The eyes of the agathion bore into Lym's. "You risk much, mortal. While I do not care for your petty politics, I sense that you do this against the better judgement of someone. Perhaps the local government? I wonder what their thoughts may be about our bargain...no matter. That is your burden to bear."
The avoral launches itself into the air with parting words: "One week."
Still here. Praxim spends his time up on the cathedral roof, keeping watch with some other archers, while the others lead repair efforts and summon outsiders.
Oooh yes. Praxim will take a survey one evening while they're waiting for magical gear from Magnimar to see who is willing to go and finally avenge Markum and Vuvo.
During the reconstruction, Kellen brings the gnome a warm kettle of tea for a break. "I had to coax Miss Ameiko into giving me some of her special blend...hope it lifts your spirits a bit."
He gives her a strong stare as she sips the tea, and adds: "If'n you don't mind me saying so, don't let regret harry you over that woodsman. I was there, and I can tell you couldn't have know better. If that man was smack dab in the midst of the giants, he would've been dead or worse at their hands. You saved a lot of people today...that's what balances the scales."
He seems to stare off for a moment and sips his tea. He brushes his leggings off; stands; and starts to move off. "Best get those supplies I need and get back here to give you folks a hand. I hope you enjoy the tea."
It's late at night on the first day after the raid. You all are gathered in a private room at the Rusty Dragon. Provided by Ameiko, it gives you a peaceful place to eat and rest after a hard day. The acclaim and accolades from the townsfolk were overwhelming, and while flattering at first, it became obtrusive and more than a little annoying. You've just pushed back your plates and are into an after-dinner drink when the door opens and Ameiko walks in. She is accompanied by a familiar face.
I want in on Thistletop too. Not Tomaru, Dax. It will bring me such joy to kill that barghest.
"Well..." Shalelu says with no little sarcasm, "...don't we have a set of brass ones..." She pulls out a chair and sits, propping her boots up on the table.
Ameiko sits down next to her. She pours herself a drink out of the silver carafe on the table, and takes a small sip before speaking. "You." She points at Lym. "And you." Another point at Tomaru. "What in the Nine Hells do you think you are doing?"
"Trying to be the hero." Shalelu growls.
Ameiko looks back at her. "Why don't you explain it to them?"
"Fine." Shalelu is clearly upset. She sets her feet on the floor with a thud, and leans into the table. She points an accusing finger at Lym. "I saw your little stunt out at the Manor. I followed you at the request of Sheriff Hemlock. He had some suspicion that you might do something dumb, and he was right. I told him he was crazy, but I was wrong. I don't like being wrong."
"Did you ever stop to wonder why Magnimar hasn't done just what you did?" Ameiko asks. "Ever wonder why there aren't legions of angels and such flying above that city? There are plenty of folks powerful enough to do it, but just because you can, doesn't mean you should. There are powers bigger than you in this fight between those two, and some - most - of them don't give a damn about anything other than themselves..."
"Like you..." Shalelu starts, but Ameiko holds up a hand to calm her.
"...but they know better than to draw attention to themselves. Sandpoint has survived by being outside the main focus of that conflict. The up side has been we don't get the two sides waging their covert war here, the down side is we don't have the protection of either when things go wrong - like they did yesterday...and before. We have been very fortunate to have you here to aid us in our times of need." She says calmly, and its obvious she is working to calm Shalelu as much as any growing ire you may have.
"But..."Shalelu begins, but Ameiko cuts her off.
"But...that does not give you the right to go against the wishes of Sandpoint's leadership, and put us at risk."
There is a long silence. Shalelu looks daggers at Lym, but doesn't say any more. Finally, Ameiko stands up. "I'm sorry we had to meet like this, but I needed to make it clear that your efforts are appreciated...to a point." She smiles ruefully. "This is probably the first and last act as one of Sandpoint's ruling families that I will ever do. I am, you know. The Kaijitsu's helped found Sandpoint. Tsuto would have taken over for my father. You remember Tsuto? It doesn't matter. Don't do it again. Go find these giants and stop them. That will be the best defense Sandpoint can get."
And with that, she walks out. Shalelu pauses for a minute, watching her leave. When she is sure Ameiko can't hear her, she turns back to the table and places both hands down hard, leaning in again. "Maybe. Just once. Listen...'heroes'." Then she stomps out.
So the next morning, it's a little more of somber ride to Thistletop than you expected. The foolishness of the conflict between Korvosa and Magnimar, when an army of stone giants is about to sweep down from the Storval Plateau and destroy them both, is beyond comprehension. Not even the agathion believed that there was a something stirring within ancient Thassilon. Something driving the stone giants to war. Still, you have no choice but to adhere to their wishes. After all, you do want to call this home some day....
The bramble thicket on the bluffs above Thistletop is thick and difficult, the small passages overgrown without the goblins there to keep them clear. It takes several hours to cut your way through. The bridge, as well, has fallen into disrepair. Several frayed lengths of thick rope dangling from the cliffs are all that remains, the wooden slats of the bridge long since pulverized by the pounding surf below. A formidable obstacle for sure - had this been a year ago. Now, you can't help but smile grimly as you transport yourselves with wing and spell to the broken gates of the goblin fort.
The hidden entrance to the lower levels remains where it was. The dust is thicker, the cobwebs hanging lower, but the ancient complex is very empty. It's curious why nothing has moved in here - not even goblins. So it doesn't take long to reach the second level, and soon you are standing in front the doors. Two ten-foot stone doors, marked only with a Sihedron Rune in the center. It seems like ages since you were here last, standing, waiting, hoping to all the goodly gods that the barghest inside would not break free.
Lym pulls the key from where she has kept since then. You know so much more know about that rune, about it's meaning, about it's threat to the world. It's now so much more than a key like it was a year ago. For now though, this is about Markum, and Quinian; and what was lost that day. Slowly Lym places the 'key' in the rune on the door, and they grind open. A twinge of nostalgic fear hits you, much like it did the first time these doors opened for you.
Like that day, there is nothing there to see when the room is revealed. The same fire burns in the central pit, the same musky smell permeates the room. But you know he is there. His aura can be detected, his simple invisibility spell. Malfeshnekor is here.
As you cross the threshold, he spits and snarls at you, charging straight ahead. Unfazed that Tomaru's Invisibility Purge has stripped his cover, he pulls up to a halt and a feral grin crosses his face. "Back again?" He snarls at Lym and Praxim. "And you've brought me more to feast on!" He roars in triumph, and leaps...
...and dies.
Three arrows from Praxim impale the barghest in midair, while his landing is met full on by Lym's wizardly fury. There is little left when Tomaru's morningstar crushes his skull.
For ten thousand years Malfeshnekor waited, imprisoned in this room. Driven mad with rage and hunger, he lusted for someone to open those doors and enter. One year ago, someone did. Two friends were lost that day, and no little innocence. You stand over the dead barghest, vastly more powerful than you were a year ago, content that your friends have been avenged.
You identify the remains of Markum and Quinian, trapped here so long ago. Finally, they can be at rest.
"I'll have to go explain to the Avoral that no other help will be forthcoming," Lym says after a moment of silence, and she ruefully shakes her head. "Lucky thing it only agreed to keep watch..."
After the brief 'battle', Lym looks down on Malfeshnekor with disdain.
"We should do something with this... thing's remains after we have interred our own," she says after a moment of thought. "Maybe nail its skull over the fireplace at the Rusty Dragon?"
Once the group has returned to Sandpoint, Lym goes to see Ameiko.
"I know you don't like to play the noble, but I wonder if you'd help me get something done with the council while we're gone hunting Giants. I want Foxglove Manor. I want to own it so I can scour it from this world and put up something else there. A good house, a place of peace and joy for centuries to come."
Praxim notices the dead demon only long enough to yanks his arrows from its hide, before making his way to the bones of his friends. "I'm sorry," is all he says over the skeletons before he tenderly begins to place the remains in the wooden crates they brought along, one for each of the three fallen (Praxim does not forget Vuvo).
With that accomplished, Praxim has a look around for anything of value or other passages they didn't notice amid the panic of their first visit.
As for taking the skull back, Praxim shakes his head sadly. "If it's all the same to you, I'd rather not remember this creature every time I raise a mug at the Rusty Dragon. I'd rather not remember it at all. Let it rot here, alone, and let it be forgotten from history."
"Very good," Lym says, nodding. "You're right. In that case..."
Lym hangs back while the others remove what remains of Vuvo, Markum and Quinian. The others may just start to worry what she's doing when there's an unearthly howling noise, followed by rending, crunching sounds, and the Wizard comes walking up.
"Don't ask," is all she says. "I just made sure there will be nothing left of that thing to stink up our world. Ever again. Let's go home."
With Malfeshnekor vanquished, Tomaru goes to the temple dedicated to Lamashtu. "Praxim, want to help me do more good today?" He wants to work on the temple to un-dedicate it. He does not want to rededicate it to Desna, just profane it from Lamashtu.
================================================================
Tomaru tithes 11 PP, 484 GP, 8 SP, & 9 CP to the Cathedral
=======================================================================
During our shopping trip, Tomaru restocks on Potion of Fly, Scroll of Teleport, 2 Scroll of Wall of Stone.
Kellen finds Aurora staring fretfully at a section of building caught by a giant's club, splinters the size of her arm jut from the wall and rubble chokes the street.
She looks up and smiles as he approaches, gesturing with her hand at the damage.
Not safe for the wee bairns to play around here yet, but we'll have it fixed up in no time
Her smile might fool most, but the shrewd warrior can see the pain buried there, and its plain to see she's been sat still doing nothing for a while.
However her eyes twinkle in genuine delight as he produces his treat of local tea. She curtseys as she accepts the offered cup.
A taste of the Dragon's rusty tipple I see, very nicely done Master Wrensler!
She takes a sip and basks in the warmth of both brew and company, then tilts her head to listen as Kellen speaks.
You are kind to take the time to seek me out with both tea and tale, I thank you from the bottom of my heart
She closes her eyes then
I agree with you, far better to forge on ahead with the intent of doing good, and hope that the good outweighs the bad. It's a good mantra to live by, and stops one overly naval-gazing and anxiously wringing hands where such won't do a jot of good to anyone.
She takes another sip of the bitter-leaf tea.
Thank you for reminding me of this, it is difficult to focus on moving forward when one is still surrounded by the constant reminder of one's failure, even amid other successes.
She opens her eyes and stares at him
I also thank you for giving something of yourself... I don't know your history, but I find such wise words usually are the hallmark of those who life has taught a similar lesson to before. If you ever want to talk, my door will be open, and tea ready to brew.
She puts her small hand on his arm and squeezes it. Before holding up her cup.
It was an interesting blend that's for sure, I hope you and I can compare notes again in future when we next find ourselves with a new sample of tea in hand
She waves him off as he leaves to gather the supplies, then returns to staring at the wooden shards in the wall, determination back in her eyes.
Right then, enough laying about oh wooden splinters, let's pull you out and put you where you'll do some good...
*
An hour later the street is cleared, and children return in dribs and drabs to find an odd-looking sculpture of sorts placed to one side of the courtyard square. Dozens of crude-looking smooth-edged wooden falcata swords stand wedged together and stacked across each other to form a multi-level six foot high frame. Within minutes the children are climbing all over it and laughter echoes loudly about the nearby buildings.
At the exchange with Ameiko and Shalelu, Kellen sips on his drink as the conversation grows heated. There is a tension in his jaw; a slight shift in his seat - but he sits still. When the two of them have left, he takes a long draught and looks at Lym with a smirk: "Me uncle used to say: 'If you're gonna play with fire; you're gonna tempt the flame.' I ain't one to worry about such rules, but it sounds like you'd best stay to ice spells for awhile, eh?"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kellen keeps his own counsel during the trip to Thistletop. He looks around at both the damage and dereliction of the place with a keen eye. If anyone were to look his way, he seems to be looking for...something? But he follows the trio of Sandpoint's heroes wherever it leads. When confronted with the barghest, he starts to draw a sword - but the battle is over so quick that he barely pulls it from the sheath.
He looks over the room and goes to help Praxim with the remains with a practiced hand. At Tomaru's request, Kellen gives a wave to Praxim; and adds:"Go ahead, I'll keep watch on your comrades until you get back." He stays put and let's the others put unfinished business to rest - somehow satisfied in his own way at the matter upon their return.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The shopping trip for him would be for a Potion of Fly; (2) Potions of Bull's Strength; and a packet of +1 Arrows.
Ameiko promises she will look into Foxglove Manor for Lym. you can't for sure what the problem is, Ameiko has always been good at hiding her feelings, but her demeanor is slightly colder than it was. Still, she committed to help, and that's something.
Shadowalk. I can't Teleport the whole group until next level.