As you leave the family crypt, two scions approach the party and provide them with gifts. A +1 Mithral nine-ring broadsword and a set of elven chain.
Haunted eyes peer out from the doorways of ramshackle bamboo huts. Dallo’s squalor is apparent, but as its denizens trickle out to gather in the grubby village square, another source of anguish starts to suggest itself in the wounds borne by numerous villagers. Many in the throng wear bandages across their chests, and some are missing hands or feet.
A middle-aged female approaches the PC's, hesitant at first and then speaks lowly,"Stangers, what brings you to this village, we have not much to offer. So if you are looking for valuables, you best be on your way"
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Amarok takes the Scion's gifts with a reverent bow, though he will not use them for himself he offers them to those who may need them. Travelling once again, Amarok makes his speed and skills as a tracker serve the party as a scout, hunting when needed to improve on their allotted rations.
In the village, Amarok will gift them with whatever meat they have remaining from their travels and shake their head sadly at the accusation of banditry, noting the weariness.
"Have no fear, we do not harry you for belongings or wealth, we are Pilgrims of a sort, tasked by the Reborn and Reincarnated to experience parts of his past life lost to him.
Pray tell, what does ail you so, can we help?"
The female beams at the mention of the Cradle of Malikeen, "Oh. You wish to see the Cradle. I shall take you to the shrine."
Along the path the female Yuzana begin to tell you of the history and lore of Malikeen. "According to local legend, the child wept for a hundred days, creating a flood that threatened to destroy the townsfolk’s rice paddies. But then the child brightened and spoke with ageless wisdom, overseeing the construction of a dam that persists to this day."
A male waits until after her story to question the female. "Do you think it is wise Yuzana, to just openly accept these outsiders to view such a shrine tied to our beliefs."
"I see no harm in this Arkar. Besides they may be able to help with the talons of envy that come in the night."
"Maybe we will see." Arkar pauses for a moment, before continuing. "You all do appear to be warrior types, do you think you could vanquish these beast."
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Amarok politely listens to the tale, fascinated to hear of the Venture-Captain's history in local legend. Frowning at the man's sudden intrusion, Amarok considers the challenge in his words, wondering where it may stem from, simple jealousy or some hidden connection to these so called beasts.
"We are certainly no strangers to defending ourselves, what are these beasts that you challenge us with? We could slay them I believe, but knowledge of a foe is better than to act rashly."
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Calomel graciously accepts the gifts from the elven scions. "Lurgh, do you mind carrying this sword for me? Shelyn prefers that I carry no weapons when I meet new people, but I could be quite deadly with that if my fists can't do the job."
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"Vanquish beasts, you say? That is numbered among my many talents. Hey, wait a minute... 'talents'... 'talons'... there's a pun in here somewhere, I'm sure of it. Anyway, I am sworn to defend the innocent, so you can count on my shield to protect you."
"Oh, um, Lurgh, can I have that sword back now?"
The female looks at Amarok,"These beast always strike at night when it is dark. They are not of this world. Horns and talons that just come in the night"
Arkar sneers at the party, "Ah. Just a band of Mercenaries, trying to exploit the village."
As you approach the dam. An earthen dam nearly 80 feet wide interrupts a river in its decline from the Zi Ha Mountains. A reservoir forms to the west. To the east, cliffs overlook the dam’s shallow runoff, which feeds a field of rice paddies before curving south. A clay dome, topped with a 20-foot spire, crowns the dam’s platform. Roads lead north into the mountains and south into the village of Dallo.
The western wall of the dam drops 10 feet into deep water, while the eastern side drops 40 feet into 8 feet of water.
Off the side of the dam you notice a small building. That houses two elderly men who work the fields and is more convenient to stay here then travel back and forth to the village.
Yuzana guides you to the circuler building . This tranquil temple features a humble altar bearing a clay statue of a child surrounded by candles, offerings, and relics. Faded murals cover the walls and ceiling.
Although this temple is dedicated to Malikeen—a mortal samsaran—the tireless devotion of the locals has infused it with a holy aura. Any good-aligned creatures standing beside or within the stupa feel a sense of serenity.
When you enter the shrine, you first see a tattered scroll.
of the life before.”
PC's who intend to study the murals.
Finally, beneath the statue rests a bamboo bassinet shaped like a wheelbarrow. The villagers claim this is the cradle of Malikeen.
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"Mister Arkar, I assure you, that as a disciple of Shelyn, I have no ulterior motives in defending your people. She does not bless many with skill at arms, so I do not intend to squander her gift for mere material gain."
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As Calomel approaches the altar, he feels a familiar serenity. "Oh... Oh! This temple has an aura that functions as a hallow spell! Ha! Lurgh, I knew something about magic that you didn't know!"
"By the way, anyone else notice that weird woman in the mural with the red eyes? Kinda creepy."
Arkar responds to Calomel's,“The north road at midnight, from the mountains. Cross the dam, then village. They make you slow, then they make you still, then they take your parts. You feel their talons but you cannot scream.”
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Shiori looks around before inspecting the object of our search
She quietly sits down and waits to see what happens.
Huh, i did not see that... weird
She starts as if just remembering something.
OH! Wiem, we should have a study session after our journey is complete. I so rarely get to compare notes with other practitioners of the arcane.
She then returns to her quiet seated position.
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Amarok pauses to bow before entering the temple and takes care to clean his bare feet before stepping into the building, his sandals left outside. He immediately feels the power of this place and smiles, turning to the group he informs them what he has felt.
"This Temple is subject to a Hallow spell, it is protected by powerful magics. Yes, the hidden life here, whilst shrouded his clearly that of a female Samsaran. Did Lady Shiori not mention such? I wonder if that links the assassins."
He then takes some time to examine the shrine and soak up the history.
"So, shall we light the candle?"
"No one knows the true meaning of the mural itself. Only that is the faces of Malikeens past lives."
Visibly shaken, Yuzana tells Wiem,"There is an attack almost every night. They come across the dam and into the village and reek havoc. It has been going on for a while now, I have last track the true number. But if this keeps up we will not last much longer."
Arkar places a hand on Yuzana's shoulder, "Unknown how many beast actually come, but we believe they try to avoid the shrine as best they can."
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Amarok bows low to the shrine and carefully makes his way out of it, turning to his party he ensures his Bow is well oiled and the string is in the best condition.
"I have no qualms in helping with a barricade defence. I can gladly provide Ranged and up close cover as required. I suggest we focus on the ambush before we focus on the ritual, so that we have the most time available.
The people of the village should hide and stay safe."
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"Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' comes
Watchin' the ships roll in
Then I watch 'em roll away again, yeah
I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay--""Wait. What do you mean 'You feel their talons but you cannot scream'?"
Jerimiah was a bullfrog...
And he was a good friend of mine...
As night falls over the village, people return to the village and try to ward their houses from the talons that come at night. The only people that remain at the damn are the PCs and the two elderly men who reside at the cabin.
Just before midnight two creatures can be seen flying down from the mountain towards the damn.
Combat: Round 1
Bold May Act
Calomel
Wiem
Lurgh
GM 1
Shiori
Amarok
GM 2
Krya
The Ceustodaemon gestures towards Lurgh, Wiem and Kyra.
Combat: Round 1
Bold May Act
Calomel
Wiem
Lurgh
GM 1
Shiori
Amarok
GM 2
Krya
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Amarok's eyes dart around, sizing up his two opponents he takes a step forwards, aiming for the creature closing in on Weem and his mount. Listening to Shiori's advice, the Monk slips into a loose fighting style, matching Calomel in basic forms though subtly different, showing his own Monastic tradition.
The Archer then takes a deep breath and in a swift motion, launches three silver tipped arrows at the Daemon.
for
for
for
Shiori's snowball hits the daemon directly in the face, however does not see too fazed by it.
Amaroks arrows can not seem to pierce the daemons tough hide.
The other Cuestodeamon does the same gesture, this time at focusing on Shirori, Calomel and Amarok.
Combat: Round 1/2
Bold May Act
Calomel
Wiem
Lurgh
GM 1
Shiori
Amarok
GM 2
Krya