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Opening the door, the frequency of storm waves approaching the shore, salt water erupts from cracks in the floor of this large hexagonal room. Foamy, blinding spray jumps in every direction, then drains from calf-height to ankle-deep before the next wave hits. Occasionally a length of black-brown seaweed shoots in and adds one more strand to a room that already appears draped in long wet hair. In each of the chamber’s six corners, a fluted pillar rises to the fifty-foot ceiling. Between each pair of pillars, an open arch connects the chamber to an attached space. Beyond the northwest and southwest arches, three tiers of recessed spaces form three massive steps. A stone sarcophagus rests on each step.
The west alcove of this room is home to a ghast, who recently took over this room as his lair. This particular ghast is dressed in rotting finery, wisps of fetid, expensive cloth still dangling from its limbs. Perched atop its head is a golden crown, resplendent with a dozen glittering gems, while its putrid fingers each bear extravagant rings made from a dozen different precious gems and metals.
COMBAT
Everyone may act, as the Ghast goes last.
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Jajee moves in adjacent to Ridley "Good shot Ridley. This spectre.. seems different from the others we encountered, show it whos boss!"
Jajee is already in motion, spinning the kamas in his hand and letting the ghost get in closer before directly engaging. Sizing his new opponent up, Jajee waits for the enemy to come in close before engaging
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As Donna approaches the Ghast, she is over come by its stench and sickened for minutes
The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
However even with the affect of its disgusting stench, the hammer still strikes true.
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After Donna's brutal hit, Davneiros quickly eyes up the target and is able to hit the Ghoul even with the cover of his companion.
The arrow downs the undead creature even before it is able to react.
Although the stench still lingers you are able to keep your lunch down and investigate further. Looking around you notice that all the sarcophagus are stuck closed except for the front most one in the northwest alcove. It looks like it can be pried open with some strength.
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Jajee looks over the corpse of the ghoul, pulling his headscarf over his nose to cover the stench. he inspects the various rings attached to the Ghast's hand seeing if any maybe the one they seek...
I don't know a thing about jewelry, maybe some of the team are more cultured than me..
"Hey can any of you guys tell if the rings on this... disgustingly rancid creature, is the one we need to collect?!"
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Patros pats Donna on the shoulder.
Well done! I think you've beat your fear of the dead.
He heads to the sarcophagus and bends down to listen inside the sarcophagus.
He then fishes in his pack and brings out a tool that changes into a prybar.
Wr'll have to check for the ring...Donna? I'll be right beside you... he days as he hands her the prybar.
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The sarcophagus lid slides aside with the sound of a grinding millstone. The well-preserved body of a young girl lies inside, stringy black hair obscuring the face. Her atrophied limbs are drawn up like folded sticks against her torn school uniform. This is the preserved body of Junia Dacilane.
Davneiros sees that there is something magic on the body that Patros uncovered. It seems to be the ring on Junia's fingers. In fact it is the ring you are looking for.
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Jajee takes time to say a long prayer to the gods, none in particular. To help guide the lost spirits within the necropolis back home to there respective places. After he's done, Jajee lifts his head back up and turns to the group "First rounds on me when we get back! Can't wait to be topside. Keep in mind, I'm a lightweight though. Drinking wasn't allowed back at the monastery. Too many and who knows what could happen..." Jajee finishes by giving Donna a sly wink-wink, laughing loudly. Clearly having fun joking and teasing with his new friends, the first group he's traveled with since his initiation with the Pathfinders.
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Jajee walks back to the group after waiting some time, curious what all the commotion is about..."Hey guys, whats taking so lo...?!"
Jajee spots the now moving corpse of Junia.."Ahhh! Another Ghoul.. Be careful!" Jajee runs towards the group his kamas spinning, under the belief that another ghoul is present, unaware of Junia's fate
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Put your weapons down...it's Junia...the girl we're looking for. I don't think she's a ghoul...she would have attacked me already. This ring seems to have kept her alive. We must get back. Come, Junia...let's get you home. Easy does it....your legs might not work. I'll carry you. Donna...lead the way out, if you could? Patros says as he cradles the girl in his arms.
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With the alive but weak Junia in tow, you leave the necropolis. Marlinchen asks about your discoveries, but is soon distracted by something else he “sees.” He harmlessly goes off and tends the grounds some more. When you bring Junia back to Lady Dacilane, she is overwhelmed with joy. She immediately sends for the Clertics of Asmodeus to come and tend to her daughter. “If there is anything I can do for you or your society in the future, I am in your debt.” As you are leaving you think you catch the sight of a young boy that bows to you as you leave. But when you look he is gone. No one else seems to give any notice.
The ruby ring of the salamander is returned to Drenge. “Well done, and I hear we have some additional favor with house Dacilane. We will not let that go to waste. But now is time for some relaxation before your next assignment.”
Over the next few days, rumors of a child found alive at the Tri-Towers Yard cause a mob of other parents looking for signs of their own children. The Watch of Absalom is called out to quiet the disturbance.
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Anything you need, Lady Dacilane....just get a hold of us...we will do what we can. Junia, get better...you have much to catch up on. Let's go...these two need some time to themselves... Patros says as he heads towards the door of the estate.
As they pass the other parents, he laments.
I don't think there would be any more survivors...the ring was what kept Junia alive...there would only be heartbreak I fear if the parents went searching. Closure perhaps...but pain for certain. Come...let's lift our spirits at the lodge...we shall raise our glasses in celebration.