Interrogate away Xanos...
Xanos knows the Innkeeper well enough that he is able to smooth things over somewhat, especially since none of his patrons were killed. However, the man is not happy about the damage to the roof, and is certainly concerned about the possibility of the characters attracting more fell attention upon themselves.
He's quivering when he approaches Xanos, but he manages to find the courage to confront the man.
You've been a good customer, but this kind of thing is more than a little bad for business. I'm going to be needing you and your friends to find some new lodgings unless you can guarantee me that you won't be bringing anymore trouble like this my way.
"I understand. We will find another refuge until this situation is dealt with. I do not expect a refund for the unused lodging time. That excess should more than pay for your roof. We will leave tomorrow."
"We should deal with this situation. There's little point in finding another refuge, if they can just send another creature after us.
How did they find us anyway? Did they know of you already?
Do you know anything about this cult other than what we learned in the desert?"
Ardeth
The innkeeper looks visibly relieved when Xanos offers to leave.
Thank you good sir. You've been a good customer and paid your stay to be sure, but... Well I'm sure you understand.
Xanos shakes his head at Temur. "I do not know. I do not know who they are. I remember a conflict with a merchant turned demonologist named Kazek. I thought I had defeated him and reclaimed what I sought. I do not remember a thing after until waking up in the pit with you. It does not seem likely this is personal. If it were then why are any of the rest of you involved? More information is needed. Perhaps if I could find my previous companions they could tell me how long I have been missing and what has gone on since."
"We should go to the garden temple of Ishtar. They will give us refuge. It is warded against demons and the high priestess is fond of me and owes me a debt."
"I saw the demon emerge from their sanctum. It seemed to be scenting something before taking flight. More than that I cannot say. As for sleeping in a temple, there are worse fates I suppose. Lets go." Says Ardeth. He shakes Juma gently awake and says "Come, our onyx giant. We are no longer welcome here. You can take your rest once we arrive at the Temple to Ishtar."
Juma growls slightly as he is awaken, but understands and nods once. Rolling out of bed he grabs his meager possessions, then bends down, picks up Bran, not unkindly, and, putting the body easily over his massive shoulder gestures for the others to lead the way.
The Temple Gardens of Ishtar were a gleaming green jewel in the center of the city of wickedness. The high limestone walls were covered with lush ivy and blooming wildflowers. The gates were open but guarded by two female devotees of the green lady wearing heavy armor and carrying spears.
Surprisingly, when they saw Xanos they smiled warmly and greeted him as friend. Whatever he had done to earn their trust, it was apparently very appreciated. They asked no questions and ushered them in, one guard calling an acolyte over to aid them.
The young woman who came was young and attractive and wearing a simple white toga. She seemed happy to see the tall sorcerer, but then saw the men and their wounds and became serious and concerned.
In short order they were led through the lush gardens to a latticework canopy that served as the temple proper. It was thick with roses of white and red. Bees and butterflies and the natural perfume filled the morning air. Three steps leading down rimmed the entirety of the inside of the canopy, leading down into a low pool that sparkled in the sunlight that pushed through the canopy. In the center was a small limestone step-pyramid that bubbled clear spring water from the top, running down over the steps. Nude and semi-nude women sat on the steps, completely unabashed at the sight of the armed men.
At the far side of the pool was a raised alter that's surface was only barely above the water. A statue of the goddess Ishtar stood in vigil over the beautiful site.
"No footwear is allowed inside the temple pool, and no metal but silver." The acolyte said. She gestured to a series of stone benches and a pair of additional acolytes brought white robes in case their guests wished to change clothes.
The cool, clear water washed away the sweat and blood and demon-filth. Priestesses trained in the arts of healing tended to their wounds adding neat stitches and soothing poultices.
A woman wearing silver bracelets and a medallion bearing the image of Ishtar upon it came as the healers finished their work. She was blond of hair and wide of eye, and young but had the look of wisdom and trials of life written on her face. Her body was lithe and lush, marred only by the thin stretch marks of motherhood displayed proudly by the gaps in her white robe.
She came to Xanos where he lay letting another priestess finish stitching the spear-wounds in his chest and kissed him tenderly on his bald scalp.
"Get into trouble again?" She asked with a slight smirk.
Xanos nodded. "The Cult of Dagoth. We escaped their pits and burned their temple. They sent a Spirit of Wrath against us in the night. The Ice Worm is a fine inn but ill-equipped to handle such dangers. I had hoped to impose on you for sanctuary."
The high priestess shook her head. "It is not an imposition and you know that. We owe you. Not just for what you gave back to us, but for what you continue to do for us every day. Has the tea been helping?"
Xanos sighed. "It did, until I was taken by the Cult. It gave them an opportunity to become more willful. I had the rest at the inn and have started the regimen again, but the demon managed to knock me unconscious. Nergal has gained a foothold, which tells me I may have had an infection from the pits."
"The temple waters should help. I will make you more to replace what you lost." She said.
"Thank you." Xanos said simply.
"These are not the ones you traveled with before." The priestess said, looking at the rest of the battered group.
"No. These men helped me to escape the Pits of Dagoth. They Hyrkanian is Temur and the Zamoran is Ardeth. The giant is Juma." Xanos said, introducing them each in turn.
The priestess bowed. "If you aided this man, you have my thanks. I am Mahaya, High Priestess of Ishtar. You are welcome in this garden."
Ardeth nearly unwounded enjoys their time at the temple much more than he thought he would. He sneaks off and smokes some Lotus occasionally, and then wanders the temple grounds, relaxing and enjoying the beauty.
When the Mahaya gathers them together, he bows deeply from the waist (or whatever is the sign of respect in Zamora) and says, "Thank you mam. This will be a welcome respite from the horrors of the past few days."
Juma is noticeably surprised to observe the greeting Xanos is given by the priestesses of Ishtar. He is also quite clearly pleased to see the beautiful scenery, especially the two leg variety, that abounds.
Smiling for the first time since his companions have met him, Juma allows himself to be led into the waters and be attended to by the beauties all around him. Beginning to feel like his natural happy-go-lucky self for the first time in what seems like a long time, the giant closes his eyes, leans back against a bountiful supporting bosom and sighs "I believe I could get quite used to this."
Cracking at eye at the sorcerer he drawls "This doesn't settle everything between us dev...Xanos, but, for now, you have my thanks at least." and closing his eye again, he sinks even further into the pool, slipping into a blissful, relaxed trace of contentedness.
Xanos nods simply at Juma's words.
Understandable really. Reminds me of Dorin.
We have discussed this. Why do you test my patience?
Jealousy
Jealousy? Of what? These new companions? Is the great and powerful Nergal reduced to petty womanishness by a few new faces?
Or perhaps I am finally remembering.
Mahaya offers you simple lodgings at the temple. There is an out building near the garden that acts as an infirmary. It is far from the best company to surround yourselves with at night, but having access to the garden and its healing waters during the day allows you to regain your strength, and the wards the protect the temple keep you safe from any more attempts to send demonic servants after you (at least for now).
After several days you have regained your strength.
One morning, Dorin, an old companion of Xanos', finds his way to the temple.
What's going on with Dorin? I'd like to get this game going again.
[ooc]Should have done this earlier- How about a little RP to pass time?[/occ]
Sitting in the gardens the next morning, Xanos mixed pungent tea while the rest enjoyed their morning meal.
"I told you there would be some explanations. I am a man of my word. You each aided me in our escape from Azoth's pits. For that I am indebted to you."
"I have demons trapped within me." he says simply, as if that was a perfectly normal thing, "That much you have probably surmised. I am unable to exercise them, but they do not control me. In a way, I am their prison."
"How did such a thing come to pass Xanos?' Ardeth asks.
"That is a very long story. In short, I was betrayed. I was a ruler. A good one, I believe. Before I took power, my land had been a place of chaos where warring sorcerers were worshiped as god kings by petty tribesmen. I brought many together, but could not face the might of the sorcerers. In order to save my people I became one. I routed them and brought them to justice with these-" he said raising his arms and displaying the silver bracers locked to his wrists. "They siphon off mystic energies and keep sorcerers from working their magic."
"They work on priests as well, which bought me the ire of many churches. They were frightened of anyone who could cut them off from the power of their gods. I was forced to rout them out of my lands as well, save for the few who were unconcerned with political power."
"But the priests of Set were more insidious. Instead of waging a war, they seduced my son and simply waited. I was old by the time I realized. I could feel the weight of my years and was not long for the world, but could not bring myself to slay my own heir to save my land. Instead I sought ways to extend my life, to buy myself time to try to save my son from the Serpent. Obviously the gods would not hear my pleas. They were still angry at me for casting out their servants. I turned to darker forces. The ritual was arranged to ensure the impossibility of betrayal on the part of the demons, but I did not anticipate the betrayal of my own kin. During the ritual my son struck. The manacles were locked to my wrists and the demons were trapped within me."
"When they realized they could not simply kill me they took me from my homeland, sealed me away in the vault of the temple they built with riches stolen from my empire and used my siphoned energies to fuel their rituals. If not for the burning of the temple and the bandits that later raided it's ruins, I would be there still."
"A sad tale."
"Sadness is measured in sand. Enough has passed through the glass to empty all the deserts of Acheron."
From the main temple, a deep voice can be heard, booming out the owner's apparent displeasure. There was a pause, perhaps long enough for a response from a far quieter individual, and then the first voice can be heard again, closer this time and advancing.
"...not be denied, priest! He is here, and I will find him if I must -" The tirade comes to a halt as a giant of an Aesir comes into view, staring across the gardens.
His blonde hair is worn nearly shoulder-length, after the fashion of his people, and he wears simple brown leathers, obviously travelworn. The armored boots and greaves he is wearing, however, seem in good condition, and the carefully pounded out scratches and dents in them speak of their hard use.
He grinds his teeth together visibly, and powerful strides take him ahead of the harried-looking junior priestess trailing behind him, saying something soothing in a soft voice that the Aesir ignores. Slung across the man's back is a wooden warhammer of immense size, the iron-capped head wider across than a man's head.
He crosses the garden rapidly, bellowing. "Xanos! I hear of your return to this vile city, and within days, she disappears! Where is Rannveig, sorcerer? What has happened to my sister?"
"I could throw my own sand into the pile, but what would be the point." Ardeth replies. After Dorin's noisy entrance he continues, "Who's this then?"
Xanos simply closes his eyes and sighs, not even bothering to turn around.
"Dorin. How nice to see you again."
A Little Earlier
Juma frowns as Xanos begins his tale, the frown growing significantly deeper when it is revealed the man has demons in him. After the tale has been spun Juma's deep voice rumbles "So, you claim to not only have demons trapped within you and be some sort of magical power source, but are also immortal? Hmph, you seemed mortal enough to me when you lay bloodies and torn on the floor on the inn."
Then after a brief pause, Juma cocks his end as if remembering or recognizing something "Bandits raiding your temple? Do you happen to know who any of them were?"
Then, as the blond giant storms his way in, Juma immediately jumps to his feet, iterposing his significant bulk in the way. On one of the very rare occasions he is facing someone who can look him in the eye, and who's strength seems like it may be a match for his own, his tone is nevertheless confidant and brooking no nonsense as he says to the stranger "One, you will lower your voice and and speak with in this place of sanctuary and worship. Two, Xanos may be what he is, but, for the moment anyway, he is an ally. So, if you have a problem with him, you have a problem with us."
He then grins, his good nature apparently still in place in this peaceful environment "Now, if you can behave yourself, you are welcome to join and relax in this beautiful setting we are blessed with!" sweeping his arm to indicate the bevy of beauties all around them.
"This is becoming a recurring theme." Xanos chuckled at Juma meeting the newcomer with as much bravado as had been given. "I believe it was Brude who said something similar the last time you approached me thusly, wasn't it Dorin?"
Xanos stood to look at the big Aesier with an analytical glint in his eye. "I have not seen your sister since I last saw you, but I suspect you knew that. You asked the dust children where she had gone, but they have been unhelpful thus far, until they told you that I had returned. You saw the damage at the Ice Worm and your kinsman told you to come here. You are not angry at me. You are frightened and have come to ask for my help. You have it. Now calm yourself. When was the last time you ate?"
"You have interesting friends, sorcerer. And you seem to draw trouble like dung draws flies. At least we won't be bored while we know you."
Temur is stretched out on the grass, the remnants of breakfast pushed aside. He'd tensed when the Aesir approached, but relaxed again as it became clear that he wasn't about to turn violent.
When Juma interposed himself between Dorin and Xanos, the Aesir's hand flew to the hammer at his back. As the companions spoke, however, the fire went out of his eyes, and he released the weapon. As he did so, he seemed to deflate a bit, and there was an obvious exhaustion to his presence, not to mention more than a few bruises. The big man had been in a fight, or more than one.
With a snort for the idea of being frightened, he did at least appear to have the good grace to seem slightly abashed. Without much finesse, he tried to hide it behind a nonchalant facade. Eying Juma, he set himself down on the grass and muttered, "Yester morning. It was a...long night."
That seemed to be as much in the way of apology as anyone was going to get.
"Then eat." Xanos said, gesturing to the food the others were enjoying.
"This is Dorin, son of Rogal, a prince of the Aesir." Xanos said to the others. "Dorin, these are Ardeth, Temur and Juma."
Xanos knew well of Dorin's appetite, so while this big man was distracted by the beginnings of his meal the sorcerer looked to Juma.
"To answer your earlier question, I am not in any way invincible. I can be hurt as easily as any man. I am simply unable to die. So far, at any rate. I admit I have been loath to test the bounds of my perceived immortality. I know that I no longer require food nor sleep, though I can still be knocked out by drugs or blows. I also know that I do not age. Recently I was wounded near to death and managed to survive. I do not know if I can attribute that to my unique condition, or if I was simply lucky."
"Well, as long as you're here Dorin you may as well help us kill some demon cultists. Who knows, maybe we'll find your sister along the way." Ardeth says to the newcome northern giant.
A grunted assent makes its way through a mouthful in a spray of crumbs.
"Well met then, friends. Demons, hm?" He rises to his full height again, stamping his feet to settle them in his boots. A wry chuckle escapes him then, as he takes the measure of his new companions. "More like old times than you said, Xanos."
"Indeed." Xanos said. "Some are simply drawn to such things, and thus are drawn to others of like demeanor.."
Let me know how you guys wish to go about dealing with the cult, and as soon as you are ready we can move forward.
"Come, let us retire to plan our assault on the cultists." Ardeth says to the others motioning the into a side chamber. "We would be best served by drawing them out of their lair somehow. Does anyone have an idea on how we could do that?"
Dorin follows the rest into the little room, listening to their plans but contributing little, so far. He and Xanos had worked well together in the past, but there was no telling what a magician might do - particularly one as unknowable as he who bore the name Doom. Better, then, to watch these others for a moment, and see what kind of men they were.
He felt an immediate sort of kinship with the Kushite... Juma, that was his name. No way to tell for certain, but it seemed that Juma even be almost as strong as Dorin himself, and that alone earned him a measure of respect. He was also swift to defend his companions, and loyalty was something the Aesir understood intimately.
Less could be told, so far, about the ones called Ardeth and Temur. Zamorans had done little to prove themselves anything but untrustworthy in Dorin's eyes, but he'd been in Shadizar long enough now to know that there were a few boon companions among them. The other...hm. He could crack a joke when faced with an Aesir in full rage, apparently. That was worth something, at least.
He swept the little group with eyes the color of glaciers, and allowed himself a grin. A worthy company for the next set of tales in his story.
"Perhaps if we could find out where their members spend their downtime we could ambush a few and steal their raiment. Then attempt to infiltrate their sanctum, before killing their leaders." Ardeth says while packing his small clay pipe with some of the liberated lotus hash. "I don't honestly remember where I was when I got kidnapped. Anyone know where we can go looking for them?"
"Yes" comes the rumble from Juma, a fierce and eager grin spreading grin spreading across his face and a series of loud pops coming from his knuckles as her clenches his fists while thinking of the bartender who drugged him. "I know exactly where we can start looking. The Jade Dancer."
"Alright then." Dorin rolled his right shoulder, limbering up the arm, and nodded. "Let us go find some demon worshippers."
Xanos nodded, pleased with how things were unfolding.
It will not last.
More like a quarantine, really.
Enough. I am here. I will last. You are bound. I do not require your opinions. Only your assistance. The choices are mine, alone.
Finishing his tea in one long pull, Xanos stood. "Old times indeed, Dorin."