"Er..Priestess, d'you have scroll parchment, ink and a quill that you can lend me."
Windel's question catches Rownig off guard, "You can write?" He blurts out. The comment gets a harsh return stare from Windel.
Standing up, with one final caress to her sister, Galinea addresses the Dwarf
Of course, but please tell me your name. And as you seem to be one of the more rational of your group, could you tell me exactly why you and these Goblins are here. I assume they enlisted you to help rescue the King, but when did you learn of the curse and from whom?
She then looks down, demurely, but sees something on Windel's belt that startles her. She takes a slow step back away from Windel, and points at the desk.
Her voice cracks when she speaks
There is ink and parchment on the desk
"Me full name is unimportant but they call me Windel. I'm a lowly son and follower of Praggul Strongfist, God of War, and I do his bidding." He catches the priestess eyes look at his belt.
"You seem startled."
Yes, I am, and I should be. Where did you discover that axe? She points at his belt. It was believed lost a century or more ago. Once it was the bane of many tribes of my people, but then, in a most surprising turn of events, the axe was given to a Goblin King as a sign of peace. The one who gave that axe went on to be discredited, and dismissed as insane, and he disappeared from history. Now it turns up in your hands, and why?
"Me patron saw fit to show 'er to me." He speaks a matter-of-factly. "Praggul knew I'd be a guud caretaker in a great time of need." He contemplates the moment then asks, "Do share the history, we know that with knowledge comes guidance and wisdom." He seems earnestly interested in what she can reveal about the axe.
I have a book here somewhere, Galinea moves away from Windel, always keeping an eye on him, that mentions the weapon. I think the name is written in that book, but I can’t remember it. What I do remember reading is that the weapon was made many centuries ago, by an oracle, who gave the weapon to a Dwarven hero to be used in the great wars of our ancestors. It is a dwarven book, so naturally it is biased, and does not tell the whole truth, but I do believe that because of that weapon the riding of poisonous Giant Spiders fell out of favor among my people. We still, many of us, maintain ties to our arachnid friends, much like the humans do with their dogs, or the Elves with rabbits, or so I’m told. But there was something else, hmmm, I don’t remember exactly what it was, it has been a long time since I read that book on the history of the Dwarven conquest of this island. Let me see if I can find it for you, but, Windel, here I’ve told you everything I know, and yet still you, and your friends keep your secrets close. Don’t think me a fool, or perhaps you think that we are weak, we are not. I surrendered because I love my sister and I could not stand to see her die. I’ve tried to protect her, keep her out of harm, but she is determined to prove something to the world, prove that she is as fierce as any goblin ever was, but she is not right in the head, and as much as I try to keep her safe, she is her own undoing more than I can bare. If our paths crossed and she was not among the factors, things might have gone very differently indeed. You have the upper hand, now, and you have the advantage of having more than one Goblin among your numbers, who can think beyond the immediate, so if it is your intention to keep secrets, and you think you play me for a game, then you would be best to end my life now, the axe would make it easy, because if your intention is to cross me, or my people, and I live, you will find me a formidable opponent in the future.
She can't talk to you like that, Windel. Who does she think she is?
Miagnik nodded his head at the information the group had learned from Galinea and had been contemplating reworking his plan when the rapid exchange between Windel, Rownig, and the priestess occurred.
He had been about to answer her question but then stopped. At the end he looked looked up without looking directly at Galinea and began speaking in a very quiet, neutral voice.
"How we came by the information... isn't important. Moments ago you were practically begging to be our prisoner, rather than see your sister die. We spared all your lives once because we thought we might be able to make a deal with you. We did, and you, your sister and a handful of your followers are still alive. Now don't think you can go making demands just because Windel has some ancient weapon which makes you shiver. If we don't intend to share something it's because it isn't necessary to do so. If you want us to continue helping, I suggest, you talk a little less about fighting us in the future."
"First you send yer minions to attack, then you git a backbone and do it yerself, but when the fightin' gits guud and yer sister is near death you want peace, now you seek another conflict....yer confused priestess." He pauses but a moment and draws the axe as he was gripping it (he actually never put it way but went with the DM's description). "Y'wanna fight come on...I ain't runnin', Praggul don't like cowards."
[a little earlier]
When Galinea presents her with the bracers Mae bows in return. The proferred gift is immediately placed on Mae's arms, and she does not conceal her vainglorious pleasure, holding them up to the light before remembering herself and taking on a subdued complacent attitude. When the weapons and armor appear Mae very quickly claims the masterwork morningstar, tossing aside the old one she had without a thought.
"My thanks Lady Galinea. Your munificence is without rival this night."
[and then...]
Mae nods as Galinea describes her sister not being quite right in the head.
"I have empathy for you, mistress-maid. I to suffer a similar malady..." she intones without emotion, casting a sidelong glance at Stephanie.
[now]
Mae does not aid Miagnik in this instance - having been swayed by shiny-shiny, and realising that Windel and Galinea must of necessity be seen to be strong and passionate by their own drive and motivations.
It will come to naught.
"Perhaps if you too could read Windel, you could substitute bravado for learning. Put your cleaver away..." she speaks quickly, trying not to seem the bought turncoat and agent of opportunity she really is.
Windel simply shakes his head in confusion, "Huh?"
Stephanie watches the group keeping silent for the most part.
If I was to remove the third sigil of Maleficant binding and rejig the Galefaros seal for the effect I could certainly use the effect to boost the resonance on the image...
She is quite obviously distracted as she jots shorthand notes down into her spellbook. She listens carefully when Galenia speaks on her loyalties though. very interesting... hrmm.. I wonder what a schism in their ranks due to religious differences could do?
"If you have any books on goblin history or magic, I would ask to read it. I have regrettably let the lessons my mother taught me on the subjects wither."
------bit later
The boiling argument in front of her occurring Stephanie looks up and a frown on her features. They just agreed that cooperation was the most expedient method to resolution at this point. I owe them for helping me but at the same time if we kill this priestess I..we lose a significant ally.
"Were we not just agreed that killing her would make more problems in the longrun? I know that 1 spiders are a sore issue with us. I don't find them pleasant either but I'm trying to understand more about them so I don't need to fear them, its part of my heritage after all.
Galinea 2 I understand your concerns, I likely wouldn't react half as well if my sister were wounded like that in the company of hostile strangers."
The gnome states as she pauses the frenetic writing she had been engaging in, letting a page of ink dry.
"I'll gladly say that the reason I'm here is that these warriors freed me, they helped save me and I have skill enough to aid them.
I personally want to help save my family.
As far as I've gathered we seek to end the curse of undead on this island, 3and we have been requested to do so by the nobles of the dwarven king and more recently Chief Heelgodd." Stephanie states with emphasis on the last portion.
"Well his ghost at least, he was very kind."
1. she states with signs of obvious stress on her face
2. the gnome does her best to look only at the priestess's face, and obviously glances toward Maelodakh
3. The glance she makes to Hallister and Miagnik seems significant.
You spoke to spirit of King Heelgodd?
"yes, he allowed us to rest in his tomb last night." stephanie states as her familiar seeks a comfertable perch in the room, ink dried she begins writing in her spellbook again though she is obviously still listening.
Rownig busies himself twirling two new handaxes getting the balance and feel. He removes his old axes and tucks them safely within reach on his person. Can't have too many weapons handy. "Hal, you claiming this last axe?" He motions towards the third masterwork handaxe.
When the priestess turns defensive towards Windel, Rownig perks up and looks around the room. He listens intently measuring the odds.
Miagnik's eye twitches as Stephanie speaks about Heelggod, but he sighs and rubs his head.
"Yeah, we talked to King Heelggod. Why, is there something we should know?"
Galinea bows to Miagnik, and says, Forgive me great Miagnik, of course you are right and I will not challenge your followers again
Galinea notices the way Maelodakh glances at Stephanie and she approaches the Goblin Girl carefully, lowering her voice she whispers
After reflecting on the things Stephanie mentions, she says out loud
There are a few old tomes, some small simple books in the room beyond the secret door there, you are welcome to look at them, but alas there are no books of spells here. However, Omara has many scrolls and books of magic in her quarters.
And when Stephanie casual mentions that the group slept in the Ghost's chamber, and Miagnik, whom she seems to admire, confirms it, she ads
Then there is more to this strange mix of Goblin and Dwarven heroes than I realized. King Heelgodd has been a particularly troublesome spirit for the Vampire Queen. Her power of the undead is unchallenged, even far beyond the necromancer Omara, yet nothing either of them have tried has been effective in controlling good king Heelgodd. He has kept everything and everyone out of his chamber for many years, and normally anyone trying to reason with him is met with the full fury of an angry, restless ghost, but you say he welcomed you? I don’t understand, unless he knows something, something important. I am in no position to ask favors, but please, is there anything he told you that could shed light on his decision to welcome you into his tomb?
Miagnik looked perplexed. "Who can say, perhaps he sensed our intentions to not try and control him or the royal bloodline maybe? All I know is he was the first non-hostile creature we met."
Mae justs nods with pursed lips and accepts the Spide-taur-lin's condolences...but makes sure not to divulge any further information. Not from any sense of danger, but more protecting her familal propriety...
"He told us to seek followers of Een'Droth and Fath'Reen, for they are the goblin deities that would seek to bring the conflict of this age to an end." Stephaine states as she pauses in though, before adding a final spiral and letting another page of her spellbook dry. She tries her best to igore the priestess's chitenous body. "Oh.. I said I'd try to understand them but spiders? why spiders? why couldn't it have been snakes? I can deal with snakes."
"He also said that this land is not the birth place of goblins, and it does not belong to the 'Dwarun' either. He said there was no future where both races could not be found together, only by setting aside our differences would we overcome the challenges in front of us."
She states as she tilts her face down, brows in recollection. And yet so many questions still follow those words...
"He also spoke to us on the goddess Zeenthia, and her true nature."
The caster says as she looks at Galinea and waits for a response to her verbal hook. She says she does not follow the goddess, so there is good chance we might obtain a powerful ally from this rather than a dangerous prisoner.
The princess shivers slightly as she does her best to ignore Galinea's lower half
Now if only she had a form that didn't play havoc with my fears. Uhgg.. I'm going to be dreaming about spider goblins for weeks..
Windel asks Priestess Galinae the following, "Priestess, you stated you serve the Vampire Queen, but are you follower of Een’Droth, the spider queen, and her consort Fath’Reen?" He watches her reaction closely then continues, "where in this tomb can the followers be found?"
Hal picked up the offered handaxe and felt the weight of it. He nodded to Rownig. "Aye, it'll do." It was a goblin weapon, but Hal was pragmatic about things like that. It was a good axe. That was enough.
He'd been staying close to Moralane since she had her sight returned, but he'd been quiet. This whole situation rankled him. He didn't like the spider goblin and he couldn't help feel like he was being manipulated again. He didn't know what to trust anymore. He let the others do the talking, afraid his anger would get the better of him and provoke another conflict.
Rownig grins at Hal. I know da feelin'
When Windel asks Galinea about her faith, she sighs, and smiles, then takes a breath, and tries to answer his question, politely
Sir, you will not find followers of Een'Droth here, and hardly will you ever find followers of Fath'Reen. I worship the goddess, Nesk’Atheen, or Missreen’Thankap as she is called by your people. She is the one who shepherds the spirits of the dead to the proper realms beyond this world. I obey the will of the Vampire Queen because I want to see her depart this realm, as she should. Fath'Reen, now there is a special one. he is seen by some as weak, by others as fiendishly clever, as he is a consort, or mate, to both Een'Droth, and Rath'Zeen, and somehow survived. Few of my kind openly worship him, as it is known to bring about the wrath of Rath'Zeen, as well as the attention of Een'Droth. So few of my people worship the old gods. Many find comfort in following priests who claim the old gods have been transformed, some of these goblin clerics present new gods who are images of the dwarven gods, in order to bring comfort to slaves, while others claim our old gods have been transformed into new gods of vengeance and war. It is difficult to stay on top of the changes our people are going through these days, as I have been here for almost a year, focused entirely on helping to bring an end to the Vampire Queen's curse. Now you tell me, or suggest to me, that clerics of the false god Zeenthia are claiming she is walking this world, and I wonder if they mean that I am to be their puppet, and I will not be their puppet anymore than I will be Omara's.
She is about to say more, when a revelation seems to cross her eyes
Wait a moment, Fath'Reen, yes, Fath'Reen is the key. He is the only one who has dealt with both Een'Droth and Rath'Zeen. He knows their minds, their wills. He must know the truth of all these deceptions and plots, but how do we speak to him? I know of no clerics of his, nor do I know of any temples where it would be possible to ask for his intervention. There are no idols no rituals I know of
Miagnik's face scrunches up in deep thought. It is obvious he doesn't like the situation.
Wonderful, a clever God who dances around, and apparently through, the twists and machinations of other Gods. No one can talk to him, because no one knows anyone, or even where to find anyone, who openly worships him. But if we were somehow able to find a way to talk to him, then we could unravel this whole thing... about the Gods!
"I hate godly politics already." He muttered under his breath.
"So, rather than trying to search out a hidden group of Fath'Reen worshipers, maybe if we..." Miagnik began, pausing for a moment to sort out his thoughts, "disrupted enough of Rath'Zeens and Een'Droths plans maybe some of them would come to us. Right? Or maybe one of us could take up the worship of him and see what happens. God's sometimes speak to their followers or something like that, right?"
At this last part he looked directly at both Windel and Galinea.
Windel has a bewildered look on his face. He takes one long, hard blink then a deep breath. His horned helm nearly falls off his head.
"It's not so easy to just UP and begin following a god, so you can unravel the nuisances of a puzzle. I'm 51 years old and my relationship with Praggul Strongfist began when I was wee tyke. He's in here," he gestures to his chest, 'His truths flow through me and with years of devotion and training, he blesses me with strength, courage, and the will to do his deeds to help his followers." He ponders the statement in more depth but stops preaching - for the time being.
Miagnik waited for more responses but when none were forthcoming, he rubbed his head and exhaled deeply. All of these rules, it's giving me a headache just to try and keep track of them.
"Well okay that's out then... How about we just focus on dealing with Omara then? We know when she's due to come back, but not where she'll be in the meantime. Maybe there are some clues about where she is or what she plans in her chambers on the second floor. I'm still saying we shouldn't go down to the third floor without more help, but we could explore the second. At least once our strength is returned."
"Galinea, do you think you can keep the way clear down to the second floor?"
Galinea bows her head to Miagnik, and says,
I will keep our people from harassing you or your friends while you are here. I have a limited ability to influence those that respond to the will of the Vampire Queen, or those creatures under Omara’s control. Our people are not permitted, under penalty of death, to venture to the lower levels. Omara’s creations, as well as her allies, and some of the wedding party can be found on the level below us. Without a strong command of the undead it is unsafe, and unwise to venture there. Even I am afraid to go there on my own. The entrance lies here,
She indicates the stairs accessed by passing through a burial chamber on the northeast corner of the map.
This chamber, she points to the large chamber on the map, was never used and is empty, there is no placement dais for urns there. This chamber, near the stairs, is occupied by skeletal warriors. I believe they were once soldiers who were dedicated in life to the service of the bride. They will not allow just anyone to pass. They follow the orders of the Vampire Queen more faithfully than the bride’s maids, and like them they cannot be destroyed, completely. I only know stories about them, and the stories say that they regenerate much faster than the bride’s maids. They are cold, like the Bride’s Maids, wear armor, and wield halberds. They are dangerous, but if you rest here, for a few hours at least, I think you can get past them. Once on the second level you may encounter more Brides’ Maids, and other members of the wedding party. Some of them are only spirits, but all of them are violent, deranged, and dedicated to the will of the Vampire Queen.
She seems to be finished and turns away from Miagnik, but then looks over her shoulder and says
Omara has brought others to support her, guard her interest. I understand there is a troll or two that wander the halls below, as well as a mad sorcerer, a dwarven man who was driven to madness in his pursuit of Omara’s affections. And lastly, there are creatures that often come up from below that are neither under Omara’s control, nor the Vampire Queen’s, strange things, things often not of this world, and they are a problem for us as much as they may be a problem for you. They can be found anywhere, and they range from strange human-like monstrosities, Omara calls them Orcs, to some things that are impossible to explain. Once a cube of jelly, animated, about the size of a large chest, was found moving though these passageways and devouring everything it came into contact with. It was finally destroyed by a group of goblins who were cornered by the thing. We were never able to find anyone who could explain what the thing was or where it came from, but its touch could paralyze flesh.
Galinea goes to check on her sister one more time, and then tells you, I will go now and make sure that any of the goblins still on this level understand they are not to interfere with you, and that you are under my protection. Rest now, if you have rations, eat, try to heal your wounds. I will do what I can, but only if you keep your word. We all want the same thing, an end to the curse of the Vampire Queen.
With that she leaves the Chamber, taking the two robed goblins with her.
" The information you gave should certainly help us to survive. I'd like to say don't worry, but it's probably best that we all do. We'll keep our word."
He watched Galinea go after that. It was strange to be working with someone who he had been trying to kill only a short while ago. But she was right about them all wanting the same thing.
He turned to the others. "Right, now that's done. We should probably seek refuge. I think we should go back to King Heelggod."
Mae nods. The secret society politicking and rest of the group's planning has moved beyond her understanding. With her new bracers and her father still somewhere below she is keen to continue delving.
"To Heelggod."
"Heelggod sounds 'bout right."
"Rest...then save Mae's family."
As Miagnik came inside, he let himself relax a little. It was reassuring to be in King Heelggods presence again. He walked over to the Ghostly king and gave just a hint of a respectful nod, before launching into explanation.
"King Heelggod, it's good to be back, but there's been several developments you should be aware of. While exploring the rest of this level we met something called an ice maiden. One of the queens handmaidens, we dealt with her but were told she'd be coming back. Also, we ran into Galinea. After we managed to kill most of her followers, she stopped fighting and we came to an agreement. She turned out to be very reasonable, like you said. She says the Vampire Queen is also trying to end her curse. I want to believe her, but I have a nagging suspicion that might be wrong. Unfortunately, we let it slip that you were sheltering us. I don't know if that will mean they'll come after you again or not. Also, we're heading down to the second floor. Is there anything you can tell us about what's down there? Passages, creatures, traps... anything?"
Some time later...
Miagnik made his way over to Windel. He didn't seem to know how to start speaking at first, opening and closing his mouth a few times before just starting calmly. "... I... uhm... Listen, Windel. I know we didn't exactly agree on everything that was decided about Galinea back there... but I think we made the right call by not killing her. Also, since if any of what she said is even half true, then we'll be getting into more danger than before." He holds up the golden Dragon ring before the priestly Dwarf. "What you said before, about the difficulties of taking up worship and all that, well it got me thinking. I don't think I could do it. At least not yet... so I'd like to ease your burden and help you if something bad happens, I'd like to help keep us all going... So, if you have any healing magic left to put away.
Miagnik paled a little, the thought of multiple Ice Maidens each with a small horde of their own minions coming for them all did not sit well with him.
Stephanie had been in thought over the events of the day, her she had seen the wounds the maiden had left on her compatriots. "I don't believe we would survive an encounter with more than one of those maidens at the same time. I just had a bit of inspiration in terms of spell knowledge myself but even with a few more powerful tricks I would not be able to change such an outcome. Much as I hate to say it I still don't think we stand much a chance of surviving the deeper floors of this place. I want to save our family but we should have an escape route if possible we do no good dead. Its unfortunate that the ice maidens door was made so difficult to block. A spell to manipulate stone would work marvelously for that, its a shame none of us have such a thing."
"Aye, it's been a rough going 'ere." He sighs heavily than musters a bit more healing magic and converts a first level spell and puts it into the ring for Miagnik. "Let's pray that you are right 'bout Galinea."
Once he tends to his gear, he concentrates on scribing a scroll.
"Thank ya fer the hospitality, sorry we keep intrudin' on you." the dwarf slides down the wall near the door the begins to clean and tend his weapons first follow his armor and other gear. Squirttng a bit of oil, and repairing a few dinged items. Focused on his survival.
Miagnik nodded at Windel's concern but was confident in Heelggod's reasoning.
With that, he channeled his own power into the ring and then settle down to rest.
Mae listens with half an ear (though that ear is quite large) as the group chatter amongst themselves r to the "King" ghost. She worries little about future meetings with Ice Maidens (who they have royally vanquished) or Omara or the Vampire Queen herself. Divine right of the royal family appeals to her conceited nature, and the quibblings of the ignoble will not keep her from her father's side.
She favours her half-sister with a cool look.
"A stout heart will prevail sister. If you hate to say it, it is probably a lie. We have survived so far, and there is little that can stop a devoted daughter. Look to that devotion to see you through."
Having uttered what she feels are truly epic and mythic words of high royal advice Mae turns about a few times like a dog to make a nice place to lie, then setting her new weapon by her side she too settles down to sleep.
Stephanie thinks on her half-sisters words for a small while, muttering under her breath "I just hope this stright forward path isn't foolishness that will get us all killed.
She sits down and looks at her companions, all allies who she had fought with ensuring that hen she glanced her way Moralane was not looking. I am going to need to confront that at some point or another.. but I can't help the desire to leave it for a day death does not loom. I don't even understand what she could see in a weak halfblood like myself.
She looks the the guarding specter of the area and then to her spellbook. "Chief heelggod do you know any particulars of traditional goblin magic? If you do, even a little I am working on something that ties into what Mother showed me once long ago but I only half remember most of it. It wouldn't do to have it fail halfway through so I'd be interested in your opinions on my process.