With all the gnolls dead, and seeing the damage her companions are taking, Varkata reaches up to grab the symbol hanging from the chains in her ears, drawing upon the heady power flowing through it and her... As the power gathers within her, filling her with warmth, she mentally slams a glass over the strange, shadowy giant and the ettin, then releases the comforting energy, pouring out of her like an overturned keg... The energy rolls over her companions, easing their pain.
She then carefully steps forward toward the strange taunting creature, longsword in hand.
Amir winces as the blows continue but stands steady, thankful for Varkata's aid.
Amir continues to press on the giant.
Despite its general rage, the spirit infested Tempest recognizes that revealing its healing is a likely way to receive another deadly blow from the two headed giant.
Action: Delay - and remain unmoving hoping that the giant will not see it.
Delay will end as soon as, hopefully the two headed giant goes down.
Nasir and Amir turn on the two-headed giant now moaning in stereo and it is Amir with a final twist of his blade that delivers the killing blow. The giant totters and crumples with a bellow onto the stone floor of the tomb. Everyone is further bolstered by a taste of Varkata's radiant punch.
Kzrluk stands, steps back slightly and then fires another icicle at the giant thing.
The Mamluk calls out as it fires with a distinctly Kzrira tenor to its voice.
Die stupid thing.
Attack-ice arrow:
Damage:
Stand -- 5' step to N6
The single arrow pierces deep into the enlarged creature's flesh before starting to melt away leaving a cold bleeding wound.
Karethas' head swims and his knees almost give out as the poison burns through his veins. He shakes his head and takes a step further around the corner to block himself from the large creature. He roots around in his haversack, a potion presents itself to his grasping hand. The cork flies off with a pop and the liquid cools his throat and stomach as he swallows it. Almost immediately the burning in his veins stops.
The leopard is sent flying from the from the giant's club, but it lands on it's feet. Immediately, it jumps back into the fray, not giving the figure a moment to regather.
Once again the leopard leaps onto the creature sinking fangs into its neck. The emaciated giant wails and then falls silent as an icy bolt finally spares it the deadly cat's continued ministrations. It shrinks as it falls until all that remains is the small pathetic shape hanging from the leopard's jaws.
Amir's lit blade reveals the shape to be the knobby headed gnome you met at the foot of Pale Mountain. Amir had sensed "Bug" had some peculiar relationship with the Carrion King. It seems the attachment was strong enough for him to even ally with his hated rival Undra to make a final attempt at vengeance. As for the div, she is nowhere to be seen. It seems she has once again slipped away though you have no doubt that you haven't seen the last of the fiend.
The remaining injured gnolls from the pit are easily killed and you explore the ancient tomb. It was looted perhaps centuries ago, but in a back corner you find a gnoll that was not killed by your hand. In fact he has been bled to death by long sharp claws and a pile of loot lain nearby.
In its dead grasp is a wand that Karethas identifies as a wand of lesser restoration (19 charges), also an obsidian eye symbol, and 243 Anient Osiriani coins. Bug has a masterwork light crossbow and 10 +1 bolts with a vial of poison.
Karethas examines the eye symbol and hands it to Amir. "Do you think these are worth anything extra at the market? He waves at the ancient coins.
Karethas examines the eye symbol and hands it to Amir. "Do you think these are worth anything extra at the market?
Amir values the ancient obsidian symbol worth 200 gold scarabs. As for the coins, they likely are only valued for their metal.
Outside the tomb again, you rejoin with Garavel and the remaining guards. Only one of the gnolls' slaves has survived not counting the one that ran off into the desert and seems well hidden. The mounts have been recovered.
The caravan travels swiftly out of the gnoll lands and past Fort Longjaw. The road to Katapesh City is hot and dusty, but nothing else interrupts you journey and soon enough you see the walls of the great city and beyond markets uncountable and the sea.
Before you reach the gate, Garavel asks your plans. He and the mamluks will quickly conduct their business and return to Kelmarane. He expects you will need more time to contact the Immaculate Repository, make your purchases and perhaps learn more about the mysterious artifact recovered from the House of the Beast. Nasir enigmatically says that recent nights in the desert have clarified his mission and he will not accompany you into the city.
Amir basically confirms Garavel's rouhg conception of the party's plans and asks after where the group should attempt to regroup with him or plan on returning on their own timeline. Amir is unclear what Garavel's intentions in Katapesh City are.
At Amir's prodding, Garavel reveals more about his errands. "I am to report to the Pactmasters and I bring a sizable payment of interest on their investment in Kelmarane. In truth, we traveled with you for our protection more than your own. I fear we will continue to have problems with scattered tribes of Duena raiders until the frontier is better settled."
"We will be here one night at most. Though the Carrion King is no longer a threat, there are other concerns that I must help the Princess address, Not least of all the div. Unfortunately, I think Undra will focus her wrath on you, but I do not doubt she would attempt to ruin Kelmarane once again given the opportunity."
Garavel bows low, "Thank you again for all you have done for Kelmarane and her settlers. We will look forward to your return." So saying the stoic major domo leads the rest of the caravan into the city except for the rescued slave who hesitates.
The man looks to be in his mid-twenties and healthy though still bruised from his encounter with the gnolls. He sketches a bow with his hand and follows it by bending at the waist. "Honored sadah, I owe you my life. I am no stranger to this city or the markets here. My name is Radi Hamdi. Let me be of service."
He looks down at the ruined rags he yet wears. "Oh, if it pleases you sadah, perhaps you can spare more appropriate equipment for a servant of such powerful lords..."
"Garavel, I'm glad we could be of assistance by traveling together. May the Dawnflower protect you on your return trip."
Karethas considers for Radi for a moment before counting out a gold and 15 silver pieces from his belt pouch. He bows his head to the man, "Radi Hamdi, here is some money to use as you see fit. It may help you get reestablished in the city or it can get you provisioned and you may return to us to act as a guide. It is your free choice of which though. If I may ask, what was your profession before you were captured by the gnolls?"
After the man leaves Karethas turns to the others, "If he returns, then perhaps he may be somewhat trustworthy."
Amir nods as Karethas offers the former slave some coin, Indeed. As a free man it is up to you now.
Karethas considers for a moment before counting out a gold and 15 silver pieces from his belt pouch. He bows his head to the man, "Radi Hamdi, here is some money to use as you see fit. If I may ask, what was your profession before you were captured by the gnolls?"
"A simple merchant," Radi replies. He bows after taking the gold. "Most generous. May I meet you at the Sand Dragon Inn this evening?"
The remaining Heroes of Kelmarane pass through the Serpent Gate soon after Radi departs. Beyond the gate towers the twin statues of Nethys waist high in the palms that surround the golden oasis that ameliorates the desert heat with the promise of cool water. The wonders of the Inner City lay before the adventurers as they pause to consider their next move.
The wonders of the Inner City lay before the adventurers as they pause to consider their next move.
One adventurer decides to continue to not move.
Amir will take and stash,( sorry Kzrira) the bow in his bag. Karethas has the scroll.
When Radi offers the Sand Dragon Amir nods in agreement.
Standing at the Inner City Amir looks at Varkata and Karethas. I see no reason to wait. To the temple to see if we can get Kzrira back together?
Karethas nods, "I see no reason to delay."
Perhaps goaded by the never ending nagging of their deceased but unsilent companion, the heroes quickly move to the Dawn Gate and past the wealthy villas and mansions there to the Temple of Abadar. The Immaculate Repository is a stout blocky building beneath a gilded dome.
An acolyte recognizes Amir from his previous business there regarding Antar and you are quickly led to an audience with the Master of the Vault.
Almost on instinct Amir wheels on the others to give them a proper lecture on being in the Vault. He then realizes that neither Faelar or Kzrira are present and seeing the cleric and wizard decides better of it. Amir spends a moment instead busily fishing out his symbol of faith and making sure his various pieces of wealth and weapons and such look half way presentable. As he engages in a last minute primp he mutters, They may start to get uncomfortable if they only ever see me when someone is dead...
The high priest, Jalal Abdul-Abadar, arrives momentarily resplendent in white silk richly threaded in gold and a cloth of gold cape. "Welcome, pilgrims. Hopefully you bear better news from the frontier this time. How goes the new settlement of Kelmerane?"
As the priest approaches Karethas leans over and whispers to Amir, "As long as we pay them, I'm sure they won't mind."
Amir offers a deep bow and warm greeting, As always I am truly blessed to be in the presence of the Master's resplendent temple, high priest. We bring many good tidings. Kelemerane grows strong. Her markets are slowly becoming more flush, her buildings and roads repaired, and her temples seem to know peace and cooperation which was so hard to reconcile in ages past. We have defeated, at great personal expense, the feared Carrion King, and set his tribes to scatter. Even now faithful servants of the Pactmasters report our progress and bring more glory to the city.
Amir sighs and gestures to himself and his companions as he continues, But such progress was not without a high cost. Our faithful ally and sister, Kzrira was felled saving our lives in the battle with the Carrion King. We have taken many steps to preserve her body in the hopes that Abadar's grace might see her returned to the living world so we might continue our good work.
Amir pauses looking to Jalal, waiting to see how he responds to the notion of helping them with Kzrira. Never start negotiating until you know there is even a job to negotiate over...
"Ah, bad news with the good as is often the case in life. Sadly, often the bravest and best of us are sacrificed in the never ending battle to impose law and order on the untamed wilds. I am very sorry to hear that. It would certainly be to the common good if the gnoll slayer could be returned. I take it that she set aside the proper assurances..."
Amir smooths his moustache as the priest asks after "assurances" and nods politely, We are carrying some bounty of our efforts and would be happy to see that the Vault is compensated for its work. Her body has been maintained via the efforts of multiple clerics so she should be ready to receive such a blessing...and I should mention, if this is in any way helpful, that my group finds itself well tested and ready for action. Were Kzrira returned to us, we would be happy to offer our services to the church if that is a fairer coin than mere gold...
The Master of the Vault does truly look aggrieved. "I am sorry, such a powerful miracle requires payment in full. One can only imagine that the upper planes would be emptied and the mortal world filled cheek-to-jowl with the newly risen should we offer resurrections on credit."
"All services must have been provided first under a proper legal contract before said services could possibly be provided in return. Otherwise we may take only cash or properly valued goods."
Varkata nods, as if she expected as much, Lord of the Merchants, after all, needs his due for the magic..
She then perks up, "Well, we might be willing to enter into a contract for services, if such is available."
Abdul-Abadar actually stifles a laugh, "One would not expect a follower of the Drunken God to remember her debts the next morning now, would one?"
Varkata stiffens at the dig, then gives voice to her earlier thoughts, her tone cutting, "No more than one could expect a follower of the Gold-Fisted to not squeeze every possible coin from people in need... Even those operating in good faith, and, in fact, willing to sign one of your precious contracts, apparently."
Kzrira rolls her eyes at the verbal jousting until they accidentally roll out of her head and get lost at the bottom of the bag.
-- Half-Elf, which would not change my stats at all, just give me darkvision and immunity to some sleep/ghoul effects
The Master ignores Varkata's riposte and turns his attention back to Amir who has been standing mutely trying to remember something. It takes some moments, but the old rogue eventually recalls the note from Zayifid and hands it to the Abadarian high priest.
The Master of Vaults breaks the golden seal and reads while pulling at his thin black beard. After a moment, he refolds the letter and places it in a pocket hidden in his robes. "It seems the new priest of Kelmarane values you highly. The fee for the miracle has been paid. However, the sacrifice must still be provided. Traditionally, it is a near flawless diamond of incredible value. Other fine items of equivalent value may be accepted though."
How much for the diamond?
How much for the diamond?
"Only a diamond of exceptional quality and size could express the value of a life restored. I think it would have to be in the order of five thousand gold scarabs. We could provide one if you have the means to pay for it."
Karethas thinks for a moment, "I believe we have some things of value which would cover the cost." He and Amir retrieve the Carrion King's axe and his armor. "These were formerly owned by the Carrion King. They would fetch a similar price in the Night Market, but perhaps the church would prefer to have them in their sacred vaults?"
The priest casts some divining spells to assess the items value and nods pulling on his beard afterwards. "These belonged to tthe Carrion King? A great victory against the forces of barbarism indeed. The price is paid and I judge the return of your companion to be in the common interest. I will need time to prepare for such a powerful act. Please return in the morning for the ceremony."
Karethas gives the priest a small bow and nudges Amir in the ribs. Walking away he suggests, "Perhaps now would be a good time to visit the markets? It may take some time to sell off all the items we have acquired without drawing unwanted attention." He seems pensive for a moment, "I suppose I should visit my father as well...We have not seen each other in quite some time." His voice raises with a bit of hope, "Would it be unwise to split up at this time though?"
Amir gives Karethas a laughing nod. I would prefer not to be hauling thousands of gold pieces of treasure from stall to stall alone. It might be best for the three of us to stick together until that work is done.
Varkata nods, "I agree with Amir. Better to keep safe and together, at least until the work in the markets are done."
Kzrira attempts to raise her hand in agreement, but finds that her muscles continue to function at less then their former capacity.