One of the Pactmaster guards appears to give Faelar a gold coin from the princess for the entertaining tale and remind him of her wish to see the witch.
As the shifty characters ask me about the shrine I turn to face them, "We searched the area for any treasure or knowledge, but were unable to find anything beyond what we have claimed; which was not a lot, but I would advise against going there, at least until we are able to find a way past the mist safely. I would hate for someone to get stuck in the mist, the effects would drive them to insanity, luckily we were only in there for a short amount of time, so the effects have not become permanent."
I gratefully accept the coin from the guard and nod when he reminds me of the Princess' wishes to see Undra. Once everyone is ready to leave I shall go to Undra to ask if she has any powers of divination.
The lamps are lit around the Battle Market as the day ends and Faelar considers an evening visit to Undra. The tavern appears busy as the inhabitants close their stalls and have a round or six before retiring.
Kzrira is going to find the market stall that sells arrows and see whether they have any cold iron arrows. She will also listen to see if there is any news of going-ons around that might be of interest.
I also find Amir, Faelar and Karethas when we have the chance to get together along with out friendly "pet".
So, what are we doing next. I suppose we should go and check out our new "property". Also, we need to find out how to open that sealed door in the temple. There has to be something there and I cannot leave the innocent people, I am not speaking of her highness, if there is something deadly practically under their noses.
_____________
Later when I have a chance, I go and find Haleen.
I am sorry about earlier. I did not know why you were here. But, as you can see, this town may regain its former glory as long as the narcissistic princess does not drive everyone nuts. Kzrira does nothing to hide her disdain of the princess.
Although Kzrira finds an array of weapons of varying quality, none are what anyone might call exceptional.
*******
Haleen glances around at the assorted villainy filling the bar and with a pained grimace replies in a loud, boisterous voice, "I don't know what a narsy-sister means, but if you're getting at what I thinks yer getting at, my chambers are this way sister!" Haleen grabs Kzrira roughly by the arm to lead her away from the cat calling bandits in the bar.
Auri is doing his best to appear as an exotic pet.
Back in her quarters, Haleen secures the door and pauses listening before slumping tiredly at the desk, the only piece of furnishing aside from the bed in the small cell. She sighs and favors Kzrira with a faint smile as she removes her head scarf.
"You never were subtle. Too bold, no chance of being less that straightforward. That's how you ended up caught as a thieving orphan and would have been maimed for life had I not stepped in." Haleen rises and takes Kzrira's hand gently to look at it shaking her head and then embraces her former adoptive daughter.
"I had hoped training as a bowyer might keep you occupied and safe from harm- fat chance that. I agree with your assessment of the Princess; stubborn, hot headed, a bit foolish, not unlike you." her smile broadens. "But she is also vain, spoiled, and firmly in the Pactmasters' pocket. She is a slave owner and takes it for granted that just as her station is to rule, others must serve against their will. I am certain she will reopen Kelmarane's slave market."
Looking weary, she returns to her seat, "I have been undercover too long having to watch every step. That ogre brute, Harvank the Strangler, was in the next room. I managed to best him on stage, but I knew he was waiting for any opportunity to harm me. I am through with Kelmarane. I will return to Katapesh tomorrow and report what has happen."
We cannot allow this town to return to its slaving ways. Is there any advice you might have to keep it from becoming so? I agree that the princess with her Pactmaster guards is dangerous. But, in all likelihood she will get herself killed before long. Or, we can only hope.
Kzrira then pauses and thinks for a moment before changing the subject and continuing.
Do you have any idea how we might open that sealed portal in the temple? It seems there must be a clue there. Also, we met a rather annoyed Efreet in the caverns under the shrine to Nethys. Do you know anything else about this area? There appears to be an awful lot hidden amongst the rocks and crevices that make up this rugged land.
Haleen frowns, "Believe me, you don't want the princess dead. Whatever we may think about the Almah, she is far better than the Carrion King. Without legitimate authority here, the gnolls will return and their senseless blood sport and cruelty. Almah is still young, perhaps she can eventually be persuaded to change her mind."
"Amir seems both subtle and persuasive. Ask him to try and influence her to end the gladiator bouts and focus on legitimate businesses. Slavery is part of the culture here in Katapesh, but I long for a day when orphans such as you once were no longer have to chose between becoming slaves or thieves. Andoran has set the example that we can banish the whip and treat all people equally."
"As for portals and efreet, I can't help you there. Kardswann was some sort of corrupted janni, but I don't know anything more."
In the lamplight Haleen suddenly looks older than her 32 years and very tired. "I never thanked you and your companions for dealing with him and the Kulldis gnolls. I am sorry and sorry for not telling you where I went. Will you stay with me tonight, my daughter? I can still see the scrawny little lubiyeh I rescued from the Zephyr Guard."
*******
Out in the market, Zataran offers the floor of his stall to Amir and Karethas and his pet should they need a place to stay.
Kzrira gives Haleen a rare smile. I can do that. I just hope that next time you do not have to be the one doing the saving.
Kzrira pauses for a few minutes: Yes, Amir knows how to play that game. But it is Faelar who is the truly persuasive one. Unfortunately while he is much older than us, he is as naive as a child. But I agree, one of them needs to speak with her. Every time I speak to her, I just want to slug that smug smile off her face.
Haleen convules into a fit of giggles at Kzrira's proclamation.
Once he is able to break away from his admirers and fortune hunters, Faelar departs to visit Undra. With the gnolls and their fearsome allies dispatched, the ruins seem safe enough. Hadar and Hadra are herding their livestock into a sort of corral near the upper gate and wave as the elf passes.
Soon Faelar reaches the river and crossing in the twilight, he reaches the foul smelling tannery. His knocks bring the free woman to the door and she greets him with excitement.
"Oh my bold and beautiful master, I had prayed you would visit me soon!"
I smile at Undra and give her a curt nod,"Good day; my dear lady, how do you fare? I regret that my visit this time is not of my own choosing, rather Her Royal Highness Princess Almah; righful heir to the lands of Kelmarane, has asked me to inquire something of you. Would you happen; perchance, to be skilled in the art of divination? Her last divinationist passed away rather horribly recently and she is in need of comfort. She is in a foul mood and I am hoping that if you were able to perform this service, then her mood will lighten. On a different note, I have told you I am not your master, you are free now, we are however good friends I hope."
Watching, waiting, like a serpent...
Faelar is quite persuasive and Undra presses against him whispering, "Very good friends I hope, my heart. If it is true that I am a free woman then I may freely say that I love you, Faelar, and hope that you will accept me though I have nothing to offer, save my body and soul."
*******
Amir spends some time in the bar and shares in the local gossip. The main topic of conversation is that the princess' man, Garavel, will be arriving tomorrow with more soldiers and settlers. The resident brigands and merchants are already counting their profits.
It is generally thought that business will be better under Almah than it was under Kardswann. The gnolls really didn't have much money and were as likely to just take what they wanted as to pay for it.
I blush at Undra's confession, "I am very flattered; my dear lady, and normally I would be able to return your feelings. But there is another woman in my life, one whom I love with all my heart and I miss her each and every day. I hope that this will not ruin our friendship, as I feel that we could learn much from each other and help each other out in many different ways. You are indeed a free woman and if anyone calls you a slave or tries to enslave you again, send them to me and I will rectify that."
I give her a gentle hug before turning to leave, before actually leaving the lab I turn around to face her, "Should I tell her Highness that you do not possess any Divination skills, or that you will be coming to see her once you have collected your things?"
Undra looks crestfallen or at least you would guess that from her posture beneath her burqa. Meekly she answers, "Yes, my lord. I will speak to the princess if you wish it."
Faelar chastely leaves the stink of the tannery behind and makes his way back to the market where Antar gladly shares his quarters, the ogre's former cell.
The next day brings the departure of Haleen and arrival of Undra for her interview with the princess. The stalls open slowly, but there is increasing anticipation as the expected hour of the caravan nears.
As I see Undra approaching I head over to her, "Morning, how are you on this day; my dear lady? I had a most terrifying and frightful dream last night and I am hoping that no harm has come to you, as you were in the dream."
Undra shakes her veiled head, "No, my lord. I am fine. What did you dream of? I hope that I had not offended the princess."
"Well it was more of a Night Terror than a dream, but in this dream I was hurting you and making you feel insignificant. Which is something I would never do, especially by my own volition. In fact the dream terrified me, I would never have thought something so vile could grow within a dream of my own. I am relieved now I know that you are unhurt though, would you like to break your fast with me?"
Undra answers coolly, "No, my lord. You had said the princess is in a foul mood and I should not keep her waiting." With that, the former slave moves by to make her way to the princess' apartments.
I say goodbye to Haleen and tell her that we will meet again back in Katapesh once we finish here.
I then head to the market to see whether there is anything good to eat.
Food options at the market are rather limited still and good isn't one of the options. In fact there's only one option: grilled meat of some kind at the Battle Market Bar.
Zataran is very excited to show Karethas and Amir his latest creation, the infusium. A wall of his shop is covered in some large contraption made of glass beakers and tubes that bubbles and pulses with brightly colored fluids. Zataran goes on and on in alchemical jargon about its technical advantages, but you get the idea that it can create a wide variety of magical potions and elixirs in half the time it normally takes.
I go outside and see if I can find some of the settlers who came with the princess and see whether they have any fresh eggs and some goats milk as fresh food sounds much better than the rations we have had recently.
If there is none of the above available, I will find Amir and see if he wants to go hunting for some breakfast. Might be some nice deer or rabbits or even quail around.
If necessary: Survival:
Auri is up for some hunting... who needs a hawk when you have a mini dragon?
You are not a mini-dragon. You are mighty dragon who has not grown into his full potential.
Kzrira finds Hadar and Hadra tending the livestock in the ruins nearby, but unfortunately, they as well as their wards are the princess' property and they do not have the authority to give Kzrira any milk or meat.
With Aurichalcum acting to flush prey out from the edge of the fields below however, Kzrira soon kills 3 rabbits to provide for a mid-day repast.
Amir looks over at Karethas who is surely more interested in the mechanics of the apparatus than Amir himself is, none the less Amir knows that reducing time is usually a good means of increasing profit and he strokes his moustache as he looks on at the wall, So friend Zataran the device make such things faster but what of components or cost? Are those comparable to normal market prices?
Zataran grins at the wily rogue, "Greater productivity will lower the amount of time I need to spend on each potion and thus lower cost. I will make a healthy profit, but I would be happy to pass the 20% savings I expect on to the Heroes of Kelmarane."
Garavel's caravan is later than expected, but it finally makes its way to the Market near sunset. Its arrival is ominously announced by a distant howl from Pale Mountain where the Carrion King dwells, but it is only a momentary chill in an otherwise warm welcome as four wagons of supplies and a score more settlers and guards arrive.
"So what happens now?"
The celebration goes on into the night and isn't until the next morning that Garavel seeks you out, first delivering Kzrira's requested score of cold iron arrows and then inviting you to breakfast in the princess' apartment.
At the top of the tower, you find the table set with far more appetizing fare than the bar. Garavel has brought a feast of delicacies with him and they are generously displayed for the taking. Almah is dressed in a fashionably cut beaded green dress and beautiful new jewelry. Though the princess is ostensibly the host, she seems contented to let her handsome major domo do the talking. You notice that Undra is present as well, though the shrouded woman sits aside and does not participate in the discussion.
Garavel is dressed in formal robes, but has removed his keffiyeh and you now see a strange metal bolt protruding behind his left ear. The even mannered man asks you for a recounting on the taking of Kelmarane and what threats lie beyond the town's borders.
Amir with eat with relish, never one to pass by succulent or exotic offerings but he does face his host with seriousness as the group dines,
The taking itself was dirty business as such things tend to be. The fight was difficult here in the market but I will let Faelar, ah, "describe" those events for you. As to the town's borders...My more educated friends may wish to offer a more nuanced explanation but allow me to simply say like the tales of the great Hamid Al'Savid we have found many a magical creature and occurrence surrounding the city and we best be vigilant unless such things take us by surprise. We are still seeking answers...
Amir offers a sort of shrug as though to say "not more to say until we figure it out ourselves..."
I join Amir, sitting down to eat, giving Undra a pleasant smile. At Amir's invitation for me to describe the events I begin to re-account the details of our claiming again.
After I have finished I turn to Almah, "You asked why we hadn't told you why we had safely cleared this town, the reason we had not told you is that we are unsure that we have. There is a door that we were unable to pass through under the church; a door that was locked magically. We have no idea whether there are more threats down there or not, but we wanted to make sure of that before bringing you into any danger."
Kzrira joins the others at the table and eats quietly, responding to inquiries with as much social decorum as she can muster when she is unable to pass the question off to one of her more practiced companions. She is still trying to figure out what must be done to get through the door in the temple. When Faelar mentions the door, she cringes expecting the foolish princess to immediately send her goat herd or one of the kids in to investigate.
Auri continues to play dumb, lest the Princess decides a talking dragon is just too desirable and he ends up in a cage...or a handbag.
Garavel takes Amir's boasting in stride, "Hamid Al'Savid? SO you were carried by a great roc to a valley of diamonds?"
Fortunately, Falear is game once more for an even grander recounting of the taking of Kelmarane and their adventures beyond. All are held in rapt attention, the princess is particularly impressed and claps with delight at the suspenseful parts. Garavel is attentive though he maintains his usual cool demeanor. Undra appears to be listening closely, but says nothing.
When the tale is finished, Almah claps again. "Well told, elf. I have not heard such excellent naghali since I was a child. I know nothing of the old church though."
Garavel speaks, "I am sorry that I cannot take as much pleasure in your tale, this metal bolt behind my ear is a gift from the Pactmasters that quells emotions so that I may focus only on the task at hand. But perhaps I can answer your question about the church."
"The church was originally dedicated to Abadar when Kelmarane was founded, but as the population swelled with people from the outlands, worshipers of Sarenrae soon outnumbered those who followed Abadar. This is often the case outside the walls of Katapesh City."
"It is not all that rare that followers of these gods to come into some conflict, but they are just as likely to unite against the gnolls and other dangers that surround them. In Kelmarane however, they could not coexist peacefully."
"A few decades ago, plague threatened the city. The temple of Abadar offered assistance, but most of the population turned to the high priest of Sarenrae, an imam named Halruun. Halruun turned back the plague and demanded that the temple of Abadar be converted to a church of Sarenrae. The Abadarians did not wish that the temple be debauched by bloodshed and abdicated to return to Katapesh City."
"Unfortunately, Halruun's madness seemed to grow with his power. He turned his attentions to a series of pogroms against those he thought infidels or heretics. His madness spread and threatened the region until soldiers of the Pactamasters pacified the town and left it in ruin. Halruun retreated to the vaults below the church."
"Some believed that the imam was influenced or in the sway of some demon, but the evil was never rooted out and the Pactmasters decided to lock it in the crypt with the mad imam. It may well still be a threat, but hopefully its power has waned. The Pactmasters have provided me with the key to the seal. I think you are correct, with the final defeat of the fiend within, Kelmarane will truly be free."
Kzrira looks at her companions.
Silently she communicates with handbag decoration: Seems like we have one final mission before we can get away from this horrible woman. Please let the others know. I suppose we should see what is down there in the morning.
"I am glad you enjoyed the tale, but I fear for the people in this town now even more than before. Master Garavel, this is not the first time we have heard the name Halruun, the poor soul trapped in the Monastery was saying the name Halruun. Maybe helping Halruun would appease the spirit in the monastery? I will go and check it out tomorrow, hopefully I will find some books down there too that will prove to be an interesting read."
Once the meal is finished, Kzrira heads out and begins to scout around the town making sure that no other dangers await the group of incompetents who decided to come here in a rather hasty and unprepared manner.
Survival: <-- +2 vs gnolls
Perception: <-- +2 vs gnolls
Before you depart, Garavel hands Amir a key shaped metal token that he removes from a pouch. It strongly resembles the key sigil you found in the ruined church. He tells you, "This is the interdict key, it will allow you to pass beyond the warding seal. May Abadar's grace protect you."
Kzrira finds the area around the town quiet and gnoll free for the moment. Faelar works on his writing, thankfully well rested after not suffering further visions the night before.
Once we have the key, I look to the others.
So, what is the plan? Do we go in this afternoon? Or wait for morning. My guess is that whatever is down there is not going to be friendly and we will need whatever assistance we can get.
Once the caravan returns, I look to see what is available. Specifically, I would like to purchase more Cold Iron arrows and if possible, Wands of Aspect of the Falcon, Wand of Gravity Bow, and an Efficient Quiver. I also have a Mithral Shirt and Chainmail +1 to sell.
Despite the small influx of goods arriving with the caravan, Kzrira finds the offerings very slim.
Amir nods at Garavel as he takes the key, Indeed, may the Master see to it his servant is looked after. Nodding in thanks Amir makes his way to convene with the others.
After scouting, writing, and shopping chores are concluded, the day is well spent and you regroup to plan your expedition to the ruined church.
Auri doesn't need to go shopping, and he only has the few coins he arrived with at the beginning anyhow... instead he just follows the others around.