"As always we are happy to be of service to the town and to you, Sayeda." Karethas bows to the princess as she exits. Once she is gone his hand again falls to the amulet around his neck, his face settling into a frown.
I bow as Garavel sorts everything out and just before Almah leaves I speak up, "Your Highness, I would still like to perform the dance for you; once I am feeling better, if you would still accept it? Obviously I will not be including Undra into it, but I think that Garavel would be a welcome family member. I hear you have been watching the monastery, pray tell me, how is Qilué?"
Amir remains quiet, his faith and mood brightened by the arrival of an Abadaran priest. He answers any questions and offers any necessary clarifications under the Zone of Truth and does not shy from the effect.
As the princess withdraws Amir does not offer the same offers of service as the others but instead turns to Zayfid.
I thank you for your assistance. As ever I am His servant and I am forced to wonder, if what you say is true, and perhaps this creature is of such age and treachery to be the source of ill fortunes of this land, what should we do? The creature carries a great aggravation against us and against my young elf friend in the extreme. More than that this creature is obviously savy and deceitful, what would your recommendations be to further the safety and prosperity of this realm?
Princess Almah maintains a courteous demeanor as she pauses for Faelar's questions. "Of course you may perform at the festivities. Many of my subjects have enjoyed your singing in the past. As for the monastery, I am certain you can see that I have more important concerns at the moment." She then moves on.
Zayifid considers Amir's points. He strokes his beard as he replies, "From what I know of such creatures, foul deeds are as necessary to them as food and drink are to mortals. This div may take many forms, but sooner or later she will reveal herself through her need to ruin and despoil mortals. We must remain vigilant."
With a tightening in his throat, Karethas finds a quiet place to once again study the amulet. This time, he detects something hidden beneath the more obvious aura of abjuration. It is a twisted dweomer that perverts the purpose of the item lacing it with a deadly curse. One that afflicts the wearer with a foul rotting that only the mightiest magic may remedy.
Kzrira listens to the other's testimony and likewise answers truthfully that they tracked Undra first to the brothel and later to the mill where they encountered several assassins with poisoned weapons. Once they were dealt with, Undra appeared and attempted to use her magic to persuade the party that she was innocent, but finally she did reveal herself as a claw footed monstrosity for the lower planes. A monstrosity with claws that were likely used to rip the life from poor Zataran's body after he expressed his concern regarding the influence Undra was exerting and the illness that was inflicting the town.
When the princess is once again her conceited self, Kzrira has to bite her tongue to keep herself from chastising the arrogant girl.
Karethas nods in agreement with Zayifid about the need for vigilance, "And now that we know what we are dealing with, Faelar and I can study more about pairakas and be better prepared to defend ourselves and the town in the future."
After discerning the nature of the amulet Karethas will immediately seek out Zayfid again. After the initial pleasantries Karethas will get to the point. With a look of embarrassment he confesses, "It seems that the holy symbol that we found among Undra's belongings is cursed, and I have been ensnared by it." He holds it up away from his chest, "I don't even remember putting it on, so I think I was maybe compelled by some means or another. In any case, with proper preparation would you be able to remove the curse from me so I can take it off and destroy it?"
Having found a quiet corner in the upper levels of the market, Karethas catches the priest as he is on his way to the temple. Zayifid looks grave as he listens to Karethas' description and warily attempts to read the auras himself. "My magical skills are not as strong as your own, I cannot detect it. I would be happy to attempt to remove the curse tomorrow if you like. I only hope that my prayers are sufficient."
The great festival is set to begin in two days once preparations can be completed. It is to last three days and celebrate the liberation and renewal of Kelmarane. Nearly everyone is busy cleaning up the upper town and decorating the palace and market where the celebration will occur. The Market Tower is a hive of activity as new merchants compete for space in the rapidly filling trade center.
Karethas visits Zayifid in the old Temple of Abadar the next day. The high priest does his best, but is unable to remove the curse or the disease. The young conjurer is no worse, but Zayifid warns that the foul periapt is likely to slowly and irrevocably take its toll. He suggests you consult with the priests of the Lambent Citadel in Solku as soon as the festival is over. He also recommends the Archives there for more information on div and other threats in the region.
During the rest we have been given I go back to the tailor to see how my order is coming along. If it has been finished I will wed Qilué during the festival, with Zayifid and Almah performing the ceremony, if they will agree? I would have have Karethas and Amir as best men and Kzrira as best woman for Qilué.
It is unclear whether it is the fading of Undra's enchantments or simply the excitement of coordinating a grand festival, but Almah's demeanor changes for the better over the next few days and she greets you all with what seems genuine graciousness. The first day commences with a grand ceremony of recognition for the Heroes of Kelmarane. You are each given medals for your service to the town and that night, you feast at the royal table with the Princess and her retinue as well as the high priest. The night ends with singing and dancing as well as a wonderful performance by Faelar.
The celebration continues the next day with the highlight being Faelar's wedding. Zayifid, of course, agrees to perform the marriage and Almah will officiate. The tailor is beside himself with the news that his design will be front and center at the ceremony and quickly completes a gown more fantastic than Faelar could have wished. If anyone finds the union of elf and halfling odd, none say so out loud and the couple are showered with gifts including Zataran's shop should Qilue wish to continue its operation.
Immigrants continue to flood into the town during the festival and by the third day, the population has swollen to nearly 400. The festivities and feasting continue and another surpise is announced for the Heroes of Kelmarane who are the guests of honor. A commemorative statue has been commissioned for the central square in the lower town. After three days of festivities and feasting the town begins to settle down to the tasks of rebuilding and accommodating the new residents. The heroes return to the monastery to plot their next moves.
Qilué and I accept Zataran's shop and with Qilué's talents she is able to get the stock running quickly and efficiently. I help out with a little advertising, going around and spreading the word of the shop
Once it is time to go back to the monastery I head back with my friends after giving Qilué an emotional farewell. I also say goodbye to Almah for her assistance and inform her that I will always be available if she ever needs my help or knowledge.
Karethas is somewhat distracted during the festivities. He seems genuinely pleased for Faelar during the wedding, but otherwise is a little distant and aloof. Once the group returns to the monastery he finally shares what has been bothering him, "It seems the Undra's amulet has caused me to be cursed. Zayfid and I tried to remove the curse, but alas, it is beyond our abilities. He has suggested that I travel to Solku and consult with the priests of the Lambent Citadel. Unless I can find answer, the curse will slowly eat at me from the inside. I plan on leaving the day after tomorrow to allow for some preparations, I would welcome any of you that wish to join me."
Amir purely spends his time fostering a relationship with Zayifid and asks after hiring a runner to take Zataran's ashes to the Great Vault, using whatever other money that belonged to the shopkeep as a donation to the church. Otherwise he will help out with domestic issues, talking to Garavel about the princess coping with the Undra issue, etc.
Kzrira finds the town's new life to be a positive, but has begun to feel that the town, especially with its increased size, is becoming more and more confining. Each morning, she saddles her horse and rides with the town scouts carefully scouring the local hills and plains for any sign of outlaws, gnolls, or other threats. She cheerfully takes part in the wedding ceremony, but does not spend much time around the town other than that.
When Karethas informs her that the amulet they found is cursed, Kzrira's concern is easily discernable.
Karethas, the question is not if, it is how soon can we leave? If you had informed us earlier that you had been cursed, I would have already had you there at the temple in Solku. Together we have combatted great evil, and together we shall protect one another so that our adventures to rid this land of all that is bad can continue. We all know that Undra is still about and each of us will need to be at out strongest if we hope to trap and slay that Abaddon's whore
Kzrira finds her morning rides quite lonely. Although the town's defenses have been bolstered by a score of half-orc mamluks, the Pactmaster guards, and a growing number of mercenaries, the focus has been only on the town. No one except Kzrira is keeping an eye on the outlands. Fortunately, she sees no evidence of gnoll raiders or other immediate threats.
Faelar has been absorbed in newlywed pursuits and setting up his bride in her new business. She finds that the infusium device left by Zataran is a great boon to production and predicts that the shop will soon be profitable. He still has a slight tremor from the recent illness inflicted upon him by the foul div, but he is recovering nicely and becomes more hale every day.
Amir is quickly insinuating himself among the new town's leaders. Zayifid in particular is impressed with the enterprising old merchant and Amir finds the new church leader very amiable. Obviously the administration in Katapesh City knew that a charismatic presence was necessary in a settlement with such a troubled religious history. Zayifid is particularly interested in Amir's knowledge of Halruun both before and after his fall. He suggests that Zataran be interred in Kelmerane once the vaults of the temple are reconsecrated.
Karethas' announcement comes as a shock to his companions. Although the young wizard has been withdrawn and looked a bit haggard of late, many assumed that was the toll of the arcane effort he has put into scribing scrolls of late. Once the true cause of his weariness is revealed, Kzrira quickly pledges her assistance.
Karethas thanks the others for their willingness to travel on his behalf. "I believe the quickest and safest way for us to travel is to use mounts that I can summon for us and spend the nights in this pocket dimension that I can now create. I assumed that our interests would lead us to travel again, and I for one was tired of being ambushed and having our mounts killed from under us. So I researched a few spells to help with those matters."
Kzrira looks at Karethas and then at her trusty steed.
I prefer my own mount, but I understand your concern and also the problems we have previously encountered with gnolls attacking our mounts. I shall leave my mount here and use your magical steeds.
Kzrira does not appear thrilled to be riding some type of magical beast, but understands the need for speed and the dangers that may be encountered.
I see the wisdom in reducing the number of targets in our party but I worry that summoned steeds will lack the training and heart for the fight should we come across trouble. Perhaps I should keep my Bez and Kzrira a trained mount of her own so that were we to run into trouble we know our horses will not shirk from our defense?
Karethas shrugs, "It seems to me that our problem has been protecting our mounts rather than fighting from them. The pocket dimension I mentioned will hold us, but it not allow horses access. Within it we are essentially immune from attack and difficult to locate. I will not make a fuss either way, but I will be sleeping and keeping watch from within the pocket dimension. There were several times that I feared for all of our lives during the nights when we travelled to Solku."
I listen to what everyone says about Karethas and the trip top Solku, "It would seem to me that I have two choices. Join you all to go to Solku and make sure that Karethas is healed properly, as well as join up with you and maybe visit the library again ... or I stay here while you are gone and help keep an eye out for Undra's return. I am happy to do either, which would you all prefer?"
Kzrira looks at Faelar:
While I think that you should stay with your bride. I believe we are much stronger as a team. Your music lightens our hearts and makes us stronger. Likewise, your healing is invaluable when enemies pierce our defenses and land deadly blows.
After some debate, it is decided that Kzrira and Faelar will accompany Karethas on magical mounts and Amir will stay to continue his work hobnobbing with the powers that be in Kelmarane. The journey is uneventful though Karethas continues to weaken and more gray foul smelling boils appear as he continues to suffer the affects of the deadly curse.
The continually flaming dome of the Lambent Citadel cannot come into view soon enough, but finally the city walls are reached and you speedily make your way to the great temple to speak with the priests therein. Once again you enter past the great bronze doors to the inner courtyard which is graced with fruiting citrus and fountains. The great mosque lies ahead reaching sunward, yellow and blue stained glass glittering below the burning dome. The party enters the airy vaulted interior filled with golden light filtered through the glass.
You are recognized from your previous visit and quickly led to the office of the adjutant, Nahar. The distinctive kelshite man greets you and asks what brings you back to Solku.
Karethas gives the Adjutant a small bow, "Sarenrae's continued blessings upon you as well. Thank you for seeing us so directly. We come for two reasons, but the first is more pressing. Pardon my appearance, but in battling a foul div I have been struck with a curse. It is attached to this amulet we found." He holds up the amulet, "And is beyond our abilities to remove. We were hoping that someone here would be able to rid me of this horrible infliction before it rots me completely. Our second concern is related to the first. We would like access to your libraries to seek more information to battle the pairaka which inflicted this curse upon me, as we were only able to drive her away when we last battled her. We fear that we shall have to face her foul mien again."
When they first arrive, Kzrira bows her head to the priest:
It is an honor to once more be in this temple of goodness.
Thereafter, Kzrira quietly steps back to allow Karethas and, I assume, Faelar speak with the priest.
I wave to Amir and ask him to keep an eye on Qilué for me, then leave with both Karethas and Kzrira. Even though I spent much time here, I am still wowed by the city and it's view, but follow Karethas and Kzrira making sure not to fall behind. I let Karethas do all the talking about the curse but upon my name being mentioned and the library I smile and bow to the man, "Greetings, I hope you are well. My friend is correct, we were unable to defeat the Pairaka but were able to drive it away. I have spent some months in your library and would like to ask for permission to re-enter and see what information I can find on the devilish creatures, so that no-one else succumbs to its evil whims and desires."
Karethas interjects punctiliously, "Actually, it's more a elemental, of the genie type. Nothing to do with devils."" Satisfied that he has sufficiently proven his intellect, Karethas awaits the adjuncts answer.
Nahar nods at Karethas' clarification, "That is correct, though similar in name, div and devils are quite different. Div are corrupted genies exiled to Abaddon though many return to this plane to despoil mortal works, though any work of beauty or creativity seems to enrage them." He looks thoughtful, "Some say they were once genies favored by the gods for their ability to conjure great works with their wish magic, but they lost the gods favor when mortal creatures were created. The gods became infatuated with their newest creation and the spurned genies were transformed to div and now seek only to obliterate mortals and their works."
"I am troubled to hear of their presence in Katapesh. That accursed amulet bears the eclipse, the sign of Ahriman. I do not think the div worship him, but this pairaka might seek to cultivate Usij cultists to further sow discord. This is all very troubling."
"The Citadel does have a small library that has some information on divs that have attracted the attention of Sarenrae in the past. Unfortunately, those tomes are reserved for priests of our order. I believe you had access to the Archive here Solku last you were here. I would encourage you to look there again. Perhaps you can find hints as to this Paraika's origins in the region."
"I will look further into this as well. In fact, perhaps it is time for Sarenrae to once again have a presence in Kelmarane. I hear that the town is growing quickly. I would not have conflict once again arise with the Abadarians, but they are often less proactive in rooting out such evil. Perhaps it is time to restore the Vardishalian monastery to its proper use."
He pauses, "In regards to the amulet. I have heard of such devices. They are very difficult to destroy. It will take a series of divine magics including a miracle. Another possibility is to sacrifice a periapt of health. Crushing them together will destroy both, but it would be a shameful loss of a useful magic item. Worth it of course to destroy this fiendish blight and save your life."
"I will speak with the Imam, but I think she would certainly favor an agreement that would not only guarantee the destruction of this work of evil, but also place Sarenrae in a position to deal with the threat of divs in Kelmarane."
Karethas frowns a bit at the mention of an "agreement", but quickly recovers his composure. "Yes, well I hope the Iman is quick to come to a decision. My condition is worsening, and I am eager to be rid of this sickness."
Kzrira also grimaces at the priests mention of an agreement. She then waits to see what exact demands the priest may have.
Nahar nods in agreement."Yes, and we would see you quickly cured. Let me be blunt, we are not ones to haggle over the price of service as are the Abadarians and you have already shown yourselves to be champions of good. We would like to more directly support you and the new settlement you reclaimed. It is my understanding that the Princess of Kelmarane has granted you title to the Monastery of Vardishal though it is the rightful property of the church of Sarenrae. We wish to rededicate it and serve the faithful of Kelmarane and the region."
*******
Zayifid soon realizes that repairing and restoring the church is going to take his full efforts for some time. He calls a meeting with Amir, Garavel and the Princess to discuss the growing town's needs especially in light of the blight left by Undra. It is decided that the old mill and tannery brothel should be razed and that Amir should be in charge of clearing and renovating the main entrance to the town. He is granted the old innkeeper's home for an office and it is hinted that should all go well, a capable man will soon be needed to handle assessment and revenue collection for the settlement.
I rub my chin at the mention of giving the monastery back, deep in thought. I look up at the man demanding the building back. "We have put some time into repairing the monastery, I myself mainly trying to make the library grande once again. All I want is to restore that library so that I can spend time reading the tomes that will be there, we will also need a new place to sleep. Are you saying that you will only remove the curse afflicting Karethas if we agree to give you the monastery?"
Karethas cringes at Faelar's directness, "I'm sure the church is willing to heal me in any case. It is just that they would like to recover the monastery, and it is in everyone's best interest to make that happen." I wish Amir were here to be doing this negotiation. Karethas turns back to Nahar, "We have invested in making the monastery inhabitable again. While I would not object to just counting my portion as a donation to the Church, my companions are not tied to the Church and would rather see that amount returned to them. If you returned the full amount and they split it among themselves three ways, then they would see a small profit which should make the sting of losing their home less painful."
Nahar raises his hands in placation at Faelar's rather pointed question and smiles at Karethas' intercession. "Of course, the evil pendant will be destroyed quickly to prevent any further suffering. I hope that our request has not been found unseemly. We merely wish to reestablish our presence in the region against our common enemies. THe monks would of course be excellent caretakers of your library should you wish to leave it in their care and we would be quite willing to compensate you for your troubles."
I smile and nod at the man, "As long as they books are cared for properly and more can be added to the collection then I am happy. I will have to erect a small shrine for The Eternal Rose somewhere too, Kelmarane is like a rose bud, finally being able to bloom after being starved of light with disease and curses. I believe she would like to be a part of the place too, to watch the beauty flourish and to try and keep it beautiful."
Amir welcomes the tasks as they come but offers some reservation at the hints of more "sustained" service, noting that many things would be contingent on the success of his friends trip and their need of his support. However, Amir is not without a certain ambition so he certainly does not outright refuse and imagines how he might balance a regular role with the town against the "itch" of the adventuring bug that has gripped him and his companions.
Nahar nods again, "Very well. Let me check with the Imam and see if we can do something about this foul artifact. You may wait here if you wish."
The priest exits and returns not too much later. He bears a heavy hammer and a beautiful blue jewel dangling from a silver chain. He sets it upon the stone floor and shaking his head sadly, brings the hammer down repeatedly until the gem is crushed. "It is a sad thing to see such a beautiful and useful item destroyed. I am sure the div must be laughing."
He gathers the pale dust and summoning Karethas over says a short prayer and carefully pours the powdered periapt over the cursed holy symbol. Immediately the dark stone hisses and pops as it shrivels and smokes. Karethas is unharmed as it seems to burn up, dropping to the ground where it totally disappears in a stinking wisp of smoke a few moments later.
Karethas sighs with relief when the amulet falls away. "Thank you Nahar, and many thanks to the Iman as well. It is a relief to be rid of that death sentence. As for the monastery, one of our companions did not accompany us on this trip, and it would be unfair to make decisions without his input. Would you care to send a representative with us to Kelmarane? They could take possession of the monastery once we reach an agreement, and they could act as the Church's representative with the town as well until you establish a more permanent presence."
Though now free of the amulet, the pock-mark scars and slight numbness continue along with general weakness of constitution. The elegant adjutant smiles. "You are wise beyond your years, young wizard. Let us have a few days to brief our representative as you say. I believe you wanted to do some research in the Archives anyway. I hope this will not be an inconvenience. The church can put you up at the Breakstride Inn until all is ready."
Finding cities less and less enjoyable by the day with all the corruption and evil that seems to infest them, Kzrira accepts the offer of lodging along with the others, but takes to her horse the next morning and finds a scouting patrol with which to ride to survey the land and learn more about the desert and plains surrounding the city.
Karethas helps Faelar with the research, but stays in his room resting when not in the Archives.
Once it is clear after a day or two that he might have some time to resolve things while his friends are away, Amir will look after the more substantial tasks of the city entrance; ie getting together crews to clear away brush and any basically work their way through the area and cull anything of value to either discard or reuse in the efforts to re-model the entrance.
Falear immediately makes his way into the White District and the Archive of Eminent Tomes. He is greeted by the Curator who inquires as to recent events. He again thanks Faelar for his account of the reclaiming of Kelmarane.
Upon hearing of Faelar's interest in div, his brow wrinkles in thought. "I cannot recall anything that discusses a presence of div in this region, but I think I can find some accounts from the western parts of Ancient Osirion and maybe even Qadira. I'll see what I can find."
With Talp's help, Faelar finds the history of a legendary div hunter named Shekar and learns something of the cunning Shira, powerful Sepid, and perverse Pairaka div. He learns that all div are immune to fire and poison and can see perfectly even in magical darkness.
The pairaka are known for their ability to spread disease and taint dreams with twisted perversions that leave the victim fatigued and haunted. It is revealed that they also hate beauty and goodness and can summon lesser doru div as spies or clouds of pestilent flies to afflict their enemies. They can take the form of beautiful humanoids or small animals to conceal themselves, but are said to hate the color red and can sometimes be exposed through their aversion to the color.