"Some fancy Jewelry here!", Lubella noted, removing several items from the undead corpses. She scanned for magic auras, noting their presense on the vest and the shortsword; she tried to determine their properties.
When Tavlek mentioned the poem, she nodded and took out her notebook. "Here it is: 'Moonstone, Moonstone Ruby bright
Open Turquoise Malachite!'"
She tried to figure out what type of creature the figure represented. Perhaps it was a devil, like the one in the poem?
Sidius whistles, "Four eyes... Interesting..."
What appears to be this creature’s cloak unfurls into bug wings, and its apparently human face is merely patterns on its head. Xenopterid is the name of this humanoid-vermin.
The carved statue is magical as well, with an aura of conjuration.
Sidius whistles, "As creepy as that is, it's from our world. A giant bug, literally. Xenopterid."
"Giant bug, lovely." Talvek eyes the figure with distrust. "I don't know about the rest of you, but that was some fight. I'd like to rest a little before we continue to explore this place."
After reading the poem aloud, Lubella examined the lid for any traps, before attempting to open it.
She replied to Talvek, "I agree: we should regain our strength before venturing further."
Sidius nods, "I agree. Used most of my magic on summons... and healing."
Lubella’s initial actions produce no noticeable affect. However pushing the gems in the order listed in the poem triggers an action and unlocks the capstone.
Once the capstone is opened, a 10-footdiameter shaft is revealed. The old, rusted rungs of an iron ladder descend into the shaft, which is flooded with water 10 feet below the floor level of the chamber you are standing in. The shaft drops an additional 20 feet into the dark river water.
Seems like the level below is completely submerged. You'll have to swim... but can you hold your breath long enough to survive the unforgiving darkness of the watery depths and their bloodthirsty denziens?
Looking down this could take considerable effort, one best tackled with full rest. You are able to haul the notes back to the Lucky Bones hideout and peruse them over several hours.
Your search reveals the extent of the Gray Spiders’ impact on Kintargo at the zenith of their power. All things considered, their thievery and abduction activities were quite profitable, and you realize the city is much better off without them.
The study of the texts reveals numerous links to the city of Vyre, and it was to this city that most of the abducted victims were sent. Many appear to have been scheduled for sacrifice or sold into slavery.
One particularly interesting ledger, though, is a set of deeds for a number of warehouses and waterfront buildings in Vyre that name one Molly Mayapple as the legal owner. Other notes with the ledgers indicate that these deeds are stolen, and that the Gray Spiders intended to use the deeds to blackmail Miss Mayapple... obviously the raid by the Hellknights cut this plan short.
In one note, a particularly interesting bit of text, written in Tien, reads, “Mayapple may be a fellow rat, but that doesn’t exempt her from being fed on by a Spider!”
One final paper stuffed in a ledger contains a short poem written by the notorious halfling poet Boswyth. One line is circled: “Moonstone, Moonstone, ruby bright / Open turquoise, malachite.”
DC20 Knowledge (History), Craft (poetry) or Perform (sing):
Boswyth was a well-known critic of Thrune and rumored worshiper of Norgorber who grew up in the city of Vyre.Boswyth is one of the poets whose work is outlawed by Barzillai’s tenth proclamation
.
Lubella told the others, "There's one more thing I want to do before we rest: try to talk to the Xorn. Brakisi, can you translate for me? You said it seemed to understand you when you spoke to the summoned earth elementals.
"Octavio, do we have any lengths of metal chain lying around? I want to make sure that the Xorn doesn't cut through the rope and escape before I have a chance to speak to it. If not, we'll have to make do without."
"Wait a minute, I know this poet. Well, not them personally, but I know of them. The tenth proclamation outlawed their work, presumably because it was quite critical of Thrune." Talvek frowns as he re-reads the poem. "I think they grew up in Vyre, and there's a rumour that they were worshipping Norgober, so I can definitely see the connection with the Grey Spiders."
After a search, Octavio provides some chain scavenged from the dungeon.
”Vyre is a town some ways from Kintargo. The Gray Spiders are no friends of the Thrunes nor any other law abiding citizens. “
The xorn awakens, struggles against its restraints and all three eyes then turns from Lubella to Talvek and finally Sidius and speaks…in Terran first a greeting then switched
To raspy common.
”Who are you intruders? Release me immediately! “
Before reviving the Xorn, she took out her holy symbol from under her shirt, so it could be easily seen. When the creature came to, she introduced herself, "My name is Kyda, and these are Jackdaw, Brakisi and the Blue Warlock. We are the newly revived Silver Ravens, and are dedicated to making the city of Kintargo a better place. We're exploring these long-sealed chambers below the Lucky Bones.
"I apologize for the restraints, but you were trying to kill Jackdaw earlier. What assurance do we have that you won't try again?"
It blinks and continues its raspy common while testing the chains.
”I am bound here to defend and protect this room from thieves. You are thieves. I can only be released by the owner of this place. Until such time I must obey and attack. “
Lubella hadn't been expecting this response. She replied, "Wait, you're not talking about one of those Infernal Contracts that the Church of Asmodeus is so fond of, are you?
Other than yourself, the only living creatures we've met in this complex were members of a cult of Mahathallah, a devil helping them, and a couple of intended human sacrifices. Past the the sealed doors, we have met only undead. Who do you consider to be the owner of this place? It has been empty for many years to my knowledge."
I decided not to kill you, because I wondered why a Xorn would be here. Besides, I don't particularly like killing creatures unless they are irredeemably evil. I serve the goddess Sarenrae, who believes in offering people a second chance. If there is a way that I can help you avoid dying for some past unjust obligation, I will do my best."
It continues to struggle but pauses at the mention of the place being abandoned
The grating voice is slow and deliberate
”Indeed I am bound against my will by powerful arcane casters. I do not know their names. But to protect this place I must continue until released by the owners per the contract. “
Lubella responded, "Hmm... did they make you sign a contract? Do you know where it's stored?
"What are the terms? What's defined as protecting this place? There must be some way to break this bondage! It's tantamount to slavery as far as I'm concerned."
No. No contract. I am bound here against my will and must stop you until the owner releases my service.“
"Then we must find out who the owner is. The legal owner, that is, I doubt the Gray Spiders had the deed to the place," offers Talvek.
Lubella was getting concerned; this was proving to be more difficult than she had expected. Getting the 'owner' to release the Xorn wasn't feasible; she didn't even know who that was! Imprisoning the creature here wasn't practical, and they couldn't release it. She hated the idea of killing it, but she was having trouble figuring out other options.
She pondered what she knew about summoning and binding. Could that be countered?
She asked her comrades, "Anyone have any idea if whatever magic is binding the Xorn against its will can be dispelled?"
Octavio shakes his head.
I do not know anything of the binding magic employed to bind this creature, but it was obviously powerful.
He scratches his chin in thought.
My understanding of the legal ownership of these halls is tenuous at best. The Grey Spiders were destroyed and the Order of the Torrent abandoned it when they sealed the outer doors. I am not sure there is a current legal owner. At least not one available to make that claim. It seems vacant other than the undead and this unfortunate creature.
He reports the weekly success of the teams as a side note.
The teams have collected another 24 gold and recruited 13 new members to the cause.
Lubella relied to Octavio, "I suppose you could try telling him that you are the Lictor of the Order of the Torrent, and that he's released from his duty. It probably won't work, but it can't hurt to try."
She relayed his assessment to the Xorn, "These halls used to belong to an organization called the Grey Spiders, but they were destroyed by a retaliatory raid by the Hellknight Order of the Torrent. Afterwards, the Order of Torrent sealed the outer doors and abandoned the complex. So I'm not sure if there is an owner to release you. We can try dispelling the binding spell, but I don't know how easy that will be. We will try."
Octavio shrugs and says It is worth a try. Otherwise, we either have to destroy this creature or avoid this room.
He turns to the Xorn.
As Lictor of the Order of the Torrent, I am the surviving leader of the Order who took claim to these halls after the destruction of the Grey Spiders. I hearby re-affirm these halls are property of the Order of the Torrent and likewise release you from any service you had previously been bound to fulfill.
With three winks of his eyes, there is a grateful sigh from its maw and a flash of light sends the creature back to its own plane.
Interesting. is all the astonished Hellknight can muster.
"Sarenrae be praised!", Lubella declared. "I'm so glad we didn't have to kill it!
"Let's go back to our quarters and start looking through those documents."
When she got back to their headquarters, she freshened up before lunch, and ate a hearty meal. Afterwards, she settled in with a pot of coffee and started going through the papers.
Feeling similar relief at Octavio's success in unbinding the Xorn guardian, Talvek grins at Lubella. "I can't remember the last time I took such a beating, but I am also glad we didn't have to kill it."
Afterwards, wearing a new change of clothes and his wounds mostly patched up, the tiefling dives into the study of the documents left behind by the Grey Spiders.
The continued studies of the journals, ledgers and maps reinforces the span of control and power the Grey Spiders exercised in the city and even into Vyre.
Octavio scowls. It is no mystery why my order had to stop them. But the cost on both sides was high. And corruption on both sides was likewise led to this decrepit state of affairs. he says little after that comment. Lost in his regrets and haunted memories of the misdeeds.
It will take some time to haul the stacks of books, papers and maps to the barracks area, but the teams are available to assist.
The next morning. Lubells went out to get a good map of Ravounel. She needed to get a solid understanding of the regional situation, and that required a decent map to understand where everything was. She was careful to disguise herself, and take careful precautions to avoid giving away the secret entrance to onlookers.
When she returned, she made an inventory of all the documents that the had found. She kept notes about what the others had learned. and worked on compiling a summary of the main findings.
That next morning, Lubella is able to find a decent map of Ravounel (see map slide). Vyre is shown as a smaller town north of Kintargo.
Octavio awaits, eager to speak to the Rebellion Leaders.
There is indeed much intelligence to be gleaned from the recovered documents. Especially critical to fill gaps in my own knowledge of those final days with my order and the Grey Spiders.
He pauses.
So what is the plan from here? My team is still inadequately equipped to do much more than simple recon or intel missions, and potentially a simple rescue.
Lubella replied to Lictor Sabinus, "We've found the combination to the magical lock on the well cap. We'll swim down below and investigate. It'll be a bit slow going, since we will have limited air for each dive. but it should be doable.
"I understand your team's need for equipment. I plan on calling in a favor from Captain Sargaeta for additional funds to buy them some gear."
Octavio nods
”I had a feeling that cache of potions would prove valuable. And much appreciated on getting replacement equipment for that which was confiscated from our team during our unlawful confinement by the Thrune machine.“
Sidius says, "I can assume a form that would be a strong swimmer -- but I don't relish the idea of being down there alone -- and such a spell would last only a handful of minutes."
He shrugs, "Water breathing or air bubbles would probably be more useful."
As you traverse the city, there is word of a commotion near the river and docks. Several sailors were attacked and some even attempted to be pulled into the water by strange walking fish or lizard men. Nobody seems to have been able to recall enough for a good description, other than they disappeared into the murky water as suddenly as they appeared.
Sidius shakes his head, You'd think just the pompous acts of my dear cousin would be enough -- but after solving murders and dealing with a host of ills that his Lordship's men can't -- or won't -- there's one more thing to do.... No wonder he's trying to take credit for our actions.
He sighs, I do look forward to the reckoning, though.... Especially the look on Duruna's face when it happens..
With that, he shakes himself out of his reverie and goes to find herbs and spell components.
At breakfast, Lubella met with her teammates, "It looks like our next logical move is to explore down the well. Does everyone have what they need for that, do we need to buy some supplies? I should be OK for swimming, what with my ring, but I could use some help with a breathable air supply."
As you make your preparations and purchases, you have no problem returning to the Lucky Bones and well.
Octavio once again offers to rescue you with his team if need should arise.
Just call us and we will find a way to recover you or your bodies.
Carefully pressing the gems in the order previously described apparently avoids setting off some badness that Talvek is certain exists. The capstone opens with the grinding of stone.
Once the capstone is opened, a 10-footdiameter shaft is revealed.
The old, rusted rungs of an iron ladder descend into the shaft,
which is flooded with water 10 feet below the floor level of this chamber.
The shaft drops an additional 20 feet into the dark river water
before opening into some area in the darkness below.
Lubella visited the Scourge of Belial and gave Captain Cassius Sargaeta one of the fragments, unwrapping it carefully. "We rescued several soldiers from one of Thrune's jails, and need to equip them. I would appreciate it if you could give us some funds to do so." She bowed and took her leave. When she returned she told Octavio, "I've made the request; It will take the captain a few days to raise the money."
*****
When the team assembled at the well capstone, she said a prayer to light up her scimitar, and asked for the Dawnflower's blessing for herself and Talvek. Using her newly acquired skill training, she attempted to use the wand of Mage Armor on herself.
Talvek prepared a couple of extracts that would make it easier for him to swim before meeting everyone else at the capstone.
"I really hope we won't need your rescue, Octavio, but I do appreciate it." The tiefling claps the (former?) Hellknight on the shoulder before leaning over the opening to scrutinize the dark waters.
”Well, this looks pleasant.”
Captain Cassius Sargaeta greets Lubella. Welcome. I did not expect to see you back so soon. But your request does indeed sound dire.
The releasing of the torrent upon the Thrunes will perhaps reset some order to the city.
I will see what funds I can pull together. But as you may suspect, it may take me a few days.
His words are chosen carefully to show he knows of whom you speak, and also convey he has intelligence of activities in the city.
***
Octavio is grateful. Having my team free was deed enough for our thanks.
We are ever in your debt. Having a fully armed strike team will help the cause, especially should a rescue be needed.
I want to be in a position to repay the favor you provided us.
***
Looking deep into the well, the Tiefling's darkvision does not spot much that the light does not reveal of the thinly murky waters.
The ceiling of this entirely flooded chamber is fifteen feet
high, supported by square columns of stone that measure
five feet to a side and are crusted with algae.
The water is cold and still, but only slightly murky with mud and silt.
Instead of her usual street vlothes, Lubella wore a tight-fitting swimming costume. She tucked her hair into a swimming cap, so it wouldn't impede her vision. She left her crossbow behind, since it wasn't suited for underwater use. She carried a bare minimum of equipment in a waterproof bag, tied around her waist.
She asked, "Can someone give me a means to breathe for a few minutes? I won't be able to go to far just holding my breath."
Once provided with a magical air supply, Lubella told the others, "Stay close together. We don't want to get separated." She swam down and south into the underwater chamber, her glowing scimitar lighting the way.
As the illuminated halfling climbs down the rungs and then starts to swim, the expanse of the larger room is made clear.
She also spots the almost half-dozen pair of glowing eyes at the periphery of the room, watching, waiting, and at her lowest point of her dive, the five trident-wielding fish-men-attack!!!
=== Round 1 ===
{16+) Talvek(),Lubella(swimming), Sidius(), Arcos()
(16) Fishman(red)(blue)(green)(orange),(purple)
Lubella regretted forgetting to cast her Message spell before entering the water; she couldn't warn her allies about the numbers of opponents she could see (who she wasn't that familiar with). She cast another spell to ready herself for possible combat, then retreated slightly to avoid leaving herself too exposed to attack.
Talvek downed a couple of vials before following Lubella into the water, swimming into the chamber and immediately taking stock of the situation.
He positioned himself alongside his ally, drawing his rapier and preparing to defend himself.
These are green-skinned stooped humanoids with wide, toad-like head but a mouth like a toothy fish.
=== Round 1 ===
{16+) Talvek(mutagen, readied),Lubella(catsgrace, swimming), Sidius(), Arcos()
(16) Fishman(red)(blue)(green)(orange),(purple)
Sidius swims close to the others, twitching his webbed fingers to get used to them, and, seeing the monsters, begins to cast a spell to summon some assistance.
Sidius starts to summons and Arcos moves into position.
The fishmen advance to swarm the leaders...
red moves behind Talvek, and catches a nasty cut for his efforts, but continues forward.
Red On Talvek for
Orange On Talvek for
Red On Talvek for
Blue on Lubella for
Green on Sidius for
=== Round 2 ===
Talvek(mutagen),Lubella(catsgrace, swimming), Sidius(), Arcos()
Fishman(red -11)(blue)(green)(orange),(purple)
Lubella modified her martial dance for the underwater environment, twisting and slashing at her enemy. It worked pretty well, although she couldn't get the same amount of force in her strikes as she was used to. She was vaguely that the fish-men were using their numbers to surround the party, but resolved to concentrate on defeating the one in front of her before dealing with the others.
Talvek turns to face the injured Skum, watching a thin trail of blood blossom in the water. Bracing with his one hand against the pillar to his left, he extends his rapier arm forward, trying to skewer the creature.
Lubella slashes the blue-gill in front of her, drawing more blood into the water.
Talvek likewise stick his rapier into the fishman before him (red). This drops the creature, or rather causes it to go limp and float before him.
=== Round 2 ===
Talvek(mutagen),Lubella(catsgrace, swimming), Sidius(), Arcos()
Fishman(red -22 floating/uncon)(-7 blue)(green)(orange),(purple)
Arcos swims around the Skum attacking Talvek and lashes out at it with a fist full of lightning, taking advantage of Talvek's position behind it.