Salus stumbles to his feet, "My thanks..." he pauses unsure what to think of the creature, "exalted one."
Salus, feeling the call of the statue, pulls it from his pack and uses the last of its healing.
[dice]2d6[dice]
He surveys the fallen drow, he moves to each in turn giving a benediction and laying them in repose. As he does so his eyes narrow as if lost in thought.
healing to everyone.
As Salus moves about the room he sees that the initial explosion of the box killed the prisoners.
Kracow picks himself up,
Well it doesn't work quite like that if you dont already have a bonded item, like my gun. But try it yourself.
Kracow holds out his shiny new gun.
Turning to Varin, mind if I get two more pokes from that happy stick?
Worked fine for my ring.... And here
, waves the wand over Kracow. Once again anyone else?
"Thanks Varin. That last healing from the statue has me feeling much better. It is unfortunate about the prisoners. If we want to bring the bodies and the that of the wizard up, I can still see what I can learn from their spirits. We need to see if we can find out more about that letter and whether it refers to the drow lady with the big nails or someone else."
Tarragon moves over to the pool and dips his +1 bastard sword in it.
Tarragon walks over to the Weapon rack and places his sword on it. Grips the gauntlet and swings the arm into the pool. There is abright flash of light around him, which quickly fades, leaving the room dimly lit, only by the pool itself.
"So that is what it feels like to be tired. A strange sensation."
"Let us take the warrior and the wizard with us to the surface. The priestess can not likely be compelled"
Kracow, now fully healed, will keeps his eyes open and lead the party back to the surface. We will bring back the drow priestess and her body guard along with all the possessions we found.
Returning to the surface is anything but simple. It takes far longer than any of them would have liked. There are stumbles and falls. It takes 4 times as long to return to the enemy Base camp, where thepriestess was captured.. There everything remains the same, but most of the alchemy equipment has been gone through. It is early the next morning when the party arrives at Halwer's manor. And a motly crew they are.
They are met by everyone, Trinfulard and Fizwiddle immediately begin to question Tarragaon about his past, and then comparing their own notes about the arcane and History. Trinfulard greets Varin with courtesy being very familiar with his work. After a meal and recounting of everything that happened, including sharing of the note found on the Wizard
After the meal Halwer rises.
Thank you gentlemen. You have performed very well. Before I continue let me also thank young Varin, and not so young Tarragon. You both have found yourselves deep in this situation. Whomever the woman that let you free is, she is obviously very powerful and she now knows you. These other are in my employ for the month...and perhaps beyond. I would like to offer you the same deal. 150 GP per month, and the services of my staff. And of course all of you have a room here, and the base camp at your disposal.
He turns to Trinfulard who has been strumming away in the corner.
Trin, I want you to gather some info for me. I want you to see who, amongst the lesser nobles are potentially our ally of the drow. We have an initial and we know from these poison globes that they do not have all that much money, or they would not have needed to steal the jewelry. I have a feeling that there is something very wrong going on here. See what you can dig up.
Trinfulard smiles Of course, that is a large task, it will take a few days, but if there is anything to learn I will learn it.
The rest of the morning goes by with the sharing of tales and general happiness, at least for the moment.
I will accept however, the guard maybe after me. And I find myself in need of a hand. Is anyone here good at finding things in the wild? I need to find a certain plant.... Describes the plant he needs to save Albrecht.
Fizzwiddle pipes up.
OK big green and ugly. I will go get your plant with you...do you know where to find those? I can harvest it no problem. But in return you will have to let me study that amazing mask of yours! I have never seen anything like it...it is amazing! whatta ya say!
Tell me why the guard is after you sir orc. Halwer says.
Salus goes to the temple of Calistria to meet Ellyra and see if Ulp has shown up.
Because of Albrecht the man I am trying to save. The guard in that quarter has never accepted me and a rival poisoned Albrecht I believe that person man also blame me for his poisoning and thus keep me from healing him...... And yes you may study my mask as long as you allow me to be present. I will even talk with it for you so it can answer any questions you have that it can. And thank you for this sir I am in your personal debt
Add two more if I can beg borrow or bribe access to a master work lab.
He looks up the party. Gentlemen may I ask for your help. I could use an escort too my friends home I fear there may be trouble on the way...
Trinfulard looks surprised at Varin.
That is fascinating. But I am afraid you are woefully mistaken. I am familiar with your situation with Tirn, Terrible name that, and I am fairly confident he had nothing to do with Albrecht. You see the very day that your apprentice fell ill, so did he, with the exact same illness.
Halwer looks surprised. Well this is interesting. Varin. I recomend that you come with me to clear your involvement in this. It shuld involve nothing more than a simple Zone of truth spell and my word. Also I am sure that Fizzy is more than capable as an escort.
Salus tells Ellyra everything she wants to know. He is gentle with her, treating her as an old friend. At her blank expression regarding Ulp he relates what he knows of the kobold and his plans for converting him to serving the light.
Following his encounter with Ellyra he goes to the streets, asking first at the magistrate for any reports of a kobold on the surface. Lacking any leads there he asks around some of the seedier bars.
diplo for gather info
Follows Trinfulard. [B]Thank you once again. Also I have no problem with you studying my mask but I do need it near by as I brew it knows quite a few things about alchemy and helps me[b]
Salus rises from his bed, padding over to the door, grabbing his sword as he does so. He opens the door cautiously, acutely aware his armor is still on its makeshift rack.
Kracow agrees to help Varin, his new found oddity, but first he has some personal issues he needs to deal with.
Kracow eats and cleans up then slips out of the manor before evening falls.
Then he indulgences in his next to needs a nice plump women and a fix. He uses the remaining share of the loot and spends a few gold to buy his companion for the night. He finds one that is soft and pillowy but knows a supplier of street drugs, preferably pesh but he's willing to experiment.
Gather info/ kn local plus a few gold to grease palms
Tirn was attacked as well, in the same way. Do I let him die or save him?
Close! he whispers.
Growls in frustration and sets to brewing a second cure not really worrying if he fails.
After mucking up the first batch due to his dislike of Tirn he sets down to real alchemy...
Gathers up any who wish to go with him. And tells Trin that he is ready to go see the guards. We have things we must set to right any of you who are willing your help would be welcome....
Salus closes the door quickly but quietly and moves to his chain shirt, "Why the rush little one?"
Found! found! As he bounces he pulls a small vial from his belt and drinks it. His body shimmers and he turns into Ulp the kobold.
Salus smiles, "Excellent little one, very resourceful! Tell me of your journey here, I am curious about your adventures."
I run run from your friends. Hide hide till gone. Take take my things and wait wait for you. here. No excitement just wait. I make potions and magics for my people. Now slave slaves!
Okay one last time
Format is top line roll to assist second roll mine if top beats 15 add two
Varin completes the cures and administers them to both Tirn and Albrecht. Both immediately begin to breathe easier, though Varin knows that they will likely sleep for several more days.
"Excellent. You seek to free your people, correct?"
He stays with Albrecht and spends his other time fixing his shop
If the meeting with Halwer is done Tarragon will take a look around the city and take in everything.
"Which is why you are going to have to learn new skills. I was not always a swordsman, or a servant of the light for that matter. I learned the error of my ways through sacrifice, but I learned the sword from somewhat more mundane means. Tomorrow we will go to the temples of Sarenrae, Iomedae, Torag, Erastil, Cayden Cailean, and Irori. One can learn much from all faiths but to become an idea one must take each lesson in turn. I can't promise than I can make you an idea, that only you can do, but I can make you a knight."
Salus takes his bedroll from his pack and sets it up. "For now though, we sleep. I only require a few hours, while you rest I'll make spiritual preparation." He takes a place on the bedroll on the floor and gestures to the bed, "You sleep there, more comfortable."
Tarragon travels around the city, often acompanied, whether he desires it or not by Fizzwiddle, and occasionally Trinfulard. Both being fascinated by him. Tarragon recieves many strange looks and while traveling through the docks one evening is even attacked. Though he is never in any real danger
Boneyard returns to his lodging and business in The Coins once he has had a chance to see what he can gather from the spirits of the drow. After getting a good night's rest, he journeys out into the city to see about making some purchases to replenish materials and acquire new ones.
Tarragon travels around the city, often acompanied, whether he desires it or not by Fizzwiddle, and occasionally Trinfulard. Both being fascinated by him. Tarragon recieves many strange looks and while traveling through the docks one evening is even attacked. Though he is never in any real danger
For the attackers, Tarragon merely subdues them with an admonishment to change their ways.
Tarragon visits the market district, the middle class housing district and the temple district.
At the temple of Sarenrae Ulp is introduced to the priests of the Dawnflower as Salus's potential squire. It is explained to a confessor that Ulp is a kobold beginning his steps on the path of light, and thus should be extended any help the church can give.
"This, Ulp, is the faith of Sarenrae. Though I claim no patron, if I did, she would be it. She is the goddess of the sun, healing, and most importantly, redemption. We are not given forgiveness by anyone, not truly, we have to earn it.
You and I can see in the dark as well as any creature of this world, but others are not so fortunate. When we venture into the depths we carry her light with us. Though the darkness and cold of the world below can be oppressive it is said that the Dawnflower bound a portion of the sun down there, thus no creature, not even the Rough Beast, is without her warmth in this world.
As we venture against evil, light and forgiveness shall be our guide, our nourishment, and our greatest weapon."
At the temple of Iomedae Ulp is once again introduced as a candidate as a squire, though this time his particular origins are not exposed.
"Here we find the faith of Iomedae. She is the goddess of honor, justice, and valor. She is also righteous wrath, bravery, and vigilance.
Notice the blades on the hips of the faithful. No graceful scimitars these, these are cold, solid, vindictive steel. Theirs is the art of battle, though refined over that of Gorum. Many of the faithful here are knights, and before all else knights are warriors. You will learn the longsword, for it is the weapon of the knight.
Through her we are taught how to confront our fears and drive them away. Through her we learn how to respect our superiors and serve and protect those weaker than us. Through her we learn to be warriors others will look up to."
Last for the day is the temple of Irori, here Ulp is introduced as a supplicant, eager to undertake the journey of self-perfection.
"Here Ulp, is our last stop for the day. Though I would like to show you others it is important for your evolution that you understand who Irori is. He is one of a handful of gods who were once mortals. Iomedae was one as well, but whereas she ascended through the Test of the Starstone, Irori did it by sheer will. He is the god of self-perfection and enlightenment. When I spoke to you of becoming an idea, this may be the clearest example of what I meant. Look at the acolytes about you, they dedicate themselves to being better, being perfect, like their patron. I'm not saying you need to become a god, I'm saying you need to develop a following. As you grow closer to the ideal, others will be inspired by you and follow your example.
In a way, I have in my life represented two ideas. Once, I was destruction, madness incarnate. There are monsters that say they want to end the world, not many try. Now, I strive toward goodness, redemption. I was shown a better way and now I'm trying to show you that way as well. We will become ideas that others can strive toward. Like these around us follow Irori to enlightenment, others will follow our examples.
I want you to learn here that an idea is a powerful force. Killing a man is easy, killing an idea is next to impossible."
No like hot and light. No like sword. Perfect. Lightenment interesting. I make perfect things to drink. They let me come see church?
Kracow will enjoy his night of pleasure and in the morning he will study his word spells and use his contact to find research library:
Spell craft to learn a new spell mage hand
Kracow fights the urge to return to a his night of indulgence.
Fort
oops