Taking the emerald that Brother Guiness offered for appraisal, Aldhranhald scrutinizes the size, quality, cut, and clarity of the gem to see if he can decide on a good approximation of its value.
Sama grins at Brother Guiness and says, "When would you know the first thing about cleanliness?" Then she winks and says, "Just kidding! Spend a week in a dungeon and none of us will be clean!"
Aldhranhald estimates the emerald to be about 30 Gp worth.
The night has passed uneventfully.
"Thank you all for your excellent hospitality. Be safe."Boudacia says to the Stondes as she prepares to leave. Boudacia is carrying one of the younger children with obvious affection, can the otherworldly witch have a maternal streak after all? Wayne, who has been playing with the children, flying not far out of reach as they chase him, winds up his game in order to leave.
Aldhranhald makes a point of gathering up each of the Stonde family's small children into his arms and giving them each a strong hug, an Elven blessing, and the blessing of Irori. He places his open palm above their hearts and says, "In freedom you were born, and free you live; live without limits, for your achievements are only limited by your mind." He will then kiss each of the small ones on the forehead, sending them back off to their chores and play. Davon and Ilyana he'll gather in an embrace as well, and when parting says, "Let all those that bless you be blessed, and all those that curse you be cursed. May your days be spent in peace, prosperity, and full joy."
When they are fully away from the farm, on the route to Fort Inevitable, Aldhranhald will say to his companions. "If it's all right with you all, and, obviously, with you," he looks at Tamlara, "I'd like Tamlara to accompany me to Lord Royst's to discuss our reward for the maps I've put together so far."
As the group leaves, Gansu bows to the Stonde family. "Peace and good fortune to you," he says, before leaving.
Tamlara wishes the Stonde family farewell, "I'm sure we'll see you again soon!" then heads out with the others.
"Of course I'll go to Lord Royst's with you, Aldranhhald. Maybe Boudacia and Sama or Gansu can go see High Mother Sarise, then we can all meet at Kagnin's for lunch & distribution of our payouts."
"Sounds like a sensible plan to me. Who would like to accompany me to High Mother Sarise?"replies Boudacia.
Bidding the Stondes a fond farewell, Kairon gathers his belongings, but leaves ten gold crowns on the mantel over the fireplace. As he strides outdoors, he calls to the others: Well, let's move on! Lots to do today!
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Brother Guiness hands the Crowned Skull necromancer skull to Boudacia. "Here's your proof for the High Mother, Boudacia. Good luck."
Turning to Aldhrenhald, BG asks about the Emerald Spire fragment that the necromancer was carrying, "Didn't you say that this Lord Royst fellow had a fragment very much like this from a statue he wanted you to find? Maybe he can make sense of this fragment too..."
"Thank you Brother Guiness. Hopefully this will be sufficient for the High Mother. Good call giving the copper pieces to the Stondes by the way." Boudacia takes the Crowned Skull from Brother Guiness, examines it briefly then stows it in her backpack.
... Turning to Aldhrenhald, BG asks about the Emerald Spire fragment that the necromancer was carrying, "Didn't you say that this Lord Royst fellow had a fragment very much like this from a statue he wanted you to find? Maybe he can make sense of this fragment too..."
The party arrives safely into town & after showing their license to adventure they are allowed in easily enough. Though definitely getting some looks and comments about the nearest bath-houses, or even the sewer drainage being able to clean some of you up.
Tamlara & Aldhranhald start heading off to Lord Royst's house, while Boudacia hesitates a bit, "Is anyone going with me to see the High Mother?"
Tamlara & Aldhranhald start heading off to Lord Royst's house, while Boudacia hesitates a bit, "Is anyone going with me to see the High Mother?"
Gansu shrugs. "I can accompany you."
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”Sama, it seems your lavender cleaning magic has worn off. Perhaps you could come with me and remove the smell from this items we are planning to sell.”
BG heads off to sell their items, get his armor cleaned and repaired, and clean his clothing and body. Then to lunch and a well-deserved Dwarven Stout!
As the party makes its way through the fort gates, Kairon gives a sudden shout of recognition. He hustles over to a water trough outside an establishment and begins a heated discussion with a rather large half-orc accompanied by an equally large wolf, who appears to be content with having the trough to himself. After a few moments, the priest turns back to his new allies, his expression frustrated.
Seems the Jaldith brothers got word from a friend that called 'em away in some 'merjuncy, or somethin'. Vak couldn't find anyone to go back with him to get me, till just a bit ago. I'm glad y'all happened along when ya did! Me'n Vak need to catch up to 'em, as there's still the matter of payment, and I agreed to help 'em fer a fortnight. This is where I take my leave, friends. Mebbe I'll see y'all again, someday! Sarenrae keep you!!
After a few kind words are exchanged, Kairon rechecks his gear and then heads for the nearest stables, the rangy half-orc/wolf pair in tow.
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"It was my pleasure to make your acquaintance, Kairon, and I am glad your companions are alive and well. Fair journey to you, and may the stone be firm beneath your feet."
Brother Guiness does a few calculations and hands Kairon a small sack with his share of the loot (as determined in a previous post). After a firm farewell hand-clasp, BG heads off to do his errands.
"As Brother Guiness says, it is well your companions are safe and your company was appreciated. Best wishes for the future Kairon and with luck we will meet again."says Boudacia shaking Kairon's hand warmly. She then turns to Gansu "It seems we are off to the Temple of the Golden Key Gansu."
With that the witch heads off towards the Temple of the Golden Key where she will try to gain admittance.
"Certainly, Brother Guiness. Let's go get down to business! And we can refill our packs and our canteens," says Sama as she joins her stout companion for replenishing supplies.
She then turns to Gansu "It seems we are off to the Temple of the Golden Key Gansu."
"All right, lay on then." Gansu says as he follows Boudacia.
Tamlara & Aldhranhald make it to Lord Royst's house and are allowed in right away as they are now 'known' guests of this house. They do have to wait to be seen by the Lord, but it is a brief few minutes only.
Upon seeing the maps of the first two levels completed and in such a fine, superior quality for the most part, Lord Royst is obviously quite pleased. "Well! This is some of the finest work I've seen! These shall certainly be replacing the maps I have and shall be the envy of all who seek such knowledge! I shall make a fine profit selling off this information, but it shall be few who can afford it."
"Now, as to your payment. There is the matter of two scrolls of communal dark vision provided to you on credit as I recall? The price of which we seem to not have discussed at the time since you were so desperate to take them? I shall say the price for those was 1,000 Gold coin each. Meaning you all owe me 2,000 Gold. For such fine maps, I am willing to give you 1,300 Gold for each. so that leaves me owing you 600 Gold." He turns away with an air of finality and looks towards Joaz - the steward who let you in - and says, "See that they are paid and escorted out please. I must get back to my work." And he walks out of the room.
Joaz bids you wait a moment, and he soon returns with a very small sack, which seems too small to hold 600 gold coins and hands it you. There is a definite sound of coins clinking and when you look inside you realize there are only 60 coins, but they are platinum! The steward gives you a look as if to say, dared you doubt? And then escorts you out.
Boudacia & Gansu, you arrive easily enough to the Temple. As soon as you start to enter an acolyte approaches you. "Please, this is a place of peace. No weapons are allowed. We will gladly hold your weapons for you and when you are ready to leave they shall be returned to you just as they are given to us." He holds his hands out expectantly.
After giving up any and all weapons, you express that you are here to see High Mother Sarise upon an urgent matter that she had requested you look into. You are escorted up to her office and welcomed warmly.
"You have news about the Crowned Skull" (this name is said with obvious distaste upon her face.) "group I hope?" When you present her with the skull with the image engraved upon it and tell her of your encounter on the 2nd level of the Spire, she listens attentively while studying the skull closely. Once you have finished telling the news you have, she will hold up a hand, "Give me a brief moment please, I must pray over this matter." She takes the skull and goes over to an altar at one side & kneels down upon a prayer stool and starts to mutter something you cannot make out. She also starts making some motions with her hands and both of you realize she is starting to cast some sort of spell. You are able to realize it is something of the divination school and neither of you feel in any danger from this kind, elderly, priestess woman, and soon a glowing image of the Crowned Skull appears in the air in front of her. She continues 'praying' (muttering things you can't make out) for a short period, and when she stops she slowly stands up and turns around. You see a concerned look upon her face as she walks back over to you.
"My Lord Abadar has shown me that while this evil and vile group's power has been significantly reduced, they are still in existence and are most definitely a threat to our town. If they are not destroyed they will eventually become a threat to all of Golarion. Please, I beg of you to continue the search. You have done well to weaken them thus, so in order to assist I shall give some money to help you with supplies. Use it as you best see fit. And of course if any of you should have need of healing please come see us and we shall certainly help. ... Though you understand of course there are expenses involved in such things." She then hands you a small sack that clinks with coin. When you look into the sack you will find 60 Platinum pieces inside. "Now I must rest after the effort I have just made to commune with My Lord. Unless there is some other urgent request?"
Sama & Brother Guiness, you are successful in selling any loot you wished to sell at half the standard buying price. Fixing BG's armor will be included as a bonus on the sell. Nothing of note (other than BG gets all cleaned up at some point! ) happens.
Boudacia & Gansu, you arrive easily enough to the Temple. As soon as you start to enter an acolyte approaches you. "Please, this is a place of peace. No weapons are allowed. We will gladly hold your weapons for you and when you are ready to leave they shall be returned to you just as they are given to us." He holds his hands out expectantly.
"Of course. We come in peace."replies Boudacia as she hands over her dagger and crossbow.
After giving up any and all weapons, you express that you are here to see High Mother Sarise upon an urgent matter that she had requested you look into. You are escorted up to her office and welcomed warmly.
"You have news about the Crowned Skull" (this name is said with obvious distaste upon her face.) "group I hope?" When you present her with the skull with the image engraved upon it and tell her of your encounter on the 2nd level of the Spire, she listens attentively while studying the skull closely. Once you have finished telling the news you have, she will hold up a hand, "Give me a brief moment please, I must pray over this matter." She takes the skull and goes over to an altar ...
"My Lord Abadar has shown me that while this evil and vile group's power has been significantly reduced, they are still in existence and are most definitely a threat to our town. If they are not destroyed they will eventually become a threat to all of Golarion. Please, I beg of you to continue the search. You have done well to weaken them thus, so in order to assist I shall give some money to help you with supplies. Use it as you best see fit. And of course if any of you should have need of healing please come see us and we shall certainly help. ... Though you understand of course there are expenses involved in such things." She then hands you a small sack that clinks with coin. When you look into the sack you will find 60 Platinum pieces inside. "Now I must rest after the effort I have just made to commune with My Lord. Unless there is some other urgent request?"
Boudacia relates what she knows of the Crowned Skull to the High Mother as succinctly and comprehensively as she can. In response to the High Mother's words she replies "For what it is worth we had concluded ourselves the Crowned Skull is malignant and threatening. We will continue to seek them out and destroy the organisation. And inform you of our progress and any intelligence we may uncover. Thank you for your time and support. We will return when we have more to report."
Boudacia looks to Gansu to see if he wishes to speak. Afterwards, she quietly takes her leave and collects her weapons, thanking the attendant who has held them for her.
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A comfortable looking Dwarf in sturdy traveling clothes tips back a foaming mug of stout as a steaming plate of meat and vegetables is placed before him. He and Sama seem to have struck up a conversation. Lunchtime at the Helmed Lady is moderately busy, but he seems to have secured a reasonably large table off to one side.
”Cayden’s blessings on ye, friends. Pull up a stool and tuck in while it’s hot.”
Still inexplicably accompanying the dwarf, Sama is nibbling on flatbread with local cheese. The cheese is not particularly soft, so she has to settle for crumbling it on the flatbread, which means that each time she takes a bite, the breezes that surround her blow some of the tiny pieces off, where they whisk around like ioun cheese for a few seconds before falling to the floor.
"We've made a tiny dent in the tower, so I'm pretty excited to anticipate what's next," she says, apparently continuing a thread of thought. "Especially since now we don't owe money to folks and if we find anything good, we don't have to worry about haggling over debts!"
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”Good point, Sama. I am also considering what supplies we should get for our next trip into the Spire. I seem to recall something in the lore about submerged or flooded areas...so perhaps potions of “Air Bubble” or “Touch of the Sea” could be useful.”
Pausing a moment to think, Brother Guiness adds,”I’d also like to get this shard of the Spire shaped like a Warhammer hafted into masterwork weapon in the Dwarven style, but I find the local weaponsmith somewhat...distasteful...”
"I dunno what you'll do about the weaponsmith, then. Maybe you'll have to do it yourself," says Sama. She switches to sipping at hot tea. "If I can find someone who knows the spell touch of the sea or air bubble I might be able to learn the spells and make some handy scrolls."
Boudacia looks to Gansu to see if he wishes to speak. Afterwards, she quietly takes her leave and collects her weapons, thanking the attendant who has held them for her.
"Have no fear. We intended to return there in any case. We are also not the only adventurers seeking to cleanse that place; during our foray we encountered a priest of Sarenrae with a similar purpose as ours. We are not alone, and with such people seeking to defeat it, I feel that the evil that resides in the spire will inevitably be overcome."
"We thank you for your reward, and will use it to further our quest."
Gansu bows, and departs with Boudacia.
Boudacia, returning with Gansu, hears Sama's last statement and her ears prick up. The witch places a purse on the table, saying "Sixty platinum pieces for our group, courtesy of High Mother Sarise Dremagne, who is pleased with our efforts. She wants us to continue to try and wipe out this Crowned Skull organisation, which she believes will grow to a threat to all Golarion if left unchecked. I told her that was our intention."Boudacia then turns to Sama, continuing "I heard you mentioning obtaining spells and that you can scribe scrolls. Regrettably I cannot, and I don't know either touch of the sea or air bubble. But I do know some spells that wizards use, and if we work together we could create scrolls of these. We could likely both profit by exchanging spells. What do you think?"
Aldhranhald and Tamlara walk up just as Boudacia completes her statements, and he drops a bag of coin, of almost exactly the same size and weight as the one she set down, next to hers. He says, "If it's water hazards we're going to avoid, and spells are going to be learned, I'd highly suggest the spell Water Walk, Boudacia. I've seen other casters, similar to you, cast it, so I'm certain it is one your familiar could convey to you. You'd simply need to burn a scroll of it and feed it to Wayne, correct? Perhaps we can find a purveyor of magics somewhere here in town that has such a scroll." He points to the bag of coins he just dropped. "That's another sixty platinum pieces to add to our collective pot, and I'd be more than willing to give of my share to make sure we procured such a spell. It could mean the difference between life and death." He pauses for a moment, and then says, "On a more personal note, I do believe I've found a great liking for the skill of cartography. Of course, getting a sack of sixty platinum pieces for turning over copies of the maps I've made didn't hurt that enthusiasm. By the way, we're completely out of debt to the Lord Royst." He smiles, and then pulls out a chair for Tamlara, awaiting her to seat her rear in it, before he takes a seat himself.
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Brother Guiness smiles and bellows, ”Drinks all around!”. In a (somewhat) more subdued tone, he continues, ”Now that we are all here, and the treasure is split, we should celebrate today! Perhaps some shopping as well?”, he adds, eyeing his small pile of coins and the casks of Dwarven Stout stacked behind the bar. ”Then a good night’s sleep and back to the Spire?”
As all of you are gathered around the table, a young man opens the door of the tavern, and immediately starts looking around as if looking for someone. When he spots your group his face gets a look of relief on it as he immediately heads your way. "I am relieved to catch you! Lord Royst sends me with a message to try to help out. He wants you to be aware that many years ago when he was exploring the Spire, there was one level that was completely flooded top to bottom and had some very strong currents to it! He does not know if that is still the case but he thought you should know just in case."
Sama holds her steaming teacup under her face and replies to Boudacia, "I'm fine with sharing knowledge that improves our chances of success. What did you have in mind?"
"That is quite correct Aldhranhald, you are learned and most generous regarding the obtaining the water walking spell, which seems to be needed."replies Boudacia to the elf. Meanwhile Wayne seems to be licking his lips in an almost human fashion.
When the dwarven stout arrives Boudacia looks at it thoughtfully, then tries a little, thinks some more and then takes a larger mouthful.
When the young man delivers the message from Lord Royst, Boudacia says "Thanks both to you and Lord Royst young man. Perhaps water walking isn't indicated Aldhranhald."
Then in response to Sama's question Boudacia replies "Many spells are common to witches and wizards. If we make some scrolls I could learn many of the spells you know, and vice versa. The spells I know, leaving cantrips aside for the moment, are, level one Ventriloqism, Burning Hands, Mage Armour, Beguiling Gift, Command, Comprehend Languages, Ear Piercing Scream, Hermean Potential, Identify, Neried's Grace and Sow Thought and the second level spell Glitterdust."
Sama puts down her tea mug and hauls her hefty tome out of her pack. She flips it open with a THUD on the table and says, "Let's see here..." She flips a few pages.
"Alter winds. Brilliant arc. Erase." Flip, flip. "Fulminating hands - oh, that's a personal favorite. Magic missile." Flip. "Protection from evil. Shield. Shocking grasp - another me-pleaser. Vanish."
Flip, flip, flip.
"Aggressive thundercloud, and summon monster. The slightly-otherworldly kind."
"Hmmm. Aggressive thundercloud, and summon monster I can use and both are fine spells. There seems to be none of your other spells I can learn, wizards have a much broader range. As for my favourite spells, Mage Armour is one, it keeps me alive which is good, and Glitterdust, it can blind enemies, make them visible or both. We could take a couple of days to scribe scrolls and share spells. It would give us both more options."replies Boudacia taking another swig of dwarven stout "This stuff grows on you."
"Fine, we can do this in a day; I can make scrolls of aggressive thundercloud and summon monster II and we can worry about backfilling later," says Sama.
Tamlara murmurs a thanks to Adranhald as he pulls a seat out for her, then digs into whatever food is in front of her. "Celebrating and shopping sounds good to me!"
Magic not being her thing, she concentrates on eating until a different topic comes up. "Is there something we can pick up for you two magikers while we're out shopping?"