Innis seems distracted fiddling with her holy symbol. Barely registering Merelda's question she responds cryptically "Secrets Sister, also more secrets to pry from the world."
Lililinda approaches the altar, carefully resting a hand on it.
Lililinda and Kirzon you are able to learn the the following about the items:
an ornately decorated breastplate +2
heavy mace +1
cloak of resistance +1
silver unholy symbol (dedicated to Rovagug. Imprisoned since the dawn of time, Rovagug only seeks to destroy all creation and the gods.)
three onyx rings (100 gp each)
ring of counterspells (currently containing a magic missile spell)
Pushing the knee of the bas relief, Amigail watches as a section of the wall smoothly lowers itself into the ground revealing a dark passage beyond.
Innis nods approvingly as Amigail reveals the secret passage.
"Alright we have our way forward. We'll use this room as our staging point. Gather what we you can use the rest we'll seek to unburden ourselves in the city. I hear Calistria's call I must make preparations for what is to come next." She declares.
This ability replaces the increase to channel energy gained at 3rd level.
"Always worrying about a lady's safety. Considering present company it's no wounder you have so many grey hairs. There is safety in drawing less attention to one's self. But come if you like we'll grab the stash from the other room and be on our way. The rest of you decide as it pleases you."
Merelda shrugs and looks around, then sits in the darkest corner, pulling her magical cloak around herself and Cinder. Only her eyes show outside the cloak as it shifts into its camouflage ability.
"Go if you need to do so. Cinder and I will wait here for your return. You may use any money I may have earned in our journey to help us all."
"Our goddess has seen to our safety thus far. I have not known her to speak so clearly to me but my mind is now abuzz with whispers. Power, sacrifice and devotion. To deny her due respect at this junction would be unthinkable. I have no doubt that she watches even now." Innis keeps fiddling with her holy symbol absentmindedly seemingly unwilling or unable to let go of the silver symbol around her neck.
"Ooh, that felt nice." Lililinda says to herself, then bows toward the altar and image.
---
"I'd love to get out of these tunnels and get some fresh air and rest, maybe find a proper bed."
Cassi looked at Lililinda and asked, "What did it do to you?" As she waited for an answer Cassi began to examine the breastplate they'd found. It was very nice and she said, "Is this enchanted like my current one is?"
As they talked about going back to town and getting supplies and Merelda said she'd stay here Cassi said, "You shouldn't stay alone, I'll remain as well."
Cassi looked at Lililinda and asked, "What did it do to you?"
"Well, those scratches I had are gone now."
Packing up your supplies the group splits in half leaving Kirzon, Amigail and Cassandra down below while Innis, Merelda and Lililinda head above for some fresh air and shopping.
The chamber is not particularly hospitable other than the soft white light that is glowing from the altar. In that you do find some comfort so you huddle close still you hope the others are quick so you can move on from this crypt.
Leaving the crypt behind you brings a rush of energy through your body. You take a long deep breath as you step into the warm sun. It is late afternoon from the position of the sun in the sky. The district is quiet much like you had left it which is fine by you since it means less eyes to watch you leave the Reliquary.
Holding whatever goods you have to trade you figure you need to be fast about this.
Innis offers Calistria a blessing for any excuse to be out of the crypt. The goddess' covetous need still naws at the back of her mind as she sets a brisk pace towards the Growing Caravan thinking it the quickest route and with a need to unload and obtain some...unusual supplies.
"Ooh, natural sunlight! How I missed it!" Lililinda sighs.
Remembering directions from Kirzon you make it to the Growing Caravan without any incidents. The shop is actually open warehouse which is overcrowded with dozens of irritated merchants and their teams. Lililinda quickly casts her prestidigitation cantrip and along with Innis' disguise tools the three of you clean up and do your best to hide any indications of the disease you are carrying. The disguise isn't foolproof so you know the longer you spend talking with a merchant the more likely your affliction will surface.
Several merchant stalls are still open despite the alarm sweeping through the city. You also notice that in the center of the warehouse a large pole rises from the ground to the ceiling. You can see leaflets have been nailed into the pole. Standing beside the pole is well dressed man who is guarded by four men dressed in leather armour and holding spears. On the right shoulder of each guard can be seen the Cassomir insignia, a white lion with a gold crown above its head. A small crowd of irate merchants point fingers and yell at the man who has a rather disinterested look on his face.
Innis takes moment to analyze the crowd trying to assess what they are demanding and if they have a spokesperson among them who carries more weight than the others
Merelda squints, and looks carefully at the crowd and the men standing near the posters. She's definitely trying to keep a look-out for more zombies and cultists.
Innis whispers to Merelda "We may need to silence the riff-raff. Be ready to put your scary face on. But we can't afford to cause too much of a scene, short and to the point."
Merelda you use your divination but do not sense any evil among any of the groups. Innis from what you can tell and hear are that these people are likely representatives of caravans asking about when the gates will be open. You hear many talking about losses that need to be recouped and if Cassomir is intending on doing so.
The crowd is blocking any progress to the pole where the leaflets are nailed to. And it does not appear that they are moving anytime soon. Getting past them you will need to push your way through the crowd or disperse the crowd.
Meanwhile you watch the official doing his best to stay calm under the barrage of shouts from the crowd. Each of the guardsmen barely even flinch as they stand firmly separating the crowd from the official.
Innis considers the situation. Quietly to her companions she'll say "Hrmm let's see if we can clear this crowd the man up there might be in our debt if we do...". She pretends to roll up her voluminous sleeves "Perhaps a display of power is in order."
Innis uses to create a loud gong-like noise over the crowd to silence them. Following up on that she a healing energy to draw the crowds attention.
Innis will step up on an unattended box and announce for all to hear "Your voices have been heard friends! Let there be peace. The church of Calistria will entreat further on your behalf."
Pulling back her magical cloak, Merelda lets her holy symbol glint in the available light, then coaxes Cinder out from under her cloak to perch on her shoulder slowly and carefully, letting the crowd draw obvious connotations from her smug look and religious symbology she offers openly.
At the sound of the loud gongs the crowd shifts their attention away from the official and begin to look around wondering where the sound is originating from. A palpable fear quickly sweeps through the crowd as the merchants look for protection from the guards.
There is a silence when Innis steps atop a box and announces to all within the warehouse on the resolution Calistria can bring to their problems.
From somewhere you hear a voice yell out, "Priestess you have the ear of Prince then tell him to open the gates. My family and the families of those who work under me will go poor and starve if my goods are left to rot in this cursed city any longer!"
At the question the official looks to you standing atop the box happy for a moment of reprieve from the constant questions.
"The city has fallen on hard times! It is now more than ever that we must band together. Break bread with your neighbor for the burdened is upon us all and share a prayer with Sister Merelda and Calistria's boon will be upon you. Calisitria's chosen have been tasked with curing this city. The gates will be open before long! As you see there is much to do I must be about it deter me at peril of misfortune." Innis allows herself to be regally lead down off the box by Merelda.
She whispers to Merelda "We have a fools about of silver..." "Spread it out with our good name Preacher and with any luck Calistria's name will be on everyone's lips tonight."
To Lili "There are probably people here who could use your talents. Your guild accreditation be damned. Put your talents to work and my good name is yours to share in as well and nobody looks down on me."
"Be about it ladies" She sheds her companions for the moment as she strides towards the official.
Anyone who approaches Merelda with a prayer and seems down on his luck, will receive 2 silver.
"The goddess has sent us to root out this corruption of freedom. We will annihilate this evil with her wisdom to guide us IF our faith is strong and we win her favor! You seek help? NO! You seek VENGENCE. Pray for vengeance and Calistria's indomitable hand will fall upon your enemies to free you to live the life you wish to live. Now face your fears...and pray!"
A few come over as Merelda and Innis begin to speak about the glory of their deity. Even more come when Merelda starts to give out silver coins for those who say a little prayer to Calistria.
Most of the crowd seeing their is free silver to be had albeit a pittance gladly begin collecting and move to surround Merelda.
This opens a clear path for Innis who moves over to the official. There a still a few merchants who are trying to argue with the official but when they see you coming closer they quiet down and give way to you.
"Priestess of Calistria." the official nods as you approach Innis, "You and your sisters come laden with coins it seems for I have never heard of any of your sect giving money out. Usually you are collecting. Still it is your coin to do with as you see fit. Is there something that I can assist you with?"
Innis shrugs at the officials comment "Calistria's servants serve as it pleases them"
Innis nods respectfully to each of the men. To the guardsmen she'll add "Sargent Ezeriz send his regards."
After the initial pleasantries are met she gets down to business "I have a need to obtain some critical resources to aid in my cause and no time to haggle with every two copper peddler around. The resources I need are expensive and rare. I also mean to unburden myself of some curious items as well in the transaction. You will also give me information on the present situation at large in the city noting any curious activity or powers at play." She produces a list.
"You will assist me in these tasks and I will be on my way. Be sure to give your good men here a bonus. Safety is quite vital in times like these. This crowd could have turned quite easily against you" Innis directs with a no nonsense attitude to let him know who is in charge.
Innis, Merelda and Lililinda have been gone for over an hour as you all do the best to make yourself comfortable in this crypt. Moving the bodies to the room where you fought the skeletal mages you feel much better now.
Conversation is light as you get to cleaning your weapons or checking your equipment. You are just about to settle in when the secret door slides down into the floor. From the other side emerges what can be best described as a canine. The creature is hairless and extremely emaciated. It's dark eyes stare at the three of you with extreme cruelty as it flies(!!) through the air towards you.
Opening it's maw it lets forth hideous sound.
Left to their own devices Cassandra helped move the corpses from the room they were staying in and was just finished up taking care of her glaive before she removed her armor when it happened. She should have known this was a bad idea but it was too late for that now as the strange creature screamed a bone chilling scream.
The scream tore through her already overwrought and ill mind and Cassandra barely felt as her glaive fell from nerveless fingers as panic set in. It was just too much and she fled past Kirzon towards the far corner of the room.
Amigail's caught off-guard as well by the creature's sudden arrival. She joins Cassandra in fleeing to the west
Lililinda backs up her friend. "Please, sir, we're working to get to the bottom of this plague business, and we need all the help we can get."
The sound of the canine rips through the room and Kirzon watches as his comrades as well as Boros quickly flee from the creature. The creature races across the air and barrels into the old dwarf throwing him down as it's teeth clamp down on Kirzon's shoulder past his raised shield.
The three fleeing companions do not even look back as Kirzon crumbles to the ground, their thoughts only to get as far away from the creature as possible.
The official looks over the list and then nods. That is quite the list you have here. I haven't heard of many of these items. I would normally advise you to check by the Dog's Teeth district but given the state of the city that would not be a good suggestion. You would likely be robbed or worse. Let me see what we can do here"
The official shows the list to the gathered caravan masters who immediately redirect there attention to you and the list. Soon each is calling out to their aides. The caravan masters huddle around you and indicate what they can provide you.
The List of Wares
Elven Chain 5,500 gp
spellcrafting supplies 2,800 gp
Belt of Giant Strength (+2) 4,500 gp
Rapier +1 2,200 gp
Alchemist fire (case of 10) 180 gp for the case or 20 gp for each
Ring of Protection +1 2,000 gp
Oil of Magic Weapon (x2) 65 gp each
Shield Cloak +1 2,100 gp
Innis takes a moment to drink in the heady aroma of fear and respect in the room with her successful scheme. It tastes like power.
Innis appraises the goods that she is presented with. Though many of the items do not match her list she cares little as they are secondary to the divine will commanding her focus at the moment.
Innis will prod the city official once more any useful information about the current situation in the city (curious or dangerous activity or groups ) and is sure to examine one of the flyers by the post out of curiosity.
She will sing and play her harp for the crowd Merelda has amassed for a final prayer
Innis then collects her ladies-in-waiting to be off unless they raise any concerns.
Kirzon now lying on the ground the hound continues to run across the air striking at the first creature it can. It's eyes look down upon the coiled up constrictor. Amazingly the bite misses which only infuriates the creature.
The hound so close now that the smell of carrion fills their noses Amigail, Cassandra and Boros defend themselves as the hound begins to tear into Boros again, but the snake's tough skin is able to fend off the teeth of the hound.
The hound continues to attack Boros almost hitting the snake but still unable to do anything.
The hound finally bites into Boros as Amigail shakes off the fear from the hound's howl.
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Amigail finally finds her courage again and takes the fight to the monster.
for
Finishing your business transactions Innis lifts her lute and blends it inspirational sounds with an uplifting prayer that leaves the merchants in great spirits. By the time you leave a few merchants are reciting parts of your prayer under their breath trying to copy it to memory.
You head back to the reliquary your thoughts set on finding a way to end this plague...