The Reclamation of Zahvroma (Inactive)

Game Master Signore di Fortuna

"Yeah, when a lightning bolt drops something in your lap you don't just ignore it." Sādhanā agrees, amazed at how fully charged she feels.

The group heads toward the back of the colosseum, up a ramp behind the great stone throne. The ramp ends at a set of ornately reinforced doors, an intricate silver lock secures them. Upon opening them, the group finds themselves in Bloeddraer's lair.
More piles of bones are heaped in corners here, while two colossal statues keep a silent vigil over a great door in the back. On the left wall, there is a mural depicting more of the giant-sized humanoids. On the right, there seems to be faded carvings. The words are barely recognizable, but you can make out the ancient Common.

"Our folly was our pride
The gods have grown angry
And now we reap what we have sown
I am the last, awaiting death
Our power is nothing
Against the wrath of the divine
Conquest, glory and power
These things falter
Chaos comes with gnashing teeth
The Dreamer shall not be stayed
By our blades or our magic
Foolish gods, spurning us
Who will they turn to?"

That doesn't sound very nice...

After reading he Mural Cyna turns to the others. "Be mindful of the statues those things always creep me out. Just a matter of time before we find one imbued with magic..."

The Ranger taps Ylrhea on the shoulder and asks. "Would you check the door for us?."

Among the bones, the group finds a treasure trove.

Ylrhea nods and checks the door.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12; Add 2 if there's a trap.

Ylrhea finds no traps on the door and determines that the door is unlocked.

Okay...just right off the bat, Arista is gonna take the Holy Symbol of Sarenrae...cuz, well duh it's Sarenrae and going to give the wand of sleep to Sienna...use on Arista if needed. LOL >;oP There is also a Mithral shirt if someone needs that. I'm getting rid of the stupid arrows and dumping them out in this room so we can lock the door behind us...not like we need to give them back to the goblins. The gemstones and everything else will be put into the bag of holding for now until such time that we can either divide it up, find a place to exchange that kind of money for something lighter, or get back to Valwick. Whichever happens first. We can also use party funds to buy things that the party finds themselves in need of if such an opportunity presents itself. That is all, Thank You.

Arista keeps her scimitar at the ready in case they find something nasty on the other side of the door. She nods at Ylhrea once everyone is ready for what awaits them on the other side.

Ylrhea pushes against the heavy doors until the slowly creak open, beyond you see the darkness of the cave, barely lit by the fires in the town.

Johann strides forward. "Tomorrow, we will be out of these caves. Let's get as far from here as possible."

He hangs his head for a moment. "I won't be able to come back here..."

"You should be able to live with your family. It's where you belong Johann. Sādhanā says quietly.

"I believe you can defeat Vencious now. But...changing the minds of racist villagers?" Johann asks, clearly stymied.

"You're welcome in Valwick then, your family too." Cyna offers.

"Absolutely, it's part of the point to what we're trying to build in Valwick. Somewhere safe for people who don't feel safe or welcome elsewhere and just want a good life."Sādhanā agrees.

Feeling at a loss for words at Johann's explanation, Arista shakes her head slightly. Turning around her face expresses her compassion and understanding, getting down on her knees where she can be eye level with him she puts a gentle hand on his shoulder and says, "I'm so sorry for everything you and your family has had to endure. It's not right that you be forced to live away from them any longer. Sadhana and Cyna are right, you all belong together and I can think of no better place for you and your family than in Valwick. All are welcome there, no matter who they are as long as their hearts are true.....and yours is." Wrapping her arms around him she envelopes him into one of her famous Arista hugs. After a few seconds she lets him go and looks at him and his family, "We will either take you back to Valwick with us...or if that's not possible send you there as soon as possible with a letter explaining things to Godrick and Barclay. They are more or less the ones that oversee the town. However, it is totally up to you and your family what you want to do." She pats his shoulder as she stands up again and smiles, "I don't know about you guys...but I am just feeling really good right now." With that she lets out a much more familiar sound...the sound of her light laughter.

Johann returns the unexpected hug. "I thank you for the offer and I'll give it some thought. Unfortunately, the only way to leave Vencious' domain is back the way we came or one of the rougher routes. If you succeed in your quest, then we'll make our way there."

Johann continues leading the group through the caverns. You walk for several hours before you hear the pounding of hammers ringing through the caves. In the darkness, you catch sight of dim illumination again, but they appear to be lanterns in the distance instead of wild bonfires.

"There's a town there. Dwarves," Johann says, trepidation in his voice.

As the approach the illumination Sādhanā looks to her friends. "Whether they serve Venicious or not will determine how encountering them will go." she says solemnly.

Turning to Johann and his family she smiles warmly. "If you know of a safe way back to the healing lake, I would go there, all of you and wait for us. It would be safer than trying to get back to your town where your townsfolk mistreat a member of your family. When we're done, we'll take you with us when we go back."

"They don't serve Vencious," Johann says. "They are an indigenous folk, but they don't take kindly to goblins."

The goblin gives Sādhanā a curious look. "If you want to give them a try, they might have some beds. Could...could you take my family there? Cave floors are fine for me, but I'd prefer them being somewhere safe."

Mina gives Johann a stern look. "I think it'd be best if we all went. This cave isn't safe by any measure and splitting up is ridiculous."

Johann sighs and addresses the magus' other concern. "There's no way back to the grotto except through Vullis Put...I think that's more dangerous than my family's home. I can find a place to stay until you return."

Mina grimaces, but Jonas puts a hand on her shoulder. "Our son is resourceful, I believe him."

Gregor also speaks up. "I can always give my little brother a hand."

Mina nods. "Alright, you two. So, that dwarven town...shall we try it?"

She looks to the group for their judgment.

Arista looks at Johann, "Are you sure you want to stay behind...we can be...quite convincing when we need to be. However, if this is what you truly wish....then, we will abide by it." She looks to the others, "I'd be willing to give it a try....but, if your're going to insist on staying in these dank caverns tonight...." She reaches into her bag of holding and pulls out her bedroll, a blanket, and the extra winter blanket she had packed and hands them to Johann and Gregor. "I insist that you take these. The ground may be hard, but you need not feel the coldness of it."

I think we need some clarification because I'm getting confused. LOL

Alright, let's see if I can straighten this out:

1. The dwarven town isn't in your way, but Johann is nervous because the dwarves don't take kindly to goblins. He's suggesting taking his family there to rest for the remainder of the day, but also staying behind in the cave to better your chances for hospitality.

2. When you guys head off to face Vencious, Johann is thinking about staying in the wilderness near his family's village until you return and then going to Valwick with you guys when you return.

Sādhanā smiles as Arista gives them her own equipment, true to her nature.

"Yes, I think that would be the safest thing for you. The soosner we're out of random tunnels the better."

Ok good, makes sense. I got a little confused too.

Ylrhea stamps her foot and grabs Johann by the shirt. "No, you're under our protection. You asked us to guide your family out of here, that includes you! So, if we're gonna sleep in comfy beds, you do too. Or would you like to find out why they call me a 'Gargoyle Slayer'?"

"Are you crushing on a goblin, Ylrhea?" Sienna asks with a wry grin. "Either way, yeah, we're not leaving you to get attacked by whatever else is out here."

Sounds like a plan. NVM.

Ylrhea shakes her head. "No...but I know how he feels. You guys have stood up for me, so I'm paying it forward."

Sādhanā chuckles. "You heard the lady. We all go. If they need convincing.....well I'm sure we can handle it." she says winking at Arista.

Okay, so Arista will take back the bedding, but she will buy the two of them their own supplies for while they are in the wilderness so they aren't completely at the mercy of the wild. Make sense?

Arista nods and smiles back at Sadhana. Looking back at Johann she says, "That's right....we all stick together because that's what families do."

"No one left behind right?" Cyna adds.

"RIGHT!" She nods her head decisively while smiling at them.

Never surrender, Never say die! Hehehe...just thought I'd throw that in there.

Okay then.

The group approaches the massive iron gates of the dwarven town. Two sentries perched above look down at the group. "Oy! What're ye wantin'? 'N why've ye got a greenskin wit' ye?"

Arista looks up at them, "Hail there good Dwarves. We are sorry to barge in on you like this, but we are in need of some rest. This "greenskin" as you call him is called Johann and is of good heart. He aided us in ridding this land of a most vial and evil creature, Bloeddraer. He made our way clear in the city by issuing a challenge for us, which Bloeddraer accepted. We defeated him, but we would not have been able to do so without Johann here making the way for us. We ask permission to enter into your city."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Anyone wanna help me out? LOL

"Yes, we are looking to rid this land of those who threaten Zahvroma," Ylrhea says. "We would appreciate any help you can offer, even if it's just shelter and safety for the rest of the day."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

-Posted with Wayfinder

The guards look to the aasimar and then the gnome. "We'll send word t' our baron an' see wot 'e thinks. It'll be a few minutes."

Ten minutes pass before the gates grind open, one of the sentries standing with his hands on his hips. "Th' Baron'd like a word wit' ye afore we jus' let ye roam about at yer pleasure."

"Fair enough." Sādhanā replies. "Lead the way"

The sentry leads the way through the town, a bastion of civilization that almost surpasses the ancient splendor of the city you were in. The townsfolk, all dwarves, look upon you with wonder. The smell of molten metal and freshly cooked food fills your nostrils. You can feel the heat emanating from various forges as you walk along the main road.
You come to a two-story building in the center of town, its colonnades giving the place an official feel. The sentry leads you inside, soldiers patrolling the hallways. From the looks of it, they haven't been very active as of late and perhaps your arrival has spurred them into "action". Your boots click on the marble floor until you are brought to a fancy office.
A dwarf with long golden hair stands in front of you, a tankard in his hand. He nods at the sentry, who quickly departs. The dwarf gestures to a set of chairs and motions for you to sit. He takes a seat in front of you and puts his feet up on a footstool.

"So, Ah heard ye've slain Bloeddraer. Tha's th' furst bit o' good news since he took up residence in th' ol' haunt. Ye look like a motley crew, an' tho' me instincts tell me Ah oughta turn ye away, Ah need a hand wi' summat," the dwarf says. He gruffly clears his throat. "Ah, fergive me, I oughta introduce meself. I am Vargan Steelhammer, mayor o' Olther's Pike. Anyhow, if'n yer willin' t' lissen, Ah'll give ye a bed fer th' night. 'Tis th' least Ah can do fer someone who made us safer. If'n yer willin' t' help, Ah can do a bit more tha' that fer ye."

Arista is in wonder at the city around them. As they walk through she notices the staring folk and leans in towards Sadhana, "I haven't been stared at like this since my mother tried forcing me into a courtship ritual. Why do you suppose they are all staring at us like that?"

As they enter into the office, Arista bows to the dwarf. She sits and listens to him, nodding at appropriate intervals. Once he's done saying his peace, Arista speaks up. "It's good to meet you Vargan Steelhammer, I am Arista Seraphis and this, for all intents and purposes is my family."

She points them all out individually as she gives their names, "This is Johann, whom without we wouldn't have been able to get close enough to accomplish what we did. Johann's family, Mina, Jonas, and Gregor. These other fine people with me are, Sadhana, Cyna, Sienna, Ylhrea, Drago, and Harakhty. I know how we may appear to you...but, make no mistake. Our resolve is absolute in our quest to rid this land of corruption and evil. How may we aid you?"

Drago had been silent the entire walk to the Dwarf village, his mind trying to comprehend what had happened. What is this sensation of power I am feeling? Is it perhaps my father's heritage or....something else?

"Well met Vargan Steelhammer. As Arista said we are commited to purifying Zahvroma, so while we have out mission, if what you need aid with would make life better or safer for those living here, we will gladly listen to your request." Sādhanā adds.

Vargan nods. "As ye may know, dwarves 'ave a penchant fer minin'. A week or so ago, one o' our deeper tunnels collapsed, killin' a couple o' good men. But tweren't no natural disaster. Angry elementals came bustin' through the walls. We sent our druids to commune wit' 'em, but they're under some sort o' control."

A halfling woman enters the room, familiar to some of you. "They seek to break the bonds that hold Rovagug."

Vargan is startled by the woman's sudden appearance. "Who're ye? An' how'd ye get in here?"

"I go where the righteous walk, Vargan Steelhammer," the halfling answers, her voice strong and comforting. "I am also here to answer a prayer."

The halfling looks at Arista, but Vargan seems lost.

At the mention of Rovagug Arista's eyes narrow as her voice becomes soft as a whisper, yet hard as steel. "Who would be insane enough to do such a thing?"

At the halfling woman's answer to Vargan's question, and finding herself being stared at by this woman she had never met, Arista looks around at her other companions and then back at the halfling.

"I...I'm sorry...but, do I know you?"

Pretty sure I know who this is, does she look familiar to Cyna?

"You have known me for a long time, Arista," the halfling says with a bright smile before she is enveloped by divine light.

Before the group stands Sarenrae, her wings aflame. "I have come to warn you of what lies below and that the time for vengeance is here. Jahlrem awaits within the dwarven mines, defiling one of the Predecessors' temples. For Rando, I ask that you put an end to Jahlrem's evil."

Vargan falls to his knees and bows his head as Sarenrae drops her disguise. "By th' holy light! Ah'm unworthy t' accept ye into my home, Sarenrae."

The seriousness fades a little in the goddess' voice. "Rise, noble Steelhammer, the gods have not forgotten you."

@Cyna: Well, before she transformed, yeah. You know who she is.

Ylrhea seems dumbfounded by the appearance of a goddess in the dwarf's office. She turns to Cyna. "D-does this happen often?"

"S-second time for Sarenrae, as far as I know anyway." Cyna replies. Staring at the mortal form of her goddess.

Jahlrem is down here? That can not be good.

As soon as the light envelopes her, Arista's eyes go wide with understanding. As soon as Arista realizes who it is, and before Sarenrae speaks, she falls to the gound on her knees and bows her head. "My...my Goddess! I am humbled by your presence."

"Stand, Arista, my faithful servant," Sarenrae says, nodding slightly. "Jahlrem is a follower of Rovagug, Arista. He turned away from the redemption he was offered and pursued a dark path."

She turns to the rest of the group. "He has been busy since you were diverted. He has taken a necromancer's mask and been searching for where Vesaria's bonds are weakest. Jahlrem intends to split the world and loose Rovagug upon it. He must be stopped now."