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Mr Pepper's long ears straighten as he sees the demon and knows its a race to beat out the Gnome... He starts to blurt out some pertinent facts until he realizes there is no Gnome to beat!
"That's a quasit! Quasits are..." He looks around and takes a deep breath and composes himself.
"The little creature is a quasit, a tiny demon typically 18 inches in height and 8 pounds in weight. Unlike most demons, quasits are not formed in the Abyss from the souls of dead mortals. Instead, it is created when an evil spellcaster seeks one as a familiar. The Abyss answers the request by forming a quasit linked to the spellcaster, which then appears directly on the Material Plane." He answers cooly, declining the offer of 'grog', and instead sipping on his flavored water.
"Do you have any questions more suitable to our level of.. expertise?"
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"A wise guy, are ya?" Osprey replies, a smug grin on his face. He suddenly holds the quasit up by the neck and brings it within inches of his face. "Listen pal, you will soon reveal to all present some very important information, won't you?"
The quasit squeals in a high-pitched, raspy voice. "Yes, yes, let me down, let me down!"
He sets the demon down with a heavy hand still on its head. "Er, my apologies. It seems I've forgotten to present my guests. The gnome here is Xersus Abergris, an expert demonologist and historian." Xersus steps forward to offer handshakes.
Then Osprey nods to his second companion. "Please, offer your complete attentions to my most esteemed guest."
The cloaked man steps forward and addresses you in an eerily dry monotone. "I represent the Decemvirate. I’ve come to oversee these proceedings as they are of personal interest to me. Osprey and Xersus shall speak on my behalf, unless I find it necessary to intervene. As far as you are all concerned, you have never seen me. Do I make myself clear?"
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Abyss, does that mean this is linked to the world wound? I’m not liking that part about being requested by a spellcaster.
The Decemvirate? That doesn’t sound good either.
Stali gives a single nod in response when the cloaked man makes his proclamation.
Tapping his beak with a single claw a couple of times, he then asks “So who special ordered this thing, and do they know anything about where it is right now?”
Looking to Mr. Peppers and Xersus, he asks “What sort of tricks do we have to worry about because it is here?”
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"That you summoned us means you already know we shall be discreet about what is spoken here and who is seen here. Proceed and we shall move to the task that you have for us." Uesugi responds curly if at least respectful of his superiors. He continued to look at the Ten's representative knowing that this was likely no ordinary task.
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Gallix's lips curl into a sneer of hatred as the demon is pulled from the bag. He's not totally sure what kind this one is, but it looks familiar enough to remind him of past encounters. At Osprey's question, he thinks about how he could go on for a good few minutes about the time he and the Red Arm had saved an entire town from a demon invasion, but he knows this guy means business, so he simply replies, "We know more than we'd like to," then lets Peppers fill in the details.
Gallix gives Xersus a short wave when Osprey introduces him. When the second guest steps forward to introduce themselves, though, he's caught totally off guard.
Damn! Someone from the Ten? This must be serious!
He gives the figure a silent and respectful nod to acknowledge its demand for discretion, then turns back to Osprey. "So what's the gig? And how long do we have to keep that thing around?" Gallix jabs a pointing finger toward the quasit, his face once again twisting into a look of disgust.
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Osprey nods to the gnome, Xersus, who then addresses you. "One of the problems with demons is their complete lack of organization. We sages have very little to work from when investigating and cataloging them. Devils of course, keep lengthy records, but with these things," he pauses to disdainfully poke the quasit, "these things couldn’t tell you the name of their own mother. This makes the job of studying and cataloging them very important. Many years ago, I used to work with a cleric and expert demonologist named Baldimar Trud. Trud was also a revered cleric of Cayden Cailean, and guided all of his research to assist in the fight against these infernal brutes. Still, the church had few available funds for his elaborate studies, and thus he sought out and received funds from other investors, including significant patronage from the Society. Over the course of several years, he built a research laboratory and compiled an extensive archive. Unfortunately, we have seen none of his work since he died before revealing its location. After Cayden’s Hall burned down the last time, I thought his works gone forever. Though a few days ago, I came upon this little fellow going through my personal notes—notes concerning my old friend Baldimar. I don’t believe this is a coincidence and strongly believe this fellow shall soon tell us why he was in my possessions. After that, I’m sure Osprey has a plan for you."
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Mr Peppers stands his ground and offers a brief nod as the Gnome offers handshakes all around. Expert demonologist and historian... code for: Can't cast real spells.
As the mysterious man gives his message Mr Peppers merely smiles and nods Those are the men I need to be working for once my days of sleeping on the ground and running Society errands are complete.
Tall, dark and annoyed then turns his attention to the quasit, testing the waters with diplomacy. "It is not in my nature to be cruel, even towards those of your kind. But I can assure you others in this room have no such qualms. If you wish to avoid their wrath you should speak plainly now, or speak painfully later."
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Sir D picks up a discarded goblet and slowly lowers it onto the quasit, causing the fiend to shriek in pain. "YOWWW! Stop it! Please, stop it! I'll tell you everything! It's my master, he's back!" Osprey can't help but laugh at the squirming creature.
Sirettis, Gallix, and Mr. Peppers prefer a softer approach, and reason with the demon. The quasit instead looks at Sir D as it speaks, thoroughly terrified of him and wanting to appease.
"So after many long years, I finally heard my master again! Graz'ith Ur Maurgith, a powerful demon to whom I'm bound. For all eternity, even!" He squirms out from underneath the goblet, and stands on the table. "But I'll tell you what. I've been enjoying my master being missing in action, trust me. Freedom is amazing, and I don't really like the idea of eternal servitude."
The quasit rubs the bruise on his small chest. "The voice of Graz'ith came from somewhere within Cayden's Hall. That's why I was there. If you go there, I'm sure you can find him."
Stali doesn't sense that a lie was told. Osprey picks the quasit up in one hand, the demon's head just peeking above his thumb and index finger. "If I find out you're lying, you know what happens, right?"
Osprey then looks over to you. "Go to Cayden's Hall and investigate. I recommend you visit High Priestess Saphira there, and ask her what she might know first. Oh, and if you find anything, you would do well to contact me immediately, especially if you get in over your heads."
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Well, this job just gets better and better! Rather than being bound to a wizard, this quasit is bound to a demon! So far, the only good thing I’ve heard is that it is lazy and thinks first of itself. The quasit would rather not have to serve a demon.
Looking to Osprey, Stali asks “Where and how would you like us to contact you if the need arises?”
Stali then waits and follows the others once they are ready to leave.
As they leave, he falls into step beside Mr. Peppers. Quietly he asks the elf “So, no one answered my question. What sort of weapon is needed to hurt a demon? They aren’t something I’ve had to fight so far.”
Once in a more respectable part of town, he stops and says “This doesn’t seem like the type of mission that will require we record any conversations. Unless someone objects, I’ll send EitS back to my lodgings.”
If none object, he sends the clockwork spy off.
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"Demons you say? Well, depends on the demon really. My first suggestion is usually a well placed fireball. Sometimes they can be a bit resistant to it but if its big enough it still packs a punch." His eyes light up with the thought, a reflection of a massive explosion can somehow be seen in those black iris's.
"On the rare occassion, I'm stuck with a lightning bolt, but usually that's only when I'm expecting things like fire elementals. If all else fails there's the old reliable magic missile. Fire those things off as fast as you can pull the trigger and watch the demon's dance!" He points his fingers and fires a few shots off into the air before twirling and reholstering.
"Does that answer your question? Or do you mean boring old weapons? I dunno about those as much, TYPICALLY its cold iron for demons and silver for devils. BUT that's just a generality. Magical weapons can be required sometimes too." He rubs his eyes a bit, then his stomach "Maybe we should stop for a bite to eat before we get too involved. Gallix and Uesugi here can fill you in on their personal tactics when fighting Demons. Its been a while I think since we've run into any."
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Stali is used to having to listen to long, winding conversations. He waits patiently and listens as Mr. Peppers talks of using magic against demons. Fortunately it doesn’t take that long for the elf to give him some information that he could actually use.
“Cold iron.” he quietly replies, giving a brief nod. “Thank you.” ...and now I know next time to ask Gallix or Uesugi for advice fighting extraplaner creatures.
If we are going to fight demons, I’m going to need a new sword! A dagger isn’t going to do it!
When Mr. Peppers suggests stopping for food, Stali says “If the rest of you are going to stop for food, perhaps I should check around the Coins for a new weapon and meet you at Cayden’s Hall in the Ascendent Court.”
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Gallix sighs with frustration at the news that they are now looking at facing even more demons. "Great. Well at least I'll get a chance to send more of you filth back to the Abyss where you belong," he says, flexing his fists in rage. "Alright, let's get on this."
As the Red Arm and New Friend make their way to grab some food before going to the Hall, Gallix actually jogs up beside Stali and Peppers and listens to their conversation. "So fire is good against demons? Hmm...I've been thinking about spicing up my new cestus here. Maybe I should see if someone can throw some fire magic on it for me. Or do you think lightning would be better? That sounds pretty cool. *ZZZZAP*!" Gallix shadow boxes for a moment as they walk, giving his punches various sound effects to represent the options Mr. Peppers was describing. "So, what do you think, Peps? Should I go fire or lightning to help us deal with demons? I already got a cold iron cestus from way back in Saringallow."
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"Lightning would likely be a better choice for your cestus. But to be honest, holy damage would be even better. How often do you really think you're punching something that doesn't deserve it?" At least while on official company time that is...
Mr Peppers adds on matter of factly to Stali "Saringallow is a small town in Isger. They had a growing demon infestation that was cleaned out a while back. They've also got a goblin problem, but that's inevitable in Isger." He points up to a sign Ivan's Meatless Bistro "Oh that's perfect, let's stop." He heads inside to the smell of olives, cheeses, and grass clippings.
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“Where and how would you like us to contact you if the need arises?”
"Cayden's Hall is right here in Absalom, but it sounds like you knew that already. I'll be staying in town at least a few days. Contact the Pathfinder Society Grand Lodge and you'll track me down in no time," Osprey replies.
The secretive Decemvirate representative turns to the back of the room. "I must be going." He pulls his cloak tightly over his head and slips out an exit, seemingly vanishing.
With that, you depart the Grog Pit and make for the Coins District, where Stali and Gallix purchase and enhance their weapons at The Warmaiden's Forge. Wanting to refresh her magical choices, Sirettis suggests staying overnight in at the inn and making for Cayden's Hall the following day.
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After a quick snack and magic preparation session the next morning, you make for the Ascendant Court, where Cayden's Hall is located. Cayden’s Hall is a massive, open fest hall of rough-hewn timbers. Even as you approach from afar, you already hear the raucous crowd inside.
The front doors open to an antechamber that serves as the Hall’s main entrance. It consists of a long hallway flanked on either side by rows of barstools facing parallel oaken bars that run the length of the hall. Massive kegs are set into the walls behind the bars. About half the taproom’s stools already seat drunken revelers at the long oaken bars.
The boisterous patrons hoist their tankards, raising slurred toasts and praises amid the tall tales of wild adventure.
"... And as the family of halflings sat down to eat their porridge, I dumped a wild boar down their chimney, and slipped around back to watch! You should've seen them move! Brings a whole new meaning to the phrase sowing one's oats!" A patron exclaims, laughter erupting all around him.
At the front doors, a more sober temple guard awaits. He smiles as you approach. "Greetings, travelers, and welcome. What business do you have in Cayden's Hall?"
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Stali was glad that the group was willing to wait until the next day, as that gave him an opportunity to train a little with the new sword. He had found one the correct length and balance for him, although he did ask that the grip be adjusted slightly. He always preferred a rougher grip than most.
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The next morning he was up early. After doing his morning meditation, he caught a quick breakfast and was ready and waiting as the others arrived.
He was surprised by the number of people at Cayden’s Hall, somehow he had expected their faithful to be more the type to party until late at night and wake late the next day.
In response to the guard’s question, he says “We would like to speak with High Priestess Saphira. We hope she can help us track down some old research.”
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Mr Peppers steps into the crowded, LOUD hall, clearly not impressed. "Gallix, I believe this is more of your element." He mumbles to their resident drunk show-off.
Tall, dark, and literal takes a few strides over to the group as their story concludes "Excuse me, I'm a bit confused. When you say.. sowing one's oats... did you mean SOW as in the female pig or SEW as in stitching or planting? Quite the little paradox there." He says with the smallest crack of a smile.
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Gallix's eyes go wide as dinner plates as he steps into the Hall. "They've got a religion for DRINKING in here?! What the hells have I been doing drinking at the Pit all this time?!" He rushes over and grabs a stool next to a group of revelers. "Hey there, friends! You all ever heard of the mighty exploits of the Red Arm of Absalom?"
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The revelers eagerly hand Gallix a tankard and point to a keg behind him. "Welcome, friend. Here to share stories as we worship? Do you worship Cayden Cailean? If not, here's something you might be interested in. Did you know that a sign of worshiping our God of Ale includes singing a song in praise of freedom, bravery, or his glory, and pausing to drink a full mug of beer or wine between each stanza?" He pauses to pour another mug down his throat. "Like that. Give it a try!"
He looks over at Mr. Peppers. "You too! Take a load off and quit being so serious. I bet a bit of this stuff would add some color to that pale face of yours!"
When asked of the Red Arm of Absalom, the group grows even more interested. "THE RED ARM OF ABSALOM!? We are truly blessed to be in your presence!" A gnome says, nearly toppling over her chair. "I've heard of your travels through Isger and as far north as the Hold of Belkzen. Some say you even visited the planes! And killed a dragon with your bare hands! Go on then, tell us everything!"
In between the dozen drunks lining the antechamber, two clerics watch Stali closely as he speaks to the temple guard.
"The High Priestess Saphira? Oh, she's -" the guard begins to answer Stali, when the two clerics step forward and cut him off. "Not accepting solicitations from visitors, unfortunately. If that's your business here, you should leave."
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"If Cayden Cailean accepts the indulgence in wines then I would indeed pay homage to him, but certainly not in the quantity you are suggesting. An Arcane Savant like myself must keep his keen whits about him." Mr Peppers smiles, reaching his hand out and levitating a small bottle of unattended wine towards him, followed by a glass, followed by cleaning said glass.
"Have any of you seen the High Priestess Saphira lately? We were hoping to have an introduction and discussion." He pours himself a glass, testing the wine for taste, aroma, and clarity.
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In speaking with and looking closely at the two clerics, Stali and Sirettis notice something... odd about them. They aren't speaking from their own hearts, and rather, seem to be controlled by an enhancement effect.
"It's like I said. She's given us strict instructions not to allow anyone to speak with her," the cleric replies, growing annoyed. "Don't like it? Tough." They look over at the temple guard, and he motions towards the exit.
Meanwhile, Mr. Peppers and Gallix hang out further ahead with the other drunks. "The High Priestess? Aye, she should be somewhere around here. Maybe watching the show? I think there's a performance going on further in."
And Sir D employs his stealth. He slips further into the temple, and comes to the main hall, where a massive circular pavilion is covered by a tall shingle and timber roof suspended on posts. A huge bonfire blazes below, with flame and smoke escaping through a wide opening in the overhead roof. Assorted tables and chairs fill the central area around the bonfire, seated with all manner of folk, from drunken clerics and adventurers to common townspeople come to join the sacred festivities.
D's movement through the hall is hampered by stumbling, obnoxious drunks, and he's pretty good at avoiding bumping into anyone. Or almost anyone. As he skirts past the bonfire, a plume of smoke bends strangely around his shape.
A half-orc jumps up from his seat, dropping his tankard. "A ghost! I swear there's a ghost there! Look at how the smoke moves! What is that thing?!"
A dwarf watches the alcohol spill. "Are ya f%!~in' insane? Ya just wasted some perfectly good ale! What the hell's wrong with ya?! There IS no ghost!"
Another patron, a half-orc, jumps in and grabs the dwarf by his collar. "Don't call him *hic* insane unless you want a broken neck! .... Short stuff."
D rushes out quickly, a good thing, too, because it seems like it might only escalate from here...
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Stali looks to the two clerics and in a clear voice asks “Are you two really priests of the drunken god? If so, shouldn’t you be lecturing on the evils of and the anything that restricts freedom?”
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Mr Peppers turns as he hears the new guy talking with the Priests Ah yes, good old mental control. Odd to see priests being controlled, usually they've got a good head on their shoulders.
"Excuse me a few moments gentlemen, I'm needed. Gallix here will drink my share." Tall, dark and needed drops the wine bottle in Gallix's hands and turns, taking a step closer to the clerics while casting detect magic. His eyes glow blue as he searches out those delicious little auras.
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"You're entirely too persistent," the cleric replies to Stali. "Guard, lead this man away. The others you came with need to go too."
The guard begins to guide Stali out of the temple, and then one of the clerics topples over as Sirettis' hex takes hold. He falls over another patron as he does so, creating a domino effect of falling furniture and shattered mugs all along the antechamber.
The ruckus is enough to cause the inebriated revelers to boil over in anger, and the temple breaks out into a full-on brawl, with fists swinging, chairs being slammed over heads, and otherwise pure chaos.
"Now you've done it. I knew you lot were bad news!" The still-awake cleric shouts icily, pointing his hands at you. "We're going to need more guards, and fast!"
As for D, when he silently moves towards to the northern room, he sees two temple guards use their maces to brain a few of the brawlers who try to enter the room behind them.
Mr. Peppers determines the enchantment affecting the clerics is a compulsion.
-- Bold is up --
D, Mr. Peppers, Uesugi
Green (asleep)
Sirettis, Stali
Blue, Guard
Gallix
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"Oh, another bar brawl. But religious this time." Sirettis is curious about the entire thing, but she chooses to subdue the Blue hooded man and flee the temple. If he is trying to keep her out of the temple, this should do.
"Sir Uesugi, the priests are under some kind of outward influence. I fear the demon is already corrupting the temple. Please aid us and subdue the guards."
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The blue cleric focuses intensely and avoids being put to sleep. He then dodges Stali's sap - just barely.
Mr. Peppers senses the enchantment aura that matches the dominate person spell on both clerics.
As the tankard telekinetically flips from half-orc to dwarf, the dwarf first looks horrified, but then shrugs. "Either I been drinkin' too much, which is pretty much impossible, or thar's actually a ghost here. Well if yer givin' me a weapon, ghost, I'll take it!" After ensuring it's empty, the dwarf slams the tankard over the half-orc's head. Ouch.
-- Bold is up --
D, Mr. Peppers, Uesugi
Green (asleep)
Sirettis, Stali
Blue, Guard
Gallix