"Silver. That complicates things." Tira says. "Alexite? Do you have anything that can deal with that?"
"No, Chaplain." Alexite replies as he grasps his holy symbol. "There are only two things I can think of that can bypass a silver resistance. Positive energy, and elemental damage. I do have the ability to summon a force sword." He offers.
Tira replies "We can handle positive energy with our fervor. You focus on the force sword and keep our allies supported with blessings. I don't suppose the "things on the wall" will be an issue?"
"No, Chaplain. We have plenty to handle magical fear effects. It's the door closing on us that I'm not sure about." Alexite says.
"It likely means that if we enter, there's no turning back." Tira answers.
There's a grim pause that lingers for a moment.
"Anything else? Or shall we step to?" Tira asks the group.
"I can't think of anything." Cleo is worried about the experts not knowing about silver. Even she knew about silver. Just didn't know they would be fighting a vampire. But the light is wanning and this is their only hope.
I'll get in close and try tieing him up a bit. And then you hit him with all you got Wabbit says determined to contribute despite being seemingly overmatched by this thing
"Alright, let's do this." Tira says grimly.
Deep in the catacombs, the group finds the vampire, along with two skeletons, and two impaled undead. The vampire mumbles something, which may just be inane sounds, or perhaps a language unknown to the group. After mumbling, it lets out a great war cry, and lunges to attack!
The impaled undead try to scare off Tira and Nicciniana, but their wills are made of iron. The skeletons try to slice with their scimitars and claw with their free hands, but Tira and Nicciniana are stalwart and well protected. The vampire siphons blood from himself, collecting it in an ever-growing blob levitating above his head.
Meanwhile, back on the surface, Andreste has been feeling terribly sick in the Pathfinder library.
Cleo grasps her holy symbol in pray and pushes holy energy against thier enemies.
Aggah doesn't like being back here, nope not one bit but still shoots an arrow at the vampire.
All of the undead resist Cleo's channel, though it's still quite effective on the lesser ones. Aggah's shot nearly hits, but clinks against the vampire's mithral chainmail. Her arrowheads are just too thick.
Wabbit activates his scarf (1 panache/reach) moves and attacks a skeleton
+1
+6bab +4dex +1size , -2 piranha striking, +1 waveblade Agile -2FD
Wabbit's elongated waveblade fails to cut through the skeleton's chain shirt.
Alexite draws a vial of holy water and says a prayer as the vial glows. "We defy your vile master and consecrate this space in the name of the Inheritor!" The vial bursts open, spraying glowing holy water everywhere. Most of the undead wail as something evaporates from their bodies, but the vampire remains unaffected.
Nicinniana and Drogeda swift cast spells on themselves, before attempting to carve their way through the lesser undead. However, Tira pronounces two spells, which makes the area erupt into holy light. All of the lesser undead are destroyed, leaving just the vampire.
The vampire actually looks quite weak from the extra damage it received along with the blood it drained of itself. Nevertheless, it moves forward, letting the ball of swirling blood erupt and splinter into razor-sharp needles! The vampire's wounds are slightly healed from the blood, while its enemies are turned into pincushions.
/2=16
Cleo shifts her channel into healing, deselecting the vampire in her sphere of influence.
Aggah tries again and fails.
Wabbit moves into flanking position (if possible) and
+1
+6bab +4dex +1size , -2 piranha striking, +1 waveblade Agile -2FD
Wabbit's having a hard time hitting this guy but maybe the distraction of an annoying halfling will reduce it defenses vs the iomedeans
The feeling is mutual, as the vampire tries to bash Wabbit twice as he gets into position, but misses both times. Cleo hears a wave of relief as she channels life into her allies.
Alexite summons a radiant sword that hovers by his side. Its blade points towards the vampire, and shoots out a powerful blast of magic. Unfortunately, the vampire dodges it with ease. All three of the knights take advantage of Wabbit's flanking. "Use your fervor, ladies!" Tira commands, as each try to touch the vampire with their healing hands. Now ignoring the vampire's armour (and natural armour), they easily strike him, and pour holy energy into the undead.
The vampire leaps out of Wabbit's flank, taking no damage as it does so, despite the number of blades flailing the seize the opportunity. It runs to the back of the room, then turns and drains a huge amount of Drogeda's blood. She looks drained and tired the moment her blood is ripped from her body, and drunk by the vampire.
Cleo pours more healing into the group.
Aggah fires and misses.
Cleos healing washes over Wabbit bolstering his confidence.. He moves to 10ft(reach) and stabs
+1 bless
Flurry +6bab +4dex +1size , -2 piranha striking, +1 waveblade Agile -2FD
Cleo heals everyone up to full, except for Drogeda, who huffs out a thanks. Wabbit's stab is deflected by the vampire's magical protection.
Alexite moves into the room to touch Tira and deliver a temporary blessing. The sword shoots out another ineffectual ray, but Tira hustles forward and throws a holy javelin, impaling the vampire and hurting it. Nicciniana misses with her fervor, and Drogeda limps her way to the altar. Having no clear line of attack, she instead casts a spell. Glowing silver chains manifest from the ceiling and try to grab onto the vampire, but it dodges away.
The vampire drains more blood from Drogeda, but she resists the worst of it.
Cleo cannot make it to Drogeda this round so she rushes forth a bit, and casts guidance on Alexite. Aggah shoots again and misses.
The vampire having been unaffected by what he thought was a solid strike Wabbit tries a different approach
He rushes toward the Vamp and tries to tie him up by climbing up his back
And when that doesn't work he takes another stabn at it
Bless+1
+6bab +4dex +1size , -2 piranha striking, +1 waveblade Agile -2FD
Aggah starts getting frustrated as arrow after arrow either misses or does nothing. Cleo gives Alexite a minor blessing, while Wabbit tries to get under the Vampire. Wabbit sees a really good opportunity to climb, but at the last second the Vampire steps too far away for Wabbit to grab ahold. His strike is centered right at the vampire's heart, but the magical protection against those of pure hearts deflects the blade aside.
With options running thin, Alexite anoints Drogeda in holy water, and blesses her with the healing blood of a celestial. Drogeda climbs up atop of the altar and tries to grab at the vampire with healing hands. Nicinniana follows suit, and Tira flanks with Wabbit to deliver healing hands of her own. The vampire is getting pretty weak as the positive energy whittles away at it.
The vampire doesn't even bother to cast defensively as it watches swords and waveblades clang ineffectually on its tough defences. It looks at Drogeda, and summons the last splurts of blood from her body. Her half-orc heritage keeps her from falling over, but Drogeda's eyes are dry and vacant. As the blood swirls towards the vampire's fangs, it glistens with celestial radiance. The vampire devours the blood gluttonously, but then its eyes shoot wide. The vampire wails and screams as its body withers, and its hands turn dry and brittle. It is very close to death.
Wabbit tries once again to contribute to the fight by climbing on the Vamp to weaken its defenses
BLess+1
Flurry +6bab +4dex +1size , -2 piranha striking, +1 waveblade Agile -2FD
Cleo rushes toward the shrunken half orc. Pressing her hand against her back, and prays hard for help from Erastil.
Aggah tries agian.
Wabbit grabs the vampire's leg and starts climbing up. His attacks are deflected by the magic aura, except for one, but the vampire's silver resistance is just barely enough to stop the blade. Meanwhile, Cleo rushes over and heals Drogeda. She gasps for breath as her eyes return to their original vibrancy. "Thank you, Miss Cleo. I won't die today!"
Alexite puts a minor blessing on Drogeda, while the other three use Wabbit's flanking to augment their healing hands. Nicinniana and Tira both hit, and together they drain the last bits of undeath from the vampire. It shrivels up and collapses under its own weight, but a ghostly-white spirit surfaces from the corpse. It slowly lulls its way into the southernmost room.
This altar is devoted to Orcus, the demon lord of undeath. The ceramic bowl contains bubbling bone paste. Any practitioner of Orcus who possesses the demonic or fiendish obedience feat may conduct an hour long ritual by placing a corpse within the bowl. The bowl swallows up the corpse no matter its size, and at the end of the ritual, animates it as a fiendish skeleton and spits it back out. The ritual can be conducted up to five times per day. The skeleton is not under the practitioner's command, but is considered helpful to the practitioner and all living creatures who possess an unholy symbol of Orcus.
This religious minor artifact has the hp of a magical ceramic pot, but also possesses hardness 30 that can only be bypassed by good-aligned weapons.
- +1 mithral chainmail (medium)
- +1 magical heavy mace (medium, requires a Spellcraft or Religion check to identify)
- Cloak of resistance +2
- Ivory unholy symbol of Orcus
- Ring of rusty iron keys
- Golden viewing funeral bed worth 2000gp
- 2 Masterwork scimitars (medium)
- Masterwork hide armour (medium)
Upon the simple altar that Drogeda is currently dismounting holds a ceramic bowl with a bubbling semi-solid, reminiscent of very white bread dough. Two wooden doors stand on either side of the room, one to the north, and the other to the south. Both are closed and locked.
With the battle over, Tira starts looking over everyone for signs of Bloody End. She notices early on that both Wabbit and Drogeda are infected. Tira and Nicciniana both try to treat the infection, but aren't making progress. Alexite offers to try Delay Disease on each of them to buy time.
Wabbit exclaims as the Vamp crumbles beneath him
Upon noticing the spirit rise from the corpse Wabbit is concerned watching as it moves slowly to the southern room Uh guys...is it really dead? Do we need to do something about THAT? Wabbit says pointing at the spirit form
"No, not dead. I think we should destroy the bowl. Break down the southernmost door and find this thing's resting place as quick as we can. I have very little left in me magical wise. No channels, just a wand left really."
Wabbit moves into the southern room looking for something coffiney. Really missing the trapspotter right about now.
Wabbit tries the rusted iron keys from the vampire's corpse, and the door unlocks after a bit of effort. Inside is a very small room, no larger than the average Halfling's bedroom. Stretching from wall to wall is a single humanoid corpse, wrapped in dusty-white linen. Also in the room is a small pool of black liquid, which Wabbit knows to be unholy water.
When killed, an Osirion vampire returns to the body of a victim it had previously drained of all blood. This body must be soaked in unholy water, wrapped up in white cloth, and kept underground. When the vampire possesses the body, it remains unconscious for 1 day, before awakening and regaining half of its maximum hit points.
Ways to slay an Osirion vampire when unconscious include:
- Dressing the corpse with a silver holy symbol of a celestial deity
- Binding the corpse with silver thread
- Impaling the corpse in the heart with the blade of a holy weapon
If any of these items are removed from the body, the vampire reawakens.
Alternatively, one could bathe the corpse in holy water, before wrapping it in clean white cloth, and consecrating the body in the name of a celestial deity. Doing so destroys the vampire permanently.
"Good we found him." Cleo relays all the ways to contain and destroy him. "Do you think we could take him to your church and do that?" Cleo asks about the bathing, wrapping, and consecrating.
Nicinniana grimaces at the thought of bathing a corpse, but Tira says "I believe we could, if that is the only way to destroy it permanently. Sounds like we have some time before it comes to that."
Alexite is busy trying to help Drogeda, but he audibly laments that his Delay Disease spells didn't take hold. He says "That was the last of my spells for disease. You and Wabbit are in great danger. You have hours before the disease takes hold of your mind. If left unchecked, it... it will be a very... bloody end.
I have one more acolyte who can cast Delay Disease, but he's less proficient than I am, and even I failed. We may need to visit another priest."
Tira replies "We'll buy potions if we have to, but I'll never let one of my own seek spellcasting from the other temples. It would bring far too much shame on our order. Have faith in the Inheritor, Drogeda, and you will survive."
+1 unique heavy mace (minor religious artefact)
Prerequisite: Aura class feature or Deific Obedience feat
This unique heavy mace, called Second Death, benefits those who wish to destroy the enemies of their faith. When wielded by someone who's professed devotion to a specific deity, Second Death activates. The wielder may, as a standard action, swear an oath to destroy the followers of a specific deity, who must not share any alignment axis with the deity of the wielder. Doing so causes the heavy mace to glow red with the symbol of the enemy deity, and grants the wielder the Bane effect against followers of that deity, provided that the enemies possess either the aura class feature, or the Deific Obedience (or similar) feat.
In addition, if this weapon slays a creature belonging to the vowed faith, the weapon immediately casts Soul Bind on the creature (Will DC23, no SR). If the creature fails, Second Death absorbs the soul within it. Second Death may only contain one soul at a time, and cannot contain the soul of a creature who's HD is over 19. The wielder may, as a standard action, consume the soul for one of the following options:
- Deal additional damage with the next successful attack with Second Death
- Regain hit points and possibly temporary hp
- Regain one or more spell slots
- Function as a material component for an expensive spell (800gp x Soul's HD)
- Grant Second Death an enhancement bonus (including special properties)
- Send the soul to the realm of your deity
- Release the soul
Second Death can only house a soul for up to 100 years, depending on the strength of the soul.
Second Death is forbidden by Pharasma, and any Pharasmin that attempts to use it immediately loses their powers and is cursed (holding is fine).
Second Death may only be destroyed by a psychopomp who's HD is greater than 19.
Furnok arrives at the Pathfinder library that Andreste said she was going to check out. When he looks over her, he notices that she's in perfectly good condition. The two have a conversation together, likely the first and only talk they've had alone. Andreste tells Furnok that she's been having second thoughts about adventuring everywhere. She's been feeling the call to spread good in another way, not by slaying enemies, but by caring for those without enough love in their lives. She says she wants to raise the tiefling and changeling kids, probably here in Magnimar. Depending on the price, she might even buy the Kaijitsu townhouse and convert the lower level into a scroll and spellcasting shop.
------------------------------------------
The room to the North is nearly empty. Rather than stone, the floor and ceiling here is loose soil. Sickly tree roots are woven throughout the ceiling, outlining three small circle that look like patched up holes.
Tira mentions in the main chamber "So there's an evil aura to dispel, yes? An unhallow spell is centered on something, and if I were to guess, I'd say it's the altar. I'm sure you don't mind if we destroy it, do you?"
Well buying the manor seems like an excellent idea. That temple they are trying to clean would make a better good temple than orphanage since there is no telling what has been lurking down their spreading it's filth. Kids need a nice safe place to grow, not something that has so much violence going on in it.
Wabbit seeks a second opinion from the only opinion that matters for medical stuff CLEO! Can ya fix me up He says not wanting to leave the exploration and possible fighting to the Iomedeans...but not wanting to turn into a blood sucker either.
"Unfortunately not until tomorrow. I am unprepared for diseases. But we will go to the Lady of Graves temple as soon as we are done here. They hate the undead more than any other faith and I believe will be willing to help. Drogeda is welcome to come with us, I have enough left in my purse to pay for it as well."
At the altar, Cleo nods "Yes, destroy it." Cleo casts her last consecrate on it in case it puts up resistance.
"I think so too." Andreste says. "Maybe I could do some sort of joint program with the temple? I'm not sure, but it's a big townhouse. Even with just the upstairs, there's at least 5 bedrooms."
Andreste shakes her head. "I'll figure it out. Thanks for listening, Furnok. I hope the rest of the group doesn't mind too much. And I hope you find another mage on your adventure. Whatever is going on with Xanesha and her sister, it's bad news. You'll need someone who understands the arcane, no offense to Cleo, but that's just not her skillset."
----------------------------------------
The Iomedaens make short work of the altar, but can't manage to so much as scratch the ceramic pot. After a bit of troubleshooting with Cleo, they learn of its properties. They bless their weapons with holiness, then make short work of the pot. When the minor artefact is destroyed, all the evil magic is abruptly dispelled. Wabbit can confirm with his divine sight, sensing no evil presences anywhere. The temple is free.
Chaplain Tira asks Cleo and Wabbit how much of the loot they want. The Iomedaens are open to Cleo and Wabbit getting first dibs, with the church taking what's left.
Afterwards, Cleo and Wabbit travel to the Pharasmin church (without Drogeda), and the church happily cures Wabbit's disease at no charge, due to their previous generosity.
-----------------------------------------
Later that day, Andreste tells the group about her plans to leave, at the Kaijitsu townhouse. Ameiko is quite open to negotiate price, even opening the possibility of a rent-to-own plan. Ameiko is quite eager to get Magnimar behind her, and return to her real home of Sandpoint.
Dinner is served as the sun begins setting. The group get to enjoy fresh raw fish and shrimp on blocks of rice with soy sauce, deep-fried shrimp, spicy wheat noodles in seafood broth, and pork and vegetable steamed dumplings. As usual, Ameiko and Amaya eat by holding two small sticks between their fingers on one hand, called chopsticks. It's one of those Tian Xia cultural things.
Cleo is stunned in such a happy way when Andreste says she is going to raise the twins. "That is... Adreste... I'm can't imagine a better life, a better parent, that those two children could ever have." Cleo can't help but hug the other woman with all her halfling might. "I will miss you though" she murmurs into the other woman with misty eyes.
To Ameiko and Amaya, "I am glad you two found each other, I hate the way it had to happen but that will soften while you two will never." she holds the women's hands with a smile "Family is important, no matter about my faith, It Is. I'll see you both again after we help out the rangers we'll be heading back, finally done." she brings up the woodcutter again, asking them to bring him with them with they head home.
Wabbit sees great value in giving the children a good shot at life, knowing the challenges they will face given their uncommon heritage
Andreste you will be missed but these children are fortunate to have you. Wabbit can't help but think of all the wonders the children will experience being surrounded by the magic of the benevolent mage.
The Iomedaens give their thanks to Cleo and Wabbit for leaving them some of the loot, which goes to the church. They promise to deal with the vampire on their own, and wish the Halflings good luck.
The church of Pharasma is absolutely floored to hear about the Second Death heavy mace. The head priest can't explain how grateful he is that Cleo and Wabbit are generously giving this weapon away. He promises Cleo, Wabbit, and the rest of the Cobbled Shield free spellcasting services for life. And should they ever choose to have their final rest here in Magnimar, they will do their utmost to give them a respectable burial.
The new priest of Sarenrae thanks Cleo and Wabbit for securing the old temple. He figures that it might take a while, but he has enough money from their donations to rebuild the temple. He was unaware that a catacomb lay in the cellar, but figures that he might be able to repurpose it, since there aren't any bones resting there.
Andreste says "And I'll miss you too, Cleo. Thanks so much for supporting me. These few days with you have been wild, and I'll never forget them. You're always welcome to visit, you know!" She says with bright eyes.
Ameiko says "I never really felt that way about family, but after meeting Amaya, I feel like maybe family could be different. We still have a lot to figure out, but so far things are pretty good between us." She promises to take the woodcutter with her to Sandpoint.
It's a chilly, gloomy Moonday morning for the Cobbled Shield, but at least it isn't raining. Shops have opened up again, since Sunday they were closed for religious observance. For the very few who follow Nethys, it is Abjurant day, which focuses on the strengthening of defences and teaching magic to children.
Today is the last day before the Cobbled Shield set off for their three-week journey to Turtleback Ferry. Furnok has already paid travel expenses, but the group knows that this is likely the last chance they're going to get in a long while to have access to so many stores, crafters, libraries, and spellcasters.
Wabbit visits the Desnan priestess who for some reason feels like a motherly figure to him and fills her in on whats happened with at the Gull, Sarenite temple, and the orphans. Finishing up by telling her about the upcoming trip out to Turtleback Ferry.
After that or maybe before as the priestess is a bit of a night owl...
Relatively short on cash Wabbit doesn't do any shopping just explores the nicer areas of the city for a bit hoping to see a better side of Magnimar rather than the ugliness of the Gull etc..
Furnok spends a good chunk of time getting everything ready for the trip. Being an experienced outdoors man, he makes sure all the usual camping and traveling gear is purchased and parceled out. Good clothes bought and food rations tucked away to keep it dry. He also makes sure to make a deal with the magic arrow fairies to keep his quiver full if he is forced to use his bow. Running out of arrows is always bothersome.
Priestess Bevaluu Zimantiu welcomes Wabbit in the afternoon, pleasantly listening to his adventures, despite some of the circumstances. Occasionally Wabbit wonders how much the old woman is listening, but when his story is done, she says "You did a good job, Wabbit. No doubt Chaldira is proud of you, as am I." She smiles genuinely and closes her eyes. "What would you say guides your actions the most? What motivated you to do all this, beyond simple goodness? Can you put it into words?"
------------------------------
Furnok prepares as best he can. He knows it won't be a clean trip. The shores are often home to various monsters, such as goblins, undead, or even fey. He's also aware that they won't be sailing in one ship the whole time. They'll have to jump from one ship to another as they make port, in order to get all the way to Turtleback Ferry. The good news is they'll always have access to the stores of other towns along the way.
-----------------------------
In the evening, Janis announces to the Cobbled Shield that he stayed the night at Saila's place (after quite a few drinks), and he's going to stay here in Magnimar. He wishes everyone the best of luck, but Turtleback Ferry is not calling him right now.
Won't be able to post tonight... Will do tomorrow
Cleo will go see the logger to make sure he is ready to go whenever Ameko is, and to wish him well. She'll spend the rest of her time with the kids.
Furnok chills out until it is time to go.
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Wabbits not a deep thinker. He's not spent much time thinking on WHY he does a thing or WHY it feels right.
Well...we couldn't leave children in that horrible place, the Gull. Those men would've sold the kids livers in return for drugs. Or worse, made the kids into horrible adults like themselves. So we had to put a stop to that of course. And then the kids need a place to stay obviously so that led to the Sarenite orphanage and then the temple. I dunno it just seems like one thing leads to another. It's certainly not some master plan Wabbit says scratching his head
What guides my actions? Wabbit says with a laugh.. He smiles Oh that...that's simple, my heart, gut and faith in Chaldira although the order of that varies quite a bit and every once in a while my head gets involved
Chaldira doesn't need some grand plan, at least in most of the tales she doesn't. Jump in, do what's right and figure it out on the fly maybe with the help of a little luck. Wabbit says with a smile to the priestess of the Goddess of Luck
Attimo the logger thanks Cleo for her help, and looks forward to travelling to Sandpoint alongside Ameiko and Amaya. Hopefully there's work for him in the near future.
--------------------------
Priestess Zimantiu smiles as Wabbit describes his philosophy. "As it should be." She says. "I'm very glad that you made the effort to give the kids a good home. Chaldira and Desna are very close, it is true. Sometimes I see that Chaldiran zeal lack the foresight of Desna, but I'm pleased to say that you don't have this issue, young Wabbit. You not only liberated the children, you supplied a better future to them. I pray they will live long, happy lives thanks to your efforts."